NEUTRAL ITALY Variant:
Italy was clearly in the middle of everything at this time in world history. Their strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea gave them a particular and peculiar place on who or how they would join in the coming war. Italy chose neither side at the start - but events and pressures would soon change that course.
Use this rule to handle a weak and indecisive Italy - which side will they JOIN?!
New power sequence: (preferred but not necessary)
AH - Cannot attack Italy and must attack SER turn 1.
IT - Neutral turn 1. Cannot move or build.
RU
GE
FR
OE
UK
US - Neutral until turn 4.
Procedure for Italy entering the war:
Italy was in the Triple Alliance (of 1882) at the start of the war; Austria, Germany, & Italy. The Triple Entente; England, France, & Russia did much to “buy” Italy’s allegiance with promises of any territorial gains they may take in Austria, the middle East, and Africa. If not for the death of the pro-CP Italian Foreign Minister, the Marquis di San Giuliano, the auction for Italy may not have occurred, and Italy may stayed out of the war longer, if not for the duration. The Triple Entente had much to offer Italy, the Triple Alliance, very little.
Turn 1 - Italy cannot be attacked.
Turn 2+;
a) At start of turn, roll 1d6. 1-2 = to CP; 3-4 = stays neutral; 5-7 = to AP; 8+ = stays neutral.
b) The Triple Entente can spend IPCs (from any treasury) to adjust that die roll. For every 6 spent, add 1 to the roll. This money does not go the Italian treasury.
c) While neutral, Italy will collect 50% of IPC values into their treasury.
d) If the Italy joins a side due to this roll, the owning player can immediately spend 50% of treasury on units to be placed in any European Italian territory or sea zone adjacent to Rome.
e) While neutral, Italy can be attacked by any power, in which they would automatically join the other side. 1; If this occurs, they will mobilize 2 x IPC value of territor(ies) under attack, and regardless of the number of units mobilized, 50% of the treasury will be expended. 2; Mines are active against any amphibious or sea attacks.
f) On Italy’s first active turn in the game, they can spend 50% of their treasury minus any amount that was pre-spent in step d.
