Research reactions

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Text events that trigger on Geoscape after some specific research is finished either by Phoenix Project or factions.

Outcome of these events is change in attitude (aka reputation) between Phoenix Project and factions or between factions themselves. This attitude change is more frequently negative.

Contents

Research reactions with choices

Brain Power

Triggers when Neural Implant Technology research is finished by NJ.png New Jericho

Synedrion.png Synedrion Stas2.png Citizen Stas: This New Jericho neural tech we've been hearing about... it sounds like a pretty cool technology, really, but has anyone thought about how easily it could be abused by, uh, I don't know, an autocratic leader with delusions of grandeur?

It is a worrying possibility

It is, isn't it? Sometimes I miss the days when such questions were just science fiction. But I guess sooner or later, the future arrives, and then you have to deal with it.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude towards Synedrion.png Synedrion -3

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude towards NJ.png New Jericho -5

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4

This is just a weak attempt to fix a deeper problem with human biology

That seems like the sort of thing the Exalted would say. But I don't see the problem with the technology itself. Why is a technological fix worse than a biological one?

Hmm, because the biological fix is permanent. I guess I actually kind of see your point... but still, the real problem here is how the technology will be used in the long run.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude towards Synedrion.png Synedrion -3

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude towards NJ.png New Jericho -6

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -1

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

New Jericho is a society of laws and principles. There will be no abuse

You think so? Because to me it seems like these principles never find structural expression and are thrown aside all too easily when it's convenient. But maybe I'm wrong. Maybe New Jericho is all you believe it to be. I hope so.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude towards Synedrion.png Synedrion -3

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude towards NJ.png New Jericho -5

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

No comment

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude towards Synedrion.png Synedrion -4

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude towards NJ.png New Jericho -4


The Old Ways

Triggers when Armadillo development research is finished by NJ.png New Jericho

Anu.png Disciples of Anu Taxiarch Nergal: My sources tell me New Jericho has developed a new type of APC. I hope they intend to use it to fight the Pandorans, not their fellow human beings. But the real question is - how can you win a war if you don't understand the battlefield? Al the vehicles in the world won't help you if you cling to the delusions of the old world. I should know. I remember the wars of the old world better than anyone.

A military victory is possible. Tobias West has a plan

An interesting display of faith. But all the great leaders of the old world thought they had plans, and where are they now?

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -6

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -3

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6

New Jericho is the last spasm of a dying order

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -4

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -3

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5

Humanity needs all the tech it can get

Well... fair enough, actually. But we do have to be careful.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -4

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -3

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +1


The Legend of Fort Bacon

Triggers when Food Harvesting Technology research is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

NJ.png New Jericho Tobias.jpg Tobias West: Are you aware of the Legend of Fort Bacon? It's a tall tale, a myth of the post-apocalypse, that circulates among our soldiers. It tells of a haven where people have found a way to safely eat the Pandorans... which, if reports are to be believed, actually taste of bacon. It's a very human response, I suppose, not unlike the utopias dreamed up by medieval peasants.

But despite what Synedrion may tell us, there is no land of plenty, no secret have ruled by Prester John. The reality of this world is constant struggle against infection. And I wonder: has the Phoenix Project forgotten that? Have you decided to set up your own little Cockaigne, where the corpses of our enemies are a source of health and happiness?

Harvesting nutrients from Pandorans is a pragmatic choice guided by reason

A logical argument, at least on the surface. But I remember how many irrational policies were justified by an appeal to pragmatism, even as the Pandoravirus was destroying the world we knew. I would advise avoiding short-term thinking, and considering the long-term risks inherent in this technology you have developed. The pandorans are the problem, not the solution.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -2

The process is entirely safe. Opposing it because of mysophobia is absurd

To recognize the nature of the war we are fighting is not a type of phobia. I do not ascibe quasi-magical abilities to the pandorans; I merely understand that reasonable precautions are essential. How many innocents died in shelters that were supposed to be safe? How many armies were wiped out by nothing more than clouds of mist? We should never underestimate the Pandoravirus.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

Partaking of the flesh of the enemy is a step towards learning to exist in the new world

It saddens me to hear such foolishness coming from the Phoenix Project. This isn't science, it's superstition.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -8

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +5


The Pandoran Stain

Triggers when Mutagen Harvesting research is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

NJ.png New Jericho Tobias.jpg Tobias West: Do you really think the answers we need as a species lie in Pandoran biology, in plundering the invaders for their mutagens? The Disciples believe that humans need to evolve, to mutate - but don't you see the inherent misanthropy of this philosophy, blaming humanity for what was done to it by an alien aggressor? The very premise is profoundly unethical. If we start telling ourselves that we need the Pandorans in order to improve ourselves... how are we any better than the collaborator who tells himself the enemy will make things better in the long run?

We do what we must to survive

Perhaps... but at what cost? One could argue that the Pandorans themselves are a form of survival; they are part human, and they are alive, so there is biological continuity between us and them. But do they contain any of what is worthwhile about humanity?

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3

Recognizing humanity's biological flaws is not misanthropy

Not only is it misanthropy, it is also a denial of human agency, of our ability to make choices. At best, it's a way of distracting from failures of the will; at worse, it's outright treason against our species.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -6

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

This is none of New Jericho's business

Unfortunately, since our mission is defending humanity from all biological threats, it is our business.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -3


The New Jericho Position on Missionaries

Triggers when Missionary Center Technology research is finished by Anu.png Disciples of Anu

NJ.png New Jericho Tobias.jpg Tobias West: Word has reached me that the Disciples of Anu have begun training missionaries in an effort to convert more people before the Liturgy of the Divine Flesh. While New Jericho supports religious freedom, we hold that religion is a private matter. When religion becomes a tool of the state, dogma becomes a weapon, and grasping for the minds of our people becomes an act of war.

The Phoenix Project condemns proselytisation on principle

That is good to hear. We must employ reason to understand the nature of the threat we face, and act accordingly.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +4

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -8

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -4

The Disciples have the right to spread their beliefs

I understand the urge to look for easy answers, whether they are in politics or religion, but that is an approach we can no longer afford. Instead, we must employ reason to understand the nature of the threat we face, and act accordingly.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +6

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -5

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +2

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -10

The cult of the Exalted is dangerous and should not be allowed to spread

Exactly! I understand the urge to look for easy answers, whether they are in politics or religion, but that is an urge we must reject. Instead, we must employ reason to understand the nature of the threat we face, and act accordingly.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +7

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -10

The truth of the Exalted must be spread at any cost

Truth? Unsubstantiated claims and appeals to authority are not truth, they are surrender to the darkest, most primitive human instincts. Blind faith is what got us here in the first place.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +10

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -10

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -12


I, Crabman

Triggers when Arthron Vivisection research is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

Zhara2.png Zhara: Have you ever thought about the ethics of our relationship with the Arthrons? We all say we're fighting to save humanity - but aren't they human, at least in part? They can speak, they can think...

If there was a way to save them, we would do it

So would I. After all, in a way they are part of us - our friends, our families, all those who were taken from us. I would take them back... if I could.

There isn't enough humanity left in them to matter

That's what Nikolai argues. But think of how often we've declared others subhuman in our history, and what the consequences have been.


Research reactions without choices

The Weapon

Triggers when Pandoravirus research is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

Our research regarding the nature of the Pandoravirus has caused a great deal of controversy within the factions.

Tobias West sees our research as confirmation of what New Jericho has always preached: the Pandorans are invaders, a military solution is the only way forward, and anyone who disagrees is helping the enemy. In Synedrion, internal debates rage. What are the socio-political rights of creatures created by a bioweapon? Should we even be trying to co-exist?

As for the Disciples of Anu, there is no official statement from the Exalted or the Synod of Yearning, but rumors suggest they are neither surprised nor worried.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +2


Victory by Understanding

Triggers when Scylla Vivisection research is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

NJ.png New Jericho Tobias.jpg Tobias West: Congratulations on capturing a live specimen of such a fearsome predator. It can't have been easy, and I admire your dedication to understanding the enemy.

Player reply: Thank you.

Some of my people think killing the Pandorans is enough, but if that were true, why did all the armies of the world fail to stop them? To win a war, you need to know when and where to strike. Maybe we're a step closer now.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +3


Control

Triggers when Pandoran Telepathic Nodule research is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

Our research has once again caused controversy.

To New Jericho, the existence of the telepathic nodule is unsurprising: they have always seen infection as an attack on human will. But it's made their relationship to the Disciples of Anu deteriorate even further, as they now see the Disciples as not only trying to pervert, but to enslave humanity.

To Synedrion, confirmation that the Pandorans are controlled by an external force is deeply shocking. To the Polyphonic Tendency subfaction, it means co-existence is no longer as simple: the Pandoran creatures must be liberated first. But the Terraformers argue that this is naive; the task is to take control of the Earth for humanity, not romanticize the alien invaders.

The Disciples, meanwhile, have released a rare official statement from the Exalted: "Behold, our people have drunken deep of the Waters of Life, and yet they are free. Our path leads not to enslavement, but to liberation from the flaws of the old flesh."

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project +2

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -5


Know Thy Enemy

Triggers when Yuggothian Entity research is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

Finally, we have revealed the true enemy behind the Pandoravirus: the Yuggothian Entity.

For NJ.png New Jericho, this is excellent news. Finally, a proper war with clear sides - and they know which side they're on. There's no more time for traitors or accommodationists.

For Synedrion.png Synedrion, it's now a question of philosophy - do they want to seize the master's tools and transform the world, or destroy this cosmic hierarchy and let things take their own course? The answer will have to be reached democratically.

The Anu.png Disciples of Anu have no official statement on any parallels between the Yuggothian Entity and their Dead God. The Liturgy of the Divine Flesh draws close, and they have more important things to focus on than the ravings of those trapped in ideologies of the old world.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -5

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -5

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -3.


By our hand

Triggers when Virophage Injector research is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

Despite our enhanced security protocols, information regarding the Virophage injector has leaked out. As a result, all factions have ceased diplomatic relations with us. At this point, war is inevitable.

There's only one way forward now. Either we take the ultimate risk, or humanity falls.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -50

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -50

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to 1pp.png Phoenix Project -50


Beyond the human

Triggers when Mutation Technology research is finished by Anu.png Disciples of Anu

NJ.png New Jericho Tobias.jpg Tobias West: The more the Disciples of Anu invest into this mutation tech, the further away they will move from what New Jericho considers humanity. This is not a threat, but a statement.

There is still time to look to reason, not superstition, for solutions. To seek answers in human will, instead of submission to the alien. But that time is running out.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -8

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -4


The Hound of Anu

Triggers when Mutog War Beast research is finished by Anu.png Disciples of Anu

NJ.png New Jericho Abongameli.jpg Abongameli Smith: This "Mutog" research the Disciples are engaging in is deeply troubling. Fooling around with mutation is dangerous enough to begin with, but to not even have a proper way of controlling the creature you've created?

How long before one of these creatures goes berserk? How long before there are unexpected consequences to their genetic composition? How long before a few of them get free and start breeding? Is the Exalted trying to fight the Pandorans, or strengthen them?

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -6


It's a Bird... It's a Plane...

Triggers when Advanced Tiamat Development research is finished by Anu.png Disciples of Anu

There are reports of a new generation of Disciples of Anu airships. Like the older models, these are semi-organic: part living organism, part machine. None of the other factions have made any official announcements, but both Synedrion and New Jericho have started beefing up their own air capabilities.

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -4

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to Anu.png Disciples of Anu -3


Marching On

Triggers when Technician Development research is finished by NJ.png New Jericho

Synedrion.png Synedrion Athena2.jpg Athena: So New Jericho continues to expand its military capabilities, this time with a new class of soldier. The Technician! Robotic arms! Cranial input hubs! It all sounds very impressive, and we are not exactly opposed to this development, but we do wonder: when is New Jericho going to invest in anything other than war?

Yes, we need to achieve some kind of peace, and we in Synedrion aren't unwilling to fight. But winning is more than just building the biggest army. To win, we need a functional infrastructure. We need people who can plan. We need a system that works.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -4


The Walls of Jericho

Triggers when Walls of Jericho Project research is finished by NJ.png New Jericho

Anu.png Disciples of Anu Synod of Yearning: New Jericho, hiding their havens behind walls. So frightened of infection. Frightened of change. Clinging to the old world, to everything that is already lost. Yes.

The Walls of Jericho will fall. Yes. As they fell before, yes, yes. You cannot keep change out with walls. A flood comes. Water eats away at stone. You cannot build fast enough. Yes.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -10


Limits

Triggers when Project Vulture research is finished by NJ.png New Jericho

Synedrion.png Synedrion Stas2.png Stas: It seems New Jericho has given up any pretense of ethics in its research. This is deeply disappointing - I always thought they at least had some basic humanistic principles.

At this point, what's the difference between New Jericho and the Pandorans? They certainly share the same contempt for human life.

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -12

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -10


The Philosopher-King

Triggers when Command Fortress research is finished by NJ.png New Jericho

Synedrion.png Synedrion Zhara2.png Zhara: According to the sheer deluge of New Jericho spam we've received over our comms, Tobias West has finished building his new and impressive Command Fortress. Now, it may not be Synedrion's habit to comment on other people's architectural choices... but we strongly urge everyone who supports West to think about what kind of society he is building.

West claims to value freedom above all else, but can there ever be genuine freedom in a society dominated by hierarchies, watched over by the philosopher-king inside his invincible fortress? He may offer the promise of victory over the Pandorans... but then what? What kind of world do you want to build for your children?

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -15

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -8


Liberty

Triggers when Centralized AI research is finished by NJ.png New Jericho

Synedrion.png Synedrion Zhara2.png Zhara: It's just come to our attention that New Jericho has created an enslaved artificial intelligence, presumably to help West run his little military empire. We do not object to people choosing of their own free will to subscribe to West's dogma, even if we believe New Jericho is reactionary to the core. But to force a newly-created sentience into service like that?

West keeps saying that New Jericho is about liberty. If it is, why wasn't this artificial intelligence given the right to join New Jericho voluntarily? Let it use its tremendous intelligence to determine whether New Jericho really does have the answers. Or is that too frightening?

Synedrion.png Synedrion's attitude to NJ.png New Jericho -8


The Book of Lies

Triggers when Project Domovoy research is finished by Synedrion.png Synedrion

Anu.png Disciples of Anu Synod of Yearning: The Nature of Synedrion revealed. Yes. Witness their fear. Hiding in "safe zones" like children, trying to keep out the world. Apostates from reality, escaping to shallow dreams of comfort. Afraid to dream the deeper dreams. Afraid to plunge into the deep black sky and swim. Yes. Yes.

Their bodies are too weak for this world. Yes. Soft and weak and broken. Hide in their gardens, pretend the world will change. But we know the truth. Yes. Change is already here. We must adapt. We must learn. Yes. Become greater. This is the only hope. Everything else is delusion. Yes.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -15

NJ.png New Jericho's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -8


Far from the Flood

Triggers when Mist Repeller development is finished by Synedrion.png Synedrion

Anu.png Disciples of Anu Blind Legate: Synedrion, we are told, are working on ways to repel the mist. This by itself is not a sin; we do not condemn it, for the mist is a flood, and brings life and death alike. They seek safety for their people, as do we.

But if you push the flood away too far, you will die of stagnation. Synedrion has forgotten how to look beyond the flood at the wide sea, at the future. Instead they look inward, lost in a maze of reflections. What they offer is not salvation, but a trap.

Anu.png Disciples of Anu's attitude to Synedrion.png Synedrion -15


The Foundation of Freedom

Triggers when Mindfragger Autopsy is finished by 1pp.png Phoenix Project

Abongameli.jpg Abongameli Smith: Mindfraggers. Funny how that crude name our soldiers came up with stuck. Appropriate, I suppose. These vile creatures personify everything that makes the Pandorans so despicable: they are designed to rob us of our will, of our humanity.