Good work folks!  Really.  I've been playing this same game (and galciv) for a long time, but the intro and the ease into the intro is heart thumping (not a tingle up the leg though).  Whatever anyone thinks about balance is something to work out later, but for now this looks like a nicely cut stone.

I want to say "Damn"!  Keep it coming.  Worth the wait.

One thing with it being so smooth...

I want to move as much of the UI around as possible.  Just asking nicely.  It could help slow the game down at some points where you really should be thinking as apposed to clicking.  You could remember what you had to think about for that turn if you moved your UI into the center of the screen.

I know thats a tall order.

edit.  click your sov and have him use an item and then throw him into battle without his buddies that where in the stack is not good.  danged orgies.

Thanks anyway.