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Paranoia Economy Notes

The Alpha Complex economy was previously a command economy controlled tightly by The Computer, but it has recently transitioned to allow citizens to earn wages. Basic living expenses are covered by basic wages for each security clearance level, so any additional spending money must come from bonuses. The Computer oversees all transactions electronically, and withdrawing large sums of credits in physical form can draw unwanted attention. Licensed credits can only be used to purchase certain approved items, so some citizens seek out "Cash Hackers" to remove or change licenses, though this involves risks allowing outside access to one's account. The Computer makes adjustments to prices as needed to stimulate or slow the economy for the good of all citizens.

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27 views

Paranoia Economy Notes

The Alpha Complex economy was previously a command economy controlled tightly by The Computer, but it has recently transitioned to allow citizens to earn wages. Basic living expenses are covered by basic wages for each security clearance level, so any additional spending money must come from bonuses. The Computer oversees all transactions electronically, and withdrawing large sums of credits in physical form can draw unwanted attention. Licensed credits can only be used to purchase certain approved items, so some citizens seek out "Cash Hackers" to remove or change licenses, though this involves risks allowing outside access to one's account. The Computer makes adjustments to prices as needed to stimulate or slow the economy for the good of all citizens.

Uploaded by

Morgoth
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Alpha Complex Economy

In the past, Alpha Complex had a command economy. While citizens might get given credits as a
meritorious bonus or fined them for insubordination, largely The Computer kept a tight grip on
everything. Owning your own equipment was rare or at least treasonous. The Computer largely
assigned equipment to citizens, on a short or long term basis. This system was perfect.

Recently (the year 214) there has been a shake up in the Alpha Complex economy. The Computer
still provides the essentials (food, work, accommodation) but now citizens earn wages which they
are allowed to spend on personal items, security clearance permitting. This system is even more
perfect.

Wages and Clearance

In a fortuitous turn of events, basic living expenses can be considered to be the same as the basic
wages for each security clearance. So any money for additional luxuries needs to be earned through
bonuses. Certainly, it's possible to save costs through frugality. At the extreme a citizen could move
back to the INFARED barracks and eat in the communal canteen. But while hoarding credits isn't
technically treason it tends to draw attention from The Computer and Internal Security. After all, if
you aren't spending them on your living expenses they could be going anywhere from secret society
donations to the IR market.

A cashless economy

The Computer oversees all transactions. You can take out your credits in physical form (known as
plasticreds) but doing so for all but the most small amounts can draw attention. “Friend Citizen,
why exactly did you need 10,000 credits in an untraceable matter? Does this have anything to do
with the theft of several WMDs recently”

This leads to barter being equally common when buying illegal items.

(Note: The cashless economy wasn't as near as pronounced when XP came out. It's something we
can play with).

Licensed Credits

Often these electronic credits come with licenses. This can be pretty much anything; only useable
when purchasing foodstuffs, only useable with Armed Forces service firms, only useable when
dealing with the Humanists.

Obviously, some citizens are interested in making their credits less restricted in use. In steps the
illegal but useful “Cash Hackers”. For a small commission they can remove the license or change
it. Of course, allowing Computer Phreaks access to your credit account comes with its own pitfalls.

Keeping the economy flowing

There are no taxes in Alpha Complex, just fines for insubordination and treason.

However, sometimes The Computer sees fit to make adjustments for the good of all.

If it is necessary to stimulate spending you may find that the price of many basic items has been
reduced. If, on the other hand, the economy needs to slow down they may go up. Or you may just
find that 10,000 credits has disappeared from your account since last time you checked. And The
Computer does not make mistakes.

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