Hi,
I would like to ask UK players how they customarily
recruit neutrals? I personally have pretty stong
opinions in this regard, and know which "team" I would
like to join based on my own criteria. None of the
games I have ever been in seem to follow the "common
knowledge" that I have read about on various web sites.What role do neutrals play in 1650, what with the
predisposition towards "team" play and all...?
As a rule I would tend to say that the best way to recruit
neutrals is to talk to them, and then keep talking to them.
give them as much information as you can - though feel free
to be economical with the truth! (Don't lie though!) Some
time ago, when newsletters were still in vogue, the team I
generally played with used to produce a neutral version of
our team newsletter every turn. I would however advise
against bragging about how well you are doing (even if you
are). A number of people who habitually play neutrals have a
tendancy to join the side they perceive as losing, thus
evening out the game.
Once you have spoken to the neutrals a few times (and
speaking in person at a convention or pubmeet or over the
phone, is much better than email) you will be able to guage
their metal. Hone your diplomacy accordingly. Some players
may need to be bribed, in which case you may wish to do so.
Personally I generally try to get a neutral on side by
whatever means possible. After all, this is a team game and
one way to give your victory prospects a boost is to have a
larger team than the other side!
One warning though, I would argue against ever giving major
artifacts to a neutral before they change sides!
When playing a neutral, I generally have some idea of what I
would like to do in terms of eventual allegiance change.
However so much depends on contact from the two teams. In
most cases I join the team which seems the friendliest
and/or best organised. Anyone sending me a team newsletter
will probably find me helping them pretty quickly.
Colin.