Welcome to 10000 Islands!

If you're new to the game, you're probably wondering what all of the site features are and how they work. You'll find that NationStates is a seemingly simple browser game with a rich community and a depth of features and game play developed by players over the course of almost 18 years. 10000 Islands is one of the oldest regions in the game, dating back to 2002, with a continuously operational defender military and active regional government.
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This Dispatch includes a step-by-step guide to how to get started in NationStates and become involved in 10000 Islands. NationStates is fundamentally a social game played regularly over the course of a long time. Take a minute to read up and dive in, eventually you'll forge your own unique path and be able to customize a game experience you enjoy!
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P.S. Feel free to introduce yourself over in the Regional Message Board or over in the forums in the Welcome Center.

10000 Islands Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the first thing I should do now that I've joined the region?
There are many ways to become involved in the region now that you've joined, like becoming a citizen, joining the forum where you can vote in elections and do lots of fun things, joining the discord server, or doing things gameside like endorsing the delegate, solving issues, and chatting on the regional message board. Learn more about the opening steps to involvement in the region in the XKI Welcome Guide.
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What is the World Assembly and how do I join?
The World Assembly is like NationStates version of the United Nations which governs the World. It passes different laws, and can condemn or commend nations on their acheivements. Members get to vote on each of these laws (you can vote for the ones you like and vote against the ones you don't), however you will have to follow anything that passes. You aren't allowed to just follow the laws you like and ignore the ones you don't.
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Joining the World Assembly is not mandatory but it is open to everyone. Just go to the World Assembly page and click "Apply to Join" which just sends you an email that you need to accept (there's no actual application process). Be warned, as a user while you can have multiple nations and puppets only one can be a member of the World Assembly. Being a member allows you to endorse the delegate as well as other nations, and in addition allows you to vote on resolutions. More information on what endorsements do as well as the benefits of joining the World Assembly are below.
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In addition check out the XKI World Assembly Guide for more information.
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How do I become a Citizen? / What is the difference between WA and Non-WA membership?
All 10000 residents in the WA are citizens of 10000 Islands. Citizens are eligible to vote and run in various elections and hold certain government positions, where as non-WA members are not able to. All WA members are highly encouraged to endorse the delegate to help keep the region safe. Learn more about citizenship and 10000 Islands government in the Regional Government Guide.
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What are endorsements? How do I get endorsements?
Endorsements are something you can do to fellow WA member nations in your region. In order to endorse another nation you both need to be WA members and to be in the same region. While they don't matter too much (however are important for bragging rights) endorsing the Delegate is very important as it keeps our region safe.
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In order that Delegate transitions are more easily achieved, we limit endorsements to 1/2 the total of the sitting Delegate. Endorsement trading (aka "endo tarting") is OK up to this limit, but if you are over this limit at the time of Delegate transition, once every 6 months, you will be asked to shed your endorsements to get to this limit - or failing that, be temporarily booted from the region (which will cost you all of your endorsements). So mind this limit please.

Keep in mind that even when there isn't a Delegate transition going on, the limit still applies. Please remember this.
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What is TITO? How do I join TITO?
The Ten-thousand Islands Treaty Organization or TITO is 10000 Islands' defender military. You can learn more about joining TITO here.
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Does 10000 Islands have a map? How can I get added to the map?
Yes, 10000 Islands does have a map. You can view the map in this dispatch or on the forum here.
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To be added to the map, you need to register a forum account and have a minimum of ten posts over a period of one month.
You also must be a Citizen (WA resident) of 10000 Islands, with a national population of at least 250 Million.
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If you qualify, you can post here to be added.
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What is the legislative process of this region? / How can I get onto the Council?
The Council of Nine is the legislative body of the Islands. Here legislation is written, passed, revised, and repealed. There is also a Council of Nine Lobby, where you can bring matters to the attention of the Council. In addition all official Council discussions except those marked secure will be viewable by all citizens so you can get up to date information on what's happening in the Council. However only council members are able to post in these non-secure discussions.
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There are 3 appointed, and 5 elected positions in the Council (the other is held by our Chief Executive). Elections occur every odd numbered month. Senators serve a 4-month term and the Delegate serves a 6-month term.
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What is recruiting? How can I become a recruiter?
Recruiting is sending invitations to other nations. We use something called the Accelerator for ease of recruiting. Read here for more info.
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I have more questions!
Great! Check out the the rest of the guides, and/or see the forum for more Information about 10000 Islands!