RPing Questions? Ask Here!

[The Black Plains]

Would this count as godmodding?:

I post that we have spotted enemy planes near a base or ships. I post that the enemy nation attcks.(the one's planes who I said attacked me)

Now I am the most zealous defender of a nation's right to RP their own stuff that you will find on NS. But I'm going to say no. For two reasons:

ONE: What you are doing advances the RP in two ways
a: Makes it go faster because he doesn't have to post a reply which would force you to cut your post into two posts. This could add days to the length of the RP.
b: Makes it more interesting. It's annoying to read choppy writing which, when each person can only write a paragraph at a time, is what happens.

TWO: It is a reasonable extrapolation. His planes are doing what one would expect planes to do in 99.99% of cases. I have absolutely no problem with people RPing my stuff if it is a reasonable extrapolation of something that they would do IN GENERAL. So saying that my soldiers fired back, for instance, would be fine. Saying exactly how they fired back and what strategy they used? Eeeehhh... it gets into a gray area. Because you can't really extrapolate that.

[Salzland]

When in doubt, just ask the other person.

Depending on the situation, I would be less than thrilled if someone else took command of my forces, without asking, and used them. Let's try an example. Same situation, substituting me in for the player whose aircraft are at issue.

My electronic warfare forces have detected several air-search radars for high-end SAM batteries near the combat zone. I know that if my aircraft stay low to the ground and stay in certain positions, they'll be outside of the detection/engagement range of those SAM batteries and will be safe. Thus, I keep my aircraft in those locations.

You move a token force out, acting as bait. You take control of my aircraft and move my planes to attack your token force. My planes are then drawn into range of your SAM batteries, and are utterly crushed, without my having done a single bit of roleplaying.

That's why we stick to using our own forces, at least when no one has been asked permission. Not necessarily because every single time it's done it results in abuse, but because it's easier just to draw a clear line between what generally is and is not acceptable.

[The Archangel Conglomerate]

I've got a (probably dumb) tech related question. Due to a series of events, my nation has several PMT technologies, in an MT timeframe. So, would I be MT, PMT or something else.

[Aquitayne]

I've got a (probably dumb) tech related question. Due to a series of events, my nation has several PMT technologies, in an MT timeframe. So, would I be MT, PMT or something else.

You would just be a nation with PMT technology in the modern day.

[The Black Plains]

I've got a (probably dumb) tech related question. Due to a series of events, my nation has several PMT technologies, in an MT timeframe. So, would I be MT, PMT or something else.

PMT technology is typically considered technology that we can explain but cannot yet build/design (at least on a large scale) but looks like we may be able to in the future. An example? Thorium power is a bad example, but an example nonetheless... I'm racking my brain for a weapon example. When I was playing NS long ago, railguns were considered PMT by a lot of players, but are now on the brink of becoming MT because we do have some, but they aren't very widespread. Things like that along with Carbon Lasers would be acceptable to use on a widespread basis because even though they aren't widespread today, we do HAVE them. Things that do not look like they will be invented or popularized ANY time soon (or if they're not even imaginable with current science) are probably safer in FT.

[Salzland]

I've got a (probably dumb) tech related question. Due to a series of events, my nation has several PMT technologies, in an MT timeframe. So, would I be MT, PMT or something else.

Without knowing any precise details about the technologies involved, the best I can do is strongly suggest not mixing tech levels in general, and in specific advise not bring PMT technologies into MT threads. Generally, people don't take kindly to playing their MT 2012 nations against nations claiming MT status and using technologies that have not even been conceived of in 2012. It just smacks of trying to one-up other players (not that I am suggesting, in any way, that is the case here) by inventing ways of being "better" or "more advanced" than they are.

Sidenote: Railguns are still PMT, until they figure out how to fire off consecutive shots without the barrel melting. ETC guns are a better example of an MT-PMT grey area.

[The Black Plains]

I've got a (probably dumb) tech related question. Due to a series of events, my nation has several PMT technologies, in an MT timeframe. So, would I be MT, PMT or something else.

Without knowing any precise details about the technologies involved, the best I can do is strongly suggest not mixing tech levels in general, and in specific advise not bring PMT technologies into MT threads. Generally, people don't take kindly to playing their MT 2012 nations against nations claiming MT status and using technologies that have not even been conceived of in 2012. It just smacks of trying to one-up other players (not that I am suggesting, in any way, that is the case here) by inventing ways of being "better" or "more advanced" than they are.

Sidenote: Railguns are still PMT, until they figure out how to fire off consecutive shots without the barrel melting. ETC guns are a better example of an MT-PMT grey area.

I cede to your clearly more in-depth knowledge.

[Lolzieristan]

Without knowing any precise details about the technologies involved, the best I can do is strongly suggest not mixing tech levels in general, and in specific advise not bring PMT technologies into MT threads. Generally, people don't take kindly to playing their MT 2012 nations against nations claiming MT status and using technologies that have not even been conceived of in 2012. It just smacks of trying to one-up other players (not that I am suggesting, in any way, that is the case here) by inventing ways of being "better" or "more advanced" than they are.

Sidenote: Railguns are still PMT, until they figure out how to fire off consecutive shots without the barrel melting. ETC guns are a better example of an MT-PMT grey area.

I cede to your clearly more in-depth knowledge.

I use MT tech for all of my nations, but here's my MT rule:
it doesn't necessarily have to exist in the real world, but it does have to be POSSIBLE, technologically, economically, and practically.

For example, a new RPer popped into a thread air-dropping commandos from B-2 stealth bombers. A lot of people started yelling at him that B-2s weren't paratrooper planes, while I calmly explained that since his nation put a near-unrealistic emphasis on special forces, particularly airborne ones, it wouldn't be implausible to have developed stealth paratroop-insertion planes, since they are a hypothetical niche item and he actually HAS that niche to fill.

[Unbreakable]

Good place for me too begin? I'd be interested in joining a war or something! I've read the help forums and stuff, but I don't wanna hop into the major RP's and ruin it for people lol I'd like to join a small one with vets who could help me along, any ideas?

[Lolzieristan]

Good place for me too begin? I'd be interested in joining a war or something! I've read the help forums and stuff, but I don't wanna hop into the major RP's and ruin it for people lol I'd like to join a small one with vets who could help me along, any ideas?

I would love to help you if I could, seeing as how you seem fairly literate for a new player. Only one spelling mistake and all...yes, you have potential. I may have a break in my schedule coming up, which may mean more NS time, and I'm a good RPer and great puppeteer. I could set you up with a standard north versus south, commie versus democratic dictatorship, etc. etc. etc...

For now I would recommend reading the stickies at the top of the II thread, and every guide you can stand.

EDIT: Side note, my computer is still marooned at a repair shop, with most of my informal factbook info. Troop numbers, flotilla arrangements, character bios, etc. etc...never realized how useless I was without that stuff until now. So I probably won't RP until I get it back.

EDIT, AGAIN:

Another recommendation I have is to figure out how to play as "your" nation in particular. Give it a culture you both understand and can be creative with. I hate President John Smith and General Thomas Shepard. Be exotic but consistent, because otherwise you'll be drab and annoying. If you're familiar with modern politics and military operations (and I mean real stuff, not CoD) then go Modern Tech, MT.
If you're more familiar with a future civilization, i.e. Halo, Star Wars, etc...then go FT.

[The Seven Realms]

Good place for me too begin? I'd be interested in joining a war or something! I've read the help forums and stuff, but I don't wanna hop into the major RP's and ruin it for people lol I'd like to join a small one with vets who could help me along, any ideas?

I would love to help you if I could, seeing as how you seem fairly literate for a new player. Only one spelling mistake and all...yes, you have potential. I may have a break in my schedule coming up, which may mean more NS time, and I'm a good RPer and great puppeteer. I could set you up with a standard north versus south, commie versus democratic dictatorship, etc. etc. etc...

For now I would recommend reading the stickies at the top of the II thread, and every guide you can stand.

EDIT: Side note, my computer is still marooned at a repair shop, with most of my informal factbook info. Troop numbers, flotilla arrangements, character bios, etc. etc...never realized how useless I was without that stuff until now. So I probably won't RP until I get it back.

EDIT, AGAIN:

Another recommendation I have is to figure out how to play as "your" nation in particular. Give it a culture you both understand and can be creative with. I hate President John Smith and General Thomas Shepard. Be exotic but consistent, because otherwise you'll be drab and annoying. If you're familiar with modern politics and military operations (and I mean real stuff, not CoD) then go Modern Tech, MT.
If you're more familiar with a future civilization, i.e. Halo, Star Wars, etc...then go FT.

Or!

If you like technology from a few years into the future, go Post/Modern Tech. But if you're one of those that fancy technology and culture from the past, go Past Tech.

[The Black Plains]

Good place for me too begin? I'd be interested in joining a war or something! I've read the help forums and stuff, but I don't wanna hop into the major RP's and ruin it for people lol I'd like to join a small one with vets who could help me along, any ideas?

1: I would be happy to RP with you on the caveat that you change your flag to... a flag. If you want a joke nation, that's fine. But people won't take joke nations seriously as roleplaying nations. At least I won't. Keep the two separate.

2: You won't "ruin" it for anybody. Contribute contribute contribute. God knows we need some new blood.

3: Make a factbook? More for your benefit than anyone else's. It'll help you conceptualize what you want your nation to be about. Create a system of government that you will get excited about explaining to people. Do what sets your heart on fire.

[Unbreakable]

Hmmmm, I think my strengths would probably be cold-war tech or something? I see a space race forum that actually seems kind of cool? It seems kind of relaxed so I may try my luck their, but I'd love to start the North vs. South thing or something.... Let me know thanks for the advice

[The Seven Realms]

Good place for me too begin? I'd be interested in joining a war or something! I've read the help forums and stuff, but I don't wanna hop into the major RP's and ruin it for people lol I'd like to join a small one with vets who could help me along, any ideas?

1: I would be happy to RP with you on the caveat that you change your flag to... a flag. If you want a joke nation, that's fine. But people won't take joke nations seriously as roleplaying nations. At least I won't. Keep the two separate.

2: You won't "ruin" it for anybody. Contribute contribute contribute. God knows we need some new blood.

3: Make a factbook? More for your benefit than anyone else's. It'll help you conceptualize what you want your nation to be about. Create a system of government that you will get excited about explaining to people. Do what sets your heart on fire.

Though, he could have his actual flag in his fact book, and use some other picture for the forums.(that's what I do, anyways...)

[The Black Plains]

1: I would be happy to RP with you on the caveat that you change your flag to... a flag. If you want a joke nation, that's fine. But people won't take joke nations seriously as roleplaying nations. At least I won't. Keep the two separate.

2: You won't "ruin" it for anybody. Contribute contribute contribute. God knows we need some new blood.

3: Make a factbook? More for your benefit than anyone else's. It'll help you conceptualize what you want your nation to be about. Create a system of government that you will get excited about explaining to people. Do what sets your heart on fire.

Though, he could have his actual flag in his fact book, and use some other picture for the forums.(that's what I do, anyways...)

My opinion is that if you want to use your flag as an avatar to express an opinion or be funny or whatever then that's fine. But don't do it with your roleplaying nation. Other people may disagree. Honestly it's not a very important issue.

[Unbreakable]

The meerkat is my national animal lol, I'll find something more serious.

[Dukopolious]

The meerkat is my national animal lol, I'll find something more serious.

A Meerkat is an animal, it's not like you made it the Nyan Cat or whatever, it's a perfectly serious

[Lolzieristan]

I would love to help you if I could, seeing as how you seem fairly literate for a new player. Only one spelling mistake and all...yes, you have potential. I may have a break in my schedule coming up, which may mean more NS time, and I'm a good RPer and great puppeteer. I could set you up with a standard north versus south, commie versus democratic dictatorship, etc. etc. etc...

For now I would recommend reading the stickies at the top of the II thread, and every guide you can stand.

EDIT: Side note, my computer is still marooned at a repair shop, with most of my informal factbook info. Troop numbers, flotilla arrangements, character bios, etc. etc...never realized how useless I was without that stuff until now. So I probably won't RP until I get it back.

EDIT, AGAIN:

Another recommendation I have is to figure out how to play as "your" nation in particular. Give it a culture you both understand and can be creative with. I hate President John Smith and General Thomas Shepard. Be exotic but consistent, because otherwise you'll be drab and annoying. If you're familiar with modern politics and military operations (and I mean real stuff, not CoD) then go Modern Tech, MT.
If you're more familiar with a future civilization, i.e. Halo, Star Wars, etc...then go FT.

Or!

If you like technology from a few years into the future, go Post/Modern Tech. But if you're one of those that fancy technology and culture from the past, go Past Tech.

PMT, in my opinion, is a hard line to play. PMT nations almost inevitably compete with MT nations, and the stuff they break out can sometimes be a bit...invincible. I recommend starting off with MT, and just maybe FT if you're a Halo fanatic who can tell me how many MAC cannons are on a UNSC capital ship off the top of their heads. But PMT is definitely not something to start off with. It's what I call an augmented basic. Since 66% or so of all FT nations use either Halo or Star Wars continuums, there's a consensus on what exists IC and what is just techwank. MT definitely has a defined baseline, since it's REAL LIFE. But 95% of PMT is 2013 tech with very specific additions that tend to become overpowered AND overused, like railgun artillery that can slice a destroyer (remember the Panjshir!) in half.


EDIT: This editing thing is becoming a bad habit, but

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=69551

This guy knows what's up. Part of the problem of the Stickies is that some of the material isn't quite useful for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's just too obvious, sometimes it's poorly formatted and written, but sometimes what you see is a gem.

[Spetzanistan]

can anyone please tell me how to invade
i am completely lost

[Lubyak]

can anyone please tell me how to invade
i am completely lost

Invasions and other such forms of conflict are done via RP with other players. You and them will post things like troop deployments, movements, as well as what losses you have taken in order to tell a story about the course of the war.

Of course, there is also the region raiding and defending game, but you're best asking about that over in the gameplay forums rather than here.

[Milograd]

can anyone please tell me how to invade
i am completely lost

If you're asking about how you can roleplay war, these are two helpful guides that pertain to such:

• Ultimate Guide to War
• Guide to Aerial, Ground, and Naval Warfare

However, if you're asking about military gameplay on Nationstates, this is the guide that can help you with that. It is worth noting that threads concerning military gameplay do not belong in the roleplaying forums.

[Holy Zarnia]

Where can I find the stickies that help me understand the rules of the game?

[Milograd]

Where can I find the stickies that help me understand the rules of the game?

You can find the stickies here.

[Republic Of Hell]

I'd like to know what the view is on switching between tech levels (in both this forum and the other diplomacy forums) depending on what the thread is, by using "voices" that fit with the thread. Different threads, both mine and others, would be spoken in with the "voice" that fit with the level of the thread. I actually have several levels thought out:


Past: Switzerland with 1950s tech.

Present: Like modern-day America in terms of power but with steroids.

Future-1: Fledgling space nation, think Ender's Game.

Future-2: Enterprise-era Federation

Future-3: TOS Federation. Also, this one advances as it goes along, at a rate of 2 NS years per 1 rl day. The others don't. I'm also considering creating project lists for this era to signify advancement. Plus an absolutely massive economy.

[The United Soviet Socialist Republic]

I'd like to know what the view is on switching between tech levels (in both this forum and the other diplomacy forums) depending on what the thread is, by using "voices" that fit with the thread. Different threads, both mine and others, would be spoken in with the "voice" that fit with the level of the thread. I actually have several levels thought out:


Past: Switzerland with 1950s tech.

Present: Like modern-day America in terms of power but with steroids.

Future-1: Fledgling space nation, think Ender's Game.

Future-2: Enterprise-era Federation

Future-3: TOS Federation. Also, this one advances as it goes along, at a rate of 2 NS years per 1 rl day. The others don't. I'm also considering creating project lists for this era to signify advancement.

You can RP however the hell you want.