Command Counter

Command counters are a central game mechanic, each player must balance his supply between 3 "pools" to accomplish the tasks that take place on any given game round. Players will start the game with 8-9 CC spread between Strategy, Fleet and Command with the option to swap between the pools during the Status Phase - when players also refresh their supply.

Strategy Allocation - used to activate secondary abilities of a Strategy Card, at the time it is played by an opponent. CC used in this way return to your reinforcement area.

Fleet Supply - the number of CC here shows how many capitol ships can occupy any system on the board at any given time. If the number of ships in a single system ever exceeds your Fleet Supply, ships from that system must be removed immediately to match your fleet limit.

Command Pool - used to activate a system for movement on the game board. An activated system cannot be reactivated therefore keeping a player from building a massive fleet and wiping the board, Risk-style.

Two Strategy Cards can add to your pool: Logistics, from the original release, and Leadership, from Shattered Empires. Several player variants can be found on the web.

During the status phase players retrieve 2 CC from reinforcements and have the chance to swap CC between pools to augment their strategy - certain Technology Cards, Action Cards and Political Agendas can increase, limit or remove this ability.