Re: MP Etiquette
This is my take on all these. I wish I had seen the thread when it originally started.
1. I always try to use e-mails. I think that I have never been in a game that forbade it.
2. I always specify either a duration, or a warning period, or both. I see absolutely no point to a pact with neither of these. I also sometimes specify conditions that void the pact, for example, attacking a nation I have weakened. I have never broken a pact without a warning, but I have seen them broken.
What I have been experiencing in the Battlefield tournament, lately, is that people attack me as soon as they get my warning, without waiting the three turns... but I am ready for it.
3. I would announce it if the point of the alliance was to keep the peace by intimidating some scary neighbor, but that is not always the case.
4. Absolutely. If there is no agreement, I will never warn the target before the attack unless is late in the game, when the intimidation factor outweigths whatever preparations the enemy may make.
5. Pretty common, although if I think I can catch up with the perceived leader, I usually ally with him.
6. Yes and no. I would not keep a grudge for having been defeated, but I consider people's reputaions...
For example, I know that Cohen will expand agressively, and will piss off everyone in the game, so I always join in when he is attacked, thus, I never make peace with him.
Another example - I know that some people are strong enough, so it is not worth attacking them unless they are weakened by someone else.
7. It all depends. Ten coins for a gem, five for a slave is what I usually go by. Sometimes I take credit, sometimes I give away things for free to someone whose fight benefits me. I play Vanheim, so I seldom take anything but gems as payment.
8. It all depends. Whatever benefits me. If I think I can get away with it, I will steal a few provinces from the weaker player while the stronger one kills him. If I am strong enough, I will sneak attack the one who has the upper hand - more loot.
9. I go AI when it stops being fun, or when real life overwhelms me. It stops being fun when there is a clear winner, and I know I could not even scratch him...
10. That's silly. If an alliance wins, why could not the members find a quick way to fight it out? I think Petar and Norfleet were settling even early disputes by 'whoever owns province X on turn Y'. That is a great way to quickly decide the game if you are unwilling to slug it out.
And frankly, HOW can you slug it out when you are both extremely strong and mobile? I am in a game in which I am one of the top two players, and if I wanted, I am sure I could stall for dozens of turns, easily. We shall decide that one with a big battle in an indy province.
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Wrath them 'till they glow, and arrow them in the dark.
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<crunching tissue in fist as it slams on the table> 
I was particularly impressed by the citation to Mr. Kant. I'd throw in my 3 cents, but I am too sleepy to write coherently. 
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