Turn #196
After the Cartare uselessly declared war, it became obvious they are stretched thin and can't defend their borders. I used some gunboat diplomacy like Commore Perry with the Japanese. Then did nothing hostile but occupied two of their colonial sectors within range of my Samech cruisers and threatened with two more. Then after nine turns, offered a friendship treaty.
https://history.state.gov/milestones/18 ... g-to-japan
They accepted as their war declaration was impotent. It was a knee jerk reaction. I took a morale hit as the Omega like waging war, but I do not play them as warmongers.
So now we are all getting along, though I know they are stewing and angry...inside.
I'm intentionally placating the minor race aliens with fleets to butter them up for eventual membership...as I will need it.
What would be interesting would be if there was a campaign editor, you could set the "mood" of empires so they would be smarter about declaring war. You want your rivals to think everything is fine and you are the best of friends, then attack, right? Saberrattling is a wasted effort. You never want the enemy to know what you really think. In the Godfather 2, Vito Corelione snaps at his sons when they reveal their emotions. It makes you seem weaker to your enemies and it does nothing to make them fear you as you seem rash and immature. Such leaders make bad ill-fated decisions. Now the Cartare seem weak when we could have been allies...for a time.
Friendship costs nothing and is a stalling tactic to muster your economy and forces.
