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XKI Generation: The Shelter Generation XKI NS Join Year: 203 - Thursday, 29 May 2014 Historical XKI Political Party: TCP - The Circle Party Ancient House of: Louisistan
Welcome to the Embassy of International Northwestern Union It is my pleasure to officially open this embassy! Welcome to the Islands! Please make yourselves at home.
TITO Knight Master Commander Louisistan 79th Knight of TITO 28th Delegate of 10000 Islands Former Mayor of Taco Island Former TITO Tactical Officer and Executive Officer Former Senator for Lyonesse East
So hello my dear comrades, this is everyone's favorite vampire, Thrace. I've wanted to write an article for the newspaper for quite a while, but I've been too lazy until now. I've finally had some time, so here it is. And since I'm a roleplayer, what better thing to write about than about roleplaying? Or more specifically, about P2TM.
What is P2TM, you ask? It's simple, you silly barbarians. Portal to the Multiverse. No, it's not an evil satanic space-time portal used by aliens to travel in the Multiverse(although it's pretty similar to it). It's the fancy name for the roleplaying section of the NationStates Forum. This is the magical land where nations from all across NS gather to roleplay and do all sorts of.. silly things. It's like a heaven of roleplaying. Or a hell. Or a purgatory. Depending on the perspective. As all of you know, or maybe not, the INWU has a chronic problem with roleplaying. Most of our members simply don't want to roleplay, or aren't interested in it, and even those who want and like to roleplay never seem to have enough interest in it. That's why all of our regional roleplays die, sooner or later. And with no roleplays, those of our members who want to roleplay usually can't. And then of course, there seems to be a general poor knowledge of what roleplaying is, or the basic roleplaying rules, and of how a roleplay is supposed to work, leading to our small roleplaying community being rather toxic.
Don't be scared, the portal looks perfectly safe to me.
In my opinion, the best way for people who want to roleplay, to actually begin roleplaying, is P2TM, where they can experience roleplaying without the problems of the region. But most of the people are hesitant, if not afraid to do it. And I understand. I was like that at the beginning too. I even now remember the weeks I spent simply looking at roleplays, but being afraid to join. Because there are so many unknown people. Because so many of them are probably good roleplayers, while you aren't. Especially those with huge post numbers (like me), who can be intimidating. Because you don't know how roleplaying works, and because you're afraid that you will fail. Or because you're not confident enough in the quality of your posts. But let me tell you something, none of these matter. Not all of us are born as experienced roleplayers. Thinking about myself back at the beginning, I'm ashamed. I want to burn my first posts. But I got over it.
Most of the people in P2TM are actually friendly, and if you're a beginner, but you actually want to learn, they'll help you. There are threads were you can post questions, and they will be easily answered. There is the P2TM mentorship program. There are roleplays for beginners. It's not that difficult to do.
When I joined my first roleplay, it was catastrophic.. the roleplay died soon anyway. But soon after, I've joined another one. And I'm proud to say that the roleplay I joined then, has become my favorite roleplay of all time, and I'm in it even now, more than a year after I first joined. I was really bad at the beginning, but I was helped. My English back then was a disaster, but I can say confidently that roleplaying has improved my English tremendously. And look at me right now. I'm practically a god, right?
Joining roleplays on P2TM isn't impossible, and it's not like a suicidal banzai charge. It can be done, and in the end, you'll have fun. So at least, for those of you who want to roleplay, but don't know how, I think that it is worth a try. For any kind of help you'd need, you can hit me up with a TG, although I'll be hiding in my coffin for a week from now. Just try. What could go wrong?
My grandpappy once told me something that I'll always remember. That something that my grandpappy once told me went a little something like this, "Let be.". These two words would be a part of my life from the time my grandpappy first told them to me until the last time he told them to me, which he's still telling them to me.
These two words bring back a lot of memories, like when I was a wee kiddo and I got upset because Gretta refused to sit on my lap. My grandpappy would see me being upset and he'd gab my shoulders, look into my eyes and say, "Let be."(Gretta was a chicken, she made a good Thanksgiving brunch.). Hearing my grandpappy utter these two words (Let be) always solved my problems and made me feel more than sad. Another time these two words helped me out was when I was in Before High School. There was this missy who I was really in love with. I'd watch her talk to her friends, eat her lunch, walk home from school. When she wasn't by her locker I'd slip in love letters depicting our loving family of 4 girls and 3 chickens(The missys name was Gretta).
There was one problem though, Gretta never loved me back.
No matter how many times I followed her or how many notes I forcefully shoved into her locker with tears in my eyes and a fire in my heart and an anger in my brain, she never loved me. I called grandpappy for advice, grandpappy always knew what to do. You know what he told me, that's right. My grandpappy told me those two special words that make me feel good, "Let be.". Those two words solved my missy problem, they made it all better. I still love Gretta, even right now.
My grandpappy died 3 years ago, I cried for a bit but then I knew that I had the power to make it better. So, every night after I'm done petting Gretta (on my lap) I go to my spare bedroom. In this bedroom is my shrine to grandpappy, I love grandpappy. I kneel to this shrine, light a few candles (2 candles), and say those two special words over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. Sooner or later, in my brain, grandpappy appears. His face is a face of fright, but I know he loves seeing me. In my mind my grandpappy yells these special words, they go something like this, "LET BE LET BE LET BE HELP ME LET BE LET BE KILL ME LET BE END LET BE LET BE THE BE LET BE LET BE SUFF LET BE LET BE ERING LET BE LE BE.". These words keep me peaceful, they keep me happy. They even keep Gretta under control, and also happy. I love my grandpappy, even if he's dead. I know he'll always cherish my undying need for his guidance. Guidance that comes in these two very special words that go something like this:
I was going to do a write up about my short trip to Chicago last week, but I can’t find the wording to do so. Fear not, instead I’ll share some photos that I took while I was there. Granted I was only there for about 60 hours, but here’s some sights. It’s a city that I would love to visit again when I can.
That’s the hotel that I stayed in. Definitely can recommend it if you’re ever in town. Built in the ‘60’s, definitely.
Chicago Chinatown. Food was excellent there.
The 9 Dragon Wall. Located right outside the Cermack-Chinatown Redline stop.
Hard Rock Cafe sign, about a block from the hotel.
Downtown skyline as seen from Lincoln Park.
Finally, those were my seats for the game. Bayern lost to Milan 6-8 in shootouts. Had to leave the game early, unfortunately.
Just let it sit on the skin and soak in naturally. Rubbing it in can cause irritation and/or inflammation. Do not expose to open flame or prolonged sunlight. Keep away from heat sources. Keep away from children and pets. For topical use only. If swallowed, contact your attorney, priest, and/or seismologist. Store in a warm, damp environment. Do not feed more than twice per day, at most 2 hours apart. Do not consume food within 12 hours of application. Do not expose to radioactive materials, caustic materials, or blue clothing. Batteries not included. But most of all - HAVE FUN! Product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer. Always use caution when handling. Avoid excessive force, do not throw or drop. Hammers may work, however for best results, we suggest you use DENNATON-brand cleaners. This product is not a lubricant. Not for individual resale. Please contact your seller for more information. Do not leave full containers unattended. If this product must be left without supervision, store individually in 100mL packets, separated by at least 1000mm (38 inches). Do not over-stretch. Never allow any two half critical masses to come into contact. Do not look directly at the reaction. If asked about the reaction, change the subject. No reactions have ever taken place. The police will be by in 45 seconds to deal with the results of this reaction. Do not try moving. Moving may result in death. Place your hands slowly on the wall in front of you, and move your feet away from each other. Wait for further instruction. In the mean time, remember to visit the new cinema on 99th and Holmes. Dress appropriately and - remember - be discrete. Using this product for harm can result in severe mental trauma as well as loss of memory and brain failure leading to coma. Do not consume more than your daily recommended dose. Always take with food. Do not attempt to sleep or relax after use. Product may cause excitation or inexplicable wanting to operate heavy machinery. Keep all hands/arms/legs within the vehicle at all times. Do not attempt to stop manually while in motion. Using the brake pedal is considered tampering with equipment and is a federal crime. For technical support, call your local veterinarian.
Spring Cleaning: A Few Months Too Late?
Written by Albiorix, Graphic Designer and Assistant Editor
July has been a month of realization in the INWU. We've realized that many things have been neglected over the past six months, ever since the beginning of Gatito's delegacy. Amidst the chaos following the Divide and then Fiji's escapade to Europe, the legislative overhauls, the constitutional rewrite, and everything in between, many of the once occupied rooms in the INWU Headquarters have now been forgotten for half a year now.
Some of the clutter in bowels of the INWU Forums.
Recently, some intrepid archeologists have uncovered these neglected chambers where proposed legislative bills have sat upon dusty desks, before empty conference halls and office chairs. These courageous individuals, namely Othelos and El Fiji Grande, have dug through the layers of grime and the tears of the regional alcoholics, and brought these precious historical artifacts to light once more.
Except apparently these proposals continue to have an impact on the modern INWU.
Perhaps influenced by an unknown force emanating from the very parchment the writings were found on, our archaeologist has found reason in resolving the legislation and implementing them. "It's time we got around to that," they say.
At least it seems like OK filler for the plummeting RC attendance.
Editor's Notes
I hope you've had a great read and join us next month!
This issue was produced by interim chief editor Albiorix. So please don't hound [nation]Savalen[/nation] over my mistakes.
Has something happened over the past month that you want to write about? Do you think you can make the Newspaper look better? Or do you just want your name here --> Apply now for loads of different positions, we would be happy to have you on board!
For those who do want to point out my mistakes or if you want to personally thank me post your comments here.
Post by elfijigrande2 on Sept 5, 2016 12:29:11 GMT -5
Above was the August Edition of The NorthWest Star, the International Northwestern Union's regional newspaper.. Below will now be the September Edition, the most up-to-date edition available. The INWU Foreign Service will continue to update this thread as new editions are published.
As the station wagon traveled down the road Shaun took a look out the side window. As the blur of corn rushed by he thought to himself: "No wonder no one likes seeing nothing but corn for hours on end, it doesn't really leave the best impression." Shaun was right, seeing nothing but corn for hours on end does have the tendency to rot away the mind. However, the distaste of Kansan agriculture wasn't the only thing on Shaun's mind. You see, this road trip wasn't like the rest. Yes, it take the same route, yes it has the same sights to see and yes, it even has the same smell. Why his dad keeps this junker of a vehicle Shaun will never understand. "Maybe it's a relic of my dad's more exciting youth, maybe it reminds my dad of happier times," Shaun occasionally thinks to himself. Thought is the only thing to pass the time when you're passing through America's Cornfield.
That doesn't matter though, what matters is the destination of this journey. You see, something has changed within the past couple of days. Things have gotten a lot more quieter on Earth. First it started in Korea, then it happened in Turkey, then Austria, then Gambia and as of a week ago Maine. People are just getting quieter, at least that what Shaun's dad says. Shaun's dad also says that GMOs will be the death of humanity, so his words are taken with a grain of salt.
As Shaun is reading a story, about some guy and his grandpa, on his tablet he sees a cat out of the corner of his eye. "Gatito," he thinks. Shaun always prided himself on his knowledge of the Spanish Language, it'll definitely help once they reach Mexico. Apparently Mexico is the best place for him and his dad to live now, something about the composition of the air or something like that. It's all gibberish to Shaun, he just knows it's nice and warm there, and that he's always wanted to try an authentic Piña Colada. Hopefully the nice weather cheers his dad up, this whole quieting thing really seems to have gotten him going. It doesn't seems so bad to Shaun, he's always enjoyed a little peace and quiet now and then.
Shaun looks out the window again, "Yep, still nothing but Corn." Shaun didn't know what to expect, it is Kansas after all. As he looked around a sense of peace started to wash over him, the calm and quiet drive had a certain comforting effect on him. As Shaun stretched back in his seat he could hear the station wagon's engine start to get quieter, "This is the perfect time for a nap" Shaun said. With this Shaun started to close his eyes and his mind started to think about all the exciting adventures in Mexico he would have, and just how good that Piña Colada would taste. As he drifted off to sleep Shaun felt ready to take the longest, most comfortable nap of his life. His dad started to cry.
The Regional Council: How to Reform a Troubled Institution (Editorial Piece)
The Legislative Branch of the International Northwestern Union (INWU) has had a troubled past. Historically, we had a single-house legislature, which operated with a simple, elected selection of five representative nations that proposed, voted, and passed bills for the Union - the Northwestern Federal Assembly - or NFA for short. The elected representatives added to the culture of the republic, and added positions for both newer and experienced nations to get interested in. It also gave more weight to our election system, and helped limit the power of the Executive and Judicial Branches of the region, which could not directly interfere with the workings of the NFA.
But the NFA was an imperfect system, because often the will of the people of the INWU involved only the passions of the present, instead of the long-term steady hand that government typically needs to be secure and stable. In particular, the fact that the NFA only included five individual voices meant that other active nations in the INWU would find their voices left out of the debate, and even after telegramming their representative, would find their options limited. There were many changes in the representatives - each election would produce new results, but often it would be difficult to find enough nations to run for office, so mostly anyone who decided to run was offered the position. This of course resulted in a lack of understanding of the position, and a lack of competence in running it. Nations who got elected would often turn inactive after just a few weeks, and the system was such that it was nearly impossible to impeach them, and better to simply wait until the next election to replace them.
The system obviously needed changing, and several months ago, a new political party was founded in the INWU with exactly one goal: institute direct democracy in the region. The party had its steadfast opponents, but eventually won out, and carried in a new era. In becoming an institution, some compromises were made, meant to allow the most active nations to benefit the most from the system. This introduces the Regional Council (RC), a new legislative system that allows all citizens to participate in, including the writing, discussing, voting, and passing of laws, statues, and mandates. The limitations were such that only citizens could participate - anyone proven to be a unique nation - and also active enough, though these restrictions were thought to be quite low. Instead just a handful of nations speaking for dozens if not hundreds, citizens could participate, anyone could speak up, and most importantly, activity was ensured to be high due to the mandated monthly Regional Council Discussions and possibility of ejection from the assembly for inactivity.
But the RC also has problems, as evidenced by our current regional situation, in which the RC is simply left stagnating, and many nations with the option to participate have taken this ability for granted and stopped caring. The RC is still far more active than the NFA ever was, but each time an important bill comes up for discussion or vote, the Chancellor or other willing citizens must call upon other nations to participate. They only sometimes do, and only for the bill in question, instead of keeping up with other day-to-day proceedings in the RC. This constitutes a problem, because other either proposals get less attention, or the Chancellor becomes annoyed and frustrated. Typically, it's both. Some bills have passed into law with as low as just two votes, which gives our direct democracy a grim specter of an oligarchy or perhaps the slightly better image of a meritocracy.
So why do we have the RC - why don't we just go straight ahead and announce the formation of a meritocracy? The answer is simple - because we are, by principle, members of a democracy, and we will stick by it. We are under oath to strictly act in the best interests of the INWU, and our Regional Council is just one example of it. While it may slowly devolve into a meritocracy over time, any citizen can participate if and when they want. And leaving this option open allows it to remain possible for citizens to become active and influential in government. It provides a fast-track for newly recruited nations to become involved. And lastly, because despite the problems, it still works.
So, I've been thinking...we're never going to have the perfect system. I think we've been looking at this from the wrong angle. I really do not think a return to an NFA style system plus a bureaucratic rubber stamp lower house is a good idea. The truth is, what happens in our legislature will always depend on interest. And even legislators lose interest. I think reducing law creation to a few people will just choke-hold the process even more. And it's coming at a very bad time, because more people are losing interest in the government than there are who are gaining interest. The "candidate quality" argument is either irrelevant or very weak. If not many people are interested in voting, that's their business. But the RC does always pass everything that it needs to, and enough people are interested every now and then that it splits up the work. A few adjustments need to be made, but completely replacing the system for one that is more restrictive, bureaucratic, and probably worse is the wrong way to go. I think Albiorix is right. And Gatito has a good point that NFA style democracy is gone for a reason.
He's referring of course to the various opinions candidates for the next election for our WA Delegate have regarding the future of reforms for the RC. The coming election will help decide the direction the region will choose to go in the future, especially concerning how to best reform the Regional Council. While one path leads back to our history with the NFA - with some reforms - the other path leads towards even more openness in our legislative branch. I am personally of the opinion that the road to an active legislature is one in which the boundaries to membership are torn down, in which the active are rewarded for having changed the course of regional history and through having their voice heard, whereas the inactive still have the opportunity to speak up when they wish to do the same. I don't think that much will change with the passage of the proposed reforms that remove these barriers - but I think it's a step in the right direction.
I will use this moment to push the fact that the RC isn't perfect, it isn't as active as our RMB, it isn't as active as it seems it should be. But any other system that we may implement may prove troublesome, static and ultimately frustrating for those people that wish to pass bills and laws.
Ultimately, I have good reason to find that the Regional Council is on the right track. Its halls are open to all citizens of the region, and each citizen has the right and the power to thus have their voices heard. I strongly believe that direct democracy is the correct legislative system for the region, but like the passions of the people, its activity will naturally ebb and flow.
It starts getting cooler now and with people spending less time away than during the summer, the logical thinking would be that we get more active after the summer lull. This is in fact a lie as school hits people like a ton of bricks, so don't be surprised if there is a little decrease in activity over the next couple of weeks, hopefully everything will be back up to speed soon enough.
Then again, current activity seems to reverse that trend - the RMB is active thanks to two things: Map history discussions and P&W. Oh and a side of German and trolls. How trolls will be dealt with in the campaigns coming up depends on the outcome of the elections. I will say no more, Albiorix has got some interviews and platforms should come out this weekend (mine certainly will, I would expect the others to do so as well).
Short, but snappy from me this week. It's been awful how few articles have been submitted - this is one of the shortest issues yet and the average word count is only thanks to Fiji's monumental efforts and a wonderful story of Estradia's. I would expect a better participation next month. Remember folks, the deadline doesn't change, only the content does, so I'd advise a few of you to get writing. Remember this can be all sorts, from trips in real life to news relating to the region, from short stories to small advertisements through the odd comic or laugh.
The Renegade Islands Alliance is a very active community that is inviting and welcoming to new members and comfortable and familiar to citizens. The region is involved in community games, defending, roleplaying, and we keep active chat and voice channels. Members are often encouraged to be a part of the region and really get involved in community events (in and out of character, and real life), military activities (IC, OOC), and social happenings to ensure a rich gameplay.
The recent launch of The Renegade, the region’s newspaper, is sure to have all the latest regional news. Since its release on August 15, 2016, members have been flooding the editor with news. Citizens are sharing their cultural news and artwork as well as any breaking stories they have about military, economy, foreign affairs, government and a plethora of other issues. After I (Dixadoing) became Secretary of the Interior, I began writing a series for the paper: What You Need to Know. Each part of the series is a look at a new nation and what you should know about them and their politics.
“What does L&S [Lowlands and Saxony] bring to the table?” “We are an economic powerhouse, excelling in the arms and automobile industry. Our most profitable company is the somewhat controversial private military company Dent Tactical, Inc., who offers a multitude of services from training and consultancy to tactical insertions or transport of clandestine goods to airstrikes and the deployment of chemical bombs such as napalm and mustard gas.”
Another portion of the paper that is emerging is the series called Meet the Renegades. Think: a quick look at a nation’s culture, and almost a tourist’s guide. (We thought it was clever.)
Discussions and roleplays are abundant on the forum, on discord chat and voice channels, and the Regional Message Board (RMB) and many players get involved. Members are from all over the world and having various time zones helps keep us active on a 24-hour basis. Our RMB is constantly and consistently flooded with salutations and conversations, peaceful and wartime role-play, and friendly support. One of the most current RPs created is an Alternate History, where the members of our region have made claim on the world and its countries as we know it. Like a game of risk, we are all staking our property in preparation for world domination. Other roleplays include various eras and genres, including modern tech, future tech, sci-fi, fantasy and more. The RIA also has a special forces unit (RIASF) that helps nation’s defend against raiders.
When asked about the RIASF, Red Dusk said, "The RIASF, or Renegade Islands Alliance Special Forces, have been seeing large amounts of growth in the past few months, and many promising new recruits have joined and are being trained. Things are looking up for the future of the RIASF." The military branch houses nine members, though the branch is always recruiting dedicated members.
Overall the RIA is an extremely active region with a lot to offer citizens. There is somewhere to go for everyone and a friendly face there to greet you. As a citizen of this region, I have to say that I am exceedingly happy with my experience. The people are kind and the gameplay is always evolving. Visit us sometime.
Savalen's Notes
I hope you've had a great read and join us next month!
Chilling with the crew #Roadmen Estradia - Assistant Editor, Albiorix - Assistant Editor, El Fiji Grande - Columnist, Dixadoing - Guest Writer, Savalen - Chief Editor. (left to right) Tracian Empire was sadly not present due to problems in his country. It is hoped that he can turn out for the later editions.
For those of you interested in the upcoming elections Albiorix has conducted some interviews, soon to be released into the wild of the INWU!
Has something happened over the past month that you want to write about? Do you think you can make the Newspaper look better? Or do you just want your name here --> Apply now for loads of different positions, we would be happy to have you on board.
Is there something wrong? Are you offended in any way? Is there a typo? Do you just want to commend us (yaaaay!)? Make sure to write out all of your complaints in the the correct thread or telegram me, Savalen.
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XKI Generation: The Shelter Generation XKI NS Join Year: 203 - Thursday, 29 May 2014 Historical XKI Political Party: TCP - The Circle Party Ancient House of: Louisistan
TITO Knight Master Commander Louisistan 79th Knight of TITO 28th Delegate of 10000 Islands Former Mayor of Taco Island Former TITO Tactical Officer and Executive Officer Former Senator for Lyonesse East
Salutations to our interregional friends from everyone within the INWU community. Our staff at the INWU Foreign Affairs Department places a priority on maintaining our oft-tenuous links, to enable more opportunities and iniatives. In keeping with this vision, we invite you to peruse the Foreign Update of October 2016.
In the past, we have posted periodic updates in the form of the regional newspaper, The NorthWest Star. However, the newspaper, owing to its reader-contributor structure, often addressed topics irrelevant to our foreign directive. Oftentimes, the newspaper was heavily formatted and required significant edits in order to conform to the various forum formats used by our allies.
That being said, we would still like to provide our foreign readers with a link to the latest newspaper dispatch.
As you have no doubt seen in our recent foreign communique, our elections have concluded with the elections of El Fiji Grande as Delegate and Sieverdonia as Chancellor. During the early weeks of this delegacy, we have continued the work of Savalen's term and opened embassies with the United Republic of Sovereign States.
The administration now looks to improve our visibility by participating in NS-wide events such as the NationStates World's Fair. We eagerly anticipate its planning and will contact the nations responsible to acquire a booth as quickly as possible. The Foreign Department has also applied for embassies with the Social Liberal Union and the North Pacific.
The INWU would also like to dispel several rumors about the regional discord channel. Due to an oversight and organization mishap, NSFW content was allowed onto the general chatroom. This mistake has since been rectified, and all NSFW content has been directed to its own channel.
That concludes our November Foreign Update. If you have any questions, please contact your respective ambassadors, our Delegate El Fiji Grande, or our Minister of Foreign Affairs Albiorix.
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XKI Generation: The Midnight Generation XKI Map Nation Color: Bottom Right XKI NS Join Year: 227 - Monday, 28 September 2015 Historical XKI Political Party: MSPP - Mayor Shelter Political Party Ancient House of: Wordiness