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[SUBMITTED] Blitzed

PostPosted: Mon Aug 12, 2019 11:14 pm
by Baggieland
My latest offering.

[TITLE] Blitzed

[DESCRIPTION] Recent historical research has revealed that the Smalltopian army's 'Lightning War' was ultimately successful because their troops had been given large doses of methamphetamine. Your top generals have encircled you in your office to discuss the implications for the @@DEMONYM@@ military.

[VALIDITY] somewhat militaristic

[OPTION] "The Smalltopians crushed their enemies with their Lightning War," states General @@RANDOMLASTNAME@@, well-known for @@HIS@@ singular battlefield tactic of 'more cannon fodder'. "They marched non-stop for four days and nights through thick forest, while carrying full packs, then fought and easily defeated their foes at the end. If @@NAME@@ wants to win any future wars quickly and efficiently, we need to start issuing our troops with methamphetamines."

[EFFECT] soldiers can be forgiven for believing they're in the Air Force

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine does seem to be a useful addition to a war effort," ponders General @@RANDOMLASTNAME@@, who prefers to lead by example. "However, there are health issues to consider. Methamphetamine should only be given to elite troops on dangerous missions and when that mission is over, there needs to be a comprehensive rehabilitation period; to make sure no one is addicted or suffering from any side effects."

[EFFECT] battlefield gains are quickly lost when enemies don't respect a time-out

[OPTION] "Why only soldiers?" questions your secretary, as @@HE@@ makes you a drink with one hand and takes minutes of the meeting with the other. "Look at all this work I have piled up on my desk. Not to mention all the other tasks I'm expected to carry out: there's never enough time in the day. Give methamphetamines to every worker in @@NAME@@ and see how efficient we become!"

[EFFECT] skyscrapers get built in just days


[TITLE] Blitzed

[DESCRIPTION] Recent historical research has revealed that the Smalltopian army's 'Lightning War' was ultimately successful because their troops had been given large doses of methamphetamine. Your top generals have encircled you in your office to discuss the implications for the @@DEMONYM@@ military.

[VALIDITY] somewhat militaristic

[OPTION] "The Smalltopians crushed their enemies with their Lightning War," states General @@RANDOMLASTNAME@@, well-known for @@HIS@@ singular battlefield tactic of 'more cannon fodder'. "They marched non-stop for four days and nights through thick forest, while carrying full packs, then fought and easily defeated their foes at the end. If @@NAME@@ wants to win any future wars quickly and efficiently, we need to start issuing our troops with methamphetamines."

[EFFECT] @@DEMONYM@@ soldiers often believe they're in the Air Force

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine does seem to be a useful addition to a war effort," ponders General @@RANDOMLASTNAME@@, who prefers to lead by example. "However, there are health issues to consider. Methamphetamine should only be given to elite troops on dangerous missions and when that mission is over, there needs to be a comprehensive rehabilitation period; to make sure no one is addicted or suffering from any side effects."

[EFFECT] battlefield gains are quickly lost when enemies don't respect a time-out

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine is a lethal drug!" declares General Andrew Cheavers-Ciphil of the Army Medical Corps, as he hands out pamphlets on the dangers of narcotics. "If we want our troops to win battles, then they must be fully coherent and at the peak of their physical fitness -- not pumped full of drugs! In fact, all forms of substance abuse must be banned in the military: narcotics, alcohol, tobacco and even caffeine."

[EFFECT] a soldier's body is a temple – and a bullseye
[VALIDITY] hasn't banned alcohol nor tobacco

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine is a lethal drug!" declares General Andrew Cheavers-Ciphil of the Army Medical Corps, as he hands out pamphlets on the dangers of narcotics. "If we want our troops to win battles, then they must be fully coherent and at the peak of their physical fitness -- not pumped full of drugs! In fact, all forms of substance abuse must be banned in the military: narcotics, tobacco and even caffeine."

[EFFECT] a soldier's body is a temple – and a bullseye
[VALIDITY] hasn't banned tobacco, has banned alcohol

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine is a lethal drug!" declares General Andrew Cheavers-Ciphil of the Army Medical Corps, as he hands out pamphlets on the dangers of narcotics. "If we want our troops to win battles, then they must be fully coherent and at the peak of their physical fitness -- not pumped full of drugs! In fact, all forms of substance abuse must be banned in the military: narcotics, alcohol and even caffeine."

[EFFECT] a soldier's body is a temple – and a bullseye
[VALIDITY] hasn't banned alcohol, has banned tobacco

[OPTION] "Why only soldiers?" questions your secretary, making you a drink with one hand and taking minutes of the meeting with the other. "Look at all this work I have piled up on my desk. Not to mention all the other tasks I'm expected to carry out: there's never enough time in the day. Give methamphetamines to every worker in @@NAME@@ and see how efficient we become!"

[EFFECT] skyscrapers get built in just days


[TITLE] Blitzed

[DESCRIPTION] Recent historical research has revealed that the Smalltopian army's 'Lightning War' was ultimately successful because their troops had been given large doses of methamphetamine. Your top generals have encircled you in your office and this conversation isn't going to be an easy trip.

[VALIDITY] somewhat militaristic

[OPTION] "The Smalltopians crushed their enemies with their Lightning War," states General @@RANDOMLASTNAME@@, well-known for @@HIS@@ singular battlefield tactic of 'more cannon fodder'. "They marched non-stop for four days and nights through thick forest, while carrying full packs, then fought and easily defeated their foes at the end. If @@NAME@@ wants to win any future wars quickly and efficiently, we need to start issuing our troops with methamphetamines."

[EFFECT] @@DEMONYM@@ soldiers often believe they're in the Air Force

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine does seem to be a useful addition to a war effort," ponders General @@RANDOMLASTNAME@@, who prefers to lead by example. "However, there are health issues to consider. Methamphetamine should only be given to elite troops on dangerous missions and when that mission is over, there needs to be a comprehensive rehabilitation period; to make sure no one is addicted or suffering from any side effects."

[EFFECT] battlefield gains are quickly lost when enemies don't respect a time-out

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine is a lethal drug!" declares General Andrew Cheavers-Ciphil of the Army Medical Corps, as he hands out pamphlets on the dangers of narcotics. "If we want our troops to win battles, then they must be fully coherent and at the peak of their physical fitness -- not pumped full of drugs! In fact, all forms of substance abuse must be banned in the military: narcotics, alcohol, tobacco and even caffeine."

[EFFECT] a soldier's body is a temple – and a bullseye
[VALIDITY] hasn't banned alcohol nor tobacco

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine is a lethal drug!" declares General Andrew Cheavers-Ciphil of the Army Medical Corps, as he hands out pamphlets on the dangers of narcotics. "If we want our troops to win battles, then they must be fully coherent and at the peak of their physical fitness -- not pumped full of drugs! In fact, all forms of substance abuse must be banned in the military: narcotics, tobacco and even caffeine."

[EFFECT] a soldier's body is a temple – and a bullseye
[VALIDITY] hasn't banned tobacco, has banned alcohol

[OPTION] "Methamphetamine is a lethal drug!" declares General Andrew Cheavers-Ciphil of the Army Medical Corps, as he hands out pamphlets on the dangers of narcotics. "If we want our troops to win battles, then they must be fully coherent and at the peak of their physical fitness -- not pumped full of drugs! In fact, all forms of substance abuse must be banned in the military: narcotics, alcohol and even caffeine."

[EFFECT] a soldier's body is a temple – and a bullseye
[VALIDITY] hasn't banned alcohol, has banned tobacco

[OPTION] "Why only soldiers?" questions your secretary, making you a drink with one hand and taking minutes of the meeting with the other. "Look at all this work I have piled up on my desk. Not to mention all the other tasks I'm expected to carry out: there's never enough time in the day. Give methamphetamines to every worker in @@NAME@@ and see how efficient we become!"

[EFFECT] skyscrapers get built in just days

PostPosted: Mon Aug 12, 2019 11:49 pm
by The Free Joy State
Oh, I remember reading about this -- the entire Nazi war machine was powered by methamphetamine.

This issue seems to be missing a 'no methamphetamine; build the military some other way' option. I have nations that disavow drugs; I'd be miffed if I didn't have the option to refuse to let my soldiers take drugs without dismissing.

PostPosted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 2:56 am
by Baggieland
The Free Joy State wrote:the entire Nazi war machine was powered by methamphetamine.

Yep, not just soldiers, but airmen and submariners as well.

The Free Joy State wrote:This issue seems to be missing a 'no methamphetamine; build the military some other way' option. I have nations that disavow drugs; I'd be miffed if I didn't have the option to refuse to let my soldiers take drugs without dismissing.

I certainly considered a no-drugs option, but it seemed to me that "don't give soldiers meth" = the status quo = the dismiss button.

The Free Joy State wrote:build the military some other way' option.

I'm open to this idea, but it needs to be applicable to the story premise. More tanks, ships, conscripts, etc. has already been covered in previous issues, and as I said not to do with this storyline.

PostPosted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 3:10 am
by Baggieland
Just had a thought. How about: don't give soldiers meth and also ban them from all other intoxicants such as tobacco and alcohol, so the soldiers are the most focused?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 3:28 am
by Australian rePublic
How does tobacco ruin concentration?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 5:27 am
by Baggieland
Australian rePublic wrote:How does tobacco ruin concentration?

It's an addictive drug, that ruins people's health. I'll try to word the option well, when I get round to it.

PostPosted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 7:06 am
by The Free Joy State
Baggieland wrote:Just had a thought. How about: don't give soldiers meth and also ban them from all other intoxicants such as tobacco and alcohol, so the soldiers are the most focused?

That sounds like a good addition to the issue.

PostPosted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:54 am
by Bears Armed
The Free Joy State wrote:Oh, I remember reading about this -- the entire Nazi war machine was powered by methamphetamine.

Apparently so was the Imperial Japanese Army, which might have influenced its members' behaviour...

PostPosted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 9:41 pm
by Baggieland
Bears Armed wrote:Apparently so was the Imperial Japanese Army

I haven't read about that, but it wouldn't surprise me. The allies also gave meth to their soldiers in WW2, but in not so huge quantities.

The Free Joy State wrote:That sounds like a good addition to the issue.

2nd draft is up.
With the addition in not one, not two, but three versions! (Does that make it a 'toppelganger'?).

PostPosted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 11:06 pm
by The Free Joy State
Baggieland wrote:
Bears Armed wrote:Apparently so was the Imperial Japanese Army

I haven't read about that, but it wouldn't surprise me. The allies also gave meth to their soldiers in WW2, but in not so huge quantities.

IIRC, it wasn't just the Nazi soldiers, airmen and sailors, people on the homefront were given huge doses of it to so they'd be alert powering the factories, and working the fields and things.

A lot the Axis' acts make more sense if you look at it as "they were all (probably) hopped up on meth".

Baggieland wrote:[EFFECT] soldiers can be forgiven for believing they're in the Air Force

I suggest a slight reword, to emphasise the joke and make it a bit sharper:
@@DEMONYM@@ soldiers often believe they're in the Air Force


I like the new option!

PostPosted: Sun Aug 18, 2019 8:34 pm
by Baggieland
The Free Joy State wrote:I suggest a slight reword, to emphasise the joke and make it a bit sharper:
@@DEMONYM@@ soldiers often believe they're in the Air Force


Thanks. Edited into the 2nd draft.

PostPosted: Sun Aug 18, 2019 8:39 pm
by Daarwyrth
Baggieland wrote:Your top generals have encircled you in your office to discuss the implications for the @@DEMONYM@@ military.


I thought this type of "there's an issue to debate" sentence wasn't done anymore in issues? Or at least, that's what I was told.

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 7:08 am
by Baggieland
Daarwyrth wrote:I thought this type of "there's an issue to debate" sentence wasn't done anymore in issues? Or at least, that's what I was told.

Fair enough.

3rd draft is up.

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 2:05 pm
by Australian rePublic
Wouldn't a better drug be steroids?

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 4:32 pm
by SherpDaWerp
Australian rePublic wrote:Wouldn't a better drug be steroids?

I think part of the issue is how over-the-top it is to be using meth. Steroids are kinda reasonable for soldiers to take, but regular use of meth is the sort of ridiculous thing that makes an NS issue.

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 5:17 pm
by Baggieland
Also, as has been mentioned earlier, it's based on RL events.

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 5:21 pm
by Daarwyrth
SherpDaWerp wrote:
Australian rePublic wrote:Wouldn't a better drug be steroids?

I think part of the issue is how over-the-top it is to be using meth. Steroids are kinda reasonable for soldiers to take, but regular use of meth is the sort of ridiculous thing that makes an NS issue.


Agreed. While I could see why steroids would fit as well, for an NS issue amphetamine fits much better. Especially since it's based on a real life story, as the author said.

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 6:09 pm
by Baggieland
Also, don't forget that while steroids make you stronger and faster, meth gives you a feeling of invincability, and this is war!

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 6:10 pm
by Australian rePublic
Fair enough, carry on

PostPosted: Mon Aug 19, 2019 8:30 pm
by Trotterdam
Baggieland wrote:Also, don't forget that while steroids make you stronger and faster, meth gives you a feeling of invincability, and this is war!
Feeling invincible when you aren't actually invincible isn't necessarily a good idea.

PostPosted: Tue Aug 20, 2019 6:17 am
by Baggieland
Trotterdam wrote:Feeling invincible when you aren't actually invincible isn't necessarily a good idea.


Agreed. It's a terrible idea. However, feeling "extra" brave on a battlefield has benefits, for the generals, not the soldiers of course.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 21, 2019 12:07 am
by Baggieland
I've submitted this one. Thanks for everyone's help.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 21, 2019 6:37 am
by Bears Armed
Good luck!

PostPosted: Wed Aug 21, 2019 6:19 pm
by Australian rePublic
Good Luck!

PostPosted: Wed Aug 21, 2019 7:27 pm
by Baggieland
Bears Armed wrote:Good luck!

Australian rePublic wrote:Good Luck!


Thanks!