Really, that is an ingame quote from a diplomatic message. It does not have to represent the reality. And I know that Rheinland has other means of getting Niobium (by third parties). So... ehm... I don't know what your problem is, but since my statement is ingame, it can be countered ingamely.
And: Of course using resources as leverage is something the IMG does. And since we sacrificed our best trade route (T23-New Berlin) for that conflict, we expect some reaction to it (because it is mainly IMG who does this run). If IMG suffers economically, I can expect the opposite side to suffer, too. =)
IMG does not flatter itself to be able to topple houses by Niobium embargo. I never stated that OORPly, I don't believe it OORPly, but of course I can state it IRP.
But resources have an influence and they must be used as leverage in a standoff. That's why I am doing it.
The cessation of resource deliveries is one thing ('though frankly, with Rheinland banning us from their space it's a moot point). The main economic "blockade" is the Omega conflict and the effect it has on what is now the primary Rheinland mining operation, as well as traffic through the Omega lane to and from Bretonia.
And if the resources get more expensive because a third party (Gateway or ALG come to mind as IMG friendlies) needs to be involved, then all the better - it still meets the purpose, which is to exert economic pressure. Push come to shove, Rheinland could ask Samura to ship over niob ore from the Stokes field, and BMM could transfer Beryllium to them. We don't claim to hold a monopoly over those resources - we're just the largest producers:)
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
If its being used as leverage, ain't nuttin' wrong wit dat.
The reason I brought this up is that recently there have been instances where factions believe they are more powerful than they really are, and expect consequences that are outside the scope of immersion. I won't bring up examples in here as they are not concerned with IMG, and I was just getting afraid that it was the case here as well.
If its being used a political leverage, everything is kosher. As long as you guys don't believe you can embargo houses into submission, I say all the more power to your posturing.
Our main push is to force Rheinland to make some concessions to the IMG in terms of mining rights in Omega 7 by making not doing so more expensive for them then doing so... this move was just one cog in that machine. IMG won't be conquering Rheinland or anything - that's ludicrous.
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.