[archaeolept]

so, upon discussions w/ quantum, it appears that not only was this a 6 vs 1 gangbang, but that the decision was earlier made to throw the game to ironhawk. That's one way to play, but not a style I am interested in supporting. after this turn i plan on staling my way out of the game, though i shall not resign.

I fairly enjoyed the scenario, and the long war though. Ulm really sucks, but the gate stone is w/out doubt rather overpowered for especially the early game... so it kinda balanced. The war itself, after a serious amount of reorganization, generally went as well as could be expected - I've mostly crushed the minor powers (not the jots yet - well played btw morkilus), but have overall been mostly at a stalemate w/ quantum (though the dark hand of Ironhawk's ctis was of course behind it as well). Caine was the only player not to join against me, and I'd like to thank him for that.

But when the two major adversaries, who were each basically comparable to me in gems and magic, which are the two major determinations of power in this game, make a deal such that one shall expand unchecked, and that even when QM is acknowledging that IH will win, he says he cannot do anything about it - this is in essence the notion of "throwing the game". While i've enjoyed the game so far, I'm not interested in participating in such a charade.

games aren't primarily about winning; they're at least as much about playing well, and playing honorably. I don't especially feel that *.* has done either - anyone can amass a huge army if completely unchecked; or, rather, actively campaigned for by the other major player. But if he feels that's what a win is, then that's his prerogative.

perhaps w/ a giant vacuum where I am, the dynamics will cause there to be a real game now between qm and ih, rather than the sham game it turns out we've been having so far.