NationStates Flag Bracket II (Congratulations to Albali!)

[Paradeavenlisian States]

Oh wow, frankly, I didn't expect my alternate flag to win that round by that margin.

Anyways, for Match 2, this is a somewhat tough one to decide on. While Velosia's flag has more realism in the ''traditional'' sense and has an, arguably, more appealing colour scheme, Alanis Star's flag has more authenticity and simplicity. But ultimately, I'm voting for Alanis Star since the design is simply much more unique and exhibits more simplicity. Also, I don't know why, but Alanis Star's flag seems to give off more of a ''character''(probably because of the symbolism), if you know what I mean. Still, both flags have excellent designs which both gives off an aesthetic that, more or less, reflects on the nations' lores.

[Drongonia]

I think Alanis Star is a very fine flag and it gets my vote for this round.

[Vaspelia]

Siding with Velosia, in symbolistic depth is better. There's no doubt that Alanis Star's makes you sure it's part from the ValentineZ-verse. But first, i see the lines of AS' flag uneven, and second, the symbolism of Velosia is heavily influenced by his history. If i remember right, Valentine Z existance in-lore is just barely one century, but i when see Velosia, i consider it must have more centuries of history made of political and social drama, painful struggles and hard-worked glories, maybe it even has a millennium!. Also i haven't seen flags that use pastel colors, and good enough for someone that isn't into pastel ones like me will appreciate.

[Greenwichian Arcadia]

Man, that's really a close call!
Velosian flag looks more grounded and realistic and it appears that the coat of arms is unique, which is a huge effort to develop it from the ground up! And It's nice that the red doesn't stand for, y'know, "blood of those who fight for the freedom."
Flag of Alanis Star looks both determined and kind-hearted, an emotionally appealing non-standard combo done right.
These flags are just different and it's hard for me to make an objective and unbiased vote on which one is 'better.' I, however, tend to gravitate to more minimalistic designs.

[New Spiedska]

As much as I like Alanis Star (It's a really good flag!), I'm going to vote for Velosia here. I like the color scheme

[Barfleur]

I'll cast my vote for Alanis Star--it's a nice simple flag, and I appreciate the colors and contrast.

[Aurevbush]

Alanis star ftw, both have a good color scheme, but you know me when I say I'm very fond of minimalist designs.

[-Astoria]

The flag you put at the start isn't the one I want to compete with; I'll be using the current flag;

• The six-star circle represents each of the states that make up the republic.
• The centre star represents the unity of the federation [although since 1900 can also refer to the capital's territory - for a real-world example, think DC].
• The blue background represents the north Atlantic ocean which surrounds the country.
• The white stripes represent the uninterrupted peace that the nation has enjoyed since time immemorial.
• The red stripes represents the popular uprising of 1643, which overthrew the then-extant monarchy & replaced it with one of the world's first republics

---

• This flag has the same features as the official flag; however, the semicircle of stars have been replaced with the national coat of arms, which depict the original four states of the federation.

---

• The alternating white & blue ribbons represent the Stečé river, popularly described as its "national" river.
• The white background represents the people's desire for happiness.
• The symbol in the flag's hoist represents the Žamij monument in Strámat's^{the capital} Kábraj Square; before 1990, a hammer-and-sickle symbol took the place of the red star at the top.

[The Cosmic Mainframe]

The flag you put at the start isn't the one I want to compete with; I'll be using the current flag;

(Image)

• The six-star circle represents each of the states that make up the republic.
• The centre star represents the unity of the federation [although since 1900 can also refer to the capital's territory - for a real-world example, think DC].
• The blue background represents the north Atlantic ocean which surrounds the country.
• The white stripes represent the uninterrupted peace that the nation has enjoyed since time immemorial.
• The red stripes represents the popular uprising of 1643, which overthrew the then-extant monarchy & replaced it with one of the world's first republics

---

(Image)

• This flag has the same features as the official flag; however, the semicircle of stars have been replaced with the national coat of arms, which depict the original four states of the federation.

---

(Image)

• The alternating white & blue ribbons represent the Stečé river, popularly described as its "national" river.
• The white background represents the people's desire for happiness.
• The symbol in the flag's hoist represents the Žamij monument in Strámat's^{the capital} Kábraj Square; before 1990, a hammer-and-sickle symbol took the place of the red star at the top.

Updated.

[Onocarcass]

Alanis star ftw, both have a good color scheme, but you know me when I say I'm very fond of minimalist designs.

^this, this is exactly my thought process here as well.

[Bloodshade]

The flag of Bloodshade is a representation of the plight of the Bloodshadian people: A mixture of refugees consisting of humans, elves, dwarfs and vampires who sailed an interstellar ark ship, 'Erebus', in order to find a paradise of their own amidst the stars, after the cataclysmic 'War of Woes' brought about extreme instability to their former homeworld's tectonic plates, enabling it to be plagued by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes until it would eventually blow up, exterminating all life along with its death. Now then, onto the meaning behind the flag which I shall go into detail. The colours and emblem on the flag represent a myriad of meanings:

• The light blue is a representation of the perseverance of the Bloodshadian people as they travelled the black null void of space in order to find a place which they can finally call home. Some believe that it signifies the liberation of the people from the shackles of tradition and ancient grudges, joining in a common struggle to finally grant future generations a planet that they can call home, free from hazardous bigotry and xenophobia.
  
• The blood-red aspect is an extremely significant part of the flag as it is supposed to immortalize those whose blood was spilt in the unfortunate 'War of Woes' and in the pursuit of a new home-world, currently named Tejon. The people of Bloodshade are not ones to shy away from conflict because they have everything to lose. Tejon is their home and they refuse to allow anyone to snatch that from them.
  
• The white should represent the purity and innocence of the Bloodshadians as they roamed the galaxy in the hopes of settling down. They were a substantial collection of plucky, desperate survivors that simply wanted another chance at life, hoping that fate would be a merciful mistress for once. At their lowest point, they were finally of one heart and mind.
  
• The 'Vega Eagle', named after the brightest star in Lyra, is supposed to represent the burning sensation in the souls of the Bloodshadians as they soar across the void of space. To them, the 'Vega Eagle' is a sign of hope, courage and regal power. Your typical eagle is known to be able to travel for 255 miles a day during its migration period, showcasing its determination and zeal. Coincidentally, the people have Bloodshade spent many years on the interstellar ark ship known as 'Erebus', neither stopping nor resting until they could settle down in greener pastures.
  
• As for the bundle of arrows, officially, it is supposed to acknowledge the power being wielded the Vega Eagle. Some say it is a or should be a representation of the the militaristic nature of their people but most found this unofficial meaning to be rather traumatic and malicious in nature, considering the 'War of Woes' is still a rather fresh memory. Others claim that the 'three arrows' is a sign of resistance against the ancient ideologies that had resulted in the destruction of the Bloodshadian's original home planet. Those ideologies being ethnic nationalism, communism and absolute monarchism.
  
• Simply put, the thunderbolt is a divine weapon. It is supposed to represent the instantaneous retributive destruction that Bloodshade could wreak upon its rival if its people were angered or wronged. Despite the depressing turn of events due to the 'War of Woes', this has only created stronger men and women that will rabidly protect what they believe is dear to them.

Sup! Decided to jump in with a flag of mine at the last minute because why not?

[The Cosmic Mainframe]

(Image)

Sup! Decided to jump in with a flag of mine at the last minute because why not?

Doing well.

Accepted! You took the last spot available, and will be matched against The Perpetual Peace's main flag.

[Bloodshade]

Awesome! Glad to be a part of the competition! Best of luck to all the competitors!

[Tor-bana-ing]

Am I actually last place in this flag bracket? And can I put it in my sig? Like, for INFAMY!

[-Astoria]

\And can I put it in my sig? Like, for INFAMY!

Why not, eh?

[The Cosmic Mainframe]

Am I actually last place in this flag bracket? And can I put it in my sig? Like, for INFAMY!

Sure, but you aren't officially last place yet. If we're going by the precedent from the last bracket, you would have to lose with the worst margin out of anyone to be last place. Still, you definitely placed quite low and you can put something like that in your sig. Maybe "NationStates Flag Bracket II: First Eliminated!"

[Fallen Albali]

I've decided to add descriptions to all of my submitted flags (page 3). Not very good at doing it, but at least they actually have some words accompanying them now

[New Solaurora]

It's nice to see so many people being brought together by our common love of flags. Good on ya TCM!

[The Cosmic Mainframe]

It's nice to see so many people being brought together by our common love of flags. Good on ya TCM!

Thanks! I appreciate the number of compliments I've been receiving for this.

53 submitters is quite a large - and to me surprising - number. We've brought in a good chunk of Forum 7, and then some!

[The Cosmic Mainframe]

I've decided to add descriptions to all of my submitted flags (page 3). Not very good at doing it, but at least they actually have some words accompanying them now

Oh and sorry for the delay, but your descriptions are being added. Not badly written, and thanks for saving me the time I would have spent trawling for your submissions.

[Demirestad]

I noticed that the description stated that there is still one more slot, so I thought I might as well throw my hat in the ring and enter in my new and improved flag design I made recently to replace my nations old tri-color and cross.

I will probably add details regarding the symbology and such later.

So if the spot is open and you are ok with my submission I would like to join.

[The Cosmic Mainframe]

I noticed that the description stated that there is still one more slot, so I thought I might as well throw my hat in the ring and enter in my new and improved flag design I made recently to replace my nations old tri-color and cross.

(Image)

I will probably add details regarding the symbology and such later.

So if the spot is open and you are ok with my submission I would like to join.

Actually, that spot was already taken by Bloodshade. Sorry!

[Demirestad]

I noticed that the description stated that there is still one more slot, so I thought I might as well throw my hat in the ring and enter in my new and improved flag design I made recently to replace my nations old tri-color and cross.

(Image)

I will probably add details regarding the symbology and such later.

So if the spot is open and you are ok with my submission I would like to join.

Actually, that spot was already taken by Bloodshade. Sorry!

Damn

Well alright then, still going to keep tabs on this though and vote on stuff. Was kind of late to the punch anyways so I am not that worked up over not getting in. I wish the lucky lad who made it to the last spot the best of luck

EDIT: if i had actually read the above posts i might have prevented wasting you guy's time by posting, i am stupid sometimes.

[The Cosmic Mainframe]

Actually, that spot was already taken by Bloodshade. Sorry!

Damn

Well alright then, still going to keep tabs on this though and vote on stuff. Was kind of late to the punch anyways so I am not that worked up over not getting in. I wish the lucky lad who made it to the last spot the best of luck

Yeah, no problem! It's a shame I can't let everyone in, but if I did this competition would go on for almost a year or more.

It is kind of my bad for leaving "1 spot remaining for new flags" in the OP - I thought I removed that, apparently I did not!

[Newark Aristocracy]

I say Alains Star wins by a somewhat large margin.