All this makes me suddenly wonder ... what's the goal of our war, here? To get back some lost territory, definitely, then what? Head to the negotiating table and figure out the next step?
Both Summerdale and the Libero Empire claim to be the true heirs of the Springdale realm. The war is mostly around that, IC. OoC it was started by Summerdale seeking FUN (which was almost certain, given the advantage LE had).
Don't think I've ever played a game like this. Thought it would be like the traditional browser-based strategy game, but it's way different in feel. I think the slow turns and the high amount of dialog makes it pretty unique.
Similar to DF, the game is not only about winning, it's about RPing, developing your characters and creating the history of the worlds played in. MinMaxers, Clanners and Powergamers in general should seek another game, for both BM won't really fulfill their expectations nor does the BM community want them.
Heck, in Beluaterra we have been enjoying getting constantly trampled by hordes of very nasty invading Daimons, and I must say that trying to survive that has been much more entertaining for me than any victory. We have not yet lost, and might even win, but the point remains.
With all our new nobles (assuming they stick around), does that mean it's time to expand in all directions like a dwarven avalanche?
You can do that, but BM is not very rewarding for those who seek absolute dominance. The game mechanics are designed to somewhat hinder that, and it's not really the purpose of the game. Some people still try it, and some achieve something resembling it, mind you, but I personally find it extremely boring. I like the dynamic structures of the realms, the political struggles, the betrayals, scheming, religious tensions and everything that provides conflict to the game. What fun is it to be in a realm in where everyone perfectly follows orders, does as commanded and never complains?