[couslee]

"The AI has to be an empire of some size."
That kinda contridicts the blockade idea.

"If your AI is killed you could not win, but it wouldn't have to end your game. You could remain in the game and hunt the other players AI's to bring a quick end to the game. Or just to be a pain and get revenge on the player that killed your AI."

I think that is a bad idea. if your AI gets killed, you could exact revenge on the person that took you out (MAD). And/or go for another victory condition (ie you have to max all tech fields). You would not be able to "start" a war with a new person, but if attacked then their AI and themselves would be fair game. I think if done the way you say, then whats the point of even having them, because as soon as one player lost their AI, the would Saddam all over the place. If MAD was the recourse (mutualy assured destruction) then you had better make sure you can defend against the player as well as the AI your attacking because they will have nothing left to do but take your arse out. or perhaps, even the oppertunity to get back in the game buy blockading all of the other player's AI planets. (other player meaning the one that killed off his AI). Otherwise, i think it will become a slug fest in short order. just my opinion.

Other than that, it sound like a fun concept.

Would the AI your suppose to protect start out with a protectorate treaty with you? (or visa-versa if I screwed that up).

Would this be a plain SE4g game, or would I have to start the whole MOD thing.

Not having played this game PBW, nor have I tried any mods yet, I might have a lot of questions. if you don't want someone that newbie in the game, thats fine too. I am not sure I am up for it anyway, just putting my .02 in on the idea. I still have not figured out the best race design for my playstyle. lol