Let’s talk about enclaves
An Enclave is essentially a region of space where civilizations that survived the Cybers go to trade, conduct diplomacy, research ancient technologies, and gather information. There are a great number spread throughout the galaxy. Each enclave has a main focus. For example, one of the enclaves consists of the remnants of the mighty Stelltron Trade Corporation. Stelltron was one of the great trade houses. It was heavily invested in Rimward Reach trade routes and suffered great losses during the Naplian and Cybernetic (Cyber) conflicts. Stelltron is now rebuilding its lost empire and will recruit empires to fight its wars. The benefit of membership in their cooperative enterprise is the vast store of ancient tec that Stelltron dribbles out to its members.
What does this mean for players?
As you can see, membership has privileges and obligations. For some empires, membership in an enclave will be an opportunity for expansion. For others, membership obligations will be a ticket to destruction, dragging them into distant conflicts in alien star systems. In fact, there are some enclaves that are in shooting wars with competing enclaves.
However, joining an enclave won’t be a picnic. Diplomats will have to be sent to establish diplomatic relations and a certain amount of wooing will be required before membership can be granted. Some empires will find this too distasteful to pursue, while others will do whatever it takes to gain access.
Whichever course your empire chooses, enclaves are sure to influence the regions your empire inhabits.