Applications for Aurora! (Open, MT RPing Region, NO ALTS)

[Lydenburg]

I am eternally tired of getting offers from applicants who want to first be granted residence in Aurora before they put any work whatever into developing their polity. If this really means so much to you, you would be perfectly willing to hash out something comprehensive before submitting an app, instead of just proposing a "one size fits all" nation for Aurora.

Furthermore, we frown on puppets.

First of all, Opfornia is not a puppet. I have been off of NS for a long time and have decided to return, for your information. Secondly, the general outline of this nation has already been decided; If it is such a bother that I have not establish anything before potentially joining a region with it's own nations and dynamics than perhaps I just should apply at all, now or ever. Your comment was extremely rude, and has turned me off at the thought of Aurora, which is a shame.

So, be happy you do not have to worry about another "puppet" or lazy bum who "doesn't want to put any work in".

You've given us nothing to work with. No factbook, not even a bloody RP sample. You have under twenty posts on the record, yet give the impression that you've been on the site for a long time. What are we to believe? Puppet is the logical conclusion; we've seen those circumstances before.

I stand by my comment about putting work in. Vague outlines are not enough, and indeed it is such a bother that you have not put any work into your nation before considering an application. Come now, we need more commitment than that.

[Opfornia]

You've given us nothing to work with. No factbook, not even a bloody RP sample. You have under twenty posts on the record, yet give the impression that you've been on the site for a long time. What are we to believe? Puppet is the logical conclusion; we've seen those circumstances before.

I stand by my comment about putting work in. Vague outlines are not enough, and indeed it is such a bother that you have not put any work into your nation before considering an application. Come now, we need more commitment than that.

I never made an application because I was told, by the founder, that I should first flesh out my nation. Seeing as how I literally returned to NationStates 21 hours ago, you'll have to forgive me for not fleshing out a nation that was once a side-idea immediately. If you bothered to give others a chance without making assumptions about who they are, you'd probably be less infuriating to speak to.

One of your region-mates has assured me that Aurora is not filled with pompous users who enjoy thinking the worst of people. I will be filling out an application, and although I may not get in, you will finally see that I have more than just a vague outline.

[First Valerian Empire]

Sir/Ma'am, I would like to politely suggest that you take a set back think objectively about the whole situation. There is no need for the rhetoric to get hostile and you have to remember that this is all fun and games(quite literally). With that in mind, it's merely a concern of ours as a region that when nations apply that if they don't already have a solid basis for their nation to stand on then they won't add to the region as a whole and in my own personal experience they tend to flake on things they haven't put a considerable amount of effort and thought into.

Now with that point being made, I would think that the appropriate and proper thing to do, would be to simply head to the drawing board, flesh out your nation, adding history and the likes as well as participating in II and in the forum in general to gather RP samples and then coming back with your guns loaded, if becoming a member of our region is truly what you wish to do.

[Regnum Albion]

- Post Deleted -

[Mizuyuki]

Mizuyuki: a few points. First, we're modern-tech; I mention this because "technocratic" countries often like to bend the rules about that. Our basic principle is that if it currently exists in working prototype form IRL, then it's acceptable modern tech; if it's merely theoretical, then it's not. Second, would you be willing to limit your population to under 100 million, with the accompanying limitations on its economy, military, etc? And third, would you accept some modifications to your geography and history (exchanging Chinese for Tinchalian, and abandoning your island chains, for example)?

If the answer to all of these is "yes," then I support this application wholeheartedly.

Regarding the first point, I'm well aware that this is a MT setting, and if you need any assurances, let me just say that most of the RPs I've been involved in are firmly rooted in a MT setting, the most advanced being PMT. I myself have no tolerance for FanT and the like.

As I've mentioned, the definition of technocracy, for all practical purposes, is simply the elevation of the people who are considered most suitable for any office to the said office/position for the sake of the nation and the populace as a whole. While there is a general focus of government policy on technology R&D through the trinity - Miria, Arcadia and Sakura as well as the Ministry of Science and Technology, there hasn't been any major IC breakthroughs in the hard sciences that would allow for the advancement of Mizuyuki's setting from MT to PMT. On another note, I have developed some tech that might be considered somewhat alien to MT RPing, like some virtual gears that require a brain implant - they allow the user to access an entire system/hivemind/network linked to a central supercomputer processing unit, which may be considered to be Mizuyuki's equivalent of the Internet. It is simply a more advanced version of the OSes that we use almost daily. However, I would be willing to retcon these if required - since they don't make up an important part of the nation's canon nor history, given their ICly recent widespread usage (brain implants). I do believe that this tech isn't exactly in the realm of PMT and above, since it's fairly practical in RL - the one barrier being the implantation into such a complex organ as the human brain. Another possibly non-MT element would be the sweeping usage of robots (domestic and industrial, no sentience) and also the relative commonness of genetic modification. (both pre (zygote formation - through direct mod of the gametes) and post birth, to alter genes to avoid hereditary diseases, or simply for a makeover in terms of appearance. I can elaborate more on this if needed.)

On the topic of the population, I'd like to stick with my current numbers, which you'll find is just a shade over 100m - it has been documented in a factbook of mine that I'm working on at the moment, so I'd prefer not to alter that unless absolutely necessary. Of course, I'd be willing to restrict Mizuyuki's nation stats to a reasonable level if accepted. I don't foresee it becoming much of a problem, since I've always had a vision of Mizuyuki being a small, compact state that's well administered by capable leaders.

Thirdly, I would be willing to change my Chinese based canon to Tinchalian, with the single proviso that there are no major differences that would bring about a drastic alteration to my nation and people as a whole. My island chains are a slight sticking point however; ICly we have a few strings of minor islands that have been developed into major military bases; it's an important part of Mizuyuki's defences against hostile powers since we don't maintain a large standing army. There is also a large developed island serving as a penal colony for the nation's criminals, as well as several islands that compose an EEZ that I really don't want to relinquish if possible. Ah, one more thing; there's a protectorate of ours based on an island chain to the south, and that is also a part of my canon.

Miz, agreed with Norvenia on all the points above. Aurora is primarily oriented towards smaller nations and strictly MT writing. Now, be that as it may be:

Some of us have been rather impressed by the way you've made your nation work thus far - even if it's slightly outside our sphere. Be aware in this light that what we're demanding isn't easy. It's been a relatively simple matter for some applicants to make the necessary changes, but after seeing your stuff I'm afraid I cannot say the same for the Auroral Technocratic Union. We'll be asking you to undertake major fixes that may permanently alter the character of Mizuyuki - a request I'm no longer comfortable endorsing. While I'm quite taken with your RP samples, I would also hate to see everything you've worked on so far reduced to naught for the sake of a single region.

Don't let this app dictate what happens with your nation, please! There are other regions up to similar standards which would gladly take you if you decide to take your exquisite skillset elsewhere. You've made Mizuyuki's own rather unique element work so well for so long I see no reason why one should so drastically amend his course now if he doesn't wish to.

Well, from my point of view there's no point in crafting a perfect nation from all respects if there's no one to RP it with. My region's been inactive for pretty long now, and I'm simply looking to make the move to a more active one. Thus, I think the best solution would be to come up with some form of compromise; if you could list down the changes that you would expect us to adopt, I'll give the matter my full consideration and get back to you with possible solutions.

If all else fails, I might consider apping with a puppet of my own; although I know that the practice is somewhat frowned upon here, rest assured that I won't be using Mizuyuki to influence Auroran nations in any way; nor will I be backing my puppet with Mizuyuki.

I'm sure that we can work something out.

As always, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Mizu

EDIT - After glancing through your RMB, let me just address the query that has been raised there - yes, I'm indeed in the process of comprehensively restructuring my nation. For now, I already have a clear outline in mind, and I'm planning to gradually work towards my ideal nation (MT setting, slight lean towards PMT) through updating my factbook as well as participating in some RPs that I plan to transform into canon at some point. The criteria for the latter would include several stringent quality checks, in a manner of speaking, that would allow me to selectively transform Mizuyuki. However, if I were to be accepted then I'd also be willing to make any Auroran RPs a part of Mizuyuki's canon.

EDIT 2 - Added some relevant info.

[Aurinsula]

Thirdly, I would be willing to change my Chinese based canon to Tinchalian, with the single proviso that there are no major differences that would bring about a drastic alteration to my nation and people as a whole. My island chains are a slight sticking point however; ICly we have a few strings of minor islands that have been developed into major military bases; it's an important part of Mizuyuki's defences against hostile powers since we don't maintain a large standing army. There is also a large developed island serving as a penal colony for the nation's criminals, as well as several islands that compose an EEZ that I really don't want to relinquish if possible. Ah, one more thing; there's a protectorate of ours based on an island chain to the south, and that is also a part of my canon.

None whatsoever; I'm a genuine Chinaman and I like to keep things as close to the line as possible. Instead of 中国，we're 天朝。But that's the extent of my meddling. Hi! I'm basically Taiwan.

[Mizuyuki]

Thirdly, I would be willing to change my Chinese based canon to Tinchalian, with the single proviso that there are no major differences that would bring about a drastic alteration to my nation and people as a whole. My island chains are a slight sticking point however; ICly we have a few strings of minor islands that have been developed into major military bases; it's an important part of Mizuyuki's defences against hostile powers since we don't maintain a large standing army. There is also a large developed island serving as a penal colony for the nation's criminals, as well as several islands that compose an EEZ that I really don't want to relinquish if possible. Ah, one more thing; there's a protectorate of ours based on an island chain to the south, and that is also a part of my canon.

None whatsoever; I'm a genuine Chinaman and I like to keep things as close to the line as possible. Instead of 中国，we're 天朝。But that's the extent of my meddling. Hi! I'm basically Taiwan.

Hey! I'm glad to hear that. If that's the case then I would have no qualms whatsoever about the change. Cheers

[Norvenia]

Personally, here's where I stand: yes on robots, since there are plenty of RL working prototypes, no on brain implants and genetic modding, since there aren't (to my knowledge) working prototypes for those. But we make decisions by consensus here, so others may have problems with robots too. Next, it was observed that we can give you your offshore islands, though probably not the island chain to the south; otherwise, though, you would fit nicely on our map. Third, I'd appreciate it if you edited your stats down; over a hundred million people would make you not small and well-governed, but one of the largest nations in Aurora.

So: with the understanding that you'll scrap any technology that doesn't exist IRL in functioning prototype form, edit down your population size, embrace Tinchalian roots, and possibly edit out the island-chain protectorate - I fully support this application. Does that sound like a reasonable compromise?

[Mizuyuki]

Personally, here's where I stand: yes on robots, since there are plenty of RL working prototypes, no on brain implants and genetic modding, since there aren't (to my knowledge) working prototypes for those. But we make decisions by consensus here, so others may have problems with robots too. Next, it was observed that we can give you your offshore islands, though probably not the island chain to the south; otherwise, though, you would fit nicely on our map. Third, I'd appreciate it if you edited your stats down; over a hundred million people would make you not small and well-governed, but one of the largest nations in Aurora.

So: with the understanding that you'll scrap any technology that doesn't exist IRL in functioning prototype form, edit down your population size, embrace Tinchalian roots, and possibly edit out the island-chain protectorate - I fully support this application. Does that sound like a reasonable compromise?

I see. Thanks for the clarification; I'm more than amenable to making the above changes. What would be a suitable population?

However, a quick question - would it be possible for the above mentioned tech to be "discovered" some time later during my time in Aurora?

[Norvenia]

Maybe, but it's honestly unlikely, since it breaks our rules about what is and isn't MT. Still, if you join on the current terms, then we can consider that possibility again later, once you've been in the region for longer and we have a fuller sense of your RPing style. Sound fair?

[Kalumba]

I'm in favour of Mizuyuki as long as the proposed changes are made.

I agree with Lydenburg; I'd much rather see an application than an interest note. If joining Aurora is something you want to do then you shouldn't need to tag the thread to remember it, and I would like to see at least a vague outline of what your nation if you don't have the time or whatever to fill out a full application.

[Mizuyuki]

Maybe, but it's honestly unlikely, since it breaks our rules about what is and isn't MT. Still, if you join on the current terms, then we can consider that possibility again later, once you've been in the region for longer and we have a fuller sense of your RPing style. Sound fair?

That sounds a respectable proposition. One thing I'd like to mention though - isn't genetic mod already in prototype form? It's actually rather vaguely based on RL genetic mod, like the alteration of food crops etc. Just seeking clarification - I understand completely if you're less than cool with this.

Would a population in the higher 80s or 90s be okay? I'm open to suggestions on the matter. And while you're at it, could you scour my factbook for any possibly incompatible stats on the side panel? I'm thinking of having y'all vet my nation in order to ensure that the Auroral Union will be compatible with Aurora if I do make the move.

EDIT - Stumbled across something relevant related to some tech that I didn't mention earlier because I thought it was too outlandish for a MT setting - if this has been successful, would it make sense for cloning to be accepted?

[The Cookish States]

Maybe, but it's honestly unlikely, since it breaks our rules about what is and isn't MT. Still, if you join on the current terms, then we can consider that possibility again later, once you've been in the region for longer and we have a fuller sense of your RPing style. Sound fair?

That sounds a respectable proposition. One thing I'd like to mention though - isn't genetic mod already in prototype form? It's actually rather vaguely based on RL genetic mod, like the alteration of food crops etc. Just seeking clarification - I understand completely if you're less than cool with this.

Would a population in the higher 80s or 90s be okay? I'm open to suggestions on the matter. And while you're at it, could you scour my factbook for any possibly incompatible stats on the side panel? I'm thinking of having y'all vet my nation in order to ensure that the Auroral Union will be compatible with Aurora if I do make the move.

EDIT - Stumbled across something relevant related to some tech that I didn't mention earlier because I thought it was too outlandish for a MT setting - if this has been successful, would it make sense for cloning to be accepted?

I personally wouldn't mind cloning as long as it...
1:Has its disadvantages. Finding families for the children (using them for any inhumane reason would be a gross human rights violation)

2:It isn't common. I'd say realistically, it'd be used as a replacement to sperm donations.

[Mizuyuki]

That sounds a respectable proposition. One thing I'd like to mention though - isn't genetic mod already in prototype form? It's actually rather vaguely based on RL genetic mod, like the alteration of food crops etc. Just seeking clarification - I understand completely if you're less than cool with this.

Would a population in the higher 80s or 90s be okay? I'm open to suggestions on the matter. And while you're at it, could you scour my factbook for any possibly incompatible stats on the side panel? I'm thinking of having y'all vet my nation in order to ensure that the Auroral Union will be compatible with Aurora if I do make the move.

EDIT - Stumbled across something relevant related to some tech that I didn't mention earlier because I thought it was too outlandish for a MT setting - if this has been successful, would it make sense for cloning to be accepted?

I personally wouldn't mind cloning as long as it...
1:Has its disadvantages. Finding families for the children (using them for any inhumane reason would be a gross human rights violation)

2:It isn't common. I'd say realistically, it'd be used as a replacement to sperm donations.

If I were to be able to use cloning tech, I would commit to introducing several necessary limitations to the technology - some possible disadvantages are a drastically reduced lifespan, the necessitation of the ingestion of specialised drugs in order to sustain life for any prolonged period of time, and of course, it being an prohibitively expensive procedure that few would have the resources to attempt. Throw in a rather high failure rate too.

Of course, I'll still defer to Norvenia on this matter. If he deems it overkill I can always cut the element out.

EDIT - Oh, and being a technocracy, we just might condone human rights violations for the sake of science ... or violation of anything else for that matter.

[The Steel Fraternity]

Okay, I was going to abstain yet again on Mizuyuki's entrance. As of human cloning and disregard of human rights for the sake of science, however, you are now my favorite applicant ever.

[Norvenia]

I honestly don't care that much about cloning; for my part, I've heard all that I need in order to support your application. Give us a few days to vote.

[The Cookish States]

Oh dear, looks like you'll be another enemy of the ADTO haha, but that's okay, we need people like that. I personally support your application, but we do still need to vote on it.

[Rodenheim]

Nation Name: The Kingdom of Rodenheim
Nation's Form of Government/Ideology: Constitutional Democratic Parliamentary Monarchy

National Leader(s): Queen Anne IV of Rodenheim (head of state), Prime Minister David Burke, MP (head of government).

Brief Description of Nation's Culture(s): Rodenheim has a very socially conscious and developed culture. For a long time in its history - some 1500 years - the history of Rodenheim was dominated by a slave-owning, polytheistic and generally unsavoury Empire that was eventually overthrown through a mixture of natural circumstance and a violent revolution caused by the advent of Christianity in the nation. Thus was born a feudal absolute Christian monarchy which lasted until the new liberalist reforms in the 1832 constitution caused by King Henry IV, the Good. This was a momentous occasion and led to the development of what is the modern Raden state. The tenants of this state, as outlined by the constitution written by the King and parliament in conjunction are: freedom of life, liberty, speech and love, peace, happiness, democracy, and freedom from tyranny, autocracy, genocide and governmental injunction. This has led to a divide in the nation - young, economically socialist people against the older, more aristocratic economically conservatives. Social conservatism is rare - but still holds small seats in the parliament, as the diverse range of political opinions are protected in Rodenheim unless declared a hate group by the official governmental watchdogs, at which point they are ejected from the 607 strong crown parliament.

Brief Description of Nation's Religion(s): The Rodeni Christian Church is the most popular religion in the Kingdom, but religiousness as a whole has been in decline since the rise of civil rights and liberalism in the nation following the 1832 constitution. Some 63% of people identify as belonging to the Rodeni Church - while only 5% say that they regularly attend church services and 2% say that the Bible's teachings should be taken literally in regards to premarital sex, contraception, homosexuality and other such issues. A further 10% of the population belong to other religions - those being the dominant religions of other nations in a similar geographic area to Rodenheim.

Rough Climate/Topography of Nation (to help determine where on the map you might want to be): The nation's geography is largely temperate and most of the nation is covered by deciduous forest. The north is mountainous and snowy, a popular skiing destination, while the only stretch of coast is warm and mediterranean, as well as being a perfect spot for fishing and home to many luxury villas where citizens and expatriates alike can settle as a retirement plan, complete with vineyards and other niceties. Temperatures rarely drop below -10 Celsius in any part of the nation at any time of the year, and rarely rise above 35 Celsius at any part of the nation at any time of year either.

Additional Description of Nation (economics, recent history, major characters, special quicks, etc.): This can all be found on my iiwiki page in my signature.

Roleplaying Example:

Crown Parliament, Terrensefield Palace, Dashford, Rodenheim

The many politicians deemed worthy to represent the general interests of the people of Rodenheim sat in their plush leather sats in vacuous stupor. The hubbub of chatter only added to the lethargic atmosphere in the large, but dark wooded room inside which many of the most important decisions involving the Roden Kingdom had been made since the early days. Terrenesfield Palace had been constructed by Queen Ælina the Undulating in the 11th century, and since then it had often been lamented by the citizens of Dashford (and beyond) that it had been the source of the hot air that had warmed the coast.

While the slow and tiring noise had risen slowly throughout the room from the mouths of 600 or so men and women, it died away almost instantaneously as the large, opulently inscribed, oak doors at the centre of the room swung open heftily to reveal a coterie of men and women in sharp business suits. Their modernistic appearance juxtaposed with the baroque and much more rococo opulence of the room of which they were entering. Sneering Prime Ministers in powdered wigs watched on disdainfully from their artfully decorated frames mounted on the walls. At the head of the group was a tall, discerning man with icy grey eyes and a thick head of white hair. He did not look much older than his fifties, and he moved with the energy of a much younger man. He carried an emerald green, battered briefcase in one hand. Leaving his companions behind, he strode forward to the centre of the room, where a large table and empty marble table sat. The politicians, members of parliament and their retainers, socialist, fascist, monarchist and communist sat in silence. They sat on wood and leather benches that arranged themselves in a half-circle shape, so the parliamentary chamber was a lot like an amphitheatre in regards to its size. The roof itself was high, decorated with an imaginative fresco of angels and cherubs, and the walls were lined with plain glass windows that were long and thin, raising themselves to the top of the room and allowing in a lot of light. The floor was marble, and as the man with the briefcase walked, it raised a sharp clacking noise that filled the otherwise silent room.

He reached the centre of the room after what felt like an extravagantly long time, and took a moment to peer across the room. He seemed to analyse the character of those watching for a moment, before approaching his podium which dominated the area in front of the cabinet table. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the parliament," His speech broke the silence resoundingly. His voice, a key factor in his election to Prime Minister, was deep, loud and reassuring. David Burke, smoothed a crease in his suit jacket before continuing.

"I have this morning returned from a meeting with Her Majesty Queen Anne," Even this small statement brought forth a few murmurs from the republican parties in the room. "As all of you are fully aware, Her Majesty's cabinet has been in deep discussion about the implications and possibilities of expanding the Raden nuclear and defensive program,"

"We have always been propagators and a leading developer of nuclear energy and its uses have been influential in establishing us as a 'green power' in our international region. However, it has been theorised by many of our country's leading military and nuclear scientists that our knowledge of the usages of uranium, as well as our steady supply from the Reddenwich Mountains could lead to use developing our nuclear weapon program," This brought forth a ragged mixture of jeers and cheers, with one portly man near the middle of the room shouting "Insolence!". The Prime Minister gestured for silence before continuing. "Her Majesty, as sovereign of this nation, has declared it her feelings that an expansion of our nuclear missile program would be... provocative, and potentially destabilising. My cabinet is inclined to agree," This again brought forth murmurings.

"I, however, am not opposed to the expansion of our uranium international trading industry. The dossier behind me," He gestured vaguely to the green briefcase, "outlines my plans for the expansion of the trade through government only - the construction of an International Uranium Business Commission or IUBC, and the regulation of its mining and storage by the Ministry of Commerce and Trade," This brought forth more approving noises from the socialists than the capitalists, as would be expected.

"I will bring this to ballot in the next three weeks. Good day, honourable ladies and gentlemen," The Prime Minister nodded his head, and swept from the room as the oak doors slammed shut and the parliament descended into chaos.

[The Cookish States]

Rodenheim, I must say, your application is impressive. Of course, that's just my opinion.

[Lydenburg]

Rodenheim, can you give us any more RP samples?

[Mizuyuki]

.

[Rodenheim]

Rodenheim, can you give us any more RP samples?

I'd be happy to.

Some hours before the meeting of the parliament...

Soft footsteps made no whisper on the plush carpets of the Queen's private chambers. This whole area of the Palace was cocooned in a layer of luxurious softness - velvet, silk, soft wool. David Burke supposed that it was to counteract the relative stiff formality and coldness of the rest of the palace with its marble, obsidian decoration and tall, dusty portraits of angry looking Kings and Queens long dead. He made sure to hurry through the corridors of the palace, past gilded walls and ornate doors, portraits of palaces and women in panniered dresses with hair tall to the ceiling, as well as the odd window which lent its views to the spectacular gardens outside. Vandensfield had been described by journalists as a 'jewel in the crown of Rodenheim', a 'soft piece of cake sitting amongst the angry spires of Dashford,' and, occasionally 'an ivory tower'.

The Prime Minister shook these thoughts from his head as he approached the door to the Queen's private salon. It swung upon grandly without him even having to knock on it. The room revealed beyond was even more plush than the corridor that he had just walked down - the centre of the labyrinthine palace. It was dominated by a large table, with brass legs painted gold and a top inlaid with mother of pearl. Two seats, one much larger and more ornately decorated with rubies and emeralds, dominated the room. The larger was occupied by a slight woman wearing a matching emerald green dress-suit and a large tiara set amongst curly blonde hair that had begun to fade to grey. Queen Anne IV did not look particularly like a monarch when in her private quarters - but her eyes, which were a sharp blue, betrayed this soft looking middle-aged woman as more than she appeared to be.

David bowed low as he entered, then rose to meet the Queen's gaze. "Mr Burke. I was wondering when I would have the pleasure of your company once again," The Queen said silkily, gesturing over to the corner of a room where a porter dressed in green scurried forward to fill the china cups that rested on the table with tea. "Please, sit,"

"Your Majesty," The Prime Minister replied. His voice always sounded so regional and backward compared to the utterly dulcet and endlessly refined tones of the Queen. He took a seat, and eyed his amber tea for a moment before taking a delicate and polite sip. The Queen did likewise.

"It has come to my attention, Lord-Minister, that you have plans to expand our uranium network," The Queen said, nibbling the edge of a pastry that had come from the magnanimous silver tray of them in the centre of the table. "This does not displease me. In fact, it makes me rather happy,"

"I am glad that Your Majesty is agreeable to the expansionary network, it will provide excellent opportunities in our development of nuclear technologies," The Prime Minister replied with a small sigh of relief. She was not going to be an obstruction, at least.

"Indeed. As well as military technologies," She said softly. The word 'military' hung heavily in the air for a moment, the silence following it broken only by the soft tinkling of tea as the Queen's cup was refilled. She really did drink an enormous amount of the stuff. "I have ruled this nation for many more years than you have, my esteemed minister, and I do not lightly forgot those days when our green and verdant land was threatened - continuously and wholly by the macabre intentions of socialists, of communists and, indeed, of many different sorts and types of anti-monarchists and republicans. It is, therefore, my prerogative, that we expand our nuclear defence network entirely,"

"It is also not my intention that we do so entirely in the public eye. My parliament - for it is mine, above all else - has been infiltrated, over the years, but a startling array of anti-monarchists who would gladly see this nation thrown into turmoil in order to see me deposed, possibly executed, and a republic or other such state put in place,"

The Prime Minister understood her words. Many members of the Egalitarian Movement, and indeed, the Social Democratic Party to which he belonged had begun to grumble of republicanism. The Libertarian Movement was anti-monarchist from the start, as well as the minor parties in the New Moralist Collective, the Socialist Equality Party and the Anarchist Freedom Party. In fact, the only parties that had outright declared their support for the monarchy were the cold, capitalist Laissez-Faire Party, the creaking, grand Monarchist/Traditionalist Collective and the fascists in the Patrician and Patriotic Party. It was not an excellent outlook for the monarchy, even if the MTC had 92 seats in the last election - making it the joint second largest party in the parliament.

"It would, therefore, be a splendid idea to develop a nuclear and chemical weapons department within the Ministry of Defence. Name it something vague - the Secretariat of Internal and External Weapons Development. Within it, we will develop unorthodox weapons. This will allow us to be fully prepared should such an event occur that an international power with an expansionist socialist policy sets its steely gaze upon this fair land. Likewise, should an internal faction decide to heroically revolt, we might stop them in their tracks with a small dose of nerve agent," The Queen replied amiably. Her words were dark - but in this pastel pink setting, coming from the words of this soft, middle-aged woman, they seemed about as threatening as a kitten.

"I will not have this country fall to anarchy and communism because I sat idly by in my palace," She continued again. "Do not tell the parliament of these plans,"

"What should I tell them, Your Majesty?" The Prime Minister replied, almost sharply. He preferred the days when he was naive enough to think the Queen was entirely ceremonial. One false foot and he would be out of office in a second, however. She held a lot of public sway.

"Do as you always do, Mr Burke. Tell them what they want to hear,"

[Aurinsula]

I'm satisfied.

[Rodenheim]

I'm satisfied.

I understand how 'generic' Rodenheim can look on the surface, but I'm hoping to slowly reveal a picture of a nation with some serious 'behind the scenes' power struggles and societal problems throughout my time RP'ing.

[Aurinsula]

I'm satisfied.

I understand how 'generic' Rodenheim can look on the surface, but I'm hoping to slowly reveal a picture of a nation with some serious 'behind the scenes' power struggles and societal problems throughout my time RP'ing.

No country is truly generic, I think, and those countries which seem generic are often the best fits - it's the countries that try to be outlandishly unique that cause the most problems, because their drive to singularity usually means that they have some kind of special social structure (that makes them better and more productive than their neighbors, like how they all monolithically support their government) or some kind of special technological advantage (that will allow them to effortlessly destroy their neighbors in battle.)

There are exceptions to everything - our beloved Steel Fraternity is a somewhat-outlandish nation, but absolute top-shelf writing and a keen intellect make him one of our best members. If somebody without his skills had submitted a similar concept, though, it'd be a disaster. (You know I love you, Skorzy.)

No, for my money, nothing's better than just The Republic of So-and-so, ordinary sort of country, proprieted by somebody with razor-sharp skills. Don't be afraid of looking generic.

What I'd really like, for the future, is more non-white countries. To my mind, we have... six of them, including Lydenburg, two of which I play, out of 17.