08-01-2003 23:09									#1
	Letter to be published in case Vox betrays Inflate your Upload Space

We've learned that Vox is aggressive. They have already broken one agreement and they may attack sooner or later.
I suggest that we prepare a letter to be published immediately on the PTW forum in case that Vox attacks. We could write something in the area of "Vox Controli have BROKEN ALL TREATIES with our civilization, Gathering Storm, and have declared war. They were never provoked or threatened by us, and they have no logical reason to start a war so early in the game. THEY DO NOT RESPECT TREATIES and should be considered uncivilized and DANGEROUS." we can publish this along a screenshot of the foreign advisor's shocked face, notifying us that Vox attacked.
This would serve as a powerful diplomatic weapon against Vox.

What do you think?

	09-01-2003 00:30									#2
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

Also as a sign of weakness. This will be most effectove if we do some field work beforehand- we'll probably have a good indication if and when a Voxian attack might come. Therefor- we absolutely must find who is it that Vox contacted, and who is on the continent besides us and them, and make sure that they are kept on our side , and Vox are viewed untrustworthy, and so forth. This, as well spilling information about Vox's forces movements can make the difference between an indifferent neighbor and one that helps out and opens a second front.

I think one way to achieve this is to reach out early- and even make comitments for mutual protection in case Vox attacks, this might be used by that other team, but we might gain an important ally. After all- we can both benefit from having Vox cut down by a pincer movement- we must make sure we use first, instead of being attacked and the other team being opportunistic-and just waits until we fight it out then comes and walks over Vox, and eventually us as well- a coordinated operation is in order.

Think of this: we are pretty sure that Vox wants to attack, and we have a good warning system, so, if we start introducing the idea, that Vox is an aggressor, and that this might present an opportunity, we can talk them into war with Vox, or, if war is something they rather not commit themselves to- than the threat of it might be enough to keep Vox at bay, and us to use our fast growing economy to crush them.

	09-01-2003 00:54									#3
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

It will sound like whining.

-Arrian

	09-01-2003 00:57									#4
	Put an end to popups!

Why are we "pretty sure that Vox wants to attack"? I think trying to play up Vox as bad guys is a bad idea because if Vox gets wind of it, it will destroy our relationship with them. And right now, partnership (perhaps even a three-way partnership) to improve our region's technology is much better than distrust and conflict.

Nathan

	09-01-2003 01:08									#5
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

Let's wait on the outcome of their discussion tonight regarding exploration & tech trading before we convince ourselves we have met a sure enemy.

We may have to fight them, but a) it's a long way off, even if it's an ancient era fight, and b) we (as in both teams) are still getting the hang of this human <-> human diplomacy thing.

-Arrian

	09-01-2003 01:19									#6
	Get a bigger avatar today!

Such a letter is meant to be published only in case they choose to attack us. By then I suppose there will be no relationship or trust to save.
Arrian has a point. We could become a laughing stock - this certainly won't better our international standing.
Zeit made an excellent point about Vox's other neighbor. I hope that the minimap trades tell us who this is so that we can begin building a relationship.

	09-01-2003 01:29									#7
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

If Vox betrays us then a quick PM to their other neighbour (as soon as we know who it is) telling them that Vox can't be trusted is all that would be needed.

	09-01-2003 01:32									#8
	Support Apolyton

It's sensitive information for sure; I still need to catch up, but am I correct when I assume that no one else knows we have made contact with Vox, at least to the extent we have?

It's tempting to want to announce any conflict we may have with them, as it will probably be the first conflict of the game between two teams. But on the other hand, we don't want to appear weak, or that we need help from any other nation. Perhaps if it goes to all-out war, then a thread simply announcing in a news-style fashion: Armed clashes between Vox Controli and Gathering Storm forces intensify...etc.

Or (to take off from your original statement Shiber) - Vox breaks peace treaty-invades...

We don't want to give the other teams TOO much information, as they will certainly be following what happens in any hypothetical battle that occurs. On the other hand, issuing a short press release will get everyone's attention, without coming off like we are afraid, or cowards, or etc....

Good idea though, Shiber!

	09-01-2003 02:06									#9
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

Thanks Mesh.

We don't have to look like wimps. We could rant about how our superior economy would break Vox, but of course we must always limit our rants or we might look pompous or raving too intensely.

FrustratedPoet: very true. IMHO we should prepare this letter in advance so that we'll be able to send it without delay.

	09-01-2003 02:45									#10
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

This letter is a good idea, but if Vox attacks us , it should be something simple.
No drama needed when we are right, just a statement could do.
If we are alone on the continent, even nothing can be better, perhaps just informing those Vox can trade with as they can/could be our fuure trade partners(who might want to remain neutral for the rest of the war, not to offend the winner of it (us).