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IC: 
Vorikstean officially accepts the bid, and is open to establishing trade agreements and deals to its new Rodinian partners.
IC:
Prince-Saint Clyde VI. makes his decision known to the Imperial Diet - the Nobles or 'Princes', during a meeting with His Majesty's Cabinet.
"After careful consideration on how this may affect my people, and especially my reign, I have come to the conclusion that it would be beneficial for Alezdotyre to finally join the Rodinian Union. This prospect will surely bring us further prosperity in joining a wealthier, single market, with stable and likeminded nation-states. In this declaration, Alezdotyre will officially become a member of the Rodinian Union, and an advocate for Rodinian unity."
OOC:
Hey all. I have returned. I apologize greatly for kinda just disappearing suddenly, especially since I was in the middle of stuff. I was dealing with some mental health issues and just needed a break from the internet as a whole. Again, sorry for the disappearance.
IC:
"A Nation Reborn, Under God, Indivisible."
Since the 'Revolution of 2024', the Neo-American Union has maintained stability and prosperity in its own corner of the world, and unbothered by international politics; the mighty emerges from years of isolation, to rebuild its empire. The Triumvirate has lead the nation to prosperity and peace, but their ambitions will be met with their challengers from all directions. The Hyperboreans drivel on the spurs of our boundaries, the Rodinians have once again attempt to intrude on our neighbors, and so it will only be a matter of time before the blades of the rising empires meet. The Neo-Americans abandoned their old, folly ways, to adapt to changing circumstances. A new identity shows, bringing light a new wave of ideology; based on the premise of meritocracy, traditionalism, and laissez faire capitalism.
As the embers of the revised nation radiate into an infernal of rage, the world stage has been set to finally challenge the status quo. What will happen next?
Who really knows...
"The Semiconductor Wars"
OOC: I think this is the perfect time to unleash the role-play series I've been working on lately, a perfect middle ground, between a major international conflict, but nothing big enough to lead to an all-out war. It could cause wars, if things escalate fast. The premise of the series revolves around semi-conductor technology, and the ability to manufacture them. Lore wise, semi-conductors were heavily used in the last world war, with most of the supply going to developing weapons, but after the war, semi-conductors became extremely rare. Most of the semi-conductors were used up, and all of its knowledge was lost from devastation. However, some nation-states have the capability to revive the lost technology, improve on it, and control who exactly can possess it. Considering newbies and oldies alike have become more active and competitive, this is the opportunity to play some 5D chess on the international stage. The beautiful thing about this series is that, in turn, everything is up to you. To make things more realistic and interesting, only certain nation-states begin with this technology, everyone below a certain ranking will be left out, but that's just how the real world works, not sorry.
I will be using three (3) NS ranking systems as factors:
Scientific Advancement
Intelligence
Sector: Manufacturing
After doing some calculations, I have used math to determine which nations get to start with this technology:
- 
Sovern (duh)
- 
Tritra
- 
Vostag
- 
Songhai Mali
- 
Quing Nara
- 
Santamonia
- 
Neo American Union
- 
Submetta
Those who have the ability to produce semi-conductors have the ability to share this technology, and let other nations be able to produce it for themselves. You also have the ability to just trade off the semi-conductors for alliances or other materials. The choice is yours, however your choices have severe consequences.
If the recipient nation-state has at least 5% (NS) ranking in each of the required categories, they can develop their own version of the technology, and independently develop it. You would have to choose carefully who you give access to this technology, despite it being a bargaining chip, it can come back at you, or your other interests. This may help you get a level playing field, or leverage in negotiations. Nations would reasonably want to have this technology for their own ambitions...or you could just keep it to yourself, and avoid the consequences altogether. The choice is yours.
However if you wish to trade/share this technology, any transactions must be documented by a treaty, and made public by IC/SIC.
Another function of the role-play series, is that nations that don't have the technology already, can steal the technology from you if their Information Technology ranking is higher than yours, and conduct an SIC operation to prove their capture. This will be a big motivator for you to improve your cyber security systems. You should be careful who steals from you, because there is no telling what their intentions will be. This may also encourage you to do issues to increase your Information Technology ranking. You can also utilize your creativity to possibly prevent certain nations being given this technology, like imposing a blockade or attacking their vessels. Of course these actions could also backfire, because semi-conductors could solely being used for civilian or economic use, rather then mass producing weapons of mass destruction. You have the option to create coalitions to stop certain nations from accessing this technology, and use collaboration to secure this invention. Although; you should still be careful for terrorists!
There are a few rules to this role-play that you have to follow:
I. You don't talk about fight club.
II. You must follow all the role-playing guidelines, rules, etc.
III. If you are a discord member, who can't use anything on the platform to use in this role-play series, IC and SIC.
The point of it is to enjoy a long term rp that you can participate in at any time, with an open ending. There are many possible outcomes of this simulation, the world could create a treaty to limit the manufacturing or use of semi-conductors, or eventually instigate a "Fifth Great War". The choice is literally up to you, and you can change your stance or trajectory at any time with no limitations. So long as everyone is following the guidelines, and having fun, that's all that matters.
P.S. Happy Easter Everyone!
Helric, Hedra, and Oudi Hazala
IC:
Despite the Kingdom of 
Bortavia initially rejecting the invite into the Rodinian Union, many political opposition leaders have protested the decision, and instead want a chance to improve the nation's conditions with foreign investment; however, the current King does not see it that way, and instead wants to remain independent. Another, yet unmentioned reasons; being that Bortavia has historical grievances with 
Greater Bugradolva, and is threatened by competition by goods (especially grains) from 
Cossack Ukraine. The outcome of joining the union does not look favorable to the ruling regime, but the everyday citizen would disagree, if they could.
The current King wants to open up trade and political relations with the Hyperborean Empire of Vostag, but is obviously difficult considering Bortavia's geography, and their relations with neighboring countries. Due to this situation, Bortavia's economy has stagnated over the last decade, and is already sharply declining in productivity and GDP. This may cause instability in the near future.
IC:
"Pax Rodinia" - Nations, Arms United!
The trumpet blares through the morning sky, a horn blown by the call for war, echoes in the eastern plain. An endless row of tanks eclipses the horizon, mowing down anything unfortunate enough to end up in their tracks. Their metallic marching disturbs the tranquil peace of the distant farmlands, and small villages among the borderlands. The spring has thawed the soil to become mud, to which these devices easily pass over with ease. The air is dewy, rich with moisture from recent rains. This armada shortly stops before a gathering of flags, perched before a platform, centerfold is none other than Kaiser Alduin himself, clad in fatigues and battle armor.
"Today marks the beginning of the long awaited mandatory bi-annual military exercise program, with nations from all corners of Rodinia participating in this event, to not only ceremoniously harbor our unity and work together, but more so to prepare for the worse - war. One of the main pillars of the Rodinian Union is a collective, updated militias, capable of organizing, and deflecting foreign aggression. Or otherwise practicing for any necessary interventions. The Rodinian eastern plain is a hotpot for a potential invasion from the East, making the region a pivotable place of interest, and furthermore strategy. I have gathered the forces of many nations, to conduct a series of military exercises, not exclusive to the Rodinian continent. This theatre is merely one stage to the platitude of positions we must learn to defend, adapt, and coordinate on a large scale. Along with the eastern theatre, we will also be coordinating naval exercises in the White Sea, the North Sea, the Valtic Sea, and the Barbarian Sea. Ground-based operations and drills we be taking place here, in Cossack Ukraine, but also in 
Nortus Kvenland. Another land-based military exercise will be hosted in Tritra in the near future, and be our concluding mission. These drills we use every aspect, doctrine, and weapon of war on the training grounds. We will prepare ourselves for the worst possible outcome, with the most limited resources. Every man and women here will not only have to endure the land, but learn to live off of it. These souls will be prepared for the horrors of war, the brutality of the fittest to fight. Your hands will be sore and covered in mud, your legs will become weak and shake. This is the day that you will evolve, learn, and become stronger from it. The near future is not certain, so we must insure that every soldier and officer are grounded in discipline, and endurance. I declare the beginning of the exercise with a mock battle, and will begin with an exercise on entrenchment and bombardment. These tanks, straight from the arsenal of the Sovern Army, will be be the offending force, where companies will be responsible for deterring in trenches, before they could cross their last line of defense, and into the village nearby. If the defenders can prepare anti-tank blockades, defensive measures, and divide their manpower efficiently, then they can prevent the tanks from even reaching a mile from their starting point. It is an old tactic used in the First Great War, but universally effective in any defensive situation. Let us begin!"
To Be Continued...
OOC: I am looking forward to partake in this rp!
IC:
"Revival of Talos" - Return of the Atmorans: Part 1
As onlookers of the devout await for the total solar eclipse to transpire, the platform holding the altar of Talos is drenched in blood, in preparation for his revival. Rows upon rows of people clad in battle armor stand at attention, facing their patriarch and High King, Ysgramor XII. As the eclipse begins to envelop the darkening of the sky, a once always land of day and beauty is turned to a shadow, with a deep red hue being cast as the celestial bodies finally merge to make the Eye of Talos. Seconds pass, and there is no light, only the lit fires on the platform flicker in the blackness. The platform's surface begins to enlighten, with geometric symbols glow in the dark, illustrating a map of the top of the world, and the clear boundaries of Boreas. In awe of this, the soldiers, and even the High King, bow before the great majesty that is Talos. In his booming voice, the blind High King makes his speech, by declaring the message of Talos through him.
"...A prophecy was bestowed to my ancestors many centuries ago, highlighting our return to the world, and the restoration of our ancient dominion. During a time before the Cyanists, before the Hyperboreans, we ruled the top of the world, but faith in our Talos diminished when false Gods began to flood our minds. When all hope is lost, Talos will return, blacken the sky, and open his eye before us...Talos wants us to restore our empire, our glory, and our race. I hence forth declare a great and holy war for our lost land. We will slay every last heretic, and rebuild off of their bones and blood, for Talos!"
"For Talos!"
"For Talos!"
"For Talos!"
The crowd continues to cheer as they shed their robes, and march on, holding in one arm a rifle, and another their heart. In the midst of the great blackening of the sky, the Atmorans use the cover to unleash a devastating offense on their neighbors, in hopes of reviving Talos' great and amazing empire. Large black warships, built like metallic castles, pierce the thawing ice, and breach the borders of the many nations that border the Boreas Ocean. A heavy fog enrolls and masks the warships, and the bleakness shows no promise to the enemies before them. There is no hope for the defenders, for the Atmorans know they can't return home until victory is achieved. There will be so much suffering, but it will all be in name of Talos, and in honor of refounding the glorious Atmoran Dominion. From all corners, the Atmorans invade 
Valgoria, Vostag, the 
Inuit Confederation, the Neo American Union, and have begun flooding the seas with jet black warships, and the sky has been embroiled by flocks of bombers and escort fighter jets. War is literally on the horizon, and the nations whose afflicted by this onslaught, will ultimately be burdened with nearing defeat...Thus begins the "Holy Solar War"
Imperial Atmora reaffirms their claims on the land that is controlled by:
VostagValgoria
XerzneaNortus KvenlandInuit ConfederationNeo American Union
Quintoine
Novua Elysia
Sovern and Outer Qabadia
OOC: Thanks for the offer to RP but I'm burnt out on war RPs so I will be using my option to IGNORE and not partake. Thanks again and enjoy.
As you read this dispatch you will find that this is not a book of rules but simply a guide, a collection of tools and resources to help all roleplayers have an enriched roleplaying experience. Tools not rules. It is recommended that you try to use these tools to help you avoid having a bad RP experience but you don't have to. Your not using these tools and etiquette may result in people not wanting to RP with you or your having a bad reputation. If you are doing things like powergaming, numberwanking, or godmodding in an RP then the Domestic Affairs Minister or Communications Minister, or anyone for that matter may step in to help whoever you're doing it to as well as to bail yourself out before you dig yourself into a hole. But again in the spirit of voluntary consent you don't have to follow anything here if you don't want. These are tools not rules.
Term |
Description |
Original Poster (OP) |
The Original Poster (or "OP") is the owner of a given thread. In International Incidents (as well as other roleplaying boards), thread OPs of non-discussion threads have the right to prohibit players from posting (and request Moderation enforcement if said player continues posting) and the right to request Moderation remove any post, lock, or (re-)open their threads. |
Co-OP |
Typically an OP-appointed member of the thread or organization which the OP has given limited powers to post on their behalf. Co-Ops may come and go due to player disputes, leading to possible conflicts with the provenance of authority any given "Co-OP" may have. Further, while discouraged, sharing of accounts does occur; simply being on an account that has once logged-into the OP account does not satisfy this requirement. As such, Moderation does not acknowledge any power to thread Co-OPs; thread Co-OPs may not request posts be removed, the thread to be locked, the thread to be (re-)opened, or request to have a player banned from the thread. Moderation requires explicit requests from the thread OP, not by-proxy or otherwise by any other party. This does not prohibit any player from reporting actual rule-violating content, merely that Co-OPs are not granted any form of power bestowed via thread ownership. |
In-Character (IC) |
In-Character (IC) is any post or thread which is being written from the perspective of a fictional character, body, or organization which is distinct and different from the player. There is a respected divide between In-Character and Out-of-Character in the roleplaying community; Out-of-Character knowledge or impetus should not cross into In-Character posting and vice versa. For more information, see Meta-gaming (below). Simply because something is In-Character does not mean violating the rules is acceptable. |
Out-of-Character (OOC) |
Out-of-Character (OOC) is any post or thread which is being written-by and utilized by players as players, not as a fictional character, body, or organization. There is a respected divide between In-Character and Out-of-Character in the roleplaying community; Out-of-Character knowledge or impetus should not cross into In-Character posting and vice versa. For more information, see Meta-gaming (below). |
Secret In-Character (SIC) |
Secret In-Character (SIC) is any In-Character post which is hidden or should not be known by other characters and labeled as such. This may include things like encrypted communiques. A player having their character know such information without approval of the player controlling the SIC material may be guilty of meta-gaming. |
Implied Secret In-Character (ISIC) |
A separate form of SIC, Implied Secret In-Character (ISIC) is any In-Character post which another character has no reasonable way to know about. This may include things like a whispered conversation or a Top Secret document in another room. A player having their character know such information without approval of the player controlling the ISIC material may be guilty of meta-gaming. |
Tech Level |
A country's tech level(s) is the relative level of technology (or technological advancement, aesthetic, style, or type) utilized during roleplay and/or the relative continuity of the nation in question. For more information, see Tech Levels (below). |
The regional tech level is capped at Post-Modern Tech (PMT) however other tech level roleplays are allowed so long as they are labeled as such.
Term |
Description |
Past Tech (PT) |
Strictly speaking, Past Tech encompasses any piece of technology or continuity which is set before the present (or contemporary era). This ranges from pre-history to yesterday. Some exemplar aspects include: bow and arrows, spears, and Bronze Age technology; Middle Age fortifications, societies, and knighthood; lines of soldiers with muskets, cap-and-ball weapons, and the frontier; as well as trench warfare, airlifts, and recent historical anachronisms. At times, depending on a country's tech level, elements of Past Tech may be incorporated in other tech levels, especially Fantasy Tech/Fantasy and Modern Tech. |
Modern Tech (MT) |
Modern Tech is typically understood to mean the current level of technology (and/or continuity) which is analogous to the real world. This varies, however, between players and player communities and may, further, include a variance in definition and execution. This can mean that to some, Modern Tech means strictly attempting to portray a country which could fit into the real world with minimal conflict, to a country which exists on a nigh-infinitely large planet ("NS Earth") and thus bound by a different set of rules than reality. Some exemplar aspects include: modern tank warfare, both carrier- and dreadnought-based naval combat, neo-imperialism and neo-colonialism, as well as resource wars. See the NationStates Modern Tech Advice and Assistance Thread: |
Post-Modern Tech (PMT) |
Post-Modern Tech is typically understood to mean any piece of technology or continuity which is generally beyond the scope of Modern Tech, but before the moment a country has developed faster-than-light (FTL) technology. Some exemplar aspects include: pervasive use of the Internet, nanotechnology, and cyberpunk aesthetics. There is a degree of overlap between both the continuity and aesthetics of Post-Modern Tech and Future Tech; there may also be mingling of certain forms of Post-Modern Tech and Modern Tech, depending upon player and player community. See the NationStates Post-Modern Tech Community Thread: |
Future Tech (FT) |
Future Tech is typically understood to mean any piece of technology or continuity which exists beyond the moment a country has invented faster-than-light (FTL) technology, specifically transportation/travel. Some exemplar aspects include: multi-system star-states, alien species, (neo-)imperialistic or (neo-)colonial cultures, and general space exploration. There is a degree of overlap between both the continuity and aesthetics of Post-Modern Tech and Future Tech, as well as certain situational caveats for what constitutes Future Tech - often situations where a country is soon to receive/invent FTL technology, either natively or via gift from another star-state (a process sometimes called "uplifting"). See the Future Tech Advice and Assistance Thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=270578 for more information. |
Fantasy Tech/Fantasy (FanT) |
Fantasy Tech/Fantasy is typically understood to mean any piece of technology or continuity which contains elements of the supernatural or occult, magic, or certain "punk" aesthetics. Some exemplar aspects include: magic and the occult, wizards and witches, werewolves and vampires, high/low fantasy settings, and steampunk. Fantasy Tech/Fantasy is also sometimes included as situational amendments to other tech levels, meaning that players may, at times, incorporate fantastical elements into other tech levels; the acceptability of such (and the execution thereof) will vary from community-to-community and player-to-player. |
Term |
Description |
ATTN/Attention |
A thread tag which typically is meant to attract the attention of a region ("ATTN: Exampleland"), nation ("ATTN: Examplestan"), or organization ("ATTN: Example Alliance"). |
CLOSED/OPEN |
Thread tags which indicate whether players may or may not post freely to a given thread. "Closed" indicates a thread that is not open for players to post; also may be used in conjunction with other tags, such as "INVITE" or "APP ONLY" to indicate how players may become involved. "Open" indicates a thread that is open to players immediately and anyone may post in them. |
APP/APP ONLY (Application) |
A thread tag which indicates players must apply (typically in an OOC thread) and be approved by the thread OP (or thread Co-OP) before they can post in the IC thread. |
INVITE/INVITE ONLY |
A thread tag which indicates players must be explicitly invited by the thread OP (sometimes with limited permission from thread Co-OPs) before they can post in the thread. |
SEMI-CLOSED/SEMI-OPEN |
Varies. Typically a thread tag which indicates some manner of prior approval by the thread OP is required before a player may post. |
TELEGRAM/TG |
Often applied in tangent with other tags as "TG," such as "TG for Interest," "Closed/TG," etc. Tends to indicate that the thread OP wishes interested parties to send a telegram if they desire further information about the thread in question or wish to be involved. |
**** ONLY |
Where "****" indicates some organization(s), nation(s), region(s), etc. A thread tag which indicates only the aforementioned parties may post in the thread. |
IC/OOC/SIC |
See "Basic Terminology." |
Interest |
A thread tag which is typically used to draw the community's attention for the purpose of gauging whether there is enough interest in a particular thread idea in order to gauge whether the thread OP wishes to create an IC thread. Such threads are typically OOC and lead to an IC thread, though sometimes they may be OOC and be transformed into an IC thread once a certain threshold of interest is met. |
MATURE |
A thread tag which typically indicates a given thread (or post) may contain potentially sensitive material, such as violence or implied sexuality. Using the "MATURE" tag does not mean a player can post material which violates the PG-13/Offensive Material Rules. The utilization of the "MATURE" tag is purely a kindness to other players who may not wish to read/participate in such a thread. |
Sticky |
While not necessarily a thread tag, a sticky is a thread which is permanently pinned to the top of International Incidents (or any board on the forums) by Moderation. Typically such threads include pertinent information for a board. Read them. |
Term |
Description |
Bump/Bumping |
The posting of a brief message (sometimes just "Bump") in order to boost a thread up to the top of the first page of a board. Sometimes understood to mean "Bring Up My Post." This should not be done in excess, as it may constitute spamming. Once every twenty-four hours or once the thread has fallen off the first page - whichever is the longer time period - is acceptable. |
Closed/Open Canon |
"Closed" or "open" canon (and continuity) is a distinction made based upon the way players interact-with and determine the existence of their nations in the overall, fictional world. "Open canon" is defined as a canonical world in which no application or acceptance is required for the player's nation to be considered to canonically exist; an example would be "NS Earth" as commonly seen in Modern Tech. "Closed canon" is defined as a canonical world in which application and acceptance is required in order for the player's nation to be considered to canonically exist, often by a central authority (such as a player or group of players); "closed world regions" and/or "closed roleplaying groups" are examples of "closed canon." Such is not to be confused with mere threads which happen to be closed, open, or require application approval to participate. |
Closed World Region/Closed Roleplaying Group |
A roleplaying region or player group, typically controlled by a central authority (a player or group of players), which requires application acceptance for the player's nation to be considered to canonically exist. Such CWRs/CRGs are considered "closed canon" and often self-limit interaction outside of the CWR/CRG in some way. The amount of limitation can often vary, with a wide range stretching from "all actions undertaken outside of the CWR/CRG are considered non-canonical" to "outside actions are considered canonical based upon individual player discretion." Such is not to be confused with mere threads which happen to be closed, open, or require application approval to participate. |
DEAT |
A severe punitive action, beyond a simple warning or ban; a slang term describing the deletion of a player account, often understood to have arisen as a typo for "DEAD" as folded-into "delete." See "'NS Summer' and other assorted silly trivia" for more information. See "'NS Summer' and other assorted silly trivia" |
Delete-on-Sight/DOS |
Considered the most severe punishment Moderation will execute against a player, to be declared "Delete-on-Sight" or "DOS/DoS" is to be permanently banned from NationStates. A player that returns to the site beyond their DoS declaration is deleted without warning or notification. It is typically reserved for the most severe violations (such as spamming obscene material) or for players with extensive records that have consistently refused to adjust their behavior and adhere to the rules. |
Embassy/Embassy Thread |
An embassy thread is a style of thread where players open their country to requests of embassy or consulate establishment from other nations (other players), often with reciprocal arrangements. Such typically include applications, a list of restrictions for foreign embassies, requirements for the same, and may contain other information pertinent to diplomatic endeavors. |
Factbook |
Derived from The World Factbook (CIA World Factbook). A thread, dispatch, website, etc. that acts as a repository for various forms of information about a given country, often functioning as an expression of worldbuilding. These can exist in a variety of formats, ranging from those similar to the aforementioned CIA World Factbook to a collection of narratives which provide insight into a country - or anywhere in between. Further, the information provided may be given as "In-Character," and thus can be "known" by any character, or may be given as "Out-of-Character", and thus cannot be "known" by any character; if unsure, ask before making an assumption. Not everyone has a factbook, though many players have notes on their countries in some form; expectations for players to have a factbook vary from region to region, player group to group, and even between tech levels. |
God-mod(ding)/Godmod(ding)/Godmode |
To describe what happens to another player's characters, forces, etc. without the player's consent; refusing to take losses; having absurdly powerful characters, military forces, or technology; having a state's geography (or other features) designed in such a way as to provide an undue advantage. Examples include describing how a missile hits another player's ship, describing casualties or fatalities of another player's characters, or saying another player's character dies. Doing such is a violation of community standards, but not against the rules. Players should allow for the other player to describe the "effect" of any event (such as a military engagement) unless they have their permission to describe such. May also include any activity which otherwise violates community standards, broadly speaking. |
Ignore |
Players cannot be forced to roleplay with any other player. Ignore (or the "IGNORE Cannon") is invoked when a player refuses to roleplay with another player; this may be simply in a single thread, or wholesale. In the case of the latter, typically means the player ceases to recognize another player's country as existing. |
Moderator/Mod |
Often an inclusive term describing any member of the NationStates staff which serve to enforce the rules, punish players when required (as with warnings, bans, or other punitive actions), and perform general forum maintenance (such as moving threads, splitting threads, and locking threads). More specifically, a Moderator is one subset of several different staff positions, sometimes referred to as "Moderation/Administration" loosely. |
Meta-gaming/Metagaming |
To use Out-of-Character information for In-Character gain without the other player's permission. An example would be to use information you (the player) are aware of from reading a Secret In-Character post and allowing one of your character's to know the information. |
Nation Maintenance Thread |
A style of thread which consists of short stories, periodicals, or vignettes involving a player's own nation, and set in the same. Often used as a means of worldbuilding, concept exploration, or "maintaining the nation" as active - hence the name. |
Newb(ie)/Noob(ie)/N00b(ie) |
A new player. A player which repeatedly violates community standards (such as god-modding or meta-gaming). Typically used in a derogatory manner. Please note, using such may constitute flaming. |
News Thread |
A style of thread in which the player (or players) roleplay through presentation of In-Character news articles, stories, editorials, etc. Typically such come in two forms: regional news or domestic (national) news. Regional news are In-Character threads which, typically, may be posted within by anyone in an indicated roleplaying region, while domestic (national) news are strictly for a single nation. |
Number-wank(ing)/Numberwank(ing) |
An attempt to use numerical superiority without justification for the purpose of increasing player/country prestige, power, or numerical advantage. Examples include having an unnecessarily large population while not acknowledging the drawbacks of such, having an infinitely-large armed forces, or having an amount of military forces in an engagement far beyond what is considered acceptable for a given thread. |
ORBAT (ORder of BATtle) |
A list of military forces (soldiers, equipment, assets, etc) within a nation's armed forces or what will be utilized in a given thread or post. |
Power-game(ing)/Powergame(ing) |
While there is nothing wrong with an In-Character desire to win or competitive roleplaying, powergaming describes an attitude in which a player's sole (or primary) purpose for roleplaying is to defeat another Out-of-Character player vicariously through In-Character actions. This can often be conflated with a form of godmodding, such as that a player will godmod by ensuring their nation is surrounded by absurdly treacherous (and otherwise unfeasible) terrain in an attempt to always defeat another player in a conflict so that, Out-of-Character, they can never be said to have lost (powergaming). |
Setting Thread |
A style of thread in which a given setting is created collaboratively by participants for common use by its contributing participants. An example would be a city set in a player's country, but one in which the original poster allows other player's to create destinations and locations within it (such as malls, museums, etc.) for use in other threads; most often, the setting thread itself is merely a repository for applications for constituent locations and for worldbuilding of the setting itself, with participants having some license (which may vary from thread to thread and player to player, defined in the thread itself) to use the relevant locations in other threads. |
Storefront |
A type of thread in which a nation, corporation, or other entity trades/sells products or services to others, be they individual characters, nations, corporations, or other entities. Examples include an arms manufacturing corporation selling weapons, a shipwright designing and selling naval vessels, a fast food company offering foreign franchises, etc. |
Tag/Tagging |
The posting of a brief message in order to indicate a player is interested in a thread. Please note, posting of just "tag" constitutes "tag spamming," an actionable offense. |
Worldbuilding/World Building/World-building |
The creative process of designing a fictional world, typically a player's country and related concepts. This includes designing a country's culture, political structure, economy, religion(s) or spirituality, history, language, social customs, etc., and, more generally, designing the details of any given, fictional concept (from corporations to naval vessels, firearms to fashion, etc.). Generally has overlap with concepts such as "conworlds" (constructed worlds) and "conglangs" (constructed languages). |
Question: |
Answer: |
How do I roleplay? |
All roleplaying on NationStates is fundamentally based on freeform roleplay; that is to say, insofar as what you are roleplaying adheres to the rules, it is acceptable. Simply put, roleplaying in most threads is turn-based: one player will post a series of actions of a scene, then another player will respond, rinse and repeat. The ultimate goal is to write a collaborative piece of fiction with yourself and other players as the authors - to tell a story together. |
What does "voluntary consent" mean? |
Voluntary consent is, ultimately, the backbone of NationStates roleplaying. Simply put: no player can force another player to do something against their will. This includes: roleplay with them, change their country, surrender their country after the loss of an In-Character conflict, adhere to community standards, etc. Fundamentally, a player can do with their country as they wish, insofar as what they wish to do does not violate the rules. This is a two-way street, however. Some examples include... While one cannot force another player to accept losses in a conflict, it is considered poor form to refuse to acknowledge them when the cause to such is roleplayed well and otherwise acceptably; refusing to acknowledge losses can lead to other players refusing to roleplay with a player as they may be perceived as powergaming. Another example follows in that a given player may not wish to follow a given community standard; while that is acceptable, that same player cannot force other players who do acknowledge such to roleplay with them if they choose not to roleplay with a player that does not follow the same guidelines and standards as themselves. |
I want to go to war with someone. How do I do that? Is there a button? |
There is no inbuilt "war" mechanic in NationStates insofar as roleplaying is concerned. There is no button to press on another nation's page to instigate a conflict. Instead, wars are simply another form of collaborative fiction; this means that if you wish to declare war on another player, you should discuss this idea with them, generally to decide on a rough outline of how the conflict might go, who might be involved, and what some goals (or even victory conditions) for the conflict might be. Communication is important and can often be conducted through an interest thread or telegrams. Keep in mind, players cannot force other players to roleplay with them - this includes war. |
What are community standards? |
Community standards are a set of guidelines that the community - in this case, II - has crafted over the years. They act as markers, especially for new players, to guide them to roleplay and create in a manner which is least likely to lead to Out-of-Character conflict with other players. Even so, they do not need to be adhered to, as players can roleplay however they desire insofar as it adheres to the rules - no one can change that. That being said, many community standards have been developed with the intent of helping to curtail poor player behavior - such as godmodding and meta-gaming - and many adhere to them, to varying degrees, and often encourage other players to do so as well. This is related to the nature of voluntary consent and the "two-way street" that it is: while "Player A" can flaunt community standards, "Player A" cannot force "Player B" to roleplay with them if "Player B" decides they dislike said flaunting of community standards. Further, specific community standards often vary between board, tech levels, and even sub-communities; equally, their may be significant overlap. Community standards are not rules; they are not enforced by Moderation. As an example: while godmodding may be poor player conduct, it is not against the site rules. |
What about my gameside statistics? |
Roleplayers often employ one of two (though a mix is not unheard of) bases for their In-Character, roleplaying statistics (population, Gross Domestic Product, military size, etc.): in-game (gameside) statistics that can be found on players' nation splash page, or ones devised entirely through manual calculation, creation, and development. There is no rule that players must use one versus the other; players are encouraged to use what they feel most comfortable with using. That being said, different communities and sub-communities do have preferences: some Modern Tech regions enforce a population cap (a limit on population size of a player's country), thus forcing manual development of other statistics, while this can be compared to Future Tech where statistics such as this are often not required - or even asked about - by other players in specific, with generalities often being acceptable. Ultimately, players tend to experiment until they find a balance they like and which their most common roleplay partners accept and appreciate. |
Way cool map man. Good rp idea too!
IC:
In the recent attacks from the Atmorans, the Rodinian Union is called upon by a Sovern envoy to initiate defensive protocols in the Boreas Ocean. In light of these acts of aggression against the Rodinian continent, capable reaction by stationed garrisons and guards, has been successful in slowing the Atmorans down. After months of intelligence gathering, the Sovern government has been ready for this invasion for a long time. A coalition of forces already gathered by the naval forces of Tritra, Sovern, 
Caruika, Xerznea, Valgoria, and 
Pompadorea - penetrating into the weak point of the Atmoran fleets' offensive line. In a swift assault, allied forces have been able to penetrate the Atmorans, forcing their organization to dissolve. Rear Admiral Ron Hubdred, a Sovern-born generational genius, takes credit in his successful strategy to divide their forces, as his past victories guaranteed him the trust to lead this large allied naval force.
Meanwhile on the northern warfront, the Atmorans have succesfully made landfall on the rigid mountains of Valgoria's mainland, and are enroute to Xerznea and Nortus Kvenland; respective garrisons were able to hold off much of the initial blow, considering the weather, the thinning polar vortex is causing an unusually cold winter in Rodinia, which is having a major affect on allied mobility and response. Sovern reinforcements will be shortly arriving in Valgoria, Xerznea, and Nortus Kvenland; by taking various routes through the Valtic Sea, and the Gordaem Strait. Despite the onslaught, the Rodinians are maintaining their resistence, and are spirited enough to defend themselves from any invaders.
OOC: That's totally understandable, I'll modify it slightly so it doesn't affect you...as much. You might not be subject to conquest (yet), but I can wait for you, when you least expect it. My naval forces will just enact a blockade on your coast with the Boreas Ocean, Bering Strait, etc. This way no one can affect you in that part of the world, but in return I will be virtually controlling it. It's frozen most parts of the year, so I guess it doesn't affect you as much as a normal coastline. Either way it benefits me, and benefits you. Although this may make you look like a coward lorewise, sorry :( We'll make it fun though, I promise! >cho :3
IC: Seeing as the Hyperboreans have become cowardly, and have shown no sign of being an actual threat, the Atmorans decide to spare them, but instead install a blockade on the Hyperboreans, and prevent them from using any access to the outside world by sea. This status quo will only change in the fact that one party attacks another, but considering the Atmorans won't press on, only leaves the Hyperboreans the fate to chose to fight back one day, or remain decadent, and isolationist like the last half-century. The blockade will also enforce a no-fly zone and aerial blockade if necessary, or in retaliation. The Hyperborean Empire of Vostag has been labeled as a "idle combatant", according to the Marshal's Office of Imperial Atmora.
"They don't seek to fight us, then we won't fight them. However a cost to their craven behavior will be complete isolation. They can not establish military installations, move warships, or even permit civilian vessels from entering the Boreas Ocean, or the Bering Strait, without our say-so. We are establishing full dominion over the Boreas Ocean, as the true lords of the North. In my decree, any Hyperboreans, civilians or not, who attempt to pass our blockade, will be enslaved, and thrown into battle. We will once again enslave them, make them our battle thralls, and then they can be of use in this war in some way. I shall live the day they abandon their cowardly antics, and prepare to defend themselves and their future. What lowly people to claim fatigue in war, only to receive my pity. When the world needed them the most, they [Hyperboreans] vanished."
- High King Ysgramor XII.
> Translated from Atmoran to Hyperborean (Common)
OOC: Ignore
OOC: You can ignore me like a child all you want, but it wont stop the blockade. :) your cowardness will be punished.
OOC: I get how you could be burnt out on war-based RPs, just like any RPs, but I mean that was literally years ago. I feel like now that Vostag doesnt have any real power anymore, or any real allies, and a crappy geography, they dont want to risk potential defeat. Being neutral is one thing, but being pushed around is another. Guess this will help me subvert Vostags underbelly, and eventually give him no choice but to stay isolationist. Old man can't do nothing about the broken boiler, just going to sit there just like a true fallen empire. Smart move is to do nothing, especially when you have nothing to show.
OOC: Like what Duey said from Malcolm in the Middle, "The future is now, old man!" Lol
ooc: That's fine.
ooc: okay that's fine with me.
OOC: Proves that legends do in fact die, not with a boom or shout, but with a wimper. How sad.
ooc: okay lol.
OOC: Since you've become nothing but a pariah state, you might as well become a vassal of the glorious Peoples Republic, youll have to rely on me for any of your trades to get to the international market, or your poor trading partners will not be fullfilled on their part of the deal. Im willing to work on incorporate Vostag into my Trans-Arcadian Project, let us build roads since you cant function enough to build your own. What do you say? One last chance before you become completely useless?
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