[DRAFT] Commend Equilism

[Bormiar]

I'm slightly early in finishing this first draft than I scheduled . Commend Equilism was the second resolution voted on by the Security Council (technically the World Assembly at the time I think; the first being Condemn Gatesville), but it was vague and unconvincing, so wasn't passed.

Please provide as much feedback as you can. Nation/region tags come later.

The Security Council,

Recognizing Equilism as a region created in early 2004 in order to defeat griefers, and would grow to serve as a pillar of the Alliance Defense Network, and later on in its long and storied history, a far-reaching community of impressive nations it coalesced, supported, and fostered,

Contextualizing Equilism as an illustrious defender region, once being an important member of both the Allied Liberation League and Alliance Defense Network, and, during Equilism's long history, has deployed in many historical liberations including those in Belgium, a historic defender region liberated by SC#4, Liberal Haven, Middle Earth, and United States,

Noting that Equilism more than lived up to its founding goal of preventing regional destruction, in part through:

• Assisting against the 2013 coup of Osiris by Gatesville Inc and its rogue delegate the Dourian Embassy, in which the delegate attempted to prevent a lawful transition of power,
• Deploying the largest army of any military in order to defeat Great Bight in the North Pacific, in a famous “Puppetmaster” liberation which prevented the New Pacific Order — through its leaders Mammothistan (Great Bight) and Sir Paul (UPS Rail) — from continuing the control the North Pacific,
• Assisting in saving the North Pacific again when Pierconium and Pixiedance suspended the constitution, declared martial law, and created the long and onerous “North Pacific Directorate” regime,
• Suppressing Aegara’s coup of the Rejected Realms, when the Grand Central delegate ejected all of its endorsers in order to coup the Rejected Realms,

Recognizing that while Equilism did eventually become independent, the its military, the E-Army, continued to service NationStates through its antifascist action, such as its attacks of NAZI EUROPE (a region which tormented this council in its infancy), Reich, and Union of Fascists,

Lauding Equilism’s cultural aspects such as the World Cup, an event it hosted in which nations send their best soccer teams for friendly competition and which was ran annually over the course of eight years; an ancient 2004 event known as the “Equilism OIympics” in which nations sent players to compete in a variety of interesting events; and participation in several NationStates World Fairs, in which participating regions have their nations contribute lectures to educate on a variety of abstruse topics,

Impressed by Equilism’s competency in the feared Z-Day, during which Equilism consistently has eliminated or nearly eliminated zombies, been ranked first in censuses for “most survivors without quarantine” many times, and has lended support for outsiders whenever possible,

Commending Equilism for the legacy it led through the many laudable nations that have hailed from Equilism, serving as a testament towards Equilism’s rare ability to consistently develop talent,

Citing, for example, the major contributors to early defending organizations that came from Equilism, such as:

• Equility, which, being unsatisfied with contemporary defending, founded Equilism and later joined the Alliance Defense Network, where it would become an active member and eventually an administrator of their forums, and the Allied Liberation League, where Equility would become a co-chairman and from which Equilism’s military would be trained,
• Astarial, a former Secretary of State of the ADN, Prime Minister of Equilism, and Chief of Staff of the E-Army,
• Westwind, a long-time native of Equilism that served as Acting Director in the ADN, and played a key role in the reorganization of the defender alliance into ‘ADN Reloaded’,

Taking into consideration the Equilism natives that moved on to be delegate of a feeder, sinker, or catcher region, including Westwind, Astarial, Whamabama, and Naivetry,

Recognizing that the creation of a resolution to remove delegate-imposed passwords, known as a “liberation”, was in response to the invasion of Belgium and in large part catalyzed by the campaigning of Naivetry — at the time an E-Army member who would soon become Monarch of Equilism and control its founder nation — supported by other Equilism natives, such as Whamabama (the contemporary E--Army Chief of Staff), Chaucerin (the contemporary Monarch), and Westwind,

Noting that a great many other prominent nations from Equilism have contributed significantly to NationStates but have not yet been mentioned, including Felasia and Ostendt (trainer of the E-Army and considered a cofounder of Equilism),

Understanding Equilism to be commendable for its service as one of the main contributors to the Alliance Defense Network, a staunch battler against fascism, a cultural hub in NationStates, and a developer of prominent nations hailing from the Equilism community,

Hereby commends Equilism.

The Security Council,

Finding Equilism to be a region commendable not only for its storied defender military and cultural feats, but also for the large cabal of impressive nations it coalesced, supported, and fostered,

Contextualizing Equilism as a famous defender region, having become an important member of the Allied Liberation League and pillar of the Alliance Defense Network, and, during its defender time, deployed in many historical liberations, including the liberation of Belgium, a historical defender region which this very council liberated in SC#4; Liberal Haven, a region liberated by SC#144; and the regions Middle Earth and United States early in Equilism’s gestation,

Noting that Equilism’s founding mission was fighting invasion, griefing, and oppression through its military, and that it more than lived up to that goal through its assistance against the 2013 coup of Osiris by Gatesville Inc and its rogue delegate the Dourian Embassy; the massive army it deployed to defeat Great Bight in the North Pacific; assisting in saving the North Pacific again when Pierconium and Pixiedance suspended the constitution and declared martial law; and suppressing Aegara’s coup of the Rejected Realms when it ejected all of its endorsers in Grand Central,

Recognizing that while Equilism did eventually become independent, it continued to service NationStates through its antifascist action — such as its attacks of NAZI EUROPE (a region which tormented this council in its infancy), Reich, and Union of Fascists— as well as Equilism’s cultural prowess, and the large group of prominent nations displaying Equilism’s commendability internationally,

Lauding Equilism’s cultural aspects, such as the World Cup, an event it hosted in which nations send their best soccer teams for friendly competition and which was ran annually (7 times for 8 years); an ancient 2004 event known as the “Equilism OIympics” in which nations sent players to compete in a variety of interesting events; and participation in several NationStates World Fairs, in which participating regions have their nations contribute lectures to educate on a variety of abstruse topics,

Mentioning Equilism’s competency in the feared Z-Day, during which Equilism consistently has eliminated or nearly eliminated zombies, been ranked first in censuses for “most survivors without quarantine” many times, and has lended support for outsiders whenever possible,

Commending Equilism for the legacy it led through the many laudable nations which have grown, represented, and hailed from Equilism, and serve to demonstrate Equilism’s rare ability to consistently develop talent,

Citing, for example, the major contributors to the Alliance Defense Network that came from Equilism, such as:

• Equility, which, being unsatisfied with contemporary defending, founded Equilism and later joined— as a member of Equilism— the Alliance Defense Network, where it would become an active member, and the Allied Liberation League, where Equility would become a co-chairman and from which Equilism’s military would be trained,
• Astarial, a former Secretary of State of the ADN, Prime Minister of Equilism, and Chief of Staff of the E-Army,
• Westwind, a long-time native of Equilism that served as Acting Director in the ADN, and played a key role in the reorganization of the defender alliance,

Taking into consideration the Equilism natives which moved on to be delegate of a feeder or sinker region, including Westwind, Astarial, Whamabama, and Naivetry,

Recognizing that the creation of liberation resolutions in response to the invasion of Belgium was in large part catalyzed by the campaigning of Naivetry — at the time an E-Army member who would soon become Monarch of Equilism and control its founder nation — supported by other Equilism natives, such as Whamabama (the contemporary E-Army Chief of Staff), Chaucerin (the contemporary Monarch), and Westwind,

Mentioning a few other nations from Equilism which contributed significantly to NationStates but have not yet been mentioned, including Felasia, New Kervoskia, Ostendt (trainer of the E-Army and considered a cofounder of Equilism), and many, many others,

Understanding Equilism to be particularly interesting and commendable due to the community of laudable nations it fostered,

But also acknowledging its immense direct contributions — commendable in their own right — in ADN-era Equilism, such as the coups it helped eliminate, and later through its impressive culture and anti-fascist action,

Hereby commends Equilism.

The Security Council,

Acknowledging that for the majority of the now-sleepy Equilism’s history, it has led the regional world, due to its palpable strive to defend other regions’ sovereignty, and promotion of cultural events,

Recalling the founding goal of Equilism to be fighting invading and oppression with its military, the E-Army, but that Equilism quickly rose above its own ideal, having participated in the removal of illegitimate regimes in prominent regions on numerous occasions, such as:

1. The 2013 coup of Osiris by Gatesville Inc and rogue delegate the Dourian Embassy, where the opportunistic, power-seizing criminals temporarily removed Osiris’ right to self-determination by ejecting its natives and suppressing its Regional Message Board, a infringement which Equilism promptly assisted to defeat,
2. Equilism deploying a massive army to rescue the distressed natives of The North Pacific from the foreign dictator Great Bight, a parasitic presence to The North Pacifican community which was nearly impossible to defeat,
3. Serving to save The North Pacific again, this time during The North Pacific Directorate coup, during which Pierconium -- and later Pixiedance -- suspended The North Pacifican constitution, formed a rogue government, and instituted martial law, to the clear detriment of natives,
4. Quickly suppressing Aegara’s attempt to coup the Rejected Realms by ejecting all its endorsers in Grand Central (which it was delegate of) and moving into the Rejected Realms itself, in a vain attempt at lazily seizing power,

Pleased by the E-Army’s supplementary defenses, such as extremely major liberations of Belgium, following its liberation by SC#4; Feudal Japan, an ancient defender region captured by invaders and occupied for 2 years, before having been liberated with the aid of this council’s SC#6 “Liberate Feudal Japan”; Liberal Haven, again a region having struck the attention of this council, which liberated it; and famous liberations of Middle Earth and United States early in Equilism’s gestation;

Impressed that, over years of change, the E-Army found equally-remarkable success in an independent alignment, having fought horrid Fascist dogma in its attacks of NAZI EUROPE, a region whose existence tormented this council for years; Reich; and Union of Fascists,

Aware of the diplomatic prowess behind Equilism, which recognized the virtue of forming a unified front in becoming an important member and supporter of both the Allied Liberation League and the Alliance Defense Network,

Transitioning to another main pillar of Equilism: its active creation and maintaining of entertaining cultural events,

Recognizing the most noticeable of events created or supported by Equilism, such as a World Cup in which nations send their best soccer teams for friendly competition, a event run annually (7 times over 8 years); an ancient 2004 event known as the “Equilism OIympics” in which nations sent players to compete in a variety of interesting events; and participation in several NationStates World Fairs, in which participating regions have their nations contribute lectures to educate on a variety of abstruse topics,

Finding refuge in Equilism during the feared Z-Day, during which Equilism consistently has eliminated or nearly eliminated zombies, been ranked first in censuses for “most survivors without quarantine” every single time the census was measured, and has lended support for outsiders whenever possible,

Concluding that Equilism has been at the forefront of regions across the world for years due to its exemplary skill, relentless dedication, and lasting inertia,

Hereby commends Equilism.

[Numero Capitan]

Against, Equilism has raised some great people in the game and if its contributions could be looked at only through the lens of their contributions then I would fully support this.

Unfortunately the region has also created a safe (and encouraging) space for coupers and individuals with poor OOC records in this community, and the region has also allied itself to some questionable regions like Unknown - a raider region that not only built itself on the ground of the community of the same name it destroyed, but also was formerly condemned for forum destruction (and itself had individuals that should have been blacklisted a long time ago).

Its members, including co-founder Westwind, continue to preach their belief that destructive activities (like coups and rebellions) should be encouraged. Westwind is known for couping the North Pacific under the name Lewis and Clark and creating his own government named 'the Crimson Order' (more on this later). He also used that event to tear apart defender unity and attack the reputation of the Founderless Regions Alliance purely for his own gain. Not only that but he and others in Equilism concocted an entirely false conflict in their own region because they couldn’t find other more positive and less deceitful ways of generating activity.

Their members then went on to become key cogs in the Empire that has had its own condemnable reputation in the game, presumably inspired by the condemnable actions of their friends and leaders.

Not only that, but they continue to try and seek power in the same way. Only last month, Westwind published his intention to re-form the Crimson Order that couped the North Pacific. The new Crimson Order would have a proposed structure where rebellion is obligated and everyone is one of Westwind's Congregation or Courtiers - with himself as an all-powerful King and Demi-God of course: https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1319375

These individuals, and the culture that they have created within Equilism and spread abroad are not commendable. They weigh against the positive and important contributions that others like Ostendt, Naivetry, Felasia, Astarial and others have had on the game. Over history, they have unfortunately shown themselves to be a region that only seemingly opposes coups and forum-destruction when their members, friends and allies aren't involved.

---

Also not sure they should be getting the credit for some of those liberations. For example, Feudal Japan was very much led by Sedgistan (defender lead nation was his: Marshgrassistan) with support from Falconias (using the nation Second Watch) and Neasmyrna from AWP (using the nation Petalumadom) - all FRA not E-Army.

The problem with the original proposal was not that it was vague and unconvincing, I'll quote Kandarin from that thread:

What I have seen in terms of opposition to the resolution boils down to either dissatisfaction with the C&C feature itself or (far more often) opposition to the Commendaton on the grounds of offensive or controversial things that various Equilism members have done. It seems that many regions have strong memories of the takeovers of the North and East Pacifics by various prominent Equilismers and don't want to vote for a region they run as a result. While I don't agree with those objections, I think that that's the sort of criteria that a C&C should look at. These resolutions are a measure of reputation, and apparently Equilism's reputation has more black marks than some of us thought.

[Bormiar]

Against, Equilism has raised some great people in the game and if its contributions could be looked at only through the lens of their contributions then I would fully support this.

My problem with doing that is that regional commendations are about the work of a collection of individuals, but only when done collectively under the region's banner. I can (and will, that edit is being made) be vague, such as "prominent nations which have hailed from Equilism" and have a big clause on that, however.

Unfortunately the region has also created a safe (and encouraging) space for coupers and individuals with poor OOC records in this community, and the region has also allied itself to some questionable regions like Unknown - a raider region that not only built itself on the ground of the community of the same name it destroyed, but also was formerly condemned for forum destruction (and itself had individuals that should have been blacklisted a long time ago).

I think we need to distinguish between assertions and evidence. First, to suggest that Equilism harbors OOC "problems" is a bold claim that should be backed up with evidence. As for your only piece of evidence: Unknown apologized for this event (which happened 10 years ago) and stated the forum destruction was not intended or authorized. Whether this statement can be believed is irrelevant, as the Security Council itself accepted it, so if anything regions like Equilism and TWP and TNP are simply following the SC's lead. How horrible.

As for "harboring coupers": lots of regions, including TWP, TRR, Osiris, Lazarus, TEP, TNP, Balder, TP, and probably TSP following its fellow GCRs' lead-- of which many have accepted those who tried to coup their own government (Darkesia and Eli in TWP; Emperor Matthius in TNP; Der Fuhrer Dysel in TEP; probably every single old player in Osiris , like Cormac, for example; etc). Those regions habe taken the sensible approach of differentiating IC from OOC.

Its members, including co-founder Westwind, continue to preach their belief that destructive activities (like coups and rebellions) should be encouraged. Westwind is known for couping the North Pacific under the name Lewis and Clark and creating his own government named 'the Crimson Order' (more on this later). He also used that event to tear apart defender unity and attack the reputation of the Founderless Regions Alliance purely for his own gain. Not only that but he and others in Equilism concocted an entirely false conflict in their own region because they couldn’t find other more positive and less deceitful ways of generating activity.

I think it should be noted that this event, while being a big slip-up, is hardly indicative of what the region actually is. This was Westwind, in a radical belief that there wasn't another option to spur activity, not Equilism. Whatever the intentions may have been is (surprisingly) irrelevant, as Westwind couped the region, took the founder nation, and created the "Realm of Equilism"*, to the chagrin of many natives (here's another) (relevant). To call defenderdom and Equilism victims of Westwind's actions is certainly a stance the SC can take, but it wouldn't fit in the proposal in any way I can think of.

*The current government is not the rogue government.

Their members then went on to become key cogs in the Empire that has had its own condemnable reputation in the game, presumably inspired by the condemnable actions of their friends and leaders.

Heh. Again, I'll differentiate between what Equilism's members did and what Equilism did -- we certainly aren't mad at the West Pacific for Dalimbar being there, or condemning 10KI for Twobagger now being a raider .

Additionally, just like the North Pacific, having made an alliance with Equilism, the East Pacific doesn't seem seething.

Not only that, but they continue to try and seek power in the same way. Only last month, Westwind published his intention to re-form the Crimson Order that couped the North Pacific. The new Crimson Order would have a proposed structure where rebellion is obligated and everyone is one of Westwind's Congregation or Courtiers - with himself as an all-powerful King and Demi-God of course: https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1319375

Who is "they"? Just Westwind? If that's not just a ridiculous joke, it's certainly not Equilism branded.

Regardless, and even if Equilism wanted to coup a feeder, that wouldn't really be much of a threat, considering they're virtually nonexistent compared to their defender days.

These individuals, and the culture that they have created within Equilism and spread abroad are not commendable. They weigh against the positive and important contributions that others like Ostendt, Naivetry, Felasia, Astarial and others have had on the game. Over history, they have unfortunately shown themselves to be a region that only seemingly opposes coups and forum-destruction when their members, friends and allies aren't involved.

You're drawing that from 2 coups (one of which them remaining neutral in)? Hardly a sample size. It also gives nothing more than a fleeting glance to all the coups which Equilism has stood against.

This whole tirade looks like anti-Westwind defender propaganda. The FRA absolutely wanted Equilism to become defender again (even sending operatives to infiltrate it and change its policy). To label it as a corrupt couping organization is not only ridiculous, but also a hypocritical sign of surrender. Equilism was one of the greatest defender organizations in history, especially during its beneficial work in the ADN/ALL era, and your comments are nothing less than defender extremism (a term I use rarely and with carefulness) attempting to misconstrue and twist the story.

---

Also not sure they should be getting the credit for some of those liberations. For example, Feudal Japan was very much led by Sedgistan (defender lead nation was his: Marshgrassistan) with support from Falconias (using the nation Second Watch) and Neasmyrna from AWP (using the nation Petalumadom) - all FRA not E-Army.

I'll ask Sedge about the mission details.

What I have seen in terms of opposition to the resolution boils down to either dissatisfaction with the C&C feature itself or (far more often) opposition to the Commendaton on the grounds of offensive or controversial things that various Equilism members have done. It seems that many regions have strong memories of the takeovers of the North and East Pacifics by various prominent Equilismers and don't want to vote for a region they run as a result. While I don't agree with those objections, I think that that's the sort of criteria that a C&C should look at. These resolutions are a measure of reputation, and apparently Equilism's reputation has more black marks than some of us thought.

What a ridiculous assertion Kandarin made -- nothing against him; he couldn't have been expected to have insight on how the 2020 SC should behave in 2009 (especially since there has been much stupider stuff in that time). Even if Equilism has a tainted reputation, "reputation" is an ignorant and contradictory measure of commendability. Reputation is narrowly-centered and doesn't take into account anything more than what is the case right now and what can be remembered distinctly (emphasizing controversy), and only justifies your selectively crafted story over big picture representations. Additionally, "reputation", when used in this way, eschews objective evidence found in a proposal, and favors particular players who observed each event in their own biased perspectives, thus alienating the majority of voters-- a tactic which can only benefit you and the other few players.

What I would propose, as an alternative, is that each voter reads the proposal, having kept in mind precedent they have seen (or their own perspectives on whether the proposal convinces them if they have no references), and determine 1) If the proposal's assertions are commendable, and 2) if the proposal's evidence fits the claims made in the proposal adequately. This method not only minimizes narrow-mindedness and bias, but also reconciles problems with -- for example -- commending and condemning a nation twice. It's much cleaner, and is not a unique opinion to me, rather the thought-process behind most voters, and the best metric for a "good" proposal.

[Baron Bones]

I would like to remind people that this is a commendation for EQUILISM, not Westwind.

[Numero Capitan]

Borm, I've sent details of specific allegations by DM and don't have time for a word by word response at the moment.

But you takeaway all the coups, questionable members and allies and all you have is a region that did less as a defender region than AWP (whose commendation was robustly rejected), some wishy-washy values and a sports RP - which nearly every major region does at some point.

With respect, Kandarin knew Equilism as well as anyone. Their timelines matched up, he was in ADN with them and he gave Nai his nation at the end. That thread had opposition from Fratt, from Dyr, from nations who are all commended by this Security Council.

The suggestion that those of us who were actually there for the height of their activity should be ignored in favour of the content of the four corners of your proposal is lovely politicking but completely unreasonable. These statements about ‘upholding regional sovereignty’ and all the other lovely stuff you put in need to be balanced against all the omitted information where Equilism as a whole did the exact opposite.

[Cormactopia Prime]

Why not commend Nasicournia instead? Nasicournia was the central pillar of the ADN. Equilism sure wasn't.

[Bormiar]

Why not commend Nasicournia instead? Nasicournia was the central pillar of the ADN. Equilism sure wasn't.

This edit gave me the perfect segue. Having talked to NuCa in discord about this, we seem to now agree that post-schism/influence Equilism couldn't live up to its ADN days. I talked to an ADNer I know (that's not affiliated with Equilism), who said that -- during the incarnation of the ADN they were in -- Equilism was with Nasicournia in carrying the ADN.

However, that source does not seem to have experienced the entirety of the ADN (based on their comments), so I am going to both a) tg whatever ex-ADN sources I can find, putting this on hold for at least a month; and b) give "Commend Nasicournia" (which I had already planned out) priority.

Because of time dilation, which the SC doesn't actually demand higher standards for, it could very well be the case that the work done by Equilism during its ADN/ALL time matches up to that done by commendable defender orgs nowadays. This may be impossible to find, however, considering that most ALL and ADN mission logs are undoubtably destroyed.

[Sedgistan]

A few points:

I've asked CG, who was heavily involved in the ADN - she thought Equilism were a noteworthy contributor to the ADN militarily, but doesn't remember much in the way of details.

I largely agree with Numero Capitan's post. When I was in the FRA, Equilism veered between being one of my biggest headaches, and one of our closest partners, all depending on who was running the show there at the time.

With regards to Feudal Japan, the operation was very much run by myself, with Falconias (and I think Neasmyrna) the others contributing logistically, but Equilism were a significant enough contributor to the actual liberation (i.e. move of nations).

Belgium is a bit different. Again, it was an FRA-led operation - and one of our agents had got the password for the region - but it was a smaller-scale liberation with Equilism contributing a higher % of updaters than the mass-move into Feudal Japan. Much more significant was the lobbying of Equilism members for a solution to what was then a "game over" situation if invaders got hold of a region and passworded it. See particularly Naivetry's contributions here: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1806 and viewtopic.php?f=24&t=2556

Without her involvement (and other Equilism members were part of this lobbying) I'm not sure Liberations or the SC would have happened - or at least not until a lot later, which could have meant Belgium, France and others were lost forever.

That's already recognised in "Commend Naivetry". It may warrant being in "Commend Equilism" too; I'm not sure.

[Twertis]

Draft two, just two years later!

First off, please tell me about any historical errors (I think I can get WW to look over it), things that are missing, or people you think I should mention but don't yet. I have a long list of important Equilism members that have not yet been mentioned, even though I really wanted to find a spot for them. There is a logic to the nations mentioned, but please tell me if there are some that also represent Equilism's community and talent well.

I also feel I need to have a note on how I have compromised to work with Sedge and NuCa's valid points.

I still believe in commending the region itself, but it seems I can’t perfectly appease anyone. I haven’t completely caved to the FRAers in this thread, because I don’t know whether to believe them or Westwind or the stuff I’m finding about ADN-era Equilism. But I trust NuCa and Sedge, and I think they’ll like the changes I have done on their behalf.

I begin the draft treating Equilism as a stand-alone region, and commend its cultural efforts and strength as a defender region in ADN era (with some mention of later defenses). I remove the reference to Feudal Japan, as requested by NuCa. I also continue to mention their cultural strength.

I then concede that Equilism’s turning independent was a bad thing from the perspective of the SC (“Recognizing that while Equilism did eventually become independent”), while transitioning to NuCa and Sedge’s version of an Equilism commendation, which commends Equilism for the actions of its members (most often acting on its behalf). I argue that the significance of this is that it shows Equilism knows how to draw talent together and foster it. I’m not sure I fully understand what they wanted there, but I think I did a good job with that.

I hope this is more acceptable to the two of you. You’re certainly not making it easy on me.

The Security Council,

Finding Equilism to be a region commendable not only for its storied defender military and cultural feats, but also for the large cabal of impressive nations it coalesced, supported, and fostered,

Contextualizing Equilism as a famous defender region, having become an important member of the Allied Liberation League and pillar of the Alliance Defense Network, and, during its defender time, deployed in many historical liberations, including the liberation of Belgium, after this very council liberated it in SC#4; Liberal Haven, a region liberated by SC#144; and the regions Middle Earth and United States early in Equilism’s gestation,

Noting that Equilism’s founding mission was fighting invasion, griefing, and oppression through its military, and that it more than lived up to that goal through its assistance against the 2013 coup of Osiris by Gatesville Inc and its rogue delegate the Dourian Embassy; the massive army it deployed to defeat Great Bight in the North Pacific; assisting in saving the North Pacific again when Pierconium and Pixiedance suspended the constitution and declared martial law; and suppressing Aegara’s coup of the Rejected Realms by ejecting all of its endorsers in Grand Central,

Recognizing that while Equilism did eventually become independent, it continued to service NationStates through its antifascist action — such as its attacks of NAZI EUROPE (a region which tormented this council in its infancy), Reich, and Union of Fascists— Equilism’s cultural prowess, and the large group of prominent nations displaying Equilism’s commendability internationally,

Lauding Equilism’s cultural aspects, such as the World Cup, an event it hosted in which nations send their best soccer teams for friendly competition and which was ran annually (7 times for 8 years); an ancient 2004 event known as the “Equilism OIympics” in which nations sent players to compete in a variety of interesting events; and participation in several NationStates World Fairs, in which participating regions have their nations contribute lectures to educate on a variety of abstruse topics,

Mentioning Equilism’s competency in the feared Z-Day, during which Equilism consistently has eliminated or nearly eliminated zombies, been ranked first in censuses for “most survivors without quarantine” many times, and has lended support for outsiders whenever possible,

Commending Equilism for the legacy it led through the many laudable nations which have grown, represented, and hailed from Equilism, and serve to demonstrate Equilism’s rare ability to consistently develop talent,

Citing, for example, the major contributors to the Alliance Defense Network that came from Equilism, such as:

• Equility, which, being unsatisfied with contemporary defending, founded Equilism and later joined— as a member of Equilism— the Alliance Defense Network, where it would become an active member, and the Allied Liberation League, where Equility would become a co-chairman and from which Equilism’s military would be trained,
• Astarial, a former Secretary of State of the ADN, Prime Minister of Equilism, and Chief of Staff of the E-Army,
• Westwind, a long-time native of Equilism that served as Acting Director in the ADN, and played a key role in the reorganization of the defender alliance,

Taking into consideration the Equilism natives which moved on to be delegate of a feeder or sinker region, including Westwind, Astarial, Whamabama, and Naivetry,

Recognizing that the creation of liberation resolutions in response to the invasion of Belgium was in large part catalyzed by the campaigning of Naivetry — at the time an E-Army member who would soon become Monarch of Equilism and control its founder nation — supported by other Equilism natives, such as Whamabama (the contemporary E--Army Chief of Staff), Chaucerin (the contemporary Monarch), and Westwind,

Mentioning a few other nations from Equilism which contributed significantly to NationStates but have not yet been mentioned, including Felasia, New Kervoskia, Ostendt (trainer of the E-Army and considered a cofounder of Equilism), and many, many others,

Understanding Equilism to be particularly interesting and commendable due to the community of laudable nations it fostered,

But also acknowledging its immense direct contributions — commendable in their own right — in ADN-era Equilism, such as the coups it helped eliminate, and later through its impressive culture and anti-fascist action,

Hereby commends Equilism.

[Honeydewistania]

Mentioning a few other nations from Equilism which contributed significantly to NationStates but have not yet been mentioned, including Felasia, New Kervoskia, Ostendt (trainer of the E-Army and considered a cofounder of Equilism), and many, many others,

If you have a little more character count, it could be worth expanding upon what these nations have done, because at the moment it just reads like a list of shoutouts.

[Twertis]

Mentioning a few other nations from Equilism which contributed significantly to NationStates but have not yet been mentioned, including Felasia, New Kervoskia, Ostendt (trainer of the E-Army and considered a cofounder of Equilism), and many, many others,

If you have a little more character count, it could be worth expanding upon what these nations have done, because at the moment it just reads like a list of shoutouts.

I can for Felasia and Ostendt, but not really for NK. I’m already inviting argument by putting him in there in the first place.

[Honeydewistania]

If you have a little more character count, it could be worth expanding upon what these nations have done, because at the moment it just reads like a list of shoutouts.

I can for Felasia and Ostendt, but not really for NK. I’m already inviting argument by putting him in there in the first place.

[Thousand Branches]

Why not make a new thread for this and just add the link to this one in the op? That would probably really help for organization’s sake

[Fachumonn]

Why not make a new thread for this and just add the link to this one in the op? That would probably really help for organization’s sake

Yep. Was just about to say change the list from 1. -> bullets, until I scrolled down to post it

[Twertis]

Why not make a new thread for this and just add the link to this one in the op? That would probably really help for organization’s sake

See here: viewtopic.php?p=39571096#p39571096

Sorry for the inconvenience, Fachumonn + Ara. It should be resolved in some way or another soon.

[Thousand Branches]

Why not make a new thread for this and just add the link to this one in the op? That would probably really help for organization’s sake

See here: viewtopic.php?p=39571096#p39571096

Sorry for the inconvenience, Fachumonn + Ara. It should be resolved in some way or another soon.

Ah, my apologies!

[Bormiar]

The OP has been corrected, thanks to Sedge and the rest of the mods.

[Goobergunchia]

Contextualizing Equilism as a famous defender region, having become an important member of the Allied Liberation League and pillar of the Alliance Defense Network, and, during its defender time, deployed in many historical liberations, including the liberation of Belgium, after this very council liberated it in SC#4; Liberal Haven, a region liberated by SC#144; and the regions Middle Earth and United States early in Equilism’s gestation,

The liberation happened during the vote.

[Bormiar]

Contextualizing Equilism as a famous defender region, having become an important member of the Allied Liberation League and pillar of the Alliance Defense Network, and, during its defender time, deployed in many historical liberations, including the liberation of Belgium, after this very council liberated it in SC#4; Liberal Haven, a region liberated by SC#144; and the regions Middle Earth and United States early in Equilism’s gestation,

The liberation happened during the vote.

I don't understand you, sorry.

[Goobergunchia]

The liberation happened during the vote.

I don't understand you, sorry.

FRA intelligence obtained the Belgium password while the resolution was at vote. Result:

On May 31, the attention of the NationStates world was drawn to the plight of the region of Belgium, a proud historical defender region dating from the days before the institution of Founders. By stashing a puppet nation within the region for close to a year, and simply logging in often enough to keep the puppet alive, the imperialistic region of the Macedonian Empire, together with Mencer, subverted the mechanic of Influence meant to protect native residents. Wallonia-Flanders seized the delegacy of Belgium on May 30, called in reinforcements to ward off defender counter-attack, then instituted a password invisible to the natives after less than 36 hours in the delegacy.

For two months, the natives of Belgium endured the tyranny of a delegate whose stated intention was to remove every native nation and keep Belgium as an empty trophy. Over those two months, NationStates saw changes in game mechanics, most significantly the creation of the World Assembly Security Council and the Liberation category of resolutions, the purpose of which was to provide a way out of the sort of 'game over' situation that the natives of Belgium were facing. Such a resolution would remove the password, thus allowing defenders the opportunity to mount a counterattack. Within hours of the creation of the Liberation category, Goobergunchia had proposed the first Liberation resolution, addressing the predicament of Belgium, which quickly made it to quorum and in due time to the voting queue.

Then, at 04:23 GMT on July 26, as Liberate Belgium stood at vote, the region of Belgium was liberated in a military operation by forces from the Founderless Regions Alliance (FRA), Equilism, Texas, Liberty Alliance, and NasiCorps.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of FRA intel agents, defenders procured the password to the region of Belgium and, keeping the target of the operation secret to all but a few trusted commanders, laid the plans for an unexpected attempt to free Belgium before the passage of the WA resolution. This timing was orchestrated to take advantage of the last opportunity to liberate the region before the enemy delegate would be put on his guard by the removal of the password.

Although Wallonia-Flanders was spotted as active mere minutes before the update, defenders had no choice but to risk continuing with the plan. With no room for error, 20 defender nations swept into the region and reinstated the native Belgian delegate, West-Flanders, moving seconds before update. No defender nations were ejected during the operation.

To the members of the Security Council who campaigned and voted for the legislation to liberate Belgium, our thanks. You have shown that the NationStates world is capable of responding meaningfully to situations of injustice and the abuse of power. This legislation will serve as a sign of hope for all regions similarly oppressed, whose fight is not yet over.

From our commanders and soldiers to the natives of Belgium: it has been our privilege to serve you. In the days ahead, the defender community shall work to ensure the continued safety of the region of Belgium and its community from all threats - in defense of sovereignty, in protection of peace, and in the name of freedom.

Signed,
Northern Chittowa, Arch Chancellor, Founderless Regions Alliance
Whamabama, E-Army Chief of Staff, Equilism
Big Tex, Commander-in-Chief, Texas Defense Forces
Finavarra, Commander-in-Chief, Liberty Alliance Defence Initative

[Bormiar]

Thanks Goober. I had read that thread (it's where I got that Wham was E-Army Chief of Staff), but I guess my eyes just glossed over at that part. It's been fixed.

[Bormiar]

I've reached out to several Equilism natives and the two people who assisted with the drafting in this thread two years ago (Sedge + NuCa) to ask if they had any final thoughts or corrections. Most do not play NS anymore, so this will be submitted whenever they've all responded or in late May, whichever comes sooner.

[Thousand Branches]

Finding Equilism to be a region commendable not only for its storied defender military and cultural feats, but also for the large cabal of impressive nations it coalesced, supported, and fostered,

This is actually sort of unique, putting a focus on the nations that came out of the region instead of the regional contributions. Can't say I know anything at all about Equilism but at least that's sort of a unique theme for this kind of thing. I do think however that considering the long history of the region, there's probably some osrt of regional themes or ideas that you could incorporate here. For regional commendations, it often has less to do with character and more to do with narrative, but this doesn't really establish either.

Contextualizing Equilism as a famous defender region, having become an important member of the Allied Liberation League and pillar of the Alliance Defense Network, and, during its defender time, deployed in many historical liberations, including the liberation of Belgium, a historical defender region which this very council liberated in SC#4; Liberal Haven, a region liberated by SC#144; and the regions Middle Earth and United States early in Equilism’s gestation,

Does "Liberal Haven" refer to the region with that name or "A Liberal Haven", the much more known region?

I don't really like the structure of this one, it gets really jumbled in the middle, so a short rewrite for organizational purposes:

"Contextualizing Equilism as an illustrious defender region, once being an important member of both the Allied Liberation League and Alliance Defense Network, and, during Equilism's early development, having been deployed in many historical liberations including those in Belgium, a historic defender region liberated by SC#4; Liberal Haven, a region liberated by SC#144; and the regions Middle Earth and United States,"

Also not sure the mentions of liberation proposals are even remotely necessary.

Noting that Equilism’s founding mission was fighting invasion, griefing, and oppression through its military, and that it more than lived up to that goal through its assistance against the 2013 coup of Osiris by Gatesville Inc and its rogue delegate the Dourian Embassy; the massive army it deployed to defeat Great Bight in the North Pacific; assisting in saving the North Pacific again when Pierconium and Pixiedance suspended the constitution and declared martial law; and suppressing Aegara’s coup of the Rejected Realms when it ejected all of its endorsers in Grand Central,

The founding mission is unclear, maybe put what said mission is actually supposed to be in quotations? It makes the rest of this clause pretty confusing for me.

Is that supposed to be endorsers from Grand Central?

Who is Great Bight? Mostly just curious on that one since the clause doesn't go into a ton of detail on them?

Recognizing that while Equilism did eventually become independent, it continued to service NationStates through its antifascist action — such as its attacks of NAZI EUROPE (a region which tormented this council in its infancy), Reich, and Union of Fascists— as well as Equilism’s cultural prowess, and the large group of prominent nations displaying Equilism’s commendability internationally,

Missing a space after "Union of Fascists".

Actually this whole bit: "Union of Fascists— as well as Equilism’s cultural prowess, and the large group of prominent nations displaying Equilism’s commendability internationally," would look a bit better as "Union of Fascists —, cultural prowess, and many prominent nations displaying Equilism's commendability internationally." or something to that effect. The whole "prominent nations" bit is really hard to fit in there well.

Also writing this edit later, why does this clause exist? You go on to talk about each of these aspects individually except for antifash action. I would just make this an antifash clause and then cut out all the rest of it since you go on to talk about all of it anyway.

Lauding Equilism’s cultural aspects, such as the World Cup, an event it hosted in which nations send their best soccer teams for friendly competition and which was ran annually (7 times for 8 years); an ancient 2004 event known as the “Equilism OIympics” in which nations sent players to compete in a variety of interesting events; and participation in several NationStates World Fairs, in which participating regions have their nations contribute lectures to educate on a variety of abstruse topics,

Comma after aspects can be nixed.

Delete "and which was ran annually (7 times for 8 years)" and just add "yearly" to "an event it hosted". Honestly I'd argue the number of times it happened isn't even really all that relevant as long as it actually provided some kind of cultural contribution.

Mentioning Equilism’s competency in the feared Z-Day, during which Equilism consistently has eliminated or nearly eliminated zombies, been ranked first in censuses for “most survivors without quarantine” many times, and has lended support for outsiders whenever possible,

"Mentioning"? That's such a weird one? Like it feels like some offhand comment.

Commending Equilism for the legacy it led through the many laudable nations which have grown, represented, and hailed from Equilism, and serve to demonstrate Equilism’s rare ability to consistently develop talent,

"which" --> "that"

"represented" and the whole serve to demonstrate bit is repetitive. I think that serve bit is the most important part of this clause so I would try to restructure it around that to eliminate redundancy.

Equility, which, being unsatisfied with contemporary defending, founded Equilism and later joined— as a member of Equilism— the Alliance Defense Network, where it would become an active member, and the Allied Liberation League, where Equility would become a co-chairman and from which Equilism’s military would be trained,

"which" --> "who"

"as a member of Equilism" can be nixed.

This feels like it focuses more on the ALL despite being in the list that's supposed to directly be about ADN.

Astarial, a former Secretary of State of the ADN, Prime Minister of Equilism, and Chief of Staff of the E-Army,

Naming positions without saying what they did in them. I understand that may be because of the historical aspect but this doesn't really establish any commendability at the moment.

Westwind, a long-time native of Equilism that served as Acting Director in the ADN, and played a key role in the reorganization of the defender alliance,

What is "the defender alliance"?

Taking into consideration the Equilism natives which moved on to be delegate of a feeder or sinker region, including Westwind, Astarial, Whamabama, and Naivetry,

"which" --> "that"

Just to make sure, recall that "catcher" and "restorer" are now official terms for some GCRs, so if any of them were delegates of TRR or any of the restorers, you may have to change those terms.

Recognizing that the creation of liberation resolutions in response to the invasion of Belgium was in large part catalyzed by the campaigning of Naivetry — at the time an E-Army member who would soon become Monarch of Equilism and control its founder nation — supported by other Equilism natives, such as Whamabama (the contemporary E-Army Chief of Staff), Chaucerin (the contemporary Monarch), and Westwind,

It just occurred to me that I don't think you ever actually noted what the e-army was. Might be a good thing to include in here somewhere.

"creation" --> "drafting"

Mentioning a few other nations from Equilism which contributed significantly to NationStates but have not yet been mentioned, including Felasia, New Kervoskia, Ostendt (trainer of the E-Army and considered a cofounder of Equilism), and many, many others,

"which" --> "who"

Also mentioning again?

Is there really a 'New Kervoskia' and a 'Neo Kervoskia'? I assume these are the same person? If so weren't they like... known for evil coups? Maybe a bad thing to include in a commendation.

Understanding Equilism to be particularly interesting and commendable due to the community of laudable nations it fostered,

This is pure fluff. Add narrative or delete it.

But also acknowledging its immense direct contributions — commendable in their own right — in ADN-era Equilism, such as the coups it helped eliminate, and later through its impressive culture and anti-fascist action,

Also kind of fluff and could definitely be improved upon.

All in all, the real issue I see with this is that it doesn't really tell me anything about the story of Equilism. They're just described here as some old region that doesn't really seem any more notable than any modern defender region, half of whom aren't commended themselves. there has to be something about Equilism that made them special and that's what I think you need to explore the most.

Have a great day,

-A

[Bormiar]

Ok, I made all of Thousand Branches changes as best I could.

The Security Council,

Recognizing Equilism as a region created in early 2004 in order to defeat griefers, and would grow to serve as a pillar of the Alliance Defense Network, and later on in its long and storied history, a far-reaching community of impressive nations it coalesced, supported, and fostered,

Contextualizing Equilism as an illustrious defender region, once being an important member of both the Allied Liberation League and Alliance Defense Network, and, during Equilism's long history, has deployed in many historical liberations including those in Belgium, a historic defender region liberated by SC#4, Liberal Haven, Middle Earth, and United States,

Noting that Equilism more than lived up to its founding goal of preventing regional destruction, in part through:

• Assisting against the 2013 coup of Osiris by Gatesville Inc and its rogue delegate the Dourian Embassy, in which the delegate attempted to prevent a lawful transition of power,
• Deploying the largest army of any military in order to defeat Great Bight in the North Pacific, in a famous “Puppetmaster” liberation which prevented the New Pacific Order — through its leaders Mammothistan (Great Bight) and Sir Paul (UPS Rail) — from continuing the control the North Pacific,
• Assisting in saving the North Pacific again when Pierconium and Pixiedance suspended the constitution, declared martial law, and created the long and onerous “North Pacific Directorate” regime,
• Suppressing Aegara’s coup of the Rejected Realms, when the Grand Central delegate ejected all of its endorsers in order to coup the Rejected Realms,

Recognizing that while Equilism did eventually become independent, the its military, the E-Army, continued to service NationStates through its antifascist action, such as its attacks of NAZI EUROPE (a region which tormented this council in its infancy), Reich, and Union of Fascists,

Lauding Equilism’s cultural aspects such as the World Cup, an event it hosted in which nations send their best soccer teams for friendly competition and which was ran annually over the course of eight years; an ancient 2004 event known as the “Equilism OIympics” in which nations sent players to compete in a variety of interesting events; and participation in several NationStates World Fairs, in which participating regions have their nations contribute lectures to educate on a variety of abstruse topics,

Impressed by Equilism’s competency in the feared Z-Day, during which Equilism consistently has eliminated or nearly eliminated zombies, been ranked first in censuses for “most survivors without quarantine” many times, and has lended support for outsiders whenever possible,

Commending Equilism for the legacy it led through the many laudable nations that have hailed from Equilism, serving as a testament towards Equilism’s rare ability to consistently develop talent,

Citing, for example, the major contributors to early defending organizations that came from Equilism, such as:

• Equility, which, being unsatisfied with contemporary defending, founded Equilism and later joined the Alliance Defense Network, where it would become an active member and eventually an administrator of their forums, and the Allied Liberation League, where Equility would become a co-chairman and from which Equilism’s military would be trained,
• Astarial, a former Secretary of State of the ADN, Prime Minister of Equilism, and Chief of Staff of the E-Army,
• Westwind, a long-time native of Equilism that served as Acting Director in the ADN, and played a key role in the reorganization of the defender alliance into ‘ADN Reloaded’,

Taking into consideration the Equilism natives that moved on to be delegate of a feeder, sinker, or catcher region, including Westwind, Astarial, Whamabama, and Naivetry,

Recognizing that the creation of a resolution to remove delegate-imposed passwords, known as a “liberation”, was in response to the invasion of Belgium and in large part catalyzed by the campaigning of Naivetry — at the time an E-Army member who would soon become Monarch of Equilism and control its founder nation — supported by other Equilism natives, such as Whamabama (the contemporary E--Army Chief of Staff), Chaucerin (the contemporary Monarch), and Westwind,

Noting that a great many other prominent nations from Equilism have contributed significantly to NationStates but have not yet been mentioned, including Felasia and Ostendt (trainer of the E-Army and considered a cofounder of Equilism),

Understanding Equilism to be commendable for its service as one of the main contributors to the Alliance Defense Network, a staunch battler against fascism, a cultural hub in NationStates, and a developer of prominent nations hailing from the Equilism community,

Hereby commends Equilism.

Some responses though:

• It's Liberal Haven, not A Liberal Haven.
• I decided that mentioning Liberal Haven's liberation was useless, but kept Belgium's as I felt it has more historical weight. Remember that the regions I mention here are almost completely arbitrary, in part the product of what I happened to find two years ago, and in part because I think the names might have weight. Belgium, Liberal Haven, Middle Earth, and United States have all been hotly contested for a very long time. Belgium is relevant elsewhere in the proposal, and Middle Earth / United States were especially worth mentioning cause they happened around this ADN time.
• I could not use your rewrite of the "Contextualizing" clause verbatim because it wouldn't have been accurate upon close reading. Liberal Haven and Belgium weren't early in Equilism's development. Only US / ME were.
• I could not find a direct quote on its founding goal. Its original motto was "Your government is Our government", but I don't think that refers as closely as it sounds towards defending and regional sovereignty. I don't see how the goal is unclear, but I rewrote it anyways.
• I've expanded the clause so I could have room to go into detail on Great Bight and Aegara. It's no problem, as all I had to do was steal from another draft of mine that will never see the light of day (I wonder if someone can guess which one). So glad it wasn't entirely for nothing.
• Aegara was a delegate of Grand Central that ejected all their endorsers and became delegate of TRR.
• I don't want to make that "yearly" change in the "Lauding" clause because I want people to know it occurred for 8 years, which is a long time. I think that's relevant because it shows a consistent long-term presence in NS. I also felt I needed the parenthetical because I wanted to clarify that it happened only 7 times (historical accuracy), but I've sneakily reworded it. Thoughts?
• I don't want to make the change from "which" => "who". This is a nation. The rules say that I won't be marked illegal if I make that change, but also say that it's a grammatical error.
• The Asta clause is tough. I'll check again to see if I can find specific actions, but it is very hard. Mainly, I was trying to create a link between the ADN and Equilism through Astarial. Plus, it's Asta, who's more than worth mentioning.
• Wham and Nai were TRR delegates. Shoot! Just more words to add. Not that the including clause is fair. I didn't mention Neo Kervoskia because of modern Osiris' relation to the Empire. Plus Dalimbar was a GCR delegate, but I don't think he was very important to Equilism and don't think he was a GCR delegate after being involved in Equilism.
• "Creation" in the liberation clause is correct. I think you interpreted it to mean that only one liberation was created due to Belgium. That's not true. ALL liberations are due to that. The type of resolution itself was created because of Nai's campaigning. I made a change to make that clearer.
• Yes, that's the same NK. I really wanted to mention him, but since you brought it up, I guess I have to remove it now.
• The last two clauses were supposed to be conclusions. I tried again at a different one.

As for narrative, Equilism was originally founded by Equility after Equility became unsatisfied with 10KI and left. It's military, the E-Army, was trained with the help of ALL, and eventually it became a pillar of the ADN with Nasicournia, which essentially meant it was one of the most important players in military gameplay for several years. Later, as NS got less active, Westwind tried to stir up trouble to boost activity. He couped TNP under the Crimson Order coup, and transitioned Equilism to an independent military in an event called the Schism (I think Naivetry joined along that time). After that, the FRA wanted to work with Equilism, and did, but I don't think they liked Westwind. Eventually, they tried to infiltrate Equilism to change its policy. Since then it's gone through Chaucerin's Confederacy of Equilism, Naivetry's Second Commonwealth, and Westwind's Township government. The region has gained a reputation as being important for the very prominent nations that come from it and enter GP (rare for a UCR), with the first commendation attempt by Todd McCloud reading:

BELIEVING Equilism to be a breeding ground for very intelligent, talented players in all aspects of the game, most notably in gameplay aspects, especially in dealing with regional politics. Equilism has produced very strong players throughout its history.

The problem is that this activity stuff is very linked to chaos and condemnability, not just in Westwind's coup of TNP and the relationship with the FRA, but also in 'The Core' coup attempt in TWP, of which two Equilism players were members. Plus, there's the fact that Dalimbar and NK were once members (Dali I don't think was very important). And I think Moo-Cows was a problem in some way.

So that part of the narrative falls out the window unless I can talk about their involvement in peaceful activity things like the "Neutral Territory" conference. I'll look into doing so.

Please let me know how I can better reflect this narrative in the draft.

Thank you very much.

[Fachumonn]

Ok, I made all of Thousand Branches changes as best I could.

Would you mind posting this in the OP (If you haven't already, which you might have so my mistake then).