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My Fellow Orderians,
It's been a while since I've been able to say that I know most of the members of our region. In the early days we built a close-knit community where just about everyone knew everyone and that was part of the magic of the Order. As years pass I feel it's easy to settle in and get comfy, perhaps in some ways like that chair that's well-worn, tattered yet, despite mom's loudest protests dad simply refuses to take it to the curb for pick-up. "It's comfortable, I'll never find another like it!" he says until one day he's at work and she takes matters into her own hands. Getting comfortable is human, yet there are certain comforts which deprive us of opportunities, those which expand horizons and present new sights and experiences that we'd never have the chance to experience because, well, that comfy old chair is what we've come to feel safe in.
Being aloof, not knowing many people, lacking communication which leads to misunderstandings which could easily be tackled if a few words were exchanged, I have not been as present as I could be and I'd like to start changing that. Like in the days of old I'd like to invite all of you, new and old, to join me for another fireside chat. I hope we can exchange ideas, address concerns and, also, thought-provoking discussions. I also expect some fun along the way. :P
I may invite other Orderians from time to time to answer questions as well. ;)
Before we proceed, allow me to present a few ground rules:
- You can ask about anything regarding NationStates, the Independent Order, its Government or roleplay matters. Questions not related to the Order, its Government or role-play matters will be answered by discretion.
- You should be respectful when asking questions; being offensive next to the fire isn't nice, and really throws off the feng shui of the Chancellery Suite.
- The Vice Chancellor and I, along with guests we may invite, shall answer all questions presented, though if they are not relevant to the Order, its Government or roleplay we reserve the right to decline.
- Discussions which take place in this topic should remain respectful and calm.
As some of you don't know me I should introduce myself. I joined the Order in 2013 in the days before our region even had an RP. Back in those days I served 7 (I think?) straight terms as the regions Premier, various terms in our regional legislature, and I'm sure the older members will remember the intricacies of Orderian politics at the time. I feel that I thrive more writing character-driven material, taking a more narrative approach when it comes to military RPs, and much of the time I don't have an "end goal" in mind; I like to keep things as free-form as possible since I feel that allows for myself and all involved to truly showcase their creativity in a way that's not possible with pre-determined outcomes. Take my first open RP (https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/independent_order_ns/viewtopic.php?p=505#p505) for example; did I know that the Ambassador from Bechstein was going to be assassinated? Nope! But the twists that others provided encouraged considering creative avenues I never would have thought of had it not been for that wildcard being thrown my way.
I also feel that, in not taking the time to get to know many people, there's opportunities which have been lost out on as well as misunderstandings which could have been rectified had time been taken to reach out, one on one. So let's take some time to get to know each other, have some fun, and perhaps create new opportunities.