Mock wrote:Hello everyone!
I've started playing Diplomacy recently and I have heard, that in real life sessions players would work out contracts restricting them from invading certain areas or deciding which player gets which provinces. However, I have not found an ingame mechanic to set up mutual contracts between players. Is there one? If not, what can I do as an alternative?
Thanks in advance!
Contracts, agreements, alliances, and treaties are always worth the paper they are written on. But don't get the impression that Diplomacy is a free-for-all, where lying and duplicity are the standard modi operandi of most players. We all joke about it, of course; but in truth, players who are habitual stabbers, deal-breakers, and PITAs are usually not well received, except as early victims. Not that we avoid using those tactics, but like any tool, overuse leads to diminishing returns. It's the well-timed, well-placed stab that is applauded and most successful. But just remember that agreements are largely opportunistic; game-long agreements, for example, are usually unrealistic or just deceptions.
So, make good agreements, and take precautions; if for no other reason, than to not give the other player the impression you are a sucker. And don't take stabs personally; it's part of the game. Players expect you to stab them, so somebody will likely stab you sooner or later. And if you find it helpful for you to stab an ally, stab big.
Golarth's 3rd law of Diplomacy: Never forget that opponents and allies do things for their own reasons, not yours.
Cousin's Last Theorem: It's only a game. Have fun and keep a sense of humor. (This is one maxim that is sometimes hard to keep in mind!)