[Puke]

i dont know about Zero's number 3. I tend to disagree with that.

here's one that I like:

use things that other people think are obsolete and/or useless. they will probably not be prepaired to defend against you effectively.

heres another:
find a way around building things that other people think are necessary, thus you can devote research to avenues that others do not have time to explore since they are stuck to researching what they think they always need, thus you can catch them with their pants down.

one more:
never give up, never surrender. it may seem easier to do so, but makes the experience much more rewarding if you dont. and you never know, things might turn arround.

finally:
abuse alliances. dont abuse your allies, but abuse the alliance. trade tech. trade ships. trade colonization rights. trade population. trade everything. get in bed with a partner, and dont let racial differences get in the way. then unite the galaxy under your combined rule, drive your enemies before you, and exercise your imperial might.

one more, just because:
roleplay. if your race is a mass of vomit, act like it. tell people not to step in the puddle of your space lest their feet be coated in the sticky ick of your vengance. tell other people that you wish that your two peoples could ooze toghther in prosperity. even if you are playing a purely tactical game, give your diplomatic message some color. give reasons for stuff too: hippies are protesting the former administrations actions in your space, we wish to end hostilities with your empire. Or lie: this is not a war, it is a police action. Or bend the truth: Empire X's actions in violation of the Kronos Rift peace accords has forced our hand. we ask that you cease diplomatic and trade relations with the treacherous Empire X immediatly, and remain clear of the conflict zone if you do not wish to lend forces to the unified effort against this hatefull bully.

well, thats about all ive got.

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"...the green, sticky spawn of the stars"
(with apologies to H.P.L.)