9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (Full Version)

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BULLDOGINTHEUK -> 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/8/2008 3:38:17 PM)

Just had my first turn on a 9 player Diplomacy game.

This game was set up with people who have had not much experience in playing AT (like me) and want to learn more, perhaps making many mistakes and being forgiven rather than having an expert exploit any error that is made. Also as we are all new to this we can help each other and learn as we are all probably making the same mistakes.

Before this first turn and whilst players are joining there have been a number of backroom discussions, non-agression deals, peace deals, plans for war and alliances made. On my first turn the Fuhrer has sent Diplomats to a number of countries with peace offers. This is the great thing about this game. You can play the game by negotiation between turns without even loading up the game. There has been a lot of mistrust and sabre rattling (especially by Britain who it seems dislikes the way the Fuhrer is running things). I must admit that even before my first turn started it was nerveracking as war with any nation will mean a new front to fight on. Although the graphics are very basic this is scary stuff. Many diplomatic messages, sometimes hourly coming through the Reichstadt.

General staff OKW has raised a number of Divisions under the command of Field Mashall Von Mainstein. The Wheremacht has been ordered to defend positions to the south east and east where any likely attacks may come, as well as on the north west coast where any amphibious raid from Britain may come. They have the support of the Lufftwafe Stukas for ground pounding if any force tries to enter the Reich. The Kreigsmarine is building a small fleet to answer any threat from Britain.

Germany is surrounded on 6 sides by other nations so it is essential that we gain favour with as many countries that have the same ideals. Who knows what the future will hold for the Fatherland. The Fuhrer hopes that the Third Reich will last for 1000 turns.

Hail Adolf

O K W - German high command





[image]local://upfiles/26753/48E3FE54CD8F459F836459DDB74A06CF.jpg[/image]




SlowHand -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/8/2008 11:00:45 PM)

Bulldog is being modest.

He vigorously and quickly recruited a group of Nine "Noobs" (hereafter the NNs) to play the European Diplomacy scenario (located in the FICTIONAL/HUMANONLY Folder) scenario and had it up and running within four days. The premise is that none of us have played the scenario before and most of us are not expert with all aspects of the game.

And before our ED game (NOT to be confused with the dysfunction which is responsible for so many spam emails) had started, the PMs were flying fast and furious. As a result a sort of Central Powers Tripartite Alliance had emerged half way through Turn 1 consisting of Germany, France, and Italy. The peripheral countries have quickly scrambled to counter this perceived threat. Details are murky as Turn 2 is under way ...

... well, best to catch up on the Diplomatic machinations back in the original start-up thread over in the Opponents Wanted Forum starting at about here.

OVERVIEW OF NINE-PLAYER EUROPEAN DIPLOMACY SCENARIO
- It uses basically the same map of Europe as in the WW2/HUMANONLY Europe 1939 scenario (Overview map below).
- It is fictional in that the borders have been re-drawn and some cities tweaked to create 9 Balanced countries. In some ways it is trying to re-create the "Great Powers " set-up prior to WW1, except with WW2 technology.
- The countries are listed below in their Turn order, with their Leaders.

GERMANY NN #1 BULLDOGINTHEUK
ITALY NN #2 nim8or
BALKANS NN #3 T_K
FRANCE NN #4 Haudrauf1962
BRITAIN NN #5 Delyn Locksmiths
RUSSIA NN #6 SlowHand
TURKEY NN #7 therockyfroggy
SPAIN NN #8 all5n
SCANDINAVIA NN #9 GrumpyMel


Here's an overview of the map at start:


[image]local://upfiles/1749/11D999A2A4F04B48B81B88D28F754EA7.jpg[/image]




Barthheart -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/9/2008 2:52:40 AM)

But... where's the blood?!? Diplomacy is about smacking some countries around while maneuvering (read: conning) the others to help you out. Then when they are over reaching .... STAB!!![8D] Not this nancy prancing you all have been doing fo the first two turns![:-][>:]


Oops.... hope the players in my game don't read this.....[:(]




all5n -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/9/2008 8:48:59 AM)

Ah yes, where was I?

Today was a good day for Espanya. The french quiche eaters have suffered further losses in the Mediterreno with the sinking of another submarine.

Also, the southern French border has been breached.

Spanish planes have been dropping leaflets on the French population centers advertising cheap wine and free vacations in Barcelona for all those willing to join the forces of good.

In other news, Franco's own nightclub in Eivissa (Ibiza) has been lost to French agression. French troops were last seen entering Space and hanging out at Cafe Del Mar. Franco was quite distraught and lamented the loss of all national supplies of glowsticks, MDMA, and Marijuana. Fear not, Spain shall return to Mallorca in due time.




SlowHand -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/9/2008 11:16:40 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: all5n
--- snip ---
The french quiche eaters ...


OOOoooo, them's fight'n words. Careful, they might wave their Berets at you angrily ... if their President can be reached at his weekend retreat with his Super Model girlfriend/fiancée.

At any rate, blood has been drawn!





BULLDOGINTHEUK -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/10/2008 9:22:40 PM)

Without any provocation the Balkan Republic has violated the Fatherland's airspace. Although this resulted in no casualties to our brave soldiers one private named Franz was casually minding his own business enjoying lunch consisting of wurst and pils beer when suddenly a Balkan plane flew so low it shaved off the top of the wurst causing much distress to the private and the loss of said luncheon. We do not want to fight our Balkan neighbours but this cannot be tollerated and any flagrant acts of aggression will be met with force in the future.  sincerely Adolf




T_K -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/12/2008 3:22:46 AM)

After the brutal downing of our dive bomber that simply lost its way in the fog during regular excercises, the imperialist German Reich has proved it's hostility towards the peoples of the Balkan Federation. It is with great reluctance that the Balkan army has embarked on its penal expedition towards Berlin. The haughty Prussians will be taught a lesson they will never forget.




SlowHand -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/12/2008 3:50:21 AM)

My condolences to Private Franz on losing his lunch.

Gentlemen, is that really grounds for Casus Belli? May Russia offer her services to mediate a Peaceful solution to Franz's lunch?




BULLDOGINTHEUK -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/12/2008 12:46:29 PM)

Our Air Marshal confirmed reports that that divebomber was escorted by 5 fighters. Did they also lose their way? Germany will defend the Reich from any acts of agression on its land.




MrLongleg -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/12/2008 2:04:24 PM)

The French President recovered from his head ache, after the French Navy caught a group of Spanish battleships by surprise sinking one of them. Our airforce destroyed a Spanish submarine endangering our supply route to Mallorca. A special secret service group transported several tons of glowsticks, MDMA, and Marijuana from Mallorca to the Elysee Palace. With the new supplies the already mentioned Red Wine crisis can be bridged for a couple of weeks. Reports about wild parties in Paris, where certain members of the government where dancing in white angel shirts on the streets, are strictly declined by the Elysee Palace.

Although we are living in peace with our dear neighbours in the North British planes have violated our airspace twice. We are deeply concerned by these hostile acts of a neighbour pretending to enjoy our peaceful relationship.

In the south Spanish soldiers equiped with nothing but loads of Tortillas have crossed the French border. The French headquarter is still not sure, if it would be fair to use violence against these poor innocent and badly equiped troops.

The French President declares to be appalled by the behaviour of the Balkan airforce. Enjoying a peaceful lunch (accompanied by un peu du Rouge) is a central human right. Nations not accepting human rights need to be civilized by force. Therefore France will defintely support any kind of reaction from our dear friend Adolf in Berlin.





BULLDOGINTHEUK -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/12/2008 3:17:23 PM)

The Fuhrer thanks the French President for his support in any aggression our Balkan neighbour cares to give us. Nations can be rest assured that private Franz has been sent a box of special Bavarian smoked wurst personally by Her Himmler in compensation of the horrors he has had to face. We are also concerned about the airforce violation by the UK and worry that the French President may spill his wine in shock if this happens again. We would hate to see a good bottle of peu du Rouge go to waste [X(]

Things have not gone according to plan in the Fuhrers Defence plans. Logistical errors have almost brought the mighty Werhrmacht to a halt. Failures to provide enough ammunition and fuel to the troops as well as supply enough truck has ment that the movement of the main army has been halted no more than a few miles from Belin and nowhere near the Balkan border where we clearly need some defence. The quatermaster general has been lined up against a wall and shot along with others who have failed to please the Fuhrer. A new vigor has been put into our factories who have now changed production from troops to supply. It is likely however that the mighty Germany army have to wait a number of days before they are in any condition to fight.



Intel has indicated a number of peace treaties have been formed. A disturbing one its the alliance between the UK, the Balkans and Spain. No doubt these subversives will be plotting against both us and France.




[image]local://upfiles/26753/A66A0986EBAB42AEAE512B96D0EBD8C7.jpg[/image]




T_K -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/12/2008 5:13:06 PM)

Germany's lies can only be properly answered by the thunder of cannon.




BULLDOGINTHEUK -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/12/2008 7:25:32 PM)

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeelp, Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp, its the hooded claw [:D]




Delyn Locksmiths -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/13/2008 9:32:46 PM)

Furher, The Prime Minister will put a stop to British pilots taking pleasure flights over the scenic German countryside - if you give us 10pp for the inconvenience [:D]. Otherwise, we may need to make a few scenic boat trips too!




BULLDOGINTHEUK -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/13/2008 10:26:08 PM)

Give us 10pp and we wont invade UK [:D]




SlowHand -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/14/2008 12:10:20 PM)

Russia has non-aggressively placed a blocking force along the approaches to our Gem of the Baltic. Though Scandinavia is known for its peaceful traditions, in the current climate of ED war hysteria, we could not leave that approach open to a potentially hostile force. Assurances of our peaceful intent have been sent to GrumpyMel, Sovereign of Scandinavia.

For Outside Observers: Currently we are about 7-ninths through our 3rd turn. Looks like Turn 4 might have a lot of action. If I can find time in the next day or two, I'll try to document the complex 9-Nation War-Peace Matrix that evolved through the first 3 turns (and hence is known to all players).




all5n -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/17/2008 7:15:44 AM)

The Illustrious Franco wishes to report that the navy has been mis-managed this turn and that certain rear admirals have been shot.

The Spanish air force, having spotted a sneaky italian submarine scouting our coast, responded by sinking it with all hands.

The follies of turn 1 (namely the pp sent accidentally to the british) has stalled the french offensive as troops are late in arriving to the front lines.

Side note: Does it seem like subs are really bad at hiding? I guess they need to be upgraded to hide well.




mllange -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/19/2008 6:24:03 PM)

While there is an understandable anxiety over the recent hostilities between France and Spain, Italy expresses deep concern and regret over the misinformed actions of the Spanish Air Force. Several hundred Italian mothers and wives mourn the loss of their beloved sons and husbands in a recent training mission that strayed too far into neutral international waters. We hope that our close neighbors, the Spanish, for whom we have always shared a feeling of kinship, regret their hasty overreaction to this incident.

(Italy shares the noted concerns of others that it is far too easy to spot subs, especially without an air recon or destroyer activity in the area beforehand, even when you turn off their anti-supply ability)

The Balkan infrigement of German territory has raised concern in the Northern provinces. The now continual interruptions of the Northern provincial peasants leave Il Duce very little time for his brood of fauning young maids who seek his favor and wish to share his afternoon visits to the beach. Il Duce graciously agreed to move defensive forces Northward to strengthen our borders against unintentional incursions into Italian territory. Observers note that Il Duce appears pre-occupied in recent weeks, anxious and understandably concerned over the aggressions that surround our beloved homeland.




MrLongleg -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/20/2008 1:47:15 PM)

Again only the spokesman of the president is available to answer the question of journalists about recent hostilities between France and Spain. The president himself is busy with urgent private matters.

Our Navy tried an attack to a strong Spanish formation. Obviously the Spanish were stronger than expected, which forced our brave sailors to retreat with a bloody nose. We lost a non-disclosed naval unit while sinking a Spanish submarine.

In North Africa the local HQ ordered a tactical retreat, after weakening attacking Spanish forces with a surprise airstrike.

In Bayonne an airstrike ended with mixed results after having been intercepted by Spanish fighters.






Delyn Locksmiths -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/20/2008 3:59:32 PM)

Yes Italy who keeps refusing my peace offers, it IS easy to spot subs isn't it [:'(]




Delyn Locksmiths -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/20/2008 4:19:18 PM)

In the meantime - British Forces have captured Jerusalem

here's the photographic evidence.

Here are the battle plans for our advance into the middle east, as you can see Turkish forces are in dissaray. Hopefully our Balkan allies are experiencing similar success on the northern front.

[image]local://upfiles/27648/AAA7E818CC0C47C0AFA26CA5587ACA33.jpg[/image]

We hope the Turks understand how desperate this situation is for them. If they'd like to come to peace then the Sultan is welcome to approach us with terms.




Delyn Locksmiths -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/20/2008 5:59:40 PM)

Hey Slowhand, whilst awaiting your next turn - do you fancy doing this.....?


quote:

ORIGINAL: SlowHand

For Outside Observers: Currently we are about 7-ninths through our 3rd turn. Looks like Turn 4 might have a lot of action. If I can find time in the next day or two, I'll try to document the complex 9-Nation War-Peace Matrix that evolved through the first 3 turns (and hence is known to all players).







SlowHand -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/21/2008 12:56:16 AM)

Will do. But today is a big football (American) day here in the US.




all5n -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/21/2008 8:31:29 AM)

(out of context)

This is interesting. I fully expected my fleet to get severely weakened this turn, as it is at a 4:5 disadvantage in power points as noted on the unit stacks. This leads me to wonder what kind of power advantage is required for better odds of victory in fleet engagements.

I would have done the exact same thing if I were playing France, so i consider his actions to be well played. No easy meat, so to speak.

An item to keep in mind for the future, for sure.


quote:

ORIGINAL: Haudrauf1962

Again only the spokesman of the president is available to answer the question of journalists about recent hostilities between France and Spain. The president himself is busy with urgent private matters.

Our Navy tried an attack to a strong Spanish formation. Obviously the Spanish were stronger than expected, which forced our brave sailors to retreat with a bloody nose. We lost a non-disclosed naval unit while sinking a Spanish submarine.

In North Africa the local HQ ordered a tactical retreat, after weakening attacking Spanish forces with a surprise airstrike.

In Bayonne an airstrike ended with mixed results after having been intercepted by Spanish fighters.








all5n -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/21/2008 10:11:12 AM)

Il Duce sends his warmest regards to the people of the world.

The Spanish Republic wishes to report mixed results on the united front against the French.

The Spanish Air Force was able to conduct missions in the south of France un-impeded, pounding an infantry unit caught out in the plains.

The Spanish Navy once again wonders if it has bitten off more than it can chew with these French Devils.  The might of the spanish fleet was unable to sink a French Destroyer abandoned by the rest of the french fleet after repeated attempts.  The destroyer in the mean time was able to take out a Spanish Cruiser (~400 strength vs 5 strength) and escaped unharmed.

Il Duce has personally ordered an official investigation in this matter, as this debacle has clearly been an embarrasment for all of Spain.  One hopes that the French will decorate the brave crew of this destroyer appropriately.




SlowHand -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/21/2008 10:26:36 AM)

quote:

This is interesting. I fully expected my fleet to get severely weakened this turn, as it is at a 4:5 disadvantage in power points

I think that the view you get of the "Power Points" of an Enemy Formation is strongly affected (on land and on sea) by the "Recon" value of the units you have adjacent to the NME. I've noticed this on land, and think I've seen the same at sea: as you move more units adjacent to an NME, the "Power Points" value changes. Only when you attack, do you get Perfect information on the actual types and numbers of NME units present.

And with Naval assets (more so than with Land units), I think you have the added complication that certain types of units have advantages and disadvantages vs. certain other Naval units that are not reflected in the "Power Points" number, per the formula in the manual.




SlowHand -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/22/2008 1:24:50 AM)

RECAP OF MADCAP DIPLOMACY BETWEEN NNs OVER TURNS 1-4:

Turn 1:
- Italy made Peace with Germany
- France made Peace with Germany
- France made Peace with Italy
- Britain made Peace with Balkans
- Britain made peace with France

Ahh haa! A Tripartite alliance between Germany-France-Italy. The periphery countries are nervous.

Turn 2: The "Can't we all just get along?" Turn
Turkey Made Peace with Russia
Spain Made Peace with Balkans
Spain Made Peace with Britain
Sandinavia Made Peace with Germany
Sandinavia Made Peace with Italy
Sandinavia Made Peace with France
Sandinavia Made Peace with Britain
Italy Made Peace with Balkans
Italy Made Peace with Russia
Balkans Made Peace with Russia
Britain Made Peace with Russia
Britain Made Peace with Turkey

Turn 3:
Spain Made Peace with Scandinavia
Scandinavia Made Peace with Balkans
Russia Made Peace with Spain

Turn 4:
Britain made Peace with Germany

WAR REPORTS:
- As early as turn 3, hostilities were reported between Spain and France, and the Balkans and Germany. Despite mediation efforts, the conflicts continue.
- In turn 4: Perfidious Albion! Despite a Peace agreed to on Turn 2, Britain snatches a city from Turkey. Stay tuned for turn 5.

Other than that, no other hostilities are reported.

Graphics update to follow as they become available.





mllange -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/22/2008 2:31:16 AM)

Krrrrkk!! Squaaak!!! We interrupt this BBC broadcast with the following broadcast from Rome: "The world rests a little easier this night. The cowardly reign of the traitor who called himself, "Il Duce" is over. He who would have led our nation to ruin with his foolish dreams of a new Roman Empire lies dead, his family and closest associates safely removed from power."

"The Italian people have spoken, hearing the cries of their oppressed brethren in Poland, Austria and the Czeck Republic who have been held within the iron grip of Nazi Germany since their earlier invasions. Rumors of atrocities against humankind by the Germans have sadly been confirmed by informants within the German government. They have asked for assistiance from their Italian and Balkan neighbors, hoping to see the evil influence of the Nazi regime removed from their country forever. Earlier this week Balkan forces bravely moved into German-occupied Poland, hoping to rescue and aid those who have been so brutally oppressed by the Germans. Reports are coming in that shortly after midnight the man called "Il Duce" was assassinated in his sleep and Italian troops rushed Northward in a lightning strike rescuing the city of Munich and moving further toward Prague in a desperate attempt to assist their Balkan neighbors in saving the Poles before there are no longer Poles left to save. There is no word as yet who controls the Italian government or armed forces."

"The Italian people sincerely hope their actions do not come too late for those they hope to aid. Large numbers of faithful gather within the holy grounds of the Vatican in prayer holding candlelight vigils on behalf of the brave Italian men moving forth and for those they hope to save. Hopefully the world will see beyond the falsehoods spread by the Nazi government and those who support them and will come to the aid of the Italian and Balkan forces who so far stand alone in their response to the horrific news of atrocities."




all5n -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/22/2008 4:03:59 AM)

I would like to report that F. Franco read the above report and promptly got drunk wondering what was actually said or meant.  When i suggested that this was the intended effect i was summarily dismissed for the evening.  I left him to his sangria.




BULLDOGINTHEUK -> RE: 9 Player Diplomacy (nooobs only) (1/22/2008 3:11:48 PM)

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