A post from a somewhat frustrated player
Well, we have arranged an alliance with the Taraakians. (See several posts above.) So far, we have our freedom and our power respected by them. IIf they break their agreement, well then my speech warning them still applies.
We have people trying to drag us to Ravenloft . (Melkor and Sollir.) We have people who will casually threaten entire worlds after blowing up a sun. (The Forsaken One.) We have powers here that make all but the most regimes in Earth's history seem rational. The Taraakians,rightfully hold some factions responsible for the attacks on their worlds. They do have the right to implement their defense treaties and attack those powers.
We also have the certainty that we would all be dead if the Day 5 attacks went through. If you don't believe me, e-mail Edena or do the math from the Day 5 attacks.
They do not trust the Union. They believe the Union is a tyrannical power, and so far has shown to have different values. The Union has tried to play boths sides against each other in wars on the worlds they colonize.
So, explain how the Taraakians are a threat to the Oerth Alliance when we have peace with them and are keeping our power? I need reasons not claims to oppose them.
So far, the Union seems to be siding with the Alliance of Dread -- who was prepared to drag them screaming into Ravenloft. How can I possibly ally with someone who is plotting my own destruction, namely the Alliance of Dread?
Venus and 'o Skoteinos seem to be siding with the Forsaken One out of personal friendship. I disagree with doing this in a role playing game, but they can make their own decisions.
Of course it may be that the majority of the players prefer universal annihilation over a possibility of surrender, earning your power back by convincing the Taraakians that you are responsible, and then pursuing your own agendas. However, in real life, if leaders were poised for Armageddon one would have to ask if their people would want an alternative.
As a free and independent power, I could try to assure that the Taraakians would keep their word. As things stand, without the Taraakians this IR would have been over when the Turn 5 attacks were resolved. I want a solution besides universal annihilation. If I can save my allies from annihilation, and everyone else wants to kill their powers, I have done all that I can. We have free will. However, help comes with a price. I seem to recall Mr. Draco also calling the Taraakians. I am sure he expected their help would come with a price. So, perhaps people could negotiate one.
I don't here anything beyond people saying no one has the right to take my power away. Well, a lot of players have shown their factions are enemies of Oerth. One had a fit and decided to blow everything up. Prove to me that you can be trusted more than the Taraakians. Prove to me I am dealing with rational powers, not people having a fit. Prove to me that you have some solution besides stop the Taraakians and then we will attack each other. And end the IR in a ball of flames.
Do you honestly think Edena is looking forward to saying that the IR is over because all the worlds of the IR are dead husks? Not that he would enjoy that; there are times when I think a lot of you don't give a damn if Edena is enjoying the IR. Sometimes I think some of you see him as a vending machine you put coins into and get wish fulfillment. As long as people can try to win at any costs, who cares if the feelings of our moderators or anyone else is hurt.
After all, victory is the only thing. What's fun? Oh, the point of my even being on these boards.
