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Austria: Removes 1 unit
France: Builds 1 unit
Italy: Builds 1 unit
Turkey: Builds 1 unit
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
Welcome to Burgundy. It is a wonderful spot. I know
that you wanted to get in there for so long, but then
when I left it available you hesitated. I am glad to see
that you finally took up the opportunity.
Why is England in the North Sea? Did he insist as a
necessary move to break into Burgundy (i.e. support for
Belgium so that Ruhr could support Mun to Bur?) That
sounds like a fishy argument to me, since I have been
leaving Burgundy open for you. There must be more to it
that I do not understand.
-- Prince Boar
PS: I did not understand the support for Liv to StP?
Why did it need support? It seemed better to support
yourself to Livonia. I would ask the Dauphin to explain
it to me, but he is busy at the funerals of those poor
soldiers who gave their lives in Burgundy. Therefore I
humbly request an explanation from you.
Message from Master to all
Okay -- our absent player has a winter adjustment, so I'm extending
the deadline until Monday.
Doug
Message from Germany to France
Prince Boar:
Ask the hand and all shall be answered. Then I might have a question
or two of my own.
Thanks for the welcome. I had a hankering for some fine wines. Now I
hear that they are in Bordeaux. Nuts.
I'd like a do over. I'm not happy with some of my moves. GOB
supporting LVN to STP is not an example. I did that because it had
nothing else to do. I couldn't support BAL to LVN and dislodge the
RUssian fleet because then he would have just rebuild an army. much
worse. If I had a do over, I wouldn't have gone to LVN. But that's
in hindsight.
England is NOT supposed to be in the North Sea. Yes you see the first
clink in EG. I'll have to make a move or two to cover my ass now.
Perhaps that is what Ivy wants. To slow my expansion eastward down. I
wonder if I wouldn't make the same move in his shoes.
I still believe that Ivy isn't planning on attacking me, but instead is
positioning himself to better get at you.
However, if that fleet doesn't leave the North Sea (for a location SE)
it will be time to talk seriously. If this had been a spring move, we
would be talking now.
Fredd
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
Some things went very well; some things didn't. That was a nice piece of
business you conducted in StP. There will be no army in StP and you have
the Russian fleet in your grip. Also, I didn't expect you to be in
Burgundy. That gives us greater flexibility in the next set of moves.
The big disappointment for me was that Italy/Turkey is intact. In fact, I
think we have to assume that we are facing a FIT alliance. I think that
Italy gets the worst of that alliance by far, and I will certainly remind
him of that. Nevertheless, I think we have FIT for now.
>This is easy. My orders are already in for the spring. I'll be
>covering my ass.
Perhaps you are referring to the North Sea. I interpreted your response to
my last plea for the North Sea as follows: "I won't bless the move, but
neither will I expressly forbid it." Or, "I don't like it, but if you
insist I will live with it."
With no army in StP that fleet is going directly for Belgium or the
Channel. With you in Burgundy instead of France we actually have a
choice. Either Bel-Pic & North Sea->Bel or Channel->Pic & North
Sea->Channel. I will want your advice on this. We also have to see where
France puts his army. Paris is my guess.
I must say I was right about one thing, even though it didn't have to turn
out that way. You have an easy new supply center in the east, but even
using Burgundy and North Sea I don't see moves that guarantee a supply
center this year in France. It might happen, but it may take a lucky guess.
Now a confession. My alternate moves would have been better, given that
you are in Burgundy. I was considering Mao supp Gas->Spa & Lon supp
Iri-Channel. With Gascony in Spain we would have some really good moves to
choose from. But I expected Bur supp Pic->Bel, in which case you would not
be in Burgundy, and North Sea would have been essential for protecting
Belgium. Sorry.
On the "ass" business, don't do anything too radical. It's safe to assume
that Russia will work with Turkey and that Austria will work with you.
Write when you get a chance,
Ivy
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
>Thanks for the welcome. I had a hankering for some
>fine wines. Now I hear that they are in Bordeaux.
>Nuts.
I have moved them to Marseilles. You are welcome to
sample them there. :-)
>I'd like a do over. I'm not happy with some of my
>moves.
Hah! I make this request every turn! :-) Hindsight
always shows me better moves (i.e. MAO -> Eng s by Bre
and not the opposite. I failed my 50-50 guess. I also
should have ordered MAO -> NAO rather than waste the
effort on the support for Bre to Eng.)
>I couldn't support BAL to LVN and dislodge the
>Russian fleet because then he would have just
>rebuild an army.
Ah yes, I see. I was actually hoping that he would
have to retreat and would build an army. I wanted
the army for an attack on Norway. But you were
probably concerned about his supporting Moscow or
building in Moscow and supporting Warsaw. I knew that I
was missing the obvious.
>England is NOT supposed to be in the North Sea.
Interesting.
>I'll have to make a move or two to cover my ass now.
I suggest Bur -> Bel supported by Ruh :-) But I suppose
that Bur -> Ruh, Ruh -> Hol is OK too.
>Perhaps that is what Ivy wants. To slow my expansion
>eastward down. I wonder if I wouldn't make the same
>move in his shoes. I still believe that Ivy isn't
>planning on attacking me, but instead is
>positioning himself to better get at you.
Well, if he were attacking you those were his only moves
(Lon -> Nth and a fleet to Eng). Getting you out of
position by moving to Burgundy would be a good move as
well. By staying in MAO (and helping you to Bur) he can
claim that he is not attacking you and make you wonder.
An important aspect of a good stab.
>However, if that fleet doesn't leave the North Sea
>(for a location SE) it will be time to talk seriously.
>If this had been a spring move, we would be talking now.
I am not real certain why the spring move makes that much
difference, but I am always available for discussions.
My only words of advice are that I was betrayed by Ivy in
that he made me completely believe in his words and
assurances. I know that you are more savvy that I, so
you may not be fooled so easily. Just be careful.
Your best course of action may be to take the Russia
centers for potential builds and replacements in case
England does stab you. It also eliminates Russia from
your back in case you must turn and fight England. But I
would not help him take my centers until you are sure of
him. In fact, you need units from somewhere to cover
your backside. I suggest that you take that unit out of
Burgundy. By moving to North Sea, he has not earned your
support. Let him figure out how to fight me on his own.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Germany to England
>
> Perhaps you are referring to the North Sea. I interpreted your
> response to my last plea for the North Sea as follows: "I won't
> bless the move, but neither will I expressly forbid it." Or, "I
> don't like it, but if you
> insist I will live with it."
That would be the wrong interpretation. I didn't want that fleet in
there. Period. Now that it is there, I'll have to deal with that
fact. I don't consider this a stab, but this shakes EG a bit. I think
that if it went in on a Spring move all hell would have broken loose.
As it is I feel everything will be made all better if that fleet leaves
NTH this turn (for points SE) I understand that that was your stated
intention all along. If that comes to pass, I'll just consider this a
slight bump in the road of a successful EG.
However, I will be making moves to cover both HOL and DEN. This will
slow down any advance that I make in the east. (Perhaps that was part
of your plan?)
Fredd
Message from France to all
PRESS RELEASE,
Paris, France
-- Prince Xavier Boar
As you recall, Ivy Wingo won our Tour De France Contest
when the United States Postal Team (i.e. Lance Armstrong)
won several stages as well as the overall race. The
grand prize was a date for his sister with the Dauphin.
I wanted to take the time to report to you on that
fantasy evening.
Ivy's sister arrived across the Channel accompanied by
her guardian. He was introduced as Ivy, and he thanked
France for allowing him to chaperon his sister. It was
obvious that he was an impostor, but we did not wish to
embarrass the dear lady by revealing that we knew it.
Obviously Ivy was concern that his person would not be
safe in France. We were insulted by his distrust for our
word of honor, but choose not to let that spoil the
enchantment of the day.
After touring the many sights in Paris, the Dauphin took
the young lady to a dinner of our best French food and
wine. The Ivy impostor sat across the room with me and
we pretended that we were great friends. After a
delightful boat ride on the Seine, the lady was sent back
across the Channel armed with a French Cookbook, some
decent food supplies and several cases of wine. May she
eat well for months to come.
Unfortunately there was a mix up at the Port and the Ivy
impostor got on a boat destined for Syria. He seemed to
really like his new T-shirt that said "Down with Arabs,
Go ahead, make my day" in Arabic. We hear that he is
having a nice time. Perhaps Ali can go rescue, rather,
help him find his way home.
Again, I thank everyone for their participation in my
Tour de France game. We especially thank Ivy for
allowing us to be charmed for the day by his sister.
-- Prince Boar
Message from Germany to France
>
> Your best course of action may be to take the Russia
> centers for potential builds and replacements in case
> England does stab you. It also eliminates Russia from
> your back in case you must turn and fight England. But I
> would not help him take my centers until you are sure of
> him. In fact, you need units from somewhere to cover
> your backside. I suggest that you take that unit out of
> Burgundy. By moving to North Sea, he has not earned your
> support. Let him figure out how to fight me on his own.
Excellent point, all. Great minds must think alike. However, I think
I'm going to give Ivy the benefit of the doubt, this time.
I won't be entirely foolish though. I've seen some classic stabs, but
I've seen a lot more stabs just because someone left himself wide open.
I'm well aware that Holland and Denmark are sitting ducks. I'll have to
cover at least one. Then if I lose the other, I can still pick up STP.
Staying at the same number of units, with a French partner.
Fredd
Message from France to Germany
Fredd:
>However, I think I'm going to give Ivy the benefit of
>the doubt, this time. I won't be entirely foolish
>though. I've seen some classic stabs, but
>I've seen a lot more stabs just because someone left
>himself wide open. I'm well aware that Holland and
>Denmark are sitting ducks. I'll have to
>cover at least one. Then if I lose the other, I
>can still pick up STP. Staying at the same number
>of units, with a French partner.
Kind of bold assumption that you are making. You are
assuming that I will readily side with you after you have
just refused to back out of France and actively made
moves that would have helped England carve me up.
I can at least appreciate your candor. I owe you a
honest statement in return. While you have forces in
France, I will be unlikely to work with you. If Ivy
moves out of the MAO and you remain in Bur, I will be
forced to trust, perhaps side with, him until you are out
of France.
If you are not careful, he can easily take both Holland
and Denmark. Your single army in Ruhr and cannot prevent
both. Your armies in Prussia and Bohemia are too far
away. I realize that you could move Pru to Liv and Liv
to Bal, but if Russia moves War to Mos and Gal to War,
then you will not be able to take St. Petes.
I understand that you are probably a better tactician
than I and have an excellent plan. However, there is a
pretty good chance that you could be outguessed and net
minuse 1 center, if not 2. Ruhr -> Kie, Bur -> Ruh would
probably prevent you from losing two. You can always
move back into Bur once England moves out of the North
Sea. You are taking a big chance if you do not.
I admit that it is self interesting speaking for me. I
do want you out of France and want to improve my
defenses. However, I also do not want to see England
grow by two centers, even if it is at your expense and
not mine. Your expense is certainly better than mine,
but it still is not an ideal situation.
-- Prince Boar
Message from France to all
I accidentally deleted my last message from this game
without reading it. I respectfully ask whoever sent one
to me in the last couple of hours (Thursday AM) to resend
it. I apologize for my mistake.
France
Message from France to Germany
I figured out how to retreive the message. It was from
you. There is no reason to resend it now.
Sorry for any trouble.
France
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
>That would be the wrong interpretation.
Given that Diplomacy is ultimately such a selfish game, it is difficult to
be objective when reading between the lines.
I wrote, "One last consideration, ... What happens if Russia does build an
army in StP? ...
However, if I am in the North Sea ... Please send a brief response ... .
" When your response didn't mention North Sea, I took that to mean that
you were willing to indulge me. I had alternate moves prepared.
>I think that if it went in on a Spring move all hell would have broken loose.
Oh, yes. That would have been different.
>As it is I feel everything will be made all better if that fleet leaves
>NTH this turn (for points SE) I understand that that was your stated
>intention all along.
Absolutely. I feel a bit foolish, because the two reasons I had for the
move have vanished. France is not in Burgundy threatening Belgium anymore,
and Russia has no army in StP.
This spring Nth will go to either Belgium, as initially planned, or to the
Channel. Not sure which is better.
>However, I will be making moves to cover both HOL and DEN. This will
>slow down any advance that I make in the east. (Perhaps that was part
>of your plan?)
Not part of my plan. I didn't want equality by slowing you, I wanted
equality by accelerating me. You can see, even now, that the first French
center is still tricky.
I got a desperate memo from Russia. He said I am his only hope. He isn't
paying much attention, though, for he thinks that I have a build
coming. He also expects France to build a fleet in Marseilles, which to my
way of thinking is totally unrealistic.
France continues to ply his wiles nonstop. I will not succumb, and I think
he knows that. He is probably working on you just a hard.
Ivy
Message from England to all
PRESS RELEASE,
London
There appears to be no limit to English duplicity when it comes to dealings
with France.
Recently a report was published concerning a "fantasy evening" between my
sister and the Dauphin. The only correct word in that report was
"fantasy." At the time of the supposed meeting with the Dauphin and Prince
Boar my sister and I were on a sight-seeing excursion in the North Sea in
the company of the Emperor Fredd and his charming niece Princess
Wilhelmina. For you see, Sis was warned aforehand of the practices of
French royalty. Her taste is more towards that of the highly refined Teutons.
What then of this French fantasy? Who travelled from England to charm the
Dauphin? Why it was none other than that imposter, Queen Arabella, the
most delicious transvestite on either side of the Channel. "Bella" reports
that the Dauphin deported himself in the most atrocious manner, much to
his/her delight. She cannot wait for the next Tour de France and hopes
that that hunk Lance will once again bring the prize to Ivy. Perhaps we
will have another go in 2002. Bella can't wait.
Message from Turkey to Germany
Fredd,
An interesting turn. I assume you knew about England's move to Nth? Now that
the south is much more secure from Turkey's perspective, I'll be turning my
thoughts to an invasion of southern Russia. Are you still on board for an
anti-Russian campaign?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts,
Ali
Message from Germany to France
Boar:
I like the different possibilities that you give for my spring
moves.
Keep them coming if you see anything else. I looked at the fall moves
and immediately phased in my orders for the spring. Naturally I can't
tell you what they are. I suspect that I won't be changing them before
they process.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
> He also expects France to build a fleet in Marseilles, which to my
> way of thinking is totally unrealistic.
I wonder. Why did France disband then. To build an army in the same
place that he could retreat into? Probably. He's got nothing better
to do.
>
> France continues to ply his wiles nonstop. I will not succumb,
> and I think he knows that. He is probably working on you just a
> hard.
You got that right. The level of French press that I've received has
gone up. (Because of the fleet in NTH)
I've flat out told him that I'm sticking with you. Unless the fleet
doesn't leave the North Sea. (In the right direction)
Fredd
Message from Germany to Turkey
Ali:
I'm afraid that I didn't know about the move to NTH. Ivy tried hard
and long to convince me of that moves merits. But I never thought it
was a good idea. Unfortunately, Ivy went anyway. Now I have to make
some covering moves.
My anti-Russian campaign might have to wait a turn. I need to make
sure that that fleet leaves the North Sea.
Fredd
Message from Germany to England
Ivy:
Naturally everyone is interested in knowing if I knew about your fleet
entering the North Sea ahead of time. I'm telling the truth, but I'm
embellishing a bit. Perhaps this will sew confusion in their ranks.
Fredd
Message from France to Germany and Russia
Thank you for resending your notes. I did find a way to
recover the deleted message. But I do appreciate your
taking the time to resend your messages.
France
Message from England to Germany
Fredd,
>I wonder. Why did France disband then. To build an army in the same
>place that he could retreat into? Probably.
Sure. He's clever. This way we have fewer days to analyze tactics. We
have to think about a retreat to Marseilles or a retreat to Paris. Surely,
though, he will retreat to Paris.
>I've flat out told him that I'm sticking with you. Unless the fleet
>doesn't leave the North Sea. (In the right direction)
I have said the same thing. In response to his inquiry I told him the two
reasons why I did it (worry about a Russian army & need to support
Belgium), but I didn't mention how sensitive the issue was between us.
Right now, I feel that I "owe" you something. I will make any reasonable
set of moves that you choose that (1) moves the fleet in Nth to the south
and (2) advances our cause in France.
One way:
Nth->Channel
Channel->Pic, supported by Belgium & perhaps Burgundy
Another way:
Nth->Bel
Bel->Pic, supported by Channel & Burgundy
In the latter case, support from Burgundy may be essential, because Brest
could cut Channel support.
Let me know if you like either of these or have other ideas.
You have probably noticed that Ruhr is free for defensive purposes. I will
not be insulted if you move it to Holland. On the other hand, be alert if
Italy builds an army in Venice. If he does that, his new army will move to
Tyrolia.
Italy has not responded lately. If he chooses to aid France, then I expect
Port & WesMed to bounce in Spain. I could consider the surprise Mao supp
Wes->Spain. That would cause France and Italy some grief. The other
possibility is that Italy will join us in attacking France. He may
actually request a support against Spain. In this case I may temporarily
go along, but between you and me I still consider all of France my
territory -- with Norway going to you, etc. The old plan is still viable.
Cordially,
Ivy
Message from Germany to England
> but between you and me I still consider all of France my
> territory -- with Norway going to you, etc. The old plan is still
> viable.
That is still my plan also.
As for Burgundy, don't count on any support from it. Like I said before
you moved into the North Sea. I'll have to make some covering moves.
Even though we're on pretty good footing, I'm still going to make those
moves.
I can't tell you what Burgundy will do, but it won't be able to support
you. and it won't attack or support an attack on Belgium.
Ruhr will not be available either. Nor will it attack or support an
attack on Belgium.
If everything works out, I'm planning on having these units return to
their current positions. We will lose a year. There's no way around
that, now.
I've seen way too many stabs where, the first move gets made and the
stabbie makes no counter move. Then the 2nd move is the one that goes
for the throat. I don't believe that you plan a 2nd move, but I will
be prepared nonetheless.
Fredd
Message from England to Germany
>As for Burgundy, don't count on any support from it. Like I said before
>you moved into the North Sea. I'll have to make some covering moves.
>Even though we're on pretty good footing,
Thank you.
>I'm still going to make those moves.
I'll have to live with it. I guess it is my turn to be disappointed.
>I've seen way too many stabs where, the first move gets made and the
>stabbie makes no counter move. Then the 2nd move is the one that goes
>for the throat. I don't believe that you plan a 2nd move, but I will
>be prepared nonetheless.
Fair enough.
One question (a rhetorical question I guess, no need to reply), would any
player of quality have made the move I did in this position with the
intention to stab? I think it would be suicide.
I don't want to debate this, so let me finish with a restatement. I can
live with whatever you do. You are my ally. France is not, and never
will be.
Ivy
Message from England to all
Apparently my modem troubles are over.
Some of you know that I have not had a reliable modem at home in the
evening. After half a year of trouble I finally discovered that the modem
failed precisely when a halogen lamp in the next room was turned on.
Curiously, the modem is unaffected by an identical lamp two feet from the
computer.
Ivy
Message from England to Germany
It occurs to me to request, if it is not already too late, that you not
tell France of your intention not to support me this turn. That
information could simplify France's defence considerably.
Ivy
Message from France to all
Good Neighbors in Europe:
Le Dauphin here. My brother and I have been debating
whether we simple ignore the most recent atrocity of a
broadcast by the English or whether we need to respond.
On one hand we do not want to justify it with a response,
but on the other, my honor requires that we do respond.
It should be obvious to anyone who knows us that Ivy's
message was a fallacy. I of course treated the woman on
the Tour de France date as a perfect gentleman would. A
simply kiss on the back of the hand in greeting was the
only contact between us.
Prince Boar insists that I handle this one.
Unfortunately I am not as eloquent as he. Therefore I
can only offer this little song or poem.
My baloney has a first name
Its I - I - V - V - Y
My baloney has a second name
Its W - I - N - G - O
Oh I love to read it every day
And if you ask me why I'll say
Because Ivy Wingo has a way with
B - O - L - O - N - G - A
Le DAUPHIN
Message from England to all
>My baloney has a first name
>Its I - I - V - V - Y
What a hoot!! My wife's maiden name is M - A - Y - E - R, and this ditty
is much too well known in our household. [I don't think you can get my
I.D. from my wife's maiden name.]
Ivy
Message from Turkey to Germany
Fredd,
I'm surprised that the move to Nth was made without your foreknowledge. From
my communication with Ivy, I had the impression all was well with GE alliance.
For what it is worth, I have urged him not to rock the EG boat; indeed, I had
been hoping that you and I could begin to cooperate openly this year.
In any case, as negotiations for the spring move unfold, I hope we can stay in
close contact regarding our eastern endeavours.
Regards,
Ali
Message [from Russia] to all
Just a reminder, this period of silence is brought
to you to allow you to submit your 1903 EoY to the
Master.
Message [from Turkey] to all
> Just a reminder, this period of silence is brought
> to you to allow you to submit your 1903 EoY to the
> Master.
Since this doesn't seem to have been sent by Doug,
the literal translation seems to be "I can't WAIT
to find out what you were really thinking, you
bloody idiot!"
Austria: REMOVE Army Vienna
France: BUILD Fleet Marseilles
Italy: BUILD Army Venice
Turkey: BUILD Army Ankara
Centers
Austria: 3
England: 5
France: 5
Germany: 6
Italy: 6
Russia: 3
Turkey: 6
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