I have some problems with designing races for everyone and let people pick one themselves.
Because one of the fun things and strategy of this game lies in your race planning. What do you find important in your race
Idea:
What if people can design their on race, but don't know who their partner is, because the gamemaster will write something extra in their backround which discribes from what their homeplanet was (two players from the same homeplanet: BINGO). And that players have to read trough each new race they encounter if that is their partner: if so the MUST ally with each other (because otherwise they can't win!!) and if not they can only make a trade alliances with each other.
Therefore no prearranged partners, you really have to find your partner.
But in this way the idea of common ancester is lost, well...way not two races originated from one planet and they went their on ways and finally meet each other again.
I will sleep and think about this and maybe you all have some comments about this idea.
Good night
Sparhawk
P.s. Taera I already put you on my list of players.
Anyone else wants to join in advange?
I will probaly try to start the game next week .
If I have time, bacuse I'm moving next saterday to my new house.