====== The Kingdom Simulator ======

This is a "game" designed to simulate the rise and fall of "kingdoms" in a
fantasy medieval world.  It was inspired by my interest in fleshing out a
detailed history of [[:start|my fantasy world]].

For now, this "game" is nothing more than a few notes -- and is far from
playable.  Eventually, I would like it to be either a computer simulation that
can be run without human intervention -- or a full-fledged game playable in a
play-by-email format.

-jds, 25 Nov 2017

==== Overview ====

The game consists of a [[#map]] detailing a number of [[#communities]] -- each
with its own set of [[#characteristics]] and [[#skills]].  Play consists of each
community (in secret) determining how to [[#move]] its resources and then what
[[#actions]] (if any) to take.  Once all communities have made these decisions,
all moves and actions are revealed -- and the [[#consequences]] are determined.
Finally, one or more random [[#Events]] are resolved.

These turns are repeated until the players get bored or a pre-determined end
condition is reached.

==== Map ====

The map is the playing field of the game.  It's only required feature is to
determine which communities are neighbors to each other.

The game was conceived using a hex grid for its map -- where each hex represents
a single community.  Thus, each community would have exactly six neighbors.
However, more complex maps in any configuration could be used.

Three of the [[#characteristics]] are defined by the map: [[#Land]],
[[#Resources]], and [[#Defense]].

//A variant rule would be to assign different Defense values for each entry
point into the sector.  (For a hex grid, this would usually mean six different
values).//

==== Characteristics ====

=== Land ===
  * Fixed value -- based on [[#map]]
  * Defines how much Arable Land is available to the community
  * Required by Farmers to produce Stores

=== Resources ===
  * Fixed value -- based on [[#map]]
  * Defines how many Natural Resources are available to the community
  * Required by Producers to produce Wealth

=== Defense ===
  * Fixed value -- based on [[#map]]
  * Reduces effectiveness of invasion by neighbors

=== Population ===
  * Open-ended, Initially 1-100
  * Can be split between:
    * Farmers -> with [[#Farming]], produces Stores
    * Producers -> with [[#Production]], produces Wealth
    * Military -> with [[#Attack]], used to attack neighbors; with [[#Combat]], used to defend against neighbors
  * Increases naturally
  * Low farming reduces
  * High population reduces

=== Infrastructure ====
  * Open-ended, Initially 1-100
  * Decreases naturally (can be maintained by expending wealth)
  * Required for Production

=== Wealth ====
  * Open-ended, Initially 1-20
  * Decreases naturally
  * High attracts wars/raids
  * Low reduces Infrastructure

=== Stores ====
  * Limited by Infrastructure, Initially 1-20
  * Reduces naturally
  * MUST be used to feed Population
  * Can be bought with wealth using Diplomacy skill
  * Can be used to offset Farming shortage

==== Skills ====

=== Farming ===
  * When combined with Farmers, feeds population or increases Stores

=== Production ===
  * Produces Wealth
  * Produces Infrastructure

=== Attack ===
  * When combined with Military, allows attack on neighbor
  * When used, this provides a penalty to Defense skill

=== Defense ===
  * When combined with Military, defends against neighbor

=== Loyalty ===
  * Used to avoid Uprisings

=== Intelligence ===
  * Used to spy on neighbors

=== Diplomacy ===
  * Can be used to buy Stores from neighbors
  * Gives Military "reach"
  * "Range penalties" occur the farther away the target community is

=== Magic ===
  * Can be used to enhance (most?) other skills
  * Used to defend against SOME natural disasters

=== Piety ===
  * Can be used to enhance (most?) other skills
  * Used to defend against MOST (ALL?) natural disasters

==== Moves ====

Each turn consists of a "Move" and an [[#actions|"Action"]].  The moves from
//all// communities are resolved before any actions are resolved.

The Move allows the community to redistribute [[#Population]] units between
Farmers, Producers, and Military.

No more than 20 units can be shifted in each turn.

==== Actions ====

After each community's "[[#Move]]" is completed, the actions are resolved.

First, all "[[#Initial]]" actions happen, then the "[[#Planned]]" action occurs.
Finally, at the end of the turn, the "[[#Automatic]]" actions occur.

=== Initial ===

Each turn has a series of "Initial" actions.  These are:

  * Farmers produce Stores
  * Producers produce Wealth
  * Population consumes Stores

=== Planned ===

Only one planned action is allowed per turn and may be one of the following:

== Attack ==
  * Use Attack to attack neighbor
  * Provides penalty to Defense for rest of turn
  * Can target any stat (Population, Infrastructure, Wealth, or Stores)
     * Each has its own mechanism, but all are defended by Military(Defense)

== Import ==
   * Use Diplomacy to buy Stores from neighbor

== Non-combat intervention ==
   * Use skill(s) to affect neighbor
   * Can target any skill (?)
      * Each has its own mechanism

=== Automatic ===

At the end of each turn, the "Automatic" actions occur:

  * [[#Characteristics]] decay or grow
  * [[#Events]] occur
  * More???

==== Consequences ====

This is the meat of the game...

Each of the [[#actions]] has consequences.  And they are determined using one of
the [[#characteristics]] and one of the [[#skills]].

==== Events ====

Some events affect only one community, while others affect //all// communities.

  * Plague -> Reduces Population
  * Blight -> Reduces Farming
  * Earthquake -> Reduces Infrastructure and Population
  * Storm -> Reduces Infrastructure and Population
  * Magic ->
  * Divine ->
  * Uprising ->
  * High-level PCs -> (comic effect)