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Message [from Germany] to all
Ye Ha Buckeroos.
We have.
AI vs RT
and
EG vs F
Least it looks that way to me. Other opinions are welcome.
The Phantom (knows)
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
> You may hope that if Austria stabs me, I'll throw centers to you.
> This would not be my reaction. Austria is too strong for you to
> take on by yourself, so if you're interested in turning things
> around then now is the time.
Oh, BTW, just so we're clear, if you do attack me this Fall, I will
throw Centers to Austria. I REALLY don't want to, but it's the only
lever I've got, and I am a guy who keeps his promises, unlike
Austria.
I don't know that Italy will tell me what he has planned, but I am
going to write him and point out Austria's unreliability, and the fact
that he's dependent on Austrian support to take a Turkish Center,
while there is an Austrian Center of two available for the taking.
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nicky,
Extend my wishes to your wife. Tell her she is still a little more
important than Diplomacy. I don't know about your wife, but mine accepts
this harmless hobby. I am careful not to over do it though.
I am reminded that one year ago I took my wife, my mother, and my father to
the emergency room (*separately*!) all within one 24 hour period. They are
fine now.
You can imagine how reieved I was when I was permitted to remain neutral in
Scandinavia. Neither you nor Germany asked explicitly for support in
Sweden. Had Germany asked, I don't know what I would have done. If I
refused, I would have lost him as an ally. Perhaps plan B, Norway->Skag,
would have been resurrected.
Norway must now drift out to sea. Germany, obviously, is going to take
Sweden. StP is safe from me. In fact, I think your best move is to put the
fleet in StP and negiotate with Germany for peace in Scandinavia. I can
help with this.
Best wishes,
Ivy Wingo
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
I was glad to hear that your wife is not in a critical
condition. I hope that the doctors will find the problem
and give her relief very soon. It puts silly things like
being stabbed in a game in perspective.
Nevertheless, that is where I find myself, betrayed.
Looking at your situation I do not see how you stand any
chance at taking Sweden. The EG alliance is alive and
well. The will try to make short work of us. There is
no chance that England will side with you against Germany
since he needs Germany against me. Germany will
certainly take Sweden. I suspect that England will try
to sneak into St. Petes. I suggest that you deny him it
by moving GoB to St. Petes. It may put off the
inevitable, but it will give us some time to turn Germany
on England.
Meanwhile, I will do everything that I can to hold
England back, thereby helping you as well. If you deny
him St. Petes, he will not get a build. Hence you will
be in better shape near St. Petes and I will be able to
hold out longer.
I was glad to see that you and Turkey are working
together. It is too bad that Austria and Italy are set
to make gains against you. I am not sure what I can do
in that area to help you.
-- Prince Boar
Message [from Austria] to all
BG> Holey Rubbergundy Diploman, they bounced again!
DM> Yes Boy Gambit, both Germany and France seem to be more afraid of the other occupying Burgundy than wanting to occupy it themselfs.
BG> Are there any alliances yet?
DM> There's an RT, an EG, and an AI.
BG> Oh! France has no ally?
DM> That would appear to be correct, Boy Gambit.
BG> You mentioned RT? You mean, Russia and Turkey?
DM> Correct again, Boy Gambit.
BG> But the other powers will never permit that. Everyone knows the RT alliance is far too powerful. And didn't Russia open against England?
DM> The other powers seem to be encouraging it. Look, both Saint Petersburg and Sweden were left for Russia.
BG> Wow! So the other powers are afraid of AI!
DM> I don't think so Boy Gambit. Do you have another idea?
BG> Sorry, Diploman. I just don't understand it.
DM> Consider, Boy Gambit, what happens when England and Germany attack France.
BG> Don't they win, Diploman?
DM> Indeed, Boy Gambit. But who gets the southern French centers?
BG> Oh! Italy gets most of them.
DM> Unless?
BG> Unless Italy has to fight in the East! Wow, Diploman, this game is really complicated! So England and Germany are promoting the RT alliance so
they don't have to share the spoils in France?
DM> It certainly looks that way, Boy Gambit.
Message [from France] to all
BG> Holey Impostors Diploman, someone is trying to steal our gig!
DM> Yes Boy Gambit, when you become popular there always will be copy cats. At
least they cannot duplicate our nifty outfits.
BG> I bet they even wear underwear under their leotards!
DM> Uh hum, there is no need to reveal all our secrets.
BG> They do not even know that our role is to bring the betrayers to justice!
DM> Yes, they have other motives. Turning to our responsibilities, the obvious
targets are those that appear to be the winners. England and Germany obviously
betrayed France. Although the alliance were not yet obvious so it may be hasty
to call it a betrayal.
BG> But there must have been some lies told, and we are after those dirty
scoundrels as well!
DM> Certainly. It seems likely that Italy lied to and betrayed Turkey. At
least Russia seemed to keep his word based on the support for Rumania. Austria
is always under suspicion due to his actions last year.
GB> There seems to be too many betrayers out there for us to handle alone.
Perhaps we should team up with those Copy Cats.
DM> Perhaps we will, Boy Gambit. I just hope that they are not too furry. I
have allergies.
Message from Turkey to all
I usually have to chuckle when someone broadcasts a sad lament of betrayal,
as if betrayal isn't a part of Diplomacy, generally including a quote from
some private press which proves the dastardliness of the traitor beyond a
shadow of doubt. So I will not quote Italy's promise not to move into
eastern waters if I built an army, nor his warning to me that Austria would
move to Aeg, in the same breath he asked for support for Tun-Gre. The
leponto threat was clearly there, so more fool me for believing any of it.
No, I'm not here to scold Roberto, but to congratulate him. Over the years
I've generally been able to tell when someone is being straight with me and
when they're yanking my chain. I can usually smell a lark a mile away, let
alone a bald-faced lie. But you had me fooled, hook line and sinker. My
hat's off to you for your uncanny ability to simulate sincerity.
And to the rest of you, yes at last the RT has been revealed! Lock up your
daughters and hide the vodka, the Juggernaut is about to sweep the land!
The noble Turks pray to Allah for vengeance as they send another generation
of brave lads off to die in battle.
Sincerely,
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to Russia
Czar Nicholas,
I'll be writing you shortly with thoughts on the coming turn, but meanwhile
I have something for the KGB. This was sent to me from Austria, clearly
intended for Italy. If you have any false belief that you are part of an
IAR, I urge you to reconsider.
More to follow,
Ali Baba
----- Original Message -----
> Message from Austria to Turkey in 'titleist':
>
>
> > My orders are so pathetically easy this fall they are already ordered.
I
> > will indeed be convoying to Smyrna and would appreciate your support
from
> > the Aegean. We can't afford to allow Turkey a build this winter so I
> > think that's the best play. However, if you decide to make a different
> > move, and I can see where that is possible, please be so kind as to
inform
> > me so that I don't waste 3/4 of my military strength this fall.
>
> Order the convoy; I told you I'd make sure you gain an SC this year, and I
> meant it. Also, I *still* would like Tyr-Boh; that convoy back to
> Livonia was excellent defense by Russia, and he'll also get Sweden this
> fall, I think. We will need another army on Warsaw if my guess there is
> wrong, and maybe even if it's right. And that army is as useless where it
> is now as Russia's northern fleet; more, since Russia's northern fleet is
> about to pick up an SC for him.
>
> Of course, if your cooperation by not moving to Boh last turn gained any
> intelligence about Russian plans, I'd like to hear about it; but I can't
> imagine Russia telling you anything that lets me outguess him.
>
> Any thoughts about Turkey's next moves? The Archduke actually considered
> the convoy back before the builds, and completely missed it when creating
> the spring orders. So, if the Sultan relies on Russia, he can sit tight
on
> Rum, with Bul/Bla/Sev s Rum, and there's nothing I can do about it. But I
> don't expect him to do that, because Russia might be unreliable, and
because
> it has no upside; he either swaps Smyrna for Rumania, if Aeg supports you,
> or keeps Smy while losing Rum, if Aeg hits Bul to cut support.
>
> More likely, I think, is one of Bul-Gre, Rum-Bul, Bla s Sev-Rum; or Bul s
> Rum-Ser, Bla s Sev-Rum. What I'd like would be a move set that doesn't
lose
> an SC to either of these, and either gains one against at least one of
these
> or gives me a viable guess against Russia. Any suggestions?
>
>
> Idalia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
>
Message from Turkey to Russia
Czar Nicholas,
> Oh, BTW, just so we're clear, if you do attack me this Fall, I will
> throw Centers to Austria. I REALLY don't want to, but it's the only
> lever I've got, and I am a guy who keeps his promises, unlike
> Austria.
This will not be an issue. I will not be attacking Russia at any time for
the remainder of the game.
> I don't know that Italy will tell me what he has planned, but I am
> going to write him and point out Austria's unreliability, and the fact
> that he's dependent on Austrian support to take a Turkish Center,
> while there is an Austrian Center of two available for the taking.
Please refer to the Austrian press to Italy that he sent to me by mistake.
I don't know about you, but that press was markedly different from anything
I've ever seen from Austria. I support any diplomatic efforts you choose to
make, but I urge you to be very careful and very suspicious, and to "play
dumb" regarding the solidity of AI alliance.
The Italian really did have me convinced he was going to attack Austria.
Hence, as you can imagine, my readiness to return to RT cooperation, which
an AI war would have made quite attractive. Instead AI have prevailed
strongly, and it is you and I who are on the ropes.
I think the Austrian press summed up my options pretty nicely. He even
threw in a few I hadn't thought of yet. My preference at this time is for
Bul S Rum-Ser, Bla S Sev-Rum. There is no way I can save Smyrna; I could
shore up the defense of my home centers, but only at the risk of seeing
Austria in Bul and/or Rum; or I could try for Greece or something, but that
doesn't really help anything in the long run even if it works.
In any case, I'm open for suggestion. My orders at present are Bul S
Rum-Ser, Bla S Sev-Rum, Smy Hold. Please write at your earliest convenience
if you can think of any alternative you prefer.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Russia to England and Germany
Gentlemen,
I, obviously, realize that Germany can take Sweden, if he so chooses,
but I ask you both to consider whether doing so at this point makes the
most sense. While the broadcasts proclaim the Juggernaut, the RT
alliance is clearly one of desperation, which will need a fair measure of
luck this Fall to hold its own against AI. Allowing me to take Swe has
several advantages for you both. If I guess correctly in the south, it will
give me a build to throw at Austria, which will likely stagnate the East,
and give you the time you need to eliminate France. It will also limit
your common front, and reduce the possibility of a stab, while giving
France a reason to remain in contact with me, which may allow me to
provide you with useful intelligence. I hope you will consider the wisdom
of this course.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Italy to Russia
Once again, Austria is not divulging his moves. Just vague references to
what he might do. He has agreed to support Tun-Smy and he made mention of
trying to outguess you. So, if I had to guess, I'd say he'll try for either
War or Mos. I know, not much to go on but that's all I've got so far.
Turkey didn't go for the assertion that our treaty didn't extend into 1902.
:)
Looks like I was wrong out west. For what it's worth, I think it will take
some time for EG to take out France so hopefully there will be ample time
for the east to settle before we head west.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> Extend my wishes to your wife.
Thanks, I will.
> one year ago I took my wife, my mother, and my father to
> the emergency room (*separately*!) all within one 24 hour period.
Hmm, I seem to recall hearing this story... (Of course, I don't
remember
who from...8-)
> You can imagine how reieved I was when I was permitted to remain
> neutral in Scandinavia.
The Austrian Ambassador continued to lie (badly) to me, so it became
clear that the Convoy to Lvn was necessary to defend Mos/War.
> Norway must now drift out to sea. Germany, obviously, is going to take
> Sweden. StP is safe from me. In fact, I think your best move is to put
the
> fleet in StP and negiotate with Germany for peace in Scandinavia. I can
> help with this.
I urge to support, at least verbally, my claim to Sweden. GF Den,
GF Swe, is not healthy for England, particularly if EF Nwy is headed
for the North Atlantic, and I do need the build more than Germany
does. You can always claim you'd feel better keeping the alliance
balanced in terms of Centers if possible. Of course, down the road
RF Swe would be available to assist when the time comes to stab
Germany. 8-)
Your hopeful friend,
Nicky.
Message from Russia to all
> Broadcast message from Turkey in 'titleist':
> I usually have to chuckle when someone broadcasts a sad lament of
betrayal,
> as if betrayal isn't a part of Diplomacy, generally including a quote from
> some private press which proves the dastardliness of the traitor beyond a
> shadow of doubt. So I will not quote Italy's promise not to move into
> eastern waters if I built an army, nor his warning to me that Austria
would
> move to Aeg, in the same breath he asked for support for Tun-Gre. The
> leponto threat was clearly there, so more fool me for believing any of it.
> No, I'm not here to scold Roberto, but to congratulate him.
While this might be interpreted as criticizm of the St. Petersburg
Pravda's
report of Archduke Ferdinand's breaking of the Galician DMZ, let me assure
the leaders of Europe that after intense questioning, the Foreign Ministry
official who leaked the treaty to "Pravda" indicated that he did so, not
because
he was distressed by Austria-Hungary's betrayal of trust, but rather because
he was disgusted by the lame and obviously insincere manner in which the
Austrian Ambassador attempted to claim that move was necessary for
Austrian self-defense.
> And to the rest of you, yes at last the RT has been revealed! Lock up
your
> daughters and hide the vodka, the Juggernaut is about to sweep the land!
Could somebody hand me a broom? 8-)
Nick.
Message from Russia to Turkey
My Dear Ali,
> This was sent to me from Austria, clearly intended for Italy.
Hmmm, or could it have been an intentional plant, intended to deceive?
It does sound genuine, though. Now the question is, does he realize
what he's done, and if so, how will that change his plans?
> If you have any false belief that you are part of an IAR
Roberto's true intentions are somewhat harder to judge, but it is
clear that Austria and Russia are enemies.
In Alliance,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Turkey
My Dear Ali,
> I will not be attacking Russia at any time for the remainder of the game.
I really didn't think there was any question, but I was concerned that
Roberto may have abided by your agreement, and suggested that you
take Sev to set up IT vs. A vs. R.
> Please refer to the Austrian press to Italy that he sent to me by mistake.
> I don't know about you, but that press was markedly different from
> anything I've ever seen from Austria. I support any diplomatic efforts
> you choose to make, but I urge you to be very careful and very
> suspicious, and to "play dumb" regarding the solidity of AI alliance.
I am considering sending Roberto a note asking how Idalia is enjoying
Rome, just to see what sort of response it generates. Anything that
emphasizes Austria's unreliability has to help us, I think. AI is
inherently
unstable, and Italy is clearly the one who's going to stab. It's just a
question of when.
> I think the Austrian press summed up my options pretty nicely. He even
> threw in a few I hadn't thought of yet. My preference at this time is for
> Bul S Rum-Ser, Bla S Sev-Rum. There is no way I can save Smyrna;
> I could shore up the defense of my home centers, but only at the risk of
> seeing Austria in Bul and/or Rum; or I could try for Greece or something,
> but that doesn't really help anything in the long run even if it works.
I haven't had an opportunity to realy consider tactics, yet, but the one
thing that concerns me is Aeg-Con. I'd much rather see Italy build than
Austria.
> In any case, I'm open for suggestion. My orders at present are Bul S
> Rum-Ser, Bla S Sev-Rum, Smy Hold. Please write at your earliest
> convenience if you can think of any alternative you prefer.
I'll think about it and get back to you later tonight, or early
tomorrow.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
> He has agreed to support Tun-Smy and he made mention of
> trying to outguess you.
Are you sure you can trust him to support you? He has to worry
about Bul-Gre and Bul S Rum-Ser, and must be tempted by Aeg-Con.
> So, if I had to guess, I'd say he'll try for either War or Mos.
Gee, do you think so? 8-) Based on what I've said and done so far,
which Center do you think I'll defend? Would you care to share that
opinion with Idalia, (you might wonder how I know her name...) and
mention that if you were Austria you'd try for the other? You could
offer similar opinions regarding Gre/Ser/Rum as a "good ally", and be
truly distressed when it turns out that RT went the other way.
> Turkey didn't go for the assertion that our treaty didn't extend into
> 1902. :)
I didn't think he would, but it was a better explanation than, "You
might have ordered Ukr-Rum, I had to defend myself!' 8-)
> Life is Beautiful,
For you, maybe... ;^)
Nick.
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 16 Results:
German Jens Voight outmuscled and outdueled Australian
Brad McGee for a win today, adding a stage win to Credit
Agricole's excellent Tour so far. It looks like I picked
the wrong French team. Morceau (the winner of the
prologue) had dropped out. No one receives points in our
game.
The overall standings near the top did not change. There
was a late crash in the pack that knocked five riders out
of the race with injuries. How disappointing to make it
so far and then not finish due to an injury. They can
sit at the side lines and dream of what could have been.
It looks like Armstrong will win the Tour. Therefore it
seems almost certain that England will win our little
game. The Dauphin is currently planning where to take
his sister. His first priority, get some decent food in
her. She must be tired of that English rot. Then some
wine. Then some more wine .....
Is this English win in our game a prelude to a bigger
win? Time will tell.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 30 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. Lance Armstrong (USP)
2. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 5:05
3. Andrei Kivilev (COF) @ 5:13
4. Joseba Beloki (ONC)@ 6:33
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
My how the mighty have fallen. Do you suppose it was France and
Russia's record of success, or do you think it's personal? I imagine your
defense will
keep EG occupied for some time, and I hope to be able to convince EG that
if they take Swe and particularly StP from me, that will just mean that the
East
will resolve more quickly. Ivy's bright enough to know that that would not
be
a good thing.
Cordially,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
Just one more thing that occurred to me regarding Swe. If you move
Hol-Ruh,
Den-Hel, Bal-Den, and then Hel-Hol, you'll be better positioned to defend
against
an English stab, and my Fleet in Swe will be available to you should you
need it.
Nick.
Message from France to all
Ali:
>No, I'm not here to scold Roberto, but to congratulate
>him. You had me fooled, hook line and sinker. My
>hat's off to you for your uncanny ability to simulate
>sincerity.
I feel your pain. Ivy can give him a run for his money
in that department. Perhaps they can form a club. Then
they can play Turkey and France next game and we can all
gang up on them :-)
>the Juggernaut is about to sweep the land!
Don't you mean the JuggerNOT. :-)
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
Yes Ivy is bright enough to know that you are slowing
down the east. But he is also smart enough to know that
he needs another fleet to fight me. He will have a hole
that I can exploit. He will probably take St. Petes if
you do not stop him. I think that there is a 100% chance
that Germany will take Sweden.
I hope that you do what you have to do. I wish you the
best of luck with your guess. I see it a 50-50 shot to
keep both Warsaw and Moscow.
Please do not take big gambles and fall hard and fast. I
am working on trying to turn Germany on England. Perhaps
you can try the same approach. Giving up on Sweden, when
you have almost no shot at it, could be a nice olive
branch to Germany.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Germany to England, France, Italy, and Russia
Gentlemen:
Please excuse my silence yesterday and today. There are 38 new
emails waiting for me today. And I haven't answered yesterday's yet.
But have no fear I'll be up to date shortly, and I'll respond to
everyone.
The good news is that I'm putting events that have been taking up my
time behind me continuously, and nothing is being added to the front
end. Last night was our big quarterly ski club meeting. Since I'm the
president, it's probably a good thing that I go. And of course I have
to socialize with the members afterwards. Wouldn't be right not to.
(No more ski club trouble for 3 months now)
BTW being in a ski club doesn't give away anything in a gunboat game.
I've heard that the biggest ski clubs are in Miami and Houston. Maybe
that's where I am.
Fredd
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
> Yes Ivy is bright enough to know that you are slowing
> down the east. But he is also smart enough to know that
> he needs another fleet to fight me. He will have a hole
> that I can exploit. He will probably take St. Petes if
> you do not stop him. I think that there is a 100% chance
> that Germany will take Sweden. I am working on trying to
> turn Germany on England. Perhaps you can try the same
> approach. Giving up on Sweden, when you have almost
> no shot at it, could be a nice olive branch to Germany.
I've written to both offering my support against the other
if they let me have Sweden, and if I get Swe, Ivy can move
Nwy-Nwg-NAO, and plug that hole without a build. As I
see it, I can't afford to give up on Swe. Without a build, it's
just a matter of time before I fall to Austria. If England takes
StP, that will just occur that much faster.
> I hope that you do what you have to do. I wish you the
> best of luck with your guess. I see it a 50-50 shot to
> keep both Warsaw and Moscow.
I'm hoping to shift those odds in my favor, somewhat, but I
haven't worked out the details, yet.
> Please do not take big gambles and fall hard and fast.
You couldn't have told me this BEFORE S1901M? 8-)
Nick.
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
What do you think Austria is likely to do? I see a possibility to be
clever,
but I want to double-check my thoughts about what I think he'll try.
Nick.
Message from Italy to Russia
> Are you sure you can trust him to support you? He has to worry
> about Bul-Gre and Bul S Rum-Ser, and must be tempted by Aeg-Con.
I don't trust him as far as I can throw him but what choice do I have now?
One thing I have going for me is it's a guarantee to succeed. And, if he
fails to order the support and covers Greece instead, there is a decent
chance Turkey would get a build.
> Based on what I've said and done so far, which Center do you think I'll
> defend?
Not sure, but I think he'll go for Moscow. I don't think he can afford not
to move Gal-Rum.
> Would you care to share that opinion with Idalia,
> (you might wonder how I know her name...)
Now that you mention it, yes, I do wonder how you know.
> and mention that if you were Austria you'd try for the other?
Let me think about it and see if I can figure out which province you'd be
more likely to defend. But, if I think it's best that he try for Moscow and
use Galicia for Rumania, then it would be difficult for me to argue any
other way.
I truly don't know what Austria will order. I do think he made less than
optimal orders in the spring and thus his current position is full of
guesses. He seems over paranoid about the possibility of Tyr-Tri. If it
weren't for the fact that it's tactically better for me to eliminate Turkey
first, I'd stab him immediately.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
> I don't trust him as far as I can throw him but what choice do
> I have now? One thing I have going for me is it's a guarantee
> to succeed. And, if he fails to order the support and covers
> Greece instead, there is a decent chance Turkey would get a
> build.
It's guaranteed ONLY if Austria orders Aeg S Tun-Smy,
though, and I have a set of orders available to me that gives
me two builds and forces him to disband one, if Austria guesses
wrong. Is he THAT concern about Turkey building a Fleet and
slowing your growth?
> > Would you care to share that opinion with Idalia,
> > (you might wonder how I know her name...)
>
> Now that you mention it, yes, I do wonder how you know.
Let's just say that you should be less than certain about her
loyalty to you, and the privacy of the communications channels
between Vienna and Rome.
> I truly don't know what Austria will order. I do think he made
> less than optimal orders in the spring and thus his current position
> is full of guesses. He seems over paranoid about the possibility
> of Tyr-Tri. If it weren't for the fact that it's tactically better for
> me to eliminate Turkey first, I'd stab him immediately.
Let's look at the worst-case scenario for a moment. Austria
guesses right, takes Mos or War, Rum, and Con, and builds
three. Are you sure that a 5-Center Turkey with 3 Armies and
a Fleet in Bla is more threatening to you than that?
Your Concerned Friend,
Nicky.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>While the broadcasts proclaim the Juggernaut, the RT
>alliance is clearly one of desperation, which will need a fair measure of
>luck this Fall to hold its own against AI.
This is clear. In this instance the world has more to fear from AI than
from RT.
>Allowing me to take Swe has
>several advantages for you both.
For me, yes. For Germany? I will see what I can do, but I am not overly
optimistic.
>If I guess correctly in the south, it will
>give me a build to throw at Austria, which will likely stagnate the East,
>and give you the time you need to eliminate France.
It is going to be difficult to persuade Germany that you have room to throw
three armies at Austria. Where would you put the third army? In Moscow?
Then what would Livonia do?
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to Master and Russia
Nick,
>> Extend my wishes to your wife.
>
> Thanks, I will.
>
>> one year ago I took my wife, my mother, and my father to
>> the emergency room (*separately*!) all within one 24 hour period.
>
> Hmm, I seem to recall hearing this story... (Of course, I don't
>remember
>who from...8-)
A slip. I apologize to you and to the master. Actually, I can't even
figure out in which of my three prior games I might have said this. I
don't doubt that I did, since it was a rather traumatic time for me.
Ivy
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> >If I guess correctly in the south, it will
> >give me a build to throw at Austria,
>It is going to be difficult to persuade Germany that
>you have room to throw three armies at Austria. Where would you put the
>third army? In Moscow?
>Then what would Livonia do?
Sev-Arm, Bla S Mos-StP, Lvn-Mos, or Rum & War S Mos-Ukr,
Lvn-Mos both come to mind.
Nick.
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
I understand your desire to improve your situation. But
I sincerely believe that going for Sweden is just
hastening your doom. Germany *will not* give it up. I
am basing this on conversations that I have had with him.
If Ivy makes you believe that he will help you, I have to
warn you that he is unbelievably good at getting you to
believe that he is your friend. I was so fooled that I
cannot begin to describe it. Usually I am nervous, last
spring I was not. I was shocked to see him side with
Germany. If he tells you that he will support you to
Sweden it is because he will be taking St. Petes. Trust
me, he is very good.
The best way to turn Germany on England is by putting up
such a strong defense that it seems like a hopeless
battle against me. The next option is to make England
grow quickly. That is less desirable because it will be
very hard to deal with him then and maybe be too late for
both of us.
I implore you to cover St. Petes.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> Your Concerned Friend,
>
I'm getting confused. What exactly are you asking me to do.
Roberto
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto,
>What exactly are you asking me to do.
My apologies, it was not my intention to confuse
you. Aeg has 3 reasonable moves this Fall.
1) Aeg S Tun-Smy - This takes a Center from Turkey,
a good thing, and gives you a build, not necessarily
a good thing from Austria's perspective.
2) Aeg-Gre - This blocks Bul-Gre (or Tun-Gre), but
is counter-productive unless he's sure one of those
moves will occur.
3) Aeg-Con - This is almost certain to take Con,
since TF Bla has more important things to do and
Smy-Con is unlikely.
Will he take the sure thing (#1), and give you a
build that you may use against him? Or will he choose
option 2 or 3?
Tyl-Tri/Vie, Tun-Gre gives you one or, most
likely, two builds, without relying on Austrian
support for only one build, at the cost of possibly
giving Turkey a build, if Austria doesn't take Rum.
Given your stated opinion of Austria's reliability,
the choice seems like an easy one to make. If he
gets lucky and takes Con, Rum and Mos, do you really
want him building three?
Nicky.
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> It's guaranteed ONLY if Austria orders Aeg S Tun-Smy,
>
Of course, that is what I meant.
> though, and I have a set of orders available to me that gives
> me two builds and forces him to disband one, if Austria guesses
> wrong.
Which can only mean you have an agreement with EG to take Sweden presumably
to build an army and then they take Sweden from you the following year and
you disband the northern fleet. Sounds like a good plan for everybody in
the north.
The second build would come via Sev-Rum support from BLA with Rum-Ser
support from Bul succeeding. I could live with that. Yet, these same set
of moves leave you with the possibility of having only a single center come
the winter if you are betrayed. Can't blame you for taking some risks at
this point though.
> Is he THAT concern about Turkey building a Fleet and
> slowing your growth?
>
Probably not, but if he wants my support in the future, he should be.
>
> Let's just say that you should be less than certain about her
> loyalty to you, and the privacy of the communications channels
> between Vienna and Rome.
>
A little too vague. Got anything more specific?
>
> Let's look at the worst-case scenario for a moment. Austria
> guesses right, takes Mos or War, Rum, and Con, and builds
> three. Are you sure that a 5-Center Turkey with 3 Armies and
> a Fleet in Bla is more threatening to you than that?
>
The worst case scenario you describe should not come to fruition since
Turkey should not issue Smy to hold. Austria has essentially three options
for the Aegean fleet (he can't use it to support an action in Bulgaria since
he can't prevent the retreat to Greece): 1) support Tun-Smy, 2) order
Aeg-Con, or 3) order Aeg-Gre. Near as I can tell, option #3 is extremely
doubtful which leaves either 1 or 2. Turkey should order Smy-Con since if
Austria orders option #1, Turkey would end up in Con anyway after the
retreat and if Austria orders option #2, it would be a bounce. There should
be no guess work involved in Constantinople the fall.
[just read your latest message] continuing....please note the difference in
opinion in the Smyrna order. Perhaps Turkey has told you otherwise.
Given the above moves that you alluded to and that I specified, the only way
for Austria to take Rum AND War/Mos is if you don't defend Mos. To take
Warsaw requires two units; to take Rumania requires two units. He can't do
both if there is an equal attack on Rumania or Rumania simply receives a
support.
At best, Austria should only gain one; at worst, he could take one off
(unless I intervene in which case he could lose up to three).
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto,
> > I have a set of orders available to me that gives
> > me two builds and forces him to disband one,
>Which can only mean you have an agreement with EG to take Sweden presumably
>to build an army and
>then they take Sweden from you the following year and you disband the
>northern fleet.
It does sound like a good plan, but I don't
have the agreement, unfortuantely. France maintains
that Ivy's going to StP for the quick build, and
Germany is taking Swe. Germany has yet to respond
to my proposal.
>The second build would come via Sev-Rum support from BLA with Rum-Ser
>support from Bul succeeding.
Yes, and that seems unlikely to me, frankly.
>Is he THAT concerned about Turkey building a Fleet and slowing your growth?
>Probably not, but if he wants my support in the
>future, he should be.
Yes, but he hasn't shown any real vision of
the future up until now, has he?
> > you should be less certain about the privacy of
> > the communications channels between Vienna and Rome.
>A little too vague. Got anything more specific?
France expects Nwy-StP, Bal-Swe, but Austria
seems certain that EG will let me take Swe.
>The worst case scenario you describe should not
>come to fruition since Turkey should not issue
>Smy to hold.
I agree, but Ali seems to expect Aeg-Gre, which
lets Smy HOLD deny you the build.
>At best, Austria should only gain one; at worst,
>he could take one off (unless I intervene in which
>case he could lose up to three).
Hmmm, your characterization of best-case,
worst-case differs from mine considerably. I wish you
well with your Austrian ally, but will just point out
that stabbing Austria now gives you two builds almost
certainly, while relying on his support gives you one,
if and only if Austria remains faithful.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
>I understand your desire to improve your situation. But Germany *will not*
>give [Sweden] up.
I will be rather surprised if I get Swe, myself.
Ivy has not offered more than verbal support, and I
don't expect him to, but I believe that between the
two of us, we might be able to convince Fredd of the
wisdom of letting me take Swe. If they don't, Germany
is likely to be facing Austrian Armies before EG
have eliminated you, and he certainly will be if
England takes StP.
>I implore you to cover St. Petes.
I understand and acknowledge your concern, but
I believe that Ivy sees that the short-term advantage
of taking StP is outweighed by the mid-term
consequences.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> France expects Nwy-StP, Bal-Swe, but Austria
> seems certain that EG will let me take Swe.
>
I've sent my nominations crew to EG to uncover the truth.
>
> I wish you well with your Austrian ally, but will
> just point out that stabbing Austria now gives you
> two builds almost certainly, while relying on his
> support gives you one, if and only if Austria remains
> faithful.
>
I'm getting the impression that you see IR relations deteriorating. I
thought you wanted me to move to EMS to relieve pressure on Sev. Once that
occurred, I don't see the advantage to Italy to upset yet another neighbor.
I'm still hopeful that the IR alliance will eventually work but in my mind
Turkey must be eliminated first.
If there is a set of moves to prevent both Austria AND Turkey from gaining a
build, I'm all for executing those moves. Barring that, my preference is to
continue against Turkey (whom I've already clearly upset) rather than taking
on another front against Austria at this time.
Roberto
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
>I understand and acknowledge your concern, but
>I believe that Ivy sees that the short-term advantage
>of taking StP is outweighed by the mid-term
>consequences.
I am sorry that I am being so push about this. You see
that it is my fate that is also tied up in this and I am
of course more focussed on that. The choice is
ultimately yours. I gave you my opinion and will leave
it alone now. We in France pray that we will not be
saying that we told you so. Good luck.
Germany knows that I want to work with him, although he
has yet to acknowledge my messages. He knows that you
want to work with him as well. Tell him that 3 on 1 is
better than 2 on 2.
I have stopped bothering to negotiate with Ivy. I do not
need to hear hollow assurances and weak excuses.
Bonne Chance
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto,
>I thought you wanted me to move to EMS to relieve
>pressure on Sev.
Yes, I did, and it has, though I did drop you
a note saying you didn't have to move to EMed as
Turkey spoke up, and it became increasingly clear
how insincere Austria was and is.
>I'm still hopeful that the IR alliance will
>eventually work but in my mind Turkey must be
>eliminated first.
I would welcome IR, but I suspect that by the
time Turkey is eliminated, Austria will be so large,
and I will be so small, that IR vs. A will not be
practical. I could gain two this year, if I order
Sev-Rum, GoB-Swe, and properly defend War/Mos/Sev,
but I suspect the most likely result is a 50-50
chance of staying even, or losing one.
>my preference is to continue against Turkey (whom
>I've already clearly upset) rather than taking
>on another front against Austria at this time.
I understand that, but in my view, even if
Turkey builds F Con, he's still not a threat to
you, especially if you build two from Austrian
Centers. Ali is likely to cooperate with IRT
vs. A, in the hope of following up with RT vs. I,
and I think that you risk having Austria grow too
large if you don't stab now. If you continue to
work with Austria, I'll continue to talk to you,
and hope to survive long enough to work with you,
but I'm not optomistic.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
Austria is still trying to convince me that my best bet would be to tell him
all my moves and attack you. So he's certainly not telling me anything
useful. I do believe, though, that Austria's misdirected press was genuine,
so I think it gives us an insight into what he's thinking. He hasn't given
me any indication that he's realized his mistake, and I certainly haven't
mentioned it to anyone but you, though we should assume he's figured it out
by now. I was particularly interested in this part:
> More likely, I think, is one of Bul-Gre, Rum-Bul, Bla s Sev-Rum; or Bul s
> Rum-Ser, Bla s Sev-Rum. What I'd like would be a move set that doesn't
lose
> an SC to either of these, and either gains one against at least one of
these
> or gives me a viable guess against Russia.
Now, I'm sure he's promised Italy a center, and it's a promise he has to
keep to maintain Italy as an ally. If he supports the convoy to Smy,
though, there's no way he can sumultaneously defend against Bul-Gre and Bul
S Rum-Ser. At least, not that I've seen. Covering Greece would mean
Ser-Gre, which would imply Bud-Ser, Gal-Bud to cover those as well, but
that's very unlikely and doesn't protect against Bul S Rum-Ser. He can
protect Ser with Bud S Ser, leaving Gal free to attack Rum or Warsaw, but
that doesn't cover Greece.
So, I can't see a combination that does what he wants. Since he's promised
a center to Italy, and since he can't protect himself if Aeg S Tun-Smy, then
he may have Italy attack Greece instead of Smy, but only if he can be
assured of an offsetting center. That may mean something like Tun-Gre,
Aeg-Bul, Ser/Bud S Gal-Rum, Ukr-Mos. But that's just a wild guess on my
part. In any case, this still doesn't guarantee Italy a center, since I
might bounce him in Gre. Even if he supports from Ser, that support could
be cut. If we stay along this line of thinking, the alternative would be to
give him Vie or Tri, but I think that's getting pretty far-fetched.
So, the bottom line is, I don't see any way he can get Italy a build without
some risk that he'll lose something himself. If he comes to this
realization, he'll probably do one of two things: (a) renig on his promise
to Italy, or (b) pick the attack he thinks is mose likely and defend against
it. Option (a) would be a godsend, and I'm not expecting it. Option (b)
means he has a 50/50 chance at holding Gre or Ser, and a 50/50 chance of
gaining War or Mos, meaning at least some chance of losing a unit. He might
figure he's better off risking either Ser or Gre, if he can ensure he gains
a center, but the only thing he can really guarnatee is Rumania. However,
if he puts 3 units on Rum, then he must forego any attack on you at all.
I don't know if any of this train of thought is helpful or not. I guess I
expect him to put most of his energy in the south, to attack Rum. This may
mean at most a potshot at Moscow. His promise to support Italy to Smyrna
puts a strain on his southern position, so I guess a supported attack on
Warsaw seems less likely. Of course this is speculation, but that's all
I've got to go on.
Unfortunately it doesn't help much with what we can do to respond. Bul S
Rum-Ser, Bla S Sev-Rum is reasonably strong, except that it's one of the
specific attacks he's planning to defend against. Another idea would be a
sort of scatter-gun approach, along the lines of Lvn-Mos, War-Gal, Rum-Gal,
Bul-Gre, Bla-Con. This would cut Gal's support for either War or Rum, but
it has a much weaker chance that I'll either gain something from Austria or
hold onto Rum. But, it might provide a reasonable defense.
For lack of anything better, here are the orders I'm entering now with Wait
set: Rum-Gal, Bla S Sev-Rum, Bul-Gre, Smy Hold. This leaves Con open, but I
think Austria is more likely to either support Tun-Smy or attack Bul to cut
support. Please write as soon as you can with your thoughts, since the
deadline is tonight. Especially, please write at once if you're not
ordering Sev-Rum, so I can do something else with Bla.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
> For lack of anything better, here are the orders I'm entering
> now with Wait set: Rum-Gal, Bla S Sev-Rum, Bul-Gre, Smy Hold.
> This leaves Con open, but I think Austria is more likely to
> either support Tun-Smy or attack Bul to cut support.
I worry about Austria going for the gusto with Ukr-Mos,
Gal & Bud S Ser-Rum, Aeg-Con, and building 3 if they all work.
If he orders Aeg S Tun-Smy, though, you won't build and there
will be an Italian Army in Smy, which will prove a major
distraction, so that seems most likely to me. You might order
Smy-Con, though, to bounce Aeg-Con, or to perhaps shift into
Bul if we make progress in the Balkans.
I've pointed out to Italy that Tyl-Tri, Tun-Gre gains
him two without relying on Austria, while Tun-Smy gets him
one, if and only if Austria supports him. How late will you
be available tonight? I favor Bla S Sev-Rum at this point,
since a build would help me a lot, but sort of lean toward
Bul-Gre, Rum-Bul as being a bit more likely to work. (Wouldn't
it be ironic if Bul-Gre bounced of Tun-Gre, though? 8-)
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> I worry about Austria going for the gusto with Ukr-Mos,
> Gal & Bud S Ser-Rum, Aeg-Con, and building 3 if they all work.
If he does that, where will Italy get a build? If Italy doesn't get a
build, he'll be royally pissed, and Austria surely knows it. Recall Italy's
expressed concern that 3/4 of his units would be useless without Austria's
support.
> If he orders Aeg S Tun-Smy, though, you won't build and there
> will be an Italian Army in Smy, which will prove a major
> distraction, so that seems most likely to me.
Me too. I think if I were in his shoes, the tactical advantage of an army
in Smy would be an important factor.
> You might order
> Smy-Con, though, to bounce Aeg-Con, or to perhaps shift into
> Bul if we make progress in the Balkans.
I guess my thinking was that if Austria orders Aeg-Bul, then I want to be
sure Italy doesn't build as a result. I'd hate to simply move aside and let
the Italian army in unopposed. I'd rather ensure that if Smy is lost, then
the unit is dislodged so it can retreat to Ankara.
> I've pointed out to Italy that Tyl-Tri, Tun-Gre gains
> him two without relying on Austria, while Tun-Smy gets him
> one, if and only if Austria supports him.
I've written him with the same argument, although the one press I've got
from him since the result seems to indicate that he's pretty well made up
his mind. Still, no harm trying.
> How late will you
> be available tonight?
I'll be leaving in a few hours and will not be back until about 10:30 PM
Pacific time. I believe that's after the deadline unfortunately. However,
we've at least got the next few hours if you're online.
> I favor Bla S Sev-Rum at this point,
> since a build would help me a lot, but sort of lean toward
> Bul-Gre, Rum-Bul as being a bit more likely to work. (Wouldn't
> it be ironic if Bul-Gre bounced of Tun-Gre, though? 8-)
It would be, at that. The main reason for Rum-Gal was to cut any support
for Warsaw; but if you don't feel it's helpful then I'll do something else
with Rum. Bla S Sev-Rum has been ordered, and I'll leave that unchanged.
I didn't really consider Austria ordering Ser-Rum. It might work,
especially if he supports from Aeg, but then we're back to the question of
where will Italy build. I was thinking that if Bul moved to Gre, the
highest risk of losing Bul is from Aeg-Bul, and that fleet being in Bul/sc
would really diminish its effectiveness.
For some reason the combination of Ser S Tun-Gre, Aeg-Bul, with Bud, Gal and
Ukr all working on Rum, is starting to seem viable. At least, I think
that's their best way of getting Italy a build while ensuring that Austria
doesn't lose anything to me. Unfortunately, there's no way to counter that
without War attacking Gal, and you didn't seem too enthusiastic about that.
The best defense I see against that attack would be Bul-Gre, Rum-Ser. This
would not protect Rum, but it would keep Italy out of Greece.
Is this too far-fetched though? The obvious move is Aeg S Tun-Smy, in which
case I will have an opportunity in Gre or Ser if I guess right. I guess if
you don't want to do a mutual support-cut of either Gal or Ukr, then I'll
either order Bul S Rum-Ser or Bul-Gre, Rum-Bul. Still not really happy with
any of these so far, but I'll keep looking. Meanwhile, let's keep talking,
I think it's helpful. If you're satisfied that I'm on your side, you might
give some hint of what you're planning with Lvn/War, that might affect how
best to utilize Rum.
Just for the record, I consider you and me to be squarely in the same boat.
I believe we will either fail or prevail together, and we've got a better
chance of getting through this if we move as one force.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
Quickly because I'm about to leave work, I'm not ruling
out Rum-Ukr, I actually toyed with War S Rum-Ukr, Lvn-Mos to
destroy A Ukr if Austria orders Ukr-Mos, but my first thought
was for you to try to take Gre or Ser. I'll think about it
on the bus ride home, and write again. The War/Lvn choice is
tough because it's an, "If you're right you're safe, if you're
wrong you lose a Center." choice.
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
I'm starting to think that the best thing to do is attack Serbia. It seems
that if Gal/Ukr are both used on Warsaw, then Serbia may be under-defended.
So, if he takes Warsaw, there's a good chance that Rum-Ser might succeed,
and you'd gain Rum to offset it. If my attack fails, then it's probably
because Gal was used against Rum, meaning you wouldn't gain Rum but would
keep Warsaw. Does this make any sense?
In any case I've changed my orders to Bul S Rum-Ser. Still some time to
think it over. Let me know what you think.
Ali
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ukr S Gal-War uses two Units to give a 50% chance of one Center.
Ukr-Mos gives the same return at only a one Unit cost, and leaves
Gal available to influence Rum, so I'm going to assume that Austria
will order Ukr-Mos, and order Lvn-Mos to bounce it. Gal-Bud,
Bud-Ser, Ser-Gre uses three Units to defend one Center and risks
the loss of Rum, so I doubt that will happen. So, we should see
either Bud S Ser, Ser S Gal-Rum, or two Supports for an attack on
Rum. If I'm correct, Bla S Sev-Rum will at best bounce, so Sev S Rum,
Bla S Rum, Bul-Gre, makes more sense, I think. What do you think?
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> Ukr S Gal-War uses two Units to give a 50% chance of one Center.
> Ukr-Mos gives the same return at only a one Unit cost, and leaves
> Gal available to influence Rum, so I'm going to assume that Austria
> will order Ukr-Mos, and order Lvn-Mos to bounce it. Gal-Bud,
> Bud-Ser, Ser-Gre uses three Units to defend one Center and risks
> the loss of Rum, so I doubt that will happen. So, we should see
> either Bud S Ser, Ser S Gal-Rum, or two Supports for an attack on
> Rum. If I'm correct, Bla S Sev-Rum will at best bounce, so Sev S Rum,
> Bla S Rum, Bul-Gre, makes more sense, I think. What do you think?
This makes sense to me. Ok, I've adjusted my orders to Bul-Gre, Bla S Rum.
I'm ordering Rum S War-Gal for lack of anything better to do with it.
Hopefully next year I can move Rum to Ser or Bul, and you can take Rum.
Either way, though, we should ensure Austria doesn't get it.
I'll probably be out of e-mail contact for the rest of the day. Perhaps
someone will be late and we'll have a chance to diplome further if anything
comes up. My orders are in as described above. I'll try to check my mail
again some time before the deadline; please write when you can, I may be
able to reply but can't guarantee it.
Anyway, best of luck in the result!
Ali
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
I don't know why I didn't think of it before, but Rum S War-Gal is a good
way to defeat Ukr S Gal-War, as long as Rum isn't attacked. It leaves the
risk, though, of your moving to Gal and allowing Ukr-War. In any case you
may have other intentions for War. If you'd rather I not order the support,
please let me know and I'll change it to a hold if I can.
Ali
Message from Russia to Turkey
>Rum S War-Gal is a good way to defeat Ukr S Gal-War,
>as long as Rum isn't attacked.
The support is fine.
N.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
Any word from Fredd, or the East?
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
Do you remain committed to Tun-Gre? If so adding Tyl-Vie/Tri would
keep Austria and Turkey from building... (You asked for a way to do it. 8-)
It would make you the dominant Power in the East, (something Italy rarely
accomplishes in 1902, and should even give you a two-unit advantage over
any one of ART. I would do my best to keep Turkey focused on Austria,
and pressure Ferdinand from the Northeast, so holding your gains, and
continuing to grow shouldn't be a problem.
Just an Idea,
Nicky.
Message from Russia to Germany
Freddy,
It's been some time since I've heard from you, so I thought I'd ask
again that you allow me to take Sweden this year, while you advance
on France. Next year, if you need the build, you can take it, and I'll
disband the Fleet, but right now, I need a third Army to retake Ukr,
and hold off Austria. Keeping the East stalemated will give you the
time you need to conquer France, and without another Army, Austria
only needs one lucky guess to force me to collapse. Please consider
the wisdom of my request.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to France
And so, we wait for the axe to fall... Hearing anything interesting
from
the East? I've selected my moves, and I'm trying desperately to not start
erasing answers on the multiple-choice form. Still no word from Germany.
The weasel could at least tell me, 'No, I'm taking Sweden!' *grumble* Is
it 23:30, yet?
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
8:30 Thursday evening. No word from Freddy since the moves. The person I
selected for my ally.
What have I done?
The Boar is quite upset with me and he is probably right.
Ivy
>Ivy,
>
> Any word from Fredd, or the East?
>
>Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> 8:30 Thursday evening. No word from Freddy since the moves.
>The person I selected for my ally.
If it's any consolation, I haven't heard from him either, though
Boar claims he's said that he has claimed Swe. (I suspect that's
to encourage me to retreat to StP, though.)
> What have I done?
Umm, made a mistake?
> The Boar is quite upset with me and he is probably right.
Well, there is the Nwy S GoB-Swe, Nth S Bel-Hol, Eng-Bel,
followed by much groveling option. You've done France no real
harm, so he's likely to accept the upturn in his fortunes with good
graces. I'll certainly lobby on your behalf.
Your Friend,
Nicky.
Message from France to Russia
>And so, we wait for the axe to fall... Hearing anything
>interesting from the East?
Only that Turkey is aligned with you. Italy does not
seem 100% confident of Austria, but he often says things
just to try and confuse me.
>I've selected my moves, and I'm trying desperately to
>not start erasing answers on the multiple-choice form.
I hope you choose the safe thing.
>Still no word from Germany.
>The weasel could at least tell me, 'No, I'm taking
>Sweden!'
He does not have to lie to you if he does not write. I
hear little from his as well.
I have a dilemma my friend. If I have to choose where to
concentrate my defenses where do I slack off. On one
had I have the master betrayer who I believe made the
wrong choice and shamelessly lied to me. I do not want
him
to succeed because I want him to eventually realize that
he made the wrong choice. But then on the other I have
the weasel who does not have the decency to answer my
messages either. :-) I want to punish them both, but
will
have to choose! :-)
>Is it 23:30, yet?
Patience! :-)
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 17 Results:
Aside from a stab by the Germans (Jan Ullrich's team runs
over lance Armstong) it is apparent that England will win
out TdF game. Barring injury, Lance Armstrong will
certainly hold on to the Yellow Jersey. The only
interesting
battle is for the Green Jersey (sprinters points).
O'Grady leads Zabel by 11 points, but has lost a point
each day.
They are awarded based on the first so many riders to
cross the finish line and at some intermediate places.
That
race may come down to the final sprint into Paris.
Serge Baguet won today's stage. No points were awarded
in our game.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 30 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. Lance Armstrong (USP)
2. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 5:05
3. Andrei Kivilev (COF) @ 5:13
4. Joseba Beloki (ONC)@ 6:33
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to France
>Message from France to Russia in 'titleist':
>
> >Still no word from Germany.
>
>I have a dilemma my friend. If I have to choose where to
>concentrate my defenses where do I slack off. On one
>had I have the master betrayer who I believe made the
>wrong choice and shamelessly lied to me. I do not want
>him to succeed because I want him to eventually realize
>that he made the wrong choice. But then on the other I
>have the weasel who does not have the decency to answer
>my messages either. :-) I want to punish them both, but will have to
>choose! :-)
For what it's worth, I got this from Ivy a bit ago.
:: 8:30 Thursday evening. No word from Freddy since
:: the moves. The person I selected for my ally.
:: What have I done?
:: The Boar is quite upset with me and he is probably right.
I suggested that he take Hol, support me into Swe,
and grovel to you. 8-) I also told him that if he did
so, I'd speak to you on his behalf. There may be the
potential here for you to be magnanimous, and ally with
him against the silent one.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from Germany to Russia
Nic:
I don't look at the board for two days, and everything changes. I've
been on email tonight for about 3 hours. Not all of it Dip, but a lot.
France is the press king.
When I started this tonight, I was certain that I would take SWE. My
worry was that England and you might bounce me out. That's probably not
going to happen.
I've read your messages and I've given this a lot of thought. Yes you
do need help against AI. In fact I'm pretty sure that the Italian army
in TYR is heading in your direction. Unfortunately I believe the Swedish
build will only slow things down. AI are looking too strong. Turkey
will crumble like a house of cards, and then you'll be next. Then I'll
be next.
I need to send troops to my southern border ASAP. Therefore, I'm going
to take SWE (providing you and England don't bounce me out) I'll be
building an army. It's first move will be to SIL. I suspect at that
point I'll be supporting you. I hope you're still there.
Sorry I can't help you yet again.
Fredd
Message [from Austria] to all
While I was one of those who received a "late" notice, my orders are in.
If I have an error flag, this message is to clear it.
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> When I started this tonight, I was certain that I would take SWE.
> My worry was that England and you might bounce me out.
> That's probably not going to happen.
Not based on what I've heard from England. He's well aware of
how much press you're getting from France, and he isn't looking to
give you any reason to change allies.
> Yes, you do need help against AI. Unfortunately I believe the Swedish
> build will only slow things down. AI are looking too strong.
That's exactly my point. The Swedish build should slow things
down enough for you to make progress against France.
> I need to send troops to my southern border ASAP.
If you make it clear to AI that you will not tolerate them crossing the
German border, that should slow them down. They're already fighting
a two-front war, they won't want bring you into the mix as well.
> I'm going to take SWE I'll be building an army. It's first move will
> be to SIL. I suspect at that point I'll be supporting you.
It would be better for both of us if you let me take Swe this year and
build a third Army, and then took Swe next year and let me disband the
Fleet. Then your one Eastern Army could effectively support me, and
slowly turn the tide on Austria. One German Army in Sil in 1903 will
not be positioned to effectively support my operations, and will not be
strong enough to share in the ensuing feeding frenzy. I beg you to
reconsider the wisdom of allowing me to take Sweden this year.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicolas II.
Message from Germany to Russia
> It would be better for both of us if you let me take Swe this year and
> build a third Army, and then took Swe next year and let me disband the
> Fleet. Then your one Eastern Army could effectively support me, and
> slowly turn the tide on Austria. One German Army in Sil in 1903 will
> not be positioned to effectively support my operations, and will not be
> strong enough to share in the ensuing feeding frenzy. I beg you to
> reconsider the wisdom of allowing me to take Sweden this year.
I'm in negotiations with England to pull back from our borders. If this
happens that I can send two armies to the southeast.
I'm still planning on taking SWE.
I hope we can continue to talk even though I take SWE. I expect that
it'll be in both of our best interests to work together after this move.
Fredd
Message from Russia to Germany
>Message from Germany to Russia in 'titleist':
>I'm in negotiations with England to pull back from our borders. If this
>happens that I can send two armies to the southeast.
How can you do this and make any progress against
France? It sounds as though Ivy is setting you up for
a stab.
>I hope we can continue to talk even though I take SWE.
If you take Swe, I am unlikely to be around long
enough to talk to. Even if you order Mun-Boh, Ber-Sil,
that does nothing to solve my problem with the Austrian
Army in Ukr. To stop Austria, I NEED the third Army.
Please consider whether the rapid collapse of RT is a
good thing or a bad thing for you, and whether Germany
gaining one Army this year is worth causing that
collapse. To survive and prosper as Germany you have
to take the longer view, and look beyond the current
turn. It should be obvious to you that granting me
access to Sweden this year does not endanger you in
any way, and actually improves your security in a
number of ways. Please reconsider your position, and
mine.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to England and France
Gentlemen,
Well, the good news is that Fredd is finally
talking. The bad news is that he seems to lack the
foresight to realize that if he takes Sweden,
instead of letting me have it, the RT defense
against AI is likely to rapidly collapse, and the
extra Army will do him no good, even if he sends
it East. I've laid it out for him in every way I
can think of, but he still seems determined to take
Swe. Ah well, I wish you both luck.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
I suppose that Nwy S GoB-Swe, Nth-Den would
still get me Sweden, but I can't envision you
issuing those orders.
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
I wonder who we're waiting for? Did you come to
a decision regarding the Turkish Attack vs. the Austrian
Attack vs. taking one from each of them? Care to share
that decision with me? 8-) My orders are in and won't
be changing; we'll have to see how well I second-guessed
Austria. I finally heard from Germany, half an hour
before the deadline, again. Does he really expect to
succeed at this level without negotiating?
An Impatient,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Turkey
My Good Ali,
I wonder who we're waiting on? After a night's
sleep, I still think the set of orders we settled on
makes the most sense, but I keep vacilating about
War-Gal. I'm sticking with it since it protects War
against Ukr S Gal-War, but I worry about the unlikely
chance of it succeeding, and Austria retreating to
Sil. All things considered though, it seem unlikely
that Austria will not attack Rum, so I suspect the
retreat is a remote chance at best.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Austria
Ralassa,
What's the matter, Ferdie decide which Centres
to attack and which to defend? It's pretty much a
coin-toss, really, don't you think?
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Austria to Russia
It's nice to hear from you again. I hope your family is much improved.
I do not doubt we will be talking more after the turn processes.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from England to Russia
> I suppose that Nwy S GoB-Swe, Nth-Den would
>still get me Sweden,
Not if Germany attacks Sweden from Denmark. Then it would bounce.
Before the spring move, I offered you Sweden in the spring in exchange for
Denmark in the fall. You declined, saying that you would prefer to have
Denmark also, and that had a gigantic effect on my decision to go with
Germany as an ally.
I know you were in a tricky situation at the time. Accepting my offer would
have meant that you could not have convoyed the army to Livonia. Tough
choice. Consequently, I was left with a tough choice also.
Ivy Wingo
Message from Russia to Master
Doug,
You Wrote >
> Anecdotal evidence says that the former is definitely true,
> nearly to the point of being a PbEM Diplomacy axiom. Send
> more press, do better in the game.
Hmmm, are France and Russia doing well in 'titleist'? 8-)
They're near, if not at, the top of the Press frequency
measures for 'titleist' and seem to be fighting for their
lives. I think that we may have said too much, in fact, and
painted targets on ourselves. I guess we'll see soon enough,
(assuming F1902M ever processes).
Eric.
Austria: Fleet Aegean Sea SUPPORT Italian Army Tunis → Smyrna
Austria: Army Budapest SUPPORT Army Serbia
Austria: Army Galicia SUPPORT Army Ukraine → Warsaw (*dislodged*)
Austria: Army Serbia HOLD
Austria: Army Ukraine → Warsaw
England: Army Belgium SUPPORT German Army Munich → Burgundy (*void*)
England: Fleet English Channel → Irish Sea
England: Fleet London SUPPORT Fleet North Sea → English Channel
England: Fleet North Sea → English Channel
England: Fleet Norway → Norwegian Sea
France: Fleet Brest SUPPORT Fleet Portugal → Mid-Atlantic Ocean
France: Army Gascony SUPPORT Army Paris → Burgundy
France: Army Paris → Burgundy
France: Army Picardy → Belgium (*bounce*)
France: Fleet Portugal → Mid-Atlantic Ocean
Germany: Fleet Baltic Sea SUPPORT Fleet Denmark → Sweden
Germany: Fleet Denmark → Sweden
Germany: Army Holland → Ruhr
Germany: Army Kiel → Munich
Germany: Army Munich → Bohemia
Italy: Fleet Eastern Mediterranean CONVOY Army Tunis → Smyrna
Italy: Fleet Ionian Sea CONVOY Army Tunis → Smyrna
Italy: Army Tunis → Ionian Sea → Eastern Mediterranean → Smyrna
Italy: Army Tyrolia HOLD
Russia: Fleet Gulf of Bothnia → Sweden (*bounce*)
Russia: Army Livonia → Moscow
Russia: Fleet Sevastopol SUPPORT Turkish Army Rumania
Russia: Army Warsaw → Galicia
Turkey: Fleet Black Sea SUPPORT Army Rumania
Turkey: Army Bulgaria → Greece
Turkey: Army Rumania SUPPORT Russian Army Warsaw → Galicia
Turkey: Army Smyrna HOLD (*dislodged*)
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