Example sub-paths off of Loyalist and Rebel. Each sub-path will have specific perks associated with them making it desirable to go down a particular path. Once the initial path is started it can't be changed.
Loyalists
Diplomat->Alliance
Your empire believe disagreements can be resolved politically. You are more likely to build alliance with the majority of factions making it easier to reach cease fires and pacts.
Indoctrination->Assimilation
Your empire is about the conversion or assimilation of other factions to your cause. This may be accomplished through alliances with friendly empires, or through outright conversions of enemies. Empires focused on assimilation will occasionally convert ships or even Planets to their cause during battles. Your desire to assimilate other empires is so powerful, culture is generated directly from your capital ships and titans.
Xenophobia->Isolationist
Xenophobia Your empire has a distinct hatred and distrust for any faction different from my own. I have anti-Xeno bigotry that focuses on the destruction of all factions different from my own.
Your empire is hesitant to become involved in the affairs of others and chooses to close of my empire in an attempt to isolate itself. Your empire is able to deploy an extra starbase in each gravity and ability to defend your system is enhanced.
Marketeer->Megacorp
Your empire is adept at manipulating economies and control the Black Market removing any penalties with trading credits, metal and crystal.
Your empire understands the importance of a viable economy and how to build it. Trade income is dramatically boosted for your empire
Mobilization->Migrant Fleet
Your empire has decided mobility is the best option for survival reducing the need for orbital structures as research and development is moved to your capital ships. Once mobilized your faction is able to research a later ability to Strip planets for income. Mobile factions have less opportunity to build alliances with other factions.
Migrant Fleet
Your empire is now fully mobile with the ability to Strip planets for income. Mobile factions have less opportunity to build alliances with other factions.
Rebel
Hunger->Bloodlust
The bloodlust has consumed your empire resulting in the mass extinction of this system.
Criminal->Syndicate
Your empire has no regard for the laws of others making it difficult for other factions to ally with you though you'll ally with anyone if it suits your purpose. It's difficult to tell the Pirates from your empire especially as you are able to purchase pirate reinforcements whenever they are needed. Stealing income and resources from other empires is a matter of pride for your empire.
Hardliner->Militant
Your empire believes your way is the only correct way. Faction relations with non-similar species is nearly impossible as a result. Your empire however, is very resolute in beliefs resulting in increased allegiance and tax income in your system. Your empire is also very aggressive in defending it's system resulting in extra damage, armor and defenses.
You're empire is focused solely on military expansion and control. Consequently investments in better military technology comes at the expense of a slower building economy. Your ships and structures however are more heavily armored and armed and cheaper to build.
Purification->Retribution
Your empire is focused on the purification of this system.
Your empire seeks retribution against those that has harmed it.
Singularity->Seed AI
Your empire is extremely gifted or advanced compared to others. Your time and cost to research technology is significantly reduced.
