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Malcolm Green
Canada
Victoria
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ad79 was kind enough to initiate a game via the new PBEM Vassal module. While I was hoping for simply an enjoyable game it turned out to be more than that.
ad79 was one of the original playtesters on the board version and was invaluable in making the game ruleset concise.
Being the author, I tend to take certain things for granted. Not only did I write the rules, I also created the Vassal module (with great assistance from Dr.Nostromo and much motivation from Bayernkini) which included a tutorial.
It's not until you play someone that things start to be revealed as 'could be improved'. Again, I'd note that ad79 was well versed in the rules (though perhaps a little rusty, not having played in a while).
At any rate...some FAQs came to light.
Objectives for example. ad79 sent a fairly comprehensive definition (with my only edit struck and highlighted).
Objectives
Some of the hexes on the board are objective hexes. These have markers that can be flipped to indicate which side will gain 1 morale point for capturing it. If a marker shows the Allied marker the Allied player will gain 1 morale point the instant it captures that hex if a players figure is on the objective marked hex during the Morale phase of that round. At which time the marker is flipped over and the German side shows. If the German player captures this objective and holds it until the Morale phase, he will gain 1 morale point and flip the marker back to the Allied side. This is valid for every marker on the board.
Vacating an objective hex will not cause it to get flipped.
I had to admit, I actually lost sight of this rule myself not only in playing this game, but in some of the scenarios that are being devised by Bayernkini and myself (imagine Verdun now Bayernkini!).
I can also see how this would confuse new players on how the Objectives work as they are not like Memoir '44 which is what I assume most new players will be familiar with.
So too will the Vassal module be updated to allow for 'flipping' of the Objectives so that players can more easily change them directly instead of pulling them down from the assets above.
I'll also be including in the updated tutorial how to remove trenches (when enemy figures enter, trenches need to be removed). But in short, shift click on the hex to highlight the trench then right click to bring up the menu to remove.
As for the game itself...well...it was an unusual one to say the least. ad79 forgot to set up his initial 6 figures for his assault which no doubt had a following impact throughout the game...but he also never did get his second Gas Attack, the wind was very fickle.
That being said, an excellent play that brought some key elements to light.
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