Story bits

Story Bits are in-game events that usually feature multiple outcomes depending on the decisions made. Most Story Bits cannot happen during the Founder stage.

Story Bits can be disabled with the No Events Game Rule.

Major Story Bits

Major Story Bits start by having negative effects upon the colony and require completing an objective upon which they are turned into benefits. Some Commander Profiles have additional options to lessen certain negative effects.

Story Bit	Requirements	Objectives	Outcomes	Profiles with additional options
Cure For Cancer	Less than 100 Colonists Sponsor is USA, Europe, Paradox or Japan	Research the Cancer Research Initiative technology	+10 Morale for 5 Sols (95% chance, 90% if Doctor) +10 Morale for 5 Sols, +200 Applicants, $1000M Funding (5% chance, 10% if Doctor)	Doctor
Design Flaw	5 Wind Turbines Sols 3-40	Research Wind Turbine Redesign	Wind Turbines produce +15 Power	Politician
Dust Sickness	Dust Storm	Research Dust Sickness Cure	Dust Sickness Trait removed, $800M Funding	Doctor
Problematic MOXIE	Dust Storm	Endure the MOXIE problems until the next Disaster Research MOXIE 2.0	MOXIEs produce +2 Oxygen	Hydroengineer, Inventor
Research Cooperation	No Colonists (40% chance)	Research Analyze Space Telescope Data	+100 Sponsor Research -20% Research Outsource Cost $500M Funding	None
Stirling Generator Fault	No Colonists (40% chance)	Research Stirling Generator Cable Faults	Stirling Generators produce +25% more Power	None
The Incident	Dust Storm 2 Fusion Reactors	Research The Incident	Can construct Fusion Reactors again	Inventor, Politician
Foreigner in a Foreign Land	100 or more Colonists	Creates a Planetary Anomaly which must be explored to initiate the event Let him have a normal childhood. Treat him as any other Martianborn kid. (wait for the child to grow) [Psychologist or Doctor] Become his tutor and help him unfold his potential. (wait for the child to grow, while trying to learn something from him) Gain information using hypnosis and other scientific methods. (unlock new techs, the child may be traumatized) Send him to Earth. Let our Sponsor handle this. (gain 3000 Research)	25% of colonists become Religious. Unlocks multiple options: Mike means only good. Let him do whatever he deems necessary. (50% of Religious colonists get -40 Morale for 20 Sols, 2 Colonists become Saints. 50% chance Mike is killed.) [Politican or Futurist] Forbid his new religion, but secretly support him. (25% of Religious colonists get -40 Morale for 20 Sols, 2 become Saints) The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Banish Mike to keep the peace. (Mike is sent to Earth, 25% of Security Officers gain 10 Morale for 20 Sols) 10% chance to discover a Breakthrough; 40% chance to discover 3 new technologies; 50% chance to gain 3000 Research. 50% chance to gain a Social tech; 50% chance to discover one each of Physics, Biotech, and Social techs; Mike disappears Gain 3000 Research
Treasure Hunt	Investigating a Planetary Anomaly	Research The Cypher Investigate the X Marks the Spot Planetary Anomaly	2 Arcology prefabs, 1 Hanging Gardens prefab and 1 Network Node prefab (25% chance) 100 Food and +20 Morale for 10 Sols (25% chance) 50 Electronics, 50 Machine Parts and 50 Polymers (25% chance) $1,000M Funding (25% chance)	Futurist

Breakthrough Story Bits

These are special Story Bits that are unlocked only when a certain Breakthrough technology is already researched.

Story Bit	Requirements	Objectives	Outcomes	Profiles with additional options
Blank Slate	Space Rehabilitation		[Blue Sun Corporation] Remind them of their contracts. (-10 Morale for 5 Sols) [$500M] Financial stimulus for the best! (lose 20 applicants, gain 10 applicants with the Nerd or Workaholic traits) Attract desperate souls! (lose 20 applicants, gain 30 applicants with the Idiot trait)	None
Blood Music	Construction Nanites Stem Reconstruction	Research the Anomalous Genome Resequencing	5 colonists have their traits replaced by Composed, Fit and Sexy and -10 Morale every 10 Sols 30 colonists have their traits replaced by Composed, Fit and Sexy	Doctor, Ecologist, Politician
Free Will	Hive Mind 1 Renegade in Arcology 1 Arcology	Research the Violent Urges	Arcologies gain +10 Service Comfort Arcology residents gain +10 Morale for 10 Sols	Futurist, Psychologist
Total Recall	Alien Imprints	Complete the Quaid Expedition	More Water is always a good idea! (5 new 25,000 Water Deposits are revealed) Those Metal veins will help us expand for sure! (5 new 25,000 Metals Deposits are revealed) Rare Metals would always be of use! (3 new 25,000 Rare Metals Deposits are revealed)	None

Minor Story Bits

Minor Story Bits are resolved as soon as they trigger based on the decision made. Some Commander Profiles have additional options to ignore negative effects or gain additional rewards.

Story Bit	Requirements	Decisions (effects)
A Long Time Ago, in a Galaxy Far Far Away...	Omega Telescope	No response is needed. We don’t know the nature of the listener on the other side and may doom the future of the human race. (no effects) Hello there! (+20 Morale for 20 Sols) Let us learn from each other! (Breakthrough) One day, we will meet in peace. (100 applicants) [Blue Sun Corporation] It is our hope to prosper in cooperation. ($1000M Funding)
Anything For Love	Colonist without the Sexy trait	[$10M] I can't say no to a hopeless romantic. Let's have us some fireworks! (fireworks display) I will do anything for love but I won't do that. (a Colonist gets -50 Morale for 10 Sols)
Applicants Profiling	Sponsor is IMM, Brazil, SpaceY, or NewArk 50-150 Applicants	Attract as many new applicants as possible. (300 random applicants) Attract specialists. (100 specialist applicants) Attract some truly exceptional people. (a Genius, a Celebrity and a Guru applicant) We don't need more applicants, we will rely on our own Martianborn! (+10 Morale for all Martianborn for 10 Sols)
Bad Prefab	Placing a prefab (30% chance)	Let’s try to jury rig something... (fix the building but chance to lose the drone) [Politician] I demand a refund. (lose the prefab but get $400M Funding) [Inventor] Let me see the instructions... (lose the prefab but get an Electronics Factory prefab) Just leave it. (lose the prefab)
Battle Royale	VR Workshop	Sounds like a no-brainer - sell them the rights and get royalties. ($150M Funding) The game was not made with profit in mind. We should formally release it for free. (200 applicants with the Gamer trait, Colonists with the Gamer trait get +30 Morale for 10 Sols) [Paradox Interactive] We'll publish the game ourselves! ($150M Funding, earn royalties similar to the Game Developer building)
Black PR	Sponsor is IMM, SpaceY, or Brazil Below 100 Colonists	We will dare to dream! (50 Applicants) Yes, there are challenges to overcome, but humanity is ready for the ultimate test. ($500M Funding) [SpaceY] As a great man once said, humans need to be a multiplanetary species. (1 prefab of Polymer Factory, Electronics Factory and Machine Parts Factory) We would not grace them with a reply. (no effects)
Building Clogged	Extractor building Dust Storm	[1 Colonist] Send a Colonist. (70% chance a colonist dies) We’ll fix it after the storm. (the extractor stops working during the Dust Storm) Have the Drones replace the entire component. (the extractor will need 3 Electronics emergency maintenance) [Inventor] Step aside, I know regular expressions! (no effects)
Darwin Award	Idiot colonist working a Metals Extractor 25-100 Colonists	This is a tragic event. We should mourn this loss. (25% of the Colonists lose 25 Sanity) If you can't be a good example, you'll just serve as a horrible warning. (10% of the Colonists get -10 Morale for 3 Sols) [$200M] We need to invest in building an idiot-proof environment. (Colonists with the Idiot trait get +100 Morale for 5 Sols) [City Mayor] Start a donations campaign in order to improve job safety. ($200M Funding)
Dust Melancholy	At least 70 Colonists Sols 0-70 Dust Storm	That’s the reality of Mars. (-20 Comfort) We can take it easy for a couple of days. (-20 Performance during the Dust Storm) [1 Spacebar] Let's have a party! (5 Colonists gain the Alcoholic trait) [$1000M] Invest in improving communications with Earth. (Residences get +10 Comfort permanently)
Dream Addiction	Project Morpheus	This is disturbing, we have to stop Project Morpheus and reevaluate. (Project Morpheus is turned off for 2 Sols) The positive effects overshadow the negative ones, keep it running! (Project Morpheus will give the Lazy trait for 2 Sols) [Psychologist] I can see the underlying reasons for this phenomenon. (50% of the Colonists get +20 Morale for 5 Sols)
Easy Does It	Building with the Factory Automation upgrade	Not acceptable! The Colony depends on everyone doing their part. (-20 Comfort and +10 Morale for 10 Sols) No harm done, we can overlook the accident. (30% of the Colonists gain the Lazy trait)
Ethics Revisited	Sponsor is USA, Europe, Paradox or Japan More than 100 Colonists	Keeping our science one step ahead is our primary goal. Test the thesis. (research will be boosted for the next 20 Sols but 4 Colonists will die) Never approach me with such unethical suggestion again! (no effects)
Eureka	No colonists (40% chance)	Improve the performance. (+100 Sponsor Research) Focus on single topic. (Random technology) Do various optimizations. (Discover 3 technologies in a random field)
Frozen Batteries	Cold Wave At least 3 Power or Atomic Accumulators	Increase the voltage to heat the grid. (3 cable faults) Install heater units. (each Accumulator will need 2 Electronics emergency maintenance) We can manage without our Power reserves for now. (Accumulators will stop working until the end of the Cold Wave)
Fun With Fungi	At least 2 Fungal Farms	Clear it out and check that no contamination has spread. (Fungal Farms require emergency maintenance) Attempt to isolate the toxins and cultivate an edible sort. (disables all Fungal Farms for 5 Sols)
Geo Life	Geoscape Dome	Follow the protocol and sterilize the Geoscape Dome, perhaps there is an unseen danger there. (Colonists in the Geoscape Dome get -20 Moral) Observe the life cycle of the organism in the Geoscape Dome ecosystem - this is a unique opportunity to learn! (Gain 5,000 Research OR Dome closed for 5 Sols with no rewards)
Geological Treasures	The Excavator	Disable The Excavator. (The Excavator is disabled for 5 Sols, 15000 Research) Continue excavating - we need the resources. (a random amount of Geologist Colonists gain the Alcoholic trait) [ Astrogeologist ] Perhaps there is something more to be discovered there. Disable The Excavator. (The Excavator is turned off for 5 Sols, Breakthrough)
Holy Dome	10 Colonists with the Religious trait	Such a great idea! Halleluiah! (for 10 Sols Colonists with the Religious trait get +25 Morale, all others get -25 Morale) Mars is for all humans regardless of their beliefs. (for 10 Sols Colonists with the Religious trait get -25 Morale, all others get +25 Morale) [Politician] We value all members of the human race equally. (no effects) [not Church of the New Ark] This is absurd! Religion has no place on Mars. (Comfort of all Religious colonists is set to 0. Non-religious colonists get +50 Morale boost)
Leap Forward	No colonists (40% chance)	Project Mohole. (reveals the tech enabling the Wonder Mohole Mine) Dream Reality. (reveals the tech enabling the Wonder Project Morpheus) Micro Fusion. (reveals the tech enabling the Wonder Artificial Sun)
Mars Got Talent	At least 100 Colonists 5 populated Domes	I see no benefits of such a contest. It would be just a needless distraction. (-10 Morale for 10 Sols) What a splendid idea! Let's call it "A Game of Domes"! (for 10 Sols one Dome gets +10 Morale, all others get -10 Morale) [Politician] Our Colonists have survived everything Mars could throw at them. I would say they have already proven their talents! (no effects) Stream the competition to Earth and use the event to fund the colony. (for 10 Sols one Dome gets +35 Morale, all others get -25 Morale, $500M Funding)
Mars or Bust!	Colonist with the Tourist trait	Mars – just add water! (50 applicants with the Tourist trait) Making Pluto jealous since 2006. (50 applicants with the Tourist trait) Mars – better than Uranus! (50 applicants with the Tourist trait) Organize an online competition about the Martian tourism slogan! (50 applicants with the Tourist trait)
Multi-planetary Species	Sponsor is IMM, SpaceY or Brazil 1000 Colonists	This honor is not my own. All our brave colonists routinely risk their lives to make our dream a reality. (20% of the Colonists get +20 Morale for 10 Sols) Our success on Mars is a stepping stone on humanity's path towards the Cosmos! (20% of the Colonists get +20 Morale for 10 Sols) I hope we have the wisdom to avoid the mistakes of the past as we move forward. (20% of the Colonists get +20 Morale for 10 Sols) [Futurist] Human ingenuity knows no bounds. Colonizing Mars is our collective success as a species. (20% of the Colonists get +20 Morale for 10 Sols) [Psychologist] Built in the human psyche is that no veil will be left unlifted, no secret will remain unknown. (20% of the Colonists get +20 Morale for 10 Sols)
Mutual Interests	Below 100 Colonists Below $300M Funding	We are not in the position to bargain. Agree to their terms. ($2000M Funding, -10% Export Prices) [Oligarch] Heh, I know them. We offer 5% commission and their secrets will remain such. ($2000M Funding, -5% Export Prices) These vultures want to take advantage of us. Decline! (no effects)
New Messiah	(At least 1 rival colony?)	Our colony respects the freedom of religious views. (gain a Guru and 12 Religious Renegade Colonists; +25 Standing) You shall not pass! Access denied. (lose 10% Religious Colonists, -25 Standing [not Church of the New Ark] We will accept their teachings as our official religion. (25% of all Religious become Renegades, gain a Guru and 12 Religious Colonists) [Church of the New Ark] Nobody expects the Martian Inquisition! (gain a Saint and two Religious Colonists)
Party!	Sols 0-80	I expect the maintenance and efficiency reports on my desk by 1100 local time. (+10 Morale for 10 Sols) What is this, a party? Who gave you permission? (+10 Morale for 10 Sols) Smile and wave, then leave them have it their way. (all Colonists get +15 Comfort) The secret booze stash is in this locker. (all Colonists get +15 Comfort) How unprofessional! You call this dancing? Let me show you! (all Colonists get +15 Comfort)
Rapid Expansion	No colonists (40% chance)	Sure, we can use a new Transport! (Supply Pod with an RC Transport) I prefer financial aid. ($500M Funding) [Transport Optimization not researched] Why not improve the Transport technology instead? (Transport Optimization technology)
Refugee Crisis	Map Mystery is not The Last War	We will grant asylum to some of the refugees. (10 Colonists with the Refugee trait, $200M Funding) We will grant asylum to as many as we can. (30 Colonists with the Refugee trait, $200M Funding, -5 Morale for 20 Sols) Mars is not a place for untrained civilians. (-15 Morale for 20 Sols) [Politician] Let me make a tweet to distract the journalists! (no effects)
Rocket Launch Failed	Colonists Launching a Rocket	Perform the maintenance. (the Rocket requires 5 Machine Parts) [Inventor] I think the issue is software-related. (safe launch) Launch the Rocket and repair it back on Earth. (20% chance to lose the Rocket and get -20 Morale for 5 Sols)
Rocket Malfunction	At least 2 Rockets Sols 10-200	Attempt the landing with full payload. (30% chance the rocket will explode) Jettison the payload, then land. (safe landing but cargo is lost) [Rocket Scientist] Activate manual control, I can land this one safely. (rocket will land safely with cargo)
RockScape	$100M Funding	Rock'n'Roll, baby! (+25 Morale for 10 Sols, 3 Dome Fractures) We have enough troubles. Don't rock the boat I say. (no effects) [City Mayor] We will need to prepare a Dome to withstand the noise levels an event like this suggests. (+25 Morale for 10 Sols)
Splinters of Mars	Colonist with the Tourist trait	Mars belongs to all humans! Free rocks for everyone! (a rocket arrives to export 200 Waste Rock, 5 Colonists gain the Enthusiast trait) Mars is not a commodity! (no effects) We should totally export Martian rocks! (a rocket arrives to export 200 Waste Rock, $250M Funding) [Oligarch] Why ordinary rocks? Colonists can sign them and we can sell them as souvenirs! (a rocket arrives to export 200 Waste Rock, $750M Funding)
The Dispute	At least 1 Engineer Colonist At least 1 Scientist Colonist	[not Inventor] The Scientist's work enables the Engineer to do theirs. (for 10 Sols Scientists get +10 Morale and Engineers get -15 Morale) [not Hydroengineer] The Engineer puts to practice the theories of the Scientist. (for 10 Sols Engineers get +10 Morale and Scientists get -15 Morale) What the...this is ridiculous! Both roles are vital! (for 5 Sols Engineers and Scientists get -15 Morale) [Politician] Engineers and Scientists, like all others on Mars, are parts of a single working system. All our roles are irreplaceable. (no effects)
The Bomb	After Founders Stage	What's this? Some kind of a joke? Disregard. (no effects) The Colony can use the additional funding. Answer "YES". (Creates a meteor storm and dust storm, gain funding (up to 5,000M)) Follow the message and identify the sender. Do it now! (no effects)
The Experiment	At least 1 Scientist Colonist	Innovation is always welcome! Go ahead – test it near a Dome. (1500 Research, Dust Devil Disaster near a Dome, 50% chance a Colonist gains the Genius trait) Sounds intriguing but I’d rather play it safe. Test it somewhere far away. (1500 Research, Dust Devil Disaster near a Dome) Enough crazy for today. Please, leave my office. (no effects)
The Lost Guru	Colonist with the Guru trait	Talent is one part gift and five parts hard work. (Guru Colonist gains the Enthusiast or Workaholic traits) Some say that the meaning of life is to have fun. (Guru Colonist gains the Party Animal or Gamer traits) People need someone to make them see light in the dark days. (Guru Colonist gains the Composed or Rugged traits) Sometimes the answer is inside of us, but we ask for advice instead. (Guru Colonist gains the Fit or Hippie traits)
The Martian Trail	?	Discover the new Special Project: "Contract Exploration Access". It can be completed multiple times to gain Funding.
The Watcher	?	Send a colonist on a shuttle to investigate. (Answer a riddle - correct answer gains 10,000 RP - the wrong answer loses a colonist) Jam the signal and carry on. (Nothing)
Twin Peeks	No colonists (40% chance)	A beautiful Vista, how could we have missed it before? (Vista, Remote Martian Laboratory Planetary Anomaly) A promising opportunity for a Research Site. (Research Site, Remote Martian Laboratory Planetary Anomaly) An underground water deposit. (5000 Water deposit, Remote Martian Laboratory Planetary Anomaly)
Food Fight	Founder Stage Completed	Mars food will always be Bio and Organic! (Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall +20 Service Comfort) Give the permission to WcRonalds. (Food import cost reduced by -100%. Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall -30 Service Comfort) Give the permission to Burglar King. (Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall construction cost reduced -100%. Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall -30 Service Comfort) [Oligarch] Let them compete, take bids from both! (Food import cost reduced by -100%. Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall construction cost reduced -100%. Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall -30 Service Comfort)
Food Fight: Stomach Struggle	Options 2, 3, or 4 of food fight	Abandon all hope... (5 colonists leave) [Politician] Pull some strings to set things right. (Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall comfort +30) [$500M] Sign a new contract with better terms. (Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall comfort +30) [5 celebrities] Gather activist support with an online campaign. (Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall comfort +30) [10 Vegan] Vegan hunger strike! (Diner, Grocer, Small Grocer, Mega Mall comfort +30. Vegans lose -20 health and -20 sanity)

Renegades Story Bits

Renegades Story Bits can take place at any point as long as enough Colonists have the Renegade trait and certain buildings are constructed.

Story Bit	Renegades	Building requirements	Decisions (effects)
Gears of Crime	1 or more Engineer	1 or more Factories	Great stuff... (All Factories closed for repairs after sabotage.)
Street King	1 Youth	2 or more Factories	Clean up all factories and make sure this doesn't happen again. (emergency maintenance for all Factories) > Each repair for each Factory costs 3 instead of the normal maintenance amount. We can't stop the factories right now. The workers will have to tolerate the drawings. (all factory workers lose -15 Morale for 10 Sols) Use a Rover as a trap and attempt to catch the leader. (lose one Rover) A Renegade gains the Guru trait.
Hostage Situation	1	1 or more Casino Complex	[$550M] An explosive will endanger the entire Dome. Give them what they want. (Renegade Colonist dies) We will not negotiate with terrorists. Denied! (the Casino Complex explodes) [$550M] Send the money but apprehend the suspect as they head towards the Rover. (Renegade Colonist dies)
Justice	1 Senior	1 or more Security Stations	This kind of behaviour doesn't suit their station. Punish the Officers. (Security Station workers get -35 Morale for 10 Sols) The Officers were doing their jobs. No punishment is necessary. (10 Colonists gain the Renegade trait) Close all Security Stations for 5 Sols for retraining. This must never happen again. (Security Stations are disabled for 5 Sols)
The Grip of the Lawless	10	1 Spacebar	So it has come to this - our first executions on another world. Humanity will never change. (2 Renegades die, the rest gain -10 Sanity) Never! Mars shall not be sullied by capital punishment. (Renegades leave on next Rocket, -40 Morale for 10 Sols)
Health Care, who Cares?	10	3 or more Infirmaries	Another day of life... on Mars. (Infirmaries are disabled for 5 Sols) [5 Officer Colonists] Send in officers to disperse the crowd. (-35 Morale for 15 Sols)
Turf Wars	20	1 or more Domes	Let them fight it out. We won't risk the lives of our Officers for this. (9 Renegades die) Send in the Officers. We don't need open gang warfare in our fragile habitats. (3 Renegades and 3 Officers die) [$100M] Pay off the leaders of the gangs to abandon these plans. (no effects)

Sanity Breakdown Story Bits

Each time a Colonist suffers a Sanity Breakdown there is a chance to trigger a Story Bit.

Story Bit	Requirements	Decisions (effects)
Hello Darkness, My Old Friend	Colonist with 0 Sanity. Status: Unable To Work	Who am I to judge? (no change) [ 1 Infirmary ] I would suggest seeking professional help. (No effect / remove status Unable To Work / Colonist dies) 40% / 30% / 30% chance [ Psychologist ] Together we could find the answer why the previous self was unwanted. (remove status Unable To Work 75% / 25% chance)
Violent Delights	None	Send colonists to take the maniac down! (5 Colonists lose 20 Health, 30% chance a colonist dies) Send Drones to take the maniac down! (lose 3 Drones) [15 Officer Colonists] Send security Officers to apprehend the maniac! (no effects)
Witness Me!	1 or more RC vehicles	That building, you see it? Charge! (a building is ruined) That Dome, that’s where they hide! (a dome receives 3 Fractures) Listen to my voice, calm down, no need for violence! (50% chance an RC vehicle is destroyed) [Psychologist] Think happy thoughts, little Joe! (no effects)
The Luddite Vibe	1 or more Drone Hubs	We cannot afford to lose the Hub! (a Colonist dies) Forget about the building, save the colonist! (a Drone Hub is ruined)
Fhtagn! Fhtagn!	Colonist has the Saint trait	Expel the false prophet! (the Saint Colonist leaves, -10 Morale for 10 Sols) Let’s wait it out. (Religious Colonists gain the Coward trait) [Church of the New Ark] Condemn the false teachings. (no effects)
Nuts and Bolts	Colonist has the Biorobot trait	We all have bad moments, be it biorobot or human. (Biorobot recovers, Colonists lose 30 Comfort, Biorobots get +20 Morale for 20 Sols) Biorobots were created to complement our weaknesses. Reprogram it! (Biorobot recovers but loses all Traits, Biorobots get -20 Morale for 20 Sols)
Vagrancies of Fame	Colonist has the Celebrity trait	Ban the upload. (-10 Morale for 10 Sols) Let it happen. (Celebrity Colonist dies) This is a valuable display of social criticism! (50% chance Celebrity Colonist dies)

Prototype Story Bits

Prototype Story Bits can take place once a certain technology has been discovered but not researched.

Story Bit	Discovered technology	Decisions (effects)
Prototype Medium Dome	Low-G Engineering	Let them try! (-30% generated research for 5 Sols, 60% chance to get the building as a prefab and 10% research progress towards the technology) [Inventor] Join the project yourself. (-30% generated research for 5 Sols, guaranteed to get the building as a prefab and 10% research progress towards the technology) Deny the request. (-5% Morale for all Scientists for 10 Sols)
Prototype Reactor	Nuclear Fusion
Prototype Scrubber	Triboelectric Scrubbing

Space Race Story Bits

Space Race Story Bits require Rival Colonies to be present on Mars. Many of them also require a certain Standing with one of the Rival Colonies.

Story Bit	Rival Colonies	Standing	Other requirements	Decisions (effects)
Armageddon	At least 2	Any	Landed Rocket	We can't stay idle and leave our fellow Martians to die. Fire the rocket! (lose the Rocket, Meteor Storm, +50 Standing, Electronics and Polymers once disaster ends) I am responsible for the lives of our colonists and can't put them in danger. I am sorry. (Rival Colony is destroyed)
The New Guys	Below 3	Any	Colonists	They have no chance. Send a team of experts to help. (lose 10 Colonists, new Rival Colony with 50 Standing) Wish them luck. They are going to need it. (no effects)
Asylum	Any	> 90	None	Ignore the message, make sure no one knows about it. (no effects) Bring him in. Maybe he'll be worth some reward if returned. ($500M Funding, -20 morale for 20 Sols) What could have made him take this perilous trip? Grant Still Osbourne asylum. (random technology, +20 Morale for 20 Sols, -100 Standing with the Rival Colony)
Bad Joke	Any	< -50	None	Start operation "Totally Not Dust Storm" - send it back and drop it over one of their Domes. (-25 Standing with the Rival Colony, +20 Morale for 10 Sols) Contact all colonies and make a stern statement. (+10 Standing with all Rival Colonies, -20 Morale for 10 Sols) Do nothing. Reacting to such a stupid joke would be beneath us. (+25 Standing with the Rival Colony, -20 Morale for 10 Sols)
Carnival	Any	< 60	Colonist with the Tourist trait	Move along, people! We have a planet to colonize. (lose 20% of the Colonists with Gambler or Gamer trait, +25 Standing with the Rival Colony) Nice carnival! It would be such a pity if something bad happened. (-5 Morale for 10 Sols, -25 Standing with the Rival Colony) [$400M] Let's have a carnival of our own! (50 applicants with the Tourist trait) [Brazil] Amateurs! We'll show them what a real Carnival looks like. (50 applicants with the Tourist trait, 25 applicants with the Sexy trait) [Europe] We'll organize a Drone corrida! (lose 2 Drones, 50 applicants with the Tourist trait)
Cold Machines	At least 2	Any	4 Drones	Of course we will ring the bell on this one. Inform the UN. (-15 Standing with all Rival Colonies, -30% Funding for Rival Colonies) No one was killed, fortunately. Just make sure our Drones are better protected from now on. (no effects)
Corporate Warfare	Any	< -60	None	Everyone is free to pursue happiness for themselves and their family. (lose 40% Colonists without specialization, +25 Standing with the Rival Colony) There is a special contractual clause that stops them from leaving. (Colonists without specialization get -25 Morale for 10 Sols, -25 Standing with the Rival Colony) [$250M] Outbid the rivals. Money solves all problems. (no effects) [Blue Sun Corporation] There is no honor among thieves. (20 Colonists) [SpaceY] Two can play this game! (10 Colonists, 5 Drones)
Cyber War	At least 2	< -40	None	No need, just hinder their production. (Rival Colony loses advanced resources) Share the story with Earth. (Rival Colony loses Colonists and Funding, -30 Standing with all Rival Colonies) Warn them - this could be embarrassing for us all. (+35 Standing with the Rival Colony) Anyone up for some good old blackmailing? ($1000M Funding, -50 Standing with the Rival Colony)
Disease	Any	< 60	None	Send medical workers to help contain the outbreak. (lose 40% Medic Colonists, +25 Standing with the Rival Colony) Seal the gates! Establish quarantine. (-5 Morale for 10 Sols, -25 Standing with the Rival Colony) Accept some refugees under strict medical supervision. (20 Colonists, 10% of all Colonists gain the Chronic Condition trait) [Japan] Send Drones operated by our Medics. (lose 2 Drones and 10% Medic Colonists, +5 Morale for 10 Sols) [Russia] Send trained Officers to help restore order. (temporarily lose 5 Officer Colonists, they will return with the Introvert, Rugged and Survivor traits)
Dumping	At least 1?	???	???	They can't keep this up for long. We can wait. ( Rare Metals price -25% for 20 Sols, +25 Standing) [$100M] We can organize some stock market shenanigans to press them. (-25 Standing) We can work out a barter deal with our trade partners. ( Rare Metals price -25% and advanced resources price -20% for 20 Sols) [International Mars Mission] Isn't that cute! We can easily dump the prices even lower! ( Rare Metals price -50% for 10 Sols and then +25% for next 10 Sols) [China] No problems! China's great market will buy anything we sell! (no consequences)
Elevated Access	Any	Any	Space Elevator	Of course, let our brothers and sisters on Mars benefit from our success. (+30 Standing with all Rival Colonies, Rival Colonies develop 10% faster) Fair enough. But business is business. Charge 'em. ($2000M Funding, Rival Colonies develop 10% faster) The Space Elevator is our achievement. Request denied! (-25 Standing with all Rival Colonies)
Famine	Any	< 60	None	Send some of our Botanists to help. Teach a man to fish... (lose 40% Botanist Colonists, +25 Standing with the Rival Colony) No one said that surviving Mars is easy. We can't spare these specialists. (-5 Morale for 10 Sols, -25 Standing with the Rival Colony) Invite over some of them. We can feed everyone. (10 Colonists with the Glutton trait) [India] Send some of our people to teach them. (lose 40% Colonists with the Vegan trait, +5 Morale for 10 Sols) [Church of the New Ark] Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. (20 Colonists with the Religious and Glutton traits)
Gaming Tournament	At least 1?	???	???	Surviving Mars is not a game! (lose 40% of Gamers, +25 Standing) [$250M] We can make out own gaming tournament! (gain 10 Gamer colonists, -25 Standing) We'll gather a team to participate and try to take the grand reward! (Gamer Colonists have a chace to lose or gain 25 Morale for 10 Sols) [Paradox Interactive, $400M] We'll make a Game Design Tournament instead! (gain 10 Enthusiast Gamer Colonists, all gamers gain 25 Morale for 10 Sols) [Japan, $250M] Let's see if they can compete with our low-G giant fighting robot competition! (lose 3 Drones, gain 50 Tourist and 10 Engineer Enthusiast Applicants)
Grudge	2 or more Rival Colonies	???	???	5 colonists are killed when this event triggers. Just fix the problem. We cannot afford more research setbacks. (no Outsource/Sponsor research for 5 Sols) Yes, fix the problem, but also find out who is responsible. We must know our enemies! (no Outsource/Sponsor research for 15 Sols. Discover the culprit)
Grudge (aftermath)	2 or more Rival Colonies	???	Option 2 in the Grudge Story bit.	[$500M] We can't let this go unpunished. Set aside funds and wait for the perfect opportunity. (should the opportunity ever arise, and it may not, you will be able to exact revenge.) - Later on, provides another decision: It was so long ago, and things are different now. Abort! We will never forget the lives they have taken from us. Go ahead! (rival colony is destroyed) We cannot concern ourselves with petty squabbles. Our mission is too important. (no effect?)
Immortal Engines	Any	< 60	Colonist with the Hippie trait Colonist with the Nerd trait	This is ridiculous! It just can't work. (10 Colonists with the Hippie trait) This is the future! We will consider starting such project. (10 Colonists with the Nerd trait) [Paradox Interactive] Don't worry! We are secretly working on such a project already. (20 Colonists with the Enthusiast and Hippie traits)
Industrial Espionage	Any	< 60	None	Okay, but there is a contractual penalty for failure to fulfill obligations. (lose 20% Scientist Colonists, +25 Standing with the Rival Colony) See the small print on this contract? They can't leave. (Scientists get -25 Morale for 10 Sols, -25 Standing with the Rival Colony) Okay, but they must send back secret reports of their work. Mutually assured deception! (lose 40% Scientist Colonists, -2% Research cost in a random field) [China] Send some of our Scientists as double agents. (lose 40% Scientist Colonists, -5% Research cost in a random field) [Russia] Our Officers should be able to pass as Scientists and steal their secrets. (lose 20% Officer Colonists, -3% Research cost in a random field)
Info Wars	At least 2	Any	None	We can't afford to agitate the workers in factories and extractors. (Medics and Scientists get -35 Morale for 15 Sols) The Morale in our infirmaries and labs is a top priority. (Engineers and Geologists get -35 Morale for 15 Sols)
Lab Cleaning	Any	Any	3 Research buildings	I've never been a fan of common sense. The labs continue to work while the cleaning takes place. (-75% Performance for research buildings for 6 Sols) Close all labs down and rid them of these devices. (research buildings are disabled for 2 Sols)
New Generation	Any	> 60	2 Rockets	If they have the money, we will gladly help them spend it. (25 applicants with the Tourist trait) Why travel to Earth? Persuade them to come to our colony and live a life of luxury! (15 applicants with the Tourist trait, 10 Colonists with the Martianborn and Whiner traits) I don't have time for babysitting. (+10 Standing with the Rival Colony)
Second Home	Any	> 60	75 Comfort in a Dome	They are welcome to stay! (10 Colonists) They are our friends! They are welcome to visit as they like. (+5 Morale for 10 Sols) Friends will be friends, but the colony's security comes first. (Security Station workers get +25 Morale for 10 Sols)
Shadow Run	At least 2	Any	None	Raise the issue with Earth. There's nothing more we can do. (-35 Morale for 5 Sols) I will give out a speech blaming all other Colonies to appease the Colonists. (-25 Standing with all Rival Colonies)
Sleeper Joe	Any	Any	None	Apprehend the spy and send them to court. ($1000M Funding, -15 Standing with all Rival Colonies, -35 Morale for 10 Sols) Limit all access they have to sensitive material and let them live out their days peacefully. (no effects)
SpyTech	Any	Any	Rival Colony has a tech not researched	We don't need this. Decline. (no effects) [$500M] Pay for Bronze package. (70% chance to get a new technology) [$1000M] Pay for Gold package. (3 new technologies) [$1500M] Pay for Platinum package. (Breakthrough) [Politician] Bring the matter to the authorities on Earth. SpyTech is dangerous for all of us. (+20 Standing with all Rival Colonies)
The Best In Us Petition	Any	Any	None	[$1000M] We are ready to help. (+25 Morale for 10 Sols, +35 Standing with the Rival Colony) [$2000M] We shouldn't belittle ourselves with petty rivalries. (+45 Morale for 10 Sols, +45 Standing with the Rival Colony) We have our own woes and I doubt they would do the same for us. (-25 Morale for 10 Sols)
The Conference	At least 2	< -20	None	A kidnapping, you say? Let's do this! (5 Colonists with the Genius trait, -60 Standing with all Rival Colonies) We will never stoop so low. (no effects)
The Patient	?	?	None?	Unidentified ailment? We can't put the colony at risk, leave them to their fate. (Ends event chain) Whoever ejected this person to die is nothing like us. Bring them in for treatment. (After paying $250M over 5 events, many colonists will gain 'enthusiast' perk)
The Patient (2)	?	?	Option 2 in The Patient story bit	[$50M] Ok, pay. We cannot afford this - quite regretfully.
The Patient (3)	?	?	Option 1 in The Patient (2) story bit	[$50M] Ok, pay. We cannot afford to pay for the treatment any more - I am sorry.
The Patient (4)	?	?	Option 1 in The Patient (3) story bit	[$50M] Ok, pay. We cannot afford to pay for the treatment any more - I am sorry.
The Patient (5)	?	?	Option 1 in The Patient (4) story bit	[$50M] Ok, pay. (Leads to an event which gives "many colonists" the enthusiast perk.) We cannot afford to pay for the treatment any more - I am sorry.
Wrong Address	At least 2	Any	None	Finders, keepers! Get the goods! (2 Supply Pods, -35 Standing with the Rival Colony) Contact the rival colony and give them control of the Supply Pods. (+25 Standing with the Rival Colony) [Oligarch] Take them and blame the others for stealing pods of ours. Make noise and minimize the damage. (2 Supply Pods, -15 Standing with all Rival Colonies)

Green Planet Story Bits

Green Planet Story Bits require certain amounts of progress in terraforming parameters. As such they cannot appear during games with the No Terraforming Game Rule

Story Bit	Terraforming parameters	Other requirements	Decisions (effects)
Baby Volcano	> 50% Temperature < 99% Vegetation < 99% Water	(optional) Complete the Rig Baby Volcano Project	Send a team of Geologists to blow it up! (unlock an Expedition for +2% Atmosphere, +1% which triggers a Marsquake) [$200M] There is a way to do this remotely. (the volcanic eruption happens instantly; Marsquake) I don't want to set the world on fire. (no effects)
Cold-Resistant Bacteria	> 25% Temperature > 25% Water < 99% Vegetation	(optional) Complete the Spread Cold-Resistant Bacteria Project	Let it go! Send an RC Commander to release Elsa. (Spread Cold-Resistant Bacteria Planetary Anomaly) +2% Vegetation Repurpose our Moisture Vaporators and use them to spread Elsa. Big summer blowout! (+0.2% Vegetation for each working Moisture Vaporator) We can manage without Elsa. The cold never bothered me anyway. (do nothing)
Comet Sighted	> 5% Water < 99% Atmosphere	10 Idiot Colonists MDS Laser	Don't bother me with silly superstitions. Just shoot it. (+2% Atmosphere terraforming, Colonists with the Idiot trait get -20 Morale for 10 Sols) [Church of the New Ark] We shall hold a special ceremony and consecrate the laser to destroy this devilry. (+2% Atmosphere terraforming) [Psychologist] It is heading to Earth! It's our duty to save our home planet from the curse! (+2% Atmosphere terraforming) I wish I lived in more enlightened times... (no effects)
Junk in Space	At least 150 Colonists 25%-95% Atmosphere terraforming	(optional) Complete the Spread Junk in Space Project Complete the Clean Junk in Space Project	+1% Temperature terraforming, Meteor Storm, 20 Metals, 5 Rare Metals +3% Temperature terraforming, Meteor Storm, 20 Metals, 5 Rare Metals +1% Temperature terraforming, 20 Metals, 5 Rare Metals
Ice Asteroid	< 99% Atmosphere > 5% Water	Complete a Crash Ice Asteroid Project	Send drones to operate the engines and steer it on a collision course. (unlock an Expedition for +3% which will cause a Marsquake) [ Ecologist or Rocketscientist ] Send drones and a team to extract them, then detonate in orbit. (unlock an Expedition for +2% Atmosphere and +1% ) [ Astrogeologist or Hydroengineer ] I will lead a team to mount the engines and crash it on the other side of Mars. (unlock an Expedition for +1% Atmosphere and +2% ) I don't want to put the colony at risk. (do nothing)
Martian Yellowstone	< 99% Water > 10% Temperature	(optional) Complete the Unleash Martian Yellowstone Project	Effect: Mars has gained +1% . (regardless of choice) Send drones to widen the water entrances and form a river bed. (unlock an Expedition for +2% , requires Machine Parts) [ Hydro Engineer or Inventor ] I will lead a team to mount the equipment. (unlock a bigger Expedition for +3% , requires Machine Parts) [ City Mayor or Oligarch ] This is a tourist magnet natural wonder! Advertise it on Earth. (Gain 100 Tourist applicants) Why do anything about it, when it happens anyway with climate changes? (all Lazy colonists gain +10 Morale for 10 Sols)
Shooting Stars	> 5% Water < 99% Atmosphere	MDS Laser	Precision fire only! (+0.25% Atmosphere terraforming for each MDS Laser, Meteor Storm) Fire at will! (+0.3% Atmosphere terraforming for each MDS Laser, heavier Meteor Storm) [ Ecologist or Astrogeologist ] Let me optimize the trajectory estimation to completely vaporize them. (+0.25% Atmosphere terraforming for each MDS laser) Meteor bombardment doesn't sound like a safe thing to do for our colony. (no effects)
Smoke on the Water	> 5% Water < 99% Atmosphere	1 or more Fuel Refineries Research Overloaded Fuel Refineries or Advanced Overloaded Fuel Refineries	Fire in the Sky (unlock the Overloaded Fuel Refineries research) [ Astrogeologist or Inventor ] Nice idea! Let's exploit it to the limit! (unlock the Advanced Overloaded Fuel Refineries) That's a bit too much. (do nothing)
Tardigrades	> 25% Temperature > 25% Water 10%-96% Vegetation	Nuclear Terraforming researched Complete the Spread Tardigrades or the Throw Tardigrades Project Complete a Melt the Polar Caps Project (+3% Vegetation)	Mars, meet your new conquerors! (unlock an Expedition for +3% Vegetation, requires Food) [ Hydroengineer or Ecologist ] We can prepare canisters with tardigrades and shoot them from space. (unlock an Expedition for +3% Vegetation, requires Metal) We can't do such cruel things to these cute water bears. (do nothing)
Those Dirty Shuttles	> 5% Atmosphere < 95% Temperature	1 or more Shuttle Hubs Research Shuttle Afterburners or Advanced Shuttle Afterburners	Idiot Colonists and 5% non-Engineers get -20% Morale for 10 Sols 3 Shuttles are lost Idiot Colonists gain the Nerd trait, 5% Engineers get -20% Morale for 10 Sols All Idiot colonists lose -20% Morale for 10 Sols, and 1 randomly chosen Shuttle Hub is destroyed if no security stations exist.	Inventor, Rocket Scientist
Water Nine	> 25% Atmosphere < 90% Temperature 25%-90% Water		[$500M] It is a small cost for such a great improvement! (+15% Temperature terraforming, +15% terraforming, -20% Atmosphere terraforming, Dust Storm) [$200M] Put this "governor" on the private line. I know a thing or two about him. (+15% Temperature terraforming, +15% terraforming, -20% Atmosphere terraforming, Dust Storm) Sounds too risky. (Colonists with the Gambler trait get -20 Morale for 10 Sols)