What is the Hidden Faction in Legends?

[BlackRain]

There are spoiler boxes for that very reason, so that people who don't want to see spoilers won't have to. I want to see what it is. In the product description for Distant worlds Legends, it lists a "Hidden Faction" so there must be a hidden faction unless the company is lying about it. So I saw no need to ask if there is a hidden faction when it is explicitly listed as such. I have been trying to find it but haven't yet after many hours so I am getting frustrated.

This is what it says under features for Distant worlds: Legends:

•New character system, including Leaders, Admirals, Generals, Ambassadors, Governors, Agents and Scientists, all with defined skills and traits and the opportunity to advance and improve
•New modelling of borders and spheres of influence
•New expanded gameplay with race-specific events and victory conditions, as well as a new hidden faction!
•Expanded technology tree, including dedicated carriers, cutting lasers, rail guns, new planetary facilities and wonders
•Improved AI and an updated Diplomacy system with refuelling and mining rights as well as immigration policies
•Improved fleet management and automation, including fleet postures
•Improved modding support, including full race and character modding

[Kadrush]

(the following comment might contain a spoiler, read at your discretion)

I have never seen that new faction...

It cant be the Shakturi, neither the Shakturi with that new name (after you trigger that beacon), so I have no idea what it is.

Cant see them either on the game editor...

[ASHBERY76]

They appear after 600 years.

[Kadrush]

Just checked the game files, no racial pictures or script files for a hidden faction...no ship sets either...

[BlackRain]

ORIGINAL: ASHBERY76

They appear after 600 years.

You must be joking.

[Abraxis]

ORIGINAL: ASHBERY76

They appear after 600 years.

Well I guess the cat's out of the bag now. Though I was sure it was 750 years, at least that's how far I had to get to ever see them.

But gods is it worth it.

[jpwrunyan]

The faction is hard coded. You wont see them in the config files.

[Kadrush]

Everytime the game CTD is an intelligence action from the hidden faction...

[Erik Rutins]

[SPOILER]

The hidden faction is indeed the legendary pirates, who can be as strong as a small empire. They were not announced before release and some of the posts from players running into them (and at times the Silvermist at the same time) make for some good reading. [8D]

Regards,

- Erik