| Broadcasts for Spring of 1901 in ghodstoo |
Movement
Hohn had mentioned earlier that he might want to have a "pre-game"
discussion about copying text in press messages. For the moment,
you may want to let me know if such a discussion would offend you.
I'm not sure how long it will take for Edi Birsan to join and I
would want him to hear the discussion. Otherwise, are we missing only
John Barkdull? I think so.
Jim
Hohn had mentioned earlier that he might want to have a "pre-game"
discussion about copying text in press messages. For the moment,
you may want to let me know if such a discussion would offend you.
I'm not sure how long it will take for Edi Birsan to join and I
would want him to hear the discussion. Otherwise, are we missing only
John Barkdull? I think so.
Jim
Hi, all. Pitt's here. Should I concede now?
;-)
Hi guys, we're getting there slowly! Yes, I hope Jamie will remember
that this is my first go-round as master for a Judge game. I don't
believe that it will be any kind of conflict of interest for me to
ask players for master syntax advice... would the two of you that are
Judge master experienced let me know if anything looks unusual or
strange in the game parameters that I need to fix? I was not sure
how to add Monday as a potential deadline day (I don't have a problem
with meeting Jamie's request to do so, but I didn't know how). I set
the game up mucho fast since I had to run to a meeting. Sorry the
message was so short (and deficient in not mentioning the Judge, observer
signons etc.).
Jim
PS I got a strange message from the Judge granting that I was signed
on as master, but also saying that I'm lacking a preference list.
Is that a regular occurrence since I could start the game, and then
switch it to unmoderated and play in it?
Hi guys, we're getting there slowly! Yes, I hope Jamie will remember
that this is my first go-round as master for a Judge game. I don't
believe that it will be any kind of conflict of interest for me to
ask players for master syntax advice... would the two of you that are
Judge master experienced let me know if anything looks unusual or
strange in the game parameters that I need to fix? I was not sure
how to add Monday as a potential deadline day (I don't have a problem
with meeting Jamie's request to do so, but I didn't know how). I set
the game up mucho fast since I had to run to a meeting. Sorry the
message was so short (and deficient in not mentioning the Judge, observer
signons etc.).
Jim
PS I got a strange message from the Judge granting that I was signed
on as master, but also saying that I'm lacking a preference list.
Is that a regular occurrence since I could start the game, and then
switch it to unmoderated and play in it?
Hm, you know what else? You didn't say in that last mail, Jim, which Judge
the game is on. I know you mentioned it earlier, but it might be a good idea
to say it again. The address too.
-Jamie
Hi Hohn. Hi Jim.
Jim, why don't you suggest that people signon as observers, too, at first.
So we can use this channel to address each other en masse before the powers
are assigned.
-Jamie
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as England in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Jim,
>
> That was personal correspondence between you and Conrad.
Whoops, as I look at it again, you're precisely correct. I probably
shouldn't have forwarded it. In any case, there was some discussion
of this at the time. I don't save everything and don't have any of
the correspondence with you except where we were talking about people to
invite into the game.
>
> Was the matter discussed publically at all? I don't remember any such
> discussion.
Hmmm, perhaps it took place before you entered the discussion. If so,
I apologize for not bringing it up earlier.
>
> Look, there's nothing about telephony in House Rules, so I guess I have no
> particular grounds to object; it's just that this is a rather unusual game.
> I have no experience at all conducting Diplomacy by telephone, and I imagine
> I am thereby at a disadvantage.
>
> -Jamie
>
I will leave it here, but the way I see it, Jamie and Mark are at
a disadvantage communicating by the Judge/E-Mail, as some evidence
has shown here at the beginning.
The unusualness of the game is its particular charm. The question
is, what will happen as a result. That, none of us knows.
Jim
Private message from England to France:
Dear M. Cyberdog,
We are always ready to engage in any defensive manouever whatever. Our
fleets are so practiced in defensive manouevers that they are constantly
sailing around each other in circles.
I think I will give Minister Churchill charge of the initial melee. Assuming
our paranoia is well-founded (as paranoia always is, after all), the point
of the dagger can be turned immediately toward the Huns.
Do you think this is wise? Or would it be better to begin Mediterranean
operations sooner?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
In that last message, I meant Edi Birsan and Mark Fassio, of course,
not Mark and Jamie....
Never mind....
Jim
This just appeared on the newsgroup rec.gmaes.diplomacy and Edi and
Mark have been expressing worry about getting move syntax correct.
I will be watching this and trying to spontaneously give syntax
advice, but just so you see an example. Here's what happens when
things don't go right.
Jim
FROM rec.games.diplomacy:
USWI jipped me recently. In the game Doug i took over the abondened
Russia.
I contacted all the players and submitted my moves
a pru s a liv
a mos s a liv
a liv s a pru
a ber s a mun
f bul h
simple, but wait a minute the judge bounces back,
:: Judge: USWI Game: Doug Variant: Standard
:: Deadline: F1910M Sun Jan 19 1997 08:09:17 PST Boardman: 1996PU
R: a pru s a liv
Unrecognized source province for support/convoy -> liv
Discarding junk: [liv]
R: a mos s a liv
Unrecognized source province for support/convoy -> liv
Discarding junk: [liv]
R: a liv s a pru
Unrecognized source province -> liv s a pru
Discarding junk: [liv s a pru]
Movement orders for Fall of 1910. (doug.039)
Russia: Army Prussia, No Order Processed.
Russia: Army Berlin SUPPORT Austrian Army Munich.
Russia: Fleet Bulgaria (east coast) HOLD.
Russia: Army Moscow, No Order Processed.
Russia: Army Livonia, No Order Processed.
6 errors encountered.
Well after six tries I finally gave up. Also after several cries for help
to ther game master with no response I gave up.
I say again, What the (&%#^) is up with USWI !!!!!!!!!!
Private message from France to England:
Good King Jamie: France seeks only peaceful relations with England. You
are quite correct that the Central Powers cannot be trusted. Their
ambitions are a matter of historical record. Shall we coordinate a
defensive maneuver to ensure that they remain in check?
France
---------------------------------------------------
This message was created and sent using the Cyberdog Mail System
---------------------------------------------------
I don't have my original solicitation letter. I have this exchange
with Conrad Minshall where I get into the subject of the possibility
of phone calls in depth. I'll try to find one of the letters that went
to you.
I consider this issue at this point as within the game (meaning it
is up to you to deal with it as you wish), although I will consider
some sort of specific appeal. It is possible that Jamie entered
this discussion at a point where it was not discussed in his hearing.
Please feel free to keep inquiring. I still haven't gone through all
of the mail and I apologize if you've asked me a question that I haven't
answered yet. I will clean everything up this evening.
Jim
Forwarded message:
> From burgess Wed Apr 24 18:27:22 1996
> X-UIDL: 843522490.003
> From: burgess (Jim Burgess)
> Message-Id: <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: Demo Game featuring Edi Birsan
> To: [email protected] (Conrad Minshall)
> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 1996 14:27:22 -0400 (EDT)
> Cc: burgess (Jim Burgess)
> In-Reply-To: <[email protected]> from "Conrad Minshall" at Mar 15, 96 06:01:32 pm
> X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4 PL25]
> Mime-Version: 1.0
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> Content-Length: 2791
>
> >
> > At 5:09 PM 3/7/96 -0500, Jim Burgess wrote:
> >
> > >but what I was thinking was to make it a US only game for this
> > >reason. Edi (in his postal days) was really more of a "telephone"
> > >player. I believe, in order for Edi to agree to the game, he would
> > >want phone numbers of the players and have the option of calling them,
> > >as a back-up/addition to E-Mail.
> > >
> > >I was thinking of having Mark GM and to try to work out a deal with
> > >people agreeing to "record" their phone calls by sending "reports of
> > >contact" to Mark in addition to the usual demo game idea where
> > >press all is sent through the Judge. Mark would also agree to
> > >"gently prod" players to write updates and records of their
> > >phone calls. In addition to a great demo game, we could see
> > >how some degree of phone interaction contributed/hindered/changed
> > >the nature of the game.
> > >
> > >What do you think??
> >
> > Several things...
> >
> > I'd be interested in playing with Edi again.
>
> Edi has given us a go to set up the demo game, instruct him on using
> the Judge and give him the various parameters. I'd like to work with
> you on this. I am leaning toward NOT playing, but I will if that
> becomes desirable. You would be playing, I'm assuming. Edi generally
> loves demo games and I was roughly correct in what I cited above.
> Edi does NOT like games where no one talks to anyone and he would like
> the freedom to use the phone if he likes (going with the US/Canada focus).
> I am also thinking Cal White would be another good player for the game
> from the postal crossover side for you, Cal and Edi from the "old school"
> and four purely Judge dippers.
> >
> > I like and respect Mark but personally I would never play if he were GM.
> > Since my Furr experience I've gotten much more selective about GMs - I now
> > try to stick with GMs of the players-own-the-game philosophy.
> >
> I **COULD** try to be GM, perhaps with David Kovar or some other Judge
> keeper's assistance?? Do you have a good GM in mind who I could work
> with?? I thought of Mark because he GMed the ghods game so he knows
> how to GM. perhaps that is a minor point. Mark does not have to be
> involved except as an observer.
>
> > I used to enjoy using the phone to get an edge in PBM. It would be fun to
> > see if it made as much a difference with PBeM. Personally I wouldn't
> > _agree_ to always recording the calls, accurately or otherwise ;-) In
> > practice I bet I'd record every-phone-thing that turned out to really make
> > a difference.
> >
> That sounds fair.... I would like to at least propose that people be urged
> to address this issue in their season by season ongoing commentaries.
>
> > Gee, am I always this ornery?
>
> Yes.
> >
> >
> > signoff
> > --
> > Conrad Minshall [email protected] (408)974-2749
> >
>
> I'll bet you almost forgot about this!
>
> Jim
>
Jim, et al.,
I don't remember any discussion of telephone calls during the set-up of the
game. Is there a record of that discussion anywhere? I'd like to see it.
Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
Faz,
Try using lower case letters for power specifications, thus, instead of
>>signon Rghodstoo xxxxxxxx
>>press to E
do
signon rghodstoo xxxxxxxx
press to e
I'm not sure it makes a difference, but it's the only irregularity I see.
>By the way, did you ever get any of these copies, either through the
>Brown.edu address or via the Judge?
No, through neither channel, it's the first I've seen of it.
To content:
first, no, I haven't sent out any other gloom-and-doom messages. I
genuinely worry primarily about an FG alliance, as England, mostly because
it's just such a strong alliance, so tempting. I will rely on sweettalk to
try to break it up, but also on your good will. The FG will tempt them less
if they expect to have to face a healthy Russia who would fight against
such a consolidation of the Northwest, and make any clean-up of England
slow and painful.
As to 'directional foci' (sheesh!).
I am ambivalent. As long as I feel I have things moderately well in hand in
my neighborhood, I'd prefer to see you go south, and make your
re-appearance in the north at an opportune moment. That is, if I'm on the
Two side of a Two-on-one amongs us northwesterners, I'd be happiest to see
your A Mos-Ukr, or the like.
If, on the other hand, I feel about to be the victim in the north, I would
prefer to see your strong presence up here.
So perhaps we could leave things open for now. As I am plotting things,
your interests ought to coincide roughly with mine, so that it would be
mostly a matter of seeing how things are falling and which of the major
options is in *OUR* interest.
As to Norway, I will not expect you to contest it, and I though obviously I
am going to take it, I am willing to do it in the Unthreatening Way (viz.,
with a fleet), especially if we can build that into part of a larger,
mutually agreeable plan. (Ideally I'd like my army in Belgium, but the real
world so rarely approximates my ideals, the wretched thing!)
Does it bother you, by the way, that Herr Edi signed on as Turkey? I'm
dying to discover what was up with that!
If you're happy with my remarks above, say so, and then let's feel out the
others for a while.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Italy:
Buon Giorno, Sgnr. Bianco.
INSULAR AND PENINSULAR POWERS UNITE--YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR CENTERS!
Cheers,
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Austria:
Good day, Duke. Or Sultan??
How did you manage to signon as Turkey? Did you just guess his password by
some wild coincidence? Intriguing.
Anyway, this is by way of introducing myself, Gentle King Jamie. Look
forward to doing business some time soon.
Cheers!
G. K. Jamie
Private message from England to Turkey:
Good morning, fellow witch.
If you don't mind, I'd like to exchange impressions of neighbors at some point.
I have received no press at all yet, though -- I know Tsar Faz is trying to
send me some, but he has not yet mastered, uh, telegraphy.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
SECURITY COMPROMISED!!!!
How is it that both [email protected] and [email protected] have just sent
broadcasts as Turkey???? Geez, the game is hard enough with just one player
handling Turkey's units.
(Fortunately Hohn is an old Judge hand and knows how to take care of
trivial little things like this.)
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
p.s. I also resigned as *observer*. As Hohn says, everyone should do this
or you'll get two copies of each broadcast and Judge bookkeeping
announcement.
Do it like this:
signon oghodstoo password
resign
The Judge keeps track of observers by their address, so as long as you send
the resign message from the address you used to signon as an observer
originally, you will successfully remove yourself as an observer.
Edi wrote:
> Looks like the game was a little premature with Hohn Cho already resigning.
> Let's hold off on the game until we have a full 7 players please.
No, I'm still here...I only resigned as an Observer, since I was tired
of getting double mail. We can all do that, since once our powers
were assigned, we can all issue press.
BTW, Ye Olde Sultan extends his hand to all European leaders in
friendship. I'm looking forward to a great game, and I'm sure I'll be
corresponding with you privately very soon. I am swamped today,
though, so I may not be able to send/respond messages until the
weekend or Monday.
Take care, all. Happy weekend!
Hohn
Private message from England to France:
Cher Ambassadeur,
We are most pleased to make your acquaintance, Monsieur. We hear only the
highest praise of your conduct from our intelligence network.
This is by way of introduction of our royal self, and to offer our warmest
hopes that we might profit from cooperation, a purely defensive alliance,
of course, for fear of the central powers' ambition, and possibly also to
protect the good-hearted people of the Lowlands.
Looking forward to a fruitful relationship,
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Germany:
Warning: vermicious knids in France! Must do something fast, require your help.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
Well well well.
I wouldn't mind splitting the board, east and west, with someone suitably
placed who likes board-splitting. Hypothetically speaking, I mean.
I can't remember what my preference list was, but I know I didn't have
England first. With good players, I am always afraid that the FG alliance
looks too tempting. So I'll be sweating that for a while and not attending
to much else, I think. But my first order of business as England *must* be
to come to good terms with Russia, I firmly believe that, and if Russia
happens to be played by someone I've already had a preliminary chat with,
so much the better!
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
As I suspected, Edi is having a little trouble with the registration.
I've tried to help him and I'm trying to get him to send me what the
judge is sending him back... we'll see.
If Dave has access to the mail stream of the Judge and can easily
find Edi's failure, perhaps he could see precisely what Edi is doing
wrong. I will remind Dave Kleiman at this point, that his "Judge-keeper"
job on this game could become more involved than usual.
Edi, as an expert Dip player, is being a bit shy about asking me as
many questions as he should be. Our other total Judge rookie (Mark
Fassio) has been at the other extreme and he's asked me lots of great
questions.
Jim
I just asked Nick Fitzpatrick (the Internet BNC plus the winner of
the first demo game in this series... ghods) if he wouldn't want
to remain signed on as an observer. I guess my question is answered.
He's staying.
Jim
I just asked Nick Fitzpatrick (the Internet BNC plus the winner of
the first demo game in this series... ghods) if he wouldn't want
to remain signed on as an observer. I guess my question is answered.
He's staying.
Jim
Hello, Edi should be joining us shortly. On Sundays (I think I have this
right) he does consulting for the mgames postal role playing company
where people call him for advice on how to form and run factions, gain
influence and the like in that particular set of PBM games. Anyway,
he has to keep his phone line free until that is done. I have not heard from
John Barkdull, but he may be a 9-5 weekday user, so with the holiday
he might not sign on until Tuesday. We'll see.
Based on Jamie's advice and some thinking of my own, I have "mucked"
around with the deadline parameters. I now have the movement at
seven full days (minus Jamie's suggested half hour), winter builds and
adjustments at two days and retreats at one day (otherwise when you
have both retreats and builds things can get pretty slow). If anyone
wants me to move a deadline parameter in any direction, please let
me know. For you new guys, you may want to "get deadline" for a
description of how to read these deadlines and you can do "list"
after a signon to see the whole set of parameters. I also added
"Monday after noon" as a possible deadline as Jamie suggested.
We'll start soon...
Jim
Hi all,
My query regarding copying/forwarding messages really wasn't intended
to be a big deal. It was prompted by some RGD discussion that Jim was
involved in. Basically, from what I could tell, Jim's position was
similar to mine in that we both despise the tactic. I was thinking
that if we had a unanimously strong consensus against it, we could
institute a house rule.
But it's really no big deal. If even one person wants to have that
option, I have no objections to declining the implementation of any
such rule.
Essentially, my main objection comes from FTF play, in that we don't
have players walking around with tape recorders and fake dubbing
machines to try to get/doctor incriminating evidence against other
players. To me, it kinda takes away from an element of the game in
one sense (in that the credible, substantive "proof" that can be
possible with copied messages (and even more so in the case of
Xeroxing letters in PBM play, I imagine) removes a level of judgment
that may otherwise be necessary in predicting stabs and independently
evaluating credibility), and makes things needlessly complicated in
another sense (taking the time to doctor up fake messages, or decipher
them, etc...if I'd wanted to break or set up a code system or do
detective work, I'd play Clue).
My $0.02.
Hohn
A few items:
If you want to have a pre-game discussion, you can send press as a
non-assigned power by using a long signon command. I'd suggest you join
the game as an observer to do this discussion. Once the game starts, you
can resign the observer position. You will get two copies of all game
messages until you resign as the observer. I often signon to broadcast my
message as an observer and then resign in the same message:
signon oghodstoo password
broadcast
This is my message......
[email protected] has resigned [email protected]
as Observer in game 'ghodstoo'.
Hi all,
Whoops, sorry about the password mixup. I've changed mine so that
these sorts of things hopefully won't happen again.
Regarding phone dip, I'm ambivalent. I probably won't be making too
many calls, but in just in case, here's my info:
Hohn Cho
(213) 955-4689 (WK)
(310) 320-0331 (HM)
I'm on Pacific time, and you can call me at work literally at any
time, but at home I'd prefer 10 AM - 10 PM.
Regarding actual negotiations, I apologize, I'm still swamped at work.
I'll try to get down to business soon.
Jim, since it's the first turn, and in keeping with the FTF tradition
of having more time to negotiate on the first turn, do you think it
would be possible to extend the deadline until, say, Monday? If no
one else has any objections, that is.
Hohn
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hello Edi!
After years of play, it's a great honor to finally be in a game with
you...I hope life's treating you well, and that this e-mail crap is
treating you better than it is me! I have yet to correctly format a
message (according to the Judge) and have it get to its recipient.
I tried to send the same note 15 times to England; no luck.
Give me a stamp and an envelope any old day...
Anyway, IF this should reach you via the Judge, I'm hoping that you
could see fit to agree to the usual DMZs and peace arrangements
between our two noble powers. I have no desire to challenge either
you and Turkey in a shooting war, and am trying to sound out my
neighbors as to their 'druthers and whatnot.
If you've got any ideas, suggestions, proposals, etc, I'd love to hear
them. I'm hoping for mutual growth for us, and that means a great
jump-off out of the gate...hence my desire for peace and cooperation.
What say you?
Faz
To even things up for those who know how to do these things and those
who do not, here are everyone's register statements (considered to be
public documents, many people don't like to call themselves experts
for that reason). I note that Edi is one level of shy and Mark is
another, but I think it's fair to say everyone here is highly
experienced.
Jim
>
> :: Judge: USIN
>
> Whois edi
>
> User: 1470 51000 0
> Name: Edi Birsan
> Phone: 510-680-0110
> Site: Midnight Games
> Address: 950 Alla Ave, Concord, CA 94518
> Country: USA
> Email: [email protected]
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois uejon
>
> User: 383 80600 0
> Name: John Barkdull
> Phone: (806) 765-7662
> Site: Texas Tech
> Address: 1902 27th Street, Lubbock, Texas
> Country: USA
> email: [email protected]
> Level: expert
> Birthdate: Aug 22, 1954
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois pittc
>
> User: 118 61700 501
> Name: Pitt Crandlemire
> Phone: (617) 739-1500
> Site: Synergy
> Address: One Harvard St., Brookline, MA, 02146
> Country: USA
> Email: [email protected]
> Level: Expert
> Birthdate: Jan 1, 1950
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois hohncho
>
> User: 1234 21300 0
> Name: Hohn Dennis Cho
> Phone: (213) 955-4689
> Site: Kaiwan Commercial Service
> Address: Los Angeles, CA
> Country: USA
> Birthdate: 1970
> Email: [email protected]
> Level: Expert
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois James_Dreier
>
> User: 246 40100 0
> Name: Jamie Dreier
> Phone: (401) 863-3226
> Site: Brown University
> Address: Box 1918, Brown Univ., Providence, RI 02912
> Country: USA
> Email: [email protected], [email protected]
> Level: Expert
> Birthdate: Apr 5, 1960
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois diplomat
>
> User: 1309 41600 0
> Name: Cal White
> Phone: (416) 654 1722
> Site: idirect.com
> Address: 1 Turnberry Avenue, Toronto, Ontario
> Country: Canada
> Email: [email protected]
> Level: Expert
> Birthdate: February 23, 1958
> Sex: Male
> Package: Yes
>
> Whois jm2365
>
> User: 1460 91400 0
> Name: Mark Fassio
> Phone: (914) 446-1308
> Site: US Military Academy, West Point
> Address: 3071-A Wayne Place, West Point NY 10996-1817
> Country: USA
> E-Mail: [email protected]
> Level: Intermediate
> Birthdate: August 21, 1956
> Sex: Male
>
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Master and Italy in
> 'ghodstoo':
>
> Hi Cal!
> Hope this opening salvo finds you and yours doing well, and let me
> state up-front that I'm glad, after seeing your name in print for all
> these years, to finally be in a game with you and the rest of these
> luminaries! I hope this one is an enjoyable one for you (and me, naturally)!
This is actually the first time I've played in a game with ANY of the
people here, although Edi and I have have played a few games of ftf
"Escalation" (a real cool variant for 2 or 3 people where you put units
anywhere on the board, one at a time, until you have 8 or so units.
Play then carries on as normal sans negotiations. Good tactical
workout.)
> As far as R/I dealings, I don't expect much in the early years. Aside from
> the hardcore opening anti-A schemes (War-Gal, Ven-Tyo, Rom-Ven type
> of stuff), I don't imagine we'll be actively dealing too closely. Still, I'm a
> firm believer in constant and updated communication, and I hope you and
> I can keep up a good exchange of correspondence. I tend to favor Italian
> expansion in these games (one of the few countries that rarely poses a
> threat to the Tsar!) and I get skittish with big-power Austrians and Turks
> mucking about. Any ideas, plans, or suggestions you might have for ways
> to facilitate greater R/I cooperation, or to keep A/Tr growth 'localized,' would
> be most welcome here in the Winter Palace.
I must say that I heartily second the concept of Italian growth...
Edi has already sent me an interesting proposal which you may have
already seen. He wants the three of us to attack F/E/T right away with
the assumption that G will join in on the attack on F when he sees
what's going on. I see a few drawbacks to this, but it's an interesting
concept. Would you be interested? I know from Edi's standpoint, it
keeps you and I away from him and takes out Turkey quickly, but at the
same time it can lead to real gains quickly. I'd probably have the most
risk as my back would be turned to Edi once Turkey fell, but I think I
can avoid the stab with a few well placed units of my own (he said
hopefully...).
Of course, there's always the chance that you and I could do the old
pincer-thing on Edi if he gets in TOO good a position...
Whaddya say?
Cal
For the record, my address and phone number have changed. I now live with
the g/f at
185 Galloway Rd, #21, Scarborough, Ontario M1E 4Z7
(416) 281-1318 evenings
(416) 560-9206 (cell phone days)
I work as a courier, so when you reach me, I'll be in my truck. Don't
expect me to have a board set up and handy... grin
Cal White
Private message from England to Master:
Jim,
Here are (1) a copy of what Edi sent me, and (2) a copy of what I sent back
to him. He seems to like direct e-mail a lot better than going through the
Judge.
-Jamie
------------------------
From: "Edi Birsan"
To: "[email protected]"
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 97 08:21:24 -0800
Reply-To: "Edi Birsan"
Priority: Normal
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Subject: Ghodstoo Austria to England
Don't worry about the phone stuff being an 'advantage' I have never played a
regular Diplomacy game by e-mail so consider yourself at an advantage there.
I still have to figure out how to send in a set of orders.
Anyway some quick comments:
1. Do you know any of these guys...?
2. As this is a demonstration game, I think we should try to demonstrate some
thing so how about something a little different. What would it take for us to
work out some unusal stuff like an E-I-A-R opening alliance against F-G-T what
I am thinking about is something along the lines of you and Italy going
straight after France with me poping into Tyrolia and then Munich while Russia
does a move to the Black Sea. Italy should open up to the west as with some
minimal support we can handle holding him down and pushing him back for the
western campaign to sort itself out.
Can you push the Italians and the Russians along these lines?
What's your phone number...I have free calls on Friday as part of a local
promotion for world wide calls through March and USA for the next two years
and I would like to use them.
Edi
510-825-0297 (Before 9PM west coast time)
510-680-0110 (Before 10 PM)
Edi Birsan
Midnight Games
[email protected]
Web site: www.mgames.com
----------------------
Edi,
>1. Do you know any of these guys...?
Not really. I know Pitt a little bit, the others not at all.
>2. As this is a demonstration game, I think we should try to demonstrate some
>thing so how about something a little different.
Suits me ok.
The thing I sweat about most when I'm playing England is, of course, a
Franco-German alliance. If I can set up something that will ensure that
Russia is on my side, I count that a big plus. And having Italy and Austria
swarming around Switzerland gives me a good warm feeling, too.
One problem, it seems to me, is how you're going to dig Turkey out of there
with Italy going west. Not easy. I suppose if you get your fleet to Aeg in
S02, that could be enough.
If you want to call me on Friday, here's my daytime number:
(401) 863-3226
The best time would be, hm, 2-4 my time (EST, you know).
-Jamie
Private message from France to Russia:
Hi, Faz. I don't have any plans to attack Munich right off, so our
relationship will be largely info-sharing at the outset, unless you want to
turn that thought into a proposal. Of course, the other option is for you
to bounce England out of Norway while I give him hell from below.
Otherwise, we can play the usual cautious openings and see what develops.
I generally play Russia strong to the south, so I'll certainly understand
if you don't want to do anything overly bold in the north.
Best to you.
John
France
Private message from Russia to France:
Hello John!
Am trying out my 'water wings' with this electronic mumbo-jumbo, so bear
with me if things get blurred in transmission! Hope this finds you and=20
yours doing well. What do you do at Texas Tech (I'm assuming that's
what the 'ttu' stands for)?? =20
As for this game, I don't imagine that F/R will be doing much early game =
cooperating, short of the "balls-to-the-wall" anti-G opening options of =
Par-Bur,
War-Gal, and then to Mun. Given that, we'll probably be limited to =
mutual=20
info-sharing on our joint neighbors (E and G in particular), with =
perhaps some
mid-game machinations coming as the situations warrant. I would indeed=20
like to have regular "diplomatic pouch" talks to monitor John Bull and
the Kaiser, if that's agreeable with you?
Regardless, I wanted to drop you a short line and let you know that I'm
very interested in open and constant communication with everyone.
And, just like Animal Farm, "some communications are more equal
than others," meaning I want to stay abreast on adjacent threats, and
will assume the same for you. This calls for good F/R relations. I'm
all for it, and hope you are, too.
Take care, John, and good hunting this game! Drop a line when you get
a free moment.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi Cal!
Hope this opening salvo finds you and yours doing well, and let me
state up-front that I'm glad, after seeing your name in print for all
these years, to finally be in a game with you and the rest of these
luminaries! I hope this one is an enjoyable one for you (and me, naturally)!
As far as R/I dealings, I don't expect much in the early years. Aside from
the hardcore opening anti-A schemes (War-Gal, Ven-Tyo, Rom-Ven type
of stuff), I don't imagine we'll be actively dealing too closely. Still, I'm a
firm believer in constant and updated communication, and I hope you and
I can keep up a good exchange of correspondence. I tend to favor Italian
expansion in these games (one of the few countries that rarely poses a
threat to the Tsar!) and I get skittish with big-power Austrians and Turks
mucking about. Any ideas, plans, or suggestions you might have for ways
to facilitate greater R/I cooperation, or to keep A/Tr growth 'localized,' would
be most welcome here in the Winter Palace.
Again, Cal, best to you this game, and stay in touch.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Hello Pitt!
I'm still shaky at addressing these things, so please note the
inclusion of the Master (Jim) as an addressee here--not sure if
the Judge automatically routes him copies of all partial press, or
if we're supposed to do it manually. As he wants all press thru the
Judge for a record of the game, I figured I'd err on the side of caution.
After all, he is sworn to neutral impartiality.
OK, admin stuff aside, what do we have? The first item is the by-now
familiar Russian question on Russo-German relations--specifically in the
border areas of Sil/Pru and Bal/Swe. I'll admit to all the things most normal Russians will admit to (especially as it's all true)!
1) I desire R/G peace and--at the very least--some early DMZs in
areas we might run afoul of each other;
2) Russia would really like Sweden to add to its peripheral empire,
with the proviso that I won't sail into German waters (Bal).
Quite naturally, I see any R/G fight as benefiting only Eng or Aus/Tur...
and why give our neighbors a leg up on us?
I'm amenable to just about any ideas or suggestions you propose, Pitt,
as long as there's mutual gain in them, and security interests are
addressed. 1901 won't be too bad, but I'm thinking more of the early game
years, and how we can help each other out.
I eagerly await any comments or ideas, and wish you 'good hunting' this
game. Take care.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Master:
Hello Hohn!
I'm still shaky at addressing these things, so please note the
inclusion of the Master (Jim) as an addressee here--not sure if
the Judge automatically routes him copies of all partial press, or
if we're supposed to do it manually. As he wants all press thru the
Judge for a record of the game, I figured I'd err on the side of caution.
After all, he is sworn to neutral impartiality. (Jim, if this isn't the right
way to do the press thing to include you, let me know.)
OK, admin stuff aside, what do we have? The first item is the by-now
familiar Russian question on the R/T Balkan split, and the status of
our units in the opening season(s) -- especially as regards Black Sea
and Armenia. I would be a liar to say I weasn't concerned about two pros
like you and Edi ganging up on me and blocking normal Russian expansion
into the area. I'm inquiring to see if there's any way we can mutually benefit
from the Balkans, without the attendant fighting that goes with it.
There are a variety of options: The old "Russia passes its fleet thru Con
in S'02" routine, if we REALLY decided to team up. Given the natural level
of distrust in the opening season(s), I would love to merely agree to "the
basics:" Neither of us in Arm, and some sort of Black Sea agreement?
I had envisioned something like: Mos-Ukr, Sev-Bla (or Sev-h), with you
doing either:
Ank-Bla (to give the impression of a fight between us) or Ank-Con;
Con-Buk
Smy-? to Con if Ank-Bla, or Smy-holds
In fall, my fleet goes to Rum, thus negating any Bla Sea threat, and yours
goes into Aeg (or Con, as the case may be). I build NO fleets in Sev, and
you build none in Ank, and we then find ways to mutually "do a number"
vis a vis SER and whatnot. The lion's share of any Balkan things would be
yours in such an arrangement.
Anyway, Hohn, I don't expect enthusiastic approval of these variant(s),
as you need time to hear from the others and to formulate your own plan.
But I wanted to at least "get out of the starting gate" and let you know I
MUCH prefer positive R/T arrangements, than to fight ad nauseam over Bla
and the Balkans...especially as we don't know what's brewing between
Austria, Italy, and/or Germany.
Hope your work schedule slows down (mine isn't unfortunately), and that
I hear from you soon. I wish you 'good hunting" this game, Hohn.
Your Neighbor,
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to France:
Hi again John!
Thanks for your quick reply; hope this finds you well. I'm off to see
my son's school play, so I'll keep this one short.
The East is abuzz with rumors of coalitions and counter-coalitions;
there
is much fear (for whatever reason) of an E/F duo (or perhaps certain
folks out here
are making the stuff up just to divert attention from themselves). I'm
not paying much
attention to it all, because I expect it's designed to divert me from
the Balkans and to
allow "others" to profit at my expense. Still, be advised that the West
is the object of
some attention from my neighbors.
As for options. If you had nothing better to do, I'd entertain an
anti-German drive. You
had asked if I'd offer specifics...well, short of invading SIL and
Bur-Mun (in fall), I don't
have any other specifics. I'm mean, I have nothing against the Hun,
really, and
are really just 'trolling for offers' right now. But if everyone offers
the conservative,
"hands-off" approach for S'01, then I'll have to do the same. I was
just seeing how involved you are, and what ideas you might float--or
have floated to you.
I'll probably just open to the south and be a traditionalist, although
even there, my offers of teaming (primarily to I and T) have been met
with distance...guess I'm too over-eager
for the locals, yuk yuk.
Anyway, John, if nothing else, let's shoot for info-sharing and the
'option'
of putting our joint forces into operation (be they anti-E or anti-G),
as the situation
arises; ok?
Best to you this game.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi again Cal!
Well, good to see Edi is singing the same tune to us all--maybe the
Siren Song is
designed to sensitize the masses and ensure greater Austrian security.
Actually, I don't have a problem with his plan, at least for the initial
stages. I mean,
given the choice between a working A/I/R (with possible G involvement),
or a possible
anti-R combination of A/T, well...the choice is obvious!
I don't think you'd have much of a threat from Edi once this got
rolling. After all,
the three of us will serve as "checks and balances" on the other two,
and if he
gets uppity toward you (or me), I would hope that we could cover each
other's
backs and stop the danger.
Quite honestly, I'd prefer the ol' straight-out attacks on Gal and Tri,
and take our
chances with fighting Austria. The big downer with that plan is that it
allows the
Turk a greater gain out of the starting gate, and that's a threat to us
both in the
mid-game. So, fighting the urge to just attack right away, I'd say that
yes, I would
be interested in an A/I/R cabal.
The question mark then, of course, is who does what to whom? Does this
imply
you're attacking immediately westward, gaining just Tun in '01? Where
do
I go -- Nwy? What does this imply for Russian presence in the Balkans
(especially if Turkey opens to Arm and/or Bla)? And Austria: who
exactly is
he attacking in this grand scheme, save 'eastern' power Turkey? And of
course,
we need to figure out Germany's ultimate role here--fellow vulture, or
Defender of
the West?
Only my hairdresser knows the answers to all these questions, but I'd
kind of
like a little more gouge from Edi before I completely endorse this plan.
Let me know your 'druthers, Cal: anti-A, anti-T, or anti-West, it's all
the same to me.
Best
Faz
Private message from Russia to England:
My Dear Liege
Indeed, you may *truthfully* say, if asked by F/G, that you and Russia
have promised Nothing to each other. I will also play the part, and if
asked if I have designs on the north, will reply, "Of course." (Sweden,
that is).
I think E/I/R are naturals for dealing, as we're geographically
separate, yet potentially mutually supporting--with plenty of juicy
enemies in between to "split the pie."
We are in agreement on the issues as specified in your last.
Russia salutes her English cousins!
Tsar Faz
Private message from England to Russia:
To Our Cousin Tsar,
Then we continue to see eye-to-eye.
Thanks for the info about Italy's willingness; I shall certainly now follow
up and press him on the matter. In fact, shortly before your last note, I
did mention to him that I'd heard the Gran Plan d'Birsan, wanted his views
of it, and also that I would independently like to pursue at least some
quiet, background cooperation among you and him and me (on the general
grounds that the fate of Russia, Italy, and England so often rise or fall
together). So we shall see.
I think we are both inclined, you and I, to leave it at this then:
we are favorably disposed toward le Gran Plan d'Birsan (albeit highly
suspicious of his motives), and are tentatively and provisionally going
along, subject to any especially interesting or alarming developments as
Herr Pitt or M. Jean-Bark become more talkative.
I add:
while I fully intend to take Norway with a fleet, I will not yet promise to
do so, entirely on the grounds that I would like to be able to say that I
have promised you nothing just in case France or Germany inquire. (That is,
I would like to be able to say it *truly*!)
Acceptable?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to England:
Good and Gentle King Jamie
Once again, munificent well-wishes from your ol' cuz, the Tsar. Thanks
for the reply, and let me answer just a couple quick points from your
letter.
1) Your view of the E/F is identical with my view, i.e., pap, designed
to fool people.
You'd be crazy if you didn't write everyone and offer them help vs
everyone else. Heck, I've offered up Austria's head (and yours!)
numerous times, to get a rise from people. Pretty dismal responses to
date, though...
2) On that related note, I agree with your assessment of the writing to
date. Maybe it's because I'm having a 'managaeable' week and the others
aren't, but I've had only sporadic replies from Italy and Germany, zippo
from Turkey, and the most from you and Edi. France has written back to
my queries twice, but both times they've been vanilla with no flavoring,
if you catch my drift...he waits to see what I throw out for bait and
then half-heartedly commits a reply with nothing attached to it. Ditto
for G and I.
3) The coalition-plan was indeed Edi's. I didn't want to spill Edi's
beans if he hadn't asked you first (it is, after all, his plan). I told
him if you were up for it, then I'd strongly consider going along, too.
Naturally, Edi has his reasons (not all of them benevolent, I'm sure),
but his opening moves schemes look reasonable, and anything that keeps A
& T from linking up is ok by me! The hit on Germany in 1902 may be a
tad rushed, given that France might not be humbled (nor Germany be out
of position!), but I think 4 on 1 (or 4 on 2) can easily get the desired
results.
4) Italy is apparently also 'up' for this attack, altho' I sense his
progress as slow, unless he pulls a "Mussolini" on France while John
faces vs you.
5) Bottom line: I'm for such a coalition, if you are. I won't pester
an Eng F in Nwy, and might ask it for help if we start in vs Den and
whatnot....anyway, consider it.
Take care, Jamie. Thanks for writing.
Tsar Faz
Private message from England to Germany:
Greetings Pittkaiser,
No word from you despite our direst warning re: knids.
Would you mind having a few words to plan openings? I am inclined to play
Churchill. Russians appear inclined to go south with A Mos, leaving us as
either contenders for or cooperators in Scandinavia. Your thoughts?
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Italy:
Italian Consulate, Truck Courier Division
attn: Cal White
Dear Sgnr. White,
May we humbly apologize if earlier telegram appeared too telegraphic.
We should like to open serious negotiations with your government.
In particular, a plan of attack outlined by Archduke Birsan has reached our
desk, and our interest therein is highly contingent on your own
disposition.
If possible, we would like to reach a rapprochement in some way, either
quite limited or aggressively cooperative, among yourselves, ourselves, and
the Russian selves, since in our experience the fortunes of Italy, England,
and Russia often rise and fall together.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
Faz,
>Just a short note; much abuzz in the East as of late. The talk is of a
>potential E/F, but I discount it. I think it's a smokescreen designed
>to divert me (and others) from "just spoils." Nonetheless, given such
>talk, I hope you and I remain in close communication -- we may need to
>cover each other's backsides.
It is smokescreen.
I of course did write to France--I wrote to everyone (isn't that what one
'does'?). And he did reply, but his reply was cursory, and he hasn't
followed up. The gist: I said I would like to begin 'purely defensive'
manouevers with him, and he agreed that we should set up something purely
defensive. No specifics. Really just 'friendly noise', as far as I'm
concerned.
>I am also hearing muted rumblings of possible coalition warfare; you may
>also be involved. Once I crack the code from the originator, I'll pass
>the info your way (if he doesn't do so himself). I'd be amenable to
>E/R/other cooperation, if it polishes off a foe or two early on...as
>long as it's not me. How about you?
Yes.
I think I know what you mean, Edi's grand plan. It sounds ok to me,
actually; not too far off what I would like to do anyway, not apt to commit
me to do anything I wouldn't have been considering in any case. And, as Edi
put it, this is a demo game, it would be fun to demonstrate something
interesting or unusual.
If that's not what you meant -- or even if it is -- please, let me hear
your scoop.
>Anyway, if you hear such rumors yourself, please let me know, ok? I can
>confirm multiple rumors, but if they're only coming my way, it could be
>a set-up. Thanks, Jamie.
The Great Powers have been strangely quiet, to my ear. Only Edi and you
have been at all forthcoming. The others have given me a word or two at
most. I am expecting that this will change. Hoping! As I said earlier, my
only real worry is the dreaded F/G alliance. Should I hear no more serious
communication from France or Germany, my fears will grow. In that case, I
would have to regard Edi's suggestion as my only option. I think I'll try
to have a real discussion with Italy, anyway.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to England:
Hi again Jamie
Just a short note; much abuzz in the East as of late. The talk is of a
potential E/F, but I discount it. I think it's a smokescreen designed
to divert me (and others) from "just spoils." Nonetheless, given such
talk, I hope you and I remain in close communication -- we may need to
cover each other's backsides.
I am also hearing muted rumblings of possible coalition warfare; you may
also be involved. Once I crack the code from the originator, I'll pass
the info your way (if he doesn't do so himself). I'd be amenable to
E/R/other cooperation, if it polishes off a foe or two early on...as
long as it's not me. How about you?
Anyway, if you hear such rumors yourself, please let me know, ok? I can
confirm multiple rumors, but if they're only coming my way, it could be
a set-up. Thanks, Jamie.
Don't know if you're "up" for this kind of humor, but I've attached a
game ad from Avalanche Press to this note. Those of us with
university-and-beyond education can probably relate...
Enjoy, and please stay in touch.
Faz
((Flyer follows))
APL201 Survival of the Witless: Antisocial Darwinism in the Academic
World
(by Avalanche Press, Ltd, VA Beach, VA)
Survival of the Witless is a fast-playing card game for 3-8 players,
ages 10 and up, in which players attempt to gain the ultimate prize:
tenure. Players take the role of entry-level professors and attack one
another with gossip, innuendo, color-neutral mail, and seduction while
attempting to avoid such pitfalls as teaching awards, eye rape, student
support, ideological impurity, committee assignments, plagiarism charges
and the Race Card.
With enough status and a completed book (it doesn't have to be any good,
just published), a player can try for a tenure vote. What can bring you
status? Window office, trophy wife, bold new theories and research
grants, to list just a few. Tenure committee members may grow upset if
you park in their space, kill their pet or (Grant) burn the office
coffeemaker. But don't worry about the Lousy Teaching card -- it has no
effect. Each tenure committee member is a unique individual, who may
pay more attention to your race, class and gender than to your ability
or lack thereof. Succeed and you'll never have to work again.
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hi again Edi
>
Thanks for the details on both the game and your former education (I
should be so lucky now to find a $100 PhD kind of arrangement, if I ever
get off my carcass to get enthused about more self-inflicted brutality).
>
>
Your moves are nicely detailed and provide something for the greedy slob
in all of us. If England buys off, then I'll sign up, too. Have you
submitted this to him as a plan, or is he clueless over your ideas? I'm
not worried that much about Jamie's 1901 moves or anything, but once the
Tsar's ponderous war machine lurches along (just like WW1), I will have
difficulty shifting fronts....a smooth 1901 makes life so much simpler.
Good to hear Italy is 'up' for it. Should be interesting to see how
far he advances against France in the early stages. Possibly far,
should England occupy John's attention up north.
As far as Pitt goes, is 1901 enough to "show" him the vulture attacks on
France AND get him to commit to us? I only ask because we then dump on
him in 1902, and I'm not sure how/where his guys would be in such a
situation. (Of course, OUR units are what counts, but I'd like to see
him leaning Westward as the noose gets slipped around the neck.)
Bottom line: looks good, Edi. Let me know what England says before I
go final. (I won't offer this up to Jamie, as I'm unsure what you're
already said/don't want said.)
best
Faz
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hi again, Edi
I'll reply to your message (below), using its points to craft my reply;
helps my old addled brain remember things better that way. Hope this
finds you doing well.
I'll intersperse my commentary in a different color throughout your
letter, ok>
>
>Well I got your message...I know how you feel I. This is my first experience
>with a regular e-mail game (played one gunboat recently) and first time with
>a
>computer Judge.
>
>After that first confusion where my press release came out as from Turkey I
>do
>not trust it. I have set up in my e-mail software a separate address for
>everyone with the alias of their country and I will use that as the e-mail
>side of things.
>
>Anyway, I am very shakey on this computer judge thing and hope that I do not
>screw up some orders for lack of proper syntax or because of a typo spelling
>error...I am a terrible speller and typing is done at light speed to make
>things worse.
I doubt that you'll screw anything up due to syntax or Judge-type
quirks. If I, "Roadkill on the Information Superhighway," can master
this beast, you can too. But it's screwy, I'll say that. One thing
that's interesting is how the Judge sends me back every one of my
messages with an "orders not submitted for Russia yet" message at the
bottom. I suppose it's the way you're reminded to submit orders, but I
somehow wonder if anyone else reads my orders when this thing goes out.
> Ah well, foolish me: ignorant savage in the world of cyberspace.
>As for the game:
> OK you are staying out of Galicia, I can live with that.
Well, yes, I intend to stay out of Gal, but was kind of hoping you'd
say, "So am I." Your reply kind of leaves open that you might go
there--or am I implying too much?
> I strongly urge you not to yield on the issue of the Black Sea and to go
>for
>the stand off there. First I really do not want Turkey doing a shuttle
>through Constantinople to the Aegean and second it is in both our interest
>if
>Turkey is tied up a little.
> You do not have to go all out against him a 'freindly' bounce will be
>quite
>well.
A 'friendly' bounce will doubtless be seen by Hohn as most 'unfriendly.'
If I do bounce, what's your stance on RUM? Without sounding like an
imperialist writ large, Russian foreign policy is based on the
assumption that RUM is in its 'sphere.' Is that how you see it, also?
(Ser, Gre, Bul, are all non-issues to me unless they heavily tip the
balance in anyone's favor.)
Anyway, I'm not at all averse to bouncing Hohn. I've written him with
the usual schemes and dreams (as I've done to everyone this game), but
no reply. I appreciate the info on playing style contrasts between him
and Germany, by the way; nice to know! I tend to be a two-player
alliance type, at least for the bulk of the game, but given this is a
Demo Game with some "high rollers," I can modify my stodgy behavior.
(The Dip World Demo game is another example of the squirrely alliances
and power shifts we're all doing, for the same reason: to provide
"bread and circuses" for the neophytes and the old heads, showing them
what's in a good Dip game. I agree that we should be "open" in this
game, too.)
As for bouncing Turkey: if that's a good option, I'll do it...I
generally do anyway, for security. But I also want to hear from Hohn
first...what the heck.
>I have met both Pitt (Germany) and Hohn(Turkey) at various cons and of the
>two
>Pitt is by far the more conservative so I think you are fairly free in the
>area of Germany opening to either the Baltic or Silesia. Both are very much
>balance of power players...which I often am not.
What style do you play, then, if not BoP?
>
>Pitt will want you to commit first against England before he will join in for
>the most part and you probably can expect that Fleet Kiel will be built in
>the
>Winter regardless of the French situation unless they are in Munich.
>
>Hohn will be looking to come out of the Box and will take chances including
>an
>opening to Armenia and Black if he thinks he can get away with it. If he
>thinks he can get away with it he will and then gamble on approaching me to
>support him into Rumania in the Fall to give a balanced attacked on Sev and
>Rum.
>Let's not give him the opportunity. I agree!
>
>Have you heard from France at all. I am curious if we could see some early
>French-English or French-German action.
Forget France. I've heard from him twice. He asked if I had any
'concrete' anti-German plans (other than War-Sil, Bur-Mun--which sound
pretty 'concrete' to me?!) He's playing it close to the vest, and not
letting me know his true leanings, other than "info-sharing vs E and G."
>
>One of the more interesting things we might try to pull off...it is after all
>a Demonstration Game and we should try to Demonstrate something. Is a
>Russian-English-Italian-Austrian combined one two punch against
>France-Germany
>and Turkey. This would involve the setting of Italy going west with Army
>Venice to Piedmont and the English going to the Channel in the opening period
>while you stand off the Turk's in the Black. This would bring out the
>vulture
>juices of Pitt who would then jump on France in 02 that will allow us two to
>flood the Line (Tyr-Boh-Sil-Pru-Bal) in a quick blitz as he goes west.
>Turkey would be a slower grind but it would keep the west hopping and give us
>both room for expansion and opportunities in the middle phase without
>tripping
>on each other.
> To do this we need you to go to the Italians and the English with the plan
>and assurance about Turkey and the North. What do you think?
Now this might be a player! I think the bulk of folks would be
agreeable to this; I certainly am. Italy has also sounded me out about
this offer, and asked my opinion. I think England would also be
agreeable. My concern deals with expansion routes, and (naturally)
spoils:
1) What's Italy's opening: to Pie, and +1 from Tunis? How about me?
The bounce in Bla with ?? a southern strategy, or movement to the north
to boot? How about you? Where exactly would you be going in such a
plan, given that all the Western targets are separated by I, R or G? Or
are you and I to reduce Turkey while I and E (and vulture G?) join the
anti-French pummeling?
2) What benefits come to everyone in this one--especially if Germany
joins us? Right now it sounds like you and I should do ok (as we're
after the bulk of Turkey and the Balkans), but I see little gain for I
and E, unless they gut it out and slog through it for awhile. (Which
isn't all that bad, don't get me wrong!)
Bottom line: I'm interested.
>It sounds like you are an 'instructor' at West Point...when I almost went
>there as a student in 1967 they made it a point to advise us that there are
>no
>teachers only instructors. A friend of mine Peter McDonald went that year
>and
>I withdrew in the entry process due to my involvement with the Anti-Vietnam
>movement. Over the next few years I visited (there was an on going
>competition in the board games area between Cadets and the mostly anti-war
>gamers from NY...the Point lost every match...but it was an hysterical
>setting with iron backed serious cadets and sloppy long haired scruffy types
>going over games like Stalingrad, Afrika Korps and Blitzkrieg). The Point
>crowd was first class friendly even given the obvious 100% opposite views on
>Vietnam, I even stayed at the home of the military history prof's (Doopey,?
>Deputy?) house and Thayer(?) Hotel.
> The war was quite a growing contrast between Pete and I and eventually we
>were pulled apart.
> Anyway that's my involvement with West Point.
Your memory serves you in good stead. The Hotel Thayer remains (due to
receive a multimillion $$ facelift soon), and the Historian you stayed
with sounds like Col Trevor Dupuy, "the" icon of modern Army
historians...I think he committed a quick suicide recently after finding
out he faced a slower death due to cancer. Ah, S'grad, Afrika Korps
and Blitzkrieg--they remain on my shelves, waiting for the next
generation of board gamers!
The West Point mystique is a long and storied one, and I can image the
'clash of cultures' you encountered in the Vietnam heyday years. It's a
little more sedate now. For me, it's a learning experience in itself.
Yes, I am an instructor (you do become an associate professor, but only
after 2+ years of teaching). I teach International Relations ("Why do
states do what they do?"), using various interstate theories of realism,
pol-econ, and nation-state activities. I don't have an IR degree, but
my Masters is close enough, so they took me. I'm Air Force, here as one
of 14 liaison officers, so it's a real "culture shock." But I'd like
to teach upon retirement (getting there soon) and this is a nice
addition to the resume. Plus it's fun, once the admin mumbo-jumbo is
done.....
Anyway, hope this helps, and is informative. I await the next Austrian
letter, and "good hunting" to you this game, Edi.
Faz
The mist rolled in over the Bridge of the Pontifex as the Coronal stared
out over the river. The swirling fog seemed only slightly thicker than
the veil of depression which the messenger's disturbing news had brought
upon him. "After all these centuries," thought Hissune, "Why should the
BirSauron choose this moment in history to re-appear?" He stared out at
the river once again and watched as a seabird swooped down and plucked
a fish out of the dark water. "Could that be an omen?" wondered
Hissune. "Are we all to become prey for that foulest of birds?"
His voice a whisper, he ordered the Coronal's squire to fetch his
closest advisors. "Ill fortune it be to those whose fate it is to lead
worlds in times of crisis. May we live to once again see light",
Hissune said as he turned away from the window.
Private message from Russia to Master:
Cal,
I'm 100% with you and your letter's contents! I fear everyone this game
(I'm not in the same class as the ghods of the ghame), yet I fear you
(and France) the least, because of geography (and that you're swell
fellows, no doubt! -grin-) Having said that, I think I'd also like to
try Edi's plan, at least to see where it takes us.
I was serious when I said I like to see Italian grwoth. Only in the
rarest of circumstances would we ever fight, and there are a lot of
advantages (like, keeping Aus in check) that come from our cooperation!
Edi's plan is bold, and has the right chemistry for an early takedown of
a couple powers (neither of them ours!). To paraphrase Churchill's 1940
speech in regards to A and T: "If the Devil (Edi) were against Mr
Hitler (Hohn), I'd give him a fair mention in the House of Commons." I
trust no one, and would readily agree that, once Hohn is on the ropes,
you and I do an immediate turn-around and start pummeling Edi. If not,
he may get E/A against me (or you) and gut us at his whim...I don't want
that to happen, and neither do you.
OK, then, the die seems cast. Eng also seems "up" for it. Hopefully
this isn't some A/T grand cabal to sucker us all! I stand ready to help
(and cover) you as we begin this ploy, and I hope you do the same for
me.
>Let's stay in close touch, Cal, please.
Tsar Faz
Hello,
what's the policy about observer press in the game ?
Is it allowed? Encouraged? Prohibited?
Are we (observer) allowed to talk about tactics or would you consider
that an unwanted interference?
Bye,
Luca
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as Germany to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Greetings, my dear neighbor.
>
> OK, now that I've taken my life in my hands by being overly familiar, let
> me cast myself at your mercy. Seriously, I honestly can't tell you how
> thrilled I feel to be part of this game. I admit to claiming a certain
> passing competency in Diplomacy but I would never be so bold as to put
> myself on a plane with the other players here. I have direct experience of
> a couple and knowledge of the reputation of the rest, yourself included.
> My goal is to not embarrass myself and, if I'm lucky, to survive til the end.
Heh heh, at least you got in on the strength of your reputation as a
player. *I* got in because I'm passingly competant at running a
Dipzine! A couple of Cancon titles aside, most of my experience in this
hobby is as a publisher, not as a player. Ah well, I'll probably settle
for the same goals as yourself ie a lack of public embarassment. Given
all the bloody people signing on as "observers" in this game, that may
come as a challenge!
> I know that probably sounds like I'm laying it on pretty thick (and, I
> suppose, I am) but it's no less true for all of that.
Still pretty thick (grin), but hey, that's why they call it Diplomacy!
> So, to that end, I'm
> offering my hand in friendship with the hope that we can initiate a
> cooperative partnership. At this point, it seems to me that direct miltary
> action is probably not immediately in the cards (but, please, tell me if
> you think I'm missing something). However, at the very least, I'd like to
> establish and maintain well-developed lines of communication. Any insight
> or input you can give me will be very much appreciated. I'll do my best to
> reciprocate. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
I agree that keeping communication open is very important. We may not
be able to work together in the near future, but if we can both survive
long enough, we'll undoubtedly have reason for more substantial chat in
the future.
As for current insights, well, it's hard to know what credence to give
ANYTHING in the S'01 negotiations... Austria is trying hard to get me
to attack France and Russia seems scared of both Austria and Turkey.
Turkey hasn't written, but he did say he would be out of town for the
weekend. I'm not reading anything into his silence (yet). Other than
that, you probably know as much about the opening moves as I do (ie your
own). Anything from the west sound interesting?
> P.S. My home phone is 617-734-6315, work is 617-739-1500, and my pager
> number is 617-881-7997. If you call the home number, you'll get an
> answering machine (home business). Just press any number to cut off the
> message and announce your call. I'll pick up if I'm home. If you call me
> at work, I probably won't be there (I'm on the road most of the time) but
> you can ask my receptionist to page me or you can leave me a voicemail
> message. When I'm not at home, I always carry my pager, so you can page me
> if it's after normal business hours and you get no answer at the house.
> I'm on Eastern time and I'm available for calls between 9:00 a.m. and
> midnight, 7 days a week.
I'm on Eastern time as well (Toronto) but I usually go to bed fairly
early. However, I rarely go to sleep right away so I on't mind being
disturbed up til about 11:PM. You can reach me at (416) 281 1318 in the
evenings week days. If something really urgent comes up, I carry a cell
phone in the truck with me during the day (416) 560 9206. I'm at work
from 7:30AM to about 5:PM. I can't always talk, but I can usually apare
a few minutes.
Take care and good luck!
Cal
Hey, what's all this talk about BenGurion, or BirSauron, or dark myst on
the waters? Have I entered some D&D role playing game instead of
Diplomacy? Are there orcs about to pounce upon the Tsar of All Russias,
as he vainly seeks to prevent the outbreak of war? As Sir Edward Grey
so aptly said, "The lights are going out all over Europe. I don't
believe we shall see them lit again in our lifetimes." I go with
History, not mystery.
And who made up some of those names for the Observers'
sign-ons...sheesh! Btw, is Don Williams of CA fame out there among all
you observers? Wherte have been these last few years, SLUG?! And yes,
I still hate the Rams.
Tsar Faz
Charter Member, Don Rickles Humor Society
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as England to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Italian Consulate, Truck Courier Division
> attn: Cal White
>
> Dear Sgnr. White,
> We should like to open serious negotiations with your government.
Sounds good to me. England and Italy are natural counterpoints whose
fortunes, as you point out below, are usually tied together.
> In particular, a plan of attack outlined by Archduke Birsan has
> reached our desk, and our interest therein is highly contingent on
> your own disposition.
Well, assuming that Edi's plan to you is the same as the one he sent to
me, that would call for you and I to attack France. Normally, I
wouldn't be predisposed to do this, but I think I might make an
exception in this case. It will certainly liven the game up a bit. I
figure we should give all these observers something to watch, eh? :)
> If possible, we would like to reach a rapprochement in some way,
> either quite limited or aggressively cooperative, among yourselves,
> ourselves, and the Russian selves, since in our experience the
> fortunes of Italy, England, and Russia often rise and fall together.
Agreed. Russia is Italy's other main counterpoint. Anyway, if you are
interested in a definite working agreement to attack France, I'm willing
to do the same. Moves to the Channel and Piedmont are the obvious
openers. We can see what happens after that.
Comments?
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
Well, good to see Edi is singing the same tune to us all--maybe the
> Siren Song is designed to sensitize the masses and ensure greater > Austrian security.
Was there ever a doubt about this? :)
> Actually, I don't have a problem with his plan, at least for the
> initial stages. I mean, given the choice between a working A/I/R > (with possible G involvement), or a possible anti-R combination of
> A/T, > well...the choice is obvious!
>
> I don't think you'd have much of a threat from Edi once this got
> rolling. After all, the three of us will serve as "checks and > balances" on the other two, and if he gets uppity toward you (or me), > I would ho
pe that we could cover each other's backs and stop the
> danger.
>
> Quite honestly, I'd prefer the ol' straight-out attacks on Gal and
> Tri, and take our chances with fighting Austria. The big downer with
> that plan is that it allows the Turk a greater gain out of the
> starting gate, and that's a threat to us both in the mid-game. So,
> fighting the urge to just attack right away, I'd say that yes, I would
> be interested in an A/I/R cabal.
>
> The question mark then, of course, is who does what to whom? Does
> this imply you're attacking immediately westward, gaining just Tun in
> '01? Where do I go -- Nwy? What does this imply for Russian
> presence in the Balkans (especially if Turkey opens to Arm and/or
> Bla)? And Austria: who exactly is he attacking in this grand scheme,
> save 'eastern' power Turkey? And of course, we need to figure out
> Germany's ultimate role here--fellow vulture, or Defender of the West?
>
> Only my hairdresser knows the answers to all these questions, but I'd
> kind of like a little more gouge from Edi before I completely endorse
> this plan.
>
> Let me know your 'druthers, Cal: anti-A, anti-T, or anti-West, it's
> all the same to me.
The way I see the plan is like this:
Positives
It puts Turkey down right from the get-go. Hohn is a great player and
playing Italy to his Turkey isn't my cup of tea. His early demise would
make me breathe MUCH easier.
It creates confusion in the west. All the better as I hate games that
come down to East/West stalemates. With any luck, I can get a fleet
into the Mid during the confusion and make it more likely that the game
will have at worst a small draw.
It keeps Edi positioned right between you and I where we can watch him.
Drawbacks
It keeps Edi positioned right between you and I where we can watch him
stab either of us in the back... My biggest fear about the three of us
attacking Turkey is that, once Turkey is out, you're involved with
England, I'm involved with France and Edi get to pick which exposed back
he wants to attack... That's not an attractive proposition given Edi's
propensity for viciousness (well-deserved, I might add... ).
However, if you and I stay aware of this, we should be able to keep
enough leverage to make him stay honest.
Keeping him honest will be tricky. In fact, it MAY not be possible. If
it looks as if we're not being successful at it, we might want to pull
back a bit and try the old pincer attack. Actually, if there is
sufficient confusion in the west, we might keep this in the back of our
minds as the best long term option anyway.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To sum up, I'd like to give Edi's plan a shot, but I want to keep in
mind that it will probably be better to take him out right after Turkey
is gone (or nearly so). Whatever happens, I'd like for you and I to
keep working together. I wouldn't trust Edi or Hohn as far as I could
throw them (less actually, Hohn's kinda small... ), but there is no
reason for you and I to conflict, given the countries we're playing.
Comments?
Cal
(416) 281 1318 (after 7:PM EST week nights)
Private message from Russia to Germany:
My dear Kaiser
Thanks for the letter and info therein! As for you laying it on rather
thickly, well...You do state your non-desire to be compared on the same
plane as these other barracudas, yet only one player this game doesn't
rate himself "expert" on the scale (Mr Moral High Ground, at your
service, ha ha!). And Austria certainly has some info to tell, so I
imagine he's one of the ones you have "knowledge of!" ((-grin-))
Nonetheless, take the above as good-natured ribbing (it is)! I
realize this "preparatory fire" is the nature of the beast for us
experienced Dippers--and completely expected. Hope this finds you well,
Pitt!
What can be said of Russo-German relations? Well, like you, I'd love to
discuss long-term arrangements. What German wouldn't love to hear
there's DMZs all along our mutual borders? What Russian wouldn't thrill
to be given SWE without a fight in '01 (hint hint)?! If there is an
area where you and I can team up together, Pitt, count me in. R/Gs have
a natural gel to them, as there are peripheral foes (to keep us from
casting covetous eyes toward each other) and there are neighborly foes
that we can both team up on for quick gain. Russia is always willing to
discuss these types of issues with her great German neighbor!
Having said that, I imagine that 1901 will see the usual conservatism.
Like you, I don't feel worthy to be among the "ghods of the ghame." And
that translates into wanting to stay alive a little while, so dozens of
e-mail observers won't remember my only PBEM game as a farce and a
comedy of errors. As such, I'd love to launch into something bold and
beautiful, but I think it may occur in 1902, so I can at least try for
centers....I imagine you're thinking along the same lines?
Speaking of...ahem...centers, where do we stand? Are you going to
contest SWE, or may I have "rightful" Russian territory? Can we cement
DMZs in SIL, PRU and BAL? If so, those two points will help channel us
toward "mutual plans" and keep the peace between us with minimal
apprehension.
I stand ready and able to help/deal with the Germans at a moment's
notice. I need all the help I can get this game, and Germany is the
last foe I want to even consider tangling with! I hope you feel the
same in every regard, and that we can, indeed, "do business" in the near
future. I welcome any and all ideas, suggestions, or comments. My
phone is (914) 446-1308, as I stated in a broadcast note earlier...best
between 5-7 p.m., or after 9, and weekends.
Yours for Peace,
Tsar Faz
Per Adonai Elohim, Adonai Jehova
Adonai Sabaoth, Metraton Ou Agla Methon,
Verbum Pythonicum, Mysterium Salamandrae
Cenventus Sylvorum, Antra Gnomorum
Demonia Coeli God, Almonsin Gibor
Jehoshua Evam Zariathnatmik, Veni, Veni, Veni!
Just practicing.
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Cal,
No, I'm not home from work (unfortunately). I'm actually trying to get
a bunch of classroom admin work done, but every time the server "dings"
to tell me there's a message, I drop everything and become a slave to
non-work stuff. Sooner or later it'll catch up to me. I tried to
connect another e-mail net to my home server, but it ate my military
connection (I also have this remoted to my home terminal), and I lost
some Windows-based crap that took me two weeks to fix. So now I just
play from work (or via the remote). Some days I'll write reams to you
from work, other days I won't get anything out....this is an
'in-between' day.
"Full support" between us is exactly what I'm looking for. Italy's
tough enough to play (even by a top-notch player like yourself), so
anything I can do to help you --AND VICE VERSA -- is strongly
encouraged.
See you in the trenches, and write me anytime; I encourage the
communication!
Tsar Faz
Private message from Italy to Master:
Hi John! Sorry it's taken so long to write, but bad weather and a trip
to Montreal in a snow storm have kept my life busy (and interesting) for
the last few days. I'm actually home today because my truck is frozen
up and won't start. Fine with me, I need the mental health day!
Anyway, I don't believe we've ever met either in person or over a
PBM/PBEM board before. Hopefully, that will be a good thing as I'm
familiar with (and have a few preconceptions about) several other
players. I've either gamed with or met Edi (Austria), Mark (Russia) and
Hohn (Turkey). I know that Edi and Hohn are two of the most feared
players in the Diplomacy PBM hobby. Hohn has won two or three DipCons
and Edi has been around forever. I think he's won DipCon at least once
and is also the inventor of the Lepanto Opening for Italy.
Needless to say, I don't think I want to turn my back on either of those
two guys! To that end, I'd like for us to come to a basic agreement
over the Med and our respective backs. I don't think anybody will be
making any radical moves (at least to start), so I'd prefer it if we
could do the following couple of things:
1) Establish neutrality in the Med and Piedmont;
2) Keep in touch with each other closely as the others' "source" of news
in the other half of the board.
In keeping with #2, I can tell you that Edi has been soliciting help for
an attack on Turkey, although with Edi, you never know what his plan
REALLY are. As for the rest, nobody has made any solid offers to me and
I'm still deciding what to do. My options are pretty much attack
Austria or Turkey right from the get go. Here's hoping I make the right
decision! :)
Comments?
If you would like to talk on the phone, I have no objection to that. I
am usually home in the evenings during the week. (416) 281 1318 is my
home number and during the day I can (usually) be reached at (416) 560
9206 (cell phone). Weekends are a gamble, but if you all around noon
(give or take a couple of hours) you can sometimes catch me. I live in
Toronto, so it's eastern daylight savings time.
Take care and good luck!
Cal White
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as England to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Exactly. I'm not usually disposed to attack *anyone* in 1901 as England,
> myself. But I agree that it's worth some risk to make the game a real
> 'Demo'. (However, I will be counting on you to keep an eye on the Rascal
> Birsan -- I feel certain that this large plan is carefully calculated to
> benefit him, and trust you to be the ablest among us to see through it!)
Hey, remember, I'm in this game because I'm a pretty good Diplomacy
publisher! You guys are the experts here!
> So, I'll open to the Channel and you to the Piedmont, then. And we're
> expecting Austrian troops in Germany in 1902. In the mean time, I will do
> my best to tempt Pitt into scooping spoils from a hapless Frenchman.
> Mun-Bur would chill any French hopes of a drawn-out struggle!
I'll see if I can add to Pitt's temptation, although I may not do that
until
the Fall turn. He may not want to join if he thinks France will be
taken
down TOO quickly and by too many people for him to get a decent share of
the
pie.
> And you know, with any luck, it will take Russia and Austria a lot longer
> to ferret out Turkey than it will you and me to finish France, assuming
> German help....
We'll have to make sure we can establish units straddling the stalemate
lines so this doesn't degenerate into a four-way draw though. That's
for
quite a ways in the future though. Think I'll see what Spring 01 brings
first!
Take Care and Good Luck!
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> No, I'm not home from work (unfortunately). I'm actually trying to get
> a bunch of classroom admin work done, but every time the server "dings"
> to tell me there's a message, I drop everything and become a slave to
> non-work stuff. Sooner or later it'll catch up to me. I tried to
> connect another e-mail net to my home server, but it ate my military
> connection (I also have this remoted to my home terminal), and I lost
> some Windows-based crap that took me two weeks to fix. So now I just
> play from work (or via the remote). Some days I'll write reams to you
> from work, other days I won't get anything out....this is an
> 'in-between' day.
>
> "Full support" between us is exactly what I'm looking for. Italy's
> tough enough to play (even by a top-notch player like yourself), so
> anything I can do to help you --AND VICE VERSA -- is strongly
> encouraged.
>
> See you in the trenches, and write me anytime; I encourage the
> communication!
I've actually got England on the "line" at the moment and he says he is
going to go along with the plan as well. He just needed my assurances
that I would be attacking France in '01.
Ciao 4 now
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
Hi Hohn! Been a while, eh? Was it Toronto or Kansas City we last met?
Either way, this is our first time meeting over the board. Mind you, I
can say that to everyone in this game (although I MAY have played a game
or two with Fassio at Brad Wilson's place in the early 90s). My main
goal for this game will be to try not to embarass myself. Most of you
guys are here because of your gaming reputations; I'm here because I'm
passably good at publishing a Diplomacy zine... And with all these
observers watching... hmmmm.
Anyway, I would have to say that the players in this game I would be
most worried about would be you and Edi. Being neighbours (and even
natural enemies) with your two countries behooves me to pick a side.
All things being equal, I would prefer to attack Austria simply based on
the fact that, if I can pick up a couple of quick centres right from the
start, it makes me that much harder to take down ie. more likely to
survive to mid/end game. I'll be happy to accomplish that - not that I
won't try for a good draw/win, but that may be hard to come by with this
cast.
Would you be willing to attack Austria with me? Obviously, it will
depend on your relationship with Russia, but in his opening letter he
indicated an interest in this idea. For us to work together long term,
it would require you to stick to land forces while I stuck to naval
power. This is workable and is usually how I/T manage to stick
together.
Comments? I'm ready to order ven-tyo, rom-ven if you are amenable to
this plan.
Cal
>Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
>discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
>turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
>about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
I was asking about all possible things.
I will surely not discuss about future movements, and I hope you will be
so kind to explain me some of the past ones :)
Bye,
Luca
>Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
>discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
>turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
>about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
I was asking about all possible things.
I will surely not discuss about future movements, and I hope you will be
so kind to explain me some of the past ones :)
Bye,
Luca
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
> what's the policy about observer press in the game ?
> Is it allowed? Encouraged? Prohibited?
> Are we (observer) allowed to talk about tactics or would you consider
> that an unwanted interference?
Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
My $0.02
Cal
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> Hello,
>
> what's the policy about observer press in the game ?
> Is it allowed? Encouraged? Prohibited?
> Are we (observer) allowed to talk about tactics or would you consider
> that an unwanted interference?
>
> Bye,
> Luca
>
I have not prohibited such press. As has been repeatedly told me by
a number of the players, they are all big boys and can filter
whatever. It is unlikely that an observer comment on tactical
or strategic situations would bias this game anyway. Some of them
have encouraged MY comments, but I will be keeping my comments
to a very dull minimum --- until after the game is over when I will
be wrting an article on the game for my Diplomacy World column
series on personality in Diplomacy.
Luca, I find it fascinating that you think you would have something
to say already, but please feel free to say it.
Jim
Vienna (Free Press)
"The subject of the numbers of one 'Pit's (a delicious name I might add)
Palantir is interesting. We have ways of making you talk."
s/Luigi's Godfather.
Private message from Observer to Observer:
Good thing Pitt can't order his units to attack an observer, isn't it
Manus?
>>Wes
My feeling about observer press is about the same as Hohn's. It's ok with
me if there is discussion of future moves.
I guess I figure, sure, it's *possible* that I'll have this cool plan for a
convoyed attack, and my naive victim won't have noticed it, and then some
observer blurts out, "Look, England can convoy A Cly - Ven!", and spoils
the whole thing. But it doesn't seem too likely. I don't expect to have any
naive victims. I might *be* one, but then observer commentary could only
save me. So I understand if anyone objects to observers commenting on
possible future moves. I also understand that anyone who objects is very
probably out to get me. But this would only confirm all of my suspicions
anyway. Pitt is only pretending to be paranoid to catch me off guard. It's
a transparent trick.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
enpress
f edi - yor
f lon - yor
a lvp - yor
I certainly hope that press is allowed, I was hoping to put
in my thoughts ...
The watcher
I'm ignoring all rules and protest and will forge right into my discussion
of future moves:
Austria: f tri h, a bud-tri, a vie s a bud-tri. You need to determine if
the judge will handle "self dislodgement" orders correctly.
England: a lpl-yor, f lon-yor, f edi-yor. This defends your most valuable
province from all possible moves.
France: f bre-gas, a mar-gas, a par-gas. This defends your most valuable
province from all possible moves.
Germany: f kie-hel, a mun-bur, a ber-sil. This opens up offensive options
with all neighbors.
Italy: f nap-tyr, a ven-tyr, a rom h. This allows you to determine which
abbreviation for those annoy "tyr" provinces actually work with the judge
software.
Russia: f stp(sc)-liv, f sev(sc) h, a war-liv, a mos-liv. This allows you
to test the judge software regarding its ability to get confused.
Turkey: f ank-con, a con-smy, a smy-ank. Never really liked the starting
position for your units. Let's get them adjusted.
I'll send $5 to each of you that follow my suggestions...
Dave
(your annoying judgekeeper, among other descriptions...)
>
>Now I see that you are more interested in READING commentary than
>making commentary. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for my article
>at the end and the end game statements of the players to see the
>players and me discuss past moves in detail. This will require some
>patience....
As I said, I was just checking the various possibility :)
I can imagine to have fun in having a bunch of people starting to say
"Austria did it because of this and that, but if he had done this other ...,
now if the next season he will attack in this way he might succeed ..."
And so on. The "future" part of it shouldn't be done, according to players,
so maybe even talking about the past will result difficult.
I would like to write something if I have time, but I am surely not
an expert :)
Bye,
Luca
Hi all,
Just wanted to say that I will _definitely_ be responding to
all press by tonight or tomorrow morning. Sorry for the
delay...these darn work people just can't seem to get it
into their heads that I have _important_ things to do...like
play Dip!
Regarding observer press, I personally don't mind observer
commentary, regarding past, present or future moves. I
figure we're all experienced enough to use what we choose,
and this _is_ a demo game after all. But since reasonable
player objection has already been made to everything but
past moves, I think we should respect that.
Hohn
Private message from France to Italy:
I have heard that Edi is a fearsome competitor. I'm not quite sure how I
ended up in this game, but it should be interesting.
I agree wholeheartedly to neutrality in Pie and the Med. As usual,
France's main concerns lie on other fronts. I've been solicited for
attacks on Germany and on England. No commitments as yet, regardless of
whatever rumors are flying. Indeed, I would bet that no one in this game
has made any commitments or firm plans, but the next few days will be
filled with rumors of alliances and planned attacks.
Such is diplomacy.
If you hear anything interesting, drop a line. I will do likewise.
John
France
---------------------------------------------------
This message was created and sent using the Cyberdog Mail System
---------------------------------------------------
Private message from France to Germany:
Kaiser: Thank you for your kind words, but I think my reputation, such as
it is, has run ahead of my actual accomplishments. I have but a single win
on the judges, a couple of draws, and otherwise I have taken early exits.
Be that as it may, Austria may contact you about an interesting proposal.
He wants to tackle the Russian right away, if you are amenable. He
suggested that a German move to the Baltic is an excellent way to put
Russia on the ropes. I suppose it would be mun-ruh, ber-kie, kie-bal.
>From there, you can take Holland and Denmark and be poised for Sweden. The
killer is the convoy to Livonia in the following year.
Let me know what you think of this. I can ease your way.
France
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> >Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
> >discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
> >turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
> >about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
>
> I was asking about all possible things.
> I will surely not discuss about future movements, and I hope you will be
> so kind to explain me some of the past ones :)
>
> Bye,
> Luca
>
Luca,
Well, I apologize for speaking before actually polling the players.
I will certainly NOT be encouraging wide ranging discussion of
future movements while the game is going on.
Now I see that you are more interested in READING commentary than
making commentary. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for my article
at the end and the end game statements of the players to see the
players and me discuss past moves in detail. This will require some
patience....
Jim
> All should feel free to make observations on any moves, past,
> present, or future!
>
Okay, here is my brash and bold prediction for Spring 1905:
England: A EDI - NWG - NAO - IRI - ENG - NTH - NWG - EDI
(Credit to game "goofy," where this was actually done, though
the circuit was made THRICE on the same move, not just once
[it would have been more but the judge has a limit on the
length of an order]. To crown it all off, England also ordered
A LVP - EDI to bounce the whole thing. Truly a beautiful
sight.)
All players involved (I can predict fleet ownership at this point, but I
thought it best to leave some suspense in the game) will get $5 from me too.
Manus
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in
> 'ghodstoo':
>
> I'm ignoring all rules and protest and will forge right into my discussion
> of future moves:
> I'll send $5 to each of you that follow my suggestions...
Absolutely brilliant, Dave! Sheer genius! Hopefully, if one our the
players in this game should drop out, you could perhaps take over the
position? Maybe even a country next to me, eh?
> Regarding observer press, I personally don't mind observer
> commentary, regarding past, present or future moves. I
> figure we're all experienced enough to use what we choose,
> and this _is_ a demo game after all. But since reasonable
> player objection has already been made to everything but
> past moves, I think we should respect that.
Okay, I surrender! :) I didn't have a really strenuous
aversion to outside commentary, so I will withdraw my
objection to it. All should feel free to make observations
on any moves, past present or future!
Cal
Private message from Master to France:
John,
I've seen some of your recent press messages. I want to emphasze
that you can say anything you want to whomever you want and I won't
be interfereing in any way, but for your own information, I want you to
understand why you were chosen (though I note with glee that you did register
as an expert.... ;-).
The game was designed to have a mix of people with FTF successes, postal
successes, and E-Mail Judge successes. Because of the trend toward
anonymous games on the Judges, especially by many of the current
expert E-Mail players, a lot of people turned me down. They didn't
want to play if it wasn't anonymous. Conrad Minshall suggested I go look
at his rating system for people with high ratings on "regular"
non-anonymous games. You were the highest person on that list who agreed
to play (I started at the top and worked my way down). I believe you
are fourth on the DSI list for that category.
Don't hesitate to ask me any questions about such stuff. I have heard
lots more (as you might imagine) from the Judge rookies.
Jim
Vienna, (Free Press)
The hearst was pulling up to the rusty gates of the Dark Tower when a
diminutive reporter reached the side of a cloaked visitor.
"It has been recorded in the recent history that there is a malaise across the
cyber field where the lessons of the Golden Age have long been forgotten. The
plea has been to demonstrate that which can be in the true glory and grandeur
as those long forgotten warriors once daily posted to the world then consumed
by paper not cyber mail. For this the old cries echoed down the ages and
several of the skeletons and shades have assembled to see if but new life can
be bleed into the tired dullness of the ion diplomats. For this
responsibility we all share great seriousness and let us take this shallow
chasim of cyber void and poor into it the style, flare and if need, by the
verbosity of our souls to make things richer and better than they were
before."
The reported scribbled with great speed and in then looked up and commented:
"....errrr...whatever."
+++
The purpose of the demonstrate game is to Demonstrate. So for you observers I
welcome all the comments and drivel you want to spew forth. At the start of
postal Diplomacy the press was often more important than the game...and
usually more entertaining. It is a social game and we should socialize
(apology to Republicans for using a dirty word).
An ongoing commentary with tactical review, diplomatic options and the like
has been used in the past Demo games in postal play without any real serious
impact on the game. It would be interesting in someways to see if there were
an impact.
Edi
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as England in 'ghodstoo':
> ...
> enpress
> f edi - yor
> f lon - yor
> a lvp - yor
>
What do you say, Dave? That ought to at least earn Jamie $2.50, huh?
Manus
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> >Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
> >discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
> >turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
> >about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
>
> I was asking about all possible things.
> I will surely not discuss about future movements, and I hope you will be
> so kind to explain me some of the past ones :)
>
> Bye,
> Luca
>
Luca,
Well, I apologize for speaking before actually polling the players.
I will certainly NOT be encouraging wide ranging discussion of
future movements while the game is going on.
Now I see that you are more interested in READING commentary than
making commentary. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for my article
at the end and the end game statements of the players to see the
players and me discuss past moves in detail. This will require some
patience....
Jim
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy and Master in
> 'ghodstoo':
>
> Cal,
> I'm 100% with you and your letter's contents! I fear everyone this game
> (I'm not in the same class as the ghods of the ghame), yet I fear you
> (and France) the least, because of geography (and that you're swell
> fellows, no doubt! -grin-) Having said that, I think I'd also like to
> try Edi's plan, at least to see where it takes us.
>
> I was serious when I said I like to see Italian grwoth. Only in the
> rarest of circumstances would we ever fight, and there are a lot of
> advantages (like, keeping Aus in check) that come from our cooperation!
> Edi's plan is bold, and has the right chemistry for an early takedown of
> a couple powers (neither of them ours!). To paraphrase Churchill's 1940
> speech in regards to A and T: "If the Devil (Edi) were against Mr
> Hitler (Hohn), I'd give him a fair mention in the House of Commons." I
> trust no one, and would readily agree that, once Hohn is on the ropes,
> you and I do an immediate turn-around and start pummeling Edi. If not,
> he may get E/A against me (or you) and gut us at his whim...I don't want
> that to happen, and neither do you.
>
> OK, then, the die seems cast. Eng also seems "up" for it. Hopefully
> this isn't some A/T grand cabal to sucker us all! I stand ready to help
> (and cover) you as we begin this ploy, and I hope you do the same for
> me.
>
> >Let's stay in close touch, Cal, please.
I guess we're both home from work today, eh? Or do you have net access
from work? Me, I'm here because my %$#%$@# truck won't start. Not that
I mind; I could use the mental health day. Just replaced my fuel line
last week and now I think the sucker froze up. Ah well, put some gas
line antifreeze in, so hopefully she'll start tomorrow.
Anyway, I just want to let you know that I'm in full support of our
"watch-out-for-each-other" plan. Also, I'll do my best to keep in
touch. I just upgraded my internet account to 24 hours a day (had to -
I also design web pages for whoever will pay me to do so...), so
there's no excuse not to do so. I think fear of public embarassment
will keep my attention from wandering too far in THIS game...
Cal
Private message from England to Italy:
Right, ok, we are on the same wavelength. Hm, I guess our respective
media's styles aren't so different after all! What a relief.
>Well, assuming that Edi's plan to you is the same as the one he sent to
>me,
Yes, of course that's always an open question, I suppose. But I'd already
heard confirmation from Russia that Edi was disseminating the same plan to
him and me, and he mentioned that you had already been consulted, too, so I
was pretty sure.
(Every time I write 'Edi' I feel like I'm ordering one of my fleets!)
>that would call for you and I to attack France. Normally, I
>wouldn't be predisposed to do this, but I think I might make an
>exception in this case. It will certainly liven the game up a bit. I
>figure we should give all these observers something to watch, eh? :)
Exactly. I'm not usually disposed to attack *anyone* in 1901 as England,
myself. But I agree that it's worth some risk to make the game a real
'Demo'. (However, I will be counting on you to keep an eye on the Rascal
Birsan -- I feel certain that this large plan is carefully calculated to
benefit him, and trust you to be the ablest among us to see through it!)
So, I'll open to the Channel and you to the Piedmont, then. And we're
expecting Austrian troops in Germany in 1902. In the mean time, I will do
my best to tempt Pitt into scooping spoils from a hapless Frenchman.
Mun-Bur would chill any French hopes of a drawn-out struggle!
And you know, with any luck, it will take Russia and Austria a lot longer
to ferret out Turkey than it will you and me to finish France, assuming
German help....
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Germany:
Vermicious knids: imagination-spawn of Roald Dahl.
>>Would you mind having a few words to plan openings? I am inclined to play
>>Churchill.
>
>Hmmm...as I recall, Winnie was rabidly anti-German. Should I be concerned?
No, no, not Sir Winnie. Who's he? The teenage son of Lord Churchill? Yes, I
forsee great things for him, but not until the 1930's or so. I meant LADY
RANDOLPH Churchill. You know, she is very fond of French fashion, and
always likes to take the ferry over for a quick browse through the shops.
Ok, down to business.
Yes, I would be happy to remove one or two of the Slowmail Riders, just to
even up the odds a bit. Like practically everyone, I prefer taking on my
first enemy in 1902. However, if you would be willing to commit equally,
I'd go after France on the first move.
With Russia going south (still the plan, as I understand it), the situation
is ideal for a blitz of France. If I could then use my southward momentum,
we'd have a really good defensive set-up, you and I, without much worry
about getting in each other's ways. We'd be ready to take on the Legends
Birsan and White, mano-a-mano.
Lemme know.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
STOP THE KNIDS STOP THE KNIDS STOP THE KNIDS STOP THE KNIDS STOP THE KNIDS STOP
Private message from England to Austria:
>((Jim Burgess has asked for copies of correspondance and since I do not trust
>the judge after the initial screw up with my message coming from Turkey I want
>to to be safe by direct e-mail)).
Right.
I copied your earlier message to him, too.
I see from your broadcast, though, that you have screwed up enough courage
to dip again into the Deeps of Judge Dred.
>I have had some initial checks with the Russians and the Italians and they
>seem very much up for the One-two blitz we have been talking about with you
>and Italy opening up on France in O1 with the idea to pull in the Germans into
>a vulture move in 02 as Russia and I slam him in 02.
I have spoken about it with Russia. I have attempted to speak to Italy
about it, but so far he hasn't answered me. You might give him a nudge.
Russia and I are interested. But, it goes without saying (practically) that
I couldn't fall in with the plan until and unless I were sure that Italy is
on board.
>I will try to get a hold of you some time this week by phone to see if we can
>get this along.
Ok. But, as I say, I am most interested in having some words from Italy.
>I am looking forward to demonstrating something in the game and a quick one
>tow blitz is something that seems to be needed in the E-mail world.
I call it "Le Gran Plan d'Birsan". Or should it be "Das Edikriegspieluberplan"?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
La mia famiglia non gradisce che si parli cosi' tanto di me !
Luigi
I am -- uh, encouraged -- to inform you that the "Pitt Crandlemire Home
Telephone Shopping Club" has gone out of business. I regret to inform
you that there won't even be a final clearance sale (I checked with Luigi;
he made it clear to me that this wouldn't make business sense).
Manus
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>I am now in the business of selling Pitt's home phone number to all comers.
Right. And after you get it, call me right away so that I may give you
Manus' home address and the (very) private and unlisted number for my good
friend, Luigi, who works for a nice Olive Oil import/export company in
Brooklyn...
-Pitt
Vienna, (Free Press)
The simple ebony casket in the vaults of Saint Stephans moaned with a small
shudder. Could it be that in the dark void of cyberspace a simple scream has
echoed down the time line? Has not sentient beings learned that the origin of
their intelligence is simple self foolishness? Seems that there may be yet
another field in which there may be sorrows cast in heaps upon the sycophant
tardy minds of those who would look upon life as some sort of challenage and
fail in its endeavor to reach but a simple accord with its neighbor: death.
" Alas it appears that introductions in that regard may be due shortly." and
with that the shadow of BirSauron took form as the lid yawned on another era
in another world in another time.
Private message from Germany to England:
>No word from you despite our direst warning re: knids.
So sorry. Word has since gone out but our government is paralyzed while we
research the knid crisis.
>Would you mind having a few words to plan openings? I am inclined to play
>Churchill.
Hmmm...as I recall, Winnie was rabidly anti-German. Should I be concerned?
>Russians appear inclined to go south with A Mos, leaving us as
>either contenders for or cooperators in Scandinavia. Your thoughts?
Oh, cooperation is the preferred mode, yes, indeedy. But, uh, exactly what
kind of cooperation?
Oh, and what about the froggy knids?
KP
I am now in the business of selling Pitt's home phone number to all comers.
If interested, get in touch with me at my (unlisted) phone number.
Manus
Private message from Germany to Turkey:
Hohn,
Greetings, O wicked witch of the south.
;-)
OK, now that I've taken my life in my hands and tweaked your nose, let me
cast myself at your mercy. Seriously, I honestly can't tell you how
thrilled I feel to be part of this game. I admit to claiming a certain
passing competency in Diplomacy but I would never be so bold as to put
myself on a plane with the other players here. I have direct experience of
a couple and knowledge of the reputation of the rest, yourself included.
My goal is to not embarrass myself and, if I'm lucky, to survive til the end.
I know that probably sounds like I'm laying it on pretty thick (and, I
suppose, I am) but it's no less true for all of that. So, to that end, I'm
offering my hand in friendship with the hope that we can initiate a
cooperative partnership. At this point, it seems to me that direct miltary
action is probably not immediately in the cards (but, please, tell me if
you think I'm missing something). However, at the very least, I'd like to
establish and maintain well-developed lines of communication. Any insight
or input you can give me will be very much appreciated. I'll do my best to
reciprocate. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Til then,
-Pitt
P.S. My home phone is 617-734-6315, work is 617-739-1500, and my pager
number is 617-881-7997. If you call the home number, you'll get an
answering machine (home business). Just press any number to cut off the
message and announce your call. I'll pick up if I'm home. If you call me
at work, I probably won't be there (I'm on the road most of the time) but
you can ask my receptionist to page me or you can leave me a voicemail
message. When I'm not at home, I always carry my pager, so you can page me
if it's after normal business hours and you get no answer at the house.
I'm on Eastern time and I'm available for calls between 9:00 a.m. and
midnight, 7 days a week.
Private message from Germany to England:
>Warning: vermicious knids in France! Must do something fast, require your
help.
Help is yours! Only...tell me what kind of help you need?
(While you're at it, tell me the heck a knid is and what they have to do to
become vermicious...)
So, anyway, do we few, we happy few, band together early on to defend the
honor of the PBEM hobby? (Not to mention to save our own skins from these
rapacious postal types.)
Let me know what you think. Meanwhile, I'm cracking open the OED.
-Pitt
Howdy, all. I apologize for the delay in getting out my opening messages
but I've been away for several days and I've just now found the time to get
caught up. I'll be sending out individual, private messages momentarily.
Meantime, regarding Edi's request for phone numbers, I'm all for it.
However, I'll be sending mine in a private message to each of you as
opposed to in a public broadcast. That way, observers or other folks who
pull down a HISTORY of the game won't also get my home phone number. I'm
not paranoid, I'm just careful...(besides, you're not paranoid if they
really *are* out to get you...;-)
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to Austria:
Edi,
Hi! I've been looking forward to this ever since I heard you were going to
be playing. I have very fond memories of DC/WDC and, in particular, playing
on two boards with you. I consider myself very fortunate to have won the
event and, while I don't mean to sell myself short, you played a large part
in my success. Our partnership in Game 2 on Saturday, resulting in the
3-way EFT, was one of the games that contributed to my point total.
However, your support in Game 3 on Sunday vs. Leif Bergman and his unholy
alliance saved me from early elimination and, ultimately, prevented Leif
from surpassing me. I like to think that I played well, too, but no man is
an island and any skill I possess would have been for naught without your
support and aid.
So, though I was too elated and exhausted to say it then, let me say it
now, Thanks!
OK...on to this game. Once again we are neighbors. As Austria and
Germany, I *hope* that we don't have much inclination to tangle with each
other. That would, it seems to me, be fatal to us both. By the same
token, I don't suppose that we have much early opportunity for direct
action with our forces, either. At the very least, however, I'd like to
maintain well-developed lines of communication (particularly about these
other postal players...their reputation precedes them and I could sure use
your input and insight). I'd also be interested in hearing any other ideas
or suggestions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you.
'Til then,
-Pitt
P.S. My home phone is 617-734-6315, work is 617-739-1500, and my pager
number is 617-881-7997. If you call the home number, you'll get an
answering machine (home business). Just press any number to cut off the
message and announce your call. I'll pick up if I'm home. If you call me
at work, I probably won't be there (I'm on the road most of the time) but
you can ask my receptionist to page me or you can leave me a voicemail
message. When I'm not at home, I always carry my pager, so you can page me
if it's after normal business hours and you get no answer at the house.
I'm on Eastern time and I'm available for calls between 9:00 a.m. and
midnight, 7 days a week.
Private message from Germany to Italy:
Cal,
Greetings, my dear neighbor.
OK, now that I've taken my life in my hands by being overly familiar, let
me cast myself at your mercy. Seriously, I honestly can't tell you how
thrilled I feel to be part of this game. I admit to claiming a certain
passing competency in Diplomacy but I would never be so bold as to put
myself on a plane with the other players here. I have direct experience of
a couple and knowledge of the reputation of the rest, yourself included.
My goal is to not embarrass myself and, if I'm lucky, to survive til the end.
I know that probably sounds like I'm laying it on pretty thick (and, I
suppose, I am) but it's no less true for all of that. So, to that end, I'm
offering my hand in friendship with the hope that we can initiate a
cooperative partnership. At this point, it seems to me that direct miltary
action is probably not immediately in the cards (but, please, tell me if
you think I'm missing something). However, at the very least, I'd like to
establish and maintain well-developed lines of communication. Any insight
or input you can give me will be very much appreciated. I'll do my best to
reciprocate. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Til then,
-Pitt
P.S. My home phone is 617-734-6315, work is 617-739-1500, and my pager
number is 617-881-7997. If you call the home number, you'll get an
answering machine (home business). Just press any number to cut off the
message and announce your call. I'll pick up if I'm home. If you call me
at work, I probably won't be there (I'm on the road most of the time) but
you can ask my receptionist to page me or you can leave me a voicemail
message. When I'm not at home, I always carry my pager, so you can page me
if it's after normal business hours and you get no answer at the house.
I'm on Eastern time and I'm available for calls between 9:00 a.m. and
midnight, 7 days a week.
Private message from Observer to Master:
Jim,
Any chance of saving the press for us novices to read later?
Ken
Ah yes, it *was* the Turk. However, the happy fact is that this
season is but one in a whole series of gems. The entire game was
a complete riot (in every sense of the word). Must reading for
anyone.
Manus
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
> England: A EDI - NWG - NAO - IRI - ENG - NTH - NWG - EDI
> (Credit to game "goofy," where this was actually done, though
> the circuit was made THRICE on the same move, not just once
> [it would have been more but the judge has a limit on the
> length of an order]. To crown it all off, England also ordered
> A LVP - EDI to bounce the whole thing. Truly a beautiful
> sight.)
Yes, an unforgettable day in Diplomacy history. In fact, while we
enjoy the peace before the calm, the quiet before the storm, let's
reprint those results. (This should scare some of our snail-mail
folk away from E-mail Dip forever, for what Manus didn't reveal,
is that it was a Turkish army being convoyed ...)
And they will probably be even more dismayed to learn that England
(at the time of this order, for they swapped powers frequently), was
being played by none other than Pete Gaughan!
>One day, I have to send this variant into the NAVB!
>
>Subject: Diplomacy results goofy F1907M
>
>Movement results for Fall of 1907. (goofy.025)
>
>Austria: Fleet Marseilles SUPPORT French Army Spain -> Piedmont. (*void*)
>Austria: Fleet Gulf of Lyon CONVOY French Army Spain -> Piedmont.
>Austria: Fleet Bulgaria (south coast) -> Constantinople. (*bounce*)
>
>England: Army Burgundy HOLD.
>England: Fleet North Sea CONVOY Turkish Army Edinburgh -> Edinburgh.
>England: Fleet English Channel CONVOY Turkish Army Edinburgh -> Edinburgh.
>England: Fleet Norwegian Sea CONVOY Turkish Army Edinburgh -> Edinburgh.
>England: Army Liverpool -> Edinburgh. (*bounce*)
>
>France: Army Paris -> Brest.
>France: Fleet Gascony -> Mid-Atlantic Ocean. (*bounce*)
>France: Army Spain -> Gulf of Lyon -> Marseilles. (*no convoy*)
>France: Army Picardy SUPPORT English Army Liverpool -> Brest. (*void*)
>
>Germany: Fleet North Atlantic Ocean CONVOY Turkish Army Edinburgh -> Edinburgh.
>
>Italy: Army Rumania SUPPORT Army Galicia -> Budapest. (*void*)
>Italy: Army Galicia SUPPORT Army Rumania -> Budapest. (*void*)
>Italy: Fleet Irish Sea CONVOY Turkish Army Edinburgh -> Edinburgh.
>Italy: Army Apulia SUPPORT Army Tuscany -> Venice. (*void*)
>Italy: Army Tuscany SUPPORT Army Apulia -> Venice. (*void*)
>Italy: Army Bohemia -> Silesia.
>Italy: Army Trieste -> Tyrolia.
>Italy: Army Venice SUPPORT Austrian Fleet Gulf of Lyon -> Piedmont. (*void*)
>
>Russia: Army Tyrolia -> Munich.
>Russia: Fleet Western Mediterranean -> Mid-Atlantic Ocean. (*bounce*)
>Russia: Fleet Tunis HOLD.
>
>Turkey: Army Edinburgh -> North Sea -> English Channel -> Irish Sea -> North Atlantic Ocean -> Norwegian Sea -> North Sea -> English Channel -> Irish
> Sea -> North Atlantic Ocean -> Norwegian Sea -> North Sea -> English Channel -> Irish Sea -> North Atlantic Ocean -> Norwegian Sea -> Edinburgh. (*
>bounce*)
>Turkey: Fleet Constantinople -> Aegean Sea. (*bounce*)
>Turkey: Fleet Aegean Sea SUPPORT Austrian Fleet Bulgaria (south coast) -> Constantinople.
>Turkey: Fleet Black Sea -> Rumania. (*bounce*)
>Turkey: Army Sevastopol SUPPORT Italian Army Rumania -> Ukraine. (*void*)
>
>Ownership of supply centers:
>
>Austria: Bulgaria, Greece, Marseilles.
>England: Belgium, Berlin, Holland, Kiel, Liverpool, London.
>France: Brest, Paris, Portugal, Spain.
>Germany: St Petersburg, Sweden.
>Italy: Budapest, Naples, Rome, Rumania, Serbia, Trieste, Venice, Vienna,
> Warsaw.
>Russia: Denmark, Munich, Tunis.
>Turkey: Ankara, Constantinople, Edinburgh, Moscow, Norway, Sevastopol,
> Smyrna.
>
>Austria: 3 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 0 units.
>England: 6 Supply centers, 5 Units: Builds 1 unit.
>France: 4 Supply centers, 4 Units: Builds 0 units.
>Germany: 2 Supply centers, 1 Unit: Builds 1 unit.
>Italy: 9 Supply centers, 8 Units: Builds 1 unit.
>Russia: 3 Supply centers, 3 Units: Builds 0 units.
>Turkey: 7 Supply centers, 5 Units: Builds 2 units.
>
>The next phase of goofy will be Adjustments for Winter of 1907.
>The deadline for orders will be Fri Apr 1 20:00:00 EST.
Thank you Nick, for trying to make my demo game into a reincarnation
of 'goofy'.... seriously though, for the rookie Judge players who
haven't seen game results before, thank you for showing them an example.
It still really bugs me that the judge results print the country when
you support another's country's units, but it FAILS if you try to
put the country in the order to the judge....
Is that the only case where turning a judge result around and sending
it back to the judge as orders for the next phase is a syntactical
error???
Jim
> Is that the only case where turning a judge result around and sending
> it back to the judge as orders for the next phase is a syntactical
> error???
>
That and the fact that the judge prepends your own power name and a colon
on the front of each line. And it won't like seeing the (*void*) or
(*no convoy*) or (*cut*) or (*dislodged*) stuff coming back at it either.
And, unless I'm mistaken, you have to remove the final period that it
puts on the end of each order as well.
But yes, the "don't mention foreign nationalities, even though I, the
omniscient judge, will do so" feature which bugs you bugs me as well.
Manus
Private message from Turkey to England:
Jamie,
> Well, things are still pretty unsettled in the North. I am trying to make
> friends with everybody, and since everyone sounds friendly I feel I have
> essentially zero information :)
Well, that sounds familiar. ;)
> Ok, I will say that I feel pretty confident about being on reasonably good
> terms with Russia. I expect he will play A Mos to the south. Sorry I can't
> be more informative. More as the situation develops.
I suppose that makes sense. Russia generally has more interests in
the south.
> We might each talk to Italy and compare notes....
I've got a letter pending to him. I'll let you know when I hear.
Hohn
> Jest thou so easily with Yog? I have summoned him; He is coming; and boy is
> he pissed.
> Tremble, barbarian,
Ouch! That Hastur hurt.
Hohn
Private message from England to Turkey:
Southwitch,
Well, things are still pretty unsettled in the North. I am trying to make
friends with everybody, and since everyone sounds friendly I feel I have
essentially zero information :)
Ok, I will say that I feel pretty confident about being on reasonably good
terms with Russia. I expect he will play A Mos to the south. Sorry I can't
be more informative. More as the situation develops.
We might each talk to Italy and compare notes....
Gentle King Jamie
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as Germany in 'ghodstoo':
>Gesundheit!
>
>KaiserPitt
Jest thou so easily with Yog? I have summoned him; He is coming; and boy is
he pissed.
Tremble, barbarian,
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Germany:
>Let's do it. Specifics?
Well, for the first move, if you'll just open to Burgundy (and Kie-Hol),
I'll open to the Channel (and Lvp-Wal). Chances are you won't get in,
unless you set him up with a nice lie right away. If you do get in, France
will crack a lot easier. I remember only once being part of an early
anti-France alliance, it was maddeningly difficult. Oh, I also remember
being a French victim, which wasn't all that much fun either. Anyway, we
should be prepared for a longish fight if you don't slip into Burg right
away.
Unless I can get Italy involved here. Always a mixed blessing. Well, I'll
look into it.
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Turkey to Germany:
Pitt,
> Greetings, O wicked witch of the south.
> ;-)
> OK, now that I've taken my life in my hands and tweaked your nose, let me
Heck, you think _that's_ tweaking my nose? You shoulda heard some of
the other guys! :)
Anyway, it's a good thing I was too busy to send messages earlier this
week. If I hadn't waited, I might have tweaked _you_, and I sure
don't want Luigi on my case!
> cast myself at your mercy. Seriously, I honestly can't tell you how
> thrilled I feel to be part of this game. I admit to claiming a certain
> passing competency in Diplomacy but I would never be so bold as to put
> myself on a plane with the other players here. I have direct experience of
> a couple and knowledge of the reputation of the rest, yourself included.
> My goal is to not embarrass myself and, if I'm lucky, to survive til the end.
You're far too modest. I've heard nothing but good things about you
and your play, and your column and your Dipcon win both speak
eloquently with respect to your skill.
BTW...did that column you wrote regarding the tactical exercise (the
one where I wrote you with feedback) ever get published? If you have
an ASCII file of the article you wrote, I'd love to see it.
> I know that probably sounds like I'm laying it on pretty thick (and, I
> suppose, I am) but it's no less true for all of that. So, to that end, I'm
> offering my hand in friendship with the hope that we can initiate a
> cooperative partnership. At this point, it seems to me that direct miltary
> action is probably not immediately in the cards (but, please, tell me if
> you think I'm missing something).
Yes, you're missing the mighty TG alliance against the world! Come
on, Pitt, open to TYR, SIL and BAL!
:)
> However, at the very least, I'd like to
> establish and maintain well-developed lines of communication. Any insight
> or input you can give me will be very much appreciated. I'll do my best to
> reciprocate. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Well, since this is my first round of negotiations, I'm afraid I don't
have much info for you yet, but I will let you know as soon as I get
some return messages. How about you? How do things look to you so
far?
I haven't yet decided which way I'll go, but I'll probably work with
the one person who seems most willing to demonstrate mutual trust, and
desirous of working together in a strong alliance. How about you?
Looking to the West/Northwest, I imagine?
> P.S. My home phone is 617-734-6315, work is 617-739-1500, and my pager
> number is 617-881-7997. If you call the home number, you'll get an
> answering machine (home business). Just press any number to cut off the
> message and announce your call. I'll pick up if I'm home. If you call me
> at work, I probably won't be there (I'm on the road most of the time) but
> you can ask my receptionist to page me or you can leave me a voicemail
> message. When I'm not at home, I always carry my pager, so you can page me
> if it's after normal business hours and you get no answer at the house.
> I'm on Eastern time and I'm available for calls between 9:00 a.m. and
> midnight, 7 days a week.
Noted. I assume you have my broadcast info. Let me know if you
don't.
I look forward to hearing from you, and it is a pleasure to finally
play in a game with you.
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to France:
John,
It's a pleasure to meet you. Congrats on pulling France! It's my
personal favorite.
Anyway, although we may not have a whole lot to talk about right now
with respect to direct cooperation, I know you understand the value of
long-term planning and information sharing. Please let me know your
thoughts on the matter when you get a chance.
In terms of information, regrettably I can't give you anything
concrete at the _present_ moment, simply because I've just begun my
negotiating. Work has been hell lately. But if you don't mind me
asking, how have things looked for you so far? Everything you tell me
will of course be kept in the strictest of confidence.
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to England:
Jamie,
> Good morning, fellow witch.
And you, witch o' north!
> If you don't mind, I'd like to exchange impressions of neighbors at
> some point.
Sure. I must warn you, I'm on my first round of negotiations due to
my work problems. I'll let you know as soon as I get some responses.
Out of curiosity, how's it looking on your end so far?
> I have received no press at all yet, though -- I know Tsar Faz is
> trying to send me some, but he has not yet mastered, uh, telegraphy.
Heh.
As expected, I currently have friendly messages from just about
everyone, and while that would normally make me happy, with this
crowd, I'm just trying to figure out who's only feeding me _half_ a
load of bull instead of a full load! ;)
I'll probably end up going with the person who seems most interested
in mutual trust and working together in a strong alliance. One happy
thing about both of our countries is that we both have some pretty
good defensive options. Which way are you thinking of going, so far?
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Austria:
Edi,
> I will not use the judge for communication as I do not trust it
> since the only time I used it for a message it was reported as
> coming from you. Obviously there is something weird there.
That was my fault, Edi. I accidentally sent you mail directly that
was intended for the judge. When you forwarded the letter back to me,
my signon info was still at the top, and that made the judge think
your post was coming from me. If you try again, with your own
password and using:
signon aghodstoo
press to
It should work fine.
I'm really sorry for the mix-up.
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Italy:
Cal,
> Hi Hohn! Been a while, eh? Was it Toronto or Kansas City we last met?
I wasn't at either place, but I think we met at Chapel Hill. I was there, San
Diego, and San Mateo for Dipcons. Regardless, it's good to talk to you again!
> Either way, this is our first time meeting over the board. Mind you, I
> can say that to everyone in this game (although I MAY have played a game
> or two with Fassio at Brad Wilson's place in the early 90s).
Surely the two of you will collaborate! ;)
> My main
> goal for this game will be to try not to embarass myself. Most of you
> guys are here because of your gaming reputations; I'm here because I'm
> passably good at publishing a Diplomacy zine... And with all these
> observers watching... hmmmm.
Pshaw. I have no doubt that you'll comport yourself well. I only hope that I
can live up to the hype that Jim gave me upon my first poking my head into
rec.games.diplomacy!
> Anyway, I would have to say that the players in this game I would be
> most worried about would be you and Edi. Being neighbours (and even
> natural enemies) with your two countries behooves me to pick a side.
> All things being equal, I would prefer to attack Austria simply based on
> the fact that, if I can pick up a couple of quick centres right from the
> start, it makes me that much harder to take down ie. more likely to
> survive to mid/end game. I'll be happy to accomplish that - not that I
> won't try for a good draw/win, but that may be hard to come by with this
> cast.
Heck, let's just call it a seven-way draw right now and be done with it! :)
> Would you be willing to attack Austria with me? Obviously, it will
> depend on your relationship with Russia, but in his opening letter he
> indicated an interest in this idea. For us to work together long term,
> it would require you to stick to land forces while I stuck to naval
> power. This is workable and is usually how I/T manage to stick
> together.
Mark also indicated interest to me in going against Austria. While I have no
problem with that in theory, I realize you may well have some RT concerns. I'd
like to address them, out in the open. If the three of us do gang tackle Edi,
what assurances can I give you to alleviate any concerns you may have about
being next? Because to be honest, RT is all fine and good for a while, but
every time I do it, I always seem to notice that Turkey gets the short end of
the stick. I'd rather avoid that setup long-term, if I can.
> Comments? I'm ready to order ven-tyo, rom-ven if you are amenable to
> this plan.
I'm amenable, but let's try to iron out some more details, too. What about
division of the Austrian/Balkan centers? And the Grecian question?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Austria:
Edi,
On Tue, 28 Jan 1997, Edi Birsan wrote:
> Looks good for the openning and look forward to the turns.
> See what you can do about England and Germany going on the North.
Will do.
> Have no indication from Pitt yet that he wants to do anything off
> the bat, but then he is not the type for a first commitment.
I'd be surprised if he came after you, certainly. Or went after Mark,
for that matter. I'll let you know what I hear from him.
Hohn
P.S. Do you know how to send stuff through the judge now? Because I
got this directly.
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Mark,
> I'm still shaky at addressing these things, so please note
> the inclusion of the Master (Jim) as an addressee
> here--not sure if the Judge automatically routes him
> copies of all partial press, or if we're supposed to do it
> manually. As he wants all press thru the Judge for a
> record of the game, I figured I'd err on the side of
> caution. After all, he is sworn to neutral impartiality.
> (Jim, if this isn't the right way to do the press thing to
> include you, let me know.)
As I'm sure you've heard by now, the Master gets copies of
everything automagically, so adding him to the press list is
not necessary.
> OK, admin stuff aside, what do we have? The first item is
> the by-now familiar Russian question on the R/T Balkan
> split, and the status of our units in the opening
> season(s) -- especially as regards Black Sea and Armenia.
> I would be a liar to say I weasn't concerned about two
> pros like you and Edi ganging up on me and blocking normal
> Russian expansion into the area. I'm inquiring to see if
> there's any way we can mutually benefit from the Balkans,
> without the attendant fighting that goes with it.
Well, I suppose I'm letting my biases show, but...
How about just going for a plain ol' RT Juggernaut?
> There are a variety of options: The old "Russia passes
> its fleet thru Con in S'02" routine, if we REALLY decided
> to team up. Given the natural level of distrust in the
> opening season(s), I would love to merely agree to "the
> basics:" Neither of us in Arm, and some sort of Black Sea
> agreement? I had envisioned something like: Mos-Ukr,
> Sev-Bla (or Sev-h), with you doing either: Ank-Bla (to
> give the impression of a fight between us) or Ank-Con;
> Con-Buk Smy-? to Con if Ank-Bla, or Smy-holds
I hate wasting the turn by bouncing. I suspect there may be
friction between AI, because Cal has a rep for being a bit
unorthodox. Effective, but unpredictable nevertheless. I'd
be willing to bet that he and Edi don't do the standard AI
alliance.
I'd like to go out to CON in Spring 1901, and then ANK.
Natch, I'd prefer not to see SEV-BLA. So let's go with
MOS-UKR, SEV HOLDS, please. If we're _really_ going to get
it on, WAR-GAL would be nice, too. Up to you, though...if
we're RT, we'll have to tangle with Edi eventually (sooner
rather than later is my bet). Although depending on what
Cal does, we can probably manage with just two of your four
units south. Depending on the north, MOS-STP, WAR-UKR, SEV
HOLDS might be interesting, too. Let me know which way
you're leaning. You've undoubtedly had more negotiating
with the other players in this game so far, so I'd love to
hear your impressions.
> In fall, my fleet goes to Rum, thus negating any Bla Sea
> threat, and yours goes into Aeg (or Con, as the case may
> be). I build NO fleets in Sev, and you build none in Ank,
> and we then find ways to mutually "do a number" vis a vis
> SER and whatnot. The lion's share of any Balkan things
> would be yours in such an arrangement.
I think it might be better to do the following:
UKR-RUM
SEV S UKR-RUM
That gets an army into RUM, which is crucial in any land war
against Austria. I _hate_ having that fleet in RUM, it
can't support into SER or BUD. With my assistance in BUL if
necessary, you're guaranteed to get in, practically.
> Anyway, Hohn, I don't expect enthusiastic approval of
> these variant(s), as you need time to hear from the others
> and to formulate your own plan. But I wanted to at least
> "get out of the starting gate" and let you know I MUCH
> prefer positive R/T arrangements, than to fight ad nauseam
> over Bla and the Balkans...especially as we don't know
> what's brewing between Austria, Italy, and/or Germany.
I'm in sync with your thinking, Mark.
So what're the others plotting?
> Hope your work schedule slows down (mine isn't
> unfortunately), and that I hear from you soon. I wish you
> 'good hunting" this game, Hohn.
Ditto, as long as you're not hunting me! ;)
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Austria:
Edi,
OK, I think I finally have things under control here. And me
supposedly a judge "veteran!" How embarrassing!
Anyway, in confirmation of our phone call, we were talking about
allying against our neighbors. You were worried about Cal and were
planning on defending Trieste this turn, and were interested in me
opening in a full-scale assault against Russia.
That sounds good to me. I would like to swap my Rumania for your
Greece in 1902, since it makes more sense for me to be our fleet
power, while you are our major land power. I'll start sending out
feelers to the other player to see what their stances will be. I'll
let you know.
Hohn
>-A disinterested third party who can't hold his tongue
I think we can arrange an appropriate receptical to hold it for you.
>Pitt is only pretending to be paranoid to catch me off guard. It's
>a transparent trick.
Excellent, my dear Watson! My plan is working...
Now, to engage the Moriarty device.
Put on you asbestos underwear, old boy.
-KaiserPitt...No!...Sherlock...No!...Kaiser...urk!
You will please forget that you read the above missive and that you are are
reading this now. Failure to comply will result in your de-existence.
The Illuminati Have Spoken
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Hello again Pitt
I'm _delighted_ to make a deal with the Kaiser! Yes indeed, we seem to
be in synch with our thoughts -- the old "Vulcan Mind Meld," and all
that. Your note says all the things mine hopefully said, in that:
1) I do indeed seem G/R friendship and/or active alliance;
2) 1901 will be the 'tentative, touchy-feely' grab for neutrals and to
view other's actions;
3) True G/R actions can commence in '02.
As for your choice of targets, it makes no mind to me. Austria mentions
rumblings of an E/F, and, if true, gives you the 'opportunity' (HA!) to
attack both of your western neighbors. I for one don't buy that talk,
though: my guess is that they will be at each other's throats soon
enough (perhaps you've even ensured that, hmmm)? :>)
My goal is indeed to head south. I'm trying to work a Gal DMZ with Edi
and to ensure I get RUM, but beyond that, it's still wide open. I have
Turkey bombarding me with plans, Austria offering various schemes,
etc...who knows, they're probably all teaming up on me, and this is a
big smokescreen to delude me (wouldn't be the first time)! :>(
You and I can form an arc of 180* coverage, with you facing N and W, and
me E and S. Once the 'locals' are taken care of, you and I may be in a
position to kick some serious butt. Having said this (and rethinking
your note to me), I'd hit France, if I were you. If you're asking me to
go south first, then any anti-Eng deal by us is immediately weakened in
the early game. Best to let E/F perhaps fight (with you being the
balancer) and then turn on John Bull when I can build northern units and
help tie down his extreme flank.
Sound like a "weiner" to you?
Again, Russia thanks her German cousin for the encouraging words, and is
chomping at the bit to grab her share of glory. Oh, and THANKS for
Sweden; this little gesture of friendship shall not be forgotten! Even
now, we're commissioning busts of your likeness throughout Russia.
Tsar Faz
Ruler of All Russias and All-Around Nice Guy
Rated "intermediate" (ha!)
Private message from Germany to France:
>Kaiser: Thank you for your kind words, but I think my reputation, such as
>it is, has run ahead of my actual accomplishments.
Hmmm...as you say. Nonetheless, I assume a high degree of competence until
otherwise demonstrated. (That's supposd to be a compliment, though I'm not
sure it sounded that way...)
>Be that as it may, Austria may contact you about an interesting proposal.
>He wants to tackle the Russian right away, if you are amenable.
He has not, as yet, contacted me about this, though it is an intriguing
proposition.
>I suppose it would be mun-ruh, ber-kie, kie-bal.
That makes sense. I have to say, though, that I would need some pretty
significant reassurances from you regarding our mutual border before I
would feel comfortable agreeing to this strong an eastward push.
Specifically, I would need to know that BUR was going be a DMZ, so that MUN
would not be threatened. Would you be wiiling to agree to that?
>>From there, you can take Holland and Denmark and be poised for Sweden. The
>killer is the convoy to Livonia in the following year.
Yes, I see this and, if coupled with an Austrian push, it could be
devastating. I am initially inclined favorably towards it (though I still
need to hear from Austria). However, I cannot seriously consider it
without your reassurances and committment to protect and demilitarize our
mutual border. Please let me know how you feel about that.
KaiserPitt
Private message from Germany to Master:
Jim,
>I will
>be wrting an article on the game for my Diplomacy World column
>series on personality in Diplomacy.
I look forward to that. Additionally, I'm thinking about trying to do a
"series replay" type article on the game for either the Diplomatic Pouch
or, possibly, even The General. In order to do that, I'd like to ask two
favors of you. One, if you haven't already, could you enable "all press"
so that you get copies of all private messages between players? After the
game is over, I'd like to read through the archive of that. Two, could you
ask each player to give you a brief comment on the game (strategy, plans,
etc.) prior to each turn and after each year?
Thanks.
-Pitt
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>I certainly hope that press is allowed, I was hoping to put
>in my thoughts ...
Awww...now we're all screwed. Who let ghod out of the closet?
An unidentified observer
(yes, we know it says Germany up above but that's not possible
becuase Germany is a very ghod-fearing country...)
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in
>'ghodstoo':
>
>Germany: f kie-hel, a mun-bur, a ber-sil. This opens up offensive options
>with all neighbors.
Hey! How come the JK is broadcasting my orders?! This is so totally
unfair...
I'm sorry, I just can't continue under these circumstances. How can I be
expected to win by cheating if the JK cheats before me?
And, Dave? You should be expecting a house call from Luigi real soon now.
-Pitt
>Diplomacy notice in 'ghodstoo':
>Pitt Crandlemire as Germany in 'ghodstoo' has stormed
>off in a huff because he's a big crybaby.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
Well, things are off to a smashing start... Hohn has made Edi into
a Judge technology wary beast through his mistakes in dealing
with forwarding mail, not once, but TWICE! Does everyone have that
straight now? Be careful from whence you copy and reply to things!!
I want to thank Hohn for providing our new Judge guys an example
of what NOT to do ;-)
What I really want to do here, though, is to be clear about what the
demo nature of this game will mean -- now and in the future.
1) I am seeing all press between players that is occuring through
the Judge. I am archiving ALL of that press for future use. I
also am saving all press and E-Mail related to the game that is occuring
outside of the Judge which is forwarded to me. The general preference
is that all communication occur through the Judge because then this
happens automatically; however, with the problems between Edi and
Hohn i don't want to be dictatorial about this. Edi has been good
about CCing me, and I think that nothing important has yet been lost.
Please, let's keep it that way.
2) I have been writing a series of articles for Diplomacy World over
the last couple of years on the role of Personality in Diplomacy.
I view this game as an experiment on some aspects of that issue.
I will be writing an article on the game with that focus AFTER it is
over. Some of the rest of you have inquired about writing your own
articles and having access to that complete press stream to do so.
I am indifferent on this request. There is no need to decide now,
but keep that question in mind. I certainly encourage the writing
of additional articles.
3) In a related point, some of the novice observers want to have access
to the complete press stream after the game is over, so they can learn
by the subtleties of how you all have done things over the course
of the game. I am inclined to the negative on this request, but can
easily be dissuaded to the positive. Certainly, your public endgame
statements would be archived through the Diplomatic Pouch web page
along with the game history so that people could look at that at
a minimum.
4) To add to that complete press stream, I have already been asking
that you relate to me (in private "press to m") the gist of phone
calls that take place. This already has been happening to my
satisfaction and I hope it will continue. In addition, I will
encourage seasonal and yearly reports to me on some of your background
thinking as you go along. There is no need to repeat to me what is
obvious from the press stream, but to add what is NOT obvious from it.
Again, here so far, I feel that I am being adequately informed but
when the tactical/strategic situations get more intricate, i may
begin prodding you to write more. You may want to save a copy of
these statements for your own public endgame statements as well.
5) After some discussion, we have decided that the observers are free
to write press discussing what they see going on. I'm reserving the
right to reign them in if they get out of control.
6) The public broadcast releases (at least most of them) will be
merged together and published in my postal/E-Mail Diplomacy
szine, The Abyssinian Prince, along with complete season by season
game reports and maps. The szine is a three week szine and should be
able to keep up with the game fairly well.... at least it did with the
previous demo game. I offer to the players in this game free
subscriptions as a perk for the life of the game. For E-Mail
subs, they are free to anyone by sending the message:
subscribe tap
to [email protected]
The disadvantage to this is that E-Mail subs come in the szine's
source code which bothers some people (e.g. Pitt) a lot and some
people not at all. Postscript versions also are available on
diplom.org's archive site. Ordinary postal subs are a dollar per issue,
but as I said, I want to give you players a perk for your willingness
to do this. Let me know your preference for being added to the postal
mailing list.
Thanks!
Jim Burgess
master of ghodstoo
Publisher of The Abyssinian Prince
Private message from Germany to Italy:
>Heh heh, at least you got in on the strength of your reputation as a
>player. *I* got in because I'm passingly competant at running a
>Dipzine!
Oh, well, in that case:
MUN-ROM
BER-VEN
KIE-NAP
;-)
>Given
>all the bloody people signing on as "observers" in this game, that may
>come as a challenge!
I think you're spot on there! I've given it serious consideration and I've
decided to declare that Germany is being played by a simulacrum of me at
the first sign of trouble... Can't blame me if the *!%#@ programmer
screwed it up ;-)
>I agree that keeping communication open is very important. We may not
>be able to work together in the near future, but if we can both survive
>long enough, we'll undoubtedly have reason for more substantial chat in
>the future.
Good. That matches my thoughts perfectly.
>Austria is trying hard to get me to attack France
So I've heard. He's pressuring me to do the same. That's Edi's style, I
think - he did the same at DC/WDC when he was France and I was England
except the target then was supposed to be Germany. Edi isn't much for
cautious play... At this point, I'm planning to take the conservative
route, grab a couple of neutral SC's in 1901, and see what develops for 1902.
>Russia seems scared of both Austria and Turkey.
Well, that's good for you. Gives you a strong potential ally and your
choice of targets.
>Turkey hasn't written
Nor here either, though I did see his broadcast saying he was temporarily
unavailable.
>Anything from the west sound interesting?
I haven't yet heard from France but, as you say with Turkey, I'm not
interpreting that negatively (yet) since I just wrote my opening greeting
to him yesterday. England has been in touch (and I know Jamie from
previous PBEM games). He appears to still be in the "sounding out" stage
at this point and is not proposing any specific plans. Given my (limited)
knowledge of his playing style, I expect a conservative 1901 followed by a
strong aggressive push in 1902. Of course, I plan to try hard to make sure
that I'm *not* the target of that push...
That's about it for now. I'll write more if I hear anything useful or the
situation changes. Please do the same and, in any case, lets stay in touch
regularly.
Take care.
KaiserPitt
Private message from Germany to Russia:
Faz,
>You do state your non-desire to be compared on the same
>plane as these other barracudas
Oooh! A verbal dig! Now where did I put my re-broadcast transmitter...;-)
>yet only one player this game doesn't
>rate himself "expert" on the scale (Mr Moral High Ground, at your
>service, ha ha!)
A fact not gone unnoticed by most, I assume. Let me know if it works, will
ya? I can be re-rated "chopped liver" in no time flat if it will keep the
wolf from my door.
>Hope this finds you well, Pitt!
It does (and very excited to be here, too). I hope you are the same.
>What German wouldn't love to hear
>there's DMZs all along our mutual borders?
I don't know about other Germans but I can tell you that this German would.
Shall we? DMZ's in PRU and SIL? What about BAL? I'm game if you are.
>What Russian wouldn't thrill
>to be given SWE without a fight in '01 (hint hint)?!
And an oh-so-subtle hint it was, too . Not too subtle, though. SWE is
yours, Faz.
Beyond that, I agree with your analysis of how the opening year will
progress. Barring anything extraordinary, we'll probably see conservative
openings and delicate probes of neutral areas. My primary concern is to
ensure that at least 2 of my 3 neighbors are friendly (if not actively in
alliance with me). It is of the utmost importance to me that Russia fall
into that category.
Having made that clear (I hope), I am compelled to state the obvious - if
RG comes together, then I'll be engaged in hostilities with either E or F
(or, ghod forbid, both). To that end, I would hope that Russia would focus
most of her energies in the south, while I focus mine to the west. A solid
and secure border between the two of us should go a long way towards aiding
our endeavors in other areas.
>I stand ready and able to help/deal with the Germans at a moment's
>notice. I need all the help I can get this game, and Germany is the
>last foe I want to even consider tangling with! I hope you feel the
>same in every regard, and that we can, indeed, "do business" in the near
>future.
I feel exactly the same and I am very gratified to hear your feelings.
Shall we commit to the gestation of an RG alliance? Friendly neutrality in
1901 with a close examination of joint action possibilities in 1902?
Please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours in alliance,
KaiserPitt
>what's the policy about observer press in the game ?
1. Observer press in support of Germany and her allies is allowed.
2. Observer press mocking Germany's enemies is strongly encouraged.
>Are we (observer) allowed to talk about tactics or would you consider
>that an unwanted interference?
3. Clarification: observer press complimenting Germany and her
allies is de rigeur. Observer press finding fault with the
tactics of Germany and her allies is disallowed (as well being
an obvious indication that the observer's parentage likely
included certain 4-footed, baa'ing creatures)
This answer brought to you courtesy of the Kaiser's Forum on People's
Speech and Expression.
KaiserPitt
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as England in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Per Adonai Elohim, Adonai Jehova
> Adonai Sabaoth, Metraton Ou Agla Methon,
> Verbum Pythonicum, Mysterium Salamandrae
> Cenventus Sylvorum, Antra Gnomorum
> Demonia Coeli God, Almonsin Gibor
> Jehoshua Evam Zariathnatmik, Veni, Veni, Veni!
Gesundheit!
KaiserPitt
Private message from Germany to England:
>Vermicious knids: imagination-spawn of Roald Dahl.
Got it. I confess to being only a dilettante in Dahl fannishness.
>No, no, not Sir Winnie. Who's he? The teenage son of Lord Churchill? Yes, I
>forsee great things for him, but not until the 1930's or so. I meant LADY
>RANDOLPH Churchill. You know, she is very fond of French fashion, and
>always likes to take the ferry over for a quick browse through the shops.
Oh, I see. Well, by all means, let's encourage Lady Churchill to frequent
her favorite Champs d'Elysees haunts (or is she more a Rive Gauche type?)
>Yes, I would be happy to remove one or two of the Slowmail Riders, just to
>even up the odds a bit. Like practically everyone, I prefer taking on my
>first enemy in 1902. However, if you would be willing to commit equally,
>I'd go after France on the first move.
Excellent. Normally, as you say, I'd be incliend to sit back, make a
conservative opening, and find an ally to join in the attack in 1902.
However, given that this is demo game, coupled with the caliber of
competition, I'm inclined to make a quick, decisive attack in 1901. France
as a target is just fine with me.
>With Russia going south (still the plan, as I understand it), the situation
>is ideal for a blitz of France. If I could then use my southward momentum,
>we'd have a really good defensive set-up, you and I, without much worry
>about getting in each other's ways. We'd be ready to take on the Legends
>Birsan and White, mano-a-mano.
Yes, just so.
>Lemme know.
Let's do it. Specifics?
KP
Private message from England to France:
Dear M. Jean-Bark,
Our discussion, which seemed so promising, somehow ended rather abruptly.
Possibly you missed my last reply? I attach it below.
I suppose at this point I would like to begin to come to some reasonably
specific arrangement. So, first, I hope we might agree not to sail our
fleets along the other's coast. And second, I would be willing to agree to
play a Churchill opening in particular if you would commit to some
particular opening in turn.
And if it suits you, we might even broach with Germany the possibility of a
Western Triple (which could also be considered an Alliance of the Internet
Diplomats, except for Hohn Cho). Germany has only just started talking, so
I don't know what he'd think about such a thing.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
---------------earlier missive begins here--------------------
Message sent to France:
Private message from England to France:
Dear M. Cyberdog,
We are always ready to engage in any defensive manouever whatever. Our
fleets are so practiced in defensive manouevers that they are constantly
sailing around each other in circles.
I think I will give Minister Churchill charge of the initial melee. Assuming
our paranoia is well-founded (as paranoia always is, after all), the point
of the dagger can be turned immediately toward the Huns.
Do you think this is wise? Or would it be better to begin Mediterranean
operations sooner?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Master:
I got a phone call from Edi, no doubt he has already conveyed to you its gist.
No new diplomatic topics were broached. I confirmed that I was up for his
E/R/I/A alliance suggestion. We discussed the relative conservatism,
especially in openings, of internet play, and we agreed that in this game
we are especially interested in demonstrating something a bit unusual and
lively, even if not our favorite plays tactically.
-Jamie
For what it is woth, for hall92 and hall93 I saved the full
press stream, and made it clear up front that they would be
available. I did, and they were (I think they are still
on my FTP site ftp://ftp.sentex.ca/usr/nick or
http://www.sentex.ca/~nfitz/Ftp )
there were no reprocussions with this, and it seemed
to not impact the game. (though I think I held
them both for a few months to cool off ...)
Nick
Broadcast message from [email protected] as England in 'ghodstoo':
Go, CELTICS!
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Yeah, try to win your 10th before the Bulls win their 40th. :(
Rick
Depressed Celtics Fan
Nah, "Yog" and "Zog" and all that stuff doesn't "bog" me down; no chills
or thrills here
As for Providence, I think it's "Providence" (Divine?) that we're all in
this match
And no, "jazz" is something you listen to; the feeling _you_ described
is more like heartburn
As for Edi starting it, you're right....let me mumble some HP Lovecraft
goodie and turn him into a newt...Or maybe invade Vienna. (The newt
thing would probably be easier).
I KNEW there was a reason I didn't take Philospohy ((grin, and double
grin))
Long live the English and the Russians! May piece, oops, may peace be
our guide!
Faz
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as Russia in 'ghodstoo':
>
>Yog-Sothoth knows the gate?
>Yog-Sothoth is the gate?
>What the heck is this jazz?
Jazz is a feeling you get when you feel like you're gonna get a feeling.
>Is this like Gozar the Gozerian, the gatekeeper?
No.
>Do I need magic moon dust and ancient runes to now play Diplomacy?
No, but arcane knowledge of magicks never hurt.
>Should I do any special Celtic chants or anything when I next send press
>to everyone?
Go, CELTICS!
>Yog...BirSauron...humph.
>
>The Clueless Tsar
>And a Yog to You, too
Since this game is in the provenance of Jim Burgess, whose home is
Providence, I thought it would be ok to invoke the Old and Strange critters
from the fevered brain of Providence's Favorite Son.
Anyway, Edi started it. If it bothers you, or gives you the chills, invade
Vienna.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Yog-Sothoth knows the gate?
Yog-Sothoth is the gate?
What the heck is this jazz?
Is this like Gozar the Gozerian, the gatekeeper?
Do I need magic moon dust and ancient runes to now play Diplomacy?
Pardon me while I change into my robes and pointed Merlin-the-Magician
dunce cap
Should I do any special Celtic chants or anything when I next send press
to everyone?
Yog...BirSauron...humph.
The Clueless Tsar
And a Yog to You, too
Private message from England to Germany:
>I'm trying, believe me. [viz., to convince F not to move to Burg]
Ok.
Since Barkdull is obviously no duffer, we'd better be a bit careful, so
that it doesn't seem as though we're making a concerted effort. I'll quiet
down and let you work on him for a while.
He did mention this point to me: if Russia is going South, it is to our (F
and E's) advantage if Germany goes East.
I'm afraid I couldn't help but point out to him that it ought to be to our
(F and E's) advantage for Germany to go East in any case! Well, I had to
say that, since there's only one reason I'd NOT want you to go East, and we
don't want him thinking about that reason too much.
Anyway, he may be disposed to go for some kind of deal with you, Mun-Ruh in
exchange for Par-Pic, Mar-Spa. And if you and I each take a fairly
conservative stance, declining to offer any outright alliance with France,
he may be more likely to try not to antagonize either of us with Bre-Eng or
X-Bur.
Until recently I was under the misimpression that John Bark. was from the
PBM side of the hobby. Now I understand the line-up.
>>Unless I can get Italy involved here. Always a mixed blessing. Well, I'll
>>look into it.
>
>Please keep me posted.
He is not ruling it out. But I'm not counting on it. Just how smart would
it be to leave Edi Birsan on your blind side? (Hell, how smart is it to
leave either of us on one's blind side?)
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Greetings, Your German-ness!
As my title indicates, you've stumped me on the Start Trek quiz. I can
tell you that Ricardo MontalKhan was in ST2 (rich, Corinthian
leather-plated starships), but as for Hortas being on the sending or
receiving end of mind-melds, well...I'll hazard a guess and say that
they GIVE the stuff, as opposed to taking it ('tis always better to
give, than to receive...)
Our plans seem like a "weiner," and I appreciate your candor regarding
E/F and their lack of info. England was a regular writer to me, but it
was a two-day "burst transmission", designed to achieve a DMZ,
delineate territorial claims (i.e., "Don't try for Nwy, Faz"), and then
press on vs his 'real' neighbors (you & Fra). France is like any other
France in 1901 regarding Russia: short of the "all-out Sil & Bur
offensive vs Mun" (aaaaaghhh!!!), there's nothing for him to discuss
with me after pleasantries--and that's been the case here.
Austria _still_ has not pledged a Galician DMZ with me (insert the above
scream here again, and square it), yet is offering up mucho plans for
the East. Turkey HAS pledged Arm and Bla DMZs and an alliance
(ooooohh), and it looks nice. Still, I'll keep my options open.
Sayyyyyy......you wouldn't consider Mun-Tyo (OR Boh), me in War-Gal,
then we take Vie, would you? I know the standard fare that happens to
Hohenzollern emperors when they traipse around down south (Ita,
Aus)...they get sucked out of position and end up repenting before Popes
(Henry V at Canossa). Still, if you have doubts about Edi or long-term
gain with him around, I offer YET ANOTHER mindless offer...this _is_ a
Demo game, and I would imagine a little joy de vivre wouldn't be a bad
thing....anyway, just a madcap diversionary thought; no biggie.
If it has any merit with you (and I don't need a mind meld to know your
answer!), please let me know. If, in the off-chance you actually want
to try this -- and I'm sure it _would_ work, actually -- then I need to
get Italy on board for a ven-Tyo, Rom-ven shift, and we can probably
take two from the Ed-meister before anyone reacts!
Take care, Pitt. I remain,
Yours for whacky and zany openings
Your Ally
Tsar Faz
Private message from Germany to Russia:
>I'm _delighted_ to make a deal with the Kaiser!
Great!
>be in synch with our thoughts -- the old "Vulcan Mind Meld,"
OK, now I'm gonna test yout Trek knowledge...if we're using the Vulcan Mind
Meld, am I the Horta or are you?
>As for your choice of targets, it makes no mind to me. Austria mentions
>rumblings of an E/F, and, if true, gives you the 'opportunity' (HA!) to
>attack both of your western neighbors. I for one don't buy that talk,
>though: my guess is that they will be at each other's throats soon
>enough (perhaps you've even ensured that, hmmm)? :>)
Oho! So now you're pumping me for information, eh? And under the guise of
flattery no less. I sure am glad that you're on my side. In the spirit of
our alliance, I'll tell you what I now right now about EF plans - squat.
England has been in regular communication, as has France, but both are
being reserved and tentative. I interpret that as first turn jitters (just
like mine) and look for something more concrete as soon as the fall.
>Having said this (and rethinking
>your note to me), I'd hit France, if I were you.
In general, that's my preference, too. I have to bring England into the
deal, however, so it may take me until Fall 1901 or Spring 1902 to get this
under way. Alternatively if England balks, then I'll go full bore to get
France to squeeze the PM with me.
>If you're asking me to
>go south first, then any anti-Eng deal by us is immediately weakened in
>the early game.
Yep. I hope to avoid having to take the northern route until the west is
pacified and you're ready to join me in a sweep north.
>Even
>now, we're commissioning busts of your likeness throughout Russia.
What!? You trying to start riots or something?
;-)
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to England:
>Well, for the first move, if you'll just open to Burgundy
Done.
>I'll open to the Channel (and Lvp-Wal).
Good.
>Chances are you won't get in,
>unless you set him up with a nice lie right away.
I'm trying, believe me. At the least, one of us should succeed. If both
moves fail, we'll still be ahead becuase he will have to forego at least
free build in order to protect both ENG and BUR.
>Unless I can get Italy involved here. Always a mixed blessing. Well, I'll
>look into it.
Please keep me posted.
Thanks.
KP
Private message from Russia to Master:
Hi Jim
Just some preliminary (opening) thoughts regarding the S'01 Rusian =
moves...
I will update this message as necessary if later news/events occur...
Note my question at the end.
DIPLOMACY THIS TURN. Fairly extensive. I had good exchanges with =
Austria, Germany, England and Italy (in that order), a slight surge as =
of today (29 Jan) with Turkey, and marginal talks with France. Everyone =
seems to be moving out at a brisk pace--so indicative of this sharp =
crowd!
RUSSIAN OPTIONS. Austria has been 'driving the train' with the Four =
Powers (I/A/R/E) in attempting to coalesce an alliance against F, T and =
(next year) G. Naturally, this benefits Edi, as it diverts any R/I =
looks away from him, and also helps him subdue Hohn. Given, however, =
that this plan also diverts E from me, keeps G set up for the kill, and =
provides me with help vs T, I think I'll give it a shot. I've told Tur =
I'll forego a Bla Sea fleet move (well, I never said that with =
finality...), so the S'01 move should be a surprise to him (hopefully =
not to me)!
The move will appear fairly benign, but is designed as an anti-Turk =
plan. I hopefully have a Gal DMZ, and will be fighting for RUM in F'01.
I'm also working an arrangement with Pitt in Germany, who seems sincere, =
as well as with Cal's Italy. I need friends who can help me attack =
Austria (who will grow too big, too fast) and/or England (should this =
4-way erode rapidly for some reason), and G/I fit both bills.=20
I trust G and I, and believe them--and Eng (although of the three, =
Jamie's motives are the most worrisome for me after the early game). =
Austria is a great player, as is Turkey, so I want to do anything =
possible to keep them separate, even if it means helping one of them get =
big. My hope is that one will kill the other, and I (and a neighbor) =
can kill the second...before he gets me.
I expect a 4-way opening vs F (Eng and Ita) and Turkey (Rus and Aus). =
The beauty of the opening moves is that it will only seem like I and E =
are aggressors, given that they must move to "red flag" areas, i.e., Eng =
and Pie. Aus and Rus, however, can smokescreen others with fairly =
"standard" moves that can be construed in a couple of ways. How this =
deal will hold up arfter 1901 is anyone's guess--especially as Aus wants =
a massive hit on Germany in 1902 (before Turkey is dead)! That's where =
I draw the line.
It should prove an interesting season. Winter 1900 confirms a standard =
dip trait: you do and/or agree with those that write you the most, and =
have few qualms about hosing the low-writers.
Russian transmission of 29 Jan ends.
Tsar Faz
JIM: How do I include press with my move submissions? Just type the =
orders and write a bunch of press underneath before I 'signoff?' if so, =
how does the Judge know to print that press if I update my orders?
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Mark also indicated interest to me in going against Austria. While I have no
> problem with that in theory, I realize you may well have some RT concerns. I'd
> like to address them, out in the open. If the three of us do gang tackle Edi,
> what assurances can I give you to alleviate any concerns you may have about
> being next? Because to be honest, RT is all fine and good for a while, but
> every time I do it, I always seem to notice that Turkey gets the short end of
> the stick. I'd rather avoid that setup long-term, if I can.
The simplest assurances you could give me would be to stick to building
armies as I stick to building fleets. That's always been a good method
of keeping tabs on each other as contrary builds are a pretty good
tip-off something isn't kosher.
> I'm amenable, but let's try to iron out some more details, too. What about
> division of the Austrian/Balkan centers? And the Grecian question?
How about I get tri, gre, vie, ser and you get bul, rum, bud and
(eventually) sev? As for Greece, I suspect it would be fairer if you
took it until such time as you gained sev. As long as you don't put a
fleet there, I have no problem with this.
Comments?
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Germany to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> So I've heard. He's pressuring me to do the same. That's Edi's style, I
> think - he did the same at DC/WDC when he was France and I was England
> except the target then was supposed to be Germany. Edi isn't much for
> cautious play... At this point, I'm planning to take the conservative
> route, grab a couple of neutral SC's in 1901, and see what develops for 1902.
I haven't decided what to do yet. Part of me wants to play it
conservatively, but part wants to do something unusual. This IS a demo
game after all. Ah well, we'll see.
> I haven't yet heard from France but, as you say with Turkey, I'm not
> interpreting that negatively (yet) since I just wrote my opening greeting
> to him yesterday. England has been in touch (and I know Jamie from
> previous PBEM games). He appears to still be in the "sounding out" stage
> at this point and is not proposing any specific plans. Given my (limited)
> knowledge of his playing style, I expect a conservative 1901 followed by a
> strong aggressive push in 1902. Of course, I plan to try hard to make sure
> that I'm *not* the target of that push...
I've since heard from Turkey, but it was the usual S'01 opening letter.
Nothing happening yet. I'll let you know if anything interesting comes
up.
Cal
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hello Hohn
Thanks for the reply. As for the Bla Sea thing, if moving there will =
cause ill will, then I'll probably just forego the whole =
shebang...especially if you don't like bouncing, to boot. The whole =
idea (even with an R/T) was just an idea to try and smokescreen our =
arrangement until we could lower the boom on A and/or I. After all, =
most 'regular' players do a Pavlov's Dog-type reaction when there's any =
inkling of an R/T. You can imagine what this savvy group will think/do =
if they see no Black Sea movement, me in Gal, etc...the red flags would =
be going up everywhere. One (or none) of us in Bla would at least have =
given a season's worth of cover for us. But I fully understand your =
concerns, believe me! They are no doubt the same concerns I have over =
a unit in ARM, for example.
Interesting report on Germany. If what you say is true, then he's a =
real smooth liar, as his little fairly "oozed" sincerity and relief at =
having no enemy in his rear--for the time being. (The arrangement is =
less of an alliance, than a benevolent neutrality and respect of mutual =
DMZs.) One false slip by either of us would cause the other to jump, =
I'm sure...which is the feeling you might have read/heard about =
regarding G/R relations. I don't know. I guess we'll see what happens =
come fall (re: Swe) and the builds in Winter. England is still an =
enigma, so I'll take whatever touchy-feely goodwill I can get from the =
Hun.
Anyway, here's to us! Clue me in on any gouge you hear from the others. =
The only stuff I've heard about you was from Austria, and contained two =
points:
1) He wants me to attack you early on (naturally...) and
2) He thinks you're a great player (and so I've heard from many others)
Should be a lollapalooza of a season...
Take care, Sultan.
Tsar Faz
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Tsar Faz,
I'm glad to see we're in accord. Regarding BLA, I really
would prefer keeping it empty or bouncing. Having either of
us there in 1901 is just too dangerous, regardless of the
level of trust between us. I am perhaps more willing to see
your fleet come out to BLA in 1902, however, to help us in
our endeavors should we need it. Once we have established
that baseline trust with one year of cooperation under our
belts, it will be more palatable. And it would hopefully
lead to bringing your fleet out to the Med.
I will of course not move to ARM, not unless you want to do
that horrid SEV-CON shuffle thing. Personally, I think the
move is dangerous for both sides, and can be stymied in a
big way with ION-AEG.
Regarding your peace accord with Germany, do you believe he
is sincere? I have heard that he bears you ill will. I
find that report difficult to credit, since it makes little
sense for either of you to fight in 1901 (aside from SWE),
but I just wanted to pass that info along to you.
Other than that, I'm still waiting to hear from AI on my
first/second round of talks. I'll let you know what's up
when I do.
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to France:
Monsieur Barquemondieu,
> Sultan: It's good to hear from you. Turkey's prosperity
> is always of utmost interest to France. FYI, I believe
> that major trouble is brewing between Germany and Russia.
> This may take considerable pressure off you. Perhaps this
> piece of information will fit with what you hear. If not,
> please let me know, because I would like some clues as to
> who is honest with me.
Interesting. According to one source at least, they have
concluded a peace agreement.
Hmm. I tend to believe my information, simply because it is
not generally in Germany's or Russia's interest to attack
each other this early. Oh well, I suppose we'll see soon.
Out of curiosity, where do you think you will move?
Standard flexible opening, taking Iberia and defending
yourself?
Hohn
Private message from England to France:
M. JB,
>If Russia goes south, then it seems to me our advantage lies in seeing
>Germany go east.
Yes, certainly.
But I think I may not catch your point exactly. Isn't it to our advantage
to see Germany go east, always, no matter what Russia does? Or am I
misinterpreting you?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from France to England:
If Russia goes south, then it seems to me our advantage lies in seeing
Germany go east. This would open up Scandinavia for you and relieve
pressure on my borders, as well as giving me an opportunity to snatch
Belgium. We could then see how it plays.
JB
France
Private message from France to Austria:
Edi, I discussed the anti-Russian opening with Germany. He said you had
not mentioned it to him. I have assured him that if he joins with you, I
will not interfere. I speculated that you had not broached the subject
because you preferred an indirect approach. In any case, he sounded very
positive about the proposal.
John
France
Private message from England to France:
Jean Barquemondieu,
1000 pardons, please.
The Churchill is Edi-Nwg, Lon-Nth, Lvp-Edi. Following Sir Winnie's plan of
landing in Norway, correct you are. A common opening, because it is so
non-commital, and flexible in that it can be a starting point for
practically any strategy.
My news from Russia squares with yours: he alleges that he intends to go
south. How do you think this ought to affect our attitude toward Germany?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hello again Hohn!
Thanks for your note, which I can only get to in a quick reply (work is
calling). Anyway, my views generally jive with yours, which is what I
was hoping for!.
I think getting you into CON is S'01 is both logical and necessary. I'm
not so sure we won't see some sort of early-on A/I...again, you know
these guys, and I don't. But my sources tell me there is some Aus
scheming ongoing. Even if there is no truth to the rumor, having the
Turk "out and about" is a good deterrent to any Lepantos and a nice
"check and balance" on Edi's growth. I've never been one to look
askance on an R/T. Turkey is generally my first choice to play by mail,
and R/Ts are my favorite alliance.
I also agree that Ukr-Rum is better than the fleet. Let me mull over
the Sev-holds idea. I'm not 100% against it, but there are advantages
to having one of us in Bla. (Guaranteed support into RUM is one of
them, as well as eventually passing thru CON en route to link up in the
fight vs A/I fleets is another.) Still, I recognize your sensitivities,
and will weigh that heavily into my decision to (probably) accede to
your wishes. I also hope, in reciprocation, that you have no plans for
Smy-Arm???
Other scuttlebutt from across the board: I've reached a peace agreement
with Germany, and am trying to do so with England, too. This would
leave just one "mutual enemy" down south for us to deal with, if you
catch my drift....I've heard there may be an E/F cabal, but I discount
that rumor. Again, there's also been some talk of A/I actions, but that
may be bluff to keep the weaker powers from being picked on right off
the bat. We'll see in 1901, I guess.
Anyway, Hohn, count me in as an enthusiastic supporter of the R/T! This
goes a long way in cementing good relations between us. Please do stay
in touch, and bear with me if I a little slow in replying over the next
day or two...
Yours for Good Relations,
Tsar Faz
Ruler of All Russias
All-Around Nice Guy
Private message from France to England:
Pardon me for being remiss. I believe we should conclude a non-agression
pact. I have no desire to challenge England's mastery of the seas. But I
am sorry, I don't know what a Churchill is. I thought you were alluding to
your chain of command. I presume it's an assault on Norway, as WC himself
undertook?
I think our attitude toward Germany depends upon what you have heard from
Russia. The Tsar contacted me, but, as you know, France and Russia rarely
exchange more than pleasantries in the opening year. From what little I
could gather, my impression is that he thinks the south to be his major
concern. Have you heard anything?
Jean Barquemondieu
---------------------------------------------------
This message was created and sent using the Cyberdog Mail System
---------------------------------------------------
Private message from Germany to France:
>My friend, of course, if you and Austria were to become friends, I
>would give you maximum freedom of action. I thought that was implicit
>in my final words about easing the way for you, but I understand that
>you would want matters put in more concrete terms.
Thank you. I hope I didn't appear to be too demanding but I also don't
want to appear to be naive, either.
>I am a bit
>surprised that Austria has not contacted you, but perhaps he preferred
>an indirect approach to open discussions.
He has contacted me but, regarding any discussion of a joint AG eastward
push, he has been so indirect as to be absolutely silent on the matter.
This concerns me regarding what he has told you vs. what he is saying to
me. It appears that he is trying to mislead us and, I must assume, drive a
wedge between us. I would hate for that to happen.
To that end, I am enclosing a portion of your message to me which I assume
was never intended to get to me. I don't know if it was as a result of an
error in the command you issued the judge, a judge problem, or an extremely
sneaky way of attempting to mislead me (if the latter, I take my hat off to
you). I am going to operate under the assumption, however, that it was due
to some error and not your intent. Accordingly, I hope you can see that,
by returning it to you, I am foregoing significant potential advantage in
the interests of furthering a friendly relationship between us. I hope you
will desire to do the same.
-Pitt
>--Cyberdog-AltBoundary-0001B014
>Content-Type: text/enriched; charset=ISO-8859-1
>Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
>
>10Geneva=
>signon fghodstoo odie
>
>set wait
>
>f bre - pic
>
>a par - bur
>
>a mar s a par - bur
>
>press to g
>
>My friend, of course, if you and Austria were to become friends, I
>would give you maximum freedom of action. I thought that was implicit
>in my final words about easing the way for you, but I understand that
>you would want matters put in more concrete terms. I am a bit
>surprised that Austria has not contacted you, but perhaps he preferred
>an indirect approach to open discussions.
>
>
>
Private message from Germany to Turkey:
>You're far too modest. I've heard nothing but good things about you
>and your play, and your column and your Dipcon win both speak
>eloquently with respect to your skill.
Uhoh...he's flattering me. Now I kno wi'm in trouble...only...just exactly
how do you get A CON to MUN in Spring 1901?
>BTW...did that column you wrote regarding the tactical exercise (the
>one where I wrote you with feedback) ever get published? If you have
>an ASCII file of the article you wrote, I'd love to see it.
You will as soon as it gets published. That issue of the DP was canceled
and, since I now have more time to work on the article, I'm working it up
some more. Look for it in the next issue or so.
>Yes, you're missing the mighty TG alliance against the world! Come
>on, Pitt, open to TYR, SIL and BAL!
Well, I *was* going to until Dave tipped my hand. Now I suppose I'm forced
to order BER-MUN, MUN-KIE, KIE-BER...
>Well, since this is my first round of negotiations, I'm afraid I don't
>have much info for you yet, but I will let you know as soon as I get
>some return messages.
Please do.
>How about you? How do things look to you so far?
A quick summary:
Austria - Edi's doing his usual, stirring up the waters to see what
happens. Last I heard, he was advocating an IG push vs. France, an EF push
vs. Germany, and an RA push vs. you. I don't think he's committed to
anything other than a topsy-turvy game.
Russia - seems to be conservative and isn't saying much
Italy - seems to be volatile but I hve no idea which way he'll blow
France - neutral, taciturn
England - active talker but seeking only DMZ's at this time
Germany - way over his head, seeking any friendly port
>Looking to the West/Northwest, I imagine?
Not decided yet. The conservative nature of my neighbors suggests that I
should do the same (Edi's theatrics notwithstanding).
>I look forward to hearing from you, and it is a pleasure to finally
>play in a game with you.
Same here.
-Pitt
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hello again Hohn
Thanks for the quick and constant communications;much appreciated.
Let's talk BLA again. No need to mince words for any perceived =
"bluntness" as to things being "too easy for me" by being there in =
Spring. Quite truthfully, the same could be said for you if I held in =
Sev and you and Edi were somehow allied: then I see Gal and/or Rum, =
Arm, and Bla, putting me in a hurt box. Again, I do *not* expect that, =
but your concerns are also my concerns. As such, I make one of two =
recommendations, and you tell me which you prefer:
S'01 (Rus): _Sev-Bla, War-Ukr (TUR): Ank-Bla_, Smy-Con
or
S'01: Sev-Rum, Mos-Sev, War-Ukr. (TUR) Ank-Con, Smy-? hold?
The former makes it cut-and-dry and, while we waste a turn, doesn't cost =
us too terribly. It also arouses no suspicions due to its 'normalcy.' =
The second option keeps Bla clear in Spring, and then gives me the =
option of: Sev-Rum (Ukr S) (or vice versa), Rum-Bla. It makes no =
threat to you for 1901 (or anytime after that, believe me) and we can =
either pass it thru Turkey, have you build a second fleet and kill it (I =
go OTB and rebuild an army), or I return it to Sev later (or to RUM, =
once the armies move inland in 1902.
Which would you prefer, Hohn? In all seriousness, I don't relish the =
idea of the fleet 'rotting at the pier' all game. (I mean, if you think =
it's useless in RUM and you don't want it in BLA, what exactly will it =
do, and when will it do it??)
If you're concerned about time, don't be. I have been trying to entice =
Italy vs Austria all Winter, but he's looking west (or so he says). =
(Don't think I haven't thought of Mun-Boh, War-Gal and ven-Tyo or =
Tri...but the others aren't as daring.) If Italy's telling the truth, =
then Edi is winging it in the East (which is why he's probably selling =
us both some siren song, to prevent the very alliance that could cripple =
him.) So yes, I'm concerned about 'wasted moves,' but spending 1901 =
prepping for 1902--the same thing everyone else is doing--shouldn't be =
that difficult.
No further news from E, G or F. germany seems friendly enough as of =
last letter, E and F are distant. I wants friendship but no commitment. =
A wants alliance vs you and quick action. And you and I both know what =
-we- want!
Take care, Hohn, and stay in touch. Let me hear your ideas, comments, =
etc.
Faz
Private message from Turkey to Italy:
Cal,
> The simplest assurances you could give me would be to stick to building
> armies as I stick to building fleets. That's always been a good method
> of keeping tabs on each other as contrary builds are a pretty good
> tip-off something isn't kosher.
Fair enough. I won't build fleets, and it'll be a telegraph to you if I do.
> How about I get tri, gre, vie, ser and you get bul, rum, bud and
> (eventually) sev? As for Greece, I suspect it would be fairer if you
> took it until such time as you gained sev. As long as you don't put a
> fleet there, I have no problem with this.
> Comments?
I think we need to distinguish Bulgaria from the rest of the Balkans. Bulgaria
is my freebie, just as Tunis is yours.
That leaves three Balkans and three Austrian centers. I similarly think we
shouldn't count Sevastopol unless we count Marseilles as well. Austria is one
enemy, but Russia is another ball of wax. I know conflict with Russia might be
inevitable anyway if we're appropriating Rumania into our sphere of influence,
but that's a problem of mine more than yours, and I'll deal with it as
necessary.
My counter-proposal is all Balkans to me, army in Greece, all of Austria to you.
Thoughts?
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Tsar Faz,
It's been a quiet few days, with little in the way of
negotiations. I just wanted to touch base with you.
Returning once again to BLA, I'll leave it up to you. We
either bounce, or we don't. I'd rather not waste the turn.
I don't think the subterfuge is worth the one season loss in
position, especially if we can get AI to fight for at least
the first season...which may be possible. But if you want
to bounce, I'll bounce. I definitely want one or the other,
though, either we both go there or neither of us go there.
We should each wager an equal amount of trust, as it were.
While in theory getting you in BLA in Spring 1901 might be a
marginal tactical benefit, and please pardon my bluntness,
but it makes things a little too easy for you. It's not
hard to be or purport to be a strong ally when there's
nothing on the line for you, and when you have the upper
hand. Just let me know which way you want to go.
No further word from Germany. Heard from Cal, I'm trying to
get him to go against Austria. As always, I'll keep you
posted.
Hohn
Private message from France to Germany:
Dear Kaiser,
It appears that my mailer messed up. The stuff before "press to g" was
sent too. Well, I hope that in addition to those rather ominous orders,
you noticed the "set wait." I did not want those orders to process. They
were merely precautionary preliminary orders sent in to hold place while we
continued discussions. I usually enter a dozen or so sets of preliminary
orders during the first week, as a way to think out loud. In this case,
your requests for an empty Burgundy made me a tiny bit paranoid, so I did a
"just in case." However, I would hope that we continue talking this out
and settle on a mutually beneficial plan.
An embarrassed Frenchie
Jean Barquemondieu
Private message from Master to France:
>
> Message from [email protected] as France to Master in 'ghodstoo':
>
> It appears that my message to Germany included my orders, but I can't tell
> for sure. Is that the way it looks to you?
>
> John
John, yes, it looks that way to me too. It appears that you forgot to
put a endpress command before your orders.... or your what looks like
a web based mailer mistakenly attached another message with orders on
the bottom?? I've been having all sorts of problems with the Judge
rookies.... now with the Judge veterans too???? ;-)
I'm sorry, but they do seem to be compromised. Please change your
password, at a minimum. I'm sorry.... there isn't anything else
I can do. You are, of course, free to change the orders .... or claim
that you compromised yourself on purpose with fake orders... or
any of the other tricks you can invent.
Jim
Private message from Master to Russia:
Faz,
And this is another distinction we are testing with this demo game.
I will be "collecting" the broadcast press and printing it in
bulk in my postal szine; however, there is NO direct way to do
what you want to do. The best thing to do is to write your
"postal style release with the moves press" and save it. Don't
send it until you receive the game results.
It is my assertion that the Judge's "rules" hinder good press writing
and hinder the application of personality to the game.
Your opinions and how well this broadcast press keeps going will tell
the story. It is worth noting that the broadcast press so far has
been two or three orders of magnitude greater than would be usual for
a demo game OR other regular Judge Dip game. i can't really say mroe
right now without biasing you more than I probably already have.
you probably should be aware that the Judgers are a bit surprised
by different things than you are surprised by.... but equally
surprised.
Jim
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> I think we need to distinguish Bulgaria from the rest of the Balkans. Bulgaria
> is my freebie, just as Tunis is yours.
>
> That leaves three Balkans and three Austrian centers. I similarly think we
> shouldn't count Sevastopol unless we count Marseilles as well. Austria is one
> enemy, but Russia is another ball of wax. I know conflict with Russia might be
> inevitable anyway if we're appropriating Rumania into our sphere of influence,
> but that's a problem of mine more than yours, and I'll deal with it as
> necessary.
>
> My counter-proposal is all Balkans to me, army in Greece, all of Austria to you.
> Thoughts?
I can live with this. :) I haven't gotten much from anybody in the last
couple of days (unless you count all that "Yog" press...). Any fresh
rumours?
Cal
Is there a norm in the flow of correspondence in the E-mail games? Do most
communications tend to lump around the beginning of the turn information or is
it more common for the final day(s) to have a focus of activity?
Is there a database on players and openings as was maintained by the Swedes?
Is there a general record/database anywhere on games done?
With all this 'judge' stuff it would seem that some sort of automatic record
system should be fairly easy to maintain and access...or am I taking a typical
non-computer approach to the project?
Edi
Private message from Turkey to Austria:
On Sun, 2 Feb 1997, Edi Birsan wrote:
> Anything new on the Northern Campaign Front?
Not really. I'm still negotiating heavily with Russia about various
things. Regarding Italy, Russia tells me that he thinks Cal is coming
after you. This of course makes Russia all the more eager to go after
you as well.
> have you heard from England or Germany?
Not much at all. I hear Germany is cool with you, though. Which of
course makes sense.
> Note Mathais has a discount air fare from Washington to Sweden.
How much, do you know?
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Italy:
Cal,
> > My counter-proposal is all Balkans to me, army in Greece, all of Austria to you.
> > Thoughts?
>
> I can live with this. :)
Glad to hear it. :)
> I haven't gotten much from anybody in the last
> couple of days (unless you count all that "Yog" press...). Any fresh
> rumours?
Russia and I are still trying to hammer out particulars with respect to working
against Austria. Edi is apparently approaching all comers with various alliance
proposals. No clue about the West. I don't think France is coming after you,
though, judging from some things he's said.
I'm glad to hear we're on the same page with respect to taking on Austria. I'll
let you know if negotiations break down with Russia, but I expect he'll come on
board, regardless of what particular plan he and I make. Let me know if there's
anything in particular that you want me to do. Of course, if we're allied as I
believe we are, I'll build no fleets (at least, none on the Med; I suppose it's
possible that I might need another bordering on BLA, depending on what
eventually shakes down with the Russian), ever, while you in contrast
concentrate very heavily on fleets.
Let me know if everything is a go for you, and if my understanding comports with
your own. And of course, if you have any other questions, comments or concerns,
please do not hesitate to inform me.
Thanks,
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Tsar Faz,
> Thanks for the quick and constant communications;much appreciated.
Certainly.
> Let's talk BLA again. No need to mince words for any
> perceived "bluntness" as to things being "too easy for me"
> by being there in Spring. Quite truthfully, the same
> could be said for you if I held in Sev and you and Edi
> were somehow allied: then I see Gal and/or Rum, Arm, and
> Bla, putting me in a hurt box. Again, I do *not* expect
> that, but your concerns are also my concerns.
I'm afraid I may not have made myself clear. Of course, if
either of us were to stab the other, we'd have no alliance.
When I say "too easy for you," when I'm talking about
unequal footing, I'm talking about how much trust each of us
is wagering, _assuming_ we both go through with what we
propose. If we both agree to bounce in BLA, and we do,
we're both implicitly saying that we don't trust each other
that much (the minor value of subterfuge notwithstanding).
If we both agree not to go there, we're saying that we both
trust each other significantly (again, assuming we both in
fact live up to our side of the bargain). But if we agree
to have me move ANK-CON and you move SEV-BLA, I'm wagering a
lot of trust in you, but you're wagering very little. Even
assuming we both go through with what we agree, you're in
the dominant position. At that point, I'm _forced_ to rely
upon your goodwill. And you can stab in Fall 1901 with me
being forced to guess whether you will do so or not. I'd
rather that not happen. Therefore, I propose we wager the
same amount of trust, whether that means bouncing in BLA or
keeping BLA vacant. If we choose the latter, obviously, any
stab will be apparent immediately, and steps can be taken to
minimize damages.
Is that more clear?
> As such, I make one of two =
> recommendations, and you tell me which you prefer:
> S'01 (Rus): _Sev-Bla, War-Ukr (TUR): Ank-Bla_, Smy-Con
> or
> S'01: Sev-Rum, Mos-Sev, War-Ukr. (TUR) Ank-Con, Smy-? hold?
> The former makes it cut-and-dry and, while we waste a
> turn, doesn't cost us too terribly. It also arouses no
> suspicions due to its 'normalcy.'
I think you already know my preference. If we're going to
ally, I don't care for half-measures. I don't like wasting
the turn.
> The second option keeps Bla clear in Spring, and then
> gives me the option of: Sev-Rum (Ukr S) (or vice versa),
> Rum-Bla. It makes no threat to you for 1901 (or anytime
> after that, believe me) and we can either pass it thru
> Turkey, have you build a second fleet and kill it (I go
> OTB and rebuild an army), or I return it to Sev later (or
> to RUM, once the armies move inland in 1902.
I can live with this, although I believe that if we're
really strongly allied, WAR-GAL, MOS-UKR, SEV HOLDS or
SEV-RUM is much more powerful against Austria. And if you
get into GAL, as is probable in light of Edi's concern about
Cal, you're in just about as good a position to defend
against me should I stab you (which I have no intention of
doing, if we can come to agreement here) as WAR-UKR,
MOS-SEV, SEV-RUM. However, if you're not willing to trust
me that far, I'll deal with it.
> Which would you prefer, Hohn? In all seriousness, I don't relish the =
> idea of the fleet 'rotting at the pier' all game. (I mean, if you think =
> it's useless in RUM and you don't want it in BLA, what exactly will it =
> do, and when will it do it??)
I don't want it in BLA in _Spring_ _1901_. I've never said
I have objection to it moving out into the Med later, after
we've established our trust in each other and our ability to
work together. In fact, I've specifically raised the idea:
:I'm glad to see we're in accord. Regarding BLA, I really
:would prefer keeping it empty or bouncing. Having either of
:us there in 1901 is just too dangerous, regardless of the
:level of trust between us. I am perhaps more willing to see
:your fleet come out to BLA in 1902, however, to help us in
:our endeavors should we need it. Once we have established
:that baseline trust with one year of cooperation under our
:belts, it will be more palatable. And it would hopefully
:lead to bringing your fleet out to the Med.
> If you're concerned about time, don't be.
Sorry, I still am. I'm such a firm believer that in an RT,
it's so crucial to get the jump on A/AI.
> I have been
> trying to entice Italy vs Austria all Winter, but he's
> looking west (or so he says). (Don't think I haven't
> thought of Mun-Boh, War-Gal and ven-Tyo or Tri...but the
> others aren't as daring.) If Italy's telling the truth,
> then Edi is winging it in the East (which is why he's
> probably selling us both some siren song, to prevent the
> very alliance that could cripple him.) So yes, I'm
> concerned about 'wasted moves,' but spending 1901 prepping
> for 1902--the same thing everyone else is doing--shouldn't
> be that difficult.
Cal's saying something quite different to me. He wants to
take out Edi, so he says. We've discussed potential fears
of the RT, and he feels confident (again, so he says) that
he'll be able to reach an accommodation with one of us, or
that other diplomatic trends of the day will render the
situation tenable for him.
And yes, Edi's pressing for strong alliance, and I'm feeding
him what he wants to hear. The kicker's going to be what
Cal does, I think.
> No further news from E, G or F. germany seems friendly
> enough as of last letter, E and F are distant. I wants
> friendship but no commitment.
I haven't been in much contact with EFG.
> A wants alliance vs you and quick action. And you and I
> both know what -we- want!
Indeed. Let's come to a decision soon, whether it's
bouncing or keeping it vacant.
> Take care, Hohn, and stay in touch. Let me hear your
> ideas, comments, etc.
You have them. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hohn
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hi Hohn
Ok, Ok, already...I give in. I'll hold in SEV and see what happens. If
you're not moving to ARM and you want to move to CON, have at it. As
you said, if you (or I) move to BLA in S'01, I guess we'll see it for
the obvious stab. _I_ do not intend to do so now, and I'm banking on
your (oft-repeated) assurances, also.
You say Italy is attacking Aus, eh? Let's just say that I'll believe it
when I see it. My reading of the tea leaves--based on some last-minute
correspondence-- is that A/I are in bed together, and that the *last*
thing Italy wants is to join you (and I) in an Austrian carve-up. After
all, if we're allied and Austria dies, who next feels the Turk's
scimitar? This is another reason I finally agreed to joint R/T ops and
moves for spring.
My tenacious (probably "ridiculous", in your eyes) arguing over this
whole BLA thing was based not only on my fear of balance-of-power
attacks on me once we become 'obvious.' It was also based on game
interaction. Edi often refers to you and he in glowing terms from
games past. And while I do *not* fear cross-gaming, it is a tad
disconcerting to be the "unknown" among the pack of good old boys who
have crossed swords in games past. Your first letters, coming on the
heels of Edi's, just left me uneasy. It wasn't 'you,' or your 'style,'
or anything like that--mostly just me, some hidden paranoia, and the
feeling that A/T would link up and wax me early on.
But, as you said, it does come down to trust, and measurable trust at
that. "Measurable" means "calculated," in your lexicon. I'm going a
step beyond, and will adhere to a less-than-desired opening for me (SEV
holds) in the hope that you see my sincerity, and that we truly can get
this "jump on A/I" that you've been chomping at the bit for.
So, then, "partner," the childbirth was indeed painful. But now that we
have a team, let's see what damage we can do.
I'll look for you in CON, and you can look for me in SEV. Fair enough?
Best
Faz
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi Cal
Just a quick note--have been under hot-and-heavy bombardment from
Turkey. Wants me to NOT bounce in Bla, but instead to nail Edi. Says
he's talked to you and that's also what you want (?), and that you feel
confortable in the face of any R/T ???
I'm naturally paraphrasing here, and I don't mean to put words in your
mouth by misinterpreting Hohn's version of things. But I want to
reassure myself that this high-falutin' E/I/A/R is a 'go' against F and
T, and that you're also in this.
The reason (naturally) is because you and I have the ability to crunch
Edi AND contain Hohn (in that order) if you're serious about pummeling
Austria. If you fear Turkey, or the R/T (I don't want one this game,
btw) and you still want the 'agreed-upon' four-way opening, that's fine
by me. I just wanted to know if there was anything new that you and I
needed to adjust for...If not, disregard this note, and we'll see you in
MAR.
Best
Faz
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hohn: Sent this over the weekend, but screwed up the password (duh)!
Here's a retransmit...
Mark
>Invalid password or power ID specified.
>
>---- Original message follows:
>
>From [email protected] Sun Feb 2 15:10:29 1997
>Hello Hohn!
>Wanted to drop you a quick weekend line and see if we have agreed/can =
>agree on the terms of alliance before the deadline comes. I *don't* =
>want BLA to be a sticking point between finalization of a deal between =
>us! But as I said last note, what do you want me to do with it? You =
>don't want it in RUM, you don't want it transiting CON, and you don't =
>want it in BLA--which means I waste a turn having it sit in SEV. Just =
>as you don't want to 'waste' a turn with a bounce or sideways glance, =
>neither do I. I guess I just need an answer as to how you see that =
>fleet, both in the near- and the long-term. To keep unease at a =
>minimum, I can always go to RUM in S'01 with the fleet, then perhaps go =
>to BLA in Fall....Again, with no word from you on A Smy's spring =
>destination, I am loathe to invite a Turkish stab into BLA and ARM while =
>I sit in the harbor, if you can understand that.
>
>If a spring move to RUM is amenable tom you, you can slide your fleet to =
>CON, then support my A Ukr-Rum in fall (I can always sail back to SEV in =
>fall, also, if that would make you happier?
>
>Come 1902, we're united along the Rum-Bul line, I'll shift another army =
>into GAL, and you can work your wiles with F Aeg; what say you?
>
>Just let me know what you see/think here, partner; time's running short.
>
>Best
>Faz
>endpress
>signoff
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Mark,
> Thanks for the note. A few quick points, and then it's off to mull the
> final decision...
> *Sev transiting Bla. Yes, you did mention it in notes past. You also,
> if I recall, came out pretty strongly against its transiting through in
> one other note...
Not that I can recall. I think I might have expressed
objection to such a move in the first turn due to the need
to establish sufficient trust first, but I've always
supported the general idea.
>But your achieved example at the end of this note sums
> up your position...I don't keep my old stuff for too long after sending.
> *The BLA issue. If we both do what we intended to do (i.e., I went to
> Bla and you to Con), does that really force you to rely on my goodwill?
Of course. I've said it many times already, I either want
us to agree that either both of us or neither of us will go
to BLA in Spring 1901. That's the crucial turn. If we both
agree to move there, fine. No big deal.. It's not my first
preference, but I can live with it. If we agree not to move
there, then any move by either of us there in Spring 1901
will signal an obvious stab, and that can set the tenor of
the relationship for the foreseeable future. I want that
big, honking, obvious "stab indicator" if we decide not to
move to BLA purely because I want to make sure the
ramifications of that decision to stab, the potential
consequences of that stab, are self-evident. It will serve
to _deter_ a stab.
That doesn't exist under your proposal of SEV-BLA, ANK-CON.
Which is why I can't support it. I won't know what you'll
do in such a situation until it is (potentially) too late.
> First off, there's either trust, or there's not.
It's one thing to trust without basis. It's another to
trust wisely. And another thing entirely to trust after at
least one turn of demonstrated goodwill.
> Secondly, the fleet
> would be used to get Ukr into RUM, not go mucking about vs Bul or Arm.
How do I know that? And you can just as easily get UKR into
RUM by having SEV support it there.
And before you counter, "Well, you might stab by moving to
BLA," the clear response is: so might you. We're both
risking the same amount. And the ramifications will be
obvious after Spring 1901.
> As for stab potential, sure, I guess there is potential. But while
> we're on the point about "wagering a lot of trust," there is a
> reciprocal question: where is Smy in all of this? Are you moving it to
> Arm? or Ank? or holding? Smy-Ank and Ank-Con cements your flank
> against any perceived (non-existent!) Russian stab.
I've clearly said that I have no intention of moving to ARM.
That remains true. Obviously, if we're allied, I have no
business in ARM.
I haven't decided whether to hold it or move it to ANK.
There are pros and cons. And despite your assertion of
cementing my flank, your presence in BLA would still cause
me serious potential problems if you were to stab. And I'm
not saying you will; I'm merely posing that if we agree to
keep it neutral, we both are wagering decent risk, and the
resulting increase in trust should we pull things off
without stabbing, as I suspect we can, would be
correspondingly great.
> I guess a lot of what I do with Sev is dependent on what you do with
> Smy; the trust factor for us both may not quite be where it should.
It certainly seems so, regrettably.
> If
> Smy stays out of Arm, I'd be heavily inclined to do the Bla DMZ thing.
I thought that went without saying. Of course I'm not going
to go to ARM.
> *Red Flags to Bulls. Let's ignore the perceived 'minor value' in a
> bounce. My other main concern deals with bringing down a curtain of
> fire on us by the immediate signals the S'01 turn would show. An Italy
> "unconcerned" by a joint R/T moving to Aeg in fall, and hitting Austria?
> Doubtful.
Cal's already agreed to attack Austria, and I've managed to
allay his concerns of an RT.
> Ger and Eng sitting by while we pummel Austria and I
> potentially build on their borders (why do it down south)? Again,
> doubtful.
This is probably true, though.
> My only point about buying time with a turn of bounce was to
> keep *me* from feeling the heat from three potential fronts (A/G/E) the
> minute Edi cries "wolf" and gets aid from the Balance-of-Power freaks on
> the board.
OK, fair enough.
> Is one extra turn of jumping-off worth the expected firestorm? That's a
> judgment call we seem to disagree on.
Indeed.
> *Italy. I expect Cal to head west as part of an agreement with Aus, and
> not to worry to much about the east for now. I think part of that is
> indeed related to your talks with him, ref any R/T formation, but, as
> above, whatever Cal may intend to do would be radically changed the
> minute we emerge united from the starting gate.
> *Bottom Line. Tell me what you envision for Smyrna, and what you expect
> the reaction in F'01 to be if the board sees us doing a "no-move to Bla"
> routine. After that, I'll mull it over (and probably agree with you).
Mark, I have to confess my stamina's about done here. I
recognize your concerns, and although I disagree with them,
although I think bouncing in BLA is a waste and that it
demonstrates less trust in each other than I would prefer
for a strong RT, let's go ahead and bounce. It clearly
seems to be what you prefer, and I'm not so obsessed with
moving out to AEG quickly that it will cause me to ignore
the warning signals I seem to be getting from you.
Bouncing in BLA is an option. Rolling the dice and agreeing
that neither of us will enter BLA is an option. I will not
agree to your preapproved presence in BLA while I move to
CON, however.
I'll assume we're bouncing in BLA unless you tell me
otherwise. We should still have enough time to have one
final round of talks before the deadline, should you so
desire. Let me know.
Hohn
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hohn,
Thanks for the note. A few quick points, and then it's off to mull the
final decision...
*Sev transiting Bla. Yes, you did mention it in notes past. You also,
if I recall, came out pretty strongly against its transiting through in
one other note...But your achieved example at the end of this note sums
up your position...I don't keep my old stuff for too long after sending.
*The BLA issue. If we both do what we intended to do (i.e., I went to
Bla and you to Con), does that really force you to rely on my goodwill?
First off, there's either trust, or there's not. Secondly, the fleet
would be used to get Ukr into RUM, not go mucking about vs Bul or Arm.
As for stab potential, sure, I guess there is potential. But while
we're on the point about "wagering a lot of trust," there is a
reciprocal question: where is Smy in all of this? Are you moving it to
Arm? or Ank? or holding? Smy-Ank and Ank-Con cements your flank
against any perceived (non-existent!) Russian stab.
I guess a lot of what I do with Sev is dependent on what you do with
Smy; the trust factor for us both may not quite be where it should. If
Smy stays out of Arm, I'd be heavily inclined to do the Bla DMZ thing.
*Red Flags to Bulls. Let's ignore the perceived 'minor value' in a
bounce. My other main concern deals with bringing down a curtain of
fire on us by the immediate signals the S'01 turn would show. An Italy
"unconcerned" by a joint R/T moving to Aeg in fall, and hitting Austria?
Doubtful. Ger and Eng sitting by while we pummel Austria and I
potentially build on their borders (why do it down south)? Again,
doubtful. My only point about buying time with a turn of bounce was to
keep *me* from feeling the heat from three potential fronts (A/G/E) the
minute Edi cries "wolf" and gets aid from the Balance-of-Power freaks on
the board.
Is one extra turn of jumping-off worth the expected firestorm? That's a
judgment call we seem to disagree on.
*Italy. I expect Cal to head west as part of an agreement with Aus, and
not to worry to much about the east for now. I think part of that is
indeed related to your talks with him, ref any R/T formation, but, as
above, whatever Cal may intend to do would be radically changed the
minute we emerge united from the starting gate.
*Bottom Line. Tell me what you envision for Smyrna, and what you expect
the reaction in F'01 to be if the board sees us doing a "no-move to Bla"
routine. After that, I'll mull it over (and probably agree with you).
Best
Faz
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hi Hohn
Thanks for the speedy reply; I appreciate your understanding through all
of this.
I hope against hope that Italy does indeed "join us" against Edi. I'm
generally an optimist as regards making things happen, but I sense
unease as regards A/I infighting. Hopefully you've got better info from
Italy than I do. He just sent me an e-mail and categorically denies
doing anything other than making "the approprate noises" toward Turkey.
Again, I hope that's just domestic propaganda, and that he opens
eastward; sure would be nice!
Take care, and let's see what autumn brings!
Mark
>----------
>From: USIN Diplomacy Judge[SMTP:[email protected]]
>Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 1997 1:22 PM
>To: Fassio, M. MAJ SOC
>Subject: Diplomacy notice: ghodstoo
>
> News about USIN can be found at
> http://kleiman.indianapolis.in.us/usin.htm
>
> All unmoderated games will be removed.
> Judge keeper is [email protected].
> Judge address is [email protected]
>
>Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Russia in 'ghodstoo':
>
>Mark,
>
>OK, all sounds good. I understand and appreciate the
>compromise you've made, and I won't let you down. I have
>every confidence that after this season, we'll be the
>strongest of allies, an alliance made stronger by our mutual
>and demonstrated trust.
>
>Regarding the old boy network, don't sweat it. Edi and I
>have enjoyed our few games together, but I doubt he will,
>and I certainly won't, let that prejudice our judgments.
>
>I'm currently making a full-court diplomatic press on Cal,
>to convince him to do what he told me he'd do, namely attack
>Austria. FYI.
>
>Onward to Autumn, and Austria!
>
>Hohn
>
>
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi Cal
OK, I'm reassured! I've been getting hot and heavy notes from Hohn,
basically saying that Italy is "with" Turkey in the attack on Austria,
and that I (Russia) and the foot-dragging scumbag for not wanting to
agree to his terms and help crush Austria with "better" opening
moves....Be that as it may, I think we'll be all right in the attack.
Key for us, however, is: where does Edi expand after he gets Ser and
Gre? Does he channel himself toward BUL and Aeg? I just have this
(natural) paranoia that A/T are in cahoots regarding lil' ol' me. Oh
well, as long as you're around to help prevent that from happening, then
consider me still firm to the 4-way opening.
Here's to you and me, pilgrim. Let's hope Edi's plan is beneficial to
us all....
Faz
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Just checking in regarding the Austrian front. I've sealed an agreement with
> Russia for the time being so that the three of us can slice and dice to our
> heart's content.
I've heard the same from Russia, so it looks pretty good.
> I've heard conflicting reports, though, in that others have said you're pretty
> strongly allied with Austria. I suspect that's just your effective diplomacy
> camouflaging the real intent, but if it's not, I must confess a bit of
> confusion. The primary reason I've decided to work with Russia right now was
> because of your offer to carve Austria. Clearly, if there really is an AI, I
> would think it would be in your better interest to sow dissension between
> Russia and me, which you haven't done. Are you sure you're still OK with our
> agreement? I hope you know I'm sincere when I say that of most of the RT's
> I've seen, R gets the lion's share of the success, and that that concerns me.
> And again, I'll build no fleets except in Ankara when I'm ready to go. There
> will never be more than one Turkish fleet in the Med, in AEG, and that will be
> strictly defensive, as I'm sure you know the importance that province plays in
> my defense. Finally, there will be an army in GRE, never a fleet.
These arrangements are quite reasonable and exactly what we discussed.
As for the alleged A/I, I have been talking to Edi and sending out the
usual S'01 happy-talk to give him warm fuzzies; he may have also talked
about this to some others about this. Actually, I have distributed a
few "red herrings" to some of the western powers. I don't like to
broadcast my exact plans to those on the other side of the board. Given
the tendency of some games to come down to the eastern "winners" against
the western "winners", a little confusion early can't hurt. But then I
don't have to tell you not to believe all the Dip gossip, no? :)
> That's my understanding of our agreement. Please confirm if that's your
> understanding as well, and if you're still OK with it.
Yup, I'm fine with it, but I do have a question: I'm starting to hear
rumours of a western triple with France going all out for the Med in
'01. Needless to say, this worries me and I'm wondering if you'ev heard
anything about it?
> Looking forward to the look on Edi's face after Spring 1901
heh heh, wish he'd take a picture of it for us... :)
Cal
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Mark,
OK, all sounds good. I understand and appreciate the
compromise you've made, and I won't let you down. I have
every confidence that after this season, we'll be the
strongest of allies, an alliance made stronger by our mutual
and demonstrated trust.
Regarding the old boy network, don't sweat it. Edi and I
have enjoyed our few games together, but I doubt he will,
and I certainly won't, let that prejudice our judgments.
I'm currently making a full-court diplomatic press on Cal,
to convince him to do what he told me he'd do, namely attack
Austria. FYI.
Onward to Autumn, and Austria!
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Italy:
Cal,
Just checking in regarding the Austrian front. I've sealed an agreement with
Russia for the time being so that the three of us can slice and dice to our
heart's content.
I've heard conflicting reports, though, in that others have said you're pretty
strongly allied with Austria. I suspect that's just your effective diplomacy
camouflaging the real intent, but if it's not, I must confess a bit of
confusion. The primary reason I've decided to work with Russia right now was
because of your offer to carve Austria. Clearly, if there really is an AI, I
would think it would be in your better interest to sow dissension between
Russia and me, which you haven't done. Are you sure you're still OK with our
agreement? I hope you know I'm sincere when I say that of most of the RT's
I've seen, R gets the lion's share of the success, and that that concerns me.
And again, I'll build no fleets except in Ankara when I'm ready to go. There
will never be more than one Turkish fleet in the Med, in AEG, and that will be
strictly defensive, as I'm sure you know the importance that province plays in
my defense. Finally, there will be an army in GRE, never a fleet.
That's my understanding of our agreement. Please confirm if that's your
understanding as well, and if you're still OK with it.
Looking forward to the look on Edi's face after Spring 1901, I remain
Your Ally,
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Germany:
Pitt,
> >You're far too modest. I've heard nothing but good things about you
> >and your play, and your column and your Dipcon win both speak
> >eloquently with respect to your skill.
>
> Uhoh...he's flattering me. Now I kno wi'm in trouble...only...just
> exactly how do you get A CON to MUN in Spring 1901?
Heh.
What, you didn't notice that Dutchman I just stuck on the board? ;)
> You will as soon as it gets published. That issue of the DP was canceled
> and, since I now have more time to work on the article, I'm working it up
> some more. Look for it in the next issue or so.
Sounds good. Let me know if you want any further analysis. I seem to
recall only having time to answer the first question on the last go-round.
> >Yes, you're missing the mighty TG alliance against the world! Come
> >on, Pitt, open to TYR, SIL and BAL!
>
> Well, I *was* going to until Dave tipped my hand. Now I suppose I'm forced
> to order BER-MUN, MUN-KIE, KIE-BER...
Hey, you're copying my ANK-CON, CON-SMY, SMY-ANK move! Surely you know
that I must kill you now?
> >How about you? How do things look to you so far?
>
> A quick summary:
> Austria - Edi's doing his usual, stirring up the waters to see what
> happens. Last I heard, he was advocating an IG push vs. France, an EF push
> vs. Germany, and an RA push vs. you. I don't think he's committed to
> anything other than a topsy-turvy game.
Sounds familiar. He's offered me, Mark, and Cal strong alliances. I'm
wondering whether that will backfire. I'm being careful with Edi, as
always. What IR do will of course set the tenor of the situation. I'm a
bit further removed from the front with respect to Austria than IR.
> Russia - seems to be conservative and isn't saying much
I get the same impression. I don't think he's going to banzai against me
(tough for Russia to do in any event), but I'm uncertain to what extent
he'd commit to working with me. As always, Spring 1901 will be very
telling. For many parties involved on the board.
> Italy - seems to be volatile but I hve no idea which way he'll blow
Multiple sources suspect West. Which could be helpful for you. See below.
> France - neutral, taciturn
> England - active talker but seeking only DMZ's at this time
> Germany - way over his head, seeking any friendly port
Regrettably, I must report to you that my current read is an EF. Of
course, it could be based on BS info, but I thought you might want to know.
If it's any consolation, I don't think you'll be attacked by Russia or
Austria. Or me. :)
> >Looking to the West/Northwest, I imagine?
>
> Not decided yet. The conservative nature of my neighbors suggests that I
> should do the same (Edi's theatrics notwithstanding).
Makes sense. I think several people are wanting to make sure they don't
have the ignominy of being first one out! Thus the conservatism.
Good luck on your openers. Let me know if you hear of any dire
anti-Turkish conspiracies.
Hohn
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Hi Cal
> Just a quick note--have been under hot-and-heavy bombardment from
> Turkey. Wants me to NOT bounce in Bla, but instead to nail Edi. Says
> he's talked to you and that's also what you want (?), and that you feel
> confortable in the face of any R/T ???
>
> I'm naturally paraphrasing here, and I don't mean to put words in your
> mouth by misinterpreting Hohn's version of things. But I want to
> reassure myself that this high-falutin' E/I/A/R is a 'go' against F and
> T, and that you're also in this.
Then be re-assured! :) I'm still on board for the e/i/a/r. I just have
to make the obligatory happy-noises to Hohn, no?
> The reason (naturally) is because you and I have the ability to crunch
> Edi AND contain Hohn (in that order) if you're serious about pummeling
> Austria. If you fear Turkey, or the R/T (I don't want one this game,
> btw) and you still want the 'agreed-upon' four-way opening, that's fine
> by me. I just wanted to know if there was anything new that you and I
> needed to adjust for...If not, disregard this note, and we'll see you in
> MAR.
I agree that crunching first Edi and then Hohn makes good sense, but I
still think it should be the other way around. My reasoning is that if
Turkey is given a couple of years to expand as well as a couple of
centres to do it with, he will be MUCH harder to take out quickly than
Austria. Also, if we attack Turkey second, we're very out of position
to then move back west. Going after Austria second makes more sense
because his defensive position isn't as strong - we can take him out and
be in position to step across the stalemate line.
As for anything new, nope, the original "Operation du Edi" is still a
go.
Regards
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Hi Cal
> OK, I'm reassured! I've been getting hot and heavy notes from Hohn,
> basically saying that Italy is "with" Turkey in the attack on Austria,
> and that I (Russia) and the foot-dragging scumbag for not wanting to
> agree to his terms and help crush Austria with "better" opening
> moves....Be that as it may, I think we'll be all right in the attack.
Good to have some reassurance that what I'm telling Hohn is being
believed...
chortle snicker... :)
> Key for us, however, is: where does Edi expand after he gets Ser and
> Gre? Does he channel himself toward BUL and Aeg? I just have this
> (natural) paranoia that A/T are in cahoots regarding lil' ol' me. Oh
> well, as long as you're around to help prevent that from happening, then
> consider me still firm to the 4-way opening.
I wouldn't say it's impossible although I don't believe it. As far as I
know Edi, he is known for the kind of bold opening he has suggested. I
think he's playing it straight with us and is counting on the fact that,
once Hohn is gone, you'll be so involved in the German invasion and me
with France that he'll be able to pick which of us he wants to attack.
Actually, my biggest fear is that he'll be right. Even though we're
forewarned, we have to remember what he has in mind. I suspect we'll
probably have to count on turning on HIM one turn before he turns on
you/me.
> Here's to you and me, pilgrim. Let's hope Edi's plan is beneficial to
> us all....
And not as beneficial to him as he expects... grin
Cal
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hohn,
Have been re-looking the board. (No, I'm *not* reneging on my pledge to =
stay out of Black, rest assured)! Still, I'm going to be 100% up-front =
with you--as a partner should--and say that I'm at least considering =
Sev-Rum in spring.
We discussed this earlier, and while I know you're not crazy about it, =
you did say you could live with move if I did it. Because I don't know =
Austria's intentions, I don't think it would hurt for me to consider =
sailing there in spring. I can always move an army there in fall =
(supported, perhaps, by BUL) and get the fleet back into BLA or SEV =
after we've lined up our quarry. After all, I can't get an army in =
there until fall, regardless of what Sev does in spring. =20
The extra advantage of it being there in Spring is to spoof Austria. =
The move seems benign, and--depending how he moves--I may able to argue =
the case for him trying to go for Bul ("supported" by my F Rum, ha ha) =
and just have him try for GRE with F Alb alone (if that's what he's =
doing). If that happens, you can bounce him in Gre and have him only go =
+1 in fall! =20
Naturally, it would help if I knew what he was really doing, because =
right now this is all hypothesizing on my part. And quite honestly, I'm =
not even sure I **want** to sail to Rum (it is an awkward placement). =
But if I do it, I did _NOT_ want it to be a surprise to you, or to have =
you think I was pulling a fast one. If I have an ally, I don't play =
monkey business with him. =20
The bottom line: our team stands firm, nothing sails to Black, and =
quite possibly nothing goes to Rum, either. Just wanted to give you a =
courtesy heads-up, should I get an 11th-hour urge to sail to an SC. Ok?
Take care. Any more from Aus or Ita? You mentioned Italy's previous =
discussions...what has Edi been feeding you? I'd be curious to hear...
Best
Mark
Private message from Russia to Master:
Jim, Here's the same thing I just sent, with the typos corrected.
Apologies for the poor proofreading.
Faz
>Jim
>Here's a revision of earlier notes as regards my Winter 1900 game
>thoughts...You can incorporate with the 'still-valid' stuff in my
>earlier note, if you care to.
>
>Russia (Faz) / W'00, S'01
>
>Well, the die is cast. As much as Turkey offered a rational plan for
>world conquest, I've decided to stick with the Birsan Quadripartite
>Plan, offered up for the beginning years. This plan involves an A/R
>attack on Turkey, an Italian westward blitz vs France, and England
>joining in from the North. Under Edi's grand plan, we then spend 1902
>or early 1903 building along Germany's borders, for a three-player
>(E/A/R) "sub-blitz" of Pitt after he's committed in France. If Edi's
>intent comes true (Tri-Tyo, Vie-Boh), we should cause some jaws to drop
>among the Observers.
>
>Many questions remain, naturally: How quick will T or F fall (if they
>do at all)? Will one of the Quadripartite defect and stab, perhaps even
>joining a beseiged nation? For me--having never played with any of
>these guys--their legend has reached nerve-wracking proportions. I have
>visions of double-crosses planned against me, etc. Guess you never know
>until you take the plunge.
>
>For me, it's a significant plunge: long a proponent of R/T alliances, I
>am in essence passing one up just to risk it all with a structure that
>may not be the best for me in the long-run. Of course, I don't intend
>it to last for long. Once Turkey is reduced, Italy and I "supposedly"
>have an understanding with England that we'll try and strangle Edi,
>before the baby (monster) grows out of the crib. If Hohn is a
>balance-of-power player, he may relish the thought of revenge on Edi
>(and possible resurgence vs me, the other Satan), long enough for me to
>level them both...with help.
>
>Key for me is the quick gain of BLA. Edi expects me to bounce there,
>although Turkey and I spent several agonizing letters in declaring a
>DMZ. Hohn wants me to hold in SEV, move to GAL and UKR, and then take
>RUM in the fall, while forcing Edi to go for Gre with only one (which
>Hohn bounces) or else ensure GRE and risk BUD/VIE. In doing so, he
>intends (or says he intends) to move Ank-Con. If this is true, then (1)
>I'll gain BLA this spring and (2) I'll earn Hohn's undying hatred for a
>bald-faced lie.
>
>Everyone's been pretty good about communication: A, E and T on the high
>end of the spectrum, I and G in the mid-range, F on the low end. But
>all have written and all have plans. I expect an upsurge in letters as
>F'01 approaches. If I end up this turn in Ukr, Bla and Sev, then F'01
>will see me asking Edi to move Ser-Bul (tying down F Con), Alb-Gre,
>while I use the two armies to bull into RUM (or perhaps go to Arm).
>
>The will is there, but we'll see what finally transpires.
Private message from Russia to Master:
Jim
Here's a revision of earlier notes as regards my Winter 1900 game
thoughts...You can incorporate with the 'still-valid' stuff in my
earlier note, if you care to.
Russia (Faz) / W'00, S'01
Well, the die is cast. As much as Turkey offered a rational plan for
world conquest, I've decided to stick with the Birsan Quadripartite
Plan, offered up for the beginning years. This plan involves an A/R
attack on Turkey, an Italian westward blitz vs France, and England
joining in from the North. Under Edi's grand plan, we then spend 1902
or early 1903 building along Germany's borders, for a three-player
(E/A/R) "sub-blitz" of Pitt after he's committed in France. If Edi's
intent comes true (Tri-Tyo, Vie-Boh), we should cause some jaws to drop
among the Observers.
Many questions remain, naturally: How quick will T or F fall (if they
do at all)? Will one of the Quadripartite derect and stab, perhaps even
joining a beseiged nation? For me--having never played with any of
these guys--their legend has reached nerve-wracking proportions. I have
visions of double-crosses planned against me, etc. Guess you never know
until you take the plunge.
For me, it's a significant plunge: long a proponent of R/T alliances, I
am in essence passing one up just to risk it all with a structure that
may not be the best for me in the long-run. Of course, I don't intend
it to last for long. Once Turkey is reduced, Italy and I "supposedly"
have an understanding with England that we'll try and strangle Edi,
before the baby (monster) grows out of the crib. If Hohn is a
balance-of-power player, he may relish the thought of revenge on Edi
(and possible resurgence vs me, the other Stan), long enough for me to
level them both...with help.
Key for me is the quick gain of BLA. Edi expects me to bounce there,
although Turkey and I spent several agonizing letters in declaring a
DMZ. Hohn wants me to hold in SEV, move to GAL and UKR, and then take
RUM in the fall, while forcing Edi to go for Gre with only one (which
Hohn bounces) or else ensure GRE and risk BUD/VIE. In doing so, he
intends (or says he intends) to move Ank-Con. If this is true, then (1)
I'll gain BLA this spring and (2) I'll earn Hohn's undying hatred for a
bald-faced lie.
Everyone's been pretty good about communication: A, E and T on the high
end of the spectru, I and G in the mid-range, F on the low end. But
all have written and all have plans. I expect an upsurge in letters as
F'01 approaches. If I end up this turn in Ukr, Bla and Sev, then F'01
will see me asking Edi to move Ser-Bul (tying down F Con), Alb-Gre,
while I use the two armies to bull into RUM (or perhaps go to Arm).
The will is there, but we'll see what finally transpires.
Private message from England to Austria:
Edi (et al.),
>Just a last minute reminder as the friday deadline closes in,
You've been misinformed, Herr Archduke:
Game 'ghodstoo' order #001 (S1901M) has a deadline of Thu Feb 6 1997
23:30:00 EST.
(You can always check deadlines easily by sending
list ghodstoo
to the Judge. No signon necessary.)
Edi can expect to see the results this evening; the rest of us Unholy
Allies will have to wait until morning.
-Jamie
Private message from Russia to England:
Gentle King J,
Many thanks for the recent missive. Just a short reply, as I'm off to
teach in 10 minutes (yawn).
I think we're in full agreement on my of life's travails this game. Any
notes you can send to the Doge to ensure the three of us are "in synch"
with Birsan-some worries would be appreciated; Lord knows I've sent my
share as of late...
I agree that long-term game plans aren't in the cards right now, i.e.,
"what will be doing in the Final Alliance come 190x?" I just raised the
hypotehticals because of the priority in handling T, then A, then the
"logical" follow-ons from there. Heck, I may be dead by 1903 or
something, rendering it all moot (bite my tongue)!
Indeed, let us sleep on it, as the moves will be made known in less than
17 hours, and then we can renew the diplomatic process. I see, to quote
the U-boat crews of 1941, "The Happy Times" for E/R.
Yours for peace (and pieces)
Tsar Faz, the asterisk-impaired
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hi Edi
Thanks for the reminder about differentiating between mail I send to
"you" (usually via reply to your home address) and mail I send via the
judge. It's easy for me to just hit 'return' and forget it all.
We're locked and cocked for the opening moves. And while there's always
the chance you and Hohn are really in cahoots to make my life miserable,
I think not. I've made plans to move as we agreed, and if things go
well down south, you and I should have a couple options on what's
possible in fall. I judge from Hohn's press and his e-mail that he is
indeed "a good guy" (I think we all are), and I feel bad not linking up
with him...but hey, if everyone's a good guy, somebody has to be on the
receiving end--nature of the game.
We're good to go, my friend. Will write again soon!
Faz
Private message from England to Russia:
Doge and Tsar,
This is to register (what I am guessing is) our mutual back-of-the-mind
awareness of the keen potential danger lurking above the Balkans. We shall
not underestimate the threat. When the Time comes, your English cousin will
be patient and understand the need to sit idly by and not to interfere; the
dirty business will belong to the two of you. No doubt I will have other
matters to occupy my navy; whatever the situation I intend to give comfort
and the necessary breathing space for you to contain the menace. Assuming,
always, that I am still then breathing myself!
Just so it's out on the table. I know we're all thinking about it from time
to time. Or anyway I suspect so.
In the meantime, to horse (or sail, as the case may be)! Saddle up, batten
down, and let's have at them.
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
Cousin Tsar,
Are you fully familiar with the difference between BROADCAST and PRESS? Or
did you intend to broadcast that last note?
No, ha ha! just kidding. Having a bit of fun, give the old ticker a little
squeeze for ya there.
I think you and Italy and I are all looking ahead to the day when the
infant Birsan creature comes of age. Looking ahead without looking forward
to it, I dare say. There won't be much directly for me to do about it, but
indirectly I can help by just leaving the two of you alone. Let's for now
just recognize, all three of us, that I am aware of that pregnant
situation. I think I'll make a note of it to the Doge, in fact.
>3) The "fleet" in quotes was my last paranoid 'subtle hint' to ensure
>life was copasetic up north with us. (I love to use italics, bold and
>underline in letters and 'real' e-mail, and this *&^%$ format doesn't
>work that way...so I'm left with quotes as a viz-aid.)
Ah.
The common convention is flanking asterisks (called 'stars' by the
congenitally neologistic computer scientist) in lieu of the emphatic
italic, thus:
I thought you said a *fleet* in Nwy, you bastard.
The italics of titles are usually ascii-fied by flanking underscores, thus:
Are you not familiar with _The Gamers Guide_, you nitwit?
>I see: A/R vs T, then R/I vs A, and finally
>R/E vs G, after which we kill each other, ooops, I mean, after which we
>live in peace. Sound ok?
Let's leave it to the board, partly. The worry I have about that particular
plan is that it leaves Germany uncomfortably unoccupied at a crucial
moment. To wit: supposing that A/R vs. T ends in happy victory
contemporaneously with All Neighbors vs. France, your next projected step
leaves me alone against Germany.
But I expect we'll come up with something as the day approaches. Even a
single fleet Baltic (a White one, I mean) to help me along would probably
be enough to tip the scales, if I plan properly.
>5) I still am uneasy about how exactly we attack Germany, as mentioned
>last letter. I'm glad to see you also have questions. For example, Edi
>expects me to bounce in SEV this turn (is he telling Turkey to also go
>there, to "prove the move?") and then go Mos-Liv in fall. S'02 then
>sees me build A War-Sil and Liv-Pru, while he does two armies to Tyo and
>Boh, and then feast begins. But what happens if I GET to Sev? Or if
>Edi doesn't get two, or some other intangible?
Hmmmm.
I think that 'SEV' is meant to be a 'BLA' ('is he telling Turkey to also go
*there*', emphasis mine).
My own feeling would be, if you do manage to get A Mos-Sev right off, so
much the better, we'll just delay the assault of Germany a season or a
year. You'd then be apt to get a larger bite of Turkey than you could
otherwise expect; something you must be thinking about in any case
(Austrian armies in Asia, oh my!). And I would get the benefit of an extra
German move or two contra-France, which I figure will be a great and needed
help.
What I especially like about the Gran Plan is that an Austrian attack on
Germany (should it ever materialize!) solves many difficulties for me. It
is *such* a dastardly act that it may have the unsurpassably desirable
effect of pushing Germany into a monomania of revenge. Sure, E vs. G, F vs.
G, even R vs. G, these things happen despite the smiliest of diplomatic
chat before. But A vs. G! The Germans must punish that transgression.
Here's hoping.
> I see the overall big
>picture, and am reasonably comfortable with it. But how long will it
>take to reduce France and Turkey? A lot longer than two seasons, I'd
>wager!
You're right, just two seasons could not even begin any reduction at all.
Two years might. But enough reduction to make it safe to begin a new
ambitious project? That will be an interesting question.
Well then, we sleep tonight content enough with the idea that when Good
Allies are in hand, Good Tactics and Good Timing are a luxury; if allies
prove false then let our every trickery be loosed upon 'em!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to England:
Good King Jamie
As we're in the "Ghod's(too) truth" mode right now, let me also spill
some guts...
1) I am indeed ingesting much salt with Turkey right now. he has been
bombarding me doe four days to (a) not bounce in Bla, and (b) have me
invade GAL while he hits CON and then GRE. If the truth be known, Your
Highness, I would have done so for the greater (initial) gains that come
from a R/T alliance, "IF" Italy would have been amenable. Like
Churchill's observation about the Bolsheviks, I would prefer to
'strangle the infant Birsan creature in its crib," vice letting it grow
to possibly unmanageable proportions. But I can't pass up a unique
Quadripartite opening, and Italy DOES say he'll assist me Edi gets
uppity.
So what am I saying? Don't expect any R/T.
2) Germany offers fealty and kinship, but no real insights. He
intimates that he is pro-Eng in leaning, and I tend to believe him.
3) The "fleet" in quotes was my last paranoid 'subtle hint' to ensure
life was copasetic up north with us. (I love to use italics, bold and
underline in letters and 'real' e-mail, and this *&^%$ format doesn't
work that way...so I'm left with quotes as a viz-aid.) Reassurance
established, and thank you! To give you any extra 'warm fuzzies,'
don't expect any evil Russian things up north. If this thing goes off
as I envision (ha ha ha), I see: A/R vs T, then R/I vs A, and finally
R/E vs G, after which we kill each other, ooops, I mean, after which we
live in peace. Sound ok?
4) The above references your general intent and/or question at the end.
Yes, I see Italy as a loyal bud and essential counterweight to Austria.
Quite franklly, I/Rs have less potential friction in the long-term, just
due top geography and diffused enemies. But I generally play E/Rs or
R/Gs as the preferred way up north.
5) I still am uneasy about how exactly we attack Germany, as mentioned
last letter. I'm glad to see you also have questions. For example, Edi
expects me to bounce in SEV this turn (is he telling Turkey to also go
there, to "prove the move?") and then go Mos-Liv in fall. S'02 then
sees me build A War-Sil and Liv-Pru, while he does two armies to Tyo and
Boh, and then feast begins. But what happens if I GET to Sev? Or if
Edi doesn't get two, or some other intangible? I see the overall big
picture, and am reasonably comfortable with it. But how long will it
take to reduce France and Turkey? A lot longer than two seasons, I'd
wager!
Well, as long as you and I are in cahoots, I feel secure. I j-u-s-t
don't trust A/T, singly or in tandem.
Here's to a few good English broadsides, too! May you best all comers,
my Liege.
Tsar Faz
Private message from France to France:
Yes, again, I was remiss. In response to your question, of course it is in
our interests for Germany to go east. Unfortunately, I have not heard a
word from anyone to indicate that he intends to do so. I had an exchange
with Austria on this, and he has yet to respond. I have yet to hear from
Italy. I fear for France.
Private message from England to Russia:
Our Cousin Tsar,
Ghods' Truth, I have heard some small talk about Turkey intending to bounce
you in Black Sea. But it's grapevine stuff, just the sort of thing he would
tell Party X, or the sort of thing Party X would tell me even without
strictly speaking having heard it from Turkey, or third hand rumor, or the
like. Grain of salt, please.
Germany is a quiet sort. (In this game, not Pitt in general. He must be
busy.) My sources inform me that he intercepted a scandalous note from the
French, wherein hideously anti-German orders were revealed, and that the
ensuing rift is likely to be favorable to me (and to you, for that matter).
But this affects our plans not a whit.
> and you and
>I should be ok up north--you with a "fleet" in Nwy(?)
Yes, in Nwy a "fleet", whatever that is. None of my units has any quotation
marks that I have noticed! You may stop worrying about Norway now.
>Per Edi's big plan, you and I then magically
>work evil ju-ju against Germany, although the timing still has me a bit
>puzzled.
It's concerned me, too, the very same issue. Don't forget that Edi says
he'll add his own ju-ju, presumably Tyo-Mun or something equally sneaky.
But there's that nagging timing problem.
But matters of timing are going to be very sensitive to luck and guesswork
in the very early stages; France could take awfully long to invade
successfully even with Italian navies raking the southern shores, or she
could fall like the proverbial ripe fig with just a lucky guess or two by
me or Germany. And similarly Turkey could be a hard nut, or might guess
badly and offer relatively little resistance. So we can't think too much
about exact timing, not yet.
I think that as in so many things thus far, we see abstract issues in a
similar way. To speak plainly, I expect I will regard your noble self as my
chief ally, and the Italians next, and that I'll be thinking of Archduke
Edi as a distant friendly face whose helpful acts I'll hope for but never
count on. *ASSUMING* that my French project goes well, I will count on
perfect and perpetual peace in Scandinavia, and assess my other options
with a vaguely open mind. And I shall sincerely hope that your attitude
will be likewise. I hope that we can convince Doge Cal to keep his mind
open (if not his borders).
Enough of the misty future. The best of luck in your opening salvos,
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from France to Germany:
Kaiser: I thought perhaps the judge was down. I've not heard from you in
days. Again, I would hope we could continue dialogue regarding our mutual
interests. I think we could do well with a small amount of cooperation.
France
Private message from England to France:
Dear French King,
I, too, thought our discussions were going well, and was surprised that
they had ended abruptly. Below I enclose my last message to you, a message
to which I received no reply.
And like you, I tend to submit preliminary orders which I have no
particular intention to stand by. So what you told Germany sounds plausible
enough, so maybe he will be persuaded.
I would much like to hear more about your general ideas of Germany's
heading east. As you will see by the message below, I did not fully
understand your point earlier.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
---earlier message follows----
:: Judge: USIN Game: Ghodstoo Variant: Standard
:: Deadline: S1901M Thu Feb 6 1997 23:30:00 EST Boardman: 1997KT
Message sent to France:
Private message from England to France:
M. JB,
>If Russia goes south, then it seems to me our advantage lies in seeing
>Germany go east.
Yes, certainly.
But I think I may not catch your point exactly. Isn't it to our advantage
to see Germany go east, always, no matter what Russia does? Or am I
misinterpreting you?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Mark,
> Thanks for the speedy reply; I appreciate your
> understanding through all of this.
No problem. I wouldn't have bothered had I not thought that
the two of us working together was eminently worth it. And
the cornerstones of any good alliance are communication and
trust.
> I hope against hope that Italy does indeed "join us"
> against Edi. I'm generally an optimist as regards making
> things happen, but I sense unease as regards A/I
> infighting. Hopefully you've got better info from Italy
> than I do. He just sent me an e-mail and categorically
> denies doing anything other than making "the approprate
> noises" toward Turkey. Again, I hope that's just domestic
> propaganda, and that he opens eastward; sure would be
> nice!
Here's my take. Cal's been talking to me from the beginning
about working against Edi. He's even been in favor of us
all _three_ working against Edi. The thing that turns the
trick for me is, "Why would he say that to me if it weren't
true?" If he were really allied with Edi, wouldn't he be
trying to get me to go after you? Wouldn't it be in his
best interests to try to sow discord between the two of us?
Especially when I told him that one of the factors that made
me decide to go against Edi was his own assurance that he
would do so, and that he was all right with the RT?
We'll see. I remain confident that Cal will go with us.
Why else would he approve the RT? Surely not to have RT
just bump heads against AI. At least, I don't think so. It
doesn't make sense to me.
> Have been re-looking the board. (No, I'm *not* reneging
> on my pledge to = stay out of Black, rest assured)!
> Still, I'm going to be 100% up-front = with you--as a
> partner should--and say that I'm at least considering =
> Sev-Rum in spring.
Thanks for your candor and openness.
> We discussed this earlier, and while I know you're not
> crazy about it, = you did say you could live with move if
> I did it. Because I don't know = Austria's intentions, I
> don't think it would hurt for me to consider = sailing
> there in spring.
I suppose my question is, "Who cares what Austria's
intentions are?" We're going to be going against him
regardless.
> I can always move an army there in fall
> (supported, perhaps, by BUL) and get the fleet back into
> BLA or SEV = after we've lined up our quarry.
The problem is, being forced to move SEV removes your
ability to _support_ the army move into RUM with the fleet.
That means that either I have to let Edi have GRE unopposed,
or that if you make it into GAL, you'll have to use that to
support rather than make a stab for a center.
> After all,
> I can't get an army in = there until fall, regardless of
> what Sev does in spring. =20
But if SEV stays put, we have more flexibility with respect
to Fall 1901 moves into RUM.
> The extra advantage of it being there in Spring is to
> spoof Austria. = The move seems benign, and--depending
> how he moves--I may able to argue = the case for him
> trying to go for Bul ("supported" by my F Rum, ha ha) =
> and just have him try for GRE with F Alb alone (if that's
> what he's = doing). If that happens, you can bounce him
> in Gre and have him only go = +1 in fall! =20
I think the utility of fooling Edi here is questionable.
For one, he'll probably act in his best interests and use
SER to support himself in one of his own moves, rather than
support an alleged one of yours which might not go.
Also, as mentioned above, I do think Cal will go with us.
If so, fooling Edi becomes pointless; he'll die like a dog
anyway.
> Naturally, it would help if I knew what he was really
> doing, because = right now this is all hypothesizing on my
> part. And quite honestly, I'm = not even sure I **want**
> to sail to Rum (it is an awkward placement). = But if I
> do it, I did _NOT_ want it to be a surprise to you, or to
> have = you think I was pulling a fast one. If I have an
> ally, I don't play = monkey business with him. =20
Use your discretion, but I strongly feel that SEV-RUM puts
us in worse tactical position, for the reasons mentioned
above.
> The bottom line: our team stands firm, nothing sails to
> Black, and = quite possibly nothing goes to Rum, either.
> Just wanted to give you a = courtesy heads-up, should I
> get an 11th-hour urge to sail to an SC. Ok?
OK, but I really think it's a bad move.
Look, if it makes you less likely to move SEV-RUM, let me
assure you:
I'm _NOT_ going to attack you. I swear by everything holy
that I won't. My moves to BUL, CON, and ANK are already in.
We're set, and I hope you believe me, and that you too see
the benefit in our alliance.
> Take care. Any more from Aus or Ita? You mentioned
> Italy's previous = discussions...what has Edi been feeding
> you? I'd be curious to hear...
Edi has been silent. Cal has reconfirmed his commitment to
attack Edi.
Hohn
Private message from France to England:
My friend, I am surprised at the lack of correspondence from you. I had
thought our discussions were going quite well. I hope nothing is amiss.
I can inform you of this, which may be relevant to your situation.
Somehow, Germany received a message from me that showed my password and my
preliminary orders. My orders were hostile to Germany. I told him -
truthfully - that I frequently change orders before the first turn. I kind
of think out loud by entering prelim orders. But he's stopped writing me,
so I have to expect the worst.
As always, France desires England's friendship above all.
Private message from Turkey to Italy:
Cal,
[my understanding of our agreement snipped]
> These arrangements are quite reasonable and exactly what we discussed.
> As for the alleged A/I, I have been talking to Edi and sending out the
> usual S'01 happy-talk to give him warm fuzzies; he may have also talked
> about this to some others about this. Actually, I have distributed a
> few "red herrings" to some of the western powers. I don't like to
> broadcast my exact plans to those on the other side of the board. Given
> the tendency of some games to come down to the eastern "winners" against
> the western "winners", a little confusion early can't hurt. But then I
> don't have to tell you not to believe all the Dip gossip, no? :)
Heh.
Good, I'm glad that we're in agreement, and that my guess that you were
spreading effective gossip was correct.
> > That's my understanding of our agreement. Please confirm if that's your
> > understanding as well, and if you're still OK with it.
>
> Yup, I'm fine with it, but I do have a question: I'm starting to hear
> rumours of a western triple with France going all out for the Med in
> '01. Needless to say, this worries me and I'm wondering if you'ev heard
> anything about it?
I've heard nothing of the kind, actually. I _have_ heard that an EF is out to
get Pitt. Of course, EF isn't the most desirable thing for you either, but
it's a helluva lot better than EFG. I'll bet that if the rumors are true,
canny player that he is, Pitt will be able to hold out a lot longer than Edi
will be able to, especially with all three of us taking him on.
> > Looking forward to the look on Edi's face after Spring 1901
>
> heh heh, wish he'd take a picture of it for us... :)
;)
Hohn
Private message from Russia to England:
Gentle KJ
All's quiet on the Eastern front. Indeed, I'm heading southward,
although Mos may not make it very far if Sev gets bounced. Wish me
luck.
Turkey has been hot and heavy to get me to ally, and has plans to bump
off Austria. However, with you and Italy also involved in the
Quadripartite Plan, I prefer to give the anti-T, anti-F coalition the
benefit of the doubt.
Germany remains quiet, Italy has pledged westerly movement, and you and
I should be ok up north--you with a "fleet" in Nwy(?) and me with a
fleet in Swe (eventually). Per Edi's big plan, you and I then magically
work evil ju-ju against Germany, although the timing still has me a bit
puzzled. But we'll burn that bridge when we come to it!
All is in order for the opening salvos. Regards to my Kind Cousin!
Tsar Faz
Private message from England to Italy:
Hi,
Any last minute details? I am assuming that we're going ahead with the Pie,
Ech plan suggested by your neighbor. Safe assumption? I believe that I have
Germany on board for an early French invasion. Of course, we might see
Mar-Bur, Mun-Bur, and then we'd have to figure out whether Germany really
is on our side. Er, I guess, *I* would have to figure out whether he's
really on *my* side.
Good luck,
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
Hi there.
Any late-breaking thoughts?
My understanding is that you'll be ordering A Mos southward. And that we're
prepared to go ahead with the Gran Plan d'Birsan, absent any alarming
developments unforeseen.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Germany:
Any last minute details we need to work out?
Or do we just leave it at this:
I'll move to Ech, Nth, Wal; you'll move to Bur, Hol, Kie?
And any idea whether Mun-Bur will be successful?
Gentle King J
Private message from France to Italy:
Hearty greetings! I am most surprised that we have not yet communicated.
As for me, the reason has been that I have no plans to interfere in your
operations, and I have heard no rumors that you wish me any ill will. I am
curious as to your views, however. If it is not too late, if my neighbors
have not already drawn you into their undoubtedly nefarious plans, I would
hope that we can agree to mutual neutrality. In specific, this means both
of us stay out of West Med, Piedmont, and GOL.
Agreed?
France
Private message from France to England:
My friend, I have lately realized that we have yet to discuss specific
arrangements to achieve our mutual aims. I believe you mentioned in a
previous message an understanding to stay out of one another's coastal
waters. I am in most complete agreement with this notion. Can we
consider it done?
France
Private message from Turkey to Italy:
Cal,
> I'm surprised you hadn't heard about it. I got the rumour from Mark and
> I can't see why he'd spread THAT sort of false rumour... unless someone
> is pulling HIS leg? (Edi?)
Boy, that's really weird. He never mentioned it to me. I suppose it's
possible that he forgot, in light of the fact that we were discussing other
matters almost exclusively.
> I'm waiting to hear from France in regard to a last minute message I
> sent him. I want to feel him out as to his intentions. I didn't
> exactly ask him about a EFG triple, but I asked a couple of leading
> questions that hopefully will give me an idea what's going on. We'll
> see. Even if there IS a western triple, I'd most likely go ahead with
> our plans anyway. I'd need centres to defend myself from the west and
> Austria is the quickest source.
Sounds correct to me. I really don't think that there's an EFG, though.
Pitt's too savvy for that. Pitt also indicated that he was going to open
"conservatively," whatever that means. I don't think an EFG opening can be
considered "conservative," though!
> Looking forard to Spring '01 tonight!
Me too!
Hohn
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Cal, oh Noble Doge
I'll be happy to pass along said 'misdirection" to the Turk, but please =
be warned of the following:
Turkey and I have argued round and round about DMZs in Black Sea, as =
well as the utility of the Russian fleet going to RUM. I have rebelled =
against his wishes for an "alliance" involving F Sev-h, despite my =
earlier words (to him) to the contrary. If he sees me in RUM with the =
fleet and SEV with the army, he may interpret that as a severe breach of =
faith, and take *any* other news I send with an...ahem...rather large =
grain of salt. In other words, the word of "Traitor Faz" may not be =
worth much to him.
Now, what YOU could do (cackle), after the moves come out =
tonight/tomorrow a.m., is perhaps communicate with the Turk and say that =
you're sure "Faz made what he thought was a better alliance move, to =
smokescreen any R/T collusion and to prevent E and G from seeing the red =
flags in front of the bulls." Or something like that. I have a =
sneaking suspicion that Turkey will not be happy with me (he seems =
excessively paranoid, for someone who's won games with Edi before), but =
maybe if we both try and assuage his fear (and anger), we'll get another =
turn or two of the Triple Whammy vs him. What say you? Ideas? =
Comments? Advice?
Let's take this one (or two, or three) enemies as a time, and here's to =
us!
Tsar Faz
Private message from France to Italy:
Sorry, Cal. I need to pay closer attention to my mail.
John
Private message from Italy to Master:
Hi Mark! Just wanted to clue you in to some stuff I'm telling Hohn.
I want to have an excuse/escape clause with Turkey when I DON'T attack
Edi like I've promised him. I told Hohn that I heard from YOU about a
possible Western Triple and that I'm worried about it. This will be my
excuse when I open westward in case anything goes wrong (f tri-ven; a
vie-tyo, etc) (OK, so I'm paranoid... I live longer that way...grin)
If Hohn asks you for confirmation, just tell him that you picked up
something in a letter from one of E/F/G that got you wondering and you
passed your speculations on to me.
Cool?
Gad, I love this game... heh heh
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as France to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Hearty greetings! I am most surprised that we have not yet communicated.
> As for me, the reason has been that I have no plans to interfere in your
> operations, and I have heard no rumors that you wish me any ill will. I am
> curious as to your views, however. If it is not too late, if my neighbors
> have not already drawn you into their undoubtedly nefarious plans, I would
> hope that we can agree to mutual neutrality. In specific, this means both
> of us stay out of West Med, Piedmont, and GOL.
>
> Agreed?
I'm confused... We HAVE talked before. Admittedly it was only one
letter each way, but I'm sure we discussed neutralizing the Med and it
was fine with both of us. Either way, I'm sure we need not fear each
other, certainly not at the start of the game.
Good luck
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> > Yup, I'm fine with it, but I do have a question: I'm starting to hear
> > rumours of a western triple with France going all out for the Med in
> > '01. Needless to say, this worries me and I'm wondering if you'ev heard
> > anything about it?
>
> I've heard nothing of the kind, actually. I _have_ heard that an EF is out to
> get Pitt. Of course, EF isn't the most desirable thing for you either, but
> it's a helluva lot better than EFG. I'll bet that if the rumors are true,
> canny player that he is, Pitt will be able to hold out a lot longer than Edi
> will be able to, especially with all three of us taking him on.
I'm surprised you hadn't heard about it. I got the rumour from Mark and
I can't see why he'd spread THAT sort of false rumour... unless someone
is pulling HIS leg? (Edi?)
I'm waiting to hear from France in regard to a last minute message I
sent him. I want to feel him out as to his intentions. I didn't
exactly ask him about a EFG triple, but I asked a couple of leading
questions that hopefully will give me an idea what's going on. We'll
see. Even if there IS a western triple, I'd most likely go ahead with
our plans anyway. I'd need centres to defend myself from the west and
Austria is the quickest source.
Looking forard to Spring '01 tonight!
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as England to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Any last minute details? I am assuming that we're going ahead with the Pie,
> Ech plan suggested by your neighbor. Safe assumption? I believe that I have
> Germany on board for an early French invasion. Of course, we might see
> Mar-Bur, Mun-Bur, and then we'd have to figure out whether Germany really
> is on our side. Er, I guess, *I* would have to figure out whether he's
> really on *my* side.
Yes, that IS a safe assumption. Had a last minute doubt in my mind that
said
"Attack Edi! Attack Edi!" but I didn't listen to it (and I didn't mean
Edinburgh...grin). I'm going ahead with the, as Mark put it,
Quadripartite.
Regards
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
Looking forward to some fun demonstrations over the next four moves.
Edi
I agree, and have polished the artillery shells appropriately. I expect
severe "feathers flying" from Turkey, and may be asking for fire
support. I think the Observers will get a few yuks out of it all, which
is really what we should strive for. Here's to the Quadripartite!
Faz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll second, er, third, er, fourth that emotion! Whatever, I'll drink
to it!!!
Cal
Private message from Russia to France:
Monsieur Barkdull
Don't give up hope. The German F Den indicates distrust of both myself
and the English. And I think Pitt can be convinced (from a
balance-of-power perspective) that it's in his best interests NOT to see
you succumb rapidly to an E/I pincer. I would use that approach with
him--and I'll try and do the same myself in my dealings with him.
if, as I suspect, there's an A/I, then I don't want to see them get
strong at your--and ultimately, my--expense!
Bon chance,
Mark
Private message from France to England:
Jamie, if you are serious about wanting to ally with me, we do have one
very strong move:
f ech c a wal - bel, f nth - nwy; f mao-por, a mar - spa, a bur - mar.
I'd pick up two builds, as would you. The balance of power between GI and
FE would look pretty good for us. GI would be vulnerable to threats from
the east and would face a formidable force to the west.
Since this is my only hope, I've already entered the orders. They won't
change, unless you have a better idea for FE cooperation. It's up to you.
Private message from France to Russia:
Tsar,
I don't think you can help me. Too late. France is no more.
Thanks for the offer, though, and best of luck.
France
Private message from France to England:
I wish I were so clever. No, I have been preoccupied and thus did not pay
close attention to the game. You see the result.
Of course I would like to patch things up. But as things stand, perhaps
you would do better to grab as much of my country as possible. The only
problem with that is that, due to Italy's attack, England will be a likely
next victim of a GI alliance. When the central powers get together, the
corners cannot quarrel, I think.
In any event, I am at your mercy. If you would like to have a willing
vassal, I'm your man.
Private message from Russia to England:
King James
Yeah, things went reasonably well. I, like you, would've preferred
Germany in HOL, not DEN, with the fleet. I mean, he tells me, "Swe is
yours, Faz, don't worry," but it now muddies the waters a little, having
him there. If he bounces me, it will be because he either (a) sees an
A/T and wants me "not too" powerful, or (b) Edi will tell him info to
make him bounce me, and thus ensure Aus is the big dog down south.
Edi's the one who's knowledgable of all these guys' psyches, and says
Pitt is a balance-of-power player. If he sees an imbalance in A/T (or
peace among ... certain powers ... then he may act to preclude you (or
me) of SCs. Hopefully it was just a CYA move, him being unsure of
either you or I. And hopefully he'll 'come around" this turn. He did,
after all, head to BUR in spring...
Austria's Move. The move was exactly as Edi told me he'd do. I think
he also did a CYA, as the move protected him from any Italian stab, as
well as giving armies to cover Vie + Bud in the event I went to GAL.
*Hopefully* he told Italy he was making that move, so as to ensure peace
and tranquility. Will Italy now go to Ven? Depends on Cal's nerves
(and balls). Edi has asked that he go to Tus-TUN, and personally, I
still see that happening.
For you and I: I think this move hasn't caused any reevaluations in our
joint course of action. By that I mean, nothing that we should change
vis a vis Germany or the Quadripartite. If I get bounced in Swe, I
might be a little more inclined to support Edi into Boh and Tyo and a
"1902" German option. Or I might just swallow my pride, and then team
up with you to take the place in 1902.
In fact, let me ask the question: if Germany bounces me in Swe, that
means you'll get Nwy. And while he could go Kie-Den, den-Swe, it's
doubtful he'll abandon Holland. Therefore, if he's isolated in Swe in
1902, can I ask for Norways's support?
I think we're ok here. Germany may be doing a little nervous covering,
and I can't fault him...for now. The key is what he does come Fall, and
into 1902 after the builds. I think we'll be flexible enough up north
that we can address any silliness on his part.
In the south, it comes down to: do A/R cooperate and shoot for Bul
along with everything else? Do we go conservative and secure RUM and
GRE? Do I go to ARM (that's my inclination right now)? Edi says he
wants "two from Turkey,." which is in itself disquieting, for that
translates into: I want Gre, Ser, Bul, and one more. Makes my defense
a little more stretched when the final curtain rises, but I can't think
that far ahead....not with a vengeful Turk on my case.
Any ideas or suggestions for me/us down there? Everything else sound ok
to you? Counter-commentary?
I remain,
Your Partner in Cooperation
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to France:
John
Small cyberspace world, me discussing syllabi with one of your TTU
colleagues AND having you in this game! My condolences over the hideous
coalition seemingly forming vs you. I'm sure Turkey sees the same thing
with me and Austria. (I got lucky in the guessing game, but I want him
to think there's an alliance, so he won't even bother bugging Edi to
join him.) I need to move quickly here.
How about you? Anything the Tsar can do to help? Movement? Info
sharing, etc?
Tsar Faz
Private message from England to Italy:
Doge Cal,
Good. At least I can count on someone. Well, you and Russia both.
I expected Kie-Hol from Germany, and I'm a bit disappointed.
Do you have any comments to make on the move Vie-Tri? I am very interested
in your reaction.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
That seems to have gone tolerably well.
I'd hoped to have the German fleet in Holland, not Denmark. I asked, he
seemed agreeable. Too bad. Now I've got some guessing to do, I think.
I wonder whether A Vie-Tri signals trouble for our Quadripartian Shots.
Probably not, probably Edi worrying that Cal would jump ship. I expect A
Tus-Ven, anyway, though Tus-Tun is much better for my personal interests.
I would very much like to hear some words from Pitt before I decide exactly
how I will proceed. But in any case, our private plans, yours and mine,
appear to need no adjustment.
Your thoughts?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Austria:
Archduke Edi,
Things seem to be going tolerably well. I don't know what's going on with
your army in Tri, but I figure Cal can take care of himself. Germany did
not cooperate as fully as I'd have liked (I wanted to see Kie-Hol), but I
still hope to have him on board the French Invasion Train.
Stay in touch,
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Germany:
Kaiser-guy,
Why Kie-Den? Why not to Hol? Now no Belgium.
Maybe you were frightened of Russia. Maybe you didn't believe I'd go to the
Channel.
I guess this is why you never answered my note, the one that looked like this:
Any last minute details we need to work out?
Or do we just leave it at this:
I'll move to Ech, Nth, Wal; you'll move to Bur, Hol, Kie?
As you see, Italy decided to join. As you see, I felt I needed a little
help, seeing as how you weren't pledging yours.
Are we still in business?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to France:
Dear M. Jean-Bark,
Allow me to explain.
More than once you simply failed to respond to my suggestions, questions,
comments. You did later write back, but ignoring what I'd said. Since I
knew the explanation couldn't be that you were uncommunicative,
incommunicado, or just too busy (else you wouldn't have written at all), I
could think of only one alternative: that you didn't want to reveal your
plans by getting into a detailed discussion.
I am sorry. I would have preferred to try a conservative opening,
Nwg/Nth/Edi. I hate to commit myself so early, and I always hate to spoil
relations with a neighbor.
Shall we try to make amends?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
>I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
I sure can.
Oh well. Better luck next time.
Napolean, 18 June 1815
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hello Hohn
I know right now I'm doubtless seen as the "Great Satan" in your eyes.
Justifiably so, I'm afraid, as I did lie to you. But I didn't want to
shut off communication between us, even in a state of hostilities, and
figured you'd be the first one I sent a note to after I saw the moves.
As you can see, I decided to side with Edi as opposed to you for S'01.
Even until the day before the moves were due I was still going to go
"pro-Turk," but when I deduced how the rest of the board was seemingly
moving, I decided--for the time being--to throw my lot in with the
Archduke. While I sincerely believe R/Ts are "the" alliance of choice
on the board, I wanted to INITIALLY try something wacky and zany for a
change this game, even at the risk of bringing fire down on me.
Am I locked in concrete with Edi for the game? Nah. Should you
consider me a perpetual lying scumbucket for the rest of the game? Nah.
There will be lots of opportunities for potential cooperation, although
it will take a lot of trust on your part to think I'm not fibbing
again--I understand that. But if the opportunity presents itself, you
can bet I'll be writing you, and I certainly hope you do the same.
Break a leg (not for real!) this game, and good hunting.
The Dirty Rotten Tsar
Gah! Wotta revoltin' development!
Sincerely,
Sick Man o' Europe
Private message from France to Master:
Jim, I am not quite sure what you meant. Please elaborate. What kind of
conclusions will others draw? I need to know if I've misstepped.
As for my feelings so far, two things. First, the strange glich that sent
my orders and password to Germany just about killed me. He had one solid
piece of evidence of my intentions and he went with it. Can't blame him.
I've recovered from such things in other games, but this time, no luck.
Second, I really have been distracted. I dropped out of diplomacy some
time ago because I did not feel I was devoting sufficient energy to my
games. I was happy to join this game and I fully expected to give it my
all, but as you have seen, I've barely kept track of what others have said
to me. When they infer I am being purposely misleading, I'm sunk. I
apologize for not being a stronger player.
I've not given up. I think England will see that it's not in his interest
to have France go down quickly. If anything, knowing who your enemies are
right away can be an advantage. Thus, don't take my public pronouncements
of despair too seriously. Appearing to give up serves purposes re G and
I.
John
Private message from England to France:
M. Jean-Bark,
I understand that the advantage to me of simply continuing the invasion is
strong enough (a) to make me likely (in an objective sense) to do it, and
(b) to make you strongly suspect that I will do it. This will, obviously,
make further negotiations difficult.
However, I will give serious thought to your Belgium suggestion. The fact
that for you Bur-Mar is such a good move encourages me (makes it less
likely that you'd play Bur-Bel). And adding both Norway and Belgium, two
centers for England in 1901, seems like a plenty-good-enough result, much
better than the average English result. I always like an early army on the
continent, too; it makes the long term prospects so much brighter, the
choice of grand strategies so much more flexible.
Since you've said that you will move in accordance with that plan no matter
what I decide, I feel in no hurry to make my decision! I'll let it stew in
my mind for a while.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
>Is France considered to be somehow more dangerous than other neighbours or
>did he simply get caught in the middle?
By "France" I mean "the player France", not the power in general.
This is surely going to be a very interesting game ! :)
I never saw that English opening in action (I said I am not an expert), and I
must say that I was starting to think that England can only play towards
Russia in 1901.
Italy seems to cooperate with E, too, and that is also an opening which
is not so common in my experience (but more than the english one).
Is France considered to be somehow more dangerous than other neighbours or
did he simply get caught in the middle?
The southeast is not less exiciting. I imagine that Russia betrayed Turkey,
and the army in Sev makes me think that it is not a ruse, but if that turns
out to be the beginning of a RT alliance than I will be absolutely amazed!
I am curios to see whether Germany will deny Sweden to Russia or not, and
I am also curios to see whether he will join the "death to France" party
or try to help him (how?).
Any comment?
Bye,
Luca
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Noble kaiser!
Greetings again! I see that not only are we Dip "neighbors," but also
fellow History buffs. (You won the historynet.com Daily Quiz for a week
in January; I am, indeed, duly impressed, having missed more than my
share of the more arcane questions....) Good show!
As pertains to the game: I'm hoping all went well for you, or at least
as intended? Your opening move could be construed as pro-E (the opening
to Bur), anti-R (bounce potential vs Swe?), or merely CYA (there--I give
you the 'cop out" answer, to hide your true intent, ha ha.)
Anyway, Pitt, I'm hoping there is still no problem regarding Swedish
ownership for the Tsar? You occupy a fairly nice position at present:
France beseiged and soon to die; E/I occupied vs the selfsame France,
and Russia moving south. I'm hoping we can maintain continued goodwill.
Getting back to the French issue: John wrote a couple of 'downer' notes
to me today, in reply to my condolences (and offers to pass info, baaaa
ha ha). Either he's a *very* good actor who's hiding the real story, or
he's truly abjectly demoralized and defeated already. If the latter is
the case, then "we" (the collective "we" who think in terms of
balance-of-power) may want to consider the ramifications of a
quickly-blitzed France, and what that means in terms of ... ahem ..
neighborly growth. If you're in cahoots with Eng, then by all means!,
stay away from me and keep plugging France. But if E/I are playing the
tag-team killers, you and I need to assess the long-term effects of
that.
Bottom line: I always wish G/R peace; I always wish Swe (yuk yuk); and
I always stand ready to assist you if needed/desired.
Good hunting
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hohn
Just a very short note, because the next hour or so will see me
frantically developing lesson plans for next week. Thanks for your
reply.
As for the note you sent: you can judge our thoughts from the same note
data I sent you just a few minutes ago. I think I have enough to "mull
over" for the moment. The key for me is: do I trust you (no reason not
to) and hit Aus, given that A/I are together (I had a feeling Ita
wouldn't hit him), or do I see the depth of the A/I and try to make it a
three-way, hoping to level you? There are benefits to both:
Pro-Tur: utter surprise of the board and clear lines of advance and
gain
Pro-Aus (and assuming neutrality with E): uninterrurpted pummeling on
you, with fights over scraps among the other jackals. Disdvantage:
Tur dies while Aus gains the lion's (jackal's?) share. Decisions,
decisions.
Anyway, gotta go. You've done your share, and make a convincing
argument. I'll mull, believe me.
Best
Tsar Faz
The Dirty Rat
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Mark,
> You did all the right stuff. You shouldn't feel like some schmoe. I
> thought the Bla move was a better one, given that I lean toward Austria.
> You stated early on that you wanted me in Sev (or Rum) because trust
> wasn't entirely verified. Well, look at it now. (What I'm implying
> here is that YOU did the best you could. You wanted no Bla fleet
> because of a trust problem, and even after we established a deal, the
> trust still wasn't there, but only because I was determined to go there
> and fibbed to you. You played it "by the book.")
Don't sweat it, man. I'm just having fun with some
self-deprecating humor.
If I'm bummed at all, it's simply because my powers of
persuasion weren't up to the task with you.
> I know you feel lousy--I would, if it were the reverse. That's for my
> conscience to live with.
Yeah, y'big meanie! ;)
> I guess Sev-Rum (Bla S) and Ukr-Gal is always an option. I mean, the
> only "stab" that occurred is that I went where I wanted to go, in
> violation of your 'fears and mistrust,' and made you nervous. I haven't
> actually attacked you yet (Fazonian Logic 101). Who knows, Luca may
> yet be surprised...
Wow, talk about synchronicity. See my immediately previous
e-mail.
> Russia will do what she deems necessary for her best interests. No
> country is excluded from the diplomatic mails.
Ditto.
Hohn
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Mark,
Why you...you dirty rat!
Wow, you really threw me for a loop there. Had me totally
snowed. Our extensive press, added to the traditional
difficulty Russia has attacking Turkey from the beginning of
the game convinced me that we were solid.
Oh well, que sera sera, and all that.
I'm going to cover my ass this turn, Mark. And I sadly
suspect that we're going to be at war for some time. But
just to throw a little food for thought at you (thinking
perhaps that like a ravenous animal, maybe if I throw food I
can distract you from eating me) ;) I'd like to point out
that UKR-GAL is guaranteed. SEV-RUM with BLA support is
also guaranteed. If we did that, we'd be in strong
position, and indeed, it would identically resemble our
position under your originally proposed RT plans. I think
I've pretty clearly demonstrated my commitment to and
preference for the RT alliance. Meanwhile, even if Edi goes
with you, how long do you think that will last?
What do you say? I'm willing to let bygones be bygones
(hell, how can I _not_, considering the circumstances).
Please don't feel compelled to answer now, all I ask is that
you just think about it for a while.
Finally, as a note of warning, I also promise you that if
you continue coming after me, I'll do my utmost to defend
myself against you, to the exclusion of all others. If you
and Edi both come after me, in light of your egregious lie
and stab, I'll try my damnedest to see that Edi gets the
lion's share of me, and that he's in better tactical
position than you are. And that's no lie, Mark.
Think about it. And please let me know.
Hohn
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Hohn
You did all the right stuff. You shouldn't feel like some schmoe. I
thought the Bla move was a better one, given that I lean toward Austria.
You stated early on that you wanted me in Sev (or Rum) because trust
wasn't entirely verified. Well, look at it now. (What I'm implying
here is that YOU did the best you could. You wanted no Bla fleet
because of a trust problem, and even after we established a deal, the
trust still wasn't there, but only because I was determined to go there
and fibbed to you. You played it "by the book.")
I know you feel lousy--I would, if it were the reverse. That's for my
conscience to live with.
I guess Sev-Rum (Bla S) and Ukr-Gal is always an option. I mean, the
only "stab" that occurred is that I went where I wanted to go, in
violation of your 'fears and mistrust,' and made you nervous. I haven't
actually attacked you yet (Fazonian Logic 101). Who knows, Luca may
yet be surprised...
Russia will do what she deems necessary for her best interests. No
country is excluded from the diplomatic mails.
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Gentlemen: Just a very short note, as I'm a tad pressed for time.
Nonetheless, I wanted to say 'congrats to us all' for some great
opening moves (have already said same to England recently). The
Quadripartite Plan goes well. I spoofed Turkey--albeit at the risk of
soured relations for the rest of the game--and this puts us in good
shape to influence events in Arm, Bul, or the "traditional" approach.
Edi, I'll hash out some options later on--no time now.
Cal, you're lookin' good. Press on!
Faz Concern this turn: Germany's F den, which really "shouldn't" be
there (Eng is also nervous).
Faz Note of the Day: A completely dejected French reply (not once, but
twice!) regarding his situation. He refuses any offer of even
info-sharing from me, saying that it's too late, he's finished, etc. Is
this an overemphasizing actor ("Don't cry for me, Argentina?") or are we
facing abject defeatism a la 1940? Only his hairdresser knows for sure.
Drop a line, lads, and let's figure a way to keep the opening blitz
momentum going.
Tsar Faz
Private message from Turkey to Germany:
Pitt,
Wow, nice gangbang of France! I imagine he feels even worse than me
right now! :)
Obviously, I'm here to beseech your assistance against Russia. I'm
not so brazen as to ask you to commit any major force while you're
busy in the west, but I'm really, really hoping you'll bounce him in
Sweden. I'm sure you know that it does you no good to let him in,
grow stronger, and kill me more quickly. You have my word that I'll
be doing my best to slow Russia down, and hopefully turn the tide
despite my current tactical disadvantage. But every build he gets is
another nail in my coffin, and the sooner he finishes me, the sooner
he looks for new targets.
Good luck in the West, Pitt. And please, bounce Russia from Sweden.
Hohn
Luca wrote:
> The southeast is not less exiciting. I imagine that Russia betrayed Turkey,
> and the army in Sev makes me think that it is not a ruse, but if that turns
> out to be the beginning of a RT alliance than I will be absolutely amazed!
Me too! :)
SMo'E (or perhaps more appropriately, "SchMo'E"...)
Private message from Turkey to Master:
Jim,
Regarding commentary, my recent letter to Edi is 100% true. It
accurately summarizes my thought processes and current intentions.
I'm hoping that he recognizes my sincerity and opts to go with me. In
light of Russia's moves, I _am_ going to be relegated to junior
partner status, at best. And I can deal with that. One thing about
Turkey is that unless it's completely eliminated, it can always come
back. That's one of the reasons it's my second favorite power (behind
France), its tenacity and staying power. At San Diego DipCon 1989, I
took a Turkey that had 3 centers at the end of 1902 and 1903 to
eventual 18 center victory. At Chapel Hill DipCon 1990, in Larry
Peery's demo game, I was down to _1_ center in 1903-04, and as I
recall I managed to make it back up to 4 by the time we had to end the
game (we did the demo game on the last day, and people had to make
flights). I'm _hoping_ I can do something similar here. It's still a
damn uphill battle, though. I was really thinking there was
practically zero chance of Mark stabbing me, not only from our press,
but also because it's generally a tough row for Russia to hoe, going
against Turkey.
Those are my thoughts, for the record.
Hohn
Private message from England to Russia:
Cousin Tsar,
I think the sensible thing to do now is to wait to hear from Germany. The
particulars of my attitudes will depend on what he says.
Oddly enough(!!), Edi explained Pitt's overall Dip-playing approach
differently (from the way he explained it to you). He told me that Pitt was
a 'vulture' type player, waiting to see who the weak sister would be and
then jumping on the twitching carcass. (Do you call it a 'carcass' if it's
still twitching?)
Hypothesis: Edi gives out 'information' about Pitt according to how he
expects it will influence the one he is 'informing'. He wants me to go
along with the 'beat up on France' plan, so he tells me Germany will help
for sure. He wants you to lay off him (Edi), so he hints that a gang-up on
Austria would influence Germany to aid his Germanophone relative.
Why I Love Diplomacy, reason 62: I can freely indulge my most paranoid
fantasies in an appropriate context.
Here follow suggestions for you/answer to your potential request:
I fully expect that I would support you to Sweden if necessary. I don't
like to promise such a thing right this minute. Again, I want to hear what
Pitt says. There is a chance that I will have to be very careful to stay on
his good side. I would most like simply to continue with the Plan d'Birsan.
It's not out of the question that I'll have to consider Germany my main
enemy after all, though. So many delicate issues. I should probably wait
also to hear from Austria and Italy. If Cal seems inclined to call the
whole thing off, my need for German help increases. But again, my
*prediction* is that in case of Den-Swe, I would offer support of Nwy next
year. Because it should be clear enough to Pitt that bouncing you would
count as hostility to me as well.
As to the south, the only thing I feel definite about is that Gre, Ser,
Bul, plus one more for Austria does sound like too much to me. (Of course,
there are seven centers to split between you so it has to be 4:3, and after
all, nominally the next phase is likely to get more for you than for
Edi--he'd get only Mun from Germany, you'd probably get a couple of
centers). But you have a delicate hand of your own to play. You may need to
be the Yes-man for a while with Edi, intending to stab him, in concert with
Cal, at the ripe moment. Or, you may have to try to plan a longer-term
alliance with Edi, in which case I do think you ought to be very sure that
a division of the Balkans and Turkistan is clearly agreed to and considered
equitable by you (otherwise you're just asking for it).
The specific tactics of invading Turkey, well, I just can't say. I won't
launch into a whole long theoretic discourse, but in short my view is that
situations like yours call for 'mixed strategies'. The proper thing to do
is to give yourself a certain chance of going for Bulg, a certain chance of
the more conservative move, then roll the dice and follow their decision.
If that sounds silly, I'll put it this way, which should be fairly
persuasive:
Trying to outguess Hohn Cho is a Fool's Game. (And you may feel free to
tell him that I told you so!)
Back in touch when I've had my response from the Axis.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Master to France:
>
> Message from [email protected] as France to Master in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Jim, I am not quite sure what you meant. Please elaborate. What kind of
> conclusions will others draw? I need to know if I've misstepped.
>
Well, OK, I have had long debates in the r.g.d forum with people about
the tendency of E-Mail players to "give up" when things go badly.... and
also to tend to drop into stalemate line draw positions if they can't
steamroller to a win. You have not "misstepped" BUT I would think it
a great shame if you **REALLY** just gave up. I don't really want to say
anymore since I don't want to bias the game.
> As for my feelings so far, two things. First, the strange glich that sent
> my orders and password to Germany just about killed me. He had one solid
> piece of evidence of my intentions and he went with it. Can't blame him.
Yes, well, I did want to know if it **really** was a mistake or not.
As you must be aware, it could have been a conscious ploy.
> I've recovered from such things in other games, but this time, no luck.
> Second, I really have been distracted. I dropped out of diplomacy some
> time ago because I did not feel I was devoting sufficient energy to my
> games. I was happy to join this game and I fully expected to give it my
> all, but as you have seen, I've barely kept track of what others have said
> to me. When they infer I am being purposely misleading, I'm sunk. I
> apologize for not being a stronger player.
Hey, yes, these guys are sharks, but having you go out instantly
doesn't serve everyone equally. I hope you will try to put a little
more effort in.
>
> I've not given up. I think England will see that it's not in his interest
> to have France go down quickly. If anything, knowing who your enemies are
> right away can be an advantage. Thus, don't take my public pronouncements
> of despair too seriously. Appearing to give up serves purposes re G and
> I.
>
> John
>
Absolutely, as there are other strange things goin on in other parts of the
board as well.
We'll have to see what happens next.
Thanks for sticking with it!
Jim
Private message from Master to France:
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as France in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> >I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
>
>
> I sure can.
>
> Oh well. Better luck next time.
>
> Napolean, 18 June 1815
>
A gentle reminder: this is a demo game and I (as well as others)
will be drawing conclusions from what happens here. I'd actually
appreciate a private message on your feelings and plans so far.
Better luck this time in the future....
Jim
Private message from Italy to Master:
Hi Edi! Now that I've looked at the damned board (grin, I never USED to
need to do that; I must be getting old) I think we're still in a pretty
good position. Mark sent me the list of "Options" he sent you and I
told him I like the idea of going for Armenia. Sure, Hohn will get a
build and you'll be taking a slight gamble that you won't get Greece,
but I think the tactical position we'd have with you and Mark having
units in Rum, Ser, Bla, Arm would be enough to offset these
disadvantages. Wot say ye?
Anyway, everything else looks good. Let me know if you hear anything
interesting.
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> I offered Edi one of three options (and there are tons more out there).
> Option 1 is that we stay conservative: Alb-Gre (Ser S), and Sev-Rum =
> (Bla, Ukr S). We both get what we want, but so does Turkey.
>
> Option 2 involves trying to kill BUL:
> Ser-Bul (Bla S), or vice versa, I guess...
> Alb-Gre
> Sev-Rum (Ukr S)
> In this option, I get Rum for sure, and--if Hohn guesses wrong, either =
> Edi (or I) get BUL and GRE. The downer to this is if Hohn guesses =
> correctly and does Bul-Gre, Con-Bla. If he did that, he'd bounce us in =
> both Gre and Bul. Now, what are the odds of Hohn doing that? =20
>
> ***(And, if I went Bla-Bul with Edi supporting, we'd be guaranteed BUL =
> and RUM, with Gre still an option!)
>
> Oh sure, Hohn could then go Con-Bla and get the place, but so what? =
> he'd stay at three SCs, I'd have Sev open (for a 2nd fleet), and he'd be =
> boxed in tighter than a drum.
I think you're missing Hohn's most likely option, that of simply
supporting
Bul with Con. In that case he'd get a build, but you and Edi would have
Rum/Gre
> Option 3 was a variant (again, with Edi risking Gre): Ser S Ukr-Rum,
> Alb-Gre; Sev-Arm (Bla S)
> We'd stand a pretty good chance of forcing Arm, thus keeping Hohn from =
> moving out of Ank -- thus forcing a build in Smy. With our units in =
> Arm, Bla, Rum and Ser, it'd only be a matter of time....
I think this is the option I like best, but Option 2 looks good as well.
While I would like to stop Turkey from building, I'm a firm believer in
sacrificing the quick centre for a good tactical position. I figure
Hohn
will simply try to pick up his build for Bul (by supporting it from Con)
and maybe move to Arm with the other army.
> I like Option 2, Cal, and wonder what your opinion is? The reason I =
> like option 2 is it guarantees me +2 in the Balkans, still helps the Q =
> alliance (whether or not Edi gets Gre in 1901), continues to hem in the =
> Turk, and--more importantly--keeps Edi reasonably manageable down there. =
> If and when we then decided to hit him, then it'd be one less unit we'd =
> have to mess with further down the line.
If we have to have a nickname for this alliance, I insist that it be the
"Q Continuum". K?
> **It'd be swell if you could help 'sell" Option 2 (or any of them, =
> really) to Edi. You could point out the obvious benefits in killing BUL =
> ("so what" if Faz gets it for now?"), and help me convince him that -- =
> even if he got bounced in Gre -- he'd still be ok at +1. I mean, what =
> is his intent for 1902: build Vie, Tri, then move to Tyo and Boh. So, =
> he just builds one (Vie), ALREADY HAS Tri, and thus can still accomplish =
> his grand plan! =20
>
> Do you agree with this idea/appraoch, or am I being too greedy? I think =
> the prime directive has to be (a) keep Hohn from building, (b) keep the =
> Q Alliance going as planned until F and T are dead, and (c) keeping Edi =
> manageable when (b) is finally realized.
>
> Let me know what you think, Cal. I could use some Italian influence in =
> the court of the Austrians right now, 'for the good of the alliance.'
I will definitely write Edi and try to sell Option 3. If you REALLY
want,
I'll try to sell Option 2, but for my money, you're better off with 3.
> Keep plugging vs France. I'd hit him, if only to ensure he doesn't try =
> and sneak out for Spain. He may still do so (Bur-mar, Mar-Spa, Mao-bre =
> or Por, 'damning the torpedoes' as he does so). If you try for Mar, =
> then we should probably have the Hun doing something (Mun-Ruh?), or else =
> have you hold and have him try for Bur--I bet he'd get it (if that's =
> what we want???)
I suspect he has enough people to be pissed of at that he's unlikely to
devote ALL his units to keeping me out of Marseilles, so I'll move there
if
only to stop a fleet build there. My guess as to his most likely moves
is:
Mid-Bre; Bur-Bel; Mar-Spa (or H, I'm not sure). Frankly, he could do
anything - he's still f%$ked, so he may just try to throw something
randomly wild at us. It's what I'D do... grin.
All for now. I'll write Edi now and we'll talk again RSN...
(real soon now)
Later
Cal
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hi Edi,
Have been relooking the board. If you have those options of mine in =
front of you, I want to offer up a (temporary) fix to keeping Hohn =
reduced. You might not like it because of the more immediate gain for =
me, but it DOES accomplish our goal of reducing Hohn quickly, with =
negligible effect on the alliance (or your gains).
It's basically a revision of Option 2:
Aus: Ser S (TUR) Bla-Bul(ec), Alb-Gre
Rus: Sev-Rum (Ukr S)
Yes, this gets me BUL (for now; I envision a swapout between us). And =
yes, it risks you being bounced in Gre if Hohn goes there (doubtful, =
given his feeling of being in the Alamo). But look at the advantage: =20
1) Rum and Bul are pacified and freed forever from the Turk
2) Hohn's A Bul has a 50-50 (or greater) chance of being annihilated
If he uses Con to support Bul, then you get Gre with no need for Ser =
support, and the worst we do is bounce him in Bul. If he puts Bul =
anywhere in motion (vs Gre or Rum), then the unit is annihilated. Same =
thing if he uses Con to hit Bla, or sail out.
I think we should do *something* other than just supporting ourselves =
into set-piece attacks (via Gre and Rum with all our units). What do =
you think?
And remember: when we do this German thing in '02, you already have Tri =
in place, ostensibly "against" Ita...one placement in Vie, and poof! =
our plan continues!
What might sweeten the pot: Hohn is asking me to forego attacks on him =
and instead "turn the tables" by moving Ukr-Gal, Sev-Rum (Bla S). I =
have no intention of doing so. But if I convince him that I'm sincere =
(hard, but not impossible), we can set him up for The Big Fall.
What say you?
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi Cal
Thanks for the flurry of mail as of late, and thanks also for putting in =
the 'plug" about me taking BUL. In all honesty, it's NOT beyond the =
realm of possibility, but it would involve (gasp!) a sacrifice on Edi's =
part for the good of the alliance.
I offered Edi one of three options (and there are tons more out there).
Option 1 is that we stay conservative: Alb-Gre (Ser S), and Sev-Rum =
(Bla, Ukr S). We both get what we want, but so does Turkey.
Option 2 involves trying to kill BUL:
Ser-Bul (Bla S), or vice versa, I guess...
Alb-Gre
Sev-Rum (Ukr S)
In this option, I get Rum for sure, and--if Hohn guesses wrong, either =
Edi (or I) get BUL and GRE. The downer to this is if Hohn guesses =
correctly and does Bul-Gre, Con-Bla. If he did that, he'd bounce us in =
both Gre and Bul. Now, what are the odds of Hohn doing that? =20
***(And, if I went Bla-Bul with Edi supporting, we'd be guaranteed BUL =
and RUM, with Gre still an option!)
Oh sure, Hohn could then go Con-Bla and get the place, but so what? =
he'd stay at three SCs, I'd have Sev open (for a 2nd fleet), and he'd be =
boxed in tighter than a drum.
Option 3 was a variant (again, with Edi risking Gre): Ser S Ukr-Rum, =
Alb-Gre
Sev-Arm (Bla S)
We'd stand a pretty good chance of forcing Arm, thus keeping Hohn from =
moving out of Ank -- thus forcing a build in Smy. With our units in =
Arm, Bla, Rum and Ser, it'd only be a matter of time....
I like Option 2, Cal, and wonder what your opinion is? The reason I =
like option 2 is it guarantees me +2 in the Balkans, still helps the Q =
alliance (whether or not Edi gets Gre in 1901), continues to hem in the =
Turk, and--more importantly--keeps Edi reasonably manageable down there. =
If and when we then decided to hit him, then it'd be one less unit we'd =
have to mess with further down the line.
**It'd be swell if you could help 'sell" Option 2 (or any of them, =
really) to Edi. You could point out the obvious benefits in killing BUL =
("so what" if Faz gets it for now?"), and help me convince him that -- =
even if he got bounced in Gre -- he'd still be ok at +1. I mean, what =
is his intent for 1902: build Vie, Tri, then move to Tyo and Boh. So, =
he just builds one (Vie), ALREADY HAS Tri, and thus can still accomplish =
his grand plan! =20
Do you agree with this idea/appraoch, or am I being too greedy? I think =
the prime directive has to be (a) keep Hohn from building, (b) keep the =
Q Alliance going as planned until F and T are dead, and (c) keeping Edi =
manageable when (b) is finally realized.
Let me know what you think, Cal. I could use some Italian influence in =
the court of the Austrians right now, 'for the good of the alliance.'
Keep plugging vs France. I'd hit him, if only to ensure he doesn't try =
and sneak out for Spain. He may still do so (Bur-mar, Mar-Spa, Mao-bre =
or Por, 'damning the torpedoes' as he does so). If you try for Mar, =
then we should probably have the Hun doing something (Mun-Ruh?), or else =
have you hold and have him try for Bur--I bet he'd get it (if that's =
what we want???)
Take care, and let me know what you think.
Tsar Faz
Private message from Italy to Master:
Oops!
Geez, you'd think I'd know better than to start writing letters BEFORE I
take a look at the board... Never mind the comments about Bulgaria
being a guarantee; obviously it isn't. Don't know why I thought Russia
was in Black AND Rumania. sigh
I'll write when I look a bit MORE closely at things...
Cal
I'm glad I withdrew my objection to observers commenting on the gamer.
After reading Luca's comments, I realize that this will be very
interesting to see how outsiders are viewing the game.
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
Hey guy! :)
Well, THAT went well, no? I think we do have a good bit of momentum and
I hope we can keep it. The only slight worry for me was Edi's move to
Trieste but, when I thought about it, I realized it's just Edi being
careful. It actually works out to my advantage because I had been
worried about exactly how to keep a presence close enough to his border
to be in on our (eventual) attack. He's just given me the perfect
excuse.
I tried to put in a plug for your taking Bulgaria this Fall in that note
to you and Edi. Hopefully, he'll go for it.
Now all I have to do is figure out if I should try for Marseilles or
not...
Talk atcha laters
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Austria and Italy in
> 'ghodstoo':
>
> Gentlemen: Just a very short note, as I'm a tad pressed for time.
> Nonetheless, I wanted to say 'congrats to us all' for some great
> opening moves (have already said same to England recently). The
> Quadripartite Plan goes well. I spoofed Turkey--albeit at the risk of
> soured relations for the rest of the game--and this puts us in good
> shape to influence events in Arm, Bul, or the "traditional" approach.
> Edi, I'll hash out some options later on--no time now.
I think the important thing would be to make sure that Turkey doesn't
get
to build here for Bulgaria. With F Black cutting Con, it's just a
matter
of deciding WHO gets Bul. You guys figure that one out, but don't let
Hohn
build!
> Cal, you're lookin' good. Press on!
Thanks. It's this new diet I'm on...
> Faz Concern this turn: Germany's F den, which really "shouldn't" be
> there (Eng is also nervous).
I figure it's just Pitt covering his ass. Inconvenient, but things went
so bloody well this turn, we better not bitch about the small things.
(It
occurs to me that the chance of Pitt blocking Mark out of Sweden might
be
an argument in favour of Mark taking Bulgaria?)
> Faz Note of the Day: A completely dejected French reply (not once, but
> twice!) regarding his situation. He refuses any offer of even
> info-sharing from me, saying that it's too late, he's finished, etc. Is
> this an overemphasizing actor ("Don't cry for me, Argentina?") or are we
> facing abject defeatism a la 1940? Only his hairdresser knows for sure.
I suspect the latter. He hasn't written me (Gee, quel surprise!) but I
don't think his head is much in this game.
> Drop a line, lads, and let's figure a way to keep the opening blitz
> momentum going.
Agreed.
Good luck fellas!
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as England to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Good. At least I can count on someone. Well, you and Russia both.
Hey, I'm KNOWN to be the most completely honest, trustworthy and loyal
player in all of Diplomacy! (Let me know if you believe this, okay?
grin)
> I expected Kie-Hol from Germany, and I'm a bit disappointed.
I'm a little concerned myself, but I suspect that Pitt just wanted to
keep his options open. Can't really blame him.
> Do you have any comments to make on the move Vie-Tri? I am very interested
> in your reaction.
Well, I wasn't really crazy about it, but I think it falls in the same
category as Pitt's move to Denmark; ie Edi covering his ass. I don't
mind as it doesn't really threaten me (although it DOES rule out a
convoy from Tuscany to Tunis this Fall). Oh well. Too early to worry.
I'll write again when I hear anything interesting.
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Cal, oh Noble Doge
> I'll be happy to pass along said 'misdirection" to the Turk, but please =
> be warned of the following:
> Turkey and I have argued round and round about DMZs in Black Sea, as =
> well as the utility of the Russian fleet going to RUM. I have rebelled =
> against his wishes for an "alliance" involving F Sev-h, despite my =
> earlier words (to him) to the contrary. If he sees me in RUM with the =
> fleet and SEV with the army, he may interpret that as a severe breach of =
> faith, and take *any* other news I send with an...ahem...rather large =
> grain of salt. In other words, the word of "Traitor Faz" may not be =
> worth much to him.
I bet you got THAT right... heh heh
> Now, what YOU could do (cackle), after the moves come out =
> tonight/tomorrow a.m., is perhaps communicate with the Turk and say that =
> you're sure "Faz made what he thought was a better alliance move, to =
> smokescreen any R/T collusion and to prevent E and G from seeing the red =
> flags in front of the bulls." Or something like that. I have a =
> sneaking suspicion that Turkey will not be happy with me (he seems =
> excessively paranoid, for someone who's won games with Edi before), but =
> maybe if we both try and assuage his fear (and anger), we'll get another =
> turn or two of the Triple Whammy vs him. What say you? Ideas? =
> Comments? Advice?
After reading the commentary (Hohn's and the observer's), I doubt if ANY
comments about your moves as a smokescreen will be likely to be
believed. I suspect it's simply attack and attack from here on in.
Well, anyway, I doubt if I have to worry about Hohn as he has too much
on his plate to worry about my, um, insincerity... Ah well, que sera
sera...
> Let's take this one (or two, or three) enemies as a time, and here's to
> us!
Agreed! (Takes quick sip of Molson's Export Ale). Loch heim!
Cal
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Edi,
A quick addition to the note I just sent...
If I were Turkey, I'd gamble a bit and try Ank-Arm, to open Ank up for
his +1 fleet build, and thus wrest control of/stalemate me in Bla,
right? Option 3 (below) might give us the chance to bounce his unit
(i.e., keep him in Ank), forcing him to build an army out in the boonies
(Smy), vice a fleet up north.
Anyway, Edi, just a thought. There's tons of stuff to consider.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hi again Edi
Have been looking over the board, and here are some thoughts.
The West
England is, as I said, also concerned over Germany's diversion of the
fleet to Den, vice Hol. I personally feel Pitt is just playing CYA, not
knowing early E or R intentions. I told Jamie that I think we're still
ok, and if G hits anyone, it'll be a block of me, not Eng. Have been
communicating with Pitt, trying to ensure continued peace in Scandy.
The anti-French openings look good, and John could collapse quickly, if
G doesn't try to realign the previous balance-of-power. Have you heard
anything from Italy or from Germany?
The East
Hohn shrugged off the hit, and seems pretty upbeat about it (he's both a
good guy, and a good poker player, I'll wager). Wants me to deviate
from any alliance/Austrian leanings this turn by hitting Gal and
supporting myself to Rum. We can turn this idea into gold for us, Edi.
I see at least three (probably more) move variations we should consider.
Option 1: Conservative.
A: Ser S Alb-Gre T: Sev-Rum (Ukr and Bla S)
This ensures we get our southern builds, and boxes in Turkey.
Option 2:
A: Ser-Bul T: Bla S Ser-Bul
Alb-Gre Ukr S Sev-Rum
This has good and bad to it. On the plus side, we stand a good chance
of annihilating Bul while still getting our gains. I mean, if he
supports Bul with Con, you get Gre and I get Rum. if he tries to bounce
Rum or Gre, then we nail him in movement.
On the negative side, *IF* he guesses exactly right, he could
conceivably go Bul-Gre, Bla-Con and wreck your chance for Gre this turn.
I don't see that happening, truthfully.
Option 3:
A: Ser S Ukr-Rum, Alb-Gre T: Ukr-Rum, Bla S Sev-Arm
This has a chance of *really* putting the choke hold on early! If it
succeeds, Turkey is circling the wagons, we have a chance to exploit
Syr/Aeg/Smy in '02, etc etc. Again, the disadvantage is if he hits Gre,
which makes us each go +1 down there. But we gain position, with no
enemies to face us down there anyway. (If you're really going after
Germany, a +1 wouldn't be all that critical. You just go Tri-Tyo, and
the build Vie-Boh, and we're off to the races. Right?)
As I said, there are tons of other variations out there, Edi, some more
favorable to you (or to me). Option 1 is the "standard" plan, but
allows Turkey more freedom to maneuver down there while we finesse our
guys around. I personally like Option 2, because of the chance we kill
BUL and give him zero builds, while still having a 50-75% chance of
nailing all the SCs we want. ***ALSO: he has no reason to suspect
perfidy from you; you haven't lied to him or stabbed him, as have I.
Might be a good chance for success???? ***
Anyway, that's my initial read of the tea leaves. Turkey was apparently
suckered in by everyone: he fully expected Italy to nail you this
season, and envisioned a three-way on you. And while I'm sure he's
trying to get you 'called off" (even though YOU don't show any signs of
overt hostility yet), he's been heavy on my butt to get me to 'see the
light.'
Let me know what you think, and take care. Let's keep plugging.
Tsar Faz
Private message from Italy to Master:
Hi Pitt! Sorry to take a bit to get to you, but like everybody else in
this game, the weekend seems to be a slow correspondence time...
It sure seems to me that France's goose is cooked. His press seems to
suggest he's about to crawl into a fetal ball and die. Has he written
to yoy? He certainly hasn't sent me anything.
I was wondering if you have any preference about moves in F'02. My gut
feeling is to try and hit Marseilles in hopes of preventing a build
there (assuming he GETS any builds), but I'm open to suggestion. Of
course, if I DO get into Marseilles and you don't get Burgandy (assuming
you try for it again; or are you going to Ruhr and building in Munich?),
I would be happy to support you in there in the Spring.
Anything else new?
Cal
Quite some initial orders, eh? I think I know where all of you are
coming from after watching the press; however, if any of you would like
to drop ongoing commentary to me, I would appreciate it.
I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
Jim
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Last updated on Sun, Feb 15, 1998.