I will not bother with any talk of moves South; like most CR members, most Fate members take cities near their base strength. When fighting enemies as aggressive as Jomarluna, "safe" cities are needed. Many of the cities taken were ex-Fate ghosts, and sometimes ex-CR or other. Front line cities were premium and at that time there was nothing further West, aside from the half built cities of new players.
The complaint was about the build up on the front line, at which time CR backstabbed by misleading Fate and moving to take in Valhalla and provoke war by unleashing Klevis. As for leading the fight, who do you think was on the front line there? With maybe 20 or so cities between O15 and O25 (on the Northern borders) at the time how would you say I fared? Against teams of players outweighing me locally by 10 or more to 1?
As for Leading, well CR chooses enemies by voting. "Where does the mob want to rampage?" Right. CR has clearly stated that their members are 'allowed' to hit
anyone at will, yet would go to war if any players from a neutral alliance hit theirs. Well, I have never heard of a State where a leader could turn over Foreign Policy to the mob. Enemies are not chosen by a poll. In the weeks prior to CR openly declaring their 2nd War on Fate, I was told about CR voting on who to take on as Enemy after KE.
So there were factions within the mob arguing over which alliance to fight next? Clearly the faction most belligerent towards Fate won. A Leader might have relied on a smaller group of advisers and ultimately made the choice themselves. The so called Plan to turn on CR was a myth you avoid now. Several players did indeed raise concern about considering CR as an enemy, but the answer was a simple and unswerving 'NO!'
We felt that an alliance would have made much better sense given the geography at the time. Allies at the time were more by tradition than of practical benefit. Obviously much has changed since, and whilst CR is still crowing they are finding it harder day by day. Just as many others have been hard hit by CR, they are now being hit themselves.
I have said it before, but CR disregarded me. They are mostly good players. They are big and active. They cannot defeat Eta. The can't even kill sleepy old Fate
The top rank is largely up to numbers at this point, and it will be very interesting to see out the time left in Eta. Alliances will rise and fall based on the movement of larger players. Whichever alliance ends on top will most likely have to recruit a player or two at the end to do so.
For my friends and allies; I salute you. We shall end this world with honour and victory.
For my enemies; Enjoy the camaraderie of your wolf pack. Some of you have shown a great sense of honour, whilst others are just rabid. I'm saddened that the two must be in the one alliance.
As for war predictions? All I know is that it will be harder and harder for CR. They will lose the weak players they hide, and otherwise lose some territory and have difficulty moving forward. Sweet.
Regards,
Leo
