Unwillingly

no opinion on most of this but last one sounds cool as **** and I'd love to see something like that

Are the physical requirements of nation apps (player signatures & money) too high or too low? I think the real challenge of nation status isn't necessarily the barrier for entry but the ability to sustain it long-term. a lot of nations are made on a temporary hyperfixation or dopamine high that generally doesn't sustain itself in the long run, because realistically it's an incredibly menial task to get 25 people to comment on your forum post, and only maybe a little more difficult to accrue 25,000 minas? hot take I guess but I think 25k isn't that demanding, we had like 23 nations at one point last map I think it's fine lol. but neither of these, again, measures their ability to sustain themselves in the long-term. whether this means giving applicants a preliminary "trial" period as a pseudo nation- or some other system imp team can think of- is beyond me, but point being I strongly believe there needs to be a way to test whether or not these groups will go inactive 2 weeks after gaining nation status, something neither minas nor player signatures alone can solve Should the subjective requirement that a nation be unique (or fill a unique niche) be removed or modified? I have very strong opinions about bubblewrap nations that don't try to apply themselves to a certain identity, or nations/groups whose identity is that they have no identity. nations that unconditionally accept anyone and everyone and exist to be peaceful chunguses who live in isolated bubbles, and I think most of us will agree that these communities are better suited as vassals or guilds and not nations. outside of that, I'm sort of on the fence about it. anyone can bullshit their way through explaining the niche they fulfill in a nation app or gloating about how unique and revolutionary their community is, this can't be measured, but in an ideal world I agree that nations are better off politically and culturally defined- not unique, this server is 12 years old, everything has been done before- just have some thought put into it Do you feel there should be a new, separate qualifier for new nations? yeah, but I feel the barrier for entry should be secondary to addressing what I mentioned under the first question- long term sustainability. I don't think forum signatures mean anything at all, be it 25 or 50, anyone can ask anyone to sign their forum application it means absolutely nothing and is stupidly easy to acquire, and people think that getting 25 people signing your nation app means all of those players are going to be active, dedicated, and contributing to your nation at all times, when in reality that number is more like 4-6. what exactly that barrier for entry is, I can't think of, though I'd see no issue with just having a mina down payment if it's combined with some way to measure their long-term sustainability, which I feel is most important I also think people should be required to be a vassal or exclave before becoming a nation for x amount of time. somewhat piggybacking off islamadon's comment here in that it would help measure a group's "weight" prior to their actual elevation to nation status. I feel like we saw a lot of homeless people banding together and suddenly becoming a nation quite literally out of nowhere, and it may also prevent groups skirting around the consequences of being warred by requiring that they dedicate time towards their project before jumping into nation status

much support to fifa, a celestial-based magic is a super untapped magic niche and I think we'd see a lot of cool RP emerge from this should it pass!

close enough welcome back world team in all seriousness though im a little confused. its a mod-tech project led by the story team build manager? and the expected duties are mostly if not all things the build team already does, idk, just seems a bit redundant no?

News of the Haelun'orii blight had reached Galahad when the rest of Caras Siol slumbered, and the soft trill of forest creatures mingled with the monotonous rush of city streams and lakeside waterways. The eastern moon marks the high onyx sky, her rays passing afront the young Prince as he passed beneath wispy trees and glimmering, light-steeped spires. The better part of him rebukes the elvish folly, it took no moral conundrum to do so, after all— but the worse part of him had never felt more vindicated. He often wondered if he had gone cold, or if vice pooled in his heart for it. He had toiled over sleepless nights, recounting the tally of slights like script, but even reminding himself felt like a half-hearted throw into the wind more than it brought assurance. Introspection had always been a craggy path for the young Prince, but such was the boon of companionship, and the warm heart of another to surrender that burden. He walks the north wing of the city's waterfront, arm joined with a bronze-daubed elfess, and she speaks to him solemnly. "Does it make you feel justified?" "A little." @queenmother

T H E R O Y A L F A M I L Y O F Í L U M R I N Issued 10th of the Grand Harvest, year 258 S.A By the Royal House of Caurost, Ílumrin Talonnii •────────────────────˖˖༻✶༺˖˖────────────────────• To the Denizens of Caurost, Long did the folk of Eldwyn tarry upon the sundering seas, our sails pale beneath moon and tempest. The gentle ocean gales had welcomed the bringing of new loves, and old friends, her waves promising their hearts steadfast and strong over the turning years at sea. At last our keels found rest upon the green shores which led to Caras Siol, where we raised bright halls of timber and song. Here we abode in quiet grace – and listen now, for the family Ílumrin has long awaited the hour when tidings of joy might once more pass. Tʜᴇʀᴇ, ᴀs ᴡᴀs ʟᴏɴɢ ɪɴ ʜɪs ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ, ʜᴇ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴏᴏᴛ ᴀᴍᴏɴɢ ᴛʜᴇᴍ, ᴀɴᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ ʜɪs ʟɪɴᴇ ᴄᴀᴍᴇ ғᴏʀᴛʜ ᴏɴᴇ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ; sᴜɴ-ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ sᴋʏ-ʙᴏᴜɴᴅ It is with great joy that I, Galahad Ílumrin, High Prince of Caurost, alongside the Princess Consort Guinheyvar of Sulyimar, speak now to all kin of fair blood and noble heart to reveal our gift to the noble houses of Elvendom, for did the roiling waters of our great voyage bring forth our firstborn daughter, Lyonwen Ílumrin (@RainbowRoad1234), Princess of Caras Siol. Lyonwen shall dwell under the tutelage of Caras Siol’s finest scholars, duelists, and guides, tending to the teachings of lore and academia until the hour arrives when she is ready to take up the blade of her forebears, at which point she shall reveal herself to elvenkind. •────────────────────˖˖༻✶༺˖˖────────────────────• Signed, Galahad Ílumrin High Prince of Cauróst, Prince of Malinor & Eldest Son of Húrin Ilumrin

1.4k vaults reviewed in 3 days is kind of nuts my attention span could never

O N A F F A I R S O F T H E D A R K Issued by the High Prince and Grace of the Ivory Crown 13th of The Snow’s Maiden, 257 S.A. To the Denizens of Cauróst, Be warned, for Ibleesian agents and conduits of undeath toil near the coasts of the Ilharcress woods! An onslaught of late wanton attacks at the behest of monsters and demons alike have rattled the serenity of our kind people, Caras Siol, and eastern Azuras. While extensive information cannot be offered in public address, the Ivory Crown deems necessary the mobilization of the city’s huntsmen, tacticians, and swordrights in order to rally to the defense of the eastern coast. The crown seeks aid, both local and foreign, willing to converge on the exchange of knowledge, information, and strategy as it pertains to resisting the forces of the dark. Those to whom this message appeals are to write to Galahad Ilumrin ((Unwillingly)), Veluc Striixi ((x_amongus_x)), Rhianwen aen Sov ((deviouschungus)), or Leithril of Rho’ger ((kawaiihiccup)). Signed, Galahad Ílumrin High Prince of Cauróst, Prince of Malinor & Eldest Son of Húrin Ilumrin

In his tenure, Galahad had learned with swiftness the inclinations of the Silver State in political affairs. While he considered himself learned in parsing two-faced deceit from clumsy diplomatic folly, he struggled to discern the motive behind the ink this time. He will surely pay the Mali'aheral a visit nonetheless, without the whims of pen and paper.

A W O O D L A N D E V E R E V E L R Y Issued by the Grace of the Ivory Crown 7th of the Sun’s Smile, 257 S.A. To the denizens of the Ivory Princedom, Rejoice, for the light of the new world has reached resplendent Caras Siol! Within the heart of the Ilharcress woods has our haven been rebuilt, her spirits high, and citizens ever kindred. To mark this blessed founding and safe settlement of the eastern Azuran region, the Ivory Crown declares a period of celebration, revelry, and dance to be enjoyed by Caurósian and travelers alike. All are summoned to enjoy drink, feast, and dance at the Festival of First Dawn. Expected revelries are as follows, A Grand Banquet, where attendees may be granted samples of local Caurosian liquors, ciders, and confections. Music and Dance, at the behest of the talents of the city’s many bards, musicians, and singers, whose talents shall grace attendees with performance and dance beneath the watchful eye of the moon. Friendly Competition, where attendees are invited to partake in friendly games, including ones commonly known as: hide and seek, musical chairs, and a scavenger hunt, each offering small monetary prizes of fifty mina for first place. The festival shall begin at sundown within the festival ground clearing beyond Caras Siol’s gates. Dress code obeys casual Caurósian fashion, such as earthy and autumnal silks.

Issued and agreed upon 16th of the Sun’s Smile, year 257 S.A. THE PRINCEDOM OF CAURóST and THE EMPIRE OF MAN T H E R I V E R L I N E A C C O R D I. Trade & Passage The signatories hereby agree to the establishment of a sanctioned trade route between their respective territories, promoting the exchange of goods and safe passage of travelers. This route shall be maintained in mutual oversight in order to ensure its security and continued benefit to both domains. II. Financial Contribution The Princedom of Cauróst hereby agrees to allocate a sum of three thousand minas in support of imperial enterprises, to be distributed at the discretion of the Empire of Man. III. Mine Access The signatories hereby permit unhindered mine access for their respective laborers, in the interest of promoting economic strength and stability for each realm. IV. Recognition The Empire of Man hereby recognizes the Princedom of Cauróst as the one true bastion and homeland of the high, wood, and dark elves, whose banner stands as the highest testament of elven strength and prosperity. Signed, Galahad Ílumrin High Prince of Cauróst, Prince of Malinor & Eldest Son of Húrin Ilumrin HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS, Maximilian Caius of the House Horen, Prince of the Empire, Prince of Burgundy, and Duke of Avar, Colonel of the Reiksguard. FORTITUDO SUPER OMNIA