The Diplomatic Pouch

Press for Spring of 1906 in ghodstoo

Movement

Private message from Germany to England:

    Sorry, I'm late folks.  I've been away for the weekend but I thought the
    deadline wasn't until 2330 tonight.  I'm sending in my build now.  I
    apologize to those of you who tried to contact me that I wasn't able to
    discuss this with you before sending in orders but I don't think that it
    makes much difference.  My build is pretty obvious.
    
    -Pitt
    

Private message from Turkey to Germany:

    Pitt,
    
    The build of A BER as well as the moves you performed last season
    obviously trouble me.
    
    I'm moving to defend myself this turn.  I hope you will not initiate
    war, but I am not holding my breath.
    
    Your moves of course force me to continue to support Edi.  Which is in
    some ways a pity, since I think the two of us could work well together
    should we both decide to move against our principal allies.
    
    But it's up to you.
    
    Anyway,
    Hohn
    

Private message from Turkey to Russia:

    Mark,
    
    > While (obviously) less-than-thrilled over your continued screw-over of
    > my position, I'm hoping that you see the obvious weakening of your
    > front-positioned ally.  Edi's removal of WAR, coupled with your build of
    > CON, offers interesting possibilities.  And, played right (as you've
    > been doing to date), you may even convince France of the possibilities
    > of stabbing Italy (or you and France hitting Germany later).
    > I'm standing by Italy, which means against AT.  Germany will take my
    > last center, so this will indeed be my last fling.
    
    Take care, Mark.  Maybe you can live on for a little while, although I
    certainly don't have much to say in that matter any more.
    
    > Good hunting.  I hope you realize that CON is better off in the Balkans,
    > vice a useless attempt at convoying to APU.
    
    We'll see. ;)
    
    Hohn
    

Broadcast from Turkey:

    Testing.  I'm hoping the judge is up now?
    
    Hohn
    

Private message from Turkey to France:

    John,
    
    Well, although we've had little to discuss directly earlier, I think
    we're certainly reaching a point where we might want to consider
    cooperation, or at least the prospects of such.
    
    What would it take for you to stab Germany?  No reasonable proposals
    rejected, etc. etc.
    
    Let me know.
    
    Thanks,
    Hohn
    

Private message from Turkey to Italy:

    Cal,
    
    > Message from [email protected] as Italy to Turkey in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    > > I'll build no more fleets, ever.  In fact, if we can arrange the
    > > dislodgement of one of my fleets some time in the not-too-distant
    > > future, I'll disband that as well.  I'll limit my fleets to one
    > > in EAS, one in AEG, and one in BLA (with an army in GRE).
    >
    > This sounds accceptable.  If you agree, I can probably have that
    > fleet in Ionian popped this Spring turn.  More on this in a bit...
    
    I'd rather not, simply because it _is_ a spring turn.  I'd be happy to
    take it as a disband in any fall turn.  Or perhaps in a spring turn
    next year or the year after, after we've established a working
    baseline of trust.
    
    > > Right after we dice up Edi, we should demilitarize the area and
    > > press northward.  This will further reduce the possibility of a
    > > stab between us.  The kicker, IMO, is to position ourselves well
    > > enough so that Germany runs into a wall, and is encouraged to
    > > stab France.
    >
    > Agreed.  In fact, we should start propagandizing both Pitt AND John
    > right after this next turn; Pitt we try to sell on the idea of
    > taking out France so as to get a three way result without a lot
    > of hassle.  He's an e-mail player at heart, so I bet he goes for it.
    
    Consider it done.
    
    > With John, we try to plant the seeds of distrust and make it appear
    > to him that I cannot be attacked.  Once you attack Edi, I'll tell
    > him that he and I have a golden opportunity to take both Pitt and
    > you out.  Combine that with a strong effort on my part to look
    > invulnerable and we may talk him into attacking Pitt.  Then you and
    > I can make a push west.  (Um, heh heh, note that my telling John
    > it's a perfect time to attack YOU will definitely be propaganda;
    > as I said, I don't trust him for the reasons I outlined in my last
    > note.  There's something about an honest Dip player I can't deal
    > with... laff)
    
    Heh.
    
    Like I said, I think you've played a better game than John so far, and
    I think this upcoming interchange will bear that out even more.
    
    Pitt concerns me much more than John right now.
    
    > > one turn's dishonesty from a few years ago :) ).  You've also
    > > played a better game, IMO.
    >
    > Thanks for the compliment, although I think my blind luck has made
    > up for some bad strategic choices this game.
    
    Well, luck certainly always helps, but I'm thinking that most luck can
    be eliminated by use of sound tactics and psychology.
    
    > I agree with you that a normal demo game will probably end in a
    > three-way.  Too much talent (read cut-throatedness) to play to a
    > perfect 7-way Calhamerian draw, but also too much awareness of
    > what's going on on the board to let one power get a large lead.
    
    Yup.
    
    > In THIS game though, I see no reason to not try to buck the odds.
    > IF we can get F/G fighting or at least suspicious of each other,
    > we can at least try for a two-way.  If there's going to be a
    > three-way, let's at least make sure it's a true stalemated draw,
    > okay?
    
    That's fine with me.  It is a demo game, after all.
    
    > Basically, what I've outlined above probably offers us the best
    > bet for taking either/both F/G out of the final results.  Just a
    > thought: I'd prefer to see an "all postal player" victory... :)
    
    Noted. ;)
    
    > > I haven't looked at the board carefully yet, but that sounds
    > > reasonable so far.
    >
    > We'll look at it again after we see Edi's removal.
    
    What do you think of the tactical situation so far?  As I promised, I
    did build A CON, btw.
    
    > > I'd like to stress the importance of secrecy for now, so that Edi
    > > doesn't get wind of our working together.  If he doesn't suspect
    > > me (as he shouldn't, since we've been working together so well
    > > this game), I should be able to give you completely accurate
    > > information as to his movements this turn.  But that will only
    > > work if he doesn't suspect anything.
    >
    > Agreed, but he hasn't written me yet.
    
    I think he has to be worried a bit.  He's too good a player not to
    realize that he's in a precarious position.  But I'm doing my best to
    allay his fears.
    
    > > I have told him that I'd be sending you a note this turn trying
    > > to convince you to build an army, but he doesn't know the extent
    > > or depth of our communications and planning.  If you have to tell
    > > him anything, maybe just tell him that I've been trying to get
    > > you to build an army.
    >
    > I will build that army and that will probably be the last one I
    > build (unless one is need for a possible French campaign, at which
    > time I'd let you know in advance).
    
    Thank you.  We are well set, I think.
    
    > > Other than that, any other thoughts?
    >
    > That's about it for now.  I'll be writing again this weekend as I
    > have an unexpectedly free couple of days.  I was supposed to "test-
    > drive" a canoe to see if I will be buying it, but I didn't get a
    > chance to pick it up.  Oh well, next weekend... :)
    
    Did you get it?
    
    It's been hectic for me as well lately; sorry for my silence.
    
    Hohn
    

Broadcast from Master:

    Since the Judge has been a little bit up, a little bit down,
    I have been asked to extend the deadline to Wednesday.  I have
    acceded to the request.
    
    Thank you very much,
    Jim
    
    
    

Private message from France to Italy:

    I finally found that minute I was looking for.  I've started summer
    teaching, and it seems I'm always in class or preparing for the next one.
    
    I think we've fairly well arranged everything for the next round.  If
    you've heard any interesting stories, clue me in.  I hear a few lies from
    the others every now and again, but nothing of much interest.   Edi's
    stopped calling for some reason.  I can't figure it out.
    
    John, France
    
    
    

Private message from France to Germany:

    Pitt, the real world does intervene now and again.  I'll be in the office
    tomorrow, so I can check email then.
    
    Best,
    
    John
    
    
    

Private message from Germany to France:

    John,
    
    >Pitt, are you still there?
    
    Yes (barely it seems).
    
    I have a major new account starting tomorrow morning and I've been putting
    in 14+ hour days all week, including today.  No time for anything else so
    far.  However, I will have a few moments tomorrow afternoon to sit down and
    make some plans and respond to you in more detail.  Please bear with me
    until then.
    
    -Pitt
    

Private message from France to Germany:

    Pitt, are you still there?  If you recall, I had asked you about A Tyrolia.
     Seems to me that unit occupies a rather strategic place on the map.  At
    least let me know if you have no need for its services.
    
    John
    
    
    

Private message from Russia to Italy:

    Hi Cal
    Just a short note, as I'm still scheduling transportation for a variety
    of knuckleheads coming to our early June conference.  Lazy b**tards
    can't do it themselves, it seems.  (Me?  Sullen?  Nah...)
    
    Comments to the comments...
    
    >> Edi's press to me has "mysteriously" fallen silent (cackle).  Well, he
    >> started it...
    >
    >I haven't heard from him either, but I bet he's working furiously on the
    >REST of the board...
    
    ** Oh, I'm sure of it, but I don't know who will listen to him.  You and
    I know his true colors, Hohn is either already in bed with him, or about
    to do him in; and if Pitt listens to him, he can expect a war in his
    West, I'll wager, as well as uncertainty about an AT 'spoofing' to catch
    him off guard and bust up the F/G.  France may be a player in Edi's
    dealings, i.e., stabbing you, but I somehow doubt it.  Would be nice to
    hear from some people, however, to confirm or deny...e-mail among
    players is absolutely _hideous_ for the caliber of the so-called "ghods"
    playing here.  England *used* to be the most frequent writer, and even
    Turkey would spar with me before he got too busy and lock-step with Edi.
    'Tis only you now...
    
    >> Do you still require support for Vie?  if not, I'm heading east, into
    >> the sun.  I have two turns to get GAL and threaten AT even now.  (FG are
    >> too tight for any western options, and I can't retake any northern
    >> centers, obviously--so I'm committed to either continuing support for
    >> you, or heading east.)  let me know what you want done.
    >
    >I haven't looked at the board closely yet and I'm waiting for some
    >replies, but I'll let you know what's up.  I'd love to get you a centre
    >and keep you going for a while. I figure you've played a better game
    >than England so you should outlast him...
    
    ** I'd love to get a center (or two!) myself, if only to hang on as a
    "power-in-being" and help you some more.  I'm really glad I stayed in
    Boh to help you:  it made you stronger, directly struck at my (our)
    tormentors by forming a stalemate line, and tied down quite a few enemy
    units...even Pitt should be glad for the respite, because he's next on
    their potential geographic approach, now that F/I sealed off the south.
    
    Getting the center is problematic.  Like I said, my destiny lies in the
    East, because I suspect A/T may be breaking apart (or so I keep hoping)
    and I can take advantage of the confusion, perhaps.  We'll see.
    >
    >Ciao 4 now
    
    ** Stay in touch!
    Tsar faz
    

Private message from Russia to Italy:

    Hi Cal
    Just a short note, as I'm still scheduling transportation for a variety
    of knuckleheads coming to our early June conference.  Lazy b**tards
    can't do it themselves, it seems.  (Me?  Sullen?  Nah...)
    
    Comments to the comments...
    
    >> Edi's press to me has "mysteriously" fallen silent (cackle).  Well, he
    >> started it...
    >
    >I haven't heard from him either, but I bet he's working furiously on the
    >REST of the board...
    
    ** Oh, I'm sure of it, but I don't know who will listen to him.  You and
    I know his true colors, Hohn is either already in bed with him, or about
    to do him in; and if Pitt listens to him, he can expect a war in his
    West, I'll wager, as well as uncertainty about an AT 'spoofing' to catch
    him off guard and bust up the F/G.  France may be a player in Edi's
    dealings, i.e., stabbing you, but I somehow doubt it.  Would be nice to
    hear from some people, however, to confirm or deny...e-mail among
    players is absolutely _hideous_ for the caliber of the so-called "ghods"
    playing here.  England *used* to be the most frequent writer, and even
    Turkey would spar with me before he got too busy and lock-step with Edi.
    'Tis only you now...
    
    >> Do you still require support for Vie?  if not, I'm heading east, into
    >> the sun.  I have two turns to get GAL and threaten AT even now.  (FG are
    >> too tight for any western options, and I can't retake any northern
    >> centers, obviously--so I'm committed to either continuing support for
    >> you, or heading east.)  let me know what you want done.
    >
    >I haven't looked at the board closely yet and I'm waiting for some
    >replies, but I'll let you know what's up.  I'd love to get you a centre
    >and keep you going for a while. I figure you've played a better game
    >than England so you should outlast him...
    
    ** I'd love to get a center (or two!) myself, if only to hang on as a
    "power-in-being" and help you some more.  I'm really glad I stayed in
    Boh to help you:  it made you stronger, directly struck at my (our)
    tormentors by forming a stalemate line, and tied down quite a few enemy
    units...even Pitt should be glad for the respite, because he's next on
    their potential geographic approach, now that F/I sealed off the south.
    
    Getting the center is problematic.  Like I said, my destiny lies in the
    East, because I suspect A/T may be breaking apart (or so I keep hoping)
    and I can take advantage of the confusion, perhaps.  We'll see.
    >
    >Ciao 4 now
    
    ** Stay in touch!
    Tsar faz
    

Private message from Italy to France:

    > Message from [email protected] as France to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    > I finally found that minute I was looking for.  I've started summer
    > teaching, and it seems I'm always in class or preparing for the next one.
    
    Bummer.  And here I always figured the only reason to go into teaching
    and put up with screaming kidlets was the mega-length summer vacation...
    :)
    
    > I think we've fairly well arranged everything for the next round.  If
    > you've heard any interesting stories, clue me in.  I hear a few lies from
    > the others every now and again, but nothing of much interest.   Edi's
    > stopped calling for some reason.  I can't figure it out.
    
    I'vce been getting mail from Turkey and I'm starting to think he MAY be
    serious  about attacking Austria.  It would certainly be in his best
    interest (in the world according to me anyway) to do so.  All he can
    accomplish by sticking with Austria would be a short term stalemate
    line.
    
    I still think we should go ahead with our plan for nowuntil we see what
    Turkey is REALLY up to.  Finally, we have the advantage of being able to
    take as "wait and see" attitude.  Meanwhile, I'll still support your
    fleet into the Ionian.
    
    Since we are discussing the future, do you have any timetable in mind
    for attacking Germany?  (I'm assuming of course, that you intend to do
    so, but the assumption is based upon your statement that you and I
    should stick together).
    One of the reasons I'm asking is that I would like to see Russia stick
    around for a while.  While England, Germany, Austria and Turkey are
    pissed off at him, he's done nothing but help me.  If possible, I'd like
    to see him be second eliminated (after England).  For that, he needs a
    centre to replace Norway.  I'm not altruistic enough to offer him Vienna
    (grin), but I was wondering if Munich was a possibility?  Obviously he
    would need your help for this but, if you want to atack Germany any time
    soon, an extra unit BEHIND his lines would be invaluable.
    
    All that is just a though and if you're not interested, I'm not going to
    push it.  Just let me know what you think of the idea.
    
    Ciao 4 now partner!
    
    Cal
    

Private message from Italy to Russia:

    > Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    > Hi Cal
    > Just a short note, as I'm still scheduling transportation for a variety
    > of knuckleheads coming to our early June conference.  Lazy b**tards
    > can't do it themselves, it seems.  (Me?  Sullen?  Nah...)
    
    Oh never!  I can tell... grin.
    
    > >I haven't heard from him either, but I bet he's working furiously on the
    > >REST of the board...
    >
    > ** Oh, I'm sure of it, but I don't know who will listen to him.  You and
    > I know his true colors, Hohn is either already in bed with him, or about
    > to do him in; and if Pitt listens to him, he can expect a war in his
    > West, I'll wager, as well as uncertainty about an AT 'spoofing' to catch
    > him off guard and bust up the F/G.  France may be a player in Edi's
    > dealings, i.e., stabbing you, but I somehow doubt it.  Would be nice to
    > hear from some people, however, to confirm or deny...e-mail among
    > players is absolutely _hideous_ for the caliber of the so-called "ghods"
    > playing here.  England *used* to be the most frequent writer, and even
    > Turkey would spar with me before he got too busy and lock-step with Edi.
    > 'Tis only you now...
    
    Bet if you were at seven centres though, you'd have more mail.  My
    combined (sent/received)  total of letters is 480.  That's roughly TEN
    times what I ever received in a postal game and enough to shock this old
    gamer...
    
    > ** I'd love to get a center (or two!) myself, if only to hang on as a
    > "power-in-being" and help you some more.  I'm really glad I stayed in
    > Boh to help you:  it made you stronger, directly struck at my (our)
    > tormentors by forming a stalemate line, and tied down quite a few enemy
    > units...even Pitt should be glad for the respite, because he's next on
    > their potential geographic approach, now that F/I sealed off the south.
    >
    > Getting the center is problematic.  Like I said, my destiny lies in the
    > East, because I suspect A/T may be breaking apart (or so I keep hoping)
    > and I can take advantage of the confusion, perhaps.  We'll see.
    
    I've looked at the board now and the only way I can see to get you a
    centre would be for you to combine with France and try for Munich.  In
    all honesty, I don't think I have enough pull with him to do this.
    MAYBE I could talk him into that sort of attack, but I'm pretty sure
    he'd want Munich himself.  I'll sound him out.  I'm sure glad Jim
    extended the deadline as I've been very busy this week.  Meanwhile,
    write France yourself and see what he says.  If he turns us down, then,
    well, Galicia IS lovely this time of year... heh heh
    
    ttyl
    
    Cal
    

Private message from Master to Italy:

    Well, Cal, just to interject, when I was teaching full time, I
    noticed that it tended to be those with the kids at home that
    tended to teach the summer courses.  I, being childless, never did.
    Even now, teaching part time, I'm avoiding summer courses.
    
    As for explanations?  Take your pick over these two or start your
    own:
    
    1) Kids require extra money for college savings plans etc. and making
    extra money in the summer is necessary to achieve those goals.
    
    2) [currently very hot] Kids running around the house becomes a reason
    to "get the hell out" to the safety of work.
    
    GM interjecting.... nothing to do with the game directly.
    

Private message from Italy to Turkey:

    > Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
    > > Message from [email protected] as Italy to Turkey in 'ghodstoo':
    
    > I'd rather not, simply because it _is_ a spring turn.  I'd be happy to
    > take it as a disband in any fall turn.  Or perhaps in a spring turn
    > next year or the year after, after we've established a working
    > baseline of trust.
    
    This creates a small problem for me of credibility.  My discussions with
    France the last few moves have always been predicated on first giving up
    the Ionian and then taking it back.  I would have a real hard time
    explaining any reluctance on my part to hit Ion this turn.
    
    To get around this, may I suggest the following:
    
    F Ion-Alb;
    F Aeg-Gre;
    F Eas-Aeg.
    
    This will give you Eas to retreat to when Ion gets dislodged.  It also
    has the secondary advantage of being a defensive move just in case you
    don't trust me...heh heh.  You might want to combine these moves with:
    
    A Con-Rum,
    C By F Bla;
    F Mos-Ukr.
    
    > > Agreed.  In fact, we should start propagandizing both Pitt AND John
    > > right after this next turn; Pitt we try to sell on the idea of
    > > taking out France so as to get a three way result without a lot
    > > of hassle.  He's an e-mail player at heart, so I bet he goes for it.
    >
    > Consider it done.
    
    I'll write to him next.
    
    > > With John, we try to plant the seeds of distrust and make it appear
    > > to him that I cannot be attacked.
    
    I've written to France and asked him how he feels about helping me help
    Russia to survive by supporting him into Munich.  I've said I don't want
    Russia to be the first eliminated as he has been a valuable ally to me
    (s'true even if everybody else hates him...grin).  My REAL goal is to
    sound out John's willingness to attack Germany.  I'm still worried about
    a solid F/G.
    
    > Pitt concerns me much more than John right now.
    
    Me too.
    
    > > Thanks for the compliment, although I think my blind luck has made
    > > up for some bad strategic choices this game.
    >
    > Well, luck certainly always helps, but I'm thinking that most luck can
    > be eliminated by use of sound tactics and psychology.
    
    Well, human variables mean that you can't get rid of all luck, but
    you're right, you CAN minimize it.
    
    > > > I haven't looked at the board carefully yet, but that sounds
    > > > reasonable so far.
    > >
    > > We'll look at it again after we see Edi's removal.
    >
    > What do you think of the tactical situation so far?  As I promised, I
    > did build A CON, btw.
    
    My thoughts are above and I think they offer good odds at taking Edi
    down completely.  My armies will basically be trying to solidify Trieste
    and
    Vienna.
    
    > > > I'd like to stress the importance of secrecy for now, so that Edi
    > > > doesn't get wind of our working together.
    
    > I think he has to be worried a bit.  He's too good a player not to
    > realize that he's in a precarious position.  But I'm doing my best to
    > allay his fears.
    
    Well, since both Mark and John have pointed out to me the precariousness
    of Austria's position, I'd say Edi is VERY aware of the danger he's in
    (especially after your build - I'd love to know how you explained THAT
    one...grin).  Do you think he'll make defensive moves against YOU?  Or
    will he decide to take his chances?  I suspect the former...
    
    > > That's about it for now.  I'll be writing again this weekend as I
    > > have an unexpectedly free couple of days.  I was supposed to "test-
    > > drive" a canoe to see if I will be buying it, but I didn't get a
    > > chance to pick it up.  Oh well, next weekend... :)
    >
    > Did you get it?
    
    Well, I took it out for an overnighter and I'll be buying it if the
    owner will make a modification or two for me.  Right now, it's more of a
    day tripper canoe and I'm into the two-week backpack/portage kind of
    wilderness tour (Northern Ontario mostly).  It needs a new "yoke" bar
    for easier carrying.   I'm hoping to make a solo two-week tour through
    Algonquin Provincial Park next September.  Gonna do some
    moose-watching...grin.
    
    > It's been hectic for me as well lately; sorry for my silence.
    
    No problem, I know how you lawyers are... laff.
    
    Cal
    

Private message from Italy to Master:

    On Sun, 1 Jun 1997, USIN Diplomacy Judge wrote:
    >
    > Message from [email protected] as Master to France and Italy in
    > 'ghodstoo':
    >
    > Well, Cal, just to interject, when I was teaching full time, I
    > noticed that it tended to be those with the kids at home that
    > tended to teach the summer courses.  I, being childless, never did.
    > Even now, teaching part time, I'm avoiding summer courses.
    >
    > As for explanations?  Take your pick over these two or start your
    > own:
    >
    > 1) Kids require extra money for college savings plans etc. and making
    > extra money in the summer is necessary to achieve those goals.
    >
    > 2) [currently very hot] Kids running around the house becomes a reason
    > to "get the hell out" to the safety of work.
    >
    > GM interjecting.... nothing to do with the game directly.
    >
    
    Actually, I knew all of these.  A friend of mine is a full time high
    school teacher.  I was just pulling John's leg a bit.  Little bit of
    teasing/humour to lighten up the negotiations.  Part of my "style"... heh
    heh
    
    Cal
    signof
    

Private message from Turkey to Germany:

    Pitt,
    
    > >The build of A BER as well as the moves you performed last season
    > >obviously trouble me.
    > >I'm moving to defend myself this turn.  I hope you will not initiate
    > >war, but I am not holding my breath.
    >
    > Whoa!  What caused this reaction?  My build was to cover me against
    > Russia's remaining army and the likelihood that Edi would attempt it use it
    > aainst me.  It was in no way anti-Turkish!  It's going south, not east.
    
    I can only hope.
    
    I'm going to be honest with you, Pitt.  According to what I understand
    of what was supposed to happen with Edi, you didn't come through last
    season, and as a result he lost Vienna.  Also, your build of an army
    in Berlin instead of some unit in Kiel is by definition more
    aggressive against me.  Geography speaks louder than proclaimed
    intent, in many cases.
    
    But let's put that aside for right now.  I'm in no position to
    threaten you, certainly.  The converse certainly cannot be said with
    any credibility.  If you chose to do so, you could launch a pretty
    major attack against me right now, and we both know it.
    
    > >Your moves of course force me to continue to support Edi.  Which is in
    > >some ways a pity, since I think the two of us could work well together
    > >should we both decide to move against our principal allies.
    >
    > Yes, exactly!  Please, let's talk about this.  I'm sorry I've been silent
    > this turn until now but I just kicked off a major new account this morning
    > and it's been 14+ hours daily until now.  However, I really do want to
    > start talking about long-term, GT relations.  Please let me know.
    
    OK.  Assuming that you don't move on me, I foresee the following.
    
    I was sincere when I said that this game should probably end in a
    three-way draw.  The player quality is too good to let any other
    result happen easily.  Ensconced in my corner as I am, I feel my
    chances are reasonably decent to finish as one of those three.
    Situated as you are, I think your chances are pretty darn good too,
    perhaps even better than mine.
    
    I'd like to up both of our chances.
    
    England and Russia are out.  Edi is down to four, and if I choose to
    move against him, I suspect that between Cal and I, he will fold
    rather quickly.
    
    That leaves Italy and France.
    
    I'd prefer to see Italy be the third party, for simple reasons of
    geopolitics.  I think GIT makes a better and easier natural division
    of Europe than FGT.  Considering Italy's approaches to you can be
    sealed off rather easily, that means we just have to see France go
    down and then we're as good as gold.  Between you and Italy, I think
    you can take France down pretty well.
    
    Again, I'm not well situated to attack you, Pitt.  That should give
    you some good measure of solace that you will be free to attack
    France.
    
    I'm not going to stab Edi this season, simply because I can't afford
    to antagonize him while your units are potentially poised for a strike
    east.  But I am more than willing to do so.  And I think you can see
    my sincerity, especially as it is in my best interest and as Edi is
    very vulnerable.
    
    Please let me know your thoughts.  No reasonable counter-proposal will
    be refused.
    
    Thanks,
    Hohn
    
    

Private message from Germany to Turkey:

    >Testing.  I'm hoping the judge is up now?
    
    I got this.
    
    Any chance that you and I should start talking about long-term plans?
    
    -Pitt
    

Private message from Germany to Turkey:

    >The build of A BER as well as the moves you performed last season
    >obviously trouble me.
    >
    >I'm moving to defend myself this turn.  I hope you will not initiate
    >war, but I am not holding my breath.
    
    Whoa!  What caused this reaction?  My build was to cover me against
    Russia's remaining army and the likelihood that Edi would attempt it use it
    aainst me.  It was in no way anti-Turkish!  It's going south, not east.
    
    >Your moves of course force me to continue to support Edi.  Which is in
    >some ways a pity, since I think the two of us could work well together
    >should we both decide to move against our principal allies.
    
    Yes, exactly!  Please, let's talk about this.  I'm sorry I've been silent
    this turn until now but I just kicked off a major new account this morning
    and it's been 14+ hours daily until now.  However, I really do want to
    start talking about long-term, GT relations.  Please let me know.
    
    -Pitt
    

Private message from Turkey to Master:

    Jim,
    
    Thoughts on the last part of the game.
    
    Well, Edi guessed wrong (I was feeling a bit uneasy about his plan,
    and I was right).  And Pitt showed his true colors.
    
    I'm a bit surprised Pitt tried such transparent BS on Edi.  I mean,
    this is supposed to be an expert game, and Edi is certainly no chump.
    I'd be insulted.  It's quite obvious Pitt is going to stick with the
    FG for now.  I'm a bit surprised; I think stabbing F while I got my
    house in order was probably his best chance for a solo.  Maybe he's
    content with a draw.
    
    In any event, I have now come to the monumental (for me) conclusion
    that I must cut Edi loose.  Cal has been mostly reasonable this game,
    and I think I can work with him.  What's more, I need to make sure I
    shore up my land position so that I can withstand a German attack.  I
    can't do that with Edi in my way, because another player remaining in
    the game might throw off the endgame equation.  I want to make sure
    I'm a part of a draw, and that is in doubt if Edi stays in the game.
    There's a reason he's had such success in the past, and that's because
    he's slippery.  Which makes him even more dangerous when he becomes
    desperate.
    
    I don't think hitting Edi will be that disadvantageous to me.  Italy
    knows he will have to turn on France, or else France will be all over
    him.  And I feel confident that even if Italy continued into me, I
    could hold him off.  Being in the corner like I am is a large benefit.
    Unless John is a totally wimpy carebear, I don't think he would
    blithely sit tight while GI dissect me so the three of them could
    share a three-way.
    
    I think the more likely event will be that John and I will axe Italy
    after Austria is dead, or that John will turn on Pitt, and then things
    will really get interesting.
    
    An FG war is what I am going to push for, because that's the only way
    I can possibly see myself taking a solo.
    
    Other than that, I'm going to continue trying to lull Edi, and I've
    also sent a lukewarm, half-hearted attempt to Pitt to try to get him
    to pull off.  I doubt it will work because of his posture and his
    press so far, but what the heck.
    
    My real hopes now rest on Cal and John.  And I haven't even talked to
    John yet!  We'll see.  This is indeed the point where better and more
    frequent diplomacy earlier on with all of my fellow players, rather
    than just my immediate neighbors, would have served me better.
    
    Hohn
    

Private message from Master to Italy:

    Ah, of course, as do I.
    
    I hope I don't go over the top with my comment.  I just found it
    amusing.
    
    I did hope that the deadline extension helps everyone get things
    sorted out to their satisfaction (or at least partly).  This is
    a key season, I'd say.
    
    Jim
    

Private message from France to Germany:

    FYI, I am expecting TI cooperation next move.  I think Italy will attack
    me.  Austria might have conjured it all up, so his armies will no doubt
    move on you.
    
    John
    
    
    

Private message from France to Italy:

    I've been giving thought to the German situation.  Until we defeat AT, I
    don't think the time is ripe to take on a big power like Germany.  If
    Turkey is indeed ready to hit Austria, maybe he'll swing some armies into
    the fray.  About the time ERA go out, the three of us can carve up the
    Kaiser.  Meanwhile, best to hold the line, don't you think?
    
    John
    
    
    

Private message from France to Turkey:

    Why would you want to harm Germany?  I thought you and he were doing well
    as friends.
    
    Clue me in.
    
    John, France
    
    
    

Private message from France to Master:

    I think I've been the target of some rather clumsy diplomacy.  A bit too
    coincidental that T and I both start talking up an attack on Germany at the
    same time.  Italy will move on me, with Turkey's fleets in support.  It
    will be hard to hold them back.
    
    
    
    

Private message from France to Russia:

    My Friend,
    
    I am sorry to report that I must abandon our plan.  I believe you will see
    that I was forced to this.  I hope that I can help you to survive
    nonetheless.  I will explore a few avenues and, if you are willing, suggest
    later an order you might execute.
    
    I wish it were otherwise.  We could have had some fun, but my assessment is
    that it would have ended in disaster.
    
    John
    
    
    

Private message from Germany to Turkey:

    >I'm going to be honest with you, Pitt.  According to what I understand
    >of what was supposed to happen with Edi, you didn't come through last
    >season, and as a result he lost Vienna.
    
    Not true.  Not true, at all.
    
    After the turn processed, Edi claimed that he called and left a message on
    my answering machine asking me to tap TYR.  That may or may not be but I
    never received such a message Admittedly, I had a power failure and all my
    messages were erased but Edi could easily have sent me the same request via
    email, which he did *not* do.  Thus, I did not fail to do something I said
    I would do, only something Edi hoped I would do but never actually asked me
    and never received confirmation.
    
    It may sound like a fine distinction but it's an important one.  I have
    never failed to follow through on a firm commitment that I've made to Edi.
    I have, on occasion, waffled and declined to make a commitment or
    deliberatly tried to leave things murky but, once I said i would do
    something, I did it.  Period.
    
    So if Edi has told you otherwise, he's deliberately misleading you.
    
    
    >Also, your build of an army
    >in Berlin instead of some unit in Kiel is by definition more
    >aggressive against me.  Geography speaks louder than proclaimed
    >intent, in many cases.
    
    I have a hard time seeing this but I suppose that anything in KIE is less
    "threatening" to you than anything in BER.  What exactly, though, do you
    think I am going to with that army?  Even were I inclined to head east, I
    have your army in MOS, Russia's army in BOH and Edi's army in GAL to deal
    with.  What do I have to support my army BER in a headloing flight east?  A
    fleet in STP/sc.  Really, where am I going to go?
    
    It seems to me that it should be obvious that A BER was protection against
    Russian A BOH.  And, yes, I could have done the same with A KIE but why
    should I needlessly antagonize France at this point? (which is what A KIE
    most surely have done).  France's position in the north and west is
    superior to mine and the last thing I want is to engage him whiel that is
    still the case.  A BER was my only reasonable build.
    
    >But let's put that aside for right now.  I'm in no position to
    >threaten you, certainly.
    
    No?  By yourself, I would agree that you're not an immediate threat.  If
    you work with Austria against me as opposed to with me, I'm in big trouble.
    
    >The converse certainly cannot be said with
    >any credibility.  If you chose to do so, you could launch a pretty
    >major attack against me right now, and we both know it.
    
    No, I don't!  How?  Where?  I just don't see it.  What am I going to attack
    you with?  A BER and F STP?  Or, horror of horrors, let's suppose that I
    tried to get A DEN into the act.  It takes me a whole year to get it into
    play and you couldmeasily hold off my measly two army attack on MOS.  And,
    all the time that I was doing that, I'm exposing my rear to France.  Ain't
    gonna happen.
    
    >I was sincere when I said that this game should probably end in a
    >three-way draw.  The player quality is too good to let any other
    >result happen easily.
    
    Yes, I agree.  My only goal is to be part of that 3-way.
    
    >Ensconced in my corner as I am, I feel my
    >chances are reasonably decent to finish as one of those three.
    
    Agreed.  It was touch and go for you at first but you recovered nicely and
    there's no way that you're going out now.
    
    >Situated as you are, I think your chances are pretty darn good too,
    >perhaps even better than mine.
    
    Come on!  I am in the worst position of the 3 remaining large powers (FGT).
     I'm stuck in between you both, I've got an irritated Austrian to my south
    and the remnants of two pwers (England and Russia) who would like nothing
    better than to hurt me on their way out.  I feel *very* vulnerable and not
    at all assured of making the draw.
    
    >England and Russia are out.  Edi is down to four, and if I choose to
    >move against him, I suspect that between Cal and I, he will fold
    >rather quickly.
    
    Well, I'd prefer that if you move against him it be you and I, not you and
    Cal.
    
    >I'd prefer to see Italy be the third party, for simple reasons of
    >geopolitics.  I think GIT makes a better and easier natural division
    >of Europe than FGT.  Considering Italy's approaches to you can be
    >sealed off rather easily, that means we just have to see France go
    >down and then we're as good as gold.  Between you and Italy, I think
    >you can take France down pretty well.
    
    I don't see this at all.  Or, rather, what I see is a rather unsubtle
    attempt on your part to try to get me to engage the other large power by
    myself while you use your Italian puppet to finish off Austria, and then,
    after France and I are locked in each other's deadly embrace, leave you in
    position to sweep in and try for the solo.
    
    I'm pretty dumb, Hohn, but I hope I'm not that dumb.
    
    Any reasonable third party looking at the board right now would say that
    the game should end in an FGT 3-way.  You and I take out Austria, you and
    France take out Italy.  Should the three of us agree to that, it's over in
    two years on the outside.
    
    You, of course, will have to do what you see fit.  All I can tell you is
    that, while nothing is engraved in stone, I don't see me attacking France
    unless something changes drastically.  And, so long as he doesn't attack
    me, it wll be the two of us who determine who the third part is in the
    3-way.  I very much want it to be you as that is the most logical and
    efficient option.  I hope you see it that way, too.
    
    -Pitt
    
    

Private message from Germany to France:

    John,
    
    Well, at last I have some free time to write to you.  I apologize once
    again for the long delay.
    
    It seems to me that we are fast approaching the end game.  I have always
    assumed that the best possible conclusion of a game of this caliber was a
    3-way draw.  It wasn't always apparanet to me who would be in that draw but
    now it's getting clearer.  You and I are in a position of some influence.
    So long as we continue to work together and do not break faith in each
    other, we are guaranteed to share in the draw.  None of the other players
    can mount a successful attack against a united FG at this point in the game.
    
    I cannot emphasize this enough.  If you are experiencing any portion of the
    attention I am getting, then you are being inundated under the barrage of
    messages from all the other players (most notably Austria) trying to get
    you to attack me (or me to attack you).  This is simply because they all
    now realize just how strong the two of us are together and they're
    desperate to drive us apart.  We must not let this happen.
    
    Having said that, I think we now need to decide which if the other powers
    we would like to share in the 3-way.  I think we're both agreed that it
    should not be Austria.  That leaves Italy and Turkey.  I suggest that it be
    Turkey.  Italy has been a good friend to you, so I know it might be
    difficult for you to stab him now.  However, if we try to mak ehim the
    third pasrty in the 3-way, we will have to find some way to eliminate
    Turkey.  Given his string position in the corner and the fact that we'd
    have to go through *both* Austria and Italy to get to him, I'm not sure we
    could do that.  Thus, if we decided to stick with Italy, we might be forced
    to end up with a 4-way draw.
    
    Now, I'm no big fan of Turkey (and, in fact, he's one of the players trying
    to get me to attack you) but, realistically, I think he's got too good a
    position for us to do him any serious harm.
    
    So, let me know what you think and, once we work out the larger issues, we
    can start on eth details of how we implement them this year.
    
    -Pitt
    

Private message from Turkey to Master:

    Jim,
    
    Pitt wrote:
    
    > I don't see this at all.  Or, rather, what I see is a rather unsubtle
    > attempt on your part to try to get me to engage the other large power by
    > myself while you use your Italian puppet to finish off Austria, and then,
    > after France and I are locked in each other's deadly embrace, leave you in
    > position to sweep in and try for the solo.
    > I'm pretty dumb, Hohn, but I hope I'm not that dumb.
    
    Damn.  I didn't think I was being quite that obvious.  Maybe I wasn't;
    but Pitt's no pushover, certainly.
    
    He's right.  I did want to try to set up the GIT because I think
    that's the only realistic (albeit small) chance I have to solo.
    
    Oh well.  Time to deny. ;)
    
    Hohn
    

Private message from France to England:

    I am sorry to report that our plan has run into a major snag.  I thought it
    would have made for a fun mid-game.  I would appreciate your moving to Nwg
    instead of to Hel.   I will not take London, and I intend not to hit it
    ever.  I think your fleet can play a very important role in the coming
    years, and I would not be surprised to see you move back up in the world.
    
    
    
    

Private message from Master to France:

    >
    > Message from [email protected] as France to Master in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    > I think I've been the target of some rather clumsy diplomacy.  A bit too
    > coincidental that T and I both start talking up an attack on Germany at the
    > same time.  Italy will move on me, with Turkey's fleets in support.  It
    > will be hard to hold them back.
    >
    We'll see.  I obviously can't say anything specific, but my evaluation
    at your skills in doing Diplomacy within this environment has been
    growing turn by turn.  Still, clumsy is as clumsy does.  The proof
    is in the pudding.
    
    Jim
    

Private message from Master to Turkey:

    >
    > Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Master in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    > Jim,
    >
    > Pitt wrote:
    >
    > > I don't see this at all.  Or, rather, what I see is a rather unsubtle
    > > attempt on your part to try to get me to engage the other large power by
    > > myself while you use your Italian puppet to finish off Austria, and then,
    > > after France and I are locked in each other's deadly embrace, leave you in
    > > position to sweep in and try for the solo.
    > > I'm pretty dumb, Hohn, but I hope I'm not that dumb.
    >
    > Damn.  I didn't think I was being quite that obvious.  Maybe I wasn't;
    > but Pitt's no pushover, certainly.
    >
    Certainly not.
    
    > He's right.  I did want to try to set up the GIT because I think
    > that's the only realistic (albeit small) chance I have to solo.
    >
    Yes, ***I*** certainly see that, though I have certain "advantages".
    
    > Oh well.  Time to deny. ;)
    >
    > Hohn
    >
    This is one of those times that the GM is bursting but really can say
    nothing at all, except a generic good luck as I would wish on all.
    
    Heh, heh, heh, Jim
    

Private message from Turkey to Germany:

    Pitt,
    
    > So if Edi has told you otherwise, he's deliberately misleading you.
    
    Entirely possible.  Perhaps even probable.
    
    > >But let's put that aside for right now.  I'm in no position to
    > >threaten you, certainly.
    >
    > No?  By yourself, I would agree that you're not an immediate threat.  If
    > you work with Austria against me as opposed to with me, I'm in big trouble.
    
    Austria's beset by Italians and rogue Russians right now.  He's in no
    position to move against you, and I doubt Cal will pull off now, not
    after finally managing to take two Austrian home centers and the third
    in reasonable sight.
    
    > >The converse certainly cannot be said with
    > >any credibility.  If you chose to do so, you could launch a pretty
    > >major attack against me right now, and we both know it.
    >
    > No, I don't!  How?  Where?  I just don't see it.  What am I going to attack
    > you with?  A BER and F STP?  Or, horror of horrors, let's suppose that I
    > tried to get A DEN into the act.  It takes me a whole year to get it into
    > play and you couldmeasily hold off my measly two army attack on MOS.  And,
    > all the time that I was doing that, I'm exposing my rear to France.  Ain't
    > gonna happen.
    
    SWE-BAL
    BER-PRU
    MUN-SIL
    (various other moves to fill gaps and cover)
    
    Is that going to screw me immediately?  No, of course not.  But it's a
    start.  And in light of my earlier (perhaps erroneous) understanding
    of your relationship with Edi and the potential strength of the
    alliance you have with France, I was concerned.
    
    Certainly such an attack would leave you somewhat open to a stab by
    France, but nevertheless it was a concern of mine.  You're doing well
    in allaying that concern, though, and I thank you for it.
    
    (At least, I'm hoping I'll thank you for it.) ;)
    
    > >I was sincere when I said that this game should probably end in a
    > >three-way draw.  The player quality is too good to let any other
    > >result happen easily.
    >
    > Yes, I agree.  My only goal is to be part of that 3-way.
    
    Ditto.
    
    > >Ensconced in my corner as I am, I feel my
    > >chances are reasonably decent to finish as one of those three.
    >
    > Agreed.  It was touch and go for you at first but you recovered nicely and
    
    Thanks.
    
    > there's no way that you're going out now.
    
    Well, I'm not quite as sure about that as you are, but hey, I'm hoping
    your assessment is correct. :)
    
    > >Situated as you are, I think your chances are pretty darn good too,
    > >perhaps even better than mine.
    >
    > Come on!  I am in the worst position of the 3 remaining large powers (FGT).
    >  I'm stuck in between you both, I've got an irritated Austrian to my south
    > and the remnants of two pwers (England and Russia) who would like nothing
    > better than to hurt me on their way out.  I feel *very* vulnerable and not
    > at all assured of making the draw.
    
    I'm in no position to move against you, nor do I have the desire.
    Imagine how overextended that would make me.
    
    As for France, since I am relatively ignorant of your relationship
    with him, I'll leave that specific issue (how endangered you are by
    the chances of a French stab) alone, unless you want to further
    discuss it.
    
    > >England and Russia are out.  Edi is down to four, and if I choose to
    > >move against him, I suspect that between Cal and I, he will fold
    > >rather quickly.
    >
    > Well, I'd prefer that if you move against him it be you and I, not you and
    > Cal.
    
    What do you propose we do with Cal, then?
    
    > >I'd prefer to see Italy be the third party, for simple reasons of
    > >geopolitics.  I think GIT makes a better and easier natural division
    > >of Europe than FGT.  Considering Italy's approaches to you can be
    > >sealed off rather easily, that means we just have to see France go
    > >down and then we're as good as gold.  Between you and Italy, I think
    > >you can take France down pretty well.
    >
    > I don't see this at all.  Or, rather, what I see is a rather unsubtle
    > attempt on your part to try to get me to engage the other large power by
    > myself while you use your Italian puppet to finish off Austria, and then,
    > after France and I are locked in each other's deadly embrace, leave you in
    > position to sweep in and try for the solo.
    > I'm pretty dumb, Hohn, but I hope I'm not that dumb.
    
    ???
    
    Italian puppet?
    
    Man, how differently people see things.  Cal is hardly my puppet.  In
    fact, he's generally quite put out with me.
    
    Pitt, I'm not going to solo.  There's no chance in hell I'll be able
    to fool the board and pull a fast one in that sense, and I doubt many
    (I'd say "any," but then that would be belied by Mark's rather
    perplexing decisions in some of this game) of you will feel charitable
    enough to just give the game to anyone else.
    
    No, I'm sincere when I say that I think GIT is the natural division.
    I suppose it will depend on how alliance structures shake down.  But
    geographically, it seemed sensible.
    
    > Any reasonable third party looking at the board right now would say that
    > the game should end in an FGT 3-way.  You and I take out Austria, you and
    > France take out Italy.  Should the three of us agree to that, it's over in
    > two years on the outside.
    
    As I said, no reasonable counter-proposal will be refused.  If
    assurances can be made to provide for my security against the "mighty
    FG alliance," I have no objection to FGT.
    
    But in such a case, how will we deal with Italy?
    
    > You, of course, will have to do what you see fit.  All I can tell you is
    > that, while nothing is engraved in stone, I don't see me attacking France
    > unless something changes drastically.  And, so long as he doesn't attack
    > me, it wll be the two of us who determine who the third part is in the
    > 3-way.  I very much want it to be you as that is the most logical and
    > efficient option.  I hope you see it that way, too.
    
    I'm all for logic and efficiency.  My concern is based partly on the
    above paragraph, though.  If you and France are so solid, my fears of
    attack by you increase.
    
    Perhaps we will both be benefited by talking specifics.  What do you
    think we should do this upcoming turn, and then in fall?  You
    mentioned wanting to dice up Edi with me, and in so doing cut Cal out
    of it.  How do you propose to do that?
    
    I look forward to your reply.
    
    Hohn
    

Private message from Germany to France:

    >FYI, I am expecting TI cooperation next move.  I think Italy will attack
    >me.  Austria might have conjured it all up, so his armies will no doubt
    >move on you.
    
    None of the above would surpise me.  As I see it, we have three tasks.  In
    orer of priority, they are:
    
    1.  work together *very* closely for our mutual safety and protection
    
    2.  try to prevent AIT from linking up and, if they do, split T off to join
    us in a 3-way
    
    3.  make slow, steady progress on our own
    
    -Pitt
    

Private message from France to Germany:

    Pitt, our messages crossed.  Turkey has indeed contacted me, first time in
    this game, begging me to attack Germany.  I've done no more than ask why he
    would want that, given your recent cooperation.
    
    My inference is that he's allied with Italy.  I have to move fleets south
    fast and put the armies in defensive position.  I am also asking England to
    move around to help out.  I've offered to leave London alone in exchange.
    I hope he'll go for it.  In the long run, I would expect your fleets will
    join the fray too.
    
    If I'm wrong, well, what the heck, we might have good position on Italy.
    But I don't think I am wrong.
    
    
    
    

Private message from Germany to France:

    >Pitt, our messages crossed.  Turkey has indeed contacted me, first time in
    >this game, begging me to attack Germany.
    
    No surpise there.
    
    >My inference is that he's allied with Italy.
    
    Maybe.  From what Turkey has said to me, though, I think his long term goal
    isnmto ally with Italy to take out Austria, try to get you and I to tangle,
    and then sweep in to grab a solo from the melee.  If we continue to show
    solidarity, one of them will have to break.  I think it will Turkey if
    *really* comes to believe that he can't split FG.
    
    >I am also asking England to
    >move around to help out.  I've offered to leave London alone in exchange.
    
    Please be careful with that one.  He'll most likely promise anything to
    stay alive at this point.
    
    -Pitt
    

Private message from Turkey to France:

    John,
    
    > Message from [email protected] as France to Turkey in 'ghodstoo':
    > Why would you want to harm Germany?  I thought you and he were doing well
    > as friends.
    > Clue me in.
    
    Man, there is so much disinformation being slung right now that I'm
    not sure _what_ to believe.  Sorry if I've confused you.  I'm quite
    confused myself.
    
    Perhaps I can place a different spin on the question.  How solid are
    you with Germany right now?  Do you have any desire of stabbing at
    all, or fears of being stabbed?  And perhaps most importantly, how do
    those things relate to your long-term vision of how you see this game
    ending?
    
    I'll go first.  I think this game should end in a three-way.  I'll go
    a step further in saying that I think practically _all_ games with
    seven expert players should end in three-ways.  My goal is to become
    one of those three last players.  I'm eminently flexible with respect
    to who the other two are, though. :) With you, Pitt and Cal emerging
    as the other three major powers, I'm most curious with respect to how
    things will shake down between the four of us in that respect.
    
    I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the matter.
    
    Thanks,
    Hohn
    
    
    

Private message from Russia to England:

    >GKJ,
    >
    >>I have also received a follow-on message from Gentle King Jean (sorry,
    >>you're temporarily usurped).  Things are still in the air, indeed.  His
    >>worry is 'interesting,' shall we say, but I think unfounded.  Of course,
    >>this is the same man who believed Edi and Hohn, wrecked his own country,
    >>and helped kill his English friend--so what do I know?
    >
    >I don't know what the worry is.
    >Is it that Italy will turn? That sounds like some Edi propaganda, huh?
    >
    >** Yeah, that's the worry.  Edi may be spewing it to divert F/I solidarity
    >from A/T's advance (or to foment trouble and keep Italy and/or Turkey off his
    >behind); who knows?  If T/I did join up, they could punch through TyS and
    >WesMed while John's occupied up north.  But I don't see it happening.
    >
    >>Any news from G, I, T or A?
    >
    >Nothing much.
    >Edi thinks I'm crazy to have kept the F Nth.
    >
    >** Edi thinks I'm crazy to keep BOH and for doing what I did.  It's easy to
    >criticize other people's moves.  But I got him down to 4 with Italy, and he
    >may yet fall under some blades, so I don't regret what I did.  Edi never
    >takes off his game face, and he's a hard nut to read.  I guess that's what
    >I'll be like as an old(er) man, lost in games...sheesh.
    >
    >Cal also suggested that I keep
    >the F Eng and sail it out into the MAO, trying to hole up in Portugal.
    >
    >** Well, that would've kept you alive, but then what?  You either throw FG
    >together out of convenience, or you divert France for awhile from helping
    >stanch the A/T flow.  And then you wait for the lapping tides to engulf you.
    >Nah; you did the right thing.  More people to hurt this way, potentially!
    >
    >Hohn implies interest in stabbing if Germany and France will be at war, but
    >I won't reply to that.
    >
    >** Ditto.  Hohn merely wished me well, as he "couldn't influence my life or
    >death anymore" now that we're geographically separate (yea, verily).  I urged
    >him to stab Edi if he's in cahoots with Germany, but that's just wasting air.
    >
    >Nothing from Pitt, even though I tried to rile him by stating that his last
    >moves were really stupid.
    >
    >** Well, now I can at least feel morally superior to you!  *I* got a reply
    >from Pitt after castigating him for said "dumb" moves.  ha ha.
    >
    >Of course, cynically (and realistically) looking at it, big deal.  I am but
    >the ant, biting him verbally and perhaps tactically.  He is the elephant, who
    >will eventually rear up and step on me.
    >
    >> If I were Turkey, I'd be writing G and I,
    >>asking them to hit France (bust through TyS and threaten the stalemate
    >>line beyond WesMed while F is tied up north), and kill Edi in the
    >>process.  Then, as a mega-center Turk, I could whimsically crush I or G
    >>with the other at a later date.
    >
    >Yeah.
    >I guess I'd 'wait and see', as Turkey. His problem is that he is too
    >containable unless he breaks into Italy, so if he thinks Austria can hold
    >up a while it seems to me his best bet is to try to do that. Austrian
    >centers look to be available to Turkey for years to come. Even if they were
    >overrun by I/G, Turkey could pick away at them from his sound corner
    >position.
    >
    >Yawn.
    >
    >** I share your enthusiasm.  In a perverse way, I wish they'd pull me off the
    >life support systems and let me begin the summer with bad memories and a
    >clean slate.  Who wants to be in a Dip vegetative state ad nauseam with one
    >center?  (Is this what they call a "vegetable dip," yuk yuk.)
    >
    >TTFN
    >
    >Tsar Faz
    >endpress
    >signoff
    >
    >GKJ
    >
    >
    >
    >
    

Private message from England to Russia:

    >I have also received a follow-on message from Gentle King Jean (sorry,
    >you're temporarily usurped).  Things are still in the air, indeed.  His
    >worry is 'interesting,' shall we say, but I think unfounded.  Of course,
    >this is the same man who believed Edi and Hohn, wrecked his own country,
    >and helped kill his English friend--so what do I know?
    
    I don't know what the worry is.
    Is it that Italy will turn? That sounds like some Edi propaganda, huh?
    
    
    >Any news from G, I, T or A?
    
    Nothing much.
    Edi thinks I'm crazy to have kept the F Nth. Cal also suggested that I keep
    the F Eng and sail it out into the MAO, trying to hole up in Portugal.
    
    Hohn implies interest in stabbing if Germany and France will be at war, but
    I won't reply to that.
    
    Nothing from Pitt, even though I tried to rile him by stating that his last
    moves were really stupid.
    
    > If I were Turkey, I'd be writing G and I,
    >asking them to hit France (bust through TyS and threaten the stalemate
    >line beyond WesMed while F is tied up north), and kill Edi in the
    >process.  Then, as a mega-center Turk, I could whimsically crush I or G
    >with the other at a later date.
    
    Yeah.
    I guess I'd 'wait and see', as Turkey. His problem is that he is too
    containable unless he breaks into Italy, so if he thinks Austria can hold
    up a while it seems to me his best bet is to try to do that. Austrian
    centers look to be available to Turkey for years to come. Even if they were
    overrun by I/G, Turkey could pick away at them from his sound corner
    position.
    
    Yawn.
    
    GKJ
    
    

Private message from Russia to Master:

    Jim:
    Not much to tell you this time around, as you're privy to the press
    that's been flying between F, E and myself as of late.  The news/letters
    are all true data.  E and R are trying to entice a French stab of
    Germany, believing it to be in the best interests of all.  France,
    validly, worries about the ramifications and the potential of an Italian
    defection.
    
    Russian sensibilities would find it hard to believe Italy would turn
    west and allow AT growth behind him, given the bitter fighting to date.
    However, it *is* a consideration:  both I and T would stand to gain by
    punching through TYS and WesMed, and Edi's carcass could be devoured by
    both for mutual gain and for preparation vs any FG that forms.
    
    For me, it's "much ado about nothing."  My country has been torpedoed to
    the point of death.  I must now depend on either French goodwill
    (rapidly receding) or some "dash to the wire" into GAL or SIL, and hope
    that no enemy unit is nearby to bounce me in fall (yeah, right).
    Methinks next game season will be the last press from the Tsar, unless a
    Miracle on the Marne occurs in central Europe....
    
    Faz
    

Private message from Russia to England:

    GKJ
    
    I have also received a follow-on message from Gentle King Jean (sorry,
    you're temporarily usurped).  Things are still in the air, indeed.  His
    worry is 'interesting,' shall we say, but I think unfounded.  Of course,
    this is the same man who believed Edi and Hohn, wrecked his own country,
    and helped kill his English friend--so what do I know?
    
    I have nowhere else to go, nothing else to do, and no one else to
    converse with; I'm not going anywhere, so it's "hurry up and wait."
    
    Any news from G, I, T or A?   If I were Turkey, I'd be writing G and I,
    asking them to hit France (bust through TyS and threaten the stalemate
    line beyond WesMed while F is tied up north), and kill Edi in the
    process.  Then, as a mega-center Turk, I could whimsically crush I or G
    with the other at a later date.
    
    Sigh.....so easy to "spend other people's money."
    
    Tsar Faz
    

Private message from England to Russia:

    Yes, I did.
    I don't know the reason for the change either.
    
    But hang on, things are apparently still a bit up in the air.
    
    GKJ
    
    

Private message from Russia to Italy:

    Hi Cal
    
    Sorry I didn't respond to you sooner.  This conference is killing me!
    Ah well, in 5 days it will have come and gone!
    
    What's the deal with you / us ?  Do you need me to support you anywhere?
     if you're status quo vs A/T, I can do the GAL thing.  If you're going
    to change horses (I'd consider an alliance with Hohn to eat Edi up and
    get you both into the "gains" column -- of course, we've both tried that
    before), I can still help you somehow, if you have ideas.
    
    If you're after FG, I can also try something if you'd like.  Maybe hit
    MUN, or go to SIL and keep them occupied..could even threaten WAR in an
    offhand way, I guess...until At come calling...
    
    What have you heard from the others?  As a 1-center "minilith," I get
    little-to-no mail anymore, as noted before.  Has France offered you more
    help?  has the Hun mentioned anything about me, or his plans?  Any good
    news from Aus or Tur?  I imagine Edi's sweating bullets, and may be
    offeringyou the world now (-grin-).  Like I said, though, make sure A/T
    aren't trying to spoof you and break up the F/I wall, now that it's set
    up.  I really expect Turkey to be writing you hot and heavy; has he?
    
    Any news from our ol' buddy England?  Ever since the HEL/MUn fiasco,
    we've had little discussions (understandable, I guess).
    
    Anyway, fill in your soon-to-die ally with any advice, news from the
    board, or recommendations from you.  I can go just about anywhere with
    BOH, so offer it up.  After all, even when it goes somewhere, it really
    will go "nowhere."
    
    Tsar Fz
    

Private message from Russia to France:

    King Jean
    
    Whoa.  Italy about to attack you?  News to me.  On the paranoid side, he
    did NOT request the continued goodwill & support of yours truly.  On the
    other hand, he doesn't need me anymore, so why ask?
    
    If he did attack you, they key question is:  with German aid/collusion,
    with A/T's belssing, or on a solo whim?   I can't visualize the latter.
    if with German support, then once again, we come back to the "get them
    before they get you," because if he IS in cahoots with the Hun, the only
    firepower you have *left* is ER, however puny.  (Unless you've got a
    reciprocal deal with A/T, of course.)
    
    Now, if he's made a deal with the twin Eastern devils (singly with Hohn
    or jointly with Hohn or Edi), then that's a horse of a different color.
    He could be in with Hohn, as both could gain from a chop-up of Edi --
    although most of his forces would be busy killing Austria, not you.  The
    only danger from Italy, in my opinion, would be a deal with Turkey,
    where he/they hit TyS and TYO and busted into the Med quickly while your
    fleets putz around with England.   I'll see what I can ascertain about
    such an option.
    
    If it were me, I'd definitely get your F WAL into Ech and/or MAo quickly
    as a preventative.  Know, however, that you can't be strong everywhere.
    if GI or TI (or whatever Italian combo) decide to hit you, it's only a
    matter of time before G dumps on you as well, lest others take "his"
    spoils.
    
    But yes, if Germany *seems* your only ally in these times of potential
    trouble, you'd be crazy to hit him.  Hope your judgment of neighbors is
    better than mine was!   Ah, the perils of short-fuze decisionmaking...
    
    Will see what I can get from Italy, and let you know.  I'll be discrete.
     Keep me in your plans.
    
    Tsar Faz
    

Private message from France to England:

    As it turns out, we may be on again.  Hold on for a short while, then I'll
    explain everything.
    
    Napolean IV
    
    
    

Private message from France to Russia:

    Tsar Faz: Here's my problem.  I became convinced that Italy was ready to
    attack me.  I'm not quite so sure now, but I have reasons for my strong
    suspicions.  If that happens, how can I hit Germany now?   I won't have
    ERI, I'll have ER.  As much as I like you guys, you don't carry much
    firepower.
    
    If you have reason to believe otherwise, let me know.  Maybe you can figure
    out a way to gain some info without tipping our hand.
    
    Napolean IV
    
    
    

Private message from Russia to France:

    John,
    
    No, I think you "did right" in saying something.  Imagine my
    consternation if you DIDN'T say something, and left me hanging.  As much
    as I'm upset and dismayed, I appreciate your frankness.
    
    Please do consider the options.  Yes, it *does* possibly make for a
    hairier situation if you take on a strong Hun and/or a Hun in collusion
    with AT.  But if the latter is true, they're coming for you anyway.  if
    the former, then you need to ask yourself:
    
    -Will I gain more by trusting Pitt and fending off AT, knowing my future
    gains are minimal?  or
    - Will I gain more by hitting Pitt and taking my chances?  In such a
    battle, you have ERI support as loyal puppets, and stand to get the bulk
    of German centers before an AT would.
    
    *THAT* cost-benefit analysis, however, is your call.  I can only
    recommend, but you ultimately decide.
    
    I hope you decide favorably for the Tsar and John Bull.
    
    Oh, FYI:  Italy wished me well in GAL.  Told me he'd try and negotiate
    an option of French suppoort for me to MUN, but that he doubted it would
    work.  He thinks I'm headed for GAL.  Looks like our "radio silence"
    worked well.   Pity if it doesn't go off after all this....
    
    Tsar Faz
    

Private message from France to Russia:

    I understand your consternation.  I continue to feel the situation out.
    
    The plan was for real, and it might yet be on before the deadline.  You'll
    know by the end of the day.
    
    Sorry for this.  I probably should not have said anything.
    
    John
    
    
    

Private message from Russia to England:

    GKJ
    
    Have you received a similar (ahem) "Dear John" letter from France?  If
    not, then I wish you luck and continued survival.  If so, I just *wish*
    there were a way to take these guys down with us.....
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    >-
    >Message from [email protected] as France to Russia in 'ghodstoo':
    
    >My Friend,
    >
    >I am sorry to report that I must abandon our plan.  I believe you will see
    >that I was forced to this.
    
    >press to f
    >
    >John
    >Pretty vanilla note to announce my death warrant.  Would you do me the favor
    >of a little more explanation?  After all, I *am* a one-center soon-to-die
    >nation.  I think it would only be cricket.
    >
    ** WHY are you "forced" to change the plan at this stage?  WHO "forced"
    you to do so?  Has Germany bluffed you (or cowed you) into submission?
    Was there ever a "plan" all along?  (I'm assuming "yes," although the
    timing of this announcement seems a bit stretched.)
    
    > I hope that I can help you to survive
    >nonetheless.  I will explore a few avenues and, if you are willing, suggest
    >later an order you might execute.
    
    **  I naturally do not "see" all the board any more, most people having
    written me off.  So I realize there are "higher imperatives" driving
    French foreign policy.  Short of truly allying with Germany vs the AT --
    and assuming he makes the moves he probably told you he would -- I'm not
    so sure how these would end in "disaster," given G sandwiched between a
    solid F/I/(E)/(R) and a westward-moving A/T.  Obviously you have other
    info; so be it.
    
    >I wish it were otherwise.
    
    ** So do I, John, so do I.  I will, of course, anxiously wait for any
    other "executbale orders" you might suggest, but if they don't get me a
    center, then we're just wasting time and my last life-minutes on the
    board.
    
    >We could have had some fun,
    
    ** Ah, heck, let's not bring FUN into this!?  Why should a GAME be FUN?
    
    >but my assessment is
    >that it would have ended in disaster.
    
    ** Well, you're the man with the plan and the forces to execute the
    plan.  If you say it ain't gonna happen, it ain't gonna happen.
    
    Bon chance
    
    Tsar Faz
    

Private message from Russia to France:

    John
    Pretty vanilla note to announce my death warrant.  Would you do me the
    favor of a little more explanation?  After all, I *am* a one-center
    soon-to-die nation.  I think it would only be cricket.
    
    >My Friend,
    >
    >I am sorry to report that I must abandon our plan.  I believe you will see
    >that I was forced to this.
    
    ** WHY are you "forced" to change the plan at this stage?  WHO "forced"
    you to do so?  Has Germany bluffed you (or cowed you) into submission?
    Was there ever a "plan" all along?  (I'm assuming "yes," although the
    timing of this announcement seems a bit stretched.)
    
    > I hope that I can help you to survive
    >nonetheless.  I will explore a few avenues and, if you are willing, suggest
    >later an order you might execute.
    
    **  I naturally do not "see" all the board any more, most people having
    written me off.  So I realize there are "higher imperatives" driving
    French foreign policy.  Short of truly allying with Germany vs the AT --
    and assuming he makes the moves he probably told you he would -- I'm not
    so sure how these would end in "disaster," given G sandwiched between a
    solid F/I/(E)/(R) and a westward-moving A/T.  Obviously you have other
    info; so be it.
    
    >I wish it were otherwise.
    
    ** So do I, John, so do I.  I will, of course, anxiously wait for any
    other "executbale orders" you might suggest, but if they don't get me a
    center, then we're just wasting time and my last life-minutes on the
    board.
    
    >We could have had some fun,
    
    ** Ah, heck, let's not bring FUN into this!?  Why should a GAME be FUN?
    
    >but my assessment is
    >that it would have ended in disaster.
    
    ** Well, you're the man with the plan and the forces to execute the
    plan.  If you say it ain't gonna happen, it ain't gonna happen.
    
    As you grow to good heights this game, at least pause your people for a
    moment of silence and remember the "Miracle of the Marne" that pulled E
    and I off your back and let you be in a position of power.  At least
    give the Tsar that much respectful silence, seeing how you can't/won't
    give aid.
    
    Bon chance
    
    Tsar Faz
    

Private message from Italy to France:

    Just a note to make sure our tactics are in order.
    
    I'm supporting your fleet in Tyrrhenian to Ionian
    and your army in Tyrolia is supporting me in Vienna.
    
    Does this sound okay to you?
    
    Cal
    

Private message from Italy to France:

    > Message from [email protected] as France to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    > I've been giving thought to the German situation.  Until we defeat AT, I
    > don't think the time is ripe to take on a big power like Germany.  If
    > Turkey is indeed ready to hit Austria, maybe he'll swing some armies into
    > the fray.  About the time ERA go out, the three of us can carve up the
    > Kaiser.  Meanwhile, best to hold the line, don't you think?
    
    The more I think about it, the more I agree with you.  We may have the
    forces to hit Germany, but we don't have the reserve to exploit any
    gains
    we might make so long as we are still fighting a war in the Med.
    
    If Turkey does as he "says" he will do and actually DOES hit Austria
    this
    turn, we'll take a fresh look at the situation.  If this does happen, I
    can see a hit on Germany by Spring 1907 (at the latest).  If there is
    NO hit, then I can see us having to enlist Germany's help.  Our best
    strategy in that case would be to try to get Pitt to overextend himself
    eastwards and, hopefully, leave himself open to us.
    
    I'll let you know if I hear any more from anyone.
    
    Cal
    

Private message from England to France:

    Ok.
    
    What's the snag, if I may ask?
    
    Gentle King J
    

Private message from Germany to Turkey:

    >> No?  By yourself, I would agree that you're not an immediate threat.  If
    >> you work with Austria against me as opposed to with me, I'm in big trouble.
    >
    >Austria's beset by Italians and rogue Russians right now.  He's in no
    >position to move against you
    
    Well, by himself, of course not.  However, as you and I both know, Edi is
    extremely sly and slippery.  It would be trivial for him to get help from
    Russia since Russia's only mission in life right now is to give me some
    small measure of payback.  If Edi can also find a way to convince Cal to
    hold with what he's got, I'm in big, big trouble.  Just one more reason
    that I need a friendly Turkey.
    
    >> No, I don't!  How?  Where?  I just don't see it.  What am I going to attack
    >> you with?
    >
    >SWE-BAL
    >BER-PRU
    >MUN-SIL
    >(various other moves to fill gaps and cover)
    
    You make my point for me.  All of the above is a precursor only to an
    attack on you.  It telegraphs my intentions, takes a year just to get
    there, and, when I do, I have, at most, three whole armies to threaten you
    with.  All the while, of course, I have to bend over, drop my drawers, and
    invite the delicate attentions of any and all who are at my rear.  All of
    this just for the possiibility of fighting you for no gain in the east.  I
    guess I must have done something to convince you that I'm a totally
    incompetent player if you truly believe that I am planning on that course
    of action...
    
    >And in light of my earlier (perhaps erroneous) understanding
    >of your relationship with Edi
    
    I could be mistaken but I have always thought that my relationsship with
    Edi was the same as yours - that is, one of mutual benefit and convenience
    for so long as it was of *mutual* benefit and convenience.  I'll stick with
    my friend and ally for so long as it is my best interests (short and long
    term) to do so.  After that, well I'm no altruist and this is Dip, after all.
    
    >Certainly such an attack would leave you somewhat open to a stab by
    >France, but nevertheless it was a concern of mine.  You're doing well
    >in allaying that concern, though, and I thank you for it.
    
    Phew!  I'm glad to hear it.
    
    >(At least, I'm hoping I'll thank you for it.) ;)
    
    heh...
    
    >Italian puppet?
    >
    >Man, how differently people see things.  Cal is hardly my puppet.  In
    >fact, he's generally quite put out with me.
    
    I believe that but I also have considerable faith in your diplomatic
    skills.  I don't think it's beyond the realm f possibility that you cold
    convince him to join you in a mutual attack on Austria if you were also
    able to convince France or I to attack the other.  Then, when Austria was
    toast, you could swallow up Italy while France and I were entangled.  You'd
    be in the catbird seat then.
    
    >Pitt, I'm not going to solo.
    
    Surely not if I can help it, anway...;-)
    
    >There's no chance in hell I'll be able
    >to fool the board and pull a fast one in that sense, and I doubt many
    >(I'd say "any," but then that would be belied by Mark's rather
    >perplexing decisions in some of this game)
    
    ;-)
    
    
    >No, I'm sincere when I say that I think GIT is the natural division.
    >I suppose it will depend on how alliance structures shake down.  But
    >geographically, it seemed sensible.
    
    Not to me, I'm afraid.  FGT seems the only viable option to me.
    
    >As I said, no reasonable counter-proposal will be refused.  If
    >assurances can be made to provide for my security against the "mighty
    >FG alliance," I have no objection to FGT.
    >
    >But in such a case, how will we deal with Italy?
    
    You and France take him out.  I feel quite certain that France would be
    very open to this idea if you were to propose it and show him that you were
    serious about it.  I *know* that I'd be very receptive to a plan that had
    you and I taking out Austria.
    
    >I'm all for logic and efficiency.  My concern is based partly on the
    >above paragraph, though.  If you and France are so solid, my fears of
    >attack by you increase.
    
    Right back at you with the "3-way is the best possible outcome" rationale.
    If we agree that a solo is not going to happen (and we *do* agree, believe
    me), a 3-way is the best possible option.  No way I'm stupid enough to try
    for a 2-way with players of this caliber.
    
    >Perhaps we will both be benefited by talking specifics.  What do you
    >think we should do this upcoming turn, and then in fall?
    
    I'm going to move to cover myself against that Russian army and be in
    position to go after Austria if you choose to join me in the fall.  Until I
    see something more concrete (in words and actions), I'm not willing to be
    more specific.  By more concrete, I'm not talking about an outright attack
    on Edi but, rather, no hostile moves towards me and ensuring that your
    units are in place to attack Edi if you want to do so.
    
    Let me know what you think.
    
    -Pitt
    

Private message from England to Russia:

    >>I don't know what the worry is.
    >>Is it that Italy will turn? That sounds like some Edi propaganda, huh?
    >>
    >>** Yeah, that's the worry.
    
    Good, in a way. I mean, this shows me I still have *some* sense of the game!
    
    Right, I do think it's Edi spewing. Italy would be foolish to move west
    with Turkey right there at the gate. But you probably have a better sense
    of Cal's MO than I have.
    
    
    >>  Edi never
    >>takes off his game face, and he's a hard nut to read.  I guess that's what
    >>I'll be like as an old(er) man, lost in games...sheesh.
    
    I don't see it quite like that. I think he's trying to squeeze some
    information out of me. But I'm too cagey for that!
    
    >>Cal also suggested that I keep
    >>the F Eng and sail it out into the MAO, trying to hole up in Portugal.
    >>
    >>** Well, that would've kept you alive, but then what?
    
    Well, actually, I doubt it would have. John would have seen it coming and
    moved A Mar-Spa. Then at best I'd have to guess at Por or Spa. And then I'd
    be out the next year in any case, without the pleasure of having used my
    last unit to hurt someone I wanted to hurt.
    
    >>Nah; you did the right thing.  More people to hurt this way, potentially!
    
    Yeah, that's the ticket.
    
    
    >>** Well, now I can at least feel morally superior to you!  *I* got a reply
    >>from Pitt after castigating him for said "dumb" moves.  ha ha.
    
    I got one explanation, actually. But since it made no sense, I wrote back
    pointing out that it made no sense. That was my attempted riling. But I
    failed.
    
    
    >>** I share your enthusiasm.  In a perverse way, I wish they'd pull me off the
    >>life support systems and let me begin the summer with bad memories and a
    >>clean slate.  Who wants to be in a Dip vegetative state ad nauseam with one
    >>center?  (Is this what they call a "vegetable dip," yuk yuk.)
    
    I can go either way. If I can play a small part in a rough endgame, I'll
    enjoy that. If my plug gets pulled, well, it's about time.
    
    -GKJ
    
    

Private message from Russia to England:

    GKJ
    
    >Good, in a way. I mean, this shows me I still have *some* sense of the game!
    >
    >Right, I do think it's Edi spewing. Italy would be foolish to move west
    >with Turkey right there at the gate. But you probably have a better sense
    >of Cal's MO than I have.
    
    ** You, of all people, were never suspected of not having a sense of the
    game.  Present position was caused by many factors outside your control
    (I should know), and you're a fab player done wrong by externalities.
    >
    >
    >>>  Edi never
    >>>takes off his game face, and he's a hard nut to read.  I guess that's what
    >>>I'll be like as an old(er) man, lost in games...sheesh.
    >
    >I don't see it quite like that. I think he's trying to squeeze some
    >information out of me. But I'm too cagey for that!
    
    ** My comment was about Edi in general, based on my observation and
    those who've ftf'd him.  I didn't know he'd written you and was probing
    for info.  But sure, I can see him wanting to know wat's going on.  He
    doesn't write me anymore...I wonder why?
    
    >>>Cal also suggested that I keep
    >>>the F Eng and sail it out into the MAO, trying to hole up in Portugal.
    >>>
    >>>** Well, that would've kept you alive, but then what?
    >
    >Well, actually, I doubt it would have. John would have seen it coming and
    >moved A Mar-Spa. Then at best I'd have to guess at Por or Spa. And then I'd
    >be out the next year in any case, without the pleasure of having used my
    >last unit to hurt someone I wanted to hurt.
    >
    >>>Nah; you did the right thing.  More people to hurt this way, potentially!
    >
    >Yeah, that's the ticket.
    >
    ** Geez, I suppose you could always go to NWY again, with that train of
    thought (just kidding; Germany would use superior power to get it in
    spring anyway)!
    
    This brings up an interesting decision tree for me/us.  What if France
    plays "semi-nice" guy and says he likes us, but can't help?  Given our
    positions, should we even try and screw him (the "Baldur von Schirach in
    the Nazi 'evil' pantheon) compared to G, A or T (the...well, never
    mind)?  If so, I could always TRY and get Italy to head west (Tyo?).  Or
    I could just go east in a flaming rush, or still hit MUn for the h*** of
    it.  Ah, so many decisions, so few units....
    
    >>>** Well, now I can at least feel morally superior to you!  *I* got a reply
    >>>from Pitt after castigating him for said "dumb" moves.  ha ha.
    >
    >I got one explanation, actually. But since it made no sense, I wrote back
    >pointing out that it made no sense. That was my attempted riling. But I
    >failed.
    
    ** Nuts.  So much for moral superiority.  (grin)
    >
    >>>** I share your enthusiasm.  In a perverse way, I wish they'd pull me off
    >>>the
    >>>life support systems and let me begin the summer with bad memories and a
    >>>clean slate.  Who wants to be in a Dip vegetative state ad nauseam with one
    >>>center?  (Is this what they call a "vegetable dip," yuk yuk.)
    >
    >I can go either way. If I can play a small part in a rough endgame, I'll
    >enjoy that. If my plug gets pulled, well, it's about time.
    
    ** Again, we're sympatico.  I'd like to stick around, even as a small
    but influential power.  (Can't get much smaller!)   But if it means
    being a perpetual puppet and trapped in one spot, then "let my people
    free" and let's let the big(ger) boys keep the ball.   Too many game
    openings, too little time to play 'em all.
    
    It's been a pleasure, Jamie.
    Tsar faz
    

Private message from France to Turkey:

    Sultan,
    
    I was not listening to disinfo, only observing your support for Germany's
    capture of St Pete.  A friendly gesture, at least.  That's why I don't
    understand your desire now to attack him.
    
    Looking at the board, a logical move would be for you to help Italy carve
    up Austria's remains, then see what beckons.  Are you still committed to
    Austria or are you thinking about how to dissect him?
    
    If Italy would leave you alone, you could do it by yourself, even.
    
    Without a hint or two about the eastern/Med situation, I can't reassess my
    relationship with Germany.  So far, we've been working well together.
    That's all I know for sure.
    
    John
    
    
    

Private message from England to France:

    Remember that my current  is Nth-Nwg.
    
    You'll let me know if you want Nth-Hel.
    
    Gentle King Jamie
    
    

Private message from France to Italy:

    FYI, I was subjected to some extremely heavy diplomacy from the AT cabal
    last night.  Their phone calls came almost upon one another.  They expect
    me to attack you.  Turkey promises to attack Austria later.  Yeah, right.
    They are joined at the hip.
    
    Tactics: Fleet, yes, army, can't do it.  Plan accordingly.
    
    France
    
    
    

Private message from Russia to Italy:

    Hi Cal,
    
    Many thanks for your recent reply; see my comments interspersed...
    
    >>I couldn't talk France into supporting you to Munich, so if you could
    >>hit Galicia, that'd be great with me.
    
    ** That's fine, I reckon.  I mean, it was a long shot anyway, and if he
    fears the AT as much as he should, he'll probably be loathe to help me
    help his only possible 'mobile' ally.  I mean, I did hold out some hope,
    but that's only because I'm so boxed in.  Well, that's why there's a
    Galicia, you know?!  :>)
    >>
    >>> If you're after FG, I can also try something if you'd like.  Maybe hit
    >>> MUN, or go to SIL and keep them occupied..could even threaten WAR in an
    >>> offhand way, I guess...until At come calling...
    >>
    >>Nah, I'd sooner you torment Edi... :)
    
    ** Me too.  I honestly have nothing truly "against" him this game.  And
    had he offered real help instead of perpetually offering fluff and fibs,
    I'd have helped him kick some butt.  A fine example of two people
    bringing each other down....although he got me first, thanks to his
    cumbersome yellow-blocked ally...
    >>
    >I really expect Turkey to be writing you hot and heavy; has he?
    >>
    >>Yup, which is more than I can say for Edi, whom I've NOT heard from.
    >>Hohn is talking about hitting Edi this turn ("top secret: by the way,
    >>although it IS pretty obvious) and it seems likely.  It's certainly
    >>in his best interest.  Last time I thought that, he really did have a
    >>choice as who to ally with.  His options are much more limited this
    >>time.
    >>
    ** Well, Hohn may be trying to make the 'stab' "look obvious" and thus
    lull you into an unsuspecting hit (again).  I mean, Austrian centers are
    always there for the taking, and Edi doesn't seem to be getting more
    "gain potential" anywhere.  I mean, what SC can Edi easily obtain from
    here on in?  Heck, if I was Hohn, I'd hit him now, and give you one or
    two to boot.  We'll see soon enough...
    
    >>> Any news from our ol' buddy England?  Ever since the HEL/MUn fiasco,
    >>> we've had little discussions (understandable, I guess).
    >>
    >>Nada.  He hasn't written me for a while.
    
    ** We've done our mutual farewell letters between us.
    >>
    >>> Anyway, fill in your soon-to-die ally with any advice, news from the
    >>> board, or recommendations from you.  I can go just about anywhere with
    >>> BOH, so offer it up.  After all, even when it goes somewhere, it really
    >>> will go "nowhere."
    >>
    >>Like I said, if you can hit Galicia, that'd be fine.  If by some fluke
    >>you get it, I'll do my best to get you into a centre in the Fall.
    
    ** Ok, will do.  Good hunting, mon ami.
    
    Faz
    

Private message from Russia to France:

    Hi John
    
    Normally I don't pass whole notes from others, but as you *are* willing
    to help me, and as you are worried about Italy, I thought this note
    might be a little more reassuring.....
    
    The > parts are mine, obviously, with Cal replying to each....
    
    Faz
    
    >
    >Message from [email protected] as Italy to Russia in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    >> Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    >> What's the deal with you / us ?  Do you need me to support you anywhere?
    >>  if you're status quo vs A/T, I can do the GAL thing.  If you're going
    >> to change horses (I'd consider an alliance with Hohn to eat Edi up and
    >> get you both into the "gains" column -- of course, we've both tried that
    >> before), I can still help you somehow, if you have ideas.
    >
    >I couldn't talk France into supporting you to Munich, so if you could
    >hit Galicia, that'd be great with me.
    >
    >> If you're after FG, I can also try something if you'd like.  Maybe hit
    >> MUN, or go to SIL and keep them occupied..could even threaten WAR in an
    >> offhand way, I guess...until At come calling...
    >
    >Nah, I'd sooner you torment Edi... :)
    >
    >> What have you heard from the others?  As a 1-center "minilith," I get
    >> little-to-no mail anymore, as noted before.  Has France offered you more
    >> help?  has the Hun mentioned anything about me, or his plans?  Any good
    >> news from Aus or Tur?  I imagine Edi's sweating bullets, and may be
    >> offeringyou the world now (-grin-).  Like I said, though, make sure A/T
    >> aren't trying to spoof you and break up the F/I wall, now that it's set
    >> up.  I really expect Turkey to be writing you hot and heavy; has he?
    >
    >Yup, which is more than I can say for Edi, whom I've NOT heard from.
    >Hohn is talking about hitting Edi this turn ("top secret: by the way,
    >although it IS pretty obvious) and it seems likely.  It's certainly
    >in his best interest.  Last time I thought that, he really did have a
    >choice as who to ally with.  His options are much more limited this
    >time.
    >
    >> Any news from our ol' buddy England?  Ever since the HEL/MUn fiasco,
    >> we've had little discussions (understandable, I guess).
    >
    >Nada.  He hasn't written me for a while.
    >
    >> Anyway, fill in your soon-to-die ally with any advice, news from the
    >> board, or recommendations from you.  I can go just about anywhere with
    >> BOH, so offer it up.  After all, even when it goes somewhere, it really
    >> will go "nowhere."
    >
    >Like I said, if you can hit Galicia, that'd be fine.  If by some fluke
    >you get it, I'll do my best to get you into a centre in the Fall.
    >
    >Cal
    

Private message from Turkey to Germany:

    Pitt,
    
    > >Austria's beset by Italians and rogue Russians right now.  He's in no
    > >position to move against you
    >
    > Well, by himself, of course not.  However, as you and I both know, Edi is
    > extremely sly and slippery.  It would be trivial for him to get help from
    > Russia since Russia's only mission in life right now is to give me some
    > small measure of payback.  If Edi can also find a way to convince Cal to
    > hold with what he's got, I'm in big, big trouble.  Just one more reason
    > that I need a friendly Turkey.
    
    Having dealt extensively with the Russian, I don't think there's any
    way he'll willingly work with Edi.
    
    That said, I do think Bohemia is going to hit Munich this turn.  He is
    hoping for support from France, but I tend to doubt John will give it
    to him.
    
    Finally, I've thought about it, and you do have a friendly Turkey. :)
    
    > >SWE-BAL
    > >BER-PRU
    > >MUN-SIL
    > >(various other moves to fill gaps and cover)
    >
    > You make my point for me.  All of the above is a precursor only to an
    > attack on you.  It telegraphs my intentions, takes a year just to get
    > there, and, when I do, I have, at most, three whole armies to threaten you
    > with.  All the while, of course, I have to bend over, drop my drawers, and
    > invite the delicate attentions of any and all who are at my rear.  All of
    > this just for the possiibility of fighting you for no gain in the east.  I
    > guess I must have done something to convince you that I'm a totally
    > incompetent player if you truly believe that I am planning on that course
    > of action...
    
    No, it's more an overdeveloped sense of paranoia on my part.
    
    When you state it like you do above, it clearly exposes my fears as
    just that: paranoia.
    
    OK, I accept your declaration of good intent.  Thanks. :)
    
    > >And in light of my earlier (perhaps erroneous) understanding
    > >of your relationship with Edi
    >
    > I could be mistaken but I have always thought that my relationsship with
    > Edi was the same as yours - that is, one of mutual benefit and convenience
    > for so long as it was of *mutual* benefit and convenience.  I'll stick with
    > my friend and ally for so long as it is my best interests (short and long
    > term) to do so.  After that, well I'm no altruist and this is Dip, after all.
    
    Sure.
    
    What I meant was I thought you and Edi were hostile, not friendly.
    
    > >Certainly such an attack would leave you somewhat open to a stab by
    > >France, but nevertheless it was a concern of mine.  You're doing well
    > >in allaying that concern, though, and I thank you for it.
    >
    > Phew!  I'm glad to hear it.
    >
    > >(At least, I'm hoping I'll thank you for it.) ;)
    >
    > heh...
    >
    > >Man, how differently people see things.  Cal is hardly my puppet.  In
    > >fact, he's generally quite put out with me.
    >
    > I believe that but I also have considerable faith in your diplomatic
    > skills.  I don't think it's beyond the realm f possibility that you cold
    > convince him to join you in a mutual attack on Austria if you were also
    > able to convince France or I to attack the other.  Then, when Austria was
    > toast, you could swallow up Italy while France and I were entangled.  You'd
    > be in the catbird seat then.
    
    Even then, there's no way I'd make anything but slow headway in
    Balkans and Austria.  I've gamed it out, and there's no way I can get
    into a position to take 18 fast enough, even if you and France fight.
    
    I wish that were not so, but we have to take the situation as it lies,
    I suppose.
    
    > >Pitt, I'm not going to solo.
    >
    > Surely not if I can help it, anway...;-)
    
    Heh.
    
    > >There's no chance in hell I'll be able
    > >to fool the board and pull a fast one in that sense, and I doubt many
    > >(I'd say "any," but then that would be belied by Mark's rather
    > >perplexing decisions in some of this game)
    >
    > ;-)
    >
    >
    > >No, I'm sincere when I say that I think GIT is the natural division.
    > >I suppose it will depend on how alliance structures shake down.  But
    > >geographically, it seemed sensible.
    >
    > Not to me, I'm afraid.  FGT seems the only viable option to me.
    
    If we do it that way, we should be able to wrap this game up within a
    few years.
    
    OK.  I'd be up for that.  Perhaps we can start another one if we
    finish this one rapidly enough.
    
    > >As I said, no reasonable counter-proposal will be refused.  If
    > >assurances can be made to provide for my security against the "mighty
    > >FG alliance," I have no objection to FGT.
    > >But in such a case, how will we deal with Italy?
    >
    > You and France take him out.  I feel quite certain that France would be
    > very open to this idea if you were to propose it and show him that you were
    > serious about it.  I *know* that I'd be very receptive to a plan that had
    > you and I taking out Austria.
    
    OK.  Let's plan it, then.  How shall we move this season?
    
    > >I'm all for logic and efficiency.  My concern is based partly on the
    > >above paragraph, though.  If you and France are so solid, my fears of
    > >attack by you increase.
    >
    > Right back at you with the "3-way is the best possible outcome" rationale.
    > If we agree that a solo is not going to happen (and we *do* agree, believe
    > me), a 3-way is the best possible option.  No way I'm stupid enough to try
    > for a 2-way with players of this caliber.
    
    OK, you've sold me.  I'm in.
    
    > >Perhaps we will both be benefited by talking specifics.  What do you
    > >think we should do this upcoming turn, and then in fall?
    >
    > I'm going to move to cover myself against that Russian army and be in
    > position to go after Austria if you choose to join me in the fall.  Until I
    > see something more concrete (in words and actions), I'm not willing to be
    > more specific.  By more concrete, I'm not talking about an outright attack
    > on Edi but, rather, no hostile moves towards me and ensuring that your
    > units are in place to attack Edi if you want to do so.
    > Let me know what you think.
    
    I think I'm up for it.  I'll begin moving into position.
    
    What about Berlin and Munich?
    
    Hohn
    

Private message from Turkey to France:

    John,
    
    > I was not listening to disinfo, only observing your support for Germany's
    > capture of St Pete.  A friendly gesture, at least.  That's why I don't
    > understand your desire now to attack him.
    > Looking at the board, a logical move would be for you to help Italy carve
    > up Austria's remains, then see what beckons.  Are you still committed to
    > Austria or are you thinking about how to dissect him?
    
    The latter.
    
    > If Italy would leave you alone, you could do it by yourself, even.
    > Without a hint or two about the eastern/Med situation, I can't reassess my
    > relationship with Germany.  So far, we've been working well together.
    > That's all I know for sure.
    
    OK.  How about shooting for an FGT three-way?
    
    I stab Edi, you stab Cal?
    
    Interested?
    
    Sultan Cho
    

Private message from Italy to Turkey:

    > Message from [email protected] as Turkey to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
    
    > Those moves sound pretty good and reasonable.  I'll probably do some
    > variant of the above.  Blowing me out of ION is fine with me,
    > especially with my defenses arrayed.
    >
    > I'm assuming you don't trust me enough to start moving west now.
    > Which is a bit of a pity, since I think France is going to plow into
    > you relatively soon.  See below.
    
    Even if I felt safe enough to move west now, I would need to get
    another centre or two from Austria to have the forces to do so.
    Catch-22.
    
    > My impression is that it appears that FG is solid.  This of course
    > means we have to get our house in order ASAP or else we're going to
    > see major problems.  I am worried about the two of them going for a
    > two-way, and I am also worried about Pitt going for a stab for a solo.
    >
    > What's your take?
    
    I suspect you're right.  If I was France, I probably would have hit
    Italy LAST turn, but that would have left him fighting A/I/T, so
    holding off was probably a wise move.  He may actually be waiting for
    Austria to fall far enough that he isn't a threat.  Once you hit
    Edi, that may signal France to go ahead and hit me.  I'll have to
    gamble that he'll wait for that and I'm safe this turn.  After THAT,
    I'll have to cover my self each turn til I turn on him.
    
    > > Well, since both Mark and John have pointed out to me the precariousness
    > > of Austria's position, I'd say Edi is VERY aware of the danger he's in
    > > (especially after your build - I'd love to know how you explained THAT
    > > one...grin).  Do you think he'll make defensive moves against YOU?  Or
    > > will he decide to take his chances?  I suspect the former...
    >
    > I hope the latter. ;)
    
    Me too!  What has Edi been saying to you?  And have you heard from
    France
    at all?  I've heard from neither Edi nor Pitt this turn.
    
    > > I'm hoping to make a solo two-week tour through
    > > Algonquin Provincial Park next September.  Gonna do some
    > > moose-watching...grin.
    >
    > Damn, sounds ambitious.
    >
    > I was never into the outdoors thing very much.  I prefer my creature
    > comforts.  For exercise, I tend to play sports and work out.
    
    Probably too ambitious, but I want to try.  It'll be about sixty
    miles or so and a bit of a grind for an overweight, out-of-shape
    guy like myself.  Ah well, it'll kill me or cure me, so they say...
    grin.
    
    Cal
    

Private message from Turkey to Italy:

    Cal,
    
    > This creates a small problem for me of credibility.  My discussions with
    > France the last few moves have always been predicated on first giving up
    > the Ionian and then taking it back.  I would have a real hard time
    > explaining any reluctance on my part to hit Ion this turn.
    > To get around this, may I suggest the following:
    > F Ion-Alb;
    > F Aeg-Gre;
    > F Eas-Aeg.
    > This will give you Eas to retreat to when Ion gets dislodged.  It also
    > has the secondary advantage of being a defensive move just in case you
    > don't trust me...heh heh.  You might want to combine these moves with:
    > A Con-Rum,
    > C By F Bla;
    > F Mos-Ukr.
    
    Those moves sound pretty good and reasonable.  I'll probably do some
    variant of the above.  Blowing me out of ION is fine with me,
    especially with my defenses arrayed.
    
    I'm assuming you don't trust me enough to start moving west now.
    Which is a bit of a pity, since I think France is going to plow into
    you relatively soon.  See below.
    
    > > > With John, we try to plant the seeds of distrust and make it appear
    > > > to him that I cannot be attacked.
    >
    > I've written to France and asked him how he feels about helping me help
    > Russia to survive by supporting him into Munich.  I've said I don't want
    > Russia to be the first eliminated as he has been a valuable ally to me
    > (s'true even if everybody else hates him...grin).  My REAL goal is to
    > sound out John's willingness to attack Germany.  I'm still worried about
    > a solid F/G.
    
    My impression is that it appears that FG is solid.  This of course
    means we have to get our house in order ASAP or else we're going to
    see major problems.  I am worried about the two of them going for a
    two-way, and I am also worried about Pitt going for a stab for a solo.
    
    What's your take?
    
    > Well, since both Mark and John have pointed out to me the precariousness
    > of Austria's position, I'd say Edi is VERY aware of the danger he's in
    > (especially after your build - I'd love to know how you explained THAT
    > one...grin).  Do you think he'll make defensive moves against YOU?  Or
    > will he decide to take his chances?  I suspect the former...
    
    I hope the latter. ;)
    
    > Well, I took it out for an overnighter and I'll be buying it if the
    > owner will make a modification or two for me.  Right now, it's more of a
    > day tripper canoe and I'm into the two-week backpack/portage kind of
    > wilderness tour (Northern Ontario mostly).  It needs a new "yoke" bar
    > for easier carrying.   I'm hoping to make a solo two-week tour through
    > Algonquin Provincial Park next September.  Gonna do some
    > moose-watching...grin.
    
    Damn, sounds ambitious.
    
    I was never into the outdoors thing very much.  I prefer my creature
    comforts.  For exercise, I tend to play sports and work out.
    
    > > It's been hectic for me as well lately; sorry for my silence.
    >
    > No problem, I know how you lawyers are... laff.
    
    Heh.
    
    Hohn
    

Private message from Italy to Russia:

    > Message from [email protected] as Russia to Italy in 'ghodstoo':
    
    > What's the deal with you / us ?  Do you need me to support you anywhere?
    >  if you're status quo vs A/T, I can do the GAL thing.  If you're going
    > to change horses (I'd consider an alliance with Hohn to eat Edi up and
    > get you both into the "gains" column -- of course, we've both tried that
    > before), I can still help you somehow, if you have ideas.
    
    I couldn't talk France into supporting you to Munich, so if you could
    hit Galicia, that'd be great with me.
    
    > If you're after FG, I can also try something if you'd like.  Maybe hit
    > MUN, or go to SIL and keep them occupied..could even threaten WAR in an
    > offhand way, I guess...until At come calling...
    
    Nah, I'd sooner you torment Edi... :)
    
    > What have you heard from the others?  As a 1-center "minilith," I get
    > little-to-no mail anymore, as noted before.  Has France offered you more
    > help?  has the Hun mentioned anything about me, or his plans?  Any good
    > news from Aus or Tur?  I imagine Edi's sweating bullets, and may be
    > offeringyou the world now (-grin-).  Like I said, though, make sure A/T
    > aren't trying to spoof you and break up the F/I wall, now that it's set
    > up.  I really expect Turkey to be writing you hot and heavy; has he?
    
    Yup, which is more than I can say for Edi, whom I've NOT heard from.
    Hohn is talking about hitting Edi this turn ("top secret: by the way,
    although it IS pretty obvious) and it seems likely.  It's certainly
    in his best interest.  Last time I thought that, he really did have a
    choice as who to ally with.  His options are much more limited this
    time.
    
    > Any news from our ol' buddy England?  Ever since the HEL/MUn fiasco,
    > we've had little discussions (understandable, I guess).
    
    Nada.  He hasn't written me for a while.
    
    > Anyway, fill in your soon-to-die ally with any advice, news from the
    > board, or recommendations from you.  I can go just about anywhere with
    > BOH, so offer it up.  After all, even when it goes somewhere, it really
    > will go "nowhere."
    
    Like I said, if you can hit Galicia, that'd be fine.  If by some fluke
    you get it, I'll do my best to get you into a centre in the Fall.
    
    Cal
    

Private message from France to Germany:

    Pitt, looking at the board, I note that we could kill the Russian army this
    turn with tyr s mun-boh, ber-sil.  It sure would simplify matters.
    
    What do you think?
    
    John
    
    
    

Broadcast from Russia:

    Live, from Russian-controlled Bohemia, it's time for the weekly talk
    show, "Interview with a Vampire."  As you know, each week we try and
    find a local Balkan bloodsucker to discuss matters of regional
    importance.  Today's guest is that noted chameleon and Master of Fluff,
    Transylvania's Own, Edvard BirSauron (cheers and applause resonate).
    
    Host (H):  Welcome, Edi.  Why are you looking over your shoulder, and
    what's that sound?
    
    E:  Glad to be here.  Oh, the sound seems to be...ah...geez, it sounds
    like someone's sharpening a knife on a whetting stone.   Hey, what's
    that lawyer doing in the audience?!
    
    H:  Well, anyway, BirSauron, welcome again to the show.  As the regional
    vampire, what's been happening in your *neck* (haw haw!) of the woods?
    
    E:  Oh, much excitement.  Let's see...I write a lot of press about dark
    horses and gloomy fog, and that always seems to get people excited.  And
    don't forget my reams of vacuous press.  To misquote Sir Winston
    Churchill,  "Never in the annals of gaming has so little been said in so
    many pages by so untruthful an individual."   I also make a lot of phone
    calls, and I'm pretty good at telling my neighbors about bonehead moves
    they make, all the while offering nothing constructive in return.  Oh,
    did I mention a lot of fluff in my move proposals for (chuckle)
    "allies?"
    
    H:  Uh, yeah, BeerMan, you did.  But let's move on.  What does the
    future hold for your nation?
    
    E:  I envision everything will change when we eliminate the pesky
    Russian in Bohemia.  As you know, Tsar Faz has been a pain-in-the-NECK
    ever since the mutual stab we pulled on each other in 1902.  I managed
    to "lie low" (in the coffin during daylight) and let him take the rap
    for stabs and non-supports of Turkey and England, and have managed to
    rule the night.  And let's not forget the perpetual lying schtick that
    A, T and G have been giving him.  Yep, in a couple more turns our
    combined half-dozen units from three nations will finally eradicate the
    little cockraoch, and I'm sure Austrian fortunes will only rise after
    that.  Why, I'm working a half-dozen deals with I, F, G, E and even guys
    who haven't done a game-start yet.  You just watch.  I'll rise from the
    grave with even more force soon -- they don't call me the Teflon Count
    for nothing.
    
    H:  But what of your neighbors?  With Tsar Faz but a memory, who's next
    on your hit parade?
    
    E:  Well, I've done my usual thorough PsychoProfile checks, estimated
    projected gains in synch with the lunar cycle, and have asked my Dark
    LordUnderlings for advice.  And I'm sure we'll have that answer in a few
    mo....((yells off-stage)) "Hey, hey!, stop grinding that blade on the
    whetting stone!"  Ok, where was I?
    
    H:  We were discussing future Austrian plans.
    
    E:  Oh yes.  Well, never mind!  Suffice it to say that I've offered
    everything to everyone, and I'm sure that in saying nothing, I've said
    everything.  And already the offers are flowing in.  Yep; just waitin'
    on the best one, is all.  As the old song says, "The future's so bright,
    I gotta wear shades."  But I would say that -- I'm a vampire (yuk yuk)!
    ((audience chuckles absentmindedly))
    
    H:  Mmm-hmmm.   Would you mind if we interviewed your fellow bloodsucker
    and game honcho, Hohn Cho?
    
    E:  ((fidgets)) Well, sure.  Not a problem.  Well, actually, it is a
    problem.  Ever since the Elvis Presley Imitator took his bad nose job to
    small claims court, Hohn's been, ah, busy.  I'm afraid he's out of
    pocket, I haven't talked to him since 1902.
    
    H:  Ok, let's skip Hohn.  Final question.  if you could be King of the
    Board for a day, what would you do?
    
    E:  Oh, easy question!  I'd give peace and free centers to all.  I'd
    re-ally with Russia and Italy, and invade Germany, like I promised in
    Winter 1900.  And I'd tell Pitt to lay off England and Russia; he's such
    a "pitt-stol."  And then we'd end the game with a 7-way and write great
    press about it afterwards.
    
    H:  Ah, Edi, your nose is growing awfully huge.  Folks, that's all the
    time we have.  Tune in again next week, when "Interview with a Vampire"
    profiles Count Armm-Pitt of Germany, sharing the chair with his siamese
    twin, "John the Holder" of France.  Should be a hum-dinger of a show.
    

Private message from Master to Russia:

    After that last broadcast, one player sent another player a message.
    I can't tell you ANYTHING about it except that it really made me
    bust a gut.  If in the next couple weeks, you're out of the game,
    remind me and I just HAVE to share it with you.
    
    Boob
    

Private message from France to Russia:

    Okay, gents.  Thanks for your patience.  Let's return to Plan A.  My great
    worry was that I would face combined TI attack.  Everything pointed that
    way a day or two ago.  Now, I think AT were setting I up for a fall.  I
    might see Italy move west, but if he does, he's meat, because AT are still
    joined at the hip.
    
    Let's go: boh-mun, nth-hel.  Heck, if we fail, it's only a game.
    
    Napolean IV
    
    

Private message from France to Italy:

    The drumbeat from AT continues.  Anyway, re tactics, I'd prefer to support
    Tun-Ion than to send my fleet that far east.
    
    FYI, AT are targeting Trieste, or so they tell me.  Could be misdirection
    intended for you, but I don't think so.
    
    John
    
    
    

Private message from England to Russia:

    Nap, Faz,
    
    >Okay, gents.  Thanks for your patience.  Let's return to Plan A.  My great
    >worry was that I would face combined TI attack.  Everything pointed that
    >way a day or two ago.  Now, I think AT were setting I up for a fall.  I
    >might see Italy move west, but if he does, he's meat, because AT are still
    >joined at the hip.
    
    Coulda told you that. If Italy sails west with Turkey in the Ionian, well,
    he deserves his fate. It's a dumb thing to do.
    
    >Let's go: boh-mun, nth-hel.
    
    Roger.
    
    >  Heck, if we fail, it's only a game.
    
    I know I've been singing that song for a while....
    
    (Faz)
    >I had *such* faith in Nappy IV that I never changed my original orders.
    
    I did. I'm in my 'order following' mode.
    
    >Note my disinformation broadcast message, saving the last line to
    >disparage you, John, and thus keep us in 'deep cover.'  Hopefully it
    >will enrage Edi and convince them I'm headed eastward...cackle.
    
    They know you too well. They'll all ignore it.
    
    :-)
    
    
    Gentle King Jamie
    
    

Private message from Russia to Master:

    Jim,
    Thanks for the G-2.  I'm hoping it was taken in fun (however acerbic my
    words may have seemed)?  I certainly was trying to lampoon my foes, but
    decently.  Yes, please do share it with me when there's the proper time.
       Did it have enough innuendo and overt abuse for your tastes?
    
    Faz
    
    >----------
    >From: 	USIN Diplomacy Judge[SMTP:[email protected]]
    >Sent: 	Wednesday, June 04, 1997 11:14 AM
    >To: 	Fassio, M. MAJ           SOC
    >Subject: 	Diplomacy notice: ghodstoo
    >
    > News about USIN can be found at
    >   http://kleiman.indianapolis.in.us/usin.htm
    >
    > Game creation has been disabled.  USIN has had some
    > reliability problems, so until it is settled down...
    >
    > All unmoderated games will be removed.
    > Judge keeper is [email protected].
    > Judge address is [email protected]
    >
    >Message from [email protected] as Master to Russia in 'ghodstoo':
    >
    >
    >After that last broadcast, one player sent another player a message.
    >I can't tell you ANYTHING about it except that it really made me
    >bust a gut.  If in the next couple weeks, you're out of the game,
    >remind me and I just HAVE to share it with you.
    >
    >Boob
    >
    

Private message from Russia to France:

    I had *such* faith in Nappy IV that I never changed my original orders.
    Short of a massive spoof of the board by us all, I think this thinbg
    might just work!   Three huzzahs to you both, and let's see what
    happens.
    
    Note my disinformation broadcast message, saving the last line to
    disparage you, John, and thus keep us in 'deep cover.'  Hopefully it
    will enrage Edi and convince them I'm headed eastward...cackle.
    
    Tsar Faz
    

Private message from Turkey to Italy:

    Cal,
    
    > Even if I felt safe enough to move west now, I would need to get
    > another centre or two from Austria to have the forces to do so.
    > Catch-22.
    
    You could do that with land forces while your navy starts going west?
    
    > I suspect you're right.  If I was France, I probably would have hit
    > Italy LAST turn, but that would have left him fighting A/I/T, so
    > holding off was probably a wise move.  He may actually be waiting for
    > Austria to fall far enough that he isn't a threat.  Once you hit
    > Edi, that may signal France to go ahead and hit me.  I'll have to
    > gamble that he'll wait for that and I'm safe this turn.  After THAT,
    > I'll have to cover my self each turn til I turn on him.
    
    OK.
    
    > Me too!  What has Edi been saying to you?  And have you heard from
    > France
    > at all?  I've heard from neither Edi nor Pitt this turn.
    
    I've been corresponding with Pitt and Edi a good amount.  Not a lot
    from John.
    
    I think Edi is still with me.  Pitt claims friendship, but I am
    dubious.
    
    > > I was never into the outdoors thing very much.  I prefer my creature
    > > comforts.  For exercise, I tend to play sports and work out.
    >
    > Probably too ambitious, but I want to try.  It'll be about sixty
    > miles or so and a bit of a grind for an overweight, out-of-shape
    > guy like myself.  Ah well, it'll kill me or cure me, so they say...
    > grin.
    
    Heh.
    
    OK, so I'm tapping Albania and Serbia, and moving into position.
    
    Good luck!
    
    Hohn
    

Private message from Master to Turkey:

    I have not been asked for a further extension to the deadline, thus
    would Pitt please submit his orders in "good order" at a time of his
    earliest convenience?  Thanks to all for their patience.
    
    Jim
    Your Ever-suffering GM
    
    

Private message from Turkey to Master:

    Jim,
    
    God_damn_, I love it when a plan comes together!
    
    See, it's times like this when I wonder where I'd be if I'd been able
    to conduct full negotiations each and ev