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!
Tallybot 5202:
Input data . . .
Analyzing . . .
Compiling results . . .
Generating report . . .
Voting Results
Councilors Responding: 5
Research
Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council: +, +, +, +, + Pass 5-0
Espionage
Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise: +, +, 0, +, + Pass 4-1-0
Technology Exchange
Sell weapons and other technologies to our friends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian): +, +, 0, +, + Pass 4-1-0
Proposed trade with Thalans: -, -, 0, +, 0 Fail 1-2-2
Proposed trade with Iconians: +, +, 0, -, + Pass 3-1-1
Proposed trade with Torians: +, +, +, +, + Pass 5-0
Proposed trade with Yor: +, +, 0, +, + Pass 4-1-0
Foreign Aid
Provide material aid to Drengin upon request: +, +, 0, 0, 0 Pass 2-3-0
Councilor Signature:qrtxian, NikolaiOmega, SarcFa, Noctilucus, Mambaman
Transmitting results to Exterra Command . . .
Transmission complete.
Hola! I am sorry for my absence. School is taking up a huge amount of my time.
And now a special report from GNN:
January 01, 2030:
It's been two weeks since the surprise move by the Gnolams, and answers are still in short supply. No official word has come from the Gnolams to explain their actions, while the Yor have merely directed their standard diatribe against organic life toward specific target. The lack of information has led many to put forth their own explanations, which range from the Gnolams being mere pawns in a galactic power play, to speculation that they have discovered some secret weapon that they intend to demonstrate on the Yor.
Dr. Rhaegulus 'Tindarn of the Forloni Institute for Galactic Studies suggests that the Gnolams are simply acting in the interest of self preservation. The Yor are well known to aggressively extort tribute from whomever they think they can, and living in their shadow left the Gnolams with little choice. Although certainly plausible, there are many who take issue with what they call Tindarn's simplification of the matter.
A vocal dissenter is Drengin analyst Mylak Tsoku, who calls the move "a blatant attempt by a slave race to crawl above its proper station." Though Tsoku's exact wording is a source of controversy, particularly among those working for Native Race equality, the sentiment is widely shared. Tsoku and others note with interest the growing bond between the Gnolams and the local Tolmekian government. They see only two explanations: either the Gnolams are acting at the behest of the Initiative to provide pretense for war, or the Gnolams themselves are orchestrating the action, hoping to draw their allies into war and divide the spoils. Initiative representatives have met all questions to date with little in the way of substance, insisting only that they are watching the matter closely.
Whatever the cause of this development, both sides are taking the matter seriously, having dispatched warships bound for each others space. We'll post updates as reports come in.
Gnolam warships head out.
While the Yor move into action.
***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***
***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***
***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, JANUARY 01, 2230***
Cmdr Mekoides:
I'm sure you've heard the news by now, councilors. It seems our friends the Gnolams have run out of patience for the Yor. I don't suppose we can blame them, but now we have to decide what to do with the situation. As you could see from the news coverage, neither side seems to have a formidable fleet, so it's not imperative that we interfere in any way for the time being. There are, however, opportunities that present themselves should we opt to pursue them. We can continue discussion of the matter after the report has been given.
Territorial lines have remained stable. No additional planets were claimed for the Initiative and we're not sure if any others were claimed. The fact is that there remains a handful of unclaimed planets at best, all of them in unexplored space. Increased tensions and the outbreak of hostilities are sure to follow now that the race to dominate this region has shifted completely to the next phase.
Analysts have moved us up considerably in the galactic rankings, no doubt due to our growing military might. Thanks to the efforts of our research team, we are now rapidly producing frigates armed with MkIII lasers. The Gnolam are not shown, but are ranked at #8, just below the Yor.
The Krynn have yet to build any fleet of significance, and remain ranked very low due to their vulnerability. We did sell them weapons technologies, but whether they make use of them is another matter. The great distance between our territories leaves us little means to provide meaningful aid if their neighbors decide to act against them.
We're not the only ones boasting frigates. The Korx perfected medium hulls early on; however, our Vigilant class frigates are clearly superior. The Korx would be pressed to defeat our ships even at a two to one advantage. From what I've seen, other warships have similar armaments to the Korx.
Finally, some of the routine affairs of managing the Initiative. We have done our best to accomodate alternative lifestyles in the Initiative and also sent a stern message against the growing threat of piracy targeting trade and luxury vessels.
I'll allow the staff to present their reports, then return and conclude our discussion.
***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***
***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
Viceroy Gunray:
Thank you for hearing me, councilors. I am pleased to report that the numerous transactions discussed during the last session were completed successfully in the early weeks of the quarter. We made a tidy sum selling weapons and other technologies to our allies, which we were then able to put toward the purchase of many valuable technologies for our own use.
The economic climate has changed considerably since last we spoke. Allow me to present details from the past quarter.
We received yet another freighter from the Thalans, boosting our overall trade revenue. We also moved forward to purchase some technologies from the Thalans. Given our financial situation at the time and the sentiments of the council, we thought the deal acceptable.
Our financial situation has since changed. Just as quickly as it began, the economic boom has faded. Investors are moving to protect their assets as piracy and hostilities increase. Trade and tourism remain steady, but the windfall tax revenues have rapidly dried up.
Our economic outlook immediately after the slowdown. While still positive, it would afford us nowhere near the flexibility that we have enjoyed.
Our current economic outlook is much more positive. An increase in tax rates along with our growing population provides a decent surplus. Additionally, we are developing more planets focused on economic activity to sustain the increasing demands of our manufacturing and research.
Our long term economic outlooks is positive. With all of our underdeveloped and underpopulated planets, we should be able to continue steady growth throughout 2230, meeting and exceeding projected demands.
***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***
Minister Sune:
Our discussion last quarter turned out to be well timed. Within weeks of the last session, reports came in of foreign agents acting against the Thalans. Seeing the ideal opportunity, we dispatched our own agents to take advantage of the chaos.
With foreign agents attacking Thalan manufacturing and research, our agents moved against Thalan morale. Overwhelmed, the Thalans have been unable to neutralize our agents.
We also discovered an agent on Exterra, but quickly neutralized the threat.
Treaties and relations. Mostly unchanged, though our relations improve along with our stature in the galaxy. The Iconian economic treaty an Drengin research treaty remain uncommited.
Construction of critical projects continues across the galaxy. The native races in particular have excelled this quarter, finishing major construction in an attempt to remain peers of the major powers. Also of note is our completion of Xinathium Hull Plating and Micro Repair bots.
Dr. Markus Malar
Our scientists continue to produce steady developments for the Initiative, though breakthroughs have been rare of late. We perfected Medium Scale Building and Laser III, and now have just a couple weeks until we can begin work on our new Research Academies. That done, we will be able to establish Research Coordination Centers on our laboratory planets to further increase productivity. We are also looking to establish other planets dedicated to scientific advancement.
Our current research outlook. I'll allow the council to consider our options before offering any commentary; with the exception of mentioning that it's been brought to my attention that Advanced Aquatic World Colonization is now considered a high priority by command. I'm sure the Commander will explain further, but we should decide whether we intend to develop or acquire the technology.
Alright councilors, let's wrap this up. The past quarter felt like a year and the session seems to be going on forever. The greatest question before us is what, if anything, shall we do in response to the Gnolam-Yor conflict. As a precaution, we have already begun moving assets north. Our northernmost colonies are currently undefended and lack the means to construct their own warships, which takes us back to Dr. Malar's mention of aquatic world colonization.
Marked on the map are our five aquatic colonies. Kwilas and Alioth are far to the northwest, bordering hostile territory, while Kriston rests east of Exterra on the Thalan frontier. They are all of crucial strategic value, but too far from our core worlds to rely on our support. We need to get them up to maximum production as soon as possible and start shipbuilding operations.
It is also worth remembering that the Yor control a valuable military resource between Kwilas and Alioth. Any involvement on our part must include it as a target. I'll let the council consider the situation.
Before we end the session, some final remarks.
Senate elections were held last quarter, with the Federalists retaining a sizable majority. We have no fear of political instability for the time being.
Increased tensions are leading to petty border disputes. It was in our interest to seek high taxation on foreign planets in our sphere of influence, but ultimately the lowest penalty was decided upon. The new law brings us 2bc per week.
***END TRANSMISSION***
Esteemed assembly,
After a rather lengthy absence I'm delighted to see we've moved up in the rankings and that this rise is also perceived as such by outside analysts.
Personally I'm not that concerned with the struggle between Gnolams and Yor as neither are significant forces. However we might want to interfere if either side is on the brink of capturing the other's homeworld. I wouldn't want to see our Northern neighbours the Yor get control over 2 homeworlds with all the associated benefits.
I would agree that the trade conducted with the Thalans was a good deal, especially the bonus to our influence will greatly help to keep our foothold in close border areas.
What are we currently spending our excess income on, are we advancing the development of some planets, do we keep a reserve for trade opportunities or are there some critical projects that could be finished earlier by a cash injection?With regards to research, this would be my preliminary proposal:1) Research academies2) Advanced aquatic colonization3) Manufacturing centers4) Xeno bank construction and potentially also the next economical technology (if not too time-consuming)5) Potentially Xeno anthropology, especially seen the short time required
Would we get a population growth boost from Xeno farm construction? If so, this looks like a valuable technology - if not, I don't think we should ever pursue this line of researchNext, we could consider Planetary invasion and the likes, it might be useful to have an invasion fleet prepared in case we get involved in any war.
Sincerely,Councilor Noctilucus
Councilors, commander.
As their trading partner and friend, I feel it is our obligation to support the Gnolams against the Yor. However, I would oppose military involvement at this time. The Yor, at present, do not pose a particular threat to either our civilization or the Gnolams, and I do not at present see a need for us to send our forces to fight them. However, I do strongly support providing technological, monetary, or other non-military forms of aid. Should we receive a formal request for assistance from the Gnolams, we can reopen discussions on this issue, but at present I oppose military action against the Yor.
On a related note, and relevant to the subject of technological research, I notice we have currently researched no defensive technologies. I would therefore take the opportunity to ask Minister Sune and the intelligence ministry to provide information on what types of weapons are being used by the other major powers. If any weapon type appears particularly dominant, I would advocate that we research countermeasures.
I will hold my other questions for the moment, but I would like to further the inquiry by Councilor Noctilucus into what use our surplus funds are being put towards.
Esteemed colleagues and Commander
What a boon to be back in session after the long summer recess, remembering, as we do, that the wheels of government must continue to turn.
I for one have been enjoying the delights of the Andorian Tropics back on my homeworld-the Caprican wines there are beyond esteem...
But I digress as per usual.
Yes I would support Councillor Qrtxian's request for more information on what our surpluses are going towards as we seem to have a very powerful Treasury at the moment no?
I would also advocate supporting the Gnolams against the Yor with whatever means necessary-the last thing that we want is for a potentially hostile race-they have never made any bones about their desire to stamp out all organic life-to be acquiring more homeworlds right in our back yard. Like Councillors Noctilus and Qrtxian I would also advocate we start with money and technology and then maybe ramp it up to military assistance maybe in the way of obsolete ships etc. In the meantime, as proposed, please starts sending Fleets north under the pretext of defending our Aquatic worlds in those sectors.
I have nothing more to add at this stage but am pleased with the overall bent of our civilisations machinations
Fellow councilors and Commander,
Support for the Gnolams should be economic and technological as everyone else has said, with obsolete ships if they begin to struggle. Just don't hand them too much money or important techs that we should keep to ourselves.
A constructor should be sent to hold position next to the Yor starbase to acquire the resource if the Gnolams introduce the current base to a Sparrow missile. We could even place a fighter with one laser next to it and gift it to the Gnolams to "accelerate the process."
Advanced Aquatic World Colonization seems a good idea to me- our aquatic planets are high quality and must be able to defend themselves. 9 weeks isn't a long wait. In the meantime, send a few warships to protect the outermost ones.
That is all I have to say. Thank you for your time.
We should support our allies.
I agree with Omega on all other points.
Minister Andimus:
I suppose the question of where our money flows falls to me. The simple answer is that we have poured our windfall revenues back into planetary development as fast as we have collected them. There is also the matter of several trillion credits spent on technology acquisition. After all is accounted for, our treasury is hovering near a trillion credits - 983bc, give or take.
Activity on our colonies. We've accelerated the development of our newest extreme colonies by months. When we finally do perfect our colonization technologies, we'll have basic infrastructure ready to go on all planets.
It's not exactly my department, but as long as we're discussing colonization techs we may as well consider our options. I've been asked to present a potential trade with the Torians that could net us Advanced Aquatic Colonization for a reasonable price. Minister Sune can go into the details.
Thank you, Minister Andimus. A trade with the Torians can benefit us in a number of ways. The most obvious way is by getting the technology we desire without having to develop it ourselves. We trade only low level weapon and hull technology, and the nine weeks we save by not researching colonization technology could potentially be spent perfecting even more advanced weapon and hull techs, further increasing our advantage.
Another benefit would be helping the Torians to defend themselves. The currently have no warships and have only just grasped Missile Weapon Theory. The Torian Confederation is large and ripe for invasion by hostile neighbors. It would seem to be in our best interests that it not be such an easy undertaking.
A more subtle reason relates to Councilor qrtxian's concern about defensive technologies. Our agents tell us that the most widespread weapon type is the Mass Driver. We and the Thalans have developed Beam weapons, but everyone else is using Mass Drivers - everyone except the Torians, who have developed missile technology. By providing them with beam weapons, there is a small chance that they will pursue the technology. That would preclude a possible need to develop point defense systems in the future, should it come to that.
A final reason is simply that the Torians are our friends. A measure of their friendship certainly comes from the disparity in our military capabilities, but the fact remains that the Torians have accepted us as no other race has.
Unrelated to the current topic, I would like to address Councilor Noctilucus's suggestion to research Planetary Invasion. it is worth mentioning that a number of other powers have developed or will soon have Planetary Invasion technology. Projection of our power will eventually require us to join the club, so to speak. It is up to the council, however, to decide when that time has come.
If the council has no further opinion on the material presented, I will add that we agree fully on the extent of our involvement in the Gnolam-Yor conflict. Even if we wanted to get involved militarily, it will take months to redeploy forces and establish shipbuilding. It's likely we won't have significant forces in the area until midyear. Until then, there is little we can do in that regard.
I'll also add that I support an immediate trade with the Torians. Getting our aquatic worlds up to full production will tip the balance in our favor, I think. That done, perhaps we should take another look at Planetary Invasion technology. A number of our worlds with large populations can support formation of expeditionary forces. It would be very helpful to have such forces ready to go if and when the spreading conflict reaches our borders.
Is there anything else the council would like to add?
Given the apparent prevalence of mass driver weapons in the galaxy, I would like to formally propose that we place a high priority on the research of armor technologies. I recommend that we begin research on such technologies as soon as we complete our current effort to develop Research Academies. Advanced Aquatic Colonization is best obtained through the proposed trade with the Torians.
Besides that, I have nothing else to say.
I agree with qrtxian's final comments, and would like to add that that I oppose use of our treasury. We should try to keep it above the starting amount (3 trillion credits) to act a a emergency fund for rush-buying improvements and ships (or upgrading ships).
I agree fully.
I concur-we must not be foolhardy with our windfalls: experience has taught that where military spending is concerned such excess is quickly expended.
May I also suggest that we try and see what armour techs may be traded? It is likely that no one has researched it but worth our diplomats having a look eh?
***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, APRIL 01, 2230***
The galaxy is becoming an interesting place, Councilors. Four more wars have erupted in the past quarter, including one started by the Torians, who were apparently sleeping giants. They have gone from no military to speak of to the third ranked power in the galaxy, surpassing our own military might. They have made no use of our lasers, but are now putting out missile frigates.
Military ratings and the new Torian frigates. Their rating may have surpassed ours, but if their warships only have an attack rating of 3-4, then we don't need to worry yet.
The Torians have declared war on the Drengin, who also have a potent fleet. The great distance between them means attrition is likely to be low, but they can keep each other busy for some time.
The expansion of warfare in the galaxy seems to be confined to powers quite a distance from one another. We don't expect significant action on any front, though the Drath can threaten the Silicoid. We'll keep on eye on that conflict. Allowing the Drath to conquer the Silicoid worlds could be a strategic mistake on our part.
The galactic landscape remains unchanged thus far. Given the spreading of hostilities and growing transport fleets, we could begin to see real casualties as things unfold.
I'll allow the staff to cover the other events of the quarter before our discussion.
The economic slowdown has finally caught up with us, Councilors. With revenue returning to normally projected levels, the growth of our infrastructure and fleet has outpaced our economic growth to the point that our surplus has dwindled to a fraction of what it was. We've had to raise tax rates and cut back on espionage spending to continue development.
While it's good that we've enjoyed such rapid growth, the issue needs to be dealt with. To that end, I've been working with Minister Andimus and Dr. Malar to formulate a multi-prong strategy.
Minister Andimus . . .
We've gone back and reevaluated our plans for development of economic hubs, designated Market Planets. Economic development was, unfortunately, somewhat neglected in our rush to bolster our manufacturing and research capabilities. We've begun development on a number of new market planets and have started a program of starbase deployment to support construction. Rather than build factories to speed development, we're targeting clusters of market planets and using starbase factories and support facilities to boost production for the entire cluster. With these measures we can expect to resume steady growth in the near future and ongoing.
My own contribution to the effort can bring some much needed stimulus to our economy through technological and societal advancements. Xeno Bank Construction will have an immediate benefit to our revenue through advanced monetary policy and currency exchange between foreign powers. Construction of banking centers will also allow our fully developed market planets to continue growth.
It also seems that the time is at hand to establish a Star Democracy. Allowing individual planets the ability to self-rule is critical to further growth and will also provide immediate benefit. It will also allow us to establish our political capital, which would be very useful to bolster record-low morale on Exterra (34%). Having spent a fair amount of time on Exterra, I can attest that the Exterrans are somewhat . . . self-important, if you will. The prestige of being the official seat of the Initiative would go a long way toward balming their seemingly constant irritation with what they view as their endless toil to carry the rest of us along.
I digress.
This quarter we finished up Research Academies and Manufacturing Centers before moving on to Superior Hull Design and finally Sensors IV. We have one week left to complete work on Sensors IV, but as you can see, we could still finish up research on banks and democracy in the next quarter.
Even as open hostility spreads, covert action is escalation as well. Our agents deployed against the Thalans have been neutralized by their intelligence service, while we've had to deal with an agent deployed against our precursor laboratory on Fortuna (300%). There is also a greater number of foreign agents operating abroad.
Relations and treaties. The outbreak of hostilities has resulted in the abrogation of a few treaties. Our relations with the Torians seem to have suffered in light of their recent militarization.
While we're talking about hostilities, the movement of forces allows us to get a glimpse of our competitors fleets. Here we tracked a number of Thalan fleets moving toward Yor space. The fleets are mostly uniform, and there are more than the four shown here. We believe that a pair of our Vigilant II frigates compare favorably to these fleets.
Gnolam and Iconian warships. Nothing to worry about, yet.
It seems the Thalans were persuaded to join the war against the Yor.
Continuing developments throughout the galaxy.
As always, I'll keep the council notified of developments as we learn of them.
With our focus on economic development, I left out a couple details.
We received two freighters from the Dominion of Korx, opening up a pair of lucrative trade routes. We are also sending out freighters to take advantage of our high trade route allowance. Two have reached the far north and should soon establish trade with the Krynn and Trilarians, while more recently launched freighters are moving quickly toward friendly space.
Although our production growth has outpaced our economic growth, do not think we are lagging economically. Our already steady economic growth has increased as we implement our plan. We currently have the highest rate of growth of all major powers. Continuing with the measures proposed will allow us to maintain this rate, if not increase it, in which case we can project overtaking the Thalans as the top economy before too long.
I don't have a great deal to add before hearing input from the council, other than that I think the time has finally arrived to start building our own fleet of transports. I can support the proposals to establish xeno banking and a democratic system, but if we haven't acquired Planetary Invasion technology by then, I firmly recommend developing it ourselves.
We await your reply, Councilors.
I fully agree on first researching xeno banking, as our economy needs to keep the engine running and it should be ready to support a bigger military if needed. While I do consider the proposed democratic system to be a benefit, I would prefer to research planetary invasion ourselves as I expect other races to ask a steep price for this technology.
If some of our more distant planets haven't fully developed their population, it might be worth sending a few transports from Exterra to those planets, for 2 reasons: transports and sufficiently large populations close to our borders allow us to strike faster if ever required; in addition the reduced pressure from overpopulation would improve the morale on Exterra.
So far I am glad to see that we have not been dragged into any of these wars and that we have at least neutral relations with the various other races.
Yours sincerely,Councilor Noctilucus
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