Jorost

Yeah we did discuss it, but it was pretty roundly criticized by members of both sides. Too bad, because I think it was an idea that had some merit.

I am pleased to say that SLCB and Invicta were able to negotiate reps. I am somewhat less pleased to say that my own knucklehead member then went and retaliated against orders! Sigh. In the immortal words of Cobra Commander, "Why must great men always be surrounded by lesser beings?" [OOC]On a separate note, I was shocked to see how many responses there were to this thread. 18 pages! Wow. If nothing else, this "Purple Cold War" we've fallen into has done wonders for activity! Who wants to take off their shoe and bang it on the podium while shouting "WE WILL BURY YOU"? [/OOC]

A few days ago, member nation Kurtopotamia of Seaworthy Liberian Cardboard Boxes (SLCB) launched an unprovoked attack on two Invicta nations. Well, maybe "unprovoked" is not the right word. Certainly Invicta didn't take any military action against SLCB. But, to be fair, our alliance and our Purple Unity brothers did have the temerity to unseat the Stickmen senator, Michiel de Ruyter. So I can see how that might have made Stickmen member SLCB feel a little threatened. But, to be fair, SLCB carefully and painstakingly looked into the matter. I know they must have done so carefully and painstakingly because of how much time it took them to figure out what was going on. Now, someone might very well suggest that more than 24 hours to establish that a member had gone rogue borders on dithering. Someone might very well suggest that. But I would never say such a thing. But, finally, it was established that Kurtopotamia had not acted with the support of the SLCB government or their allies. It was a pretty straightforward matter of a member who had gone rogue. Easy. We've all been there. Member goes rogue; member is reprimanded and ordered to stand down; member either does so or is ejected from the alliance to be dealt with as the victim's alliance sees fit; and, of course, member is expected to pay reps. These are pretty established procedures between alliances when a member has gone rogue. Easy, like I said. Right? Well, apparently not. Apparently SLCB has taken it upon themselves to decide that their member – whom they concede was in the wrong by going rogue – does not owe any reps at all: So, SLCB admits that their member went rogue, and that the reps requested (a paltry $3M for each of the two victims) are fair, but they refuse to pay it. And they continue to harbor the rogue. Hmm. You know, someone might very well suggest that such a scenario would be an excellent way to goad an alliance into starting a war. Yes, indeed. Someone might very well suggest that. But of course I would never say such a thing. Besides, who would be dumb enough to fall for such a hamfisted ploy? Certainly not us.

I was just looking at the Purple senate results, and between Purple Unity and Stickmen our four candidates have 1,771 votes. Rivalry aside, that's got to be some kind of record. So if nothing else, we're stirring up interest. OK, back to bickering.

I WISH! I keep telling Haf that's how it SHOULD be, but he never listens!

Hey, I never said we were all classy! But then again, none of those guys are candidates for senate. Don't the people have a right to know who they're voting for? You wanna be a public figure, your life is gonna become an open book. That's why I always write letters to [OOC]Penthouse Forum[/OOC] under an assumed name.

Kind of seems like Michiel de Ruyter (aka Arexes) is tho one doing the hating... So, I guess when you talk about the "change" Purple needs, you mean a change to a narrow-minded, sexist bigot? Hmm. Well, I guess to be fair, you didn't say it would be a good change.

Well said. You'd make a GREAT vice president, you know.

Where can I register on your forums? I don't see the link.

Wow. I've never won anything before. I mean, it's an honor just to be nominated. I'd like to thank my agent, and my manager. Those guys have really worked hard to make this possible. My parents. Hi Mom! And, of course, the Big Guy upstairs. You really came through for me, Superman.

Congratulations to these two fine alliances!

Let me clarify a few things: Invicta has never been an alliance that could be described as belligerent. That said, I will admit that, yes, I was extremely angry over the recent developments with the Stickmen. It's not just the senate thing. Hell, the united purple alliances have four or five times Stickmen's numbers. If we can't GOTV to win all three senate seats that's our problem. What bothers me about the Stickmen is what I consider an undisguised attempt to disrupt the sphere. This was evident from the very beginning in the leaked logs about the (then-planned) move to purple. In my opinion, when you move to a place, it is inherent upon you to adapt to the cultural norms of your new home. I would not move to the Netherlands, for example, without learning to speak Dutch and educating myself on the customs, social mores, and history of the country. But Stickmen didn't do that in Purple. Instead, what they did was tantamount to an American moving to Amsterdam and then expecting everyone speak English while bombing around the neighborhood in his pickup truck and demanding that the local cafe carry Coors Light. What we have been striving for is Purple unity. Unity. All for one and one for all, as the Musketeers put it. We set up institutions to foster and protect that unity. We try to balance the interests of the sphere against our individual alliance interests when we can. But Stickmen don't seem interested in that. From the very beginning, in those leaked logs I mentioned, it was clear that they intended to do as they pleased, without regard for anyone but themselves. So why did Stickmen come to Purple? It certainly wasn't for trades. They seem to trade mostly amongst themselves. And it certainly wasn't for the company, since it's evident that they have nothing but contempt for us. The only answer I can think of is that they just wanted to cause trouble, whether for their own amusement or at the behest of their sponsors. (The above three paragraphs will look very familiar to anyone following this thread on the iFOK or FOK forums. What can I say? I believe in recycling. ) So, back to the idea of war. A lot of people in purple believe that this entire situation was "trap" intended to goad us into attacking. An excuse to start Karma War II, and possibly even to leave NPO without any allies when they get out of terms. Machiavellian? Maybe. But stranger machinations have played out in the World of Bob. I have no intention of allowing that to happen. I know that any aggression against iFOK or Stickmen would be met with a response from their allies, notably FOK, against whom my little alliance stands no chance. I am not about to allow my members' nations, and those of our allies, to be destroyed on a fool's errand. Have I spoken words in anger? Yes I have. And if I have been intemperate, then I apologize. But put yourselves in my position for a moment. To paraphrase Kermit the Frog, it's not easy being purple. For reasons that I have never fully grasped, we are viewed with utter, undisguised contempt. Alliances that I have never even spoken to hate us with a passion that is usually reserved for child murderers and Michael Vick. Don't misunderstand me -- I'm not trying to play the victim card here. But in that environment it's not hard to see enemies around every corner. I would also suggest that there has been anger and ill-chosen words on both sides here. I apologize for my part.

What are these "elections" you speak of? Aren't those negatively-charged particles? When I need a new gov't member I just name one. And when I tire of one I throw him into the Great Pit of Invicta. Due to budget cuts we had to get rid of the man-eating gerbils down there, but it's still really cold and dank. You could easily catch a cold or something... Seriously, though, congratulations to our good and true friends. o/ UPN! PS: But we still want Kae back.

I am going to sorely, sorely miss you, SSSW18. You were great friends and great allies. IAA is a lucky group. o/ SSSW18! o/ IAA!

Moo, congratulations on a job well done. May your retirement be everything you want it to be. You have been a great friend to our alliance and to me personally. Invicta One is at your disposal any time you want to fly to Amsterdam for some partying, like that time we... well, you remember. Cortath, Invicta wishes you well in your new position. You have some big shoes, and a grand tradition, to fulfill. I know you will rise to the challenge. o/ Moo! o/ Cortath! o/ NPO!

I can't help but notice that IAA's flag is bigger and on top... But seriously, I really like IAA, and I'm very happy that this has gone through. Please excuse the delay in my posting here – I'm on a quasi-leave-of-absence from my duties due to a play I'm doing in RL. I pop in every few days to make sure Amonra and Locke haven't burned down my alliance. o/ IAA!

A pox on anyone who would knowingly protect a saboteur and traitor. SNAFU is a great alliance, with terrific people, and did not deserve that kind of asshattery. If Invicta can sacrifice any goats to the internet gods on your behalf, we would be happy to do so.

/me wipes away a tear... It's like watching Michael Flatley dancing in HEAVEN!

Invicta is honored and pleased to see these two alliances as part of CDT. And, to our good friends at NATO, we offere a hearty "welcome home." In answer to a question posted upthread, I think it might be reasonable to look at whether PurQua is necessary any longer, inasmuch as all the signatories are already bound together through CDT. o/ Wolfpack o/ NATO o/ CDT

Invicta was happy to help in whatever way we could. Your thanks are unnecessary but nevertheless appreciated! Also, don't forget where Airikr came from. IF YOU'RE DONE WITH HIM WE WANT HIM BACK! B) o/ TPF

Um, I just noticed something. My title is Jorost of the Triune Republic, not teh Triune Republic.

I am pleased to call The Coalition friends, despite their obvious sexual depravity. Or perhaps because of it... o/ TC!

The Kurultai A protectorate agreement by and between Invicta and The Huns Preamble: The word "Kurultai" means a meeting of political and military leaders, usually of Mongol and Turkish origin. The word, literally, means "to be established". As per the desire to build up a new friend, Invicta and The Huns agree to the following terms of protection. Article One: Sovereignty Invicta recognizes The Huns as a sovereign alliance. As such, Invicta and The Huns respect each other's sovereign territories and commit to mutual development of one another's alliance. Additionally, The Huns respect the goals of Invicta's allies in the Purple Sphere and agree to not attack any nation on Purple Sphere without a valid reason, presented in advance. Article Two: Protection The Huns are under the protection of Invicta. Invicta agree to defend The Huns in the event The Huns are attacked without provocation. Invicta and The Huns agree, however, to consider pursuing a diplomatic resolution before committing military resources to a response. The Huns reserve the right, but are not obligated, to come to the aid of Invicta should Invicta become involved in conflict. Intervention may also be rendered in the form of diplomatic support, financial aid, and public statements of support. Article Three: Tech Deals The Huns agree to participate in tech deals with Invicta nations, with assistance from Invicta’s finance personnel, on Invicta's forums. Article Four: Adviser Invicta shall dispatch from its government an adviser to assist in the development of The Huns. The adviser shall act as Invicta’s ambassador and facilitate communication between the two governments. Additionally, all treaties proposed to or by The Huns mandating mutual defense or stronger stipulations must receive approval from Invicta government prior to going into effect, by way of the signature of the adviser and either the President, Vice President or Chief of Staff of Invicta. Article Five: Evaluation This pact shall last for 90 days, after which time Invicta and The Huns shall review this treaty. A ten-day grace period shall exist during the review, after which this treaty expires and a new treaty shall come into effect, if one is agreed to. Should either side wish to end this pact within 90 days, advance notice of 72 hours is required. Signed for Invicta Jorost of the Triune Republic, President Signed for The Huns The Great Khan of the Huns Alliance Genghis Khan II

SSSW18 is an awesome group! We are PSYCHED (as opposed to "psychotic" – that's just Haf and he's been taking his meds and feels MUCH BETTER) to be treatied with you! o/ SSSW18

It's ALL about Purple Lovin'! I look forward to our relationship with our brothers-in-color! o/ SNAFU