Start Your Own Goddamned Country

[Kyuss Apollo]

We now have our own region on NationStates.net. It is 0000 Freethought (http://www.nationstates.net/97385/page=display_region)

(as in four zeroes, space, then Freethought. So named, so we are on the 4th or 5th page of regions instead of the 608th or 6008th page)

"NationStates is a free nation simulation game. Build a nation and run it according to your own warped political ideals. Create a Utopian paradise for society's less fortunate or a totalitarian corporate police state. Care for your people or deliberately oppress them. Join the United Nations or remain a rogue state. It's really up to you."

NationStates also has a forum on Jolt (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=1235).

Feel free to join up!

http://www.nationstates.net/images/banner_left_part.gif

Getting Started
To start a new Nation, go here (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/create.cgi). You'll be asked to choose a name for your nation, a motto, a national animal, and a currency. Then you answer a short questionnaire about your politics. This will determine what sort of nation you end up with: authoritarian or permissive... left-wing or right-wing... compassionate or psychotic... you get the idea. [If you want to dial in the type of country you would like to start out as, read this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=297403) first, otherwise just answer the 8 questions as you see fit and see what you come up with]

[From the NationStates FAQ]
"The left/right scale isn't used in NationStates. Because it's one-dimensional, it's not a very accurate way of measuring your politics. NationStates has three main scales: personal, economic, and political. In each case, you can be authoritarian (moral, or restrictive) or libertarian (liberal, or laissez-faire). For example, someone with left-wing politics might want high levels of personal freedom (e.g. no drug laws, gay rights), low levels of economic freedom (e.g. taxes, welfare), and average levels of political freedom (e.g. compulsory voting at elections). A libertarian might prefer high levels of freedom on all scales. An authoritarian might want the opposite.

On each of the three main scales (personal, economic, and political), your nation is ranked as having high, average, or low amounts of freedom (or permissiveness, if you want to look at it that way). From this it is assigned one of 27 possible labels.

You can call your nation whatever you like, but it doesn't make it true. The UN categorizes nations based on their laws, not their names. Changing your name from "Dictatorship" to "Republic" (or anything else) has cosmetic value only."

Once a day, you'll be faced with an issue (or two, depending on where you put your settings), and need to make a decision as to what to do about it. This determines how your nation evolves.

Moving your nation to Freethought
Once you are up and running, you will start off somewhere in the Pacific. To move your nation to the Freethought region, you can click on the link to view your region, and then and click the link that says, "Tired of life in (your region)? Then move to a new region!"

Type in 0000 Freethought, and move yourself there.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/nslink.gif

[Dingfod]

I have a feeling Dingfodistan is going to be swallowed whole, or hole, as the case may be.

[curses]

Yikes, I lack the creative gene when it comes to naming things, Minustan it is (sorry Dingfod for sort of ripping off your name :( )

[Dingfod]

There's always room for more stans.

[Kyuss Apollo]

I had the same problem trying to name a new town in Sims II. Hence the town named after the cat that happened to be in the room is called Fritztoniaville City.

I have to get rocks at the horse farm, but later when I am done I will post some info about puppet nations and the U.N.

[livius drusus]

Okay. My Grand Duchy is in the region, but it's not on the list yet.

Oh, and it came out a Scandinavian Liberal Paradise! How awesome is that? :w00t:

[curses]

I had the same problem trying to name a new town in Sims II. Hence the town named after the cat that happened to be in the room is called Fritztoniaville City.Oh man, that reminded me of all the town names I've used in Sim City.

[livius drusus]

Hey, who's the commie degenerate running the The Holy Republic of Muffdiva?

[Leesifer]

Okay. My Grand Duchy is in the region, but it's not on the list yet.

Same with my Free Land. Oh, and for some reason:

A very small private sector is dominated by the Gambling industry.

ETA: I notice a distinct absence of drug laws in our regions. :bong:

[livius drusus]

Hey, you guys are tiny, environmentally stunning, and known worldwide for your absence of drug laws too! :chestram:

[livius drusus]

You clearly need a new flag for Skunkalia, Lees. Allow me.

[Leesifer]

That's fantastic, liv.

Thanks! :gromp:

It's up and running and I'm very tempted to make it my avatar.

[Pinecone]

Like Lee's flag!! :excited:

[livius drusus]

Yay! I'm glad you like it. It's adorable as an avatar, too. :aww:

[godfry n. glad]

Hey, who's the commie degenerate running the The Holy Republic of Muffdiva?

That would be me. The head carpetface.

The Grand Founder of the Cunning Linguists, the Inexhaustible Tongue, Carpetface godfry n. glad, if you will.

I gotta get the wall mural with my mug on it up so everyone can adore.

:shrug: What can I say?...it wouldn't let me have 'gladistan, land of the godfry' (probably too incendiary).

[livius drusus]

Ah, of course. Giving "potentate" a whole new meaning. :lol:

Now who are the masters of Wruud and Skullholland?

[godfry n. glad]

Ah, of course. Giving "potentate" a whole new meaning. :lol:


Careful.

We have rigid penal code. The tongue lashings only soften you up.

[Leesifer]

:giggle:

[godfry n. glad]

That, of course, because we want to make it safe for tourism.

Here in Muffdiva we want everybody to come!

[godfry n. glad]

(so...hey...our engrhish not too good all time...we do other great thinks with our moutz here in Muffdiva. You see; you come. You will like sister, she bery friendly.)

[Leesifer]

We love you long time!

[livius drusus]

So when do we get a UN rep up in here?

[Javaman]

I have allied my country with your nation. Please welcome:

The Commonwealth of Beanguese

[fragment]

The Nomadic Peoples of Fragmented Archipelago have begun sailing from their home islands to other nations throughout 0000 Freethought, efficiently smuggling black market books, which they will eagerly exchange for beer.

[livius drusus]

I like the cut of your gib, nomad. Down with anti-immigration legislation! :protest:

[Kyuss Apollo]

It takes a day for everyone to get listed in the daily UN report for the region. Everyone is listed in the "Regional Happenings" as showing up from somewhere in the Pacific. And a big :wave: to all the new :ffdance: nations! The Freethought Civil Headquarters is getting plenty of action--some great names and great flags! I totally cracked up when I saw Muffdiva, Godfrey. :yup:

Here's the deal with the UN. While the game FAQ says UN member states are supposed to adhere to all the resolutions, in reality there is no mechanism in place enforce resolutions or to ensure that anybody implements new UN policies. Your decisions on local "Issues," which shapes your governmental, social and economic policy, are not affected by UN resolutions whether you are in the UN or not. You could turn your nation into a Psychotic Dictatorship, totally oppress your people and the environment at home, and be a tree-hugging animal-rights bleeding heart John Kerry liberal at the UN.

Kind of like the real world, lol...

It is just another dimension of the gameplay that you can participate in. Or not.

Once we have a regional delegate in the UN, they can propose resolutions and vote yea or nay on the ones other nations are proposing. I have had some fun with this aspect of the game in the past--supporting some wild propositions (someone couple months back kept making proposals in support of various types of pie) and making some of my own--I have one called "Attack The Sun" that has yet to make it to a full vote, but has gotten some interesting responses. For nations that are not the delegate, proposals can be submitted to the regional delegate via "telegram" (basically a pm system) and the delegate can then submit them to the UN on behalf of other nations. This system has worked well in some other regions I have belonged to.

The game is set up so that (supposedly) you cannot have more than one UN nation at a time. You can set up as many puppet states as you want, but only one nation per IP address can join the UN. The admins have like 4 different ways to check to make sure you only have one. I have heard *cough* that there is a way to get around this, but it involves setting up the second UN nation from a totally different ISP, IP and email address *ahem. Anyway, I already have tw-I mean one UN delegate in another region, so someone else is welcome to have the honors here. Everyone who wants should apply to the UN and endorse the other UN nations in our region, and the nation with the most endorsements will become UN Delegate if its a tie then I think it goes to the oldest/most populous nation. In another region I have a puppet in, the UN members have taken turns with the delegate job.

The more endorsements the region's delegate has, then the more clout the delegate's vote has when voting in the UN--if the delegate has 6 endorsements then when they vote yea or nay on resolutions it counts 7--one for themselves plus each endorsement. Some of the larger regions that have hundreds of nations in them (like the Pacific regions you start off in) really swing things in the UN if they want to.

Once we get a UN delegate I will open up the regional controls so they can access the eject button/password menu and World Factbook Entry. At the moment if some other group of nations wanted to take us over they can't because I have the controls closed, and I did not set up password protection, but that might be an avenue we might want to explore at some point in the future. I have found that as long as a region's member nations are vigilant and logging in every day it is pretty tough for invaders to get a foot in the door and a password is unnecessary.

Also, if we should get invaded, as founder I will always have free access to the regional controls and will be able to toss their sorry asses into the Rejected Realms. :camouflag :whup:

[Crumb]

:innocent:

[fragment]

How'd you get to be a "Suborbital People's Front", KA? Do you get to make up your own country type after you've been around a while?

[fragment]

Oh, and I have Uranium deposits and none of you are getting any of it! :P

[fragment]

The Fragmentians, who for centuries enjoyed the freedom of shifting with the tides, are naturally suspicious of large political entities. However, traditional councils have become consolidated into a massive and intrusive government that now oversees the isles, despite grumblings of discontent about mandatory minimum sail sizes, rudder regulations, and queues for sailing season permits. The bureaucrats are keen to reap the benefits of joining the UN. To date, they've been tight-lipped when asked what those benefits might actually be, but they're sticking to their policy. An application to join will be sent.

[Javaman]

How'd you get to be a "Suborbital People's Front", KA? Do you get to make up your own country type after you've been around a while?I was wondering the same thing. It was oddly hard to find the answer but:

How do I change my nation prefix?/Could you change my nation prefix mods?

No, you must have a population of 500+ million, and as Sirocco pointed out, in the "Settings" you change chose from the preassembled list.

[livius drusus]

The Fragmentians, who for centuries enjoyed the freedom of shifting with the tides, are naturally suspicious of large political entities. However, traditional councils have become consolidated into a massive and intrusive government that now oversees the isles, despite grumblings of discontent about mandatory minimum sail sizes, rudder regulations, and queues for sailing season permits. The bureaucrats are keen to reap the benefits of joining the UN. To date, they've been tight-lipped when asked what those benefits might actually be, but they're sticking to their policy. An application to join will be sent.

Well if the nomads are applying then so will the Grand Duchy. We're bound to get more out of it just in terms of catered white tie affairs alone.

[Javaman]

I haven't looked for the answer yet but does anybody know offhand how population increases? Does it just happen or is it influenced by actions or settings? Mr. KA has like 3 billion people (!?!?).

[livius drusus]

I was just wondering that myself, Java. I seem to be highly ranked in the region for the compassion of my populace ( :wha: ) and I've gone from a Minnow power to a Dominator one in a day, but my population count is still the same.

[curses]

Well if the nomads are applying then so will the Grand Duchy. We're bound to get more out of it just in terms of catered white tie affairs alone.
I joined because someone said there'd be hot looking poolboys there.

[Stormlight]

The Republic of Stormington has joined, too.

A tiny private sector is dominated by the Cheese Exports industry.

:van:
:cheese:

[godfry n. glad]

Well if the nomads are applying then so will the Grand Duchy. We're bound to get more out of it just in terms of catered white tie affairs alone.
I joined because someone said there'd be hot looking poolboys there.

You visit Muffdiva. We have poolboys last long time.

If we run dem around pool couple times, they look hot enough? Gene Simmons hired we did to train pool boys. Dat help?

[Crumb]

Sammichovakia's national animal is the deli meats, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the bread.
:chuckle:

[Crumb]

The Republic of Stormington has joined, too.

A tiny private sector is dominated by the Cheese Exports industry.:van:
:cheese:
I think the cheese export business would do a little better if you did things more like this:
:cheese:
:van:

[livius drusus]

:giggle:

[Watser?]

There

The Emirate of Zimbooba is a tiny, environmentally stunning nation, remarkable for its absence of drug laws. Its compassionate, intelligent population of 5 million are free to do what they want with their own bodies, and vote for whoever they like in elections; if they go into business, however, they are regulated to within an inch of their lives.


Crime is well under control. Zimbooba's national animal is the surrender monkey, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the boob.

[livius drusus]

:w00t: Don't forget to join the 0000 Freethought region.

[Crumb]

:yeahthat:

[Watser?]

Also, if we should get invaded, as founder I will always have free access to the regional controls and will be able to toss their sorry asses into the Rejected Realms. :camouflag :whup:

No worries, I have 'a slick and highly efficient black market in Arms Manufacturing'.

[Kyuss Apollo]

Ok, some more info, and then a question. You guys found the info on naming your region--it's based on how long your nation has been around/population. You'll notice that everyday your population goes up by at least a million. And when you reach 100 million you can then give yourself a custom name, as long as it doesn't offend the game's obscenity filters. Blatant use of four-letter words won't fly, but I had an ally a while back whose nation was called "Phukface" who was a UN delegate. But then he had some employment issues, and lost his internet, then his nation was deleted for lack of participation. Which brings me to the next topic.


Inactivity and Deletion
The game automatically deletes nations that are inactive for 28 days. However, if you put your nation's settings on Vacation, your nation has a 60 day period before getting deleted.

If your nation does get deleted from inactivity, it isn't the end of the world for your citizens, just as long as you registered an email address when you founded your nation. Contact an administrator here (http://www.nationstates.net/page=help), scroll the "Problem Description" menu down to "restore a deleted nation" and tell them the name of your nation and your email address. They will email you and reactivate your nation free of charge.

It will come back in the Lazarus region, land of the resurrected nationstates, at which point you can have the helicopters fly you back to 0000 Freethought.


Adminstrators and Mods
If you are getting abusive telegrams or the region gets crashed by unwelcome migrant states who hijack the UN delegate chair then start illegally ejecting people, just contact a mod (http://www.nationstates.net/page=help) and they'll usually straigten everything out in a day or so.


Invaders, Defensive Alliances, and Griefing
Invading a region and taking over is a time-honored tradition in NationStates, and there are entire regions that specialize in that. As long as the invading force doesn't eject/ban the original inhabitants, or illegally gained access somehow to the delegate position or the password (i.e. griefing), swarming a region and hijacking the delegate position via legitimate endorsements does not constitute a violation of the game's rules. Meanwhile there are other groups of nations who have dedicated themselves to forming defense alliances that try to oust the invaders and restore power to the original regional inhabitants.

In other regions I belong to that aren't terribly active, several times the region has been invaded, counterinvaded, and restored in about 2 or 3 days--and no one even notice since everyone there only stopped in to check on their nations once or twice a week. Once we were all ejected, sent to the Rejected Realms by the invaders, then the incident was reported by a defensive alliance who had the invaders banned and gotten the admins to restore us--before any of us even realized it. Kind of like coming out of a blackout to find out you were married and divorced over the weekend...

It is part of the gameplay (if you want to) to form alliances with other regions for the purpose of mutual defense and for mutual support of UN proposals--this often takes place through the medium of telegrams. Also, recruiters for other regions may send telegrams or even temporarily join in order to spam the Civil Headquarters with adverts for their regions. This used to be a time-honored means of building up new members, but recently the powers that be limited Civil Headquarters Spam to the Pacific and the Rejected Realms. Still, some people still do it. There are also bizarro nations, like the NationStates Bunny, whose entire raison d'être is to briefly visit every single region in the game, but otherwise are mostly harmless. :pancakebunny:

Like joining the UN, all this is left up to the individual. As individual states you can respond to offers to form alliances or join another region, or not, and the same goes with our region. We can form alliances and even go off and invade other regions if we want to. Or just stay at home and spam the Civil Headquarters. The game doesn't place many demands other than just showing up once a month to keep the place open.


Regional Influence
The "Regional Influence" monitor was a recently added innovation, which makes it a bit more difficult for renegade invader nations to oust entire communities of longtime inhabitants of a region or seriously mess things up. With the exception of the founder, UN delegates use up a certain amount of influence in order to do anything in the "Regional Settings," like change the World Factbook Entry (which can be easily vandalized by invaders) or eject member nations with significant regional seniority.

At the moment, no one else can "Enter Regional Control," which means that even if we did get swarmed, invaders wouldn't be able to do much, or anything, actually. However, I would be happy to open up the regional controls to our UN delegate if you guys want me to.


Informal Poll:

___Yea to opening regional control to the UN Delegate.

This will allow the delegate to be able to set a password, eject/ban member states, and change the World Factbook. It also means that should we get invaded, the new UN delegate chosen by the invaders would also have this access.

___Nay to opening regional control to the UN Delegate.

This would leave things the way it is, with only the founder (myself) having access to the aforesaid controls. It would make our region unappealing to invaders since the whole point of invading a region is to gain access to the controls, but also means that no one other than myself has access to them.

[livius drusus]

I vote nay 'cause I'm not interested in battling invaders.

I wanna be the delegate so endorse me, UNers!

[Dingfod]

I, as benevolent dictator of Dingfodistan, unequivocally state that my position on the poll question be that of "Nay" as well.

[godfry n. glad]

Muffdiva buries it's head and says nay.

[Crumb]

How do I endorse a UN delegate?

[Watser?]

Zimbooba votes nay too.

[wei yau]

Well, after realizing that "Live Free and Die!" simply wouldn't work. We've entered the world stage.

We also vote "Nay". Not so much because we don't like cracking heads, but mostly because we prefer to follow the consensus.

[Watser?]

How do I endorse a UN delegate?

You need to go to the page of the one you want to endorse, there is a link there.

[wei yau]

We are awaiting approval for our UN membership. The UN inspection teams were here a little while ago. I hope they didn't notice that we hadn't dusted the baseboards.

[Watser?]

No worries, we hadn't even cleaned the bathroom :blush2:

[wei yau]

I propose that we "Inoffensive Centrist Democracies" need to band together and up our "offensive" quotient.

[Dingfod]

It's hard for us to be offensive when we're just so darn cute.

[wei yau]

There can be offensiveness in cuteness. Perhaps we all need to make the lolcat our national animal.

[livius drusus]

As long as it's not Cheneycat. He's held the reigns of power long enough.

[ceptimus]

Now who are the masters of Wruud and Skullholland?I am honoured and privileged to be the currently elected leader of the Wruud Borderlands.

[wei yau]

So, how are your people referred to?

Mine are "weiyaunese" not be confused with "weiyaunaise" (our national condiment).

[livius drusus]

Ah, excellent. Now is that pronounced "rüd" or "ruhd".

[Dingfod]

My people are Dingfodder (or just Dingies)!

[Watser?]

I have a feeling Skullholland is Ymir's Blood

[Crumb]

The people or Sammichovakia are referred to as Sammicheaters. :yup:

[Watser?]

Sammi-cheaters?

I as Emir preside over the Zimboobs

[Crumb]

Sammich-eaters! :glare:

[ceptimus]

In the dark ages, the populace of Wruud lived in rude mud huts and were often rude to each other. The leaders at that time used to refer to the people as 'ruddy peasants' - it's politically correct to claim that 'ruddy' is an allusion to the colour of our national animal - the red dragon - but no one really believes that.

In these more enlightened times, with our burgeoning basket weaving and trout farming industries resulting in a high standard of living, we prefer to refer to ourselves simply as 'The Wruud' (rhymes with food).

[wei yau]

We have declared the opening of our National Handshaking Festival.

Please form an orderly line in front of the blue tent at the custom's office. A handshake consists of no fewer than two, but no more than four shakes.

Put 'er there, neighbor!

:handshake:

[Dingfod]

Gimme five!

Way up high!

Way down low! *moves hand*

Jeez, you're slow.

[Watser?]

shake hand :handshake:
shake finger :tsktsk:
shake fist :shakefist:
shake shake :shakeshake:
shake penguin :shakepenguin:
shake shaker :shakeshaker:
shake arrow :shakecursor:
shake spear :shakespeare:

[Crumb]

:chuckle:

[fragment]

The Fragmented Archipelago has been accepted into the UN. This was not a popular move. Flotillas of protest boats descended on the capital to interrupt the joining ceremony, and a UN delegation was forced to flee the harbour when some of the protesters began hurling sea cucumbers. An official of the Fragmentian government said, "Robust debate and the flinging of fruits de mer is what being a Fragmentian is all about," shortly before showering calamari onto a hostile press conference.

As a sop to the populace, the Government has decided it will endorse other nations in 0000 Freethought whose civil rights are "excessive".

[fragment]

Has anyone discovered whether there's an archive of the civil headquarters posts?

[wei yau]

The Kingdom of Wei Yau is saddened to announce the deterioration of our relationship with The Free Land of Skunkalia. Recent diplomatic communiques from Skunkalia have been threatening, yet unoriginal.

The peace-loving Wei Yaunese people will not tolerate this unprovoked sabre-rattling. All trade relations with Skunkalia have been suspended. Our borders are closed to Skunkalians.

It is with great sadness that the people of Skunkalia must suffer due to the bigoted nature of their leader. We hope that one day freedom-loving Skunkalians will set their country right and once again rejoin the international community of 0000 Freethought.

[Watser?]

It is the firm belief of the Emirate of Zimbooba that Skunkalia is a rogue nation (with a very cool flag which hardens our heart even more).

[Crumb]

The Rogue Nation of Sammichovakia is shocked and enraged at being likened unto the despicable Skunkalia. :hmph:

[fragment]

Fragmeneted Archipelago will remain neutral in the diplomatic crisis between Skunkalia and Wei Yau that threatens to destabilise the region. There is no truth to the claims that underground book cartels, operating out of Shardport, are supplying incendiary tracts to both sides.

[Crumb]

:confide: Do the nonexistent cartels need sammiches?

[Watser?]

We would like to take this opportunity to deny that either or even both sides are being supplied with small arms from Zimbooba's supposedly thriving black market which is only a silly rumour anyway.

[fragment]

Fragmentians always need sammiches, and I hear the Sammicheaters make the best.

Watch out trying to smuggle them into Livdenum, though, I hear possession of mayo receives the death penalty there.

[Crumb]

Ha! You should shoot your rumor mill. As if that hippy Duchy would ever punish a criminal.

[livius drusus]

That's a damned lie! We're big on civil rights and slackasses on law and order. (Except for the TV show. We're big on that too.)

[godfry n. glad]

Mmmfpf..mfmmm...mpfffmmmm...

Muffdiva offers to mediate.

Please, the protruding tongue is a friendly greeting, not a gesture of hostility. :tongue:

[Kyuss Apollo]

Has anyone discovered whether there's an archive of the civil headquarters posts?

I don't think that there are--though there is likely some mechanism for the mods to check for abuse that has scrolled out of sight by the time they get to look into a complaint.

That is a good question--I will get back to you on that. :chin:

[fragment]

Doesn't matter, just curious.

[fragment]

That's a damned lie! We're big on civil rights and slackasses on law and order. (Except for the TV show. We're big on that too.)
So the allegations about what happened to the cilantro smuggling ring that got busted last year aren't true either?

[livius drusus]

There is no such thing as cilantro. It's an urban myth. A chimera. A cautionary tale.

[wei yau]

Our intelligence services have determined that agents of Skunkalia have seeded several of the Grand Duchy's orchards with navel oranges.

[livius drusus]

BASTARDS!!1

[Stormlight]

Informal Poll:

___Yea to opening regional control to the UN Delegate.

This will allow the delegate to be able to set a password, eject/ban member states, and change the World Factbook. It also means that should we get invaded, the new UN delegate chosen by the invaders would also have this access.

___Nay to opening regional control to the UN Delegate.

This would leave things the way it is, with only the founder (myself) having access to the aforesaid controls. It would make our region unappealing to invaders since the whole point of invading a region is to gain access to the controls, but also means that no one other than myself has access to them.


Stormington votes nay and storms out!

[Leesifer]

The Skunkalia Council has convened and, presently, denies all accusations made against us.

The Council expects to enjoy a very long lunch after their meeting and thanks the Rogue Nation of Sammichovakia for the complimentary sammiches.

[livius drusus]

If I see even the hint of a navel in my orange groves, I'm coming for you, Grandmaster Skunk.

[Deadlokd]

The Free Land of Happinezz is happi to join 0000 Freethought. Should any of the, umm, non-combatants in the current crisis wish their diplomatic chairs restored we are able to help.


Oh yes, we also have much uranium

[livius drusus]

Welcome to 0000 Freethought!

(Just as long as you don't muscle in on my furniture restoration industry. :narrow: )

[Deadlokd]

Of course not, oh great UN delegate person.:bow:

By the way, how do you spell trade embargo?:D

[wei yau]

Congratulations to the Grand Duchy on the appointment to UN delegate. The Kingdom of Wei Yau is confident that with a representative as capable and charming as the Grand Duchy, the 0000 Freethought region will be a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

[wei yau]

Our intelligence agents have procured the following missive from Skunkalila as evidence of their unprovoked hostility towards our peaceful Kingdom:


Be afraid, be very afraid.

[Watser?]

Our intelligence agents have procured the following missive from Skunkalila as evidence of their unprovoked hostility towards our peaceful Kingdom:


Be afraid, be very afraid.


The Emirate of Zimbooba knows not the word afraid.

The Emirate is in need of a good dictionary, maybe the Fragmented Archipelago could help out?

[Dingfod]

Needing to look up Archipelago?

[Sock Puppet]

Don't look up my archipelago, you pervert.

[Dingfod]

I'll let you see my peninsula.

[Leesifer]

The official press release from the Skunkalia Council meeting will be issued within the next three hours, along with any ultimatums and/or treaty offers.

[wei yau]

Who leads "The Most Serene Republic of Ravenswood"?

[Leesifer]

Firstly, the Government, Council and citizens of Skunkalia would like it mentioned that the telegram to The Kingdom of Wei Yau was not without provocation.

We received our first missive:

There's a entire nation of you people?

That cinches it, there is no God.

Then:

The Kingdom of Wei Yau is saddened to announce the deterioration of our relationship with The Free Land of Skunkalia. Recent diplomatic communiques from Skunkalia have been threatening, yet unoriginal.

The peace-loving Wei Yaunese people will not tolerate this unprovoked sabre-rattling. All trade relations with Skunkalia have been suspended. Our borders are closed to Skunkalians.

It is with great sadness that the people of Skunkalia must suffer due to the bigoted nature of their leader. We hope that one day freedom-loving Skunkalians will set their country right and once again rejoin the international community of 0000 Freethought.
The good peoples of Skunkalia revere their peaceful and tolerant leader. We consider our land an active member in 0000 Freethought and are loathe to close our borders to anybody but, have reluctantly agreed to close our borders to the people from The Kingdom of Wei Yau, except for those who would denounce their mad king.

It is the firm belief of the Emirate of Zimbooba that Skunkalia is a rogue nation (with a very cool flag which hardens our heart even more).
The Emirate of Zimbooba can kiss our arses(ii?). And they can keep their eyes off our flag.

The Rogue Nation of Sammichovakia is shocked and enraged at being likened unto the despicable Skunkalia
We understand the need for subterfuge in this instance.

There is no such thing as cilantro. It's an urban myth. A chimera. A cautionary tale.
Yes! Skunkalia is in total agreement with this. We will even go so far as to say there is no such thing as coriander either.

Our intelligence services have determined that agents of Skunkalia have seeded several of the Grand Duchy's orchards with navel oranges.
The land of Skunkalia recommends that you remove the word "intelligence" from this body. We don't even know what navel oranges are.

So, we have decided to close our borders to The Kingdom of Wei Yau in retaliation for the closing of their own borders. Also, we may issue sanctions on their import of skunk oil which, as everybody in 0000 Freethought knows, has exceptional healing properties.

We are also concerned about the attitude of the Emirate of Zimbooba and have issued special caution regarding any member of this Emirate visiting Skunkalia. It is now illegal to take any replica of the Skunkalia flag from the Land.

[Watser?]

:D

[Leesifer]

OMG!11!

You bastards!

The Skunkalia Council will have to reconvene to discuss this outright hatred.

[livius drusus]

Can't we all reject cilantro and get along?

[wei yau]

It is saddening, though wholly unsurprising to see the consequences of the pitifully low literacy levels in Skunkalia. Their less-than-generous interpretation of our initial greetings to their people has led to this unfortunate situation.

Our borders remain closed to Skunkalians and the loss of imported skunk oil will not harm us. Modern medicine has adequately demonstrated that skunk oil possess no healing properties, instead it only serves to make one smell like a skunk.

However, on a more positive note, we are pleased to announce the opening of trade relations with Zimbooba. The Kingdom of Wei Yau will be pleased to purchase as many Zimbooban-modified flags of Skunkalia for our First Annual Stomp-A-Skunk Festival.

[Zehava]

Can't we all reject cilantro and get along?

I'm so going to use that as the motto for The Principality of Zev, when I get home (where the Nation States website is not blocked like it is at work).

[Crumb]

:chuckle: You guys are killing me...

[Leesifer]

While Skunkalia agrees with Livdenum on the cilantro issue and will sign any and all agreements to such effect, they feel they cannot offer such courtesies to the Wei Yauians.

Maybe the hostilities between ourselves lie in the past. The Eldarlet and the Skunk have a common ancestor, the Skunkarlet, which evolved into two new species when the lands split apart, due to seismic activity.

[livius drusus]

I'm so going to use that as the motto for The Principality of Zev, when I get home (where the Nation States website is not blocked like it is at work).
I am honored, good principal. :unbow:

[livius drusus]

While Skunkalia agrees with Livdenum on the cilantro issue and will sign any and all agreements to such effect...
Perhaps our first UN resolution should be on this pressing matter, then.

Maybe the hostilities between ourselves lie in the past. The Eldarlet and the Skunk have a common ancestor, the Skunkarlet, which evolved into two new species when the lands split apart, due to seismic activity.
Isn't it time we moved beyond these bitter ancient ethnic rivalries?

[wei yau]

Maybe the hostilities between ourselves lie in the past. The Eldarlet and the Skunk have a common ancestor, the Skunkarlet, which evolved into two new species when the lands split apart, due to seismic activity.

Our scientists have discovered that the seismic activity was caused when the bigoted founder of Skunkalia fell on her big fat ass.

[Leesifer]

While Skunkalia agrees with Livdenum on the cilantro issue and will sign any and all agreements to such effect...
Perhaps our first UN resolution should be on this pressing matter, then.
Yes!
Maybe the hostilities between ourselves lie in the past. The Eldarlet and the Skunk have a common ancestor, the Skunkarlet, which evolved into two new species when the lands split apart, due to seismic activity.
Isn't it time we moved beyond these bitter ancient ethnic rivalries?[/QUOTE]

:kickcan: Well, ok. But they started it.

Skunkalia will take the high moral ground and extend an olive branch (no olives on it though - yuck!) to The Kingdom of Wei Yau and it's newest best friend the Emirate of Zimbooba. However, we are keeping our posters up regarding flag stealing/defacing/stomping.

[wei yau]

We are humbled by the Skunkalian gestures toward peace. Our borders are now re-opened to Skunkalia, though skunk oil remains a banned import.

We have also ordered a standing down of our forces to Def Con 2. That is, Uncle Tien-Po has been instructed to return the flintlock to storage underneath his bed.

But, be aware that even at the venerable age of 98, Tien-Po is still plenty wily and spry. And if his joints are fine because there's no sign of rain, then he can retrieve that flintlock and return to an elevated Defense Condition at a surprisingly quick pace.

[Leesifer]

Perhaps we can negotiate on the skunk oil.

Obviously, cheese is our main export but we do rely on the skunk oil for a fair portion of our ecomony. It has many uses - healing just being one of them. In fact, I believe Uncky Tien-Po is a connoisseur of the uses of our special oil.

[Crumb]

Would Uncle Tien-Po be interested in automatic weapons?

[ceptimus]

Though the Wruud would not debase themselves by consuming cilantro, the veterinarians who study our red dragons assure me that these creatures occasionally self-medicate by consuming the leaves of this weed.

Occasionally, one of our dragons may suffer briefly from acute indigestion, which allied to their fire breathing nature may result in unpleasant and painful anal burns. The soapy nature of the cilantro plant helps to deaden the flame to mere smoke and sparks, considerably lessening the animals' suffering.

Naturally the dragons do not like the taste of cilantro and would not eat it under normal circumstances, but their mouths are toughened by constant fire breathing and brimstone eating, so they are able to tolerate the foul substance for brief periods bearing in mind the plant's efficacy as a medicine.

In summary, although Wruud would support any ban of cilantro for human consumption, we would not like to see the plant exterminated altogether, unless and until a suitable alternative dragon medicine can be found.

[Crumb]

What are the Wruud smoking?

[livius drusus]

Excellent points all, Wruud. I shall give them due consideration.

[ceptimus]

What are the Wruud smoking?Haddock, mainly.

[Crumb]

Do those make good sammiches?

[ceptimus]

Of course. :sammich:

[Crumb]

Are the Wruud by any chance interested in automatic weapons, uranium or deli meats?

[wei yau]

Uncle Tien-Po attributes his longevity to a steady diet of pussy and beer. Once this was made public, the feline population of the Kingdom dropped precipitously. Only after Tien-Po clarified, "I meant whores, ya stupid kids.", was the feline population re-established.

Regarding the current issue presented to use by our esteemed UN Delegate. We are taking the matter under consideration. We would like to mention to the Wrudd that our scientists have developed an experimental prototype to cure the ailments suffered by their noble red dragons. However, current research is stalled as we've yet to find a volunteer willing to deploy the rather sizeable anal suppository.

[Watser?]

Skunkalia will take the high moral ground and extend an olive branch (no olives on it though - yuck!) to The Kingdom of Wei Yau and it's newest best friend the Emirate of Zimbooba. However, we are keeping our posters up regarding flag stealing/defacing/stomping.

The Emirate of Zimbooba regrets to inform the noble people of Skunkalia that our airwaves were temporarily taken over by hot-headed students of our religious universities. These have now been spanked by their maternal units and will be held back a class.
We therefore wholeheartedly accept the olive branch that Skunkalia is offering though we would have liked some olives on it to serve with the cheese we are fond of and plan to import from the Free Land.

[wei yau]

Would Uncle Tien-Po be interested in automatic weapons?

On behalf of Tien-Po, the Kingdom graciously declines this generous offer from the Sammicheaters. While we recognize that the acquistion of such weaponary would dramatically increase our military standing in the region. The truth is that Tien-Po is a mean drunk and the elaborate procedure for arming and firing the flintlock gives his neighbors sufficient time to reach their shelters.

[Leesifer]

Skunkalia wishes to go on record as feeling :vibes: that the status quo has been re-established between the nations.

They will, however, wait to see whether said status quo remains tomorrow.

[Sock Puppet]

I don't dare access this site from work. When I have time at home (i.e., probably never), I'll be glad to start my own oppressive dictatorship People's Republic of some sort.

[Crumb]

The more the merrier... :muahaha:

:plotting:

[Deadlokd]

The Free People of Happinezz are enthralled by the events playing out in the region. In between restoring plastic chairs and digging up sweet, sweet uranium you will find them glued to their black and white televisions watching as events unfold. Several rallies have happened in our glorious nations capital with our happi© populace calling on the good people of the Free Land of Skunkalia and The Kingdom of Wei Yau to have a war for their own edification. It is understood that purveyors of a new invention called colour television are especially vociferous in this issue.

Ahh, my people are a simple people, at heart.

[Crumb]

Sammichovakia also encourages open warfare and is willing to supply weapons to all sides.

[wei yau]

The Kingdom of Wei Yau objects to the war-mongering ways of Happinezz and blatant profiteering of Sammichovakia. We insist on an immediate sanction on both nations.

A stern glare from the UN Delegate of the 0000 Freethought region would be sufficient.

[Leesifer]

:narrow: Do not try to use Skunkalia as a pawn for your warmongering.

ETA: Please note the cross-posting and similar use of "warmongering" from the nations that you feel should be at odds.

Skunkalia :rarrow: :lowfive: :larrow: Kingdom of Wei Yau

[Deadlokd]

Ah, arms supply! The cornerstone of any successful war!

The people of Happinezz encourage The Rogue Nation of Sammichovakia in all their gun running endeavours. They do warn, however, of trying to supply the non-existent insurgents within our own borders.:D

[fragment]

The Fragmented Archipelago is pleased to see Livdenum has moved on from cilantro denialism and is ready to consider sensible policy on this issue. The full horror that is cilantro should not be pushed under the spare sail.

[Deadlokd]

The Free People of Happinezz are aghast at the baseless accusations from both Skunkalia and Wei Yau. We are a peaceful people, happy within our own borders, and desire no war with anyone. The unfortunate consequence of a nation of pacifists, however, is a desire to see violence inflicted upon others in glorious 48cm colour! Hooray to Sonyo for our new inventions.

[Ymir's blood]

The Secular People's Collective of the Holy Empire of Skullholland has declared today to be Star-nose Mole Day. Please join with us in recognizing the valiant struggles of this oppressed species as it forges a life free from corporation control.

[livius drusus]

:glare:

[Watser?]

The Emirate is shocked to find our UN-representative being a mole-hater.

[Stormlight]

The Free People of Happinezz are aghast at the baseless accusations from both Skunkalia and Wei Yau. We are a peaceful people, happy within our own borders, and desire no war with anyone. The unfortunate consequence of a nation of pacifists, however, is a desire to see violence inflicted upon others in glorious 48cm colour! Hooray to Sonyo for our new inventions.

It goes without saying that the Republic of Stormington will stand by the Free People of Happinezz in these dire times and strongly protest the outrageous lies of Skunkalia and Wei Yau. For shame! :glare:

[Stormlight]

The Emirate is shocked to find our UN-representative being a mole-hater.

That is indeed cause for great concern.

[livius drusus]

I like moles just fine. As long as they don't look like they snorted a squid.

[Ymir's blood]

All the young children of Skullhaven look so cute in their complimentary star-nosed masks. Seeing them would soften the heart of even the most hard bitten molehaters.

[Stormlight]

I like moles just fine. As long as they don't look like they snorted a squid.

The people of the Republic of Stormington object in the strongest possible terms to the outrageous allegations that moles, star-nosed or otherwise, would snort squids!

[Watser?]

The Emirate would like to state that Zimbooban moles just say no.

[Leesifer]

Skunkalia is firmly spraying sitting on the fence on this one!

[livius drusus]

I like moles just fine. As long as they don't look like they snorted a squid.

The people of the Republic of Stormington object in the strongest possible terms to the outrageous allegations that moles, star-nosed or otherwise, would snort squids!
The Grand Duchy has alleged no such thing. On the contrary: it is because we know that moles would never stoop so low that we protest Skullholland's shameless promotion of squid-snorting.

[godfry n. glad]

Squid-snorting?

:whoa:

How much different this from muffdiving?

Give pleasure to squid?

[Deadlokd]

Happinezz joins Skunkalia on the fence. The Free People have had no contact with moles, squid snorting or otherwise. They do wonder, though, whether the moles snort them whole or whether they grind them to powder first.

Happinezz also reflects on the long and happi© friendship between Happinezz and Stormington, all 107 minutes of it.

[wei yau]

The Kingdom of Wei Yau wishes to open diplomatic relations with the following nation states, but are unable to determine exactly who leads these nations:

The Empire of Dumbidiotistan
The Kingdom of Northern Jordan

[Watser?]

Zimbooban intelligence has determined that the Kingdom of Northern Jordan is a very populous state that was founded a long time ago (our agents have not been able to determine exactly how long). Also, and I quote: 'Northern Jordan has been recently classified as an international menace after 'liberating' several nearby territories'

Zimbooban intelligence on Dumbidiotistan is scant but the ruler seems to be someone named Pock Suppet or something along those lines...

[Crumb]

You could send them a direct telegram and ask, wei.

[godfry n. glad]

Not Ill Pock Suppet!!!?

[wei yau]

The last time I sent out a telegram, we almost went to war against the Skunkalia. I might have to work on my diplomacy skillz.

[Sock Puppet]

Zimbooban intelligence on Dumbidiotistan is scant but the ruler seems to be someone named Pock Suppet or something along those lines...Lies, damned lies. I know Pock Suppet, and am certain he would have come up with a much better name for his nation-state. No offense meant to the ruler of that nation, I'm just sayin'.

Until I quell the toddler uprising within my proposed borders, I will not be able to establish a lasting sovereignty. Maybe Saturday, around nap time.

[godfry n. glad]

Carpetface godfry would like to ask for intervention.

Is locked out. Try three time for ask new password. No getting new password.

Issues has constipation by now.

[Watser?]

I think our intelligence service will need to be overhauled (or possibly keelhauled) :spank:

[ceptimus]

Your Regional UN Delegate, Livdenum, has not voted on this resolution.You have until Sunday to vote (or not) on this issue.

The 0.00005% of GDP (or whatever tiny figure it is) seems very reasonable. The danger is that it will set a precedent and once compulsory funding of the UN is in place, the amount may tend to get ramped up annually.

[livius drusus]

Indeed. As a region I think we're already rather tax-heavy on account of the pinkoness, so I'm not sure appending a new tax is the best plan. As you say, though, it is a small amount.

What say y'all?

[curses]

The last time I sent out a telegram, we almost went to war against the Skunkalia. I might have to work on my diplomacy skillz.
:giggle: It's cause she's racist!1

The Queendom of Minustan has much to catch up on in this thread today :workload:

[Leesifer]

:glare: Don't make me close my borders, Queenie!

[curses]

Noes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111
I didn't mean it!

[Watser?]

What's another tax? It will be a small price to pay for our eh.. dependence...

[curses]

Thankfully I got the important issue of Harry Potter censorship.

[Crumb]

Indeed. As a region I think we're already rather tax-heavy on account of the pinkoness, so I'm not sure appending a new tax is the best plan. As you say, though, it is a small amount.

What say y'all?
Nay!
:horse:

[Leesifer]

Indeed. As a region I think we're already rather tax-heavy on account of the pinkoness, so I'm not sure appending a new tax is the best plan. As you say, though, it is a small amount.

What say y'all?

Well, upon reading the proposal, it sounds fairly straightforward and fair. As much as Skunkalia is against additional taxes, we would vote "Yes" on this proposal.

[curses]

Minustan says no thanks to the tax. The people need to keep their money so they can buy more stuff that they don't need, like tiki dolls and cheese.

[livius drusus]

The Grand Duchy would like to point out that neither Minustan nor Skunkalia have endorsed the Livdenum delegacy, and yet, they still wanna boss the Grand Duchy around. The Grand Duchy calls shenanigans.

[Watser?]

:hoot:

[Leesifer]

Errrm, how do we endorse you, Duchy?

[curses]

That's a good point, liv. I completely forgot :blush:

[curses]

Lees, Click on Liv's country name, and where it says United Nations Status, there's an Endorse link there.

[livius drusus]

You go to my page (http://www.nationstates.net/livdenum) and click on "Add Your Endorsement". :#1:

ETA: Minustan is on it like stank on sheeit. The Grand Duchy recanizes. :bow:

[Leesifer]

There lies the problem. I've looked for the link to add my endorsement but can't see it. :foggy:

[curses]

Word.:rapple:

[curses]

Lees, you have to be a member of the UN to endorse. Just realized you're not.
Edit: Click on the UN tab on the side menu to join.

[livius drusus]

Oh, I see. You're not in the UN yet. Click on United Nations in the menu on the left and request membership.

ETA: Minustan continues to rock it.

[Leesifer]

Ah! :thankee: guys.

[curses]

:slide:

Welcome, lees, so long as your country continues to be the biggest importer of our national beer.

And I just bothered to read my spotlinght.
the government is avowedly atheist, college students make ends meet by selling their kidneys, and organ donation rates are among the lowest in the region.
That made me giggle for some reason. I think I must need a computer break.

[wei yau]

Errrm, how do we endorse you, Duchy?

Just select the Duchy and go to where you see a list of endorsements. There's a button asking if you want to add your endorsement.

[livius drusus]

:pat:

[wei yau]

Frickin' work! Wrote the post like two million years ago and then go interrupted by work.

[wei yau]

Now that the Grand Duchy has successfully extorted our endorsement, we feel qualified to offer our opinion on the UN Resolution at-hand.

We vote "nay" on this issue.

Our taxes are fairly high and funding a UN that seems to do little more than debate instead of act does not seem to be a desirable use of our moneys.

[Sock Puppet]

Throwing caution to the four breaking winds of uncertainty, the Commonwealth of Marionberryland (http://www.nationstates.net/marionberryland) has set up a provisional government behind the protection of the toddler-gate. While we still have the ongoing ice cream riots and nightly demonstrations protesting bedtime, we are confident that these problems can be worked out to the mutual satisfaction of both warring factions, provided a sufficient number of books are read to the protestors.

[curses]

Commonwealth of Marionberryland:lol:

If the protesters only knew what important and beneficial work you were doing..

[Sock Puppet]

Hence our motto.

[curses]

:foocl:

[Deadlokd]

The Empire of Dumbidiotistan is a vassal of Happinezz. Having had too many brothers laying around offering 'suggestions' on how to run the Free Land, our glorious leader shipped one of them off to some uninhabited country. Having seen what said brother is doing to his new land, our glorious leader is glad he got rid of them. It is possible that, in the future, when Dumbidiotistan is larger and more capable of looking after itself, it will ally with another region and engage in some colonising.

[Deadlokd]

OOC. Has everyone seen these websites. These two are used to calculate your economy:
http://nsdossier.texasregion.net/main.aspx

http://www.sunsetrpg.com/economystatistics.php?

This is the Nationstates wiki:

http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

and the forums, where you play at war, diplomacy etc.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=1235

[Deadlokd]

The Free People of Happinezz also entreat their delegate to vote "nay" on the issue. Having seen what resolutions have been passed by the UN, we see no reason to pork-barrel such topics as "No rights for gays (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=1235)" and, worst of all, they did this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11762092&postcount=179)!\

While most of their resolutions have been well thought out, we still don't understand why they need money. If they require peacekeepers, these are provided at each governments expense. Their building is free, and anyway, it's populated by a bunch of weirdo's (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/UN_Headquarters).

[Javaman]

The highly-caffeinated peoples of Beanguese have let it be known to me that their recommendation is for a vote of 'nay'. Though they would never say publicly the following items, our 'agents' have overheard them utter phrases like, "Thy U.N. must be getting money now or it wouldn't be functioning," and, "What do they need the money for anyway? I've never heard a reason and yet the want me to pony up the cash," and also "The U.N. should be paying me to be in their stupid little club."

So it seems like, though it might end up being a fine idea, there are too many unanswered questions for our populace to get behind this resolution.

[curses]

The Queendom of Minustan has rethought its position on world domination. We've realized that it's not through brute force that this may be achieved, but through rampant consumerism and export.


..so does anyone want to buy some cheap electronics?

[wei yau]

The Kingdom of Wei Yau would like to know if the Minustanis can provide PS3 at the cheap price of $200usd. It would seem that the Grand Duchy has already cornered the market elsewhere in the world.

[curses]

Of course we can! We'll undersell anyone so long as there's something in it for us...we'll even give you a free game* with each system.


*Game subject to availability. Probably one we can't sell on its own. See store for details.

[Leesifer]

OMG!11! It's true, I am a racist.

The alarmingly racist TV show 'Bigtopians Say the Darndest Things' is a hit, scientists regularly clone human beings for research purposes, and the government is avowedly atheist.

[livius drusus]

The first step is admitting it. :manhug:

[wei yau]

While we acknowledge the bigotry of the leader of Skunkalia, the Kingdom of Wei Yau agrees that Bigtopians really say the darndest things.

Stupid backwater Bigtopians.

[Leesifer]

Skunkalia thanks the Kingdom of Wei Yau for it's agreement regarding the Bigtopians.

Skunkalia also wishes to confirm endorsement of Livdenum to the UN and apologises for the thickness of their leader. She has been liberally doused in skunk oil (which has healing properties, remember) and is feeling much better.

Oh, and please feel free to visit our casinos. A "one free drink" voucher for everybody on their first visit. :poker:

[Watser?]

The Emir of Zimbooba politely declines the invitation as he prefers not to be in the same country as someone liberally doused in skunk oil...

[curses]

Watser?, she's totally gonna :glare: at you.

[livius drusus]

Okay, so it looks like the nays have it. So shall I cast.

[Deadlokd]

The Free People of Happinezz and their idiot brother are pleased to note that the proposal was defeated 8 497 votes to 2 744.

Happinezz looks forward to the vote on sunny-day holidays but is terrified thinking about what that will do to our economy.

[Sock Puppet]

What in the name of fuzzy fuckwads is a "Truckler"? Whatever it is, it's my nation's current level of influence.

[Crumb]

Keep on trucklerin'!

[livius drusus]

Truckler? I barely know her.

[livius drusus]

Hey Sock, what are you thinking of for a flag?

[Kyuss Apollo]

What in the name of fuzzy fuckwads is a "Truckler"? Whatever it is, it's my nation's current level of influence.

List of Influence Rankings

1. Hermit
2. Hegemony
3. Dominator
4. Superpower
5. Power
6. Powerbroker
7. Eminence Grise
8. Enforcer
9. Dealmaker
10. Instigator
11. Contender
12. Negotiator
13. Auxiliary
14. Ambassador
15. Diplomat
16. Envoy
17. Duckspeaker
18. Handshaker
19. Truckler
20. Vassal
21. Minnow

The moderators have kept secret the exact formula for how these are rankings determined. A number of players have conducted numerous well-thought out experiments and the jury is still out, though some of the rankings have been figured out, like hermit is the ranking for a single country in a region by itself. From what I have read, truckler could mean a nation that moves around alot, but since no one here has really done that, it might also just be a rank to be passed through on the way to handshaker and beyond.

[Deadlokd]

From the WorldWeb Online:

Noun: truckler

1. Someone who humbles himself as a sign of respect; who behaves as if he had no self-respect
- apple polisher [US], bootlicker, fawner, groveller [Brit, Cdn], groveler [US]

A Mr. Smithers, in other words.:D

[Dingfod]

I've slipped, I was a Negotiator, now I'm a Duckspeaker.

[Kyuss Apollo]

At least you're not a Horse Whisperer... :deadhorse:

[Sock Puppet]

Hey Sock, what are you thinking of for a flag?I've preemptively co-opted this:

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/marionberryland.jpg

-- but I can change it if the creator of :shakefist: objects. Obviously, it's too simple and I need to tart it up with some stars, sequins, or something.

[livius drusus]

The creator -- hprince, a pioneer of the genre -- has given blanket permission for use so you're in the clear. Let me see what I can do to razzle it up.

[Sock Puppet]

:livglomp:

[livius drusus]

I made a bigger version of the smiley to begin with. I'm thinking there should be a crack pipe somewhere, though, don't you think? Or is that too obvious?

http://www.freethought-forum.com/livius/marionberryland.jpg

[Sock Puppet]

I wanted a crack pipe, but lacked the mad skillz to create one. Maybe he should be shaking it (obviously we can't animate that, but maybe some wavy lines to indicate the shakage)?

[livius drusus]

Something like this?

http://www.freethought-forum.com/livius/marionberryland2.jpg

P.S. - The shake lines don't look so shaky to me. They do look rather flaggy, though, like in the South Korean flag.

[Sock Puppet]

That's so nearly perfect I can hardly stand it. I'm uploading that sucker quicker than you can say "increment weather."

[livius drusus]

Uh oh. I sense an impending international incident between Marionberryland and Wei Yau. :rughide:

[wei yau]

We would normally take offense at this racist slur from Marionberryland. While we are somewhat disappointed that the Skunkalian racism has corrupted other nations in the region, we are willing to be gracious in our reaction.

The source of our grace is our fond appreciation for the wonderful flag created by the Grand Duchy and given as a gift to the undeserving peoples of Marionberryland.

[Sock Puppet]

The Commonwealth of Marionberryland wishes to clear up this unfortunate misunderstanding. The source of the phrase "increment weather" is not a slur on anyone's pronunciation of the liquid consonants 'l' and 'r', but rather an apocryphal quote attributed to the Commonwealth's great inspiration, the illustrious Marion Barry of Washington, D.C.

This brings up the interesting question of why Marionberryland is not spelled "Marionbarryland." We regret to inform the nations of 0000 Freethought that this information is classified. (Some bitch reserved the name.)

However, to dispel any semblance of kissassitude on our part, we of the Commonwealth hereby lodge a formal complaint against the Wei Yauian characterization of the peoples of our great Commonwealth as "undeserving." We object in the strongest terms to this assault on our deservation, as our proud nation is comprised of some of the most deservin' people on Earth. Don't be hatin' our deservatin'. We would regret it if the Wei Yauians were to lose access to our casinos and crackhouses comfort lounges over such untowardinal language.

[wei yau]

The Kingdom of Wei Yau regrets the unfortunate use of the word "undeserving". It is clear to us and to every other nation in 0000 Freethought that the Marionberrylanders are deserving of everything they get.

Everything.

We would, however, like to lodge a formal complaint against the Grand Duchy for shit-stirring.

[Crumb]

The people of Sammichovakia would like to lodge a formal appreciation for the Grand Duchy for shit-stirring.

[livius drusus]

The Grand Duchy is 100% not guilty.

[Watser?]

Where is this complaint-lodging taking place the Emir wonders :?

[Sock Puppet]

You don't think we'd actually hash this stuff out on their forum, do you?

[livius drusus]

Okay, I anti-aliased the circles so they look less pixel-edged and I moved the fellow up a pixel so he's not all scrunched on the bottom of the flag. Big difference? Nope. Perceptible difference? Hardly. The result of an uncontrollable obsessiveness? Most assuredly.

http://www.freethought-forum.com/livius/marionberryland3.jpg

[Kyuss Apollo]

As long as the file's not too big, .gif flags can be animated, like this (http://www.nationstates.net/13239/page=display_nation) one for instance. :yup:

[livius drusus]

Oh cool! They neglected to mention that in the FAQ.

Check it, Sock:

http://www.freethought-forum.com/livius/marionberrylandani.gif

[Sock Puppet]

I've uploaded the new version. Far be it from me not to honor someone's obsessiveness.

Kyuss, that link retrieves the clicker's own nation page if they're logged in, not yours.

ETA: Doooood! That is so phenomenally bitchin'. Uploaded.

[livius drusus]

Okay okay okay! Last one, I promise. This is a 3 frame version, slightly wider and taller to accomodate a more pronounced shake.

http://www.freethought-forum.com/livius/marionberrylandani2.gif

[Kyuss Apollo]

Doh! :homer:

Ok, try this (http://www.nationstates.net/the_moon_rules).

[Leesifer]

While we are somewhat disappointed that the Skunkalian racism has corrupted other nations in the region, we are willing to be gracious in our reaction.
Feel the strength of our power! :flex:

Cool flag for Malionbellyrand. :golfclap:

Thus, the Marions and Skunks rejoice and are united in their flags being created by the Grand Douche Duchy.

[Sock Puppet]

Of course, if TPTB at NationStates mod-slap me over my motto, I ain't playin' no mo, or not with my current nation, at any rate. It just wouldn't be the same.

[livius drusus]

I know I said it was the last time, but I've made another one. This time I used a dark background just to see how some contrast looked. I quite like it; the crackpipe is particularly appealing.


http://www.freethought-forum.com/livius/marionberrylandcolor.gif


I'm not married to the purple, btw. I'd be glad to change to any color you prefer.

[ChuckF]

As usual, Chuckfichkeria is late to the party. Yet all shall quiver before my stagnant and authoritarian leadership style!

Chuckfichkeria - Moseying boldly towards Brezhnevism!

[livius drusus]

Oo! Oo! Village Brezhnevs flag!!1

[ChuckF]

I will introduce a resolution to the Praesidium. I trust its acceptance, passage, and reasonably timely implementation will affirm Chuckfichkeria's commitment to regional cooperation and a multi-lateral, multi-vectored external politic. Goodwill towards all neighbors of Chuckfichkeria! Goodwill, I say!

[ChuckF]

I woke up the Praesidium and forced the Flag resolution through. A flag design was approved, and the legislation to adopt it as part of the national iconography will soon follow. Some members of the Politburo, however, demand that other regional actors exhibit a willingness to cooperate on a range of issues by endorsing Chuckfichkeria's application to the United Nations. Adoption of the Village Breznev flag is contingent upon the commitment of our neighbors to our shared goal of peace and harmony. None want this more than I.

I regret that I could not simply implement the recommendations put forth. However, bound as I am by the law, by international norms, and by personal modesty, I must bend to the will of the legislative process.

[Deadlokd]

Happinezz welcomes The People's Republic of Chuckfichkeria. Happinezz is a firm supporter of regional peace and harmony. Why, just the other day our esteemed President was saying to our esteemed Head of Armed Services how a substantial increase in military spending would increase everyone's peace and harmony.

[ChuckF]

I am pleased to receive the communication of the Premier of Happinezz, and look forward to a productive relationship. I directed the Directorate of Security to put together a briefing on the Free Land of Happinezz, and I am deeply impressed by the accomplishments of that government. As a token of friendship, I offer to you a shipment of our finest industrial-grade automated hand-dryers, a product of the ChuckF State Tractor and Bathroom Appliance Works and Fabrication Facility and cutting edge Chuckfichkerian hand-drying research.

[Kyuss Apollo]

Welcome aboard Chuckfichkeria. We are looking forward to some old school soviet shoe-on-table action over in the regional civil headquarters.

"Мы вас похороним!
:dighole:

[ChuckF]

As the conditions set out by the government of Chuckfichkeria have been met, the People's State Committee on Information, the Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Ministry for Heavy Industry have collaborated to adopt the TetraBrezhnev as official standard of the Chuckfichkerian state.

[Deadlokd]

Happinezz was pleased to accept the hand-driers from Chuckfichkeria. We were surprised, however to see "Defence Use Only" and "Biohazard" stickers on them. After quarantining them, we discovered that they had a dual purpose in nuclear armaments. In light of this discovery, Happinezz is pleased to present Chuckfichkeria with fifty kilograms of processed uranium.

[Sock Puppet]

I know I said it was the last time, but I've made another one. This time I used a dark background just to see how some contrast looked. I quite like it; the crackpipe is particularly appealing.


http://www.freethought-forum.com/livius/marionberrylandcolor.gif


I'm not married to the purple, btw. I'd be glad to change to any color you prefer.
That is beyond bitchin'. And I like the purple; not only is it a nice contrast I hadn't even considered, it also goes well with the sudden rise in gay marriages in Marionberryland.

[curses]

Nice crack pipe, Sock.

[Dingfod]

Dingfodistan is rather proud of it's flag, the Beer-Stained Bar Towel of Cupric, a village famed (within Dingfodistan) for it's light amber wheat beers and coppersmithing.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/dingfodistan.jpg

[Crumb]

The people of Sammichovakia wish to note that the superficial resemblance between their flag and that of Dingfodistan is completely coincidental.

[Ymir's blood]

:funny quip::

::smilie::

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