New Twist to Solitaire Play

[Grand Deceiver]

Maybe I have too much time on my hands but here is an interesting twist I have added to my Solitaire play.

Here is the basic premise...DO NOT let the AI Surrender an Empire to you (if it does it simply gives you everything and you are often times left with a huge power vacuem to try and fill).

If you get the AI to that point... go to File, then Players and switch that Empire from Computer to Human and play that Empire in addition to your own.

When you switch from Computer to Human you should make sure that the your NEW empire is Subjugated to your Original Empire.

I also make the switch if I can get the AI to actually enter into a Subjugation Agreement.

With the New Empire in a Subjugation to your original Empire it is very difficult to keep it on even keel (but your original Empire is still beniffiting). You will need to try and build it back up to a level to protect itself from outside forces. Of course your original Empire should be providing protection to protect its own investment.

Here is the kicker...as you rebuild your new empire you will of course act in its own best interest, rebuild its fleets, rebuild its economy, protect strategic areas etc..all while paying homage to your original empire. Assign a chance that the new Empire will Rebel (say 5% and increase it 1% per turn use some dice if you have them)If you roll and you get within the % of rebellion...send a message to your original Empire breaking the treaty and then switch the New Empire back to Computer controlled.

The reason I do this is...if the AI Surrenders..sure you get everything.which is great..but if you keep the New Empire in tact it provides more reason to protect it. Surrendered Homeworlds are simply Large planets now..if taken by a 3rd Empire..no biggie..you lose a large money producing planet. If the New Empire is kept in tact..you lose a MUCH larger peice of the Pie.

It just adds a bit of roleplay to the Solitaire game.

Maybe this will make sense to someone.. besides me.

Also...as the Parent Empire you will be able to TAKE what you want...but you should also give (think of it as Nation Building in Modern terms)

oh well..you get the idea