On 23Jan2018 2107, Caleuche wrote:
> Taking a look at the systems broken down by Allegiance:
> https://i.imgur.com/9rwo92c.png
> - white circles represent >= TL15 and yellow circles represent
> population >= 5*10^10 - it appeared that there is no Zhodani TL15 world,
> and there's not, at least in the official data. Has that always been
> that way? Is it intentional?
>
> Also, if you look at the power of an empire as a combination of
> population and tech level, it seems like the third imperium should be
> far more powerful than anyone else.

While it is correct that the 3I has reached TL15 and none of the
surrounding states have to any great degree (except possibly the
Hivers), astrographically the 3I will have a problem applying that
superiority to a war with the Zhodani - the Hi-pop TL15 centres are on
the other side of the Corridor. Also, TL15 isn't that much better than TL14.

Besides, frankly the 3I is shit at waging war.

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Actually, using the combat tables from the 5FW board games indicates a significant advantage to TL15 vs TL14.

Also, decades ago on this list, ???(can't remember his 1st name) Higginbotham posted that according to his analysis each TL conferred a major advantage that was really, really big. I think it was the MT era at that time.

TUhistory-wise, canon confims that the 3I has been crappy at war for centuries!

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