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Message from France to all
1909 Symposium on Philosophy, Europe and
Everything.
- by Prince Xavier Boar
[Hello this is Richard S. acting as this year's
commentator. My contract states that I can reveal my
identity as was true with the last commentator. I am a
bit disappointed in that Prince Boar will not be
lecturing this year. I guess that he was afraid of my
*sharp* wit!]
Hello good people of France. I will keep this State of
the Union speech short because I am excited about our
guest speaker. Things were looking very good, but they
are a bit shaky now. Rest assured that the Dauphin and I
will do our best. Just assume that I took my usual shot
at Ivy and sent warm fuzzies to Italy and Russia.
[Notice how short he kept his speech, fearing my *sharp*
tongue of critique!]
Philosophy
Our guest speaker today is Henri Bergson. He is a
Faculty member at the College de France. He has occupied
a chair in Greek Philosophy and now one in Modern
Philosophy. I consider him a teacher, a mentor, and a
good friend of France. His recently finish work (1907)
"Creative Evolution" is sure to someday be considered for
the Noble Prize. Without further ado, here is Professor
Bergson.
Bonjour. There is two things that I wish to teach you
about today. First that the world (through evolution)
has purpose and meaning, and I assure you that God is
still there. The second is that the primary function of
human intelligence is to to go to the heart of things, to
understand objects and events in the real world exactly
as they are. Let's start with the first goal ....
[Blah, blah, blah. I think that it is time to just end
this thing.]
[Richard S.]
[It is a good thing that they are paying me so well to
comment on this thing. Otherwise it would be unbearable.
I better cash this check before France collapses.]
Message from England to Italy
Idalia,
I imagine that France is urging you to eliminate Russia. I think it is
obvious why we can't do that. If Russia is eliminated or even has to
destroy some units, the western fleet and army will go first. That will
hand France Belgium, Holland, Kiel and Berlin, because I can't defend those
places myself.
Whatever your goal or goals are -- draw? solo? -- after the elimination of
Turkey, I assume you will want to work your way back toward your homeland.
Like it or not, we will still need Russia for this.
Only if France can be persuaded to withdraw voluntarily might elimination
of Russia be safe, but France would have to give back quite a bit for that
to work.
I look at it this way. Not long ago this game was as good as lost. Now,
if three of us cooperate to push France around a bit, we could create four
roughly equal powers. That's better than the seven we started with and a
lot better than being dead.
I'm going to try to come up with a set of moves. If you have the time
please try to do the same. I hope you can think about the northwestern
situation as well as your own area.
Ivy
Message from England to Italy and Russia
France now has seven armies. That's a lot of power once they get
organized. The army situation in the center of the board will be
important. This is what I was thinking of when I built two armies a couple
of years ago. That wasn't the smartest decision, though, given my
limitations.
I worry about the Russian fleet. In its current location it can be
vaporized when France gets to Burgundy and/or Ruhr. If we can get it to
Holland it will be safe. We can hold northwestern Europe with units in
Holland, Kiel, Berlin, and Silesia.
Some moves. First draft.
North Sea supp Belgium->Holland
Kiel supp Belgium->Holland
Berlin->Munich
Channel->Picardy
Irish Sea supp NAO->MAO
[Alternatively, Holland could be attacked from Yorkshire. Or Kiel could
support Berlin->Munich]
Norway->Sweden (then Sweden->Denmark in the fall)
Ukraine->Galicia
Warsaw->Silesia (pretty please)
Moscow->StP or Warsaw
Then there's that @*^&*% Turkish fleet.
Sevastopol->Armenia?
Constantinople->Ankara?
Smyrna->Constantinople?
Who knows?; this is tricky. Idalia will have to decide how to handle this.
Ivy
Message from Italy to England
Rest assured, I have no desire to eliminate Russia as long as he does not
try to eliminate me.
Message from Italy to England
> Warsaw->Silesia (pretty please)
Can you give me more details? What is it's purpose? How long will it be
there? Will Russia eventually takeover Silesia?
It just strikes me as odd IA in Silesia defending Russian centers and RA in
Galicia defending Italian centers.
Message from England to Italy
> > Warsaw->Silesia (pretty please)
>
>Can you give me more details? What is it's purpose? How long will it be
>there? Will Russia eventually takeover Silesia?
Silesia is the key to Holland/Kiel/Berlin. France will set up in Ruhr and
Munich. If he gets to Silesia before we do, then Berlin is in trouble. If
we get to Silesia first, then northern Europe is fairly safe.
>It just strikes me as odd IA in Silesia defending Russian centers and RA in
>Galicia defending Italian centers.
Right. So let's look at this carefully. Berlin can also be defended from
Prussia. Maybe we can get a Russian army in Silesia or Prussia before
France gets to Silesia. Something like
Warsaw->Galicia, Ukraine->Warsaw. Not sure. I just know that an
immediate Warsaw->Silesia puts the matter beyond doubt. If we did do this,
the I could see Silesia->Bohemia or Silesia->Galicia as soon as Russia
could bring up a replacement.
So, yes, let's consider moves other than Warsaw->Silesia if you are
uncomfortable with that, but they ought to be moves that secure Berlin,
Kiel, etc.
Ivy
Message from Russia to all
Busy. More later.
Message from Master to all
This is your gentle reminder to submit an E.O.Y report, if you're
so inclined.
Doug
Message [from Russia] to all
>Broadcast message from masseyd@btv.ibm.com as Master in 'titleist':
>
>This is your gentle reminder to submit an E.O.Y report, if you're
>so inclined.
Or even if you're not so inclined. :)
Message [from France] to all
>Broadcast message in 'titleist':
>Or even if you're not so inclined. :)
We know that is you Ivy :)
You just forgot to "mess up" and let us know.
Message from Italy to England and Russia
Italy's first draft:
England
===================
nor - swe ( -> den in the fall)
nth s bel - hol
kie s ber - mun
eng - pic
nao - mao
iri s nao - mao
yor - wal (in case eng->pic is successful and France move bre-eng, then
Wales and North Sea can be used to self-bounce in London without worry of
France convoying to Wales.
Italy
===================
war - sil
sev - arm
rum s ukr - gal (or rum->bud but that has drawbacks in dealing with the TF)
Russia
===================
ukr - gal
mos - ukr
bel - hol
ber - mun
I like Mos->Ukr this spring because it can be used against the TF in the
fall if needed or can move to Warsaw in the fall if not needed against the
TF. In addition, there is no guarantee that War->Sil won't bounce so I'd
hate to waste Mos-War in that event.
I like the double attack on Holland/Munich. If Tyrolia tries to move deeper
into Austria, Holland would have to hit Kiel to defend Munich but then it
would be dislodged. Probably a trade of Belgium for Holland but that's a
better position for us to defend. Plus, it requires me to move War->Sil
(something the both of you want) to prevent the retreat.
That just leaves the southeast corner. I've actually considered 'Ser s
Bul-Gre' and 'Smy s Con-Aeg' but I'm certainly open to suggestions.
Ser->Tri/Bud certainly has merit as well as does Con->Ank (in conjunction
with Sev->Arm should take Ankara in the fall for sure). Let me know what
you guys think might be best. I would think it probable Turkey will go down
helping France but I can't be sure.
Idalia
Message from England to Italy and Russia
>Italy's first draft:
>
>England
>===================
>nor - swe ( -> den in the fall)
>nth s bel - hol
>kie s ber - mun
>
>eng - pic
>nao - mao
>iri s nao - mao
>
>yor - wal (in case eng->pic is successful and France move bre-eng, then
>Wales and North Sea can be used to self-bounce in London without worry of
>France convoying to Wales.
This is completely compatible with my suggestions. I like the
Yorkshire->Wales idea. I did worry about the very slight chance of
Brest->Channel succeeding, but then I would get the Mid-Atlantic. I think
France gets the worst of that deal.
I think the sine qua non is that Russia has to be in Warsaw in the
fall. That can be accomplished with the moves you suggest below, and they
are fine with me. Here is an alternative to consider: Warsaw->Prussia,
Moscow->Warsaw. Those moves are guaranteed to work, and we could then do
Warsaw supp Prussia->Silesia in the fall.
The Turkey situation is going to involve guesswork no matter how you cut
it. I really don't think Turkey has or will communicate with
France. France is guessing Turkey's moves just as we are. That's one
reason why France stumbled last turn.
Ivy
>Italy
>===================
>war - sil
>sev - arm
>rum s ukr - gal (or rum->bud but that has drawbacks in dealing with the TF)
>
>Russia
>===================
>ukr - gal
>mos - ukr
>bel - hol
>ber - mun
>
>I like Mos->Ukr this spring because it can be used against the TF in the
>fall if needed or can move to Warsaw in the fall if not needed against the
>TF. In addition, there is no guarantee that War->Sil won't bounce so I'd
>hate to waste Mos-War in that event.
>
>I like the double attack on Holland/Munich. If Tyrolia tries to move deeper
>into Austria, Holland would have to hit Kiel to defend Munich but then it
>would be dislodged. Probably a trade of Belgium for Holland but that's a
>better position for us to defend. Plus, it requires me to move War->Sil
>(something the both of you want) to prevent the retreat.
>
>That just leaves the southeast corner. I've actually considered 'Ser s
>Bul-Gre' and 'Smy s Con-Aeg' but I'm certainly open to suggestions.
>Ser->Tri/Bud certainly has merit as well as does Con->Ank (in conjunction
>with Sev->Arm should take Ankara in the fall for sure). Let me know what
>you guys think might be best. I would think it probable Turkey will go down
>helping France but I can't be sure.
>
>Idalia
Message from Italy to England and Russia
> I like the Yorkshire->Wales idea.
> I did worry about the very slight chance of
> Brest->Channel succeeding, but then I would get the
> Mid-Atlantic. I think France gets the worst of that deal.
>
The moves that went thru my mind were bre-eng; pic-bel; spa s mao. In this
case, you don't get the MAO but rather Picardy and France is in the Channel.
Who gets the worst of that deal is up for debate.
As an aside, I doubt France will order as to risk losing the MAO so I expect
to see bre s mao & spa s mao.
> Here is an alternative to consider: Warsaw->Prussia,
> Moscow->Warsaw. Those moves are guaranteed to work, and we
> could then do Warsaw supp Prussia->Silesia in the fall.
>
The only concern I would have is that FA Silesia can adversely effect
Galicia next fall.
> I really don't think Turkey has or will communicate with
> France. France is guessing Turkey's moves just as we are.
>
Maybe, but I can't assume that to be true. I'll make my best educated guess
though.
Idalia
Message from Italy to France
>
> Are you going to let me take one or two more center as
> you eliminate Turkey, just for old times sake? :-)
>
I don't see that as necessary. I'll make you fight for the next one. :)
But, you didn't answer my question (maybe I didn't ask it). Is your goal to
solo or just to win the tournament.
Idalia
Message from Russia to all
> 1909 Symposium on Philosophy, Europe and Everything.
> - by Prince Xavier Boar
> The primary function of human intelligence is to go to
> the heart of things, to understand objects and events
> in the real world exactly as they are.
"Does a tree falling alone in a forest make any sound?"
Isn't human understanding a function of individual interpretation, and
isn't it therefore influenced by our different experience and perceptive
limitations? In attempting to understand objects and events in the real
world, do we not influence and alter those events and objects, making
their fundamental nature inherently unknowable?
The living entity's original constitutional position is pure spirit. But a
human being who identifies with the material body may be said to be
in Maya. Maya means "not this." In the twilight, a curled-up rope is
sometimes mistaken for a snake. The imagined snake is "not this"
rope. One thing is mistaken for another. Thus beguiled by Maya, the
conditioned living entity considers the body to be the soul.
However, how can we mistake the rope for a snake unless we know
what a snake is? The conception of a snake is not in itself untrue or
unreal. The false identity is untrue or unreal. Similarly, the material
body is a product of Maya, the material energy of the Lord. Similarly,
the material world is ever manifest and again annihilated, just as waves
in the sea rise and recede. Thus the material world is a product of
Maya, just as the body is.
Therefore, in attempting to understand the "real world", you are
blinding yourself with illusion. The primary function of human intelligence
is, therefore, to understand itself, and its place in the true world of the
spirit.
Gregory Rasputin.
Message from Russia to all
"Moscow Izvestia"
by: Alix Hesse-Darmstadt January 15,
1910
A bruised, battered, and torn nation keeps vigil tonight as Czar
Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandria return to Moscow and convene
an emergency meeting of the Council of Advisors as the sounds
of war grow ever closer.
Sources report that Finance Minister, Sergei Witte, returned from
Siberia where he has been overseeing the construction of the
Trans-Siberian Railway, and began the meeting by tossing fistfuls
of Lira onto the council table; protesting the drain on expected
revenues that Italian occupation of Warsaw and Sevastopol had
caused, and warning the Czar that financial insolvency was likely
and that construction of the TSR would have to be cut back, if
not halted completely. "The economy is in near ruin and if action
is not taken quickly to drive the Italians from Russian soil, the
Empire will fall.", proclaimed the Finance Minister.
The issue of the continued occupation of St. Petersburg by the
English was raised by Union Steward V. I. Lenin. Lenin warned
that worker morale was suffering, and that this was negatively
impacting Production, pointing to the loss of Kiel and Holland
this Fall. Though Lenin did not mention it, revolutionary
pamphleteering has also increased sharply.
Okhrana signals experts reported that while there was no
evidence that the Turkish General Staff was responding to any
messages sent to Ankara, intercepts indicated that the French
continue their efforts to influence Turkish military planning. The
Okhrana analysts speculate that this is the most likely reason for
the continued Turkish occupation of the Black Sea, though they
were forced to admit that they had no hard evidence to support
this assertion. The signals experts also warned of increased
communication between England and Italy, and the possibility of
Anglo-Italian cooperation to further reduce Russian holdings.
Tsarina Alexandria made a calm but emotional plea to the
advisors to remain focused and to maintain trust in, and allegiance
to, the Czar; but while the Tsarina received due respect, the
presence of the "Mad Monk" Rasputin at her side has continued
to diminish her influence with all but Czar Nicholas.
Organized citizen rallies are on the decline, though strikes continue
to plague the economy, and widespread food shortages are
reported. Unrest and violence is becoming rampant as foreign
forces continue to occupy Russian cities. The question is will the
citizens rise up against the enemies of the State or the against the
Czar himself? .
Message from Russia to England and Italy
> Message from England to Italy and Russia in 'titleist':
> I worry about the Russian fleet. In its current location it can be
> vaporized when France gets to Burgundy and/or Ruhr. If we
> can get it to Holland it will be safe.
F Hol is not really threatened this Spring, so it seems like it would
be a mistake to pull back at this point. We want to pressure France
don't we? France does have seven Armies, true, but he's also got
two widely separated fronts to fight on.
Nick.
Message from Russia to England and Italy
> Message from Italy to England and Russia in 'titleist':
> > Here is an alternative to consider: Warsaw->Prussia,
> > Moscow->Warsaw. Those moves are guaranteed to work,
> > and we could then do Warsaw S Prussia->Silesia in the fall.
> The only concern I would have is that FA Silesia can
> adversely effect Galicia next fall.
How about Mos-Lvn, War-Sil, Ukr-Gal this Spring then?
> > I really don't think Turkey has or will communicate with
> > France. France is guessing Turkey's moves just as we are.
>
> Maybe, but I can't assume that to be true. I'll make my best
> educated guess though.
It seems unlikely that Turkey is writing to France. Turkey isn't
writing to anyone else, and France has denied hearing from
Turkey since Ali went silent. France did admit to requesting the
support into Aeg back in S1908M, though, so I'd be willing to
bet that France is still proposing moves to Turkey, and the fact
that Turkey kept the Fleet might means he's still listening. If so,
that suggests an attack on Con or Bul.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from England to Italy and Russia
>F Hol is not really threatened this Spring, so it seems like it would
>be a mistake to pull back at this point.
If the fleet was ever dislodged from Holland it can still retreat to
Helgoland and remain useful. If dislodged from Belgium, it vanishes.
However, Belgium-> Holland is not something I feel that strongly about. Do
you have an alternative suggestion?
Perhaps something like Nth supp Kiel->Holland, Berlin->Kiel? We would
still need Channel->Picardy.
Or ... ?
*******
On another subject:
>> > Here is an alternative to consider: Warsaw->Prussia,
>> > Moscow->Warsaw. Those moves are guaranteed to work,
>> > and we could then do Warsaw S Prussia->Silesia in the fall.
>
>> The only concern I would have is that FA Silesia can
>> adversely effect Galicia next fall.
>
>How about Mos-Lvn, War-Sil, Ukr-Gal this Spring then?
I don't even like my own suggestion very much, mostly because I think that
Warsaw->Silesia will succeed. So yes, the moves Mos-Lvn, War-Sil, Ukr-Gal
are fine with me.
Ivy
Message from England to all
>"Does a tree falling alone in a forest make any sound?"
>
>Isn't human understanding a function of individual interpretation, ...
>The living entity's original constitutional position is pure spirit. But a
>human being who identifies with the material body may be said to be
>in Maya. ...
>However, how can we mistake the rope for a snake ... The primary function
>of human intelligence is, therefore, to understand itself, and its place
>in the true world of the spirit.
>Gregory Rasputin. ...
... who was intent on continuing, when Groucho, Harpo, and Chico turned
from pelting the hapless Margaret Dumont with tomatoes and redirected all
their frustrations at the even greater insanity coming from eastern Europe.
Message from France to all
Sacre Bulle!
All this talk of philosophy. I say we take Rasputin &
Bergson and put them together in a room, then throw in my
brother, lock the door and throw away the key. (I was
tempted to include Ivy too because of his contribution to
the discussions, but although we have our differences, I
would not punish anyone that much.)
Philosophy, Bah!
I say we end our differences, shake hands, and then get
together to invade Germany and take over Frederick's hot
tub!
LE DAUPHIN
Message from France to all
Mes Amis:
Did anyone go see Harry Potter? If so, or if you go
soon, please let me know if you think that it might be
too scary for an 6 and 8 year old. The Dauphin wants to
see it and he cannot handle too much excitement!
(Seriously, I am debating whether I should take my kids.
Any opinions would be much appreciated!)
France
Message from France to Italy
Roberto:
>But, you didn't answer my question (maybe I didn't ask
>it). Is your goal to
>solo or just to win the tournament.
You did not ask the question, your last message was more
of a veiled threat, actually. :-) But I did answer your
question publicly in the philosophy lecture. Let me go
find it:
[Blah, blah, blah. I think that it is time to just end
this thing.]
To be more specific, if I was going to betray you I would
have done it last year when you were more vulnerable.
And to be more precise, my chances of a solo are
miniscule. I don't have the energy or nor the position
to assure it. And, I hate to admit this is important,
but I am running dry on material for my yearly philosophy
broadcasts. OK, so the material was always dry. But at
least it used to amuse *me*! Now, it fails at even that.
>I don't see that as necessary. I'll make you fight for
>the next one. :)
>The final elimination of Turkey is still my only goal.
>I'm comfortable with holding the southeast corner and
>remaining at 7 units.
I admit that these two are not completely inconsistent,
but at some level they are.
Why don't you set up your defensive position with your 7
centers and units in the corner. I take up a reasonable
position staring at you. There is no reason for us to
fight about it. I would like Budapest in exchange for
helping you take Ankara (or at least helping you
defending your current holdings while you take Ankara).
You will not have to disband, as per our long standing
agreement.
I need nothing more. Russia is the one that you need to
worry about. I am sure that you noticed Turkey's orders
last move. He may write no one, but his actions seemed
to say that he would throw his last breath in Russia's
favor. Establishing a more secure position is important
for him.
Our fighting hurts both of us. For me it draws resources
away from the North where I need them. For you, it
prevents you from setting up a defensible position before
Russia can breach it.
--Prince Boar
Message from England to all
Did anyone else see the meteor shower?
My wife and I and a friend drove into the country to a dark spot at 4:30
a.m. this morning and saw about 1000 meteors in a little over an hour.
Spectacular.
I haven't seen Harry Potter yet. We expect to see it this holiday weekend
with our younger son, who is considerably older than Prince Boars children.
Ivy Wingo
Message [from Russia] to all
> Broadcast message from England in 'titleist':
>
> >"Does a tree falling alone in a forest make any sound?"
Yes.
http://www.banned-width.com/shel/works/differentdances/treefalling.html
Message from Russia to England and Italy
My First Draft: (I'm not overly invested in any of these moves.)
England
==================================
F NORTH SEA S Bel - Hol
F ENGLISH CHANNEL - Pic (or S Iri - MAO)
F NAO S Iri - MAO
A KIEL S Ber - Mun
F IRISH SEA - MAO
A YORKSHIRE - Wal
A NORWAY - Swe
Italy
======================
A BULGARIA S Con
A SEVASTOPOL - Arm
F CONSTANTINOPLE S Bul
A RUMANIA - Bud
A WARSAW - Sil
F SMYRNA S Con
A SERBIA - Bud
Russia
==============
A MOSCOW - Lvn
A BERLIN - Mun
F BELGIUM - Hol
A UKRAINE - Gal
Message from England to Italy and Russia
Nick wrote:
>My First Draft: (I'm not overly invested in any of these moves.)
With only one day left to negotiate, I am willing to go with these moves in
the northwest if you reply one more time to say that you prefer them. We
need to settle on something. Fortunately, we seem to be in good shape. I
do have one suggestion for you to consider based on Italy's observation
that the Channel could end up in Picardy while Brest gets into the Channel,
plus your observation that Holland really isn't in any danger.
>F NORTH SEA S Bel - Hol
If, instead, Bel supp Yorkshire->Holland (via convoy), then France can't
get the Channel without giving up MAO.
Either way, though, France needs to guess correctly on Munich and on
Belgium/Holland. If he does guess correctly, we add Silesia to the mix in
the fall.
>Italy
>======================
>A BULGARIA S Con
>A SEVASTOPOL - Arm
>F CONSTANTINOPLE S Bul
>A RUMANIA - Bud
>A WARSAW - Sil
>F SMYRNA S Con
>A SERBIA - Bud
These seem to be fairly reasonable moves for Italy. He'll have to decide
though.
Ivy
Message from Italy to France
> I would like Budapest in exchange for
> helping you take Ankara.
>
Okay. What is your proposal for taking it? What season, what unit
configuration, etc?
Idalia
Message [from Austria] to all
> My wife and I and a friend drove into the country to a dark spot at 4:30
> a.m. this morning and saw about 1000 meteors in a little over an hour.
> Spectacular.
I agree. (Hey! Ivy's on GMT-5 = Eastern Standard Time!)
> I haven't seen Harry Potter yet. We expect to see it this holiday weekend
> with our younger son, who is considerably older than Prince Boars children.
I suspect that children everywhere are going to join in the old lament -
"The movie was OK, but the book was better."
Message from France to all
>I suspect that children everywhere are going to join in
>the old lament -
>"The movie was OK, but the book was better."
Maybe they will say that about this game too? :-)
When they make the movie, do we get royalties?
Message from England to Italy and Russia
OK. Moves are in. Wait not set.
Ivy
Message from France to Italy
Idalia:
I have not had time to look at the map. I will do so at
lunch time and get back to you. I expect to set up a
Ion-Gre-Alb-Tri-Bud line for a more generic answer. I
will be specific later. How can F Aeg help you in
return?
--Prince Boar
Message from Italy to France
> How can F Aeg help you in return?
>
For this spring at least,
Fleet Aeg HOLD
or better yet Fleet Aeg -> Ion but I won't be particular.
Idalia
Message from Master to all
I saw Harry Potter on Friday -- the movie toned down the dark themes
of the book. There are a few big ugly monster scenes at the end as
H+R+H solve the puzzles at the end of the movie that I would think would
scare 6 and 8 year-olds. But otherwise, I thought it was pretty light
on all the "Voldemort killed my parents" stuff that I would think
kids might have a hard time with.
With regards to the worry that kids will think the movie was OK
but the book was better: the movie was pretty darn true to the book.
The lopped of just a few things -- Mr. Dursley's skip-to-my-lou into
madness, the growth of Norbert the dragon, the potion puzzle in the
end -- but really, that was just shortening things a bit. I read
the book 3-4 months ago and couldn't remember much that was different.
The ending was "spot-on", as those wacky Brits would say. :-)
Have they read the book? If not, I'd take them to Monsters, Inc.
instead.
But what do I know? -- I'm not a parent.
Doug
Message from Master to all
We have an extension request from Wed 11/21 until after Mon 11/26 --
does anyone wish to add to that?
Doug
Message from Master to all
By the way, I wore the sweatshirt for the first time yesterday (for
those of you observing who are unaware, the players of 'titleist'
gave me a very gracious gift for running the VGFP tournament -- a
dozen Titleists and a sweatshirt with the Diplomacy map on the front
and this on the back: "Vermont Group Full Press Diplomacy Tournament"
and "I finished in 37th place in my OWN tournament!" Ha, ha, very
funny . . .). I drove to Cambridge Mass and played a game against
Adam Silverman, Mike Boutot, Melissa Nicholson and a few others.
On my way home, I stopped and McDonald's for a quick bite.
A gentleman approaches me in a McDonald's and asks me if
I play, so we talk about the game as I munch down a cheeseburger.
He mentions that he doesn't like email Diplomacy, but his son
used to play a good bit. I ask what his son's name is and he
says David Rosen, whom I recognize as a member of the Vermont Group
(but not one who lives in Boston or was playing at the game).
Neat, huh?
Doug
Message from France to Italy
Idalia:
You do not need F Aeg to bounce you in Con or to support
Smy to Con? You must have a plan for covering all your
centers exposed to BlS? If not I will hold it until
everything is set up and then gladly move it back.
How are you planning on getting A War in position to
defend your corner? I do not want it in Galicia as that
exposed Vienna and makes Budapest undefensible.
--Prince Boar
Message from Italy to France
>
> You do not need F Aeg to bounce you in Con or to support
> Smy to Con? You must have a plan for covering all your
> centers exposed to BlS? If not I will hold it until
> everything is set up and then gladly move it back.
>
Bounce. Definitely not. As far as I know, Turkey might order bla s aeg-con
on a whim and we'd get a result we weren't looking for.
Supporting Smy-Con doesn't do me a lot of good since if I needed the support
for the move to succeed, then Con-Ank (assuming I make that move) would work
and Turkey would be eliminated come the fall.
There is no concrete plan, at least that I can see, that is 100% fool-proof.
There is a good chance that the 'plan' will be developed about 5 minutes
before the deadline.
> How are you planning on getting A War in position to
> defend your corner? I do not want it in Galicia as that
> exposes Vienna and makes Budapest undefensible.
>
Another excellent question without an appropriate answer. Russia is still a
bit steamed that I moved to Warsaw to begin with so I really don't know how
he is going to react this year. I know he wants his home centers back and I
can't blame him. I'd want mine back too if there was any possibility of
achieving that. I tried to convince him last fall to move Mos-Stp so that
he'd have Warsaw to build in and I could get my army into my defensive
corner rather easily (sev-arm; mos-sev and we'd be done) but Nick can be
rather stubborn at times.
If you don't want me in Galicia, then that leaves Ukraine as an avenue to
the corner but Russia has given me no hint that he's willing to give up that
province either.
There is only so many ways Warsaw->Turkey can happen and I'm hitting road
blocks in every case. Do you have a suggestion?
Idalia
Message from France to Italy
Idalia:
>Do you have a suggestion?
War -> Ukr
Ukr -> Mos
Mos -> War
seems like the best plan? But that requires cooperation
from Nick.
If Ankara is not guaranteed, then I cannot take Budapest.
We shall have to assess that in the fall.
If everyone plays nice, this game will soon be over. If
people do not, then it could drag on a very long time.
About all I can do is throw myself at whomever is
dragging it out :-)
--Prince Boar
Message from Russia to England and Italy
Gentlemen,
Are we in agreement on our moves? Mos-Lvn, War-Sil,
Ukr-Gal, is strongly anti-French, but when combined
with Sev-Arm, it does leave Sev/Rum somewhat exposed
this Fall. Roberto/Idalia, would you care to weigh
in here?
Nick.
Message from Italy to England and Russia
>
> Are we in agreement on our moves? Mos-Lvn, War-Sil,
> Ukr-Gal, is strongly anti-French, but when combined
> with Sev-Arm, it does leave Sev/Rum somewhat exposed
> this Fall.
>
I think I'm okay with Sev/Rum. Combined with a self-bounce in Budapest,
Turkey can't be in Rumania (I suppose he technically could be but I don't
see France ordering vie s rum-bud). If he moves to SEV, I'll have Armenia
and Rumania to kick him out and Con-Ank becomes a slam dunk.
My orders are in and I have no disagreement with the specified orders.
Idalia
Message from Russia to England and Italy
Message from Italy to England and Russia in 'titleist':
>I think I'm okay with Sev/Rum.
Okay, I'll Set NoWait, then.
>I have no disagreement with the specified orders.
Gotta love paranoia... Does this mean you've ordered
Sev-Arm, War-Sil? 8-)
Nick.
Message from Italy to England and Russia
>
> Gotta love paranoia... Does this mean you've ordered
> Sev-Arm, War-Sil? 8-)
>
Well, the last time I flat out told somebody an order, he used it against me
and it was the beginning of the domino effect which has led to the current
map so you'll have to forgive me for not directly answering this question.
It can be safely assumed, however, given that these two orders were in my
suggested set of moves, that indeed I have ordered Sev-Arm and War-Sil.
There is a chance, though, that I did something else, although nothing that
would cause alarm.
My goal is simple - put myself in a position to prevent France from soloing
while at the same time putting myself in a position to be able to throw the
game to him if somebody moves to eliminate me. Gaining centers and
advancing back to my home centers would be gravy.
Even before that, the elimination of Turkey is still first and foremost. If
that means I lose some combination of WAR/BUD/SMY/??? in the process,
sobeit. I'll deal with that next year.
I'll be the first to admit that this is a very fine line I'm walking.
Idalia
Message from England to Italy
>Gotta love paranoia... Does this mean you've ordered
>Sev-Arm, War-Sil? 8-)
So, if you have ordered Sev-Arm & War-Sil, you answer "yes."
However, if you haven't ordered Sev-Arm & War-Sil, you must still answer
"yes," the difference being that you feel bad about the response. But
what's a fellow to do?
I prefer not to ask such questions. I want my enemies to like me, and I've
discover that people are not so fond of those who force them to lie. 8-)
Don't misunderstand me. I do want you to make those moves. We will soon
have France on the run. It's like watching a giant bolder just beginning
to topple. It reaches a certain equilibrium point, starts to lean over,
over some more, then ... crash.
Ivy
Message from England to Italy
>I'll be the first to admit that this is a very fine line I'm walking.
I don't think so. I think you finally have a sufficiently good position
that you could get unlucky and still be in good shape. We ARE going to
stop France. He can't defend everywhere at once.
Yes, get rid of Turkey. Then come racing out of the corner. I can't hurt
you and don't want to. My goal is to see France reduced to our size. What
happens after that is up for grabs. Nor does Russia want to bother you,
because he wants something from you.
I think you are in pretty good shape.
Ivy
Message from Italy to England
>
> I prefer not to ask such questions. I want my enemies to
> like me, and I've discover that people are not so fond of
> those who force them to lie.
>
I agree.
A couple of turns ago, Russia and I were discussing moves. He made a set of
suggestions that provided me with information about 1 of his units while I
was supposed to divulge the entire set of orders for my 8 (I think I had 8
units at the time)units. Yes, even the units that were not involved in his
area of the map. I'm convinced his intent was to feed those orders to
France in an attempt to eliminate me. At that point, I told myself to be
very careful about providing too much information about my orders to Russia.
Perhaps the times have changed where I can begin to trust him more but until
I see Mos-Lvn and Ukr-Gal, he's going to have to be satisfied with a
'probably'.
Idalia
Message from Russia to Italy
Idalia,
> the last time I flat out told somebody an order, he used it against me
> so you'll have to forgive me for not directly answering this question.
Well, I intentionally did not ask about the rest of your order set, for
just that reason. Sev and War, however, represent a potential threat
to my one remaining Home Center. I would, therefore, prefer a
promise from you that those Armies will move as proposed, so that
I can move Mos-Lvn, Ukr-Gal, without facing revolt from the
Bolsheviks.
In Alliance,
Nick.
Message from Italy to Russia
War-Sil
Sev-Arm
have been ordered.
But you didn't hear it from me. :)
Idalia
Message from Russia to Italy
Idalia,
> Message from Italy to Russia in 'titleist':
>
> But you didn't hear it from me. :)
Did you say something? I must have missed it... ;^}
Nick.
Message [from Russia] to all
> Game 'titleist' has a deadline of Mon Nov 19 2001 23:30:00 -0500.
> One or more players have not gotten their orders in.
Four hours until deadline people, let's get those orders in before the
Thanksgiving holiday is upon us!
England: Fleet English Channel → Picardy (*bounce*)
England: Fleet Irish Sea → Mid-Atlantic Ocean (*bounce*)
England: Army Kiel SUPPORT Russian Army Berlin → Munich
England: Fleet North Atlantic Ocean SUPPORT Fleet Irish Sea → Mid-Atlantic Ocean
England: Fleet North Sea CONVOY Army Yorkshire → Holland
England: Army Norway → Sweden
England: Army Yorkshire → North Sea → Holland (*bounce*)
France: Fleet Aegean Sea → Constantinople (*bounce*)
France: Fleet Albania → Greece
France: Fleet Brest SUPPORT Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean
France: Fleet Greece → Bulgaria (south coast)
France: Army Holland SUPPORT Army Munich → Kiel (*cut*)
France: Army Marseilles → Piedmont
France: Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean SUPPORT Russian Fleet Belgium → English Channel (*void*)
France: Army Munich → Kiel (*bounce, dislodged*)
France: Army Paris → Burgundy
France: Army Picardy → Belgium (*bounce*)
France: Fleet Spain (south coast) SUPPORT Fleet Mid-Atlantic Ocean
France: Army Tyrolia → Trieste
France: Army Vienna → Budapest (*bounce*)
Italy: Army Bulgaria → Constantinople
Italy: Fleet Constantinople → Ankara
Italy: Army Rumania → Budapest (*bounce*)
Italy: Army Serbia → Budapest (*bounce*)
Italy: Army Sevastopol → Armenia
Italy: Fleet Smyrna SUPPORT Army Bulgaria → Constantinople
Italy: Army Warsaw → Silesia
Russia: Fleet Belgium SUPPORT English Army Yorkshire → Holland (*cut*)
Russia: Army Berlin → Munich
Russia: Army Moscow → Livonia
Russia: Army Ukraine → Galicia
Turkey: Fleet Black Sea SUPPORT French Fleet Greece → Bulgaria (south coast)
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