| Broadcasts for Spring of 1901 in ghodstoo |
Movement
Hohn had mentioned earlier that he might want to have a "pre-game"
discussion about copying text in press messages. For the moment,
you may want to let me know if such a discussion would offend you.
I'm not sure how long it will take for Edi Birsan to join and I
would want him to hear the discussion. Otherwise, are we missing only
John Barkdull? I think so.
Jim
Hohn had mentioned earlier that he might want to have a "pre-game"
discussion about copying text in press messages. For the moment,
you may want to let me know if such a discussion would offend you.
I'm not sure how long it will take for Edi Birsan to join and I
would want him to hear the discussion. Otherwise, are we missing only
John Barkdull? I think so.
Jim
Hi, all. Pitt's here. Should I concede now?
;-)
Hi guys, we're getting there slowly! Yes, I hope Jamie will remember
that this is my first go-round as master for a Judge game. I don't
believe that it will be any kind of conflict of interest for me to
ask players for master syntax advice... would the two of you that are
Judge master experienced let me know if anything looks unusual or
strange in the game parameters that I need to fix? I was not sure
how to add Monday as a potential deadline day (I don't have a problem
with meeting Jamie's request to do so, but I didn't know how). I set
the game up mucho fast since I had to run to a meeting. Sorry the
message was so short (and deficient in not mentioning the Judge, observer
signons etc.).
Jim
PS I got a strange message from the Judge granting that I was signed
on as master, but also saying that I'm lacking a preference list.
Is that a regular occurrence since I could start the game, and then
switch it to unmoderated and play in it?
Hi guys, we're getting there slowly! Yes, I hope Jamie will remember
that this is my first go-round as master for a Judge game. I don't
believe that it will be any kind of conflict of interest for me to
ask players for master syntax advice... would the two of you that are
Judge master experienced let me know if anything looks unusual or
strange in the game parameters that I need to fix? I was not sure
how to add Monday as a potential deadline day (I don't have a problem
with meeting Jamie's request to do so, but I didn't know how). I set
the game up mucho fast since I had to run to a meeting. Sorry the
message was so short (and deficient in not mentioning the Judge, observer
signons etc.).
Jim
PS I got a strange message from the Judge granting that I was signed
on as master, but also saying that I'm lacking a preference list.
Is that a regular occurrence since I could start the game, and then
switch it to unmoderated and play in it?
Hm, you know what else? You didn't say in that last mail, Jim, which Judge
the game is on. I know you mentioned it earlier, but it might be a good idea
to say it again. The address too.
-Jamie
Hi Hohn. Hi Jim.
Jim, why don't you suggest that people signon as observers, too, at first.
So we can use this channel to address each other en masse before the powers
are assigned.
-Jamie
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as England in 'ghodstoo':
>
> Jim,
>
> That was personal correspondence between you and Conrad.
Whoops, as I look at it again, you're precisely correct. I probably
shouldn't have forwarded it. In any case, there was some discussion
of this at the time. I don't save everything and don't have any of
the correspondence with you except where we were talking about people to
invite into the game.
>
> Was the matter discussed publically at all? I don't remember any such
> discussion.
Hmmm, perhaps it took place before you entered the discussion. If so,
I apologize for not bringing it up earlier.
>
> Look, there's nothing about telephony in House Rules, so I guess I have no
> particular grounds to object; it's just that this is a rather unusual game.
> I have no experience at all conducting Diplomacy by telephone, and I imagine
> I am thereby at a disadvantage.
>
> -Jamie
>
I will leave it here, but the way I see it, Jamie and Mark are at
a disadvantage communicating by the Judge/E-Mail, as some evidence
has shown here at the beginning.
The unusualness of the game is its particular charm. The question
is, what will happen as a result. That, none of us knows.
Jim
Private message from England to France:
Dear M. Cyberdog,
We are always ready to engage in any defensive manouever whatever. Our
fleets are so practiced in defensive manouevers that they are constantly
sailing around each other in circles.
I think I will give Minister Churchill charge of the initial melee. Assuming
our paranoia is well-founded (as paranoia always is, after all), the point
of the dagger can be turned immediately toward the Huns.
Do you think this is wise? Or would it be better to begin Mediterranean
operations sooner?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
In that last message, I meant Edi Birsan and Mark Fassio, of course,
not Mark and Jamie....
Never mind....
Jim
This just appeared on the newsgroup rec.gmaes.diplomacy and Edi and
Mark have been expressing worry about getting move syntax correct.
I will be watching this and trying to spontaneously give syntax
advice, but just so you see an example. Here's what happens when
things don't go right.
Jim
FROM rec.games.diplomacy:
USWI jipped me recently. In the game Doug i took over the abondened
Russia.
I contacted all the players and submitted my moves
a pru s a liv
a mos s a liv
a liv s a pru
a ber s a mun
f bul h
simple, but wait a minute the judge bounces back,
:: Judge: USWI Game: Doug Variant: Standard
:: Deadline: F1910M Sun Jan 19 1997 08:09:17 PST Boardman: 1996PU
R: a pru s a liv
Unrecognized source province for support/convoy -> liv
Discarding junk: [liv]
R: a mos s a liv
Unrecognized source province for support/convoy -> liv
Discarding junk: [liv]
R: a liv s a pru
Unrecognized source province -> liv s a pru
Discarding junk: [liv s a pru]
Movement orders for Fall of 1910. (doug.039)
Russia: Army Prussia, No Order Processed.
Russia: Army Berlin SUPPORT Austrian Army Munich.
Russia: Fleet Bulgaria (east coast) HOLD.
Russia: Army Moscow, No Order Processed.
Russia: Army Livonia, No Order Processed.
6 errors encountered.
Well after six tries I finally gave up. Also after several cries for help
to ther game master with no response I gave up.
I say again, What the (&%#^) is up with USWI !!!!!!!!!!
Private message from France to England:
Good King Jamie: France seeks only peaceful relations with England. You
are quite correct that the Central Powers cannot be trusted. Their
ambitions are a matter of historical record. Shall we coordinate a
defensive maneuver to ensure that they remain in check?
France
---------------------------------------------------
This message was created and sent using the Cyberdog Mail System
---------------------------------------------------
I don't have my original solicitation letter. I have this exchange
with Conrad Minshall where I get into the subject of the possibility
of phone calls in depth. I'll try to find one of the letters that went
to you.
I consider this issue at this point as within the game (meaning it
is up to you to deal with it as you wish), although I will consider
some sort of specific appeal. It is possible that Jamie entered
this discussion at a point where it was not discussed in his hearing.
Please feel free to keep inquiring. I still haven't gone through all
of the mail and I apologize if you've asked me a question that I haven't
answered yet. I will clean everything up this evening.
Jim
Forwarded message:
> From burgess Wed Apr 24 18:27:22 1996
> X-UIDL: 843522490.003
> From: burgess (Jim Burgess)
> Message-Id: <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: Demo Game featuring Edi Birsan
> To: [email protected] (Conrad Minshall)
> Date: Wed, 24 Apr 1996 14:27:22 -0400 (EDT)
> Cc: burgess (Jim Burgess)
> In-Reply-To: <[email protected]> from "Conrad Minshall" at Mar 15, 96 06:01:32 pm
> X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4 PL25]
> Mime-Version: 1.0
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> Content-Length: 2791
>
> >
> > At 5:09 PM 3/7/96 -0500, Jim Burgess wrote:
> >
> > >but what I was thinking was to make it a US only game for this
> > >reason. Edi (in his postal days) was really more of a "telephone"
> > >player. I believe, in order for Edi to agree to the game, he would
> > >want phone numbers of the players and have the option of calling them,
> > >as a back-up/addition to E-Mail.
> > >
> > >I was thinking of having Mark GM and to try to work out a deal with
> > >people agreeing to "record" their phone calls by sending "reports of
> > >contact" to Mark in addition to the usual demo game idea where
> > >press all is sent through the Judge. Mark would also agree to
> > >"gently prod" players to write updates and records of their
> > >phone calls. In addition to a great demo game, we could see
> > >how some degree of phone interaction contributed/hindered/changed
> > >the nature of the game.
> > >
> > >What do you think??
> >
> > Several things...
> >
> > I'd be interested in playing with Edi again.
>
> Edi has given us a go to set up the demo game, instruct him on using
> the Judge and give him the various parameters. I'd like to work with
> you on this. I am leaning toward NOT playing, but I will if that
> becomes desirable. You would be playing, I'm assuming. Edi generally
> loves demo games and I was roughly correct in what I cited above.
> Edi does NOT like games where no one talks to anyone and he would like
> the freedom to use the phone if he likes (going with the US/Canada focus).
> I am also thinking Cal White would be another good player for the game
> from the postal crossover side for you, Cal and Edi from the "old school"
> and four purely Judge dippers.
> >
> > I like and respect Mark but personally I would never play if he were GM.
> > Since my Furr experience I've gotten much more selective about GMs - I now
> > try to stick with GMs of the players-own-the-game philosophy.
> >
> I **COULD** try to be GM, perhaps with David Kovar or some other Judge
> keeper's assistance?? Do you have a good GM in mind who I could work
> with?? I thought of Mark because he GMed the ghods game so he knows
> how to GM. perhaps that is a minor point. Mark does not have to be
> involved except as an observer.
>
> > I used to enjoy using the phone to get an edge in PBM. It would be fun to
> > see if it made as much a difference with PBeM. Personally I wouldn't
> > _agree_ to always recording the calls, accurately or otherwise ;-) In
> > practice I bet I'd record every-phone-thing that turned out to really make
> > a difference.
> >
> That sounds fair.... I would like to at least propose that people be urged
> to address this issue in their season by season ongoing commentaries.
>
> > Gee, am I always this ornery?
>
> Yes.
> >
> >
> > signoff
> > --
> > Conrad Minshall [email protected] (408)974-2749
> >
>
> I'll bet you almost forgot about this!
>
> Jim
>
Jim, et al.,
I don't remember any discussion of telephone calls during the set-up of the
game. Is there a record of that discussion anywhere? I'd like to see it.
Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
Faz,
Try using lower case letters for power specifications, thus, instead of
>>signon Rghodstoo xxxxxxxx
>>press to E
do
signon rghodstoo xxxxxxxx
press to e
I'm not sure it makes a difference, but it's the only irregularity I see.
>By the way, did you ever get any of these copies, either through the
>Brown.edu address or via the Judge?
No, through neither channel, it's the first I've seen of it.
To content:
first, no, I haven't sent out any other gloom-and-doom messages. I
genuinely worry primarily about an FG alliance, as England, mostly because
it's just such a strong alliance, so tempting. I will rely on sweettalk to
try to break it up, but also on your good will. The FG will tempt them less
if they expect to have to face a healthy Russia who would fight against
such a consolidation of the Northwest, and make any clean-up of England
slow and painful.
As to 'directional foci' (sheesh!).
I am ambivalent. As long as I feel I have things moderately well in hand in
my neighborhood, I'd prefer to see you go south, and make your
re-appearance in the north at an opportune moment. That is, if I'm on the
Two side of a Two-on-one amongs us northwesterners, I'd be happiest to see
your A Mos-Ukr, or the like.
If, on the other hand, I feel about to be the victim in the north, I would
prefer to see your strong presence up here.
So perhaps we could leave things open for now. As I am plotting things,
your interests ought to coincide roughly with mine, so that it would be
mostly a matter of seeing how things are falling and which of the major
options is in *OUR* interest.
As to Norway, I will not expect you to contest it, and I though obviously I
am going to take it, I am willing to do it in the Unthreatening Way (viz.,
with a fleet), especially if we can build that into part of a larger,
mutually agreeable plan. (Ideally I'd like my army in Belgium, but the real
world so rarely approximates my ideals, the wretched thing!)
Does it bother you, by the way, that Herr Edi signed on as Turkey? I'm
dying to discover what was up with that!
If you're happy with my remarks above, say so, and then let's feel out the
others for a while.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Italy:
Buon Giorno, Sgnr. Bianco.
INSULAR AND PENINSULAR POWERS UNITE--YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR CENTERS!
Cheers,
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Austria:
Good day, Duke. Or Sultan??
How did you manage to signon as Turkey? Did you just guess his password by
some wild coincidence? Intriguing.
Anyway, this is by way of introducing myself, Gentle King Jamie. Look
forward to doing business some time soon.
Cheers!
G. K. Jamie
Private message from England to Turkey:
Good morning, fellow witch.
If you don't mind, I'd like to exchange impressions of neighbors at some point.
I have received no press at all yet, though -- I know Tsar Faz is trying to
send me some, but he has not yet mastered, uh, telegraphy.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
SECURITY COMPROMISED!!!!
How is it that both [email protected] and [email protected] have just sent
broadcasts as Turkey???? Geez, the game is hard enough with just one player
handling Turkey's units.
(Fortunately Hohn is an old Judge hand and knows how to take care of
trivial little things like this.)
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
p.s. I also resigned as *observer*. As Hohn says, everyone should do this
or you'll get two copies of each broadcast and Judge bookkeeping
announcement.
Do it like this:
signon oghodstoo password
resign
The Judge keeps track of observers by their address, so as long as you send
the resign message from the address you used to signon as an observer
originally, you will successfully remove yourself as an observer.
Edi wrote:
> Looks like the game was a little premature with Hohn Cho already resigning.
> Let's hold off on the game until we have a full 7 players please.
No, I'm still here...I only resigned as an Observer, since I was tired
of getting double mail. We can all do that, since once our powers
were assigned, we can all issue press.
BTW, Ye Olde Sultan extends his hand to all European leaders in
friendship. I'm looking forward to a great game, and I'm sure I'll be
corresponding with you privately very soon. I am swamped today,
though, so I may not be able to send/respond messages until the
weekend or Monday.
Take care, all. Happy weekend!
Hohn
Private message from England to France:
Cher Ambassadeur,
We are most pleased to make your acquaintance, Monsieur. We hear only the
highest praise of your conduct from our intelligence network.
This is by way of introduction of our royal self, and to offer our warmest
hopes that we might profit from cooperation, a purely defensive alliance,
of course, for fear of the central powers' ambition, and possibly also to
protect the good-hearted people of the Lowlands.
Looking forward to a fruitful relationship,
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Germany:
Warning: vermicious knids in France! Must do something fast, require your help.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
Well well well.
I wouldn't mind splitting the board, east and west, with someone suitably
placed who likes board-splitting. Hypothetically speaking, I mean.
I can't remember what my preference list was, but I know I didn't have
England first. With good players, I am always afraid that the FG alliance
looks too tempting. So I'll be sweating that for a while and not attending
to much else, I think. But my first order of business as England *must* be
to come to good terms with Russia, I firmly believe that, and if Russia
happens to be played by someone I've already had a preliminary chat with,
so much the better!
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
As I suspected, Edi is having a little trouble with the registration.
I've tried to help him and I'm trying to get him to send me what the
judge is sending him back... we'll see.
If Dave has access to the mail stream of the Judge and can easily
find Edi's failure, perhaps he could see precisely what Edi is doing
wrong. I will remind Dave Kleiman at this point, that his "Judge-keeper"
job on this game could become more involved than usual.
Edi, as an expert Dip player, is being a bit shy about asking me as
many questions as he should be. Our other total Judge rookie (Mark
Fassio) has been at the other extreme and he's asked me lots of great
questions.
Jim
I just asked Nick Fitzpatrick (the Internet BNC plus the winner of
the first demo game in this series... ghods) if he wouldn't want
to remain signed on as an observer. I guess my question is answered.
He's staying.
Jim
I just asked Nick Fitzpatrick (the Internet BNC plus the winner of
the first demo game in this series... ghods) if he wouldn't want
to remain signed on as an observer. I guess my question is answered.
He's staying.
Jim
Hello, Edi should be joining us shortly. On Sundays (I think I have this
right) he does consulting for the mgames postal role playing company
where people call him for advice on how to form and run factions, gain
influence and the like in that particular set of PBM games. Anyway,
he has to keep his phone line free until that is done. I have not heard from
John Barkdull, but he may be a 9-5 weekday user, so with the holiday
he might not sign on until Tuesday. We'll see.
Based on Jamie's advice and some thinking of my own, I have "mucked"
around with the deadline parameters. I now have the movement at
seven full days (minus Jamie's suggested half hour), winter builds and
adjustments at two days and retreats at one day (otherwise when you
have both retreats and builds things can get pretty slow). If anyone
wants me to move a deadline parameter in any direction, please let
me know. For you new guys, you may want to "get deadline" for a
description of how to read these deadlines and you can do "list"
after a signon to see the whole set of parameters. I also added
"Monday after noon" as a possible deadline as Jamie suggested.
We'll start soon...
Jim
Hi all,
My query regarding copying/forwarding messages really wasn't intended
to be a big deal. It was prompted by some RGD discussion that Jim was
involved in. Basically, from what I could tell, Jim's position was
similar to mine in that we both despise the tactic. I was thinking
that if we had a unanimously strong consensus against it, we could
institute a house rule.
But it's really no big deal. If even one person wants to have that
option, I have no objections to declining the implementation of any
such rule.
Essentially, my main objection comes from FTF play, in that we don't
have players walking around with tape recorders and fake dubbing
machines to try to get/doctor incriminating evidence against other
players. To me, it kinda takes away from an element of the game in
one sense (in that the credible, substantive "proof" that can be
possible with copied messages (and even more so in the case of
Xeroxing letters in PBM play, I imagine) removes a level of judgment
that may otherwise be necessary in predicting stabs and independently
evaluating credibility), and makes things needlessly complicated in
another sense (taking the time to doctor up fake messages, or decipher
them, etc...if I'd wanted to break or set up a code system or do
detective work, I'd play Clue).
My $0.02.
Hohn
A few items:
If you want to have a pre-game discussion, you can send press as a
non-assigned power by using a long signon command. I'd suggest you join
the game as an observer to do this discussion. Once the game starts, you
can resign the observer position. You will get two copies of all game
messages until you resign as the observer. I often signon to broadcast my
message as an observer and then resign in the same message:
signon oghodstoo password
broadcast
This is my message......
[email protected] has resigned [email protected]
as Observer in game 'ghodstoo'.
Hi all,
Whoops, sorry about the password mixup. I've changed mine so that
these sorts of things hopefully won't happen again.
Regarding phone dip, I'm ambivalent. I probably won't be making too
many calls, but in just in case, here's my info:
Hohn Cho
(213) 955-4689 (WK)
(310) 320-0331 (HM)
I'm on Pacific time, and you can call me at work literally at any
time, but at home I'd prefer 10 AM - 10 PM.
Regarding actual negotiations, I apologize, I'm still swamped at work.
I'll try to get down to business soon.
Jim, since it's the first turn, and in keeping with the FTF tradition
of having more time to negotiate on the first turn, do you think it
would be possible to extend the deadline until, say, Monday? If no
one else has any objections, that is.
Hohn
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hello Edi!
After years of play, it's a great honor to finally be in a game with
you...I hope life's treating you well, and that this e-mail crap is
treating you better than it is me! I have yet to correctly format a
message (according to the Judge) and have it get to its recipient.
I tried to send the same note 15 times to England; no luck.
Give me a stamp and an envelope any old day...
Anyway, IF this should reach you via the Judge, I'm hoping that you
could see fit to agree to the usual DMZs and peace arrangements
between our two noble powers. I have no desire to challenge either
you and Turkey in a shooting war, and am trying to sound out my
neighbors as to their 'druthers and whatnot.
If you've got any ideas, suggestions, proposals, etc, I'd love to hear
them. I'm hoping for mutual growth for us, and that means a great
jump-off out of the gate...hence my desire for peace and cooperation.
What say you?
Faz
To even things up for those who know how to do these things and those
who do not, here are everyone's register statements (considered to be
public documents, many people don't like to call themselves experts
for that reason). I note that Edi is one level of shy and Mark is
another, but I think it's fair to say everyone here is highly
experienced.
Jim
>
> :: Judge: USIN
>
> Whois edi
>
> User: 1470 51000 0
> Name: Edi Birsan
> Phone: 510-680-0110
> Site: Midnight Games
> Address: 950 Alla Ave, Concord, CA 94518
> Country: USA
> Email: [email protected]
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois uejon
>
> User: 383 80600 0
> Name: John Barkdull
> Phone: (806) 765-7662
> Site: Texas Tech
> Address: 1902 27th Street, Lubbock, Texas
> Country: USA
> email: [email protected]
> Level: expert
> Birthdate: Aug 22, 1954
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois pittc
>
> User: 118 61700 501
> Name: Pitt Crandlemire
> Phone: (617) 739-1500
> Site: Synergy
> Address: One Harvard St., Brookline, MA, 02146
> Country: USA
> Email: [email protected]
> Level: Expert
> Birthdate: Jan 1, 1950
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois hohncho
>
> User: 1234 21300 0
> Name: Hohn Dennis Cho
> Phone: (213) 955-4689
> Site: Kaiwan Commercial Service
> Address: Los Angeles, CA
> Country: USA
> Birthdate: 1970
> Email: [email protected]
> Level: Expert
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois James_Dreier
>
> User: 246 40100 0
> Name: Jamie Dreier
> Phone: (401) 863-3226
> Site: Brown University
> Address: Box 1918, Brown Univ., Providence, RI 02912
> Country: USA
> Email: [email protected], [email protected]
> Level: Expert
> Birthdate: Apr 5, 1960
> Sex: Male
>
> Whois diplomat
>
> User: 1309 41600 0
> Name: Cal White
> Phone: (416) 654 1722
> Site: idirect.com
> Address: 1 Turnberry Avenue, Toronto, Ontario
> Country: Canada
> Email: [email protected]
> Level: Expert
> Birthdate: February 23, 1958
> Sex: Male
> Package: Yes
>
> Whois jm2365
>
> User: 1460 91400 0
> Name: Mark Fassio
> Phone: (914) 446-1308
> Site: US Military Academy, West Point
> Address: 3071-A Wayne Place, West Point NY 10996-1817
> Country: USA
> E-Mail: [email protected]
> Level: Intermediate
> Birthdate: August 21, 1956
> Sex: Male
>
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Master and Italy in
> 'ghodstoo':
>
> Hi Cal!
> Hope this opening salvo finds you and yours doing well, and let me
> state up-front that I'm glad, after seeing your name in print for all
> these years, to finally be in a game with you and the rest of these
> luminaries! I hope this one is an enjoyable one for you (and me, naturally)!
This is actually the first time I've played in a game with ANY of the
people here, although Edi and I have have played a few games of ftf
"Escalation" (a real cool variant for 2 or 3 people where you put units
anywhere on the board, one at a time, until you have 8 or so units.
Play then carries on as normal sans negotiations. Good tactical
workout.)
> As far as R/I dealings, I don't expect much in the early years. Aside from
> the hardcore opening anti-A schemes (War-Gal, Ven-Tyo, Rom-Ven type
> of stuff), I don't imagine we'll be actively dealing too closely. Still, I'm a
> firm believer in constant and updated communication, and I hope you and
> I can keep up a good exchange of correspondence. I tend to favor Italian
> expansion in these games (one of the few countries that rarely poses a
> threat to the Tsar!) and I get skittish with big-power Austrians and Turks
> mucking about. Any ideas, plans, or suggestions you might have for ways
> to facilitate greater R/I cooperation, or to keep A/Tr growth 'localized,' would
> be most welcome here in the Winter Palace.
I must say that I heartily second the concept of Italian growth...
Edi has already sent me an interesting proposal which you may have
already seen. He wants the three of us to attack F/E/T right away with
the assumption that G will join in on the attack on F when he sees
what's going on. I see a few drawbacks to this, but it's an interesting
concept. Would you be interested? I know from Edi's standpoint, it
keeps you and I away from him and takes out Turkey quickly, but at the
same time it can lead to real gains quickly. I'd probably have the most
risk as my back would be turned to Edi once Turkey fell, but I think I
can avoid the stab with a few well placed units of my own (he said
hopefully...).
Of course, there's always the chance that you and I could do the old
pincer-thing on Edi if he gets in TOO good a position...
Whaddya say?
Cal
For the record, my address and phone number have changed. I now live with
the g/f at
185 Galloway Rd, #21, Scarborough, Ontario M1E 4Z7
(416) 281-1318 evenings
(416) 560-9206 (cell phone days)
I work as a courier, so when you reach me, I'll be in my truck. Don't
expect me to have a board set up and handy... grin
Cal White
Private message from England to Master:
Jim,
Here are (1) a copy of what Edi sent me, and (2) a copy of what I sent back
to him. He seems to like direct e-mail a lot better than going through the
Judge.
-Jamie
------------------------
From: "Edi Birsan"
To: "[email protected]"
Date: Sat, 25 Jan 97 08:21:24 -0800
Reply-To: "Edi Birsan"
Priority: Normal
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Subject: Ghodstoo Austria to England
Don't worry about the phone stuff being an 'advantage' I have never played a
regular Diplomacy game by e-mail so consider yourself at an advantage there.
I still have to figure out how to send in a set of orders.
Anyway some quick comments:
1. Do you know any of these guys...?
2. As this is a demonstration game, I think we should try to demonstrate some
thing so how about something a little different. What would it take for us to
work out some unusal stuff like an E-I-A-R opening alliance against F-G-T what
I am thinking about is something along the lines of you and Italy going
straight after France with me poping into Tyrolia and then Munich while Russia
does a move to the Black Sea. Italy should open up to the west as with some
minimal support we can handle holding him down and pushing him back for the
western campaign to sort itself out.
Can you push the Italians and the Russians along these lines?
What's your phone number...I have free calls on Friday as part of a local
promotion for world wide calls through March and USA for the next two years
and I would like to use them.
Edi
510-825-0297 (Before 9PM west coast time)
510-680-0110 (Before 10 PM)
Edi Birsan
Midnight Games
[email protected]
Web site: www.mgames.com
----------------------
Edi,
>1. Do you know any of these guys...?
Not really. I know Pitt a little bit, the others not at all.
>2. As this is a demonstration game, I think we should try to demonstrate some
>thing so how about something a little different.
Suits me ok.
The thing I sweat about most when I'm playing England is, of course, a
Franco-German alliance. If I can set up something that will ensure that
Russia is on my side, I count that a big plus. And having Italy and Austria
swarming around Switzerland gives me a good warm feeling, too.
One problem, it seems to me, is how you're going to dig Turkey out of there
with Italy going west. Not easy. I suppose if you get your fleet to Aeg in
S02, that could be enough.
If you want to call me on Friday, here's my daytime number:
(401) 863-3226
The best time would be, hm, 2-4 my time (EST, you know).
-Jamie
Private message from France to Russia:
Hi, Faz. I don't have any plans to attack Munich right off, so our
relationship will be largely info-sharing at the outset, unless you want to
turn that thought into a proposal. Of course, the other option is for you
to bounce England out of Norway while I give him hell from below.
Otherwise, we can play the usual cautious openings and see what develops.
I generally play Russia strong to the south, so I'll certainly understand
if you don't want to do anything overly bold in the north.
Best to you.
John
France
Private message from Russia to France:
Hello John!
Am trying out my 'water wings' with this electronic mumbo-jumbo, so bear
with me if things get blurred in transmission! Hope this finds you and=20
yours doing well. What do you do at Texas Tech (I'm assuming that's
what the 'ttu' stands for)?? =20
As for this game, I don't imagine that F/R will be doing much early game =
cooperating, short of the "balls-to-the-wall" anti-G opening options of =
Par-Bur,
War-Gal, and then to Mun. Given that, we'll probably be limited to =
mutual=20
info-sharing on our joint neighbors (E and G in particular), with =
perhaps some
mid-game machinations coming as the situations warrant. I would indeed=20
like to have regular "diplomatic pouch" talks to monitor John Bull and
the Kaiser, if that's agreeable with you?
Regardless, I wanted to drop you a short line and let you know that I'm
very interested in open and constant communication with everyone.
And, just like Animal Farm, "some communications are more equal
than others," meaning I want to stay abreast on adjacent threats, and
will assume the same for you. This calls for good F/R relations. I'm
all for it, and hope you are, too.
Take care, John, and good hunting this game! Drop a line when you get
a free moment.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi Cal!
Hope this opening salvo finds you and yours doing well, and let me
state up-front that I'm glad, after seeing your name in print for all
these years, to finally be in a game with you and the rest of these
luminaries! I hope this one is an enjoyable one for you (and me, naturally)!
As far as R/I dealings, I don't expect much in the early years. Aside from
the hardcore opening anti-A schemes (War-Gal, Ven-Tyo, Rom-Ven type
of stuff), I don't imagine we'll be actively dealing too closely. Still, I'm a
firm believer in constant and updated communication, and I hope you and
I can keep up a good exchange of correspondence. I tend to favor Italian
expansion in these games (one of the few countries that rarely poses a
threat to the Tsar!) and I get skittish with big-power Austrians and Turks
mucking about. Any ideas, plans, or suggestions you might have for ways
to facilitate greater R/I cooperation, or to keep A/Tr growth 'localized,' would
be most welcome here in the Winter Palace.
Again, Cal, best to you this game, and stay in touch.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Germany:
Hello Pitt!
I'm still shaky at addressing these things, so please note the
inclusion of the Master (Jim) as an addressee here--not sure if
the Judge automatically routes him copies of all partial press, or
if we're supposed to do it manually. As he wants all press thru the
Judge for a record of the game, I figured I'd err on the side of caution.
After all, he is sworn to neutral impartiality.
OK, admin stuff aside, what do we have? The first item is the by-now
familiar Russian question on Russo-German relations--specifically in the
border areas of Sil/Pru and Bal/Swe. I'll admit to all the things most normal Russians will admit to (especially as it's all true)!
1) I desire R/G peace and--at the very least--some early DMZs in
areas we might run afoul of each other;
2) Russia would really like Sweden to add to its peripheral empire,
with the proviso that I won't sail into German waters (Bal).
Quite naturally, I see any R/G fight as benefiting only Eng or Aus/Tur...
and why give our neighbors a leg up on us?
I'm amenable to just about any ideas or suggestions you propose, Pitt,
as long as there's mutual gain in them, and security interests are
addressed. 1901 won't be too bad, but I'm thinking more of the early game
years, and how we can help each other out.
I eagerly await any comments or ideas, and wish you 'good hunting' this
game. Take care.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Master:
Hello Hohn!
I'm still shaky at addressing these things, so please note the
inclusion of the Master (Jim) as an addressee here--not sure if
the Judge automatically routes him copies of all partial press, or
if we're supposed to do it manually. As he wants all press thru the
Judge for a record of the game, I figured I'd err on the side of caution.
After all, he is sworn to neutral impartiality. (Jim, if this isn't the right
way to do the press thing to include you, let me know.)
OK, admin stuff aside, what do we have? The first item is the by-now
familiar Russian question on the R/T Balkan split, and the status of
our units in the opening season(s) -- especially as regards Black Sea
and Armenia. I would be a liar to say I weasn't concerned about two pros
like you and Edi ganging up on me and blocking normal Russian expansion
into the area. I'm inquiring to see if there's any way we can mutually benefit
from the Balkans, without the attendant fighting that goes with it.
There are a variety of options: The old "Russia passes its fleet thru Con
in S'02" routine, if we REALLY decided to team up. Given the natural level
of distrust in the opening season(s), I would love to merely agree to "the
basics:" Neither of us in Arm, and some sort of Black Sea agreement?
I had envisioned something like: Mos-Ukr, Sev-Bla (or Sev-h), with you
doing either:
Ank-Bla (to give the impression of a fight between us) or Ank-Con;
Con-Buk
Smy-? to Con if Ank-Bla, or Smy-holds
In fall, my fleet goes to Rum, thus negating any Bla Sea threat, and yours
goes into Aeg (or Con, as the case may be). I build NO fleets in Sev, and
you build none in Ank, and we then find ways to mutually "do a number"
vis a vis SER and whatnot. The lion's share of any Balkan things would be
yours in such an arrangement.
Anyway, Hohn, I don't expect enthusiastic approval of these variant(s),
as you need time to hear from the others and to formulate your own plan.
But I wanted to at least "get out of the starting gate" and let you know I
MUCH prefer positive R/T arrangements, than to fight ad nauseam over Bla
and the Balkans...especially as we don't know what's brewing between
Austria, Italy, and/or Germany.
Hope your work schedule slows down (mine isn't unfortunately), and that
I hear from you soon. I wish you 'good hunting" this game, Hohn.
Your Neighbor,
Tsar Faz
Private message from Russia to France:
Hi again John!
Thanks for your quick reply; hope this finds you well. I'm off to see
my son's school play, so I'll keep this one short.
The East is abuzz with rumors of coalitions and counter-coalitions;
there
is much fear (for whatever reason) of an E/F duo (or perhaps certain
folks out here
are making the stuff up just to divert attention from themselves). I'm
not paying much
attention to it all, because I expect it's designed to divert me from
the Balkans and to
allow "others" to profit at my expense. Still, be advised that the West
is the object of
some attention from my neighbors.
As for options. If you had nothing better to do, I'd entertain an
anti-German drive. You
had asked if I'd offer specifics...well, short of invading SIL and
Bur-Mun (in fall), I don't
have any other specifics. I'm mean, I have nothing against the Hun,
really, and
are really just 'trolling for offers' right now. But if everyone offers
the conservative,
"hands-off" approach for S'01, then I'll have to do the same. I was
just seeing how involved you are, and what ideas you might float--or
have floated to you.
I'll probably just open to the south and be a traditionalist, although
even there, my offers of teaming (primarily to I and T) have been met
with distance...guess I'm too over-eager
for the locals, yuk yuk.
Anyway, John, if nothing else, let's shoot for info-sharing and the
'option'
of putting our joint forces into operation (be they anti-E or anti-G),
as the situation
arises; ok?
Best to you this game.
Faz
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Hi again Cal!
Well, good to see Edi is singing the same tune to us all--maybe the
Siren Song is
designed to sensitize the masses and ensure greater Austrian security.
Actually, I don't have a problem with his plan, at least for the initial
stages. I mean,
given the choice between a working A/I/R (with possible G involvement),
or a possible
anti-R combination of A/T, well...the choice is obvious!
I don't think you'd have much of a threat from Edi once this got
rolling. After all,
the three of us will serve as "checks and balances" on the other two,
and if he
gets uppity toward you (or me), I would hope that we could cover each
other's
backs and stop the danger.
Quite honestly, I'd prefer the ol' straight-out attacks on Gal and Tri,
and take our
chances with fighting Austria. The big downer with that plan is that it
allows the
Turk a greater gain out of the starting gate, and that's a threat to us
both in the
mid-game. So, fighting the urge to just attack right away, I'd say that
yes, I would
be interested in an A/I/R cabal.
The question mark then, of course, is who does what to whom? Does this
imply
you're attacking immediately westward, gaining just Tun in '01? Where
do
I go -- Nwy? What does this imply for Russian presence in the Balkans
(especially if Turkey opens to Arm and/or Bla)? And Austria: who
exactly is
he attacking in this grand scheme, save 'eastern' power Turkey? And of
course,
we need to figure out Germany's ultimate role here--fellow vulture, or
Defender of
the West?
Only my hairdresser knows the answers to all these questions, but I'd
kind of
like a little more gouge from Edi before I completely endorse this plan.
Let me know your 'druthers, Cal: anti-A, anti-T, or anti-West, it's all
the same to me.
Best
Faz
Private message from Russia to England:
My Dear Liege
Indeed, you may *truthfully* say, if asked by F/G, that you and Russia
have promised Nothing to each other. I will also play the part, and if
asked if I have designs on the north, will reply, "Of course." (Sweden,
that is).
I think E/I/R are naturals for dealing, as we're geographically
separate, yet potentially mutually supporting--with plenty of juicy
enemies in between to "split the pie."
We are in agreement on the issues as specified in your last.
Russia salutes her English cousins!
Tsar Faz
Private message from England to Russia:
To Our Cousin Tsar,
Then we continue to see eye-to-eye.
Thanks for the info about Italy's willingness; I shall certainly now follow
up and press him on the matter. In fact, shortly before your last note, I
did mention to him that I'd heard the Gran Plan d'Birsan, wanted his views
of it, and also that I would independently like to pursue at least some
quiet, background cooperation among you and him and me (on the general
grounds that the fate of Russia, Italy, and England so often rise or fall
together). So we shall see.
I think we are both inclined, you and I, to leave it at this then:
we are favorably disposed toward le Gran Plan d'Birsan (albeit highly
suspicious of his motives), and are tentatively and provisionally going
along, subject to any especially interesting or alarming developments as
Herr Pitt or M. Jean-Bark become more talkative.
I add:
while I fully intend to take Norway with a fleet, I will not yet promise to
do so, entirely on the grounds that I would like to be able to say that I
have promised you nothing just in case France or Germany inquire. (That is,
I would like to be able to say it *truly*!)
Acceptable?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to England:
Good and Gentle King Jamie
Once again, munificent well-wishes from your ol' cuz, the Tsar. Thanks
for the reply, and let me answer just a couple quick points from your
letter.
1) Your view of the E/F is identical with my view, i.e., pap, designed
to fool people.
You'd be crazy if you didn't write everyone and offer them help vs
everyone else. Heck, I've offered up Austria's head (and yours!)
numerous times, to get a rise from people. Pretty dismal responses to
date, though...
2) On that related note, I agree with your assessment of the writing to
date. Maybe it's because I'm having a 'managaeable' week and the others
aren't, but I've had only sporadic replies from Italy and Germany, zippo
from Turkey, and the most from you and Edi. France has written back to
my queries twice, but both times they've been vanilla with no flavoring,
if you catch my drift...he waits to see what I throw out for bait and
then half-heartedly commits a reply with nothing attached to it. Ditto
for G and I.
3) The coalition-plan was indeed Edi's. I didn't want to spill Edi's
beans if he hadn't asked you first (it is, after all, his plan). I told
him if you were up for it, then I'd strongly consider going along, too.
Naturally, Edi has his reasons (not all of them benevolent, I'm sure),
but his opening moves schemes look reasonable, and anything that keeps A
& T from linking up is ok by me! The hit on Germany in 1902 may be a
tad rushed, given that France might not be humbled (nor Germany be out
of position!), but I think 4 on 1 (or 4 on 2) can easily get the desired
results.
4) Italy is apparently also 'up' for this attack, altho' I sense his
progress as slow, unless he pulls a "Mussolini" on France while John
faces vs you.
5) Bottom line: I'm for such a coalition, if you are. I won't pester
an Eng F in Nwy, and might ask it for help if we start in vs Den and
whatnot....anyway, consider it.
Take care, Jamie. Thanks for writing.
Tsar Faz
Private message from England to Germany:
Greetings Pittkaiser,
No word from you despite our direst warning re: knids.
Would you mind having a few words to plan openings? I am inclined to play
Churchill. Russians appear inclined to go south with A Mos, leaving us as
either contenders for or cooperators in Scandinavia. Your thoughts?
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Italy:
Italian Consulate, Truck Courier Division
attn: Cal White
Dear Sgnr. White,
May we humbly apologize if earlier telegram appeared too telegraphic.
We should like to open serious negotiations with your government.
In particular, a plan of attack outlined by Archduke Birsan has reached our
desk, and our interest therein is highly contingent on your own
disposition.
If possible, we would like to reach a rapprochement in some way, either
quite limited or aggressively cooperative, among yourselves, ourselves, and
the Russian selves, since in our experience the fortunes of Italy, England,
and Russia often rise and fall together.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Russia:
Faz,
>Just a short note; much abuzz in the East as of late. The talk is of a
>potential E/F, but I discount it. I think it's a smokescreen designed
>to divert me (and others) from "just spoils." Nonetheless, given such
>talk, I hope you and I remain in close communication -- we may need to
>cover each other's backsides.
It is smokescreen.
I of course did write to France--I wrote to everyone (isn't that what one
'does'?). And he did reply, but his reply was cursory, and he hasn't
followed up. The gist: I said I would like to begin 'purely defensive'
manouevers with him, and he agreed that we should set up something purely
defensive. No specifics. Really just 'friendly noise', as far as I'm
concerned.
>I am also hearing muted rumblings of possible coalition warfare; you may
>also be involved. Once I crack the code from the originator, I'll pass
>the info your way (if he doesn't do so himself). I'd be amenable to
>E/R/other cooperation, if it polishes off a foe or two early on...as
>long as it's not me. How about you?
Yes.
I think I know what you mean, Edi's grand plan. It sounds ok to me,
actually; not too far off what I would like to do anyway, not apt to commit
me to do anything I wouldn't have been considering in any case. And, as Edi
put it, this is a demo game, it would be fun to demonstrate something
interesting or unusual.
If that's not what you meant -- or even if it is -- please, let me hear
your scoop.
>Anyway, if you hear such rumors yourself, please let me know, ok? I can
>confirm multiple rumors, but if they're only coming my way, it could be
>a set-up. Thanks, Jamie.
The Great Powers have been strangely quiet, to my ear. Only Edi and you
have been at all forthcoming. The others have given me a word or two at
most. I am expecting that this will change. Hoping! As I said earlier, my
only real worry is the dreaded F/G alliance. Should I hear no more serious
communication from France or Germany, my fears will grow. In that case, I
would have to regard Edi's suggestion as my only option. I think I'll try
to have a real discussion with Italy, anyway.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to England:
Hi again Jamie
Just a short note; much abuzz in the East as of late. The talk is of a
potential E/F, but I discount it. I think it's a smokescreen designed
to divert me (and others) from "just spoils." Nonetheless, given such
talk, I hope you and I remain in close communication -- we may need to
cover each other's backsides.
I am also hearing muted rumblings of possible coalition warfare; you may
also be involved. Once I crack the code from the originator, I'll pass
the info your way (if he doesn't do so himself). I'd be amenable to
E/R/other cooperation, if it polishes off a foe or two early on...as
long as it's not me. How about you?
Anyway, if you hear such rumors yourself, please let me know, ok? I can
confirm multiple rumors, but if they're only coming my way, it could be
a set-up. Thanks, Jamie.
Don't know if you're "up" for this kind of humor, but I've attached a
game ad from Avalanche Press to this note. Those of us with
university-and-beyond education can probably relate...
Enjoy, and please stay in touch.
Faz
((Flyer follows))
APL201 Survival of the Witless: Antisocial Darwinism in the Academic
World
(by Avalanche Press, Ltd, VA Beach, VA)
Survival of the Witless is a fast-playing card game for 3-8 players,
ages 10 and up, in which players attempt to gain the ultimate prize:
tenure. Players take the role of entry-level professors and attack one
another with gossip, innuendo, color-neutral mail, and seduction while
attempting to avoid such pitfalls as teaching awards, eye rape, student
support, ideological impurity, committee assignments, plagiarism charges
and the Race Card.
With enough status and a completed book (it doesn't have to be any good,
just published), a player can try for a tenure vote. What can bring you
status? Window office, trophy wife, bold new theories and research
grants, to list just a few. Tenure committee members may grow upset if
you park in their space, kill their pet or (Grant) burn the office
coffeemaker. But don't worry about the Lousy Teaching card -- it has no
effect. Each tenure committee member is a unique individual, who may
pay more attention to your race, class and gender than to your ability
or lack thereof. Succeed and you'll never have to work again.
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hi again Edi
>
Thanks for the details on both the game and your former education (I
should be so lucky now to find a $100 PhD kind of arrangement, if I ever
get off my carcass to get enthused about more self-inflicted brutality).
>
>
Your moves are nicely detailed and provide something for the greedy slob
in all of us. If England buys off, then I'll sign up, too. Have you
submitted this to him as a plan, or is he clueless over your ideas? I'm
not worried that much about Jamie's 1901 moves or anything, but once the
Tsar's ponderous war machine lurches along (just like WW1), I will have
difficulty shifting fronts....a smooth 1901 makes life so much simpler.
Good to hear Italy is 'up' for it. Should be interesting to see how
far he advances against France in the early stages. Possibly far,
should England occupy John's attention up north.
As far as Pitt goes, is 1901 enough to "show" him the vulture attacks on
France AND get him to commit to us? I only ask because we then dump on
him in 1902, and I'm not sure how/where his guys would be in such a
situation. (Of course, OUR units are what counts, but I'd like to see
him leaning Westward as the noose gets slipped around the neck.)
Bottom line: looks good, Edi. Let me know what England says before I
go final. (I won't offer this up to Jamie, as I'm unsure what you're
already said/don't want said.)
best
Faz
Private message from Russia to Austria:
Hi again, Edi
I'll reply to your message (below), using its points to craft my reply;
helps my old addled brain remember things better that way. Hope this
finds you doing well.
I'll intersperse my commentary in a different color throughout your
letter, ok>
>
>Well I got your message...I know how you feel I. This is my first experience
>with a regular e-mail game (played one gunboat recently) and first time with
>a
>computer Judge.
>
>After that first confusion where my press release came out as from Turkey I
>do
>not trust it. I have set up in my e-mail software a separate address for
>everyone with the alias of their country and I will use that as the e-mail
>side of things.
>
>Anyway, I am very shakey on this computer judge thing and hope that I do not
>screw up some orders for lack of proper syntax or because of a typo spelling
>error...I am a terrible speller and typing is done at light speed to make
>things worse.
I doubt that you'll screw anything up due to syntax or Judge-type
quirks. If I, "Roadkill on the Information Superhighway," can master
this beast, you can too. But it's screwy, I'll say that. One thing
that's interesting is how the Judge sends me back every one of my
messages with an "orders not submitted for Russia yet" message at the
bottom. I suppose it's the way you're reminded to submit orders, but I
somehow wonder if anyone else reads my orders when this thing goes out.
> Ah well, foolish me: ignorant savage in the world of cyberspace.
>As for the game:
> OK you are staying out of Galicia, I can live with that.
Well, yes, I intend to stay out of Gal, but was kind of hoping you'd
say, "So am I." Your reply kind of leaves open that you might go
there--or am I implying too much?
> I strongly urge you not to yield on the issue of the Black Sea and to go
>for
>the stand off there. First I really do not want Turkey doing a shuttle
>through Constantinople to the Aegean and second it is in both our interest
>if
>Turkey is tied up a little.
> You do not have to go all out against him a 'freindly' bounce will be
>quite
>well.
A 'friendly' bounce will doubtless be seen by Hohn as most 'unfriendly.'
If I do bounce, what's your stance on RUM? Without sounding like an
imperialist writ large, Russian foreign policy is based on the
assumption that RUM is in its 'sphere.' Is that how you see it, also?
(Ser, Gre, Bul, are all non-issues to me unless they heavily tip the
balance in anyone's favor.)
Anyway, I'm not at all averse to bouncing Hohn. I've written him with
the usual schemes and dreams (as I've done to everyone this game), but
no reply. I appreciate the info on playing style contrasts between him
and Germany, by the way; nice to know! I tend to be a two-player
alliance type, at least for the bulk of the game, but given this is a
Demo Game with some "high rollers," I can modify my stodgy behavior.
(The Dip World Demo game is another example of the squirrely alliances
and power shifts we're all doing, for the same reason: to provide
"bread and circuses" for the neophytes and the old heads, showing them
what's in a good Dip game. I agree that we should be "open" in this
game, too.)
As for bouncing Turkey: if that's a good option, I'll do it...I
generally do anyway, for security. But I also want to hear from Hohn
first...what the heck.
>I have met both Pitt (Germany) and Hohn(Turkey) at various cons and of the
>two
>Pitt is by far the more conservative so I think you are fairly free in the
>area of Germany opening to either the Baltic or Silesia. Both are very much
>balance of power players...which I often am not.
What style do you play, then, if not BoP?
>
>Pitt will want you to commit first against England before he will join in for
>the most part and you probably can expect that Fleet Kiel will be built in
>the
>Winter regardless of the French situation unless they are in Munich.
>
>Hohn will be looking to come out of the Box and will take chances including
>an
>opening to Armenia and Black if he thinks he can get away with it. If he
>thinks he can get away with it he will and then gamble on approaching me to
>support him into Rumania in the Fall to give a balanced attacked on Sev and
>Rum.
>Let's not give him the opportunity. I agree!
>
>Have you heard from France at all. I am curious if we could see some early
>French-English or French-German action.
Forget France. I've heard from him twice. He asked if I had any
'concrete' anti-German plans (other than War-Sil, Bur-Mun--which sound
pretty 'concrete' to me?!) He's playing it close to the vest, and not
letting me know his true leanings, other than "info-sharing vs E and G."
>
>One of the more interesting things we might try to pull off...it is after all
>a Demonstration Game and we should try to Demonstrate something. Is a
>Russian-English-Italian-Austrian combined one two punch against
>France-Germany
>and Turkey. This would involve the setting of Italy going west with Army
>Venice to Piedmont and the English going to the Channel in the opening period
>while you stand off the Turk's in the Black. This would bring out the
>vulture
>juices of Pitt who would then jump on France in 02 that will allow us two to
>flood the Line (Tyr-Boh-Sil-Pru-Bal) in a quick blitz as he goes west.
>Turkey would be a slower grind but it would keep the west hopping and give us
>both room for expansion and opportunities in the middle phase without
>tripping
>on each other.
> To do this we need you to go to the Italians and the English with the plan
>and assurance about Turkey and the North. What do you think?
Now this might be a player! I think the bulk of folks would be
agreeable to this; I certainly am. Italy has also sounded me out about
this offer, and asked my opinion. I think England would also be
agreeable. My concern deals with expansion routes, and (naturally)
spoils:
1) What's Italy's opening: to Pie, and +1 from Tunis? How about me?
The bounce in Bla with ?? a southern strategy, or movement to the north
to boot? How about you? Where exactly would you be going in such a
plan, given that all the Western targets are separated by I, R or G? Or
are you and I to reduce Turkey while I and E (and vulture G?) join the
anti-French pummeling?
2) What benefits come to everyone in this one--especially if Germany
joins us? Right now it sounds like you and I should do ok (as we're
after the bulk of Turkey and the Balkans), but I see little gain for I
and E, unless they gut it out and slog through it for awhile. (Which
isn't all that bad, don't get me wrong!)
Bottom line: I'm interested.
>It sounds like you are an 'instructor' at West Point...when I almost went
>there as a student in 1967 they made it a point to advise us that there are
>no
>teachers only instructors. A friend of mine Peter McDonald went that year
>and
>I withdrew in the entry process due to my involvement with the Anti-Vietnam
>movement. Over the next few years I visited (there was an on going
>competition in the board games area between Cadets and the mostly anti-war
>gamers from NY...the Point lost every match...but it was an hysterical
>setting with iron backed serious cadets and sloppy long haired scruffy types
>going over games like Stalingrad, Afrika Korps and Blitzkrieg). The Point
>crowd was first class friendly even given the obvious 100% opposite views on
>Vietnam, I even stayed at the home of the military history prof's (Doopey,?
>Deputy?) house and Thayer(?) Hotel.
> The war was quite a growing contrast between Pete and I and eventually we
>were pulled apart.
> Anyway that's my involvement with West Point.
Your memory serves you in good stead. The Hotel Thayer remains (due to
receive a multimillion $$ facelift soon), and the Historian you stayed
with sounds like Col Trevor Dupuy, "the" icon of modern Army
historians...I think he committed a quick suicide recently after finding
out he faced a slower death due to cancer. Ah, S'grad, Afrika Korps
and Blitzkrieg--they remain on my shelves, waiting for the next
generation of board gamers!
The West Point mystique is a long and storied one, and I can image the
'clash of cultures' you encountered in the Vietnam heyday years. It's a
little more sedate now. For me, it's a learning experience in itself.
Yes, I am an instructor (you do become an associate professor, but only
after 2+ years of teaching). I teach International Relations ("Why do
states do what they do?"), using various interstate theories of realism,
pol-econ, and nation-state activities. I don't have an IR degree, but
my Masters is close enough, so they took me. I'm Air Force, here as one
of 14 liaison officers, so it's a real "culture shock." But I'd like
to teach upon retirement (getting there soon) and this is a nice
addition to the resume. Plus it's fun, once the admin mumbo-jumbo is
done.....
Anyway, hope this helps, and is informative. I await the next Austrian
letter, and "good hunting" to you this game, Edi.
Faz
The mist rolled in over the Bridge of the Pontifex as the Coronal stared
out over the river. The swirling fog seemed only slightly thicker than
the veil of depression which the messenger's disturbing news had brought
upon him. "After all these centuries," thought Hissune, "Why should the
BirSauron choose this moment in history to re-appear?" He stared out at
the river once again and watched as a seabird swooped down and plucked
a fish out of the dark water. "Could that be an omen?" wondered
Hissune. "Are we all to become prey for that foulest of birds?"
His voice a whisper, he ordered the Coronal's squire to fetch his
closest advisors. "Ill fortune it be to those whose fate it is to lead
worlds in times of crisis. May we live to once again see light",
Hissune said as he turned away from the window.
Private message from Russia to Master:
Cal,
I'm 100% with you and your letter's contents! I fear everyone this game
(I'm not in the same class as the ghods of the ghame), yet I fear you
(and France) the least, because of geography (and that you're swell
fellows, no doubt! -grin-) Having said that, I think I'd also like to
try Edi's plan, at least to see where it takes us.
I was serious when I said I like to see Italian grwoth. Only in the
rarest of circumstances would we ever fight, and there are a lot of
advantages (like, keeping Aus in check) that come from our cooperation!
Edi's plan is bold, and has the right chemistry for an early takedown of
a couple powers (neither of them ours!). To paraphrase Churchill's 1940
speech in regards to A and T: "If the Devil (Edi) were against Mr
Hitler (Hohn), I'd give him a fair mention in the House of Commons." I
trust no one, and would readily agree that, once Hohn is on the ropes,
you and I do an immediate turn-around and start pummeling Edi. If not,
he may get E/A against me (or you) and gut us at his whim...I don't want
that to happen, and neither do you.
OK, then, the die seems cast. Eng also seems "up" for it. Hopefully
this isn't some A/T grand cabal to sucker us all! I stand ready to help
(and cover) you as we begin this ploy, and I hope you do the same for
me.
>Let's stay in close touch, Cal, please.
Tsar Faz
Hello,
what's the policy about observer press in the game ?
Is it allowed? Encouraged? Prohibited?
Are we (observer) allowed to talk about tactics or would you consider
that an unwanted interference?
Bye,
Luca
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as Germany to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Greetings, my dear neighbor.
>
> OK, now that I've taken my life in my hands by being overly familiar, let
> me cast myself at your mercy. Seriously, I honestly can't tell you how
> thrilled I feel to be part of this game. I admit to claiming a certain
> passing competency in Diplomacy but I would never be so bold as to put
> myself on a plane with the other players here. I have direct experience of
> a couple and knowledge of the reputation of the rest, yourself included.
> My goal is to not embarrass myself and, if I'm lucky, to survive til the end.
Heh heh, at least you got in on the strength of your reputation as a
player. *I* got in because I'm passingly competant at running a
Dipzine! A couple of Cancon titles aside, most of my experience in this
hobby is as a publisher, not as a player. Ah well, I'll probably settle
for the same goals as yourself ie a lack of public embarassment. Given
all the bloody people signing on as "observers" in this game, that may
come as a challenge!
> I know that probably sounds like I'm laying it on pretty thick (and, I
> suppose, I am) but it's no less true for all of that.
Still pretty thick (grin), but hey, that's why they call it Diplomacy!
> So, to that end, I'm
> offering my hand in friendship with the hope that we can initiate a
> cooperative partnership. At this point, it seems to me that direct miltary
> action is probably not immediately in the cards (but, please, tell me if
> you think I'm missing something). However, at the very least, I'd like to
> establish and maintain well-developed lines of communication. Any insight
> or input you can give me will be very much appreciated. I'll do my best to
> reciprocate. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
I agree that keeping communication open is very important. We may not
be able to work together in the near future, but if we can both survive
long enough, we'll undoubtedly have reason for more substantial chat in
the future.
As for current insights, well, it's hard to know what credence to give
ANYTHING in the S'01 negotiations... Austria is trying hard to get me
to attack France and Russia seems scared of both Austria and Turkey.
Turkey hasn't written, but he did say he would be out of town for the
weekend. I'm not reading anything into his silence (yet). Other than
that, you probably know as much about the opening moves as I do (ie your
own). Anything from the west sound interesting?
> P.S. My home phone is 617-734-6315, work is 617-739-1500, and my pager
> number is 617-881-7997. If you call the home number, you'll get an
> answering machine (home business). Just press any number to cut off the
> message and announce your call. I'll pick up if I'm home. If you call me
> at work, I probably won't be there (I'm on the road most of the time) but
> you can ask my receptionist to page me or you can leave me a voicemail
> message. When I'm not at home, I always carry my pager, so you can page me
> if it's after normal business hours and you get no answer at the house.
> I'm on Eastern time and I'm available for calls between 9:00 a.m. and
> midnight, 7 days a week.
I'm on Eastern time as well (Toronto) but I usually go to bed fairly
early. However, I rarely go to sleep right away so I on't mind being
disturbed up til about 11:PM. You can reach me at (416) 281 1318 in the
evenings week days. If something really urgent comes up, I carry a cell
phone in the truck with me during the day (416) 560 9206. I'm at work
from 7:30AM to about 5:PM. I can't always talk, but I can usually apare
a few minutes.
Take care and good luck!
Cal
Hey, what's all this talk about BenGurion, or BirSauron, or dark myst on
the waters? Have I entered some D&D role playing game instead of
Diplomacy? Are there orcs about to pounce upon the Tsar of All Russias,
as he vainly seeks to prevent the outbreak of war? As Sir Edward Grey
so aptly said, "The lights are going out all over Europe. I don't
believe we shall see them lit again in our lifetimes." I go with
History, not mystery.
And who made up some of those names for the Observers'
sign-ons...sheesh! Btw, is Don Williams of CA fame out there among all
you observers? Wherte have been these last few years, SLUG?! And yes,
I still hate the Rams.
Tsar Faz
Charter Member, Don Rickles Humor Society
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as England to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Italian Consulate, Truck Courier Division
> attn: Cal White
>
> Dear Sgnr. White,
> We should like to open serious negotiations with your government.
Sounds good to me. England and Italy are natural counterpoints whose
fortunes, as you point out below, are usually tied together.
> In particular, a plan of attack outlined by Archduke Birsan has
> reached our desk, and our interest therein is highly contingent on
> your own disposition.
Well, assuming that Edi's plan to you is the same as the one he sent to
me, that would call for you and I to attack France. Normally, I
wouldn't be predisposed to do this, but I think I might make an
exception in this case. It will certainly liven the game up a bit. I
figure we should give all these observers something to watch, eh? :)
> If possible, we would like to reach a rapprochement in some way,
> either quite limited or aggressively cooperative, among yourselves,
> ourselves, and the Russian selves, since in our experience the
> fortunes of Italy, England, and Russia often rise and fall together.
Agreed. Russia is Italy's other main counterpoint. Anyway, if you are
interested in a definite working agreement to attack France, I'm willing
to do the same. Moves to the Channel and Piedmont are the obvious
openers. We can see what happens after that.
Comments?
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
>
Well, good to see Edi is singing the same tune to us all--maybe the
> Siren Song is designed to sensitize the masses and ensure greater > Austrian security.
Was there ever a doubt about this? :)
> Actually, I don't have a problem with his plan, at least for the
> initial stages. I mean, given the choice between a working A/I/R > (with possible G involvement), or a possible anti-R combination of
> A/T, > well...the choice is obvious!
>
> I don't think you'd have much of a threat from Edi once this got
> rolling. After all, the three of us will serve as "checks and > balances" on the other two, and if he gets uppity toward you (or me), > I would ho
pe that we could cover each other's backs and stop the
> danger.
>
> Quite honestly, I'd prefer the ol' straight-out attacks on Gal and
> Tri, and take our chances with fighting Austria. The big downer with
> that plan is that it allows the Turk a greater gain out of the
> starting gate, and that's a threat to us both in the mid-game. So,
> fighting the urge to just attack right away, I'd say that yes, I would
> be interested in an A/I/R cabal.
>
> The question mark then, of course, is who does what to whom? Does
> this imply you're attacking immediately westward, gaining just Tun in
> '01? Where do I go -- Nwy? What does this imply for Russian
> presence in the Balkans (especially if Turkey opens to Arm and/or
> Bla)? And Austria: who exactly is he attacking in this grand scheme,
> save 'eastern' power Turkey? And of course, we need to figure out
> Germany's ultimate role here--fellow vulture, or Defender of the West?
>
> Only my hairdresser knows the answers to all these questions, but I'd
> kind of like a little more gouge from Edi before I completely endorse
> this plan.
>
> Let me know your 'druthers, Cal: anti-A, anti-T, or anti-West, it's
> all the same to me.
The way I see the plan is like this:
Positives
It puts Turkey down right from the get-go. Hohn is a great player and
playing Italy to his Turkey isn't my cup of tea. His early demise would
make me breathe MUCH easier.
It creates confusion in the west. All the better as I hate games that
come down to East/West stalemates. With any luck, I can get a fleet
into the Mid during the confusion and make it more likely that the game
will have at worst a small draw.
It keeps Edi positioned right between you and I where we can watch him.
Drawbacks
It keeps Edi positioned right between you and I where we can watch him
stab either of us in the back... My biggest fear about the three of us
attacking Turkey is that, once Turkey is out, you're involved with
England, I'm involved with France and Edi get to pick which exposed back
he wants to attack... That's not an attractive proposition given Edi's
propensity for viciousness (well-deserved, I might add... ).
However, if you and I stay aware of this, we should be able to keep
enough leverage to make him stay honest.
Keeping him honest will be tricky. In fact, it MAY not be possible. If
it looks as if we're not being successful at it, we might want to pull
back a bit and try the old pincer attack. Actually, if there is
sufficient confusion in the west, we might keep this in the back of our
minds as the best long term option anyway.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
To sum up, I'd like to give Edi's plan a shot, but I want to keep in
mind that it will probably be better to take him out right after Turkey
is gone (or nearly so). Whatever happens, I'd like for you and I to
keep working together. I wouldn't trust Edi or Hohn as far as I could
throw them (less actually, Hohn's kinda small... ), but there is no
reason for you and I to conflict, given the countries we're playing.
Comments?
Cal
(416) 281 1318 (after 7:PM EST week nights)
Private message from Russia to Germany:
My dear Kaiser
Thanks for the letter and info therein! As for you laying it on rather
thickly, well...You do state your non-desire to be compared on the same
plane as these other barracudas, yet only one player this game doesn't
rate himself "expert" on the scale (Mr Moral High Ground, at your
service, ha ha!). And Austria certainly has some info to tell, so I
imagine he's one of the ones you have "knowledge of!" ((-grin-))
Nonetheless, take the above as good-natured ribbing (it is)! I
realize this "preparatory fire" is the nature of the beast for us
experienced Dippers--and completely expected. Hope this finds you well,
Pitt!
What can be said of Russo-German relations? Well, like you, I'd love to
discuss long-term arrangements. What German wouldn't love to hear
there's DMZs all along our mutual borders? What Russian wouldn't thrill
to be given SWE without a fight in '01 (hint hint)?! If there is an
area where you and I can team up together, Pitt, count me in. R/Gs have
a natural gel to them, as there are peripheral foes (to keep us from
casting covetous eyes toward each other) and there are neighborly foes
that we can both team up on for quick gain. Russia is always willing to
discuss these types of issues with her great German neighbor!
Having said that, I imagine that 1901 will see the usual conservatism.
Like you, I don't feel worthy to be among the "ghods of the ghame." And
that translates into wanting to stay alive a little while, so dozens of
e-mail observers won't remember my only PBEM game as a farce and a
comedy of errors. As such, I'd love to launch into something bold and
beautiful, but I think it may occur in 1902, so I can at least try for
centers....I imagine you're thinking along the same lines?
Speaking of...ahem...centers, where do we stand? Are you going to
contest SWE, or may I have "rightful" Russian territory? Can we cement
DMZs in SIL, PRU and BAL? If so, those two points will help channel us
toward "mutual plans" and keep the peace between us with minimal
apprehension.
I stand ready and able to help/deal with the Germans at a moment's
notice. I need all the help I can get this game, and Germany is the
last foe I want to even consider tangling with! I hope you feel the
same in every regard, and that we can, indeed, "do business" in the near
future. I welcome any and all ideas, suggestions, or comments. My
phone is (914) 446-1308, as I stated in a broadcast note earlier...best
between 5-7 p.m., or after 9, and weekends.
Yours for Peace,
Tsar Faz
Per Adonai Elohim, Adonai Jehova
Adonai Sabaoth, Metraton Ou Agla Methon,
Verbum Pythonicum, Mysterium Salamandrae
Cenventus Sylvorum, Antra Gnomorum
Demonia Coeli God, Almonsin Gibor
Jehoshua Evam Zariathnatmik, Veni, Veni, Veni!
Just practicing.
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from Russia to Italy:
Cal,
No, I'm not home from work (unfortunately). I'm actually trying to get
a bunch of classroom admin work done, but every time the server "dings"
to tell me there's a message, I drop everything and become a slave to
non-work stuff. Sooner or later it'll catch up to me. I tried to
connect another e-mail net to my home server, but it ate my military
connection (I also have this remoted to my home terminal), and I lost
some Windows-based crap that took me two weeks to fix. So now I just
play from work (or via the remote). Some days I'll write reams to you
from work, other days I won't get anything out....this is an
'in-between' day.
"Full support" between us is exactly what I'm looking for. Italy's
tough enough to play (even by a top-notch player like yourself), so
anything I can do to help you --AND VICE VERSA -- is strongly
encouraged.
See you in the trenches, and write me anytime; I encourage the
communication!
Tsar Faz
Private message from Italy to Master:
Hi John! Sorry it's taken so long to write, but bad weather and a trip
to Montreal in a snow storm have kept my life busy (and interesting) for
the last few days. I'm actually home today because my truck is frozen
up and won't start. Fine with me, I need the mental health day!
Anyway, I don't believe we've ever met either in person or over a
PBM/PBEM board before. Hopefully, that will be a good thing as I'm
familiar with (and have a few preconceptions about) several other
players. I've either gamed with or met Edi (Austria), Mark (Russia) and
Hohn (Turkey). I know that Edi and Hohn are two of the most feared
players in the Diplomacy PBM hobby. Hohn has won two or three DipCons
and Edi has been around forever. I think he's won DipCon at least once
and is also the inventor of the Lepanto Opening for Italy.
Needless to say, I don't think I want to turn my back on either of those
two guys! To that end, I'd like for us to come to a basic agreement
over the Med and our respective backs. I don't think anybody will be
making any radical moves (at least to start), so I'd prefer it if we
could do the following couple of things:
1) Establish neutrality in the Med and Piedmont;
2) Keep in touch with each other closely as the others' "source" of news
in the other half of the board.
In keeping with #2, I can tell you that Edi has been soliciting help for
an attack on Turkey, although with Edi, you never know what his plan
REALLY are. As for the rest, nobody has made any solid offers to me and
I'm still deciding what to do. My options are pretty much attack
Austria or Turkey right from the get go. Here's hoping I make the right
decision! :)
Comments?
If you would like to talk on the phone, I have no objection to that. I
am usually home in the evenings during the week. (416) 281 1318 is my
home number and during the day I can (usually) be reached at (416) 560
9206 (cell phone). Weekends are a gamble, but if you all around noon
(give or take a couple of hours) you can sometimes catch me. I live in
Toronto, so it's eastern daylight savings time.
Take care and good luck!
Cal White
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as England to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> Exactly. I'm not usually disposed to attack *anyone* in 1901 as England,
> myself. But I agree that it's worth some risk to make the game a real
> 'Demo'. (However, I will be counting on you to keep an eye on the Rascal
> Birsan -- I feel certain that this large plan is carefully calculated to
> benefit him, and trust you to be the ablest among us to see through it!)
Hey, remember, I'm in this game because I'm a pretty good Diplomacy
publisher! You guys are the experts here!
> So, I'll open to the Channel and you to the Piedmont, then. And we're
> expecting Austrian troops in Germany in 1902. In the mean time, I will do
> my best to tempt Pitt into scooping spoils from a hapless Frenchman.
> Mun-Bur would chill any French hopes of a drawn-out struggle!
I'll see if I can add to Pitt's temptation, although I may not do that
until
the Fall turn. He may not want to join if he thinks France will be
taken
down TOO quickly and by too many people for him to get a decent share of
the
pie.
> And you know, with any luck, it will take Russia and Austria a lot longer
> to ferret out Turkey than it will you and me to finish France, assuming
> German help....
We'll have to make sure we can establish units straddling the stalemate
lines so this doesn't degenerate into a four-way draw though. That's
for
quite a ways in the future though. Think I'll see what Spring 01 brings
first!
Take Care and Good Luck!
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
> No, I'm not home from work (unfortunately). I'm actually trying to get
> a bunch of classroom admin work done, but every time the server "dings"
> to tell me there's a message, I drop everything and become a slave to
> non-work stuff. Sooner or later it'll catch up to me. I tried to
> connect another e-mail net to my home server, but it ate my military
> connection (I also have this remoted to my home terminal), and I lost
> some Windows-based crap that took me two weeks to fix. So now I just
> play from work (or via the remote). Some days I'll write reams to you
> from work, other days I won't get anything out....this is an
> 'in-between' day.
>
> "Full support" between us is exactly what I'm looking for. Italy's
> tough enough to play (even by a top-notch player like yourself), so
> anything I can do to help you --AND VICE VERSA -- is strongly
> encouraged.
>
> See you in the trenches, and write me anytime; I encourage the
> communication!
I've actually got England on the "line" at the moment and he says he is
going to go along with the plan as well. He just needed my assurances
that I would be attacking France in '01.
Ciao 4 now
Cal
Private message from Italy to Master:
Hi Hohn! Been a while, eh? Was it Toronto or Kansas City we last met?
Either way, this is our first time meeting over the board. Mind you, I
can say that to everyone in this game (although I MAY have played a game
or two with Fassio at Brad Wilson's place in the early 90s). My main
goal for this game will be to try not to embarass myself. Most of you
guys are here because of your gaming reputations; I'm here because I'm
passably good at publishing a Diplomacy zine... And with all these
observers watching... hmmmm.
Anyway, I would have to say that the players in this game I would be
most worried about would be you and Edi. Being neighbours (and even
natural enemies) with your two countries behooves me to pick a side.
All things being equal, I would prefer to attack Austria simply based on
the fact that, if I can pick up a couple of quick centres right from the
start, it makes me that much harder to take down ie. more likely to
survive to mid/end game. I'll be happy to accomplish that - not that I
won't try for a good draw/win, but that may be hard to come by with this
cast.
Would you be willing to attack Austria with me? Obviously, it will
depend on your relationship with Russia, but in his opening letter he
indicated an interest in this idea. For us to work together long term,
it would require you to stick to land forces while I stuck to naval
power. This is workable and is usually how I/T manage to stick
together.
Comments? I'm ready to order ven-tyo, rom-ven if you are amenable to
this plan.
Cal
>Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
>discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
>turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
>about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
I was asking about all possible things.
I will surely not discuss about future movements, and I hope you will be
so kind to explain me some of the past ones :)
Bye,
Luca
>Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
>discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
>turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
>about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
I was asking about all possible things.
I will surely not discuss about future movements, and I hope you will be
so kind to explain me some of the past ones :)
Bye,
Luca
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
> what's the policy about observer press in the game ?
> Is it allowed? Encouraged? Prohibited?
> Are we (observer) allowed to talk about tactics or would you consider
> that an unwanted interference?
Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
My $0.02
Cal
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> Hello,
>
> what's the policy about observer press in the game ?
> Is it allowed? Encouraged? Prohibited?
> Are we (observer) allowed to talk about tactics or would you consider
> that an unwanted interference?
>
> Bye,
> Luca
>
I have not prohibited such press. As has been repeatedly told me by
a number of the players, they are all big boys and can filter
whatever. It is unlikely that an observer comment on tactical
or strategic situations would bias this game anyway. Some of them
have encouraged MY comments, but I will be keeping my comments
to a very dull minimum --- until after the game is over when I will
be wrting an article on the game for my Diplomacy World column
series on personality in Diplomacy.
Luca, I find it fascinating that you think you would have something
to say already, but please feel free to say it.
Jim
Vienna (Free Press)
"The subject of the numbers of one 'Pit's (a delicious name I might add)
Palantir is interesting. We have ways of making you talk."
s/Luigi's Godfather.
Private message from Observer to Observer:
Good thing Pitt can't order his units to attack an observer, isn't it
Manus?
>>Wes
My feeling about observer press is about the same as Hohn's. It's ok with
me if there is discussion of future moves.
I guess I figure, sure, it's *possible* that I'll have this cool plan for a
convoyed attack, and my naive victim won't have noticed it, and then some
observer blurts out, "Look, England can convoy A Cly - Ven!", and spoils
the whole thing. But it doesn't seem too likely. I don't expect to have any
naive victims. I might *be* one, but then observer commentary could only
save me. So I understand if anyone objects to observers commenting on
possible future moves. I also understand that anyone who objects is very
probably out to get me. But this would only confirm all of my suspicions
anyway. Pitt is only pretending to be paranoid to catch me off guard. It's
a transparent trick.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
enpress
f edi - yor
f lon - yor
a lvp - yor
I certainly hope that press is allowed, I was hoping to put
in my thoughts ...
The watcher
I'm ignoring all rules and protest and will forge right into my discussion
of future moves:
Austria: f tri h, a bud-tri, a vie s a bud-tri. You need to determine if
the judge will handle "self dislodgement" orders correctly.
England: a lpl-yor, f lon-yor, f edi-yor. This defends your most valuable
province from all possible moves.
France: f bre-gas, a mar-gas, a par-gas. This defends your most valuable
province from all possible moves.
Germany: f kie-hel, a mun-bur, a ber-sil. This opens up offensive options
with all neighbors.
Italy: f nap-tyr, a ven-tyr, a rom h. This allows you to determine which
abbreviation for those annoy "tyr" provinces actually work with the judge
software.
Russia: f stp(sc)-liv, f sev(sc) h, a war-liv, a mos-liv. This allows you
to test the judge software regarding its ability to get confused.
Turkey: f ank-con, a con-smy, a smy-ank. Never really liked the starting
position for your units. Let's get them adjusted.
I'll send $5 to each of you that follow my suggestions...
Dave
(your annoying judgekeeper, among other descriptions...)
>
>Now I see that you are more interested in READING commentary than
>making commentary. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for my article
>at the end and the end game statements of the players to see the
>players and me discuss past moves in detail. This will require some
>patience....
As I said, I was just checking the various possibility :)
I can imagine to have fun in having a bunch of people starting to say
"Austria did it because of this and that, but if he had done this other ...,
now if the next season he will attack in this way he might succeed ..."
And so on. The "future" part of it shouldn't be done, according to players,
so maybe even talking about the past will result difficult.
I would like to write something if I have time, but I am surely not
an expert :)
Bye,
Luca
Hi all,
Just wanted to say that I will _definitely_ be responding to
all press by tonight or tomorrow morning. Sorry for the
delay...these darn work people just can't seem to get it
into their heads that I have _important_ things to do...like
play Dip!
Regarding observer press, I personally don't mind observer
commentary, regarding past, present or future moves. I
figure we're all experienced enough to use what we choose,
and this _is_ a demo game after all. But since reasonable
player objection has already been made to everything but
past moves, I think we should respect that.
Hohn
Private message from France to Italy:
I have heard that Edi is a fearsome competitor. I'm not quite sure how I
ended up in this game, but it should be interesting.
I agree wholeheartedly to neutrality in Pie and the Med. As usual,
France's main concerns lie on other fronts. I've been solicited for
attacks on Germany and on England. No commitments as yet, regardless of
whatever rumors are flying. Indeed, I would bet that no one in this game
has made any commitments or firm plans, but the next few days will be
filled with rumors of alliances and planned attacks.
Such is diplomacy.
If you hear anything interesting, drop a line. I will do likewise.
John
France
---------------------------------------------------
This message was created and sent using the Cyberdog Mail System
---------------------------------------------------
Private message from France to Germany:
Kaiser: Thank you for your kind words, but I think my reputation, such as
it is, has run ahead of my actual accomplishments. I have but a single win
on the judges, a couple of draws, and otherwise I have taken early exits.
Be that as it may, Austria may contact you about an interesting proposal.
He wants to tackle the Russian right away, if you are amenable. He
suggested that a German move to the Baltic is an excellent way to put
Russia on the ropes. I suppose it would be mun-ruh, ber-kie, kie-bal.
>From there, you can take Holland and Denmark and be poised for Sweden. The
killer is the convoy to Livonia in the following year.
Let me know what you think of this. I can ease your way.
France
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> >Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
> >discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
> >turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
> >about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
>
> I was asking about all possible things.
> I will surely not discuss about future movements, and I hope you will be
> so kind to explain me some of the past ones :)
>
> Bye,
> Luca
>
Luca,
Well, I apologize for speaking before actually polling the players.
I will certainly NOT be encouraging wide ranging discussion of
future movements while the game is going on.
Now I see that you are more interested in READING commentary than
making commentary. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for my article
at the end and the end game statements of the players to see the
players and me discuss past moves in detail. This will require some
patience....
Jim
> All should feel free to make observations on any moves, past,
> present, or future!
>
Okay, here is my brash and bold prediction for Spring 1905:
England: A EDI - NWG - NAO - IRI - ENG - NTH - NWG - EDI
(Credit to game "goofy," where this was actually done, though
the circuit was made THRICE on the same move, not just once
[it would have been more but the judge has a limit on the
length of an order]. To crown it all off, England also ordered
A LVP - EDI to bounce the whole thing. Truly a beautiful
sight.)
All players involved (I can predict fleet ownership at this point, but I
thought it best to leave some suspense in the game) will get $5 from me too.
Manus
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in
> 'ghodstoo':
>
> I'm ignoring all rules and protest and will forge right into my discussion
> of future moves:
> I'll send $5 to each of you that follow my suggestions...
Absolutely brilliant, Dave! Sheer genius! Hopefully, if one our the
players in this game should drop out, you could perhaps take over the
position? Maybe even a country next to me, eh?
> Regarding observer press, I personally don't mind observer
> commentary, regarding past, present or future moves. I
> figure we're all experienced enough to use what we choose,
> and this _is_ a demo game after all. But since reasonable
> player objection has already been made to everything but
> past moves, I think we should respect that.
Okay, I surrender! :) I didn't have a really strenuous
aversion to outside commentary, so I will withdraw my
objection to it. All should feel free to make observations
on any moves, past present or future!
Cal
Private message from Master to France:
John,
I've seen some of your recent press messages. I want to emphasze
that you can say anything you want to whomever you want and I won't
be interfereing in any way, but for your own information, I want you to
understand why you were chosen (though I note with glee that you did register
as an expert.... ;-).
The game was designed to have a mix of people with FTF successes, postal
successes, and E-Mail Judge successes. Because of the trend toward
anonymous games on the Judges, especially by many of the current
expert E-Mail players, a lot of people turned me down. They didn't
want to play if it wasn't anonymous. Conrad Minshall suggested I go look
at his rating system for people with high ratings on "regular"
non-anonymous games. You were the highest person on that list who agreed
to play (I started at the top and worked my way down). I believe you
are fourth on the DSI list for that category.
Don't hesitate to ask me any questions about such stuff. I have heard
lots more (as you might imagine) from the Judge rookies.
Jim
Vienna, (Free Press)
The hearst was pulling up to the rusty gates of the Dark Tower when a
diminutive reporter reached the side of a cloaked visitor.
"It has been recorded in the recent history that there is a malaise across the
cyber field where the lessons of the Golden Age have long been forgotten. The
plea has been to demonstrate that which can be in the true glory and grandeur
as those long forgotten warriors once daily posted to the world then consumed
by paper not cyber mail. For this the old cries echoed down the ages and
several of the skeletons and shades have assembled to see if but new life can
be bleed into the tired dullness of the ion diplomats. For this
responsibility we all share great seriousness and let us take this shallow
chasim of cyber void and poor into it the style, flare and if need, by the
verbosity of our souls to make things richer and better than they were
before."
The reported scribbled with great speed and in then looked up and commented:
"....errrr...whatever."
+++
The purpose of the demonstrate game is to Demonstrate. So for you observers I
welcome all the comments and drivel you want to spew forth. At the start of
postal Diplomacy the press was often more important than the game...and
usually more entertaining. It is a social game and we should socialize
(apology to Republicans for using a dirty word).
An ongoing commentary with tactical review, diplomatic options and the like
has been used in the past Demo games in postal play without any real serious
impact on the game. It would be interesting in someways to see if there were
an impact.
Edi
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as England in 'ghodstoo':
> ...
> enpress
> f edi - yor
> f lon - yor
> a lvp - yor
>
What do you say, Dave? That ought to at least earn Jamie $2.50, huh?
Manus
>
> Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>
> >Unless all the other players agree to it, I'd just as soon not see
> >discussion of tactics in public. However, if you mean discussing PAST
> >turns, then I have no problem. I'd just rather not have people talking
> >about possible upcoming moves/strategies.
>
> I was asking about all possible things.
> I will surely not discuss about future movements, and I hope you will be
> so kind to explain me some of the past ones :)
>
> Bye,
> Luca
>
Luca,
Well, I apologize for speaking before actually polling the players.
I will certainly NOT be encouraging wide ranging discussion of
future movements while the game is going on.
Now I see that you are more interested in READING commentary than
making commentary. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for my article
at the end and the end game statements of the players to see the
players and me discuss past moves in detail. This will require some
patience....
Jim
Private message from Italy to Master:
USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy and Master in
> 'ghodstoo':
>
> Cal,
> I'm 100% with you and your letter's contents! I fear everyone this game
> (I'm not in the same class as the ghods of the ghame), yet I fear you
> (and France) the least, because of geography (and that you're swell
> fellows, no doubt! -grin-) Having said that, I think I'd also like to
> try Edi's plan, at least to see where it takes us.
>
> I was serious when I said I like to see Italian grwoth. Only in the
> rarest of circumstances would we ever fight, and there are a lot of
> advantages (like, keeping Aus in check) that come from our cooperation!
> Edi's plan is bold, and has the right chemistry for an early takedown of
> a couple powers (neither of them ours!). To paraphrase Churchill's 1940
> speech in regards to A and T: "If the Devil (Edi) were against Mr
> Hitler (Hohn), I'd give him a fair mention in the House of Commons." I
> trust no one, and would readily agree that, once Hohn is on the ropes,
> you and I do an immediate turn-around and start pummeling Edi. If not,
> he may get E/A against me (or you) and gut us at his whim...I don't want
> that to happen, and neither do you.
>
> OK, then, the die seems cast. Eng also seems "up" for it. Hopefully
> this isn't some A/T grand cabal to sucker us all! I stand ready to help
> (and cover) you as we begin this ploy, and I hope you do the same for
> me.
>
> >Let's stay in close touch, Cal, please.
I guess we're both home from work today, eh? Or do you have net access
from work? Me, I'm here because my %$#%$@# truck won't start. Not that
I mind; I could use the mental health day. Just replaced my fuel line
last week and now I think the sucker froze up. Ah well, put some gas
line antifreeze in, so hopefully she'll start tomorrow.
Anyway, I just want to let you know that I'm in full support of our
"watch-out-for-each-other" plan. Also, I'll do my best to keep in
touch. I just upgraded my internet account to 24 hours a day (had to -
I also design web pages for whoever will pay me to do so...), so
there's no excuse not to do so. I think fear of public embarassment
will keep my attention from wandering too far in THIS game...
Cal
Private message from England to Italy:
Right, ok, we are on the same wavelength. Hm, I guess our respective
media's styles aren't so different after all! What a relief.
>Well, assuming that Edi's plan to you is the same as the one he sent to
>me,
Yes, of course that's always an open question, I suppose. But I'd already
heard confirmation from Russia that Edi was disseminating the same plan to
him and me, and he mentioned that you had already been consulted, too, so I
was pretty sure.
(Every time I write 'Edi' I feel like I'm ordering one of my fleets!)
>that would call for you and I to attack France. Normally, I
>wouldn't be predisposed to do this, but I think I might make an
>exception in this case. It will certainly liven the game up a bit. I
>figure we should give all these observers something to watch, eh? :)
Exactly. I'm not usually disposed to attack *anyone* in 1901 as England,
myself. But I agree that it's worth some risk to make the game a real
'Demo'. (However, I will be counting on you to keep an eye on the Rascal
Birsan -- I feel certain that this large plan is carefully calculated to
benefit him, and trust you to be the ablest among us to see through it!)
So, I'll open to the Channel and you to the Piedmont, then. And we're
expecting Austrian troops in Germany in 1902. In the mean time, I will do
my best to tempt Pitt into scooping spoils from a hapless Frenchman.
Mun-Bur would chill any French hopes of a drawn-out struggle!
And you know, with any luck, it will take Russia and Austria a lot longer
to ferret out Turkey than it will you and me to finish France, assuming
German help....
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
Private message from England to Germany:
Vermicious knids: imagination-spawn of Roald Dahl.
>>Would you mind having a few words to plan openings? I am inclined to play
>>Churchill.
>
>Hmmm...as I recall, Winnie was rabidly anti-German. Should I be concerned?
No, no, not Sir Winnie. Who's he? The teenage son of Lord Churchill? Yes, I
forsee great things for him, but not until the 1930's or so. I meant LADY
RANDOLPH Churchill. You know, she is very fond of French fashion, and
always likes to take the ferry over for a quick browse through the shops.
Ok, down to business.
Yes, I would be happy to remove one or two of the Slowmail Riders, just to
even up the odds a bit. Like practically everyone, I prefer taking on my
first enemy in 1902. However, if you would be willing to commit equally,
I'd go after France on the first move.
With Russia going south (still the plan, as I understand it), the situation
is ideal for a blitz of France. If I could then use my southward momentum,
we'd have a really good defensive set-up, you and I, without much worry
about getting in each other's ways. We'd be ready to take on the Legends
Birsan and White, mano-a-mano.
Lemme know.
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
STOP THE KNIDS STOP THE KNIDS STOP THE KNIDS STOP THE KNIDS STOP THE KNIDS STOP
Private message from England to Austria:
>((Jim Burgess has asked for copies of correspondance and since I do not trust
>the judge after the initial screw up with my message coming from Turkey I want
>to to be safe by direct e-mail)).
Right.
I copied your earlier message to him, too.
I see from your broadcast, though, that you have screwed up enough courage
to dip again into the Deeps of Judge Dred.
>I have had some initial checks with the Russians and the Italians and they
>seem very much up for the One-two blitz we have been talking about with you
>and Italy opening up on France in O1 with the idea to pull in the Germans into
>a vulture move in 02 as Russia and I slam him in 02.
I have spoken about it with Russia. I have attempted to speak to Italy
about it, but so far he hasn't answered me. You might give him a nudge.
Russia and I are interested. But, it goes without saying (practically) that
I couldn't fall in with the plan until and unless I were sure that Italy is
on board.
>I will try to get a hold of you some time this week by phone to see if we can
>get this along.
Ok. But, as I say, I am most interested in having some words from Italy.
>I am looking forward to demonstrating something in the game and a quick one
>tow blitz is something that seems to be needed in the E-mail world.
I call it "Le Gran Plan d'Birsan". Or should it be "Das Edikriegspieluberplan"?
Cheers!
Gentle King Jamie
La mia famiglia non gradisce che si parli cosi' tanto di me !
Luigi
I am -- uh, encouraged -- to inform you that the "Pitt Crandlemire Home
Telephone Shopping Club" has gone out of business. I regret to inform
you that there won't even be a final clearance sale (I checked with Luigi;
he made it clear to me that this wouldn't make business sense).
Manus
>Broadcast message from [email protected] as Observer in 'ghodstoo':
>
>I am now in the business of selling Pitt's home phone number to all comers.
Right. And after you get it, call me right away so that I may give you
Manus' home address and the (very) private and unlisted number for my good
friend, Luigi, who works for a nice Olive Oil import/export company in
Brooklyn...
-Pitt
Vienna, (Free Press)
The simple ebony casket in the vaults of Saint Stephans moaned with a small
shudder. Could it be that in the dark void of cyberspace a simple scream has
echoed down the time line? Has not sentient beings learned that the origin of
their intelligence is simple self foolishness? Seems that there may be yet
another field in which there may be sorrows cast in heaps upon the sycophant
tardy minds of those who would look upon life as some sort of challenage and
fail in its endeavor to reach but a simple accord with its neighbor: death.
" Alas it appears that introductions in that regard may be due shortly." and
with that the shadow of BirSauron took form as the lid yawned on another era
in another world in another time.
Private message from Germany to England:
>No word from you despite our direst warning re: knids.
So sorry. Word has since gone out but our government is paralyzed while we
research the knid crisis.
>Would you mind having a few words to plan openings? I am inclined to play
>Churchill.
Hmmm...as I recall, Winnie was rabidly anti-German. Should I be concerned?
>Russians appear inclined to go south with A Mos, leaving us as
>either contenders for or cooperators in Scandinavia. Your thoughts?
Oh, cooperation is the preferred mode, yes, indeedy. But, uh, exactly what
kind of cooperation?
Oh, and what about the froggy knids?
KP
I am now in the business of selling Pitt's home phone number to all comers.
If interested, get in touch with me at my (unlisted) phone number.
Manus
Private message from Germany to Turkey:
Hohn,
Greetings, O wicked witch of the south.
;-)
OK, now that I've taken my life in my hands and tweaked your nose, let me
cast myself at your mercy. Seriously, I honestly can't tell you how
thrilled I feel to be part of this game. I admit to claiming a certain
passing competency in Diplomacy but I would never be so bold as to put
myself on a plane with the other players here. I have direct experience of
a couple and knowledge of the reputation of the rest, yourself included.
My goal is to not embarrass myself and, if I'm lucky, to survive til the end.
I know that probably sounds like I'm laying it on pretty thick (and, I
suppose, I am) but it's no less true for all of that. So, to that end, I'm
offering my hand in friendship with the hope that we can initiate a
cooperative partnership. At this point, it seems to me that direct miltary
action is probably not immediately in the cards (but, please, tell me if
you think I'm missing something). However, at the very least, I'd like to
establish and maintain well-developed lines of communication. Any insight
or input you can give me will be very much appreciated. I'll do my best to
reciprocate. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Til then,
-Pitt
P.S. My home phone is 617-734-6315, work is 617-739-1500, and my pager
number is 617-881-7997. If you call the home number, you'll get an
answering machine (home business). Just press any number to cut off the
message and announce your call. I'll pick up if I'm home. If you call me
at work, I probably won't be there (I'm on the road most of the time) but
you can ask my receptionist to page me or you can leave me a voicemail
message. When I'm not at home, I always carry my pager, so you can page me
if it's after normal business hours and you get no answer at the house.
I'm on Eastern time and I'm available for calls between 9:00 a.m. and
midnight, 7 days a week.
Private message from Germany to England:
>Warning: vermicious knids in France! Must do something fast, require your
help.
Help is yours! Only...tell me what kind of help you need?
(While you're at it, tell me the heck a knid is and what they have to do to
become vermicious...)
So, anyway, do we few, we happy few, band together early on to defend the
honor of the PBEM hobby? (Not to mention to save our own skins from these
rapacious postal types.)
Let me know what you think. Meanwhile, I'm cracking open the OED.
-Pitt
Howdy, all. I apologize for the delay in getting out my opening messages
but I've been away for several days and I've just now found the time to get
caught up. I'll be sending out individual, private messages momentarily.
Meantime, regarding Edi's request for phone numbers, I'm all for it.
However, I'll be sending mine in a private message to each of you as
opposed to in a public broadcast. That way, observers or other folks who
pull down a HISTORY of the game won't also get my home phone number. I'm
not paranoid, I'm just careful...(besides, you're not paranoid if they
really *are* out to get you...;-)
-Pitt
Private message from Germany to Austria:
Edi,
Hi! I've been looking forward to this ever since I heard you were going to
be playing. I have very fond memories of DC/WDC and, in particular, playing
on two boards with you. I consider myself very fortunate to have won the
event and, while I don't mean to sell myself short, you played a large part
in my success. Our partnership in Game 2 on Saturday, resulting in the
3-way EFT, was one of the games that contri