Merlinus

Seems to me someone is giving someone entirely too much credit, although I would believe they invented them damn blue M&Ms. About the $2 bill, I'm not so sure. Where were they when Cauliflower was invented??

Carnage abounds. Many have said this is either: 1) The most damage-inflicting war in the history of Planet Bob, or 2) The most expensive war in the history of Planet Bob. I can review the Wikis, and observe the writings of others who would certainly be more dependable than I. I can ask, and get opinions. What I do know is that this war has brought Merlinus to its knees, but for the aid and assistance of our Alliance. The missiles are not raining down upon us at the moment. Foreign invaders have repaired to their shores for the time being. Our air raid sirens are silent as I write this. (These are not complaints, mind you.) For the nations who felt compelled to strike against us, even as we were compelled to strike another nation at the behest of the Alliance who now streams aid, food, medicine, and temporary housing into our nation for the benefit of a bereft people, it is good that we have established this uneasy peace. I presume that, as we tend to our injured, wounded, and many thousands of dead, so do they. It is an interesting notion that we have had to rent land from other nations for nothing more than the purpose of creating cemeteries. Several times more than the population of our land have fallen in battle. We are not a "renter" nation, nor is it our intention to be one. We are a sovereign nation, with a vision and a purpose larger than ourselves. We are accounting our losses, struggling to somehow create a remnant of our infrastructure while putting those who can back to work--for the moment. We do sincerely hope this aggression is over. We believe our Alliance made this request of ultimate sacrifice from genuine and sincere need. We have been pleased, and very proud to answer that call, as we will whenever asked. We do not seek, nor do we wish to experience the vulgarities of war. Let that not confuse anyone. When required, Merlinus has shown her willingness to face obliteration rather than to let tyranny take hold. We would rather die free than live under bondage to any nation. Many have paid that ultimate sacrifice, and are the newest heroes of Merlinus. Many more may be called to that honorable end. We see sunlight for the first time in many days. There is an eeriness, a pall fallen over our land. People walk among the ruins, yet they look up with a smile to the Sun. They have, at least for this moment, survived. Much must be done, soon. As their Monarch, it falls to our leadership to lead now, from the front. As we bury our dead, tend our wounded, and survey the damage that makes for the costs of war, so must we use every hand to rebuild, restore, and if necessary re-arm. This may well have been our first taste of battle, but we are by no means deluded into thinking it will be our last. Yes, we must become much better prepared, especially defensively for the next time someone collaborates with their affiliates against us. Yes, we must build, as soon as possible, an effective fighting force. We will do both. We must also rebuild our national identity, infrastructure and technological foundations. We will do that, too. That is, after all, the one true reason to look out into the light of day. Tomorrow will come, once this day has passed. Merlinus still stands, sovereign and free. For just today, that is enough. We wish no ill-will to anyone, and hope there is none towards our nation. To those nations who have felt the full wrath of Merlinus, we wish you well. Perhaps, in the days to come, we can again be friends. Nevertheless, know that it is our national will and deepest desire that Peace reign. Perhaps on Planet Bob, that is just too much to wish for. If we do not at least try, the future is already known. If we choose to seek, deliver, and sustain Peace, we can have it. As one wise sage has said, "An eye for an eye makes nothing more than two blind people." My people can see the daylight. Can you? M

I liked the read, Xiph, and thank you for stating important points. However, I do have one question. Why not write a good manual for leadership? There are those of us who aspire to leadership who could well use a reasonable manual of leadership that includes the principles you discuss. Why not write a manual that does not merely mention them, but is based upon them? Perhaps a Manual/Guide that could be approved/endorsed by several or all of the current alliance leaders? Who better than someone so impassioned on the subject? M

An interesting, yet novel approach. Sadly, that philosophy does not seem to flow through to your Alliance, initiating unprovoked assaults upon another Alliance. Response inevitably follows initiation, which is an important fact for Alliances (and their nations) to remember. Were I you, I would consider the value of an allegiance to an Alliance with apparently such fickle "moral standards", especially when your streets are flowing with the blood of your very own--not theirs. The nation of Merlinus will entertain any private communications you and your fellow cohorts might wish to transmit regarding immediate cessation of battle. I would highly recommend sooner rather than later, however. M

The War rages on. We get, from our personal perspective at least, no sense of cessations being imminent. Our people are struggling, yet have seemingly found a resolve that has impressed us deeply. They simply refuse to die, or lay down and become a willing victim to the carnage around them. Even as Aid is waning because of the excessive costs of war to everyone, we hold. We hold not because of military might or awesome defenses. But, our meager defenses have significantly helped our cause. We can do very little in aggressive offense, but we are doing what we can. Our enemies have learned an important lesson about this nation. You may eventually win, but it will not be without a cost that you probably are not willing to pay. Winning for Merlinus is now measured by the watchword of our people: "Survive until dawn!" The cry rings out across the land, taken up as a clarion call to purpose and resolve by every citizen, from Hamlet to metropolis. As the people begin to believe, so does their ruler. Even though we may be a fledgling nation, the people have somehow decided that, to the last man, woman and child they will fight with stones and sticks if need be, but they will fight. Surprised, but intensely proud, it is the people of Merlinus that have taught us a lesson. When you aren't certain about your future, take things one day at a time. Military might is a necessary and moral imperative for any nation, but that is not the sum total of it's strength. Strength comes through the being of this nation from the relentless will of her people. The might of an Alliance is of no less measure. The Order of Light (TOOL) has never failed to respond to our need where and how it could. One request, and other member nations have come running. Equipment, soldiers and money are among the treasure others have sacrificed from their own battles to come to our assistance. Those who found us as easy pickings in Merlinus may have well misjudged one of our greatest strengths: WE ARE TOOL! I hope we can survive intact. But I have learned that survival is only worthy when it comes with honor. Our people know honor. It is all that keeps them struggling to light a campfire, or hand-pump petroleum products into damaged and failing remnants of our distinguished armored and air forces. We will survive on our terms alone. This is now a personal battle for our people. Daily they earn the right to determine the future of their nation. We will be a strong enough leader to follow their lead. No one has earned the right more than our people. From wherever they have found this well of will, it is they who are now feeding their Monarch, not the other way around. For that, we will forever be grateful. M

Private: Communique from HRH Merlinus - For Your Eyes Only Salerno Palace February 7th, 2010 Does anyone happen to know what I and Fred Flintstone have in common? We both can look through our living room window and see nothing but rubble. We have been attacked twice today. By four different countries. 8 separate attacks. We still stand, as it were. Our poor subjects are nearly, but not quite defeated. The People's Government is still in operation, if that is an appropriate term. Our technology has, umm, taken a decided step backwards. Our global defense network is now two Dixie Cups and a string. There is nobody on the other cup. Our shining testimony of architectural superiority, our Military Headquarters, is now running on a campfire and sticks. Without the presence of our exalted defense forces, the people have gone into Anarchy. We would find words to say, but there are nearly no ears, other than our own to hear them. Blood and broken bodies are strewn in streets that are flowing red. Yet, those few who survive are standing watch with whatever weapons they can find or create. This is a very dark hour in the very short history of Merlinus. While my heart is laden with the heaviness of loss, I am so very proud of what my people are doing in this greatest hour of our short nation's history. They refuse to relent. Old men, women and even children man the guard. Tattered and wounded are standing watch to defend our country from the aggressors of SPARTA. We have been aided by our Alliance in whatever ways we have requested, to whatever degree they have been able. We find no fault with our friends in TOOL. Were there radios, we would attempt communications with our Alliance. Were there so much as a bicycle remaining serviceable, any surviving subject of this nation would volunteer to risk death to carry our urgent plea to our Alliance leadership. Even our Treasury has been plundered by the invaders, leaving us with only one marble, a postage stamp, and (strangely enough) a ball of lint. Even in my humble working place, there was left nothing standing save a roll of toilet tissue and a light bulb on my desk. With them was a note. It said: "When you screw this in and see what's left of your sorry nation, you're gonna need the other." It took me a moment to understand the meaning of this cryptic missive. They were correct. My tears for my nation flow without ceasing. In the only reasonable move possible, I am attempting to call up our few reserves for homeland protection. Our forces are positioned as well as they can be, given the mood and temperment of our people. I fear they will set upon their own defenders in pure outrage at the raping, looting and pillaging the invaders have perpetrated upon our people and lands. (Heavy on the pillage!) I sit here on a broken toilet with no running water, constipating my next move. I am their leader, and my people have responded each and every time I have asked anything of them. If we can defend, we can rebuild. If not, we are lost. Hiya, Barney. M

DATELINE: Salerno February 6th, 2010 HRH Merlinus I has released a short statement this morning: WAR MEMO 01-001 "Citizens of Merlinus: When in the course of human events, it befalls our nation to take arms, it must be for only one of three reasons. We must either be attacked in an unprovoked aggression by a power outside our borders; we must be attacked by an enemy of the State, or finally we must be asked to engage a mutual enemy of this nation's Alliance: The Order of Light (TOOL). This last reason has come to our shores today. I have just received an urgent communication from the TOOL Lord Captain Commander. He requests our urgent attention to an enemy that has proven to be a bit more than originally bargained for by the Combined Alliance Supreme Council. Only moments ago, I have received the first battle communique from our beloved General Octavius Flavius, who rose from his well-earned retirement to lead our forces into the first-ever battle conflict in this nation's history. He reports that our valiant forces, in a mutual attack with other alliance forces, had an overwhelming victory against the enemy. Ours was a surprise attack, following a combined lead attack by our allies earlier in the evening. We have suffered casualties in both our land and air forces this morning. Reserves are enroute to the front as we speak. We have seen our first battle outcome to be a complete victory, but it has come at an extreme cost. Over 1,000 of our sons and daughters have given the ultimate sacrifice for their King, their homeland, and the Alliance. But, even as their blood flowed, they watched their enemy die before them. To the mothers and fathers of the fallen heroes, whose names shall forever live in our memories, you may be extremely proud that your loss is shared by your Sovereign, upon whose orders they went eagerly into the fray. While we are not at liberty to give specific details at this time, we wanted to let you know that the increased military activity around several of our largest cities is for a reason. Marshalling yards have been established. Troops are being deployed around the clock. We must now attend to matters of homeland defense. For so many years, we have trained together for this moment. Do not doubt that the enemy will retaliate against our peaceful nation. Be prepared. Gather your emergency supplies. Help our homeland's defenders prepare for the attack which will most surely come. Do all you can to help those fellow countrymen who have answered the call to arms, both at home and abroad. It is for this reason that we must declare a period of Marshal Law throughout the land, until further notice. We are assured you both understand the need for such drastic measures, and will joyfully comply in the name of loyal unity. Joyously perform your duties by day and night, and preserve our homeland. We will be broadcasting over the Merlinus National News Network as the situation warrants. Any inquiries should be directed only to the official government sources. Our land is, until further notice, in a state of War. May the joys of Merlinus soon be restored to us all." More news as it develops. M

Great job of the logistics, J. I got my itty bitty looking glass, and found myself. Wow! The front lines! At least I'll have an unobstructed view!

We are most pleased to know that there is an alliance-wide communications device called (strangely enough) IRC. We made our inaugural entrance into the communications channel, and found no irksome demeanor whatsoever there. IN fact, two leaders were willing to share privately with us some terribly important news regarding our own nation, and how we might better rule and reign in it. We were most impressed! We are looking forward to future relations with these leaders, and feel once again as if our decision to join TOOL was the best of all possible choices. We posted our first communique home today, reporting on things as we have found them here in Merlinus. While the current conditions of the country are nearly deplorable, we have found the subjects to be most amenable to hard work. It is a sadness that our taxes have had to be so radically increased, yet we demand that our budget be balanced. We are cautiously building the national infrastructure, keeping a close eye on the international events of the war raging around us. We are trying to learn as much as possible about the world in which we find ourself ruling. There are numerous forms of assistance available to us as members of The Order of Light, but among the very best are the leaders themselves. It does astound us at the willingness and cordiality extended to us as we begin our reign. The issues of State do take most of our time. The overwhelming nature of the task alone is sufficient to humble one of even minimal mentation. Even as we begin the necessary task of governance, the list of daily responsibilities grows at a staggering rate. Nation building is one thing that requires the first place in my concern, and the first responsibility of good monarchy. Yet, the presence of nation-to-nation building tasks seems to be of particular joy to us. Our subjects will never know that monarchy is a 24 hour job, with very unsubstantial pay. Ours intends to be a full-service government, and every necessity of satisfactory daily life among the subjects is our first concern, after of course national security. Ours is the inherent sovereignty of our people, yet the recent past of reign has been less than satisfactory for our people, as they willingly tell us at every opportunity. The cultural diversity of our people help us bring possible solutions to the many challenges before us This is an historic moment for Merlinus. Shortly, we will be required to respond in accountability to our people publicly. We have found welcome at every stop on our nation tour, and do look forward to continued relations with our subjects. We do not take lightly the fact that they did not choose their Monarch. Ours is the task to never allow any subject to regret the Monarch they have, or the Monarchy under which they live. Let it be so. M

I think I joined TOOL as an applicant on Jan 24, 2010. I had heard good things about the alliance, and was impressed with the way I was recruited by Nick Lord. The Academy is legit, and I am learning much. To see this thread makes me very glad for my choice, and very proud to be a TOOL. Congratulations on a job very well done, GK. I hope ours to be a very long and happy alliance.

We find that our environment is akin to swampland, and nearly unsustainable for life above ground! This latest war has cost so many so much, yet there seems to be no end in sight We are registered on IRC, but as yet have no auth set sent to us to interact with the other nation's leaders in the TOOL world. This is vexing. The answer to the question is that the war is requiring the time and attention of our fearless leaders. We can accept this, yet it is we feel an affront to our royal selves. It also puts us behind in the Academy, whee Phase III looms in the near future. But the Academy has been put on hold, as wel. I have completed my first 3x3 tech deal. I did it poorly for me, but chose immediate distribution: again because of the nefarious dealings between what should be peaceful nations. Future tech deals will follow regular guidelines. Another unfortunate cost of was. We have been paid for one tech deal, yet not for the other.We wonder if the nation still exists, and we are afraid to find out. I still have to wait out the disposition of the war, or of the days until the trade deal expires to find out if the tardy buyer will forward their tribute to our realm. The 3x3 formula clearly outlined in the Academy will be followed henceforth, war or no war. This is another cost of the dreaded war. About all we can do now is to walk amongst our people, trying to keep them happy, safe, and well in the midst of conflict raging around them. We hear the voice of the people, who have no desire to commit thousands of their sons and daughters to the melee in our midst. The sadness over lost loved ones in other nations because of this needless conflict have us stymied. This too is a cost of war. The advisors, members of the elite high council of TOOL, are not very quick or forthcoming with a response to requests for the basics of this realm; namely a simple means of communicating with our people, much less some other nations. Such costss will not show up on a stat sheet. Yet, the los is every bit as real as the statistical faderol on the alliance page. I know because with all the free time on our hands, we do look. Nevertheless, our brave leader has made a special request for these voluntary measures for the sake of TOOL. We shall gladly do so. When will this ridiculous war end? Oh, to be Phase III! So is it said, so is it done. M Proud Member of TOOL! "]

We do not yet know. It would seem that the confusion is shared amongst others, as well. Patience will win out. Our reign today has been light, and not so terribly difficult. Religion and Government forms were artificially changed for the impressions upon our people. We are continuously concerned about the environment of our nation, with radiation levels becoming nearly unbearable. Thankfully, a war bunker was in place long before our arrival. Yet, necessity requires us to remove to the summer Capitol of Salerno for some days in an attempt to clear the air, as it were. With a skelton staff remaining behind, we have effected our move successfully today. We now wait for Phase III, and then IAS. I am learning more about the game through the fair auspices of the TOOL Alliance than I could ever have gathered on my own.We are grateful for the help, and proud we have chosen wisely for our alliance. One of the cardinal rules of Monarchy is that flexibility must always be the first key to any plan of governance. And, the second is like unto it: It is the smallest detail that fells rulers and nations. These lessons are being carefully imprinted into our brain now. They will be well-learned. Tomorrow will see a new dawn for Merlinus, as the people are happier with a slightly lower (25%) tax rate than in recent days. We wish to complete the trade circle with Mistress Sara, and begin the arduous task of instigating foreign aid negotiations. The Order of Light (TOOL) has been a very welcome alliance to us since our arrival. We do look forward to a very long and prosperous affiliation with this powerful group. We are most appreciative for the assistance received thus far, and can only hope that we will someday be of like assistance to those yet to come into the alliance. Today, we have hope. M

We are pleased to make the acquaintance of Willem of Willems! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. We are pleased to be a TOOL candidate, and our Kingdom's doors are always open to her nations and allies. I hope to be worthy of becoming a total TOOL before long, after IAS. Good luck on your journey! M

Yes, we are familiar already with this honored name, Jarrko! We have heard many good things about helpful and friendly Jarrko. It is an honor to meet you officially. Please feel free to visit my new Kingdom, and advise on my best course of action for the short term future. I am finishing Ph II in the Academy, and am hoping to be enrolled in IAS ASAP. My nation abhors war for any reason, but that is only due to my long and (may I say) illustrious career as a soldier. I will never run from a just fight. Thank you for a warm welcome! Good luck on your journey! M

We have endeavored to succeed in Phase II of the Academy, yet we feel ourself lacking in the understanding of things of the trade variety. This alliance has it's own very strict rules of trade, both for tech and for resources. I need a harbor, an FA, and a bank. I need to establish one more trade circle for my fourth slot. 3 of 4 are active, but that last one eludes us for some reason. Patience. I see where those joining the Alliance after I did are already full in there resource trade slots. Right now, I'm not being particular too much about what to trade, but we are certain to trade only within the alliance, for now. Wars are waged around us, and we know not who is friend or foe. Confusing. We have submitted the Phase II documents, and pray they will be acted upon favorably. I have to begin Foreign Trade as quickly as possible, for TOOL to be mighty! We are very pleased to be with this alliance, and look forward positively to a long a lustrous relationship within the Alliance. Senate seats are being claimed, yet I am still such a recent regal, I am unsure of world affairs. I cannot even figure out my own subjects at this point. Yes, we are confused. But, we do progress forward at our best rate, with all hopes of bringing glory and honor to the Alliance. M

I Joined TOOL, and it's totally COOL! Join today, and learn how to mastermind the world!

We are progressing well, but not as fast as we might wish, through the TOOL Academy. Phase I went well, and swiftly passed. Now the Phase II studies are definitely ramping up, and taxing our brain as we struggle with our first trade. The first Trade Agreement has been inked, and is with the nation of Deutch Valkyrie by its Monarch harold1022pc. As HRH has ruled only one day, I find myself in the senior position, yet have been taught by one newer to this role than myself. The first goal is the successful completion of the TOOL Academy, then immediately followed by TOOL's IAS. I do look forward to both. The subjects are in love with me today, despite the advanced taxation rate I was sadly forced by conditions I found upon my arrival. Yet, with the increased cattle and iron made available through the favorable trade agreement today, I look forward to continued population growth and land acquisitions. Things are in a flurry here in Merlinus, yet it seems as though progress, though somewhat difficult, are satisfactory. My reign celebrates it's 14-day anniversary today. Despite what that might at first appear to express, I am pleased. One could say that even survival for this short time is a definitive step forward; perhaps even a victory of sorts. Tomorrow, a full day is required for attending to the kingdom. That is enough. M

The friends are awesome. The game is a needed diversion from other mental tasks. Aggression therapy in a safe environment keeps TRL stable. And, sex.

Hello. This is a thought-provoking article. I can relate positively with many of the identity you describe of yourself. I have been involved with the development of the internet since the days of DARPA. I recall the amazement felt when the development of an actual email program began alpha testing. When the products began killing the "sneaker net", no one was more pleased than I. Perhaps I am dating myself, but it is relevant to your discussion. Not only a programmer, developer and analyst, I am and have been, since it's infancy, an internet user. I do have some perspective from the past, and use it as I see the future of human life with the internet. I do disagree with your secondary premise, but with each passing day the difference between our views diminishes. This alone I think brings credibility to your posit. If we agree on the observable similarities of technological advancements, then we must look to the result of the effect on the species. I do believe that AI is nearly upon us, and that such a reality could well change the fundamental nature of our living. I would love to share observations, developments, and subjective determinations with you. You have presented your postion with excellence. I am, among other things, a writer. I do truly appreciate your ability to express your thoughts. Please keep them coming. I will watch, and comment as I can. Thank you for an excellent article.

Day One of our Reign We have been graced with many leaders who wish to establish relations and alliances with us. Hardly had our royal furniture been placed in the Palace but we were required to respond to some 44 requests for alliance relations! It seems to be a very nice group of rulers. We did see several offers which, sadly, we had to immediately refuse due to obvious differences in national philosophy and/or ruling differences. We have, we are pleased to announce, found an alliance that, at least for our purposes, pleases us immensely. The Order of Light (TOOL) has extended to us a most gracious offer to join their alliance, help us with the establishment of rule, and assist us with whatever needs we may discover as we begin the necessary work of Kingdom rule. Subjects have no idea the requirements of their Monarch to keep them safe, well, and happy. But, my life and training at the foot of my father have prepared me well for the task at hand which will, if successful, last a lifetime of most satisfactory service. Having allied ourselves with TOOL, we are receiving much needed instruction on the current world situation. The one thing we realize is that our learning curve is very steep, and much attention is required. For today, however, having established alliance and getting settled in the palace have been deeply satisfying efforts. May each day bring us such success. M Member of TOOL

Kinky! But, doesn't that explode your population on Thursdays??

And, Thus It Begins! ]Upon the recent death of our father, HRH King Aqueous Humour, we have ascended the throne of Merlinus. After some five days' journey, we are finally arrived at our royal abode. If first impressions are of any value, this poor kingdom and her people have been, for quite the lack of another word, neglected. We shall endeavor to right that malodious wrong forthwith. But alas, we have nothing with which to call a "Tool of Monarchy" at this moment. Until we can receive our necessary matter, there is very little we can do. But, we can do something. After all, we are now King. It promises to be a slow, arduous task to establish this Kingdom without disturbing the already fragile peace amongst our people. Slow steps which immediately benefit and gratify the people of Merlinus will be the best course. Already we are learning important monarchical rules: Kings do not guess, believe, surmise, question, or doubt--ever. We decide, move, declare, pontificate, and cause nations to quiver with but our most simple words of pronouncement. We RULE! There are many matters of state which must be immediately seen to. Positions must be granted to the royal government. A Senate must be established, and initiated under the monarchical rules.We do greatly covet good counsel. Between the Ministers, the Senators, and our subjects, we will engage the country. May the saints help us! M [/color]