Here is an in-depth discussion of variants which are available for Twilight Imperium. Since this game is such an epic (ordeal) event, I believe its necessary to customize the flavor as much and often as possible.

Diplomatic Setup

One issue which can be cited about TI as a whole is that the setup takes a heck of a lot of time, and also that it gives the initial speaker an inherent advantage they have not earned. There is also an imbalance of races. This gives an extra layer of negotiation which can be done before we sit down to play.

1. We randomly assign ourselves numbers from 1-x, where x is the number of players.
2. Each player, starting with 1, may then either choose an available race or pass and take 1 trade good, plus one trade good for each previously chosen race. This choice of race is public.
3. Once each player has either chosen a race or passed, each player has one opportunity to bid trade goods for starting position. Players are allowed to go into deficit, but must bid a positive integer or pass. Those who bid are allowed to choose their position on the board after seeing it, in order from highest to lowest. Tied players may negotiate or throw a die to determine order.
4. Starting with the player with the most trade goods, bidding on the speaker token begins. Players are allowed to go into deficit. Once you pass, you are out. Whoever wins this auction begins the game as the speaker.
5. Once all of this is done, if anyone has a trade good deficit, everyone adds a number of trade goods to their stock equal to the absolute value of the largest deficit.

Simplified Diplomatic Setup

Before play begins each player rolls a d30. Players are then ordered from highest to lowest of these rolls (break ties). The lowest roll takes one trade good immediately. Each player in order then chooses a position on the following list:

1. Take the speaker token, last choice of starting position.
2. First choice of starting position.
3. Take 1 trade good. You may trade your race (choice) OR secret objective (random). Second choice of starting position.
4. Take 1 trade good. You may trade your race (choice) OR secret objective (random). Third choice of starting position.
5. Take 1 trade good. You may trade your race (choice) OR secret objective (random). Fourth choice of starting position.
6. Take 2 trade goods. Fifth choice of starting position.
7. Take 2 trade goods. Sixth choice of starting position.
8. Take 2 trade goods. Seventh choice of starting position.

Once everyone has been assigned their position on the list the selection begins, followed immediately by the game itself. This shouldnt take long, has lots of options, and gives some value to all of those who dont get randomly selected to get the speaker token.

Variant Races

There are at least 3 versions of variant Star Trek races, and also Dune and Star Wars versions. This allows a more close association with their abilities. Many of us have no connection to Hacan or Naalu, yet we know exactly who the Borg and Klingons are.

Borg

Comments

I think that while the Borg are certainly overpowered, their -4 VP start is probably too harsh. Its very difficult to gain victory entirely through conquest. It might be prudent to try them at -2 or -3.