Welcome to The Kushana Initiative, a play-by-council game. As I play, I'll be posting regular reports and leaving the direction of the game up to those who have chosen to join the council. The planning topic for all discussion leading up to this game and continuing out-of-character discussion can be found here: Play by committee? (Kushana Initiative Planning and Discussion)
Of particular interest is the post detailing the back story for the whole game: Back Story
A summary of gameplay:
- Regular council sessions to take place every game quarter. I'll be posting each quarterly report and any pertinent information, including the UP vote every year, at which time the council will decide the course of action. Essentially, I'll be playing in 12 turn blocks and coming back for direction.
- Between sessions councilors are free to request additional info and entertain any discussion. This includes calling votes and modifying directions.
- The council is comprised of those who took part in the planning discussion. Others may request to join the council, but please read the background material and post a request before joining in. Requests to join should be posted in the planning and discussion thread linked above.
- This topic is for quarterly reports and in-character discussion only. Off topic and out-of-character discussion should be posted in the planning and discussion thread.
The Current Council:
- qrtxian
- NikolaiOmega
- noctilucus
- Talonschild
Inactive Councilors
- LordCarlos
- TMS2224
- -__- (May be addressed as SarcFa)
- Mambaman
Rules of Voting:
1) The ballot should list the issues and have a place for councilors to sign either FOR or AGAINST a measure. (the council or balloteer can decide the exact terms)
2) Councilors should copy the ballot from the last person who voted and add their signatures. No need to rewrite the ballot and no chance for it to be changed in transcription.
3) Make your arguments in a separate space. Don't break up the ballot with comments after each item.
4) Once a vote is cast, it is cast. No changing votes or editing the ballot. Listen to arguments before voting and consider your decisions wisely.
5) To get an issue on the ballot, it should be proposed and seconded. The exact wording/nature of the issue should then be established.
6) Amendments/Addenda - I see these as separate sub-issues. Maybe list them under the main issue and vote separately?
Galaxy Conditions:
Our Competition:
A good mix of opponents. I purposely left out the Terrans and Altarians. Not only am I kinda sick of them, but they would mess up the story. I see the Tolmekians as more neutral, so theres 3 good, 3 evil, and 2 other neutrals. Also note the difficulty - the AI has a 20% economics bonus. Not only that, but I customized each opponent and made sensible ability and politics choices rather than let the computer randomize it. I expect some stiff competition.
Custom Race - The Kushana Initiative:
You'll see that I swapped the PQ bonus for 20% morale. Given the conditions, I want our people happy and making us money! I also did my best to spice up the ships, but that's pretty much it.
That should be it for the start. Now to get into it!
***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***
Dr. Markus Malar
Happy new year, councilors. With proper funding and facilities, our team has managed some solid progress this quarter. We've finished work on Xeno Entertainment, Soil Enhancement, Space Weapons, and Space Defenses, and are poised to make quick progress on a number of other technologies. Our efforts are aided by the expanding facilities on DS17 and our first expansion of Research Base Altius. At the risk of stealing a bit of our new minister's thunder, I will also mention that we're excited by the discovery of another dark energy source near our systems. That's all I can say on the matter. Let's review the current research outlook.
Note that the time estimates may be a bit misleading. They reflect an temporary increase in research spending to finish up Space Defenses by the end of the quarter. My recommendations reflect my own biases this time around. With the development on DS17, we are nearing the time when I'd like an official designation of the Technological Capital. To that end, I suggest starting work on the Advanced Computing necessary to begin construction. Also, our secondary research planets are at the point where they could begin upgrading to Research Centers.
Thank you for your time.
***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***
Minister Sune:
We have a lot to report this quarter as our intelligence capabilities grow. Our agents have been busy, giving us a high level of intelligence on the Drath, a medium level on the Yor and Low for the Korx. There are reports on foreign movements and developments, and a glimpse at the Thalan core systems. There have also been sightings of unarmed defenders around Drath and Thalan worlds.
Our relations and galactic standing. Though well situated, we are still ranked near the bottom of the major powers. Diplomatic skill is the driving force behind our high esteem.
A number of images showing Thalan development. Our freighter took a little extra time to visit some Thalan core systems. We can see why they've been so successful, having arrived in a region dense with habitable planets. The other images show the remains of the Thalan colony fleet heading for distant worlds. There is a close race for the second planet in the Dester system, but our ship will make planetfall first.
Intelligence on the Drath. They have a constructor heading toward what we believe is an unknown resource in their space.
We were able to get intelligence on their manufacturing capital. It is situated on an excellent PQ18 planet, with a few factories already up and running. Our agents also informed us that their home planet of Dratha is the site of a vast, pristine precursor laboratory complex. (yup, the Drath have the 700% bonus on their home world.)
I agree Minister Sune and then maybe we too should start to concentrate more on Trade.....
Minister Andimus:
Well, we certainly have the capability to expand both our trade and defense assets. Four more planets have come under our control this quarter, and shipbuilding has expanded with Holmes IV, DS11, and Bastion I building starports. Our new economic might has allowed us to speed development by pouring money into critical building projects to speed completion.
Viceroy Gunray:
A prosperous new year to the members of the council. We have certainly enjoyed our own prosperity. The trade with the Gnolam went well, with us offering Xeno Medicine in exchange for Diplomatic Relations and 87bc. Using the new technology, we were able to complete the Diplomatic Translators on Fortuna and open up the way for more beneficial exchanges.
Our current economic situation. Over the course of the quarter, our positive income has steadily decreased as our worlds have developed. The high value shown is due to the number of idle worlds. After next quarters work orders are placed, we expect income to drop by half. Spending is also likely to fluctuate, moving away from the high research allocation.
Also, our first trade route has been established and is already turning a profit.
A proposed trade with the Yor. There are other arrangements that could be made, but those would require a fair number of additional technologies instead of our trade techs. Not a bad trade, overall. Colonizing the four known barren worlds would increase our influence and allow our population to continue robust growth, increasing our tax base.
Potential trades with the Drath Legion. Our economic planets are nearing full development. I would like for us either to develop Trade Centers on our own or exchange with the Drath for either Trade Centers or Banking Centers.
Cmdr Mekoides:
Before I proceed to the strategic outlook and summary, I'd like to introduce a new member of the staff. To address our growing deep space operations, we have appointed a Minister of Starbase Operations and Mining. Please welcome Minister Sulimon.
Minister Sulimon:
Thank you, Commander. It is an honor to address the council. As the commander stated, I have been appointed to oversee our growing deep space operations. We currently have three operational starbases: Research Base Altius, Felicity Station, and our galactic resort, which we've named Nirvana. Early next quarter, we'll have a second research base up and running. While upgrade work has begun on Altius, Felicity Station has been upgraded to the extent of our current technology and constructors from the Bastion system are being directed to Nirvana. I will provide additional details and work proceeds.
As a final note, I would like to see resumption of space mining activities, particularly to support our economic worlds where there is little manufacturing capabilty. Oh, also, with the research into Space Weapons, we can now arm our starbases with basic weapons. I suggest we do so.
Here's the galactic map showing developments of the last quarter. It seems that most systems have been claimed by one power or another. There is a cluster to the northeast of Korx space that seems untouched. I think we should send a ship to investigate, though I'd be surprised to find anything of value. It looks like the Drath have claimed a couple resources, with the X indicating a potential third. The next phase seems to be acquisition of resources and development of extreme colonization technology.
A summary of relevant issues:
G'Norlisk:
The council now has one week to discuss the issue of the current quarter. After that time, the ballot will be presented with whatever information is available.
***END TRANSMISSION***
Greetings, Everyone,
For research, I would like to see Research Centers, Advanced Diplomacy, and Advanced Computing, researched this quarter, and being researched in that order would be nice. The reasons I want Research Centers to be researched first are; 1) Our research would be increased for the rest of this quarter. 2) The sooner we start building more advanced research buildings the more benefit we gain. 3) Possibility of increased research potential to allow another tech like Weather Control. The reasons I want Advanced Diplomacy to be researched are; 1) Increased diplomacy will allow for more beneficial trades with other races. 2) Increasing diplomacy before making any trades this quarter will make them more beneficial. And the reasons for wanting Advanced Computing should be obvious.
On trade, I fully support the tech trade with the Drath, no matter what. Obtaining Trade Centers from them would save us the time of researching them for ourselves. I also support the continued construction and use of freighters.
For construction, I suggest that we start building economy starbases as soon as possible near clusters of our colonies to increase production and trade revenue through the later modules for economy starbases. I would wait until we have more expendable income before equipping our starbases with weapons.
On ethics, I stress that we remain ultimately neutral, because neutrallity would benefit us greater in the long run. To remain neutral only make neutral decisions on ethic choices, or for every good choice choose an evil one, and for every evil one choose a good one, depending on the benefits or penalties for the choices.
Also, Commander, I would like to see our current ethical standing. I believe it would be slightly leaning toward good right now.
That is all,
Councilor SarcFa
Esteemed Assembly,
First of all I would like to thank the Commander, our Ministers and Doktor Malar for the wealth of information they've shared with us.
On the topic of research I've been advocating for a while that we pursue advanced computing. At this point in time I cannot assess which route would bring us the fastest increase in research capability: either advanced computing or research centers. Based on my current understanding I would prefer to develop and build research centers first, followed by advanced computing and a technological capital.Once we've brought our research up to par, we'll be in a much better shape to research any other technologies.
With regards to trade centers in my opinion we should get them from trading with the Drath, preferably for advanced trade and level II sensors.
I would also agree to resume space mining operations as the time and cost required are fairly limited.
Speaking of trading, do we have a view on when it would be possible for us to look into forming research or economic treaties?
Lastly on ethical standing, Councilor SarcFa, could you elaborate a little further on the benefits you see in remaining neutral? While I do have a good view on the benefits of each ethical alignment, I believe we should discuss more in-depth which ones bring the most benefit... and let's not forget that our alignment will play an important role in politics with the other races, in particular our closest neighbours.
Yours sincerely,Councilor Noctilucus
Ministers and fellow Councillors pressing matters on my homeworld demand that I be brief so in short:
Minister Andimus: please elucidate on the spec and capability of this new 'Visionary Class' ship that you mention earlier
Yours,
Councillor Mambaman
Councilor Noctilucus,
The benefits for being neutral will help us greatly in trade and colonial developement. Neutrality helps us in trade by granting trade benefits, for neutral traders are the best. Neutrality helps us in colonial developement by allowing us to terraform our planets very quickly when we have the proper technologies. Also, neutrality would help with negotiations with our largest and, so far, strongest neighbor, the Thalans.
***SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***
In the interest of time, I'll address the concerns of the council.
On the issue of treaties, we've broached the subject during our latest communications and it seems the diplomatic climate is still a bit cool for serious negotiations. I couldn't give an exact timeline, but there are hints that some of our neighbors may be ready to move on the issue. Our agents and diplomats are constantly alert for developments and we'll notify the council when appropriate.
Our ethical standing. Though trending toward good, we are still considered a neutral civilization. We were fortunate enough to have the financial means to deal with the precursor war machines effectively. Our handling of the situation raised goodwill toward us, essentially buying us some leeway for the next difficult decision.
The Visionary, the first of its kind. Built with the best in propulsion and sensor technologies, it will lead a fleet of exploratory vessels to uncover secrets long hidden by the dark energy storms.
Just a reminder that the session will close in approximately 24 hours. Please submit any final comments before then. As usual, voting will begin immediately after the ballot is presented.
There is no change to the way voting will be handled. Please observe the same procedures used for the last vote. A brief reminder will be presented along with the ballot.
I agree with Councilor SarcFa on the benefits of neutrality. Faster terraforming, better relations with the powerful Thalans, improved trade, better research centres later...we can't pass that up.
To combat the income-draining improvements we've built, more trade and more economic planets is a must. A strong economy is the most important part of a successful civilization.
Advanced Computing, Weather Control, Advanced Diplomacy, and Sensors III are my recommendations for research. If we can complete Sensors IV quickly, it will open up the invaluable Eyes of the Universe. That will make sensors on ships unnecessary and let us know the locations of ALL ships in the area. As well, I highly recommend we complete Missile Weapon Theory soon, as well as Stinger I. We should have weapons technology ready in case we are unexpectedly attacked. I am indifferent to Research Centres, but they should be researched very soon.
The trade with the Yor is a good idea, and obtaining Trade Centres is smart as well, but wait for Advanced Diplomacy and do not get Xeno Banks (they take a long time to build).
Space mining should be done by cheap, engineless craft. It is worth it, just have the mine beam to a planet that is constructing something.
Councilors,
I too concur with Councilor SarcFa. Our preferred alignment should be neutrality. I would like to note, however, that we must be careful tying ourselves too closely to the Thalans. It remains unclear how much of a danger they might pose, but unless we are able to negotiate a formal alliance we can never entirely trust them. I therefore recommend that we make sure to send freighters to other races as well - preferrably the Gnolams, as was suggested during the previous session.
In regards to technologies and trade, I agree that Xeno Banking Centers would take an unnecessarily long time to build. I recommend that we trade for them from the Drath, so as to focus more on other technologies, especially Advanced Computing, Research Centers, and Basic Logistics. While the last is not on the council's list of suggestions, current projections indicate we can research it quickly, and it would be convenient to have it already when the time comes to militarize. Although I feel that time hasn't arrived just yet, we should be prepared for when it does. Therefore, I also suggest that we begin research on at least one weapons technology before the next quarter. As far as the proposed trade with the Yor, I support it, but recommend that we don't focus heavily on colonizing barren worlds just yet, as they will be time-consuming and expensive to develop.
Finally, as far as resuming space mining operations, while it isn't a priority by any means, building one or two space miners would be acceptable with me.
Proposals:
We will now present the ballot. Though there seems to be broad consensus on a number of issues, we must still proceed with voting.
To vote, please copy the the most recent ballot then add your votes and sign at the bottom.
For research, please number the proposed technologies in the order you would like to see them researched. For other issues, please mark your vote as follows:
In favor: + Against: - No opinion/abstain: 0
Regarding the weapons techs, Missile Weapons have been proposed. If there are any objections or further comments, you may add them at the bottom of your ballot.
Research
Advanced Computing :
Advanced Diplomacy :
Basic Logistics :
Missile Weapon Theory :
Research Centers :
Sensors III :
Stinger I :
Weather Control :
Foreign Relations
Tech exchange with Drath for Trade Centers :
Wait for Adv. Diplo for Trade with Yor (else will proceed immediately):
Send freighter to Gnolams :
Starbase and Mining Operations
Arm Starbases :
Construct Economic Starbases :
Resume Space Mining :
Signature:
Advanced Computing : 5
Advanced Diplomacy : 6
Basic Logistics : 4
Missile Weapon Theory : 3
Research Centers : 8
Sensors III : 7
Stinger I : 2
Weather Control : 1
Tech exchange with Drath for Trade Centers : +
Wait for Adv. Diplo for Trade with Yor (else will proceed immediately): +
Send freighter to Gnolams : +
Arm Starbases : +
Construct Economic Starbases : +
Resume Space Mining : 0
Signature: Mambaman
Advanced Computing : 5, 2
Advanced Diplomacy : 6, 1
Basic Logistics : 4, 6
Missile Weapon Theory : 3, 7
Research Centers : 8, 4
Sensors III : 7, 5
Stinger I : 2, 8
Weather Control : 1, 3
Tech exchange with Drath for Trade Centers : +, +
Wait for Adv. Diplo for Trade with Yor (else will proceed immediately): +, +
Send freighter to Gnolams : +, +
Arm Starbases : +, +
Construct Economic Starbases : +, +
Resume Space Mining : 0, +
Signature: Mambaman, NikolaiOmega
Advanced Computing : 5, 2, 7
Advanced Diplomacy : 6, 1, 8
Basic Logistics : 4, 6, 3
Missile Weapon Theory : 3, 7, 1
Research Centers : 8, 4, 6
Sensors III : 7, 5, 4
Stinger I : 2, 8, 2
Weather Control : 1, 3, 5
Tech exchange with Drath for Trade Centers : +, +, +
Wait for Adv. Diplo for Trade with Yor (else will proceed immediately): +, +, +
Send freighter to Gnolams : +, +, +
Arm Starbases : +, +, +
Construct Economic Starbases : +, +, 0
Resume Space Mining : 0, +, +
Signature: Mambaman, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224
Advanced Computing : 5, 2, 7, 4
Advanced Diplomacy : 6, 1, 8, 2
Basic Logistics : 4, 6, 3, 6
Missile Weapon Theory : 3, 7, 1, 5
Research Centers : 8, 4, 6, 1
Sensors III : 7, 5, 4, 8
Stinger I : 2, 8, 2, 7
Weather Control : 1, 3, 5, 3
Tech exchange with Drath for Trade Centers : +, +, +, +
Wait for Adv. Diplo for Trade with Yor (else will proceed immediately): +, +, +, 0
Send freighter to Gnolams : +, +, +, 0
Arm Starbases : +, +, +, 0
Construct Economic Starbases : +, +, 0, 0
Resume Space Mining : 0, +, +, 0
Signature: Mambaman, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224, SarcFa
Advanced Computing : 5, 2, 7, 4, 1
Advanced Diplomacy : 6, 1, 8, 2, 4
Basic Logistics : 4, 6, 3, 6, 6
Missile Weapon Theory : 3, 7, 1, 5, 3
Research Centers : 8, 4, 6, 1, 2
Sensors III : 7, 5, 4, 8, 8
Stinger I : 2, 8, 2, 7, 7
Weather Control : 1, 3, 5, 3, 5
Tech exchange with Drath for Trade Centers : +, +, +, +, +
Wait for Adv. Diplo for Trade with Yor (else will proceed immediately): +, +, +, 0, +
Send freighter to Gnolams : +, +, +, 0, +
Arm Starbases : +, +, +, 0, 0
Construct Economic Starbases : +, +, 0, 0, +
Resume Space Mining : 0, +, +, 0, +
Signature: Mambaman, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224, SarcFa, qrtxian
Advanced Computing : 5, 2, 7, 4, 1, 2
Advanced Diplomacy : 6, 1, 8, 2, 4, 3
Basic Logistics : 4, 6, 3, 6, 6, 8
Missile Weapon Theory : 3, 7, 1, 5, 3, 4
Research Centers : 8, 4, 6, 1, 2, 1
Sensors III : 7, 5, 4, 8, 8, 7
Stinger I : 2, 8, 2, 7, 7, 5
Weather Control : 1, 3, 5, 3, 5, 6
Tech exchange with Drath for Trade Centers : +, +, +, +, +, +
Wait for Adv. Diplo for Trade with Yor (else will proceed immediately): +, +, +, 0, +, 0
Send freighter to Gnolams : +, +, +, 0, +, +
Arm Starbases : +, +, +, 0, 0, 0
Construct Economic Starbases : +, +, 0, 0, +, 0
Resume Space Mining : 0, +, +, 0, +, +
Signature: Mambaman, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224, SarcFa, qrtxian, Noctilucus
Tallybot 5202:
Input data . . .
Analyzing . . .
Compiling results . . .
Generating report . . .
Voting Results
Councilors Responding: 6
Advanced Computing : 5, 2, 7, 4, 1, 2 = 21
Research Centers : 8, 4, 6, 1, 2, 1 = 22
Weather Control : 1, 3, 5, 3, 5, 6 = 23
Missile Weapon Theory : 3, 7, 1, 5, 3, 4 = 23
Advanced Diplomacy : 6, 1, 8, 2, 4, 3 = 24
Stinger I : 2, 8, 2, 7, 7, 5 = 31
Basic Logistics : 4, 6, 3, 6, 6, 8 = 33
Sensors III : 7, 5, 4, 8, 8, 7 = 39
Tech exchange with Drath for Trade Centers : +, +, +, +, +, +: Pass 6-0
Wait for Adv. Diplo for Trade with Yor : +, +, +, 0, +, 0: Pass 4-0
Arm Starbases : +, +, +, 0, 0, 0: Pass 3-0
Construct Economic Starbases : +, +, 0, 0, +, 0: Pass 3-0
Signature: SarcFa, mambaman, TMS2224, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, qrtxian
Transmitting results to Exterra Command . . .
Transmission complete.
***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***
***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***
***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, APRIL 01, 2229***
Councilors, there is much to discuss this session. We have made incredible progress, but have suffered a few setbacks along the way. Our growing fleet of survey vessels has thrown open the veil obscuring this region, delivering treasure to our republic and uncovering hidden resources. Together, they have collected over a dozen valuable artifacts and anomalous materials. Their explorations have also nearly doubled our diplomatic contacts, reaching five additional galactic powers. This opened the opportunity for a very beneficial trading arrangement with the Krynn, with other potentially promising trades yet available.
As for our setbacks, they have been entirely at the hands of the Thalans.
First, you can see that the Thalans managed to claim the second planet in the Dester system. There was another colony ship that we hadn't detected heading in from the west. Our colony ship proceeded west, finding the Iconian and Krynn planets. It was only this last week that the Bulrathi colonized that third planet and the Trilarian scout ship entered sensor range.
Here you can see the resource discovered by the Eye of Sauron. These energetic crystals could have greatly enhanced our military capabilites. Our own constructor is just off screen to the south. The Thalans claimed this resource before we could move on it.
There is one other setback that raises some concern. Our agents informed us that the Thalans have developed Electronic Counter Measures (ECM). These are advanced defenses against missile type weapons. We have no knowledge of what prompted this development. There are suggestions of espionage, some going so far as to suggest that the defection of Exterra II to our republic was merely a means to infiltrate our networks. It is a minority opinion, but is sure to generate some tension with our Thalan population. We are monitoring the situation closely and have increased security measures. Fortunately, our agents brought us this information before we started work on Missile Weapon Theory. We have delayed weapons research to allow the council to evaluate the matter.
The explorations of the Farscape survey vessel. We discovered an unstable wormhole near Fortuna and sent the Farscape to investigate, along with a constructor for logistic support. They emerged just north of Korx space, beyond our maximum range. The constructor established the Sentinel I military starbase to support the Farscape and establish our claim on the area.
We already have a constructor en route, with another ready to launch.
The galactic map, edited to show expansion and our current range estimates. Expansion has slowed across most of the region, with the notable exception of the Torians. Our agents have reported that the various powers are researching colonization and invasion technologies. Given the scarcity of unclaimed habitable planets, it seems many intend to continue expansion one way or another.
Sentinel I and our new Life Support technolgy obtained from the Krynn now allow us access to a majority of the galaxy.
I'm sure you have questions. The staff will now present their material, which may address some of them.
***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
We have much new information to present. I'll present an overview of our new contacts and will do my best to answer any questions that remain.
Relations and economic data. We remain in neutral esteem with most powers. Our trade and ethics draw us closer to the Thalans.
There seems to be a general uptick in economic activity, though we haven't seen much benefit from it.
Important developments. We received word through our intelligence channels of a race known as the Psilonics, but have yet to contact them. Continuing reports suggest that the various galactic powers are maturing, entering a phase of heavy development.
The recently encountered native races. Though their holdings are minor, they are significant in that each one of them is capable of thriving in a different extreme environment.
A glimpse at the Iconians and Krynn. Both have significant holdings. The Krynn have already proven to be valuable trade partners.
Lastly, we cannot say the Thalans were entirely victorious this time around. Our agents were able to aid the Gnolams in stealing Thalan technology. Unfortunately, we can't benefit directly from this. If any Thalan technology were found in our hands it could spark an incident. It does, however, increase the stature of the Gnolams and bring them closer to us.
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