Raiding Guide 2

[b][box][center][font=segoe ui][size=245][u]Lesson 1: Introduction to Raiding[/u][/size][/font][/center]

[font=segoe ui][size=175]What is Raiding?[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Raiding is when a group of people work together to take over a region by joining the [url=http://www.nationstates.net/page=un]World Assembly[/url] and moving into the region before it updates.  One of them then takes the position of WA Delegate, and can do either of two things:[/size][/font][/align]
[font=segoe ui][size=105]1. "Tag" the region and leave by:[/size]
[list][*][size=95]Customising the World Factbook Entry (WFE)[/size]
[*][size=95]Changing the regional flag[/size]
[*][size=95]Controlling the proposition, construction and closure of embassies[/size]
[*][size=95]Suppressing as many posts as one likes on the Regional Message Board (RMB)[/size][/list]
[size=105]2. Occupy the region for an extended period of time; potentially destroying it[/size]
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[font=segoe ui][size=175]How to Raid?[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 1: Join the [url=http://www.nationstates.net/page=un]World Assembly[/url][/size]
[list=I][*]Click the "World Assembly" link in the sidebar
[*]Click the "Apply to Join" button to be sent an invitation email
[*]Click the link in the email to join the World Assembly[/list]
[size=110]Step 2: Endorse the point nation[/size][/font]

[font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 3: Move to the targeted region[/size][/font]

[font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 4: Gain delegacy of the targeted region[/size]
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[font=segoe ui][size=175]Benefits of Raiding[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Contrary to what many others might say, there are indeed benefits to raiding, and more than one might imagine or even acknowledge.  Below is a list that is in no way exhaustive:[/size]
[size=105][list][*]The joy of working together with friends and as a team
[*]Occupying territory in the form of a region
[*]Paving the way to refounding the region
[*]Testing reflexes in fast-paced switching
[*]Kicking others out of the region[/list][/size][/font][/align][/box]

[box][center][font=segoe ui][size=245][u]Lesson 2: Occupations[/u][/size][/font][/center]

[font=segoe ui][size=175]Introduction[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Occupations are one of the most basic raids and – strangely enough – one of the most commonly-practiced.  They involve securing the delegacy of a region and holding it for a period of time, often with the intention to refound the region.[/size]
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[font=segoe ui][size=175]Goals[/size][/font]

[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Occupying and releasing[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Recruitment[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Refounding[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Publicity[/size][/font][/align][/list][font=segoe ui][color=white]...[/color][/font]
[font=segoe ui][size=175]How to Occupy?[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]As a reinforcement:[/size][/font][/align]
[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]There isn't much to do other than to endorse the point and wait. [/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]However, when there is an update on, one is free to leave for the update, as long as one re-endorses the point after the update.[/size][/font][/align][/list]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]As the point:[/size][/font][/align]
[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]The point must be on the lookout during the Major and Minor updates for defenders attempting to liberate the occupied region.[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]When defenders enter the region in order to liberate an occupation, the point must banject every one of them as soon as they enter the region.[/size][/font][/align][/list][/box]

[box][center][font=segoe ui][size=245][u]Lesson 3: Update Raiding[/u][/size][/font][/center]

[font=segoe ui][size=175]Introduction[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Update raiding is always done during the updates, and allows you to use and re-use multiple puppets throughout the update, allowing for multiple regions to be raided in a single update.  It is the most well-known, but least-practised form of raiding.  It is often called "tag raiding".[/size]
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[font=segoe ui][size=175]Tag Raiding[/size][/font]

[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]DO NOT JOIN THE WORLD ASSEMBLY WITH MORE THAN ONE NATION[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Move all switcher puppets to [region=The_Evil_Empire] before the update starts. Evil Empire is a region that updates very late and thus, is used to stage all tag raids.[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Communication for all raids are hosted on Discord, contact the individual that recruited you if you're not already part of the server.[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Switcher puppets can be personalized, or randomly generated.[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]You can now apply the World Assembly (WA) at any time.[/size][/font][/align][/list]
[font=segoe ui][color=white]...[/color][/font]
[font=segoe ui][size=175]Updates[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]To lead a raid, you need to know about the updates.  The updates are when all the Issues for nations are processed, and when the endorsement counts for delegates are updated.  Each region updates at a different time over the duration of the updates.  Each update lasts approximately an hour in total.[/size]
[color=white]...[/color][/font][/align]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]There are two updates each day:[/size][/font][/align]
[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105][u]Major Update:[/u] starts at [url=http://bit.ly/1Ds96Gb]12:00 AM EST[/url][/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105][u]Minor Update:[/u] starts at [url=http://bit.ly/1pUCiDY]12:00 PM EST[/url][/size][/font][/align][/list]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][color=white]...[/color][/font][/align]

[font=segoe ui][size=175](Review Lesson 5 First) Tag Raiding Continued[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Having picked out a target at this point you will be picking another region that updates before your desired target; We coordinate when to jump by watching for the earlier region to update.

You can watch for the update message here: [pre]https://www.nationstates.net/template-overall=none/region=INSERT_REGION_NAME[/pre][/size][/font][/align] 
You are waiting for it to say "Seconds Ago". When that appears either you or someone else leading will post "GO" into a group discord. At which everyone will move to the target region.

Do this too early and Defenders or Native Nations will have an opportunity to counter your efforts.
[/box]

[box][center][font=segoe ui][size=245][u]Lesson 4: Stealth Raiding[/u][/size][/font][/center]

[font=segoe ui][size=175]Introduction[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]As the name implies, stealth raiding is infiltration, and done by the spies of NationStates.  Often, it involves getting close to natives, only to stab them in the back.  Other times, it involves rising through the ranks of another Gameplay region or organisation.[/size]
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[font=segoe ui][size=175]Creating a "Clean" Puppet[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]You need a puppet to infiltrate a region.  Thinking of using a puppet you last used to raid a region? No.  You need a new puppet never used for raiding before: a "clean puppet" to be exact.  Never use a "dirty" puppet for infiltration.[/size]
[color=white]...[/color][/font][/align]

[font=segoe ui][size=105]I. Make the puppet look genuine.  Pretend that this is your very first nation.  This means:[/size][/font]
[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui]No references to any part of NationStates or Gameplay[/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui]No default options[/font][/align][/list]
[font=segoe ui][size=105]II. Answer your Issues regularly.  This means:[/size][/font]
[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui]It's not necessary to answer them every time you get them.  Answering Issues once every two days is the barest minimum.[/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui]A puppet not answering Issues looks suspicious enough.  A puppet not answering Issues but remaining active looks [i]extremely[/i] suspicious[/font][/align][/list]
[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]III. "My main nation is Gest.  Therefore, my puppet will be named Kommandant Von Gest!" — How [i]NOT[/i] to name a puppet[/size]
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[font=segoe ui][size=175]Insertion into the Target[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 1: Allow your puppet to receive some recruitment telegrams.  Then move your puppet to one of the regions that sent that telegram.[/size][/font][/align]
[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Do [i]NOT[/i] move your puppet to any raider or imperialist regions[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Stay in the region you moved to for a few days at least[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Continue to answer Issues[/size][/font][/align][/list]
[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 2: Move your puppet into the target region.[/size][/font][/align]
[list][*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Do [i]NOT[/i] communicate with the natives[/size][/font][/align]
[*][align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=105]Continue to answer Issues[/size][/font][/align][/list]
[font=segoe ui][color=white]...[/color][/font]
[font=segoe ui][size=175]Joining the World Assembly (WA)[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]It is advised to wait before applying to the WA.  The WA is not well-known to new users, and it is very unlikely for them to want to join it.  Do not apply to the WA with your puppet straight away, but do not apply too soon before the raid, either.  Do not join immediately upon receiving the WA invitation in your emails.  Your puppet should be in the WA a minimum of several hours before the raid is about to take place.[/size]
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[box][center][font=segoe ui][size=245][u]Lesson 5: Choose Your Target[/u][/size][/font][/center]

[font=segoe ui][size=175]Finding a Target[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]When choosing a region to raid, look at its size, activity, whether it's an ally or an enemy, as well as how many endorsements the delegate has.  Nations in regions gain Influence.  Influence is needed to kick others out of a region.  Influence is gained through residing in a region, logging in regularly and having more endorsements.[/size]
[color=white]...[/color][/font][/align]

[font=segoe ui][size=175]Founderless Regions[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Some regions – whether they were created before the advent of founders, or through loss – have no founder.  These are the only regions that can be occupied.  A list of Founderless regions can be found [url=http://www.nationstates.net/page=tag_search/type=region/tag=founderless,-feeder,-sinker/sort=rpop?start=0]here[/url].[/size]
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[font=segoe ui][size=175]Calculating Update Times[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]To find when a target updates, there are a variety of tools to calculate the approximate times. We however will be using 20xx.[/size]
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[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 1: Download [url=https://github.com/khronion/Spyglass/releases/tag/v.1.4.4]20xx[/url]. Then Extract folder.[/size][/font][/align]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 2: Open folder, find and activate the 'Application', type your nation's name in, press enter.[/size][/font][/align]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 3: After it has completed running you can go back to that folder and open an excel sheet with the current date.[/size][/font][/align]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Step 4: You are now viewing the approximate times regions will update. 
[list][*]0:0:0 is 12 AM/PM.
[*]0:0:20 means the update will occur 20 seconds [u]after[/u] 12 AM/PM.
[*]Refer back to lesson three for further steps into Tag Raiding.[/list][/size]
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[box][center][font=segoe ui][size=245][u]Lesson 6: Know Your Enemy[/u][/size][/font][/center]

[font=segoe ui][size=175]Defenders[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]The first and foremost of those among the enemy, but also the most open about their motives.  They alternate between preventing raiders from raiding a region, and removing all signs of their raids long after they've left, regardless of whether the natives care enough to reverse the signs or not.  There are always more defenders than one might expect, so never lapse in concentration when there are defenders active during update.  They are often called "fendas" for short, but to them, it's a derogatory term.[/size]
[color=white]...[/color][/font][/align]

[font=segoe ui][size=175]Moderates[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]The most enigmatic and questionable of motive among the enemy.  They alternate between raiding and defending and back again at the slightest provocation or whim.  One never knows where a moderate stands, nor who they truly side with at any given time.  One minute, they help reinforce an occupation, but the next minute they are among the defenders trying to liberate the occupied region.  They believe that both raiding and defending are the best of both worlds, while they are treated with suspicion.[/size]
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[font=segoe ui][size=175]Natives[/size][/font]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]Though they are barely a threat on their own, natives have a pack mentality, with safety and strength in numbers... If only they knew how to harness that strength.  They have a unity, driven by extreme animosity towards raiders for raiding their regions – as well as those of acquaintances – but such a unity is comparable only to Raider Unity in strength, but not prominence.  It is admirable, in a sense.  Because of their status, many find themselves on common ground with defenders, with some eventually becoming defenders themselves.[/size]
[color=white]...[/color][/font][/align]

[align=justify][font=segoe ui][size=110]However, a rare few natives find themselves on common ground with raiders.  Whether due to a misunderstanding with defenders past, understanding that raiding is just a part of a game, or for any other reason, they exhibit civility, and even courtesy, towards raiders.  They are more open-minded than many others – natives, defenders and raiders alike – and, at the risk of being ostracized by their social circles, they may acquaint themselves with raiders. A few brave individuals, risking old friendships, even become raiders in their own right.[/size]
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[size=120][font=segoe ui]Written by [nation=short+noflag]Stalker Queen[/nation]
Original: [url=https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=514486]Link[/url]
This guide has been modified to meet 2019 standards, notable edits are in Lesson 3 and Lesson 5. Calculating update times has been entirely changed to instructions for 20xx.[/font][/size][/b]