Profitania
Deluxe
Profitania
Deluxe
Hints & Strategies Guide
ã Copyright 2003 LavaMind. All rights reserved.
Welcome to the Profitania Deluxe Hints & Strategies Guide.
Profitania appears simple at first, but there are a number of subtle strategies you can use to get the upper hand on your opponents.
After reading this, you should have no problem making mounds of glittering gems and outwitting your competitors.
Commodity Exchange:
When you enter the Commodity Exchange, you are under a great deal of time pressure, so it pays to think clearly and have a strategy already in mind.
If you are not already familiar with the various products you can manufacture and the combinations of raw materials you'll need, before you enter the Commodity Exchange, you may want to spend some time in the WAREHOUSE. In the Warehouse, you can look at all the products you can manufacture without any time pressure. This will give you a clear idea of what raw materials you want to purchase.
As soon as you enter the Commodity Exchange, a good approach is to immediately scan through the raw materials, and look for the BLUE-colored raw materials. These are the bargains. However, don't get carried away. Buying BLUE isn't always the right thing to do. The most important thing is actually getting the right combinations of the raw materials for the good products. If the product you are going to produce has a low Market Price or requires a large amount of raw materials to manufacture, the chance of you making a decent profit is small, even if you purchase the raw materials at a bargain price.
Sometimes it is better to buy BLACK-colored raw materials for a really good product than BLUE-colored raw materials for a mediocre product. In most cases, it's usually not worth buying RED-colored raw materials. With a high price and low quality, it's tough to make a profit, unless the market price is very high.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you have to manufacture something. Don't just sit around waiting for the price of a certain raw material to fall. Instead, keep looking for other combinations. Maybe it won't be the best of all possible combinations, but it's better to have some products than none at all. It's often wise to go with the sure thing rather than risk waiting for the super bargain.
Purchasing a good combination of raw materials is a sophisticated puzzle. You want to maximize the use of your storage space, while getting the right raw materials at the right price and quality to produce the products that require the least factory resources and warehouse space while fetching the highest market prices.
That's a lot to keep track of, but you can simplify it by focusing on the three most important things: 1) the product's market price, 2) buying high quality/low priced raw materials, and 3) optimizing your storage space so that you produce the most products possible.
If you keep these three things in mind, you are 80% of the way to running a successful company. Then as you get accustomed to the game, you can further refine your strategy to take into account all the other variables.
Your Factory:
Your factory is deceptively easy to operate. All you have to do is decide what products to manufacture and set the production for the next week. The trick is finding out the absolute best combination of products.
As a simple rule of thumb, it's probably good to focus on the products with the highest Estimated Profit. These products will typically bring in most of your revenue. Once you've manufactured these, then you can move on to look at the other products.
The only time you wouldn't want to follow this rule is if a particular product with a high Estimated Profit has an enormous Product Size or uses up a disproportionate amount of Factory Resources. In this case, it might be better to think of how much profit you can make per warehouse and factory unit. You may also want to look at the amount of raw materials you have. Sometimes, you can maximize your profit by allocating the raw materials to another product.
This becomes more complex later in the game when you may have a dozen or so products lined up to manufacture. Sometimes you can literally triple your profits by teaming up certain combinations of products. Again, it's like a puzzle. If you have one product that uses up a lot of warehouse space, and another product that consumes a lot of Factory Resources, these two products might work well together. In fact, they may do better together than two products that are similar in size and factory resources.
Storage:
Don't be afraid to return raw materials, even at a loss. After all, one of your most valuable assets is your storage space. If you know how to utilize your storage space wisely, you can double or even triple your profits.
Part of maximizing your storage space is knowing when to return raw materials. If you can't use a raw material to produce a product but you can certainly use the extra space to buy another raw material from which a product can be produced, then it is usually a good idea to sell back the excess raw materials.
This rule applies even if the raw material was purchased at a bargain price and has a high quality. Keep in mind that raw materials alone don't produce any revenue. The only way to make money is to turn those raw materials into products, and if you can't do that right away, then you are wasting your storage space. Don't simply hold onto good raw materials from week to week. It's better to have the storage space available for piecing together new combinations of raw materials that can make a product right away.
This rule, however, has its exceptions. If you have already maxed out your factory resources or warehouse space, then it is not worth selling back any of the excess raw materials. After all, the extra storage space won't help you produce any more products this week, so why sell back your good raw materials at half the price you paid for them?
Another good strategy is to fill up your storage space, even after you have completely used up your factory resources and/or warehouse space. If you do this wisely, the next week, you will be able to manufacture at least some products without even going to the Commodity Exchange.
However, don't fill up your precious storage space with just anything. You should only buy high quality and low priced raw materials, which are good for manufacturing products with high Estimated Profits.
Storage Lease (Lia Lush):
It is very important to expand the size of your storage space. The larger your storage space, the more mistakes you can make at the Commodity Exchange. In fact, your storage space can almost never be too large.
When it comes time to rent more space, don't be penny wise and pound-foolish. Without enough storage space, you cannot purchase enough raw materials to maximize both your factory resources and warehouse space.
A good rule to keep in mind is that whenever Lia Lush offers you a new lease, it is better to take it than be sorry. As long as the cost of the lease is not unreasonable, don't hesitate to grab it.
Should you sign a lease even if the weekly rent is 40 gems per unit? This is a high price, but another lease could come along at 3 gems per unit next turn. So if you need the space, take it and pray that Lia Lush comes back with another offer soon. Meanwhile, you've enlarged your raw material storage capacity, and you have increased your long-term competitiveness.
Warehouse Lease (Mr. Quax):
The warehouse strategy is the same as the storage. Bigger is better. It is very important to expand the size of your warehouse space in order to gain a competitive edge over your opponents. Without enough space to store your products, it is hard to expand your factory. You will often be limited by the size of your warehouse.
If Mr. Quax offers a new lease at a good price, grab it! Should you sign the lease even if the weekly rent is 40 gems per unit? This is a high price, but another lease could come along at 3 gems per unit next turn. So if you need the space, take it and pray that Mr. Quax comes back with another offer soon. Meanwhile, you've enlarged the space you can use to warehouse your products, and you have increased your long-term competitiveness.
Permit Auction:
It is good to win the first expansion permit auction. If you have a lot of money, spending 125,000 to 150,000 on the first bid is not out of the question.
With this said, don't expand too quickly. Keep in mind that if your storage space and warehouse size are still small, the extra factory resources won't help you much. In fact, along with the increase in factory size comes an increase in expenses, including maintenance, labor, PR, and insurance.
These extra expenses can kill your company. You only want to expand your factory size in direct proportion to your storage and warehouse size. Generally, it is good to have more storage and warehouse space than factory resources. For example, if your factory is 1,500, then both your storage space and warehouse size should be at least 2,000. Otherwise, your expenses will shoot up while your revenue remains flat.
Despite this, it's a good idea to keep ahead of the competition. Ideally, you want to have the largest factory, the most warehouse space, and the biggest storage space. This means that your company will be in a position to dominate the market and eclipse your competitors.
If you have a lot of cash and want to definitely win the auction, bid 50% more than the UPPER amount. With this type of bid, you are likely to win the auction.
However, if you do not have enough cash, don't bid too high. You don't want to wind up in debt. The interest on the loan itself can wipe out all your profits.
Crinkle Construction:
The cost of construction is a minor concern if your company is ready to expand. Don't delay expanding your factory just to save a few thousand gems in construction costs. Your decision shouldn't be based upon the construction cost but upon the size of your warehouse and storage space. These are the critical factors.
If your warehouse and storage space are not large enough to support the expansion of your factory, it is better to wait. It is not a problem to keep the extra expansion permit sitting around until you are ready.
Loan Office:
Basically, don't let your loan get out of hand. Interest rates tend to be high, and this can be a big negative on your company's cash flow. As a rule of thumb, don't borrow money to expand your factory or bid on expansion permits. However, don't hesitate to borrow money to buy raw materials, pay your employees and cover other routine expenses. After all, if you invest this money wisely, you stand to make a healthy profit the following week and pay back your loan and then some.
If you are low on cash at the start of your turn, it's a good idea to go to the Loan Office and borrow at least 100,000 gems. This way you won't run out of money while you are in the Commodity Exchange. You can lose out on a good deal and waste valuable time by running out of money in the middle of purchasing raw materials. That's why it's always good to have extra cash on hand.
Keep in mind that you won't be charged any interest until the end of your turn. That means you can borrow as much money as you like, go to the Commodity Exchange, buy all the raw materials you can find, and you won't be charged a single gem of interest until you click on the END TURN button.
Once you click on the END TURN button, Crazy Wolly will automatically adjust your loan balance. For example, if you borrowed 300,000 gems, but you still have 250,000 gems in cash, Crazy Wolly will take your cash and automatically reduce your loan to 50,000 gems. This means you will only be charged interest on the 50,000 gems you still owe, not the original 300,000 gems you borrowed.
Hint: Crazy Wolly is slightly insane, and if you try to borrow more than 100,000 gems at one time, he'll start complaining. To get around this, just use this simple trick: first borrow 100,000 gems, then immediately go back and borrow another 100,000 gems. Crazy Wolly won't say anything as long as you don't try to borrow more than 100,000 gems in a single transaction.
Operations Department:
Ideally, you want to keep your PR (Public Relations) and maintenance levels as high as possible. This is a smart strategy because it helps you in literally hundreds of different ways.
With a high PR, you tend to encounter more interesting people, get invited to more parties, make more business contacts, and get special opportunities you otherwise would not receive. On the other hand, if your PR sinks too low, you will quickly find out that no one wants to talk to you and your business opportunities are severely limited.
If you have a high maintenance level, you will have fewer repair problems, less mechanical failures, and greater efficiency ratios. All this means less waste and more profits. If you allow your maintenance % to sink too low, you will suddenly discover that your factory is literally falling apart. You will be plagued with breakdowns and production delays, and you will wind up spending far more just to fix these problems than you would have spent on keeping your maintenance % high.
A good strategy at the beginning of the game is to spend the maximum (or UPPER) amount on both maintenance and PR. As soon as your maintenance reaches 100%, it's a good idea to cut the budget to somewhere between the MIDDLE and UPPER amounts. This is likely to keep the maintenance level high without spending quite as much money.
When your PR reaches 100%, you can cut the budget to the MIDDLE setting. As long as you manufacture high quality products, and as long as you don't have any bad events, your PR will remain at 100% with the MIDDLE setting. If you purchase low quality raw materials and manufacture lower quality products, you might have to spend a little more on PR to keep it at 100%. Also, if you get unlucky and have a terrible event, this can dramatically reduce your PR %. When this happens, quickly reset your PR budget to UPPER.
EFFICIENCY REBATE:
Your Efficiency Rebate accumulates over time. Every week, you are either saving money or wasting money based on your overall efficiency %. At the end of the month, if you are lucky, you will receive a rebate based on your performance.
Your efficiency % is simply the average of your employee morale % and your maintenance %. If you have a high efficiency %, you will come in under budget and get a generous rebate. However, if your efficiency is less than 50%, you may receive no rebate at all. And if your efficiency is really low, you will come in over budget and be forced to pay additional money to make up for the inefficiencies of your factory.
Besides keeping your employees happy and your factory in good shape, you can improve your Efficiency Rebate by investing in Training & Education under your Personnel Department. After all, well-trained employees tend to save you money in the long run.
Hint: During an employee strike, you will not accumulate any efficiency rebate because your factory will not be operating.
Personnel Department:
The motto in Profitania is "Keep your Employees Happy!" If they aren't happy, you won't be happy. The worst thing that can happen to your company in this game is a labor strike. If it goes on too long, it can humble the most powerful industrialist.
The best way to prevent this type of situation is to avoid it altogether. You can avoid most, but never all, labor problems by keeping your employee morale as close to 100% as humanly possible.
At the beginning of the game, a good strategy is to pile on the benefits. Throw everything at your employees, including the kitchen sink. This will be sure to increase their morale at a rapid pace.
Once your employee morale finally reaches 100%, it's a good idea to start cutting benefits. The trick is to cut the right benefits. Below is a quick summary of the various benefits and their impact upon your company and work force:
A Pension Plan offers an AVERAGE boost to morale. If you don't offer a Pension Plan, your employees may start complaining.
Health Benefits offer a HIGH boost to morale. If you don't offer Health Benefits, your employees may start complaining. In addition to this, if an employee is injured in an accident and you don't have Health Benefits, it can be a messy situation. Also, without Health Benefits, if one of your factory laborers becomes sick and can no longer work, you will be forced to either abandon this employee or pay the medical bills out of your own pocket.
Housing Subsidies offer an ABOVE AVERAGE boost to morale. If you don't offer Housing Subsidies, your employees may start complaining. Also, if there is a housing crunch and rents start rising throughout Profitania, most of your workers will feel the pinch. This will naturally lower their morale and can lead to a strike.
Paid Vacations offer a VERY HIGH boost to morale. If you don't offer Paid Vacations, your employees may complain a bit, but that's about all.
Training and Education offers a LOW boost to morale, and no one will complain if you don't offer it. However, by not offering any Training and Education, you run the risk of opening your company up to lawsuits if your employees make a mistake while on the job, such as injuring another worker, releasing toxic fumes, causing a fire, etc. Also, by having Training and Education, you can increase your R&D success rate. You'll find that you can spend less on research if you have well educated employees. In addition, Training and Education will lead to a more efficient company and can earn you a higher efficiency rebate at the end of every month.
A Worker Safety Program offers a LOW boost to morale, and no one will complain if you don't offer it. However, by not offering a Worker Safety Program, you may run into trouble with overheating furnaces, dangerous short circuits, toxic chemical spills and other hazards that could otherwise be avoided.
A Retirement Bonus Package offers an AVERAGE boost to morale. If you don't offer this, your employees may start complaining.
Disability Benefits offer a LOW boost to morale. If you don't offer this, your employees may start complaining. Also, if one of your factory workers is injured on the job, the Disability Benefits will serve to fully compensate the unfortunate worker for lost pay.
Unemployment Benefits offer an AVERAGE boost to morale. If you don't offer Unemployment Benefits, your employees may start complaining. Also, if the economy hits a slump, your workers may start worrying about their future, and their morale may start to fall. In addition, if you are forced to downsize the company at some point, and you don't have any Unemployment Benefits, your remaining workers will become very upset.
Profit Sharing Plan offers an EXTREMELY HIGH boost to morale. In fact, there is nothing like sharing your profits to boost employee morale. This can be expensive, but it truly works to motivate your employees and make them feel a part of your company. If you don't offer Profit Sharing and your company starts to make big bucks, your employees may become jealous and their morale will suffer.
R&D Department:
In order to win the game, you must constantly research new products. It pays to keep ahead of your competitors.
As you play, you will notice that the Market Price of the various products decreases as the companies flood the market with those products. This is why it's so important to keep developing new products. When a new product comes on the market, its Market Price tends to be at its peak. This is when you can make the most profit with that product.
Typically, it's a good idea to set your research budget to UPPER. Don't try to cut corners on research. This may get expensive, but it will guarantee a fast R&D cycle. Your goal should be to try to develop a new product every turn. If your research fails with the budget set at UPPER, try a second time with the same budget. If it fails twice, you should increase the budget by 20%. Keep doing this until your research succeeds.
If you fall behind in R&D, then you typically get stuck with products that all the other players already know how to manufacture. It's much harder to make money with these products than with new, fresh products.
The key to researching products is choosing the right products at the right time. The most important factor is the Market Price. A good strategy is to go through all the products and find the ones with the highest Market Price. Then look at what raw materials are required to manufacture the products. If a product requires a lot of expensive raw materials, then it might not make a big profit, even if the Market Price is high.
The next thing to look at is the Product Size and Factory Resources required. If either one of these is disproportionately large, it might stop you from producing enough of the product to make it worthwhile.
If two products look roughly the same, pick the one that no other company has researched yet. If a lot of other companies already know about the product, you can be sure that within a short period of time, the Market Price will begin to fall.
Another thing to keep in mind is the LEVEL of the product. Higher Level products are harder to research. You can almost always research and develop a Level 1 product in one week. However, it may take you several weeks to research and develop a Level 5 product. Also, the cost of research goes up with each Level. By the time you hit the Level 10 products, you'll be spending a small fortune on R&D.
Fiasco Insurance:
If you don't like suffering from a string of bad events, you may want to invest in a little insurance. After all, the whole purpose of insurance is to limit the downside of unexpected misfortunes.
A good strategy is to always have General Liability and Theft coverage. If you are sued or if your products are stolen, you can lose a great deal of money. These events occur just often enough to make having this insurance worthwhile.
As far as all the other types of coverage are concerned, it really depends on what you are doing and what is happening in Profitania. If you get a news report indicating that there will be a fire, flood or some other disaster, it's smart to purchase the appropriate insurance for the next week.
Also, if you are constructing a larger factory, you may want to buy coverage for Construction Overruns. This is especially good if you have a large factory and you are on a bad luck streak.
Keep in mind that luck runs in streaks. In Profitania, you can get on a good luck streak or a bad luck streak. You tend to know what type of luck you've been having. If you feel you are on a bad luck streak, beef up on the insurance. This can limit the damage you suffer and save you a great deal of frustration. Having insurance coverage turns a disaster into a routine expense.
I.R.S. (Illustrious Revenue Service):
The I.R.S. is not very good at keeping records, so they have a policy of random audits. On the week that your accumulated taxes exceed the AUDIT POINT, they may decide to audit your company. If you haven't paid your taxes, they will make you pay a hefty penalty. However, if they decide not to audit your company, then they will simply forget about everything you owe the government, and your TAXES OWED will be reset to zero.
Now, how do you decide whether or not to pay your taxes? It's simple. If you are on a good luck streak, the chance of the I.R.S. auditing your company is very small. It can go as low as 15%. However, if you are on a bad luck streak, the chance of an audit can be as high as 85%.
If you have no idea whether or not you are on a good luck streak, it's always safer to just pay the taxes. In other words, it is generally a good idea to have the Auto Pay On. It's not a good idea to forget to pay your taxes and wind up with a huge fine. The fine is equal to two times the amount of the taxes you owe. This means you wind up paying three times what you would have paid. As you can see, the odds are against you.
Stock Market:
The stock market is a good investment. If you have cash that is just sitting around doing nothing, you might as well invest it in the market. The key to making money is to watch for bull and bear markets. In Profitania, a bull market is defined as when the stock market keeps going up for 4 or more consecutive turns. Every time the market goes up the chance that it will continue rising increases.
The same is true for a bear market. Once the stock market starts declining, the chance that it will go down further increases.
Hint: At the beginning of the game the market starts off at 50%. That means there is a 50% chance the market will go up or down. If the market rises, the chance of the market going up the next turn increases to 55%. If it goes up again, it increases to 60%. This holds true all the way up to 85%. That means, after 7 consecutive turns of market increases, there is an 85% chance the market will continue to rise. This trend will continue until the market takes a dip. When the market dips, the trend lines immediately jump back to 50%. The trend is broken and the market can go either way: up or down.
If you watch the market carefully, you can time your investments to maximize your chances of making money. Keep in mind, in the best possible market conditions, the market has an 85% chance of going up and a 15% chance of going down. In the worst of all possible market conditions, the market has a 15% chance of going up and an 85% chance of going down.
It's good to wait until you have enough money to make investing in stocks worthwhile. Generally, at the beginning of the game, it's not worth investing in stock. One reason for waiting is that you'll need your cash to buy raw materials and expand the size of your factory. If you put all of your money into the market and you run into a cash crunch, you may wind up with a huge debt.
Basically, it's not worth borrowing money to invest in the market. On average, the interest you pay Crazy Wolly will eat up all your profits and then some. As a rule of thumb, only invest in the market after you have paid off all your debts and have at least a half million gems in cash. In fact, the game will not even allow you to purchase stock unless you have more cash than debt.
You will notice that on the main map of Profitania there are a number of places to explore. If you click on the HELP button on the MAIN MENU, it will give you a list of the best places to visit and their locations.
Below we have outlined some hints and tips for each location:
ALUMPIOUS MHAN (south of Crinkle Construction)
ANTECHAMBER (east of Operations Dept., near edge of map)
ANTEROOM (west of Yogul's factory, slightly to the south)
DROOL (right edge of the map, southeast of Meld's factory)
ESPIONAGE (west of Zazzel's factory) You will notice that this event isn't offered every week. Don Neon must have access to one of your competitor's research labs in order to make this available to you. If Don Neon offers you the chance to gather intelligence on a competitor, you should first go to your R&D department and check to see if the company in question has completed research on a product that you haven't yet researched. If this is the case, it is generally worth it.
GRAND STADIUM (southwest of Tugger's factory)
GRISSLER (southwest of Tugger's factory, edge of the map) Although this might sound like a great way to make money, it doesn't always pay off. This may not only cost you a bundle of money, but it can damage your reputation. The only time it might be worth taking this type of risk is if you really mess up in the Commodity Exchange and you wind up with virtually no products to produce.
GROTTO (northeast of warehouses, near tunnel)
IGNEOUS HOT SPRINGS (top northeast section of the map)
LOVE TRIANGLE (northwest of Meld's factory)
MASSACRE DEPTHS (very top of map, near the center)
NACRA'S CAVITY (east of Werin's factory)
NUPRE MATI TEMPLE (east of Operations Dept., in southeast corner) If you're stuck on a bad luck streak, you'd better visit the Nupre Mati Temple. There is nothing better than a good blessing to turn your luck around.
PALACE OF LOST PRIDE (far north of storage units)
PICAROON GAP (top of the map on left side, between the stalactites)
PLINGE (west of Meld's factory)
RASKIL (west of Yogul's factory, near the tunnel)
ASKING FOR MONEY:
A beggar or some other character stops you on the street and asks you for some money, promising to repay everything. Do you help this poor soul?
Hint: It always pays to help those less fortunate than yourself. In other words, there is a 50% chance that this poor soul will repay you three times what you gave.
AUTOMATE COMPANY (BEMBER):
Bember, a well-respected mechanical genius, approaches you. He says he can replace some of your assembly line workers with robots. This means you'll be able to cut your labor costs by 15%. However, it will cost you some money. Do you want to do it?
Hint: If you automate your company, your employee morale will dip. In the short run this is a bad move. However, in the long run you will save money. If your employee morale is already low, then automating your company may trigger a strike, and it's not worth it. However, if your employee morale is high, the chance of a strike is small, and it may be a good time to automate your company.
BETTER TO BE LUCKY THAN SMART:
Hint: If you play with Special Abilities activated, Yogul will get a special "luck" bonus. Because of Yogul's wonderful personality and numerous business contacts, she tends to get more opportunities than her competitors. This means that on average, her luck is better than any of the other players. And over the course of the game, Yogul will have more GOOD EVENTS than the other players.
CHARITABLE DONATIONS:
During the game, various organizations may ask you for donations. Should you donate the money?
Hint: If you have the extra cash, why not be generous! If you donate the money, your reputation will increase. If you don't, your reputation will go down a little.
CONTRISSA THE STARVING ARTIST:
The one and only Contrissa, Profitania’s premier starving artist, approaches you. She invites you to sponsor her next totally avant-garde masterpiece. Do you give her the money?
Hint: There is a 33% chance that the artwork will be considered a piece of garbage. If this happens, your good luck streak will be broken. Otherwise, everyone will love the artwork, Contrissa will sell the piece to a local museum, and you will make three times your money back.
DESPERATE INDUSTRIALIST:
A desperate industrialist from the Surface World offers to buy all of the raw materials left in your storage space. He has no time left in the Commodity Exchange and must have these materials today. Will you sell your raw materials to him?
Hint: This is a great offer! If your storage space is full, you stand to make a bundle. His offer will always fall somewhere between 300 to 600 gems per unit.
DON NEON:
Don Neon offers to sell you some raw materials at a bargain price. He swears that the raw materials will sell for 500 gems per unit and have a quality of 100%. Are you interested?
Hint: Despite what Don Neon says, the quality of the raw materials you purchase can be anywhere from 1% to 100%, and the actual value can be anywhere from 100 to 500 gems per unit. If you are lucky and end up with some good quality raw materials, you can make some money. Just be aware that there is a 33% things will go wrong and your reputation will plummet, your good luck streak will be broken, and you won't get a refund.
DROOL:
Drool offers to sell you some goods at a bargain price. He assures you that the quality of these goods is 100%. Do you buy the stolen goods from Drool?
Hint: The cost of the products Drool offers you is indeed very cheap. However, the quality of the products could turn out to be anywhere from 1% to 100%. Since the price is so low to begin with, it might be a good deal even if the quality turns out to be poor. However, there is a 25% chance that things will go wrong, your reputation will tumble, your good luck streak will be broken, and you won't get a refund.
Malforto:
Malforto asks if you'd like to play some games of chance.
Hint: There's a 50/50 chance of winning. However, if you lose, you lose, and your good luck streak will be broken. Is it worth it? That's for you to decide.
Grissler:
Churi Grissler may offer to meddle in your competitors' affairs. Do you want to accept this offer?
Hint: If you accept this offer, you can give your opponents a headache. However, there's a 20% chance this will backfire, causing your reputation to plummet and breaking your good luck streak.
INHERIT MONEY:
You inherit a small fortune.
Hint: There is nothing you can do but wait for a friend or relative to die!
INSURANCE RATE DROPS:
Ms. Fiasco, the owner of Fiasco Insurance, lowers your premiums an average of 10%.
Hint: As long as your premiums are not already extremely low, this event may occur.
LOAN RATE GOES DOWN:
Crazy Wolly lowers your weekly interest rate by 1%.
Hint: As long as your interest rate is at least 2%, this event may occur. Although Crazy Wolly is insane, he still knows how to make money!
LORD VICHI FALSETTO:
Lord Vichi Falsetto, an extremely wealthy eccentric, offers to purchase half of the goods in your warehouse. Do you want to sell half of your products to him?
Hint: The amount of money Lord Vichi offers for your products falls somewhere between 50% to 300% of what you could make at the Marketplace. In other words, this is usually a great deal, especially if the quality of the products is less than stellar.
NATURAL RESOURCES:
You discover some natural resources on your property and wind up making an unexpected profit.
Hint: This is pure luck. Keep your fingers crossed!
OP OFFERS EXPANSION PERMIT:
The Illustrious Op wants bigger, faster, more productive factories than Slagonia and the Surface World. To achieve this, he may be willing to offer you an expansion permit for some money. Are you interested?
Hint: You should not pass up this opportunity! This is a great deal.
OTTER:
Otter, an expert mechanic and troubleshooter, offers to fix up your factory. Are you interested?
Hint: If your maintenance % is low, this is a great event. There is a reasonable chance of boosting your maintenance and/or your employee morale. However, there is a 20% chance that Otter will wind up doing more harm than good. It's usually worth the money if you have a low maintenance and employee morale %.
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD:
The Illustrious Op bestows upon you an award and a cash prize for your generous support of the Profitanian community.
Hint: The higher your reputation %, the higher the chance that this event will occur.
RASKIL:
Raskil offers to buy half of the products in your warehouse. Do you sell half of your goods to him?
Hint: The amount of money Raskil offers falls some where between 150% to 300% of what you could make at the Marketplace. In other words, this is usually a great deal, especially if the quality of the products is less than stellar. However, there is a 33% chance that things will go wrong--your reputation will take a dive, your good luck streak will be broken, and you won't get a refund.
REPUTATION AWARD:
You win an award and a cash prize.
Hint: The higher your reputation %, the higher the chance of this event occurring. It pays to have a good standing in the community!
RUL PICAN THE INTERIOR DESIGNER:
Rul Pican, a well-known interior designer, offers to redecorate your factory. It will cost you some money, but he assures you it will not only boost your company's reputation but also make your employees happy. Do you want to do it?
Hint: If you have a low reputation % and a low employee morale, it is usually worthwhile hiring Rul Pican. However, there is a 20% chance that Rul Pican will try some experimental Surface World designs and wind up making your factory look terrible. This will end up lowering your reputation and employee morale.
SACK:
You are approached by The Sack, an executive headhunter. The Sack says he can get the top manager from your competitor to quit and come to work for you. However, it will cost you some money. Do you want to do it?
Hint: If you accept The Sack's offer, your reputation will go up, while your competitor's reputation will go down. Is it worth the money? That's for you to decide.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER:
A local small business owner asks to borrow some money. Without your help, her business will fail. Do you loan her the money?
Hint: If you loan her the money, your reputation will increase. There is also a 50/50 chance that she will turn her business around and you will be repaid three times what you loaned her.
SPLOCH:
Sploch offers to sell you an expansion permit. This permit will allow you to expand the size of your factory. Do you buy the permit?
Hint: Sploch is offering you a great deal. However, there is a 33% chance that things will go wrong--your reputation will plummet, your good luck streak will be broken, and you won't get a refund.
STEAL RESEARCH RESULT (ESPIONAGE):
One of your competitor's disgruntled employees offers to give you some inside information. Do you want to do it?
Hint: There is a 25% chance that your attempt will simply fail, and your money will be wasted.
TAX BREAK:
Due to your company's excellent reputation and dedication to public service, the I.R.S. (Illustrious Revenue Service) offers you a special tax break. They will forgive the taxes you owe. In return, they only ask that you continue to help better the community and act responsibly.
Hint: Your reputation must be more than 90% to receive this tax break.
UPPER MERCHANT:
You are approached by an Upper Merchant. He is desperate to load up with products before he returns to the Surface World and offers to buy half of the products in your warehouse. Do you sell half of your goods to him?
Hint: The amount of money this Upper Merchant offers falls some where between 50% to 250% of what you could make at the Marketplace. In other words, this is usually a great deal, especially if the quality of the products is less than stellar.
WORKERS UNION PRAISES YOUR COMPANY:
The Workers Union may praise your company for improving the overall working conditions at your factory and helping to raise the standard of living inside Profitania. This will give a significant boost to your employee morale and also enhance your company's reputation.
Hint: You will never receive this praise unless you offer at least five different benefits under the Personnel Department.
APY WUM:
Your old neighbor, Apy Wum asks you to lend her money to feed her hungry children. She promises to pay you back just as soon as she gets a job. Do you loan her the money?
Hint: Even though she promises to pay back, she never will. She simply cannot manage her money well. No matter how much she has, she spends it all. Do you feel like helping this hopeless case?
BAD MANAGER:
A number of workers at your factory keep complaining about one of your top managers. They say the manager doesn't know a thing about running a factory. You have a choice between replacing the manager, which will cost you money, or ignoring the problem. Do you replace this manager?
Hint: If you replace the manager, your employee morale will increase. If you don't replace the manager, your morale will drop. It's probably worth replacing the troublesome manager, unless, of course, your morale is already at 0%.
CAVE-IN:
This event can affect your factory, warehouse space or storage units. If your factory is crushed, you will have to pay to repair the damage. If your warehouse space or storage units are crushed, you won't have to pay for any structural damage sustained by these buildings because you are just renting the space. However, if you have some products stored in your warehouse, or if you have some raw materials in your storage units, these stored goods may be destroyed.
Hint: If you want to know when a cave-in is about to occur, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential cave-in problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
CAVERN CREEPERS:
A giant Cavern Creeper may get stuck in your main supply tunnel. This huge, sticky slug-like creature is essentially harmless, but due to a lack of brains, it often gets stuck in tunnels. If this happens, you will end up having to pay to widen the tunnel.
Hint: If you want to know when a Cavern Creeper is spotted in the area, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential Cavern Creeper problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for anything.
CONSTRUCTION COST OVERRUNS:
Crinkle Construction informs you that there has been a major cost overrun. This means you have to pay an additional sum of money above what you've already paid if you want your factory expansion to continue. If you refuse to pay, the construction will be cancelled and none of your money will be refunded. Do you agree to pay this additional cost?
Hint: If you refuse to pay, the construction will be cancelled, but you will not lose your permit. In other words, you will be able to use your permit again. If you are El Werin and started the game with the Special Abilities enabled, you can avoid this event entirely. Another way to lessen the affects of this event is to have the proper insurance coverage. If you have insurance, Fiasco will cover all the costs.
CONSTRUCTION DELAYED:
Crinkle Construction informs you that there has been a delay in construction. This means you'll have to wait for a longer period than expected before the expansion of your factory is completed.
Hint: If you are El Werin and started the game with the Special Abilities enabled, this event will have no effect. Otherwise, there is nothing much you can do but wait.
DISABILITY & HEALTH BENEFITS:
One of your factory workers may become seriously ill or may be injured in a non-work-related accident.
Hint: If you offer both Disability Benefits and Health Benefits, you will not be affected by this event at all. If you do not provide Disability Benefits, the worker will receive no pay while absent from work. If you do not provide Health Benefits, the worker must cover all the medical expenses. Naturally, when word of this gets out, your reputation and employee morale will suffer.
EARTHQUAKE:
When a series of tremors rock Profitania, your factory may sustain some damage. Your warehouse or storage units could also get shaken up. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, they may get damaged. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any structural damage sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when an earthquake is about to occur, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential earthquake problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
EMPLOYEE CAUGHT STEALING:
You catch one of your employees stealing from your factory. The employee begs you not to go to the police. If you have the employee arrested, you can probably recover the money, but it may be a messy situation. Do you call the police?
Hint: If you call the police, you will recover the money. However, both your employee's morale and your company's reputation will decline. In the end, it's probably not worth calling the police.
EMPLOYEES COMPLAIN:
Your employees start complaining about a number of things, including not having any Pension Plan, Disability Benefits, Retirement Bonus Package, Health Benefits, Housing Subsidies, Unemployment Benefits, Profit Sharing Plan, Paid Vacations, etc.
Hint: The best way to avoid this nasty event is to offer all of the above benefits under your Personnel Department. If you get stuck with this event, keep in mind that the employee morale will suffer the most for not offering any Pension Plan and the least for not offering a Paid Vacation.
EMPLOYEE DIES:
One of your longtime employees gets in an accident and dies. This terrible news will affect your employees, lowering their morale.
Hint: There is nothing much you can do about this.
EMPLOYEES GO ON STRIKE:
Your employees demand more benefits and higher wages. If you do not agree to raise their wages and benefits by a certain percentage, they threaten to strike. Do you agree to their terms?
Hint: This event can happen to anyone at anytime. If the employee morale is low, the chance of this event occurring is high. If the employee morale is high (even 100%), there is still a small chance that your employees will strike. After all, who doesn't want more pay and more benefits if it's possible to get them?
If your employees organize a strike, they will demand a 1% to 50% increase in wages and benefits. If you do not agree to the terms, there is a 40% chance that your employees will go on strike. If they go on strike, it can be devastating. Your factory production and your research & development will come to a halt. This means virtually no profits until you resolve the labor issue. If you assume the character of Amf Malagonquin with the Special Abilities enabled, your chance of having a strike is far less but not impossible.
EMPLOYEE MORALE SINKS:
Your employee morale may sink for a number of different reasons.
Hint: That's life. There is nothing you can do about this but pile on the employee benefits.
EMPLOYEE QUITS:
One of your company's top managers takes a higher paying job at your competitor's company. This is a severe blow to your employee morale.
Hint: There is nothing much you can do about this but curse and scream.
FLOOD:
Due to unusually heavy rains above ground, water floods various sections of Profitania. By the time the flooding is over, your factory could sustain some water damage. Your warehouse and storage units may also get flooded. If you have anything in either the warehouse or the storage units, it may sustain water damage. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for the structural damage sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when a flood is about to occur, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential flood problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
HOT TEMPERATURES:
Due to recent volcanic activity, your section of Profitania may experience unusually hot temperatures. The intense heat coming up from the magma vents could inflict damage upon your factory. This intense heat may also damage your warehouse and storage units. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, they might get damaged. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any structural damages sustained by these buildings.
Hint: Make sure to pay attention to the news reports to find out when this may occur. When the news warns of any potential temperature problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any of the damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
HOUSING SUBSIDY:
Due to a lack of space, housing becomes increasingly more expensive, and your workers feel the pinch. This will naturally cause your employee morale to decline.
Hint: If you offer a Housing Subsidy under the Personnel Department, you can avoid this nasty event altogether.
INSURANCE PREMIUMS GO UP:
Ms. Fiasco, the owner of Fiasco Insurance, raises your premiums an average of 10%.
Hint: Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about this, except, of course, stop buying insurance.
LAVAFLOW:
A lava flow could hit your factory causing some damage. It may also hit your warehouse or storage units. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, you may lose them. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any structural damage sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when a lava flow is about to occur, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential lava flow problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
LAWSUIT (BAD PRODUCT):
A customer sues your company due to a faulty product that you manufactured. The customer's lawyer says that they're willing to settle out of court. Do you agree to pay the settlement?
Hint: If you decide to settle out of court, your reputation will dip a little because you are indirectly admitting your wrong doing. If you go to court, there is a 50/50 chance that you will win the case. If you win the case, your bad luck streak will be broken. If you lose, your reputation will plummet and you must pay the entire sum plus legal fees. Whether you settle out of court or lose the case, as long as you have the proper insurance coverage, Fiasco Insurance will pay for everything.
LAWSUIT (DISCRIMINATION):
A Slag worker sues your company for discriminating on the basis of race. The Slag worker claims that he's been passed up for promotions several times. He believes this is because of his Slagonian ancestry and is suing your company for a large sum of money. The Slag worker's lawyer says they're willing to settle out of court. Do you agree to pay the settlement?
Hint: If you decide to settle out of court, your reputation will suffer a little because you are indirectly admitting your wrong doing. If you go to court, there is a 50/50 chance that you will win the case. If you win the case, your bad luck streak will be broken. If you lose, your reputation will plunge, and you must pay not only the amount being claimed but also the legal fees. Whether you settle out of court or lose the case, as long as you have the proper insurance coverage, Fiasco Insurance will pay for everything.
LAWSUIT (POOR TRAINING & EDUCATION):
A huge lawsuit is filed against your company for negligence in failing to properly train and educate your employees. You have the choice between a vicious court battle or settling out of court. Do you agree to settle out of court?
Hint: If you decide to settle out of court, your reputation will suffer a little because you are indirectly admitting your wrong doing. If you go to court, there is a 50/50 chance that you will win the case. If you win the case, your bad luck streak will be broken. If you lose, your reputation will plummet, and you must pay the entire sum plus legal fees. Whether you settle out of court or lose the case, as long as you have the proper insurance coverage, Fiasco Insurance will pay for everything. Also, if you want to avoid this event entirely, all you have to do is make sure to pay for your employees' Training & Education under the Personnel Department.
LOAN RATE GOES UP:
Crazy Wolly may raise your loan rate by 1% for a number of different reasons.
Hint: Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about this. After all, they don't call him Crazy Wolly for nothing.
MAGMA:
Through cracks in the bedrock, a stream of magma could seep into your factory causing massive damage. It may also seep into your warehouse or storage units. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, you could lose them. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any structural damage sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when a magma problem is about to occur, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential magma problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS:
Maintenance problems can involve any of the following: ventilation tubes, water pipes, magma converters, electric coils, sewage system, storage shelves, assembly line, conveyor belt, auto-packing system, assembly line, lamination drums, wrapping belts, pollution containment system, main boiler, water tanks, exhaust system, chemical tank, transport system, loading docks, smelter, welder, compressor, lighting system, crane, sorting system, processing unit, quality control system, soldering rods, automated assembler, and containment cells.
Hint: The lower your maintenance %, the higher chance that you will suffer from maintenance problems.
MAINTENANCE REPORTS:
Your Maintenance Reports are off by a significant amount. If this happens, don't be surprised to see a drop in your maintenance %.
Hint: There is nothing you can do about this type of situation. Not much of a hint, is it?
MANAGERS FIGHTING:
Two of your top managers are always fighting. This is disrupting production and hurting employee morale. You have a choice between either ignoring the problem or sending these two managers to a special Managerial Cooperation and Training Course, which will cost a bundle. Do you pay for this special course?
Hint: If you fork out the money for the Managerial Cooperation and Training Course, your employees will be happy and their morale will rise. Also, your bad luck streak will be broken. If you don't pay for this, your employee morale will decline.
MUCK WORMS:
A swarm of Muck Worms could invade your factory, squeezing through every crack and crevice, and you may have to pay to remove these worms. These mischievous creepy crawlers might also end up invading your warehouse or storage units. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, they could get contaminated. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any structural damages sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when a swarm of muck worms is about to invade, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential muck worm problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
MUD:
After a week of non-stop rain above ground, tons of mud may ooze into your factory, and you may have to pay the clean up costs. Tons of mud could also ooze into your warehouse and storage units. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, they could be ruined. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any structural damage sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when a mud problem is about to occur, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential mud problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
NOXOS GAS:
You discover that Noxos Gas is leaking into your factory from a gas pocket several thousand meters below. If you ignore this highly flammable gas for too long, it will build up to a level where even a tiny spark can set off a huge explosion. You have no other choice but to spend money to completely seal off the gas pocket.
Hint: If you want to know when the Noxos Gas may leak into your factory, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential Noxos Gas problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay to seal off the gas pocket.
ONE-TIME BENEFITS:
Several of your employees demand that you provide more benefits and new equipment. It will cost you a lot of money. Do you want to do it?
Hint: If you do, your employee morale will increase. If you don't, your employees will complain and morale will tumble.
ONE-TIME BONUS:
The workers at your factory ask for a one-time bonus in honor of some special event. They insist that all the other companies are offering this bonus to their employees. This bonus will cost you a lot of money. Do you want to do it?
Hint: If you don't offer your employees the bonus, your employee morale will plummet. However, even if you do, there is a 20% chance that the bonus will backfire.
PERKULATORS:
If you discover a Perkulator growing under your factory, you must pay to have this volatile pest dug up and removed. If not removed right away, this strange organic growth is known to continue expanding until it literally explodes, sending thousands of tiny Perkulator eggs in all directions.
Hint: If you want to know when a Perkulator is spotted in the area, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential Perkulator problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for anything.
POOR ECONOMY & UNEMPLOYMENT:
Because of a poor economy or fear of job loss, your employees may become depressed and unresponsive.
Hint: If you offer Unemployment Benefits, the employee morale will not be affected.
PROFIT SHARING:
Because your employees are jealous of all the money they believe you're making, they become upset and their morale will suffer.
Hint: The only way to avoid this situation is to provide the Profit Sharing benefit under your Personnel Department.
PUBLIC RELATIONS PROBLEM:
The following groups may criticize your company for donating only a small fraction of your profits to local charities: The Profitanian Scholarship Fund, Women's League, Homeless Society, Starving Infants Relief Program, Society of Old Slags, Senior Citizens Council, Disabled Persons Support Group, Sanguine Medical Institute, University of Profitania, Profitanian Police Fund, Spelunker's Association, Green Alliance, Mole Club, Profitanian National Museum, Society for the Arts, Fire Department, Workers Rights Panel, Disaster Relief Center, Community Health Network, Krackal Orphanage, Public Libraries, Old Craggies, Ash Collectors Association, Animal Rights League, Slag Sisterhood, and Profitanian Children's Fund.
Hint: This event will ruin your reputation. If your reputation is low to start with, the chance of being criticized is much higher. However, if you are playing the character of Yogul Von Fogul and her special abilities are activated, you don't have to worry about this event. She is such a PR genius that she can get out of this type of situation without any trouble.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY:
A large portion of your employees belongs to the Nupre Mati Sect. Whenever there is an important religious holiday for them, they will ask if they can take the day off. It will cost you money to hire replacement workers. Do you give them the day off?
Hint: If you don't give them the day off, your employee morale and reputation will decrease. However, even if you do, there will be no special change in employee morale or reputation. You must decide if you want to spend the money.
SICK EMPLOYEE:
One of your factory laborers becomes ill and can no longer work. Not covered by health insurance and running out of money, the employee asks you to help by paying the hospital bills. Do you help your sick employee?
Hint: If you help the employee, your reputation and employee morale will be boosted, and your bad luck streak will be broken. If you don't help the employee, your reputation and employee morale will take a hit. If you want to avoid this type of situation altogether, just offer Health Benefits under the Personnel Department.
STENCH SPIDERS:
A family of Stench Spiders moves into your factory. These horrific smelling arachnids instantly fill the air with their unique aroma. Your employees will not be able to work because of the smell, and you will have to pay an exterminator to get rid of them.
Hint: If you want to know when a family of Stench Spiders is on the move, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential Stench Spider problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for an exterminator.
NO KUNDRUM TRIBE:
The police discover that some of the raw materials in your storage space were stolen from the No Kundrum tribe. The police confiscate the raw materials and return them to the No Kundrum Tribal Council.
Hint: Even though the police promise to pay you back for the raw materials when they catch the thieves, this will never happen. The only way to protect yourself from this type of trouble is to have the proper insurance coverage.
STONE VIRUS:
Your workforce comes down with the dreaded Stone Virus. This virus causes the skin to turn gray and the muscles to experience a temporary paralysis, thus making the victims appear as if they have turned to stone for a few days. By the time the virus has run its course, you are well behind schedule and must pay hefty overtime to finish your production cycle.
Hint: If you want to know when a Stone Virus is about to infect your workforce, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential Stone Virus problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for the overtime.
STRAGGLER ROOTS:
In a desperate search for water, a clump of irritating Straggler Roots breaks through the foundations of your factory. These rapidly growing roots quickly spread throughout the building, sticking their twisty limbs into everything. You must pay to poison the roots and repair the damage.
Hint: If you want to know when the Straggler Roots are about to break through, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential Straggler Root problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for anything.
TAR LEAK:
A mass of tar could seep into your factory and stick to everything and everyone. If this happens, you must pay to have the tar holes plugged and the mess cleaned up. This tar can also seep into your warehouse and storage units. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, they might get contaminated. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any damage sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when a mass of tar is about to seep in, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential tar problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
TAX SHORTFALL:
Because of a shortfall in revenues this year, the Illustrious Op personally asks you to donate an additional sum of money to the Profitanian Treasury. Do you help the Op in this time of financial need?
Hint: If you help the Op, your reputation will rise and your bad luck streak will end. If you don't, you will be publicly criticized and your reputation will plummet. However, if you are playing the character of Yogul Von Fogul and her special abilities are activated, you don't have to worry about this event. She is such a PR genius that she can get out of this type of situation without any trouble.
TUNNEL COLLAPSE:
The tunnel leading to your factory could collapse. Also the tunnel below your warehouse or storage units may collapse. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, you may lose them. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any structural damage sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when a tunnel collapse is about to occur, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential tunnel collapse problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
TUNNEL FIRES:
A monstrous underground fire could send smoke pouring into your factory and cause some damage. The smoke may also pour into your warehouse and storage units. If you have any goods in either the warehouse or the storage units, they might be ruined. Since you do not really own the warehouse and storage units themselves, you do not have to pay for any damage sustained by these buildings.
Hint: If you want to know when a tunnel fire is about to occur, make sure to pay attention to the news reports. When the news warns of any potential tunnel fire problems, you should purchase the proper insurance coverage for the following week. If you have the proper insurance coverage, you will not have to pay for any damage and all lost goods will be replaced.
UNEMPLOYMENT & DOWNSIZING:
Due to a mistake by a key manager, you hire too many employees and must downsize.
Hint: If you offer Unemployment Benefits under the Personnel Department, the employee morale will not drop.
VANDALISM:
A gang of teens from the Krackal Caverns vandalizes your factory, causing some damage. You can forget about the whole thing or press charges. Do you press charges?
Hint: If you press charges, you will get your money back. However, you will come across looking like a bully and your reputation will take a beating. If you decide not to press charges, you'll lose money, unless you have the proper insurance coverage. If you have insurance, it's definitely better to forgive and forget.
WAREHOUSE ROBBERY:
Crooks break into your warehouse and steal all of your products. Police will investigate this matter, but they seldom find anything.
Hint: This is a major disaster, especially if you have manufactured valuable products. The only way to fend off this type of trouble is to have the proper insurance coverage. It may be less costly to pay the small insurance premium every week than face losing your products at some point in the game. The choice is yours.
WORKER SAFETY PROGRAM:
If you fail to provide a proper Worker Safety Program, you run the risk of having workers injured on the job and a lawsuit may be filed against your company for negligence.
Hint: If you pay for the Worker Safety Program under the Personnel Department, you can avoid this type of trouble altogether. If this event occurs, your employee morale will plummet. If you settle out of court, your reputation will also suffer. If you go to court, there is a 50/50 chance of winning. If you lose, your reputation will decline even further. If you win the case, your bad luck streak will be broken, and your reputation will not suffer. If you are lucky enough to have the proper insurance coverage, regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit, you will not have to pay any money. However, your reputation and morale may still decline.
Alumpious Mhan:
Alumpious Mhan, the famous underground theater actor, invites you to see his next performance at The Cinder Room, a small playhouse with an excellent reputation. Are you in the mood to be entertained?
Hint: The performance could turn out great or dismal. However, if you go, you may get some free PR or meet up with Lia Lush, who will offer you a new storage lease. The only downside to this event is that Mhan will ask you for a donation (16% chance). If you refuse to give the money, your reputation will dip.
Antechamber:
The Antechamber, the hub of the club scene, extends an invitation for you to attend this weekend free of charge. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with the hippest of the hip and try out your new Joscillators. Are you ready to boogie down?
Hint: The Antechamber is a mixed bag. If you bump into Mr. Quax, you could wind up with a new warehouse lease. If you get to talk to Sweet Vibrations, your company could get a big PR boost. However, if a fight breaks out, your reputation will drop. You could also be unlucky enough to meet up with Elba Fiasco. This will result in having your insurance premiums increased by 25%.
Anteroom:
The Anteroom, a cheap rip-off of The Antechamber, offers you an invitation to drop by free of charge. How about it?
Hint: If you happen to come across Mr. Quax, you may get a new warehouse lease. If you meet up with Lunatic Lerry, he may get his cousin, Crazy Wolly, to lower your interest rate. If you bump into Drool, he'll offer you some illegal products. Not bad for a night at the Anteroom.
Ash Collectors Association:
The Ash Collectors Association invites you to join their next meeting. If you were ever interested in ash, this is your chance. Do you want to go?
Hint: There is a 33% chance that nothing will happen. However, if you are lucky, you may receive a valuable gift. You may be asked to sign a petition, and if you agree to sign, you'll be rewarded. If you don't, your reputation will suffer. You may also meet up with Mr. Quax, who may offer you a new lease. The only downside to visiting the Ash Collectors Association is that you may be asked for a donation. If you donate money, your reputation will rise, and if you don't, it will fall.
Babianca:
Babianca, the hottest supermodel in Profitania, asks if you'd like to join her for a weekend on her yacht. She says the Lantric Tides are moving into the Profitanian Sea, which makes it the perfect time for sailing. Are you up for being a captain?
Hint: If you get Babianca to agree to have the Supermodel Extravaganza at your factory, both your employee morale and reputation will get a boost. However, if she becomes fed up with you, it may be an unpleasant scene.
Bember:
Bember, a robotics genius, asks if you'd like to come over to his workshop for a chat. Are you in the mood to talk shop?
Hint: Bember may offer you a new robot, which can reduce labor costs by 15%. If you don't mind lowering the employee morale, you should buy it. If you support him by donating money, Bember will come back and install a new machine that will lower the labor cost by 15%. If you don't want to lower the employee morale, do not donate the money. If Bember offers to retool everything, he'll enhance your overall maintenance by 20%. He may also give you some free advice on maintenance, which in turn will increase the maintenance level of your factory. If Bember offers a machine that makes employees happier, it works so well that morale will increase by 15%.
Bogs Faddle:
You get a dispatch from Bogs Faddle, a 25-year-old corporate financial consultant who works two days a week. Faddle asks if you'd care to do lunch at the Molten Cafe, an elegant and exorbitant eatery in the business district. Are you interested in learning all about how simply marvelous Faddle is?
Hint: It's not bad to meet with Faddle if you know what deals to avoid. If you get the chance, definitely invest in Faddle's rapid transport and mining operations. They will return a handsome profit. Also, remember to fund a treasure hunt to the Massacre Depths. You'll get your money's worth. However, don't invest in Faddle's own restaurant nor in the scheme to sell red soil sandwiches. They are going to flop. You shouldn't invest in a treasure hunt at the Igan's Fissure either. You are sure to lose money that way.
Boox:
Boox, the local prankster, sends you an envelope filled with salad dressing. Do you use it for lunch?
Hint: Unless you're having salad, don't bother to waste your time.
Broggin:
You are invited to come and listen to Broggin rant and rave. Broggin is the oldest living citizen of Profitania and is obsessed with giving lectures on the benefits of cleanliness and the duties of citizens. Words of wisdom are hard to come by these days. Are you interested?
Hint: If you want to listen to this oldest living citizen rant and rave, be my guest.
Bureau of Statistics:
You receive a letter from the Bureau of Statistics informing you that some percentage of Profitanians reported having had a bad experience purchasing your products.
Hint: If you want a better rating, try producing higher quality goods.
Buttercup Ladies (Tulip Beds):
The Buttercup Ladies invite you to come to the Tulip Beds, their extraordinary home, and share a cup of tea with them. This, above all, is a rare opportunity that shouldn't be missed. Do you accept their invitation?
Hint: If you don't accept, your reputation will suffer. If you go, the Buttercup Ladies may get Crazy Wolly to lower your interest rate, or you may be introduced to a Surface World merchant, who wants to sell you some products. You may also end up losing some money on a game of cards, or you may have to donate some money. All in all, it's better not to refuse an invitation from such a powerful group of women.
Chamber of Commerce (Business Seminar):
The supervising director of the Profitanian Chamber of Commerce asks if you'd care to join their weekend business seminar at the Igneous Hot Springs Resort. Do you want to go?
Hint: Don't pass up this opportunity. Most of the time it can help your company a great deal.
Chamber of Commerce (Commerce & Industry Meeting):
The Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Commerce and Industry Meeting this Wednesday night. Do you want to go?
Hint: It's worth going. If you strike up a conversation with Ms. Fiasco, you may get your insurance premiums lowered by 10%. If you come across Uncle Crinkle, you could get a great deal. And if you do a good job schmoozing at the meeting, your reputation will go up. You may even figure out a way to reduce your company's water usage and get a one-time rebate from the city. However, if you are unlucky, you might have to pay some money.
Chasm:
You receive a special invitation to visit The Chasm, Profitania’s premier salon and home to the underground intelligentsia. Painters, musicians, poets and luminaries all mingle at The Chasm to show off their wit and drollery. After all, it’s not what you know but what people think you know that counts. Are you intellectually up to this?
Hint: If you manage to meet Lia Lush, she will offer you a new storage lease. If you buy a painting from a painter, you will make four times what you paid for it. You may even be able to successfully learn secret development techniques from your competitor's employee. However, don't give money to Contrissa this time. Her experimental art piece will be sure to flop.
Grissler:
Churi Grissler asks if you'd like to spend a weekend shopping with him. He plans on going to the Cranny Hole, where you can buy imported products for a fraction of their retail cost. Do you accept Grissler's offer?
Hint: A lot depends on what products you have lined up to be manufactured at your factory. If you've had a terrible week at the Commodity Exchange, and you have virtually no products to manufacture, going to the Cranny Hole may be worthwhile. However, there are risks involved.
Craggies:
The Craggies, a group of oldsters, invites you to their social club for the weekend. You can always borrow your grandmother's wig. How about it?
Hint: These oldsters are wonderful! You may even be lucky enough to receive a valuable present or a big PR boost.
Crazy Wolly (Sargofissus Tunnels):
Crazy Wolly invites you to join him in an expedition into the Sargofissus Tunnels, a labyrinth of passageways, tunnels and caves below Profitania. The tunnels are supposed to hold many treasures, but a number of explorers have never returned. Do you want to risk it?
Hint: Let's hope you won't argue too much with Wolly, otherwise he'll raise your interest rates by 1%. If, on the other hand, you help him, you'll get your interest rates lowered by 1%. When you discover a box of Rable Pins, Wolly will ask if you'll give it to him in exchange for lowering your interest rates by 1%. If you don't have a huge debt, don't agree to this. The Rable Pins will turn out to be very valuable. If you are lucky, you may even stumble upon a gold deposit.
Crumpet:
Crumpet, a wheeler-dealer who always sports the latest fashions and the hippest hairdos, asks you to join him for lunch at Le Fee, an exclusive restaurant which caters primarily to the noveau riche and others who wish to show off their wealth. Do you want to go?
Hint: Most of Crumpet's deals do not make money, but if you are lucky, you may get a helpful research tip from him.
Crunch (Raskil):
Raskil, the owner of Crunch, the toughest hangout in the Slag Quarters, asks if you'd care to drop by for a free drink. From what you've heard, if you don't have a chain of safety pins dangling from your nose, a Slag-skin jacket and metal magma-boots, it's probably not the best place to be. Is a free drink worth the trouble?
Hint: It's not worth it. Trust me.
Distant Relatives:
You receive a letter from some of your distant relatives. They are coming to Profitania for the weekend and would love to stay at your place. Are you willing to act as the good host?
Hint: You could have a delightful time or a terrible time. You could receive an incredible gift or end up paying for an expensive party. So, what do you say? It's your relative after all.
Doc Rumf:
You receive a note from your physician, Doc Rumf, reminding you to have your lungs checked for Tunnel Fungus build-up. Doctor's orders... do you go?
Hint: If you don't go, there is a 50% chance you'll end up needing surgery and paying a hefty hospital bill. If you go, you still have to pay a check-up fee, unless Doc cancels the appointment.
Don Neon:
Don Neon asks you for a small favor. Do you agree to meet with the Don and hear what he wants?
Hint: It isn't a good idea to get involved with the Don. If Don Neon asks for your support, it means trouble for you no matter what you choose. If the Don is in desperate need of raw materials, you could be in for a good deal. However, if you refuse to help him, you'll get nothing but trouble. When the Don asks you for money, it's wise to pay him, unless you don't mind suffering the consequences.
Dr. Ollis Mibs:
You find a beautifully handwritten note from Dr. Ollis Mibs, a well-respected philosopher and metaphysician. He asks if you'd care to join him and several other intellectuals at the local faculty club for their weekly discussion on the anatomy of knowledge. Are you in the proper state of mind for this?
Hint: If you are curious to know what those Profitanian intellectuals are all about, go ahead and join him, but don't expect to make a profit.
Drool:
Drool, the neighborhood troublemaker, drops you a note daring you to join him for a drink at Mangle, the toughest bar in the Krackal Caverns. He taunts you saying you're probably too scared to even set foot inside. Are you willing to risk your life to prove he's wrong?
Hint: It's best to avoid unsavory characters like Drool. You'll be sure to lose money by playing it tough. The only good that may come out of joining him is possibly boosting your employee morale (16% chance).
Elba Fiasco:
Elba Fiasco, the owner of Fiasco Insurance, asks if you'd care to join her for lunch at the Volcanic Bazaar, a casual eatery in the business district. This is your chance to ask for lower premiums. How about it?
Hint: Why not give it a try? But watch out for her husband Rul. You don't want to get involved in any marital problems.
Elip Bilesbean:
You receive a carefully scripted letter from Elip Bilesbean, an accountant working for Profitania’s financial powerhouse The Grum Corporation. Elip is a meek, little fellow with a penchant for expensive aqua vitae. Elip asks if you’d care to join him sometime this week for a game of Gazillionaire. Do you really want to play Gaz against an accountant?
Hint: Who can resist a game of Gazillionaire? There is a 33% chance you will benefit from spending some time with Elip, so why not have some fun?
Fusio:
You receive a message from Fusio, a fast talking Surface World salesman, who is always trying to make a buck. Fusio asks if you’d like to do lunch sometime at Le Fee, one of the most expensive restaurants in Profitania. He says he has an offer you can't refuse.
Hint: Watch out! Most of Fusio's deals turn out to be rotten. The only exception is an offer to buy some raw materials and products at bargain prices. Even here, the results can be unpredictable and risky.
Topsy-Turvy:
You are offered the chance to play Topsy-Turvy, an amusing game of chance.
Hint: The odds are 50/50. Half the time you'll win, and the other half, you'll lose.
General Carnage:
You receive an announcement from General Carnage, a top gun in the Profitanian Military. Carnage asks if you'd care to join him for a security briefing. Do you accept his invitation?
Hint: General Carnage is a madman. If you help him to pressure the Illustrious Op to go to war, your reputation and employee morale will dive. If he asks you to donate money to the Terra Firma, don't do it. No matter what General Carnage says, being a proponent of war will do you no good. In fact, the best thing is to stay away from him.
Gnaw:
You receive a dirty scrap of paper from Gnaw, a lowly bone trader from the Massacre Depths. He is in Profitania for a few days on a bone crunching assignment and asks if you’d like to meet him for a cocktail at Frock’s Cabaret. Frock's is the rowdiest hangout in Profitania, known for its loud music, heavy food and untamed dancers. Are you in the mood for a wild time?
Hint: Simply put, Gnaw is a sleaze bag. Every deal Gnaw ends up offering you has a high risk associated with it. If you are lucky, you may make some money. However, the chances of bad publicity and wasted money are much higher.
Grand Tunnelling Tournament:
You are invited to the Grand Tunnelling Tournament. All the most notable Tunnellers will be there, including Tuelly Feg, Mo Vuttle and Meps Kitel. Are you a true Tunnelling fan?
Hint: If you get a chance to talk with Ula Tige or if Mo Vuttle volunteers to promote your products, you'll get a reputation boost. When you are offered some bonds by a bond investor, buy them. He is telling the truth, and you'll make a tidy profit.
Green Alliance:
The Green Alliance, an environmental group, requests that you attend a rally this weekend to pressure the Illustrious Op into sponsoring a unified environmental code everywhere in Profitania. Do you want to go?
Hint: Just by going, you may either enhance or lower your reputation. However, if you are criticized for pollution control, you'd better pay to implement some emission reduction plans. Otherwise, your reputation will be damaged. You should consider attending this rally if your reputation is low.
Grotto:
The Grotto offers to waive the traditional cover charge if you’d like to attend this weekend’s games.
Hint: The odds are 50/50. Half the time you'll win, and the other half, you'll lose.
Gully Two Shoes:
Gully Two Shoes, Profitania's most famous comedian, sends you a quick note asking if you'd like to come over to his house tonight. Gully loves games of chance.
Hint: The odds are 50/50. Half the time you'll win, and the other half, you'll lose.
Gum Society (Chew For Life Meeting):
The Gum Society asks you to come to their Chew For Life Meeting this weekend. This event is to promote good gums and healthy diets. Do you want to go?
Hint: If you bump into Crazy Wolly, he'll lower your interest rate. If you meet up with Ms. Quoom, she'll give you a free dental check-up. Otherwise, there isn't much to this event but chewing.
Hooch:
You receive an envelope from Hooch, the neighborhood bum. Hooch asks if you'd care to join him at the Red Soil Lounge. Are you up for it?
Hint: Hooch is a harmless mooch. It won't hurt to help the poor guy. One of these days, he may even do you some good.
House of Perspiration (Igneous Hot Springs):
You receive a complimentary invitation to the House of Perspiration, a sauna located at the Igneous Hot Springs. If you like sitting in a room full of sweaty naked people, this is your chance. Do you accept?
Hint: Sweaty people are good! You may meet up with Lia Lush, and she may offer you a new lease. Rul Pican might also be at the resort and offer to redecorate your factory, which will be sure to enhance your employee morale and your reputation. However, if Fusio offers you some raw materials, don't buy them. You'll be sure to lose money. There is also a 16% chance of catching pneumonia while sweating it out at the resort.
Igneous Hot Springs:
The Igneous Hot Springs invites you to an all paid vacation at their luxurious mineral bath resort. This is a great opportunity to get away from work. How about it?
Hint: This vacation spot offers a variety of events. If you happen to meet Ognar Keen, he'll give you a tip for enhancing your employee morale. If an antiques dealer offers you a tribal medicine bowl, don't buy it. Although it is indeed worth a lot of money, it is a stolen artifact, and you'll have to return it. If you are lucky enough to meet Agna at the Hot Springs, she'll get Crazy Wolly to lower your interest rates.
Illustrious Op (Factory Tour):
The Illustrious Op asks if he can drop by your factory this weekend for a tour. Who could say no? I assume that means YES.
Hint: If you select NO, your reputation will suffer. If you say YES, you stand to gain in a number of ways. For example, if the Illustrious Op is impressed with your factory, he'll offer you a generous Business Incentive Package or free publicity. He may even provide you with a free expansion permit. However, if he finds some fault in your factory, it will cost you money to fix the problem. The Illustrious Op also isn't beyond asking for donations to his political campaign.
Illustrious Op (Luscious Manor):
The Illustrious Op invites you to come and dine with him at Luscious Manor, one of his favorite homes. This is a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up. You're going, right?
Hint: If you don't go, the Illustrious Op will be deeply insulted and your reputation will plummet. If you care about your reputation, you'd better go. If you go, you may get a small reputation boost. The Illustrious Op might even offer you a special business loan, which you never have to pay back.
Illustrious Op (National Bird Society):
The Illustrious Op asks you to drop by the National Bird Society. You have no idea why. Are you willing to do this favor for the Op?
Hint: If you don't do the Illustrious Op this small favor, your reputation will slide. If you go, you may end up with a 10% reduction in your labor costs, or you may meet up with a desperate Surface World merchant, who wants to buy some raw materials from you. Sounds like a no lose situation.
Junk mail:
You receive a piece of junk mail from one of your competitors describing their latest product line. Do you toss this in the circular file?
Hint: A piece of junk mail is always junk. You know what to do with junk mail, don't you?
Krackal Cavern Poverty Program:
You receive a box full of chocolates and a note from the Minister of Urban Development asking you to help support the Krackal Cavern Poverty Program. Donating your time would be a great service to the community. Do you believe in charity?
Hint: Remember, it pays to help those less fortunate than yourself. If you choose this event, there is a good chance it will boost your reputation. On the other hand, you may have to give money or end up paying for a costly hospital bill. If you are really lucky, you will meet up with the Illustrious Op and get some raw materials at a bargain price.
Lady Hima:
You receive a memorandum from Lady Hima, the Minister of Surface Trade, demanding that you make yourself available for a dialogue with her and her staff this weekend. It doesn't look like you have a choice. Do you want to go?
Hint: This is usually worth your while. Lady Hima even knows a few surface worlders who can cut you a good deal.
Lady Oida:
Lady Oida, one of the youngest Buttercup Ladies, asks if you would care to join her for lunch at The Crevasse, a teenybopper hot spot full of rowdy kids, loud music and cheap food. She says she just loves children and wouldn't think of eating anywhere else. Are you in the mood for this?
Hint: Oida doesn't have too much to offer aside from platitudes. If you end up donating to the Children's Educational Fund or Profitanian Children's Fund, your reputation will go up. If you don't make a donation, there is a chance your reputation will suffer.
Lapper Grit:
Lapper Grit, the stingiest merchant in all of Profitania, offers to have lunch with you at Twigs, a fast food joint where everything is served on a stick and costs less than 2 gems. Despite Lapper’s miserly instincts, he can often be generous with information. Are you in the mood for some cheap food and even cheaper talk?
Hint: Lapper Grit may be stingy, but he knows how to make money. Lapper can give you the inside scoop on a new government rebate program. Lapper may also give you some good advice that will help you cut costs and save money. Last but not least, although not exactly legal, you may be able to pick up some raw materials on the cheap.
Lia Lush:
Ms. Lia Lush, the Queen of Storage, asks you to do lunch at the Volcanic Bazaar, a casual eatery in the business district. Do you accept?
Hint: You shouldn't miss this opportunity to see Lia. You could get a new storage lease or pick up some raw materials for a bargain price. If Lia offers you an old table, buy it. You'll make four times what you paid. Basically, there isn't anything unsavory about Lia.
Love Triangle:
You receive a free coupon for The Love Triangle, a dating service for lonely singles. If you're desperate, this is always an option. How about it?
Hint: There is a 16% chance that you'll be set up with a wealthy aristocrat, who will shower you with valuable gifts. Otherwise, you'll find nothing exciting in this dating service. Are you desperate for a date?
Lunatic Lerry (Catamooch Centipedes):
Lunatic Lerry, the cousin of Crazy Wolly, asks if you'd like to go to the Catamooch Caves and wrestle with the poisonous Catamooch Centipedes. One Catamooch bite can paralyze you for life. Two can be fatal. Are you sure you want to risk a sedentary life to prove you're tougher than a Catamooch?
Hint: If you are lucky, you may discover a hidden treasure-trove or get some great publicity. Otherwise, you may upset Crazy Wolly or get stung by a wild Catamooch. This is really a mixed bag. If you owe a lot of money to Crazy Wolly, it might be better to skip this.
Lunatic Lerry (Igan's Fissure):
Lunatic Lerry, Crazy Wolly's cousin, asks if you'd like to explore Igan's Fissure in search of treasure and lost artifacts. Lerry has all the equipment, so it won't cost you anything. Are you foolish enough to risk your life exploring the most perilous fissure in Profitania with someone as insane as Lerry?
Hint: This can be fun, but it is dangerous. You may find those artifacts, but you also may wind up in a precarious position.
Lunatic Lerry (Lava-Surfing):
You receive a letter from Lunatic Lerry, the cousin of Crazy Wolly. Lunatic Lerry asks if you'd care to join him lava-surfing in the Magma Vents. To say the least, this is one of the riskiest sports around. Are you prepared to fry?
Hint: If you are not worried about running up a hefty medical bill or getting Crazy Wolly upset, go ahead and join Lunatic Lerry. You might even get lucky and get copious amounts of free publicity.
Luxurium:
Luxurium, the tackiest hotel in Profitania, invites you to a night of glitzy entertainment. Are you in the mood for bright lights and lots of gold trim?
Hint: If your reputation is down, this is a good place to visit. Bumping into some of the celebrities can help boost your public image. For example, if you pay Rul Pican to redecorate you factory, it will not only increase your reputation but also your employee morale. Also, if you convince Miss Profitania to promote your products, your reputation will jump substantially.
Madam Huff:
Madam Huff, an exceedingly rich member of Profitania's upper crust, extends a cordial invitation to come to her dinner party this weekend. It is supposed to be the event of the season. Rumors have it that the Illustrious Op and the Buttercup Ladies will be attending. No one in their right mind would refuse. Do you accept?
Hint: By mingling with the rich and famous, there is a 66% chance your reputation will increase. If you need the reputation boost, you definitely should accept.
Madam Molusk:
Madam Molusk, the Queen of Gossip, invites you to her home for an intimate chat. She assures you it will be well worth your while. Are you interested?
Hint: Madam Molusk is full of stories. Her gossip can give you the inside scoop on Profitanian high society. However, don't expect anything beyond gossip, rumor and innuendo.
Master Gire:
Master Gire, the founder of the Philosopher’s Nook, Profitania’s oldest salon, extends you an invitation to the next gathering. This is a marvelous chance to mingle with Profitania’s most brilliant minds and discuss everything from the origin of reproductive impulses to the various metaphysical properties of earwax. How about it?
Hint: If you want to mingle with the most brilliant minds in Profitania, this could be your cup of tea.
Merchant from the Surface World:
A merchant visiting from the Surface World asks if you’d like to meet with him at the Molten Cafe for lunch. He is interested in learning more about what products you plan to produce and offers to give you news of the Surface World in exchange. Are you interested?
Hint: If he offers you a valuable Surface World vase, buy it. You'll make three times what you paid. If the merchant turns out to be a smuggler, he'll offer you some illegal raw materials. If the merchant turns out to be a crook, he'll rob you. The merchant may also give you a tip on a product. Basically, you must decide if you want to try your luck with this unknown Surface Worlder.
Minister of Transportation:
You receive a dispatch from the Minister of Transportation asking you to attend a meeting on congestion and traffic in Profitania this weekend. This sounds exciting, doesn't it?
Hint: This is exciting, especially when you reap the rewards, boosting your morale & reputation. Keep in mind there are a few minor downsides, but if you're lucky, you'll avoid those.
Misplaced letter:
You receive a misplaced letter intended for one of your managers. Do you read it?
Hint: Don't read it! If the temptation is too strong and you end up reading it, you should let your manager handle the issues described in the letter. Otherwise, the employee morale is sure to drop. The moral of the story is, don't read other people's mail.
Mole Club:
The Mole Club, an anti-Surface World group, invites you to their Sunday night dinner. Do you want to go?
Hint: These guys are paranoid. However, as long as you don't agree to help them pressure the Illustrious Op, nothing bad will come out of this dinner.
Morticians Club:
The Morticians Club invites you to this weekend's banquet dinner to honor the death of one of its members. This club is primarily made up of morticians, retired morticians and ex-morticians. You have no idea why they invited you. Do you go anyway?
Hint: These underground undertakers are hip. You will probably have a marvelous time! However, nothing much happens to help your company. In fact, there is a 16% chance you'll be asked to make some sort of donation. If you donate the money, your reputation will rise accordingly. But even if you refuse, you will not be penalized for it. After all, these morticians don't wield that much influence.
Mr. Holithop:
Mr. Holithop, a patent lawyer with dreams of becoming a rock star, asks if you'd like to come hear him sing at Crooner’s Crevice, a rustic music hall specializing in amateur song writers and undistinguished talent. If you go, be sure to bring a pair of earplugs. How about it?
Hint: Honesty never hurts. You'll be rewarded for it. Just don't sing along with him if you don't want to ruin your public image.
Mr. Slumbus:
You get a memo from Mr. Slumbus, the Chairman of the Committee for Safer Working Conditions, requesting your presence at the Occupational Safety and Health Conference this weekend. This isn't supposed to be fun. Are you willing to go?
Hint: Safer is better! This event is packed with good stuff. The employee morale and reputation boosters can really help your company. Like most encounters though, there is a slight chance things will backfire on you, so be forewarned.
Mr. Tubs:
You get a quickly scribbled note from Mr. Tubs, a multi-millionaire who made his fortune financing the Magnetoponic Thermal Generator. Mr. Tubs asks if you'd like to schedule a meeting this week at the Molten Cafe, an elegant and exorbitant eatery in the business district. Are you interested?
Hint: It's good to meet with him. He'll offer you various investment opportunities. Some turn out to be great, while others aren't so hot. Just remember to invest in building a new tunnel as well as buying out an undervalued Surface World company. Don't invest in a new Surface World business or in a new hotel in Slagonia.
Mr. Quax:
Mr. Quax, the biggest landlord in Profitania, asks if you'd care to join him for lunch at the Volcanic Bazaar, a casual eatery in the business district. Do you accept?
Hint: You shouldn't miss the opportunity to see Mr. Quax. You could get a new warehouse lease or pick up some products at a bargain price. If he offers some items left by a spelunker in his warehouse, buy them. You'll be sure to make five times what you paid.
Ms. Pocy Blissom:
Ms. Pocy Blissom, the Director of Mothers of Magma, a woman's rights organization, asks if you'd care to join her for a soil-shake and Essidu Pie at the local elementary school cafeteria. Are you up for Essidu Pie?
Hint: Essidu Pie may upset your stomach, but if you agree to pass out Ms. Pocy Blissom's pamphlets or donate money to her Working Mother's Coalition, she'll volunteer to give a motivational speech at your company, which will enhance your employee morale. If you donate some money to her Children's Daycare Program or if she publicly commends your company, your reputation will rise accordingly. If you don't donate the money, your reputation will suffer. Our advice is to only accept her invitation if you need a morale booster or reputation enhancer.
Ms. Quoom:
You receive a reminder from your dentist, Ms. Quoom, about having your teeth cleaned. Nothing like a nice smile. Do you go?
Hint: If you don't go, there is a 50% chance you'll end up suffering a terrible toothache and must pay a hefty dental bill. If you go, unless Ms. Quoom cancels your appointment, she'll find something wrong with your teeth, and it'll still cost you. Going to the dentist is simply a pain in the _____.
Nacra's Cavity:
You receive an invitation from Nacra’s Cavity, the strangest place in Profitania. This den of freakish acts invites you to a night of unparalleled abnormality. Are you ready for this?
Hint: There is a 16% chance that you'll win a prize and another 16% chance that you'll wind up in the hospital. Otherwise, this is simply a strange and wacky place.
Nixi Masceel:
You receive a perfume scented greeting card from Nixi Masceel, a raw materials dealer from the Surface World with a reputation that far exceeds her. She is visiting Profitania for a few days and wants to know if you’d like to meet.
Hint: Nixi is a lot of fun! To make matters even better, there is a chance that you'll receive an expensive gift from her.
No Kundrum (Holy Lands):
The No Kundrum tribe, one of the few native subterranean peoples who still follow their traditional way of life, invites you to come to their Holy Lands and celebrate a special cultural event with them. Are you interested?
Hint: Make sure to join their celebration. There is a good chance you'll receive some generous gifts. If they ask you to do them a favor, make sure to agree. You'll be amply rewarded.
Nupre Mati Temple:
You receive a flier from the Nupre Mati Temple asking you to come to their next Prayer Meeting. Are you ready to pray?
Hint: Chanting Bowcolic Hymns usually helps to increase your luck, even if the priests do not tell you so. The Nupre Mati Elders can also bless you and increase your luck. When you donate some money to the Temple, your luck also goes up. However, if you end up visiting the Temple on the Day of the Purple Worm, you are cursed.
Nupre Mati Unction:
You receive an invitation to the Nupre Mati Unction, a religious event that involves dunking your head in a vat of cooking oil. This is not the most pleasant religious holiday, but it will help your standing in the Nupre Mati Community. Do you show up?
Hint: By all means, go for it. There is a 16% chance you'll get the highest blessing, and there's another 16% chance you'll get a small blessing. In exchange for a donation, they'll also give you a small blessing. However, if they tell you that you are radiating with negative energy, you are bound for bad luck.
Old Friend:
You receive a letter from an old friend, who says she just wants to talk. In the past, you've had some rough times with this friend. Do you really want to see her again?
Hint: This old friend could turn out to be annoying or quite nice. If she is nice, you should accept her apology. By doing so, she'll be so happy that she'll get you an expensive gift. However, if she offers you some bonds, don't buy them. You'll lose money if you do.
Old Friend of a Friend:
An old friend of a friend, who happens to be visiting Profitania, asks to stay at your home for a few days. Do you feel like acting as a tour guide?
Hint: This friend of a friend could turn out to be a real jerk or a wonderful person. You may wind up being terribly annoyed or showered with gifts.
Palace of Lost Pride:
The Palace of Lost Pride is where everyone goes for a good cry when they have a broken heart. For some unknown reason, this resort of misery offers you a free pass. Are you interested?
Hint: By helping these depressed souls, your reputation may increase. If you happen to find Elba Fiasco, you'll get your insurance premiums lowered by 10%. You can also reap some valuable gifts. All in all, this event won't leave you with tears in your eyes.
Plinge:
Plinge, a master schmoozer, asks if you'd like to go clubbing with him. He plans to hit all the hot spots in Profitania this weekend and could introduce you to some mega-contacts. If you love to network, this is your chance. Do you go?
Hint: Clubbing with Plinge is a good way to boost your reputation. After all, he's a master at schmoozing. Plinge may even get Sweet Vibration to give a free concert or Gully Two Shoes to give a free show for your employees. If you meet up with Fusio, don't buy into his offer. There is also a 16% chance Plinge will wimp out and decide not to go.
Products for Sale (Suspicious):
If you are offered the chance to purchase some suspicious products, what do you do?
Hint: There is a 25% chance that the products will turn into a headache, and your reputation will plunge. Even if this doesn't happen, there's no guarantee that the quality of the products will be what you expect. No matter what the seller says, the actual quality can turn out anywhere between 1% to 100%. You must take this into consideration before deciding to purchase the goods.
Products for Sale (Legitimate):
If you are offered the opportunity to purchase some legitimate products, what do you do?
Hint: If you find the deal appealing, by all means, go for it!
Profitanian Heritage Society:
The Profitanian Heritage Society, the oldest and most exclusive club in Profitania, extends a limited two-day pass to you. This is an unusual courtesy considering the P.H.S. has a reputation as the most snobbish, stuffy and conceited society in Profitania. Do you accept their offer?
Hint: If you are lucky, you may get a valuable ancient coin or a silver plaque. If you are not so lucky, you could damage your reputation.
Profitanian Marketing Sweepstakes:
You receive a package telling you all about how you can win a lot of gems in the Profitanian Marketing Sweepstakes if you complete the questionnaire. Do you take the time to fill it out?
Hint: There is a 16% chance that you will win if you take the time to fill it out. Remember that this is a much greater chance than you have of winning the lottery in real life.
Profitanian Workers Party:
The Profitanian Workers Party asks you to join their union meeting this weekend to show your support of labor and labor-related issues. Do you go?
Hint: It's nice to get in touch with your workers. If you want to enhance your employee morale or do something about their salaries, this is the place to go. You may even get your employees to lower their salary by 10%. If you are asked to donate some money or give to a one-time emergency slush fund, you'd better give the money. Otherwise, your employee morale will tumble.
Raw Materials for Sale (Suspicious):
If you are offered the chance to purchase some suspicious raw materials, what do you do?
Hint: There is a 33% chance things will go wrong. If this happens, your reputation will suffer. Even if nothing terrible happens, there is no guarantee that the quality of the raw materials will be what you expect. No matter what the seller says, the actual quality can turn out anywhere between 1% to 100% and the actual value of the raw materials can be anywhere between 100 gems to 500 gems per unit.
Raw Materials for Sale (Legitimate):
If you are offered the chance to purchase some legitimate raw materials, what do you do?
Hint: If you find the deal appealing, by all means, go for it! If the materials aren’t right for the products you want to manufacture, you can always sell them back.
Reconciliation Council:
The Reconciliation Council, a pacifist group that supports an end to hostilities between the Slagonians and Profitanians, asks if you would participate in a rally this weekend. They are pressuring the Illustrious Op to unilaterally disarm and give back all territory won in the Great Slag Wars. Do you participate in this rally?
Hint: This is basically a harmless event. After all, they are pacifists. There is also a 16% chance of receiving a valuable gift.
Richita Smarles III:
Richita Smarles III, one of Profitania's leading dilettantes, asks if you'd consider joining her for an evening at the Gray Matter, a trendy underground society, which is home to Profitania's most notorious artistic dabblers and pseudo-intellectuals. Do you want to enrich your life with idle chat for one evening?
Hint: This can be an amusing event, but it won't make you either rich or poor.
Silent Faction:
You receive a harsh warning from the Silent Faction, a Slagonian extremist group. They threaten to ruin your main factory if you have any dealings with the Terra Firma, their archenemies.
Hint: Don't worry too much about the threat. You simply can't go about living in fear.
Slagonian Dignitary:
You receive a note from a visiting Slagonian Dignitary asking if you'd like to stop by the embassy and have a chat. Are you in the mood for politics?
Hint: This event has both good and bad results. All I can say is "Be careful!"
Slag Sisterhood:
The Slag Sisterhood, a group of local Slag sympathizers, invites you to join one of their secret cell meetings this weekend. Are you interested in going?
Hint: If an anti-Slag reporter shows up at the meeting or if you participate in a demonstration, your reputation will dip. You may also be asked for a donation. If you donate the money, your reputation will go up, but if you don't, it will fall. There is a 16% chance that the Slag Sisterhood will offer you a good deal for your raw materials.
Society of Pontification (Blister):
The Society of Pontification extends a special invitation to come and listen to Blister, a madman who sits on burning hot rocks and screams out nonsense. Many, including the Pontificationists, believe that the words of Blister can predict the future. Are you curious enough to go?
Hint: If you want to try to interpret a quote from Blister, go ahead. Just don't expect any help from our technical support center.
Spelunker’s Association (Massacre Depths):
The Spelunker’s Association asks if you'd care to join an expedition heading down to the Massacre Depths. This could be quite dangerous, but you also stand the chance of recovering valuable artifacts and even treasure. Because you are their guest, it will cost you nothing. Are you the adventurous type?
Hint: This can be a scary place, but on average, you'll gain more than you'll lose.
Spelunker’s Association (Picaroon Gap):
The Spelunker’s Association invites you to join an expedition into the Picaroon Gap, an area known as a hideout for smugglers, pirates and brigands. You may come back with some amazing treasures, but you also may not come back at all. Do you want to risk this adventure?
Hint: Be brave and go for it! There is a 50% chance of making money, while the chance for losing money is 33%. These are pretty good odds.
Squargil:
You receive a letter from Squargil, a former Tunnelling Champion who was injured in a cave-in. Since his accident, Squargil has gained 2,000 pounds, making him the heaviest Profitanian alive today. Squargil asks if you'd like to join him for a snack in his cavern. Do you mind putting on a few pounds?
Hint: Squargil may eat too much, but he isn't a bad guy to visit. There's a chance that he'll be so grateful for your friendship that he'll give you an expensive gift. Also, if you help him sell his furniture, you'll be well rewarded.
Stalactite League:
The Stalactite League invites you to come and watch the gradual formation of a stalactite in real time. It is recommended that you drink a lot of coffee before attempting this type of endeavor. How about it?
Hint: This might not be your idea of a fun hobby, but if you happen to sit next to Mr. Quax, you could get a new warehouse lease. You may also come up with a new cost saving idea that will increase your efficiency rebate greatly. However, don't buy any ancient Profitanian relics.
Sweet Vibrations:
Sweet Vibrations, a former hairdresser who started his own band called the Eruptions and is now the hottest star in Profitania, drops you a note about his next big bash at The Antechamber, the hippest night club in Profitania. Are you feeling groovy?
Hint: You've gotta go. You may even end up meeting with Uncle Crinkle or with Lia Lush, and they may offer you a good deal. You could also get lucky and have your reputation or employee morale boosted. Even if you are not blessed with good karma, nothing bad will come out of going to the Antechamber with this invitation.
Talk at the Slag Quarters:
You are invited to give a talk on the benefits of full integration. The talk will be held in the Slag Quarters, home to Profitania’s Slag population. The Quarters are filled with exiles from Slagonia who hold menial jobs and barely make enough to get by. Do you want to donate your time to them?
Hint: If you support the Slags, you'll be sure to get on the Terra Firma's bad list. You could even have your factory bombed. However, on the bright side, you could receive a valuable statue from the Slags. You have to decide to do what you think is right.
Tarmak:
You receive a communication from Tarmak an ex-assault trooper in the Profitanian IV Brigade. Tarmak is now working as a personal body guard for the Illustrious Op and asks if you'd like to chow down with him at Luscious Manor, the home of the Op. Are you in the mood for some war stories?
Hint: I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to get together with Tarmak. If he offers to sell you something, buy it. If he asks you to loan him some money, give him the money. These are good investments. If he wants to explore, go with him. You may find something worthwhile. However, if he asks for sponsorship, don't bother to help. It's not worth it.
Terra Firma:
You receive a threat from the Terra Firma, an anti-Slagonian extremist group. They say they'll ruin your factory if you ever dare to make contact or in any way associate yourself with any pro-Slagonian groups.
Hint: Don't worry too much about the threat. You've got to do what you feel is right.
Terra Firma (Field Operations):
The Terra Firma, an anti-Slag extremist group, sends you a memorandum demanding that you do your patriotic duty and join their militia. Despite the Illustrious Op's ban on civilian militias, the Terra Firma is training a civilian army in case of a Slag invasion of Profitania. They claim the Illustrious Op is too soft on the Slags and should declare war immediately. Do you join this weekend's field operations?
Hint: By getting involved with the Terra Firma, you'll end up exposing yourself to some unpleasant realities. The Terra Firma may even force you to give them some money or sign an oath of allegiance, which will damage your company's reputation.
Tuelly Feg:
You get a message from Tuelly Feg, the leading Tunnelling Champion in all of Profitania. He invites you to his Dig-Off this weekend down in the Green Tunnel Estates. Not a bad one, eh?
Hint: Half of the time nothing happens. However, if you are lucky, you may be able to meet up with someone and get a warehouse full of products for a bargain price. And it's all legal!
Uncle Crinkle:
You receive a dispatch from Crinkle Construction. Uncle Crinkle would like to meet with you and discuss business. Do you want to talk to good old Uncle Crinkle?
Hint: Go talk to him. You may get a great deal. If you give him some money when he needs it, he'll give you an expansion permit in exchange. If he shows you an old, broken pot, take it. It is an ancient relic worth quite a lot.
Venture Capitalist:
A venture capitalist asks you to lunch at the Molten Cafe, an elegant and exorbitant eatery in the business district. Do you want to go?
Hint: If you are unlucky you could get stuck with a hefty restaurant bill. If you are lucky, you may receive a valuable gift.
Visiting Wholesaler:
A visiting wholesaler from the Surface World asks if you'd care to meet for dinner at the Molten Cafe, an elegant and exorbitant eatery in the business district. Do you want to go?
Hint: This is an interesting event, and it can pay off.
Weedel Worm:
Weedel Worm, a notoriously obnoxious personality, happens to own one of the biggest retail chains in Profitania. He asks if you'd care to come see his newest store. Do you enjoy sales pitches?
Hint: You may benefit by receiving a reputation boost or some sort of funding. However, it can be tiresome to associate with this worm. Also, there is a chance that your reputation will plunge if you're not nice to him.
Widow Bod:
You receive a monogrammed letter from Widow Bod. She is the eccentric wife of the infamous serial murderer, Hortin Bod, who was executed 17 years ago. For some unknown reason she wants to talk to you. All you know is that she is fond of making passionate speeches on the Profitanian justice system. Do you agree to talk to her?
Hint: If Widow Bod brings muffins and asks you to take a bite, go ahead and bite. She'll be so thrilled that you like her muffins that she'll give you a valuable gift. However, if she asks you to sign a petition or to move into her mansion, don't agree. If you do, it will backfire and your reputation will slide. Basically, Widow Bod is quite harmless, but associating with the wives of serial killers isn't always a good idea.
W.W. Coose:
You receive a quickly scrawled note from W.W. Coose, the leader of the giant Surface World conglomerate, Creation Inc. W.W. Coose is not one to take no for an answer and practically orders you to come to his office. Do you agree to meet with him?
Hint: The good outweighs the bad. You stand a chance of getting either cash or some raw materials at a bargain price. If Coose asks you for a loan, you must either give him the money or suffer a reputation bruiser.
BONUS KEYS (CHEATS)
We don't like the idea of simply allowing players to increase their cash to astronomical amounts with the press of a button, so don't expect this kind of help. Instead, we have added bonus keys that, if used properly, will give you an edge over your competitors. However, they are not so powerful as to completely warp the game-play.
Storage Bonus Key:
While inside the Storage menu, you can return a selected raw material by clicking on the SELL BACK button. If you are playing the TUTORIAL game, you will receive a full refund, and the bonus key is disabled. However, on the higher levels, you will only get half your money back, and the bonus can help. By pressing Ctrl-S, you can randomly increase the amount you will receive when returning raw materials. This bonus is a useful way to cut your losses if you have excess raw materials and you need to free up some storage space.
Construction Bonus Key:
While inside the Crinkle Construction menu, you can press Ctrl-C. This will randomly generate a new construction cost. We recommend using this bonus if the original cost of construction is high. In this case, there is a strong chance that you will save some money. However, if the cost of construction is already low, we don't recommend using this bonus. It just may backfire on you.
Price Bonus Key:
While inside the Commodity Exchange menu, you can press Ctrl-P to randomly generate a new price for every raw material available. You should only use this bonus key if there is nothing worth purchasing and you want to try your luck with a completely random price. Sometimes this will pay off and other times you'll get stuck with a high price for everything.
Quality Bonus Key:
While inside the Commodity Exchange menu, you can press Ctrl-Q to randomly generate a new quality for all of the raw materials. This may result in a great deal. However, it's a gamble. By pressing Ctrl-Q, you are committing yourself to whatever random quality comes up, and you could get stuck with nothing but garbage. We recommend using this bonus key only when there is nothing worth buying.
THE END