Diplomacy Chapter Four EP #159 From: lord_zar@ucrmath.UCR.EDU (wayne wallace) Date: Wed, 16 May 1990 12:40:40 +0000 Issue #159 of ELECTRONIC PROTOCOL: ------------- Chapter Four ------------- This chapter contains results from FIRE WHEN READY (#35), DREADNOUGHT(#37), HOHENZOLLERN (#39), HUGO (??), and JUGGERNAUT (??) *************************************************** Publisher is lord_zar@ucrmath.ucr.edu/Wayne Wallace *************************************************** Fall '07 of the game HUGO (BNC number 1989IO) (GM is willis@trwind.ind.trw.com/Willis Marti) Diplomacy -- HUGO Fall 1907 ----------------------------- England: A Kiel Support A Burgundy --> Munich OK A Burgundy --> Munich OK (3-2) A Gascony S FRENCH F Spain/sc --> Mar Fails (No such move) F WME Support AUSTRIAN F Ionian --> Tyrhennian Fails (No such move) F Mid-Atlantic --> Spain/sc Fails *bounce* F English Channel --> Mid-Atlantic Fails (own unit) F North Sea --> English Channel Fails (own unit) F Holland --> North Sea Fails (own unit) F Helgoland Bight Support A Kiel OK Germany: None. Russia: A Ber S ENGLISH A Bur-Mun OK F Pru S A Ber OK A War h OK A Mos-Ukr OK A Ukr-Rum OK A Sev S A Ukr-Rum OK F Bul(EC) S A Ukr-Rum OK F Con-Smy Fails *bounce* Turkey: None. Austria: A Mun S Sil H Fails (attacked) A Sil S Mun H OK A Gal S Sil H OK A Nap H Fails (attacked, dislodged) A Mar H OK F Adr-Ion OK F Ven-Apu OK F Ion-Tun OK A Smy H OK A Tus-Ven OK A Ser-Bul Fails *bounce* Italy: F TyS - Nap OK (2-1) A Rom S F TyS - Nap OK France: F Spa(sc) takes potshots at Madrid OK {holds} ----------------------------- Results: Austrian A NAP must disband. Austrian A MUN must disband or retreat to TYR, BOH or RUH. I have a proposal for an English-Austrian-Russian draw. Please send votes in by this Sunday (6 May) along with builds/disbands as appropriate. ----------------------------- New Positions: England:(10) A GAS F HOL F HEL F WME F ECH F NTS A MUN F MAO A KIE SC: EDI LVP LON KIE HOL BEL BRE DEN PAR MUN Build 1. Germany:(0) Russia: (11) A BER A UKR A WAR A RUM F CON F BUL(ec) F PRU A SEV SC: STP MOS WAR ANK CON BER SWE NOR RUM BUL SEV Build 2. (Could be 3 but needs open home SC). Turkey: (0) Austria:(9) A MUN A SIL A NAP A GAL A MAR F ADR F VEN F ION A SMY A TUS A SER SC: VIE BUD TRI SER VEN SMY MAR GRE TUN Disband 1. Italy: (2) A ROM F NAP SC: ROM NAP France: (2) F SPA SC: POR SPA (Could build 1, but needs open home SC). ----------------------------- The Weekly Crier "All the News that fits, we print." ----------------------------- Lyon (Reuters): ``The Commander of the Royal Army reported that final mop up of French resistance would begin shortly following news that the last remnants of the French navy had successfully landed on the Riviera. After confirmation that the Royal Navy had prepared to land in Andalucia, Barcelona, and other points along the Spanish Mediterranean, the Commander explained that the last steps of an elaborate trap to catch the elusive Frenchmen had been completed. "We shall soon have direct control of the entire French and Spanish countrysides. Unfortunately, this appears to be at the expense of the Underground chapter of the Fred Continuum."'' Munich (UPI): ``The commanding officer of the Royal Second Army pleaded ignorance when asked how his entire battalion had surfaced at this year's Oktoberfest. The Second Army had been previously ordered to patrol the Burgundian vineyards when the officer claims he received new orders from Lyon to extend his patrols eastward into once-German Bavaria. "Our patrols in Burgundy were complete and I ordered my men to cross into Bavaria for the purposes of observation. We clearly did not expect the diversionary attack from the White Army." In order to maintain order, the officer ordered the remainder of his battalion into Bavaria. "Before we knew it, we had inadvertently disrupted the Oktoberfest." Although the Kaiser abdicated some years ago, the German peoples still celebrate Oktoberfest, only it is now conducted by members of the local Fred Continuum.'' Kiel (AP): ``The Royal Third Army was ordered to escort a British envoy through northern Germany to the Bavarian highlands. It is believed the envoy has been ordered to negotiate the large-scale trade of Scottish wool to the Fred Continuum. Unfortunately, several of the green recruits became overzealous and rushed Munich. The whereabouts of the envoy and leaders of the Munich chapter of the Fred continuum are, at this time, unknown.'' London to Vienna: ``If the draw passes, what's a stab between friends? Besides, my armies are running out of places to go...'' (MOSCOW) The Russian High Command is prepared to accept the peace proposal including all of Europe's three major powers now that the powerful Russian armies have solidified their control of a full third of Europe (11 centers of power each?). The Russian leaders, like those of the other powers, all will be retiring soon and would like to see a cessation of hostilities yet before they must pass on command. They can hold out longer than the heads of the English and Austrian powers but will accede to the will of majority. ---------- of the game JUGGERNAUGHT (BNC number 1989IR) (GM is rdesper@eagle.wesleyan.edu/Rick Desper) nothing recieved ---------- of the game FIRE WHEN READY (BNC number 1990B) (GM is rlg@ai.mit.edu/Bob Givan) nothing recieved ---------- of the game DREADNOUGHT (BNC number 1990I) (GM is rbk@aiai.edinburgh.ac.uk/Richard Kirby) nothing recieved HOHENZOLLERN IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Final of the game HOHENZOLLERN (BNC number 1990J) (GM is jog@hpda.hp.com/Rajeev Jog) HOHENZOLLERN (BNC #1990J) FINAL --------------------------------- This is the final tally for Hohenzollern. Thanks to everyone for a game well-played. I'm including the last version of The Ottoman Herald, all the endgame statements I have received, and some comments from the GM's vantage point. Rajeev ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 AUSTRIA-HUNGARY: 3 5 6 5 6 4 0 Eliminated '06 (Steve Benz) ITALY: 3 4 4 4 3 2 1 Survivor '06 (Daniel Hannigan since 1903) RUSSIA: 4 6 6 7 4 3 0 Eliminated '06 (Ron Rosul) TURKEY: 3 4 4 4 5 5 7 DRAW '06 (Glen Chester) ENGLAND: 3 5 3 0 Eliminated '03 (Mark Thurston) FRANCE: 3 5 6 7 8 11 14 DRAW '06 (Chris Preston) GERMANY: 3 5 5 7 8 9 12 DRAW '06 (Bob Shore) *********************************************************************** Press: ****** THE OTTOMAN HERALD ------------------ EXTRA *** EXTRA *** EXTRA *** THE SULTAN BRINGS PEACE TO EUROPE. ALL HAIL THE SULTANATE. In his address to the nation on state run radio, The Sultan proclaimed, "Fellow Ottomans, peace is at hand. Long have I struggled, Long has the mighty Royal Defence Forces struggled, Long has the nation struggled, but finally our goal has been achieved. The Great Powers have agreed to Turkish terms. We have won a mighty victory. We have reclaimed the lost Black Sea territories. Indeed, the other powers of Europe has recognized our claim to those territories. The Black Sea is ours!!!! It was a black day for me seven years ago when my father was assaisinated by some Spanish hired gun. I was young and unprepared for the costs of leadership. But the Ineptied banner waves still, my countrymen. Through the mighty graces of Allah the most merciful, we have survived this international tradegy. We have survived and grown. The Austrians are no more. The Russians fell. And the Italian, he is now beholden to us. Our enemies have vanished, we have succeeded. The day is ours, my fellow Ottomans. It is a time for rejoicing at the success of the Ottoman race. I pledge to you, that I will do my best to see that war never breaks out again. Though we have succeeded, the cost was high. The colonies we have acquired are war-torn. Our young men have seen horrors that they should not be exposed to. Once the peace treaty is finalized, I will order a demobilization so that the boys can return home. I wish to thank you all for supporting me. I know that I have not been the best of leaders but you stayed with me to the end. As always the Ineptied banner lives on, for two hundered years past and for two hundred years into the future. May Allah bless us all." ... in other news ... The palace has pronounced the legalization of opposition groups. Hence, the underground democracy group, the People for a Turkish Way, will no longer have to hide from the police. Negotitations are going on between Germany and the Royal Foriegn Minister regarding the Czar's fate. Apparently, the Sultan has ordered that the Czar be given the regency over Sevestapol. Analyst have applauded the move as the best way to restore order in the devastated sea port. Tripartite negotiations have been going on regarding the fate of Max Havelot the newly installed and newly overthrown Austrian revolutionary leader. Turkish officials have been wondering whether it would be a good idea to take Max in. Rumours abound that the Germans are interested in putting Max in charge of the Warsaw brewing company. The latest poll has put the Sultan's approval rating at over 95%. Apparently being the creator of peace in Europe does wonders for a person's approval ratings. Sultanate officials have been frantically trying to relieve the nervousness of the Italian King. Apparently, he finds Greek hospitality less than satisfying. But the Sultan has stated that he will stand by his agreement with King Daniel in keeping his forces in charge in Athens. Rumours have it that now that the war is over, the Sultan will turn to his favourite pastimes of golf and gambling especially the horses since the Americans are apparently having some interesting races in this upcoming season. *********************************************************************** ENDGAME STATEMENTS: *********************************************************************** Ron Rosul aka Lord Czar Blowfish / (Russia): -------------------------------------------- O.K.- here are some final thoughts concerning Hohenzollern. (at least I learned what Hohenzollern was!) My plan, as the Russians, was to move quickly with the Turks in taking over as much of the Balkans as possible, and moving north to take at least one SC. Despite all appearances, the Sultan and I were quite good allies since the first move- it seems that our 'war of words' worked to a good advantage, almost. My next idea was to try and crush the Austrians as quickly as possible. Unfourtunately, as Steve (Austria) told me, the Italians were so convinced at Turkey's and mine game-playing that he thought he could gain some easy SC's from Turkey- and never mind Austria. This was, how should I say it? most irritating. Several times during the game the Italians had the opportunity to grab two SC's in one turn and help eliminate the Austrians at the same time. During all this, I was engaged in naval maneouvers up north, with the Germans. My biggest mistake and the move that cost me a piece of the game was (A War - Ukr). Austria moved right into warsaw and ate me up. I got greedy, is about all, but I was not expecting the Austrians to move into Warsaw. He had not even thought of attacking Warsaw up to that point, and I was in shock when he did. Well, anyways, a well played game by all players, as I stated in my earlier press, it is an unusual one where England and Russia are the first two countries to be eliminated. Thank you to our GM, Rajeev, and to all the players, with whom I had some fine diplomicizing. Lord Czar Blowfish, Ruler of Russia and All the Lands Beyond. Daniel Hannigan aka Quattro Staggioni, Rex D'Italia / (Italy): -------------------------------------------------------------- Rajeev, a final ending note. Thanks for running the game. It really was a good 'un. I really appreciate all the work you've done. >From the memoirs of Quattro Staggioni, Rex D'Italia: "As I sit with Lord Stodgy, here in the palacial gardens of the Sultan's second hareem, I often think of the old days, when we both ruled over lands fair and proud." "The Sultan has been very generous with both his favours, and those of the famous belly-dancers, proving a loyal ally, and peacemaker. Those whirling dervishes, Baron Friedrich, and President Etien, have, by a mixture of foxy cunning and sabre strategy carved up all save Turkey - ironic really. As for poor Max - Devil and deep. Lord Blowfish, even though his carrier pidgeons seems to get shot with frightening reguality was gunning for me, I'm sure." "Even though the realm was reduced to a few olive groves in Greece, I think that the struggle was one of the best reported affairs that has been encounted - once again thanks to the Sultan, but to all of the households for amusing renditions of affairs that brought a chuckle in the warm evenings at the Opera." "The Swiss role (another pun) cannot be understated; with incisive wit and repartee, they kept things running smoothly in a turbulent Europe." Without much ado, as I'm sure there's a lot being written by other correspondants, thanks for the game chaps - even if it was brief, it was very exiting all the way. daniel Bob Shore aka Baron Friedrich von Munchausen, President Weimar Republic / (Germany): ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, my congratulations to France and to Turkey for a well played game, and my condolences to Russia, who did nothing wrong and got screwed anyway. From my perspective, the game was shaped by England and by Austria. England and France both contacted me early, but England asked me to launch an attack during 1901 against either France or Russia. I saw no percentage in alienating either country without England simultaneously attacking, so I took the two centers to which I'm entitled and the deal with France. Austria seemed very occupied in the Balkans, so I figured I could trust him to observe our demilitarized zone, and I certainly had my hands full in the north. The Winter 1901 builds were pleasant confirmation of England's impending doom, but his diplomatic style left something to be desired. If I were an England facing builds of three northern fleets, I'd be sweet-talking everyone in sight, not threatening the three bears with Goldilocks. I wasn't entirely sure I could trust France and Russia (as it happens, I could), but England never made me a realistic offer. I infer that France told the truth when he claimed England was after my scalp from the game's start. Matters in the east heated up before I was prepared for them, and I was helped by serendipity. The combination A Bur H, A Ven-Tyl gave me a golden opportunity to ignore the conflict in Warsaw until I was prepared to pick a side, as I needed A Sil to ensure the safety of Munich. Fortunately, Russia chose to allow me to help destroy England; a move which in retrospect probably sealed his fate. The Balkans were a puzzle to me for a long time, until my own dealings with the Austrian demonstrated the difficulty involved in working with him. Of course, I wasn't entirely innocent. Before France left for vacation, I agreed to order A Tyl S French A Mar-Pie. Shortly after he became incommunicado, Austria asked me for support into Venice. I agreed, though if France had been available I'd have consulted him. I also tipped the Italians (who chose not to believe me, I think), and tried to persuade him to snatch Trieste. I offered to support him, but he wouldn't have needed it, as I intended to keep the Austrian deal. I figured that the resulting mess would leave the both of them easy pickings. France showed his displeasure by taking England (to my surprise and dismay) as Austria and I hammered the Russian frontier. At that point, it was obvious that Austria was a sitting duck, as long as France intended no further advances against me. I couldn't protect both the North Sea and Holland, so I told him (accurately) that any attempt against either would mean total war, right or wrong. I didn't want to fight him, but I couldn't give him a free shot. The game essentially ended after Winter 1905, since the disbands assured me that Russia and Austria couldn't cooperate to save each other. Austria took the same tack England had; threatening me with France as I held a knife to his throat. I'd probably have been more receptive to a subservient offer of support into Venice; that would have given me something to lose by taking Budapest. It was a fun game with imaginative players; I'm sorry that it'll be months (at least) before I have time to participate in another. Glen Chester aka Sultan Ingmuad the Inept / (Turkey): ----------------------------------------------------- First off, I am real glad that the game ended, my enthusiasm started to wane a bit, partly due to upcoming finals and partly due to the fact that the outcome was becoming rather clear, the only question for me was whether I was going to be included in the draw. In addition, as I am graduating, I wanted to see the end of the game. So whoever proposed that final draw has my thanks. With regards to the draw which included Turkey, all I can say is that I am mighty lucky to be in the corner of the world. Several players commented that being Turkey is awful but it did allow me to avoid a conflict with the two main powers of France and Germany. It is that avoidence which allowed me to be included in the draw rather that my excellence as a strategist or a general. Though of course, I would have voted against any draw that did not include Turkey, hence drawing out the game until I was eliminated or the two powers agreed to included me. The original mail link with Dave in Canada stank. I eventually did not even bother to try and correspond with him b/c all I ever got was bounced mail. It hindered the effectiveness of the game. I think that good mail links should be established before the game rather than dealing with that scenario where Austria had an advantage over all other countries. Poor Daniel, who inherited the mess, at least you survived! Throughout the game, I tried to role play as opposed to real time play. I adopted a stupid name and used it throughout the game. I enjoyed that part of it. Soon I was know as the Sultan as opposed to Glen. That was fun. My thanks to both Chris and Bob who recirocated by using funny names for the Presidencies of their empires. Thanks to Rajeev, for compliamenting me on the Ottoman Herald. I tease many of my friends with the comment that I had my own newspaper. I enjoyed putting the Herald together each week. In some ways the Herald became more enjoyable than the moves b/c everything I said was going to be read and scrutinized by the players though I don't know about the rec.games.pbm people. I hope everyone involved enjoyed the paper. I purposely copied the same format every week as I wished for the Sultan to be highlighted but to also have a place for other information. Did people find the format boring??? Comments would be welcome, though as I am graduting, I don't know when the next time I will have network access to play again. As regards the playing sequence, the beginning was really chaotic. I received wary responses from both Austria and Russia. I got the feeling that they both had figured out everything from the start. My idea was to grab Bulgaria and hold until I figured out what was going on. Sure enough the moved indicated some joint movement. Finally roundabout Spring of 1902 there was no choice, Germany refused to intervene, Italy was uncontactable, so I had to choose between Austria and Russia. Steve had always struck me as being somewhat sly and unreliable in this game. So, I mailed a letter to Ron, and pleaded for mercy. Apparently he had a change of mind at this time too b/c Steve seemed to be ordering Ron about. What really shocked me was when Ron mailed an exact copy of a letter that Steve had mailed to me. This was conspiracy at its height. I became a committed Austrian hater. Revealing mail is a serious thing, paraphrasing is not, at least in my own eyes. So Russia and I played it close to the vest until about Spring of 1903, when Austria and Russia were about to take over Bulgaria. This was the moment of truth for me b/c with Russia at my side, I could survive and even still see a path for victory. As it stood I did not have much choice as I had Austria and Italy against me, only with another great power besides me could I last. Russia came through for me, which I was eternally grateful. For me that was watershed event number one. Then came the move that rocked all of Europe. I had no foreknowledge of the move and frankly would not have approved of it. Rom moved out of Warsaw to Galica or something like that. Sure enough, Steve moved an army into Warsaw. That was the biggest turning point of the game for the Royal Alliance. Without Warsaw, the Czar had no forward base for expansion. Quite frankly he blew it. We had Austria b/c Ron was going to gain two and Austria none so soon we could overpower Steve. That was watershed point number two. I was really ignorant of what was going on in Western Europe. That England fell so easily was a great surprise to me. I had always thought that England was one of the most secure empires on the board. Anyway, that was watershed point number three b/c then the Germans were our opponents as opposed to helpful neutrals. I don't know if Steve realizes that he was one season away from being doomed. We had the active co-operation of Bob in reacquiring Warsaw when France failed to move somewhere which caused a minor Franco-German crisis. Now, Ron had mega problems. His worst dream had occured, when the two Germanic empires joined to disember the Russian empire.. My stable Royal Alliance was now doomed and I had to look for another source of support. By this time, I was encouraged by several players to take Sevestapol by force. This I was unwilling to do. I was doomed until Ron shifted to my side, without him, I was scrambled eggs. Throughout the game my foriegn policy was to stand by the Czar. I know that is not good Diplomacy but I felt it was the least I could do to compensate Ron for his help. Somewhere in here around fall of 1904, I went on spring vacation. I can't tell you how nervous that left me with regard to giving up control of the Ottoman Empire. I gave Mark full control with a blank check but still one wonders what was going to happen. Anyway, Mark did an excellent job. Thank you Mark. Then Steve did a very subtle thing, so subtle that I was suspicious. He created the revolutionary hero, Max Havelot. A brilliant piece Steve. I fell for it so flat that one wonders. In the next Herald I published some piece about treating Max as a true statesman of Europe or something like that. The next day there comes some number about Max wanting support in his quest for a revolution. Steve I was so suspicous that I checked the address of the letter and it came from you, but I kept asking myself why you would want to talk to me. So I took the bait and starting developing guidelines. I remember one piece where I just created some arbitrary discussion which benefited me. Anyway, I was very suspicious as I distrusted Austria greatly. Then comes his big mistake with me, Max asked for Sevestapol. Big mistake! There was no way I was going to give that up. With Sevestapol in my hands I could put a fleet in the Black Sea and support like crazy. It would have been dificult to dislodge me. Meanwhile, Germany writes to ask my help in dismatiling Austria. I could not overcome my suspicion of Steve's motives. I felt that I would be more secure with Austria eliminate as opposed to co-operation with him. Besides, where would I expand??? Austria was my only place for expansion as I denied myself Russia. So Steve, creating Max was brillant, but too late. It almost worked but I could not trust you enough. YOu had just said too many things that did not make sense too me. Though I will state that you capture of the Aegean and my incompetance annoyed me to no end. In the last year, Italy finally got the idea that I was a nice guy and could be trusted. I voluntarly gave up some places to conquer in exchange for his co-operation. That gamble paid off with the capture of Serbia and Italian understanding for my mishandleing of his fleet in the Aegean. It was a pleasure to work with you Daniel though if you had connected with us against Austria when you first logged on you might have kept Italy alive and signigicant as I could have co-operated with you once Austria was dead. Overall, I would state that I was more lucky than good. My strategy was pretty sloppy and defensive, though I did finally reach an excellent state at the end. I would be getting two more supply centres which meant I could build another fleet to stop possible though often denied French invasion of my coastal waters. I have to thank Ron for allying with me, otherwise I would have been dead meat. Also Chris, I had already allied with Russia by the time you intervened. I wanted to create the impression that I was desperate (though I was to a smaller extent). I never felt that I owed you anything though that was the impression I gave. You started corresponding with me more which I throughly enjoyed. But when you mailed to offer you services, I believe that I had already turned in my orders regarding co-operation with Russia. I thought that was kind of funny in a way. Steve, I dislike your playing style. You always propose something that furthers your interest as opposed to an allied interest. I remember vividly when you were talking about working together against Russia. Everything would have been solved if you had proposed using my Black Sea fleet but you were adamant in moving my Bulgarian army. That showed to me that you were only interested in making my vulnerable rather than working with me. I do not mean to offend, my you Max thing might have worked if you had not totally convinced me of your unreliability earlier. I salute Bob. I have never seen anyone done so well with Germany before. I can only watch with wonder as he sucessfully piloted the Weimar Republic. I have decided to write one last speech for the Sultan before he retires to his first level harem. Look for the last issue of the Ottoman Herald. I am glad that everyone enjoyed my belly dancers. That was fun. All in all, a most enjoyable game gentleman. My thanks to Rajeev for putting up with my stupid questions. An excellent job Rajeev. Best of luck to all of you. Glen Rajeev Jog, sometimes known as the "Grandmaster of the California Rodeo"/ (GM): ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to those who cc:'ed me on their correspondence, so I had fun watching from the sidelines. Initially I got the impression that Russia was leading Austria up the garden path with an anti-Turkish posture, which I think Turkey began to get worried about. Russia's mistake in moving out of Warsaw on a fall turn was fatal. Throughout the game I thought Austria's *tactics* were great, perhaps not his strategy. Also, Turkey and Russia did not get their act together for a long while: the Russian (later Turkish) fleet in Rumania was quite useless, and it should have been moved out or destroyed much earlier. On the western front, France and Germany had an extended and wary courtship, which England did not exploit. Goldilocks may have worked had England got the Czar out of the triple. Italy was plagued initially by poor mail connections, but again I believe that Dave should have used his army in Tyrolia against Germany or Austria right away. Daniel did a good job of hanging on despite a poor situation. Once France allies with either Germany or England and eliminates the other, it's very difficult for an Italy embroiled in the Balkans to stop the French fleets from swinging southwards. When Germany supported Austria into Venice, and France threw Germany out of England, I expected the game to drag on for a much longer time. For a while, it seemed like Austria was going to prosper, and it was a diplomatic feat to keep the Franco-German alliance back on track. Once that occurred, I think they tired of the propect of grinding down Turkey (which seemed possible). Forwarded message: > I thought the players might like to know that I passed along a strong > hint to Austria that Russia was vacating Warsaw in Fall 1902. I wasn't > certain, but we'd agreed to bounce in Silesia in Spring 1902, and the Czar > wanted no part of it in the Fall. Austria drew the correct inference. > > Bob Here's the much awaited statement from Austria-Hungary. (Steve, I had requested these when I sent the last moves out, and the result of the draw proposal). As for your cat getting into the act: what works for me is to have a map up on a wall/board with push-pins for units. (I have them up in my office, so I do get some curious questions!) Rajeev ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey, I wanna make a closing statement too! Did you request these? If so, I didn't see it... Maybe bigger letters would help :-) Anyway, here's what I have to say: For those who hadn't noticed, this was my first attempt at PBM Diplomacy, which might explain a bit the vast swings in style from one letter to the next. I've hopes of getting better with practice, and I've certainly learned a thing or two from you folks. I'd also like to extend cudos to Ron for _The_Pufferfish_Daily_, journalism at its highest :-) As to strategy. At the outset, I pretty much neglected defense. As Mark (England) put it: > What can I say? The chutzpah of your opening leaves me torn between >admiration and awe. My opening simply reflected the fact that if Italy, Russia, and Turkey all attack me, and the Germans do nothing, then I'm pretty much gone no matter what. So better to be taken out quickly than slowly. I felt confident leaving Venice unguarded because Dave (the first Italy) seemed like somebody who put considerable stock in long-term projects. If Italy had participated in the stab, penninsular Italy would certainly have been the Turks next target, and whatever part of Austria he had snagged would have gone to the Russians. For whatever reason, I guessed right. It still didn't help too much, though. As everybody must have surmised, I wasn't fooled by the Russian/Turkish ruse (hence the move on Warsaw.) Dave (Italy, at the time) was buying it hook, line and sinker, though. My overall goal was to go for an all-out berserk attack on the Balkans, in hopes of grabbing Rumania and Bulgaria, which would have allowed me to set up some kind of a defensive perimeter. It seemed I remained two moves away from achieving that goal for almost all game. This was ensured by three bonehead plays. The first one was when Italy moved from Tunis to Smyrna, instead of Syria, and bounced. Then it was my turn, and I failed to cut the support of Bulgaria, thus causing my fleet to fail to make it into the Aegean (precipitating that rules spat over F Aeg and F Gre trading places.) Then my cat got into the act and mobilized some forces in the Black Sea, causing me to lose track of a Russian unit, and thus to not support Serbia, and subsequently lose it... Not so smart, again. Whatever the reason, I never got into a defensible position the whole game. So I never bothered to defend the position I was in. About the time the new Italian player arrived on the scene, it was becoming clear to me that things weren't going so good. I tried to talk to Glen (Turkey) again and Ron (Russia) again. It didn't work. Ron tabled a proposal that seemed dubious, at best, and Glen stuck to the party line. As to Glen, we utterly failed to communicate. My idea of a good play seemed always to be his idea of high treachery. His plans were always safe, but they always seemed to leave our pieces horribly out of position for the next move [case in point, on the second move when he had a fleet in the Black Sea and an Army in Bulgaria, he wanted to move the fleet into Rumania -- which works fine, unless you want to take Sevastopol on the next move.] This caused me to believe that he wasn't seriously considering my proposals and was just leading me on. Conversely, he always looked at my suggestions with the worst-case scenario in mind, and thought I was off to stab him. And I was. Pretty much all the time. At first, Italy and I were planning to put the moves on Turkey. We had some hopes that Russia would help us out, but he didn't -- which was smart, because had the move on Turkey worked, he would have been next, most probably. Rob (Germany) struck me, at the outset, as being a bit timid. But we quickly came up with a non-aggression agreement with the usual DMZ, since neither of us had big plans for attacking the other in the near term. When the Germans violated the DMZ, I started to get the picture that I didn't have quite the friendly relations with Germany that I thought I had. When Germany moved out of England, and France seamlessly moved in, I thought I was seeing another Russo/Turkish "war." All I could figure was that Germany was coming after me, and he had ceded England to keep the French happy, or to satisfy some prior agreement. I still suspect that Rob would have come after me (and not France) whether or not the French had taken over England. And I further suspect that Chris just used the Venice thing as an excuse for what he did in England. He always seemed to look hard for such excuses, then wave them around like a flag. So I decided to see what I could do to make friends with the French. Unfortunately, being friends with the French meant not being friends with the Italians. With the Italians running around Greece, it seemed clear that the Italian demise would have to be extremely quick, or mine would come along shortly. I don't think that worked, although Chris did warn me of the upcoming German stab. And this was a big factor in Max's rise to power. But that didn't work either... - Steve ************************************************************************** If you are interested in joining the fun here in Electronic Protocol, send mail to Eric_S_Klien@cup.portal.com including your name, home address, home phone number, work phone number, and country preferences. ************************************************************************** -- * // Only /\ |Lord Zar,Commander Of All He Surveys|Stay Alert! Trust * *\\ // /--\MIGA |(and hater of spaces near commas.) |No One! 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