Faction Differentiation - Sovereign Personalities

from Elemental Forums

There is a lot of talk right now about faction differentiation. I think the discussions about gameplay-based faction differentiation are more important than this suggestion, but wanted to throw it out anyway because I think it'll help with the feel of the world even if it doesn't help with the gameplay itself.

The problem: I like what I have seen of the lore for WoM and FE, but I find that it does not manifest within the actual game very often. Each sovereign and faction has its own text block during the "setup the game" phase, but that seems to be where it ends.

A solution: something like what Firaxis did in Alpha Centauri back in the day... Mainly, when you research a technology, you get a narrated quote from one of the appropriate sovereigns that describes the technology (or at least it's relative importance in the setting) but more importantly, it provides some insight into the sovereign him/her self. Providing this extra insight every few turns when you researched a technology gave you a glimpse into your opponents and reinforced (or changed) your perceptions of who they are in a way that cannot be accomplished with a text block that occurs out of the context of the game.

I haven't played Alpha Centauri in years because the mechanics feel pretty dated, but I still remember the characters. I'm pretty sure it was due to having them describe the setting/tech in those small quotes every few turns.

I'd love to look back at Fallen Enchantress in 10 years and think, "Oooh, Magnar, I'm still mad at you for enslaving my people" or "Capitar, I could always count on your people to give me a ton of money if I brought an army to you gates."

Anyone else? Or am I just crazy?

7,188 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from Elemental Forums Top

While this might be great for immersion, how would someone incorporate this idea into custom sovereigns?

Reply #2 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting Andrew, reply 1
While this might be great for immersion, how would someone incorporate this idea into custom sovereigns?
End of Andrew's quote

Generic statements.

Research Fortresses: Custom Sovereigns would say something along the lines of: "Our researchers have discovered a way to make our walls stronger. Now even the mightiest of foes will think twice before assaulting our cities."

Whereas premade sovereigns with personalities would say different things.

Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #3 from Elemental Forums Top

I guess I should explain a bit more for people who haven't played Alpha Centauri...

In AC, CEO Nbudeke (spelling?) Morgan was usually quoted for all the economics techs.  Dierdre Skye was quoted for the eco-friendly / mind worm techs.  Sister Miriam Godwinson would be quoted for various religious / spiritual things.  

When you're playing Kraxis, for example, not all of the techs would feature Kraxis quotes.  Each tech would have a quote attached to it that was from one of the sovereigns.  So, while you're Kraxis, you'd see some from Kraxis, some from Magnar, some from Ceresa, etc., based on which tech you'd researched.  

Custom sovs could, as Kaesho suggested, just be attached to some techs and say something generic.  I'd be just as happy not having them quoted since you, as the creator of the custom sov, should kind of know what personality you're going for with him/her.  For people who are trying to do a total conversion or whatever, they mod these things in as their setting requires.  

I'm more concerned with personalizing the sovereigns that exist within the Elemental setting, though.

Reply #4 from Elemental Forums Top

I the idea of attaching quotes to techs ;)

(don't expect any voice actors though :p)

 

also check out  this.

https://forums.elementalgame.com/419471

Reply #5 from Elemental Forums Top

 Anything from Alpha Centauri can only be a good idea.

I like it. And of course, that game is a great example of faction differentiation. It played VERY differently depending on the factions you chose and/or met. And they were all human factions.

Another unforgettable masterpiece. It had a magnificent tech tree, too. 

Reply #6 from Elemental Forums Top

SMAC is game that demands utmost consideration when dealing with faction differentiation.

Reply #7 from Elemental Forums Top

Great read, Tasunke, thanks for pointing me to the thread.  I especially like where you went with Resolyn.  

Quoting Tasunke, reply 4
(don't expect any voice actors though )
End of Tasunke's quote

I won't expect them, but that doesn't mean I won't want them.  :)

 

Reply #8 from Elemental Forums Top

Thank you! I am most proud of my Resolyn and Urxen lore ... only finished about 3/4'ths of the way in my Urxen lore though ;)

 

(Haven't gotten to the Urxen's ultimate quest or their 'World Hydra' yet)