OK, here is the correspondence between Us, the Emperor of Austria, and the Alexander I, Czar of all Russians. E-mail addresses have been suppressed so that they cannot be collected by a bot.
From "Steph" <...>
To: "'Akots'" <...>
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 16:20:16 +0200
Subject: RE : PBEM Napoleon
Dear Emperor Habsburg of Austria,
My goal was indeed to keep everything secret until it is to late for our
ennemy to react. We will prepare the Imperial army until we are both
ready to destroy the evil Ottomans in one single blow.
-----Message d'origine-----
From : Akots
Date : mardi 20 avril 2004 15:22
To : Steph
Objet : Re: PBEM Napoleon
To My Noble Cousin Alexander I
From Emperor Habrburg of Austria
With greetings to my royal relative:
It was a great honor to receive the letter from you. I do completely
agree with certain points of political outline of the current situation.
Austria is the key to Europe. Our military is strong and we can defend
our land from any attack, be it France, Prussia, or Ottoman. The might
of Russian army is also well-known. I would then agree to a
non-aggression pact for at least the first 50 turns of the game and this
can be extended to a mutual protection pact. MPP can be accepted on a
condition that Russia would not wage an aggressive war against Prussia
and limit the conquest ambition with Sweden and Ottoman Empire. Austria
then guarantees the help in war against the Ottoman Empire provided that
it is started at least after 30 turns. Regarding research, I would try
to reveal the mysteries of Nationalism ASAP. Rough estimate shows that
it may take about 15-17 turns. As soon as you discover some other
technology, I can guarantee fair trade of Nationalism to that other
technology based on actual cost of technologies as found in the editor.
As I have stated above, our military is strong and France would not dare
to attack Austria during the first 50 turns but would rather seek our
alliance against Britain. There is no need for us to send your troops
through our territory at the present time. Also, any agreement we would
reach must remain confidential between our parties and not disclosed.
The only exception is the case when one of the parties defaults under
this agreement. Then, it may be disclosed.
Please inform me if these terms are acceptable.
Emperor Habsburg.
-----Original Message-----
From: "Steph" <...>
To: <...>
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 14:48:26 +0200
Subject: PBEM Napoleon
> To the Emperor of Austria
>
> Neither of our country is part of any alliance yet, we must decide
> where we will put the might of our armies. Russia is opened to several
> options. For the moment, the biggest threat to us are the Ottomans.
> They threaten our southern flank, and can have powerfull armies later
> in the game. They are also one of the bigger threat to Austria, as the
> Ottomans can exapnd only toward your territory or mine.
>
> France is not a major threat to you for the moment, it should be to
> busy with other countries. Prussia can decide to side with the French
> against you...
>
> I hereby propose a secret alliance between our two countries. The
> goals would be :
> - to exchange technologies so we can keep and advantage over the other
> countries
> - to attack Ottomans as soon as we are ready. I agree to let you the
> biggest part of the country, as I have Sweden to expand to.
> - to protect each other against any Prussian initiative.
>
> I'm also ready to send an expeditionnary corp to help you should the
> French decide to attack.
>
> Alexander I, Czar of all Russias
This make the whole idea clear IMO. If Alexander I believes that this game can be won by treachery, broken deals, dishonesty, and indecent behavior, We, the Emperor of Austria and all Our People would try to show that this is a wrong thing to do.
To continue diplomatic relationship with Russia and to make any deals would be madness for any players of the current game be it France or any other country.
). But given your initial answer, obviously it was necessary to use deception to avoid early Austrian interference.
