Alternate original seven faction mod

[JarlWolf]

Mhm... I would actually like Yang more if he realized that discipline alone doesn't develop a person, compassion and empathy also does. I think he's well intentioned, and I don't mind a bit of discipline in a society or personal life, but without any sort of love, empathy or caring exhibited there is a bit of a berift in personal development. If you want to be a totalitarian leader, sure you want your followers to submit to your rule, and in this case Yang is such for his own dreams of achieving utopia, but if you truly want citizens who are going to be as productive, intelligent and loyal as they can be, showing a little bit of compassion towards them is not a sign of weakness, rather its a sign of strength that you are human as well and thus they can truly relate to you, which makes them feel a lot happier following you.

Of course I don't believe in Yang's system myself, but as for Yang himself, I do respect. I think he can be a ruthless and amoral monster at times with his social experiments, but he does have a very good sense of discipline and devotion to his ideal. Which is something rather commendable.

[Buster's Uncle]

Oh, I would never go so far as to try to claim that Yang was right - only that part of his motivational set is being all he can be, and his society being all it can - trying to find better ways.  I can get behind that part of his motivations without approving his ideas about execution.

And to add on from your ideas about leadership, Jarl, exactly so - it takes more for a leader to be gentle and persuade instead of order.  If I was a rival faction leader, when I wanted to taunt him and get his goat, I'd tell him his need for total control was a dead giveaway of personal weakness...

[Bertilak]

So I was thinking about the University's agenda and how part of it is free flow of information. I feel that might fit the keeper's agenda better. The university's agenda would then become "Research unfettered by external motives". What is your opinion on this idea.

[JarlWolf]

The University is somewhat along the lines of that, but the University is primarily concerned with the general advancement of knowledge and science, and that our goal as humanity should be to advance ourselves as best as we can regardless of the costs. They are similar to the Hive in a sense in that they are willing to conduct experiments, morality regardless, the only difference is the reasoning and application. Yang is trying to find Utopia through social experimentation, and the University is a lot more direct and scientific: They are conducting experiments, on people or otherwise (but not just on people obviously) to further the overall advancement of humankind.

They are more about the progression of information, over the free flow of it.

[Sigma]

That applies to Zak and Lal's blurbs very well. Lal's faction blurb begins "As the Americans learned so painfully at the end of the 20th century, free flow of information is the only safeguard against tyranny." Therefore they would be the ones stuck with the Probe penalty, while Zak should get hit with something else to reflect the fact that all he cares about is Research. Maybe -Morale?

[JarlWolf]

Zak's drones represent the discontent of his people well, but we must also remember that Zak's followers are some of humanity's brightest individuals, and they truly believe in the advancement of knowledge and thus fighting to defend it, but what I think the University should have is a behavior modification over morale: Which can both help and hinder them. They are more prone to commit atrocities, and thus use "experimental weapons" on "test subjects."

Also for another penalty, one could have -1 Support (instead of -1 Morale) because of all the scientific equipment and resources it takes to supply, feed and maintain the operations of "ivory tower intellectuals."

[Bertilak]

The peacekeeper's opening blurb is where I got the idea to give him that bonus. Also regarding the university, I was thinking - Growth due to the fact that he focuses on research rather than population growth. I might as well start posting some of my files. Just be aware that these are not the final prodcut and as such are a work in progress.

[Bertilak]

The rest of them are ready to look at.

[Bertilak]

Does anyone have comments, suggestions, recommendations or ideas?

[JarlWolf]

I'll have to overview it thoroughly before I can do that. I do have a question though: For the Alt. factions will you also have a need for alternate artwork/bases?

[Bertilak]

I'll have to overview it thoroughly before I can do that. I do have a question though: For the Alt. factions will you also have a need for alternate artwork/bases?

I have already created some custom logos for the alternate factions. These are stickied on the theory of everything board. Also, I did not plan on making alternate bases. However, you are more than welcome to make alternate bases and improve the logos. If you do, then obviously you will be credited for the work.

[Bertilak]

I did not plan to make alternate bases simply because I lack the expertise needed to make good base art.

[JarlWolf]

Well, I believe you have seen mine and other's work: If you do want alternate bases let me know and I'll see what I can do.

[Bertilak]

Well, I believe you have seen mine and other's work: If you do want alternate bases let me know and I'll see what I can do.

If that was an offer, than I accept it with a big thank you.

[Geo]

The interest percentage equals the number of bases owned when you set the INTEREST bonus to zero in the faction file. Also a faction's units become immune to negative morale modifiers when you set the bonus named MORALE to zero in a faction file.

I have forgotten so many tricks.