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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 Austria to Turkey
> Broadcast message in 'titleist':
>
> 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)
OK, somebody thinks so, anyway.
I'm on no better than a guess for Warsaw/Moscow. You can pick up Sev with
either your fleet supported by Rum, or your Rum army supported by the fleet
with Bul following into Rum, or your Bul army convoyed with support from
Rum. The last two are equivalent, and I think better for both strategic and
tactical reasons. Strategically, we'd like the Black Sea fleet as few moves
from Naples as possible. Tactically, I'd like an army in Sev available to
support me into Mos; it does look like EG are going to gift Russia with
Sweden.
I did notice the proffered support for Tun-Gre. I am curious how that came
about, but I'm not particularly upset about it. If you really want to stab
me, you'll get better opportunities later :-).
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from France to Turkey
Ali Baba:
Well, I guess that you did the best that you could with
the situation. It looks like Austria and Italy are very
strong. Unfortunately I will not be able to deter them
as I have my own problems. There goes our dreams :-)
-- Prince Boar
Message from Austria to Turkey
> 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 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 Turkey to Austria
> I did notice the proffered support for Tun-Gre. I am curious how that came
> about, but I'm not particularly upset about it. If you really want to
stab
> me, you'll get better opportunities later :-).
Oh, certainly, I have no doubt I'll have untold opportunities to stab you.
Bit of sarcasm there. The truth is, I've suspected all along that your true
ally was Italy, fed by information from the Italian himself. Unfortunately
I also believed his talk of attacking you, which you probably knew about all
along anyway. You and Italy have done an admirable job of playing me and
Russia off against each other. I feel like I've been played like a violin.
I do not expect to survive long in this game. It certainly looks as if
we're headed into an AI & EG end game. My money's on you in the long run.
Just watch your back, old Roberto there can be very very convincing. I'm
sure from what I've seen already that you'll do a better job of protecting
yourself than I have.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
The congratulations I sent in my broadcast were genuine. You had me fooled
completely.
I do not expect to survive long in this game. I have no doubt that you and
Austria will take me and Russia apart. You've both done an admirable job
playing us against each other, although I still lay a significant amount of
the blame on Russia. In any case, I rolled the dice on an IT, and it came
up craps. However, I'm hoping you can still help me out in one way before I
go.
Specifically, I'd like to know if there was any way it might have worked. I
tried everything I could to secure your alliance. I was straight with you
from the start, my actions certainly did nothing to threaten you, and I was
genuinely on board for an IT. Instead of a Turkish ally that couldn't
threaten you, you chose an Austria that will quickly become a behemoth.
Why?
Is it that you simply couldn't conceive of an IT alliance working out, as
you said in your first press to me? Was there something I said or did that
made you believe I wasn't on the level? Did you guess who I am, and bear
some grudge from a past game? Did I set myself up as too easy a mark to
pass up? Is Austria really your long-lost brother? Was there anything that
I could have done differently to have secured Italy as an ally?
I can accept a humiliating defeat in a Dip game, this won't be my first
such. This isn't the first time I've been stabbed by a prospective ally.
But I would be sincerely grateful if you can help me understand where I went
wrong.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to France
Prince Boar,
> Well, I guess that you did the best that you could with
> the situation. It looks like Austria and Italy are very
> strong. Unfortunately I will not be able to deter them
> as I have my own problems. There goes our dreams :-)
It certainly appears that way, doesn't it? I must admit, the Italian had me
fooled completely. He played me along with anti-Austrian hints and outright
promises from the start, but it's clear to me now that he and Austria are
joined at the hip. Unfortunately this is bad news for both of us.
I will fight on as best I can, but I don't give myself very good odds. My
money's on Austria right now, though of course the game is young yet. But
whether Germany helps Russia or attacks him, Austria is going to get very
strong very fast, and while Italy won't be able to keep up, he will grow as
well.
Ah well, all that's left me is to try to defend my homeland as best I can
and support Russia any way possible. Who knows, perhaps things will turn
around. But frankly I just don't see any chinks in AI solidarity at
present. In any case, Turkish units will fight to the last man. If there
is anything I can do to server French interests in some puny way, please do
not hesitate to write.
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to England
Ivy,
It seems that I have chosen poorly in the south. I really believed
Roberto's promises to attack Austria. Indeed, I think Italian prospects
would have been better had he gone with me; as it is he'll likely have an
Austrian behemoth for a neighbor. I'm sure he knows what he's doing.
Obviously, any plans I might have had to attack Russia have been scrapped.
I will be fighting for survival, and I don't expect it to be a long fight.
In retrospect, I'm not sure what I really could have done differently, since
I still do not believe Russia would have gone along with an RT in '01.
Perhaps it is my abrasive personality. In any case I look forward to
reading the juicy details when the game is over.
I realize that England has its own priorities, and propping up Russia may
not be among them. Who knows, perhaps in an EG vs AI end game, you'll be in
good position to take out Germany and come out ahead. My money's on Austria
in that scenario, though. I'm sitting here trying to think of a compelling
reason why England ought to switch sides and support France, but to be
honest my real motivation is that I'd love it if France could hit the
Italian, and if Russia could gain English support for Sweden. Very
self-serving ends, those. Ah well, perhaps I just don't have the energy
today.
In any case, you're off to a strong start. Best of luck to you as things
unfold, and do stay in touch.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Austria to Turkey
> Oh, certainly, I have no doubt I'll have untold opportunities to stab you.
> Bit of sarcasm there. The truth is, I've suspected all along that your
> true ally was Italy, fed by information from the Italian himself.
> Unfortunately I also believed his talk of attacking you, which you
> probably knew about all along anyway. You and Italy have done an
> admirable job of playing me and Russia off against each other. I feel
> like I've been played like a violin.
I was not, and am not, lying about my propensity for complexity, for
wheels-within-wheels. When you built the army, I figured it was at Italy's
behest; as Turkey in another game, I did exactly the same thing in 1901
while trying to ally with that Italy. My second-string ally, Italy, got a
serious look, as I feared you were planning to abandon our nascent alliance.
> I do not expect to survive long in this game. It certainly looks as if
> we're headed into an AI & EG end game.
If you really feel that way, why hew to a unprofitable course? I was ready
to ride AT before. Why tie your own destiny to that of Russia? Stab
Russia, build a fleet, and talk to me. The geography of the situation
should tell you where my priorities lie. Perhaps you'll be eliminated more
quickly that way, but that seems your best chance of avoiding elimination.
> My money's on you in the long run.
Mine's not. I prefer to have the best of it when I gamble.
> Just watch your back, old Roberto there can be very very convincing. I'm
> sure from what I've seen already that you'll do a better job of protecting
> yourself than I have.
Intermediate players lock themselves into alliances, and ride them all the
way. You are good enough to do better than that.
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Turkey to Germany
Freddy,
Well what can I say, I bought into Italy's proposals, and he's taken me to
the cleaners. More fool me, as I said in my broadcast. In any case, it is
clear now that AI are joined at the hip, and I think they're about to tear
me and Russia to pieces. I don't know if Germany priorities include
propping up Russia, but I fear that if you do not, Austria will become a
behemoth. Indeed, even with your help Russia would have a tough time of it.
I will fight on as best I can, but my prospects are certainly dim. Neither
Austria nor Italy has any strong opponents on the board, so realistically I
can't think of any way to prevail as long as they remain allies. I can only
hope that you and England will become strong enough to offset AI in the end
game.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Italy to Turkey
Let me just first say that, you're not dead yet. No harm has been done to
your nation. Sure, positionally you've taken a hit but a lot hinges on what
happens this fall to determine how many you take off or add.
I can't get to Smyrna without Austrian support. If he fails to deliver, for
whatever reason, it all starts over at ground zero for me.
>
> I'd like to know if there was any way it might have worked. I
> tried everything I could to secure your alliance. I was
> straight with you from the start, my actions certainly did
> nothing to threaten you, and I was genuinely on board for an IT.
> Instead of a Turkish ally that couldn't threaten you, you chose
> an Austria that will quickly become a behemoth.
> Why?
>
Tough question. Yes, it could have worked and I was genuine in seeking your
friendship. I spent two hours last night staring at the map and moving
pieces, re-reading press until I came to the conclusion that stabbing
Austria would be for short-term gain only. He'd immediately move his armies
back and it would be difficult for me to make continued progress against
him. Believe me, I agonized over the decision. It was a very difficult
choice.
Ultimately, I think the weakness of Russia played against you. With Russia
weak, Austria and I can have somewhat separate paths for growth
opportunities. Had Russia gotten a build last winter, Austria would not
have been so eager to continue north and so eager to help me against you.
> Is it that you simply couldn't conceive of an IT alliance
> working out, as you said in your first press to me?
No. I hate sending opening press along the lines of, "Hi, I'm Italy and I
want to be your friend". I try to send everybody a unique opening message.
I'll admit to playing a little dumb in my opening message to you. I'm quite
familiar with the IT alliance but unfortunately I chose another path this
game.
> Was there something I said or did that
> made you believe I wasn't on the level?
>
No, I believed you were on the level. I truly expected you to enter the
support order. Of course, there's always a little suspicion, but in this
case it was negligible.
> Did you guess who I am, and bear
> some grudge from a past game?
No and no. I haven't a clue who you are.
> Did I set myself up as too easy a mark to pass up?
This is probably true. It was difficult to turn down the EMS move.
> Is Austria really your long-lost brother?
God, I hope not. Funny you say this, because I kinda do have a long lost
brother.
> Was there anything that
> I could have done differently to have secured Italy as an ally?
>
I don't think so. I came very close to issuing the pro-Turkish orders but
in the end chose a different route.
> But I would be sincerely grateful if you can help me
> understand where I went wrong.
>
It's quite possible that in the EoG statements you'll be writing, "I told
you so Italy". I made the bed and now I have to sleep in it.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Austria
Tamara,
> I was not, and am not, lying about my propensity for complexity, for
> wheels-within-wheels. When you built the army, I figured it was at
Italy's
> behest; as Turkey in another game, I did exactly the same thing in 1901
> while trying to ally with that Italy. My second-string ally, Italy, got a
> serious look, as I feared you were planning to abandon our nascent
alliance.
I started this game as I always do, by searching for an ally among my
neighbors. Russia never seemed sincere about an RT, and his moves bore that
out. You did not seem sincere either, really, but you at least agreed to
coordinate moves with me, so I had some hope. Italy seemed the most
promising of the bunch, with genuine-seeming talk of alliance, and
genuine-seeming intelligence about your "real" intentions. So I rolled the
dice, and it came up craps. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and all
that.
> If you really feel that way, why hew to a unprofitable course? I was
ready
> to ride AT before. Why tie your own destiny to that of Russia? Stab
> Russia, build a fleet, and talk to me. The geography of the situation
> should tell you where my priorities lie. Perhaps you'll be eliminated
more
> quickly that way, but that seems your best chance of avoiding elimination.
I can't honestly say I think my best chances of survival lie in continuing
to attack Russia. Certainly, if an AT were to pan out, I would support your
advances and make my own attacks against him. But to do so while under
heavy pressure from an apparently rock-solid AI flies in the face of reason.
If I did attack Russia, I would still be unable to build, since I'm sure to
lose Smyrna, or possibly Bulgaria, and likely will not hold onto Rumania.
Perhaps my best chance for survival might be as an Austrian puppet. It
would be easy for me to launch a futile attack on Serbia, resulting in my
army staying in Rumania. If you chose not to support Italy's attack on
Smyrna, I would happily build a fleet or whatever else you wanted me to do.
I could agree to play it out as an Austrian proxy, but I can't do so while
you're supporting Italy against me.
> Intermediate players lock themselves into alliances, and ride them all the
> way. You are good enough to do better than that.
Well thanks for the compliment. Indeed, I seem to have done nothing but
switch alliances so far this game; in the first turn pro-Russian, in the
second pro-Austrian and in the third pro-Italian. Maybe that's my problem.
In any case, I wouldn't say it's served me well.
The bottom line is, I don't care if Russia lives or dies. I do care if
Turkey lives or dies, and Turkey cannot survive the current AI forces
arrayed against it. If you choose not to support Italy's attack, then I'll
do whatever you ask. If not, I won't be around long to help or hinder you
either way.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Austria to Turkey
> I started this game as I always do, by searching for an ally among my
> neighbors. Russia never seemed sincere about an RT, and his moves bore
> that out. You did not seem sincere either, really, but you at least
> agreed to coordinate moves with me, so I had some hope.
You had more than hope, but that's water over the dam.
> I can't honestly say I think my best chances of survival lie in continuing
> to attack Russia. Certainly, if an AT were to pan out, I would support
> your advances and make my own attacks against him. But to do so while
> under heavy pressure from an apparently rock-solid AI flies in the face of
> reason. If I did attack Russia, I would still be unable to build, since
> I'm sure to lose Smyrna, or possibly Bulgaria, and likely will not hold
> onto Rumania.
I can't discuss my own moves, but if you evinced an interest in this and
trusted me enough to disclose your own moves, I might be able to find a
response that was safe if you were lying and didn't weaken you much if you
were telling the truth.
As for builds, if you order Bla s Rum-Sev, Bul H, Smy H, the worst that
could happen would be that Smy is disbanded in retreat and you get a fleet
build in Con. I was careless in my original suggestion in not pointing out
that you might need to disband a retreated army to get the build.
More later, got to run...
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
> Let me just first say that, you're not dead yet. No harm has been done to
> your nation. Sure, positionally you've taken a hit but a lot hinges on
what
> happens this fall to determine how many you take off or add.
>
> I can't get to Smyrna without Austrian support. If he fails to deliver,
for
> whatever reason, it all starts over at ground zero for me.
I appreciate your candor, but I have to confess it's not very reassuring.
No harm has technically been done yet, but once you're in Smyrna it's only a
matter of time. I suppose I can hope that Austria somehow betrays you, but
I think you and I both know chances of that are slim. My expectation is
that I'll be lucky to hold onto 4 units this year.
> Tough question. Yes, it could have worked and I was genuine in seeking
your
> friendship. I spent two hours last night staring at the map and moving
> pieces, re-reading press until I came to the conclusion that stabbing
> Austria would be for short-term gain only. He'd immediately move his
armies
> back and it would be difficult for me to make continued progress against
> him. Believe me, I agonized over the decision. It was a very difficult
> choice.
Hm, well I suppose you know what you're doing. I would have thought that,
as you once said yourself, a strong land-based Turkey would be better for
Italy in the long run than a strong land-based Austria. And whatever
happens, Austria is sure to come out of this very very strong. Had things
gone as I had hoped, Russia would have been able to apply enough
anti-Austrian pressure that I think he'd have collapsed in short order. But
it's all academic at this point.
Ironic that my enthusiasm for the IT came from what I perceived as long-term
advantages, but you saw only short-term gain in it for Italy.
> Ultimately, I think the weakness of Russia played against you. With
Russia
> weak, Austria and I can have somewhat separate paths for growth
> opportunities. Had Russia gotten a build last winter, Austria would not
> have been so eager to continue north and so eager to help me against you.
Interesting conjecture. I would rather have believed that had I helped
Russia, it would have strengthened AI solidarity. Certainly, I would not
have expected you to join an IT had left the Black Sea DMZ, as Russia
wanted, or had I built a fleet in Smyrna, as Austria wanted.
> No, I believed you were on the level. I truly expected you to enter the
> support order. Of course, there's always a little suspicion, but in this
> case it was negligible.
I find this most fascinating. I often choose an ally by who I think is
being the most straightforward with me, and who I believe the most. A naive
approach, perhaps, but one that's served me well until now. I honestly
thought in this case that was you. This serves as a reminder of the old
mistake of assuming others will respond the way I would.
> > Did I set myself up as too easy a mark to pass up?
>
> This is probably true. It was difficult to turn down the EMS move.
Well, my bad then. Although I have to say, this seems to contradict the
assertion that you attacked me due to long-term considerations. I usually
see the "easy mark" as a short-term gain primarily. I'm not trying to argue
with you, and I definitely appreciate your answering my questions, I'm just
still trying to understand.
> > Was there anything that
> > I could have done differently to have secured Italy as an ally?
>
> I don't think so. I came very close to issuing the pro-Turkish orders but
> in the end chose a different route.
Heh heh. Well at least I have that, then.
> It's quite possible that in the EoG statements you'll be writing, "I told
> you so Italy". I made the bed and now I have to sleep in it.
I think you'll be sleeping comfortably, though you may have to dodge
Austria's elbows now and again.
It seems from your press that you've chosen to stick with Austria as an
ally, at least until Russia and I are out of it. If I assume that Austria
does stick with AI (and I must certainly assume that at this point), then
there is little I can do. If, however, you decide at some point that
Austria is not the ally you really want long-term, then I'm the kind of
player that is ready and willing to let bygones be bygones and start fresh.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to Germany
Frederick,
By the way, one thing you should know. Austria accidentally sent a press to
me that was clearly intended for Italy. He is urging Italy to order
Tyr-Boh. Since you may have some feelings in the matter, I thought you
should be aware of it.
Regards,
Ali Baba
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 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 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 Turkey
Ali:
>In any case, Turkish units will fight to the last man.
>If there is anything I can do to server French interests
>in some puny way, please do
>not hesitate to write.
I wish you the best of luck. The only thing I ask for
myself is that you fight well and anything you can do to
keep Russia alive would be helpful. His presence may
help keep some of the wolves off us both.
I fully expect England and Germany to attack Russia.
They have nothing to gain by helping him and Russia could
not be so gullible to believe them, even if they promised
it??? Well if he is, straighten him out! :-)
-- Prince Boar
Message from Austria to Turkey
Continuing where I left off...
> Perhaps my best chance for survival might be as an Austrian puppet. It
> would be easy for me to launch a futile attack on Serbia, resulting in my
> army staying in Rumania. If you chose not to support Italy's attack on
> Smyrna, I would happily build a fleet or whatever else you wanted me to do.
> I could agree to play it out as an Austrian proxy, but I can't do so while
> you're supporting Italy against me.
You're also too good a player to be a permanent puppet. Right now I believe
AI has a slight advantage against RT, and I can't ease off without losing
that advantage. My suggestions, that you grab Sev, and dump that extra army
and turn it into a fleet, would reduce my risk and allow me more
flexibility. That flexibility may be what we need to rearrange alliances
next year.
Furthermore, both changing an army to a fleet and getting rid of the
Russian fleet behind you are sound defensive moves anyway. Against the two
fleets attacking you, a single fleet is pretty helpless. And the Russian
fleet behind you can't really help much, and is always a threat to stab if
you begin to succeed against AI. I doubt the Russian has forgotten the
Fall 1901 Bul-Rum that hurt him so badly; while he may be allied with you
because it's better than nothing, I don't think he's very happy about doing
so.
> Well thanks for the compliment. Indeed, I seem to have done nothing but
> switch alliances so far this game; in the first turn pro-Russian, in the
> second pro-Austrian and in the third pro-Italian. Maybe that's my problem.
> In any case, I wouldn't say it's served me well.
The first switch was fine. The second one wasn't; you walked into a trap,
there was no alliance for you to switch into.
> The bottom line is, I don't care if Russia lives or dies. I do care if
> Turkey lives or dies, and Turkey cannot survive the current AI forces
> arrayed against it. If you choose not to support Italy's attack, then I'll
> do whatever you ask. If not, I won't be around long to help or hinder you
> either way.
Turkey is pretty tough. If you want an alternative to the slow
dismemberment that will probably result from your RT participation, I
suggest cannibalism :-). Take a chomp out of Russia; he can't bite back
anyway, and I still prefer AT to AI, especially when it's AT vs I rather
than AT versus IR.
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
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 England to Turkey
Ali,
>It seems that I have chosen poorly in the south. I really believed
>Roberto's promises to attack Austria.
There is always Tyr-vie; ion-adr, eas-ion possible for Italy this turn.
How one gets him to do this is another matter. I think I will point out to
him the weakness of Italy with respect to Austria when it comes to solo
possibilities.
>I realize that England has its own priorities, and propping up Russia may
>not be among them. Who knows, perhaps in an EG vs AI end game, you'll be in
>good position to take out Germany and come out ahead. My money's on Austria
>in that scenario, though.
Mine too.
>I'm sitting here trying to think of a compelling
>reason why England ought to switch sides and support France
No, there is no good reason at present.
>In any case, you're off to a strong start. Best of luck to you as things
>unfold, and do stay in touch.
Thanks,
Ivy
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 Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
>From the tone of your press, it seems you feel your course is set. However,
I would be remiss if I didn't make a last-ditch appeal to you. As you
pointed out, no blood has been shed between us yet. I think I can safely
say, you'll never have a better opportunity to stab Austria than you do
right now. You can waltz into either Vie or Tri, and Greece is still yours
if you want it.
In the short term, you'll be stronger with two builds than the one that
you'd gain in Smyrna. In the long term, you would be better off by virtue
of your ownership of Austrian centers, giving you a strong central position,
and you'd have a land-based Turkey who would basically do whatever you want
in gratitude for your friendship. Russia is unlikely to gain anything this
turn, meaning he'd still be weak, but strong enough to apply the pressure
needed to make Austria collapse quickly. There is no downside; you'll still
have unquestioned supremacy in the Mediterranean waters, and you'll have a
stronger position going into the mid-game.
Alternatively, if you stick with Austria, then he will grow more quickly
than you. At present, there is no way to retaliate against Italy; all my
attacks are against Austria. However, if it becomes evident that I'm headed
for a hasty exit, I'll probably throw my support to the Austrian in the end.
If you stick with me, you can have whatever Austrian or Baltic centers you
want. If you stick with Austria, you'd need to gain Greece and all of
Turkey to make it worthwhile; and I don't see Austria agreeing to all of
that. A/R conflict is firmly established, and the time has never been
better for us to cooperate instead of fighting each other.
I hope you will consider the above. It's not too late to turn things
around.
Ali Baba
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 France to Turkey
Ali Baba:
I have been desperately trying to talk Russia into
protecting St. Petes. He thinks that he has may have a
shot at
Sweden. I see 0% chance at that happening. I do not
want him to weaken by losing St. Petes. I also do not
want
England to build another fleet.
Anything you can do to influence him, please do. But
since I sent so many messages to him about it, I ask you
not to
mention to him that I asked you to do this. Thanks.
-- 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 Germany to Turkey
> 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!
Ah Ha. I figured that Russia was heading north for a reason. It's why
he's not in Sweden.
I have a tough choice in the next few hours. Let Russia have Sweden so
he can fight more effectively in the south, or take it myself, and build
my own army to fight in the south. It will be interesting.
Thanks for the info on the TYR-BOH move. Italy has said that army is to
be used against Russia. I would suspect that IA would like me to stay
out of there way until they polish you and Russia off. Then they'll
turn toward me.
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 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.
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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