[Space] Economics of a space empire

Tyneras · 07-23-2010, 11:55 AM

I have used GURPS Space primarily for system and planet building, but this is the first time I am trying to use the rules for economics and population (it wasn’t important before). I will be using this in conjunction with GURPS Spaceships 2.

What I am trying to model is a space empire where the core planets have fallen into the grip of a “bread and circuses” mindset. I am not sure how to manipulate the equations given to make worlds that are consuming more resources than they are producing. A lack of checks and balances have resulted in programs designed to prevent people from starving to death or dying of exposure from homelessness to mutate into ever growing “Universal Luxury Stipends” that are eating the economy alive, but keeping the politicians in office. The home worlds have begun targeting the colonies with specific taxes to make up for their economic shortfall.

These sorts of problems would have a big effect on where a tramp freighter goes and what business is available when it gets there, cargo, passengers, and so forth. I only looked at the equations in GURPS Space last night, so any advice would be appreciated.

The general theme is the PCs are going to trade, exploit, swindle and rob the empire blind and then skip town when the whole situation implodes down the line (civil war and/or they get caught).

07-23-2010, 11:55 AM	#1
Tyneras Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kentucky, USA	[Space] Economics of a space empire I have used GURPS Space primarily for system and planet building, but this is the first time I am trying to use the rules for economics and population (it wasn’t important before). I will be using this in conjunction with GURPS Spaceships 2. What I am trying to model is a space empire where the core planets have fallen into the grip of a “bread and circuses” mindset. I am not sure how to manipulate the equations given to make worlds that are consuming more resources than they are producing. A lack of checks and balances have resulted in programs designed to prevent people from starving to death or dying of exposure from homelessness to mutate into ever growing “Universal Luxury Stipends” that are eating the economy alive, but keeping the politicians in office. The home worlds have begun targeting the colonies with specific taxes to make up for their economic shortfall. These sorts of problems would have a big effect on where a tramp freighter goes and what business is available when it gets there, cargo, passengers, and so forth. I only looked at the equations in GURPS Space last night, so any advice would be appreciated. The general theme is the PCs are going to trade, exploit, swindle and rob the empire blind and then skip town when the whole situation implodes down the line (civil war and/or they get caught).