As the work load from the day job lightens up, I can now review the situation. Lets see. Italy, what happened? Austria, going great but those pesky Turks will not surrender despite all the advice. France, still in a position to slow down the Austrians. England, could well survive to the end since France has the wrong combination of units in England. Russia, holding on. Friendly chats between Russia, France and Turkey may yet spoil things for Austria. I wonder if anybody is still suggesting an Austrian win?
England (Weirddave): If you’re not making friends with Russia, then your days are numbered. And it’s a pretty small number at that.
France (Omniscient): The recovery continues. Good build, should speed up the destruction of England, especially if Russia helps. The race for control of the Med has begun and you should get there first. Don’t kick the Italians out of Marseilles until next Fall, that way there will not be a nomadic Italian army wandering around for the Fall move.
Germany (White Lightning): Scene – Switzerland, a remote hunting lodge in the Alps. Wilhelm von Hohenzollern and his major domo, von Schlieffen, are out shooting. During a break in the peasant hunt - sorry, pheasant, no, I was right the first time - they lean on their shooting sticks and take a swig from their hip flasks.
Wilhelm: “Vell von Schlieffen, how goes ze var.”
Von Schlieffen: “Var? Vhat var?””
Wilhelm: “Ach, you know, ze vun going on all around us in Europe.”
Von Schlieffen: “Oh, zat var. I haff no idea. Why do you vant to know?”
Wilhelm: “Oh, I don’t know. Idle curiosity perhaps? Anyvay, vhat’s for lunch?”
Von Schlieffen: “Roast peasant?”
Italy (Jonathan Chance): Hmm, life is not good. Your capital has fallen, you country is under the Austrian jackboot and your Garibaldi biscuits are broken. Life is tough. Remember, Italians are not known for fighting to the bitter end.
Austria (Abe Babe): The Austrian Empire is well on its way to becoming the Holy Roman Empire again. However, the Russians and Turks could still slow you down enough for a resurgent France to become a serious opponent. I think France will win the race to dominate the western Med and, assuming the Italians are easily kicked out of Marseilles, could squeeze you in Italy. My advice (as if anybody listens to it ;)), concentrate on the Turks and Russians, hold in the Med and Italy and go through Germany to get at the French, not Italy. Life is getting tougher now.
Russia (Steve): Talk to Turkey, get them to cut Sevastopol’s support for Moscow and kick the Austrians out. You and Turkey can cause an awful lot of damage between you.
Turkey (ShibbOleth): Help the Russians in Spring while attacking Constantinople from Ankara, supported by Bulgaria. Next turn, you’ll be kicked out of Bulgaria so use that fleet now, while it’s still viable. Doesn’t matter if the Austrians take Smyrna, you can evict them next turn easily enough. You’re may be going down but if you hang in for long enough, the French will be in a position to help and you just might survive.
Go Alien – who knows more about peasant shooting than strategy. 