The IR and it's policy of Non-aggression
Due to the confusion at the beginning of this war--the Notum War, we were without a set policy on how to act. The IR is traditionally known as a non-violent diplomatic guild, however, without a guild-wide consensus on a particular theme, we are liable to act in ways contrary to that non-violent stance. The beginning of the Notum War was before our guild meeting and there was no set policy on how our guild would act globally and as a unit (unlike other guilds, there is still some leeway in our laws for personal action that might seem to contradict official IR policy). At our guild meeting following the declaration of the Notum War, we naturally, voted to follow the traditional non-violent path. Our members have agreed not to aid in attacking other guilds' towers, but we CAN and WILL assist in defending towers. There needs to be no justification by IR for the taking of the SFH land initially as there was no policy. The individuals did NOT act in violation of any policy proposed by and set forth by the IR membership as a whole.
There was initial talks with the previous owners of the land, but the decision to retain the land was made by the guild members available and based on past actions of the OTRK employees and the fact that there was no policy at the time of the taking.
This is a small OT victory, actually. It does come with a price. I will repeat what I told a longstanding OT ally shortly after the battle at SFH: we may not be many, but the side we choose to ally with will be at a great advantage over the opponent should that choice ever come to pass. OT, would you care to see the forces against you grow by two thousand fighters? That question is also directed at the Clans. Don't force our hand. listen to the diplomats--of which, I am not! I am a fighter and will engage those that have actively attacked ANY neutral base.