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Message from Germany to Russia
Nik:
> Russia: Removes the fleet in Sevastopol.
You might not believe it but I like this move. It makes me look far
less imposing. All the press that I've been receiving has had a
hysterical tone to it. Mainly because everyone thought that you'd
remove the fleet up north, and then I could walk into STP. Now there's
less chance that they'll gang up on me.
I would ask though, can you tell me who pushed this disband?
Fredd
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> > Russia: Removes the fleet in Sevastopol.
>
> You might not believe it but I like this move.
Keeping F GoB is hardly anti-German.
> I would ask though, can you tell me who pushed this disband?
Ali, obviously. Boar favored F GoB, surprisingly. Austria lobbied for
A Gal. (Like that was gonna happen!) I haven't heard from Ivy recently,
and Roberto and I discussed other things. Can we agree on Bal-Pru,
Swe-Bal, GoB-Lvn, Ber-Sil this Spring?
Nick.
Message from Germany to Russia
> Can we agree on Bal-Pru,
> Swe-Bal, GoB-Lvn, Ber-Sil this Spring?
This is not to put you off. I will certainly consider all of these
moves. It's just late now, and I want to get a message back.
BER-SIL certainly looks like a go.
I'd say that parking a fleet in PRU is a no go. In saying that I'm
thinking of England more than you. Putting a fleet where it can't be
used for a year could tempt him to return.
On the other hand I'd like to get off of SWE so England isn't threatened
in NWY.
What about BOH and GAL? Any ideas there?
Last but not least, why would Ali want you to disband the fleet in the
Black Sea. I thought that you two were allies. If you're not then AI
will roll over you. If you are, I think it would be advantageous to
have a fleet in the Black Sea.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Italy
You're correct, I did write the below.
> 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.
But I think that you overlooked the below. Where I state that I don't
want to move my armies south.
>
> Truthfully I don't really want to move south. I would just
> like to see TYR clear.
So it's probably a misunderstanding. You were feeling that I was
threatening Venice, while I thought that my message conveyed that I'd
like to see everyone out of TYR.
Fredd
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> > Can we agree on Bal-Pru, Swe-Bal, GoB-Lvn, Ber-Sil?
>
> This is not to put you off. I will certainly consider all of these
> moves. It's just late now, and I want to get a message back.
>
> BER-SIL certainly looks like a go.
>
> I'd say that parking a fleet in PRU is a no go. In saying that I'm
> thinking of England more than you. Putting a fleet where it can't
> be used for a year could tempt him to return.
Sorry, don't buy it. This Spring Ivy HAS to order Iri S Nwg-NAO,
Lon S Eng, to attack MAO this Fall, and you yourself claimed that he
wants you out of Swe, and not in a position to grow this year. That
almost forces Swe-Bal, Bal-Pru. Additionally, IF we're cooperating
against Austria, and your ordering Ber-Sil, you don't want the
Austrian Army in War retreating to Pru when dislodged.
> On the other hand I'd like to get off of SWE so England isn't
> threatened in NWY.
Fin, GoB, and Lvn all threaten me, and threaten England indirectly.
That leaves Swe-Bal, and Bal-Pru, or Bal-Ber. Bal-Pru makes much
more sense from an anti-Austrian point of view.
> What about BOH and GAL? Any ideas there?
Several, but we need to come to an agreement on the Fleets, first,
I think.
> Last but not least, why would Ali want you to disband the fleet in the
> Black Sea. I thought that you two were allies. If you're not then AI
> will roll over you. If you are, I think it would be advantageous to
> have a fleet in the Black Sea.
You'd think so, and I'd think so, but Ali is the Turk, and Turks have
this ingrained snap response that Russia's first disband HAS to be F Sev,
for the Juggernaut to work. Also, I HAD to disband something, and the
Armies were out for obvious reasons, so I had to choose a Fleet, and if
I disbanded F GoB the ONLY ways to keep you from taking StP in the
Fall were to ask you to be nice, or to move Mos-StP and risk War-Mos.
Had I disbanded GoB, you COULD have ordered Swe-GoB, Bal-Lvn,
Ber-Pru, Boh-Sil, take StP, and quite possibly, War. This MIGHT have
caused an EF vs. G realignment, but I'd still be on my way to elimination,
so I didn't want to tempt you.
Let me know your thoughts on the Northern Fleets, when you get
time, and anything that you hear from around the world. Prince Boar
was lobbying hard for FAIR vs. GET, but Austria refused to retreat to
Sil, and Italy never commented on it publicly, so I think you don't
have anything to worry about, as long as you don't grow this year.
Nick.
Message from England to Germany
Freddy,
That Russia kept the northern fleet instead of the southern was no
surprise. It's probably what was best for him, if not for us.
Here is the danger as I see it. Russia recovers Warsaw (probably good for
us, temporarily) but then builds in StP (very bad). If he builds in StP
you will have a much harder time in the north, and the configuration could
favor eventual Russian/Austrian cooperation against Germany.
Here is a suggestion. Tell Russia you will help him against Austria
provided he puts his fleet immediately this spring in StP and keeps it
there. Tell him honestly that you want to see him build an army in
Sevastopol to use against Austria. If you moved a fleet to Bothnia, you
could then order Bot-StP in the fall to insure that StP remains occupied
and cannot be used for a build.
Just how long you help Russia is another matter. Obviously you want StP
and Warsaw for yourself. Since you cannot get them this year, it seems best
for us that Russia sit quietly in StP and that Austria lose Warsaw to
Russia.
In the west the situation is simpler. Just support Belgium with Ruhr and I
will make moves that guarantee that I get into the Mid-Atl by fall.
******
Austria encourages me to switch sides, unite with France, and attack you.
That's the first time he ever suggested this, and it reflects his increased
fear of you. Obviously this was brought on by his failure to build and the
presence of your army in Bohemia.
******
What is France doing these days on the diplomatic front? Here are my
guesses. (1) he probably is encouraging Russia and Austria to make up and
unite against Germany. This would relieve the pressure France feels on his
German border. All the more reason for you to court Russia, if only
temporarily.
(2) he may be asking Italy for military help, say the new Naples fleet, in
order to make my progress more difficult. I once wanted Italian help
against southern France, but now I think I would rather Italy stay away.
******
>From my point of view, the ideal 1903 would see Russia regaining Warsaw to
offset the probable loss of a Turkish unit. Then the AI vs RT equation
remains balanced. In the meantime you and I both creep forward.
Ivy Wingo
Message from Germany to Russia
Nick.
Just a minute before I head off to work. (Where I don't get email from
this game)
> Prince Boar
> was lobbying hard for FAIR vs. GET, but Austria refused to retreat to
> Sil, and Italy never commented on it publicly, so I think you don't
> have anything to worry about, as long as you don't grow this year.
This is exactly why I don't want to grow this year. So STP would have
been safe (This year) even if you had disbanded GOB.
Yes that infers that it wouldn't have been safe next year. But I expect
that I need'nt blow smoke and say something that everyone knows that I
would consider. But a year is a year in this game, and you just knew
know. My point being that STP is and was safe (from me) this fall.
I'll also have to stop talking without looking at the board. I had
overlooked Austria retreating to PRU. That's a good point. For my
next press I'll have a complete strategy laid out.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy
Good thoughts on Russia. I've been trying something along those
lines. Strangely enough he acts like he's bargaining from a position of
strength. I do believe that you've hit the nail on the head that he'll
switch sides to Austria at a drop of a hat. (and here I thought that
when you got pissed at someone you're supposed to stay pissed)
Ruh will support BEL.
Fredd
Message from England to Germany
Freddy,
> (and here I thought that
>when you got pissed at someone you're supposed to stay pissed)
Right. You can count on that in most games, but good players (of which
there are seven in "titleist") can put aside past betrayals in order to
meet new threats. This game will be tricky from beginning to end.
Ivy
Message from Turkey to Germany
Freddy,
I'm sorry to hear of your troubles with Italy. I had hoped that the
combination of Tyr/Boh/Gal/Rum could be devastating against Austria if the
Italian could be turned. Of course, as you point out, the combination of
Tyr/Bur cannot be taken lightly.
>From your last press, I speculate that you may be planning to dislodge Tyr
soon. Is this the case? The reason I'm asking, of course, is that Boh
would be very useful against Vienna. The two obvious options are Gal S
Boh-Vie in the spring, or perhaps Boh-Vie to cut support in the spring, with
Rum S Gal-Bud, and Bud S Boh-Vie in the fall.
Anyway, as you mentioned, we should be in serious discussion. Austria
affects both our interests, and we'd be well-advised to coordinate our
efforts for our mutual benefit. I eagerly await your thoughts on the above,
or on any other topic that comes to mind.
Ali
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> > I think you don't have anything to worry about
> > as long as you don't grow this year.
>This is exactly why I don't want to grow this year. So STP would have
>been safe (This year) even if you
>had disbanded GOB. Yes that infers that it would
>not have been safe next year.
There was the danger that you would try for
StP AND War, and while that move would likely have
garnered you more attention than you wanted, it
would also have definitely crushed my hopes of
survival. So, that concern, combined with my
desire to prevent War from retreating to Lvn, and
Turkey's desire that I disband F Sev all influenced
my decision.
>I had overlooked Austria retreating to PRU.
That's why I like GoB-Lvn, Bal-Pru, and Swe-Bal
should make England happy, it increases everyone's
security in the north.
Nick.
Message from England to Germany
Freddy,
France is urging Russia to move Moscow->StP in order to draw my fleet back
to Norway. Russia would have to be very stupid to do that because it means
giving up Warsaw. But building an army in StP after regaining Warsaw could
be very tempting for Russia.
I hope you don't vacate Sweden this spring. While Russia probably won't be
so bold as to try Bot->Swe, there is no reason for you to risk it.
I suppose if Russia builds or threatens to build in StP there is always
Lon->Nth->Norway. That protects Norway and helps you get StP. I know, I
know, you don't want me in the North Sea. Just an option. I won't go
there unless you ask me to.
If Russia doesn't play ball this spring, maybe you have to try to keep him
from getting or keeping Warsaw.
[My moves are easy, so I have been thinking about yours.]
Ivy
Message from Germany to Russia
Nick:
Strangely enough we find ourselves back in the same boat again.
Remember back before the first move, when you wanted Sweden but wouldn't
commit to putting that build in STP? (You, of course, couldn't commit
because of the Juggernaut)
Now we are in a similar position. You would like my help in retaking
WAR or VIE. I don't have much trouble with that, UNLESS you use that
build to put an army in STP. If we can agree that you won't build an
army in STP then we should plan an attack.
Let's assume that A and I are working hand in glove. There are five
units that we have to cover. TYR, VIE, BUD, WAR, and SER. We have BOH,
BER, MUN (sort of), GAL, MOS and RUM
It sounds to me that from the moves that you suggest you want to put GAL
into WAR with help from MOS. Which also makes WAR retreat to UKR.
(Unless RUM goes there. Highly unlikely)
Then in the fall it'll be a guess between you and Austria. You try to
leave something open and keep all your pieces, while he tries to get one
back. And he might have a unit in GAL to help.
Not the greatest plan in the world.
I do like the BER-SIL, BAL-PRU, and BOT-LVN part of the plan. Those are
my tentative orders right now.
What about: RUM S GAL- BUD and BOH - VIE.
Or BOH s GAL - VIE and MUN - TYR
What is Turkey willing to do? I'd like to attack in the south this
turn, then support MOS - WAR in the fall (with SIL)
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
Pity the other players. France is turning his press machine on them.
I have heard that he is trying to get FAIR vs GET.
Russia is the wild card right now. I'm just finished my press to him.
Basically telling him that I'll take his advice and make his move on the
condition that he doesn't build in STP. Truthfully, I expect him to
balk. His press to me hasn't been 'encouraging'. Of course, my two
fleets might have something to do with that.
Italy and Austria has also been less than cordial. Italy and I are
'having words' over his army in TYR. I want it out of there before it
can be used against me. He says its only for defense. Something is going
to give.
It really is perplexing. I can classify both Italy and Austria only as
arrogant. They have made almost no attempts at diplomacy with me. At
least nothing realistic. I've got some bull from Austria about attacking
Russia, but it's obvious that he's not serious. And Italy just yells at
me because I want him to retreat TYR. Seems fair to me.
FAIR could be becoming a reality. It all hinges on Russia. IF he hangs
with Turkey or turns against him. I wouldn't be surprised to see Russia
attack Turkey, even this turn. But probably in the fall.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Turkey
Ali:
Quick question, did you suggest that Russia disband F SEV?
I have suggested RUM S GAL - BUD while BOH-VIE to Russia. I believe
that we should be attacking, while we have the advantage of position.
It's my belief that France is trying to turn Russia against you. In
effect forming FAIR vs GET. Certainly it's already FAI VS GET. The
wild card is Russia. Do you think that he'll turn against you? I'm in
a position to help him, and so his press should be designed to give me a
warm and fuzzy feeling. It doesn't. But that could be caused by my two
fleets. I suppose that I'd feel the same way if I were him. He's
probably assuming that I might help him in WAR or elsewhere, but at the
same time helping myself to STP. I certainly would consider that. Just
not this year.
I'm waiting to hear back from Russia about our attack. Let's hope it
goes well.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
> If Russia doesn't play ball this spring, maybe you have to try to
> keep him from getting or keeping Warsaw.
I'm glad that you don't want me to vacate SWE this turn. I was looking
for ways to move off, but they all threaten Russia.
Nickie should be playing ball. But I think his game plan is to build in
STP. I won't allow that. I will allow him to build in SEV or MOS, but
if he tries anything else I'll make it my mission to take him out at the
knees.
He could pull off quite a coup though if he were to change sides this
year. Austria would probably support him to RUM. (but Turkey would
retreat to SEV, unless MOS moved down) But that would mean that he'd
have to trust A NOT to enter MOS in the fall. I doubt if there's a lot
of trust there.
I've got messages in to Nick and Ali. What happens will depend on their
answers.
On the plus side the Boar has gone quiet.
Fredd
Message from France to all
Spring 1903 Symposium on Philosophy, Europe and
Everything.
- by Prince Xavier Boar
[This is Stuart Scott here. Trey Wingo lost this job
because of his relationship to Ivy Wingo. It is not wise
to be related to someone who betrays the Dauphin. He got
the Axe, had a date with Mr. Guillotine, you get the
picture. After carefully consulting my family tree, and
knowing that I am not related to any of the leaders in
Europe, I accepted this job. I could not resists after
reading all Trey's postcards describing the beautiful
babes.]
[Well it is time to play the uncensored parts of Prince
Boar's speech and add my witty commentary.]
My dear French people, as you all know, things have not
gone well for France. We are under attack from both our
Northern and Eastern Borders. For now the South appears
to be safe, but the Italians may be mustering for war as
well. Our sources tell us of their expanding navy. But
I implore you to keep your hope. The Dauphin and I will
do all that we can to make certain that our betrayers do
not benefit from their treachery.
We shall Protect in Paris, and Battle in Burgundy. We
will Punish in Picardy and berate in Brest. We shall
Garrison in Gascony, Beset in Belgium, Ravage in Ruhr,
Malign in Munich, and Maul in Marseilles. We will
Persecute in Portugal and Skirmish in Spain. Our Navies
will Maraude in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean, Nip at the North
Atlantic Ocean, Invade the Irish Sea, and Engage in the
English Channel. Our people shall never give up!
[Quite the big talker and a guy who knows how to use a
Thesaurus. Perhaps he can toss it at Frederick when he
arrives in Paris at the head of his armies. Next he gets
into some private French strategy, if you call looking up
nasty words that start with the letter 'I' a strategy. I
assure you that no one discussed the color of the
Dauphin's underwear this time. But the rumor has it that
the Dauphin sent a pair of Hot Pink ones with Bats and
Mediterranean Blue with Speckled Eggs to Diploman and Boy
Gambit respectively.]
Philosophy
A neighbor has suggested that France is being attacked
because we were too likeable. That we should have
purposely been less likeable to not make ourselves a
target. The irony is that this neighbor is more likeable
than we are. But it is an interesting philosophy
nevertheless. It is a philosophy, however, that I must
reject. Instead I choose to follow the personal
philosophy of the great Marcus Aurelius. He is a man of
my own heart in that he was both a Caesar of Roman and a
wise stoic philosopher. To him, the wise man "will not
go against the divinity that is planted in his breast;
but rather he will preserve his deepest inner self in
tranquillity. He will, above all, preserve his own
autonomy and integrity, and not let anything alienate him
from himself". Words that I can live by. If I fail
France by being who I am, then I must apologize. But I
shall not fail myself by being myself.
[He may not fail himself, but we wonder if he is full of
himself. He is deluding himself that he is likeable. He
can't seem to convince a soul to do the simplest things.
Maybe we should get that Sport Center Advertisement team
over here to work on his image.]
[Well, thankfully that is all folk. Until next year.
Stuart]
Message from Germany to Austria
Grace:
> Austria-Hungary has its own discomfort with the Italian army in
> Tyrolia, but with your army in Bohemia, the Italian army becomes
> more useful than not.
Although if that Italian army hadn't been in TYR, there wouldn't be a
German army in BOH right now.
>
> Russia will presumably remove his northern fleet this winter.
> That allows you to take StP by force: Bal-Lvn, Swe-Bot in the
> spring. If you also move Ber-Pru, Boh-Sil, you will surely reap
> the northern Russian centers, including Warsaw which is currently
> enjoying its recent liberation by
> Austro-Hungarian troops. Can you discuss whether these moves are
> in your plans?
I reached the same conclusion. Great minds must thing alike. Now if only
great minds would think correctly....
At one point before the last turn I was set to move MUN-SIL then, and
add BER-PRU in the next turn. That could still happen, but it's
unlikely. I have to compensate for F A BUR and I A TYR. BOH will have to
stay close for the moment.
I really must admit that I fail to understand the reason to resist the
idea of retreating TYR. I've said twice that I won't go in. I've got
France and northern Russia to worry about. Italy has Turkey. You have
Turkey and southern Russia to game with. We shouldn't be wasting time
and effort against each other, yet. After Russia and France are gone
would be the time for that. ;-)
Fredd
Message from Turkey to Germany
Fredd,
> Quick question, did you suggest that Russia disband F SEV?
Actually I didn't. Although I pushed him early in the game for a way to get
rid of it, in the end I thought it better to let him make the decision
without any attempted Turkish influence. I think he would have chosen
differently had Austria retreated to Ukraine. I also think he feels secure
in the knowledge that given the AI alliance, he and I must stick together or
die. So he probably feels I'm the least likely of his neighbors to attack
him. Indeed, given my defensive needs I currently have no plan to attack
him.
> I have suggested RUM S GAL - BUD while BOH-VIE to Russia. I believe
> that we should be attacking, while we have the advantage of position.
I suggested that to him as well. The big question mark was whether you'd be
up for attacking Vie. If you're on board with that plan, then this is
excellent news indeed. I will further encourage Russia on this matter.
> It's my belief that France is trying to turn Russia against you. In
> effect forming FAIR vs GET. Certainly it's already FAI VS GET. The
> wild card is Russia. Do you think that he'll turn against you?
Unless something drastic and unexpected happens this year, France will be
clutching at any straw he can get. To answer your question, no I don't
think he'll turn against me, at least not in the near term. He and I have
exchanged a great deal of press lately, as you might imagine, and there is a
sense that we are in this boat together to deal with the AI crisis. Once
that crisis is over, and if it is resolved in our favor, then who can say
what he will do? But in the near term, I have a reasonable level of
confidence that Russia will be a man of his word.
I will admit that Sev is tempting, and it's clear to me that if I end up
going against Russia, I'd be better off doing it before he gets a chance to
grow back. But common sense tells me that lacking any other ally, attacking
him now would be suicide. This is no doubt why Austria has repeatedly
insisted that I should attack Sev; a resumption of RT conflict at this time
would give AI a cakewalk.
> I'm in
> a position to help him, and so his press should be designed to give me a
> warm and fuzzy feeling. It doesn't. But that could be caused by my two
> fleets. I suppose that I'd feel the same way if I were him. He's
> probably assuming that I might help him in WAR or elsewhere, but at the
> same time helping myself to STP. I certainly would consider that. Just
> not this year.
He has indeed expressed some concern that you might agree to help him in the
short term, but that in the long run you'll attack him in the north either
way. I think he expects you to attack Warsaw for yourself, rather than help
him back into it. If you were to facilitate his recovery of Warsaw, I'm
sure that Russia would warm up considerably. In any case, Austria seems to
be enemy #1 while Warsaw is occupied, and the Czar did not object to my
suggestion of Bud S Boh-Vie in the fall if he should take Bud in the spring.
Anyway, I believe he would work with you in the near-term. Whether or not
conflict broke out between you afterward would of course depend on you and
Russia, and also to a degree what ultimately happens in the south between me
and Italy.
> I'm waiting to hear back from Russia about our attack. Let's hope it
> goes well.
I will write him again on the matter. Let's touch base again tomorrow if
possible, to confirm everything and compare notes.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from Austria to Germany
> Although if that Italian army hadn't been in TYR, there wouldn't be a
> German army in BOH right now.
Were the choice available to me, I would like both armies to evaporate.
Within more realistic constraints, no such happiness is likely to occur,
and I have to work within the possibilities.
> I reached the same conclusion. Great minds must thing alike. Now if
> only great minds would think correctly.... At one point before the
> last turn I was set to move MUN-SIL then, and add BER-PRU in the next
> turn. That could still happen, but it's unlikely. I have to
> compensate for F A BUR and I A TYR.
Why? Surely Ruh s Mun is a sturdy defense against those particular
units. If maintaining that defense reduces the aid you can render to
Lord Wingo, I expect he'll understand that you can't risk your home
centers to ensure his rapid gains. And if your gains are no slower than
his, doesn't such balance strengthen, rather than weaken, your alliance?
> I really must admit that I fail to understand the reason to resist the
> idea of retreating TYR.
Tyr is not mine to retreat, nor has it yet been dislodged. And I fear
that if it is dislodged, the retreat could too easily be into Trieste,
which would be a shame.
> I've said twice that I won't go in. I've got France and northern
> Russia to worry about. Italy has Turkey. You have Turkey and southern
> Russia to game with. We shouldn't be wasting time and effort against
> each other, yet. After Russia and France are gone would be the time
> for that. ;-)
I absolutely agree. Certainly a timely Tyr-Pie-Mar could be a welcome
sight for your eyes. I doubt Italy will follow that course, however, at
the risk of German troops marching in his wide-open Tyrolean doorway.
It would be nice to be able to work with you. But the Viennese feel
quite threatened by the army wintering in Bohemia, and can be expected
to block any possibility of close cooperation until it withdraws.
I'm sure you noticed that the Turkish build was yet another army. If
Russia, France, and Austria are the first three nations eliminated,
which one will be fourth? Can you defend Russian and Austrian holdings,
without creating an irresistable stab target for England?
Grace, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> Strangely enough we find ourselves back in the same boat again.
> Remember back before the first move, when you wanted Sweden
> but wouldn't commit to putting that build in STP?
You wanted me to build in StP??? Geeze, why didn't you say so?
> Now we are in a similar position. You would like my help in retaking
> WAR or VIE. I don't have much trouble with that, UNLESS you use that
> build to put an army in STP. If we can agree that you won't build an
> army in STP then we should plan an attack.
Austria is my enemy; I cannot afford to open up a second front at
this point. I need to shore up the South first.
> It sounds to me that from the moves that you suggest you want to put GAL
> into WAR with help from MOS. Which also makes WAR retreat to UKR.
> Then in the fall it'll be a guess between you and Austria. Not the
greatest
> plan in the world.
I've pretty much ruled out attacking War this Spring for just that
reason.
> I do like the BER-SIL, BAL-PRU, and BOT-LVN part of the plan. Those
> are my tentative orders right now.
What about Swe-Bal? (I know, you don't want StP this year, but it is my
capital, and my home, and I worry about it.)
> What about: RUM S GAL- BUD and BOH - VIE.
Ali and I have been toying with this idea, it seems likely.
> What is Turkey willing to do?
He owes me several, so I think I can count on his support for any plan
that stands a good chance of hurting AI.
> I'd like to attack in the south this turn, then support MOS - WAR in
>the fall (with SIL)
This seems like a workable plan, I'll contact Ali, and confirm with
you later this afternoon.
Nick.
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
I must admit that the Dauphin is impressed as all heck
with you. You seemed to be taking on Russia, France,
Austria, and perhaps Italy all at once. Impressive, if
stupid. But I am sure that things are not as they seem.
Of course that can go two ways. Italy may tell you that
Munich is safe, but ..... you never know. How is the
beer there?
Your only hope for a build this year may just be Norway.
Russia can deny you St. Petes until next year. If he
does not see the obvious, I will forward the Dauphin's
analysis to him. At least you seem prepared to defend
against a joint Russian-Austrian attack. The can press
you, but it would take time. Toss in a bitter French
unit who is currently kissing the ground in Burgundy
because they finally made it in, and who knows what might
happen.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Germany to France
> I must admit that the Dauphin is impressed as all heck
> with you. You seemed to be taking on Russia, France,
> Austria, and perhaps Italy all at once. Impressive, if
> stupid. But I am sure that things are not as they seem.
Yes, I've heard how you're burning up the press wires trying to get all
those that you mention to attack me. Tis one of the complications of
being a center unit. The paranoia can become outstanding. Then with
the right push from the Dauphin and who knows.
The moves will be interesting.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Russia
> > Strangely enough we find ourselves back in the same boat again.
> > Remember back before the first move, when you wanted Sweden
> > but wouldn't commit to putting that build in STP?
>
> You wanted me to build in StP??? Geeze, why didn't you say so?
>
Oops. I meant the opposite.
> What about Swe-Bal? (I know, you don't want StP this year,
> but it is my capital, and my home, and I worry about it.)
Ivy has asked me to stay in SWE this turn. In case of (the highly
unlikely) move of MOS-STP. This works better for me than moving south.
Fredd
Message [from France] to all
BG> Holey Underoos Diploman. What a nice gift from the Dauphin!
DM> Yes it was. I will wear mine tonight, after I take off my costume. I do
hope that France is not trying to buy us with this gift.
BG> Absolutely Diploman. We must remain impartial observers in our vigil to
bring the betrayers to justice!
DM> Speaking of which, the alliances stayed pretty steady this season.
BG> I agree. Next year could be more interesting though. Say, do you want to
go model our new undies?
DM> Sure, why not. Let's get out of here.
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
> Yes, I've heard how you're burning up the press
>wires trying to get all those that you mention to
>attack me.
This is a bit of an over statement. Certainly I am
trying to get people to put pressure on those that are
attacking me. I have no other choice. I am sure that
this does not surprise you. But in reality I have cut
down on my press quite a bit, as I have been busy, not to
mention a bit disheartened.
I actually have been trying to get people to attack
England. But the problem is that no one is positioned to
do so, except Russia. And he has his own problems. I
may have to instead work on English growth. How many
fleets would it take before you get nervous? :-)
>Then with the right push from the Dauphin and
>who knows.
If you leave me alone, I am willing to leave you alone.
England and I can fight for a very long time, one-on-one,
while you consolidate your power. What do you say?
>The moves will be interesting.
Aren't they always? They typically have many surprises
as well.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Italy to Germany
>
> So it's probably a misunderstanding. You were feeling that I was
> threatening Venice, while I thought that my message conveyed that I'd
> like to see everyone out of TYR.
>
Actually, I felt more like you were threatening my Austrian ally than you
were threatening Venice.
I will agree to move out of Tyrolia, against the wishes of Austria and
France, after you retreat Bohemia someplace north. Is this agreeable?
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to England and Germany
Gentlemen,
If we can agree to GoB-Lvn, Bal-Pru, Swe-Bal, I will
agree to not build in St. Petersburg this Fall. Is this
acceptable to you both?
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from England to Germany
Freddy,
> Russia is the wild card right now.
Yes, we need him on our side, if only for a turn or two.
> Italy and Austria has also been less than cordial. Italy and I are
>'having words' over his army in TYR. I want it out of there before it
>can be used against me. He says its only for defense. Something is going
>to give.
I asked Italy about this and he went into a long digression about how he
had your approval to go into Tyrolia. That's past history. What matters
now is the current threat Tyrolia poses. I can't imaging that Italy will
retreat, so you may wish to ease off a little on your request in the
interest of diplomacy. You never know when Italy may be needed as a friend
against Austria. In the meantime Bohemia sup Munich can be considered.
It's actually Bohemia that has everyone riled up. 8-)
> FAIR could be becoming a reality. It all hinges on Russia. IF he hangs
>with Turkey or turns against him. I wouldn't be surprised to see Russia
>attack Turkey, even this turn.
I have tried very hard to persuade Russia not to do that. In all honesty,
I think it would be a huge strategic error. Austria and Italy appear to be
solid. If so, Italy is "assigned" Turkish lands, while Austria "claims"
Russian land. Heck, Russia can see that Austria is already in Warsaw.
Does Russia really believe he has any future in an alliance with Austria?
That's what I said to Russia in so many words.
By the way, lacking anything better for Belgium, I have entered Bel supp
Mun->Burgundy. What you actually do is another matter. One possibility is
Munich supp Bohemia and Bohemia supp Munich, a wait and see ploy that might
ease some worries of EG domination and reduce talk of a FAIR alliance.
I hope you can work something out with Russia. My experience with him is
that once he introduces a suggestion he never backs off. He will probably
insist on Bal->Pru & Swe->Bal right up to the last minute. He reminds me
of a certain party from my last game.
Ivy
Message from Turkey to Germany and Russia
Gentlemen,
I'm just writing to confirm the discussions I've had with each of you. I
have ordered Gre-Ser, Rum S Gal-Bud. I am counting on Gal-Bud, Boh-Vie, as
per our conversations. The only way this can be defeated is with Ser-Rum,
which I'm not expecting. Once Russia is in Bud, then I see no reason why
Bud S Boh-Vie wouldn't work in the fall.
Please write at once if anything has changed.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
I believe that Russia has explained that I was not trying
to incite him against you. I was trying to direct
Austria's retreat your way, which would help Russia, as
well as annoy you. As I explained, my biggest goal was
trying to hurt England. But distracting you is not bad
either.
The south talks about worries about EG, but aside from
possibly Italy, all I get is moral support. Russia even
talks about working with you. Maybe Italy will come
through.
Perhaps Friendless in Paris,
-- Prince Boar
Message from Turkey to Germany
Fredd,
Well, what do you think? Are you on board with Boh-Vie? There is at least
a slim chance that I may be able to work out an arrangement with Italy, in
which case I will no longer be joined at the hip to the Czar. It might turn
out that we'll have an opportunity to combine our forces sooner than I
thought. However, I'm still firmly committed to the plans we have in place
for the coming turn.
Of course, what happens in the fall all boils down to what Italy does in the
spring. Either way, though, I'm counting on close relations with Germany
going forward.
Write when you get a chance,
Ali Baba
Message from England to Germany and Russia
Nick and Fred,
> If we can agree to GoB-Lvn, Bal-Pru, Swe-Bal, I will
>agree to not build in St. Petersburg this Fall. Is this
>acceptable to you both?
I cannot in good conscience recommend that Sweden be vacated while a
Russian fleet is in Bothnia, at least not at this early stage of the
German/Russian relationship. I say this because, I don't think I would
want to move Sweden in the spring if I were Germany. Bothnia threatens
Sweden but Sweden does not threaten anything that belongs to Russia.
If the two of you want to consider Swe holds, Bal-Pru, GoB-Lvn, I see that
as a plausible compromise. After all it is the occupation of Prussia and
Livonia that should matter most in an anti-Austria campaign.
Why does Sweden have to be in Baltic? It is no farther from StP in the
Baltic than it is in Sweden?
Just my two cents.
Ivy
Message from England to Germany
Freddy,
In my earlier dialog with Russia over his move Moscow->StP, I learned that
he is incredibly pig-headed. Once he asks for something, he never backs
down. He thinks that if he says something 20 times that everyone is
supposed to believe him.
I DO believe him, but you have to decide for yourself. I really cannot
recommend vacating Sweden. Anything else is OK.
Ivy
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
Just in case you have not noticed this, it is not too
late to crunch England. All you need do is the
following:
Ber -> Bal -> Swe
Swe -> Nor
or
Swe -> Nor
Bal -> Den
You can also move Ruhr to Holland, but that can wait for
fall. If you take Norway and help me take Belgium in the
fall, England will be down to 3 centers, primarily on my
side of the Isle. He will fall a lot faster than I will.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to England and Germany
Gentlemen,
I Wrote > >
> > If we can agree to GoB-Lvn, Bal-Pru, Swe-Bal, I will agree to not
> > build in St. Petersburg this Fall. Is this acceptable to you both?
>
> I cannot in good conscience recommend that Sweden be vacated while
> a Russian fleet is in Bothnia, at least not at this early stage of the
> German/Russian relationship. Bothnia threatens Sweden but Sweden
> does not threaten anything that belongs to Russia.
Oh, come now, am I likely to trade German cooperation against
Austria, and StP, for Sweden? Do I really strike you as that much of
a fool? I'm offering to remove the potential threat to Swe, and agree
to not build in StP, in return German support in my attacks on Austria.
I know that Austria is lobbying Germany for cooperation against me,
why would I give Germany the least excuse to work with him?
> Why does Sweden have to be in Baltic? It is no farther from StP
> in the Baltic than it is in Sweden?
It increases the security of Norway, and opens the option for
Pru S Bal-Lvn, rebuild F Lvn as an Army, in the Fall.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from England to Germany and Russia
Nick,
> Oh, come now, am I likely to trade German cooperation against
>Austria, and StP, for Sweden? Do I really strike you as that much of
>a fool?
I think you and I have met before in a pre-existence. Only a guess. 8-)
It may be tough going at times, but I know we can work together.
As for the issue at hand, I now leave it to the two of you. Please don't
let small differences ruin the big picture.
I soon have to go out until late this evening.
Good luck.
Ivy
Message from Italy to Germany
After having a brief conversation with Ivy, I understand he suggested using
Bohemia to support Munich this spring. I can live with that and, depending
on the results tonight, perhaps we can agree to simultaneously move from the
provinces in question during the fall. Let me reiterate that Tyrolia will
not interfere in activities surrounding Munich this year. Is this a
starting point for further negotiations?
Roberto
Message from Germany to Italy
> After having a brief conversation with Ivy, I understand he
> suggested using Bohemia to support Munich this spring. I can
> live with that and, depending on the results tonight, perhaps
> we can agree to simultaneously move from the provinces in
> question during the fall. Let me reiterate that Tyrolia will
> not interfere in activities surrounding Munich this year.
> Is this a starting point for further negotiations?
Now we're getting somewhere. I've been away from the flood of email
that came in today. That's probably better.
Your earlier idea of moving TYR after I move BOH wasn't met by a great
deal of enthusiasm here in the German homeland. However a simultaneous
move is reasonable. As is your declaration of noninterference with
Munich this year. You're quite right it is a start. Perhaps we can
pull off the retreat in the fall.
In return I can say that I will not attack TYR this turn.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England and Russia
Nick:
I've been away from email since this morning and the press has piled
up. I'm glad that I missed the exchange.
I agree with Ivy. Staying in SWE is the best move for me. It leaves
me no closer to STP than the Baltic. So the threat to you is exactly the
same. Plus as an added bonus I protect SWE and NWY from you. Certainly
you see the possibility of GOB- SWE and then to NWY. While I move to
BAL. Although I'll admit the risk of you actually doing that is small,
the loss if it happens is great.
I can agree to BAL-PUR with GOB-LVN. SWE holds
Fredd
Message from Germany to Russia
This is going to only you.
Ali has said that he'll support you to BUD. But I haven't heard that
you'll go there. It would be bad form for me to BOH-VIE if in fact
there were no attack.
Are you going? Or are there other plans that I need to cooperate on.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Turkey
Ali:
I have your message about your support of GAL-BUD. But I haven't heard
from Russia if that is the order that he's entering. I'd hate to order
BOH-VIE if there isn't any reason for it.
On another note. You said earlier that Italy pulled the wool over your
eyes. Did he make an outright lie? Or was he subtler? I ask because
he has stated that he'll make a specific move. I wonder if I should
trust that. For instance, if he were to say 'I'm retreating TYR away
from MUN' would he do anything except move TYR to VEN or PIE?
Fredd
Message from Germany to France
PB
> I believe that Russia has explained that I was not trying
> to incite him against you.
Actually he hasn't. But then he's got a lot of people to talk to.
> Maybe Italy will come
I hope not. ;-)
What a focal point BOH has become. Everyone wants it to do something.
Maybe it should just sit and take in the sights.
At least I'm feeling better about the next move. At one point it looked
like everyone was going to gang up on me. Now it looks more like nobody
can trust the next guy to cooperate. Perhaps we'll see some shifting
alliances on the next turn.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
> In my earlier dialog with Russia over his move Moscow->StP, I
> learned that he is incredibly pig-headed. Once he asks for
> something, he never backs down. He thinks that if he says
> something 20 times that everyone is supposed to believe him.
I won't vacate SWE this turn. Unless it's to attack GOB. I've sent a
message to Nick saying that SWE stays. I go along with your assessment
of the Bear. Although there is no good reason to go to BAL over SWE, I
don't expect him to acquiess.
If he doesn't get on board, I might just have to attack. But I will
make sure that he doesn't get around to attack NWY.
Italy is showing the same stubbornness about getting out of TYR. At
least his last press showed some willingness to bend. Thanks for your
help there.
The trouble with both of these is that there's no good reason to take
the tack that they're taking. To me they're sending up a flare saying
'I can't do that, because it'll mess up my plans to attack you , soon'.
Fredd
Message from Turkey to Germany
Fredd,
> I have your message about your support of GAL-BUD. But I haven't heard
> from Russia if that is the order that he's entering. I'd hate to order
> BOH-VIE if there isn't any reason for it.
I'm glad you wrote. Indeed Russia and I have agreed on a different set of
orders than those that we had discussed, since neither of us had heard from
you. However, I still stronly urge you to order Boh-Vie, since there is a
chance you may get in there if things work out as we hope.
> On another note. You said earlier that Italy pulled the wool over your
> eyes. Did he make an outright lie? Or was he subtler?
Unfortunately, an outright lie. He promised not to move any fleets my way
if I built A Ank, and he asked me to support Tun-Gre, which it turns out he
didn't order. His promise and request were both made in clear terms.
However, read below...
> I ask because
> he has stated that he'll make a specific move. I wonder if I should
> trust that. For instance, if he were to say 'I'm retreating TYR away
> from MUN' would he do anything except move TYR to VEN or PIE?
I tell you this in the strictest confidence. What he is telling me and
Russia is that he'll order Tyr-Tri. I have received some press from France
that leads me to believe Italy may indeed attack Austria this turn. Russia
and I have concocted a scheme to take advantage of it. I'm quite nervous
about it, because it's somewhat risky. But if it pays off, then Austria
should be all but gone this year. Part of that hope, though, lies in the
potential for Boh-Vie, if we can trick Vie to move out.
So to answer your question, Russia and I have chosen at this time to believe
the Italian, specifically that he is moving Tyr-Tri. I have to say that if
this occurs, it will significantly change the landscape in the south, and we
will have much to discuss. If instead I am played for a patsy a second time
by Italy, then I'll be eating a substantial amount of crow.
I hope this helps. I know it sounds screwy, but it's the best I've got.
Whatever happens, I'll be looking to Germany as an ally against either
Austria or Russia once the dust settles, unless I am the dust. If you have
any questions, thoughts or concerns, please do not hesitate to write.
Best regards,
Ali
Message from Russia to Germany
> Message from Germany to Russia in 'titleist':
> It would be bad form for me to BOH-VIE if there were no attack.
Boh-Vie would not be bad form, there will be an attack.
Nick.
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
Thanks for the note!
>Perhaps we'll see some shifting
>alliances on the next turn.
See my previous message about your moving to Sweden.
If no one in the south can get along, why not take down
England while you have the chance. Your window of
opportunity will not be too large though. The south will
resolve itself eventually. So act while you have the
chance. A 3 center England will die quickly. I am
perfectly positioned and prepared to break support in the
fall that will help you take the North Sea.
I realize that I have not requested Bohemia to do
anything. I apologize for not participating in the
derby. Let's see, I want the army in Bohemia to.... go
fly a kite. Yeah, that is a nice spring thing to do :-)
For the record, can you tell me what everyone wanted you
to do with Bohemia. (after the moves of course) Being
friendless, I do not get much press and that would give
me something to do. Also, please send me any unused
crossword puzzles that you might have.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to all
It is too bad that we did not get the results in last
night. I must leave on a trip in a couple of hours. I
will be gone through next weekend. I was hoping to see
what evil was done (to me an others). We were doing so
well with meeting the deadlines :-)
I am not the person late, therefore my absence will not
hold up processing this set of moves. I asked Doug to
advance the deadline for the next set of moves that I
have orders due. If for some reasons you feel that you
must talk to either Prince Boar or the Dauphin during a
retreat phase (if one occurs) and I do not have a
retreat, then you will have to work that out with Doug.
Regards,
France
Message from Russia to Germany and Russia
> Message from Germany to Russia and England in 'titleist':
>
> I agree with Ivy. Staying in SWE is the best move for me. It leaves
> me no closer to STP than the Baltic. So the threat to you is exactly the
> same.
Swe HOLD may be the best move for you, but the threat that F Swe,
F Pru presents to me and to StP is not the same as that posed by F Bal,
F Pru. You may not see the difference, but it is there.
> Plus as an added bonus I protect SWE and NWY from you. Certainly
> you see the possibility of GOB- SWE and then to NWY.
Yes, I also see the possibility of Swe-Nwy, Bal C Ber-Swe, followed
by Nwy-Nth, Bal-Den, Swe-Nwy, but I suppose that if Ivy sees GoB-Swe,
followed by Swe-Nwy as a greater threat, then Swe HOLD makes sense.
(Can you sense the irony dripping off that statement???)
Nick
Message from Russia to England and Germany
> Message from Germany to Russia and England in 'titleist':
>
> I agree with Ivy. Staying in SWE is the best move for me. It leaves
> me no closer to StP than the Baltic. So the threat to you is exactly the
> same.
Swe HOLD may be the best move for you, but the threat that F Swe,
F Pru presents to me and to StP is not the same as that posed by F Bal,
F Pru. You may not see the difference, but it is there.
> Plus as an added bonus I protect SWE and NWY from you. Certainly
> you see the possibility of GOB- SWE and then to NWY.
Yes, I also see the possibility of Swe-Nwy, Bal C Ber-Swe, followed
by Nwy-Nth, Bal-Den, Swe-Nwy, but I suppose that if Ivy sees GoB-Swe,
followed by Swe-Nwy as a greater threat, then Swe HOLD makes sense.
(Can you sense the irony dripping off that statement???)
Nick
Message from Master to Germany
Missed deadline messages are not your cue to send out a flurry of
correspondence and conduct after-hours diplomacy. If you get a
missed deadline message, I expect you to immediately submit orders.
This isn't a 48-hour game for the other six and a 72-hour game for you.
Submit orders now, please.
Doug
Message from Germany to Turkey
Ali:
Amazing. I had checked my email on THursday morning, but then was away
until late Thursday nite. Seems that I was missed over that little
time frame.
RTI attacking Austria. I gotta admit that I'll believe that when I see
it. Although I suppose it's not out of the ordinary. If Grace is
communicating to his other neighbors as poorly as he talks to me, I can
understand it.
But I suppose the biggest problem with the whole idea is that Italy has
you by the balls. Why stab Austria? In the Spring? A far better time
would be in the fall. If he goes to TRI now, he'll just get tossed out
in the Fall.
Fredd
Message from Master to Germany
I think your moves were submitted simultaneous with my message -- thanks!
Doug
Austria: Fleet Aegean Sea SUPPORT Italian Fleet Eastern Mediterranean → Smyrna (*void*)
Austria: Army Budapest → Rumania (*bounce*)
Austria: Army Serbia → Rumania (*bounce, destroyed*)
Austria: Army Vienna → Galicia (*bounce*)
Austria: Army Warsaw → Ukraine
England: Army Belgium SUPPORT German Army Munich → Burgundy (*void*)
England: Fleet English Channel → Mid-Atlantic Ocean
England: Fleet Irish Sea SUPPORT Fleet English Channel → Mid-Atlantic Ocean
England: Fleet London → English Channel (*bounce*)
England: Fleet Norwegian Sea → North Atlantic Ocean
France: Fleet Brest → English Channel (*bounce*)
France: Army Burgundy → Belgium (*bounce*)
France: Army Gascony → Burgundy (*bounce*)
France: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean SUPPORT Fleet Brest → English Channel (*dislodged*)
France: Army Picardy SUPPORT Army Burgundy → Belgium
Germany: Fleet Baltic Sea SUPPORT Fleet Sweden → Gulf of Bothnia
Germany: Army Berlin → Prussia
Germany: Army Bohemia SUPPORT Army Munich
Germany: Army Munich SUPPORT Army Bohemia
Germany: Army Ruhr SUPPORT English Army Belgium
Germany: Fleet Sweden → Gulf of Bothnia
Italy: Fleet Eastern Mediterranean CONVOY Army Smyrna → Albania
Italy: Fleet Ionian Sea CONVOY Army Smyrna → Albania
Italy: Fleet Naples → Tyrrhenian Sea
Italy: Army Smyrna → Eastern Mediterranean → Ionian Sea → Albania
Italy: Army Tyrolia → Trieste
Russia: Army Galicia → Budapest (*bounce*)
Russia: Fleet Gulf of Bothnia → Livonia
Russia: Army Moscow → Warsaw
Turkey: Army Ankara → Smyrna
Turkey: Fleet Black Sea → Rumania (*bounce*)
Turkey: Army Constantinople → Bulgaria
Turkey: Army Greece SUPPORT Army Rumania → Serbia
Turkey: Army Rumania → Serbia
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