Dictator
Alert
Control
Type
Power to Command
Controls Destiny
When you are not the invader, when destiny would be manifested, use this power to choose manifested destiny this invasion instead.
Legacy: When an alien’s destiny color is manifested, that alien may choose any another alien to be the defender, except the invader.
Eons ago, the Dictators cut off contact with other galaxies to maintain an unchallenged rule. Their attitude changed, however, after discovering there was more power up for grabs. Having gained the authority to command destiny itself, they plan to expand their borders with impunity.
Not Invader: Destiny
Mandatory
Wild Flare
When you are not the invader, after destiny, you may discharge this flare to scramble destiny.
Not Invader: Destiny
Super Flare
As the invader, you may discharge this flare to use your power.
Invader: Destiny
Modifications
- This power cannot be used with Coordinator in the base game. My version of Coordinator has been modified to prevent the powers from overlapping, since Dictator makes Coordinator’s power virtually useless.
- Dictator’s legacy is similar to Will’s, allowing aliens to ignore destiny. However, Dictator’s gives the power to the defender rather than the invader, allowing aliens to protect their home bases when they would otherwise have to defend. Aliens like Siren and Mirage who can take advantage of being the defender may wish to abstain from using the aspect to its fullest, in order to snag more opportunities as the defender. Original Cosmic has no legacies.
Tips
- Dictator’s power allows the match to “focus” on certain aliens for a limited amount of time. This can be effective to take out a threatening power by quickly taking out three of their home bases before the power can do much.
- Since Dictator controls when it will act as defender, it can make sure to do so when the weakest alien(s) are the invader.
- Dictator excels at playing aliens against one another. In addition to forcing bad matchups like Anti-Matter and Virus, Dictator can force aliens to fight when they want to sponsor one another. They are still capable of negotiating, but it prevents them from gaining bases together. Since my version of Cosmic doesn’t allow for 1-for-1 base deals, this strategy cannot backfire in the same regard.
- If a hazard warning is in effect, Dictator can determine if an encounter will have a hazard or not (unless it is the invader).
Additional Notes
- The change between the CEO form of Dictator and the physical board game is a welcome one that prevents “Dictator bullying.” The CEO version allowed Dictator to choose the same alien every encounter except its own, making it much harder for that alien to compete, and preventing Dictator from ever having to play defense. In the FFG version, each alien has a finite number of charges, including Dictator. If the game goes on long enough, Dictator will eventually have to play defense, and if it doesn’t play its own destiny earlier or draw its own, it could end up playing defense multiple times in a row.
- Cosmic has a number of “ruler” powers that differ in effect despite having virtually the same name. What I like about these powers is that they each rule over a different aspect of the encounter. While Dictator has total mastery over destiny, you can have a Tyrant who demands tribute and an Emperor that forces others to to fight in their stead. It helps with the lore that in the fight for Cosmic dominance there are those who already view themselves as the rulers. Great assist for roleplaying.