Calling all Federation Commanders - We are at War with the Empire

[Ecco]

EIC has sent commanders to fight along side the Federation to send Patrons Principles back to Liaden.

Here is the full statement.

http://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/347f6m/eic_statement_the_volunguliaeden_conflict/


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From the Reddit post
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Greetings Galactic Citizens, Empire and Federation alike. My name is Duris Maccus and I'm the Public Relations Director of the East India Company. Before I talk about the EIC though, I'll speak as to my own self. Now, as some of you may be aware, I was born in Liaedin.

I am, by birth, related to the Faveol family, who control the operations of Patron's Principles in Liaedin. My father, Quentin Maccus, married Wandra Faveol, the youngest daughter of the youngest son in the Faveol line. I say this to put our relationship in context... I'm a long way from being influential when it comes to their dealings. It is simply fate, that such events put me in a place, to be able to reason with my family and try to deescalate this situation.

The East India Company, at my behest, responded to the situation in Liaedin recently by moving part of our fleet there to re-stabilize a region that was becoming increasingly volatile. We heard mixed reports from both Volungu and Liaeden. I am not privy to the true nature of Faveol's expansion into neighbouring Volungu, nor to the Blossum's aggressive moves to increase their influence within Liaedin and take it over. Put simply, I do not care for their squabbles, and neither does the East India Company. However, one thing we were able to ascertain as fact, is that a terrorist group known as the Earth Defense Fleet were seeking to start a war between the Federation and the Empire, and they want that war to start with the hostile takeover of Liaedin.

Our stance is simple, we wish to maintain the peace, not simply in Liaedin but between the Empire and Federation proper. Liaedin, formerly Delta Aquilae, is a symbol of the peace that exists between our two great galactic nations. It is a major tourist destination for nearby Federation and Alliance natives, as well as being a small slice of home for the expatriated Empire pilots and businessmen operating near the core systems. The oft-overlooked common folk of Liaedin have enjoyed this peace more than anyone.

Any Imperial who acts alongside Patrons Principles in Volungu is breaching the long standing Peace Treaty that was signed in 2381. It's the very document that has kept the peace between our two nations for nearly a millennium. I for one won't sit idly by and allow a thousand years of peace between the Federation and Empire be dashed by the actions of two families. Peace is far more important than a feud that dates back over a thousand years ago, and the reasoning behind it long forgotten.

It was with this in mind that we sought to parley with the Federal organisations showing an interest in the system. We communicated with the Merchant Marines, Federal Navy Elite and Adle's Armada regarding the actions of the group of terrorists known as the EDF and a peace accord was reached, one that ensured the stability of Liaedin. EIC would refrain from aiding any expansion of Patron's Principles in the surrounding systems and the Federal groups would allow EIC to stabilize the Liaedin system and hunt the terrorists down. In addition, we have authorized a small group of our own company Privateers, to assist in repelling the Patron's Principles from Volungu. We did not make this decision easily, nor do we enjoy it. However with Patron's Principles refusal to return to Liaeden Peacefully, we feel it imperative that we keep the peace at any cost. Since Patrons Principles are acting without any authority given by the Imperial Senate, they are illegally breaching the peace Treaty, and must be stopped from establishing a foothold in the system of Volungu. However, we will continue to defend Liaeden at all costs. Galactic peace must remain the objective.

We know that not everyone will agree with or understand this arrangement. We do not pretend to speak for the Empire or the Federation proper, only our humble private enterprise.
However, be advised, the two great companies of Merchant Marines and East India Company are two sides of a very valuable and very heavy coin, and on this matter we are in 100% agreement. If you work against the Treaty of Liaedin you will be branded an Enemy of the Peace and a terrorist and you will be treated with all the courtesy one would expect when branded as such.
I thank you all for your time. Sequi Stellas.

 

[CMDR Swift Arrow]

Commander Swift Arrow,

Your adherence to the peace treaty of Liaedin is admirable but I think ultimately misplaced. Their can be no peace between the Federation and the Empire now.

The time of peace draws to a close and what stands ahead of us is war.

The Federation is rising commander, enough even to make the mighty EIC take note. We are fighting bravely and in the midst of these battles we look up and stare at that bright white light in the distance called Liaedin.

So, at the slightest provocation of conflicts in an otherwise strategically unimportant location (Volungu doesn't even have a proper Coriallis or Orbis Station to dock at!), you conclude that a war that threatens to engulf all mankind is about to erupt. And then you turn around and commit the exact same sins that the Patrons Principles are guilty of in Volungu, helping to precipitate this very war that you claim you tried to stop.

I think this is the very definition of a double standard.

It is one thing to defend your house when it is invaded, and then ensure that the culprit is dealt within sanctioned channels. It is quite another to use these deeds as an excuse to invade their house and murder/enslave/pillage everything they hold dear. This is nothing new, it has existed since the dawn of time, but it is an enlightened person who recognizes that and uses the power of their sentience to override these base impulses in their mind (and the minds of their fellow man).

In practice, in this situation, it means squashing the Faveols when they act outside of normal market economics (by resorting to war to take what they want beyond Liaedin), and squashing the Blossums when they do the same inside of Liaedin (as they have Volungu and other holdings). This is why the EIC has actually turned on the Patron's Principles for taking actions that are unsanctioned by the Empire, essentially demonstrating that while we will defend them in Liaedin, they need to learn their place in the Galaxy. And that place is Liaedin.

It is my greatest hope and faith that the Merchant Marines and other honorable signatories of the treaty of Liaedin will return the favor if the Blossoms attempt a grab of power against the Patrons or Liaedin Electronics.

 

[Jaiotu]

So, at the slightest provocation of conflicts in an otherwise strategically unimportant location (Volungu doesn't even have a proper Coriallis or Orbis Station to dock at!), you conclude that a war that threatens to engulf all mankind is about to erupt. And then you turn around and commit the exact same sins that the Patrons Principles are guilty of in Volungu, helping to precipitate this very war that you claim you tried to stop.

I think this is the very definition of a double standard.

It is one thing to defend your house when it is invaded, and then ensure that the culprit is dealt within sanctioned channels. It is quite another to use these deeds as an excuse to invade their house and murder/enslave/pillage everything they hold dear. This is nothing new, it has existed since the dawn of time, but it is an enlightened person who recognizes that and uses the power of their sentience to override these base impulses in their mind (and the minds of their fellow man).

In practice, in this situation, it means squashing the Faveols when they act outside of normal market economics (by resorting to war to take what they want beyond Liaedin), and squashing the Blossums when they do the same inside of Liaedin (as they have Volungu and other holdings). This is why the EIC has actually turned on the Patron's Principles for taking actions that are unsanctioned by the Empire, essentially demonstrating that while we will defend them in Liaedin, they need to learn their place in the Galaxy. And that place is Liaedin.

It is my greatest hope and faith that the Merchant Marines and other honorable signatories of the treaty of Liaedin will return the favor if the Blossoms attempt a grab of power against the Patrons or Liaedin Electronics.

Liaedin is a strategic forward base for Empire. As long as Patron's Principles has a foothold in Volungu there can be only three outcomes to this conflict that will result in peace:
1. A Federation station in the Liaedin system.
2. A proper station in Volungu.
3. We drive the Empire out of Federation Space entirely.

 

[CMDR Swift Arrow]

Liaedin is a strategic forward base for Empire. As long as Patron's Principles has a foothold in Volungu there can be only three outcomes to this conflict that will result in peace:
1. A Federation station in the Liaedin system.
2. A proper station in Volungu.
3. We drive the Empire out of Federation Space entirely.

Some forward base. Surrounded by Federation and Independent systems, no real supply lines and logistics back to the Empire. No real profitable trade routes, few missions. At best it would be beseiged on all sides until the Empire could capture the systems between it and Liaedin. At worst, Liaedin would fall entirely.

And don't forget how hard it is to get factions into expansion in the first place. The Mercs of Mikunn have worked non-stop, 24/7 on the Dukes of Mikunn faction, and have only succeeded in 3 or 4 expansions in...what....3...4 months? And they didn't exactly have any say in where those expansions happened.

Also, #1 would naturally lead to #3. You salivate at the idea of actually gaining a station because then it allows you an (actual) opportunity to destroy the Faveol family entirely. Your outcomes would only lead to war and decreased asset counts on all sides, not peace.

However, if a war breaks out between Crimson Fortune company and one of the Empire factions (your best case scenario), Frontier will probably end up spawning a one-sided community goal for the Empire that is guaranteed to result in complete victory and utter devastation for the CFC. Just like they did for Volungu against Patron's Principles.

Sorry to tell you this, but the meta-game is not winnable for you in Liaedin, and your efforts would have been better placed elsewhere. Pursuing Liaedin at this point is throwing good money after bad. Sorry that your emotional investment in this project turned out to be a bad one. You should search for other opportunities to offset the losses in moral for your community.

 

[FederationNavyHQ]

We have made Tier 4

Federation Commanders,

We have just passed tier 4 in the defence of Volungu. This is incredible commanders and shows the true power that we hold as the Federation.

Do not be swayed by Imperial propaganda, stick to the cause and we will defend Volungu successfully and then we will move to eliminate the source of this threat at its source.

God speed commanders.

 

[CMDR Swift Arrow]

Federation Commanders,
Do not be swayed by Imperial propaganda....then we will move to eliminate the source of this threat at its source.

Yea, have fun with that when Liaedin ends up spawning a community goal for the Empire with no corresponding CG for the CFC, resulting in utter devastation of all your hard work. Like I said earlier, your efforts in Liaedin are utterly wasted when they could be put to better use elsewhere in areas not likely on the EIC radar.

Do not be swayed by propaganda by tiny rogue groups too weak to actually be effective in fighting for Federation ideals outside the Federation against real war mongers like Patreaus, who would enslave entire worlds for the mere sin of late payments and refusing to put up with unreasonable interest rates. At least operation Papercut managed to contribute to preventing the trade goal from hitting its final tier. And then there is an entire series of Empire worlds they could focus on besides Liaedin, which would meet with no real opposition from the EIC.

The myopia of the EDF is evident, given these facts.

Fly safe commander.

 

[Raptor8009]

Commander I have stayed out of the fight on volangu. However if Liadein is attacked I will fight savagely to defend her.

 

[vulkman]

Why is it that yesterday I could not find any enemy ships in the conflict zones in Volungu? Seems to be that too many Commanders on the same side also prevent NPCs from spawning, which would effectively force me to go Solo :-/

 

[IronBrutzler]

Why is it that yesterday I could not find any enemy ships in the conflict zones in Volungu? Seems to be that too many Commanders on the same side also prevent NPCs from spawning, which would effectively force me to go Solo :-/

It happens when players are to close to the "spawn Points" of the NPCs.

Even happens in Solo

 

[Crash1099]

Commander Swift Arrow,

Your adherence to the peace treaty of Liaedin is admirable but I think ultimately misplaced. Their can be no peace between the Federation and the Empire now.

The time of peace draws to a close and what stands ahead of us is war.

The Federation is rising commander, enough even to make the mighty EIC take note. We are fighting bravely and in the midst of these battles we look up and stare at that bright white light in the distance called Liaedin.

I really see no reason for the Empire and Federation to be at war. If it makes you happy a Federation faction that i support just invaded a Empire system.

 

[CMDR Swift Arrow]

I really see no reason for the Empire and Federation to be at war. If it makes you happy a Federation faction that i support just invaded a Empire system.

What system? Sounds like a good pvp opportunity, regardless of whether you are Fed or Empire.

 

[CMDR Derrida]

It happens when players are to close to the "spawn Points" of the NPCs.

Even happens in Solo

Talking of which, the guys I play in a wing with say that solo play in the warzone does not affect the outcome of community goals like this war in Volunga, and that the outcome will be decided in 'open' mode? Is this true?
Also, although I'm not trying relight the debate about solo versus open here, I do think that when it comes to powerplay and community goals, it is a shame that invading forces can fly into enemy territory in solo mode, and effectively spawn by the hundreds (or however many the space station accommodates) behind enemy lines, moreover, in the enemy's camp...

 

[IronBrutzler]

Talking of which, the guys I play in a wing with say that solo play in the warzone does not affect the outcome of community goals like this war in Volunga, and that the outcome will be decided in 'open' mode? Is this true?

Nope.
You can play the CG in Open/Group or even Solo. Would be bad if it is only open.

 

[Shock]

I think this is the very definition of a double standard.

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Double standard, like the EIC fighting alongside the CSG to take over Lugh, fighting to make sure the Federation lost the system, and then you telling the galaxy that EIC wants peace.

 

[Kerrec Snowmane]

Some forward base. Surrounded by Federation and Independent systems, no real supply lines and logistics back to the Empire. No real profitable trade routes, few missions. At best it would be beseiged on all sides until the Empire could capture the systems between it and Liaedin. At worst, Liaedin would fall entirely.

And don't forget how hard it is to get factions into expansion in the first place. The Mercs of Mikunn have worked non-stop, 24/7 on the Dukes of Mikunn faction, and have only succeeded in 3 or 4 expansions in...what....3...4 months? And they didn't exactly have any say in where those expansions happened.

Also, #1 would naturally lead to #3. You salivate at the idea of actually gaining a station because then it allows you an (actual) opportunity to destroy the Faveol family entirely. Your outcomes would only lead to war and decreased asset counts on all sides, not peace.

However, if a war breaks out between Crimson Fortune company and one of the Empire factions (your best case scenario), Frontier will probably end up spawning a one-sided community goal for the Empire that is guaranteed to result in complete victory and utter devastation for the CFC. Just like they did for Volungu against Patron's Principles.

Sorry to tell you this, but the meta-game is not winnable for you in Liaedin, and your efforts would have been better placed elsewhere. Pursuing Liaedin at this point is throwing good money after bad. Sorry that your emotional investment in this project turned out to be a bad one. You should search for other opportunities to offset the losses in moral for your community.

Fear-mongering. It works with defenseless slaves. Not quite so much against someone willing to fight for their right to free will.
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As for the one sided community goal... FDev try to follow narratives created by players. For example, see the attempt on the Emperor by Emperor's Grace. By creating and enforcing a peace treaty in Liaedin, you have effectively NEUTERED the ability for a counter CG to be created. You have led with your RP, and FDev followed suit.
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If it does come to war in Liaedin, I sincerely hope whoever is orchestrating this "operation blossom" goes full bore war mode, propaganda and all. That way, it will be more like Lugh (hopefully better and more "equal") and there will be counter CG's.

 

[CMDR Derrida]

Nope.
Would be bad if it is only open.

You're right of course. As a big fan of multiplayer only environments, I tend to be biased. However, my gut tells me that 'overlapping' solo and open will ultimately avoid the designers having to nerf 'hard earned' powerful ships to compensate for newcomers. I.e., Rather than reducing weapon strengths/range etc for a more level playing field, newcomers can earn money unhindered by billionaire bullies (picture Biff from Back to the Future in an Anaconda) and then use this money to have a fighting chance if they choose to join us in 'open'. On the flip side, this does take away from the efforts of people like those who started this thread, who are going out of their way to make the multiplayer experience a lot of fun, but whose efforts are to an extend hindered by the fact that a player versus player would score less points towards community goals than a player (the same amount of players) in solo mode who sits in the war zones and takes out fifty ships in an hour! Or perhaps I'm wrong about that?

 

[IronBrutzler]

You're right of course. As a big fan of multiplayer only environments, I tend to be biased. However, my gut tells me that 'overlapping' solo and open will ultimately avoid the designers having to nerf 'hard earned' powerful ships to compensate for newcomers. I.e., Rather than reducing weapon strengths/range etc for a more level playing field, newcomers can earn money unhindered by billionaire bullies (picture Biff from Back to the Future in an Anaconda) and then use this money to have a fighting chance if they choose to join us in 'open'. On the flip side, this does take away from the efforts of people like those who started this thread, who are going out of their way to make the multiplayer experience a lot of fun, but whose efforts are to an extend hindered by the fact that a player versus player would score less points towards community goals than a player (the same amount of players) in solo mode who sits in the war zones and takes out fifty ships in an hour! Or perhaps I'm wrong about that?

Best solution to that would be that playing Open gives a 10% buff on bountys trades and exploration. Maybe even some weapons are only available in open. I would not have a problem with it and i am playing mostly solo or group with some friends.

 

[Jason Pegasi]

Fear-mongering. It works with defenseless slaves. Not quite so much against someone willing to fight for their right to free will.
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As for the one sided community goal... FDev try to follow narratives created by players. For example, see the attempt on the Emperor by Emperor's Grace. By creating and enforcing a peace treaty in Liaedin, you have effectively NEUTERED the ability for a counter CG to be created. You have led with your RP, and FDev followed suit.
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If it does come to war in Liaedin, I sincerely hope whoever is orchestrating this "operation blossom" goes full bore war mode, propaganda and all. That way, it will be more like Lugh (hopefully better and more "equal") and there will be counter CG's.

The same treaty that PP violated by invading Volungu would be violated if the federation invaded Liaedin. So, by your war community goal follows RP treaty logic, only the Empire would get a CG there to account for the fact that you were the aggressors violating a term of the treaty, just like how PP broke the treaty invading Volungu. Which sounds fine to me, that way it's more or less fair and makes actual sense. Either both sides should get a CG in both battles, or each one should get one CG battle, given to them for not breaking the treaty terms and fighting a defensive battle. Makes lore sense and is fair in gameplay terms.

 

[Mysteron]

This is the voice of Mysteron...

So be it... You choose wrath... The Dark Armada is already at work in the system of Volungu, in the service of the unbreakable Empire... All Federation ships beware, destruction awaits you in the velvet void. You will taste the harshness of the vacuum and embrace the warmth of beam laser...

 

[Kerrec Snowmane]

The same treaty that PP violated by invading Volungu would be violated if the federation invaded Liaedin. So, by your war community goal follows RP treaty logic, only the Empire would get a CG there to account for the fact that you were the aggressors violating a term of the treaty, just like how PP broke the treaty invading Volungu. Which sounds fine to me, that way it's more or less fair and makes actual sense. Either both sides should get a CG in both battles, or each one should get one CG battle, given to them for not breaking the treaty terms and fighting a defensive battle. Makes lore sense and is fair in gameplay terms.

I disagree. IEC chose peace and diplomacy, to avoid risking losing Liaedin via the "standard" background simulation. They role played it as "keeping the peace". FDev followed suit, releasing a GalNet feed stating that the Patron's Principles attack in Volungu was not condoned by the Senate. The EIC was sent to keep the peace, even allowed to go as far as siding with the Federation in Volungu AGAINST Patron's Principle. So of course there was no counter CG for the Empire. The players roleplayed a "we're not getting involved" and even went so far as to say "we're supporting Federation in Volungu".
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Now, if some party that is not aligned with the groups that agreed to this treaty push for war in Liaedin after Volungu is finished, and they actively roleplay and push the content, why should FDev NOT create counter CG's? Just because you as a RL person don't think it's fair? You put no effort to roleplay a denouncement of the EIC agreement/treaty on behalf of the Empire players that are not EIC. So you did not get a voice and your wants had no impact on FDev's decision to have a one sided CG for the Federation.
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In essence you suffered an injustice, brought onto you by players aligned with your faction, and now you want everyone else to suffer the same injustice out of spite. Nice attitude.