TidusDAO Whitepaper

Hail Caesar!

By Dan Mulligan, Martin Whitman, and James McKay

Introduction

The future of cryptocurrency innovation begins with focused investment in user experience. Products that prioritize users by providing education, autonomy, and ease of use will excel in the space. TidusDAO seeks to provide users with a first-of-its-kind structure for governance that facilitates autonomy within the Tidus Wallet.

While contemporary projects utilize DAO governance to some extent, they often lack true representation and decentralization. TidusDAO introduces an alternative governance system inspired by the decision models from the Consul system of the Roman Republic. Roman-style governance is renowned for its mechanisms to prevent oppressive behavior, which have influenced many great civilizations. TidusDAO leverages these principles to create a pioneering decentralized autonomous organization.

The Pitfalls of Traditional DAOs

Despite the promise of decentralization, many DAOs fall short in practice. A common issue is the concentration of power among a few large token holders, leading to a lack of true decentralization. Additionally, the complexity of governance mechanisms can alienate everyday users, making active participation difficult.

Traditional DAOs also often struggle with decision-making efficiency and accountability. The slow and cumbersome voting processes can hinder timely action, while the absence of clear leadership can result in a lack of direction.

Tidus: A Decentralized Autonomous Product

Tidus introduces the concept of a Decentralized Autonomous Product (DAP), which addresses these shortcomings. Unlike traditional DAOs, TidusDAO emphasizes true decentralization and user representation. By integrating a governance structure inspired by the Roman Consul system, TidusDAO ensures balanced power distribution and prevents the concentration of influence.

The Tidus Wallet is designed to be user-friendly, promoting active engagement and education. Our approach ensures that all users, regardless of their technical expertise, can participate meaningfully in governance. This focus on inclusivity and autonomy sets Tidus apart as a leader in the next wave of cryptocurrency innovation.

In conclusion, TidusDAO's innovative governance model and commitment to user experience position it as a trailblazer in the crypto space. By prioritizing education, autonomy, and ease of use, Tidus is poised to lead the future of decentralized finance.

Throughout its two-year implementation (described below), TidusDAO will transition from a standardized, semi-centralized product DAO to a fully decentralized product DAP (Decentralized Autonomous Product) controlled completely by the community by means of Roman-style governance. This governance model is also designed to limit sybil attacks, majority token influence, and developer overload.

Accordingly, the defining feature of a best in class product DAO is the ability of a centralized body to adapt and evolve (decentralize) as the product gains more traction and, as a result, requires greater speed and flexibility in its decision making.This is achieved via the combined influence of social pressure, clear chains of command, clean governance proposals, and quick emergency powers.

TidusDAO seeks to provide users with a superior UX/UI experience and an opportunity to engage in representation that delivers results in an effort to build trust and encourage the organic promotion of the product.

For the first two years after the $TIDEs token generation event (TGE), TidusDAO will be governed by its first and only “Caesar '' - Dan Mulligan (founder). The use of a “Caesar” will provide stability during the first two years of the product's growth in the volatile crypto market.

After observing many failed transitions in the crypto space, TidusDAO believes a strategically phased approach to decentralization is necessary.

After the initial 2-year Caesar term, the Caesar NFT will be burned forever. TidusDAO will not elect another Caesar; instead it will take its next step of full decentralization by utilizing a house, messenger, and senate-only governance structure.

Prologue

During the early 2020's, the news cycle was saturated with commentary on crypto. While this was an overdue recognition for people who had been active in the industry, the conversation and interest in the space quickly expanded. I, like most crypto professionals, found myself on the receiving end of questions like “Are you still into that bitcoin stuff? Can you help me get some crypto?”.

Of course I, like most of us, was excited to answer those questions and integrate them into an industry I was working in and loved.

Most of my friends and family already had a Coinbase account, but were more interested in decentralized finance (defi) and the coins that they read about but couldn't get on the centralized exchange.

Naturally, the first step in my process was to help them set up a wallet. While I enthusiastically explained the patchwork of protocols and resources available, such as Uniswap, Aave, Curve, and crypto twitter (CT), I watched their eyes glaze over. This disconnect, while disappointing in the moment, was the catalyst for Tidus. The disconnect also led to feedback which provided a roadmap of problems Tidus would solve.

  1. "This is a lot of work and easy to make mistakes, doesnt crypto have scam links?"
  2. "Bro, I am never going to remember all of this, and how do I get access to Polygon or Solana?"
  3. "Oh, you need a different wallet for this and to bridge, add a network."
  4. “I'll stick to Coinbase.”

Within months, we started building Tidus; a product for crypto users of all experience levels designed to prioritize user education and reward them with the best possible experience.

TidusDAO employs a focused growth strategy based on vetted integrations and UX/UI combined with an inclusive DAO. Great products, like Tidus, want their users to have autonomy without compromising the development process or evolution of the product.

The Problems

Early-generation crypto wallets, while successful, have become increasingly centralized with limited functionality and user focus. It is extremely difficult to both satisfy native crypto users' needs while simultaneously attracting the next generations of users. The crypto industry suffers from lack of user education, counterintuitive UI/UX, fraudulent links, and poorly run DAOs, all of which deter new users.

In addition, crypto DAO and dapps have a unique problem of sybil attacks, large token influence (whales), and the constant attack on the code of the products themselves. Accordingly, unique solutions must be created to evolve with the wants and needs of the user base.

TidusDAO will provide tools and freedoms, consistent with the true themes of decentralization, while educating the next generation of crypto explorers. As discussed throughout, TidusDAO leverages principles of Roman-style governance to achieve this end. This mechanism is further supported by the use of NFTs.

NFTs in TidusDAO

Caesar, as well as members of the Senate and House, will have NFTs associated with their participation in the TidusDAO. Tidus utilizes NFTs to keep a well organized and unbreachable chain of command. Incorporation of NFTs in the TidusDAO also promotes sustainability for the longevity of the product.

All TidusDAO NFTs have a time-based burn. This is to ensure no one is able to vote past their term and no one can falsely claim to be a member of the Senate or Messengers. A new TidusDAO NFT is minted after a new member of the Senate or Messengers is elected.

All TidusDAO NFTs have their respective powers embedded in their metadata. This includes number of votes per proposal, number of proposals per quarter, as well as any other limitation or rule outlined in this white paper.

Governance Roles

HOUSE

Who are they?

Anyone staking TIDE with the minimum number of vTIDE will have access to the House. Votes in the House are based on the total amount of vTIDE, with one vote per vTIDE and so forth. House members can table proposals to their Tribune (s) and expect feedback, acceptance, or refusal.

What can they do?

House members vote on Senate, messenger, and monthly proposals. Proposals accepted by the House are then presented to the Senate.

SENATE

Who are they?

The Senate is the core group of decision makers. Within sixty days of the TGE, Caesar will assign eight Senate members. The final 2 Senate members will be elected by the House via the Tidus DAO first official elections. Thereafter, the Senate will be elected by the House.. There will always be exactly 10 active members of the Senate - never more or less.

Senate members have a significant stake in the organization and each hold one vote that is verified by a NFT which burns after the Senate member’s two year term.

The TidusDAO Senate is designed to start with a semi-centralized seat of power, and eventually decentralize after the first free elections of the House during the two years post TGE.

The Senate is encouraged to operate akin to a typical Board of Directors hierarchy with an element of democracy. Given that all Senators are aware of Caesar's influential role at the outset, proposals are anticipated to align with the shared vision of both Caesar and the Senate.

The users can think of the Senate as protection for the status quo.

What can they do?
Senator Terms

Below are the rules around terms for all Senate members present and future..

  1. The first 8 preassigned Senate members will serve 2-year terms with the ability to be re-elected
  2. The 2 House elected Senate members will serve 2 year terms with the ability to be reelected
  3. After the first 2 years all future Senators will serve 1 year terms with unlimited re-elections.
  4. The 1st Caesar will receive a Senate seat after serving his 2 year term as Caesar. Caesar can only serve for 1 year in the Senate with no chance at reelection.

All dates and timelines are dictated by the $TIDE Token Generation Event date (TGE). The clock on the Caesar, the Senators, and the later mentioned Messenger begins at the TGE.

Senate Elections

After the first 2 years the Caesar role will be eliminated and its associated NFT will be burned forever. Caesar will then take a seat on the Senate and the first free Senate elections will be held. All 9 Senators will be up for re-election. If a member of the House wishes to run for Senator they can do so.

Prerequisites for House member running for Senate

  1. 50,000 $vTIDE
  2. Fill out an Application

Applications will be accepted 90-days before elections and voting will begin 30-days before the count.

Senator Powers and Voting

Senator Direct Proposals

Any Senator can put forth a proposal to the Senate floor to be voted on by all 10 of the Senators without going through the House or Messengers

Rules & Limitations
  • Only one Senator proposal can be moved to a House per month
  • Senators are not allowed to submit a Direct Senate proposal more than once per quarter each.
  • Each Senator will only have 1 vote per proposal whether from a fellow Senator or the House.

    Senate voting for House Proposals

    When the house votes a proposal to the Senate, it is the duty of the two messengers, Mercury and Apollo, to relay the proposal in depth and provide all necessary information in order for the senate to have a fair and informed vote. *Note: The Messengers appointment and duties are explained further in the following section.

    Each Senator will then cast 1 vote each using their NFT. They can delegate their vote to another individual if they are unable to vote due to unforeseen circumstances. Each Senator will have a single proxy that they assign to themselves. This allows for greater and faster participation in Senate voting.

    Tie Breaker Rules
  • In the event of a tie, the messengers, Mercury and Apollo will hold the single tie breaking vote.
  • During the first two years post TGE, Caesar can veto any proposal. as he has some level of cause.
  • Rules & Limitations
  • House proposals will occur on a monthly basis with the top 5 proposals being brought to the Senate. The top 5 proposals will be chosen by the messengers, Mercury and Apollo.
  • These proposals can be vetoed by Caesar
  • Messengers (Mercury and Apollo)

    The Messengers, referred to as Mercury and Apollo, are two key members of the DAO that hold unique powers and responsibilities.

    Messenger Terms

    1. The initial 2 Messengers are pre-assigned by Caesar and will serve 1-year terms
    2. Messengers can be reelected an unlimited number of times for 1-year terms
    3. The role of Mercury is voted on by the House
    4. The role of Apollo is voted on by the Senate
    5. These votes cannot be vetoed by the Caesar

    Messenger Elections

    Messenger elections are held annually with the first two being assigned by Caesar. Anyone can run for messenger as long as they meet the following requirements

    1. 50,000 vTIDE
    2. Fill out an application during the registration time frame

    Messenger Power and Voting

    Messengers are active community leaders who have the responsibility of communicating:

  • Senate proposals to the House
  • House proposals to the Senate
  • Senate proposals to the Caesar
  • They are the voice of the people and the powers that be. Although Messengers do not vote in senate proposals or elections, they do hold the tie breaking vote if there is a 5/5 Senate vote.

    Caesar

    The first role of TidusDAO is Caesar. Serving two purposes in both providing a single voice during times of stress for the DAO, but also in blocking stalemates expected in times of disunion. The Caesar role comes with a time lock - automatically burning the staff of office NFT at a certain date and time. Think of Caesar as the DAO CEO, brought in to have one voice and guide the DAO into full decentralization.

    Caesar Terms

    The Caesar will serve 2-years from the $TIDE Token Generation event. Once the 2-years is up the Staff of Office NFT will be burned and the Caesars duties will be complete.

    There will never be another Caesar. After two years TidusDAO will be decentralized enough to work strictly off of the House, Senate, and Messengers.

    Caesar Powers

    Caesar has the ability to veto any and all proposals whether from the senate or house as long as there's some level of cause. Cause, in this case is defined as anything that is not personal preference.

    For Example:

  • Caesar could veto changing the fee distribution structure because economically it would hurt the day-to-day operations of the product and its companies.
  • Caesar could not veto a House and Senate votes to change the color of a button in the app because Caesar dislikes that color.
  • More on the concept of Roman decision models & DAOs
  • Part I (Introduction to Roman Governance Ideas)
  • Part II (Expanding the ideas)
  • Part III (Roman DAO Framework)
  • Part IV (More ideas)
  • Tokenomics

    Overview

  • Total Supply: 5,000,000,000 $TIDE
  • Tidus Wallet Fee Distribution across all in-wallet fees
  • Demand Drivers

    1. Stake to Earn: $TIDE Tokens can be staked for $vTIDE 1:1
      1. $TIDE must be staked for 7-days minimum before it can be unstaked
      2. 25% of all staking and swap fee on all chains are distributed to $TIDE stakers, $vTIDE holders
        1. Rewards will be distributed on a monthly basis
        2. $TIDE must be staked for a full 30-day period in order to claim $TIDE rewards
    2. Stake to Vote:
      1. $vTIDE tokens allow you to vote on House DAO proposals
        1. 1 vote per $vTIDE
        2. You must be staking 50,000 $TIDE tokens if you want to run for Senate or Messenger.
    3. Monthly Buybacks:
      1. All staking rewards are paid out in $TIDE
        1. Every month 25% of the fees generated from Tidus buys back $TIDE at market value
        2. That $TIDE is then distributed as staking rewards
        3. Rewards are based on the amount of $TIDE staked
    4. Tidus Trade:
      1. Tidus is developing a P2P in-wallet NFT and token trading technology that will be released in 2025
        1. This technology will allow users to search for wallets holding certain NFTs and offer trades for their own NFTs and tokens
        2. That $TIDE is then distributed as staking reward. Tidus Trade is cross-chain. You can offer trades for any NFTs/tokens as long as they are supported by Tidus Wallet natively
        3. All trade fees are settled/paid in $TIDE
      2. Tidus Trade Example:
        1. Trader #1 wants a Pudgy Penguin that Trader #2 has
        2. Trade #1 send a Trade offer to Trader #2 for (2) Fluf World NFTs and $AAVE
        3. Trader #2 receives an in-wallet notification and can accept, decline or counter offer the trade.
    5. $TIDE as a form of Payment
      1. Developers or projects can use $TIDE to pay for access to Nycrypto’s API offering
        1. The dev or project must stake 25,000 $TIDE tokens in order to receive the API service.
        2. $TIDE payments do not apply to enterprise sized developers or projects
        3. Staked $TIDE will continue to accrue $TIDE rewards
      2. The TidusDAO will constantly seek other methods of integration that adds payment utility to the token.

    Tidus Games and Rewards

    Total $TIDE rewarded - 6% of total token supply

    There is a guaranteed airdrop and potential max airdrop based on the points earned during the Tidus Games

  • Example (not based on actual tokens or points): if a user has 200 points
  • $TIDE Token Airdrop Phases

    We will be conducting the $TIDE token airdrop in three phases. This multi-phase approach is designed to reward user participation and commitment:

    Phase 1: Token Generate Event (TGE)

  • Requirement: Participation in the Tidus Games
  • Distribution: 50% of the total airdrop
  • Claiming: Dropped Directly (no claim)
  • Timing: Distributed at TGE
  • Supply: Accounts for 2% of the total token supply
  • Phase 2: Staking Requirement

  • Requirement: Users must stake at least 50% of their phase 1 airdrop
  • Stake Eligibility: Must be staked for at least 15 days to be eligible
  • Claiming: Dropped Directly, based on eligible stake
  • Timing: Distributed 30 days after TGE
  • Supply: Accounts for 2% of the total token supply