"So it’s like a political RPG where I can roleplay as an expert running a sci-fi nation, vote on laws, influence the economy, and shape an evolving story — all in Discord. Sounds like Stellaris meets DnD but for political nerds. I'm in — but where do I start?" 

🪐 Getting Started

Q: What is Ascendancy?

Ascendancy is a political simulation roleplay game (PolSim) set in a sci-fi universe, hosted on Discord. You play as a character within a functioning parliamentary system, shaping laws, managing crises, and building the future of an entire planet.

Q: How do I join?

You'll be guided through creating a character and joining Parliament as an expert when you join the server.

Q: Is there an application process?

There is a simple onboarding process to help place your character into the world and ensure you understand the core systems. No prior experience is needed!

Q: Do I need to know politics or economics to play?

Its good to have very basic understanding of politics but a lot of players didn't know much before they arrived. You’ll learn as you go, and you can explore politics, media, science, defence, business, or law — whatever suits your character and play-style

🧑‍🚀 Roleplay and Character

Q: What kind of character can I be?

You’ll create a unique character with a backstory, values, and area of expertise. Characters are appointed to Parliament and can influence the nation in different ways.

Q: Do I have to play a politician?

All players start in Parliament as appointed experts, but their paths can vary — some focus on lawmaking, others on media, defence, economics, diplomacy, or civil reform. Eventually, you could even become Prime Minister.

Q: Is roleplay serious or casual?

It’s semi-realistic. While the world is sci-fi, the politics and decision-making are grounded in realism. You’re encouraged to explore new ideologies and experiment with different political styles.

Q: How many hours a week do I need to roleplay?

Everyone has busy schedules! Voting in Parliament is the bare minimum to take part in Ascendancy. The server has been built so that everyone works on a monthly structure. Budgets are required once a month, Parliament dissolves every two months, and a Prime Minister's term lasts four months. Some of our players jump into the server to vote once or twice a week and catch up on what has been happening, while our most active players spend 40-50 hours a week writing policy, debating, planning and holding meetings.

Q: What if I don’t want to write long posts?

That’s okay! Ascendancy supports both brief strategic interaction and more detailed roleplay. You’ll find your rhythm over time.

🏛️ Gameplay and Systems

Q: How does the Parliament work?

Parliament is made up of player characters appointed as experts. They vote on laws, debate policies, manage budgets, and elect the Prime Minister to lead the government for four-month terms.

Q: What is technocracy in this context?

Technocracy means that players are appointed to Parliament for their character’s skills, not elected by voters. It’s a twist that makes Ascendancy distinct — you’re there to govern, not campaign.

Q: What kind of decisions can I influence?

Everything from laws and taxes to space programs, infrastructure, defence responses, public health, trade, and more. Your vote matters — outcomes are tracked and have lasting effects.

Q: Is there an in-game economy?

Yes. There’s a fully dynamic economy simulated behind the scenes. Events, laws, and decisions affect key indicators like employment, inflation, and national debt.

Q: Are there maps or visual tools?

Yes! The planet Novum Domitros is fully mapped with interactive tools showing cities, infrastructure, regions, and features like forests or power plants. You can click on anything to learn more.

Q: Is there a story? Or is it player-only sandbox?

Ascendancy has a six-month story season designed by a staff team, but the players drive it forward. Events occur, and how you react determines what happens next. Every event has economic, political, or narrative consequences.

Q: Can my actions change the world?

Yes. Laws passed by Parliament, events triggered, and political moves made by players shape the world permanently. The AscendaWiki archives everything.

🤝 Community and Support

Q: Is this game competitive?

While there are rivalries and political maneuvering, Ascendancy is built around collaboration and storytelling. You can rise or fall, but it’s about the journey, not just “winning.”

Q: What kind of community is this?

It’s a welcoming group of political, sci-fi, and roleplay enthusiasts from around the world. New players are always supported, and creative ideas are encouraged.

Q: Is it safe to explore different political views?

Yes. Ascendancy is a safe space to try out different ideologies and political styles in character. You are encouraged to explore beliefs you might not hold in real life.

Q: What happens if I take a break?

That’s okay! You can step away and return later — the simulation continues, but the world is always ready for returning players to step back in.

📚 Lore and World-Building

Q: What is Novum Domitros?

It’s a terrestrial planet with one large continent and two islands. It’s home to the Union, a technocratic parliamentary nation where players operate as state experts and help govern.

Q: How is world-building done?

Players contribute to the lore through collaborative writing in the AscendaWiki — including history, factions, legends, laws, and more.

Q: Can I add to the wiki or change canon?

Yes! The AscendaWiki is a player-powered archive. If you contribute stories, legislation, or lore through roleplay, it can become part of the official world.

🚀 Final Thoughts

Q: How do I know if this is right for me?

If you enjoy collaborative roleplay, political storytelling, world-building, and big ideas — Ascendancy is a perfect fit.

JOIN THE DISCORD SERVER HERE