I'd like to propose the following definitions for the various types of expansions in our national RP. As I see it, these will be expansions, joint sovereignty expansions, colonies, joint sovereignty colonies, jewel colonies, and joint sovereignty jewel colonies. If any other types of expansion exist, don't hesitate to add a definition for them.
If we can agree on definitions, they will become official, with all the effects that implies. Of course, none of these definitions will be retroactive. Definition of Joint Sovereignty Expansions, Joint Sovereignty Colonies, and Joint Sovereignty Jewel Colonies are invalid until Joint Sovereignty is recognized as a valid concept by the RP Council.
Expansion: the acquisition by a state of territory which is contiguous with the already existing national territory of that state. Expansion yields no new resources under the resource system.
Joint Sovereignty Expansion: expansion that is contiguous with all sovereign parties. Nets no new resources under the resource system.
Colony: territory annexed by a state that is not contiguous with the already existing national territory of that state. Colonies yield one common resource each under the resource system. If a colony becomes contiguous with its mother country, it ceases to be a colony and becomes an expansion, unless this occurs more than two RL weeks after the colony has been approved by the RP Council.
Joint Sovereignty Colony: territory annexed and owned by more than one state. It is a colony unless contiguous with all sovereign parties, at which point it becomes an expansion of all sovereign parties. Joint Sovereignty Colonies yield one common resource under the resource system, and all sovereign parties have access to this resource. As a restriction, once a joint sovereignty colony is created, the sovereign parties may not create further joint sovereign colonies with each other.
Jewel Colony: a colony that yields a rare resource as well as a common resource under the resource system. A state may have only one.
Joint Sovereignty Jewel Colony: a Joint Sovereignty Colony that yields one rare and one common resource under the resource system, and all sovereign parties have access to these resources. As a restriction, if a Joint Sovereignty Colony is created, the sovereign parties may not establish any further Colonies, Jewel Colonies, Joint Sovereignty Colonies, or Joint Sovereignty Jewel Colonies.
