Media Wars Continues — Oh Sultan, My Sultan-Poetry Contest Ensues

One of my favorite things about high-level press games is the ability to get to know people. In these games, as opposed to normal press games where people tend to be more game focused, you see some people open up and give a side of themselves that we do not normally see. I try to use these opportunities to forge bonds both in the game, and for games down the road with the same players. Jeff (Italy 1) used an interlude during Spring 1905 negotiations to send a poem to Turkey.

I reply as follows:

Austria took up the challenge, and I thought he did a really good job with my limitations.

At this point, it was game on, and I replied with a riff on “The Road Not Taken.” As you can see, I have no feel for rhyme or meter. I just go for laughs.

Turkey, Italy’s original muse and subject of affection, writes us back.

I also shared a poem with the players that I commissioned from the great Tarzana Joe on the occasion of my 15th wedding anniversary.

Commissioning that poem was one of the best things I ever did in my marriage. Italy, however, came back with a new poem.

Game, set, match. An awesome poem by Jeff. Legendary Tactics thought so, as well, and he made a video of a new Diplomacy Archetype, “The Poet.” It’s a fun watch.

Please follow the game in the meantime, and follow my competitors’ social media.