FOFC Diplomacy -- GAME OVER!!

[path12]

I believe this has been attempted before, but not for awhile. I would like to volunteer to GM a game of Diplomacy on FOFC. We can run the actual turns in a dynasty thread.

I'm thinking a turn a week, with 48 hours for builds/disbands. So if you're interested, please be aware that you're committing for something that will last 2-3 months at least.

I used to use a program called Diplo to adjudicate moves, etc, but don't have the program anymore -- I'm sure I can find something similar to use.

If you're interested, post below or PM me with your country preference. Please rank all countries in order from most desired to least. (Austria, England, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkey)

May the best backstabber win......

Signup list:
1) Celeval -- England
2) Schmidty -- Germany
3) Warhammer -- Turkey
4) Radii -- France
5) saldana -- Italy
6) PackerFanatic -- Austria
7) Chesapeake -- Russia

Spring 1901 results -- post #68
Fall 1901 results -- post #88
Winter 1901 builds -- post #97
Spring 1902 results -- post #111
Fall 1902 results -- post #114
Spring 1903 results -- post #132
Fall 1903 results -- post #140
Spring 1904 results -- post #145

[Schmidty]

I think I'd be interested.

I played the game a few times in college, and remember it being a fun, but loooooong game. It seems that it would lend itself quite nicely to online play.

[path12]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

I think I'd be interested.

I played the game a few times in college, and remember it being a fun, but loooooong game. It seems that it would lend itself quite nicely to online play.

It's perfect for email. I played a ton on a AOL group about 7-8 years ago and maybe 5-6 times since.

[samifan24]

I've never played the game but this sounds interesting. Is it a nation building sim?

[claphamsa]

can you post some basics? or suply a link?

[path12]

Originally Posted by samifan24

I've never played the game but this sounds interesting. Is it a nation building sim?

It's not a sim, but is the best board game ever devised. You play the part of a European power in 1901. Your goal is to accumulate a majority of supply centers on the board. How you achieve that depends on your ability to negotiate.....

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/483

[Celeval]

I'm in.

[path12]

Cool! Welcome. Choices received.

[Warhammer]

I'd be willing to give it a go. Provided people actually talk this game!

[path12]

Originally Posted by Warhammer

I'd be willing to give it a go. Provided people actually talk this game!

Great! Shoot me a preference list.

[saldana]

is this the type of game where i would be at a massive disadvantage having never played before?

if not, i will give it a whirl

[MJ4H]

Tempting.

[path12]

Originally Posted by saldana

is this the type of game where i would be at a massive disadvantage having never played before?

if not, i will give it a whirl

I wouldn't say you're at a massive disadvantage but I'd imagine it will be tougher that way. I'm more than willing to help out with basic questions and the like for anyone who hasn't played that much.

[path12]

Bump for the Monday morning crowd.

[PackerFanatic]

Solid. I remember last time we played, and it prompted me to start one on another forum. I sucked last time, but I will certainly try again.

[path12]

Originally Posted by PackerFanatic

Solid. I remember last time we played, and it prompted me to start one on another forum. I sucked last time, but I will certainly try again.

Great -- PM me a country preference list. Just need one more now!

[chesapeake]

I'll play if there is still room. I haven't played online in years, but I'm sure that some of the e-mail Dip judges are still around. I used to use the USIN judge a lot. Once you learn how to parse the commands, it is a breeze to do.

For folks that want to learn about the game, I recommend checking out the Diplomatic Pouch at hxxp://www.diplom.org/index.py

[path12]

Originally Posted by chesapeake

I'll play if there is still room. I haven't played online in years, but I'm sure that some of the e-mail Dip judges are still around. I used to use the USIN judge a lot. Once you learn how to parse the commands, it is a breeze to do.

For folks that want to learn about the game, I recommend checking out the Diplomatic Pouch at hxxp://www.diplom.org/index.py

You're in.

I'm not using the judge, I'll be adjudicating the game myself using Diplo. (I'm old school that way, never did get use to using a judge server).

We're set on a roster then -- what I need is for Chesapeake and PackerFan to get me their country preference lists and I will assign countries tonight.

First question for everyone -- would you rather have the main thread here or in the dynasty section? I'm fine either way.

[path12]

Dola, anyone who would like to sign up as an alternate is welcome to!

[PackerFanatic]

I always go to the New Post section anyway, so it doesn't matter

And I will send a PM real quick.

[chesapeake]

Preference list sent. Either forum is fine with me.

[BrianD]

Would anybody be willing to let me shadow them during gameplay? I'm assuming there will be lots of emails or PMs sent as people are playing the game, and I would love to see discussions as they happen since that might be a good way to learn the game. I would guarantee confidentiality and non-participation. Anyone willing to include a silent on-looker?

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by BrianD

Would anybody be willing to let me shadow them during gameplay? I'm assuming there will be lots of emails or PMs sent as people are playing the game, and I would love to see discussions as they happen since that might be a good way to learn the game. I would guarantee confidentiality and non-participation. Anyone willing to include a silent on-looker?

I would love to do the same myself. I never played diplomacy, but I love that type of game on computer, so would imagine this would be my cup of tea. I'm a bit busy right now to learn/play, but I would love to learn/watch so perhaps I can see about joining next time.

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by Alan T

I would love to do the same myself. I never played diplomacy, but I love that type of game on computer, so would imagine this would be my cup of tea. I'm a bit busy right now to learn/play, but I would love to learn/watch so perhaps I can see about joining next time.

+1

I've long wanted to give this a try, but would like to see a game in action, and more importantly, see a sort of though process in action.

[chesapeake]

Anyone that wants to is welcome to shadow me. I've been playing long enough to know the ropes well enough to teach someone new to the sport.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by chesapeake

Anyone that wants to is welcome to shadow me. I've been playing long enough to know the ropes well enough to teach someone new to the sport.

yeah i'd be willing to do this as well.

[saldana]

ive never played before in my life, so i cant say you would learn anything by watching me, but alan, brian or CW, you know you are more than welcome with me

[path12]

Country Assignments:

AUSTRIA -- PackerFanatic
ENGLAND -- Celeval
FRANCE -- Radii
GERMANY -- Schmidty
ITALY -- saldana
RUSSIA -- Chesapeake
TURKEY -- Warhammer

All except one of you got their first choice.

GM RULES:

1) Turns will be weekly, with revisions when necessary. All moves are submitted to the GM via PM. DO NOT POST MOVES IN THREAD!! Builds/disbands/retreats will be due 48 hours after turn results are posted. All deadlines will be bolded in the results post, plus I will try to update the thread title.

2) Orders may be revised up until deadline, whether the turn has been adjudicated or not. Revisions received after that will not count.

3) Press is allowed, both anonymous and public. If public feel free to post it in thread. If anonymous you may PM it to me and I will post it in thread.

4) All decisions by the GM are final. Turns will be adjudicated using Diplo.

5) I will allow shared victory. For those of you who are not too familiar with the game, this merely allows allies who control a majority of centers to share the victory amongst themselves.

6) Have fun. I'm a bit rusty on running a game, and you're likely either rusty in playing or new to the game. We'll all get through it together. I am here to try and make the game as enjoyable for you as possible -- so feel free to ask me questions, or you can also ask general questions in thread. If I do not think it would be fair to answer completely I will let you know.

7) If you miss two turns, I will start to find a replacement. It's not fair to the other players.

8) There will likely be more -- I know I'm forgetting some things.

All right, let's play! Start post to follow.

[path12]

THE DAILY DIPLOMAT -- SPRING 1901

EUROPE POISED ON BRINK OF WAR

NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN IN EARNEST TO PREVENT FIGHTING

BUILDUP OF ARMIES CONCERN WORLD

(Bern, Switzerland) Last minute entreaties are in effect to try and stave off the tensions that have built over Europe these past few months. It is rumored that war could start at any time.

Starting map:



Unit locations:
Austria (PackerFanatic) : A Vie, A Bud, F Tri = 3
England (Celeval) : F Lon, A Liv, F Edi = 3
France (Radii) : F Bre, A Par, A Mar = 3
Germany (Schmidty) : A Ber, A Mun, F Kie = 3
Italy (saldana) : A Ven, A Rom, F Nap = 3
Russia (Chesapeake) : A War, A Mos, F StP(sc), F Sev = 4
Turkey (Warhammer) : A Con, A Smy, F Ank = 3

ORDERS ARE DUE BY 10PM EASTERN TIME, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH.

GM: Game on! I hope you all have a great time.

[Celeval]

Cheerio, pip pip, and all that. Sending my email address to everyone via PM - that'll always be the quickest way to get me.

[Flasch186]

good luck to you all. Have fun! We'll be watching.

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by chesapeake

Anyone that wants to is welcome to shadow me. I've been playing long enough to know the ropes well enough to teach someone new to the sport.

I'm going to send you a PM with my email address if you don't mind. If you could bounce me emails that you get and/or CC me on replies, I'd appreciate it. If you get a message and include the original in your reply, don't worry about sending each individually. I can scroll back through the thread history. Thank you for offering to let me shadow.

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Alan T

I would love to do the same myself. I never played diplomacy, but I love that type of game on computer, so would imagine this would be my cup of tea. I'm a bit busy right now to learn/play, but I would love to learn/watch so perhaps I can see about joining next time.

looks like brianD will be shadowing chesapeake. Alan T can do the same with me, and Saldana gets CW?

[chesapeake]

Originally Posted by BrianD

I'm going to send you a PM with my email address if you don't mind. If you could bounce me emails that you get and/or CC me on replies, I'd appreciate it. If you get a message and include the original in your reply, don't worry about sending each individually. I can scroll back through the thread history. Thank you for offering to let me shadow.

Gotcha and will do.

Do any other players have any problems if I allow Brian to ask me questions? Obviously he shouldn't volunteer any thoughts to give me an advantage, but if he asks me why I did or said something, is it OK if I answer him?

[PackerFanatic]

I have no problem with it. If I weren't already in the game, I would love the opportunity to shadow one of the more seasoned vets

[Celeval]

The way I see the shadows is essentially the junior minister to the government. Do whatever you like, there.

I'd offer, but I may be semi-shadowed by my wife this game (who has never played Dip). But if one of the shadowees gets knocked out early and someone wants to swap over, I'm open to it (assuming I'm around myself!)

[saldana]

ok, first stupid noob question....are we starting in a negotiation phase that is lasting a week, or are we doing more than that

[path12]

Originally Posted by saldana

ok, first stupid noob question....are we starting in a negotiation phase that is lasting a week, or are we doing more than that

Yes, the Spring 1901 negotiations will last a week. Other than that you just have to PM me your movement orders by the deadline.

You could also submit press, which is mainly just flavor but can also be used as misdirection, pressure, taunting or just about anything else. Public press you can just add to the thread, for example:

Germany to Austria: The Kaiser wishes to inform the Archduke that he is, in fact, toast.

Anonymous press is submitted to me and I will post in thread as a news update, for example:

Rumor has it that Germany is not entirely being honest with the Archduke.

(Disclaimer: both press examples are totally made up).

[PackerFanatic]

Originally Posted by path12

Yes, the Spring 1901 negotiations will last a week. Other than that you just have to PM me your movement orders by the deadline.

You could also submit press, which is mainly just flavor but can also be used as misdirection, pressure, taunting or just about anything else. Public press you can just add to the thread, for example:

Germany to Austria: The Kaiser wishes to inform the Archduke that he is, in fact, toast.

Anonymous press is submitted to me and I will post in thread as a news update, for example:

Rumor has it that Germany is not entirely being honest with the Archduke.

(Disclaimer: both press examples are totally made up).

Geez, thanks for the disclaimer, you almost had me worried!

[saldana]

can someone please explain exactly how combat works. i have read that it is simply if i want to take a territory that another army is in, the winner is decided by who has more armies in support...what does that mean.

also, what happens if two armies try to move into the same territory that had been previously empty.

[path12]

Combat is basically just a matter of the most units winning.

If you move a piece into a neighboring empty province and nobody else tries to move there, you will successfully move.

Example: A Rom-Tus succeeds if no other unit tries to move to Tus.

If two pieces try to take the same province just on their own, there will be a stalemate and neither piece will advance.

Example: A Ven-Tus, A Rom-Tus -- neither piece moves.

What support does is take one of your (or an ally's) forces and uses it to help you into a province. A unit that supports must share a border with the province being moved into.

Example: Italy: A Rom-Tus, A Ven support A Rom-Tus
France: A Pie-Tus

Rom-Tus would succeed because of the support from the army in Venice. The French unit would stay in Piedmont.

Another example: Italy: A Ven - Tyr
Germany: A Mun support ITALIAN A Ven-Tyr
Austria: A Vie - Tyr

The Italian army has taken Tyrolia with the help of Germany. The army in Munich and Vienna stay in place.

Fleets can only support to provinces they can reach, so in the above example Austria could not use her fleet in Trieste to support Tyrolia because Tyrolia is landlocked.

Those are the basics. Obviously it can get rather convoluted.

[saldana]

Originally Posted by path12

Another example: Italy: A Ven - Tyr
Germany: A Mun support ITALIAN A Ven-Tyr
Austria: A Vie - Tyr

The Italian army has taken Tyrolia with the help of Germany. The army in Munich and Vienna stay in place.

Those are the basics. Obviously it can get rather convoluted.

so the germany player would have to put in an order to support the italians...it isnt an assumed action if the two have declared an alliance?

[path12]

Originally Posted by saldana

so the germany player would have to put in an order to support the italians...it isnt an assumed action if the two have declared an alliance?

Right. Agreeing to something in correspondence doesn't necessarily mean that they are going to follow through on it. Germany in that example could have been promising Austria an alliance in order to get him looking in another direction. Or he could submit the above orders and have you copied on it, but then submit a separate set of orders later to supercede it. The possibilities are endless.

That's the beauty of the game. Other than the rules for movement, etc -- there are no rules in your negotiations with others. All's fair in love and war, baby.

Except in your dealings with your friendly GM, of course. Lies and deception are not allowed there.

[Warhammer]

Hold on though, on most judges, Germany in your example would not have to explicitly state that they were supporting the ITALIAN army. Do we need to specify?

EDIT: Because later in the game that changes some strategy and other negotiating items.

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by saldana

can someone please explain exactly how combat works. i have read that it is simply if i want to take a territory that another army is in, the winner is decided by who has more armies in support...what does that mean.

also, what happens if two armies try to move into the same territory that had been previously empty.

In preparation for my shadowing, I did some reading of the official rule book http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/ru...y_Rulebook.pdf. They give some pretty good examples of how combat works.

[path12]

Originally Posted by Warhammer

Hold on though, on most judges, Germany in your example would not have to explicitly state that they were supporting the ITALIAN army. Do we need to specify?

EDIT: Because later in the game that changes some strategy and other negotiating items.

I've always put it that way when reporting the turn, but I'm open on that. You don't necessarily have to specify it when submitting your orders to me. The important thing is that I understand what you're trying to do.

[path12]

Originally Posted by BrianD

In preparation for my shadowing, I did some reading of the official rule book http://www.wizards.com/avalonhill/ru...y_Rulebook.pdf. They give some pretty good examples of how combat works.

That's awesome, Brian. Thanks for that link. Now I don't have to hunt around for my copy!

[BrianD]

When I get to work tomorrow I'll post another link. The one above is very colorful and about 3 times as large as another version I found. I'll post that one for those that would like a smaller, easier to navigate version.

[path12]

The first copy I had I believe the rule manual was like 7-8 small pages. It certainly did get glossier!

[Radii]

Originally Posted by Warhammer

Hold on though, on most judges, Germany in your example would not have to explicitly state that they were supporting the ITALIAN army. Do we need to specify?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but when declaring support you have to explicitly declare which move you're supporting, which implies which country your'e supporting anyway. Just to continue to use the same territories, lets assume that Italy controls both Venice and Vienna with armies in both, and the moves are written out as follows:

Another example: Italy: A Ven - Tyr
Germany: A Mun support A Vie-Tyr

Even if its obvious that Germany's intent was to support italy into tyrolia, and italy has armies in both territories, Germany's support is invalid here because Italy moved a different army than the one germany offered support to.


The reason I'm getting a bit anal here is because of:

EDIT: Because later in the game that changes some strategy and other negotiating items.

I'm not sure how this impacts the strategy at all, because you have to be so specific in writing the support order that its very clear exactly who are you are supporting/allied with, so I don't understand the edit.