NAP - Sword and Shield
By Hurler and RedBranch

RedBranch wrote:

Ok, I've got one, and I'm sure most of you have heard this one a hundred times, but it's my own personal pity pot, and I want to wallow in it for a moment ok?

I'm in a game where my movement was true and I thought well planned, when I send an email to a NAP partner stating an objective, and requesting passage through a native owned land that we both bordered. you know, courtesy thing, just keeping him posted. It's early in the game. He responds that my objective is a NAP partner of his and that he can't condone my action. He then adds that this person had expressed an interest in building alliance, and that I should reach out to him.

I begin to focus on another border, while sending a missive to his friend, who doesn't respond. I'm good natured (read that: naive!)I overlook this for a click, and send another, requesting firmly for response, still none, so I send another letter, and build a fort on my border, as I'm sure that he's using his friend's name to quietly attack me.

His attack is smooth, and pretty much in concert with my other border's enemy, and at last both he and the original sponsor of him, respond, one saying that he's saddened for the other's attack, and the attacker claims the old: silence = hostility.

I know that, but still, dangit, does that include when your NAP partner suggests communication? If someone used my NAP partner's name in a request, I would dang sure respond, even if the answer was NO!

Come to think of it, my attitude is that I would respond anyway, this isn't prison, if someone talks to me, I'll talk back.

But now I'm not sighing, I'm whining. So, say good night Gracey...

RedBranch

Hurler Responds:

Two reasons not to respond to nap offer:
  1. To buy time in case the other player fails to heed it as a sign of hostility, and thus fails to prepare militarily and diplomatically
  2. To "psych" out the opponent by not communicating with them.
Sometimes the real reason is just sloth or memory impairment.



Things you could have done differently:
  1. Don't ask permission to take a native region. Try to have a good idea what your neighbor could send to the region if you will reach it on the same tick, and if he's got a significant advantage, let him take it but if it's close, throw your lessers in unless you have somewhere else to send them.
  2. Ask your opponent what his status is with the other player in question. Instead of saying "hey, I'm gonna attack this guy" ask "what's your status with this player" and take it from there. Don't volunteer information that may be passed on which will put you at a disadvantage.
  3. Ask your neighbor who he plans to attack and if he wants help. He'll be less likely to sell you out if he thinks you can help him win a quick victory.
  4. Players will sometimes use their influence to bluff you into not attacking someone they are napped with. Ask him what he meant by not condoning your hostile intention with his other nap partner. Ask him if he would condone the other player attacking you or would he join you if the other player did.
  5. As you already stated, always treat non-respondents as hostile. Don't send a message repeating your original nap offer. Tell them you have prepared for their arrival and are looking forward to it and make sure you can back it up.
  6. Look at the map to see who is on the hostile player's borders and see if you can get them to attack him from the other side.
Remember the "nap is both a sword and shield" analogy. Your nap partner used your nap with him as a shield to protect his other nap partner while the attacking player used your nap against you as a sword. Recognize how it happened and you'll know how to keep it from happening again. Hurler