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[Megagame] Stand Still Stay Silent - Game Ends

GumpyGumpy There is alwaysa greater powerRegistered User regular
edited July 2015 in Social Entropy++
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Mod Approved!

Welcome to Pandemic, SE++'s first Megagame - This is a large scale 40 person play by post game we've been designing over the last couple of weeks that aim's to let us all find out how fun and dandy it would be to live through a viral apocalypse. If you're familiar with the Shut Up & Sit Down megagame series then you'll have a broad idea what to expect here.

This megagame can support up to 40 players. If we get a lot more interest in it, we'll see if we can expand the player count a bit. If we get a lot less, we'll quietly sob to ourselves and adapt accordingly.

What is a Megagame?

A megagame is a mix between board game and roleplaying game. There're rules on how each individual bit functions but they're fairly simple and open to interpretation. What we're looking for is players to tell us what they want to do. The hosts will sit down behind the scenes to work out what actually happens! There are a couple of key principles that make this fame function.
The game will not have winners - It will have an end result, but no golden first prize. We'll give an overview of where everyone is when we call the end of the game.
Reality trumps rules - Don't get too tied up in what the rules say. The main design document for this is 16 pages long, we'll do the best we can do make sure everything works right. We may need to balance things on the fly, stop things from breaking or otherwise just make mistakes working things out. The game has to go on. If players work out a way of using the rules in a way that doesn't make sense, we'll give out the most sensible result possible.
What the hosts say goes - We're going to struggle to make sure everything’s working right in the hosting team, but there will undoubtedly be ass ups. We'll be doing our best, but we need your help to make sure the stress doesn't get to us! There'll also be a fair amount of hidden information in this game, so there may be unexpected results from the days actions.
Communication is key - We might be trying to simulate the world during an apocalyptic epidemic, but when boiled down this is a game that looks at how well you can communicate with your team and other players.

What is a Pandemic?

The date is 2015. Economics in the western world still haven't recovered from the 2008 market crash, new media technologies have enabled popular protest like never before. The middle east is still reeling from the Arab Spring and Russian aggression is on the rise. The power of the USA is faltering and new powers, like Brazil and China, are quickly coming to the forefront. People are dissatisfied, tensions are high and the world is a tinderbox. Against this backdrop, a mysterious new disease has appeared in Spain. The mass media suggests that it's a relatively small outbreak, but reports from the World Health Organisation have circulated the world's governments. It's deadly, contagious and not like anything seen before. If not contained it could rip through a nation's populace in a matter of months, which could have devastating effects on the world order.

What does the world look like?
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What role do players play?

Players will be put in a team of four, each representing a national government. As a pandemic breaks out they must look after their own national interests, advancing their countries place in the world while attempting to contain one of the greatest catastrophes humankind has ever seen. Players will be one of these four roles:
  • President - Responsible for overseeing the team's finances. The president needs to keep track of Infection in their country, manage public terror and assign the countries limited resources to the other three players. It's up to the President (or Prime Minister) to lead their team in these uncertain times.
  • Military Commander - Each country has a substantial military. The Military commander manoeuvres them around the world map. They could be used to protect borders, invade other nations or control the flow of refugees. If conflict does break out, the Military Commander has to win it.
  • Diplomat - Diplomacy hasn't failed us yet. The Diplomat will be responsible for talking to other teams, sending delegations to neutral countries to make friends and vote on UN resolutions that appear in the thread. Fairly rules light, they're the best chance of us all getting through this without someone unlocking the nukes.
  • Scientist - To fight the unknown, one must understand the unknown. The Scientist is responsible for advancing the country along the tech tree, putting together their own theories on what's going on and acquiring technologies from other friendly scientists.
The countries they'll be playing as are:
  • The United States of America - Current leader of the free world, the USA is struggling to hold onto it's position. They haven't lost it yet, and they still have the world's greatest nuclear arsenal.
  • The Russian Federation - Russian aggression has risen in the last few years. Rumours are that they've been mobilising more and more troops as of late. If Russia was launch an invasion, no single country could stop it.
  • The Peoples Republic of China - Some say the second greatest power in the world. China is on the rise, happy to let the other major powers collapse around it. Quite content with the current state of the world, China will do what it can to preserve it.
  • The Arab Republic of Egypt - Recently stabilised after the Arab Spring, Egypt worries that other powers may try to take advantage of it. Its no slouch however and it's shown itself to be very resilient to internal upheaval. If this Pandemic leads to the downfall of the west, Egypt will be set to rise.
  • The Federal Republic of Nigeria - Africa's largest economy. Though they've seen their own share of internal conflict, they're a power in the region and are better set then most to weather the oncoming storm. If an opportunity arose, Nigeria would be quite happy to drive western influence from the continent.
  • The Republic of South Africa - Africa's second largest economy and friendly the west, South Africa is looking to maintain stability in the continent. However, if they did have a chance of becoming Africa's leading power, they could push for it.
  • The Federal Republic of Germany - The greater power in Europe. Germany wishes to see Europe brought closer and closer together, though it prides it's own place in it. Germany would like to see the EU match any other power in the world.
  • The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Committed to the balance of power, the UK would see no world power outstrip it's peers. Only by having an even playing field can peace be assured, as any country that attempted to break away from it would be restricted by the others. They'd probably also be fine with the EU shattering under it's many strains.
  • The Federative Republic of Brazil - One of the world's swiftest growing economies, Brazil would see itself recognised as the equal to the other great western powers. They're content with the current state of the world as their economic growth will soon put them in a very good place in it.
  • The Argentine Republic - Hostile to western influence in South America, Argentina has long been drumming up internal dissatisfaction with the presence of the United Kingdom in the nearby Islas Malvinas. If western hegemony was to crack, Argentina would swiftly see them expelled from the continent.
To sign up just post !Sign up in the thread. If you want to sign up as a group (up to four people), just make it clear in the thread who you’re signing up with.

How long will the game take

We're looking at one in game week per day, running for a total of 2-2.5 weeks. We'll have long days on the weekend to give the hosts a bit of a break. Sign ups are open until Monday the 13th, with the first day being Monday -> Tuesday. Each game day will finish at 10pm GMT/5pm EST.

How does the game work? Like, actual rules?

We'll send out role specific information when sign ups close, but mostly you just PM your orders to the relevant host every day and results will be posted in the thread when they're worked out.

Whose on the host team?

The host team is myself as main host, @MrBlarney as map host and @Sir Fabulous as science host.

WHOSE WHO:
Argentina
President - Arualynx
Military - Invictus
Diplomat - Assuran
Scientist - CesareB

Brazil
President - SLyM
Military - Solar
Diplomat - Joshalltrades
Scientist - Platpus Beirut

China
President - Jdarksun
Military - Cantide
Diplomat - KetBra
Scientist - Phyphor

Egypt
President - Tommy2Hands
Military - Baidol
Diplomat - Speed Racer
Scientist - Preda

Germany
President - Delmain
Military - Visiblehowl
Diplomat - Hoodie13
Scientist - Mr Fuzzbut

Nigeria
President - Langly
Military - Matev
Diplomat - -Tal
Scientist - Psykoma

Russia
President - JusticeforPluto
Military - Bremen
Diplomat - Munkus Beaver
Scientist - Jaykaos

South Africa
President - Bucketman
Military - Fencingsax
Diplomat - Theodore Floosevelt
Scientist - Radius

UK
President - Discrider
Military - Farangu
Diplomat - Goose!
Scientist - Butler For Life #1

USA
President - Dongs Galore
Military - Obifett
Diplomat - Vertroue
Scientist - Virgil_Leads_You

Day 1 - A World of Noise
Day 2 - Slumbering Giants
Day 3 - A Union of Tears
Day 4 - If this is the calm
Day 5 - Gone Dark
Day 6 - First Contact
Day 7 - Retreat
Day 8 - War
Day 9 - Stand Still

Gumpy on
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Posts

  • RadiusRadius Registered User regular
    If we sign up as a team of four do we get to pick our roles?

    And are countries randomly assigned even if you sign up as a team?

    Also who wants to run a country into the ground with me?

    Everyday we stray further from God's light
    Steam Switch FC: 2799-7909-4852
  • Albino BunnyAlbino Bunny Jackie Registered User regular
    I'd be up for this.

    !Sign up as whoever honestly. Willing to fill under the assumption people will have teams ready.

  • GumpyGumpy There is always a greater powerRegistered User regular
    Radius wrote: »
    If we sign up as a team of four do we get to pick our roles?

    And are countries randomly assigned even if you sign up as a team?

    Also who wants to run a country into the ground with me?

    Countries will be randomly assigned, but I have absolutely no problem with a foursome deciding who does what in government as long as they tell me before sign ups close.

  • hoodie13hoodie13 punch bro Registered User regular
    !Sign up

    PSN: HoodieThirteen
    XBL: Torn Hoodie
    @hoodiethirteen
  • Goose!Goose! That's me, honey Show me the way home, honeyRegistered User regular
    !Sign up

  • Theodore FlooseveltTheodore Floosevelt proud parent of eight beautiful girls and shalmelo dorne (which is currently being ruled by a woman (awesome role model for my daughters)) #dornedadRegistered User regular
    !Sign up

    also @Radius i will ruin a country with you if you're down 2 clown on the international stage

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  • Butler For Life #1Butler For Life #1 Twinning is WinningRegistered User regular
    !Sign up

    I'll happily join any team, or I'm cool with being randomly assigned too.

  • RadiusRadius Registered User regular
    edited July 2015
    !Sign up

    @Theodore Floosevelt That video is not what I wanted. But yeah, hell yeah.

    Radius on
    Everyday we stray further from God's light
    Steam Switch FC: 2799-7909-4852
  • KetBraKetBra Dressed Ridiculously Registered User regular
    !sign up

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  • PhyphorPhyphor Building Planet Busters Tasting FruitRegistered User regular
    We can't close Madagascar's port to survive can we

  • CantideCantide Registered User regular
    !Sign up

  • KetBraKetBra Dressed Ridiculously Registered User regular
    Also, who wants to make a team CF/phalla?

    KGMvDLc.jpg?1
  • GumpyGumpy There is always a greater powerRegistered User regular
    Phyphor wrote: »
    We can't close Madagascar's port to survive can we

    That is actually a very valid course of action (if you can somehow move to Madagascar first)

  • GizzyGizzy i am a cat PhoenixRegistered User regular
    No Japan?

    Switch Animal Crossing Friend Code: SW-5107-9276-1030
    Island Name: Felinefine
  • Sir FabulousSir Fabulous Malevolent Squid God Registered User regular
    *Ahem*

    I know that this is perhaps a bit of a late announcement, but as a representative of the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Swedish Academy, and the Norwegian Nobel Committee, I am here to inform you of some changes to the way that the Nobel Prizes will be awarded this year.

    It is the decision of the various Nobel-awarding institutions that a new category of Nobel Prize be created. This new category will encourage a global atmosphere of collaboration and innovation. While the Nobel Prizes have, in the past, been decided upon by various committees of qualified individuals, for the first time ever, we are opening up the process to you, the people.

    Our newest category, the Nobel Prize in Global Achievement, will be awarded to the scientific team which makes the most important scientific discovery of the year, as voted on by the entire world!

    As many of you know, the Nobel Prizes are being awarded in only a months time. Although we are quite aware that this does not leave much time to submit your research, the excitement of this announcement was too much to wait for next year!

    I personally hope to read some excellent reports in this, the inaugural year of the Nobel Prize in Global Achievement!

    Further details about the exact voting process will be provided shortly.

    pickup-sig.php?name=Orthanc

    Switch Friend Code: SW-1406-1275-7906
  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    Ok, having read the op, I am much more interested in the proceedings.

    sign up!

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
  • Mr FuzzbuttMr Fuzzbutt Registered User regular
    !Sign up

    broken image link
  • JusticeforPlutoJusticeforPluto Registered User regular
    Poland can into space![/quote]

  • HjorvarthrHjorvarthr Registered User regular
    !Sign up

  • Munkus BeaverMunkus Beaver You don't have to attend every argument you are invited to. Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    !Sign up

    Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but dies in the process.
  • discriderdiscrider Registered User regular
    Sign up

  • JusticeforPlutoJusticeforPluto Registered User regular
    Gizzy wrote: »
    No Japan?

    Heck Mexico, France and India didn't make the cut either.

  • Munkus BeaverMunkus Beaver You don't have to attend every argument you are invited to. Philosophy: Stoicism. Politics: Democratic SocialistRegistered User, ClubPA regular
    Gizzy wrote: »
    No Japan?

    Heck Mexico, France and India didn't make the cut either.

    Japan is an isolated archipelago that has had one of the strongest economies recently.

    It is more surprising that they aren't in this than Mexico or France, but India's exclusion does raise an eyebrow. Though it seems to rule is an average of 2 countries per continent, with N. America getting only one and Africa getting 3.

    Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but dies in the process.
  • DelmainDelmain Registered User regular
    I am def 100% interested. Seeing if I can form a team before I sign up though.

  • Virgil_Leads_YouVirgil_Leads_You Proud Father House GardenerRegistered User regular
    Hrmm. So we have a game about 10 world powers, controlled by fellow SE++ forumers (shudder), trying to survive an earth with apocalyptic deadly diseases.
    Looks like there's mechanics for nukes, military invasions, diplomatic treaties and resolutions, hidden information and probably players with allegiances outside of their nation group.
    Setting up a team sounds fun. I wonder how useful pre-game politics would be.
    It sounds a bit like an open ended sandbox, so I could see likeminded folk setting up goals beforehand. Their personal win-condition being whatever a team decides to set it before game.

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  • Hi I'm Vee!Hi I'm Vee! Formerly VH; She/Her; Is an E X P E R I E N C E Registered User regular
    I am !signing up to reserve a spot, but will probably be a member of Delmain's team.

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  • JayKaosJayKaos Registered User regular
    Definitely !Sign up if I haven't missed it already.

    Steam | SW-0844-0908-6004 and my Switch code
  • DelmainDelmain Registered User regular
    !signup I guess if VH did, =P

  • Albino BunnyAlbino Bunny Jackie Registered User regular
    Hrmm. So we have a game about 10 world powers, controlled by fellow SE++ forumers (shudder), trying to survive an earth with apocalyptic deadly diseases.
    Looks like there's mechanics for nukes, military invasions, diplomatic treaties and resolutions, hidden information and probably players with allegiances outside of their nation group.
    Setting up a team sounds fun. I wonder how useful pre-game politics would be.
    It sounds a bit like an open ended sandbox, so I could see likeminded folk setting up goals beforehand. Their personal win-condition being whatever a team decides to set it before game.

    My personal win con is the British Empire re surging.

    Even if I'm not representing the UK.

  • SolarSolar Registered User regular
    !signup for sure!

  • GumpyGumpy There is always a greater powerRegistered User regular
    Gizzy wrote: »
    No Japan?

    Heck Mexico, France and India didn't make the cut either.

    Japan is an isolated archipelago that has had one of the strongest economies recently.

    It is more surprising that they aren't in this than Mexico or France, but India's exclusion does raise an eyebrow. Though it seems to rule is an average of 2 countries per continent, with N. America getting only one and Africa getting 3.

    We considered India and Japan, but China and Russia are both super huge and putting another Asian power in could have made that side of the map exceptionally crowded. We wanted to spread the love about a bit.

  • Tommy2HandsTommy2Hands what is this where am i Registered User regular
    edited July 2015
    shit, I'll !sign up

    Tommy2Hands on
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  • SLyMSLyM Registered User regular
    Yes please

    My friend is working on a roguelike game you can play if you want to. (It has free demo)
  • jdarksunjdarksun Struggler VARegistered User regular
  • BaidolBaidol I will hold him off Escape while you canRegistered User regular
    edited July 2015
    I have a doctorate in making poor decisions and I will save us all.

    Baidol on
    Steam Overwatch: Baidol#1957
  • Virgil_Leads_YouVirgil_Leads_You Proud Father House GardenerRegistered User regular
    Signup!

    VayBJ4e.png
  • PhyphorPhyphor Building Planet Busters Tasting FruitRegistered User regular
    jdarksun wrote: »
    KetBra, Phyphor, Cantide, and myself have formed a team.

    Through suspicion and democracy we will triumph!

  • MatevMatev Cero Miedo Registered User regular
    Phyphor wrote: »
    jdarksun wrote: »
    KetBra, Phyphor, Cantide, and myself have formed a team.

    Through suspicion and democracy we will triumph!

    Excellent, you've all congregated into one, easy to invade country, makes my job easier.

    "Go down, kick ass, and set yourselves up as gods, that's our Prime Directive!"
    Hail Hydra
This discussion has been closed.