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France: Builds 2 units
Italy: Removes 1 unit
Russia: Builds 3 units
Turkey: Removes 1 unit
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
Congratulations on all fronts!!!!!!
You not only took Holland and opened up Warsaw for the build, but
England exposed Scandinavia to you!
Your top priority should be to take St. Petes so that you can build
fleets as soon as possible! I know as France I should not be pushing
that, but as your friend and ally I should encourage you to do so.
I know that England is gambling that you will leave him alone. But soon
you will be bigger than he is. You are only one center short right
now. And you will build in an accelerated fashion as time progresses.
Thank you for not siding with England. I appreciate it and it means
that things are soon looking up for you (did you put on thos sun
glasses?). Take Scandinavia and you will be up to 10 centers!!
--Xavier
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
My apologies. I looked at my position, and my situation, and the
board situation, and concluded that I could not afford to attack
France this year. Doing so would have required War-Sil, and have
risked my effective elimination by Mos or Gal-War, Nwy-Swe,
Hol S Den-Kie. It would also have doomed me to an almost
exclusively supporting role in your battle with France, in the event
you didn't stab.
France believes that I'm committed to coming in second to his
solo, but I still hope that a draw is possible, and I'm willing to
look for ways that we can accomplish that, if you're still interested.
Nick.
Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
> Congratulations on all fronts!!!!!!
Yes, I really didn't expect things to go that smoothly.
> Your top priority should be to take St. Petes so that you can build
> fleets as soon as possible!
I'm inclined to agree.
> Thank you for not siding with England. I appreciate it and it means
> that things are soon looking up for you (did you put on those sun
> glasses?). Take Scandinavia and you will be up to 10 centers!!
Could I interest you in pulling back from Munich? (It can't hurt to
ask, and it would add to my security.)
Nick.
Message from France to all
1908 Symposium on Philosophy, Europe and
Everything.
- by Prince Xavier Boar
[Hello, this is Allan C. The reason that there was no
seminar last year is that there was simply no
commentators. With Baseball, Football, Hockey, and
Basketball all going on at the same time, the ESPN crew
were too busy. So the organizers finally got a bright
idea. If ESPN can hire retired sport stars, that they
should look for retired stars of diplomacy. I do not
know much about philosophy, but the former commentators
assure me that Prince Boar really does not either. He
cannot even spell Buddha correctly!]
[Here is the non censored part of the State of the Union
Speech. Quite entertaining if you like social fiction.
Get it, I said social as opposed to science! Oh forget,
I will leave the comedy to the players in this game!]
My dear French citizens. It seems like deja vu. We are
again at war with England. And although our resources
seem greater than the last time, we still have about the
same number of forces defending the homeland. And yet
England is larger than he was before.
We expect the same type of war, with England nipping at
our edges trying to wear us down. This time the Dauphin
hopes to avoid casualties to French citizens by taking a
more conservative approach. We are less desperate,
therefore we must treat French lives as the dear
treasures that they are. But we will always remember the
sacrifice made by our lads in Burgundy in the year 1903.
No matter what happens, we assure you that we will not be
betrayed by Ivy a third time.
[Isn't the intention of any type of fiction to be
entertaining? How did I get myself into this gig?
Besides, I am English and I take offense to... Oops, I
forgot that my contract does not allow me to reveal my
identity. I am just Allan C., anonymous commentator.]
[Here is the philosophy portion of the seminar.]
Philosophy
This years lesson is on the philosophy of Voltaire. He
was often called the Laughing Philosopher. I chose to
speak of him because laughter can help us get through
these difficult times. Probably no philosopher ever
understood better the health-restoring role of laughter
in our lives. It has been suggested that his laughter
might have been his greatest contribution to his and
every age.
All of Voltaire's satirical work was an attack upon those
who took themselves too seriously, politicians, kings,
priests, axe grinders, etc., to those to who considered
other people's ideas as being obviously wrong and stupid.
He is one of the most quote philosopher with such
insights as "think for yourself and let others enjoy the
same privilege"; "It is only charlatans who are certain";
and "common sense is not so common". The latter Ivy was
trying to tell me just a short while ago.
In times of trouble or strife, may we all follow his
example and find laughter to be the antidote.
[Yes indeed, Voltaire spent his life attacking those who
belittled the beliefs and opinions of others. This was
Allan C. and now I am out of here!]
Message from France to all
Sorry for my silence this weekend. I have been busy and
even had to send messages from a different account. But
I can tell you that if you have children, Monsters Inc.
is a cute movie. It was a bit scarier than I thought it
would be, but all the kids did seem to like it. So if
you ever wondered where those monsters in your closet
came from ......
France
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
>Could I interest you in pulling back from Munich?
I have not yet even studied the board. I can certainly consider it.
Giving you peace of mind is important. But so is not leaving a gap
hole in my defenses. Perhaps it will help if you tell me what you are
worried that A Munich might do? Taking Berlin last year was NEVER an
option. I need a strong Russia behind England.
We will talk soon. My adjustments are in.
--Prince Boar
Message from England to all
Prince Boar,
You have one last chance. If you (1) pull back your armies from Germany,
(2) agree to neutralize the Mid-Atlantic, (3) return Italy to the Italians,
(4) and especially apologize openly to Russia, Turkey, and Italy for trying
to make saps out of them, then and only then I might, just might, let you live.
Ivy
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
>My apologies.
Unnecessary and irrelevant. Let's go forward.
>France believes that I'm committed to coming in second to his
>solo, but I still hope that a draw is possible, and I'm willing to
>look for ways that we can accomplish that, if you're still interested.
France is becoming smug. After the last moves he referred to "my victory"
and tried to appeal to my pride to get me to revenge myself on you. The
message boiled down to this: since he was going to win, I might as well
get some satisfaction by attacking you. I will not do it. That kind of
play is for losers. France wins only if one of us let's him win.
A draw is easy, but even at this level players may lack the will. A 5-way
could be forced on France, but I doubt that Italy will hear of it. A 4-way
is also possible if we let/help Italy finish Turkey. A FRI 3-way is not
possible, because the Austrian/Balkan centers that France is certain to
get, plus the English centers that I could hand over, would easily put
France over the top.
What is required is will. The Vietnamese knew they could outlast the
Americans, because we did not have the will for a longer fight. The
Taliban believe the same, and they are probably right. Quitting when
things are not easy is frequently an American characteristic. How easy it
would be to stop the French solo; we just have to decide to do it and stick
with it.
So, what about tactics? For starters I can easily fill Nao, Iri, and Eng
with three fleets. It will be impossible to take Mao, because France will
build a fleet in Marseilles and move it to Spain in the spring.
You need Warsaw->Silesia in the spring and possibly Mos->War, although Mos
supp Ukr->Sev may be helpful, depending on Turkey's destroy. Does Italy
write to you?
Where we really hurt is in Belgium. We should have had your fleet in Nth
to protect Belgium, but it's not there. France will force an army into
Picardy in the spring in order to take Belguim in the fall. I see one way
to save Belgium: Kiel->Berlin and Denmark->Kiel. Then we triple-attack
Munich in the fall. France will lose Munich if he takes Belgium. In fact,
with Bel->Ruh we can guarantee Munich if we think that is more important
than Belgium.
Ivy
Message from France to all
>Broadcast message from England in 'titleist':
>You have one last chance. If you (1) pull back your
>armies from Germany,
>(2) agree to neutralize the Mid-Atlantic,
>(3) return Italy to the Italians,
>(4) and especially apologize openly to Russia, Turkey,
>and Italy for trying to make saps out of them,
I was prepared to agree unilaterally to all your
terms until I read the last. For I believe them,
like you, to be good chaps who make their decisions
based on their perspectives. Who am I to tell them (or
you) that they are wrong :-)
>then and only then I might, just might, let you live.
:-) :-)
I guess that I am done for then! :-)
Since you brightened my morning with your humor, let me
try to repay you.
Why did Black Beard go broke?
Because he had to get his pirate crew's ears pierced and
it cost him a Buck-an-ear! :-)
--Prince Boar
PS: This does not mean that I am cheering for the
Buccaneers today. Go Packers (and Steelers ;-)!
Message from England to Russia
Nick,
I thought this might amuse you. Fredd is still out there.
Ivy
>Message from Germany to England in 'titleist':
>
>
>I wouldn't hold your breath on this one. He's got the game won, and he
> knows it. You can't complain though, you had your chance. (I'm
>referring to when he was sitting wide open to you) He's playing for the
>win and you didn't.
>
>Looks like your fears at the beginning of the game were well founded.
>Boar is the master. He has Russia and Italy just handing him the game.
>Nick might be a moron, but you have to give credit to France for using
>him well.
>
>Fredd
Message from Russia to France
Xavier, My Friend,
> >Could I interest you in pulling back from Munich?
>
> Giving you peace of mind is important. But so is not leaving a gap
> hole in my defenses. Perhaps it will help if you tell me what you are
> worried that A Munich might do? Taking Berlin last year was
> NEVER an option. I need a strong Russia behind England.
Last year wasn't a concern, but by 1910, it might be an option for you,
and I'd prefer to avoid the temptation. 8-) Even if I take Mun, Ruh,
and Bel, and that seems unlikely, your defenses will remain secure. A
move to Bur, or Tyl, both make sense for Mun, I think.
Nick.
Message from Russia to England
Ivy,
> >My apologies.
>
> Unnecessary and irrelevant. Let's go forward.
Well, since my stab was, in part, based on my concern that you intended
to eliminate me, and that concern was misplaced, an apology is appropriate,
in my view, but I am certainly prepared to go forward.
> France is becoming smug. After the last moves he referred to "my victory"
> and tried to appeal to my pride to get me to revenge myself on you. The
> message boiled down to this: since he was going to win, I might as well
> get some satisfaction by attacking you. I will not do it. That kind of
> play is for losers. France wins only if one of us let's him win.
Yes, he clearly hopes that ER conflict will give him the time he needs to
win
in the Med against IT. Hopefully, by playing up my alliance with him, we
can use his overconfidence against him.
> A draw is easy, but even at this level players may lack the will.
I have still seen no evidence that Turkey is doing anything other than
entering orders and waiting to be eliminated, and that's unfortunate,
since he can still build much needed southern Fleets.
> So, what about tactics? For starters I can easily fill Nao, Iri, and Eng
> with three fleets. It will be impossible to take Mao, because France
> will build a fleet in Marseilles and move it to Spain in the spring.
> Where we really hurt is in Belgium. We should have had your fleet in
> Nth to protect Belgium, but it's not there. France will force an army
> into Picardy in the spring in order to take Belgium in the fall.
I agree that France will build F Mar, but I don't think he can force Pic
and defend MAO this spring. Bre S WMed-MAO is needed to bounce
NAO S ECh-MAO, so he has a strength two attack on Pic which can
be bounced by ECh S Bel-Pic. If we combine this with my asking
France to support Hol-Bel, and you retreat to Nth, we'll have five Fleets
to defend your Home Centers.
> to save Belgium: Kiel->Berlin and Denmark->Kiel. Then we triple-attack
> Munich in the fall. France will lose Munich if he takes Belgium. In
fact,
> with Bel->Ruh we can guarantee Munich if we think that is more important
> than Belgium.
I've asked France to pull back from Munich; we'll have to see what he
says. I think we can establish a stalemate defense against France in the
north, by continuing my "playing for 2nd place" alliance with France for
another year. I've already gotten him to agree that the English Centers
should go to me, since he has the solo potential in the Med, so we ought
to be able to establish our defense.
> Mos supp Ukr->Sev may be helpful, depending on Turkey's destroy.
> Does Italy write to you?
Occasionally. I'm going to write to him and the worthless Turk suggesting
disbands. I'd like to take Sev this year, if at all possible, to increase
the
STL alliance Fleet strength in the south.
> >Message from Germany to England in 'titleist':
> >
> >Looks like your fears at the beginning of the game were well founded.
> >Boar is the master. He has Russia and Italy just handing him the game.
> >Nick might be a moron, but you have to give credit to France for using
> >him well.
Well, he's right that Boar is a master, (certainly one of the 1700+ players,
quite probably Roger Yonkoski), and he did solo in the semi-finals. (I know
this because I listed France first on my preference list, and Russia 2nd.)
It's
also nice to know that Fredd thinks as highly of me as I do of him, though,
of course, my opinion is accurate, while his is mistaken. ;^} Had Fredd
devoted his attention to eliminating France, rather than trying to take StP,
we wouldn't be in this situation, now. Ah well...
In alliance,
Nick.
Message from Russia to Italy
Idalia,
It's hard to say what the Turkey is thinking, but if I were him, I'd
disband
A Sev, hoping that you and I would bounce trying to take it. I'd therefore
like to propose that you disband A Ukr. If we're going to stop the French
Solo, you'll need Fleets in EMed and Aeg, and you should probably mount
a defense of Austria, while I attack Turkey from behind. What do you
think?
Nick.
Message from Russia to Turkey
Ali,
Might I suggest that you disband A Sev? Since I'm not sure what you're
trying to do at this point, I can't really offer advice, but if you write, I
will
respond.
Nick.
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
Did Ivy call you a sap or am I misreading his message?
He was probably just frustrated when he wrote it. But he
cannot blame you for wanting growth and security. And
just because you do not see things as he does, does not
mean that your way of looking at things is wrong.
I am pinned down in the Atlantic, you have 3-4 centers
within easy reach. Your moves makes sense to me, even
if I was not completely biased! :-)
I strongly urge you to build Army Warsaw :-) :-)
You might want to consider moving Mos -> St. P -> Fin and
War -> X -> St. P. Just be careful not to get
bounced and remain in Moscow in the fall. You want it
open for a build.
Have your heard from Italy or Turkey? I never did hear
from Turkey so I felt that he would not help us against
England, hence the best thing seemed to be to eliminate
him so that he no longer was harassing you.
--Xavier
Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
> Did Ivy call you a sap or am I misreading his message?
No, he accused you of trying to make me a sap, which is
slightly different. 8-) Fredd did call me a moron in a letter
to Ivy, though, which I found amusing, since it was his
decision that taking StP was more important than eliminating
you, that put us in this situation, and since he has, once
again, looked at the surface and completely missed the
underlying significance of the situation.
> He was probably just frustrated when he wrote it. But he
> cannot blame you for wanting growth and security. And
> just because you do not see things as he does, does not
> mean that your way of looking at things is wrong.
Given my, "Ivy, are you insane?" Broadcast after F1907B,
I thought his implication that I would be a sap for listening
to you rather restrained, actually. 8-)
> I am pinned down in the Atlantic, you have 3-4 centers
> within easy reach. Your moves makes sense to me, even
> if I was not completely biased! :-)
Yes, I've spent most of this game begging Ivy for assistance,
and I've gotten it only when it was convenient for him, I thought
the time had come to equalize our forces.
> I strongly urge you to build Army Warsaw :-) :-)
Gee, I don't know, a fourth Unit might inspire an EIT coalition
to contain the Russian threat... ;^}
> You might want to consider moving Mos -> St. P -> Fin
> and War -> X -> St. P. Just be careful not to get
> bounced and remain in Moscow in the fall. You want it
> open for a build.
My moves, in large part, are going to depend on Turkish and
Italian disbands. I can't afford to move North with my full
strength if I'm facing A Sev, A Ukr, and A Gal.
> Have you heard from Italy or Turkey?
Not since F1907B, and F1906M respectively. I sent them
both notes today.
Your Friend,
(Who can't believe Mariano Rivera blew the save in Game 7. *sob*
What is that guy, human or something???)
Nick.
Message from France to Russia
Nick:
>No, he accused you of trying to make me a sap, which
>is slightly different
Ah, I see. So rather than just insulting you he was
insulting both of us. That is much more fair really :-)
I like it when Ivy takes shots at me, it shows that he
still cares :-) Should I just call you sap for now on?
I rather stick with Nick if it is all the same to you.
Sorry about the Yankees. I am not a Yankees fan, so I
was naturally a bit tired of them winning the series
every year. But I have no love for the Diamondbacks
either. I am more of a football fan!
We can talk after the disbands and I of course understand
why you would not want to leave Warsaw and Moscow
completely exposed to Turkey and Italy. I think that
Italy is focussed on Turkey, but we know that Turkey will
steal a center if he needs to in order to survive.
--Xavier
Message from Russia to France
Xavier,
> >No, he accused you of trying to make me a sap, which
> >is slightly different
>Ah, I see. So rather than just insulting you he was
>insulting both of us. That is much more fair really :-)
I choose to view it as a declaration of perspective,
rather than an insult. Ivy doesn't view playing for
"second place" to a solo as a legitimate goal. I
guess he thinks an EFT 3-way is a "better" result for
me, since I would have helped to stop your solo. 8-)
>I rather stick with Nick if it is all the same to you.
Nick if fine, but my father always used to say, "You
can call me anything, as long as you don't call me
late for dinner." 8-)
>Sorry about the Yankees. I am more of a football fan!
I'm actually more of a basketball and football fan,
myself, but this year, rooting for the Yanks seemed
like the thing to do.
>I think that Italy is focused on Turkey, but we know that Turkey will steal
>a center if he needs to in order to survive.
I agree that Italy is unlikely to attack, but if
England tells him that I'm throwing the game to you,
and their only hope for an EFI draw is to eliminate
me quickly... As for Turkey, I have no idea what
he's doing other than protecting his DDR rating.
Personally, I think he should resign, and let
someone interested in high-level full-press play
play out his position.
Nick.
Message from Italy to Russia
I am not removing the army in the Ukraine as I want to personally make sure
that SEV is removed from Turkish possession this year. I will assume you
would want to support my effort as the sooner Turkey is eliminated the
sooner I can concentrate on preventing the French solo.
In exchange for your support into SEV, I will move Galicia away from Warsaw.
Idalia
Message from Master to Russia
Hi,
If you're satisfied with your diplomacy and your orders, please
"set nowait". Thanks,
Doug
Message from Russia to Italy
Idalia,
>I am not removing the army in the Ukraine. I want SEV removed from Turkish
>possession this year.
Fair enough, but I do hope that you will not disband
a Fleet since they are vital to keeping France out
of Turkey.
>In exchange for your support into SEV, I will move Galicia away from
>Warsaw.
Ok, I will order Mos S Ukr-Sev this Spring.
Nick.
Message from Russia to Master
Doug,
>Message from Master to Russia in 'titleist':
>If you're satisfied with your diplomacy and your orders, please "set
>nowait".
I'm aware of how Set Wait, and Set NoWait
work, thanks. I'm hoping to influence Italy's
and Turkey's disbands, and I also need the time
to write my 1908 EoY and "Pravda Broadcast".
Russia.
Message from Master to Russia
usin@thekleimans.com said:
> I'm aware of how Set Wait, and Set NoWait work, thanks.
Sorry, I wasn't try to imply otherwise. I just try to remind folks who
have set wait, in case they've forgotten that this is the case. About
half the time, they have.
Just trying to keep things moving; as long as you have things to discuss,
I have no problem with it.
Doug
Message from Russia to Master and Observer
Russian EoY for 1908:
>Russian EoY for 1903-1907:
> > > Another year without a build. > > This is getting monotonous.
> > The monotony continues... :^(
>And continues...
>Ad Infinitum, it seems.
A build, a build, my kingdom for a build! There are
those who think this is the deal I've made by allying
with France. (Fredd of Germany called me a moron in
a letter to England. 8-) I grant that this is a high-
risk move, especially given Prince Boar's skill, but
I felt that hitching my wagon to England this year
would have likely resulted in my elimination, even if
we managed to stop the French solo run, and given
England's failure to move aggressively against France
in S1908M, I felt there was a real threat that he
would try to gain builds to attack France by taking
further Centers from me.
My hope is that by encouraging France to think that I
will keep England occupied, I will gain the time and
the builds to hold the line from Bel/Ruh/Mun to
Rum/Bul/Aeg/EMed. Turkey's silence is making this
goal more difficult, but hopefully I can convince
Italy to mount a defense before he's completely
overrun.
Czar Nicholas II.
Message from Russia to Master
>Message from Master to Russia in 'titleist':
>
>usin@thekleimans.com said:
> > I'm aware of how Set Wait, and Set NoWait work, thanks.
>
>Sorry, I wasn't try to imply otherwise. Just trying to keep things moving;
I know, I was probably venting some of my frustration
with the Silent Turk onto you, which isn't fair.
(But, then, who said Dip was fair? 8-)
Russia.
Message from Italy to Russia
>
> Fair enough, but I do hope that you will not disband
> a Fleet since they are vital to keeping France out
> of Turkey.
>
Sorry to disappoint, but what other choice do I have? The armies are vital
to the elimination of Turkey and to keeping France out of Austria.
Message from Russia to Italy
Idalia,
>Message from Italy to Russia in 'titleist':
> > Fair enough, but I do hope that you will not disband
> > a Fleet since they are vital to keeping France out
> > of Turkey.
>The armies are vital to the elimination of Turkey and to keeping France out
>of Austria.
We can send Armies through Sev and Arm to eliminate
Turkey, but without Fleets in Aeg and EMed, holding
Rum, Bul, and Turkey will be impossible. This is
why I suggested that you disband A Ukr. There's a
good chance Turkey will disband A Sev, or F Bla,
anyway, and if he doesn't, an attack on Aeg, plus
Ser S Gal-Bud, and Mos S War-Ukr will position us
well to eliminate Turkey and hold off France.
In Hope of Alliance,
Nick.
Message [from Russia] to all
This pause is brought to you by the Observers at 'vgfp_titleist' who
encourage you to submit end of year statements. Analysis and speculation is
welcome even from Powers whom have forgotten that this is the Full-Press,
rather than to No-Press, Tournament (yes, you Turkey), or from Powers
already eliminated.
France: BUILD Fleet Marseilles
France: BUILD Army Paris
Italy: REMOVE Fleet Greece
Russia: BUILD Army Warsaw
Russia: WAIVE
Russia: WAIVE
Turkey: REMOVE Army Sevastopol
Centers
England: 7
France: 11
Italy: 7
Russia: 6
Turkey: 3
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