As Turkey, I opened anti-Russia, assuming the veteran player in charge of Russia would understand that a Jugg can often come about at a moment's notice, and that it would not entirely ruin our relations. Mistake! Russia immediatley cut a deal with Austria, and Austria moved into Bulgaria, while I took Rum, putting me in a tough position, but making it clear that Austria was coming after me. I had nice conversations with both Austria and Italy in 1901, but Italy was clearly being a pain in France's ass, while E/G was also going after France. By the end of 1901 it seemed pretty clear to me that a Jugg could not be better set up, especially since Austria was clearly after me, so I changed my build to Russia's recommendation in an attempt to get Russia on board with me. England convoying an army to Norway seemed like a bad sign for Russia, so I hoped that would also encourage him to join me, so neither of us would have to worry about the other and so we could work together to expand at Austria's expense while E/G/I were mostly focused on France. Negotiations in spring 1902 seemed to go well, with Russia, but all his press was full of lies, *and* he allowed England into StP free and clear. Suppose I had pissed Russia off more than I could have guessed, especially since I really hammered home the point that if he did not work with me, then Austria would kill us both since I'd certainly support Austria into his centers, that I'd take him out of the game with me. BUT, I figured that was certainly clear now, so again, I coordinated moves with Russia for fall 1902, only to see Russia had lied to me about everything for the second season in a row, and basically handed over all the power in the southeast to Austria, while also giving England extra strength in the north. Things were looking very bad, thank you Russia, way to be mature about the situation! ;-)
Finally, starting in 1903, Russia was at least neutral with me. England repeatedly lied about what he would do (though he never admitted to lying once, only that he repeatedly changed his mind and merely failed to notify me... sounds like England has played with Babak a few times!). Italy also liked to lie a lot in the next few years, but luckily that would evolve into minimal press that only came late each phase, or not, I actually preferred the lies. Anyway, Austria got sick of dealing with Italy as well, and eventually, after much stalling, Austria decided to join me against Italy while also giving Russia enough room to get help from Germany against England. Austria and I worked relatively well together for a few years, but things just sort of progressed in a way where Austria couldn't capitalize/grow and he even lost a unit to Italy in 1908, so the board pretty much pushed me into stabbing Austria (not my fault, honestly, and after the fact Austria told me that if I hadn't stabbed him then he would have told me I should have after the game was over, so, it really was out of my control, it's just how the game evolved this time around) and then working with France to prevent a German solo. Russia was a bit upset with me in the end, that I was in favor of him dying, but after 1902 and then years of not really doing much, I just didn't see where the charity was warranted, especially since he was unable to establish himself as a critcal part of the stalemate line.
As far as F2F versus webDip, this mainly felt like a webDip game, since all of the F2Fers had played quite a bit of diplomacy online, even if two had not played on webDip before. It appeared, on the surface, that the F2Fers were pretty willing to "buddy up" in the beginning, E and G working together, A and E working together (not to mention A going to Chicago during the game from Boston to visit E, come on now?! ;-) ), while the webDippers appeared to be more than happy to fight at the beginning, Italy messing with France while I moved against Russia initially and then Russia lied to me repeatedly in response. The line between webDip and F2F eventually got a bit blurred, the game took on its own life. It was kind of cool that France and I each only had three units in 1905, yet we both took part in a three-way draw, though I may be a bit biased.
Riders on the storm
bailing at the last moment.
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