The Office of Lumine (Running for Frémont Senate)

[Lumine]

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the gap up with our reformers fallen!
In exile there’s nothing so becomes an Atlasian,
As tranquil rest and meditation;
But when the danger of stagnation shows its face,
Then imitate the fiery nature of the player:
Stiffen the fingers, conjure up the keyboard,
Turn moderate nature into hard-charging passion
Follow your spirit; and upon this race,
Cry “Gods for Atlasia! For Reform! And for competitive game!

Lumine for
House of Representatives:

₁

Salt Lake City, Commonwealth of Fremont,
February 19th:

Opening Speech:

Good evening, my fellow citizens.

I'm pleased to be able to speak to you once again after several months of self-imposed exile. Without wanting to dwell excessively in the past, I would like to note that despite the very regrettable and admittedly bitter circumstances of my departure, these past few months have helped me to relax and rest from the emotional rigours of the game. Although things really aren't going well in Chile, I do feel better about myself and about life, and so I return with a newfound sense of optimism and energy, and with a desire to continue fighting for the old and new causes I feel so strongly about.

Yankee asked of many of us a simple yet devastating question. If not us, who? If not now, when?

Although I did not forsee that my return would immediately result in a new run for elected office, I find myself compelled to step forward and be a candidate. This is why I'm announcing that I'll be running as a write-in candidate for the House of Representatives in the election set to start very soon. It is not a decision that I take lightly, but it is one I take with optimism and with a sense both of fulfilling a necessary purpose and having fun. I worry about the prospect of an Atlasia that becomes an uncompetitive, unengaging place that could be governed through the domination of a single party. It is something I have objected to in the past, and it is something I do object to now. I think the game benefits from competitive elections, and thus I am happy to stand and help achieve this purpose.

However, I do not run merely for the sake of running.

I would very much like to return to Congress and start a new experience as a member of the House, to offer my experience, my ideals, my principles and some old and new proposals so that I can contribute to that noble body and help the game in any way I can. Whether it is by standing for pro-environment policies, for necessary fiscal responsibility, for an active and effective foreign policy, for a spirit of reform and renewal of our political system, and by standing for newer ideas, such as dealing with the problems posed by issues like automation and the rise of technology, I feel I can be of help in offering a somewhat different perspective, either broadening the debate or ensuring said debate is more active, more engaging, and (hopefully) more responsible.

Of course, this will be quite a challenge. Not being able to vote for myself, I nonetheless intend to campaign actively and strongly during the few hours left to this campaign, and offer a more detailed list of principles and policies as well. Win or lose I intend to be an active part of this game and to continue my creative (and journalistic) efforts, but if elected I would be proud to serve actively in the House and help our Republic in any way I can.

Thank you very much,

Lumine.

_____________________________
^{1.) Image:
Utah State Capitol at night, LoneStarMike, Wikimedia Commons.}

[Lumine]

The Candidate:

• Former President (Nov. 2014 - Mar. 2015) and former Vice President (twice) of Atlasia, as well as Senator, Governor, SOS, Archduke and others. Joined in 2012.
• Owner of Reuental Media Group, publisher of two newspapers and three musicals. Has a weakness for cheap satire and non-contemporary references.
• Proud Fremonter, sincerely believes in the Commonwealth and the merits of its semi-parliamentary system.
• Convinced of the need for Atlasia to evolve with the times, particularly in terms of game mechanics.
• Would rather have the game being played in the board than elsewhere.

Platform:

An Active Foreign Policy: For the past few years I’ve been doing my best to ensure foreign policy is conducted responsibly in Atlasia, so that our Republic plays an active and positive role in the world when challenges require our action. As President I led an effective fight against ISIS without deploying land forces, as SOS I helped to negotiate the end of the war in Korea and repair our relationship to nations like Cambodia, and as a Senator I fought to increase the oversight of Congress over foreign policy, and to peacefully promote democracy and the respect of human rights. I shall fight for these principles in Congress, and will:

• Draft resolutions to express the opinion of Congress regarding significant foreign developments.
• Promote the deployment of foreign aid to address the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, and support the Transitional Government’s move for free and fair elections.
• Offer constructive criticism regarding Atlasian foreign policy, inviting Congress to propose actions to the next Administration.
• Promote a reform of how foreign aid is granted, seeking to address the potential waste and/or funding to corrupt or questionable regimes.
• Review foreign policy bills passed by Congress that may have been forgotten or not implemented.

Environmental Leadership: The challenge is today and it is urgent, and although Atlasia is far ahead than the OTL United States in terms of environmental protection there is still a lot of work to be done. Having strongly supported environmental causes in the past while in the Senate – and opposed bills that I perceived as weakening necessary measures -, I aspire to do the same in the House of Representatives. Atlasia must not only take urgent short term measures regarding endangered species and local crisis linked to global warming and pollution, it must lead actively into the foreign stage and in terms of ambitious, long-term solutions.

• Promote and accelerate decarbonization efforts, adopting measures to, for example, promote and expand public transportation, electric cars, or tough fines for business who engage in particularly harmful practices.
• Support the use of nuclear power – particularly research on Thorium-based nuclear power – as a temporary solution to phase out other non-renewable energies.
• Seek to strengthen current protections for endangered species and measures against certain instances of animal cruelty, including efforts to persuade other nations to join such efforts or follow such guidelines.
• Seek to work with the Department of State on “environmental diplomacy”, aiding current efforts or promoting new ones through resolutions.
• Explore measures such as the “biodiversity net gain” in terms of housing or commercial development in certain areas of the country.

Fiscal Responsibility: It has been my belief for years that the nation cannot afford to engage in excessive spending or bankrupt itself through debt and deficits, and thus I believe projects that seek significant levels of spending must be funded or must account for the realities of our economy. Though I am not opposed to what could be considered urgent or necessary projects, I pledge to look carefully at legislation that seeks to increase spending and oppose the notion of dumping money into problems merely for the sake of it. An Atlasia which spends far more than it has cannot be a healthy Atlasia.

Technology and Automation: Though it would be disingenuous to pretend to be 100% supportive of the RL Andrew Yang candidacy, I had a lot of sympathy for Yang and thought he raised a lot of relevant and previously under discussed issues, many of which also affect Atlasia directly. As a result, I am keenly interested in addressing the rise of technology and the growing rate of automation in our country, in the hopes that the seemingly inevitable human impact can not only be mitigated but dealt with in the long term. As a Representative, I’d like to be both promoting technology when it is beneficial and address some of the problems it may bring.

Other Domestic Policies:

• Support the expansion of housing in order to address both homelessness and the issues associated with overcrowding and excessively expensive cities. Will strongly oppose NIMBYISM as a major roadblock to solving the housing issue. Will promote local and innovative housing projects.
• Study implementation of some Yang-based proposals, including a reform on how economic indicators are set up (possible Atlasian Scorecard), dealing with the issue of personal data and its treatment as a right.
• Promote cyber-security both of individuals (fighting cyber-crime) as well as of the government (preventing cyber-terrorism).

Game Reform: Whenever the game seems to be facing some degree of stagnation, I have been of the belief that constitutional or game mechanical changes are necessary in order to stimulate change and renewal, and help the improve deal with new and old problems that arise. In that cause I have promoted several different reform programs – some successful, some never implemented -, and I would also look forward to the notion of defending reform from the House. However, it would be my goal to this time consider smaller reforms and potentially new game mechanics as opposed to wholesale constitutional reform. This may include some proposals to simulate – on an indirect, non-activity threatening - local or state governments, or reforms to the concept of special elections, among others.

Endorsements:

LouisvilleThunder
Encke
SlippingJimmy
North Carolina Yankee
RGN08
KoopaDaQuick
Weatherboy
Ishan
West_Midlander
Fhtagn
Cinyc

[Lumine]

Strongly Endorsed!!!!!! We need you now more than ever.

Strongly endorsed!

ENDORSED

I am so glad you are back!!! Endorsed!

Endorsed!

A proven candidate with a great résumé and some great ideas.

Endorsed!

Return of the King


endorsed.

ENDORSED! Return Balance to Atlasia!

Endorsed!

Glorious news! I have no idea how my ballot will look on Sunday night, but I hope you're one of the nine fighting for us in Nyman come March.

Glad to see you returning! Endorsed!

Thank you all so much for the kind comments! Have posted a platform to be as thorough as possible, though of course several ideas are still tentative given the unexpected nature of the candidacy.

I look forward to the final hours of campaiging!

[Lumine]

Thank you so much, gentlemen! I'll wait for certification before delivering a victory speech, but I do feel greatly encouraged and proud of the potential results.

[Lumine]

Will be using this portrait of the esteemed
liberal statesman Benjamin Constant from now on

₁

Victory Speech:

Salt Lake City, Commonwealth of Fremont,
February 25th:

Had I been told a few days ago that I would be back from exile and a Representative-Elect today I would have laughed in disbelief - or uttered an unkind exclamation -, but it is official. There is a lot that could be said, but I think the most important thing of all is that the sense of optimism and encouragement with which I returned a few days ago is even stronger now, and to me that is a very significant thing.

More than anything, this election was incredibly fun. Despite the limited time to campaign and to contact people the ideas flowed, the responses were unexpectedly positive, and the dynamics of the House election reminded be of my times as an At-Large Senator back in 2014, some of the best times I ever had on this game. To relieve that was a priceless experience, and I'd like to thank the friends and voters (new and old) who made that possible.

There's just too many people to mention and thank, but I'd like to offer a honorary mention to Yankee for an inspiring call into action for those of us sitting on the sidelines, to Tack and others for their encouraging comments, to those who welcomed me, those who voted for me, and those I ran with and against, all of them remarkable Atlasians.

There will be a lot of work to be done both in the House and writing for The Crusader, but I fully trust it will be fun, invigorating and hopefully productive. May not a single day of those be a dull one.

My sincere thanks, my fellow Atlasians!

Lumine.

_____________________________
^{1.) Image:
Portrait of Benjamin Constant, Lina Vallier, Wikimedia Commons.}

[Lumine]

Press Release: Recent Developments

Fremont, March 5th:

Korean Reunification:

I warmly welcome the latest vote on the National Assembly of South Korea regarding the start of the reunification process, an end to the artificial division of the Korean Peninsula imposed by the grim realities of the early Cold War and which led not only to the indescribable suffering of the North Korean people under the horrors of totalitarianism, but to the bloodshed of two difficult wars.

Despite this collective suffering, it is extremely encouraging to see not only the peace that several Presidents and Secretaries of State fought hard to achieve (for which I feel a small and personal measure of pride as one of the many involved) has lasted and remains stable, but that the process of forging a new, united and democratic Korea is now a firm reality. It will not be an easy path, and it will be filled with difficult decisions, but it is my belief that the people of both Koreas will be able to prevail on this most worthy challenge, and that the Republic of Atlasia must be as supportive of this process as it is possible. It is my hope either the President or the Secretary of State will be able to travel to Pyongyang for what promises to be a crucial meeting.

Djibouti-Eritrean Conflict:

It is clear to me that we have witnessed an act of aggression on behalf of a most reprehensible dictatorship against its neighbor, an act which should warrant international condemnation and proper support for Djibouti on this difficult time. It is also my belief that the Republic of Atlasia should undertake every diplomatic effort to get Eritrea to back down from this reckless move, and once I take office as a Representative I intend to introduce a resolution condemning Eritrea's actions and expressing to the State Department the importance of supporting Djibouti and avoiding a larger conflict in the area.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology:

The rumours and accusations surrounding the MIT and the mental health of their students are very concerning, and it is my sincere hope - and belief - both the Government of Lincoln and the Attorney General - will take appropriate actions to investigate this situation and adopt appropriate measures both to protect the students's mental health and general well-being; as well as prosecute or punish any reprehensible behavior undertaken by the MIT or other similar institutions. Though precautions must be taken regarding sensitive information in terms of the privacy of involved students, transparency on the actual events must be a goal for any authority taking up action on this crucial issue. Although I have no concrete notes on potential legislation yet, I'll be interested in debating and/or supporting potential proposals that arise before the House.

Lumine.

[Lumine]

Game Moderator Nomination

Nyman, April 12th:

My fellow Atlasians,

It has been my privilege to serve as your representative for the past six weeks. Although unexpected developments have prevented me from being active in drafting legislation, I have done my best to play an active part by debating, voting and trying to improve on bills presented to the House, so as to be a Representative that contributes to the legislative process rather than being a drawback on it. That process has proved to be an enjoyable done, and despite some misgivings I was looking forward to launching a spirited reelection campaign for a second term. Alas, events - always unexpected - have struck in a way I did not expect.

Upon the regrettable deregistration of GM Ninja, President Pericles asked me today whether I would accept nomination as GM, and upon some reflection I chose to accept. It is my belief that I can be of far more service to the nation running the Game Engine - alongside the Comptroller General - than as a Representative in the House. More importantly, I believe in the importance of the Game Engine. I pushed for the current Constitutional language on it back at the Constitutional Convention, and I've been both enthusiastic and frustrated at some of the excellent or inactive GM's we've had since then. Simply put, the game should not be just about elections.

The single biggest problem facing Atlasia is the lack of consequences for actions, and the GM can have a crucial role in a more active and engaging game. One of the most enjoyable parts of my Presidency was that I had the privilege of nominating and working with two great Atlasians as GM: Dr. Cynic and Kalwejt, both of which provided my administration with a lot of interaction, news and challenges which proved very fun to interact with. That, I think, represents what I want to see on the Game Engine. A positive factor for the game which allows officeholders and citizens to engage and enjoy more of the game, providing effects, storylines and consequences to the decisions of players that make for a more detailed experience.

I sincerely thank President Pericles for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to the Senate confirmation hearings, for which I am already preparing a set of proposals and/or general thoughts on the Game Engine. Though this will be a tremendous personal challenge, I thoroughly welcome it.

Sincerely,

Lumine.

[Lumine]

How receptive will you be of requests by users to simulate stories? Should we know anything about this process to make it a shoe in?

Very receptive. Although Deputies are a thing of the past, I'll be opening a space for players - and or unofficial deputies - to submit either story ideas or written stories, which will be published (or written) if judged acceptable or realistic enough.

Generally I'd say that people will be strongly encouraged to make requests, but that those requests aren't guaranteed to be accepted.

Still working on how I'll streamline the process to make it a bit more transparent (and whether I'll be implementing dynamics I used on hosted games at the Elections Board), but the more participation the better.

[Lumine]

“I have existed from the morning of the world
and I shall exist until the last star falls from the night.
Although I have taken the form of Lumine von Reuental,
I am all men as I am no man
and therefore I am... a god.”

I'd like to thank the Senate for its unanimous vote to confirm me as Game Moderator, and thank President Pericles once again for his kind nomination. This office will serve as an unofficial channel of communication for people to make requests/questions/suggestions/complaints or for me to make unofficial statements.

In that sense, I have three things to say:

1.- "Pontifex Maximus"

As promised, my tenure as GM will be Roman-themed in certain ways (it may be particularly noticeable on the Acta Publica). Among some purely symbolic changes, I'll be issuing a similar directive to the one I issued while serving as President Pro Tempore of the Senate (renaming the position "Princeps Senatus"). In this case, to honor the chief pontiffs of the Roman Republic by adopting the title of Pontifex Maximus.

The Game Moderator of the Republic of Atlasia is to be referred to as Pontifex Maximus for the duration of his term in office.

2.- Participation

As I've said before, I'd like to encourage public participation and interaction with the GM. After I settle into the role I'll be more able to contact people, but in the meantime:

Communication: You can approach me here, via PM or in Discord for any questions or issues you may like to bring up. Formal responses - such as official GM reports - will come via PM.

Participation: I'm open to input on potential GM storylines. My earlier poll resulted in quite a few good ideas or requests, but if people want to collaborate writing a story or suggesting one feel free to reach out in public or in private.

Interviews: Though just a secondary feature of the Game Engine, I will be conducting Crusader-style interviews, though no more than one a week. Anyone interested on being the first - or subsequent - interview can request one here or in private.

3.- Current Work

I've already started work and research during the last few days, and I'm happy to announce the following has been done:

• A draft of a proposal for simulated NPC elections in state and local government. Can be implemented as soon the South and Lincoln determine electoral systems for their regions.
• A compilation of all the storylines pursued by previous GM's since the reset, a publish "History of Atlasia" that clarifies present canon.
• The opening of the new "Acta Publica" thread, an a few Wiki updates regarding the end of Ninja's tenure and the start of my own.

I can also state I'm working on the following:

• A compilation of all the actions taken by officeholders regarding the Coronavirus, to be published as a helpful - ideally objective - guide of what's been done so far.
• Work on new storylines. There's a list ready now, articles being written for publication.

That's it for now. Really excited about this, hope to get the first stories and documents out today.

LumineVonReuental, Pontifex Maximus.

[Lumine]

End of Test Run:

May 25th, 2020:

Back when I was undergoing the Confirmation Hearings, I was worried about the potential of not being able to perform my duties actively despite my keen interest on the job. Thus, and to spare the nation the potential of another inactive GM, I made a pledge to have some sort of a 30-day test run to see whether I could indeed sustain reasonable levels of activity against RL pressure and/or duties:

What I'm not here to do is to be an inactive GM surviving through sheer inertia. I want to serve in this position and I want to serve in it for a reasonably long time, but in order to do that, I need to believe that I am doing a reasonably good job. So my pledge is this: if after the first 30 days I see that I am not being able to sustain reasonable activity levels (whether due to RL or something else), I will resign.

Happy to say that as of today it's been 30 days since I became Pontifex Maximus, and I'm reasonably satisfied with what has been done thus far. Some unfinished storylines are picked up again, I've been trying to showcase consequences (good and bad) of player actions, and we're well on our way to potentially having the first NPC elections depending on when the last regions passes appropriate legislation. So I won't be resigning and will do my best to stay on the job as long as I can whilst being effective on the role.

I have been somewhat delayed in publishing new stories because of my thesis (still writing), but I have a list of stuff that needs to go out. Not sure if people like having several stories in a single update or would prefer more frequent updates of a single story, but we'll probably be trying the second model during the week so I can get some stuff published. Also, interviews are open in case anyone is interested.

LumineVonReuental, Pontifex Maximus.

[Lumine]

Will be taking a leave of absence until Wednesday night at the very minimum. Hoping to eventually have more detailed regional numbers of the pandemic, but can't make promises due to RL time constraints.

[Lumine]

Taking on an indefinite leave of absence. Thesis is going well (thank the gods), but work pressure has me in an unpleasant situation which I need to deal with.

[Lumine]

Back! Haven't quite solved my problem, but it's becoming somewhat easier to handle. Will be resuming work on pandemic updates and the NPC elections, but happy to take requests or questions once again.

[Lumine]

Heads up, there's been a continued slowdown on updates because work pressure has resurfaced very intensely, it's taking up a lot of mental energy to address (that's why updates and some responses are still pending).

Still have my notes and a list of outstanding stuff though, hoping to be able to devote time to it soon.

[Lumine]

Four Months in Office:

September 7th, 2020:

How time flies! I noticed a couple of days ago my tenure had surpassed four months, which is the longest I've been able to fulfill a particular role since 2014 (I think). Nothing in comparison to the titans who have held the office for periods equal or longer than a year, but still something worth celebrating for myself as, unlike both periods as Vice President, the tenure is not mandated by the Constitution. Pleased to say that, at least for the time being, the Game Engine seems to be functioning as both the offices of GM/Pontifex Maximus and Comptroller General are filled and active.

It can always function better, of course, and one thing I've found surprisingly difficult to do is to maintain a decent pace of news updates (as well as handle the particular storylines).

Though deputies are no longer an official position, I'm increasingly convinced that given the responsibilities assigned to the GM - currently amplified as a by-product of NPC elections - the position is perhaps too much for a single individual, which is why I'm strongly considering invoking a possible road mentioned in my confirmation hearings and having unofficial deputies. Someone eminently qualified has expressed his future potential availability, but it never hurts to let people know I could use someone willing to write stories. Alternatively, always happy to recieve story ideas or even for people to write articles for publication in the Acta Publica after review.

NPC elections in particular are something I'm increasingly pleased with as they've surpassed virtually every expectation I've had, so it is my hope the mechanism not only continues to work and be improved, but manages to last under my eventual successor. Although there are some aspects of the game that I do miss, I do find this position very rewarding, and I expect to remain Pontifex Maximus for the forseeable future.

Anyway, just wanted to share a few reflections and/or invite comments and suggestions on what can be improved moving forward.

LumineVonReuental, Pontifex Maximus.

NEW DIRECTIVES:

Regarding different matters of interest:

The Pontifex Maximus shall maintain a thread for updates and/or clarification on current events, under the title of "Acta Publica".

The Pontifex Maximus shall run NPC elections for the state and local governments of the Republic of Atlasia at the end of every month, based upon a public and previously determined calendar and schedule. This and subsequent directives regarding said elections will be legally based upon Article VI, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Atlasia; and Section 3, ii. b of the Game Engine Reconstruction Act.

The Pontifex Maximus shall maintain a thread for rules and results concerning NPC elections for the state and local governments of the Republic of Atlasia.

State and local NPC elections shall be governed, both in terms of rules and results, via use of a formal game system. The system must consider grading methods for campaign materials, penalties and bonuses for different aspects, and its results shall be calculated by an unequal combination of three main electoral factors: player campaigning, registration and voter dynamics, and fundamental factors.

The Pontifex Maximus shall implement the electoral methods and systems determined by the regions for NPC elections via appropiate legislation within reason, and will reserve the right to determine the level of detail based on his/her possibilities as an individual.

The Pontifex Maximus will be allowed to offer limited feedback to players concerning NPC elections, ideally - but not exclusively - via a news article after every monthly set of elections. However, he/she will not be under any obligation to disclose the specific details of the "game system", campaigning marks, or any other info judged as sensitive. He/she will additionally be barred from preferential treatment in terms of disclosing information.

The Pontifex Maximus, until this directive is amended or revoked, shall make use of the "Burr System" (created by LumineVonReuental) in terms of its "game system" for NPC elections. An appropiately censored version of the system will be made public at the earliest possible moment.

Hi, I'd just like to ask for a clarification about the effectiveness of the DefeatCoronavirus app so far.

Feels rather embarrasing to have missed responding to this - could have sworn I had, yet only now I notice that I hadn't -, so my sincere apologies! I can issue a more detailed clarification in case there's still interest in one, but I can say the DefeatCoronavirus app - which on early June hadn't had much of an impact two weeks after launch - did see improved numbers thorought July and August, only to recede into the background as no additional promotion (beyond what one might expect from NPC's) was undertaken. It is generally believed it has been useful for some of the more urban-heavy states that have managed to enter a positive trend, but signups have been somewhat limited thus far.

[Lumine]

Will be taking a leave of absence for the remainder of this week.

[Lumine]

I'll try to be brief, but I did want to touch upon a few issues. Though I'll be fine in the end I have sort of reached a point of emotional exhaustion - partly due to the recent demise in my family, partly due to stress - so in a few days I'll be taking a break of a couple of weeks. Won't be available other than to start the NPC cycle on the 7th or for very urgent questions.

Nonetheless, I'll be dealing with the ongoing backlog tomorrow and wednesday, including outstanding questions ans a couple of updates and news stories, so ideally there shouldn't be anything pending once I leave. I think I have every pending request listed, but do remind me if there's anything urgent or requested in case I've missed it.

[Lumine]

Backlog has been cleared! In the Acta Publica you'll find NPC election results, stories on Paflagonia, presidential pardons and the Salt Tax, a report on international developments, and the latest pandemic update, and a clarification. I'll be taking on an extensive LOA starting on Thursday morning and will probably only be available to start the December NPC cycle on Monday, I doubt I'll be around for more.

Hopefully these new developments will keep people busy!

[Lumine]

You may have noticed the current Acta Publica update is even longer than usual, but the backlog of stories had increased significantly due to recent player actions - or interactions - and ongoing storylines, so I put four events this time to get things moving.

Expect at least one more publication this week (more but not solely focused on the pandemic), with a couple of very important developments.

[Lumine]

By the power invested in the Game Engine by the Amendment to the Lincoln Downballot elections Act, all terms of governors, legislators, and local officers elected between July and December 2020 are extended by a single month. All elections for said positions are postponed by a month.

The Pontifex Maximus recognizes the Frémont State and Local Government Special Extension Act, and will alter election dates and terms accordingly.

(Almost nine months in office! I'm utterly astounded I've lasted this long in a single position)

[Lumine]

On the Future:

February 23rd, 2021

With the electoral process finally over, I wanted to take the time to issue a few thoughts and, after informing the President-Elect of a decision of mine taken before the election, make an announcement.

The first order of business is, naturally, to congratulate Chief Justice Windjammer on a rather stunning election victory. While not completely surprising due to being more than aware of his Pre-Reset electoral prowess, it is still quite an achievement. The same goes for the victors and their challengers, many of which put up impressive fights amidst an election season which, sadly, has had its share of drama and controversy. On an additional note, I also thank those who wrote in my name for office, it is greatly appreciated.

As I told the President-Elect today, it is my intention to step down as Pontifex Maximus / Game Moderator in the next few days, hopefully - but not necessarily - with a successor in place. However, it is not my intention to leave with stuff left to do, so I'll be addressing the GM backlog during the next few days to ensure the incoming Administration and or the citizens have all the contextual information they require. By my mental count, the current backlog includes:

• -A pandemic and vaccine distribution update
• -A foreign policy update, addressing the status of current storylines
• -Pending discussions with the Secretary of State (apologies for this!)
• -A report to Congress on High Speed Rail (requires a CG response)
• -A ruling/report based on a player request (also requires a CG response)
• -A few additional rulings, some based on player info (Koopa in particular made a contribution)
• -February NPC results, naturally

It is possible I'm missing some stuff, so please let me know if there's something I left out (also last chance to make requests, but bear in mind the current backlog will already require a ton of work).

LumineVonReuental, Pontifex Maximus.

[Lumine]

Thank you all for the kind comments, it is inmensely appreciated!

I've honestly enjoyed serving on this position and exploring new stuff, though I admit that a combination of RL issues and how impossible the position seems to be at times (the Game Engine is in dire need of being completely overhauled, I think) has led to feeling a bit burned out and in need of a break.

[Lumine]

GM Directive 001 - concerning the temporary renaming of the office - is hereby rescinded.

[Lumine]

Getting Started:

October 19th, 2021:

GM Directive 011 - revoking the temporary renaming of the office - is hereby rescinded. The Game Moderator is to be referred to as Pontifex Maximus.

GM Directives 003 to 008 - governing matters concerning the NPC elections - are temporarily suspended.

[Lumine]

Forgot former President Sev considered the NPC Elections Visibility Act of 2021 as signed, so today I'm formally invoking one of its clauses to suspend NPC elections (which is already a reality) for some time. I'll look into what criteria we may need in order to establish what's the minimum amount of people that would have to be interested in order to be viable, but right now I must focus on moving the storylines forward (update is being written as we speak).

NPC Follow-Up:

November 19th, 2021:

In accordance with Section 2.2 of the NPC Elections Visibility Act of 2021, and perceiving a lack of sufficient public interest regarding NPC state and local elections, the Pontifex Maximus hereby suspends said NPC elections until further notice.