Defender Expo 2017

[Defender Expo 2017]

The South Pacific military force, the SPSF, has worked closely with the best defender organizations for the past year. We would like to celebrate our friendship and camaraderie with The Grey Wardens, TITO, RRA, RIASF, LCA, FORGE, DOW, SDF, UDSAF and other organizations through a Defender Expo.

This event is planned to coincide with the The Grey Wardens’ Defender Awards Voting and Ceremony Period, from Wednesday July 19-26, 2017. It’s an opportunity for defenders and their friends to showcase their accomplishments and successes and engage in some fun games and social events.

Each day of the event will include defender challenges. These events will take place either well before (2-4 hours) or right after update so that our soldiers can operate to their full capabilities on the field.

Defender Challenges
- Chasing
Who’s the fastest chaser of them all? Can you get it down to 1 sec, 2 sec, or 3 sec moves? Have an officer test your speed and join the FastBoi\Girl Squad. Officers will lead competitors in a 10 region jump.

- Chasing + Switching
For the most advanced defenders, can you still get those 1 sec jumps if you have to switch as well? Have an officer test your speed and join the FastBoi\Girl Squad. Officers will lead competitors in a 10 region jump.

- Other Challenges TBA
Other challenges will be announced! Check out the Qute Defender Badges below and get your own <3

Social Events
Social Events will let defenders and friends get to know each other and hang out
- Rabb.it screening of action packed and fun movies
- Cards Against Humanity

Q&A Discussions
Key members of the movement will be engaging in a Q&A session on Discord or on NSGP:
- Benevolent Thomas
- Harmoneia
- DYP
- Vietnam
- Dyr

The event is being hosted by organizers from all of the major organizations and will be held on LibCord Discord and in this thread in NSGP. We welcome defenders, friends, allies and anyone who is interested in learning more about this aspect of gameplay Celebrate with us!

[Defender Expo 2017]

Contributing\Planning Organization Bios

The following organizations have assisted in the planning for this event and are highlighted for their contributions! All organizations are welcome to join in the festivities <3

(Special thanks to The Noble Thatcherites for help with the coding of this post.)

Name of Organization: The South Pacific Special Forces (SPSF) Current Leader \ Commander: Yuno \ Elerivyn Past and Present Members Include: Drugged Monkeys, Southern Bellz, Roavin, Yuno, Resentine,QuietDad, Nakari, Ryccia, Witchcraft and Sorcery, Somyrion, Atlantica, Escade, The Serres Republic Associated Region If Any: The South Pacific Description of Goals \ Background\History: The South Pacific Special Forces is the military of The South Pacific. We are independent and engage in both defending and raiding based on the interests of our soldiers. What we do: We protect us, our allies, and our foreign interests. We respect the sovereignty and dignity of regions that are wholly uninvolved or only marginally involved in military gameplay, and protect them when they are threatened. We reject discrimination and intolerance and will take the fight to those promoting and propagating such hateful views. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit? Power, ambition, hunger And an angel face <3	Name of Organization: The Order of The Grey Wardens Current Leader \ Commander: Roavin Famous Soldiers \ Members: Benevolent Thomas, Roavin, Deadeye Jack, Vincent Drake, Tim, Altmoras, Nakari, DYP, Associated Region If Any: The Order of The Grey Wardens Description of Goals \ Background \ History: The Wardens are an elite fighting force dedicated to protecting regional natives and defeating raiders wherever they may be. We differ from some other defender organizations in that we believe in taking the fight directly to raiders and going on offense when the opportunity presents itself. Most of all we have created a tight knit community that likes to have fun and hang out together. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit? We want someone who is ready to have fun, will be dedicated to the cause, and is willing to learn. You don’t need any experience because we have plenty of willing and capable defenders ready to train you.
Name of Organization: Renegade Islands Alliance Special Forces (RIASF) Current Leader \ Commander: Shizensky / Dixadoing(Lo) Famous Soldiers \ Members: Domino Domination (Ad Infinitum/PAI), Tangaroan Islands, Acronius, Red Dusk [size=109]Associated Region If Any: Renegade Islands Alliance Description of Goals \ Background\History: Created in 2004. Defenders with an interest in espionage. People who have been banned from or decide to move on from 10000 Islands tend to find their way here. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit?: Someone who’s not afraid to bring their ideas to the table and wants to be more than just another number in a report.	Name of Organization: The Rejected Realms Army (RRA) Current Leader \ Commander: Frattastan Famous Soldiers \ Members: Guy, Crazy girl Associated Region If Any: The Rejected Realms Description of Goals \ Background \ History: Founded in May 2003 as an invader force for nations who wanted to fight against those delegate who ejected them, it quickly became one of the earliest defender forces (even taking part in the Battle of Empire of Power, the attempted invasion of 10000 Islands that led to the formation of TITO). After going through many ups and downs, today we are tiny but dedicated update presence. We defend because we believe in the right of all people to be treated as ends-in-themselves, and not as a means to attain power or pleasure. We defend to uphold the right of all nations to control their home regions, and be safe from forced displacement; and to preserve founderless regions, and their history and legacy. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit?: A healthy appreciation for insubordination.
Name of Organization: The Department of Wrath (DOW) Current Leader \ Commander: Altmoras Associated Region If Any: Hell, Underworld. Description of Goals \ Background \ History: The Department of Wrath, a subsidiary of The Kingdom of Hell, is an interregional provider of military protection and sin punishment. We believe that the right combination of defending and righteous vengeance will enable the masses across the globe to create and maintain safe environments for their nations to thrive in. As a result, we are committed to sharing best practices through cutting-edge training, complex program management, and logistic support. OOC: We defend arbitrary regions from invasion, and we strike back against raiders. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit?: We're not too picky. Just don't be a raider.	Name of Organization: Lazarene Celestial Armada (LCA) Current Leader \ Commander: Somyrion / Aumelodia Associated Region If Any: Lazarus Description of Goals \ Background \ History: The LCA recently came back from a long period of inactivity and only informal operations, and we're now looking to focus on regaining an highly active and skilled presence on the R/D battlefield. Our goals currently are at least 7 actively updating members and every-day update participation. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit?: Someone who is inquisitive, reliable, and has a drive to work hard!
Name of Organization: Spiritus Defense Force Current Leader \ Commander: Tim Stark Famous Soldiers\Members: Karputsk, Tim, DYP, Red Dusk Associated Region: Spiritus Description of Goals \ Background \ History: The Spiritus Defense Force was founded to be the Military Branch of the region Spiritus, founded by well-known defender Tim Stark in 2012. While it's had its ups and downs through the years, ranging from highs under Defense Ministers such as Karputsk and lows under President Blitze, Spiritus has been ever-willing to support the defender cause. With the military on the up again, Spiritus seeks to ensure that as many native regions across NS retain their regional sovereignty from those who would destroy it as possible. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit?: Active updater, dedicated to the cause, willing to be involved in the greater community of Spiritus if possible. A love for LOTR helps!	Name: UDSAF Leader: Kanglia Famous Soldiers: Khevo, The Noble Thatcherites, Lenlyvit, The Glorious Hypetrain, Associated Region: The Union of Democratic States Goals/Background/History: The UDSAF has had a relative short history, first starting in January of 2017 under the leadership of Lenlyvit. After undertaking multiple detag missions, members of the UDSAF soon started to take an active part in liberations & other defensive operations. In April, Lenlyvit passed leadership of the UDSAF on to Kanglia, who has held the position since. The UDSAF is now focused more on active updates as opposed to detagging after updates. The UDSAF has found a large base of activity, with roughly 12 members. The UDSAF now also has a ranking system in place, which can be found here:https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=826910 What are you looking for in a recruit?: Fairly simple, a willingness to learn & a drive to help regions repel the raiders of NationStates. Experience in defending is not required, as there are many members of the UDSAF who are willing and ready to help you become the best defender that you can be.
Name of Organization: The Knights Radiant, military branch of FORGE Current Leader/commander: Kanglia Famous Soldiers: Kanglia, Khevo, Lenlyvit, The Glorious Hypetrain, Andrew Du, Quebecshire, The Noble Thatcherites Associated Regions: Superiorem Merionem Region, The Empire of Friendship, The United Rogue Nations of Alteria, The Union of Democratic States, The Region That Has No Big Banks, The Straw Hat Pirates, Organizaed States of Kappa, Imperial Fatherland, The Peaceful Coffee Shop In Chicago, The Pacific Republic, Vogruf Alps, The League of Conservative Nations, New Western Atlantic, A Hole To Hide In, Westphalia, Where anyone can be anything. Goals/Background/History: FORGE was forged(get the pun) as an interregional alliance based off of cultural & defensive purposes. The military side, now known as The Knights Radiant, was first headed by Lenlyvit, who grew TKR into the fighting force that it is today, before stepping aside in favor of Kanglia. Lenlyvit is now 2nd in command of TKR, & the goals have yet to change, with TKR seeking to become more active in defending & expanding its influence with defenderdom. What are you looking for in a recruit: While regional joining is possible & a possible method, for TKR recruitment, we are looking for people who are willing and driven to help the military succeed in our goal to help regions be rid of raiders.	Name of Organization: Ten Thousand Islands Treaty Organization Current Leader\Commander: Grub Famous Soldiers\Members: Klopstock, Kanta Hame, Kortexia, Lousistan, Hakketomat Associated Region If Any: 10,000 Islands Description of Goals\Background\History: TITO provides for the regional defense of our region as well as going out to help defend regions that are attacked unfairly. TITO has helped defend many regions in our time and we wish to help regions live in peace. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit? Trustworthiness, Reliability, Dedication
Name of Organization: The Dragon Knights of Aenaroth (DKA) Current Leader \ Commander: Red Dusk Past and Present Members Include: Red Dusk, Daemon Wrath, Rom Associated Region If Any: Aenaroth Description of Goals \ Background\ History: The Dragon Knights of Aenaroth are the military for the newer defender region Aenaroth, and take the recently more popular stance of defender regions such as RIA and TGW, which includes offensive operations against raider regions. What we do: We're a regional military that operates separate from the regional government, which means that there's no worry about governmental interference. What Are You Looking for in a Recruit? Dedication to learn, and a friendly attitude.

[Defender Expo 2017]

Challenges & Badges

Want to participate in a challenge or show your love? Grab one of these amazing badges created by Somyrion! In addition, each organization mentioned above has its own version so ask away on the Libcord Discord Server for your colors!

Itinerary

Here is a loose outline of planned events and times! We may add on\change things as circumstances take us <3

Defcon Day 1
Q&A #1 - Benevolent Thomas
Defender Challenges
Cards Against Humanity
Officers: TSP\TGW\RIASF\RRA

Defcon Day 2
Defender Challenges
Cards Against Humanity
Officers: TSP\TGW\RIASF\RRA

Defcon Day 3
Q&A #2 - DYP
Defender Challenges
Rabb.it
Officers: TSP\TGW\RIASF\RRA

Defcon Day 4
Defender Challenges
Rabb.it Screenings
Officers: TSP\TGW\RIASF\RRA

Defcon Day 5
Q&A #3 - Harmoneia
Q&A #4- Vietnam
Officers: TSP\TGW\RIASF\RRA

Defcon Day ?
The last day of Defcon will coincide with
the TGW Awards Ceremony

[Jakker]

Glad to see that RaiderCon has inspired other events

[Shizensky]

I always thought we should call these DefCon.

Looking forward to the festivities!

[Altmoras]

I always thought we should call these DefCon.

Looking forward to the festivities!

I think that's taken

[Aumelodia]

Very hyped! \o/

[Elerivyn3]

See u all there!

[Moric Benyovszky]

I'm glad to see that any pretenses to an independent alignment have been dropped by TSP.
I look forwards to the festivities.

Q&A Discussions
Key members of the movement will be engaging in a Q&A session on Discord or on NSGP:
- Benevolent Thomas
- Harmoneia
- DYP
- Dyr
- TBA

A side note- a South Pacific-hosted event without any major figures from the region's more recent GP endeavours represented? Surely Vietnam, Imkitopia, Roavin, and Elerivyn/Yuno would have interesting things to say about defending and the state thereof.

[Ever-Wandering Souls]

Glad to see that RaiderCon has inspired other events

Though I'm a bit disappointed in one bit.

It’s an opportunity for defenders and their friends to showcase their accomplishments and successes and engage in some fun games and social events.

...

The event is being hosted by organizers from all of the major organizations and will be held on LibCord and NSGP. We welcome defenders, friends, allies and anyone who is interested in learning more about this aspect of gameplay Celebrate with us!

Compare to -

Players across NationStates come together to engage in discussions, games, and more.

In case it wasn't absolutely and entirely clear from Jakker's post - Defenders, Imperialists, Independants, Neutrals, uninvolved people just wanting to get a look at Gameplay, and everyone else are all invited to the Inaguaral Raidercon Event! If you're interested in speaking, running a discussion, sharing some history, or otherwise contributing your own, your friends', or your regions' histories, points of view, and impacts on GP to this event, keep your eyes open for more info!

Unless the OP is merely poorly worded, it would seem like this is a much more exclusive event, less welcoming to all sides of Gameplay - and partially held, even, in a server that much of GP would not be welcome in. I would hope that, if we are to inspire other similar events, that they'd be equally open to all.

[Tim-Opolis]

TBH Stuff

Embrace the fun dude, our salt mines are overflowing.

[Kanglia]

TBH Stuff

Embrace the fun dude, our salt mines are overflowing.

Shut it down, we can go home, Tim has won the thread

[Shizensky]

To be fair, all-access cons have been a thing for over a decade. Nobody's here has reinvented the wheel.

[Moric Benyovszky]

To be fair, all-access cons have been a thing for over a decade. Nobody's here has reinvented the wheel.

Does that not make the exclusivity shown here even more anomalous?

[Reventus Koth]

Embrace the fun dude

Just pointing out that it would be objectively more possible to do that if it wasn't only defenders who are invited.

[Yun]

I'm glad to see that any pretenses to an independent alignment have been dropped by TSP.

Sorry, no, SPSF's military is non-aligned. Not everyone in TSP is a defender, and some of them have raided frequently and got promoted for it. Everyone has the option to choose between becoming a raider or a defender, as long as opsec is maintained/managed well and TSP-loyalty.

Juuust hosting an event for TSPers and friends.

[Shizensky]

To be fair, all-access cons have been a thing for over a decade. Nobody's here has reinvented the wheel.

Does that not make the exclusivity shown here even more anomalous?

I did miss that part, my apologies.

But if we're driving that point then... how many raider groups were excluded from RaiderCon too? It's one thing to be salty if the opposition isn't invited but it's another thing not to be able to play along with people you claim to align with

[Consular]

I'm glad to see that any pretenses to an independent alignment have been dropped by TSP.

Would you agree that Europeia has finally dropped that ridiculous independent pretense? Because all they do is raid.

Or does your logic only apply one way?

[Jakker]

Does that not make the exclusivity shown here even more anomalous?

I did miss that part, my apologies.

But if we're driving that point then... how many raider groups were excluded from RaiderCon too? It's one thing to be salty if the opposition isn't invited but it's another thing not to be able to play along with people you claim to align with

No group was excluded from RaiderCon...

[Tim-Opolis]

Embrace the fun dude

Just pointing out that it would be objectively more possible to do that if it wasn't only defenders who are invited.

The event is being hosted by organizers from all of the major organizations and will be held on LibCord and NSGP. We welcome defenders, friends, allies and anyone who is interested in learning more about this aspect of gameplay Celebrate with us!

Right, we only invited defenders...

[Ever-Wandering Souls]

how many raider groups were excluded from RaiderCon too?

Two, specific groups exiled by most all of raiding for a variety of reasons, many of which I'd get red-texted for for repeating here due to the defamation policy, were not exactly welcomed with open arms to the raid, and certain members may not have been welcome at the event if they'd tried to show up (they did not)...as you well know. You could even consider their exclusion a matter of safety for the rest of the attendees. That's a shitty whataboutism.

[Moric Benyovszky]

I'm glad to see that any pretenses to an independent alignment have been dropped by TSP.

Would you agree that Europeia has finally dropped that ridiculous independent pretense? Because all they do is raid.

Or does your logic only apply one way?

It applies both ways, Tancerlo. Europeia is as much independent as the South Pacific is. Europeia, however, was irrelevant to the topic at hand, and went unmentioned as a result.

I'm glad to see that any pretenses to an independent alignment have been dropped by TSP.

Sorry, no, SPSF's military is non-aligned. Not everyone in TSP is a defender, and some of them have raided frequently and got promoted for it. Everyone has the option to choose between becoming a raider or a defender, as long as opsec is maintained/managed well and TSP-loyalty.

Juuust hosting an event for TSPers and friends.

Compounded with the utter lack of announced speakers native to the South Pacific, it would seem that a different host region might have strained that fragile illusion of nonalignment less.

[Defender Expo 2017]

(Image)

The event is being hosted by organizers from all of the major organizations and will be held on LibCord and NSGP. We welcome defenders, friends, allies and anyone who is interested in learning more about this aspect of gameplay Celebrate with us!

Lovely people, why don't we read to the end of the post? <3

[Reventus Koth]

It has been made clear to me in direct message that despite the definitively exclusive wording, this event is actually open to the public. Thus I rescind my previous post.

[Consular]

Would you agree that Europeia has finally dropped that ridiculous independent pretense? Because all they do is raid.

Or does your logic only apply one way?

It applies both ways, Tancerlo. Europeia is as much independent as the South Pacific is. Europeia, however, was irrelevant to the topic at hand, and went unmentioned as a result.

So you do think Europeia is an invader region?

It is relevant because I wanted to establish the consistency of your reasoning.

Because if you accept Europeia is independent, but not TSP, then your reasoning is inconsistent and it becomes obvious you're just trying to baselessly slander TSP.