Let me just say that the percentage does appear to be rather high. A reflection on modern society, perhaps?
Incidentally, I loved your posts. You have a real knack for using language in an entertaining and informative way. And your attitude is what those other noobs need. Keep up the good work.
Thank you. I enjoy writing, and I don't get much of a chance to socialize, generally speaking, so this is a good forum (rimshot, had to go with the pun!) for me.
Honestly, there's a good chance I'd be one of the whiners, still and too, if I hadn't given plundering a chance. (I even sent a crymail or two, myself. My pride wouldn't let me send any more. LOL) I see the appeal on probably all it's levels. Heck, I'm even thinking of doing it with one of my cities again for a variety of reasons. This thread kinda has me enthusiastic with the idea again. The main reason I stopped is because I totally SUCK at fighting! I wimp out after only 4 encounters in the GE. I'm just not good with strategy or tactics. I wish I were, and I rather envy you guys who are better at it than I am. And my only consolation is maybe I'm better at negotiating than you are (referencing the GE, only. There really isn't any negotiations on the Continent Map; more like extortion and blackmail).
So, we'll see. My problem is that when I go to plunder, I look around that player's city to see why I was able to do so well (cause, like I said, I SUCK), and I see where they can improve and I end up wanting to help. I've even sent PM's to my victims either telling them where they need to beef up or asking if they'd like some help. So, not only do I suck at fighting, but I don't even allow myself the enjoyment of the plunder. LOL!
That said, a part of the reason I DO reach out is that, IMO, people who are more easily plundered just don't understand the game very well. And they probably don't know what questions to ask or who to ask to improve their game/cities (and I've found that to be the case when I have asked). I like helping. (I'm a nurse and a caregiver to a significant other who is chronically ill; it's in my nature to want to help). I also figure that a better-informed player makes the game better for everyone; so, I'm doing the FoE world a favor by helping out where I can. And I've found the people who use what I'm telling them don't get plundered nearly as much, and genuinely appreciate the help. I suspect that professional plunderers like yourselves would wipe the floor with me and anyone I've helped, but you guys are good at what you do.
Now, if they suck, like I do, then all the information in the world isn't gonna help them. I've run into that. I AM that. LOL
And I am sensitive to others who have a similar situation because I too use FoE to escape, but I guess I'm just able to see the situation for what it is; A GAME! And if they can't shrug off what happens to a fictional city, then they have bigger issues than that fictional city getting plundered. Getting so wrapped up in what happens to a fake place, and not being able to distance yourself enough to get that other people have problems, too, and maybe they're plundering in a game because, oh, maybe they don't feel like they have control in their own lives, so this helps THEM to vent (or whatever the reason, just an example folks, definitely NOT how you guys present yourselves) tells me that your problems don't stop at the log in screen. And, in fact, you're so wrapped up in yourself that you think everyone else should play the way YOU want them to play just to please YOU. That kind of self-entitlement just pisses me the ...well you get the point.
Heh, I'm getting ticked off just thinking about it. Time to step away from the keyboard and time to go see to my poor city that keeps getting plundered. Later!
