Banger post, Zaify. Thank you for addressing the war that has been ongoing for four years. I stopped playing and taking part in sieges and politics altogether because of it. The decisions made in 2021 still carrying on years later even after the people who made them had left simply make no sense.

From what I understand, ever since 2021, older nations that collapse get replaced by newer ones. Older players leave, and new ones take their place. Hell, even the members of alliances change sometimes but the war between the same two sides keeps going, even after all that.

I find it crazy that this mega-alliance conflict has lasted this long. To be clear, I don’t hate the idea of a mega-alliance forming when things get dire. In fact, some of my most memorable moments in wars came from times when we had to create a mega-alliance to chase uncertain goals that would have been impossible otherwise. This happened multiple times: by the end of N1 during the Italian vs AS wars, and early in N2 when we first had to call a mega-alliance against the Nordics, followed by the SCA vs STO wars. But after all those wars, the alliances dissolved.

The third time, the alliances were called in to help early Thracia, mostly just to troll the Italians. That snowballed into a full-scale mega-alliance, which was countered by another one from the opposing side. And ever since then, that war has kept going just changing shape with new additions and losses.

I think it’s high time players realize that the stupidity they’ve been partaking in isn’t going to work out. There is no “end goal.” The opposition isn’t going to leave or stop playing. People need to understand that wars aren’t about endlessly winning fights on siege banners every other week but about reaching an actual, achievable, and sensible resolution.

Diplomacy and truces seem to be dismissed and labeled as “LARP,” but honestly, I’d take some so-called “LARPers” who can actually move things forward and accomplish something over this never-ending war that’s been dragging on since late 2021.

Seeing as how these mega alliances are some sort of an issue. It would seem as something of a massive change would be needed to fix this problem, either a massive change in mindset or a massive change in the server. Although some people would want to go so far as to say that N3 is needed, this is almost completely ridiculous however there is a core element of their argument that is wanted by many on this server, a reset of sorts. Therefore, I would like to propose a possibly minor change, break all and disable alliances for a temporary amount of time maybe 4-5 seige-startable weeks. Ultimately in order for mega alliances to end, they would need to break apart into smaller and smaller factions. This would allow for present inter-alliance beef to be hashed out between.

Alternatively, it could be just simply these 2 sides that everyone is tired of which has cultivated a server culture based around them both existing. I do agree with perplexed in a way that wars are a mean to create an achievable resolution, however despite what perp did say, maybe temporarily there should be an 'end goal' to end this current war. Maybe, like my previous proposal, a minor change from staff, disable forts being able to be regened for a short timeframe, but a time frame in which a fort could get seiged repeatedly. something to conclude one side or the other to have a victory and then a break up of any one of the 2 sides. The intention of this would be to have a scenario like the old wars perp mentioned in which mega alliances were formed, but after reaching a certain goal, they broke up. However, in this scenario, there could be underlying issues in which the staff must currently step in and set end terms somewhat artificially.

To conclude, I think that perhaps many here thinks that nations would just "be better" if we dissolved the 2 current sides and to say that this is one suggestion of many and would want others to share their opinions and suggestions as well.

A message to the community and staff, from a long-time player

I’ve been a part of this server for around four years. In that time, I’ve seen its highs and lows, built friendships, and spent countless hours building, fighting, and creating memories — like so many of you have. Although I am currently banned — permanently, based on the accusation that my boyfriend was an alt account — I still care deeply about this community, and I believe I have the right to speak up, especially for those who may be thinking the same but are too afraid to say it.

There is a growing culture of fear on the server. Many players feel like they’re walking on "eggshells", constantly worried that any small misstep, or even being on the wrong side of a report, could get them banned. This isn’t just about my case — it's a broader atmosphere of insecurity that comes from the so-called “ban wars,” and the perception that bans are being used as political tools rather than genuine rule enforcement.

One of the biggest concerns is that punishments often seem to be based on suspicion rather than clear and verified evidence. Players are being banned not because of proven actions, but because of assumptions. And when appeals are submitted, many are outright rejected without any explanation or opportunity for the accused to defend themselves. That is not justice — it’s silencing.

There is also a serious issue with how staff sometimes engage with players. I say this with full respect: some interactions cross the line of professionalism, politeness, and fairness. It’s one thing to enforce the rules; it’s another to do so in a way that feels dismissive or even hostile. This damages trust in the staff team and the overall health of the community.

I understand that running a server of this scale is incredibly difficult. Mistakes happen, pressure builds, and people burn out. But if we want to rebuild trust and improve the experience for everyone — both staff and players — there needs to be change. And I genuinely believe that if anyone has the ability to make that change, it’s Zaify!

Zaify, you are in a unique position. You’ve seen this server grow over the years. You’ve watched the community evolve. And right now, more than ever, the community needs leadership that listens, that reflects, and that takes bold steps toward healing the divide that has formed.

Let this be a turning point. Let this be a moment where we all — staff, players, banned or not — work toward making this server a place that people love being part of again. Not one where we’re afraid to speak, afraid to play, or afraid to exist.

Thank yall for reading.

— A member of the community.