User:Qwer Stoneghost/Old user page
defcon
I think I remember a day or two of Peace awhile back, but generally we seem to be always at war, and so the IVY Defense Status tends to permanently display DEFCON 2. If the DEFCON never changes, then after awhile people begin to just assume that the level is 2, and the system loses its immediacy. This proposal is intended to make the DEFCON categories more useful.
The general idea is that while DEFCONs 5 and 1 would still represent the endpoints of Peace and Apocalypse, 3 would represent "no change in the ongoing war status" and 2 and 4 would represent changing conditions, up and down. So 3 would be normal, and 2 or 4 would come up whenever Warring Alliances were added or removed.
DEFCON 5 - PEACE
Keep an eye out and always be careful, but at least there are no War Targets today.
DEFCON 4 - AT WAR: Decreasing Danger
We are still at War, but one or more enemies have recently dropped out. Please check the Alliance chat and update your information.
DEFCON 3 - NORMAL WAR ONGOING
One or more wars from small groups are in progress. Significant hostile actions are unlikely - however, you can be fired upon anywhere in space; so please be cautious, especially around Campus HQs and trade hubs.
DEFCON 2 - AT WAR: Increasing Danger
Additional wars have recently been declared but have not yet taken effect. Please check the Alliance chat, update your information base to include the new War Targets, and increase your vigilance.
DEFCON 1 - MAJOR WAR IN PROGRESS
A widespread War with an active and powerful enemy is live. Military action is under way right now, and you should watch for War Targets at all times.
In general, neither Peace nor Major War is expected. The normal state of affairs is DEFCON 3, one or more ongoing limited conflicts that require caution but not a full blown response.
Changes in the normal state usually come about when one or more wars end, or when one or more alliances add to the declared wars list. DEFCON 2 and 4 would indicate that such changes were underway. After a period of time at either DEFCON 2 or 4, the status would automatically drop back to DEFCON 3 to reflect the new normal.
Presumably a Major War would require extraordinary measures, and a jump to DEFCON 1 would be accompanied by a broadcast message from the Leadership. The last time we had Peace, everyone was talking about it a day before it happened; so there's no problem there.
ADDENDUM
Although the original cold war language of the Defcon system is accurate, a more icon-oriented public information approach might be more effective.
DEFCON 5
Peace
No WTs! Go, go go!
DEFCON 4
At War: Decreasing Danger
But don't be a sitting duck.
DEFCON 3
Normal War Ongoing
Plan and scan. Watch your back.
DEFCON 2
At War: Increasing Danger
DEFCON 1
Major War in Progress
