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“Even Castles made of sand, fall into the sea, eventually.” – Jimi Hendrix TL;DR – Mensa HQ is disbanding. Like a sandstorm, Mensa HQ took over in the politics and warfare of PnW in a quick blinding movement that has arguably taken many by surprise and has directly AND indirectly changed the course of the game’s few facets of playing. In our second year of establishment, arguably our prime year, we’ve dominated the scene of military prowess and have held a strong voice (Sometimes an annoying one) in how politics play out. Initially starting off with an aggressive power holding leader in Pfeiffer and eventually going through Vanek then finally Avruch, Mensa has shifted from a villainous role to a more orderly role that wasn’t willing to take bullshit from anyone – both in allies and enemies alike. As a community, we often took the stance that as long as you were honest with us, we would be honest with you – whether you wanted the honesty or not and whether the honesty was good or bad – you got it. We were also quite vocal with our intentions too, afterall, if we wanted a war – it wouldn’t be hard to find out (With an exception or two, coughcough). No gods could best ours, no alliance could hold up to our coordination, and while we may be arrogant with that - we've held it up for a long time. There’s no doubt that many will discredit our effects or even the alliance as a whole, but all I can say is that our allies kept us around for a reason. With that said, I’d like to have some parting words as Mensa’s FA towards our allies and others. In general, each of you that has been tied to Mensa (Including UPN, SK, and BK), have been fun allies to have around. Whether we broke up due to differing perspectives or just wanting to change the game, I’d like to think both sides of the various treaties have learned a lot from the other. Guardian – You guys have been our longest allies. Starting from the horrendous, yet super fun, war in The Great VE War till now, you folks have supported us through everything. It’s crazy how awesome of allies you folks were. I’d say it’s a shame that your alliance had the leaders playing musical chairs, but I’d say it worked out great for you folks when you finally stabilized on Memph – arguably one of the wisest players in the game when he wakes up from time to time. Thank you for being with us from the beginning to the end. Syndicate – What a crazy time we’ve had establishing a dominating sphere huh? From the snek’s political scheming to the rabbit’s insane number crunching skills, you guys were a huge foundation block for our sphere. I’d say you guys have set the bar on how to establish an effective sphere and would beseech everyone who wishes to lead to look at the history of Syndicate’s leaders here. You’d learn a lot from what to do (and what not to do) here. I certainly did from both as a member of Syndicate and an ally of theirs. I have no doubt you guys will continue to succeed in whatever game your community decides to participate in. Arguably you guys have shaped this game moreso than any other in its history. Seven Kingdoms – From Tenages crazy backstabbing plan of Rose to the Gandalf fiasco, we cannot ignore the significant part you folks played in our development. While we may have some bickering here and there, we can’t hide the fact that we do respect a lot of your community. It’s a shame things ended as they did, but we’ve had some interesting times together – whether as allies or enemies. Rose – You know how much effort I had to put in to get a Mensa/Rose tie once durmij approached me about it? A LOT. There were many who weren’t willing to look past the rivalry we’ve had (And yet never fought each other directly for, heh). I’m glad that we finally got to look past our history because working with you guys have been a huge pleasure. Seriously. In the past I’ve mentioned that one of the crucial issues you folks suffered from as a coalition with your previous allies in Paragon and Covenant was the lack of good solid leadership and communication. We’ve seen first-hand how much you guys improved when things changed, both internally and externally. People can argue this, but the evidence is there. It's good to see the potential finally show itself. Viridian Entente – You guys came a long way. I miss the days of Impero’s influence as they were very interesting (And still are with his return, heh), but it seems we were destined to be the actual rivals. We’ve fought each other how many times now? 5? 6? I’d argue more times than any other alliance on alliance fights (Maybe UPN and Syndicate have more battles against each other?). It also seems both of our alliances have suffered from growing inactivity, but we can’t ignore the good fights we’ve had in the past. It’s been a pleasure. United Purple Nations – You guys supported us from the get-go, and for that, we have to hold respect for you on that despite the many, MANY, difficulties both of our alliances have had. I still remember when I was given loads of Munitions from a UPN member and told me to message her if we had any raider issues. That was my first impression coming into this game. I’m not quite sure where the differences began or how they began, but it’s been interesting to be on opposite ends. While I may personally disagree (or even dislike) a few folks you guys have, I still felt genuinely bad when things went south internally for your grand alliance – even though we’ve worked it to our advantages. It was impressive for how long UPN remained the top scoring alliance in the game, and I think you guys still hold that record? With your most recent moves, I hope you guys find stability and return to being a powerhouse. Black Knights – You guys were the most fun alliance to have around, and to even be a part of the BK alliance channel (That time when some people mistook me as a girl was priceless). I loved the theme we had going with the whole Top Gun bit on our treaty signing. Out of war, your channels were full of entertainment. During war, you guys were vicious as !@#$ and willing to take a beating for your fellow allies. While things have drastically changed, the history is unforgettable. Like I stated for our other usual rivals/enemies, I do hope you guys find stability and fix the holes that plagues other’s perspectives on you. You still have immense potential here. The Knights Radiant - Recently there's been some folks who have stated that you don't deserve the #1 spot. I disagree, I think you guys have earned it, but then again - not everybody gets to see the inner workings of your alliance and how your leaders are behind the scenes. The most recent wars and conflicts, you guys have been the hammer to our anvil and it was beautiful watching it in action. In all aspects of an alliance, you folks maintain some of the most necessary means of maintaining and building up an alliance. In some ways, I envy that. Dalinar/IC and Lordship, it's been a HUGE pleasure working with you two. Probably the most trustworthy individuals ever since I've gotten into this role for Mensa. You guys took our calls for honesty and held us to it, even when we had some minor disagreements - you guys listened. It's been great watching your alliance grow and developed. You've taken down notes on what works and what doesn't, and it shows. Pantheon - We were in talks to tie up a treaty and it would've been great, if we were sticking around. You guys have changed drastically since GPA's days and I wouldn't be surprised if you folks reach the #1 spot over TKR. The potential is definitely there to pull it off. In the wars we've fought together, I have been thoroughly surprised by the tenacity that Pantheon's members showed and I don't doubt that you guys will continue to expand on that ability of stubborness to refuse your enemies. Your leaders have been extremely patient with me and very understanding. That shows a strong humble base there that can carry your alliance a long way. THE Coalition - Whenever someone asked me about our sphere, I've always included you guys in the listing of alliances ever since you've supported Syndicate and then later the sphere as a whole. It was great having your leaders in our alliance chats, as they each didn't hold back from giving their opinions on various situations. Along with Guardian, you guys have been entirely supportive of our efforts, even going so far to spend your own money to keep us going without asking for any of it back. Extremely selfless friends and very loyal to the cause. I could go on about our friends and allies, but then it'll be crazy long wall ("It's not already hippo?"). We appreciate each of you for making the game interesting to us, whether as allies or enemies. What I find surprising, and had to hold back from admitting for a while, was our declining status. It was quite the hard thing to actually admit to, especially when you still maintain a strong presence in the political landscape with only 20ish regularly active members as we did with near 80. I think that’s a testament to how much of an impact we’ve had. As it is though, it’s time to hang it up. I’ve given notice to each of our allies. Each of our allies and friends have been beyond !@#$ing fantastic to work with. Thank you to each one of you. “Nothing is built on stone; all is built on sand, but we must build as if the sand were stone.” – Jorge Luis Borges Pride. Power. Pakistan. (Sidenote: Since I know this will be asked, the majority of Mensa’s community left due to radical sudden changes in the game. Many were frustrated with that. It wasn’t the changes themselves, but with our adaptation to the game’s mechanics and then having it change on us shortly after was the most frustrating factor. Whether you agree with that or not, it has clearly showed that some players dislike that. While it has improved recently, it goes to show you what happens when the damage is already done.) (Sidenote #2: I totally considered signing Lordaeron to a treaty then disbanding, but figured that would be too much. Kastor, you’re a riot and I would’ve totally signed your alliance if I could, but many just don’t trust you still. Even I don’t, but it would’ve been hilarious to see what mischief you’d get us into.) Adios Orbis. This is Hippo signing off from FA duties. (Sidenote #3: No I'm not leaving, yet, but some of us are while others are still debating on what they want to do)

I believe in the sun, even though it is slow in rising. I believe in you, without realising. I believe in rain, though there are no clouds in the sky. I believe in truth, even though people lie. I believe in peace, though sometimes I am violent. I believe in Dio Brando, even though he is silent.

I think about 90% of the time I mused about some mechanic that would benefit from a change, someone told me "well actually the Mensa people in the dev group said that about a year ago and Sheepy just ignored them". In any case it's hard for me to think of a group I had more respect for in this game. Cheers: hope to see some of you around anyways.

So did you really think that you and your 3 alliance friends could take on an alliance of over 100 others?

Sheepy's massive production change was really just the straw that broke the camels back for a lot of us. Most of us were already tired of the game as it really hasn't grown more dynamic or interesting with age and were barely active as it was. After Sheepy made those changes it essentially forced all of us to rethink our builds and edit all our cities and most of us just didn't feel like going through all that effort for a game we've come to grow bored of. Personally I voted to stay, and the alliance vote was for the most part an even split, however none of those who wanted to stay were really active enough to lead the alliance. Adding to that many of the people who voted to stay were already pretty apathetic towards the game and only voted to stay out of hopes of keeping the community alive in the game, not because they liked the game itself. I often find myself in the minority in Mensa as I'm the most likely to defend Sheepy, but the game has gotten stagnant and he hasn't done much to change that. His latest change to production did fix the inflation problem in that it raised prices a bit, but over time the markets will adjust and the inflation will come back so it really just kicked the can further down the road and created a headache for everyone. Basically rather than add to the game to make it more interesting, Sheepy just tweaks the formulas and calculations. This shakes things up a bit, but people react quickly and it doesn't change the overall game play at all. Now had the game ever added the ability to fight over actual territories on the map or created a more dynamic economic system with various consumer goods that provide certain bonuses I think a lot of us would have been fine staying. Bottom Line: After two and a half years we just got tired of wars that don't mean anything, and the shallow two dimensional war and economic modules.

Farewell, Mensa! May your faith in Dio be strong, and may your steamrollers be full of fuel! o7

The cumulative effect of the questionable wars changes, the score change, and the bandaid of an econ patch. We considered several variations on this going back months, none of them ever happened because :effort: I suspect we won't be playing an y more nation sim type things for awhile. Mostly because we are bored of them. Threating the people staying is a very great way to get everyone that isn't staying to Kamikaze you on their way out. It also reaffirms that you are a dick. Its also a great way to have your aa rolled by the AAs the people staying are going to.

Seriously, all Sheepy had to do was add a possible benefit (e.g. conquering of land) to war and this game was solid. He, in spite of himself, built a good community. Alas, away we go.

Goodbyes are usually difficult. But this shit show of a game made it easy. I will miss the people but the game I will not miss.

An expected development, but an unfortunate and sad one nonetheless. Farewell mensa, we fought together and against one another many a time and I have the greatest respect for all mensans. Onto better things for you, I hope.

Sad to see a strong community leaving. Good luck finding new homes those that stick around. Obligatory :

The Knights Radiant will be protecting the Mensa HQ alliance while they all make the transition either out of the game or whichever alliances they move to. Thanks for the kind words Buorhann, been an honor playing with you guys for 2 years now even if we weren't directly allied the whole time. May the sands of Pakistan guide you in your coming days. o7

I loved Mensa, and a great deal of its membership. Its really a damn shame this happened. I'm gonna miss Mensa causing problems. So now I'm taking it upon myself to be the one to cause problems. From Ashes to ash, from dust to dust. Oh how the mighty fall. To Mensa, the mighty warrior.

You know, I seriously debated between two replies to this - either "You're trolling." or "You need to make up your damn mind." I'm still debating on this. I hate you.

I think you'll find Rogue is a very nice person and doesn't deserve this rudeness

I actually logged in just because its finally an oppertunity where I can legally say FOR STEEEEEEVE!

The admiralty of Arrgh would like to make an announcement that most probably will interest quite a few of the residents of Orbis. Arrgh goes on vacation and stops raiding for 2 weeks: All alliances will get two weeks on Arrgh's no raid list. About the specifics: After July 30, 11:59 pm (Orbis date/time), Arrgh plans to stop initiating new raids. All alliances will get a 2-weeks, free trial of Pirate Insurance, meaning they will not get attacked for raiding reasons by Arrgh till August 13, 11:59 pm. All alliances are free to declare wars on Arrgh (e.g. for counters) till August 2, 11:59 pm. Any hostile actions (war declarations and espionage) between August 3 and August 13 by an alliance will result in the addition of this alliance as well as of its protectorates to the new raiding list of Arrgh. In other words, the 2-weeks, free trial of Pirate Insurance will get cancelled. Should Arrgh get hit unprovokedly by other entities within the aforementioned time interval, it will counter all wars on defense of its members. Should Arrgh consider this task hard to implement on its own, it will be assisted by the Knights Templar. Considering that mistakes do happen, in case of conflicts initiated from either side, the corresponding alliance leaders will first get into contact in order to ascertain whether the Pirate Insurance will expire or not. Arrgh maaaay be interested in Politics and goes tabula rasa: Arrgh, on an alliance level, has never targeted specific alliances for personal reasons and does not keep grudges of any sort. Its wars have been revolving around the purpose of profiting, having fun and completing contracts. Since many alliances do not realize this, we announce that from this point on, we are offering a clean slate to all alliances to reconsider their relations with us. We consider that 2 weeks (3-13 of August) are enough for anyone interested to approach us for diplomatic reasons. Arrgh offers Pirate Insurance: After the 2 weeks have passed, the free trial of Pirate Insurance offered will expire. From that point on, alliances can buy their Pirate Insurance or the Pirate Insurance of other alliances. The specifics: When an alliance buys Pirate Insurance for a specific time interval, the alliance does not get raided by Arrgh members. Should any raids happen, Arrgh pays reparations to the alliance. Prices of Pirate Insurance can be seen on the following table (examples). For every 10k score, the price changes by $6 million. Prices can be negotiated and discounts can be made should a lot of alliances decide to buy insurance together. Alliances have the option to buy the Pirate Insurance share of other alliances. In other words, alliance A can buy the Pirate Insurance of alliance B so that alliance B stays out of the raid list of Arrgh. However, the buy-out can work the other way around too. Alliance A can buy the Pirate Insurance share of alliance B, so that alliance B is added in the raid-list of Arrgh. In such cases, full confidentiality is ensured, as in all times Arrgh undertakes a contract. Should an alliance have already bought Pirate Insurance for its own, other alliances cannot outbuy it (in order to remove it from Arrgh’s no-raid list). Alliances that have already bought Pirate Insurance from Arrgh for this period will get a 2 weeks extention. From now on and for the next few weeks, Arrgh puts away its Red War Flag after 7 months of raiding and flies the Black Flag. Feel free to contact Bluebear or me with any diplomatic inquiries on our Discord. Arrgh!

Within Knights Templar, it is viewed as a badge of honor for a member to eat a missile or nuke. So much so, in fact, that when we introduce ribbons/badges for certain accomplishments, there will be one for eating so many missiles/nukes. To this end, I would like to publicly congratulate a member of Esquire Templar, Dakai of the country of fanla, for being the youngest nation in P&W to be nuked at just 3 days old. Dakai, an aspiring Templar, joined ET so that he may eventually become a member of KT. On the 20th, he attacked Zephyrus, the leader of a micro named Typhon, for raiding another member of ET. Arsony Carrera, along with 2 other members of Typhon, countered Dakai. Arsony Carrera had nukes, and launched one: Not only did Dakai eat a nuke at just 3 days old, but he did so with his head up high. He hasn't whined about it (whereas a lot of new players would quit if something like this happened to them). He is prime KT material, and we're happy to have him on board with us. Deus Vult.

To make it easier to find easy raids.

Both in SK and t$, in my time playing I've never known a better ally than Mensa. Really hate to see this. Cheers to the good times and the glory we've earned together! Gonna miss you guys. Praise Dio!

Ok then

I had the pleasure of fighting both beside Mensa and against Mensa in my time in purple. Personally I always found you honorable even when I didn't like the path you were taking. You made Orbis a much more interesting place than you found it. That cannot be replaced. You shall all be missed sorely. May Dio guide you.

Yet you supported Hillary. I would not say she is stupid, but is beyond corrupt and a massive puppet. Worst election ever, as no one won.

What you fail to realize is that the alliances in PnW aren't some solid thing that doesn't ever change. New people come in, make mistakes, and then the alliance takes appropriate action to fix it. There's really no way to stop mistakes from being made before the alliance is aware of them. About the last part, how do you know that we don't take care of these problems? Have you been in KT? Do you know how our internal policies work? You don't, and therefore are making assumptions. We do take care of these problems. Recently, have you seen any of our gov members purposely making inflammatory comments just to get reactions? I bet the answer to that question is a giant no.

DIO BANZAI!

I'm gone for one day and Mensa disbands? I don't even know what to say. Orbis is going to be like so different and stuff. Good luck to Dio members in life and PaW (for the ones staying).

Awh, Rest easy Mensa! Your children will follow your teachings closely

Generals gathered in their masses Just like witches at black massesEvil minds that plot destructionSorcerers of death's constructionIn the fields the bodies burning As the war machine keeps turningDeath and hatred to mankind Poisoning their brainwashed mindsOh Lord, yeah!Politicians hide themselves away They only started the warWhy should they go out to fight? They leave that all to the poor! Yeah!Time will tell on their power mindsMaking war just for funTreating people just like pawns in chessWait 'till their judgement day comes, yeah!Now in darkness, world stops turningAshes where their bodies burningNo more war pigs have the powerHand of god has struck the hour Day of judgement, god is callingOn their knees, the war pigs crawlingBegging mercy for their sinsSatan, laughing, spreads his wingsOh Lord, yeah!

I always saw you guys as boisterous on the forums, but every time I've personally interacted with any Mensan, they've been incredibly respectful. Cheers!

Good luck to all of you, hope you all the best!

So my nation won't be reduced to ashes in a war with Mensa? Bueno Jk, you will be missed as one of the most influential and vocal part of our community

I never liked you, nor were your members worthy of respect. Your impact was overstated and as a whole you never lived up to the propaganda. But damn if I'm not gonna miss those dank-ass JoJo memes. o/

Huh, wasn't aware this was a Mensa issue or the fact that Arrgh cared so much for politics.

You know what, while a week ago we were talking about how this Typhon person wasted four nukes on a ET member...communists are also our enemy... help

He says that you "CAN" save 15% or more, not that you "WILL"

Oh boi...

Piracy is one thing, but getting into politics is pretty evil

You were only off by a few days. Close enough.

Pantheon has given 72 hours to Grand Global Alliance, reasons discussed in private.

@mods

It's pretty hard being 'behaved' when you're this good, though.

I wouldn't put it past Typhon to nuke a 0 infra city.

Wouldn't it have been easier to just make it impossible to destroy infra below 1k? Just cut out the middleman

arrgh should teach them a lesson on raiding lol

Resilient and modest. Most men would brag to anyone who would listen if they popped their cherry at such a young age. Clearly Thalmor is raising you right.

Obviously Typhon's members.

Update: He just ate his 2nd nuke.

@Thalmor I got 38 for you. Bring it.

800 infra is insanely cheap which means there is really no reason to nuke. Sure, you might argue about that two improvement damage, but if that's the case missiles are way cheaper and destroys one improvement. Either way Dakai personally has my medal of honor and if it was up to me he will go straight into KT. DEUS VULT

May this be the start of a long history of crusading and warmongering for said aspiring member. Who knows, maybe he'll take 2 nukes before 10 days old.