Next DG Discussion

[Archaic]

I think it would probably help the game a lot if we had a GM running things, who could open the scenario editor between each turn to make changes reflecting events in RP, both player instigated and GM created.

Of course, the question is then, who could do that?

[Maniac]

No comment yet, so I'll talk a little to myself.

One reason why I think SMAniaC would be good for a ACDG is because of the social engineering system. Social engineering, especially the discussion over free market versus planned formed a major part of ACDG1 roleplay, so I assume it would likewise in another ACDG. Here I feel SMAniaC many more interesting SE combinations. Have a look at the picture attached.

The Politics line allows two choices. A unitary versus a federal state structure might not be so interesting unless there's going to be discussion about a central government versus more power to the governors. But there's also democracy versus police state. Police state is more attractive than in the standard game, so there are more viable strategies possible. Unlike in the standard game, where police state and fundamentalism aren't attractive choices, and democracy is a must.

The economics line allows the traditional choice between planned or private-owned economics.

The ruling elite allows four choices. Technocrat and Junta the equivalents of Knowledge and Power) are available earlier than Plutocrat/Wealth. Unlike in the standard game where Wealth is always the first Value to be researched. Also Junta has a smaller Industry penalty, making it a better choice than previous.

Society is an entirely new line, with three interesting choices. Do we want a cybernetic, anthropocentric or green society?


Compare that to the standard game. For the Politics and Values line democracy and wealth are the only realistic choices. The future line doesn't even feature - the game is long over before we get to that. That only leaves the economics line with the choice between free market and planned - with green only an afterthought as that too is researched very late compared to the rest. And indeed in ACDG1 the roleplay focused on that single choice. SMAniaC would allow a wider variety of roleplay and choices.

[Whoha]

how about 2 aliens and no AI.

[#endgame]

Maniac makes a valid point about the SE and RP in SMA(C/X). I think a mod is an excellent idea. Something... big. I'd suggest one of:

TurboSMAC
SMAniaC
Aldebaran2

[AdamTG02]

If I'm following correctly, we are discussing a single-faction demo game with a layered political structure? That cartainly sounds like something I could sink my teeth into. I very well might return for this.

As for which faction, I say one of the fourteen in SMAC and SMACX is the way to go, but a number of people seem to be opting for a "generic" faction. Consider, isn't roleplay very much encouraged when the faction has a theme to jumpstart the process? I for one would rather play a faction with a theme I didn't particularly like, such as the Spartans or Believers, than a faction with no theme at all.

As for a mod, I think it's a good idea, but am unfortunately utterly unfamiliar with any mods. So, I'll have to rely on the advice of the rest of you in picking one.

Hope this new game turns out well. I will likely not be starting a party in this one, but should I turn out to have the time I will definitely want to be involved.

[GeoModder]

Adam... you're not dead?

[AdamTG02]

Indeed not! Just distracted, lately. Check out the link in my sig if you're at all curious.

[Maniac]

Welcome back AdamTG!

[AdamTG02]

Good to see that I'm so fondly remembered.

Thinking a bit more about the faction choice, I think I'd favor the University, personally, I lost interest in the University faction in ACDG2 because RP never really took off, but I do think that with sufficient activity and interest a single-faction Uni game could be very interesting. They're the most "democratic" of the seven original factions except for the Peacekeepers, who were our choice in the ACDG1, and the Gaians, whom a large segment of the frum here is just finishing up playing. Also, they're one of the more challenging factions to play on higher difficulty levels.

If there is enough interest in a Uni game I might just typ up a proposed Constitution, with Board of Visitors, Deans, and all. However, it's ultimately up to you guys. So who'd be interested?

[Maniac]

Originally posted by AdamTG02
Also, they're one of the more challenging factions to play on higher difficulty levels.

Are you serious?

[binTravkin]

He's pulling your leg.
Checking if we still know what SMAC is.
Don't let yourself be fooled!

[AdamTG02]

...Okay, so maybe I don't know how to play the University. I just know that the drone penalty is worse of a hit the higher you go. I assume there are mitigating factors to that, from your reaction?

[GeoModder]

You could say that, yes. Humane Genome Project anyone?

[PJayTycy]

meh, as univ I prefer the virtual world

[binTravkin]

Humane Genome Project anyone?

Note..

EDIT: I dare to say that with VW Uni becomes the second drone-safest place on Chiron after The Human Hive.
Unless you're an ICS-protester..