The Aviarium Continuum: The Greater Flight of the Bird People - A Mildly Interactive/Democratic AAR

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Yenzen

Stagnant Descendant
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Jul 23, 2012
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The Aviarium Continuum: The Greater Flight of the Bird People
(Fancy top banner
in the works was never made.)

About the AAR

I’ve been wanting to try my hands with a mildly interactive AAR for a while. At the same time I’ve been looking forward to the release of Stellaris. This is a perfect chance to get my hands busy with both!

The AAR will be a mixture of gameplay and narrative, however it will not be a grand tale of fiction, as I am not interested or competent to write such. I do however want to bring some life to the political life of the Aviarium Continuum according to your votes! I like to let the game amuse me at times and won’t be afraid to resort to my own pitiable form of humour.

Do note that this has been accepted as a minimally interactive AAR! You can vote and may discuss which party has the best policies from your point of view, but keep it on point and keep in mind that this is not a roleplaying AAR! Please don’t declare yourself the spokesbird of foreign matters from the Sparrow Lobby etc.

Sessions will also be quite long (as much as 20 in-game years) and may cover two gaming sessions to avoid having to stop to vote all the time, so winners of elections are considered to be in power for multiple in-story re-elections. I am aiming to update about once a week.

Chapters

Background History of the Aviarium Continuum

2200: Chapter 0 - Introduction (Under the Sun so Red)

2200-2210: Chapter 1 Part 1 - Aetheria, Imun and Beyond
2210-2220: Chapter 1 Part 2 - First Contact(s)


2220-2235: Chapter 2 Part 1 - Across the Void, a Shadow
2235-2245: Chapter 2 Part 2 - From the Molten Ashes

2245-2265: Chapter 3 - Corewards

2265-2280: Chapter 4 - Sanctum & League

2280-2310: Chapter 5 - The New Century Republic


2310-2330: Chapter 6 - The Weakness of Vultures

2330-2355: Chapter 7 - By the Light of Their Tachyon Lances

Intermission: Internal Affairs of the Aviarium

2355 General Elections (A hung parliament)
2355 General Elections 2 (Another hung parliament)

2355-2375: Chapter 8 - Us Against the Galaxy

2375-2400: Chapter 9 - Everwars

2400-2417: Chapter 10 - Republic Everlasting
Post Scriptum


How elections work


You vote for primarily for which ruling party you want to be in control, and after that which party you would want, if your first choice doesn’t win. The secondary votes are used in the formation of coalition governments, to help guide the leader of the largest party to find a minor coalition partner. In the unlikely event that the two lesser parties can gain a majority, and the ones voting for both overwhelmingly want the other as partner, a coalition of the two minor parties can form.

If a party fails to get any votes or gains less than 1/10 twice in a row, it will be defunct. A new party may later try to use the power vacuum to stand election to fill in the space. A fourth party may even rise in the case of formation of a strong faction in the Aviarium Continuum.

If a party gets more than 45% of the votes, with a 5%+ lead to any other party, they are assured an automatic majority. NOTE: See below spoiler, changes after 2355 election.

Sometimes there will be a direct vote on important matters such as national edits and policies of great importance, this will be separate from voting for the ruling party, and the ruling party will be forced to follow the election result.

Government formation logic:
m4ZNjXY.png

NOTE:

- From the 2355 Re-Election and forward:
*** The 45% rule is replaced by the last 100 seats going to the largest party.
*** The second rule now only requires the largest amount of secondary votes from that party.

Election History

2200 Elections

2200_election.png

The Hawk Lobby: 80 mandates
The Sparrow Lobby: 100 mandates
The Dove Lobby: 120 mandates

Result:

- Formation of a Black-Red Sparrowhawk coalition.
- Hyperdrives chosen as the prototype FTL engine.

Entire election page:


Hawk lobby: Warp, Spokesbird of technology:

“We are evolved from the birds of the sky. This is indisputable fact. Let us not pretend that we will ever fly according to our own power, but let us not deny that heritage either: Warp technology represents the uncompromising free flight through the endless void of space. It does not yield to the fragile space stations of wormholes, it does not yield to the pre-destined whimsical paths of the hyperdriver. It exists within each of our space ships and allows them to move solely by their own power. Choose warp drives, let us carve our own path.”

Dove lobby: Wormholes, Spokesbird of extra-planetary affairs:


“Wormholes represent the most direct path of travel. Why would we need to travel through the void, when we can just make space forget it exists and cross it at the blink of an eye? At the same time, our ships will not be bogged down by the energy requirements of the warp drives or the constricted to the paths of the hyperlanes. With a well placed wormhole network, we will become able to instantaneously move around our combined fleets at once, crossing even the galaxy arms as we please. Choose wormholes, they offer the greatest freedom.”

Sparrow Lobby: Hyperdrives, Party vice-leader:


“They exist between each and every star. Celestial highways that make cumbersome warp jumps or wormhole stations look like kids play. They can be accessed from anywhere within systems, with no need to spend days or weeks crossing the innards of the star systems themselves. The engines that interface with them are cheap, reliable and the jumps are even faster than warp. Unlike wormholes, there are no static structures that can be disabled or destroyed. I need no bombastic statements, no glorification, just the facts, to show that the hyperdrive is by far the better choice.”

-----------------------------
Election bill:

Party Choice:

First choice:
Second Choice:

FTL choice (mark one choice with X):

Warp: [ ]
Wormhole: [ ]
Hyperdrive: [ ]
------------------------------

2220 Elections

2220_Election.png


In the 2220 elections, the Sparrowhawk coalition was shattered not from the inside, but the loss of elector confidence for both parties. With a total of 47% (9/19) of the vote, with a 5<% lead to the nearest competitor, the Dove Lobby won an assured majority with 160 seats, due to fulfilling the 45%+5%* criteria, with the remainder distributed among the two other parties:

The Dove Lobby secures 160 mandates with 47% (9/19) of the vote.
The Sparrow Lobby secures 56 mandates with 21% (6/19) of the vote.
The Hawk Lobby Secures 84 mandates with 32% (4/19) of the vote.

As a result, the Dove Lobby formed a unitary government, confirmed by Claws pf Purple in 2220. This would have no effect on her consulship.

The Dove Lobby had a policy to cross the void and investigate the other galaxy arm as seen here:
- The ownership of Grekil and the challenge imposed by the OUC:

Dove Lobby: The OUC have recently become willing to join with us in alliance. We should confirm this and make a migration agreement. We don't know the dangers the unknown species across the Galaxy hold, and we should make peace with those who think alike. To hold them off from our most legal claim on Grekil, we should put down a frontier station there to ward them off, while the population of the Proxima Sector grows to sustain our claim, and we can later colonize the tundra planets ourselves when the technology becomes available.
Sparrow Lobby: We overall agree with the Dove plan, but should Grekil fall into their hands, they stand to gain three of their own homeworld type planets. The only solution to this, should it happen, would be war before they grow beyond our means, and before they can contact other factions to turn against us.
Hawk Lobby: The Obevni are without a doubt the most respectable aliens in the galaxy we have yet encountered, and we do not believe that we shall encounter their like again. For this reason it is out belief that the only path forward is by adding their forces to ours - by claiming them as fellows under our united banner. We must first conquer them, them conquer with them! Over the next few years our fleet and our military should grow to accomplish this task.

Other special goals

Sparrow Lobby:


- It is vital that we look to the Mass Extinction Events that we have had pinging on our map for a while. We should send a science ship with the sole task of investigating it further, though of course surveying systems on the way.

Hawk Lobby


- The Tendrakkians are living underground within our legal territory. It is time that we assemble a ground force to secure them becoming proper civilians of the Aviarium Continuum. Some of them may even eventually serve to become citizens as many of the refugees have.

Dove Lobby:

- We should outfit an expedition not into the southwestern fringe, which we know the other parties support, to secure the pre-sentient mammals of Usir 1b for further study, but also send a science vessel across to the other galaxy arm across from Tem, as soon as the economy permits.

2245 Elections

2245_election.png


The Hawk Lobby gained 104 mandates with 35% (8/23) of the vote
The Sparrow Lobby gained 78 mandates with 26% (6/23) of the vote
The Dove Lobby gained 118 mandates with 39% (9/23) of the vote

The result was a Blue-Black coalition formed due to the third set of election rules. Debate centered around expansion policy to break the containment. The Dove lobby wanted to attack the Othari Coalition, while the Sparrow and Hawk lobby had wanted to attack the Democratic Bhenn'Thell Council.
Future policies

The Aviarium Continuum has now been boxed in on all sides. There is no doubt, and no debate, that in order to speed up the unification of the forces of the galaxy, war will be necessary.

Each party has an idea on how to break this containment:

The Dove Lobby argues that the allies of the Republican Force should be assembled and turned on the Othari nation. Though they are agreeable in personality, their society is degenerate and they need our guidance most of all. It will take a while to prime our armies, but we will be ready. War should however wait until all desert planets are colonized
The Hawk Lobby argues that the better goal is the UBU. If we expand enough into their territory, we might reach another galaxy arm through their former space. We also have a duty to take The Bruggan under their control into the space age, forcefully if need be. There is no time for them to develop naturally. We would stand alone against a near equal, but how different would that be from the last war? This time we will be prepared. If there is extra time, the Otharis can also be attacked.
The Sparrow Lobby concurs with the Hawk Lobby in terms of target, but refuses the idea of two wars in quick succession against two different targets, as it would lead to instability and hostility from other factions. Better to finish the original target in the second war before that. As for the remaining desert planets, they're not going anywhere and will be filled as time passes. (i had to edit this, sorry if you voted before that)

2265 Elections

2265_election.png


- With 9% of the vote (2/23), the Sparrow Lobby is out of Murmuration for the first time in 65 years.
- With 52% of the vote (12/23) the Dove Lobby secures a majority of 172 mandates.
- With 39% of the vote (9/23) the Hawk Lobby secures 128 mandates.

The dove lobby formed a unitary government with a primary focus on colonization alone

Details:
Political commentary by the opposing Hawk Faction on recent events

- We admit that attacking the Othari Coalition was not a mistake, the vast open space near the core that now lies open to us is a testament to that. However, the current governments ability to delay the armament of a proper navy combined with their recklessness in not waiting for our allies, meant that we only won the war due to sheer force of economy, not strategy! Many losses could have been prevented, and the war shorter, had a larger navy been built and patience for our allies sought at the very first engagement. Additionally, we wouldn't have to have to sell our of unique Aviarium technology to half the galaxy to fund our victory!

- The continued support of these Tendrakkians is bordering on the insane. Why are we arming those living in our space, but who refuse our authority?

- In rebuttal the government argues that all evidence pointed towards the Othari navy being smaller and that it was through their screw dealings that the war was won. The Tendrakkians are a little careless with their digging, but they have showed nothing but good intentions.

Dealing with the Othari rebels

- The Dove lobby:
We should keep trying to ease the tension until the effects of the war dissipate, as such things always will, given enough time. We will keep our assault troops nearby if need be, though
- The Sparrow Lobby: We should make an attempt to suppress the media until the war weariness dies down, but also be prepared with defensive armies, should this effort not buy enough time.
- The Hawk Lobby: We have invested enough resources into trying to delay this problem with integration campaigns. If some of these Othari really do arm themselves, we will station loyalist armies in these planets to deal with them.

Dealing with this new "Federation" formed by the enemies of the Aviarium

- The Dove lobby: They are a rather pathetic lot, while our countless new colonies require most of our resources. In the next 15 years or so, we should only increase our fleet power conservatively and focus on building up our colonies, inside the new sector before they are seized by other factions, and inside our borders where planets previously unavailable to us now are open to colonization.
- The Sparrow Lobby: We should seek out conflict with them, as expanding by war is by our experience, far more expensive than colonization. We do, however, need to build up a decent number of destroyer and even cruiser size warships to dissuade them from trying anything. Of course colonization is still a priority.
- The Hawk Lobby: We should prepare for war against this new federation grows too large. Our top priority should be to be ready in 10-15 years to wipe out the sad remains of the Drull'Perfen Kingdom and to further liberate the remaining Othari under control of their immoral corporate masters.

Concerning the Jogollwa "smugslugs"

- The Dove lobby: These magnificent creatures should be enlightened, though the path to getting these bronze age people into space will be long, it is the right way.
- The Sparrow Lobby: We should just study them from afar or colonize their planet. They are very primitive and the time and effort required is simply not worth it.
- The Hawk Lobby: We should prepare a ground invasion of their society and take them over by force. As the Sparrow Lobby says, enlightening them will take too long, and they are probably too backwards to talk into joining, but people of this age respect a show of strength and they have the inherent intelligence to become good citizens, once they adapt.

2280 elections.

2280_Elections.png


- With 29% (6/21) of the vote, the Dove Lobby gains 86 mandates, their worst result in recent history!
- With 33% (7/21) of the vote, the Hawk Lobby gains 100 mandates.
- With 38% (8/21) of the vote, the Albatross Alliance gains 114 mandates, become the largest party in the Murmuration in their first election!

An Albatross Alliance - Dove coalition government was formed using the third step.

Specific politics leading up to the election:
Rise of a New Party and political changes

In protest of this development, many local parties representing the sectors have tried to get elected over these past elections and failed. However, in preparation for the 2280 elections they have not only unified, but in a bid to get re-elected the leadership of the Sparrow Lobby have unified with this sector-led movement to form an electoral alliance.

This new party is known as the Albatross Alliance and have chosen green as their party colour. Their primary concern is sector advancements, the limitation of central government, the rights of all species and even robots and expansion by both soft and hard means. They also believe that the Aviarium should work towards fully independent decision making, and hence reliance upon alliances should be avoided.

Furthermore, 80 years having passed, both the Dove and Hawk Lobby have been revising their policies to better respond to the changes that have happened in recent years. In particular they also have their own plans for sectors.

The new policies:

NewPolicies2280.png

I think this is overdue. Many former policies no longer mattered. Many hold the same policies due to ethics restrictions, what really matters is their stance on larger issues after each session in my opinion.

World politics

Two especially worthwhile tidbits:

- The Stellar League is an alliance of the Bhenn'Thells, the Havarigga Hegemony and the Tebadoran Administration. The two latter border the Photecian Empire and may represent more relevant allies for the Aviarium than the Republican Force which keeps demanding federalization. (green arrows)

- Two new Fallen Empires have been reported. The Ikaaen Shard to the far north, close resembling the local Gurite Guardians and the Iztran Enclave, a religious order occupying only one star system. (white arrows)

20160528121950_1.jpg

Look closely. You might notice something.

Political agenda of the parties for the 2280 elections

Xeno Leadership

With the growing xeno population of the Aviarium, the constitution which limits Bird People to leadership positions now seems arbitrary to many, while others point out that the Bird People leadership has gotten them very far to this point and that the natural talent of Bird People means that allowing xenos to serve as leaders will dilute the strength of the leadership.

The Hawk Lobby blocked a proposal by the Dove Lobby to amend the constitution (which requires a 75% support in the Murmuration or a regular majority vote) to declare all civillians in the Aviarium Continuum as Bird People, because they believe that this was not only a half-hearted solution, but also that any such changes should be made in a general election.

At the same time, the Hawk Lobby has seen an increase in the amount of Bhenn'Thell members, and there are voices within which also call for changing this law to allow xenos.

Contrary to this, while it was their own party which proposed it, there are elements in the Dove Lobby opposing the majority, agreeing with Hawk Lobby members that the xenos can elect any Bird Person they want and that this has worked for 80 years.

The Albatross Alliance is completely in support of this vote, as many of their members are from new Othari and Bhen'Thell colonies.

Hence, the three parties have agreed to make this a binding vote which no party will strike down after the result of the next election: Declare that any sapient biological race has the right to vote, yes or no.

Concerning the Sanctuary Ring World


There is little debate that it should be conquered by the Aviarium, however there is uncertainty on how to deal with it afterwards.

- Hawk Lobby: It should be conquered and surrounding systems added to a new sector - the Sanctum Sector - in order to break the overwhelming size of the Coreward and Eastcore sectors.
- Dove Lobby: It should be conquered and along with some eastwards colonies be added to the Eastcore sector, to make it equal to the Coreward sector in power.
- Albatross Alliance: It should be conquered... and administered by the central government to function as a new multi-species capital. The four 25-tile segments will be a perfect location to centralized the Aviarium Continuum. While Aetheria should remain under Aviarium control, the former central government systems with populated planets west of it should be given to the control of the Othari Republic. It will take a long time for the new government areas to become efficient, but we should employ robotic workers and immigration policies to speed up the process. (you can't move the capital in this game for some reason, but essentially Aetheria + the 4 segments will be the centrally controlled planets.)

The Albatross proposal faces strong criticism from both the Hawk and Dove lobby, as central government planets such as Purple Nest and Cyan Nest are already quite large and this would somewhat limit the ability of the central government to directly take control of other planets of interest.

Meanwhile the Albatross alliance holds that this is a necessary step to better orient the Central Government towards the betterment of the Aviarium as a whole.

Concerning the Lack of Sector Growth


- Hawk Lobby: Once we are done building up space stations in the coreward sector and our combined fleet, we should hand out mineral packages to sectors as need be. Other than that, taxes should generally be held at 75%.
- Dove Lobby: We should only send stimulus packages to the sectors, but also build a space station with a hydrophonic farm and solar array in every single inhabited planet. This will take a long time and require a large investment, but it is the best way to support our colonies.
- Albatross Alliance: The sectors don't need resources from the central government, they need the central government to stop taxing their lifeblood! Government taxes should be capped at 50% and only allowed to increase of a sector stockpiles more than 1500 minerals.

Concerning Handling Internal Non-incorporated Xenos

- Hawk Lobby: The machine age Etheri in the Coreward sector and the Tycans in the Eastcore sector should be integrated directly and forcefully. We should not repeat the mistake of spending centuries of research and energy to uplift the "smugslugs"
- Dove Lobby: We should enlighten the Entheri. They will only take a fraction of the time that the Jogollwa's are and they will be integrated shortly after they achieve space faring status. The Tycans should be left alone.
- Albatross Alliance: We should infiltrate the Entheri homeworld and make them join us by... shall we say presenting the Aviarium as the best option they've got.

Concerning Alliances and Future Wars


- Hawk Lobby: It's hard to say, but we need to leave the Republican Force behind once we near our naval limit. The other members have fallen far behind in power, and with the threat of the Photecian Empire looming over us, we can't afford to have weak allies.

The Stellar League has three members, including two neighbours of the Photecians and our old friends the Bhenn'Thells, and we should seek admission into this alliance instead. In exchange, we should extend guarantees towards our old allies.
In the long term, we should face off with the Photecians in order to unlock the rest of the eastern arm. We should consider striking other weak targets before then and do everything to empower ourselves for this confrontation.

- Dove Lobby: What is this nonsense about leaving our allies in the dust now that we don't need them anymore? We should focus on helping our allies to finally vanquish the Othari Coalition and Drull'Perfen Kingdoms before they add even more scattered allies than they already have.

Albatross Alliance: The Confederacy of Guma to our northwest remains isolated diplomatically. We should strike at it and carve out a vassal of these stagnant, xenophopic plutocrats. As for allies, we should follow the plan to try and enter the Stellar league once our fleet nears its maximum capacity, but in the long term we should only accept vassal states to serve us, not fallible allies who demand ourtrageous boons for minor contributions.

2310 Elections

2310_elections.png


With a large majority, the Murmuration was extended to 1000 seats to ensure representation of even small planets.

With the votes counted, it became clear that the Albatross Alliance had ensured more than 45% of the vote with 48% (11/23), with a greater than 5% lead on any competitors. The Albatross Alliance therefore won an assured majority of 550 of the 1000 seats with the rest distributed as such:

- With 48% of the vote, the Albatross Alliance gained 550 seats
- With 26% each (6/23) both the Dove and Hawk lobby gained 225 seats.

The Albatross Alliance formed a unitary government as a result and abolished remains of Dove policy.

Policies that were discussed up to the election:

Next war target

Hawk Lobby: The Bhen'Thell have shown themselves for the fairweather friends that they are. First they cause a stir about integrating pre-space civilizations quickly (a move we heartily approve of by the way), then they feel 'threatened' when we liberate the Hathgum from their oppressive plutocratic government, even though it had lied to them about how horrible the rest of the galaxy was. It is time we face off with them and their alliance, not to mention liberating our avian bretheren still trapped behind their lines..

This would also make us able to explore the last area of unknown space. There may be another empire there, there may be vast riches, there may be nothing - but we should make it there to find out!

Dove Lobby: We must finish our obligations to the Republican force and finally wipe the Drull'Perfen Kingdom and Othari "Commonwealth" from the map. The continued existence of these autocratic rump states are a mark of shame upon the galaxy. An added bonus would be that wiping out the Drull'Perfen Kingdom would shorten the distance between Aetheria and Sanctum.

Albatross Alliance: We should prepare for war with the Photecians. They are the greatest singular threat to our autonomy, most of the rest are empires that have fallen and can't get up or alliances of lesser nations. They control lands which, once taken, would greatly boost the territory of the Eastcore sector. The Combined Valdari Colonies are already poised to help us with this war!

At the same time, should the Guma alliance show signs of weakness, we should switch priorities and make an attack to allow us to make them a vassal state before civil war breaks the entire sector.

Map of proposed wars, colour coded for your convenience (dotted is alternate, white is possible peaceful expansion):

20160604011709_1.jpg


Dealing with the new Hathgum Republic Sector

Hawk Lobby: Since we cannot release them as vassals, and we don't believe that we should do that to begin with, as they are now civillians of the Aviarium, we will take any rebellion as they come. Worst case we will defeat those most opposed to our way of life the hard way. In the meantime we should plant some of these 'bots in as many of their worlds as possible as they'll remain loyal regardless, and then also move our armies into their planets to be ready for trouble.

Dove Lobby: We should strive to put resources into integrating as many as we can using media and campaigns, before they rebel. In time, many of them will be able to adapt to our ways... We should probably also keeps our troops close.

Albatross Alliance: We should do everything possible to make the region able to be released as a vassal (seriously I don't know why I can't, because I don't have the "capital" (Guma)? That said, we could agree to the Hawk robot plan, though we believe that the lack of true sentience in robots is something we should work to improve.

Other

To deal with the growing population and fair representation, there has been discussion to increase the seats of the Murmuration. At first a number based on the number of sectors was proposed, but due to the differing size of sectors and disinterest in encouraging specific 'sector parties' this was abandoned.

It remains unquestioned that 300 seats isn't enough when you've got almost 100 planets with some electing only one or two members of parliament (and hence functioning as de-facto first past the post elections).

The following have been proposed:

1: Increase the size of the Murmuration to 1000 and guarantee that each planet gets at least 3 mandates to elect.
2: Make the size of the Murmuration dynamic in each election, with the number of seats being 10X the number of planets, and each planet elect a number of members of the Murmuration adjusted for population (but at least 3).

2330 election.


2330_elections.png


- With 33% (6/18) votes, the Albatross Alliance became the largest party and gained 333 mandates.
- The two 28% each (5/18) the Dove and Hawk Lobby both secured 278 mandates.
- With 11% of the vote, the Falcon Front barely passed the threshold into the Murmuration and secured 111 mandates.

The 2330 election resulted in the Albatross as the largest party, but the government formed as a Dove-Hawk equal government coalition and a victory for keeping the old order as a Martial Democracy in place.

Subjects that were relevant to this specific election:
Future War Targets

- Albatross Alliance: It is time we took the fight to the Bhenn'Thell. The Hawks were not wrong in pointing out that they now have cut any communication with us and pledged eternal opposition due to our expansion. It would do the Bhenn'Thell people and good to remain under their current short-sighted pacifist leadership and we owe it to them to rescue the. They represent the last federation that has yet to strike at us - and we should not wait for them to cowardly blindside us in the back as did the members of the Drull'Perfen-Rak'etc Combined (now ironically without any Drull'Perfen)

- Hawk Lobby: We believe that it is time that our fleet dealt with the last remaining threat... and that is not the Bhenn'Thell! It is the Fallen Empire, these "Gurite Guardians" which by now are falling behind and guarding nothing but themselves. It is only a matter of time before they turn on us, and we should upgrade our fleet over the next 5-8 years until we're ready to pacify them! We also believe they have technology that will be vital to continue our positions as the future leaders and protectors of the galaxy.

- Dove Lobby: We have finished off the Drull'Perfen and the Othari Remnants. We even argued in the last election that they were the goal we should expire to focus on, and yet they went ahead and attacked the loner faction Photecians, which nobody cared about before! Well, the Photecians are now aligned with the Guma, the Lorongo Star Dominion, the Jurin Commonwealth and the Yalon Combine. They've created a new federation against us, but we should not falter and rise again to liberate the remaining Guma!

- Falcon Front: Quite surprisingly, we agree with the Dove Lobby. The time to take on the Gurite Guardians is not yet, maybe in 20-30 years. We should instead nib this young federation before the Photecians rebuild, but instead of focusing on the Guma which would be incompatible with our governments, we should attack them for even more planets belonging to Photecians, which would yield a greater gain!

As always, colour coded for your convenience!

20160614204259_1.jpg


Should the planets to the east of the Gurite Guardians be settled?

Albatross Alliance: No. If we are to focus our conquests elsewhere, we should be under great strain to fight off a pissed off ancient empire!

Hawk Lobby: Yes. We plan on taking them on anyway, it is a far better solution than to let the Rak'Tak take them!

Dove Lobby: Yes. The thought of more planets falling into the hands of the oligarchic so-called "mega corporation" government of the Rak'thalak'nak Nation is unbearable. If the Gurites lose their minds... we have faith in our fleet to deal with them.

Falcon Front: No, the strategic value of these planets is relatively small compared to expanding against other factions. We do want to take on the Gurites eventually to make us of their greater weapons, but we should do it when we're sure we can win!
2355 Elections

After failed elections and a re-election, a government finally formed in the third attempt by including all old and new votes.

2355_elections_Take3.png


- The Albatross Alliance and Hawk Lobby were tied for the first place with 30,5% of the vote each (7/23). This means there were no bonus mandates and each received 305 mandates.
- The Dove Lobby received 21,5% of the vote (5/23) and received 215 mandates.
. The Falcon Front secured 17,5% of the vote (4/23) and received 175 mandates.

In the fallout a coalition Albatross-Dove government formed. Notably, this election allowed for the creation of synths as equal citizens.

2375 Elections


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- With 55,5% of the vote (10/18) combined with the majority bonus the Dove Lobby gained an astonishing 630 mandates. Almost a large enough supermajority to change the constitution at will!
- With 22% of the vote (4/18) the Hawk Lobby is at their smallest with 212 mandates.
- With 16,5% of the vote (3/18) the Albatross Alliance only gained 158 mandates.
- With less than 10% of the vote (1/18), the Falcon Front was below the minimum threshold and gained no mandates this election.

The Dove Lobby formed a unitary government with a mandate to enhance the social cohesion of the Aviarium through gene modding.

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Current Election - Ending Vote (Active until Friday 15th July)


Election bill:

The future of the Aviarium is...

- Option 1: Republic Everlasting
- Option 2: Democracy Transcendent
- Option 3: Years of Service, Years of Splendor

(mark your choice by writing only the title of the ending you'd prefer.)

Details (spoilers up to and including chapter 9)

- Option 1: Republic Everlasting - Following the Dove landslide election, and the constant failure to gain a dominant position as the leading party in the coalitions it did participate in, the Hawk Lobby eventually fused with the Dove Lobby to form the Eagle Lobby, and would be in constant flux with the Albatross Alliance for dominance in the Murmuration, while minor parties came and went as supporting or opposing minority backers. The Aviarium Continuum kept expanding while also spreading their military mixed with republican traditions, even as the number of worthwhile enemies dropped to zero - the service became more about civil service and quelling the almost non-existent rebellions in the end. Representative Martial Democracy eventually resulted in the formation of a unified Galaxy Republic.

- Option 2: Democracy Transcendent
- the ever expanding nature of the Aviarium Continuum meant that few citizens could identify with the republican nature of their democracy, sending a single representative from their planet to an assembly on an Arid planet dozens of hyperjumps away. Backed by an Albatross Alliance majority at one point, the citizens instead opted to reform to a more direct form of democracy backed by cybernetic implants. Each internal division became an electoral hub of sorts, able to quickly form opinions on internal matters for the betterment of all decided by the majority, and the members of the Murmuration eventually became speakers for the consensus reached on their home systems, rather than individual representatives. The central government mainly concerned itself with intergalactic affairs such as trade, declarations of war and combating the horrors of the universe. Direct Democracy became the norm as the Aviarium conquered the galaxy - the spirit of open democracy became more important and militarism became more of a cultural trait than a basis of government.

- Option 3: Years of Service, Years of Splendor - Despite their disappointing early elections, even eviction from the Murmuration, The Falcon Front stuck their guns. Arguing the dangers of AI, the need for a strong central government in the expansive empire and the incompetence of the Lord and Lady Protectors, the Falcon Front slowly won through a majority. Their reforms slowly limited political power to the military elite, ensuring stability while maintaining a great amount of personal freedom outside politics... and the ability to enslave each and every Synth in the Aviarium.

Mild interactivity approved by Mr. Capiatlist
 
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Background History of the Aviarium Continuum

Biologically? Unquestionably developed from a bird of prey that hunted in flocks.

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There is no reason to bore you with telling the entire history of the Bird People civilization of Aetheria. The discovery of tools and fire, rise and falls of empires, the scientific revolution and industrialization, the invention of the automated incubator or the start of total, world-consuming war.

No, what is perhaps rather more relevant is to start about 50 years ago. Aetheria had entered into a cold war following the rather late, but concurrent, invention of the atomic bomb by the two remaining power blocs.

Aetheria has never had a very peaceful history, but the invention of these weapons would drive the world’s leaders towards a collision course. One day, a few years after the invention of the nuclear bomb, a particularly tense standoff between the two superpowers led to mutual threats of nuclear annihilation through public media.

Now, Bird People are a loyal sort, the military in particular. However, the military leaders, knowing the force of the weapons wielded, and the stupidity of their elected leaders who had no experience with the horrors of war, knew something had to be done.

It took one phone call on a secret line between two top military leaders. It took two minutes before the two secular leaders were captured by those loyal to the rebellious army marshals. It took three hours before a public broadcast of global martial law and peace negotiations were made. It took four days before all nuclear stockpiles were secured. It took five weeks before the capitals of both countries had fallen to the new order. It took six months before the last resistance in both nations had been defeated. It took seven years before the new military rule could truly declare global unification.

It took just another year before the first global election was held, and another 20 before most citizens spoke the same language (amusingly picked by a sports game between the national team of the former two dominant power blocks).

Not long after, scientists claimed the first evidence of extra-terrestrial life, observed through changes in the local system that could only be explained though deceleration of a FTL vessel. Someone had been visiting. At the same time, the arid world of Aetheria struggles to provide its billions of citizens with sustenance.

For the past 20 years, massive amounts of the global development has been concentrated around three candidates for FTL travel, and soon the first prototypes are ready to leave their solar system – but only one of three candidates can possibly be afforded. To resolve the matter, the Murmuration has been called to new elections along with a popular vote to determine the new method of FTL.

(Yes, I know 'Bird People' is a little silly, but it stuck in my head once it appeared there and wouldn't go away)

Society

Ethos: Militarist, Materialist, Individualist.

Traits: Talented, Charismatic, Slow Breeders.

The Bird People originate from the arid planet of Aetheria. The climate is rough, by most organic standards, and many resource wars have been fought over the course of millennia. The nature of war and conflict are a natural part of Bird People nature.

Major religions have been in decline for centuries, but with the rise of the somewhat dogmatic, yet non-deist Sparrow Lobby into the Murmuration, may yet make an impact on Bird People society.

Individual achievement is celebrated, however voting rights is restricted to completion of public service and viewed as a form of reward for work rendered. The emphasis on individualism permeates through society, promoting the most talented to the forefront of society, but at the same time leading to the risk of future political fragmentation.

While not outright hostile to the idea of outsiders, Bird People have a great amount of pride in their way of life. They consider themselves natural leaders, not necessarily without merit, resulting in difficulty with imagining leaving other species room to assume leadership positions. This may change as the Bird People explore the stars.

One would think the harsh climate of Aetheria would make the drive to settle planets with a greater biosphere all the greater. Contrary to this, the Bird People have been left with little ability to deal with exposure to the extreme amount of microorganisms in such a climate, nor can they really tolerate a mixture of high temperatures and high humidity at the same time. Overall, colonisable exoplanets would primarily be other arid planets, along with desert and tundra worlds.

To exacerbate this, harsh climate of their home world has resulted in a reproductive biology with relatively low fertility rates to preserve resources – the female will often only be able to produce one or two viable eggs at a time once a year, and the success of conception depends largely on chance. In addition, modern customs has few birds having more than three or four offspring in their lifetime.

Politics

The Aviarium Continuum is operated by a legislative composed of the 300-seat unicameral parliament “The Murmuration”. Each member of the Murmuration is required to have achieved at least the rank of major, exemplary service in specialist forces (engineering, medical, special forces) or have received a high medal of service. Each member is elected from large multi-member constituencies, each covering tens to hundreds of millions of constituents. New elections are held every 5 years, however traditionally the government survives one to three re-elections. (I’m not doing 5 year updates).

There is a 10% electoral threshold, aiming to keep the number of political parties manageable, which has resulted in either three or four parties in the Murmuration at most times. If a party gains more than 45% popular support with a 5+% lead over any other party, they gain an automatic majority, if not, a coalition government must be formed.

Given the small size of the Murmuration considering their grave responsibility, and the individualist nature of the Bird People, most non-vital decisions rest upon the local governments and are made global through voluntary participation in international (and hopefully soon to be interplanetary) cooperation.

Executive power is shared between the Prime Marshal, most often the leader of the largest party, and the Consul, the latter elected by single transferable vote elections every 5 years. The Consul must relinquish any party affiliation (sometimes holding none to begin with) while holding office and represents the nation as a whole. While real power rests with the ruling government and the Prime Marshal, the Consul acts as head of state and leads foreign relations, and often has goals they were elected to fulfil (mandates). The Consul is most often elected among the admirals and generals of the Aviarium Continuum.

(in real life terms, it's semi-presidential Republic and you control the election of the head of government, while the head of state is whomever the game dictates win the consulship.)

Voting rights are extended to all citizens who have completed a 5-year service to the public after their age of majority – not always related to the military and those that are, rarely in combat situations.



Parties:

The Hawk Lobby (Party colour: Red)

One of the two first global parties formed by veterans of the unification wars. The party supports a militaristic, nationalistic and expansive policy.

Supporters claim that their policies are necessary to maintain a strong presence as the Aviarium Continuum expands into space, to stand strong against alien influence and that periods of their control have been important in improving the economy and war readiness.

Detractors denounce the heavily militaristic overtones as seeking needless conflict, the expansion policy as encouraging overreach and that the economic advances under their time in government have been supporting industry that is not viable without government support.

The Dove Lobby (Party colour: Blue)

The other party formed following the unification wars, the Dove Lobby was a response to the Jingoist rhetoric of the Hawk lobby. While still established by veterans, the dove lobby represents a faction that was far wearier of the horrors of war, and more restrictive with using force in foreign relations. It support a slower, more internally focused policy, prioritizing advancing Aetheria over spreading as far as possible as fast as possible. They are not pacifists, however, and will stand ready to perform invasions to subdue current and potential rivals.

Supporters maintain that times during Dove Lobby leadership have been better for the overall quality of life for individual citizens, that the more peaceful policies have solved many internal conflict without the need for violence and that the Dove Lobby still support maintaining a strong military in times of need.

Detractors point out that the improvements in life quality could not have been made without the industry improvements by the Hawk lobby, that the slower expansion of the Dove Lobby will leave the Aviarium Continuum with less territory before they are surrounded. They also point out that allowing enemies to strike first will give them the better position, or even encourage them due to perceived weakness.

The Sparrow Lobby (Party colour: Black)

The newest of the three parties, established just prior to the first election. It remains to be seen if they can be elected to any seats in the Murmuration.

Actually represents a coalition of minor parties, who had little other possibility of breaking their monopoly on power. They were recently unified under a new charismatic leader, who supports a return to the principles of a formerly large religion, whose main prophet spoke mostly of utilitarian ethics. Said religion was otherwise thought outside influence due to the general atrophy of religiousness in Bird People society.

While still officially secular, the party embraces results over methods, drawing criticism for being excessively pragmatic, at times to the point of amoral behaviour. In addition, it draws criticism for at times being unclear in their support for either of the established parties and supporting nondescript “middle options” as a way out of taking a stand.

General overview of Parties (Post-2280, sort of contains spoilers up until chapter 4)
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Post-2330 addition:

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General overview of Parties (Pre-2280)
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Specific policies (pre-2280)
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Don't be narrow, vote Sparrow.

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Or, 2nd preference, Hawk.


Warp: [ ]
Wormhole: [x]
Hyperdrive: [ ]
 
Going for the colonisation parties, even if they stand on opposite ends of the political spectrum. For FTL, well I voted for Hawk first so I'll trust them :p


Party Choice:


First choice: Hawk
Second Choice: Sparrow

FTL choice (mark one choice with X):

Warp: [X]
Wormhole: [ ]
Hyperdrive: [ ]
 
Party Choice:
First choice: Hawk
Second Choice: Sparrow

FTL choice:
Warp: [X]
Wormhole: [ ]
Hyperdrive: [ ]
 
Go team Sparrow!

Party Choice:
1st: Sparrow
2nd: Hawk

(The two should form a Sparrowhawk Coalition Government)

FTL choice:
Hyperdrive
 
Thank you guys for voting, I would have been happy just to have 5 votes by tomorrow. Rules are rules though, even self-imposed ones. I'll let the vote continue until 1PM CEST tomorrow before playing.

It only seems fair to have at least about 24 hours too. The plan in the future is to have at least 48 hours from the latest update until the vote closes.

The "good" news is that something has come up, so I've got an excuse to delay the first session 'till tomorrow anyway.
 
Party Choice:

First choice: Dove
Second Choice: Sparrow

FTL choice (mark one choice with X):

Warp: [ ]
Wormhole: [X]
Hyperdrive: [ ]
 
Party Choice:

First choice: Sparrow
Second Choice: Dove

FTL choice (mark one choice with X):

Warp: [ ]
Wormhole: [ ]
Hyperdrive: [ X ]
 
Party Choice:

First choice: Doves for Prosperity and Peace
Second Choice: Sparrows for Tradition

FTL choice (mark one choice with X):

Warp: [ ]
Wormhole: [ X ]
Hyperdrive: [ ]
 
Bird People is probably the only sentient race in the galaxy. At this early stage, there is really no need for a strong military power.

Party Choice:

First choice: Dove
Second Choice: Sparrow

FTL choice (mark one choice with X):

Warp: [x]
Wormhole: [ ]
Hyperdrive: [ ]
 
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