Diplomacy (ETW)
Diplomacy
All actions performed by players ingame has an effect on the diplomacy between factions. In fact, AI factions may declare war if too much is demanded from them. The campaign and diplomacy AI have been unified, which results in more realistic diplomatic relations, complete with more useful alliances, as well as complex treaties. A new feature in Empire: Total War, diplomacy can now be entered at any time, as opposed to having to send a diplomat out into the wilderness to encounter a foreign nation's population or city.
In terms of diplomacy regarding Christian factions, the Pope will no longer request Crusades, and generally, the significance of religion will be much lessened in E:TW, than it was in the previous iterations of the Total War series. As mentioned by the developers, diplomacy will allow for increased trade routes and will open up the possibility for military allies, something imperative to possess in a world that is constantly at war. For people playing the American Colonial factions, for example, it would serve them well to improve their relations with the British, establishing increased trade routes, and possibly forging a defensive pact. Supposing that they are attacked by the French later on, the British and their naval might will sail to therescue, either by assisting in land battles, or by attacking France at their homeland, forcing the French navy to retreat. However, allies will not automatically join the player for invasions and offensive attacks; they'll only commit to such an action if it is in their best interests, and if the alliance is strong.
Players will also be able to protest against foreign actions, instead of just only being able to declare war, as in previous games in the Total War franchise. The decline in a relationship between factions will be slow and noticeable. For example, there might be and increase in duels between two factions' gentlemen, hinting at a possible belligerence. Diplomatic notes and requests will indicate how the relationship and standing among other factions is going, so there will be advance warnings, as well as an escalation of events building up to a conflict, as opposed to having a former ally turn into an enemy within just one turn. Furthermore, it will be much rarer for long time allies to commit betrayal.
That being said, prepare for a true revolution of diplomacy in Empire: Total War.
