User manual GAMES PC MAELSTROM

[. . . ] We at PAS Systems have spent the last two years developing what we believe to be the new standard in state-of-the-art simulation technology. We have tried to achieve maximum realism not only in terms of the mechanics of running a government and fighting a foe, but also in terms of the interaction between people and factors in the game. You will not find linear story progressions in Maelstrom, nor will you find a map that will take you through the game reliably every time you play. As in real life, Maelstrom features a galaxy that is never constant: its characters have moods, its technology is fallible, its leaders are whimsical, and its masses are unpredictable. [. . . ] When the mission is complete you will receive a message from the agent about the results achieved, and any changes or updates made to the person's dossier can be read at the VID area. Insurgence Missions You can send an agent to start a whispering campaign on another planet in support of Harmony's struggle. Start by clicking on INSURG, and then click on the planet's name. You will receive a confirming message that the orders have been sent. Again, the first available agent will take the mission, but the insurgence of a planet requires that the agent actually gets to that planet. The agent assigned to the insurgence mission will wait on Harmony until the first mission to the appropriate planet becomes available. The agent will then board that mission automatically. When the agent has completed the insurgence mission, he will transmit a confirming message directly to you. If the public opinion of a planet is sufficiently high, the leader of that planet may decide to assist Harmony in some way against the Syndicate. However, the discovery of your subversive activities may lead to quite the opposite effect. When the Harmony fleet reaches the appropriate planet, the agent cannot shuttle down to the planet if the Harmony fleet is engaged in battle. If the Harmony fleet cannot orbit the planet without fighting, the agent will delay the assigned mission. When the mission is completed, if there is a Harmony fleet in orbit the agent will have a standing order to rejoin the fleet. If there is not a Harmony fleet in orbit, the agent will immediately request one, and every two months thereafter, until you send a new mission to retrieve the agent. Again, the agent cannot rejoin the fleet if its ships are engaged in battle. I I Extortion Missions To order a SIN agent to pressure someone for money, you must have previously had SIN successfully compile a dossier. The stats/text box will display a list of all those upon whom successful dossier missions have been carried out once you have selected EXTORT. Click on the name of whoever you wish to have your agents pressure. Please note that only those characters who have a "skeleton in the closet" are susceptible to extortion. When you have chosen the object of the extortion mission, the Executron will send you a confirming message. The first available agent will take the assignment. Again, this can be done without the agent having to leave Harmony. When contact has been made, you can receive the reply at the MAIN panel. The person can either agree or disagree to your terms. [. . . ] Showed up on Rimble claimin' ownership o' the place, right o' blood or some such nonsense. Anyway, Skave's got it on good authority this jimbrone's gonna show up at yer place at some point. Don't talk, don't argue, as soon as he gets there take every last rock ya got an' throw it as hard an' fast as ya can. It'll confuse him an' ya can aim yer second careful-like. [. . . ]