Given that violence has been rather strongly hinted by invertedhelix to be ineffective in this case, the above cannot really be considered. So, barring that, what strength?
Many forms of strength to be considered:
Military strength: The amount of active combative power that we can field. We're moderately good here, mainly due to the size of the organization. We are still limited, though, because a large chunk of the organization is tied up in mundane jobs that we'd be very reluctant to lose. An independently wealthy group, or one primarily criminal in nature, would be able to field the vast majority of their populace.
Political strength: The strength of bonds formed with other groups that would be willing to lend their assistance in matters civil or military. We are very weak in this regard, as we have only just barely started reaching out to other groups, rather than absorbing them wholesale.
Strength of reputation: What we are known for, and how well we are known, for the purposes of affecting how other groups would approach us. Influenced by consistency of action and spread of information. The tribal nature of meguca means that strength of reputation will be low for all groups. It's unlikely that we have any specifically known traits, instead having a spotty record known to a few groups.
Leadership strength: The cohesiveness of the group, and willingness to follow their leader. Based partly on the perceived capabilities of the leader to make the right decisions for the group. Very strong, as we have tight bonds throughout, and Mami is a naturally strong leader.
Morale: The degree to which the group members believe in themselves and each other, and are willing to put themselves at risk for orders or what they believe is right. Moderately good, though weakened at the moment.
Moral strength: A philosophical position that allows one to stand true to their beliefs, and where those beliefs align closely enough with the opposition that they can be used as leverage in arguments. This changes depending on which group is being compared, and how well our actions match up to the proposed philosophy.
Intelligence: Sufficient understanding of the opponent that you can anticipate their actions and reactions, and allocate your own forces to best offset or undermine the opponent's strength. For us, essentially none at the moment.
Resources: 'Economic' strength. Production capability, monetary funds, and other mundane capabilities. This might include connections to politicians or organized crime, as well. Provides the ability to outmaneuver the enemy in the economic space. For us, mediocre at the moment.
Information: Knowledge gained through research, study and practice. A valuable trade resource that spans the mundane and magical. We have a few tricks, but overall I'd rate us as moderately weak.
Overall, lots of
potential strength, but not a whole lot of
actualized strength. However, from an outside perspective with limited knowledge, you'd still want to be pretty cautious. Size alone means you don't want to act rashly. Take advantage of that by upholding the image of strength, while hiding the weaknesses.
Going by boonerunner's list, that happened all of twice (turn 8 and the kidnapping). The vast majority of our diplomacy has been just that- us being nice and giving them benefits, and them agreeing with us.
Indeed, but the original statement was against an argument implying that we were too good to ever do something like that, by ignoring that it
ever happened.
No. We are dealing with a bunch of zealots who think they are saving magical girls by stealing their soul gems and forcing them into hibernation so that there are lower levels of magical girls so that Demon Strength will not increase to the levels that generate Class 3 Demons.
Very likely, though the probing action last month leaves me slightly uncertain. Our Iwata territory is very small, and surrounded by numerous other groups. They'd need to know that we have a split territory for it to make sense, and they'd have to ignore the surrounding groups to go after us specifically. Unless they already have. That might be something for Mami to find out while talking with 11 and 13.
