Blockade

A blockade is the means by which a flag takes control of an island. A blockade is a large multi-ship sea battle in which factions vie for control of buoys.

A blockade consists of several rounds, each of which is scored separately. If a flag wins enough rounds, they win control of the island.

All blockades without defenders (uncolonized) are sinking. All blockades with defenders (colonized) are non-sinking unless the defender reciprocates at least one of the contenders' war declaration.

Before 2004-12-11, blockades ran a maximum of twelve rounds. A contender needed seven rounds to win the island. Once it became mathematically impossible for any contender to win, the blockade ended. For example, if the defender won six rounds, the blockade was over.

Starting 2004-12-11, blockades run for a maximum of five rounds. A contender needs three rounds to win the island.