Embassy of the South Pacific

[Mostly Benevolent Tyranny]

Also, marsupials are an affront to God and man.

That's offensive.

But true.

*fires up the marsupial barbecue*

[Kanglia]

That's offensive.

But true.

*fires up the marsupial barbecue*

Mmmm. I sure love some BBQ marsupial with my SPIT

[Pencil Sharpeners 2]

Forum version | Dispatch version



TSP reveals plan for next constitutional crisis

With almost two years having passed since TSP’s last constitutional crisis, The Coalition has revealed its intent to organise a new one that will be ‘bigger and better’ than any before. The Southern Onion has spoken to Prime Minister Roavin about his plans for the event.

“TSP has a long history of being wildly unstable,” remarks Roavin, from behind his gold-plated desk in the Prime Minister’s office. “I unfortunately missed the last crisis, but joined just in time for the subsequent Great Council, which really whetted my appetite for future drama. I’d now like to usher in what will hopefully be the greatest GCR crisis in NS history.”

While many of the details are being kept a secret, an excited Roavin is keen to tell me some of the planned features he’s most proud of.

“This isn’t just going to be a simple kerfuffle with just two factions involved; we’re planning for four or five, all vying for control of the region. There will be confusion, betrayals, ragequits: all the usual fun, but this time it will be taken to the next level.”

Roavin explains to me that he plans to use January’s Delegate election to kick things off, with rumours of ‘election fraud’ and ‘outside influence’, but the ‘real fun’ will begin in February, when the cabinet elections will ‘descend into chaos’.

“There will be anger and fireballs and hatred!” An increasingly animated Roavin proclaims, “We will have a new Delegate each day! The CRS will be split across the different factions! Half our nations at least will be taking a trip to TRR!”

But the part that excites the Prime Minister the most is the Great Council that will follow. “Any TSPer will tell just how much I love Great Councils. I’d have them every month if I could, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing one again.”

In recent months TSP has had a controversial reputation among other regions, so Minister of Foreign Affairs Tim Stark talks us through the implications of this crisis on our relations with our allies and enemies.

“Recently many regions have expressed concern about the number of Defenders, and particularly Wardens, in TSP’s government. This crisis is a way for us to show the international community that, despite the Warden influence, this is still the same old dysfunctional, argumentative TSP that everyone knows and loves.”

Since Roavin mentioned ‘outside influence’, I press Tim about what other regions he expects to get involved in this crisis.

“Well, the claims of outside influence don’t actually have to be true; they’re just a way of stirring the pot and hopefully starting arguments. However, I anticipate that many regions will get involved, as most of our enemies rely solely on TSP’s drama for their own activity. This will bring a new dimension to the crisis, and hopefully some new recruits to The Grey Wardens too.”

An area which TSP has been criticised for in the past is how the gameside members are often excluded from events, with only those on the forums getting the full experience. I spoke to Local Councillor Drall about what his plans for the event are.

“I think it’s imperative to make sure the RMB community are at the centre of the action,” asserts Drall, carefully sipping his cup of coffee in the minimalist LC lounge. “Once I’ve ran out of insults to fire at Glen and Cormac, I’ll do my best to ensure that the RMBers receive their fair share of toxicity, accusations, and banjections. Of course, the LC will likely be dissolved by one of the rogue Delegates at some point, but I still consider it my duty to keep the RMB informed on who you currently have to bribe to avoid being dumped into TRR.”

This is very exciting news for all TSPers, and many others around NS too. With all branches of TSP’s government taking a united approach to insanity, this promises to be a crisis to remember.

---

The Southern Onion is at the NSWF!

[Miporin]

This but unironically :^)

[Killer Kitty]

Very edgy.

[Lenlyvit]

I guess ill be the one to say you guys are nuts if you're going to purposefully destabilize TSP. Just saying.

[Pencil Sharpeners 2]

Very edgy.

I'm edgier than a complete graph.

I guess ill be the one to say you guys are nuts if you're going to purposefully destabilize TSP. Just saying.

*Eats nuts*
It's for drama. Drama is fun!
*Continues eating nuts*

[Escade]

Well, PS2 there's so many parts of this that I love

And I for one have never been in a Great Council, so I look forward to a Great once since I guess all the other councils so far have been okay, not so great, boring or downright like meh-ish.

Also upvote the dispatch:
https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=937297

[Mostly Benevolent Tyranny]

Word for word truth.

[Aumeltopia]

I for one look forward to this. Lazarus only whetted my appetite, the prelude to the crème de la crème if you will.

[Minister of Military Affairs]

Mermaid Tales - An SPSF News Update
Lux, Veritas, Virtus
Dispatch |Region |Forum |Become an Elite Soldier | Discord Server

---

Vexillography- Somy's Designs

Space

Vexillology is the study of flags which includes their history, symbolism, and design. NationStates, and in particular regions like Forest have many players who are fascinated by flags and are vexillophiles.

Somyrion, the official artist of the SPSF, has designed a series of beautiful flags for TSP's military organization including many lovely and requested thematic variations.

He discussed some of the principles of good flag design:
1. Keep it simple
2. Use a harmonious colour palette
3. Use unique symbols - not generic stars or bars but symbols and designs that are unique and haven't been used before

Here are some absolutely gorgeous SPSF flags designed by Somy!

Midnight Stars


Glimmer


Fire


Water


Ice


Watercolor


Purple Glaze


Dark Side of the Moon


Bordeaux


Steel

Which SPSF flag is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

For those interested in further information, Somy suggests The North American Vexillogical Association which has an entire guidebook (PDF here) on principles of good flag design and aesthetics.

~

General USoVietnam's Annual Public Report Release #6

General USoVietnam of the SPSF has once again released an in-depth report on the SPSF which can be read in all of its full statistics and glory in the dispatch here. Under General USoVietnam the SPSF continues to release high quality reports that track the military and inspire members towards new goals.

Especially of note is a GIF that shows the liberation of the Socialist Alliance of Eurasia. As always, upvote the dispatch!

~

In Vogue

The South Pacific Special Forces have long set fashion trends across the South Pacific. Military inspired runway trends include seashell crowns and accessories, scales, tridents and other mermaid-y designs. This column showcases the best and most striking fashion trends inspired by the SPSF!

For our second column, we wanted to highlight the fishtail braid trend. This particular braid, inspired by mermaid tails, can be worn in multiple ways and adds an intricate and beachy vibe to any look.

For fashionable people who want to try it out themselves, check out this tutorial.


~

Mission Highlights


Over the past two weeks, SPSFers engaged in a number of missions across the spectrum.

SPSF Members (in no particular order) - USoVietnam, Nakari, Somyrion, Escade, Roavin and Co. - Turning It Up

Notable highlights include the lithe and fearsome troops going for an early morning run in the Forbidden Forest to protect the The Unicorn Brigade from dark lords.

SPSFers also stopped by in Flavor Town for a delicious and richly flavored experience before rabble rousing with the Proletariat against the bourgeoisie. Then SPSF engaged in a feisty battle to let Discord reign free and to top it off the of age stopped by at the Vodka Union and partook in unions

Furthermore, we once again looked out for our seafaring friends by defending the oft sought out Patreon Chat Archipelago and the North Sea Collective.

This mermaid was saved by the SPSF and has been restored to the North Sea, her home.

~

SPSF Playlist

SPSFers from this Thursday's major update shared one song from their playlist:

Allie X - Paper Love

James Brown - I Feel Good

Modest Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition

~

Next Issue Preview: Say Goodbye to 2017 and Hello, 2018!

~
Interested in writing or producing content for Mermaid Tales? Mermaid Tales is a weekly\biweekly update on all things SPSF. TG Escade with your content, ideas, etc.

[Queen Yuno]

These are really cute flags
The thing i love most are Vietnam's annual reports
Those are magnificent
SO MANY STATISTICS AND NUMBERS @.@
*Wishes she weren't WA locked*
https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=938070 (UsOVietnam dispatch) Every time one of these dispatches come out, I think it won't be as great as the previous one but it ends up better than the previous. Keep creating :3
@Esc: SPSF MERMAIDS <3 you've made the SPSF beautiful

Personally, I'd like to see more raids, but again WA lock here and is not a leader in TSP so my comment is just a bystander's opinion. Keep up the great work~
~Yun

[Roavin]

Viet's reports are stunningly wonderful.

[The Church of Satan]

I really like the red one. I almost said fire but something about it just puts me off.

[Tim-Opolis]

Somyrion is honestly such a good graphic artist, goddamn.

Loved the report, loved Vietnam's statistics, love the flags, loved it all <3

[United Federated States of Omega]

Those annual reports are 17/10. Man, they are so so good. Huge shoutout to Viet for his work on them. Love the flags too!

[The Noble Thatcherites]

I can see Escade as Veronica, I can't see Somy as Archie. But... Eh. Great report nonetheless.

[Escade]

I can see Escade as Veronica, I can't see Somy as Archie. But... Eh. Great report nonetheless.

Hey, it's a CW show many things will happen, switch up and I actually amn't sure who I would cast as who exactly

[Lenlyvit]

Oh... My... God.... THOSE FLAGS ARE GREAT. I already told Som that I elevated him to graphic godhood on Discord, so maybe someone will back me up on that one? <3 <3 <3

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

RIP Invictean.

Citizens of TSP Next! A ring of steel surrounds your rotten region! We will crush all those who dare to resist the will of the SPSF!

Abandon your posts!

Abandon your homes!

Abandon all hope!

URRRAAA!!!

[USS Monitor]

RIP Invictean.

Citizens of TSP Next! A ring of steel surrounds your rotten region! We will crush all those who dare to resist the will of the SPSF!

Abandon your posts!

Abandon your homes!

Abandon all hope!

URRRAAA!!!

It looks strange to see you posting somewhere other than NSG, and even stranger to see you making this sort of tough talk.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

RIP Invictean.

Citizens of TSP Next! A ring of steel surrounds your rotten region! We will crush all those who dare to resist the will of the SPSF!

Abandon your posts!

Abandon your homes!

Abandon all hope!

URRRAAA!!!

It looks strange to see you posting somewhere other than NSG, and even stranger to see you making this sort of tough talk.

It was early in the morning and itwas the first thing I thought of.

[Escade]

Oh... My... God.... THOSE FLAGS ARE GREAT. I already told Som that I elevated him to graphic godhood on Discord, so maybe someone will back me up on that one? <3 <3 <3

2nded

[Minister of Military Affairs]

Mermaid Tales - An SPSF News Update - Issue #3
Lux, Veritas, Virtus
Dispatch |Region |Forum |Become an Elite Soldier | Discord Server

---

Harry Potter and the Festival of Friends

From Friday evening January 19 to Wednesday January 24, TSP and 10,000 Islands will be hosting a Harry Potter themed festival! So many of us have grown up with the magical wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling and this festival will allow us to engage in games, roleplays, discussions and challenges with fellow fans and festival goers!

Your ticket to the festival? Take this custom build Buzzfeed Quiz on which Hogwarts House you would be sorted into based on your NationStates and Harry Potter interests and bring a screen cap of it with you to be sorted into the festival shenanigans!

The screen cap itself will earn your House 10 points and the House with the most points at the end of the festival earns a House Cup and gets a shout out on our WFEs, forums, and the magical Discord for this event!

Get your wands, charms and spells ready for a wondrous event! All friends, allies and positive vibes welcome

~

Werewolf Hype Continues

Werewolf games on the TRR Discord continue to attract huge crowds of players with 9-14 players games being quite common on weekends. Players often get into interesting (and sometimes heated) discussions about strategies and gameplay styles. And while deductive reasoning is relied on heavily to determine roles and narrow down wolves, Lady Luck (or Misfortune as it may be) continue to make sure that the game cannot be won by logic alone (at least most of the time).

SPSFers and Werewolf enthusiasts or those just curious should check out TRR, a lively and fun community! The Rejected Realms also hosts Werewolf themed forum games so check out their forums if you haven't gotten your fill of wolf

~

In Vogue

The South Pacific Special Forces have long set fashion trends across the South Pacific. Military inspired runway trends include seashell crowns and accessories, scales, tridents and other mermaid-y designs. This column showcases the best and most striking fashion trends inspired by the SPSF!

For our third column, we wanted to highlight the seahorse charms that can be found on many necklaces, key ring sets, and various accessories across the realm. The seahorse is the SPSF's mascot and a fascinating animal!

Amazing Facts About Seahorses:
1. Seahorses are like the chameleons of the sea. They can change colour very quickly and match any surroundings in which they find themselves.
Source: The Seahorse Trust

A baby fry camouflaging it up

2. Seahorses pair for life and their courtship ritual can last for up to eight hours. They meet first thing in the morning to reinforce their pair bonding with an elaborate courtship display. The female meets the male in his territory and as they approach each other, they change color. The male circles around the female and the pair often spiral around an object.
Source: The Seahorse Trust

3. The seahorse male is the only creature where the male has a true reversed pregnancy. The female transfers her eggs to the male which he self-fertilises in his pouch. The number of eggs can vary from 50-150 for smaller species to 1500 for larger species. Gestation time varies from 14 days to 4 weeks. A seahorse male can produce a brood of baby seahorse in the morning and become pregnant again by nightfall!
Source: The Seahorse Trust

4. A group of seahorses are called a herd. A baby seahorse is called a fry. Awww <3

5. Some seahorse species are vulnerable due to environmental issues and because they are hunted in certain areas for medicinal or tourist use. New species of seahorse are still being discovered even today.

~

Mission Journal


SPSFers continued to work with allies and friends on a spectrum of R\D missions over the past two weeks.

We liberated, defended or detagged regions with TGW, RRA, RIASF, UDSAF, UDF and tagged regions with Lily.

What's it like to go on a chase?

It's one part mystery, one part exhilarating adrenaline rush, and one part frolicking like a herd of seahorses!

SPSFers visit our mermaid brethren to get a token of good luck before embarking on liberations!

Shout outs
Shout outs to newer recruits Nathan and Neu Hundland who are on at updates and racking up skill points!

Shout out and sweet Happy Birthday wishes to SPSF friend Lily <3

A very big shout out to General Vietnam who is preparing SPSF report #7 as we speak and has great plans for SPSF and TSP
~



Next Issue Preview: State of the SPSF Address
~
Interested in writing or producing content for Mermaid Tales? Mermaid Tales is a weekly\biweekly update on all things SPSF. TG Escade with your content, ideas, etc.

[Tim-Opolis]

So excited for the festival