As, The Silent One pointed out "shared supply" is a relaxation of the supply range limitations, since you get full use of the allied supply network. With overlapped supply, the normal limitations of supply range apply.
The problem with overlapping (and stealthy) supply is that no one has proposed an simple UI to convey that multiple empires can/are supplying a system.
Here is a gratuitous table.
Code: Select all
Mechanic Controller UI Range
current supply single empire controls and can supply each system straightforward UI one color per node normal supply range
ally shared supply single empire controls each system but will supply allies straightforward UI one color per node range boost using allies supply
overlapping supply multiple empires can supply some systems **UI conundrum** normal supply range
"o01eg", pointed out that player's primary concern is whether their empire can supply a system.
Why try to display all of the information in the MapWnd? Why not use the PlanetTab?
Currently the planet table has summary infographics for production, research and trade. We could add an infographic for supply. Perhaps a pie chart with a colored wedge scaled to each empire's available supply range. The popup for the infographic could also detail the supply system bonus factors (visibility, ships, colonies and outposts) which are currently not visible to the player, but do influence the supply resolution.
If we can solve the UI issue, then we can consider combining the mechanics.
- At war, the current system. Hard borders.
- Peace treaty, overlapped supply. Porous borders with no assistance.
- Shared supply treaty, combined supply network. Assistance with supplying ships and colonies.
- Stealthy supply. If hostiles can detect it, it follows the normal rules. Otherwise it looks like overlapped supply.