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 ALPHA***
Viceroy Gunray:
Our economic outlook remains positive. Though our surplus has shrunk, we are supporting a development boom and have increased espionage spending. Our trade with the Thalans continues to yield profit. We have two more outbound freighters - one that should reach Dratha next quarter and another heading to the Gnolams homeworld.
We have substantial cash reserves in the treasury to speed our development and hedge against a downturn.
The current economic report.
Our trade with the Krynn. By the time we were ready to approach the Drath, we had just contacted the Krynn and Iconians. We found the Krynn to be superior trading partners. Whereas the Drath are very tight traders, the Krynn were willing to offer most favorable terms.
As Minister Sune alluded, these minor powers each have a different colonization technology that they are willing to trade.
And to answer the question asked last session, it seems that our neighbors are now willing to enter into treaties. The Drath and Iconians have established economic and research treatires, respectively, with an unknown third party. We suspect the Torians. No other treaties have been inked as yet. Preliminary talks tell us that our economic treaty is highly valued, with some even willing to offer multiple planets in exchange. The Thalans are even willing to part with their recently built economic capital. I suspect the Trade and Finance administration will be quite busy next quarter.
***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***
Dr. Markus Malar
Things have been quite hectic in the labs. We've established a new research base, furthered our own technological advancement, and implemented a bundle of new technology from the Krynn. We finished work on Advanced Computing, Research Centers, and Weather Control. Due to the concerns about Missile Weapon Theory, we held off on that and began work on Advanced Diplomacy for the last week.
Our laboratories are in the process of being upgraded, and we're nearing a point where we'll start work on the Technological Capital.
Current research options. With regards to military technology, we haven't seen any other defensive technologies yet. The only weapons technologies were developed by the Yor and Trilarian. The Yor have Beam Weapon Theory and Mass Driver Theory , while the Trilarian have Beam Weapon Theory and Missile Weapon Theory . I suppose we could broach the subject of technology exchange with either of them, though I imagine weapon technology will be dear.
The Drath Planet Thielbahr II. Our agents tell us they have mastered Precursor History and Dark Energy Studies. We can see that they're building a Dark Energy Lab here. This is a planet to watch.
Minister Sulimon:
Good to see you again, councilors. As the doctor mentioned, we have established a new research base at the site of the second dark energy source. Research Base Citius is fully operational and ready for further expansion.
Acquisition of Xeno Factory Construction from the Krynn has allowed us to further expand our existing starbases. We have yet to arm any of them, but Research Base Altius, Felicity Station, and Nirvana will be fully upgraded early this quarter. After work is done at Altius, constructors from the DS system will begin building economic starbases to support their own research and industry.
Minister Andimus:
Well, I certainly have no cause to complain, councilors. I have been given everything I've asked for and more. Construction is ubiquitous as we upgrade existing facilities and build new ones. No part of our infrastructure is excepted.
Our colonies. We added a designation to each planet indicating its primary output. Since we have only a couple planets focused on research, we're considering Tabb as a new site. It was initially slated as an economic planet, but if finances allow we'll build labs.
Work continues across the republic. It will take some time to complete all upgrades. Exterra and Fortuna will be able begin construction of Weather Control Zeniths this quarter. Other planets will start work when they are able.
With so much work to do, I can't justify pushing any further infrastructure research at this point. I am concerned, though, with the halt in colonization. I'd like for us to develop the capability to settle some of the inhospitable planets we've found, whether through research or technology exchange. I'm particularly interested in the PQ22 barren world in the Canopus system. It is currently my top pick for our Manufacturing Capital and a good candidate for the Stellar Forge. Other than that, there are several high quality worlds that remain unclaimed. We should do our best to pursue them.
Cmdr Mekoides:
That concludes our presentation for this session. I presented my material in the opening, so there's nothing else for me to show here. In closing, I would like to highlight the slow drift toward militarization. A few have developed weapons technologies, while the Korx are one week from prefecting Planetary Invasion. Others will surely follow. We seem to be keeping pace, but I still favor the idea of obtaining a weapon theory through trade. As the Trilarian appear to be a good candidate for such an exchange, I recommend that we extend an offer to them.
With that, we open the floor to discussion.
A summary of issues:
G'Norlisk:
The council now has one week to discuss the issues of the current quarter. After that time, the ballot will be presented with whatever information is available.
***END TRANSMISSION***
Estimable Ministers,
Great job! I am quite happy with the way you have run the Initiative. I am sure you willl continue to do a fantastic job in the years to come. Keep it up!
Honored Council,
Here are my ideas on the presented issues:
PROPOSED "AMMENDMENTS"
Trust Treaties- This "ammendment" would make it so that before a research/economic treaty with a race is established the Commander and the Ministers would have to make a report on it. The following info would have to be included on the report for Economic Treaties: The race's relation level with the Initiative, Their economic power, their amount of planets, their military power. For Reseacrch Treaties: The race's relation level with the Initiative, Their current research level, their amount of planets, their military power, the Techs they currently have that we don't, the techs we have that they don't. Once the report is posted the Council will reveiw it and vote on wether or not to create the treaty in the next quarterly session OR on a specefied voting date.
Trust Treaties Version 2- For those of you that think the above "ammendment" is to complicated I created this. This would require that before any treaties could be established we would have to reach the "Friendly" level in diplomatic relations with race in question before we could establish the treaty. Once the friendly level is reached the Commander and Ministers could decide wether or not to establish the treaty.
Esteemed assembly,
The growth of the Thalan economy is worrying, there are no clear mitigating actions that could be taken now but I do see this as a major concern. I think we should aim to increase spending in a way that speeds up our research (rush-buying labs or a technological capital). We do have a decent cash inflow and could always slightly decrease espionage spending if required.
Trade for weapons tech, preferably with Trilarian & Trade for colonization tech - Bulrathi, Trilarian, Silicoid (Yor?)With regards to the native races we've encountered: I think it is perfect to actively trade with them, making them stronger and improving our own technological position at the same time. We will have to see how steep a price they ask for weapon technology though, it might be more beneficial to research that ourselves.The same goes for colonization technologies which are often only traded under the most favourable circumstances. I would be willing to pay a high price for barren world colonization, in light of the PQ22 world in the Canopus system.We should get our manufacturing capital up as soon as possible (second priority right after the technological capital)As soon as we have a certain weapon technology, we should build a few small military ships to avoid any of the other races thinking that we are a defenseless easy prey.
Establish economic and research treaties? We should try to get a research and/or econ alliance with one of the major powers before all those races have closed deals between them, excluding us.
Research agenda? No strong recommendation from staff.I would recommend the following research plan: Mass driver theory for a few steps (or acquire those through trading), Research academies, Advanced hullsI favour mass drivers seeing that this is currently the least common type, so there is less chance of other races developing countermeasures against thoseSincerely,Councilor Noctilucus
Esteemed Councillors and Ministers
I will be brief:
My only concern reflects those of my colleague Noctilus and that is that we must research a weapon tech (I also favour Mass Driver tech given the Thalan research of point defence systems) and start to build some 'Defender' Class fighters as soon as possible to avert any avaricious race deciding that we are ripe for plucking
I am sure that on all other matters or research and trade that i will be in agreement with the consensus
Sincerely
Mambaman
***SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
It seems the discussion for this session has run its course. As the opinions presented are widely similar, I propose to move forward without voting. The input from the council will be taken under advisement.
The greatest point of concern seems to be our stance toward treaties. We wouldn't consider entering into such a significant agreement without input from the council. When the time comes, a special session will be called to allow the council to weigh in on the matter.
Councilors, commander,
As with the rest of the council, I am in broad agreement on the issues. I wish only to say two things:
My first suggestion is that we attempt to cultivate good relations with the Trilarians, similar to the Gnolams. Should another trade route become legal, I recommend that we send our next freighter to them. I also strongly support trading with them for both available technologies.
I believe it is best that we focus our research attentions on beam weapons, not mass drivers, for two reasons. Firstly, the Trilarians have begun research into this area; as such, if we develop a relationship with them we can exchange our technologies freely. Secondly, if we look down the road a bit, beam weapons are likely to prove more effective and quicker to research then mass drivers. As no known power has developed countermeasures to either, we have no obvious reason not to research beam weapons.
I am in agreement with the broad thrust of Councillor qrtxian's proposals here esteemed colleagues...
***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***
***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***
***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, JULY 01, 2229***
Members of the council, pressing matters present a number of our staff members from being able to attend this meeting. In the interest of time, we'll transmit all pertinent data with minimal commentary then open the floor for questions.
What you're going to see is a period of rapid expansion. A second wave of colonization is nearing an end as various powers rush to claim the last planets with extreme environments. We are doing well for ourselves in this regard. We have also begun a period of militarization and face the threat of hostilities. We, and others, have been threatened directly by the Yor Collective. There is no reason for worry, at this point. You'll see that we remain well situated to deal with any threats and have begun work on our own fleet of warships.
The quarterly report, last quarter's map, and this quarter's map. The details are left out, but could be added later, upon request. The report shows a new galactic dynamic with the appearance of warships. Our own small fleet has catapulted our esteem.
Galactic economies and militaries. The Yor and Iconians are moving quickly. Our own small fleet shows up at the bottom right, and we continue to produce defensive ships as the second wave of colonization winds down. The Yor are early leaders, but we don't think they have the infrastructure to remain on top.
The depredations of the Yor. They may have bullied the Bulrathi into accepting their demands, but they will get no such satisfaction from us.
The research outlook. Our research path for the quarter was Advanced Diplomacy->Sensors III->Lasers->Lasers II->Advanced Hulls (5 weeks left). We finished Advanced Diplomacy to further our advantage in the large trades proposed for this quarter. Sensors III helped us to further our research by allowing us to construct the Nano Recorders on Fortuna (+10% Research). Lasers have obvious applications, and we started work on Advanced Hulls. Not only was it proposed by the council, but our agents have informed us that the Thalans are developing Xinathium Hull Plating on one of their worlds. If we complete research we stand a good chance of beating them to the punch.
Our technology trades with native races. We obtained all the desired colonization and weapons technology along with economic and research treaties from the Trilarian and Gnolam. Also shown is our economic standing after the trades, showing that the treaties were bringing in 70bc/week.
While discussing trading, we've had a good quarter. Our freighter reached Dratha, and a Thalan freighter set up a trade route to DS17. In addition, there are two more Thalan freighters inbound for Exterra.
We have two more freighters outbound. One will reach the Gnolams in a few weeks, the other has been heading generally north, but has no set destination. We haven't yet found any Trilarian worlds. Perhaps the council has an opinion in the matter?
Our new colonies. All are extreme environments near or within our sphere of influence. Production is going to be slow until we perfect our colonization technologies, but we can use our economic might to drive development. There are only a handful of worlds left that we will be able to claim.
Our agents and contacts continue to bring news of important developments around the galaxy. The intelligence from the Thalan world is only a few weeks old, leaving us time to act on the Xinathium Hull Plating.
We encountered a race known as the Darloks. We have also encountered scout ships from the Drengin Empire and spotted planets controlled by the Torian Confederation. That means we have established contact with all major races and 6 of 8 suspected native races.
Much to our dismay, the Yor claimed this resource before our constructor could arrive. I suppose it's only their nature that they turned around and used it as a tool to extort tribute. We did discover another source of medicinal compounds that will boost the morale of our people. Our new mining base is yet to be named. Any suggestions?
As you can see, councilors, we are entering a critical and dangerous time. Though I don't see the Yor as a long term threat to us, I do see such a threat emerging in other forms. We must be ready for it. I'll conclude with a review of our defensive capabilities and a summary of our holdings.
Peltast fighters and Aegis II heavy fighters are being rushed into service as we speak. We'll have defensive craft around all our worlds before long and will continue to form fleets to patrol our space.
Our colonies and economic report. Our surplus has grown considerably even since the report from earlier in the quarter. Our excess revenues will be used to drive planetary development and establishment of our defensive fleet. Although construction on the Technological Capital hasn't yet begun, we forecast being able to finish work by the end of the next quarter.
And finally, there was a senate vote last quarter. The Federalists retain a majority of the senate, allowing us to continue with our agenda.
With that, I open the floor to your comments and questions.
Before saying anything else, I'd like to make a request: what is our current diplomatic status with all other major powers, and do we have access to information on any of their warship designs? Additionally, do the Trilarian possess a military force? The initial quarterly report suggests that they do.
Yes I too would add to Councillor Qrtxian's request by also asking what the status of our espionage deployment is
Esteemed Assembly,
First let me congratulate the people involved on the great trading deals they have managed to close with the other races - in particular getting economical and technological alliances, as well as on the work that was completed this quarter in the area of research, colonization and ship building.
Speaking of alliances, is there a possibility to have an economical and perhaps research alliance with any of the other major powers?
I would send our last remaining trade ship to a far-away planet with high economic output (the further, the better since it will bring back more rare goods, increasing profits) though preferably a route that avoids Yor space, if ever war breaks out.
In the area of research I would strongly urge to research bigger hulls, then more advanced laser weapons, followed by research academies. What benefits does this Xeno anthropology technology bring again?
In terms of building and production: I'd like to see our Technological Capital up and running as soon as possible, I would even recommend putting that planet's focus on construction until it is built.We should continue to produce military ships - mixed with larger hulls as soon as they are available - to catch up with the Yor military force before they consider us easy prey. Not that we are, but it would be beneficial if they continued their extortion attempts elsewhere.For ships that have a purely defensive goal, we might consider building them without engines as they do not need any off-planet capabilities. This would reduce production time; not sure whether this has an impact on maintenance costs.Yours sincerely,Councillor Noctilucus
Our diplomatic relations. On espionage, we have eight agents in the field. Four are assigned to each the Krynn and Iconian, and have provided a medium level of intelligence on them. When they have returned a high level of intelligence, they will be assigned to recently contacted Drengin and Torians. We have high intelligence on all other major powers.
Our only glimpse at Yor and Iconian warships shows them armed with mass driver weapons. We are unable to obtain any data on the Trilarian fleet, but the report and the fact that we obtained weapons technology from them favors the conclusion that they have some warships of their own.
Xeno Antropology is the detailed study of alien cultures and takes us down the path of spreading our own culture beyond the star systems we control. Doctor Malar has expressed support for Councilor Noctilucus's research proposals and has sent word that construction of the Technological Capital is top priority on DS17. He is very concerned that our research output is lagging.
Our options for economic treaties have dwindled down to the Krynn and Iconians. As the Krynn have a more powerful economy, perhaps we can arrange a mutually beneficial arrangement with them?
Esteemed Council,
I would like to congratulate the people involved on the perfect trading deals they have managed to make with the other races. I couldn't be happier. In particular I loved getting economical and technological alliances. The work that was completed this quarter in the area of research, colonization and ship building was nothing short of exemplary.
On the topic of alliances, I think the Krynn would be a suitable canidate for an alliance or alliances.
I would send our last remaining trade ship to a far-away homeworld with high economic output. Failig that it would be great to establish one at a far-away developed planet.
In regards to research, I would strongly urge to research bigger hulls, then more advanced laser weapons, and possibly some missile technologies.
In terms of building and production I totally agree with Councillor Noctilucus. On the topis of defensive ships I agree with Noctulicus as well.
Also, I would like to submit two possible names for the station, Yorktown Station, or Virginia Station.
Finally, I would like to present this matter, could the councillors present names for ships? Just a thought...
Thank you for your time.Yours sincerely,Councillor TMS2224
Commander,
My thanks for providing that additional information which is extremely useful. Based on this most recent intel, I do agree that the Krynn make a very suitable candidate for an alliance, in particular seeing the deal that we would expect to close with them, where we are getting an economical and research alliance from them in return for our economical alliance.
On the topic of Xeno Anthropology, this does not look like a path that should be investigated anytime soon.
Your sincerely,Councillor Noctilucus
Fellow councilors,
I am very pleased with our progress so far, especially the military build-up. It will help in negotiations and keep other races from threatening us as much.
For research I think the most important objective is Advanced Hulls. We cannot allow the Thalans to beat us to XHP. Other than that, I propose that we research the following soon: Sensors IV, Basic Logistics, Alliances, Research Academies, and Lasers III-V.
An alliance with the Krynn would be an excellent idea. We are far enough apart so we can't get in each other's way, they control an impressive amount of territory, and trade routes with them would be lucrative.
For the new station, I suggest Kintone Station. Also, TMS2224's suggestions are suspiciously Terran...
My opinion on TMS2224's proposal for naming ships is that we only name ships that are Medium-hulled or higher, or important cargo-hulled ships.
That is all I have to say.
-Councillor Nikolai
The names that I have suggested can be found in history books brought with the first ship from Terra(and they are places I like).
Agreed, I meant to say this! Also I meant that we would submit names and Tolmekian could decide what ship to bestow with what name. Just so you know, if this goes into effect expect more historical terran names!
Assembly,
Pardon me for my tardiness, I have been rather busy lately.
Well then, on to business.
On naming vessels, I would like to suggest the name Auxilium Stathmós for the new starbase. I also like TMS2224's proposal for naming ships that are medium-hulled or higher.
On research, I would like to have Advanced Hulls finished posthaste. After that is finished I would like to see Expert Diplomacy, Laser III, or Anti-Matter Power Plants Researched.
On everything else, I have nothing to say that already has not been said.
-Councilor SarcFa
There has been ample time for discussion. A short ballot has been put together, covering the issues that have been presented.
Research
Advanced Hulls: Will be completed as scheduled, prior to any other research.
Anti Matter Power Plants: Will be obtained from the Krynn.
Basic Logistics: Will be obtained from the Krynn.
Research Academies:
Sensors IV:
Alliances:
Lasers:
Expert Diplomacy:
Medium Scale Building:
Foreign Relations
Establish treaties with Krynn:
Naming Rights
Councilors may submit names for capital ships and starbases. Names will be issued by lottery, or as appropriate.
Councilor Signature:
Research Academies: 6,
Sensors IV: 3,
Alliances: 2,
Lasers: 4,
Expert Diplomacy: 1,
Medium Scale Building: 5,
Establish treaties with Krynn: +,
Starbase Names: Auxilium Stathmós,
Councilor Signature: SarcFa,
Research Academies: 6, 2
Sensors IV: 3, 4
Alliances: 2, 3
Lasers: 4, 1
Expert Diplomacy: 1, 5
Medium Scale Building: 5, 6
Establish treaties with Krynn: +, +,
Capital Ships: Nrxll L’qrt, Q’rjllxk N’x’kl, Zqxrtl’q R’xtlq
Councilor Signature: SarcFa, qrtxian
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