Diplomacy Master Thread- Helping Your Opponents Beat Themselves

[NobleHelium]

Yes, we didn't say that we weren't going to settle there. That is one of my points. We said that we would be okay with them settling there, but they aren't actually doing that.

[Fintourist]

I think Azoth has a point here. When we are one turn from settling the area we should definitely ask whether we can settle S of oasis. It does not make sense to simply concede here without at least trying nicely.

Moreover, after they say no we can position red dot as a favor for CFC.

[Azoth]

Our message should reflect the original agreement, yes. So more assertive, depending.
The important thing is not to assume that Pink Dot is lost to us, or would automatically lead to war.
The settling agreement was clearly a bluff on CFC's part, and we should call them on it (gently.)

[kjn]

I agree with Azoth's line of thinking here. There is no trouble from a micro standpoint to be within 1t of settling both red and pink dot, ie we can make the decision literally on the turn of settling.

[waterbat]

even with turn times like these, im not sure that leaves enough time for the diplo - but i do agree closer to the time we want to settle would be good.

[waterbat]

not to belabor this point, but i made a picture.

A-D are CFC's settlements in order they were suggested (in silly number form 9,9-9,9-6,9-3 of oasis).

pink and red dots were our considerations

green line is the midway point between borders. white line is midway point between borders now.

As you can see, things have changed - their non-existant settler would be closer to our borders (for sites A and B) than their own. For sites C&D, they would be equidistant.

some things to point out:

We could allow them site B and still take pink. we'd lose the stone, but probably ok with BtoB settled.
if we back off to red - we still would have to fight for the fish if they settled D.

Maybe there is a seafood N-NW of B - that made it an attractive site for them - because they do lose the oasis with that spot.

[kjn]

There is seafood in that sea, but it's 2NE of B (1SE of Alemanni).

I think you should send your map to the dotmapping thread, Waterbat - it's great!

[waterbat]

thanks kjn.

also remember how conciliatory that CFC was after forgetting to tell us they met the germans.
i think if we called them (gently ) on the delay tactic they have used, Caledorn would be of similar attitude <shrug>

[kalin]

Several people here made good points about trying to negotiate settling of pink dot and I agree with that. Not asking permission, but rather stating intent within a turn or two of settling, then continue depending on the reaction. We don't violate the agreement and if we are in position to settle pink dot and choose not to, we should get something in exchange.

Kalin

[Azza]

The impression I'm getting is that we want to settle pink dot to say screw you cfc for not settling when you said you would, and a better low priority backfill city. Unless we need the stone, it just doesn't seem worthwhile pissing CFC off over this.