quote:
If I can't block off a tree entirely, I'd like to find a way to block availability of specific components that are normally there in the regular tree (like the B/LS/CQ combo mentioned above), and replace them with the components I'd like there for that specific race (all the other races would have tech trees that are unaffected unless they were also mechanicals).
Maybe you should just give them alternative components:
Bridge -> Control Nexus: Room where the Mechanoids 'plug in' to the ship's functions.
Life Support -> power nodes: The mechanoids need to charge their batteries, right?
Crew quarters: where you go when you're not needed right now.
The components would be much smaller (eg. crew quarters would be closet size).
When they research master computer, then they've designed an AI specifically to be installed in ships.
You could still have shortcuts to computer tech using their racial tech.