Heir to the Throne - Dev Diary 2

[Doomdark]

Have you ever been annoyed by people who do not seem to understand the concept of personal space? Maybe some relative with zombie halitosis? In international politics, this type of thing is common. Big countries like to stand much too close to small countries and, preferably, boss them around. If you think Aunt Josie is bad, you have not had a hug from Tsarist Russia... This brings us to a new concept in "Heir"; Spheres of Influence. At the cost of some prestige, powerful nations can extend their Sphere of Influence over weaker nations by means of a new diplomatic action. This is similar to a guarantee of independence, but any form of meddling (offers of alliance, guarantees, military access, etc) by an outside power will yield a Casus Belli. A sphere of influence can normally only be reduced by force (peace option) or if the balance of power shifts enough. The system provides a new use for prestige and a reason for the great powers to go to war with each other.

That's it for now. Further morsels next week, amigos!

 

[Johan]

You are limited in which countries you can do it, depending on distance, size compared to you etc.

 

[Johan]

Can a country refuse to join your sphere of influence?

They can refuse that as much as your average Italian citystate could refuse France..

 

[Trin Tragula]

A sphere of influence can normally only be reduced by force (peace option) or if the balance of power shifts enough.

I wonder what the last part means...
I also wonder if you will get a call to arms similar to guarantees when someone attacks your sphere...

And can a nation in your sphere send alliance offers to other countries? If so, it seems like it negates the purpose to some extent.

The way I read this they could but you would get a casus belli on the country that accepts such an offer, it'd be "meddling". Possibly even a casus belli on the country in your sphere(?)
I'd imagine the popup with the alliance request would contain a warning if the nation suggesting it was in someone's sphere.

 

[Trin Tragula]

Double post...

 

[Trin Tragula]

I could see the feature working with the region map mode (as the cost for declaring a sphere of influence is relative to it's size it wouldn't necessarily be overpowered). Still I doubt that's how it's intended though

 

[Trin Tragula]

It is but the time of posting seems to vary a lot

EDIT: And there it was, 5 minutes later