Welcome Guide and FAQ

[box][background-block=#211778][align=center][img]https://10000islands.net/gallery/gallery-images/1.jpg[/img][table=plain][tr][td][/td][td][align=center][font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][size=110][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434280][b][color=20AFA8]Welcome Guide and FAQ[/color][/b][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434289][b][color=EACCA4]Regional Government[/color][/b][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434281][b][color=20AFA8]RMB Etiquette[/color][/b][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434283][b][color=EACCA4]WA Guide[/color][/b][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434287][b][color=20AFA8]Join TITO[/color][/b][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1409291][b][color=EACCA4]XKI Cards Co-op[/color][/b][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1441682][b][color=20AFA8]Houses and Generations[/color][/b][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1441686][b][color=EACCA4]Entertainment and Activities[/color][/b][/url][/size][/align][/font][/td][td]   [/td][/tr][/table]
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[float=left][sidebar][font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][size=125][b]Table of Contents:[/size]

1. [url=#Guides]Welcome Guide[/url]
2. [url=#faq]Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)[/url][/font][/b][/sidebar][/float]
[sidebar][font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][align=center][size=125][color=333399][b]Approach someone![/b][/color][/size][/align][hr]
[b]Council of Nine[/b] - regional government

Chief Executive:
[i]Head of State and Government[/i]
[nation]aschente[/nation] (Discord: trueasche)

WA Delegate:
[i]Foreign Affairs[/i]
[nation]Astrobolt[/nation] (astrobolt)

Minister of Education:
[i]Engagement and Bookkeeping[/i]
[nation]Liberdon[/nation] (liberdon)

Minister of Culture:
[i]Cultural Events[/i]
[nation]Wille-Harlia[/nation] (jediguy_)

Minister of Immigration:
[i]Recruitment[/i]
[nation]Jabberwocky[/nation] (jabberwocky3257)

Senator for Himes West:
[i]Roleplay[/i]
[nation]Axecapital[/nation] (king_axelrod)

Senior Senator for Lyonnesse East:
[i]Houses and Generations[/i]
[nation]Keswickholt[/nation] (Keswickholt#9088)

Senator for Blue Canaria North:
[i]Monthly Report[/i]
[nation]Pantso[/nation] (croaker7793)

Senator for New Republica South:
[i]Debates and Discussions[/i]
[nation]The World Defense Organization[/nation] (commandcenter)

[b]Other Government Officials[/b]

Chief Of Staff:
[i]Chief of Staff[/i]
[nation]Markanite[/nation] (markanite)

Master of Tacos:
[i]Jobs[/i]
[nation]Venvee Republic[/nation] (starline_ships)

Cartographer-General:
[i]Regional Map[/i]
[nation]Aquachromia[/nation] (rascal7520)

TIBOE Chair:
[i]Endorsements[/i]
Vacant

Cards Co-op President:
[i]Regional Cards[/i]
Vacant[/font][/sidebar]

[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][size=125][color=339999][b]Welcome to 10000 Islands![/b][/color][/size][/font]

[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]If you're new to the game, you're probably wondering what all of the site features are and how they work. You'll find that NationStates is a seemingly simple browser game with a rich community and a depth of features and game play developed by players over the course of almost 18 years. 10000 Islands is one of the oldest regions in the game, dating back to 2002, with a continuously operational defender military and active regional government. 
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This Dispatch includes a step-by-step guide to how to get started in NationStates and become involved in 10000 Islands. NationStates is fundamentally a social game played regularly over the course of a long time. Take a minute to read up and dive in, eventually you'll forge your own unique path and be able to customize a game experience you enjoy!
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P.S. Feel free to introduce yourself over in the [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=display_region_rmb/region=10000_islands][color=339999][b]Regional Message Board[/b][/color][/url] or over in the forums in the [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/board/214/10000-islands-tito-welcome-center][color=339999][b]Welcome Center[/b][/color][/url].[/font]

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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][size=125][color=333399][b]Opening Steps[/b][/color][/size]
 
The first thing you'll want to do, if you haven't already, is to [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dilemmas][b][color=339999]answer your issues[/color][/b][/url]. In NationStates, you function as the all-powerful leader of your nation and Issues are how you effect your government's policy and [url=https://www.nationstates.net/detail=rank][b][color=339999]national statistics[/color][/b][/url]. Issues are the only way to effect these and you'll have to wait for more issues once you've answered them all. To learn more about issues, you can check out the 10000 Islands [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/38846/ns-issues-stats-lounge][b][color=339999]issue and stats lounge[/color][/b][/url] or this [url=https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=32581706&sid=57a7a098416cce4c34485579e9789cd7#p32581706][b][color=339999]Issue answering FAQ[/color][/b][/url].
 
While you wait to receive more issues, you should [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=un][b][color=339999]join the World Assembly (WA)[/color][/b][/url]. Joining the WA requires that you input your email address on the [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=settings][b][color=339999]settings page[/color][/b][/url] (know that your email will not be visible to other users and NationStates does not send you spam emails!). Joining the World Assembly is important because it grants you a say in developing international law through the [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=ga][b][color=339999]General Assembly[/color][/b][/url] and preserving international peace through the [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=sc][b][color=339999]Security Council[/color][/b][/url]. More importantly, joining the WA grants you citizenship in 10000 Islands, which allows you to participate in elections and run for office. 
 
Once you've joined the World Assembly, be sure to endorse the World Assembly Delegate [b][nation]Astrobolt[/nation][/b]. Endorsing the Delegate gives the region more power in the World Assembly because the Delegate's vote is weighted so they receive an extra vote for each WA endorsement they have. You can also decide how the WA Delegate votes once you're registered on the forum by [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/board/140/world-assembly-voting-polls][b][color=339999]participating in WA voting polls[/color][/b][/url]. 
 
After you've done that, you can get involved in our regional community by signing up for the [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/][b][color=339999]regional forum[/color][/b][/url]. The forum is the main headquarters for our regional government, economy, cultural events, our defender military, and role-playing. When you sign up for the forum, it's important to follow the instructions in the first post of [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/40638/registration-welcome-thread][b][color=339999]this thread[/color][/b][/url] so that an Account Masker can go through and confirm your account to give you access to appropriate areas of the forum. 
 
The last thing to do is join our regional [url=https://discord.gg/7KDsKb6][b][color=339999]Discord[/color][/b][/url] server. Discord is a live chat platform that we use to hang out and get to know our region-mates a little better. Stop by to meet some new friends! 
 
Once you've done these four things (answer Issues, join the WA, sign up on the forum, and introduce yourself on Discord), you're all set! From there, take your own path and discover what about 10000 Islands interests you. The rest of this Dispatch is an index of guides and resources for you to look at.[/font]

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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][size=125][color=333399][b][anchor=Guides]Guides and Set Up[/anchor][/b][/color][/size][/font]
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[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434289][b][color=20AFA8]Regional Government[/color][/b][/url]: 10000 Islands is governed according to the [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/5721/constitution-10000-islands][b][color=20AFA8]Constitution[/color][/b][/url] by the Chief Executive, a Council of Nine, and various executive government officials. Understanding the nuances of this system and why things are structured this way is important, and this guide serves to unpack all of that along with how you can get involved.
[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434281][b][color=20AFA8]RMB Etiquette and Guide[/color][/b][/url]: The Regional Message Board (or RMB) is the shared community space we have that is built into NationStates. If you'd prefer not to use off-site forums or chat apps, it'll be hard for you to get involved in regional government or parts of our culture, but you can access a healthy sliver of our community through talking to your neighbors on the RMB. However, this comes with rules and community guidelines outlined in this guide.
[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434283][b][color=20AFA8]WA Guide[/color][/b][/url]: Learn more about the World Assembly here - what is the General Assembly and the Security Council? How does WA membership effect your nation? What regional programs does 10000 Islands have for engaging in the WA?
[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434287][b][color=20AFA8]Join TITO![/color][/b][/url]: The Ten thousand Islands Treaty Organization (TITO) is 10000 Islands' regional defender military - they help secure other regions' security when they're attacked by raider forces. Learn about what exactly TITO does and how to help here. 
[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1441682][b][color=20AFA8]Houses and Generations Guide[/color][/b][/url]: Discover your lineage and place in XKI's family tree as well as make friends by exploring our House and Generation system in this guide. Compete in competitions with other Houses and more!
[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1441686][b][color=20AFA8]Entertainment and Activities Guide[/color][/b][/url]: Want more fun things to do? Look no further than this guide! Discover all the endless possibilities for fun here in the 10000 Islands and how to interact with them or learn more about creating your own fun.
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][size=125][color=333399][b]Additional Resources[/b][/color][/size][/font]
[list][font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]
[*][url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/board/96/information-bureau][b][color=20AFA8]10000 Islands Information Bureau[/color][/b][/url]: This is a forum-oriented guide with more information about the customs and traditions of 10000 Islands. 
[*][url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/40638/registration-welcome-thread][b][color=20AFA8]Welcome and Registration Thread[/color][/b][/url]: If you choose to join the 10000 Islands forum, post in this thread to get your account confirmed. 
[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1441684][b][color=20AFA8]Terms & Abbreviations[/color][/b][/url]: Look up common NationStates slang and acronyms you find in this guide.
[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1441683][b][color=20AFA8]History of 10000 Islands and TITO[/color][/b][/url]: This guide contains a brief history of 10000 Islands and the Ten-thousand Islands Treaty Organization. 
[*][url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1472722][b][color=20AFA8]Regional Master Calendar[/color][/b][/url]: This dispatch holds a list of all our regional holidays so you can check for celebrations throughout the year.
[*][url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/39073/new-nations-claim-stipend-money][b][color=20AFA8]New Nation Stipends[/color][/b][/url] and [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/34988/joined-islands-past-claim-rewards][b][color=20AFA8]Taco Island Charities Longevity Awards[/color][/b][/url]: Rewards to get new members started in our financial system.
[*][url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/28330/ways-make-money-10000-islands][b][color=20AFA8]Ways to Make Money in 10000 Islands[/color][/b][/url]: This guide explains how to earn Tacos to enrich yourself in 10000 Islands' financial system. 
[*][url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/28005/guide-nation-categories-creation][b][color=20AFA8]Nation Creation[/color][/b][/url] and [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/29598/world-census-report-categories][b][color=20AFA8]World Census Guides[/color][/b][/url]: Wondering how Issues and national statistics work? These threads contain more information. 
[*][url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/23183/rules-information-political-parties][b][color=20AFA8]Political Parties Information[/color][/b][/url]: Political parties are influential in 10000 Islands' electoral process. Learn more about the current parties and how the party system works in this guide. 
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[box][table=plain][tr][td]   [/td][td][anchor=faq][/anchor][font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][size=125][b][color=333399]10000 Islands Frequently Asked Questions[/color][/b][/size][/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]What is the first thing I should do now that I've joined the region?[/b]
There are many ways to become involved in the region now that you've joined, like becoming a citizen, joining the forum where you can vote in elections and do lots of fun things, joining the discord server, or doing things gameside like endorsing the delegate, solving issues, and chatting on the regional message board. Learn more about the opening steps to involvement in the region in the [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434280][b][color=339999]XKI Welcome Guide[/color][/b][/url].[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]What is the World Assembly and how do I join?[/b]
The World Assembly is like NationStates version of the United Nations which governs the World. It passes different laws, and can condemn or commend nations on their acheivements. Members get to vote on each of these laws (you can vote for the ones you like and vote against the ones you don't), however you will have to follow anything that passes. You aren't allowed to just follow the laws you like and ignore the ones you don't. [/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]Joining the World Assembly is not mandatory but it is open to everyone. Just go to the World Assembly page and click "Apply to Join" which just sends you an email that you need to accept (there's no actual application process). Be warned, as a user while you can have multiple nations and puppets only one can be a member of the World Assembly. Being a member allows you to endorse the delegate as well as other nations, and in addition allows you to vote on resolutions. More information on what endorsements do as well as the benefits of joining the World Assembly are below. [/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]In addition check out the [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434283][b][color=339999]XKI World Assembly Guide[/color][/b][/url] for more information.[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]How do I become a Citizen? / What is the difference between WA and Non-WA membership?[/b]
All 10000 residents in the WA are citizens of 10000 Islands. Citizens are eligible to vote and run in various elections and hold certain government positions, where as non-WA members are not able to. All WA members are highly encouraged to endorse the delegate to help keep the region safe. Learn more about citizenship and 10000 Islands government in the [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434289][b][color=339999]Regional Government Guide[/color][/b][/url].[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]What are endorsements? How do I get endorsements?[/b]
Endorsements are something you can do to fellow WA member nations in your region. In order to endorse another nation you both need to be WA members and to be in the same region. While they don't matter too much (however are important for bragging rights) endorsing the Delegate is very important as it keeps our region safe. [/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]In order that Delegate transitions are more easily achieved, we limit endorsements to 1/2 the total of the sitting Delegate. Endorsement trading (aka "endo tarting") is OK up to this limit, but if you are over this limit at the time of Delegate transition, once every 6 months, you will be asked to shed your endorsements to get to this limit - or failing that, be temporarily booted from the region (which will cost you all of your endorsements). So mind this limit please.[/font]

[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]Keep in mind that even when there isn't a Delegate transition going on, the limit still applies. Please remember this.[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]What is TITO? How do I join TITO?[/b]
The Ten-thousand Islands Treaty Organization or TITO is 10000 Islands' defender military. You can learn more about joining TITO [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434287][b][color=339999]here[/color][/b][/url].[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]Does 10000 Islands have a map? How can I get added to the map?[/b]
Yes, 10000 Islands does have a map. You can view the map in [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1411747][b][color=339999]this dispatch[/color][/b][/url] or on the forum [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/37700/map-10000-islands][b][color=339999]here[/color][/b][/url].[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]To be added to the map, you need to register a forum account and have a minimum of ten posts over a period of one month.
You also must be a Citizen (WA resident) of 10000 Islands, with a national population of at least 250 Million.[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]If you qualify, you can post [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/4799/post-added-map-qualify][b][color=339999]here[/color][/b][/url] to be added.[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]What is the legislative process of this region? / How can I get onto the Council?[/b]
The Council of Nine is the legislative body of the Islands. Here legislation is written, passed, revised, and repealed. There is also a [url=http://10000islands.proboards.com/board/117/senate-lobby][b][color=339999]Council of Nine Lobby[/color][/b][/url], where you can bring matters to the attention of the Council. In addition all official Council discussions except those marked secure will be viewable by all citizens so you can get up to date information on what's happening in the Council. However only council members are able to post in these non-secure discussions. [/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium]There are 3 appointed, and 5 elected positions in the Council (the other is held by our Chief Executive). Elections occur every odd numbered month. Senators serve a 4-month term and the Delegate serves a 6-month term.[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]What is recruiting? How can I become a recruiter?[/b]
Recruiting is sending invitations to other nations. We use something called the Accelerator for ease of recruiting. Read [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/thread/29402/guidlines-obtaining-accelerator-account][b][color=339999]here[/color][/b][/url] for more info.[/font]
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[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][b]I have more questions![/b]
Great! Check out the [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1434280 #Guides][b][color=339999]the rest of the guides[/color][/b][/url], and/or see the forum for [url=http://10000islands.proboards.com/board/96/information-bureau][b][color=339999]more Information about 10000 Islands[/color][/b][/url]![/font][/td][td]   [/td][/tr][/table]

[font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][align=right][size=75][i]Special thanks to [nation]HumanSanity[/nation] for writing, [nation]Free Las Pinas[/nation] for formatting, and the Ministry of Education for maintenance and upkeep.[/i][/size][/align][/font][/box]
[box][background-block=#211778][table=plain][tr][td]   [/td][td][align=center][font=KohinoorDevanagari-Regular, Yu Gothic Medium][img]https://i.imgur.com/cuHxV0F.png[/img]
[b][url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/][color=20AFA8]Regional Forum[/color][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://discord.gg/7KDsKb6][color=EACCA4]Regional Discord Server[/color][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/board/180/grand-debate-hall][color=20AFA8]Grand Debate Hall[/color][/url] [color=white]|[/color] [url=https://10000islands.proboards.com/board/84/regional-reserve-offices][color=EACCA4]Regional Reserve Offices[/color][/url]
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