imo even though I like the (random) map layout, the homeworlds tend to be fairly secluded, so there are only one or two ways to reach them. furthermore it leads to a usually unidirectional expansion meaning your homeworld is later in the centre of your empire, but at one end. the point I intend to make is not so much the relocation of the capital which I think is a good idea, but the limitation of attack routes. I'd say an extra phase lane per planet would make the game a bit more open I think. once I learn how to create maps I will be testing it, I already saw a 3 player map which looks intesting and was more the stuff would like to see.
This is something for moders to undertake. What I think is the main reason for the seclusion of the original capital is to prevent raiding attacks to early. And also to provide natural protections since if the capital is destroyed it causes at 85% penelty to allegience.
And that is also why the Capital movment is also part of the overall starategy of a game.
well lets not exaggerate. it takes time to put together an assault fleet that is any real danger for a homeworld and you need a few jumps which also takes time. I'm not sure how you are playing, but at the beginning of the game I use my capship to mop up local militia in nearby system, so my capship fleet is rarely more that 2 - 3 jumps at most away so even if you get attacked early on, its not devastating.
and lastly, would you say it is a bad thing be be attackable early on? I mean not rushing in 5 minutes, which wouldnt work anyway with the strengh of structures and the speed of ship buildings, but 15 minutes for an early strike seems okay to me.
and concerning later games, even if the system is more open, an enemy would still have to move past one or two of your systems to attack a homeworld, so if you scouted properly it should give you enough early warning and his fleet will take damage getting in and getting out.
edit: uh, one more thing, the fleet splitting option is a good idea. one way could be how it was done in imperium galactica 2. you right click to get a screen with all ship types and their numbers and draw/ click to pull them to the window for the new fleet. it was something that could be done in a matter of seconds and the benefits is probably quite clear.
