Faction Standings

[Grumblesaur]

IMG is neither a sector powerhouse nor "fringe dwelling resource scrapers." It was a "loose confederation of miners" until the mod was developed such that we started making ships and exploring. Now IMG is a relatively powerful organization, but only within a limited region, and whatever influence we have is spread through careful diplomacy and economics rather than fleet size or established borders.

In my work on the faction, I have concentrated on the idea of community. This is where people live their lives, for better or worse, and we make a decent living at it. IMG is no longer merely a loose association; it is a political community, though not a traditional one (with territory, etc.), and while not the most powerful, it can hold its own.

I think IMG needs to be understood as more of a power in the Taus, but that would be my only complaint about its perceived weakness (aside from "disagreements" with the Hackers about Magellan). I think the image of IMG as the lapdog of Kusari needs to be shed. IMG might have helped instigate the Kusari war for immediate self-interest (rumors conflict on that one), but long-term Kusari domination of the Taus would not be in the Guild's best interests.

IMG is underestimated. It's almost a house in and of itself with the ships and bases it owns. The only problem is, is that it's spread out in unfriendly territory. If the CR has a full-out war with Bretonia, or IMG allies with Kusari, the IMG infrastructure in Bretonia will be shredded.

But then, that's where Gateway and Planetform, which are two large Bretonian factions, come in. They can make negotiations. IMG might be the solution to the war. And being that important solution, they're like the trainer holding a biscuit over two dogs constantly fighting.

Though considering IMG has connections [and members] from Rheinland, Kusari, and Bretonia, it could easily hold its own. The only weak points are its extremes, Omega-7, Tau-37, and Dublin. Though Dublin isn't a major threat area, as they are neutral to Mollies and BMM lacks the firepower and backing to take on such a large faction.

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A way a lone a last a loved a long the riverrun, past Eve and Adam's, from swerve of shore to bend of bay,
brings us by a commodius vicus of recirculation back to Howth Castle and Environs.