NICE!

Might I suggest an eltex cost if VPE is installed? It’s thematic, just expensive enough for the value of VPE levels, and isn’t too expensive, not to mention it makes eltex a lot more useful beyond making gear.

I tested it with VPE works fine.

I like this idea a lot. Self sufficient empowerment is something I strive for in my colonies. I do use VPE though, so your comment about compatibility is making me hold off for now.

Maybe... I don't know how exactly it works, I'm not a mod maker, just a user. But, hmm... something like, if VPE is detected, the psylink cycle adds a psycast point, or enough meditation xp to level and gain a point that way? I don't know, just spitballing here.

Sorry about not replying sooner, and thank you for the feedback!

@Booperius
I increased the barrier of entry to help make it more balanced by adding a techprint you can only get from the empire, but I think adding an advanced component cost would make it too expensive compared to the anima tree. I will experiment with adding the random mood breaks though, I think that would be more in spirit of the challenge I wish to add to this method, as well as possibly increasing the recovery period to make the more volatile pawn a longer lasting threat.

@Gorinich
I added a techprint cost to start this process, and tagged it so the empire should be the only source of them so it should make it a lot harder to start without engaging with them in some way. I'm not going to add the psylink requirement though since I worry that will make it not able to stand on its own as an option, instead being seen as a downgrade compared to the other methods. Thank you for the feedback though.

I would say, a way to balance this further is adding a two advanced component cost to the cycle and have it take longer than most pod cycles (10 days); also give them a new condition , perhaps called "Psychoprenhia" for a full season after they leave the pod, making them much more prone to moodbreaks: have it have same debuff as Very Neurotic, plus a chance of random mood breaks regardless of mood.

Furthermore, the entire pod cycle require a new ultratech level research which in turn, requires a techprint to even unlock.

All combine, should make this less of a "let's do it by default" and more of an "option".

One method to balance it is to make it only work on pawns that already have psylinks. That way you still need to do exploring, Empire smoozing or Anima meditation to start a pawn on thier psycasting journey.

Another option is to make using psylink cycle lower reputation with the Empire. This is something that neuroformers did originally before it was removed.