So, I was wondering what exactly defines something as an "empire"? For instance, in my area(which will be kept secret) I am scouting around and I seem to be alone here(this is a new status. Two castles were near but...well I had the biggest stick.).

If so, does this mean I am to rightful ruler of these lands? or am I simply another warlord until I join or form a clan?


Also, these kinda leads to to wonder what sort of culture is in the game? if yet to be defined.

Might makes right. For now that's it more or less. When more powers to be develop some kind of meaningful diplomacy will probably be present. If those people that you destroyed were to plead to someone else however things could go differently...

Well we don't see a lot of clans forming so you can pose as an emperor or a warlord for some time
But for sure no loner can hold out a decent clan due to karma restrictions.

As an admin I always encourage gentlemanship, fair game and respect for the opponents if thats what you mean by "culture" or atmosphere of the game.

Said in a more meaningful and less aggressive way -
Empires do exist, but in the form of Clans. As a clan controls more land in several continents, the larger it gets.

But HOW do you control a continent?
Sadly you cant. But Clans claim to "Possess" continents once majority of a continent is under their name.
This possession is only "figurative" ofcource, to show how strong different clans are. Its like the Equator in a real life map - man made, to make things easier for them, but not God gifted.

As you can understand, you cannot truly claim a continent to be yours unless you join a clan.
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As for culture, its what the Big Man says -

Cultures are also figurative. And you take the culture and reputation of your clan, just like you take the reputation of your country in RL.

The two major alliances dominating the world show different forms of personality and reputation.
> The largest alliance, has more grasp over both economy and trade. They are more co-ordinated, hived and led under an iron hand running the alliance like a well oiled machine.
But they are more aggressive, despite their military handicap. And quite so blatantly charge into other's continents with ransom demands. Not to mention the threats.
> The second largest alliance, starting slow but rising quick. They are thinly divided, and are so considered weak, and less co-ordinated.
Yet they have the strongest grasp over military, but are silent, and defensive.
Nevertheless they have the best chain of leadership in this game, which helps them rise quickly and catch upto the leader.

First you get the money, then you get the power, then you get the wyverns!

Pirofalcon, very helpful information! If I had the power, I would gift you a metal.

Hopefully I can find some allies, then maybe a new clan will be around

One of the positive sides of the game, I think, is that it relies on the players inventing their own rules. I hope one day to make a map of Mortia on which half the lands would be claimed by numerous warring clans.

I would qualify a continent as belonging to a certain clan if it has at least three or four players on it. Besides, I believe that one's claim has to be backed up by a more or less obvious ability to protect the claimed land. That is, attacking the lands there would require a full-fledged war rather than just raiding from a ship.

Personally, I think the best way to settle a continent and establish a clan is to invite people from other sites. You scout and map the land, look for good places to settle, then tell your friends to settle here or there with long-term strategic interests in mind.

I rather like Pirofalcon's description of the clans, thought I wouldn't entirely agree with our portrayal. I should also note that there was another large clan in the past, The Empire, which essentially served as the hub for anyone who wanted to be in a clan. I'm not certain what happened to some of the active players from it, but many of them moved to Elite. The Empire showed that it is inefficient to be large and scattered, and not very active, but it served well as a means of communication. I hope that the future clans will be more compact and well-coordinated.