Trading for ships made by minor races

Hello,

 

When speaking with the minor races, there never seems to be a possibility to trade for the ships that they build.  Is there an option I must change in the game to be able to trade for their ships ?

I know that the Major race AI players can trade for the minor races's ships because I've seen them at times in their inventory.

It's just often cheaper to buy and upgrade than building from scratch.

3,833 views 3 replies
Reply #1 Top

Interesting point. Actually, I don't remember if I ever had a chance to see minor's ships in the diplomacy(trade) screen.

Maybe that's intended and doesn't let smart/tricky human players to buy all ships and just send undefended transport ships to conquer minor's homeworld? ;)

Reply #2 Top

Maybe that's intended and doesn't let smart/tricky human players to buy all ships and just send undefended transport ships to conquer minor's homeworld?
End of quote

I'm pretty sure that's exactly the intention. As far as the AI having minor races' ships, it's possible that they were gifted the ships (as the AI sometimes does with you during a war) rather than actually trading for them.

Reply #3 Top

The AI could simply be programmed not to leave any world un-defended.  There are some minors who just build a huge stash of ships that just sit there.   

There could also be a UP provision on the purchase of a ship for minors that it couldn't be used to attack the civilization that originally built it.  This would apply even if the ship is upgraded.