I was wondering, are there any circumstances which can lead to drone production less than (fertility-1 for princess)? IE, if shortest lifespan or over-use of chocolate frames could lead to 1 or 2 drones being produced instead of 3 for a 4 fertility bee.
No. I haven't experienced nor do I know of anything than can reduce Fertility other than reducing Fertility directly. There are no frames, other traits, or any modifier that will cause Fertility to drop or increase.
Note that Ignoble Princesses will eventually die, but while they live, they will always produce the same number of drones and 1 Ignoble Princess.
Early game, I use all Princesses - Ignoble and Pristine both - to get started with bees. However, I'll only bother breeding with Pristine. I will also get Maximum Fertility (4 drones) ASAP so I increase the odds of a new species each breeding attempt. Shorest Lifespan is also very nice to have.
Soul Frames and Chocolate Frames are good early on, but I switch to Metabolic and Necrotic and eventually Oblivion as I progress through Thaumcraft.
Late game, I will make sure my bees in my Impregnated-Framed Alvearies have the following traits:
- Fastest Production
- Longest Lifespan
- Fertility = 1
- Cave
- Flyer (Rain Shield)
- Nocturnal
- Rocks Pollination
- <some desirable Effect, like Swiftness, etc.>
The Fertlity = 1 is so I don't have to deal with drones late-game. I will make drones as needed for breeding using Serums and late-game, I usually have way more than enough DNA saved up from melting earlier stacks of drones.
