Change Sophon starting planet to ocean or tundra

neopara

Newcomer

100g2g pts

12 years ago

Aug 10, 2012, 7:09:29 AM

Sophon traits really don't benefit very much from their starting location.

I always found it weird that Sowers could produce more science on turn 1 then Sophon due to them starting on tundras.

If we look at turn 1 science generation via this formula:

initial pop * terran science * (1 + sum(science bonuses))

Sower's turn 1 science is 3 * 5 = 10

Sophon turn 1 science with tax rate 20% is 3 * 2 * (1 + (.3 + .3)) = 9.6

Sophon turn 1 science with tax rate 20% with ocean starting point is 3 * 4 * (1 + (.3 + .3)) = 19.2

That seems more appropriated for a science faction and is more synergistic with their traits.

For anyone that wants to test them out with a ocean starting point, please install this mod: SophonStartingOcean.zip

HOW TO INSTALL A MOD

1) Downloaded mod zip file.

2) If not already existing, create a new folder called Modding in My Documents\Endless Space

3) Unzip the mod contents to My Documents\Endless Space\Modding

4) Start game and select Mod menu option

5) Load "Sophon Ocean Start" mod

Mikey

Newcomer

Mikey

Newcomer

12 years ago

Aug 14, 2012, 6:19:55 PM

I've started a few games with this change, and fully agree with this. This gives them a further reduction in dust production in exchange for the increase in science, which is both in line with the race story fluff and the affinity bonus design.

RenegadePeon

Newcomer

RenegadePeon

Newcomer

4 000g2g pts

12 years ago

Aug 14, 2012, 6:43:48 PM

I personally like the Terran planet. Science is easy enough to get with Sophons. Money isn't.

neopara

Newcomer

neopara

Newcomer

100g2g pts

12 years ago

Aug 14, 2012, 9:09:59 PM

The problem is, if you want to take advantage of Sophon's affinity trait then your taxes will be low and the dust from Terran will be wasted.

Mikey

Newcomer

Mikey

Newcomer

12 years ago

Aug 15, 2012, 3:46:09 AM

Saying 'science is easy to get' ignores the fact that a custom Sower faction with Scientists III can put out something like 3-4x as much early-game research as any normal or custom Sophon faction, just because their starting planet type has good research. And as mentioned, setting 20-25% taxes at the beginning of the game means that a Terran planet is only getting you about 2-3 more total dust per turn, while the ocean gives you at least 10 more science per turn.

Igncom1

Craver

Infantry win firefights. Tanks win battles. Artillery win wars.

Igncom1

Craver

11 400g2g pts

12 years ago

Aug 15, 2012, 3:49:54 AM

I feel like home-worlds should be immune to any approval malus, starting as a race with T2 home world kinda sucks.

Mikey

Newcomer

Mikey

Newcomer

12 years ago

Aug 15, 2012, 3:56:11 AM

Igncom1 wrote:
I feel like home-worlds should be immune to any approval malus, starting as a race with T2 home world kinda sucks.

I assume that's why Sowers get Metallic Waters by default (even if it kind of sucks and is way overpriced).

Apheirox

Newcomer

Apheirox

Newcomer

6 000g2g pts

12 years ago

Aug 15, 2012, 5:56:19 AM

Sophons don't exactly need another buff (especially not compared to the poor Sowers... sigh) but from a lore stand point I think Ocean would suit them better, yes. Their whole theme makes it very plausible they originated in the sea: Blue color scheme, their appearance and of course the Ocean type science bonus.

ruonim

Path Finder

Best signature ever!

ruonim

Path Finder

19 100g2g pts

12 years ago

Aug 15, 2012, 3:36:14 PM

Starting planet should be chose able in customizer.

Mikey

Newcomer

Mikey

Newcomer

12 years ago

Aug 15, 2012, 7:38:24 PM

ruonim wrote:
Starting planet should be chose able in customizer.

Or, perhaps as 3- and 5-point traits ala anomalies. But that doesn't really affect this thread - it's silly that Sophon get a planet type with a primary FIDS bonus that they can barely use.

Chibiabos

Newcomer

Chibiabos

Newcomer

4 000g2g pts

12 years ago

Aug 15, 2012, 7:59:59 PM

I actually don't like Sowers starting on Tundra as much because of the poor industry (which Sowers need for growth) as the higher science. I think Sowers should, perhaps, start on Arid insted of Tundra.

kimjetwav

Newcomer

kimjetwav

Newcomer

100g2g pts

12 years ago

Aug 16, 2012, 4:20:36 AM

Sowers, as far as I can tell, start off on Tundra for lore reasons. The Endless were supposed to have been from a Tundra world and the Sowers were told to produce a planet the Endless would want.

And yes, I agree that homeworld types should define an exemption to approval malus. It makes no sense for there to be Arid and Tundra evolved races who like Arid and Tundra planets less than some arbitrarily wetter and warmer/cooler alternative.

That having been said, I support the idea of Sophons getting a cold, science-heavy homeworld. If "cold" worlds are supposed to be science conducive, it makes sense at least from a lore perspective that this is where you'd see the evolution of a brainy race. Although I could be persuaded against it if there were some strong gameplay reasons why doing that is bad or unbalanced.

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