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[dreamsoftomorrow]

What makes an Empire evil or bad?

The definition is simply that it's ruled by one person, but nowhere does it state that it's also inherently bad.

So, what makes it bad?

Why are we assuming Sen Devadatta is evil when from what I've read in the history books and from the locals, all they did was shut their doors. We don't know the reason yet either.

It's understandable to be wary and suspicious, but I don't think it's a good idea to go in believing we're going to be arrested or worse.

Comments

[rivieran]

You have a good head on your shoulders, Hope. You are much more open minded than I am. But if our suspicions are confirmed and it is a trap, we mustn't hesitate to fight back. We still should preserve ourselves and hold our ground, after all.

Yes. I am actually the second born, but unfortunate circumstances have put me next in line for the throne. I digress, though. Is there anything specific you'd like to know? I'd be happy to answer anything, to the best of my ability.

[dreamsoftomorrow]

My world essentially opened up recently. Everything I knew was a lie. I can't afford to be closed minded anymore, whether or not I realized it at the time. But you're right, we should be prepared all the same.

I guess... what about the human side of things made your country want to isolate themselves. You mentioned greed and wanting to conquer, but is that all there is to it? Were there no other nations who didn't think that like?

[It's not that he's questioning her about how legit it all was, just that he was trying to wrap his mind around so many people being that greedy. Surely there were some nations who thought that was a dumb idea, right? He knew he was still learning and that he could still be naive, so if he was wrong, he was wrong.]

[rivieran]

Plenty of other races live on the mainland of course, but historically, the only race that had ever come to our shores in droves with aggressive intent were humans. But I suppose that doesn't paint a very accurate picture, though - there are plenty of different territories on the mainland but they are all majority humans. There are plenty of dwarves, gnomes, and even some elves that live on the mainland, but I can't think of any off the top of my head that act as leaders for their nations. Humans are hasty in everything they do - and when they saw there was land that did not belong to them, they were quick to attack us. They've tried twice so far, so now we typically turn boats from the mainland away if they did not contact us ahead of time.

However, my people do share a land and a border with dwarves. They typically keep to their mountains in the north, and while multiple attempts to create friendly relations have been made, blunders and misunderstandings on both sides over the millennia have led to a very strained relationship. We just both find it mutually beneficial to stick to trade.

I hope that answers your question.

[ Ena is still very biased and her outside experience minimal, though... But, oh well. ]