Napoleonic Empire - 5ppl - Free for All (Noll - Veqryn - Alex - Wheat - Gekk)

[Noll]

@Veqryn:

@Gargantua:

Also the +6 NO for killing $6 worth of units is more easily obtained when fighting the 19 units over 7 territories…

no national bonus for killing “neutrals” is awarded.
there might be a few more neutrals in the middle east next version, but for your information, the number of units is not the only thing making them hard to task (the other is location, and the number of other powers who can possibly take it [and whether there is a VC in the region or not]).

Yet Italy is not really defended compared to Spain and Sweden

[lexgreat]

Veq I see the point and its not criticism.

But in case of KArelia and esp. Finland: Costs like hell, worth nothing, next VC far away (did I overlook?) - need to burn through yet more troops if I dont invade by sea, own units far away from any human player border if in Finland (again, unless transported by ships, but Russias fleet not competitive and not even a factory from start –> Petersburg should have one, really), so out of action;

same is true for Persia; not too badly defended, and own troops even farther away from human players; not doable without a general, if I even want to send my men dying there.
Factor in that Russia has less money overall, probably less troops at start (didnt count both claims, looks like though) while all other nations can take lightly defended neutrals and remain in the main theatre still.

Having said all this, again, no complaints, I am easy whichever way this game goes. I like the setting and appreciate the hard work that went into the map already.

[Veqryn]

Russia generally does really well, because they are well positioned to attack many theaters without as much risk as other players.

Karelia is needed for your to take if you want to use your navy up north.  Finland is connected to your capital and can only be accessed by Russia (Austria sure as hell isn’t taking it).  Once you attack Karelia, you may as well use your troops for Finland (or not, up to you).  Therefor both, despite being heavily defended, are an advantage for you.

Most importantly, you don’t piss anyone off by taking them.

Compare that with the Middle East, or the austria/russia border.  In the middle east, take too much and you piss off the Ottomans (and maybe the french or uk, depending on the game).  And of course, taking the ones bordering Austria will piss off Austria.

The neutrals in the middle east are far away from capitals and can be accessed by 2-4 powers.  You will see that if Russia and the Ottomans ever go to war, those neutrals are incredibly hard to hold onto both any power in the game. 
(though i may still add a few more for next version)

anyway, glad you are liking the game!

[Veqryn]

respectful and constructive criticism is always welcome

[lexgreat]

It IS true that Russia has not as many open flanks as others, and I do not forget that advantage. But about Finland and Karelia, they are simply not worth it (or only with guaranteed peace with A and O for a looong time). How many turns do I have to hold both for making this worthwile? Every unit lost costs one more PU minimum than what I get for holding both territories for one game round. Add cavalry, artillery losses…you get the picture. And the amount needed is massive, hence why you have to rely on A and O holding still (granted again, they have to worry more than Russia does about the rest of the world).

But ok, strategies differ and one opinion (mine) does not cover all situations and neither all plans another player might have.
The one thing I do criticise is that those Russians ships up north are not available until Karelia is attacked, and that is truly unfair for players who decide that going in is not advantageous at all. Only for the navy you shouldnt be exposed to so many enemies (and a gain of one PU per turn).

[Veqryn]

Not all neutrals must be taken in all games.

Actually, I like having some neutrals last until 10+ rounds later.

Also, taking finland might be easier with low luck, cus you exactly how much to send to wipe it out round 1, therefore limiting your losses to absolute minimum number of units.

[Noll]

Let’s not forget it’s political action.

We need Austria, Ottomans and UK’s politics.

[wheatbeer]

The Ottoman Empire:
Declares war against the UK
Offers alliance to France

[Noll]

France accepts alliance with the Ottomans.

[Gekkepop]

If I’m not mistaken you cannot move from Open Borders straight to war (that’s what it says in game notes anyway), so we’ll be at war two turns from now. That is the specific reason I signed Open Borders with you. Now if I cancel Open Borders with the Ottomans, what happens to units already in my territory which are no longer allowed there? For the rest I will offer Alliance to Austria and Russia.

[wheatbeer]

When Political Actions become available:
Moving from - Moving to - take X rounds (including current round)
War - Ceasefire - 2 rounds
Ceasefire - Open Borders - 1 rounds
Open Borders - Allied - 1 rounds
Ceasefire - War - 1 rounds
Open Borders - War - 2 rounds
Open Borders - Ceasefire - 1 rounds
Allied - Ceasefire - 2 rounds
Allied - Open Borders - 1 rounds

[Veqryn]

ottoman can declare war on you this round, since it has been 2 rounds since you signed the open borders agreement.

and we have our first backstab of the game….

[wheatbeer]

The UK has the strongest army, the best economy, and the safest capitol, so I hope you don’t take it personally Gekkepop.

[Gekkepop]

Must have misunderstood how the politics work then, it’s written in a rather confusing way. Very well, prepare your defenses Sultan Wheatbeer.

[lexgreat]

Russia, for now, does not accept as close ties as alliance with UK would mean.

[Gekkepop]

My other question still isn’t answered though, what happens to units in my territory if we’re suddenly at war?

[wheatbeer]

I believe it will force combat in the territory.

[Veqryn]

@Gekkepop:

My other question still isn’t answered though, what happens to units in my territory if we’re suddenly at war?

you can move out if you just became at war, which you did

[wheatbeer]

He’s on an island surrounded by my ships, so I don’t think he has anywhere to go.

Speaking of which, Ottoman OOL for Candia (aka Crete) on UK4 will be marines die first, chasseurs die last.

[Gekkepop]

So I’m forced to attack in my own territory? What if I want to retreat? (on an island) Are ships allowed to load units in hostile sea zones if war was declared this turn? (like in G40) These political rules lead to some very weird situations.