Interview Publication Date: 26 January 2014
Interviewer: Escade
Interviewee: Harmoneia

Our interviewee today is the graceful and erudite Harmoneia. I first met her at the NS World Fair 2014 and was intrigued by her discussion on gender dynamics in Nation States and just had to follow up with her on that and many other subjects.

1. How did you learn about Nation States? What enticed you to join?

To be honest, I can't remember exactly when, but probably some 2003, I was introduced by my cousin who was in TEP and exchanging telegrams with Loop. I thought it was a really fun thing to try to experiment with running a nation, in the same way a sim-game is fun. I think that, even if we don't admit it, there is something in all of us that are enticed with the idea of playing god without actual consequences, even if on a national level.

2. How long have you been in Nation States? Which regions have you called home?

A little less than ten years, and an endless list. The first region was called Strong Alliance of Power, and was an invader region. My noobish days were spent here, and we discussed invasions on the RMB, it was fun. A few jumping here and other with other regions, I found Scroll Islands which has probably contributed the most to the rest of my path. It was a close ally of TWP at the time, which led me to joining TWP around 2005 also after a bunch of others.
TWP sealed my fate as a defender. It had introduced me to great characters, political intrigue, and probably marked what was one of the best times I had in the game.

So you've been in TWP? And are you in Lazarus?

Yes, but at the same time, I joined almost every other feeder including Lazarus, but Lazarus at the time was largely inactive. It wasn't until the invasion of United Luckians that I realised there was a real opportunity for a community which was introduced to me in TWP, right there. So when no one was stepping up against the said invader, I gave it a shot and was helped by most distinguished regions as the time including The Meritocacracy, which helped me build a new community for Lazarus, and this was the monarchy which stood until late this year.

Have you been involved in TSP?

I did try to, TSP seemed to be a very cozy community and I have a lot of respect for Goddessness, who left a huge hole in NationStates when she left. But I was also more engaged with region-building at the time so I never got past citizenship.

Ok, I only joined TSP in the last ten months myself!

The community at the time was heavy with RP as well, if I remember correctly, so not something I could have jumped into with ease.

I think a lot has changed since then!

TSP does seem to be more vibrant than ever, and it is a nice thing to see. I'm also glad that a skilled player like yourself is given the chance to lead despite being in the region a short while. Back when I tried to join TSP, it seemed that longevity of stay meant a lot, which of course has its own advantages and disadvantages.

3. What do you enjoy most about Nation States? What has kept your interest in the game?

NationStates has been a lot to me. It has been an escape from reality, which was probably why I got so attached the first place. It's also shaped my interests IRL, as I was some 12-13 when I first played NationStates. It's also a nice place to test out different ideologies, given the in-game barrier, without actual consequences. But more than anything I think it's probably the community which always draws me back - a diverse kind of people I wouldn't otherwise meet in real life.

That’s amazing to me that you found this game when so young and I totally agree that it’s the people that keep us here.

Yes, I don't remember a lot in my time playing and just try to enjoy the moment, but I quite remember having to lie to InvisionFree boards of Scroll Islands that I was already 13.
I have indeed learned a lot from different kinds of people and am always fascinated by different cultures. Not to mention the plethora of awesome characters that NationStates just manages to snag and put together!

4. If you could make one change to Nation Sates, what would it be?

So if I can make one change, I would remove influence. I mean, the stress of mods aside, I really think pre-influence was fun because there were less rules. But I can only imagine what headache that kind of madhouse is to the admins and mods.

Wow, I don't even know what the pre-influence era was like. How did it work?

Of course a coup was easier, but also more controversial and politically intriguing. Defenses and defender orgs, at least, were more political rather than focused on a set of skills like triggering etc. But also more reports to mods because griefing was illegal. I still think it should be because it destroys communities but that's really the main rationale behind Influence.

Was the disharmony between defenders and raiders as great as it is today?

Hmm, probably, but few invaders from pre-influence weren't noobs who operated on a "nukez all" level. I wouldn't dare say the same thing for today, many of them are highly skilled.

Can you tell me what griefing is?

Griefing is when an invader delegate ejects most of the natives in the region.

Was this always part of NS?

For as long as I have been around. But griefers were once looked down upon even by most invaders, once upon a time. Now it seems to have become more acceptable.

I don't have any personal experience with it, but people get extremely upset on this issue.

It is upsetting, and many quit the game because of this.

That’s really sad.

5. Cake or pie? Why?

I would like pie because I live in a place where there isn't much pie and just too much cake

I knew you were one of the pie cultists

Cake is too bourgeois

"Let them eat cake!"

Ha! You got me!

I like anything if it has some chocolate

My nation used to be named "The Choco-Coated Matriarchy of Harmoneia"

That's a nice name! Chocolate coated Harmony...

Thanks Harmoneia was actually taken merely from the Ancient Chinese context harmony in the political notion of Tian Xia (all under heaven) and my flag was inspired by the Yin and Yang.

That's such a lovely story behind your nation name.

6. Favorite book, movie, or song\band?

I'm not much of a music person, but my favorite book would probably be a back to back between Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World. I'm a sucker for Dystopian novels! This is probably why the game, as a promotional tool for Jennifer Government was effective for me - had the book bought for me within months into the game. I really think that the idea behind it as well as the plot itself were very original and fresh, but somehow the execution was a little dry.
As for movies, I am a movie junkie. Favorites include, but are not limited to(!), Red Cliff, Hero(Jet Li's), Memento, Pan's Labyrinth, eXistenZ, Blade Runner, La Jetee, Un Chien Andalou, and a long long list goes on!

7. If you were giving advice to a new NSer, what would you say?

If I were to give advice to a new NSer, hmm... Don't take things too seriously, but be considerate of others' gaming experience too!

Very sound advice!

8. What do you think of the NS World Fair?

This is my first NS World Fair, and with the short time I was able to participate in it, it seemed like a very nice way to remind us that we are all just trying to have some fun here. I think it's a very nice idea that helps ease some tension, but in the same way, also elevate the way we play the game in as much as we learn new things about it. It's just great really, and the South Pacific did a great job hosting it this year.

Thanks for such a wonderful conversation Escade!

Thank you, Harmoneia for such a splendid interview! I really enjoyed conversing with you and look forward to more. I'm also glad to have supported your commendation, you've done amazing things in NS