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Message from Master to all
As I mentioned before, there's a player who's asked for an extension
for August 14-20. Right now, the deadline is set for the evening
of the 14th; we'll extend the deadline following that if it involves
the missing player. If not, we'll retreat, build, and extend the
deadline for S1904M.
Please submit orders for F1903M on time. Thanks,
Doug
Message from England to Germany
OK, Fredd, time to wake up the troups and get them into battle.
Since my last note I have had brief exchanges with Russia, Austria, Italy
and Turkey. The only thing I conclude from all of that is that I don't
think the east is the least bit settled, in spite of what seems to have
been a defining stab of Austria by Italy. Every eastern power has deceived
or been deceived by every other power, and that usually makes for a weird,
unstable situation for a long time. Trust is nonexistent over there.
We ought to be able to take advantage by doing what we have always done.
Waiting to here from you.
Your partner,
Ivy
Message from Germany to England
> OK, Fredd, time to wake up the troups and get them into battle.
Ah what timing. I'm just sitting down to look everything over. More
to follow.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
Ahh that break was nice. I've always hated it when games stop like
this. But in the high pressure, high stakes Titleist world it was a
relief.
I've also conversed with everyone else at least once this week. (so I
guess it wasn't that quiet, but at least it wasn't everyone everyday)
I'll agree that IT doesn't seem rock solid. I wonder what that Austrian
fleet in AEG will do. You'd think that Italy and Turkey will at least
stay friends until Austria is eliminated. But you never know.
Closer to home.
RUH s BEL and MUN - BUR are ordered.
I'd still rather that you stayed out of the North Sea. Certainly we
trust each other more and more. I would actually trust you not to attack
me in HOL or DEN. At least for awhile. But I'd have to move a fleet
into DEN at the very least. (I don't think that I should trust you
completely) That would blunt my attack on STP. Possibly allow Russia
to get an army into STP or his fleet in FIN. It would just complicate
matters. For you too. I'd have to make some covering moves, then
you'd get nervous and make some covering moves. Next thing you know,
neither of us is concentrating on our real opponent, and we stall.
Consider how you would feel if I wanted to put a fleet into NTH. That's
pretty much how I feel.
I do realize your concern once I'm in BUR and RUH. Then I'll have
pressure on BEL. I'm willing to take your lead to keep this a friendly
border. I could stay out of BUR if you wish?
The other problem is the Russian fleet. I could force it to retreat to
STP. PRU-LVN with support of my two fleets. But I think it was you who
pointed out that he could disband the fleet and build an army there.
Definitely something that we don't want. I guess that all I'll do is
toss a coin and either send BOT to STP or not.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Turkey
Ali:
Have a good time on your break. Or Hope you had a good time.
I don't have much to report. After rereading your press I noticed that
you're not planning on attacking Russia this turn. Probably a good move
on your part. Let me attack him, then perhaps I'll draw his forces up
north, then you can use that new army to grab SEV, etc.
What an interesting game. Too bad that you're not in RUM anymore. I
could support you to GAL. Just a thought for the future.
Fredd.
Message from Germany to Austria
> > Will you support me into WAR?
>
> Right now, my country desparately needs centers. In almost
> any other situation, I would strongly consider supporting you,
> but right now, there's no tomorrow, and whatever good you can
> do for me tomorrow has little value today.
Well I suppose that I could support you to hold in VIE. But the only
threat to that is if I and R gang up on you. Which I consider to be
unlikely.
You can walk into SEV, if Turkey doesn't bounce you. I guess that's why
WAR isn't a tempting target. I could be talked into supporting you in
there, but you'd have to realize that I'm going to attack it soon. So
(hopefully) your stay would be brief.
Just doesn't look like there's a lot we can do together this turn.
Maybe next turn.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Italy
> Is there any possibility of Boh-Vie? Perhaps as compensation for
> moving out of Tyrolia. :) If not, I can go another direction.
Maybe. But are you going to support me in, or do you just want me to
cut his support? If you're supporting me in, then I'll go. If you
want me to cut support, then I'll have to think about it some more. But
I owe Austria no favors.
If I were a betting man. (I'm always wrong) I'd say that Turkey will
give you Greece, and support you to hold in TRI. In exchange you'd pull
your fleet out of EAS, and he wouldn't build a fleet.
IF this is true, then BOH- VIE isn't needed to cut support.
Another question would be why you'd want to help me into VIE. Certainly
you'll build an army in VEN and I wouldn't last long there. Plus I'd be
going in a different direction than I want to. Instead of consolidating
my forces, I'd be spreading out. Another build in my pocket would also
make England nervous.
So I guess there are many reasons why you'd support me in. All of those
reasons would also be why I shouldn't go. But I'd go anyway. A build
is a build. I'd worry about hanging onto it later on.
Fredd
Message from Germany to France
Prince Boar:
I hope you had a pleasant vacation. I for one totally enjoyed a bit
of a more leisurely pace this week.
I'm afraid that there's nothing new to report. Perhaps it's just
recently that you saw that Italian stab of Austria. I can tell you a
little more about that. Austria seemed to think that Italy should take
on Turkey all by himself. Italy was too concerned about England
entering the MED to commit himself to the far east.
Now everyone in the east has stabbed everyone else. Sorta. I wonder
how long I and T will be friends. I'm betting not long. If they are
though it means problems for both of us. Turkey will be contesting me
for Russia, possibly even using Russia against me. While Italy is free
to swing toward your backside.
We shall see.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Russia
Nick
> GoB-StP will bounce off Lvn-StP, and force me to build in StP. Is that
> what you really want?
Good point. I was planning on forcing you to retreat to STP, but I
forgot that you could disband and rebuild as an army. Not at all what I
want.
My goal is for you to put your fleet in STP. The only way I can get
that is if you move it there yourself. Either as an agreement, or to
protect from GOB-STP. I don't have a lot of faith in reaching an
agreement. So let's toss a coin. Winner puts a fleet in STP.
You're the 2nd person to want me to go BOH-TYR-PIE. I'm not going to
spook Italy by doing that.
I also see your point about attacking the person who is trying to
contain IT. But from what I've heard from Turkey, I think that I should
worry more about RT right now.
Fredd
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
> Ahh that break was nice. I've always hated it when games stop like
>this. But in the high pressure, high stakes Titleist world it was a
>relief.
I like the continuity, no matter how intense. Right now, I have the time.
That helps.
> I wonder what that Austrian fleet in AEG will do.
It seems to have no useful purpose now. Austria will destroy it, I assume.
> You'd think that Italy and Turkey will at least
>stay friends until Austria is eliminated. But you never know.
This is not at all obvious to me. Turkey has been burned by Italy in the
past, so there is not myuch loyality there. You can never completely undo
that first betrayal. Italy says that Turkey is supposed to hand over
Greece as part of the deal. Will Turkey do it? Come to think of it,
Austria might use that fleet to screw up the handover of Greece, for
Austria knows that Italy is supposed to get Greece.
>RUH s BEL and MUN - BUR are ordered.
>I'd still rather that you stayed out of the North Sea.
Understood.
>Certainly we trust each other more and more.
Agreed. Also, that's my style. I have gained far more in past games by
trusting, even at some risk, than I have lost by it.
>I would actually trust you not to attack me in HOL or DEN. At least for
>awhile.
Good. If I were in the North Sea this fall, I would immediately order
North Sea->Belg in the spring to accompany Belg->Picardy. So you would
only need that trust for one move, the spring move.
>But I'd have to move a fleet into DEN at the very least.
I have no problem with this.
> I do realize your concern once I'm in BUR and RUH.
This has never been a concern of mine.
>I could stay out of BUR if you wish?
It's not what I had envisioned. I was hoping for a double attack on
Picardy by me and a double attack on Burgundy by you next spring. That
gives me a chance to pick up a supply center in the fall with your help.
I will return to this issue after responding to one other remark of yours.
> The other problem is the Russian fleet. I could force it to retreat to
>STP. PRU-LVN with support of my two fleets. But I think it was you who
>pointed out that he could disband the fleet and build an army there.
>Definitely something that we don't want. I guess that all I'll do is
>toss a coin and either send BOT to STP or not.
Tough choice. I looked at this a few days ago, and I cannot see any way to
guarantee that Russia will not build an army in StP. It's best just to hit
him hard and hope that all his units disappear soon. I think Austria may
get Sevast this fall, and you will certainly get StP next year.
Ok, now back to our real problem. I think it is a very serious problem. I
like a trusting partnership. Sure, I may stab if I think I see a good
chance for a win. I will also consider a 2-way as we discussed. But I
almost invariably go for a long term relationship. It pays off when the
rest of the world is in chaos.
I also want a partnership of equality. That's very important for the
mutual success of the team. You have one more unit than I do. Next year
you will get at least StP. Who knows about Warsaw? How are we going to
end next year on a relatively equal footing? I cannot see any way to get a
French unit if we, once again, have to support Belgium from Ruhr. I may
get into the Channel this fall, but if I support Belgium from the Channel,
then I have no attack on Picardy or Brest. Even if we make the most
powerful moves I can envision (with help from the North Sea, see above), we
are not fully guaranteed a French center in the fall. But I am willing to
take that chance.
I see one alternative way to guarantee equality. When you get StP you
could lend me Holland. Then we would be 6-6. This is acceptable, but it
is second rate. We can do better, because lending me Holland does little
toward the defeat of France.
I hope this notion of equality does not surprise you. I feel it was
implicit from the beginning. The reason that you have the potential to
grow faster than me is because I had to take on the stronger neighbor. But
we are a team. I want us to be a team five years from now.
Fredd, if you can see any way out of this dilemma that does not involve the
North Sea for one turn, I am all ears. I want this to work. Any ideas?
Most respectfully and faithfully,
Ivy
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
I'm in full agreement with maintaining equality between us. In fact,
if you look over my old presses I'm sure that you will see reference to
exactly that several times. I don't remember specific times, but the
same thought reoccurs game after game. Therefore I'm sure I've mentioned
it many times.
All that being said you'll have to excuse me if I'm a bit nonchalant
about it. I believe this is a case or our own paranoia talking. I'm
sure that it looks to you as if I have a very easy road through Northern
Russia. While to me it looks rather difficult. I wouldn't be
surprised to see a lot of complications arise. One turn ago Turkey
looked like he was on deaths door. Now he looks like a powerhouse.
Russia and Austria currently look weak. What will they look like after
this next turn?
On the other hand, I see seven units surrounding France's five.
(With a probable Italian unit due soon) Brest will surely fall by next
fall, and probably something else. Therefore, it's quite possible that
you'll build two while I build none next fall. You just never know.
If I pick up STP and you get nothing, I have no problem with letting
you pick up HOL temporarily. Hopefully if the situation should reverse
itself (unlikely but possible) then you could pass me BEL.
A double attack on BUR and PIC in the spring should put a world of hurt
on France. You'll have to send the fleet into PIC. OR risk a retreat to
BEL. That will force France back to MAR and PAR. Unfortunately we
won't be able to attack Paris. But Brest will surely fall.
Fredd
Message from Austria to Germany
> Well I suppose that I could support you to hold in VIE. But the only
> threat to that is if I and R gang up on you. Which I consider to be
> unlikely.
Ser and Tri probably won't be moving, and neither you nor I can cut
their double support for Gal-Bud. But with your help, I do have a
chance of bouncing Gal-Bud, if both Vie and Boh support Bud-Gal.
Earlier, though, you said you wouldn't be able to help me defend my
homeland. Have you changed your mind?
Grace, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to all
My moves are in. Wait is NOT set. If you want to try to influence my
moves, contact me.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
Gentlemen,
War HOLD, Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud, Alb S Tri, Bla-Rum,
Bul S Smy-Con, EMed-Smy, Ion-Tun, takes four Centres
from Austria, giving me two builds, and you each one.
What do you think? I could certainly use two builds, and
I think we need to see Ion move west this turn.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from France to Austria
Ms. Felicia:
I am sorry about the betrayal you received by the
Italian. I too know about being betrayed. I lobbied
hard for the AIR alliance, but finally resigned myself
that it would not happen. It would have been much better
for me, not to mention yourself. Resolving the south may
help me, but I really do not think it will be enough.
You at least have options for changing the alliance
structure around you. England and Germany have no
opportunities to stab one another. It is just a matter
of time before I crumble.
Best of luck to you.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to England
Wingo:
Thank you for your kind words, but I do not see the
changed dynamic in the south as a very useful victory for
France. Certainly having the south resolved sooner may
help put pressure on yourself and Germany. But the
alliance that occurred in the south puts no pressure on
you two right now. Also, Italy should be given the
credit for creating the alliance. I merely put it over
the top.
I do agree that Turkey is looking the best in the game.
You are not looking too badly, but Germany is looking
better. We shall indeed see if the Italian fleet in
coming to help me as promised or whether it will help you
as perhaps promised to yourself.
I knew that my shot at Belgium was a long one. I figured
that I had a 50-50 chance to save MAO. I guessed
wrongly. In hindsight the support from the MAO was a
waste and it should have been ordered to NAO.
So how did you con Russia into moving to Livonia?
Le DAUPHIN
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
You leave little for us to discuss. I do not understand
why you ordered Swe to Bot. All Russia had to do was
hold in Bot and then retreat to Fin. That would have
prevented your taking ST. Petes for at least another
year. Are you that submissive to England that you had no
choice but to move away from his center in Norway? You
could have easily argued for Bal -> Bot, which would have
given you an option for this fall to cut England down to
three centers. I notice now that only he can take one of
yours.
Congratulations on your position in general. The Italian
move must be to your liking. I see you growing quickly
now. But what about the long term? You may get be the
German sandwich between the Turkish and English bread.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Italy
Roberto:
I apologize for losing the MAO. I took the 50-50 gamble
and lost. I am disappointed by your move from Tyrolia.
That leaves Germany free to invade me unmolested. I
realize your need with the convoy to Albania, but I am
disappointed nevertheless.
I do hope that your fleet is truly coming over to help
me. England, in his arrogance, probably thinks that it
will be at his beck and call.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
I was not really attacking the English Channel. I was
attacking Belgium. I knew the odds were not great, but
my position is not great and I preferred to be bold. I
would rather go down in flames than die a slow death. I
had a 50-50 shot at saving the MAO and I guess wrongly.
Speaking of bad guesses, what the heck are you doing in
Livonia? Germany must have betrayed you big time, or did
England talk you into that? I did suggest that you hold
in Bot. You could have retreated to Finland and saved
St. Petes for perhaps another year.
You now have Warsaw but will likely lose Sevastopol. I
wish you luck, but worry that you may not outlast me. At
least you will probably outlast Austria, whom you can
blame for your situation.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Turkey
Ali Baba:
Thanks for you note. I am glad that I was at least
useful to someone. I cannot seem to help myself.
Perhaps I will have to count on you to save me. You
certain turned around your situation, can you do so with
mine as well? I fear that the only thing that can help
me is a war between England and Germany. They seem to
leave no opportunities for such an occurrence. I do
appreciate your promise not to interfere with Italy's
ability to help support me. You can please go one step
further and encourage him to help me and not to betray me
to England. He must realize that he will not hold and
center he takes of mine. But it cannot hurt to remind
him of that fact.
Congratulations to you. I will go everything I can to
help you come out on top. It may be the only thing that
I have left to play for. England, Germany, and Italy
have not earn my desire to help them.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Germany to France
Actually England suggested that I stay in Sweden. I was trying to
arrange a deal with Russia, but he's very difficult to work with. I
finally gave up and just attacked him. If he had retreated to FIN, I
would have just walked him around to STP. The same conditions still
exist actually. Keeping the Russian fleet penned up takes both my
fleets, and pulls them further east. Which presents a prime opportunity
for an English stab.
Once again I am insulted (a bit) by your insinuation that Ivy is
pulling my strings.
Who knows what will happen in the east? Like I said alliances could
switch each turn. Everyone down there has stabbed someone else
already. With Italy making two excellent stabs already.
Fredd
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
Either you live in a faraway time zone or you keep weird hours! 8-)
>I'm in full agreement with maintaining equality between us.
Terrific. I am glad the subject has come up again. It helps
reconfirm. And, yes, I will indeed hand over Belgium or anything else if
that is needed to even our supply centers. Uh, almost anything else.
> I'm sure that it looks to you as if I have a very easy road through
> Northern
>Russia.
Well yes, it does. Boh-Sil gives you a double attack on Warsaw, and it is
easy to get a double attack on StP with your fleets. You can be guaranteed
StP in the spring if you wish.
> On the other hand, I see seven units surrounding France's five.
>(With a probable Italian unit due soon)
For now, I count that 6 vs 6. Italy has promised France that the Italian
fleet will support France. And Italy's word is as good as ... as good as
... hmmm, it's worthless, I suppose. Italy says he will prop up France,
but we really don't know until the time comes.
> Brest will surely fall by next
>fall, and probably something else. Therefore, it's quite possible that
>you'll build two while I build none next fall. You just never know.
Fredd, to be honest, I don't think the board configuration supports that
claim at all. I see no moves that guarantee even one center for me next
year. That's why I am desperate to use more force against France.
>If I pick up STP and you get nothing, I have no problem with letting
>you pick up HOL temporarily.
OK, but we can do better than that. Of course, it may be impossible for me
to take Holland without France getting Belgium. On the other hand, I just
can't believe that this scenario is what we will settle for. It's too meek.
> A double attack on BUR and PIC in the spring should put a world of hurt
>on France. You'll have to send the fleet into PIC. OR risk a retreat to
>BEL.
Not if I have North Sea->Bel. That gets North Sea out of your hair as
well. The alternative, Channel->Picardy is foiled by Pic s Burgundy->Bel.
It's really fairly messy, and I do not see guarantees (unlike, say your
attack on StP). I don't want to go to North Sea without your permission,
but I am frustrated with attacking France only with limited force. Having
North Sea->Bel frees up Channel and gives us more options. I think we
might succeed in getting Brest in that situation.
Please think about this. We are just on the verge of dominating this game.
Most cordially,
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>My moves are in. Wait is NOT set. If you want to try to influence my
>moves, contact me.
Germany and I are having a diplomatic disagreement. I have no idea what he
is going to do with his fleets. I wish I could say more.
Ivy
Message from Germany to Austria
I have already entered orders of BOH - GAL. I'll change them to BOH s
BUD - GAL.
This doesn't contradict what I said earlier. With this move I'm not
messing with Turkey or Italy. Just Russia, who I've declared war on.
I assume that you're going after either MOS or SEV with your unit in
UKR. I've ordered PRU-WAR. I'm hoping that WAR goes to MOS.
Sorry I can't talk more. Got to get out of here. I won't get any more
mail until the end of the day.
My units that concern you have the following orders
PRU-WAR
BOH s a bud - GAL
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
I don't have time to respond to your full press, but consider.
Russia keeps WAR.
Turkey bounces UKR out of SEV.
TUrkey and ITaly support GAL to BUD.
Russia builds 2. And is quite alive and well.
Turkey and Russia declared the Juggernaut a turn or two ago. I've seen
nothing that suggests that they aren't still working together.
Italy could easily support Russia in an attempt to thwart me and Turkey,
down the road.
So you see. Through my paranoid colored glasses, my road doesn't look
that easy.
Fredd
I keep weird hours.
Message from England to France
Dauphin,
>We shall indeed see if the Italian fleet in
>coming to help me as promised or whether it will help you
>as perhaps promised to yourself.
More than perhaps. Italy has a style of his own. His word is as good as
... as good as
... hmmm, it's worthless, I suppose, given what others have said he has
said. The Italian fleet will go to West Med with your blessing and
mine. What it will really do there afterwards I don't pretend to know in
advance.
>So how did you con Russia into moving to Livonia?
Russia, too, has a unique style. Livonia was Russia's idea. He insisted
on moving to Livonia along with the German moves Swe-Bal & Bal-Pru. This
was Russia's anti-Austrian scheme. He repeated these plans ad nauseam,
message after message, even though Germany told him that he didn't like the
plans and I told him that I had no control over German moves in the northeast.
Germany is being difficult. I don't know how much longer this can go
on. But just to be clear, my moves will be still be pro-German this fall.
Ivy
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
>I don't have time to respond to your full press, but consider.
>Russia keeps WAR.
>Turkey bounces UKR out of SEV.
>TUrkey and ITaly support GAL to BUD.
>
>Russia builds 2. And is quite alive and well.
I see your point. It's possible, but unlikely.
>I keep weird hours.
Get some sleep. I like well-rested friends. 8-)
Write when you get a chance. 'Spose I'll have to work now.
Ivy
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
>If he had retreated to FIN, I would have
>just walked him around to STP.
Yes, but you would have had a fleet in St. Petes while he
had a fleet in Sweden. I guess that it would have
been breaking even for you, but it would have been more
of a problem to take back Sweden as well as raise issues
protecting Norway and Denmark. You took an awful gamble.
Your gambles pay off better than mine do. Or perhaps you
were secretly hoping to have Russia in Sweden. You would
have had an excuse to scramble around an be better
prepared for an attack on England.
>Once again I am insulted (a bit) by your
>insinuation that Ivy is pulling my strings.
It is all I have left to keep me amused.
If you had stayed in Sweden I was going to attack Belgium
and tell you about it. You had the option of cutting
England down to 3 centers or using the information to
take Burgundy. But now I have no incentive or
opportunity to do so. Perhaps I will make a similar
arrangement with England.
>Who knows what will happen in the east?
> Like I said alliances could switch each turn.
It looked like a perfect opportunity for you to eliminate
England. But you obviously have other plans.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to England
Wingo:
> Germany is being difficult.
Thanks for making my day. Well, perhaps that is a bit
strong. Thanks for making my moment. I enjoy hearing
about your sufferings when dealing with him. He does
challenge my resolve at making certain you have a hard
time at succeeding. I sometimes get tempted to hand you
a couple centers just to make his life difficult :-) But
I am not going to do that. You will have to earn them or
perhaps capitalize on my mistakes.
You took a chance letting Germany attack Gulf of Bothnia
from Sweden. What if Russia had not been so foolish as
to move to Livonia. If he had held and retreated to
Finland. Germany could have taken St. Petes and let him
into Sweden. Norway and the North Sea would have been
vulnerable. Then again, you probably did not want
Germany in Sweden because the opportunity to cut you down
to three centers was there.
Obviously I am making all the wrong decisions. But
things are going well for you. I grudgingly offer my
congratulations.
Le DAUPHIN
Message from Italy to Russia and Turkey
>
> War HOLD, Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud, Alb S Tri, Bla-Rum,
> Bul S Smy-Con, EMed-Smy, Ion-Tun, takes four Centres
> from Austria, giving me two builds, and you each one.
> What do you think? I could certainly use two builds, and
> I think we need to see Ion move west this turn.
>
One of the provisions in IT talks was the Turkey wants to re-gain control of
Smyrna and I can hardly blame him. If we delay the re-acquisition of
Smyrna, one of Turkey's units will be out of action for all of next year.
Not ideal.
You seem supremely confident that Austria will not make a play for either
MOS or SEV. That doesn't sound like the Archduke I used to know.
'Tri s Gal-Bud' duly ordered.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from France to France
to: Prince Boar
re: Discussion of our orders.
(This message is to the reader of the game history, but
written in terms of a message from the Dauphin to Prince
Boar.)
My dear brother,
With this message, I have submitted the following orders
to our troops:
f por -> spa (sc)
a gas -> spa
a bur -> bel
a pic s a bur -> bel
f bre -> eng
I wanted to explain them to you so you can understand my
thought process. I want to continue my policy of
focussing my defenses against England rather than
Germany. Although keeping Germany out of Burgundy would
allow me to keep resources that would help to hold back
England, I would rather have England see that Germany is
likely to grow and not him. I realize that Germany could
pass up opportunities for centers and instead help
England, but I will have to try my best to prevent that.
I am bouncing in Spa because I want to keep it open and
keep my army in Gascony. If I build F Mar, it would be
subsequently ordered to Spa. I am not worried about
England trying for WES because Italy will prevent that.
Perhaps England will bounce Italy there?
I realize that Bur -> Bel is likely to fail and that it
opens up Mun -> Bur s by Bel. I am actually willing to
have this succeed. I would then disband the retreating
unit and build a fleet in Marseilles. To enter Burgundy,
Germany either enters dislodges my unit or I take
Belgium. Either way I still get the fleet in Marseilles.
There is also the chance that EG believe that I will
order Pic -> Bel to break support for Mun to Bur and they
might risk Bel and use Ruh to take Bur (either from Mun
or Ruh). There are other possibilities (such as Bel ->
Mun s by Ruh&Mun, but that allows Pic to walk into Bel.
A variation is Ruh -> Bel, but I doubt England will take
the chance of Germany getting the center).
I am a little worried about holding Brest from England
next year. Bre -> Eng is aimed at slowing this down.
England can use Iri to either support Lon to Eng or
support NAO to MAO to protect MAO if it does something
other than hold. I am risking England letting Bre -> Eng
succeed and ordering MAO -> Bre. It is certainly
possible that he might consider this, but he risks
slowing down his advance if I simply hold. I am willing
to gamble that he will not do so. But my gamble
typically backfire, we shall see on this one.
These are my reasonings for you to ponder. If they are
weak choices, at least you understand my thinking.
your brother,
Le Dauphin
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
>My goal is for you to put your fleet in STP. The only way I can get
>that is if you move it there yourself. Either as an agreement, or to
>protect from GOB-STP. I don't have a lot of faith in reaching an
>agreement. So let's toss a coin. Winner puts a fleet in STP.
I've always found that reaching an agreement is much
more likely way to get the results you want than trying to
force it.
>You're the 2nd person to want me to go BOH-TYR-PIE. from what I've heard
>from Turkey, I think that I should
>worry more about RT right now.
Hmm, I wonder what you're hearing from Turkey? If
he's the 2nd person, I would guess that he doesn't
want to have to fight you for my Centres, and would
welcome an IG conflict, rather than he views me as an
ally.
Nick.
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
>I was not really attacking the English Channel. I was
>attacking Belgium.
I see. As a risk-taker myself, I won't second-guess
you further.
>Speaking of bad guesses, what the heck are you doing in
>Livonia? Germany must have betrayed you big time, or did
>England talk you into that? I did suggest that you hold
>in Bot.
I was trying to get Germany to shift south against
Austria, and also defend against War-Lvn or Ber-Bal-Lvn.
>You now have Warsaw but will likely lose Sevastopol. I
>wish you luck, but worry that you may not outlast me. At
>least you will probably outlast Austria, whom you can
>blame for your situation.
I'm hoping that Austria will see that I'm his only
hope for survival, and that taking Mos or Sev just
means he'll disband two instead of three.
Ivy says he's having a diplomatic disagreement with
Germany, (presumably over the German attack on StP), so
I'm lobbying him to move MAO-Eng, and stab Germany. If
you take a rational tone with Ivy, something good might
come of it.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from Italy to France
>
> I apologize for losing the MAO. I took the 50-50 gamble
> and lost.
>
No apology necessary. Sometimes the gambles don't pay off.
> I am disappointed by your move from Tyrolia.
I know.
> That leaves Germany free to invade me unmolested.
I've heard from both England and Germany that the plan is for England to
'get all of France'. Germany is more concerned with the Russian centers
that lie to the east.
>
> I do hope that your fleet is truly coming over to help
> me. England, in his arrogance, probably thinks that it
> will be at his beck and call.
>
It will not be at England's beck and call. Quite the opposite. Once I
reach the WMS, the fleet will be at your beck and call.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from England to France
>You took a chance letting Germany attack Gulf of Bothnia
>from Sweden. What if Russia had not been so foolish as
>to move to Livonia. If he had held and retreated to
>Finland.
"letting" ?? I obviously had no control over the situation. Russia was so
obviously going to Livonia, demanding all along that Germany enter Swe->Bal
& Bal->Pru. I begged Germany to stay in Sweden for fear of Bot->Swe (!) --
even in a joint message to Germany and Russia. Germany reassured me he
would stay in Sweden.
>Obviously I am making all the wrong decisions. But
>things are going well for you.
Wish I felt the same. I think my "grand strategy" is hanging by a thread.
Ivy
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
>Message from Italy to Russia and Turkey in 'titleist':
>
> > War HOLD, Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud, Alb S Tri, Bla-Rum,
> > Bul S Smy-Con, EMed-Smy, Ion-Tun, takes four Centres
> > from Austria, giving me two builds, and you each one.
> > What do you think? I could certainly use two builds, and
> > I think we need to see Ion move west this turn.
>
>One of the provisions in IT talks was the Turkey wants to re-gain control
>of Smyrna and I can hardly blame him.
I understand that, but I believe my plan is the only
way to be sure that we all grow, and that we do the maximum
damage to Austria. Trading Smy for Gre risks losing Tri,
or destroying TA Gre, and delaying your move to defend the
western Med.
>You seem supremely confident that Austria will not make a play for either
>MOS or SEV.
I'm hopeful, but given Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud, I'll
still build one, and he'll disband three, even if he
takes Mos or Sev, and I need the double support to
insure that build.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
>Germany and I are having a diplomatic disagreement. I have no idea what he
>is going to do with his fleets. I wish I could say more.
I urge you to consider MAO-Eng, Lon-Nth, Bel-Hol,
NAO-Nwg. Otherwise you run the risk of France throwing
Centres to Germany to deny you builds, and Germany
expanding in the East and West until he becomes too big
to control.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from France to England
Wingo:
Just so you know, France is not "dying" to work with
Germany. If you did decide to turn on him. Our anger at
your betrayal would be overlooked in favor of our
pleasure at seeing him gutted. Even though our
original plan was to being insulting and arrogant to you,
in hopes that Germany would get the idea that our bridges
were burned with you, we find ourselves being civil with
you and insulting Germany yearly.
I do not expect you to answer this statement, I just
wanted you to know where we stood. Until such time that
we see a visible change on your part, we shall put all of
effort into our defense. Of course that defense will be
focussed around France and if you suddenly pulled out it
would stumble around france and not spill into your
territory.
Le DAUPHIN
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
Thank you for your note of encouragement. I encourage my
brother to be civil with Ivy. He is a bit less sensitive
than I, so he sometimes rubs people the wrong way. I do
think that he is getting better and that Ivy has noticed
a difference.
We will let England know that if he turns on Germany, we
are likely to join him. At the same time, we will defend
ourselves with vigor until we see action, not just words.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Italy
Roberto:
Thank you for the reassurances about the intentions of
your fleet. I realize that I have little choice but to
request its services. I will trust that you realize that
any center that you initially take would be hard to hold
from England. This is especially true until you gather
more strength. I do not see you growing this turn,
unless things go well with the Turk. On the other hand,
he may get quite large.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Italy to France
>
> Thank you for the reassurances about the intentions of
> your fleet. I realize that I have little choice but to
> request its services. I will trust that you realize that
> any center that you initially take would be hard to hold
> from England.
>
Yes, I fully understand that defending Iberia from England would be a
nightmare.
> This is especially true until you gather
> more strength. I do not see you growing this turn,
> unless things go well with the Turk. On the other hand,
> he may get quite large.
>
Well, I'm trying to work out the fine details now with Turkey regarding our
growth potential this year. I knew I was gambling with my spring moves but,
as Italy, I felt I needed to take a few gambles in this game. My advantage
is, even with multiple fleet builds, Turkey would not be able to break thru
the Ionean for several years so I have diplomatic leverage to get him to
continue to build armies and push north.
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
As you already realized, I'm not enthused about Russia's plan. I'd much
rather go with the orders you and I had discussed. I don't know if I can sell
this to Russia or not, but I'm really not willing to forego regaining Smy as
we had planned.
I'm entering orders of Ser S Tri, Gre-Bul, Bul-Rum, Smy Hold. At present Bla
is supporting the Rum move, though I'm still considering the self-bounce in
Con. A Ser is basically at your disposal, I'll be happy to order Ser S
Tri-Bud, or even Ser S Gal-Bud, if you request it.
The last I heard from Austria was that he's ordering Bul S Vie-Tri, Ukr-Mos or
Sev. I don't really know what he has planned, but his last press to me
requested support for Vie-Tri. Hopefully I'll hear from him again before the
deadline, and if I do I'll let you know.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Austria to Turkey
With this message, I am submitting my orders: Vie-Tri; Bud s Vie-Tri;
Aeg-Ion; Ukr-xxx (not Rum).
I think we do need Gre-Alb to cut that potential support for Tri. If
you're concerned about Alb s Ion-Gre, we could use Bul and Aeg to
protect Gre via beleaguered garrison. Let me know whether and how you
want to do this, if so.
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
I've been giving a lot of thought to your proposal, but I'm really hesitant to
move out of Smy. If and when I ever attack Italy, I'll need to build fleets,
and it would make a huge difference if Smy is available for that purpose. But
before I can do that, I need to occupy it in a fall move, then get back out
but keep the center open. Even a one-year delay in achieving that could make
a huge difference, depending on what Italy does.
That doesn't mean Ser might not support your attack on Bud, rather than
supporting Tri as Roberto would like. However that would undoubtedly have
unpleasant repercussions on my relations with Italy, if it means Austria takes
back Trieste.
Anyway, I hope you can understand my position regarding Smy. I'm hopeful we
can work out some other solution that still gives you the builds you need.
Ali
Message from Turkey to Austria
Tamara,
> With this message, I am submitting my orders: Vie-Tri; Bud s Vie-Tri;
> Aeg-Ion; Ukr-xxx (not Rum).
>
> I think we do need Gre-Alb to cut that potential support for Tri. If
> you're concerned about Alb s Ion-Gre, we could use Bul and Aeg to
> protect Gre via beleaguered garrison. Let me know whether and how you
> want to do this, if so.
Ok, I've entered Ser S Vie-Tri, Gre-Alb, Bul S Aeg-Gre. From what I know, I
think Alb S Ion-Gre is quite likely, so I'm hoping you'll agree to Aeg-Gre to
keep Italy out. I'll leave Wait set until I hear back from you.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
I just got a note from Austria. He says he's entered Bud S Vie-Tri. He also
proposes Gre-Alb, Bul S Aeg-Gre to cut support from Alb and still protect
Greece (which I told him I agreed to). I can't help but note that this plan
leaves Rum under-defended, so I'll probably leave my order for Bla intact.
If it's to be believed, then the ITR combination would be Ser S Tri, Tri S
Gal-Vie. I have not yet mentioned any of this to Russia; I'd rather hear your
thoughts on the matter before bringing it up with him.
Write when you get a chance,
Ali
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> As you already realized, I'm not enthused about Russia's
> plan.
>
I hope you can tell by my response I was not overly excited about the plan
either. I do/did think there are some tactical advantages available to not
swap the centers this year but we're beyond that point and it's perfectly
reasonable for you to ask for your home center back.
>
> A Ser is basically at your disposal, I'll be happy to
> order Ser S Tri-Bud, or even Ser S Gal-Bud, if you
> request it.
>
Keep the order as is, supporting Trieste to hold. I've issued the support
for Gal-Bud but if Austria moves as he's told you the support will be cut
and Russia won't reach Budapest. Whether that is good or bad I suppose is
yet to be determined. I don't really think it much matters at this point
though.
> Hopefully I'll hear from him again before the
> deadline, and if I do I'll let you know.
>
Sounds like a plan. It would take something extremely substantial for me to
alter my orders though.
Just received in my inbox:
> If it's to be believed, then the ITR combination would
> be Ser S Tri, Tri S Gal-Vie. I have not yet mentioned
> any of this to Russia; I'd rather hear your thoughts
> on the matter before bringing it up with him.
Or the IT combination of Ser s Tri-Bud, Alb-Tri.
I would not mind changing my order to support Russia to Vienna instead of
Budapest if you can convince him and if you think it best to give Russia a
build. No guarantee he'd even get a build with SEV/MOS/STP all under
attack. Even if he did reach Vienna, taking it from him in a year or two
would be rather trivial I think.
I would tend to think Austria is being upfront with his moves (at least VIE
and BUD) with you. If you decide to spill the beans to Russia, I think he'd
feel more confident if you sent the message to both him and me.
Basically, I'm sort of leaving it up to you based on how much you want to
limit Russia's growth. Personally, I just want to make sure Austria has as
few centers as possible by year's end. Who gets them is less significant to
me.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Austria to Turkey
OK, I'm entering Aeg-Gre.
I've also revised my odds that you're going to accept my allegiance to 3-1
against. I'm not sure exactly why I feel so uncomfortable; but I usually
trust such feelings.
But in this case, I won't. If you want to kill me, it will be easy. If
you want to kill Italy first, I'll help you, and I prefer it that way.
You've probably already made your decision, one way or the other; but if
there's anything I can do to help you decide in my favor, please let me
know.
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali, My Friend,
> I've been giving a lot of thought to your proposal, but I'm really
hesitant to
> move out of Smy.
I understand your hesitation. My proposal was merely the only way I
could see to guarantee each of us a build. I would not mind seeing both
of us build two, and Roberto build zero, though.
> That doesn't mean Ser might not support your attack on Bud, rather than
> supporting Tri as Roberto would like. However that would undoubtedly have
> unpleasant repercussions on my relations with Italy, if it means Austria
takes
> back Trieste.
I NEED your support into Bud more than Roberto needs your support in
Tri. Alb S Tri holds Tri perfectly well.
> Anyway, I hope you can understand my position regarding Smy. I'm hopeful
> we can work out some other solution that still gives you the builds you
need.
I fear that my proposal is the only one that gives us each a build with
a good
shot at two for me. It also moves Ion west which is important to contain
England.
If you feel you'll need to stab Italy soon, though, I can understand why you
wouldn't move out of Smy.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
One last consideration, and then I will shut up.
What happens if Russia does build an army in StP? We can't quite guarantee
that won't happen. There will be hell to pay. That army will bounce
around in Scandinavia, and it will take several of our units to eliminate
it.
However, if I am in the North Sea (tired, broken record), then I could go
to Norway and you could send one fleet to Finland and we cut off the
Russian army and destroy it in StP before it causes trouble.
Let's hope that doesn't happen.
OK. Now I shut up. Please send a brief response before the moves are due.
Ivy
Message from Germany to England
My number one goal is to keep Russia from getting an army into STP.
Because I can see the problems that it'll cause, just as you point
out.
I'm trying to get Russia to retreat there. I also feel that he has
to. I can't imagine that he's made peace with Austria, because that
army in UKR HAS to go to SEV or MOS (I suppose RUM is a remote
possibility) Russia should hang onto WAR. If he doesn't lose anything
else or he also picks up BUD then he'll build. But not if he loses
STP.
Summing up.
.He can't afford to lose STP, but building there isn't supremely
important. He could always build in MOS.
But then I'm always wrong
Fredd
Message from France to England
Wingo:
As I wait for the fall campaign, I have some idle time to
review the history of the wars. One thing that jumped
out at me was:
>Movement results for Fall of 1902. (titleist.005)
>England: Army Belgium SUPPORT German Army Munich ->
>Burgundy. (*void*)
>Movement results for Spring of 1903. (titleist.008)
>England: Army Belgium SUPPORT German Army Munich ->
>Burgundy. (*void*)
Do you and Germany have some game going where you render
your army in Belgium as useless? It is too bad that he
never takes you up on your offer. It would have succeed
last move. One would think with the increased level of
communication that you two would have straightened
out such an important point of cooperation. :-)
In the Fall of 1901, Austria stabbed Russia.
In the Spring of 1902, Italy betrayed Turkey and
England (and perhaps Germany) betrayed France
In the Fall of 1902, Germany semi-betrayed Russia
In the Spring of 1903, Italy stabbed Austria
It has been an eventful game so far. I wonder who will
be the next person to receive the knife?
Le DAUPHIN
Message from Observer to Observer
Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
vgfp_titleist group:
Through F1902B, who do you think is the
likely winner of 'titleist' (ie, solo
victor or largest power of the draw)?
o Austria
o England
o France
o Germany
o Italy
o Russia
o Turkey
To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vgfp_titleist/polls
Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.
Thanks!
Message from Turkey to Austria
Tamara,
> I've also revised my odds that you're going to accept my allegiance to 3-1
> against. I'm not sure exactly why I feel so uncomfortable; but I usually
> trust such feelings.
Please don't scare me like that. I'm nervous enough about my stab as it is, I
don't need to go down the path of worrying about whether or not *you* will
come through. I'm clinging to the premise that this is my big chance to pay
Italy back for his Leponto, and that it may be your last chance to pay him
back for Trieste.
To confirm, I have ordered Ser S Vie-Tri, Gre-Alb, Bul S Aeg-Gre. Bla will be
either attacking Rum or self-bouncing in Con. Italy isn't telling me what
he's ordered for Alb, but it is surely either to support Tri, attack Gre, or
support Ion-Gre. My gut tells me it's support Ion-Gre. In any case, our
orders will clearly win the day no matter what he does.
> But in this case, I won't. If you want to kill me, it will be easy. If
> you want to kill Italy first, I'll help you, and I prefer it that way.
I realize full well that killing Italy won't be all that easy. But if I don't
do something now, I'm not going to have much of a chance later on. This way
I'll have an ally in the matter, and I'll at least come out on the good end of
the exchange.
> You've probably already made your decision, one way or the other; but if
> there's anything I can do to help you decide in my favor, please let me
> know.
You've already done it. Or rather, you'll be doing it this fall. As long as
you don't leave me with major egg on my face this turn, it will be all good.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> I understand your hesitation. My proposal was merely the only way I
> could see to guarantee each of us a build. I would not mind seeing both
> of us build two, and Roberto build zero, though.
Thanks for understanding. I do agree that your proposal was the best way for
I/R/T to all come out ahead. I'm just not willing to give up regaining Smy
this turn if I can. However that doesn't mean we can't still guarantee you
Budapest.
> I NEED your support into Bud more than Roberto needs your support in
> Tri. Alb S Tri holds Tri perfectly well.
I'm not sure what Italy has planned for Alb, but I suspect he wants to use it
to ensure Greece. In any case, yes, your need is greater than Italy's. I'm
therefore willing to order Ser S Gal-Bud, and have done so. Austria is
telling me he's ordering Bud S Vie-Tri, so hopefully Tri will be safe and
Italy will forgive my indiscretion.
What I have not yet decided is whether to go along with Austria or Italy
concerning Greece. If the former, then I should be able to keep Gre; if the
latter, then I'll either move out or will be destroyed there. It's a tough
call, and I welcome your input on the matter.
> I fear that my proposal is the only one that gives us each a build with
> a good
> shot at two for me. It also moves Ion west which is important to contain
> England.
> If you feel you'll need to stab Italy soon, though, I can understand why you
> wouldn't move out of Smy.
It sounds like the best move on my part is to support you to Bud, but vacate
Gre to allow Ion-Gre, EMS-Ion. Is this your consensus as well?
Regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Here's the latest. Austria says he's ordered Bud S Vie-Tri, Aeg-Gre, and is
expecting Ser S Vie-Tri, Bul S Aeg-Gre. He also says he thinks the odds are 3
to 1 against my actually coming through as promised, though, so it's uncertain
whether he'll actually order that way. Russia is pleading for Ser S Gal-Bud,
but my order remains Ser S Tri (and will remain so unless you request
otherwise).
I've given much thought to the Gal-Vie angle, but (a) I'm not entirely sure
Austria will order as he tells me, and (b) I'm not sure I could convince
Russia to order the move, and (c) I'm not sure I really want Russia building.
If things go as I hope, then Austria and Russia will be at 3 each, and if
Austria moves to Sev or Mos then it will be difficult for them to work things
out and combine their efforts.
However, I'm only slightly leaning this way, and I'm a bit ambivalent about
it. I think in retrospect I ought to at least mention it in press to IR, and
see how Russia reacts. It's a bit close to the deadline to start changing
things around, but there is still time to work it out if Russia goes for it.
Given the anticipated German attacks against Russia, it might be best to limit
Austria as much as possible this turn.
Thoughts? Comments? Sorry I'm being so wishy-washy about it, I just don't
have a clear sense on the best way to go. Whatever happens, though, I'm
committed to long-term cooperation with Italy, and I will move as we've
discussed in accordance with the IT.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
>I'm not sure what Italy has planned for Alb, but I suspect
>he wants to use it to ensure Greece.
I'll have to write to him again, and try to explain why
I think Ion-Tun is necessary this turn.
>I'm willing to order Ser S Gal-Bud, and have done so.
Thank you.
>Austria is telling me he's ordering Bud S Vie-Tri, so
>hopefully Tri will be safe and Italy will forgive my
>indiscretion.
Bud S Vie-Tri, Ukr-Rum would be ideal.
>It sounds like the best move on my part is to support you
>to Bud,
Yes. 8-)
>but vacate Gre to allow Ion-Gre, EMS-Ion. Is this your
>consensus as well?
I'm not sure that you can vacate Gre, unless Austria
takes Sev instead of trying for Rum. You have to defend
against Aeg-Con, so Smy S Bla-Con, or Bla-Con, Smy HOLD
makes the most sense, I think. That leaves, Bul-Rum,
Gre-Bul as the only way to vacate Gre, and that bounces
off almost any Austrian move except Ukr-Sev/Mos, Aeg-Con.
Politically it's probably wise to try Gre-Bul, though.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
Have you made a decision regarding F Ion, yet? I'm
concerned about Ivy ordering MAO-NAf, Iri S NAO-MAO to
negate TyS-WMed.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Italy and Russia
Gentlemen,
I have a new proposal to put on the table. Austria is now telling me he's
ordering Bud S Vie-Tri, and is expecting Ser S Vie-Tri. I believe there is a
good chance that he will indeed order this way. In that case, the best
outcome for all three of us would be Ser S Tri, Tri S Gal-Vie. This would
give Russia a build, two if Austria attacks Rum. If he does, then he will be
down to 1 unit by the end of this turn.
There is always the possibility that Austria is lying to me about his
intentions, but I have made every effort to convince him I will support him to
get back at Italy for the leponto, and he is clearly requesting support for
Vie-Tri. So, I feel this combination has a lot of promise.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Ali
Message from Turkey to England
Ivy,
Well once again I find myself without a clear sense of how things will go in
the south. I've been courted by Italy (who wants Ser S Tri), and by Austria
(who wants Ser S Vie-Tri), and by Russia (who wants Ser S Gal-Bud). Who'd
have guessed I'd be this popular all of a sudden. I'm still not sure which
way to jump, and I'm hoping for some further press that will guide my way. If
nothing else I'll just flip a coin or something. Now to find a 3-sided coin!
How have your discussions with Italy gone? He's still given me no indication
if he intends to support France or attack him. I hope your discussions along
that line have gone well.
Best of luck in the results, and don't hesitate to write with any thoughts.
Ali
Message from Turkey to Germany
Fredd,
You're right that I'm not planning to attack Russia this turn. My only real
attack would be Sev, and that might just bounce an Austrian move there.
However, my plan at this point is to go anti-Russian in the spring. Of
course, once again the things I'm hearing from my three neighbors don't quite
jive, so as always I cannot rule out the possibility that I may get screwed in
the result. But if things go as planned, then I should be building at least
one this year, and southern Russia beckons. I will also be attempting to
re-occupy Rum, and from there we will have a number of opportunities.
In any case, best of luck to you in the result. From what I know, there is at
least a slim chance that Russia will gain a center from Austria, though I
myself will do nothing to support him. I've also tried to nudge Austria
toward attacking Mos (indeed, I believe such an attack would succeed), in
which case he could be a big help with War/StP.
Please don't hesitate to write with any thoughts, concerns or comments.
Ali
Message from Turkey to France
Prince Boar,
Indeed my orders this turn will be pro-Italian. Italy has not told me
specifically whether he plans to support or attack you, but my impression is
that he intends to support you. I've been nudging him in that direction,
offering to support him against Austria so he has an avenue for growth. But
he doesn't say much on the subject, and I've been hesitant to push too hard
since we're still essentially building our relations anew.
In any case, I don't think EG conflict is completely out of the question. If
you can hang on, you should be able to stall English advances, especially with
Italian support. England has told me that the straw that would break the EG
camel's back would be if Germany outgrows him. And, all indications are that
Germany intends to attack War and StP next year. So, continued Germany growth
while England is stalled would go a long way to destabilize the EG.
Unfortunately, one logical conclusion from such an outcome may be EI
cooperation. Should that occur, it will mean I'll have the same concern
regarding Italy that England currently has about the German. So, I am eager
to maintain relations and communication between us. The landscape today looks
pretty different than it did a year ago, and it may look totally different
again in a year or two. So hang in there; if it's any consolation, at least
know that there are others on the board that want to see you remain strong.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
Since you didn't reply regarding the Vie attack, I assume you're not excited
about it. My gut feeling is that it would work, but ultimately I'll go with
whatever you think. The advantage for me, of course, is that it wouldn't piss
Italy off, while still getting you the build against Austria.
In any case, my order for Serbia is still to support Gal-Bud. I'll be
checking my mail frequently, so just let me know what you want me to do.
Ali
Message from Master to all
Just a reminder: please submit moves today. We have another extension
coming up and I'd like to get in the moves, retreats, and builds if
we can before his return.
Doug
PS: which player was it? Could the departing power please remind me?
Message from Russia to Turkey
>Message from Turkey to Russia in 'titleist':
>Since you didn't reply regarding the Vie attack, I assume you're not
>excited about it.
Actually, I'm at work, and checking dip mail on
the web when I have a free minute. I just got your
Vie proposal. I'll respond to it in a minute.
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
>Message from Turkey to Russia and Italy in 'titleist':
>
>I have a new proposal to put on the table. Austria is now telling me he's
>ordering Bud S Vie-Tri, and is expecting Ser S Vie-Tri. I believe there is
>a good chance that he will indeed order this way.
Given Smy-Alb, Tyl-Tri, Rum-Ser, Austria has little
reason to suspect discord between you and Italy, so I'd
expect him to lie to you, and order Vie S Bud, Bud S Vie.
If you do order Ser S Vie-Tri, he still gets the benefit
of IT discord without risking the loss of Bud.
>the best outcome for all three of us would be Ser S Tri, Tri S Gal-Vie.
Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud would be just as effective against
Bud S Vie-Tri, since my attack cuts his support, and it
also works against Bud S Vie S Bud.
>I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
I'd say we should stick with Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud.
Roberto, what do you think?
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Master
> which player was it? Could the departing power please remind me?
Reminder!
Message from Italy to Germany
> > Is there any possibility of Boh-Vie?
> Maybe. But are you going to support me in, or do you just want me to
> cut his support? If you're supporting me in, then I'll go. If you
> want me to cut support, then I'll have to think about it some more.
Can I support you in? I'd have to answer no. I think that would adversely
affect my diplomatic relations with Turkey and to a lesser extent England.
There are rumors though of an AT plan to take Trieste which, if true, might
allow you to waltz into Vienna without my support.
I fully understand if you have other plans and in no way would our relations
be affected if you decided to move east and north against Russia.
> Certainly you'll build an army in VEN and I wouldn't last long there.
Given the luxury of a build this winter (not guaranteed by any stretch of
the imagination) I would still consider strongly building another fleet if
everything went as I hope.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to Turkey
> Here's the latest. Austria says he's ordered Bud S Vie-Tri, Aeg-Gre,
Which means I need to go into Greece with support which in turns means I
need Serbia to support Trieste in case of Vie s Bud-Tri.
Bottom line is, I think we need to stick to the orders we have entered and
unfortunately let Russia hang with Gal-Bud. I'll issue the support for his
move in hopes of Vie s Bud-Tri.
Since Serbia won't be supporting Russia into Budapest (and he'll be upset
that you don't issue the order) does it make sense to re-consider Bla-Sev?
If Austria goes for it, it would bounce otherwise you'd gain the center.
Russia would be even more upset but it wouldn't be much more than he's
already going to be when he sees the Serbian order. Just a thought.
> He also says he thinks the odds are 3 to 1 against my actually coming >
through as promised, though, so it's uncertain whether he'll actually
> order that way.
I hope you told him then that there's only a 1 in 3 chance you'll issue the
orders he wants. And he wonders why I stabbed him?!
> Russia is pleading for Ser S Gal-Bud, but my order remains Ser S Tri
> (and will remain so unless you request otherwise).
See above. I'd suggest no change.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to Russia and Turkey
> Given Smy-Alb, Tyl-Tri, Rum-Ser, Austria has little
> reason to suspect discord between you and Italy, so I'd
> expect him to lie to you, and order Vie S Bud, Bud S Vie.
> If you do order Ser S Vie-Tri, he still gets the benefit
> of IT discord without risking the loss of Bud.
I would tend to agree with the above statement. Austria is probably lying
to both of you this phase in hopes of creating some kind of discord.
Whether he'll order mutual supports is open for debate. He's not a passive
player. I would expect him to make a play for either WAR/MOS/SEV with
Ukraine, use VIE/BUD in some form against TRI, and what he does with AEG is
anybody's guess.
> I'd say we should stick with Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud.
>
Trieste has been so ordered.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Ok, pretty much as expected, but no harm running it up the flagpole. My
orders are Ser S Tri, Gre-Bul, Bul-Rum. I'm thinking about Sev, but at the
moment I'd rather put the pressure on Rum in hopes my A Gre actually goes to
Bul. It won't be a huge setback if the army is destroyed, but I'd much prefer
to see it just go to Bul. And, I'm still giving serious thought to the
self-bounce in Con.
I'm counting on Alb S Ion-Gre, EMS-Ion. If Austria moves as he tells me,
it'll be all good. Russia will be pissed, but hopefully with German pressure
there won't be much he can do about it.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> > I'd say we should stick with Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud.
> >
>
> Trieste has been so ordered.
Rather tactful of Roberto, eh? He comes off smelling like a rose, without
actually talking about Serbia.
In any case, I've left my orders unchanged. Whatever Austria does, you'll be
in Bud this fall.
Regards,
Ali
Message from England to France
>In the Fall of 1901, Austria stabbed Russia.
>
>In the Spring of 1902, Italy betrayed Turkey and
>England (and perhaps Germany) betrayed France
>
>In the Fall of 1902, Germany semi-betrayed Russia
>
>In the Spring of 1903, Italy stabbed Austria
>
>It has been an eventful game so far. I wonder who will
>be the next person to receive the knife?
Interesting that you didn't count England "stabs" France. Neither would
I. By my definition, and perhaps yours, that wasn't a stab.
Ivy
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
>How have your discussions with Italy gone? He's still given me no indication
>if he intends to support France or attack him. I hope your discussions along
>that line have gone well.
Italy is going to the Western Med with the blessings of both France and
me. He has promised France to help him. He has explored dividing France
with me. Given his history, I don't think Italy's word means a thing. We
won't know what he will do until he does it.
Good luck with your decision.
Ivy
Message from Russia to Turkey
>Message from Turkey to Russia in 'titleist':
> > > I'd say we should stick with Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud.
> > Trieste has been so ordered.
>
>He comes off smelling like a rose, without
>actually talking about Serbia.
>
>In any case, I've left my orders unchanged.
He didn't reply to my letter to him regarding
Ion, either, so unless he's written to you, I'd
guess that means Alb S Ion-Gre, EMed-Ion. I don't
see a way to defend Gre, Rum and Con, while holding
Smy.
Nick.
Message from France to England
Wingo:
>>In the Spring of 1902, Italy betrayed Turkey and
>>England (and perhaps Germany) betrayed France
>Interesting that you didn't count England "stabs"
>France. Neither would I. By my definition, and
>perhaps yours, that wasn't a stab.
Yes, I did not call it a stab. We did not really have a
long history of working together as allies. But I
certainly called it a betrayal. You did make quite a few
promises about our future together and led me to
believe in that. Your attack was a betrayal to those
promises and that feeling of good will. I listed Germany
as only perhaps betraying me because he made few
promises and I never really believed any of them anyway.
He was probably more in the attack category.
I would say that a stab is worse than a betrayal. But
neither are nice and good :-) The next step down is an
attack, which is not positive either, but certain a
lesser degree of evilness. They are certainly not as
much fun as trust, but all necessary elements of the
game, nevertheless.
Thanks for relieving my boredom for a short while. I
would wish you good luck tonight, but as I expect that
you are still attack me, I will refrain. I would instead
wish Germany good luck, but he probably does not need it.
Next year he will collect St. Petes, probably Warsaw and
maybe a French center.
Le DAUPHIN
Message from France to Turkey
Ali Baba:
>So hang in there; if it's any consolation, at least
>know that there are others on the board that want
>to see you remain strong.
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
My only wish is that those who wished me to stay strong
could/would do more about it. I realize that your are
ill-positioned to help. Any effort you put forth to
convince Italy to not betray me is appreciated. At least
Italy is sending one fleet to help. I could certainly
have used help from his Army in Tyrolia. It sat there
for quite a while and would not assist. But beggars
cannot be choosers I guess. I will take the help that is
available.
I do hope that you will not have Italy grow too quickly.
That would make me nervous. He may get to the point
where he feels that he can make a move to try and hold
part of France. Then he will no longer have incentive to
try and support France to prevent England from taking it.
It is also not in your best interest to see him get
strong. But I understand that you would not want him to
get ansty. I do hope to see England that way. Anything
subtle you can do to help Germany grow, is probably a
good thing for me.
Good luck
-- Prince Boar
Austria: Fleet Aegean Sea → Greece (*bounce*)
Austria: Army Budapest SUPPORT Army Vienna → Trieste (*cut*)
Austria: Army Ukraine → Sevastopol
Austria: Army Vienna → Trieste (*bounce*)
England: Army Belgium SUPPORT German Army Munich → Burgundy
England: Fleet Irish Sea → English Channel
England: Fleet London → North Sea
England: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean SUPPORT Fleet Irish Sea → English Channel
England: Fleet North Atlantic Ocean SUPPORT Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean
France: Fleet Brest → English Channel (*bounce*)
France: Army Burgundy → Belgium (*bounce, dislodged*)
France: Army Gascony → Spain (*bounce*)
France: Army Picardy SUPPORT Army Burgundy → Belgium
France: Fleet Portugal → Spain (south coast) (*bounce*)
Germany: Fleet Baltic Sea → Livonia
Germany: Army Bohemia SUPPORT Austrian Army Budapest → Galicia (*void*)
Germany: Fleet Gulf of Bothnia SUPPORT Russian Fleet Livonia → St Petersburg (south coast)
Germany: Army Munich → Burgundy
Germany: Army Prussia → Warsaw (*bounce*)
Germany: Army Ruhr SUPPORT English Army Belgium
Italy: Army Albania SUPPORT Fleet Ionian Sea → Greece
Italy: Fleet Eastern Mediterranean → Ionian Sea
Italy: Fleet Ionian Sea → Greece
Italy: Army Trieste SUPPORT Russian Army Galicia → Budapest (*cut*)
Italy: Fleet Tyrrhenian Sea → Western Mediterranean
Russia: Army Galicia → Budapest (*bounce*)
Russia: Fleet Livonia → St Petersburg (south coast)
Russia: Army Warsaw HOLD
Turkey: Fleet Black Sea → Constantinople (*bounce*)
Turkey: Army Bulgaria → Rumania
Turkey: Army Greece → Bulgaria
Turkey: Army Serbia SUPPORT Italian Army Trieste
Turkey: Army Smyrna → Constantinople (*bounce*)
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