Successful start for Defender Awards

After months of planning the First Annual Defender Awards got off to a successful start this week, which has resulted in a very busy time for the organisers. Following a period of promotion, the FRA forums have been inundated with people from all sides of the Nationstates spectrum, ranging from past defenders and invaders to current ones.

With all awards bar one being contested, one of the awards which has gained the most interest is the Lifetime Achievement Award for Dedication to Defending, which has seen 10 nations already reaching the required quota with still another week left before the nomination period closes.

With invaders also being allowed to participate in this year’s award ceremony, it has allowed for some interesting choices to be made for certain awards. The Blackbird Award for the Invader group which is viewed by the community as the greatest of last year for whatever reason, has seen the usual names being put up for vote, such as the DEN and Lone Wolves United. This year has also seen the rise to fame of Catlandatopia who have carved out a reputation for being ruthless invaders, often gaining a superior amount of nations to that of the defending force. Despite being attributed to the destruction of a number of regions, Catlandatopia has also helped out a number of regions by helping them to refound.

Northern Chittowa, the organiser of the event has stated how pleased he is with the turnout so far, and hopes for the initial success to continue, ‘It has been an amazing turnout thus far. I have been pleasantly surprised at how well it is doing just now, and with another week of nominations yet to start, I am very hopeful now of this not only being a successful event this year, but also for the years to come.’

Northern Chittowa, who has found himself nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award has also hinted at possible changes to be made for next time, ‘With these being the first of its kind for the Defender world, and the first I have organised myself, there were always going to be a few teething problems and that’s the case. There are things which can be improved slightly and awards which should be changed or introduced’

With the excitement now building with only one week left for nominations, those who have already been added to the ballot have been left to hope that luck is on their side come voting day.