Hello!

I'm Kane, I have RP-ed two countries in TSP history. The Near-FT country Hammerstar, and current MT country Huawan and its colonies. I'm here to present those who are willing to do some world building a guideline of sorts on the details of your country

Index
Your World: Getting Started
Who are you?

(This post was last modified: 01-21-2020, 06:44 AM by Hammerstar.)

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Your World: Getting Started

Note: before continuing, I suggest reading the https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7636.html thread first.

Now after you've claimed a plot, you might wonder what type of country do you roleplay as. There are so many options, and most players have been heavily influenced by their own political views, or their own country of origin. Some would also wish to pour an idea they had in their minds of if their "ideal" country would exist, or if a country had them as its "ruler", how would it turn out.

Exploring these options would prove useful, and vital to become detailed later in your roleplay. It is also understood that not every player would be awfully detailed in their worldbuilding, nevertheless, having a basic idea on what your country is like will be ideal for roleplaying moves and negotiations.

Also keep in mind that your country in TSP-RP does not have to be a picture perfect copy of your NationStates country. Although useful if you already have a basic infrastructure there, the results from answering issues in NS doesn't always reflect how we want our country to be, and its data is severely unrealistic. So, it's alright if you want to start from the beginning.

Now, let's get started!

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There are many countries that exist in this world, each with its own unique cultures and traditions, they evolve and devolve as time flies. Some acceptable in others, some are not, and that's alright!. The fact is, be as creative as you want!

If you'd like to reimagine how the Mayans could turn up if the Spanish are gone and if they are instead Hindu, or if you'd like to reimagine how Louisiana France still existed, or if you'd like to roleplay if India instead enslaved Britain with an iron fist, or if you'd like to roleplay Russia, and just Russia. Be creative, and know that you can inspire your country however you please.

Let's practice.

I've chosen a certain country that I'd like to roleplay for this exercise, Turkey.



Now Turkey is a country in the Middle East and Europe. With it, a large number of ethnicity and a diverse society. Turkey itself, before, became The Ottoman Empire, and before that, became the Byzantine Empire. Both with great differences in its culture and its beliefs.


Now I'm also interested of Sufism, a form of Islam that's considered a minority and sometimes hated in Sunni-majority turkey. I am also interested in Swiss clothing and culture of which is predominantly French and German. I decided to incorporate it in this country. Also, Turkey is a Presidential Republic, so I wonder how it would fare if it has a Venetian-esque government, The Council of Ten!


A Turkish inspired Country with some Swiss Culture, it is principally and religiously Sufi. The country is run by a select 10 members of a council, 5 elected officials, the other 3 are from Lottocracy and the remaining 2 are military generals. One of the member of the council, "The Mentor", is the Head of State.

At this point, although I haven't made an ultra detailed country. I already have a denomination to use when talking to other countries.

Instead of saying

"Our leader would like to voice its disagreement to country A."

You could now say:

"Gopfetori! the council of 10 could not agree with such edicts habib!" Shouted The Mentor

You must also know that your Head of State, is usually your main character in RP. But I'm going to divulge player characters in the next post.


Now normally, for worldbuilding, you could start with how your country is formed and its history. Some players would suggest going to history first, however I'd suggest that before divulging to details of how your country is formed, to start with simpler details. A famous food journalist once said that "Food is the best way to explore culture."

So once you have an idea of how your country is like. You can start by writing the type of foods that exist in your country. I'll make it clear later.

I've chosen a couple of foods that would exist in my country.


Greek Chicken Kebab

Indian Chickpea Curry

Korean Fried Chicken

Southern-Style Cornmeal Bread

Now these four meals exist in different countries. I've chosen them because they inspire how my country is going to be made and told. Let me tell you how this works, by introducing you four of those dishes.

Now firstly the chicken kebab. The Chicken kebab is grilled spiced chicken skewers with yogurt. I've chosen this chicken kebab because this country usually grills its meals and farms chickens. It also has yogurt, which means this country also has dairy cows and pasteurization. This would mean that this country consumes milk, and if a country consumes milk and has many dairy, it would be unlikely tha tthis country would not be heavy in its agriculture, and the amount of land needed for cows to graze also mean that this country may be large, and live in fields.

Second, Chickpea curry, or Chana Masala. Chickpeas is one of the earliest forms of legumes and beans, and high of protein. They only exist in mediterranean, arabic and indian climates. Usually countries that have chickpeas are in warmer climates. Furthermore, the curry meant that this country has an abundant of spices, including curry. Countries that have a lot of curry and spices are countries that are usually flourish in early developments and mostly would find themselves colonized. This would definitely inspire shared history where other countries would try to take my country for spices. This could also inspire a story, in which since my country is inspired by Venice and Turkey, they would be powerful merchants. I've chosen the chickpea curry with rice, because my country would choose Rice as its staple food. Usually countries that eat rice would not eat much wheat bread, and would either eat with their hands or chopsticks. You could also imagine that countries that eat rice as a staple would have many rice fields scattered across the country.

Third, Korean Fried Chicken. Not only this would reinforce the chicken as the common meat eaten in my country, korean fried chicken sauce is made with sugar, honey and sesame oil. Korean fried chicken uses heavy spices and reiterates the modern tastes, that is sweet and tangy dishes. What's interesting is that the fried chicken is a relatively modern dish, and although the Americans claimed it as their national dish from the Scots, various countries have made its own varieties. I chose korean fried chicken not only because what it could represent, I chose korean fried chicken because one of our players, Bzerneleg, had invented Fried Chicken, and by introducing Saucey fried chicken, it could be a precedence of early bilateral relations, a colonization perhaps?

Last, Cornbread. Cornbread introduces another staple, corn. Corn is also used with cornflour, which could inspire the formulation of many light breads and fried meals. Not only it would reinforce the importance of dairy milk, it introduces the usage of baking. Which reinforces the idea that the country does not fry its food until the 19th century, ergo would most likely cook with low amount of oils. Found in sesame, olive and chickpea, as palm oil would yield too much. I can also make that cornbread's colour is like the sun, like the gold, and that cornbread is the meal for aristocrats and patricians. That would mean that corn is a luxurious commodity, its luxury maybe inspired because it has significant cultural value. It also mean that I could write that rice is the staple of the poor, and corn is the staple of the rich.

The various taste, color and recipes of these dishes would inspire me on those little things about my country. How the cornbread's golden color inspires its people's demands and eye for gold and riches. How the sweet fried chicken is rooted by foreign colonialism and the modern wishes for the people to fry, instead of a traditional grill. How the chickpea curry shows that spices move the nation's economy for nearly 7000 years, and how the chicken kebab and yogurt describes the entire country. Simple, fresh and grilled!

Now from these four foods. I could describe my country.


This country would be agricultural country with deep mercantilism that spans for centuries, it used to become the gates for the spice trades, where the spices of The South Pacific are cheapest there.

Behind the rich-ruled spice trade are the citizens and the peasants that seed the land with rice that are plowed by bulls and cows produce the milk. They coop chickens and they have wide lands for cows to graze, the cows are made for sacrifice in Ramadhan.


The different dishes and staples between the aristocrats and the peasants mean that there is large segregation. Call it, the Buergers and Patriziers. The spices are grown and cultivated by the buergers and their boss are the patriziers.

Therefore, we now have their alignments. How the Buergers may be warm towards communism when it enters, how the people of this country would not like take nicely of countries with diverse races. This country may also not look kindly for "poor" countries, and would make large and profitable deals.

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Now of course, what's left in the name. Sometimes I use https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/ or google translate if you don't have an idea. Since we are turkish with swiss-german lingo. Since the merchantilism areas are near the river, I shall call it Pazar Am Fluss, Turkish for market and German for (By the River). Therefore, the Country, which is run by a merchant council of a select 10, shall be known as

The Market Republic of Pazar Am Fluss. Or Die Republik Pazar Am Fluss. For now, I've chosen a temporary flag. We will go on with designing later.

"毎日の小さな努力の積み重ねが歴史を作っていくんだよ。"

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Put a little effort everyday and it will stack up and create a foundation for you.

- Doraemon


Treasure Island Awards Best Roleplay 2020
Treasure Island Awards Best Roleplayer 2020
Cocos Winner for Best Character Writer 2017
Cocos Winner for Best International Event 2017
Cocos Winner for Best Overall RP 2017

Things to know: Medical Intern and Biomedical Scientist from Indonesia, Muslim, 188 metres tall, loves trains

(This post was last modified: 01-21-2020, 06:43 AM by Hammerstar.)

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Who are You?


In all stories there is usually the character, and in nation RP, it is no exception. The main character is usually the head of state, or the head of government, because they will usually be the ones leading negotiations and introduce new decisions in government.

Now the reason why your head of state is important is that a country can be effective with an effective leader. For a successful and rich superpower in The South Pacific come in a dime a dozen. Your diplomatic status, or what shapes your country can really benefit by having such a detailed and well-explained leader.

I have an example, take The Voodoo People's Republic of Bruuma. Run by @VPRB. If you compare the country to other superpowers like Ryccia, it would surely fall flat in its toes. However, what's interesting about VPRB is its head of state, is its head of state, Papa Unclepear


(Papa Legba, what I think is a similarity to Papa Unclepear)

VPRB describes Papa Unclepear as a leader of socialist Bruuma, described like a Haitian Voudou leader that is intimidating, intelligent and cunning. He can lead such an impoverished country in Bruuma to become a country that a lot of superpowers fear. His complexion is dark, old south american man with pet snakes, cigars and full on mystery. You can see that, if you compare it with his ministers, Papa Unclepear is certainly differentiating.


(Donald Benjamin Blythe Jr.)
Another leader that I would like to discuss is Bzerneleg's head of state, President Donald Blythe. When I RPed with him about a certain diplomatic arrangement. I imagined that his overall demeanor is somewhat close to a south american. A confederate president, if you may


I genuinely thought that his character deeply resembled the Southern Rooster from Looney Toons, Foghorn Leghorn. His mannerisms and their speech, as well as his steadfast decisions and sentences in dealing with his inner circle reminded me of him.

(This post was last modified: 01-21-2020, 11:13 AM by Hammerstar.)

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Who are you (cont'd)

Now the main reason for developing the main character is this. Normally in a book, you'd have a conflict, and each character, with its characteristics, would have its view on the conflict.


Now in Nation Roleplay, instead of having various characters, your country is its character too. It has its own set of decisions, conduct and principles. It's a reason why when you start developing different characters in the form of ministers, generals and such. They'd tend to fall flat! They would look and speak the same way. Because like bees in a hive, they all act collectively for the sake of the queen bee.


(Prince Harry and Prince William, two characters that each have a depth personality, and as of recent, diverging stories)
It is also another reason why you need to distinguish the character of your head of state. Because they will be the embodiment of the country you have envisioned. A larger depth for your character also opens many avenues on how you present your story. A young head of state trying to find their way in ruling a country, a tyrant that seeks for power, or a peaceful ruler wanting nothing but the prosperity of their people. You'll often find that having a larger depth to your character also enables you to easily distinguish their political views and alignments, as well as how they would negotiate.

The South Pacific is a place filled with aspiring writers and novelists. So you could approach some people like Seraph, Farengeto and others in guidance for character building. I'd like to provide you with my basic workflow.

Since this is a country RP, I'd usually decide what this character does first. We shall bring our previous exercise, the Merchant Republic of Pazar Am Fluss, as an example. I'd like to design a fitting Head of State for this country, "The Mentor" which leads the Council of Ten and holds the majority stake of the entire country.

Now there are many ways to determine which characters you'd like for your character. I'd normally choose a minimum of 4 traits that I'd want to be reflected my head of state.


(Dragons Den, a TV show that inspired this character)
Now since they are the leader of the merchant republic, they would have to be shrewd with great business acumen. I am inspired by Dragons den, the BBC tv show on business pitches, and as such, the dragons are normally smart but mostly a pain in the butt. So I'd make my leader a bit disrespectful, or perhaps defiant.

[Image: Airhead_shutterstock_Alena_Root_50232508.jpg]
Now normally, heads of states are usually intelligent. But I'd like something a bit memorable, something that makes the person stand out. Instead of making this person a cliche CEO, I'd like to make this person an airhead. Not stupid, but a bit clueless. This sort of imperfection may inspire a plot to overthrow the person that doesn't know what they're doing or give that unpredictability this person needs to stay in power.

Now for the final ingredient, I'm going to cement this person by giving them a quirk, I'd like to think that this person has secrets and knows damn well how to keep them. I, therefore, would like to have this person rather private, on what? Well, this person is private in that they secretly collect Belgian comic books! Tintin, Spirou, Ducobu, Spike and Suzy, Lucky Luke and The Smurfs. Those lighthearted silly stories that will make this person blush when people know, and that it'll be one of those big secrets that people thought was something serious, like the holy grail.

You'll notice that I've exceeded the 4 traits. That's ok! The larger the depth, the better! I could tell how this person would listen to KPOP behind the headphones, or that they always have to eat bitter meals, how they would hate looking at people wearing visors because it is half a hat.

But, allow me to make the 4 traits that make this character. A shrewd and defiant tycoon that's unpredictably airheaded and has secrets that they will bring to their grave. At this point, you may have decided your person's demographic. I would describe this person as a 51-year-old woman at the top of her field.


I'd imagine Diane Keaton from Something's Gotta Give. But since we are inspired by Turkey and Swiss, I'd have to find another character that would provide her with tough eastern features. This would be the character I would give "The Mentor" of the Merchant Republic.

Now after we've given her a soul, let's give her a body. Now you can do this two ways, the easiest would be to give or decide a picture. One that can aid you to how this person would look like, and just build from there.


I would imagine that "The Mentor" would have rather chiselled and tough complexions. Long hair and brunette. She's a bit stylish, but not too stylish, simple and comfortable. She is rather beautiful, or at least have a wise and young complexion, like Gina from Porco Rosso. The type of alluring beauty of age that keeps old seadogs at bay with humility.

So I have a picture, and to make it easier. Id base the body of "The Mentor" with Sandra Bullock.


Now for the name. The reason why I named the person "The Mentor" as because, in dialogue, you seldom need to refer her direct name. You'll find that characters like "The Peony", "Ha'Coron" and "The Papa" would always be used regardless of the main character it is referring to. It would be used in future MT, past MT, and such.

But for characters like King Vimruu, Emperor Firenze and Minister Chancellor. You'll be using the name chosen more.

So you can use name generator, or have an inspiring name. Noting who she is, and the country she leads. I'd predict that the head of state to be wealthy and perhaps one that comes from a famous merchant family. I'm also intrigued to have her Italian since it's also inspired by Venice! Therefore would name her Stadträtin Emmalessa di Garibaldi. Stadtratin, according to google translate, is german for Councillor. I gave her name Emmalessa because I like it, and di Garibaldi is inspired by one of Italy's founding fathers, Giuseppe Garibaldi


So there you have it. The flighty and shrewd business magnate, the head of state of the merchant republic. The Mentor of The Council of Ten, Stadträtin Emmalessa di Garibaldi.

This exercise is also replicable with your other characters, and it would be wise to try to define some of the main characters in your nation. Keep in mind it doesn't have to be in government, it could be a certain military commander you'll be using often, or perhaps a civilian? Who knows, go nuts!

A note, don't be afraid to have your character rather quirky and interesting. It is fiction, and so long as it is within the realms of MT, anything could happen!

"毎日の小さな努力の積み重ねが歴史を作っていくんだよ。"

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Put a little effort everyday and it will stack up and create a foundation for you.

- Doraemon


Treasure Island Awards Best Roleplay 2020
Treasure Island Awards Best Roleplayer 2020
Cocos Winner for Best Character Writer 2017
Cocos Winner for Best International Event 2017
Cocos Winner for Best Overall RP 2017

Things to know: Medical Intern and Biomedical Scientist from Indonesia, Muslim, 188 metres tall, loves trains

(This post was last modified: 01-21-2020, 11:05 AM by Hammerstar.)

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Jumping In, Starting Out, Make History!


(Pazar Am Fluss)
At this point you should have a nation's identity and a character. While this doesn't seem much, it is more than enough to begin a hefty amount of roleplaying. The wisest thing to do, like any time you come into a new community, is to introduce yourself. That youre willing to RP and tell a bit about your nation, introductions can be done in the Lampshade Bar on TSPforum and Discord, a shoutout in the TSPRP discord is also swell. Other roleplayers welcome new additions in their world with open arms, and introducing yourself to them would go a long way, you might be introduced to diplomatic RPs right away or diplomatic deals.


Now I've been in TSP-RP since 2014 and has been an on and off player. There are some things that I observed in regards to how people roleplay, there are players that are considered "writers", long expositions and descriptions on their respective countries and events suit them, they like to make every event as palpable and detailed as possible for the sake of good worldbuilding. There are other players that prefer shorter expositions, opting a less detailed but more succinct approach, believing that the same outcome of a long exposition could be made in a short exposition.

There are also other players that would prefer an OOC approach to roleplay, preferring instead to go into discord to create OOC deals and diplomacy. These players are the least involved in the writing of main cannon, but they are included in the works, and sometimes key players. Writing short news blurbs from time to time.


What I'm trying to tell you is that there are so many ways to do roleplay, and so many approaches that may fit how you write and how you play. I recommend exploring the style that you prefer using in Roleplay, and exploring the different threads and posts to learn about good approaches. Would you prefer succinct short news blurbs in IC flash news? Creating expositions of varying lengths with other players in current events? or Intricate works that fully describe your country in facts? Or perhaps do negotiations in OOC discussion threads or discord. Any approach is completely fine as long as you're comfortable with it.

Ok, there are multiple ways on getting started that are laid out in the link: (https://tspforums.xyz/thread-7636.html#GS) Although I'd like to expand and provide more explanation.


To participate in canon roleplay, a plot in the South Pacific Map is neeeded. You can get a claim here: (https://tspforums.xyz/thread-241-post-4854.html#pid4854) However, that doesn't mean that you have to wait for an update to get started. Some roleplayers wait for a week or two to get their claim before they can begin, I don't think that's necessary, you can definitely enter IC discussions and IC roleplay right away. One of the most preferred methods is via IC Flash News.


IC Flash News, in essence, is a flash one line news on regional happenings. Although the rule of "one line" has been taken rather liberally, it's basically one of the most popular and flexible ways to get started. Some roleplayers post in IC news that the country they're playing as is finally deciding to go to the international stage, either via independence declaration or by ending isolation. You can also use IC news to post immediately about national happenings, say... a woodworm infestation in your country, or an award for "cutest dog ever" in which the RP world can basically assume that your country existed, and have existed, despite you just entering TSP-RP that day. You can also respond to world events, and wars in IC news and directly get your hands dirty.

Perhaps one of my favourite use of IC news for starting roleplayers, is an announcement that the head of state is inviting other countries for diplomatic meetings. For example:

"The Diplomatic Chamber of the Market Republic of Pazar Am Fluss invites other heads of states for a diplomatic high tea, offering coffee and cornbread."


The single line statement in IC news would entice other roleplayers to begin a diplomatic roleplay with you, which is usually a one-on-one roleplay that plays the meeting of two dignitaries discussing various things. So not only you introduced yourself in TSP-RP, you're also inviting others to come play. Neat huh?


While waiting for responses, you could definitely browse the threads and roleplays that are still open or already closed. You can see some roleplayers who write solo roleplays, long story expositions made to define their countries even further and make a good worldbuilding foundation. If you'd like, you can try approaching some of the roleplayers in the thread or via the discord channel and see if any of them is interested in a diplomatic RP, or at least, you can ask them of the "hottest" event this season, so that you can prepare yourself on how to enter the roleplay.

Surveys and worldbuilding threads in facts are also useful to create, and I'll discuss it more in the next post regarding the fine-tuning of data and details

The only takeaway in this, is Don't be Afraid of Roleplaying We're all nice and warm with newcomers and we accept you with open arms. So don't hesitate to join in the fun

(This post was last modified: 12-01-2020, 03:44 PM by Hammerstar.)

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