This expansion adds two new factions, the CHOAM and the Richese, to the Dune boardgame, along with 2 new variants.
The Combine Honnete Ober Advancer Mercantiles or CHOAM controlled much of the economic affairs across the cosmos, and had a keen interest in Arrakis above and beyond spice production. Because of its control of inter-planetary commerce, CHOAM was the largest single source of wealth in the Imperium. Influence in CHOAM was a major focus of political maneuvering in the Imperium, both to maximize dividends and also to skim profits. The leaders and bureaucrats of CHOAM were dedicated to controlling vital products that enriched the Great Houses . . . and CHOAM itself.
House Richese, just like the Ixians, had a well-earned reputation for ingenuity, and created important technological inventions. But Count Ilban Richese suffered a number of business blunders that threatened to bankrupt their fortunes. After being ousted from governing Arrakis, they were reduced to selling off important creations simply to raise enough funds to continue their efforts to compete.
This expansion also introduces Leader Skills, which let you assign a skill like Mentat, Swordmaster of Ginaz, or Prana Bindu Adept to one of your leader discs. It also included Advanced Stronghold Cards, which give you a "homefield advantage" when battling in a stronghold you control.
—description from the publisher
gjkf
Fascinating ideas and mechanics, fun expansion overall. A few things I don't particularly love, but nothing that a little bit of homebrew can't fix. Definitely recommended.
zfairborn
I consider this an optional expansion that offers nothing great. The "Leaderships Skill" cards are nice, but can add a degree of needless complexity to things. The "Stronghold Cards" are also nice, but again nothing to rant about. Both Leadership and Stronghold cards require you to implement the (somewhat clumsy/clunky) Spice-Enhanced Combat rule - which I'm not a fan of. The two new factions are interesting, but nothing amazing. Richese feels simple to get the hang of; while CHOAM is fun but convoluted. I'd say get "Ix + Tlexaxu" first, and consider this a nice (but unnecessary) addition of choices you can add if you want the added complexity.
Indrick_Boreale
Will update when I've played with them, but from a read through the new rules and races, seems like another beaut addition. But the BGG score has me a pinch concerned.