|
|
Message from Russia to England
Ivy, My Friend,
I suspect you may have been surprised by Mos-StP. Please rest assured
that I have no reason, nor intention of bouncing your Fleet out of Nwy. I
will send A StP-Fin this Fall, so that I can take Swe with support in 1902,
if Germany bounces me this Fall. Beyond that my northern plans depend
largely on what you three decide you're going to do. Informed sources tell
me that the bounce in Bur was pre-arranged, as was the bounce in Tri. It's
the middle of the night, and I don't have my glasses on, so I don't know of
anything else that needs to be said, but I did want you to know that the
move to StP was only made to ensure that Sweden joins the EEU as a
Russian protectorate. I'm going back to bed, now. 8-)
A Sleepy Nick.
Message from Austria to Russia
A northern opening? Now I understand why you wanted Warsaw
free to move to Ukr.
I still prefer that Rumania be occupied by a fleet, so that
you can build a second fleet immediately. Otherwise, it
will be difficult for us to break down the Turkish defense.
I may try to keep Trieste available to build a second fleet
myself; while that's unusual, if an IT alliance forms, it
may be needed.
Is there anything I've overlooked?
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from England to Russia
Nicky,
> I suspect you may have been surprised by Mos-StP. Please rest assured
>that I have no reason, nor intention of bouncing your Fleet out of Nwy.
It did surprise me. Had you mentioned it in advance, I would have blessed
the move. As you see, it could have had no effect on my spring moves.
I am curious about your feelings on the EFG triangle. It is entirely
possible that it could resolve itself in any of the three possible
permutations. Under the assumption that I might actually have a choice in
the matter, do you care to express an opinion on the merits of EF vs. EG?
If you prefer FG I am sure that you will make that known to others.
My own mind is in a tizzy. EG remains appealing because France is
dangerous. Give him a head of steam and every country on earth will have
something to fear. EF is appealing because, as you put it, Germany "seems
to be an odd fish, all the way around." Will I ever be able to rely on him?
Italy, apparently, has taken himself out of the western picture.
Most cordially,
Ivy Wingo
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 6&7 Results:
First, I wanted to wish everyone a very happy Bastille
Day. This being our national holiday, I have been busy
with festivities and have not been very communicative. I
apologize for that. But sometimes, the people are more
important than my neighbors in Europe. I even missed an
update on the Tour de France. Fittingly a Frenchman took
today's stage. Although he rides for a team in a
different country, we take pride in his accomplishment
all the same. This is his second stage and gives the
Turk's 20 points and a tie for first in the standings.
The prior stage was taking by Jaan Kirsipuu from AG2R.
He rides for none of our teams.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 0 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 0 points
Russia (Robobank): 10 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1. Jens Voigt (C.A.) 29 hours, 51 minutes, 29 seconds
2. Laurent Jalabert (CSC/Tascali) @ 2:34
5. Igor G. Galdeano (ONC) @ 5:00
9. Christophe Moreau (FES) @ 5:20
15. Lance Armstrong (USP) @ 5:56
19. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 6:23
Current Leaders:
Yellow Jersey: Jens Voigt [50 points] - no one
Green Jersey: Erik Zabel [20 points] - Germany
Polkadot Jersey: Patrice Halgand [20 points] - no one
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicolas:
A very bold opening move! I was surprised to see you in
St. Petersburg. Now you have England in a pickle. Does
he risk not supporting himself into Norway? He could end
up without a build. He could also have two builds if he
neighbors were nice. I would love to hear more about
your reasonings and your thoughts.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Austria
> A northern opening? Now I understand why you wanted
> Warsaw free to move to Ukr.
I thought that the combination of leaving Gal open and
moving an Army north would encourage Germany to let me
take Swe this Fall. (Of course, I've been wrong before...8-)
Also, it should help sow confusion in the west, and opens
the possibility of harrassing/supporting England or Germany
to keep the west from resolving to quickly.
> I still prefer that Rumania be occupied by a fleet, so that
> you can build a second fleet immediately. Otherwise, it
> will be difficult for us to break down the Turkish defense.
True, and with the conflict in Trieste, (or was that pre-arranged?)
you need security in the east. If I move the Army to Rum, though,
I should be able to get useful information from the Turk regarding
his plans for '02, and that might prove more useful.
> I may try to keep Trieste available to build a second fleet
> myself; while that's unusual, if an IT alliance forms, it
> may be needed.
Yes, if it ends up AR vs. IT, we'll both need to build Fleets
more often than we might normally, and starting early is a good
idea.
> Is there anything I've overlooked?
Not that I can think of at this point.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Austria to Russia
> True, and with the conflict in Trieste, (or was that pre-arranged?)
Well, sort of. I heard that Italy was seeking German approval for
Ven-Tyr, so I encouraged Ven-Tri instead, after you and I had settled
the Gal question, knowing I could bounce it. Italy, also, didn't
really commit to an attack, since he moved Rom-Apu rather than Rom-Ven.
Having preserved the possibility of peace there, I'll encourage him to
continue Lepanto-ish, against Turkey. That should make Turkey's
defense harder, as well as giving Italy some other target than
Austria-Hungary. Of course, with France's 3 builds, perhaps it would
be better long-term to try to send Italy west. If I propose that,
however, it may seem I'm just setting him up. Perhaps you could
encourage him in that direction?
> If I move the Army to Rum, though, I should be able to get useful
> information from the Turk regarding his plans for '02, and that might
> prove more useful.
If we're attacking Turkey, I don't think information is as valuable as
the extra fleet. If you're still undecided about attacking him, then
we'd better discuss why. I would be uncomfortable leaving both you and
Turkey alone, and attacking Italy with both of you behind me; and it's
nearly impossible for Austria-Hungary to succeed against Turkey without
help from either Italy or Russia.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> > I suspect you may have been surprised by Mos-StP.
> It did surprise me. Had you mentioned it in advance, I would have blessed
> the move. As you see, it could have had no effect on my spring moves.
It was a last minute decision. The combination of your mentioning no
anti-Russian discussions in EG, and Austria saying that G hadn't expressed
any concern about Austria's health and welfare, put G firmly into the
unpredictable catagory, and I decided that the ability to support myself
into Swe might be necessary. Hopefully the decision won't come back
to bite me in my southern areas. 8-)
> I am curious about your feelings on the EFG triangle.
Obviously, if it takes a while to resolve itself, I will not be
displeased. 8-)
I seem to have better relations with you and Prince Boar, than I do with
Frederick, and if one of you allies with G, I'll be more than happy to help
you (or France) take Germany out once the other leg of the triangle is gone.
EF vs. G would either require a two-front war on my part, (which is
something I'd rather avoid for obvious reasons), or it would limit my
influence in the west, but I'll deal with that, if it occurs.
> My own mind is in a tizzy. EG remains appealing because France is
> dangerous. Give him a head of steam and every country on earth will have
> something to fear. EF is appealing because, as you put it, Germany "seems
> to be an odd fish, all the way around." Will I ever be able to rely on
him?
The other advantage of EG is, that if he turns out to be unreliable,
you'll
have my support and assistance in teaching him the true cost of
unreliability.
> Italy, apparently, has taken himself out of the western picture.
It does seem that way, though given the bounce in Trieste, A Ven could
head West in '02.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
> A very bold opening move! I was surprised to see you in
> St. Petersburg. Now you have England in a pickle. Does
> he risk not supporting himself into Norway?
While Russia can survive without St. Petersburg, (or Sevastopol), I did
not feel that I could risk writing off my Scandinavian interests this early,
particularly since I hope to do more than just survive the opening.
Hopefully
it won't cost me unduly in the south. Germany was unwilling to acknowledge
the justice of my desire to bring Sweden into the EEU under Russian control,
so I felt that sending an Army to Finland this Fall was necessary. England
has said that he plans to take Nwy with a Fleet, so I don't plan to oppose
his
move. Of course, if you end up allied with Germany, that second Unit in
Scandinavia will prove extremely useful. Have you given any further
consideration to joining the EEU?
Cordially,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Austria
My Dear Ralassa,
> I heard that Italy was seeking German approval for Ven-Tyr, so I
> encouraged Ven-Tri instead, knowing I could bounce it.
I see.
> with France's 3 builds, perhaps it would be better long-term to try
> to send Italy west. Perhaps you could encourage him in that direction?
I'll do what I can, though unless we see EG vs. F, I doubt that my
encouragement would have much effect. England has said from the beginning
that he plans F Nwg-Nwy, and I've told him that I will move A StP-Fin this
Fall for the purpose of securing Swe, so I suspect he'll order Yor-Nth-Bel,
to keep France from gaining those 3 builds.
> If we're attacking Turkey, I don't think information is as valuable as
> the extra fleet. If you're still undecided about attacking him, then
> we'd better discuss why.
I expect that I will order F Sev-Rum, and build F Sev, but I haven't
finalized that decision, yet. I am committed to AR vs. T, but if the Turk
were to suggest that I move to Bla this Fall, and then Con in the Spring,
with the intention of moving to Aeg next Fall, I wouldn't turn him down.
(I wouldn't move out of Con next Fall, either, but... 8-)
In Alliance,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
I just looked a bit closer at the map, and saw that you are our only
hope to keep France from getting three builds. I hope that you will
convoy Yor-Bel to bounce Pic-Bel. This provides another, admittedly
unneeded, reason for me to not bounce Nwg-Nwy.
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
> I just looked a bit closer at the map, and saw that you are our only
>hope to keep France from getting three builds. I hope that you will
>convoy Yor-Bel to bounce Pic-Bel. This provides another, admittedly
>unneeded, reason for me to not bounce Nwg-Nwy.
I was in the process of typing a letter to you when I received this latest
message. Here is what I had typed so far.
-------
>Hopefully the decision won't come back
>to bite me in my southern areas. 8-)
I've said to others that your move to StP indicates that you are fairly
confident of matters to your south. It may have considerable effect in the
north, though. The ultimate outcome of the EFG triangle is at stake. Of
course, it is not necessarily bad for Russia to be able to affect EFG.
Perhaps this was a very good move for you. 8-)
I have never seen England amount to anything without Norway. In Diplomacy,
Norway is part of England's homeland, and there is a certain amount of
pride at stake. I've given this a bit of thought, and have come to the
obvious conclusion that I must support myself into Norway no matter what
the consequences to my south.
-------
This, unfortunately, precludes a bounce in Belgium. It certainly precludes
a bounce in Holland. All those interesting things that the fleet in the
North Sea might have done have to be set aside.
If we truly care whether or not France gets Belgium, one had better try to
prevent it by diplomatic means. Surely, France must have some concern for
Burgundy. Let's hope that someone finds the right words to persuade him to
cover Burgundy with Picardy. If it turns out that he gets six units, not
all is lost for me. I have seen good EF alliances begin with a 6-4 split.
I have also seen six-center Frances cut down to size.
I suspect that you care less about this than I do. For you a France with
six units is permissible as long as Germany is his ally. If that is the
case, I do have one thought to offer for your consideration. Since I am
determined to be in Norway this turn, the move StP->Norway (or its absence)
will have purely symbolic value. The absense of such a move, even if you
have anti-English ideas, preserves the possibility of our friendship an
additional turn. Who knows what that turn can reveal?
I do not wish to imply that I believe you are wishing my downfall. Once I
saw an England bounced out of Norway and I swore that I would never let
that happen to me. Surely you can put yourself in my position with respect
to Norway, and appreciate the precaution that I must take. It doesn't
reflect on you or alter my sincere wishes that we both survive to be active
allies at the proper moment.
Most cordially,
Ivy Wingo
Message [from Russia] to all
Tsar Nicholas,
I would like to bring your attention to a most serious problem facing our
fatherland. We are almost bankrupt. The agriculture minister is failing
in his duty to feed us, and our industry, while great, is backward
compared to the great European powers. We must take steps now to
secure a strong foundation for our future economic growth.
Russia more than any other country needs a proper economic foundation
for her national policy and culture. International competition does not
wait. If we do not take energetic and decisive measures so that in the
course of the next decades our industry will be able to satisfy the needs
of Russia and of the Asiatic countries which are---or should be---under
our influence, then the rapidly growing foreign industries will break
through our tariff barriers and establish themselves in our fatherland and
the Asiatic countries mentioned above. Our economic backwardness
may lead to political and cultural backwardness as well.
In order to modernize our industry and provide this secure foundation, I
propose that we undertake to greatly increase the breadth and scope of
our railroads. The presence of railroads, especially in the far reaches of
our interior provinces is vital to tying our economy together and reaching
our production goals. This railroad must stretch from St Petersburg, to
Moscow, to the ore fields of the Ukraine. It must reach from the
granaries of Warsaw to the farthest village in Siberia and the eastern
coast of our great country. Only with a strong, vibrant railroad, can we
unite our country and at the same time provide our military with the
transportation backbone needed to protect our national security from the
imperial powers of the west.
In this let us learn from the United States, whose Trans-continental
railroad has opened the vast expanses of territory purchased by Tomas
Jefferson. We have an even greater expanse of earth to unite, let it be
by rail!
In order to fund this effort, we will need capitol. I estimate that it
will take the resources of fourteen additional great cities such as
St. Petersburg to supply the vital expansion of our industry. Some of
this will come from the benefit of the railroad itself. Efficiency in
production and shipping will pick up some of the slack. However,
every effort must still be given to obtaining the resources of Europe for
our growth. Whether this be by trade or by conquest, I will leave for
you and our generals to decide. I beg of you not to let this matter drop.
If we do not obtain these resources, I fear that 100 years from now, our
country will be as backwards as it is today, while the great powers of the
west, and perhaps even the pitiful United States of America will have
passed us in all areas of greatness. I do not wish to see our fatherland
exploited by the European powers like they have Africa and the isles of
the sea.
I await your comments.
Respectfully,
Sergei Witte
Minster of Finance
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 8 Results:
Rabobank's Erik Dekker (RAB) sprinted to a wet and cold
stage victory Sunday in Pontarlier beating other
breakaway companions Stuart O'Grady (CA), fifth today,
will again wear the yellow leader's jersey. The main
peloton finished 35 minutes behind. Can the top
contenders make up that difference in the Mountains?
The Russian pick up their second stage and now join the
tie for the lead.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 0 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 0 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1. Stuart O_Grady (C.A.) 34-hours 57-minutes 18-seconds
3. Bram De Groot (RAB) @ 21:16
11. Laurent Jalabert (CSC) @ 31:57
12. Bobby Julich (C.A.) @ 33:49
13. Igor G. Galdeano (ONC) @34:23
17. Christophe Moreau (FES) @ 34:43
24. Lance Armtrong (USP) @ 35:19
27. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 35:46
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to England
Ivy, Ivy, Ivy,
> >Hopefully the decision won't come back
> >to bite me in my southern areas. 8-)
>
> I've said to others that your move to StP indicates that you are fairly
> confident of matters to your south. It may have considerable effect in
the
> north, though. The ultimate outcome of the EFG triangle is at stake. Of
> course, it is not necessarily bad for Russia to be able to affect EFG.
> Perhaps this was a very good move for you. 8-)
>
> I have never seen England amount to anything without Norway. In
Diplomacy,
> Norway is part of England's homeland, and there is a certain amount of
> pride at stake. I've given this a bit of thought, and have come to the
> obvious conclusion that I must support myself into Norway no matter what
> the consequences to my south.
>
> -------
>
> This, unfortunately, precludes a bounce in Belgium. It certainly
precludes
> a bounce in Holland. All those interesting things that the fleet in the
> North Sea might have done have to be set aside.
>
> If we truly care whether or not France gets Belgium, one had better try to
> prevent it by diplomatic means. Surely, France must have some concern for
> Burgundy. Let's hope that someone finds the right words to persuade him
to
> cover Burgundy with Picardy. If it turns out that he gets six units, not
> all is lost for me. I have seen good EF alliances begin with a 6-4 split.
> I have also seen six-center Frances cut down to size.
>
> I suspect that you care less about this than I do. For you a France with
> six units is permissible as long as Germany is his ally. If that is the
> case, I do have one thought to offer for your consideration. Since I am
> determined to be in Norway this turn, the move StP->Norway (or its
absence)
> will have purely symbolic value. The absense of such a move, even if you
> have anti-English ideas, preserves the possibility of our friendship an
> additional turn. Who knows what that turn can reveal?
>
> I do not wish to imply that I believe you are wishing my downfall. Once I
> saw an England bounced out of Norway and I swore that I would never let
> that happen to me. Surely you can put yourself in my position with
respect
> to Norway, and appreciate the precaution that I must take. It doesn't
> reflect on you or alter my sincere wishes that we both survive to be
active
> allies at the proper moment.
>
>
> Most cordially,
> Ivy Wingo
>
>
>
NetZero Platinum
No Banner Ads and Unlimited Access
Sign Up Today - Only $9.95 per month!
http://www.netzero.net
Message from Russia to England
Sorry for the copy of your letter. I started to reply last night, and
decided
to save it until I had gotten some sleep, and my mail program sent it when
I logged in. In a nutshell:
We have good relations. I have good relations with France. I do not
trust Germany. I'm not sure whether you or France is more dangerous,
but letting France get six Centers in '01 is NOT something that I want to
see happen. It might invoke the early leader syndrome, but it could just
as easily lead to a French runaway. The MOST harm I can do to you
is bounce you from Nwy, IF you don't support the attack which you have
the ability to do. If I bounce you, and Germany bounces me, (and I have
no indication that he won't), then I won't be able to take Swe in '02, or
build in StP in '01, (not that I plan to, but I'd like to have the option
open
to me.) I'm moving StP - Fin, this Fall, and have already told France and
Austria that. I might lie to you, (though it would be dumb to do so at this
point), by why would I lie to everyone? The more evenly balanced the
West is, the better it is for me, so I'd much rather see 5-5-5, than 6-5-4,
or 6-5-3, and you've said from the beginning that you were taking Nwy
with a Fleet, and wanted to work with me, so I have no motivation
whatsoever to order StP-Nwy. Please, bounce France out of Belgium.
Sincerely,
Your Friend,
Nicky.
Message from England to Russia
>Ivy, Ivy, Ivy,
I love it! The perfect reply.
All the world is telling me to expect StP->Fin followed by a build in StP
followed by an assault on Norway.
Here is one way you can reassure me. Has it ever occured to you that if I
am in Norway, and Germany bounces you in Sweden, then I can escort you to
Sweden myself? Then we can mutually protect each other in Sweden and
Norway! If you hold in StP, that is the situation we would have, and by
your actions you would be reassuring me that you are not contemplating an
attack on Norway.
Perhaps your thoughts on this are, "why should I trust England, when by
moving to Finland I can guarantee Sweden myself?".
Exactly my point. You have just placed yourself in my position. It is not
necessary to trust Russia when I can guarantee Norway by myself.
Again. It's not lack of trust. It's just that the risk to me is too
great. Without Norway, England is nothing.
Most respectfully,
Ivy
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
I'll be supporting myself into Rum, obviously. Shall we DMZ Bla? If
so, I'll order
Sev S Ukr - Rum. Do you think the bounce in Tri was pre-arranged? The west
is
such a mess that I decided I had to open north to protect my interests
there. Please
let me know what you're thinking.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to England
Briefly because I'm pressed for time.
> All the world is telling me to expect StP->Fin followed by a build in StP
> followed by an assault on Norway.
But why would I want to do that when I don't know how the west is
going to resolve itself? I may need that second build in the south, and
even if I don't, I could just as easily build F StP/SC and attack Ber/Den
as Nwy. If I agree to StP S Nwg - Nwy, will you convoy to Bel, and
support me into Swe in '02?
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>Sorry for the copy of your letter. I started to reply last night, and
>decided
>to save it until I had gotten some sleep, and my mail program sent it when
>I logged in.
Actually, I liked the "Ivy, Ivy, Ivy" message. I just responded to it.
There probably is nothing I can add that is constructive. Let's see:
> .. I do not trust Germany.
How could anyone? He is not around enough to give one confidence in him.
This is what is making it difficult to form an alliance with him. I am
certain that France feels the same way. This fact and this fact alone
tends to draw France and I a bit closer, even though I think we each would
rather see the other eliminated. Wacky, isn't it? I have no idea how the
EFG triangle will sort out. That's why I think your own actions in the
north may somehow determine matters. And, yes, I agree that the longer
that EFG remain murky, the better it is for the rest of the world.
Don't get me wrong. I am patient enough to be still giving Germany the
benefit of the doubt. He has been busy with family. But he better come
through for me fast.
>The MOST harm I can do to you is bounce you from Nwy,
Exactly. In other words, the most harm you can do is to kill me.
> If I bounce you, and Germany bounces me, (and I have
>no indication that he won't), then I won't be able to take Swe in '02,
Nor s Bot->Swe. It's simple.
>I'm moving StP - Fin, this Fall, and have already told France and
>Austria that. I might lie to you, (though it would be dumb to do so at this
>point), by why would I lie to everyone?
Nick, I believe you. I really believe you. I see about a 5% chance of
Russian deception resulting in a 3-center England. I see about a 50%
chance of Picardy->Belgium resulting in a 6-center France. I suspect it is
better to risk the latter and hope that a 5-5-4 results. 5-5-3 is so ugly
that I cannot contemplate it.
> Please, bounce France out of Belgium.
Cross your fingers. Judging from most recent correspondence, I think that
France is leaning toward Picardy->Burgundy. Wouldn't it be strange if no
one attempted Belgium in 1901?
Hang in there, Nick.
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
Every time I send off a note to you, I discover another note from you waiting!
>> All the world is telling me to expect StP->Fin followed by a build in StP
>> followed by an assault on Norway.
>
> But why would I want to do that when I don't know how the west is
>going to resolve itself?
It's just an option for you, as you yourself admitted in the last note. I
confess that I hope that you run into a wee difficulty in the south and
need all your builds there. No one deserves a free ride! I'm sure not
getting a free ride. Been doing a lot of sweating the past few days. All
because of Finland. 8-)
>If I agree to StP S Nwg - Nwy, will you convoy to Bel, and
>support me into Swe in '02?
StP S Nwg - Nwy would be a wonderful gesture. I would support you into
Sweden in '02. Prior to that, with the promise of StP S Nwg - Nwy, I would
make special effort to get Germany to leave you alone. In my prior message
to him, I said Sweden was entirely his business, but I could easily alter
that stance. But sorry, I am still in no position to promise action in
Belgium this turn.
Ivy
Message from Russia to England
Ivy, Ivy, Ivy, (listen to me, will you? ;-)
> Every time I send off a note to you, I discover another note from you
waiting!
Stop and think about this situation from my perspective for a minute.
Would
I be devoting this many letters to trying to convince you to bounce France
if I
had any thought that I might for some reason order StP-Nwy? I'm trying so
hard that either I'm sincere, or you will devote your remaning existence in
'titleist' to injuring me for lying to you this way, and I see no reason to
make an
enemy of you, especially when I need you to counter-balance Prince Boar.
I'm honestly not sure whether you or Prince Boar has a higher JDPR, and
given that you're both most likely in the group of four 1700+ players, it
probably doesn't matter, but I have deduced that Prince Boar soloed in the
semi-finals, and I do know that France is statistically more likely to solo
than
England, so I have to view him as the biggest threat in the West.
> >> All the world is telling me to expect StP->Fin followed by a build in
StP
> >> followed by an assault on Norway.
> > But why would I want to do that when I don't know how the west is
> > going to resolve itself?
> It's just an option for you, as you yourself admitted in the last note.
I did? Obviously, it is an option from a technical perspective, but
there's
no strategic, or even tactical, reason to do it in 1902. At least, none
that I
can see.
> StP S Nwg - Nwy would be a wonderful gesture. I would support you
> into Sweden in '02. Prior to that, with the promise of StP S Nwg - Nwy,
> I would make special effort to get Germany to leave you alone. But sorry,
> I am still in no position to promise action in Belgium this turn.
As I see it, StP-Nwy makes no sense. It annoys you. It bounces,
leaving
the Army in StP, meaning I can't build there if I need to. It means I can't
support myself into Swe in S'02, if Germany bounces me this Fall. Given
that you have stated that you intend to support yourself into Nwy, the
bounce
wouldn't even keep you from building. I, therefore, have nothing to gain
from
StP-Nwy, so I won't order it. (Since I won't order StP-Nwy, you are now
free to order Yor-Nth-Bel, but you don't have to tell me that you're going
to
do so. 8-)
To address something you mentioned before, I don't see France ordering
Pic-Bur. He figures that Mos-StP means you have to support yourself to Nwy,
so Bel is open, and 3 builds is better than a bounce in Bur. Secondly, my
sources indicate that the bounce in Burgundy was prearranged, so Freddie is
unlikely to try it again. I'd call Pic-Bel at least a 75% chance, only a
decision
to avoid ELS, or a Convoy from Yor will stop it.
Your Friend,
Nicky.
Message from Russia to all
> Tour de France Stage 8 Results:
>
> Rabobank's Erik Dekker (RAB) sprinted to a wet and
> cold stage victory Sunday in Pontarlier beating other
> breakaway companions
Ah, the Dekker lad! He's from a good union family, you
know. They are the managing partners in the Black&Decker
tool company.
V. I. Lenin,
European Union Steward for Russia, (and Team Rabobank).
Message [from France] to all
BG> Holey Openings Diploman, we final got things underway!
DM> Yes, Boy Gambit. The openings were extremely conservative. No one seemed
to want to annoy anyone else.
BG> Well, the Russia seemed to have some balls. He sent an army North, which
sure must annoy Ivy Wingo.
DM> I suppose you are right. Perhaps he is the only one willing to stick his
neck out.
BG> I like that. I think that it is a smart move. A bold move among
conservative ones can make the different and get him a leg up on the
competition.
DM> Or it can set him up for a fall. Only time will tell.
Message from Austria to Russia
> I'll do what I can, though unless we see EG vs. F, I doubt that my
> encouragement would have much effect. England has said from the beginning
> that he plans F Nwg-Nwy, and I've told him that I will move A StP-Fin this
> Fall for the purpose of securing Swe, so I suspect he'll order Yor-Nth-Bel,
> to keep France from gaining those 3 builds.
Does England trust you enough for that? If his trust is misplaced, he'll
get no builds, and will have angered France. That's a risk he may not take
if your Mos-StP was a surprise to him. If, of course, you've a record of
honesty with him, such as prior warning of Mos-StP, then he may be more
willing to believe you. Your assumption that he'll go ahead with the plans
you'd already heard about suggests you did, indeed, discuss this with him
ahead of time.
As to Italy only heading west in case of EG vs F, I'm more concerned about
FG vs E; a fast decline of E would be soon followed by France in the Med.
It would take a lot of fleets for you and I to set up the Med line against a
strong France. My thought was, Italy sent west could hit France before
England was dispatched, and/or delay French incursion into the Med until
Turkey was no longer a problem and our fleets were free to sail west.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Italy to Austria, England, France, Germany, Russia, and Turkey
Gentlemen,
I had an all-day presentation at work today. I will be in contact with
everybody tomorrow.
Roberto
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 8 Results:
Russia's Serguei Ivanov (FAS) took stage 9 of the 2001
Tour de France in a classic solo effort. He barely held a
break away from the main pack at the finish line.
Tomorrow the riders will finish with a climb of the
legendary Alpe d'Huez and the standings should shake
up considerably.
This win for Fassa Bortolo gives Roberto his first
points. Congratulations.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 0 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 10 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1. Stuart O_Grady (C.A.) 38-hours 55-minutes 30-seconds
3. Bram De Groot (RAB) @ 21:16
11. Laurent Jalabert (CSC) @ 31:57
13. Igor G. Galdeano (ONC) @34:23
17. Christophe Moreau (FES) @ 34:43
23. Lance Armtrong (USP) @ 35:19
27. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 35:46
Tomorrow the Race Begins!
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Austria
My Dear Ralassa,
>Does England trust you enough for that?
It doesn't seem so. I didn't view Mos-StP as
particularly, let alone exclusively, anti-English, but
everyone else seems to.
>If his trust is misplaced, he'll get no builds,
>and will have angered France.
Yes, but unless I want to cripple England, and
throw the West to France very rapidly, I have no reason
to order StP-Nwy, and I don't see helping France as
being a good idea. I'd much rather have the West end
1901 at 5-5-5 or 5-5-4, than 6-5-3.
>Your assumption that he'll go ahead with the plans
>you'd already heard about suggests you did, indeed,
>discuss this with him ahead of time.
No, it's just indicative of my, appearantly
unusual, perspective on my opening. My decision to
open to StP was made after hearing from you that
Germany hadn't expressed interest in AG solidarity,
and from England that he hadn't brought up the
possibility of anti-Russian actions. That combination
made me wonder what Germany had planned ( a Centifuge,
perhaps?), and I decided I needed to move to StP.
Since I had no anti-English intentions, if didn't occur
to me that someone else might think that I did.
>As to Italy only heading west in case of EG vs F, I'm
>more concerned about FG vs E; a fast decline of E
>would be soon followed by France in the Med.
I'll mention "my" concern about France's growth
potential to Italy, again. I tried to get him to open
to Pie, so that you wouldn't have to worry about him,
and we wouldn't have to share the Turkish spoils with
him, but he was not impressed with my arguments.
In Alliance,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
Ivy seems to feel that he has to support himself
into Nwy, even though I have no desire to have an Army
stuck in St. Petersburg when winter comes. As a result,
is seems likely that France will get three builds. You
might want to consider Ven-Pie this Fall, just to keep
Prince Boar honest. I haven't heard from Turkey or
Germany since moves came through, which has me somewhat
concerned, but since everyone but me seems to view
Mos-StP as anti-English, perhaps I don't have to worry
about Germany quite so much. Any thoughts or
information you'd care to share would be much
appreciated.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Austria
My Dear Ralassa,
> Does England trust you enough for that?
It doesn't seem so. I didn't view Mos-StP as
particularly, let alone exclusively, anti-English, but
everyone else seems to.
> If his trust is misplaced, he'll get no builds,
> and will have angered France.
Yes, but unless I want to cripple England, and
throw the West to France very rapidly, I have no reason
to order StP-Nwy, and I don't see helping France as
being a good idea. I'd much rather have the West end
1901 at 5-5-5 or 5-5-4, than 6-5-3.
> Your assumption that he'll go ahead with the plans
> you'd already heard about suggests you did, indeed,
> discuss this with him ahead of time.
No, it's just indicative of my, apparently
unusual, perspective on my opening. My decision to
open to StP was made after hearing from you that
Germany hadn't expressed interest in AG solidarity,
and from England that he hadn't brought up the
possibility of anti-Russian actions. That combination
made me wonder what Germany had planned ( a Centrifuge,
perhaps?), and I decided I needed to move to StP.
Since I had no anti-English intentions, if didn't occur
to me that someone else might think that I did.
> As to Italy only heading west in case of EG vs. F, I'm
> more concerned about FG vs. E; a fast decline of E
> would be soon followed by France in the Med.
I'll mention "my" concern about France's growth
potential to Italy, again. I tried to get him to open
to Pie, so that you wouldn't have to worry about him,
and we wouldn't have to share the Turkish spoils with
him, but he was not impressed with my arguments.
In Alliance,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
Ivy seems to feel that he has to support himself
into Nwy, even though I have no desire to have an Army
stuck in St. Petersburg when winter comes. As a result,
is seems likely that France will get three builds. You
might want to consider Ven-Pie this Fall, just to keep
Prince Boar honest. I haven't heard from Turkey or
Germany since moves came through, which has me somewhat
concerned, but since everyone but me seems to view
Mos-StP as anti-English, perhaps I don't have to worry
about Germany quite so much. Any thoughts or
information you'd care to share would be much
appreciated.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
Another thought just crossed my mind. If you're correct
that Pic-Bel is only a 50% likelihood, then with Yor-Nth-Bel,
Nwg-Nwy you have a 50% chance at two builds. I still don't
see how I would benefit by ordering StP-Nwy, and given a
choice between a low percentage chance of doing you harm, and
a guaranteed chance to secure Sweden, StP-Fin seems like a
no-brainer to me.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nicky,
I wish this suspense were over with yesterday.
Here is my thinking today.
If I were Russia, and _if_ I intended to harm England, I would first move
to Finland and then build in StP before attacking him. That way I could
have three units on Norway.
If I were England I would support myself into Norway and take no chances.
On a related matter, having privy to communications from Germany and
France, I might now up the odds of Belgium remaining vacant.
Do you wish to know which nations of the world are urging Germany to bounce
you in Sweden?
Ivy
> Another thought just crossed my mind. If you're correct
>that Pic-Bel is only a 50% likelihood, then with Yor-Nth-Bel,
>Nwg-Nwy you have a 50% chance at two builds. I still don't
>see how I would benefit by ordering StP-Nwy, and given a
>choice between a low percentage chance of doing you harm, and
>a guaranteed chance to secure Sweden, StP-Fin seems like a
>no-brainer to me.
>
>Your Friend,
>
>Nick.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Czar Nicholas,
Sorry for the delay in my reply. Busy weekend.
> I'll be supporting myself into Rum, obviously. Shall we DMZ Bla? If
> so, I'll order
> Sev S Ukr - Rum.
Yes, I think the DMZ works best for this turn. That way I can shuffle my
fleet & army to get it out into the water.
> Do you think the bounce in Tri was pre-arranged? The west
> is
> such a mess that I decided I had to open north to protect my interests
> there. Please
> let me know what you're thinking.
Austria claims it wasn't a pre-arranged bounce. Italy has said nothing on
the matter yet. I also wondered the same thing about the bounce in Bur, any
take on that? I certainly understand your needs to protect Russian
interests in the north. If the AI war is genuine, we should still do well
in the south.
Ali Baba
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> I wish this suspense were over with yesterday.
I understand.
> If I were Russia, and _if_ I intended to harm England, I would first
> move to Finland and then build in StP before attacking him. That
> way I could have three units on Norway.
I agree. If my intention was to attack you, you'd see F StP/NC this
winter, but you won't.
> If I were England I would support myself into Norway and take no
> chances.
This I don't understand. Even if you don't accept that I have no
intention or desire to attack you, you agree that the logical way for me to
do so is through StP-Fin, so why waste the support? If you think I have
it in for you, encourage Germany to bounce me, and order Nwg-Bar,
Nth C Yor-Nwy. (Note to self: Don't tell people how to attack Russia.8-)
Otherwise, go for the second build in Bel, or keep France from getting
three.
> On a related matter, having privy to communications from Germany and
> France, I might now up the odds of Belgium remaining vacant.
You don't believe me, but you believe them? 8-)
> Do you wish to know which nations of the world are urging Germany to
> bounce you in Sweden?
That sort of information is always appreciated.
Your Friend,
Nicky.
Message from Russia to Germany
Frederick,
Well, my move to St. Petersburg certainly generated a lot more comment
than I expected it to! 8-) Would you care to discuss the inclusion of
Sweden
in the EEU, and the final status of Norway, now?
Cordially,
Czar Nicholas II
Message from Russia to France
My Dear Prince Boar,
Well, the Tour continues to go well, two stage victories, and a win by
one of our union organizers in Austria. I did not expect quite the amount
of comment that allowing the 1st Guards Army to summer in the capital
has generated, but I suppose that given the overall conservative tone of
the opening, the media had to seize on something. 8-) Do you plan to
take Belgium, now that I've handed it to you on a platter?
Cordially,
Czar Nicholas II
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> Ivy seems to feel that he has to support himself
> into Nwy, even though I have no desire to have an Army
> stuck in St. Petersburg when winter comes.
>
I can't really blame England. He can ill afford not to gain a center this
winter with France building at least two.
> I haven't heard from Turkey or
> Germany since moves came through,
I've heard from Turkey but not Germany. Turkey is definitely concerned with
the intentions of the Austrian.
> but since everyone but me seems to view
> Mos-StP as anti-English, perhaps I don't have to worry
> about Germany quite so much.
>
First off, I would view the move as anti-English simply because it forces
him to use all his units to guarantee a build and thus he has little if any
influence on what happens in the Lowlands. Secondly, because of the German
move to Denmark and the potential for that unit to break support for a NWG
fleet move (I know, remote but possible), typically England will convoy an
army to Norway which is probably not in your best interest.
So, if the move is not anti-English, how would you categorize it? Neutral?
Anti-German? Pro-Austrian? If it's anti-German then what happens if the
German takes this move the wrong way? Doesn't that increase the likelihood
of a Swedish bounce this fall? I guess I'm failing to see what you're
gaining by this move, especially since England was willing to take Norway
with a fleet and Germany had indicated he would be moving to Denmark.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali Baba,
> Yes, I think the DMZ works best for this turn.
Ok. The other option I thought of was Sev-Bla, Con-Smy,
B F Con, followed by Con S Ank-Bla, Disband RF Bla, but
that leaves me with an unsupported attack on Rum, and
possibly no builds.
> Austria claims it wasn't a pre-arranged bounce. Italy has said nothing on
> the matter yet. I also wondered the same thing about the bounce in Bur,
> any take on that?
Given Par-Pic, and the fact that France hasn't screamed about Mun-Bur,
it does look like an arranged bounce to me. I wonder about Tri, though.
Ven-Tri, Rom-Apu looks more like a Key Lepanto than an Austrian
attack by Italy. Even if we assume that the results of the semi-finals
followed
our JDPR's, and our Preference lists were "standard" that still means
Austria and Italy have JDPRs around 1300, and I wouldn't expect someone
of that level to launch a half-hearted attack in S1901M. Beware the
Lepanto,
my friend, I think Austria's telling you, (and me), tales.
> I certainly understand your needs to protect Russian interests in the
north.
What, if anything, are you hearing from our Western friends?
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 10 Results:
In what was sure to be a legendary performance, two-time
defending Tour champion Lance Armstrong launched a
brilliant attack on the final ascent of the day--the
legendary Alpe d'Huez--and stomped to a stage win over
German Jan Ullrich by nearly 2-minutes. He earlier
bluffed his competitors into thinking that he was
struggling. He would make a good Diplomacy player, N'est
pas?
This win for US Postal Service gives Ivy his first
points. It seems that the wealthy is being spread
around. Next we need someone from Domo-Farm Frites to
take a stage. (Not to mention ONCE, they are typically
close.)
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 10 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 10 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1 François Simon (BJR)45 hours, 34 minutes, 9 seconds
4 Lance Armstrong (USP) @20.07
5 Joseba Beloki (ONC) @21.42
6 Christophe Moreau (FES) @22.21
7 Jan Ullrich (TEL) @22.41
14 Laurent Jalabert (CSC) @28.06
29 Bobby Julich (C.A.) @42.07
Message from Turkey to Russia
Czar Nicholas,
> Ok. The other option I thought of was Sev-Bla, Con-Smy,
> B F Con, followed by Con S Ank-Bla, Disband RF Bla, but
> that leaves me with an unsupported attack on Rum, and
> possibly no builds.
That would also be detrimental to my getting fleets out to the west. I
think the DMZ works better.
> Given Par-Pic, and the fact that France hasn't screamed about Mun-Bur,
> it does look like an arranged bounce to me. I wonder about Tri, though.
> Ven-Tri, Rom-Apu looks more like a Key Lepanto than an Austrian
> attack by Italy. Even if we assume that the results of the semi-finals
> followed
> our JDPR's, and our Preference lists were "standard" that still means
> Austria and Italy have JDPRs around 1300, and I wouldn't expect someone
> of that level to launch a half-hearted attack in S1901M. Beware the
> Lepanto,
> my friend, I think Austria's telling you, (and me), tales.
Thanks, it seems a well-founded warning. Austria seems to be mostly
concerned with playing his neighbors off against each other. My impression
is that he's much more friendly with Italy than he's letting on.
By the way, Austria has suggested he would order Ser S Bul-Rum. I have
promised him nothing, but I'm playing along with it in hopes he'll make an
explicit commitment on the matter. If he does, then it would be a golden
opportunity to bounce him him Greece. In any case we'd both be well-advised
to regard Austria with suspicion. I'll let you know if and when I hear more
from him. Until then, watch your back.
> What, if anything, are you hearing from our Western friends?
Pretty much nothing of any consequence. England is unhappy with your Mos
order, but you don't have to be Fellini to figure that out. Germany hasn't
written since the move results, and France, as usual, is being coy as hell.
What about you, any word on whether Germany will contest Sweden?
Ali Baba
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Freied,
> I can't really blame England. He can ill afford not to gain a center this
> winter with France building at least two.
Yes,but even if I wanted to attack England, StP-Fin, B F StP/NC
makes more sense than bouncing A StP off what may be a supported
attack on Nwy. Bouncing England out of Nwy helps France more
than it helps me.
> So, if the move is not anti-English, how would you categorize it?
Neutral?
> Anti-German? Pro-Austrian? If it's anti-German then what happens if the
> German takes this move the wrong way? Doesn't that increase the
likelihood
> of a Swedish bounce this fall? I guess I'm failing to see what you're
> gaining by this move, especially since England was willing to take Norway
> with a fleet and Germany had indicated he would be moving to Denmark.
I see it as pro-Russian, and pro-Italian. Russia is a strong Power, and
the
IR Alliance works well in the endgame only if Russia has options in the
north.
My hope is that Germany will see that bouncing me out of Swe this Fall is
pointless since I'll move to Fin this Fall and support myself in next
Spring,
even if he does. Two Units in Scandinavia encourage England and
Germany to listen to me, and give me a greater voice with France as well,
and given the dynamic in the west, I thought I could avoid a coordinated
EG response. I'm actually pretty sure that Ivy will publicly maintain that
he
has to support himself into Nwy, but actually try for Bel.
In Alliance,
Nicky.
Message from Russia to Turkey
> Austria seems to be mostly concerned with playing his neighbors off
> against each other. My impression is that he's much more friendly
> with Italy than he's letting on.
Yes, he wanted to bounce in Gal, as well, no doubt hoping to paint
me as the invading Russian, but I opted for Ukr in hopes that Germany
would let me have Swe if I was nice to Austria.
> Austria has suggested he would order Ser S Bul-Rum. If he does,
> then it would be a golden opportunity to bounce him him Greece.
Yes, and it's a free move for you anyway, since Bul is safe even if
it moves. He does seem to be playing both sides against the middle.
> What about you, any word on whether Germany will contest Sweden?
No, nothing from Germany, yet, though England claims to have heard
from him.
Nick.
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicolas:
I do believe that the USPS will make it unlikely that
your RUOB (Russian Union of Bikers) will take many stages
for a while. Is the United States Postal Service
Unionized? They must be, otherwise I do not understand
why the bosses would allow people to carry weapons around
the place.
I do appreciate your improving my chances at Belgium. It
is not certain however that I will take or even go for
Belgium. The Dauphin has not yet revealed to me our
plans.
You can pick up anywhere from zero to three centers. You
must be very excited about the possibilities. The media
may be going through your garbage if you become such a
celebrity.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Italy to Russia
> Yes,but even if I wanted to attack England, StP-Fin, B F StP/NC
> makes more sense than bouncing A StP off what may be a supported
> attack on Nwy. Bouncing England out of Nwy helps France more
> than it helps me.
I see your point. Of course, England probably doesn't like that scenario
much either.
> I see it as pro-Russian, and pro-Italian. Russia is a strong Power,
> and the IR Alliance works well in the endgame only if Russia has options >
in the north.
I can tell I'm going to learn a great deal from this game. I hadn't even
considered that this move could be thought of as pro-Italian. I wonder if
anybody else has thought of that? I think I can see your point but you have
to look well down the road in order to see the advantages for Italy.
> My hope is that Germany will see that bouncing me out of Swe this Fall
> is pointless since I'll move to Fin this Fall and support myself in next
> Spring, even if he does.
Do you want me to say anything to Germany on your behalf?
> Two Units in Scandinavia encourage England and
> Germany to listen to me, and give me a greater voice with France as well,
And your southern flank is protected vis-a-vis the IR alliance since I will
join either A or T against the other and then you will come along to help
mop up the pieces. I'm beginning to see the logic.
> and given the dynamic in the west, I thought I could avoid a coordinated
> EG response.
Well, if he does bounce you in Sweden, you can be fairly sure he's
coordinated the move with England. Your position can get really dicey if
England convoys; Germany bounces in Sweden, moves to Silesia, and then
builds army Berlin and fleet Kiel.
> I'm actually pretty sure that Ivy will publicly maintain that he
> has to support himself into Nwy, but actually try for Bel.
I think you're probably right. Ivy seems like he's been around the block a
few times and will understand your point.
In my talks with Austria and Turkey, it would appear that I have the option
of attacking either one. Both are courting me against the other. Do you
have a preference for AI or IT?
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
> I do believe that the USPS will make it unlikely that
> your RUOB (Russian Union of Bikers) will take many stages
> for a while.
It does seem unlikely, but one must remain optomistic.
> Is the United States Postal Service Unionized?
Yes, very much so.
>They must be, otherwise I do not understand
> why the bosses would allow people to carry
> weapons around the place.
Well, it you ask the employee to put his weapon in his
locker, and he refuses, you don't have much recourse,
whether he's union, or not, do you? After all, would you
dismiss a man holding a .357? I suspect you'd end up
being the one fired, or at least fired upon.
> I do appreciate your improving my chances at Belgium.
> It is not certain however that I will take or even go for
> Belgium. The Dauphin has not yet revealed to me our
> plans.
Please advise him to be careful. Those last minute decisions
have a way of generating all sorts of unexpected consequences.
(After all, I thought Mos-StP would just improve my chances
of bringing Sweden into the EEU. 8-)
> You can pick up anywhere from zero to three centers. You
> must be very excited about the possibilities. The media
> may be going through your garbage if you become such a
> celebrity.
I shall not even attempt three. I have seen Russia go from
seven Centres in 1901 to three in 1903. (Though his replacement
did manage to get back to twelve in 1911. Of course, that was
the year I reached nineteen...8-) I expect I'll get one, and perhaps
two, though that depends on the silent German. Have you heard
from Frederick since the Spring results were announced?
In Friendship,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
> I see your point. Of course, England probably doesn't like that
> scenario much either.
No, but I have pointed out to him that the move doesn't become
anti-English until and unless I build F StP/NC, and given France's
strength, I have no reason to do that.
> > I see it as pro-Russian, and pro-Italian.
> I can tell I'm going to learn a great deal from this game. I hadn't even
> considered that this move could be thought of as pro-Italian. I wonder if
> anybody else has thought of that? I think I can see your point but you
have
> to look well down the road in order to see the advantages for Italy.
Well, I was schmoozing you just a bit... 8-) It is true, but it would
occur to someone only if they thought we were allied, and that I don't
plan to stab you. Though actually, it may draw France north against
England which will allow you to focus in the East more comfortably.
Mostly though, it just gives me options and influence in the west.
> Do you want me to say anything to Germany on your behalf?
Ummmm, hmmm, given that you haven't heard from him since the
Spring results came through, he might wonder why you were lobbying
on my behalf. I suppose you could write him, and ask the usual
questions, including whether he's planning to bounce me or not.
> And your southern flank is protected vis-a-vis the IR alliance since I
will
> join either A or T against the other and then you will come along to help
> mop up the pieces. I'm beginning to see the logic.
Yes, given that I thought I had a solid AIR vs. T, I thought I could
afford to send A Mos north.
> Well, if he does bounce you in Sweden, you can be fairly sure he's
> coordinated the move with England. Your position can get really
> dicey if England convoys; Germany bounces in Sweden, moves to
> Silesia, and then builds army Berlin and fleet Kiel.
Oh, sure, combine that with Ser S Bul-Rum, (which Ali claims
Austria has offered), and I'm in a world of hurt, but Germany has
been the quietest of all of us, so far, and what he has said has been
a bit odd, so I hope that the nightmare doesn't happen.
> Ivy seems like he will understand your point.
I hope so. I think I've made it clear to him that hurting him
doesn't benefit me, and that he should consider the most likely
case, rather than the worst-case scenario at this point.
> In my talks with Austria and Turkey, it would appear that I
> have the option of attacking either one. Both are courting me
> against the other. Do you have a preference for AI or IT?
Turkey becomes much more difficult to pry from his shell
if he reaches six Centres, so on principle, I lean toward AIR.
Also, if we eliminate Austria first, we'll have to fight our way
into the corner, and the turn around and head the other way
to find new targets, while if we eliminate Turkey first, we can
then turn west and take out Austria on our way to France and
Germany. All that having been said, I actually think I trust
Turkey more than I do Austria, though I'm not sure why. 8-)
In Alliance,
Nicky.
Message from Italy to Russia
> Though actually, it may draw France north against
> England which will allow you to focus in the East more comfortably.
That would be a nice effect from my point of view. Let's hope it
materializes. Here's my take on the French strategy for this game. He sees
a clear and easy stalemate line in Iberia from any Eastern Med power. If he
can somehow eliminate England and Germany, then he's free to setup the
stalemate line and then use his remaining forces to take Scandanavia.
MAR-STP for 17 centers and most probable victory. For that reason, I can
see him leaving me alone and concentrating north.
> Ummmm, hmmm, given that you haven't heard from him since the
> Spring results came through, he might wonder why you were lobbying
> on my behalf. I suppose you could write him, and ask the usual
> questions, including whether he's planning to bounce me or not.
Oh, I've already written that message. I just asked him in general terms
what he thought of the opening moves and specifically about your move to STP
and France's potential for +3. I won't lobby on your behalf unless he asks
me directly my opinion on whether he should move den-swe.
> combine that with Ser S Bul-Rum, (which Ali claims
> Austria has offered), and I'm in a world of hurt,
I've heard this as well but Ali didn't sound like he was ready to take up
the offer.
> but Germany has been the quietest of all of us, so far, and what
> he has said has been a bit odd, so I hope that the nightmare > doesn't
happen.
Here's my take. EF write a lot. Most Dip players that send a lot of press
like to ally with other players that send a lot of press, even if that just
means talking about a silly bicycle race. Thus, I suspect that Germany is a
last resort option for both of them.
> Turkey becomes much more difficult to pry from his shell
> if he reaches six Centres, so on principle, I lean toward AIR.
> Also, if we eliminate Austria first, we'll have to fight our way
> into the corner, and the turn around and head the other way
> to find new targets, while if we eliminate Turkey first, we can
> then turn west and take out Austria on our way to France and
> Germany.
My thinking precisely although it takes me longer to realize the gain
(unless I can talk Austria into letting me 'borrow' Greece) which leaves me
exposed to France for quite some time. France has promised not to build in
Marseilles regardless of the fall outcome so that would go a long way in
relieving my nervousness.
> All that having been said, I actually think I trust
> Turkey more than I do Austria, though I'm not sure why. 8-)
It's simple. Turkey is the better player and more trustworthy individual.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend
> Here's my take on the French strategy for this game. He sees a
> clear and easy stalemate line in Iberia from any Eastern Med power.
> he can [..] setup the MAR-STP stalemate line and then [try for the]
> most probable victory.
Yes, that's one option, but watch for the other. (Grab Tunis early,
and THEN go for the 17 from Mar-StP.)
> > Ummmm, hmmm, given that you haven't heard from him since the
> > Spring results came through, he might wonder why you were lobbying
> > on my behalf. I suppose you could write him, and ask the usual
> > questions, including whether he's planning to bounce me or not.
> Ali didn't sound like he was ready to take up the offer.
The only thing worse for Austria than RA Rum, TA Bul, is TA Rum,
TA Bul, so I doubt that Ali believes the offer.
> I suspect that Germany is a last resort option for both of them.
Agreed, although I'm offering both help taking out Germany in
the mid-game, if they ally with him first to take out the other. ;-)
> > Turkey becomes much more difficult to pry from his shell
> > if he reaches six Centres, so on principle, I lean toward AIR.
>
> My thinking precisely although it takes me longer to realize the gain
Turkey's move of Smy-Con will come back to haunt him, if
Austria does the intelligent thing (Ser S F Alb-Gre). There's no way
he can end up with F Con, F Smy after Builds, so you'll be able to
move Fleets to Aeg and EMed in '02.
In Alliance,
Nicky.
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicolas:
I have heard from Germany only once. It does not bode
well for him to be surrounded by three communicative
neighbors and spend so little time talking with them. I
can be patient, but can we all continue to be patient for
the long term? We shall see what develops.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
>I have heard from Germany only once.
Hmm, could he be out on the course, rooting for
Ulrich?
>It does not bode well for him to be surrounded
>by three communicative neighbors and spend so
>little time talking with them.
Yes, I wonder if he is experiencing some
manner of domestic crisis? It seems inconceivable
to me that anyone could acheive a position of
leadership in Germany at this level without being
an engaging communicator.
>We shall see what develops.
Yes. EF vs. G, followed by FR vs. E still
works. 8-)
Cordially,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from England to Russia
Dear Nicky,
>If you think I have
>it in for you, encourage Germany to bounce me, and order Nwg-Bar,
>Nth C Yor-Nwy.
No, I have no intention of doing this. If you reread my earliest mail to
you, you will see that I was trying to initiate peace and neutrality in the
north. That's still in my best interest.
>> On a related matter, having privy to communications from Germany and
>> France, I might now up the odds of Belgium remaining vacant.
>
> You don't believe me, but you believe them? 8-)
I see the smiley. But of course I was referring to a hunch, not a belief
when I referred to odds.
>> Do you wish to know which nations of the world are urging Germany to
>> bounce you in Sweden?
>
> That sort of information is always appreciated.
I thought you would never ask. I know of four countries who _say_ they
want Germany to bounce you in Sweden. However, since that would be a pro
England bounce by Germany, it is entirely possible that some of these four
are just pretending to be on my good side. They could be saying something
entirely different to Germany. It is probably best that I not name the
countries. Sorry for the tease.
I have had exactly one decent piece of mail from germany since the last
move. We seem to be on good terms, but it is hard to build confidence when
you don't speak often. It appears he is at least considering a bounce in
Sweden. On the other hand, he gave no clue about what he might do in
Burgundy.
Most cordially,
Ivy
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> Yes, that's one option, but watch for the other. (Grab
> Tunis early, and THEN go for the 17 from Mar-StP.)
>
Only problem would be, France would be required to devote several units to
the defense of Tunis and it would be much more difficult then to eliminate
Germany and England and get to Scandanavia in time.
I had some time last night to think long-term about this game (I volunteered
to clean the kitchen so I could have some time alone to think). Let me know
if this matches with your thoughts.
Early game: AIR vs T and EFR vs G; Turkey and Germany eliminated
Mid game: IR vs A and FR vs E; England and Austria eliminated
End game: free for all, no holds barred race between FIR; no viable
stalemate lines; should produce a clear winner
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
> > (Grab Tunis, and THEN go for the 17 from Mar-StP.)
> France would require several units to defen[d]
> Tunis and it would be much more
> difficult then to eliminate Germany and England
> and get to Scandinavia in time.
True, but there's also the issue of my
northern opening. That makes it much more difficult
for France to reach StP, unless EG combine to force
me back, which is bad for France in its own right.
France is writing a lot, but not saying much, so it
is difficult for me to say what he has in mind, but
if I was you, I wouldn't depend too much on him
ignoring you. (If he builds in Mar, I'd order
Ven-Pie in a heartbeat.)
> AIR vs. T and EFR vs. G; Turkey and Germany eliminated
I agree in the East. In the West I may harass
the one of the alliance members, rather than piling on
to the victim, since the slower the West resolves, the
better for us. Harassment also will create a strength
disparity in the alliance, encourages alliance shifts,
and stabs once the victim is eliminated.
> IR vs. A and FR vs. E; England and Austria eliminated
Again, I agree in the East, and the West seems
the most likely result, but E(or F)R vs. G, is also
possible. (Of course the western allies could stick
together, and head East, but I hope that won't happen.)
> free for all, no holds barred race between FIR; no
> viable stalemate lines; should produce a clear winner
Well, actually:
http://devel.diplom.org/DipPouch/Online/StalematesAtoY/images/sp-6.gif
Centers:
Por, Spa, Mar, Tun, Nap, Rom, Ven, Tri, Vie, Bud, Ser, Rum,
Gre, Bul, Con, Ank, Smy. (17)
Units:
F NAf, F Wes, A Por, A Spa, F Lyo, A Mar, A Pie, A Tyl,
A Vie, A Bud, A Rum, A Bul, F Bla, A Arm. (14)
Orders:
A Por S Spa; F Lyo S Mar; A Pie S Tyl; A Bud S Vie;
A Bul & F Bla S Rum
would split the board quite evenly between us.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Germany
My Dear Frederick,
Well, the deadline is only ten hours away, but still no
word from you. I'm going to have to order StP-Fin, so that
I can support myself into Sweden in S1902M if you choose to
bounce me this Fall. I have no desire for conflict with you,
but the Swedes want to join the EEU under Russian protection,
so I have to honor that request. I hope that you will see the
wisdom of allowing my Northern Fleet to enter Stockholm Harbor
without interference from the German Navy this Fall. Both France and
England still seem willing to consider you as an
ally, but your continued silence will make that difficult to
achieve. I will attempt to check my mail this evening, but
the Tsaritsa Alexandra is planning to engage our
correspondence secretary, so it is doubtful that I will be
able to reply before the deadline passes.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> > free for all, no holds barred race between FIR; no
> > viable stalemate lines; should produce a clear winner
>
> Well, actually:
>
Not exactly what I meant. I know there are stalemate lines that could be
reached. Even in the event of a 2-way draw, Doug is going to want to
declare a winner of the tournament. The tie-breaker I believe is whomever
got to 17 first. If at the same time, who got to 16 and 15 and 14, etc. At
some point, one of the players will win the tie-breaker so the other player
has no real incentive to agree to the two-way. I think it's also common
practice for the power being squeezed out of the draw to somehow 'throw' the
game allowing somebody beyond the stalemate line or flat out forfeiting the
18th center. I just think the dynamics of this game and the tournament
scoring system will make it extremely difficult for any kind of a draw to
take place.
So, when and if the game eventually settles down to 3 powers, I can imagine
a lot of back and forth jockeying for position, looking for that one opening
that will put you in control. 18 centers are not necessary to win the
tournament. Be the first one to 17 with a stalemate line and that's all
that is necessary.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Germany to Russia
Nick:
So sorry on not getting back to you. I thought that I had.
My thoughts are that I have to bounce you. With a Russian presense in
the north my job is just that much more difficult.
Perhaps we'll work together down the road. In fact, I'd bet on it.
Freddy
Austria: Fleet Albania → Greece
Austria: Army Serbia SUPPORT Turkish Army Bulgaria → Rumania
Austria: Army Vienna → Galicia
England: Fleet North Sea CONVOY Army Yorkshire → Belgium
England: Fleet Norwegian Sea → Norway
England: Army Yorkshire → North Sea → Belgium
France: Army Marseilles → Spain
France: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean → Portugal
France: Army Picardy → Burgundy (*bounce*)
Germany: Fleet Denmark → Sweden (*bounce*)
Germany: Army Kiel → Holland
Germany: Army Munich → Burgundy (*bounce*)
Italy: Army Apulia → Ionian Sea → Tunis
Italy: Fleet Ionian Sea CONVOY Army Apulia → Tunis
Italy: Army Venice → Tyrolia
Russia: Fleet Gulf of Bothnia → Sweden (*bounce*)
Russia: Fleet Sevastopol → Rumania (*bounce*)
Russia: Army St Petersburg → Finland
Russia: Army Ukraine SUPPORT Fleet Sevastopol → Rumania
Turkey: Fleet Ankara → Black Sea
Turkey: Army Bulgaria → Rumania (*bounce*)
Turkey: Army Constantinople → Bulgaria (*bounce*)
|