First AAR: Red Storm

[Electric Monkey]

I decided to put together an AAR to help me pay attention to things like the various information displays I rarely use, and the fate of individuals on the island. I also tried to learn a bit about disaster relief, so this mainly focuses on my efforts to rebuild after the hurricane that hit me late in 1957 (thanks for your advice in the strategy forum, everybody)

it's still a work in progress, so feedback would be most welcome- on any aspect, be it strategy,reporting style or sugesstions for further improvement

Scenario: Fairly Large island, only two or three notches high, can't remember vegetation or minerals. Difficulty moderate (politcal & economic), regular random events and 50 year reign.

Dictator: Ricardo Fernandez. Leftist Author, elected as socialist, cowardly, womaniser, hardworking, charismatic.

January 1950: The thirty inhabitants of Tropico gathered before the palace to greet the island's first democratically elected leader, Ricardo Fernandez of the Green Socialist Alliance.  Backed by the Castillo family,who had played a key role in the Lord's Liberation Army when they toppled the previous ruler, Ricardo had won the crowds over with his natural eloquence and self-evident dedication to his cause. "Tropicans!" he said to the cheering crowds, "Ever since I wrote my thesis on Class Inequalities in the Carribean, I have known that these lands cry out for change. I promised I would do my utmost to improve the lives of my fellow Tropicans, and you recognised that when  you chose me as your leader. I promise you that I will work day and night to serve you. That I shall see to it that every  man woman and child is fed and housed. And that the flame of democracy shall not go out on Tropico!" he paused for cheers. "I would not be here today were it not for the support of Cristobal Castillo, my Vice President and Minister for Housing and his wife Esmerelda - my new Minister of Agriculture and the Environment. I must also congratulate my opponent on a fair and honest campaign. To those of you who voted for her, I say that I am the president for everyone, and I will work to accomodate her ideas into my vision for the future."

Ricardo waved to the assembled Tropicans one last time, and left the balcony. Behind closed doors, the reception was more frosty. As well as the Castillos and his close advisor, Rodrigo Guerra, waited the representatives of the  Opposition. Pia Del Rio, former leader of the revolution had been the favourite to win. Backed by Nomar and Miguela Evita, long time veterans of the Lord's Liberation Army, she fixed Ricardo with a long hard stare. "I suppose I must congratulate you," she said, "Even though you hid in a shack with your floozies, while the LLA were fighting and dying to free this island, the people have spoken. I can only hope your platitudes about co-operation were genuine. In the meantime, there is someone I would like you to meet."

A pale man in a Hawaii shirt stepped out from behind the Evita's. Evidently uncomfertable in the heat, he wipedhis brow and introduced himself. "Charles Baxter, CIA. You seem to be quite the darling of Moscow, Senor Fernandez.  Just remember that their gifts come with strings attached,and it was the CIA who helped the LLA liberate Tropico. We shall be watching you closely."

Once the CIA man had left, Ricardo turned to his council of ministers to plan his first major policy initiative. Agricultural expansion. By growing tobacco and pineapple for export, he hoped to be able to fund the construction of a banana and a papaya grove. To offset the initial loss of food productivity and draw new workers to the farms, the minimu wage was to be raised  to 6 pesos a month.

By 1951, construction had been completed on the groves, and the first planting had begun. Tropico's first shipment of pineapples was on its way to the USA, and the payment arrived with a hostile note from the State Department regarding Tropico's political affiliation. In the hopes of smoothing over Tropico-American relations, Presidente Fernandez authorised the construction of a modern Diplomatic Ministry and picked Miguela Domingo as foreign minister for her neutral leanings.

In the early months of 1952, Pia del Rio lost patience with the Fernandez regime and left for the USA, to be replaced as head of the Tropican Commitee on Faith and Worship by Lisa Kent, a new immigrant from Kingston and a formidable crusader. Del Rio's supporters stayed on as head of the Defence Advisory commitee and Head of the Chamber of Commerce. Del Rio's departure was met with alarm by the US State Department, and Fernandez was forced to call an  emergency meeting of the Council of ministers to address the increased hostility.

"It's bad." confirmed Senora Domingo. "We might not have a gunship in our waters yet, but the USA have cut all aid to Tropico and are insisting we move to an overtly pro-US foreign policy."

"Such is only natural" replied Senora Evita of the Chamber of Commerce. "One can hardly expect to pander to Moscow in Uncle Sam's backyard. You would do well to think more on the exampleset by the honourable Senora del Rio."

"Ridiculous!" thundered Cristobal Castillo, "we should not stand for this provocation. We should ask our comrades for a formal alliance and see if the Yanqui dogs dare attack us then!"

"I am afraid we cannot afford to take that route, " said the president,  "The USA  buys the majority of our exports, whether we like it or not, and to completely alienate them may well be disatrous. Senora Domingo, issue a formal response praising the US and announcing our adoption of a pro-US foreign policy."

Tropican development continued,with the construction of a church in 1952, and a clinic and dockside housing and entertainment in 1953.

In 1954, the Council of Ministers convened. Lisa Kent expressed approval of the president's support for the new church (including the hiring of two priests from Europe), and Rodrigo Guerro of the Cultural Association praised the president's dedication to liberty. Even Senor Evita of the Defence Advisory committee seemed to be warming to the president, although he had been a supporter of del Rio.

His wife, however was less forgiving as she waved a note from the US State Department. "See!" she exclaimed. "Still no aid. You can't win over the Americans with your platitudes, Presidente. The Chamber of Commerce knows your true colours, and the USA does too!"

"This just vindicates what I've been saying!"claimed Vice-Presidente Castillo. "There's no point in trying to appease the Yanquis- all you've done is offended our comrades in Russia. Your attempts to appease the Capitalists have harmed Tropico in other ways as well. Have you forgotten your election promise? We have a handful of bunkhouses, but just  about everyone is forced to live in shacks!"

"It is a point well taken" replied the president. "I shall commit myself to the task of improving housing. My housing program starts now, and by 1960, no Tropican should have to live in a shack."

In 1955 US-Tropican realtions improved to the point where the USA was willing to offer a $200 aid package, although,as Senor Castillo was quick to point out, it didn't make up for the loss in Soviet aid. Nomar Evita died at the age of 75,and was replaced by David Lind, a docker from Kingston. The housing program began in earnest with the construction of a tenement from Russian  blueprints.

By 1956 the population had grown to 61 people, and a general election was declared. Lisa Kent was announced as the candidate for the Christian Democratic Party, gaining surprise endorsements from Vice Presidente Castillo (still upset about the pro-US policy and slow start on housing), and Rodrigo Guerra of the Intellectual faction.

Another surprise endorsement was Miguela Evita of the chamber of commerce. Despite her long standing opposition to Presidente Fernandez' policies, she tentatively endorsed him for re-election.

The Agricultural reforms were starting to show benefits,as the first harvests of bananas and papaya were brought in. The housing program continued with the construction of a new apartment complex, and the increased population density around the tenement led to the institution of the island's first anti-litter laws.

In 1957 the votes were cast, resulting in a 29 to 16 victory for the incumbent. The housing program continued to grow, with the construction of two more houses by the church, when in late autumn, Hurricane Juliet struck!

7 of Tropico's 67 people were killed, including Lisa Kent and Father Leo Ibanez. All five farms were obliterated, together with the three bunkhouses by the docks, the priest's house, and all but two shacks. With $10000 in UN emergency aid, the disaster response began. The construction of the apartment complex was halted, and a new construction office was planned, to be staffed by out of work farmers.

[Electric Monkey]

January 1958: An emergency council meeting is called. "This hurricane is a punishment from God," insists Estella Soto, the new leader of the religious faction and a woman of exceptional forcefulness. "He is displeased that your Communist friends despoil His island with your shacks and tenements, and so He sweeps your squalor away!"

"Whether your Communist ways brought on the hurricane or not," adds Miguela Evita, "They certainly brought on our current economic woes. We are entirely dependant on the charity of foreigners - we would not be in this state had you diversied the economy instead of giving handouts to peasants."

 El Presidente sighs. "Be that as it may, we are in this situation now. Senora Domingo, how much "foreign charity" do we have to work with?"

"It is not too bad, presidente." the foreign minister replies,  "The USSR has granted us 3,000 pesos, and even the Yanquis seem sympathetic to our plight. They've given us 400 and don't seem to be threatening to send a gunboat any time soon."

"Ok...we can work with that. Vice-Presidente, what are the people's immediate concerns?"

"Senor Presidente, this storm has heightened the divisions on the island. Many people are without homes or jobs, through no fault of their own. Now is the time for you to show your leadership by insisting everyone pull together to help them out.In a few years, food may be a problem - for that I'll pass you over to my wife, the Minister for Agriculture and the Environment."

"As you can see from these reports, Presidente," said Esmerelda Castillo, "most Tropicans have 1/6th of a ton of food, or 5 "units" stored. That should last them 2-3 years at current rates of consumption, maybe more if they're careful. It appears that the old corn and tobacco fields are badly waterlogged, and it's not clear where the best location to rebuild is. The land seems good for sugar and pineapples, but there's no guarantee it'll stay that way until the farms are up and running. The groves can be rebuilt -the trees will grow well, but take too long to bear fruit. May I suggest we look to fishing until growing conditions stabilise?"

"Ok...2-3 years. Our first priority is to get the workers to handle the construction I suppose. It pains me to do this, but we're going to have to leave the search for survivors to the volunteers. Tell me, Rodrigo, is there any good news?"

"At least the dock is still standing, Presidente. And Dr. Santiago says the clinic is handling the injured well."

"Thank you. Now let's get the orders to the workers. We're  to prioritise the new construction office, to get our professional workers training the farmers. Get the wharves up once we've got the labour.  Announce that we're hiring teamsters if anybody still needs a job - could attract workers we can shunt onto the wharves once they're done as well."

January 1959: Annual Progress meeting.

Christobal Castillo coughed."This is going to sound odd, presidente, but the latest polling suggests that people are  happier now that a lot of them are dead. Our facilities are less crowded, and people are reporting better housing, even though 17 of them still live in shacks. looting's less than expected. In fact people are more law-abiding. I don't want to speak ill of the dead, but you have to wonder. And I fear that Senorita Sota may be right - people are reporting a vast improvement in living environment since the hurricane."

Senorita Sota looked disapproving. "I get the impression that I'm not being taken seriously." she said. "You would do well to be more respectful. In times such as these people look to the guidance of the church- and if el Presidente does not support the church, then the people shall not support el Presidente."

"There's little I can do just now." said Presidente fernandez. "Money is tight and food must be a priority. Senora Castillo, your report?"

"Si, presidente. Our people are being more careful with their food - they've reduced consuption to 1.4 units a day. At this rate, they will have food for another 30 months, which is just as well as neither fishing wharf has been completed yet. Perhaps building two was a mistake, as the new workers seem disorganised and wasteful when not given clear guidance. The soil analysis shows that the land is still unsuitable for our old crops. I'll report back as soon as things change."

"Understood. Senora Dominica - what's the aid situation. And Senora Evita, spare me your observations on the economy. I'm doing what I can."

Senora Dominica shuffled some papers. "The Soviets have only granted us 2000 pesos this year. Our pro-American policy may have run its course. The Yanquis are offering 500, which hardly makes up for the Soviet loss, and we can adopt a more neutral policy without running the risk of invasion."

"Then let it be done. Cancel our pro-US policies, get the fishing wharves finished and get them staffed - no matter what it takes. Have people fired, raise the wages...just get the men in the boats. Have the workers go to the apartments and the groves after that.  We need some export crops, but I'm not forgetting my promise to have everyone housed by 1960.


(More to come. The game's currently run to 1965 when there's another election and the hurricane crisis is sort of over)

[Electric Monkey]

January 1960: Alberto Domingo, leader of the reconstruction effort and husband to the foreign minister stood in the chamber of deputies and glowered. "Presidente- as you may well be aware, the Castillos have grown tired of your weakness and left for Cuba, taking with them $347 in back pay. The Communist Party has elected me to succeed him, and I suggest you pay more attention to our wishes. You say you have remembered your promises - but look at these statistics. It is 1960, and twenty people - fully half of our adult population are still forced to build their own homes from scrap. Your government has failed them, presidente. If not for your history and good work in ensuring full employment, the wrath of the people would be great indeed."

"I understand, Senor Domingo, and I am sorry Senor Castillo felt such moves were necessary. I will do what I can to aid the people - I am planning the construction of new bunkhouses for our dockers and fishermen this year, but their are other things which must concern me. Senora Monero - I understand the environmental lobby has nominated you to be Minister of Agriculture following Senora Castilla's departure. What's the situation?"

Ramona Monero smiled. "Good news at last, presidente. Our fishermen caught 3 tons of fish last year. It doesn't quite cover consumption yet, but there's room for expansion. The people are eating better, and between personal and government reserves, there's still more than two years worth of food stored up. The picture from the agricultural experts is confusing to say the least. The soil appears to have dried out to pre-hurricae levels, but the report still indicates only a narrow band of land is suitable for our old staples of corn and tobacco."

Migeula Evita spat. At 83, age had not mellowed the head of the chamber of commerce. "We cannot vacillate forever, woman." She declared, "The UN's money is almost exhausted, and we have no clear source of revenue. What is your plan, Presidente? To rely on the 2000 pesos Moscow sends until your precious groves are harvested? Why they're not even built yet! That is too short-sighted presidente! No wonder Washington has such little faith in you."

Presidente Fernandez shook his head. "At the moment, Senora, agriculture must be our numero uno priority. And until we can tell what the long-term situation will be, we cannot commit to anything. Soon tobacco will be at the docks again, and we will be able to grow as we were before."

1961: All of Tropico mourned the passing of Miguela Evita - last member of the two great revolutionary families on Tropico. Throughout her life she had seen much political change, and been at the forefront of most of it - a tireless advocate for free market values. Her replacement, Cindy Brown from Miami lacked her fire. She seemed content for the moment to wait and see what the presidente would do.

Senor Domingo was more active. "Presidente," he said, "I am pleased to see that you are making progress with the housing program, but you must think of the future. We had  five immigrants last year, bringing our population to 42 adults and 19 children. You have provided homes for twenty-eight families so far,but that is still not quite enough and will become worse as the children come of age."

"We must consider the island's growth in other directions too, "interjected Senorita Soto, leader of the Committee on Faith,"One priest cannot tend to such a large flock for much longer. We need to send to Europe again."

"I know...I know..." replied the president, "but we must think of Miguela. She was right last year when she criticised the lack of diversity in the economy. Senora Monera, have growing conditions stabilised. "

"I am afraid not, " replied the Minister of agriculture, "However you may be pleased to hear that food production outstripped consumption for the first time this year. People are building up their reserves again, although  we may need to improve distribution.  People are reluctant to draw from their stores, and if there's no fish on the wharf, then they go hungry.  As to the financial situation, I'm still uncertain about agriculture, but the forest seems to be recovering well. Perhaps a logging camp is what we need."

"An excellent suggestion, Ramona. Let us build the camp and get it staffed any way we can. We got $3250 in combined aid last year, but we're going to need every centime. After building the camp andhiring the priest, the money's likely to run out andwe'll need to cut wages. Forcing men into the logging camp seems like the only option that'll work quickly enough."

1962: The logging camp was finally completed, although production was slow - the workers pressganged into joining showed clear resentment, and anumber of them quit to go back to their old jobs (which had been left open to encourage immigration). With no money for new construction, the builders set to work clearing the last of the rubble.

"Presidente," said Senor Domingo. "I do not understand why you still encourage immigration. We have not the jobs or houses for newcomers. 20% of our adult population still lives in shacks. If everyone were married, they could all be housed, but it is not so."

"We must look to the future, mi amigo." responded the president. "Soon our logs will have netted us fat yanqui dollars and we will grow again - but we will always need a steady stream of immigrants to take the jobs. It is well to find some now, so that we can progress that much more quickly when the money starts to flow."

"Speaking of money," said the Foreign Minister, "The Soviets have granted us $4000 in aid, but the Americans are becoming belligerent again. Just listen to this:
            It is with alarm that we notice the decline in Tropico's commitment to democracy. Free elections were last held five years ago in 1957. Combined with Tropico's repeated courting of International Communism, this gives us no choice but to withhold aid until further notice.

             US State Department."

"It is no wonder you rub the yanquis up the wrong way," opined Cindy Brown. " Your leftist policies are nothing short of crippling. Look at this - all we exported last year was $600 worth of fish."

"And that fish was for the people to eat!" argued Senor Domingo, "Why are we exporting when people go hungry? Ramona - are not the fishing grounds becoming depleted?"

"It is true," said the Minister of Agriculture," we produced only 60 units of fish for the 101 that were eaten this year. Overfishing has reduced our stocks severely, and we cannot afford to invest in alternatives. Besides which, the agricultural land still hasn't returned to its past state. Still, the people have built up their stores again. We just have to hope that the fishermen find a sustainable way of meeting demand until we can expand our agriculture again."

"There's not much we can do," said the President, "except sit tight and wait for the loggers to do their work. Oh,and start preparations for the election. That's onething the people and the yanquis can agree on."

[Electric Monkey]

Campaign 1963-1964: Re-elect President Fernandez!
   Tropicans, as you know, times have not been easy since the Hurricane of 1957, especially with the yanquis poor opinion of Tropico. But ask yourself this - would you be better or worse off without el Presidente's leadership. Our island is almost fully recovered. Your homes are rebuilt, you were provided with food before your stores ran out and Tropico stands on the brink of the future. It is a future that will be bright indeed if Presidente Fernandez is returned
  El Presidente has done a fine job balancing the need for security with development. His diplomacy has kept our island free of US invasion and excessive Soviet interference. He is a man who respects the military, and I can think of no hands better than his to ensure our continued independence. I endorse Presidente Fernandez - David Lind, Defence Advisory Committee.

Comrades, despite the disaster, Presidente Fernandez has ensured full employment for all Tropicans and resisted the temptation to widen inequalities in the name of profit. Truly his efforts for the working Tropican have been incredible. I wholeheartedly endorse Presidente Fernandex - Alberto Domingo, Party Chairman, Tropican Communist Party.

Fernandez has kept Tropico free, avoiding the trappings of other Carribean rulers. I tentatively endorse Presidente Fernandez  -Rodrigo Guerra, Tropican Cultural Associtaion and Liberty Coalition.

Thanks to sustainable fishing methods, food production again exceeds demand. The soil conditions are returning to those best suited for our old crops, and within a yearor two, we shall have our first fruit harvest since the hurricane. Fernandez has achieved recovery without befouling our natural environment.I tentatively endorse Presidente Fernandez. - RRamona Montera, Committee on Agriculture and the Envirnonment.

VOte York in 1964!

  El presidente is too short sighetd! He neglectsthe long term growth of the island,while pandering to the immediatedemands of the Communist Party. He has given nary a thought to the spiritual growth of this island,and economically he is disatrous. THis is the firat year since the Hurricane that our treasury has shown an improvement, and that is only because of Foreign aid. Cindy Brown of thecahmber of commerce agrees that the president ought to do more to ensure Tropicos' fininancial viability. Under the cCHristian Democratci Party, Tropico will expand her economy towards tourism and manufacturing. The growth in these areas will improvethe quality of life for everyone on this Island. - Estrella York (nee Soto)- Christian Democratic Party

[Electric Monkey]

1964. The Tropicans went to the pollson the 28th of March. A closely fought campaign had seen Senor Guerra of the Cultural committee shift his endorsement to York, while Cindy Brown strengthened her support for the challenger. However, Fernandez was ultimately returned 42 votes to 16.

The council convened to discuss the business of the new administration. Cindy Brown in particular was keen to buld bridges."Perhaps I was wrong to doubt you, Presidente," she  said. "This report from the chamber of commerce suggests that the new logging camp has the potential to develop into a profitable industry. With the addition of a sawmill, we could break free of foreign aid for good. I'malso pleased tonote that relations with Washington are warming. Perhaps Tropico can take her place in the modern world after all."

David Lind was less enthusiastic. "Presidente," he said, "I supported you through this election, and believe you owe my concerns a fair hearing. We have a population of 80 now, but only a single soldier and no police. You were lucky that the people's goodwill got us through the hurricane, but if our population continues to grow, who is to keep order?"

El Presidente sighed. "These issues will be addressed in due time, once the treasury can handle them. At the moment, I must attempt to improve the productivity of the logging industry, and fulfil my pledge to provide housing for all Tropicans. To this end, I am authorising the construction of five bunkhouses, to allow the farmers and loggers to live near their places of employment.

1965: There was celebration in the Council of Ministers as Tropico's exports finally produced a profit over and above foreign aid.  Celebration that was cut short when the Agriculture Minister burst in. "I have here a report from the local clinic." she exclaimed, "Two deaths this year have been confirmed as starvation. The foodproducers failed to meet quotas this year, but Ministry data indicates people should have had sufficient stores to see them through."

"That isn't the whole story, is it?" growled Domingo, "You know as well as I that over two tons of fish was sold to the yanquis last year. How can that be justified when Tropicans are starving?"

"There seems to have been a tragic mistake," explained Ramona. "The fruit is due for harvest this year, and someover-eager fishermen must have assumed we would be seing a food surplus earlier than we did. Also, a number of fishermen seemto have quit, filling the teamster and builder jobs vacated by the loggers."

"Alright," said the president. " We need our primary producers more than ever to ensure that this is not repeated. As of now, I'm raising the minimum wage for farmers, fishermen and loggers to 9 pesos a month. Hopefully that should keep food production up. In the meantime, we can afford to continue the housing program, build new farmsfor corn and sugar to keep pace with growth, and establish an Immigration officeto attract skilled migrants. We're going to need them to grow.

(that's pretty much where the save game is. I played to the end, but fell into my old trap of getting impatient. By the end, the world bank was imposing salary caps and the housing project still failed to deliver. I noticed some amusing things along the way, like a disgruntled general called Manuel Noreiga and a showgirl becoming the head of the Capitalist faction around the time my relationship with them eclipsed that with the commies, but I wouldn't be able to report it all. My final score was 668, with happinessaround 47 - par for the course for me.

I'm going to replay from the save game to see if I can do better, and maybe try to develop a more concise style for the AAR)

[Coconut Kid]

There's quite a bit of discussion on strategy & hints board under "hurricanes and disaster relief":

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tropico/cafe/index.php?topic=9529.0