Pairs Diplomacy Game Thread

[DreamTrawler]

Good afternoon, Anton Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg. If the Kaiser of Germany also agrees, I will accept your offer of a triple alliance and relay this information to my general.
- Victor Emmanuel III of Italy

A triple alliance, or at the very least a triple pact to not fight each other, is quite agreeable to me. I will note to you that Turkey is demanding you turn west, but who knows if it is a real ultimatum or all bluster.

-Kaiser

[FlaviusAetius]

Good afternoon, Anton Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg. If the Kaiser of Germany also agrees, I will accept your offer of a triple alliance and relay this information to my general.
- Victor Emmanuel III of Italy

A triple alliance, or at the very least a triple pact to not fight each other, is quite agreeable to me. I will note to you that Turkey is demanding you turn west, but who knows if it is a real ultimatum or all bluster.

-Kaiser

With the agreements I have secured with the Sultan and the Tsar, I hope that the most gracious and powerful Victor Emmanuel III of Italy will feel secured in his Eastern flank. On behalf of the Emperor we Austro-Hungary agrees to the triple alliance.

-Anton Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg, Diplomat of Austro-Hungary

[Theodoric]

For my mysterious but esteemed general - the Czar requests:
F Sev -> BLA, A War -> Gal, F StP SC -> GOB. The move from Moscow is up to your judgement and playstyle. Just... refrain from moving to Livonia. The Baltics may riot.

To the Turk - when is this lavish state function you speak of? We'd love to attend.

-Czar

My Dear Czar,

I apologize that envoys from the Sultanate were unable to reach you in time for our state function. As consul to the Sultan, I was introducing my newly produced heir at the Topkapi Palace. Such festivities are always enlivened by the children of the Volga.

[Theodoric]

To the Esteemed Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg,

The sultanate looks with favor upon your efforts to forge conciliation and calm amongst the great powers of Europe. However, we note with concern that, if you keep all of your alliances, you will have nowhere to go. We certainly do not wish to dictate any particular path for the Hapsburg armies, as we are happy to see enlightened despotism spread to any lands other than our own. However, we will feel more secure in our relationship with the Hapsburg crown if we see a medium-term plan that does not impinge on our own territories.

[Theodoric]

To the Czar,

I wish to elaborate and clarify upon my prior message, now that I have returned from the Topkapi palace and have gained access to the scribes and consular staff needed for smooth diplomatic communication.

First--we are happy to bounce in the Black Sea this turn, leaving future decisions to the future. We have heard and appreciated your well-wishes, and hope to forge a close and productive relationship with the Russian Empire.

However, our primary strategic objective is to secure a stable and defensible position for ourselves--a goal that requires us to expand beyond four supply centers. This is typically accomplished either by attempting to control the Black Sea region or by moving into the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean. In order to encourage my generals to pursue the second course, I need to be able to present them with a clear and compelling diplomatic solution to the Black Sea problem.

My preferred solution would be for you to move immediately to Rumania, forgoing a bounce in the Black Sea. I would encourage my general to move to Constantinople, but, since I may not see eye-to-eye with my general tactically, would want to maintain the option of moving to the Black Sea in the Spring and to Constantinople in the Fall, provided that Russia's moves did not indicate aggression towards Turkey. I would, in turn, promise that my general will not move to Armenia. This arrangement would provide the security needed by Turkey to forgo military control of the Black Sea region, and would thus lend itself to a long-term partnership with Russia.

There are a few reasons that I think such an arrangement might be attractive to both of us. I understand that Northwestern Europe is likely to feature a strong France. Neither England nor France plan to seriously challenge France this turn, and it is possible that France will take Belgium. Thus, I expect that Italy will come under pressure in the medium-term from France. Meanwhile, peace between Italy, Austria, and Germany, as well as warm relations between Austria and myself, suggest that Austria will exert strong pressure on your Western flank. Together, this suggests to me that conflict between the two of us would put us in considerable early danger and would miss an opportunity to stop France from taking over Italy.

Absent such an agreement, I will instruct my general to honor the Black Sea bounce, take Bulgaria, and to use their own judgment on the disposition of the Smyrna army. My own preference in this case would be to take a posture of watchful waiting--likely leaving the Smyrna army in place, but my general may have different instincts.

[Theodoric]

To the Turkish General:

If the Czar has promised not to move to the Black Sea this turn, please do not move to Armenia. In this case, I encourage the following moves (while leaving it up to you to decide on particulars):
A Con - Bulg
A Smy Hold
F Ank - Con

If we have not heard from the Czar or if the Czar does not accept my proposal, please do bounce in the Black Sea and move A Con - Bulg. Please do what you think is best with the army in Smyrna--in your shoes I would likely order A Smyrna hold.

Together, we represent the greatest empire in the world. I have full faith in your judgment and urge you to victory.

-Consul to the Sultan

[DreamTrawler]

The Turkish Sultan has made some interesting predictions and assumptions about the fate of Western Europe. Suffice to say I am aware of the dangers of letting France coast to 6 centers uncontested, hence my suggestion of a bounce in Belgium. I actually agree that Italy getting involved in the west could be quite interesting.

I also am curious if anyone’s general will go rogue and violate one of the many DMZs that have been established. We shall see soon!

- office of the Kaiser

[FlaviusAetius]

To the Esteemed Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg,

The sultanate looks with favor upon your efforts to forge conciliation and calm amongst the great powers of Europe. However, we note with concern that, if you keep all of your alliances, you will have nowhere to go. We certainly do not wish to dictate any particular path for the Hapsburg armies, as we are happy to see enlightened despotism spread to any lands other than our own. However, we will feel more secure in our relationship with the Hapsburg crown if we see a medium-term plan that does not impinge on our own territories.

Unfortunately as the years progress, often our carefully tailored agreements will be violated by someone. We hope that since they are being done in the public, whoever does violate our agreements will be attacked by others. If nothing else, I can say for certainty that our alliance with you is steadfast and our agreements regarding Serbia, Rumania, Bulgaria and Greece shall be upheld.

[FlaviusAetius]

To the Esteemed Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg,

The sultanate looks with favor upon your efforts to forge conciliation and calm amongst the great powers of Europe. However, we note with concern that, if you keep all of your alliances, you will have nowhere to go. We certainly do not wish to dictate any particular path for the Hapsburg armies, as we are happy to see enlightened despotism spread to any lands other than our own. However, we will feel more secure in our relationship with the Hapsburg crown if we see a medium-term plan that does not impinge on our own territories.

Unfortunately as the years progress, often our carefully tailored agreements will be violated by someone. We hope that since they are being done in the public, whoever does violate our agreements will be attacked by others. If nothing else, I can say for certainty that our alliance with you is steadfast and our agreements regarding Serbia, Rumania, Bulgaria and Greece shall be upheld.

-Anton Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg, Diplomat of Austro-Hungary

[sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x)]

Despite the agreement to a triple alliance, it seems my general has sent my fleet into the Ionian Sea, possibly due to the late deal. Rest assured that I mean no hostilities to my neighbours in the East. Moving forward, I will be more transparent about my orders to prevent it from happening again. My recommendations to my general for this turn are:
- A VEN hold;
- A APU -> TUN;
- F ION CONV A APU -> TUN;
unless any of my allies have any objections.
- Victor Emmanuel III of Italy

[DreamTrawler]

So now, the questions of Sweden and Belgium arise. I think either both should be bounced, or neither. My wargame data has show that which way the Sweden situation falls can either be a huge bane or boon to England. Therefore, if Russia is allowed to have Sweden, I think England should be empowered via being given England to act as a check to their possible expansion.

Of course, a double bounce preserves the balance of power just as well and defers the problem to next year.

- from the office of the Kaiser of Germany

[DarthPorg36]

From the office of the Czar -

The Czar will be having regrettably limited contact with the wider world for the next two days, as the Czar must attend a funeral for a family member who has recently passed. Due to this, the Czar will be understandably distracted and distant for this time period. Please do not assume I am ignoring this game, but it may be a while between messages, and I may miss some things. Now is not a good time to respond to messages, I will contact you later if I have a moment. Please be patient with the Czar in this period of national mourning.

Czar

[DreamTrawler]

My condolences, take all the time you need.

[dargorygel]

(Let me know if you need a pause)

[Theodoric]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Czar. I think a pause is a good idea if it would help you.

[DarthPorg36]

Official Transmission from Czar Nicholas II of Russia, Saint Petersburg, Fall 1901

First and foremost, thank you for the kind words and condolences. They are much appreciated. @Darg, maybe a 24-hour pause just for tomorrow? I don't want to hold up the game very long, and I think that's all I'll need.

To England (Prime Minister) - Your moves in the north, while expected, make me nervous. I hope this is not reason for conflict in the north? You must understand you will only get Sweden and Saint Petersburg at best, and Germany or Austria or Turkey will get the rest of the spoils? You'll stretch your empire thin. It is better if we cooperate.

To Germany (Kaiser) - I understand your views about seeking to have the north balanced, however, in the case Rumania is not captured by the Russian crown (as it rightfully should be) Sweden will be integral in the survival of the Russian state. Should the Germans support us to Sweden, a key strategic interest of the Czardom, We pledge to keep SC StP empty, and our presence in the North and West to a minimum, unless, of course, we are faced with confrontation with the English, in which case we will have no choice but to fight a war for the Arctic. Either way, your support would be greatly appreciated and much needed.

To Austria (Anton Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg) - Your nation is of course allowed to chart whatever path it sees fit. However, a strategic alliance, followed through on, between you and the Sultan is an existential threat, in most cases, to the Russian people. If this deal is to be upheld, I expect your units will be breaking the triple alliance? This is a sticky situation you've got yourself in. I'm intrigued to see which generals do what. The Czardom as always seeks peace with our Austrian friends, we hope you maintain the same.

To Turkey (Sultan) - I shall now call you Sultan the "Long-winded" in honor of your long analysis. Your message requires a response in depth. I am tired and need a break, and cannot mentally do your message justice at this time. Please expect a message from us tomorrow morning or evening. We hope you as always decide to continue our peace and security.

[dargorygel]

Official Transmission from Czar Nicholas II of Russia, Saint Petersburg, Fall 1901

First and foremost, thank you for the kind words and condolences. They are much appreciated. @Darg, maybe a 24-hour pause just for tomorrow? I don't want to hold up the game very long, and I think that's all I'll need.

To England (Prime Minister) - Your moves in the north, while expected, make me nervous. I hope this is not reason for conflict in the north? You must understand you will only get Sweden and Saint Petersburg at best, and Germany or Austria or Turkey will get the rest of the spoils? You'll stretch your empire thin. It is better if we cooperate.

To Germany (Kaiser) - I understand your views about seeking to have the north balanced, however, in the case Rumania is not captured by the Russian crown (as it rightfully should be) Sweden will be integral in the survival of the Russian state. Should the Germans support us to Sweden, a key strategic interest of the Czardom, We pledge to keep SC StP empty, and our presence in the North and West to a minimum, unless, of course, we are faced with confrontation with the English, in which case we will have no choice but to fight a war for the Arctic. Either way, your support would be greatly appreciated and much needed.

To Austria (Anton Graf von Baron von Wolkstein-Trotsburg) - Your nation is of course allowed to chart whatever path it sees fit. However, a strategic alliance, followed through on, between you and the Sultan is an existential threat, in most cases, to the Russian people. If this deal is to be upheld, I expect your units will be breaking the triple alliance? This is a sticky situation you've got yourself in. I'm intrigued to see which generals do what. The Czardom as always seeks peace with our Austrian friends, we hope you maintain the same.

To Turkey (Sultan) - I shall now call you Sultan the "Long-winded" in honor of your long analysis. Your message requires a response in depth. I am tired and need a break, and cannot mentally do your message justice at this time. Please expect a message from us tomorrow morning or evening. We hope you as always decide to continue our peace and security.

Pausing

[Pengwinja]

I have just read many of the messages, and I must say, if there is a triple alliance in Europe, it seems like I should be worried if they aren’t going east. If they are going west, England, would we need to unite?
Bleeding with worry,
The Diplomat of France, Pengwinja.
(P.S. I may have misread the messages, sorry if my information is false.)

[DreamTrawler]

I have just read many of the messages, and I must say, if there is a triple alliance in Europe, it seems like I should be worried if they aren’t going east. If they are going west, England, would we need to unite?
Bleeding with worry,
The Diplomat of France, Pengwinja.
(P.S. I may have misread the messages, sorry if my information is false.)

No cause for alarm, my dear France. As mentioned before, the triple alliance between myself, Austria, and Italy, is more a triple pact of non-aggression. I will not, however, be getting involved in southern or eastern Europe. And it looks like the Italian general sent the fleet east instead of west after all.

Also, regarding Belgium - I realize I made it seem like the two options are to bounce it or give it to the English. But how would you feel if I got it?

- from the office of the Kaiser of Germany

[Pengwinja]

To the Kaiser of Germany,
Ah, that makes me feel less worried about the situation. I would, of course, prefer if I have it or no one has it, but I do not think that you taking Belgium would pain the French too much, but, the generals of France may have a different idea. I will delegate the authority of Belgium to the French generals.
Relived beyond belief,
The Diplomat of France, Pengwinja.