Concept:  

Shifting Doppelganger

Unique Gameplay:  

Affinity:  

• Unarmed ships can pass through other empires' areas of influence.  Colonized worlds are not penalized for being within a foreign influence.  Close borders do not affect diplomatic ties.

Traits:

• For a influence cost, an enemy race may be denounced to cause every race to go to war with them (max of one at a time)
• Receive a FIDSI bonus for each constellation with at least one planet colonized (maybe doesn't stop other race from getting bonus from constellation control).
• Poor fighting skills yield a negative system defense modifier.

Description:

A frail race, the "shifting doppelgangers" have learned survival is always a struggle.   By mimicking those around them, the "shifting doppelgangers" are able to blend in with other races easily.  They know that having powerful friends is the best defense and by living hand in hand with the powerful in the galaxy, they can evoke empathy when they are threatened.