Pacific News Network International: Issue 13

[Shadow the Hedgehog]

[center][img]http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr139/Atlis14/NPO/pnn-1.png[/img]

[b]PNN International Issue #13[/b]
[i]"She took our money, the car, the house, but she didn't take our pens."[/i]

[b][u]Table of Contents[/u][/b]

Address from Imperial Officer Brennan
A Heart-Warming story: How MK and NPO learn from each other in the Battlefield
The Start (of the end) of War
The Return of Bootleg Radio
[/center]


[size=4][b]Address[/b][/size]

Simple words can not express what the Order has endured, from the Imperial Offices to the new Men and Women joining with full knowledge of a full on assault on Pacificans, they have burned and bled. They have also laughed and shared stories of nations burning only to be rebuilt to burn again. These are the Comrades that I will stand by until the end of my nation and to all those who decry our way of doing things, $%&@ you and the horse you rode in on. We are the NPO and we are here to stay.

Please enjoy the following articles written in the Media Bunker and have a great day!

Brennan,
Imperial Officer
News and Propaganda

[center][img]http://onlineguitarcoaching.com/wp-content/uploads/l_teacher_student.jpg[/img][/center]

[size=4][b]A Heart-Warming story: How MK and NPO learn from each other in the Battlefield[/b][/size]

Any showdown between two archetype Chaotic evil good and Lawful evil good characters is bound to create an explosive situation, not merely for the stunning combination of two combatants that are so similar yet so different, but also for the curious bond that is formed between them through spilt blood.

Such is not easy to see from a surface glance. Where other pairs of warriors often find in combat the opportunity to form a relationship, these two archetypes instead seem to egg each other on evermore, their intolerance for the other increasing, each sharing similar views about the other being an incessant complaint machine which uses henchmen of questionable quality as meatshields.

Yet, a deeper investigation quickly reveals just how much each is grudgingly learning from their foe, despite fervent denials of any such acknowledgement. These subtle, and perhaps even subconscious changes, can however be seen in the behaviour of both combatants.

Pacifica's Upper Tier.

One area of such a sharing of attitudes lies in how the NPO conducts upper tier fighting. Having learnt from the helpful – and plentiful – advice MK, the NPO has fielded a significant fighting force to be tested by the DH coalition. The kind nations of Umbrella and MK have fought over 90 Pacificans over 50k NS, and gently helped them down to a lower range, where their wonders and tech levels give them an easier tight beating opponents, and where they can have fun.

The sacrifice that this has meant for Doomhouse cannot be overstated; bringing our soldiers down, along with another 48 nations from the 32k+ range, has meant that Umbrella and the Kingdom have removed over two-thirds of nations in those ranges, thus depriving themselves of the chance for a good fight – all for the sake of helping those nations have fun. Thanks to Pacifican foresight however, a small portion of the NPO's upper tier has been left intact in peace-mode, forming the perfect present for celebrating a possible 4 month anniversary of this war.

This represents an interesting convergence of thought. Whilst rarely acknowledged in public, both sides have come to hold the same reverence for the chaotic nature of destructive conflict, whilst at the same time holding a narcissistic view of their own voices, seeking to outdo each other in loudness.

Great convergence.

Nowhere is this convergence more apparent than in the usage of long-term peace mode. At the start of the conflict, MK embraced the tactic in a limited fashion for nations over 500 tech, keeping the equivalent of 6.06% of total nations, at an average of 3,067 tech each, in Peace Mode from January to the end of April. Comparable statistics for the NPO lie at 11.3% with an average tech of 4,036.8 – a fairly material difference.

However, having the highly effective example of Pacifica to follow, MK soon begun closing the gap. For similar nations having denied themselves the horrors of war for a whole 2 months, MK lies at 12.12% (2,794 tech avg) and NPO at 15.86% (3,345 tech avg). When taken to those that have merely given up for the entire month of April, it is neck and neck at 17.57% for MK and 18.69% for the NPO, with the average tech level also close, at 2,784 and 3,067 respectively.

(It should be noted that these statistics are for fighting nations only, and do not include MK's “tech banks” who are incapable of putting up a fight for technical reasons (how well would you fight with 10k infra and no tech?); with it, their percentage goes up to 9.69% since the start of the war, 16.36% since February and 22.42% for the past month – actually overtaking the Pacific in usage of long-term peace-mode over the last two months - but that comparison is unfair to MK, given NPO's lack of similarly incapable nations. These comparisons also exclude the brave soldiers on both sides who have been beaten down to near zi or zt levels and their – now tiny – nations have fled to peace for respite.)

Both alliances also share the same tender, protective feeling towards their charges; with the nations selected to forgo the pleasures of combat being the ones less able to face it. Both show a high level of consideration towards under-teched and dead weight inactive nations, wise in the knowledge that combat will be much less fun for them given their disadvantages. Where other alliances might implement a ruthless eugenics programme of throwing everyone to the wolves and aiming for the survival of the fittest, MK is following Pacifica's lead in creating a more tolerant society, where even those less able nations can have a fair chance at the world.

And therein lies the most magnificent example of the power that a clash two similar yet opposing forces hold. With each bound to nip away at all that opposes them, only that which is similar – those bizarrely shared visions – has the ability to remain standing.

Written by Letum
The Pacific Press - A jackboot on the pulse of world events.
Proudly part of PNN

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[size=4][b]The Start (of the end) of War[/b][/size]

In a continuing quest to prevent the New Pacific Order from lending assistance to conflicts they have not decided to enter, Doomhouse and the NPO have finally reached an agreement which will limit the latter's capability to partake in military aggression for at least 201 days.

The agreement will be added on to the already existing 743 days since the NPO last declared war on somebody, and has been met with widespread dismay from more warlike elements of the Pacific which claim that policy changes first enacted under Imperator Emeritus Cortath's administration 2 years ago have resulted in a significant prince inflation for fresh children by removing traditional supply sources such as invading other alliances.

Internationally however, the move has been recognized as a shrewd diplomatic move that not only prevents the NPO from entering the conflict that officially ended 51 days ago, but also one that may well prevent them from entering any future conflict well into November, as it diminishes the opportunity that they may be pre-emptively attacked for not entering it fast enough.

Prominent supporters within the Pacific include parts of the “league of 22”, a collection of lobbyists and politicians representing the interests of 22 member states over 50k NS, who are now participating in the final, 21 day assault against the superior forces of an unidentified Doomhouse position. Unofficial sources state that these states hope their struggle will bring attention to the plight of 90 of their former 50k+ comrades, who have all fought Doomhouse without gaining any recognition for their heroic actions. When approached about their motives, an anonymous spokesman stated: “It's war, we just want to finally blow some *&#@* up.”

Written by Letum
The Pacific Press - A jackboot on the pulse of world events.
Proudly part of PNN

[center][img]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/Narvakhan/bootleglogo500x389.png[/img][/center]

[size=4][b]The Return of Bootleg Radio[/b][/size]

For those here on Planet Bob that do not know, Imperial Regent Brehon has revived the Bootleg Radio program. Throughout most days, we here at the NPO have a wonderful Broadcasting Department that plays music to keep us entertained. But now with the return of Bootleg Radio, the entertainment the NPO can provide is so so much more.

To quote one of my colleagues, Kean:

[quote]Bootleg Radio began as a simple idea from, at the time, Imperial Officer Brehon . He wanted to do something more with the Pacifican radio, perhaps even start hid very own show. After many hours of trial and error, he was finally able to get a show that would stay connected, and broadcast clearly. At first, this project was mainly focused on just another addition to the royal pacifican ball, but when the show aired, it had peaked enough listeners to show that people were truly interested in the show, and thus it was continued.

When I talked to Imperial Regent Brehon about Bootleg, I asked him why he does it, Was it just something for fun? Was there a purpose?
Quote
<Brehon[NPO]> First and foremost I do it for fun. I think it is a great way for all of us on Planet Bob to get to know each other a bit more, cut the seriously business that dominates everything and realize we are all pretty much the same. Well maybe not Brennan, but everyone else [/quote]

As the Bootleg Radio continues to expand, members of all different types of alliances have come to listen to the broadcasts.

We wish to extend an invitation to those interested in Bootleg Radio to check it out; live shows air Thursday & Sunday evenings from 8p to Midnight CST.

Also if you are interested in being a guest on the show or want to request a specific topic to be discussed, head over to the NPO forums [color="#FF0000"][url="http://pacificorder.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=119644"]and look for the Bootleg Rumor Mill thread.[/url][/color]

Written by Paintball464
The Pacific Press - A jackboot on the pulse of world events.
Proudly part of PNN

[center][b]* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *[/b]

[size=2][b]PNN International #13[/b] ends here!
The next issue of [b]PNN International[/b] coming soon - stay tuned![/center][/size]

[jakeayres]

[quote]“It's war, we just want to finally blow some *&#@* up.”[/quote]

Are you sure that wasnt a Doomhouse spokesman?

A solid read. We'll see how things pan out then.

Good luck Pacifica.

[eyriq]

This was a fun read.

[REDISTAN]

The Pacificans are patriotic.....interesting

[Lurunin]

[quote]In a continuing quest to prevent the New Pacific Order from lending assistance to conflicts they have not decided to enter, Doomhouse and the NPO have finally reached an agreement which will limit the latter's capability to partake in military aggression for at least 201 days.

The agreement will be added on to the already existing 743 days since the NPO last declared war on somebody, and has been met with widespread dismay from more warlike elements of the Pacific which claim that policy changes first enacted under Imperator Emeritus Cortath's administration 2 years ago have resulted in a significant prince inflation for fresh children by removing traditional supply sources such as invading other alliances.[/quote]

hm i dont remember this clause in the surrender terms of the Overtime Accords

[Hereno]

It was great until Kean got mentioned. Nothing but downhill from there.

[NoMercy]

[quote name='jakeayres' timestamp='1305128922' post='2710142']
Are you sure that wasnt a Doomhouse spokesman?

A solid read. We'll see how things pan out then.

Good luck Pacifica.
[/quote]

This. Since nothing else is going on, this was the best I read today.

[Letum]

[quote name='Lurunin' timestamp='1305143256' post='2710209']
hm i dont remember this clause in the surrender terms of the Overtime Accords
[/quote]

There's a non-aggression clause in the accords:

[quote]In order to grant the New Pacific Order the opportunity to rebuild and recover, after the "Limited War" is finished, Umbrella, The Mushroom Kingdom, and GOONS (Doomhouse) will enter a six month period of non aggression with The New Pacific Order. [/quote]

There are still other people that the Pacific is still allowed to fight, of course, hence why we make a reference to the capacity for aggression being "Limited" as opposed to "Prohibited".

[Azaghul]

[quote name='Shadow the Hedgehog' timestamp='1305127663' post='2710136']
[size=4][b]A Heart-Warming story: How MK and NPO learn from each other in the Battlefield[/b][/size]

Any showdown between two archetype Chaotic evil good and Lawful evil good characters is bound to create an explosive situation, not merely for the stunning combination of two combatants that are so similar yet so different, but also for the curious bond that is formed between them through spilt blood.

Such is not easy to see from a surface glance. Where other pairs of warriors often find in combat the opportunity to form a relationship, these two archetypes instead seem to egg each other on evermore, their intolerance for the other increasing, each sharing similar views about the other being an incessant complaint machine which uses henchmen of questionable quality as meatshields.

Yet, a deeper investigation quickly reveals just how much each is grudgingly learning from their foe, despite fervent denials of any such acknowledgement. These subtle, and perhaps even subconscious changes, can however be seen in the behaviour of both combatants.

Pacifica's Upper Tier.

One area of such a sharing of attitudes lies in how the NPO conducts upper tier fighting. Having learnt from the helpful – and plentiful – advice MK, the NPO has fielded a significant fighting force to be tested by the DH coalition. The kind nations of Umbrella and MK have fought over 90 Pacificans over 50k NS, and gently helped them down to a lower range, where their wonders and tech levels give them an easier tight beating opponents, and where they can have fun.

The sacrifice that this has meant for Doomhouse cannot be overstated; bringing our soldiers down, along with another 48 nations from the 32k+ range, has meant that Umbrella and the Kingdom have removed over two-thirds of nations in those ranges, thus depriving themselves of the chance for a good fight – all for the sake of helping those nations have fun. Thanks to Pacifican foresight however, a small portion of the NPO's upper tier has been left intact in peace-mode, forming the perfect present for celebrating a possible 4 month anniversary of this war.

This represents an interesting convergence of thought. Whilst rarely acknowledged in public, both sides have come to hold the same reverence for the chaotic nature of destructive conflict, whilst at the same time holding a narcissistic view of their own voices, seeking to outdo each other in loudness.

Great convergence.

Nowhere is this convergence more apparent than in the usage of long-term peace mode. At the start of the conflict, MK embraced the tactic in a limited fashion for nations over 500 tech, keeping the equivalent of 6.06% of total nations, at an average of 3,067 tech each, in Peace Mode from January to the end of April. Comparable statistics for the NPO lie at 11.3% with an average tech of 4,036.8 – a fairly material difference.

However, having the highly effective example of Pacifica to follow, MK soon begun closing the gap. For similar nations having denied themselves the horrors of war for a whole 2 months, MK lies at 12.12% (2,794 tech avg) and NPO at 15.86% (3,345 tech avg). When taken to those that have merely given up for the entire month of April, it is neck and neck at 17.57% for MK and 18.69% for the NPO, with the average tech level also close, at 2,784 and 3,067 respectively.

(It should be noted that these statistics are for fighting nations only, and do not include MK's “tech banks” who are incapable of putting up a fight for technical reasons (how well would you fight with 10k infra and no tech?); with it, their percentage goes up to 9.69% since the start of the war, 16.36% since February and 22.42% for the past month – actually overtaking the Pacific in usage of long-term peace-mode over the last two months - but that comparison is unfair to MK, given NPO's lack of similarly incapable nations. These comparisons also exclude the brave soldiers on both sides who have been beaten down to near zi or zt levels and their – now tiny – nations have fled to peace for respite.)

Both alliances also share the same tender, protective feeling towards their charges; with the nations selected to forgo the pleasures of combat being the ones less able to face it. Both show a high level of consideration towards under-teched and dead weight inactive nations, wise in the knowledge that combat will be much less fun for them given their disadvantages. Where other alliances might implement a ruthless eugenics programme of throwing everyone to the wolves and aiming for the survival of the fittest, MK is following Pacifica's lead in creating a more tolerant society, where even those less able nations can have a fair chance at the world.

And therein lies the most magnificent example of the power that a clash two similar yet opposing forces hold. With each bound to nip away at all that opposes them, only that which is similar – those bizarrely shared visions – has the ability to remain standing.

Written by Letum
The Pacific Press - A jackboot on the pulse of world events.
Proudly part of PNN[/quote]

And the false equivocation continues!

The stats that matter:

MK nations above 40K NS and in war mode: 38

Defensive slots on MK nations 50K NS+ and in war mode: 114

Defensive slots on our 50K NS+ people currently being filled: 17

NPO nations above 40K NS and in war mode: 19

Defensive slots on NPO nations 50K NS+ and in war mode: 57

Defensive slots on NPO 50K NS+ people currently being filled: 57

Complaining about our nations being in peace mode is pointless when you don't have the offensive capacity to hit more than a fraction of our nations already in war mode.

[alyster]

[quote name='Azaghul' timestamp='1305153611' post='2710281']
And the false equivocation continues!

The stats that matter:

MK nations above 40K NS and in war mode: 38

Defensive slots on MK nations 50K NS+ and in war mode: 114

Defensive slots on our 50K NS+ people currently being filled: 17

NPO nations above 40K NS and in war mode: 19

Defensive slots on NPO nations 50K NS+ and in war mode: 57

Defensive slots on NPO 50K NS+ people currently being filled: 57

Complaining about our nations being in peace mode is pointless when you don't have the offensive capacity to hit more than a fraction of our nations already in war mode.
[/quote]

Didn't we go over this in the Overtime Accord's discussion? You said half of your nations are in peace mode suffering economical penalties just for the fun of it while NPO is incapable of attacking them. And then someone from GOONS walked in saying they are proud to fight where MK's too scared.

I think I just summed up a page worth of discussion there with out picking on GOONS. Whoo!

Edited May 11, 2011 by alyster

[shahenshah]

This is fine but I miss Sir Paul.

Edited May 11, 2011 by shahenshah

[Cager]

I would visit your thread but I cannot access your forums. Rectify this.

[Letum]

[quote name='Azaghul' timestamp='1305153611' post='2710281']
Complaining about our nations being in peace mode is pointless when you don't have the offensive capacity to hit more than a fraction of our nations already in war mode.
[/quote]

The article is praising you for using our own strategy against us, actually.

[Augustus Autumn]

[quote name='Letum' timestamp='1305158098' post='2710314']
The article is praising you for using our own strategy against us, actually.
[/quote]

Your logic is getting in the way of the indignant mockery. Stop it.

[New Frontier]

[quote name='Letum' timestamp='1305158098' post='2710314']
The article is praising you for using our own strategy against us, actually.
[/quote]
I'm sure it's absolutely hilarious and I just don't get it, but in what sense are they using your strategy?

You used peace mode to limit the number of defensive slots available. They still have far more defensive slots available than you could ever hope to fill.

Edited May 12, 2011 by New Frontier

[Owned-You]

[quote name='alyster' timestamp='1305155038' post='2710293']
Didn't we go over this in the Overtime Accord's discussion? You said half of your nations are in peace mode suffering economical penalties just for the fun of it while NPO is incapable of attacking them. And then someone from GOONS walked in saying they are proud to fight where MK's too scared.

I think I just summed up a page worth of discussion there with out picking on GOONS. Whoo!
[/quote]

Actually, a plethora of people are busy (OOC: with finals) at the moment and don't really have time to bother with the war (or lack of it) among countless other reasons for peace-mode some of which are strategic to re-arm and resupply in our lower tiers. But please continue to believe the propaganda-line that we are fearful of your vaunted 06-07' military machine... in 2011 because it's done you wonders thus far and even won you the war!


[img]http://forums.cybernations.net/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[Letum]

[quote name='New Frontier' timestamp='1305158622' post='2710325']
You used peace mode to limit the number of defensive slots available. They still have far more defensive slots available than you could ever hope to fill.
[/quote]

We didn't use peace mode to limit the number of defensive slots, we used it to limit the amount of damage we take by protecting the most vulnerable nations, a strategy we have followed for 4 years, even in wars we won. MK is also using peacemode to limit the amount of damage they take by protecting their most vulnerable nations. It's the same strategy, with somewhat differing context. Since we don't care about the context in the first place, from our perspective, MK is using our strategy against us.

[quote]
Actually, a plethora of people are busy (OOC: with finals)
[/quote]

*Letum puts his hand up for that category.

Edited May 12, 2011 by Letum

[Systemfailure]

a few spelling errors broke the flow of reading for me but otherwise a good read, certainly more entertaining then the last 2 months of war.

Good Job as always

[New Frontier]

[quote name='Letum' timestamp='1305159217' post='2710333']
We didn't use peace mode to limit the number of defensive slots, we used it to limit the amount of damage we take by protecting the most vulnerable nations, a strategy we have followed for 4 years, even in wars we won. MK is also using peacemode to limit the amount of damage they take by protecting their most vulnerable nations. It's the same strategy, with somewhat differing context. Since we don't care about the context in the first place, from our perspective, MK is using our strategy against us.
[/quote]
"If you completely ignore the context it's the exact same thing!"

[Letum]

[quote name='New Frontier' timestamp='1305160450' post='2710344']
"If you completely ignore the context it's the exact same thing!"
[/quote]

The "context" is also "different" if it is Spring vs Winter. To purport a difference, you need to show that said "context" actually has an effect on the strategic reasoning of the tactic. It doesn't; as the illustrated reasoning remains the same within NPO across different war contexts, and the same between MK and NPO. The reasoning that remains is: protect a small portion of your upper tier that is vulnerable. Just because 70% of our upper tier got beaten out of range doesn't change that.

The only reason why that specific "context" might matter is if you ascribed to the philosophical viewpoint that letting 16% of our pre-war upper tier participate in a one-sided turkey shoot is somehow vital to the overall "health" of our social environment. If MK is satisfied with their actions because of that, then good for them. We don't particularly ascribe to that philosophy, and personally I view it as more of a sham excuse; but then again, we aren't criticizing MK for their strategic judgement in the first place.

Edited May 12, 2011 by Letum

[Azaghul]

[quote name='New Frontier' timestamp='1305160450' post='2710344']
"If you completely ignore the context it's the exact same thing!"
[/quote]
Pretty much. Our use of peace mode channels them to attacking different nations. Their use of peace mode keeps us from attacking at all.

For the ones there for inactivity and not for tactical reasons, if we really needed them, we'd order them out.

Edited May 12, 2011 by Azaghul

[Azaghul]

[quote name='Letum' timestamp='1305161200' post='2710350']
The "context" is also "different" if it is Spring vs Winter. To purport a difference, you need to show that said "context" actually has an effect on the strategic reasoning of the tactic. It doesn't; as the illustrated reasoning remains the same within NPO across different war contexts, and the same between MK and NPO. The reasoning that remains is: protect a small portion of your upper tier that is vulnerable. Just because 70% of our upper tier got beaten out of range doesn't change that.

The only reason why that specific "context" might matter is if you ascribed to the philosophical viewpoint that letting 16% of our pre-war upper tier participate in a one-sided turkey shoot is somehow vital to the overall "health" of our social environment. If MK is satisfied with their actions because of that, then good for them. We don't particularly ascribe to that philosophy, and personally I view it as more of a sham excuse; but then again, we aren't criticizing MK for their strategic judgement in the first place.
[/quote]
You're assuming that in your situation, we'd do the exact same thing. We wouldn't. We're "protecting them", or in most cases more accurately letting them stay or go into peace out of their own initiative, because we have plenty of fighting capacity without them. We can afford to be selective about who we have fight, so we are.

[Letum]

[quote name='Azaghul' timestamp='1305169710' post='2710437']
You're assuming that in your situation, we'd do the exact same thing.
[/quote]

I don't believe I've said a single thing whatsoever about what you'd do if you were outnumbered. Indeed, given how often MK flip flops on other issues like "harsh reps" and "pre-emptive attacks", I have no freaking clue what your alliance stands for on anything. That's one of the main reasons why we have a much more negative view of you than GOONS or Umbrella.

The point is that the "we're not the ones outnumbered 10:1" argument doesn't change the strategic considerations for why we're putting nations in PM. If you believe, as you have been arguing, that there is some kind of "moral duty" to provide your enemy with as many war slots as they can fill in order to [s]appease their lust for easy wins[/s] "maintain the health of our community", then congratulations: the only people you've been trying to convince that your strategy isn't wrong is yourselves. You've escaped the trap of cognitive dissonance.

As for us, we are content to believe that, like in every other single situation where you claim than an action you have previously criticized is "different" when MK does it, you are seizing upon the first contextual difference that you can find, making a dubious and unsupported assertion that it is the [i]only[/i] thing that matters, and therefore [i]everything[/i] is completely different. At least you have moved on from your original arguments, where the "differences" you latched on to explain why it is "ok" when MK does it were allegations that NPO used it across an entire tier (a lie), or that there was an intent to do so (also a lie). Overbearing moralist rhetoric is far better than outright falsehoods.

Edited May 12, 2011 by Letum

[Steve Buscemi]

Definitely NSFW for NPO members who will, no doubt, get yet another MK boner when they read this.

Congrats to Shadow the Hedgehog for helping NPO members pitch a tent

[Cager]

I'm going to guess that's a no on freeing Cager?.