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Austria: Builds 2 units
England: Builds 2 units
France: Builds 2 units
Germany: Builds 2 units
Italy: Builds 1 unit
Turkey: Builds 1 unit
Message from France to all
Tour de France Stage 11 Results:
Lance Armstrong (USP) has won his second stage of the
Tour de France in as many days. Today Armstrong won the
32 kilometer uphill time trial on the Cote de Chamrousse
outside of Grenoble. Armstrong put over seven minutes
into yellow jersey wearer Francios Simon (BJR), and
exactly one minute into his main rival Jan Ullrich (TEL).
Today is a rest day before the race enters the Pyrenees.
Another Stage win for England. There is now a 4 way tie
for first.
Official Tally:
Austria (Domo-Farm Frites): 0 points
England (USPS): 20 points
France (Festina): 10 points
Germany (Telekom): 20 points
Italy (Fassa Bortolo): 10 points
Russia (Robobank): 20 points
Turkey (CSC): 20 points
Doug (O.N.C.E.): 0 points
Selected Standings:
1. François Simon (BJR) 46 hours, 48 minutes, 36 seconds
3. Lance Armstrong (USP) @ 13:07
5. Jan Ullrich (TEL) @ 16:41
6. Christophe Moreau (FES) @ 18:21
7. Igor G. Galdeano (ONC) @ 19:05
Green Jersey:
1. Stuart O'Grady (C.A.) 136 points
2. Erik Zabel (TEL) 127
Polka dot Jersey
1. Laurent Roux (DEL) 127 points
2. Laurent Jalabert (CSC) 106
3. Jan Ullrich (TEL) 92
--Prince Boar
Message from France to England
Ivy:
I was up early philosophizing and the Dauphin ran up
giddy with the news. He was too excited to sleep as
well. The reports from the field are that things could
not have gone better for us. You will receive both your
builds. Germany denied Russia Sweden. Russia will be
desperate for allies and will surely side with us! The
Dauphin was disappointed about the bounce in Burgundy,
but all else went well. We are pleased that you made it
into Norway! Oh, and the move by Italy to Tyrolia? It
could be good. I left a subtle hint, but do not know if
was his reason.
Congratulations to us both. If we were not both such
macho studs and ladies men, I would give you a big hug.
Instead a hearty hand shake and a slug on the shoulder.
But not too hard in return. The Dauphin is the Brawny
one, I am more delicate. I do not spend the time in
training that he does.
We are off to an EXCELLENT start!
-- Prince Boar
Message [from Russia] to all
> Austria: 5 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 2 units.
> Italy: 4 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 1 unit.
> Russia: 4 Supply centers, 4 Units: Builds 0 units.
> Turkey: 4 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 1 unit.
Early Leader Warning! Early Leader Warning! Everyone
gang up on Austria! :-)
Message from England to Russia
Nicky,
Of course I believed you. But I was truly very frightened of being bounced
at both ends and did intend for the longest time to support myself into
Norway.
I began leaning toward the bounce in Belgium when I received believable
word that Germany and France had arranged another bounce in Burgundy.
That was my good fortune and it settled the issue.
France is now proposing combined action against Germany with your help.
Your reaction?
I received quite a bit of sympathy last turn from the world's press, both
public and private, thanks to your move to StP. It looks like this turn
you will be the one receiving "get well soon" notes.
The Turkey/Austria action was a complete surprise to me. Italy may now
play a major role in tipping balances one way or the other.
More later.
Most cordially,
Ivy Wingo
Message from Russia to England
> France is now proposing combined action against Germany
> with your help. Your reaction?
*laugh* What makes you think I'll be around long enough
to help?
> I received quite a bit of sympathy last turn from the world's press, both
> public and private, thanks to your move to StP. It looks like this turn
> you will be the one receiving "get well soon" notes.
Either that or they'll just sing, 'Nah, nah, nah, nah! Nah, nah, nah,
nah!
Hey, heyyyyy, good-bye!' ;-)
> The Turkey/Austria action was a complete surprise to me. Italy may
> now play a major role in tipping balances one way or the other.
Yeah, Turkey just slit his own throat, unless Italy stabs Austria.
Austria can build Bud, take Rum, and AI can shift Fleets into Aeg
and EMed and take Bul this Fall, while Austria keeps me pinned.
Once I recover from the shock, I'll be back in touch. Hell, if you
offer to support Fin-Swe, while I move Bot-Bal, and then support
Bal-Den in the Fall, I might just survive long enough to gut Fred. 8-)
Nick.
Message from England to Italy
Good Roberto,
You are going to receive a LOT of mail now. The world is going to come
begging at your feet, for you can tip the balance or stabilize or
destabilize an arena of your choice.
So, once again, I seek information on Italian intentions. Like last time,
I only ask a for response that maintains mutual respect between us. That
could include anything from "no comment" to an exploration of how we might
work together.
As you can see from the configuration on the board, it is time for me to
make a decision. I think I still have the option of allying with either
Germany or France. Germany is a poor communicator. France is terrific,
but also a very dangerous player.
If you told me you would now like to come west, that would greatly
influence my choice. If you still prefer the east, and say so candidly,
that too would help me decide. If you do say that, you can trust me not to
relay that information to either Turkey or Austria.
Most cordially,
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to Turkey
Nicely done, Ali!
I have received a message of dispair from Russia, the very Russia who so
frightened English citizens with his army in StP last turn. I cannot tell
you how much I am in your debt for what you have done in Romania.
There was a very great danger of Russia building another unit in StP and
coming after Norway with a triple attack.
If I survive the EFG situation, and you build on your early success, you
and I may eventually discover ways we can work together. As it is, we can
still share information. I am trying to determine Italian plans, although
in the past Roberto has been cordial but very tight-lipped with me.
Again, congratulations on your good work.
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to Austria
Nicely done, Edna! Please forward that message to your superiors.
I have received a message of dispair from Russia, the very Russia who so
frightened English citizens with his army in StP last turn. I cannot tell
you how much I am in your debt for what you have done in Romania.
There was a very great danger of Russia building another unit in StP and
coming after Norway with a triple attack.
If I survive the EFG situation, and you build on your early success, you
and I may soon discover ways we can work together. As it is, we can still
share information. I am trying to determine Italian plans, although in the
past Roberto has been cordial but very tight-lipped with me.
Again, congratulations on your good work.
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to France
Good Prince,
I stayed up until midnight, waiting for results in vain, then got up at 5am
to find them. I am so happy I can hardly think straight. I have your note
and a note from Russia, who is sorely distressed. Obligations are tearing
my away for a few hours, but I expect to get off a note to you with
substance later today.
My home modem held up fairly well last night. It was only down about two
hours. Now my computer at work is off limits as the pros install a new
operating system.
Happy as a lark,
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to Germany
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Freddy!
You and those wonderful scoundrels in the southeast have saved me from the
Russian hordes. And whatever you arranged with France in Burgundy, if
indeed it was arranged, enabled Belgium to go to the "good guys."
I have already received a note from Russia, who is sorely distressed. He
will want to be very friendly with me now.
I stayed up until midnight, waiting for results in vain, then got up at 5am
to find them. I am so happy I can hardly think straight. Obligations are
tearing my away today for quite a while, but I expect to get off a note to
you with substance later.
Happy as a lark,
Ivy Wingo
Message from France to England
Ivy:
We should discuss a plan of approach for the builds and
the coming year. I feel that it might be best for you to
focus on getting Russia on board for a REF attack on
Germany. I will instead focus on being friendly with
Germany, hoping to make it easier for us to press our
armies forward. Therefore I would want to let you handle
the negotiations with Russia, so it does not get back to
Germany that I am.
I would like to see Germany build a fleet in Berlin rathe
than Kiel. I assume that you prefer that as well.
Does this make sense? It allows us to try to keep them
apart. I realize that we will both want to talk to each
of them somewhat.
Meanwhile, I will also find out what is up with Italy.
But probably not until tonight. It will be a busy, busy
day. Meetings, Meetings, meetings.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Germany to England
I also got a note from Russia. He's pissed at me as can be
expected. Guess he bears no responsibility for moving that army to STP
in the first place?
I'm off to work. Talk tomorrow probably. No time tonight.
I believe it's time to plan an attack on France.
I'll be building an army and a fleet.
Fredd
Message from Austria to England
Thank you for your kind remarks.
It would be nice to get some information about the situation in the west.
Will an alliance be able to make progress against France? The English
capture of Belgium appeared to indicate some EF cooperation, but England is
usually at a disadvantage in a long-term EF alliance unless Italy is strong
and firm against France from the south. I've seen no indication yet that
that is the case here.
It would be nice if St Petersburg were to fall to the English forces,
without the loss of Norway. At least, any retreat of the Russian army back
through Stp could be delayed by Nwy-StP this spring.
Edna, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Turkey to England
Ivy,
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I was nervous about whether or not
Austria would come through, but sometimes you gotta roll the dice. Looks
like I won this round, but the night is young yet, so to speak, and the dice
may be loaded.
I, too, am hopeful that as the game progresses we can do more and more to
help advance each other's fortunes. You seem to be in great shape; two
builds and your choice of allies (or so it seems from here). If you reach a
decision one way or another, and if there are any diplomatic efforts I might
employ to further those goals, you have but to write.
Italy is indeed a mystery. I do wish he wrote more often. Anything you
could glean of his intentions would be most welcome. I will gladly do the
same in return if I can pry anything out of France or Germany. France
shrouds his press with a cloak and dagger, and Germany is a man of few
words, but I am determined to engage each in a dialogue eventually.
Meanwhile, I'll be continuing on my anti-Russian course. I hope that you
and/or Germany will also be taking your share of the Russian pie, and I look
forward to discussing any thoughts you may have along this line.
Regards,
Ali Baba
Message [from Russia] to all
"The St. Petersburg Pravda"
Oct. 1901
An high-level source in the Foreign Ministry today
provided details of a secret treaty made late this Spring
with Austria-Hungary which Archduke Ferdinand has just
callously violated.
> > I would ask that we declare Galicia a DMZ in 1901
> > Is this acceptable to you, and Austria-Hungary?
>
> In the interest of good relations with a neighbor
> who has shown no ill-will toward my country, I
> will agree to keep Galicia inviolate this year
>
> I hope this minor degree of cooperation will pave
> the way for even more beneficial cooperation in
> the near future.
>
> Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of
> Archduke Ferdinand
Clearly our Czar has made a grave error in judgment
in believing that the government of Austria-Hungary can be
trusted to honor even the simplest agreements. It is our
hope that the other nations of Europe, and prospective EEU
members, will realize this too, and respond appropriately.
Message from England to Russia
Nicky,
I was wondering which of your southern neighbors was the betrayer.
Austria, huh? We will watch him.
More importantly, I must decide to be for ya or again ya in Scandinavia.
For ya is anti-German and presumable pro France. Again ya is pro-German
and presumably anti-France. Over simplified perhaps, but possibly
accurate.
Anyway, don't be overly despondent. I am very seriously considering
supporting you into Sweden. Please don't ask me for my decision quickly.
I must listen carefully to France and Germany, and I don't think spring
moves will be due until Monday.
Ivy Wingo
Message from England to France
Prince,
My office computer is still in the hands of the computer folks, taking
longer than thay said. I'm at home now, since I can't work in the office.
I better get out a brief note to you now before the modem acts up.
>We should discuss a plan of approach for the builds and
>the coming year.
I'm assuming fleets in London and Edinburgh for me and a fleet in Brest and
an army in Paris for you.
The moves will probably be due on Monday, so we can give a lot of thought
to tactics. If I can get Holland, you can move into Belgium. That may be
tough, for I expect Germany to have armies in Holland, Ruhr, and Munich.
Maybe you can talk him out of that. Another possibility is French/Italian
cooperation on Munich in the fall.
>I feel that it might be best for you to
>focus on getting Russia on board for a REF attack on
>Germany.
OK. One would guess that Russia would do anything I suggest that is anti-German.
>I will instead focus on being friendly with
>Germany, hoping to make it easier for us to press our
>armies forward.
Of course, I cannot go silent with Germany. It should be easy to find
something to say. We can then compare notes.
>I would like to see Germany build a fleet in Berlin rathe
>than Kiel. I assume that you prefer that as well.
Absolutely. And I fully expect that. He will want to use it to take Sweden.
>Meanwhile, I will also find out what is up with Italy.
I have put feelers out in that direction also. Roberto talked to be quite
a bit before the start of the game, but he has said very little lately.
>Meetings, Meetings, meetings.
I've been there.
Ivy
Message from England to Germany
Good Freddy,
> I also got a note from Russia. He's pissed at me as can be
>expected. Guess he bears no responsibility for moving that army to STP
>in the first place?
>I'm off to work. Talk tomorrow probably. No time tonight.
>
>I believe it's time to plan an attack on France.
>I'll be building an army and a fleet.
A fleet in Berlin nets you Sweden this year.
Let's see if I can give you something to think about. France is trying to
coordinate an EFR attack on Germany, possibly with a little boost from
Italy. France wants to build up Russia, so Russia can help. Uh-huh. Sure.
I can see why France wants a viable Russia, but I sure don't want that.
Russia's demise reduces our neighbors by one and makes you and me more
secure. And as we have observed many times, Russia is a natural partner
for France once one of us is gone.
Russia must go. The best result would be for us to grab both Sweden and
StP this year.
France itself will be a tough nut to crack. He will defend the boundary
with Germany with armies in Marseilles, Burgundy, and Picardy. He will
build a second fleet in Brest. We can crack his defense only if I get a
edge on him at sea or if Italy helps. I must force the channel. One more
fleet build might be necessary. That's why I am eyeing StP.
One thing is certain. You will get Sweden this year.
Ivy
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
>Meanwhile, I'll be continuing on my anti-Russian course. I hope that you
>and/or Germany will also be taking your share of the Russian pie, and I look
>forward to discussing any thoughts you may have along this line.
You and Austria have probably discussed this, but (a) I think you are due
Rumania, while Austria goes for Warsaw. Also, (b) the only way to take
Rumania without scaring Austria is with your fleet.
See, I like to work on other's strategy when mine is too complicated.
Ivy Wingo
Message from Italy to England
>
> You are going to receive a LOT of mail now.
>
Indeed, I had six emails (in addition to the broadcasts) in my inbox this
morning. How refreshing that somebody actually cares about little ol'
Italy. Life is indeed beautiful. Oh, dang, you mean I have to spend all
day replying to those emails. Oh well, the price we must pay.
> So, once again, I seek information on Italian intentions.
I seem to have a good thing going out east and would hate to waste what
seems like a glorious opportunity. When I look west, all I see are
countries with 5 units. I don't see nearly that many units when I view my
eastern horizon. As candid as I can get, I think the pickin's are easier to
the east.
Now, if, and it's a big if, I could get assurance from Germany, in writing,
that he wanted to take on France, I might change my mind. As you point out,
he's a poor communicator. I didn't receive anything from him prior to the
fall moves until 3 hours before the deadline. Sorry, didn't get that one in
time. One of the reasons I'm in Tyrolia now.
Feel free to spill the English intentions anytime you like. :)
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message [from Russia] to all
> Broadcast message from masseyd@btv.ibm.com as Master in 'titleist':
>the Showcase article for this game.
In games that I Master, I urge the players to write an EoY (End of Year)
statement, or statements, during the Adjustment Phase each year. Some
players Broadcast in-character "State of the Union" speeches, which would be
fun for the Observers, but if we each send Doug a note each year revealing
why we made the choices we did, it will make the Showcase much more
instructive for people to read later. Why has Austria attacked Russia when
Russia opened to Ukraine, and tried to take Rumania with a Fleet? Why did
England risk no Builds, and get two? Why did France and Germany bounce in
Burgundy in the Spring AND the Fall? Why is Italy in Tyrolia? Why did
Russia choose a Northern Opening? If Turkey wanted to attack Russia, why
didn't he open to Armenia? Some of these questions might be addressed in
EoGs, but others will be overlooked, and the answers may reveal the
differences between victory and defeat.
Message from Russia to England
> I was wondering which of your southern neighbors was the betrayer.
> Austria, huh? We will watch him.
Turkey and I agreed to a DMZ of Bla a few days ago, but it wasn't
formal, and he was understandably nervous about my Fleet, so I don't
blame him for his moves. Austria, however, obviously said to himself,
"Mos-StP, huh? I can take advantage of that!", and then had the gaul
to claim it was done in self-defense because I refused to commit to
Sev-Rum right after the Spring moves, and violate a formal agreement
besides. Oddly enough, I moved Sev-Rum because I suspected that
Austria would order Vie-Gal, and I wanted to build in War to have
War and Ukr vs. Gal. I didn't expect Turkey to accept Austria's
support though. It was destined to bounce, and leaves Austria in a
much stronger position than Turkey.
> More importantly, I must decide to be for ya or again ya in Scandinavia.
If you're against me it is likely to result in quick Austrian domination
in the East, and he's already planning to build Fleets. While a strong
Austria is generally good for England, quick domination by a Power on
one side of the board is never good for the Powers on the other side.
> Anyway, don't be overly despondent.
I'm not. The Fall Results very nearly matched my worst-case
scenario, (thank you for not ordering Yor-Nth-Nwy, Nwg-Bar),
so I was rather stunned and depressed this morning, but looking
over the possibilities has revived my spirits, somewhat. AT is the
most unstable alliance possible, so I expect that things will shift
pretty quickly. Whether it will be quickly enough to save me,
remains to be seen, however. 8-)
> I am very seriously considering supporting you into Sweden.
> Please don't ask me for my decision quickly.
No, much will depend on builds. How many Fleets will FG
build, do you think? Indeed, what AGIT build will have a strong
influence on my 1902 moves, and I could even end up ordering
GoB S Nwy-Swe next Fall under certain circumstances.
> I must listen carefully to France and Germany,
Any information you would care to share would be welcomed.
(Like who didn't lobby Germany to bounce me... 8-)
Your Put-Upon Friend,
Nick.
Message from Germany to England
Ivy
I thought that France was trying to get a FGR going. I guess he'll
tell anything to anyone. Can you believe it...
I suggest that you build a fleet in LVN. Certainly France will put
another fleet in Brest. And the one in Portugal will move out to the
MAO this year. Next fall will tell the tale on whether you'll need
heavy defenses in the western seas. A fleet already stationed there
will do wonders to deter French expansion northward.
Sweden isn't a sure thing. There are still two Russian units to deal
with. We are surrounded my friend. I think that we have to go in both
directions simultaneously. I'll take the lead in Scandanavia, while you
take the lead in France. Just like your original plan.
Fredd
Austria: BUILD Army Budapest
Austria: BUILD Army Vienna
England: BUILD Fleet Edinburgh
England: BUILD Fleet London
France: BUILD Fleet Brest
France: BUILD Army Paris
Germany: BUILD Fleet Berlin
Germany: BUILD Army Kiel
Italy: BUILD Fleet Naples
Turkey: BUILD Army Ankara
Centers
Austria: 5
England: 5
France: 5
Germany: 5
Italy: 4
Russia: 4
Turkey: 4
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