Pigman Farm Attack
Background
In February 2021, the Imperial Coalition town of New Edago was at the end of a period of rapid expansion. Its population was approaching 30 and it was becoming the most technologically advanced town in the empire. Prime Minister and Mayor LukeIsStuff believed the construction of a Zombie Pigman farm in the nether would usher in yet another leap in technological supremacy. The proposal was initiated and a highly resource- and labor-intensive project began. It was nearing the finishing stages when it was griefed by Java resident Tagoo. The response by the Imperial Coalition government included it's first ever declaration of war.
Pigman Farm
The construction of a Zombie Pigman farm was a major undertaking for the young, rapidly growing town of New Edago. Much of its population donated labor and resources to the effort. The project was directed by famed Coalition builder and engineer DrKoolAid. On February 8th, 2021 the project was about to begin enter it's final stages.
Griefing Attack
On February 9th, 2021 tragedy struck the incomplete Pigman farm. A resident of the city-state of Java griefed and raided the farm. He stole resources and left damage in his wake. LukeIsStuff joined the server at 8:37am ET on February 10th and immediately saw the destruction. It was reported that he quickly contacted DrKoolAid asking "What the f*** happened?!?!"
The Imperial Coalition Declares War on Java
Prime Minister LukeIsStuff considered resigning from his position. In a statement he said "Guys I'm done on the server for a while, this zombie Pigman farm just got completely griefed. So lame, if anyone sees taggoo tell him f*** you or something." Shortly after that statement was made he backtracked. Instead of resigning, LukeIsStuff sought to escalate the situation and restore the Imperial Coalition's nether holdings. In the year 2021, RetroMC permitted PVP and grief in the nether. This being the case, action from server administration was not an option. Knowing this, Prime Minister LukeIsStuff sent an ultimatum to the president of Java, send Tagoo into exile or he would have the Coalition Assembly vote on a declaration of war against Tagoo and the city-state of Java. Java did not comply with the ultimatum. The Coalition Assembly convened via discord and in a unanimous vote (11-0), approved the Prime Minister's declaration of war. The entire empire was now compelled to sever all diplomatic ties with Java. This meant expelling all Java residents and seizing their property in the Imperial Coalition. The Imperial Coalition and her residents were instructed to commit targeted attacks against Java interests in the nether including the destruction of its nether bases and the killing of its residents on-sight. LukeIsStuff addressed the empire in a speech at 8:32am ET Wednesday, February 10th, 2021:
"The United Imperial Provinces has formally declared war against the player known as tagoo, after a pigman farm owned by the nation was ravaged. The nation agrees to kill tagoo on sight in the nether, and to stop all trade or communication. Since the player is apart of the town Java we have agreed upon stopping trade and communication with them entirely until the player is exiled." -Prime Minister LukeIsStuff
Empire Rallies Behind LukeIsStuff
Words of support from residents all across the empire followed the Prime Minister's speech. New Edago resident dweep446 said in discord "persecute him [tagoo]" and JaBanan said "this is really a war". LukeIsStuff also toured many towns and responded directly to his people. In one instance he said "I want to destory him [tagoo]" and "We aren't just gonna take this." Okeogian govenor marioboyr and Riveria mayor ItsAris expressed their unwavering support for Prime Minister LukeIsStuff. "Riveria backs you against this fella," ItsAris said in a statement. The empire was unified and was ready and willing to do whatever it takes, including destroying the entire city-state of Java if it came to it.
Backlash
After the declaration of war, server administration grew concerned about the Imperial Coalition's appetite for revenge. Then-moderator and Kekistan president Orknarok responded to the empire's declaration in a public statement addressed to Prime Minister LukeIsStuff: "just don't let this evolve into harassment or some s*** like that." LukeIsStuff, having a frustrated population of Imperial Coalitionists that wanted action taken against Java, responded to moderators concerns with "We already have a problem. Tagoo asked for it." Server staff were still desperate to cool down the situation and stop the Imperial Coalition from starting its attacks against Java. This time, Orknarok issued a warning:
"Harassment can result in several bans which can kill your town." -Orknarok
Server administration, spearheaded by Orknarok, was implying to Prime Minister LukeIsStuff that if the Imperial Coalition carries through on its attacks against Java and its people, that Coalition residents and soldiers risk being banned in such a great number that the population and economy of the Imperial Coalition will suffer.
De-Escalation
Under intense pressure from server administration, and the Imperial Coalition population concerned about possible bans being levied against them, Prime Minister LukeIsStuff decided to slow down any plans to attack Java. He instead opted to lobby the server administration for changes in nether policy. In a statement he said "Imma make a suggestion [to ban grief in the nether] on the website." He also returned to the negotiation table with Tagoo. After two hours of intense back and fourth, at 12:50pm ET, on February 10th, 2021, LukeIsStuff addressed the nation once more:
"The formal declaration of war is now null and void." -Prime Minister LukeIsStuff
Later in that speech he would explain that he was able to get all the stolen resources back.
Aftermath
After the declaration of war was rescinded, the Imperial Coalition government took steps to better protect its nether territory, this included starting towny exclaves. Additionally, residents donated their time to help restore the Pigman farm. The government also announced the creation of the ministry of land surveillance. This department of the government would be responsible for regularly checking up on imperial territory and report griefing as well as making small repairs where necessary. This is the only time the Imperial Coaliton has voted on and approved a declaration of war.