I think you played a heck of a game! I was on pins and needles the Last 15-18 turns. In fact, not sure you should have surrendered. I glanced at your position and know one reason why...your new BCs.
But, your fleet of 47 ships would still be hold two of my fleets at bay. I considered sending the one in from the west where I had about 20-25 ships left (sent 10 away). BUT, that fleet held THAT one and the one at the warphole on the north at bay. I couldn't leave either hole and wasn't sure either fleet of mine could stand up to yours in a "fair" fight (me not getting first shot at a warphole you flew through). So, they had to wait.
Take a look at my rioting! 1 third to 1 half my planets. My mineral production wouldn't support my fleet but for 2 more turns (then scrapping begins). Also, take a look at my ships (invading fleets) and you'll see they don't generate enough supplies to continue much further. I figured letting them run out of gas (and causing planet death and hopefully rioting on the way) was a desperate attempt at winning. The only hope I had was to get satellites up BUT, if you discovered my ring of mining ships with one of your invaders, you could have killed what production I DID have. You were one system south of it.
As to starts, I was on the back row! And the immediate systems around me sucked. To make it worse, my home system with 2 homeworlds was the one on the back row. I was surprised you hadn't taken more of the map as far as I had to go to get to the middle. (you'll notice I burned the hole to that system to keep your ships out).
I did manage to retrofit some BCs with optics 2 and panels to go hunting (especially in those systems where I couldn't build a sat). But, the rioting was killing me.
I think you played a heck of a game and took advantage of the lack of mines.
As to the Talisman, I feel kind of "cheap" taking it but I know you to be dangerous and I was risking points. One thing I DO know is that I'll never take Religion in a KOTH game! Amazing that I was able to get to the Talisman. Had we been closer together...a different story. And you were up on the other tech I had to rush to get. Having to lower my agression ALMOST made it like you had the talisman as well.
As to a re-match, I enjoyed the thrill of that one so much, I'd be willing to do it again. No Talisman and no Stellar. So, toss out some game setting suggestions...
