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France: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean can retreat to North Africa or Portugal or Spain (north coast) or Spain (south coast) or Western Mediterranean
Message from England to all
Very, very funny, a very clever practical joke. How did someone manage to
issue phony results for S1903M and what happened to the real results?
Message from Germany to Russia
Well that was unexpected. No wonder you were secretive about what was
going on. 'there will be an attack' Of course, it also made me highly
suspicious of your intentions.
Turns out that Austria took WAR the other way anyway. At least now you
have to go to STP. That takes away one headache for me.
Message from Russia to England and Germany
>Message from Germany to Russia in 'titleist':
>
>Well that was unexpected. No wonder you were secretive about what was
>going on. 'there will be an attack' Of course, it also made me highly
>suspicious of your intentions.
I moved exactly as I said I would. If I had
been aware of the IT arrangement, don't you think
I would have done something more useful than
bouncing off of Bud? My note to you was just a
rephrasing of your question to me as a statement,
I'm sorry that you find your own words suspicious.
>At least now you have to go to STP.
Why do I have to go to StP? Are you
declaring war on Russia, Fredd? Will Ivy approve
of such a course of action? Even if Austria
guesses correctly with Ukr, he's losing three
Centers, and Turkey could easily gain three.
Are you sure you want to weaken me at this point?
I have consistently told you the truth, and
negotiated in good faith, do you really want to
sacrifice that for a Center?
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
Consider carefully the situation in the
Atlantic. With the English Fleet in MAO, France
could lose a Center this year, and if he does,
his only chance is to disband a Fleet, and
continue to blockade you in the hope that you
will be forced to stab England before he grows
too large. If that comes to be, do you want me
as an ally, or as an enemy?
In All Seriousness,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
Damn! I decided not to support Gal-War
because I didn't want to dislodge War and have
it retreat to Ukr, so he moves there anyway.
I told EG that I was unaware of your switched
plans from Rum S Gal-Bud. I'm hoping that
seeing IT instead of AI will keep Germany from
attacking StP. More later.
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
I swear. I swear that I did not know that Germany was going to make those
moves. That was never part of our discussion.
I invested a lot of energy in trying to help Russian/German friendship. My
selfish motive is no secret. A Russian/German friendship would limit
German potential in the north and would restrain the AI alliance.
I am even more stunned by Italy's moves.
More later. My head is still spinning.
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
I just got your message to me and Germany as I sent off one to you.
This is not a good cop/bad cop routine. I just don't know what Germany is
up to anymore. I still proceed under the assumption that he is not going
to stab me and will help me with France, but I am a little worried about
the big picture.
On another matter. Was Turkey supposed to support you into
Budapest? Otherwise that was a strange move. Turkey looks scary all of a
sudden.
Ivy
[When I hit the "send" button, my word program warned me that the above
message is likely to offend the average reader. It suggested that I tone
it down a little. The words "to stab me" were underlined. I just had
Windows 2000 installed. I guess Microsoft Word has turned into a prissy
snoop.]
Message from Master to all
Extension at player's request. Everyone take a week off!
Doug
Message from Russia to England
>Message from England to Russia in 'titleist':
>I did not know that Germany was going to make those
>moves. That was never part of our discussion.
*nods* This is what I get for negotiating after
the deadline. I REALLY don't like the Quiet Setting.
>I invested a lot of energy in trying to help Russian/German friendship.
I know, and I appreciate it. You might want to
warn him off StP.
>I am even more stunned by Italy's moves.
Not as stunned as Austria is, I bet. 8-) IT
could end up at 6/7 after Builds, and if Fredd takes
StP, and Austria takes Sev, I could be at 2. Not
good at all.
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
>I just don't know what Germany is up to anymore. I still proceed under the
>assumption that he is not going to stab me and will help me with France,
>but I am a little worried about the big picture.
If you don't know what he's up to, can you afford
to assume that he won't stab you?
>Was Turkey supposed to support you into Budapest?
Yes, there was a GRT agreement to order Gal-Bud,
Rum S Gal-Bud, Boh-Vie (to cut support).
>Turkey looks scary all of a sudden.
You should see him from over here! 8-(
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy and Turkey
Gentlemen,
I'm glad that we've got a week to hash this out. 8-)
I've told EG, and E, and G that I was unaware of the IT
vs. A plan. My order of Gal-Bud, in keeping with the
original GRT plan has proved useful in selling this idea.
I actually ordered it because I didn't want War to retreat
to Ukr, or to allow Vie-Gal, Boh-Vie to succeed. Since
Bud S Ser-Rum was also possible, I figured Gal-Rum, Mos-War
made the most sense.
When you talk to EG, please ignore the existance of
RIFT, and talk as IT. I'm hopeful that this will make
G leave StP alone. I'm open to ideas for the Fall, but
lean toward Gal-Bud with support.
In Friendship, and Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
Boy, what a relief. I was nervous as a cat waiting for that result, I kept
looking at the board and thinking about all the way things could go terribly
wrong. I came close to writing you that I had changed my mind, but in the
end I'm glad I didn't.
I'm sorry about A Ukr; that was most unfortunate and unexpected. I guess
one of us should have seen it coming. I'm trying to think of a way to cover
Sev, but only Bla can bounce Ukr-Sev, and if he doesn't order it then I end
up in Sev. Besides which, Bla could be well-utilized to protect Rum or Con.
I guess we can hope he'll attack Rum with Bud/Ukr, perhaps leaking some
story through another power that might convince him to do it. Problem is,
who?
Obviously I'd like to build this year, and I'm reluctant to give Greece up
to Italy. But if I hold onto Greece and build 2, that would be too
unbalancing. Also, we need to figure out what to do about Sev; either some
attempted bounce, or else support for your re-entry to Sev next spring. It
doesn't look like Austria will be around much longer, so I'm still confident
we'll prevail in the end.
Anyway, as you say we've got a week to mull it over. If I understand
correctly, that's a week before the retreat results, let alone the next
movement phase. Let's take a look at things, push some pieces around, and
come up with a plan.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts,
Ali
Message [from Turkey] to all
DATELINE: CONSTANTINOPLE
Turkey's capital city erupted in riots yesterday, as
the political crisis that has gripped the country
devolved into bloodshed. For months, there has been
widespread concern that Ali Baba, the self-proclaimed
Supreme Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces, would
attempt to overthrow the government of Sultan Suleiman.
The Sultan has not been seen in public since Baba seized
control of the army, and many believe he is either
imprisoned or dead.
Violence erupted when the Sultan's Cabinet Ministers
received an anonymous tip outlining Baba's battle plans
in his war against Italy. Dubbed "Operation Roulette",
the plan signaled a radical shift in Turkey's foreign
policy. One minister, who spoke anonymously, joked that
it ought to be named "Operation Russian Roulette",
predicting that Turkey would be overrun by its enemies
should it be carried out.
The Cabinet, taking advantage of Baba's absence from
the capital, passed a resolution stripping Baba of his
military rank and political titles. The resolution
cited reports from government psychiatrists who claimed
that Baba was a certifiable paranoid-schizophrenic.
Couriers were sent to the front lines to countermand
Baba's orders, and an anti-Baba political rally was
staged on the Capital steps.
What started as a small political rally turned ugly
when the details of Baba's plans were revealed. Mobs
of angry Turks took to the streets and Baba was burned
in effigy. The violence was only worsened when news
reached the city that Baba's orders had ultimately been
carried out, resulting in the strongest military
successes of Baba's career. As news of the victory
spread, the mob turned on its leaders, and some of the
ministers were literally torn limb from limb.
Baba himself re-entered Constantinople to find the
city in chaos. After learning of the Cabinet action, he
immediately placed the remaining ministers under house
arrest, disbanded the Cabinet and proclaimed martial
law. He then proclaimed himself Emperor, thereby
abolishing the last vestiges of the Sultanate.
Reaction from the world community has been mixed.
Baba claims that he will continue to abide by agreements
made under the Sultan, but some nations have so far
refused to recognize his new government. The Political
Sector in Constantinople has been barricaded, and no
journalists have been allowed entry. Rumors are on
every tongue that each individual Embassy is in fact
surrounded by troops and tanks.
Baba seems to be in control of the military for now,
though his political troubles are far from over.
Conservatives in Turkey have argued that Baba's
government is illegitimate, and have called for an
uprising to return the Sultan to power. And although
Turkish forces have seized Smyrna, several factions
there have vowed to fight for a return of Italian
control. They claim that under Roberto, life was
beautiful.
The streets of Constantinople are quiet today, and
Turkish paramilitary units have enforced a strict
curfew. There is rising concern that the city appears
to be in control of Baba's personal guard, instead of
Turkish army regulars. The official Turkish news media
is currently releasing pro-Baba propaganda, and is
proclaiming evidence of mass graves in Serbia. However,
journalists have been barred from going anywhere near
the area, so these reports cannot be independently
confirmed.
Message from Austria to all
The Austro-Hungarian ambassador to Italy has been recalled.
Message from Germany to Russia
Nick:
Although I'm not going to declare war on you, I am going to do my best
to move your fleet into STP. Negotiating is too much work with you.
We differ too much in our beliefs. So my fleet orders in the fall will
be one of the following:
F GOB - STP
or
F BAL - LVN, F GOB s f bal-lvn
If I guess correctly one of us will be sitting on STP in the fall. who
it is doesn't matter to me. This the emergence of I and T as two very
strong powers, I'm not as disinclined NOT to build. Especially since
England now has a chance to build.
Fredd
Message from Austria to Russia
In an IT alliance, Austria is certainly the first target.
Given Turkey's repeated army builds, can we doubt that Russia
is to be the next? Perhaps Russia hopes that Italian help
will follow Austria's demise, but with the proliferation of
Turkish armies, it is not clear that Italy would seek the
quick downfall of Turkey. Nor is Germany likely to patiently
await the resolution of the Austro-Hungarian and Turkish wars
before continuing his own assault on the east.
I believe that even if Russia and Austria-Hungary ally, they
will not easily hold off the forces arrayed against them. But
I also believe that if they do not ally, even outside help
will not suffice to allow them to survive.
So, whither from here? Either way, you will probably see
Budapest in ashes before long. But by making that unhappy day
arrive later rather than sooner, perhaps you will increase
your own period of survival.
Will you accept my nation's humble apology for the wrongs done
to your peoples, and work with us to stand against the greater
oppressors?
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message [from Russia] to all
> Broadcast message from England in 'titleist':
>
> Very, very funny, a very clever practical joke. How did someone manage to
> issue phony results for S1903M and what happened to the real results?
You didn't really expect everyone to form alliances in 1901/1902, and then
Carebear their way to the end of the game, did you? We've all Soloed more
than once, and a Solo here means a great deal, so I, at least, expected some
rather bloody stabs.
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
> I'm sorry about A Ukr; that was most unfortunate and unexpected. I guess
> one of us should have seen it coming.
I saw the possibility, but preventing it would have taken both my
Armies,
and that would have weakened our attack on Austria.
> I'm trying to think of a way to cover Sev,
At this point, I suspect it makes more sense to ignore Ukr, and hope it
goes away. 8-) He can order -Sev, -Mos, -War, or -Rum with support,
and defending against all of them would cost me a Center if we guess
wrong, anyway.
> I guess we can hope he'll attack Rum with Bud/Ukr, perhaps leaking some
> story through another power that might convince him to do it. Problem is,
> who?
He wrote me a nice letter to apologize and beg for help. 8-) Perhaps I
could convince him to order Ukr S Gal-Bud, which would solve the problem
of your building two, as well. Just an idea, I haven't looked at the
ramifications
of that, yet. It would support the, 'I was betrayed by IT!', line, though.
> It doesn't look like Austria will be around much longer, so I'm still
> confident we'll prevail in the end.
Given the German moves to Bot and Pru, it doesn't look like I'll be
around
much longer, either, though, so we might want to consider some sacrifice
options. i.e. "If you take StP, I'll throw all my Centres to the Turk!"
> I look forward to hearing your thoughts,
I wonder what I did to attract so much attention? 8-)
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> At this point, I suspect it makes more sense to ignore Ukr, and hope
it
> goes away. 8-) He can order -Sev, -Mos, -War, or -Rum with support,
> and defending against all of them would cost me a Center if we guess
> wrong, anyway.
What to do about Ukr is completely your call. War is pretty much pinned,
since if it moves out you don't gain the center. If you choose to ignore
Ukr, then I can use Bla to protect Rum or Con.
> He wrote me a nice letter to apologize and beg for help. 8-) Perhaps
I
> could convince him to order Ukr S Gal-Bud, which would solve the problem
> of your building two, as well. Just an idea, I haven't looked at the
> ramifications
> of that, yet. It would support the, 'I was betrayed by IT!', line,
though.
Hm, not sure I like that approach. ;^) He has also written to me, with an
"I'll do whatever you want so long as I get vengeance on Italy" letter. He
very much wants support into Trieste. If I were to give him that support,
you could attack whichever Austrian unit moves, thereby picking up the
center.
> Given the German moves to Bot and Pru, it doesn't look like I'll be
> around
> much longer, either, though, so we might want to consider some sacrifice
> options. i.e. "If you take StP, I'll throw all my Centres to the Turk!"
Germany tells me he's planning to stay out of the Austrian matter, and that
his goals for next year are StP and War. I don't know if your threat would
deter him or not, although the impression I get is that Germany does think
I'll end up fighting him for your centers.
> I wonder what I did to attract so much attention? 8-)
Your death, or resurrection, would have far-reaching consequences. I got
the feeling EG wanted to give you a break due to the AI vs. RT. Now that AI
is gone, so is their restraint.
There are two ways I can go at this point. One, I can support Italy in Tri,
give him Gre, build an army and commence the IT. Two, I can support Austria
to Trieste, hold in Gre, and hopefully build two fleets. You should pick up
a center from Austria either way. If Austria expects my support, then I'll
know which unit is attacking. I can then support Tri, with Tri supporting
the appropriate attack from Gal, or else support the attack, with your unit
following behind.
The Ukr unit going to Mos or Sev would be a wash, an exchange for Warsaw,
and you'd still be able to build while Austria disbands. Of course you may
still have trouble with Germany, and I'd have to juggle to get fleets out of
Con and Ank, but it could be done. My only other alternative is to wait a
year or two for his fleets to move out, but he'd get suspicious if I didn't
attack Sev, and I would have to hope for a 2-build year to make it
worthwhile. So, this may be my chance.
I'm eager to hear what you think on the above. Please write at your
earliest opportunity.
Ali
Message from Russia to England and Germany
Gentlemen,
> Message from Germany to Russia in 'titleist':
>
> Nick:
> Although I'm not going to declare war on you, I am going to do my best
> to move your fleet into STP. Negotiating is too much work with you.
> We differ too much in our beliefs. So my fleet orders in the fall will
> be one of the following:
> F GOB - STP
> or
> F BAL - LVN, F GOB s f bal-lvn
GoB-StP will bounce off Lvn-StP, and force me to build in StP. Is that
what you really want? The attack on Lvn, especially if it was GoB-Lvn,
rather than Bal-Lvn, would give me the option to rebuild F Lvn as an Army,
and fight a delaying action in the south. I can't believe that you want the
East to resolve quickly, or that you want to fight a two-front war. Neither
of those is in Germany's best interest, but attacking me, gives you both.
> If I guess correctly one of us will be sitting on STP in the fall. who
> it is doesn't matter to me. This the emergence of I and T as two very
> strong powers, I'm not as disinclined NOT to build. Especially since
> England now has a chance to build.
Weaking the opposition to IT would be a mistake, and realistically,
unless France does something incredibley stupid, England will not build
this year, (I overlooked France's retreat in my previous letter). Your
best bet would be to give me space to oppose IT, and shift Boh-Tyl-Pie
to crack France quickly.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Austria
Ralassa,
> In an IT alliance, Austria is certainly the first target.
> Given Turkey's repeated army builds, can we doubt that Russia
> is to be the next? Perhaps Russia hopes that Italian help
> will follow Austria's demise, but with the proliferation of
> Turkish armies, it is not clear that Italy would seek the
> quick downfall of Turkey. Nor is Germany likely to patiently
> await the resolution of the Austro-Hungarian and Turkish wars
> before continuing his own assault on the east.
I can't argue with this analysis.
> I believe that even if Russia and Austria-Hungary ally, they
> will not easily hold off the forces arrayed against them. But
> I also believe that if they do not ally, even outside help
> will not suffice to allow them to survive.
Also probably true.
> Will you accept my nation's humble apology for the wrongs done
> to your peoples, and work with us to stand against the greater
> oppressors?
What do you and Archduke Ferdinand suggest?
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
> > I suspect it makes more sense to ignore Ukr
> War is pretty much pinned, since if it moves out you don't gain
> the center.
I'm considering War-Mos, Gal-War to deal with Germany,
since Ukr-War is Austria's most unlikely move.
> > He wrote me a nice letter to apologize and beg for help. 8-)
> > [Ukr S Gal-Bud possibility]
> Hm, not sure I like that approach. ;^) He has also written to me,
> with an "I'll do whatever you want so long as I get vengeance on
>Italy" letter.
Since he's ignored everything I've ever suggested, I agreed that we
needed to work together, and asked what he suggested. I'll let you
know what he says.
> Germany tells me he's planning to stay out of the Austrian matter,
> and that his goals for next year are StP and War. I don't know if
> your threat would deter him or not, although the impression I get
> is that Germany does think I'll end up fighting him for your centers.
Hmm, that makes no sense to me... Would you want France to
collapse quickly? I suppose if he could actually take War and StP,
he might be able to use the builds to hold what he gains, but he's
going to stalemate himself in the East, and ended up stabbed by
England.
> There are two ways I can go at this point. One, I can support
> Italy in Tri, give him Gre, build an army and commence the IT.
> Two, I can support Austria to Trieste, hold in Gre, and hopefully
> build two fleets. You should pick up a center from Austria either
> way. If Austria expects my support, then I'll know which unit is
> attacking. I can then support Tri, with Tri supporting the
> appropriate attack from Gal, or else support the attack, with
> your unit following behind.
Let's hold off on that decision for a few days, and see if Austria
contacts me again. If he tells me he wants revenge on Italy, too,
then we may be able to trust him, and use him against Italy. If he
gives me some other story, he's feeding us another line, and we
should probably look to eliminating him, while encouraging Italy
to help/stab France.
> My only other alternative is to wait a year or two for his fleets to
> move out, but he'd get suspicious if I didn't attack Sev, and I
> would have to hope for a 2-build year to make it worthwhile.
Well, there is IRT vs. AGE. We'd have to push your Armies
through Bud and Vie toward Mun, but it is possible.
Nick.
Message from Austria to Russia
> What do you and Archduke Ferdinand suggest?
Unfortunately, we are both in such poor shape there is no clearly
profitable course of action.
France apparently encouraged the stab, in the belief that Italy would
come to his aid once the east was resolved. I've asked England to
encourage Germany to help me, and/or to move to Tyrolia putting
pressure on Italy, to counter that. I've also asked Germany directly,
but his response was long on encouraging remarks and short on
specifics; I think he strongly covets your northern centers, and will
be hard to discourage.
But, the country we both border is Turkey. And your ability to
rebuild the fleet in Sevastopol will be critical to any counterattack.
If I'm working with you, I'll use my Ukraine army against Turkey, and
I'd appreciate it if your Gal army could support Ukr-Rum. If you are
unwilling to commit to that, let me know, and I'll suggest something
else. And of course if you have any suggestions, I'm interested in
hearing them.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Austria
Ralassa,
> I've asked England to encourage Germany to move to Tyrolia putting
> pressure on Italy,
I've made similar suggestions to Germany, pointing out that Tyl-Pie
would allow him a greater share of the French Centers.
> I think he strongly covets your northern centers,
Yes, I've gotten that impression, though it seems like a recipe for
stalemate in the East, to me.
> But, the country we both border is Turkey. And your ability to
> rebuild the fleet in Sevastopol will be critical to any counterattack.
> If I'm working with you, I'll use my Ukraine army against Turkey, and
> I'd appreciate it if your Gal army could support Ukr-Rum. If you are
> unwilling to commit to that, let me know, and I'll suggest something
> else. And of course if you have any suggestions, I'm interested in
> hearing them.
While I would like to see your Army in Ukr move out, I think it
might make more sense to order Ukr S Gal-Rum, since I've got open
Centers to build in, and you could try Vie S Bud-Tri, since Italy is
likely to demand Greece from Turkey in return for Smy. What do
you think?
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Austria to Russia
> While I would like to see your Army in Ukr move out, I think it
> might make more sense to order Ukr S Gal-Rum, since I've got open
> Centers to build in, and you could try Vie S Bud-Tri, since Italy is
> likely to demand Greece from Turkey in return for Smy. What do
> you think?
I think you're already getting a build for Warsaw, and if I am forced to
remove more units, I won't even have enough units to be a useful puppet.
If Ukr gives support, that means it's left hanging around surrounded by
your centers: War, Mos, Sev, Rum. That makes no sense to me. If you
support Ukr into Rum, then Ukr is out of your hair and into Turkey's.
The immediate build should be worth less to you than the value of not
having to defend your home centers against Ukr. And Rum would probably
become yours the following year, assuming you build a new fleet in Sev,
since that army would probably be best used for Rum-Ser (getting it
further from your home centers, and retaking the critical supply center.)
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Austria
Ralassa,
> I think you're already getting a build for Warsaw,
Yes, assuming I don't lose StP or Sev, but if you want me to fight
Germany and Turkey, two builds would almost be required.
> If Ukr gives support, that means it's left hanging around surrounded by
> your centers: War, Mos, Sev, Rum. That makes no sense to me. If you
> support Ukr into Rum, then Ukr is out of your hair and into Turkey's.
Yes, but conversely, if I support Ukr-Rum, that leaves Gal adjacent to
Bud and Vie...
> The immediate build should be worth less to you than the value of not
> having to defend your home centers against Ukr.
I'm assuming that if we're allied, I won't have to defend my Centers
against you, and given Gal-Rum, that opens up Ukr-Gal next Spring.
I'm not ruling out Gal S Ukr-Bud here, I'm just arguing my position.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Austria to Russia
> Yes, but conversely, if I support Ukr-Rum, that leaves Gal adjacent to
> Bud and Vie...
Earlier, you refused to move Gal to Rum, claiming that would let Germany
into Gal too easily. If Ukr supports Gal-Rum now, doesn't it have the same
effect? While your argument then may not have reflected your real reasons,
it remains valid.
> I'm assuming that if we're allied, I won't have to defend my Centers
> against you, and given Gal-Rum, that opens up Ukr-Gal next Spring.
Actually, Ukr would get removed in the winter; without a center to supply
it, it could not survive.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Austria
> Message from Austria to Russia in 'titleist':
>
> > Yes, but conversely, if I support Ukr-Rum, that leaves Gal adjacent
to
> > Bud and Vie...
>
> Earlier, you refused to move Gal to Rum, claiming that would let Germany
> into Gal too easily. If Ukr supports Gal-Rum now, doesn't it have the
same
> effect? While your argument then may not have reflected your real
reasons,
> it remains valid.
Well, no, Germany is no longer concerned about the strength of the AI
alliance, so he has no reason to attack you, and is more likely to move
Boh-Sil, than Boh-Gal, at this point.
> Actually, Ukr would get removed in the winter; without a center to supply
> it, it could not survive.
You don't think that you can retake Tri then?
Nick.
Message from Austria to Russia
> You don't think that you can retake Tri then?
Probably not, though if I even try depends partly on what you and I can
work out. But even if I succeed in that, I consider Aeg more useful than
Ukr. If I guess wrongly with Aeg, it still has to be kept if I can.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Austria
> Message from Austria to Russia in 'titleist':
> Probably not, though if I even try depends partly on what you and I can
> work out. But even if I succeed in that, I consider Aeg more useful than
> Ukr. If I guess wrongly with Aeg, it still has to be kept if I can.
Ok, I'll support Ukr-Rum.
In Haste,
Nick.
Message from Master to all
We'll also have an extension from Aug 14 to Aug 20 -- hopefully,
we'll get the retreat and maybe the fall moves before that player
departs (if he's comfortable with his moves before leaving).
Doug
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali, My Friend,
Well, I exchanged half a dozen letter with
Austria yesterday pointing out all the reasons why
Ukr S Gal-Rum made more sense than Gal S Ukr-Rum, but
he was insistent, so I finally told him that I would
support Gal-Rum. I do, in fact, support it, since it
is, in my opinion a much preferred move over Ukr-Mos
or Ukr-Sev. I will not, however, use my Armies to
express my support for Ukr-Rum. 8-)
I suggested to him that since Italy wants Greece,
Austria ought to be able to retake Tri, but he
expressed no interest in that attack and indicated
that he did not believe he could actually take it if
he tried. He did, however, say that he wanted to gain
a third Center to hang on to his Fleet, since he felt
it would be more useful to him than a third Army.
This may well have just been noise to encourage me to
attack you, though. I would guess this means Smy S
Bla-Con, Bul-Rum, Gre-Bul, Ser S Gal-Bud is probably
your best bet, though there are other possibilities.
I'm going to write to Roberto, and see what he has to
say, next. I'll keep you informed.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
Austria is trying to get my support for Ukr-Rum,
and not listening to why Gal-Rum would be better. He
claims that he doesn't think he can retake Tri, but
that may just be because he doesn't want me thinking
about Gal-Bud or Vie. Beyond the obvious TyS-WMed,
what do you have planned? Any chance of Tri S Gal-???
Germany seems content to let IT flourish, and I
suspect that he covets StP and War. This strikes me
as a recipe for an Eastern stalemate, but I've never
been able to get Fredd to listen to me. No word from
England, (or France, obviously) recently. What are
you hearing?
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
Just a quick note to say hi. It seems that I've
finally gotten Austria off my back, only to have him
replaced by Germany. 8-( I realize that you're in a
rather delicate position, of wanting G to remain allied
with you, but not grow, so any information you might
feel inclined to let slip will remain strictly
confidential. The East remains confused, but if
G puts too much pressure on StP and War, I'm going to
end up sacrificing Centers to Turkey, and that will
resolve the East pretty quick. Please drop me a line
when you get the chance.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
I hope you enjoyed your vacation, though I
imagine you were not pleased with the results when
you returned. I was surprised to see the Dauphin
try for Eng this Spring, and distressed by the
results.
In the East, IT decided on a plan that left
me out in the cold, and facing Germany alone, but
it seems to have, at least, gotten Austria off my
back. I'm trying to use the strength of IT as a
lever to push Germany south, but Fredd seems
uninterested in budging.
By retreating to Spa rather than Por, you
stand a better chance of defending Iberia with
just the Fleet, while your Armies hold off
Germany, but that's your choice to make.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> Austria is trying to get my support for Ukr-Rum,
> and not listening to why Gal-Rum would be better.
>
Explain to me why you thing Gal-Rum would be better. I must admit, at first
glance, I'd have to side with Austria on this one. Ukr-Rum saves you from
having to worry about Ukr-Mos, Ukr-Sev, and Ukr s Pru-War. There are a lot
of things the Ukranian army could do this fall to hurt you and it would seem
like arguing with Austria at this time would be counter productive. Agree
with him and then do something else if you must. (I know you don't like to
lie but Austria won't be around long enough to retaliate.)
> He claims that he doesn't think he can retake Tri,
He can't, unless Turkey stabs me this turn (a possibility I've taken into
consideration but I've warned Turkey that my eastern fleets would remain in
the event of a stab and I'd not make myself available to stop England).
> Beyond the obvious TyS-WMed,
> what do you have planned? Any chance of Tri S Gal-???
Yes, I would be happy to issue a support order for a Galician move to either
Vienna or Budapest.
As far as my other moves, Turkey and I are in negotiations for swapping
Greece and Smyrna. Nothing concrete yet but it's only a matter of time.
> Germany seems content to let IT flourish, and I
> suspect that he covets StP and War. What are
> you hearing?
>
Yes, Germany has told me the same but I wouldn't expect him to tell me
differently. I wouldn't be surprised to see him move to Tyrolia this fall.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to Italy
> Message from Italy to Russia in 'titleist':
>
> > Austria is trying to get my support for Ukr-Rum,
> > and not listening to why Gal-Rum would be better.
>
> Explain to me why you thing Gal-Rum would be better.
Well, if Austria was serious about AR vs. IT, and expected me to stab
Turkey, he should be willing to see me grow to 5 Centers and build two,
so that I can shore up my defenses against Germany, and attack Turkey,
while he disbands A Ukr. Gal-Rum also reduces my threat to his Home
Centers. If he sincerely wanted my cooperation, he should offer me Rum,
as I offered it to Turkey to secure my alliance with Ali. I also felt that
if I
agreed with him too quickly, he'd doubt my sincerity. 8-) I did finally
agree to support Ukr-Rum, though I failed to say that I would support it
with A Gal. He'll probably go for Sev anyway.
> > He claims that he doesn't think he can retake Tri,
>
> He can't, unless Turkey stabs me this turn
Ali says Austria is begging for support to Tri. My question to him was
mostly a sincerity test. He gave me no indication that he had any interest
in Tri, so I conclude that he's not negotiating in good faith.
> Yes, I would be happy to issue a support order for a Galician move to
> either Vienna or Budapest.
>
> As far as my other moves, Turkey and I are in negotiations for swapping
> Greece and Smyrna. Nothing concrete yet but it's only a matter of time.
Hmmm, if we want Turky to build Armies and push Northwest to
block Germany, you might be better off letting him keep Gre this year,
while you send your Fleets West.
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
> I realize that you're in a
>rather delicate position, of wanting G to remain allied
>with you, but not grow,
Yes, the long-range plan is for me to grow to 18 while everyone else
shrinks. Given my lack of progress against France and the recent explosion
in the east, I don't have much greater hopes for my prospects than for yours.
>so any information you might
>feel inclined to let slip will remain strictly
>confidential.
Germany sent me one note on Friday (I think) saying that he wouldn't be
communicating much, if at all, this week. So, what else is new? I sent
him a note since then. He hasn't replied.
It will take a miracle to talk him out of taking StP next year. It is just
so tempting for him. I'll do my best, but Germany has gone his own way up
to now in the northeast.
> The East remains confused, but if
>G puts too much pressure on StP and War, I'm going to
>end up sacrificing Centers to Turkey, and that will
>resolve the East pretty quick.
This too is my fear. We may have a giant Turkey and a giant Germany.
Ivy
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
Sorry for the delay in my reply. I've had RL pressures that have kept me
busy, so the week-long delay came at a good time for me. These pressures
will be culminated this weekend and I'll get back to normal life. In any
case, I'll be out of town this weekend, so I'd like to get as much as
possible figured out by Friday.
> Well, I exchanged half a dozen letter with
> Austria yesterday pointing out all the reasons why
> Ukr S Gal-Rum made more sense than Gal S Ukr-Rum, but
> he was insistent, so I finally told him that I would
> support Gal-Rum. I do, in fact, support it, since it
> is, in my opinion a much preferred move over Ukr-Mos
> or Ukr-Sev. I will not, however, use my Armies to
> express my support for Ukr-Rum. 8-)
Heh heh. If Ukr can be sent uselessly against Rumania, then so much the
better, as I do plan to defend Rum. Naturally, I would be most disappointed
if you supported the move, but I cannot for the life of me imagine how it
would be in your interests to do so.
> I suggested to him that since Italy wants Greece,
> Austria ought to be able to retake Tri, but he
> expressed no interest in that attack and indicated
> that he did not believe he could actually take it if
> he tried. He did, however, say that he wanted to gain
> a third Center to hang on to his Fleet, since he felt
> it would be more useful to him than a third Army.
> This may well have just been noise to encourage me to
> attack you, though. I would guess this means Smy S
> Bla-Con, Bul-Rum, Gre-Bul, Ser S Gal-Bud is probably
> your best bet, though there are other possibilities.
> I'm going to write to Roberto, and see what he has to
> say, next. I'll keep you informed.
He's clearly telling us different things. He tells me he wants to get Italy
out of Trieste, and that he wants support from Serbia. What have you heard
from him lately?
I am indeed considering moves very much along the line of what you suggest.
Italy has also told me he favors supporting Gal-Bud. I think his preferred
plan would be Ser S Tri, Tri S Gal-Bud; but whatever Serbia does, it
wouldn't hurt to see Tri S Gal-Bud.
I take it from your press that you're in favor of my giving Greece to Italy
as we had discussed? The alternative would be for us to take advantage of
the AI conflict, and for me to build some fleets. However, I like the
direction things have gone this year, and I am leery of rocking the boat too
much. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Regards,
Ali
Message from Russia to Turkey
>Message from Turkey to Russia in 'titleist':
>
>Sorry for the delay in my reply.
No problem, we've got time.
> >I finally told him that I would support Gal-Rum. >I will not, however,
>use my Armies to
> > express my support for Ukr-Rum. 8-)
>
>Heh heh. If Ukr can be sent uselessly against
>Rumania, then so much the better, as I do plan to
>defend Rum. Naturally, I would be most disappointed
>if you supported the move, but I cannot for the life of me imagine how it
>would be in your interests to do so.
I suspect that he's lying to me, but taking
Bud makes more sense than trying to defend Mos and Sev,
and he's done nothing to earn my support.
>What have you heard from him lately?
Nothing since I agreed to support him. Italy
offered to support Gal-Bud/Vie, but said nothing about
his other plans.
>I take it that you're in favor of my giving Greece to Italy
>as we had discussed?
Well, the moves I laid out would bounce off Ukr-Rum,
and let you hold Gre, unless Italy supports Alb-Gre.
Given the English Fleet in MAO, and the likelyhood of
Germany taking StP/War next year, you will probably
need Italy's support to hold off EG, but that's your
call to make.
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> I suspect that he's lying to me, but taking
> Bud makes more sense than trying to defend Mos and Sev,
> and he's done nothing to earn my support.
He's surely grasping at any straw he can get right now. I do think that if
we can discover what he'll do, it will give us a significant advantage. I'm
continuing to promise him support against Italy, but it seems what he's
telling me is quite different from what he's telling you. I think we should
both continue to talk to him in earnest, but we should also compare notes
carefully regarding what he's saying. That way we should get a good sense
of whether or not he'll do anything predictable.
> Nothing since I agreed to support him. Italy
> offered to support Gal-Bud/Vie, but said nothing about
> his other plans.
My guess is that Alb will either support Tri or will support Ion-Gre. He
did write with a grand scheme that was supposed to mini-max the outcome
based on what Aeg did, but in my analysis the most likely outcome was Italy
building 2 and me holding even. So I'm trying to steer him in another
direction.
What is clear to me is that Italy is prepared to use Tri to support you
against Austria. If Italy promises you support for a particular move, I'm
pretty confident he'll come through with the support. The trick is in
determining which center to hit, that is, if Austria attacks Trieste using
Vie and Bud. Obviously, Tri would need to support you against whichever
unit is moving. Hopefully we'll have a good line on that as our discussions
with Austria progress.
> Well, the moves I laid out would bounce off Ukr-Rum,
> and let you hold Gre, unless Italy supports Alb-Gre.
I'm almost certain Italy will support himself to Greece, if he can bring
himself to trust support from Serbia. He almost has to, since even assuming
I move out voluntarily there's a good chance that Bul-Rum or Gre-Bul could
bounce. I'm sure he doesn't want to see me build 2 this turn, even if I do
act in good faith in the fall.
> Given the English Fleet in MAO, and the likelyhood of
> Germany taking StP/War next year, you will probably
> need Italy's support to hold off EG, but that's your
> call to make.
Well from my perspective, I really need both of you. An IT standoff in the
Med would only benefit England, and chances are it would only break when
England himself enters the Med. And it is certainly in my best interests to
ensure you remain viable to thwart Germany in the north, and as a possible
ally against Italy if and when it comes to that.
Even if Germany does succeed in StP/War, I wouldn't say all is lost for
Russia. From what I understand, England's big concern is that Germany will
outpace his own growth. The more aggressive Germany is against you, the
more likely it is that England will cooperate with Italy in France, and will
choose to attack Germany instead. Of course, I'd rather see you build this
year and hold him off; but I don't think German success against you would
pan out the way he thinks it would.
I've written again to Austria, in hopes I can get something definitive from
him. I'll be in touch as soon as I get any reply, and I hope you'll do the
same.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
>Yes, the long-range plan is for me to grow to 18 Given my lack of progress
>against France and the
>recent explosion in the east, I don't have much
>greater hopes for my prospects than for yours.
I'd say your Draw chances are much better than
mine, though.
>It will take a miracle to talk him out of taking StP
>It is just so tempting for him. I'll do my best, but Germany has gone his
>own way up to now in the northeast.
>We may have a giant Turkey and a giant Germany.
Have you considered an alliance shift? You haven't
really harmed France, yet, and I'm sure he'd welcome
EFR vs. G. Bel-Hol, Lon-Nth, Iri S MAO-ECh would gain
you a build, overjoy France, and bring me some much
needed relief. I'm willing to lobby Prince Boar on
your behalf.
Sincerely,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
I've been staring at the map, and I think that Ion-Tun/TyS might be
prudent. I don't know why France didn't support MAO last turn, since
there was no way to take Eng, but given the English Fleet in MAO, I
don't think you can afford to delay the push West.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali, My Friend,
> He's surely grasping at any straw he can get right now. I do think that
> if we can discover what he'll do, it will give us a significant advantage.
I wrote him today and asked for confirmation of Ukr-Rum, and told
him that Italy wanted Gre for Smy, but that you seemed unwilling to
give Gre up. Perhaps if he views me as an intelligence source, he tell
me what he's thinking.
> My guess is that Alb will either support Tri or will support Ion-Gre.
I played up the threat posed by EF MAO and encouraged
F Ion-TyS/Tun this turn.
> What is clear to me is that Italy is prepared to use Tri to support you
> against Austria. Obviously, Tri would need to support you against
> whichever unit is moving.
Unless you order Ser S Gal-Bud, and Italy orders Tri S Gal-Bud,
then I take Bud no matter what Austria orders.
> I'm almost certain Italy will support himself to Greece. He almost
> has to. I'm sure he doesn't want to see me build 2 this turn,
Hmm, War HOLD, Tri & Ser S Gal-Bud, Alb S Tri, Bla-Rum,
Bul S Smy-Con, EMed - Smy, 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 Russia to Austria
Ralassa,
Are we agreed on Ukr-Rum, Gal S Ukr-Rum? I realize we have time,
yet, but I thought I would check in. Italy says he hopes to get Gre for
Smy, but Turkey seems undecided on whether to give it to him. You
might be able to use that as a lever against one of them.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Austria to Russia
> Are we agreed on Ukr-Rum, Gal S Ukr-Rum?
Yes. German A Sil may support A Boh-Gal, though, cutting that support.
I'm not sure what we can do about that, though.
> I realize we have time, yet, but I thought I would check in. Italy
> says he hopes to get Gre for Smy, but Turkey seems undecided on
> whether to give it to him. You might be able to use that as a lever
> against one of them.
I've been hearing that, from other powers and in grey press. But I
can't track down the rumor; I can't imagine that Turkey would tell so
many others if it were true (and if true, why not discuss it with me?)
Most likely, either Italy wants the rumors to get back to Turkey to put
presure on him *not* to double-cross, or England wants to try to split
the strong IT alliance before Italy can head west.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to Austria
> Message from Austria to Russia in 'titleist':
>
> > Are we agreed on Ukr-Rum, Gal S Ukr-Rum?
>
> Yes. German A Sil may support A Boh-Gal, though, cutting that
> support. I'm not sure what we can do about that, though.
Umm, there is no German Army in Sil, at the moment, so Fredd
has no reason to order Boh-Gal this Fall.
Nick.
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
I'm not awake, yet, so I'm going to do this the easy way.
> Message from Austria to Russia in 'titleist':
>
> > Italy says he hopes to get Gre for Smy, but Turkey seems undecided
> > on whether to give it to him. You might be able to use that as a lever
> > against one of them.
>
> I've been hearing that, from other powers and in grey press. But I
> can't track down the rumor; I can't imagine that Turkey would tell so
> many others if it were true (and if true, why not discuss it with me?)
>
> Most likely, either Italy wants the rumors to get back to Turkey to put
> presure on him *not* to double-cross, or England wants to try to split
> the strong IT alliance before Italy can head west.
I don't know what to make of this, unless he's trying to conceal the
possibility of Ser S Gal-Tri.
Nick.
Message from Russia to Turkey
> Message from Russia to Turkey in 'titleist':
> I'm not awake, yet, so I'm going to do this the easy way.
[...]
> I don't know what to make of this, unless he's trying to conceal
> the possibility of Ser S Gal-Tri.
*sigh* Obviously that should be Ser S Bud-Tri.
Message from Turkey to all
Fellow Powers of Europe,
I will be escaping the clamor of Constantinople, retreating into the hills
for a few days of meditation, reflection, and hallucination, ah, I mean,
religious instruction. I regret that our clerical staff is still working on
sorting and interpreting incoming messages, and I will do my best to address
the situation upon my return. The bureaucracy around here is horribly
inefficient, and if things don't improve, heads will roll.
Until then,
Ali Baba
Message from Austria to Russia
> Umm, there is no German Army in Sil, at the moment, so Fredd
> has no reason to order Boh-Gal this Fall.
You're right, of course. Germany had offered support for Ukr-War, and I
refused without realizing he was proposing that Prussia give that support; I
had been assuming Silesia was his.
Never Mind.
Emily LaTella, guest ambassador for Austria-Hungary
Message from Russia to Austria
> Message from Austria to Russia in 'titleist':
> Never Mind.
>
> Emily LaTella, guest ambassador for Austria-Hungary
Ahh, had I known, I would have said, "Jane, you ignorant slut! There is
no German Army in Sil!" 8-)
Nick.
France: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean → Portugal
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