Saying that, I do agree in principle - BL should offer an alternative political dynamic to Elgea. I'm not sure I quite agree with your conclusion that alliances should have their freedom of action restricted on account of that alternative dynamic, but there's no doubt in my mind that a different approach to things in BL would be a good move.

I will say, however, that BL does have a freer feel to it. I suppose it could be compared to the land rush of the mid nineteenth century in the mid west of America, only it's a simulation. Eventually the law showed up, it just took a generation.

Personally, i moved to BL so that i could have more access to resources for crafting, without it being laid claim to by other people, or without having to share so much. Around where i am there are plenty of mineral and herb spots where i can do this.

I don't intend to get in any wars or openly provoke people, im quite nice :D but i do think that if other people do want to play militarily or in a different way, Bl is the perfect place to try it ouy.

This is a great discussion topic for the thread. Thanks, Grag.

I agree with what BV said here:

Shûl-nak wrote: Here's the way I see it: What is there a perceived need for in Illyriad right now? Areas of the map where people can engage in PvP perhaps without the disastrous consequences of previous large wars. (ie accounts entirely razed, alliances ruined etc) The devs did not create 'safe havens' or 'danger zones,' so it falls to us as players to create these kinds of areas. But people have already settled all over the map in Illyria. No matter what kind of conflict zone we want to cultivate, someone there is not going to like it. Call it unjustified bullying if you will; I would take no pleasure in harming someone just to get them to leave, but I truly believe it's a necessary step to get what we want. Omelettes and eggs. Ergo, I see SIN's claims to own Fellandire as a necessary step towards creating this kind of area. Some say SIN is throwing its weight around for the sake of bullying, but I think they're just folks who want to play the game in a way that is demonised by the majority. Whether rightly or wrongly is not mine to question. So, first of all you drive away those who clearly would not suit the playstyle being encouraged here. Then you make it abundantly clear via profile advertising, forum posts, GC presences and any other means you can that players who comes to this area should expect this kind of playstyle. Then you say: but SIN are a large alliance with a ton of experience. Who in their right minds would settle down there just to have their teeth kicked in? I can't speak for them, but I assume they enjoy competition as much as anyone else. What we need to do is clear space to plant seeds for burgeoning PvP-oriented players and alliances who can take things up a notch. Where we can pool military players, share knowledge and have a good laugh from our collective thrones as we send our poor mooks to their deaths. We need to make an active effort to promote an area that is more competitive and hostile, but hopefully a place that values sportsmanship and the thrill of the hunt more than getting overly upset and pulling the MAD card that leaves many players disillusioned with the game.

Sooo +1

I'd like to address a couple of points made in this post and make a couple of my own while I'm at it. 

The Hashashin alliance has recently, publicily declared a policy of land claims. The Jejune authored op-ed on this policy is a great read and well worth your time. Below I've quoted a section of Shûl-nak's post that specifically refers to that policy:

"Some say SIN is throwing its weight around for the sake of bullying, but I think they're just folks who want to play the game in a way that is demonised by the majority." -  Shûl-nak

I'm not so sure this "demonisation" is a majority issue. I believe that tendency may have been more prevalent in the past (I doubt it's ever been a majority beyond the vocal) but now there are certainly a preponderance of players who have expressed that they are quite happy to let SIN do as they wish, within the limits of their strengths, whatever those might be. 

"I can't speak for them, but I assume they enjoy competition as much as anyone else. What we need to do is clear space to plant seeds for burgeoning PvP-oriented players and alliances who can take things up a notch. Where we can pool military players, share knowledge and have a good laugh from our collective thrones as we send our poor mooks to their deaths." - Shûl-nak

To "clear space" would no doubt initiate conflict in a distinctly negative manner, however, in The Broken Lands there are still vast amounts of space and because of that, we (those of us interested in such) can build a society of alliances with a culture of like minded individuals to do exactly what Shûl-nak is proposing.

I am of the opinion that this strategy will decrease conflict as opposed to increasing it, especially when it can be carried out unopposed by "do-gooders" and publicized well enough to limit the number of disinterested players inadvertently sending in settlements.

Below is a quote that illustrates this (Mal Motsha is a region where a famous but poorly executed land claim took place in Illyriad's storied past):

"The case for land claims is often characterized by its detractors as being a pretext to create conflict. While that may have been the case with Mal Motsha, in this new era of Illyriad, land claim policies should be seen as the opposite; by implementing a buffer in and around a defined region, such a policy limits the occasion for conflict over grapes, herbs, minerals, and skins, as well as optimal settlement spots." - Jejune

I believe this is generally the point of claiming land in RL and I see no reason it can't be carried out, given claimants with reasonable motives and adequate time to carry it out minus any sort of interference from third parties who have no vested interest.