January-February 2014

[Lapeirousia]

January - February 2014

Delegate of The East Pacific: Bachtendekuppen
Provost of the Magisterium: A Slanted Black Stripe
Viceroy of the Conclave: Todd McCloud

In This Issue:
*A Word From The Delegate!
*TEP Joins Defenderdom!
*Friendships Rekindled!
*University Ransacked!
*Swords & Stratagem!
*Unchallenged Tyranny!
*Power Struggle!
*Galaxy Discovered!
*Secret New Government!
*Poetic Duel!

The East Pacific and the first steps of 2014

Be Delegate for at least one term. Check. Still alive. Check. No depression. Check. Things have been going well!

Seriously though, since our last update in December 2013, there's again a lot to tell about TEP. Busy people and lot's of posts: this update will try to enlighten you, interested Foreigner, in the intricate happenings on East Pacific soil. As Delegate I say, enjoy!

There are two important things I'd like to talk to you about myself. It seems that I have the right to do that. Comes with the territory and all.

Firstly, we have had a lot to celebrate in TEP. TEP Liberation day, on the 20th of December, marks the day that the Empire was ousted from the region. TEP Concordat day, following on the 11th of January, celebrates that day that the Concordat was established after said ousting and finally TEP Democracy Day on the 20th of January which marks the day the first Delegate was elected under the new Concordat.

These holidays are, without a doubt, about the most important happenings in our history, shaping The East Pacific in very distinctive ways for the future. We remember not only the bad, but mostly the strength, endurance and regrowth showed by The East Pacific and it's members, something we endlessly try to live up to.

Secondly, The East Pacific voted on February 6th in favor of the Defender Act. This act states that, in line with its appreciation for the values of sovereignty and self-determination, The East Pacific affirms being a Defender oriented region. The East Pacific wouldn't be TEP if it didn't do that in its own special way: the Act also explicitly affirms the regions historical openness to players of all beliefs and ideologies, as well as the equality of all it's Citizen's and Residents.

The focus of The East Pacific will mostly remain where it's always been, with the other Feeders and GCR's, focused on friendly relations and mutual cooperation, tolerance and maturity. A strong bond between regions in alike circumstances will benefit them all. Affirming to be a Defender oriented region does not change this focus or openness, but is rather an added aspect to TEP's identity and values.

What is TEP? It's the region I have the honor of representing. The place for all kinds of players to grow and blossom. A place of fun, thoughtfulness and refinement.

And we have a bright future ahead.

Bachtendekuppen,
Puffin Delegate of The Sovereign East Pacific

TEP JOINS DEFENDERDOM!
The following article published by the EPNS details the passing of the Defender Act:
link to NS thread


FRIENDSHIPS REKINDLED!
Two notable accomplishments for the Delegate's first term has been to renew the ties between TEP and its' allies. The "TREATY BETWEEN THE EAST PACIFIC AND LAZARUS" was ratified by the Magisterium on Jan. 7th and "An Act of Friendship and Mutual Respect for Sovereignty between The East Pacific and The United Defenders League" was ratified by the Magisterium on Jan. 17.

The new TEP-Laz Treaty replaces the TEP-Laz treaty that has been in affect since 2009. TEP recognizes the People's Republic of Lazaruz under the PRL constitution as the rightful government of Lazarus, and Laz continues to recognize the government under the Concordat as the rightful government of TEP. The differences between the old and new treaties are more specific terms and a cultural cooperation section.
(view treaty)

TEP previously had a treaty with the UDL. It was cancelled soon after Unibot left by Solm because TEP attacked regions who had embassies with GGR. This new treaty irons out those differences by acknowledging TEP will attack its enemies, and that if the UDL chooses to defend those regions, neither TEP nor the UDL will let that conflict affect the alliance.
(view treaty)


UNIVERSITY RANSACKED!
The historic and treasured University of The East Pacific (UTEP) is now unrecognizable. It was once a beautiful archive of knowledge, but is now an amalgamation of empty forums and mind-numbing trivia. The disaster started soon after the third chancellor since UTEP's refounding took his seat. The work of the first chancellor, Bachtendekuppen, was completely disrespected and relegated to a subforum. What has happened?



The University's chancellors are elected by the "holders of knowledge" (teachers), not the general populace. Once elected, chancellors have absolute power over UTEP. Apparently, soon after the current Chancellor, Old Federalia, was elected, two holders resigned. Was this in protest to the changes?

When asked if he wants to destroy UTEP, the chancellor replied, "I asked the citizens what they thought of the University. They like it, but want more than just a library." A further inquiry asked about enrollment, "No, enrollment hasn't improved. My goals are in sequence. This is the third month of a four month term. The last month will be devoted to recruiting students. The first three months are the preparation period. Expect a culmination for all to see in March...did I mention chess?..."



SWORDS & STRATAGEM!
The University of TEP invites its friends from all over to enter it's first "Inter-Regional Chess Tournament." There will be both individual and team tournaments. Details here: entry thread


UNCHALLENGED TYRANNY!
The former liberator of TEP dominates East Pacifican legislative affairs, and remains unchallenged. Feinting an offer to not stand for re-election as Provost (Speaker) of the Magisterium (Legislature) in favor of any other candidate, A Slanted Black Stripe made sure he received a landslide victory. That shouldn't be surprising, since the only one willing to go head to head with the Magis' boss was a fictional character. That's right, Mickey Mouse received the only vote not cast for ASBS, besides ASBS' "noble" abstention. On Jan. 29th, Provost ASBS became the second person to be elected provost three times in a row. (Congratulations, Stripe!)



POWER STRUGGLE!
The Magisterium has reorganized the judicial branch of TEP. The result of two amendments will presumably displace TEP's long tradition of "common law" with "civil law." While the reliance on the judiciary to govern was never official, the changes to the Concordat will undeniably place a responsibility to create effective statutory laws on the legislature.



In the last update, an amendment to the Conclave (Judiciary) was announced. The first change to the Conclave in five years replaces a changing number of Arbiters (judges) with life terms, to four Arbiters with six month terms. This "Sixth Amendment" ratified on Jan. 30th to the glee of many TEPers in hopes that Arbiters will either become active or be replaced.

Additionally, the seventh amendment will create summary and indictable offenses if ratified by the citizenship. Currently, the Delegate punishes adspam and endocap infractions without the Conclave, but the courts remains dormant. It is thought the recognition of the two types of crimes will place an emphasis on the lack of real crimes, but others fear the Conclave will be sidelined.

Former chief justice, or Viceroy, Jurisdictions expressed his concern for the impending changes via a post in the Magisterium, "What I am truly frustrated with, is the lack of consultation of the Conclave during these times for amendment." Provost A Slanted Black Stripe responded, "We spend a great deal of time debating the legal ramifications of these changes. However, we do not defer to the Conclave for their exclusive legal opinion as we do our job."


GALAXY DISCOVERED!
A spiral galaxy was discovered within the borders of TEP. Apparently, this galaxy contains 300 billion stars, and, luckily, is dominated by humans (no alien threat to TEP). The spacefaring civilizations within were once under the sway of the Galactic Federation of Planets, but that galaxy-wide government has all but disbanded. Now the galaxy's planets are in military and economics battles for control of trade routes. There is little chance for a new galactic order, but that won't stop many from trying. There will be plenty of pacts signed, backs stabbed, and cargo ships raided.



The residents of TEP have flocked to the "Planet RP" in hopes of displacing disinterest in the nation RP, including veteran RPers East Malaysia and Southern Yugoslavia. An up-and-comers in the RP is Xoriet. Her planetary religion is just a interesting as her vivid characters, making her planet the most exciting one among many.

(To view the galaxy and read about the planets, check the Map of Galaxy.)


SECRET NEW GOVERNMENT!
Nations from across TEP are secretly discussing the formation of a new government. There has been widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo. The details are not yet released, but there is hope for a government with a strong legislature. The representative of an anonymous nation had this to say, "What do you mean a secret government? Who are you? Get out of here before I call security. SECURITY! SECURITY!"
(View the negotiations: The Confederated East Pacific)


POETIC DUEL!
The East Pacific is suffering through a pandemic of sorts. Since the start of the University Poetry Competition, natives of TEP have joined the forum just to submit their entries.

In an effort to enroll more students, the University created a new position: Poet Laureate. The residents of TEP will select the best poet out via a poll on the region's page. The winner will receive a special badge and be expected to write poems for TEP's official holidays.

Badge:


Runner-ups:


As a parting gift, here's a notable entry for your viewing pleasure:

"In days of old when knights were bold
and toilets were not yet invented,
They laid their load beside the road
and walked away contented. "
--Teutonic Territory


Thanks for reading!
--Bach, Delegate
--OF, MoFA