|
|
Austria: Army Galicia can retreat to Silesia or Ukraine or Vienna
Turkey: Army Smyrna can retreat to Ankara or Armenia or Constantinople or Syria
Message from Observer to Observer
Very interesting.
So, in the west it looks like it's shaping up as EG vs. F. England
looks to be able to force Mao in F1903 as Nwg moves to Nao and then
Mao. From there, France will go in a downward spiral if EG can keep
together. He just won't have enough units to keep EG out of Bur/Pic.
Germany builds one, Turkey builds one (+Rum, + Gre - Smy), AI seem to
be allied. Russia is down to 3 centers and will have to disband
one. Austria keeps even, losing Greece and gaining Warsaw.
My take is that the east is too tangled to say what's going on for
sure. Even if there are some set alliances right now - the way that
the units are so tangled together it's easy to switch around.
dan.
Message from Austria to Turkey
OK, you now own Greece (as we had earlier agreed you would :-). And you have
your build. Russia is down to 3 SCs.
Note that, had you used Rum to support Bla-Sev instead, you'd have two
builds instead of one, and be in excellent shape, instead of merely good
shape; if you had ordered Bla s Rum-Sev instead, you would still be in
better shape than you are now.
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from France to England
Wingo:
> I had asked you about Norway->StP, and you
>asked me not to do it. I accepted that, even
>though I worried about your motivation for keeping
>Russia strong.
Prince Boar asked you not to take St. Petes in the
spring. He said that you could reassess in the fall. My
reasons, as I sent through him, were pretty sound. They
involved slowing down the south east and keeping
Germany distracted for the fall season.
I do not recall my brother forcing his opinion on you.
He argued his point and explictly stated that he wanted
to hear your point of view.
If you doubted my motives, why are you following my plan
even while you are at war with me? Does it make you
feel less guilty about betraying France if you can assign
some less than honor motives to ourselves?
Le DAUPHIN
Message from France to Germany
Frederick:
What an OPPORTUNITY you wasted with the North Sea wide
open. How often does Germany get an opportunity to just
walk in at this stage of the game?
Ivy is pointed my way and will certainly be even more
focus on the other side of his island during the spring
move. There is still time to get into place!
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Austria and Italy
Potential Allies:
Did you consider my application? I hope that you will
take me in.
While I am waiting, can you explain the hold in Serbia to
me. My brother has the tactical brains in the family and
he is busy right now. I understand that you had a
guessing game around Greece and Serbia. But wouldn't
Ser-Bul be better than a hold in Ser? Maybe there is
something to do with Rumania that I am missing?
That Turkish build will be a set back for the team. I am
just as disappointed. I wanted Germany and England to
see that they could not finish me off before Turkey fell.
Now, if Turkey is getting builds, that hurts my
arguments :-)
It is a shame that you cannot afford to retreat to
Silesia. Germany deserves it. But you kind of need to
defend Vienna.
What about bringing Russia into the fold. Germany and
England suddenly look scary and they have 2-on-1 versus
your 2-on-2. Russia needs friends. If you offer a
position at your firm, he is sure to jump at it. He is
ticked at Germany and friendly with me. FIAR vs EG and
T?
What are the chances of getting that Fleet in the Ionian
to come over and help me defend France?
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
It looks like we are dead meat. The only hope I see is
our joining up with IA to fight EG and you offer up
Turkey as the price of peace. Germany's move to Bohemia
must tick Austria off. They did a nice job of clearing
out so I have little opportunity to suggest a stab to
anyone.
I admit that I was surprised that Ivy did not go for St.
Petes. But I guess that fleet from Norway to Norwegian
Sea accomplishes the same thing and keeps you more
viable. But Germany is position to come take St. Petes
now. He is not so reasonable as Ivy.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Austria and Italy
Ms. Felicia:
I just thought of something. If you are willing to make
peace with Russia, then the retreat to Sileisa may make a
lot of sense. You can get Russia to agree to let you
have Warsaw and you allow him into Budapest. That will
allow you to move to protect Vienna and Budapest will be
protected from Turkey, whom we want to crumble.
At least think about it before you make the retreat. I
image that you have until Monday to consider it. Take
your time.
I guess an alternative is War -> Pru and Gal -> Sil, but
there is no support for these and a new army in Berlin is
sure to bounce at least one of them.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 18&19 Results:
Due to technical difficulties with the communication
system, yesterday's stage update had to be delayed. This
report covers two stages.
Stage 18
Lance Armstrong not only protected his lead but extended
during Friday's time trial. Lance is headed to Paris in
style by winning another stage. This extend England's
lead and with the Yellow Jersey all but wrapped up, he is
sure to win the game.
Stage 19
Erik Zabel improved his bid to win a record
sixth-straight green jersey as the best sprinter of the
Tour de France. He won both the stage and the
intermediate sprint and cut O'Grady's lead to just two
points leading into the final stage. The final sprint
into Paris will surely decide the matter. Zabel should
be considered the favorite. This puts Germany in second
place in points and with the Green Jersey points to
follow, he is sure to take a strong second to England.
Is this a sign of things to come in the real game?
Also, the Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountain) will go
to Jalabert of CSC. This should place Turkey in third
place in the TdF game.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 40 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 30 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) 82 hours, 20 minutes, 00 seconds
2. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 6 minutes, 44 seconds
3. Joseba Beloki (ONC) @ 9:05
Green Jersey:
1. Stuart O'Grady (C.A.) 212 points
2. Erik Zabel (TEL) 210
Polka Dot Jersey:
1. Laurent Jalabert (CSC) 257 points
2. Jan Ullrich (TEL) 211
-- Prince Boar
Message from Germany to France
Prince Boar:
I'm aware that there was a great opportunity for me to stab into the
North Sea. But I'm looking beyond that. I'm looking at Austria (and
Italy) It's my feeling that these two won't stab each other until
Turkey or Russia are gone (or down to one)
Therefore we need to counter them. I can't do that effectively if I
change sides often. Last turn England and I pulled a fast one on you in
Burgundy. If I were to stab Ivy this turn, would either of you ever
trust me again? Not likely. The result would be a very slow resolution
of EFG. Not something that we can afford with Austria and Italy growing
so quickly.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Italy
Roberto:
Your life is looking pretty good.
The army in Tyrolia is beginning to worry me. I haven't decided yet,
but I'm considering trying to move it. The plain truth is that we've
both seen this type of thing before. A unit that just sits and sits,
then one day it wakes up and attacks.
I'm even more vulnerable now that France is in BUR.
Truthfully I don't really want to move south. I would just like to see
TYR clear.
I'd like to send one, maybe two armies east. That would work for you
in that if Austria runs over Russia faster than you overrun Turkey he'll
become a dangerous partner. Russia already knows how dangerous. If on
the other hand I slow down Austria's progress, you could build quicker
than Austria. I don't need to tell you that the partner that builds
quicker is usually in the drivers seat. And in this game could become
the eventual winner.
So that's my offer. Retreat the army in TYR, and I'll be free to move
east. Slowing Austria's advance, and giving you the upper hand.
It would probably be best if you didn't tell Austria this. He'll see
it plain enough in my move to BOH.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
I'm beginning to think that we trust each other. I trusted you, so I
decided to pull Holland now, instead of waiting. Also the DEN move
instead of BAL.
You trusted me, as you left the North Sea open.
I think we're in good shape.
I didn't trust Italy. The move to BOH was designed to bounce him out
of there. But he didn't go. That's ok. my moves have probably saved
me a turn. Which is needed as Russia guessed wrong and lost WAR.
But in getting into BOH I've alerted Austria. So be it.
Have you heard from Austria? I haven't heard anything since the
opening bell.
I will be building an army in Berlin as I said.
Looks like we'll have to push BUR back in the spring. Luckily we can.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Russia
Nik:
Using 20/20 hindsight, I'm glad that I didn't give you Sweden. You
wouldn't have gotten a build. So it would have done you no good to have
a fleet sitting in Sweden. You needed an army. And your fleet in SWE
might have created mischief for England, since he wants to move the
fleet that was in Norway to the NAO. (Hopefully)
On the plus side, I decided to just trust what Ivy was telling me, so I
swung KIE to BOH. I'll build an army in BER and send it to Prussia. We
should be able to counter attack WAR in the fall. I also don't have a
problem with supporting you in. Because I don't want to get England
worried. Which is what would happen if I build another before he cracks
France. The bottom line is that if I begin to look too powerful, then
the chance of England and France putting something together goes up
drastically. Therefore, I think it's in my best interest to not build
next year.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Turkey
Ali:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you build one? Way to go.
And Austria doesn't get to build. While I'm sitting in BOH. Maybe we
have something to talk about.
And I figured that you are the last person I'd be in serious
negotiations with.
Maybe now Austria will talk to me. I haven't heard from him since the
opening.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Italy
Roberto:
I didn't see that Austria doesn't get a build this time. I was
expecting him to retreat GAL to UKR and build in VIE. From there he
could move against MOS then go north or south.
All that is changed. I now think that he has to retreat to VIE. to
protect himself from myself in BOH and Russia in GAL.
Plus Turkey gets to build one. There doesn't seem to be the AI
juggernaut that I imagined.
I'd still like to see you retreat from TYR though. And I still do not
have plans to move in after you.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
After looking more closely at the board, I've noticed that Austria
doesn't get a build, but Turkey does. Therefore the AI juggernaut that
I was so concerned about doesn't appear to be as threatening as I once
thought. I still think AI will take out Turkey and Russia, eventually.
How will that effect us? It means to me that I'd better take a
conservative approach. I actually do NOT want to build next year.
Because I know that you won't. And if I get too far ahead of you in
SC's then the chance goes up that you'll turn from France and attack me.
It's my opinion that the best chance for victory for both of us is if
we continue on a course of eliminating France. If we pause from that
task, then we might not get another chance.
Russia has to disband one unit. The obvious choice is the fleet in
BOT. Although he might not do that as it'll leave STP wide open for
me. I've already sent him a note stating the above case. Basically
that although I'd love to grab a few more centers, it is better for me
to wait. What I didn't tell him is that once you break into the MAO,
I'll be going for STP. He won't like that. On the other hand he is
safe there for a year. A lot can happen in a year.
In the spirit of teamwork, if Russia does disband his northern fleet,
I'll move away from Norway. Which will make Russia nervous. But I can't
do everything.
I still think that Italy will build a fleet and either sit on it or
move it west. He can see that France will fall. I'm betting that he'll
offer his services to us soon. Just to get a piece of the pie. And to
be in position to block an English invasion of the Med.
Fredd
Message from France to England
Ivy:
It does look like things are going your way.
>I think you will get some satisfaction from knowing
>that Germany did not send me any note after the last
>set of moves until after 11pm last night.
I am sure that this will cost you on some critical turn
in the future. In fact I just do not know how you could
negotiate such a definative separation of forces in a
half hour. I doubt you were waiting by the computer for
his message.
>I am going to try sticking with Germany and see how
>it goes.
Good, rather bad, ummm. Well just luck I guess.
Boar
Message from France to Turkey
Ali Baba:
Congratulations on turning around your fortunes. An
excellent guess on your part, or rather a bad guess on
Austria's part. I think that you saved your life. Of
course that probably will cost me mine. Can you send
some magic or words of wisdom to me?
How about predicting what England might do?
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
I understand your goal for resolving EFG quickly. That
was always my goal as well. I just disagree that EG can
finsh France more quickly than FG could finish E. This
is especially true if you cost England a unit and were in
the North Sea.
I think that you either were not paying attention to my
messages or did not believe them. But I really did not
take your move to Burgundy as a stab. An attack yes, but
a betrayal no. We had no relationship to betray.
England on the other hand lied to me and set me up big
time. He is the one I would not trust. There was no
chance that I would then side with him against you.
Oh well, that is water under the bridge now. I am
resigned to my fate. It probably would have been
frustrating trying tp work with you long term anyway.
Good luck,
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Turkey
My Good Ali,
> Movement results for Fall of 1902. (titleist.005)
> Austria: Army Ukraine -> Warsaw.
> Austria: Army Galicia SUPPORT Army Ukraine -> Warsaw. (*dislodged*)
It figures that I gave Ferdie too much credit. Of his three possible
attacks,
this one was the worst for him, unless he expected us to dislodge Gal
> Germany: Army Munich -> Bohemia.
He claims this is pro-Russian, but we'll see, I guess.
> Italy: Army Tyrolia HOLD.
German Army in Boh, Italian Army in Tyl, Russian Army in Gal, Turkish
Armies in Rum and Gre, with Vie and Tri open and no Austrian builds...
I'm going to enjoy writing to Austria this turn. 8-)
> The following units were dislodged:
>
> The Austrian Army in Galicia can retreat to Ukraine or Vienna or Silesia.
Hmmm, my first reaction was, "Damn, he can retreat to Ukr, I'm doomed!",
but the situation in Austria just may force him to cover Vie.
> The Turkish Army in Smyrna can retreat to Constantinople or Ankara or
> Armenia.
Retreating to Ank and building in Con, seems obvious, but I'm probably
going to disband F Sev, so you might want to consider Arm. I haven't
thought
this through yet, though.
In Alliance,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Germany to France
PB:
> I think that you either were not paying attention to my
> messages or did not believe them. But I really did not
> take your move to Burgundy as a stab. An attack yes, but
> a betrayal no. We had no relationship to betray.
> England on the other hand lied to me and set me up big
> time. He is the one I would not trust. There was no
> chance that I would then side with him against you.
>
> Oh well, that is water under the bridge now. I am
> resigned to my fate. It probably would have been
> frustrating trying tp work with you long term anyway.
That's a bit of a contradiction. In on paragraph you still to work with
me, in the other maybe not so much.
Be that as it may, I still will be very surprised if we don't work
together at some point, somehow.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
Are you detecting a note of desperation in the Boars press? Or more
like 'why won't you work with me, I really have your interests at
heart.'
Message from Germany to Master
1902 Germany EOY
Big things happening this year. Alliances seem to be solidifying. It
looks all the world like AI vs RT in the east. In fact, after the
spring move it looked like AI would overrun RT rather quickly. This
observation caused me to jump totally on board with England. The
thinking being that unless we eliminate France quickly, AI will be at my
borders well before I'm ready.
The fall move shows that AI is not as tough as they first looked.
Hats off to Turkey for losing a home center and still getting a build.
Also kudos for getting me to move to BOH. He had dropped a hint that
the Italian army in TYR was moving there. I suspect now that he was
blowing smoke. On the other hand Italy had stated in the past that he
was going to use that army to move against Russia. So it was a
completely believable ruse.
The spring move is where EG was born. I gave serious consideration to
moving into HEL. Thinking that England could be going there. Luckily he
didn't. I did support Holland instead of moving KIE to RUH, just in
case. BER - BAL was obvious. Before the move I didn't really trust
England, so I offered SWE to Russia in case I needed his help against
England. I also told Russia that I could very well attack him in SWE in
the fall if England did as he said he would. Russia was pissed at
Austria, so he convoyed his army away from me instead. A piece of luck
for me. Also a lesson in the disadvantage of stabbing early in a game.
(but I guess someone has to do it)
The fall move went very well. No bounces. The move to BOH was supposed
to bounce Italy back to TYR. I didn't want him to get that army up in
the WAR area. I knew that I'd have to fight him there. As northern
Russia is the area that I want to expand into. KIE - MUN was to cover
MUN in case TYR went there. Also it was a way to move forward to the
front lines. I can now push Italy out of TYR, if diplomacy fails to
move it. I definitely don't want an Italian army in TYR. I'll have to
take it into consideration every turn.
The bold move was taking England at his word and moving off of Holland
and Denmark. In both cases I really left myself open. But I believed
that England was going to vacate the North Sea. It's amazing how two
people can just decide to trust the other. We have a great DMZ between
us now.
For the immediate future, I'm going to make sure that I don't build
again next fall. That would put me two up on England. That makes for
an unstable alliance. I want him to continue his attack on France. I
also want Russia on my side against Austria. Therefore I've told both E
and R that I won't attack STP in 1903. Hopefully this will convince
Russia to disband his fleet in GOB.
Another consideration for moving conservatively in 1903 is that I could
be attracting attention. Being the low seed that Germany is, I'm sure
that I've benefited from being underestimated. But if you look at the
board right now. England and France are tied up. Russia and Austria the
same. Turkey and Italy, ditto. I'm actually in the best position of
anyone on the board. even more so because I could have a shot at STP and
WAR next year, while pushing into BUR. I'm sure that everyone else sees
this, and they'll be wondering if they shouldn't do something about it.
Time to ratchet up the press.
I still intend to overrun northern Russia in 1904. While England is
tearing into France.
I haven't given thought to the endgame yet. Certainly England will be
a problem once France is gone. Perhaps a two way will work. I'd
personally love that. A two way in the Championship game should send a
message. I am so tired of the players of this game treating it as an
exercise in stabbing first and often. Perhaps a two way with Italy.
Austria did not write to me in 1902. Perhaps he will now that I have
an army at his door.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
I guess that I'll make up for missing a few days of press.
This note isn't about specifics, so there's no need to reply
immediately.
Two thoughts.
At this moment in time I look to be sitting pretty. No real enemies to
speak of, plus STP looks like it's mine if I try, and maybe even WAR.
Certainly I'll be fighting France, but it'll be on French soil not
German. Also that pesky Italian army in TYR could divert my attention
from the east. In a normal game, I'd have a big smile on my face.
In this game I feel like someone painted a big target on my back. In
one move I could be fighting France, Russia, Austria and Italy. Excuse
me while I duck and cover for awhile.
2nd, I've been thinking about the endgame. Certainly a win would be
totally fulfilling. But is there more than one way to be a winner? In a
three way what if two countries had the same number of units? Certainly
that has to be the case in a two way.
I've noticed that four out of the seven of us participated in a two way
in the first round. That's amazing actually. But it means that we're
not foreign to the concept. I wouldn't be surprise to see this game end
in a two way.
What would be better actually? I'd love to send a message like that.
I'm so tired of the players in this game using it as an exercise in
finding the perfect stab. And if they don't find it, going with any stab
that fits.
Fredd
Message from Russia to England
Ivy, My Friend,
> Not if Germany attacks Sweden from Denmark. Then it would bounce.
I didn't expect you to vacate Nth, so didn't think he'd dare order
Den-Swe.
> 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.
Yes, had I taken Swe with the Army, and not gotten Den as well, losing
War would have been certain rather than a 50-50 chance, so I still wouldn't
have gotten a build. To remain in the north, I needed two Centers. The
game
is like that, sometimes. Any pro-Russian influence you can exert on Germany
would still be appreciated, and it would also be the wise course to take, I
think.
Nick.
Message from Russia to France
> It looks like we are dead meat. The only hope I see is
> our joining up with IA to fight EG and you offer up
> Turkey as the price of peace.
I offered them Turkey in 1901, Austria isn't interested, and Italy
is taking Turkey without my help. It will take England at least a
year to get into position to crack your defenses. We'll see what
happens in that time.
> Germany's move to Bohemia must tick Austria off.
I certainly hope so! I'll be emphasizing Tyl-Tri, Boh-Vie in my
next letter to him. 8-)
> I have little opportunity to suggest a stab to anyone.
Bel-Hol is still England's only hope for a build this year, while
Germany could build three. Does Ivy trust Fredd that much?
> I guess that fleet from Norway to Norwegian Sea accomplishes
> the same thing and keeps you more viable.
That was his position, too. I'm not sure what I did to earn Ivy's
goodwill, but I'm not going to complain about the only good luck
that I've had this century.
> But Germany is position to come take St. Petes now. He is not
> so reasonable as Ivy.
Yeah, but there's nothing I can do about that, and I don't think
GoB-StP would have deflected Germany in the least.
Nick.
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> Using 20/20 hindsight, I'm glad that I didn't give you Sweden. You
> wouldn't have gotten a build.
Had you agreed to Bot-Swe, Ali and I would have risked Bla S
Sev-Rum, and I would have built A Sev, but that's the way things go.
> your fleet in SWE might have created mischief for England, since
> he wants to move the fleet that was in Norway to the NAO.
The same thing can be said for your Fleet in Swe, of course.
> On the plus side, I decided to just trust what Ivy was telling me, so I
> swung KIE to BOH. I'll build an army in BER and send it to Prussia.
Ber-Sil would make more sense, I think.
> I think it's in my best interest to not build next year.
You're probably right about that. I'd be interested to hear what sort
of
reaction Mun-Boh produces.
Nick.
Message from England to France
Dauphin,
> If you doubted my motives, ...
I assume that the motive of the player is to have fun. I assume that,
within the game context, almost all opponents are devilishly and
appropriately selfish. I would have been reasonable for you to want a
strong Russia for all sorts of reasons, even if you actually did not want a
strong Russia.
> Does it make you
>feel less guilty about betraying France if you can assign
>some less than honor motives to ourselves?
No one's honor is at stake; it's just a game.
It's just a game, so why DO I feel guilt at times? It's a strange,
fabulous game that simulates certain real world entanglements that I would
never want to be part of.
For the record: I expect to be completely loyal to Germany as long as the
game is on its present course. I'm not sure I can define "present course."
Ivy Wingo
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto,
> Movement results for Fall of 1902. (titleist.005)
> Austria: Army Ukraine -> Warsaw.
> Austria: Army Galicia SUPPORT Army Ukraine -> Warsaw. (*dislodged*)
> Austria: Army Budapest SUPPORT Army Serbia.
It figures. I gave him credit for too much imagination.
> Germany: Army Munich -> Bohemia.
> Italy: Army Tyrolia HOLD.
> Russia: Army Warsaw -> Galicia.
> Turkey: Army Bulgaria -> Greece.
> Turkey: Army Rumania SUPPORT Russian Army Warsaw -> Galicia.
>
> The following units were dislodged:
>
> The Austrian Army in Galicia can retreat to Ukraine or Vienna or Silesia.
How long do you want to remain allied with Austria? Every Center he
owns except Trieste is facing a supported attack this Spring, and I'd bet
you could walk into Tri unopposed. You can hold your gains in Turkey,
possibly even expanding there, and cripple Austria at the same time.
What do you think?
Your Friend,
Nicky.
Message from England to Russia
Nicky,
> Any pro-Russian influence you can exert on Germany
>would still be appreciated, and it would also be the wise course to take, I
>think.
Strange guy, that Germany. After two days of silence, I find that I have
four messages from him awaiting my answer.
I do not expect Germany to make any attempt whatsoever on StP this
year. He is aware that I cannot get builds for quite some time. He knows
that I would be upset if he got more than one supply center ahead of
me. He knows that it is best if the east proceeds as slowly as the
west. That means having a Russia with some resources.
Although I knew better than to ask him not to take Sweden last turn, I will
insist that he leave StP alone indefinitely.
Ergo, I suggest that you consider disbanding the northern fleet. It could
not save StP anyway, even if Germany wanted StP soon.
Most cordially,
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to Germany
Wonderful Freddy,
Nice moves. I do like the Kiel-Munich-Bohemia maneuver.
My own modem was down all yesterday evening and my ISP had a planned outage
from midnight until 2pm today. That plus the problems with USIN on top of
your own unavailability for a couple of days made for a truly crazy
communications fiasco.
It is a tribute to our mutual good will that we put together a good set of
moves.
Now let me look a your four messages (count 'em, 4!!) and respond.
Ivy
Message from Russia to Austria
Ralassa,
> Movement results for Fall of 1902. (titleist.005)
>
> Austria: Army Ukraine -> Warsaw.
> Austria: Army Galicia SUPPORT Army Ukraine -> Warsaw. (*dislodged*)
> Germany: Army Munich -> Bohemia.
> Germany: Army Kiel -> Munich.
>
> Italy: Army Tyrolia HOLD.
> Russia: Army Warsaw -> Galicia.
>
> Turkey: Army Bulgaria -> Greece.
> Turkey: Army Rumania SUPPORT Russian Army Warsaw -> Galicia.
>
> The following units were dislodged:
>
> The Austrian Army in Galicia can retreat to Ukraine or Vienna or Silesia.
Are you sure Warsaw was worth it? Every Center you own, except
Trieste, is subject to a supported attack next Spring, and I'd be willing
to bet that Roberto will walk into Trieste unopposed. I suggest that you
consider your retreat carefully.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> I suggest that you consider disbanding the northern fleet. It could
> not save StP anyway, even if Germany wanted StP soon.
Obviously, one of the Fleets will go, but I'm considering Bot-Lvn
to prevent War from retreating northward, if I can dislodge it.
Nick.
Message from England to Germany
Freddy,
> Are you detecting a note of desperation in the Boars press? Or more
>like 'why won't you work with me, I really have your interests at
>heart.'
In my case it is progressing from desperation to resignation. He is
beginning to accept my loyalty to the EG alliance. I respect his attempt;
that's the way to play the game. He sent hoards of messages trying to get
me to change my mind.
My only goal now in my correspondence with him is to repair any personal
animosity that may have arisen.
*******************
> After looking more closely at the board, I've noticed that Austria
>doesn't get a build, but Turkey does. Therefore the AI juggernaut that
>I was so concerned about doesn't appear to be as threatening as I once
>thought. I still think AI will take out Turkey and Russia, eventually.
Absolutely, and the longer it takes the better it is for us.
> How will that effect us? It means to me that I'd better take a
>conservative approach. I actually do NOT want to build next year.
>Because I know that you won't. And if I get too far ahead of you in
>SC's then the chance goes up that you'll turn from France and attack me.
I think it best that you refrain from taking StP for this year, hoping that
Russia concentrates on Austria. Tell Russia openly and honestly what your
reasoning is. If Russia fails to destroy the northern fleet, then he is an
ingrate.
> It's my opinion that the best chance for victory for both of us is if
>we continue on a course of eliminating France.
At some point, not necessarily now, I hope you will trust me enough to
invite London-> North Sea so that it can support Belgium. As it is, Ruhr
is obligated to take Belgium and we cannot go after Burgundy. A little
later, the Channel will be free to cut Picardy. That's when a triple
attack on Burgundy will succeed. We will have ruhr & munich supporting
Bel-Bur.
> I still think that Italy will build a fleet and either sit on it or
>move it west. He can see that France will fall. I'm betting that he'll
>offer his services to us soon. Just to get a piece of the pie. And to
>be in position to block an English invasion of the Med.
The only thing I don't want Italy to do is to help France defend!
************************
> But in getting into BOH I've alerted Austria. So be it.
> Have you heard from Austria? I haven't heard anything since the
>opening bell.
We talk occasionally, but there has never been anything of substance to
talk about. Let's both of us think about how the Bohemia move should be
handled diplomatically.
> Looks like we'll have to push BUR back in the spring. Luckily we can.
Can we? I don't think so. The Channel can't cut Picardy and defend
Belgium at the same time.
**********************
> I guess that I'll make up for missing a few days of press.
I was stunned to find four messages from you when I finally got
online. Are you sure this is the same old Freddy? Perhaps success is
stimulating! 8-)
>At this moment in time I look to be sitting pretty. No real enemies to
>speak of,
Austria? Be very careful there.
> I've been thinking about the endgame. Certainly a win would be
>totally fulfilling. But is there more than one way to be a winner? In a
>three way what if two countries had the same number of units? Certainly
>that has to be the case in a two way.
If two or more countries are tied in units at the end, then the winner is
the one who had the most centers the previous turn. If still tied, Doug
will look back yet another turn, etc. So if two or three persons agree to
a draw, they will know at that moment which of them is going to be the
tournament winner. Will that make any draw very difficult to achieve?
I would be happy just being part of such a dilemma. The primary goal right
now is not to get eliminated. The second goal is to gain enough strength
to be a factor in the end game. The EG alliance can achieve this goal for
us easily.
Ivy Wingo
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
I do not see a contradiction at all. I said first that I
would only have considered working with you. I then said
that I expected it to have been frustrating.
As for our working together some time. I am less
optimistic. I see IA and EG and the rest of us getting
squashed. I suppose if England got too big that you
might have to try to make peace with me. But you would
first have to make peace with Austria. Then what about
Italy taking advantage of my back and possibly Russia
yours. Sure there might be a time that we have to
cooperate a bit. But I do not see it being very
significant. I just do not see this game being the stab
happy shifting alliances that you forsee. But what do I
know, I have been very wrong so far.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
Well, in 1901 Austria and Italy may not have needed your
help as things look comfortable for them and Austria
coveted your centers. Now with England and Germany in
their face and looking like the dominate power, and
Turkey making a recovery, they must reconsider their
path.
I have pointed this out to them. I have not hear their
reply.
I believe that a FAIR alliance is our only hope for the
future.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to England
Wingo:
I find my honor important. As my lands and cities are
taken, it will be all that I have left.
Whether you will be loyal to Germany or not will be
revealed. I certainly have no plans to tell him that you
told me that you will be loyal to him. Will he be loyal
to you, or can you continue to be loyal to him, when he
grows faster than you? An interesting dynamic that may
get played out on the face of Europe. Fredd has told me
several times that he does not forsee any alliances
lasting more than a couple of game years. I was looking
forward to proving him wrong. Now someone else will have
to do that.
You must be gleeful that Turkey outguessed Austria. That
will make a huge impact on the future. Does it help you
and Germany or weaken the necessity that drove you to a
complete trustful alignment. A question for
philosophers, not myself.
Le DAUPHIN
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 20 and Final Results:
Lance Armstrong rode into Paris, wearing the Yellow
Jersey on the final stage. This is his third Tour de
France victory in as many years. Jan Svorada of team
Lampre won today's stage. The Green Jersey goes to Erik
Zabel of Telekom and the Polka Dot Jersey to Laurent
Jalabert of CSC World something or other. At least each
Jersey was won by a team representing one of our great
powers in Europe. Of the 20 stages and the Prologue, 13
were won by our teams.
England wins the game the Grand Prize of having Ivy
Wingo's sister get a date with the Dauphin. Knowing that
the relations between England and France are a bit shaky
right now, we will allow Ivy to escort his sister
throughout the evening. Do not worry, you will be
perfectly safe in France. Our word is as good as yours.
Second Place goes to Germany. He wins the prize of
having the Dauphin call his sister and wish her well.
Turkey, in third place gets an autographed picture of the
Dauphin with Lance Armstrong. The autograph is the
Dauphin's not Lance's.
I truly thank everyone fror playing and putting up with
my game. I especially appreciate those who made
references to it during Titleist. Personally, I am
looking forward to the break from reporting on it. :-)
Final Tally:
England (USPS): 90 points
Germany (Telekom): 50 points
Turkey (CSC): 40 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 10 points
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
> with England and Germany in their face and looking
> like the dominate power, and Turkey making a
> recovery, they must reconsider their path. I have
> pointed this out to them. I have not hear their reply.
> I believe that a FAIR alliance is our only hope for
> the future.
I doubt that AI see EG as quite the threat that you
do, though that may change once Germany sends a
second Army east. If you can convince Austria to
retreat to Vie, and disband War once I retake it, I
am willing to consider FAIR vs. GT, though.
Cordially,
Czar Nicholas II
Message from Russia to all
> Tour de France Stage 20 and Final Results:
> Final Tally:
> England (USPS): 90 points
> Germany (Telekom): 50 points
> Turkey (CSC): 40 points
> Russia (Robobank): 20 points
110 points for Union Riders! More than twice the total of any non-union
team. Go Union!
V.I. Lenin.
European Economic Union Steward for Russia.
Message from Austria to Russia
> Are you sure Warsaw was worth it? Every Center you own, except
> Trieste, is subject to a supported attack next Spring, and I'd be willing
> to bet that Roberto will walk into Trieste unopposed. I suggest that you
> consider your retreat carefully.
I have been considering my retreat. What, in particular, do you suggest?
And if we were to patch up our differences, how do you see us working
together?
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message [from Austria] to all
> Final Tally:
> England (USPS): 90 points
> Germany (Telekom): 50 points
> Turkey (CSC): 40 points
> Russia (Robobank): 20 points
110 points for Union Riders! More than twice the total of any non-union
team. Go Union!
And Russia is the least of the Union. C'est dommage.
Message from Russia to all
> > Final Tally:
> > England (USPS): 90 points
> > Russia (Robobank): 20 points
>
> > 110 points for Union Riders! More than twice the total of any
> > non-union team. Go Union!
>
> And Russia is the least of the Union. C'est dommage.
Russia merely leads the EEU from behind.
V. I. Lenin,
Hindmost (with thanks to Larry Niven)
Message from Russia to Austria
Ralassa,
> I have been considering my retreat. What, in particular, do you suggest?
Gal-Vie seems obvious.
> And if we were to patch up our differences, how do you see us working
> together?
Prince Boar claims that all's FAIR in love and war, and says that he
has spoken to the Austrian Ambassador to France and Roberto regarding
this idea. He seems to think that we really need to GET our act together.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Germany to Russia
Nick:
> > On the plus side, I decided to just trust what Ivy was telling me, so I
> > swung KIE to BOH. I'll build an army in BER and send it to Prussia.
>
> Ber-Sil would make more sense, I think.
Good point. I'm not sure yet. I was thinking of BOH to SIL, but more
than likely we'll use that for something else. Like a supported attack
on VIE. I guess we need to see where Austria retreats to.
>
> > I think it's in my best interest to not build next year.
>
> You're probably right about that. I'd be interested to hear
> what sort of > reaction Mun-Boh produces.
Nothing from A yet.
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> > Ber-Sil would make more sense, I think.
>
> Good point. I'm not sure yet. I was thinking of BOH to SIL, but more
> than likely we'll use that for something else. Like a supported attack
> on VIE. I guess we need to see where Austria retreats to.
Oh, GA Boh places much more pressure on Austria than GA Pru and
GA Sil.
> > I'd be interested to hear what sort of reaction Mun-Boh produces.
> Nothing from A yet.
My reaction is, 'Thank you!', BTW. 8-) Anything from anyone else?
Nick.
Message from Germany to England
Ivy
I'd say that desperation to resignation to accusation is how I'd sum up
the Boar.
Well Russia should dump the northern fleet, and I had already done what
you suggested. Maybe he will maybe not. It doesn't really matter. If it
stays I'll push it out.
Perhaps in the future I can invite you into the North Sea. Perhaps
soon, I guess it depends on Russia disbanding his fleet. WIth that
gone, I can move back to DEN while you're in the North Sea. I wouldn't
want to leave DEN and HOL open while you're in the NTH. Just as I'm
sure you wouldn't like to see me there while EDI and LON are open.
If at all possible we should just stay out. We were lucky in
disengaging this time. It's the most difficult thing in this game. A
simultaneous move away. If we go back in, we'll have to do it all over
again.
Belgium and Burgundy:
Thinking out loud.
You'll have to support ENG with LON, and support NWG-NAO with IRI. Any
support from ENG will be cut. So you're right RUH has to support BEL.
BEL can then support MUN - BUR. But that will never go. That all ok,
I feel. Your first gain will probably be Brest, anyway.
> **********************
>
> I was stunned to find four messages from you when I finally got
> online. Are you sure this is the same old Freddy? Perhaps success is
> stimulating! 8-)
The Tour de France is over. That frees up 2 hours per day for me. There
were times when I could sit and watch the Tour or do the Dip thing. You
know which one won. I don't regret that at all.
>
> If two or more countries are tied in units at the end, then the winner
> is the one who had the most centers the previous turn. If still tied,
> Doug will look back yet another turn, etc. So if two or three persons
> agree to
> a draw, they will know at that moment which of them is going to be the
> tournament winner. Will that make any draw very difficult to achieve?
Maybe we could change the rules. I don't see why not. If it were a
two way, we could sit and sit and not set draw. Doug might go along.
(Right Doug?)
Fredd
Message from Germany to Russia
>
> My reaction is, 'Thank you!', BTW. 8-) Anything from anyone else?
>
> Nick.
England and I have talked about getting my fleet out of SWE.
Nothing from Italy yet. Or Turkey.
Surprising as my army in BOH affects all of these. I suspect that A
and I are talking out their response. Or it just might be the weekend.
Fredd
Message from Germany to France
> I just do not see this game being the stab
> happy shifting alliances that you forsee. But what do I
> know, I have been very wrong so far.
Let's see, so far:
Austria stabbed Russia
Italy stabbed Turkey
England stabbed France
But you're right, there has only been one shifted alliance so far.
Russia was originally in bed with Austria. The rest weren't quite
stabs.
Personally I hope that you're right.
Fredd
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> England and I have talked about getting my fleet out of SWE.
Swe-Bal, Bal-Pru, Bot-Lvn (assuming I don't disband Bot), seems
reasonable to avoid having AA War retreat north.
> Nothing from Italy yet. Or Turkey.
I haven't heard from them either, so it's probably a weekend thing.
Austria does seem worried, though.
Nick
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Message from Observer to Observer
On Sun 29 Jul 2001 at 01:06:21AM -0000, in <9jvnid+q6oc@e...>,
dan@i... wrote:
> Very interesting.
Indeed so!
> So, in the west it looks like it's shaping up as EG vs. F. England
> looks to be able to force Mao in F1903 as Nwg moves to Nao and then
> Mao. From there, France will go in a downward spiral if EG can keep
> together. He just won't have enough units to keep EG out of Bur/Pic.
*nodnod* Yeah.
> Germany builds one, Turkey builds one (+Rum, + Gre - Smy), AI seem to
> be allied. Russia is down to 3 centers and will have to disband
> one. Austria keeps even, losing Greece and gaining Warsaw.
Yeps. Except that A has the option of disbanding Gal and building in
Tri or Vie... although there is no real incentive for him to do that,
I think...
Turkey, OTOH, could well do with the ambiguity of A Smy DISBAND....
He then has two builds, and while they are most likely F Con, A Ank,
they might not be.
Mind you, that's not a particularly huge advantage...
> My take is that the east is too tangled to say what's going on for
> sure. Even if there are some set alliances right now - the way that
> the units are so tangled together it's easy to switch around.
Whoo boy, yes. Particularly with Italy's build... That's going to be
interesting.
He *is* in position to stab Austria, and quite hard... deal with
Turkey - Swap Smy for Greece, particularly if Turkey builds F Con, and
supports F Eas->Aeg...
I think IT is still likely at this stage, despite that Italian A Smy.
Build A Ven (sure, it gives the game away, but there's nothing Austria
can do about it)... or F Nap...
That German move to Boh makes interesting reading too... Help the
russians into Vienna? Get help *from* the russians into Vienna,
despite kicking them out of Sweden? Or is it really going for
Tyrolia, at a time when the armies could be better placed hitting
through Burgundy?
The other thing that makes me think IT could still happen is that I
think that Russia's most likely disband is F Sev. He *has* to trust
Turkey, really, and he can't defend Sev and StP at the same time...
and StP is going to come under solid attack very very soon.
Italy's build is going to make a lot of things sort out, I think...
F Nap I think means Austria is going to be stabbed, while F Rom means
he's going to send a fleet west to help/hinder France.
German A Mun/Boh must make Italy concerned about Tyrolia (unless he's
planning to use A Tyr to stab Austria)...
Ook,
Thorf
--
<a href="http://tertius.net.au/~thorfinn">thorfinn@t...</a>
"Fist it. It's my solution to everything."
-- Penny@v...
Message from Observer to Observer
At 02:06 PM 7/30/2001 +1000, you wrote:
>That German move to Boh makes interesting reading too... Help the
>russians into Vienna? Get help *from* the russians into Vienna,
>despite kicking them out of Sweden? Or is it really going for
>Tyrolia, at a time when the armies could be better placed hitting
>through Burgundy?
I assumed it to be the first. Germany's got a pretty good western
perimeter, though it may be a slow advance through France. My take is that
A Boh allows him to help whomever is doing poorly in the east, to help keep
things stable (read, stagnant) there so that he has time to slog through
France and Scandinavia without having anyone else grow too strong in the
south. That plus I assume he's getting pretty good bargaining out of it,
because that one unit can make a big difference to just about any of the
southern powers. That one unit basically has him as an active player in
every theatre (save perhaps Turkey).
As to EG vs F, any thoughts why G didn't take advantage of the support from
E's A Bel. Granted it would have been cut anyway, but does that seem an
indication of a weaker EG than the other posts are positing?
--- Eric
Message from Observer to Observer
On Sun 29 Jul 2001 at 11:22:20PM -0700, in <5.1.0.14.2.20010729231203.00a935e0@m...>,
Eric Goodman <ericg@m...> wrote:
> At 02:06 PM 7/30/2001 +1000, you wrote:
> >That German move to Boh makes interesting reading too... Help the
> >russians into Vienna? Get help *from* the russians into Vienna,
> >despite kicking them out of Sweden? Or is it really going for
> >Tyrolia, at a time when the armies could be better placed hitting
> >through Burgundy?
> I assumed it to be the first. Germany's got a pretty good western
> perimeter, though it may be a slow advance through France.
*nodnod* Yeah, my thought too.
> My take is that A Boh allows him to help whomever is doing poorly in
> the east, to help keep things stable (read, stagnant) there so that
> he has time to slog through France and Scandinavia without having
> anyone else grow too strong in the south.
Agreed on that.
> That plus I assume he's getting pretty good bargaining out of it,
> because that one unit can make a big difference to just about any of
> the southern powers. That one unit basically has him as an active
> player in every theatre (save perhaps Turkey).
Interesting question as to the "finger in every pie", though... is
that going to weaken, or strengthen, his prospects?
Yeah, that unit gives him a *lot* of bargaining power there, but will
the other powers resent it, accept it, or both? My money would be on
"both"...
And, in particular, will R accept the helping right hand (A Boh), when
he's already been stabbed with the left (F Swe)?
He doesn't have a lot of choice... but I don't see that he'd be comfortable,
given the likely prospect of imminent assault on StP by Germany...
He'd have to be pretty sure that G would turn around and stab England
(ie, grab for Norway and the North Sea)... and I don't think he can
have much confidence in that occurring.
> As to EG vs F, any thoughts why G didn't take advantage of the support from
> E's A Bel. Granted it would have been cut anyway, but does that seem an
> indication of a weaker EG than the other posts are positing?
That was actually my first thought when reading the results. "Hrm,
looks to me like EG isn't that tight after all."
It *seems* to me that G is mostly letting England do all the work...
OTOH, that may be justifiable, since E is the one likely to reap more
of the rewards, since E is the one who will pick up Brest, and all of
Iberia... Marseilles is a hard target, particularly if Italy stays in
Tyrolia, or even moves to Piedmont, or plonks a fleet in GoL to help
out the Frenchman...
Paris is also a pretty rough target, and the only other option is
Belgium... which England may well be loathe to relinquish.
Longer term, both E and G have to know that it can't last... after
all, there ain't no stalemate line there, and while G can theoretically
solo without actively stabbing E, E can't really solo without picking
up most of Germany... and there isn't really a two-way-draw prospect
there, either.
Ook,
Thorf
--
<a href="http://tertius.net.au/~thorfinn">thorfinn@t...</a>
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) Zen Koan:
/topic What is the sound of a non-op kicking?
-- Thorfinn <thorfinn@t...>
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
I've yet to hear from Italy or Turkey, but Austria actually seems
somewhat troubled by his position. Perhaps you should contact him
again and suggest that retreating Gal-Vie would go a long way toward
making FAIR possible, not to mention giving him some hope of
defending his Home Centres.
Cordially,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from France to Austria, Italy, and Russia
Mes Amis
I have individual written discussion the possible
formation of an alliance between ourselves. My proposal
certainly is motivated by my position. But I am not
randomly suggesting any proposal. I choose this one
because it is the most appropriate one to suggest. I
believe that we will all benefit.
England and Germany are strongly aligned, as evidented by
the complete demilitarization of their common border.
England has told me that he will not stab Germany for a
long long time. The North Sea is open and there are no
German fleets within range of it. What more of a
statement do you need. RT can fight AI for quite some
time and not get very far. Meanwhile England and Germany
will grow by 6 centers. Germany has already stated his
position by crossing into the heartlands.
Perhaps some of you are counting on their fighting
eventually. Certainly this may happen, but all this
would accomplish is turning the victor into a
frigtheningly large power that is near victory.
Our best course of action is to band together and prevent
their dominance. My motivation is clear, survival.
Austria's motivation should be to get out of the bind he
appears to be in with forces surrounding his centers and
difficulty in defending them. Russia's motivation is
growth as opposed to merely trying to hang on. (England
and Germany certainly are not offering that.) Italy's
motivation would be growth as well.
Turkey is the key. He is behind the three of you and can
cause trouble. I am certain that he sees the strong EG
alliance as a good thing and a possible route to a 3-way
draw for himself. He figures that he just needs to bide
his time and wait until EG start pressing and then nip at
your backs to a nice size that makes it impossible to
eliminate him. This opportunity is almost here for him.
The three of you must band together to both eliminate
Turkey and to help for a front to contain Germany. I
will do the best that I can to slow down England, but I
will need some help from Italy.
There is the question of the Austrian retreat from
Galicia. I proposed that this army go to Silesia, but
Russia wants it to go to Vienna. Silesia is a stronger
move, but creates problems with defending
Budapest-likely requiring Russia occupation. It would
get messy to have Russia and Austria holding each other's
territories. Therefore it is possible that Vienna is the
best choice.
My question for you all is that do you agree that the
FAIR alliance makes sense for us all? What would be the
difficulties with it?
-- Prince Boar
Message from Master to all
I'd like to take a moment to encourage all the players to submit
"End of Year" statements by 'press to m', for use in the "Showcase"
of this game.
Doug
Message from England to Germany
Greddy,
> I'd say that desperation to resignation to accusation is how I'd
> sum up
>the Boar.
He will continue to sing sweet nothings to you until his last breath. Let
this be a test of our resolve.
> Well Russia should dump the northern fleet, and I had already
> done what
>you suggested. Maybe he will maybe not. It doesn't really matter. If it
>stays I'll push it out.
Russia tells me that he is considering destroying the southern fleet
instead. That fleet does him little good as well. Either way you will have
no trouble in the north when you advance in that direction.
> Perhaps in the future I can invite you into the North Sea. Perhaps
>soon, I guess it depends on Russia disbanding his fleet. WIth that
>gone, I can move back to DEN while you're in the North Sea. I wouldn't
>want to leave DEN and HOL open while you're in the NTH. Just as I'm
>sure you wouldn't like to see me there while EDI and LON are open.
> If at all possible we should just stay out. We were lucky in
>disengaging this time. It's the most difficult thing in this game. A
>simultaneous move away. If we go back in, we'll have to do it all over
>again.
I tend to agree. Last night I looked at potential tactics on the
French/German border. We should be able to break through there without a
fleet in the North Sea. The Channel can get involved with either Eng->Bel
or Eng->Pic in conjunction with certain actions by Ruhr and Munich. The
only catch is that this can't be done safely until I occupy the
Mid-Atl. That is my immediate goal and it will be accomplished by this fall.
Anyway, this spring I only ask for Ruhr supp Belgium. Munich doesn't have
to do anything except remain in place, although Bel supp Mun-Bur keeps the
Frenchman honest.
>Maybe we could change the rules. I don't see why not. If it were a
>two way, we could sit and sit and not set draw. Doug might go along.
>(Right Doug?)
I will speak for Doug here. [We really are the same person. Having access
to all the correspondence has been a great boon!]
Rule changes require seven players PLUS the master to agree. If we sit and
sit without setting a draw, then the master can, on his own and within the
rules, declare the draw himself. In which case, we still have a unique
tournament winner based on the criteria set up at the beginning. Under
those criteria the only way for the tournament to end in a tie after a
17-17 draw is for the two drawing players to have been at exactly the same
strength for the full game. Let's see, you have 6 and I have 5, so ... 8-).
In the event a 17-17 draw seems possible, I am willing to flip a coin to
see who will be the official tournament winner. There is plenty of glory
to go around for both.
None of this bothers me in the least. The end is so far off. I agree with
you in that it won't do much good for any player to get far ahead near the
beginning. He will just get beaten down by the others. Players in
titleist are too good to permit a runaway. The right procedure is just to
survive with average health while, one by one, others get
eliminated. First Russia, then France or Turkey, etc.
What should you do with Bohemia this turn? Should we discuss this?
Ivy
Message from Observer to Observer
> > As to EG vs F, any thoughts why G didn't take advantage of the support
>from
> > E's A Bel. Granted it would have been cut anyway, but does that seem an
> > indication of a weaker EG than the other posts are positing?
>It *seems* to me that G is mostly letting England do all the work...
That's how I read it... I think G wants E&F fighting but getting nowhere,
while he goes off and picks up a few centers in the east, possibly all of
StP, WAR, MOS if T & A stay busy further south.
Brian.
_________________________________________________________________
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Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
That was some magic you pulled off there. Austria must be fuming.
I am reasonably confident that, now that he has Sweden, my German friend
will leave StP alone. At least as long as Russia can effectively help you
with Austria.
I am happy that the east will remain unresolved for a while, because it
will take two or three years just to win one supply center from
France. And that is assuming that everything goes my way.
Hang in there.
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to Germany
Greddy,
"Greddy"?
Purely unintentional. I didn't catch it until I saw the confirming message
from USIN.
Sorry,
Jvy Xingo
Message from England to Master
1902. Draining.
Never before have I poured so much energy into a relationship (with France,
in this instance) only to betray. And I have no idea if I made the right
decision.
I have been on the receiving end of something like this before. Once as
England I was so taken by Jeff Stephens' French correspondence that I was
100% certain that he was going to be my ally. I was completely fooled and
learned a lesson from that experience. With good players you cannot always
gauge sincerity by the frequency and length of the correspondence. [Jeff is
out there somewhere in titleist!]
Why did I finally go with Germany?
1) I was afraid of France. Still am.
2) Italy had me believing he and France were on such good terms that France
might well have continued northward against me after Germany was weakened.
3) I believed that France influenced Russia to make that early move to StP
and that France wanted a stronger Russia to keep me in check.
4) A French partnership meant giving up Belgium to France as I took
Holland. Fair enough, but this has France moving north.
All this I could live with. After all, Germany had been a very unreliable
communicator. Allying with him would be a risk.
So I made one last attempt to have a French alliance in which I would not
be immediately vulnerable to a French stab. I offered to help Russia into
Sweden in exchange for Swedish help into Denmark in the fall. I was
confident Russia would accept.
5) Russia replied that if he attended to the north (instead of trying to
defend Warsaw and Moscow from Austria) then he would need Denmark himself!
Reasonable for Russia, but this wouldn't do for me. I could get nowhere
with a French ally in Belgium and a Russian ally in Denmark. Especially
when I believed that France and Russia were on very good terms.
So I went with Germany as an ally.
Finally, did I believe that France would have been a good, loyal ally for a
long time? Yes, I think so. But I also think Germany and I will stick
together for a long time also.
Allen Schweinsberg
Message from Italy to France
>
> Message from France to Russia, Italy and Austria in 'titleist':
>
> Mes Amis
>
> I have individual written discussion the possible
> formation of an alliance between ourselves.
>
Make it FAIT and I think you'll get a favorable response. Austria has
burned his bridges with RT and I'm not happy that he failed to concentrate
solely on Turkey this past year and instead diverted too much energy into a
already weakended Russia.
Roberto
Message from Italy to Russia and Turkey
Gentlemen,
I'm ready to abandon ship and change course. Austria has proven to be the
wrong choice in allies and I'm man enough to admit that I made a mistake.
If I can get a fair and reasonable offer from the two of you, I'll take it.
I hope our goal would be to slow down the growing EG alliance and to that
end I'm prepared to move my fleets to the Western Med. I'm sure we can gain
a partner in France and hopefully it's not too late for the four of us to
turn the tide in this game.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to Germany
>
> I'd still like to see you retreat from TYR though.
>
Frankly, this is unacceptable. Italy considers Tyrolia to be a key
defensive position for his country as it borders our northern most center as
well as two of our allies. Let me remind you, Italy DOES get a build this
year. If your goal is to try to get me to build an army to defend Tyrolia,
it may just work in which case I'll most likely not try to stop England from
turning the corner in the West Med. There would be a good chance that
England would end up with all of France and be beyond the MAO stalemate line
while you try to trudge thru the mass of armies in the east. Is that what
you really want to have happen? It is my belief that the two of us can
co-exist peacefully while I remain in Tyrolia. I have done you no harm to
date and intend to do you no harm in the future. I find it somewhat
insulting that your paranoia now requires my retreat from Tyrolia.
One last thought, whatever happens in the east, whomever is left will be
twice as close to you as they are to England.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from France to Italy
Roberto:
>Make it FAIT and I think you'll get a favorable
>response. Austria has burned his bridges with RT
Are you saying that Austria would prefer to work with
Turkey than with Russia? That seems less desirable for
you as Turkey would be a danger. But if you are willing
to propose it to myself and Austria, I am willing to
agree to it. Would Turkey and Italy be willing to give
you Greece so that you have something to compensate for
handing Smyrna back?
I do think that FAIT would have a better chance at
succeeding quickly in that Russia appears that he will
refuse to attack England. Also, with Germany lined up
to go after St. Petes, Russia will fall anyway. And
trying to eliminate Turkey with Russia and Austria not
getting along very well, and the potential for Turkey to
work with Germany, would be hard.
Can you start the ball rolling?
Are you considering building an army in Venice? I may be
willing to see it move to Piedmont. I admit that I am
nervous about asking two of your forces to come my way.
But I need the help and I hope to convince you that the
longer term needs of keeping me viable will outweigh the
shorter term gains of getting a center or two. Besides,
you would probably not be able to hold those centers from
the joint German-English forces. There is always the
chance we can get you into the Atlantic, but England
seems pretty well positioned to take MAO.
>I'm not happy that he failed to concentrate
>solely on Turkey this past year and instead diverted
>too much energy into a already weakended Russia.
I agree with you. Turkey should have been the first
priotity. Russia has problems on his other side. I am
certainly not the best tactician in the game, but it
seemed like there were better choices for Austria's
forces. They were too static. But that is behind us,
let's go forward.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Austria, France, and Italy
Gentlemen,
>Message from France to Russia, Italy and Austria in 'titleist':
>There is the question of the Austrian retreat from
>Galicia. I proposed that this army go to Silesia, but Russia wants it to
>go to Vienna. Silesia is a stronger move, but creates problems with
>defending
>Budapest-likely requiring Russia occupation. It would get messy to have
>Russia and Austria holding
>each other's territories. Therefore it is possible that Vienna is the best
>choice.
I can accept Gal-Sil, as long as it is followed
by Sil S War-Pru in S1903M. Vie and Bud should be secure,
as long as GIRT do not coordinate an attack upon Austria,
and Italy maintains his pressure on Turkey.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Italy to France
>
> >Make it FAIT and I think you'll get a favorable
> >response. Austria has burned his bridges with RT
> Are you saying that Austria would prefer to work with
> Turkey than with Russia?
Ooops, I mis-typed. I meant FIRT. Austria would not be part of the
alliance and would be eliminated. Turkish armies would take the place of
Austrian armies.
> Would Turkey and Italy be willing to give
> you Greece so that you have something to compensate for
> handing Smyrna back?
>
Discussions are under way. Nothing has been settled yet.
>
> Are you considering building an army in Venice? I may be
> willing to see it move to Piedmont.
>
I'm not sure what I will build yet. I can see arguments for both an army
and a fleet. If my negotiations go well in the east, I will be sending at
least one unit your direction as you requested.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from France to Italy
Roberto:
I can accept the FIRT alliance as well. I would imagine
that it would be best to get Austria to retreat to
Silesia in that instance. He would be out of position.
I expect that Turkey should retreat to Smyrna and
possibly build a fleet in Constantinople. That would
allow you to move Ionian to TyS and and Eme to Ionian?
Let me know what I can do to help!!!
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
***Please note that this is a private reply.***
>Austria has proven to be the wrong choice in allies
>If I can get a fair and reasonable offer from the
>two of you, I'll take it.
I'll offer you Trieste. *wink*
>I'm prepared to move my fleets to the Western Med.
This is good, except that you'll get there the
turn after England takes MAO.
>hopefully it's not too late for the four of us to
>turn the tide in this game.
I actually think that France's proposal makes
a bit more sense, although that assumes that we can
rely on Austria to follow instructions. I remain
willing to work with you in either FA(IR) or T(IR)F.
Shall we discuss both options privately, and decide
which is better for stopping EG, and better for us?
In Hope of Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> This is good, except that you'll get there the
> turn after England takes MAO.
>
I realize that. There's nothing I can do to stop England from getting the
MAO. However, an Italian fleet in the West Med could go a long way in
preventing, or at least slowing down, MAO-SPA etc.
>
> I actually think that France's proposal makes
> a bit more sense, although that assumes that we can
> rely on Austria to follow instructions.
>
That's just it, Austria will not follow instructions. I begged him to leave
you alone and concentrate on Turkey this year but he mumbled something about
being stuck between IR after Turkey was eliminated. I'm not one to take
lightly a supposed ally writing me telling me basically he doesn't trust me
when there is absolutely no basis for mistrust.
> I remain
> willing to work with you in either FA(IR) or T(IR)F.
> Shall we discuss both options privately, and decide
> which is better for stopping EG, and better for us?
>
In all honesty, I think our best hope lies with T(IR)F. I think Turkey is a
better diplomat, better tactician, and understands the game long-term better
than Austria. If we can convince Turkey to continue to build armies to
replace those left behind by Austria while I continue to build fleets to
block the West Med, I think it would work.
If we chose FA(IR), even assuming Austria complied, we'd have to fight our
way into the corner and then turn around again. By that time I fear, EG
would have gotten too strong a foothold to matter. By going F(IR)T, I can
move my fleets west immediately while at the same time, IRT can move armies
west eating into Austria and heading toward their intended destination of
Germany.
I look forward to hearing your analysis.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to France
>
> Let me know what I can do to help!!!
>
Sure, help convince Turkey to build an army rather than a fleet.
Roberto
Message from Russia to Turkey
My Good Ali,
***Please note that this is a private reply.***
Italy Wrote >
>Austria has proven to be the wrong choice in allies
>If I can get a fair and reasonable offer from the
>two of you, I'll take it.
We could offer him Trieste. *wink*
>I'm prepared to move my fleets to the Western Med.
This is good, except that it will get him there
the turn after England takes MAO.
>hopefully it's not too late for the four of us to
>turn the tide in this game.
Is Roberto sincere? It's hard to say, since he's
nearly as smooth as Ivy is. I suspect that he played
a large role in convincing you and Austria that bouncing
me out of Rum in '01 was a good idea, while he assuring
me that I could focus on the North. Is there any reason
for us to not go along with him, even if he's not sincere?
Not that I can see. You need to retreat to Con, and build
A Ank, anyway, and you can demand Smy-Alb, Tyl-Tri as the
price for your cooperation. If he does it, great, if he
doesn't, we haven't really lost anything that I can see.
What do you think?
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Austria
We find ourselves not quite in as good a position as we were the same time
last year. I'm receiving all of these messages about your retreat and quite
frankly I haven't a clue what would be best. Silesia would only be
appropriate if you thought Russia was willing and able to forgive and
forget. That's a really tough assumption to make. Germany has already made
waves that he's considering moving Tyrolia by force and sending armies (note
plural) east. He seems to have chosen England over any possible Center
Alliance. In the meanwhile, nothing can be done to prevent England from
reaching the MAO if he so desires.
Roberto scratches his head and wonders what to do.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Observer to Observer
The following vgfp_titleist poll is now closed. Here are the
final results:
POLL QUESTION: Which power do you view as the leader,
through S1902M? Feel free to comment
through the mailing list . . .
CHOICES AND RESULTS
- England, 3 votes, 50.00%
- France, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Austria, 1 votes, 16.67%
- Germany, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Italy, 1 votes, 16.67%
- Russia, 0 votes, 0.00%
- Turkey, 1 votes, 16.67%
For more information about this group, please visit
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Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Very good to hear from you. I am delighted at the content of your press; of
course I now look forward to the coming moves with great eagerness but also
trepidation. If you're on the level, then I'm ready to take up where we
left off. Naturally I'm a little gun-shy, and I'm sure you'll understand
that I have to see action before I can really commit. But if you attack
Austria in earnest in the spring, then I'll be solidly on board for a strong
IT.
> I'm ready to abandon ship and change course. Austria has proven to be the
> wrong choice in allies and I'm man enough to admit that I made a mistake.
> If I can get a fair and reasonable offer from the two of you, I'll take
it.
Naturally, my first concern is to regain Smyrna. I propose Smy-Alb, with
support from Gre, in the spring. If you can agree to this, then we can
arrange for the transfer of Greece to Italian authority. We had always said
Gre would go to you, and I'm still willing to abide by that if you'll return
control of Smy to me.
After that, I certainly see you in Trieste and Vienna at the least. Beyond
that, it will depend on how the battles turn out. Whatever happens, my
commitment is to see us both grow at an even rate, and for both of us to
keep as closely as possible to the same size.
> I hope our goal would be to slow down the growing EG alliance and to that
> end I'm prepared to move my fleets to the Western Med. I'm sure we can
gain
> a partner in France and hopefully it's not too late for the four of us to
> turn the tide in this game.
If you're serious about switching sides, then I've no doubt that we will
prevail against the center. You'll have your choice of either shoring up
France or attacking him. In the long run, a strong England would work well
for our IT, if England can be turned against Germany. If you want Russia
kept alive to work against EG, then I can be content to focus on Austria and
the Balkans for the near term. My point is, I'm very flexible on how to
work it, if in fact you're sincere.
My plan has been, naturally, to retreat Smy-Ank and build F Con. You had
said earlier that you could live with a Turkish fleet for defensive
purposes, and under the circumstances nothing else really makes sense.
However, I again give my commitment to henceforth build armies and attack
onland if you agree to join with me in alliance.
I eagerly await your reply,
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
I've been looking at the board, and I have to admit that there are some
tactical advantages to my building another army instead of a fleet. I would
strongly consider it if you'll agree to build A Ven. That would give us an
early leg up on re-establishing trust even before the spring move.
Let me know what you think.
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
Sorry for the delay in my reply. I'm at work, so I must be brief. First, I
will be retreating to Ank, and I have no intention of attacking Sev.
Second, I agree we've nothing to lose by encouraging Roberto. I'm hesitant
to trust him, since I've already been fooled by him once. I'm encouraging
him to build A Ven and move Smy-Alb in the spring to prove his goodwill. I
think the best approach may be to promise him the moon with a fence around
it, combined with hints that we'll be at each other's throats as soon as
Austria's toast. Or, we can present a united front and invite him to join a
stable alliance. What do you think?
Ali
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
One more thing. Due to obvious circumstances, I've been planning to build a
fleet in Con. Looking at the board, there may be some tactical advantages
to an army instead. If Italy really does switch sides, it would be far more
effective in attacking the Balkans and Austria, specifically by moving into
Bulgaria. Also, it may be a way to convince Italy to build A Ven, thereby
improving the chances he'll attack Austria in the spring.
Thoughts? Comments? I look forward to your reply.
Ali
Message from Turkey to Austria
Tamara,
> OK, you now own Greece (as we had earlier agreed you would :-). And you
have
> your build. Russia is down to 3 SCs.
Ah, so I take it then that you'll agree not to contest me in Greece, as per
our agreement? :-)
> Note that, had you used Rum to support Bla-Sev instead, you'd have two
> builds instead of one, and be in excellent shape, instead of merely good
> shape; if you had ordered Bla s Rum-Sev instead, you would still be in
> better shape than you are now.
Well, in the face of serious AI aggression, I didn't feel it was prudent to
attack my only neighbor who wasn't attacking me. If you want me to move
anti-Russian, I will in a heartbeat; all you have to do is support me back
to Smyrna, and you can name your terms.
Ali Baba
Message from Observer to Observer
Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
vgfp_titleist group:
Who do you consider the front-runner in
Titleist after F1902M?
o Austria
o England
o France
o Germany
o Italy
o Russia
o Turkey
To vote, please visit the following web page:
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web site listed above.
Thanks!
Message from Turkey to England
Ivy,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I hope Germany does back off of
Russia, for the time being at least. Otherwise, AI are going to have their
way with me and Russia. I got in a lucky guess, but I don't have any way to
support it and I'm still on very shaky ground. Still, I have to say things
turned out for me as well as they could have, under the circumstances.
It looks to me as if you and Germany are about to tear France a new one. I
hope you can get through it quickly so Italy doesn't just have a cakewalk in
the Med. In any case, best of luck to you and let's stay in touch.
Ali
Message from Turkey to France
Prince Boar,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I got in a lucky guess indeed.
Unfortunately I've no way to support my advances, and my only ally is
hard-hit; but all in all things went about as well as could be expected
under the circumstances.
Unfortunately I have no words of wisdom to offer regarding the west.
England is cordial, but he's spurned my suggestions that Germany might be a
better target for him. He's given me no indication of his intentions, other
than that he'll continue against France. However, he does seem a bit
discouraged about how long it might take to make gains against you. I'm
sure you've been illustrating to him the greater potential for English
growth in Scandinavia and Germany.
What is your relationship with the Italian? Perhaps if you put the fear of
EG into him, he'll realize his associations with Austria are not in his best
interest. Unfortunately my overtures to that effect seem to have fallen on
deaf ears, but it's worth trying.
In any case, best of luck to you and let's stay in touch.
Ali Baba
Message from Italy to Russia
I've just got a reply from Turkey and I feel I need to respond to him prior
to the retreats so we can prepare our builds more properly. Should I wait
for your replies to my email or just go ahead under the assumption of
F(IR)T? There is no way I will lie to him again so if you prefer FA(IR),
please let me know ASAP.
Roberto
Message from Italy to Turkey
I've got to rush off to a meeting right now. I will respond later this
afternoon when I return.
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Germany
Freddy,
> Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you build one? Way to go.
> And Austria doesn't get to build. While I'm sitting in BOH. Maybe we
> have something to talk about.
Heheh thanks. I'm all ears!! I got lucky this time, but unless *somebody*
puts some pressure on Austria or Italy, I won't last long. If you can hit
the Austrian, then I should be able to stay alive, and we can combine our
efforts against both Austria and Russia, to our mutual benefit.
> And I figured that you are the last person I'd be in serious
> negotiations with.
Well, it's not so far-fetched really. If you can expand your influence to
the south, then there's a chance we could meet in the middle before too
long. Are you interested in such a campaign?
> Maybe now Austria will talk to me. I haven't heard from him since the
> opening.
Surprising. I'd have expected that he would be in close contact with you,
especially given his plans to move Italy's army through Tyr/Boh, clearly in
Germany's sphere of influence.
How is your relationship with Italy? Any chance he can be turned?
Regards,
Ali
Message from Master to England and Germany
usin@thekleimans.com said:
>Maybe we could change the rules. I don't see why not. If it were a
>two way, we could sit and sit and not set draw. Doug might go along.
>(Right Doug?)
Wrong.
Doug
(Do you do this just to see if I'm reading along?)
Message from Master to England and Germany
usin@thekleimans.com said:
>In the event a 17-17 draw seems possible, I am willing to flip a coin
>to see who will be the official tournament winner. There is plenty of
>glory to go around for both.
Actually, I stated up front that any players tied for the most SC's
in a draw would be declared co-champions.
Doug
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto,
>an Italian fleet in the West Med could go a long way in preventing, or at
>least slowing down, MAO-SPA etc.
True. Your best option would probably be,
B F Nap which wouldn't tip off Austria, and order
Nap-TyS,Smy-EMed-Ion-Alb, Tyl-Tri, which would make
Ali and Boar happy, and Austria unhappy.
>That's just it, Austria will not follow instructions.
Well, doing so is about his only hope, now,
but I do understand your point.
>I think our best hope lies with T(IR)F. If we can
>convince Turkey to continue to build armies while
>I continue to build fleets to block the West Med,
>I think it would work.
And, of course, it would leave Turkey better
positioned to stab me than you... 8-)
>I look forward to hearing your analysis.
If we're going to do this, I think you should
weigh-in in favor of Gal-Sil, followed by Sil S War-Pru,
and commit to FAIR, at least to A. If Austria does
this, we can take War, Bud, Tri and Ser from Austria in
the Fall.
In Hope of Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
Gentlemen,
If we're going to go with FIT vs. A(G(E)), and
I think we should, I would reccomend that Turkey
build an Army, and Italy build F Nap. While A Ven
is tempting, it would panic Austria, and since I
imagine that Ali will insist on Smy-EMed-Ion-Alb,
Italy needs to build a Fleet in Nap to send to TyS
while the Convoy is being made. The Fleet will
also reassure Austria that Italy is loyal, allowing
a Spring surprise.
In Haste,
Nick.
Message from Austria to Turkey
> Well, in the face of serious AI aggression, I didn't feel it was prudent
> to attack my only neighbor who wasn't attacking me. If you want me to
> move anti-Russian, I will in a heartbeat; all you have to do is support me
> back to Smyrna, and you can name your terms.
You were/are facing Italian aggression, not AI aggression.
Smyrna is of course your home center, and would be yours in any AT alliance.
But the eternal question of who stabs their ally first, who walks the
tightrope without a net, is not easy to answer. The Archduke believes it
should be you, because you have both the most to gain and the least to lose.
Your grab of Sev will gain you a build, and Russia is neither vital to your
defense nor able to greatly harm you. Your defensive lines are
well-constructed, and will not fall to a simple assault, and in fact as part
of an AT alliance, would be impervious once the Russian fleet is destroyed.
Austria, on the other hand, is incapable of taking an Italian center and
vulnerable to not only Italy and Russia but also Germany.
Is there any hope available that we can resume our stillborn cooperation?
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to Russia
> I can accept Gal-Sil, as long as it is followed
> by Sil S War-Pru in S1903M. Vie and Bud should be secure,
> as long as GIRT do not coordinate an attack upon Austria,
> and Italy maintains his pressure on Turkey.
And thereafter? Would the Polish people prefer Russian rule to
Austrian?
England has stripped the north of units, and Germany's moves
suggest he won't be taking advantage of that. Could I suggest the
bold Mos-Stp-Nwy for 1903, assuming peace can be arranged between
Austria-Hungary and Russia? The German invasion seems to make AR
cooperation necessary for the survival of both, and Russia's
northern fleet and shipbuilding facilities at Archangelsk are
strategically vital for a viable long-term defense against the EG
alliance.
Austria is already stretched thin, with enemies on both the north
(Germany) and south (Turkey), as well as an ally who will soon
stab from the west. A retreat to Silesia, a Russian debuild of
the Galicia army, and War-Pru and Mos-StP in the spring would
change the strategic situation considerably, and to the benefit of
both Austria and Russia.
Does this course hold any attraction for the Czar?
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Turkey
>Message from Turkey to Russia in 'titleist':
>
>I'm hesitant to trust him, since I've already been
>fooled by him once. I'm encouraging him to build A Ven and move Smy-Alb in
>the spring
As I said in my previous note, if our intention
is to stop England from breaking into the Med, he
needs to build a Fleet if he's going to also convoy
Smy-Alb. Another Fleet does him no real good if he's
going to attack you, building A Nap and convoying to
Syr would be much more effective, so I think it will
be ok. Given F EMed, F Aeg, F Ion, I'm not sure that
a second Fleet would do you that much good if AI
continue their attack, anyway.
>I think the best approach may be to [...] hint that
>we'll be at each other's throats as soon as Austria's
>toast. Or, we can present a united front and invite
>him to join a stable alliance. What do you think?
Considering how smooth he is, I think we would
be much better off working out any minor differences
we have privately, and presenting an absolutely unified
front to Roberto. I'm concerned that he will use the
smallest crack to drive a wedge between us.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
Gentlemen,
I tried sending this from the web, but it seems to
have gotten lost in the ether. So, if you get a similar
letter, I apologize.
Let's go with FIRT vs. AGE. I'd recommend that Ali
build an Army, while Roberto builds F Nap. Then this Spring,
Roberto will move Nap-TyS, Tyl-Tri, Smy-EMed-Ion-Alb. The
Italian Fleet won't tip off Austria, and is needed to defend
against an English incursion into the Med. Working together
we ought to be able to take four Austrian Centers this year,
if we set him up properly.
In Haste, and Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> I've been looking at the board, and I have to admit that
> there are some tactical advantages to my building another
> army instead of a fleet. I would strongly consider it if
> you'll agree to build A Ven. That would give us an
> early leg up on re-establishing trust even before the
> spring move.
>
I was actually seriously considering building a fleet in Rome and heading
for the West Med. Would that help re-establish trust? I can ill afford
England free access to the Western Med or else whatever happens out east
would be a moot point.
Roberto
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> Very good to hear from you. I am delighted at the content of
> your press; of course I now look forward to the coming moves
> with great eagerness but also trepidation. If you're on the
> level, then I'm ready to take up where we left off. Naturally
> I'm a little gun-shy, and I'm sure you'll understand that I
> have to see action before I can really commit. But if you
> attack Austria in earnest in the spring, then I'll be solidly
> on board for a strong IT.
>
I completely understand your trepidation. I would have the same feelings
were I in your shoes. My actions this coming year will speak much louder
than any words could right now.
>
> Naturally, my first concern is to regain Smyrna.
>
As I expected.
> I propose Smy-Alb, with support from Gre, in the spring.
This looks acceptable at the moment. Not even sure I'd need Greece to
support depending on what Austria wants. I'm expecting him to ask me to
support him to Greece in return for the support into Smyrna.
> If you can agree to this, then we can
> arrange for the transfer of Greece to Italian authority.
>
Yes, I can ill-afford to pull a unit at this point so I would need something
to replace the Smyrna center.
> Whatever happens, my commitment is to see us both grow at
> an even rate, and for both of us to
> keep as closely as possible to the same size.
>
I find it somewhat ironic that, even though I took Smyrna from you, the
above sentence still holds true - we grew at an even rate and are the same
size.
>
> If you want Russia kept alive to work against EG, then I can
> be content to focus on Austria and
> the Balkans for the near term.
At first glance, I would tend to think Russia might be of some use to us in
the short-term against Germany. Depends on what unit he pulls this winter
(I'm hoping for SEV as I'm sure you are as well). If he gets in your way,
by all mean take him out.
>
> My plan has been, naturally, to retreat Smy-Ank and build F
> Con. You had said earlier that you could live with a Turkish
> fleet for defensive purposes, and under the circumstances
> nothing else really makes sense.
> However, I again give my commitment to henceforth build
> armies and attack
> onland if you agree to join with me in alliance.
>
I would prefer the army build but I won't quibble if you build a fleet.
We're going to need as many of your armies and my fleets as possible if
we're going to pull this off. I'm anticipating rapid EG growth in the next
few years and it could very well take the majority of our resources just to
stop them let alone try to make advances.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Austria to Italy
> We find ourselves not quite in as good a position as we were the same time
> last year. I'm receiving all of these messages about your retreat and quite
> frankly I haven't a clue what would be best. Silesia would only be
> appropriate if you thought Russia was willing and able to forgive and
> forget. That's a really tough assumption to make.
While I can see some benefits to the Silesia retreat, Vienna can directly
support Tyrolia, as well as blocking Bohemia's further southward movement.
Russia has at worst a guess to take back Warsaw after Gal-Vie; a debuild
would take my own position from tenuous to untenable.
I am leaning toward Gal-Vie. Strategically, we need to break off a piece of
the EGTR alliance as soon as possible. If Russia is to be the switch
target, Gal-Sil might make sense, but I don't think that retreat would be
either necessary or sufficient to prompt a Russian switch.
> Germany has already made waves that he's considering moving Tyrolia by
> force and sending armies (note plural) east. He seems to have chosen
> England over any possible Center Alliance. In the meanwhile, nothing can
> be done to prevent England from reaching the MAO if he so desires.
England can reach MAO at the cost of Belgium. With Germany already at six
centers and in easy reach of more, and two northern fleets, can England
afford to leave himself so vulnerable to the stab? Three fleets west of his
island, no army on the mainland? And with Germany headed south and east,
England will not have an easy time against France without your help, which
he will no doubt be soliciting, if he hasn't already.
Idalia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to Master
> Your retreat is due today; please do not be late.
This is supposed to be a press game; is it unreasonable to wait until the
judge delivers the mail before sending the order?
Message from Turkey to Master
Turkey's "EOY" for 1902
Well, this has been an interesting ride so far. I began the game as I
always do, by searching among my neighbors for an ally. Austria made
encouraging noises about AT alliance, but it seemed patently insincere.
Russia and I had some discussions, mostly surrounding my suggestion of the
Slingshot, and his proposals for an alternate way to destroy his southern
fleet, but the talks didn't really go anywhere. Italy seemed the most
promising; he appeard to be genuinely considering IT, and in the end
personality won out (as is so often does for me), and I banked on Italian
friendship.
I had heard rumors that Russia and Austria were cozy, and while I don't pay
too much attention to such rumors early in the game, it became apparent that
they had a DMZ arrangement in Galicia. I began to get the feeling that
Russia didn't really care to lose his southern fleet, and that he may be
playing both sides against the middle in hopes of an IAR vs. T. I had
already proposed to Austria that I might open anti-Russian, and indeed
Austria proposed that he support me to Rum in the fall. I figured that
going along with it would improve chances of alliance with either Austria or
Italy, so I went with it. I also made sure lots of other people knew about
Austria's promises (including Italy), so that if Austria didn't come through
then his reputation would be tarnished.
But Austria came through, and Germany contested Sweden. I had had some
last-minute talks with Germany regarding anti-Russian intentions; I don't
know if that influenced the German decision or not, but at any rate Russia
was left buildless in the first year. After seeing Russia's attempt of
Sev-Rum, I was more convinced than ever that Russia was plotting a 3-way
against me, and that he intended to build in Sev to offset his northern
opening.
This is when I made my first mistake. I was working toward an IT alliance,
and Italy had agreed in no uncertain terms that he would not attack the
eastern Med if I built an army. I wrote to Austria, who surprisingly made
no objection about the army, so I built A Ank and planned to attack Russia.
I thought I could squeak out another move or two of Austrian cooperation
before joining Italy against him.
Unfortunately it didn't work out that way, and Italy ordered the Leponto.
Fortunately he had warned me of Gre-Aeg, so I abandoned my plan of Ank-Arm.
Meanwhile, Russia was eager for a friend, and he agreed to support me to
Rumania. Given that Austria also promised to support me to Rumania, I
thought I had a good chance of gaining Rum while supporting Italy to Greece.
Had Italy moved as promised, this would have left me with some opportunity
in Sevastopol, and in good shape overall.
Unfortunately, I had forgotten the lesson that every newbie learns early in
his career: to leave yourself vulnerable is to invite the knife. Apparently
my vulnerability to the Leponto was too much for the Italian to resist.
Spring '02 was a disaster, with Italy set up to convoy to Smyrna and nothing
I could do about it. I had already written Austria off as insincere, but my
support for Tun-Gre pretty well ensured that any cooperation with Austria
was over.
Naturally, this resulted in the first serious discussions between me and
Russia. Austria had sent a press to me, intended for Italy. The press
seemed quite genuine, and I never seriously considered that it might be a
ploy. Russia and I had some good discussion about it, though in the end we
still didn't have anything solid to go by. But Austria's promise to support
Italy's convoy meant that Serbia was overburdened; I took the shot at
Greece, and got lucky. Unfortunately for Russia, Austria did the unexpected
in putting two units on Warsaw. So Russia took the hit, and Austria stayed
even. It would have been nice if Austria had had to disband, and even
better if he had backed out of the support for Tun-Smy; but all in all the
year ended much better than I had expected.
At the time of this writing, Italy has written to discuss his switching
sides. I have conflicting feelings about this. On the one hand, nothing
would make me happier than to see Italy attack Austria. If he does, then I
think I've got a good chance of surviving this game. On the other hand...
well, once bitten, twice shy. I can only hope he sees that on his present
course, he'll be tied up in the east too long to have any influence on what
happens to France. Certainly, France cannot survive EG by himself. It's
still painfully clear to me that Turkey cannot survive against AI,
especially with Russia down to 3 units, but perhaps my unexpected build
makes me look like not so easy a mark as he may first have thought. If
Italy really did attack me because I looked like an easy target, as he
himself suggested, then perhaps my build will help turn things around.
I'll also be keeping a very careful eye on EG. Germany has hinted that he
might go anti-Austrian. A dead Russia looks good to Germany, but a Russia
that dies too fast, and to the wrong power, is a bad thing for him in the
long run. EG seems to have a strong alliance, but if the game comes down to
EG vs. AI, then Germany could end up in a tough spot. At any rate, the
current position seems to favor an EG/AI end game, with probably Austria or
England coming out on top. There may be some hope that Italy has recognized
this, and will decide it's not in his best interests. 1903 should be an
interesting year; I think I could possibly come out in good shape, or could
possibly get stomped on. Italy either thinks I'm a natural-born sucker, or
else he's on the level. I can only hope for the latter, while doing my best
not to prove the former.
- Jeff
Austria: Army Galicia → Vienna
Turkey: Army Smyrna → Ankara
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