I've never been inclined to write messages of substance to this forum
but in the interest of my burgeoning in-box I hope to placate some of
your desire for never-ending message threads.
On the topic of the movement bug,
I benefited slightly from the bug. If there was no bug I would've taken
two nobles instead of one and moved at the same rate. If the bug had
been corrected in mid-flight it still wouldn't have posed much of a
problem to me. Therefore, I understood there was a bug, I used it and I
was in no danger if it were fixed. I have no problem with anyone else
using the bug, but like all bugs it should be fixed and you should be
prepared for that eventuality. Codric is gambling it won't get fixed
and it has been pointed out already that if it were to be fixed, he
would be marching slowly across Harn like a lamb to the slaughter.
Using the bug is the only way he can have even a measure of success so
he's making the most of the opportunity. Good for him. He'd better
pray it holds up.
As for nobody crying about the bug when the Ghazi was going on, I
pointed out already that the bug wasn't terribly meaningful. That's
probably why the LoC didn't care about the bug. I'm sure if I had
launched a full scale invasion then the LoC would have been a heck of a
lot more interested in the topic. Any argument along the lines of "we
didn't cry so why are you" can be dismissed. Of course LoC didn't say
anything. If they had, and it was fixed, they'd be screwed now. They
could never mount an attack without it. I don't think I'm being biased
by saying this is the first time the bug has had any serious impact on
the game. Just the same, I know it exists and I'm planning for it so I
think we're on a level playing field. If it should get fixed in the
near future, the scales will tip heavily in our favour. I've got
nothing to worry about.
On declaring the Ghazi,
I announced my intentions for everyone's benefit. Olympians seem to be
extremely adverse to large alliances grabbing other peoples land. I
made it clear I didn't want any land so everyone could rest easy. The
root of our problem should sound familiar. We don't want a potentially
hostile neighbour within a months march of our lands. Past discussions
led us to believe that the LoC are hostile. Either they can move a
comfortable distance away or endure our constant harassment. They might
also have considered electing a new leader. It appears as though
they'll have to do that soon enough anyway.
We didn't engage in any treaties because we were aware of the LoC's
tendency not to respect the "spirit" of an agreement and we didn't want
to rehash old arguments and have long protracted debates going on a la
Azrain.
Lastly, I respect the right of uninvolved parties to travel in safety.
I was willing to guarantee safe passage to any neutral parties who
wished to go about their business in the Lands of the Crown. I can only
say it is very fortunate that no newbies were in Codric's path when he
decided to dice up everything in front of him last month. Innocent
travellers are always an LoC afterthought.
On bragging,
I have spoken of my deeds with a measure of venom in both the times and
the list. Not everything can be attributed to me personally. Posts
that speak of Horseman seem popular these days. I have always kept my
comments to things I have accomplished and never once bluffed or made
false claims. I have to laugh if the LoC are offended. They have a
habit of flaunting their capabilities and telling us what they could do
if we aren't more cooperative. You won't find any outrageous boasts or
empty threats here.
On the rules of war,
I believe everyone abides by their own rules. I had no intention of
trying to force rules on an irrational group of people. That would have
been futile. Declaring the rules of conduct is a Horseman's tradition.
We pride ourselves on being honourable warriors. Codric just wouldn't
be Codric if he wasn't doing as he pleased. No surprise here. He
doesn't have to have rules, that's his nature.
As for escalation,
By all means bring it on. I brought a knife to the Lands of the Crown
and sauntered around to my hearts desire. Let's see how far that pistol
goes in Harn. I'm looking forward to seeing my hapless foes run out of
bullets. Many people advocate Codric's response. No need to argue the
point, let's just observe the wonderful demonstration Codric has been
kind of enough to provide. I never wanted to remove him from this
world, now what choice is there? That's the obvious downside that no
one seems to mention. Only I was in any personal danger before, now
Codric's head is looking for a pike to sit on.
I'm not repentant about any of my previous actions and I'll be satisfied
with the ultimate conclusion whatever that may be. Obviously some will
not be as statisfied as I am. Noire Immortalis was a large detractor
from my ghazi and is friendly with the lesser members of the LoC. He
was happy with his settlement with the LoC and did not build up a large
military on the border. Regrettably, the LoC seems to have seen this
and Noire is the one who's garrisons are being run over. So much for
being friendly to the LoC. I've been sticking it to them and I'm
untouched.
I admire Codric's willingness to lead his men in battle but I won't
begrudge him an inch of respect if he chooses to go around me. I rode
through Delzoun and the lands of the Raven just so I could pillage
Codric personally. He seems to know where the problem is but he still
hasn't shown enough courage to address it. He still has to the chance
to die with honour but his time is running out. I sincerely hope he
makes the most of his waning days.
Khamath