Wow, this blew up while I was asleep.

[quote]Out of curiosity how is colonization going to be handled? I figure we don't want everyone going crazy colony happy.[/quote]
Colonies are expensive, difficult, and often dangerous to maintain. I won't be placing restrictions on colonizing unless it gets way out of hand, but nations who try and set up colonies without the income and infrastructure required will quickly find themselves in hot water.

[quote]Also, how long are we looking at running this behemoth of a game?[/quote]
As soon as it becomes stale and repeditive, or the era changes, I will bring this game to an end, take a break, and start up a new WiR from a different starting date. I'm not expecting this one to go past the year 1900.

Updated OP with new players, gonna have breakfast then post stats. Feel free to begin making alliances, but remember they have to go through me also. Don't forget to read the rules.