Why does Desert Tombs suck?

[Graeme Dice]

Originally posted by Norfleet:
Nobody wants to commit the resources needed for a push into the hellhole that is the Ashen Empire, knowing that I might induce one of his other neighbors to backstab him while he's occupied.

I can't imagine that anyone other than Carrion Woods Pangaea would ever even really think of allying with the Ashen empire, no matter how nice a present they gave them. Their dominion is so hostile to everyone else, and their growth is exponential, so I really can't see them surviving unless people are in a prearranged team game.