Completed Let's Multiplay Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri (PBEM) - Game 2

[JoKa]

The Spartan Ministry of Home Security wants it to be known:
Because of the great leadership of the Colonel herself the Gaian Campaign (Codename: Caso Verde) ended this year with the surrender of our opponents. All further efforts can now be concentrated on the Believing menace.
Hail Santiago!

 

[Irenaeus]

dirty hippies

 

[Kalin]

The sudden entry of crusaders into Hallowed Ground, the latest Believing outpost along the south-eastern shore of New Eden, had rapidly whipped the local population into a state of fervent zeal and activity. The proclamation of "enhanced witnessing" against the Spartans had mobilised the entire congregation, and for the first time since Planetfall, Spiritual Israel was marching to war. Believers of all ages had flocked to the main street of the colony to behold and cheer on the rows of white-robed warriors of Christ, the brand new Laser Rovers and the very centrepiece of the procession: Miriam's recently ordained Zealots, those few, fortunate chosen ones who had been personally blessed by the Lord God, endowed by the Holy Spirit with the power of telepathy and control over Chiron's xenofauna. The lab-bred boils of Mind Worms they directed were paraded through the colony in orderly succession along with the troops and vehicles, soon to be boarded unto the Unity Foils "liberated" from the Spartan Federation, their crews, of course, long-since replaced by loyal, spiritually dependable brothers and sisters of the true faith.

The Mind Worms themselves received a great many reactions, some curious, others fearful, the vast majority bordering on open worship. Encouraged by the Holy Flame and various other news outlets of the Council of Elders, many Believers had come to view the worms as physical manifestations of the Divine, holy instruments of the Heavenly Father to be employed by his agents in accordance with his supreme will. The fact that Believing terraformers were still busily burning Mind Worm larvae and pruning xenofungal fields with holy fungicides - chemicals presented mere decades ago as sacred weapons to be employed against the "devil worms" - had been a rather challenging issue for the brothers and sisters on the Information Committee to tackle. The recent pact with the Gaians, the implementation of the green economy and the large-scale focus on PSI warfare had necessitated revision in the official doctrines that agreed poorly with certain realities.

Most worms simply could not be controlled by the Believing Zealots, and the simple truth was that land cleared of xenofungus yielded vastly more resources than land covered by it. As a result, certain stubborn souls had found it difficult to accept new truths, failing to humble themselves before God and accepting the correction of the Elders of Zion as befitting of mature Christians. A grand campaign stressing the importance of obedience and trust in God-appointed authority had ultimately resolved most conflicts and allowed orthodoxy to prevail. Some brethren still harboured doubts regarding the seemingly contradicting doctrines, but in light of growing peer pressure and increased activity from the Purity Police, they wisely kept such thoughts to themselves.

While the population was ecstatic to welcome, pray for and send off the holy warriors of New Eden to fight the good fight of the Lord, they had precious little knowledge of their exact destination. Most Believers were vaguely aware of the Monsoon Jungle to the south and the need to correct the war-mongering Spartans who occupied it, but information from the Council had been extremely scarce - operational security had to be preserved at all costs - and even the crusaders had no knowledge of where they would actually be deployed. Sealed orders from Sister Miriam in New Jerusalem would dictate the journey of the hydrofoils in the harbour. Nevertheless, most of the brethren trusted fully in the wisdom of the Council and Prophetess Miriam; the Lord God was directing his people, and he would surely see them through. Now as ever before, God's will would be done!

TL/DR

Running fundamentalist and green, got like 9999 years to my next breakthrough. First batches of Mind Worms loaded on transports!

Updated map of Spartan conquest

Behold the vicious onslaught of the Spartan Federation!

Graves of the Fallen is aptly named - the Landmark is placed on the remains of the Gaian base Memory of Earth. All inhabitants were presumably put to the sword impact rifle.

Updated map of New Eden

Home sweet home! First enricher convoys are draining minerals to keep the wheels of war turning. Echelon mirrors will turn energy production extra crispy, and the second condenser is up and running. Will probably invest in boreholes soon, won't be able to use them with restrictions in place, but it never hurts to plan ahead.

Two more bases will bring the total number of tribes of Spiritual Israel to twelve which will surely break some sacred seal or two in Heaven and fulfill powerful prophecy! Transport ship on the upper left is totally not going to colonise some distant lands, so no need to worry there - totally legit marine expedition, yes sir!

 

[Irenaeus]

DEUS VULT!

 

[Hellraiser]

The Chairman is disturbed by all this warfare going around and is urging all sides to cease hostilities and embrace peace. Only through peace can we attain progress and enlightenment, only through peace we can stop being predators preying on other men and form true Unity.

 

[Hellraiser]

BUZZ TV EVENING NEWS 19:00 HST +0
Sol 25/06/2190

Greetings Citizens of the Hive and those abroad seeking the enlightenment of progress. It is my pleasure to serve humanity by giving you the latest news this evening. With this news nodecast I do my part to serve the Great Hive of Humanity.

Unrest in Peacekeeper bases! While major riots have been subdued, many within Peacekeeper lands bemoan the conditions found within *UN* bases. The Hive embassy within UN HQ expressed hope that the unrest comes to an end soon.

War continues in the western part of Landmass Two. The Chairman is greatly disturbed by Believing intervention, calling it, quote, "an unnecessary escalation of violence which will only lead to the intellectual and material poverty of all of men". The news of Spartan forces razing one of the Gaian bases to the ground has been even more disturbing. Citizens in the factories, mines and fields, as well as children attending classes in Network Nodes and Children Creches, have begun spontaneously collecting and sending gift packages to the war-impoverished Gaian people. Blankets, food, medicine, respirator tents, all essential goods necessary to survive.

The Chairman commends citizens for these acts of kindness as they, quote, "show that humanity has matured beyond greed, that we can become truly selfless by giving away our possessions to those who need it more". He then once again stressed the importance of, quote, "stopping this madness of warfare and death before it consumes Planet, just like it did with Earth". Afterwards he reminded everyone that in the 90 years since planetfall, we have received none of the broadcasting that we were supposed to receive from Earth, which heavily implies that humans on Chiron are the last of our kind.

Following successful economical reforms and a new, bold, five year plan, the Hive has much to give to the needy of the world. Industrial output reaches new records, ones which no other factions can match. Food rations have been further increased by so much, that some officials are advocating a reduction to prevent potential rising obesity. Others however advocate a focus on reproduction, utilizing the new bounty of nutrients, energy and minerals, to grow in numbers. Changing the current common hive model of a 2+4 family into a 2+7 or even 2+9 family. Some even considering ceasing production and distribution of contraceptives, but such a move is considered by others to be too similar to what the Believers do and thus, by default, irrational, regressive and unpatriotic. The Hive Chief Economical Engineer claims that soon the Hive economy will undergo a transformation yet unseen on Planet, thanks to new levels of collectivization and automation.

Meanwhile the naval expedition in the south is reporting no sign of Landmass Three or the outright mythical University of Planet. The first of Chalchiuhtlicue class laser foils has yet to find any sign of a major continent or that of the lost faction. Even worse, it reports it sustained heavy casualties during an encounter with one of the dreaded Isles of the Deep. Luckily the ship itself survived, killing the "creature" with its Dragon 2-VX laser batteries. New exploration foils are being built with the goal of combating these creatures, as well as that of finding the University itself.

Some have begun mocking the whole idea, putting it on equal with searching for the Atlantis of Planet. Only known contact with the University has supposedly taken place via even more supposed "telepathic" means, within the Believing "empath" guild. Many scientists dismiss the notion of telepathy and empaths as Believing nonsense and superstition. After all, believing claims of breeding and controlling mindworms have been classed as a level 3 untruth, and anyone found spreading them will be sent for mandatory re-education.

 

[Kalin]

Believing Prophet Tilton delivers the TRUTH!

Also paging The Brazilian Slaughter to watch the gospel of prosperity, buy stronger Intranets and send the holy turn forward.

 

[Hellraiser]

Yeah, looks like the machete rape gangs rioting in Peacekeeper bases got TBS or at least his internets.

 

[Kalin]

Stay tuned for more 100% truthful honey from heaven!

 

[Kalin]

 

[Hellraiser]

The Hive making use of capitalist usury is a level 3 untruth. Anyone making such outrageous claims is in all certainly mentally ill, the state has no choice but to institutionalize such individuals. But how do you institutionalize an entire faction?

 

[Irenaeus]

Conquer their bases. Btw, this is the best SMAC LP I've seen

 

[Kalin]

The Holy Flame

Honey from Heaven and Spiritual Food in the Time of Need!

Unbelieving conspiracy theorists will surely ignore all our solid evidence and instead spread "news" about how good Prophetess Miriam and the Elders of Zion arrested Morganites on trumped-up charges and launched an invasion long-since planned and prepared for. They will try to "prove" that the faithful took out massive energy credit loans they had no intentions of repaying, waiting only for Morgan to finish his Planetary Transit System before attacking in force. Furthermore, they are sure to argue that this explains the recent focus on PSI-forces, a move they will call "suicidal" if these were truly meant to fight against Santiago's army, known to field trance infantry that could burn worms to crispy little husks in a heartbeat. Scripturally-trained Mature Christians will easily see through such devious claims and immediately recognise them for what they are: demonic lies coming straight from the forked tongue of Satan the Devil! Have we suspended our loan payments and are we planning to take measures to contain Morganite aggressions? Readily, brethren, but our actions are fully justified and our goals are but solely to protect our purity, save fleshly Israel from the clutches of demonized madmen and forever do the Will of the Lord God in Heaven!

So what can we do when we come face to face with demonic propaganda? As always, brothers and sisters, shun shun shun! Close your eyes, cover your ears and banish those demons of doubt back to hell! Should this defence fail, you must charge the ancient enemy with the Sword of Truth! In such a case of theocratic warfare, there is no better example for us to follow than that of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thousands of years ago, just as today, false prophets challenged the Lord God with deliberate falsehoods. Faced by the wicked Pharisees, the Lord of all Lords did not shy away, but declared in force: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not." — John 8:44-45, Revised Conclave Bible.

 

[Kalin]

Lord God blesses mankind with the first Believing victory!

More triumphs for God Almigthy shall undoubtedly follow!

(Unless JoKa has another rover nearby, in which case those poor crusaders are toast)

Edit

Aaaand they're toast.

Edit 2

Physically, that is. Their souls are obviously in Heaven.

 

[Hellraiser]

All this violence is making the peace-loving people of the Hive quite ill. Please stop, embrace peace and build the future of Humanity in cooperation and coexistence. Only then we can achieve harmony and enlightenment.

 

[Hellraiser]

In other news, the current power rankings as of M.Y. 2195 (screenshot captor has issues with colors in SMAC sometimes):

As you can see the Chairman's Great Vision of Peace and Prosperity is propelling the Hive into the future. The Spartan lead is not what it used to be. If only the warmongering factions of planet could learn from this and embrace peace and cooperation. And the Hive is not even done with this part of the economical transformation. While another economical revolution is just beyond proverbial the horizon. Two great leaps forward in row are about to happen.

The Spartan lead is diminishing, the price you pay for warmongering I guess. Even now the Believers have a far stronger military than the Spartans. Which is disturbing, that believing weather paradigm is nothing to laugh about I guess. With the loss of one base to worms the Spartans lost the territory lead as well. They are leading in tech and population however, so they are nothing to joke about.

AI Morgan is building as he pleases and sitting on tons of Jewgold, despite believing threats. He's building the Planetary Datalinks and Citizens Defence Force.

Gaians seem to be doing ok, despite the loss of bases. Believing intervention helps so far. But the Spartans are the powerhouse at the moment. I wonder how this ends.

Peacekeepers are keeping the peace and just spawning worms on Landmass Three, not much else is known. Ban on tourism still in effect. Hive tourists greatly disappointed.

No sign of the University still. Hive exploration foil nearly killed by isle of the deep. Unfortunately the Hive navy does not have any more ships to send scouting for it at this point.

 

[Hellraiser]

BUZZ TV EVENING NEWS 19:00 HST +0
Sol 05/03/2196

Greetings Citizens of the Hive and those abroad seeking the enlightenment of progress. It is my pleasure to serve humanity by giving you the latest news this evening. With this news nodecast I do my part to serve the Great Hive of Humanity.

Mindworm attack claims dozens of casualties near Socialism Crater. The brave citizens have been ambushed by mindworms from a nearby fungal field, while they were busy farming food which was to be delivered via supply crawler to the drought struck to Socialism Tunnels. The drought itself continues, many citizens have been relocated to other settlements as nutrient shortfall persists.

The Chairman has vowed to eradicate major patches of xenofungus around Hive colonies, which even now are a threat to Hive farmers, miners and energy grid engineers. Growing or advocating the preservation of xenofungus is now classified as a mental illness requiring permanent institutionalization. Same as with being pro-capitalism, any form of religiousness, pro-"democracy", reactionary, claiming to be telepathic or empathic, or mentally disturbed in any other way. Remember citizens, it is your duty to report mental illness to the right authorities. Your neighbours may be too deluded to realise they need help, you need to call it for them. Help them, contact a Psychological Doctor, ensure they get the care they need.

Uprising on Landmass Two! Spontaneous New-Gaian peoples militia partisans have formed battle groups in the Monsoon Jungle, and are now besieging the Spartan base of Assassin's Redoubt. Defenders have suffered heavy casualties as the militia has the support of a Spartan Impact Foil, the crew of which has mutinied against the oppressive Spartan government and joined the rebels. The Chairman commented this turn of events as, quote, "an unfortunate reminder that violence only breeds more violence" and, quote, "one reaps what he sows, which is why the Hive sows Peace and Prosperity, not War". The Chairman has also vowed that while he sympathises with the plight of the New Gaian people of the Monsoon Jungle, the Hive will not intervene in the conflict and only provide humanitarian aid to the war-tarnished civilians of the Monsoon Jungle. At the same time, the Chairman wishes to push forward with a peace agreement which will grant freedom to all the peoples oppressed by the belligerent Spartan menace.

Meanwhile Admiral Kukulkan praises the crew of one of the new Tlaloc Class foils, which has today sunk a pirate foil that was raiding trade lanes in the straights between Landmass Prime and Landmass Two. The Shooting Star Mk. I impact batteries made short work of the corsairs, who were threatening Hive ships sending Humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Gaian people.

non-doublespeak version

War on Spartans, sunk their impact foil, invasion force landed, shelling Assassins Redoubt and killed some defenders.

 

[Hellraiser]

The Buzz major stories, Sol 21/07/2197

Update from the front lines:

Hive New Gaian troops decimate the defenders of Assasin's Redoubt, even a hastily scrambled together garrison armoured with synthmetal was no match for the rebel offensive. New gaian casualties minimum. Two teams of spartan covert agents tried sabotage behind New Gaian lines, one team was caught and imprisoned by Hive civilian volunteers, who are aiding the rebels in a non-official capacity out of their own will, the other killed the innocent volunteers before escaping. However the second Spartan Probe team is believed to have perished during a raid by New Gaian rovers. Assasin's Redoubt is defenceless, expected to fall to the rebels within the week.

Spartan energy reserves diverted to war effort. Cowardly capitalists and speculators of "The Merchant Exchange" see their worthless "stocks" plummet in imaginary value. The terror of capitalism shows its ugly head as many in the Spartan Federation are now facing poverty while the fat cats grow fatter.

Other news from abroad:

Drone riots in the Peacekeeper settlement called Temple of Sol, more citizens criticize "Brother" Lal's leadership. Media silence and lack of public appearances by Lal is considered a major contributing factor to the unrest.

Pact of Brotherhood signed between Gaians and the Hive, guaranteeing the independence of the Gaian state. Any further hostile action towards the Gaian people, by any vultures preying on the weak of Planet, will be met with regretful but swift defensive military action.

Domestic news:

Admiral Kukulkan christens new Tlaloc Class foils, making the Hive Navy grow ever larger, to the point where the Hive is now the second if not the first Naval Power of Planet. These foils will defend Hive trade lanes against vile pirates, many of whom are believed to be lead by known spartan rouge Ulrik Svensgaard. Some speculate that Svensgaard is in secret working directly on the orders of Colonel Santiago herself, proving once again the hostile and barbaric nature of the Spartan philosophy and state.

Nutrient shortage in Socialism Tunnels stopped thanks to the combined efforts of citizens. Many receive praise and medals from the Chairman himself for their work and contributions. Remember citizens, cooperation is our future. Disagreement, elections and counter-productive debate are a poison that will kill the crop of progress which we sow.

The search for the University continues with no luck.

 

[Kalin]

CHAIRMAN YANG'S "SOCIALIST UTOPIA" EXPOSED!

What do false prophets, ravenous Morganic Moguls and sycophantic Hive "talents" have in common? They all grow fat and rich from the DEATH of thousands of Hive citizens, brutalised and butchered by the godless police state! New and completely truthful reports from the Everseeing Eye reveal the shocking fact that Chairman Yang and his insidious agents have long tried to keep hidden. Every single Human Hive accomplishment to date, from their "miracle production rate" and scientific breakthroughs to their secret projects and overseas conquests, have been fuelled by the blood of innocents!

Even now, untold masses of workers, the so-called "drones" of the Hive, languish in demonic factories, strategically hidden deep below Planet's surface to shield their hellish conditions from the scrutinising eyes of good humanitarians such as ourselves. Indeed, were it not for the grand Believing breakthrough of telepathy, these crimes would undoubtedly have remained hidden for decades, perhaps even centuries! Fortunately, no plasma-steel curtain is strong enough to resist the penetrating power of the Lord God! Thousands of voices have been heard crying out in pain, and though many have been suddenly silenced - the Hive viciously persecutes and purges all those with empathic potential - many remain and give powerful witness of the atrocities.

Hive propaganda may present a pretty picture with its talk of enlightenment through labour, yet while the great masses, brainwashed with socialism and pseudo-confucian pagan nonsense, work day and night until their bodies break and they are thrown into the recycling tanks, the "representatives of the people" secretly consume Morganic luxuries, amuse themselves with blasphemous gene-warping and fornicate in the most unspeakable ways. As the Almighty Lord communicated through 1 Timothy 6:9-10: "Men in pursuit of wealth fall victim to many wretched lusts and temptations, plunging them into ruin and destruction, for the love of energy credits is a root of all kinds of evil."

Greed, greed never changes! The unclean spirit of covetousness possessing Yang and his cronies can be seen everywhere, from the shady dealings with Morgan Bank to the suicidal search for the University of Planet. As reliable intelligence shows, these expeditions, which have claimed countless lives and hydrofoils so far, are prioritised solely because the party elites lust for the horrendous depravities of the Virtual World! Similarly, the intervention in the Gaian-Spartan conflict is nothing but a way for the Hive leaders to weaken a powerful rival and plunder the Monsoon Jungle - the very opposite, in fact, from our own peace-promoting, enhanced witnessing activity in the region.

In light of these sacred truths, let no one mistake the Lord's Believers and the Human Hive for "allies" in the conflict. After all, would Sister Miriam and the Elders of Zion cooperate, trade or share confidential data with wretched unbelievers? The very thought should be appalling! At the same time, we have not yet arrived at hostilities, and so will continue to maintain the watchful truce. In so doing, let us all pray for the deluded souls trapped in the totalitarian hell to awaken from the nightmare of blasphemous socialism to the glorious truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that they may be forever cleansed and redeemed in the love of our Heavenly Father.

 

[Hellraiser]

Spartan retaliation somehow kills New Gaian Sentinels of Peace and the Celestial Riders rover squad (not sure how, though probably collateral damage as it was damaged after the last two assaults on the spartan base). Spartans reinforce Assasin's Redoubt with synthsteel sentinels and another scout garrison, probably diverting one of those from a nearby base. Spartan impact rover, so far the only one to claim victory over new gaian forces, destroyed in counter-attack by new gaian Envoys of Peace.

 

[Kalin]

WHITTLING THE TYRANT DOWN TO SIZE!

Council of Elders: Monsoon Jungle must be purified

Following countless spectacular and crushing victories in our holy struggle against the ravenous Spartans (all details must naturally be withheld due to operational security) our Elders of Zion have rejected Santiago's offer of a truce on grounds of new direction from Heaven. The Lord God has a plan for the fertile Monsoon Jungle, and Spartan domination of this sacred territory constitutes a direct challenge against Divine Authority. Irreverence in the face of the Lord cannot be tolerated! There can be no peace until the land is partitioned and the Gaian settlements are returned. While devious detractors spread lies about Believing greed and plans for world domination, true Christians know the simple truth of the matter, and do not hesitate to follow the Will of the Almighty.


Zealot Marines elevated to glory!

Relatives of the members of the Zealot Marine Company must surely be rejoicing at the news of their glorious deaths as martyrs, ensuring their speedy elevation to the Heavenly Throne of God. How lucky they are, to enjoy the immense honour of praising the Lord God day and night for all eternity! Already they are surely singing at the top of their lungs. Can you hear them, brothers and sisters? Soon you will, for the Kingdom of God is closer than ever before! Meanwhile, vile Spartans are sure to claim that their counter-intelligence successfully fought off our marines and their deaths were for naught. Rest assured that such lies come from the Devil himself - if not for the brave sacrifice of our martyrs, the whole conflict would have been lost! Why exactly, we cannot of course spell out in detail - agents of Satan are everywhere! True Believers know to rely on faith rather than facts, praising the brave brethren who laid down their lives so that humanity could be saved.


Morganic treachery knows no bounds

War in the east! Wicked Morgan and his fleshcrafted Moguls, not content merely with infiltrating and perverting New Eden, have now launched brutal attacks upon the faithful members serving on the Promised Land Committee. The servants of Mammon surely thought to capitalise upon the fact that our forces are divided. Too bad that they failed to include Almighty God in the equation! Sister Miriam Godwinson has vowed to see Morgan Industries purged from corruption, as well as to bring its wretched namesake before the Tribunal of Supreme Justice to answer for his crimes against the Lord God.

Spoiler

Lost my precious zealot marines trying to break through JoKa's probe teams. Should've let them heal, but I got gready.

Oh, and Morgan is using his mountain of jewgold to speed-build trance defenders, I thought I had those suitists, but now I lost one of my precious Mind Worms and have to pull back!

Must be some heresy around New Eden making the Army of the Lord lose divine favour!

 

[Hellraiser]

This image is MAJESTIC.

 

[Kalin]

The original is of course much better, 100% Kwanza strong:

Original

Look at that vicious old commie!

Figured it would look like the coastline of the Monsoon Jungle with some cheap magjifics.

Oh, and meanwhile, some actual progress:

Actual progress

Surprise landing! Elite Crusader takes out two defending scout patrols, patriotic hippies start rioting in the streets.

 

[Hellraiser]

Paging oscar to send forth his turn so that we can celebrate 100 years since Planetfall with Planetfall Cake and celebratory impact battery fire.

 

[oscar]

The Gaians had been busy across the decade in their efforts to re-take the stolen sacred Gaian soil of the great Jungle. The Gaian people also simmered with an undying rage and desire to avenge Spartan bloodshed against innocent civilians.

The Gaian army, at present massing on the always tense Gaia-Sparta border, were far more dangerous than the forces that had been so completely annihilated decades ago. While the Spartans still had an edge on training and martial ethos the Gaians now boasted a large infantry-based force with the miraculous Plasmasteel armour. A respectable Gaian armoured corp was also being formed centred around Impact Rovers, though the Gaian design boasted ultra-efficient solar panels that gave them effectively unlimited range, with whispers of even deadlier designs in the making.

While Gaian formal support for the Believers had primarily been logistical with an uneasy peace between Gaia and Sparta, loyalists had long been active in the vast Monsoon Jungle harassing the Spartan military. Sensing the impending overthrow of Santiago's yolk these had recently evolved into fully-fledged revolts with riots and street-to-street fighting taking place in the captured Gaian cities.

In 2200 the great War of Gaian Liberation was about to begin as thousands of Gaian soldiers surged south.