Nocturnalya [Roleplaying Region, Open Thread]

[The Nocturnal Keeper]

Notice to All Users:
This thread will be periodically updated to reflect changes in the regional happenings.

"If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do things worth writing."

— Benjamin Franklin

OMNESUNAMANETNOX|THESAMENIGHTAWAITSUSALL



INTRODUCTION

The region of Nocturnalya was designed with writers in mind—both experienced veterans acclimated to the nuances of the roleplaying community, and those newer members who are just beginning to cut their teeth in the forums. It is the product of players who have spent years in the roleplaying community, learning the ins and outs of the many wonderful regions and writers who have helped make this section of the game so vibrant and wonderful. It is at once a throwback to a bygone era, where roleplaying regions were both numerous and prestigious in their own special way; yet it is also a proving grounds for young writers, a new home for old faces, and a sanctum for those who long for the friendship and fun that our writing community has long afforded its respective members. Without ego or hubris, we seek to establish our region not for pride's sake, but to have fun and inspire incredible writing!

As you may have noticed, our regional name is a play off the term Nocturnal, and for good reason. The roleplaying community has seen its fair share of tumultuous events over the past two months, from conflicts over the site's mechanics to run-ins with those partaking in the raiding and defending gameplay style. These instances have shown both newer players and veterans alike that our roleplaying community is highly fragmented, both along experience lines and the different tech communities that define the forums. Though some might disagree, a general malaise or kind of creative darkness has settled over the region, with many players considering the roleplaying community as being on the decline. Yet we believe differently, that our community is both strong and willing to produce some really awesome stories! This region is a refuge for those who want to write with a group of respected peers.

Our primary focus is to create a roleplaying region in the modern tech and postmodern tech communities that will become recognized not only for its contributions to the game's roleplaying forums, but also for its camaraderie, its cooperation between members, and its diversity. Despite the primary focus of our main tech levels, we are inviting to all nations who roleplay, regardless of their primary focus. Sub-communities of players who dabble in fantasy tech, future tech, past tech or even steampunk are welcome here, and special focus will be given to those who wish to participate in the World Assembly, or forge special interests in our regional forums. Different activities and writing contests will mark the calendar for region members, and our forums and IRC home will provide the basis for organizing roleplays and simply hanging out in the company of good people. Anyone can have a home here.

REGIONALDIRECTORY
Application●Current Regional Map●Gameside Regional Home●#Nocturnalya IRC on Esper●Offsite Regional Forums

Questions or requests for more information may be made to The Nocturnal Keeper.

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THEPURPOSEOFTHEPORTAL
This thread is designed to serve both as an activity portal and as an advertisement thread for the Region of Nocturnalya.
Both member-states, prospective members, and guests passing through are welcome to post in this thread at their leisure;
However, any attempt to grief, troll, or in likewise manner disrupt our community will be reported to the forum moderators.

[The Nocturnal Keeper]

OMNESUNAMANETNOX|THESAMENIGHTAWAITSUSALL



REGIONAL RULES

The region of Nocturnalya is structured in such a way that multiple styles of writing can be presented on display through various channels, both here in the gameside forums and through our own offsite forums. Various tech styles and themes can and will be incorporated through the many different writers who call this region home, in addition to the sponsored projects and regional activities that will help make Nocturnalya one of the most interactive and inviting roleplaying experiences in the game. To help preserve this spirit of creativity and ingenuity, the region has established certain rules—a Code of Conduct as it were—that governs what is and is not appropriate behavior for our region. This information is posted publicly to those who belong to our region, and to those who wish to inquire about joining, so that who we are and what we practice may be kept publicly visible for all to understand.


1. The 'Rule of Cool' is Strictly Enforced
This is a holdover from the 'FT-Prime' community here at NationStates, but it works just as well in the modern and postmodern tech context as well. The Rule of Cool [sometimes referred to as the Code of Bro or Code of BroSis] is a trope that dictates that members of our community always act with courtesy and respect to other members, both in the in-character writing aspect and through out-of-character interactions. With respect to common sense, not everyone will be 'best friends' with one another; such expectations are simply unrealistic. What is realistic however is the principle that all members, young and old deserve respect. In the in-character context, cooperation is key, and competitive roleplays are only permissible with the explicit permission of all pertinent parties. We have a zero-tolerance policy for such tropes like flamebaiting, godmodding, and trolling. Personal disputes should be kept private!


2. No One Roleplayer Owns the Community
This rule largely goes without need of mentioning from Rule #1, but we cannot stress enough how imperative it is for the success of our region that no one player comes to dictate the terms of writing or the themes of our community. Nocturnalya is designed to have a significant amount of communal input and support for new ideas and themes, and it is also designed explicitly to serve as a home for all manner of nations—those with significant gameside populations and reputations, and those who are just getting started at the site and look to experience the roleplaying community for the first time. In-character actions should always be geared towards cooperative storytelling and themes; those who look to the community as a chance to be 'competitive' and colonize entire regions should look elsewhere. Those who cannot restrain themselves from trying to outdo or outmatch other nations should look elsewhere.


3. The Region Adheres to a Population Flux Cap
Fewer issues are more contentious for regions trying to establish precedent right now than the concern over population caps and an adherence to realism. In general, regions can find themselves divided along three lines: those that want strict observance of realism and realistic populations, those that allow for the populations of gameside accounts, and those that incorporate fantasy elements into the regional hierarchy. Nocturnalya is somewhat-unique in this respect with regards to its flux cap: a policy that permits all population sizes and themes (realistic and fantasy), providing opt-outs for those members who do not wish to observe such themes. If your nation has fantasy elements, more power to you; concurrently, nations are free to opt-out of stories involving fantasy elements, and population caps may be established for individual roleplays in order to promote cooperation between larger and smaller states.


4. On the Matter of Extra-Regional Roleplaying
Another contentious issue that sometimes causes out-of-character conflict within regions deals with the policy on extra-regional roleplaying, and whether outsiders should have a hand in regional affairs. It is the belief of the founders that extra-regional roleplaying should not only be permissible, but encouraged so that nations young and old can get the very best of the roleplaying community here at the site. Nations from outside Nocturnalya may roleplay in sponsored regional storylines; however, the same rules will apply to non-regional participants all the same. Competitive roleplaying via the usage of extra-regional alliances or members to overwhelm regional states is not permitted without expressed written consent. Any attempt to overwhelm or 'invade' members of our region without their permission will result in an immediate retcon and report to moderation. This principle is non-negotiable!


5. The Requirements for Membership in Nocturnalya
The range of sub-communities in our region is extensive, from those who simply enjoy worldbuilding to those who participate in sports roleplays, storefront construction, World Assembly roleplaying, and varying tech levels. As such, the only real requirements for membership in Nocturnalya is such: you must be willing to contribute positively to our region, and you must remain respectful of those who participate with us. Colonies or puppets are acceptable, but only if you plan to roleplay with the community. Likewise, if you have problems getting along with members, or dislike themes utilized by the region, membership is probably not the best of options. Though we welcome writers of various levels and experience, we do observe some standards with respect to quality of posts. With respect, if you typically post less than a paragraph or two when writing at NationStates, we may not be the best fit for you.

REGIONALDIRECTORY
Application●Current Regional Map●Gameside Regional Home●#Nocturnalya IRC on Esper●Offsite Regional Forums

Questions or requests for more information may be made to The Nocturnal Keeper.

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THEPURPOSEOFTHEPORTAL
This thread is designed to serve both as an activity portal and as an advertisement thread for the Region of Nocturnalya.
Both member-states, prospective members, and guests passing through are welcome to post in this thread at their leisure;
However, any attempt to grief, troll, or in likewise manner disrupt our community will be reported to the forum moderators.

[The Nocturnal Keeper]

OMNESUNAMANETNOX|THESAMENIGHTAWAITSUSALL

ACTIVITY PORTAL REGISTRATION

The region of Nocturnalya is proud to sponsor the roleplays and storefronts submitted by its individual members. We believe very strongly in the notion that all members of our community, regardless of whether they have been at the site for years of days, deserve respect and praise for their writing styles. As such, all members of the region are welcome to submit their current on-going roleplays here to be pinned to the thread, so that other nations in the region and those who roleplay with us from without may see your work. This feature will be especially important for those members who are seeking participants for their roleplays. In addition, we will also link to any and all active storefronts owned and operated by members of the region, so that business can be sent their way as needed. If you have a roleplay or storefront that you would like to have pinned to the thread, please use the form(s) provided below!

Code: Select all

[blocktext][box][align=center][b]General Request to Pin a Roleplay[/b]
[size=90][i]A petition to sponsor a roleplay in the Diplomacy gameside forums.[/i][/size][/align]
[b]Nation's Full (IC) Name:[/b]
[b]Roleplay's Name:[/b]
[b]Roleplay Tech Level:[/b] (Fantasy Tech, Future Tech, Modern Tech, Past Tech, Postmodern Tech, Other)
[b]Roleplay Participation:[/b] (Open, Semi-Open, Semi-Closed, Closed)
[b]Type of Roleplay:[/b] (Diplomacy, Economics, Sports, War, Other)

[b]Please provide a brief description of the roleplay:[/b] (Optional)[/box][/blocktext]

Code: Select all

[blocktext][box][align=center][b]General Request to Pin a Storefront[/b]
[size=90][i]A petition to sponsor a storefront in the Global Economics and Trade forum.[/i][/size][/align]
[b]Nation's Full (IC) Name:[/b]
[b]Storefront's Name:[/b]
[b]Storefront's Logo:[/b] (Optional)
[b]Type of Business:[/b][/box][/blocktext]

REGIONALDIRECTORY
Application●Current Regional Map●Gameside Regional Home●#Nocturnalya IRC on Esper●Offsite Regional Forums

Questions or requests for more information may be made to The Nocturnal Keeper.

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THEPURPOSEOFTHEPORTAL
This thread is designed to serve both as an activity portal and as an advertisement thread for the Region of Nocturnalya.
Both member-states, prospective members, and guests passing through are welcome to post in this thread at their leisure;
However, any attempt to grief, troll, or in likewise manner disrupt our community will be reported to the forum moderators.

[Holy Marsh]

So it begins.

[Kylarnatia]

Why join Nocturnalya?

It’s new. Although you may find that one of the most mundane of reasons, as all roleplaying regions are new when they begin, it is purely one of the strong points of the entire thing. It’s a 100% clean slate, no predetermined backstory. All we’ve got is the map and the facilities for people to get involved. If you join, you can have the greatest impact on its history and make it ideal for your nation, whereas many of the established roleplaying regions if International Incidents (e.g. Gholgoth, Sondria) have age-old backstories, and in the case of the latter its own hierarchy and hegemonic power theories. While this may make it all very interesting and detailed, it’s very ‘ring-fenced’ and almost dictated. Nocturnalya is an opportunity to create something different.

Lord Kitchener says: "Nocturnalya needs you!"

Secondly, our main focus in world building and overall cooperation between players. We created Nocturnalya with the ideal of creating a region where writers of all abilities could come together and combine their creative talents to have fun, and produce something magical and wonderful at the same time. Although the region is baseline MT/PMT, and we imagine that most roleplays will stick around that level, we’re open to any form of tech group, as all we see that is necessary for a successful roleplay is that people talk and cooperate together, so that it doesn’t fall flat on its face.

That being the case, we also don’t take kindly to egotistical brawls. Every nation has its great achievements, as well as its own flaws and failures. Nocturnalya is a place for all of us to enjoy our creations equally as well as share ideas on how to possibly add more to those constructs or change them to be better, in one’s own rightful opinion; free, constructive and friendly criticism amongst everyone is what we’re promoting, so that not only everyone involved can find means of improvement wherever necessary but also connect more with people and keep active on the site without ever finding themselves with little to do. Anyone who does take to bragging, or demanding reverence/respect etc., is not welcome here in Nocturnalya.

If you have any questions, feel free to telegram either Kylarnatia or New Azura, or join the Region's IRC Chatroom #Nocturnalya on Esper.net and we'll get to you as soon as we can. Can't wait to see you round!

[Anskaya]

Glad to be on board in Nocturnalya.

[New Azura]

Glad to be on board in Nocturnalya.

Good to have you back, mate.

[Anskaya]

Glad to be on board in Nocturnalya.

Good to have you back, mate.

Yup I am back.

[The United Remnants of America]

I see a thematic and grammatically-structured antonym to Sunalaya.... Is there any truth, or am I connectong dots that shouldn't be connected?

[Maltropia]

I see a thematic and grammatically-structured antonym to Sunalaya.... Is there any truth, or am I connectong dots that shouldn't be connected?

*locks URA in a broom cupboard*

[The United Remnants of America]

I see a thematic and grammatically-structured antonym to Sunalaya.... Is there any truth, or am I connectong dots that shouldn't be connected?

*locks URA in a broom cupboard*

*Realizes I've stumbled upon a conspiracy greater than the Lincoln Assassination*

[LOVE DOG]

Wonder when the rest of the region is going to come after little old me for my land annexing...

*Invades the Evenguard for lols*

[Kylarnatia]

I see a thematic and grammatically-structured antonym to Sunalaya.... Is there any truth, or am I connectong dots that shouldn't be connected?

Pure coincidence, but thank you for pointing that out. :P

[The United Remnants of America]

I see a thematic and grammatically-structured antonym to Sunalaya.... Is there any truth, or am I connectong dots that shouldn't be connected?

Pure coincidence, but thank you for pointing that out.

You guy should do a cross-over RP of some kind, I'd totally love to watch that.

[Amalfi]

With respect, if you typically post less than a paragraph or two when writing at NationStates, we may be the best fit for you.

I feel like a word went missing somewhere near the end there.

[The Nocturnal Keeper]

With respect, if you typically post less than a paragraph or two when writing at NationStates, we may be the best fit for you.

I feel like a word went missing somewhere near the end there.

Fixed.

[The United Remnants of America]

The Rule of Cool has to do with respect and sportsmanship?

I was always under the impression and always saw it used in the context that Rule of Cool was basically a stand-in for realism and explained why things like dual-cannon tanks exist and why half of the things that spawn out of FT exist.

I guess you learn something new every day.

[The Nocturnal Keeper]

The Rule of Cool has to do with respect and sportsmanship?

I was always under the impression and always saw it used in the context that Rule of Cool was basically a stand-in for realism and explained why things like dual-cannon tanks exist and why half of the things that spawn out of FT exist.

I guess you learn something new every day.

Realism, especially in MT to an extent, plays a role in it I guess. Creativity and originality notwithstanding, the big deal we're trying to advocate is that people who view NationStates as a 'game' to 'win' at are probably not going to find Nocturnalya (cheap plug!) to their liking. Collaboration and participation are far more important to our regional narrative than competitive roleplaying is.

[New Azura]

The Rule of Cool has to do with respect and sportsmanship?

I was always under the impression and always saw it used in the context that Rule of Cool was basically a stand-in for realism and explained why things like dual-cannon tanks exist and why half of the things that spawn out of FT exist.

I guess you learn something new every day.

Realism, especially in MT to an extent, plays a role in it I guess. Creativity and originality notwithstanding, the big deal we're trying to advocate is that people who view NationStates as a 'game' to 'win' at are probably not going to find Nocturnalya (cheap plug!) to their liking. Collaboration and participation are far more important to our regional narrative than competitive roleplaying is.

Replace 'Rule of Cool' with the Code of Bro(sis); that was the ultimate goal I think.

[The United Remnants of America]

The Rule of Cool has to do with respect and sportsmanship?

I was always under the impression and always saw it used in the context that Rule of Cool was basically a stand-in for realism and explained why things like dual-cannon tanks exist and why half of the things that spawn out of FT exist.

I guess you learn something new every day.

Realism, especially in MT to an extent, plays a role in it I guess. Creativity and originality notwithstanding, the big deal we're trying to advocate is that people who view NationStates as a 'game' to 'win' at are probably not going to find Nocturnalya (cheap plug!) to their liking. Collaboration and participation are far more important to our regional narrative than competitive roleplaying is.

I find one issue with what you said, only one.

I think people too often forget that NationStates is a game. Too many people take it and the people on it way too seriously. They forget that it's just a game to play and have fun on.

[Kylarnatia]

Realism, especially in MT to an extent, plays a role in it I guess. Creativity and originality notwithstanding, the big deal we're trying to advocate is that people who view NationStates as a 'game' to 'win' at are probably not going to find Nocturnalya (cheap plug!) to their liking. Collaboration and participation are far more important to our regional narrative than competitive roleplaying is.

I find one issue with what you said, only one.

I think people too often forget that NationStates is a game. Too many people take it and the people on it way too seriously. They forget that it's just a game to play and have fun on.

Then we're practically on the same page, URA. Regardless of whether you define it as a 'game' or not (I personally think it depends on what you come to NationStates for: the Gameplay side is definitely a 'game', but I believe that the roleplay side is a much more creative and social forum), we both agree that there are some players that take it far too seriously and, sadly, personally. Nocturnalya is against such a model, and instead encourages its members (as well as anyone we interact with) to focus on the creative and fun aspects of NationStates.

[The United Remnants of America]

I find one issue with what you said, only one.

I think people too often forget that NationStates is a game. Too many people take it and the people on it way too seriously. They forget that it's just a game to play and have fun on.

Then we're practically on the same page, URA. Regardless of whether you define it as a 'game' or not (I personally think it depends on what you come to NationStates for: the Gameplay side is definitely a 'game', but I believe that the roleplay side is a much more creative and social forum), we both agree that there are some players that take it far too seriously and, sadly, personally. Nocturnalya is against such a model, and instead encourages its members (as well as anyone we interact with) to focus on the creative and fun aspects of NationStates.

Atlas is against the same model on paper, but in practice, most of our members don't follow it. .-.

[New Azura]

Realism, especially in MT to an extent, plays a role in it I guess. Creativity and originality notwithstanding, the big deal we're trying to advocate is that people who view NationStates as a 'game' to 'win' at are probably not going to find Nocturnalya (cheap plug!) to their liking. Collaboration and participation are far more important to our regional narrative than competitive roleplaying is.

I find one issue with what you said, only one.

I think people too often forget that NationStates is a game. Too many people take it and the people on it way too seriously. They forget that it's just a game to play and have fun on.

In my experience, collaborative roleplaying produces creativity and cooperation in a much less stressful environment than competitive roleplaying, which leads to more arguments, more 'butthurt' as it were, and far less accomplished. The point of making Nocturnalya a collaborative-first region was to dissuade people who only do competitive roleplaying from thinking this region was a great fit for them. I've been around long enough to see what happens to regions when competitive roleplayers and collaborative roleplayers try to coexist; said regions aren't long for the NS world.

Can competitive roleplays happen in Nocturnalya? Of course they can, provided all the parties agree to the terms beforehand. But it would be disingenuous to actively invite or recruit competitive roleplayers here because collaboration versus competition is the general rule of the region.