University
Social Engineering:
+2
Research
-2
Probe
One extra
drone for every four citizens
Free
Network Node in every base
Agression: Erratic
Agenda:
Knowledge
Aversion:
Fundamentalism
Leader: Provost Zhakarov
The University is probably the second most powerful of the original seven
SMAC factions, after the
Peacekeepers. The research is a big bonus, and combined with the network nodes, gives you a starting
research value a whopping 70% higher than normal. The two big disadvantages can both be worked around using
Secret Projects:
The Virtual World to reduce drones by causing your free network nodes to also function as free
hologram theatres, and the
Hunter Seeker Algorithm to make your society immune to enemy
probe team actions. Once your problems are sorted out, the big boost to research allows you have have much better technology than most other civs, which you can use either to
conquer or to
build, depending on your preference of playing style.