Opinion: Guild Hostility

Written by Chin-Chillas, KN Editor-in-Chief.

As the mid-term challenge for the Chancellor spot unravels and Chancellor Morrenstein migrates from Axiom to the Lords Guild, this writer is becoming concerned of the potential inter-guild hostility that our own fairly sedated guild could be dragged into. The kind of personal conflict currently emanating between the incumbent Chancellor and Senator Hadisthe, coupled with recent calls for more Guild independence and sovereignty leads me to question whether in all this we're actually having a detrimental effect on the identity and solidarity of Equinox as a region.

Don't get me wrong - I'm all for Guild independence in operating procedure, leadership, military and ideology, but I think a line needs to be drawn. The Crusaders of Justice [CoJ], the central hub of activity and attraction for new members of the Axiom Guild, have in the last few weeks taken their HQ offsite to an independent forum. Whilst the offsite CoJ barracks have been ruled as still under the legal codes and authority of Equinox, they have nonetheless in reality moved out of the enforceable realm of the Equinox government. What's more, their NationStates wide recognition is arguably greater than the region's, and comes largely without any acknowledgment of Equinox. Moreover, at least to me, it seems to me that the Axiom Guild is happy to take all the benefits that comes from being a guild of Equinox; a constant supply of new recruits from the region's always rising citizenry, a home on the NationStates site, and of course the constant, high quality competition from their intellectual betters at the Lords Guild (heh). Yet they constantly strive for more independence from the Equinox region, and are largely nothing but unpleasant to the other guilds. We're known as "(put your own term here) in the Lord's guild" and Sopo's recent entirely sarcastic KN piece on the Axiom Guild newspaper was said to contain "sickening hyperboles and vomit-inducing melodramatics", whilst the Ministry of Silly Walks are now frequently coined as the "Silly Wankers".

It is true however that the Axiom Guild has brought a great deal to Equinox as well. Their early rise to activity was the driving force behind early regional initiatives that have undoubtedely led to our success today, and the emergence of the CoJ has brought a great deal of interest to the region by nations in pursuit of CoJ membership.

Regardless however, is the condescending and often rude attitude of some Axiom members towards other guilds warranted? Guild competition is an inevitable, healthy and intended result of the guild monarchy, but is the level of hostility currently existing between some opposing guild members healthy or constructive for the region? Perhaps it's time for the King to step in and start stamping out some of the childish quarreling between citizens, and guild interaction have some form of regulation. At the end of the day it's Equinox that stands to suffer from this, and our dependence on the reputation and condition of our region is something we all have in common.

News: Chancellor Challenge Ongoing

Written by Sopo, KN Contributor

It came as a shock to many when Hadisthe's plans to challenge Chancellor Morrenstein were uncovered. Directly following the Chancellor's transfer to the Lords' Guild from the Axiom Guild, Hadisthe began sending Private Messages informing some citizens of his intent to challenge Morrenstein for the position of Chancellor. Before Hadisthe had the chance to make the announcement himself, Morrenstein put the plan out into the open. Immediately, insults started to fly and King Falconias threatened to "veto" the Challenge: "I am vetoing this challenge."

A number of debates are currently underway, over such issues as Federal v. Guild government and immigration. Hadisthe has made his views clear on the government, and one of his first statements proves it, "Guilds should be sovereign within their own spheres at all times." Morrenstein seemed to dissent with his comment about Federal/Guild jurisdiction, "As axiom property, it falls under our Constitution as well as the Charter of the Axiom Guild." The questions and campaigns are ongoing, but it is unclear when (if at all) the election will take place. No matter the result, this election will be one for the hsitory books.

Opinions: Axiom Newspaper=Poop

Disclaimer: This article is a piece of sarcasm. Do not be offended, I come in peace.

At the launch of the Knightly News, I was excited because for the first time, the Lords' Guild would be doing something no one else had yet achieved. Chin Chillas created a newspaper, a media outlet promising to be the dominant source of edutainment in the region. I smiled as I saw the announcement, and quickly signed up to write a bit. My excitement was soon diminished by a terrible would-be copyright infringement, of ideas that is. 

Scrolling down the Equinox forum as usual, I spotted something. It was different. "Oh, look- SOMEONE POSTED IN ALL CAPS!" I saw Axiom in the title, so I clicked to see what tom-foolery those guys were up to. Much to my surprise, Axiom squeezed a newspaper out of Nordlijnonia. Fresh squeezed, actually. I winced as I read it... my whole life's dream, thrashed and destroyed by the selfish Axiom Guild. No longer would Lords' be the special one, no longer would we be the media kings. My blood boiled, my stomach twisted, and my voice box shrunk two sizes. I let out a squeaky gasp, and forced myself to read the trashy post.

I wept as my eyes glossed over the competition. It was worse than I feared. They were actually trying to be funny. Worse than that, people seemed to be buying it! The main article detailed the do-nothing Senate, and demonstrated the sheer yuckieness of everyone in Axiom. Clearly, the writer was jealous of the silent action by Senator Sopo and his comrades. Posting does not mean activity, and the new Senate has demonstrated that. Look at all the accomplishments already! A Speaker is soon to be elected, legislation is soon to be written, and historical achievements are soon to be made. Between you and me, that's a lot more than the article is letting on.

Not only that, but those buggers had the nerve to use a logo that says "EQUINOX NEWS". If that's Equinox News, then they must be intent on insulting both news and Equinox. But no, they couldn't just use the simple, albeit misused, name "EQUINOX NEWS", they had to make my eyes bleed with a giant banner reading "AXIOM 'WE DON'T GIVE A DAMN' EVERY SO OFTEN". What's that supposed to mean? It definitely lacks the elegance of "Knightly News" and surely can't be their real name. Well, it is. I think to save us all some time, we'll just use the catchy acronym "AWDGADESO". You see? Throw in a little Spanish accent, and it may catch on.

But really, Axiom Guild, why did you do this to me? To us? You've sucked out my soul. The only up-side is, without a soul I can write things like this.

Sopo, Opinion and Political Columnist, Knightly News

The Launch

It's been a long time in coming, but I am pleased to welcome you to the opening edition of Knightly News - Equinox's first independent news publication, brought to you by the Lords Guild! It is our aim to bring regular up-to-date news and commentary on the affairs of our guild, our region and the NationStates world at large. We strive to provide an all-inclusive, thought-provoking and alternative news source for the region of Equinox.

We're currently recruiting for editors of all areas of Nationstates life, so whether your interest be in World Assembly affairs, legislative review, the monarchy or even just plain complaining I implore you to apply for a place on the Knightly News team. All we ask is you be both a citizen of Equinox and a member of the Lords Guild.

Also, please send in your stories or news of any development you think we may be interested in covering. We can be reached by telegram to the nation Knightly Paper Boy.

Keep checking in, updates will follow shortly.

Hail Knightly News!
Hail the Lords Guild!
Hail Equinox!

Regards,

Chin-Chillas
Editor-in-Chief