Pax Autocratica Colony Building: Layouts, Economy & Rebellion Prevention
Optimal base layouts, resource chains, the 20% surplus rule, and how to keep the Dissent Index in check.
Colony Building Fundamentals
Your colony is a machine. The goal is to turn a handful of survivors into a self-sustaining industrial complex that feeds your expeditions. Every building decision should reinforce the systems around it.
Optimal Base Layout Strategy
Think in zones, not in isolated buildings:
- Industrial zone — factories, drills, refineries; needs workers and raw inputs.
- Residential zone — housing near jobs to minimize transit time.
- Logistics core — Warehouse Center + Resource Transport Station in the middle.
- Security zone — prison, surveillance, indoctrination; needs guards and proximity to pop.
A common mistake is building everything independently. Think in systems and proximity: workers need food, prisoners need security, security needs manpower, weapons need factories, factories need resources.
Resource Chains and the 20% Surplus Rule
Never run a chain at exactly 100% demand. Maintain a 20% surplus on food and critical materials so that the inevitable production dip (a sick worker, a stolen hauler) doesn't cascade into starvation.
| Resource | Min Surplus | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Food | 20% | Prevents the fastest colony-killer: hunger |
| Building materials | 20% | Keeps expansion continuous |
| Ammo | 20% | Prevents dry expeditions |
The Dissent Index and Rebellion Prevention
The Dissent Index tracks collective unrest. High dissent lowers productivity and triggers revolts. Manage it through:
- Laws — Fear raises obedience but adds long-term pressure; Loyalty is slow but stable.
- Living conditions — food, healthcare, shelter stability.
- Surveillance — security infrastructure discourages open rebellion.
- Proximity — keep security near population centers.
Automation: The Three Crafting Modes
Once the Warehouse Center is up, use:
- Order Mode for one-time needs.
- Stock Mode for reserves (food, ammo).
- Continuous Mode for high-demand resources (building materials).
Growth Pacing
Don't expand faster than your Loyalty and food can support. A colony that doubles in size overnight often halves in stability. Expand one system at a time, verify stability, then grow the next.