Dark Syde Diplomacy
Dark Syde’s diplomatic approach is distinctly pragmatic, deeply rooted in the necessity of survival and the pursuit of power. Their interactions with other groups are primarily shaped by the principle that only through control and influence can they secure their continued existence in a world that is hostile to their practices and beliefs. As such, their diplomacy is driven by self-preservation, and every alliance or conflict is calculated with this overarching goal in mind.
Pragmatic Alliances
Dark Syde seeks alliances based on mutual benefit, aligning with those who either share their goals or can prove useful to their ambitions. They value cooperation with factions that embrace or tolerate the Dark, such as Camp Stealth and Necropolis, where shared values around survival and magic create a foundation for strong, lasting relationships. These groups see eye to eye with Dark Syde on fundamental issues, such as the use of Dark magic, and their alliances often focus on the practicalities of survival in a hostile world. Dark Syde, pragmatic in nature, respects the goals of these factions without questioning their individual approaches.
- Camp Stealth holds similar views on the means justifying the ends, with a strong focus on survival over ethical considerations. This makes them an ideal ally for Dark Syde, as both groups prioritize practical solutions, even if it means ignoring personal ideologies or methods.
- Necropolis, being another group of magic users who embrace the Dark, finds common ground with Dark Syde, strengthening their diplomatic ties and ensuring mutual support against external enemies.
Tension with Ideological Differences
However, not all alliances are smooth for Dark Syde. Their willingness to prioritize the collective and impose decisions on individual choice creates philosophical rifts with groups like Defiance, despite their shared struggles as marginalized entities. While both factions are focused on survival, Defiance’s emphasis on individual autonomy and personal freedom clashes with Dark Syde’s more controlling nature. This ideological difference means that, while cooperation is possible, it is always fraught with tension and distrust. Dark Syde’s approach to removing personal choice is seen as oppressive by Defiance, making their alliance fragile and unlikely to last long-term without compromise.
Neutral Stances
When dealing with neutral parties, Dark Syde adopts a live-and-let-live approach, as exemplified by their interactions with Burton Hill. Burton Hill doesn’t actively oppose the Dark Syde but doesn’t trust them either, choosing to abstain from using Dark magic or technology. Dark Syde, in turn, respects this neutral stance, recognizing that Burton Hill’s decision to stay out of the conflict is valid. There is no desire to force Burton Hill into conflict, as their lack of ideological opposition means that both sides can coexist without friction. However, Dark Syde remains wary of any potential shift in stance that could lead to hostilities.
Hostile Relations with Opponents
Dark Syde’s most intense and unwavering hostility is directed toward groups that reject the Dark and pose a direct threat to their existence, such as Camp Hope and The Salvation. These factions see the Dark as a dangerous force, with Camp Hope condemning its use as sinful and destructive, while The Salvation views Dark Syde as a source of existential danger that must be eradicated along with the zombies and other entities linked to the Dark.
For Dark Syde, these groups represent more than just ideological opponents; they are an existential threat. The rejection of the Dark by Camp Hope is seen as a moral affront that must be opposed at all costs, as it directly threatens their practices, survival, and way of life. Similarly, The Salvation is viewed as a dangerous adversary, one that seeks to obliterate the Dark and everything associated with it. Their diplomatic relations are characterized by deep mistrust and an unyielding stance that borders on hostility, ensuring that any diplomatic interaction is more about defense than negotiation.
Long-Term Diplomatic Goals
Dark Syde’s diplomatic goals are clear and rooted in their survival and pursuit of power. Their alliances and enmities are not born from simple animosity or desire for domination but rather from a deep conviction that only through control, influence, and power can they ensure their place in the world. As such, they prioritize forging alliances with those who can strengthen their position, either through resources, military might, or shared objectives. At the same time, they focus on undermining their enemies—particularly those that pose a threat to the Dark and its continued use.
Their diplomatic efforts are aligned with the broader goal of self-preservation and the protection of their unique way of life. This gives them a somewhat cold, calculating approach to diplomacy, where alliances are formed based on shared interests and enemies are confronted with a ruthless determination to protect the Dark and its practitioners.
In sum, Dark Syde’s diplomacy is driven by the need for survival, power, and the defense of their way of life. They align with those who can aid their cause and oppose those who threaten it, making their diplomatic strategy one of pragmatic alliances, strategic neutrality, and unwavering opposition to their ideological enemies.
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