Pani's Diplomacy Diary: February 2013

Friday, February 15, 2013

What up wit dat Contents

Happened quickly right?

We had someone take over England and I was so disappointed and disgusted that I proposed a draw. I had excluded Germany from the draw but that was blocked so we included him and I accepted.

I'd worked my ass off to get to this point, England and I were going to go all the way, either together or I was going to snatch the solo off him before he knew it. I was playing on the fact that he was miles behind and I knew his play style.

From this point on there was really only one scenario: Italy, England and Germany would've worked together against me for years and years. It would've dragged on and I would've gotten frustrated after having the win snatched away from me because some jack*ss decided not to play a game we'd all invested a bunch of time into. I don't mind the stab - it's expected, I do mind this.

Final thoughts:

I was pleased about how well I did up to the last few years. I'd come back from nothing and could've taken the solo or at least a 2 way draw. It was a really interesting game and one I was really enjoying. Just ruined by one player. I won't be playing with him again (apminton).

Here's all the players:

England: apminton / sukas4
France: hessekid / KMAC
Italy: GrumpyGet / becahiguy13
Germany: degoldschmidt / despot
Austria: doctia / Mal
Turkey: Heythere12 / pani
Russia: DocEwok

Austria: You were the first hurdle. You should've seen the first stab coming but there was no need to be a douche about it when I offered you a lifeline. I saw that you were dying and even though I'd previously stabbed you, I wanted your help and thought it was mutually beneficial..
Russia: Thanks for the initial help. I needed it. You were my key to success. If I could convince you to help, I was golden. Sorry I had to stab you right after.
Italy #1: You played well and you could've taken the solo if England #1 and I hadn't acted in time. You said you found a sub because you had RL issues, but I'll always wonder if you just saw your demise.
Italy #2: You should've never taken the role on and I think you know it. You did what you could when you were on the back foot but you just weren't going to sway us at that stage.
Germany: Congrats on the win. If it have been for me I would've excluded you in the tie at the end but I was do pissed off and disheartened by that stage that I just accepted.
England #1: You did fine and acted just about fast enough. I would've shared the victory with you if you'd just made a bit more progress but decided to go for the solo after you just couldn't break the Italian line. Then when you gave up, well I have no words.
England #2: For me you were just wrong place wrong time. I have no opinion of you.
France: Who knows?
Turkey #1: Who knows?

What up wit dat 1915

I've just realised that England has been inactive for a couple of turns.

We hadn't been communicating much over the past few years, partly because we had no need to, partly because I was going for the solo now.

Now I find he's gone NMR. That's really crap. I can just hope that he starts to play again so we can get this game finished in it's current state.

What up wit dat Fall 1914

We've just had England NMR.

Italy has pushed him out of the Mid Atlantic and I've moved onto Italy's soil in full force. Now he's got no room to create new units from (not that he's got the chance to capture supply centers.

He's also been urging us to draw and/or me to take the solo.

What up wit dat Spring 1914

Well I retreated into North Africa, only to be completely destroyed!

Again, I'm not too worried, I continue to make ground. My Sevastopal army wasn't needed in the end. He didn't make a move on it. Even so, I'll leave it there for a while just to cover my borders from the stab.

I retook Tunisa but still cannot take Venice - he's got help from the lone German ranger who's still hanging about! Scheisse! I'll get it soon. I've got a fleet in Tuscany now to dislodge the Germans.

I'm seriously thinking about the solo, but because my progress is so slow and steady, England might've caught up with me enough and I'll have to accept the draw. We'll see.

What up wit dat Fall 1913

Tiny twist - he pushed me out of Tunisia and Bohemia!

Last turn he was telling me what he was going to do, if he'd have done it all, I would've been at 17 supply centers. As it turned out, he's still got a few tricks up his sleaves and I only got 1 instead of 3 or 4.

I don't mind too much, like I said before, slow and steady wins the race.

I'm going to retreat to North Africa and help do some hitting from behind his lines and continue to get into position for my big push.

England moved an army down to Moscow this turn which is slightly worrying (when he had the option of moving it to Livonia instead). It means he's got an open run on Sevastapol. Whether he'll take it or not I don't know, but I'll move a spare army back there just in case.

What up wit dat Spring 1913

I replied to Italy finally.

He actually sent me a message along the lines of "congratulations" but don't go for the shared win.
I think that's for a few reasons; He's a purist and feels like only solo's are a true victory, he feels like the game is rightfully mine and maybe he's just sowing seeds of doubt and wants me to stab England to let himself get back in the race.

Either way, I'm tempted.

I'm just going to hold the Italian mainland this turn and keep what I've got.

What up wit dat Fall 1912

It's now a case of "slow and steady wins the race".

I'm consistently taking one SP after another. He's holding his line quite nicely in the north of Europe but I'm all over him. Here's after the retreat and build phases:

It seems strange that he's elected to remove some of his defenses from my side rather than against England. I'm going to be taking his home supply centers any minute now, you'd think he'd want to keep them. Maybe he'd rather I win than England?

England's been asking me for end game conditions. I think this is a game where I'd be almost happy with the shared win. But the solo is so tempting. I came from (almost) nothing to being the strongest player on the board now. I'll see how far away England is when I get closer to 18 before I make my decision.

What up wit dat Spring 1912

A twist in the plot: Italy found a sub.

He said he had some RL issues and so found a sub to take his orders. I was just thinking to myself, "I wonder what the new sub will say/do" when I received the following message from him:

With the amount of forces I have to now move back to defend my homeland from your brilliant stab, England is going to make sweeping gains in the north. I would probably say that BRE, BEL, HOL and one of KIE and BER are going to fall in the next 2 years. This is going to put England in range for a solo as the builds will fuel a naval ramapge into the south that will win the game for her.
I was hoping you and I could reach some sort of agreement to preclude a possible English solo. I'd ask for no territory back and would make concessions to you as the victor in what could be a very small conflict.
The only thing I ask is you allow me to dislodge F TYS and instead of retreating it, delete it.

Flattery and lies - what this game is all about!

Bless him! I think in his position I'd have done the same thing. I'm almost 100% certain that he's sent something very similar to England. I just hope England doesn't fall for it. To head things off before he gets any ideas, I sent him a message, basically saying the same thing I just described: "Message from Italy, full of flattery, England's going for the solo, blah blah blah". I think I'll send Italy a message in a few turns after it's 100% that I'm still attacking him.

Meanwhile, on the actual board, I've taken Trieste and pushed into the Tyrhenian sea. He can't afford to lose Tunisia so he's holding him in place - essentially wasting the unit.

I'm going to take Tunisia this turn and not try too hard for Venice - it's not going to happen this turn. Then, next year, I'll sail my Tyr fleet and capture either Spain or Marseilles.

What up wit dat Fall 1911

England is making absolutely ZERO progress still.

I decided to play a little safer this turn. I held Vienna and thought I might be able to grab Trieste. He supported it with enough and kept me out.

Meanwhile, I snuck into Apulia. I knew he wouldn't be defending it, nor expect it. It seems like a wasted move on the outset when I could've used it to dislodge his Adriatic fleet and taken Trieste but for the future it's going to set me up. That fleet alone would be enough to piss me off if roles were reversed. It's ocean going so I can disrupt the Adriatic fleet as well as support the Ionian sea. I can also sail up and down the coast where there are two juice supply centers.

What up wit dat Spring 1911

With my extra supply center, I continue to push the ocean attack.

I bounced against Tunisia - which I expected. He wasn't going to give that up easily. But it's fine, it allows my fleets to get into position.

And on land, I've taken Vienna with my large mass of armies.

Italy is gobbling up the remaining German territory, much to my displeasure. England should've had at least one and be making good progress in the seas too. To top it off, there's a rogue Italian unit running around his territory in the north of Russia. He couldn't help that so much though, he retreated to an adjacent space after we took Warsaw from him.

I asked England about it and he doesn't seem worried, Italy might end up taking St Petersburg but England will be in a better position to repel him afterwards. And all that without my assistance.

What up wit dat Fall 1910

The last stand begins:

I've assisted Italy's enemy as well as pushed him out of his Ionian sea hold that he's had all game. Oh and I took Budapest which he so very kindly gave me. Bet he wishes he hadn't now. My fleets are getting into position for the future attack on his homeland too.

I'm a bit disappointed with England in the mid Atlantic. He got pushed out (despite having a kick ass navy) and now seems to be pushing against a brick wall. I expect him to get more of the mainland to thin out the Italian support which will benefit us both.

What up wit dat Spring 1910

Now the Russians have just about gone, it's time to make new plans.

Italy and I bounced again - but he very kindly sent me this message:

We've both been messing about with Budapest for a couple of turns now so in the interest of peace it's all yours :)
We have worked pretty well together so far, so now it's time for us to deal with the English. How about we both generally head north, you take what was Russia and Norway Sweden etc. I'll take the uk. Germany is on board with the plan I intend to let him help out for a bit then swallow him up later.

How very generous. I like the first part of his message, but not so sure about the second part. If he wasn't getting up there in SPs, I'd be all for it, he's been a faithful ally (or is it me that's been a faithful ally to him?). If I were to work with him for this, he'd run to the solo easily. I'm going to have to stab him soon. I sent him a message back probing for a draw, just to see what he'd say (knowing that in if I were in his shoes, I'd say "sure thing" whilst secretly going for the solo).

England and I have to work together now to team up, it's our only option. And if I'm going to stab him, I need to do it with as much force as I can get away with quickly, before he has chance to turn against me.

Italy has just taken the last Russian SP so there's a good start. I'll help England get that as well as mount my own offensive further south and in the oceans.

What up wit dat Fall 1909

At last, got rid of the pesky Russians from my shores.

Ankara is back under Turkish control and the unit (as I planned) was destroyed with no place to retreat to.

Bounced against Italy again and helped England just as I'd planned. Not only that, England pushed Italy out of the Mid Atlantic. Not a SP but it show's he's got game. England's super navy!

Germany is making a mini comeback too! Good for him. Although not for us. It's preventing England from those precious supply centers he needs.

I'm not doing perfectly so far, but I'm still in it and holding my own - not bad when I came from a detrimental position. Everything has been a struggle but it's going. Not sure how long I'm going to last once Italy turns on me (or when I turn on him).

What up wit dat Spring 1909

Yet again, getting into position.

I've promised England to help him get into Moscow. It seems strange to think that I'm not going to get anything in return but just the fact that it strengthens my ally might be enough. He's struggling against Italy and any minute now Italy and I are going to be bashing heads and he has a thicker skull than I do!

Love watching England make a million fleets although he could do with some armies. It's just hard to get his armies across the ocean when he's using everything he's got to fend of Italy.

I bounced with Italy in Budapest too. It's not great for me, but at least it's one less unit for Italy to build next turn.

What up wit dat Fall 1908

Just holding on to what I have here.

Russia didn't bounce me this time in the black sea, he was too worried to leave Ankara during the fall. That's OK, I'll get into position to take it back soon.

I'm going to build in Smyrna so I can get into Armenia in the Spring and hopefully destroy the fleet in one foul swoop (or is it one fowl swoop?).

I also exchanged a couple of messages with England at this point, although I fear it's already too late:\

I think we do our own thing in Russia, it's almost over, but if you have units to spare, we need to hit Italy soon before he gets too big for his boots.
If we can work together, we might get a 3 way tie out of it. Otherwise, he's going to run away with it.
Actually, I could use your help just a little bit, If you could bounce into Moscow this turn, it'd help cut off his support if he tried to take Sevastopol. All my troops are busy doing other things.
I'll help you take Moscow next turn as a thanks.

Russia, Austria and Germany are basically dead, but they're causing enough of a problem that we can't turn our backs on them just yet. It's a quandary. I hope England can come back to me with something interesting soon. Either that or there'll be a big stab from England or Italy that'll change the game.

What up wit dat Spring 1908

One more supply center for me, one less for Russia.

I opened myself up in Greece so I hope I don't get stabbed - it'd be a bit silly in my mind. An all out declaration of war when at this point, he doesn't need it.

What up wit dat Fall 1907

Well he didn't stay put - it was a long shot after all.

But I am in a really nice position now against him and I have England carving an orange shaped hole in the north to help thin out his troops. Now he's on the back foot.

Austria as I'd guessed, is about to become extinct. Oh stubborn, stubborn Austria.

My biggest concern is Italy right now, he's doing really well and might just bulldoze over us all at this stage. We're all wrapped up in an Eastern mess whilst he's carving free chunks out of Germany and Austria.

What up wit dat Spring 1907

Austria retreated to Albania so I have to watch my butt.

But I decided that with the hassle that Russia's been having from the Austrians and the English - he'd be a good next target. Italy is just too much in my face. I'd have trouble expanding if I tried for him at this stage.

I moved into Armenia which is basically like saying: "Hello Russia, I'm going to stab you next turn". But there's a small chance he'll stay where he is and I'll get a free grab. If he messages me about it, I'll come up with the best BS I can muster about moving my troops away to make space for my home supply centers or something.

What up wit dat Fall 1906

Finally - progress!

Not much I know, but when you've spent 2 years banging your head on a brick wall - you'll take what you can get.

My relationship with Russia is on rocky ground too - he didn't help me when I needed him and I re-payed the favor in kind.

I'm starting to wonder who to attack next - Austria is almost gone and I really only have 2 choices - Italy or Russia. Italy is all up in my face in the Ionion sea but appears impenetrable and Russia is sat in the Black sea watching my northern border.

What up wit dat Spring 1906

Now I was in a better position:

I'd finally take Serbia and then decide what to do.

What up wit dat Fall 1905

Yet more bounces.

But at about this time, I knew what I needed to do: Get an army into Greece so I could take Serbia without hassle.

I decided to reach out to Austria:

Firstly, let me apologize for the slight stab, as I'm sure you're aware, I was grasping for straws and I needed some supply centers back. You were the strongest neighbor I had and the biggest threat to my survival.
Now things look a bit different. You have 3 out of 4 of your neighbors attacking you (not even including England in this - don't know what your relationship with him is).
If you take your unit out of Serbia and use that to attack Trieste, your home SP, I will take Serbia but no longer attack you nor support Russia and will instead concentrate on Italy with your help.

My thinking was that we needed each other here as he was overrun with enemies - but he needed me more than I needed him. His response:

Please do not treat me like a fool.
I offered you the hand of friendship and you bit it.
I gave you a way out of your current situation and you stabbed me for short term gains.
If you are serious you will have to come up with a better plan than me giving away my SC's for no benefit to Austria.

Well it's his loss - he'll be gone in a few turns and I'll have a piece of his pie. If I was him, I'd have swallowed my pride and took it.

What up wit dat Spring 1905

This is the start of a few years of making zero progress:

For some reason, I was trying really hard to get a fleet into Albania. I had a heck of a time getting into Serbia and thought that Albania was my key. That was a mistake as an Albania fleet wouldn't have helped me take Serbia which is a land country only.

I still kept my Russian alliance strong though whilst some nasty mails from Austria were exchanged - it's just a game, Mr Austria!

What up wit dat Fall 1904

I kept Bulgaria and sailed into Greece quite nicely.

Russia gained and lost one SP - fine by me.

Italy moved into the Ionian sea - fair enough.

I'll get 2 builds and only one enemy to show for it - wonderful.

If I'm going to keep my alliance with Italy strong, I'll need to make sure to not build any more fleets. I need to concentrate on armies so I can march over the continent through Austria. I'll always have my fleets for a rainy day (read: attack Russia or Italy) but for now I need to keep my friends assured.

What up wit dat Spring 1904

I managed to march straight into Bulgaria without any help from Russia.

I'd asked him to help though and was a bit disappointed that he didn't. But glad that I'd gained a SP and he'd lost one rather than the other way around. I sent him a message with my disappointment and this was his response:

I was trying to support myself! Austria was always going to go all out on trying to get Rumania, it was logical you didn't need my support!I on the other hand, do need your support if I'm to get Rumania back. Will be moving Ukraine to Rumania if you can support?

I actually decided not to help him as I had my eyes set on Greece and he hadn't helped me (not that I'd tell him that). So far our crucial alliance isn't going so great! :)

I also wanted to share the hilarious message I sent to Austria. It was the cheek of it that I was so proud of!

Hey there!
Hey thanks for letting me get into Bulgaria, was nice of you to let me have it back after you took it thinking that Turkey was finished.
Bit of a shame that you took Romania though, not too sure how I'm supposed to get a border with Russia with the way my troops are positioned.
Any thoughts?

He actually replied with some stuff about holding in place which I considered carefully before setting up my attack into Austrian controlled Greece.

And I also bounced with Italy and after a couple of messages back and forth, we decided that I'd take Greece if I let him get into the Ionian sea and help him with Trieste next year. He's currently allied with Austria so he doesn't want to make it look obvious - hence the move south rather than to Apulia.

Might turn out that it's Italy and I who have the long term alliance instead?

What up wit dat Fall 1903

I'm trying something different this time; I'm starting a game part way through.

There are always dropouts from games it seems and most of them are surrenders either for one of two reasons:

Auto surrender from inactivity
Manual surrender because they're loosing and don't want to keep playing

Either way, they're usually crappy positions!

I decided to try one to see if I could pull it out of the bag, starting from an underdog position. I really had no aspirations of winning, I just thought it'd be a fun, learning experience.

Here's where the game started (at least for me) as Turkey. I picked it because it wasn't complete doom and gloom. It's essentially a starting position - 3 supply centers and 3 units, but obviously, other countries have made headway already. Austria, my most frightening neighbor, having 6 supply centers. He's got both Russia and I on the ropes which is the reason I thought I might have a chance. I weighed up my options and decided that my initial survival strategy relied 100% on Russia working with me. If not, we were screwed.

I sent messages to everyone ASAP:
Russia: How about a long term alliance against the Austrians?
England: Please hold off on Russia for a little while so you can focus on France and Germany.
Italy & Germany: Congratulations on whooping France, would you like to move towards Autria next?
Austria: blah blah blah BS blah alliance against Russia blah blah nonsense.
France: So long and thanks for all the fish!

Austria had just taken Bulgaria from my predecessor so that was my first target.