AbydosBoard

Tristes tropiques wrote:

Noble Premiers,

Reading through the recently busy RMB over the past few days, I detect a strong inclination within the region for stronger and more active political parties. As 1 of 36 Citizens of this region, I would like to humbly suggest some ideas that may help advance that cause:

To All Citizens:
Only 19 of 36 citizens are currently affiliated with political parties. For some (like myself), the decision not to join a party is a professional one, wishing to avoid the appearance of partisanship in upholding the duties of my office. For others, it may be unfamiliarity with the parties or their leaders. It may be dissatisfaction with the platforms of the three existing parties. Or it may be the fact that parties seem largely irrelevant given the comity that our region currently enjoys.

To the 17 Currently Non-Affiliated Citizens The Realm of Sehkmet Orodruin Impistan Ancrathnor Sioulo Galiesion Amenhotep Djahsa Mahonjia Edenea Bousteppe Seyonghtelshimia Kiarae Karma onyx Arkaudia Robrigado Saichand

If you would like more information about the three currently existing parties, please feel free to reach out to their leaders, explore their platforms, and look at the various types of governments represented within those parties, all in an effort to see where you might best fit. We are an open and welcoming region!

If you are unsatisfied with the currently existing parties, start your own party; even recruiting two-thirds of the independent ranks would make yours the strongest party in the region and an instantly important political player in the region, if that's your goal. We are a relatively nascent region where history is still being written!

If you would like to see the role of parties strengthened because you like the politics aspect of the game, let everyone know here on the RMB, or send telegrams to the Freeholders of the Conclave. We are a region where democratic participation is highly valued!

Distinguished Freeholders of the Conclave Antideluvian empyrea Alexeyevskaya Bona fidia Armagstan Klatenia:

I understand that there is some push to enact a so-called Charter of Rights, ostensibly to promote patriotic causes. I also understand there is an eagerness to pass legislation so as to cement this Conclave's place in the history of Abydos. That said, no issues have arisen where the rights and privileges of residents and/or citizens have come to the fore on the RMB or even been questioned (at least since 1 Jan). As such, I wonder if it really ought to be the first order of business of this new Conclave? At the very least it should be discussed and other citizens, whose voices like mine are 1 of 36 of our glorious regional polity, should also weigh in on the matter. We should not make laws for the sake of making laws!

What legislation do I propose the Conclave should consider before a (premature at best, unnecessary at worst) Charter of Rights?

I think our five members of the Conclave should craft legislation that is both constitutional and will make political parties more relevant. For instance, would it be possible to use a party-list system and have staggered elections (10 March, July, November) for the two Selected Scribes positions? Democratic partly-list elections would encourage citizens to join, recruit for, and lobby on behalf of parties and their platforms. The informal role of party leaders would be strengthened as they rank order the list and whip votes in their favor. And the parties would have greater reason to distinguish themselves as partisan entities in a community that currently enjoys little political dissent or even debate.

But what about the Eye? Can this be done without amendment to the constitution?

The answer is yes. §7.2. Priestly Duties in the Eye specifically grants the HP the right to select the two Selected Scribes according to his/her "will or party." That principle would not be jettisoned. If written correctly, legislation could be enacted that calls upon, but does not mandate, the HP to strongly take into the account the will of the people's party-list elections when choosing their Selected Scribes. Could the HP constitutionally and legally go against the will of the people's party-list selections? Yes, but the Conclave itself, the most democratic body in the entire region, may find they have 'no confidence' in an HP unwilling to abide the will of the people and see fit to invoke a vote of impeachment due to unfitness as outlined in §7.5. Impeachment. Or maybe they won't. Either way, it would certainly make for intriguing politics. It would also add more elections, which is the main way in which 'politics' can happen, and it would cycle more nations, potentially, in and out of government service, which in a fast-growing region seems an important way to encourage retention.

As far as the mechanics go, there would also exist the possibility of a new HP being elected (since there is a three-term limit). In this case the (Party) Selected Scribes, midway through their 4 month terms, would submit their resignation letter pro forma (this can be legislated), and the new HP will have the ability to either re-select the same scribes who are half way through their terms or, without prejudice for unfitness, appoint Selected Scribes according to their "will or party." Two months later the people will have the chance to have their say in new party-list elections, either way.

It seems to me a reasonable and constitutional proposal that will make the game more interesting. I think it will also fit well with the culture of the region, something that, as an Oracle, it's (in part) my job to oversee. I would love to hear others' thoughts on this proposals and I'm sure our Conclave would be most open to other grass-roots legislative proposals meant to strengthen the party system in Abydos. If the Conclave were to act fast, I think this could be enacted in time for a round of March party-list elections, another historical milestone for Abydos. I'm happy to answer any questions about how party-list elections might work for those less familiar with parliamentary procedure.

Claudius tR

To answer your proposals, all of them require amendment for they alter the constitution itself, thus they are amendments to the Eye. An amendment may be suggested by any citizen, or any government official including scribes, but per the constitution, amendments may only be approved by unanimous agreement by the Founder and the Grand Luxarch. If the two don't agree or both refuse to amend, the amendment is dead.

As to a Bill of Rights being necessary only in reaction to a controversy involving rights or to a perceived or actual infringement of rights, I disagree with your assessment of a Bill of Rights being necessary strictly on that basis. You don't buy fire extinguishers when a fire erupts. You buy them before hand, in preparation for any eventuality involving fire.

And third, but not least, as per your suggestion of parties having means of disciplining their members in how they vote, as an American, I am aware of this system which exists in the House and Senate. Each party has a person called a 'whip,' which 'whips' people into voting how they want them to vote. I actually find this deplorable. Other parties may choose to do these things and that is their prerogative, our party won't. We don't need to whip people into agreeing with us. Our party is loyal to the Eye. If you know what the Eye says, (and our members do), your understanding---our understanding of it informs our ideology and the cohesiveness of the party to vote for Eye centered legislation. We have not sought to dismember the newborn baby in what has been mere moments following parturition. Others, seem keen to butcher it, to engage in what can be considered here for all intents and purposes as legislative infanticide. And I will resist any attempt to radically alter the Eye of Abydos and any law that I find that attempts to circumvent it will meet with my veto.

Now, as to parties, and the role they play here, when the Eye was being written and the future of Abydos was being considered, I told the founder that I thought having and encouraging the development of political parties was a recipe for trouble. As far as I am concerned, they are nothing but trouble. They tend to bring the worst out in the people who participate in them. There are many people who also don't wish to be a member of a party, and so, not willing to join a particular herd, and thus be made to feel they are being told what to do or to think, they have less of a voice and less of a say or influence. They become an outgroup for which the political in groups have no use. After all, just like in churches, the 'saved' people within have no use for the 'damned' people without. Political rivalries, and the competition that ensues results in the most underhanded behavior; always anything goes in achieving the status of dominant party in the government, no matter how shady a character the behavior is. Divisions develop, corruption runs like a black river of death, people run amok, and damage is done that no time will remove. I've been there. I've seen it. Rank partisanship becomes a way of life and will soon become a way of death for any great state. Having said all this, despite my insistence that parties were a bad idea, the founder insisted otherwise, and I acquiesced to his insistence. I realize that in a political system incorporating political parties, you either have to join one or found one to have a foot in the door. So I did and I will encourage people to join it. But, I don't care to push an ideology or agenda in the usual sense of either of those two words. My sole aim and the party is to protect our constitution in the form that it was ratified. Now, aside from that, I will endorse candidates in my party, I will endorse candidates of other parties, and will appoint members of my party and members of other parties to positions in so far as I see it a good for Abydos and the Eye. I can and will be cooperative with others on issues where common ground exists. But where the agenda of others is to change a constitution no less than a month after it's ratification, you will find me in a far less accommodating mood.

Well, we can't get anything done unless we can vote on legislation, and the RMB is too damn busy for that. This is the fourth day of the new conclave, and not a single vote has been made, even though both Zartavaria and I have made proposals to be voted on.

Sorry i have been doing real life things. What are the things that we vote on?

Tristes tropiques wrote:

Distinguished Freeholders of the Conclave Antideluvian empyrea Alexeyevskaya Bona fidia Armagstan Klatenia:

I understand that there is some push to enact a so-called Charter of Rights, ostensibly to promote patriotic causes. I also understand there is an eagerness to pass legislation so as to cement this Conclave's place in the history of Abydos. That said, no issues have arisen where the rights and privileges of residents and/or citizens have come to the fore on the RMB or even been questioned (at least since 1 Jan). As such, I wonder if it really ought to be the first order of business of this new Conclave? At the very least it should be discussed and other citizens, whose voices like mine are 1 of 36 of our glorious regional polity, should also weigh in on the matter. We should not make laws for the sake of making laws!

What legislation do I propose the Conclave should consider before a (premature at best, unnecessary at worst) Charter of Rights?

I think our five members of the Conclave should craft legislation that is both constitutional and will make political parties more relevant. For instance, would it be possible to use a party-list system and have staggered elections (10 March, July, November) for the two Selected Scribes positions? Democratic partly-list elections would encourage citizens to join, recruit for, and lobby on behalf of parties and their platforms. The informal role of party leaders would be strengthened as they rank order the list and whip votes in their favor. And the parties would have greater reason to distinguish themselves as partisan entities in a community that currently enjoys little political dissent or even debate.

But what about the Eye? Can this be done without amendment to the constitution?

The answer is yes. §7.2. Priestly Duties in the Eye specifically grants the HP the right to select the two Selected Scribes according to his/her "will or party." That principle would not be jettisoned. If written correctly, legislation could be enacted that calls upon, but does not mandate, the HP to strongly take into the account the will of the people's party-list elections when choosing their Selected Scribes. Could the HP constitutionally and legally go against the will of the people's party-list selections? Yes, but the Conclave itself, the most democratic body in the entire region, may find they have 'no confidence' in an HP unwilling to abide the will of the people and see fit to invoke a vote of impeachment due to unfitness as outlined in §7.5. Impeachment. Or maybe they won't. Either way, it would certainly make for intriguing politics. It would also add more elections, which is the main way in which 'politics' can happen, and it would cycle more nations, potentially, in and out of government service, which in a fast-growing region seems an important way to encourage retention.

As far as the mechanics go, there would also exist the possibility of a new HP being elected (since there is a three-term limit). In this case the (Party) Selected Scribes, midway through their 4 month terms, would submit their resignation letter pro forma (this can be legislated), and the new HP will have the ability to either re-select the same scribes who are half way through their terms or, without prejudice for unfitness, appoint Selected Scribes according to their "will or party." Two months later the people will have the chance to have their say in new party-list elections, either way.

It seems to me a reasonable and constitutional proposal that will make the game more interesting. I think it will also fit well with the culture of the region, something that, as an Oracle, it's (in part) my job to oversee. I would love to hear others' thoughts on this proposals and I'm sure our Conclave would be most open to other grass-roots legislative proposals meant to strengthen the party system in Abydos. If the Conclave were to act fast, I think this could be enacted in time for a round of March party-list elections, another historical milestone for Abydos. I'm happy to answer any questions about how party-list elections might work for those less familiar with parliamentary procedure.

Claudius tR

Eminent Freeholders of the Conclave, Sovereign Citizens of Abydos,

Not unexpectedly my proposal as outlined above has drawn scorn from the Office of the High Priest (HP). The HP, of course, has the most to lose should our body politic see fit to strengthen the party system and vote in favor of a more democratic Abydos.

That said, I think it important that we not discount what he has to say, especially given his long history of involvement in the region. As Zartavaria mentioned he has from the earliest days of Abydos been opposed to the party system that has been explicitly enshrined in the Eye, the region's glorious constitution. That is an important worldview and ought to be taken seriously. It is also a worldview that will result in less politics, not more. If political rivalries are a torrent of roiling dark waters, as he suggests, the lack of them is a parched and dry riverbed with a few fetid puddles of politics that will nary sustain a desert toad, let alone a thriving region like ours.

As mentioned above, in no way would these reforms amend, abrogate, or alter the Eye or any part thereof. The Office of the High Priest would not be bound, as stressed, by the results of the party-list elections. Each official party would simply be placed on the ballot on the 10 March, July, and November. Every citizen would cast his vote in favor of the party of his choice, whether or not he belongs to that party. The top two vote getting parties would each then select their preferred candidate from the ranks of their party unless the top vote getting party won > or = 2 times +1 the number of votes of the second place finishing party, in which case the top party would put forth two preferred candidates.

This is an inherently conservative proposal given its non-binding, non-amendatory nature. It cannot even be called 'electoral reform' per say. I am not suggesting reform, but rather an addition that enhances the game play in a more competitive democratic direction. I hope others will agree with the merit of the idea despite the vested interests that may legitimately push back.

https://geofsaviation.fandom.com/wiki/File:Lol.png

Why is everyone dying?

Armagstan wrote:

https://geofsaviation.fandom.com/wiki/File:Lol.png

Why is everyone dying?

They stopped playing out of boredom or couldn’t keep up with the game. This “apocalypse “ has happened here before.

Fellow Citizens of Abydos,

Not to step on my own toes, but now that I'm back on this side of the pond, and anticipating that today will be a busy day on the RMB (a couple of football games notwithstanding), I wanted to throw out a host of other ideas for everyone's consideration. These are not so much well-formed proposals as much as they are thoughtful musings:

1) First, we sometimes take for granted that the RMB is an English language forum. We don't always remember that for many, English is not a native tongue. So I'd just like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone on here that posts even despite English being a second language, or third, or fourth. It speaks well to our region that we have a number of people playing from non-English speaking parts of the world. Maybe our Conclave can present a motion of gratitude towards the non-native English speakers among us?

2) East lodge, in between turning people into animals with his ray gun, mentioned that he appreciates the relative tranquility of our RMB, where, he said, "there isn't 5000 posts if you...miss two days." I think that's a very important point and one that can easily be lost (pun intended) in the flurry of activity. Antideluvian empyrea mentioned just today that there's been several proposals but no debate or votes because "the RMB is too damn busy." This is of course a double edged sword. The energy is palpable and welcome, but it can also make it a formidable challenge to do business; and this is with 36 citizens. If the plan is to grow infinitely, you can see the problem. Going forward how can we as a region confront the challenges associated with an active RMB while still reaping the benefits of it? I wonder if it's possible to cap the number of citizens at say 75 or 100 or some other number, and create a waiting list (or purgatory) for prospective citizens? It would certainly make citizenship a more valuable commodity, it would encourage sustained residency, and it might serve to control RMB usage. Of course there would be serious implications for the Eye and so this is something I think that would need to be discussed by Zyris and the GL with an eye (no pun intended) toward the future of the region.

3) The region's cartographic development promises to be an exciting development. I am definitely looking forward to having a map of ARoTT. While I think the two maps that Armagstan has shown us are a good basis for discussion, I think we might be better off with a map that is more archipelagous in design. Also, to make the game more fun, and maybe this would be under the purview of the Role Playing Guild too, is there some way we could introduce a competitive element into the selection of the various territories? What if we created a game akin to the simple card game of 'War' and set up competitions using the cards built into the games? Say for instance two nations desired the same property on the map. We could simply allow the country with a greater regional influence to win the competition, or we could create a competitive game where a neutral party sets five rounds of a high/low competition and nations play cards in their deck. Or we could think of other creative ways to foster said competition, say through a 30 word limit poetry slam, or something of the like? Also with regards to the map, what about using a terrain generator such as world-machine? And finally, would it be possible to house the Abydos regional government in a Regional Capital District (RCD) of it's own, rather than to have it in a particular country? Maybe the RCD could even be an island?

4) Though my above articulated party strengthening proposal is just one that I've fleshed out, it's not the only way to encourage more politics and strengthen parties. Currently there's nothing preventing parties from NOT disclosing their members after the first two which need to be publicly declared so as to allow for party formation. Perhaps the Conclave could pass a law mandating party lists be maintained publicly? In our small polity of 36, now, where only 19 belong to parties, it's perhaps less necessary. But as Zartavaria points out astutely, a little forethought now may go a long way later.

5) Zyris mentioned that Alexeyevskaya generously donated stamps to the regional treasury. Many new players, myself included, are unfamiliar with the stamp system and how we too might contribute. Can we sell cards to buy stamps to donate, for instance? Maybe the GL can let us all know on the RMB how the process works and put out a call on behalf of the treasury, if stamps are valuable to the region's future, that is.

6) As an Oracle I have already set my mind to thinking about what the history of our region will look like in the years ahead. As mentioned, in my chambers here at the Oracle Guild I've found a trove of documents that my scribes are still working to translate from Olde Abyd, the language of our ancient forebears. But I also think that we ought to start thinking about canonizing, so to speak, the truly immortal among us. What would everyone think about having the Conclave 'fund' the plotting of a regional memorial mall on which we could construct monuments to the legends that grace our region over time. If there's a mall, the most obvious centerpiece would be one dedicated to our founder Zyris. In the future the Conclave could set a very high bar for monumental addition to the national mall: say >1 year of continuous regional citizenship, a minimum of two governmental positions served, and still then a supermajority vote of the Conclave and/or 66 percent of all the region's citizens. As you can see, it wouldn't be easy real estate to occupy. Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson didn't get there for nothing in the American republic! In lieu of a national (regional) mall, we could also consider a pantheon, or a desert oasis-style hall of fame that requires an arduous (but doable) pilgrimage into the desert for all new (or applicant) citizens. Again, just throwing ideas out there for discussion.

7) If we as a polity were to subtly decrease the power of the office of the HP via party-list suggestion voting, I think it only fair that we also strengthen his office in good measure. As such, what about the possibility that we increase the role of the Elder Statesman by making him the so-called speaker of the RMB? One of his duties could be to post a weekly poll for debate and discussion such as the recent one which led to an interesting an informative discussion of pacifism and its merits? The role of the Speaker in America is a partisan one, but in the UK his role is non-partisan. In case anyone is interested, the NY Times has a nice article in today's paper about the role of the UK's animated Speaker (John Bercow), who as you'll see from the video is quite an interesting character: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/19/world/europe/brexit-speaker-john-bercow.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage . Having our Elder Statesman play the role of moderator, shouting "Order!, Order!" and ensuring lively debating topics and polls will help encourage the buoyant culture of our young region. (Fully realizing that this proposal might work against some of my concerns with RMB activity as outlined in 2) above!)

8) Finally, I call on the Most High Freeholders of the Conclave to help clarify a grammatical task. Currently there is no standard descriptive adjective for our region. As you'll note in the CIA Factbook, where every country's adjective is listed, this is a very important part of diplomacy. Among those I have seen used for our region: Abydian, Abydosian (pronounced aw bi DOE shin, presumably, or maybe aw bi DOE sea in?), Abydonian, Abydi, and Abyd (also the name of our ancient language, apparently). I think I would prefer Abydian, but no matter what the Conclave think best, I will just be happy to have it sorted out once and for all, the better to represent ourselves in the larger world!

Sorry for the lack of brevity and thanks to those of you who've read to the bottom. Cheers, Claudius tR

Tristes tropiques wrote:

2) East lodge, in between turning people into animals with his ray gun, mentioned that he appreciates the relative tranquility of our RMB, where, he said, "there isn't 5000 posts if you...miss two days." I think that's a very important point and one that can easily be lost (pun intended) in the flurry of activity. Antideluvian empyrea mentioned just today that there's been several proposals but no debate or votes because "the RMB is too damn busy." This is of course a double edged sword. The energy is palpable and welcome, but it can also make it a formidable challenge to do business; and this is with 36 citizens. If the plan is to grow infinitely, you can see the problem. Going forward how can we as a region confront the challenges associated with an active RMB while still reaping the benefits of it? I wonder if it's possible to cap the number of citizens at say 75 or 100 or some other number, and create a waiting list (or purgatory) for prospective citizens? It would certainly make citizenship a more valuable commodity, it would encourage sustained residency, and it might serve to control RMB usage. Of course there would be serious implications for the Eye and so this is something I think that would need to be discussed by Zyris and the GL with an eye (no pun intended) toward the future of the region

Does Abydos have an off-site forum? Or a dedicated thread on the NS forums?

Thanks for sharing these things to discuss.

1) Yeah, go second-language speakers! While I think most of us here are American or British it's definitely cool to have people from all over the world here!

2) I'm curious what others think, but I don't like the citizenship cap idea at all.

3) For what reasons do you think an Archipelago design would be good? I think it's overdone on NS to be honest, and many nations are likely to be more land-based, like mountainous or desert countries. Requiemis and I, for example, are both desert Empires. A continental world is a good balance between messy archipelagos and the very restricted river map of River of the Gods.

A lot of people don't really seem to like RP-ing war and prefer nation and character-building.
Unless two nations choose the same territory simultaneously, I think it's unfair for the first nation to choose that territory to be obligated to enter a conflict with the latecomer who wanted it. People can fight over territory if they want to, but I think the default should be first-come-first-serve for country placement, and if we want obligatory conflict this should only be for later expansion disputes. Players should have a nice, stable place for them to make maps of their own countries, and that sort of thing. This is the fairest option in my opinion (and the easiest for the maintainer of the map.) For war, freeform RP is possible, but I'm considering using Hydoria's earlier proposals using GURS (Generic Universal Roleplay System), which I will discuss with members of the Roleplay Guild.

We did have a fun rap battle a while back, but unfortunately few participated.

I'm handdrawing the map for Abydos. People can use a terrain generator for their countries, for battles, or for other maps if they want to. There seems to be some confusion on this point - I'm handdrawing the map - talk to me on the RMB or via telegram if you have specific suggestions, or want to chat with me about your ideas. Please be patient with me though as I'm a busy person IRL, and I will try to get back to everyone.

I had no intention of putting a regional government on the RP map at all, as I consider Abydonian government, political parties, who's Grand Luxarch, etc. to be out-of-character. I can put a territory for the Abydonian government if people want, but I personally see no reason for a regional capital to exist in the RP map at all. "Abydos" might as well be the name of our planet for RP purposes, is what I had in mind.

6) What would a "monument" or "national mall" mean, or be, on NS?

8) I'm neutral on the demonym, but use Abydonian myself. Abydi is specifically used in the Corpus Juris Abydi, as that is the grammatically correct Latin. (Abydi is a possesive/genitive noun, not an adjective). The other correct option would be Corpus Juris Abydenum, but we decided on the former. I'd rather not change it to something else as so many regions here on NS have wrong or made-up Latin instead of correct Latin and it's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. e.g. our ally Novus Lucidum has a grammatical error right in the title (adjective gender is wrong).

Concerning parties, I like them as a 'fun thing to do', but for real purposes I think Zartavaria is correct in their promotion of meritocracy and dislike of partisanship.

Real nations throughout history have generally tried to discourage partisanship (many banned it outright, though underground factions nevertheless formed), and I'm not sure if encouraging it is a good idea at all. It's likely to end in a dysfunctional government and nationstates nepotism, imo.

Yaqobia wrote:

Thanks for sharing these things to discuss.

1) Yeah, go second-language speakers! While I think most of us here are American or British it's definitely cool to have people from all over the world here!

2) I'm curious what others think, but I don't like the citizenship cap idea at all.

3) For what reasons do you think an Archipelago design would be good? I think it's overdone on NS to be honest, and many nations are likely to be more land-based, like mountainous or desert countries. Requiemis and I, for example, are both desert Empires. A continental world is a good balance between messy archipelagos and the very restricted river map of River of the Gods.

A lot of people don't really seem to like RP-ing war and prefer nation and character-building.
Unless two nations choose the same territory simultaneously, I think it's unfair for the first nation to choose that territory to be obligated to enter a conflict with the latecomer who wanted it. People can fight over territory if they want to, but I think the default should be first-come-first-serve for country placement, and if we want obligatory conflict this should only be for later expansion disputes. Players should have a nice, stable place for them to make maps of their own countries, and that sort of thing. This is the fairest option in my opinion (and the easiest for the maintainer of the map.) For war, freeform RP is possible, but I'm considering using Hydoria's earlier proposals using GURS (Generic Universal Roleplay System), which I will discuss with members of the Roleplay Guild.

We did have a fun rap battle a while back, but unfortunately few participated.

I'm handdrawing the map for Abydos. People can use a terrain generator for their countries, for battles, or for other maps if they want to. There seems to be some confusion on this point - I'm handdrawing the map - talk to me on the RMB or via telegram if you have specific suggestions, or want to chat with me about your ideas. Please be patient with me though as I'm a busy person IRL, and I will try to get back to everyone.

I had no intention of putting a regional government on the RP map at all, as I consider Abydonian government, political parties, who's Grand Luxarch, etc. to be out-of-character. I can put a territory for the Abydonian government if people want, but I personally see no reason for a regional capital to exist in the RP map at all. "Abydos" might as well be the name of our planet for RP purposes, is what I had in mind.

6) What would a "monument" or "national mall" mean, or be, on NS?

8) I'm neutral on the demonym, but use Abydonian myself. Abydi is specifically used in the Corpus Juris Abydi, as that is the grammatically correct Latin. (Abydi is a possesive/genitive noun, not an adjective). The other correct option would be Corpus Juris Abydenum, but we decided on the former. I'd rather not change it to something else as so many regions here on NS have wrong or made-up Latin instead of correct Latin and it's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. e.g. our ally Novus Lucidum has a grammatical error right in the title (adjective gender is wrong).

Well it seems I have a lot to address.

Firstly I continue the praise of second-language speakers.

However, to continue I believe it is of the upmost importance that we do not set a cap on citizenship. I personally believe that will deter people from joining our region and we might miss out on that one nation that can help Abyods succeed in the realm of NationStates.

In regards to the map I must start off with commending Yaqobia for handdrawing the map, this takes immense time and I for one are glad that he is taking such commitment with it. Furthermore a continental map would be the best solution to create a diverse range of areas so nations can RP and grow their nations.

Before I came into the position of Grand Luxarch I spoke with Hydoria about ways to RP a war and believe he was onto a good idea allowing nations to explore that avenue and I do hope that he comes back to finish that work which he started.

I do however, like the idea of a national monument dedicated to the past influential nations that served Abydos to their fullest before either dying after seeing their work complete or moving onto other nations. This would be a fantastic way to record our history and their accomplishments. Like I said a monument, I feel a mall would not be the right setting to commemorate past nations but a monument dedicated to them instead.

In regards to political parties I tend to stay neutral. As many of you know I operate the Loyalist Party, however, we have just concluded our leadership election and Antideluvian empyrea will be taking the reigns as party leader. This will allow me, The Grand Luxarch, to take a less biased position in regards to party politics as the UK and the USA are prime examples with parties being put before the bettering of their nations. I will still remain highly active within the Loyalist Party and will continue to support our new leader but let the record show my duties as Grand Luxarch have always and will continue to come before my party and another party in Abyods and I will continue to do what is best for the region of Abydos.

I appreciate it has been a day of long messages and I applaud anyone who has made it to the end of each of them. I hope this shines some light onto how I feel the issues raised today should be addressed within Abydos.

Best Wishes
Grand Luxarch Ancient Greek Kingdoms

Alaskam wrote:

Does Abydos have an off-site forum? Or a dedicated thread on the NS forums?

We do not use an off-site forum. We do have a dedicated. Itis rarely used however. Feel free to inject some life into it:

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=447373

Ancient Greek Kingdoms wrote:

I do however, like the idea of a national monument dedicated to the past influential nations that served Abydos to their fullest before either dying after seeing their work complete or moving onto other nations. This would be a fantastic way to record our history and their accomplishments. Like I said a monument, I feel a mall would not be the right setting to commemorate past nations but a monument dedicated to them instead.

I'm mostly just not understanding what this would be (practically speaking) - like a commemorative factbook listing influential nations and their accomplishments?

Yaqobia wrote:

I'm mostly just not understanding what this would be (practically speaking) - like a commemorative factbook listing influential nations and their accomplishments?

Exactly that. I just feel it would be a nice way to honour past nations

We are an egyptian themed region, wouldnt a "Book of the Dead" or the "Obsydian Obylisk" be something more appropriate?

On Capped Citizenship

Your second point mentioned capping citizenship. It wont happen. The very premise of Abydos, the thing we advertise is that anybody can come and participate rather quickly. Restricting it means people simply go elsewhere for their activity needs. And with actual money being spent by other nations and myself just to encourage people to come here, asking a nation to come, then restricting their most basic first step seems very contradictory, and would amount to a colossal waste of money.

Hello everyone, this is Truck. Thanks for having me.

Citizenship Application
1. What is your Nations Name? Truck
2. What is the current date? January 20
3. Is your nation in the World Assembly? No
4. How long have you (the player) played NationStates? 14 years
5. What other regions have you participated in? The Pacific
6. What interests you most: Roleplay, Politics, or Military? Roleplay
7. Do you operate any other nations in Abydos? Yes
8. Do you agree to abide by all laws in Abydos? Yes
9. We value Honesty. Are your Answers Honest? Yes

Truck wrote:

Hello everyone, this is Truck. Thanks for having me.

Citizenship Application
1. What is your Nations Name? Truck
2. What is the current date? January 20
3. Is your nation in the World Assembly? No
4. How long have you (the player) played NationStates? 14 years
5. What other regions have you participated in? The Pacific
6. What interests you most: Roleplay, Politics, or Military? Roleplay
7. Do you operate any other nations in Abydos? Yes
8. Do you agree to abide by all laws in Abydos? Yes
9. We value Honesty. Are your Answers Honest? Yes

You need to have WA status to receive citizenship. Can I ask what other nation you opeprate within Abydos?

Ancient Greek Kingdoms wrote:

You need to have WA status to receive citizenship. Can I ask what other nation you opeprate within Abydos?

Shoot, nm.

Tristes tropiques wrote:

Eminent Freeholders of the Conclave, Sovereign Citizens of Abydos,

Not unexpectedly my proposal as outlined above has drawn scorn from the Office of the High Priest (HP). The HP, of course, has the most to lose should our body politic see fit to strengthen the party system and vote in favor of a more democratic Abydos.

That said, I think it important that we not discount what he has to say, especially given his long history of involvement in the region. As Zartavaria mentioned he has from the earliest days of Abydos been opposed to the party system that has been explicitly enshrined in the Eye, the region's glorious constitution. That is an important worldview and ought to be taken seriously. It is also a worldview that will result in less politics, not more. If political rivalries are a torrent of roiling dark waters, as he suggests, the lack of them is a parched and dry riverbed with a few fetid puddles of politics that will nary sustain a desert toad, let alone a thriving region like ours.

As mentioned above, in no way would these reforms amend, abrogate, or alter the Eye or any part thereof. The Office of the High Priest would not be bound, as stressed, by the results of the party-list elections. Each official party would simply be placed on the ballot on the 10 March, July, and November. Every citizen would cast his vote in favor of the party of his choice, whether or not he belongs to that party. The top two vote getting parties would each then select their preferred candidate from the ranks of their party unless the top vote getting party won > or = 2 times +1 the number of votes of the second place finishing party, in which case the top party would put forth two preferred candidates.

This is an inherently conservative proposal given its non-binding, non-amendatory nature. It cannot even be called 'electoral reform' per say. I am not suggesting reform, but rather an addition that enhances the game play in a more competitive democratic direction. I hope others will agree with the merit of the idea despite the vested interests that may legitimately push back.

The Founder being a close personal friend of mine, we have discussed at length the merits of democracy and lack thereof. We have been involved in region building, and government formation together for at least the past ten years. The founder wrote our constitution, the Eye of Abydos. You may have noticed a very obvious lack of democracy, some have even termed it's contents as 'authoritarian.' That's entirely the point. It was not written the way it was by accident. He has no intent of changing the constitution to create the kind of democracy you have suggested should exist. Now, I don't wish to speak completely for him. He can speak for himself. We had a democracy 2 1/2 years ago in another region. It was a failure. It became a runaway system, and people took advantage of it, to attack the founder, to get him deleted in game and then to make his region prey to the raiders that they covertly worked for while pretending to be citizens who participated in our government on the surface. We are changed people. We can have a Bill of Rights, in so far as it doesn't circumvent the Eye of Abydos, sure. We have some amount of popular vote elections incorporated. That's fine too. The government we have now has more republican elements than democratic ones. This is fine. But, we've got to draw the line somewhere. People here are going to have to be satisfied with what we have. I created the party I did for the simple reason that I saw the writing on the wall that this type of impulse to amend the constitution would rear it's head even before the proverbial ink was dried. (Think of the Sacred Eye Party as the constitutionalists of the region, if you will.) And here we are. Color me surprised.

Zartavaria wrote:

And here we are. Color me surprised.

Colour ;)

Well, put that way, and since the founder is not a close personal friend of mine, I respectfully concede defeat.

Alright, first order of business. Consideration and then a vote for the following legislation:

Let's get this show on the road.

I, Antideluvian Empyrean, elected Scribe of the Conclave of Abydos, hereby vote in favour of the High Priest's Proposal.

Aye