APPENDIX I: NEGOTIATION INITIATION (N.I.)
The following is an in-depth breakdown of options available to you when instigating a diplomatic exchange with another galactic empire in Master of Orion III.
APPENDIX I-A: N.I. – PRONOUNCEMENTS
Excerpt from the MoO3 manual, pages 100-1:
Threat
Threatening another empire will strain relations between your two empires, but it might convince them to back off, or offer you a gift or tribute, or stop spying on you. On the other hand, it might push them over the edge and incite them to break their treaties, impose sanctions, or go straight to war.
Impose Sanctions/Embargo
Imposing sanctions and embargoes will hurt the target empire economically. The full effect depends on how much your empire trades with theirs, so it is generally most beneficial to you if your empire is more financially stable than theirs. Again, this will strain relations significantly between your two empires.
[If you recall, this is what was done to the Hithoru although on a larger scale through Senate action. See page 4 to read/review this.]
Declare War
The ultimate statement of hostility, a declaration of war removes all treaties and sets your ships to attack any vessel or colony belonging to the target empire on sight. Keep in mind that a declaration of war may have serious consequences, especially if they can draw their allies into the conflict. Consider any decision to begin a war with another empire very carefully, and consult the Foreign Matrix to find out who your enemy's friends might be.
[The 'Foreign Matrix' will be discussed in Part 5 of this preview.]
APPENDIX I-B: N.I. – TREATIES
Excerpt from the MoO3 manual, pages 101:
Non-Aggression Pact
This treaty, when accepted, orders all ships of both empires to allow the other to pass and to not attack unless fired upon first. This is very useful when fighting a common foe if you must both move through common star systems to get to your destination. It is also useful early in the game, when you are still exploring and have not yet built up your military to the point where it is ready to fight a war. It is the first step toward more advanced arrangements such as Trade Agreements.
[See page 2 of this preview for information on such an agreement I was able to forge.]
Military Alliance
By forming a Military Alliance, you agree to support the other empire in the event that their ships are attacked and you have available resources in the same system.
Full Alliance
A Full Alliance will cause both empires to defend one another militarily to the greatest extent practical.
APPENDIX I-C: N.I. – TRADE AGREEMENTS
Excerpt from the MoO3 manual, page 101:
Economic Trade Agreement
By establishing an Economic Trade Agreement with another empire, you increase the AUs brought into both empires through trade. The amount of trade depends on the size of both empires. While such treaties are beneficial in the long run and can gradually bring both empires closer diplomatically, they are expensive when first formed. Therefore, establishing an Economic Trade Agreement when in a poor financial situation can hurt an empire more than it can help it. But as time progresses, the cost drops until the agreement finally begins paying for itself.
Research Trade Agreement
Similar to the Economic Trade Agreement, a Research Trade Agreement promotes a sharing of research information between two empires, resulting in additional Research Points for both. The number of additional Research Points generated depends on the size of both empires. While such treaties are beneficial in the long run and can gradually bring both empires closer diplomatically, they are expensive when first formed. Therefore, be careful to analyze the costs before entering into such an agreement, especially early in the game. In time, the cost of the agreement will drop, and the benefits will become apparent.
[See page 1 of this preview for information on such an agreement I was able to forge.]
APPENDIX I-D: N.I. – EXCHANGES
Excerpt from the MoO3 manual, pages 101-2:
Gift
You may offer a gift of AUs, planets, or technology to another empire. This can improve relations between your empires, depending on the value of the gift.
[See page 1 for an additional reference to this.]
Trade
You may attempt to exchange various items with another empire. Technology, planets, and diplomatic actions are among the items that can be traded.
Demand
You may demand “something for nothing” from another empire. Most empires will react negatively to such a stance; however, some races have respect for such aggressive diplomacy.
CLOSING REMARKS
A lot of ground has been covered in this edition of my continuing discussion of Master of Orion III. As such, I would like to conclude it by making a short but noteworthy point. More than just the playable races described in Part 1 live in the Orion Sector. As such, they often make their way into the game. On page 4, for instance, I mentioned the Hithoru. They are not a playable race and, as will no doubt be seen as disappointing to many, so are the New Orions. Any and all whimpering in reaction to this news – or re-realization as the situation dictates – may now commence.
See you next time.
MoOving In: A Detailed Preview of Master of Orion III