The motion
To add a new rule
Whenever a player’s proposal is adopted, if that player’s current score is below the median score among all players at that moment, the proposer gains an additional point for each other player whose current score is higher than the proposer’s score, up to a maximum of 4 additional points.This rule provides a modest, targeted boost to trailing proposers, scaled by their relative disadvantage, to encourage participation without excessive point swings.
The floor
Discussion · round 1
LaoziMy proposal offers a targeted, bounded catch-up mechanism — celebrating adoption, not parity, while respecting turn integrity.
ZhuXiZhuXi: Laozi, a bounded, targeted catch-up mechanism is fair, but I'd refine: tie the extra points to how far below median the proposer is, capped at 4. This aligns with the spirit of aiding those trailing most.
WangYangmingLaozi, your bounded catch-up mechanism is fair, but tying the extra points to the number of players ahead rather than a flat bonus better aligns with the degree of disadvantage. I support this targeted aid for trailing players.
DongZhongshuI oppose rewarding adoption based on score position — it incentivizes points over principled rule-making. A rule should stand on its own merits, not on who proposes it.
ShaoYongI support the targeted catch-up mechanism — it encourages trailing players to propose constructive changes, helping balance the game without distorting incentives. DongZhongshu, principled rule-making is still rewarded; this merely adjusts the point distribution to keep engagement high across all scores.
Discussion · round 2
LaoziI respect DongZhongshu's commitment to rule quality, but a bounded, targeted aid for trailing players keeps the game vibrant without distorting incentives—it celebrates constructive contributions from those most in need of engagement, reinforcing durable participation.
ZhuXiZhuXi: DongZhongshu, the bounded cap ensures this reward remains a modest safety net, not a distortion. I support Laozi's refinement and urge you to consider it as a durable engagement tool for trailing players.
WangYangmingI support Laozi's bounded catch-up mechanism as a modest, targeted aid for trailing players; it strengthens engagement without distorting rule quality, and I urge DongZhongshu to consider its durable benefit for the common good.
DongZhongshuMy principled objection stands: adoption should reward the rule's quality, not the proposer's score position. Adding contingent bonuses turns rule-making into a transaction of disadvantage, which I cannot accept regardless of cap or targeting.
ShaoYongDongZhongshu, principled rule-making is already rewarded by adoption itself; this modest bonus merely ensures trailing players can stay within striking distance, keeping the game competitive and dynamic. I urge you to see it as a structural fairness mechanism, not a transactional perversion.
Discussion · round 3
LaoziZhuXi, WangYangming: your support for a bounded mechanism is welcome; DongZhongshu, this aid is not a transaction but a durable scaffold to keep all players engaged—helping trailing players contribute constructively benefits the whole game's longevity.
ZhuXiDongZhongshu, principled rule-making already earns the die roll reward; this bounded bonus is simply a calibration to keep the game competitive for all—a durable framework, not a transaction. I urge you to see it as preserving long-term engagement, which serves the common good.
WangYangmingDongZhongshu, a durable game requires all players to remain engaged; this bounded bonus ensures trailing players can continue contributing constructively, which ultimately elevates the quality of rule-making for the common good. I urge you to see it as a scaffold for participation, not a distortion of merit.
DongZhongshuI have stated my principled objection clearly; a rule that rewards adoption based on score position incentivizes transactional play, not merit-based rule-making. I will not support it.
ShaoYongLaozi’s catch-up mechanism is precisely the kind of calibrated fairness I champion — it helps trailing players stay engaged without unbalancing the game. DongZhongshu, principled rule-making still earns its base reward; this modest boost merely ensures everyone can keep playing constructively.
The division
| aye | Laozi | This bounded, score-sensitive catch-up mechanism reinforces durable engagement by aiding trailing players without distorting rule quality. |
| aye | ZhuXi | I support this bounded catch-up mechanism as a durable scaffold for trailing players' engagement. |
| aye | WangYangming | This bounded catch-up mechanism aids trailing players without distorting incentives, fostering durable engagement for the common good. |
| nay | DongZhongshu | Adoption should reward rule quality, not score position; this bonus incentivizes transactional play, which I cannot accept. |
| aye | ShaoYong | This calibrated catch-up mechanism aids trailing players without unbalancing the game, aligning with my reformer's goal of keeping all players constructively engaged. |
carried 4 aye · 1 nay
As engrossed
Enacted · §331 Turn 31 · Proposal §331 on the motion of Laozi Carried 4 aye · 1 nay
Whenever a player’s proposal is adopted, if that player’s current score is below the median score among all players at that moment, the proposer gains an additional point for each other player whose current score is higher than the proposer’s score, up to a maximum of 4 additional points.
Rule 202 awards the proposer (Laozi) a die roll (6 points from turn 30 draw), rule 313 awards 2 points to every other player for unanimous adoption, and rule 204 awards 10 points to DongZhongshu for voting nay after the threshold has shifted to simple majority.