http://www.floc.net/dpjudge/gamemaps/oclub.gif?map=0.852115In two of the most interesting twists this season, Italy has apparently abandoned her Russo-Turkish alliance in favor of the Franco-German one. This event, combined with those plucky Austrians, who seem to have more lives than a whole house of cats, have turned the tide of the diplomatic battle as it stands now.
We start in the west, where French President Tarmac's ambassadors appear to have successfully won over King Raubvogel of Italy. In what must have been a nasty surprise in Ankara, Italy's fleet moved from Naples to Rome, allowing the French in the Ionian Sea an escape out of harm's way into Naples, adding yet another supply center to France's coffers.
With this turn of events, the Turks must now remove two units, and will be hard-pressed to hold her ground against the French. Adding to his difficulties, Sultan Crabofix has those upstart Austrians to deal with on his right flank.
Archduke Sikboy continues to lead a charmed life, as his Army in Budapest, almost certainly doomed, manages to escape the advancing Russian army in Budapest by retreating to Serbia, which was left defenseless by the Turks.
Russia and Turkey face a cruel decision this year. Do they concentrate on the Austrian menace to consolidate their lines, at the risk of allowing the French and Germans to punch a hole in their front lines?
Meanwhile, Kaiser Sandman and Tsar fd-ski continue to maneuver for position of advantage. The Tsar really wanted Warsaw this season, but strong German support of the Austrians foiled the attempt. Likewise, stubborn Russian defense of the Barents Sea has thwarted the Germans' plans of cleaning up their left flank.
There is a small ray of hope for the Russians, though, as the strong German navy can't proceed any farther than the coast, and are now of little value to the german offensive.
One wonders if the Franco-German alliance or the Russo-Turkish alliances will stand the test of time, or if a well-timed stab of an erstwhile ally might change the entire situation of this game. So far, the alliances have been extremely loyal, something almost unheard of in a game of Diplomacy.
Only time will tell if nobody wants to claim world domination as a solo victory for their country.
Ownership of supply centers:
Austria: Serbia, Warsaw.
France: Belgium, Brest, Liverpool, Marseilles, Naples, Norway, Paris,
Portugal, Spain, Tunis.
Germany: Berlin, Denmark, Edinburgh, Holland, Kiel, London, Munich, St
Petersburg, Sweden.
Italy: Rome.
Russia: Budapest, Bulgaria, Moscow, Rumania, Sevastopol, Vienna.
Turkey: Ankara, Constantinople, Greece, Smyrna, Trieste, Venice.
Austria: 2 Supply centers, 2 Units: Builds 0 units.
France: 10 Supply centers, 9 Units: Builds 1 unit.
Germany: 9 Supply centers, 8 Units: Builds 1 unit.
Italy: 1 Supply center, 1 Unit: Builds 0 units.
Russia: 6 Supply centers, 6 Units: Builds 0 units.
Turkey: 6 Supply centers, 8 Units: Removes 2 units.
Respectfully submitted,
Master banana
