Wingtucky is simply the latest country to be targeted as ripe for takeover by the ascendant powers of Terra Exortus. For months, Herwanese government officials, businessmen, and ordinary citizens have mounted an intense diplomatic campaign pressuring heads of state of struggling countries to abdicate to Herwan.

The potential of the Pacific Exchange, the Herwan-run power bloc, enlarging quickly led to similar pressure tactics by its main rivals Hongolia (which bought Nosheenada and controls Danikistan) and Octavton (head of the Octavton Community which includes Shannli and Lebrianon).

The incredible pressure on struggling countries is merely the latest development in an ongoing battle between Octavton, Herwan, and Hongolia since the spring of 2004 with Octavton and Hongolia (heads of the great trading network, the Terra Exortus Exchange) pitted against Herwan (who broke away from the Terra Exortus Exchange by forming the Pacific Exchange).

On January 1, 2005, Marcusburg secured the abdication of Matthewopolis in order to protect a secret quadrilateral agreement it had with Pauldelphia, Lindsholm, and Samchorage dating from 2001. Under that arrangement, all four nations forfeited any claims to Matthewopolis and agreed upon its neutrality for the sake of upholding world peace. But in light of repeated Herwanese attempts to acquire Matthewopolis, all members of the secret pact agreed to cede the country to Marcusburg rather than to Herwan.

On January 11, the Supreme Leader of Smartaford unexpectedly abdicated to Marcusburg, citing undue coercion from Herwan. The Herwanese had taken out full page ads in local newspapers denouncing the Supreme Leader and her government. Facing mounting pressure from the public who became swayed by the ads, the Supreme Leader decided to abdicate to Marcusburg instead of Herwan out of spite.

However, the Marcusburg Foreign Office, responsible for overseeing the country's protectorates and mandates, has been reeling from the inclusion of these new countries in its vast, far-flung, and disorganized empire. This led Marcusburg to urge Hongolia to back off from further pressuring Kafobrena for fear of another unexpected abdication. By January 19, the Hongolians had already finished conducting aggressive telephone surveys and claimed that 57% of Kafobrenans agreed that they would be better off as Hongolians.

By the end of January, rumours that Herwan was targeting Wingtucky led Octavton and Hongolia to invoke Responsible Determination on that country. Unlike Matthewopolis and Smartaford, instead of abdicating, the Dai Jeh ordered economic reforms in her country and leaked rumours that Wingtucky may declare war on both Octavton and Hongolia for eyeing her country in their ongoing battle with Herwan for power and influence.

The Dai Jeh's response caused the Great Powers to strike down Forum Resolutions put forth by Hongolia and Octavton. However, some speculate it is only a matter of time before the Dai Jeh becomes complacent again, leading to renewed pressure by the countries of Terra Exortus. In the meantime, the 'race for colonies' between Herwan, Hongolia, and Octavton continues. As for the next country to be targeted, it is no longer a question of 'if' but of 'when'.