Captain Jordan

Russia in Crimea

Warrior in the Shadows said
I know people are all freaking out about Russian troops in Crimea, but Russia actually has a 25,000 troop limit in Crimea.

Except the problem is that Russia, as per their numerous treaties with Ukraine, isn't supposed to perform any major troop movements in Crimea without the Ukrainian government's approval. There was none.

Also the fact that Russia, along with the UK and US, signed a treaty in which they pledged to honor and defend Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Russia's using the new government in Kiev, the Russian population of Crimea and the approval of the Russian parliament as justification for their actions. Yet their justification isn't passing muster in the international court of public opinion.

Scripted Roleplay?

A. Sometimes complete freedom is an illusion, as the GM is always working behind the scenes to guide the action towards her/his intended goal, or at least one that makes the story interesting. Then again, exposing that illusion isn't always the best idea. This method could work with the right players, but at some point the GM may need to surrender some of the plot-guiding powers to her/his players to make things flow. I've seen this accomplished as a group writing a pseudo-fiction (like an online novel) where all players had input into the next story events. I've also seen a game where the GMs would ask if someone was interested in taking a certain action, after which they would talk to the volunteer player behind the scenes to set up the plot and let them write it out. I've never really seen a game where the GM dictates every action unilaterally, that's called being a novel author with ghostwriters.

B. I enjoy having everything out in the open. Knowing what is going to happen often helps me, as the player, set up things for my character's future events. It makes the story so much more satisfying when they come to fruition, then I can see the long planning and hard work pay off. I'm not a fan of being a complete slave to whatever the GM pulls out of the hat, I do like to know where I'm going in the roleplay so that I don't step on toes with my next post. There's nothing worse than posting that my character has just entered Room A just before the GM posts that Room A is completely blocked off and inaccessible to all characters. Surprise me? Sure, but don't leave me blind.

C. It can work, but remember that prophecies can be interpreted in many different ways. That is often the plot point of many stories with prophecies. Also, what ShonHarris said.

Signature Buddies

I'm against anything that would make a writing community "funner."

Star Wars - Jedi Exile.

Sep, it was SonofJET. He seemed interested when I PMed him, but nothing's happened. I've been too busy to start it myself until today.

I guess we'll see what happens after your post, if the collab is still worth doing.

Russia in Crimea

AlienBastard said
I don't think he is going to want Communism. If he is trying to make a CIS, chances are it will be much more right wing than left.

I don't think Communism has been left wing since the 19th century.

Russia in Crimea

Aristocles said
I'd say this is a move by an increasingly desperate Putin who thinks that by seizing Crimea, he can distract people from a slowing economy at home at the same time he wishes to rebuild a fraction of "soviet glory." He's also upset that he lost a major ally in Ukraine's ousted president.

It's interesting that you say this. I read a Forbes analysis yesterday which discussed some of the economic repercussions of this incursion, mostly as political retribution by the West, which could threaten the Russian economy more severely than it is now.

It also examined how crucial the warm water naval port is to Russia's position as a global power. Take away Crimea (where Russia currently leases the naval base in Sevastapof) and you have a military power without timely sea access to Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa. The Russian fleet wouldn't be much of a threat if you could spot it coming your way all the way from Gibraltar.

Russia in Crimea

Omega said
Ukraine has a strong ethnic Russian minority in many eastern regions they will find popular support through all of Southern Ukraine and could take almost everything east of the Dnieper almost with a fight as they have mobilized over 150,000 soldiers to Ukraine's current 145,000 with local support generally going to the Russians until you cross the Dnieper.

Which is pretty much due to Soviet forced migrations in order to create just this situation.

Russia in Crimea

HeySeuss said
Some of the better coverage on this is coming out of the Jerusalem Post and Haaretz, which has a very different stake in this situation, as well as better sources than most media outlets.tl;dr: The Western Ukrainian government aren't saints either.

That's hardly an excuse. This incursion is no better than if the US were to invade Cuba. Imperialism doesn't benefit the world anymore.

Star Wars RPG mindblock. HeLp!

What's the point of being marooned on the planet? Is there a story purpose or is it just Survivor: Jedi Exile Edition?

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That GIF kinda reminds me of Inque from Batman Beyond.

The topic title is just weird, though.