ENDLESS™ Space 2 - Awakening

The new mechanics in Awakening: The Academy is no longer a simple anomoly, but is now a full blown AI faction that has fleets, settles systems, and has a (basic) form of diplomacy. In addition, every 30-ish turns there is a competition where factions donate random resources to the Academy in return for 4 roles. Sounds good on paper, right? Problem is that without mods, the Academy AI starts with mid-game tech and doesn't progress past that. Meaning any faction that starts the game near the Academy (aka 1 or 2 warp lanes away) will be hampered by the Academy fleets constantly bombarding their systems and the Academy colonizing the best systems before one even finds them. And if one decides to defend their systems and attack the fleet? The Academy gets mad and will constantly attack the player until 'reparations' are paid. So basically, hard mode. In addition, the four roles gained by the Academy Competition aren't balanced at all. "The Spear of Isyander" is extremely OP in the early game, in which it gives the holder a midgame fleet by turn 30 (allowing them to curbstomp nearby factions). But by endgame is hilariously weak. "The Master of Dust" never has nearly enough dust (aka cash) to make any deals. "The Vault Keeper" is second most useful but needs a lot of infulence to make the most of the laws. "The Librarian" gives you information that one can find on their own by looking at scores or the tech tree. Situationally useful in multiplayer, but not really. The New Faction: The Nakalim are a Relgious faction with emphasis on Infulence and System conversion. They 'hook' into the Academy mechanic by having the ability to 'convert' enemy systems to the Academy (works like usual system conversion, but availible from the start). In return, they get a stipend of resources for each converted system. In addition, they begin with many techs, but must find and recover relics to get science. Thats it. One of the most boring factions imo. In short, get this one last.