[Hoplosternum]

Re balance. Remember the Neutrals will help to balance things. Good does not need to attack them. And nor does Evil. But the Neutrals need to make sure neither good or evil triumphs. And they can talk to both sides. While they can't plan attacks with Evil they could say something like we think good is winning so we'll lay off you if you do likewise. Its not a real NAP as it can be broken by both without warning and specific borders etc can't be discussed. But neither good or evil should be able to take down all their opponents without the neutrals getting involved.

The part of the balance that may be off is late age R'yleh. This is widely acknowledged as one of the most powerful if not the most powerful nation. And no good power has any water ability. Nor can any good power go the undead route to get underwater. It also has no water competitors so it will get big and reasonably safe early.

This will be a problem to all sides, evil as much as good. Either they have to take down one of their own early on or they are faced with an 'ally' that is damaging to be next to, is largely immune to attack and can just build up till it strikes at its secret enemy. It won't be a lot of fun if your the evil player whoes secret enemy is the LA R'yleh. All other evil players are at risk from good and neutral but not R'yleh.

Would it be better if either someone else (of any faction) was also in the water? Or if they moved to the neutral team (and one of those became evil)? Then everyone is against them?

This will be especially a problem if we played on Glory of Gods or Alexander which have a large linked water areas. I think Cradle may be a little small. Perhaps Orania which is a wrap around would be best? It only has a sea of 20 (all linked) areas and nearly all are by the coast so maybe it would be good if LA R'yleh stays as the only sea power?