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Austria: Removes 1 unit
France: Builds 1 unit
Italy: Builds 1 unit
Turkey: Builds 1 unit
Message from Master to all
Okay -- our absent player has a winter adjustment, so I'm extending
the deadline until Monday.
Doug
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
>I just chickened out. I had you, Italy and Austria all asking different
>things of A Ser. I knew that whatever I did, I'd piss off two out of
>three.
No, had you told me that you felt you had to
support Italy, I would have argued against it, but
I would have accepted it and adjusted. Lying to me,
left me screwed, though.
>I decided that it would be best for Turkey to keep
>Italy on the friendly side, and I acted with purely selfish motivations.
I disagree with your conclusion, but I understand
your motivation.
>I tried to sell you on the Vie plan, which it turns out would have worked.
Yes, but Ser S Gal-Bud would have worked, too,
against both Vie S Bud, and Bud S Vie-Tri.
>In retrospect, I should have had the balls to tell you I couldn't support
>your attack,
Yes, you should have known that I wouldn't work
with Austria, so you'd lose nothing by being honest
with me.
>in the spring, you didn't do what I expected. If you had, we could have
>bounced in Sev and you'd have been
>guaranteed a build without worrying about Bud.
That assumes that Austria wouldn't order Ukr S
Bla-Sev, just to screw me over. It also would have
left me with zero growth potential.
>I would still rather see you in Bud than Austria or Italy.
I'm going to lose StP next year, unless I can manage
War-Mos, Gal-War next Spring, and I'm likely to lose War
as well. I don't see myself playing in Austria in 1904.
>I don't blame you for being angry, I handled that badly and I know it.
I'm not so much angry as I am disappointed.
Nick.
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 France to Turkey
Ali:
Congratulations on your success. I imagine that Russia
is upset with you, but keeping Italy happy was probably
more important to you. You probably will be building an
moving your Army form Smyrna to Armenia to prevent
Austrian backside sneak into Turkey. I wonder if you can
afford to not build at least one more fleet for defense.
It is probably a sticky point between you and Italy. But
at some time you will need it.
Do you have a spin on England's occupation of the North
Sea? He has yet to comment on it to me.
My position is about the same as it always was. Germany
refuses to pull back, even with England in the North Sea.
He still plans to go for centers in Russia and France.
England is either very ingenious in that he has the
perfect stab. He moved towards and sold it as not being
a stab or else his move completely backfired in that it
did not slow Germany down, but just created bad will.
What do you hear about it?
-- 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 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 Italy
Roberto,
Once again, a good result. I hope you are as happy with it as I am. I will
be building an army in either Con or Ank, and expect a fleet in either Rom or
Nap. Russia is quite displeased with me, as I expected. I hope and trust
that you and I will go forward in cooperation, to the ultimate demise of both
Austria and Russia.
England's move to Nth was interesting, wasn't it? Apparently Germany isn't
too concerned about it, though of course Den might be beckoning. England has
been trying to get me to query you about your intentions in France, and to
urge you in favor of EI taking France out, rather than your helping France
fend him off. If you could give me something to tell Ivy, it might help glean
information on what Nth is up to. Whether or not that reflects your actual
intention is of course up to you; either way I hope you'll pass along
something for me to tell him.
Please don't hesitate to write with any thoughts.
Ali
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 Turkey to England
Ivy,
Well as you can see I've gone pro-Italian. I'm sure that Austria and Russia
are both pretty displeased; I know Russia is at least. I've begun querying
Italy on his intentions in France, and will let you know what I get from him.
Although, he doesn't write nearly as much as I'd like. I definitely haven't
been getting that warm & fuzzy feeling I've come to expect from a strong ally.
Your move to Nth was definitely the most interesting move of the season. I'm
sure everyone is curious about your intentions regarding it. If there is
anything you'd like me to pass along to Italy, please let me know.
Regards,
Ali
Message from England to Turkey
Ali,
>Well as you can see I've gone pro-Italian.
You had me guessing; I really didn't know what you were going to do.
> I'm sure that Austria and Russia
>are both pretty displeased; I know Russia is at least.
Russia calls me his last hope, but I cannot help him. I don't want any war
with Germany while France is so strong. Austria hasn't written at all. I
think this will effectively be a 5-person game before too long.
> I've begun querying
>Italy on his intentions in France, and will let you know what I get from him.
>Although, he doesn't write nearly as much as I'd like. I definitely haven't
>been getting that warm & fuzzy feeling I've come to expect from a strong ally.
Roberto and I used to write a lot. Now that he and I are in close
proximity, he says little. Is it possible that he is the person who is out
of town?
>Your move to Nth was definitely the most interesting move of the season. I'm
>sure everyone is curious about your intentions regarding it.
Reason #1: there would have been hell to pay if Russia had been able to
build an army in StP and I were not in the North Sea. His army would have
skipped all over Scandinavia, starting with Norway.
Reason #2: as long as Ruhr had to protect Belgium, the EG land attack was
stymied.
Both reasons have vanished, and Germany pointedly tells me I need to move
the fleet back.
> If there is anything you'd like me to pass along to Italy, please let
> me know.
My message to Italy is that I have never heard of any Italy prospering
without the demise of either Turkey or France. You can't quite say the
same thing to him, of course 8-) Certainly it is France that I want
Italy to attack. Of course, you will decide for yourself whether you wish
France or England to prosper and advise Italy accordingly.
Let me take this opportunity to state the obvious. As "witches" you and I
rarely come into conflict and we have the potential to manage affairs to
our mutual benefit. If France, Russia, and Austria disappeared, we would
have Germany and Italy between us. Folks pretend to be annoyed with the
"steadfast" EG alliance, but deep down everyone knows it cannot last forever.
Ivy Wingo
Message from Turkey to England
Ivy,
> You had me guessing; I really didn't know what you were going to do.
I was fairly torn, but in the end I thought it was more prudent to keep
Italy on the friendly side. I gave serious thought to supporting Austria
and holding onto Greece, but I decided this wasn't the time to get greedy
for one extra build. Not with so much riding on it.
> Russia calls me his last hope, but I cannot help him. I don't want any
war
> with Germany while France is so strong. Austria hasn't written at all.
I
> think this will effectively be a 5-person game before too long.
I hope so. I'll admit that from a purely selfish perspective, I wouldn't
mind seeing EG hold on a bit longer. At least, long enough for Germany to
make my life easier in Russia. I don't know if that's in line with EI
cooperation in France, though, but only you and he know about that for sure.
> Roberto and I used to write a lot. Now that he and I are in close
> proximity, he says little. Is it possible that he is the person who is
out
> of town?
I hadn't thought of that, but even during this last year I didn't really
hear from him as much as I expected to. At least what he does write seems
to be meaningful, if not plentiful. Still, when one embarks on a close
alliance, one likes to hear from the ally on a regular basis. It seems
you've had the same problem with Germany, so I'm sure you know what I mean.
> Both reasons have vanished, and Germany pointedly tells me I need to move
> the fleet back.
I don't doubt it. He's surely worried about Denmark right now. Just as
you'd need to worry about Norway if a Russian (or German) army were in StP.
> My message to Italy is that I have never heard of any Italy prospering
> without the demise of either Turkey or France.
I'm sure this is Roberto's thought as well. At least, if you amend it to
say "the demise [in favor of Italy] of either Turkey or France." France's
demise is a bad thing if he doesn't get in on the feast, and a good thing if
he does. And hence the fleet in WMS.
> You can't quite say the
> same thing to him, of course 8-)
Sure I can. Well, the France part at least.
> Certainly it is France that I want
> Italy to attack. Of course, you will decide for yourself whether you wish
> France or England to prosper and advise Italy accordingly.
On the one hand, it's in my favor for France to be strong so that Italy has
fleet pressure on the other side. On the other hand, that's not as big a
need if I don't have any fleets myself, and France is in no position to do
so in any case. At the moment I'm embarked on a land-based course; clearly,
I need someone on the board to balance Italy in fleets, and I'm counting on
that someone to be you.
If I were in a strong RT, I'd probably be rooting for France. At the
moment, though, my biggest hope is just that Italy dosn't become overheated
if he gains too much from France, a concern I'm confident you share. Be
that as it may, it's in my best interest to have Italy looking for gains in
France, so that he doesn't end up with too much of Austria (and, naturally,
build armies to support such holdings).
> Let me take this opportunity to state the obvious. As "witches" you and I
> rarely come into conflict and we have the potential to manage affairs to
> our mutual benefit. If France, Russia, and Austria disappeared, we would
> have Germany and Italy between us. Folks pretend to be annoyed with the
> "steadfast" EG alliance, but deep down everyone knows it cannot last
forever.
You're reading my mind, pal, reading my mind. =) Likewise, Turkey cannot
live forever with only one fleet. I'm sure Roberto has reflected on this,
and hence his less-than-wholehearted embrace of the IT. But if you and I
can both stay strong through the mid-game, we'll have many opportunities for
mutually beneficial cooperation.
As always, it was good to hear from you. It sounds like we're thinking
along much the same lines.
Best regards,
Ali
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 England to Turkey
Ali,
>but I decided this wasn't the time to get greedy
>for one extra build. Not with so much riding on it.
I concluded some time ago that there was no great advantage in an extra
center or two early in this game. No one will be permitted to run away
with a cheap victory. Of course it would be nice to have enough centers to
guarantee survival ! I suspect that Russia and Austria have fallen below
that threshold.
>I hope so. I'll admit that from a purely selfish perspective, I wouldn't
>mind seeing EG hold on a bit longer.
It would be crazy for me to change course right now. With Germany in
Burgundy and Italy in the Wes Med something interesting is bound to happen
this year.
>I don't know if that's in line with EI cooperation in France, though, but
>only you and he know about that for sure.
No, only Italy knows. It is something that I want, but Roberto has not
replied to my message.
>You're reading my mind, pal, reading my mind. =) Likewise, Turkey cannot
>live forever with only one fleet. I'm sure Roberto has reflected on this,
>and hence his less-than-wholehearted embrace of the IT. But if you and I
>can both stay strong through the mid-game, we'll have many opportunities for
>mutually beneficial cooperation.
It's nice to be able to talk someone whose interests don't conflict with
yours and whose communications aren't forever suspect because of previous
lies. It's much tougher dealing with neighbors.
Yours,
Ivy
Message from Russia to Austria, Italy, and Turkey
Archduke,
>Austria: 3 Supply centers, 4 Units: Removes 1 unit.
>Italy: 6 Supply centers, 5 Units: Builds 1 unit.
>Russia: 3 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 0 units.
>Turkey: 6 Supply centers, 5 Units: Builds 1 unit.
Disband your Army in Sevastopol. If you do not I will
give Sev to Turkey, and we will destroy your Army there
in the Spring. I will then return to Galicia, and do
everything in my power to make sure that you are
eliminated before I am, up to and including supporting
Italian and Turkish attacks on your Home Centers. You
might consider this an idle threat, but remember that
if I promise something to an ally, I keep my word, and
I remain allied with Italy and Turkey.
Czar Nicholas II.
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 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 Italy
Roberto,
It appears as if the game is about to get rolling again. I'd very much like
to hear from you at your earliest convenience with your thoughts on the coming
year.
I have entered a build order for A Ank. Obviously my exact plans for spring
will depend on what Austria disbands, but either way I hope to take Sev this
year and get you into Bud.
Write when you get a chance,
Ali
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 Turkey to England
Ivy,
Well, hopefully we're about to get going again with the spring move. I'm sure
my build will not surprise anybody. I'll be watching closely to see where F
Nth goes; last I heard from Germany was that his anti-Russian efforts might be
delayed while he worries about Nth. I have no specific information about
what, if anything, he plans to do differently. Clearly, he can't get too
belligerent with you, lest you decide to just take Denmark.
I've asked Roberto twice now what he plans regarding France, but still no
reply. It may be that he was the one who was away. Hopefully I'll hear
*something* from him soon.
I did get a strange press from Russia to AIT, demanding the disband of A Sev
and claiming that Russia is still an ally of IT. I found this terribly
surprising, given Russia's extreme... disappointment... with my fall choices.
Hope all is well in your neck of the woods,
Ali
Message from Italy to Turkey
I just returned and am trying desparately to catch up (both personal and
work related issues).
I got your message about building a fleet and that's what I had intended to
build but looking at the map, I'm thinking an army might have some practical
purposes - namely Tyrolia or Piedmont (France has requested Ven-Pie). I'm
assuming France disbanded so that he could build a fleet in Marseilles.
That hopefully will be enough to keep England at bay for the time being
until I can get more fleets west (quickly if Austria disbands Aegean).
Would you be completely opposed to army Venice being built this phase
perhaps with an eye to acquiring Vienna instead of Budapest?
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
I would not be completely opposed to an Italian army build, though I can't
deny I would feel more comfortable with a fleet. Part of the balance of power
we had discussed was that you would be dominant at sea, while I would focus on
land. However, I do appreciate your need to not only acquire centers, but be
able to hold them as well.
In any case, the most important factor is that we continue to cooperate. An
additional Italian army would be very useful in the effort to take down
Austria. Whether you build an army or fleet, though, I'd still prefer an
emphasis on Bud rather than Vie, for tactical reasons. Bud is in a crucial
strategic position, and I'd rather not see it fall to Russia.
Regards,
Ali
Message from Italy to Turkey
>
> Part of the balance of power we had discussed was that you
> would be dominant at sea, while I would focus on land.
>
I know and that's why I came very close to entering a phased fleet build
before I left but my quick glance at the map showed a glaring hole in
Tyrolia as well as a possible opportunity in Piedmont to either prop France
up or move to GOL and get involved offensively. Decided it was best to wait
until I got back to discuss it with you.
>
> In any case, the most important factor is that we continue to
> cooperate.
>
You have my complete pledge of cooperation.
> An additional Italian army would be very useful in the effort to
> take down Austria.
True if I can get it to Tyrolia. Not knowing what Austria will disband (I'm
hoping for the fleet but Russia's message may influence his decision), an
army becomes more flexible for me. With a Naples fleet build, I'm having
trouble envisioning how I stop Vie s Boh - Tyr which causes me to get an
ulcer each time I look at the map.
> Whether you build an army or fleet, though, I'd still prefer an
> emphasis on Bud rather than Vie, for tactical reasons. Bud
> is in a crucial strategic position, and I'd rather not see it
> fall to Russia.
>
This makes sense and I understand that. My hesitation with Budapest is
that's not the direction I want to be moving my units. Do you see Bud-Vie
the following year with you taking up residence in Budapest? I could live
with that scenario as ultimately I see Budapest being Turkish property.
Life is Beautiful,
Roberto
Message from Turkey to Italy
Roberto,
It sounds like we're thinking along much the same lines. Your army build has
my blessings. I certainly would agree to Bud-Vie next year, with me moving
into Bud. I hadn't really gotten that far in my planning yet, since what will
happen in France is such a big question mark. I figured the division of
spoils in Austria would depend on the presence or absense of spoils in France.
The bottom line is that as long as we're cooperating in the field, and
maintaining an even growth rate, then I'm happy. Go ahead and build the army;
no matter what Austria disbands it will give us numerous opportunities.
How is your relationship with Russia? He's still pretty testy with me, I
don't think I can count on anything from him this year. However, he should
bear no grudge to you. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on which way
he'll jump.
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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