One of the more ambitious key features in Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa is the use of Control Points - key pieces of territory that belong to either the AFS or the Bane. So, what's so special about claiming Control Points in the game? Aside from bragging rights, it basically means an easier time for you.

Missions in Tabula Rasa would have you running around bases quite often. However, if the particular base you have to get to to complete your missions has been taken over by the Bane then you'll have to reclaim the territory before you can complete your mission. Control of territory also lets you have access to the resources within it.

Also, taking over a control point would have its own incentives. Defending or taking over a base will entitle players to a medal that they can exchange for something else. In this way the battlefield is constantly changing and in flux. Control of territories will dictate a lot of your character's progress in Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa.