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!
***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***
***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***
***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, JULY 01, 2230***
Cmdr Mekoides:
It seems that communications have been cut off due to recent dark energy surges. With no response from the council, we were forced to proceed at our own discretion. Now that the storms have let up a bit, we're sending a brief update on our status.
Everything has continued according to our last report. Dr. Malar's team has finished up with Star Democracy, Xeno Banking, and Sensors IV. We built a monumental observatory called The Eyes of the Universe, and enjoy a beautiful view of the galaxy - and everyone in it.
Our starbase networks are up and running and asteroid mining is booming. Economic development is keeping pace with production and we're on pace to overtake the Thalans as the largest economy. Our overall ranking has dropped as others build up their fleets, but we have no fear of being overtaken. Our shipyards have been putting out constructors, freighters and miners rather than warships. When turned to war, our shipyards could easily double our might in a short time.
Speaking of such matters, we will be able to start building transports in about five weeks. There is a general consensus here that the time has come to make a move, to show ourselves as the power that we are. The Silicoid are an easy first choice due to very nature, not to mention their unmasked hostility. The Sakkra, however, are nearly as repugnant and are very nearby, even sharing systems with us.
To further these ends, we now put before the council a plan to establish Fondor as our Manufacturing Capital and home to the Stellar Forge and perhaps also our Orbital Command Center. Fondor is the highest quality planet under our control, currently PQ 23 with a projected maximum of 28. It is already home to several manufacturing centers and will become the engine of our military might.
For research, we propose moving to Galactic Stock Exchanges (6wk) and then to Advanced Navigation Centers (8wk) before turning again to weapons, hulls, miniaturization, and logistics depending on the demands of our fleets. Perhaps some invasion technologies as well.
Finally, there was an emergency meeting of the United Planets due to the growing threat of warfare. Apparently there was much concern over merchant raiding. We'll send over the results in the next transmission.
***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***
***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***
Elections last quarter. We voted against the resolution, but it was enacted anyway.
Fondor. I'm sure the council can see why it would be an ideal Manufacturing capital.
Notable construction. In addition to the Eyes, we also established our Political Capital on Exterra. They now seem to be as content as the rest of the Initiative.
Our distant freighters have finally arrived at the homeworlds of the Krynn and Trilarian. (I had to upgrade both to increase range. Both were launched from Exterra, but for some reason it chooses another world when you upgrade, seemingly at random.)
We continue to attract merchant caravans.
Finally, we have located three of the four Psilonic worlds. They are tightly clustered in Yor space. We know little about them other than they seem to be peaceful.
We leave it to the council, then, if we are able to receive your reply. There are a number of issues that require your input.
1. Establishment of Fondor as our manufacturing capital.2. Approval to begin preparations and wage war against the Silicoid, the Sakkra, or both.3. Input on research proposals.
***END TRANSMISSION***
Commander, councilors. I must first say that it is quite good that we have managed to regain communications. I was growing concerned.
Moving on, I will first address the three requests from Commander Mekoides. While I would be interested to see the exact location of Fondor in the sector, I am currently prepared to support the construction of our Manufacturing Capital there. If it is located too far into our core space (as opposed to being on the borders where it could quickly get new ships out), I would be concerned, but due to the nature of the planet, I could still support the proposal even then.
As far as research goes, I would definitely support the immediate development of Galactic Stock Exchanges - while our economy may be going strong at present, putting it on a war footing could cause a slump to occur. Invasion technologies may or may not be the next priority - this brings me to my next question.
Candidly, I think we can all say that a fair amount of opportunism is involved in the decision to attack the Sakkra or Silcoids. As such, in order to choose which would make the best target, I would like to request Minister Sune to present a briefing on both species' capabilities. I am particularly interested in their military (both space forces and ground soldiering skill), location relative to nearby powers (especially the Drath) and relationships with the same, and planet qualities and numbers. Generally speaking, I would recommend an invasion of whichever is the militarily and diplomatically weakest over the one with the more preferable planets if we are forced to choose. A quick, easily won war is the objective for the Initiative.
As for my own concerns, I have a few more requests for information. Firstly, what reason did we have for opposing the UP plan to create a Trade Federation? Given our technological advantages, we can likely win most fleet engagements, but our freighters would be a weak spot in any war. And with our economic strength, the fee we incur for membership cannot be much of a problem.
I would also like to see our diplomatic relationships with other powers, and theirs with each other. Are any species either particularly hostile or particularly friendly at the moment?
Thank you.
Esteemed assembly,
I also support the proposal to build our manufacturing capital on Fondor.
Regarding research, I agree to focus first on galactic stock exchanges since a strong economy is the engine behind every decision we make in other areas. Advanced navigation centers would be a good second technology.Like my fellow councilor qrtxian I would like to get more intel on the Sakkra and Silicoid, not only to decide who should be our prime target but also to assess where we should focus our research: weapons / hulls /miniaturization, logistics or put a stronger emphasis on invasion technologies.
Also note that we could still research additional invasion technologies while our troops are already on their way, considering that such massive troop transports will take several weeks to reach their final destinations. Crucial here is that we should move in fast and hard, capturing as many enemy planets as possible in one go. Also, the more successful our troops are, the larger the population of our newly conquered planets which will provide us with a solid tax base.
Your sincerely,Councilor Noctilucus
I agree with both councilors, especially on the issue of intel on our potential targets. Whichever one is weaker and easier to attack (closer) shall be crushed like an arthropod under durable footwear.
That is all I have to say.
Minister Sune:
Per your request, councilor qrtxian.
We have found 3 of the 5 Sakkra worlds on the western edge of our space. Given the extent of our exploration, the other 2 worlds - including their homeworld - must reside within Drath space. They seem to have no fleets and these 3 worlds are well below maximum population. One of their planets, however, does share a system with a Drath world, which could lead to future issues.
They pay tribute to the Korx through their economic and research treaties, but otherwise have no special relations.
The 4 Silicoid worlds lie north of Korx space, near our two northwestern colonies. We count 10 fighters in their fleet, each with 2 missile attack while in orbit. They also have several transports in orbit around their planets. Though more powerful than the Sakkra, the Silicoid remain a prime target due to the location and quality of their planets. They are ideally positioned to bolster our presence in that region and support our two northwestern starbases. They pay tribute to the Drengin through their treaties.
The Silicoid homeworld is a particularly tempting prize.
In summary, the Sakkra present a quick and easy target, but the Silicoid offer far greater gains for the effort. There is always the option of a "Rolling Thunder" type of approach, in which we mobilize against the Sakkra and continue on toward the Silicoid.
Relations and treaties. The other powers have varying relations with each other, mostly what you might expect from this mix. Other than the ongoing wars, there are no particularly poor relations among the powers.
Greetings. I am observing this thread for quite some time now. May I ask you for a recent save of your game?
To address the concern about our position at the UP meeting, we simply felt that it wasn't an ideal investment for us. Given the time frame of 2 years, our expectation of having our merchant fleets significantly threatened in that time seemed small. Also, though our economy is large and healthy, we do run fairly tight margins. The trade federation would have cost us about 37bc of our 120-140bc surplus.
On the issue of trading, I neglected to mention that we have 3 pre-freighters nearing the central region of the galaxy. They will be used to establish the final 3 of our 8 trade routes. We already have routes with the Drath, Thalans, Krynn, Trilarian, and Gnolams. What are the council's opinions on where we should send them?
SubcmdrBernd - I need to consider your request. If you'd like to discuss it further, please post in the discussion thread. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.
Commander, Esteemed colleagues and Ministers yes the recent outages were certainly of concern but I am heartened to see you all hale and hearty.
I would certainly agree with the establishment of Fondor as our main Manufacturing Centre. Personally I feel that it should not be close to our borders precisely for that reason-too close to our borders means close also to a potential enemy.
We should certainly start research on Galactic Stock exchanges
Personally I have no real preference for which of those two races we should open hostilities with and will leave such matters to the strategists and generals amongst you
As it appears discussion has ended among the councilors, I believe it's time to request Commander Mekoides to provide a ballot - clearly, we will not have a universal consensus this time as in past sessions.
***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
G'Norlisk:
Here is a ballot with the issues of the session, Councilors. As you can see, the ballot is more free form than usual, allowing councilors to provide their input on the subject.
Research
Provide your own input:
Foreign Relations and Trade
Provide input on final three trading partners:
War
Move against Sakkra, Silicoid, or both:
Social Projects
Establish Fondor as Manufacturing Capital:
Establish Stellar Forge on Fondor:
Councilor Signature:
qrtxian's proposal: +
Provide input on final three trading partners: Torians, Iconians, and a further trade route to the Thalans.
Move against Sakkra, Silicoid, or both: Silcoid.
For the record, it is my belief that, while the Silcoid are better defended, their planets are significantly more worth our while, especially their homeworld. The Sakkra are not only less valuable a target, but their close overlap with Drath space means that an attack against them has the potential to create tensions with one of the races we least want to antagonize.
Establish Fondor as Manufacturing Capital: +
Establish Stellar Forge on Fondor: +
Councilor Signature: qrtxian
qrtxian's proposal: +, +
Provide input on final three trading partners: Torians, Iconians, and a further trade route to the Thalans. Torians and Iconians.
Move against Sakkra, Silicoid, or both: Silcoid. Silicoid.
Establish Fondor as Manufacturing Capital: +, +
Establish Stellar Forge on Fondor: +, +
Councilor Signature: qrtxian, NikolaiOmega
qrtxian's proposal: +, +, +
Provide input on final three trading partners: Torians, Iconians, and a further trade route to the Thalans; Torians and Iconians; Torians, Iconians and a further trade route to the Thalans
Move against Sakkra, Silicoid, or both: Silcoid, Silicoid, both (Sakkra first)
Establish Fondor as Manufacturing Capital: +, +, +
Establish Stellar Forge on Fondor: +, +, +
Councilor Signature: qrtxian, NikolaiOmega, Noctilucus
Galactic Stock Exchanges
No preference after this
No preference at all
Move against Silicoid 1st then Saccra
Establish Fondor as Manufacturing Capital: Yes
Establish Stellar Forge on Fondor: Yes
Councilor Signature: qrtxian, NikolaiOmega, Noctilucus, Mambaman
Tallybot 5202:
Input data . . .
Analyzing . . .
Compiling results . . .
Transmitting results to Exterra Command . . .
Transmission complete.
***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, OCTOBER 01, 2230***
Greetings, Councilors. Things have been progressing rapidly since our last meeting. After receiving the voting results, we moved immediately into war production. As we speak, a fleet of transports unrivaled in the galaxy descends on Silicoid space. By the end of the year, we will be poised to sweep them from the stars.
To that end, I personally oversaw a technology exchange and treaty signing with the Iconians. Normally, such matters are brought before the council, but communications were down and timing was critical. Not only did the exchange boost our war preparation immensely, but our economic treaty with the Iconians brought our budget back into a healthy surplus.
21 transport are moving to rally at our starbase on the edge of Silicoid space. We have a plan to sweep 3 of their 4 planets, the fourth of which is tucked into Korx space. Speaking of our starbases in the area, we have begun starship construction at our two northwest colonies. As a first order of business, they have begun sending constructors to fortify and upgrade those starbases. They have also been able to produce a few transports of their own.
Our dealings with the Iconians have set us up for rapid conquest of the Silicoid planets. Their invasion technologies boost our capabilities and have allowed us to begin construction of a Tir Quan training center for our soldiers. By the time our transports arrive, every measure will have been taken to reduce casualties and speed the war effort. We have no fear that giving them our laser technologies will impact us at all. They seem committed to mass driver weapons and continue to research down that path. Our research treaty will certainly help them, but we have a proposal to keep them busy while we solidify our presence in the area.
Our current economic outlook. The Iconian treaty nets us around 330bc, so you can see that there was a considerable incentive to move forward with a deal. Now we have a sizable cushion while our market planets continue to develop.
And speaking of economic development, we finished research on Stock Exchanges. Construction is fast underway on entire economic planets and sectors in an effort to bolster our economy. A number of new market planets have been designated and economic starbases are being used to speed construction on multiple planets. Advanced Navigation Centers will be ready soon, leaving us with a choice of future research.
We also established a second trade route with the Gnolams. We have two remaining freighters outbound. (OOC - this is all on me. I went ahead with playing and by the time I looked back at the vote it was too late. I'm not ignoring the council, I made a mistake.)
We completed a number of major projects, as well. When the manufacturing facilities are complete, Fondor will be the premier shipbuilding planet in the galaxy.
With so many of our citizens leaving home for foreign battles, we also took measures to encourage replacement of our populations.
Several other major projects have been reported around the galaxy, but we haven't shown the here. We could report them if the council is interested.
Finally, the galaxy is becoming more hostile by the day. It's only matter of time before a massive outbreak of warfare. Our own military standing has fallen considerably as the other powers jockey for domination. If this past quarter has shown anything, though, it is that we have massive manufacturing capability ready to be turned toward warship construction. Fondor itself will be ready soon, at which point we are confident that our manufacturing base will be able to overwhelm our enemies.
And speaking of enemies, we are keeping a close eye on the Korx as they wage war against the Trilarian. We are hoping the distance between them will allow the Trilarian to hold their own until a settlement can be reached. The Trilarian are friends of the Initiative and have long supported us with both economic and research treaties. In light of this, we will continue to send warships to the area under the pretense of supporting our war against the Silicoid. Further measures may be considered as the situation develops.
Remember when I said we had a proposal to keep the Iconians occupied? Well, here it is. We had initially considered recruiting the Drath against the Iconians as a way to keep them both busy and to disrupt the emergence of a potential "axis of good". The distance between them would ensure a long engagement, and the Drath have grown too powerful to ignore. We then considered that the Drath could be used to check Korx aggression, but their proximity would make it a potential gain for the Drath. We then considered the possiblity that the Thalans and Torians might make good foils for each other.
We leave it to the council to decide a course of action.
Discussion Points:
Before making any recommendations, I'd like a clarification: has a formal declaration of war been made against the Silicoid yet, or not?
Apologies for not being clear on the issue. Your confusion is understandable. No formal declaration of war has been made. We haven't yet begun sending warships in excess of what could be reasonably considered simple defense of our outlying colonies, but our continued massing of forces can't go unnoticed. As the situation unfolds, we'll have plenty of pretext to move a strong fleet into the area.
Good day, esteemed councilors. I have followed your exploits with pride, but could not join you from the outset. There was a sticky little matter of my sister's assassination... Fear not, I tracked down the culprit and gave him a right good walloping with my cane, and am now ready to serve Tolmekia and the Initiative. Would you care to accept me into this august circle?
I've posted in the other thread, too, but wanted to make sure I was heard.
Hey, look at all these empty council seats! Makes one feel a tad lonely. In light of sufficient councilor absence to cause echoes in the council chamber, I'll respond.
First, I call for information. How long will it take for our transports to be in position to obliterate the Silicoid? What do our warships look like, as far as capabilities go? What of those of the Korx and Silicoid? How many could we spare as a gift to the Trilarian?
Secondly, I make three motions.
Thirdly, a few less important details. If we have any boringly-named planets, particularly current or potential hotspots, be a dear and flatter my ego and rename two of them Jubilee and Beaumonde. I also submit ship names: Torrolerial, Zarlra, Kithrakyriel, Anagantios, Caelestis, Sandalphon, and Gyra.
And lastly, if this wasn't glaringly obvious:
PLEASE COME BACK, EVERYONE!
Esteemed councilors,
With regards to research I would prefer to take a more offensive approach and research more advanced lasers followed by stronger/bigger hulls before moving on to defenses.
I would agree to declare ourselves as a Neutral civilization, especially since that avoids causing major friction with races that hold a less balanced view.
I would only gift war ships to the Trilarian under two conditions: that we are certain not to need them in our own war against the silicoids, that our military rating is comparable to most other races (to avoid that they see us as weak and declare war on us) and that these ships have a chance of turning the tide of war against the Korx. A drop in the ocean would simply be a waste of our resources.
With regards to the idea of bribing the Thalans into attacking the Torians, I'm fully supportive of this idea since those two races seem to be extorting others already and building a significant military force. Letting them whittle down each other seems like a solid plan.
Finally I would like to extend my welcome to councillor Talonschild.
I agree with declaring ourselves a neutral civilization, which we should do quickly for the many benefits it gives (ie. instant terraforming).
Turn the Drath against the Iconians, and the Thalan against the Torians. They will drive each other into the ground, hopefully, and we shall continue to rise while they fight. However, we should not sink too much money into these affairs.
We should give ships to the Trilarian under Councillor Noctilucus's conditions.
I support research into defense technologies and larger hulls. Logistics should be considered as well.
Welcome, Councillor Talonschild. We are glad to have another voice at the discussion.
That is all.
Good day, councilors. I apologize, but I was unable keep all of your seats warm.
I find Councilor Noctilucus's conditions on gifting warships most wise. As long as they will make a difference without unduly damaging our war effort, the Trilarian should have our help.
While Noctilucus and I agree on the research of lasers, we disagreed on the priority of hulls vs. defenses. I pushed for defenses largely because, while both increase the amount of punishment our ships can withstand, researching defenses allows us to retrofit our older warships to increase their resilience, too.
I'll gladly support turning the Thalans against the Torians, too. Good idea, councilors.
Thank you for the warm reception.
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