By: Doug Radcliffe and David Perkins
Designed By: Dan Maronn

Introduction

A hundred years in the future, mankind has expanded into the solar system, discovering not only a valuable resource in space, but a way to travel faster than light speed. Alephs connect distant reaches of space, and helium-3 fuels the economy. In 2140, a misguided resource asteroid impacts Earth, leaving the outlying military and economic infrastructure stranded in space.

Competition for helium-3 erupts in the decimated society, pitting the wealthy against the powerful in a bitter war throughout known space. Allegiance picks up where this apocalyptic tale ends, putting today's gamers in the ships of the future. One player takes the reins of the team, assuming the role of commander. The others slap their helmets on and launch from the garrison, intent on getting an enemy ship in their target sights.

Four walks of life are represented among the combatants. The Iron Coalition is what's left of a peacekeeping force, turned aggressive. The GigaCorp is a super-corporation with power to spare, even after the destruction of Earth; The Bios are genetically altered, but not of a mind to love their creators. Finally, the Belters form a loose pack of traders and pirates that scavenges its way to power.

In any one battle, two or more forces will compete for the resources found in a randomly seeded collection of sectors. This game guide has but one purpose: to make you a more effective pilot or commander and increase your enjoyment of this innovative game.

This packed Allegiance game guide includes:

• Allegiance Overview: Here, you'll find a rundown of basic Allegiance concepts, such as map layout and commanding versus piloting.

• Team Play Strategies: Allegiance's team-based play requires different strategies than a free for all. In this section, you'll find strategies specific to team-based games, including communication tips and how better to operate as a team.

• Piloting and Dogfighting Strategies: The pilot's role is diverse. At one moment, you could be called to scout or help repair bases or ships, and at another, you could be dogfighting in a maneuverable attack craft. Here, you'll find tips on assuming the pilot's role in both combat and noncombat duties.

• Ship Strategies: Look here for a rundown of significant ship types, including scout, fighter, interceptor, bomber, and capital ships, and how to effectively implement and pilot each.

• Ship Statistics: Get complete statistics for vessels for all four factions. Stats include top speed, scan range, hit points, and acceleration.

• Guns, Missiles, and Equipment: It's important to have the best guns, missiles, and equipment for the job. This section describes the most important ship cargo in Allegiance.

• Weapon Statistics: Get statistics for Allegiance's guns and missiles. Here, you'll find how long it takes each weapon to destroy a particular shield, station, or ship.

• Commanding Strategies: The commander, who makes resource management and technology advancement decisions as well as order pilots around the sectors, leads each Allegiance team into battle. In this section, you'll find strategies on becoming a better Allegiance commander.

• Faction Strategies: Here, you'll find commanding strategies for Allegiance's three main factions: Iron Coalition, GigaCorp, and Bios. A section on the fourth faction, the Belters, is also included.