[Desdinova]

i select the organic racial trait and make a priority of researching organic technology for the organic armor and organic weapons. i have noticed that the organic weapons are better than the initial weapons the ai uses (better range and damage.) the advantage from the organic armor and weapons is enough to let me lag behind on ship size. i can remain 1-2 sizes smaller and still win in combat initially. after that i try to get the monolith.

when i encounter other races i will trade system maps for the other 2 colonization techs. this way i dont give the other races any additional planets to colonize.

i usually play xenophobe or renegade culture and bloodthirsty or neutral happiness. i also knockdown political savvy as low as possible and use the points to increase other areas or buy religious or crystallurgy ability.