Things got...a bit heated in this thread. I feel I have a responsibility to break a few things down if only so we're on the same page and I can expand on any point if asked:
SETTING THE STAGE
1. There was always going to be war in the South. Period. Xavax had too many nobles. It was just a matter of picking a target.
2. After the Xavax civil war, Selenia NEEDED an other against whom she could unify her subjects, otherwise the realm really would have sliced itself to pieces.
3. Selenia picked Alara because it's ruler annoyed her, but she'd also compiled the most solid cassus belli, to her mind, against Alara. I've listed them before.
SELENIA'S BAD DIPLOMACY
1. Selenia was a commoner. She does not diplomat gud. She's direct and says exactly what she means. Rynn was the diplomat(ish) and he died. Lesson learned
2. Selenia's been an isolationist from the start. She never cared about realms outside of her own...which was sufficiently powerful enough that she would not let anyone condescend to her...which most of the other rulers
did. Naturally, things got heated
3. Selenia actively baited King Starfall of Alara until he finally goofed.
4. The only messages she's sent on the ruler channel have either directly or indirectly been regarding Alara.
5. Selenia only makes deals with ruler's she's met in person and feasted with. That's why when King Warchief of Minas Nova asked to Ally with her against Alara, she refused. I regret nothing.
THE WAR
1. Xavax has only declared war against, and laid claim to, Alaran lands.
2. IF you are not fighting a war of annihilation against Xavax, you'll loose. Especially considering the hatreds that have been declared. You HAVE to destroy Xavax and force Selenia to abdicate the throne, or she will keep coming back for everyone that ever crossed her.
3. The War has been in Xavax's favor this entire time. The addition of more enemies only increase the difficulty level and makes things more interesting.
OBSERVATIONS
1. I am actually really pleased that few players even OOC have a firm grasp of what is going on. That means the propaganda mill is running strong and players are interested/engaged. Good.
2. Fair is not necessarily fun. I'm not salty that half the island has declared war against Xavax, I'm salty that Vix and Perdan did not take the time to really build a strong case to do so. It seems lazy to me. But we've gone over that already. Point is, this is BATTLEmaster, war is the game, and it's generally a fun one. And the wheel never stops turning. Who knows what wrinkles tomorrow will bring?
3. I, both as a player and speaking as specifically Selenia, rather enjoy the idea of being the Big Bad Wolf other realms are making her out to be. Demonize her if you want, good stories need great Villains. Meanwhile, she's a hero on the other side and my goals as a player is met: Build a Legacy; Make things interesting for my realm mates. IF that means being the most hated woman on the EC, no prob!
4. All and all, it's a bit more than I signed up for, but the challenge looks fun and so long as the players are having fun, then we all win. I'm pretty much exactly where I want to be.
