10-05-2004 03:50									#1
	RP diplomacy Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

See the log in for the chat log with Arnelos. A lot has been said about technical stuff (like where to RR and things like that), but also something else: while chatting I had an idea of sort of outsourcing our diplomacy to RP. They're a lot better in this than we are (no offense to anyone, but somehow I don't have the feeling anyone from us is willing to spend a lot of time chatting up the other teams. For me it's just not as fun as trying to arrange things in-game)

RP is in their element with this, and they would love an opportunity to be more active. So any ideas on using their skills for the benefit of the alliance? Or, OTOH, any ideas on how we improve our diplomacy? We haven't had an active minister of foreign affairs for ages, and the coherence of diplomacy is gone.

Ideas/suggestions/comments?

DeepO

	10-05-2004 05:44									#2
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great idea. I think that we just don't have the time anymore for huge activities in this realm. Maybe that's the downfall of our age, we have more important things to do, ie work full time, than chat. Since this game started, over a year ago, I graduated law school, moved house, got married, moved house again, passed the bar and started working full time. Quite a life style change there, I'd say. We don't have the luxury of having college students working with us that other teams have.

to using role play in a job they're suited for.

	10-05-2004 07:50									#3
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Sounds good to me.

	11-05-2004 04:14									#5
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If RP could get any info out of ND that'd be handy. ND fear us, they might not fear RP as much.

	11-05-2004 22:36									#6
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Okay, I only hear (a few) positive comments. So, how far do we want to take this?

1. Are we willing to give complete diplomacy for our team to RP?
2. Do we want to give some team contacts to RP? (e.g. Vox has not been contacted by us in ages)
3. What kind of rules are we going to give to RP? (i.e. play y our rules meaning no deceipt, or do whatever is necessary to get farthest diplomatically)
4. How are we going to follow up on what RP does for us?
5. How far are we going to go in providing information to them?
6. Don't we need a formal acceptance by other teams before assigning an RP ambassador to them?
7. How can we explain to other teams that even if we are trading techs with them, RP is going to get them as well, only delayed?
8. Are other teams going to accept this, and not see RP basically as part of GS, meaning that it would be less exploitish if we just absorb them instead of continuing as 2 teams?
9. ....

DeepO

	11-05-2004 22:49									#7
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1. no
2. yes
3. whatevers necessary
4. no idea
5. not quite full information.
6. I'm not sure, I don't think so
7. yeah, problem there, maybe rp more freedom to get techs from GoW at least?

	11-05-2004 23:49									#8
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1+2) no, since the others will figure out what we have done, and that will alienate both of use completely. Hand over the majority, but keep up a token presence (I'll do this, if you want, but it would be my first try at this diplomacy)

3) whatever is nessacery to get the job done

4+5) the only way is for one of us to check their forum for info, and vice versa. (I'm not sure if this is legal, just an idea). If we have to, post screen shots of screens. Giving them a save (of the coming turn, none after that), would be the quickest way to provide them info

The above is probably as extreme as you can get, but it could work if they keep quiet

7) Shouldn't they have worked out that RP are going to get the techs any way?

8) since we are going to war, then does it really matter? after the war, the games future is decided any way.

	12-05-2004 00:32									#9
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Diplomacy is stupid, let's break something.

Seriously, I like the idea of giving RP leeway to negotiate some things for us. For instance, I'd say we could make a basic decision like "let's sell XYZ tech." Then we tell RP to run with that, and sell it for whatever they can. It's that diplo legwork we seem to have trouble with.

-Arrian

	12-05-2004 04:17									#10
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quote: Originally posted by DeepO Okay, I only hear (a few) positive comments. So, how far do we want to take this? 1. Are we willing to give complete diplomacy for our team to RP? 2. Do we want to give some team contacts to RP? (e.g. Vox has not been contacted by us in ages) 3. What kind of rules are we going to give to RP? (i.e. play y our rules meaning no deceipt, or do whatever is necessary to get farthest diplomatically) 4. How are we going to follow up on what RP does for us? 5. How far are we going to go in providing information to them? 6. Don't we need a formal acceptance by other teams before assigning an RP ambassador to them? 7. How can we explain to other teams that even if we are trading techs with them, RP is going to get them as well, only delayed? 8. Are other teams going to accept this, and not see RP basically as part of GS, meaning that it would be less exploitish if we just absorb them instead of continuing as 2 teams? 9. .... DeepO

Excellent questions, DeepO.

1,2,3 : We don't want RP handling all diplo - or any diplo with a blank cheque policy-wise.

We can't let them 'do what it takes' regarding deceipt. This is our own sovereignty at stake and in my experience RP come up with plans like "let's get all geared up to attack Lego with GoW then attack GoW instead" - which I don't want to go near with the proverbial barge pole.

Their role would have to be mission-based - like persuading ND to join GAUL and snuffling Vox out for tidbits about Lego.

4 - depends on what they're doing. With a tighter brief, less follow-up is needed.

5. I think we should be generally open with them - up to a point. We have to be if we're co-ordinating an invasion.

6. If we assigned a formal ambassador this would blow the image of a Sovereign RP. This might not be a problem, and the image may not be worth anything, but it does formalise things - for better or worse.

7. The NTA's we sign allow techs to be freely traded. Like (6) this would only be formalising things.

8. If we conquer some land somewhere, RP could have that and we get N. Stormia back, but otherwise their allied commerce and production up there is better then ours could be. They've helped us research all through our Wonder Glory on the road to the Hoover Dam and we should show them our appreciation.

9. Vox

What if GS and RP offered North Stormia to Vox in return for certain favours and conditions that saw RP eventually living on Legoland (Espania III). Presposterous? Not perhaps to the minds of RP....

	12-05-2004 04:25									#11
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I like where this is going. I'm not ready yet to answer my own questions (), however I particularly like the idea to hlet RP act as a diplo-broker on a case per case basis. The discussion has not ended yet, however.

In the mean time, I've asked Arnelos what RP thinks about this. They might have some fresh points to add to the discussion as well.

DeepO