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Message from Germany to England
> France: Builds a fleet in Marseilles.
Good to see that I'm not always wrong. Although I don't understand it.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Italy
Roberto:
Should I expect a return of the Italians to TYR? Looks like you can
pick up VEN while Turkey grabs BUD.
What's up with a new French Fleet? Perhaps his strategy is now to
leave himself wide open to me so that he can fight England better? Or
is he worried about you.
Sorry to be asking so many questions while providing little information
of my own. I just seem to have more questions than answers at the
moment.
Fredd
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
>> France: Builds a fleet in Marseilles.
>
>Good to see that I'm not always wrong. Although I don't understand it.
I guess we just don't understand how to play Diplomacy. I never gave this
build a chance.
Actually, after a week of silence, I got an e-mail from Italy yesterday.
He, too, predicted the fleet build, and said to expect Por s Mar->Spa.
According to Italy, France's strategy is to discourage me by seeming to
hand all the opportunities to you. Apparently, I am supposed to become
frustrated and change sides.
Italy also wanted Austria to eliminate his fleet, and I thought Austria
would certainly do that. By keeping the fleet, Austria prevents Italy from
moving Ionian to the west.
More good news. With Paris unoccupied, I can force Channel into Picardy
and Nth into the Channel without your help. So I won't have to beg. 8-)
More, after I get a good look at the position.
Ivy
Message from England to Italy
Good Roberto,
I seem to be totally ignorant in the ways of Diplomacy. How did I ever
make the final round?
Never in a million years did I think France would build a fleet. Although
I gave it much less thought, I was confident that Austria would destroy
his.
Taking the latter first, Austria's decision looks like a complete "give-up"
move designed only to harass you. By keeping the fleet, Austria occupies
your Ionian fleet for one more year. Frankly, I don't think this makes any
difference to anything in the long run.
Back to France, where you were completely correct and I was wrong. You
either have better diplomacy sense than I do or better information. I
don't wish to put you on the spot again by asking your intentions -- at
least for now. We apparently can't get you Spain immediately anyway. I do
wish to repeat my suggestion that, no matter what you deem best in the
short run, our interests are best served in the long run by not practicing
deception for short term gains. Our potential for working together is
considerable.
Once I asked you how you were going to restrain Austria. Question: how are
you going to contain Turkey? I know, I know, how am I going to contain
Germany? Both Turkey and Germany have better control over the alliances
than we do. This year they have the opportunity to surge ahead
independently, or they can restrain themselves and maintain equality with a
partner. That's what I would do, but then I am not them.
I still think that the sooner we rid ourselves of France, the sooner we can
come to grips with Germany & Turkey.
Cordially,
Ivy
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto, My Friend,
>I seem to recall suggesting Mos s Gal-War. :)
Which would have left me with a 50-50 shot at
defending Sev, and eliminated any hope for Russian
growth.
>I tried to get Austria to concentrate on Turkey but he felt he had to
>attack you. Even after I stabbed him he still moved into your home center.
Yes, Austria will not win any rewards for
rational play in this game.
>As for Turkey, he didn't want to see you get a build either. I think
>Austria/Turkey feared a powerful Russia more than they feared a powerful
>Italy.
That might explain F1901M, but without a build
in 1903, I'm going to lose a Center or two to Germany
in '04, and I don't see how that benefits Turkey.
Of course, a 4-Center Power in 1904 is hardly powerful,
by any reckoning, especially when it's Russia.
>That's not to say your position isn't salvageable, but I'd have to think
>not too many observers are giving you a chance to survive.
Unless I can sway England this year, I'm inclined
to agree with the Observers. ;-)
>I've ordered an army build in Venice
My thanks.
>It's heading to Tyrolia or Piedmont depending on the next round of
>negotiations.
Attacking France this year would give Ivy the
opportunity to grow from French Centers while Germany
expands in Russia. I can't see how that's good for
you, even if you get Mar and/or Spa.
>I have two choices in Iberia. Ivy still has hope that I will help take
>France out.
It clearly seems to be to your advantage to
support France, and contain Ivy this year, while you
eliminate Austria. I'd say it would also be to your
advantage to have England stab Germany, since that
would slow/prevent German growth, and aid my survival,
and keep the West from resolving for some time, so I
would ask that you tell Ivy that you intend to support
France this year.
I'm not dead, yet!
I'm feeling better, really, I am!
I think I'll go for a walk...
Nick.
Message from Observer to Observer
usin@t... wrote:
> Adjustment orders for Winter of 1903. (titleist.012)
>
> Austria: Removes the army in Vienna.
> France: Builds a fleet in Marseilles.
> Turkey: Builds an army in Ankara.
> Italy: Builds an army in Venice.
Austria removes army in Vienna?
What does he expect to accomplish with his fleet in the Aegean?
Granted, Austria is in dire straights and is likely to be the first
elimination, but I see the removal of A VIE as completely giving up.
What can he expect to do with that fleet except a little mischief?
Is there a strategy here I'm missing? Could he have made some kind of
deal with Italy or Turkey about his fleet? Why would he trust either at
this point?
Inquiring minds want to know...
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
Roberto is claiming that he saw no way to get
you to support Gal-Bud because you didn't want me
to get a build. Since that would be a remarkably
pro-German position, and since a Turkey with only
one Fleet should not want a strong German presence
in Russia, I find this hard to believe, but that is
what he's saying. For this Spring, I'd suggest:
War-Mos
Gal-Ukr
Ank-Arm
Ser-Bud
Bul-Rum
Smy-Con
Bla S Bul-Rum
This will destroy the Austrian Army in Sevastopol,
with minimal risk to you, since you will have
support attacks on Bul, Smy in the Fall, if
Austria happens to guess right with F Aeg this
Spring, and a supported attack on Bud this Fall,
no matter what he does. What do you think?
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Germany
> Should I expect a return of the Italians to TYR?
> Looks like you can pick up VEN while Turkey grabs BUD.
>
Can we discuss my moving back to Tyrolia? I would very much like to see
Austria eliminated as fast as possible as he carries (and rightfully so) a
vendetta against me. An army in Tyrolia would very much aid in that goal.
The sooner Austria is eliminated, the sooner I can concentrate fully on
France and Turkish growth.
I understand Tyrolia borders your home center and you are understandably
concerned when a unit moves there. I hope my previous tenure in Tyrolia
will ease any tension between us. We have a potentially great opportunity
to work with each other in the very near future when a simultaneous move
east and west would put Tyrolia into Piedmont.
I am very interested in your opinion on the move Ven-Tyr.
Both you, I, and Turkey are now at 6 centers. I would like to see us all
reach 7 if possible this year. STP to Germany, SEV to Turkey, and 1 of
VIE/BUD to Italy seems more than feasible. What are your thoughts?
> What's up with a new French Fleet? Perhaps his
> strategy is now to leave himself wide open to me
> so that he can fight England better? Or
> is he worried about you.
>
He has told me on more than one occassion that his primary goal is to defend
Iberia from English conquest even if that means relinquishing centers to
either you or me. I do not believe he is worried about me as he requested
my move to the Western Med. Wanting to move west myself, I was more than
happy to oblige. :)
>
> Sorry to be asking so many questions while providing little
> information of my own. I just seem to have more questions
> than answers at the moment.
>
Not a problem. I seem to have more answers than questions.
Actually, I do have one question. Ivy has made mention that, despite your
presence in Burgundy, you have no claim on French centers. I find this hard
to believe but was wondering what your take on the subject was?
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to England
Ivy, My Friend,
Roberto indicates that he's planning to support
France this year while he finishes off Austria. I
suppose he could be lying, but I don't see why he
would. France's Fleet build is a clear indication
that he intends to defend against you, even it that
means sacrificing Centers to Germany. Austria's
moronic disband is a clear signal that he hopes to
see me eliminated before he is, though why he would
feel that way, I don't understand. The combination
of these facts means that IF you're lucky, AND you
get support from Germany, you'll get one build from
France this year, while Germany gains two or three.
On the other hand, by stabbing Germany this
Spring, you can gain two Centers while Germany, at
best, remains at six Centers, and more likely loses
one or two. Next year, Italy is likely to attack
France, leaving you free to expand in Germany without
fear of a resurgent France, and I'll still be around
to harass Germany in the East, and stir up trouble
between Italy and Turkey. Please let me know what
you're thinking, since, if you're going to continue
your attack on France, I have to write Germany and
play up the threat of EF Nth, while if you're going
to attack Germany, I'll want to focus on IA Ven.
Still Struggling,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> That might explain F1901M, but without a build
> in 1903, I'm going to lose a Center or two to Germany
> in '04, and I don't see how that benefits Turkey.
>
I agree but, unfortunately, Turkey saw it a different way. The more I think
about it, the more I think Turkey knew Austria was going to move to
Sevastopol. (He knew the other three orders.) I think that's why Austria
removed the unit closest to me - I'm not the last person to stab him. In
Turkey's mind, how could you be mad at him this year when he takes a unit
from Austria in SEV even though it's your home center. And, with Austria in
SEV, it would make it that much harder for the two of you to coordinate and
cooperate. He never told me he knew, but I'm confident that he did know and
refused to bounce Austria using the Black-Sea-fleet-self-bounce-in-CON
excuse.
>
> >It's heading to Tyrolia or Piedmont depending on the next round of
> >negotiations.
>
> Attacking France this year would give Ivy the
> opportunity to grow from French Centers while Germany
> expands in Russia. I can't see how that's good for
> you, even if you get Mar and/or Spa.
>
A move to Piedmont does not necessarily mean an attack of France. It could
easily be used to help defend Marseilles from a Burgundy attack. I would
move to Piedmont only with approval from France.
>
> It clearly seems to be to your advantage to
> support France, and contain Ivy this year, while you
> eliminate Austria.
That is the current plan.
> I'd say it would also be to your
> advantage to have England stab Germany, since that
> would slow/prevent German growth, and aid my survival,
> and keep the West from resolving for some time,
I would love for England to stab Germany although I seriously doubt that
will happen unless a few things occur:
- he's blocked in the West Med
- Germany grows too large too soon but unfortunately that would most likely
come at your expense so that's not such a good thing
I see Germany stabbing England as more likely.
> so I would ask that you tell Ivy that you intend to support
> France this year.
>
I plan on doing just that.
> I'm not dead, yet!
> I'm feeling better, really, I am!
> I think I'll go for a walk...
>
I haven't decided any plans for this year but if all goes well, it's
certainly possible I might be able to support you into either Budapest or
Vienna if you so desire.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to Turkey
> Austria: Removes the army in Vienna.
I never saw that coming! Can I rollback the turn and build a fleet?
I haven't had time to study the map in great detail but I would like to
discuss the Aegean fleet. Would it be to your advantage if I ordered Ion s
Gre-Aeg? A self-bounce in CON would force the fleet to the EAS Med where in
the fall you would only have to worry about Smyrna as opposed to
SMY/CON/BUL. Just a thought.
Let me know if the plan of BUD->Italy and SEV-Turkey changes. Both are
easily within reach I think.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to Turkey
> If you could give me something to tell Ivy, it
> might help glean information on what Nth is up to.
>
With the Aegean fleet still in existence, I plan on telling Ivy that, at
least for the spring, I intend on supporting the French position and I would
reevaluate in the fall. I do not plan on supporting France into the MAO as
I don't want to 'force' a retreat to North Africa.
If you would prefer a different plan of attack, let me know.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to England
>
> I seem to be totally ignorant in the ways of Diplomacy. How
> did I ever make the final round?
>
Better to be lucky than good I guess. :)
> Never in a million years did I think France would build a
> fleet.
When I saw the disband, I immediately assumed a fleet in Marseilles was on
the way. Neither you nor Germany had a build so there was no reason to keep
either of you guessing.
> Although I gave it much less thought, I was confident
> that Austria would destroy his.
>
As was I. The Austrian disband caught me by surprise but, as I look at the
map, I think this was the best possible disband for Italy. The Aegean fleet
causes more concern for Turkey than I and Trieste is much more easily
defended now. I'm pleased with the results of the winter.
> Taking the latter first, Austria's decision looks like a
> complete "give-up" move designed only to harass you. By
> keeping the fleet, Austria occupies your Ionian fleet for
> one more year. Frankly, I don't think this makes any
> difference to anything in the long run.
>
Here's my take on the Austrian disband. Most Diplomacy players direct their
attention/defense at the last person who stabbed them. In this case, I
think Turkey stabbed Austria in the fall. Austria was probably expecting
Turkish support into Trieste and didn't get it. It's clear Austria's
disband favors Italy more than Turkey and the only reason for that would be
if Austria was more upset at Turkey than me.
> I don't wish to put you on the spot again by asking your
> intentions -- at least for now. We apparently can't get
> you Spain immediately anyway.
Doubtful and I don't want to try until it's guaranteed and I have the
ability to defend the center with my own units. It's not that I distrust
you but I prefer to take and defend centers with my own units without having
to rely on outside help. It's very nerve racking to wonder if Turkey will
order Ser s Tri or Ser s Vie-Tri.
I suppose it goes back to the adage I talked about above, Diplomacy players
are most mad at the last player to stab them. Currently, you are the last
player to stab France. As Italy, there is no real reason for me to change
that at least until Austria is eliminated and I need to find another place
of growth.
> I do wish to repeat my suggestion that, no matter what
> you deem best in the short run, our interests are best
> served in the long run by not practicing deception for
> short term gains. Our potential for working together is
> considerable.
>
I agree. Thus, I am informing you that, at least for this spring, I will
use my Western Med fleet as France desires. I will reevaluate the position
in the fall. Had Austria disbanded his fleet and allowed me to move another
fleet west, I think I would have felt more secure in attacking France this
year. So, hopefully next year, I will be in a position where I feel
comfortable in beginning our active participation against France.
>
> Question: how are you going to contain Turkey?
>
I'm hoping Germany will worry about containing Turkey. :)
> I know, how am I going to contain Germany? Both Turkey
> and Germany have better control over the alliances
> than we do. This year they have the opportunity to surge ahead
> independently, or they can restrain themselves and maintain
> equality with a partner.
>
Prior to the disbands, Turkey and I had planned (hoped) to each take 1 from
Austria - BUD->Italy and SEV->Turkey. Turkey and I are both proponents of
maintaining equality with a partner. However, of the 4 major powers, you're
currently the only one without 6 centers. Thus, I'm secretly hoping that
you reach 6 this year as I suspect Germany will acquire STP for his 7th.
With German assistance, I think it's possible. He'd have some explaining to
do if he didn't help you.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> Roberto is claiming that he saw no way to get
> you to support Gal-Bud because you didn't want me
> to get a build. Since that would be a remarkably
> pro-German position, and since a Turkey with only
> one Fleet should not want a strong German presence
> in Russia, I find this hard to believe, but that is
> what he's saying.
Well, he tells you this, I tell you that. I don't normally pass press, but if
you want to see what it was I was hearing from Italy, let me know. The bottom
line is that holding Tri was a big deal to him, and he expressed no concern to
me whether you built or not.
The bottom line is also that I'm eventually going to have to start building
fleets, and when I do, I'm going to need friendly units in Russia. As you
point out, Germany is not that ally. I know I did damage to our relations
with my choices last fall, which I sincerely regret. But my enemy remains
Austria, and I'm more than happy to continue working with you against him if
you're still on board.
> For this Spring, I'd suggest:
>
> War-Mos
> Gal-Ukr
> Ank-Arm
> Ser-Bud
> Bul-Rum
> Smy-Con
> Bla S Bul-Rum
You didn't mention what Rum would be doing; it could either try moving to Gal,
or could support Gal-Ukr or Ser-Bud. In any case, I'm planning to order
somthing along those lines. I may self-bounce in Con with Bul/Smy, since I
can't afford to vacate Bul while Austria is in Aeg.
> This will destroy the Austrian Army in Sevastopol,
> with minimal risk to you, since you will have
> support attacks on Bul, Smy in the Fall, if
> Austria happens to guess right with F Aeg this
> Spring, and a supported attack on Bud this Fall,
> no matter what he does. What do you think?
Something along those lines will definitely work for me. I hope that
supporting you back to Sev might make up for my lack of support last turn.
Let me know what you think of the above.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Observer to Observer
It may not help us figure out Ivy Wingo's identity (but most of
us think we know that already anyway.... ;-) but it might help
us get access to the credit history, bank accounts, and other
financial details of their children!! I know that I have to use
my mother's maiden name for some of those things.
Gosh, this game still is quite boring.... ;-) I am falling....
Jim-Bob
Message from Observer to Observer
Who did you think that was? I tried to do some net research to find
out which if any of the 7 was married, but coulnd't come up with
anything. :-)
--- In vgfp_titleist@y..., burgess@w... wrote:
> It may not help us figure out Ivy Wingo's identity (but most of
> us think we know that already anyway.... ;-) but it might help
> us get access to the credit history, bank accounts, and other
> financial details of their children!! I know that I have to use
> my mother's maiden name for some of those things.
>
> Gosh, this game still is quite boring.... ;-) I am falling....
>
> Jim-Bob
Message from Russia to Turkey
> > For this Spring, I'd suggest:
> >
> > War-Mos
> > Gal-Ukr
> > Ank-Arm
> > Ser-Bud
> > Bul-Rum
> > Smy-Con
> > Bla S Bul-Rum
>
>You didn't mention what Rum would be doing;
Whoops, that should have been Bal S Rum-Sev. We
can destroy A Sev this Spring without moving something
in there. Given Ser-Bud, Bud S Sev-Rum would be cut,
and given Bla S Rum-Sev, Sev S Bud-Rum would be cut,
because it will be dislodged, so you'd hold Rum, no
matter what. You don't need to worry about F Aeg,
this Spring, because if Bul-Rum and Aeg-Bul/SC succeed,
you'll retake Bul with Bla S Con-Bul, or Con S Arm-Bul,
Bla C Arm-Bul, and if he orders Aeg-Smy, Con S Arm-Smy
will dislodge him.
Nick.
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
> I never saw that coming! Can I rollback the turn and build a fleet?
Heh heh. Actually that's what I was guessing he would disband, on the premise
that I'm now the bad guy. Disbanding Aeg or Sev would have given me much more
flexibility, and he can't hope to hold Vie and Bud anyway. So this way he
gets to be a P.I.A. to anyone in the region, depending on his whim.
> I haven't had time to study the map in great detail but I would like to
> discuss the Aegean fleet. Would it be to your advantage if I ordered Ion s
> Gre-Aeg? A self-bounce in CON would force the fleet to the EAS Med where in
> the fall you would only have to worry about Smyrna as opposed to
> SMY/CON/BUL. Just a thought.
Yes, that would be quite welcome. Austria's fleet would be much less
troublesome in EMS than Aeg. Hopefully Austria will be gone soon, and so will
his fleet.
> Let me know if the plan of BUD->Italy and SEV-Turkey changes. Both are
> easily within reach I think.
Russia tells me he's thinking of War-Mos, Gal-Ukr, in which case I might not
have a sure shot at Sev in the fall if Rum's support were cut (assuming
Ank-Arm doesn't bounce). In a second press, though, he suggests Bla S
Rum-Sev, so I'm not sure what he has in mind.
So I'd like to get more intelligence from Russia before committing one way or
another, but either Bud->Italy, Sev->Turkey, or Vie->Italy, Bud->Turkey works
for me. I'd like to do maximum damage to Austria this year; if that means
letting Russia back into Sev, that might not be so bad, depending on what
Germany does. However, I'm still leaning toward going for Sev this year.
Either way, it should be easy to get us each a build.
> With the Aegean fleet still in existence, I plan on telling Ivy that, at
> least for the spring, I intend on supporting the French position and I would
> reevaluate in the fall. I do not plan on supporting France into the MAO as
> I don't want to 'force' a retreat to North Africa.
Fair enough, I'll pass this along. If I can glean any info on where F Nth is
going, I'll let you know. I'm getting conflicting reports about how concerned
Germany is about F Nth. He tells me it may "delay" his Russian offensive, but
I'm not entirely sure it isn't just window dressing to downplay EG solidarity.
> If you would prefer a different plan of attack, let me know.
How do these ideas grab you:
Ven S Tri - Tyr
Alb - Tri
Ion S Gre - Aeg
Rum S Ser - Bud (or Rum - Sev)
Bla S Rum (or S Rum - Sev)
Ank - Arm
Bul - Con
Smy - Con
This would give you pressure against either Vie or Bud in the fall, and still
allow Ven-Pie if you wish. Russia's proposal is Bla S Rum-Sev, Smy-Con,
Bul-Rum, Ser-Bud, War-Mos, Gal-Ukr. His argument is that this will ensure the
destruction of A Sev, and still enable me to regain Bul or Smy if Austria
guesses right with the fleet. Actually, my guess is Aeg-Bul, to cut support
for an attack on Rum. Anyway, if Russia's really on board for seeing a
Turkish army destroy Austrian A Sev in the spring, that would be my first
choice. I find it hard to believe that's what he really wants, though.
I'm still pretty uncertain about Russian intentions. I can't rule out the
possibility that they'll conspire to destroy Rum, with Bul/Gal S Sev-Rum,
War-Ukr. Of course, that doesn't jive with his suggestion of Ser-Bud, but the
paranoid side of me still has to wonder about AR. In any case, I'd love to
hear what you're getting from him these days.
Best regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> Whoops, that should have been Bal S Rum-Sev. We
> can destroy A Sev this Spring without moving something
> in there. Given Ser-Bud, Bud S Sev-Rum would be cut,
> and given Bla S Rum-Sev, Sev S Bud-Rum would be cut,
> because it will be dislodged, so you'd hold Rum, no
> matter what. You don't need to worry about F Aeg,
> this Spring, because if Bul-Rum and Aeg-Bul/SC succeed,
> you'll retake Bul with Bla S Con-Bul, or Con S Arm-Bul,
> Bla C Arm-Bul, and if he orders Aeg-Smy, Con S Arm-Smy
> will dislodge him.
That certainly does put a different spin on things. I had approached your
first press with an eye toward supporting you to Sev in the fall. As you
point out, there are numerous tactical advantages to what you suggest. Only
problem is, it puts me in Sev instead of you. I'm assuming that long-term,
you're going to want to recover Sev yourself. How do you see that taking
place?
Ali
Message from Russia to Turkey
>Message from Turkey to Russia in 'titleist':
Ali,
>That certainly does put a different spin on things. Only problem is, it
>puts me in Sev instead of you. I'm assuming that long-term, you're going
>to want to recover Sev yourself. How do you see that taking place?
That depends in large part on what Germany
and England do in the Spring. Bla S Sev-Rum,
Ukr-Sev in the Fall is possible, if Germany isn't
threatening Warsaw, but Mos S RA Ukr-War, TA Sev-Ukr,
A Arm-Sev may be necessary to block the German
advance. It's actually possible for Russia to
prosper without Sev, so I don't rule out leaving
it Turkish, but if I'm going to counter-attack
against Germany, I'll probably look for a way for
you to move West, so that I can retake it and Build
a 2nd Fleet in StP.
Nick.
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
> Roberto indicates that he's planning to support
>France this year while he finishes off Austria. I
>suppose he could be lying, but I don't see why he
>would.
He's clearly not lying, since he told me the same thing. The
French/Italian relationship has been very, very strong since the beginning.
That's one reason why I have been very reluctant to turn my back on France
and go after Germany.
I think France intended from the beginning of this game to go north. It is
what he will do now given the opportunity.
> Austria's
>moronic disband is a clear signal that he hopes to
>see me eliminated before he is,
A puzzlement. That disband only serves to speed Austria's demise.
>The combination
>of these facts means that IF you're lucky, AND you
>get support from Germany, you'll get one build from
>France this year, while Germany gains two or three.
Yes, I will be lucky to get even one center. I don't think Germany will
get more than StP. Unfortunately, I have no way of preventing your loss of
StP. Germany will take that no matter what I do.
>if you're going to continue
>your attack on France, I have to write Germany and
>play up the threat of EF Nth
I am still leaning that way. If I ever change my mind, I doubt that I
would advertise it. Please don't tell Germany about the North Sea. He
hasn't even noticed it. 8-)
Cordially,
Ivy
Message from England to Italy
Good Roberto,
>Here's my take on the Austrian disband. Most Diplomacy players direct their
>attention/defense at the last person who stabbed them.
It's a very emotional thing, as you surely know. I think that the defense
is usually directed at the one who most hurt the cause and sent one on a
losing spiral. For example, I expect that should France die as a result of
the current position, he will always defend against me.
> It's very nerve racking to wonder if Turkey will
>order Ser s Tri or Ser s Vie-Tri.
Turkey will remain on your side until he picks up Sevastopol and Moscow.
Then he will charge west. If you have picked up Vienna and Budapest, you
may be able to restrain him. Germany will be a wild card in this. I can't
quite envision what German strength will be like in a year or two. Anyway,
I do believe that Turkey will work with you for at least one more year.
My biggest fear is that Germany will unite with France and crush me, before
France is weakened. It troubles me a little that Turkey and Germany have a
potential stalemate line between them that they can use should they throw
in together.
> I am informing you that, at least for this spring, I will
>use my Western Med fleet as France desires. I will reevaluate the position
>in the fall.
This is what I had been expecting. It is what the whole world has been
telling me. Of course, I trust that you will contain your support of
France to your side of Gibralter. I have pledged to respect that boundary
and I hope you do too. Please do not support any action in the Mid
Atlantic.
>Prior to the disbands, Turkey and I had planned (hoped) to each take 1 from
>Austria - BUD->Italy and SEV->Turkey. Turkey and I are both proponents of
>maintaining equality with a partner. However, of the 4 major powers, you're
>currently the only one without 6 centers. Thus, I'm secretly hoping that
>you reach 6 this year
I have a chance, although it is not a certainty. Please note that your
secret hope is incompatible with my loss of MAO. 8-)
Good luck.
Most cordially,
Ivy
Message from England to Germany
Dear Fredd,
Here is what I learned from Italy, whose honesty in this matter is almost
certain.
(1) His western fleet will be at the disposal of France
(2) He is supposed to get Budapest while Turkey picks up Sevastopol
>From the former, I expect an immediate assault on the Mid-Atlantic.
>From the latter, I think that TI will hold together this year and perhaps a
little longer. They will be at 7-7 after this year. One can speculate
that Turkey and Italy then intend to split Moscow and Vienna and go to 8-8.
After that, my crystal ball (bought second hand from the estate of Neville
Chamberlain) is cloudy. Surely, Turkey has to hit Italy eventually.
*******
I understand the importance of my not knowing your moves this turn. That
has been made clear. But I do want you to know my moves. Unless you
instruct otherwise, I think I need to do the following:
Bel supp Eng->Pic
Nth->Eng
Mao->Bre
Nao-Mao
This should get me in Picardy and clear the North Atlantic, even with no
support from you. Unfortunately, I think I will lose Mao.
******
My comments on StP. Take it immediately with Bot supp Liv->StP. This
seems to be the right thing to do, even if you suspect my motives. Russia
knows that StP is doomed and he might get cute with his fleet. If he moves
to Finland, then you cannot protect Sweden and take StP at the same time.
Also, by taking StP with Livonia, Bot can stay behind and keep an eye on
Sweden in case that horrible Englishman proves trecherous.
******
OK. Here is where I lay out my "dream moves" -- moves that would be made by
a well-oiled, trusting partnership. Hey, this is Diplomacy, so I can
always suggest! 8-) I do not necessarily expect a reply on this.
Nao s Mao
Eng->Bre [these two moves save the Mao & cut support for Pic]
Bel->Pic
Nth->Bel [gets Nth out of your hair, provided:
Bur s Bel->Pic [There's the rub!!]
I don't know what you would otherwise do with Burgundy, but there is so
much to gain here for so little risk. With these moves, we can be 7-6 in
the fall. I am not so sure that we can afford to wait a year. Won't
France be in the Mid-Atlantic by then? If you want to play it safe and
wait a year, you might be better off by throwing in with France and taking
me out. Perhaps am missing something.
********
Anyway, as of now, my moves are as mentioned above. Not the dream moves,
but the moves first mentioned that get me out of Nth without help from
Burgundy.
Most cordially,
Ivy
Message from Italy to England
>
> Please do not support any action in the Mid Atlantic.
>
France has yet to request an order so I don't know what he has in mind;
however, I told him I don't want to support action in the MAO since I really
don't want to 'force' a retreat to North Africa and then be 'forced' to
defend Tunis.
If I had to guess, he's going to ask me to support Mar-Spa/sc so that he can
use Portugal against the MAO either supporting Brest there or moving there
itself. I would be hard-pressed to deny that request and still maintain any
friendly relations with the Prince. If you want any accurate info down the
road about French moves, I suspect it would come from me so keeping him on
my good side is good for the both of us.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from England to Italy
Roberto,
>If I had to guess, he's going to ask me to support Mar-Spa/sc so that he can
>use Portugal against the MAO either supporting Brest there or moving there
>itself. I would be hard-pressed to deny that request
This is perfectly fine with me. By the way, I doubt that Germany will ever
try for Marseilles.
Ivy
Message from Italy to France
Fleet Western Med is at your disposal. Let me know what you want it to do.
Also, I haven't yet decided on what I will do with my new army in Venice.
If you want me to move it to Piedmont as further defense against EG I'd
consider it, but I'd rather move it to Tyrolia to cripple Vienna.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
>He's clearly not lying, since he told me the same thing. The
>French/Italian relationship has been very, very strong since the beginning.
>That's one reason why I have been very reluctant to turn my back on France
>and go after Germany. I think France intended from the beginning of this
>game to go north. It is
>what he will do now given the opportunity.
Once Austria's gone, (this year), that Italian
support is almost certain to turn aggressive, though.
I don't believe France will be able to move North.
>That disband only serves to speed Austria's demise.
The only explanation I can come up with is he's
hoping that Turkey will grow faster, and stab Italy.
>I don't think Germany will get more than StP.
It obviously depends on my moves, and France's
but I've made a commitment to destroy the Austrian
Army in Sev this Spring, so War is at risk, and I
expect that France will defend Bre and Iberia,
risking Par or Mar, so three for Germany is possible.
>Unfortunately, I have no way of preventing your loss of
>of StP. Germany will take that no matter what I do.
True, but Nth-Den, StP-Fin, followed by Den S Fin-Swe
balances it nicely, and forces him to pull back from
StP and War.
>I am still leaning that way. If I ever change my mind, I doubt that I
>would advertise it.
I'm not suggesting that you leak your plans to
me, but rather proposing an alliance against Germany.
Work with me against him, and you'll get two builds
this year, and I'll use my influence with Italy and
France to encourage IF conflict.
>Please don't tell Germany about the North Sea. He hasn't even noticed it.
>8-)
If you're not willing to work with me against
him, I have to play up the threat your position
poses to him to delay his attack on me. Given the
choice, I'd much rather work with you, though.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from Germany to England
> According to Italy, France's strategy is to discourage me by
> seeming to hand all the opportunities to you. Apparently,
> I am supposed to become frustrated and change sides.
I was thinking along the same lines. (after I saw the build)
Although I doubt if it's to frustrate you. He's trying to get you to
attack me, by getting you to believe that I have the opportunity to grow
much faster than you do. This is actually true. The error of this
strategy will be revealed with my move. Although now that Vienna is
open I might have to rething one of the moves that I phased in.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
If Italy gets BUD and Turkey gets SEV, who gets VIE? I think it's more
likely that Turkey will get BUD and SEV. Giving Turkey two builds next
time. That's when he might try to make nice with me and attack ITaly.
I'm afraid that I still can't help you from BUR. I want to be a man of
my word. I said that I'd have to make covering moves if you went to
NTH. So now I'd better make them or the value of my word is lessened.
PLus I don't want to give you the idea that I'll leave myself open to a
stab, down the road.
Fredd
Message from Germany to Italy
Roberto:
My instincts tell me that I should protest you entering TYR again. My
brain says that there's little that I can do about it, as you can
support yourself in. So I suspect that even if I say don't go, I'll
see an Italian army in Tyr in the spring.
So go for it. However, as before, I really want to see it move out
again. Can we agree that the visit will be for only one turn? After
all Vienna is yours. Unless I work with Austria to keep you out. I have
no plans to do that, currently.
Ok that was the diplomatic thing to say. Closer to the truth is that
it's my belief that you will be under attack from your eastern neighbor
soon enough. Like I said many moons ago, I can forsee an IG alliance in
the midgame being quite productive.
It's true that I have no designs on French centers.
Fredd
Message from France to Austria
Ms. Felicia:
I was surprised by your adjustment. I expected that you
would have removed the fleet. You must have plans for
it that I do not guess. I admit that I have not really
studied the situation, I have my own problems.
Best of luck to you.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to England
Wingo:
I guess that this is the moment of truth. I will have a
difficult time, but I do have a reasonable chance at
denying you a build. I have not had great luck so far,
but perhaps I am due, n'est pas?
Le DAUPHIN
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
I expect that there is nothing that I can do to change
your mind, so I will not spend too much effort on it.
Just do not sell out too much and put all your trust in
Ivy. If he moved to the North Sea without permission, he
is not 100% reliable. Or did he really have permission?
Although I must hope that England does indeed betray
you, I am not wild about that possibility either. I
really do not want to see a very large England.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Italy
Roberto:
Thank you for the note. I had forgotten about the game
and did not realize that the deadline was tonight. An
empty mailbox can do that to you.
Any thoughts on what England might do? Anything that
you have heard that might help me? What has he
requested from your fleet? Has he made any offers?
My first impression is to ask you to support Brest to the
MAO. I know it is a bit of a risk, but I am getting a
bit desperate. I ask you to make that your default order
and I will study the map at lunch today.
Go ahead and use the new army in the East. Right now
there is little that it can do and it's presence in
Tyrolia may be just as useful as Piedmont. I realize
that it will probably not do actively anything useful for
me, but it may make Germany nervous enough to hesitate.
That in itself may help.
Thanks for remembering me.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
How goes your negotiations? Mine go slow in that I have
had none :-) Is it a bad sign when no one writes to
you? :-) Sort of like when the jury will not look at
you, you know they are voting guilty!
My plan is to try and deny England a build. Have you had
any luck convincing him that Germany will get too
large unless he does something about it? I try, but I
wonder if I am even making an impression.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Turkey
Ali:
Greetings from your friend in France. I have not heard
from you lately. Please write as I am lonely. A single
message from Italy has kept the dust from overrunning my
mailbox.
Do you think that Italy will indeed help me or will he
turn on me?
I hope that things are going well for you. I am cheering
for you.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Austria to France
> I was surprised by your adjustment. I expected that you
> would have removed the fleet. You must have plans for
> it that I do not guess. I admit that I have not really
> studied the situation, I have my own problems.
Trade places ? :-)
Moriturus te salutat.
The obvious moves seemed likely to lead to dead ends. The
unobvious may as well, but exploration is sometimes enjoyable
even when unlikely to reach its putative goal.
Felicia, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
>How goes your negotiations?
Italy has committed to supporting you this year,
but is undecided on whether to send A Ven to Pie, or
Tyl. I favor Tyl to pressure the German Home Centers
and force Fredd to pull back from France and/or Russia.
An endorsement of this idea from you to him would
prove helpful.
>My plan is to try and deny England a build. Have you had any luck
>convincing him that Germany will get too
>large unless he does something about it?
Negotiations continue. He says that he favors
continuing the attack on France, but recognizes that
odds are that he won't get a build this year, if he
does. He thinks that StP is Fredd's only likely gain
this year, but I have explained that my forces will
be committed to the Austrian Campaign, so Warsaw is
vulnerable, and that you are likely to defend in such
a way as to deny England a build, even at the risk of
Germany gaining Paris or Marseilles. He has not
responded to that message, yet, but I remain hopeful.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from France to Austria
Ms.Felicia:
Wow, you were on-line early. I thought that I was the
only one up at the crack of dawn. Worrying about your
countrymen no doubt. Very admirable.
I wish you luck on your idea for doing the unexpected.
May you find a niche to survive.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
>An endorsement of this idea from you to him would
>prove helpful.
Already done actually, for the same reason, but put
pressure of Germany at home.
I have hestiated telling England outright that I will
allow Germany to take a center as long as I deny him one.
I do not want him to negotiate having Germany hand him
Denmark or Holland as compensation. But if I do not tell
him, then he may have no insentive to pull back. What
would you recommend that I do. Please do not mention
this to him, I just seek your advice. The sooner the
better actually :-)
I bet if Germany grew by 3 centers, England would have to
react. Perhaps in the fall, even the threat of it would
be enough, if we could somehow then deny Germany 2 of
those builds.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
>Already done actually, for the same reason, but put
>pressure of Germany at home.
My thanks, I'll have to contact Ialy again, and
ask if he's made a decision about A Ven.
>I have hestiated telling England outright that I will
>allow Germany to take a center as long as I deny him one.
The disband of A Bur to build F Mar was a clear
signal of your intent. You might mention to him that
Austria is gone this year, and that means Italy is
likely to attack you next year, and you'll throw Centers
to Italy, rather than give them to EG, but if England
pulls back, you'll be able to turn and meet the Italian
threat.
>I bet if Germany grew by 3 centers, England would have to
>react. Perhaps in the fall, even the threat of it would
>be enough, if we could somehow then deny Germany 2 of
>those builds.
Yes, but for England to react effectively, he needs
to stab this Spring, I think.
Nick.
Message from England to France
>I guess that this is the moment of truth. I will have a
>difficult time, but I do have a reasonable chance at
>denying you a build. I have not had great luck so far,
>but perhaps I am due, n'est pas?
You are doing quite well, my friend. The whole world knows that you have
the French fleet at your disposal.
In spite of this, I can draw up a sequence of moves that guarantees me a
French center this year. Germany will not make those moves, unfortunately.
So it looks like you are winning where it counts the most -- on the
diplomatic front. I congratulate you.
Ivy
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
> Although now that Vienna is open I might have to rething one of the moves
>that I phased in.
Perhaps you may want to consider some additional information. Russia, who
is trying very hard to get me to attack you, has revealed that he is
committed to the destruction of the Austrian army at Sevastopol this
spring. I think this is reliable information. If so, it implies the
following moves.
War->Mos
Gal->Ukr
These in conjunction with Bla s Rum->Sev, Ser->Bud, and Bul->Rum.
Makes perfectly good sense. Russia hates Austria. Also, the War->Mos move
does give Russia a 50-50 chance up north. If he is in Moscow and Finland
(yes, he intends to go there) after the spring, and you are in Bot & StP,
it becomes a guessing game.
Anyway, all of this suggests to me that you consider Pru->War & Boh->Sil
this spring. Then you pick up at least one and have a 50-50 shot at two
centers.
> I want to be a man of my word.
Fair enough. Your word also includes a committment to a balanced alliance.
My word too. Does that mean that you will give me Holland on loan if you
gain one or two units and a French center is denied to me?
Your friend and ally,
Ivy
p.s. Russia makes a grave threat if I refuse to agree to attack you. He
threatens to tell you about the dangers of my fleet in the North Sea. I
begged him not to do this, because you have not noticed it yet. 8-)
Message from France to England
Wingo:
>You are doing quite well
An overstatement, I am sure.
>The whole world knows that you have
>the French fleet at your disposal.
So you notice? :-) Take it as a statement of where my
priorities will be on defense.
>Germany will not make those moves, unfortunately.
>So it looks like you are winning where it counts the
>most -- on the diplomatic front. I congratulate you.
I doubt it is because of anything that Prince Boar is
doing. France = Oil, Germany = Water
France must be benefiting from something between you and
Germany. Not that it is that much of a benefit.
Do you notice that Italy is poised to grow more.
Certainly he will soon have a couple of more fleet over
to help around Iberia. This may allow you to
someday split France with him. But do you really gain
from that? A center or two and the Mediterranean
completely sealed off to you unless Turkey one day opens
it up for you. In that senario you get a couple more
French centers but Turkey gets Italy and the Balkans.
Germany will seal off Russia and be large and dangerous.
Where will you go for growth?
France seems to be important to you as a means for
preventing that senario. We also have that new fleet in
the south that could be useful. Go get your centers
elsewhere and then we can talk.
Le DAUPHIN
Message from England to Master
O master,
I will be out of town from noon tomorrow (Thursday) until late on Sunday.
If I have a retreat after the spring move I will easily handle it on
Thursday morning.
This is a request that the fall move due-date be postponed until Tuesday.
Allen
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto,
Have you made a decision regarding A Ven, yet?
I got a note from France indicating that he was
planning to to try to keep England from gaining a
Center, so I was hoping he had let you know whether
he wanted Ven-Pie, or Ven-Tyl.
Given the German threat, and the Austrian Army
in Sev, I don't think RA Gal will be available to
attack Bud, but I appreciate the offer. I'd,
obviously, love to see Tri-Vie, Alb-Tri, Ven-Tyl
this Spring. I suspect that Bud may be involved
in an attack on Rum, to try to save Sev from the
destruction I promised, so Tri-Vie has a better
than even chance to succeed, I think.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
Are you sure you can afford to attack StP
with an English Fleet sitting in Nth? You could
easily find yourself disbanding one as England
builds two, rather than building yourself.
Nick.
Message from Germany to Russia
Nick:
You are quite correct in pointing out the dangers of the English
fleet. I've been berating Ivy over that one since the last moves
processed.
Don't worry, I'm not stupid enough to leave my back side wide open to a
stab. I've noticed that England has yet to take a center from
France. I would suspect that they can patch up their difference if they
want to. That is until England actually grabs a center.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
>
> Fair enough. Your word also includes a committment to a balanced alliance.
> My word too. Does that mean that you will give me Holland on loan if you
> gain one or two units and a French center is denied to me?
Still does. In fact I had written that down on my last press, but then
erased it. No sense in making promises all the time that I might not
need to keep.
>
> p.s. Russia makes a grave threat if I refuse to agree to attack you. He
> threatens to tell you about the dangers of my fleet in the North Sea. I
> begged him not to do this, because you have not noticed it yet. 8-)
Nick actually did send a note. ;-)
Message from France to France
I will not repeat the philosophy speech and commentary in
the message to myself. I realize that it makes no sense
to double up on that text.
What are my plans? I continue to try and break up
England and Germany. The English move to the North Sea
looked hopeful. I was disappointed that was all that he
did. Based on what I am hearing, I expect Germany and
England to stick together though. I can hope that
England just does not want to risk tipping his hand. But
I will not get my hopes up. I will therefore focus my
attention on denying England a build. I have to worry
about defending against Germany in the spring, so that he
is not positioned to help England in the fall. I will
probably end up gambling a bit with my moves. It will
probably back fire as it so often does, but I need to be
bold. I will discuss the moves in a separate message.
At least my plan to have Burgundy retreat so I could
build a fleet worked. It seemed to cause some talk,
although I was a involved in little of it. It will be
interesting to read all the press after the game.
I hope that Italy will truly help me. I will put blind
faith in him because I have no choice. If he betrays me
all is lost. If I can only hold on for a little while,
something may happen in the east that will change my
situation. I will not be a dominant power, but perhaps I
can be a surviving power and bide my time for an
opportunity.
Message from France to all
Spring 1904 Symposium on Philosophy, Europe and
Everything.
- by Prince Xavier Boar
[This is Stuart Scott here. Surprisingly I did not lose
my job. I think that the brothers are too busy trying to
defend France to worry about me. They definitely could
use a better middle linebacker, that guy in Burgundy
folded like a freshly dried bath towel. Maybe they
should try to trade for Ray Lewis.]
[Let's role the clip on the uncensored parts of Prince
Boar's speech.]
Countrymen, life in France remains hard. The English and
the Germans continue to press our borders. With horror
we witnessed the deaths of some brave lads in Burgundy.
The Dauphin tells me that their sacrifice was necessary
and will not go in vain, but it was a tragedy
nonetheless. The Dauphin and I will continue to do
everything we can to turn back the English fleets and
slow down, if we can, the German armies.
We do welcome the arrival of the Italian fleet. Its
presence may allow us to hold out for as long as
possible.
[Was the disaster in Burgundy really a sacrifice for that
new fleet or are they just trying to cover up their
blunder? He mentioned some private stuff to give the
French people hope. Hope that he will stop talking that
is! Here is his customary pedantic philosophy portion.
Hey, alliteration. I have to find a way to use that one
on SportsCenter. Boomer will be so jealous.]
Philosophy
Today's lecture is on the topic of doubt and will feature
a great French philosopher, Rene Descartes. Descartes is
best know for his classic conclusion: Cogito ergo sum, or
in French: Je pense donc je suis. For the benefit of our
English speaking brethren: I think, therefore I exist.
The Dauphin likes to modify this philosophy to: I fight
therefore I exist. But the important part of this
philosophy is that Descartes arrived at it from a
foundation of doubt.
Descartes sought a method for seeing the truth of things
based on reason alone. He suspended belief in everything
he learned from childhood, doubted everything, as a
deliberate strategy toward certainty. My failure to
France was not starting for this same location. I should
have doubted the existence of an English alliance until
there was proof to support it. I put France at risk by
being blinded by faith without certainty. But no more.
The Dauphin and I pledge to continue to defend France as
if she will continue to be invaded by England and German.
No matter what the words we are hearing, we shall wait
for proof.
I am sure that many of you have noticed the Italian fleet
off our borders and recall my earlier words welcoming
them. You must be thinking, but you have not proof of
their intentions. I admit it is true. Only can a real
necessity or benefit allow us to risk trust without
proof. Therefore we must trust the Italian intentions.
[I think therefore I am, an interesting philosophy. I
know many a lineman who doesn't really think. I wonder
if they exist? If a Quarterbacks simply refuse to
believe in the existence of that 300 pound lineman, would
the bull pass right through him? Of course if he is
wrong, he will have plenty of time in a hospital bed to
ponder his philosophies.]
[Well, that is all folks. Until next year, if there is a
next year for France. I wish the Dauphin good luck. I
like coming to France. Where else do the women
continually kiss you on the cheeks whenever you walk into
the room?
Really, where else do they do that? I want to know. I
have some vacation time coming and need to plan a trip
somewhere!
Stuart]
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
>You are quite correct in pointing out the dangers
>of the English fleet. I've been berating Ivy over
>that one since the last moves processed.
You have to wonder why he moved there…
>I've noticed that England has yet to take a center
>from France. I would suspect that they can patch
>up their difference if they want to. That is until
>England actually grabs a center.
True, but given the disband of A Bur, and build
of F Mar, it seems clear that France will defend
strongly against England, and as a result, you are
more likely to gain two builds than England is to
gain one. Can England afford to let that happen?
I don't think so. What recourse does he have?
Nth-Den, Bel-Hol, MAO-Eng seems the most obvious,
and most effective.
Nick.
Message from Master to England
Understood! I'll move the fall movement deadline to Tuesday evening.
Doug
Message [from France] to all
BG> Holey Baloney Diploman, the French sure are taking some pot shots at the
English. They do not seem to need our services.
DM> Boy Gambit, our role is to expose the betrayers in the world, it is up to
the powers to decide how to handle those betrayals. Perhaps the French are
just a bunch of whiners!
BG> Was that whiners or "winers"? They drink a lot of wine, get it?
DM> Yes, ahem. It is sure nice to be back in action now that everyone is back
from vacation.
BG> Why were we so silent? It was boring watching all those reruns on cable!
DM> Well Boy Gambit, we do not want to broadcast during known absences. By a
process of elimination our identities would be revealed.
BG> Holey Brainwaves Diploman, you certainly are smart. I never thought of
that.
DM> We have missed a bit of action during our silence. The blood was barely dry
on the knife and the Italian promptly stuck it in the back of the Austrian.
BG> Yes, they certainly are active. Who will be the next one to feel his knife?
The French?
DM> We shall see Boy Gambit, we will watch Boy Gambit. Anything else strike
you as being naughty.
BG> Well, I can't help but wonder if the Germans really invited the English back
into the North Sea. Was that a betrayal Diploman?
DM> We are currently investigating that one. It is up in the air pending
further information.
BG> The Germans may not have much to complain about. The Russia move to
Livonia last spring suggests that they expected something else from the Germans.
DM> Good point Boy Gambit. You grow in awareness each day.
BG> Holey Flattery Diploman, you embarrass me.
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> Yes, that would be quite welcome. Austria's fleet would be much less
> troublesome in EMS than Aeg. Hopefully Austria will be gone
> soon, and so will his fleet.
>
Okay, ordering Gre-Aeg.
>
> How do these ideas grab you:
>
> Ven S Tri - Tyr
> Alb - Tri
> Ion S Gre - Aeg
> Rum S Ser - Bud (or Rum - Sev)
> Bla S Rum (or S Rum - Sev)
> Ank - Arm
> Bul - Con
> Smy - Con
>
As far as my moves, I don't think I need to support myself into Tyrolia.
Germany and I are in negotiations right now and it looks like Ven-Tyr will
have his blessing this spring. I think I'm going to order Ven-Tyr; Tri-Vie;
Alb-Tri unless you think those aren't wise moves. It's a beginning to a
demilitarization of the Balkans.
As for your moves, either option has my blessing although I'd lean more
towards Rum s Ser-Bud.
>
> I'm still pretty uncertain about Russian intentions. In any
> case, I'd love to hear what you're getting from him these days.
>
I asked Russia if he would like support into either Budapest or Vienna and
he turned me down siting the Austrian presence in Sev and the German threat.
He did not provide details of what he WAS going to do however.
Message from Italy to France
>
> Any thoughts on what England might do? Anything that
> you have heard that might help me? What has he
> requested from your fleet? Has he made any offers?
>
He first asked me if I was interested in participating in the French
destruction. I refused so he obviously made no requests of my fleet.
> My first impression is to ask you to support Brest to the
> MAO. I know it is a bit of a risk, but I am getting a
> bit desperate. I ask you to make that your default order
> and I will study the map at lunch today.
>
England did ask one thing - that I not support action into the MAO. Quite
frankly, I'd rather not as a retreat to North Africa would tie up one of my
fleets in the defense of Tunis. Can I make my default order Wes s
Mar-Spa/sc? That would give you (hopefully) three fleets on the MAO in the
fall.
> Go ahead and use the new army in the East. Right now
> there is little that it can do and it's presence in
> Tyrolia may be just as useful as Piedmont. I realize
> that it will probably not do actively anything useful for
> me, but it may make Germany nervous enough to hesitate.
> That in itself may help.
>
Okay, I won't move to Piedmont and will make an attempt for Tyrolia.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Russia to all
"St. Petersburg Pravda"
January, 1904
"Labor Unrest Worsens"
The work stoppages which have plagued the nation
since Production losses were anounced in 1902 have
worsened due to the flat economic results in 1903.
The employment crisis in Sevastopol, that was brought
about by the decommisioning of the Southern Fleet,
has been exacerbated by the garrisoning of the
Austrian 1st Calavry there last Fall. Czar Nicholas
has pledged that the Austrian 1st Cavalry will be
destroyed this Spring, and their horses slaughtered
to feed the residents of Sevastopol who were uprooted
from their homes last Fall. The Bolsheviks, always
the most radical memebers of the Union movement are
demanding a rethinking of the underlying unionization
strategy, and threatening revolution if there demands
are not met. There are rumors that the Czar's
personal guard are keeping the Royal Yacht, the
Standart, fully stocked, and prepared to leave port
at a moment's notice.
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> Have you made a decision regarding A Ven, yet?
>
France declined help in Piedmont so I will indeed make an attempt for
Tyrolia this spring. I'm still uncertain whether to support the move or not
though.
> I'd, obviously, love to see Tri-Vie, Alb-Tri, Ven-Tyl
That's the other option other than supporting myself to Tyrolia.
Let me know if you hear anything that may influence my decision.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Observer to Observer
--- In vgfp_titleist@y..., dan@i... wrote:
> Who did you think that was? I tried to do some net research to find
> out which if any of the 7 was married, but coulnd't come up with
> anything. :-)
>
I VERY strongly believe it is Allen Schweinsberg. Check out the
"Who is Ivy Wingo?" poll. I know that WE know who Ivy Wingo is,
but I'm not sure that has been publically identified in the game
yet. Those of you who think Ivy Wingo is Eric Hunter are
sadly mistaken ;-) he is one who it surely is NOT. I don't
think Eric is married.... but I could be wrong about that
last part. I did a little net research too, but didn't find
out too much. I'm sure if I were more focused on it, I could.
Jim-Bob
> --- In vgfp_titleist@y..., burgess@w... wrote:
> > It may not help us figure out Ivy Wingo's identity (but most of
> > us think we know that already anyway.... ;-) but it might help
> > us get access to the credit history, bank accounts, and other
> > financial details of their children!! I know that I have to use
> > my mother's maiden name for some of those things.
> >
> > Gosh, this game still is quite boring.... ;-) I am falling....
> >
> > Jim-Bob
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto,
>I will make an attempt for Tyrolia this spring.
My thanks.
> > I'd love to see Tri-Vie, Alb-Tri, Ven-Tyl
>the other option [is] supporting myself to Tyrolia.
>Let me know if you hear anything that may influence my decision.
Indications are that Germany is concerned about
an English stab, so Boh-Tyl seems unlikely, especially
since Tri S Ven-Tyl would take Tyl, anyway. I tried
to get Fredd to move Boh-Tyl-Pie last year and he
refused because he didn't want to spook you. He has
less reason to do so, now, would I think.
Nick.
Message from France to Italy
Roberto:
I understand your concern for a possible English retreat.
But if it occurred, which is not certain, it would most
certainly go towards his Island. England knows that the
Dauphin would go right for his Britain if he left us an
opening. You could easily cover Tunis and we would
support you to the Mid-Atlantic Ocean.
I know it is a lot to ask, but the Dauphin's defense of
France is based on this move.
Actually, I want to know how Ivy can even ask you to not
support efforts to the MAO. First he is allied with
Germany who is attacking Russia, but Russia is still his
good friend, despite his refusing to do anything about
Germany. Then he moves into the North Sea and Germany
does not nothing about it and they remain almost
completely demilitarized. Does he also need to put
limitation on what you can and cannot do to support me in
defending France from him? Kind of unfair don't you
think? :-)
I really need that support for Brest to MAO. Please
reconsider.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
> As far as my moves, I don't think I need to support myself into Tyrolia.
> Germany and I are in negotiations right now and it looks like Ven-Tyr will
> have his blessing this spring.
Most interesting. Surely this means he's planning to cover Munich, either by
withdrawing from France or with Boh-Mun. That army never did do anything
effective; it might as well move back home. At least, it will most likely
move back to Mun or to Sil for an attack on Warsaw.
> I think I'm going to order Ven-Tyr; Tri-Vie;
> Alb-Tri unless you think those aren't wise moves. It's a beginning to a
> demilitarization of the Balkans.
No, I agree that's a better plan than what I proposed. It's quite possible
that both moves will succeed unopposed, and almost certain that one or the
other will. I thank you for Alb-Tri, and will likewise move toward
demilitarizing the Balkans ASAP.
> As for your moves, either option has my blessing although I'd lean more
> towards Rum s Ser-Bud.
I think there's a fairly high chance of Bud S Sev-Rum, Aeg-Bul, which would
defeat Rum's support. If Russia is to be believed, then I feel I should take
the opportunity to destroy Austria's army. Until we see what happens in the
north, it may be wisest to keep Russia alive; I'm strongly thinking about
going along with the Russian plan, which I outlined earlier, and then moving
Sev-Rum, Ser S Rum-Bud in the fall, leaving Sev for Russia.
The advantages to this plan are that Austria will be eliminated this year, it
will give us each a build, and prop up Russia a bit so that GE have at least
some opposition up north. The obvious drawback is that with Gre-Aeg, then F
Aeg is sure to retreat to Bul or Smy. This could be countered in Bul with
Bla/Con, and in Smy with Con/Arm, but this pretty well defeats the purpose of
Gre-Aeg, which was to drive the Austrian fleet to EMS.
Anyway, what would you think of such a plan? If you agree, then I'd ask that
you hold in Greece, rather than forcing Aeg. This would give me greater
flexibility going forward since I will finally have no foreign fleets off the
shores of Turkey. In any case, by all accounts Austria should cease to exist
this year, and his fleet will cease to be a problem.
I look forward to your reply at your earliest opportunity.
Ali
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> That depends in large part on what Germany
> and England do in the Spring.
I've not heard from either lately, so it's hard to say what will happen.
Germany did tell me after the Fall moves that he would "delay" his efforts
against you until F Nth was withdrawn. Italy seems to think he'll have
Germany's blessing for a move to Tyr, in which case Boh-Mun is a high
probability. It's all just rumor at this point, but if I learn anything
concrete I'll let you know.
> Bla S Sev-Rum,
> Ukr-Sev in the Fall is possible, if Germany isn't
> threatening Warsaw, but Mos S RA Ukr-War, TA Sev-Ukr,
> A Arm-Sev may be necessary to block the German
> advance.
Either of these presents good possibilities. At the moment I'm favoring
Sev-Rum in the fall, with Ser S Rum-Bud. It may be possible to enlist Italian
support for the Bud attack, leaving Sev vacant for you to move into. If
Boh-Sil, Pru-War, then there will be no way to regain Warsaw anyway, and I
would favor Ukr-Sev. I think that for the sake of stability, it would be far
better for each of R/T/I to gain a center from Austria this year, rather than
anyone taking two. Either way, I would very much like to see Austria
eliminated this year.
> It's actually possible for Russia to
> prosper without Sev, so I don't rule out leaving
> it Turkish, but if I'm going to counter-attack
> against Germany, I'll probably look for a way for
> you to move West, so that I can retake it and Build
> a 2nd Fleet in StP.
In the long run, I think Turkish posession of Sev would be a thorn in the side
of RT relations. Clearly, any new Russian fleets in the north, combined with
Turkish fleets in the south, would go a long way toward changing the face of
this game.
I've entered the orders you suggested with wait set. I'm still hoping to hear
some more out of Italy before the move; he had stated a preference for my
attacking Bud, and indeed that is what I had been planning. In any case I do
want to take steps in the fall to ensure that Bud does not fall to Italy.
I look forward to your reply,
Ali
Message from Observer to Observer
Ah, based on this page
http://www.bucknell.edu/directories/ph.asp?q1=department-
'Mathematics'&h2=Mathematics
I believe you're right with Allen Schweinsberg. I'm not sure that
this Allen is our Allen (Math teacher at Bucknell University) - but
how many Allen Schweinsbergs can there be? - , but there is also
listed in the Math department, a Joanne Mayer Schweinsberg.
So I think we can safely say that England / Ivy Wingo is Allen
Schweinsberg.
dan.
--- In vgfp_titleist@y..., burgess@w... wrote:
> --- In vgfp_titleist@y..., dan@i... wrote:
> > Who did you think that was? I tried to do some net research to
find
> > out which if any of the 7 was married, but coulnd't come up with
> > anything. :-)
> >
> I VERY strongly believe it is Allen Schweinsberg. Check out the
> "Who is Ivy Wingo?" poll. I know that WE know who Ivy Wingo is,
> but I'm not sure that has been publically identified in the game
> yet. Those of you who think Ivy Wingo is Eric Hunter are
> sadly mistaken ;-) he is one who it surely is NOT. I don't
> think Eric is married.... but I could be wrong about that
> last part. I did a little net research too, but didn't find
> out too much. I'm sure if I were more focused on it, I could.
>
> Jim-Bob
>
> > --- In vgfp_titleist@y..., burgess@w... wrote:
> > > It may not help us figure out Ivy Wingo's identity (but most of
> > > us think we know that already anyway.... ;-) but it might help
> > > us get access to the credit history, bank accounts, and other
> > > financial details of their children!! I know that I have to use
> > > my mother's maiden name for some of those things.
> > >
> > > Gosh, this game still is quite boring.... ;-) I am falling....
> > >
> > > Jim-Bob
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
>Germany did tell me after the Fall moves that he would "delay" his efforts
>against you until F Nth was withdrawn.
That's good to hear. I was concerned about
Pru-War, Boh-Sil.
> > Sev-Rum, Ukr-Sev in the Fall is possible
> > but Mos S RA Ukr-War, TA Sev-Ukr, Arm-Sev may > be necessary to block
>the German advance.
>I'm favoring Sev-Rum in the fall, with Ser S Rum-Bud.
Yes, that would be better for both of us. It opens
up the possibility of Ukr-Sev, Disband F StP on retreat,
B A War.
>In the long run, I think Turkish posession of Sev would be a thorn in the
>side of RT relations.
Obviously I'd like to control Sev, but I don't
see Turkish control of Sev as a relationship breaker,
if you're there to keep Germany from overrunning me.
>I've entered the orders you suggested with wait set.
Hopefully the set including Bla S Rum-Sev. ;^)
War-Mos, Gal-Ukr are in as well. I'm still trying to
decide what, if anything, to do with my Fleet.
Nick.
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
My moves are in. You know what they are:
England: Army Belgium SUPPORT Fleet English Channel -> Picardy.
England: Fleet North Atlantic Ocean -> Mid-Atlantic Ocean.
England: Fleet English Channel -> Picardy.
England: Fleet North Sea -> English Channel.
England: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean -> Brest.
Highest priority is removing the North Sea.
Consequently, lowest priority is defending Mid-Atlantic Ocean.
I will check the mail tonight in case you have any last minute advice.
Ivy
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
> That's good to hear. I was concerned about
> Pru-War, Boh-Sil.
Well it's still just speculation on my part, but it's something to hope for.
> >I've entered the orders you suggested with wait set.
>
> Hopefully the set including Bla S Rum-Sev. ;^)
Heheh, yep. Bla S Rum-Sev, Ser-Bud, Ank-Arm, Smy-Con, Bul-Rum.
> War-Mos, Gal-Ukr are in as well. I'm still trying to
> decide what, if anything, to do with my Fleet.
Tough call. If Germany does decide to counter an English threat, then
GOB-Swe, Lvn-Bal would be his only chance to recapture Denmark. In that case,
then StP-GOB could be very useful. On the other hand, something like GOB-Bal,
Lvn-StP would be disastrous if the fleet moved. I tend to think that Lvn-StP
would be ordered only with support anyway, but I'm still trying to figure out
what he was thinking with his fleet moves last turn. And, it's still possible
that it's all smoke and mirrors, and that we'll see Nth-Nor, GOB S Lvn-StP,
with Nor S StP, GOB-Swe in the fall.
I will write Germany again, though I haven't heard from him in a while. I'll
let you know what, if anything, I get from him.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to France
Prince Boar,
My apologies for my unseemly lack of communication. If it's any consolation,
my inbox has been rather dusty itself of late. Hopefully things will get
rolling again. In particular, I've heard nothing from either England or
Germany in a long while, which I find unsettling.
The word I'm getting from Roberto is that he plans to support you for the
immediate future. I would expect F WMS to do whatever it is you've requested
of it, except that as I understand it he won't support you to MAO for fear of
an English forward retreat to NAf. But to the best of my knowledge, he has no
immeditate plans to attack you.
My goal for the year is to see Austria eliminated. Hopefully, without Italy
becoming too strong as a result. My immediate goal for spring is to advance
my position so as to take some hand in the fate of Sev or Rum. I will surely
be attempting to take one or the other in the fall, though which one is still
the subject of some debate.
My sense is that it would be wise to keep Russia alive to the greatest degree
possible. Unfortunately, I rather damaged my relations with Russia when I
didn't support him to Bud last fall. That was a decision I may soon come to
regret, and I am attempting to mend that fence as best I can.
I have to say, your fleet build was certainly interesting. Not what I would
have expected from a defensive point of view. However, if hostilities break
out between England and Germany, then you'll be a lot better off if you can
depend on your own fleets, rather than those if Italy.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to England
Ivy,
Haven't heard from you in a bit. Hope all is well on your end.
The word I'm getting from Italy is that he will support France "until the
Austrian fleet has been dealt with". It is my sincere hope that Austria will
be eliminated this year, and if so it will give Roberto greater flexibility
where France is concerned. As I understand it, he will not support France to
MAO, for fear of an English forward retreat to NAf. So, my guess offhand is
WMS S Mar-Spa/sc, but that's just a guess.
For myself, my moves will come as no surprise to anybody. I'll be attempting
to advance my position so as to have a say in the disposition of Sev and Rum,
and will attempt to take one or the other this year. Which one has yet to be
determined, and will depend largely on what Germany does.
How are things with you and Germany, were you able to iron out the disposition
of F Nth? I'm not asking you to tell me what Nth has planned, but if you
could give me some indication as to whether you think Germany will continue
anti-Russian efforts or not, it would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to Germany
Fredd,
Haven't heard from you in a while. Hope all is well on your end.
I have entered orders to begin attacking southern Russia. This should come as
no surprise to anyone. I would also like to have some say in the disposition
of Rum, though at the moment it's unclear what effect I'll be able to have.
Austria's disband choice tells me clearly that I'm his target du jour this
time around.
How have things gone with England, have you been able to iron out the
disposition of F Nth? Any hint at all as to whether or not you'll be able to
continue your anti-Russian offensive would be most welcome.
Regards,
Ali
Message from France to Turkey
Ali:
My fleet build is a statement that first and foremost, my priority will
be to defend against England over Germany. I cannot do both, so I will
put my effort where choose. If I can I will try to prevent England from
benefiting from his betrayal. If war does break out between England and
Germany, something I have basically given up hope on, I can reassess
then.
I am happy to hear that Italy plans to support me. Unfortunately he
refuses to do exactly what I wish him to do. I want support into the
MAO. I understand his concerns. But England could just as easily move
to North Africa if he really wanted it. Also it is just a fringe supply
center that could be defended, not his homeland :-) I doubt Ivy would
retreat there because he leaves an opening for me to get to his
homeland. Given my preference for seeing him suffer, could he take that
chance? I will try to change Italy's mind, but I fear that his help
will once again be very little help. I never really benefitted from his
being in Tyrolia. He would rather not help me than upset Germany. I
fear that the same will be true with England. Rather than cross a line
that England draws, no action against MAO, he will politely refuse me.
Anything that you can do to change his mind will be appreciated.
Thanks for your mail and good luck to you. Austria's disband also
surprised me. Maybe he has something unusual planned. It does tie down
your force a bit more than you would have liked.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
Have you come to a decision about Nth-Den? I ask because if
you're going to do it, and are willing to order Den S Fin-Swe in the
Fall, I'll move to Fin. If you're not going to move Nth-Den, I'll
have to consider other possibilities.
Thanks,
Nick.
Message from Turkey to France
Prince Boar,
I have to admit, there have been few obvious cracks in the GE alliance so far.
The move to Nth could be all smoke and mirrors. However, I'd be surprised if
anyone in this game clings to such an alliance for very long. Even if Nth
moves to Norway or something, at least *some* English presence in the east
will cause Germany to be looking over his shoulder, which could have its own
domino effect.
I will encourage Roberto to agree to your requests, although to date I've had
little luck persuading him into any course of action. At present, I'm trying
to dissuade him from supporting Gre-Aeg; this would ostensibly be to drive
back the Austrian fleet, but I don't really want his fleets off my shores, and
if he combines it with Alb-Gre it could be a very bad thing. But I will try.
Is there a chance you might do me a favor on the diplomatic front? Russia has
proposed a plan to me, which I intend to accept (and to order). Of course, I
cannot rule out the possibility of AR collusion, and I'm not sure if Russia
will take my word for it. If you could "leak" to Russia that I am indeed
favoring his request, I would be greatly in your debt.
I think Austria's disband was pretty canny. Surely he knows that mutual
supports of Vie/Bud would ultimately be futile. And, he's no doubt upset that
I didn't support him to Trieste (which, perhaps foolishly, I promised him I
would do). He probably hopes that Germany and Italy will contest each other
over Vienna, which could certainly work to your advantage.
By all indications, it seems probable that Italy will attack Tyrolia. At
least, his build choice tells me he intends to assert Italian interests in the
center. Whether or not Germany goes for Vienna, such a move would surely
provide another point of contention between the two of them.
In any case, thank you for your warm wishes. Likewise, I wish you the best in
the coming year. It is my sincere hope that this year will bring about a
shake-up that is ultimately favorable to France.
Regards,
Ali
Message [from France] to all
>I think, therefore I exist.
On an evening such as this,
It's hard to believe that I exist
- Bare Naked Ladies
>Czar Nicholas
>has pledged that the Austrian 1st Cavalry will be
>destroyed this Spring, and their horses slaughtered
>to feed the residents of Sevastopol who were uprooted
>from their homes last Fall.
I heartily suggest that you choose the tail end of the horse. Everyone
knows that it is the best part. We enjoy it so much we often act like
one.
- Buck Naked Gentlemen
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
>Haven't heard from you in a bit. Hope all is well on your end.
Sorry 'bout that. Is it well? I'm not sure.
>The word I'm getting from Italy is that he will support France "until the
>Austrian fleet has been dealt with". It is my sincere hope that Austria will
>be eliminated this year, and if so it will give Roberto greater flexibility
>where France is concerned. As I understand it, he will not support France to
>MAO, for fear of an English forward retreat to NAf. So, my guess offhand is
>WMS S Mar-Spa/sc, but that's just a guess.
This is the worst kept secret of the game. Even Italy has told me this much.
>For myself, my moves will come as no surprise to anybody. I'll be attempting
>to advance my position so as to have a say in the disposition of Sev and Rum,
>and will attempt to take one or the other this year. Which one has yet to be
>determined, and will depend largely on what Germany does.
Uh, you already own Rumania. Did you mean Budapest?
>How are things with you and Germany, were you able to iron out the disposition
>of F Nth? I'm not asking you to tell me what Nth has planned, but if you
>could give me some indication as to whether you think Germany will continue
>anti-Russian efforts or not, it would be greatly appreciated.
My guess is that Germany will continue his anti-Russian efforts. Only a
guess, because from the beginning of the game Germany has never disclosed
his eastern moves to me in advance.
It has been difficult to work out a North Sea move that pleases both
Germany and me. It is easy to find moves that would displease him. The
North Sea will be moving. That's the most I can say for now.
Good luck,
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
> Have you come to a decision about Nth-Den?
Yes, I entered my moves a few hours ago. For various reasons, I think it
best that I not say what my moves are. Information has been flowing around
Europe much too easily. For example, everyone knows that the Italian fleet
is at France's disposal. Even Italy has had to confirm that.
I can say that I have no idea what moves Germany will make on his eastern
front. From the beginning of the game he has declined to reveal eastern
moves to me.
Cordially,
Ivy
Message from Italy to Germany
I thank you in advance for allowing me to move to Tyrolia unopposed. I will
remember that I owe you a favor.
> However, as before, I really want to see it move out
> again. Can we agree that the visit will be for only
> one turn?
>
I want to make sure we agree on the definition of "one turn". Does that
mean moving in this spring and then out again this fall? Or, moving in this
spring and then out again next spring after using it to take Vienna from the
Huns?
Either way is actually fine by me. I just want to make sure there are no
misunderstandings. I suppose it's possible, depending on the actions of
BUD/GAL (and BOH), that I may still be in TYR after the fall even though I
tried to exit. I hope you wouldn't hold that against me.
btw, if I happen to get lucky enough to get another build this year, it will
most definitely be a fleet. I don't see an army build for Italy again
without your prior approval.
> Closer to the truth is that it's my belief that you
> will be under attack from your eastern neighbor
> soon enough.
It's certainly possible although I would suspect that my fleet advantage
would make him less likely to stab.
> Like I said many moons ago, I can forsee an IG
> alliance in the midgame being quite productive.
>
I hope so. If the game remains along the same path, we will find ourselves
between two corner powers both of whom have better natural defensive
positions than ourselves. A cooperative effort could be very beneficial to
us both.
>
> It's true that I have no designs on French centers.
>
Hmmmm, interesting. Then why the move to Burgundy? Will you be helping
England in anyway against France? The slower English progress against
France, the better for the both of us, no?
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to England
France has requested Wes s Bre-Mao. I refused and he asked me to reconsider
as "defense of France is based on this move". I find myself between a rock
and a hard place - not wanting to support action in the MAO but also not
wanting to tip off France to my fleets true intention. Do you have a
suggestion of what I can tell France?
Roberto
Message [from Turkey] to all
DATELINE: CONSTANTINOPLE
The official Turkish news agency announced today
that Sultan Suleiman, the Turkish ceremonial head
of state, is dead. The circumstances surrounding
the Sultan's death were not immediately made public.
Several witnesses to the elaborate state funeral
claim that the corpse on display, while bearing a
resemblance to the Sultan, was not actually that of
Suleiman himself.
The surprise announcement comes at a time when
the Turkish countryside is being ravaged by civil
war, and amidst growing concern about the mental
stability of Ali Baba, who continues to hold power
under the declaration of martial law following
last year's riots. Baba has been seen in public
muttering about how his "voices" will guide his
hand in military affairs, and several top generals
within the Turkish armed forces have either been
placed under house arrest or have fled the country.
Baba's personal security forces continue to
control the capital city, despite growing public
opinion against him. Though most Turks have been
hard-hit by rampant inflation as a result of the
war, Baba has repeatedly imposed harsh new taxes
to fund his military machine. The plight of the
Turkish peasants, many of whom are starving, stands
in sharp contrast to the lavish parties that have
frequently been held for top Italian officials.
Meanwhile, accusations of rampant corruption
within Baba's government are widespread. Many of
Baba's relatives and political supporters have been
installed in Turkey's recently-nationalized ship-
building industry, and are reportedly receiving
lucrative paychecks despite the fact that Turkish
shipyards have been mothballed for years.
Disturbing reports have also reached the city
that rival warlords have begun fighting openly
throughout the Turkish countryside. In one such
outbreak in Ankara, Baba's forces moved in to
observe but did nothing to resolve the conflict.
As the warring factions fought each other to a
standstill, it appeared that Baba was content to
let both sides demolish each other. Once the
bloodshed had ended, soldiers from both sides were
quickly conscripted into a new regular army unit.
Although Baba claims that the new force will be
used to help "liberate" southern Russia from its
Austrian occupation forces, outside observers have
noted that the commanders, chosen personally by
Baba, are generally believed to be responsible for
most of the pillaging, looting and other atrocities
committed during the Ankara conflict. In addition,
sources in Vienna now claim that European leaders
are closer than ever to charging Baba himself with
crimes against humanity.
Message from England to Italy
>France has requested Wes s Bre-Mao. ... Do you have a
>suggestion of what I can tell France?
I was afraid this would happen.
You've got to do what you think is best for you in the long run, even
though it will make someone unhappy. Neither an unhappy France nor an
unhappy England will be in any position to take retribution for a long
time. Well, my fleet in North Africa would be a nuissance, but it wouldn't
be fatal.
You might say that, while you are willing to anger England by taking a
pro-French stand, a mid-Atlantic action that completely ruined the EG
attack would distress Germany as well. While you have no love whatsoever
for Germany, you are not ready to provoke him. You have been making "nice
talk" to Germany as insurance against Turkish treachery. You would like to
see a little longer cooperation from Turkey and gain at least one more army
yourself before irritating Germany. Perhaps saying that Germany explicitly
asked you not to go beyond Gibralter would be overdoing it.
There is also that problem of my retreat to North Africa. You are not
ready to handle that until the Austrian fleet is gone. If England is in
North Africa, you have no convenient way to protect Tunis and keep Austria
out of the Ionian. It can be done, but it would really mess up your
position and make you even more vulnerable to Turkey.
That's the best I can do.
Good luck,
Ivy
Message from Italy to England
I must admit, you are a good diplomat!
All of what you say is actually true. I will do my best to ease France's
unhappiness. Rest assured, I will not support action in the MAO.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Roberto
Message from England to Italy
Roberto,
>Rest assured, I will not support action in the MAO.
Thank you. I am aware that this is a major decision on your part.
Ivy
Message from Turkey to England
Ivy,
Thanks for your reply.
I have the sense that the tone of your recent presses have been somewhat cool
lately. Moreso than earlier in the game, at any rate. As you know, I'm
looking to England as a long-term ally. So, if I've done something to offend,
I hope you will tell me so that I might correct my error.
Sincerely,
Ali
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> I think there's a fairly high chance of Bud S Sev-Rum,
> Aeg-Bul, which would defeat Rum's support.
That would appear to be the most obvious move; but, then again, when has
Austria made the most obvious move?
> If Russia is to be believed, then I feel I should take
> the opportunity to destroy Austria's army.
>
I'm a bit hesitant to believe Russia will order War-Mos; Gal-Ukr. Germany
can guarantee STP with Pru-War; Gob s Lvn-STP. I highly doubt Russia is
willing to give up two centers to Germany just to seek revenge against
Austria all with the hope that you'll give him SEV in the fall for what, to
have to remove a unit anyway. Something just doesn't add up here.
> Until we see what happens in the north, it may be wisest
> to keep Russia alive;
I definitely think Russia can be a useful resource but I don't think he's
going to fight off Germany just to have your armies march up his rear-end.
He's been unusually silent about his moves this spring which leads me to
believe he doesn't want me to pass on information to you. I smell a rat but
that just might be this morning's road-kill still in my nose.
What Russia would do other than follow the outlined plan is anybody's guess.
I would be shocked to see any cooperation between Austria and Russia this
year. However, I don't think anyone in this game will just throw their
hands up and quit. We'll all fight to the bitter end.
>
> The advantages to this plan are that Austria will be
> eliminated this year,
>
I would be in favor of any plan that eliminated Austria this year.
>
> then I'd ask that you hold in Greece, rather than forcing Aeg.
>
I'll do what you want with Greece/Ion. I've altered their orders to
hold/support. Let me know if you want me to change them back to force the
Aegean.
As I talk with England/France, I'd actually prefer to force Austria to the
EMS.
That would enable me to move Ion-Tun; Aeg-Ion and I wouldn't have to worry
about an English retreat to NAF as much were it dislodged.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Italy to France
>
> I understand your concern for a possible English retreat.
> But if it occurred, which is not certain, it would most
> certainly go towards his Island.
>
Unfortunately, Ivy has told me otherwise. He said if I supported action in
the MAO that caused a dislodgement, he would retreat to North Africa. It
could be a bluff but I would tend to believe him.
> You could easily cover Tunis and we would
> support you to the Mid-Atlantic Ocean.
>
The Austrian fleet makes covering Tunis a bit of risk. Under no
circumstances do I want to allow him into the Ionean and I don't want to
allow England into the Western Med (and I'm fairly confident you don't want
Ivy in the West Med either). I don't like to make 'guess' orders when I
don't have too but I'd put myself in that situation wondering how to cover
Tunis and Greece and the Ionean and the Western Med in the fall.
>
> I really need that support for Brest to MAO. Please
> reconsider.
>
Is there anyway this support can wait for the fall? I'm still uncertain as
to the true intentions of the Turk and I've been trying to keep good
relations with Germany "just in case". I fear that hindering the EG attack
would provoke the German so as to lose my opportunity to eliminate Austria.
If I can add one more unit and eliminate the Austrian fleet, I'd be fully
prepared to support you into the MAO. I hope you understand my thought
process.
I've thought about this most of the day and I just can't get my fingers to
type the order. I truly am sorry. I do have a support order in place for
Mar-Spa/sc. If you want me to eliminate that support let me know. Perhaps
it would be an option for us to bounce in Spain this spring? Just a
thought.
Anyway, I wish Austria had disbanded his fleet but as long as my Ionean
fleet is distracted, I'm just not comfortable with the possibility of an
English fleet in North Africa. He may move there anyway and I'll have to
deal with it regardless but at least I wouldn't have felt like I contributed
to the move.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Thanks for your reply. You raise some good points, and I have been wondering
myself why Russia would act as he says he's going to.
On the other hand, the Turkish orders that Russia is requesting don't seem to
put me at risk. At worst would be Gal S Bud-Rum, but that just trades Rum for
Sev, and I don't see Austria abandoning Bud that way. Also, what would Russia
gain from it?
In terms of Ion-Tun, Aeg-Ion in the fall, that would be jeopardized should
Austria end up in Bul as I expect. So, if we go with the Gre-Aeg plan, then
I'll clearly need to bounce in Con or something so that EMS is the only
retreat option.
The best-case scenario under Russia's plan would be Aeg-Smy. That could be
harmlessly dislodged in the fall, and still allow Ion-Tun, Gre-Ion. Any
thoughts on how we might leak word to Austria that Smy will be vacated in the
spring?
In any case, I appreciate your flexibility. Let's sleep on it and see if we
get any further intelligence from the others. I will write again tomorrow, or
sooner if I hear anything of value.
Best regards,
Ali
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> In any case, I appreciate your flexibility. Let's sleep on
> it and see if we get any further intelligence from the
> others. I will write again tomorrow, or
> sooner if I hear anything of value.
>
The deadline is tonight! No sleeping on it unfortunately.
I've lost track. Remind me again of what Russia has asked for?
What are the drawbacks to the following orders (if any):
rum-sev
bla s rum-sev
ank-arm
bul-con
arm-con
ser-bud
gre-aeg
ion s gre-aeg
tri-vie
ven-tyr
alb-tri
Is Bud-Rum a problem under this scenario? There would seem to be more fire
power than necessary to kick him out in the fall.
Am I looking at the map thru rose-colored glasses?
Roberto
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> Indications are that Germany is concerned about
> an English stab, so Boh-Tyl seems unlikely, especially
> since Tri S Ven-Tyl would take Tyl, anyway.
>
He has given his blessing for Ven-Tyr asking only that it remain for a
single turn. Once I'm there or course, I'll have to reevaluate what exactly
"one turn" means. :)
> I tried
> to get Fredd to move Boh-Tyl-Pie last year and he
> refused because he didn't want to spook you.
>
He never brought this subject up. I actually was expecting him to move to
Tyrolia though and was happy to see that he didn't.
Roberto
Message from Observer to Observer
mag_jamie@d... (James McQuinn) wrote:
> usin@t... wrote:
> > Adjustment orders for Winter of 1903. (titleist.012)
> > Austria: Removes the army in Vienna.
> > France: Builds a fleet in Marseilles.
> > Turkey: Builds an army in Ankara.
> > Italy: Builds an army in Venice.
> Austria removes army in Vienna?
> What does he expect to accomplish with his fleet in the Aegean?
Not much... but a lot more than with his army in Vienna, which has no
chance of doing anything at all.
> Granted, Austria is in dire straights and is likely to be the first
> elimination, but I see the removal of A VIE as completely giving up.
> What can he expect to do with that fleet except a little mischief?
Even with A Vie, A Bud, there is no tactical option that can prevent
IT from working together and destroying first Bud, then Vie.
Spring:
A Rum-Bud
A Ser S A Tri-Bud
A Tri S A Tri-Bud
A Ven-Tyr
A Alb S A Tri
A Bud Destroyed.
Fall:
A Tri M Vie
A Tyr S A Tri M Vie
A Bud S A Tri M Vie
A Alb M Tri
A Vie destroyed.
The only way *not* to have that succeed is for Russia to help out...
and that doesn't look like it'll happen.
> Is there a strategy here I'm missing? Could he have made some kind of
> deal with Italy or Turkey about his fleet? Why would he trust either at
> this point?
No trust, I'm sure... just that Vie/Bud is gone whether he has troops
there or not. F Aeg at least gives him a chance to tie down 5 IT
units for a year or so... and maybe the horse will learn to sing in
the meantime.
Later,
thorfinn
--
<a href = "http://tertius.net.au/~thorfinn/">thorfinn@t...</a>
You have an unusual magnetic personality. Don't walk too close to
metal objects which are not fastened down.
-- BSD fortune file
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
> The deadline is tonight! No sleeping on it unfortunately.
Egad! Thanks, I was just looking at the date and not paying enough attention
to the time.
> I've lost track. Remind me again of what Russia has asked for?
Russia's proposal:
War - Mos
Gal - Ukr
Bla S Rum - Sev
Bul - Rum
Ank - Arm
Smy - Con
Ser - Bud
The premise is that Austrian A Sev is destroyed, and A Bud is unable to move
to any supply center. If Aeg-Bul, then I counter with Bla/Con against Bul.
If Aeg-Smy, then I counter with Con/Arm.
> What are the drawbacks to the following orders (if any):
>
> rum-sev
> bla s rum-sev
> ank-arm
> bul-con
> arm-con
> ser-bud
>
> gre-aeg
> ion s gre-aeg
> tri-vie
> ven-tyr
> alb-tri
>
> Is Bud-Rum a problem under this scenario? There would seem to be more fire
> power than necessary to kick him out in the fall.
No drawbacks at all, given IT considerations. But it gives me no supported
shot on Bud in the fall, and Ser S Rum-Bud would allow me to vacate Sev to
Russia.
> Am I looking at the map thru rose-colored glasses?
No, but perhaps I am. I agree that your plan is simpler, but it pretty well
requires that I hold onto Sev instead of possibly leaving it for Russia. Of
course, there's the chance that under the Russian plan, Bul-Rum might bounce
anyway. In any case, if Bul/Smy bounce in Con, it gives us less firepower on
Bud in the fall.
I dunno, am I making this too complicated?
Ali
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Well I sent that last press about 4 hours ago, and only now got
confirmation. Seems the judge was down for a bit. At present my orders are
in as described in the "Russia" plan. If you'd rather go with our original
combination, please let me know. I'll be checking my mail several times
tonight.
Ali
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
>I have the sense that the tone of your recent presses have been somewhat cool
>lately. Moreso than earlier in the game, at any rate. As you know, I'm
>looking to England as a long-term ally. So, if I've done something to offend,
>I hope you will tell me so that I might correct my error.
No, you have done nothing to offend.
It's interesting that you picked up on this, because I have felt lately
that my notes were inadequate. I think I have been committing the gravest
sin in Diplomacy. I have been dull.
My excuses: you and I have no moves to coordinate; I have been bogged down
in very difficult and, I fear, unprofitable discussions with Germany; my
occupation is somewhat seasonal and its pace is picking up; I am preparing
to leave town for three days.
It is mostly Germany that is on my mind, though. We are having some
difficulties. I am trying to manage our relationship so that he and I
remain balanced. This is tough.
Anyway, if I have no future, then there is little use in worrying about how
to coordinate that future with Turkey.
Wish me luck.
Ivy
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
Here is what I expect France to do. Pic->Par & Bre s Por->Mao. The latter
move will not have the support of Italy, though.
My moves will result in my gaining Picardy, but I will also lose Mid-Atlantic.
Any chance that you would approve of Nao s Mao? This essentially
guarantees that I keep Mao. The possible downside is that without
Mao->Bre, there would be a slight risk that Channel->Picardy could fail.
Never fear, **I will not change my moves** unless I hear from you at the
last minute.
Ivy
Message from Turkey to England
Ivy,
I'm glad to get your response. I was worried that your attitude toward me
had shifted, and my relationship with you is among the most important to me.
I wouldn't worry too much about your future. Much of my long-term thinking
lately has been focused on how to keep an E/I/T end game from turning into
the classic north/south stalemate line, with England holding all of the
north. ;^)
I think the worst-case scenario for you is that Germany either turns around
and works against you, or that he sticks with your alliance and becomes too
large. In the first scenario, it will almost certainly mean E/I cooperation
in France. If the second, then everybody and his brother will jump on
Germany to beat him back down. Germany seems to be the power most prone to
"early leader syndrome", and I've seen many a powerful Kaiser brought to his
knees for just this reason.
In any case, I certainly understand that we have no immediate moves to
coordinate. Still, I've always believed that when considering a long-term
ally, it's good too keep goals in sync not only for the immediate turn, but
also in terms of how to guide events over the next several years.
I'm sure we both know that Roberto wants French centers, and will surely try
to manipulate France into moving so as to be exposed to Italian attack.
Once that happens, it's impossible to say how France will react. In any
case, assuming that France is eliminated, Italy will then have the choice of
gallavanting off into the Atlantic, in which case he leaves himself exposed
to sudden Turkish fleet builds (which I dearly want to build ASAP), or he
attacks me outright, in which case he risks war on both fronts and you
holding all the cards in the north.
Unless something dramatic happens, we're headed for an E/G/I/T-dominated
mid-game, which I expect (hope) to resolve into an E/I/T end-game. And now
we're back to how to accomplish it without you having the lion's share of
the north!
Of course anything can happen. Mostly I'm sitting here fretting about my
choices for the turn, as I often do, so I guess I'm rambling a bit. Thanks
for your reassurance, and best of luck to you in the result.
Ali
Message from France to Italy
Roberto:
I do understand all your reasons. It is just
frustrating to be always told to wait or perhaps next
season. I am fighting for my life here. Preventing EG
from running me over is important to you (see below).
Will that ever take priority?
I will study the map some more and see if I can come up
with and alternative. Meanwhile have you considered
just giving me the support and then giving Ivy and
ultimatium of your own. Tell him if he retreats to
North Africa then he will be your sworn enemy for life
without any chance of ever reconciling it. Does he want
to take that step? You are a great diplomat, at least
as good as Ivy. It is evident in that you keep putting
me off and I am not really that upset about it, so far.
I must admit that I am again disappointed though. You
said that you would help me, but in your letter you talk
about not wanting to hinder the EG attack on France. It
is in your best interest to impede it. Do you want them
to get that large?? If you stonewall England he is
likely to stab Germany, which is exactly what you want!
You want them fighting so they are not a threat to you!
Sigh. OK, where did I put that #%&* map.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Turkey
Ali Baba:
With this letter I am sending the following to Russia:
****
Turkey tells me that he feels badly about not supporting
you last turn and suggests that he will try to make it
up to you. Perhaps the time is ripe to ask for some
help from him, he just might help you out. I am sure
that he wants to eliminate Austria and have an ally in
case Italy gets greedy.
*****
I hope that this helps you out.
In return can you pass on to England (without mentioned
that I requested it) that I told you that I will focus
my efforts on him over Germany. Thanks.
If you tried to talk to Italy thanks. He unfortunately
is putting his needs above mine. I understand that is a
natural thing to do. I just get tired of always hearing
next season, if .... but no follow through. Thanks for
listening to my problems.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Russia
Czar Nicholas:
Turkey tells me that he feels badly about not supporting
you last turn and suggests that he will try to make it
up to you. Perhaps the time is ripe to ask for some
help from him, he just might help you out. I am sure
that he wants to eliminate Austria and have an ally in
case Italy gets greedy.
Things seem to be are looking up for you a bit!
I am not so hopeful. Italy will not make the order that
I want him to make, so I am pressing him. I worry that
I will press too hard and he will throw his hands up in
the air and turn on me instead. But I grow tired of
always hearing, next season, next season, next season.
I may just roll over and give my centers to England. If
no one is willing to help me slow him down then I might
as well let the world see what I was trying to prevent!
At least England has been honest about his intentions of
continuing to fight me. I do not get broken and hedged
promises.
OK, take a deep breath. Breathe..... Ok, better now :-)
Good luck with Turkey!
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
I have not heard from you? Is your mailbox too full
with letters from Ivy trying to bend you to his will? I
am glad that you are too smart for that.
I am honestly not certain which way he will go.
Although I think that the odds are that he will still go
for France, do you want to place all your eggs in one
basket? I still think that you should refuse to help
him this one season until he gets out of the North Sea.
Make him earn your support. You need not pull out of
Burgundy, but do not be overly friendly. Have some
doubt and make certain with actions and facts and not
promises.
-- Prince Boar
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
>Unless something dramatic happens, we're headed for an E/G/I/T-dominated
>mid-game, which I expect (hope) to resolve into an E/I/T end-game.
Sounds like heaven.
>And now we're back to how to accomplish it without you having the lion's
>share of the north!
But Ali, how does E/G/I/T become E/I/T, especially when G is at 7 or 8 or 9
centers? Answer: EI&T have to team up and take out Germany. And that
leaves both Italian and Turkish units on "my" side of the classic east/west
stalemate line.
So my dilemma and your dilemma are the same. How do I get you back on your
side of the stalemate line in the northeast while you gobble up Italy?
Also, how do I help you gobble up Italy without crossing over to your side
of the stalemate line in the Mediterrean?
I want these problems! I would give anything to have these problems! Just
get us there and we will work on them together! 8-)
More seriously, how do we get Italy to work against Germany, when Italy can
see from a mile away that he is likely to be caught between us afterwards?
If we get there, and our problems are not resolvable, we always have the
14-14-6 option. The two 14s would be declared co-champs under Doug's
rules. The spectators deserve something bloodier than this, but at lease
we need to keep all options open.
Ivy
Message from Italy to Turkey
> At present my orders are in as described in the "Russia" plan.
> If you'd rather go with our original combination, please let me
> know. I'll be checking my mail several times tonight.
Greece hold; Ionean support Greece have been ordered.
Let's hope our results are as positive as they have been in the past.
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Message received.
> Let's hope our results are as positive as they have been in the past.
I'm feeling fairly confident they will be. Worst case scenario is that you
bounce Tyr or Vie, and I either bounce Sev or lose Rum. Neither condidion
prevents my supporting you to Bud in the fall and also making another
attempt from Arm. And, my sense is that this gives us the best shot of
eliminating Austria outright this year. Whatever happens, we should be in
good shape for fall.
Best regards,
Ali
Message from Turkey to Russia
Nick,
Just confirming, my orders are in as previously described. I've still heard
nothing from Germany, I have no idea what he's thinking. England professes
to have had "difficult" discussions with Germany lately. However, England's
tone seems somewhat reserved, so I don't know if he's feeding me a line or
not. All he would say was that Nth was moving, but wouldn't say where.
Sorry I don't have more. Best of luck in the result.
Ali
Message from England to all
>Diplomacy game 'titleist' is waiting for some power's orders.
>Diplomacy game 'titleist' is waiting for some power's orders.
>Diplomacy game 'titleist' is waiting for some power's orders.
What is this? A novice game?
Message from Germany to Turkey
Ali:
So sorry that I haven't written lately. I've been writing, but I guess
it's all gone to England.
Surprisingly enough even though I wrote a support order in Austria's
favor last turn, he has not written since. Oh well.
I plan on continuing my attack on Russia, and at the same time suspend
the attack. I guess you'll have to see the moves.
Talk to you soon.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
I was wondering why you didn't support MAO with NAO. That's ok with me.
Oops the moves just processed. Actually they didn't. It's not me.
Fredd
Message from Germany to France
Prince Boar:
Sorry for not responding to your last message. At this point I think
the less that I say the better.
Luckily everyone has warned me about that fleet in the North Sea.
That's what filled up my mailbox. I take that back, Austria has not
written. I find that odd after I supported a move of his last turn.
It is heartwarming that everyone cares so much for me. Almost brings a
tear to my eye.
Sorry, I can't say more. I'm holding back my typing hand. All will be
revealed by my moves.
Fredd
Message [from Germany] to all
His royal majesty King Frederick XXXVILLMCMMM would like to add to the
outstanding press reports originating in other neighboring countries.
We have good beer.
Our girls are cute, and wear short skirts.
Yes indeedy
Tah
Message from Germany to Italy
Roberto:
Stabbed anyone lately? Life is good. You've done it twice and seem
to have gotten away with it both times. ;-)
I was thinking that one turn would be one spring or fall. This is what
I thought your moves would be. This turn VEN - TYR supported by TRI.
In the fall TYR-VIE supported by TRI. Is this not what you had in
mind?
Fredd
Message from Germany to Italy
R.
Yes, I'm planning on helping England against France with my army in
BUR. However, I might not do that this turn. RE:NTH Sorry I can't
tell you more.
Fredd
Message from Russia to England
>Message from England to Russia in 'titleist':
> > Have you come to a decision about Nth-Den?
>I think it best that I not say what my moves are.
That makes it difficult for me to work with you.
If you were attacking Germany, I'd have every reason
to NOT say anything about it to anyone, so I must
conclude that you intend to keep beating your head
against the wall in France.
>Information has been flowing around Europe much too easily. For example,
>everyone knows that the Italian fleet
>is at France's disposal. Even Italy has had to confirm that.
Yes, I told you that too, though I did not reveal my
source, or sources. For that matter, I asked Italy to let
you know, so that you would not delude yourself into
thinking that continuing to attack France was a viable
option.
>I can say that I have no idea what moves Germany will make on his eastern
>front.
He's taking StP, and pulling his Armies back to
defend against your stab. (This is speculation on my
part, but it's based on available intel sources.) I
regret that you don't trust me enough to work with me.
Sincerely,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Roberto,
>He has given his blessing for Ven-Tyr asking only that it remain for a
>single turn. Once I'm there I'll have to reevaluate what exactly "one
>turn" means. :)
No, No, honor your agreement, move Tyl-Mun in the
Fall! ;-) Though Tyl-Sil has potential, too, if you
get Vie this Spring, and don't have to defend it.
> > I tried to get Fredd to move Boh-Tyl-Pie last year
>I was expecting him to move to Tyrolia
>though and was happy to see that he didn't.
My reasons for making the suggestion were, of
course, to avoid Boh-Sil, and because the move to
Pie would have cracked France like an egg. (Not
that I wanted to see that happen, but it was a good
move for Germany.)
Nick.
Message from Russia to France
>Message from France to Russia in 'titleist':
>Turkey tells me that he feels badly about not supporting
>you last turn and suggests that he will try to make it
>up to you. Perhaps the time is ripe to ask for some
>help from him, he just might help you out. I am sure
>that he wants to eliminate Austria and have an ally in
>case Italy gets greedy.
>Things seem to be are looking up for you a bit!
Turkey is always willing to work with me when he's
gaining Centers from the deal, it's just when I'm
supposed to get the Center that his support is only
verbal.
>I may just roll over and give my centers to England. If
>no one is willing to help me slow him down then I might
>as well let the world see what I was trying to prevent!
I, obviously, urge you not to do this. Our only
hope, as I see it, is to resist, and let Germany grow,
and hope that England realizes it's stab, or be stabbed.
>Good luck with Turkey!
Thanks, good luck with Italy.
Nick.
Message from England to all
>What is this? A novice game?
Oops. That was supposed to be a gray broadcast.
The jury is instructed to disregard ...
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
I will be out of town from about noon today through Sunday evening. Please
mind the store.
Ivy
Message from England to France
Dauphin,
I will be out of town from about noon today through Sunday evening.
Ivy
Message from England to Italy
Roberto,
I will be out of town from about noon today through Sunday evening. Please
mind the store.
Ivy
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
I will be out of town from about noon today through Sunday evening. Please
mind the store.
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Dear Nick,
>If you were attacking Germany, I'd have every reason
>to NOT say anything about it to anyone, so I must
>conclude that you intend to keep beating your head
>against the wall in France.
You are right. I am guilty of careless, shoddy diplomacy. I am trying to
hang onto the EF allliance another year, and I was too cowardly to say that
to you directly. Sorry, you deserve bettter.
> I regret that you don't trust me enough to work with me.
Now the shoe is on the other foot. This is false, for you know that the
issue is not trust. It is obvious that you could be trusted if I attacked
Germany.
No, it is not a matter of trust at all. It is just that, intelligently or
stupidly, I have concluded that it is in my best long term interest to
"beat my head" against the French wall one more time.
I will be out of town from noon today until Sunday evening. It's
frustrating not to have the results.
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to all
I am off to visit my citizens in Aquitaine. Be back Sunday evening.
Ivy
Message from France to all
>Diplomacy game 'titleist' is waiting for some
>power's orders.
What the???????
I have at least a half dozen reply messages from the
Judge in my mail box that say:
>: Judge: USIN Game: Titleist Variant: Standard Gunboat
>: Deadline: S1904M Thu Aug 23 2001 04:30:00 +0000
I am late because I specifically planned for a thursday
deadline. I checked several times on Wednesday to verify
that I had a Thursday deadline. The judge went down Wed
evening and when it came up the deadline was suddenly Wed
and not Thur!!
Did anyone esle notice this?
What is going on??
Can we reset the deadline for tonight?
I was up most the night with work and just crawled out of
bed, blurry-eye to find this mess.
France
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> >I conclude that you intend to keep beating your >head against the wall
>in France.
>
>You are right. I am guilty of careless, shoddy diplomacy.
I wouldn't call it so, particularly considering
Pravda's leak of the Galician DMZ agreement in 1901.
>I am trying to hang onto the EF (typo of EG, I assume) alliance another
>year, and I was too cowardly to say that to you directly. Sorry, you
>deserve better.
Hmm, Nth-Hol? Seems unlikely. Nth-Nwy-Swe,
or Nth-Nwy-StP/NC with support from the German Navy
perhaps?
> > I regret that you don't trust me enough to work with me.
>This is false, for you know that the issue is not trust.
Your unwillingness to tell me what you were doing
with F Nth implied a lack of trust.
>I have concluded that it is in my best interest to
>"beat my head" against the French wall one more time.
This suggests that Germany is offering you a Center
this year, or has committed to getting you Bre this Fall.
Interesting. It might just work, if you can trust him.
EF Nth seems to have eroded his trust in you, though.
Can you grow as fast by attacking France, as he can
attacking France and Russia? Switching sides now gives
you my help against Germany, and Italy keeping France
busy in the South. It still seems like the better choice
for England, to me.
>It's frustrating not to have the results.
My Fleet order went in with my first letter to you.
(I was unable to check mail last night.) Hopefully, the
results will be in before you leave.
Your Friend,
Nick.
Message [from Russia] to all
>Broadcast message from France in 'titleist':
>
> >Diplomacy game 'titleist' is waiting for some
> >power's orders.
>What the???????
>
>I have at least a half dozen reply messages from the
>Judge in my mail box that say:
> >: Judge: USIN Game: Titleist Variant: Standard Gunboat
> >: Deadline: S1904M Thu Aug 23 2001 04:30:00 +0000
>I am late because I specifically planned for a thursday
>deadline. What is going on??
04:30 +0000 Thursday is 11:30 pm Wednesday Eastern time.
Perhaps you should update your registration and set your
timezone.
Message from Master to all
The F1903B orders processed at 00:24:44 on Aug 21. The new deadline
was set for 23:30:00 on Aug 22, in accordance with the 47 hour deadlines.
Everyone's moves are due, please submit them with promptly.
Doug
Message from Italy to Germany
>
> Stabbed anyone lately? Life is good. You've done it
> twice and seem to have gotten away with it both times.
>
And I'm quite positive I won't get away with it a third time.
> This turn VEN - TYR supported by TRI.
> In the fall TYR-VIE supported by TRI.
>
> Is this not what you had in mind?
>
Pretty darn close. I just wanted to point out that I can't predict what GAL
& BUD with do (and for that matter Serbia as well) and it's possible,
although unlikely, that I would still be in Tyrolia in the fall even though
I tried to move to Vienna. Didn't want that to be held against me.
Roberto
Message from Italy to Germany
> Yes, I'm planning on helping England against France
> with my army in BUR. However, I might not do that
> this turn.
Fair enough.
> RE:NTH Sorry I can't tell you more.
>
I know why England moved to the North Sea. No explanation necessary.
Roberto
Message from France to all
My link to my e-mail is down.
I am sneaking this message out a different way.
I have not seen any mail since I sent my last broadcast
I hope it will be fixed this afternoon.
Otherwise I will be out of touch until
I get home tonight.
France
Message from France to all
OK, I got connected to my e-mail. I am sending in orders
with this message. Sorry for the delay.
Can someone give the idiot's guide explanation for this:
>04:30 +0000 Thursday is 11:30 pm Wednesday Eastern time.
>Perhaps you should update your registration and set your
>timezone.
Do you mean the registration with the judge? Or is there
something on my computer that I need to do.
I have never noticed this difference before. It might be
something between home and work.
Thanks,
France
Message from Turkey to France
> Can someone give the idiot's guide explanation for this:
>
> >04:30 +0000 Thursday is 11:30 pm Wednesday Eastern time.
> >Perhaps you should update your registration and set your
> >timezone.
> Do you mean the registration with the judge? Or is there
> something on my computer that I need to do.
Yes, with the judge. Send an email to the judge and type "whois
<your-email-address>", it will reply with your registration info. One of
those fields is "Timezone", which I had never really noticed before, or at
least I never knew it affected any timestamps from the judge. I'm still not
sure it does.
The date stamp we get back from the judge is a little confusing. The trick is
to determine the time zone, which you get from the +/- number in the date (the
number of hours before or after Grenwich Mean Time). So, "Thu Aug 23 2001
04:30:00 +0000" is 4:30 AM on 8/23, GMT, which equates to "Wed Aug 22
23:30:00 -0500", i.e. 11:30 PM on 8/22 Eastern time.
I've been confused by this myself, before. In particular, I often go by the
"wait" message, which in this case is "You have set 'wait' status so orders
will not be processed before Thu Aug 23 2001 04:30:00 +0000"... though when I
list the game, it shows it in Eastern time! Because of this, I also was
thinking the deadline was Thursday, until another player corrected me.
Hope this helps,
Ali
Austria: Fleet Aegean Sea → Bulgaria (south coast) (*bounce*)
Austria: Army Budapest → Rumania (*bounce*)
Austria: Army Sevastopol → Moscow (*bounce, destroyed*)
England: Army Belgium SUPPORT Fleet English Channel → Picardy
England: Fleet English Channel → Picardy
England: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean HOLD
England: Fleet North Atlantic Ocean SUPPORT Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean
England: Fleet North Sea → English Channel (*bounce*)
France: Fleet Brest → English Channel (*bounce*)
France: Army Gascony → Burgundy
France: Fleet Marseilles → Spain (south coast)
France: Army Picardy SUPPORT German Army Burgundy → Belgium (*void, dislodged*)
France: Fleet Portugal → Mid-Atlantic Ocean (*bounce*)
Germany: Army Bohemia → Silesia
Germany: Army Burgundy → Ruhr
Germany: Fleet Gulf of Bothnia SUPPORT Army Prussia → Livonia
Germany: Fleet Livonia → Baltic Sea
Germany: Army Prussia → Livonia
Germany: Army Ruhr → Kiel
Italy: Army Albania → Trieste
Italy: Fleet Greece HOLD
Italy: Fleet Ionian Sea SUPPORT Fleet Greece
Italy: Army Trieste → Vienna
Italy: Army Venice → Tyrolia
Italy: Fleet Western Mediterranean SUPPORT French Fleet Marseilles → Spain (south coast)
Russia: Army Galicia → Ukraine
Russia: Fleet St Petersburg (south coast) CONVOY English Army Belgium → Berlin
Russia: Army Warsaw → Moscow (*bounce*)
Turkey: Army Ankara → Armenia
Turkey: Fleet Black Sea SUPPORT Army Rumania → Sevastopol
Turkey: Army Bulgaria → Rumania (*bounce*)
Turkey: Army Rumania → Sevastopol
Turkey: Army Serbia → Budapest (*bounce*)
Turkey: Army Smyrna → Constantinople
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