What plotlines/missions requires a strong empire to finish fast?

[Raptor34]

Like how the end of the Split and Paranid plots requires a strong economy to finish fast. Or how the end of the ToA/VIG plotline requires a strong fleet to clear it fast.
I'm setting up a new custom game where I want to have minimal empire building this time, but also have the plots finished to play with the extra content too.
Incidentally, how much effort does the end of the Boron campaign take? I want that Hydra Regal and apparently just finishing it via custom game doesn't give it to you. I think?

[Nanook]

Like how the end of the Split and Paranid plots requires a strong economy to finish fast. Or how the end of the ToA/VIG plotline requires a strong fleet to clear it fast.
I'm setting up a new custom game where I want to have minimal empire building this time, but also have the plots finished to play with the extra content too.
Incidentally, how much effort does the end of the Boron campaign take? I want that Hydra Regal and apparently just finishing it via custom game doesn't give it to you. I think?

The Boron plot requires very little station-building to finish.

Spoiler

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The only station building required is a small embassy the Boron queen requires in Teladi space. Otherwise, the ship you are given at the very beginning (if you play as the Boron herald) is all that's required.

[Raptor34]

Excellent. Thanks.
What about the Terran Secret Service or w/e you call it plot? I want to hold on to that for eventually maybe turning it on.
Which reminds me, where do I go buy the Astrid again? Just go look around WIndfall? Same for capturing them manually. Since last time I did it I went for the capture route and just brought a Dragon with Ions and capped them both right there precisely so I don't lose them.

[Nanook]

As I recall, you can buy an Astrid from the brothers if you side with them. But only one instance at time - if you lose one you can buy another.

The Terran plot doesn't require a huge investment, either. I think only the Split and Paranid have that distinction.

You do need to supply Boso Ta with significant amounts of material for the PIO Terraforming quest, although moving the HQ and doing Terraforming will require huge amounts of resources. Most players probably build those modules right into the HQ itself. If you check out the Construction Community Forum, you'll probably find a number of predesigned examples that others have shared.