What's the score here? What's next?

[ruby_maser]

Though I applaud the new Accord that has been drafted to bind our nation with that of GoW and though I believe it is in the best of interest of both nations to work toward an endgame that will allow us to decide the fate of this world, I have seen no part of this agreement address issues revolving around the maintenance of military parity by both parties.

I have seen GoW request of us a great many things in lue of the coming war from free luxuries to a majority land as part of the spoils of war. And yet, I see no concessions made by them for us to acquire Chivalry. Have I missed? Did they offer it up?

As I recall, they wanted whatever luxuries we can spare as a free(!) means of operating at "peak efficiency" in the coming period. We require the technological ability to do the same in the military arena and as a show of trust and good-faith on the part of a nation whose potential for duplicity can only be matched by their resolve to be just that.

[Arnelos]

Yes, Chivalry must be part of the deal...

[Togas]

Note the full tech alliance and the terms that include that they would have to GIFT us any tech they aquire for the duration of the war.

Given that they'll be in a GA and that we're not researching, we're likely to get at least Chivalry for free out of this.

But for those of you at home keeping score, I will make a shocking revelation, even if we DIDN'T get Chivalry AND if we gave them all of our extra luxes I would still sign this agreement with my full blessing! Why oh why is our King so looney, you say? Because many of you fail to realize that we're not exactly in a position where we have the power to dictate terms to GoW and ND. Many of you seem to want to ignore that they have their UU and Chivalry and we do not, and many may not have fully realized the games going on behind the scenes. Ultimately GoW must choose who to side with. Certainly they're telling ND that they are siding with them, and they are certainly telling us the same thing. Who will they choose? And how to we make them pick us?

We certainly don't increase our chances by being stubborn, paranoid, bitter and distrustful of GoW. I'm sure that will make an excellent impression. We must SELL to them the idea that we two can be long term allies and stand together in this game, just as they are selling that idea to us. Because, frankly, if either of us buy into it (and we should, it's a damn good strategy), then both of us are set FOR THE REST OF THE GAME.

I have previously explained on many occasions how much sense this alliance makes. I have also noticed that ND has not replied to any of our PMs, nor shown any interest in doing anything but attacking us. Siding with ND is not an option. Ultimately we will fight but will we have GoW for us or against us?

Folks, there is no other logical choice to make. We get in bed with GoW or we get to be torn apart by a ND/GoW temporary alliance. Sure, that alliance would not hold very long, but even for a few turns it could do signifigant damage to us. And furthermore, if we agree to fight with GoW, then the fight will be in ND's territory, not ours. We will march in WHEN we have the strength to do so, we will dig out a road, bring in our seige engines, and help to slowly dismantle the Arabs.

Why? Because GoW only has 20 turns for their GA and I want this war to last at least that long. We are in no rush. GoW is. We will attack when we are good and ready and we will leave forces behind in defense "just in case."

And in conclusion:

NO, this war cannot be postponed until we are ready. We have no control over when it starts. It starts when GoW wants it to start. That's are acting now before ND can outproduce them because GoW is the 2nd worst nation in development.

NO, we do not "need" Knights. Knights would be nice, but ultimately we will be sending a stack of doom with a ton of pikes in it. Our units will stick to the stack. We need a large # of attackers, attackers with an extra move are marginally helpful, but are not "required" to assault ND.

YES, GoW gains quite a bit through this treaty, or else they wouldn't consider it. What do we gain? We gain our long term security. That, to me, is worth more than anything and everything we could possibly give to GoW as a result of this treaty.

--Togas

[ruby_maser]

I wasn't implying we should gore the bull. I'm well aware of who's got the upperhand here. We needn't be inflexible and demanding to make them see that Chivalry now as opposed to later would be to their benefit as well if they want us to make a real impact in this war.

[History Guy]

Now what? We've got a good number of Chinese troops on our border and a ship crawling down our coast. What are we to suspect? Are they assisting us in the attack, or are they betraying us? I suspect it is the latter. I do not believe they've come just to say hello.

Let's see what the little cowards say.

Lord Toledo