The Damned
 The Damned by Martin Woodard |
|
|---|---|
| Efficiency | -2 |
| Morale | +4 |
| Planet | -3 |
| Psi Combat | -50% |
| Anti-Ideology | Fundamentalist |
| Ideology | Power |
| Penalty | Research |
| Facility | Punishment Sphere |
| Starting unit | Unity Rover |
| Hurry cost | 150% |
| Max base size | +4 |
| Immune to mind control | |
Faction background
Although mankind considers itself the prime suspect in the downfall of Earth, darker powers can be blamed for much of the destruction. Demons, ancient creatures of evil who have manipulated human history for millennia, were the secretive conductors of the planet's final symphony of annihilation. As humans are the only force in the galaxy who truly pose a threat to the rule of the demons, execution of each and every man, woman, and child is imperative to insure their unquestioned rule of the quadrant.
However, as the last screams of the dying masses echoed down Hell's dank corridors, demonic satellite probes detected the launch of one last attempt at escape. The sinister powers that be know that if mankind manages to take hold outside of their territory, it is only a matter of time before their incredible ability to multiply and conquer will lead to Hell's eventual demise. As such, they have sent forth their greatest general, the vile Archdemon Ezrek of the Ninth Circle, to intercept the humans at Alpha Centauri. Under his command they have placed a collection of imps, seccubi, familiars, and their ilk to form a mindless horde with which to combat the humans.
Failure will mean a fate far worth than death... victory will insure power beyond belief.
Faction description
The demons' power lies in their military strength. They gain the fanatical +25% bonus to attacks, have a +4 to morale, and are immune to probes. What's more, as one would expect from minions long accustomed to Hell's harsh discipline, the first structure built at any base is a punishment sphere. Another benefit of constituents used to hellish living conditions is that they require very little living space, allowing four more population units to be squished into hab complexes, hab domes, etcetera.
However, Hell's power-centered society is not without drawbacks. Technological advancement is practically impossible, as the combined intellect of the entire horde is roughly that of a particularly dim-witted squirrel. Conquest, as opposed to research, is their preferred method of advancement. Another result of Ezrek's minions' lack of competence is their extreme susceptibility to psychic attacks, enough even to offset their morale-bestowed vigor. Add that to their increased cost to hurry production, their virtual disregard for any and every living thing on the planet, and their poor efficiency due to internal squabbles, and you have a fair set of potentially damaging drawbacks.
Faction use tips
If you're on a tiny map, you've got it made. Produce as many military units as possible and crush everyone who gets in your way. Larger maps, however, pose a problem. You'll need, obviously, to keep up a good regimen of probe team infiltrations to maintain an acceptable level of tech. What's more, with a disastrous Planet score of -4, combined with a particular susceptibility to psychic attacks, Planet itself stands to be your most dangerous enemy. Probe often, attack early, and watch out for eco-damage if you expect to be in it for the long haul. You have a distinct advantage in one area, though: NO DRONES! Recreation commons and the like are completely unnecessary. And incidentally, my hat is off to anyone who manages to Transcend with this faction...
- Martin Woodard's factions
- Factions with -2 Efficiency
- Factions with +4 Morale
- Factions with -3 Planet
- Factions with combat bonuses
- Factions opposed to Fundamentalist
- Factions supporting Power
- Factions with a penalty to Research
- Factions without starting technology
- Factions with free Punishment Sphere
- Factions with free Unity Rover
- Factions with 150% hurry cost
- Factions with +4 max base size
- Factions with mind control immunity
- Custom factions
