The flip side is that, for now, I'm going for the more peaceful-ish idea of the "make something better" option, so my idea is to use the middle-ground of Semi-Autonomous to accomplish that.
I'm trusting @grimely to not be giving us literal trap options right out of the gate like that.
I'm not saying it's a trap option since it doesn't actually doom us. I am however, saying I don't see the benefit of picking it.
If we want to make something better, superior resources or freedom is a lot better than trying to have a little of both but also recieving the drawbacks from two extremes.
If we want to make something better, superior resources or freedom is a lot better than trying to have a little of both but also recieving the drawbacks from two extremes.
We likely aren't going to get the negatives nearly as badly as the two other options. I'm thinking it's going to be kinda like KSP contracts but we also get some we have to do.
We likely aren't going to get the negatives nearly as badly as the two other options. I'm thinking it's going to be kinda like KSP contracts but we also get some we have to do.
Obviously, the drawbacks aren't as strong, but I would rather have maximum resources to fulfill many mandates, or maximum freedom to acquire more resources than the middle ground where we have okay resources and freedom while still dealing with mandates and a somewhat restricted ability to grab land and resources.
Remember, we're on a time limit to build our Superweapon, and there's a reason why many of the Superweapons designed to shoot down Ulysses were only partially completed. We either need large resources from the get-go, or maximum freedom to build up quickly.
I really do not see how the middle ground is supposed to more effectively accomplish our goals.
Scheduled vote count started by grimely on Jul 18, 2024 at 10:21 PM, finished with 25 posts and 16 votes.
[X] Plan: Irony
-[X] Name: Global Defense Initiative
-[X] Oversight: Semi-Autonomous
-[X] Economics: Direct mobilization
-[X] Regional Affairs: The first step to something more
[X] Plan: Too Many Crossovers
-[X] Name: Exo-Atmospheric Combat Command, or Ex-Com
-[X] Semi-independent
-[X] Price Control Board
-[X] The first step to something more
[X] Plan: Irony
-[X] Name: Global Defense Initiative
-[X] Oversight: Semi-Autonomous
-[X] Economics: Direct mobilization
-[X] Regional Affairs: The first step to something more
May 24, 1996
The Chaldean Directory and attending Bureaus have voted in approval of and Her Celestial Majesty has given Her divine assent to the Global Defense Act, formally founding the Global Defense Initiative. Tasked with defending not just its founding members, but the entire globe from the threat of Ulysses, it takes upon itself a burden that perhaps cannot be met - but surely must be tried. Beneath the eagle's sheltering wings, all the world shall receive protection from the technology of peace.
At least, that was the idea. In reality, the Initiative had far more pomp to it than ceremony, with only two minor nations at the bottom of the world funding it. The other two major Antarctic states of note watched with interest, but neither the Erusean monarchists nor Antarctic republicans moved to ratify the Act themselves. Requests from Kane, the Initiative's newly named Secretary-General, that they send observers to the opening session of the General Assembly were given only tepid responses and the tasking of low-level envoys. After all, similar multinational organizations have been tried before, with the similarly grandly named International United Nations widely acknowledged as nothing more than a fig leaf for Osean influence.
The Osean Federation itself took little notice of GDI's creation, its only response to the impending crisis being an open invitation to rehouse refugees fleeing from Usea and Antarctica. Many are expected to move to the teeming metropolis of Oured, the Osean capital, which already possesses some of the largest refugee processing infrastructure in the world following its use as a center for those fleeing the Belkan War. In Anea, the Republic of Emmeria gave similar assurances, and those who can have already begun leaving both continents. For many in Chaldea, this is nothing more than a homecoming, those who do not trust or believe in the Initiative's promise simply joining their relatives in the old country.
For the Antarcs however, there is no going home. They are already there, and they will see it defended, or die. It is a resolve that sees them aligned more closely with the other monarchists on the continent than with their nominal allies in Chaldea, and both Her Celestial Majesty and His Royal Highness have been known to speak privately regarding the truly existential threat their people face - one that their closer neighbors cannot understand. After all, for as many Chaldeans return to Emmeria the same number from the Republic flee to Osea. It is a tense moment, but one that, for now, is kept in check by Kane - and the clear intent that the Chaldean leadership intends to stay. By far the more economically prosperous of GDI's two founding members, the Chaldean promise to direct the state as the Initiative deems fit has soothed many in the Celestial Court that the colonists will stand or die with their foes turned friends.
Time is running short, but these first weeks are crucial. GDI must define itself, and in so doing, present the world its salvation.
Create a plan consisting of the following traits and relations options. You may purchase as many as you wish, barring those which are contradictory, but the total cost must sum to 0 1 points. Relations default to neutral if not selected.
Traits
[] Nuclear Arsenal (-5 Points)
Unbeknownst to most, the Estovakian nuclear triad maintained several second strike silos within its Antarctic colony. With the formation and independence of Chaldea, these passed to the newly formed state due to the fear of their discovery if relocated with the understanding that they would not be used with Estovakian permission. Now, the keys have been passed to GDI.
[] Nod Researchers (-3 Points)
Kane's chosen disciples are among the world's foremost experts in just about everything, but those who followed him to Antarctica are specialists in one thing above all others: lasers. With the designers of the Belkan Excalibur on staff, GDI can begin with a set of scientists and engineers well versed in the technology of peace.
[] Subterranean Construction (-3 Points)
Antarctica is vast and unforgiving, but above all else it is cold. Digging underneath the surface reduces the dangers of the scouring winds and storms, but makes the temperature even lower still. This, however, is not necessarily a bad thing, and GDI has managed to acquire the expertise to build underground to take advantage of it.
[] Commander Oncall (-1 Point)
One of Kane's most fearsome disciples is an individual referred to only as "the Commander" without regard for name or gender. Revered as a military genius, the Commander serves wherever Kane wills, and for the moment that is at the right hand of GDI. (Small chance every turn for this trait to expire.) (Cannot be taken with Commander Deployed.)
[] Eyes Everywhere (-1 Point)
Kane's friends and admirers circle the globe, and many of them are quite highly placed within their respective nations. While it would never do to ask them to spy on their own homes, an interesting piece of information here and there can make all the difference in the world.
[] Equal Opportunity Employer (-1 Point)
The Global Defense Initiative is blind to race, creed, disability, and every other paltry difference that has been used to justify man's oppression of man. By decree of Secretary-General Kane, all are welcome under the eagle's wings if they are willing and able to bring humanity salvation.
[] Voice of the Forgotten (-1 Point)
The message of Kane is often heard most keenly by the despised and the dispossessed, and the promise of GDI bringing global salvation instead of merely caring for its own small corner of the world has only increased this adoration. With the right resources, it can be instrumentalized.
[] Southern Paperclip (Variable)
More than the disciples worked on Excalibur, and many of those who did were at least passingly familiar with Kane. Following the end of the Belkan War and the atrocities therein, some of those sought to escape unwanted fates - be it as understandable as not wishing to spend the rest of their lives as a researcher in a Yuktobanian closed city or as reprehensible as wishing to escape a war crime trial in Gebet. Regardless, their expertise may yet save lives. (Must pick ONE sub-option.)
-[] Secret Identities (-1 Point)
The Brotherhood has managed to provide their Belkan comrades reasonably convincing new lives, and they can live in the open without fear of discovery. For now. (Small chance every turn of the truth being revealed.)
-[] Full Disclosure (0 Points)
Take the hit now, and openly announce that GDI will accept aid from anyone willing to put their pasts behind them and help to safeguard humanity from Ulysses. Of course, those harmed by their actions might not be so magnanimous.
[] Antarc Bias (0 Points)
GDI's administration and staff are notably slanted towards Antarcs, pleasing the monarchy and increasing the amount of personnel with practical knowledge of the Antarctic environment, but angering Chaldea. (Cannot be taken with Chaldean Bias.)
[] Chaldean Bias (0 Points)
GDI's administration and staff are notably slanted towards Chaldeans, pleasing the technocrats and increasing the share of research personnel, but angering the Antarc Throne. (Cannot be taken with Antarc Bias.)
[] Brotherhood Study Sessions (0 Points)
Providing time and resources for GDI members to study the words of Kane and immerse themselves in the philosophies of Nod doesn't violate any worker standards so long as it isn't mandatory, but tends to filter out those who aren't receptive. However, those who remain tend towards an almost fanatical loyalty.
[] Agricultural Shortfall (+1 Point)
The coming winter is projected to be particularly harsh in between a poor harvest in the greenhouses and global hoarding of foodstuffs in the wake of the announcement of Ulysses. With GDI in full command of the economy, both host nations elected to make the immediate crisis their problem as well.
[] Commander Deployed (+1 Point)
One of Kane's most fearsome disciples is an individual referred to only as "the Commander" without regard for name or gender. Revered as a military genius, the Commander serves wherever Kane wills, and for the moment that is very far away from Antarctica. (Small chance every turn for this trait to expire.) (Cannot be taken with Commander Oncall)
[] Peacekeeping Obligations (+1 Point)
In exchange for the freedom and ability to raise and equip its own military forces, GDI has been appointed by both of its host nations to maintain the truce within the contested islands which they had nearly gone to war over before Ulysses was announced to the public. While not a particularly onerous task, it will be a constant drain on resources.
[] Cult Scare (+3 Points)
Following the release of the documentary Kane: Messiah or Madman? public opinion of the Secretary-General and the Brotherhood of Nod has deteroriated. The religious elements of the Brotherhood are publicly viewed as more appropriate for a cult instead of any noble endeavor, and Kane as an egomaniac with a messiah complex. The PR disaster will pass in time, but you only get one first impression.
[] Promised Prosperity (+3 Points)
Constructing the defense systems to survive Ulysses is going to require a truly national effort, a reality that was not denied by GDI's founders. However, with the great power entrusted to them came great responsibility as well, namely ensuring that the Chaldean and Antarc economies stand at the cusp of the Ulysses crisis stronger than before. More pessimistic commentators note that it might be the only way that the economy survives the financial crash sure to follow the asteroid's impact, no matter how successful GDI is at mitigating its destructive force.
[] High Expectations (+3 Points)
Many promises were made to Chaldea and Antarc for them to give as much power over their economy as they did to GDI, and they expect results beyond the bare minimum against Ulysses.
Moratorium for a day or so for people to write up and discuss draft plans. If you have ideas for a trait not listed here, feel free to say so! If anyone writes an omake of Kane reacting to him becoming Secretary-General of GDI I'll give you 1 free point for this.
All these seem very good.. (waiting for someone to make actual plan)
also we can fix Agricultural Shortfall easily if we pick Subterranean Construction as we don't need to care for whether anymore, we just need to build underground hydrofarm to fix the food problem permanently as bombing & etc won't affect the underground infrastructure that much. (except maybe nuke)
According to the plan maker, they wanted to go the semi-peaceful route so we don't really need Commander On-Call right now. The Antarcs already have a good relationship with the Republic so we already have a diplomatic in that might help end the war peacefully.
[] Plan: Soft Power
-[] Traits:
--[] Nod Researchers (-3 Points)
--[] Subterranean Construction (-3 Points)
--[] Eyes Everywhere (-1 Point)
--[] Equal Opportunity Employer (-1 Point)
--[] Voice of the Forgotten (-1 Point)
--[] High Expectations (+3 Points)
--[] Cult Scare (+3 Points)
--[] Commander Deployed (+1 Point)
--[] Peacekeeping Obligations (+1 Point)
--[] Brotherhood Study Sessions (0 Points)
-[] Relations:
--[] Osean Federation (Superpower) (Neutral) (0 points)
--[] Union of Yuktobanian Republics (Superpower) (Neutral) (0 points)
--[] Republic of Emmeria (Great Power) (Disliked) (+2 points)
--[] Federal Republic of Estovakia (Great Power) (Disliked) (+2 points)
--[] Federal Republic of Erusea (Great Power) (Hated) (+4 points)
--[] Federation of Central Usea (Great Power) (Hated) (+4 points)
--[] Kingdom of Erusea (Local Power) (Loved) (-4 points)
--[] Republic of Antarctica (Local Power) (Loved) (-4 points)
--[] Federal Republic of Aurelia (Local Power) (Loved) (-4 points)
--[] Democratic Republic of Leasath (Local Power) (Loved) (-4 points)
--[] Principality of Belka (Pariah State) (Loved) (+4 points)
Regarding International Relations, this plan ensures we have good relations with our immediate neighbors (Aurelia, Leasath, Antarctica, and the Kingdom of Erusea) with the main drawback being that Erusea and Usea absolutely hate us which won't matter much because they'll be the ones most affected by the Ulysses Asteroid, and so won't be in a position to mess with us too much thanks to said Asteroid and the refugee crisis on their continent. Emmeria and Estovakia also have a mild dislike of us, but that also isn't too bad since they're on the opposite side of the world.
In the meantime, being Loved by both the Kingdom of Erusea and Republic of Antarctica means we can better negotiate a peace treaty between the two nations before things get out of hand, thus helping unite the continent and ensuring we can count on their resources to help build our Superweapon ASAP.
Similarly, max relations with Aurelia and Leasath are essential since we share a direct maritime border with both nations. Not only that, but Aurelia is also extremely rich. Aurelian generosity is pretty much the only reason why Leasath hasn't collapsed into complete anarchy, and we absolutely want some of that action in order to fund the GDI.
Not only that, but Aurelia and Leasath are both known for their extensive research in Direct Energy Weapons, specifically in Particle Weapons. We may have Belkan Laser Technology, but having access to tech and talent from both would greatly expand our options and potentially accelerate our own research, especially since Aurelians have a district sized particle accelerator laboratory in their capital, while Leasath is a goldmine of talent when it comes to weapons research and military infrastructure as seen by how they used Aurelian aid to make Super Weapons and an extensive military despite suffering from the effects of a deadly civil war.
Basically, all our neighbors love us and the people who don't aren't in a position to act on it because they're either too far (Emmeria and Estovakia) or have bigger concerns (Erusea and Usea).
As for our traits, as the plan name suggests, it's all about Soft Power. This means high popularity with the people, and an extensive intelligence network. While we do have some big drawbacks like the Cult Scare and High Expectations, I believe we're in a great position to actually address them.
Cult Scare is a temporary debuff to our popularity. First impressions are important, but it's somewhat mitigated by Voice of the Forgotten. Similarly, High Expectations also means our host countries want more than just a Superweapon, and I believe we're positioned to actually deliver those results.
Our reputation will be massively improved if we're able to successfully broker a peace between the Republic of Antartica and the Kingdom of Erusea who both love us. Additionally, we'll also have proved our capability to our hosts by doing so. Not only that, but if we can successfully pull Aurelia and Leasath (who both love us) into our sphere of influence and get them to contribute to building a superweapon that nominally belongs to The Antarc Throne and Chaldea, then I'm pretty sure we'll have blasted past both their high expectations.
We have the recipe for making our own coalition of local powers consisting of Antarctian nations along with Aurelia and Leasath. It has the potential to be a major force in international politics in a post-Ulysses world especially if we have an effective super weapon at our disposal.
The Cult Scare option specifically mentions that its effects will pass in time, and I think we can actually accelerate that by being successful. We're positioned well to broker a peace between the Kingdom of Erusea and the Republic of Antarctica. Combine that with Voice of the Forgotten, and Kane being called a Messiah won't be much of an issue because he becomes worthy of the title in the eyes of the masses.
Even better if we finish our Super Weapon first, since a lot of super weapons are actually incomplete by the time Ulyssess impacts the planet.
[] Plan: Equal GDI
-[] Nod Researchers (-3 Points)
-[] Subterranean Construction (-3 Points)
-[] Equal Opportunity Employer (-1 Point)
-[] Voice of the Forgotten (-1 Point)
-[] Southern Paperclip (Variable)
--[] Full Disclosure (0 Points)
-[] Peacekeeping Obligations (+1 Point)
-[] Kingdom of Erusea (Local Power) Hatred (+4 Points)
-[] Principality of Belka (Pariah State) Liked (+2 Points)
You would also notice I limited the other relations, that is because I would have to play them off each other and not sure the right ones to pick for that. I will make a longer plan if people want one with more relations.
Edit:
[] Plan: Super Equal GDI
-[] Nod Researchers (-3 Points)
-[] Subterranean Construction (-3 Points)
-[] Equal Opportunity Employer (-1 Point)
-[] Voice of the Forgotten (-1 Point)
-[] Southern Paperclip (Variable)
--[] Full Disclosure (0 Points)
-[] Peacekeeping Obligations (+1 Point)
-[] Osean Federation (Superpower) Loved (-6 Points)
-[] Union of Yuktobanian Republics (Superpower) Loved (-6 Points)
-[] Federal Republic of Estovakia (Great Power) Disliked (+2 Points)
-[] Federal Republic of Erusea (Great Power) Disliked (+2 Points)
-[] Federation of Central Usea (Great Power) Disliked (+2 Points)
-[] Kingdom of Erusea (Local Power) Hatred (+4 Points)
-[] Republic of Antarctica (Local Power) Disliked (+2 Points)
-[] Federal Republic of Aurelia (Local Power) Disliked (+2 Points)
-[] Democratic Republic of Leasath (Local Power) Disliked (+2 Points)
-[] Principality of Belka (Pariah State) Liked (+2 Points)
Just played around to make this one because I felt like it.
Edit, Edit: I have now updated the plans with the +1 point for free.
