Hmm, I can think of a few suggestions.
I think it'd benefit us to emphasize on being a true legacy of the Galactic Empire - a new, polished and reformed version that is a strong government in its own right. So yes, definitely use Palpatine's heritage, while at the same time make it clear the First Order is a different, better thing. I remember there were many imperial factions, let's focus on that particular player base and draw those interested in.
As for going to war, I do not believe the Republic to be the enemy here. Lemme explain; they didn't do much lately. Why would imps be pissed at them if Pubs were just getting pushed around by the 0S? Who is our real enemy, who do we blame for the all the other imperial factions failing?
I completely understand the Pubs are weakened now and would be a suitable target for our little group of young fascists to war with, but do we want to do what all dark and evil factions do? Would Pub players want yet another war? Maybe it'd be too much OOC drama for what it's worth. And if we do declare war on the Pubs, the GA will immediately steamroll us, so, eh...
An interesting option would be to watch the ongoing GA/0S conflict and join the winning side once one starts to beat the other
And what we definitely need to avoid are illogical and counter-productive actions for the sake of evil. Let's not be like Sith factions :angry: :lol:
But those are all just ideas of a rotting brain