And we're back!  Here are the settings:

Size: 100x100 (last round 160x160)
Systems: 697 (722 last round)
Families: 8 (9)
Family size: 7 (Increased to 8 mid-round) (8)
Drafts: 1.  No race restrictions this round (previous 1 must be Camaar or Wardancer, 1 must be Partaxian, Revalon, or Quantam)
Max allies: 0 (same)
Length: 1.5 months (was 2.5 months)
Market:  2 days
Offensive Operations: 2 days (was 7 days)
Resources: 10x
Defense Stations: 3
Starting Sunday, June 21 (NOTE: Date was originally Friday, June 19, but was delayed two days)
Ending  Tuesday, July 21

Moreover, a number of other feature and rules changes should be noted for this round.
1: The Sentinel tag has been removed.
2: The inactive script will remove inactive players after 7 days, rather than after 14 days.
3: The 40% net worth rule will kick in after 24 hours of no attacks, rather than 72 hours of no attacks.

Moreover, the moderators will be changing their enforcement of a particular rule for this round only.  FOR THIS ROUND AND THIS GALAXY ONLY, THE MODERATORS WILL NOT BE ENFORCING RULES PROHIBITING ILLEGAL ALLIANCES.  Feel free to organize unofficial alliances and NAPs for this round and this galaxy only.  Moreover, although we cannot remove the official NAP system, moderators will be cancelling official NAPs once noticed or pointed out by players.  Be warned: this means a player who signed an official NAP can report it to a mod and have it removed... making official NAPs as reliable as an unofficial NAP.

Finally, because this is a testing round and a shorter round to provide the opportunity for us to work on some new toys, Stefan has determined that players currently holding a VIP should receive one extra month's time with their premium features.  Enjoy.

Please let the moderators know if you experience any bugs during this round.