Ethos
You can have three different moderate ethos types or one fanatical ethos and one moderate one.
Collectivist / Individualist
Fanatic Collectivist - "The purpose of the individual is simple; strengthen the collective. To enter the blackness of space we move as one, and we shall not be weakened by wanton separatism."
+100% Mod pop slavery tolerance.png slavery tolerance
-10% Mod pop food req.png food consumption
Collectivist - 'Society has long since evolved past the insignificant rivalries and concerns of individuals. We are numerous but one, and the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."
+50% Mod pop slavery tolerance.png slavery tolerance
-5% Mod pop food req.png food consumption
Individualist - "Community is a means to an end, not the end itself. Only by empowering the individual to reach their maximum potential do we achieve true freedom. Freedom of thought, of speech, of movement, of trade."
+10% energy
-50% slavery tolerance
+5% ethics divergence
Fanatic Individualist - "We must recognize that "society" is but a convenient fiction, the by-product of individuals working toward parallel, overlapping, and contradictory goals. As it should be."
+20% energy
-100% slavery tolerance
+10% ethics divergence
Xenophobe / Xenophile
Fanatic Xenophobe - "Any alien influence must be ruthlessly quashed. Only by staying pure, and true to ourselves and the planet that gave us life can we guard against insidious Xeno plots. Even mastery over the Alien might not be enough to guarantee our own safety."
-20 relations
+100% alien slavery tolerance
Xenophobe - "The stakes could not be higher as we reach into the vast uncharted expanses of the galaxy, for we are gambling with the very survival of our species! Never trust the alien; its false smile hides an unknowable mind..."
-10 relations
+50% alien slavery tolerance
Xenophile - "There exists, in all of us, a deep-seated fascination for the unknown. An adventurous spirit that rejects the familiar and glories in the unfamiliar, whatever - or whomever - it may be."
+10 relations
Fanatic Xenophile - "If there ever was such a thing as an absolute moral imperative, it would be to explore the cosmos and embrace all within it. We were never meant to journey alone."
+20 Diplomacy opinion.png relations
Militarist / Pacifist
Fanatic Militarist - "The ability to project force is of paramount importance. The only way to preserve our way of life is to make sure everyone shares it; willingly or not..."
+50% rivalry influence gain
+100% alliance influence cost
+20% army damage
+10% war happiness
Militarist - "The only true virtues are courage and discipline, and channeled properly they can overcome any obstacle. Therein lies true strength; force withheld, a promise made."
+25% rivalry influence gain
+50% alliance influence cost
+10% army damage
+5% war happiness
Pacifist - "Conflict as a means to an end is a ridiculous concept. It is by nature destructive, destroying what was to be obtained or giving room to grow that which was to be destroyed."
+10% food
-10% war happiness
+1 maximum embassies
-25% rivalry influence gain
-10% army damage
Fanatic Pacifist - "As civilized beings, the end of all armed conflict should be our primary concern. War is an evolutionary dead end, as futile as it is wasteful."
+20% food
-20% war happiness
+2 maximum embassies
-50% rivalry influence gain
-20% army damage
Materialist / Spiritualist
Fanatic Materialist - "Although it hurts, we must grow up and put aside our outdated notions of morality. There is no 'divine spark' granting special value to a living mind. No object has any intrinsic value apart from what we choose to grant it. Let us embrace the freedom of certitude, and achieve maximum efficiency in all things!"
+10% physics research
+10% society research
+10% engineering research
Materialist - "As we reach for the stars, we must put away childish things; gods, spirits and other phantasms of the brain. Reality is cruel and unforgiving, yet we must steel ourselves and secure the survival of our race through the unflinching pursuit of science and technology."
+5% physics research
+5% society research
+5% engineering research
Spiritualist - "There are those think it behooves us to remember how tiny we are, how pointless our lives in this vast uncaring universe... What nonsense! The only truth we can ever know is that of our own existence. The universe - in all its apparent glory - is but a dream we all happen to share."
+5% happiness
Fanatic Spiritualist - "Our science has proved that Consciousness begets reality. We regard with patience the childlike efforts of those who delude themselves it is the other way around, as they play with their blocks of 'hard matter'."
+10% happiness
-----
Government
Each empire has access to up to 15 different initial government types, many of which can be restricted or allowed depending on the prevailing governing ethos.
After researching Galactic Administration, 15 additional, more advanced, government types are available.
Autocracies
An autocracy is a form of government where power is held by a single individual, e.g., a monarch or a dictator.
A nation that possesses individualist or fanatic individualist ethos are prohibited from using this type of governance.
There are no elections and leaders rule until their death. In most autocratic governments there is a predetermined heir, though in a Military Dictatorship.png military dictatorship the successor is decided after death of the grand marshal.
Military Dictatorship - "This government is a militaristic form of autocracy, with the ruler serving as the undisputed head of the military which is firmly in control of the state apparatus. Available if militarist or fanatic militarist. Can build an oversized ship. The ruler is titled as Grand Marshal. Admirals and generals are eligible for rulership."
+20% naval capacity
-5% ship upkeep
Divine Mandate - "This government is a spiritualistic form of autocracy, where the ruler is treated as a divine symbol. Organized religion is widely employed in support of the state apparatus. Available if spiritualist or fanatic spiritualist. Can build a Grand Mausoleum, which grants -10% ethics divergence on the planet on which it is built. The ruler is titled as Archprophet or Archprophetess. Heir is titled as Priest."
+50% slavery tolerance
-15% resettlement cost
Despotic Hegemony - "This government is a materialistic form of autocracy, where citizens are viewed as little more than cogs in the state machinery. Efficiency and technological progress are valued above all things. Available if materialist or fanatic materialist. Can build an elite assault army. The ruler is titled as Overlord. Heir is titled as Deputy Overlord."
+5% research Speed
+10% survey speed
Enlightened Monarchy - "This government is a pacifistic form of autocracy, where the ruler is viewed as an enlightened protector that always acts in the best interests of the citizenry. Available if pacifist or fanatic pacifist. Can build a Royal Gardens, which grants +10 happiness on the planet it is built. The ruler is titled as King or Queen. Heir is titled as Prince or Princess."
-25% edict cost
+25% edict duration
+1 core sector planets
Despotic Empire - "This government is a relatively pure form of autocracy, with an absolute ruler that governs the state with an iron gripping appendage. Can build a oversized military station. The ruler is titled as Emperor or Empress. Heir is titled as Prince or Princess."
-15% building cost
+10% slave mineral output
+10% slave food output
Oligarchies
An oligarchy is a form of government where power is held by a group of individuals, e.g., a scientific organization or a priestly convocation.
A nation that possesses fanatic collectivist or fanatic individualist ethos are not able to use this type of governance.
Elections occur far apart in time, usually every 40 to 50 years. Existing leaders of specific type within the empire are eligible for election, generally governors. If an empire has not enough leaders of proper type (apparently four, including current leader running for another term), they will be generated for the election.
Military Junta - "This government is a militaristic form of oligarchy, where power rests with a council of high-ranking military officers who oversee all matters of state. Available if militarist or fanatic militarist. The ruler is titled as Archon. Admirals and generals are eligible for rulership."
-10% ship cost
-25% ship upgrade cost
Theocratic Oligarchy - "This government is a spiritualistic form of oligarchy, where a divinely guided council made up of clergy controls the state. No division exists between the state and the dominant organized religion.Available if spiritualist or fanatic spiritualist.The ruler is titled as Inquisitor."
-10% ethics divergence
-15% leader recruitment cost
Science Directorate - "This government is a materialist form of oligarchy, where a committee of scientists supervises the government apparatus for maximum efficiency. Available if materialist or fanatic materialist. The ruler is titled as Director. Scientists are eligible for rulership."
+1 research alternatives
+1 empire leader capacity
Peaceful Bureaucracy -
"This government is a pacifist form of oligarchy, where a complicated system of bureaucracy governs all aspects of society to ensure the safety of the citizenry. Available if pacifist or fanatic pacifist. The ruler is titled as Coordinator."
+1 leader pool size
+1 empire leader capacity
-15% leader recruitment cost
Plutocratic Oligarchy - "This is a plutocratic form of oligarchy, ruled by a wealthy elite. A citizen's personal wealth translates directly into political power. The ruler is titled as Executive."
+5% energy credits
+5% minerals
Democracies
A democracy is a form of government where power is generally distributed by the population and periodically a new leader is elected to represent them, e.g., representative or direct democracy.
A nation that possesses collectivist or fanatic collectivist ethos are not able to use this type of governance.
Elections occur regularly every 5 years. Influence may be spent to increase the odds of a preferred candidate winning the election. When a candidate wins, they will have a mandate to do certain things for example build 4 mining stations). Should they complete the mandate before their term ends you will receive additional influence.
Military Republic - "This government is a militaristic form of democracy, where full citizenship can only be gained through military service. The voting franchise is limited to full citizens, and they are the only ones allowed to hold public offices. Available if militarist or fanatic militarist. The ruler is titled as Consul. Admirals and generals are eligible for rulership."
-10% army upkeep
-10% ship upkeep
+5% war tolerance
Theocratic Republic - "This government is a spiritualistic form of democracy, where a religious council supervises the democratic process and serves in an advisory role. Available if spiritualist or fanatic spiritualist. The ruler is titled as Reverend Elder."
-10% ethics divergence
+2 core sector planets
Direct Democracy - "This government is a materialistic form of democracy, where citizens use computer networks to vote directly on most matters regarding the state. Available if materialist or fanatic materialist. The ruler is titled as Chancellor."
+2 core sector planets
Moral Democracy - "This government is a pacifistic form of democracy, firmly guided by moralist principles and non-violence. Available if pacifist or fanatic pacifist. The ruler is titled as Prime Minister."
+10% happiness
Indirect Democracy - "This government is an indirect democracy, where citizens vote on officials who are elected to represent them. The ruler is titled as President."
+1 leader skill levels
-10% leader recruitment cost
-----
Traits
Traits represents a species biological functions, abilities and personality. A species can have a maximum of four traits.
Like Ethics, these are purchased from a points pool. You start with two points. Choosing Positive traits will subtract points from this pool, while choosing Negative traits will add points to the pool. Most traits cost one point, but those with the most dramatic effects will cost multiple points.
Biological - Positive
Adaptive - "This species is highly adaptive when it comes to foreign environments."
Effects: Habitability: +10%
Excludes: Extremely Adaptive, Nonadaptive
Cost: 2
Agrarian - "This species has a deep connection to the land and make expert farmers and gardeners."
Effects: Food: +15%
Cost: 2
Charismatic - "Members of this species have a special charisma and are generally considered pleasant to be around."
Effects: Other Species Happiness per pop: +1%
Excludes: Repugnant
Cost: 1
Communal - "Members of this species are highly communal and quite used to living in close proximity to others."
Effects: Happiness: +5%
Excludes: Solitary
Cost: 1
Conformists - "These people always seek consensus and are more likely to conform to the governing ethics."
Effects: Ethics Divergence: -20%
Cost:2
Enduring - "Lifespans in this species are unusually long."
Effects: Leader Lifespan: +30
Excludes: Venerable
Cost: 1
Extremely Adaptive - "This species is remarkably adept at adopting to any foreign environments."
Effects: Habitability: +20%
Excludes: Adaptive, Nonadaptive
Cost: 5
Industrious - "Members of this species are known for their diligence and hard-working nature, always going above and beyond."
Effects: Minerals: +15%
Cost: 2
Intelligent - "This species is highly intelligent and enjoys faster technological progress."
Effects: Engineering Output: +10%, Physics Output: +10%, Society Output: +10%
Cost: 2
Natural Engineers - "Members of this species have a natural inclination towards engineering and the material sciences."
Effects: Engineering Output: +15%
Excludes: Natural Physicists, Natural Sociologists
Cost: 1
Natural Physicists - "Members of this species have a natural inclination towards theoretical physics and astral phenomena."
Effects: Physics Output: +15%
Excludes: Natural Engineers, Natural Sociologists
Cost: 1
Natural Sociologists - "Members of this species have a natural inclination towards sociology and biological studies."
Effects: "Society Output: +15%"
Excludes: Natural Engineers, Natural Physicists
Cost: 1
Nomadic - "This species has a nomadic past, and its members often think nothing when relocation to another world."
Effects: Migration Time: -50%, Resettlement Cost: -33%
Excludes: Sedentary
Cost: 1
Quick Learners - "Members of this species are quick to learn from experiences."
Effects: Leader Experience Gain: +25%
Excludes: Slow Learners
Cost: 1
Rapid Breeders - "This species reproduces at a very rapid rate, increasing population growth."
Effects: Growth Time: -10%
Excludes: Slow Breeders
Cost: 1
Resilient - "Members of this species are physiologically resilient and will fight like enraged brood mothers to defend their worlds."
Effects: Garrison Health: +100%, Fortification Defensive Bonus: +50%
Cost: 1
Strong - "Members of this species possess great physical strength, making them formidable fighters on the ground."
Effects: "Army Damage: +20%, Minerals: +5%"
Excludes: Very Strong, Weak
Cost: 1
Talented - "Members of this species are born with a natural aptitude."
Effects: Leader Skill Levels: +1
Cost: 2
Thrifty - "Members of this species are instinctively economical and are always looking to make a good profit, whatever corners need cutting."
Effects: Energy Credits: +15%
Cost: 2
Venerable - "This species can grow to an age that commands dignity and respect."
Effects: "Leader Lifespan: +120"
Excludes: Enduring
Cost: 4
Very Strong - "Members of this species possess a strength that almost defies the laws of physics."
Effects: Army Damage: +40%, Minerals: +10%
Excludes: Strong, Weak
Cost: 4
Biological - Negative
Decadent - "This species requires slaves or servants to feel content."
Effects: Resource Output without Slaves: -10%
Cost: -1
Nonadaptive - "This species does not adapt well to foreign environments."
Effects: Habitability: -10%
Excludes: Adaptive, Extremely Adaptive
Cost: -1
Repugnant - "The physical appearance and customs of this species are considered offensive to most others and few appreciate them as neighbors."
Effects: Other Species Happiness per pop: -1%
Excludes: Charismatic
Cost: -1
Sedentary - "This species has a sedentary past, and its members are reluctant to migrate away from where they grew up."
Effects: Migration Time: +50%, Resettlement Cost: +33%
Excludes: Nomadic
Cost: -1
Slow Breeders - "This species reproduces at a slow rate, lowering population growth."
Effects: Growth Time: +15%
Excludes: Rapid Breeders
Cost: -1
Slow Learners - "Members of this species are slow to learn from their experiences."
Effects: Leader Experience Gain: -25%
Excludes: Quick Learners
Cost: -1
Solitary - "Members of this species tend to be solitary and territorial, often becoming agitated in crowded conditions."
Effects: Happiness: -5%
Excludes: Communal
Cost: -1
Weak - "Members of this species are physically weaker than average, making them poor fighters on the ground."
Effects: Army Damage: -20%
Excludes: Strong, Very Strong
Cost: -1
