[TWI-Only] [OOC] Nationbuilding Prompt - January 2018

[Ainslie]

Nationbuilding Prompt: Government: Unique and Influenced



January 2018 NB Prompt

Start your New Year right (by discussing parts of your political system). References aside, I've been noticing over the past few months the presence of "western democracies" which have unique and special traits, which really make them truly interesting as nations. This prompt is designed to investigate the unique political environments in each nation and further highlight the diversity of national governments and political sentiments.

So, I guess it's come to that point in the prompt where I throw questions at you... Here they are:

1. Who leads your nation? How long have they been in office for?
2. What are the major influences besides the citizens themselves on your government (military, trade unions etc)?
3. (You saw this one coming) In one sentence, sum up your government.
4. Has your government maintained or incorporated any long standing traditions in your nation/in your political envirnment (eg special tribal courts for Indigenous people)
5. Are there any term limits on your leaders? Why or why not?
6. Is there anyone in assistant or deputy roles? What is their relationship with your leader?

I'll be compiling responses to these questions in a dispatch in the Secretary's Notes section of the Office of RP dispatches for long term, accessible storage - this will be done in early January.

This is a link to a dispatch with last month's responses (to be brought up to date by the 7th of January)

[Tianshan]

1. Does Halloween exist in your nation? If not, Why?


Halloween does not exist in Tianshan due to the special date during Halloween, well-known in Tianshan: “Festival of Tianshan” refering to the celebration of Tianshan (Heavenly Mountain) of “Tianese citizens being descendants of Heavenly Mountain Kingdom, a christian kingdom” as they consider themselves to be descendants of a first christian empire.

2. What do people do on Halloween in your nation?


Celebrating the date, as “National Founding Kingdom Day”, claiming themselves to be first christians in Central Argus. This festival is celebrated across Tianshan, starting 25th of October to 5th November, since the 31st is in the middle of the Celebrations. It is considered to be the most important. When they claim, that in the middle of that date, is when “Jesus” shows up at 12am (31st of October), since it’s the major celebration in 31st of Oct. All schools, are closed until the next two days. (2nd of November). This festival is also celebrated by people eating food, and going to places.

3. What do people believe about Halloween? Is it relatively shallow, or does it reflect the darker spirits of your nation's religion, or something else?


Many believe that Tianese celebrations are unique, and believe that Halloween is non-existint.

4. How do businesses and social groups respond to halloween? What do religious groups think of the event?


Many businesses are fine with the celebration, so as social groups and Religious groups.

5. Is your nation's Halloween influenced by Western Culture? And if so, to what extent is it influenced and what do your people think about it?

No


6. If you've got any other info, please include it.


N/A

[West Suomi]

1. Does Halloween exist in your nation? If not, Why?

Yes, it does. West Suomi is heavily influenced by Western Culture, thanks to the British colonials.

2. What do people do on Halloween in your nation?

Most people dress up and go trick or treating, and if any person doesn’t give candy then there is a chance their house will get TPed or they will get water-bombed. Some people like to visit haunted places on Halloween, like cemetaries and abandoned places.

3. What do people believe about Halloween? Is it relatively shallow, or does it reflect the darker spirits of your nation's religion, or something else?

Most people just use Halloween as an excuse to eat LOTS of candy, while dressing up in costumes which may or may not be scary. Some costumes will be comedically scary. These people don’t try to summon the dead or demons.

Some people celebrate the dark side of Halloween. These people won’t go trick or treating, and will instead try to scare themselves by visiting haunted places, and some people want to be in tune with the dead, trying to summon the dead and even demons.


4. How do businesses and social groups respond to halloween? What do religious groups think of the event?

Many businesses have Halloween sales before and after Halloween. Stores will begin to sell Halloween costumes, wanting to profit off of the holiday.

Adults and children are always excited to trick or treat.

5. Is your nation's Halloween influenced by Western Culture? And if so, to what extent is it influenced and what do your people think about it?

Halloween in West Suomi is heavily influenced by Western Culture.

6. If you've got any other info, please include it.

None.

[Corindia]

1. Hard yes
2. Dress up in costumes, trick or treat, attend parties, watch scary movies
3. It's just for fun
4. Businesses and organizations cash in on and recognize Halloween to be relevant and fun, religious groups aren't exactly down for it but they aren't really crusading against it either
5. Halloween was introduced to Corindia in the 1950s in the midst of a wave of fascination with American culture, as such it maintains many of the classic features of American Halloween

[Bravo Rio]

1. Does Halloween exist in your nation? If not, Why?
'Course mate

2. What do people do on Halloween in your nation?
Dress up in costumes and go trick or treating!

3. What do people believe about Halloween? Is it relatively shallow, or does it reflect the darker spirits of your nation's religion, or something else?
The older populace see's it as a darker day due to a serial killing that took place on Halloween in 1972

4. How do businesses and social groups respond to halloween? What do religious groups think of the event?
Most business capitalize on Halloween in every way they can, ads, products, etc. Clatans do not observe the holiday in the same way as the rest of the nation. They celebrate the holiday but going on an annual buffalo hunt.

5. Is your nation's Halloween influenced by Western Culture? And if so, to what extent is it influenced and what do your people think about it?
Yes, it's pretty similar to the United State's Halloween, people enjoy it.

6. If you've got any other info, please include it.
n/a

[Ipland]

1. Does Halloween exist in your nation? If not, Why?

Yes, so people can celebrate something before Thanksgiving and Christmas

2. What do people do on Halloween in your nation?

Buy a lot of Halloween merchandise, party, and the kids usually go to town centres and shops offer free candy

3. What do people believe about Halloween? Is it relatively shallow, or does it reflect the darker spirits of your nation's religion, or something else?

Nothing spiritual, only for the money and celebrations

4. How do businesses and social groups respond to halloween? What do religious groups think of the event?

Religious groups don't care and businesses LOVE it, they make everything Halloween themed for the month and charge much more

5. Is your nation's Halloween influenced by Western Culture? And if so, to what extent is it influenced and what do your people think about it?

OOC it's influenced by North American Halloween parties + all the themed merch, but none of the trick or treating

6. If you've got any other info, please include it.

Halloween is a national holiday

[Verona Beach]

1. Does Halloween exist in your nation? If not, Why?

Halloween exists and is frequently practiced, although in a much darker way than in the United States or other places. It is marked as All Saints' Eve on the government calendar, and along with the day after, is a national holiday "as a reprieve from the fall drag."

2. What do people do on Halloween in your nation?

Children, especially younger ones, collect small tokens from their family. The origin of the tokens, glass objects shaped like turnips, is that they supposedly ward the Devil away and come from old Celtic traditions. Candy is commonly eaten at costume parties, but trick-or-treating is not common at all. Young adults often take the time off to have occult and other "spooky"-themed parties, sometimes involving alcohol and drugs (as it goes with teens). Some others may have a potentially romantic evening watching horror movies. Most people, of course, go to costume parties.

3. What do people believe about Halloween? Is it relatively shallow, or does it reflect the darker spirits of your nation's religion, or something else?

It depends on one's religious faith. If a citizen is very devout, they will spend their time praying. If they are like most Veronites, it's either snuggling under the covers and watching some movies or going out and partying. "Spookiness" definitely plays a factor, and horror movies make bank during October. Arrests for trespassing on "haunted" property also shoots way up during this time.

4. How do businesses and social groups respond to Halloween? What do religious groups think of the event?

Candy companies roll in profits, as do pre-made costume companies and producers that make horror movies. The Anglican Church uses All Saints' Eve to distribute the turnip tokens to those of all faiths as a sign of good will and are generally on board with the celebrations, sometimes hosting family-friendly costume parties themselves.

5. Is your nation's Halloween influenced by Western Culture? And if so, to what extent is it influenced and what do your people think about it?

The use of costume parties and Halloween candy is from Western culture, and the whole tradition.

6. If you've got any other info, please include it.

That's it!

[Corindia]

1. Does Halloween exist in your nation? If not, Why?

Halloween exists and is frequently practiced, although in a much darker way than in the United States or other places. It is marked as All Saints' Eve on the government calendar, and along with the day after, is a national holiday "as a reprieve from the fall drag."

2. What do people do on Halloween in your nation?

Children, especially younger ones, collect small tokens from their family. The origin of the tokens, glass objects shaped like turnips, is that they supposedly ward the Devil away and come from old Celtic traditions. Candy is commonly eaten at costume parties, but trick-or-treating is not common at all. Young adults often take the time off to have occult and other "spooky"-themed parties, sometimes involving alcohol and drugs (as it goes with teens). Some others may have a potentially romantic evening watching horror movies. Most people, of course, go to costume parties.

3. What do people believe about Halloween? Is it relatively shallow, or does it reflect the darker spirits of your nation's religion, or something else?

It depends on one's religious faith. If a citizen is very devout, they will spend their time praying. If they are like most Veronites, it's either snuggling under the covers and watching some movies or going out and partying. "Spookiness" definitely plays a factor, and horror movies make bank during October. Arrests for trespassing on "haunted" property also shoots way up during this time.

4. How do businesses and social groups respond to Halloween? What do religious groups think of the event?

Candy companies roll in profits, as do pre-made costume companies and producers that make horror movies. The Anglican Church uses All Saints' Eve to distribute the turnip tokens to those of all faiths as a sign of good will and are generally on board with the celebrations, sometimes hosting family-friendly costume parties themselves.

5. Is your nation's Halloween influenced by Western Culture? And if so, to what extent is it influenced and what do your people think about it?

The use of costume parties and Halloween candy is from Western culture, and the whole tradition.

6. If you've got any other info, please include it.

That's it!

This is great

[Verona Beach]

1. Does Halloween exist in your nation? If not, Why?

Halloween exists and is frequently practiced, although in a much darker way than in the United States or other places. It is marked as All Saints' Eve on the government calendar, and along with the day after, is a national holiday "as a reprieve from the fall drag."

2. What do people do on Halloween in your nation?

Children, especially younger ones, collect small tokens from their family. The origin of the tokens, glass objects shaped like turnips, is that they supposedly ward the Devil away and come from old Celtic traditions. Candy is commonly eaten at costume parties, but trick-or-treating is not common at all. Young adults often take the time off to have occult and other "spooky"-themed parties, sometimes involving alcohol and drugs (as it goes with teens). Some others may have a potentially romantic evening watching horror movies. Most people, of course, go to costume parties.

3. What do people believe about Halloween? Is it relatively shallow, or does it reflect the darker spirits of your nation's religion, or something else?

It depends on one's religious faith. If a citizen is very devout, they will spend their time praying. If they are like most Veronites, it's either snuggling under the covers and watching some movies or going out and partying. "Spookiness" definitely plays a factor, and horror movies make bank during October. Arrests for trespassing on "haunted" property also shoots way up during this time.

4. How do businesses and social groups respond to Halloween? What do religious groups think of the event?

Candy companies roll in profits, as do pre-made costume companies and producers that make horror movies. The Anglican Church uses All Saints' Eve to distribute the turnip tokens to those of all faiths as a sign of good will and are generally on board with the celebrations, sometimes hosting family-friendly costume parties themselves.

5. Is your nation's Halloween influenced by Western Culture? And if so, to what extent is it influenced and what do your people think about it?

The use of costume parties and Halloween candy is from Western culture, and the whole tradition.

6. If you've got any other info, please include it.

That's it!

This is great

Thanks so much!

[Torom]

1. Does Halloween exist in your nation? If not, Why?
Yup!

2. What do people do on Halloween in your nation?
Kids go on halloween to get free candy around the neighborhood and of course some spooky attractions and halloween costume parties.

3. What do people believe about Halloween? Is it relatively shallow, or does it reflect the darker spirits of your nation's religion, or something else?
Mostly it's just the kids who are interested in halloween while the adults just have a regular day. It isn't hyped that much since the Grand Fair, an autumn themed celebration, happens two weeks after.

4. How do businesses and social groups respond to halloween? What do religious groups think of the event?
Businesses like to sell costumes and candy in malls and decorate their spaces sometimes with halloween decor. Religious groups are mostly fine with these events since the majority of people celebrating are in it for candy.

5. Is your nation's Halloween influenced by Western Culture? And if so, to what extent is it influenced and what do your people think about it?
Yes, very much. Halloween is celebrated in the normal western style and the people just see it as a fun holiday for the family, and some consider it the kiddy version of the later Grand Fair.

6. If you've got any other info, please include it.
None.

[Ainslie]

And that's the Halloween period over... Thank you for your responses! Stay tuned for November's prompt which will involve a renovation of the opening post to reflect it.

[Ainslie]

Nationbuilding Prompt: Remembering the Fallen



November 2017 NB Prompt

[Domanania]

1) In June we have day of the fallen, which is a national holiday

2) People often give prayer. Some volunteer to provide entertainment for active troops. Active troops are given the day off to return home to their families.

3) Usually the Re-unification wars and the people's war

4) The tail end of the Reunification war and the People's war

5) The tale of the final battle of Drax Kane III as he lead the largest fielded army at the time to a resounding victory which ended the Re-unification wars.
And the Last Bastion, a story of rebel forces during the People's war that held out in a ruined building complex that held off Federation Forces for hours, marking the beginning of the end for the People's War

6) The older, retired soldiers are often praised and given thanks for their service. And at this time we also give out the Golden Cross which is an honorary medal to commemorate soldiers for dedicating their life to the federation in military action.

[Tianshan]

1)
October 1 - End of Tianshan Wars (National Day)
August 15 - Great Argus Wars (To those who died in GAW)

2)
Military Parades are to be held on that day, and citizens can visit National Tianshan Shrine, which commemorates those who died in service of the Republic of Tianshan, which existed from the Foundation of Tianhua of 1569 until the nation was renamed during the Tianshan Revolution in 1844. In the capital of Zhujng, many are to be outside and fall silence for 5 minutes.

3)
- Tianhua Rebellion

- Pingyao Uprising

- Zhujing Uprising

- Tianshan Wars

- Great Argus Wars

- Combreknizan - Tianese War

- World War II

4)
I ) Tianshan Wars

II) Great Argus Wars


5) Stories are commonly told by Tianese soldiers fought against neighboring countries to defend Tianshan. Mainly focusing on how they experienced in the war.

6) The President delivers speeches every year for these celebrations as well as delivering medals to present Tianese soldiers or those who have not received medals from previous wars. Each soldier who died in conflict is to be enshrined in National Tianshan Shrine

[Townside]

1. What days do you have to remember those who have fallen? Are they public holidays?

1 July - National Day
It is an annual public holiday. National Day is meant to celebrate the unification of Townside, but the majority of the day is usually spent commemorating the War dead, as without their sacrifice Townside would not have been able to unify. This is a bank holiday, meaning even the banks are closed, therefore, the holiday extends to everyone. The exception to this are members of the Armed Forces as they have to partake in the parade and also continue their regular duties. This is not an off day for them.

2. What happens on these days?

All major commemorations take place in the five great cities - Fleming, Jenner, Nightingale, Faraday and Elmore - and the capital - Townside. The Grand Princes preside over the ceremonies in the capital, while the five rulers preside over the ceremonies in their respective cities. Minor commemorations also take place in the other towns and villages, including the Ipachi tribes and villages.

Commemorations begin at dawn, usually 4/5 a.m. for Dawn Services.

Closer to midday, there are commemorative public marches by veterans, especially those who actually served in the War. Following the Veterans' March, full-scale Military Parades by current serving members of the Armed Forces take place, where active serving soldiers are inspected by the rulers, the people, and the veterans - their predecessors. Each regiment also present their colours to the public as a promise of continued protection. Following the marches and parades, remembrance services are held in Christian Churches, Buddhist Temples and Kenari Shrines across the nation. Church, Temple and Shrine bells would be rung 72 times, one ring for each month of the war (which lasted 72 months or 6 years).

In the evening at dusk, a moment of silence is held across the nation, after which there will be celebrations to commemorate the Unification of Townside. These celebrations are often more cheerful than the preceding events. This sequence of events is meant to symbolise the nation's transition from death and destruction of the War into progress and prosperity in the present day. The nighttime celebrations include firework displays, picnics and parties. This might seem disrespectful in foreign cultures, but in Townside, showing the War dead the peace and joy they bought to the living is meant to comfort their souls for their sacrifices.

3. What conflicts are traditionally represented on these days?

Great Christmas Island War - the conflict between the 'Allied' forces - who now form Townside - and the 'Imperial' forces - who fought for the self-styled 'Emperor of Christmas Island'.

4. What conflicts remain firmly in the memory of its citizens?

Great Christmas Island War

5. Is there any stories which are commonly told on these days?

Massacre of the Free Cities - tells the tale of how the Imperial Forces completely wiped out two entire cities in the southwest of the island, making it the bloodiest event in the war. It is a tale of the bloodcurdling cruelty and violence of the Imperial Forces. The ruins of these cities still stand in the southwest, as a reminder of the events. Nearly 50,000 people were massacred in those cities (1% of the island's population at the time).

Siege of Elmore - tells the tale of how the Imperial Forces attempted to starve the Great City of Elmore into submission. This was mostly a tale praising the valour of the Air Force, Navy and Marines, as they fought for supremacy over the waters and airspace of Elmore, at great costs.

Elmore Evacuations - During the Siege of Elmore, the Allied Forces found that discreetly airlifting and shipping in food was not sustainable, and began evacuating the city through the harbour, a dangerous feat considering the Imperial Navy was focused on destroying the harbour. On one such mission, the Allied warship, carrying newly collected evacuees was struck by Imperial bombardment, and promptly began to sink. The marines and sailors of the ship stood firm as the ship sunk, obeying orders to remain on board as the civilians evacuated through the lifeboats, which was in limited supply. As the ship sunk, the majority of these marines and sailors perished. This is a tale of chivalry, bravery and sacrifice, mainly praising the Navy and the Marines. This tale is most popular amongst the Ipachi, many of whom served as sailors and marines during the war.

Northeast Retreat (Tale of the Royal Engineers) - when the Allied forces were pushed into the northeast of the island, they found themselves surrounded as the northeast was (and still is) heavily forested. The Unified Military Engineers (today known as the Royal Engineers) worked tirelessly to carve out a path through the forest to facilitate the retreat. Nearly a hundred military engineers worked themselves beyond exhaustion and many died as a result. Their sacrifice, however, allowed for the safe retreat of thousands of injured soldiers and civilians. The narrow path and dense forest allowed for easier defence which halted the approach of the Imperial Forces. When they reached the northeast coast, the exhausted Engineers continued to construct a safe building to house the casualties, saving thousands of lives that might otherwise have been lost. This building they constructed was the first building of the capital city of Townside, and is today the site of the Royal Engineers Hospital, Townside's most advanced general hospital. The route they carved through the forest has since been built up into the Engineers Highway, which is the only highway connecting the capital city of Townside to the rest of the island. This tale is mainly one of selfless sacrifice. This event is still commemorated, where military and civilian engineers of Townside would ruck the length of the highway in honor of the Unified Engineers.

Nightingale Betrayal (Tale of King Alan) - King Alan Nightingale was the King of Nightingale during the early War. Although he was the cousin of the Emperor, he was a pivotal figure in the fight against the Imperial forces. He was a brilliant strategist, and was also noted for his genuine care for the soldiers fighting the violent battles on the ground, unlike his fellow rulers who saw the soldiers as mere pawns. He was also friends with Zackery and Noah. The Prince of Fleming, traditionally the strongest ruler, felt threatened by the King of Nightingale's growing influence, and so the Prince of Fleming bribed the Nightingale Council to overthrow the King of Nightingale. Despite being in the middle of a war, the Nightingale Council, with their pockets full, agreed to do so, replacing Alan with his inexperienced nephew. Following Alan's overthrow, the Kingdom of Nightingale was plunged into disarray, allowing Imperial Forces to easily conquer it, making Nightingale the only one of the Great Cities to have fallen to Imperial Forces. Nightingale soldiers who resisted the takeover were captured and tortured by Imperial forces. These events broke Alan's heart, causing him to slip into depression, after which he died from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy - broken heart syndrome. This tale is mainly one of corruption and political dirtiness, and of ill human character even in dark times. It also serves as a reminder of the potential betrayal of the brave men of the armed forces by politicians. It is widely told throughout the island, except in Fleming, where it is not popular, because the Prince of Fleming in the tale is currently still the ruling Prince of Fleming.

Tale of the Heroes of Townside - this tale centres on Zackery and Noah, and their life from poor and eventually orphaned rural boys, to becoming soldiers in the Fleming Militia. There, they slowly rose to fame with tales of bravery and valour in their military service. Their actions and services during the war, their friendship with the rulers, and their duel with the Emperor of Christmas Island at the end of the war, are the most popular parts of the tale. Although Zackery and Noah are officially titled as the 'Grand Princes of Townside', this tale only refers to them as 'Heroes of Townside'.

Commies are evil - one of the primary methods the Emperor used to attract supporters to the Imperial Forces was by promising the institution of socialism and/or communism if he were to be installed in power over the unified island. He made many grand promises about 'equality' and 'everything being free' and 'no need for work'. There is enough evidence to show that the Emperor did not actually know what communism was, nor is there evidence that he planned to implement its principles if he unified the island. Nevertheless, his speeches attracted many supporters, many of whom would later commit all the atrocities of the War, under the impression that they were doing the rest of the island a big favour. This tale is retold often in order to remind Townside of the horrors of people who blindly follow certain ideologies or charismatic individuals, without sparing any critical thought. This tale also serves as anti-socialist and anti-communist rhetoric, which explains the majority of Townsiders' general dislike for those ideologies.

The Court of Imperial Chambers - this is a tale of the Emperor's court of 'justice', and features many prominent torture methods the Imperial Chambers used on Allied prisoners of war, many of whom died painful, gruesome deaths as a result of these methods. This included hard labour and illegal experiments on humans. The story of the Imperial Chambers is often contrasted with the Court of Kenaris Chambers, which justly sentenced the war criminals to harsh yet just punishments. The modern judges of Townside would gather in the old Court of Kenaris Chambers on every National Day to hold prayers, to remind themselves of the true meaning of justice, and the sacrifices the soldiers made to ensure they could practice justice correctly.

Many other stories are also told, but these are the most famous and popular ones.

6. Do you give away any medals or have any special ceremonies on these days?

Yes, National Day is the only day of the year where medals and national honours are given to soldiers. Such ceremonies take place in Townside, and are conducted by the Grand Princes. Only the Grand Princes may give out medals. Unlike in other countries, only soldiers in Townside are eligible to receive medals and national honours. Other notable individuals, such as celebrities, businessmen and politicians, are not eligible for national awards.

7. If you've got any other info, please include it.

National Day is a unifying day for the majority of people of Townside, regardless of ethnicity, religion or language. It reminds them of what unites the island. It is generally thought to be the most popular holiday on the island.

The Federation of Social Justice Warriors (an umbrella group for a range of far-left organisations) is one such collective of people campaigning against National Day. They believe it to be merely a celebration of 'white militant supremacy' and 'patriarchy-enforcing sexism'. They also argue that soldiers are rapists and baby killers who should not be celebrated, and that national day should be replaced by another day celebrating the Ipachi Townsiders instead.

The SJW Federation are also known for their support of the Emperor. They often run campaigns trying to convince people that the Emperor was a good person, and that Christmas Island (they refuse to acknowledge Townside under the current 'regime') would have been better off under his rule. Their campaign often criticises the soldiers, the rulers, the Grand Princes, and the War Generation, for being 'on the wrong side of history'.

The SJW Federation claims membership over teenagers who were too young to fully comprehend the war. These teenagers usually originate from Fleming, Jenner and Faraday, which were the cities least devastated by the war. A recent quote from one of their newsletters read:

"The Emperor was such a nice guy. He promised socialism, communism, equality, free stuff... the list of his kindness goes on! And then he massacres just one batch of cities, and suddenly that's all anyone can remember him for!"

[Ostehaar]

1. What days do you have to remember those who have fallen? Are they public holidays?
On May 5th every year Osters observe Sjukhehern (remembrance day in old Oster). It is officially defined as "Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Ostehaar and Victims of Terrorism", and was enacted into law in 1933.

2. What happens on these days?
By law, all places of entertainment are closed on Sjukhehern, and broadcasting and educational bodies note the solemnity of the day. Regular television programs cease for the day, and the names and ranks of every soldier who died for Ostehaar are displayed in a 24-hour television broadcast.
Memorial candles are lit in homes, army camps, schools, and public places, and the flags are lowered to half staff. Throughout the day serving and retired military personnel serve as honor guards at war memorials throughout the country, and the families of the fallen participate in memorial ceremonies at military cemeteries.
National memorial services are held in the presence of Ostehaar's top leadership and military personnel.

3. What conflicts are traditionally represented on these days?
All conflict involving Oster troops or civilians since the Oster Independence Wars (1851-1888), including the Verdodian Invasion (1893-1895), the resistance to the Verdonian occupation of south Ostehaar (1895-1952), the Liberation of the South (1925-1927), the Oster-Xrevaran War (1980-1984), the Noronnican Rebellion (1984-1986), the I.D. conflict (2015), the occupation of Lovsk (2015-ongoing), and the occupation of Arvan (2017).

4. What conflicts remain firmly in the memory of its citizens?
The series of wars which started in the 1850's, which practically put two or three generation of Osters in a situation of ongoing war - the Independence Wars and the Verdonian wars and occupation (1851-1927). The "fresh" memory of the recent guerrilla conflicts is emphasized as well (I.D., Lovsk, Arvan).

5. Is there any stories which are commonly told on these days?
Yes - mainly acts of heroism and sacrifice, and tales of famous battles. I might write some of them in a dispatch some day.

6. Do you give away any medals or have any special ceremonies on these days?
No medals are given, but many ceremonies are held (see answer to question 2).

7. If you've got any other info, please include it.
While Sjukhehern is a very unifying day for Osters, its general atmosphere and conduct are more communal and familial. Since almost all Osters either have fallen soldiers in their family or know fallen soldiers, it makes this national day a reflection of many people's personal experience and feeling. Other than the main ceremony in the capital, most ceremonies are rather small, with each town or community commemorating its own fallen.
During Sjukhehern, some radio stations broadcast Oster songs about the wars and fallen of the country. These are usually songs which most Osters love and feel nostalgic about, so many people listen to these broadcasts all day long.

[Corindia]

Nationbuilding Prompt: Remembering the Fallen

(Image)

November 2017 NB Prompt

Under the backdrop of both Remembrance Day and Veteran's day, this can be a time where we discuss and explore possibly the darkest times in our nation's history. So often do the sacrifices of valiant soldiers open the way to the light and prosperity we see today. It is devastating that such events like these have, and probably will occur, but they are often very large undertones of national culture. To give an example, the concept of "Mateship" was really expanded and exported in World War I, leading to a national identity today. So, I'll leave a few questions to you now to answer about your nation. There is no word count.

1. What days do you have to remember those who have fallen? Are they public holidays?
2. What happens on these days?
3. What conflicts are traditionally represented on these days?
4. What conflicts remain firmly in the memory of its citizens?
5. Is there any stories which are commonly told on these days?
6. Do you give away any medals or have any special ceremonies on these days?
7. If you've got any other info, please include it.

I'll be compiling responses to these questions in a dispatch in the Secretary's Notes section of the Office of RP dispatches for long term, accessible storage - this will be done in early December.

This is a link to a dispatch with last month's responses

1. What days do you have to remember those who have fallen? Are they public holidays?
Corindi Soldiers' and Sailors' Day, and to a lesser extent Corindi Independence Day
2. What happens on these days?
Moments of silence are held, flags are raised to half-mast, cannons and fireworks are fired, etc
3. What conflicts are traditionally represented on these days?
The Corindi War of Independence, the Spanish Civil War, WWII, the Korean War, as well as the recent conflicts in Arvan and San Javier
4. What conflicts remain firmly in the memory of its citizens?
Naturally the war of independence, but the relatively small Corindi role Spanish Civil War is brought up frequently
5. Is there any stories which are commonly told on these days?
6. Do you give away any medals or have any special ceremonies on these days?
typical stories of heroism and sacrifice
7. If you've got any other info, please include it.
not at this time

[Segentova]

1. What days do you have to remember those who have fallen? Are they public holidays?
Veteran's day, Sep. 2.
2. What happens on these days?
Remembrance ceremonies, mostly. Flags at half mast, etc.
3. What conflicts are traditionally represented on these days?
Segentovans fighting each other historically, WW2, etc.
4. What conflicts remain firmly in the memory of its citizens?
As above
5. Is there any stories which are commonly told on these days?
War stories of brave young men going to war. Most of them die in the end.
6. Do you give away any medals or have any special ceremonies on these days?
Yes. Soveregin and Ministers all pay respects at the grave of the unknown soldier, and public mass is held at noon every day by the Bishop of Toulon.
7. If you've got any other info, please include it.

[Ainslie]

Nationbuilding Prompt: Westernisation



December 2017 NB Prompt

[Bhikkustan]

1. If any, what ‘western’ nations influence yours? Is the USSR western? If not, slight influences from America in terms of sports and other things, which stems from the brief western craze at the end of Khang Oude's clerical fascist regime. Also usage of firing squad and hanging...
2. Are there any festivals and/or traditions that are celebrated in your nation that are stereotypically western? May Day, aka International Worker's Solidarity Day
3. Are there any unique festivals and/or traditions in your nation that are influenced by western culture? Our war celebrations are slightly influenced but not by much.
4. If you have any native/indigenous ethnicities in your nation, how do they interact with westerners? To what extent have they been influenced by western culture? They for the most part detest western ideals and values. Western culture has has a very minimal effect in Bhikkustan due to religious conservatism.

[Segentova]

1. If any, what ‘western’ nations influence yours?
France, Germany, Purtugual, The Netherlands
2. Are there any festivals and/or traditions that are celebrated in your nation that are stereotypically western?
Christmas, Gregorian New years, Valentines day, Easter, 1. April, Pentecost, Labour day/Mayday, Carnival, St. John's Night, All-Hallows Night.
3. Are there any unique festivals and/or traditions in your nation that are influenced by western culture?
I have yet to decide, there probably will be.
4. If you have any native/indigenous ethnicities in your nation, how do they interact with westerners? To what extent have they been influenced by western culture?
They tewnd to self-isolate for cultural and economic reasons. Natives and Westerners tend to be decently prejudiced against each other.
There does exist a creole culture between the two, that has a wider reach than the original native culture.

[Athara Magarat]

1. If any, what ‘western’ nations influence yours?
If Isles nations count then almost all of them as Athara Magarat is a minnow nation but mostly our neighbor Miklania, neighbor and colonizer Atnaia, CU founder Covonant who considers Athara Magarat their backyard and...Noronica, twice the first ally for both modern-day Athara Magarat and the Khas-Kirat Empire.

Historically Segentova had lots of influence over Athara Magarat in pre-WW2 ear time period.

2. Are there any festivals and/or traditions that are celebrated in your nation that are stereotypically western?
New Year, May Day, Women's Day and if Christmas counts as a stereotypical Western festival then yes...Christmas.

3. Are there any unique festivals and/or traditions in your nation that are influenced by western culture?
Khas-Kirati martial arts have become "Westernized" as in...turned into competitive combat sports if they count.

Or else much influences are not seen easily as Athara Magaratis assimilate and syncretize whatever culture or religion they come across.

4. If you have any native/indigenous ethnicities in your nation, how do they interact with westerners? To what extent have they been influenced by western culture?
Again...it depends...if they are from Isles nations...they are welcomed. And everyone (even those from Europe or the "Western world") is welcomed as a guest to Athara Magarat.

But Athara Magaratis are usually known for giving "cold shoulder" to "Isles outsiders" apart from the Spanish or occasionally English as they are in large numbers across the Isles.

[Vancouvia]

1. If any, what ‘western’ nations influence yours?

Canada, US, South Korea, Japan, a little Nordic

2. Are there any festivals and/or traditions that are celebrated in your nation that are stereotypically western?

Our independence "National Day" is basically the 4th of July except combined heavily with air shows by the military and a huge amount of fireworks. It's much more spectacular.

Christmas, Easter, New Years, a version of Thanksgiving are all practiced


3. Are there any unique festivals and/or traditions in your nation that are influenced by western culture?

Oh, I answered that above

4. If you have any native/indigenous ethnicities in your nation, how do they interact with westerners? To what extent have they been influenced by western culture?

They can do their thing and usually they do not mind if Westerners participate. There isn't really any stigma against appropriating / participating in other cultures.

[Remodio]

If any, what 'western' nations influence you?

Although our country is mostly Russian, we have received influence from the United States and other European countries.

Are there any festivals and/or traditions that are celebrated in your nation that are stereotypically western?

Christmas and Easter mainly.

Are there any unique festivals and/or traditions in your nation that are influenced by western culture?

We've adapted the lighting of fireworks for our Independence Day.

If you have any native/indigenous ethnicities in your nation, how do they interact with westerners? To what extent have they been influenced by western culture?

We're not a reluctant nation when it comes to diversity because the Founding Father of Remodio, Remodio Naumov, believed in equality extremely. As in, equality of men, women, black, white, smart, dumb, etc. Our culture has mixed pretty well with western culture, although of course a lot of Western-like nations have a problem with socialism, and if there are any culture classes, it's usually there.

[Townside]

1. If any, what 'western' nations influence yours?

The United Kingdom, and to a small extent Spain, but mostly the United Kingdom.

2. Are there any festivals and/or traditions that are celebrated in your nation that are stereotypically western?

Townside celebrates many holidays, including traditional Ipachi observances, Buddhist and Japanese festivals. Townside's most 'western' holidays are still celebrated nationwide (including some of the religious ones) which were mostly inherited from the British. These 'western' holidays are listed below, in addition to observances and traditions associated with those holidays that are stereotypically 'western'.

English New Year's Day (1 January) - marks the first day of the Gregorian year, and includes New Year's resolutions, church services, parades, sporting events and fireworks. It can be distinguished from Japanese New Year's Day and the Ipachi New Year's Day.

Good Friday (Friday preceding Easter Sunday) - Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, and includes observances such as worship services, prayer and vigil services, fasting and almsgiving.

Easter Monday (day after Easter Sunday) - Christian holiday related to Easter Sunday which mainly includes church services.

May Day (1 May) - commemorates the season of spring and includes observances such as dances, singing and eating cakes.

National Day (1 July) - National Day is Townside's most important holiday and celebrates the struggle and contribution of the people of the island, both military and civilian, during the Great Christmas Island War, regardless of background. Though it is therefore not a stereotypically 'western' event, its observances includes western traditions such as parades and silences.

Christmas (25 December) - Christian holiday, observed even by many non-Christians, commemorating the nativity of Jesus. Observances include gift-giving, family and other social gatherings, symbolic decoration, feasting and church services.

Boxing Day (26 December) - the day after Christmas, it is often known as the second day of Christmastide to Christian Townsiders, but is known as a day of shopping for non-Christians.

3. Are there any unique festivals and/or traditions in your nation that are influenced by western culture?

Japanese and Buddhist festivals retain their unique customs, although some may have been slightly diluted by westernisation, such as the Winter Solstice Festival. The most affected festivals and traditions inherently unique to the island are the Ipachi observances, which are by far the most influenced by western culture. These observances were either elaborated or diluted by western culture, as outlined below.

Summer Fair (April to July) - a traditionally Ipachi festival that, despite its name, is held throughout Spring and sometimes Winter, although usually Spring to celebrate that season. It usually includes Ipachi tradesmen setting up stalls for the sale of special interest goods. It also included entertainment such as 'dancing' monkeys and bears, jugglers and magicians. Due to the close dates of the celebrations, the Ipachi Summer Fair has since been incorporated into May Day on every 1 May. Now there are also dances and singing as part of entertainment, and merchants stalls now sell cakes as well. However, western ideologies, such as animals rights, have put an end to the dancing monkeys and bears as a form of entertainment. Satire, a predominantly western undertaking, is also incorporated into the Summer Fair in the form of performances, usually criticising unpopular reigns of some of the Five Rulers.

Grand Hunt (September and October) - a traditionally Ipachi festival that took place in Autumn, just before the Feasting in November. It was meant to test the mettle of young Ipachi men, and Ipachi warriors, and also to gather luxurious food in the form of forest animal meats, which included deer, wild boars, bears and rabbits. These hunts usually depended on individual men's skills, and their ability to control horses and hounds. Western ideologies regarding animal rights has lead to the end of the Grand Hunt in this form on the grounds of animal cruelty. However, the Grand Hunt is still an observed event that has been appropriated by the Townside Armed Forces. Nowadays, men from the Army and/or Marines are put in teams to hunt down highly elusive and skilled groups of 'enemies' (which are just training instructors posing). These military competitions are grueling and highly demanding, and take the competing soldiers or marines to the most remote part of the islands or seas. It remains a highly publicised event with the results and winners declared publicly. As it was previously, the event is meant to test the mettle, ability and strength of Townside's fighting force.

Feasting (November) - a traditionally Ipachi festival that took place at the end of Autumn and just before the Winter, just after the Grand Hunt. It would have included the Ipachi village community gathering, lead by their elder of chief, to feast on lavish food (usually meat hunted from forest animals during the Grand Hunt period) in the presence of entertainment such as jugglers, singers, musicians, magicians, acrobats and dancers. Ipachi feasting has since been dumbed down as modern Townside's main feasting event has been moved to Christmas, which is led by the Five Rulers in conjunction with the Grand Princes and the Ipachi Elder. The Christmas Feasts have incorporated some Ipachi Feasting traditions, which means that this tradition lives on in that western event. Traditional Ipachi November feasts nowadays usually only include 'special meals' amongst family rather than the whole village community, which is reserved for Christmas.

Runestones (various) - a traditionally Ipachi observance that involves the raising of a large tablet of stone carved with a commemoration of a deceased, notable individual, usually a village chief or elder, and usually including their cause of death and a notable personality trait, hobby or profession of the deceased person (e.g. he was kind/she was a scientist etc...). Runestones differ from western tombstones in that it was reserved for notable individuals, and were usually located on a site of its own, rather than among a graveyard. Runestones have been raised less frequently, but are still practiced. The methods have been westernised so that the slabs of stone usually include more inscriptions, such as a brief life history, dates of birth and death, and even close family members. The most recent runestone to be raised was the one in honour of Alan Nightingale, the former King of Nightingale and prominent military strategist during the Great Christmas Island War.

Kenari ancestor worship (various) - Kenari ancestor worship is a practice of the followers of the faith of the Kenaris mythology. It includes pleading to their ancestors (which are stars in the sky alongside Kenaris) for requests such as healing illnesses, general good health, or help in love life, friendships or jobs. This practice has become less popular with westernisation as many now have become Christian and direct their pleas to God (or to Guan Yin in the case of Buddhists, although that is not westernisation). Alternatively, with the growth of syncretic faiths, many direct their requests to God as well as ancestors, in the case of syncretic faiths that blend Christianity and the Kenaris mythology.

Grand Tournament (various) - a traditionally Ipachi festival that pitted Ipachi warriors in various fights against one another. The purpose was to root out the weaker fighters, so that the strongest three who remained would be crowned as the best warriors in the land. Such a label was seen as very prestigious during Ipachi times. This is one of the few Ipachi observances that survive in its purest form, with the exception that it has been appropriated by the Townside Armed Forces in a similar fashion to the Grand Hunt, except that the skills at hand-to-hand combat are tested out against one another. These contests are open to the public to view, and are known as Combat Demonstrations.

Winter Solstice Festival (21/22 December) - a traditionally Japanese/East Asian festival that celebrated the Winter Solstice - the coldest day of the year. The significance is that poor families (who cannot afford better food) would gather together to make glutinous rice balls, which are rich, thick balls of flour meant to fuel the body with energy to keep warm, and also meant to symbolise family togetherness (the special flour is sticky). This practice has remained and spread to all the people of Townside such that it is part of the nation as a whole, rather than being particular to the Japanese Townsiders. However, this festival (like Christmas) has been subjected to consumerist culture, arguably a western construct, that means that the glutinous rice balls are no longer hand made and hardly a symbol of the family, and is industrially produced with artificial flavouring, such as red bean paste.

4. If you have any native/indigenous ethnicities in your nation, how do they interact with westerners? To what extent have they been influenced by western culture?

The Ipachi Townsiders (the 'native' ethnicity) interacts with Western Townsiders on an equal term and footing. They have been very influenced by western culture, in the sense that they no longer live fully the traditional way of life of their ancestors all those centuries ago. Though they still live in their own Ipachi villages, the way of life there are very westernised. Traditionally Ipachi way of life idiosyncrasies and events are only ever observed or carried out on special Ipachi festivals. Otherwise, Ipachi Townsiders live very much like the rest of the island.

Contrary to international belief, the Ipachi Townsiders are not threatened at the dilution of their culture, but nevertheless remain eager and enthusiastic if someone, whether western or not, take interest in learning about Ipachi culture, and being a part of it. They do not believe in the evils of 'cultural appropriation' and only see possibility for cultural appreciation instead. A recent event that perfectly illustrates this mentality was when the the Ipachi Elder, on behalf of the Ipachi Villages, invited Justice Windejer of the Royal Court to Village Kenaris, the central village of the Ipachi Townsiders.

The purpose of this invitation was to make known the Ipachi Townsider's gratitude to Windejer for his service during the Great Christmas Island War, as a prominent soldier and military general, and in the present day as one of the more authoritative lawyers and skilled judges of the Royal Court of Townside. On the visit, Windejer and his family decided to wear traditional Ipachi clothing, and his wife and daughters in particular wore traditional Ipachi trinkets such as earrings and bracelets. This move was well received by Ipachi Townsiders.

Windejer, a White/British Townsider, was heavily criticised by the Townside Federation of Social Justice Warriors for cultural appropriation of Ipachi culture. They're grievances was surmised in a statement released by the SJW Federation, as follows:

"We must teach children that this is not OK. We do not understand how everyone is thinking that cultural appropriation would be OK, especially considering Windejer is a white man. The trinkets worn by his wife and daughters are reflective of traditional Ipachi trinkets and is therefore racist. Furthermore, their clothes and garments have for ages carried cultural significance. As Windejer and his family are white, how can anyone think this is OK? Cultural appropriation is a thing! What sort of rock does a justice of the Royal Court live under? The Federation of Social Justice Warriors strongly demands Windejer, and the wider Townside populace, and the Ipachi Townsiders themselves, educate themselves about the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation."

Dismayed at the SJW Federation's comments, the Ipachi Elder defended and praised Justice Windejer during a speech in the Grand Council of Parliament. He also rejected the arguments of the SJW Federation as follows:

"We must teach children that there is nothing wrong with this. Cultural appropriation isn't a thing. Cultures should be shared by all means. The only people who believe culture should not be shared are the racists of the SJW Federation! A vast majority of Ipachi Townsiders actually enjoy people making an effort to spread and enjoy Ipachi culture, and we encourage it. Many make businesses in deliberately taking pictures of people in the traditional Ipachi dresses. A common gift for foreign tourists from Ipachi people include traditional Ipachi things such as Ipachi clothes, food and ornaments. To top it off, the majority of Ipachi customs, traditions and food come from other countries. Ipachi culture is an integration of different cultures, like Britain, Ainslie and Samudera. If the Ipachi Townsiders stuck to itself, there would be no Ipachi songs, entertainment or modern fishing techniques. Justice Windejer and his family were not making fun of Ipachis. In fact, it looks like they put extra care and effort in presenting and promoting our culture using his stature and influence, and for that, we can only thank him and be appreciative. My fellow Lords, the only reason I can see as to why the SJW Federation has a problem with the good actions of Justice Windejer is that he is white and they think it is acceptable to fertilise white people with their own sh*t. The only racists in our country are in the SJW Federation..."