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This monthly edition of EPNS features the Delegate’s Update, which touches on the end-summer lull we’ve been experiencing, a short article and massive thank you from FA Minister Altys on the upvote war between loyal EPNS readers and its jealous haters, a chart of passed legislation (including a Concordat Amendment), a new installment of The Foreign Newsstand covering everything from AA treaties to Xoriet’s ascendancy as Empress of the NPO, an interview with Albrook discussing her position as WA Commissioner and her past as Delegate, an opinion article in favor of expanding relations with the NPO with a partial basis in historical analysis, and the announcement of a revolutionary improvement upon upvote squad, where all nations of all regions can get upvotes from TEP at any time. The expansive Worlds to Build section announces Tavaris as the winner of Urthvision XX, showcases the Zemedievan judicial system, maps the world of Valsora in Countryballs, and shares in-universe news from Valsora.
Delegate's Update By: Merlovich G’day, and welcome to the August Edition of the EPNS! Another month is now somehow in the rearview mirror. It feels like yesterday I sat here writing for the July Edition, and here we are for August.
It’s been a relatively quiet month for us here in TEP. There’s some movement behind the scenes, but there’s little to update you loyal readers on in terms of government and regional activity. Things are humming along, and we’re continuing to endure the scheduled lull in activity that follows summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and winter in the south. My government continues its work on key projects, and while my attention remains divided between a tightening real-life schedule and the tasks of the delegacy, I remain enthusiastic about the months ahead and completing the tasks I set out in June. Next month’s edition will be the last of this term, and I hope to update you on what the government has accomplished in that time.
Despite a slump in endorsements site-wide, we’ve seen positive signs continue thru August, and with an endorsement week hosted by the Ministry of Endorsement Affairs a few weeks ago, we’ve seen another bump to those signs. I’m hoping to have these types of events continue into the future.
Our monthly Hunger Games was hosted alongside our feathered friends in The Black Hawks, and was won by Shadow, Admiral of the EPSA. We saw a fully booked contest of 48 contestants battle it out for the win, and as always it was a great time. Thanks to Shadow for hosting the event, even if it was definitely 100% guaranteed entirely undeniably truly rigged from the start.
Please enjoy another great edition, a special thanks to all who turned out and made the last edition the most read and upvoted one we’ve ever had. It’s your support and enthusiasm that makes EPNS the best newspaper on NationStates.
UTEP Feature || Further Opportunities for Frontiers in 2024 Curious in the latest on Frontierism? UTEP has published a new work written by Pauline Bonaparte. In this article, Pauline Bonaparte examines the Frontiers landscape 15 months after Frontiers/Successors, reflecting on past events like the Arkana Coalition raid and exploring strategies for strengthening Frontierism. Check out the full article for a detailed look at what’s next for Frontiers. page=dispatch/id=2537185
In the early morning of August 15th, the 37th edition of this very newspaper was published, and street vendors across The East Pacific immediately began distributing it nationwide. However, when the time came for global release, an unknown group launched a concerted effort to bury the edition under a barrage of downvotes. This sparked what would later be dubbed by the TEP Cabinet as "The EPNS Downvote War."
The Government acted swiftly, scrambling to coordinate a response. Calls for assistance were sent to allies and friends, while internal groups like Valsora and The Spice Girls were massively mobilised to rescue the edition from drowning. About 24 hours after the initial release, the dispatch finally regained positive ground after enduring an estimated 120 downvotes.
The struggle persisted throughout August 16th, as the score fluctuated rapidly. The edition stabilized at around 47 upvotes despite facing over 200 downvotes. At the time of writing, the dispatch has 68 upvotes and has become a testament to the Streisand effect, turning an attempt to suppress the paper into its most viewed edition of the new era, with over 4,000 views.
The 62nd Magisterium entered its second month in August. August was slightly less busy than July but remained active. The Magisterium admitted four new members, passed one Concordat amendment, and began voting on another.
We ended July with 27 total Magisters. 22 are active, 3 are suspended, and 2 are on a leave-of-absence.
• Wazifara was admitted to the Magisterium. • Mira/Ci Arovannea was admitted to the Magisterium. • [A-2024-34] An Amendment to the Concordat was passed with 7 ayes, 1 nays, and 3 abstains and sent to the Conclave to schedule a referendum. This amendment would clarify the double jeopardy provision of the Concordat and reword the right to counsel. • [P-2024-35] Admittance of Tom passed with 7 ayes, 2 nays, and 4 abstains. • Pellantis was admitted to the Magisterium. • The Magisterium began voting on another [A-2024-36] Amendment to the Concordat on August 30, with the closure of voting scheduled for September 6. This amendment would add a seat to the Conclave.
The Foreign Newsstand: Empress Xoriet, Fascist Tears, and AA Diplomacy By: Aivintis
UTEP Feature || Friend or Resource: External Perspectives UTEP has published a second work written to be featured in this edition, authored by Aivintis. Aivintis explores The East Pacific's foreign policy, contrasting two pivotal events; the signing of the Second Convention of Lausanne and the repeal of the North-East Security Treaty. Discover how choosing allies based on camaraderie over utility reshapes TEP's international strategy and what this means for its future. Read the full article to explore how TEP’s unique approach is redefining its role on the world stage. page=dispatch/id=2540032
Hello and welcome to The Foreign Newsstand (TFN).
We in The East Pacific’s FA Watch are tasked with discussing and debating news of global significance within NationStates Gameplay. With an eye on the forums and the news reports of our allies, we see discussion on a wide range of interregional political topics, and I have used this perspective to create the Newsstand, summarizing the goings-on of NSGP.
TFN is fact-checked by TEP’s Foreign Minister, but nevertheless, I am human, and make mistakes. As such, I encourage people to reach out if there are factual errors, and I invite any NSer to reply in this thread adding any events I may have missed. It can help me figure out what my blind spots are, and ensure accountable, factual reporting. Furthermore, readers are encouraged to direct opinion statements to the threads relating to individual events.
Without further ado, here are the major events of August 2024:
Xoriet has taken the throne as Empress of the New Pacific Order, the first Empress in Pacifican history. This marks the end of East Durthang’s years-long tenure as Emperor, which has been marked by domestic and diplomatic reform. (August 1st)
UPC and Grea Kriopia have been re-elected as President and Vice President of Europeia, respectively. (August 3rd)
Operation Greek Fire has been conducted by the organizing Eastern Pacific Sovereign Army and chosen military partners, a griefing raid of the region Morpheus, which was designated a Do Not Defend due to its OOC history. (August 4th)
The High Court of Thaecia has elected Ashlawn as Chief Justice. With a full High Court and a Chief Justice to lead it, Thaecia has now succeeded in filling every essential role in its government following the adoption of its new Constitution. (August 8th)
Eruditio, a new region, has opened its NSGP forum embassy and announced its formation as a neutral, roleplay and community-oriented region without any military or ideological alignment. Many of its founders are former members of Astoria. (August 8th)
Alcris, a small region relatively unknown in NSGP, has been exposed for its founders use of disguised alt accounts and clean puppets to consistently rig elections in favor of himself and his party. Many regions have begun withdrawing embassies from Alcris in light of this reveal. (August 9th)
Robespierre, who lost the TNP Delegate election to Simone Republic in May, has released an interview The Northern Star had previously conducted with him in which he is heavily critical of Simone’s leadership and government, claiming his free speech was suppressed when the interview was not published in TNS. Robespierre, also known as Francois Isidore, had previously released a video criticizing Simone’s campaign during the election itself, and has now left The North Pacific. (August 9th)
SC Resolution #510 “Commend Dilber” has passed the World Assembly with a 85.9% margin. Dilber is a former Delegate and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the West Pacific, but also a World Assembly resolution writer himself. (August 10th)
The Rejected Realms August 2024 Officer Elections have concluded. Toerana, Mad Jack is Rejected, Cyptopir, and The Islamic Country of Honour were all elected to officer positions. Toerana presides over Off-Site Culture, ICH over On-Site Culture, MadJack over World Assembly Affairs, and Cypoptir over RMB Moderation. (August 10th)
The Realm of the Whispering Winds has transitioned back to a stronghold, ending vulnerability to occupations with Delegate Xvraks taking a previously CTE’d governorship. (August 12th)
The Crimson Crusaders successfully infiltrated NeoMajestia, taking down the fascist and transphobic government through an OOC-based griefing operation. (August 13th)
SC Resolution #511 “Commend The League” has passed the World Assembly with a 76.3% margin. The League, also known as The League & Concord, is a prominent defender region led by Quebecshire, who himself was commended by SC Resolution #490. (August 14th)
Gagium has ascended the Delegacy of The League, replacing Creeperopolis, who had previously served in that role for over two and a half years. Gagium has had a rough history in the League, but has ultimately become a trusted member of its community. In his statement, he promised to continue protecting the interests of The League and Defenderdom as a whole. (August 16th)
Following elections in Blue Ridge, First Minister Adkissa has appointed New Roksey as Minister of Culture and Basshobia as Minister of Foreign Affairs. (August 17th)
The Order of the Grey Wardens and the West Pacific have successfully raided the homophobic and fascist frontier Access The Axis in Operation Burning Pride. (August 18th)
The Dreamscape of Atlanticana has rebranded to a futuristic theme, renaming their judiciary and legislature to the Interstellar Tribunal and Stellar Assembly, respectively. The Oneiric Council remains the executive body. (August 19th)
Elections in Vibonia have concluded, with Maurnindaia ascending the Presidency, Hansa serving as their Vice President, and Auri winning the Speakership. (August 21st)
The Region That Has No Big Banks has established embassies with the West Pacific. (August 26th)
Shadoveil of Anteria has brought back the Three Star Tribune, Anteria’s regional newspaper. (August 26th)
The Augustin Alliance has signed the Treaty of Serious Business with the League & Concord, a non-aggression pact. (August 31st)
Blue Ridge has also signed a treaty with The Augustin Alliance, called the Pamlico Accords, which lays out terms of mutual defense. (August 31st)
Interview with Aurora Yukihime of Albrook By: Aivintis
UTEP Feature || Alternate History: A Meta Analysis For the last UTEP piece to be featured by this edition, authored by Arleat, they delve into the craft of Alternate History from both a meta-textual and narrative perspective. The article investigates the enduring appeal of Alternate History, exploring how it employs storytelling techniques to reimagine historical events. Arleat scrutinizes common tropes such as the "Great Ruler" and "All goes well" scenarios, and assesses the effectiveness of third-person narrative approaches in enhancing the genre's appeal. The analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how Alternate History uses established historical contexts to create engaging and compelling alternate worlds. If you’re curious about Alternate History and its impact on storytelling, this article is for you. page=dispatch/id=2548539
This month on EPNS, I had the pleasure of speaking with Aurora Yukihime of Albrook, Delegate of Japan, World Assembly Commissioner of The East Pacific, my boss as the Commission’s SC IFV writer, and my predecessor as Delegate of The East Pacific. Her two terms lasted from October 2021 to June 2022. Her past roles within TEP include Editor-in-Chief of EPNS and Co-Chief Minister of Regional Affairs of TEP. Furthermore, she is a former Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Alstroemerian Commonwealths.
Aivintis: Thank you so much for agreeing to an interview! How are you doing today?
Albrook: Always ready to sleep!
Aivintis: That is so valid. Alas, the call of NationStates cannot be ignored . . . speaking of, you've recently come back to the government after a bit of a sabbatical. What led you to volunteer for the WA Commissioner role?
Albrook: The previous commissioner, Gem, inspired my return. Alongside her updates I'd share The Queue Ahead, as I did during my delegacy - a timeline of all the proposals in queue and subjectively "pending" quorum, as to begin conversation on them as soon as possible. When she left the role I put my hat in the ring to continue as the Commissioner in full, handling the announcements, votes, and conversation starting alike.
Aivintis: How do you like the job so far?
Albrook: It's the most fun when there's more going on, like every time the SC has something controversial among the voters trying to pass. It's certainly been a change too from when I used to do these same announcements and upkeep during my delegacy - there's been no less than 3 proposals in the GA queue since I resumed the role!
Aivintis: You've mentioned a couple things, but what other things about the World Assembly and your current office has changed since your Delegacy?
Albrook: Externally, there's certainly a lot more repeat customers writing a lot faster in the GA. I'm almost disoriented if somehow I go a week without raising another Simone or Ice States proposal up for vote. There'd be actual times during my delegacy when both queues would be empty!
Internally, I'm certainly glad each Delegate since continued with running the WA vote among the Hussars, now Citizens at large, on the main Discord server. It's also been interesting seeing my policy of the Delegate choosing to vote against the WAA recommendation, and deciding executive rules on when to do so, was so unpopular that each Delegate since made it a point to campaign specifically that they wouldn't deviate from the recommended vote. I do miss the regional poll though, especially if there's been such sporadic poll activity since, and my detractors back then accused me of hogging space folks would actually use for Culture.
Aivintis: How difficult is it to keep on top of the changing votes? Do you feel as if expanding to polls once again would be relatively manageable to maintain?
Albrook: We haven't had too many big switches, other than whatever was going on with "Injunct Arkana Coalition" - some voters wanted to play flip for fun, which cool, but yeah I remember from the before times we'd never exactly do better than splitting the on-site vote 50/50 by switching. My WA isn't in the region anymore so I don't always have the optics there.
As for polls, they were nice - we often think to overlook the RMB for a lot of things for regional security. What was funny to me back then is we were saying this while a maximum of 3 people were deciding how TEP voted in the WA wholesale in prior delegacies, in the hidden WAA-only Executive Discord channel. How could we possibly end up worse than that?
It was also nice to include those TEP regulars who won't go forumside, and are just categorically left out of TEP's WA decisions. That always felt worth trying to coordinate poll timing without being too jank, and I'll allege still brought as much activity to the polls section as voting which toothpaste is best. Just because more folks can vote in open polls on whatever doesn't mean they weren't acknowledged by the ineligible others.
Aivintis: Perhaps something you can consider proposing to the Delegate again, then. While we're on the subject on your Delegacy and change, how else is the region different now to about two and a half years ago, when your Delegacy was in full swing? Apart from the World Assembly.
Albrook: There are far less grapes, and the haha thereof.
I'd say since my time folks around TEP have changed. It wasn't unusual for scheduling with Culture to be a challenge, as "oh we're partying with Thaecia then" and "that's when the NS Christmas Charity Fundraiser is, and Harry Potter's right afterwards!", and the whole business and interest we had going on with Cool Name Minecraft Server. We got busy, myself and TEPers included, and politics changed for the worse. We jam it up often during N-Day with ANAL and with our Hunger Games, but either we're all busy or our buddies' interests have changed. I suppose this is the final accumulation of gameplay politics - we need to entertain ourselves, like a cat while the owner's at the store.
Everything's still shaped the same and about as active as I left it. Folks getting busy certainly was a thing during my time too. That can't be helped, so I'm mostly just upset at how political everything became, when we have and will always continue to be about the friendship and memes.
Aivintis: You mention shifting gameplay politics, and their effects on culture. How do you think they've affected other aspects of government, especially your job in the World Assembly?
Albrook: Surprisingly I think WA's changed the least in response to the politics - since my delegacy at least. The same effective mantras and political responses then, like during Repeal Commend Souls, are still in effect now even today with Commend The League. I do echo the sentiment now that every raid certainly backs up the SC now with Injunctions being a thing.
Aivintis: How do you feel TEP is navigating this environment?
Albrook: Same way we always have and will. With as many memes as possible and the determination to make the best of it. The only problem's that "everyone's busy" part I mentioned prior. Otherwise if that wasn't a thing I'd be telling you how much of a slam dunk Hanami Matsuri 2 was right now :p
Aivintis: Shifting focus for a bit, in the past, there's not been much success getting TEPers recognized by the Security Council. Even less success has been found cultivating native authors for the SC and the GA. Is this something you feel like we should be focusing on? If so, what actions can we take to nurture authorship and recognition?
Albrook: I'd welcome it on behalf of the Commission, but don't personally have the experience or deeper connections to make that possible myself. I have consistently offered my Deputy Minister slot to anyone willing to take that on, if not the Ministry itself, back when the Commission was World Assembly Affairs and encompassed the WA at large.
Native authorship, I feel, would need to compete against that "everyone's busy" sentiment I have - not too much of a topic shift there. Not to mention I recall you've some run-ins with GP politics with your most recent SC campaigns yourself.
Ideally I'd love the focus, but don't see it happening barring individual effort from a current or future staffer, and quite possibly the next person you'd call some sort of WA Minister with our new structure.
Aivintis: Some have argued that, as long as TEP authorship remains limited, the best thing we can do is maximize our vote and voice in the World Assembly. Do you agree? How has the Commission maximized our vote and voice in recent times?
Albrook: I believe this is true. Each of the WA Commission's votes begin as soon as I subjectively believe a proposal's stabilized - after accumulating so many endorsements, and/or having a TG campaign. This ensures voting and conversation can happen early and continuously. As long as we've anticipated a proposal, this enables our Delegate to stomp with a prepared and informed vote - with this, the regional vote tends to align with the delegate's and we could - using the old numbers from my Delegacy - magnify TEP's voice often 150%, neglecting our high endorsement account on the worldwide "lemming effect".
I also continue to thank Endorsement Affairs, the Hussars of the East, and Praesidum for encouraging our new citizens to enable in the WA, as to be more manpower behind this desired on-site effect from our votes and stomps.
Aivintis: To what degree do you think our vote can influence foreign affairs, and vice versa? You mentioned earlier how following Delegates – I admit, me included – campaigned on refusing to go against the internal WA vote. Do you think this puts us in a weaker position abroad, since we can't partake in vote trading, which is a commonly cited method of power projection?
Albrook: It could permit backroom deals, like the vote trade, yes. That could be both virtuous and corrupt, and I see why many Delegates were most concerned about the corruption aspect. It also let me have a powerful retort to even our toughest FA customers - I would share "this extraordinary number of people say no", or "you know, we're not entirely convinced - tell us more and I'll share for the voters to decide, or maybe you'll convince my vote if I want to decide or intervene."
In those interactions I could share more and give FA and our future vision more of a say in the vote, instead of us just hoping enough people happen to agree on votes that matter like this. Did I mention we flipped on a recent Injunction for the lulz?
Aivintis: Yeah, it's definitely a balance to maintain, and I think specifically the stance I took was that sharing FA-relevant information could help influence voters towards a positive outcome for us and our allies. The World Assembly is a strange intersection of regional politics, military politics, and the unique community politics the WA has created – take one step into the GA channel on the WA server and you have a 50/50 chance of being overwhelmed with an expert population it is very hard to keep up with. Speaking of the GA – we've seen in the current environment that these proposals are less controversial, less discussed, and more frequent than Security Council proposals. What are your thoughts on this internal split within the WA? How does it affect your job and do you think it's a good thing that less discussion and thus less controversy occurs in the GA field within TEP?
Albrook: You just reminded me too of a difference between now and then. When we redesigned the Discord vote to use a Forum Channel system instead, we opened vote visibility a lot more. I was going to fix it, then authors like Simone and The Ice States were responding our threads, and the votes have stayed clean. Us and Praesidium keep a watch for anything funny there, since just like all of our past system we can see who's voting and detect any vote stacking. That's probably an important thing - maybe in my "power projection" scenario if they're around our Discord maybe they'd already know our direction and feeling.
Back to your question - that's where I think the authors themselves have a role in their activity. I didn't want to kick them out if they're addressing our voters' concerns with more info or rebuttals. That's more information for a more informed TEP in the GA.
I think also the SC's more personal to a lot of our voters, barring GA legislation on LGBT+ topics in my experience. R/D is personal to folks, and that reflects in their votes. The GA on the other hand, who really has a personal feeling about funnily named chemicals, budgets, and professional licenses? Not as much. If there's any personal feeling in there someone just really didn't like the author and wanted to share.
With more discussion could come that personal connection, with ones personal politics, and - hell if nothing else - analysis on the authorship team for whether TEP wants to support or not. Really, unlike the SC, I feel there's less consideration overall there, and despite there being over a month of queue time to see them coming there's just so many it'd probably be exhausting to evaluate each and every one to the degree we do the latest commendations.
Aivintis: Do you think this is a systemic problem in the GA or a simple lack of interest from TEP?
Albrook: The latter is certainly a factor. I'm not sure if our experience is the norm for how regions approach the GA.
Aivintis: If you'll allow me to yap for a second, I think it's actually kind of strange. I mean, we're an RP region. Both of our maps have WA-equivalents. We have a large population interested in the running of nations. In our various RP wikis, people can go into immense detail on similar things to GA proposals. And yet GA proposals themselves aren't as interesting. I wonder if it's either a failure of integration of TEP into the WA community or a failure of integration of TEP RPers into TEP government.
Albrook: I've never not seen RP and government be like oil and water respectively, even visiting around as one of TEP's ambassadors. Believe me - don't bring any sparks near the oil.
Aivintis: Ha, fair enough. I think it's about time for a fun question – what's been your favorite GA and SC resolutions since you took over as Commissioner?
Albrook: 'd be lying if I didn't say "Condemn Bogus Not True Fake Town" for my SC pick. The WA Commission LeBron Shames all the delegates who didn't approve that masterpiece, and that TG campaign that accompanied.
Similarly for the meme I think I'll also say "Repeal "Forced Blood Sport Eradication Act"". We gotta keep our Hunger Games' ratings high and let the deaths continue!
Aivintis: Those are the objectively correct answers. I'm not sure if it was within your tenure but my favorite SC Declaration is All We Want for Christmas Is You. Sadly, the WA Elite are talking about a repeal soon. Breaks my heart.
Albrook: Certainly to make way for a better proposal for Padoru, right?
Aivintis: We can only hope. Alright, I think I've taken up enough of your time. Before we leave off, are there any final comments you have on the WA, your position, or your old Delegacy?
Albrook: MERLO IS HIRING! As we mentioned conversation's always good, and you just simply gotta follow along with the WA Notifications in the TEP Discord to discuss the latest proposals there. You might've seen every now and then we publish Information For Voters, an IFV, recommending a vote for the ministry - we're always looking for folks willing to spare a few words to reason out our votes there, with coverage now on the big hitters in the SC and no IFV coverage at all in the GA. Certainly as well if you've some idea on authorship and commending someone from back home we can get some work space and opinions for you before you hit the forums - best we can with who and what we got.
I'm very satisfied and thankful with the executive direction since the Delechama. I always liked that name - behind every great leader is their waifu after all. I wonder who yours and Merlo's is...
Bodyguards in suits crowd Aurora and begin dragging her away.
Aivintis: Hahahaa whaaat, time to go! Thank you again for agreeing to the interview and thank you so much readers for tuning in! I'm sure she'll be fine.
On August 1st, Emperor East Durthang of The Pacific announced his abdication from the throne of the New Pacific Order, naming Xoriet as his replacement. [1] Prior, Xoriet had served as NPO Community Director of Human Resources and Senior Moderator, and an Advisor in the NPO Senate. [2] Of note to East Pacificans, Xoriet is a former Delegate of The East Pacific and Overseeing Officer of the Eastern Pacific Sovereign Army, service which, among her other achievements in NS, earned her a Security Council Commendation in 2018. [3]
In these changing times, The East Pacific and The New Pacific Order can look back on a long history of evolving foreign relations. This month marks the nine year anniversary of the current embassy between The Pacific and The East Pacific, its oldest standing GCR embassy. [4] In this time, The East Pacific has grown significantly and experienced a region-changing coup d’etat event, while The Pacific has, under the guidance of four Emperors [5], thrived while the Anti-Pacific Coalition has declined and hostilities with other GCRs have ended. [6]
In the past nine years, Xoriet has not been the only member of both regions. Former TEP Delegate Libertanny [7] and former Grand Vizier and Delegate Dragons Blood [8] are notable dual-citizens who have held high offices in TEP, and our former Overseeing Officer and Vizier Greyghost is now an Advisor within the NPO Senate. [9] The propensity for cross-membership is so prevalent that it inspired the joking title of the current Pacifican-East Pacifican treaty, The Horticultural Arrangement [10], based on the ‘Garden of Plants’ meme. [11]
The Horticultural Arrangement was not the first treaty The East Pacific and The Pacific had signed, but was a rewrite and expansion of The Pacifican Amity Treaty, which Fedele had weakened as Delegate. [10] In the past, other treaties had been signed and dissolved, as well, marked by the contentious history of the New Pacific Order. [12] However, this history ultimately did nothing to damage the reputation of the NPO in TEP’s eyes, which was declared our best ally in a 2020 opinion survey of TEP residents by then-Delegate Libertanny. [13]
In the war between the NPO and the Anti-Pacific Coalition, in the days of “NPO Delenda Est,” The East Pacific stood by the oldest feeder, refusing to close relations once again and committing to its valued ally. [14] Similarly, the NPO proved a staunch ally of The East Pacific, and a reliable friend, coming to the aid of its partner during the 2019 coup d’etat attempt by Fedele – through military support [15] and a strong public statement [16] condemning Fedele and standing with the legitimate government of The East Pacific.
Outside of our crises, our camaraderie shined in record-breaking military operations in which we stood side by side, such as the Raid of Genua [17] and Operation Boom Beach. [18] Our connections deepened in cultural events such as the Festival of the Blossoms [19] and Pacific-Con. [20] Our past is storied and deep. The Pacific and The East Pacific have stood arm in arm in years past.
However, that relationship has not nearly been as close in the nearer past, as the military operations and cultural festivals in which TEP and NPO used to collaborate have become less and less common. Furthermore, in response to the aggression of the Brotherhood of Malice, the NPO signed Pax Polaris Occidens with the West Pacific and The North Pacific in 2022, which was framed as a framework for feeder security cooperation, without the involvement of the South Pacific or The East Pacific. [21]
This was especially complicated considering the full breakdown of relations between TWP and TEP which shaped years of tension between the two [22] and did not get any easier with the (admittedly less explosive) repeal of the North-East Security Treaty between TNP and TEP. [23] This could be easily interpreted as a shift in NPO’s Foreign Affairs priorities. Looking back on the way TEP committed to alliance upkeep – or didn’t – in the months before this shift, it is difficult to blame the NPO for hedging its bets with a change in direction.
Looking to the future, we must learn lessons from the past. When TEP and NPO work together, little stands between us. However, alliances are not maintained by sheer force of momentum. Effort must be continuously inputted from both sides. When we’ve seen that effort, we’ve thrived. Festivals, joint operations, and cross-membership are just a few markers of that success. Perhaps the new Empress in NPO is a sign for TEP to work towards restoring our previous state of relations. If it is to be a new era for the NPO, let us strive to make it an era where they can again count on The East Pacific through thick and thin.
Upvote Squad 2: Bigger, Better, with a side of fruits (and Serge) By: Rosari
hey kid, want free upvotes? Of course, you do. Just follow me into this discord server - ignore the bird in the corner, he's harmeless, just a little odd.
What’s that? Upvote Squad got a massive overhaul? Yep, you heard right! Getting upvotes is now so easy, you’ll think we’re cheating. But how? Well, getting upvotes has never been easier. Want your dispatch to shoot up the ranks? We’ve made that more accessible than ever. But how, you ask? Just drop your dispatch link in our special channel, and voila! Upvotes! But here’s the deal, see other dispatches in there? All you gotta do is open 'em up, give 'em an upvote! Easy, right?
The best part? Our #upnouncements channel isn’t just for residents of the East Pacific - anyone from anywhere in NationStates can join in! Wherever you’re from, you’re welcome to drop a dispatch for us to boost up, granted, that we approve of it first, but that shouldn't be too hard of a hurdle to jump!
P.S.: Want to hear Serge explain voting politics with fruits? It’s wild. Just get in here.
At long last the voting for Urthvision XX has come to an end, and with this the competition itself has come to an end. Before I announce who has won this very special edition of Urthvision, I would like to thank you all again for everything. Thank you to everyone who voted for “The Forgotten Stories” in the last edition. We appreciate that you all decided to choose us to host this, and we hope that we did not disappoint any of you. We hope that you enjoyed this edition of Urthvision as much as we did, and we hope that you had a great time in this beautiful nation.
So, as we turn off the spotlight shining on Korćetta, we would like to turn on a new spotlight on…
TAVARIS!!!
Every nation put up a good fight, but in the end Tavaris came out on top. Oda Lita really did blow our minds with her song, as the title predicted. Our friends over in Tavaris prevailed in this edition of Urthvision, and we cannot wait to see what they come up with for Urthvision XXI.
Once again, we appreciate everyone who showed up for this edition of Urthvision. We hope that we can see you all again soon.
Cześć!
The camera zooms out to see the crowd in the Forest Fragrances arena cheering as the screen fades to black, and the Urthvision XX logo appears again on screen.
This edition features plenty of new stuff that the Ministry of News is trying to experiment with, UTEP features, Edition summaries, as well as the semi-official announcement of our Upvote Squad overhaul, which - I'd point you to join our discord and head over #🔼upnouncements!
Well as long as some other random nation that has a significant military force doesn't guarantee the independence and become ally to this said nation, I suppose there is a fair chance there. (Although in fairness I dont think your plastic toy army that you sell to the the kids will exactly be able to conquer it for how small and plastic they are)
Its... not exactly in our interests at the moment for it. We aren't exactly trying to start another so-called crusade against us and our kind, but would be quite the show indeed.
Sir, it is a darn joke. I had no plans to guarantee their nations existence or help them in the case of invasion, and in fairness I dont think a toy army of plastic that you sell to your boys to play with can defeat one regular person, although of course thats for the little ones. You DO have a real army that isn't a bunch of plastic, and we know that, thats a point that seems to be a "WELL YEAH SHERLOCK!" amongst all nations.
I see thou has yet to learn comedy and specifically my branch and how to interpret what is and what is not humor from our half.. no matter, you are fine.
TEP Discord Server, look for #upnouncements and post your dispatch there! The channel is open to everyone from all around NationStates!
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