I can't actually remember the last time I played a "base" civ in any of the Gal Civ series. I pretty much always modify the starting traits, so I am never truly playing as Terrans or Torians or Arceans, etc etc. I really hope we get the fully customizable civs soon, so I'm not stuck with the current versions of making Frankenstein civs.

That being said, I use the Terran Resistance as the base because I prefer their Commander ships. I am currently favoring the Durantium starting world, for the extra manufacturing boost at the start. I usually like taking Inspired (I think that's the right name) as one of my two starting traits (for the cheaper leaders and one extra leader recruitment slot at start). I prefer humans as my primary civ race, because all of their stats are good and they are easy to keep happy (almost always have maxed approval without ever building approval buildings). I usually modify the starting traits to a +1 production, +1 research, +1 economy. In my current game I am using Wealthy as the second trait after Inspired. It seems to be an effective hodge podge so far.

I already have ideas for a much different Frankenstein civ once beta .8 comes out though.

I’ve only played a few games so far but I’m liking the Festron. Diplomatic penalties be damned.