Bu....but....Its Russia, I don't want to play them.
Then Novogrodian Guild of Merchants may be forced to use some more persuasive methods.
True, threats get points across, but bribes always seem more efficient.
Time to put it to test.
In the event that threats prove ineffective Novogrodian Guild of Merchants would like to point out that they would be very displeased if the victor turned out to be the Hansa. Two cookies each point to Genoa and Venice.