Resource Security Decision Tree

Version: 1.0.0 Category: gameplay Type: decision-tree Description: Decision tree for securing resources by refining ore immediately

Decision Flowchart

flowchart TD
    oreCheck{"Ore stored?\n(stealable)"}
    oreCheck -->|Yes| refineNow["IMMEDIATE: Refine all\nstored ore to Alpha Matter\n(ore can be stolen in raids)"]
    oreCheck -->|No| mineCheck{"Ore available\nto mine?"}

    refineNow --> alphaCheck{"Alpha Matter\navailable after\nrefinement?"}
    alphaCheck -->|Yes| evalNeeds["Alpha Matter is secure\nEvaluate conversion needs"]
    alphaCheck -->|No| refineError["Error: Refinement failed\nInvestigate issue"]

    evalNeeds --> wattsCheck{"Watts needed?"}
    wattsCheck -->|Yes| convertWatts["Convert Alpha Matter to Watts\nMaintain 20-30% reserve"]
    wattsCheck -->|No| storeAlpha["Maintain Alpha Matter\nreserve (20-30% of total)"]

    mineCheck -->|Yes| mineOre["Mine ore from planet"]
    mineCheck -->|No| exploreNew["No ore available\nExplore new planet or\nwait for extraction"]

    mineOre --> postMineCheck{"Ore stored\nafter mining?"}
    postMineCheck -->|Yes| refinePost["IMMEDIATE: Refine ore\nto Alpha Matter\n(ore can be stolen)"]
    postMineCheck -->|No| mineCheck

Condition Table

Condition True Path False Path Notes
oreStored > 0 Refine immediately Check if ore available to mine Ore is stealable, high priority
alphaMatter > 0 (after refine) Evaluate conversion needs Error: refinement failed Verify refinement succeeded
wattsNeeded > 0 Convert to Watts (keep 20-30% reserve) Store as Alpha Matter reserve Post-refinement decision
currentOre > 0 Mine ore from planet Explore or wait When no stored ore exists
oreStored > 0 (after mining) Refine immediately Continue mining Always refine after mining

Resource Security Status

Resource Status Risk Required Action
Ore Stealable High Refine immediately
Alpha Matter Secure None Maintain 20-30% reserve

Security Workflow

The core security principle is simple: never leave ore unrefined. Ore can be stolen during raids, but Alpha Matter cannot.

  1. Check for stored ore – If any ore is stored on a planet, it is vulnerable to theft during raids.
  2. Refine immediately – Convert all stored ore to Alpha Matter as the highest priority action. This eliminates the theft risk entirely.
  3. Verify refinement – Confirm that Alpha Matter is available after the refinement process. If not, investigate the failure.
  4. Evaluate Watts needs – Once Alpha Matter is secured, decide whether to convert some to Watts (energy) based on operational needs. Always maintain a 20-30% Alpha Matter reserve.
  5. Mining cycle – When no ore is stored, mine from the planet and immediately refine the result. If no ore is available to mine, explore new planets or wait for extraction cycles.

Principles