| Press for Spring of 1901 in pouchtoo |
Movement
Message from Russia to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
Manus! At last, we meet! And on favorable terms, presumably. I would like to have an RI alliance, no matter what else I do. (You are the first person I'm writing to.) I suggest that we put off details until we've seen a little action, especially since I don't know Cooley or Sevin at all, and clearly their disposition will be most crucial for us. I've got no particular requests, except that I really hope you'll face eastward and not pull a strange trick like Cal did in Ghodstoo. If you have any, let me know. Ciao, baby Jamie
Message from Russia to Turkey in 'pouchtoo':
Good morning, Sultan. I am hoping we can at least begin on friendly terms, and if you have an interest in anything more substantial I'm all ears. And by the way, I'll be happy to explain any arcane features of the Judge that you may find mysterious. Here's to your prosperity, Jamie
Message from Russia to Austria in 'pouchtoo':
Good morning, Kaiserungarn. I am hoping for a peaceful beginning between us, at least. If you are likeminded, I'll come up with some details, and maybe something more substantial to think about. To interesting times, Jamie
Message from Russia to France in 'pouchtoo':
Afternoon, Hohn. Or morning, I suppose, to you. I seem to have these two unknowns on my flank in the south. For that reason, I am inclined to play a southern opening. You can feel free to pass that intelligence around if you like. In the north, I am hoping that you and I can have a kind of Mutual Aid society, in the event of an aggressive EG pairing in the opening. And maybe we could try to cook up some unusual largish alliance, in the spirit of Demonstration and all -- anyway keep it in mind, maybe something will leap out at you. To interesting times, Jamie
Message from Russia to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
Good afternoon, Jon. For now, how about just a little, ordinary agreement that I won't bother you at all, A Warsaw stays away from you, and will you let me into Sweden? Off hand I am thinking I'll play a southern opening, but that's not at all set in stone (it's mainly because I don't know Turkey or Austria at all). To interesting times, Jamie
Message from Russia to England in 'pouchtoo':
Afternoon, Cal. With no Edi to distract us, let's see if we can do a little better in the opening this game, eh? I would mainly like to see what I can do (offer?) to keep you from playing an anti-Russian opening. A fleet in Norway, rather than an army, maybe? I'd be willing to reciprocate in some reasonable way, of course. The other thing is that I'm mildly worried that Jon and Hohn will come out swinging hard, to the detriment of the balance of power (and of you in particular!). I'd rather have England plus XXX be the primary allies in the north than Germany plus France. So that's another common interest. Check in when you get a chance, Jamie
Message from Italy to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
> At last, we meet! > Indeed! It's been a long time coming. Let us work to make it a pleasant experience for us both. > And on favorable terms, presumably. I would like to have an RI alliance, no > matter what else I do. (You are the first person I'm writing to.) > Dittoes here. Russia is (IMHO) the best possible partner for Italy, so I happily accept your offer of friendship. I will look into the Austrian's position on things and set up a Lepanto, since I would like to propose that we initially work with Austria to eliminate Turkey, rather than vice-versa. (Yes, I don't want the possibility of a juggernaut to linger; if I am to be your friend in the waters, I want to make sure I'm the only one. :-) > I suggest > that we put off details until we've seen a little action, especially since > I don't know Cooley or Sevin at all, and clearly their disposition will be > most crucial for us. > Indeed so. Let us keep each other posted concerning what we learn, and go >from there. If you have any "line" you want me to lay out there, let me know, and I will do the same. > I've got no particular requests, except that I really hope you'll face > eastward and not pull a strange trick like Cal did in Ghodstoo. If you have > any, let me know. > Well, though I observed ghodstoo, I didn't CLOSELY observe it. Could you satisfy my curiosity and tell me what it was that Cal did? > Ciao, baby > Do Svedanya! Manus
Message from Italy to Austria in 'pouchtoo':
Greetings from the boot. As the closest neighbors on the board, I hope we can become the closest partners. (Before I get much further, let me offer you belated congratulations on your World Championship. I don't know if you remember me from Goteborg, but if not, I look forward to [hopefully] seeing you again in Chapel Hill later this year!) (Also, as one of the "old hands" in the e-mail game, I will be glad to assist you with any questions you think can be safely addressed to me [such as, "how do I tell the 'judge' that I want to stab Italy?" ANSWER: "You don't."]) Anyway, back to the game.... As Italy, I like to play the fleet game, and so I seek a partner who will concentrate on the land. With only one port and that one not very useful (in addition to the other benefits of an A/I partnership), Austria is of course an excellent choice. If you are agreeable to a pact of alliance, my intent, then, would be to set up a Lepanto, in order to eliminate the competition on the waters. I am open to any form of partnership, and any form of the Lepanto. I hesitate to mention the Key Lepanto, but if you are willing, I will be a very trustworthy partner. As I have said, my interests lie in the sea, and so if you choose the Key, you can be sure to have no worries from my army on its way to Serbia and Turkey. I realize full-well that Italy's interests are best served by a strong Austria, and yet I also know how successful a false war between our two powers can be. The thing we two have to fear most is a Russia/Turkey juggernaut, and I pledge to you that it is my first order of business to make sure that the juggernaut does not happen. From my position, working on Turkey is the only way to do this, and so I write to seek your help and alliance. I look forward to your response, and to working with you. Manus
Message from Italy to Master in 'pouchtoo':
Question: If this is a "game for the ages," are you (1) saving the partial press and (2) wanting us to give you some running commentary in PRESS TO M? Manus
Message from Russia to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
Vittorio, Joe, etc., Ok. I almost suggested that you should pick our first target, but then I didn't. But I'm quite willing. So Turkey is the first victim, with your Lepanto, probably my opening strong and ugly into the Black Sea, and (we hope) Austria moving to surround Bulgaria. I have no 'line' in particular for you to let out, but let's not make it appear that we are working too closely. The only really bad problem we could have (the only one I could have in the *south*) is if we drive Turkey and Austria together and everything gets blocked and stuffed up. Yuck. >Well, though I observed ghodstoo, I didn't CLOSELY observe it. Could you >satisfy my curiosity and tell me what it was that Cal did? Oh, well, following a Grand Plan by Edi, he sailed west, then panicked when it looked like he wouldn't get any French centers right away and Edi was growing, so he did an about face with just his four units and headed back east. This doomed him to a weak game, of course (as westward Italian openings usually do in games with strong players, huh?). What do you think about trying to add a partner to this alliance? Or even two? Northerners? Or maybe add France, and a temporary Austria? Hm. It could be something as simple as Ganging Up on the WItches, then F+R take on Germany and I+R take on Austria, and then the three of us duke it out in the ending.... Not that I expect any plan made in this opening to actually get played out in practice, not with these characters on the loose. Jamie
Message from Italy to Turkey in 'pouchtoo':
Greetings! I will be frank and honest with you. My first move will likely look like a Lepanto. As Italy, my initial interest is in making sure that there is no juggernaut (can you blame me?). I am of the school that the best partnerships are one sea power and one land power, and so I will be intent to establish myself as the pre-eminent force in the Med. That said, however, I want to make sure you know that this attitude does not preclude my establishing a strong partnership with you, and it is this that I am writing to propose. You are far better equipped than I for land battles, and so if you wish to form an alliance with me by pushing your wood north and northwest rather than onto fleets and out towards me, I would be very interested in this. An I/T partnership of this sort is very workable and usually very successful. I will leave things at this for the present, but will be hoping to hear >from you soon. As you know, a Lepanto opening can very easily be turned into something that only *looked* anti-Turkish, and with the assembly of players we have here, misdirection will be essential. Even if you are not ready at this early stage to commit to an active partnership, I wished you to know that my intentions do lie in the sea and I hope that this meets with your agreement. Manus
Message from Italy to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
> Vittorio, Joe, etc., > Who? Oh yeah, me.... :-) > So Turkey is the first victim, with your Lepanto, probably my opening > strong and ugly into the Black Sea, and (we hope) Austria moving to > surround Bulgaria. > Sounds good to me. > I have no 'line' in particular for you to let out, but let's not make it > appear that we are working too closely. > Definitely agreed. > The only really bad problem we > could have (the only one I could have in the *south*) is if we drive Turkey > and Austria together and everything gets blocked and stuffed up. Yuck. > I have written Austria saying that my whole energies will be committed to stopping the juggernaut, and asking his help against Turkey (since this is the only front I can create against R/T). What I would like to propose is that you also independently approach Austria with anti-Turkish intentions. Hopefully we can get him thinking that both of us want his help against Turkey but for different reasons, and we can let him be the one who "accidentally" brings an R/I/A alliance together. (Temporarily, as you said.) I think it would not be a good idea for either of us to contact him and say, "there is an R/I partnership; do you want in?" Rather, if each of us seek his help against Turkey without apparent knowledge of the other, we will both stand in better stead with him. > Oh, well, following a Grand Plan by Edi, he sailed west, then panicked when > it looked like he wouldn't get any French centers right away and Edi was > growing, so he did an about face with just his four units and headed back > east. This doomed him to a weak game, of course (as westward Italian > openings usually do in games with strong players, huh?). > Indeed so. I really like the *idea* of Italy opening and committing west, and someday I'll get it to work. This is definitely not the day, though. > What do you think about trying to add a partner to this alliance? Or even > two? Northerners? Or maybe add France, and a temporary Austria? > I will set up the standard western DMZ with France and will hint strongly that I would appreciate him heading north. If you (again, perhaps independently at first) talk anti-E with him, I think we can get the game off to a good start for us. (I favor independent approaches at first, but in France's case [as opposed to Austria], I think that it would not be too long before we three could acknowledge a tripartite alliance among ourselves. But if France is already committed to something else, the chance of us finding out is greater if we initially approach him without any hint of an I/R.) > could be something as simple as Ganging Up on the WItches, then F+R take on > Germany and I+R take on Austria, and then the three of us duke it out in > the ending.... Not that I expect any plan made in this opening to actually > get played out in practice, not with these characters on the loose. > :-) Very good point. Manus
Message from Germany to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
Hi, Jamie. We are neighbors again. As for me, no agreement is more welcome or easier to respect than to keep things quiet on our front. Anything else is mutual suicide. You have my full approval in regard to bringing religion and civilization to the Swedes. John, Germany (persona still in development)
Message from Germany to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
Test
Message from Italy to France in 'pouchtoo':
Hello! I don't plan to do anything stupid like open to the west. I imagine you don't plan to open to the east either, yes? I am writing to propose that we make the normal promises to each other to avoid that whole area altogether. My intention is to become the sea power in the Med, and I am interested in partnership with anyone who is happy with that. Your nation is a natural choice, since we are so close and yet terms of friendship are so easily found. I realize that your initial year will most likely be spent in the friendly effort of acquiring neutral centers, but when 1902 rolls around and you have some idea of your leanings in the power structures of the continent, you can count on me to leave your back unmolested while you foray into, say, England or Germany. In addition to providing you with diplomatic cover by laying "lines" for you, military assistance from the eastern side of Switzerland may also be a possibility (although I too have no set plans, so I have no idea whether I will actually be in any position to offer such help). My point, though, is that you can be sure to count me as a friend, and I am hoping to hear the same from you. I believe an F/I disagreement is completely counterproductive. We both have much better things to do, and if we get wrapped up in a war (which it will take both of us years even to set up for), the rest of the powers on the board will certainly win it. I look forward to working in partnership with you, Manus
Message from Russia to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
Ok, good. What do you think about a Witch Hunt? Depending on how Cal and Hohn negotiate, of course. But I suspect it might work out well, especially if I could get one southerner on my side. We could try to have France see some Mediterranean trouble just as England headed out the door, and maybe go into an ending with three of us (you, me, unknown southerner) leading the race. If it does shape up as FG vs E, I'd be happy to take Norway and let you two fight over the rest. Well, probably too early for such thoughts. But in any case, I'll work on gaining a promising southern partner, of course. Jamie (I'll try to have a persona tomorrow, too.)
Message from Italy to England in 'pouchtoo':
Hello from the warmer waters down south! Although we're distant, we're also very much alike. My interests, like yours, lie in the sea, with my intention being to establish myself as the single sea power in the Mediterranean. I am writing you to say that I bear you no ill will and to offer my assistance to you in any form you may find it useful. With a Frenchman and a German between us, we may find need to communicate things either them him or from them. Since I am interested in the survival of England (since your conquest would most likely mean fleets get built in France rather than in England), you can count on me to keep you posted with any anti-English rumblings I may happen to hear. And if you wish (after the initial year's worth of friendly neutral-grabbing) to make your seapower begin to pay dividends with some SC's along certain coasts, I will prove to be a useful partner to you there as well. Once my hold on the Med is established, I may also be looking for SC's along certain coasts, so an active military partnership may be in the offing. This, of course, is so far down the road that it makes no sense to even mention it, since in a game with the caliber of players we have here, any plan, especially this early, stands no chance of being executed without changes. However, I can pledge to you that I will at least be useful to you as a diplomat, beginning right away if you wish, so if you have any tasks along those lines that you wish to set me to, I will use any friendly relationship I have with a power to your benefit. Rule Britannia! Brittania Rule the (Atlantic) Waves! Manus
Message from Russia to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
>I have written Austria saying that my whole energies will be committed to >stopping the juggernaut, and asking his help against Turkey (since this is >the only front I can create against R/T). Ugh. Giving him another possible approach: while allowing you to control Turkey, he tries for an early incursion into Russia with his armies. Oh well, I'll see what I can do. I agree that it would not be wise to advertise that R/I are tight and seek a third to exterminate Turkey. But possibly Austria himself will suggest that he and I try to get you to help *us* out, or he might suggest to you that you guys could get me to help.... >What I would like to propose is that you also independently approach Austria >with anti-Turkish intentions. Yeah. I'm going to have to be a little careful with that, as I hint above. I don't want him thinking, "Hey, Italy goes Lepanto and Russia and Turkey are fighting, I'll take the easy overland route instead of bashing my head against the Bosphorus." Also, as I said earlier, I don't know anything about either of these guys (Cyrille, Stephen). Anyway, I'll keep you posted on my approach as it develops. >I will set up the standard western DMZ with France and will hint strongly that >I would appreciate him heading north. If you (again, perhaps independently >at first) talk anti-E with him, I think we can get the game off to a good >start for us. (I favor independent approaches at first, but in France's case >[as opposed to Austria], I think that it would not be too long before we three >could acknowledge a tripartite alliance among ourselves. But if France is >already committed to something else, the chance of us finding out is greater >if we initially approach him without any hint of an I/R.) True. Ok, maybe we should try it this way. We'll hope to get either France or Germany as our third partner, but we don't much care which. If it's France, then the plan would be for him and me to gang up on Germany, and you and me to gang up on Austria (after the Witches are on the ropes). If it's Germany, then the plan would be you and G against France, and you and me against Austria. Again, these best laid plans.... But I do think it's in my interest for the ruling northern coalition to be FG. Later, Jamie
Message from Germany to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
What's a Witch-hunt?
Message from Italy to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
> Ugh. Giving him another possible approach: while allowing you to control > Turkey, he tries for an early incursion into Russia with his armies. > Well, I plan to engineer it so that this does not happen, of course. Naturally, I consider him attacking you a better thing than him attacking me :-) but of course I am not about trying to get this to happen. From my position, though, I'm sure that you would also use anti-jug as a reason to convince Austria of friendly intent. > Oh well, I'll see what I can do. I agree that it would not be wise to > advertise that R/I are tight and seek a third to exterminate Turkey. But > possibly Austria himself will suggest that he and I try to get you to help > *us* out, or he might suggest to you that you guys could get me to help.... > Precisely; this is exactly what I am after. I want an R/I/A, but I want it to be his idea. If you are worried that Cyrille will be tempted to lean towards an A/I rather than an R/I/A, then I am more than happy, when this risk gets too apparent or great, to be the one to write him with how much I love this-or-that Russian press that I just got, and say that an A/I/R alliance is the way to go. > Yeah. I'm going to have to be a little careful with that, as I hint above. > I don't want him thinking, "Hey, Italy goes Lepanto and Russia and Turkey > are fighting, I'll take the easy overland route instead of bashing my head > against the Bosphorus." Also, as I said earlier, I don't know anything > about either of these guys (Cyrille, Stephen). > Ditto here. I don't know if I met Cyrille in Goteborg, and I've never even heard of Stephen. > Again, these best laid plans.... But I do think it's in my interest for the > ruling northern coalition to be FG. > I concur. I will keep you posted, and I want you to know that if you are disheartened by my early efforts in our behalf, you need not be. Between us, we will get the Austrian to behave properly. Manus
Message from Italy to Austria and Germany in
'pouchtoo': Greetings, Austria and Germany! I have already written to Austria to begin discussing the sticky situation of Venice and Trieste, but this is my first message to Germany. Austria, I hope you will not mind that before getting to the business of this letter, I take a quick minute to offer my personal hello to the German. Herr Kaiser, we in Italy have always had a fondness for things German. Braunschweiger and liverwurst spring immediately to mind, as does that excellent beer you brew up there. A friendly relationship with your nation is eagerly sought by Italy. Speaking of food, as everyone knows, Italian sausage, Vienna sausage, and Bratwurst are so closely related that it is only natural for Germany, Italy, and Austria to work in natural partnership. Since I can see no reason for any of us to enter Tyrolia, I am writing to propose that none of us ever do so. At least not without prior warning. The only possible reason I can even come up with for an entry into Tyrolia would be if one of my armies needed to be made a path towards Russia. However, since I am intent on becoming a naval power, such a need will most likely not arise for a good long time, and hopefully you two will not find any difficulty that requires you to ask for that kind of assistance >from me. The way I see it, therefore, any entry into Tyrolia is an obvious belligerent act, and so if we all three acknowledge this up front and recognize that any disagreement here in the middle of the board will only serve to benefit the edges of the board, we can all cross Tyrolia off our list of things to worry about, and can concentrate on the more important matters of actually expanding our little area outwardly FROM the middle of the board. I look forward to working with you both, Manus
Message from Russia to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
Witch = "Wicked Witch of the West" = England. You never heard this terminology? England and Turkey are the Witches (of the West and East) because they occupy the corner positions. I meant, GF vs E, with maybe some help from me. Jamie
Message from Germany to Austria and Italy in
'pouchtoo': I have no plans or desires to enter Tyrolia, so I welcome Italy's suggestion. Looking forward to a successful friendship with both of you. John of Germany
Message from Russia to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
No worries, I'm sure we'll work it out as things progress. Jamie
Message from France to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
Jamie (or should that be "Gentle Tsar Jamie"? :) ), > Message from [email protected] as Russia to France in 'pouchtoo': > Afternoon, Hohn. Or morning, I suppose, to you. > I seem to have these two unknowns on my flank in the south. For that > reason, I am inclined to play a southern opening. You can feel free to pass > that intelligence around if you like. Thanks for the info. I know nothing of Cyrille, but Steve Cooley is one of the most brutal FTF and PBM Dippers around. I've crossed blocks with him _many_ times, and he has bested me more often than not, by my estimates. He has an uncanny way of slipping out of almost any trap, and even when people gang up on him, he has a way of getting others to come to his aid. Him playing Turkey, with Turkey's inherent defensibility and staying power, worries me significantly. In short, I'd be all in favor of you taking the axe to him. ;) > In the north, I am hoping that you and I can have a kind of Mutual Aid > society, in the event of an aggressive EG pairing in the opening. And maybe > we could try to cook up some unusual largish alliance, in the spirit of > Demonstration and all -- anyway keep it in mind, maybe something will leap > out at you. This sounds ideal. I'd love to work with at least one of them, but if the two of them band together, it can't spell good news for either of us. I'm in. Do you have a preference whether I work with F or G, out of curiosity? No promises, obviously, but if all other things are equal, I'd give due weight to your preferences. Please let me know. I'll let you know if I hear anything. Take care! Hohn
Message from France to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
Dear Manus, It's a pleasure to play in a game with you! At the risk of sounding obsequious, I have heard only good things about you, and hope that we can at the very least forge an initial alliance, even if that may or may not turn into something more substantial by the end of the game. I am completely in agreement with you regarding the futility and counter-productiveness of early FI hostilities, and agree to peace and initial alliance. We can provide each other with at least one safe border, and I'm all in favor of that. Shall we set up neutral zones? Perhaps, neither of us moving into PIE, GOL, WES, NAF, or TYS, without prior approval from the other? No fleets built in MAR or ROM without prior approval from the other? What do you think? As for me, I'd obviously like to work with either E or G. I suspect you'd prefer me working with G rather than E, hmm? ;) How about yourself? Any early word from the east? Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you again. Hohn
Message from France to England in 'pouchtoo':
Hey Buddy, No hard feelings from last game, I hope? :) Anyway, I'd love to be able to work with you from the _start_ this game; I think we got off to the wrong foot, and then circumstances and geography kind of threw us together and then apart again. I think you know I _can_ make a good ally, and that EF is one of the better ones on the board. For starters, shall we do the traditional neutral zone in ENG? And no fleets built in LVP, and fleets in BRE or LON only with prior approval >from the other? How shall we resolve the Belgian question? I'm more than open to proposals or suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you. Take care! Hohn
Message from France to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
John, Well, it looks like we're in a much better position to do some early negotiation and dealing in this game, as opposed to last one! I'm happy to get France, it's my favorite country to play. What do you think? I love the FG alliance, simply because it's so rare, but so powerful if done correctly. Would you be willing to go for that? Or perhaps a three-way? Obviously, I'd prefer not to get into the all-too-common FG slugfest that often results in an early stalemate and stagnation. What would you like to do? What do you think we should do about BEL? Please note that regarding BUR, I will definitely be sending _something_ there, as the province is so critical to my own defense (it's the gateway to my nation, as you know), but I'm amenable to the idea of bouncing there, if that's what you'd prefer. I hope you're OK with that; I have no offensive designs from BUR, it's strictly a protective measure. Please let me know what you think. I don't think Russia will be headed your way, btw. What do you think about SWE? I'd be curious to know, if you're inclined to tell me. :) I look forward to hearing from you. Hohn
Message from France to Turkey in 'pouchtoo':
Hey Buddy! Good to get into a PBEM game with you! With you in Turkey and me in France, it should be an interesting game, eh? We might not have much to talk about now, game-wise, but I'll let you know if I hear anything. I hope you'll do the same. Until then, maybe we can meet in the middle somewhere, down the road. :) Take care! Hohn
Message from France to Austria in 'pouchtoo':
Dear Cyrille: It's a pleasure to meet you. Although I've never played with you before, your reputation precedes you, and I look forward to a great game. We might not have _too_ much to talk about at this stage in the game, but I certainly have only positive thoughts for the Austrian nation and people at this time. I'll let you know if I hear anything in the east. I hope you'll do the same for me in the west. As it stands, please let me know if you have any interesting proposals whereby we could work together early. Otherwise, I'll probably just snag my early neutrals and react from there. Take care, and again, it's good to meet you. Hohn
Message from Italy to France in 'pouchtoo':
> It's a pleasure to play in a game with you! At the risk of sounding > obsequious, I have heard only good things about you, > Aw, shucks (blush). [Who are you getting this from? I want to know who is going to be asking me for money! :-)] > and hope that we > can at the very least forge an initial alliance, even if that may or > may not turn into something more substantial by the end of the game. > I see no reason not to. It seems we are off to a very good start. As to the terms you propose, I would like to suggest only one little change, and that would simply be that TYS be excluded from the DMZ. I envision that I may find need or desire to station a fleet in the Tyrrhenian, if for no other reason than to misdirect others as to my intentions or (God forbid, or perhaps by arrangement) to bounce things out of the Western Med. I plan to open to ION, so it is no immediate concern, but I would like to reserve my privileges in TYS. I can, however, pledge to make a good-faith effort to inform you before any move I make into the TYS, however. I am fine with the agreement not to build fleets in Mar or Rom without approval. If I am at all successful in becoming a naval power down here, it may be that someday I will find reason to seek your approval, and I am confident that my behavior will be such that you will have no problem granting it. > As for me, I'd obviously like to work with either E or G. I suspect > you'd prefer me working with G rather than E, hmm? ;) > Actually, it doesn't matter at all to me. As a naval power, I see benefits >from you working with England, in that you will not be building fleets that might perhaps have nowhere to go after England is disposed of. From this point of view, I would rather see new fleets appear at Edinburgh than at Brest. On the other hand, if you are occupied with an attack on England rather than Germany, I won't have as many foreign armies nearby; no worries from unfortunate German retreats from Munich, for example. There are good points and bad points for both, so do not make any decision for my benefit. Whichever way you *do* decide, though, I will be happy to assist you. > How about yourself? Any early word from the east? > I have received the usual niceties from Russia and Germany, but that's it. Germany agrees to a Tyrolia DMZ, and Russia is non-commitally friendly. Talk to you soon, Manus
Message from France to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
Manus, My concern over TYS is basically because of TUN. You'll note that I obviously excluded TUN from the proposed neutral zones, for the same reason I excluded SPA: they're important, strategic centers. And I'd hate to see Italian fleets in both TUN and TYS. I'll tell you what. I'd be amenable to excluding TYS from the neutral zone arrangement, _provided that_ you only ever have one fleet total in both TYS and TUN. In other words, if you opt to go to TYS, that's fine, so long as TUN is vacant. And if you opt to have a fleet in TUN, then TYS would be a neutral zone by default. Hmm, the above seems horribly worded. Am I being intelligible, I hope? Please let me know. Regarding the E/G thing, I'll keep you posted. Thanks for your flexibility. Hohn
Message from Italy to France in 'pouchtoo':
Hohn: I happily agree to your proposed clause to our agreement. I will not put a fleet into TYS without your approval at any time that there is a fleet in Tunis. When writing my last message, I simply didn't anticipate ever putting a fleet in Tunis, but since it can indeed easily happen, I do understand your concern and I gladly consent to your terms. Gotta run home (already called the wife and said I was on my way) -- so I'll talk to you later.... Manus
Message from Russia to France in 'pouchtoo':
Hohn, Hm, thanks for the lowdown on Steve Cooley. I kind of like alliances with really brutal, aggressive players. At least you know what to expect. But we'll see. >Do you have a preference whether I work with F or G, out of curiosity? I hope you will work with F, since you are, in fact, F. I figure you know this, since otherwise you'd be getting really confusing messages from the Judge about your attempted signons. :-) No, I have no preference at the moment, but I figure I'll probably develop one. Hm. Well, in the abstract, I guess it's better for Russia if France and Germany go on a witch hunt. That way you and I have a very clear common cause later: putting the screws on Germany. And that's Jon. So I guess that's my preference. :-) But really, it depends on lots of things that aren't clear yet. We'll discuss it later, right? Jamie
Message from England to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Russia to England in 'pouchtoo': > >Afternoon, Cal. > >With no Edi to distract us, let's see if we can do a little better in the >opening this game, eh? > >I would mainly like to see what I can do (offer?) to keep you from playing >an anti-Russian opening. A fleet in Norway, rather than an army, maybe? I'd >be willing to reciprocate in some reasonable way, of course. > >The other thing is that I'm mildly worried that Jon and Hohn will come out >swinging hard, to the detriment of the balance of power (and of you in >particular!). I'd rather have England plus XXX be the primary allies in the >north than Germany plus France. So that's another common interest. Man! That was hard! Not just typing "epouchtoo" as opposed to "ighodstoo", but sending "press to r" instead of "e"! Guess I've got some mental adjustments to make, hey? d:-}) I think we can certainly work together this game and probably in more ways than just "you watch my back and I'll watch yours". I tend to treat each game as a COMPLETELY separate entity and would have problem working with either John or Hohn if it made sense to do so. There's even a little temptation to ally with former enemies just to be able to say "I treat each game differently". However, I never know just when I'm going to be believed when I make that statement. Hohn may end up think I'm just trying to sucker him and hence attack first. Also, I'm sure he and John will also feel a temptation to ally as former enemies who shared in the ghodstoo draw. What this boils down to, from the English point of view, is that I am worried that F/G WILL decide to work together and make crumpets of out me (again). Therefore, I would be interested in discussing an active alliance between us with Germany as the first target. I know Russia has more immediate concerns regarding her southern neighbours, so your answer will be dependent upon that, but I'm throwing it out for discussion. If you're interested, we can talk over the generalities and details. ttyl King Kal
Message from England to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Italy to England in 'pouchtoo': > >Hello from the warmer waters down south! Although we're distant, we're >also very much alike. My interests, like yours, lie in the sea, with >my intention being to establish myself as the single sea power in the >Mediterranean. > >I am writing you to say that I bear you no ill will and to offer my >assistance to you in any form you may find it useful. With a Frenchman and >a German between us, we may find need to communicate things either them him >or from them. Since I am interested in the survival of England (since your >conquest would most likely mean fleets get built in France rather than in >England), you can count on me to keep you posted with any anti-English >rumblings I may happen to hear. And if you wish (after the initial year's >worth of friendly neutral-grabbing) to make your seapower begin to pay >dividends with some SC's along certain coasts, I will prove to be a useful >partner to you there as well. Once my hold on the Med is established, I may >also be looking for SC's along certain coasts, so an active military >partnership may be in the offing. This, of course, is so far down the road >that it makes no sense to even mention it, since in a game with the caliber of >players we have here, any plan, especially this early, stands no chance of >being executed without changes. However, I can pledge to you that I will >at least be useful to you as a diplomat, beginning right away if you wish, >so if you have any tasks along those lines that you wish to set me to, I will >use any friendly relationship I have with a power to your benefit. > >Rule Britannia! Brittania Rule the (Atlantic) Waves! >Manus Hi Manus! Nice to get in a game with you. :) I have no problems with your, um, shall we say "speculations" above. In fact, I have long believed that E/I is one of the strongest teams on the board and I would have no problem making plans for the longer term. We are certainly no threat to each other and have no conceivable need to clash until end game (if even then - E/I are in a great position to force a two way draw). You'll want to see to your eastern concerns for the first turn or so, I suspect, but we can keep an eye out for mutual opportunites for cooperation after that. Those "SC's along certain coasts" will be under constant scrutiny, no doubt... In the meantime, I would appreciate any rumours you can pick up regarding France & Germany's respective attitudes towards each other. Naturally, it behooves me to promote discord between them and any words to that effect would appreciated. Viva Italia! King Kal
Message from England to France in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as France to England in 'pouchtoo': > >Hey Buddy, > >No hard feelings from last game, I hope? :) Heck no! I make a point of treating each game as separate and anyway, in a game of this calibre, one can't afford to go in thinking "I can't work with that so-and-so who stabbed me last game" cause the chances are that attitude will lead to an early exit. I'd like to be around a bit longer THIS game, thank you! :) >Anyway, I'd love to be able to work with you from the _start_ this >game; I think we got off to the wrong foot, and then circumstances and >geography kind of threw us together and then apart again. I think you >know I _can_ make a good ally, and that EF is one of the better ones >on the board. I think we proved we can work well together and coordinate tactics and strategies. I'd like a chance to do it when I'm not forced to leave my back open to your knife hand... heh heh. >For starters, shall we do the traditional neutral zone in ENG? And no >fleets built in LVP, and fleets in BRE or LON only with prior approval >from the other? How shall we resolve the Belgian question? I'm more >than open to proposals or suggestions. I have no problem with those conditions regarding neutral zones and builds. Soooo, if we're going to work together, presumably we're going to target Germany? If that's the case, I'd like to keep Belgium for myself. You can manage two builds anyway with Spain & Portugal and if England also builds two, we'd have the upper hand right from the start. How does this sound to you? I'm definitely looking forward to this game. d:-}) King Kal
Message from England to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
Hi John! Maybe THIS time we can get off on the right foot! :) It would be nice to find out what we can do together as allies if we try it right from the start of the game. It helps that I consider E/G the 1st or 2nd strongest alliance on the board. We have our choice of initial and secondary targets and we don't ever need to get in each other's way. I can stick to fleets and you can stick to armies and never the twain shall meet (at least until end game - if even then as a two way draw is a pretty decent result). If you're interested, I wouldn't mind coordinating an attack on France. I hold no grudges from game to game and certainly bear Hohn no ill will for ghodstoo, but I do consider him a capable and dangerous player who should be dealt with immediately. Your comments are certainly invited. Talk to you soon. Cal
Message from Russia to England in 'pouchtoo':
Kal, >I tend to treat each game as a COMPLETELY separate entity and would have >problem working with either John or Hohn if it made sense to do so. There's >even a little temptation to ally with former enemies just to be able to say >"I treat each game differently". Sure, me too. Unless you mean that you try to forget what you learned about the players in earlier games. That I would never do! And from what I learned about Hohn and Jon, facing the pair of them would be very frightening. >What this boils down to, from the English point of view, is that I am >worried that F/G WILL decide to work together and make crumpets of out me >(again). Therefore, I would be interested in discussing an active alliance >between us with Germany as the first target. I know Russia has more >immediate concerns regarding her southern neighbours, so your answer will be >dependent upon that, but I'm throwing it out for discussion. If you're >interested, we can talk over the generalities and details. Right. Well, as you suspect, I am at the moment fairly concerned about the south. I've heard from Italy, but not from either of my southern neighbors. Probably just a matter of taking them a little time to steel their nerves to face the Judge! But I'm still concerned. Here is an idea. If I can get Turkey to believe that Italy is going to play a Lepanto opening (which I am almost sure he is, by the way), then I figure Turkey will not bother me, and then I'd feel more comfortable playing more aggressively in the north. If you talk to Turkey, would you mention that Italy is going to play Lepanto? You could say you discussed France with Italy and he begged off saying that he would be too busy playing Lepanto, or something like that. Since Italy *is* going to play Lepanto, this would leave you on pretty good terms with Turkey later, since you'd be the one who'd warned him. What do you think? Jamie
Message from England to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Russia to England in 'pouchtoo': >Sure, me too. >Unless you mean that you try to forget what you learned about the players >in earlier games. That I would never do! And from what I learned about Hohn >and Jon, facing the pair of them would be very frightening. I said I was fair-minded, not stupid! :) >Well, as you suspect, I am at the moment fairly concerned about the south. >I've heard from Italy, but not from either of my southern neighbors. >Probably just a matter of taking them a little time to steel their nerves >to face the Judge! But I'm still concerned. > >Here is an idea. If I can get Turkey to believe that Italy is going to play >a Lepanto opening (which I am almost sure he is, by the way), then I figure >Turkey will not bother me, and then I'd feel more comfortable playing more >aggressively in the north. >If you talk to Turkey, would you mention that Italy is going to play >Lepanto? You could say you discussed France with Italy and he begged off >saying that he would be too busy playing Lepanto, or something like that. >Since Italy *is* going to play Lepanto, this would leave you on pretty good >terms with Turkey later, since you'd be the one who'd warned him. Seems like a plan to me. I'll do that and gauge his reaction. I'll probably sound him out as to an attack on you and see how receptive he is. I'll pass along any willingness on his part. As you know, forewarned is fourlegged or something like that... Keep in touch. King Kal
Message from Italy to England in 'pouchtoo':
King Kal: Thank you for your response to my mail. It is indeed nice to face you over a (virtual) board! I concur that E/I is a great pair, well-suited to mutual cooperation, even to the point of a two-way. You are correct that the east will be my first concern, but like you, I will have my eyes open to check "certain" other coasts. As for intelligence received from France and Germany, I have little for you at this point. France and I have set up the usual western Med DMZ, and Germany has written but briefly to agree to a Tyrolia DMZ. As far as what they are saying about you, Germany had no foreign policy to expouse, and France said that he will be deciding which of you or Germany to team with. He asked me which I would prefer him to join, saying he imagined that I would rather see an F/G against you up there in England, but I wrote back and said that he should not make any decision for my benefit, and pointing out that his estimation was not correct, since (as I pointed out to you) an eliminated England means fleet builds in Marseilles and Brest rather than in Edinburgh and London. I do not think he leans any particular direction yet, mostly because as I understand it, he had yet even to speak with you or Germany. Needless to say, though, my own interests are not well served if you three set up a western triple. France didn't seem to have such a thing on his mind, but then of course he wouldn't let on to me if he did. But from my point of view, I would dearly love to see a two-on-one between you three, to keep France busy with something other than my precious homeland. As for which configuration of a two-on-one would be nice, I frankly would like to see you on the "two" side, for the same reason that centers on which shipbuilders will be employed in the long-term. Must run -- I'll keep you informed, and ask that you do the same.... Manus
Message from England to Turkey in 'pouchtoo':
Hi Steve! So we finally meet across a Dip board, eh? Should be fun. I think we should be able to manage some sort of mutual cooperation here. As you know, the Wicked Witches usually prosper or fall together, so it's in our best interests to help each other out as much as we can. Should you have any interest in the downfall of, say a certain northern neighbour of yours, I think we could have some things to discuss. Your comments will be welcome. Meantime, should I hear anything that might be of interest to you, I'll pass it along. I'd like to establish a good communication between us as it will certainly be of use as the game progresses. Hopefully, you'll reciprocate. I'd be most interested in any impressions you can pick up of the chances of Franco-German cooperation against your friendly neighbourhood English monarch. Talk to you later "King Kal"
Message from Russia to England in 'pouchtoo':
>Seems like a plan to me. I'll do that and gauge his reaction. I'll >probably sound him out as to an attack on you and see how receptive he is. >I'll pass along any willingness on his part. As you know, forewarned is >fourlegged or something like that... When you 'sound him out', don't actually suggest that the two of you could combine to attack me, ok? Not that I think you would attack me, but he might, and I don't want him to think I might be especially vulnerable. Jamie
Message from Germany to England in 'pouchtoo':
Cal, Re going against France, in general, I'd be disinclined to commit to such a thing in the first year. FG war right off is not usually good for Germany. I'd become too tempting a target for my other neighbors. But Hohn has guaranteed he's going to order an army to Burgundy, so he might be forcing me to it. So, I am more open than I would usually be to discussing anti-France action. Signs point to Russia moving south, FYI. I'll inform you if anything contradicts this early impression. John
Message from Germany to France in 'pouchtoo':
Hohn, I hope we can do business. I must say that I am a bit troubled by your firm intention to order a unit to Burgundy. It seems to me that such a decision ought to await at least some discussion between us. But I do understand your concerns. My problem, of course, is that I almost have to bounce, which immobilizes one of my units for the Spring turn. If we are to work together, wouldn't you prefer that I make the strongest move possible? That said, it does remain possible for me to move strongly, then defend Munich in the Fall if it appears you are against me. Therefore, I can see my way to accepting a French army in Burgundy. However, I'd like for you to help me into Belgium to take some of the sting out of it. Then, I'd even welcome the army in Burgundy. It would also be the best possible sign of our prospects for future cooperation. Whichever way we go from there, I'll be well positioned to ensure our future success. Whatever comes of our negotiations, I also want above all else to avoid the F-G war of attrition that only sets Germany up for an early exit. I have reassured Russia that I will not block his capture of Sweden. I have rarely seen Germany do that, so it's a pretty conventional thing to promise. Naturally, my orders are subject to change but I see no reason at this point to strengthen England's hand to that extent, or to wreck Russia's chances of holding off his enemies in the south, so early in the game. John of Germany
Message from France to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
John, > I hope we can do business. I must say that I am a bit troubled by your > firm intention to order a unit to Burgundy. It seems to me that such a > decision ought to await at least some discussion between us. I'm sorry you're troubled. The reason I told you in this fashion is because I am an up-front person, and I vastly prefer honesty rather than pointless lies. Realistically speaking, there is next to nothing you can do to convince me _not_ to go to BUR, so I wanted to make sure that was known from the outset. If I don't go there, and you stab, my game is close to over. Not immediately, but the type of comeback that you staged last game after losing BUR immediately is extremely rare (and I compliment you whole-heartedly on that comeback). If this inflexibility on my end regarding something that I consider to be of paramount importance to the defense of my nation will make it difficult for the two of us to work together, then I'm sorry to hear it, but if that's how it's got to be, that's how it's got to be. To be honest, I seldom have major problems with German players regarding this course of action. If you want to bounce, that's fine, as I said. Although to be honest, it makes more tactical sense, IMO, for me to go to BUR and you to go to RUH or something. That way, you could always go back to MUN to bounce me if you fear treachery, but more importantly, we could do something together in BEL that we both can benefit from. See below. > But I do > understand your concerns. My problem, of course, is that I almost have to > bounce, which immobilizes one of my units for the Spring turn. If we are > to work together, wouldn't you prefer that I make the strongest move > possible? Yes, so long as it doesn't leave me wide open. The only German center that BUR borders is MUN. You can cover it in Fall if you fear treachery. I don't think my moving into BUR should necessarily prevent you from making the strongest move possible. > That said, it does remain possible for me to move strongly, then defend > Munich in the Fall if it appears you are against me. Whoops. Yes, that should teach me to re-read the whole message again before responding. :) You're obviously correct, as I needlessly repeat above. > Therefore, I can see > my way to accepting a French army in Burgundy. However, I'd like for you > to help me into Belgium to take some of the sting out of it. Then, I'd > even welcome the army in Burgundy. It would also be the best possible sign > of our prospects for future cooperation. Whichever way we go from there, > I'll be well positioned to ensure our future success. I'd be receptive to supporting you into BEL, depending on how you want to address the English issue. > Whatever comes of our negotiations, I also want above all else to avoid the > F-G war of attrition that only sets Germany up for an early exit. I'd like to avoid that as well, as it also makes me stagnate, if not die. > I have reassured Russia that I will not block his capture of Sweden. I > have rarely seen Germany do that, so it's a pretty conventional thing to > promise. Naturally, my orders are subject to change but I see no reason at > this point to strengthen England's hand to that extent, or to wreck > Russia's chances of holding off his enemies in the south, so early in the > game. Interesting. With Steve Cooley in Turkey, I think I'm probably in favor of Russia gaining SWE this year, anyway. :) How do you want to deal with England? Neutrality? Full-bore attack? Three-way alliance? Hohn
Message from England to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Russia to England in 'pouchtoo': > > > >>Seems like a plan to me. I'll do that and gauge his reaction. I'll >>probably sound him out as to an attack on you and see how receptive he is. >>I'll pass along any willingness on his part. As you know, forewarned is >>fourlegged or something like that... > >When you 'sound him out', don't actually suggest that the two of you could >combine to attack me, ok? Not that I think you would attack me, but he >might, and I don't want him to think I might be especially vulnerable. I figured I would ask for a reaction and then tell him later that "western concerns" lead me away from any northern attack. Fair enough? Cal
Message from England to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Germany to England in 'pouchtoo': > >Cal, > >Re going against France, in general, I'd be disinclined to commit to such a >thing in the first year. FG war right off is not usually good for Germany. >I'd become too tempting a target for my other neighbors. But Hohn has >guaranteed he's going to order an army to Burgundy, so he might be forcing >me to it. So, I am more open than I would usually be to discussing >anti-France action. Okay, see what you think and let me know. >Signs point to Russia moving south, FYI. I'll inform you if anything >contradicts this early impression. That's a good thing to know and I got the same impression from Jamie. ttyl Cal
Message from Russia to England in 'pouchtoo':
>I figured I would ask for a reaction and then tell him later that "western >concerns" lead me away from any northern attack. I thought you must be planning something like that. >Fair enough? Yes. Only make sure you 'tell him later' pretty soon, so he doesn't go making any big plans which he then feels he doesn't really have time or inclination to change, if you see what I mean. Anyway, I think if you mention to him that Italy is planning a Lepanto, that ought to do the trick for me. Thanks, Jamie
Message from England to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Italy to England in 'pouchtoo': > >King Kal: > >Thank you for your response to my mail. It is indeed nice to face you over >a (virtual) board! I concur that E/I is a great pair, well-suited to >mutual cooperation, even to the point of a two-way. > >You are correct that the east will be my first concern, but like you, I will >have my eyes open to check "certain" other coasts. > >As for intelligence received from France and Germany, I have little for you >at this point. France and I have set up the usual western Med DMZ, and >Germany has written but briefly to agree to a Tyrolia DMZ. As far as what >they are saying about you, Germany had no foreign policy to expouse, and >France said that he will be deciding which of you or Germany to team with. >He asked me which I would prefer him to join, saying he imagined that I >would rather see an F/G against you up there in England, but I wrote back >and said that he should not make any decision for my benefit, and pointing >out that his estimation was not correct, since (as I pointed out to you) >an eliminated England means fleet builds in Marseilles and Brest rather >than in Edinburgh and London. I do not think he leans any particular >direction yet, mostly because as I understand it, he had yet even to speak >with you or Germany. > >Needless to say, though, my own interests are not well served if you three >set up a western triple. France didn't seem to have such a thing on his mind, >but then of course he wouldn't let on to me if he did. But from my point of >view, I would dearly love to see a two-on-one between you three, to keep >France busy with something other than my precious homeland. > >As for which configuration of a two-on-one would be nice, I frankly >would like to see you on the "two" side, for the same reason that centers >on which shipbuilders will be employed in the long-term. > >Must run -- I'll keep you informed, and ask that you do the same.... > >Manus
Message from Italy to England in 'pouchtoo':
I got your message to me, but it consisted entirely of my message to you. :-) Manus
Message from England to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Italy to England in 'pouchtoo': >As for intelligence received from France and Germany, I have little for you >at this point. France and I have set up the usual western Med DMZ, and >Germany has written but briefly to agree to a Tyrolia DMZ. As far as what >they are saying about you, Germany had no foreign policy to expouse, and >France said that he will be deciding which of you or Germany to team with. >He asked me which I would prefer him to join, saying he imagined that I >would rather see an F/G against you up there in England, but I wrote back >and said that he should not make any decision for my benefit, and pointing >out that his estimation was not correct, since (as I pointed out to you) >an eliminated England means fleet builds in Marseilles and Brest rather >than in Edinburgh and London. I do not think he leans any particular >direction yet, mostly because as I understand it, he had yet even to speak >with you or Germany. I've gotten the initial opening letters from France, Germany & Russia but no followups to my replies yet so I don't have any tidbits for you. Your info above is quite welcome and valuable so I'll be looking to reciprocate as soon as I hear anything of interest to you. >Needless to say, though, my own interests are not well served if you three >set up a western triple. France didn't seem to have such a thing on his mind, >but then of course he wouldn't let on to me if he did. But from my point of >view, I would dearly love to see a two-on-one between you three, to keep >France busy with something other than my precious homeland. I'm not a big fan of the western triple and prefer to avoid them. So far, no one has mentioned that possibility yet. Personally, I'd prefer to be on the attacking side of a 2 on 1. >As for which configuration of a two-on-one would be nice, I frankly >would like to see you on the "two" side, for the same reason that centers >on which shipbuilders will be employed in the long-term. Agreed. I'll be in touch. King Kal
Message from England to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
Sorry about that. Key slipped... :) You should have the real message by now. King Kal >Message from [email protected] as Italy to England in 'pouchtoo': > >I got your message to me, but it consisted entirely of my message to you. :-) > >Manus
Message from Italy to England in 'pouchtoo':
> Sorry about that. Key slipped... :) You should have the real message by > now. > :-) Indeed I do, with thanks. A bit more intelligence: Turkey indicates to me that his preference is to open strong north. I don't know what your feelings are toward Russia, but the Turk might be worth talking to no matter what. I would appreciate it if you could perhaps work to confirm this for me. Keeping Turkey off the waters is the first big thing I want. Manus
Message from Italy to Master and Turkey in
'pouchtoo': Mr. Master: Just so you know, I responded to a bit of Turkish press sent in private e-mail to me, but in doing so, I sent the message to the USIN judge rather than USWI (a lapse in memory concerning which midwestern state is hosting this game; and as a big Broncos fan, Wisconsin is not the top of the list of things I'm in the habit of typing right now). Well, I didn't save a copy of the message, and USIN has yet to bounce it back to me (either it is down or -- more likely -- my mail aliases file has the old address for USIN in it and the message is lost in the ether). After the delay had grown a bit too long, I mailed Steve in private e-mail telling him that I wasn't ignoring him and giving an abridged version of my still-lost response. In case it doesn't show up for me to forward to him (and to you, you eavesdropper you) through the correct judge (though Nathan, the cheesehead judgekeeper, may censor it now that he knows I'm a die-hard Broncos fan), here is a VERY brief encapsulation for the time capsule: Sorry to have made myself misunderstood when I said my first move would look Lepanto. What I meant was that I hope no offense is taken by a S01 move to ION and a possible move to Apu. I am after control of the Med, not an attack on Turkey. I hope you commit your fleet to the Black Sea without undue concern for my fleets. Instead, I hope we [I/T] find cause to work together. Ever mindful of my place in history -- so the future generations can be taught how to lose with grace and dignity, I am, Manus
Message from Italy to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
Early word from Turkey is that he likes to open aggressively north when playing that power. Could be he just says that to all the pretty Italians, and I'd appreciate your not revealing your knowledge of this little tidbit, but for what it's worth, that's what he says. Still have heard nothing from our World Champ down in Austria, who, as has been said, "Rules!" :-) Manus
Message from England to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Russia to England in 'pouchtoo': > > >>I figured I would ask for a reaction and then tell him later that "western >>concerns" lead me away from any northern attack. > >I thought you must be planning something like that. > >>Fair enough? > >Yes. >Only make sure you 'tell him later' pretty soon, so he doesn't go making >any big plans which he then feels he doesn't really have time or >inclination to change, if you see what I mean. > >Anyway, I think if you mention to him that Italy is planning a Lepanto, >that ought to do the trick for me. No problem. I plan to do both in my very next letter. King Kal
Message from England to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
>Message from [email protected] as Italy to England in 'pouchtoo': > >> Sorry about that. Key slipped... :) You should have the real message by >> now. >> >:-) Indeed I do, with thanks. > >A bit more intelligence: Turkey indicates to me that his preference is to >open strong north. I don't know what your feelings are toward Russia, but >the Turk might be worth talking to no matter what. > >I would appreciate it if you could perhaps work to confirm this for me. >Keeping Turkey off the waters is the first big thing I want. I've sent mail to Turkey, but he hasn't answered yet. Maybe he was the one having problems with the Judge? Anyway, I've already sounded him out about his atitude toward Russia and I'll let you know what he says. King Kal
Message from Russia to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
Thanks for the tidbit about Turkey. It doesn't worry me too much, since he would presumably tell you that no matter what his actual plans. So the information content is low. I hope we hear, or one of us hears, from Austria soon. Maybe he's on one of those endless European holidays. I've had at least a short message from everyone else, and I feel moderately comfortable about the North, so I'm ready for a southern opening. Jamie
Message from Italy to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
> Thanks for the tidbit about Turkey. It doesn't worry me too much, since he > would presumably tell you that no matter what his actual plans. So the > information content is low. > Indeed so. > I hope we hear, or one of us hears, from Austria soon. Maybe he's on one of > those endless European holidays. > Could be. I've got a French DMZ, a Tyrolia DMZ with Germany, I've told Turkey I'm opening to ION, a friendly exchange of hellos from England, and I've got committment for a strong I/R. But nothing from Austria. > I've had at least a short message from everyone else, and I feel moderately > comfortable about the North, so I'm ready for a southern opening. > Okay -- looks like we have a whole lot of time, though, before the deadline so I'm with you in hoping Cyrille pops to life. Especially if we're headed for Turkey first. If he doesn't, we may have to rethink that plan. Manus
Message from France to Austria, England, Germany, Italy,
Russia, Turkey and Master in 'pouchtoo': No preference on the e-mail/press issue. On another note, I'm going to be out of town until Sunday night. I'll respond to press upon my return. Have a great weekend, everyone! Hohn
Message from Austria to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
Hi Manus, sorry for answering so late, but I was abroad for my job. I hope you still do not have really choose on your strategy for the game. I'm glad to hear you speak about your fleet game. It's also the way I'm playing Italy. Of course, I heard about the key Lepanto. Edi Birsan told me about that. He plays it a few times, but always as Italy, I guess:-) I mean, knowing almost nobody in the game, and really new to BPM games, I would prefer a smoother approach, saying a classic Lepanto, which I will be able to support with my F Gre, moving to Aeg, or supporting your fleet in it. Of course, I will watch carefully to avoid a Juggernaut, and the best way to do it is to cooperate since now. If one of us attack the other one, at l east before the end of turkey, it will be our common death. The A/I ally is one of the strongest one in the board. As you suggest it, I will build armies while you build fleets. The crucial point is to leave a DMZ between us. I always play like that with my allies. Simple but true: if you're far from your allies' dots, you just can't stab it, or at least very poorly. that's why I suggest to leave both Trieste and Venice empty, considering also, and Germany seems to agree, tyrolia as a DMZ. I will move East, while you move South-East, and hope this will lead us to a great game. Waiting for your opinion, I wish you good luck for the game, Cyrille (Austria)
Message from Austria to Germany in 'pouchtoo':
Hi John, I agree too about the DMZ in Tyrolia. More than that, I suggest we extend it in Bohemia (it's a crazy opening, but sometimes...). It's also clear that the 3 central powers MUST cooperate, at least with a non-agression pact, in order to first survive, then try to extend. I wish you good luck for the game, Cyrille from Austria.
Message from Austria to France in 'pouchtoo':
Hi Hohn, thanks for your sweet message. Even if I don't know most of the players in that game, I heard about some, and I guess it will be a nice one. I'm sure of nothing since now, and I'd like Italy to be there to help me, to face a possible Juggernaut. In any case then, I will send him against yo u. (well, when I say send, it means ask, of course:-). I will probably open smoothly in that game, and wait to see what's happen. Our common position should lead us to exchange informations, as far as it seems benefic for both of us of course. At this moment, I have no informations about France indeed. Maybe you've some about Austria:-)? Anyway, good luck, Cyrille from Austria.
Message from Austria to Russia in 'pouchtoo':
Hi James, sorry for answering so late, but I was abroad for my job. I hope you still do not have really choose on your strategy for the game. As strong land powers, you should have some great opportunities. If we act together, we won't have many threats. You're the one country on the board with the most oppotunities, maybe with Italy. I'd like to play with you. If you say that you're not gonna move into Galicia, I won't go myself, letting you take surely Rumania. Do you plan to pla y 2-2, or 3-1? Against Turkey, England, Germany, or even me? Maybe you think I'm really agressive. I'm not, but it's true that, using to play FTF short games, I choose quickly an option. But then, I can be a ve ry potent ally. Waiting for your answer, I wish you Good luck for the game. Cyrille from Austria.
Message from Italy to Austria in 'pouchtoo':
Hello! Good to hear from you. I have no time to write just now (very busy at work) but wanted to quickly respond and say that what you wrote sounds fine with me. I am committed to an I/A alliance because I agree with you that anything else is suicide for us both. Your idea to immediately DMZ Trieste and Venice sounds good to me. Must run. More later.... Manus
Message from Russia to Austria in 'pouchtoo':
Dear Cyrille, Glad to hear from you at last. My plans are not set yet, don't worry. I accept the agreement that neither of us will move to Galicia. And I would generally like to work with you, too. I think I will go 3-1, but if something comes up in the North at the last minute I will go 2-2. I am willing to go against Turkey right away, *if* I feel confident that two conditions hold: (a) that you will also be attacking Turkey, and (b) that you and Italy will be at peace. So I don't care whether Italy actually attacks Turkey or instead sails westward, as long as he is not fighting with you. I would like to be rid of Turkey and reduce the number of neighbors I have to worry about, but I am not going to take him on alone. Tell me when you have spoken to more of our neighbors (including Italy) and you have a better idea of what you want to do. At that point, I suggest that we might try to find some third power, a northwestern one, to join us in a quiet 3-way alliance. In e-mail Diplomacy, since there is so much time and opportunity to talk and make plans, I think it is a good idea to try to "manage" the whole board, rather than to focus completely on local issues, if you see what I mean. Big plans hardly ever work out the way you expect, but it is useful to start them early anyway, in my experience. Regards, Jamie
Message from Germany to Austria in 'pouchtoo':
DMZ in Bohemia is fine with me. I can't envision circumstances under which I would want to violate that one. Best of luck. John
Message from Russia to Italy in 'pouchtoo':
>Okay -- looks like we have a whole lot of time, though, before the >deadline so I'm with you in hoping Cyrille pops to life. Especially if >we're headed for Turkey first. If he doesn't, we may have to rethink >that plan. I thought that at first, but then I realized, there's really no chance that this game will go forward without Cyrille's active participation. If he doesn't pop up, Rick will replace him. It's a demo game. So we will certainly have a chance to make plans with Austria before the move. By the way, I am thinking I will attempt to convince Turkey that you are going to play Lepanto. Is that ok? Jamie
Message from Italy to Master in 'pouchtoo':