[Suicide Junkie]

As far as I can tell you mean to play this against the AI. You or some other game host would play what is decided, am I correct?

I suggest that you start a game, select an empire and play through 30-50 turns before starting the committee participation. That way, you can build a few fleets and have some AI interaction from the get go. This way there is something for several people to do at the start than having to wait 25 turns to get a fleet to command.

Yes, one empire VS the AI. And one secretary to pass out the orders to the game.

The initial turns is a good point. The generals will get at most a scout ship during the early game.
However, the generals won't be very active anyways except during a large campaign.
They still have a senate vote, though, so they won't be totally out of the action.

It is an interesting idea but it is definitely not my cup of tea. I also see problems developing between the "Players". Too many cooks tends to spoil things. Also what happens when one of your generals/ministers is unavailable due to "real life" (whatever that is).

If a general is sick or otherwise unavailable to defend the fleet he is in, appointing a proxy would be fair.

SJ, let me see if I have this correct. You are the emporer. At least initially. Various people are appointed ministers for design, research, construction, etc. Others play the parts of generic senators in a ruling body of some sort.

I will be just a secretary, marking down the orders, and punching them into the game.
Forum members will vote on various actions. Inter-system Strategic ship orders will be voted on. Tactical combat may be completely controlled by one General who is available on an instant chat service to relay commands during battle.
The wording of the voted order will determine what level of Intra-System movement may be commanded by the General.

If there are enough players, then a specific planetary governor would be possible. You would have "Minister" status regarding activities in the sector.

Can people play different parts at the same time? And if your character gets killed can you get a new one? This has potential for role play big time.

If we decide to go with mortal characters, then there will be a seniority rule for promotions.
IE: the longest living player would have first dibs on your old Job, and if he declines, the next person down gets it. If nobody else wants it, you can have your new character take over the old job.
(Assuming the old job still exists: minister of a glassed colony wouldn't work )

[ December 17, 2002, 16:30: Message edited by: Suicide Junkie ]