History of the Democracy Game

[-Jrabbit]

The history of the Apolyton Democracy Game starts here.

The format is narrative and is presented in chapters -- one on the game's formation, then another for each election cycle (one month realtime).

Much early history predates the author's involvement in the game and was reconstructed through semi-painstaking research. Any omissions or inaccuracies are strictly coincidental and may be corrected by posting to this thread for consideration.

Each chapter will be presented as straight bulletin board text, with an attached ZIP file in Smiley-free RTF format, dowloadable to the word processor of your choice.

Hope you enjoy...

-Jrabbit
Historian
07 April 2002

[Marquis de Sodaq]

[-Jrabbit]

Thanks, Marquis!

-->> see Official history, below <<--

[-Jrabbit]

CHAPTER I -- IN THE BEGINNING

THE UNITED MINDS OF APOLYTON
NATION OF APOLYTONIA

A BRIEF HISTORY

Notes from the fuzzy edges of prehistory are scant, but traditional lore states that on or about 23 Jan 02, adamsj brought forth his conception of a Democratic Apolytonia, wherein the ppl would throw off their shackles of barbarism and anarchy, coming together in a harmonious world of shared ideas and community wisdom. The deity MarkG looked down upon this and saw that it was good, and on the third day, he caused to be created The Forum and bequested it to adamsj and any ppl who might follow him out of the wilderness.

The radical idea of Democracy was then communicated to the ppl for their consideration through the magic of Posting. The ppl learned of the idea and, looking about at their pathetic existence of hut-foraging and fishing, of living in fear of the raging hordes, they saw the It Was Good.

adamsj, true to the spirit of his noble idea, encouraged the participation of all an lo, many came forth from the wilderness. Some ppl came forth from Civ3, and many from Civ2, both SP and MP. Still others came from Civfanatics.

Quoth adamsj, “Send us your curious , your bored and notorious , your peacekeepers , your troublemakers yearning to breathe free. All we accept to this new way of life, to this new path -- to the Democratic Game!”

Ideas were tested through a newfangled concept called The Poll, a common thread through which all members of society could express their opinions , and the Post, wherein individual citizens could have their voices heard, persuading other ppl to align with their thoughts and ideas. The first of these polls revealed The Version, in which the combined wisdom of 21 ppl determined that the nation would play Civ2 MGE -- the architecture of the world as we know it today. The gods looked down and saw both the The Post and The Poll and said that they were good.

To attain the heady dream of adamsj and make it real, the ppl needed leaders, a select few who would hear the ppl’s will and impose it on a cruel and inhospitable world. And so it came to pass that on 06 Feb 02 were The Elections. Using The Poll, the ppl chose from among them a leadership to bring them forth from the darkness. And the will of the ppl was heard, and heard well.

The election of 4000 BC
February 2002
United Apolyton High Council

President - Marquis de Sodaq
Vice President - Shaka Naldur
Science Advisor - Gramphos
Foreign Advisor - adamsj
Military Advisor - shade
Trade Advisor - El Awrence
City Planner - kassiopeia
Imperial Expansion - Frank Johnson
Historian - Albert B

And thus began The Game...

[-Jrabbit]

CHAPTER II -- THE EARLY YEARS

Chapter II -- The Early Years
The Reign of Marquis de Sodaq

...and so it was that ppl found themselves united to a single purpose, to survive and thrive in an inhospitable world. They gathered among them their meager knowledge. Some of this was real, the rest mere rumor or lore.

They knew it to be a cruel world, where only a Deity could truly thrive. Barbarous tribes roamed the planet in raging hordes. And yet the size of the world was Normal, and rumored to contain other Civs, perhaps as many a six more, all striving to progress, to learn, to tame the wilderness. It was known that all would compete for fruits of the earth, which were sadly limited. The special benefits of plentiful game, of precious minerals, of fertile fields & des fruits de mer were there for the taking -- but only to the swift of knee, the wise of beard, the clever of mind and the strong of arm.

And so the President gathered the ppl and spake unto them, saying, “We need in this early time your talents, your knowledge and your lore. Give unto the nation what ye know, that we may all learn and prosper by it.”

And lo, it was revealed that the ppl had indeed some knowledge of the world, creating a technical library in the oral tradition. Of course there was irrigation and mining, and the ability to build crude roads through difficult terrain. These were expected. Exultant was the President then, when learned he that also among the ppl was found knowledge of the Alphabet, which he knew was the first step toward Writing. So too was contributed a Code of Laws, by which an orderly society and a glimmer of future organization might be imagined. And finally, there was Pottery, by which knowledge could be made vessels of clay for many uses.

President Marquis de Sodaq wept tears of joy at this good fortune, knowing the ideas of adamsj were already bearing the ripe fruit of knowlege, a powerful force in this difficult world. He said unto his ppl, “Let us now look about us at the land, to find a spot on which to build a great Capital, a village which, i promise you, will one day grow to house your children’s children’s children, providing all with safety and security. In it we shall build great Wonders and train our citizens unto a variety of skills. Let us find a position of great resource and call it our own!”

And the ppl looked about them, led by their two designated specialsts, called Settlers. They found the sea with its plentiful fish, the forest with its game, and the grasslands and plains. And they set themselves down among these things and built their meager homes. The greatest of these was reserved for their leaders, that they might gather in solitude to plan, to create their polls, and to discuss great strategems for the common good.

With the skills of their first Settler, the first city was founded. The city of Apolyton. To feed the city, the Fish were exploited. To protect it, a Warrior was trained.

And so went forth the second settler, to learn more of their world. In 3900 BC found he a crude Hut, and being of curious mind, he entered, finding there a skilled Archer, whose rare skills were enlisted to the common good of the ppl.

Years passed. Progress was steady, but necessarily slow. Small triumphs built on early successes. In 3750 BC was devised a respectful and holy method of interment, called Ceremonial Burial. While some s******ed at the seemingly unnecessary pomp, the wise men knew that it would lead to greater things.

The ppl were fruitful and multiplied in kind. Marquis de Sodaq smiled and knew the time had come to expand and, in 3700 BC was founded the nation’s second city, which he humbly named... Sodaq.

Soon was spotted another hut. Reached by a faithful Warriior in 3500 BC, bravely he entered and was astonished by the knowledge found therein. Indeed, what he found was the long-rumored and sacred Warrior Code, which would help the ppl of Apolyton tame the wilderness and fend off the barbarous hordes they were sure to encounter along the way.

For generations then, did wise men think, for they knew that their President was, in many ways, little more than a Despot, albeit an enlightened one who ruled by the ppl’s will. Still, it was thought that a better way might be devised, one which would allow greater flexibility in the disposition of resources, the arrows of research, the cost of government and, lo, the happiness of the ppl.

Long did they ponder, long did they study. The spoke among themselves, they implored the gods, they consulted the lore of their forebears. And so it was thought to create a Monarchy, refined from Depotism yet still malleable to the will of the ppl. In due course was the idea brought to the President, who knew at once that It Was Good. In the year of Oedo 3100 BC was it decreed and agreed by all that the office of the President should be so.

The idea was so novel that it caused a revolt among the ppl, whose world again would change. But, true to the prophesy of Oedo, the revolt was short-lived, and in 3050 BC, President Marquis de Sodaq was crowned the first King of United Apolyton.

History becomes sketchy at this poiint, as the ppl settled into their lives. Sciences were studied, fields were sowed and reaped, great harvests of fish were pulled from the seas. The government took polls, the ppl spoke, and progress was made.

In 2650 BC, a third city was founded -- Paha Sapa. The ppl wonder at its name.

By 2400 BC, another, called Fishy, was built -- named, no doubt, in tribute to their humble beginnings. About the same time, excited wise men called an a special session council meeting to announce that, after centuries of study and self-discipline, they had finally discovered the secrets of Bronze Working, a science that promised a greater defense for the homeland and all its cities. There was great rejoicing.

With a seer’s vision of the future, the President and High Council (after a suitable period of celebration), sent forth the wise men on another quest for knowledge. “We know by now that we live in a watery world, that in fact our great nation rests on but a modest island in a great sea. This knowledge should inform our studies and direct our minds,” said the esteemed science advisor, Gramphos. “Our cities grow and the ppl multiply. Let us create a body of scientific knowledge that will help us to go forth. Let the world make room for United Apolyton!” With both determination and resignation did the wise men return to their labors.

2150 BC -- Wise men discover Map Making. Specialists are set to work, designing and building the first crude boats, called triremes.

Soon, the first sailors set forth away from the island of Apolytonia, bravely exploring uncharted waters with only the wisdom of Foreign Advisor adamsj, and Miltary Advisor shade to guide them. “Go forth,” quoth adamsj. “Remember always to stay within sight of land.” Shade advises, “Verily, it is said: Only fools doth go where brave men fear to sail.”

1700 BC -- Wise men discover Currency. It is found to be inedible, but still perhaps, someday useful.

1500 BC -- By this time, the island north of Apolytonia has been reached. A hut is discovered and entered. Inside are found nomads, more than eager to join the obviously advanced and intrepid explorers.

1400 BC -- The cities of Ten Zuiden and Walvis Baai are settled.on the North Island. Historian expresses his relief that a civilization without writing is a civilization that doesn't have to worry about spelling. The High Council rejoices at the news, knowing that in growth there is power. Trireme sets sail for explore the western island.

1350 BC -- The western island is found to be inhabited by an “advanced” tribe. Having seen the wonders of United Apolyton from afar, this tribe begs to join our democratic ways, promising eternal loyalty and devotion in return. After a suitable period of consideration, their city (called, oddly, “Riverton”) is welcomed into the nation.

1300 BC -- Wise men excitedly report that, inspired by our expansion to other islands, they have now mastered the advanced scientific concept of Trade! City Planner kassiopeia and Imperial Expansion Advisor Frank Johnson meet to discuss the ramifications and agree that the time has come to awaken Trade Advisor El Lawrence from hibernation. Historian Albert B falls asleep.

It is known and, in some quarters, feared, that the President’s first term of office is nearing its end. It has been a time of discovery and growth. United Apolyton is held in high esteem by all, yet there is, as always, trepidation in the face of change. “Fear not, my ppl,” says President de Sodaq. “Just as I was not truly known to you as we set upon this jouney of democracy, so too will be your future. I declare that the next election shall go forth as scheduled, and that a new leader shall emerge to lead you into an even greater future.”

975 BC -- In his “lame duck” turn as President, the Marquis adds one final triumph to his legacy. In this year, the wise men -- finally -- report that they have figured out what to do with the Alphabet skills they have toyed with for the past 3,000 years. Writing is discovered, promising a new era of knowledge and diplomacy.

Foreign Advisor adamsj immediately volunteers to remain in his present office, energized by the thought “finally having something to do.” Inspired, the rest of the High Council also agrees to a second term, if the new President will have them. In their excitement, they fail to notice AlbertB, perhaps the one council member who could benefit the most from this new technology, still asleep in his chamber.

Leaving that issue for his successor, President Marquis de Sodaq gathers his meager personal belongings, along with a few insignificant souvenirs of office (the leather chair, a case of wine left of from last year’s Day of Adams-J celebration, and some assorted campaign gifts from High Council members and right-minded citizens).

Making his final State of the Democracy speech, Sodaq notes the vast progress attained by United Apolyton. Growing from anarchic roots to now inhabit three islands, the population has exploded. The wise men have become better scientists with each discovery. The list of known sciences now includes:

Alphabet -- Bronze Working -- Ceremonial Burial -- Code of Laws -- Currency
Map Making -- Monarchy -- Pottery -- Trade -- Warrior Code -- Writing

Marquis de Sodaq thanks the ppl for their indulgence and expresses his wish that the next President continue to rule with the will of the ppl foremost in his mind, tempered to wisdom by the advice of the High Council. The Marquis rambles on about the joy of leadership and the need for humility amid the grandeur of his reign when vice President Shaka Naldur jabs him knowingly in the ribs.

The Marquis, realizing that his time has come and gone, accepts a stylus, dips it in a thick gooseberry paste, and signs his resignation papers, commenting wryly that “The stylus, perhaps one day, may be mightier indeed than the sword or pike.” The High Council bursts into laughter.

Town criers are dispatched to all cities, announcing the end of the Era de Sodaq and the opening of polls for the new election. The result is minor panic in the streets. Men search their souls for bravery in the face of the unknown. Women burst into tears, wailing in the streets. Dogs howl at the moon.

Historian AlbertB sleeps.

[MrWhereItsAt]

Glorious, Jrabbit.

Keep it up.

Can we change the name of one of the Historians in our Civ game to Jrabbit? As a tribute to our first official (effective) historian?

[steelehc]

This is actually quite interesting. Its almost like reading about yourself. Keep it up.

Steele

[Shaka Naldur]

wow

The Marquis rambles on about the joy of leadership and the need for humility amid the grandeur of his reign when vice President Shaka naldur jabs him knowingly in the ribs.

i´ll try to make a chronology for you,
if you any question just ask me

[civman2000]

hmm...

BOth of the first two chapters are in the 1st zip...and they dont have any format (just a "file)! You can open them in word or wordpad, but I would recommend turning them into rtfs and changing the attachment...

[-Jrabbit]

They were saved as RTFs, produced separately. I do have a combined file -- maybe that was attached accidentally. Thanks for the note, civman2k.

I also saw a bunch of spelling problems in Chapter 2 -- indicating that an incompetent office worker attached a pre-spellcheck version. Not to worry -- sacked him!

Ran into another fun problem -- The vB editor rejected my Chapter 2 edit for having too many smileys. Never ran across that before. As you'll now see, even after reducing the smile count noticeably, the software basically rejected all non-text edits. so the smileys appear as text. Grrr. May have to break text into smaller chapters. I've PM'd the admin for help, but thought you, the ppl, should know what's been going on.

Oh well, at least the basic writing is started. Just President Shaka's term to write, and I was actually on board for much of that, so it should be easier.

[Shaka Naldur]

Originally posted by -Jrabbit
Oh well, at least the basic writing is started. Just President Shaka's term to write, and I was actually on board for much of that, so it should be easier.

as i said if you have any questions or you need any save feel free to ask

[-Jrabbit]

Muchas gracias, President Shaka. I will probably not start writing your history until after resolving the minor Smiley crisis that arose in the posting of Chapter 2.

Surely the story of your glorious reign will be the most inspiring of all!

[shade]

Originally posted by -Jrabbit
Muchas gracias, President Shaka. I will probably not start writing your history until after resolving the minor Smiley crisis that arose in the posting of Chapter 2.

Surely the story of your glorious reign will be the most inspiring of all!

post it in paragraphs...if you can't climb the mountain, just go around it.

Shade

[-Jrabbit]

I was waiting to see if the Admins might have some insight before moving forward. MarkG's learned response:

shorter posts?

So yes, I'll be reposting the history of the Reign de Sodaq in pieces. New policy will be to Start a new thread for each chapter/month.

I'm at work today, going to see the McCartney tour tonight, and golf weather has arrived. So it will likely be a couple days before I get around to it. For now, I've just re-posted Chapter II with (I hope) all spelling errors corrected.

BTW, Shade, my wife noted an unidentified email with attachment at home last night. I'm thinking it may be the savegame you sent. Thx!

[Marquis de Sodaq]

-Jrabbit, you should have your good buddy Ming 'Top:' the history thread once it is ready. If you are going to open a new one to allow more smilies , will this one be declared obsolete? Whichever one becomes the official history book should be topped, IM-not-so-HO.