Ok so im modded the game to start with only 1 planet each but i need to add pirates to stop the rapid expansion as there are no garrisons on the empty planets betwen the rebels and the empire.

is it possible? im modding the Galactic conflict map

if its possible where do i start and how do i do it?

thanks in advance

All you need to do is add tags for each object you want to create on the planet. You should see samples of this in other campaigns, but here's a sample:

<Starting_Forces> Pirates, Hoth, Pirate_Frigate </Starting_Forces>

In this case, the faction is Pirates, the planet is Hoth, and the object to add is Pirate_Frigate. You can repeat this tag as many times as you like with any object you like, and it can be land or space, structure or unit.

I believe changing the pirates ai will get them to start conquering planets.

<AI_Player_Control> Rebel, BasicRebel </AI_Player_Control>
<AI_Player_Control> Pirates, BasicRebel </AI_Player_Control>
<AI_Player_Control> Empire, SandboxHuman </AI_Player_Control>

Also, make sure you go into Factions.xml and have them able to control planets.

They start being able to control planets.

<Can_Control_Planets>true</Can_Control_Planets>

And where do you set what AI they use?