Vote on Land Claims

I think this poll has run long enough to give everyone a chance to vote. It seems that most people expect land claims to result in stronger regional alliances (29). Another significant group of people felt that settlement options would be negatively affected (18). A final demographic mostly thought that land claims would result mostly in forum arguments (11), presumably not in actual game results.

I find two things interesting about the poll. First, that significantly more people believed that land claims would strengthen regional alliances, as opposed to negatively affect settlement options. Given the vocal opposition on the forums and in GC, I had expected a stronger showing from land claim detractors. Second, nobody voted for tournament results. That surprised me, given actual Illyriad history. The hyper-strong regional alliances like StK never really got into wars over their claims, but they did end up dominating local tournament squares in ways that gave them a huge tournament advantage. If regional Broken Lands alliances systematically dominate squares with little opposition, it could considerably change tournament results. It's actually the outcome that I perceive to be most likely in the broader land claim experiment.

I suppose time will tell. Thanks to everyone who voted in the poll and participated in the discussion.

First, I appreciate this effort. Brandmeister and I often clash over things, but I think most of the time he's got good points and is a civil debater.

However, "As such, there has been some very loud propaganda, and it is difficult to have a sensible discussion when people are aggressively advocating a particular viewpoint" assumes that you cannot be sensible and aggressive at the same time.  I disagree and believe that passion doesn't always cloud judgement or distort the truth and not all passionate appeals should be characterized as propaganda.

Having said that, I'll only say that anytime you allow a game to use meta-game strategies and tactics based on intimidation by threats of coercion, you introduce an unpleasantness to the game that is harmful to the game.  Just as in "real life" it's not proper to use such methods on the golf course, playing Monopoly or just about any other sport (except "pro-wrestling" of course), so it ought not to be so in Illyriad.  The only objection I have to land claims is not the claim but the enforcement of that claim by intimidation by threats of coercion.

If you wish to know more just turn and read the end of the thread: "Are Land Claims Bad for Illy."

AJ

PS.  Probably my shortest post EVER!  LOL

Steven Quincy Urpel wrote: I don't know what ursine candy-ma is, though. Santa Claus's wife in magic bear lore?

Heh, yeah. The poll allowed me to type in candy-magic, but when the questions were published, the last letters got chopped off. Possibly from some kind of evil bear counter-spell.

Brandmeister wrote: I find it interesting that with 40 responses, nobody thought that the strongest effect would be tournament scoring.

Brandmeister wrote: I find it interesting that with 40 responses, nobody thought that the strongest effect would be tournament scoring.