Shiho Nishizumi

In most cases, it's either the group doing the rolling or being rolled discussing those. Rarely, if ever, was it the case that there's a fully milled third party that one knows isn't on good terms with you. Couple that with them already having an idea of what to do next (sign Singu) and apparently not getting along too well with Eclipse (cue Pascal's comment), and my wonder is why didn't they wait until peace to 72 (or otherwise notify).

I'd agree with your viewpoint if an alliance was deemed as being neutral or friendly. TFP was neither, and that's the point. There was nothing in that relationship suggesting that they would have acted as a restraining factor. What did exist indicated the opposite. As for the last bit; I'll hazard a guess and say that most third parties are just baffled about TFP telling WEL that it wanted to go its own separate way in the middle of a war.

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I appreciate your clarification, Rush.

I'm aware that it was supposed to be done by Village, but was held up. As for the latter bit, and because it's better to clarify it right away; the thought isn't that Keegoz single handedly came up with the score change. He obviously didn't. The thought's that he pressed for it to be implemented sooner post-announcement because there was already a realization within Singularity that the next war was going to be a losing one. There was no advantage to be taken of because Singularity was already expecting a rolling by that point, making any infra retaining concerns moot. The change was implemented on December 14th, two weeks after the order went out. It's your right to think that. It's not within your purview to say what t$ is utilizing, or not, as a CB. Those were listed out at the beginning of the post, item per item. "Singularity made it clear it wanted to roll us, made moves towards it, and we reacted accordingly" doesn't need any bolstering. Noted. My personal thought about the change itself is that I understood where it came from, and that increasing it slightly wouldn't have been a bad thing necessarily. Of course, it wasn't increased slightly because it was straight up doubled, but that's a separate matter altogether. Improving the game is something that's easy to find support for. How to improve it, not so much. I think that this is reflected on the receptiveness of Quality of Life changes versus mechanical ones; the former tend to be met with widespread support while the latter are divisive. Part of that divisiveness has to do with the background people come from, which colors their perspective. That's simple human nature, and it'd be foolish of me to pretend that it isn't a thing. Concerns about conflicts of interests and potential self-serving behavior is an old one. So much so that, for example, Prefontaine was sitting in his own one-man alliance when he was doing design team stuff. Does everyone act in a self-serving manner or otherwise overreaches with the power/influence that they wield? No, and I'd be willfully lying if I made such claim. Conversely, does everyone act in selfless manner, or at the least remove themselves from their IC context when weighing in? No, and I'd likewise be willfully lying if I were to claim that. And with all due respect Sketchy, I never had much to do with Keegoz on a personal level. And I don't mean it in a scathing way; the closest I've had to do with him was during the TGH days while we were allied to KT, and even then we didn't talk much to each other because of our respective fields (if I recall correctly, Keegoz was FA and then Grand Master, while I was always Milcom high govt throughout). The main KT people who I spoke to then were Theo, Vince (the person who invited me to this game in the first place), Vlad and some others. Outside of that, the second closest was when I was in Rose for the period of time Singularity still had an MDP with it, and then I had zero contact with him. I don't understand your angle here. And ultimately, I don't believe that it's going to impact anything game development related, as it doesn't impede said work. I'd likewise expect him to have gone into dev team stuff knowing full well that these sorts of concerns would've been aired sooner or later (if they haven't been voiced already by now), and it would surprise me if it was the case that such wasn't factored in prior to agreeing to it.

...the reason it hadn't been pushed through wasn't "it just wasn't lol", it was "We're waiting for wars to wrap up". And wars were still ongoing when it got implemented. So yeah. Attempts at lecturing while obfuscating the actual reason given for non-implementation doesn't work. Neither does pretending that the rest of the DoW text, which explains why t$ is involved in this war (this 'manufactured grievance' not being one of those reasons), doesn't exist.

To me, Singularity is first and foremost a GFL event, and it's been abbreviated Singu for years now. So yeah, force of habit. I did acknowledge that it came after a pitch to the sphere as a whole had been made. While I can't comment much on the specific substance of whatever talks took place, I don't think that they can be described as attempts at diplomacy. Reaching out at the 11th hour seeking for NAP extensions with little to none prior preparation is just a hail mary.

I mean, the record's there for posteriority. Whether it's relevant or not, that's another matter. Given that it's an over year old act by a former FA head which Cataclysm and Paradise acted upon for the Fortune war (which, fair enough), I don't think that it is. I should note that Singularity tried to get a NAP with t$, and only t$, after their attempt to have the sphere-wide one extended fell flat. Obviously, given the context, agreeing to it with any serious intent of honoring it would've meant reneging on the M levels, which I guess would've been approved of this time around by the Cata-Para people that make up Singu.

The reason preventing that happening is that NAP's are a tool that people want to have available to them for security purposes. There's no point in signing a NAP with someone who has a history of breaking them. If one is to be voided, a compelling enough justification needs to be provided to third parties to assuage any concerns they make have with signing a NAP with you in future. "They said mean things so we're activating an oA to void a NAP" is not going to make the cut among those people. A solid CB doesn't expire, so people can just wait for a NAP's end to make use of it. Not to mention that there's a bit of a difference between shit talk and that other party picking off un-NAP'd links. As for oA, oD and MA; I don't think that anyone would take an oA activation as overriding a NAP. oA is optional by design (allies aren't entitled to your help on the offensive) and directly clashing with the premise of a NAP which is a promise not to aggress. An MD activation, by definition and by contrast, is not an aggressive action; it is a defensive reaction, one that the alliance is technically obligated to carry out of activated. It's the polar opposite to an oA. An oD would be an interesting case study. It'd also be a defensive reaction, but it'd be up to the NAP-bound party whether to carry it out. I think that the argument could go either way. MA's; I'm pretty sure that people would say that it wouldn't override a NAP (an opinion I would share). Not that it's ever going to be put to the test.

Agreed. There's the paper and there's the relationship underneath it. Both are agreements, with MDP's being more comprehensive and binding than a simple NAP. A party that you MDP is also presumably and often usually, a party that you have a more fleshed-out and friendly relationship with. A NAP, by contrast, is simply a "We won't attack each other" with whichever party you signed it, which most likely is either just apathetic about you or may even harbor dislike for you. So when you're presented in a case of an un-NAP'd MDP being hit by an alliance that you have an MDP with, you're being forced into a predicament of NAP versus MDP by said party, who put you into that predicament by what was an act of aggression (hypotheticals such as this one notwithstanding). As Niz said, while this isn't a technical violation of the NAP, it is a spiritual violation thereof, especially if done with the intent of baiting a response. Beyond the paper, do you really care to prioritize an entity that you otherwise have no connection to and is putting you in a rough spot, and possibly provoking you, over your ally which you have actual ties to? The choice is pretty self evident. I think that the paper alone answers the question, but the nuance drives it home, especially where third parties are concerned (which is critical, given that the whole question of NAP breaking has to do with how other parties would see it and react to it). Their main takeaway wouldn't be "Oh X alliance is in the wrong because it defended its M level against Y which it is NAP'd with.". Their main takeaway would likely be "Okay, we know Y alliance isn't above playing these sorts of games, so we better keep that in mind going forward.". That's a fair compromise, and it reminds me of some talks held within Requiem and among its protectors of opting out of the blanket NAP signed after the Ouro-GGO war.

This isn't much of a coherent post if I'm frank. The top two characteristics are usually outlines for the smaller whale alliances, which is definitely a fairly reduced niche to occupy. As for three, yes some attempt to change things politically. Stressing the "attempt" bit as it's the most relevant. This isn't coherent with the first outlines. Those outlines don't discriminate how long they've existed, just their makeup and intended purpose. An alliance having an internal culture doesn't translate into legacy left behind; the latter is an external factor and far more related to how much power or influence that alliance can project for the period of time it did exist. A flash in the pan alliance that only existed for a relatively brief period of time that influenced politics for said brief period of time is going to have more of a legacy left behind than an alliance that exists for years and does little to no projection, even if the latter does (and probably indeed has) have more of an internal culture than the former. Here, you contradict yourself here on your stated issue with those alliances and the very first example. You say that they seemingly pull good members from existing alliances, then list Requiem being comprised of disgruntled with t$. In other words, they weren't pulled. They left. People who leave alliances do tend to leave because they're dissatisfied with the then-state of affairs, that is true. Those newly formed alliances are one of the two possible avenues of departure, with the other option being to join another existing alliance. There are arguments for and against either options, but I don't think that them leaving can be blamed on the launching of these new alliances, whether they be 'boutique' or not. Those new alliances are just a potential outcome of said departures. As for the examples you listed: Requiem: I'll be the first to admit that it didn't pan out as an alliance building project (which it was, alongside its stated political purpose). I'll also admit that the political aspect didn't develop as envisaged, with people more often than not seemingly using ODP's as overglorified NAP's rather than as, well, ODP's. With that said, prior to Requiem, ODP's were largely an unutilized meme treaty. Requiem was the first alliance in recent times to start using them alongside PIAT's, which then spread by other alliances picking up on the usage of O levels. It was also a proponent for alliance-based politics, which did have some buy-in for some time. To be clear; I'm not claiming that Requiem single handedly did this. Rather, it starting it encouraged others to do it themselves as well, eventually leading to the sort of purchase/viability ODP's currently have at the moment. So to say that it did "absolutely nothing" when at the very least, it helped set a trend that your own alliance is making use of is, quite plainly, incorrect. TGH: You don't know Buorhann if you think that he's beholden to any ally, let alone an alliance led by Sketchy. I also don't think that they have a stated political mission like Requiem's. Buorhann's focus is usually just doing something engaging for his lot, which means burning pixels. TSC: Literally just formed a week or two ago. Their tiering is also a bit spread and I'm unsure necessarily fitting of the second characteristic. My understanding is that they don't intend to fill this small alliance niche either, but it's yet to be seen whether they are able to grow numerically. I'd also note that labelling an still-existing alliance as boutique when your distinction talks that them being such based on the legacy left behind once they're no longer around is, well, incongruent. A far better term would be 'unproven'. Oblivion: I actually think that you're being a bit derisive here. Ockey is probably a bit more influential within his circle than suggested here. Hidude in particular is active in whatever coalition he's in. With that said, "borderline inactive that shows up for war" is hardly much of an alliance culture (no, I'm not ignoring that they're an incredibly tightly knit lot), and if "down to war" is all it takes not to be boutique, then TGH by definition isn't boutique. KT: Obviously not boutique, and I'm not sure why you felt the need to include them at all. Though, I will note again how apparently being down to wreck stuff makes them explicitly non boutique, but TGH is still boutique in spite of being war-oriented. Yarr: I guess that in order to be a boutique alliance you indeed first need to be an alliance. --- With all of that said, there one thing I'd like to mention, since I think that there's a bit of a misplaced expectation. If said expectation is that they be the primary cause for wars; knowing firsthand from Requiem, these sorts of alliances don't work too well at kickstarting (noteworthy) stuff themselves. Their size inherently inhibits it. And no, hitting an isolated WTF for the umpteenth time isn't noteworthy. They're much better at adapting and navigating whatever follows the moves the bigger alliances make. They can also wield outsized influence given their size if they're packed with heavy hitters, and more importantly, if they're led by figures that are already well known, respected, or connected, even if this isn't visible. All in all, and at risk of stating the obvious; smaller alliances handle differently compared to larger alliances. Their function, and subsequently sort of legacy (most likely less flashy of one) left behind is going to differ relative to their major/mainstay counterparts.

- The Drauhts were gathered together, sharing a banquet which was unlike many held before. Outstanding both in lavishness and solemnity, it likewise stood out since it marked the last gathering that was to take place under Requiem's banners. Unable to properly interpret Father's teachings following the Vizier's fall into slumber, both followers and officers alike had decided that it was best to bring the organization to an end on good terms. The bell's ringing to mark midnight went unnoticed, as the banquet lasted well into the early hours of dawn. A final meal was held during the afternoon, after which the followers packed up their belongings, and gathered to bid a final farewell to the premises that had served as their home for upwards to nearly a year. Most proceeded to leave as a group, set to join a new enterprise. A handful left on their own, seeking to chart a different path instead. The sacred grounds soon fell silent. Only one person remained. The Harjis slowly walked around the now deserted premises, so as to make sure that everything was in order. After making sure that everything was as it should be, he withdrew to the small shrine. Originally a place where services were held, it had been repurposed into the Vizier's resting place in the latter days of the organization. Somberness filled the air. Hours went by as the Harjis idly sat besides the Vizier, deep in his thoughts. He recollected what had happened in the past year, and pondered about what was to come; such thoughts blended and merged to produce a general bittersweet feel. The Vizier was the person most apt to interpret Father's teachings. He was also a person with a sense of direction and leadership that was seldom matched. He had known how to rally countless people in times past. While tasked to divulge Father's teaching, he was still seen as a fatherly figure by many of those who continue to fly his banners of old. Neither his dormant body nor his belongings could be safely moved, less so in the current situation. The bell rang to mark midnight in a cold and serene night. The Harjis still laid in wait. A small but distinct noise broke the silence. He immediately stood up, instinctively laying his hand on his sword's grip. He walked outside and towards the gates. On the opposite side of the fence stood a man who wore a distinctive green tunic. From top to bottom, the uniform worn by this person was very familiar to him. After being presented with a letter and seal that confirmed the person's provenance, the Harjis welcomed him in. Following a night's sleep and a frugal breakfast, both men talked as they slowly walked around the premises, finally arriving at the shrine. The Harjis presented the dignitary with the master key, after which he shook hands with him, laid a final tribute to the Vizier, and left for the gates. Now outside, Shiho watched as The Syndicate's banner was raised above that of Requiem's, signifying it's new status as an extension of the former. Raindrops gently began to fall in the middle of an otherwise sunny day. He readied his belongings, produced a map from his pocket, and set off for his new destination. Such marks the end of Requiem. - Most set off in the pursuit of new glories under a new banner and vision. A handful decided to pursue their own paths. A many will have reunion, followed with closure. May it be that all find happiness.

A vacation at Vorkuta will help you reconsider your thoughts, comrade.

I'm not sure how you can argue that with a straight face when Darth's offer, and the response to it, was made and is logged for everyone to see.

I've read that document three times over by now. Daveth's offer was something that I deliberated including, but ultimately didn't because it was superceded by the 2.6b offers that followed. In other words, it was no longer the standing offer. By contrast, Darth's proposal was the most recent one, prior to the breakdown of negotiations. I imagine that his proposal might have netted House Stark something in between 4b and 8b. Suffice to say that if HS wasn't willing to accept 4b, then it was obviously not going to accept 2.6b. To me, continuing to suggest it simply comes across as being tone deaf.

Part of the CB is being denied access to those records. Krampus was, as it seems, the only person running the bank; I don't think that anyone else could've produced them. The proposal for settling down for less as offered by Darth, alongside the protracted nature of the talks and the alternatives explored during it makes it quite obvious that they did try to negotiate first. It's hard to call a war borne out of a year-long issue as being overzealous in nature. I'd sooner argue that they bided their time. They did get fed up and not bother discussing the matter further towards the latter months. It's not hard to guess why, based on the last screenshot linked in their document. They got the same offer for 2.6b over and over again. Logic dictates that this was Carthago's final offer, which had already been deemed as unacceptable. Simply put, no further discussions took place because, from their standpoint, there was nothing else to be discussed. And I have zero doubts that this stance was validated when Krampus offered them 2.6b again during May. I find it unlikely that they'd be able to get 8 billion if the bank was to be liquidated today and split. On the other hand, 2.6b does seem to be like a lowball offer. Regardless; while it's a bit sad to see something like this happen, it's yet another example on how it's infinitely better to sort out bank issues right at the start, instead of letting it fester. It's also another example, as I see it, of how poor communications and a breach of trust can spoil the whole thing. Especially if interests are involved. Hopefully this will serve as cautionary tale for other people, on top of serving as an admittedly good piece of political drama that's enriching what's an otherwise lacking political landscape.

Requiem and Eclipse / Terminus Est agree to finalize their conflict with a White Peace. Said White Peace will go into effect on the day change set to occur at 12:00AM, June 2nd, server time. No new wars will be declared after said day change. Signatures Requiem Vizier - Partisan Harjis - Shiho Nishizumi Airus Weiha - Tartarus Waldan Weiha - Itachi Eclipse / Terminus Est Commander & FA Specialist - Vein Defense Specialist - Pascal Econ Specialist - Patrick Stewart Whale Specialist - Sphinx Internal Affairs Specialist - Avatar Patrick Tech Specialist - Putmir

No wars were ever declared between one another, so the former.

Requiem, Aurora and Church of Atom agree to bring an end to their conflict with a White Peace. No new wars will be declared after the day change that is set to take place thirty minutes from now, at 12:00 AM May 17th server time. Currently existing wars may be expired, peaced out, or concluded at the players' discretion. Signatures Requiem Vizier: Partisan Harjis: Shiho Nishizumi Aurora First Explorer: Xi Jinping First Explorer: AlexW Second Explorer: Franz Church of Atom Pontifex Atomicus: RandomNoobster Pontifex Emeritus: James II

A small transport pod lands on Luciana's flight deck. A lonely figure emerges from it, one which is promptly escorted into the flagship by it's Imperial guard. The security detail accompanies the outsider to his destination, the High Justice's office. The foreigner and the guards exchange salutes, after which he enters the room. Inside it, the immaculately dressed High Justice welcomes the plainly dressed Harjis. "It's been a long time since your last visit, hasn't it Shiho?", Harry asks, as he invites Shiho to take a seat. "Indeed it has, Harry.", Shiho responds, as he sits down across the desk. Both men proceed to engage in a lengthy conversation, getting each other up to speed on various matters. "I see.", Harry remarks. "Luci did tell me that Partisan was sending you on his behalf.", he further adds. "Correct. Both internal affairs and other partners of ours are keeping him busy, so he sent me to present your government with this." Shiho produces an envelope from his portfolio, and passes it to Harry. On it is the Vizier's distinctive wax seal. Harry carefully opens it, and reads the contents of the letter within. Seemingly pleased with it, he scans it and makes a phone call to Luci. After a short conversation, he signs it himself. "Not many dress so simply for events like these, you know?", Harry jokingly remarks. "I'm Shiho regardless of whether I'm wearing a tuxedo or a set of plate armor.", Shiho responds as he looks at his unassuming sneaking suit. "Besides, a tuxedo would've gotten all wrinkled up during travel anyways." "Hahahah. In that case, do you fancy sharing a toast to celebrate the occasion?" Harry asks, as he pulls a Scotch and a couple of drinking glasses from a drawer. "I'm not a drinker." Shiho answers, as he pours liquor into the glasses. "But I can certainly make an exception for this time." Both men clink their glasses and drink, in anticipation to what the future will bring to this closer relationship between Rose and Requiem. The Sanctifié Accords I - Mutual Defense Both parties are required to come to the other's defense, in the event of a direct attack on either signatory. II - Optional Aggression Either signatory may ask the other to join them in offensive action, on a voluntary basis. III - Conduct Both signatories recognise and uphold the sanctity of their relationship, acknowledging peace and good relations. IV - Intelligence Both signatories agree to share information they're privy to which directly impacts their security. V - Non-Chaining Both signatories recognise and acknowledge that Provision I solely extends to the present signatories. VI - Cancellation Either signatory reserves the right of cancelling this treaty. In such event, a 72-hour notice must be provided before the treaty is formally terminated. Signed for: Rose: Emperor: Lucianus High Justice: Harry Flashman Horizon Guard of Foreign Affairs: Wasteking Requiem: Vizier: Partisan Harjis: Shiho Nishizumi Airus Weiha: Tartarus

An alliance that isn't in any given sphere. Our ties are with the other signatory alliance, and not beyond. Which is why the MDP's we've signed thus far are non-chaining.

Requiem isn't in Rose's sphere.

Interesting idea. Does the FPR simply reset all prioritizations, or does it also reset perk progress?

Good luck gents.