The Nelaga Territories

Greetings Nelagan friends,

I'm here as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bovic Empire of Natopia to open discussions for the possible transfer of the Island of Ptia to Nelaga. Ptia has been under Natopian sovereignty for nearly five years now. Their customs and autonomy have been preserved in nearly uninterrupted self-government, and is currently administered by a Nelagan holding a special non-citizen Guardianship created for the island's unique situation.

Natopia has an unofficial policy of avoiding land transfers, especially territories that represent historical significance to our nation. As such, Ptia was the first territory that Natopia expanded into and has received equal, and in some cases more, cultural development and attention than the other demesnes of Natopia. While Ptia has deep roots in Jasonian history, it is an integral part of modern Natopia as well.

Therefore, The Natopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs humbly invites its Nelagan friends to offer sound and valid reasons for the transfer of Ptia to Nelaga.

First off, thank you for your esteemed visit to our small forum and timely communication, and my additional compliments and deep thanks to His Sovereign Majesty Konrad, Bovic Emperor of Natopia, may his enlightened rule continue without end, for communicating my request to you and the nation at large and taking it seriously.

The Bovic Empire of Natopia has always been a nation that I personally, and no doubt countless others, have always held a good deal of respect for. After the fall of the Apollo Foundation's land claims, one of the main reasons for my lack of vocal protest was that your good Empire laid claim to Ptia, Tapfer, and the surrounding areas. Your reputation at that time was already noteworthy and I had little doubt or fear that you would not use the lands in ways that I personally found offensive. So many years later, my initial faith and trust is completely unblemished due to your exceptional leadership and reputation. Truly, the territory that houses your great Empire could not be under more capable management.

I understand your historical attachment to the island of Ptia and acknowledge that it has become no less than my own, and it seems that you too understand my position as well. Therefore, if your ties to the land make you uncomfortable with a direct transfer of control, consider the matter dismissed. Instead, let us discuss putting the area under a special jurisdiction that would joint control, with both nations maintaining a presence on the island. Both of us could feel like we have kept what we cherish and could continue cultural and other development in harmony, and the island would serve as a physical symbol on the map to show both our nations and the entirety of Micras of our friendship and longevity together.

As President I am able to make such an offer by right of my position, but it would need to be accepted by assembly vote of the nation. However, I am confident that my people would have little objection to such an arrangement. So, what say you?

We are taking serious consideration of your offer for a joint-jurisdiction of Ptia. However we require more internal discussion before making a decision or counter-offer. A decision should be made within the week.

Thank you for the update. If there is any way I can be of a service in your discussions, please do not hesitate to let me know.

My esteemed friend,

Is there any way you could give us some insight into your timetable?

We first have to have a form of government before we can legitimately entire into any agreement and our draft constitution is still being debated.... If the constitution is not adopted within the week, something drastic will occur.

Something more drastic than the Butter Bull returning and burning down the Cathedral of the Sacred Calf?

Yes

My master wishes to come here to formally inform you of his decision, however, his account "Butter Bull" upon logging in, displays no boards. Or perhaps you can visit him in Natopia, he is very keen on beginning a Natopian-Nelagan cultural partnership.

That would be because of a fun little phpbb bug. I added default values for our custom profile fields and removed the Butter Bull account since I don't know what state its registration was left in; re-register at your leisure, sir.

This is. The greatest of days.

Here I am! As Vur'Alm as seen in Natopia, I am consolidating my land. I wish to share the island of Ptia with you in the hopes of building a stronger alliance between the nation that has legitimate Jasonian heritage and one that pretends to have it based on a stupid epic poem written by my worthless servant.

All actions that will affect Ptia must be agreed upon by both myself and the Nelagan President (or the will of your legislature). Vur'Alm is the current Guardian of the island, as such I recommend that he remain administrator of the island. The coat of arms and all other cultural material created for the former Demesne of Ferien & Ptia is hereby released to this new entity of Ptia Island.

Natopia will keep the Ptian board online and accessible and will reclassify it for internal purposes as a Special Protectorate, granting it autonomy and independence such as Athlon enjoys. Cultural development may occur on either the Natopian or Nelagan board reserved for Ptia, however, the Guardian will endeavor to keep updates on each board regarding developments on the other.

Are there any blasphemous comments or questions regarding this set-up?



(OOC: i really am open to discussion or whatever really )

Let there be one board for Ptia!

I think the reality is if we have a board for Ptia, it will get the most use; but I'm happy to ferry across important things to Natopia too.

Such insolence.

The deal is off.

I agree, the board should be in Natopia.

oh

Hah, I think the board should be in Natopia, is what *I* meant...

I have no problems with a continued Vur'Alm Guardianship. He's more than proven himself.

Regarding boards, one would be most logical but two most convenient. If Vur is willing to ferry posts around that makes it less of a hassle for the rest of us. Though, of course, we'll be certain to keep an eye on the mirror board in Natopia, along with the rest of the country naturally.


Your divinity, please excuse him. He's more enthusiastic than his position in front of your hooves warrants him to be.

FFF I've tried to submit this post like 3 times and it keeps saying there's new stuff!

(OOC: two boards, one board, really doesnt matter to me)

Naturally, I am more biased toward a single official board in Natopia. If that is agreeable to all parties, it will maintain a more concise body of cultural objects for Ptia as well as make sense continuity and simulation wise (as Ptia is physically surrounded by Natopia). Establishing a direct link to the Ptian board in Natopia within your "Outer Archipelago" (or wherever) board may help diminish crossover time as a sort of "direct flight." Natopian forums are no longer password protected so there should be no delay in that set up.

Yeah, you know, that sounds pretty reasonable.

Yeah, when you put it that way that should be quite easy to manage with.

Just threw this together, thoughts?

Very nice, seems quite complete.

Regarding point 4, how would the opting-out work? I mean, let's say that Natopia passes law A and Nelaga passes law B, and they conflict. Like maybe Nelaga offers a specific freedom to all citizens and and a law in Natopia denies a specific freedom to all citizens, for example? Which law would be in effect in Ptia - A, B, or neither?

Actually, perhaps it would be less messy and more practical to just say neither Natopian or Nelegan law extends to Ptia, give it total autonomy. Let the Guardian make whatever laws are necessary. I don't think we even need a veto, or approval, or consent from either state. Theoretically we consent as we both appoint the Guardian. If one state thinks the Guardian is going crazy then they withdraw their consent and he's fired.