Huzzah, the devs aren't burying the game with black ops.
Alright, it's time to reveal more about the Black Ops and what they are.
The Black Ops are not so much a fourth empire, but an anti-empire. It is a secret faction that has existed in Auraxis for some time now, but for some reason or another has begun to come out of hiding and take action against the three empires. Their motives are currently unknown. They are small in number but have a method of enhancing their abilities as soldiers, and that makes them formidible foes.
Any player will be able to enlist in the Black Ops, although for now the ability will be sanctioned by a GM. Once the player enlists, he will no longer be a part of his own empire. His sanctuary will become inaccessible and his old empire will become hostile towards him. His only allies will be other players in the Black Ops. He will only be able to communicate to Black Ops players, and will lose all outfit and command chat as well as any communication with his old empire. Instead, he will be given access to a global Black Ops chat that only other Black Ops players can see. Players of different empires can join the Black Ops, team up in squads, and work together to battle all empires at once.
The Black Ops work in small groups, but make up for their lack of numbers in other ways. Their biochemistry has been improved, and health and stamina are greatly increased (1000 and 500 points respectively) and their stamina regenerates at double the rate. Their minds have been enhanced, and they have the knowledge required to use most objects that they could not use normally (similar to training).
There are disadvantages though. Black Ops cannot use the Infiltration Suit or MAX armor. They are not allowed to pilot BFR units.
The Black Ops do not capture bases; instead, they neutralize them. Neutralizing a base does not require a link and there is no timer; it happens instantly (we are still debating over a way to limit this ability). The base is neutral to Black Ops as much as other empires, it is not considered a friendly SOI. However, Black Ops can pull equipment from neutral terminals. In addition, since they are an amalgam of all empires, they will have access to all empires' equipment. They never own a base and do not get facility benefits from them, but they can always pull Tech vehicles and ancient technology equipment.
Black Ops spawn at neutral facilities. Or, they may spawn at the "Black Ops Headquarters", a space station from where they can launch drop pods similar to the HART shuttle. Black Ops can travel freely throughout Auraxis. They are unaffected by empire or cavern locks, and are only prevented from entering the three sanctuaries.
The Black Ops are a force to be reckoned with, but because of this power, no experience or award progress will be given to a player while they are a part of it. However, any player not in the Black Ops that manages to kill a Black Ops player will receive more experience for the kill.
Enlisting in Black Ops is only temporary. The GM that lets you in will give a time limit, which can be viewed in your character info window. Once that time is up, you will revert back to your old empire. You may also leave manually at any time by clicking a button next to the time display.
That's about all the information I have to offer about our new green friends. For now they will only be used during Black Ops events or other special occaisions. Most likely, volunteers will be taken via a sign-up sheet or some other such means. This version of Black Ops is currently undergoing internal testing and we'll probably be having some playtests in a week or two.
Taken directly from: http://comms.planetsidesyndicate.com/sh ... php?t=4235