THE X-FILES / ISSUE 05

Day 3,163, 10:17 Published in USA USA by Hadrian X

 
SECTIONS
I. INTERVIEW/THE ORDER OF THE PEN – Interview with furry footed Press Secretary, Aramec
II.  FEATURE/THE POWER LIST – Part 2: #11-15
III.  THIRD BASE (aka THE HOT CORNER) – Super hot elf, Evangeline Lilly
IV.  EDITOR’S NOTES
 

 

 
I. THE ORDER OF THE PEN
By Hadrian X

I chat it up with resident Press Secretary-in-Chief and Dungeon Master extraordinaire, Aramec.

Hadrian X:  What is your proudest accomplishment as perennial eUS Press Secretary?

Aramec: By far, it's been getting people to remember why they played - and more importantly enjoyed - this game. Back in March, after I wrote the two party St. Patty's Day Special for Israel Stevens, he messaged me. It'd been sort of a rough week for him if I recall, and he just sends me this forum PM in the evening around midnight. "You make me remember why I've stuck around so long," he said in it. I think that's the best thing I could've hoped for with all of this Press Secretary business. Every time someone remarks about how my Briefings make them smile, I know I'm doing something right.

HX:  What were you doing 10 minutes before you started this interview?

Aramec: I was watching the History Channel mini-series called The Men Who Built America. It's a fantastic series about people like Vanderbilt, JP Morgan, Rockefeller, and Carnegie, and how they essentially created the modern American dream from the ashes of the Civil War. As the Dungeons and Dragons campaign world I'm currently running is set in a land heavily influenced by the Gilded Age, it started out as me watching it for research, but it's a surprisingly well done series for the History Channel. 

HX:  If the admins ever read this, what do you think can be done to improve player retention in the game?

Aramec: Give someone else a try at running this damned thing. You've all failed enough by now.

HX:  How long do you think you’d live if you could only eat McDonalds – every meal of every day, forever –  kind of like the dude in Super Size Me?

Aramec:  If the implicit message is that by eating McDonalds forever, I thereby agree to live forever, thus granting me a sort of deal with the burger devil for immortality, then I absolutely wouldn't stop eating Big Macs. I would consume them, in homage to my great lord McDonald, praying to the Clown God for his granting me the benevolence of unending life with his delicious and jovial meals. I would not cease my consumption, unless I was somehow able to prevent the death of a loved one or something. You know, selflessness and all that.

HX:  Why are press and media important to the game of eRep?  What do you see as your main contributions to the game currently and going forward?

Aramec:  At it's heart, this is a social game. That was what it was built on, that is what drew us all in. Community, friendship, rivalry; these are the pillars of the experience promised to us. And media is the currency through which we do war with one another. In the grand old days, nations rose and fell on the writing of others. But, in today's environment, media's role has much more been relegated to remembrance, information conveyance, and entertainment. I like to think that I remind people why this game is worth playing. My Country Presidency wasn't the flashiest - though we did become an empire, shoutout to Colin Lantrip - but I think it was fun. As this game has no real way to win it, the next best thing is to enjoy it. Going forward, I hope to continue to remind people that there's more to this than fake currency, digital awards, and made up political posts.

HX:  Is the Fifth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons the best?  Please defend your response.  Also, what skills make a good dungeon master and do you think I personally have the required elements of said skill set?

Aramec:  Fifth edition is without a doubt the best. It's a coalition of all the good parts of other editions. 3.5 was always my jam and jelly, and even though I bought every book of 4e, it never felt like I had the real meat that 3.5 allowed DM's to have in homebrew creation and really crafting a world. 5th gives me all of that, while providing not only an easy entry for first time players to access the rules and feel of the game, but also allowing long time veterans to sink their teeth back into the roleplaying aspects. It's absolutely the best time I've had with the game in years, and I can't wait to keep going with it. As for what makes a good DM, it's someone who is unafraid, who can prepare for every scenario and still adapt on the fly. The best DM is the one who has the party's interest in their mind, as well as the integrity of the story. It is someone who can weave together disparate characters into a cohesive narrative, and be entertaining while doing so. It's a hard, varied set of skills acquire😛 one part director, one part actor, and one part improviser. It's the best kind of storyteller you can hope for. I'm not the best, but I certainly aspire to be among the higher ranks, and my groups never complain. So I take that as a good sign. 😁 

HX:  Aircraft – good for the game, bad for the game or 100% pure Salmonella?

Aramec:  100% pure Salmonella. Idgaf about what economic module eRep uses or doesn't, honestly. That side of the game has never been why I stuck around, and I think tampering with it too much has only been a reason why others have left. Lemme know when admin starts caring about the social side to things again and you'll have my attention.

HX:  If you could live in any TV show, what show would you pick and why?

Aramec:  Firefly, because... c'mon.

HX:  Since you are the god of press and stuff, who would you select for your Pantheon of eRep gods and what would they represent?

Aramec:  Aside from the obvious answer (monotheism, Dio ofc) I would have a bevy of saints and devils in my pantheon. Emerick would head up the faith of SEES, with St. Krems as a key player there. Pfeifferism would be it's own sort of Satanic cult, with members prostrating themselves before his alter of Boy Scout sashes before they kill themselves out of true devotion on the sword of USWP. Oblige would naturally consider himself a monotheistic cult in the same way of Pfeiffer. The Old Gods of people like Pearlswine, PiZ, and Scrabman would not be as celebrated by the people of the land, though some adherents would continue to incorporate their teachings. Overall, it would be a chaotic mess, with no true realization of divinity held; there would be no true gods for sure, just pretenders hoping their legacy lasts.

HX:  Have you found an Articuno yet?  If so, where did you find it and did you do a touchdown dance (please describe) when you did?  If not, how hard are you looking for it and why are you sitting here answering these questions instead of out looking?

Aramec:  The birds are a myth, and to seek them is to grasp at dream.

HX:  Since this interview is part of our series on eUS power players, of which you have been selected, I wanted to ask what is power?  And, in your opinion, who in the eUS has it?

Aramec:  Power is influence, or more directly, the ability to translate your own desires for the game and country into reality. For parties, this means who is able to elect CP after CP. For battles, it's who has the most medals. There are different quantifiers for each segment of the place. I think we all have the power in some manner, from the upstart Party President to the backroom cabinet adviser. As much as one person might like to pretend they have the power, however, the only true one is the ability to turn this game on and off, and in that regard, it is admin who reigns as god. The rest of us are but false shepherds.

Thanks A!
 

 
II. THE POWER LIST – Part 1 of 4
 
Who are the most powerful and influential citizens in the eUS?  We took a completely unscientific poll to find out.
 
To see the methodology and players ranked #16-20, click HERE.

To see the full POWER LIST, click HERE.
 
For Rankings #11-15 of THE X-FILES 1ST POWER LIST, read on:
 
#15 – Paul Proteus

 
What is your current title and what do you do?

Paul Proteus:  Currently? I'm uh Fed VP, Fed PD and uh in Congress I guess, in SCI actually. That's about it. I mostly do party work to be honest, it's more rewarding.

What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?

Paul Proteus: I mean, I was Swiss President a few times xd. Also you know POTeUS. That went less well but it went, back when a few more people were alive to vote. My proudest accomplishment, and perhaps my only accomplishment, was being one of the people who wrote articles when rainy ran for president. We almost did something great. Otherwise I continue existing. Hopefully that ends up being worthwhile for the community, if not I should probably disappear. 

If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?

Paul Proteus: Well, maybe we could take a chance. On anything, on anyone. I want to see more Presidents willing to take risks. I also want them to write articles and play this game for what it is. A little more roleplaying, a little less reverence to how we played the game in 2012 when there were thousands of us instead of dozens. If anyone ever wanted to make me CoS or SecMed I think I could do some good, but I'm not sure most people want to do anything beyond what they are used to. 

What others say about Paul Proteus:
 
“Quiet, but carries a big stick. Very influential within the Feds.”
 
 “Though he's had enmity grown against him in places like SFP for what he's said, there can be no denying that if he had not been here, the Federalist ship would've sailed off course a while ago.”
 
“When Paul writes, it’s always in the Top 5.”
 
 
#14 – Deepchill

 
*EDITOR’S NOTE: Deepchill was approached for comment, but did not respond.  Therefore, we asked Roper 70 to answer on his behalf.*

**UPDATE: Deepchill was camping, but has since returned and answered our questions. Since we fear his wrath, but also because from all accounts he's a super nice chap, we're adding the "real" answers below. Enjoy!**
 
What is Deepchill’s current title and what does he do?
 
Roper 70 for Deepchill:  Hell, I don't know man. I don't know his current title.
 
What other positions has Deepchill held and what would you consider his proudest accomplishments?
 
R704DC:  I know he was SoA, few cabinet jobs and maybe even potus. But hell if I know when or where but that's only because I stopped paying attention.
 
If Deepchill could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?
 
R704DC:  Stop going along with and thinking the screwed up eNational enviroment USWP created is a good thing.... That's not Deepchill, That's every damn congressman/woman & gov't lackey.  That's directed at everyone who has turned a blind eye to 5 years of bullshit.

In his own words:
What is your current title and what do you do?

Deepchill: Lead the most badass MU in eUSA

What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?

Deepchill: PotUS, USWP PP, Founder of EZC's Political Party, NSC Director.

Bringing EZC to the top along with an amazing team of Officers is by far my proudest accomplishment.

If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?

Deepchill: Everyone should focus on working together, parties, MUs, Congress. It would make eUSA a power machine.
 
What others say about Deepchill:
 
“Commander of eUSA's most important Military Unit.”
 
“Dude never quits.”
 
“CO of EZC, commands the largest/best private MU in the eUS, and that demands certain respect and commands influence.”
 
 
#13 – Orikfricai

 
*EDITOR’S NOTE: Orikfricai was approached for comment and was unable to respond in time for publication.  Therefore, I asked Resoula to answer on his behalf.*
 
**UPDATE: Orik originally turned in answers but eRep's DM's delete on their own so they were lost to history due to my not copying them down fast enough. But he has re-sent his REAL answers and I'm adding them below. Enjoy!**

What is Orik’s current title and what does he do?
 
Resoula for Orikfricai:  Orikfricai is the current holder of the sleeping salmonella. His job is to protect that salmonella with his life and plant it into other unsuspecting soon-to-be salmonites. Salmonella will live forever.
 
What other positions has Orik held and what would you consider his proudest accomplishments?
 
R4O:  Orik has held some meaningless government positions. Nothing that lives up to his current position as the holder of the sleeping Salmonella however. He has been training for this his whole life and now he is ready. The Salmonella will never die.
 
If Orik could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?
 
R4O:  Orik would give everyone the gift of Salmonella. Everyone needs to know the joy that Salmonella brings. Everyone needs to know how Salmonella makes the world a better place. He would ask you to join him. Accept the sleeping Salmonella. Take it into your being. Be one with the Salmonella.
 
Unfortunately, Orikfricai was relieved of the blessing of Salmonella. The sleeping Salmonella awoke inside him and sensed his impurity. We learned Orikfricai could not answer these questions himself because the sleeping Salmonella had been leaving his body. We look forward to replacing this once loyal Salmonite with somebody who is much more worthy.

In his own words:
What is your current title and what do you do?

Orikfricai:
I am currently Director of the National Security Council and Co-Secretary of State. As NSC Director I assign priority to battles both home and abroad and direct damage to them. As Co-Secretary of State, I represent the eUS abroad as a diplomat and negotiator.

What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?

Orik:
Nationally, I have held every position from Co-Deputy Secretary of Citizen Affairs all the way up to Country President and Dictator. My proudest accomplishment is definitely my CP term. The country didn't blow up, we didn't lose any cores, and business was maintained.

If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?

Orik:
There's a certain apathy amongst the players, young and old. The old players are apathetic because they feel like they've done their fill of work and are content to rest on their laurels while still playing puppetmaster with younger players. Young players are apathetic because older players claim they aren't active anymore, yet still control things from the shadows.
 
What others say about Orikfricai:
 
“This guy is a workhorse of a player.”
 
“He didn't really want the Presidency, and that showed, but him anywhere else and he gets stuff done.”
 
“He's been a go-to guy for the Feds for a while.”
 
 
#12 – Wooky Jack

 
What is your current title and what do you do?
 
Wooky Jack:  I am currently the Chairman of the Socialist Freedom Party.  I love.  I fight.  I write.
 
What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?
 
Wooky Jack:  I listed my positions in my profile.  My proudest accomplishment was working to get the Socialist Freedom Party from the 6th rank to the 2nd with Jude Connors during the spring of 2015.
 
If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?
 
Wooky Jack:  Set term limits on Congress and Speaker of the House.  It would push out the Congress members and Speakers who have held those titles for years…yes, years.  
 
What others say about Wooky Jack:
              
“Controls the SFP.”
 
 “The defacto leader of the Opposition to the ‘elites’ [and] is also very prominent in SFP.”
 
“More connected and aware than anyone gives him credit for.”
 
“Sits atop a huge pile of soft power in the SFP writer's caucus.”
 
“If there was a face of the SFP block, it would be his.”
 
 
#11 – Aramec

 
What is your current title and what do you do?

Aramec:  I am currently, and have been for the last four months, Press Secretary.
 
What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?

Aramec:  Party President of the UIP, Party President and Founder of the LAP and the Stardust Crusaders, Secretary of Media, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Citizen Affairs, Secretary of State, Vice President, and - finally and most proudly - President of the eUnited States of America. That was a good day, that election.
 
If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?

Aramec:  I'd get rid of the jadedness everyone seems to grip to. So much of our recent policies have been ones of caution and bitterness, any new idea brought by a new face to our political fold is immediately shot down. The novelty is drained for most of us, and that doesn't make for a very fun game. It's part of the reason why we now see a net loss in new players and retention efforts. Of course, the gypsies don't make this game easy to love, but the community was always the brightest spot. If we're not into keeping it that way, we shouldn't be surprised when no one is enticed to join.
 
What others say about Aramec:
 
“Press Briefings, strong media, and beloved by many.”
 
“Another skilled writer, and shadowy player.  Thinks he has more influence than he really does.  His party jumping hurts him.”
 
“Would probably be super influential if he actually was committed to anything long term.”
 
“[Has] bursts of energy that always produce fun.”
 
 

 
III. THE HOT CORNER
 
Evangeline Lilly played Tauriel the elf who was the love interest of Kili who was a friend of Bilbo Baggins who was a hobbit and possibly a distant relative of Aramec.  Six degrees of Aramec (sort of… well, close enough).
 


IV. EDITOR’S NOTES
 

 
The WINNER(s) of last issue's COLIN LANTRIP MEMORIAL AWARD OF COMMENTING EXCELLENCE and (sharing) $1,000 USD/cc are GNILRAPS and ISRAEL STEVENS!
 

 

 
Do YOU want to WIN the Lantrip Award and $1,000/cc!  Of course you do!  WRITE A COMMENT and if it gets the MOST LIKES, you WIN!
 
See the illustrious previous Lantrip Award Winners HERE.

And thanks for reading and voting!
 

 
VOTE THIS UP PLEASE!  Do it for the kitties.  Everyone loves kitties.  Thanks!
 

Editor's Note:  No kittens were harmed in the writing of this issue.
 
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