NationStates Issues **SPOILER ALERT**

[Trotterdam]

Now we just need 1116.6 for vegetarian nations... right?

Actually, I think that the whole issue is unavailable for vegetarian nations. Note that the opening description also mentions chicken.

My data shows that the issue is very rarely answered on vegetarian nations (last time was half a year ago, and such a rare occurence can easily be explained by someone saving the issue and answering it later), supporting this.

On whose authority are we assuming that a sixth option exists? Searching through this thread, I can't find anyone except you vouching for the existence of a sixth option, but then you also predicted a gap for the second option before anyone actually posted it (or the internal option numberings) and you were right about that.

[Trotterdam]

I got #1131 on one of my nations, and noticed that the title has been changed: it was formerly "Practise Safe Sects?", but the "Practice" and question mark have been dropped for some reason.

I recaptured the entire issue text, just to be sure, although nothing appears to have changed:

#1131 Safe Sects

The Issue

Your niece @@RANDOMFEMALEFIRSTNAME_1@@, who reached the age of majority three weeks ago and left home the day afterwards, has finally written a letter: "Hello, blood relatives. I am safe and have found my real, spiritual family. The Society of Love are wonderful people who truly care about me. I have pledged one trillion years of loyal service and all my present and future possessions to them. If you love me, let me be happy and send me my stuff. Ta and that. Bye forever, Sister Sunny Sunshine Sunbeam."

The Debate

1. "@@RANDOMFEMALEFIRSTNAME_1@@ has been brainwashed!" sobs your sister. "She's been spouting mystical gobbledegook, acting distant, even reading. Now she's gone to one of these closed communities and changed her name? These happy-clappy guitar-wielding maniacs tell naïve teenagers that they could have unending happiness and wisdom and all that bullsh... -hickey, and the wide-eyed simpletons believe it. Now she wants to give up everything, even her dreams, to be a slave forever? You must break-up every cultic group that preys on young people. Drag our children home, if necessary!"

2. "Many insecure adolescents and young adults can be drawn to apparently friendly groups that seem to possess all the answers," postulates your uncle and sociologist, @@RANDOMMALEFIRSTNAME@@, the author of Cult Classics and Faustian Faiths. "Cults often employ 'love bombing', a technique where all cult members express constant affection towards a potential convert to snare them. Young people may be especially vulnerable to this, particularly if they come from troubled households. No, ahem, offence to your sister. Educate our young people to be aware of indoctrination techniques and signs, and teach them to think for themselves. Steel our youngsters against the cults in our midst."

3. "Cult is a word that the unspiritual and cowards use to mean a different idea," retorts your nephew, who's changed lately, after looking up from the brown-covered italics-titled book he's reading. "Sunny Sunshi... Rosalia is a grown woman. Once someone's old enough to choose their own faith, everyone should butt-out. In fact, it's no-one's business what any spiritually mature person believes. Someone who's attained Truth should not be kept from their spiritual home, just because they're a tiny thirteen months from the age of legal majority. Free supremely spiritual folks to follow our consciences. After all, there's no 'community' without 'unity', no 'community' withou... why are you all staring at me?"

Issue by The Free Joy State
Edited by Nation of Quebec

Do note that the current spoiler misses some random name macros (the current spoiler lists Jyn and Asok, I got Rosalia and Harambe) and italics.

[TalAkMaChen]

A long missing option text...
Issue 460, number 3 (for nations with or without ... policy), this one found at War Dogs VI

3. “The food imports are not a problem,” states @@RANDOMNAME@@, a wealthy gourmand, while drinking the tears of a thousand infants from a gilded skull. “@@NAME@@’s old palate was so incredibly mundane, and these exotic imports are just bursting with flavor. I’ve always said there’s a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to a Maxtopian carrot. The only real problem is all the provincials who spit upon our newfound cosmopolitan cuisine. In the name of progress, detain all the yokels that care more about food prices than culture.”

On comparison to the listed text for option 3, there is no difference whatsoever. Just the quotes, but that's old vs. new formatting. While I double-checked my text to be option 3, maybe the old text is also option 3, not 4? If so, who says there are four options to "Salt of the Earth"? I see four listed in Trotterdam's list of lines, but else?

3. "The food imports are not a problem," states @@RANDOMNAME@@, a wealthy gourmand, while drinking the tears of a thousand infants from a gilded skull. "@@NAME@@'s old palate was so incredibly mundane, and these exotic imports are just bursting with flavor. I've always said there's a certain 'je ne sais quoi' to a Maxtopian carrot. The only real problem is all the provincials who spit upon our newfound cosmopolitan cuisine. In the name of progress, detain all the yokels that care more about food prices than culture."

[Candlewhisper Archive]

**deleted post, my error**

[The Free Joy State]

I can confirm that there are no further changes to be found to "Safe Sects".

[Trotterdam]

On comparison to the listed text for option 3, there is no difference whatsoever. Just the quotes, but that's old vs. new formatting. While I double-checked my text to be option 3, maybe the old text is also option 3, not 4? If so, who says there are four options to "Salt of the Earth"? I see four listed in Trotterdam's list of lines, but else?

The existence of a missing option was reported by Arceus Domains, which I simply assumed to be reliable.

For now, I'll assume that options 3 and 4 are different-stats-only duplicates with exactly the same text. Let me know if you find evidence otherwise.

[TalAkMaChen]

...
[*]#460: Reported options are 1, 2 and 4. Missing one could be a capitalist variant for option 2.

While I value the input of Arceus, I see little proof for this assumption. Sure, the option text of 2 has

Let's set up a limited number of government farms at select places.

which does sound pretty Socialist. Yet I had the very same text (and option) in the Capitalist War Dogs VI.
Options rather let you choose 1) let people go back to farm the land; 2) have the gov set up farms; 3) detain protesters.
So, I see no justification for socialist/capitalist splitting, unless someone can show there indeed is an internal "choice-3" at their nation for #460. A chance could be a "no prison" variant of option 3, but "detain [them]" sounds vague enough to include prisons and other means of detention.

[Jutsa]

Now we just need 1116.6 for vegetarian nations... right?

Actually, I think that the whole issue is unavailable for vegetarian nations. Note that the opening description also mentions chicken.

My data shows that the issue is very rarely answered on vegetarian nations (last time was half a year ago, and such a rare occurence can easily be explained by someone saving the issue and answering it later), supporting this.

On whose authority are we assuming that a sixth option exists? Searching through this thread, I can't find anyone except you vouching for the existence of a sixth option, but then you also predicted a gap for the second option before anyone actually posted it (or the internal option numberings) and you were right about that.

True! But the sixth option was simply me not realizing the description also has meat in it, so I'm completely removing that.

ed: Pffft, while removing that from my list of missing options I also realized I failed to remove one of my own reported issues. Ah, dear...

I got #1131 on one of my nations, and noticed that the title has been changed: it was formerly "Practise Safe Sects?", but the "Practice" and question mark have been dropped for some reason.

Updated! Actually, this reminds me of an issue of mine I had renamed, for some reason...
and... *checks* CWA DANGIT I forgot to update it in my own issues list!

Not sure if giving information about names being random is cheating/ would ruin the thrill of the chase

NOT AT ALL! The thrill of the chase is finding missing issues and options! The name randomness is just a scourge and an endless war.

[Trotterdam]

I noticed that the shooter in #528 is now (or was always?) a randomly-gendered @@MAN/WOMAN@@.

[Candlewhisper Archive]

I noticed that the shooter in #528 is now (or was always?) a randomly-gendered @@MAN/WOMAN@@.

Yeah, that changed just under two years ago.

[TalAkMaChen]

I think all of the remaining unreported issues are chain issues. The first chains from #70 4 and #196 5, the second chains from #577 2, and the third chains from #183 5. Of course, Jutsa should already know about that last one...

So I wonder what 1288 could be, then. A fourth chain, maybe? Or some niche validity like the recent 1281 maybe.

[Trotterdam]

So I wonder what 1288 could be, then. A fourth chain, maybe?

A good call. I decided to have a look, and it appears that it might derive from #879 4 (only one sighting so far, but I should have more by tomorrow).

[Jutsa]

I noticed that the shooter in #528 is now (or was always?) a randomly-gendered @@MAN/WOMAN@@.

fixed.

[Candlewhisper Archive]

I think all of the remaining unreported issues are chain issues. The first chains from #70 4 and #196 5, the second chains from #577 2, and the third chains from #183 5. Of course, Jutsa should already know about that last one...

So I wonder what 1288 could be, then. A fourth chain, maybe? Or some niche validity like the recent 1281 maybe.

Not surprised you guys haven't found it yet. It's a niche consequence issue, chaining from no less than 6 issue options, but they're all rarely selected ones. In the 16 days since it was released, only 45 nations have answered it. In contrast 1294 has been around for 3 days and already has well over twenty times as many respondents.

[Trotterdam]

So I wonder what 1288 could be, then. A fourth chain, maybe?

A good call. I decided to have a look, and it appears that it might derive from #879 4 (only one sighting so far, but I should have more by tomorrow).

It also chains from #715 4/5.

Candlewhisper says it chains off a total of six issue options, so that leaves three (or four, if he wasn't counting duplicates) not explicitly observed yet, but the theme is pretty easy to figure out.

Some other likely candidates are #472 5, #587 5/6, #1027 3, and #1218 4. I'll keep an eye out if I can confirm these.

[Merconitonitopia]

I have noticed a amendment to #40 which has not yet been accounted for.

On the other side, there’s @@NATION@@'s Education Administrator. “This is shocking news. If the children of tomorrow cannot read, then what? Next thing you know, we will be speaking with contractions! The government must devote more efforts to education! Where will we be twenty years from now with an overflow of unskilled labor?”

The text in bold used to read 'ebonics'.

[Candlewhisper Archive]

I have noticed a amendment to #40 which has not yet been accounted for.

On the other side, there’s @@NATION@@'s Education Administrator. “This is shocking news. If the children of tomorrow cannot read, then what? Next thing you know, we will be speaking with contractions! The government must devote more efforts to education! Where will we be twenty years from now with an overflow of unskilled labor?”

The text in bold used to read 'ebonics'.

Was actually in response to a change request in this forum, and reported back on directly, but I guess Jutsa doesn't have time to follow the other stickied threads.

Or I might be misremembering.

Either way, good spot.

[Jutsa]

Was actually in response to a change request in this forum, and reported back on directly, but I guess Jutsa doesn't have time to follow the other stickied threads.

I'm getting to it! Just gonna take me a couple months...

[Trotterdam]

A good call. I decided to have a look, and it appears that it might derive from #879 4 (only one sighting so far, but I should have more by tomorrow).

It also chains from #715 4/5.

Candlewhisper says it chains off a total of six issue options, so that leaves three (or four, if he wasn't counting duplicates) not explicitly observed yet, but the theme is pretty easy to figure out.

Some other likely candidates are #472 5, #587 5/6, #1027 3, and #1218 4. I'll keep an eye out if I can confirm these.

And now I spotted a nation getting the issue from... #890 5? All of the other possibilities make even less sense.

[TalAkMaChen]

AAaand here we go Got it after 715,5

#1288: Have They Lost Their Minds? [USS Monitor; ed: Candlewhisper Archive]

The Issue

In the last few years, cutting edge neurosurgical centers have been using electronic implants to help patients regain brain function that has been lost due to head trauma or neurodegenerative diseases. Many of these individuals rely on implants for a large proportion of their cognitive function. Unfortunately, the recent abolition of AI citizenship has left these patients in a legal gray area.

The Debate

1. “Our brains are what define us as human beings,” says Professor @@RANDOMNAME@@ of @@CAPITAL@@ University, smugly staring down at you as if you are a student at one of @@HIS@@ lectures. “If these ‘people’ are controlled by computer chips, then they’re AIs and they’re not entitled to any special rights just because they have some human organs.”

2. “That’s ridiculous!” protests traffic accident victim turned cyborg @@RANDOMNAME@@. “My implants don’t make me any less human. They’re just a medical treatment. I’m still the same person I was before my accident. I... Oh, dear, I think my hard drive just rebooted. What were we talking about?”

3. “I agree with the professor, but I don’t think @@HE@@ fully appreciates the significance of what @@HE@@’s saying,” says Social Darwinist fruitcake @@RANDOMNAME@@, who has barged into your office dressed like an actual fruitcake on @@HIS@@ way home from @@HIS@@ shift as a mascot for a local bakery. “These people are functionally dead, but they’re still using organs that could be used to save lives. You should harvest their organs to help people that still have working brains.”

Issue by USS Monitor
Edited by Candlewhisper Archive

(Names at War Dogs XX were: 1, Prof. Hugo Santiago; 2, Minerva Aran; 3, Tom Gaudí)
Also, I believe at option 1 a name of the University is missing? "@@Capital@@ University" or something? Fixed, too

[USS Monitor]

Also, I believe at option 1 a name of the University is missing? "@@Capital@@ University" or something?

Looks like there was a typo that broke the macros. I've brought it up backstage for one of the editors that can modify live issues to fix it.

[Candlewhisper Archive]

Fixed! Note to self: Capital is spelt with one "l".

[The Candy Of Bottles]

1295 - Show Trial

The Issue
Previously untouchable mob boss Buff Tony was recently arrested and charged with numerous offences including extortion, racketeering, and money laundering. Public interest is considerable, and the media are asking to be allowed to televise the proceedings.

The Debate
0.) “Buff Tony is rumoured to have a long arm, and there are legitimate concerns that the trial will be corrupted,” argues television producer Athena Galavan. “The judiciary is only just when it is held accountable by the people, but it’s impractical for the wider public to attend court in person. The media is a powerful conduit to the public and should be allowed to film in court to promote fairness and transparency in the judicial system.”

Accept

1.) “Allowing the media to film in court will be making a circus out of a serious process,” counters courtroom sketch artist Emile McKinnon, as he puts the finishing touches to an unflattering caricature of you. “The parties will inevitably be grandstanding to the TV cameras instead of making a proper case. While I agree that it is in the public interest to allow Rainbow Ponies to witness and report on court proceedings, filming devices should not be permitted in court.”

Accept

2.) “And what about my client’s right to privacy?” asks the lawyer for Buff Tony, surreptitiously sliding a bulging envelope towards you. “Being on trial is distressing enough and shouldn’t be compounded by parasitic journalists publicizing intimate or embarassing details about a defendant. For the sake of decency, the public shouldn’t be allowed to witness, let alone report on, court proceedings.”

Accept

3.) “Objection!” yells celebrity attorney Fenix Rong, without making it clear what he is objecting to, but striking a heroic pointing pose as he does so. “Trials should not only be televised, they should be entertaining! Surprise witnesses! Last minute evidence! Shouting at criminals till they break down! That’s what people want to see. Objection, I say, objection!”

Accept

Dismiss This Issue

Issue by The Green Kingdom of Fontenais

Edited by Candlewhisper Archive

The name in option 3 is clearly fixed, but I can't speak for the others. Also, Chrome is telling me "rumoured" in option 0 and "embarassing" in option 2 are misspelled.

[Nouveau Yathrib]

Issue # 462 for the NS Index Wiki - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Option Number 2 has changed from:

"A protesting, middle-aged, overweight female resident, sporting an unflattering dress and far too much makeup, demands your attention. "Do you expect a young, single, and needless I say attractive female like myself to walk the streets IN THE DARK!? Oh how all the unsavory characters across @@NAME@@ would just love that! Stop pandering to this madness and keep the streets lit whatever the cost!" |

to

"A woman in yoga pants pauses stretching to remark: “Excuse me, do you see what I’ve got going on here? I can’t be walking this down unlit streets at night. I can barely do it in the daytime. Keeping the lights on at all times will make Rkainjel feel safe and welcoming for everyone, not just the heavily armed.” She adjusts her gym bag, which clanks."

The outcome is still the same. "The installation of street lights across remote goat tracks has left citizens bemused."

What was the rationale for this change?

[Candlewhisper Archive]

Issue # 462 for the NS Index Wiki - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Option Number 2 has changed from:

"A protesting, middle-aged, overweight female resident, sporting an unflattering dress and far too much makeup, demands your attention. "Do you expect a young, single, and needless I say attractive female like myself to walk the streets IN THE DARK!? Oh how all the unsavory characters across @@NAME@@ would just love that! Stop pandering to this madness and keep the streets lit whatever the cost!" |

to

"A woman in yoga pants pauses stretching to remark: “Excuse me, do you see what I’ve got going on here? I can’t be walking this down unlit streets at night. I can barely do it in the daytime. Keeping the lights on at all times will make Rkainjel feel safe and welcoming for everyone, not just the heavily armed.” She adjusts her gym bag, which clanks."

The outcome is still the same. "The installation of street lights across remote goat tracks has left citizens bemused."

What was the rationale for this change?

Player complaints about the insensitivity of suggesting that there's humour in someone overweight and middle-aged thinking they might be assaulted.

General consensus was that the complaints had something to them, so a change was made.