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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 Russia to Master
Doug,
There was discussion about determining the tournament winner using the
tie-breaker system from the early rounds, (In the event of a draw, the Power
with the most Centers wins, if there is a center-count tie for most centers
in
the draw, the game is rolled-back until one of the tied Powers has more
Centers than the other, and he wins.) In the game announcement, you wrote:
> The winner will be a soloist, or the largest member of a draw. If the two
> largest members of a draw are of equal size, they will be declared
co-titleists.
Could you clear up the rules in a Broadcast? Thanks.
Message from Russia to Turkey
> Movement results for Fall of 1901. (titleist.002)
>
> Austria: Army Vienna -> Galicia.
> Austria: Army Serbia SUPPORT Turkish Army Bulgaria -> Rumania.
> Austria: Fleet Albania -> Greece.
> Italy: Fleet Ionian Sea CONVOY Army Apulia -> Tunis.
> Turkey: Army Bulgaria -> Rumania. (*bounce*)
> Turkey: Army Constantinople -> Bulgaria. (*bounce*)
> Turkey: Fleet Ankara -> Black Sea.
Ali,
Are you sure that was wise? Now Austria builds A Bud and takes Rum,
while AI move to Aeg and EMed in the Spring, and we're both toast. I
decided late that I had to move Sev-Rum so that I could build A War, and
have War and Ukr in place to deal with Vie-Gal, but now it seems that's
going to be more difficult than I thought. What made you decide to hand
the East to AI?
Your soon to be late ally,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Germany
> So sorry on not getting back to you. I thought that I had.
Right, and the fact that I hadn't responded was completely in character.
> My thoughts are that I have to bounce you. With a Russian presense in
> the north my job is just that much more difficult.
Well, that depends on whether your job is to eliminate England, or
eliminate France, or to die a quick and painful death like I'm going to do.
Yes, a Russian northern presence makes it harder for Germany to solo,
but given that presence, you had a choice of working with it, or opposing
it. Given an English Army in Bel, and an extended arguement with France
over Burgundy, you clearly made the wrong choice.
> Perhaps we'll work together down the road. In fact, I'd bet on it.
I wouldn't. I'll listen to what you have to say, for the few years I'm
around, but I'd be very surprised if either of us is around long enough
to work together.
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
> Message from Italy to Russia in 'titleist':
> Not exactly what I meant. I know there are stalemate lines that could be
> reached. Even in the event of a 2-way draw, Doug is going to want to
> declare a winner of the tournament. The tie-breaker I believe is whomever
> got to 17 first.
That was the rule in the semis, but according to Doug's opening
announcement::
:: This winner will be a soloist, or the largest member of a draw.
:: If the two largest members of a draw are of equal size, they
:: will be declared co-titleists.
I've asked Doug which rules we're operating under, though given the
Fall Results, that question seems moot.
> Italy: Army Venice -> Tyrolia.
Coming after Warsaw, or lending France a helping hand? Could I induce
you to stab the traitorous Archduke at this point?
Sadly,
Nick.
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 France to Russia
Czar Nicolas:
Nasty thing for Austria and Turkey to do to you. They
made your pay for your bold move. Well, actually it
still may have occurred with a bounce in Galicia. I hope
that you can talk your way out of it. At least England
will be happy with you.
What about Germany. He chooses to bounce with both of
us. I am sure that you are not happy with him.
I will write again tonight.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Germany to Russia
> I wouldn't. I'll listen to what you have to say, for the few years I'm
> around, but I'd be very surprised if either of us is around long enough
> to work together.
Whoa. I see you have trouble in the south also. Interesting.
Well we both might not be around long, or that could be wrong. I
wouldn't be surprised if everyone we fight against today is our ally
tomorrow.
Fredd
Message from Austria to Russia
You are entitled to some explanation. The Archduke was very
uncomfortable with your waffling about putting an army into Rumania.
Turkey had already approached our envoy there about a joint attack on
you, but AT is not an alliance that springs to mind as comfortable or
easy. Nevertheless, when you told me you hadn't decided between an army
or fleet in Rum, the Archduke thought that meant the army was coming,
and felt forced to accept Turkey's proposal.
I expect that we will have opportunities to reach peace soon; rest
assured I consider that a very viable option. Regardless of the state
of military relations between our nations, I hope that diplomatic
channels will remain open.
Ralassa, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> > Italy: Army Venice -> Tyrolia.
>
> Coming after Warsaw, or lending France a helping hand?
>
Neither. An attempt to wake Germany up and talk to me. I hadn't received a
communication from Berlin for over a week.
> Could I induce you to stab the traitorous Archduke at
> this point?
>
It's certainly possible depending on French and Turkish builds. If France
doesn't build in Marseilles and Turkey were, say, to build an army, I could
consider an Austrian stab at this point.
BTW, I received this from Germany just prior to the results.
> I'm not happy with an army in STP so soon. Certainly
> it's anti English, but ultimately it's anti German.
I didn't get the message in time to talk to him. Interesting to note
though, he considered the move anti-German. Why didn't he just think it was
pro-Italian and leave it at that? :)
Life is Beautiful, except when Spring 1901 results don't go your way
Roberto
Message from Russia to Austria
Ralassa,
Do you really expect me to believe that? (*Czar Nicholas
coughs quietly, "cough, bullshit, cough. Pardon me, the air is
dry here..."*) If the Archduke had such doubts, you should have
contacted me yesterday and asked if I had come to a decision
regarding Rumania, and, in any event, he should have respected
our agreed upon DMZ in Galicia. If you want to work with me, you
will have to build F Tri and A Vie, and order Gal-Bud in S1902M.
If you do not, I will throw my support and Centres to the Turk,
while encouraging Roberto to take advantage of your exposed
flank, and see the Archduke rapidly follow me into the growing
group of former hereditary rulers of European nations.
We are not yet at war, but we are on the very brink. If
the Archduke feels that he can attack Russia since I only have
one Fleet and one Army in the south, please remind him of my
favorite aphorism, 'The pen is mightier than the sword.', and
consider what I can do to Austria-Hungary with my pen before
and after my military strength has been destroyed.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to France
Prince Boar,
>Nasty thing for Austria and Turkey to do to you.
Yes, I wonder who suggested it to them...
It was also pretty dumb of Turkey, in my opinion.
Austria can build in Bud, and take Rum while AI
move Fleets into EMed/Aeg, and Turkey's down to
three in '02.
>They made your pay for your bold move.
Perhaps it's my inexperience showing, but
I still don't view Mos-StP as particularly bold.
An AT Alliance is a stab waiting to happen, and
I doubt it will wait long in this situation.
>Germany chooses to bounce with both of us.
>I am sure that you are not happy with him.
I rather expected the move, that's why I
ordered StP-Fin. I am annoyed by his silence,
though. He wrote me for the first time since
the Spring Results, only two hours before the
Fall deadline. If he was so disturbed by
Mos-Stp, then he should have mentioned it
sooner than two hour before I moved StP-Fin.
Unless he starts writing more often, he's not
long for this world, whether I have two Units
in Scandinavia, or zero.
Cordially,
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Turkey to Russia
Czar Nicholas,
> Are you sure that was wise? Now Austria builds A Bud and takes Rum,
> while AI move to Aeg and EMed in the Spring, and we're both toast. I
> decided late that I had to move Sev-Rum so that I could build A War, and
> have War and Ukr in place to deal with Vie-Gal, but now it seems that's
> going to be more difficult than I thought. What made you decide to hand
> the East to AI?
I have to confess, I'm not at all comfortable with the way things have
worked out. I realize that an AI alliance now would mean the end of me. So
I should probably start by saying that I'm always open to turning things
around between us if that's what makes sense for both of us.
As to why... the main reason was that you weren't really offering me
anything as an ally. I can understand your needing to deal with the
situation in the north, but I got the feeling I couldn't count on any help
from Russia in the south. And there's no way I can get anywhere against AI
without Russian help. I was seeking active cooperation with one of my
neighbors, and Austria was the one who offered it.
As you know, your southern fleet is a big issue to me. I can't go
gallavanting off into the Med with a foreign fleet in my very back yard.
The impression I got was that you didn't really want to see that fleet gone,
and I there was just no way I could ignore it. Perhaps I put too much stock
in that one issue, but it gave me the sense that you weren't really on board
with the RT as I had hoped you would be. My suspicion was that you were
hoping for AIR vs. T to take me out quickly, which I certainly had to avoid
at all costs.
Also, I was worried about things being a little too cozy between you and
Austria. It seems these concerns were justified, based on your moves.
Whatever concerns you might have had regarding Gal, it's clear that moving F
Sev to Rumania is about the most pro-Austrian thing you could have done. I
shudder to think what you were planning to build in Sev.
In any case, what's done is done. Unfortunately my options are much more
limited than I had hoped for after the first year, and if I'm unable to head
off a Leponto then I'll be in real trouble. But be that as it may, my gut
reaction after seeing the moves is that I did the right thing. Of course,
we all know that things can change quickly, and if so I will certainly be
open to re-negotiations down the road.
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 Russia to Turkey
> I'm always open to turning things around between
> us if that's what makes sense for both of us.
I think that it does, but I suppose builds
will tell the tale.
> I can understand your needing to deal with the
> situation in the north, but I got the feeling I
> I couldn't count on any help from Russia in the
> south.
Hmmm, that certainly wasn't my intention.
> your southern fleet is a big issue to me. The
> impression I got was that you didn't really want
> to see that fleet gone,
I offered a way to destroy it in Spring
1902 that you rejected because it would have left
you vulnerable to the Lepanto. What more could I
have done, beyond agreeing to the Slingshot, and
finding an English Army knocking on my palace
doors this Spring?
> Whatever concerns you might have had regarding
> Gal, it's clear that moving F Sev to Rumania is
> about the most pro-Austrian thing you could
> have done. I shudder to think what you were
> planning to build in Sev.
It's ironic. Austria claims he supported
you to Rum because I refused to rule out moving
Ukr-Rum, and I finally decided to move Sev-Rum
because I suspected that he would order Vie-Gal,
and I wanted A War and A Ukr to face it. If you
had trusted me enough to order Bul-Gre, and
Germany had not bounced me out of Swe, I would
have built A War and A Sev.
I do admit that I was toying with AIR
vs. T, but as time went on I was leaning more
and more toward RT. At this point, I view
Austria's violation of our DMZ of Gal as more
egregious, and so I am fully prepared to defend
myself against him, and support you if you move
against him. A Build of anything other than
F Smy invites Ion-EMed, Gre-Aeg, as you know.
It's your decision to make.
Sincerely,
Czar Nicholas II.
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 Russia
>
> "The St. Petersburg Pravda"
> Oct. 1901
>
> An high-level source in the Foreign Ministry today
>....
I see now why you came north. You were expecting no resistance in the
south. I'd say that your plan was to build two. Rumania and Sweden.
Then go for Norway. Possibly sending an army toward Berlin.
Tell me that I'm wrong.
That's water under the bridge now. But like I said, it's not out of
the question that we'll work together in the future. Suppose E and F
get together. Wouldn't I want Russian help at my back? Of course I
would. Naturally I'm trying to figure out England's and France's
plans. Do you have anything that you can tell me about their plans?
For instance did your plan call for you to partition Germany between
yourself and France?
Fredd
Message from Russia to Germany
Fredd,
> I see now why you came north. You were expecting no resistance in the
> south. I'd say that your plan was to build two. Rumania and Sweden.
> Then go for Norway. Possibly sending an army toward Berlin.
> Tell me that I'm wrong.
You're wrong. I was hoping for two, but I actually expected you to
bounce me, and moved Mos-StP-Fin so that I could take Swe in '02,
and influence the west. I had no firm plans for my builds, but figured to
use them both in the south unless the situation in Scandinavia demanded
a build in StP. Given that the west seemed likely to end up EF vs. G, I
was actually thinking to take Nwy to slow their ability to eliminate you,
but that would have depended on what alliance formed in the west,
and how things were going there. Had you allied with England, I most
likely would have just supported myself in Swe. Had you asked, I
would have even told you this beforehand.
> I'm trying to figure out England's and France's plans. Do you have
> anything that you can tell me about their plans?
Based on what I've heard, the west is still, even now, up in the air.
There is a slight prejudice toward EF because they write more often,
but they also fear each other more.
Nick.
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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