"I'm sorry but we can't afford a war right now"

[nbarclay]

A few of the ways I've wanted to respond:

"Sorry, but I'm getting ready to attack someone else who's a more convenient target."

"Can't you see that I'm already busy fighting a war with someone else?"

"Why should I bail you out when you're the one who started the war?"

"Only if you'll give me some time to get ready so I won't get clobbered before I have time to mobilize."

"Why should my people die to help you when you hate our guts and refuse to trade with us?"

"What do you mean Carthage is plotting against us all? You're the ones who declared war on them!"

[CerberusIV]

"The reason you are asking me to join your war is because I have a strong military. The reason I have a strong military is because I have been building troops since you last attacked me. When I use those troops in a few turns who do you think they will be attacking?"

[Lancer]

"Ahh, you have a taste for war do you? Well I have a taste for something too, chocolate! I will have none of your war, and you will have none of my chocolate."

[Tattila the Hun]

Originally posted by CerberusIV
"The reason you are asking me to join your war is because I have a strong military. The reason I have a strong military is because I have been building troops since you last attacked me. When I use those troops in a few turns who do you think they will be attacking?"

Hear hear!

What this game needs, is a concept of Casus Belli. They attacked me X turns ago, so I get to attack them for X turns with defenders war wearines or something. Perhaps even remove that "You declared war on our friend!", if I happen to be their friend aswell.

[nbarclay]

The tactic of agreeing to a peace treaty, then building up a stronger military, and then attacking again is not something that should be looked on favorably. If you make peace and then go back to war, you should be prepared to accept the diplomatic consequences of being viewed as the aggressor in the second war.

[CerberusIV]

Actually that would make the difference between a ceasefire and a peace treaty more meaningful if they carried different penalties if you resume a war.

[Lancer]

Used to happen alot. Napoleon made peace with the Brits at least once for instance.

[Theben]

And he was such popular person in the world, weren't he?

[Lancer]

Typical liberal warmonger out to spread his 'enlightened' philosophe by the sword, he was unloved by monarchs but beloved of revolting peoples, artists and their ilk strangers to work, slovenly perpetual malcontents, and the French.