The Diplomacy Game Thread.

[California Tanker]

OK, here we go.

It took forever to find a map I could edit in Paint. Actually, it still needed a lot of modifying.

Attached is the starting position. Spring 1900.

Again, the rules can be found at
http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/rules/diplomacy.pdf

Here's the blank map, showing clearly all the region names.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikibooks/en/thumb/8/8d/Diplomacy_map_blank.gif/716px-Diplomacy_map_blank.gif

VM[Squian]: Britain
Baldbantam: Russia
MickThinks: Germany
Fragment: France
They: Austro-Hungary
Beyelzu: Italy
Crumb: Ottoman Turk

First orders due Sat 25th night, 18:00 PST. (Longer turn than most will be, to get people settled in)
Email me at nessie at clubi dot ie. Be sure to put 'Diplomacy' in the subject line.

NTM

[California Tanker]

VM says he has to pull out, but that Squian will take his place.

NTM

[beyelzu]

i think we should all check in.


i would just like to say for the record that i have no expanionist designs that i wish for peace and prosperity for and with all my neighbors.

:tmgrin:

[Crumb]

I guess I need to read up on how to play... :shy2:

[fragment]

M. le Fragment, Prime Minister of la Troisième République Française, cordially extends greetings to the leaders of the other great nations of Europe.

:france: Liberté, égalité, fraternité!

CT, thanks for running this. When you have time could you post a map of the starting positions. I know they're in the rules, but it's nice to see them.

[Crumb]

Any single country interested in a naive inexperienced ally?

[California Tanker]

CT, thanks for running this. When you have time could you post a map of the starting positions. I know they're in the rules, but it's nice to see them.

See the attachment, filename "Spring1900' in the first post. Not the blank map embedded in the text.

NTM

[California Tanker]

I guess I need to read up on how to play

Conduct your negotiations using whatever means you desire. Phone calls, Email, IM, Chat, or in public. You may choose or not to reveal who you're talking to, or shafting. There is no requirement for any truth in anything you do or say, with the exception of your orders which are emailed to me. See the linked rulebook above for explanations of orders, and examples/sample turns.

Of course, once I post the turn, oftentimes someone realises that you shafted them without any need for explanations!

[Crumb]

What is the significance of the lines across the water? Like the line between Swe & Lvn?

[California Tanker]

They separate water regions much as the lines separate ground regions. Thus you can have a fleet in BOT (Gulf of Bothnia) and one in BAL (Baltic Sea)

NTM

[Crumb]

AH got it. :thankee:

[fragment]

Can the remaining players please check in? It would be nice to know that Baldbantam, MickThinks and They are definitely in the game.

[Deadlokd]

Haha! Having wrestled Count's computer from her for a few minutes, I too am in. I may post moves as Count, so don't be alarmed.

My computer's motherboard died a few days ago *sob* I miss my computer.

[Deadlokd]

I'd also like to assure Germany and Russia that I have no Imperial designs to the North. Mediterranean Summers are more my style.

Crumb, I'm sure we could divide up the Balkans fairly between us?

[fragment]

Hmmm, the openly broadcast your plans and negotiations strategy. A fiendish trick that's sure to put the rest of us on the wrong foot...

[Deadlokd]

I learnt my diplomacy from Genghis Khan:yup:

[Crumb]

I will be away from Turkey from Tuesday to Saturday so my orders will be sent in today. Please do not interpret my lack of communication has hostility or indifference. All our alliance are important to us. :)

[viscousmemories]

Squian will be busy at work this week, but he has prior knowledge of this game and I'll be hounding him to play (when I see him).

[California Tanker]

I may post moves as Count, so don't be alarmed.

Don't post them publicly. Email them to me.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

Will do :yup:

[Pendaric]

I'm here. And now giving you all the opportunity to surrender and pay tribute before things get nasty for you.

[beyelzu]

whats up ruskie

[California Tanker]

OK, all we need to do is find MickThinks.

NTM

[beyelzu]

i dunno, i can play italy and germany at the same time :tmgrin:

maybe we should see if anyone wants to replace him.

[beyelzu]

want me to hit up rr and see if anyone is interested?

[California Tanker]

Who, or what, is RR?

NTM

[Adam]

If mickthinks isn't going to play, I can sub in.

[beyelzu]

Who, or what, is RR?

NTM
rr is another board populated by freethinkers.

rantsnraves.org


but looks like it isnt necessary cuz adam has come aboard.

[Blake]

If neither mickthinks nor Adam is going to play, I want to.

Oh, hi everyone. I've been busy. :)

[beyelzu]

whats up blake long time no see.

[Ensign Steve]

Who, or what, is RR?

NTM
rr is another board populated by freethinkers.

rantsnraves.org


but looks like it isnt necessary cuz adam has come aboard.

Oh good lord. I thought you were talking about Rapture Ready. Or worse, Rational Recovery. :phew:

Edit: Oh shit, I'm not in this game. IGNORE ME!

[California Tanker]

OK, Adam. We'll give him 'till Wed evening to show up. Then you're up.

NTM

[Blake]

whats up blake long time no see.Oh, this and that. A short-lived career as an insurance salesman, a new and much more promising career as a paralegal clerk. I hope you're well!

/derail Sorry, carry on.

[California Tanker]

OK. There has been an uprising in Germany. The previous Kaiser has been removed from power, and Adam has installed himself as Emperor.

NTM

[Adam]

Muhahaha!

The German Empire looks forward to peaceful and prosperous relations with its neighbors. I might not be able to play much until I get home tonight, but I'm here.

[Pendaric]

Question. Are the supply centres in non-playing countries up for grabs or do they just count as blank territories?

[Adam]

Another clarifying question. Fleets are actually considered to be in the coastal provinces they occupy, correct? So, my German fleet is currently in Kiel, not Helgoland Bight, and the Austrian fleet is in Trieste rather than the Adriatic, correct? So, for example, if I wanted to move my fleet up to Norway, it would take three moves? One into HB, then into one of the two adjoining water provinces, then a third into Norway itself?

[Deadlokd]

And following on from that, it would take me two moves to take Albania. I can't just traipse across the border between Trieste and Albania?

Not that I'm in the habit of traipsing, in fact, I've never traipsed in my life. I pranced once and didn't like it, so I'm not progressing to traipsing.

[Adam]

I think you can take Albania in one move, since it's in an adjacent coastal area. Diagram 3 on page 5 of the rulebook shows a fleet moving from one Italian coastal province to another. Someone who's played before should probably clarify that, though.

[beyelzu]

ok, i thought that fleets couldnt take land, i guess i just assumed that,

am i wrong?

[squian]

Blimy, yes, boats can take land, as long as they are coastal. And Trieste to Albania is just one move by boat. Pip-pip, cherio.

[California Tanker]

I'm wondering if Squian has played this before.

Yes, the uncontrolled supply points are up for grabs. You have to be on the point at the beginning of Spring. (i.e. Turn 1 will be posted up after your first moves to be Autumn 01, Turn 2 will be Spring 02), and the country will change colour to that of the occupying force. Don't forget to write down what sort of unit you want to produce, and where you want it produced in your orders. i.e. For the Autumn turn, you think you will have control of Tunisia. Be sure to put in "Build Fleet in Naples" (Or whatever) at the end of your orders!

Trieste-Albania is one move, for either Army or Fleet.

Fleets can take land.

NTM

[squian]

I'm no expert but I've played before.

I'm a bit confused by California Tanker's explanation of turns. The rules state Spring 01 is the first turn and Fall 01 is the next. The rules also indicate the "Gaining and Losing Units Phase" is the end of the Fall turn. Maybe it works out the same following CT's explanation.

[California Tanker]

It's a matter of how you look at it: The first map is titled "Spring 01". When you do your spring orders, I will print out a map titled "Autumn 01". Basically, each map is as the world is after the turn before. Thus the second turn will result in a map entitled "Spring 02", which shows what has happened as a result of the orders submitted for the Autumn turn. Regardless of how you label them, Gaining and Losing happens at the end of every second sequence of orders.

NTM

[Pendaric]

Could I just co-ordinate watches here, given that I'm in a different time zone.

It is currently nearly 6pm on Friday 24 August 2007 here. My understanding is that first orders are due in approximately 34 hours from the time of this post. Have I got that right?

[Pendaric]

Oh, and CT - can I give orders to you by PM on here rather than by e-mail? Just easier to do.

[California Tanker]

OK, I'll accept PM if I have to.

Currently 10:45 here, so 30-something hours is about right.

NTM

[California Tanker]

In an alternate universe, World War I started because some senior Austro-Hungarian chap was shot.

No orders have come in that I've seen (And I checked my spam filter!) for Austro Hungary. If I hear nothing by when I wake up in the morning, I'm assuming you're just going to stay put for the turn.

They?

NTM

[California Tanker]

Autumn, 1900. The Diplomatic Times.

IT'S WAR!

In the first major rash of violence since last week, armies and fleets mobilised throughout Europe.

In the West, two old rivals restart their conflict. Reports of a naval clash in the English Channel have been confirmed by sightings of battered warships returning to port in both the London and Brest regions.

Neutral countries are being overrun, with the French conquering Spain, and the Germans continuing a long tradition of overrunning the Dutch. Czarist flags are being flown in Bucharest, mainly because anyone not displaying one is disappearing. The Ottoman empire continues its expansion into Bulgaria, whilst Austo-Hungary stakes its claim on Tirana. Given these developments, the ferociously neutral Swiss have sharpened their multi-tools, and the Irish and Icelandics have engaged in a mutual defense pact: The Irish will supply the Icelandic Army with unbeatable amounts of whiskey, whilst the Icelandics will export in return a new weapon of unheard-of devastation known only by the codename "Bjork"

Political commentators note that whilst England and France do not seem to be getting on, the central European powers seem to be taking a very cautious attitude towards each other with a convergence of armies around the Alps, though just how much Austro-Hungary trusts Italy looks like is about to be tested. They are either solid allies, or the Hapsburgs have been caught wrong-footed. The Ottoman incursion into the Black Sea is also a move which is bound to garner the attentions of Moscow, which combined with the Italian move into the Ionian Sea means that the Balkans are liable to be an interesting place in the next few years. Stocks in Greek package tour companies particularly have plummeted. Italy and France particularly seem content to go in opposite directions. Is this a deliberate split, or just a happy coincidence? Time has yet to tell.



OK, next set of orders due Wed, 18:00 Pacific Coast. Again, note that there is a production phase after the next turn, so don't forget to let me know what you want to build where.
It should be noted, of course, that I have absolutely no idea who has made any deals with whom. Nobody (correctly) has emailed me any background info, and above is just personal commentary on what I see from the orders.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

Beautiful! A masterful summation. I could almost hear the old Movietone News man.

[fragment]

Le Figaro Headlines:

PM plays down channel tensions
Prime Minister M. le Fragment yesterday downplayed the standoff in the English channel, blaming it on a "communication breakdown" leading to a "diplomatic failure". The French navy has been facing off against an English fleet, but M. le Fragment, calling this an "unfortunate incident", refused to declare outright war. "Diplomatic channels are still open," he said, "and a peaceful resolution is being sought that addresses the security concerns of both countries." M. le Fragment praised French mariners, calling them "the bold protectors of the French coastline, the gallant defenders of Liberty."

Radicals incite occupation of Spain
Communist and Anarchist radicals are being blamed for the unstable situation in the Iberian peninsula, which has prompted a French army to occupy Spain. Calling Catalonia a "hotbed of dissidents, traitors and scoundrels," M. le Fragment said there was no choice but to send an army of occupation to prevent radical violence from spreading to France. "We're fighting them there so we don't have to fight them here," he said.

[fragment]

Can we have another rule clarification please? If I'm reading the rules right, moving to a supply centre in the spring turn and out again the next turn doesn't give control of the supply centre. So if I want to claim Spain as counting towards supply, my army will have to remain there for the coming turn, is that right?

[California Tanker]

This is correct. Territories will change colour after the Autumn moves.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

Yet another clarification. Our unoccupied supply centres can build this turn. At what point do we remove the excess units we have? For example, Budapest, Vienna and Trieste are vacant. Can I build three armies this turn? And when do I remove the excess armies?

[California Tanker]

Hmm. Interesting question. I don't believe I've ever encountered anyone who wanted to disband an army in order to build one at home, though I suppose it's one way of travelling around quickly.

The rule is that after all the movements are completed, the provinces that your armies are in change to your colour. Count up how many provinces with supply points will now be in your colour. That is the number of units you may have on the field in total. You disband or build the appropriate number of units to reach this total.

Thus, let's say at the end of the turn, your army remains in Serbia, the fleet moves to Greece, and the Army remains in Bohemia. Serbia and Greece will change to green, giving you a total of five supply points. You may put at the end of your orders "I want to build in order of priority: 1) Army in Trieste. 2) Army in Vienna." (The priority is required just in case something happens which you don't expect, for example, the Ottoman Army in Bulgaria could bounce your fleet out of Greece reducing your expected supply points by one, and I would need to know which of the two locations you would prefer the army built.)

Note that as creation happens after movement, you can't have a 'defensive' creation. For example, let's say you don't trust Italy, and that army in Venezia is looking threatening. You cannot capture Greece, and then build the army in Trieste to defend against a move of Army in Venezia to Trieste because by the time the creation phase happens, Trieste would have already been conquered and turned brown.

[Edit: Erroneous info deleted]

Speaking of closing phases, in the interests of speed, should a unit be forcibly ejected from a location (eg A Serbia supports F Romania into Bulgaria), I will make a best determination as to where the retreating unit will go, unless you put speculative instructions in your orders mail. (eg: "In the event that A Bulgaria gets kicked out, retreat to Greece" or "In event... disband and create a new army in Smy")

NTM

[California Tanker]

Since posting the above, I have been referred to a clarification on the Avalon Hill website which specifically precludes the possibility of voluntarily disbanding a unit which has not been forced out of its location.

Apologies.

NTM

[Adam]

Great write up, CT.

The German Empire would like to take this opportunity to assure its European neighbors that its recent intervention in Holland does not indicate that Germany harbors any expansionist intent. Supporters of that deposed criminal, the former Kaiser, were using Dutch territory as a staging point for over the border assaults on the peaceful German populace. Inaction by the Dutch authorities necessitated our intervention to protect our people from this threat.

[mickthinks]

Apologies to all for not being at home when the call to arms came. It's good to see that in the event we had plenty of takers. Go Kaiser Adam!

:cheer::ffdance::cheer::ffdance::cheer:


I can see the map showing the moves, but I can't see the orders. Were they published? I think it's required in the rules .

Mick

[California Tanker]

No, I figured that the publication of the map combined with my commentary would suffice to get the general gist. Any PBM game I've participated in hasn't published the moves. It is true that the rules say that 'all orders are revealed at once', though I think that's really only a requirement in the case of there not being an uninterested party who works as a broker/trust. You could argue that all orders are indeed revealed at once when I open my mailbox at 18:00 on Wed.

NTM

[California Tanker]

Spring (Pt 1)

You will note that I haven't put any builds up yet. (Or made the map look pretty).

As I'm working the moves, I note that the rules allow players to create units -after- seeing who's moved where. Although any PBM I've played before has asked for the creations in the same sheet of paper as the orders, given the opportunity, I think it allows more flexibility and greater survival prospects to anyone in particular need (Not looking at anyone in central Europe in particular, here).

Thus, last-second procedural change. You have until 18:00 Thu to get your revised build orders to me. If I receive nothing, I will use whatever orders you sent me.

News report follows.

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/spring01.JPG

NTM

[California Tanker]

Austro-Hungarian Tourist Venues Seized!!!

The vast majority of Austro-Hungary's coastline was seized today in a surprise move by the Italian Armed Forces. The undefended province was easy pickings for the Italian Army, and the seizure of Trieste leaves the Austrian Navy without a home port. Perhaps the sailors mistook "Tirana" for "Trieste"? Supposedly celebrating their capture of Albania, all leave for the Austrian fleet has been cancelled. The amphibious assault by the Italians into Greece also makes the Austrian forces surrounded.

Heroic Save in Russia
Beachgoers and fishermen in the Sevastapol region were shocked recently to see an Ottoman battle fleet approaching over the horizon doubtless intent on capturing the port city. However, in a masterful stroke, the Czar's Black Sea Fleet, approaching at all available speed intercepted the approaching Ottoman force, giving it sufficient of a battering to force it to withdraw and reconsider its moves. After succeeding, the Russian admiral left but a mere picket force, and returned to his subjugation of Rumania.

Other News
Elsewhere, German and French forces clashed over Belgium. Ultimately, both sides agreed that the Belgians really weren't worth the hassle, and the German fleet returned to its subjugation of Holland, while the French soldiers just shrugged their shoulders at the whole thing and returned to their wine-drinking.

In the meantime, recovered from their earlier engagements, the Royal Navy sealed its control over the English Channel when the French refused to put up a fight.

Scandanavian countries have also fallen to the expansion policies of the major powers. Scandanavian Blondes are obviously too much of an allure for the Russians and English to ignore.

However, despite the earlier moves to the Alpine region, central Europe has reportedly remained calm and quiet.

Builds:
Just to clarify, these are the amounts of units that can be built.

UK: 1 Unit.
Germany: 1 unit.
France: 1 unit
Austria: Bugger-all. Blame the Italians.
Italy: 2 units.
Turkey: One unit.
Russia. 2 units.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

The Austria-Hugarian Government condemns the actions of the Italian scum. We counsel all our European neighbours to consider carefully their dealings with this Rogue Nation. We were under the impression that we had an alliance. Having checked our Italian dictionary we do in fact find that in Italian "Alliance" means "turn coat at the earliest available opportunity." We inform our Italian neighbours that the Hapsburgs are firm friends and deadly enemies. You have made your decision.

Meanwhile there was much rejoicing in the North and North-Eastern Provinces when our neighbours acted with honour. Our thanks to the Czar of Russia and the Kaiser of Germany.

We conclude this communique with a simple message.

The Empire of Austria-Hungary declares war on the cowardly peoples of Italy. We will be there shortly to fix your atrocious building standards and shave your mothers moustaches.

They, Emperor of Austria-Hungary minus the State of Trieste.

[Deadlokd]

We just received this from the Governor of Trieste:

To our Royal Emperor,

It is with disgust and humiliation that I pen this missive to you.

We are humiliated to admit that we could not defeat the treacherous dogs who have invaded us. Acting on your communication to us Sire, that said that the Italians were our allies and firm friends, we did welcome their army into our Province. They were bearing letters claiming they were on their way to Greece to assist in the capture of that State.

That very night the treacherous knaves did fall upon our officers and slay every one of them before falling upon the enlisted men and killing and maiming thousands more. I myself, with my household guard did hold off an entire company before succumbing.

There have been reports of children being gassed with condiments, primarily tomato sauce and mayonaise. We suspect the Italians are trying some form of chemical warfare, or are secret cannibals. We will inform you when we know more. The ordinary Italian soldier, being of somewhat limited intelligence, have attempted to arrest several of the statues and suits of armour in the Governor's Palace. They also appear rather stunned at the lack of facial hair on our women. Fortunately this has had the unexpected side effect of limiting the standard 'ravages' of war. Alas, my prized Alsatian was not as lucky.

We will keep you informed Sire, as I and indeed, most of the State of Trieste remain your humble servants, and will work from within to repay the treachery threefold.

Sincerely yours Sire,

Hanz, Archduke of Trieste.

It appears that the new 'masters' are not to the canines of Triestes tastes. It gladdens our hearts to hear of the loyalty of our people. To the people of Trieste, we are coming for you.

They, Emperor of Austria-Hungary including Trieste.

[Pendaric]

Heroic Save in Russia
Beachgoers and fishermen in the Sevastapol region were shocked recently to see an Ottoman battle fleet approaching over the horizon doubtless intent on capturing the port city. However, in a masterful stroke, the Czar's Black Sea Fleet, approaching at all available speed intercepted the approaching Ottoman force, giving it sufficient of a battering to force it to withdraw and reconsider its moves. After succeeding, the Russian admiral left but a mere picket force, and returned to his subjugation of Rumania.


The peoples of Russia are distressed and perplexed by the entirely unprovoked attack on our shores by the Turkish nation. We celebrate the success of our gallant sailors in repelling this outrage, but are saddened that it proved necessary given the assurances previously given by the Turkish government.

We are expelling the Turkish ambassador and his embassy from our shores forthwith and demand an immediate explanation from the Turkish government for their actions.

Mother Russia is a peaceful country who does not wish conflict with any of her neighbours, as we feel our actions thus far prove. However, the fool who prods the mother bear feels her claws.

We have no quarrel with the noble Turkish people, however the actions of the government and in particular the dictator Crumb cause us grave concern.

We issue this warning to the Turk - immediately cease and desist in your aggression, and withdraw your fleet from the Black Sea as you gave your undertaking to do. Otherwise, 'shock and awe' will take on an entirely intimate and personal meaning for yourself.

Mother Russia.

:russia:

[Pendaric]

The Russian people would also like to express their solidarity with their Austro-Hungarian neighbours during their time of trial.

We are shocked and disappointed at the entirely unwarranted attack from the Italian nation on our peace loving neighbours, and we call upon the Italian government to immediately withdraw from the territory of Trieste.

:russia:

[Deadlokd]

The people of Austro-Hungary welcome the words and wishes of Mother Russia. Like the noble Bear of Russia the two-headed eagle of the Hapsburgs is a fearsome enemy to awaken. We condemn the actions of the Turks, especially as an agreement was reached between yourselves and the honourable Russians. We call upon our neighbours both old and new to honour their commitments and alliances. And to leave the dogs alone.

[beyelzu]

The Austria-Hugarian Government condemns the actions of the Italian scum. We counsel all our European neighbours to consider carefully their dealings with this Rogue Nation. We were under the impression that we had an alliance. Having checked our Italian dictionary we do in fact find that in Italian "Alliance" means "turn coat at the earliest available opportunity." We inform our Italian neighbours that the Hapsburgs are firm friends and deadly enemies. You have made your decision.

Meanwhile there was much rejoicing in the North and North-Eastern Provinces when our neighbours acted with honour. Our thanks to the Czar of Russia and the Kaiser of Germany.

We conclude this communique with a simple message.

The Empire of Austria-Hungary declares war on the cowardly peoples of Italy. We will be there shortly to fix your atrocious building standards and shave your mothers moustaches.

They, Emperor of Austria-Hungary minus the State of Trieste.

the fine soldiers of the italian empire are only in the province of trieste to help the austrian people face a possible foriegn aggressor. furthermore, we have quite good intel that the austrian peoples had links to terrorists and even marxist groups.

our army is not an army of subjugation rather we are there to guarantee freedom

[beyelzu]

The Russian people would also like to express their solidarity with their Austro-Hungarian neighbours during their time of trial.

We are shocked and disappointed at the entirely unwarranted attack from the Italian nation on our peace loving neighbours, and we call upon the Italian government to immediately withdraw from the territory of Trieste.

the armies of the mighty italian empire will withdraw from trieste when you, russia, withdraw your army from rumania and return the prince of wallachia to the throne.

perhaps, you would seem less of a hypocrite if you did not have imperial designs of your own.

[beyelzu]

and they, hapsburg, i would like to point out that you asked me to engage in treachery against my good friend of turkey, crumbles.

i was shocked and appalled at such a suggestion.

but i could not betray the man that gives me such sweet sweet lovin.

:tmgrin:

[Deadlokd]

DP

[Deadlokd]

As it happens the Prince of Wallachia is a cousin of ours and known to be quite barking mad. Literally barking. His proud people have suffered under his rule and we understand that they are quite enamoured by their Russian liberators. They seem most impressed about the cessation of regular howling competitions the erstwhile Prince did fob upon his long-suffering peoples.

May I also remind you of your little empire building efforts in Greece? Could the lure of a real culture be too much?!11!eleven Having stolen their Gods in antiquity you now wish to steal their land?

We are disgusted that you should see fit to show your conniving face in this august assembly. You are a scourge upon decent men and women. We command you to withdraw from Austro-Hungarian territories forthwith and return them to their rightful rulers. And for Dog's sake! Leave them alone!

[Deadlokd]

and they, hapsburg, i would like to point out that you asked me to engage in treachery against my good friend of turkey, crumbles.

i was shocked and appalled at such a suggestion.

but i could not betray the man that gives me such sweet sweet lovin.

:tmgrin:

Ah, but my dear Italian traitor, the evidence clearly points to you desiring Turkish land. In fact, what was your line? "Want to ally against Crumbles?" And "work in concert in Greece and roll through Turkey." Do you hear that? That's the sound of you being hoist on your own petard!

If I were you Turkey, I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw his Pavarotti ass! It would appear that he is no longer content with you just giving him lovin', he plans to take it.

[beyelzu]

my good friend crumb has been aware of all messages that you and i have sent each other they.

see, in a real alliance, i am incredibly above board.

i even tell my true friends what moves i am going to make

[Pendaric]

the armies of the mighty italian empire will withdraw from trieste when you, russia, withdraw your army from rumania and return the prince of wallachia to the throne.

perhaps, you would seem less of a hypocrite if you did not have imperial designs of your own.

Mother Russia would remind Emperor beyelzu of a few pertinent facts.

Firstly, this is a ship:

:ship:

When a ship is in a port it counts as a fleet, not an army.

This is a tank:

:tank:

You require sightings of a tank rather than a ship to conclude that an army rather than a navy is present. Mother Russia cordially suggests that the Emperor avails himself of an eye check and studies the basics of armament recognition.

Secondly, Mother Russia sent forces in to Rumania at the invitation of the oppressed Rumanian people to free them from the yoke of tyranny of the Prince of Wallachia.

You will note that this accomplished, we were indeed in the process of leaving them to self-government: hence the fortunate fact that our fleet was moving towards Stevastopol when the Turkish fleet was spied, thus allowing our glorious victory.

However, the aggressive acts of the Italian and Turkish government have caused the Rumanian people to ask once again for our protection, and therefore our fleet has returned to Rumanian waters to give such assistance.

Mother Russia advises that the Italian emperor should study the situation more carefully before opening his mouth again, in order to avoid looking a bigger fool than he currently does.

:russia:

[mickthinks]

Tsar baldbantam

withdraw your fleet from the Black Sea as you gave your undertaking to do.

I sympathise with your distress, but to be fair to the Caliph, it's not entirely his fault he is still in the Black Sea. He was trying to withdraw and you stopped him. :seacaptain:

[Pendaric]

my good friend crumb has been aware of all messages that you and i have sent each other they.

see, in a real alliance, i am incredibly above board.

i even tell my true friends what moves i am going to make

Perhaps you should choose your friends more carefully than the perfidious Turk.

I would not normally do this, however given the attack on Russian territories by the Ottomans I do not feel compelled by the normal codes of courtesy.

This message was received from the Sultan of Turkey in the initial stages of this campaign:

Would you be willing to ally with me against Italy? My intent was to move my fleet into the Black sea, but if you were thinking the same thing, I could do otherwise.

Clearly, my rejection of his suggestion of warfare against your nation is what has led to the attack upon Russian sovereign territory.

Mother Russia is a peaceloving country and does not collude to attack it's neighbours. However, we are steadfast in our own defence of our borders.

Mother Russia

:russia:

[Pendaric]

Tsar baldbantam

withdraw your fleet from the Black Sea as you gave your undertaking to do.

I sympathise with your distress, but to be fair to the Caliph, it's not entirely his fault he is still in the Black Sea. He was trying to withdraw and you stopped him. :seacaptain:

Indeed. However, withdrawal to a Russian sovereign port was not exactly the intention.

The Caliph will rue his mistake.

:russia:

[Deadlokd]

Tsar baldbantam

withdraw your fleet from the Black Sea as you gave your undertaking to do.

I sympathise with your distress, but to be fair to the Caliph, it's not entirely his fault he is still in the Black Sea. He was trying to withdraw and you stopped him. :seacaptain:

Ah, the deposed Kaiser speaks! Surely ex-Kaiser mickthinks, withdrawing means returning to ones own lines, not attempting to move into another's territories. Withdrawing would mean moving into the blue Aegean Sea or returning to Turkish territory. Advancing, I believe is the word you were searching for.

They, rightful ruler of Trieste.

[mickthinks]

withdrawing means returning to ones own lines Not when translated into Turkish, it seems! Did you ask the Caliph to go into that kind of detail when he promised to 'withdraw'?

[California Tanker]

This is a tank:

:tank:

You require sightings of a tank rather than a ship to conclude that an army rather than a navy is present.

Breaking news!

New invention announced by Russia! In a suprise move today, the Russians announced the existance of a heretofore unheard of device known as a 'Tank'

Our intrepid reporters have investigated, and sure enough the "Tsar Tank" is under development. A picture of the device has been found.

http://www.nemo.nu/ibisportal/5pansar/5sidor/5bilder/tzartank.jpg

Looking somewhat like a fairground ride, however, analysts find it difficult to conclude just how this is going to work.

NTM

(Ed note: The Tsar Tank was a real invention, that's not a photoshop. Actually built by the Russians in 1915 or so, thus before the British tanks saw combat, they weighed in at 40 tons. It was not a success, and the program was stopped in 1916 after only two were built)

[Adam]

The Kaiser of the glorious Germany nation regrets to inform his European neighbors that he will be indisposed for most of the day attending to his dear sick child, Bustedupheim Webserviceimmel. He will receive diplomatic envoys in due time, and refreshments, in the form of strong German beer and stronger German women will be provided to those who desire them. The Kaiser feels that he will likely need a good deal of the former when this day is over.

[Crumb]

Turkey regrets considerably the misunderstanding with the great Mother Russia. It was merely our intent to vacate the black see as expressed in our peaceful and sincere communications with your great nation. In the future it is our intent to be more clear in our messages to your great nation. I assure you that the diplomats responsible for this incident will be executed.

We also would like to make public our thanks to our Italian allies for their loyalty.

[California Tanker]

Right so. Off we go.

Slight schedule change. Given I'm now allowing 24 hours to submit build orders after the publication of the Wed Situation Map, I will now be taking orders on Saturday and Tuesday evenings, giving three days per turn (one of which is a weekend day), the map will be published Tue night, and build orders are due Wed evening.

The Tue map will be termed 'Winter', the Wed map 'Spring'

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/spring01b.JPG

NTM

[California Tanker]

By the way, I acknowledge the avatar usage!

NTM

[California Tanker]

Reserves Mobilised!

Around Europe, reserve forces, fresh from their summer vacations, have finished their mobilisation training, and are raring to join the fight.

Italy, the centre of such controversy recently, has militarised the Napoli Yacht Club, indicating that it has little interest in expansions Northwards. Analysts believe that this suits the French very nicely, as they are liable to be distracted by the British and Germans. The French declination to offer battle to the English last autumn could indicate a warming of relations, but the English creation of an army in London seems to clearly indicate designs on the Continent. If this is against France, Belgium or Denmark remains to be seen.

The Kaiser's troops, on the other hand, seem to be indicating a fairly conservative role for now, with no great emphasis in any particular direction, but Paddy Powers bookmaker has the odds slightly in favour of moving West.

This also would suit the beleaguered Austro-Hungarian forces, whose reserves were the only ones not coming to the field. Analysts believe that the Army of Northern Austria has little choice but to react to the Italian incursion, and think that a diversion by German forces Southwards to take advantage of this is not very likely given the recent unpleasantness with France.

Most interesting, however, is the Ottoman deployment of a fleet in Smyrna. Given the misunderstanding about which way the Ankaran fleet should have vacated the Black Sea, the creation of the fleet in the Meditteranean is about as un-threatening towards Russia as it could be. It does beg the question though, as to where the fleet is headed. The likeliest candidate geographically is announced ally Italy.

The Tsarist army has made unsurprising reinforcements, though it remains to be seen if the apparent supplination by the Turks will be sufficient to mollify the Russian desire for revenge. Only time will tell!

NTM

[fragment]

M. le Fragment wishes to inform the heads of the nations of Europe that a state of war now exists between France and Germany, following the attempt by Germany to seize Belgium. France will stand against the expansionist designs of the Kaiser!

[California Tanker]

Jesus, some people just can't take a joke!

NTM

[California Tanker]

Half an hour to go, still need three sets of orders. People are going to be pissed when their armies don't move!

(If you're waiting on communiques, note that stringing you along so that you miss your turn may be a valid tactic)

NTM

[California Tanker]

OK. Fine. I guess I did take a day off your plotting time. Map'll go up first thing after I wake up in the morning.

NTM

[beyelzu]

sorry guys i totally flaked, i signed up for broadband but i wont get my modem till tueseday, even though i signed up over a week ago.

very sorry.

ill send in orders soon

[California Tanker]

You're actually not last, though as the Balkans are a bloody mess, Germany has a little while yet to send me orders. Unless MickThinks or Blake wants to send me some 'fill-in' orders in the next half-hour or so.

NTM

[California Tanker]

I did not receive orders from Germany. In the end, I decided to act in accordance with France's declaration of war against Germany, and give 'best guess' orders for the German forces and move West. This brought the Germans into conflict with the UK. Political machinations are far above those of mere Generals, so nothing personal.

Battle over Budapest
Magyars today have been celebrating as heroes the beleagured Austro-Hungarian forces after a pictched battle in Budapest. Italian forces, on a morale roll from their recent capture of Trieste, attempted to march into Budapest only to be met by the Austro-Hungarian army marching North from Serbia. After their heroic defense of the Hungarian capitol, the Hungarian troops attempted to return to their positions in Serbia to meet the onslaught of troops expected to make a move on Belgrade. Sadly, for the game Magyars, they were outflanked as the expected Italian attack turned out merely to be a supporting diversion for the Ottoman army's assualt. This was just too much to be asked of the Hapsburg forces, and they were beaten back a yard at a time, eventually crossing back into the only free path available to them: The Budapest Basin. Now in their capitol, the Hungarians are gathering their strength and setting up fortifications for the battle that all know is coming.
Though Tyrolia has also fallen to the advancing Italian forces, and Albania captured by the Italian navy, the move by the Austrian fleet into the Adriatic is one which is enheartening Austro-Hungarians and causing distress amongst Italians in the Venezia region.

Bust-up over Belgium
Belgium, yet again, has been the subject of a naval battle, except this time between Germany and the UK. In response to the declared state of war, German forces moved Westwards, the Army of Kiel advancing into the Ruhr region with the aid of the Army of Munich, fighting off the attempted French assault into German borders.

Black-Sea Bail-out
In a distinct thawing of relations, the Ottoman fleet in the Black Sea withdrew, as public releases had implied would happen, back to Turkish land. The Russian forces seemed content to enter a holding pattern, just to see if the Turks would indeed do so, but have made no aggressive moves towards Ankara. Perhaps smelling blood in the water, or just not wanting potential adversaries to split up all of Austro-Hungary between them, the Polish army has entered Austro-Hungarian territory. Or have the Hapsburgs managed to enlist the aid of the Great White Bear to shore up the defenses of the two capitols?

Brittania and the Bear
Though almost a sideshow compared to the pitched battles going on in the Mediterranean area, interesting moves are afoot in Scandanavia. Russia's northern Army moved unopposed into Norway, as the British unit located there moved into Finland. The British move to Denmark subjugates the last of the Scandanavians, and now the Russians are surrounded in their recent conquests, whilst also St Petersburg is threatened. Is it possible Russia has bitten off more than it can chew? Doubtless with the less provocative situation in the South, Russian forces may well be dispatched North, but where would this leave the Czarist Austrian policy? And can the Turk still be trusted?

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/autumn01.jpg

NTM

[Crumb]

Great write up, CT!

[beyelzu]

ct, how come the austrian army is in budapest shouldnt it have bounced with the one i sent there?

[fragment]

Hmmm, not so sure I like you making best guess moves when a player is absent. I suppose it makes things more interesting that just having all the units stay in place, but it kinda breaks the whole diplomatic negotiations aspect of the game. I'll go with it, but unless we hear from Adam soon I suspect we need a new Kaiser.

[Deadlokd]

ct, how come the austrian army is in budapest shouldnt it have bounced with the one i sent there?

We did bounce but then Crumb invaded Serbia and pushed me back into Budapest.

[viscousmemories]

The Kaiser is often scarce on weekends, I'd wait until tomorrow night before calling for his ouster.

[California Tanker]

I know he had said in a previous posting he was having ISP issues, but if he had known he was going to be absent, it would have been nice to receive a note.

We did bounce but then Crumb invaded Serbia and pushed me back into Budapest

What he said.

Hmmm, not so sure I like you making best guess moves when a player is absent. I suppose it makes things more interesting that just having all the units stay in place, but it kinda breaks the whole diplomatic negotiations aspect of the game

It was a decision that I did not take lightly. Indeed, if it were almost any other nation, I wouldn't have, but Germany seems to be generally minding its own business. Given that it seemed that there wasn't any obvious diplomacy going on at all in Western Europe, besides possibly a UK/French truce* the humble General that I am decided to follow the two best principles: 1) You can't go wrong if you run to the sounds of the guns and 2) If in doubt, follow last known orders. If, indeed, the Kaiser was suffering technical difficulties, it seemed unfortunate to have him miss out on an early turn: The ones where the 'neutral' supply points are up for grabs are easy enough pickings, and could leave him at an unfortunate disadvantage.

NTM

*All the above based purely on on what I could see from the maps

[fragment]

Yeah, I accept both your decision and understand the reasons for it, just noting that there's a substantial portion of the game that you haven't been party to which affects the expectations the rest of us might have of Germany's movements. That's just an in principle statement; I don't actually think it's very significant this particular round.

[Deadlokd]

The Austro-Hungarian people rejoice at the brave actions of her armies. The defence of Budapest was masterful and even the defeat in Serbia can not diminish the morale of our great army. Instead we forsee an immense reduction in the morale of the Italian armies as they realise that their advance has been halted and they are about to get the boot, so to speak.

The only question for the Italians now is whether the Austrian navy feels like spending summer in Venice or is happy sailing the calm waters of the Adriatic.

To the Turks we have one message. Don't overextend yourselves, and don't bite off more than you can chew.

[California Tanker]

Any sign of the Kaiser?

NTM

[Crumb]

So what is going on exactly and when are the next orders due?

Adam is still MIA?

[viscousmemories]

I could use his emergency contact number, but I'm not sure "failing to give Diplomacy orders" constitutes an emergency.

[Crumb]

Nor do I.

[beyelzu]

I know he had said in a previous posting he was having ISP issues, but if he had known he was going to be absent, it would have been nice to receive a note.

We did bounce but then Crumb invaded Serbia and pushed me back into Budapest

What he said.


uh, now im extra confused, as according to the rules, after a bounce a retreating army cant go to the province in question instead it gets disbanded.

[beyelzu]

hmm, do we need to replace adam?

[California Tanker]

Well, given the repeated questions, I'm going to assume that Adam is still a no-show. Orders will now be due Saturday, as we try to figure out just what's going on.

Mickthinks or Blake, are either of you around?


uh, now im extra confused, as according to the rules, after a bounce a retreating army cant go to the province in question instead it gets disbanded.

Bollocks. I see it now, page 17. And I specifically went looking for it as well. <sigh>

Well, there's another reason to wait until Saturday. I need to put up a new map.

OK lads, the last 48 hours didn't exist. The Army that was in Serbia is disbanding.

NTM

[Blake]

Hi CT--I'll do stand-in for Adam, assuming he doesn't resurface.

[California Tanker]

Mickthinks got back to me first, I'm afraid.

Well, we'll see come this evening if Adam shows up again.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

I want to press the reset button and start again. I hate getting shafted. :(

[beyelzu]

I could use his emergency contact number, but I'm not sure "failing to give Diplomacy orders" constitutes an emergency.

i think it is

:tmgrin:

[California Tanker]

I want to press the reset button and start again. I hate getting shafted. :(

Sorry, mate. Austria is probably the toughest of the countries to play, but someone had to have the job. Next time you can be someone else!

NTM

[Deadlokd]

I want to press the reset button and start again. I hate getting shafted. :(

Sorry, mate. Austria is probably the toughest of the countries to play, but someone had to have the job. Next time you can be someone else!

NTM

I would have been fine if a certain country hadn't done the dirty, not wanting to name any names beyelzu. Ah, she'll be right, I may only have another couple of years left, but i'm not going out easily. And I have learnt a valuable lesson.

[California Tanker]

All right, Blake. You're up. Buggered if I know where Adam went to.

All Hail the New Kaiser! (It seems to be a shortlived position, mind.)

NTM

[Pendaric]

What does NTM mean at the bottom of your posts CT?

[Deadlokd]

What does NTM mean at the bottom of your posts CT?

Not the Mamma! :yup: Or his initials :D

[California Tanker]

Nicholas Theodore Moran.

Call me old-fashioned, but I always sign my posts. There are occasional threads on other fora about who does, and who does not do such. I'm not unique on the web for it!

NTM

[beyelzu]

I want to press the reset button and start again. I hate getting shafted. :(

Sorry, mate. Austria is probably the toughest of the countries to play, but someone had to have the job. Next time you can be someone else!

NTM

I would have been fine if a certain country hadn't done the dirty, not wanting to name any names beyelzu. Ah, she'll be right, I may only have another couple of years left, but i'm not going out easily. And I have learnt a valuable lesson.

sorry man, that was indeed one hard core shafting.

i blame crumb and his manly wiles, i was putty in his hands

:tmgrin:

[Crumb]

:glare: Just for that I am taking Greece!

[beyelzu]

dont be that way baby.

i said you had manly wiles, what more do you want?

[Crumb]

You not to be all gay.

[beyelzu]

Oh baby, i told you last night that i wasnt gay and neither were you, in spite of where your mouth was at the time


sorry i cant help it

:tmgrin:

[Crumb]

:narrow:

[Deadlokd]

:roflmao:

[California Tanker]

Wrong...

Just. Wrong.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

So is Mick or Blake the new Kaiser?

[California Tanker]

Blake.

[Pendaric]

What's the timetable now then?

I don't want to issue orders until I've seen the revised map, and it being only a couple of days till Saturday I'm thinking it might be best to extend that deadline a bit and give us 3 days after the map is published.

[Crumb]

Wasn't the only difference with the map that no unit is in Budapest?

[Blake]

Otto von Blake pleads for a little extra time, since he's new to the peacemaking process, and it would be a shame if a European conflagration exploded simply for want of an additional day or two of last-ditch diplomacy.

[California Tanker]

Wasn't the only difference with the map that no unit is in Budapest?

Correct. (I knew I forgot something)

However, I've no objection to Tue if that be the desire of the players.

NTM

[beyelzu]

tuesday is a long way away.

but blake does need some catch up time i suppose

[Deadlokd]

Let's split the difference and say Sunday or Monday.

[California Tanker]

Monday, then. Map has been changed.

NTM

[beyelzu]

are we going to get to see the new map.

come on ct, me love you long time

you no too beaucoup

[California Tanker]

Odd. For some reason, no matter how many times I hit 'refresh', the map didn't update.

Testing here.

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/autumn01.jpg
NTM

[Deadlokd]

Wow, that looks like desperate. I much prefer the old map. :P

[beyelzu]

well they if you would like to surrender to me, i am open to offers, i think i could leave you vienna for instance

[Deadlokd]

I'll consider it. Yup, considered it, not going to happen. You want me, you're going to have to take me.

Now who sounds gay? :P

[beyelzu]

wow, hard to get, just how i like em baby

spread vienna wide for daddy

:tmgrin:

[Deadlokd]

You just want my Weiner dogs.

[California Tanker]

Reminder, I'm updating the map tonight, and the build orders will be due tomorrow.

[beyelzu]

but move orders are due today right?

[California Tanker]

Yes.

[California Tanker]

OK, I have England, Turkey, Germany (There's a shocker), What's left of Austria, and Italy. Still waiting on Russia and France.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

OK, I have England, Turkey, Germany (There's a shocker), What's left of Austria, and Italy. Still waiting on Russia and France.

NTM

Sheesh. Way to rub it in CT. :fuming:

[fragment]

CT, check your PMs.

[California Tanker]

OK, got the last two. Working the map.

NTM

[Blake]

Sweet. :nod:

[California Tanker]

The Diplomatic Times
Winter 1901.

Three-Way-Fight over Budapest

After having seen the sudden and unexpected vaporisation of their saviour army, the citizens of Budapest suffered a massive fight on their doorstep.

The approaching Viennese forces attempted to take up positions to defend the Budapest region, only to find that a Russian army was also attempting to control the city region. Although analysts (And possibly the Hapsburgs) expected perhaps some form of joint defense between the two sides, instead they started to engage each other.

In the meantime, the Italian army in Trieste joined the fray, making it a three-way contest. However, as the old adage says, if you're fighting fair, you're fighting poorly, and the Italians had made sure to enlist the supporting aid of the Ottoman Turks. With the force of the two armies, the Italians swept away the squabbling Austrians and Russians. An attempted counter-attack on Venizia by the Austrian fleet was repulsed in a vigourous land defense by the Tyrollean-based Italian army.

Turkey raises tensions again
It is quite possible that the Tsar will rue the fact that he chose to make an opportunistic grab towards Budapest instead of working with the Austro-Hungarians against what is fast becoming an obvious and firm Italian-Ottoman alliance. With the Ottomans moving back into the Black Sea, with reinforcements close behind, and combined with the slicing up of Austrian territory between Italy and Turkey, Russia's southern flank is suddenly looking very weak and surrounded. Combined with pressure from the England in the North, Russia herself may find herself in need of friends in the not-too-distant future. (And if Russia gets defeated, who will stop the Italian/Ottoman steamroller?)

Germans Rescue Russians
Some help did arrive for the Russians in Northern Europe. After having been somewhat outmaneuvered by the British in Scandanavia, a loss of a supply point seemed pretty much to be a given. The Russians chose to move to defend St. Petersburg, a reasonable enough choice, and thus to abandon the recent gain of Norway.
The fleet in Sweden, however, prepared to face off a combined assault of British units in Finland and Denmark, not knowing from which side the main attack would come. In the end, the British attacked from Finland, with a planned supporting front from Denmark.
Although analysts as yet do not wish to hazard a guess over if this was a move planned in concert with Moscow or just an off-the-cuff move by the Kaiser, possibly hoping to take Denmark if the British attacked from there into Sweden, the end result is the same: The British Army had to suddenly disengage itself from its supporting attack into Sweden, and face off the might of the Prussian Army moving up from the South. Although after brisk fighting it managed to do so, without the distraction from Denmark, the British Army in Finland's attack petered out without success.
All is not over for Russia yet, however: The British have moved yet more forces into the region, which Russia may not be able to match, especially given the threat in the South. The Germans, in the meantime, finally captured Belgium, making them quite a force to be reckoned with in NorthWestern Europe.

Peacenik France Refuses to Play
In a wholly expected move, the French continued their conquest of the Iberian peninsula, with the capture of defensless Portugal. However, they very pointedly refused to partake in the shennanigans just to their East and North, they appear to be hedging their bets for now, to avoid annoying anyone in particular. The move into the Atlantic is particularly interesting, however, and leaves open the possibility both of a move towards the UK and also one swinging into the Meditteranean to have a crack at the lesser-defended Italian territories while the Italians are busy working away to their East.

Analysts Pontificate (Editor's note: Again, I have no idea what is actually going on, this is just an observation from the map and orders)

The course of the conflict is still not entirely set, but analysts are willing to hazard some guesses.

The Italian-Ottoman alliance is pretty much a given at this point. Indeed, there are rumours in the tabloid press of unholy relationships between the two rulers. With the Austrian forces almost totally vanquished, it seems that the next target will be Russia.

It is doubted that there is any formal alliance between the UK and the Italian/Turkish venture, but there is little question that the UK would like to see Russia continue to be distracted down South.

As the only military in anything like a position to help is Russian, it is likely that the Austrians will accept something of a vassal state relationship to Moscow in an attempt to stave off total annihilation. Russia, of course, is going to appreciate anything which might redress the inbalance of forces in the Caucasus region.
Some minor assistance from Germany may also be expected, if for no other reason than if Italy/Turkey are still working away trying to polish off Austria, then they're not attacking the German home territories.

A German/Russian alliance of convenience seems eminently possible, though it may only last for as long as it takes to hold up British expansion. The wild-card is the French, who seem to be taking something of a wait-and-see approach. Of course, the British (And Austrians) would like to see the French move South into the Meditteranean to distract the Italian/Turkish juggernaut, but more specifically so that they don't threaten the British Isles, allowing the UK to focus on Northern Russia. It is likely the Russians don't much care where the French go, as long as they threaten someone who's a threat to Russia. (i.e. UK or Italy/Turkey). A German/French fight is considered unlikely as the density of troops to territories is just too high for a war of support and maneuver. Plus the move to Mid Atlantic would be extremely odd if France had Eastern pretensions. Then again, look at Turkey's move to the Eastern Med last season.

Still, nothing would surprise your analysts: They get paid to waffle, after all.
________________________
OK. Build orders (Or disbanding, in Austria's case) are due tomorrow.

England: Build 1
Russia: No change.
France: Build 1.
Germany: Build 1
Austria: Disband 1
Italy: Build 2
Turkey: Build 1.

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/winter01.jpg

[fragment]

Nice write-up, CT!

[beyelzu]

indeed excellent write up

[California Tanker]

BREAKING!
"Grand Alliance" Information Leaked!

Sources inside the Italian foreign service have leaked some insight into the workings of what is apparently known as the "Grand Alliance"

This information remains, for now, unconfirmed, but would appear to indicate that the Italians have a controlling interest in this alliance, which incorporates Turkey, Germany and the UK*, though it seems that the Italians consider the Germans to be a minority member. France has reportedly been in negotiations with Italy to join this alliance, possibly in the place of the Germany given the recent German/British conflict in Denmark making the move into the Atlantic something of a hedge: They might yet turn around and go East. The German move into Denmark apparently has caused much confusion in Grand Alliance circles. It is believed that a four-country alliance may simply be too big to last long.

Analysts stress (Possibly as a safeguard to avoid the fate of their predecessors) that this may have been a deliberate leak in order to distract and decoy other nations, but at this time they have no reason to indicate that this is the case.

*contrary to the estimates of the our analysts previously: These inferior analysts have since been shot.

NTM

(Sorry mate, there is only integrity amongst journalists in their quest for the truth, and readership ratings)

[California Tanker]

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/Spring02.jpg

I shall simply let the map speak for itself.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

Yeah? Well I don't even care.

Goes off quietly for a cry

[Crumb]

:patpat:

[California Tanker]

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock"

NTM

[fragment]

When are the next move orders due?

[California Tanker]

Saturday. I'm trying to get back to the Sat/Tue/Wed cycle.

NTM

[beyelzu]

hmm a grand alliance you say, wish someone had told me

:tmgrin:

[Crumb]

We would have if you were actually in it. :wink:

[Blake]

I'm having a hard time keeping up with my correspondence. Is an extension until Sunday possible?

[California Tanker]

I would rather avoid it if at all possible.

NTM

[California Tanker]

Waiting on the UK, come in Squian.

NTM

[California Tanker]

The Diplomatic TimesAutumn 1902

Anarchy in Austria!
Even as the beleagured Austrian forces repulse yet another Italian attack from Tyrolia, Viennese residents are leaving the city en masse, as the city is surrounded by overwhelming Italian numbers. The presence of a German unit nearby neither increases nor decreases the sense of depression, as the Hapsburgs have been rumoured to be trying to disguise themselves and make a break for Switzerland. Sales of Italian and Turkish flags have been shooting up.

Armenian Ambush from Ankara
All pretence of diplomacy has been dropped in the Black Sea region, as the Tsar's Sebastapol army attempted to enter Ottoman territory with a move into Armenia. The Turkish forces, however, were prepared for this, and the territory was successfully defended by their Ankaran-based Army. The remnants of the Tsar's army was sent back to Sebastapol to regroup and have a think about their future.

Amphibious Assault!
The Tsar's Black Sea Fleet faired even worse than his army this season, with a push from the Turkish fleet into Romania, with overwhelming support from Bulgaria and Serbia. With the run to Sebastapol blockaded, the Russians had little choice but to scuttle their warships in harbour to prevent their capture by the Turks.

Arctic Annihilation
Things went a little better for the Tsar in the North, however, with a concerted attack into Finland which destroyed the British army which had taken up residence there. A feared attack into Sweden from Norway or Denmark never materialised, though doubtless British attentions will be focused on the move by Germany to further surround Copenhagen.

Atlantic Adventure
In a brazen move, the French have entered the Irish Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. To say that this is causing discomfort in England would be something of an understatement, as all the British forces have been moved Eastwards, leaving Liverpool undefended. Apparently now in conflict with France, Russia and Germany, the UK had better hope that sufficient distractions can be caused by their supposed partners in the South in order to allow it to survive.

Analysts Analyse
The complete inactivity by the UK has been critical, considering the apparent declaration of hostile intent by France. There have been reports of masses of hawks patrolling Eastern UK, with Russian and German markings on their wings, which have been feasting on carrier pigeons.

Outside of the move to the Irish sea, France has remained typically non-confrontational, merely consolidating its positions within its borders, though it is noted that if on questionable terms with Germany, there's nothing the Germans can do to prevent the French capture of Belgium. But with the rapid and inexorable growth of the Italian/Turkish alliance, can France and Germany afford to be squabbling between themselves?

Two other moves are worthy of note. Obviously the French are going to wonder about Italian intentions, that move to the Western Med can only mean that Italy is taking a look West, unless it's planning on looping a ship all the way around Europe to distract Russia or Germany from the North. French territories are in no immediate danger, as they have had much time to dig in and their position is relatively secure.

Much more questionable, however, is the Italian relationship with Germany. The German move South is too late to rescue the Austrians, and of insufficient strength to really slow the Italians down and grab Vienna for itself. The Army of Silesia can go to defend Munich, or capture Warsaw if the Russians get distracted in the Black Sea. But with no capability to defend Vienna, it seems likely the main reason for the German move is to try to try to slow down the Italian expansion.

Rules notes:
I couldn't really justify holding off on printing this map any longer. Sucks for the UK, but a contingency should have been come up with in the previous four days.

I've seen a couple of people now try to do a 'conditional' order. For example, A Moscow attacks St Petersburg. A Ukraine supports A Moscow. Can't be done. If you are going to support a unit, you have to support it in whatever it is it's ordered to do. If you want Ukraine to support A Moscow in holding its position, then A Moscow has to be ordered to hold.

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/autumn02.jpg

NTM

[Deadlokd]

*Insert mad cackling here*

Bwahahahaha! The Hapsburgs still live! Yes, yes we do. And we are Flamingoes and we have a secret army of axolotls. Bwahahahaha!

In other news, the Prime Minister of Austria has taken over the running of the country as the Hapsburgs take a holiday in their Summer Palace. The Prime Minister hopes that the German army to the north of the city have 'peaceful' intent. More later....

[beyelzu]

if squian doesnt show up soon will we get a replacement player for him?

[Deadlokd]

Would have been nice to have kept the same players from start to finish. Hell, if Squian doesn't play, I'll take England over :yup:

ETA: I wouldn't really do it. Too much baggage if you know what I mean.

[California Tanker]

He had said he was going to have difficulty over the week, I had hoped that didn't include yesterday.

NTM

[fragment]

Shame about the inaction from Britain, that said, I'm still going to issue this ultimatum:

An Ultimatum

France is no longer willing to stand by and watch while the British forces molest the peaceful Scandinavian peoples and engage in a war of aggression against our friends the Russians. I say to the British command (whoever that should be) that I will occupy Liverpool, and will only relinquish it when you have:
a) removed all forces from Scandinavia,
b) issued assurances that you will not attempt to re-occupy those lands,
c) concluded a peace treaty with Russia, and
d) repudiated all alliances with other nations that are or may become hostile to France or Russia.

Once these conditions are met I will peacefully hand back whatever parts of Britain I have deemed it necessary to occupy.

[beyelzu]

as an friend and ally of the british people, i must warn you that attacking the british isle is folly

and there will be hell to pay if you pursue such a course

[beyelzu]

ct, how come you didnt put some sort of orders in for britain like you did for germany anyway?

[fragment]

as an friend and ally of the british people, i must warn you that attacking the british isle is folly

and there will be hell to pay if you pursue such a course

I suggest that the Italian leader retreat his forces from their menacing moves towards France if he wishes such a statement to be taken seriously.

I also suggest that he either use his influence with Britain to bring about the conditions for peace I have proposed, or just keep out of matters that don't concern him.

[California Tanker]

ct, how come you didnt put some sort of orders in for britain like you did for germany anyway?

At this point, there's no 'obvious' course. When I made the move for Germany, there were still neutral territories up for grabs and the effect was limited.

Now any move would have had drastic reprecussions on whichever country I would have decided to move against. I don't see how I could have justified that.

NTM

[beyelzu]

yeah but britain was obviously moving in scandinavia and could have moved to defend itself from french aggression now britain is down.

no big deal really

[California Tanker]

Honestly, if I were making the move anyway, I'd have probably moved to the Channel myself. Liverpool would still have been scuppered.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

When CT did Germany's orders it wasn't the best for me. I was in negotiation with Adam for assistance against you Bey. Obviously that didn't happen and the new Kaiser seems rather enamoured with your policies. My point is that CT can't please everyone when he has to do the orders so I guess we just have to accept it.

[Deadlokd]

The only thing to work out now then is who gets Vienna. Any, ahem, takers? Any ideas?

[mickthinks]

The Northern Europeans have allowed the Italo-Turkish alliance to reach a combined strength of 13 and probably 15 by the end of next year. Mother Russia can't fight them off on her own. Time to put the petty squabbles aside, guys, and turn to face the real challenge, I'd say!

A Well Wisher

[beyelzu]

but with that kind of might it is better to be our friend then our enemy

:tmgrin:

[California Tanker]

As the saying went in Highlander: "There can be only one"

Eventually even Italy and Turkey will have to fight each other.

NTM

[Crumb]

Instigator!

[beyelzu]

i can guarantee that i wont attack my allies until no one else is left

[Blake]

And when you only have allies left, which one will you attack first? ;)

[fragment]

Next moves due Tuesday night, right? Do we have an English player?

[beyelzu]

excellent point, i will be glad to make moves for england they are my ally after all

:tmgrin:

[California Tanker]

I have no idea.

I'm wondering if two turns a week is overly ambitious.

I take it nobody's heard from Squian?

NTM

[viscousmemories]

He's alive but sleeping at the moment. I'll harass him to pipe up tomorrow.

[Blake]

Can we have an additional 24 hours? For me and squian? :pray:

Two turns a week may be a bit ambitious. Typical internet game rhythm is one a week. I do find this on the one hand exhilirating, on the other disconcertingly breakneck.

I think two turns a week could work with conditional retreats & builds submitted with movement orders, but I wouldn't want that in a game here until people had gotten a bit more used to it.

[California Tanker]

OK, I'm going to take a poll here. Who wants to decelerate to one turn a week?

NTM

[beyelzu]

im fine to slow it down to ensure that everyone gets there moves in and their correspondence down.

i like 2 turns a week, but it might not be possible for everyone

[Pendaric]

I would prefer one turn a week.

[Deadlokd]

Don't care either way. It won't affect me for long :D I'll go with the majority.

[Crumb]

I'd like to do two per week, but not if it means we will have a bunch of no shows. :(

[California Tanker]

I'd like to do two per week, but not if it means we will have a bunch of no shows. :(

That's more or less my point of view as well. We can't go around replacing Royalty at will. Well, we can (Baldbantam has about 15 years left as Tsar) but you get the idea.

Maybe I should have run two games. A 'slow' one, and a 'fast' one. Too late now, I guess.

NTM

[Pendaric]

Whilst I would prefer one, I will happily continue at 2 turns a week and don't anticipate missing any.

I'll go with the flow.

[fragment]

I'm with Crumb, preferring two but it's more important to keep players.

[beyelzu]

agreed with crumb and fragment

i like the pace of two but we need everyone to be active and discuss and make moves

so the game will run smoothly

[Blake]

I hesitated before saying anything, because I think I almost need the full week, but I don't want to change the schedule this game has already adopted. I manage to diplome a fair amount this turn, I'll try to keep it up.

Cool that you're already thinking of running another one, CT. I'm thinking of offering a purely tactical game--no one knows who anyone else is, and you move daily. Maybe six days a week, give people a day off. Then everyone can have fun discussing it afterward when they find out who was who. :)

[Crumb]

So when is our next turn, CT?

[California Tanker]

I've still heard nothing from Squian. At this point, I don't see any choice but to regress to one a week, Due Saturday, builds/disbands on Sunday. With the exception of weekends when the Army has me, at which point change that to Sun and Mon.

NTM

[squian]

Sorry all. Missing my move was a disaster. Busy days at work and I can only do a turn a week. In fact, if They still wants to control England, I'm sure he knows how to go down fighting. :)

[Deadlokd]

Hah, I'd love to , but I have baggage in this game. Wouldn't be fair to the other players if I suddenly cancelled England's alliances.

So is it time for a new monarch, Squian?

[fragment]

If we're going down to one turn a week, squian might be able to stay in. Whaddaya say, squian?

[beyelzu]

come on squian come back and play it damn sure aint over yet

[Deadlokd]

The game ain't over 'til Italy is squealing like a bitch :D

[beyelzu]

thats bold talk from the guy im going to finish destroying next turn

[beyelzu]

dont be that way baby, i still love you

[Blake]

So what's the current status?

If squian is still playing once a week, is the next deadline Saturday?

Are you playing, squian? If not, CT, let's keep playing two turns a week with a replacement. pleeease need my fix now

[beyelzu]

i figured the next deadline is saturday, i really hope squian comes back.

cuz well, if they takes over for england, i just imagine that there might be some lingering animosity there

[Blake]

I think They recognizes that makes him an unsuitable replacement. ;)

I could ask another guy who runs Diplomacy games, or maybe there's someone at raptureready.com like you mentioned before.

[Ensign Steve]

:lol: "Rapture Ready"

[Deadlokd]

I've felt your lovin' Bey, you don't even use lube.

[beyelzu]

lube is for the weak

[Deadlokd]

*clench*

ETA That's a weird word, I don't think I've ever written it before in my life. Maybe I'm weird.

[Blake]

:lol: "Rapture Ready":blush: I meant rantsnraves. OOOPS

[Blake]

CT, what's the deal? Are we waiting for squian, proceeding regardless on Saturday, looking for a replacement?

[squian]

I'll make England's move tomorrow.

[Blake]

Thank god, my uncertainty is killed. :)

[beyelzu]

welcome back squian

[California Tanker]

Still waiting on the UK.

Technically, I'm also still waiting on Austria, but I don't think that's really a deal-breaker.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

Done CT, sorry.

Look out Italy, the bell tolls for thee :D

[beyelzu]

yeah, i know it does please dont attack me they

it could be rough

[California Tanker]

I hate you people. After all sorts of bizarrity, can a unit which is forced to retreat make its retreat via convoy? In this case, the unit which is retreating was supposed to be convoyed out in the first place, but failed.

Can't find it in the rulebook.

[Edit] Turns out 'no.' There are some clarifications on various diplomacy boards online, all say a unit cannot retreat via convoy.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

Hmmm, if was already leaving I'd say yes, because it would have left and the unit that was attacking would have walked into an empty territory. If it was a hold in place though, I'd say no, it's off the board.

So yes, it leaves anyway and as it leaves it sees the new army waltzing in and destroying the tapestries.

[California Tanker]

The Diplomatic TimesWinter, 1902

VIENNA SPARED!!

Viennese this morning woke up, and to their utter amazement, they were still not conquered, despite the fierce din of battle which has been going on for some time.

The crack Viennese Guards Battalion, supported by German forces, dug their heels and successfully held off the widely expected assault by the Italian forces. Nobody is burning their Italian flags yet though, the besieging Italian forces seem to be making no moves to depart for quieter climes.

German forces also thwarted an ambitious thrust by Italian forces in the direction of Warsaw, by conducting a flank attack from Silesia. Had this been successful, not only would Warsaw have been at risk, but the entire Russian Southern flank could have been turned.

Liverpool Captured
As was announced last month, French forces captured the city of Liverpool. Mayor David Lister was to be found waiting at the docks with a sign saying "I, for one, welcome our new French smegheads." The French Punitive Force commander has admitted a total lack of understanding of both this sign, and the Liverpudlian love of beer mixed with curry, and seriously hopes that the British accept the French ultimatum so that he can give the slum back to the UK and go home to his vineyards. Or at least Italian vineyards. They may not be officially enemies, but they can't be any worse than Liverpool.

The Italian Expeditionary Force, in the meantime, has cleared the Straits of Gibraltar, and is now bobbing about in the Mid Atlantic. A Gibraltan who watched the fleet sail by was quoted as saying "I didn't realise they made Gondolas that big"
The obvious target for this fleet is the Iberian penninsula, but if assistance is required, it could quite possibly proceed North to aid the UK, or conduct a joint raid on Brest.

French forces appear not to have unwavering trust in their German neighbours, as evidenced by a brief foray into German-held Belgium from both Picardy and Burgundy to prevent a German move Westward before withdrawing back to French lines. However, the fact that they could have taken Belgium had they wished to, yet they did not, must indicate a gesture of good faith to their Teutonic Neighbour.

Denmark Taken!
The UK's fortunes do not appear to be getting any better outside the British Isles, with the destruction of yet another army. The Chief of the Imperial General Staff was heard to be saying "To lose one army can be written off as an accident of war. To lose a second one just looks like foolishness." An attempt at removing troops via Dunkirkagen failed due to the confusion over if the troops were coming or going. This is understandable, as initially they had been embarked to travel to Norway before being returnd to Denmark when it was discovered that the facilities in Stavanger were still being taken up by the Fleet which was beaten back out of Sweden by a Russian force from Finland, before being forced to defend yet again, this time against an attack from St Petersburg. The few remaining facilities simply could not support the addition of another Army, so they were disembarked to Copenhagen, only to discover an impending onslaught from the Germans in Kiel and Helgoland.
It became too much for the British forces, and they simply disintegrated in the confusion.

In the South-East, Nothing happens!
With great thunderousness, there was silence in the extreme South East of Europe as Turkish and Russian forces failed to clash. An Ottoman army did move to Armenia, but otherwise all forces seemed content to spend the winter in shelter.

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/winter02.JPG

Builds/Losses.
England: No Change.
France: Build One.
Germany: Build One.
Italy: No Change.
Turkey: Build One.
Austria: No Change
Russia: No Change.

[California Tanker]

because it would have left and the unit that was attacking would have walked into an empty territory.

Unfortunately, the rules seem to make it fairly clear that it's not 'simultaneous movement', and everything is affected by the territory it's trying to move into: You start at the front of the chain, and work back. The way you're thinking makes sense, and I've played games where that happens (Even if it's your own unit that's moving into what was supposed to be a gap, and you end up disbanding your own Army!), but it's not the way the rules are set. Take a close look at the mechanics of some of the examples.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

Yeah, cool, I can see that now. I'm just shocked that I'm still alive. Why do I have Galicia again? Doesn't Russia own it now?

And a cheerful "thank-you" and a case of fine Austrian Beer to our valiant allies.

[California Tanker]

Oops. Fixed.

NTM

[beyelzu]

alright blake,

war it is

[Ensign Steve]

NTM, are you really making those maps in Paint? They look damn good.

[California Tanker]

The original wasn't made in Paint. I'm just modifying it.

NTM

[Ensign Steve]

Still.

[Blake]

alright blake,

war it isWhat? I didn't attack you.

[beyelzu]

no you obviously helped the austrians hold against me and attacked squian a member of our alliance


i dont know much about what i can do, but since you are obviously opposing my will i guess i can just see how much i can fuck up your game

its cool

and you stopped my move into galicea

which is cool, i cant do much for sure, but i am prety sure i can make your game more difficult cuz we have shared borders

[beyelzu]

fuck at least when i betrayed someone i had the balls to admit what i was doing


dont play innocent blake it is insulting

[Deadlokd]

A betrayal is a betrayal. It sucks, you move on. As you can tell by my own shining example, where I hardly ever have those dreams of watching Italy burn any more.

[California Tanker]

Right so, see you next week.

http://www.clubi.ie/exalted/images/diplomacy/spring03.JPG

[Blake]

Hey! Take it easy, just kidding there, mighty Roman overlord. :)

First of all, They are Austrians, cousins to the Kaiser. Family has to come first.

Second, we had a vision of the future, and it held four years of trenches running through Burgundy and Flanders. So unattractive.

And third, were you ever going to offer your allies anything? I mean, not even a pretense of offering me Vienna, and poor Crumbles still hasn't gotten Greece?

Dear me, I should stop before I say something I'll regret .... :sniffle:

[Deadlokd]

Sorry guys. No idea how this slipped my mind. I'm going on holidays tomorrow, and have no intention of looking at the interwebs while I'm gone. Since I have a total of one province left, I don't think that I'll be missed too much. I give baldbantham and blake control over the country with any other allies they see fit to include.

Have fun people, and I'll show you the snaps when we get back.

[Blake]

CT, are you okay with that kind of joint proxy? How about the rest of us, what do we think? I'll accept it, but it's definitely not my preference.

[fragment]

I'm not so keen on it, although finding another player to take over Austria right now may be difficult. Perhaps the Austrian army should just hold in place for as long as it can?

[beyelzu]

i think its more fair to make it hold

squian didnt get proxy ally moves after all

[California Tanker]

True, but at least They remembered to let us know in advance.

In theory, Austria could declare himself to be a vassal state/dependancy, and give control of his forces to an ally, much like all European NATO forces are under the operational control of an American (Without the vassal state business, of course) (Or even SHAPE in WWII). This is especially so given that it seems to me that of the four possible ways I can see Austria surviving more than another turn, one is 100% dependant on German actions, one is 95% dependant on german actions, one is about 70% dependent on german actions, and the fourth is that Italy decides to show mercy and not invade Vienna at all.

NTM

[Deadlokd]

A quick post from my cousin's place in NSW. CT, just do whatever you think is fair to the game. Maybe cancel all Austria's alliances and make it fair game?

After all, of all your options number four seemed the most unlikely :P The alternative is me checking in once a week, which may not happen.

[Blake]

Well, I suppose Austria has in a sense declared himself a joint protectorate of Russia and Germany. If we both order him the same way, does that work?

Or, perhaps since They has checked in and may again, he can render the issue moot! :control:

[beyelzu]

on the other hand, the italian government has seen feet to assume leadership of what was once the austrian empire, in order to serve its people and ensure its security

in light of that it only makes sense that they would join with me