Balder - State Opening of 19th Storting

[Reseda Island]

What region tells whole truths in it's propaganda? As most people in this game will disclose given the political nature, lying, manipulation, and other shady tactics are the norm. Anything to get ahead, no amount of little people stepped on is too many on the path to power!

Also of course Onder has to accuse anyone who says anything that might make Balder look bad of having negative intent, as "Statsminister" he needs to be the mouth piece for what those trying to maintain a perkier image might want to say, but can't for it wouldn't look nice and pretty.

[Eluvatar]

As an update on this, I've hit 269 endorsements (72%). 269 is definitely the highest I've been and I'm not sure, but it might be the highest the sinkers have ever been. I'm not sure what the exact record is, although it is the highest since they started to record the rankings page.

Although I would love to know what the record amount of endorsements is in the sinkers if it is not the 268 hit by Funkadelia recently in Lazarus.

I should have taken a screen shot st the time, but I believe I went over 300 in 2015 when TITO entered to defeat Stujenske.

Also, congratulations!

Yes, Lazarus reached 330 endorsements on the Delegate nation at the major update between April 23rd and 24th, 2015. I was not able to find a higher delegate endorsement count in the records (available at that page) going back to 2011, nor the more fragmentary records from 2004, 2005, or 2006 (none higher than 55 delegate votes = 54 endorsements).

[Reseda Island]

I should have taken a screen shot st the time, but I believe I went over 300 in 2015 when TITO entered to defeat Stujenske.

Also, congratulations!

Yes, Lazarus reached 330 endorsements on the Delegate nation at the major update between April 23rd and 24th, 2015. I was not able to find a higher delegate endorsement count in the records (available at that page) going back to 2011, nor the more fragmentary records from 2004, 2005, or 2006 (none higher than 55 delegate votes = 54 endorsements).

330 is impressive

[Lord Theoden]

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Balder Forum Balder Region Balder Discord

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Regional Government
Monarchy
Queen of Balder: Rach
Crown Prince: North East Somerset

Statsraadet
Statsminister: Linkin Talleyrand
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Theoden Sebastian
Minister of Community: Fuzzy
Minister of WA Affairs: Akillian Talleyrand
Minister of War: Bran Triune

Storting
Lawspeaker:Theoden Sebastian

Members of the Storting:OnderKelkia
Linkin Talleyrand
Akillian Talleyrand

February Elections & Future Plans

The Elections for the Storting term February to April 2018 concluded with incumbents OnderKelkia, Theoden Sebastian, Linkin Talleyrand and Akillian Talleyrand retaining their seats to serve in the regional legislature. OnderKelkia, after having occupied the office of Statsminister for seven terms announced his retirement prior to the election. In his concluding remarks, Kelkia noted the dramatic expansion in activity which the region experienced during his tenure. In the 17 months from September 2016 to January 2018 the forums accumulated over 75% more forum posts than in the 17 months from April 2015 to August 2016. He also mentioned the foreign agenda gains of his administration, such as the signing of treaties with The North Pacific, The West Pacific and Lazarus.

Linkin Talleyrand, WA Minister in the previous state council and multiple-term Storting member, then announced his bid to become the next Statsminister. He was selected by a unanimous vote of the Storting and was immediately invited by the Queen to form a government.

Meanwhile, Theoden Sebastian was also unanimously backed to serve another term as Lawspeaker.

Statsminister Talleyrand said that he will look to continue the record of the previous government and and promised tackle the issue of forum activity by researching new programs to encourage participation within the government and cultural activities. The ministries of Culture and Integration were merged into the Ministry of Community to serve as the core department for domestic affairs.

The new Statsraadet is composed of the following:
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Theoden Sebastian
Minister of Community: Fuzzy
Minister of World Assembly Affairs: Akillian Talleyrand
Minister of War: Bran Triune

Legislative Reforms

Following the State Opening of the Storting, Lawspeaker Theoden Sebastian unveiled a proposal to amend the Representation of the Realm Act. The amendment seeks to address the need for special elections when seats become vacant. At present, the basic law only allows for the holding of special elections for inactivity of members. As of this update, the measure is expected to pass unanimously in the Storting and will become the 5th amendment to the Representation of the Realm Act. This follows the run-off amendment earlier passed by the Storting, which added a provision for how ties should be handled.

Jomsvikings support operation in Yorkshire

The Jomvikings, Balder's military, successfully concluded its mission in Yorkshire. The region was captured by the combined forces of the Europeian Republican Navy, The North Pacific Army and The Land of Kings and Emperors Imperial Army. Balder earlier deployed to provide support. The regional government is pleased to participate in the mission in support of its allies and has promised to increase participation in joint operations them.

[Linkinson]

Termination of Relations with The Rejected Realms

Balder aspires to positive ties with all Game Created Regions who are genuine and serious in their respect for Balder and our independence. We enjoy strong alliances with The North Pacific, The Pacific, The West Pacific, Osiris and Lazarus precisely because these regions have demonstrated their commitment to respecting Balder over time. Conversely, our relations with The South Pacific suffered because pro-defender politicians within TSP embarked upon a crusade against independence and made a calculated decision that Balder should be targeted as a result.

Unfortunately, we have concluded that The Rejected Realms is unwilling to respect Balder. The recent edition of TRR Times contains multiple derogatory characterisations of Balder and our approach towards our fellow sinkers. This antipathy is apparent in not just one but two articles: "Ranking the GCRs: Feeders Resurgent", based on polling filled out mainly by individuals who already sympathise with TRR’s stance, and the comical misrepresentation of our welcome dispatch in "What Keeps Sinkerism Floating?". As ever, the claims of TRR Times fall into the realm of the absurd. This provides confirmation that TRR has no respect for our region. TRR Times has returned with its trademark disregard for the facts and malevolent desire to denigrate anyone who refuses to follow the diktats of the defender political establishment.

It is apparent that the attitude of The Rejected Realms towards Balder has been corrupted by the presence of pro-defender politicians within TRR’s ranks. Some of these individuals are linked to the Grey Wardens and The South Pacific. This is a shame, as we had observed greater moderation on TRR’s part following the end of the Founderless Regions Alliance. In the interests of GCR friendship, Balder had hitherto refrained from action against TRR, even after its intervention against the legitimate government of Lazarus and its Culture Officer’s public insults towards Balder. It is now unequivocal that these earlier events reflected manifestations of an overwhelming bias against Balder and our allies. If TRR has no respect for Balder, we want no relations with TRR.

Balder hereby terminates in-game and off-site diplomatic relations with The Rejected Realms. In addition, Frattastan, who serves as Foreign Officer of TRR and TRR Ambassador to Balder, is declared persona non grata within Balder. He shall no longer be permitted to use our Discord server and our forums while his region pursues a policy of actively undermining the Realm of Balder.

[Canton Empire]

I would just like to say that there is a large and brightly colored disclaimer saying that The Rejected Times does not reflect the views of the government.

[Kyorgia TRR]

Absurd accusations from a region trying to regain their last little shred of relevance.

[Ever-Wandering Souls]

I would just like to say that there is a large and brightly colored disclaimer saying that The Rejected Times does not reflect the views of the government.

Say what you will about both the content of the TRT article and the merit behind Balder's response, but an editorial by the nation serving as TRR's "Media Officer" Regional Officer, who is also TRT's Editor and chief, published within a state-backed media outlet that as explicitly government-run as per -

The Rejected Realms Media Corporation's logo, which is the executive government department that manages The Rejected Times.

- that, does not really leave much ground for you to claim that it's unfair to characterize its views as the views of the government.

EDIT: and for that matter, unless I'm just being stupid, I do not see that disclaimer either, in either the most recent post or the OP. Can you point to where that is? Not that, as noted, it really matters.

[Frattastan II]

This matter will be addressed by the Delegate and me at the earliest possible time.
Before a formal response is issued, I would like to note that Canton isn't speaking on behalf of the Government, or with the permission of any other official.

[Glacikaldr]

Greetings fellows,

Not an official response here that you should take as representative of the Rejected Realms or my own opinion, thanks.

Ever-Wandering Souls, I completely agree. People are justified when claiming our disclaimer (located at the very bottom of each issue and special release as per our new format, on top of the link to the index) is irrelevant. People are allowed to read into TRT as much or as little as they like.

Oh, and Balder, thanks for sticking up for our "fellow sinkers". I look forward to seeing how Balder will be sticking up for the Rejected Realms in the future.

If you have any critiques for TRT to help us improve, please leave them here: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=221965&p=33580051#p33580051

[Ikania]

The puppet cries out as the puppetmasters rub their hands with glee. For all the talk about regional sovereignty, the clique sure doesn't like to hear opinions contrary to imperialist dogma.

[Funkadelia]

It is truly a shame that The Rejected Realms has chosen to isolate themselves from the GCR community at large. If anything, Balder's patience in this matter while dealing with the slights they outlined should be commended.

[Tupelope]

It is truly a shame that The Rejected Realms has chosen to isolate themselves from the GCR community at large. If anything, Balder's patience in this matter while dealing with the slights they outlined should be commended.

trash defends trash

[Cormactopia Prime]

Hi. Still retired. Just couldn't resist commenting on this when I heard about it (people should really stop telling me about NS stuff).

So, to be clear, your grievance with the Rejected Realms, which has prompted you to not only terminate relations but also to vaguely threaten them, is that people have noticed three of the four Sinkers are inactive wastelands? The Rejected Times said mean things about you so you're taking your ball and going home? If everyone terminated relations so easily, the Rejected Realms would long ago have terminated relations when Balder's Queen insisted upon highlighting Balder's artificially inflated activity by pointing out inactivity in other Sinkers, particularly the Rejected Realms.

This is a childish response. Full stop. I hope rather than following suit, Osiris will reflect on the truths told in the Rejected Times article, because truth be told I didn't find much fault with anything said. All three of the referenced Sinkers are a joke at this point, and that is largely due to their three Delegates sitting on their regions and stifling them rather than doing anything with them. If you're going to go with "monarchy" -- and especially if that monarchy is going to have a great deal of power, as it does in Osiris and until recently did in Lazarus -- you better make sure the "monarch" is going to do things, or you can expect assessments in which your regions are ranked last across the board. That's what happens when you actually are last by all metrics.

Rather than attacking the Rejected Realms, maybe the other Sinker Delegates should reflect on their failures. They're numerous.

Nice seeing you all again!

[Baalkistann]

[Killer Kitty]

So, to be clear, your grievance with the Rejected Realms, which has prompted you to not only terminate relations but also to vaguely threaten them, is that people have noticed three of the four Sinkers are inactive wastelands?

You know, I find it curious that TRR seems to hold the simultaneous opinion that every other sinker but TRR is trash whose opinion means nothing and that they believe TRR is the most "Tolerant and Accepting" GCR in the entire game.

I'm not sure TRR understands what those words mean.

[Glacikaldr]

So, to be clear, your grievance with the Rejected Realms, which has prompted you to not only terminate relations but also to vaguely threaten them, is that people have noticed three of the four Sinkers are inactive wastelands?

You know, I find it curious that TRR seems to hold the simultaneous opinion that every other sinker but TRR is trash whose opinion means nothing and that they believe TRR is the most "Tolerant and Accepting" GCR in the entire game.

I'm not sure TRR understands what those words mean.

How did TRT come off in this way? The Sinkerism article discussed the opinions expressed by all sinkers, and the GCRs survey had 51 participants. Maybe we are the most tolerant if we're trying to reason with responses such as these. I will wait for Cat and Fratt to respond to Balder, as Foreign Affairs is theirs to maintain.

Thanks for the thorough rebuttal Cormac. I have no problem with Osiris though. They seem, from my perspective, to take things well and communicate with us pretty openly. My problem is with Balder thinking they're standing up for all sinkers, ignoring that their current diplomatic action just hurt inter-sinker relations far more than newspaper articles ever could. If they have complaints, they have the opportunity to approach us just like anyone else. I'm disappointed that Lazarus, after handling this sensibly, is jumping on the Balder bandwagon. That is extremely two-faced of you EW, and I understand if you're just trying to backup Funk as your monarch. Still, you should have kept it among us rather than adding more fuel to an unnecessary fire.

[Libetarian Republics]

So, to be clear, your grievance with the Rejected Realms, which has prompted you to not only terminate relations but also to vaguely threaten them, is that people have noticed three of the four Sinkers are inactive wastelands?

You know, I find it curious that TRR seems to hold the simultaneous opinion that every other sinker but TRR is trash whose opinion means nothing and that they believe TRR is the most "Tolerant and Accepting" GCR in the entire game.

I'm not sure TRR understands what those words mean.

I'm not sure you're credible to be lecturing what Tolerant and Accepting means.

[Feux]

Hi. Still retired. Just couldn't resist commenting on this when I heard about it (people should really stop telling me about NS stuff).

So, to be clear, your grievance with the Rejected Realms, which has prompted you to not only terminate relations but also to vaguely threaten them, is that people have noticed three of the four Sinkers are inactive wastelands? The Rejected Times said mean things about you so you're taking your ball and going home? If everyone terminated relations so easily, the Rejected Realms would long ago have terminated relations when Balder's Queen insisted upon highlighting Balder's artificially inflated activity by pointing out inactivity in other Sinkers, particularly the Rejected Realms.

This is a childish response. Full stop. I hope rather than following suit, Osiris will reflect on the truths told in the Rejected Times article, because truth be told I didn't find much fault with anything said. All three of the referenced Sinkers are a joke at this point, and that is largely due to their three Delegates sitting on their regions and stifling them rather than doing anything with them. If you're going to go with "monarchy" -- and especially if that monarchy is going to have a great deal of power, as it does in Osiris and until recently did in Lazarus -- you better make sure the "monarch" is going to do things, or you can expect assessments in which your regions are ranked last across the board. That's what happens when you actually are last by all metrics.

Rather than attacking the Rejected Realms, maybe the other Sinker Delegates should reflect on their failures. They're numerous.

Nice seeing you all again!

Smashes the like button

[Malphe]

This is just petty imo.

[Catalyse]

TRR is open to discussing Balder's grievances and hopeful that both regions can seek a diplomatic resolution to this.

As for Balder's embassy in TRR's forum, it'll remain open for now.

This is TRR's Government's official stance on the issue.

[Aleister]

I would like to note that Canton isn't speaking on behalf of the Government, or with the permission of any other official.

I'm sure that this isn't the last time we'll be hearing that.

It certainly isn't the first.

[Funkadelia]

It is truly a shame that The Rejected Realms has chosen to isolate themselves from the GCR community at large. If anything, Balder's patience in this matter while dealing with the slights they outlined should be commended.

trash defends trash

“Tolerant and accepting.”

[North East Somerset]

TRR (and TSP) have made it very clear that they seek nothing more or less than our eradication, following Balder crushing their attempt to take control of Lazarus by deploying over 30 military units to reinforce the Delegacy, when the endogap fell under 50. We stuck our necks out, knowingly, doing what we did in Lazarus - and of course, we'd do it again. Some globalist defenders may feel most aggrieved they have lost a historic puppet of their cause, and even may lay some of the blame at Balder for this - and we accept that. But ultimately its been in the hands of TRR and TSP how they want to react to this going forwards. It seems they have chosen their path, for they have professed us to be perfidious. So be it.

The snipes and deliberate misrepresentation of our position and policies in their State newspaper, the Rejected Times, are seemingly representative of the ill-feeling directed to us from them, especially since those events late last year - and in the circumstances Balder's government has evidently concluded there is no point bothering to maintain in-game relations with such thinly veiled disdain as portrayed here.

As for Cormac's post - firstly welcome back - and I hope your post has it's desired effects to prove your value to - and buy the favour you seem to desire, with the defender establishment. Anyway, unfortunately in terms of the actual content of your post, your entire argument is a a bit of straw man. We didn't cut relations because of polling based on what is clearly an unrepresentative polling sample of "perceptions" - that is just incidental, and that was made clear in the context of the statement. We referenced the articles - written by TRR's Media Officer because they "contain multiple derogatory characterisations of Balder and our approach towards our fellow sinkers" - which are indicative of the critical lack of respect and even outright disdain for Balder.

Even if the initial polling was unfavourable, the kind of comments TRR's Media Officer made went well beyond analysis of the polling numbers, eg. "Their problem isn't so much their portfolio but a longstanding reputation filled to the brim with betrayal and cattiness". The most relevant "betrayal" referenced presumably being that of the recent Lazarus situation, supporting my earlier thesis about the nature and basis of present prevailing defender opinion.

[Guy]

I'm just going to leave this here:

Balder has become more active than Lazarus.

Technically this has generally always been true except during brief periods. Balder despite being much younger than Lazarus (and TRR) has more forum posts than both do for their entirety.

TRR needs to be bulldozed down and started anew because the entire region is built incorrectly.

It's just how you could fix an inactive region with a rotten base and terrible system.

But it's like I said, activity isn't for everyone.

TRR, at least from what I used to see how a lot of authoritarian aspects to its governance.

I think this is a shame, because despite Rach's penchant for attacking us, both sides have been reasonable about our relationship.

Glacikaldr is the official appointed by the government to run, edit and publish TRT on its behalf, and he's entitled to publish editorials. It'd be absurd to assume that each of his own opinions that he publishes as editor can be attributed to the government.

Disclaimer: I have no role in the TRR Government, and am a mere citizen.