Welcome, pirate captains, already established nation rulers and those wanting to create their own Empire. Today, I want to perhaps give advice or just give you an entertaining read.

I’m sure that most people here have dreams of absolute power or being an important figure on the server, but without the necessary knowledge you’ll only have a crumbling wreck of a tribe. So, I’m gonna give you my knowledge and experience of a year and couple month’s worth of running crews.

Chapter 1: Monarchies

When I left Delta following the destruction of SeconDeath’s vault, I seceded and formed my own crew. The Ashikagan Navy, which I’m sure you’ve heard of. I wanted a peaceful crew with the population to fill a small town, hidden in the Japan-shaped southern most continent at the time. I always believed in an absolute Monarchy and I always gave myself absolute power. From my time as Monarch of the Ashikagan/Tokugawan Shogunate, I learned only 2 things. Stop being salty and don’t turn it into a Kleptocracy.

However, in the later days after my ‘revolution’, I created the Russian Empire which was very short-lived, but during the time I remember how hard it was because the crew members always expected you to manage the farms, build the houses and construct the military. Even if you specify rules, they do their own thing. By being King, Queen or Emperor, your nation’s people expect you to be the only one to uphold the Kingdom. There is no sense of King and Country when you’re the Monarch, ironically.

During my recent ventures in the People’s Republic of China and Imperial Japan, I found that It’s also a matter of crew theme. For example, when NitrogenGaming77 or whatever his name is right now decided to join Japan, he did not agree with it for obvious reasons if you study history. Anyway, with those two crews I experimented with fanaticism, but failed miserably.

Chapter summary, Monarchism and fanaticism doesn’t work in Piratecraft.

Chapter 2: Ensuring People’s Loyalty

Throughout my adventures in other servers with factions or some spin-off of the nation system, I’ve found that the biggest challenge is people’s loyalty and keeping them active. The easiest way to ensure loyalty is get their Skype if they have one, but if they don’t, you gotta be a good friend to them. You must give the people a reason to be loyal and active. I’ve found that promising them great wealth if they build this and that is the best way for activity and loyalty if they do not have Skype. Yes, it may seem wrong and corrupt but with the things they gather themselves, they’ll be under the false illusion that they are in a prosperous nation.

Activity of the people also depends on your activity. If you recruit a bunch of guys, become good friends with them and say Goodbye and don’t get on in weeks, then chances are you won’t see them again or they won’t be in your nation by the time you get back. That is why I recommend putting people you trust in power before you leave.

Chapter summary, be good friends with your nation’s people and make sure you have someone to be in power if you need to go and won’t come back in a while.

Chapter 3: The Art of Diplomacy

Congratulations, you’ve managed to create a nation with a sustainable population and good economy. But you have no soldiers, you suck at PVP and the nation has no resources for good weapons. Time to get into the dirty work of Diplomacy. As a person who struggles with PVP and keeping the resources to create good weapons and armor, I often rely on allies to protect me. Many times, an ally has saved one of my nations from impending doom.

When negotiating with other leaders or diplomats, you must be as kind and formal as possible. You’ll get nowhere by acting un-enthused and rude, unless if you’re talking to an enemy.

When negotiating with an enemy, one should act calm and not overreact when the hostile attempts to demoralize you. A good negotiator would use some form of emotional appeal. If you are talking to someone a part of a civil nation, then appeal to their intelligence and kindness. However, if you’re negotiating with a pirate, just somewhat give into their demands. Put your best valuables in an ender chest or secret chest.

When negotiating with pirates, not much advice can be given. Most pirates that I’ve encountered either want it all or just kill you for weeks on end for something they call ”lulz”.

Chapter summary, stay calm, collected and attempt to manipulate the person you’re negotiating with to further your own interests.

Chapter 4: Nationalism

The best way to secure a nation is with Nationalism. On every faction or whatever server I’ve been on, the best and most successful have been either extremely wealthy or Nationalistic. For example, the Roman Republic and British Empire get it right. Roman and British banners fly in every single household (that I’ve seen) and every street. It gives a sense of pride and national unity. This is why that Arstodskan themed nations (the fictional nation from Paper’s Please) seem to be quite popular, due to the fact that the nation is built around Nationalism.

(can elaborate if youwish) Short chapter summary, give your nation culture and a sense of pride.

Chapter 5: Government System

I know I’ve already covered Monarchies, but I felt that I should cover other ideologies.

This is going to be short and simple. Anything but Communism. Fascism, Anarchism, Capitalism…Anything, just no Communism.

Chapter Summary: Communism is bad, m’kay.

Conclusion

I’ve spent too long on this. If anyone wants a sequel where I go into more detail, just ask. I hope at least one of you gets some assistance from this.

Hell, I’ve probably made tons of mistakes but I can’t be bothered reading it through.