Okay the second player who is running positions under another name turned up
earlier this week.
****** With that in mind I would like to remind players that this is NOT
ALLOWED. *********
The reason behind it is this. I know that we all like to have guaranteed
allies, like to win, and sometimes the competitive instinct in us gets the
better of our good nature (I very much count myself in this camp!). But it
does damage the game - invariably I find that the greater degree of
co-operation, the guaranteed "Position A does X, Position B does Y" is very
strong in the game and consequently has a strong impact on the way the game
develops, without the morale implications of effectively lying to us and
your team-mates.
Please don't do it - if you know of anyone who is in such a situation please
ask them to get in touch. In the two situations discussed above I have been
able to have extensive dialogue with the two players concerned, and we have
come to an arrangement in each situation.
I am thinking of trying to get written confirmation from the parties that I
suspect are leading a double middle earth life - any other thoughts? We
allow players to take up nations that have been dropped, so 2 nations are
quite playable by this rule - it's the only way to keep games running in
some situations. We can also create variant games where you can play
multiple nations if that appeals as well. It's dead easy for anyone to play
multiple nations with a little bit of savy. Imagine a team run by one
player (or two for ease of brain!) it would be very strong and totally
abusive.
Note: playing the occasional (and I mean occasional) turn whilst your ally
is ill or away, or helping players to get their turns done, but letting them
do what they want to do!, is okay. But effectively running the position is
not okay. Okay? If I could get this, pleasant manner of dealing with each
other and pre-allied Neutrals sorted out I think the game would be a much
nicer one for all to play in, more enjoyable and more fun. I know some of
you had to play hard ball to get anything from your GMs in the past - we're
hoping to correct that (and still be firm where we think we have to be).
(Cue the music). 
Thanks - have fun and help make it fun for others.
Clint
···
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Middle Earth - Legends - Serim Ral
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