[Discuss] Sparking Beluaterra

[Anthony Anderson]

The bottom line on the whole issue is that mergers have been the most
punishable offense (aside from multi/cheating) since the very
beginning of the game.  I believe the first time it occurred was early
on EC, and it resulted in the rulers getting lightning bolted.  A
realm on FEI last year got completely wiped off the map for attempting
it.

Mergers, as Tom has stated, are almost always done for OOC reasons. 
It benefits the players, not the characters, and certainly not the
peasantry.  Think of the reality of one country's government handing
over the reigns, titles, money, and telling all their people that
their new identity is something other than what was ingrained in them
since birth.  It will never be taken well by the majority.

Total surrender to an enemy is a completely different matter.  All of
the things stated above are forced on you in order to guarantee
survival.  It's not a willing changing of the guards at all.