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Message from Italy to England and France
Erik....
Help me out here....
Explain the builds. I want to hear it, in your words.
Message from France to England and Italy
> Erik....
>
> Help me out here....
>
> Explain the builds. I want to hear it, in your words.
Andy:
I'll be happy to explain the builds, but not in my words. Instead, I'll
use the words of a fictional, hyperbolized 18th-century pirate.
Arrrr, 'twas a hard bargain the yellow-bellied English dog struck with me
and me mateys -- no fleets in Brest, he tells me, lest I should wish to
see the Armada strike out across the channel in search of French blood.
So here's what I'll do, I tells myself, I'll build me a fleet of stout
sail and sturdy cannon in the drydocks of Marseilles, and keep her there
as a reminder to me Italian friends and neighbors that the French still
keep a keen eye on their southern shores. And there she shall stay, until
such time that she is called out to sea by salty Italian brigands or a
battle up north for which I am ill-prepared.
Listen, last I checked, you just wanted me to make good with England and
keep plugging away at your nemesis, Tony. We never made any agreement
about building / not building in Mar, so I didn't think it necessary to
keep you informed of 11th-hour horse trading. In any case, it's clearly no
help to me against you except in defense, so as long as you keep your
fleets on your side of the Med, you don't need to worry about it. Right?
Erik
Message from Italy to England and France
>
> I'll be happy to explain the builds, but not in my words. Instead, I'll
> use the words of a fictional, hyperbolized 18th-century pirate.
Erik...let me paraphrase my interpretation of your response to me.....
"Tough shit, I dont trust you at all"
Thats ok....and with our history its not all that surprising.
I just want to make sure that we both understand how I feel about this.
Message from France to Italy
>
> "Tough shit, I dont trust you at all"
>
> Thats ok....and with our history its not all that surprising.
>
> I just want to make sure that we both understand how I feel about this.
Andy:
No, my response paraphrased was, "You're being so overly concerned about
this, I can't help but make light of it by speaking like a pirate." If I
were really after you, I would have convinced Ben to let me build F Bre,
still built F Mar, and sent everything after you. The real truth is that
while A Par is useful against Germany, A Bre would have been kind of far
away to do any good, and A Mar would have been just as offensive to you.
France always does better with a healthy navy, and right now, Marseilles
is an easier build politically than Brest. And while I actually *do* trust
you somewhat, it's always easier to trust a neighbor if there's a little
security around to enforce the trust, you know what I mean?
I know I walked into Piedmont the first turn of the game, but since then,
I've been nothing but accomodating to you. Give me a little credit, will
you? You want Tony dead? Then provide a little more help than the
occassional two-line e-mails that complain about this or that build. If I
could trade all the ellipses you include in your press for armies, I'd
have overrun Berlin by this point, but since I can't, and you're not
willing to provide any other resources to help England and I in our fight,
you'll just have to trust my decisions and hope that we can chip away at
the German defenses in the long run.
Erik
Message from Russia to France
Erik,
Jury duty, gotta run, so I'm speed typing at this point.
I know we didn't get to touch base re: no StP build, but I trust me being
"neutral" is as good for you as being actively RG. In fact, it should tie up
Ben less worrying about me. Clearly the only option at the moment is taking
out Tony quickly, but that's still according to plan.
I'll talk more when I've got more than 10 seconds to write. Hope all is well.
--- Eric
Message from Italy to France
Erik
> No, my response paraphrased was, "You're being so overly concerned about
> this, I can't help but make light of it by speaking like a pirate." If I
> were really after you, I would have convinced Ben to let me build F Bre,
> still built F Mar, and sent everything after you. The real truth is that
> while A Par is useful against Germany, A Bre would have been kind of far
> away to do any good, and A Mar would have been just as offensive to you.
You are correct here.....it would have been more offensive...good point.
> France always does better with a healthy navy, and right now, Marseilles
> is an easier build politically than Brest. And while I actually *do* trust
> you somewhat, it's always easier to trust a neighbor if there's a little
> security around to enforce the trust, you know what I mean?
Absolutely
> I know I walked into Piedmont the first turn of the game, but since then,
> I've been nothing but accomodating to you. Give me a little credit, will
> you? You want Tony dead?
Yes...and I should you are correct.
Then provide a little more help than the
> occassional two-line e-mails that complain about this or that build. If I
> could trade all the ellipses you include in your press for armies, I'd
> have overrun Berlin by this point, but since I can't, and you're not
> willing to provide any other resources to help England and I in our fight,
> you'll just have to trust my decisions and hope that we can chip away at
> the German defenses in the long run.
Well...I think I will be providing you more in the future.
Andy
Message from England to France
Erik -
> I'll be happy to explain the builds, but not in my words.
> Instead, I'll
> use the words of a fictional, hyperbolized 18th-century pirate.
:->
Gave me a good laugh.
As I begin to think about the spring - will you be available to support me
into HOL?
Ben
Message from France to England
> Gave me a good laugh.
Well, games are supposed to be fun, after all.
> As I begin to think about the spring - will you be available to support
> me
> into HOL?
>
Absolutely. I've been going back and forth with Russia a little bit, and
I'm very pleased to see that he chose not to build F StP (nc). I honestly
haven't had a chance to look at the map, but I am willing to get you into
Holland, especially now that I've secured Belgium.
I think I've calmed Andy down. Either that or he's just playing nice and
planning an attack.
I'll look at the map and get back to you with some plans later. We need to
talk about Russia, too, because while he may be helpful in taking out
Germany, we don't want to push him past the tipping point of growth. I've
been trying to bring this up with Turkey and Austria, too, but they're not
very good partners, in my experience.
Erik
Message from France to Turkey
England and I don't actually have much of a plan to keep him in check.
England's been bickering with him over Norway and I've been trying to
figure out how he can help me against Russia. Meanwhile, he's grown to
seven centers.
Anyway, I suppose he and England must have worked something out, as the
Russian builds were clearly pretty friendly to Ben. Now, what is he going
to do with A War?
Austria wrote me somewhat despondantly, though I think he's more confused
about the recent turn of events than anything else. I don't think he
appreciates the degree to which his neighbors have joined against him.
When Austria's gone, how long do you think the RT friendship will hold
out? I know he's been relatively friendly with Andy all game, so you
might want to watch out for a squeeze from the two of them. I'd hate to
see Russia lock up the entire Eastern side of the board.
Erik
Message from France to Russia
Eric:
I think the builds were fine. You seem to have taken a load off of Ben's
mind, and that's good for both of us. What is A War going to do?
Andy was a little perturbed about F Mar, but I think I've explained it
away. I just need him to spend at least two more turns tied up with
Austria. Do you think that's likely?
Ben will want to take Holland before Denmark, I think. I'm inclined to
give it to him, though it might mean an additional build for him. Without
another chink taken out of the Western German front, I don't see myself
breaking through. Of course, with support from the other side from you ...
Hope the jury duty isn't too much of a pain. Let me know your thinking
when you get the chance. Also, has Germany approached you for help yet?
He's been quiet with me, so I think he's decided to stop trusting me.
Erik
Message from Austria to France
Hi Erik,
Well, with all the trouble I'm in, I'm glad to see
you build a fleet in Mar.
Do you have any good news for me?
Philippe
Message from Turkey to France
Well, RT's been on-again, off-again, so we'll see how it goes down. I'm
trying to balance the two of them, without simply angering them both. :-)
jason
Message from Russia to all
Everyone,
Sometime Thursday afternoon I was hit hard by a bug (cold or flu) of
somesort which completely wiped me out. I've been pretty much out of
commission for the last 48-60ish hours. I'll try to catch up with
communications tonight and tomorrow, but wanted to let folks know that I'm
not intentionally ignoring anyone.
--- Eric
Message from Russia to France
Erik,
>I think the builds were fine.
Well, as one of two players not threatened by then, it's hardly surprising
that you'd say that! :)
>You seem to have taken a load off of Ben's
>mind, and that's good for both of us.
If it didn't, then there'd be some real problems.
>Andy was a little perturbed about F Mar, but I think I've explained it
>away. I just need him to spend at least two more turns tied up with
>Austria. Do you think that's likely?
From what I hear, yes, though I also realize that it's in Andy's interest
for me to think that there's easy pickings if I want to pile on Austria
with him.
>Ben will want to take Holland before Denmark, I think. I'm inclined to
>give it to him, though it might mean an additional build for him. Without
>another chink taken out of the Western German front, I don't see myself
>breaking through. Of course, with support from the other side from you ...
Well, that's certainly something that was in my mind when I built A War.
What A War will do is still unclear. It might support Gal, it might
encroach on German space, it might go south, though frankly I think the
latter is least likely at this point.
>Hope the jury duty isn't too much of a pain.
Actually, it ended fairly quickly -- only two half days lost to it. Could
have been a lot worse had I been selected, given that it was a murder
trial, but in fact the case did not go to Jury trial after all.
> Let me know your thinking
>when you get the chance. Also, has Germany approached you for help yet?
>He's been quiet with me, so I think he's decided to stop trusting me.
He has asked me for support, though as expected, the lack of F StP/nc has
dampened his enthusiasm considerably.
--- Eric
Message from England to France and Russia
Greetings Erik and Eric. I have been corresponding with you separately
about our approach to Germany and now I write you together.
What Eric had proposed initially is, I attempt DEN while he moves to BAL
and SWE. The idea being, then in the fall he can support me into KIE and
we can do as much damage as possible to Germany in the year.
An alternative, recently proposed also by Eric, is that I try for HEL in
the spring, and (I suppose) he will support me into DEN that same season.
Eric I may have misunderstood but it would seem to me the most logical use
of SKA.
Erik has offered support to HOL.
My preference is to accept Eric's original proposal of fall support into
KIE while I try for DEN in the spring. If (a) I successfully dislodge DEN
then it will surely retreat to HEL. If (b) I fail to dislodge DEN then
with Russian support I can capture it in the fall. If (a) then I am not
going to capture both KIE and HOL in the fall, and if (b) then I will
capture - with Erik's support - HOL and hold DEN. Either way, gaining two
at Germany's expense.
My preference for this strategy is a mild one - I am up for just about
anything. Let me know your thoughts.
Ben
Message from England to France
Erik -
There is an RT again. I am glad to work with Eric for awhile but for the
good of the Atlantic and the stalemate line, bear in mind that we cannot
let him get further than NWY, and he needs zero more northern fleets.
Ben
Message from France to England and Russia
Ben:
Your plan sounds good, but I'm worried about butting my head into Munich
over and over while you two make gains. Granted, you're in a weak
position, and you need builds more than either of us. I'd really like to
get into Munich, though -- any chance that Warsaw could move to Silesia,
Eric?
I also need to keep a close eye on Andy. Ben, any idea what he's up to? His
replies to me are terse and mystifiying, as usual.
Erik
Message from France to Russia
>
> My preference is to accept Eric's original proposal of fall support into
> KIE while I try for DEN in the spring.
I like this. Holland is the better option for him, frankly, but he's
willing to forgo that to hit what, in the end, are better targets for us
to have him go for -- they leave him overextended and out of position to
swing back and attack me. I would think this would occur to Ben, so I'm
wondering if there's something else going on. I'm pretty sure he no longer
trusts Tony enough to be planning something with him, but there's always a
chance ...
I'll try for Munich, with little success. I'm worried that I'm kind of
going to be grinding my gears this season. I'm hoping I can swing Por out
to Mao and perhaps swing into Iri in the fall. Do you think you could get
into Sil this turn, either without Germany's consent or through some sort
of discussion?
Erik
Message from France to Austria
Well, I'm not in a position to take on Italy right now, I can tell you that
much. Too much going on with England and Germany and Russia. If I can do
something diplomatically to improve your sitution, though, I'm happy to do
so. F Mar is primarily there to keep Italy in line.
In a year or two, though, who knows? A move on Italy might be palatable.
Really, we should've struck early when I was in position, but such is
life.
If you have a specific plan that involve A Mar, I'm willing to listen to
that, too.
Erik
Message from England to France
Erik -
> Your plan sounds good, but I'm worried about butting my head into Munich
> over and over while you two make gains. Granted, you're in a weak
> position, and you need builds more than either of us. I'd really like to
> get into Munich, though -- any chance that Warsaw could move to Silesia,
> Eric?
I would love it if he would. . .
Concerning my two gains: if I am too weak then Russia will be able to
cruise into the Atlantic, across the stalemate line. This I hope you will
agree, is a problem for you. Plus the dots I'm discussing, HOL and DEN and
KIE, I hope you will agree are naturally English. Plus my proposal only
calls on *any* contribution from you in the fall, so you would have the
spring and all seasons following the fall to pursue Munich, should you fail
to capture it this spring.
> I also need to keep a close eye on Andy. Ben, any idea what he's up to?
His
> replies to me are terse and mystifiying, as usual.
It's how he writes. I am applying pretty firm pressure to get him to go
east, to Turkey especially, but I have no particular reason to think he
will listen to me.
Careful how much discussion of Andy we have with Eric - it's important to
the two of *us* that Andy go east, but I am not so sure Eric feels the same
way. . .
Ben
Message from France to England and Russia
So are we all set for this turn? I'm pounding away at Munich, but will be
prepared to support units into Kiel or Holland as requested. Anything else
we need to consider?
Erik
Message from England to France and Russia
> So are we all set for this turn? I'm pounding away at Munich,
> but will be
> prepared to support units into Kiel or Holland as requested.
> Anything else we need to consider?
I'll be trying for DEN & will be seeking support into HOL in the fall. Also
I will be seeking support from Eric into KIE in the fall; I think the
chances of me ending up with three dots are about zero, but we can take
stock after the spring & see where we are. I am hoping for two.
Have yet to hear from Eric; I'm hoping for a note confirming, or a
counterproposal, which would be fine. I will be pretty busy for the next
six hours or so but then should have some access on and off until an hour
before the deadline.
Ben
Message from Austria to France
> Well, I'm not in a position to take on Italy right now, I can tell you that
> much. Too much going on with England and Germany and Russia. If I can do
> something diplomatically to improve your sitution, though, I'm happy to do
> so. F Mar is primarily there to keep Italy in line.
>
> In a year or two, though, who knows? A move on Italy might be palatable.
> Really, we should've struck early when I was in position, but such is
> life.
OK. When you are ready to do so, let me know.
At least, your fleets will keep the pressure up on
him.
Philippe
Message from France to Turkey
Jason:
What is the plan on the table between you and Eric? As I said, I don't want
to see Austria disappear and be followed shortly be you; by that point,
Russia will be a very dangerous force. I know he's convenient to your
plans right now, as he is convenient to mine, but it is very important to
both of us to keep his growth limited.
Up North, he's working to keep Germany in check, and may begin aggressive
action against Tony soon, but I'm pretty sure he wants to finish off
Austria first. When that's done, I'm not sure if he'll come after Germany
or turn his sights on you. Do you have any indication of what his plans
are for the next two years or so? Have you spoken with Andy about Russian
growth at all?
Erik
Message from France to Italy
Andy:
I know you and Russia have spoken as much as you and England have spoken,
but I also know that you must be growing as wary of Russia's size as the
rest of us. When Austria's gone, he's going to start looking for other
areas to expand, and if you two are tight, Turkey seems like a logical
next target for both of you. If that happens, though, then we're dealing
with a Russia that's got control of all of Scandanavia and the entire
eastern side of the board. Any thoughts on that?
Erik
Message from Italy to France
> I know you and Russia have spoken as much as you and England have spoken,
> but I also know that you must be growing as wary of Russia's size as the
> rest of us.
I am.
When Austria's gone, he's going to start looking for other
> areas to expand, and if you two are tight, Turkey seems like a logical
> next target for both of you. If that happens, though, then we're dealing
> with a Russia that's got control of all of Scandanavia and the entire
> eastern side of the board. Any thoughts on that?
Well...I think that Ben should likely be doing something about the
Scandanavia part, but I would understand the resource issue there.
I heed your words, and will keep an eye on him.
Message from Russia to England and France
Ben and Erik,
Was offline again all day yesterday. Back now. Given my current
decongestant-induced mental state I don't think I should do tons of
planning, so I'm happy to be a sheep at this point in the negotiations, and
forego further counterproposals.
--- Eric
Message from Russia to France
Erik,
>I like this. Holland is the better option for him, frankly, but he's
>willing to forgo that to hit what, in the end, are better targets for us
>to have him go for -- they leave him overextended and out of position to
>swing back and attack me. I would think this would occur to Ben, so I'm
>wondering if there's something else going on. I'm pretty sure he no longer
>trusts Tony enough to be planning something with him, but there's always a
>chance ...
Well, the other obvious thing is that it puts him in great position for
attacking Scandinavia, which is something I realized after the builds, but
was not sufficiently worried about before them, and it's too late to do
anything about that now. If you are his next target, then if he does get
two builds, the whole idea of "swinging back" is not an issue for him. He
also is taking the option that has me voluntarily leave Nwy -- something
that didn't work out for him when he did it -- so it could be that he likes
the idea of paying me back on that count.
>I'll try for Munich, with little success. I'm worried that I'm kind of
>going to be grinding my gears this season. I'm hoping I can swing Por out
>to Mao and perhaps swing into Iri in the fall. Do you think you could get
>into Sil this turn, either without Germany's consent or through some sort
>of discussion?
It's entirely possible, I need to see what my southern friends have been
saying, but yes, I think it's a likely possibility.
--- Eric
Message from England to France and Russia
Ok, then we are on.
Ben
Austria: Fleet Adriatic Sea → Albania (*bounce*)
Austria: Army Budapest SUPPORT Army Serbia → Rumania (*cut*)
Austria: Army Serbia → Rumania (*bounce, destroyed*)
Austria: Army Vienna → Trieste (*bounce*)
England: Fleet London → North Sea
England: Fleet North Sea → Denmark
England: Fleet Skagerrak SUPPORT Fleet North Sea → Denmark
France: Army Belgium → Holland
France: Army Burgundy SUPPORT Army Ruhr → Munich
France: Fleet Marseilles HOLD
France: Army Paris → Burgundy (*bounce*)
France: Fleet Portugal → Mid-Atlantic Ocean
France: Army Ruhr → Munich (*bounce, dislodged*)
Germany: Army Berlin SUPPORT Army Munich
Germany: Fleet Denmark → Sweden (*bounce, dislodged*)
Germany: Army Holland → Ruhr
Germany: Army Kiel SUPPORT Army Holland → Ruhr
Germany: Army Munich SUPPORT Army Holland → Ruhr
Italy: Army Greece → Serbia
Italy: Fleet Ionian Sea → Albania (*bounce*)
Italy: Army Rome → Venice (*bounce*)
Italy: Fleet Tunis → Ionian Sea (*bounce*)
Italy: Army Venice → Trieste (*bounce*)
Russia: Army Galicia → Budapest (*bounce*)
Russia: Army Norway → Sweden (*bounce*)
Russia: Fleet Rumania → Sevastopol (*bounce*)
Russia: Army Sevastopol → Ukraine (*bounce*)
Russia: Fleet Sweden → Baltic Sea
Russia: Army Ukraine → Rumania (*bounce*)
Russia: Army Warsaw → Silesia
Turkey: Fleet Black Sea SUPPORT Army Bulgaria
Turkey: Army Bulgaria SUPPORT Italian Army Greece → Serbia
Turkey: Army Constantinople SUPPORT Army Bulgaria
Turkey: Fleet Smyrna → Aegean Sea
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