Free Press News Service

[Mahaj]

Typical UDL. Nothing about this is surprising.

That is true, the UDL has a commitment to defending. Seeing the UDL execute on this commitment is not surprising.

[Cerian Quilor]

Are you really going to trot that out again?

You honestly believe that every action you commit, you personally, is an official action of TNI and Kantrias?

No. But you've used that tired line a lot, and its a differant context.

@Mahaj: Do you have a policy of not defending Nazis or don't you?

[Todd McCloud]

We need get back on track for this news thread guys.

[PrussianEmpire]

We need get back on track for this news thread guys.

So, whats the status on AMOM taking over the delegate position?

[Todd McCloud]

We need get back on track for this news thread guys.

So, whats the status on AMOM taking over the delegate position?

He should have it in a few days I'm guessing. A news story will be published in time.

[PrussianEmpire]

So, whats the status on AMOM taking over the delegate position?

He should have it in a few days I'm guessing. A news story will be published in time.

Awesome!

[Todd McCloud]

"Left: A fox guy thing. Right: a disgruntled old human"

One Delegate Leaves, Another Takes Its Place

In The East Pacific, at an airport: Tones play over the loudspeaker (since The East Pacific attempts to be classy, these tones are playing). People move to their destinations or nearest snack hubs. Attendants assist people and businessmen with the huge display of arrivals and departures. The red zone is for loading and unloading only.

It's busier than normal. Perhaps the reason could be the fact that the region's undergoing a major change. Yes, for the first time in six months (hey that's a long time ICly), a non-Todd delegate will be delegate of The East Pacific. Are people excited? You bet. Are they apprehensive? Maybe a little. Do they need to use the restroom? Only if there's a short line for it. Yeah, you'll run into the guy who's checking the paper, reading the last little quips by the fox guy thing before relinquishing his post. You might hear the economist predict futures for what's predicted to be a boom period for TEP futures. You might even see the occasional tourist buying up Todd merchandise to sell on ebay one day. It's a busy day at the airport. A very busy day.

"It's with great honor I was selected to serve you all once again," the fox guy thing said in his last interview as delegate. "People have asked me what delegate work is like. It's pretty much like eating a drumstick ice cream cone. You start out and everything's new - the nuts, the chocolate shell, the ice cream in the center. You want to try everything and get involved. The starting point isn't a "point" - it's a hodgepodge of various activities. It is, after all, your cone and you can start where you want - better get a feel for it and leave your mark. About halfway through, most of the shell and nuts are gone, but you're working through the middle of the treat, enjoying it, working at it. It almost becomes mundane. Almost. Just 'vanilla' for a while. By now you're used to the cold - it doesn't bother you. But you think, gee, this might go well with something hot, right? Nah. You're on a mission. Eventually, the vanilla's gone and you reach the cone. You pause. It's almost gone. Should you draw everything out, or should you go ahead and finish it in two bites? Should you slow down? No, I'll hear you say. You work harder at it. Harder so the next guy gets the chance and gets to see what it's like after watching you finish the cone up. It's all preparation. It's a circle. And we all do it, all delegates. One can't eat it too fast - he'll burn out and get an ice cream headache. Eat it too slow and your resolve will melt away, just like the ice cream center of the drumstick. If you don't finish in time, or finish well, you'll just have a big mess on your hands and the new guy will need to help clean the mess up with you if he's nice about it. It's not a race - just have to pace yourself. That's the key to all of this." He paused. "I kind of want a drumstick now."

As to what Todd plans to do post-delegate, he seems to be unclear. "I don't know. Obviously I will be in The East Pacific and help where I can, taking a more backseat role so new people can step up. That's the ultimate gift in all of this - the feeling that if you suddenly left the region, the region would carry on. There are so many people in the game who want to contribute and want to feel important. And they do and they are. But ultimately, it's not the changs you make or the titles you hold that leave the biggest mark, it's the changing the way the region works. Changing how people think. For the better. Contributing on a lasting level. And you don't need to be a delegate to do that." As to whether or not he'd serve as a delegate elsewhere, he shrugged. "TEP is my home. It's been my home since 2008 when I went through a year of rejection from many regions because of my former raider label. But, eh, if a region wants kick the tires on me, I'd listen."

So now The East Pacific looks on to a brighter future. A future that was forged by the collective might of the region's past. One can't dwell on the past; instead, one can only build from it. And what's been built has been beautiful thus far. A new delegate, A Mean Old Man, has entered the ring. His reign, at least as far as the experts at Free Press News Service is concerned, should be a grand one. The foreign affairs department is undergoing reorganization. The Magisterium is working on laws. Roleplay in the region is picking up. The Conclave is getting organized again. It seems to be the perfect storm for a new glory era in The East Pacific.

In short, the region should take off, soar to new heights, and, of course, continue to reach for the stars. Clearly, The East Pacific is flying toward a brighter future.

Flight 100 to The East Pacific, now boarding. Do you have a ticket for this flight? We hope you do.

[Tano]

-snip-

*wipes tears away*

Quite possibly the most inspirational post on all of NS Todd.

As much respect as I have for AMOM, you'll always be my favorite delegate.
o7

[All Good People]

It's pretty much like eating a drumstick ice cream cone.....

That's a pretty good representation. Although each Delegacy is like it's own flavor of drumstick.

[East Brandenburg]

Despite the fact that we have so far only done raids (as far as I know) I do envision potential defense missions too, perhaps maybe liberating regions that were taken from us........
However, I do agree that so far we've had a mostly raider agenda.

What, you mean like colonies?

As in regions that didn't originally belong to TEP, but became affiliated to it when sufficient TEP nations settled there and became the dominant portion of the population?

Regions that enjoy a certain amount of autonomy but still have ties to the Mother region?

A kind of Imperial structure?

I'm not the one who invaded the region.

Free Press News Service is merely reporting based on factual evidence gained at the time of the writing. The news service reserves the right to conduct manners as it sees fit and will alter facts if it feels compelled to do so. Again, we are only reporting what we (would like to) find. We did not invade this region, so we are forced to connect the dots here.

Maybe you should have invaded the region Todd - it would have kept you constituents happy, your military busy, and made it clear to UDL/FRA that the Treaty was well and truly shredded.

Interesting choice of phrases:

"A future that was forged by the collective might of the region's past."

"a new glory era in The East Pacific."

The connotations of "might" and "glory" used together in a statement could lead to the conclusion that TEP is adopting a more militaristic stance, and we all know what happens when the Military gets started - Generals get restless in time of peace and have to find some outlet for their energies after all!

Who knows, you might have even retained the Delegateship!

[Tano]

Despite the fact that we have so far only done raids (as far as I know) I do envision potential defense missions too, perhaps maybe liberating regions that were taken from us........
However, I do agree that so far we've had a mostly raider agenda.

What, you mean like colonies?

As in regions that didn't originally belong to TEP, but became affiliated to it when sufficient TEP nations settled there and became the dominant portion of the population?

Regions that enjoy a certain amount of autonomy but still have ties to the Mother region?

A kind of Imperial structure?

You're a little late to the conversation

I was thinking more along the lines of Warzones, not really holding colonies, or maybe if one of our allies (not colonies, allies) that were founderless was taken by raiders.
It was more of just entertaining some different thoughts and ideas. I don't know how AMOM is going to handle EPSA, but I have faith.

[Todd McCloud]

Some of the many cast members from the 2013 show Super Coupers feature nations that couped or aided with couping a game created region (left to right: Gates, The Dourian Embassy, and Milograd). Milograd is wearing wayfarers because he couped this year before it was cool.

"Super Coupers" A Smash Hit

In your living room (or wherever you watch TV): In what has already been a strong summer season thus far for NS TV, the television show Super Coupers made its debut last night to record audiences. The show, which features the antics of notable faces that have been involved in a coup this year, is based on the wacky comedic stylings of Max Barry, peppered in with some slapstick comedy a la hitting region mates with a big red EJECT button, suppressing posts, wrestling on the RMB, and making the World Factbook Entry all sorts of different colors.

The first episode begins with the end of Milograd's coup of The South Pacific. We see things kind of returning to normalcy in TSP, followed by some elections. Then it really picks up. Enter Osiris, where we have the Dourian Embassy losing a delegate election to Cormac Stark. Dejected, he calls upon the help of Gatesville, who in turn place their own forums on the WFE and establishes the region as a protectorate. These zany antics ensure the couping force's inability to establish a higher ground: it's kind of hard to claim the region is free when it is under the control of another. It's a character flaw that surprisingly gets a lot of laughs from the audience, even without the laugh track. What follows is a WWE-esque brawl between some members from the Super Coupers and the "outlaws" known as the "oligarchy" on the regional message board. The show nearly loses it when the debate between a few members gets a little dry, but both sides manage to pull out some quick jabs and eye-poking to keep the audience rolling in their seats.

"It really writes itself," an executive (who wished to remain anonymous) at NS TV told Free Press News Service. "Historically Osiris had been a gold mine for people who like to watch dramas and afternoon soap operas. We laughed with them, cried with them, gritted our teeth with them. But we tried something different here to keep things fresh. And, well, you be the judge - the numbers don't lie!"

Indeed they don't. Super Coupers have risen to the top of the ranks, taking the top spot away from Defenders Say the Darndest Things, followed by the made-for-TV movie about the Tim Stark trial in TNP (an eight-parter, but still not as long as the made-for-TV movie about the JAL trials), and another new show, The Incredible Todd, where the former delegate must "let the world think that he is inactive, until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him." The final show nearly was derailed when the fox guy thing strained his thumb while doing the hitchhiking scene for the credits, but thankfully he manned up and was able to continue through it.

We can only hope this trend of a strong NS TV summer lineup continues. Tune in next week for another thrilling edition of Super Coupers. Audiences will definitely be on the edge of their seats and gossiping about it over the various IRC channels for sure!

[Bachtendekuppen]

Can't wait for the next edition

Another great post Todd. Keep up the good work!

[Corporation de Apple]

[Zeorus]

A most excellent piece of journalism. Well done, Todd.

[Lands of Headington]

Nice, really nice Todd

[PrussianEmpire]

Nicely done Todd. You do a spectacular job at writing these articles.

[Todd McCloud]

Could THIS GUY be the Osiris Delegate come September? Well, probably not.

Your Odds for Osiris Delegate

At a typical NS race track: It's no secret that the events in Osiris have caused quite a stir in the NS community. Conservative and liberal news services alike agree (it's rare, we know) that the bad guys have taken over and this crap's gotta stop, man. So to you good guys, it's time to step up your game, chip away at the giant influence block, and reclaim Osiris in the name of good guys everywhere! But for people who are outside the conflict, for people who aren't at the front lines or huddled in the various USO-styled cafes that seem to be springing up everywhere, they're looking at the situation from a different angle.

Take for instance The East Pacific, the leading region that has more or less been deemed the shining example in what's becoming an ever-darkening sea of chaos. They've set up Vegas-styled odds, and are currently taking bets. Like horses on a race track, they've established a "running order" of odds to see who will be the delegate come September 1st, 2013.

If you don't like juicy betting or seeing who has a chance over who doesn't, you can stop reading right now. But for those who are interested in the odds, enjoy. To see this project through, The East Pacific gathered a troop of actuaries, loan sharks, engineers (because it makes it sound more professional that way), and mafia suits to calculate the best chances each person has at being delegate. Note that these odds are subject to change, but hey, you can't win if you don't play.

Odds of being Osiris delegate by 09/01/13 (List may be incomplete; don't shoot the messenger if you think you should be here but aren't)

5 to 1 - The Dourian Embassy. Currently controlled by a host of players including JAL and Nev. Still has a lot of influence to burn. Experience and supporting cast work well for this candidate, but the opposition is growing and organizing. Still perceived to be the best choice two months from now.

8 to 1 - Sentimental Journey. Our choice to rival The Dourian Embassy through September 1st. His high influence, activity, history, and current WA totals all work in favor for this guy. If Dourian burns a lot of influence, he (and a few others) become unremovable, so it becomes a fight to the finish.

9 to 1 - Neo Kervoskia. In the same flavor as Sentimental Journey. Expect him to be there in the end. Has extra points in propaganda articles, too.

11 to 1 - Detective Figs. Not our first choice to overtake Dourian. Shocking. Even though she is the current Kai Repat, our reasoning here is that this person will be the first to challenge the delegacy, but will be among the next wave of "big nations" to be potentially ousted by Dourian, which will net a big blow to the delegate's influence. Expect this nation to make the first challenge, though.

13 to 1 - The Imperial Crown, Mad Jack. We have a logjam at these odds. But, both candidates have high influence numbers and have relatively high endorsement totals. It could very well be one of them at the helm come September 1st.

14 to 1 - Quadrimmina. Considered to be "in the same wake" as TIC and MadJack, but with less endorsement totals. Endorsement totals can change on a dime, however, so we're not really overly concerned about this factor. Still, never know. Quad has been a relative "outsider" when it comes to drama, so this works well in his numbers. Could be a dark horse.

17 to 1 - Dalimbar. Experience works well for this candidate, but may have to overcome some influence hurdles. In a pinch, The Dourian Embassy can eject and/or ban him without losing a huge chunk of its influence, but that really depends on how wisely or unwisely the nation has burned its influence. Still, consider this an "also-ran".

20 to 1 - Cormac Stark. Is currently banned from the region, but if the coup is ended quickly, he could be restored by this date. Is still the legitimately elected delegate for the region, so it's not really much of a question of "if" but "when". Most TEP analysts agree this coup could last for a few months, so unless it ends abruptly, he's kind of an "outside looking in" candidate for now.

22 to 1 - Biyah. Has experience and adminship on the forums. Could emerge as a serious runner come September.

30 to 1 - Felasia, Neavilos. Basically in the same flavor as Dali, but with less influence. Still could be choices for the top spot come September.

32 to 1 - Tim Stark. Another odds, another stark. Is also an administrator on the forums and has taken a vested interest in Osiris and another powerful faction in the region: defenders. Could be a "bridge" candidate used by both groups to tie the two together.

50 to 1 - Another strong WA in Osiris. List includes Mahaj, Corporation de Apple, Avakael, among others.

70 to 1 - Todd McCloud. Enter the list of "interesting" candidates. Todd has experience in post-coup regions, and is an administrator on the forums, but needs to make a move if he wants to be considered remotely serious at this point.

80 to 1 - TAO. TAO has made waves about being a delegate, and entered early into the Osiris conflict as a "non-WA delegate" candidate. Could be a serious threat if he makes a strong run, but a lot needs to fall into place for him to make it work.

100 to 1 - Gates. Could be in the mix for a figurehead delegate just before Gatesville surrenders the region. Never know.

500 to 1 - Punk D. Because you never know.

1,000 to 1 - Grub. Because 10KI could return to "reset" the region to repeat what they did early on. We sort of hope not.

10,000 to 1 - Francos Spain. He could return to the limelight in Osiris to lead the region. We guess.

1,000,000,000 to 1 - Frak.


Roll up, roll up! Place your bets! Have at it and see where they land. The fact of the matter is no one really knows who will end up as delegate come two months from now, but hey, that's why we have odds.

(Edit: Missed a guy. This is what I get for trying to make a list)

[Evil Lord Sauron]

50 - 1 for Lyanna Stark seems pretty awesome odds. I'll take that, hell even 50-1 for Sentimental Journey with his large influence pool and very high endorsement count (just behind Detective figs) is a pretty good shout.

EDIT: Sneaky Todd! Editing in Sentimental Journey after I placed my bets <_<

[Todd McCloud]

50 - 1 for Lyanna Stark seems pretty awesome odds. I'll take that, hell even 50-1 for Sentimental Journey with his large influence pool and very high endorsement count (just behind Detective figs) is a pretty good shout.

Yeah one person has been updated. This is what happens when you get a bunch of engineers, mafia dons, and actuaries in one room.

[Tano]

My money's on Frak. Pretty solid odds right there.

Plus, it'd be a whole new age for Osiris! No natives, open defense of Nazis! What could go wrong?

[Asuka Langley Soryu]

My money's on Frak. Pretty solid odds right there.

Plus, it'd be a whole new age for Osiris! No natives, open defense of Nazis! What could go wrong?

removing a few ceased to exist nations from the banlist, is supporting nazi's?

[Tano]

My money's on Frak. Pretty solid odds right there.

Plus, it'd be a whole new age for Osiris! No natives, open defense of Nazis! What could go wrong?

removing a few ceased to exist nations from the banlist, is supporting nazi's?

I don't know what you're talking about, but it sure as hell isn't what I'm talking about.

Edit: Nevermind, just realized my mistake.

If you'll excuse me, I'll be introducing my face to my desk.

[PrussianEmpire]

I'm placing my money on Todd. He's the only serious contender for the position.

[Dalimbar]

Todd, you forgot to have Max on the list. I'll put my money on him any day!