G7 - France vs. England

France had a much more colourful end for the most unrepentent criminals than simply throwing enemies in the Bastille. On Roseau there is a prison - the site was chosen because of the famous boiling lake. The original idea was to use it as a punishment for condemned pirates: suspending them over the lake until their skin blistered and when they repent allowing them to fall into the lake and be boiled alive. I'm sure Stuart could come up with more colourful endings for you, but perhaps if King James has nothing better for RJC? Of course there is always the chance RJC could escape or die en route, and he may well have that sort of luck! I don't know that I would have condemned Churchill to that fate myself as I'm probably far too generous to my enemies. It is much more fun to play against a worthy foe and the game does miss certain characters.

Who was behind the collapse of the Bank of England is still one of the unsolved mysteries of the game. You're right RJC that it was nothing to do with me: I was as surprised as anyone. It seemed to be linked to an attempt to defraud French merchants. It may be coincidence that the Bank of China opened branches immediately afterwards in Paris, Amsterdam, London and New York. I can understand the logic of trying to capitalise on trade between UDP/England/America, but not between them and France as France was at war with William. The Paris branch was immediately shut down as it had been opened without a license or permission. I don't know what happened to the others.

I hope that if Jason (or anyone else) has taken France, then when it becomes known in game, they will let me know either publicly or privately. There is a legitimate case for me defending France on historic grounds and using my game knowledge to stimulate discussion, but once France becomes active once again I think it is only fair that the style of my comments changes. I will still be as forthright as ever in my opinions, but I will make a genuine attempt to understand what the new Louis is doing and give him a chance before contributing.

As France is the most powerful position in the game I considered it a bonus to be able to help those in smaller positions to achieve their goals provided they were no danger to France. OK, it wasn't always possible or beneficial, but it did allow players of some more vulnerable positions a more interesting game than they would otherwise have enjoyed. That may not have consciously been one of my game goals (to use your phrase), but it was a hallmark of the style I played with as much as being rather inflexible in matters of honour/treaties. After all, how many of the game themes I played originated from comment/ideas in letters from other players? Far more than you might think