dj thanks for the update on the rules (especially neutrals). Have a question though.
If you attack a neutral friendly to the other side (combat phase), you fight the standing army (printed on the map). Say the battle goes bad (or you retreat?), leaving 1 neutral inf. Your enemy still has to non combat in to take ownership right?. In the mean time what power represents the surviving inf (multiple powers could come in). Do you just use the inf that you think will end up with the territory?
part 2-Does the friendly power coming in after your debacle only get the units left after your battle (could be none), or does he get the full standing army it once had. I would think only what remains, but had to ask.
PS: I like the domino effect that comes w/strict neutrals. I understand there had to be some kind of risk/reward for game play. I think that many people will not like this link however, sighting historical reasons, or simply that what happens in Turkey, shouldn’t affect what happens in Spain or Mongolia etc… This is a rather over simplistic way to handle it, and I can see a ton of house rules looking for Larry’s endorsement coming up in the future.
Edit: In a global game (if rules stay the same) it does seem kinda funny that if Italy/Germany decide to invade Turkey, that Russia basically gets 6 free inf (Mongolia) for their Siberian front. Or even better the US makes its way over there to claim the Mongolians to get boots into China. I would say that if your side plans on taking one strict neutral you may think about setting up multiple targets to take them on as neutrals (weak), rather then giving extra inf to you enemies.