It took all day, and there aren't quite as many features as I would have liked, but tomorrow is another day. I've uploaded the rudimentary framework for the new faction system, and it will serve more as a tour of what's coming up then anything else. I will update the test build again tomorrow once I add a few more features.
You can opt-in to the beta by right-clicking FreeHolder in your library, and switching the build to "beta" under the game options. It keeps a separate library of saves and so forth, so you don't need to worry about it affecting your stable build.
When in the beta, you may press the "p" key to transition immediately to mid-game. You choose a faction, and a faction mission, and then go to it.
Other than fulfilling the missions, and checking out the tantalizing statistics on the highly-detailed "Visit Capital" tab (accessed from the menu by visiting the capital hex on the map screen) there's not much else going on.
For the mid-game, I will need not only your testing skills but massive amounts of player input on balance and consideration towards how fun and interesting certain concepts are. Nothing in the mid-game has ever seen the light of day before; it has been in my head for a very long time. As such, I will need your help to make sure that the mid-game adds to the existing fun, challenge, and depth of FreeHolder and doesn't take away from it.
The mid-game, ideally, must be an upgrade to complexity and challenge for those who have mastered the early game.
I will update the test build as I can, and we are rapidly approaching a formal alpha update. Thanks for your patience, and I look forward to your feedback.
Chris