Indeed, nice to see the coming together of RP Societies. Hopefully we can get more!
As far as IC Rivalries, indeed, that will add much needed flavor to the game. I am going to be looking very close at the Diplomacy skill, as I think it will potentially bring about some great cross-faction RP. And as far as Mathers is concerned, he would be more neutral to the Confederacy as opposed to St. George's.
You guys let Pirates take a swig at the Albatross?