ForeverShogo
Well-known member
Was feeling a bit bored and decided it might be fun to do this across multiple boards. I know each of them are . . . let's just say politically different. So I figured it would be interesting to see how differently each board handles Hidden Agenda.
If you aren't familiar . . . Hidden Agenda is an old political simulator played in DOS. You play as the new President of the country of Chimerica, a fictional Latin American nation that I believe is supposed to be something of an amalgamation of Chile, Mexico, and Cost Rica. It used to be run by a nasty dictator, but a revolution recently overthrew said dictator. Your job is to throw together a cabinet and attempt to unfuck the country. You will probably fail. Why? Because you're trying to do this during the Cold War, and being a Latin American nation during the Cold War sucks.
The game is pretty much entirely text. There are some pictures to go with the text, usually a portrait of whoever you're talking to, but you aren't missing out on anything so I won't bother using images during this LP.
The very first thing you have to do is name your Presidente.
First Name:
Last Name:
Second Last Name: (This is either the mother's maiden name or the husband's surname.)
Then you have to answer some questions as part of a press conference.
A crowd of reporters presses toward you. "Presidente," one calls, "there has been much talk recently of the need for 'justice.' Which of these would be most important in achieving a more just society?"
Protect citizens from violent repression.
Eliminate government corruption.
Ensure free distribution of information.
Another reporter pushes to the front and raises her hand. "Everyone agrees that we must develop our nation's economy. But what should be the first priority of this development effort?"
Promoting the growth of the economy.
Distributing the nation's wealth equitably.
Protecting the free movement of capital.
A third reporter raises his hand. "Thank you, Presidente. One more question: Which of the following will your administration work hardest to improve?"
Infrastructure, such as roads and utilities.
Services for the city dwellers.
Living standards of the rural poor.
"Thank you, Presidente. We look forward to seeing you again after you have appointed the Ministers of your Cabinet." (You never see these reporters again.)
After the press conference, well, you decide on your cabinet. There are 4 positions to be filled. You can appoint Ministers from one of 3 parties, each of which has 3 potential ministers. The parties in question are called: Christian Reform, National Liberation, and Popular Stability.
Christian Reform: Formed in the 1940s as a "popular alternative", Christian Reform had its heyday during the short lived reformist government of Leonard Flores (1950-1954). Long the only tolerated opposition party, it managed to avoid banishment even during the worst of the dictator's excesses. It's appeal is strongest among the small urban middle class, though it is also favored by elements of the coffee producers and the leadership of the Catholic Church.
Ministry Candidates
Ignacio Nunez Laranjera: The son of a well known Poyais lawyer. Earned degrees from the University of Mexico and the London School of Economics before entering politics. Gradually became more outspoken against the Farsante dictatorship, but strongly opposed attempting to solve the country's problems with violence. Nevertheless, endured several periods of house arrest and a long period in exile after receiving death threats. His primary goals include the restoration of the campesinos trust through limited land reform, pragmatic recognition of the political power of the military, and timely preparations for elections, and improving ties with neighbors and Europe.
Liliana Ortiz de Lanza: Former teacher, mother of four, and member of the board of trustees of several social service agencies. Widow of Armando Lanza, popular university professor, politician, and critic of the Farsantes, whose assassination in the last year of the dictaroship helped spark the dictator's final fall from power. Still carries the banner of her outspoken and influential husband, but has now become an important figure in her own right. Her primary goals include assistance for needy farmers, civilian control over the military, increased funding for education and healthcare, and stable relations with all countries.
Francisco Ferrante Oberon: Grew up in Poyais. Family owns the Plumed Serpent rum distillery. Opted to leave the family business to his brother and take a position with the party. Regarded as the consummate behind-the-scenes player, preferring to work through others rather than seek the limelight himself. Widely respected for his abilities as a negotiator. His primary goals include measures to increase the production of export crops, careful balance of the two newly merged military forces, protection of the rights of individuals, and stronger relations with major trading partners.
National Liberation: Labelled an "illegal criminal association" by the dictatorship, the perseverance of the National Liberation Front in the face of brutal persecution put it at the forefront of the revolutionary movement. Some National Liberation Party members consider themselves Marxists. For others, ideas about social change are inspired by the interpretation of the Gospels known as 'Liberation Theology.' Speaks for the large population of rural poor.
Ministry Candidates
Gloria Jimenez Fleming: Daughter of a doctor. Professor of Sociology at the University of Chimerica. Published a book length analysis of the Chimerican peasantry. Contributing editor of the French Marxist journal "Dialogue Dialectique". Forced to go underground when University shut down by the Farsante Guard. Sub-commander of an important raid on Guardia headquarters, which gave her prominence in the growing revolt. Her primary goals include forceful land reform aimed at helping the landless, bringing army officers guilty of human rights abuses to justice, increased attention to the healthcare needs of the poor, and closer relations with socialist nations.
Julio Olavares Las Casas: Grew up in a well-to-do family. Since taking his vows has been a tireless advocate for the rights of the poor. Gave refuge to the underground opposition during the Insurrection. Narrowly escaped arrest on numerous occasions. A well known writer and exponent of Liberation Theology. After admonishment from the Vatican against direct involvement in political affairs, left the Society of Jesus in order to devote his full energies to the service of "my people". His primary goals include sweeping land reform to help the poorest Chimericans to help themselves, curbing the abusive power of the military, a nationwide campaign to teach the poor to read, reducing dependency on larger nations.
Manuel Calderon Iglesias: Comandante of the guerrilla forces. Led several of the most important victories of the Insurrection. Moved to the capital at a young age from a rural village. Became active in the resistance while still a teenager. Jailed and tortured repeatedly by the Farsante dictatorship, including a four year stint in Teluco prison. Known as one of the most level headed and pragmatic of the revolutionary leaders. His primary goals include sweeping land reform to share wealth and power with the poorest Chimericans, integration of the Revolutionary Army with progressive elements of the old army, promotion of a nationalist ideology, nonalignment in foreign affairs.
Popular Stability: Formed during the last years of the dictatorship by landowners and industrialists fed up with the self-aggrandizement of the ruling family, Popular Stability has its roots in the old Conservative Party of Emilio Rosario. The party is supported by those party leaders who did not flee with Farsante, the cotton growing elite, and by many less privileged Chimericans whose fortunes nevertheless depend on these powerful interests.
Ministry Candidates
Bernardo Whitmyre Alvarado: With financial backing fromh is family, started a successful automobile import business. When the dictator's cousin insisted on being a 'partner' in his enterprise, courageously (some say foolishly) objected. Subsequently forced out of business. After undergoing conversion to an Evangelical Protestant sect, entered politics as a spokesman for free trade and individual liberties. His primary goals include encouragement of investment in large scale mechanized agricultural projects, use of the military to reestablish order, elimination of all restraints on trade and investment, close ties with the United States and other western nations.
Antonio Alejos Espinales: Among the more independent minded of the current army generals. Grew up in a well-to-do family of coffee producers. Trained long ago at West Point. In his younger days regarded as ablest field commander in the army. During the Insurrection, led a faction of the military that broke with Farsante at a crucial juncture, effectively sealing the dictator's fate. His primary goals include modernization of methods of export agriculture production, increased military preparedness through US aid and training, elimination of governmental corruption, maintenance of close ties with the United States.
Now that you know about the parties and their candidates, it's up to you to decide who will actually be appointed to your Cabinet.
Agriculture Minister:
Defense Minister:
Internal Affairs Minister:
External Affairs Minister:
If you aren't familiar . . . Hidden Agenda is an old political simulator played in DOS. You play as the new President of the country of Chimerica, a fictional Latin American nation that I believe is supposed to be something of an amalgamation of Chile, Mexico, and Cost Rica. It used to be run by a nasty dictator, but a revolution recently overthrew said dictator. Your job is to throw together a cabinet and attempt to unfuck the country. You will probably fail. Why? Because you're trying to do this during the Cold War, and being a Latin American nation during the Cold War sucks.
The game is pretty much entirely text. There are some pictures to go with the text, usually a portrait of whoever you're talking to, but you aren't missing out on anything so I won't bother using images during this LP.
The very first thing you have to do is name your Presidente.
First Name:
Last Name:
Second Last Name: (This is either the mother's maiden name or the husband's surname.)
Then you have to answer some questions as part of a press conference.
A crowd of reporters presses toward you. "Presidente," one calls, "there has been much talk recently of the need for 'justice.' Which of these would be most important in achieving a more just society?"
Protect citizens from violent repression.
Eliminate government corruption.
Ensure free distribution of information.
Another reporter pushes to the front and raises her hand. "Everyone agrees that we must develop our nation's economy. But what should be the first priority of this development effort?"
Promoting the growth of the economy.
Distributing the nation's wealth equitably.
Protecting the free movement of capital.
A third reporter raises his hand. "Thank you, Presidente. One more question: Which of the following will your administration work hardest to improve?"
Infrastructure, such as roads and utilities.
Services for the city dwellers.
Living standards of the rural poor.
"Thank you, Presidente. We look forward to seeing you again after you have appointed the Ministers of your Cabinet." (You never see these reporters again.)
After the press conference, well, you decide on your cabinet. There are 4 positions to be filled. You can appoint Ministers from one of 3 parties, each of which has 3 potential ministers. The parties in question are called: Christian Reform, National Liberation, and Popular Stability.
Christian Reform: Formed in the 1940s as a "popular alternative", Christian Reform had its heyday during the short lived reformist government of Leonard Flores (1950-1954). Long the only tolerated opposition party, it managed to avoid banishment even during the worst of the dictator's excesses. It's appeal is strongest among the small urban middle class, though it is also favored by elements of the coffee producers and the leadership of the Catholic Church.
Ministry Candidates
Ignacio Nunez Laranjera: The son of a well known Poyais lawyer. Earned degrees from the University of Mexico and the London School of Economics before entering politics. Gradually became more outspoken against the Farsante dictatorship, but strongly opposed attempting to solve the country's problems with violence. Nevertheless, endured several periods of house arrest and a long period in exile after receiving death threats. His primary goals include the restoration of the campesinos trust through limited land reform, pragmatic recognition of the political power of the military, and timely preparations for elections, and improving ties with neighbors and Europe.
Liliana Ortiz de Lanza: Former teacher, mother of four, and member of the board of trustees of several social service agencies. Widow of Armando Lanza, popular university professor, politician, and critic of the Farsantes, whose assassination in the last year of the dictaroship helped spark the dictator's final fall from power. Still carries the banner of her outspoken and influential husband, but has now become an important figure in her own right. Her primary goals include assistance for needy farmers, civilian control over the military, increased funding for education and healthcare, and stable relations with all countries.
Francisco Ferrante Oberon: Grew up in Poyais. Family owns the Plumed Serpent rum distillery. Opted to leave the family business to his brother and take a position with the party. Regarded as the consummate behind-the-scenes player, preferring to work through others rather than seek the limelight himself. Widely respected for his abilities as a negotiator. His primary goals include measures to increase the production of export crops, careful balance of the two newly merged military forces, protection of the rights of individuals, and stronger relations with major trading partners.
National Liberation: Labelled an "illegal criminal association" by the dictatorship, the perseverance of the National Liberation Front in the face of brutal persecution put it at the forefront of the revolutionary movement. Some National Liberation Party members consider themselves Marxists. For others, ideas about social change are inspired by the interpretation of the Gospels known as 'Liberation Theology.' Speaks for the large population of rural poor.
Ministry Candidates
Gloria Jimenez Fleming: Daughter of a doctor. Professor of Sociology at the University of Chimerica. Published a book length analysis of the Chimerican peasantry. Contributing editor of the French Marxist journal "Dialogue Dialectique". Forced to go underground when University shut down by the Farsante Guard. Sub-commander of an important raid on Guardia headquarters, which gave her prominence in the growing revolt. Her primary goals include forceful land reform aimed at helping the landless, bringing army officers guilty of human rights abuses to justice, increased attention to the healthcare needs of the poor, and closer relations with socialist nations.
Julio Olavares Las Casas: Grew up in a well-to-do family. Since taking his vows has been a tireless advocate for the rights of the poor. Gave refuge to the underground opposition during the Insurrection. Narrowly escaped arrest on numerous occasions. A well known writer and exponent of Liberation Theology. After admonishment from the Vatican against direct involvement in political affairs, left the Society of Jesus in order to devote his full energies to the service of "my people". His primary goals include sweeping land reform to help the poorest Chimericans to help themselves, curbing the abusive power of the military, a nationwide campaign to teach the poor to read, reducing dependency on larger nations.
Manuel Calderon Iglesias: Comandante of the guerrilla forces. Led several of the most important victories of the Insurrection. Moved to the capital at a young age from a rural village. Became active in the resistance while still a teenager. Jailed and tortured repeatedly by the Farsante dictatorship, including a four year stint in Teluco prison. Known as one of the most level headed and pragmatic of the revolutionary leaders. His primary goals include sweeping land reform to share wealth and power with the poorest Chimericans, integration of the Revolutionary Army with progressive elements of the old army, promotion of a nationalist ideology, nonalignment in foreign affairs.
Popular Stability: Formed during the last years of the dictatorship by landowners and industrialists fed up with the self-aggrandizement of the ruling family, Popular Stability has its roots in the old Conservative Party of Emilio Rosario. The party is supported by those party leaders who did not flee with Farsante, the cotton growing elite, and by many less privileged Chimericans whose fortunes nevertheless depend on these powerful interests.
Ministry Candidates
Bernardo Whitmyre Alvarado: With financial backing fromh is family, started a successful automobile import business. When the dictator's cousin insisted on being a 'partner' in his enterprise, courageously (some say foolishly) objected. Subsequently forced out of business. After undergoing conversion to an Evangelical Protestant sect, entered politics as a spokesman for free trade and individual liberties. His primary goals include encouragement of investment in large scale mechanized agricultural projects, use of the military to reestablish order, elimination of all restraints on trade and investment, close ties with the United States and other western nations.
Antonio Alejos Espinales: Among the more independent minded of the current army generals. Grew up in a well-to-do family of coffee producers. Trained long ago at West Point. In his younger days regarded as ablest field commander in the army. During the Insurrection, led a faction of the military that broke with Farsante at a crucial juncture, effectively sealing the dictator's fate. His primary goals include modernization of methods of export agriculture production, increased military preparedness through US aid and training, elimination of governmental corruption, maintenance of close ties with the United States.
Now that you know about the parties and their candidates, it's up to you to decide who will actually be appointed to your Cabinet.
Agriculture Minister:
Defense Minister:
Internal Affairs Minister:
External Affairs Minister: