Source of all news from the Kingdom of Autelia!

As part of the forum move, a lot of old zeta-based BBCode and HTML - as well as punctuation marks - have not translated well. Luckily, they can be manually fixed.

As there are over 17,000 posts on the forum, it isn't efficient for me to got though every thread to find these mistakes and fix them. That's what you guys can help me with!

Please link threads here where you come across incorrectly coded posts and I'll fix them.

I opened up this forum to see if anyone would be interested in an International Sci-fi City Festival.

All -

Our forum is hosted on Zetaboards. Recently Zeta announced they were, basically, selling to Tapatalk and that all boards/forums would be transferred to Tapatalk. Please see here: http://support.zathyus.com/topic/7021172/1/

Anyone who has any experience with Tapatalk would be aware that their forums are basic. They don't allow great customisation (i.e. no IDU theme) and many basic functions are actually behind a paywall that the board owners (in this case, me) have to pay for.

In short, this is not good news. While we're going to wait and see what Tapatalk does - there is a slight chance nothing big will change - the end result will be moving to a new forum. I'm currently working on this - I'll probably host it myself on my own server.

What does it mean for you guys? Nothing much, really. If we do have to move forums, you can log on and do what you normally do. You'd have to create new accounts. However, Zetaboards/Tapatalk does not permit database downloads, so I would not be able to transfer topics and posts made from our current forum to any new one. We'd be starting from scratch.

If we have to move forums, I will endeavour to ensure the old forum will remain as a repository of history. The theme will go, but topics and posts won't. I can lock the forums and people can still go back there to peruse.

I'll know more in the next few weeks if we have to move forums. Zeta and TT are not forthcoming with information.

Captain Richards was working late on paperwork, when the sound of cards slapping the table and loud cheers filled the barracks located north of the city of Emor. Only half a mile away from the barracks, or 4 from Emor, was Gonhog, and slightly to the northeast was an inlet shared by the two nations. Divisions were being stationed as Gonhog had moved warships into the inlet.

The room quieted again for a bit, before the it erupted again. Captain Richards rolled his eyes as he got up and moved towards the room where his platoon slept.

?Hey everyone! We got heavy drilling tomorrow, so get some slee-?

BOOM. BA-BOOM. BOOM.

Shells rocked the barracks. The noise was instense, as men shouted and dove to cover while the rockets pounded nearby. They left as sons as they came.

Richards looked up from under the bed he had token covered on, then spook to his communications officer.

?Radio central command. Gonhog is at it again.?

??????????????????????????????
GONHOG


?Glorius Leader, our missiles have struck the foolish Catholics!?

The ?Glorius? Leader of Gonhog swiveled in his chair to face his advisor as he smirked.

?Thank you, Han. Call in General Lee and Gray, would you??

?Yes, Glorius Leader!?

A few moments passed when two slightly older, balding gentlemen entered the room.

?All hail Glorius Leader!? They shouted while saluting. The leader motioned with his hand to rest at ease. Then spoke:

?Now, generals, the Catholics have been pushing into our maritime borders,? he said with a wink, and continued, ?and they have been threatening our sovereignty,? he winked again to the two, ?and we are just protecting ourselves. Clear??

?Crystal,? the generals said in unison.?

The Glorius Leader turned around again, ?Good. Get your troops ready on the border. The Catholics are suprisingly weak for a nation of their size.?

?Yes, Leader.?

After recent events shining light on a small subset of the NationStates community spreading hate, Europeia will be celebrating love, pride, and diversity from May 11 to 14 with its first-ever EuroPride Festival. Everyone from the NS world, regardless of political ideology or beliefs, is encouraged and welcome to join us as we celebrate inclusiveness and LGBTQ+ players.

Throughout the festival, Europeians and fellow NSers will make speeches and share their experiences as an LGBTQ+ player and how NS has impacted their life and identity. Allies of the LGBTQ+ community will also be encouraged to make speeches and talk about the importance of inclusion and solidarity. There will be a special section of our Discord server created for the festival where people can socialize, including a "LGBTQVC" for voice chat. There will be a radio show on May 12 featuring LGBTQ+ players discussing their experiences in NS and the next steps to take as allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

EuroPride is about the people. Our festival will be full of games and radio shows. Our usual ?Weekend Games? will cover all four days of the festival. These games include Cards Against Humanity, Town of Salem, Tiny Tanks, and Haxball, along with radio games and social shows. With the Discord server, this will be sure to be an event focused on community participation.

Join our Forum
Join our Discord Server

Join us for Radio Broadcasts
http://mixlr.com/ebc-radio/

Friday, May 11 at 9pm EDT: Two Truths and a Lie with Sopo & Friends

Saturday, May 12 at 8pm EDT: LGBTQ+ in NationStates with HEM (President of Europeia), Josh (Tech Minister of Gay), Kuramia (Europeian Minister of Communications), and Jay (Major and Overseer of Blade Corps, member of the Council of Hawks)

Monday, May 14 at 10pm EDT: Fortune Telling with Calvin Coolidge & Friends

Sand crunched as a man walked along the beach on the island of Aeluria. In the darkness of the late night, none of his features were visible. He approached another man, who was standing, smoking a cigarette and staring at the sea.

"You aren't allowed to smoke in Lauchenoiria," the first man said as he approached. The second took a long drag on the cigarette, and blew the smoke in the direction of the mainland.

"As I understand it, that won't be a problem for much longer. Not if you have anything to say about it," he chuckled, stamping out the cigarette in the sand.

"You know fine well I approve of smoking about as much as the Lauchenoirian government," the first man responded, turning slightly to also stare at the sea.

"We're almost ready. We have the video from Melissa City, and we're in contact with the one they have in jail."

"How'd you manage that?"

"It's better for everyone if that information is kept in a close circle," the second man stated forcefully. The first man shrugged in response. He took a USB stick out of his pocket and handed it to the second man.

"I'll be in touch," said the second man, pocketing the USB stick and walking away. The first man took a long slow breath, and turned back to walk the way he came.

---------------------

Prime Minister Laura Moore walked along one of the corridors of Parliament, typing a response to an email on her phone. The Foreign Secretary, Josephine Alvarez, jogged a little to catch up.

"Prime Minister!" she called, and Moore slowed to a stop and turned around. "We've just received intelligence that Phillip Reed, one of the fugitives from Sancti Imperii Catholico is in Lauchenoiria."

"Do they know where?" Moore replied.

"Unfortunately not," said Alvarez, shaking her head, "but he's dangerous. They tried to start a coup there, we don't want him in our country. We should divert extra resources to a manhunt."

"And you think we're at risk of a coup here," Moore laughed, smiling. "The budget is stretched as it is, not our problem."

"I really think..."

"I said no, Josephine. Let the Catholics solve their own problems," finished Moore, turning and walking away. Alvarez stared for a few minutes, sighing, then shaking her head again and turning away.

-----------------------

Meanwhile, on the island of Aeluria, Lauchenoirian Home Secretary Suleman Chaher was finishing a meeting with the Governor of Aeluria, Keitha Noguera in the town of Liaville.

"I'm glad we had this discussion. Hopefully it will allow relations between Aeluria and the mainland to improve," said Chaher, shaking Keitha's hand.

"Indeed. I look forward to further cooperation," she nodded to Suleman and sat back down as he exited.

Outside the Liaville Town Hall, Suleman turned around a corner to an alley. A man was waiting in the shadows.

"We're ready. Set the wheels in motion. All is ready for us to move at the weekend," said Suleman to the man, who chuckled.

"I didn't think you were likely to go through with it. Perhaps your people are finally realising how the world works."

"I know what is right. Our country has been invaded and nobody realises it. This is the only logical course of action. See to it that everyone is ready," said Suleman, turning and walking away.

Saluton fellow leaders,

Bonalando is new to the IDU.

For those trying to imagine what Bonalando is like, it is diverse and dispersed.

Firstly it is not one land or even a clustered archipelago, but a federated union of microstates around the atlas. Imagine if Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, Cape Verde, Sao Tome & Principe, Comoros, Monaco, Malta, Palestine, Qatar and Singapore all managed to create a forward thinking democratic federal union... but better.

Bonalando is a multicultural medley of multi-ethnic polyglots. The promoted culture within the nation is of considerately tolerant cooperation moving toward mutualistic collaboration.

Politically Bonalando takes great care of its citizens seeing itself as the Good Country pursuing the Good Life for all, at home and abroad. The abroad part is key, Bonalando has one of the highest proportions of citizens with duel citizenship and encourages its world aware multicultural citizenry to become involved in international humanitarian projects. This drive comes from the belief that only through global collaboration and government supported grassroots action can meaningful change be actionable in relevant timescales.

Bonalando honours its citizens highly for humanitarian action with awards simar to those awarded by the Order of the British Empire. Particularly virtuous humanitarians are honoured somewhat like saints in the Bonalandoan Humanitarian Cultural Buildings.

Hope that offers a taste.

Judicial Election March 2018
by Lozinak, Deputy Minister
edited by Owenstacey, Citizen
March 1st, 2018 marked the beginning of a new TNP judicial election cycle. Whilst more than 15 candidates were nominated, only five. Zyvetskistaahn, Clean Land, BMWSurfer, Scorch, and Lord Lore all put themselves forward for the position of Justice of the North Pacific.

On the 5th of March, campaigning began in earnest.

Zyvetskistaahn

Justice Zyvetskistaahn ran for their fourth term under the apt battle cry "YET MORE MONTHS" citing his extensive experience on the court. Zyvetskistaahn also cited that his time as Speaker of the Regional Assembly helped him develop a deeper understanding of the law. Zyvetskistaahn's main goals for the term were to increase ease of use by establishing set templates for everything from Criminal Indictments, to requests for review. When questioned by Siwale on whether or not the court should be striving to meet the seven day goal present in the current law, Zyvetskistaahn responded that he did not mind having a soft deadline, as a ruling in such time is possible, but reminded us that it is in no one's interest for the court to rush decisions. Zyvetskistaahn's final question came from Deropia regarding their opinion on maximum/minimum sentencing. Zyvetskistaahn responded that they are not in favor of minimum sentencing as to them "...the harm caused by arbitrary mercy is, broadly, lesser than the harm caused by arbitrarily lengthy punishment..." Zyvetskistaahn was however in favor of maximum sentencing, as it prevents the court from setting unreasonable punishments. Zyvetskistaahn's full campaign can be found here.

Scorch

Justice Scorch also stood for re-election to his second term. Scorch admitted that most of the tasks of the court fall to the Chief justice, but he points out that he was still involved in discussions ranging from rule changes, to the creation of templates. As further evidence for his ability, Scorch cited his government career stretching back to 2016. Scorch also faced the same two questions from Siwale and Deropia. In regards to setting theoretical goals for the court, Scorch was in support of the clause stating the court should strive for seven-day decisions. Scorch believed that having a baseline is helpful for the court, and there is past precedent for the court ruling within that amount of time. In regards to question of maximum/minimum sentencing, Scorch was in favor of both, viewing them both as useful tools for the court. Scorch's full campaign can be found here.

Lord Lore

Lord Lore entered the election with a strong a resume. Citing a career in NS spanning over three years, as well as a long list of positions he has held, ranging from Minister of Justice in the region of Nevthronia, to Minister of Culture in the North Pacific. Lore also discussed his extensive work in the role play community. Lore stated that over the years he has written and analysed negotiations and laws while engaging in RP, and that this has given him an interesting perspectives on the interpretations of future laws. Lore also faced a different question from Siwale. Siwale asked Lore why he was running for public office after a two-year gap, to which Lore responded that he had been acting as a civil servant, but had a further "public service itch." Lore faced the same question from Deropia as the other candidates. Lore was not in favor of minimum/maximum sentencing, as he felt such rules hamper the court. He was however open to further dialogue on the matter. Lord Lore's full campaign can be found here.

BMWSurfer

BMWSurfer was a fresh face in the election, running for his first ever public office. Despite only having a year in NS, BMW is able to cite an admirable career in the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, where he has reviewed countless proposals of varying severity in the GA and SC. BMW's primary goal for the term was to uphold the integrity of the courts. Siwale's question to BMW was simply what made him wish to run for Justice. BMW responded that he wished to further serve the region ,and he felt the courts were the place for him to do that. When asked about minimum/maximum sentencing he responded that he in favor of maximum sentences as a means of maintaining fairness, but had no strong opinion on minimum sentencing. BMWSurfer's full campaign can be found here.

Clean Land

Clean Land ran a simple campaign stating that he would have the time needed to rule on court matters quickly. Additionally stating that he would also have time to re-read other relevant court rulings before coming to conclusions. He continued his theme of court timeliness by saying he would also have no issue pointing out when other Justices are not meeting reasonable time standards. When asked about the issue of minimum/maximum sentencing, Clean Land felt that the rules regarding the two should be more defined as the current vagueness of the court leaves room for abuse. Clean Land also stated that he would have no personal goals as a Justice in order to remain fully unbiased. Clean Land's full campaign can be found here.

The election for Justice concluded on the 11th March with the election of Zyvetskistaahn, Scorch, and Lord Lore with 47, 45 and 33 votes respectively.
RA Relieved After Tumbleweeds Disappear
by BMWSurfer, Deputy Minister
edited by Siwale, Vice Delegate
The Regional Assembly came back from an impressive silence this month with the introduction of two new bills, the reemergence of one bill, and the introduction of three Security Council applications:

1. Citizenship Oath Amendment
   Status: Passed
   This amendment slightly alters the citizenship oath to remove the current roleplay aspect. Individuals will no longer be required to take the citizenship oath as the leader of their nation. This bill was passed on March 31st by the Regional Assembly with 19 Ayes, 9 Nays, and 1 Abstain.
   
   
   
2. Vacancy Bill
   Status: Under Discussion
   The Vacancy Bill tweaks the definition of a government office vacancy. If passed, all government officials will vacate their office if they fail to log into the forum within two weeks, regardless of whether or not prior notice was given.
   
   
   
3. Reforming the Penal Code
   Status: Under Discussion
   The discussion for this bill is centered around changes to the penal code for clarity, in addition to adding sentence guidelines. Several drafts were created and discussed.
   
   
   
4. Sil Dorsett's Security Council Application
   Status: Passed
   Sil Dorsett was nominated for a seat on the Security Council by a unanimous vote among the current members of the Council. Besides exceeding the influence and endorsement required to serve on Council, Sil has been an active member of The North Pacific community for about a year and a half. He has served in a number of capacities such as Minister and Deputy Minister of World Assembly Affairs, Roleplay Moderator, and Temporary Hearing Officer. The motion to admit Sil Dorsett was passed on March 30th by the Regional Assembly with 30 Ayes, 2 Nays, and 4 Abstains.
   
   
   
5. Lord Lore's Security Council Application
   Status: Under Discussion
   Lord Lore was also nominated for a seat on the Security Council by a unanimous vote among the current members of the Council. He has been involved in The North Pacific community for over 3 years and has held a number of positions such as Associate Justice, Roleplay Moderator, Minister and Deputy Minister of Culture, and Minister of Entertainment.
   
   
   
6. Gladio's Security Council Application
   Status: Under Discussion
   Gladio, the current Delegate and former Minister of Defense, is the third applicant this month to be nominated for a seat on the Security Council. The current members of the Council just recently concluded their vote which resulted in unanimous approval for this applicant.
   
   

Tumbleweed In The Regional Assembly
by Brendog, Minister of Home Affairs
Over January the Regional Assembly has barely seen any activity, something we haven't seen in a while. Whilst we have seen a decline in activity over the past few month, it has never been this low.

As still is the case, due to multiple requests for reviews on a now outdated proposal of a Motion to Declare an Emergency Situation the counting of the bill will not happen till all request for reviews is completed.

In relation to the above proposal, the Regional Assembly attempted a recall of THO's (Temporary Hearing Officers) of the latest Request for Review in relation the above bill. This was very controversial as it had 14 ayes, 18 nays and 9 abstentions. Later in the month, we saw one of the THO's cease to exist.

In conclusion, we have seen barely any activity in the Regional Assembly and we are still waiting on the outcome of the R4Rs.
World Assembly Affairs Digest January 2018
by Deropia, Minister of World Assembly Affairs

Minister: Deropia
Deputy Minister: Kranostav
Deputy Minister: Veniyerris

From the Minister's desk:

Hello everyone! February seems to have flown by and here we are again with another issue of the World Assembly Affairs Digest. I'd like to start off by congratulating the ministry's very own Kranostav on passing their first World Assembly resolution, Repeal "Promoting Sustainable Timber"!

I'd also like to announce the implementation of the World Assembly Sponsorship Program. Successful applicants can have the cost of their Delegate Approval and Delegate Vote campaigns covered by the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs!

Now, let's take a look at what reached the voting floor over the past month, shall we?


General Assembly
Improving the world, one resolution at a time.
Quote: Proposal: The Cloning Conventions
Status: Defeated
Delegates Vote: Against
Forum Vote: For: 0 Against: 9 Abstain: 0
Final Vote (TNP): For: 108 Against: 538 Percentage of WA nations voting: 41.41%
Final Vote (World): For: 4,091 Against: 14,442

Recommendation: The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, having reviewed the proposal, has found that while it is undoubtedly well intended, has several serious flaws. Chiefly among these being that The Cloning Conventions would seem to outlaw cloning when used during IVF, as well as the cloning of embryos. Secondly, this resolution suffers from poor definitions and unclear language in some of its clauses. Finally, in its closing clause it again, using unclear language that leaves far too much room for interpretation, either strips the World Assembly Science Programme from any oversight over cloning or creates a bureaucratic competition between the Word Assembly Science Programme and the Biomedical Innovation Organization.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommended a vote against the resolution.
[/quote]
Quote: Proposal: Promoting Sustainable Timber
Status: Passed
Delegates Vote: Against
Forum Vote: For: 6 Against: 3 Abstain: 0
Final Vote (TNP): For: 257 Against: 340 Percentage of WA nations voting: 38.49%
Final Vote (World): For: 11,707 Against: 6,787

Despite its laudable efforts and purpose to uphold the quality of timber production in order to provide a sustainable future for timber production, this proposal possesses two main flaws. The first being that the resolution bans import of 'timber products' which can greatly harm locations where timber product producing nations are using non-sustainable methods. This lack of ability to export timber would prove detrimental to the timber industries of non-WA member nation which would force them to potentially use cheaper and less sustainable methods than already used. Furthermore this proposal would greatly hurt trade relations between WA and non WA nations who consume or produce not only timber but any product that uses timber. The ministry believes that despite the potential positives provided by this proposal, it will ultimately harm the sustainability of timber rather than protect it.

For the reasons stated above, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommended a vote against this proposal.
[/quote]

Quote: Proposal: Repeal: Promoting Sustainable Timber
Status: Passed
Delegates Vote: For
Forum Vote: For: 10 Against: 2 Abstain: 2
Final Vote (TNP): For: 509 Against: 104 Percentage of WA nations voting: 40.30%
Final Vote (World): For: 12,245 Against: 6,418

Recommendation: General Assembly Resolution #422 Promoting Sustainable Timber, while well meaning in its goal of attempting to ensure timber used in WA member nations is produced in an environmentally sustainable manner, is inherently flawed and places the economies of WA members at serious risk. Given that GAR#422 also seriously harms international trade in the timber industry, in some cases forcing WA members to import timber at a drastically increased cost. The Ministry would also like to note, that due to the loss of some of their clientele due to the restrictions imposed by GAR#422, timber operations may be forced to take further cost-cutting methods of production, which in turn could cause Promoting Sustainable Timber to cause more environmental damage than it currently prevents.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommended a vote for the resolution.
[/quote]

Security Council
Spreading interregional peace and goodwill, via force if necessary.
Quote: Proposal: Liberate Westphalia
Status: Defeated
Delegates Vote: Against
Forum Vote: For: 1 Against: 11 Abstain: 2
Final Vote (TNP): For: 71 Against: 504 Percentage of WA nations voting: 37.16%
Final Vote (World): For: 5,899 Against: 11,860

Recommendation: Westphalia is a major and very old defender region who, among other things, founded FORGE - one of the biggest defender alliances in NationStates. However, they have broken our recruitment policy in the past by trying to recruit nations from The North Pacific. Furthermore, the Ministry would note that a password has not been imposed on the region, and appears unlikely to be imposed in the future as the influence levels of the natives in the region have considerable regional influence making a refound extremely difficult. Thus, making this liberation unnecessary.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommended a vote against the resolution.
[/quote]
Quote: Proposal: Condemn Wrapper
Status: Passed
Delegates Vote: For
Forum Vote: For: 9 Against: 2 Abstain: 3
Final Vote (TNP): For: 541 Against: 53 Percentage of WA nations voting: 38.34%
Final Vote (World): For: 13,814 Against: 4,037

Recommendation: After spending one too many nights at the Strangers Bar, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs, nursing a collective hangover and saddened by the resignation of a number of its staff after one of the impromptu karaoke nights organized by Wrappian Deputy Ambassador Wad Ahume Orliss-Dorckes, has somehow managed to analyze this Security Council resolution while it was at vote. The Ministry has found it accurately documents the heinous actions perpetrated by the Wrappian delegation and delegations from their protectorates during their tenure in the General Assembly. These actions include, but are not limited to, actions that would violate World Assembly law and result in the arrest of one of the august bodies most esteemed ambassadors, firebombing the offices of other delegations, and misappropriating funds meant for disaster relief efforts. The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs believes that these actions are most unbecoming of any delegation to the World Assembly and should be condemned with all due haste.

For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommended (after conducting it's annual fire drill and checking all of the fire extinguishers) voting for the resolution.
[/quote]
The Revival of the Lennart Awards
by Yukkira, Minister of Culture
The Lennart Awards; the internet equivalent to your dead-again born-again cousin's wedding to her purity ring. The Lennart Awards is a storied tradition inspired by the legendary TNPer and possible former Minister of Culture, Lennart, which was started a few years ago, was stopped, and then brought back again by the former Minister of Culture, McMasterdonia. Under his leadership, the Lennarts were restarted towards the end of Palliath's delegacy and have been popular ever since.

The Lennart Awards is essentially the North Pacific's version of the Academy Awards, the Oscars, or a possibly more biased version of IMDB's rotten tomatoes. Categories range from Most Popular TNPer of the Year to a category that I didn't think would become a thing, being voted as "RMBae" of the Year. How it happens is I make up a nomination thread like this one, wait debatably three days (depending on if I'm busy), post a couple TNP polls, and then award a Lennart Award that looks like the one in that nomination thread to the TNPer that our beloved residents have voted for. It has both been a wonderful thing indeed, and somewhat hard to keep up with all at the same time.

In my opinion, I think the Lennarts is a wonderful initiative. It involves everyone from the forums and from the gameside community. I think with a bit more polish, the Lennarts can and will not be forgotten again (I'm allowed to be optimistic; leave me alone). What I'm most proud of is the fact that we've had a slew of winners so far. Winners ranged from Aerilia, an RMB RPer who roleplay's as a sentient blanket of moss to Lord Ravenclaw, TNP's friendly neighborhood birb. I think one way the Lennart Awards can be improved is its execution. This is due, in part, to the fact that the Ministry of Culture turned over the new term on a rough patch due to internal circumstances. The Lennart Awards were not paid enough attention to and were neglected because I, as the Deputy Minister in charge of them, wasn't adequately aware of the status of them nor did I think I needed to pay much attention.

All in all, the Lennart Awards is on track to finish sometime in March. I think that, with time, the Lennart Awards will continue to be improved to the point where the categories will better reflect the best that TNP has to offer. This, in turn, would allow the Ministry of Culture to do its job better, by better identifying and shining the spotlight on those who make TNP a region to be lauded about and beloved by not just its residents, but its friends abroad.

Any questions, comments, or concerns? Please feel free to telegram me gameside. Or, more than likely, I inhabit your Discord server and you can most definitely DM me through there. Thank you for reading about one of the many facets of the North Pacific's culture!

The Spotlight #10: Interview with MoD Malphe
by Kaschovia and Malphe, Communications and Defence
Quote: 

Kasch: Malphe, welcome to the tenth edition of the Spotlight, it is great to have you here and to ask you some questions!

Malphe: It's great to be here! I was looking forward to this interview for some time.

Kasch: As was I, it is such a privilege to interview you as Gladio's successor. Do you feel any pressure to follow in his footsteps? Or to be as successful?

Malphe: To some extent certainly, but I was much more dreading it when he first proposed it back in December. I hadn't at all considered that I'd be MoD at any point until quite recently I wasn't even an officer and I had no plans to become one, so it was very overwhelming at first. I'll concede that it did cause me some stress. However, I had about a month to prepare myself, and in that time I lead many more operations than I had prior, with quite good results. Now I'm not so pressured to be as successful as Gladio, the last thing I want to do is beat myself up over supposed shortfalls. Rather, I want to go my own way, and take examples from Gladio's term and implement my own ideas. I want to have some fun with the role, as opposed to hating myself for doing something differently to Gladio.

Kasch: It's promising to know you're taking the role in your own style! I respect that. So, let's go back to your roots. Why did you join Defense in the first place?

Malphe: I'd always had a fascination with military gameplay, even when I hadn't a clue how to do it, so once I joined TNP there wasn't much question about it; I applied the day after I joined the forums. I just liked the idea of it, I doubt I really understood what I was signing up for, but once I had become involved with the NPA's community I never left.

Kasch: What is your stance on raiding and defending? Do you align yourself with the independent policy that our region adheres to, or do you have a preference for either raiding or defending, and why?

Malphe: Honestly, I don't care about the raider and defender feud. I can see where it came from, I can see why people subscribe to either side and how they can have such strong opinions on the matter and if I hadn't joined the NPA I'd probably be a raider by now, but I sooner have a regional military act in the best interests of the region and its allies. In that way, I suppose I'm closest to an independent.

Kasch: What is your greatest NPA ccomplishment, and why?

Malphe: I'd say passing my officer test last year. It was proposed to me about eight months before I actually did it because I was so nervous, and I actually failed the test on my first try which didn't help. It was really easy in hindsight, but managing to conquer my insecurities and just passing the test was just about the hardest thing I've done in the NPA and I'd still name it my greatest accomplishment. Here's to hoping that it won't be by the end of this term.

Kasch: I have to say I was very nervous when I did mine too! What are your core principles regarding Defense? In other words, what's most important to you about Defense?

Malphe: Fundamentally the NPA exists to defend and serve TNP and it's allies but that can only happen for as long as the NPA is both active and capable, which I hold as my core principles. If the NPA isn't active and if it's members aren't competent then we can't do anything really, we'd become a non-entity, so maintaining those aspects is very important to me, and to that end, I donate no small amount of my time.

Kasch: How do you believe your role as Minister of Defense will benefit the ministry as a whole this term? What unique benefits does your leadership bring to the table?

Malphe: A breath of fresh air, I'd say. It's good for a switch in leadership ever so often, provided that the newcomer is competent so that they can implement new ideas and run the NPA in their own way. A change of pace. Beyond that, I'm still exploring the position so it's hard for me to judge how good I am in the role.

Kasch: That's understandable. Now, veering slightly away from the NPA, what are your opinions on Gladio's other cabinet appointments?

Malphe: On the whole, I was very pleased with them. Ghost was a fantastic choice for MoFA and I feel that he's a very inspired diplomat, I certainly enjoyed his lecture on Optimistic Diplomacy. Brendog is shaping up as an effective MoHA and has been doing a good job from what I've seen in the ministry; Kasch is very hardworking and I think will do- and is doing- a very good job in Communications (not biased, I swear). Deropia, from whatever I've seen of the MoWAA, looks to have been a good choice and is well fulfilling his duties. Artemis has been getting on with the Lennarts recently and looks to be an active Minister of Culture and MiniCult of all the ministries needs somebody like that at the helm the most. Put simply, I'm very pleased with Gladio's cabinet and I think it'll keep the region running smoothly for this term.

Kasch: If you were Delegate, what would your cabinet be, just out of curiosity?

Malphe: That's a very difficult question, I'm new to government and not wholly familiar with all sectors of it. For Defense, of which I have the most expertise, Lozinak; he's the only Deputy MoD we've had in some time and has shown to be eager in organizing and leading operations, handling NPA applications and even the paperwork (google docs, not very riveting). I'd reckon that he's future MoD material. For Culture, Mcmasterdonia; it's difficult to not notice McM going about their business, and they've consistently shown ambition and imagination in organizing events, of which culture is largely, if not primarily, focused. In Communications, Kasch, for their work ethic and efficiency of operation, which has kept the Northern Lights afloat. In Foreign Affairs I'm inclined to say Ghost; very purposeful, and their writing is second to none. As per Home Affairs and World Assembly Affairs, I can't say I know and I'm not going to make up an opinion on the spot, so I'll have to pass on those.

Kasch: As I asked Gladio this, I'll ask you... Who is your NS idol/inspiration?

Malphe: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gladio. Most of my time in NS has been almost exclusively in the NPA, and throughout much of that time Gladio has been my mentor. I've practically berated him with questions when preparing for my officer test and for my term as MoD, and he's always been helpful in answering my concerns. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Gladio's patience, and I still frequently ask him questions. He has always been a very capable MoD, maintaining activity virtually on his own and organizing more operations than I could count in his six terms as MoD.

Kasch: What legacy would you like to leave behind when your time on NS is over? How do you want to be remembered?

Malphe: I honestly don't much care about my legacy, I'm on NS because I enjoy the community aspect and the opportunities it offers, not to leave a big impact. I'm quite fine with going about my business quietly and leaving NS in the same manner when I've decided that my time is up. If I had to be remembered, though, I'd most like to be remembered as competent and helpful.

Kasch: What is something about you player-related that nobody knows?

Malphe: What do you mean by player-related?

Kasch: Let me rephrase. What is something that you have done within NationStates that not many people know about? Or do you believe there is nothing other players do not know?

Malphe: There'll be some things but I can't think of any from the top of my head, and if I've done something and I haven't told anybody about it there's probably a reason I've kept it to myself.

Kasch: Interesting! What is your least favourite thing about the North Pacific? And your most favourite?

Malphe: For my least favourite thing, I'd say the OOC drama. It appears in all of NS and TNP isn't exempted, every now and again it comes around and I despise it with every fibre. I've seen plenty of it elsewhere and I know how it turns people off NS, I don't like it here or there. My favourite thing about TNP is the community spirit of the region, which needs little explaining.

Kasch: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Malphe: Don't take NS too seriously, certainly. You'll hear this everywhere, but not enough people really adhere to it. Don't stress yourself out much about NS, if you're losing sleep over whatever's happening in Nationstates you're doing it wrong and you should either ease up or take a break for a while. NS doesn't compromise RL, RL compromises NS always. This applies to a lot outside NS too, it's a good rule to stick to. Mind you, I'm not the best at following that advice myself.

Kasch: If every other nation were to CTE tomorrow morning, and you could only keep six nations alive, who would they be?

Malphe: That's too loaded for me to confidently answer, so I'll pass.

Kasch: Fair. If you could sum yourself up in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

Malphe: Reasonably competant, hopefully getting better.

Kasch: I think that is all we have time for! Thank you for joining me Malphe, it has been a pleasure!

Malphe: Been a pleasure.[/quote]
RMB RP Reel #3: Terrible Times In Toshavo
by Illusia, Citizen
February's coming to a close, and it seems not shortly, things are going down really hard in the RMB Olympics, you won't believe it yourself! TNP Winter Olympics, which was started by Toshavo several weeks ago, has been cancelled due to several arising issues that sparked the discovery of the virus known as GIV, or Global Immunodeficiency Virus.

On the 20th of February, the International Olympics Group based in Lahos, the capital of the Akhara Islands, postponed the Winter Olympics due to deaths of some Olympic athletes and cases of some being relatively weak. An international organization, named World Health Association, based in Toshavo, determined that the cause of their deaths was a mysterious flu.

Days later, the WHA, with assistance from Paxiosolange's research centers, and to add the fact most of the athletes that died were from them, named the virus Global Immunodeficiency Virus, in layman's terms would be the failure of the immune system, rendering the body defenseless from certain pathogens and disease. The WHA has designated the virus GIV-1.

Like a wildfire in a dry climate, the flu spread rapidly, effectively blanketing all of the Fusean continent, infecting a large number of nations. Estimates from WHA shown at least 700,000 and more are infected and increased to at least 3.4 million.

Despite this, however, collaboration efforts between WHA, other nations and those who are uninfected have been sprouting around to combat the disease and prevent a global epidemic.

The Toshavoan government also issued a martial law, amidst the epidemic. WHA officials and the Toshavoan Armed Forces rolled around their city streets to contain the infected.

Thanks for reading! I'm Illusia, a new writer for the RMB RP Reel. Hopefully, you appreciated the reel, and here's hoping I can do many much more articles for TNL. Once again, this is Illusia, for the TNP RMB RP Reel!

References used:

1. TBN News (February 20, 2018). Issue No. 9914.
   
   
   
2. TBN News (February 20, 2018). Issue No. 8190.
   
   
   
3. World Health Association (February 21, 2018). Report No. 218.
   
   
   
4. TBN News (February 23, 2018). Issue No. 7710.
   
   
   
5. TBN News (February 25, 2018). Issue No. 10280.