After recently becoming the Secretary of the Interior here in the RIA, I have taken a genuine personal interest in the newspaper. It is important to get your stories across to others. it is in our nature as humans to share communication between nations, regions, and the world. The flooding of submissions to The Renegade have filled my days with tales of politics and warfare. As I read more and more of your articles, I have become invested in your nations, interested in policies, points of view and future plans. With that being said, I would like to announce a new article series based on interviews with nations in the RIA.
My first interviewee was a lovely test subject. The Archduke of Lowlands & Saxony (L&S) was kind enough to donate (several) moments of his time in order to allow me a brief, spontaneous interview. During the conversation, there were several points of interest and facts regarding L&S: civil rights, allies, and role-play. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does L&S Bring to the Table
“We are an economic powerhouse, excelling in the arms and automobile industry. Our most profitable company is the somewhat controversial private military company Dent Tactical, Inc., who offers a multitude of services from training and consultancy to tactical insertions or transport of clandestine goods to airstrikes and the deployment of chemical bombs such as napalm and mustard gas.”
Civil Rights
In the last week, Alhurriat Walssalam has announced a campaign to further women’s rights in the region. L&S declined support for the movement.
Dixadoing: “Would you support Alhurriat in their campaign to raise women's rights awareness? His nation has recently launched the campaign and has suggested that it be a region-wide campaign for those nations who would like to participate”
L&S: “Alhurriat's campaign is a national one. We do care for trade but civil rights is something we do not discuss of other nations. This is partly because civil rights is limited here as well. I’ll refer you to my dispatch on that: http://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=587706”
Recent controversial issues include L&S citizens being granted permission to take residence in other nations.
“People may only leave the country if it is for business. We believe that our citizens are perfectly fine here and thus should not migrate to other nations.”
There are also reports of citizens, particularly blue collar workers, complaining about unequal pay. The Archduke is holding negotiations before coming to a decision.
Allies
While L&S doesn’t necessarily have allies, it has trade partners. Timothia trades guidance, military counsel and training for a reduced tariff and money. Alhurriat Welssalam trades multiple various good and the nation has an incentive program for tourism. They also created tax free zones for L&S companies to set up office. Treaties and pacts mentioned were the BonnLukkt Pact and the Federation of Allied Nations.
Role-Play
As a fairly new player, I was curious what the Archduke’s advice might be for a new player. His response was to be involved in role-play.
Dixadoing: “What’s your advice for a new nation starting out?”
L&S: “An own identity is nice in order to set your foot in the world. Answering issues is a good start but the major part of it is role-play. If your struggle with finding the identity of your nation, ask yourself which real nation you would be similar to.”
Role-play in the region has experience a power block and it “brought groups of nations together, but it also caused friction with the other group.” L&S insisted that role-play is an essential part to making NationStates an even more thrilling game. By connecting with other players, you begin to enrich your nation’s story and future.
*Dixadoing sets down a soapbox.* Go. (I love this portion!)
“Because you know what p***** me off the most? Packaging! They're either vacuum packed or otherwise sealed in plastic and you are supposed to grab the tiniest lip to open it up. Two problems with that: Most of those packages are not resealable, thus a hassle with tupperware and more frustratingly... You have to be a surgeon in order to open the damn things. If i had it my way, the boffins who invented these packages and the top brass of the packaging industry should be put against the wall and face a firing squad! To torture people like this is high treason. They must face their ordeal so that we can start anew with better, reusable packaging.”
The Archduke of L&S offered his opinions and views with The Renegade on many subjects. He was able to remark on women’s rights, allies, and role-play. According to this veteran player, his gaming is all about role-playing and delving into the story behind your nation. The story can be as detailed or vague as you want, depending how involved you are in the other aspects of NS. In the land of Lowland and Saxony, the history and government are profound and fathomless.
-Laurel