Overview

Federation and Empire is a grand strategic wargame set in the Star Fleet Universe, published by Amarillo Design Bureau. Players command entire stellar empires — Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Gorn, Tholian, and others — managing economy, construction, and fleet operations across a large hex map where each hex represents 500 parsecs. The game’s centerpiece is the General War, an 18-year conflict involving all major powers. Players collect taxes, build starships and bases, and drive battle fleets into enemy territory. Multiple scenarios range from quick introductory games to the full multi-year campaign.

Components

• Large hex map of the Alpha Octant (Star Fleet Universe)
• Ship counters (hundreds of die-cut counters representing starships, bases, and units)
• Economic tracking sheets
• Scenario booklets
• Charts and player aids
• Dice

Setup

Per scenario instructions:

1. Select a scenario (introductory, mid-war, or full General War).
2. Deploy starting forces to designated hexes per the order of battle.
3. Set up economic tracking for each empire.
4. Place any neutral zone markers and diplomatic status markers.
5. Note scenario-specific rules and victory conditions.

Turn Structure

Each game turn represents a period of the war and follows these phases:

1. Economic Phase

• Collect taxes from controlled planets and bases.
• Allocate income to ship construction, repairs, and other expenditures.
• Place newly built ships at shipyards.

2. Movement Phase

• Move fleets across the hex map.
• Fleets have speed ratings based on their composition.
• Players may attempt to intercept enemy fleets.

3. Combat Phase

• Resolve battles where opposing fleets occupy the same hex.
• Combat uses a simplified version of Star Fleet Battles tactical combat.
• Fleets are composed of individual ship types with different combat values.
• Battles may involve multiple rounds.

4. Retreat/Pursuit Phase

• Defeated fleets retreat; victors may pursue.
• Control of hexes and planets changes based on combat outcomes.

5. Supply Phase

• Check supply lines for all units.
• Unsupplied units suffer penalties.

6. Diplomatic Phase (if applicable)

• Neutral empires may enter the war based on scenario events.
• Alliances may shift.

Actions

Economic Management

• Tax collection: Income from planets, bases, and colonies.
• Ship construction: Build new starships at shipyards (multi-turn process for larger ships).
• Repairs: Damaged ships return to shipyards for repair.
• Base construction: Build starbases, battle stations, and other facilities.

Fleet Operations

• Strategic movement: Move fleets between hexes.
• Fleet composition: Combine different ship types for optimal effectiveness.
• Raids: Send fast ships deep into enemy territory to disrupt supply and attack bases.
• Convoys: Protect economic shipping routes.

Combat

• Fleet combat: Compare fleet strengths; resolve using combat tables.
• Siege: Attack enemy bases and planets.
• Fighters and PF squadrons: Small craft that augment fleet combat.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Per scenario. The General War typically uses:

• Victory Points for controlling enemy planets and destroying ships.
• Economic victory: Outproducing the enemy over time.
• Territorial control: Holding key strategic hexes.
• Scenarios may have specific victory conditions with point thresholds.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Multi-empire game: Up to 6 players each controlling different empires, with potential for alliances and betrayal.
• Neutral empires: May be activated by events or player actions, bringing new forces into the war.
• Cloaking devices: Romulan fleets can use cloaking for strategic surprise.
• Fighter operations: Carriers and fighters add a layer of tactical complexity.
• Scenario variety: From small two-player introductory scenarios to the full General War campaign spanning many sessions.
• Construction queue: Ships take multiple turns to build; planning production is essential.
• Supply lines: Must trace uninterrupted supply paths; cut supply lines weaken forces.

Player Reference

Item	Details
Players	2-6
Scale	Grand strategic (500 parsecs per hex)
Setting	Star Fleet Universe (General War)
Empires	Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Gorn, Tholian, others
Core mechanic	Economy + fleet combat
Publisher	Amarillo Design Bureau
Designer	Stephen V. Cole