Whispering State & Veiled Operations | Espionage-focused Civics [4.4]

Designed for use with Chris' Covert Operations It is well expressed that Espionage has remained one of the most underwhelming mechanics in Stellaris since its release. This mod seeks to change that by adding both a standard and corporate civic that specialises an empire towards using Operations as its main weapon of both offence and defence. While the base game already has Spyware Directives for gestalt machines (see the 4. 1 update notice), I wanted a more transformative civic that changes the way you have to play to survive. Whispering State: "This society rules not with armies, but with secrets. Power flows through hidden networks and unseen agents who shape the fates of nations while avoiding direct conflict." Veiled Operations: "This megacorporation defeated its competitors through rumors, leaks and underhanded tactics rather than takeovers, granting its executives influence beyond price, and its rivals, only silence." Effects: +5 Operation skill +4 Codebreaking +4 Encryption +2 Envoys +75% Infiltration speed Penalties: -25% Naval Capacity +15% Empire Size effect +20% War Exhaustion gain Cannot be removed after game start Requirements: Not Fanatic Purifiers Not Barbaric Despoilers Not Inward Perfection Not Diplomatic Corps Not Warrior Culture Not Distinguished Admiralty Not Sovereign Guardianship Not Fire Cult Not Scorched World Heralds Not Private Military Companies Not Naval Contractors Not Void Reavers Not Hired Guns Not Flight Schools Not Hard Reset Not Clone Army Not Knights of the Toxic God Not Broken Shackles Not Payback Not Starlit Citadel Not Heirs of the Khan Councilor positions (Officials only) give +0. 05 Influence per 100 Politicians (per skill level) Grand Spymaster: "The Grand Spymaster ensures that the execution of covert operations ordered by the government are smooth, discreet and effective." Director of Intelligence: "The Director of Intelligence oversees the secret research gathering on potential market rivals - and the sabotage of their profi