The vote is now closed.

Q1 2016 Results

There are two alien UFOs encountered in the first months of 2016, both engaged and eliminated by INDEX. The first was in the Antarctic where an A-Class UFO was shot down by INDEX interceptors in the same region as Enigma Site though nowhere close to the base. INDEX was able to acquire a small, but meaningful amount of salvage from the wreckage.

The second UFO was a C-Class in the South Atlantic, north-east of the Falkland Islands and Bravo Base. While they lost one of their own aircraft in the process, INDEX interceptors engaged and shot down the alien spacecraft. The location of the engagement meant that INDEX was unable to retrieve any salvage from the UFO as all of its remains sunk to the bottom of the ocean.

In other news, due to some financial corruption, INDEX sees a shortfall in its budget during the early months of the year. Thanks to unidentified accounts and other bureaucrats, a small but meaningful part of the INDEX Initative's funding is redirected to unknown purposes. Whilst this event is concerning, INDEX has been able to weather it without difficulty thanks to its financial reserves and requests for additional funding.

Council Members
Argentina = Strong Support (+15 Resources, +1 to Dice Rolls)
Australia = Mild Support (+24 Resources)
Brazil = Mild Support (+18 Resources)
Canada = Strong Support (+30 Resources, +1 to Dice Rolls)
China = Mild Support (+36 Resources)
Egypt = Mild Support (+6 Resources)
France = Mild Support (+24 Resources)
Germany = Mild Support (+24 Resources)
India = Neutral (+20 Resources)
Japan = Mild Support (+24 Resources)
Mexico = Strong Support (+30 Resources, +1 to Dice Rolls)
Nigeria = Neutral (+10 Resources)
Russia = Neutral (+20 Resources)
South Africa = Neutral (+5 Resources)
United Kingdom = Strong Support (+30 Resources, +1 to Dice Rolls)
United States = Neutral (+40 Resources)

Stats.
Resources (R): 361 + 59 in reserve.
Political Support (PS): 58 (-1 per turn) (+1 per turn)
Free Dice: 1

Basing: Major Surpluses (+20)
Logistics: Moderate Surpluses (+6)
Manpower: Massive Reserves (+21) (+1 per turn)
Gear: Moderate Surpluses (+5)
Fuel: Moderate Surpluses (+5)
Medical: Moderate Surpluses (+6)
Supplies: Moderate Surpluses (+7)
Salvage: Moderate Surpluses (+9)

Infrastructure (3 Dice): +10

[-] Charlie Base (Stage 1)
Located in Egypt along the Suez Canal, Charlie Base will be the centre of INDEX operations in Africa and the Middle East. Charlie Base will both provide a naval centre for INDEX and help secure the important trade route against the alien menace and more terrestrial hostiles.
(148/100, 10 Resources per Die) (+3 Basing)
(48/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+4 Basing)

The construction of the remaining facilities at Charlie Base takes place during the first couple of months of the new. The barracks, armouries, cafeterias and other locations are built at the naval base and before long, construction has begun on a twin base at the other end of the Suez Canal. While the initial foundations have been set, the second site of Charlie Base still requires more time and funding before it is ready for use.

[-] Enigma Site (Stage 2)
While INDEX has laid claim to the crashed UFO in the Antarctic, it still needs to make use of it. With the lack of local facilities, INDEX will need to build some of its own and given the potential treasure trove of the ship, Director Ambrosius wants his organisation to get started on it sooner rather than later.
(102/200, 20 Resources per Die) (+1 PS) (High Priority)

Work on Enigma Site returns as INDEX once again begins to fund expansions to the antarctic site. The existing construction is enough for defence and basic research, more extensive facilities will need to be set up for greater on-site investigation and research. But first, additional defences needed to be set up to protect those new facilities.

To this end, INDEX expanded the walls and turret emplacements along those walls at Enigma Site, constructing them over the first quarter of the new year. While these defensive structures are successfully built, more time and funding will be required for the additional research facilities to be brought online.

Services (4 Dice): +10

[-] PR Campaigns
To help improve its public image and drum up more support for its operations, INDEX will engage in public relations campaigns.
-[-] South America (163/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+1 PS, Potential Increased Council Support)
-[-] Asia (139/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+1 PS, Potential Increased Council Support)

The public relations campaign by INDEX continued into the new year, continuing to focus on the continent of South America. While successful across the board, INDEX sees the highest amount of support in Argentina, where the existence of Bravo Base is seen as a possible prelude to reclaiming the "Islas Malvinas" despite the impossibility of such an outcome.

Once things have been pushed as far as they reasonably can in South America, INDEX switches its attention to Asia. By the time that the first quarter has come to an end, significant strides have been made in reaching out to the people of Asia, but further work will be required for INDEX to truly capitalise on their efforts.

Research (4 Dice): +17

[-] Study C-Class UFO
First spotted leading the alien amanda that was responsible for the Wuhan Massacre, the C-Class UFO appears to be a scaled up version of the A-Class UFO. Have INDEX's researchers look into the currently available reports on these UFOs to try and figure out their purpose and capabilities.
(69/100, 20 Resources per Die) (+1 PS)

Progress on the C-Class UFO analysis report is unfortunately minimal this quarter. The primary delay is the lack of sources combined with differing opinions as the researchers refused to come to a single conclusion on certain aspects of the alien ship's capability. While undesirable, it means that the completion of the analysis has been delayed and will require additional funding before it is ready for use.

[-] Alien Materials
While some of the materials used are recognisable, many of alloys and other materials used by the aliens are unknown to modern science. Investigating just what these exterrsiatal materials are and what they can do could reveal insights into how to counter them or make use of them ourselves.
(455/400, 40 Resources per Die) (-1 Salvage)

INDEX's researchers have finally finished investigating the alien materials used by the invaders, acquiring a basic understanding of them. While being able to produce more of these materials themselves is still beyond humanity's reach, it is now within the realm of possibility for INDEX to make use of any salvaged alien materials. Furthermore, the knowledge gained from understanding these alien alloys and compounds has the potential to further research in other fields, particularly those that are also related to the alien invaders.

[-] Alien Weapons
While the self-destruction of the alien weaponry upon the death of the user means INDEX cannot study an intact copy, INDEX does have a good number of weapon fragments in its possession. Studying these fragments could yield insights into how the alien weaponry functions.
(167/400, 40 Resources per Die) (-1 Salvage)

With their research into the alien materials complete, INDEX changes the focus of its scientific endeavours to investigating the alien weapons. Thanks to the alien weapons self-destructing upon the user's death, INDEX has been unable to acquire an intact alien weapon. Nonetheless, the organisation has access to plenty of weapon fragments that it can study and it has enough of them that it should be capable of acquiring a basic understanding of the alien weaponry.

Military (6 Dice): +5

[-] New-Gen IFV Development
To transport into battle and support them in said battle, INDEX's Ground Division desires a new Infantry Fighting Vehicle to carry a small number of troops and then provide heavy fire support to them as they fight the alien menace.
(70/120, 20 Resources per Die)

Despite the setbacks during the final months of the previous year, the work on developing a new Infantry Fighting Vehicle for the INDEX Initiative begins to make progress during the new year. Unlike with new aerial or naval designs, INDEX is going for a more generalist rather than specialist vehicle due to the dynamics of the alien technological superiority being different on the ground. Instead of focusing on a single area, INDEX would be looking into a mixture of mobility, protection and firepower when it came to its IFV design.

[-] Frigate Development
The Naval Division of INDEX desires a new frigate to act as a swift patrol ship to be able to rapidly react to alien threats at sea and provide fire support to ground forces in coastal regions.
(108/100, 20 Resources per Die)

The new Sentry-class Frigate is in many ways a lesser version of the Guardian-class Destroyer. With the same specialisation and overall profile, it has lesser capabilities in exchange for lesser operating costs from crew requirements to production time. While the Sentry-class won't be as individually capable as the Guardian-class, it will be able to be produced and operated in greater quantities, making it a better option for lesser duties.

The Sentry-class is also expected to be ready to begin production significantly sooner than the Guardian-class. While the Guardian-class is expected to take another two and a half years before it is ready for production, the Sentry-class is predicted to have its finalised design done in just over a year.

Sentry-class Frigate: Available for Deployment in Q2 2017

[-] Combat Helicopter Development
To provide more efficient and prolonged air support to the ground forces, INDEX's Aerial Division wants a new combat helicopter. This new vehicle will be able to provide fire support and heavy firepower for prolonged periods to INDEX's ground forces.
(134/100, 15 Resources per Die)

The new Hawk Attack Helicopter is built for mobility and firepower. A swift and agile aircraft, it is fast on a tactical level even if it lacks speed on a strategic one. It also has room for plenty of firepower with two hardpoints on each side that can carry a variety of missiles as needed. Meanwhile the nose mounted a rotary cannon to engage the alien infantry that had made up the ground forces of the alien invaders so far. Built to be a single-seater, the Hawk should be a speedy and powerful source of tactical air support. The biggest weakness of the attack helicopter is its relatively fragility, but in the face of disportionately powerful alien weaponry, it was deemed an acceptable trade-off.

The Hawk Attack Helicopter is predicted to have a long development time and it is expected to be ready for production in early 2018.

Hawk Attack Helicopter: Available for Deployment in Q1 2018

Administration (3 Dice): +5

[-] Request Additional Funding
While INDEX receives substantial quarterly funding from the Council, it is possible for the organisation to request additional budget for its operations. While politically unpopular, it is well within INDEX's means to successfully convince the Council to cough up a one-time influx of funding.
(154) (DC40/80/120/160/200) (-1 PS per die) (+10 Resources/+20 Resources/+30 Resources/+40 Resources/+50 Resources)

During the early months of the new year, INDEX decided to seek additional funding from the countries backing it. Expending some of its political capital gained from its successful engagement of the alien UFOs, the international organisation is able to acquire extra budget for its operations.


A bunch of stuff happened this quarter. You engaged and defeated two UFOs, but one cost you something this time around. Beyond that, you've got some stuff done, but you still got a bunch of stuff that still needs doing. Beyond that, not too much to say about this update.

Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to. Feel free to ask questions for more details and information.

Q2 2016

Council Members
Argentina = Strong Support (+15 Resources, +1 to Dice Rolls)
Australia = Mild Support (+24 Resources)
Brazil = Mild Support (+18 Resources)
Canada = Strong Support (+30 Resources, +1 to Dice Rolls)
China = Mild Support (+36 Resources)
Egypt = Mild Support (+6 Resources)
France = Mild Support (+24 Resources)
Germany = Mild Support (+24 Resources)
India = Neutral (+20 Resources)
Japan = Mild Support (+24 Resources)
Mexico = Strong Support (+30 Resources, +1 to Dice Rolls)
Nigeria = Neutral (+10 Resources)
Russia = Neutral (+20 Resources)
South Africa = Neutral (+5 Resources)
United Kingdom = Strong Support (+30 Resources, +1 to Dice Rolls)
United States = Neutral (+40 Resources)

Stats.
Resources (R): 361 + 59 in reserve.
Political Support (PS): 58 (-1 per turn) (+1 per turn)
Free Dice: 1

Basing: Major Surpluses (+20)
Logistics: Moderate Surpluses (+6)
Manpower: Massive Reserves (+21) (+1 per turn)
Gear: Moderate Surpluses (+5)
Fuel: Moderate Surpluses (+5)
Medical: Moderate Surpluses (+6)
Supplies: Moderate Surpluses (+7)
Salvage: Moderate Surpluses (+9)

Infrastructure (3 Dice): +10

[] Alpha Base (Stage 2)
Located in the middle of Kansas in the United States, Alpha Base will be the centre of INDEX operations in North America. Alpha Base is planned to have substantial airpower and air-based logistical facilities to make up for a lack of sea access.
(86/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+4 Basing)
(0/200, 10 Resources per Die) (+5 Basing, +1 to Aerial Division Dice)
(0/300, 10 Resources per Die) (+6 Basing, +3 to Aerial Division Dice)
(0/400, 10 Resources per Die) (+8 Basing, +6 to Aerial Division Dice, +1 Military Die)

[] Bravo Base (Phase 2)
Located in the Falkland Islands, Bravo Base will be the centre of INDEX operations in South America. Bravo Base will start off as the British government transferring their military facilities in the Falklands to INDEX so the international organisation can use them to fight alien menace.
(51/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+4 Basing)
(0/200, 10 Resources per Die) (+5 Basing, +1 to Military Dice)
(0/300, 10 Resources per Die) (+6 Basing, +2 to Military Dice)
(0/400, 10 Resources per Die) (+8 Basing, +4 to Military Dice, +1 Military Die)

[] Charlie Base (Stage 2)
Located in Egypt along the Suez Canal, Charlie Base will be the centre of INDEX operations in Africa and the Middle East. Charlie Base will both provide a naval centre for INDEX and help secure the important trade route against the alien menace and more terrestrial hostiles.
(48/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+4 Basing)
(0/200, 10 Resources per Die) (+5 Basing, +1 to Naval Division Dice)
(0/300, 10 Resources per Die) (+6 Basing, +3 to Naval Division Dice)
(0/400, 10 Resources per Die) (+8 Basing, +6 to Naval Division Dice, +1 Military Die)

[] Delta Base (Stage 2)
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Delta Base will be the centre of INDEX operations in Europe. Located in his home country, the Director has indicated that he intends for Delta Base to be the unofficial primary HQ for INDEX.
(17/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+4 Basing) (+1 PS)
(0/200, 10 Resources per Die) (+5 Basing, +1 to Administration Dice, +1 to all Dice)
(0/300, 10 Resources per Die) (+6 Basing, +2 to Administration Dice, +2 to all Dice, +1 Administration Die)
(0/400, 10 Resources per Die) (+8 Basing, +4 to Administration Dice, +4 to all Dice, +1 Free Die)

[] Echo Base (Stage 2)
Located in Hong Kong, Echo Base will be the centre of INDEX operations in Asia. While heavily urban civilian areas around it will limit military potential, Echo Base is intended to be a major R&D location for INDEX.
(42/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+4 Basing)
(0/200, 10 Resources per Die) (+5 Basing, +1 to Research Dice)
(0/300, 10 Resources per Die) (+6 Basing, +3 to Research Dice)
(0/400, 10 Resources per Die) (+8 Basing, +6 to Research Dice, +1 Research Die)

[] Foxtrot Base (Stage 2)
Located in the Australian Outback, Foxtrot Base will be the centre of INDEX operations in Oceania. Relatively isolated, Foxtrot Base is intended to be a training site and unofficial HQ of the rapid response teams.
(33/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+4 Basing)
(0/200, 10 Resources per Die) (+5 Basing, +1 to SpecOps Division Dice)
(0/300, 10 Resources per Die) (+6 Basing, +3 to SpecOps Division Dice)
(0/400, 10 Resources per Die) (+8 Basing, +6 to SpecOps Division Dice, +1 Military Die)

[] Enigma Site (Stage 2)
While INDEX has laid claim to the crashed UFO in the Antarctic, it still needs to make use of it. With the lack of local facilities, INDEX will need to build some of its own and given the potential treasure trove of the ship, Director Ambrosius wants his organisation to get started on it sooner rather than later.
(102/200, 20 Resources per Die) (+1 PS) (High Priority)
(0/300, 10 Resources per Die) (+1 PS) (+1 to Research Dice)
(0/400, 10 Resources per Die) (+2 PS) (+2 to Research Dice)
(0/500, 10 Resources per Die) (+2 PS) (+3 to Research Dice)

Industry (4 Dice): +15

[] Stockpile Mechanical Parts (Phase 2)
Purchase or otherwise acquire additional spare parts for the mechanical equipment used by INDEX. While INDEX is not currently suffering a shortage, the relatively calm may be a good point to stockpile for future emergencies.
(0/100, 5 Resources per Die) (+2 Gear, -1 Basing)

[] Stockpile Fuel Reserves (Phase 2)
Purchase or otherwise acquire additional fuel reserves for the vehicles used by INDEX. While INDEX is not currently suffering a shortage, the relatively calm may be a good point to stockpile for future emergencies.
(0/100, 5 Resources per Die) (+2 Fuel, -1 Basing)

[] Stockpile Medical Supplies (Phase 1)
Purchase or otherwise acquire additional medical supplies to be used by INDEX. While INDEX is not currently suffering a shortage, the relatively calm may be a good point to stockpile for future emergencies.
(0/100, 5 Resources per Die) (+2 Medical)

[] Stockpile Basic Supplies (Phase 1)
Purchase or otherwise acquire additional basic necessaries to be used by INDEX on a day to day basis. While INDEX is not currently suffering a shortage, the relatively calm may be a good point to stockpile for future emergencies.
(3/100, 5 Resources per Die) (+2 Supplies)

Services (4 Dice): +10

[] PR Campaigns
To help improve its public image and drum up more support for its operations, INDEX will engage in public relations campaigns.
-[] Africa (0/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+1 PS, Potential Increased Council Support)
-[] Middle East (0/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+1 PS)
-[] Asia (139/150, 10 Resources per Die) (+1 PS, Potential Increased Council Support)

[] Boost Recruitment Efforts (Phase 1)
While INDEX currently has no shortage of manpower, there may be a time when it does require additional recruits. Preparing a reserved of manpower before such a time is needed
(0/120, 10 Resources per Die) (+1 Manpower)

Research (4 Dice): +17

[] Study C-Class UFO
First spotted leading the alien amanda that was responsible for the Wuhan Massacre, the C-Class UFO appears to be a scaled up version of the A-Class UFO. Have INDEX's researchers look into the currently available reports on these UFOs to try and figure out their purpose and capabilities.
(69/100, 20 Resources per Die) (+1 PS)

Human Technology
[] Functional Laser Weaponry
Between power and ranged concerns, functional laser weaponry is something of a pipe dream at the moment. While INDEX can investigate the possibility and fund development, your researchers warn you that it will be years before you see any return.
(11/1,200, 40 Resources per Die) (+1 PS)

[] Functional Railgun Weaponry
Between material and power concerns, functional railguns are a fantasy for the time being. While INDEX can investigate the possibility and fund development, your researchers warn you that it will be years before you see any return.
(11/1,200, 40 Resources per Die) (+1 PS)

[] Functional Exoskeletons
For a variety of reasons, functional exoskeletons remain in the lab and the dream of having one fit for field use belongs in the realm of science-fiction for the foreseeable future. While INDEX can investigate the possibility and fund development, your researchers warn you that it will be years before you see any return.
(11/1,400, 40 Resources per Die) (+1 PS)

Alien Technology
[] Alien Weapons
While the self-destruction of the alien weaponry upon the death of the user means INDEX cannot study an intact copy, INDEX does have a good number of weapon fragments in its possession. Studying these fragments could yield insights into how the alien weaponry functions.
(167/390, 40 Resources per Die) (-1 Salvage)

[] Alien Power Core
Between the crashed UFO and those shot down by our interceptors, INDEX has access to several alien power sources that are used to power their UFOs. Operating using unknown materials and methods, studying them would help humanity understand how the aliens power their technology.
(0/490, 40 Resources per Die) (-3 Salvage)

[] Alien Computers
The alien computers aboard the crashed UFO at Enigma Site are completely intact. While INDEX doesn't currently know how to access or operate them, it can study them to learn such knowledge and possibly figure out ways to upgrade their own computers.
(0/490, 40 Resources per Die) (-3 Salvage)

[] Alien Engines
Between the crashed UFO and those shot down by our interceptors, INDEX has acquired multiple alien engines. Studying them could reveal how the aliens are able to fly their UFOs in both vacuum and atmospheric conditions in addition to gaining insights into how to improve INDEX's own engines.
(0/490, 40 Resources per Die) (-3 Salvage)

[] Alien Autopsy
Over the last quarter, INDEX has acquired several partially-intact alien corpses. Studying these remains and performing autopsy could increase our understanding of how the aliens function and identify some possible weaknesses to exploit.
(0/290, 40 Resources per Die) (-1 Salvage)

Military (6 Dice): +5

Ground Division
[] New-Gen MBT Development
While they have been supplied with plenty of tanks by the Council members, INDEX's Ground Division desires a new Main Battle Tank with the latest technology to combat the alien menace, especially should the aliens begin to bring combat vehicles of their own.
(0/200, 30 Resources per Die)

[] New-Gen IFV Development
To transport into battle and support them in said battle, INDEX's Ground Division desires a new Infantry Fighting Vehicle to carry a small number of troops and then provide heavy fire support to them as they fight the alien menace.
(70/120, 20 Resources per Die)

[] New-Gen APC Development
INDEX's Ground Division wants a new Armoured Personnel Carrier to transport its infantry about in a timely manner. While they have been provided with plenty by the Council, the Ground Division desires one more specifically designed for their purposes.
(0/100, 20 Resources per Die)

Naval Division
Currently none available.

Aerial Division
Currently none available.

SpecOps Division
Currently none available.

Security Division
Currently none available.

Administration (3 Dice): +5

[] Security Review (Select Department)
Whether it be from a terrestrial or exterrestrial source, INDEX can expect external organisations to try and infiltrate it. Review one of its departments to see if INDEX can sniff out any spies or corruption within its ranks.
(DC40)

[] Request Additional Funding
While INDEX receives substantial quarterly funding from the Council, it is possible for the organisation to request additional budget for its operations. While politically unpopular, it is well within INDEX's means to successfully convince the Council to cough up a one-time influx of funding.
(DC40/80/120/160/200) (-1 PS per die) (+10 Resources/+20 Resources/+30 Resources/+40 Resources/+50 Resources)

[] Support New Council Member
While the INDEX Initiative was originally made up of sixteen countries, the success that INDEX has seen combined with the increased threat posed by the aliens means that more countries want in. INDEX can attempt to sponsor one of them, throwing their political weight behind the country's attempt to get into INDEX.
-[] Belgium (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Colombia (DC150) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Denmark (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Greece (DC125) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Indonesia (DC130) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Iran (DC140) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Ireland (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Israel (DC130) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Italy (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Netherlands (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] New Zealand (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Norway (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Pakistan (DC150) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Portugal (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Saudi Arabia (DC125) (-10 PS per die)
-[] South Korea (DC125) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Spain (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Sweden (DC120) (-10 PS per die)
-[] Turkey (DC120) (-10 PS per die)

[] Sell Salvage
While INDEX gets all alien salvage by default as per the terms of the INDEX Initiative, it isn't required to keep all of that salvage. The organisation is entirely within its rights to sell some alien salvage if it requires an influx of extra budget.
(Requires one die) (-1 Salvage, +25 Resources)

[] Finishing Touches
Sometimes all that is needed is a bit of dedicated administrative capacity and a small infusion of extra budget to bring a project to fruition instead of another full round of funding and attention.

(Requires one die & 10R) (Completes one non-RnD project with less progress points than the dice bonus remaining)


New turn and a couple of new actions under Administration. Meanwhile there has been some total progress reduction in Research and Military is starting to get a little bare as you wait for development and research to finish.

Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to. Feel free to ask questions for more details and information.