Europe

Show ContentMap Spring 1901:

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1587 SIFA Women's Brigidnan Cup Qualifying

The 1585-1586 SIFA World Cup Qualifying will decide the 11 teams which will be compete, along hosting nation Keszaria, for the title in the 1587 Keszaria Brigidnan Cup.


HOST:
Keszaria

Qualified:
Eskkya
Florinthus
Harmajaa
Karjelinn
Kazemura
Mordvania
North Strathae
Severyane
Valiszfoldek
Valland
Videjszeme

1585 Hylis Open

The Hylis Open is a major tennis tournament held annually over late Quartyr and early Fein in Rasswitt, Hylis Federation. First held in 1502, the tournament is chronologically the second of the four Grand Slam tennis events of the year. It is player on clay surfaces since 1527.

1584 champions:

• Men's Singles: Hassan Parsi (A'Sir)
  
• Women's Singles: Elma Lundquist (Hylis Federation)
  

1585 FBFA Brigidna Cup Qualifiers

The qualifiers for the 1585 FBFA Brigidna Cup, set to take place in Cyrus, Felis, Freesia, and Selisa, will feature 24 teams for the first time in its history. This is also the first time the event has featured four hosts, and excitement in the four small countries is building. As the four hosts will all qualify automatically, that means twenty additional teams shall receive bids to the event through the qualification process. The groups, tables, and matches are as follows:

Quote:Hello there %NATION%!

Let me be among the first to welcome you back to NationStates! I know you're flooded with a lot of these messages so I will quickly make my pitch for why you should join [region]Eternity[/region] and be on my merry way.

We're a roleplaying region located in one of the far corners of the NationStates world with about 20 members. Many of us have been roleplaying in NationStates for many years now, having taken up many different nations along the way and having a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share. In fact, Eternity wasn't our first community; our history stretches back many years together in various communities and worlds. Since October 2014, we've developed this off-site community into the culmination of all these experiences: a brave new world in which to develop your nation surrounded by a rich history in game and awesome members.

We pride ourselves on balancing realism and creativity and invite you to join our close-knit group. If [region]Eternity[/region] sounds like a place to call home, come and join us! We hope to see you soon!

Best,

[nation=short_name]Eternity RPC[/nation]

Esteemed Diplomats,

I am in search for six people who are willing to participate in a game of Diplomacy that I will host in this forum. The game is quite simple. The date is set to 1900, and 7 players assume control over the 7 major powers of Europe: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire. The goal is to become the leading power in Europe, and this can only be done by conquering the major industrial centers on the map - at the expense of other rivals. All powers start at an even strength however, and because superior strength is required to win battles, diplomacy is crucial. You will need to cooperate with other countries against a common enemy, or instead lull your rivals into a false sense of security. A well-timed stab in the back is what this game is about. Everything is permitted. Cheating is encouraged.

The Rules

Every major power starts with a fixed amount of military units. The military units correspond with the amount of industrial cores/supply centers that a country has on the map. The UK starts out with a fleet in Edinburgh and London, and an army in Liverpool. France starts out with a fleet at Brest, an army at Paris, and an army in Marseilles. Germany has a fleet at Kiel, an army in Berlin, and an army in Munich. Italy has an army in Venice and Rome, and a fleet at Naples. Austria has a fleet at Trieste, and armies in Vienna and Budapest. Russia has 4 units to begin with, because it also has more territories to defend. It has a fleet at Sevastopol and St. Petersburg, and armies in Moscow and Warsaw. The Ottoman Empire has a fleet in the Ankara province, and an army in Constantinople and Smyrna. There are in total 34 supply centers on the map.

The amount of units a player can deploy is thus tied to the supply centers he controls. If he loses one, he loses that unit as well the next turn. If he gains a core, he can deploy an army the next turn. There are several ''neutral'' territories on the map that are industrial cores: Holland, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Tunis, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Rumania. These are likely to be quickly occupied early in the game. If two powers attack a territory with the same strength, the battle is undecided and nobody wins. If a country attacks a region of another player, and he has a unit stationed there, the attacker needs extra support from other nearby units in order to win. If the defender provides extra support to his defensive unit with nearby units, the attacker will need even more support in order to win the battle.

The game follows the seasons of the year. The year starts in 1901, in the Spring Season. The comes the Autumn, and then its Spring 1902 - and so on. Each season enables the players some time to negotiate and discuss things - in private. Spying on each other is allowed. After the negotiation phase, players have to write down instructions for their units. The orders are secret. They are sent to me (Host) and I will lay them out on the map, and post it.

Players can move their armies. For example ''Austria: Army Vienna move to Bohemia''. They can move only one territory per season. A player can also order to ''support'' another unit in a nearby (adjacent) province for defensive purposes, or support another unit's attack into a province in which this unit could move itself. For example, the army in Venice could support a unit from Munich to invade Tyrolia. Finally, a unit can also be told to hold its position. Only fleets can be moved into the waters. Fleets can support attacking units, but they cannot attack a region themselves. A fleet positioned in a sea, can function as a convoy for armies. For example, the UK moves its fleet into the North Sea and its army to Yorkshire. The next turn, this Yorkshire army can be moved to Norway, Denmark, or Holland - provided that these regions are empty.

The correct orders are thus ''Hold'', ''Attack/Move'', ''Support'', and ''Convoy''. Example: ''France: Army Paris Hold''. You can give orders for all your units per season.

For a better explanation: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Diplomacy/Rules

After the Autumn, the new changes on the map come into effect and the amount of units a player is entitled to is re-calculated. If a player's unit is forced out of a territory after a battle, the owner must write a retreat order to where the unit retreats.

This game will last for weeks probably, given our different time zones. Its likely that I will run it like every day being a season or something, and players having the entire day to negotiate among each other. At the end of the day, I collect the orders, lay them out on the map (using le photoshop) and publish the map. The next day, the next season starts. In the meantime, people are free to roleplay as much as they like - publish treaties, condemn their enemies, or pretend to be Bismarck or something. Which country you play as is decided randomly.

Show ContentThe Map:

So, now the clock is pretty freaking close to the deadling for me to start the civil war, and it's looking like I won't be able to make that deadline. And since I'd rather not do any historical RP's until I get the historical expansion RP I have planned (but not yet carried out) out of the way, I'm stuck in a pickle.

If I want Akitsu to go back to the old government, I'm basically left with two option. Internal revolt or external intervention. First, let's go over the former option.

Internal revolt is exactly like it sounds like. Civil war. Because there is no way in hell the fascists are going to peacefully let go of their power. If they go down, they will go down guns blazing.

But the original inspiration would be gone, and after Treizen the fascists would (assuming the old Emperor is still uncooperative) kill the current ruling Emperor (secretly), install their own puppet-successor, and then publicly claim that the Emperor died of "natural causes". The crown falling to the fascists would be a massive demoralizing blow to anybody in Akitsu wishing to bring back the old government, which means it's unlikely that the revelation that the fascists were making WMD's alone would be enough to cause rebellion.

So what could cause rebellion then?

Let me introduce to you a real-life Japanese philosophical concept called gekokujou (下剋上). It literally translates to "lower overcomes higher". In real-life Japan this is used to refer to the way that Japan was socially in times like the Nanboku-cho Period and Sengoku Period (similarly, it would be used in RP to describe Akitsu during the Eisen Period). At the time, it was a common occurrence for a lower clan to rebel against a higher clan when they were displeased in some way. This is part of the reason why the RL Sengoku Period (and IC Eisen Period) lasted so long. Clans would get stronger, and then be betrayed by their "allies" and be punched back to square one. It's also the reason why the solid Oda-Tokugawa Alliance was so key in Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu unifying Japan. And for those of you that know your Akitian history, this would also be the reason why in Akitsu the Eisen Period didn't end with one side unifying all Akitsu but instead ended in a tense "truce" between three kingdoms that weren't strong enough to beat each other.

Theoretically, I could still have the civil war in Akitsu start at any time. All I need to do is bring back the philosophical concept of gekokujou, and have the recently-drafted and highly discontent new recruits in the Akitian military rebel against the fascist government.

But this would be very, VERY problematic. And it's not only because of the results, but because of the very nature of the concept that is gekokujou.

First off, any rebellion caused by this most likely would not have any centralized leadership. It would be a huge amount of low-ranking troops that didn't want to be in the army rebelling independently of one another, most likely only coordinated to the extent that they rebel at the same time. There would be no new central authority to take charge of all the various group, the most we can hope for is a loose alliance of these various rebel factions that probably share the same end goal (at least at first, will get into that more later) but would have vastly different political ideals (some would be conservative, some centrist/moderate, others liberal, some would be left-wing nationalists,  others right-wing nationalists, etc, etc).

Now that by itself probably wouldn't be too big of an issue, though for the short-term Akitian political stability would be compromised as they would want to restore democracy and the old government and would work towards that. That is, if AND ONLY IF gekokujou was left out of the mix. Gekokujou would completely eliminate any chance of this loose coalition of rebels being able to smoothly transition back to the old government, and there wouldn't be political stability even if the transition back to the old government is successful.

If a rebellion based upon the idea of gekokujou happens and it restores the old Akitian government, the effect would essentially be the affirmation and legitimization of political violence. Because that is what gekokujou would be used for, political violence to bring about political change.

So, getting back to the part I said I'd get back to, it's true that at first the various rebel groups would have the same end-goal: restore the original government of Akitsu. But what about after that is successful? Sure, some groups would lay-down their weapons, but it would be a hard process.

Now imagine that after election, the new government leans to the political left. Now say that there is a hard-right rebel group that hasn't quite disarmed yet that is absolutely enraged at this new government and the way they govern. What's stopping gekokujou from becoming a justification for them to resume violence? The answer is simple: there's nothing stopping that. The same would be true if the new government leans to the political right and if there was a hard-left rebel group that hasn't quite disarmed yet.

In fairness, at first the only people doing these acts of violence would likely be extremists. But violence has a way of making moderates, I don't know, LESS MODERATE. So this could very quickly snowball out of control.

Worst-case scenario, the "restored government" devolves into another civil war Libya-style (this is a result I want to avoid at any cost).

Best-case scenario would be the "restored government" being plagued by political violence for at least a decade (possibly longer), leading to a era in Akitian politics similar to the situation in RL Japanese politics during the 1930's that historians describe as "government by assassination".

So the internal rebellion idea isn't ideal. What's the alternative.

Well, my original plan. Akitsu goes and starts conquering other Ostaran nations """liberating""" Ostaran nations from """Brigidnan imperialist controlled puppet-governments""". Eventually other nations get angry at Akitsu for invading it's neighbors so much upset that their former puppet-colonies are being rightfully freed by Akitsu. The other nations either directly intervene militarily, or take some action against Akitsu that causes Akitsu to declare war on them. A fight between these other countries and Akitsu ensues, and Akitsu loses.

This would be a long and bloody war, with many places being destroyed. Not ideal either.

So, I'm stuck between a pile of shit and another pile of shit.

What are your opinions? I need to figure this shit out..... so yeah.....

They may finally be official!

Some things to note with this thread:

1. My assumption is that Siora has four widely recognized seasons, same as Earth.  Your nation or culture may recognize more or fewer seasons based on the climate of your nation, but these four official seasons are going to be oriented on the following daylight-based indicators:

• The Vernal (Spring) Equinox
  
• The Summer Solstice
  
• The Autumnal Equinox
  
• The Winter Solstice
  

Attention citizens of Eternity.

The staff have noticed the recent... unpleasantness on the chat. We as a community have grown more combative over the last year. I'm not going to go into specifics like reasons but we as a staff have decided it's time to make more specific board and particularly chat rules for conduct and communication. This is not meant to single anyone out, but ensure that there are guidelines in place to ensure this community is friendly and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of any differences.

Be advised that we are not planning to go too overboard, ramming rules down everyone's throats to make communication or civil discussion/arguments impossible, but we do feel something should be done to counteract some of the aggression we've been seeing recently (from staff members as well, we're not perfect.) Also, our present guidelines are pretty vague and haphazardly enforced (our problem as well).

Furthermore, we are looking to establish proper guidelines for formal complaints/grievances to ensure that, should anyone step over the line, we can redirect them in a healthy and responsible way. 

This is not intended to single anyone out, by any means. Most online communities have proper rules and procedures for infractions and it's about time we do the same, especially since we're on a recruitment drive.

~~~

If you, as a member of the community, have any ideas or comments you would like the staff to consider, please post them here. I cannot promise you your ideas will end up a part of the procedures/rules, but I can promise you they will be considered. If you have any questions, feel free to ask either here or via PM, if you would prefer it to be private.

Alibek Tahirev had aways felt strange over the last 2 years and growing up. In his primary school his friends had had relationships , well crushes on the girls in the class but he'd never felt close to girls, he didn't even have a girl among the rank of his friends. He always seemed to prefer boys and sometimes had his primary school crush on them but he managed to hide it. He thought it might go away if only he thought less about it. After all he had been told many times in classes , same-sex lust is a mental illness, it was against Gods plan.He knew any good Akhadist would prefer girls, in a way he always felt guilty and hid it. That was until he hit 13 , in secondary school in Gorodlvov.

The first boy he met was Amir Nurbekov , they got on well very quickly and indeed grew close very quickly. However this closeness was more serious, more deep than a best friend but it couldn't be. They were just friends right. He managed to deny it for a few months just as Amir did but then they kissed.They realised they could deny it no more, they were gay. Suddenly he realised he was what he always feared he was, those feelings in primary weren't just phases it was who he was. But how could he admit it to authorities, he knew what happened if you were found out or came out, you would be shunned , mocked , sent away even. He would have no access to mum or dad and if he was found out , then Amir would be sent away too. It was the law , if you were gay you had to be cured or be locked up until you gave in and stopped your urges or feelings. Still they couldn't keep away from each other entirely. So they would wait for breaks or quiet periods when no one else was looking , then they'd chat , kiss , discuss their more personal issues they wouldn't tell anyone else. They thought they'd managed to keep a good secret but then .......

It was 10:30 there class in maths had started when suddenly two women and men came in with police. The words that came out next put fear into them right away. Things would never be the same. The policeman said "Amir and Alibek you need to come with us. We just need a chat." They then followed the police in cuffs to the carpark. Then the dreaded words came out "Alibek you have been reported for homosexual activities. You are to be mentally assessed and if found to be mentally unwell to be transferred to a School for Gay Correction Therapy until such a time as you are cured. Do you understand?" Alibeks face dropped , he was silent. There was a look of fear on his face. The policeman impatient said "Do you understand?". Alibek replied sheepishly "Yes sir." Within 30 minutes he was in a mental hospital to be diagnosed by psychiatrists. He was hooked up to the lie detector and interviewed , he was asked questions. Then hooked up to a brainwave machine while shown images of boys and then of girls and of Amir. By the time it was over the inevitable happened.He was diagnosed with "Homoexuality Mental Disorder." He was transferred 5 hours into the mountains to the Adil Ayanev School for Sexuality Correction. He was shown to his new bedroom and told his parents would come up at the weekend with some of his stuff, he had his mobile phone took off him and told he would not be able to communicate with anyone but his parents and only then while being monitored by staff. His life of freedom was over from now on his life would be controlled by minders ,teachers and his "therapists" he would spend half his time in lessions and half his time in Sexuality Correction Therapy. Within two hours they'd fitted the electro-shock therapy system and connected up to the network so it could be remote activated upon bad behaviour or if he said aloud any negative thoughts or immoral thoughts. His life had now changed forever. From now on this school and its grounds behind fences would be the only place he would be allowed unless he co-operated and eventually became heterosexual.In between the thoughts of his future he thought about Amir , he wondered how long he'd survive , wondered if he was thinking about him back. He wondered would he ever see Amir again.