Tuesday, January 10, 2012

1905



England, Russia and Austria-Hungary get to the table to negotiate early.


What kind of deals are made in the dark?  


The always intrepid English are using new technologies to plan their next move.


Russia and Germany work out an understanding. What does the neutral observer think about it all?


Austria-Hungary stabs at the heart of Europe while discussing tactics with France. They both wonder what will Russia do?


So Austria-Hungary takes a moment to reflect away from the action.


SPRING 1905 MAP

Turkey pushes Austria-Hungary out of Serbia, who is forced to retreat to Albania. Russian fleets return to Romania after a long absence on their territory. Russia does some rearranging in Scandinavia but acts relatively defensive. Germany pushes farther into Austria-Hungary taking the port of Trieste. Meanwhile England continues to try and fend of French occupation forces. Most of Italy sits tight except for the Ionian fleet which shoots into Turkish waters.

SUMMER NEGOTIATIONS


The twin leadership of Austria-Hungary listens to French strategic advice. Will they actually listen? Can they stop the forces of Turkey, Russia and Germany? And what about Italy?


The negotiations become frantic around the small board - England, France, Russia and Turkey talk over each other while the Observer watches on.


Are there strong alliances here? Can anyone trust anyone? The option of peace has long since left.


The war room is busy, so for some for who the strategic planning has taken its toll, the secondary room is a more peaceful place to plot.


The dual leaders of Austria-Hungary and England respectively talk to each other, not noticing the former Kaiser of Germany's arrival to watch the carnage unfold. Watch out Italy . . .



Final moments before the troops head back to the bloody battlefield of Europe.



FALL 1905 MAP

Aside from the Italian fleet in the Eastern Med, Turkey now has dominance of the South East. With Italy distracted by foreign dignitaries, Germany and Austria-Hungary work together to capture Venice. Germany strengthens his Eastern defense line, and creates a new defensive buffer in the Blight. Despite open negotiations for a neutral Norway, France continues its advance into Russia's sphere of influence. Meanwhile England manages to hold on to London and trading Liverpool for Edinburgh.



There is a feeling of awe over the crowd. There have been victories and there have been losses.


A moment of silence for those who have lost. The winter will be a welcome break from blood and soil.

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