I am a relatively new player, and I want to know this answer. I know that it is etiquette to accept surrenders, but what if they are benefiting me to continue on without accepting?

you are not required to accept surrenders, that's why it asks you.. in fact, when someone surrenders they are supposed to keep playing until it is accepted.

some people will mention in chat that they are leaving or w/e before they surrender, and it's common courtesy to let them, *even if they might be lying just to get you to do it*

I generally accept them in most instances, just to avoid having to listen to the people complain when it's not accepted.

more often than not I won't accept as it only means less trouble for whoever. But 90% of the time when someone surrenders, they're gone so you're only waiting 5min average just to boot him anyway

People should check the box to make it so surrenders do not need to be accepted if that's how they want to play. That didn't use to be an option. A lot of people don't play 5 minute turns and waiting to boot can be a pain. I always accept surrenders, unless other players are stregically not accepting them in a big FFA.

Yeah I wouldn't touch a 5 min. boot game with a 10-foot pole...

yea, well i generally play multiday games. but the main idea i am wondering is why SHOULD i accept a surrender if i am benefiting from the other 2 players duke it out? is it nothing really except courtesy?

Yes, it's courtesy, and commonly done. Consider:

1. We aren't playing for money. These are friendly games.
2. It's a small community that plays Warlight, and you'll get a lousy reputation if you don't observe the standard practices.
3. Players have been known to "suicide" out against opponents who refused to accept their surrender.

I'm not saying you need to do it every time. Just step back and look at the bigger picture before you make a decision.

dont be a douche srsly dude

ive played for money before with offline friends just saying

>>> 3. Players have been known to "suicide" out against opponents who refused to accept their surrender.

I will admit to doing this. It's especially fun when there are cards (it's amazing how quickly someone will accept your surrender when you repeatedly play a bunch of sanction cards on em ;)). I don't do it to be cruel (usually), but more out of a sense of duty... if I have surrendered, I've admitted defeat and once someone has accepted my surrender, I feel as though I have been absorbed into the conquering nation. It's my duty then to act on their behalf. If hitting their opponents (either via attack or card) helps them, then I'm committed to doing that. If it helps them for me to distribute my territories so they can gobble me up faster, then that's what I do.

So, really, if I've surrendered, it's in your best interest to accept my surrender (and kind of hope that someone else doesn't ;))

:)

that's why I always turn on auto surrender