Guide to Nationstates

[Euroslavia]

A Little Bit of Everything
In this thread, I’ll go over practically everything about Nationstates and things that need to be known, such as an NS Time Clock, Logistics, nations that can help you out if you don’t know much about NS, all of the NS Earths, and creative threads that can help you get to know other nations on a more personal level, as well as the game at large.

Right now you're probably asking...why play nationstates? What makes this game so special? What is everyone so attracted to it? Well, here's why

Check this thread out to see everything that there is to possibly do in Nation States!
How To Spend Time on Nationstates created by Nanakaland!

Previous Stickies:
Chat Live! (Work out those RP kinks before posting! It works wonders!)
FYI: What Godmoding Is
FYI: What you should NOT post in International Incidents
NationStates Role Play and Ignoring
Guide To Terrorism
Guide To Terrorism V2.0

Stickies from other Forums:
Nationstates IRC Chat
A Brief History of Everything
Jolt Post Categories, Gov't Types, Freedoms, and Economy
Want More Respect on the Forums?
and a thread similar to that: Want Respect? Find Out How To Earn It (OOC thread)

Other Helpful Threads
1. Also, here's a guide to different story roles and angles, by Automagfreek. I suggest everyone check this out.
AMF's Guide to Story Roles and Angles

2. Here are some definitions you should know, in case you aren't NS savvy.
The Complete Dictionary Of NationStates Terms

3. Looking for specific strategies to help your RP'ing? check this collection of helpful threads out!
Collection of Guides/Strategies

Table of Contents
A. Time
B. Fluid Time
C. When to ignore/recognize nuclear attacks
D. Multiple Earths?
E. The Dangers of Sharing Puppets/Giving Puppets Away
F. Collection of National Websites of Nationstates
G. World Factbooks (different from websites)
H. History of NS
I. World History Library
J. List Of Currencies - And Their Power Against the USD
K. Official List of National Capitals
L. National Embassy Listings
M. Member Names of National Governments
N. List of Alliances
O. How to build a better storefront (OOC thread)
P. Proposed Code of Conduct for Storefronts (OOC thread)
Q. Want Respect? Find Out How To Earn it! (OOC thread)
R. List of Storefronts (OOC thread)
S. Roleplaying In Space (OOC suggestions)
T. National Imports/Exports Thread
U. NSwiki!
V. Questions
W. Flag Creation


Time
Now many people have begun to question the actual time scale at which a majority of nations act by. Many say 1 NS year = 1 RL day; others say 1 Month = 1 Year: there is no set scale. It all depends on the scenario you are in to decide what the actual time is. Now, there won’t be a permanent solution to this, such as making 1 NS year = 1 RL day the time limit of Nation States, but we can all agree on something. Some of the older nations mentioned fluid time. This is unique in the fact that time speeds up and slows down at certain points, but this works the best.

#1: http://www.pipian.com/stuffforchat/gdpcalc.php
#2: http://twr.1colony.com/ver8/calc8.0.html
#3: http://members.fortunecity.com/thrac.../html/gnp.html
#4: http://www.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?nation=[yournationhere].


First Example (Explanation of Fluid Time): Nation A declares war on Nation B. Now either both nations are going to have to roleplay their war really fast, according to the 1 NS year = 1 RL day, or they can choose to slow time down. Preparations for war takes more time than most think. You can’t just go into it with a brief 5 minute post. You need to organize your forces, choose what to use, what is more effective, and what can help you minimize your losses. Here are some good threads to go to about preparations for war, logistics, and good examples or roleplaying war. Logistics can make or break your war. If you decide to put an insanely large amount of armed forces, air force, navy, etc, you’re either going to be ignored, or told that it is a godmode. If you’re lucky though, you’ll have an opponent who will work with you to fix it, and help you to RP the war. Although, if you get your logistics right, many nations look at this with a lot of respect, knowing that you know what you’re talking about, hence it gives you a good reputation among the better roleplayers.

Good Threads:
Thread #1: Eurusea condemns Syskeyia, prepares for war


Helpful Threads:
Thread #1:What Godmoding Is
Thread #2:NationStates Role Play and Ignoring


Bad Threads:
Thread #1: War on AMF
This isn’t bad RP’ing on AMF’s side, he doesn’t RP bad. FWS takes all the credit.
Thread #2: War Declared on Sephrioth
Thread #3: A Pre-emptive Strike on NorthWestern Liang
Thread #4: Nuclear Testing Has Succeeded!
Wow, this is a perfect example of godmoding, and definitely one of the worst threads I have ever seen....ever. I've been around for more than a year, so that's a lot, lol.
Thread #5: War Declared on Ersilia!

When to Ignore/Recognize Nuclear Attacks
Now there's been a lot of controversy over when nuclear attacks should and shouldn't be recognized. Obviously, its up to the nation being attacked, whether to ignore it or not. They have every right to ignore an attack when the opposite nation roleplays the attack very poorly, or when the amount of nukes fired is an obvious godmode. Majority of nuclear attacks are planned between the two nations. A lot of nations agree that in order to accept an attack such as this, it needs to be discussed before-hand.

Although, if a roleplayer decides to ignore an attack that was very well planned out, and roleplayed well, then he is at fault, and the reprecussions are great. Many nations will frown upon this, not knowing if this nation can be trusted any longer. If they can ignore well thought out attacks, then what stops them from doing it again? Anyways, here is a thread that can give you an idea on what a lot of the nations in NS think.
1. OOC: Post any way in which you would not ignore the use of nukes in a war RP

2. Tentative Guide To Nuclear Weapons

Multiple Earths?
There has been much confusion about nations claiming to be RL nations. Due to the fact the Earth 1 is practically full, Earth 2 was created, and many more earths are on their way. This way, it gives many more nations the chance to claim their own nation from RL. (take a deep breath) It’s easier for a newer nation to ‘become’ a RL nation, as it gives them statistics to work with already, rather than creating your own custom nation, and making your own map within your region, which is something to do when you’ve grown up enough, although, some nations, including myself just find it easier to work as RL nations (phew…relax). The reason behind having my own RL nations is because then, it would be easier for me to create a history of my nation, although, when creating a custom nation, you aren’t bound to the rules of going through the World Wars, as your nation could be on a different planet.

When it comes to recognizing multiple Earths, I suggest everyone keep an open mind. A lot of the people on Earth 2 had their own plans with the nations that they wanted to claim, and couldn’t go through with them, until they actually owned them. It’s all part of a complex storyline. Everyone has their own reasons. Furthermore, the original world (Earth 1) is claimed by just 48 players... out of 1,000,000 current and past nations... is that fair? If you choose to ignore Earth 2, and the others, then that's your choice, and you're entitled to it.

Here is a link for all of the Earth's made:
Collection of All Earths by Euroslavia (recently updated)


The Dangers of Sharing Puppets/Giving Puppets Away
When given a puppet from someone else, you are also, in a sense, taking any mistakes that the previous owner has been given. Make sure that the puppet that you are receiving doesn't have any rule violations. For example, the puppet you receive could have been booted from the UN for UN Multi'ing, so that leaves you with one more mistake for deletion.


Collection of National Websites of Nationstates! by Euroslavia!
However, like I mentioned before, many people do like to create their own custom nation within their region, along with their own planet as their region. This gives you the chance to customize your nation however you want it, such as forests in the north, desert in the south, and the capital city in the eastern part of the country.
New Official Nations Website Listings


List of Nationstates Factbooks created by The Macabees!
A lot nations in NS don't have a website, so they decide to make a world factbook. Here is a link to some of those factbooks:
List of Nationstates Factbooks


History of NS created by ViZion!
There have been so many events that have taken place over the course of the existence of Nation States. This is the first try (at least from what ive seen) that a nation has done, to put everything together. Here is the link: Major Events in NS History


World History Library another created by ViZion!
This is a compilation of history, culture, fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, and practically any other category of books you can think of. If you wish to donate books of your culture, history, etc, to this Library, the link is here: World History Library


List Of Currencies - And Their Power Against the USD created by Hogsweat!
Do you want to see how your currency compares to the USD and other fellow NS nations? Check this thread out and add your nation to it!
List of Currencies


Official List of National Capitals one more by Kryozerkia!
Are you unsure on what the capital of a nation in NS is? Check this thread and find it! Make sure to add your own capital as well.
Official List of National Capitals


National Embassy Listings by Euroslavia!
Is there a specific nation you'd like to establish relations with? Check this thread out to get a link to their embassy listings page.
National Embassy Listings


Members of National Governments created by Jonothana!
If you're looking to find the names of the people who represent a specific nation, look here. This is where nations tell everyone who their ministers are, along with their leader. The link is here: Members of National Governments


List of Alliances created by Kelanthia!
Looking to join an alliance dedicated to specific beliefs of yours? Check this thread out. There are many alliances out there dedicating to practically anything you can think of...but if there isn't one that you think you can particularly fit in, create your own, and submit it to the list!
List of Alliances


How to build a better storefront (OOC thread) created by Sarzonia!
Are you looking to build a storefront, and need advice on exactly how to do it? This thread shows many different opinions on exactly what to do to make your storefront successful!
How To Build A Better Storefront


Proposed Code of Conduct for Storefronts (OOC thread) created by Sarzonia! (again)
There are certain rules/guidelines that one should keep in mind when creating their storefront. Take a look at this: Proposed Code of Conduct for Storefronts (OOC thread)


List of Storefronts created by HotRodia!
Is there something specific you're looking for to add to your military? Well, look here! This thread is a list of all of the known Storefronts among NS. You're bound to find what you're looking for:
Storefronts List


Roleplaying In Space (OOC Suggestions) created by Iuthia!
For those of you wanting a space nation, here are a few things you should keep in mind before you begin anything. Check it out: Roleplaying In Space (OOC Suggestions)


National Import/Export Thread by Praetonia!
If there is a specific product that you are in dire need for, check this thread out, and see who exports it! Same goes for if you have a surplus of a product, or you just want to open trade up with other nations. Check it out!
National Import/Export Thread


NSwiki! by Goobergunchia!
They are currently building an open-content encyclopedia for the NationStates online game. Learn how to edit pages, experiment in the sandbox, and visit our Community Portal to find out how you can participate in the development of NSwiki.
NSwiki

Questions?
At this point, I would like to take time out to say, if you ever have any questions about logistics, or anything about NS, I will give out names of nations who are well known for specific things in NS.


Logistics
1. Automagfreek has some pretty good knowledge of statistics, judging from his mobilizations, and previous wars.
2. Iuthia, the all-knowing. He is a very friendly nation, who helps as many people as he can by pointing out things that could be improved upon. Don’t take his posts as severe criticism, they’re quite constructive.
3. The Evil Overlord created a detailed thread of logistics. Here’s the link: Logistics


Terrorism
1. Jaxusism has created the new Guide to Terror, and has dethroned my Guide, hah, just kiddin. He did a heck of a lot better than me. Here it is: Guide To Roleplaying Terrorism v2.0 It has also been stickified.
2. Myself, Euroslavia, created the Guide To Terrorism, with the help of some other nations. Here is the link: Guide to Terrorism


Roleplaying Itself
1. Melkor Unchained is quite the detailed roleplayer. He’s quite busy though, as a mod, so here are some other nations to ask.
Example: All Is Fair In Love and War

2. Five Civilized Nations is also very friendly, and a very good roleplayer.
Example: The Tragedy of Truth

3. Pantera is an amazing RP’er, one of the best that Nation States has ever had. If you can, just look at some of his RP’s, to see how detailed he is in everything, with his ally, Automagfreek. They can definitely teach you that detail is important.
Example #1: As The Flames Purify, by AMF
Example #2: Put Away The Dagger, by Pantera

4. Tanah Burung and Galdago are very good RP'ers in this thread.
Example #1: The Unlikely Deliverance

5. Very interesting RP between a variety of fairly new RP'ers.
Vampire Forumites Elysium

6. Reformed Velmora and Vampyric Valentine are quite the new RP'ers in NS, but their experience well surpasses their creation date.
A guest to the city of ghosts, closed RP

7. Dread Lady Nathicana is one of the best RP'ers I've personally seen...ever. Here's a great example of her amazing skills: Coronation, Carnivale & Chicanery

8. A very good RP from yours truly, Iuthia. Definitely a very good read: The few remaining Woods of Iuthia


Flag Creation
NS Flag Guidelines

1. 1 Infinite Loop Flag Service
2. The East Pacific

Yay! First post!

Excellent work Euro, someone had to do it, and you're one of the best men for the job.

[Kryozerkia]

This is very good. We like it; it really cuts down on the sticky clutter in II.

Very Nice. This is an excellent sticky. Finally we have a good into sticky again.

[Borman Empire]

Could you add a link to a page about nations maps?

[Praetonia]

Cool my national website got added and I didn't even submit it.

[Sarzonia]

So did my storefronts thread.

I now have two threads listed up there for reference.

Also, my website is http://www.freewebs.com/sarzonia

[Euroslavia]

Originally Posted by Praetonia

Cool my national website got added and I didn't even submit it.

Just to get that section started, I looked at a few peoples' signatures, and added them from there.

You eventully got it sticked, well done.

[Sarzonia]

The Stock Exchange is no longer active.

[Euroslavia]

Originally Posted by Sarzonia

The Stock Exchange is no longer active.

thanks for the tip. that's edited out.

Yes good guide, I will put it to as much use as I can.

Congrats on the sticky Euro!

Eh, look at my sig if you want a "national website". It's really just my factbook...

Good job. Helpful.

We need a new stock exchange though.

[Kryozerkia]

Official List of World Factbooks - http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=358763

Do you want to add this, Euro?