Why FoF declared war with StA

Recently, certain members of FoF have been hinting that they are getting bored with building and are looking for some action. However, being a proponent of justice, I don't want to just start, or join, any war, but I want to make sure any war in which we are involved is one with a just cause.

A few days ago, I received a message accusing Slaves to Armok of bullying a smaller alliance. This looked like the righteous war I was seeking, and with a larger alliance so we couldnt be accused of bullying. So, I rushed to fire off a warning letter to the leader of StA and declared war. Then I proceeded to message the leaders (or diplomatic officers) of alliances which I know to be honorable and powerful, asking for them to assist in the war.

I was quite surprised that the first 3 replies I received were to the effect of, "You may want to dig deeper and re-evaluate your position". I was even more surprised when the first person in StA to contact me was not the arrogant, boastful threatening bluster one expects from a bully, but a very cordial and respectful request for an explanation.

Then I began doing what I should have done from the start...carefully and deeply investigate the claims on both sides. The investigation is continuing. And, as I would really rather not make the same mistake twice (rushing to action without careful consideration), I have decided not to retract the war dec, but I have ordered all FoF members to not take any hostile actions against StA until I get to the bottom of this issue.

If, at the end of the investigation, I find I have allowed myself, in my haste to find a just war, to be hoodwinked and manipulated, I will publicly apologize and not only retract the war dec, but seek friendly relations with StA. On the other hand, if my investigation reveals S&B's cause is just, then I will press home the fight.

As a part of this investigation, I respectfully request anyone having any information or opinion concerning the conflict between StA and S&B to mail me a summary of their view on the matter.

So far, I have been able to determine this, as both sides admit to these points.

1)S&B started the fight
2)S&B offered a surrender
3)StA refused the surrender and insist on destroying S&B

Of course, StA offers justifications for this decision, and S&B denies the circumstances which would justify this decision. Further information is requested.


Edited by Ivorich Von Forge - 17 Sep 2010 at 00:36

Thanks, Ivorich, for your clarification. More detail can be found here:

http://forum.illyriad.co.uk/about-the-sta-vs-sb-war_topic1038.html

Also, to sum up the current situation:
1. Zork2010 has recently left S&B
2. StA see no point of continuing the war
3. StA has offered a peaceful resolution to current S&B members, with the following conditions:
3.1. Stop all hostilities
3.2. Not associate themselves with Zork2010

Aelfric wrote: ...StA has offered a peaceful resolution to current S&B members...

Please let me know the response.

It is well known in Illyriad that I strive, not for a reputation of honorability, but to actually BE honorable.

As mentioned above, because I was eager to find a just cause, I allowed myself to be gullible and declared an unjust war against an honorable foe.

I apologize for having done so. I will immediately offer peace with an undisclosed escrow which will come from my personal coffers, not from the alliance vault.

I will also follow that with an offer of friendly relations in the form of a NAP or Confederation, which ever (if either) the leadership of StA preferrs.

Ivorich Von Forge wrote: It is well known in Illyriad that I strive, not for a reputation of honorability, but to actually BE honorable.

I think you're my favorite person that I don't know in Illyriad.