Welcome to the Hill Renegade, Always good with some fresh meat
What Asmala said is the defaults (remember 2000 points), and applies when the players don’t request something special (or can’t agree).
There are a few requests that are very common and you should discuss with your opponent before you start;
- Using a “Tesco” map (maps with preset starting positions) which gives better chances of a balanced game.
- 3 (or more) starting planets cuts about 10 turns of the early game and also minimises the penalty for a bad starting system(s)
- Also many games put a ban on Ancient trait and Intel.
You should also check out
the clone thread before you make your empire.
Short Version: Take at least 20 % to attack, 20% to defence and the Berzerker trait or you are screwed