*spoilers* Bigger Army Diplomacy

[BlackOuroboros]

So, I'm running this AP (in the middle of the first book) and I am deeply confused about the trajectory of what is going on. Why doesn't Maxillar just use the army to legitimize his claim and take the throne? There seems to be absolutely no reason why the High Strategos should be delaying here... a majority of the senate is dead, he has full control of the army, and has as legitimate of a claim to the throne as Eutropia. How is this not concluded withing a few weeks of the Gala?

I understand that "it's a game" is a factor; I'm try to figure out the in-lore reason behind it. Did I miss something?

[YourNewShoe]

He's described as not wanting to push things from the current shaky state of "so, uh, who's in charge?" into a civil war - it's entirely possible that him seizing the throne would result in the areas of Taldor supporting other claimants to build their own forces (assuming they haven't already) and plunge the whole nation into bloody conflict.

So instead, he wants to gain enough support (and eliminate his main rival) so that, when he moves to take the throne, there's no one to oppose him - or at least, no one said people can look to for leadership. A few splintered nobles will likely just grumble and go along with him, whereas a whole region standing behind a charismatic leader could resist even if he has all the advantages.

Given his plans, he has quite a good reason to not want the nation to exhaust itself in internal conflict, so it makes sense that he's moving slowly. He may also fear that, if he doesn't thoroughly consolidate his power, things could turn against him after he starts his war. And the only thing worse than a civil war is one that starts while your army is invading someone else.

[Seannoss]

It would have been a much better plan to seize power right away. It also would have been a much less evil plan than what he ends up doing.

His alignment bothers me but should give rejoice to all paladins out there, it is very hard to change your alignment.