Ecotrop chaos

[Bernie]

Island progress report for Tropico Resorts International
Project: Ecotrop

From: Presidente Bernardo
Date: 25th December, 1950

Greetings from Tropico Isle!

We are now one year into our development of Tropico, to turn this outpost into a tourist gold mine, and I am confident of a very profitable future for our venture here. Those of you in Head Office who have previously visited (on fact-finding visits  ) will know the potential for a new type of resort - ecotourism! The lack of beaches and infrastructure has left this island overlooked in the past, but we will now benefit from the pristine beauty that pays oh so well.

To specifics so far. The prefabricated hotel was immediately deployed near my palace (now don't get too jealous, it looks nice but doesn't even have electricity!) and the hotel is fully staffed. We have managed 8 tourists so far. The island boasted 5 corn farms when I arrived, 2 of which I have converted to Papaya. I don't really know what Papaya is so I'm curious to see the fruits of that decision! I have also laid the foundations for a diplomatic office and four tobacco farms. Why am I spending resort money on this industry, you ask? Simply to give us a diverse economy in the future years to sustain our growth. And why not profit from the lovely weed, tobacco profits are phenomenal! We could be a resort company and a tobacco giant like Philip Morris! There seems to be no end to the future earnings in tobacco, I believe projections show everyone on Earth will smoke by the year 2000!

The locals are co-operating well at this stage, though a bit slow on the work front. And the lack of mechanisation is a productivity killer, but we will succeed despite this drawback. The people believe me to be short-tempered which you all know is ridiculous - I can only assume that they are so laid back on this island that anyone would seem hasty and short-tempered by comparison!

We are still in the black at this stage, and hope to maintain a postive cash balance until our cash crops come through in the next 2 years. Then we will see a chain of hotels rise across the island to meet our goals!

[Bernie]

Dear diary, received the following today - I'm on my way! Though I wish they could get my full title right  .

Swiss Bank
1 Alpenstrasse
Zurich  Switzerland

Jan 10, 1951

Dear Customer name here,

Welcome to Swiss Bank, dear Customer name here. May we take the opportunity to assure you of the security and secrecy in which your account will be maintained. We have received your opening deposit and look forward to your future transactions.

Yours in confidence,
Adolph Goldfinger
Chairman of Swiss Bank.

[Bernie]

Island progress report for Tropico Resorts International
Project: Ecotrop

From: Presidente Bernardo
Date: 30th December, 1953

Merry Christmas to all from Tropico Isle

Greetings to all my colleagues and other hard workers in Resorts International head office! I hope all are well and enjoying the sunny success we are here in Tropico Isle. I have some excellent progress to report since my last informal missive two years ago.

We have completed a diplomatic ministry, fully staffed by local and imported talent. The girls are doing a great job improving our political relationships, with both Soviets and Yanks donating considerably to our corporate wealth - what a laugh! I can only hope the superpower tension increases (to a point just short of nuclear, hah!) so we can milk them for even more. Further we now have four tobacco farms operating at almost full staffing, and once some considerable tree clearing has been conducted, I feel these will be a great profit store to base our tourist expansion on. You may be aware that we have an independant auditor here to judge our environmental quality, and so tree clearing is of some concern in his work, however I feel sure I can make up any damage with beautification works on other parts of the island. I have two construction teams working now so the sky is the limit when it comes to building!

On the difficult side, the local people are already whinging about lack of churches and a high school. I'm sure some of the play-actors will be keeling over in the street soon to make me think about building them a clinic too! Well, normally I'd let them take private health cover or just die - but workers are hard to come by on an island, so I will inevitably have to provide something for the malingerers & slackers. But in the next year I intend to put up four apartments (half subsidised by the Soviets, heh, I should get a Christmas bonus for that one...) to house the workers and keep them happy. Then we will begin the great hotel expansion and the profits will blossom.

I realise some of you may be disappointed that I have not built more hotels or facilities for tourists. I can only warn that it will be a long hard road to success, unless perhaps I can have a few more of those wonderful prefabricated hotels? Unfortunately the political realities of the island will make a quick success difficult, I must get the people happy with what we are trying to do. A poll taken a few months ago showed only ¹/₃ support for our company's plans! Our buyout of the previous bankrupt regime is not a permanent situation and I will have elections to contend with in the years to come. The people do not understand yet, but our growth in the next few years will hopefully improve their outlook and opinion of us. I am optimistic!

[Bernie]

Island progress report for Tropico Resorts International
Project: Ecotrop

To: Chief Resort Controller of Resorts International
From: Presidente Bernardo
Date: 25th September, 1956

Dear Sir,

An update on our progress here as I understand you are quite anxious that we attracted only two tourists in the whole of last year, and none to date this year. I agree this is an unacceptable occupancy rate for two hotels, and will endeavour to explain our situation.

Our treasury is doing well, hitting $56k a few months ago on the proceeds of tobacco and papaya exports. Unfortunately the two dock workers available took three years to load this booty onto shipping, making dock facilities unavailable for yachts and subsequently our tourist trade. I have remedied this by ordering the construction of another dock which is closer to both our farms and to my intended building site for hotels in future. Secondly, relocating four male construction workers to the docks has improved our loading times. (One of the existing dockers died of emphysema - have you heard any evidence that tobacco can cause lung problems? I have a major investment in this now and we don't want any lawsuits.) Once they have cleared our export backlog we will have greater capacity for yachts and thus improve our occupancy rates.

A further difficulty is the local election coming up, I'm afraid our Corporate Governance is a little on the nose with the Tropicans and I am behind in the polls by 40 votes. As per Resort International guidelines for difficult elections, I have gazetted a Mardi Gras and doubled the food ration - to little effect. I am worried that I may have to turn to wage rises (temporary of course) or worse to get over the democratic hurdle.

I trust you will be satisfied with these arrangements to improve our tourist trade, and be assured your investment is safe - I plan to build a cigar factory and more hotels in the coming year to boost our profits.

Yours grovellingly,
Presidente Bernardo

[Bernie]

Carribean Monthly News

June, 1957

Election scandal on Tropico!

Tropico: - The first election in seven years was held in the small Carribean nation of Tropico last week - and it stank. Rumours abound that the Presidente, Bernardo, rigged the ballot counting procedure to just edge out his opponent. Pre-poll indications showed the Presidente trailing his opponent by 45 votes and Tropicans were already celebrating the Presidente's overthrow when the shock result was announced.

Opponent Frank Cordova from the religious faction decried the vote-tampering publicly, stating that "The Government is terrible, I'm leaving", then did just that. From the talk amongst Tropicans since the election, he may not be the last to leave and seek liberty elsewhere. In further reaction, the leader of the island's intellectual faction is extremely concerned with the lack of liberty for Tropico's citizens and will be one to watch in the future.

Tropicans had moderately high expectations of a fair election this time and appear to have been let down. Citizens of the sleepy isle have been anxious to vote Presidente Bernardo out of office for some years because he has failed to provide the services they require. While wages have matched Carribean average pay for some years, most Tropicans still live in shacks of their own making, have no access to a priest or a doctor, and the only entertainment in Tropico is used by El Presidente to amuse tourists. There is deep feeling that El Presidente and the corporation that installed him, Resorts International, are only using Tropico to reap massive profits from the Yanqui tourist trade and do not care for the common people of the island.

So for now it seems Presidente Bernardo has clung to power and his profits, but for how long?

page 13

[Bernie]

Island progress report for Tropico Resorts International
Project: Ecotrop

From: Presidente Bernardo
Date: 3rd January, 1959

Postcard from Tropico Isle!

Greetings to all from Resort International's Tropican outpost. Yes, I'm still here! Many of you have no doubt heard about our close-fought election battle here last year, and of my ultimate victory. I am unable to say anything pending legal action against the Carribean Monthly News, but be assured that Resorts International's presence is here to stay.

The election did bring important issues to my attention and are now being addressed. A church and clinic are planned for completion this year and will be staffed to satisfy our employees' needs. A public housing program is also in place to remove the unsightly shacks of our workers and the unemployed. These necessary expenses will ensure our profitability into the coming decade of growth and prosperity.

And what of tourism, our prime corporate objective? Flourishing! Our two wonderful hotels are frequently full of happy visitors. May I say that press reports of high crime and low visitor satisfaction are a complete fabrication, no doubt spread by our competitor "The Axis of Evil, Inc." I can personally say I have never seen a single crime committed on Tropico. On the subject of entertainment for our guests, our pub has never been busier and our trees are as lovely as ever!

[Bernie]

Dear diary,

A wonderful letter from my friend in Switzerland today! $10,000 in the account and growing, you beauty. I hope I can make it ten times that amount before I'm finished,  Resort International have no pension plan so I'll need it.

So far I've managed with skimming ¹/₁₂ of all building works on the island. That numbskull auditor is looking in the wrong place, measuring my environmental record - good. I just hope no-one at Resorts realises what's going on!

[Bernie]

From: Tropican Diplomatic Office
To: El Presidente, Bernardo

Date: 1st June, 1959


Subject: US diplomatic relations with Tropico

Your Greatness, as requested we present the current state of US attitude toward us. On the whole they are cordial and are continuing their aid, though reduced from the riches of previous years.

The US is not impressed with El Presidente's version of democracy and look for you to increase the liberty of Tropico's citizens.

The White House has heard that El Presidente is much closer to the Communist faction than the Capitalists. This does not bode well for future relations

Overall, if we do not provoke the US and maintain our current staffing in this office, we should have nothing to fear.

End.

Note to self - make sure this office is fully staffed to keep the US off my back!

[Bernie]

Carribean Monthly News

July, 1963

Democracy struggles in Tropico

Tropico: - Presidente Bernardo has been announced as the winner of Tropico's recent election by 5 votes, defeating his opponent Sandra Cordova. Sandra is the wife of previous Presidential candidate Frank, defeated in 1957 in a similar close contest.

Polls before the election showed El Presidente behind his opponent by 26 votes, in spite of intense pork-barrelling of the electorate with their own money! Mardi Gras', Tax cuts, double food rations and pay rises were showered on residents but made little difference to their apparent resolve to remove Bernardo from office. Now, as in 1957, Tropicans are widely discussing the potentially fraudulent counting process. Rumblings among the people accuse El Presidente of rigging the vote counting.

It will be interesting to see how El Presidente Bernardo handles his people's discontent in the near future. The US has ruled out intervening at this stage despite the low liberty rating of Tropico after this latest voting fiasco.

[CafeDave]

Wonderful, Bernie, wonderful!  Keep it up, I love it.

[Bernie]

August, 1964

Dear Diary,

What am I going to do? My efforts to build resorts and services on the island seem only to enrage the locals more and more. It's as if progress makes them turn to anarchy.

A note was slipped under the palace door this morning, anonymously warning of rumblings in the officer corp. Geez, I know the locals are unhappy but I thought I had the troops happy with me when I built an armoury and hired a General last year.

So what to do? I've quietly checked on my troops, and two soldiers are unhappy - Franz Schnitzelhaus and a new guy, can't remember his name. Both living in hovels and pretty mad about it. Well, I've placed a bunch of new housing all over so it should be solved then. Can't believe how much micromanagement these people are!

[Bernie]

[size=12]

Carribean Monthly News

[/size][/font]

September, 1965

Military Revolt! Coup in progress on Tropico

Tropico:- Tropico's military erupted into military revolt last week against the regime of El Presidente Bernardo. Fierce street fighting between loyal troops and rebel coup members took place around the presidential palace, with one casualty on the Government side recorded. At last report, the coup leaders had a 2 to 1 numerical superiority in soldiers.

Franz Schnitzelhaus, leader of the rebels, has complained about El Presidente's persistent failure to provide for his people since inauguration in 1950. Housing, entertainment and food were the greatest complaints, as well as the lack of liberty felt by many citizens. He has vowed to fight to the death to achieve a change of government on Tropico and appears to be in a winning postion.

El Presidente Bernardo could not be found for comment, and no-one to speak on his behalf came forward to explain the government position. In light of suspected election frauds on Tropico under this Presidente, it is no surprise that citizens of the delightful isle have turned against authority and resolved to make their own destiny - freedom or death!

This newspaper is closely watching developments and is commited to bringing you further news as it unfolds.

[Bernie]

Island progress report for Tropico Resorts International
Project: Ecotrop

URGENT

To: Chief Resort Controller of Resorts International
From: Presidente Bernardo
Date: 28th September, 1965

Dear Sir,

I regret to inform you we have a military coup in progress on Tropico Island. Please send any help you can! I need at least two loyal soldiers, preferably equipped with tanks, to ensure victory.

Please be assured I will be fighting furiously to put down this criminal rabble and preserve our interests on the island. Any help you can provide would be of great assistance.

Yours in combat,
General Bernardo.

[Bernie]

Soldier of Fortune Magazine

June 1966
RRP $0.95

Timeline of a coup - Tropico in combat

[/i][/b]

Hello gun-lovers! All you hard-core military faction freaks out there will be dancing to the sounds of battle again as we bring you an exclusive timeline of the recent Tropican coup. We bring you all the heroism and combat action that recently thrilled us all!

Sept. 1965 - The coup broke out with two palace guards firing the first shots. Taking the guns kindly supplied by El Presidente, Franz Schnizelhaus and Roger Whatsisface began shooting up the Presidential palace with hopes of toppling the government. Loyal troops rushed to the scene of the fighting but were killed almost immediately. El Presidente looked to be on the ropes, but attempted to get back in the fight by paying thousands of dollars for three mercenaries to arrive on the next freighter.

Oct. 1965 - Mercenaries arrived on Tropico, and two of them immediately joined the coup! None of the three were very experienced and all were dead within the month. Without troops or money to import more, only the stout walls of the palace were keeping Bernardo safe. In a desperate but useless measure, a $500 bounty was put on Schnitzelhaus's head.

Dec. 1965 - With palace damage around 50% after sporadic attacks, El Presidente needed to find options. The only educated men eligible to fight were four priests and two doctors. Tropico High was educating four young men who could potentially turn the rebel tide, but were not due to graduate for many months - Presidente needed a miracle, and the rebels were slowly but surely winning. Bernardo desperately raised soldier wages to $50/month and fired his priests to encourage them into the green uniforms.

Jan. 1966 - Three ex-priests joined the government forces and took up arms against the rebels, while Father Rodriguez became rebel Private Rodriguez and destroyed El Presidente's bedroom window! With the fight now 3 vs 3, Bernardo had a chance.

Feb. 1966 - Bernardo's holy trio cornered Franz Schnitzelhaus outside Santa Maria church and killed him in a furious firefight. Just as Presidente was heard cheering from his upstairs windows though, Roger Whatsisface arrived from the far side of the palace and put Fathers/Privates Gonzales and Smith to rest. The remaining Father fled the scene thus saving his own life.
In desperation, El Presidente ordered Tropico's two doctors fired from the clinic to replace his dwindling forces.

Apr. 1966 - Tropicans and tourists alike watched in amazement as the island's two doctors chose which side to fight for. Both well-educated, they naturally went to the armoury and donned General uniforms, then walked outside and started shooting at each other! Both men died quickly in a chaotic hail of gunfire from all directions, with no-one exactly sure who killed who. With no doctors or priests on the island, the bodies were left to rot in the tropical sun while the revolt continued. Palace damage was estimated at 91% after the bitter fighting of the last six months and Presidente Bernardo was expected to be dragged out of office at any moment.

May 1966 - A miracle for El Presidente at last turned the battle! His high school students graduated, three of them took the $50/month soldier pay on offer, and raced into the fight around the palace. It was a short battle, with the remaining rebel forces exhausted from six months of fighting. In a short time the rebels were all executed in the streets, still firing to the last and refusing to surrender. The coup was finished and El Presidente had amazingly survived.

[Bernie]

Island progress report for Tropico Resorts International
Project: Ecotrop

[/b]

To: Chief Resort Controller of Resorts International
From: Presidente Bernardo
Date: 10th July, 1966

Dear Sir,

I regret to announce my resignation from Resorts International as of today. I intend to catch the first boat out of this ungrateful flea-pit of an island and seek a new career elsewhere.

You are aware that I survived the recent coup attempt after a bitter fight with the rebels. However my standing with the workers of Tropico is at an all-time low, I have no funds to replace our doctors or priests who died in the battles and will be unable to continue without a total suppression of all opposition. It is difficult to see how our goals for Tropico can be met in such an environment and so I will leave it to another to try.

Yours finally,
Ex-Presidente Bernardo.

[Bernie]

[size=12]Carribean Monthly News[/size]

July 1966

Dictator Bernardo quits!

Tropico: - Former El Presidente Bernardo of Tropico has quit his office! The announcement was greeted with surprise and delight by the citizens of the island after many years of tyranny, electoral deceit and bloodshed. This newspaper for one is glad to see the back of a man who set an appalling standard of government.

Bernardo announced his decision at 2am with a few short words, then retired to his bed. His bloodshot eyes and generally exhausted demeanour showed the worry of the recent months. Citing the need to keep his pregnant wife happy as his reason for resignation, Bernardo departed Tropico shortly after the announcement to seek his fortune elsewhere. Rumour has it that his fortune is awaiting him in Switzerland, with perhaps $15,000 missing from the Tropican treasury.

The news was unexpected after Bernardo brutally suppressed the recent coup attempt and appeared to have cemented his position in office for some years to come. But no-one on Tropico is crying - perhaps now Tropicans can hold truly free elections and join the democratic nations of the Carribean. Another dictator of Bernardo's ilk will not be welcome.

[Bernie]

All done! Hope anyone reading this far has enjoyed the ride. The facts related are pretty much how it happened in  the game, apart from the character names as I didn't pay enough attention to them. Pity too that I didn't have some screen shots of the coup, I could have made a better Soldier of Fortune article with a few battle pics!

It was a surprise to me to survive the coup, I thought players were pretty well helpless once it gets to coup time. I didn't continue the game as it really was 2am and my missus is really pregnant - eight months to be exact! Had to feel a little guilty sitting up late playing but I couldn't walk away from this one until the coup was decided. I doubt I'll be getting much playing in now but that's ok, I can't wait for our little one to be in our arms.

These stories from so many players are great, they really give Tropico an extra dimension. This is my contribution to add to the collection.

Catch ya!

[Senor Ruina]

Great stuff, Bernie!  A classic.  

Hey, I even got good pointers from your coup report.  I had never thought to raise pay to get soldiers.  But during a coup, they are mostly going to die anyway, right?  Especially with you on the down side.  So the high pay is not really a problem.

[Bernie]

Thanks for the comments! During the coup I just blundered thru it, trying anything I thought might help. The pay issue was to make my loyal soldiers as happy as possible, so they would be less inclined to join the rebel troops. I also used the Assasination edict on one guy to encourage my troops to kill him first, as he was the least experienced of the rebels and so should have been easiest to drive away or kill. Don't know if that worked but my troops did kill that guy first, so maybe issuing the $500 edict helped to target the enemy better. I just got lucky in the end when my first high school graduates completed school and joind the palace guard at the last minute. It was such a rush I thought I had to share the story. Cheers to all, Bernie.

[Eddy]

I was biting my nails as I read the account of your attempts to stay in power!

Good show senor!

[Chairman Robbo]

edge of the seat stuff

brilliant!!

[Arvedui]

The formatting and presentation make this one of the classics.

Oh, you're not kidding!  The bit where the doctors went to choose sides had me laughing out loud for 5 solid minutes!! (I wish there were a ROFL icon!)

[Coconut Kid]

Cross References:

Ecotourists Please?
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tropico/cafe/index.php?topic=6549.0

Difficulty staffing my businesses in Eco Trop
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tropico/cafe/index.php?topic=10230.0