Roman Byzantine UnionBoard

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Roman Byzantine Union

Founded November, 2018

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Info Center | Government | Constitution | Apply for Citizenship | Rules Code | Military Forces | Our Discord

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This regional handbook guide has a number of different sections. The index above and below will help you navigate them. Additionally, we are always looking to improve this handbook, so let us now if you think something should be added or changed.

[center][b][Size=150][region]Roman Byzantine Union[/region][/size][/b][/center][hr] [center][b]Motto: [/b][i] "All as one together."[/i][/center]

Flag	Coat of Arms
Forum:	[url = /url]
Chat:	RBU-Discord
Capital:	New Rome
Demonym:	Roman
Government:	Federal Union
Chief Founder	DACOROMANIA
WA Delegate	Palsada
Vice-Delegate	[nation]%[/nation]
Foreign Affairs	[nation]%[/nation]
Chief Justice	[nation]%[/nation]
Chief Defense	[nation]%[/nation]

# WELCOME #

Welcome to the Roman Byzantine Union!

Welcome to the Roman Byzantine Union (RBU)! You might be a new nation to the game or in RBU, and you don't really know what is going on or where to start. Or you may be an experienced member but have several questions regarding some of the activities going on. Whatever the case, we have put together this handbook guide that you can use to familiarize yourself with the game and RBU, and to make the most out of your time in NationStates (NS).

The Roman Byzantine Union has been founded in November 2018 and fully developed in December 2018.

If you are not already in the region, then you can move your virtual nation(s) here in this region right now! Just click on the "Move to..." button at our region page!

Selecting a region for your nation is one of the most important decisions you will make in the game. We hope you will make RBU your home, and this regional guide explains why. If you have already decided to stay here, that's great!

We are region that is always active and has a welcoming community and an expansive shared lore. In this Dispatch you can get a quick overview of this region, how it works and what you can do.

Welcome to our Universal Union ! Where our universal principles of freedom, equality, safety, respect, reconciliation, unity, solidarity, and the sustainable and socially conscious order, the rights of members and our system of ethics are applied universally. This system is inclusive of all individuals, regardless of culture, race, sex, religion, nationality or any other distinguishing feature.

The Founder Leader DACOROMANIA, Consular Basileus of the Roman Byzantine Union, has intended to create a Democratic, Universal and Roman -Byzantine themed region, looking to role-play the Roman (and Byzantine) Civilization to a next Modern stage. Byzantine means Eastern Roman but Roman too (historians divided it).

Did you ever heard of the Roman civilization?

The Roman administration and legislation put the basis of the contemporary democratic world. Rome was not built in a single day.

Roman Byzantine Union comes to unite all Romans and all non-Romans into a single vibrant and universal community. And we want you to join our side!

We are looking to build a strong, active, helpful community and we are looking for new nations to help us achieve that. We have a fully planned out government with many vacant posts just begging for talented individuals to fill them. You can be one of them.

Did you come here to be another unheard-of nation among the masses?

Or did you come here to be known and respected?

Therefore,

1) If you want to become directly involved in influencing the gameplay and are willing to put in a bit of elbow grease in order to earn a reputation, then join us in Roman Byzantine Union and make a name for yourself immediately.

2) Also, even if you just want a calm environment where you can sit, to test your politics and to answer in-game nation's issues, Roman Byzantine Union is your best choice.

New nations bringing in new ideas and talents is what keeps our region growing. If you wish to be a part of that growth then please feel free to join to our side!

What is there to do here ?

I'm glad you ask. We're always looking for new people to join our regional game-play whatever if role-play or if official positions within the Union. Our region provides some of the best opportunities for new nations to get involved.

We're especially looking for people who would like to get involved in the regional government, whether it be Executive or in our legislative branch, the Senate. Are you interested in culture? Foreign Affairs? Writing laws? There is a lot of potential to carve out a place for yourself in the NationStates world and help us keep Roman Byzantine Union an awesome region!

What does our region have to offer?
So many things! We're open for all players — no matter where your personal political beliefs lie on the spectrum! :) We are a diverse region, with players of all nationalities, ages, races, genres, interests, careers... et-cetera.

• - Can vote!
  Have your voice heard and vote on regional decisions immediately — no off-site forum applications or waiting periods. You are empowered to vote just by moving in! However, we may ask you to certify your identity/citizenship or WA membership for fair votes.

• - Join a Roman Government
  What's the best part about joining our region? Officer positions in it's government and senate! Many other regions will almost never let you have a powerful position, but at the Roman Byzantine Union we have many openings for people like you! Why wait? Apply for citizenship and for elections!
  Full of opportunities to shape the region and become a voice in the regional government.

• - Becoming a world power in inter-regional diplomacy
  We pioneer independent diplomacy, promoting our regional values and a pragmatic attitude towards interregional affairs. You can start your own path towards becoming an international statesman by joining the Diplomatic Corps as an Ambassador or as a Diplomat, representing our region in embassies across the world.

• - The Best Roman Army to join!
  Do you like the thrill of invading or conquering enemy regions, commanding troops to victory? Don't know yet? Now is the best time to join the Union! We have a small, but effective Roman Army that takes strives to be the best! Unlike other regions, the Roman Union allows for more opportunities to be known, be powerful! Join the Roman Byzantine Union!
  We always welcome new recruits. Once you've enlisted, you will receive one-on-one training with an experienced military officer who will walk you through the steps to becoming one of the most feared players in all of NationStates.

• - Defend Allied Regions
  Besides the Roman Army, the Roman Byzantine Union also has a Defensive Forces! Do you want to protect our allies or the weak, and keep balance in the world? Then the Defensive Forces is for you! We protect dozens of regions, something we take pride in!

• - Role-Play
  A place to immerse yourself in roleplay, finding new worlds and creating detailed characters.

• - Chat server
  Our Discord server (https://discord.gg/umvGCbs) features active conversation with people from around the world, and is also where on NationStates you can validate your nation name so people can't steal your identity! :)

• - Learn more about the game
  You're new, and you may have no clue what the ^above^ even means! The Roman Byzantine Union is ready to teach you more, whether you would like to ask me personally or in our Regional Message Board, or the RMB, we are ready to help you!
  Also, we have a NS Guide to help you in the learning process at the best here: NationStates Guide - All Links
  

Do you want a warm and open community where your voice could be heard, where you won't feel alone, where you can do more than just answering your nation's issues?

Even if you want be a brilliant politician, a respected diplomat, or even a powerful general, your place is along with us.
Also, even if you just want a calm environment where you can sit, to test your politics and to answer in-game nation's issues, Roman Byzantine Union is your best choice.

Even if you want to do something in NS or even just a safe place to stay in it, we, the Government and the People of the Roman Byzantine Union, want you and we need you and your help, we're calling you to support us!

Please, read our Rules, our Constitution and apply for Citizenship.

If I need Help, who do I ask ?

Our Regional Mentors are Basileus and Symbasileus, they will be glad to help you with anything you need. If there are other team mentors assigned then please contact them.

If have specific questions regarding Role-Plays ask the RP Officer and/or Cartographer.

Political or Constitutional inquiries are best directed at the Tribunes of the Union Council (Parliament) or the Presidential Consulars (Basileus, Symbasileus).

Why to join a chat server ?

Our Discord server is where our members hang out and chat about the game and real life subjects. You can join and introduce yourself to our community. Additionally, if you have any questions, asking on Discord is the fastest way to get help.

What is Discord?
Discord is an online text and voice chat service that exists for gaming communities. The Roman Byzantine Region, like many other regions, has utilized this system to allow for easier communication amongst fellow nations.

How is this different from Telegrams or RMB posting?
Discord offers a plethora of additional communication features compared to NationStates. For one thing, everything takes place in real-time. You can see who is online, who is available to chat, and can even see when someone is typing a message. No need to refresh the page constantly when waiting for a reply from someone like with NationStates. Second, Discord allows for the creation of many different channels and can control who has access to each. This helps to organize discussion topics instead of using as single chatroom for everything. Third, Discord has a voice chat feature for users interested in talking to one another. Users are not required to utilize this feature but it can definitely be a fun tool for communicating with one another.

Why should I join?
Discord is widely used by NS community. At just about any time of day, you can find many users on our general server. It is used for all sorts of purposes such as government business, communication between fellow players, and simply just for fun. Come check it out for yourself to see what you are missing out on!

How do I get started?
Step 1. Click >here<
Step 2. Accept the invite
Step 3. Create a nickname (please, use your NS name)
Step 4. If you are a citizen/resident (or even a regional officer), contact the server admin to be given the proper role.
Step 5. Explore some of the channels our server has to offer!

What is RP ?

RP, short for role-plays, are grand stories involving many nation about a specific event.
Writing from many different perspectives (observer, nation, character) many nations depict and shape an event, such as a war, a diplomatic meeting or anything you can come up with.
The only limit here is your creativity and as such it is one of if not the most fun aspects in NationStates.

Role-Play Overview

In the "RBU Role-Play Rules and Map" dispatch you can find an Overview of all Nations in the region that are active in RP's.
Stats, Strengths, Weaknesses and a short description are included.
Our first dispatch on Role-Play was made by Greater Balticia and it's available here: RP Rules & Map
For detailed information look up the WFE page of the region in question.

RP Timeline

A timeline of the most important events in our shared RPs can be found listed in the RP dispatch.

How to play in RP?

First, you have to introduce yourself and to contact our regional officers assigned to Role-Play management. There could be one or two officers managing and moderating the RP and its map political geography. They'll introduce you in the RP rules and map if you didn't read or see these already.
However, you are permitted to use just 1 "nation" of yours to get involved in RP for fairness in playing and we recommend your main nation. Other nations you might use are commonly called "puppet-nations" by the game community and it's cheating.

How do Politics work here ?

Roman Byzantine Union is one of the strongest democracies in NationStates:

• - We have a robust and stable government system, with active political institutions. Our Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary are all among the most efficient in the game.

• - Democracy is the cornerstone of our system. All of our political institutions and offices subject to strong and effective democratic oversight.

• - Our members are guaranteed broad rights and liberties, and have full suffrage - the right to vote and stand for office.

• - You can participate in the government in many ways. You can join the Legislature and Executive, vote for Delegate, Vice Delegate, Ministers, or Senators, or even run for these offices yourself.

The Union is a Federal Democratic system with elections for positions in the Senate being held every 3 months, or even for positions in the Government. Any WA-Nation that has been in the region for 7 days may vote, any nation that has been in the region for 8 days may run for any Office.

There are many ways to get involved in the government straight away after joining RBU. You can write the regional laws in the Union Council. You can take part in the day-to-day running of the region in the Executive Staff. Or, you can protect RBU at home and abroad in the Roman Armed Force (RAF).

A. The Executive

The Executive Staff is basically what it sounds like: they are the people who help the regional government and even the ministers of various departments with their work. Depending on which ministry they work for, they do all kinds of work.

The Presidency assembles the Government Cabinet (as the Executive), using Nationstates' office function. They are then able to decide policy (usually in regards to recruitment, RP and Border Control), though any decision can be vetoed by a public vote.
The Presidency also has the option to pass >Decrees and Edicts<.
The Presidency consists of 2 regional leaders, Basileus (the Founder) and Symbasileus (also WA Delegate).

The Government Cabinet is under the Presidency authority and it contains Ministers, usually for Diplomacy, Defense, Justice, Internal Affairs and Special Affairs.

The Executive, Presidency and Cabinet, is based on a central platform of the Union and a non-party system, meaning that political parties or factions are not allowed here to control or influence in any way the core candidates.

The main Ministries of the Union are:

• 1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs - has to communicate and to keep contact with other regions, but also s/he can search and assign diplomats under his coordination.

• 2. The Minister of Defense - has to ensure the security and defense of the region at home and abroad, to coordinate Armed Forces to success, to collaborate with other regions in military affairs (based on treaties), and to ensure the recruitment of new "soldiers".

• 3. The Minister of Justice - has to ensure that the Rules and the regional Constitution are respected but also he can develop a "Court of judges" for fair trials when the Rules are broken. In fact this is a regional moderator to keep the rules as respected and he can assign few assistants.

• 4. The Minister of Special Affairs - can do various things that are not designed to the other ministers, likely recruitment, communications, reports, artistic competitions and other similar things that could improve the region and keeps it active.

• 5. The Minister of Internal Affairs - mainly for internal affairs or activities of the Union, usually this being vested in a Vice-Consular office (like the default ViceDelegate).

Requirements for these offices are:
- It would be better to be done a list of candidates before starting elections for these regional offices.
- Candidates must become citizens (WA membership included) and shall reside within the RBU region for at least 7 days.
- An exception from WA membership for a candidate could be granted if s/he serves as WA soldier abroad.
- If a candidate is working in the same time for another region into a regional office or marching as WA military officer on the battlefield, then he shall declare these, but these does not count as a reason of inactivity.

You are required to be a citizen to be a member of the executive staff. Ministries need as much help as they can get. You can submit an application at any time, and more than likely you will be accepted and will begin working.

B. The Legislative

The Union Council is the Legislative assembly of the Roman Byzantine Union and it consists of a Senate and a Plebian Council.

Senators are elected from among the citizens for a term of 3 months and they could be members of a political party or independents.

Plebians are the rest of the Union residents and they only elect a Plebian Tribune to represent them and to propose bills/laws or ammendments.
Governors of other regions also could assemble within the Plebian Council (as parts of the Union).

C. The Judiciary

The Council of Magistracy is the main assembly of magistrates (judges, prosecutors) and advocates, being directly supervised by the Minister of Justice.
Its personnel organizes itself almost independently of politics and it is autonomous within the Roman Union.

The main purpose of the Council is to ensure fairness in the front of rules and laws and that the Constitution is not contradicted by new rules or laws. And therefore, as well as for potential breaks of the rules or of the rights, we have a Judicial Court of Justice assigned.

All are based on the >Constitution<.
The Constitution might be complex because it solves from the start every aspect and every issue of the Union.

More on how the Union is organized see this >RBU Center of Info<.

Why do I need to join the World Assembly to vote ?

Limiting the vote to WA nations is done to ensure that no puppets are used, as Nationstates WA-Puppet detecting algorithms are the only dependable method of ensuring this.
Why? Because many players like to cheat and to create "puppet" nations just for doing fake votes to influence results to their interests.

If you do not want to permanently join the WA, please inform the regional leaders about your reason and consider joining the WA only for the duration of the election/vote. Your Vote will still count in this way. Or if you already have a WA member nation elsewhere, it will be noted.

For the WA membership check >here<. For more information about the NationStates' World Assembly you can find >here<.
But remember this NS game rule: While you can have as many nations as you like, only one may be a World Assembly member at a time. Because any large-scale offender nations breaking this rule are deleted.

How do I become a citizen ?

Apply for citizenship. Fill out >this form< (click on the link).

Citizenship is your ticket to RBU. As a citizen, you can vote to elect our Delegate and other government officials, hold them accountable, and even run for these positions yourself. All you need to apply is a nation in RBU and a World Assembly membership. The WA membership is required to certify your candidature for an official position.

How do I join a Party ?

Just message the head of the party you want to join.
An Overview of political parties in the Union can be found >here<.

How do I found a new Party ?

Announce the founding of your party and it's policies on the Regional Message Board and message to our regional leaders.

What is the Roman Armed Force ?

The Roman Byzantine Union has built the Roman military system since its founding.

A detailed info about this can be found >here<.

The Roman Armed Force, RAF, is the military force of the Roman Byzantine Union. It serves the primary purpose of advancing the Roman Byzantine Union's foreign interests abroad, and participates in a wide variety of different operations. The RAF is neutral in that it exists for the promotion of Roman Byzantine Union's foreign and personal agenda, and is trained in a wide variety of operations to pursue these foreign interests.

The Roman Armed Force shall be managed by a Minister of Defense and it consists of two military groups:
1. Praetorian Defense Guard - by the resident nations (players) using the World Assembly membership at home within the region and especially endorsing our designated WA Delegate / Symbasileus of the Union region.
2. Augusta Legionis or the main Roman Army (used abroad) - by players using a 2nd nation or a puppet-nation to the army. The members of the Roman Armed Force will use the WA membership only for their "puppet-soldier-nation" abroad (but not for the main nation that reside in the region) for various missions or operations outside of the region.

How does it work ?

First, you need to be a resident member of the Roman Byzantine Union' region. The next step is to take the World Assembly membership for one of your nations if more than 1, considering one of the following options:
a) If you're going mainly for defense at home, you will use the WA membership for your main nation residing within the RBU region and endorsing our designated WA Delegate (Symbasileus).
b) If you're going for missions or operations abroad then you will use the WA membership for a 2nd nation ("puppet-nation") in one of our "jump-point" locations in the game.

For the WA membership check >here<. For more information about the NationStates' World Assembly you can find >here<.
But remember this NS game rule: While you can have as many nations as you like, only one may be a World Assembly member at a time. Because any large-scale offenders breaking this rule are deleted.

Further, the RAF is divided into two sections, Active Duty and Volunteer. Both have different standards for enlistment.

The Active Duty section is for citizens, mainly active players. They're basically the top of the army and they can advance faster within RAF ranks. If you are on Active Duty, you should try and make as many updates as possible to participate in missions/operations.

The Volunteer Duty section is recommended for non-citizen members or less active players. Volunteers usually move in after the update to reinforce and support our target. They can advance only within lower ranks. Both groups may also be used to help reinforce allies for WA Delegate transfers.

How do I get rank promotions in RAF ?

Rank promotions start from the lower ones.
Ranks might be honorary titles while the NS game wasn't based on a military gameplay but on a political one (and as we know, politics always may get militaristic).

Based on your activity and various successful operations, as well as recruiting more of new "soldiers", you can get higher ranks. Recruitment is also a key for increasing the RAF number of members and even getting a group of players under your command during various duties.

However, every new rank bring new responsibilities. I mean, if you get the rank of a sergeant or even captain, fore example, then you'll be responsible for leading a group of members inside RAF.

What benefits do I get for being in RAF ?

The benefits of doing the military job is to get a safe place to reside in as a home - the Roman Union's region, a good reputation, distinctions or medals and ranking promotions, even leading yourself new recruits within the RAF and teaching them based on your experience.

Ranks and Distinctions or medals might be honorary things listed in a dispatch, but these shall increase your trust and honor within the NS world. Everyone wants heroes. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be a General leading a whole legion for the Roman Union's interests and everyone would ask your help.

What is Diplomacy ?

Diplomacy is the key to convince more people to join a political view or to the side of an alliance, making deals or treaties, and to solve many conflicts through peaceful means. However there would be people that cannot be convinced despite of whatever your reasons or offers and we'll need always some allies to be on our side in the dark times or in the front of a threat. And here skilled diplomats may get involved.

What is our Diplomacy Policy ?

The Diplomatic Policy of the Roman Byzantine Union is based on these general requirements:
* - Open to most of embassy requests;
* - Not open to regions which support extreme or tyrannical ideologies;
* - Not open to regions which may affect the safety of our members;
* - Respect our region's core values.

More details could be found here: Diplomacy Policy

How to get yourself involved in Diplomacy ?

It's quite simple if you have oratory skills in the matter or you're a polite person.

Here you can candidate for the Office of Foreign Affairs (as Minister) or you can involve yourself as a Diplomat to the embassy missions. It does require to be often active and to know to talk. The way you talk with others could bring you allies or enemies. Therefore, be always polite even if someone speaks aggressive to you. The way how a diplomat respond is perceived widely.

How do I join?

Glad to see that you decided to join! Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Step 1: Meet the requirements: become a resident citizen and a WA member.

• Step 2: Make sure to read the detailed descriptions of the jobs available within this Ministry.

• Step 3: Fill out an application and post it in a telegram to regional Presidency (leaders) and on RMB. The application is as follows:

  Nation in RBU:
  Ministry you are interested in joining:
  Job within ministry (if any/other than minister):
  (Optional) Previous experience in this area of government:

• Step 4: Do your job! After getting chosen/elected, you are responsible for your position and the people gave you their trust in you.

The Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs contains:

• 1. The Minister of Foreign Affairs: The Minister has the main aim to communicate and to keep contact with other regions, but also s/he can search and assign diplomats under his coordination. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a presence for the Roman Byzantine Union abroad by establishing embassies in other regions.

• 2. Ambassador / Diplomat (Diplomatic Corps): Each embassy is run by its own diplomat, and by joining the Diplomatic Corps you can also become one. As an ambassador or diplomat, you will be a diplomat representing the Roman Byzantine Union abroad. You will be expected to deliver any materials provided to you by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Delegate, and keep an eye out for anything in your assigned region that may be of interest to the Roman Byzantine Union. Of course, you will need to conduct yourself in a manner appropriate to a diplomat at all times. Being an Ambassador or Diplomat is a great way to get exposure to different regional cultures, meet new people, and make a name for yourself interregionally. The difference between an ambassador and a diplomat is that an ambassador is more active and can be connected to more regions than a diplomat, or even a promotion to a higher rank within the Diplomatic Corps.

• 3. Senior Diplomat: This is a senior leadership role within the executive staff that will advise on diplomatic issues, treaty viability, treaty-law and other high-level foreign affair and diplomatic matters. They will set the curriculum for mentoring, will oversee assessments and will advise the government on foreign affairs matters including embassies. This is an internally appointed role subject to application and vetting.

• 4. Recruiter of nations: One of the functions of the diplomatic missions is to encourage as many of these nations as possible to join the Roman Byzantine Union, so that they can enjoy the full experience of our region and even involving in it. As a Recruiter, you will be expected to maintain a regular presence on the Regional Messaging Board, as well as on the RMBs of the regions tagged as "Recruiter-Friendly" where you will be posting to promote RBU membership and involvement. Furthermore, you will be contacting nations by telegram, to invite them to join the Union and assist them with any issues they may encounter in the process. Good communication skills are required for both of these functions. You will also need to make a considerable time commitment towards watching and participating in the game-side aspects of the Union experience.

• 5. Team Mentor: An internal role which is aminly appointed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, or even by the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding the diplomacy, with the Delegate and Senior Diplomats, these are experienced diplomats and Ambassadors who are ready to move up the ladder and begin passing on their knowledge to newer Diplomats. A demonstrable knowledge of foreign affairs and diplomacy will be essential in order to achieve this position and subject to an interview with senior ministry staff and passing vetting procedures. This is suitable to be a Recruiter in the same time. Applicants should be long-standing and experienced members of the region.

Get involved in the World Assembly!

Ready to step up to the international stage?

Joining the World Assembly (WA) is one of the best ways to empower your nation, especially in RBU. Thanks to our WA Program, as a WA member you can determine international laws, have a higher influence in the game, and even win awards! Empower your nation and make our region safer!

You have been in NationStates (NS) for a while now. You have answered issues, written telegrams, posted on the Regional Message Board (RMB). You may be wondering what else there is to do. Have you considered joining the World Assembly (WA)? If not, you definitely should.

If you are not already a member, join the World Assembly and improve your game!
~ Go to your nation's settings, and make sure you have provided a valid email.
~ Go to the World Assembly page and click on "Apply to Join" at the top.
~ Check the email address you provided for a confirmation email from NationStates, and click the link included in the email. If you don't see the email, make sure to check any spam folders.

If (or once) you are a World Assembly member, become a Protector of the Union by endorsing our designated WA Delegate (Symbasileus).
While you are a World Assembly member, vote on World Assembly resolutions.

What is the World Assembly (WA) ?

The World Assembly is the world's governing body, just like the United Nations. Funny you should say! It's your chance to mold the world to your vision, by voting for resolutions you like and scuttling the rest. However, it's a double-edged sword, because your nation will be affected by any resolutions that pass. (Unfortunately you can't obey the resolutions you like and ignore the rest.) In other words, it's a hot-bed of political intrigue and double-dealing.

There are two main benefits to WA membership: you can vote on resolutions, and you can give and receive endorsements to and from other nations in your region, which detemines who is Delegate.

More details here: FAQ WA

I am already a WA member with another nation. The more the merrier?

No, hold on! NationStates rules allow you to only have one nation in the World Assembly. As tempting as it is to have more, it is a really bad idea. On top of being dishonest and unfair towards other players, you run the risk of NationStates moderators finding out and deleting your nations, or even permanently banning you from the World Assembly and the game itself. And no matter how well you may try to hide it, the mods will find out eventually. If your WA nation is already in RBU, then you are pretty much done with this dispatch - but you should take a look at this one, this other one, and this third one.

But what if my WA nation is not in the Roman Byzantine Union?

You should consider moving that nation in RBU or changing the WA membership to the nation that you use within RBU. We welcome all nations! Hopefully all the above have already convinced you that RBU is the best region for nations to be in. And if you need more reasons to move here, RBU is an universal region able and open for almost everything that is possible to do - definitely the place to be in NationStates.

What does joining the World Assembly enable me to do?

Below are some of the things you can do as a WA nation.

* ~ Vote in the World Assembly!

As a WA nation, you will be able to cast a vote on all WA resolutions that reach the floor of either the General Assembly or the Security Council, and help decide whether they will become NationStates law.

* ~ Endorse and be endorsed by others!

As a WA nation, you can endorse other WA nations that are in the same region as you are. For example, in TNP, you can endorse our WA Delegate (Symbasileus) or the Founder, and almost surely they will also endorse you back.
However, there is a limit of endorsements decided for other WA nations than the regional leaders (the WA Delegate and the Founder) for the reasons of regional security. The limit is decided at 48 % of the total number of endorsements given to our designated WA Delegate because these could decide who's remaining as Delegate.

* ~ Submit your own resolution proposals in WA!

As a WA nation, once you get two endorsements, you can submit your own resolution proposals in WA for consideration by all of NationStates.

In most other regions, that would be all. But not in RBU. RBU has many unique characteristics that make it the best region for your WA nation to be in. Here is why.

* ~ You can directly determine the outcome of WA votes!

By being a WA nation in RBU, in addition to casting your individual vote on WA resolutions, you can also vote on the special polls open to our WA members. These polls determine how our WA Delegate uses the regional vote. This is by far one of the main deciding factors for the fate of some proposals at vote.

* ~ Increase the influence of our region!

By being a WA nation in RBU and endorsing our desigated WA Delegate, you help RBU to gain more influence and more power based on the number of endorsements. Each WA nation that joins RBU and endorse our Delegate will increase his power in WA among other regional delegates. It's more than just voting on WA resolutions. It's also the support of all WA nations endorsing the WA Delegate to represent them abroad. More endorsements given to our Delegate increases the regional influence in WA. Recruiting more WA members (weekly or daily) will help us, and here you can help us too by recruiting them to join RBU.

* ~ Decide the laws of NationStates!

Successful resolutions become international law and affect all WA nations in NationStates - including yours. By regularly voting on resolutions, you make sure your voice is heard in the WA. This is a hard task because in most regions (mainly created by players) this is left to those few that holds the most WA influence due to the lack of interest from the majority of players (or who don't care). However you still can influence the outcome of WA votes, and decide which resolutions become NationStates law. If you want to shape the laws/future of NS, you have the support of RBU. By getting involved in WA legislation, you can also benefit from our WA programs and RBU government can help you become a WA expert with numerous authored resolutions under your belt.

* ~ You can become one of the most recognizable and inflential nations!

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What if I cannot decide how to vote on a resolution?

If you are unsure about how to vote, you can read the discussions in the GA and SC forums for more information. You should also check our the WA programs or recommendations if we have any. Through a program, if it exists, the Ministry publishes analysis and voting recommendations for all resolutions that go to vote. It is, of course, entirely up to you to decide whether to follow the recommendation, but we hope that this information will help you make an informed decision.

How many endorsements may my nation have?

The RBU regional law mandates that the WA Delegate is the nation with the most endorsements in the region. As a result, you are legally allowed to have as many endorsements as one below a half of those of the WA Delegate, meaning a maximum of 48%. In practice, we would ask that you keep a distance of (at least 2/3) endorsements from the Delegate or less than 48% of the Delegate's endorsement count (whichever is lower), as otherwise the region can become vulnerable to external attacks. We may send you a notice if you accidentally get too close.

I want to remind you that in most cases the endorsements are given to a WA nation based on a certain level of trust and activity. If you contribute and involve within the RBU community then you'll get more, perhaps much more.

How do I endorse someone?

Endorsing is very easy. Let's say for example you want to endorse our WA Delegate, for example Palsada (WAD in RBU in 2019). You go to their nation page, and scroll all the way to the bottom. There, you will see a button "Endorse Palsada". Click that, and that's it! You can endorse any other WA nation in the same way. If you do not see the button to endorse, then this means that your nation either is not a WA member, or is not within RBU. You can read here about how and why to fix that.

I may gain a lot, but what does Roman Byzantine Union gain by having my WA nation?

More WA nations in the region means more endorsements for our WA Delegate. This in turn means a stronger regional vote in the World Assembly, and therefore increased influence for RBU internationally - as written here. Furthermore, having more WA nations makes our RBU community more secure and stable. As you can see, by being a WA nation in RBU, you directly make our region stronger and safer. Thanks!

How does the Roman Byzantine Union benefit if I gather endorsements?

As we mentioned above, the more endorsements a nation has, the faster its regional influence increases. In turn, having a high influence means that it costs a lot for a delegate to eject or ban a nation. Having a large number of trustworthy WA nations with high influence means that, if there's an unruly delegate to usurp power, it will be difficult for them to eject everyone and get control of the region. By collecting endorsements with your RBU's WA nation in RBU, you directly make our region safer. Thanks!

Are there other ways to take advantage of my WA membership?

WA membership also enables you to take part in military gameplay. NationStates does in fact have regional militaries and wars, though maybe not in the way you would expect. You can learn all about this exciting aspect of the game by joining our own regional military, the Roman Armed Foce (RAF). The RAF is one of the best militaries in the game, with a tradition of more than a year in protecting RBU, our allies, and our interests abroad. You can become part of this tradition, and start a military career full of exciting operations, medals and ribbons, and promotions all the way up to General. Keep in mind, however, that by being a member of the RAF you will be required to frequently switch your WA membership to other nations you own, which most likely will be outside of RBU.

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★ The Union Directory ★
★ Military Forces ★ Citizenship ★ World Assembly ★ Discord ★ Constitution and Rules Code ★ Government ★

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