Gov_Hrosskell

A basic guide to NationStates 2012
First of all.......Welcome to NationStates!
In addition to this quick guide, we recommend you also read the full NationStates FAQ . The in-game FAQ will provide you with more detail than this quick guide.
We also recommend every player read the One Stop Rules Shop for more game rule details. It can save you from The Wrath of the Moderators TM .
General introduction
NationStates was created ten years ago by Max Barry to promote his novel, Jennifer Government. Since then, the game has grown into a community of with thousands of individual players from around the world.
When your nation is created, your nation will start out in a Game Created Region (GCR) known as a “Feeder region”, one of five Regions where new nations are born.
The Feeder regions are:

The West Pacific < you are here
The Pacific
The East Pacific
The North Pacific
The South Pacific. Other types of Game Created regions include the regions: The Rejected Realms, Lazarus, Osiris, Balder and the 'Warzone' regions.
All other regions are User Created Regions (UCR). Any player can create thier own region.
So now what?
After your nation is created, it's all up to you, the player.
What are some of your options ?
- You can stay in the Feeder region in which your nation is created, or you can move your nation to a different region.
You will recieve a number of telegrams from regions that would like to recruit you. We'd be happy to have you stay here.
(note: Some User Created Regions are password protected)
- You can make decisions on 'Issues' your nation recieves. Making decisions on issues is what alters your nation's economy, civil rights, and politics.
Fair warning: NationStates issues tend to be humorous, and sometimes just plain bizzare.
(These are updated up to twice daily, depending upon your nation's settings)
- You can alter your nation's flag and it's motto, as well as it's currency and national animal.
(More options will become available to your nation over time)
- You can participate in the discussion on the Regional Message Board (RMB).
- You can telegram other nations.
- You can apply to join the World Assembly.
Within 12 hours of applying to join the World Assembly, you will receive a game generated email that will provide you with a link that joins your nation to the World Assembly.
Once you've joined the World Assembly, you can vote on General Assembly and Security Council Resolutions, as well as give and recieve Endorsements.
Once you have recieved two endorsements, you can submit your own World Assembly Resolutions.
We recommend you bring Resolution proposals up for discussion on the in-game forum before submitting it.
(Important note: only one nation per player can join the World Assembly. Trying to violate this game rule can get your nation deleted. Or worse, some Moderators have bad breath.)
Anything Else to do?
Oh yes, it all depends upon what interests you.
- For example, you've found The West Pacific off-site forum. We'd love to have you participate with us here.
Many other regions, both GCR's and UCR's maintain their own off-site forums, separate from the NationSates forum.
- Speaking of the NationStates forum, you'll find technical assistance for the game there, Roleplay's, World Assembly Debates and more there.
- Join a Government. Many, if not most regoin, have some form of Regional Government. Most regions would be happy to have more people particiapte in these.
- Join a Roleplay. In addition to the RP hosted on the NationStates forum, many regions have their own RP communities.
How do I go to war?
- NationStates does not provide a warfare system, however players do engage in 'military' gameplay operations that generally employ the use of World Assembly endorsements to control a region's Delegacy.
This is often known as Raiding and Defending. Speak with a region's military leader for more info, most would be happy to train you.
- Oh wait, you meant Roleplay war? See the NationStates forum, or the offsite forum of a region that hosts Roleplay.
How do I win the game?
Sorry, there are no 'win conditions' line or 'end game' to NationStates, the game is not played on that basis. Although you can compete with other nations to see where your nation ranks in the lastest NationStates Census. Your answers to issues will alter where your nation stands in the rankings. Some regional player communities also hold their own contests and issue graphic awards for winning them.
Anything else I should know?
Well, probably more that I think to write here. But you might keep in mind:
- Don’t join the World Assembly with more than one nation. (we don't want your nation to get deleted)
- Do not flame, troll, post racist statements. But really, using common courtesy will keep you safe and respected. Give respect and it will be given to you.
- Your nation will automatically 'Cease to Exist' (CTE) if you haven’t logged in for 28 days. Although you can set your nation to “Vacation Mode” to extend that to 60 days.
- In the event that your nation has CTE'd, you can restore it by simply logging in. You’ll find your nation restored in one of the Game Created 'Sinker' regions :Lazarus, Osiris, or Balder.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the game!

The new guy, since he borrowed your thread

Who is WW welcoming here? The new guy or me?

RP Code of Conduct (guidelines)
 
(The original version by Koona)
 
Creating an RP

When creating an RP, do this in the Active RPs forum.
Please create different threads of OOC and IC (see below). Often, OOC-comments clutter role-play threads.
 
Learn what OOC and IC are:
 
OOC: Out of Character. These are comments made which arent used in the role-play context of the thread. You are encouraged to use an OCO thread for your role-play, but if you wish to make an OOC-remark in the role play thread itself, clearly state its an OOC comment.
 
 IC: In Character. It describes a post or section of a post that takes place within the role-playing context of a thread.
You dont usually need to state when a post is IC; the subject matter usually gives it away. However, when switching from OOC to IC in the same post, it does help to state youre doing so.
 
Example:

 
That is a really brief example, but it should give you an idea of how IC and OOC works.
 
Do not spam threads:

Our players do not want to have to go through a dozen or more meaningless posts just to get to the real role-play, so dont spam!
 
Officials can split topics, delete posts, give warnings, etc., but that is no excuse for bad behavior. Important OOC posts are fine, but a lot of one word posts, or a single smilie, or anything not important to the role-play will not be accepted.
 
We like length and detail

Do not post short, badly thought out, or generally poor quality posts. We like lengthy posts, with paragraphs, so please aim for such lengths. Occasionally a player might have one small bit of info he/she need to post. But in general, try to maintain a nice post length.
 
Detail is also important. A long post could be very boring if it isnt very detailed or entertaining. Remember, were writing a group story together, and your goal is to grab your audiences attention and keep them focused on the plot. We cant achieve this goal with dull or boring posts.
 
Occasionally, there will be a bit of boring business that needs to be posted and this is fine; just try not to make a habit of it.
 
Also, try not to overdo it. Overly complex and long posts can be just as irritating as a bad single-sentence post. Try to avoid these as well; we dont want to have our readers and players slogging through a lot of material that might be difficult to grasp in one sitting.
 
Thread starter rights

By default, the starter of a role-play has a lot of authority over the settinglandscape, gaming details, etc. If you dont like some of the details the thread-starter has posted, then dont get involved. By entering the role-play, you are obligated to follow the setting the the thread-starter lays out.
 
Thus, if someone states they dont want any war in their role-play, then dont join in if what you want to do is create conflict. If someone is setting a game in a fantasy setting, dont come in with high-tech equipment from the 27th century. You, by entering a role-play, are expected to respect the rules laid down by the thread-starter.
 
Also, a thread-starter, once they believe the role-play is complete, has every right to request a mod or admin close their thread.

Welcome to TWP, make yourself at home

I don't have a position but if you want any graphics, I volunteer my help.
 

After a general prod from Dark, I've decided that it's time for those among us opposed to the Wickedly Evil Chocolate Alliance (WECA) to step forward and form an opposition.
 
We, the people who post their agreement on what is being written here, disagree with the methodology of WECA and what we perceive as the future of TWP with WECA at it's head.
 
It should be known that whilst WECA control the ingame Delegacy, the government of TWP is in a far less solid position with multiple directions still open. As I've learnt recently, controlling the Delegacy of a region does not automatically mean controlling the government.
 
This thread should be used as a post for people to announce their willingness to become a member of the Opposition.

As we gain more members, we will begin to form a government with positions open to those who have posted their want to join the opposition here, on this thread.

Greetings !
 
The West Pacific has been through some interesting times lately.  From the silence of inactivity, to indecision on which way to go and what type of government to build.  From a system of chaos, to the building blocks of The Provisional Government. From there we encountered a challenge to the Delegacy of Yy4u followed by his renunciation of his WA membership.  And finally, the Wickedly Evil Chocolate Alliance (WECA) and The Opposition have formed in TWP.  Our friends from around NationStates have shown their concern and support for the well being and stability of TWP, and I thank all of you.
 
Firstly, I come before you today to invite you join me in The West Pacific Imperium.
 
I am converting the building blocks of The Provisional Government into the Imperium.  And I invite members of WECA, members of the Opposition, and all member nations of The West Pacific to participate.
 
The Imperium seeks to restore the legacy of greatness of The West Pacific, with allegiance to The Delegate and Guardians and a government that is open to participation for TWP players that wish to stand together for the brighter future of our region.  Today the West Pacific Armed forces are on the march, joining our friends from around NS to show our enemies that we do not sleep.  Our Ambassadors are active keeping our Embassies up to date on our latest happenings.  Our Court has displayed both justice and fairness for those that threaten us.  And The Landstraad is accepting all TWP nations that wish to join and have a place to be heard.
 
I have long been one to recognize the primacy of NS game mechanics over any forum government's attempt to usurp authority within the game. I support and uphold the cause of the Guardians to protect the security of the Delegacy and region.  And I also recognize the need to work together with the forum community to build a region and government that stands tall among the Regions of the NS World. Together, we can forge the future. Together, we are The West Pacific.
 
Secondly, I also come before you today to ask for your endorsement to serve as Delegate of The West Pacific.
 
It has been some time since I've sat in a Delegate's seat, but I have some..... small experience.  I have served The West Pacific and our former Delegates in helping to protect the security and stability of the region, and have been very honored to have been selected to join the Guardians. I have asked the Guardians to continue in their important service to the region, and I have invited former Delegate Yy4u to rejoin the Guardians.  He has accepted.
 
I am not as long winded in my speeches as I once was.  (For which I'm sure there will be applause.)  So I close with my pledge to protect and serve The West Pacific, and to act in our best interests in all matters.  I hope you will join me in the next chapter of our long and storied history.