Dominions and Heavens: Armada mod

Playable races

Terran Star Union: The most powerful human government in the galaxy by the 2530s, the Terran Star Union (TSU) is a major democratic (if somewhat militant and xenophobic) power. Spanning 2,000 light years, the TSU has a lot of resources, manpower, and patriotism, and it has rarely lost a major conflict with other human factions or with aliens. Terran ships and stations are slow, but they are very heavily armed and have very strong shields, armor, and internal systems. The real question is if they could last in a hypothetical war with the much older, more powerful Vel H'ta Empire.

Nitaran Empire: Over the past 600 years, the pragmatic Nitarans have built a strong empire across multiple star systems due to a masterful command of technology. Nitaran vessels are equipped with many different kinds of advanced weapons, including everything from cloaking devices to repair drones, from shield energy capture arrays to system-disabling emitters. The Nitaran military is also the galactic master of defensive technology, having had to endure Wok'lak'a raids over the years. Defensive turrets blanket the Empire, covering all strategic assets. And certainly, turrets also use advanced technology to keep the Nitaran Empire safe. The Nitaran Empire has close defensive ties with the Terran Star Union.

Wok'lak'a Dominion: Hatred of the Nitaran Empire and people has defined the past few centuries of Wok'lak'a history. This hatred has especially increased since 2531, when the Dominion tried to deal a decisive blow against the Nitarans and gain the upper hand in their constant tug-of-war for interstellar power. This gambit failed, and the Nitaran Empire eventually seized numerous Wok'lak'a systems, destroying strategic assets, cities, and cultural treasures along the way. The Wok'lak'a military had to adapt quickly, eventually using a more defensive strategy, contrary to its customary habit of conducting raids with fast vessels. Now things are at a stalemate, with the Wok'lak'a eager to regain lost worlds. The latest war did, however, bring the benefit of new technology from foreign powers who also joined the Nitarans in their fight. The Dominion has adopted and manufactured their own versions of Nitaran, Terran, and Lirellan technologies. In addition to the tried and perfected hit-and-run technique, these technologies have been successfully used to hold back the latest Nitaran attempts to advance.

Vel H'ta Empire: The Empire of the Three Arch-Prefects is the largest known galactic power, stretching 12,000 light years at its widest point. Having conquered hundreds of sentient races, the Vel H'ta Empire has much military experience and very good skill in locking down control over subdued planetary systems. The most common way for a Vel H'ta attack to unfold is to gain interplanetary superiority, surround planets one by one, and subject them to constant bombardment and troop deployments. The same approach is often used to destroy enemy fleets and strongholds - surround, bombard, and eliminate. This demands a lot of ships and manpower, both of which the Empire has a lot. Vel H'ta planets are heavily populated, and the latest reforms to give subjected races more rights has further increased the Empire's potential recruitment pool. Many analysts say that the Terran Star Union is the next Vel H'ta target. This is due to Vel H'ta ideology that states it is a kind of "Manifest Destiny" for the Empire to rule all it sees. Perceived Terran meddling in the Empire's border worlds and the occasional xenophobic Terran attitude have not helped matters.

Mercenary Factions: These races are not playable in the mod. But on some maps, you can find their units, capture them, and use them to aid in your victory.

Krebaran Warlords: The Warlords are the remnants of an old Krebaran empire, that is said to have collapsed a few centuries ago. The reasons for this collapse are not totally clear. What is clear is the power of the warlords outside the major interstellar powers. Warlords come in various flavors: many are interstellar crime bosses and pirates; others are religious zealots seeking to achieve the final victory of their god BaShrull; some have their own empires that span multiple star systems. The Warlords are a constant thorn in the sides of the TSU, Vel H'ta Empire, and other powers. However, some Warlords are able to be paid or otherwise convinced to aid the major powers in achieving military goals. In the mod, you may recruit units from the xenophobic Drenitch Remnants, the rising HybaThiis Empire, or the Warlord VejjPojior, whose many spies can help you in with espionage operations.

Lirellan Order: A loose alliance of regional lords, the Order is a religious organization with the primary goal of protecting planets, which are the physical avatars of their million gods. As can be implied already, the Order has some degree of centralization, but not much. Thus many lords take contracts to help the Terran Star Union, which many see as a natural Order ally, due to its strength and willingness to build alliances. However, some lords have also helped the Vel H'ta Empire squash rebellions, seeing that action as a good way to gain wealth and favor from the powerful Vel H'ta. Thus, you may use these lords' services no matter what faction you play in the mod. Lirellan ships can harness the power of nebula gas clouds, which cover the Lirellan Order's map. These gas clouds can hide important facilities or provide obstacles for enemy ships. Enemies must especially be wary of the Devastator, which is a weapon that can rip even large ships apart with a few well-placed shots.

Berravain Undead: No one is sure why these very advanced aliens appear catatonic and sound so horrific when contacted. Over the years, however, it was learned that certain codes transmitted to their ships can manipulate them. Then, those in control of a Berravain ship can fire its weapons, move it, and give orders. The Berravain are a mystery, as no one has been able to determine what they actually look like. They are only seen very rarely, and they are incredibly dangerous to approach. Berravain ships even have the ability to freeze time temporarily, allowing users to gain great advantage in position.

Twyanneruuti Conservatism/TLMB: The Conservatism was born in a rebellion against a brutal, hedonistic Krebaran government that took over the Twyanneruuti homeworld of Solutia. Once the Conservatism had thrown off the shackles of Krebaran oppression, it needed money and by now had gained a lot of military experience. It was in this way that the Twyanneruuti League of Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters was born. The TLMB hires those with military experience from across the galaxy, including convicts hoping for a chance at redemption (or just an easier way out of a Twyaneruuti prison or torturous execution). Twyanneruuti and TLMB weapons are not the most powerful, but their ships are very effective at moving across vast distances very quickly via Jump Drives. They can also capture enemy crews and conduct covert operations. Other than that, a swarm of very accurate missiles might do the trick.

Frekkha Exiles: Having come from a remote part of the galaxy, the Frekkha are a bit of a mystery. And they like it that way; Frekkha heroes are ones who keep secrets, not perform great deeds for all to see. The Mekkhus Royal Family, which makes up most of the Exiles, appear to have been ousted in a power struggle back home, and they brought their many advanced ships with them. Now, they are ready to provide military services in exchange for protection, money, and bases. Some Frekkha bases have already been established in the Vel H'ta Empire, and one Frekkha commander offered military support to the Wok'lak'a Dominion in its fight against the Terrans in 2531-2. Frekkha ships, as said before, have advanced technologies. Among the most dangerous are the holo-ships, which are unmanned fighter craft whose hulls are mere holograms. There are also ground troop versions of these, which are dangerous and hard to destroy. But the most amazing Frekkha technology come in the areas of espionage and travel. Frekkha spies can be transported onto enemy units, providing updated intel. And Frekkha Travel Nodes connect far-apart systems, allowing the Exiles' bases and sectors to keep in close contact.