B44's Battle of the Bulge - The Defence of Eupen

[Brummbar44]

Mac, this is a night scenario...what is the LOS like? Its been so long since played at night...I cant remember...lol

I don't think this is technically a night scenario...it's the same effect as the official first bulge battle in the single player campaign...I should look into that aspect though, some night battles might be fun!

[kingt]

I picked one from you, (don't know what side I'm playing though, lol) and I'll pick one more from Morge4, if it's still up once I find out what side I'm playing against you, so I play with each side.

Later edit: playing you as Axis.

I created one more game in which I'm playing Allies (no password).

[kingt]

In case you need to keep track I'm playing 3 games.

Two as Axis against you and Morge 4 and one as Allies against you.

Good luck everyone!

[Brummbar44]

Ok, we're well underway but just a quick note; everyone is invited to play...if you have a favourite opponent, grab them and load one up (or two, seems to be best to play both sides).

Thanks for playing everyone!

[k9mike]

Mac, just thought I would ask...Are we just going to take a running total of units KIA and compare?? Since there is no flags on the map to take...Also, might want to have people watch the game turn count...and make sure they take screenshots and make notes on any last minute kills before game officially ends...cause you wont be able to see the casualty screen when it ends.
Mike

[Brummbar44]

Thanks for the reminder Mike, yes everyone, if you are about to end the game either through kills or running out of turns please take a screen shot (f2) of the Casualties screen (click gear top right corner > click coffins icon).

Yes, no supplies on the field so this is strictly kills...seems weird, I know.

[Brummbar44]

As this one progresses it is becoming clear that the 'take one with you' rule won't have much of an effect...nor, after some reflection, should it. A panther is not equal to a sherman...it's worth well over two shermans in fact!

So I'm going to do the math and a more direct points formula will be applied from here on in. Likely something along the lines of adding up points lost for both sides, finding the difference then applying the results to the losing side. A little more complicated but more concise and fair. We'll know more after this round.

The next battle is shaping up...the Defence of Eupen!

[k9mike]

Any projections on when we will start?? Cant wait to see the Vassal Module uploaded...

[Brummbar44]

We'll have to wait for the results to come in on this one to updates Vassal...so how about a cut off of Thurs. the 27th?

A couple of developments to note;
Being close to the end on a few games now I did run the numbers on casualties and think the points system is going to work out well. So even in a battle like this where the Allies seem hopelessly outmatched if they can get some hits in, it will work in their favour. I'll post an example so you can see what I mean.

Breaking Off the Attack
I'm thinking of giving the Attacker the option to quit the battle at any time...I'm just not sure yet exactly how to do this so that it would be fair...but it seems odd for the attacker to have to fight to the last man, defender yes, attacker no. Suggestions welcome.
(edit - this seems more and more like a good concept. I'm thinking that anytime after half-battle (ie. 6 turns or less left in a small battle) the attacker can declare they are 'Breaking off the Attack'. They take a screen shot of the casualties then surrender the battle and post the results here...can anyone see a problem with this idea?)

Points Rankings
A thought occurred to me that seeing as how we will be breaking down the results to points lost and points destroyed we could establish a points ranking system for players. There would need to be a criteria of sorts (ie. you would need to play one game from both sides minimum to get your average) but the points would be totalled then averaged giving you a ranked result. Let me know if you guys would be into this...or if you would just rather play?

Thanks for playing!

[k9mike]

Think that you should be able to break-off an attack...you would in real life if it wasnt going well...maybe it could be at a cost of a penalty for doing it. Kinda like in GJS when you get dissolved and you get a 10% reduction of forces after the battle...Or, maybe need to use flags on all maps and hold atleast the majority before you could be able to surrender out without getting penalties...just a thought.
I just like playing this...it is very neat and no matter how we play them is ok...its hard and will always have some kind of glitch here or there...in the end...its just fun doing this. Thanks Mac.
Yah, think that cut-off is good...maybe even sooner...I dont have many Allied forces left anyway...lol. was going to just surrender them and end it...but didnt know if I should.
Mike

[Brummbar44]

Ok, so today is the cut off for the Allies strike at the SS battle (should've been called, the Allies run and hide from the SS...but that's another story! The Breaking off the Attack rule would've been handy here...but at least we have it now).

The first results are coming in....the games are...

1 = A-B'44 v. Morge4-D
2 = A-Morge4 v. B'44-D
3 = A-B'44 v. k9mike-D
4 = A-k9mike v. B'44-D
5 = A-B'44 v. KingT-D
6 = A-KingT v. B'44-D
7 = A-jcb989 v. B'44-D
8 = A-Morge4 v. KingT-D
9-12 = A&A-BB Roll

Am going to check the result and will post an update....

[k9mike]

Mac, I went ahead and just ended the games alittle early...that way you can get started on what you need to do. Thanks for the good games.

[Brummbar44]

While awaiting the battle results from sector Nine Charlie, the Axis forces move on the town of Eupen and the next battle can now be engaged.

Aerial recon of Eupen



Situation:
Axis forces attempt to capture the key town of Eupen and destroy any supplies and Allied troops they find.

Mission:
326th and 272nd Volksgrenadier divisions with support from the newly arrived Führer-Begleit-Brigade equipped with the fearsome Konigstiger attempt to capture the town of Eupen from the Big Red One and the 30th Infantry Divisions dug in around town and supported by artillery.

This is a Small battle with a 12 turn duration (Germans may Break off the Attack with 6 turns or less remaining). The Germans will be the Attackers in this battle.



Battle is ready to download! For instructions click here

[k9mike]

Posted 2 already in menu...password k9mike

[Brummbar44]

Grabbed 'em! I have two open for anyone who wants to play otherwise. It is best to play these as pairs (ie. both sides, same opponent). Good luck all and have fun!

[morge4]

grabbed your 2 Mac.

[kingt]

Here's the screenshot for A-Morge4 v. KingT-D

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e4xsjth2fyln ... report.jpg

I had three Elite units, two Panthers and a Puma at the end of the game.

This was a tough one for the Allies, but a great fight again.

I'll download the new map and setup a couple of challenges in a few minutes. Good luck!

[kingt]

Ok, map downloaded, created two password free games. I'm playing Allies in one and Germans in the other.

[Brummbar44]

Thanks KingT, grabbed them.

A bit of a mistake on the Eupen scenario...I neglected to include a couple of Allied trucks...I'm just not sure if it's worth restarting the games already in progress for it? Perhaps this is a static defence scenario?

[Brummbar44]

With the lopsided results we got I decided to let the dice decide what happens (as you can see from the numbering of the results above) and the result was a random roll. Quite different from what most of us had as a result but it made for a more interesting situation. I was then able to get things moving on the big board so you can see the results below...

Here is the Vassal log file (download then open from within Vassal to click through the steps).

Or for those who just want the latest situation map...


So the last battle for the turn will be a return to St. Vith...this time though, the Airborne will be there (although without much armour support)....more to follow soon!