EU 4 Estates but different

[SzalonyNiemiec]

I think it would be cool if internal power struggles would be modelled in Star Trek Infinite. And I think that EU4 Estates are a good inspiration for that. And it would also be a good way to make the factions stand apart a bit more. And it could also be an opportunity for more detailed subterfuge.

In general a group should have loyalty, influence and maybe controlled fleets and systems.

Romulans:
- Senate
- Tal Shiar
- Military
- Private industry

Klingons: Various powerful houses

Federation: (more aligned along political interest groups )
- Colonists
- idealists
- Explorers
- Patriots

Cardassians:
- Obsidian Order
- Military
- Detapa Council (if unlocked)

Groups could have various interests, and could give the player missions (like diets in EU4) which affect their loyalty and influence. Planetary designations could also impact influence and loyalty. If a groups loyalty drops too far their controlled planets and fleets could revolt. Enemy spies could also influence the loyalty of certain groups

 

[Pattywinks]

I... kind of really like this idea! I'd perhaps do it a bit differently, however.

Let's start with the easiest faction, the Klingons. They strike me as having a more Imperator: Rome feel, with powerful families (houses) needing to be assuaged via government positions (seats on the Council, war minister, general of specific fleets, etc.). If this doesn't happen, you get cranky houses and a countdown to civil war that ultimately divides the empire. And each house could be HQed on a specific planet.

For the Romulans, I've always gotten the sense that the divisions were political in nature, and thus you have specific factions with their own goals and loyal military and Tal Shiar commanders. I guess this would be somewhat similar to Hearts of Iron IV and its political faction divisions. I suppose the Tal Shiar and military command could be a kind of subdivision that each political faction tries to woo in order to maintain or seize control through various subversions, with civil war being the most drastic outcome.

The Cardassians strike me as very much in line with your conception. We definitely see internal conflicts between the military, Obsidian Order, and civilian government (Detapa Council, which always existed but only as a tool of the military command prior to the pre-Dominion coup).

The UFP could be the hardest to pin down. We do see conflict between "patriots" and the civilian government (DS9's "Homefront" and "Paradise Lost"), but this is only as a result of the extreme threat from the Dominion. It strikes me that factions within the Federation would contain some mix of "peace and exploration" (Vulcans) and "defense and security" (Andorians). Colonists as a faction is super interesting, especially the potential consequences of not meeting their needs. I can't see the possibility of civil war breaking out within the Federation, instead replaced with dissatisfied member worlds leaving, something that would have a big impact on the Federation as a whole and denting unity.

I'd love to see this implemented at some point in the future. Could add some real spice to gameplay, especially for espionage.

 

[SzalonyNiemiec]

Yeah, there's definitely a lot of ways to do this. I just would want it to be more impactful than factions in stellaris.

Another Idea: I think one could also have both institutional as well as ideological groups for most empires

 

[Pattywinks]

Yeah, there's definitely a lot of ways to do this. I just would want it to be more impactful than factions in stellaris.

Another Idea: I think one could also have both institutional as well as ideological groups for most empires

I figured that's how it would work already. Factions would vie for popularity, influence, control, the three metrics the factions would be measured by. The higher the number, the better. All factions would be ideological, but whether their ideology becomes institutional depends on their metrics and time passed in power. When influence, control, and time in power reach a certain level, that ideology (and faction) become institutionalized. The advantage is that that ideology and faction become harder to remove from power. The downside is that that ideology and faction have to pay more dividends to the right people to stay in power.

I'd imagine the UFP is largely immune to this dynamic, instead needing to focus on making sure members and colonies are happy and receive what they need.