Hey neighbour :3 If we put our minds to it, we can either work amazingly together this game or flail pointlessly at one another while other powers rise and rise (and rise). 

I’d really like to work towards option one, so let’s agree not to attack each other between Ven - Tri? At least not this year? We have more important things to do. That sounds good to me. I'm wary of Germany, will you watch my back if I watch yours? I haven’t heard anything from Germany to suggest they have designs on you, but I’ll keep an eye out in comms! We all have a stake in keeping Tyrolia free. Have you spoken with Russia yet? They seem nice enough just wanted to be careful since they haven't been speaking as much. Russia seems nice enough, haven't really gotten any info from Russia. Russia said something to be about an alliance before, the three of us against Turkey before we turn our gaze westward. Did he mention that to you? And if so, how do you feel about it? Italy vs Turkey is almost classic, though it does depend on an agreement like the one we discussed ^^ Well turkey just told me that he was in an agreement with Russia. Not sure if that is to try to threaten me or if Russia is just playing everyone. Hummm. Maybe you and I should both query Russia on this and compare notes. Juggernaut would be no fun at ALL Russia talked about previous experience and using that to suggest going for turkey. I'd believe that, but I would also believe he playing both sides to try to Turkey then hoping to jump myself in the aftermath. Or he could even be lying to Turkey for a S01 advantage, though that could be a little concerning. I doubt I’m in the winning draw this game but I’d prefer a little more success than being someone’s grab-bag of points ^^

It’s early yet, but how do you feel about an Italian Greece? It'd be nice if Russia would at least let us know a bit. How do you pose the question without making russia suspicious? I subtly said “I heard this. What’s going on?” I didn’t say who told me mind you :3 Okay, I'll hold off and ask later so it isn't too obvious it's us talking. Oh I hadn’t thought of that. Good idea! Fairly conventional openings all around really, unless you’re concerned by A Gal. I see either you or Turkey could deny Greece to the other, but if you move in you lose Serbia as a build.

What if you support me into Greece instead (from Naples) and I can then either support you into Bulgaria next year or attack southern Turkey by sea as you prefer? I'm not immediately concerned by russia's move, but it doesn't exactly seem in line with how he seemed to be aligning with us. It could also just be a soft open to not put turkey on edge. Ill support your move into Greece and by then im assuming we'll see how Russia intends to play. Works for me. I don’t lie as a rule in these games, largely because I suck at it and it makes me uncomfortable so believe me when I say Russia’s comms to me have all been pointed at fighting Turkey. 

I’ve asked him again what’s going on. Keep you posted. It seems the fight Turkey has a positive effect for all three of us so I think that would be the simplest action, would also make since to lie to one person as opposed to two. I'm also planning on moving my fleet into the ADR just a heads up He tells me he forgot to change his initial orders to Galicia (which may be true) and that the fight vs Turkey is still on (which I do believe). 

Your logic supports this as well, so I’m going to take my life in my hands and empty Venice this season, heading south. Thanks for the heads up, but why? Good point, realized I could support Serbia from land F Trieste moving to Albania then? I’d ideally like to see a DMZ in the Adriatic, if you agree? Yeah, that works fine for me Serbia isn’t really under threat at this point. Worst comes to the worst and Bulgaria attacks and cuts your support, but if you build A Bud this year you should be good to advance into Bul in 1902 with Italian support Speaking which, need me to get out of the way of your F Alb, or is it staying on your coast for now? I'll probably stay coastal until we push out Turkey then figure out from there That works fine with me. So... about that support into Greece? Looks like Russia lied to both of us as well. I'd believe it, though they said that they made a mistake moving into GAL and were going to move into Rum. I think that the plan to take out turkey is still happening. you want me to support you into greece? Well not any more since I'm in there. Fortunately I  didn't need the support you promised me last season ^_^ Honestly the way russia has been playing i'd rather they make the big pushes into turkey with our support. I feel like that gives us the best opportunity to not get double crossed by russia with the aid of turkey Do you need my support for that, or am I good to focus on keeping France out of the Mediterranean? I had been planning on doing a second fleet and convoying into Syria, but I'm a little warier of Russia than I was last season. I think i'm fine so far, just wanted to let you know my thoughts on russia.  I get the feeling that they will follow through until turkey is done, but that point not sure what they're next move is. Or how much that may be impacted by England in Norway now. You would not BELIEVE the press I got from him earlier today. From russia? Threat from England may benefit us and allow us to get more territory from turkey when the dust settles. From England. It's not really relevant to our discussion, but I'm still a little angry about it. 

Calming though, don't worry about an emotional loose cannon to your south west ^^ Always good to hear Russia said "their orders didn't take", kind of suspicious giving everything previous. I think they're trying to let either Turkey or I make the first aggression then decide who to support from there. I think you’re right. Maybe he keeps making interface errors, but I think he’s being cagey and trying to keep his options open until you two commit. So... does that mean we do want to commit to Turkey? Or do you think we should try to seek common ground and you two hit Russia while I... do something else I guess? I think im just going to hold until I have a clearer idea of what's going on. Russia said in the beginning they have experienced multiple games so I doubt they managed to make a mistake twice in a row. Alright then. We have time to consider our moves over the next 2 days, but I need to brainstorm to what I can do against Turkey if you're not able to move in my support. 

Can you make any suggestions? I don't see a classic Lepanto working against two Turkish fleets facing west. I can support your army from Gre into Bul with my fleet in Alb if you want to move into turkey. I'd like to my russia side armies where they are in case russia tries something funny. Any thoughts? Otherwise I want to try to get a better understanding of Russia and turkey's plans while my units hold Okay yes, please support my army Greece to Bulgaria with anything you can. I understand wanting to keep a firm border with Russia. What are your plans for Army Trieste? Was going to let it sit, but I can move it to Ser if that makes you more comfortable. Don't want to move to Bud and make russia think im antagonizing. Don't you already have an Army in Ser though? 

If you don't want to do anything in particular with them, you could always bounce yourself in Vienna from Trieste and Budapest? Personally I'd be happier seeing your army not next to my open home center, but I get that Russia is a bigger (more enigmatic) neighbour that you'd prefer to avoid provoking. Still new to this really. I have my fleet and arm supporting you in Gre moving into Bul. Thought I could also move my other army into Ser Since we have two days to make decisions. Have you considered allying with Turkey and moving onto russia? Purely speculative, but we could try to get England to push from the top and Turkey and I push from the south. Then you and I watch Germany and France to make sure they dont take advantage of England. I’ve considered it, I think I even suggested it. It puts a lot of weight on Russia, probably enough that even he gets smooshed fast. The problem from my standpoint is that it doesn’t give me a lot to do with my two strong allies fighting north, although I suppose I could take Tunis and then move west against France? 

I’ll want a firm agreement and an open border if we do that though, because if I’m going to break into France I need to take virtually every  unit I have. Bed now. But I’ll be up in a few and will look out for your thoughts.

Good night! I really am nervous about your units in Albania and Serbia. I'm not sure where I'd prefer your fleet to be (unless you want me to "kill it" so you can rebuild as an army?") but I know that between that and your build in Trieste I keep getting more suspicious than you deserve. Part of that is probably France's fleet in Spain (south coast) as well. I'd personally prefer my units unkilled, have both of those units currently set to support you into Bulgaria realistically the only real worry I have now is russia, I'd like to clear up something to my west that keeps me from getting sandwiched so im not really trying to fight with either you or germany. Are you sure? There's a time honoured tradition of friendly "kills" helping with unit conversion, and it would give you an extra army instead of a fleet that's mostly trapped... ^_^ 


No, you're right. I guess this tension is getting to everyone. I'm not prepared to go to Bulgaria this season, so please don't worry about supporting me with either unit. In one of my attacks of paranoia earlier (after you didn't support me into Greece - don't worry, I'm over it!) I agreed to Turkey's request to support him into Serbia from Greece this season - a decision I now regret. Would you prefer I tell him I'm not doing it, or that I go through with it and you block the supported attack? I wish I'd drawn another power, or that the alliances were more clear, or that we had *any* idea what was going on in Russia's head. 

I'm used to F2F play in school.  This is very different, and much murkier. And I'm still worried about France. Maybe a cautious expansion to Tunis this year is more my speed... this is my first experience with this game so im not sure how to proceed really. all i know is that russia seems to be trying to play everyone Oh goodness, we are doomed then. I'm not much better, I've played a couple of games with very mixed results. I agree that Russia seems to be trying get everyone onside though!

 Do you have a mentor or a friend who's played before? I'm considering asking one of my diplo friends for advice, but I'm not sure if that would be against the spirit of the study. I asked the admin, he's happy for us to ask more experienced friends for tips. :3 To explain context, I was very spooked by your building a new army right next to my undefended home centre (in Trieste). Vienna is at least safely 1 centre away, but in Trieste means I *can't* leave Venice open no matter how much I trust you. 

Given I'm moving to Venice this season, can we please move back away again rather than staring at each other over the border? If you're not sure, then it's better we don't do anything too bold. I'm going to tell Turkey I don't feel comfortable supporting him in attacking you (I don't) and that we should all stop and look at Russia for a bit. Okay, to clarify then. I have my arm in Tri moving to Vie, and Alb and Ser supporting Gre into Bul. If you're not attacking then i will just have my units hold or support I'm not attacking. If things settle a bit and I have some assurance about what France and Russia are doing (and with the relief of Trieste opening up), maybe we can explore this in Fall to give him limited time to respond. I am moving A Rom - Ven this season, but mostly because I'm concerned with what France is doing. If he goes somewhere other than Pied, I'll move back south or arrange a fake "fight" over Trieste if you like. 

If we arrange a bounce, it could be interesting to see who tries to take advantage of our apparent squabble :3 that would be interesting to see what happens if it appears we're fight. I'll have my Ser and Alb hold then I’m glad I moved West! Imagine the damage France could have done if he’d broken through Venice and popped up on your other border? Let me know if you need any help from my boys in Greece who will otherwise eat souvlaki and catch up on their classical education :3 yeah, I guess france is trying to get hostile and must have some sort of non-aggression with germany and england? England asked if i got the memo on Russia, do you know what they're talking about? I believe Russia has been offering people a lot of deals - nothing we hadn't already suspected though. I'm curious what the memo was and who was sending it. Did england say anything to you? He told me that Russia was trying to organise a northern alliance with him and Germany, but I wasn't certain how far I believed it. It didn't seem to make much sense with the moves we were seeing, you know? Had heard that. Russia told me they was supporting me into bul again, but I don't think I want to make moves. I think if we can at least get Germany on our side, Turkey Germany, and myself can take out Russia. Well Germany should want a strong Austria, right? Though I admit I'd prefer Germany help me with France! it's up to you, I'm fine slowly taking russia out and moving my army in Vie down to support  you in Ven. If you're comfortable with that. I'd welcome your support from Tyrolia? That should help us to push back on Piedmont if he doesn't change direction now he knows he's not going to surprise me. Alright, I'm going to talk to Turkey to see if they're interested in make the push. Also I'm waiting to get a response from England one what they meant about the "memo about russia". If they make a push from the north we can probably take out Russia in a few seasons. Any word? And are you still able to support my A Ven to Pie this turn? England is up to 7 now which makes me a little worried about his ultimate intentions as he may be a more polished version of our Russian neighbour (but with the centers to run for a lead, if we aren’t careful.) Yeah. I'm about to leave Vie exposed to russia and move my fleet from Alb into Tyr. Are you talking with Turkey? Maybe support either them or me from Greece while we attack Russia in Bul? I spoke to him this morning, he suggested I support him into Bul as part of your joint push against Russia (and a small part of it I can actually reach to support), so I agreed to do so. Is that a problem? 

If you’d prefer I do something else, please let me know; I consider you my closest ally. No that works perfectly for me. That's what he just told me his plans were so I think we can trust him until russia is no longer a threat. Also I have tyr supporting ven into pie Then I will order Ven-Pie and use my fleets to counter him in TYS and in Africa. Once in Piedmont my army should be able to hold the connection with Marseilles and it becomes a fleet battle again - where I have him 3:2.

Maybe I can persuade him to go away and worry about England growing at his back. Yeah, england is certainly getting some momentum Possibly in the interests of board-balance we should offer a treaty to Russia after we clear the immediate area while he’s still strong enough to threaten English Scandinavia? We could. All I know is either russia or Turkey is going to end up out of here based on our actions. Russia told me Turkeys moves didn't do anything to them and that they'd still work with me, so I'm guessing they know that our decisions make or break them. Are you alright with me moving Tyr to Vie to prevent russia from trying to take it? I’m fine with that, my French front is stable now thanks to your well timed assistance! England and Germany are hoping you and I will help them deal with Turkey’s expansion after France is driven back (but privately I think we need to be careful how large England gets in the meantime).

What do you need from my A Greece this season? Do you need me bringing units back east, or am I clear to keep chasing France? I agree about the eastern front. I think Greece is fine to move back to help your push. I'll see what I can do when I get a fleet into the right waters. I'd *like* to have that army over West, but not at the cost of losing two units for a year getting it there. What are your plans this season? Are you ready to push up into Galicia and points Russian, or are you still eyeing Turkey?

I can't get Greece out of there yet, but hopefully if I can get a French build I can build something that will let me move it away... although we are going to need to look at Turkey eventually I know. Looking to push for Russia. If we split on Turkey early it will only end with all of us getting overrun. Once Russia is done we can figure out how to move from there. It seems like england is fighting France and germany now so no one is going to get too much for free. I agree. There's no sense in a war with Turkey at this point, we just need to keep an eye on his builds and where they're positioned. I'm probably tied up in the West at the moment anyway so there's a limit to how far I could help, but... I think maybe I should leave A Greece where it is rather than trying to come up with an excuse to move it back there when we're ready.

How was your weekend? Yeah, I'm always open to a little support no matter what. Congratulations on your build 🙂 How are things in Austria? 

With Russia descending in flames, where would you like us to look next? 

I'm still tightly embroiled in France, but I'm pretty sure I could get free of them if you needed me elsewhere. I'd like to to go after either England or France next, but obviously I can't help too much without moving through either you or england. Once Russia is completely gone we could move on Turkey? I told Germany the only way I see any of us surviving is by working together and that the first person to betray the other two would probably just last a little longer. So I'm fine trusting the center and moving my armies east and south once russia is gone. Russia is down to 1 center. I'd say unless you're strongly committed to not fighting Turkey before Russia is dead we may do better to move now... and offer the last Russian center to Germany as part of a deal to keep them off our back when we move?

The question is what we expect EG to do while we're moving on T. I don't have an answer to that right now, but swapping straight back to Triple has to be a temptation. What do you say?

Do you want me to move east now, or stay in the west with France?

I agree a Triple Central Powers benefits us all here. Depends what you're comfortable with. We can probably take out Turkey fairly quickly after Russia if we put our mind to it. That would certainly make me feel safer not having any threats to my east. But it also looks like you're making good progress in the west. I'm concerned about what the other people will be doing while we do that. You're not wrong though. I could hack my way slowly through France, but that frees England to work his magic on Germany after Russia falls. 

Alternatively if we move on Turkey now, an angry France will probably turn back on England... or at least I hope so. 

Oh! If it comes up, England asked me if you're "doing what I tell you, or doing what Turkey tells you". 

I said you were listening to me, which is strictly true even if it doesn't mean you're like my puppet or anything. Just so you don't get the wrong idea if you hear it in press. 😂 Change of plans I'm building fleets and sailing for England. Lol. Don't underestimate him though! I think he's very good at influencing people on the other side of the board to do what he wants, and if he's underestimating you then that's his mistake - and not one I'm going to make!

He challenged me that I was running a "proxy war"  with France, and he then had to explain what he was talking about before I could respond. I think maybe he's doing something similar, trying to keep the rest of the map in a state of tension while he carefully expands. Yeah I'd believe that. At least he was nice enough to explain things as he sees it.  If we're going to move on Turkey what would you think the best course of action is? I think you moving your fleet in Ion to pressure Smy and Con would allow me to move and take either Bul or Sev. And then your support could help us take Ank with either the fleet or your army in Gre? Maybe I could support you into Bul in the Spring, if you have Serbia covered? 

Meanwhile I move my fleet up to menace Smy and Con where you suggest, and then you can support my A Gre convoying into Con - or attacking Smy if that seems more vulnerable?

Once we're past Con and have him out of position, he should be easy enough to pull down before the West gets out of control. How many fleets do you think I should bring East?

How many should I leave guarding the Med? That seems like a reasonable plan. I'm trying to get Germany onboard with taking out England in Stp so we don't have them meddling in the East. I think at this point Russia is basically a non-factor, unless we really get out-maneuvered. Once I get some sort of confirmation from Germany I'll have Rum move into Bul, and Gal into Ukr with Bud moving into Rum. Should I start moving my fleet down into Alb do you think? I was going to say I’d prefer it stay put, but actually... how do you feel about the Adriatic? That way I can leave my A at Venice and then maybe you can convoy me into Albania in Fall? It obscures what we’re up to a little longer and gets more Italians in to Turkey Before they can expect us. I can move to Adr, Im going to move Gal into Ukr to prevent turkey from taking it and move Bud to Ser- to offer more protection. turkey told germany they were moving to ukr, but i haven't heard anything from them so im assuming they know whats coming next for them. How do you want to handle the attack into Bul? Do you want me to support you in, you support me in or you attack and I convoy into Smy? Hello? Coming up to a decision point. I'm currently moving into Bul, but very happy to change if I hear from you in time to change my orders. Sorry, been a bit busy with real life stuff. I'll take your support into Bul and then we can move further into Turkey. Any thoughts on how you want to split the territory? Okay, I'll support your A Ser to Bul? That would be great. In the long run I'd like to split it evenly, so if you can help me get into Smyrna in the new year and eventually you have Bul/Con and I take Smy/Ank that puts us in a good position to move into Russia when we need to and gives us a solid border to face back west. Weren’t you convoying me across the Adriatic? A little concerning about Germany, given they’re denying you the build you deserved for Bulgaria. Maybe I can help? I misread you previous message as a choice between my attacking with support or convoying. Hopefully my reading error doesn't set us back too much. Also looks like Germany is allying with England. So I'm going to have to move my units back to address that threat Since your F Adriatic doesn't need to be anywhere else, could I please get that convoy this season? Apu - Alb? Unless you need my army in the north of course, please let me know. I'll move Pie to Tyr this season, and bounce any attempts by Germany to move an army into Tyr Sure I can convoy. What's happening with France? You're moving all your units my way, and after the whole shakeup with Germany it has me questioning what's happening. At the moment my plan is Turkey, just like we agreed?

I don't want to go anywhere to make you nervous - if you prefer I leave Tyrolia to you, then I will. I'm just concerned about your northern border being bare.

What would you like me to do? Okay, I'm now in Tyrolia and Albania thanks to your support.

What would you like me to do at this point? Support vs Vienna? Probing Munich? Support you into Con or replace you at Bul?

Talk to me, friend Archduke. I'm going to take back Vie, your support would help it look like Germany isn't going against England. After that I'm going for turkey again. Hopefully we can convince Germany to make some aggressions against England soon, they're getting way to strong for my liking. Okay, so Tyr to support Bud or Gal to Vie? 

Do you want me doing anything with Greece or Albania, or get my fleets around his flank and start supported convoys into Smyrna? Bud please Now that's just rude You’re not wrong, and I am sorry about that. For the record I was wholly committed to our attack on Turkey, so that’s the reason I was moving over. Germany’s stab and your necessary pull back to deal with it meant I had to stop and think and talk with everyone and... here we are. at least when my people die they'll die knowing they honored their alliance. Have fun under the boots of england. Brave people and true. Can you say the same pasta eater? I'm obviously fairly heavily committed to my attack on you at the moment, but I do consider Turkey's shenanigans around Bulgaria a breach so before I forgive and forget I thought I'd offer you a chance to negotiate. 

Any interest, or war to the knife? My people dont forget That's fair. Neither do mine, although they do forgive. If you don't get off all those high horses your cavalry won't have anything left to ride on. You win this time, Chef Boyardoesn'thonoralliances. I honour every alliance, to the letter. When we were no longer allied against Turkey we were no longer allies unless we agreed on a new goal - and we didn’t. I wish you better luck in your next game. Unilateral decision making on Turkey. But whatever helps you eat your lasagna of deceit. Good luck on your future ventures.