Good morning my Sultan, how are things? We have a number of common interests (the Balkans, Austria, the Med, Russia) and I'm looking forward to discussing them with you. Please accept this gift of fine Italian Chianti! Buongiorno! I hope we can honestly discuss these interests as well. Are you planning to open agressively? Buongiorno!

There's only so aggressive I *can* be, Sultan! I haven't even mentioned the idea of a Lepanto to Austria and I'm principally focused on getting a build in Tunis or Greece this year. Where are you looking at things? Well, I would strongly encourage you to visit Tunis. In return, I'd be happy to offer you support if sometime in the future you decide the map has too much Austria on it. Well... Tunis is pretty much guaranteed for me, and it will be there in 1902 if I find juicier fruit in 1901. Are you suggesting I try my luck in Trieste instead, and that you'll be happy to support me the war against Austria that will likely immediately follow? 

One of my friends is in another game where his I and a friendly T are advancing well against a chaotic Russia/Austria alliance. you had me at "against Austria". Yes, I think that the two of us working together against Austria/Russia would be a good plan. And later when we trust each other better I'm sure we could coordinate in the Mediterranean to help you expand westward  while I expand north? Some cautious discussions with Austria this Spring, and I’ve committed not to try for Trieste this year so it looks as though it will be a single build winter. For you as well, or have you been able to negotiate safe passage to Greece? I'm working on it...If I get a promise from Austria I'll let you know. Welp, it appears that neither Austria nor Russia are speaking to me. This suggests they might be working together, in case that's useful information. That is interesting! I'm still getting press from both, though nothing that suggests a solid alliance between the two. Nerves, uncertainties and some remarks heard - directly or indirectly - from Russia that make me wonder what his long game is here. Last turn, Russia offered conflicting promises to me and Austria both (or so I've heard). Once I found that out, I never heard from either of them again. So it's not too many dots to connect to think they may have some kind of arrangement...
I would guess maybe they plan to split the map roughly horizontally and take me out first? It could be so. It looks like they're not coordinating well if that's their plan, though. I was aligned with them last turn, but a few promises didn't quite flower to fruition and right now I'm more concerned with what France is doing in southern Spain. Apparently Russia just makes empty promises to everyone (so I hear from northern players, anyway), so I think it's best if Russia is just ignored or treated with extreme suspicion. 

You mean you're worried about France seizing the Mediterranean? That was what I meant yes, since I ended up leaving Tunis for the new year. Seeing the bounce on Munich allayed that concern nicely though, and I’ve exchanged a few notes with France since that convince me I’m able to look to my East for a little longer at least. And yes, Russia does seem more than a little promise happy - does that make him a commitment phobe do you think, or is he counting on some of us to say no so he’s not stuck in contradictory commitments? Probably the latter.

So, does focusing on the East mean that there's anything I might be able to help you with? That’s a good question. 

Classicly I suppose I should be focusing on a Lepanto approach, and I’m certainly uncomfortable with your fleets in Con and Smy. It’s also the bill of goods Russia’s been trying to sell Austria and I. 

On the other hand that depends on us being able to trust what Russia is up to and frankly I’m not certain of him at all. I was committed to supporting A Ser into Bul this year in exchange for his support into Greece... but if we go back to the order log we can both see that didn’t happen.

What do you have in mind? My immediate objectives are taking Tunis, keeping my coastal waters Italian and finding a friendship/alliance I can trust to take me to the late game, hopefully a 2-way draw. Ah, what a relief to finally hear what sounds like honesty!

Those fleets were mainly meant to defend against a lepanto, and, fate willing, maybe seize the black sea that I naively ceded when I was young and trusting. Point is, they're not a threat to you especially since you're the only neighbor of mine willing to talk to me. They might even be useful for you in a few turns, if I'm still around.

I assume you want do dedicate your Nap fleet to snagging Tunis. And does the "coastal waters" thing mean you're concerned about the Adriatic? If not, then, what I hoped was that you might be willing to support Bul-Ser while stabbing Albania from the sea. This could set us up to start pushing back on Austria from the South. (And I'd support *you* into Serbia if I thought that'd be worth anything, but given that Bul is surrounded by enemies I just doubt the support would go through). I'd like that, and I agree it's a huge relief to cut through the nervous diplomatic double-speak! 

I think it's perfectly understandable for Turkey to want to defend against a Lepanto, especially when Italy is sounding cautious and doesn't really have many other options to expand. I've just built a second fleet, but then I think I need that to escape my boot whichever way I'm going. 

I am concerned about the Adriatic, but not sure I'm moving into it this year. I agree with your analysis of Bul (you're GOING to get hit) although it might be hard to bring up a new unit into Bul to replace your army there. Are you hoping to feed F Con to the east coast? You might need an Aegean fleet to force your way up, which should probably be yours unless  you're willing to extend me that much trust this early.

We're assuming a supported attack on Serbia will get you in, yes? Austria does have a *lot* of units around there, cut at Albania or no.

Bianca de' Medici I agree with you that it's not likely to work given all the units Austria has around, but it's the best I could come up with. I was planning to move a fleet to the Aegean for support next season, as you suggest. 

Do you know anything about what Austria and Russia are planning? (also I'm open to any counter offers if you have them) Reliably? No.

Generally speaking I think they’re trying to defeat you, but how they’re planning on doing it I’m not clear. They both lied to me last turn - and, as far as I can tell, to each other. 

I don’t have a better offer really, except that if we make any progress against Austria I would expect Russia to start courting us instead. That sounds on-brand for Russia. It’ll fall on deaf Turkish ears though.
So, can I count on your support? Yes. Let’s do this thing, my friend.

B. de M I'm getting nervous about Austria in Serbia and Albania, and I don't want to lose Greece. I'm also (sorry!) getting nervous about your two fleets facing west what with my more experienced friend telling me that Italy and Turkey "always fight". 

That's not true, is it? I'm still not going to attack you, but... I think I can't attack Austria either here. Sorry. I need to sit tight and wait for Russia and France to commit themselves. Maybe France will butt out of the Med with his northern worries, but maybe he won't too and in Italy we *need* freedom of the seas. I understand your hesitation to attack Austria, but if you don't trust them then it's better to resist sooner rather than later when they become more powerful at my expense. 
Your experienced friend is wrong; there's no reason Turkey and Italy *have* to fight, even if it does happen somewhat often. In this instance, you're the last person on the board I'd want to fight with. Well, I'm glad we didn't agree to stab Austria, actually, since it looks like Austria has flipped on Russia. 
I'd still like to help you out any way I can, but it looks like you might be focusing on the west for a bit. Just know that as far as I can tell neither Austria nor I have intentions with Greece right now. (Austria did start to talk to me again and said as much) Thank you! I’m much happier with my suspicions drawn to a worthy target, and I’m glad we didn’t start fighting Austria in the Balkans while France ran up my back. Do you have a plan for getting back control of the Black Sea? You certainly don’t have to look out for me any more, we have a Frenchman to scold ^^ Don’t you worry about the black sea, this ol’ sultan has a few tricks up her sleeve 😉 I look forward to seeing what you do next, your fleets are certainly ready! (Sending to Italy and Austria)

France, germany, and England’s behavior combined with some things England has said to me smell of a triple alliance between those three. Do you agree or have any additional evidence?
If so, I want to make sure southeast europe is prepared to push back against such a threat A few things I’ve heard sound Triplish and the current French position certainly looks like they’ve made some sort of deal doesn’t it? They aren’t going to sneak by me though, so it really depends what EG do. So I know this is last minute, but I just got Austria to support me from Ser into Rum. I was wondering if you'd be willing to bump/borrow Bul this turn? I highly doubt Austria would try and swipe it from you I just don't want Russia to have it Too last minute sorry, I was asleep. I’ll go see what happened in the update. It looks like you'll be able to push back on France a bit this year. I think you and Austria should work together to move you into Piedmont...what do you think? I was also wondering whether your Greece army might be willing to support Con-Bul ec? Good morning my friendly Sultan! Still a bit asleep here, but agree with both your points. Happy to support you into Bul (ec) this season, and very much hoping Austria will support me in driving France back out of my immediate area. How have you been? Nearing the end of a *very* long week here and looking forward to spending more time looking over the map. Well I'm so glad you'll be taking some time to get back to what's important. 

I've been not-so-busy and looking at the map kind of a lot...thanks for the support and I'll gently try to convince Austria in your favor as well Hahahaha. Well, it’s Diplomacy and SO and not having to spend all day up to my ears in Campus things. But yes, important to focus on what’s important.

I appreciate your support! I'd sure hate to be France right now! Great job claiming Mare Nostrum 🙂 Thanks! How are things in the east? Still have Russia well contained or do you need anything from Greece or the rest of me?

We’re at your service here, while not wanting to drive in where we aren’t needed Don’t need anything just trying to give credit where it’s due Congratulations on your build! How are things in the East with Russia dying from all sides? Do you have any immediate plans for where we go next from here?

I imagine France would be open to a deal that had me moving away... again. Sorry I didn't respond to this...I hope that move to the Ionian is not signalling that you're ready to turn on me I moved there so I could convoy Greece out, since he’s not doing any good there any more. Did you have another use for him? Congrats on smooshing Russia so effectively! Ah thank you but the smooshing was so effective that now England and Germany are swooping in like buzzards! 

And that's a relief about Greece. Does this mean no truce with France, and you'll keep expanding that way? I haven't agreed a truce with France. If England and Germany were still attacking France, I'd absolutely be driving on hard (why I sent the fleet back for reinforcements) but now... I'm torn. If I keep hitting France, that frees England (and Germany I guess) to push through the last Russian centre and come after the three of us from the East, right?And pushes France back into their arms. How do I avoid that? Ah the truth comes out. In hindsight I should have realized it was too good to be true It was true at the time I said it was. But yes, negotiations went on. It's important to me that you do understand the situation changed there. 

With both you and Austria advising the A Greece wasn't needed there my fleet came over for exactly the reason I suggested... but then after it arrived I had my French re-evaluation. And now Germany has jumped Austria and my ally seems to have lost his conviction about killing you, and so - why, I am re-evaluating again. Well at this point the only thing I could offer you as an ally is help in taking dots from Austria. If that's something you'd be more interested in than taking dots from me, then we could work together? On my way to bed. Let me look at this and come back to you in the morning. I think there is a definite chance, and if we do this I’ll be perfectly straight with you before we start (and likewise if I decide to keep fighting you).

This will only work if we surprise him though 😃 Sorry I ended up being basically offline all day (and I'm involved in a new tournament, so busy setting up those games). 

Yes, I'm more interested in taking dots from Austria at this point than I am in taking them from you. If we schedule a bounce in Smyrna in the Spring, could I count on your support into Bulgaria in the Fall? Hmm long term I’d sooner have Rum and Bul for myself while you take the western holdings...could we either agree to some temporary arrangement or could I promise you support into Serbia instead? That makes perfect sense to me. I was thinking in terms of what you could support me into, but if I can get that build this Fall I’m happy to leave it and let you take it for the following year - and Rum too. 

Black Sea territories are much easier for you to hold, and I need you strong if we’re going to drive north together. Okay glad we’re on the same page :)

Have you heard anything from Austria/Germany that might affect how we should proceed? Austria claims to want to leave Ukraine open for me this season though I’m not sure whether to trust it Austria is starting to get nerves about all my units heading this way, but I’m reminding him this was part of our plan to kill you. Currently I’m offering to help Austria defend against Germany where he’s badly out of position. So am I assisting Greece into Bul this season? I'm also wondering if you're going to follow through on your promised assist of Austria into Vienna. I think if we're going to stab, it's better for you not to and to fall back to venice instead. That’s up to you, friend. Normally when I stab I prefer to stab hard, but if you’re having concerns and warning Austria about our plans then they weren’t likely to work anyway. 

How do you want to do this? Committed stab and pivot north or revert to our prior alliances and see if Austria is willing to commit to a direction - any direction - that I can support him to?

You know my preference, but I don’t want to push you into something you’re uncomfortable with. I don’t *think* I’ve said anything to Austria to indicate our collaboration, although Austria is suspicious anyway. All I did this season was ask whether you two were collaborating, to which Austria said basically “I sure hope so but we’ll see”

 
I’m wholly comfortable with going forward with you on a decisive attack on Austria. Okay I'm committed. Let's do this decisive attack on Austria, with your supporting me into Bulgaria from Greece this season and my getting out of the way for you to take Bulgaria yourself in the new year. We'll work out how we break Rum, but if the best solution is me moving into it then we'll work out a schedule for me to get out of it too - Black Sea coastal territories are yours.

Agreed? Agreed. I’ve placed your support order. It's been a long weekend. Getting back into the dip mindset, do you think you can trust England to keep off your north?

If so, let's look at getting you Rum and Bul this year. I think that’s a good plan. Are you willing to leave Bul this fall? Done! Taking Rumania in the Spring? If possible, yes I’d also love it if you could move your fleet out of the Aegean and into greece or something, just to take a little presssure off me? That's fine. I'm using it to cover Greece this season.

Aegean DMZ? Agreed 🙂 Austria has asked me to support them into Bul this season. Since you're giving it up to me anyway and it will be useful to us to have their trust, should I do it? Oh dear I'm sorry it looks like to you didn't get my message. Let me know if there's some way I can make it up to you! Ouch! Unfortunately you’re right, I wasn’t around for your first message at 1:10 am and so wasn’t in a position to suggest anything else. What does their trust buy us, other than forcing a disband of one of our units due to complete the defeat of our mutual enemy this turn? I'm really sorry I forgot that you're not in a U.S. timezone. I didn't realize it would be such an issue because to me, it just made sense that you'd move into Serbia with Bulgaria and support from Albania (so that support couldn't be cut by Rum). ...and that trust gets us information. Like, for instance, I could have told you not to move with Albania if it weren't for our time difference issue. I really am sorry and I'll be more aware of it in the future Ah no, I knew you were attacking Rumania this turn so I waited in Bulgaria to ensure he couldn’t simply retreat in there and offer you the same problem all over again in Fall. The move out was due in Fall (yes into Ser) so that you could reclaim your rightful Black Sea borders as scheduled 😃 Not sure I have the armies to do that now; I’ll look at the map when I’m more awake, but may need you to take a more proactive role if that’s okay. I'm already on it! I'll get back to you in a couple hours So, Con to Bul (ec)? I can support you there from Gre and if you support from Rum as well should get you back where you should be. I'll do that but just so you know Austria told me they were going for greece this turn. From where? Bulgaria Not a problem then - provided you hit Bul with Con supported from Rum Okay great That went more or less according to plan, thanks for your support! I want you to know that despite my move to sc instead of ec, I plan to honor the DMZ of the aegean. I was just being overcautious in case you decided not to honor it. Should we look into spring then? What are you trying to achieve this year? I was just asking myself that. Expanding northwards against Germany/England seems logical for me. What are your goals? Since Austria is... a little more back in the game than I’d planned, they have to be my focus. After that I fully intend to stick with my alliance and drive to the final endgame. :3 Just not looking at those moves yet