| Press for Fall of 1904 in ghodstoo |
Movement
Private message from Italy to France:
John: Although I hate to admit it, it looks as if I'm about to fall to
the cursed A/T duo. Are you still prepared to move that army in Mars to
Piedmont and follow it up with a fleet build in the Winter? I have to
study the tactics a bit more, but at this point it certainly seems as if
some help would be appreciated. I just need to know what my options
are, hence my query.
Thanx for your time.
Cal
Private message from Italy to Germany:
Pitt: I think it's time we started working together more closely.
In other words:
HELP!
I'm sure you've noticed that there is a game-long alliance emerging out
of the East with A/T about to steamroll. Well, you're about to lose the
only viable ally(ies) you have on this side of the stalemate line.
Is there any way you can see for you (and/or England and/or France) to
help me stop A/T? I'd rather not see France in the Med, but a Teutonic
army or three heading across the plains towards Vienna might enable me
to hold Edi off long enough for you gain the size you need to handle the
two of them. I'm sure Mark could be useful for a year or two doing the
same thing.
Guess I'm basically playing for a strong second now (always was a
dreamer...). Help me now and I'll help you in the long run.
A quick reply would be appreciated. Grazie.
Cal
Private message from Italy to Russia:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Sigh...there's no use saying "I told you so," because I wanted to believe
> it, too. Hohn pretty much let out that this has been a game-long
> conspiracy with Edi, so I'm assuming anything he says (as opposed to
> does) is so much pap. I'm trying to stay in touch, pointing out that
> (unless they have a prearranged deal this turn), Edi stands to get TRI
> and WAR, where Hohn gets zero. Who knows, maybe they'll trade off....
Nothing worse than wishful thinking in a Dip game, eh? We've both been
guilty of it since turn 1 with the Q Continuum.
> Have also gotten angry with Germany, who stabbed me for no reason --
> unless he's no in cahoots with AT. He can't spare one army for the east,
> but he can spare two fleets for my centers...
Didn't you take a centre off him last turn? Or was it the move to
Sweden?
> As such, here's my intent:
>
> retreat to SIL.
>
> Sil then used either anti-germany (Sil/Boh vs Mun, or Sil-Ber, and Vie S
> Tri-Vie!), or
> anti-AT (Sil S Mos-War, StP-Mos).
I like the idea of A Boh S A Tri-Vie. That should give Edi something to
think about as I really think he'll use Albania to cover Serbia (altho
he MAY decide to cede me Serbia for the one turn it would take them to
blow it up.
> The way I see it, they suckered us both good. You can either defend TRI
> this turn (assuming I help you and/or you guess correctly by Ion-Alb to
> cut support), or you can hold Ion and lose TRI.
>
> As such, I at least offer you support of BOH S TRI-VIE.
> I don't know how well it works, because even if you get it (and cover
> with Apu-ven), then Edi retreats to Tyo and has Tri/Tyo vs VEN next turn
> (forcing you to hit Tri with Adr and risking Ion!). the alternative,
> however, is to guess right in defending Tri, lose ION, and then have Edi
> build at least one, possibly two. Shudder...
Still, it keeps one centre out of his hands for one more turn. That's
one
more turn to whisper sweet nothings in Hohn's ear. Who knows? Maybe
the
horse will sing...
> You may need to ask France to move Mar-Pie and build F lyo next turn,
> much as I hate to say it.....
Yuck. But you may be right. Wonder if he'll still do it.?
> Anyway, I'm dealing with Jamie, have written all players (including my
> tormentors) and refuse to give up hope. Time will tell. Just let me
> know if you want support to Vienna, plan on holding 9AND RETREATING TO
> SERBIA?), etc....
I've got some writing to do too. Already wrote to Edi & Hohn this
morning.
Guess it's Pitt's turn now.
Regards
Cal
Hello, everyone, more machinations, more stabs, more fun.
I remind all of you that I still am interested in more "game summary"
stuff from your point of view. What is most useful, of course, are
comments that do not appear elsewhere in the press, since that stream
already is saved. I can't tell you how big it is, since that would be
private information, but it is not insignificant and will be very
interesting to review after the game. Add to that knowledge base!
In addition, I have extended the deadline to Mayday to account for
a player's trip out of town. Since I do not believe said player
made his trip public, I will not reveal which one it is. Remember
that I am trying to be very careful not to reveal private information,
so if you want people to know, you know where the "broadcast" key is.
Great game,
Jim
Private message from England to France:
Gents,
As Jim knows, I am leaving this afternoon for Pittsburgh. (That must be
where Pitt lives.) I'll be back Sunday.
Bye.
Jamie
Private message from Master to Turkey:
>
> Message from [email protected] as England to Master, Austria, Germany,
> Russia, Turkey, Italy and France in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Gents,
>
> As Jim knows, I am leaving this afternoon for Pittsburgh. (That must be
> where Pitt lives.) I'll be back Sunday.
>
> Bye.
>
> Jamie
>
>
I take that back.... what timing, it at least is semi-public information.
In any case, I'm assuming that the Thursday deadline will meet Jamie's
needs. Hope your wrist improves on or ahead of schedule! (whoops,
was that public ;-)
Jim
Private message from France to Russia:
I don't think Germany will be doing much weakening of anyone. While in all
likelihood, A Sil will move against AT, it is by no means guaranteed.
Germany has to be thinking about Russians in Munich. I know I would. In
addition, Nwy-Swe does severe damage to his defenses in the North.
Certainly, your situation is dire. If Germany survives a turn, he may find
the pressure considerably relieved. Nonetheless, he is not out of the
woods yet.
Jean de France
Private message from Russia to France:
King Jean
Hmmm....yes, it does seem that way. Funny how coincidences work out, My
Liege. Ah well, perhaps you will somehow be able to someday repay my
earlier benevolence, seeing how your German pal is about to weaken the
last anti-AT pillar in the East. The deluge will come in 1905....and
sooner from me.
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Master:
>I'm jealous, Jamie. Pittsburgh is a WONDERFUL city, one consistently
>voted in the Top 5 Places to Live. I intend to retire there (AND it
>just HAPPENS to be my hometown, to boot)...care to have my come along
>and carry your luggage, given that you've got that gimpy hand?
>
>Faz
>endpress
>signoff
>
>
>
>>----------
>>From: USIN Diplomacy Judge[SMTP:[email protected]]
>>Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 1997 12:32 PM
>>To: Fassio, M. MAJ SOC
>>Subject: Diplomacy notice: ghodstoo
>>
>> News about USIN can be found at
>> http://kleiman.indianapolis.in.us/usin.htm
>>
>> **** Judgekeeper will be away from May 3 until May
>> 10. Any USIN problems during that week will not
>> be resolved until my return. GM's, please adjust
>> your grace periods to reflect this time of risk ****
>>
>> All unmoderated games will be removed.
>> Judge keeper is [email protected].
>> Judge address is [email protected]
>>
>>Message from [email protected] as England to Master, Austria, Germany,
>>Russia, Turkey, Italy and France in 'ghodstoo':
>>
>>Gents,
>>
>>As Jim knows, I am leaving this afternoon for Pittsburgh. (That must be
>>where Pitt lives.) I'll be back Sunday.
>>
>>Bye.
>>
>>Jamie
>>
>>
>>
>
Private message from France to Russia:
Unfortunately, I am no longer in good position to move against Germany. My
armies are two moves away, and my fleets are useless against him. What
role could I possibly play?
Jean de France
Private message from France to Italy:
I think I can give you some help, yes. The main question was whether
Germany would come through on his promise to vacate my territory. He has.
Best,
Jean de France
Private message from France to Germany:
Thank you for coming through on your promise to vacate Burgundy. We are
now disengaged and can think about how to cooperate more aggressively. I
moved to Eng expecting that England would not cover Lvp, and I was correct.
He told me at the last minute that he would move to Hel. It does not
appear to have posed much additional problem for you. Russia's retreat to
Sil is by far the larger threat. (In fact, a French army in Bur could have
been very useful.)
I would be interested in how you wish to proceed. Let me know if I can
support your efforts. I may find myself involved in the south very soon.
Jean de France
Private message from France to Master:
Jim,
Here's how I see things as of Summer 1904. My alliance with Germany is
gaining strength. As things stand, he needs peace with me more than I need
it with him. He's in a precarious tactical position, even though R and E
are declining powers. If I were to take England's offer of Belgium, for
instance, Germany could be all but out of this game. RE would cooperate to
grab Munich and attack Denmark.
This is tempting, of course, because I would probably be the dominant power
in a 3-way. But I intend to take out England and allow Germany to defend
himself against Russia. The reason is that I don't see AT losing on either
front, and they are solid allies, despite Edi's pleas. Stopping them will
require a very strong ally. Germany is better positioned to have the power
needed than even Russia and England combined.
Italy has finally seen the light and asked me to help him in the Med. He
was wise to resist as long as he has. He must have read The Prince.
Machiavelli strongly warns against allowing foreign troops in to support
your cause, for good reason. I'll help Italy, as long as AT are
threatening. I may well end up in a stalemate with no opportunity for
anything else. But I hope that something opens up so I can grab some
Italian centers. I might find a way to use Italy's centers to drive a
wedge between A and T.
The northern front should keep Germany too busy to think about threatening
me. Therefore, I should be able to turn most of my forces to the Med. I
will probably build all fleets for quite a while to carry this out, and
because I don't have to fear a land assault. I hope Germany can turn east
in time. I think we need to take out England as quickly as possible.
That's the view from Paris.
John
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Didn't you take a centre off him last turn? Or was it the move to
Sweden?
** No; SWE was always mine, as was Nwy. he ws mad that I supported
England two turns ago into Nth Sea, and translated that as "an anti-G
alliance..." despite the pro-g moves I made this season. he's just a
vulutre, as Edi protratys him, basically, and he smells fresh meat.
I like the idea of A Boh S A Tri-Vie. That should give Edi something to
think about as I really think he'll use Albania to cover Serbia (altho
he MAY decide to cede me Serbia for the one turn it would take them to
blow it up.
** That's fine. it doesn't keep me solvent, but hey, who cares if I'm a
1- or 2-center Russia at this stage?
> As such, I at least offer you support of BOH S TRI-VIE.
> I don't know how well it works, because even if you get it (and cover
> with Apu-ven), then Edi retreats to Tyo and has Tri/Tyo vs VEN next
turn
> (forcing you to hit Tri with Adr and risking Ion!). the alternative,
> however, is to guess right in defending Tri, lose ION, and then have
Edi
> build at least one, possibly two. Shudder...
Still, it keeps one centre out of his hands for one more turn. That's
one
more turn to whisper sweet nothings in Hohn's ear. Who knows? Maybe
the
horse will sing...
**Yeah, right. And maybe you'll be Quebec's next Prime Minister, too.
believe that, and Hohn will take ION next turn.
> You may need to ask France to move Mar-Pie and build F lyo next turn,
> much as I hate to say it.....
Yuck. But you may be right. Wonder if he'll still do it.?
** I got a very fence-sitting message from him, and he says he'd 'like'
to hit Germany, but gee, all his units aren't in a position to do so. I
apprised the "conveniece" of his predicament, and gently reminded him
what two folks (I/R) saved his bacon after the initial QC. I'm sure it
will have *no* effect on his pro-G, grab Lvp plans....
> Anyway, I'm dealing with Jamie, have written all players (including my
> tormentors) and refuse to give up hope. Time will tell. Just let me
> know if you want support to Vienna, plan on holding 9AND RETREATING TO
> SERBIA?), etc....
I've got some writing to do too. Already wrote to Edi & Hohn this
morning.
Guess it's Pitt's turn now.
** Pitt sent me tripe today. Says he really does want good Rg relations,
but he's at a loss for ways to make that happen, other than perhaps
"supporting me in Nwy." I lambasted him by pointing out that Eng didn't
take Nwy last turn with two, and he can't take it now with one --
especially when he's in HEL to boot! I told Pitt if he REALLY wanted
good relations, he'd leave Swe...And, knowing that he won't, I see Boh +
Sil in a new light ... we'll see how great that makes RG relations! The
dog...
Keep plugging, partner.
Faz
Private message from Italy to France:
> Message from [email protected] as France to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
> I think I can give you some help, yes. The main question was whether
> Germany would come through on his promise to vacate my territory. He has.
Great! Will that help take the form of an army and a fleet as I
mentioned?
Thanx!
Cal d'Italia
Private message from Italy to Russia:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> ** That's fine. it doesn't keep me solvent, but hey, who cares if I'm a
> 1- or 2-center Russia at this stage?
Well, actually, *I* do. I think your help will be vital if I'm going to
arrange Hohn and Edi's downfall. I've already spoken to Pitt about this
and he seems sympathetic to that cause (he SHOULD as he stands to
benefit
most from it). I think he can be persuaded to help you stay at least
alive and on our side. He just wants you to lay off him (yeah, yeah, I
know - quel surprise, but I think it's in your best interest as well).
The longer you stick around, the better, as anything can happen in this
game.
> Still, it keeps one centre out of his hands for one more turn. That's
> one more turn to whisper sweet nothings in Hohn's ear. Who knows?
> Maybe the horse will sing...
>
> **Yeah, right. And maybe you'll be Quebec's next Prime Minister, too.
> believe that, and Hohn will take ION next turn.
Nah, if they separate, they'll have a President and my Francais sux big
time.
> > You may need to ask France to move Mar-Pie and build F Lyo next turn,
> > much as I hate to say it.....
>
> Yuck. But you may be right. Wonder if he'll still do it.?
>
> ** I got a very fence-sitting message from him, and he says he'd 'like'
> to hit Germany, but gee, all his units aren't in a position to do so. I
> apprised the "conveniece" of his predicament, and gently reminded him
> what two folks (I/R) saved his bacon after the initial QC. I'm sure it
> will have *no* effect on his pro-G, grab Lvp plans....
You're depending on GRATITUDE in a Dip game? Hmmm...
Anyway, I asked him about his willingness to send a unit or two into
the Med and he agreed. He said it had just depended on Germany pulling
back and he did, so France doesn't mind sending units (uh huh, like he
would).
> ** Pitt sent me tripe today. Says he really does want good RG relations,
> but he's at a loss for ways to make that happen, other than perhaps
> "supporting me in Nwy." I lambasted him by pointing out that Eng didn't
> take Nwy last turn with two, and he can't take it now with one --
> especially when he's in HEL to boot! I told Pitt if he REALLY wanted
> good relations, he'd leave Swe...And, knowing that he won't, I see Boh +
> Sil in a new light ... we'll see how great that makes RG relations! The
> dog...
I think can Pitt do a lot FOR you by simply not doing anything TO you.
That and helping take out Jamie ASAP. Much as I hate to say it, I think
our chances of stopping A/T will be much improved if England isn't
around
as a wild card. Granted, it removes a threat from Pitt's back, which
could be very important later, but I'm afraid we have to sacrifice a bit
of the future to stop A/T in the present. I've written to France urging
him to eliminate England before doing anything else) aside from sending
ME troops, of course...heh heh).
That's all for now
Good luck
Cal
Private message from France to Germany:
Pitt, we are thinking along very much the same lines. My view is that we
need to take England out as fast as we can. As long as he's alive, we
can't turn our full attention to the east, which we need to do ASAP.
I look for FG to be a powerful, long-term alliance able to meet AT and, I
hope, prevail. Both R and E have sought my help. Or, more accurately,
they have offered to help me. Sure, being number one in a three-way
alliance is tempting, but a moment's thought shows why I would be a fool to
take their offers. AT is solid and growing. You and I both need strong
allies to defeat them. If I were to take the ER offer, I would have a
major war in the west to contend with while one of my supposed allies -
Russia - loses centers to AT. You are on the way to being a dominant
power, and together we can do no less than force a draw, maybe better.
FYI, I have ordered f iri-lvp and f eng-nth. I hope the cut of nth helps
you.
Italy did indeed contact me about assistance. I have promised it. I
should be fully embroiled in the Med within three moves. Thanks for the
good word.
Again, let me know how I can help out.
John
Private message from France to Italy:
I will move to pie this turn. A fleet should become available soon.
Jean de France
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Cal,
I'll think about the moves plans. Go ahead and order your guys
accordingly, just in case (i.e., assume support to Vienna). But I make
no guarantees. Pitt's so darn concerned NOW, when there's a threat to
his cetnters; where was his concern for the last two games years, when I
coul;d have used (and asked FOR) his presence in Sil, in Tyo, etc? he's
shedding crocodile tears right now, as far as I'm concerned.
If he leaves Sweden, we have a deal. otherwise, it will take much more
convincing for me...and I make no promises. Hopefully your silver
tongue will make him see that one center's greed may prove his long-term
undoing, while returning to the status quo makes me a new convert
again...
Faz
Private message from Italy to Germany:
> Message from [email protected] as Germany to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
Glad to see we're on the same page of the "Stop Edi & Hohn" manual...
Now to come up with workable tactics.
> Well, I *have* promised that but he's now hung up on me vacating Sweden.
> He's a funny guy. When I'm nasty to him, he sucks up to me, in press and
> in his play. When I try to work with him, he gets threatening and then
> moves against me. He was apologizing to me and asking to work with me
> *after* I took Sweden. Once I said I was willing to stop there and
> continue to prop him up, he retreated to SIL and has all but told me he's
> going to take MUN or BER. Go figure.
Would you be willing to let him keep Sweden? I think he'd be more
viable
at three centres in terms of stopping A/T. I'll understand if you
refuse,
but I think we'd be better off if you do.
> >As for France [...] if he does send an army and a fleet south, that would
> >probably make you more comfortable about doing the same, no?
>
> Sure.
John has said he's willing to do this. He was only waiting to see if
you
would vacate his country.
> >Maybe if
> >you two work out something to take England out, that would be one less
> >factor to worry about.
>
> That would be my plan. At the moment, however, he has the upper hand so he
> will be able to dictate the direction we take. I'll do my best to see that
> it leads to a rapid English demise so FG can join you vs. AT.
> >Anyway, let me your thoughts on the matter and I'll write Mark. Maybe
> >you can do the same and we can ALL set out (minus England?) to stop the
> >greatest threat to Western Civilization since the invention of
> >television...
>
> Heh...I'm on board and I'll take the lead with getting France there, too.
> I'll need your help with Russia.
I've written Mark about this and I'll let you know what he says. I
don't
think he has an awful lot of choice unless, of course, he's totally
given
up. If that appears to be the case, I'll remind him it's a demo game.
That should work...grin. I'll probably do a cc letter to the four of us
once we start coordinating plans and tactics.
Regards
Cal
Private message from Italy to Russia:
Mark: Got a note from Pitt this morning which sounded fairly
promising. As I suspected, he's as concerned about the A/T juggernaut
as I am and he wants to do something about it. I believe he's sincere
for the best of reasons: it's in his self-interest. If we get an
anti-A/T coalition of F/G/I/R, Pitt stands to be the one who comes out
of it the big winner, both position and centre-wise. Therefore, I
believe we can work with him. We'll worry about how to take HIM down to
size later (with French help, no doubt).
For the immediate future, we really need a German attack across the
plains towards Austria. Unfotunately, before he does THAT, he wants
some assurances that you won't be attacking him. As a suggestion, I'd
use the following orders: A Boh s A Tri-Vie; A Sil-War, s by A Mos; A
Stp s A Mos; F Nwy-Swe. The last order is in hopes Pitt vacates Swe.
I'll try to convince him that we need you at at least 3 centres to be
effective. These orders should convince him of your anti-A/T
intentions.
Whaddya say?
Cal
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Hi Pitt,
Note below...
>.
>You're right. I don't see that as a viable option. I could lie and try to
>convince you that I will give it up by I doubt you'd believe me and doing
>so would only make it that much harder for an RG rapprochement.
** I understand your logic, and appreciate the candor. I have to say,
though, that I find it hard to see your 'concern' over AT's threat when
you spend the first three games years saying how I'm to be the Eastern
Rampart, and then you tear down chunks of the wall from behind. How
does keeping a thorn in my paw make for better RG relations? It just
makes you out to be as bad as AT when it comes to "helping" folks. I
mean, this *is* Diplomacy, and none of us are Mother Theresa, but if I
was a 1918 German right now, I'd say the "stab in the back" policy
really _does_ sound right.
>
>I apologize. I wasn't looking at a map when I came up with that idea and I
>thought England still had F NWG and F NTH. After seeing the map, it's
>obvious that you needn't worry about Nwy and that my suggestion was not
>relevant.
** It's no big deal. The comment really went to the matter of the first
paragraph, i.e., you portray England as the rapacious,
"get-even-over-Nwy" threat when clearly he has no other intention that
to stave you off, and then you continue the phony baloney by continuing
to portray him as a "threat" to me. I don't think either of us believe
that; I know I don't.
>>If this is the best RG "improvement option" you can come up with, then I
>>don't regret my retreat.
>
>Yeah, sure. As if you were going to do go somewhere else anyway
** Well, actually I was thinking of Livonia, to guarantee a defense of
Moscow. And then I figured you'd just go Bal-Lvn anyway and help AT eat
me up. This way, I can at least get some mail from everyone because I'm
a regional pest.
>... You
>had the option and you took it. I don't fault you for that. The question
>now is: what are you going to do with thise 2 armies? If you use them to
>attack me and you outguess me, we remain status quo vis-a-vis each other.
** True. Certainly not the best option. Of course, if I don't attack
you, you keep one of my centers, I go
-1 (just from YOU), and probably -2 or -3. Is that in the Russian's
interests?
>However, we lose ground vs. AT.
** "We?"
Believe me, I've agonized on this one, too. As much as the grab of Swe
frosts me, the thought of AT completing killing me off bugs me even
more. Man, I wish you weren't in Sweden...
>It's up to you to decide. I don't know
>what I can say to influence your decision that wouldn't sound self-serving.
> If I'm missing something, let me know.
** No, you're on the money, Pitt. It just boils down to how many
centers I'd like to have in 1905, is all. Quite honestly, if I'm a
2-center Russia, you probably WOULD "turn the vulture" and just
accelerate my doom, if only to prevent At from doing so....especially if
I'm in the Far North as a redoubt anyway...si?
Tsaf Faz
Private message from Russia to France:
King Jean,
>I don't think Germany will be doing much weakening of anyone.
** Not necessarily weakening, other than rducing me one thru Sweden's
grab.
>While in all
>likelihood, A Sil will move against AT, it is by no means guaranteed.
** Definitely by NO means guaranteed; hence my question posed earlier to
you...after all, if HEL-KIE becomes reality, and my newly-found peace
with Austria works (even for a turn or two), then MUN is a goner. I
just thought you might like to help grab more than just Lvp in the
long-run, before Germany becomes The Big kahuna in central Europe.
>Germany has to be thinking about Russians in Munich. I know I would.
** I know _I_ would, too.
> In
>addition, Nwy-Swe does severe damage to his defenses in the North.
** How? One unit hitting one unit? He just uses Swe-Den (Bal S) and
bounces any Brit move, should it occur, and nothing happens. Afraid I
disagree with your assessment here.
>Certainly, your situation is dire. If Germany survives a turn,
** If? Who's going to cripple him? hence our desire for French help.
Italy will lose Tri or Ion this turn, guaranteed. Gerrmany will stay
even or gain one (probably the latter) this turn. If AT stay true, then
I lose Mos, War and Swe this turn, and am down to 2 useless units.
>he may find
>the pressure considerably relieved. Nonetheless, he is not out of the
>woods yet.
** No; but the forests in France seem to offer him much shade and
solace. I guess it's a symbiotic relationship.
Oh, to re-do the 1901 turn again....
Tsar faz
Private message from Germany to Italy:
>I really don't think there will be a problem with Mark. He has promised
>to help me "until the end" and his actions thus far have borne that out.
>I think if you promise to let him keep a couple of centres, he'll be
>more than happy to work with us as a puppet against the terrible twosome.
Well, I *have* promised that but he's now hung up on me vacating Sweden.
He's a funny guy. When I'm nasty to him, he sucks up to me, in press and
in his play. When I try to work with him, he gets threatening and then
moves against me. He was apologizing to me and asking to work with me
*after* I took Sweden. Once I said I was willing to stop there and
continue to prop him up, he retreated to SIL and has all but told me he's
going to take MUN or BER. Go figure.
>After all, Edi and Hohn are far more responsible for his demise than you
>or England.
Well, that's how I see it, too, but he's yet to act as if he does.
Anything you can do to help smooth the troubled wtaers between us will go a
long way towards me being able to free up units for use against AT.
>As for France [...] if he does send an army and a fleet south, that would
>probably make you more comfortable about doing the same, no?
Sure.
>Maybe if
>you two work out something to take England out, that would be one less
>factor to worry about.
That would be my plan. At the moment, however, he has the upper hand so he
will be able to dictate the direction we take. I'll do my best to see that
it leads to a rapid English demise so FG can join you vs. AT.
>Anyway, let me your thoughts on the matter and I'll write Mark. Maybe
>you can do the same and we can ALL set out (minus England?) to stop the
>greatest threat to Western Civilization since the invention of
>television...
Heh...I'm on board and I'll take the elad with getting France there, too.
I'll need your help with Russia.
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to France:
>Thank you for coming through on your promise to vacate Burgundy.
You're welcome. By virtue of your BRE-GAS move, it looks as if you had
some doubts about my true intentions.
>moved to Eng expecting that England would not cover Lvp, and I was correct.
> He told me at the last minute that he would move to Hel. It does not
>appear to have posed much additional problem for you.
I wouldn't say that. For starters, I now have to worry about a potential
supported attack on DEN. That wouldn't be a big problem except I also need
to cover MUN and BER. Additionally, if you were to be thinking about
stabbing me (I only say *if*...), BEL is exposed. HEL cuts HOL support and
NTH and ENG take BEL.
I'm really hoping that you're not thinking along those lines. However,
just in case temptation is rearing it's ugly head, please let me point out
a few things. One, since helping you to stab England and arise from the
dead, I have been completely supportive of you and honored all my
committments. Two, I am not now, nor likely to be in the foreseeable
future (barring any action by you which would force me to change my plans),
any threat to you. I am engaged with Russia and England and I'm closer to
the AI front than you. Three, if you allow England to survive, you'll
always have him at your back. He's desperate for an opportunity and he'll
promise anything to anybody (I now, I've been listening to his entreaties
ever since we stabbed him). However, all that will almost certainly change
once he begins to recover. I, for one, would much rather have a secure
rear (we could easily DMZ England after we take those SC's) than have him
in my rear while I'm trying to deal with activities on the eastern or
southern fronts. I can only hope that you feel the same way.
>I would be interested in how you wish to proceed. Let me know if I can
>support your efforts. I may find myself involved in the south very soon.
*That* is exactly how I wish to proceed. I have been in contact with
Italy. He's very concerned about AT. I've managed to convince him that he
needs your help in the south to stave off that threat. He has agreed that
you should send a couple of fleets that way. So, you can begin to
establish a presence down there without having to worry about a
counter-attack. You'll be going there at his request!
That will give you another opportunity for expansion (against AT if you
choose to support Italy or against Italy if not - I'll support you
whichever way you choose to go).
Let me know what you think.
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to Russia:
>** I can; you can un-stab me and leave Sweden, and devote yourself to
>the problem of hitting the
>English -- you know, the guys you wanted to devote yourself against
>while I supposedly helped you by being the Eastern Whipping Boy? What
>about that? Yeah, I didn't _think_ so....
You're right. I don't see that as a viable option. I could lie and try to
convince you that I will give it up by I doubt you'd believe me and doing
so would only make it that much harder for an RG rapprochement.
>> I suppose I can offer to support you to hold NWY... Other than that, I'm
>>fresh out of neat solutions.
>
>** Pitt, if the English didn't hit me when they had two fleets up there,
>and if he now moved to Hel, why the heck do I need your support against
>F Nth?
I apologize. I wasn't looking at a map when I came up with that idea and I
thought England still had F NWG and F NTH. After seeing the map, it's
obvious that you needn't worry about Nwy and that my suggestion was not
relevant.
>If this is the best RG "improvement option" you can come up with, then I
>don't regret my retreat.
Yeah, sure. As if you were going to do go somewhere else anyway... You
had the option and you took it. I don't fault you for that. The question
now is: what are you going to do with thise 2 armies? If you use them to
attack me and you outguess me, we remain status quo vis-a-vis each other.
However, we lose ground vs. AT. It's up to you to decide. I don't know
what I can say to influence your decision that wouldn't sound self-serving.
If I'm missing something, let me know.
-Pitt
Private message from Master to Russia:
Mark,
I merely make note.... I can do no more at this instant for the
obvious reasons...... that this game has been full of interesting
regrets for you. And it is interesting at this exact point that
Jamie is out of town. Don't you think?
I can't help but make these side comments since I identify with your
struggles in this game so completely. We'll have to talk about this
more when it's over. I think (with the all seeing eye) that there's
lots more interesting stuff to come.
Jim
Private message from Russia to Master:
Hi Jim,
Yes, I have to admit, this game has seen me take some lumps. And JUST
WHEN I need English input as to a game plan or joint ops, he's off the
net. I _really_ need to see if he wants Nwy, or wants to go vs Germany
(in which case I hit Swe), etc. "Nice", convenient time to be missing,
eh?...
Italy is telling me that he thinks I need to jettison England and accede
to Germany's requests, because in the long run, an FGIR alliance vs AT
can only work if the English pinpricks vs FG are gone. There is truth
to that, but if I jettison my only friend (as it seems now) for the
benevolence of the guy who just stabbed me in Sweden, well....who knows?
My problem is if Italy believes that his future is best tied to an FGI
deal. If so -- and if I prove unwilling to cut England loose -- then
Cal may sell me down the river for expediency, also.
The south isn't much better. Hohn has deliberately lied every turn
since 1901, which makes me think this was all prearranged way back when.
If so, then it's a pretty inflexible set of players, unwilling to
adapt. Of course, he IS kicking my tail and is in potential to gain
more from friends and foes alike, so what do I know?! I mean, I
thought I had some really game-wreching move proposals for A and T all
along the line, but they chose to stay firm and continue their alliance.
Nothing wrong with that, but the game is rapidly becoming predictable.
Maybe from your vantage point that's not the case, as you See All, Know
All. But here in the trenches, life is looking pretty grim. And to
think I was the one who enticed Germany to hit England and to call off
the EI vs France -- who now pays me back with sympathy and little else.
Funny, these game quirks.
Well, depending on Nwy's status and if I go vs AT, I stand a chance of
regaining War and/or keeping Mos and StP, meaning a final tally of 3-4
centers remaining. In a worst-case environment, Eng gets Nwy, Ger keeps
Swe, AT guess right on War/Mos, and I'm down to two..or one.
Sigh...I guess I wasn't too far off when I said I was an Intermediate
player, vice an expert...pretty embarassing.
Thanks for these little notes, Jim. You're being a SCRUPULOUS enforcer
of impartiality, and balancing personal notes with official
observations. I like it; keep it up!
Best
Mark
Private message from Master to Russia:
>
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Master in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Hi Jim,
> Yes, I have to admit, this game has seen me take some lumps. And JUST
> WHEN I need English input as to a game plan or joint ops, he's off the
> net. I _really_ need to see if he wants Nwy, or wants to go vs Germany
> (in which case I hit Swe), etc. "Nice", convenient time to be missing,
> eh?...
Yeah, remember that I have extended the deadline to next Thursday.
It is up to you to figure out how to manage that time. Obviously
I can't tell you what to do.
>
> Italy is telling me that he thinks I need to jettison England and accede
> to Germany's requests, because in the long run, an FGIR alliance vs AT
> can only work if the English pinpricks vs FG are gone. There is truth
> to that, but if I jettison my only friend (as it seems now) for the
> benevolence of the guy who just stabbed me in Sweden, well....who knows?
> My problem is if Italy believes that his future is best tied to an FGI
> deal. If so -- and if I prove unwilling to cut England loose -- then
> Cal may sell me down the river for expediency, also.
>
Remember that I see all, so I know what Cal is telling you....
> The south isn't much better. Hohn has deliberately lied every turn
> since 1901, which makes me think this was all prearranged way back when.
> If so, then it's a pretty inflexible set of players, unwilling to
> adapt. Of course, he IS kicking my tail and is in potential to gain
> more from friends and foes alike, so what do I know?! I mean, I
> thought I had some really game-wreching move proposals for A and T all
> along the line, but they chose to stay firm and continue their alliance.
> Nothing wrong with that, but the game is rapidly becoming predictable.
> Maybe from your vantage point that's not the case, as you See All, Know
> All. But here in the trenches, life is looking pretty grim. And to
> think I was the one who enticed Germany to hit England and to call off
> the EI vs France -- who now pays me back with sympathy and little else.
> Funny, these game quirks.
I probably shouldn't be propping up those who feel grim and I certainly
(for ethical reasons if nothing else) can't toss you a bone of hope,
but I've enjoyed reading your "game-wrenching move proposals" and hope
they don't completely disappear.... entertainment value and all that,
if nothing else. The observers tell me that they are enjoying the
game immensely. Remember that my postal/E-Mail szine has about 300
subbers and they have been (well, at least some of them) watching
it carefully.
>
> Well, depending on Nwy's status and if I go vs AT, I stand a chance of
> regaining War and/or keeping Mos and StP, meaning a final tally of 3-4
> centers remaining. In a worst-case environment, Eng gets Nwy, Ger keeps
> Swe, AT guess right on War/Mos, and I'm down to two..or one.
>
> Sigh...I guess I wasn't too far off when I said I was an Intermediate
> player, vice an expert...pretty embarassing.
>
I really wouldn't say that. This game has been jarring to everyone to
one extent or another. Everyone.... well, except probably Edi, you know,
has had at least some doubt about whether they should be here.
> Thanks for these little notes, Jim. You're being a SCRUPULOUS enforcer
> of impartiality, and balancing personal notes with official
> observations. I like it; keep it up!
>
> Best
> Mark
As you know, I am that type of GM. Most judge GMs stay very, very
far in the background. I come from the Don Williams school of GMing
which says that the GM is part of the game, with the balance that the
particular circumstances of this game imposes on me.
Hey, if I can't have fun, why be here???
Jim-Bob the Enforcer!
Private message from Russia to Master:
>Yeah, remember that I have extended the deadline to next Thursday.
>It is up to you to figure out how to manage that time. Obviously
>I can't tell you what to do.
** Thanks for the reminder. PLEASE NOTE: I have five weeks' FIELD DUTY
beginning in July. I get to be a platoon trainer and help the cows and
yuks become real soldiers (wargames, training courses, etc). of course,
they'll have to train the goofy Air Force guy before * I * can do any
training, but let's not sweat the details! Bottom line: if they don't
kill me by July, expect some delay requests on my part, as I try and
return from KY or the foxholes to send a set of orders...
>>
>> The south isn't much better. Hohn has deliberately lied every turn
>> since 1901, which makes me think this was all prearranged way back when.
>> If so, then it's a pretty inflexible set of players, unwilling to
>> adapt. Of course, he IS kicking my tail and is in potential to gain
>> more from friends and foes alike, so what do I know?! I mean, I
>> thought I had some really game-wreching move proposals for A and T all
>> along the line, but they chose to stay firm and continue their alliance.
>> Nothing wrong with that, but the game is rapidly becoming predictable.
>> Maybe from your vantage point that's not the case, as you See All, Know
>> All. But here in the trenches, life is looking pretty grim. And to
>> think I was the one who enticed Germany to hit England and to call off
>> the EI vs France -- who now pays me back with sympathy and little else.
>> Funny, these game quirks.
>
>I probably shouldn't be propping up those who feel grim and I certainly
>(for ethical reasons if nothing else) can't toss you a bone of hope,
>but I've enjoyed reading your "game-wrenching move proposals" and hope
>they don't completely disappear.... entertainment value and all that,
>if nothing else. The observers tell me that they are enjoying the
>game immensely. Remember that my postal/E-Mail szine has about 300
>subbers and they have been (well, at least some of them) watching
>it carefully.
>>
** I'm glad there is Observer enjoyment. I keep forgetting that a lot
of their commentary/observation is 'transparent' to us, but still
ongoing within the confines of your 'zine. I'm really glad this is
going well, Jim. You're doing good things for the hobby.
>> Sigh...I guess I wasn't too far off when I said I was an Intermediate
>> player, vice an expert...pretty embarassing.
>>
>I really wouldn't say that. This game has been jarring to everyone to
>one extent or another. Everyone.... well, except probably Edi, you know,
>has had at least some doubt about whether they should be here.
** True. But even after that's all said and done, the weakest (in my
own mind) player will indeed be "the first to go." Always a tough break
in a new field (PBEM for me). C'est la vie.
>
>As you know, I am that type of GM. Most judge GMs stay very, very
>far in the background. I come from the Don Williams school of GMing
>which says that the GM is part of the game, with the balance that the
>particular circumstances of this game imposes on me.
** And Don, being a very dear friend, has obviously "rubbed off" on you
well. Thanks Goodness!
Keep writing when the mood hits you.
Faz
Private message from Italy to Germany:
Pitt: Got a letter from Mark. He's willing to work with us and leave
you alone, but he's very adamant that you vacate Sweden. Otherwise he
intends to suicide against you. I don't think that Sweden is worth it.
Whaddya say?
Cal
Private message from Master to Russia:
>
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Master in 'ghodstoo':
>
> >Yeah, remember that I have extended the deadline to next Thursday.
> >It is up to you to figure out how to manage that time. Obviously
> >I can't tell you what to do.
>
> ** Thanks for the reminder. PLEASE NOTE: I have five weeks' FIELD DUTY
> beginning in July. I get to be a platoon trainer and help the cows and
> yuks become real soldiers (wargames, training courses, etc). of course,
> they'll have to train the goofy Air Force guy before * I * can do any
> training, but let's not sweat the details! Bottom line: if they don't
> kill me by July, expect some delay requests on my part, as I try and
> return from KY or the foxholes to send a set of orders...
It is pretty traditional in the Judge E-Mail world to take long summer
breaks (remember that the backbone of the system is the academic
world). In fact many games take the entire summer off!!!
My inclination will be to take a break during all of July if you will
be away, obviously contingent on your (expected) survival.
Jim
Private message from Germany to Master:
Jim,
If possible, I'd like a deadline extension until Friday, May 2, 1997. I've
been incommunicado since last Thursday due to the fact that my wife had eye
surgery last Friday. She's home now and doing well but, due to the fact
that she's confined to bed and, thus, I need to care for her, do everything
around the house she normally would, as well as earn a living, I have
little time for anything else.
I expect I'll be able to sneak a bit of time here and there in order to
diplome during the week but I won't be ready by the deadline, I'm sure. I
should be OK by Friday if you can extend until then.
Also, please feel free to let the other players know the reason for the
extension and that I will be in touch as soon as I can. Thanks.
-Pitt
Private message from Master to Turkey:
Pitt has asked for the extension to be extended until Friday. In the
continuing saga of illnesses, Pitt's wife had eye surgery. While
Pitt says she is fine, it has slowed his communication down.
One presumes that Jamie (and his broken wrist) will appreciate
the extra time as well.
I am out of town on business from shortly after I send this message until
Wednesday evening. I will check E-Mail very intermittently during that
time.
Jim
Private message from England to Russia:
>Welcome back, My Liege; hope you enjoyed the Steel City.
Thanks, yes, much.
>What shall we consider for the North? I reviewed your earlier (later?)
>proposal, and--quite naturally--the idea of Nwy-Swe intrigues me
>greatly. Not only does it allow me to keep a center, but in the event I
>do the "support to den" gambit, or the "hit Mun/Ber" option, it causes
>Pitt maximum consternation.
Right.
Well, I hope to hear *something* from F or G before making a final
decision, myself. Nothing yet!
>On that note: please keep the following close-hold (i.e., even moreso
>than normal correspondence), but I sense Italy is willing to sell you
>down the river in the hopes of keeping AT at bay. The logical reply is,
>"I'm sure he is," but it's still disquieting. He thinks that as long as
>you live, FG will be forever mindful of your presence, this diveritng
>them from the True Grail, that of defending vs AT.
I think this is foolish, myself. If/when G and F finish off all other
contenders in their neighborhood, they might well join arms and try to
cross the line together. France would merely sail into Italy. The finish
would then involve T, F, G, in a race.
But, I doubt that Italy has much influence over French or German moves, so
it doesn't worry me too much.
Later,
GKJ
Private message from Russia to England:
Welcome back, My Liege; hope you enjoyed the Steel City.
What shall we consider for the North? I reviewed your earlier (later?)
proposal, and--quite naturally--the idea of Nwy-Swe intrigues me
greatly. Not only does it allow me to keep a center, but in the event I
do the "support to den" gambit, or the "hit Mun/Ber" option, it causes
Pitt maximum consternation.
On that note: please keep the following close-hold (i.e., even moreso
than normal correspondence), but I sense Italy is willing to sell you
down the river in the hopes of keeping AT at bay. The logical reply is,
"I'm sure he is," but it's still disquieting. He thinks that as long as
you live, FG will be forever mindful of your presence, this diveritng
them from the True Grail, that of defending vs AT. He is also likewise
insistent (in a nice way, of course) that I back off rom attacking Pitt,
for the same reasons. The logic is that, if I let Pitt have his way, we
will first delay the At drive, and then France will be strong enough to
eventually hit Pitt, in conjunction with whoever's left. Just wanted to
give you my "read" of the tea leaves as to Western scuttlebutt regarding
their desires for you....
tsar faz
I'm back.
Jamie
I support faster moves as well, although I have to confess I
personally haven't had time this past week to answer any press. So
long as we can still get liberal deadline extensions in the event of
unforeseen occurrences, things should be fine, IMO. I'll try to be
more diligent in responding to press as well, despite the chaos that
changing jobs has inflicted upon my life. ;)
Hohn
Private message from Russia to Italy:
I agree with Edi's assessment. As you know, I also groused about the
slow pace, and wondered why we couldn't get moves in on time throughout
the first couple game-years. France made the same observation once,
too, I believe. Some if it just can't be helped: a spouse's eye
surgery, broken bones, bad backs, flu, etc will happen whether the game
is processed weekly, every third day, or monthly. But I do agree that
we are one s-l-o-w-l-y moving game.
Now, having remembered the "people who live in glass houses shouldn't
throw stones" phrase, I will be just as "guilty" soon enough. I'll be
in the field, training cadets, for five WEEKS, starting in July. (No,
that DOESN'T mean "kill Faz so he doesn't slow down the game," smart
guys!) I will try to find my computer console during that time
frame--but consider this yet another "game curse" soon to happen. I
will meet my end of the deadlines, regardless. I'm for speeding up the
game. It's been days since you non-allies have written me anything,
anyway -- why stretch out the silence longer?
Faz
I agree with John and Edi.
-Jamie
I endorse Edi's suggestion to move to shorter deadlines. Certainly, we can
speed up the build/retreat phases, if not the moves.
Hey guys I know that this game is cursed from a health stand point and all of
us so far have had serious problems. Therefore I will suggest that after this
current delay we go to a 3 or 4 day deadline so that we can advance things
quicker. This will give the curse less time to operate on and we can make up
for the lost time.
At this rate the game is going at about the same speed as 71BC which was the
first Demonstration Game in Diplomacy World/Hoosier Archieves.
Edi
Edi Birsan
Midnight Games
[email protected]
Web site: www.mgames.com
Private message from Master to Turkey:
Well, Pitt, consider yourself universally chastised!
My feeling is that the role of the GM in these cases is to grant requests
such as Pitt's and to leave the rest within the game. Thus, the
complaints from the players are very much in order, but are (in my view)
a message to Pitt, rather than a message to me. Rather than judging
the relative worth of delay requests, you are on your own with your
fellow players. They may "remove the relevance" of your requests, if they
wish. ;-)
Jim
Private message from Master to Turkey:
I do wish to emphasize that shortening the basic deadlines themselves
is also possible and reasonable as the game moves into later stages.
Is now the time? I could shorten the move deadline to 96 hours and
will view that as a proposal. If I hear no objection to it by the
upcoming deadline (which is still set as May 2), then I will do that.
Jim
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Edi
This BETTER work. By making my plans vs Germany, I expect you to (a)
lay off me (getting out of Warsaw and/or no support of Hohn to Moscow)
and (b) to make some sort of commitment eastward once we get into
position. I can clear Boh with no problem, unless you'd prefer Sil-Mun,
Boh S (or Sil-Ber)?
If you hose me this time, I'll use the last breath and last piece I have
to hunt you, however pitiful my efforts will be. if you're true to your
word, you'll find me an excellent ally, a la S'01, before "we" ruined
everything.
Mark
===================END FORWARDED MESSAGE===================
Edi Birsan
Midnight Games/Legends and Iron and Steam
Edi @mgames.com
Phone: 541-772-7872 (9am-4pm) Oregon
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Edi
This BETTER work. By making my plans vs Germany, I expect you to (a)
lay off me (getting out of Warsaw and/or no support of Hohn to Moscow)
and (b) to make some sort of commitment eastward once we get into
position. I can clear Boh with no problem, unless you'd prefer Sil-Mun,
Boh S (or Sil-Ber)?
If you hose me this time, I'll use the last breath and last piece I have
to hunt you, however pitiful my efforts will be. if you're true to your
word, you'll find me an excellent ally, a la S'01, before "we" ruined
everything.
Mark
Private message from England to Russia:
Still no word from either neighbor.
I'm going to try to prick their interests a bit. One way or the other, of
course, we'll have to make some decision tomorrow.
Gentle King J
Private message from England to Germany:
Ok, how about this.
If you support me into Norway, then Russia will be nearly out of the game,
and I will be able to continue to defend my home centers against France.
This in itself benefits you because (a) it means Russia is out of your hair
shortly, and (b) France won't grow too fast. I'll back out of Helg, too, of
course.
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to Master:
Hi Jim
Just a short note; the weight of the world has me right now...hope this
finds you well!
Russian intentions this turn are pretty straightforward: support our
allies (I, E) in their endeavors, and protect what's left of my
shrinking homeland. Despite my anger at Germany for his bald-faced
stab, I realize that fighting him will only allow further, unencumbered
AT growth--something I can't condone. To that end, I am trying to "blow
smoke" vs Pitt, and have him prepare for an attack (vice hitting me);
maybe he'll even see fit to leave Sweden in the hopes of covering Den
(fat chance).
France remains an enigma, preferring to play the fence-sitter. It's
frustrating, but I wouldn't play it differently if I was him...this
doesn't help me, and may even hasten England's death. Eeek.
In the East, I'm bluffing Edi (as he doubtless is doing to me): While
I'd love to join an AT vs Germany, I realize they don't want me (Hohn
doesn't write, Edi writes to smoke me, and they honestly have no need
for me; I'd get in the way). So rather than aid my tormentors by turning
on the one bulward against them, I'm going to gut it out and help Italy.
This move may get him to Vienna, keeping Edi even, or +1 at the most.
(The interesting moves will come when we see what A and T do with/for
each other regarding War, Mos, and the Balkans). I hope against hope
that Hohn is setting Edi up for the stab, but my policy this season is
pragmatic: defense, and hold out from season to season....a pretty
pathetic game outlook and plan, but not much is left. Russia is
considered food for the buzzards, vice a fellow flying scavenger.
By fall I expect to lose Swe and War, going to 3. Removals will then be
problematic, based on who's hosing me the most.
Russia will fight to the bloody end.
Tsar Faz
Private message from England to Russia:
Tsar Faz,
Still nothing from the neighbors.
So I would like to go with the original, simple plan.
If you'll leave Norway and support me in, I'll cut A Kie's support so you
can take Munich. Ok? (To leave Norway, the safe bet is just Nwy-Bar.
Nwy-Ska might be ok, but I figure you'll want to disband that unit anyway.)
As previously agreed, I'll support you in Stp hereafter, of course.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Turkey to Master:
> I do wish to emphasize that shortening the basic deadlines themselves
> is also possible and reasonable as the game moves into later stages.
For the record, that's what I (and I suspect others) was referring to
with respect to the "shorter deadlines" issue. I certainly don't
begrudge Pitt or anyone else their deadline extensions.
> Is now the time? I could shorten the move deadline to 96 hours and
> will view that as a proposal. If I hear no objection to it by the
> upcoming deadline (which is still set as May 2), then I will do that.
If anything, I'd like to see move deadlines remain at a week, but move
up retreats and builds to one day. For a FTF'er like me, I'm used to
there not being negotiations (and certainly not extended ones) during
those phases anyway, although I do adapt when I'm in a PBEM setting.
Hohn
Private message from Master to Turkey:
THe GM is NOT happy! After all these delays, there are still orders not
in. This is an announcement that I am NOT extending the deadline.
If they aren't in already, get your orders in NOW!
Thank you. I decided not to change any of the deadline settings
just yet, but I am leaning toward Hohn's suggestion.
Jim
Hi folks I am I travelling through to saturday and will be email up and
running then. will catch up on anything from Thursday-Saturday.
My moves are in...but that means nothing with this group.
With a little luck we'll have results by Saturday.
Edi
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Guys:
My apologies for not writing earlier today. They were painting the
basement and the rooms, so once again we were dispersed hither and yon
after early morning...which means, of course, if anyone sent me anything
for most of the day, it's somewhere in the queue. (Today was just a bad
day for office work, plain and simple -- a long colloquium on UN
peacekeepers {which I attended, having been one}, followed by family
stuff.)
So again, I beg your indulgence for my last-day silence. Nothing
sinister intended--merely administrative. To those whom I wrote
earlier in the week, our arrangements still stand. I'm looking for a
break in the persecutions, folks (hint hint), and you'll find me
amazingly toady-ish and loyal in the process.
More when I next hear from you, or after deadline....good hunting, all.
Faz
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Master to Austria, England, France,
> Germany, Italy, Russia and Turkey in 'ghodstoo':
>
> THe GM is NOT happy! After all these delays, there are still orders not
> in. This is an announcement that I am NOT extending the deadline.
> If they aren't in already, get your orders in NOW!
Since the order missing is singular and not plural, I'll assume this
diatribe is aimed at me. However, I sent in orders within five minutes
of receiving the Russian RETREAT. If the Judge didn't receive/process
them, I am at a loss as to why I am at fault.
> Thank you. I decided not to change any of the deadline settings
> just yet, but I am leaning toward Hohn's suggestion.
I would vote for leaving them at one week, but shortening the
retreat/build phases considerably.
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Guys:
I just turned on the machine, and sense that I am somehow at fault for
not sending in orders. I see a nastygram and two corresponding
messages.... Let me explain.
I sent in orders earlier, with certain moves. It gave me a "normal"
read. This morning at 0700, I accessed the system to see the
post-deadline results; nothing came out, meaning someone probably hadn't
submitted orders.
I decided to change an order based on the fact the 'official' moves
didn't come out. When I sent in the change, I got an error read on the
one unit I changed, but it still listed good stuff at the bottom for the
rest of my moves. I assumed (always a dangerous thing) that everything
was ok, although now that I remember, I did see something about a Russian
RETREAT for Fall 1904....I never put 2 + 2 together to think something
was amiss. That's my, Mr PBEM...
Anyway, I did get my orders in before deadline, and then I tried to game
the system today; it obviously didn't work. If I'm the cause of all
this, I apologize.
I will clear whatever error flag may be out there and resend my orders.
Jim, my sincere apologies. It wasn't intentional....why delay my death
any further?
Faz
>However, I sent in orders within five minutes
>of receiving the Russian RETREAT. If the Judge didn't receive/process
>them, I am at a loss as to why I am at fault.
Two possible reasons come to mind.
First, there might be something wrong with your mailer. Do you have any
confirmation from the Judge, saying that it got those orders?
Second, you may have set your ERROR flag; this can make you count as LATE
even when you have complete moves in. Then when you issue any error-free
signon, the ERROR flag gets cleared automatically.
I presume Russia has an ERROR flag set now. I can't think of any other way
he could *become* late well after the deadline!
Jamie
Private message from Master to Italy:
Cal,
The Judge was down for about a day during that period and orders submitted
were lost. I am 99.99% sure that is what happened to you. As Jamie
noted, you need to check to see that the orders came back with the
Judge adjudication. If you check your mail file, I suspect you will
find that to be the case.
Jim
Adjustments
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Guys:
Have removed the red film of disillusion from my eyes, and tried to look
at the board dispassionately (or as dispassionately a Russian can, after
being hosed on all sides with no support). Here's my intention RIGHT NOW
(subject to whimsical change, of course).
1) Remove Moscow and Silesia. I can't hold Moscow even with these two
(War-Mos, Turks support), and they can outguess me all day long.
2) Bohemia to help Italy for one more turn, until France gets Pie-Tyo
(I'm assuming that's the intent, isn't it?). Then, if I still have
strength left, Boh-Gal in fall.
3) Pitt, I could REALLY use Sweden back, commensurate with a move of
SWE-Bothnia on your part. You could then provide the off-shore support
for Lvn/StP ad nauseam, thus finalizing northward AT expansion. I could
stay solvent at three, providing immesaurable "on-site" support I mean,
wouldn't you prefer to have a forward-deployed guy running around in
Austrian territory, tying down resources?
4) This jives with my earlier letter. if you two are genuinely
concerned with AT expansion, now comes the time to "fish or cut bait:'
a) French support via Tyo and/or a southern fleet ENSURES no
further AT southward/central expansion.
b) German moves to Sil and Pru block up the east while their
greed is focused on the bait of Moscow. By the time they turn westward,
your wall will be up. England (and, I suppose, Russia and Italy) will
always be there to fill your own greed as you see fit, but for now you
have a wall and a good defense.
The alternative? I dunno; you tell me.
Please, guys, this is no smoke; I haven't lied to you yet. i haven't
made aggressive moves vs you. I haven't cooperated with your common
(English) enemy. Why the h*** should one stinking center (Swe) matter
to ensuring security in the East?
What do you say? Once I hear your reply, I'll make the appropriate
removals (either these, or otherwise).
Faz
Private message from Russia to England:
GKJ,
That hurt.
yes, another snafu. Yes, bad play on my part. but don't subject me to
being branded a liar, too. My last two notes should explain what I did,
what I tried to do, and my sorrow in doing so.
If anything, I should probably de damned as the guy who cared too much
about others. Had I done what was best for Russia, I would've attacked
MUN (obr BER). But no, I tried to see The Big Picture, what long-term
effects would come from hitting G, abandoning I, etc. What a chump.
The best thing for me to do this game, it seems, is to stop upsetting you
(the ally who feels like he isn't one), to stop supporting Italy (who
continues to think Hohn is somehow "turnable"), and to punish someone and
REALLY afect this game.
I think hitting Germany (if that's even do-able anymore) is the way to
go. (See my last couple notes.)
You can think what you will, Jamie. Or you can write Jim-Bob and ask him
if my moves didn't reflect a genuine attempt to give you Nwy. But please
don't blame me for not reading any post-Friday a.m. mail when I couldn't,
and thus trying to hose you. I did what I thought we had talked about as
of the time before you went to Pgh, and was waiting for you to reply
after talking to F and G. I'm cursed, it seems.
If this helps, great. if you're unconvinced, so be it. In two turns you
won't need to worry about me anymore. But you'll have Nwy. Great.
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Guys:
As General Richard Ewell said after the Battle of Gettysburg, "There were
a great many mistakes made [at the battle...]...Most of them were mine."
How true for me, also.
First off, there was NO attempted delusion to deny you Norway, Jamie.
Our mail had discussed two options -- outright transfer to you, and an
option where I hit Swe while you tried for Den. As of Thursday, the day
prior to deadline, we were still debating; you were waiting for any FG
news. friday there was no word from you before my systrem was to be shut
down, so I submitted the "last" option I thought we agreed on: Swe/Den.
On Friday night (and again with my "mea culpa" message on Saturday), I
figured, "What the heck," and decided to abandon nwy anyway, intending to
sail for Ska. I cleared the error message and resubmitted --twice--
moves of F norway-skagerrak. This morning, as I opneed the move results
and my reutnre dmail, I AGAIN had error flags for the move, i.e., not
allowed! I can't explain it, other than lack of e-mail finesse. Jim
can vouch that I did indeed try twice in the mails to rectify, and both
times got the error. I'm bummed by it.
I'm even more bummed by Germany's stubbornness AND by Edi's luck. In
retrospect, keeping Italy alive and viable overrode my desire for MUN.
And, in the bigger picture of things, I honestly feel a strong Germany
(however odious) is the only thing keeping an AT sweep right now. That
may remain to be seen as France gets stronger (maybe we'll see an FT
sweep later, with attendant stabs), but right now I wanted to use BOH to
keep Italy at 5, meaning the MUN attack wasn't a 'go.' How Edi knows
our moves ahead of time is eerie; why didn't he cover Ser, or attack tri
again? DANG, he's good....
And thern there's the usual fiasco over War/Mos.
Fellows, I'm at an end here. I am devoid of creative ideas for the rest
of this turn. Do I keep a Rump Russia (Stp, Mos and Sil) and attempt to
attack War ad nauseam? Do I keep Sil/Boh and spar with Pitt (who now has
a build coming, and can circle the wagons in Mun/Ber and Den)? You
tell me.
Next season I expect Hohn to take Gre with the fleet, have Edi slide
Gre-Alb, Alb-Ser, have Edi get MOS as compenation for the loss of Grem,
and have Hohn build another fleet, thus giving them four in position to
take ION in spring. Afte rthat, well...the slide begins.
I am looking at one of two options; I could use some immediate input to
help me out:
Option 1: remove Boh and Nwy, then order: StP S Mos, Mos S Sil-War,
Sil-War
thus dying a slow death, or
Option 2: remove Mos and Sil, then go: Boh helps Italy, StP-Fin,
Nwy-Ska (Eng gets Nwy), then in fall I turn on germany with much
vengance.
If there's better ideas, or if you guys have grander plans, I need to
hear 'em. I'm sorry for any computer snafus (Jamie) and for bad luck
(Cal). This game has just been a downer.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Guys
Congrats on your gains, and on your ability (or your friends' abilities)
in preventing a unified ER attack on your interests.
I'm down to three. Neither of you has done _squat_ for the sake of the
anti-AT, except to feather your nests. Quite understandable (this *is*
Diplomacy, after all!), but no longer acceptable. I have little to
nothing left to hold off AT, and am now reduced from a "wall" against
them, to a "speedbump."
As such, I'm either going to remove everything in the west and be your
Alamo, giving you time to build your forces, or I'm going to stop playing
the loyal martyr and turn westward with what puny resources I have left.
Eastward against my game-long tormentors is the better idea (especially
for your interests, too), but if you can't promise me survival and some
MUTUALLY-beneficial ideas (like, staying alive, regaining a center, etc),
then look for a 180-degree turn against the West. I have no real
options left anymore, except "how to die gracefully." Thanks for giving
me that option.
King Jean: If Turkey builds another fleet, then they will force ION in
F'05. If you build another fleet, I'd consider helping your Italian
speedbump, or the potential flood that comes to Pitt's doorstep might lap
onto your shores by 1906....just a bit of advice from a deaths-door ally
(ha).
Tsar faz
Private message from Russia to England:
GKJ,
I'm more and more hacked off everytime I look at the map. Mad at myself
for lost opportunities (this is the part where you smugly say, "I told
you so, dunderhead"); mad at the SEEMING "old boy" Edi Loves Pitt Loves
Hohn network that seems to be bent on destroying the 'lesser ghods' on
the board, etc. It's just self-serving whining, I realize, so it's time
to throw in the crying towel and ready the kamikaze.
I'm probably going to remove MOS and STP, and acknowledge that Edi and
Hohn's alliance is the dyanmic of the board. Indirectly, this punishes
both of your tormentors, too, as they now have foes in all of Russia AND
Scandinavia (come next year), as well as no eastern wall.
I would urge you to keep HEL and NTH and join me on this ride of the
Valkyrie:
Nth-Nwy, Hel-Kie (again). I'd go for MUN and have Nwy-Ska in spring.
Otherwise, remove HEL, keep Lon for Lon-Yor (to cover both your home SCs
if France creeps along the coast), and still take Nwy anyway.
What do you think?
Tsar faz
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Guys:
Once again, AT shows themselves for the unyielding monolith. I can't
fault you for your desire to do what you think is best for your nation,
but I'm really frustrated at the "old boy network" and the continued
gang-rape of Russia that proceeded since 1901. (Of course, I *would* be
frustrated, given that it's me on the receiving end. I understand that,
too.)
Bottom line: I'm down to 3. I can abandon everything and head vs Pitt,
cursing him for his eastward stab. Or I can continue to try and hold you
guys off, in essence being the "martyr" for the West, serving as the last
eastern 'speedbump' on your journey to greatness.
I'm unsure what needs done, but will figure it out in time for moves
tomorrow.
Congratulations on pounding me into submission. I truly hope for a
payback, in spades, somewhere down the line. I look for an FT finale in
this one.
The Disgusted with Life (and my play)
tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Hi Pitt
Well, you're in the driver's seat, bitter as the gall it gives (Sweden).
I listened to Italy this turn (you owe him one) and foreswore my attack
on BER and/or the coordinated one with England, figuring a stronger
Germany is good medicine vs the AT. But I think it's time for you to
get off the dime and head east, because your "support" of my forces in
Scandinavia reduced me in conjunction with Edi's attack....meaning I have
little to nothing left to hold them off.
If you want to cooperate vs AT, I'd like to hear some mutually-helpful
plans. After all, Pitt, when you're in as desperate a strait as I am,
there's really no logic applied to moves anymore...always a dangerous
thing. Are you in this vs AT, or not?
tsar Faz
Private message from England to Russia:
Geez.
You'd think, after all this time, that I would manage to remember how much
your promises are worth, wouldn't you?
Private message from Turkey to Russia:
Mark,
> Once again, AT shows themselves for the unyielding monolith. I can't
> fault you for your desire to do what you think is best for your nation,
> but I'm really frustrated at the "old boy network" and the continued
> gang-rape of Russia that proceeded since 1901. (Of course, I *would* be
> frustrated, given that it's me on the receiving end. I understand that,
> too.)
Your accusation of an old-boy network is belied by my Spring 1901
moves. As for why I'm doing what I'm doing, it is indeed based on
self-interest and my perception of who would be a good ally.
You've stabbed every single one of your neighbors at least once, Mark.
> Bottom line: I'm down to 3. I can abandon everything and head vs Pitt,
> cursing him for his eastward stab. Or I can continue to try and hold you
> guys off, in essence being the "martyr" for the West, serving as the last
> eastern 'speedbump' on your journey to greatness.
> I'm unsure what needs done, but will figure it out in time for moves
> tomorrow.
Do what you feel you need to. As for Pitt and your alleged
"martyrdom," well, all I'm going to say is that all may not be as it
seems.
> Congratulations on pounding me into submission. I truly hope for a
> payback, in spades, somewhere down the line. I look for an FT finale in
> this one.
I'd take an FT finale. ;)
> The Disgusted with Life (and my play)
Ah, don't be so hard on yourself. Repeat the "it's just a game"
mantra as necessary.
Hohn
Private message from England to Germany:
I surrender.
I must just be missing something about this game. (I can even see what it
is now, too late!)
Do you want a puppet? I'll disband the F Hel.
The Gentlest King
Private message from Russia to Turkey:
Guys:
As much as I rail against being perpetually attacked, I have to admit
that you've taken the 'best' (always a relative term) of what R/I have
thrown at you, and you have persevered and won. Good show.
As such, I think you'll be somewhat surprised--and pleased--with my
removals. Not completely pleased (Edi), because I see myself as the
Alamo of the East, and promised help to my allies while capable of doing
so. This appraoch, of course, _unlike_ some of *my* so-called allies.
But I digress...
I wish you both well. The next couple moves will probably see me fade
to obscurity, so I can only cheer from the sidelines.
Tsar Faz