If more than two hostile forces start the combat round in the same turn, they are paired off in tournament style and other waiting forces fight the winners. There was never a good war or a bad peace. A private message sent from one empire to another. Communiques can only be sent to an empire after first contact has been made. The basic ship type, which is intended primarily in a combat role.
Cruisers have base technology ratings.
The amount of damage done on a ship by a volley, which is dependent on the difference between the attacker's weapons and the defender's shields. The means by which empires can interact wiht one another. Diplomacy includes disposition towards other empires as well as the ability to send messages via communique or broadcast. Disposition is improved through treaties and downgraded by breaking them. The standard measure of distance.