alright, i've been brainstorming and i think i've decided on 3 origins, each a distinct stage of the zerg's story in starcraft. from the overmind's inception, to the start of heart of the swarm, and then kerrigan's position during legacy of the void. these are EARLY ideas, balance and further flavour can come later.


all of these origins share changes, such as the switch from alloys to biomass for flavour and the restriction of xeno's rights. i've included the same overlapping features in each origin just in case people skip around.

Uplifted by a great Precursor civilisation, you are the unified intelligence of The Swarm. Your collective of Zerg is young and ravenous, brimming with potential. By consuming the essence of Xenos your Swarm can adapt and evolve to become apex predators, several distinct Zerg Morphs have already emerged. Will you forge the ultimate weapon, or assimilate the entire galaxy under your indomitable will?

- start with 2 Assimilated Species, each with 1000 pops
- prevents other Zerg empires from spawning

- replaces Alloys with Biomass
- replaces foundry drones with catalytic drones which produce biomass from food
- forces the 'purge' species rights option on Xenos pops
- purging pops grants Biomass
- purging pops has a chance to trigger an Essence Assimilation event

- requires Biological Shipset
- requires Hive Mind

You command a single Brood, once part of a unified Zerg Swarm. When the ruling intelligence was defeated, the Zerg were left shattered. Several Broodmothers fought for dominance, but none had the mental strength to command the entire Swarm. There are several independent Broods still standing, others have been decimated by organised Xenos. You must evolve, adapt, and dominate. The Swarm will be reunited under your command.

- multiple Stray Broods and will spawn nearby
- unlocks the 'Strength of Will' situation upon contact with these Broods
- Strength of Will: Through force and manipulation, you will make these Broodmothers recognise your authority. After a short event chain (and likely combat), grants the option to force them into vassalage or to absorb their empire into yours.

- replaces Alloys with Biomass
- replaces foundry drones with catalytic drones which produce biomass from food
- forces the 'purge' species rights option on Xenos pops
- purging pops grants Biomass
- purging pops has a chance to trigger an Essence Assimilation event

- requires Biological Shipset
- requires Hive Mind

You rule the Zerg Swarm. Broodmothers serve under you, and Xenos empires fear your ascension. With full control of the Swarm the Galaxy could be yours, your potential is unbound.

- start with 2 Broods as vassals
- allows sectors to be released under Broodmother Vassals [locks the 'Broodmothers' civic]
- prevents other Zerg empires from spawning

- replaces Alloys with Biomass
- replaces foundry drones with catalytic drones which produce biomass from food
- forces the 'purge' species rights option on Xenos pops
- purging pops grants Biomass
- purging pops has a chance to trigger an Essence Assimilation event

- requires Biological Shipset
- requires Hive Mind


- start with gene editing unlocked
- unlocks building "Evolution Pit"
- Evolution Pit: Biomass > Society Research

- unlocks traits "Hive Proxy" and "Erased Will"
- Hive Proxy: +40 leader age, + 10% leader experience gain
- Erased Will: This species cannot produce leaders, -10% amenities usage, -20% housing usage
- +5% monthly unity

- allows sectors to be released under Broodmother Vassals
- -10% empire size
- cannot be selected with the 'Unified Swarm' origin

so, those are my thoughts so far. 3 origins feels too many imo, but i think they offer a range of difficulty - with unified being the safest bet and the most roleplay focused. then shattered providing a real challenge if i can get the event chain right, and budding being a pretty ordinary start, nothing crazy, just a beefed up version of bodysnatcher.

as you saw all the origins include a twist of organic reprocessing, so that becomes a redundant pick. i think all of these origins will work with devouring swarm and aerospace adaptation well for a hyper aggressive and streamlined economy.

let me know thoughts, ideas, etc.
thanks <3