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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 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 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 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 Austria to Turkey
So far, so good. I'll be building eastward-looking armies. If it's not
too early, I propose an initial division of southern Russia, with you
taking Sev and Rum, while I take War and Mos. Later, it will probably be
best to swap Rum for Greece, giving you a stronger front against Italy.
As you can probably tell, I was able to arrange for Italy not to attack me
last turn. The army in Tyrolia has all sorts of threats; while one of
those threats is to Austria-Hungary, that's better than Venice, where its
only threat was against Austria-Hungary.
Assuming you build a fleet in Smyrna, I should be able to convince Italy
that I am helping him against you while helping you to "guess correctly"
to hold him off until you've picked off a Russian center or two. If
you're uncomfortable with that approach, please let me know now so that we
can work out an alternative.
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Austria to Turkey
> England is all for anti-Russian participation, and he predicts that Germany
> would be on board as well, at least at first. I've not heard from Germany
> himself however; have you?
I received one message from Germany before spring, and none since.
I fear that if Germany is as uncommunicative with others as he is with
Austria-Hungary, the west will fall too easily into an EF alliance, and the
endgame would be EF vs AT. Such an endgame does not favor Austria-Hungary.
I hope EF either doesn't form, or produces a midgame stab.
Tamara, for Austria-Hungary, by the grace of Archduke Ferdinand
Message from Turkey to Austria
Tamara,
> So far, so good. I'll be building eastward-looking armies. If it's not
> too early, I propose an initial division of southern Russia, with you
> taking Sev and Rum, while I take War and Mos. Later, it will probably be
> best to swap Rum for Greece, giving you a stronger front against Italy.
This sounds good to me. I'm already pretty well committed against Russia,
and if you feel Italy is in hand then I'm happy to continue in that
direction.
> As you can probably tell, I was able to arrange for Italy not to attack me
> last turn. The army in Tyrolia has all sorts of threats; while one of
> those threats is to Austria-Hungary, that's better than Venice, where its
> only threat was against Austria-Hungary.
So you knew about the move? Interesting. I guess that is good, since it
means Tyr wasn't as anti-Austrian as it looked.
> Assuming you build a fleet in Smyrna, I should be able to convince Italy
> that I am helping him against you while helping you to "guess correctly"
> to hold him off until you've picked off a Russian center or two. If
> you're uncomfortable with that approach, please let me know now so that we
> can work out an alternative.
My concern is that a fleet in Smy would do nothing to help my anti-Russian
efforts, and it would also give me problems with Italy that I'm not prepared
for yet. I had hoped Russia would actually bounce me in the Black so I
could pick up Rum and have more flexibility. Anyway, I think I'd be better
off building A Ank and moving it into Armenia. If Italy stays off my back,
then I'll be in good shape to hit Sev this year. What do you think? Does
this work for you?
> I fear that if Germany is as uncommunicative with others as he is with
> Austria-Hungary, the west will fall too easily into an EF alliance, and
the
> endgame would be EF vs AT. Such an endgame does not favor
Austria-Hungary.
> I hope EF either doesn't form, or produces a midgame stab.
I think it's too early to say how the West will shake out. It also seems
possible that EG will team up against both Russia and France. In some ways,
an EF might work better, since it would naturally put pressure on Russia,
Germany and Italy, which could be good for AT in the long run. Much will
depend on timing, and on how well we are able to coordinate our efforts and
grow together.
Anyway, as you said, it's a good start. Thank you for keeping your promise,
it goes a long way toward cementing AT relations.
Regards,
Ali Baba
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 Turkey to France
Prince Boar,
An interesting result in the west. I rather expected you to gain Belgium;
I'm sorry to see your apparent problems with the German. Fortunately
Germany doesn't seem to talk much, so you may have a good chance swaying
England. It will be interesting to watch events unfold in your neck in the
woods; something tells me all may not be as it seems.
All is pretty much as it seems in the south. I ultimately decided that
Russian policies were not in Turkey's best interests. I have a nagging
feeling that I'm just opening myself up to a Leponto, but based on Russia's
moves I have to say I made the right decision. Just a little too
pro-Austrian there for my tastes.
So, the Turkish cat is out of the bag, and now I get to find out where it
leads me. I hope you'll send some fresh news of the confusing situation in
the west.
Ali Baba
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
An interesting result. Can you shed any light on the Tyr move? That could
work well for our plans of working together. Austria is encouraging me to
continue against Russia, but wants me to build F Smy. Apparently I should
rely on his goodwill to gain Russian centers. My plan is to instead build A
Ank, selling this to Austria on the grounds that I must strike Russia first,
and that I don't want trouble from you.
You said earlier that F Nap is the only sensible build for you. I must
confess that I'm feeling increasingly nervous about it, so I hope we can
talk about it a little. Building an army in Ank and moving it to Arm will
work well for me; unless of course you go through with the Leponto. I've
been encouraged by our discussions, but I hate to leave myself open to
devastating attacks, and the Leponto would indeed be devastating to me.
Austria has said he's building "eastward-looking armies" this turn. I've
been playing dumb regarding AI relations, so my sense is he probably
believes things are well in hand. If you were to build A Ven, his plans
would be in a shambles. I can then support you to Greece in the spring and
we're off to the races.
If you build F Nap instead, then the only move that's really in keeping with
IT would be Ion-Adr, Nap-Ion. This would still allow you the convoy to
Greece in the fall, but I don't think it would give you the same advantage
against Austria proper that an army in Ven would, and it would delay your
move to Greece by a turn.
I'm banking a lot on the idea that you and I are going to be allied going
forward. I think things are well under way, with AR conflict out in the
open and Russia already in trouble. I'm prepared to start building armies,
as we had discussed. I think it's clear that I'm not threatening Italy in
any way. If you ally with Austria, he'll always be working against you
behind your back (like urging me to build F Smy). So I continue to hope
you'll choose a friend in Turkey instead.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts,
Ali Baba
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 Turkey to Germany
Freddy,
Thank you so much for your help in the north. I'm glad the Austrian kept
his word; with any luck Russia won't be giving either of us any trouble in
this game.
I'm dying to see how things shake out in the West. Everyone's being real
cautious, and nobody's even given a hint of their intentions to me yet.
>From what I hear, I gather that the three of you aren't so sure about it
either. For what it's worth, I'm encouraging England to work with you to
resolve Scandinavia and northern Russia. One way or the other, I hope
you'll get your slice of the Russian pie before Austria becomes too fat and
happy.
Of course, I'm still contending with the possibility that I may face a
Leponto after all. This would be disastrous to me, and unfortunately I
don't have a good enough sense of the Italian to know what I should prepare
for (or the Austrian for that matter). Barring Italian hostility, however,
I'm planning to focus next year on continuing my anti-Russian efforts.
I hope all is well in your neck of the woods, and I hope you'll write soon
with your thoughts on the above.
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 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 Italy to Turkey
>
> An interesting result. Can you shed any light on the Tyr
> move? That could work well for our plans of working together.
>
The move to Tyrolia was made for several reasons:
I hadn't heard from Germany despite repeated attempts by me for dialogue and
suspected he might move Mun-Tyr. I was not prepared to deal with that and
so took the aggressive position of heading there myself half-way expecting a
bounce.
I am anticipating a EF alliance based on Germany's lack of press and the
fact that EF send LOTS of press. If they send lots to me, imagine how much
they send to each other. I thought one of the ways of influencing their
decisions against Germany was to get a unit close by. Now I can use the
unit to support actions for or against Germany depending on what I think is
best.
It was Austria's first choice for what he wanted my unit to do. I'm playing
a little dumb right now but really I'm setting him up for a fall, with your
assistance. As you point out, an Italian army in Tyrolia could work well
for us.
> Austria is encouraging me to
> continue against Russia, but wants me to build F Smy.
He probably thinks I'll see a fleet in Smy as anti-Italian and he'd be able
to argue for continuing the Lepanto. In reality, that's not the case and
I'd see F Smy as moving to the Aegean in anticipation of an Austrian attack
(although I think an army build would be better vis-a-vis our long-term
agreement of Italy building fleets and Turkey building armies).
> Apparently I should rely on his goodwill to gain Russian centers.
Yes, fleet Smyrna doesn't help much if your intent is to continue against
Russia. Those two do appear to be polar opposites.
> My plan is to instead build A
> Ank, selling this to Austria on the grounds that I must
> strike Russia first, and that I don't want trouble from you.
>
This makes sense to me but I don't know how Austria would respond. He'd
probably question himself as to why you'd leave yourself so open to Italy in
the Eastern Med.
> You said earlier that F Nap is the only sensible build for
> you. I must confess that I'm feeling increasingly nervous
> about it, so I hope we can talk about it a little.
I'm always willing to talk. I will try to be as honest and up-front as
possible. I realize that deception is part of this game (see Russia's
latest broadcast), but it's difficult to ally with somebody (long-term that
is) so obviously deceptive as Austria.
> Building an army in Ank and moving it to Arm will
> work well for me; unless of course you go through with the
> Leponto.
>
If you build an army, I will not go thru with the Lepanto. If France does
not build a fleet in Marseilles as well, then I will be free to discuss an
Austrian attack. The details of the attack (ie: what unit takes Greece in
what season and such) can be fine tuned when we see the rest of the builds.
For now, I'm anticipating an early split of Tri/Gre to Italy and Rum/Sev to
Turkey. I'm sure it won't work out quite like that but that seems at least
a reasonable starting place for negotiations.
>
> Austria has said he's building "eastward-looking armies" this turn.
>
He's told me the same thing. I'm expecting Vie and Bud. I'd question him
hard if he built in Tri.
> I've been playing dumb regarding AI relations,
> so my sense is he probably
> believes things are well in hand.
>
I get the same sense. I also get the sense that he's trying to get me to
somehow leave Venice undefended so he can move there when he wants.
>
> If you build F Nap instead, then the only move that's really
> in keeping with IT would be Ion-Adr, Nap-Ion.
>
Which is the move that I would most likely make. There are other
alternatives including convoying to Albania.
> This would still allow you the convoy to
> Greece in the fall, but I don't think it would give you the
> same advantage
> against Austria proper that an army in Ven would, and it
> would delay your move to Greece by a turn.
>
I'm not concerned about delaying the move to Greece until the Fall. After
all, if I moved there in the spring, it would get to retreat somewhere most
likely Albania which would make it that much more difficult to also get
Trieste next fall.
Bottom line, you can expect me to build a fleet in Naples. I've told this
to whomever else has asked as well. If I were to alter that, then I'd have
several others questioning my reliability.
Keep in touch and feel free to comment, positive or negative, on whatever
I've said.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
I guess the bottom line is this. If I build A Ank, will you firmly commit
to moving against Austria in the spring, either with Ion-Adr or Tri-Alb?
My strong preference is for the army build, but I have to have something
solid to go by before I can decide that for sure. I realize that even with
just a promise I could still get screwed if the promise is broken, but it
would go a long way in helping to ease my concerns.
Regards,
Ali Baba
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 Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
Sorry, I should have read more carefully. Let me rephrase my last press.
> If you build an army, I will not go thru with the Lepanto. If France does
> not build a fleet in Marseilles as well, then I will be free to discuss an
> Austrian attack. The details of the attack (ie: what unit takes Greece in
> what season and such) can be fine tuned when we see the rest of the
builds.
> For now, I'm anticipating an early split of Tri/Gre to Italy and Rum/Sev
to
> Turkey. I'm sure it won't work out quite like that but that seems at
least
> a reasonable starting place for negotiations.
This gives me the assurance I need. I understand your need to see what
France does before committing to anti-Austrian efforts. In any case, let us
solidify this position: that if I build an army, you agree not to send any
fleet to Aeg or EMS. Agreed?
Please advise.
Ali Baba
Message from Italy to Turkey
> In any case, let us solidify this position:
> that if I build an army, you agree not to send any
> fleet to Aeg or EMS. Agreed?
>
Agreed.
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 Turkey to Master
> 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.
Do you support this? If so, let me know and I'll start sending EOY
statements.
Thanks.
Message from Germany to Turkey
I can see now why Russia opened to the north. He was expecting no
resistance in the south. Almost got it to. I, for one, am glad that
things went the way that they did.
I still can't help much. I haven't talked to Austria in days. Italy a
little more, but he just asks questions and gives no answers or
insight. I would worry about that Italian army in Tyrolia, but I think
he knows that he can never hang onto it. If he takes it England or
France will take it back. Probably France (down the road) I'm sure he
knows what will happen if there is a strong France in the east.
Certainly Italy will go toward you or France. I have no idea which
way. Past experience says it'll be toward you. But I don't guess well.
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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