Espionage Level Break Points - Not Population Dependent

from Stardock Forums
Although Brad was quoted in the unofficial FAQ saying that espionage effects depend on both your spending and the target empire's population, I have found that population is actually not a factor at all. For a gigantic map on masochist level, the break points for espionage levels are:

Low: 100
Medium: 300
High: 900
Advanced: 1800

It doesn't matter how much population an empire has or how many planets they control; these break points remain a constant. The implications of this is that you can save yourself some cash by micromanaging your espionage spending to cooresonpond with these break points and the desired espionage level.
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Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Za H - You're absolutely right! I just double checked your numbers, and they work out exactly right. Furthermore, once you achieve the breakpoint you can stop spending money entirely and still get the same great reports. If you don't spend anything then you may be opening yourself up to "espionage events". However, if you were only spending the money to get the accurate reports, just cancel that order of spies : )
V
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
so what would be the point of the "espionage" ability? does it do anything? perhaps it's tied to the occasional espionage related random events? does it increase the effect of destab?

cheers

h
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Don't know, don't know, don't know, still don't know ;p

The break points for espionage levels aren't affected for sure though.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
If you get some reports and you stop spending on spying, the reports do not update.

~SDC~
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
There appear to be certain events which are triggered by low/non-existant espionage, as well.

~SDC~
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Pindur:

I am afraid that is not the case, even if it seems to make sense. Espionage reports will remain up to date as long as you have obtained the required espionage level.

Cataleptic:

In light of these new findings, I doubt the espionage related random events are in affected by your current levels of spending. They are probably determined by accumulated spending just like espionage levels too.
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
Espionage or Destabilization?

~SDC~
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
thats only the budget i put for espionage
Destablization must have been around 170000$
Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top
bah i stopped using them during my last game and i am winning the game im like 500% more powerful than anyone on anything rite now its a matter of time
Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top
'Cataleptic:

In light of these new findings, I doubt the espionage related random events are in affected by your current levels of spending.'

At lest two are affected by your current spending.

~SDC~
Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top
I swear, I'm making all these typos today because of this huge headache I have ;)
Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top
The randoms (at least in 1.02) are still affected by continued spending. (I cannot speak to 1.03, because I have not played it enough.)

However, reports, etc. are unaffected.

My recommendation is, unless you are suffering from an incredibly bad RG, drop the spending once you have achieved the level of penetration you want. (OMG, my GF says I sound like a bad Trojan commercial. Leave it to her to point out the obvious.)

(Hope she doesn't read this now that she's getting me a beer...she's a great GF!)

Anyway, ZaH, hope (2 days later) you're over your headache!



~SDC~
Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top
Hey Def Zep!
Why do you say that the randoms are still affected by continued spending? How can you tell?
V