My ally doesn't join war but is still my ally. Huh?

[Slicendice]

I declared war on Spain as United Provinces on the first turn and Austria declined to join me. Somehow they are still my ally. Now when all the other factions pile on him I have to join in or get a bad rep.

Why is this happening?

I am playing Darth Mod is there something they did or is it like this in vanilla? I don't remember an ally not joining me but remaining my ally.

[Fisherking]

They would have had to join is Spain had gone to war with you but as you attacked them they need not join in.

Mostly allies are more of a drain than anything else, you know.

[Slicendice]

Yes allies are a drain although Britain is a pretty good ally for UP.

I didn't know that about declaring war and not having to join. Thank you for that.

Now perhaps you could assist me on how to rid myself of Austria without incurring that -5 permanent penalty to my reputation for ending an alliance?

[Fisherking]

It may be more trouble than it is worth. You will be lucky if -5 is all you have to pay.

[Slicendice]

Initially you get a big hit with the faction and everyone else but it eventually reduces to -5 iirc. Or maybe the -5 is for a broken treaty ie. military access that ends when you must declare war on the faction you gave it to.