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England: Builds 2 units
France: Builds 1 unit
Germany: Removes 2 units
Italy: Builds 1 unit
Turkey: Builds 1 unit
Message from Italy to Russia
Eric....
I do have to ask one question though....
You told me that you were going to tap Bud for me, but you didnt...why?
How does it hurt you if I get a build, and Turkey doesnt, it does nothing
but help you as far as I can tell.
And this isnt supposed to sound accusatory, but its 330am here and its
been a really long day and I am tired as hell...so please dont take it
that way...
take care
Andy
Message from Turkey to Russia
Everything seemed to go well, except for Greece. Apparently, Austria
tipped Italy off to my move there.
I assume we'll try the Rum/Bla shuffle now?
jason
Message from Austria to Russia
Thanks for the help. As for Turkey, I don't see anything
special that would have allowed you to go against him
had he opted to stay with Andy? Of course, my initial
request would have been for nought with no russian build.
Philippe
Message from England to Russia
Eric -
Grr. EF conflict is supposed to happen on *my* terms! Dammit.
It seems to me EF conflict is probably ok with you, and I imagine it is in
your best interest to see me put up a good fight. When the time comes, will
you coordinate a defense with me? I would probably benefit from your
(counter)intelligence, as Erik is starting out with the advantage, and it is
not in your best interest for me to get steamrolled.
What do you make of the fall?
Ben
Message from Russia to Italy
Straight up: it was a complete screwup on my part, and one that I could have
avoided several ways, but was too anxious and short on time to figure it out.
Philippe and Jason both told me that Jason was going to take Ser. Philippe
also offered me Vie to spite you. *That* is why I agreed to work against you.
I figured next season you'd be in a fine position to work with me against AT,
and I'd still be up for it.
Problem was, yesterday I sent you a note I shouldn't have that said that you
were going to lose Ser (which I can't tell whether you even noticed). Being
the unfortunately truthful guy that I am, I told Philippe about my gaffe, who
then said, "no big deal, but then I'm going to have Vie support Adr-Tri".
This happened at 3:45pm, and I had to leave for a class that goes until 7:30
PM (an hour or so before the deadline, and after most of you are asleep).
Seeing Philippe's reply I realized I wasn't going to get vie, and just
entered panic moves. Had I thought it through, I might have talked with you
about it (since the sole benefit of not working with you was that I would get
Vie out of it) and you could have pointed that out to me.
So while there was a plan that made sense behind why I did not tap Bud, it's
not the plan you see from the moves.
--- Eric
Message from Russia to Austria
(Double checking that this says "Press to A" at the top!)
I was reasonably certain that there would not be IT cooperation. My move to
Gal was more for show than anything. Let me know if you want me to use things
"against" you. I think we can continue to have good AR cooperation if you are
up for it. I'm hoping that after this you're interested in continuing
together (I certainly am). I have some ideas, but let me know what your
leanings are before I start spewing ideas.
--- Eric
Message from Russia to England
What do I make of the Fall?
I made a huge blunder that I compounded with a minor blunder that really
weakened my overall position. You'll see details when you review the press,
but it had nothing to do with you or the EFG triangle. I'm still cursing
myself for it.
As to EF conflict, I was reasonably certain that would happen. This may be
undermining my credibility with you, but basically I ended up kind of
encouraging him. As you say, it doesn't hurt me to have you and him fighting,
so that was somewhat selfishly motivated. But moreso it was clear that Erik
*really* wanted to attack you, and Tony really wanted me to attack you. I got
messages from both Tony and Erik saying that they wanted me to attack you in
Den, and making it clear they had discussed it (as I think I told you). The
problem was that Erik was so interested that I was reasonably certain that if
I told him I was helping you, then he might have tipped off Tony, in which
case Tony wouldn't have moved Kie, in which case you wouldn't have gotten the
build which (as you pointed out) made Erik's attack ineffective.
So you are likely to find that Erik is just as annoyed with me for misleading
him as anything else. I'd worry about being so frank with you, but I expect
you'll hear much of this from Tony and Erik. FGR is actually kind of a mess
right now. Erik probably truly expected me to support Tony to Den, and BOTH
Erik and I expected Tony to move on Den and not on Hol. So there's tons of
animosity to go around.
I also want to apologize for Nwy-Swe. I realized about 1am that it was
actually counter productive for me (Nwy is better for defending both StP and
Swe, Swe is more threatening to you, but I can't afford to threaten you right
now). I can only say that in the late hours before the deadline I was so
frazzled by the blunder I referred to above that I just copied over the
orders Tony and I had "agreed" to, and then changed the support on Bal. At
the very last minute I thought I should tap Ber because it would be REALLY
ugly if you didn't get Kie and Tony was pissed about it!
As for coordinating defenses, here's my thinking: if I can get Mun and Ber
(which may be difficult) then I am DONE in the north. I will effectively
proxy those units to you, moving things away from you and into the south or
defensive positions in north. We're still in that sort of Mexican stand off
position where either of us could majorly burn the other, but as I keep
stressing, I'm looking simply to put up a defense in the north and seek
better pastures south. If I do well, I'll look to solo through southern
gains. If (as looks much more likely) I am stymied, I'll try to set up a
defensive line and go for a 2-way or 3-way. I would be happy for you to be
one of the other players in a draw.
And as another argument for ongoing ER cooperation, Turkey is looking pretty
strong in the south. He's likely to make Tun before you can, especially if
you and I are fighting. So in looking at keeping a Turkish solo from
happening (not that far fetched a concern at the moment) you'll want to make
sure I have a strong southern line as well.
Those are my thoughts at the moment. Anything from your side?
--- Eric
Message from Russia to Germany
Tony,
You are a gutsy and determined player. I am very impressed with your play.
Really. You have really done everything you could in the face of combined EFR
antagonism. I know it hasn't helped your position at all, and I'm sure it
doesn't help you to know that I sympathize with your position, having lived
through much the same abuse in my last two games, but I wanted to tell you
that I am very impressed with your determination.
That said, for yet another turn we've both pretty much screwed the other one
over. Had I not supported Den-Kie, I would be in probably a worse position in
Scandinavia than I am now with England out of Ska. I completely understand
your choice to try to take Hol and not move to Den. Makes perfect sense. For
myself, I think my moves were the slightly lesser of several evils.
I'm assuming we're at a negotiating standstill for the moment, but let me
know if there's anything you want to talk about, whether it be future moves,
analyzing earlier moves, or just chatting.
--- Eric
Message from Russia to France
Erik,
Well, I certainly left you holding the bag with Ben, but on the plus side,
Germany's been pretty well eviscerated. You are in a tighter spot than you'd
hoped, and a bungled situation in the south (that cost me position but has
nothing to do with FGR discussions) did the same for me. Yes Ben is stronger,
but he's out of position, and Italy's still weak, so you are still in an
overall decent spot. I don't know how you'll react to my moves, especially
when they are combined with Tony's (I just had that niggling feeling that I
could not trust him), so I won't talk any real planning with you until I hear
from you how badly I've pissed you off.
--- Eric
Message from Russia to Turkey
I think the shuffle should work fine, but I'd like to hear what Austria comes
up with first. If he continues to help us against Italy, it might be worth
our while to throw resources that way and shuffle around later.
So yes, I think we should do it, but I want to keep an open mind for the
moment.
Sound good?
--- Eric
Message from Germany to Russia
Hi Erik. Thanks for the press and compliments. I am just getting around to
replying to 15 of 19 games, most of which were in my favour. I kept C2 till
last ;-) I will broadcast an efr press any minute now. I am just about to
start on it. I didnt however move on DEN (or at least I hope I didnt). I
only went for Holland. I will explain why in the large press.
Tony
Message from Russia to Germany
> I am just getting around to
> replying to 15 of 19 games, most of which were in my favour.
I have to believe that this (playing in lots of games) is the only way to
reduce the anxiety level I get playing this game. I often think that
Diplomacy playing is going to give me ulcers, I get so emotionally distraught
over them. But then I only play one or two games at a time, so maybe that
just magnifies things.
But I just don't have the time to participate in that many games. Real life
and all.
--- Eric
Message from England to Russia
Eric -
I will keep this short & will try to give a more thorough response later.
In your shoes I would have been encouraging the French attack of E as well -
it worked out well for you. What you want, as I see it, is an unstable west
with your nearest ally being the one who needs you most.
That's me!
So don't worry about ER; right now I hope you agree it is much more useful
to you than GRF, which would mean your nearest neighbors would be a big F
and a dangerous G, neither of whom would *need* you. So we are good, and I
thank you for being straight with me.
I think we are on the same page - still - the best thing for you will be my
stout defense from France. I will certainly help you to BER/MUN, though as
you can see for right now I'm not exactly in a position to *support* you
into MUN. Still, there are other ways I should be able to help.
I am very pleased with ER right now & you mustn't worry yourself about it.
In a way I was glad to see the French attack - it means I get to build
without having to step on anyone's toes.
Ben
Message from Germany to Russia
> I have to believe that this (playing in lots of games) is the only way to
reduce the anxiety level I get playing this game.>
It has its downside. Accidently revealling your identity in gunboat games,
not giving the attention the game demands. The revealing of passwords, wrong
press to the wrong game or powers. Bad spelling and gramma because you are
constantly busy with all games at once. A conveyor belt of press and moves
(and gm-ing). The one major flaw is that some games demand more attention
than others. This one hasnt received the attention it deserved from me. It's
only in the last year (fall move) that I actually gave the game the
attention it deserved. But where there is life there is play.
The up-side is indeed that anxiety is ZERO and experience is gained in rapid
tempo. I enjoy every game and always have a good nights sleep and never
worry. I am always bewildered at how the cooky sometimes crumbles.
>I often think that Diplomacy playing is going to give me ulcers>
I know the feeling from the early days of diplomacy when I just started up
>I get so emotionally distraught over them.>
Yup, I can associate myself with that too, but once again way way back.
>But then I only play one or two games at a time, so maybe that just
magnifies things.>
I have played 39 games at once and I never had it so easy so maybe more
games equals less anxiety. It suddenly dawns on you that its just a game and
nothing is really personal. So I just enjoy every one of them. Maybe that 2
games indeed up the anxiety level where as the results in 20+ games always
cancel each other out. The positive and negative results always seem to
cancel each other out.
>But I just don't have the time to participate in that many games. Real life
and all.>
80% of my games are no press, it's just a matter of receiving press, looking
at the map and sending in your moves. The experience gained makes it all
worth while. In general though I do a lot better in press games.
Tony
Message from Germany to England, France, and Russia
First off; Congratulations to Ben on his two builds, I would have preferred
they came from RG rather than just G.
Secondly, well done Eric (Russia).
Thirdly; it is not to late for the three of you to surrender to me. I will
be leniant and forgive you your trespasses against me, however continue down
this foolish path and none of you will survive to see 1905.
Analysis:
Observation:
1 - Doesnt that fleet in IRI look a lot like the army we saw in s1901m in
PIE ;-)
2- I was hoping on 4 sc's. Having only two left is still 50% positive news
Facts as I saw them, in message to observers before fall moves
1 - Russian proposal never taken seriously (expect attack on BER)
2 - Move to BOH expected
3 - Juggernaut to show through
4 - attack on Greece expected
Assumptions in message to observers
1 - Russia wouldnt follow through on support of DEN - KIE
2 - Ben would opt for DEN and NWY with my blessing
3 - EG will be screwed by FR (france wont move on iri)
4 - EFR to continue attack on G
All 4 wrong, I must stick to facts in the future ;-)
Analysis to date:
Russia hoping for EF conflict to allow juggernaut to take over
Germany/Italy. Builds gained to be deployed in north(STP) and warsaw area.
What does surprise me (but we all live and hopefully learn) is the
following.
It was always apparent that England would receive two builds. I was willing
to let him keep Denmark and hoped that he would push for Norway whilst I
retook Holland and that we jointly protected Berlin. That would have left me
the 4 sc's I expected. It also meant tha Ben had an escape and wouldnt be
caught up between RF once I am gone. It also meant that at least in the
north we could take on the juggernaut which I have been preaching all along.
I didnt expect Russia to support Ben, two english builds isnt in Russia's
interest (unless they are used against france).
We know the EF alliance has been stable over the last few years. France
managed to talk his way out of the situation in Italy. I am sure he will
talk his way out of the situation in IRI. Now and then his front line units
seem to have a wil of their own. Italy and I am sure England accept this and
will excuse it.
The talks during the fall involved EG working together and EFR working
together. I just had to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. I did
all the diploming, false messaging etc. that I could think of to convince
Ben that in the long run he is doomned unless he teams up with me or at
least with France.
Would France have moved to IRI if he knew that Russia was supporting England
into Denmark. My money says he wouldnt have. So maybe my analysis to date as
mentioned above is true. So was I the only one stabbed? indirectly I dont
think so. Ben and Erik (france) have been set up nicely by Eric(Russia).
Ben, do you really want to be pushed into a war with France and let the
juggernaut profit. Visit the USSR before the USSR visits you. Russia would
like nothing more than you and France to slog it out until RT get into place
to "HELP" you and France. Russia via the north and Turkey via the south.
So which two units do I disband and whos puppet do I become until I wipe you
all out in 1905.
I am sure EF can sort out IRI.
A fleet build in BRE allows for SPA - WES, MAR - GOL, IRI - MAO. In the fall
you get MAO - NAF. BY spring France is in TUN. Block one against the
JUGGERNAUT.
England builds two fleets, one in EDI and LON. I keep BER and MUN. EFG can
hold MUN/BER long enough for Ben to take NWY in the fall. Block two against
the JUGGERNAUT.
Dont be surprised to see RT get Italy to take TRI whilst they attack and
take GRE and BUD.
No matter if it's an austrian or italian unit in TRI it will be removed once
RT meet up there.
The short term Italian gain will vanish like snow in the sun.
Thats how I see Bens gains. Very temporary indeed.
Russia has saved his northern frontier for now and lost nothing and even
gained false friendship. He will push the RF versus England but in reality
it will be an EF battle whilst RT inch their way forward. No doubt he will
want at least an army build in LVP but he will prefer a fleet build instead.
No doubt he will ask/insist on a fleet in LVP/LON.
This is Russia's crucial year. He needs a build this year to close the
gaping whole in his defence up north. It's the last window of opportunity
for England/France.
If Russia can keep Bens friendship just one more year the build in STP will
be a fact and the long hot showers between them will be over.
I hope the western alliance which we have hidden well up until now springs
its trap on Russia.
Erik, I am sure you will offer me a better deal as a Russian puppet.
Tony
Message from Russia to Russia
A response for Tony that I'm not willing to send in game:
> This is Russia's crucial year. He needs a build this year to close the
> gaping whole in his defence up north. It's the last window of opportunity
> for England/France.
Overall a very good analysis (or at least, really similar to mine, which may
not be the same thing). I'm struck that my stupidity in mis-sending that
messageto Andy was only outweighed by the stupidity of admitting it to
Philippe and Jason. Had I not done that (and had Philippe really vacated
Vie), I think you would have *truly* been impressed! Though it does mean that
the move to Boh which you expected was not what I had truly planned on.
Live and learn. Hopefully I'll do *at least* one of the two in this game. :)
Overall, I'd say things in the north went about as well as could be hoped
for. Better, actually, in that I honestly had no expectation that you would
attack Hol, and was seriously considering supporting Kie-Den. I decided on
Den-Kie because if I have to trust one of Ben or you, Ben seems the better
bet. That said, I will not be at all surprised to see EF work me over quickly
and efficiently, with or without your prodding.
--- Eric
Message from Turkey to Russia
We can delay the shuffle, that's fine. Fall matters more than Spring,
anyway.
jason
Message from Russia to Austria
Philippe,
Thinking about my last message to you, I realized that I failed to include
the magic decoder ring. That is, I was so vague about what I was getting at
that I'm not sure I actually said anything.
Up until this point your cooperation with R and RT has bordered on puppetting
-- as you've explained, you've been looking to slow down Andy in order to
allow you some chance to breathe down the line, but haven't been worried
about your short term prospects.
Now there is an obvious threat to you from RT cooperation. While that is one
way I could go, I was very serious when I commented that there is lots of
value to me in ongoing AR cooperation, both positionally because of your size
(not to mention some personality differences between you and Jason). You
noted that as you worked against Andy, you hope I wouldn't take advantage of
you. So far I have not, and I don't want to start now. The problem is that
there is only so much we can (or need to) continue to do against Andy, given
that Jason is now in a position to force him out of the Balkans next year.
That means that AR cooperation would boil down to cooperation against T as
well as I. So the question is (or was supposed to be), are you interested in
cooperating in the Balkans? To me gathering Balkan centers seems to be your
most likely mechanism to secure you a good position than sitting still or
pressing against me (though obviously I'm a biased observer here), since
Jason has to move north, whereas I don't need to move south to establish my
position. So it seems a good fit for both of us.
Anyway, I hope this clarifies the crypticness of my last message somewhat.
Let me know what you think.
--- Eric
Message from Russia to Turkey
Jason,
I don't know that we'll need to delay. I just wanted to keep our eyes and
ears open to see what other options there might be. So far I haven't thought
of or heard anything good. If we don't, we can go ahead with the swap.
--- Eric
Message from Italy to Russia
Eric,
> Straight up: it was a complete screwup on my part, and one that I could have
> avoided several ways, but was too anxious and short on time to figure it out.
Ok...I can accept that. But you are a better player than that.
> Philippe and Jason both told me that Jason was going to take Ser. Philippe
> also offered me Vie to spite you. *That* is why I agreed to work against you.
> I figured next season you'd be in a fine position to work with me against AT,
> and I'd still be up for it.
So...what are you up for.
> Problem was, yesterday I sent you a note I shouldn't have that said that you
> were going to lose Ser (which I can't tell whether you even noticed).
I didnt even read it. I never do, If we were playing FtF I would have
never gotten the info, so I just discarded it as if it didnt exist.
Being
> the unfortunately truthful guy that I am, I told Philippe about my gaffe, who
> then said, "no big deal, but then I'm going to have Vie support Adr-Tri".
> This happened at 3:45pm, and I had to leave for a class that goes until 7:30
> PM (an hour or so before the deadline, and after most of you are asleep).
> Seeing Philippe's reply I realized I wasn't going to get vie, and just
> entered panic moves. Had I thought it through, I might have talked with you
> about it (since the sole benefit of not working with you was that I would get
> Vie out of it) and you could have pointed that out to me.
Why wouldnt you revert to what the original (ie...pre offer of Vienna) and
tapped Budapest....
Oh...and if you had moved like I suggested on the Turk you would be
getting 2 Turkish dots this year......but you dont seem to want to fight
him.
> So while there was a plan that made sense behind why I did not tap Bud, it's
> not the plan you see from the moves.
>
Yeah.....you keep getting better offers than a competent, smart and
reliable ally....
Dont know what to do about that, I cant make myself more clueless than I
am.
Message from France to Russia
Eric:
Well, I can't say I'm pleased, but at least I got Holland, and I suppose
I'll be able to patch things up with Ben. Why didn't you give me some
notice about your plans?
Erik
England: BUILD Fleet Liverpool
England: BUILD Fleet London
France: BUILD Fleet Marseilles
Germany: REMOVE Fleet Helgoland Bight
Germany: REMOVE Army Munich
Italy: BUILD Fleet Naples
Turkey: BUILD Fleet Smyrna
Centers
Austria: 3
England: 5
France: 7
Germany: 2
Italy: 5
Russia: 7
Turkey: 5
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