Rationalist Diplomacy, Game 2
The second game of Diplomacy on Less Wrong. The game itself is here. All maps can be found here.
Contents
Players
Kevin was Prime Minister of Great Britain
AlexMennen was President of France
tenshiko was Kaiser of Germany
Alexandros was King of Italy
WrongBot was Emperor of Austria
Thausler was Czar of Russia
Hugh Ristik was Sultan of Turkey
Randaly was the GM
Spring 1901
Order Results
Austria:
Austria: A bud -> ser
Austria: F tri -> alb
Austria: A vie -> gal
England:
England: F edi -> nwg
England: A lvp -> yor
England: F lon -> nth
France:
France: F bre -> mao
France: A mar -> bur Bounced with mun (1 against 1).
France: A par -> gas
Germany:
Germany: A ber -> kie
Germany: F kie -> hol
Germany: A mun -> bur Bounced with mar (1 against 1).
Italy:
Italy: F nap -> ion
Italy: A rom -> ven
Italy: A ven -> tyr
Russia:
Russia: A mos -> stp
Russia: F sev -> bla Bounced with ank (1 against 1).
Russia: F stp/sc -> bot
Russia: A war -> ukr
Turkey:
Turkey: F ank -> bla Bounced with sev (1 against 1).
Turkey: A con -> bul
Turkey: A smy -> con
Commentary
Turkish Military Advance Checked in Black Sea
Earlier this month, Sultan HughRistik, announced a broad movement of Turkish troops into the Balkans, vowing to avenge previous Turkish defeats in the First Balkans War and restore Turkey to its traditional dominant role. As a result of the balkanization of the Balkans League in the Second Balkans War, Ottoman forces encountered shockingly little resistance on land; however, the Russian fleet blocked the advance of the Ottoman fleet into the Black Sea.
Schlieffen Plan Implemented
In a move anticipated by every other European monarch, Germany invaded France in March. Though its initial strike towards Burgundy was blocked by French troops based out of Marseilles, German military leaders are privately confident that the northern prong of their assault, currently outflanking the French defenses through the Netherlands, will achieve greater success.
English, Russian Forces Approach Scandinavia
Both the English and Russian militaries have mobilized their fleets and militaries, moving them towards Scandinavia. The Russian fleet has entered the Gulf of Bothnia, while elements of the British fleet have occupied the North and Norwegian Seas.
Italian Forces Advance Into Tyrolia
The Italian army recently advanced into Tyrolia, putting it in a position to threaten the rears of both Austria and Germany. Austrian advances into the Balkans and Galicia have left its homeland undefended, while German forces in Munich have already been deployed unsuccessfully against Burgundy.
Fall 1901
Order Results
Austria:
Supply centers were gained. Units that may be built: 1.
Austria: F alb -> tri
Bounced with ven (1 against 1).
Austria: A gal -> war
Austria: A ser -> rum
Bounced with ukr (1 against 1).
England:
Supply centers were gained. Units that may be built: 2.
England: F nth Convoys A yor -> hol
England: F nwg -> nwy
England: A yor -> hol
Convoy path taken: yor→nth→hol.
France:
Supply centers were gained. Units that may be built: 2.
France: A gas -> por
Convoy path taken: gas→mao→por.
France: A mar -> spa
France: F mao Convoys A gas -> por
Germany:
Supply centers were gained. Units that may be built: 2.
Germany: F hol -> bel
Germany: A kie -> den
Germany: A mun -> ruh
Italy:
Supply centers were gained. Units that may be built: 2.
Italy: F ion -> tun
Italy: A tyr Supports A ven -> tri
Italy: A ven -> tri
Russia:
Supply centers were gained. Units that may be built: 1.
Russia: F bot -> swe
Russia: F sev Supports A ukr -> rum
Russia: A stp -> lvn
Russia: A ukr -> rum
Turkey:
Supply centers were gained. Units that may be built: 2.
Turkey: F ank -> bla
Turkey: A bul -> gre
Turkey: A con -> bul
Commentary
Italy Invades Austrian Homeland
Earlier this month, Italian forces based out of Venice and supported from Tyrolia invaded and captured Trieste, seizing one of Austria's main production provinces, and placing its forces within striking distance of the currently undefended provinces of Vienna and Budapest. Though Italian forces are well supported, Austrian officials are privately confident that Vienna and Budapest will be defended and Trieste recaptured; when asked how, one official responded cryptically, "We have forces there. You just can't see them. Yet."
England Seizes Foothold on the Continent
English troops stormed ashore in Holland last month, threatening the rear of the advancing German fleet currently in Belgium, as well as presenting a potent threat to the German naval base at Kiel. Prime Minister Kevin vowed to defend England's interests, including Belgian neutrality and the continued survival of its allies.
Austria Strikes Undefended Russian Flank
Columns of Austrian troops entered Warsaw in October, taking advantage of the occupation of Russian forces in the south to seize one of Russia's main production provinces. The citizens of Warsaw have met the initial conquest with overwhelming approval, although the approval is now diminishing under the continued occupation, as well as the threat posed by advancing Russian forces in Livonia.
Contact Made With Alternate Universe
A delegation of properly credentialed diplomats recently emerged from a mysterious portal, claiming to be from an alternate universe. Governments are currently investigating how their supposedly classified protocols were leaked to this unknown organization.
Winter 1901
Austria:
Austria: Builds A bud
England:
England: Builds A edi
England: Builds F lon
France:
France: Builds A mar
France: Builds A par
Germany:
Germany: Builds F kie
Germany: Builds A mun
Italy:
Italy: Builds F nap
Italy: Builds A ven
Russia:
Russia: Builds A mos
Turkey:
Turkey: Builds A con
Turkey: Builds F smy
Spring 1902
Orders Results
Austria:
The Army in Serbia cannot retreat; unit destroyed.
Austria: F alb -> tri Bounced with tri (1 against 2).
Austria: A bud Supports A ser Support cut by Move from Rumania.
Austria: A ser Supports F alb -> tri Support cut by Move from Greece. Dislodged from gre (2 against 1).
Austria: A war Holds
England:
England: A edi -> yor
England: A hol Holds
England: F lon -> eng
England: F nth Supports A hol
England: F nwy -> ska
France:
France: A mar -> bur Bounced with mun (1 against 1).
France: F mao Convoys A por -> bre
France: A par -> pic Bounced with bel (1 against 1).
France: A por -> bre
Convoy path taken: por→mao→bre.
France: A spa -> gas
Germany:
Germany: F bel -> pic Bounced with par (1 against 1).
Germany: A den -> kie Failed because Germany: F kie -> hol failed.
Germany: F kie -> hol Bounced with hol (2 against 2).
Germany: A mun -> bur Bounced with mar (1 against 1).
Germany: A ruh Supports F kie -> hol
Italy:
Italy: F nap -> apu
Italy: A tri Supports A bud Support cut by Move from Albania.
Italy: F tun -> ion
Italy: A tyr -> vie
Italy: A ven Supports A tri
Russia:
Russia: A lvn -> war Bounced with war (1 against 1).
Russia: A mos Holds
Russia: A rum -> bud Bounced with bud (1 against 1).
Russia: F sev -> bla Bounced with bla (1 against 1).
Russia: F swe Holds
Turkey:
Turkey: F bla Supports A bul Support cut by Move from Sevastopol.
Turkey: A bul Supports A gre -> ser
Turkey: A con Supports A bul
Turkey: A gre -> ser
Turkey: F smy -> aeg
Commentary
British, German Fleets Clash
Earlier this month, the German High Seas Fleet left port for Netherlands. Supported by several divisions of infantry, the fleet was intended to dislodge and annihilate entrenched British troops; however, elements of the British Grand Fleet intercepted the High Seas Fleet. After an inconclusive hour-long exchange of gunfire, the High Seas Fleet retreated to its bases in Kiel, allowing the British forces in the Netherlands to continue holding their precarious foothold on the continent.
Italy; Ottoman Empire Continue Assault on Austrian Homeland
Beleaguered Austrian armies lost two more provinces, Serbia and Vienna, to advancing Italian and Ottoman armies. While surviving Austro-Hungarian officials continue to issue confident press releases from their new capital of Budapest, most analysts say that situation is grim for Emperor WrongBot. "The loss of Vienna, the capital and a key supply province for the war effort, is particularly going to hurt," says analyst Alex Richard.
France Repulses Abortive German Offensive
After nearly a year of preparations, German forces continued once again attacked France in May. Moving from the Ruhr and Munich into Picardy and Burgundy, they met with initial success. However, President AlexMennen soon was able to commit reserves rushed northwards from the Iberian peninsula to the fight; German gains crept to a halt, and they were soon being pushed back out of French territory. French officials are confident that their reserves will be enough to halt any future German attacks, and to go on the offensive; French soldiers were less pleased.
Fall 1902
Order Results
Austria:
The Army in Budapest cannot retreat; unit destroyed.
The Fleet in Albania cannot retreat; unit destroyed.
Austria: F alb -> tri Bounced with ven (1 against 1). Dislodged from ion (2 against 1).
Austria: A bud Supports F alb -> tri Dislodged from tri (2 against 1).
Austria: A war -> gal
England:
England: F eng Supports A hol -> bel
England: A hol -> bel
England: F nth Supports F ska -> den
England: F ska -> den
England: A yor Holds
France:
France: A bre Supports A par -> pic
France: A gas Supports A mar -> bur
France: A mar -> bur Bounced with mun (2 against 1).
France: F mao Holds
France: A par -> pic
Germany:
The Fleet in Belgium cannot retreat; unit destroyed.
Germany: F bel Supports F kie -> hol Dislodged from hol (2 against 1).
Germany: A den -> kie
Germany: F kie -> hol
Germany: A mun -> bur Bounced with mar (2 against 1).
Germany: A ruh Supports A mun -> bur
Italy:
Italy: F apu -> adr
Italy: F ion -> alb
Italy: A tri -> bud
Italy: A ven -> tri Bounced with alb (1 against 1).
Italy: A vie Supports A tri -> bud
Russia:
Russia: A lvn -> war
Russia: A mos Supports A lvn -> war
Russia: A rum Holds
Russia: F sev Supports F bla -> rum Support failed. Supported unit's order does not match support given.
Russia: F swe Holds
Turkey:
Turkey: F aeg -> ion
Turkey: F bla Supports A con -> bul
Turkey: A bul -> gre
Turkey: A con -> bul
Turkey: A ser Supports F ion -> alb
Commentary
Last Austro-Hungarian Provinces Fall
Earlier this month Italian forces from Trieste captured Budapest, the last of Austria-Hungary's supply provinces. Count Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf, the Chief the General Staff of the Austrian army, formally surrendered the surrounded Austrian forces, while Emperor WrongBot attempted to make his way through enemy lines to the remnants of his northern army, currently regrouping in Galicia. With the voluntary withdrawal of Austrian forces from Warsaw, just ahead of advancing Russian armies, Austria is left without any industrial capacity to support its sole remaining army, and is expected to fully surrender shortly.
English Forces Liberate Belgium; Denmark
While the majority of German forces were occupied with assaults on the Netherlands and France, English forces launched amphibious attacks on both Belgium and Denmark. Both attacks, taking advantage of the distraction of advancing German forces, were successful; meanwhile, the German army seized the Netherlands, but continue to fail to gain entry into France. In a speech earlier this week, Prime Minister Kevin announced that, though Belgium had been liberated and its original war aims had been achieved, "they would not rest until the specter of German aggression no longer threatens our terri on the Continent." Analysts were unclear what interests he was referring to.
Winter 1902
Austria:
Army at Galicia ordered to Disband. Austria no longer controls any supply centers, and has been eliminated. Not enough Disband orders were submitted. Units farthest from home supply center will be disbanded. Austria: Removes A gal
England: England: Builds F edi
France:
Germany:
Italy: Italy: Builds F nap Italy: Builds F rom
Russia: Russia: Builds A stp
Turkey: Turkey: Builds F smy
Spring 1903
Orders
England: Illegal order for unit at Edinburgh. Hold order assigned.
England: A bel Supports A ruh -> bur Support failed. Supported unit's order does not match support given.
England: F den -> swe Bounced with swe (1 against 1).
England: F edi Holds
England: F eng -> pic Bounced with pic (1 against 1).
England: F nth -> nwy Bounced with stp (1 against 1).
England: A yor -> wal
France:
France: A bre Holds
France: A gas Supports A mar -> bur
France: A mar -> bur Bounced with mun (2 against 1).
France: F mao Holds
France: A pic Supports A mar -> bur Support cut by Move from English Channel.
Germany:
Germany: F hol -> kie Failed because Germany: A kie -> mun failed.
Germany: A kie -> mun Failed because Germany: A mun -> bur failed.
Germany: A mun -> bur Bounced with mar (2 against 1).
Germany: A ruh Supports A mun -> bur
Italy:
Italy: F adr -> ion Bounced with ion (1 against 1).
Italy: F alb -> gre
Italy: A bud -> ser
Italy: F nap Supports F rom -> tys
Italy: F rom -> tys
Italy: A ven Supports A vie -> tri
Italy: A vie -> tri
Russia:
Russia: A mos Holds
Russia: A rum Supports A bud -> ser Support cut by Move from Black Sea.
Russia: F sev Supports A rum
Russia: A stp -> nwy Bounced with nth (1 against 1).
Russia: F swe Holds
Russia: A war -> ukr
Turkey:
Turkey: F bla -> rum Bounced with rum (1 against 1).
Turkey: A bul -> rum Bounced with rum (1 against 1).
Turkey: A gre -> apu Convoy path taken: gre→ion→apu.
Turkey: F ion Convoys A gre -> apu
Turkey: A ser -> alb
Turkey: F smy -> aeg
Commentary
Indecisive Battles in the Balkans Are Indecisive
Despite their overwhelming numbers, the Russo-Italian alliance is temporarily stalemated by Turkey, while both sides are moving up reinforcements. An Italian advance from Budapest to Serbia failed after supporting units from Rumania were forced to stay behind to fend of a Turkish assault. The Turkish fleet in the Ionian Sea and infantry in Greece continued to bottle up the Italian navy in the Adriatic Sea and its ports in Albania. However, Turkey also failed to make any progress; it was forced to call off an attempted amphibious attack on Italy to prevent the escape of the Italian navy, while the Russia army was able to continue holding Rumania. Turkish bond prices dropped sharply following the failure of the Turkish offensives, reflecting the general belief that Turkey will eventually be worn down by the Russo-Italian alliance.
England, Russia Clash in Scandinavia
English reinforcements from the North Sea arrived just in time to block a Russian attack on Norway. The attack in March was followed closely by the advance of the Russian fleet from Sweden into Denmark; however, forewarned British forces had already moved to northern Denmark in preparation for a counterattack. The two sides fought an indecisive battle before withdrawing.
English-German Alliance Fails to Make Progress Against France
The French once again managed to repel every attack launched by the surrounding nations. French troops from Picardy fought a long artillery duel with elements of the High Seas Fleet, eventually managing to repel the main assault after grievous damage to both sides. Meanwhile, in Burgundy, a German attack from Munich was prevented due to a mistake in communication: the British Expeditionary Force expected the attack to come from the Ruhr instead of Munich, and planned accordingly. A spokesman for Prime Minister Kevin claimed that better coordination would surely lead to the fall of the Ruhr next campaigning season.
Fall 1903
Order Results:
England:
England: A bel Supports A mun -> bur
England: F den -> swe Failed because Russia: F swe -> nwy failed.
England: F edi -> nwg
England: F eng -> pic Bounced with bre (1 against 1).
England: F nth Supports A bel
England: A wal Holds
France:
France: A bre -> pic Bounced with eng (1 against 1).
France: A gas Supports A pic -> bur
France: A mar Supports A pic -> bur
France: F mao Holds
France: A pic -> bur Bounced with mun (3 against 1).
Germany:
Germany: F hol -> hel
Germany: A kie -> hol
Germany: A mun -> bur Bounced with pic (3 against 1).
Germany: A ruh Supports A mun -> bur
Italy:
The Fleet in Greece cannot retreat; unit destroyed.
Italy: F adr -> apu Failed because Turkey: A apu -> nap failed.
Italy: F gre -> ion Bounced with ion (1 against 1). Dislodged from ion (2 against 1).
Italy: F nap -> rom Bounced with ven (1 against 1).
Italy: A ser Supports A rum -> bul Support failed. Supported unit's order does not match support given.
Italy: A tri -> alb Failed because Turkey: A alb -> ser failed.
Italy: F tys -> tun
Italy: A ven -> rom Bounced with nap (1 against 1).
Russia:
Russia: A mos -> ukr
Russia: A rum -> bud
Russia: F sev -> arm Bounced with bul (1 against 1).
Russia: A stp -> nwy Bounced with swe (1 against 1).
Russia: F swe -> nwy Bounced with stp (1 against 1).
Russia: A ukr -> gal
Turkey:
Turkey: F aeg Supports F ion -> gre
Turkey: A alb -> ser Bounced with ser (1 against 1).
Turkey: A apu -> nap Failed because Italy: F nap -> rom failed.
Turkey: F bla Convoys A bul -> arm
Turkey: A bul -> arm Bounced with sev (1 against 1). Convoy path taken: bul→bla→arm.
Turkey: F ion -> gre
Commentary
No Clear Winner in Balkans Conflict
Following a season of violent conflict, each side has gained little. Turkey and Russia each attempted to outflank the other through Armenia, but as a result, both offensives failed. Meanwhile, the Russian army advanced on Italy's northern flank, capturing Budapest and threatening Vienna- but Italy managed to make up for the loss by capturing Serbia from Turkey. While Turkey didn't achieve any offensive successes against opposing supply centers, it did manage to retake Greece via a two-pronged offensive from the Aegean and Ionian Seas, and to pin down three major Italian forces on and around Italy. Analysts have mostly given up attempting to understand the three-sided war.
Stalemate on Western Front
Burgundy continues to remain uncontrolled by either alliance on the Western front; major offensives earlier this month from both sides failed to make any headway. Meanwhile, an amphibious assault by England on Picardy was repulsed by reinforcements from Brest, allowing the army currently in Picardy to participate in the fighting in Burgundy with its rear secure. At sea, the French fleet remained in the Mid-Atlanta Ocean, guarding French possessions in Spain and Portgual; England, wary of its offensive power, kept an army in Wales to deal with the threat of landings on the English coast.
Shockingly, No Progress in Scandinavia
English and Russian forces continued to clash in Scandinavia, with the fleets in Sweden and Denmark fighting a sharp but short and inconclusive battle. Meanwhile, a pair of Russian military leaders, rushing to secure the unguarded province of Norway, mistook each others forces for the enemy and opened fire. While the mistake was eventually corrected, both forces were forced to retreat by the onset of winter and the threat of a looming British fleet, as much of their supplies had been destroyed.
Winter 1903
England:
France:
Germany:
Italy: Italy: Builds A rom
Russia: Russia: Builds A war
Turkey: Turkey: Removes A apu
Spring 1904
Order Results:
England:
England: A bel Supports F nth -> hol
England: F den -> kie Bounced with hol (1 against 1).
England: F eng -> mao Bounced with mao (1 against 1).
England: F nth -> hol
England: F nwg -> nth
England: A wal Holds
France:
No order for unit at Mid-Atlantic Ocean. Hold order assigned.
France: A bre Supports A pic
France: A gas Supports A mar -> bur
France: A mar -> bur
France: F mao Holds
France: A pic Supports A mar -> bur
Germany:
The Army in Holland cannot retreat; unit destroyed.
Germany: F hel Holds
Germany: A hol -> kie Bounced with den (1 against 1). Dislodged from nth (2 against 1).
'Germany: A mun -> bur Failed.
Germany: A ruh Supports A mun -> bur
Italy:
Italy: F adr -> alb
Italy: F nap Supports F tun -> ion
Italy: A rom -> ven
Italy: A ser -> bud
Italy: A tri Supports A ser -> bud
Italy: F tun -> ion Bounced with aeg (2 against 1).
Italy: A ven -> tyr
Russia:
Russia: A bud Supports A alb -> ser Dislodged from ser (2 against 1). Retreat to vie.
Russia: A gal -> boh
Russia: F sev Supports A ukr -> rum
Russia: A stp Supports F swe -> nwy
Russia: F swe -> nwy
Russia: A ukr -> rum
Russia: A war -> gal
Turkey: Turkey: F aeg -> ion Bounced with tun (2 against 1).
Turkey: A alb -> ser
Turkey: F bla Holds
Turkey: A bul Supports A alb -> ser
Turkey: F gre Supports F aeg -> ion
Commentary
Balkans Powers Swap Supply Centers (Again)
After another confusing season, the Balkans War appears to be going nowhere quickly. Though Italy did manage to seize Budapest, they did so at the cost of leaving both Vienna and Serbia undefended, and entering a position with Russian forces on three sides; Russia's retreating forces seized Vienna the following month, though they are pinned in on three sides by numerically superior Italian armies. Turkey was the most successful power; it managed to seize Serbia, and lost no territory. Russia reinforced Rumania, taking away the another fairly tempting target, and Italy blocked an attempted Turkish advance into the Ionian Sea.
British Attack Beleaguered Germany
In a move surprising surprising most powers- though, evidently not Germany- British forces launch a broad attack on Germany in early May. Though the German army was able to prevent a British advance into the German homeland through Kiel, it was not able to prevent elements of the Grand Fleet from seizing Holland in its rear, and destroying the defending German unit. Meanwhile, French forces seized Burgundy and now stand ready to invade Germany- an assault that, without a guarantee of British neutrality, would probably overwhelm the German defenders. The one bright spot for Germany is that France and Britain are still at war; their fleets fought a major battle in the mid-Atlantic Ocean in March, won by France.
Norway Falls to Russia
Triumphant Russian fleets, supported from St. Petersburg, entered Norway without opposition in March. The move was a serious threat to British interests, as in addition to the loss of a supply center, Russian fleets are now less than a year away from the undefended British city of Edinburgh.
