I will be editing this post from time to time. As I see things to add or correct.
First I would suggest trying out some Beamers and looking over the standing order system. Beamer rules are at this link;
http://empyreanchallenge.com/ECWxManual/?page_id=1989
These were changed recently so it is worth a look.
Using Beamers combined with the Standing Orders tool in Central Command will make it possible to automate your raw materiel transportation when you are ready too.
Special Notes on Standing Orders.
It should be kept in mind that CenCom will store your standing orders from turn to turn and when you send your orders it will append the standing orders to the end of your regular order file. If you don't send a turn the standing orders will not be sent either and they are not stored by the processing program data. You should also note that Standing orders can be set for every turn or odd or even turns. If You combine this with the Beamers and a ship it opens the possibly of out system resource transport automation as well.
Another thing to look at is the Robot Probe Vehicle
In the manual the rules for this item are described at;
http://empyreanchallenge.com/ECWxManual/?page_id=154
You can use them to help gather data especially surveys. Also you can by using the Standing Orders Tool again and high tech RPVs set up an automated surveillance system of your local star systems.
These two things should help to keep your empire manageable as it grows larger. Robot probes do many things that would require sending ships to do. With tech level 9 RPVs you can probe any orbit in any system within 6 light years or with enough RPVs all of them.
Another thing to remember is that RPVs cost less to produce at higher tech levels. So you can set a factory group to build the TL 200.
This will build them at the highest level you have for RPVs. You can load some on all scout ships for doing surveys as they go and some orbit probes of nearby systems. As you increase the tech level for RPV the number built by the factory group will increase and you fit more of them into out going scouts. You would also reach a point when you can use plenty of them for local surveillance.
Diplomacy
As soon as you start exploring you will be finding space ships that are not your own.
You should use the Message order to send notes to the ships or colonies you find. It is most likely a good idea to talk to all you meet. You can if you wish supply direct contact information in your message. Your choice of course. The turn after a message is sent both players can find each other listed in the Diplomacy tool.
The rules for using the Diplomacy tool can be found in the manual at;
http://empyreanchallenge.com/ECWxManual/?page_id=323
I really recommend that you make use of this tool. Players in these sorts of games tend to choose the quiet ones as targets.
Good Gaming,
First I would suggest trying out some Beamers and looking over the standing order system. Beamer rules are at this link;
http://empyreanchallenge.com/ECWxManual/?page_id=1989
These were changed recently so it is worth a look.
Using Beamers combined with the Standing Orders tool in Central Command will make it possible to automate your raw materiel transportation when you are ready too.
Special Notes on Standing Orders.
It should be kept in mind that CenCom will store your standing orders from turn to turn and when you send your orders it will append the standing orders to the end of your regular order file. If you don't send a turn the standing orders will not be sent either and they are not stored by the processing program data. You should also note that Standing orders can be set for every turn or odd or even turns. If You combine this with the Beamers and a ship it opens the possibly of out system resource transport automation as well.
Another thing to look at is the Robot Probe Vehicle
In the manual the rules for this item are described at;
http://empyreanchallenge.com/ECWxManual/?page_id=154
You can use them to help gather data especially surveys. Also you can by using the Standing Orders Tool again and high tech RPVs set up an automated surveillance system of your local star systems.
These two things should help to keep your empire manageable as it grows larger. Robot probes do many things that would require sending ships to do. With tech level 9 RPVs you can probe any orbit in any system within 6 light years or with enough RPVs all of them.
Another thing to remember is that RPVs cost less to produce at higher tech levels. So you can set a factory group to build the TL 200.
This will build them at the highest level you have for RPVs. You can load some on all scout ships for doing surveys as they go and some orbit probes of nearby systems. As you increase the tech level for RPV the number built by the factory group will increase and you fit more of them into out going scouts. You would also reach a point when you can use plenty of them for local surveillance.
Diplomacy
As soon as you start exploring you will be finding space ships that are not your own.
You should use the Message order to send notes to the ships or colonies you find. It is most likely a good idea to talk to all you meet. You can if you wish supply direct contact information in your message. Your choice of course. The turn after a message is sent both players can find each other listed in the Diplomacy tool.
The rules for using the Diplomacy tool can be found in the manual at;
http://empyreanchallenge.com/ECWxManual/?page_id=323
I really recommend that you make use of this tool. Players in these sorts of games tend to choose the quiet ones as targets.
Good Gaming,
