Real life

Real life or RL is the cause of death of most nations in NS. RL exists on the same plane of existence as the real world (though RL activities are not nearly as hotly debated as those of RL), wherein developments serve to distract the leaders of nations, causing them to die off. Frequently these same leaders will return to NS after a short or more lengthy hiatus, due to shifting circumstances in RL (e.g., they were just bored and decided to check in again).