Good points. I'm thinking that word of mouth has spread Rumplestiltskin's horrifying legend as people fleeing from him bring news to other continents. He also goes out of his way to announce his presence everywhere he goes and it soon becomes his signature, which helps the word of mouth as people will know exactly when he's at their doorstep.<br/><br/>But without a real, consistently reliable way to make sure every corner of the fairy tale world aware of the threat, yes, even the neutral factions have no reason to choose a side or even decide to take action in response. There could, of course, be some aggressive chaotic characters that won't stand for having Rumple breathing down their necks and try to fight on their own, and after being ousted, retreat and decide that they have to work with others they otherwise wouldn't touch with a fifty-foot pole. As long as it does coalesce into some semblance of two (or more, depending on the intentions of other uncommitted parties) armies facing off in a final destructive battle.