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1903 1903 1903 1903 1903 1903 1903 1903 1903 1903
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To: Russia
> Build an Army in Moscow now. Then I this Spring I will do this:
> F Swe holds
> * F St. Pete nc - Norway
> * A Nor - St. Pete
> A Gal - Sil (stops him using it for support)
> A Mos-War (keep the army from Livonia out of Warsaw)
> A Rum-Ukr
> F Sev Rum
Like I said, you can't swap units. As to your other moves, my Chief
of Horde Staff asked, "What if the Germans move A Lvn-Mos?" Indeed,
I told him, I had informed the Czar of the consequences both to his
throne and the virtue of his daughter. You would have your finest
troops guarding a bunch of polacks, while the Russian capitol was
being plundered and burned.
If you're heart is set on moving north and engaging in brute battle
and trench warfare, instead of my more subtle suggestions, then you
should do it from Galicia, with your army in Rumania moving to
Ukraine.
> This gets me four armies to defend Warsaw in the Fall if he tries
> to move to Warsaw from Livonia. IF he tried for Warsaw from
> Silesia, I'm in Silesai and in position to take Munich or kick him
> out of Warsaw in the Fall. Meanwhile, you will be growing and
> France will be growing, but I would be losing a home territory.
My eastern neighbors, the Indian unbelievers, have a concept known
as the 'mantra.' Yours should be "Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow ..."
> As much as I wish to have you help me take Budapest this Spring,
> I think I'd end up losing Warsaw in the Fall. I need to keep my
> home supply centers, which means I need the three armies to defend
> Warsaw in the Fall. I, like you, assume that Germany will convoy
> the Army from Kiel to Prussia in the Spring. This means that he
> has three armies posed to take Warsaw. I also need three armies
> posed to defend Warsaw, thus a stalemate.
I merely suggested that the second convoy was a possibility. That
does not mean it is a surety. Allah only knows what amazing thing the
Germans will try next. Maybe an attack on Austria ...
> I just don't know. I do know that I can't let Germany gain a supply
> center at my expense. If I have any hope, I need to keep Germany
> where he's at. I trust that you understand, I sure don't!
Of course, no ruler wants to be ridiculed by succeeding generations
for losing a war. Allah forbid, it might even cause your workers
to revolt! Remember, Austria is the one country in which we have
the actual physical ability to help one another. The more militarily
astute your moves are, the more likely I will be to do what I can to
have the Horde assist you; on the other hand, don't expect me to come
charging to your aid if you screw up.
My factories are already tooled up for production; please reply ASAP
- I can always retool ...
(note: This message was written a day before '02 builds
were due, but could not be sent until an hour
after the orders deadline due to a system crash.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Germany
> Well, I don't agree with you on a few points. As I saw it Russia
> and France both had the opportunity to expand at a very fast rate.
> So I figured I had to choose a side or i would be swallowed by them.
But why did you choose a direction exactly the opposite of the one in
which you were headed? The most difficult maneuver is to change the
facing of one's units while they are being engaged by the enemy. You
pull this off (which I doubt), your name will eclipse that of Von
Clausewitz ...
> Even though you say we will be in a stalemate I don't agree. I feel
> that I have superior position. If I can get one of my units to move
> where I want it to without getting blocked I will have one of his
> power centers by the end of the year. That will turn the tide,
> although he may make gains in the short term I will win the war.
> That does not mean I will win the game though.
Quite, and such is the objective ...
> The reason I decided to go east was the fact that by France's builds
> he obviously held no immediate animosity toward me and he is giving
> me Belgium. At least that's what he says, I wonder if he'll actu-
> ally stick to it.
Pardon me, this is the Chief of Horde Staff, Field Marshal Khalid, I
had to assume the duty of finishing this corespondence since the Sul-
tan has regrettably been hospitalized with a severe case of laughter.
He did manage, between guffaws, to say something that sounded like,
"There's one born every minute." I do not hope you take this the wrong
way as the Sultan was obviously incapacitated at the time.
> By the way, last turn Austria told me that you and him were trading
> Serbia and Greece are you still doing it or did he mess himself up
> too badly last turn?
He lied to the Sultan. The Sultan had agreed to move his army out of
Serbia if the Austrians ordered A Tri-Ser. Instead the Austrians tried
to move it to Budapest. I found this out, through a well placed source,
and took pre-emptive measures. If I hadn't acted expeditiously, he
would have maintained control of the resources in Serbia. His treachey
cost him.
I must go see how the Sultan is doing, now. By your leave ...
For the Sultan,
Field Marshal Khalid
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Germany
Re: Austria
> Nope. He usually doesn't talk too much though it takes a few days
> between messages for me to get an answer.
Though he doesn't communicate everyday, it has been much longer than
usual. I wonder if he quit or if he's cooking something up with the
Russians and/or French?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
Re: Austria
> The only person I hear from, other than the press releases, is you.
> Of course, I haven't written him either. *If* we're down to four,
> then it's us against them with them having no ressure on them.
Well, I for one hope he has dropped out. Either that, or you and I
work together on attacking Austria this year. *WE* must do something
to Austria ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
> I do not wish to anger you or endanger our friendship in the least
> way, but if I did as you suggested, I'd end up with only ONE army
> defending Moscow and Warsaw in the Fall of '03. IF Germany, (and I'm
> sure he will), convoys the Army in Kiel, he will have THREE Armies
> ready to take Warsaw and attack Moscow too. He will THEN gain a
> supply center while I remain even, BUT with one less home supply
> center. He will also be in a position to build an army and use it
> to attack Sweden. For both of our benefit, Germany MUST NOT GROW
> any!
He won't - unless you screw up. On the other hand, neither will you -
unless you take immediate, decisive and aggressive action. If you
assist me, I will be able to assist you. If you don't assist me, I
will be forced to do solo battle with the Austrians. If I am so
engaged, I will not be able to assist you even if I had the desire
to do so.
> He'll then be able to attack Moscow (and take it) and defend Warsaw.
> I don't think that I could survive that situation. Holding Germany
> off, we both will be able to survive.
Wrong. What it boils down to, then, is this: Russia vs. Germany
and Turkey vs. Austria/France. You and Germany would then be in the
stalemate I've mentioned several times. I, on the other hand, will
be facing 2:1 odds. I won't be able to hold out forever. After I am
crushed, you will be next and France will be victorious. Think about
it ...
Sultan Abdul Hamid
P.S. - Pending a final decision on our strategy, please submit
Italian moves: A Pie-Ven, A Tus-Rom and F Ion-Nap.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Moderator
That system crash on Tuesday really screwed me over. I made the build
decision based on Russian cooperation in Austria. I figured, by that
morning, that Russia wouldn't be too hot on the idea of an Austrian
campaign. I can hardly blame him, because his survival is at stake,
but I do need to do what is best for my country. If I could have
gotten through, I would have built A Smy and F Con instead. Oh well.
My moves are designed to set me up (as best as possible considering
the crash) for a stab in S'04 should I not get any cooperation from
the Russians. If the choice comes down to me or him, let there be no
doubt, it *WILL* be him ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Austria
> I hope the french are not a part of your sources because I have
> not talked to them in some time.
I am not at freedom to divulge my sources. I will, however, say that
I have it on good authority that there is a good chance that Italy
will move A Vie-Pie to threaten the Germans. I will let you figure
out if that means the French, or the Russians, or both are giving
that order. What it will do, however, is open up Venice for A Tri.
Unfortunately, it would also threaten Vienna (requiring you to main-
tain an army there.
> I would have had venice eventually anyway. I'll take it, but I
> won't like it.
Not necessarily. But if you lean on the other countries to give an
order that leaves Venice open, you will be able to sneak in rela-
tively scotfree ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Germany
> I just got a reply from Austria. From the sound of the letter he
> is just feeling sorry for himself.
I'm feeling sorry for myself, as, I am sure, you and the Russians
are also absorbed with self pity. We are all doomed. But what the
hell, a mujaheedin does not fear death ...
> I doubt he's planning something against me although I admit he could
> push the balance of power out of my favor. However, in his attempt
> to kill me he would kill himself.
A cornered animal is the most dangerous kind. There's no telling where
he will lash out in his attempt to survive. I would not, if I were
you, and even *IF* I trusted the French, leave Munich unguarded. A
combination of the right Austrian, Italian and Russian moves would
leave the Russians with all their current supply centers, the Austri-
ans with at least one more, and you minus one. This would definitely,
as you put it, "shift the balance of power."
> I've always made it a point to stay on good terms with him, obvi-
> ously it hasn't been very hard since we have never clashed over any
> territory.
There's a first time for everything. Be on your guard ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
> OK, exactly what do you propose that I do this Spring? I will
> consider it. IF I lose Warsaw, will you help me regain enough
> supply centers to kick Germany back to the stone age? I just
> don't see how I can do everything and still keep Moscow. BTW,
> you do agree that if I help you in the Fall to take Trieste, I
> WILL lose Warsaw?
It would appear that way. You really need to do something with those
northern units; you have half your armed forces busy making Scandi-
navian babies. If Germany does make an attempt at Warsaw, this may
be your opportunity to make the A Nwy-Fin/F StP(nc)-Nwy switch. If
he convoys A Kie via F Bal, as it appears he might, then the swap
up north will not leave Sweden vulnerable since Germany would then
have only one unit with which to attack it. I guess your two options
are these:
1) Make the northern swap and defend the Motherland until A Nwy
can work its way south, or ...
2) Keep the north the way it is and go for broke in Austria/Warsaw.
You tell me what you intend to do and how I fit into your plans.
> > Pending a final decision on our strategy, please submit Italian
> > moves: A Pie-Ven, A Tus-Rom and F Ion-Nap.
>
> I thought we were going to go Piedmont - Tyrolia?
I have reason to believe that the Austrians may suspect such a move.
What he would do in that case is move A Vie-Tyl and A Tri-Ven. That
would leave Tyrolia empty and would fill Venice with Austrians (not
to mention maintaining his grip on Vienna). If, on the other hand,
we moved A Pie-Ven, and he did the same moves, he would find A Tri
right back where it started and A Vie unfortunately occupying a bunch
of ski chalets in the Alps. Do you know what *THAT* means? If you, in
combination with the above moves, ordered A Gal-Vie, you would have
a build at Austria's expense.
> I wonder if I could take Budapest with only support from your Serbia
> army. If Austria goes into Civil Disorder, then I could take it
> alone. BTW, have you heard anything from England or Austria yet?
You could if Austria moved A Tri-Ven - which he will do because he
needs a build and that the only chance he has to get one. In other
words, no he isn't in civil disorder (just discouraged).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Germany
> I have to gamble with Munich because I need the Silesian army to try
> and take Warsaw. I admit that I'll need some luck and he'll have to
> guess wrong, but once I'm in I'll have my army from Kiel convoyed to
> Prussia and that means I'll stay.
You really screwed yourself. Don't take the that the wrong way - I
mean no hostility, I just can't understand why would forgo a crushing
victory for certain stalemate. Your dilemma if you had continued west
would have been the opposite of the one you now find yourself in:
Instead of agonizing over how to scratch out one measly build, you
would be wondering how to cram all your conquering forces into Iberia.
Not that the observation will help you any, but if I were France I
would stab you now. I'd take Holland, London and convoy A Spa into one
of the Mediterranean supply centers. Then I'd build F Bre, A Par and
A Mar. That, to save you the math, would give France nine supply
centers - half ways to victory, and in only 2.5 years.
Oh well, good luck. We will need each other in the not too distant
future ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
> I will do a Army Rumania - Budapest in hopes that Budapest is
> undefended. I will also Sevastopol - Rumania to free up a HOME
> Supply Center for any future builds. I will do a Army Galicia -
> Warsaw and a Army Moscow - Warsaw to defend Warsaw this Spring.
> Then in the Fall, Germany MUST use ALL three armies to take Warsaw
> from me, leaving Moscow alone. IF I'm in Budapest this Spring, I
> will allow Warsaw to fall and then go after Vienna in the Fall with
> Army Galicia s A Budapest - Vienna. I then end up with a Supply
> Center and one or two Home Supply Centers to build an Army on.
Whatever else you do, *DO NOT* leave Moscow empty. If I am reading
your strategy correctly, then, you are giving one to take two?
> If Austria does as you say he will, he's conceded Budapest to one
> of us (which does seem logical given his situation). That would
> mean that you'd be able to move your Arm into Albania from Greece
> and have two armies ready for a Fall attack on Trieste, plus get
> your Fleet into Greece and one out of Smyra. Hummm. Sure is a
> lot of possibilities. 8-)
Not necessarily. I kinda suspect that he make some sort of attempt
on Serbia (though he is not in position to do so at this time), out
spite for my having taken it from him. Who knows, he may even ally
with the French. Cut off his nose to spite his face ...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
S'03 Results S'03 Results S'03 Results S'03 Results S'03 Results
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Austria: A Tri-Ven (fails), A Vie-Bud (fails), F Alb-Adr
England: civil disorder
France: A Spa-Naf, F WMed c A Spa-Naf, F Tyr-Nap (fails),
A Bel-Lon, F Eng c A Bel-Lon, F Mar-hold
Germany: F Den-Ska, A Kie-Den, F Bal s A Kie-Den, A Lvn-StP,
A Sil-War (fails)
Italy: A Tus-Rom, F Ion-Nap (fails, disbanded), A Pie-Ven (fails)
Russia: A Nwy-Fin, F Swe-Den (fails), F StP(nc)-Nwy, A Rum-Bud (fails),
A Gal-War, A Mos s A Gal-War, F Sev-Rum (fails)
Turkey: A Gre-Alb, A Ser-hold, A Con-Bul, F Smy-Con, F EMed-Ion,
F Aeg s F EMed-Ion
Press Release:
--------------
Otto Von Bismarck announced that he had been made aware of atrocities
performed against the Swedish people by the Russian Government. He
stated that these people were in more dire need of help than even the
people of Warsaw. As a result Germany will work to free Sweden, by
force if necessary, before moving on to Warsaw. Bismarck stressed that
Warsaw would still be returned only at a later date.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To: Austria
Now that I have myself defensively set on land, and my fleets free
from the Bosporus, I will be turning my efforts westward. You should
be able to take Venice with support from the Adriatic (the support
being necessary because France will order A Pie-Ven again).
As to Italian moves, I suggest A Pie-Mar and A Rom-hold.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Germany
Surprise, surprise, surprise! What next, an attack on England?
Cripes, if anyone could pull it off, it would be you. Maybe I'm
too pessimistic about your deal with the French. You keep coming
up with daring moves like you have in the last year, and you
will not only beat Russia's ass, but probably even France's ass.
As to Italian moves, I have no real preference whether you order
A Pie-Mar or A Pie-Ven as long as you order A Rom-hold.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
The Germans never cease to amaze me. It's impossible to tell where
he will strike next. He could take Sweden, in a variety of ways, by
using a double support; or, he could make single supported attacks
on both Sweden *AND* Norway. Yes, both. That German army in St. Pete
could support a move into Norway. Looks like I've given you enough
crappy advice up north. Let's talk about our common front:
Now that I have an army in Albania, I am in a position to provide
defensive support to Serbia. That means my army in Serbia is now
able to provide support for your move into Budapest. There is a
caveat, however. If my choice is between supporting an attack into
Trieste by my own forces, or supporting an attack by your forces, I
will obviously help myself first. If I support you, I won't get a
build. That just wouldn't do. The price of my support is Rumania.
That may seem steep, but you would not be lowering your supply center
count; the advantage you would be gaining would be having your army
in a better position from which to pressure the Germans.
Finally, Italian matters. A Pie-Ven, but most importantly A Rom s
F Ion-Nap. Yes, I want the Italians to support me into Naples. There
is no need to write Italian retreat orders this season since there
is no way an Italian unit can be forced to retreat.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia (two days later)
> I will have to respond to you tomorrow. I'm a little busy at this
> time. Generally, I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place
> and in deep trouble. Also, I don't feel like giving up Rumania.
> I do wish I had left Budapest alone and moved my army up to Ukraine
> in the first place. I also wish I had move the Italian Army from
> the Piedmont to Tyrolia. It seem that my misfortune is very bene-
> ficial to everyone.
Still waiting and wondering ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia (private)
Austria (private)
Germany (private)
If we are going to coordinate any strategy we are going to have to do
it by early Friday, since I will be travelling to Green Bay for reserve
duty on Saturday.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
An addendum to my message regarding Budapest and Rumania:
If you do not accept my friendly offer of support into Budapest in
return for giving me Rumania, then I must respectfully request (for
about the umpetyteenth time) that you leave Rumania as a free zone.
Only by some sort of assurance that Bulgaria will be free from a
Russian threat will I be able to fully deploy all my forces against
the French and Austrians. Yes, even though we are friends, I keep a
unit in Bulgaria to leadeth you not into temptation.
If you persist in this intransigence it will result in your downfall:
I will be too busy protecting myself from you to actually help you.
Step out of the Kremlin and see the light ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
> I know you want me to keep Rumania free from any forces, but I
> CAN NOT! It is impossible for me to do so. IF I lose Warsaw and/or
> St. Petersburg and then gain a supply center, where in the world will
> I build it? You're asking me to jeopardize my future by such a move.
> I give you MY WORD that I will not invade Bulgaria.
Whoa. Time out.
If you gain a center, and lose a center, where are you going to get a
build from? Nowhere, that's where. You stay even. You get no builds.
Therefore, there is no reason for you to leave Sevastopol open. If you
doubt my interpretation of the rules, just ask Mike.
Further analysis will follow later tonight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
> We have worked together and have a period of trust between us. If
> you are saying you don't trust me, fine! However, why don't you?
> I have done nothing to you and have taken most of your advice, much
> to my detriment. I'm not complaining, but just stating a fact. I
> wanted to keep our peace and working relationship, therefore I
> followed thru with a number of moves that I might have done differ-
> ently. Also, I was counting on your experience. Boy, did Germany
> play us for suckers. 8-)
Germany played you for a sucker. I never wrote your orders; I merely
suggested possible courses of actions. If my advice is horrible, how
come someone who has done exactly what I've wanted them to do suc-
ceeded to such a vast degree? I am, of course, speaking of myself.
> If you wish to leave a unit in Bulgaria and hinder your efforts
> because of lack of trust, I can't stop you. I have honored our
> treaty regarding the Black Sea and will honor my word regarding
> Bulgaria.
I hope when you said 'Bulgaria' you actually meant Rumania. We have
no agreement regarding Bulgaria or, for that matter, Rumania. In
fact, that is what I've been trying to arrange since Spring, 1901.
I've been more than willing leave to Bulgaria open, and have done so
on several occassions, but for some unfathomable reason have not been
able to get you to do the same in Rumania.
> Accepting such a offer would assure my execution at the hands of
> my own people for the reasons mentioned above. Also, my situation
> would remain neutral while you gain a supply center and Austria
> loses one. Now if you helped me, with not such a heavy cost in-
> volved, to take Budapest, I'm sure we could then split up the
> remaining Austrian Empire fairly WITH your help being repaid THEN.
If you think your proles will execute you over a simple swap of
territory, what do you think they will do you if you lose half the
Russian Empire? If you are lucky, yes, lucky, you are going to lose
a supply center no matter what you do. If you are unlucky, you will
lose two or three supply centers. As Russia's only friend in the
world, I am in a position to help you prevent such a disaster, but
I am not a welfare agency - my help is not free. Do you not think
that if I helped you to the Grand Sultanate's detriment, that my own
people would do to me what you think yours would do to you?
If you will not give me Rumania, what would you suggest I do with
my army in Bulgaria?
But enough about your problems, can I at least obtain your agreement
that we will both order "A Rom s F Ion-Nap"?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
> The problem I've had is a short-term perspective. I do not want
> to limit myself in the FUTURE *IF* any builds come my way. However,
> do what you must.
That is the exact opposite of your problem. You may indeed get yourself
a space in which to make a build, but what good is that if you have no
builds to make? None. Zip. Zilch. Zero. Nada.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
> That's way I want to keep Rumania and have your help in taking
> Budapest. With me in Budapest, I can easily help you conquor the
> Austrians. With me down one or two units, I'll be no good to you,
> let alone me.
Okay, okay. I will order my army in Serbia to support your move from
Rumania to Budapest.
> > But enough about your problems, can I at least obtain your agree-
> > ment that we will both order "A Rom s F Ion-Nap"?
> >
> Yes, I will do that. What about the other unit?
Belay those Italian orders. I've decided on an alternate Mediterranean
strategy. Instead order Italy: A Pie-Ven, A Rom-hold.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
F'03 Results F'03 Results F'03 Results F'03 Results F'03 Results
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Austria: A Tri-Ven, A Vie-Bud (fails), F Adr s A Tri-Ven
England: civil disorder
France: A Naf-Tun, F WMed s A Naf-Tun, F Tyr-Nap, A Lon-Wal,
F Eng-Lon, F Mar-Pie
Germany: A Den-Swe, F Ska s A Den-Swe, F Bal s A Den-Swe, A StP-Fin
(fails, retreat to Lvn), A Sil-War (fails)
Italy: A Rom-hold, A Pie-hold
Russia: A Fin-StP, F Swe-Den (fails, retreat to Fin), F Nwy-hold,
A Rum-Bud, A War-hold, A Mos s A Fin-StP, F Sev-Rum
Turkey: A Alb-hold, A Ser s (Russian) A Rum-Bud, A Bul-hold,
F Con-Bla, F Ion-Apu, F Aeg-Ion
Press Release:
--------------
Threats to sovereign Turkish territory made it necessary for the
Sultan to order his sea-going horde into the Black Sea. The Sultan
however wishes to emphasize his continuing commitment to the Russian
cause (as demonstrated by his generous donation of troops to the
attack on Budapest).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To: Germany
> I guess it's too late. Sorry I was gone for awhile too.
The duties of an Emperor never cease ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Germany
> That's ok with me I think France might take three supply centers
> this turn. Definitely two. I'll see if he still wants to give me
> Belgium, but I have no idea why he would ... Now I'm just waiting
> for France to stab me because as you said if I were him I'd do it.
> I think he assumed that Russia and me would be tied up so it
> wouldn't matter. At least I'll have a seasons warning before he
> can attack me.
Here's your warning: France got the three builds, but can only execute
two of them this winter. An army must be built in Paris and, I sus-
pect, a fleet will be built in Brest (it will take two navies to
dislodge the British fleets). This does not bode well for the Father-
land. A build in either Kiel or Munich is required.
> I am writing to ask just how strong your diplomatic ties to Russia
> are. I have him on the defensive now, but in no way am I in position
> to deal a death blow. However, with your help I would be able to
> overrun the North side of Russia while you would get the South. I
> know that you may benefit from his help in the short run.
The unstated question is: "Is Turkey's fleet in the Black Sea a pre-
paration for war?" The answer is, "No." As my press secretary stated,
it was merely a defensive move in response to threats from certain
loose cannons in the Russian Black Sea Fleet. My position in regards
to the Russo-German war is neutrality. In regards to Mediterranean
matters, I am continuing my efforts to arrange the most favorable
terms with either Russia or Austria.
> But if we team up I'll be able to defeat him more quickly and thus
> fight France more quickly.
I do not fear France at this time, especially since his being forced
to build in Brest and Paris will force his efforts in a more northerly
direction.
> There is only a limited amount of time before France gets all the
> easy power centers left then he will come after me. If Russia is
> still a formidable force I won't have a chance. If you don't want
> to attack this turn I would hope that you would be open to diplomacy
> in the near future.
I am sorry, but I must leave you to your fate in Russia. If you are
healthy after your 'drang nach osten,' I will be more than willing to
talk to you about an alliance against France.
Sultan Abdul Hamid
P.S. - As long as I'm writing, I suggest disbandment orders of F Nwy
Sea for Britain and A Pie for the Italians. That would leave a
fleet in the North Sea, to slow down the French, and an army in
Rome, to prevent him from seizing that supply center.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Austria
I had to support Russia's move into Budapest so that he would trust
me, but notice that I did not take advantage of you abandoning Tri-
este. I expect this act of freindship to be repaid. Here's how:
Notice also how my fleet is now set up to attack him? With my help
you will now be able to retake Budapest, maybe even Rumania. Then
you would be able to help me into Sevastopol and against the French.
I love it when a plan comes together ...
Sultan Abdul Hamid
P.S. - As long as I'm writing, I suggest disbandment orders of F Nwy
Sea for Britain and A Pie for the Italians. That would leave a
fleet in the North Sea, to occupy the Germans and French, and
an army in Rome, to prevent him from seizing that supply cen-
ter and using the subsequent build against you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
Now that I've assisted you into Budapest, I expect a return in kind.
First, I suggest disbandment orders of F Nwy Sea for Britain and A Pie
for the Italians. That would leave a fleet in the North Sea, which
would both threaten the Germans and also leave a northern approach
open should you defeat him in Scandinavia. The Italian disbandment
would allow the French access to Tyrolia, from which France would
be able to threaten Munich from two different directions (the other
prong in the attack coming from the soon-to-be-built army in Paris).
Second, your army in Budapest should assist my move of A Alb-Tri.
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To: Moderator
Boy, I really dorked myself over by forgetting to order A Alb-Tri. I
had intended to do so, but in my haste to leave for reserve duty, I
forgot to write it. Oh well, my senility does open some interesting
possibilities, re' playing the Austrians off against the Russians.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Germany
> I'm not sure that you understood what I meant in mt last letter.
> Even though you presently have the upperhand in the South you are
> still enemies with France. As the board is situated now France is
> going to gain power centers faster than anyone else on the board to
> add to his already impressive amount. He is obviously able to do
> this because he has no opposition. However, I cannot have a war on
> two fronts so I must stay neutral with France until Russia is down
> to a more manageable size.
France and I may do war, but he by no means threatens the Sultanate
itself. Such is not the case with Germany - France actually threatens
the very birthplace of the Kaisers. I sense an approach similar to
that of a job applicant who requests a job because he needs it - not
because he has something to offer the employer. You are talking to me
because you need help, not because you have something to offer me.
> I am going to get Norway and Belgium this year.
Maybe, but with a fleet being built in Brest, and an army in Paris,
you won't hold Belgium long enough to get a build out of it.
> However, if Russia lost more than one unit (You could easily take
> Rumania and still have a chance at Sevatapol or Budapest this year)
> I would be able to take St. Pete or Warsaw by 1905. Then I could
> attack France. If you don't take any territories I'll only have a
> slight advantage so it will take me longer to defeat Russia if I
> ever do.
Although I am in a position to deal a death blow to Russia, I am
not inclined to do so while Austria is still a viable entity (or
to Austria while Russia is still viable).
> Still, I understand why you wouldn't want to attack Russia. I'm
> only asking you not to support him into Trieste.
I would only do such a thing if I over-indulged in the pleasures of
the hookah pipe. Depending on which country (again, Austria or Russia)
most successfully curries my favor, Turkey will either take Trieste or
leave it be.
> I looked at the map and I was mistaken about the plans I suggested
> for the potential stab. Since you need both your fleets this season
> I can send an army down into Austria under the pretense of helping
> him.
Okay, that's the part about what you can do to help me. The gesture
is appreciated, but you will need that army elsewhere. If the help
were to come from Silesia, it would free A War to participate in the
north; if the help were to come from one of your pending builds, you
would not get the supposed French gift in Belgium. Again, I think 1905
will be the year for a more active diplomatic exchange between our
countries.
> The longer it takes for me to engage France the bigger he becomes
> relative to me and if he gets to big I won't be able to stop him.
> If you want to win the game you France has too large of a headstart
> on you for you to catch up he'll have to be stopped cold for awhile.
I want to win the war, but I also do not want to lose it. I am not
the sort of ruler who is prone to an unsupported attack by convoy
across three oceans; each move must proceed from a solid base of
operations. Depending upon what happens in the Balkans, we may have
more personal common interests in 1905.
Sultan Abdul Hamid
P.S. - Do not become discouraged at my reluctance, I do want to keep
our options open ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Moderator
> I was wondering if you had forgotten about that Albanian Crazy
> Brigade. Maybe you can use your mistake to a diplomatic advantage
> against/with Austria, however.
As you've seen from my messages to Austria and Russia, that is exactly
what I am trying to do. I'm trying to spin it as an act of friendship
and kindness ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Russia
> First, thank you for your support of my move into Budapest. I
> will respond in like manner.
You are more than welcome; it was my pleasure.
> You had better get that "sea-going horde" out of the Black Sea
> pronto! You have BROKEN our treaty and I find that VERY discour-
> aging! You are wasting time worrying about me, when it's the French
> that you had better concentrate on.
I hardly have a thing to fear from a bunch of effiminate snail-eaters.
The French will be building in the north; which will, in turn, force
his efforts northwards if he has any military sense whatsoever.
> When I mentioned that I could move my army into Armenia without
> breaking our treaty by you, I was just pointing out the absurdity
> of your claim that the only treaty is the Black Sea one. That was
> ridiculous then and still is. However, if your fleet is NOT
> removed, I will consider it as an indication that you do not want
> to honor ANY TREATY and that you are preparing for WAR against
> Russia.
The most ridiculous sight would be the incredibly important personage
of the Sultan swaying by a rope from the nearest olive tree - which
is where my serfs would put me if I let a bunch of infidels bespoil
the holy land of the Sultanate. I take all threats seriously (as some
of my more revolutionary serfs have found out to their detriment); I
had no choice but to take appropriate preventive measures.
> DON'T WORRY ABOUT RUSSIA! I am not your enemy unless you wish
> me to become one by leaving the Fleet in the Black Sea. Get it out
> of there NOW and put it some place where it will aide you against
> the French!
The Black Sea is neutral territory, not Russian territory. Therefore,
I did not commit an act of war by occupying it. Threatening the
sovereign borders of another country is, however, an act of war. It
is I who should be upset with you, but I am not. That is why I do not
understand your distress over this matter. Besides, you are hardly in
a position to threaten me ...
> Yes, I agree that I do owe you help and I will honor MY word unlike
> a certain party that has a Fleet in the Black Sea.
Are you calling me a liar? Do you really expect me to tell you what
defensive measures I am taking when you've just threatened my throne?
Please, the Grand Sultanate is not 1992 America ...
> > Second, your army in Budapest should assist my move of A Alb-Tri.
>
> I plan on doing this, but I must check to board before I completely
> agree. I'm sure there should be NO problems except that I have this
> problem in the Black Sea with a certain fleet and a broken treaty.
> It concerns me greatly!
I want nothing but friendship with Russia, and would look very favor-
ably upon assistance from A Bud in my attack on Trieste.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
W'03 Builds W'03 Builds W'03 Builds W'03 Builds W'03 Builds
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Austria Even (3): ---
England -1 (2): F Nth (disband)
France +3 (9): A Par, A Bre. One delayed build due to Marseilles
being occupied
Germany +1 (6): A Kie
Italy -1 (1): A Pie (disband)
Russia Even (7): ---
Turkey Even (6): ---
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++