Megagame: By Other Means

A Megagame of High-Level Diplomacy

The galaxy has been locked in debilitating war for decades. The resources of the great nations are largely spent, many planets are all but destroyed, and civil unrest swells. Can you bring a graceful end to war, without sacrificing too much of what has been gained?

The Game

Players will take on the role of senior officials and diplomats from the major galactic powers. The game involves a small amount of grand strategy and military operations, but the majority of time and attention will be focused on negotiation and discussion. A background guide, explaining the events of the war and the historical tensions and priorities of the different galactic nations, will be provided before the game and will be essential reading for players hoping to come out ahead.

What will players do?

The majority of the game will be spent in negotiation. The game is divided into four conferences, each with a mandate to negotiate post-war borders in a sector of the galaxy, as well as legislate on the controversial cybernetic technology. Players will be in teams of 2-4, so most players will face a dilemma over which conferences to attend, and where they can rely on their allies to represent them. From time to time, the Imperial Senate will also be called to ratify some decisions. During the planning phase each turn, teams will decide whether to deploy their fleets to try and apply pressure and gain a negotiating advantage, while managing ever-growing debts and internal tensions.

The Factions

• Huangdi Empire: Rulers of half the known galaxy - in theory. Escalating tensions between Emperor and Senate were the spark that started the recent war, and many of their vassals are still in open revolt.
• Grand Duchy of Storvik: Close relations of the Imperial family, the wealthy and powerful Storvik dynasty have been in a slow decline for the last century, and must fight to retain and rebuild their relevance.
• Kingdom of Phylan: The traditional and aloof Phylan prefer subtle influence over direct intervention. Long surrounded by powerful neighbours, they hope to use these negotiations to achieve a position of strength.
• Tuith League: Opportunists and pirates, the League have avoided the worst of the war, and will be sorry to see it end.
• Algan Confederation: Historically isolated from galactic affairs, careful diplomacy convinced the Algan to join the foes of the Emperor. Whether they will be rewarded for their efforts remains to be seen.
• Izurid Emirates: A vassal of the Storvik, this galactic trade hub has repeatedly sought independence over the centuries.
• Thelian Federation: Nominally an Imperial vassal, the Thelians are also the military contractor to the galaxy, and their fleets have been vital to all sides of the war.
• Duchy of Bulan: Regimented and warlike, the Bulan have remained a loyal vassal of the Emperor, and won many of his battles. Such a staunch ally will no doubt be rewarded richly...
• Kingdom of Skane: Merchants and innovators, Skane has benefited greatly in the past from their membership of the Empire. Joining the rebellion has not gone well for them, but they have plenty to offer both sides in negotiation.
• Occlurean Principality: An Imperial vassal with a reputation for wisdom and caution, the Occlureans have often led the Imperial Senate in keeping the Emperor's power in check.

What about Covid?

Megagames naturally involve players being in close proximity, and we do not believe we can maintain social distancing within the event. We will thus be requesting all players to take a lateral-flow Covid test - late on the preceding day, or on the morning of the event - and will ensure that the venue has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitised beforehand. Anyone who reports a positive test result will receive a full refund.