Chapter 8: A New Hope

Seasons Covered: Fall 1902 / Winter 1902

Fall 1902

Wow.  Look at the big brain on me!  I actually pulled something off.  I even got enigmatic and stubborn Germany to help me.  Ma, I can ride a bike without training wheels!  Please make me a sandwich with the crusts cut off.  I feel like a king for a few minutes. I’ve also minimized the French threat to my West and South. The Game Master, Ajax, messaged me:

I supported Germany into Belgium, meaning a disband for France and his Grand Imperial forces, and Germany helped me into Sweden, which now requires Russia to face a disband.  My two biggest threats each disband one, and I build one.  Russia lied to me, and I was ready for that, and I luckily prepared for that. Anyway, I still got a build, and now Russia has an army stranded in Norway.  I’ve got that one when I want if Russia disbands one up North.

Time for movie quotes. I was initially going to do Rushmore, but I couldn’t make it work. Instead, I picked the Big Lebowski to bring some levity to the situation:

People seemed to like it. Everyone is congratulating me.  It’s like me being teen Henry in Goodfellas after he got pinched for the first time.

I had some great press with Austria, and the GameMaster even broke into the conversation.

At least someone found my press as funny as I did. I was winning something!

Now, all I’ve have to do is use my persuasive skills and get France and Russia to disband units near my homeland.  I’m pretty sure Russia will go for it, but France has no reason to do so. First, an attempt with Russia:

It also turns out out FI is for real, and Russia was working with them.  I’m slow to the uptake, but that makes the most sense.  Try to butter up Italy some more, but he’s a better butter-upper.

I also try to patch things up with France after he sent a nice note:

A little brown-nosing never hurt anyone. Also, I meant what I said. (note: after the game, France let me know what he thought of my game).

Austria sends more press. It seems hopeful.

I am dealing with my new friends, but =Germany is a tough nut to crack.  That guy does not like to commit and goes AWOL at critical times.  I got to first base with him.  Will I ever score?  Let’s see what the morning brings.

Italy likes the moves:

Meanwhile, Turkey sends this odd press:

Turkey in winter 1902

I’d like to make an announcement. Russia sent me this big giant press that Italy said I wrote to him. He fabricated 90% of it and even flipped what was right. I’m sure he did this to others. He’s been working against me this whole game for some reason. I just say all of this to say that I hope all of you are smart enough to take any fake press sent to you with a grain of salt. People usually are editing it in some way to manipulate.

I don’t know what to do with that, so I let it be.  Then Italy sends a press:

Now, I can’t help myself.  I have to join in.

I was pretty proud of my @Conq impression. He also reaches out to me about Turkey:

This game is like Survivor.  I worked all day and then hit Diplomacy hard for three hours before adjudication.  I can’t get voted off the island.

Austria and I then begin to bond, which turns out to be very important later in the game.

Austria was right about France, because France literally came “Hat in Hand” to me. He wants us to be a thing. His message worked like a charm.  Did I find my friend and complete one of my Five Goals?

I just blow off Germany because he’s not reliable.  I think France has to move to protect against Italy and needs me at this moment.  I can get him Belgium, and he can get me Holland.  Also, Den could be open, so Germany is in my sights.

Builds come.

Winter 1902

Russia does not disband in the North.  That sucks.  St. Petersburg is probably gone but I can get Norway or Sweden back.  The other builds bewilder me.  Turkey builds an army??  Is he working with Italy? Turkey tells me Italy lied, but would Turkey trust Italy to tell the truth?

What.Is.Up?