So, yeah, not much more to say. *Shrugs* I've been mostly inactive for, what, a couple years now? I sometimes get in the mood to draft up a thing or two, but never for long enough to actually commit to anything. As such, I'm pretty positive I won't ever get to writing up a new version of well-received drafts or putting work into ideas I otherwise liked (either of which may or may not be game-worthy material ;p).
As you know, I already have a factbook containing issue ideas, as well as one containing all of my failed/abandoned/submitted-but-not-accepted drafts (which, ftr, you may also look through for recycling material!). In a similar vein, I'll be creating this thread (which will be linked in that latter factbook) to share the majority of drafts I started but never went anywhere with.
Disclaimer: Mind you, most if not all of them will not be game-worthy, and some of them I myself think are fairly bad - some so much I won't even bother sharing them! But some I think are genuinely interesting. Note: This list actually does not include most of the ones I considered "discarded" (or flat-out deleted) before they were put on-forum.
If you are interested in picking up any of these ideas (or any from my prior mentioned factbooks), go right ahead. You're even welcome to reuse some of the writing material or formatting concepts, if you want, with no credit needed - although, assuming you take up an entire draft (assuming it even is one; many of these are just options or openings), I would kindly ask you to a) take creative liberties (that's what authoring's about) and b) add me as a coauthor xD
Anyone from new, clueless prospective seedling authors to established editors alike may wade in this smoldering slag heap. In the meantime I will be enjoying my time elsewhere on Nationstates. And who knows... maybe one day I'll get a weird inkling to pick one of these up again (or write something entirely different), assuming it remains untouched... I'm sure the vast majority will be
Final note: If you have any criticisms you want to give about the general premises of any of these, help yourself - I'm sure other authors would much appreciate a second opinion before picking up something from the recycling bin! However, please do not go any more in-depth than this, since this thread is not for WIP drafts. If you have ideas for improvements, then pick it up and start a new thread instead! (That said, if an editor feels like actually working on one of these as-is let me know
[similar invitation extended to anyone who wants to actively coauthor this with meh.].)So, without further ado, the abomination that is the inner machinations of my enigmatic mind.
Title: ???
The Issue: @@NAME@@ sits at a seat of power, endorsed by many and among the world's most influential. Your cabinet has organized a meeting to discuss the possibility of expanding @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ values and culture.
Validity: High influence
Option 1: "All the great powers do it," says your Chief Executive Diplomat, handing you a list of all the less prevalent nations in @@REGION@@. "We can begin by starting large-scale projects in impovershed nations. We could use some allies, and it'd also look good on an international stage. As an added bonus, they'll likely be in so much debt they'll have to do us a favor in return. I hear Lilliputia's ripe this time of year."
[i]Validity: Strong Military
Option 2a: "We should be preparing our defenses now that we're a target," suggests your Minister of Defense, highlighting several nations on the list in red marker. "We can't let the world think we're an easy target to invade and gain international fear and condemnation. We should set up naval bases near our allies as a gesture of our willingness to protect them, as well as a projection of power against our rivals."
Validity: Weak Military
Option 2b: "We should be preparing our defenses now that we're a target," suggests your Minister of Defense, highlighting several nations on the list in red marker. "We can't let the world think we're an easy target to invade and gain international fear and condemnation. We'll need to start from scratch and have a massive overhaul to our underwhelming system."
Validity: Nautarky
Option 3a: "Would you really want to blow our reputation with dogmatic hard power?" inquires movie director ???, handing you a list of all the names @@HE@@ wants in front of the government building for a photo op by tomorrow. "Think of the untapped global stage we could be spreading @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ values, culture and patriotism to with a small government investment. I'm talking @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ restaurants, @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ movies, games, artwork, manufacturing, you name it. All the more so others want to be like us and give us their money doing it."
Validity: Autarky
Option 3b: "Would you really want to blow our reputation with dogmatic hard power?" inquires movie director ???, handing you a list of all the names @@HE@@ wants in front of the government building for a photo op by tomorrow. "Think of the untapped global stage we could be spreading @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ values, culture and patriotism to if you let us do business across borders. I'm talking @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ restaurants, @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ movies, games, artwork, manufacturing, you name it. All the more so others want to be like us and give us their money doing it."
Option 4: "Why can't everyone just leave us alone?" mutters your xenophobic uncle. "You should withdraw all of your diplomats. They shouldn't be exposed to weird cultures anyhow."
Title: ???
The Issue: News headlines have been circulating about panic in Gallopavia surrounding terrorist bombings of religious buildings. The issue? The terrorists are claimed to be @@RELIGION@@ extremists working in @@NAME@@.
Option 1: "You can't just dismiss this issue and say they were just lying", says your Security Minister @@RANDOMNAME@@, who's been working with Gallopavian intelligence for the last several days. [CRACK DOWN ON TERRORISTS IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY AND SAY YOU WON'T STAND FOR IT]
Option 2: [Just send a small apology their way but don't worry about it too much
Option 3: [Fund terrorist organizations]
^ I actually really like this idea, hope someone else could roll with it.
Title: One for the Record Books
The Issues: The Gratwick Book of Records is the most popular record-keeping book in @@NAME@@, providing televised entertainment and hundreds of hours of reading each day. However, critics of the books have turned the page and argue they're profit-driven. This is especially prevalent in records given to world leaders, such as Valeria Drake (the prime minister of your nation's worst rival, Blackacre) holding the record for largest-ever baked pie.
Validity: Capitalist
Option 1: "This is all a scam! A hoax! A con! A front!" cries @@RANDOMNAME@@ while ripping out pages from The 118th Editition of the Gratwick Book of Recordstm. "I've made a pie seven micrometers thicker than that of Malaria Snake, but no - she paid them too much money! We can't allow these influential companies to be giving our children misinformation! The government must step in and make sure record companies like Gratwick stick by the book and document the real records we care about!"
[effect] @@LEADER@@ holds the record for greatest and most attractive world leader
Option 2: "It takes a lot of money to validate the claims made by individuals, and we don't put records in for just anybody," says @@RANDOMNAME@@, Editor in Chief of Gratick Records, flicking through a stack of cash recieved by your brother for the Best Brother in the World record. "Besides, the money doubly acts as a deterrent for those who want to waste our time. If you really want to help us out, give us the rubber stamp on business subsidies so we can travel all across @@REGION@@ and finally document more intriguing records, like Otto Kratt's alleged shiniest golden toilet seat in Marche Noire."
[effect] you really can buy your way to fame
Validity: Democracy/Sortition (Nautocracy)
Option 3a: "I agree that the last thing we want is for the government to be approving what goes into the books," declares libertarian @@RANDOMNAME@@, setting a vase full of @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ flags on your desk. "The problem is they're catering to these no-good foreign dictators. In fact, they shouldn't even be worrying about stuff outside the country at all, unless it's stuff in major news headlines. Force ventures like Gratwick Records to operate only in @@NAME@@, and you'll be killing their foreign corruption and their money problems with one stroke of a pen!"
[effect] @@NAME@@ has the record for being the only nation in all of @@NAME@@
Validity: Autocracy
Option 3b: "I agree that the last thing we want is for the government to be approving what goes into the books - you have more important things to do!" declares @@NAME@@ supremist @@RANDOMNAME@@, setting a vase full of @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ flags and a picture of you on your desk. "The problem is they're catering to these no-good foreign democracies. In fact, they shouldn't even be worrying about stuff outside the country at all, unless it's stuff in major news headlines. Force ventures like Gratwick Records to operate only in @@NAME@@, and you'll be killing their foreign corruption and their money problems with one stroke of a pen!"
[effect] @@NAME@@ has the record for being the only nation in all of @@NAME@@
Option 4: "Ahem, excuse me, but this is what the World Census is for," states one of your monotone bureaucrats of statistics who hates @@HIS@@ job, handing you a card with the @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ flag and several badges on it. "We deal in statistics that really matter. It's too hard to objectify unimportant issues, and silly, subjective show business is wasting everyone's time. Such tomfoolery should be stamped out entirely, for the record."
[effect] marketing statistics and tournament winner evaluations are banned
Title: Love and Let Live
The Issue: While many citizens belove and adore you and your leadership, there's increasing concerns about just how democratic @@NAME@@ really is. After having dinner with the @@CAPITAL@@ vote counter - who reported 90% in favor of you last election - you arrive at a conference of elites to settle the matter.
Validity: Not autocracy; very low political freedom (whatever gets you into the dictatorships categories, maybe even slightly higher)
Option 1: "I assure you this is all blown way out of proportion," says your loyal and long-time Minister of Propoganda, reclining on a new Bobertson sofa in such a way as to block your view of the protests going on outside the window. "You know people love you! That's why they keep voting for you. What if we do something really nice for them? Have a rowsing speach broadcasted on television about how great we are, how great they are for electing you, maybe have a parade, shower them with flowers. I'm sure they'll forget all about being upset."
[effect] every day's one really big party in @@NAME@@
Option 2: "All that will do is win our loyal patrons' hearts," mumbles your zealously loyal and ancient Chief Minister of Subordination, holding a Malgumagnum against the window. "We need to kidnap and dispose of dissidents who threaten our democracy. In fact, why not put everyone who doesn't vote for you into correction camps? Then everyone will appreciate just how glorious and democratic you are."
[effect] democracy has never been so democratic
Validity: No term limits
Option 3: "Mmmmmaybe it's not disloyalty that's the issue..." contemplates your frankly irritatingly disagreeable Jr. Assistant Deputy of Arts and Crafts, after disposing a suspicious picket sign. "This happens in democracies, you know. People get all hung over the leader, they forget that variety is the spice of life! Maybe it'd be beneficial to you, and the state, if we set very short and strict term limits, and maybe had a more open process of elections? Maybe allow lynching as a last-ditch effort should our democracy fail otherwise? Just an idea."
[effect] politicians are sent up the river every election
Title: A Great Border Recession
The Issue: Curious as to why several shops on the borders of @@NAME@@ were so empty, police officers have discovered that many @@DEMONYMPLURAL@@ are going across the border in order to access goods at cheaper costs, hurting @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ jobs in those areas.
Validity: Must not have tight border control
Validity: Capitalist; Not Autarky
Option 1: "I went to Papa @@RANDOMLASTNAME@@'s Hardware only to find a single person playing with the hammers," says Police Chief @@RANDOMNAME@@. "The fact that our neighbors are outsourcing us is a shame, indeed. You may want to lower taxes in those areas so businesses can sell things for cheaper. Course, then people more central would shop here to avoid taxes, but at least it'd help @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ business."
[effect] central @@NAME@@ is lacking a substantial commercial district
Validity: Socialist; Not Autarky
Option 2: "I went to Comrade @@LEADER@@'s Hammer and Sickle Hardware only to find a single person playing with the hammers," says Police Chief @@RANDOMNAME@@. "The fact that our neighbors are attracting people with capitalist goods is a shame, indeed. You may want to lower prices in those areas so people will start buyin' from us again. Course, then people more central would shop here to evade costs, but at least it'd keep the money in @@NAME@@."
[effect] central @@NAME@@ is lacking a substantial commercial district
Validity: Not Autarky
Option 3: "We need to put a wall along our border!" shouts @@RANDOMNAME@@, currently hammering in a fence using the hammer @@HE@@ just bought from the named hardware store. "Not only is our economy suffering, but these people have the nerve to betray their own nation! And who knows how many people emigrate and kill even more of our employment. Put up some tight border control, and I'm sure this problem will go away in no time!"
[effect] border-dwellers are more fit due to pole-vaulting across walls for cheaper groceries
Validity: Autarky
Option 4: "We need to put a wall along our border!" shouts @@RANDOMNAME_1@@, currently hammering in a fence using the only hammer locally sold within the last month. "Not only is our economy suffering, but these people have the nerve to ignore our ban on foreign trade! And who knows how many people emigrate and kill even more of our employment. Put up some tight border control, and I'm sure this problem will go away in no time!"
[effect] border-dwellers are more fit due to pole-vaulting across walls for cheaper groceries
Validity: Autarky
Option 5: "There's no need to be so dramatic," says @@RANDOMNAME@@ to @@HIS@@ only customer in weeks. "Just cut some taxes for around the border, and I'll be glad to sell stuff for cheaper if it means bringin' some people back into @@NAME@@. Course, then people more central would shop there to avoid taxes, but at least it'd help us out a lot. "
[effect] central @@NAME@@ is lacking a substantial commercial district
Validity: Capitalist
Option 5: "So what if @@NAME@@ is being outsourced by its neighbors?" asks @@RANDOMNAME@@, bringing a bag of groceries bought fresh from across the border. "If they can supply cheaper products, then that's just capitalism at work. If people really want jobs, they'll move away from the border, and this issue will go away, lickety split. Until then, we might as well enjoy and even promote the foreign trade."
[effect] a tiny nation no one knows the name of is outsourcing all of @@NAME@@
[Flag Change] Removes Autarky*
Validity: Socialist
Option 6: "So what if @@NAME@@ is being outsourced by its neighbors?" asks @@RANDOMNAME@@, bringing a bag of groceries bought fresh from across the border. "If they can supply cheaper products, then that's just less pressure on our economic planning committee. If people really want jobs, they'll move away from the border, and this issue will go away, lickety split. Until then, we might as well enjoy and even promote the foreign trade."
[effect] a tiny nation no one knows the name of is outsourcing all of @@NAME@@
[Flag Change] Removes Autarky*
Title: @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ Middle-Aged Too Rebellious?
The Issue: Recent surveys have indicated that today's youth are increasingly docile and obediant, worrying many parents. You've decided to hear the pleas of several libertarians after one of your MP's birthday parties was shut down by your niece for being "too fun".
Validity: High Civil Rights, Very Low Youth Rebellion
Option 1: Something something not getting out of the house and enjoying themselves, maybe teach about freedom and expression at school
Option 2: Maybe it's just a phase. Frankly they'd appreciate their freedom even more if the government stayed even more out of everyone's business.
Option 3: "What are you doing out so late?" asks your pouting eleven-year-old niece, pointing aggressively at the sun still high out your office window. "Honestly, this country is full of children! Adults all need to come home by a certain time, and should be punished for doing dumb things, like when Dad has his 'innocent card game' friends over at night and gets all funny on the 'strong stuff'. It's really annoying and embarrassing!" She puts her manifesto with several dozen classmate signatures on your desk. "Oh, and I have some chores for you when you get home."
Title: Papers, Please
The Issue: Recent border checkups have found increasing incidences of border officers letting people through customs without sufficiently meeting legal criteria.
[i]Validity: High border security; Still allowed emigration and/or imigration
^ Yup that's literally as far as I got with this one.
Title:
The Issue: The United Federation has offered to give vaccinations and critical health care to your nation's citizens.
[i]Validity: Not-great economy, poor health care (and/or high disease death rate)
Option 1: "I don't like this one bit," mutters your Chief Officer of Border Security, closing the shutters in your office. "They want something, there's no doubt about it. They have a bad reputation of using humanity and good will to their advantage. Don't you remember what happened in Lilliputia? They took out a 'terrorist organization' and seized half the nation's oil while they were at it. Don't be fooled by their apparent kindness; they can not be trusted."
[effect]
Option 2: "We can not pass up this opportunity," sighs your visibly exhausted Minister of Public Health. "We don't have the resources they do. The reward they would give us would be monumental compared to the potential risk. We have countless citizens who could be saved if we let their organizations work here. And so what if we end up being advantageous for their military maneuvers? Surely having a healthy, happy workforce is worth that?"
Option 3: "What kind of backwater hellhole do these people think we are living in?" fumes your brother, between squashing mosquitos and pulling off ticks. "We have all we need right here in @@NAME@@! In fact, we'll one-up them by supercharging our healthcare system and public awareness campaigns! It'll be flawless! And to think all we'll need is a massive tax hike and a spike in national debt!"
[effect]
Actually kinda like this one. Alas.
Title: ???
The Issue: Increasingly small businesses have been struggling to get their business off the ground without first appealing to the government for funds, and even then are frequently unable to match the high level of entry set by the nation's most subsidized conglomerates. (SHOULD HAVE BETTER STORY)
Validity: Capitalist; High business subsidization; Substantial Wealth Gaps; Maybe adult*
Option 1: "This #!@$)*% country has fallen to the palms of crony capitalism!" cries a conservative liberal, before being swept under the carpet by a liberal conservative. "Forgive my rash colleague. The reality is our once-great nation is being taken down by the hands of corporate cronies! Small businesses like mine can't get a foothold in the economy because the government is propping up these mega-lobbying empires. How can I sell crochet remote controls if Big Biz has already dominated that market with the government's help? For the good of free enterprise-" He's cut off as the conservative liberal uses him as a pedestal. "Slash corporate welfare! Get big business off the government's teat!"
[effect] CEOs have recieved well-earned bonuses after having to gut supply chains to make up for their loss in government revenue
Option 2: "This is merely supply-side economics; you'd need a very liberal meaning of the word 'crony' to call it that," says Humungo-Mart CEO @@RANDOMNAME@@, who's also your brother's best friend, while flanked by surprisingly buff security guards. "Subsidies provide further incentives for businesses to become bigger and better, all while keeping the economy stable and thriving. Of course, I agree there are too many subsidies being funneled down to unsuccessful and inefficient ventures. Perhaps we should redirect those funds to my industry instead."
[effect] money makes the world and entrepeneurs' heads go round
Option 3: "Great Scott, I've got it!" a voice booms, followed by a loud flush before the figure storms out of your office bathroom. "We should be giving an even MORE liberal helping of subsidies to newer startups! And staff ourselves with more small business lobbyists! Sure, it'll prop up unsuccessful ventures, but it'll equally give innovative ideas a real chance to make it into the marketplace, all while helping Ma and Pop's ye old flower shop fight against mega corps. Now that's what I call a free lunch!" You have no idea who this person is.
[effect] businesses are incentivized to run unsuccessfully
I just want anti-subsidy options that don't suck.
Title: ???
The Issue: Charities across rich countries in @@REGION@@ are collecting unwanted clothes and and are offering them to poorer nations - as well as @@NAME@@.
Validity: Bad economy; Capitalist; Not nudist
^ There was more in this one but I only really somewhat cared for the opening.
Title: ???
The Issue: Last week as of tonight, comedian-reporter and opponent of your policies, Jacob Olaf, had announced that his team had created several sites targeted at a certain demographic - with content controversion to compromising - and had kept a perfectly legal profile of all the "data points" that had visited the site, including the exact time and approximate location to which the sites were accessed - no less than seven matching a profile not unlike several members of your acting government. He's threatened to share this information unless the government acts with haste to put an end to unregulated data collection and sharing practices.
^ 100% not just ripped off of a real John Oliver video... nooooo...
Title: Wealth of Nations
The Issue: @@NAME@@ has been prospering in part thanks to the foreign companies that have invested heavily in the @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ market. However, with most of these foreign companies' homeland being the United Federation, there's some concern that they've been eroding the culture of @@NAME@@ in favor for consumerism and corporate values.
Validity: Not autarky; Capitalizt?
Option 1: Not sure, probably Lexicon reference
Option 2: "Having a close economic bond with the United Federation is a good thing," says a man in a slick, black suit. "We need protection in a world like this, and who else would we be able to rely on? Dàguó is communist, East Lebatuck doubly communist, the Tasmanians broke as ****. Who does that leave us? The United ****ing Federation, baby. Look, @@LEADER@@, I'd like to think we could rely on you to build on that trust. Why not subcontract our essential services to them? I'm sure you'll do what's best for @@NAME@@, won't you @@LEADER@@?" He hands you a 500-page document to sign.
[effect] poor people are killed to promote shoe sales
Option 3: Not sure, probably Providence reference
Was about to upload an idea sheet on a nuclear meltdown here, but... it's actually a full-on chain idea extending maybe 8+ issues long and would necessitate heavy editorial supervision. Also I have the nation involved named Urane... which would be a pretty funny play on names and historical reference were it not for current risky events going down. Which, uh, brings me to my second point; now might be a pretty bad time, so I'll save it for if the world stops collapsing in on itself.
Title: This Little Piggy
The Issue: Due to a hilarious ambiguity in an ancient document that was supposed to settle an island territorial dispute between @@NAME@@ and the naval power of Albionia, there remains a disagreement as to which nation actually owns a specific island, and as a result has been jointly occupied by both nation. However, word has come that a @@DEMONYM@@ killed a beloved pig belonging to an Albionian, sparking a conflict that is on the verge of becoming an all-out war.
Validity: All
Option 1: "They want to go to war with us over a hog, do they?" stipulates grey-bearded General Henri, ??? "Well if it's a war they want, it's a war they'll get! Imagine, being so soft as to go to cry over a filthy animal! So what if it was the owner's best friend? So what if it was a town celebrity? So what if it was technically a war hero? They had the gaul to block the view of my private oceanline with their battleships! Don't let the fact that they're a naval superpower make you back down, @@LEADER@@ - it's time to fight! Down with the Ausonians! What's that? The Albionians? Never heard of them!"
[effect]a rather large influx of @@DEMONYMPLURAL@@ have recently migrated to the mainland
Option 2: "We are not going to war over this idiotic incident," says ???, ???. "It really is as much our fault as it is theirs. Our people should know better than to disrespect an agriculturally-minded society. How else did they earn the nickname of Pigtopia? What's that? What do you mean this isn't about Bigtopia? Everything's about Bigtopia! Albionia? Never heard of them. Listen, we both have a stake in this island, so why not settle this with an arbitor from a third party? I'm sure Smalltopia will do nicely. They are opposite sizes, after all. Wait, we are still talking about Bigtopia aren't we?"
[effect]executive decisions have been outsourced to fourth parties
Option 3: "CRIMINAL!" melodramatically cries @@RANDOMNAME@@ while pointing ferociously at you from across your desk, spraying saliva onto your breakfast. "That man needs to be arrested for shooting the poor pig! Oh, and also starting an international conflict, I suppose. About the territory? What territory? Oh that. Merovingia can wait - we have more important things to attend to, like detaining pet-murdering crimelord thugs like these.
[effect]there are no boundaries but you can absolutely cross the line
Title: In the Name of the @@TYPE@@
Title: "Alright, @@LEADER@@, here's what I got," says your Chief of Investigative Reporting, locking what remains of your office door and dimming the lights for dramatic effect. "For what it's worth, I'm not picking sides here; just giving you the facts. Now as you know, full-blown riots seem to be spreading like wildfire lately. After the particularly messy incident in downtown @@CAPITAL@@ - the one involving thrown food, hundreds beaten to a pulp, and unbridled chanting of '@@MOTTO@@' - I interviewed several of its participants and have concluded that the cause of the recent riots is devout nationalists fighting with equally devout patriots."
Validity: Very High (Extreme?) Patriotism
Option 1: "I started with @@RANDOMNAME@@, the calisthenics coach who was at the forefront of this whole ordeal," says the Chief, while adjusting an adorable detective's hat that matches @@HIS@@ trenchcoat. "Shortly before the first tomato was slung, the coach made a smart remark during a group conversation about how some people are blind to @@NAME@@'s relationship with the global stage. @@HE@@ further said, quote, 'I told them, not realizing they were the people I was talking about, that they were the very ones tearing this country apart with their shortsighted, overzealous nationalism.' @@HE@@ was then accused of being a Blackacrian spy, and was assaulted by one of the group's members who had a temper that made the Butcher of Bigtopia look like a sloth on sedation."
[effect] patriots just don't know what's happening to their nation
Option 2: "Things proceeded to exlode from there." Pausing only to take a swig of something, @@HE@@ continues, "Soon large-scale fighting broke out in front of @@ANIMAL@@ Square, with no one really knowing who was fighting who or why, although many assumed others were traitors to the nation. When I interviewed this one fellow who was arrested for beating some lady's brains out with a whoopie cushion, he said, quote: 'it's these globalists pretending they want what's best for the nation who are undermining our values. I bet you we wouldn't have riots like these if more policemen were around to crack down on their anti-@@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ protests before they began', before stringing along numerous expletives, end quote."
[effect] patriots just don't know what's happening to their nation
Option 3: "This one person I spoke with was a real character," @@HE@@ continues, flipping the pages and checking the blinds to make sure no reporters are snooping outside. "She's partying around and throwing pinecones at people or something. I asked her how she was involved and whose side she was on. Her answer? 'I wasn't on a side; I was just having fun! It's what makes @@NAME@@ great; we're all so devoted to it that we're willing to beat each other up and become friends agains afterward.' She then said she can hardly wait for the next event so she can hand out flags."
[effect] patriots just don't know what's happening to their nation
Option 4: "That's all of the active participants... but there's one other thing I have to tell you, and this is off the record." @@HE@@ pockets @@HIS@@ notebook and walks closer to you as if to not be heard by anyone. "So I tell this to your brother , right - he stops me in the hall on my way over here, and I tell him the jist of what happened, and he says to me, 'You know how we could put an end to this? Establish a committee to weed out potential spies and anti-national sympathizers.'" @@HE@@ gives you a smirk. "Now how funny is that? Real good joke right? I mean, he'd have to be a real crackpot to be serious about a suggestion like that."
[effect] the Chief of Investigations has been discharged on suspicions of being a radical
Draft: ???
The Issue: Technical, government, and management positions have had an unusual dry spell in qualified employee candidates. What few statisticians you have left suggest there's not enough education for the high demand these jobs presently hold.
Validity: Very Low intelligence; Very Good Economy
Option 1: Boost to education, yadda yadda
Option 2a: Let job markets who don't provide steady (albeit expensive) job training fail. "This may make it harder for many startups, but hey, that's the free market for you."
Option 2b: People have become too reliant on being spoiled. People may not be happy about us slashing resources, but they'll probably forget all about it anyway.
Option 3a: Make children start working in these job markets so they know what to do at an early age.
Option 3b: Get children out of the job market. They belong in education and, besides, they're lowering your nation's quality of services.
Option 4: Hire smarter immigrants.
Title: ???
The Issue: Although the @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ government is voted by the populace, the government on a more local level is not. With lords setting up restrictions on voting to keep people they favor in power, many are pleading you to stop the local "vote-enforcing", claiming that feudalism is threatening democracy.
Validity: Must be democratic; [Must have feudalism]
Option 1: "I don't care if these dukes and lords have helped society; the fact remains that they're a thorn in our democracy!" protests @@RANDOMNAME@@, whose lord is also @@HIS@@ mother-in-law, whilst holding a pitchfork. "Just last week I was fined for questioning your authority at the dinner table! You must get rid of the feudal system and open up the local governments to public vote!"
[Flag Change] Removes Feudalism; Applies Devolution
Option 2: "Look, it's clear that devolution in general simply doesn't work," says @@RANDOMNAME@@, a politician looking to expand the primary government's power. "You can't run the risk of even a democraticly elected local government cementing the town's majority ideals at the expense of everyone else, especially if those ideals counter that of the nation as a whole. We must abolish local governments entirely!"
[Flag Change] Removes Feudalism
Option 3: "Hold up, what makes you think that democracy was ever the answer?" asks your ever-scheming brother, who's also a lord of a small carrot-growing farm town with 50 people living in it. "It's obvious that only people who know what they're doing should be in power; that's why we have the feudal system in the first place! And you want to punish us for cementing your position? You should be helping us out by declaring yourself supreme leader for life!"
[Flag Change] Applies Autocracy
Originally this had a plethora of variant options, but... funnily enough, autocracy and devolution are not compatible policies for some reason! So uh... yeah there's this one that I grew less fond of over the years.
Title: Beware Holy Hand Grenade
The Issue: While watching news coverage aired the confession of serial killer and video pirater @@RANDOMNAME_1@@, your Arch Bishop has taken noticed something rather peculiar — a high-ranking clergyman was involved. Upon your Bishop's meeting with the Clergymen, it turns out @@FIRSTNAME_1@@ was afraid the clergyman would channel divine energy that would punish @@HIM@@ if he didn't come clean with @@HIS@@ crimes and various sins.
Validity: Highly Religious; Monoreligious?, courts?
Option 1: "It was the police officer's idea," says clergyman @@RANDOMNAME@@, adorning the same symbol-clad attire @@HE@@ had during the confession. "@@FIRSTNAME_1@@ was about the most devout person you'd ever meet. It's a shame that @@HE_1@@ had committed @@HIS_1@@ sins, but I believe @@HE_1@@'s now forgiven by our Great Creator, who now holds it in our responsibility to punish @@HIM_1@@. I truly believe it would be in our nation's best interest to have a clergyman available at all police questionings, and instill the message that our Creator will forgive all those who repent, but forever burn those who don't."
[effect] trial witnesses are drowned in holy water and holy scriptures
Option 2: "That's all well and good, but holy power doesn't dish out punishments like that on this mortal plane," suggests the highly devout police officer, chaining a weighted ball to a duck. "It dishes out miracles. I propose we throw high-profile convicts who don't confess into boiling holy water. If they survive, then they're innocent. If they don't, well, then I guess they didn't deserve a miracle."
[effect] divine soup is surprisingly not very good for the soul
Option 3: "Heaven's mercy..." says your Arch Bishop, holding up a holy scripture to the police officer. "It's not that I don't believe in miracles, but asking our Creator to save every person we throw in a stew is surely too much, not to mention a devilish expense in holy water. We just need to reinforce the idea that you'll be treated better or worse in the afterlife the better or worse a person you are. Schools should teach those values to our youth at an early age, while unbelievers and criminals should be handed to the church to be set back on the path of righteousness."
[effect] you will be on the one true path whether you like it or not
Option 4: "Hey, I know this is a kind of bad time," says the convict from outside your office window, "but I just spilled my guts to the divine powers at be. They've forgiven me, so... maybe the state could as well?"
[effect] terrorists are forgiven for saying they're sorry
Title: Jailbirds of a Feather
The Issue: Prison warden @@RANDOMNAME@@ recently launched an inquiry after accidentally overhearing a conversation among several inmates. It seems that they were exchanging tips and trickery on how to more easily commit petty crimes.
Validity: Prisons
Option 1: Have better security cameras positioned at all locations
Option 2: Invasion of privacy, maybe not be arrested for such petty crimes
Option 3: Force them into solitary confinement... heebeejeebeez
Title: Power Struggles
The Issue: The most recent election cycle has highlighted stark differences between the rural and urban centers throughout @@NAME@@, showing a clear divide and clearer tensions between those who voted for your party and those who did not.
Validity: Democracy
Policy ideas to play with: Proportional Representation, Devolution.
Title: ???
The Issue: Prisons with subpar conditions, including heat, treatment, perhaps overcrowding
[i]Validity: Prisons
Option 1: Improve standards and arrest those who permit their prisoners be murder (might have a capital vs. no capital punishment var.)
Option 2: "Oh sure, and why not just abolish prisons while you're at it?" sarcastically remarks prison warden ???. (incentive to not commit crime, less prisoners to deal wtih
Option 3a "Clearly the government can't keep up with the prison system" "Hand it over to the private sector, and they'll make sure their prisons are as ethically sound as stock buyers demand."
Option 3b: "The problem is private prisons!"
Option 4: "I read over in Skandilund
That's actually where it ends... xD
Oh, wait, that's actually where the list ends! But like I said, help yourself to the others in those linked factbooks ^^
As they say in Britain, so long and thanks for all the fish! (although as I said ad nauseum in Jutomese, I'll maybe still poke around here now-and-then... goodness knows my desire to comment on others' drafts is only hampered by my lack of desire to do so.)
