Couple replies came in:
Reservations about MJW aside, I appreciate the straight shooting. Here was TT's response:
So that sounds promising to me. I realize he is probably talking like this to Rowain too. The thing with TT is he is very quick to jump on board with some sort of alliance, and he tends to be quite loyal once he's committed to one. To me, this suggests we need to get something going with him quickly if it's ever going to happen.
I don't know if I totally buy the stuff about shared victories and whatever. He's Russia, and Russia is a nation where you immediately start thinking about how you can solo, because it's very doable if the first couple years go well for you. The idea of cozying up to Russia alone is usually a little scary to Turkey because it's hard to undo the Russian monster once you've helped create it... But given Rowain's nature (very good and tricky) and Rowain's position (desperate Austria-Hungary), I am really thinking our best choice may be to just do what needs to be done to execute Austria (promise MJW what he wants, cozy up to TT, etc), and then pick up the pieces afterwards. If I play up the "I may be a dead man walking" angle, I think a Turkish desire to just finish well may be realistic to TT, and we might actually be able to make some sort of an alliance workable.
So there's some initial thoughts. I need to think a little before replying to those messages.
MJW Wrote:Sorry for being a bit late. I check my email after loging-out. You could offer me a lot of supply centers and that would get me on your side. There's no way I could take out Austria by myself so you would have to help me too. But due to Turkey's position you would do that anyway. I would consider joining you if offer me at least two supply centers.
Reservations about MJW aside, I appreciate the straight shooting. Here was TT's response:
TT Wrote:Good day to you both,
BLA is most certainly the elephant in the room, and must really be considered as a crucial chip when it comes to any kind of juggernaut proposal. A bounce seems the most typical way for us to start, but I do abhor cliche. Unfortunately, over 70% of Turkish players go for BLA in the spring so I would need serious convincing to go to Rum instead...
Rowain definitely wants to stop another scooter win, but then if he did then I would question why he is playing the game!
I can see us being one of two things really, natural allies or natural enemies. That's the hand we are dealt as neighbours in this game and so its important for both of us to get the answer to this quickly. I like to keep my word and have no issue with shared victories or long term alliances if both parties pull their weight. I would rather work with you than against you but for that we need trust. I am open to all suggestions on how to reach that point.
We could work together and significantly hurt Rowain, I am not averse to that. But that would also mean hoping to get an unpredictable MJW on side for us to really succeed.
Anyhoo, we may well be putting the cart before the horse here and I need to get some sleep.
Keep in touch,
TT
So that sounds promising to me. I realize he is probably talking like this to Rowain too. The thing with TT is he is very quick to jump on board with some sort of alliance, and he tends to be quite loyal once he's committed to one. To me, this suggests we need to get something going with him quickly if it's ever going to happen.
I don't know if I totally buy the stuff about shared victories and whatever. He's Russia, and Russia is a nation where you immediately start thinking about how you can solo, because it's very doable if the first couple years go well for you. The idea of cozying up to Russia alone is usually a little scary to Turkey because it's hard to undo the Russian monster once you've helped create it... But given Rowain's nature (very good and tricky) and Rowain's position (desperate Austria-Hungary), I am really thinking our best choice may be to just do what needs to be done to execute Austria (promise MJW what he wants, cozy up to TT, etc), and then pick up the pieces afterwards. If I play up the "I may be a dead man walking" angle, I think a Turkish desire to just finish well may be realistic to TT, and we might actually be able to make some sort of an alliance workable.
So there's some initial thoughts. I need to think a little before replying to those messages.