Deducter GC 39-45 Rommel

[eskuche]

Setup: Pretty straightforward map. Due to mediocre +1 defense fighter hero, we'll look to train another fighter and another Sdkfz 7/2. Eventual anti-air capability will be two 8.8, two or three Sdkfz FlaK, and one or two PzIV-based FlaK, and really only the given hero fighters (Bar, Nawotny + 2 more I believe). Most likely the PzIV AA will be from the Poltava stockpile. Late-game defense maps will likely be full retreats to outstrip enemy air support to get some tac bomber potshots on super overstrength stuff. Dir is still off the roster to train other units in these easier early scenarios.
Start prestige: 4391
Outcome: +1 initiative for SE PzGren, +1 defense for another Schutzen. PzJg took a beating from the Potezes (no one expects the third wave), but a PzIV got to whack an artillery for the entirety of the mission. Multiple artillery getting to 250+ kills...just a matter of time now!

II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Regiment > I. and II. [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Batallion 35
> Sturmgeschutz Batallion 36

SS Nordische Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I (Panzergrenadier) and II (Infanterie)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I, II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A] and I Gruppe
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent'

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[faos333]

This is a cool idea, I love it!

Good work and thank you for the sharing

Thanks! Not sure the reader/commenter ratio for this slightly old game but the viewcounts suggest that it's getting read!

Edit: last I checked, though, PzC1 still had about half the steam number of players as 2...

Yes there are to many players still active in the PzC 1 game.
Yes most people read but do not comment.

[eskuche]

Setup: We get Heinrich Bar this map, so the focus will be getting him up to speed. Contrary to PzC 2 Bar, who has double attack, here he has the more modest +2-3 attack/defense/initiative. Artillery, one tank, and one 88 crosses the river to backdoor Sedan.

Start prestige: 5649

Outcome: 3-4 turns of full farming. SE PzGren got ambushed again by a recon going OFF the road to the side of the map...sometimes you really have to wonder if the AI cheats. The Waffen Pokemon division starts collecting foreign tanks, with the Somuamon.

II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Regiment > I. and II. [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Batallion 35
> Sturmgeschutz Batallion 36

SS Nordische Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I [Ini] (Panzergrenadier) and II (Infanterie)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I [D], II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung [Ini] (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A] and I Gruppe
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent'

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[eskuche]

Setup: A straight down the road mission to hit some Chars. Recons all go to bed, and Stukas and Jagers are out to prowl.

Start prestige: 7657. Sold an SE PzGren + truck.

Outcome:

II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Regiment > I. and II. [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 35
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 36

SS Westen Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I [Ini] (Panzergrenadier) and II (Infanterie)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)
> SS Gallien Panzer-Regiment > I (Somua)

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I [D], II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung [Ini] (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A]
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent'

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[terminator]

interesting... Perhaps you could add more images to illustrate your remarks?

[PeteMitchell]

Yes, more images would be amazing!

[eskuche]

Sure thing! Here is the initial set up and plan. Hold the line at north demarcation and cautiously advance with Aufkabt Kerscher and AufkAbt Abt 10 to the second line, holding at treelines with clear chokes manned by the Somua and an 88. Optional to leave the northern airfield intact in order to farm kills starting turn 2. Artillery are beyond ripe for getting their first hero.


During-game shots.


Outcome: 5 infantry steps lost; 7 tank points lost, Kerscher had to tank three Char spawns on the next to last turn in order to ensure a DV. A 15 cm got +2 attack.

[captainjack]

I play at easier levels than Rommel, but I get lots of good ideas from higher difficulty playthroughs, especially initial deployment and overall plans.
It would be interesting to have a quick end-of-campaign summary as you complete each DLC- eg which units or combinations were particularly useful (and which were a disappointment) and anything else interesting you learned.

[PeteMitchell]

I very much agree to this!

[eskuche]

I play at easier levels than Rommel, but I get lots of good ideas from higher difficulty playthroughs, especially initial deployment and overall plans.
It would be interesting to have a quick end-of-campaign summary as you complete each DLC- eg which units or combinations were particularly useful (and which were a disappointment) and anything else interesting you learned.

Sure thing. Thoughts are spaced out in the previous posts, but I can kind of consolidate them here. For frame of reference again, I have 1300+ hours in PC1 and finished GC almost twice in each branch (as well as all the other campaigns once and a few custom campaigns) on either FM or Rommel. I don't find it interesting to memorize maps, especially stuff like triggers and unit aggressiveness (which are all required to play on "ultimate" difficulty) but instead enjoy meaningful strategic choices, which is why this mod appeals to me. To recap what the does/intends is having strategic decisions for ALL units by readjusting cost, eliminating overstrength contributing to battle rolls (!), and readjusting stats and upgrade paths. Oh, the soft cap is also reduced.

For the most part, deducter accomplishes this. You can read the original manual in PzC1 v1.13 for detailed changes. The rehash for the PzC 1.20+ update introduced removal of combat overstrength contribution and further refined some unit stats and made the costs whole 10's for better clarity I guess. Most of the decision-making for me is based on the fact that 1. stuff costs way more when new, overpowered, or scarce (15 cm with a truck and a StuG are 590, while the early He 112-H is 700!). The following discussion is by unit-class, generally.

So, based on changes, which I won't rehash, infantry is much more viable and useful. For one, the lack of overstrength instakills means, barring superior suppression, you're probably going to take some damage. If you have to take damage, you would rather take it on the cheapest units possible. When this happens, the most favorable case is to be in close terrain with infantry vs. pretty much anything. How does this inform decision-making? For one, remember that in/out-of-class upgrades 1. have an experience cost (100 + 25/year) and 2. non-vanilla infantry are meaningfully different and cost more. It is no longer a given to have only gebirgsjager till '43, then switch over to PzGren. Gebirgsjager have increased CD, grenadiers have better initiative/attack, and pionieres have the BEST hard attack AND close defend. FsJg in early war have the highest soft attack and initiative but lower defense and ammo. FsJg later in the war have tremendous defense and SA.

That being said, my choice was to buy exclusively normal infanterie units except for the special hero units (which I opted to keep because of the unknown difficulty of the campaign). For these, we have a general idea of what they're going to end up as (pio/gren for movement heroes) so I changed Dir to a pioniere, for example. Infanterie cost 100, gebirgs 250, and other things go up from there, ending up at 500 for late war FsJg. The main reason is that the obtained hero dictates what the final unit type will be. Spotting will be useless unless on a kradschutzen or cavalry, but there is ample spotting through kerscher (+2) transitioning to a recon and the generic recon having an extended 4 spotting, which is a nice change. In fact, even later in the war, it might be the most cost efficient to keep your best infantry as normal infanterie (I believe 180 for the '43 version) to have cheaper in-scenario elite reinforcements, which were made cheaper compared to vanilla. Pioniere DO have excellent hard attack but may be limited to your special heroes to guarantee no counter-attack from those IS-1's in close terrain.

Another point is that cav and krad have recon move. Interestingly, this allows them to phase in to snipe some artillery then run out. The problem is manifold. One, they're super expensive. Cavalry are 300 and have low defense and initiative to represent the vulnerability of mounting and dismounting. With 5 move (and 5 wheeled for krad), they'd need to be right at the front lines to be able to hit and run, but if they're caught, no bueno. Plus, low initiative infantry actually tend to take losses even from towed artillery, so it's not a winning proposition.

Thus, infanterie until heroes come out. You CAN afford to use green replacements in '39-40 (the exp gain rate is slightly higher), so a case could be made to start off with the better infantry types, but 2 move is really too low mobility, and on Rommel you literally can't afford these unit types in the first few scenarios. One gebirgs might be a good investment. I ended up selling my starting panzers, PaK, and infantry with trucks just to make ends meet. Cross-family upgrade experience penalty hurts the most in later years, so it's best to grind out those move and 2-3 attack/defense heroes early to mitigate the experience loss. In terms of number, IIRC you get four infantry hero units, so having a deep roster of 10-12 with good heroes will be possible by '44-'45. Ideal setups would probably be initiative or attack on pioniere, defense on FsJg/PzGren, and throw spotting away (or leave way back on the bleachers).

Artillery is supposed to be nerfed. This is evident from the cost hike, as they are pretty much a risk-free investment. Even if taken down below half strength, green reinforcements still come in at 30% of max experience, and they'll build up the experience quickly. A 2.5 star artillery can be farmed in one map. Further, elite artillery types are MUCH more expensive, as noted above. For example, if you mass 590-cost StuGs that don't do well late-war, you're basically throwing away that very precious (in Rommel) prestige. This is why I settled for two of them, as I can imagine uses for one StuH in every map, and possibly two. Note brummbar is no longer a direct upgrade. For the traditional howitzer/guns, a quite drastic change is elimination of rate of fire, i.e., everything has one shot per strength point. This elevates the previously sketchy Morser and K 17 into useable (although, again, expensive!) territory. The morser has 4 range, too, if you happen to suck at rolling range heroes, like I do.

Some same issues remain as it does with infantry. Cross-family upgrades, while not terrible for the experience, really bite into the bank account, so it's imperative to plan ahead. The other non-gun/StuG families I believe are Brummbar (sturmtiger), self-propelled (I think two different families), nebelwerfer, and K5 railgun (RoF applies to this one). The nerf probably hits nebelwerfers the most, as they used to have a high RoF. At the moment, it's hard to see use for the best nebelwerfers. In terms of upgrade planning, I have about half on 10.5 cm and 30-40% on 15 cm starting out. Attack, range, and move can stay in the gun family. Initiative is probably best used (or reloaded) on the StuG family, and likewise for a defense. My last campaign I had a 6 defense Brummbar chilling on the front lines indefinitely. With this schema, cross-family upgrades are fairly cheap, and don't forget that you can buy some of the high-killing models (nebels and StuH42) straight off the factory line and farm kills on conscripts.

Part 2 later

[eskuche]

Reserved.

[eskuche]

Setup: I'll start doing some more detailed setups, since I can no longer get away with slacking on experience. This map almost makes me want to use a bridging pioniere, but our 23 core slots can't afford it. The target is obviously at Wassigny in the upperleft quadrant of the map, but I don't remember if the map spawns units upon taking it or unfreezes units. The former is obviously more dangerous, and we will have to rule out the latter by recon on the sides. This means we need all three recon units on the map. The other thing about this map is that there's an extra 300 or so (on Rommel) prestige on the corners, so there is a push-pull between getting the general (probably in a Panhard recon with 10 movement?) back to the start, which takes 3 turns. The goal will therefore be to trigger Wassigny on turn 18 or so. The last remaining question remains how to take the objectives.

The side objectives will take probably 6-7 turns, meaning the NE rear area isn't guaranteed to be easy to grab. A split force going SE and NE then converging is probably the most efficient but risks getting overwhelmed if enemy distribution is asymmetric. Thus, we'll go full force clockwise. This secures airfields for farming early on. Plus, the initial right starting point is pretty bad for getting across the river. Finally, we assume the immediate objective has stationary units, whereas the right objectives may be captured and recaptured for another 100 prestige (every cent counts when 100 prestige is 10-20 surrenders).

KG Dir with mobile clearing potential goes NE. Somua protects the center, as it is the most open. South gets three infantry due to the bocage, and SS Nordland (renamed Westland) can reinforce the center quickly with halftracks.

Digressions from standard MO: PzJg left off due to the high setup needed to farm with it and the unknown spawning of enemies. Second 88 left on benches similarly for need for mobility.


Start/end prestige: 8716 to 9473 to 9923
Outcome: Strength loss (for tanks, AT, fighter, and infantry, aka units where it matters because of difficult recovery) of 2 on Panzer, 4 on a training Schutzen, 2 each on fighters due to bad rolls on 4-0's. I managed to grab (screenshot turn 15) every flag except the one on the right. Recon snuck into the northeast, but the counterattack was scarier than I thought, with 5-6 bombers. I took it very slow and steady, not hitting the middle fort till turn 5-6 due to a 5-6 tank counterattack. One 15 cm artillery got +2 defense, which was awful because I really don't want to upgrade cross-family due to the 590 ticket cost of the gun...


II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Regiment > I. and II. [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 35
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 36

SS Westen Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I [Ini] (Panzergrenadier) and II (Infanterie)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)
> SS Gallien Panzer-Regiment > I(f) (Somua)

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I [D], II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung [Ini] (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A]
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent'

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[eskuche]

Setup: Briefing tells us there will be a major counterattack, likely with heavy armor. Thus, we will rush behind the center north flag (Amiens) quickly to take out the artillery then flank with the northern force. The river line should be easy to hold with infantry, so armor coalesces at the center to hold the boxes along with 88s. The NW UK flag will be a good farming spot for FsJg and PzJg and any artillery I can spare.

Recon recon in the center to spot the counterattack, Kerscher recon in the north to provide one hex of moveable tanking. StuG + SS Infanterie + air should be able to take likely 5 strength garrisons in the south minimally.

Deployment: 2 fighters. I really want to try to get a 2+ defense/attack or initiative bonus on our second non-hero fighter, but honestly it might just be best to farm the Sdkfz 7/2 instead. Dir is out to let others farm per usual. No overstrength.



Start, sell/buy, end, next prestige: SE PzIVD sold for 10210 start > 11922 beginning of Dunkirk
Outcome: Turn 9 setup for what I assume will be triggered by taking the center flag. Southern flank has entrenched for 3 turns already. Actually, it was turn 10 for the counterattack of 5 planes, 6-7 tanks, and 8-10 infantry/cavalry. Since I was holding so far back, the last turn was actually barely made for DV.


II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Regiment > I. and II. [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 35
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 36

SS Westen Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I [Ini] (Panzergrenadier) and II (Infanterie)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)
> SS Gallien Panzer-Regiment > I(f) (Somua)

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I [D], II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung [Ini] (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A]
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent'

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[eskuche]

Setup: This map will be problematic. Naval bombing is nerfed, and I don't remember the distribution and strength of enemy ships. Also, IIRC Spitfires make their appearance now, which means we need to be smart in baiting them into AA and, ideally, concentrating AA. No visual plan this time. Going to claim the fort

Deployment: one fighter, all AA, nothing too exotic. Have to make full use of auxiliary units instead of just tossing them as meat shields as I normally do.

Start, sell/buy, end, next prestige: 11922 beginning and no elite replacements or buy. Oh, and a move hero on a 15 cm artillery last map, which is great! Almost makes up for the defense hero on the other one.....End 12306.
Outcome: This is the first map where the lack of overstrength is really starting to bite. I barely managed the Matilda II in the northeast. Thankfully still a DV. I was not able to take Nieuport in the northeast at all. Recon with 10 move and 4 spotting makes covering everything with AA a massive pain. Losses: 4 infantry steps, 7 on kerscher from him being in a river and then getting chain spotted by 2 planes followed by two cruisers. Somua took 4, PzJg 1, Bar 1.

II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Regiment > I. and II. [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I [D2] and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 [M] (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 35
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 36

SS Westen Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I [Ini] (Panzergrenadier) and II (Infanterie)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)
> SS Gallien Panzer-Regiment > I(f) (Somua)

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I [D], II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I [A2] and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung [Ini] (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A]
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent'

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[eskuche]

Setup: A projected counterattack from the middle right suggests that we should meet it head-on. KG Dir sweeps through the west garrisons and regroups at the Rethel on the Aisne before repeating south of the river. (Some artillery were re-deployed a bit forward after I took the image).



Prestige, heroes, and core: Start 12931, sell SE gebirgs + truck, upgrade AufAbt 26 (finally) to Sdkfz 232 8Rad (whopping 390 prestige cost for it!) = 13119. +3 attack on FsJgR! Matilda II gained and added to the growing foreign elite legion detachment. At a whopping 15 defense (vs. PzIV's 7), it will help out in addition to the Char and two KV-1A's through '41. Most infantry are 250 experience, tanks at 200. Experience cap for this and next year are 325/375, so not too worried as long as we hit 300 in the last three scenarios. End 13973.
Outcome: Turn 8: most of the attack (3 cav + 6 tanks + 7 air) has been repelled, cleaning up the latter half. PzJgAbt and an artillery are farming an AA, the forming getting a +3 defense (!) hero. The west garrisons are clear.

. Barely got a DV on the very last turn. No overstrength and conservative play along with perhaps too much enthusiasm for farming kills made advance not quite fast enough. Will have to lay off the cheese in future scenarios a little bit.

II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Regiment > I. and II. [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I [D2] and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 [M] (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 35
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 36

SS Westen Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I [Ini] (Panzergrenadier) and II (Infanterie)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)
> SS Gallien Panzer-Regiment > I(f) (Somua)

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I [D], II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I [A2] and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung [Ini] (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Jagdgeschwader 1 'Bar' > Stab (A2ID2)
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A]
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25 > I (He 112-H) and II (Ju 88 A)
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent' [AI5]

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment [A3]
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[captainjack]

Good stuff. I usually play the British route as the British maps seem to offer more room for creative strategies, so it's interesting to look at other approaches on the French path.
+2 defence on artillery is a disappointment compared with move or range, but can be moderately useful when providing defensive fire, since it's harder to suppress (roughly 1 point less per enemy attack) so more strength remains available to disrupt enemy attacks.
On an setting with more prestige it might make a nice conversion to SPArt of some sort, but not so good on Rommel.

[eskuche]

Setup: Nothing really special here. March to the end.

Prestige, heroes, and core: Start 14473, elite replace 2 damage each on fighters, new SE PzIIIF > 14391 prestige start.

Outcome: Nothing really special here. March to the end.

II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. [D2] and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Abteilung [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung [M] (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I [D2] and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254 [D3]
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 [M] (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 35
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 36

SS Westen Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I [Ini] (Panzergrenadier) and II [D] (Infanterie)
> SS Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)
> SS Panzer-Abteilung 701 (SS Panzer IIIF)
> SS Gallien Panzer-Regiment > I(f) (Somua) and II(e) Matilda II
> SS Frankreich Panzer-Regiment > I(f) Char

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I [D], II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I [A2] and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung [Ini] (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Jagdgeschwader 1 'Bar' > Stab (A2ID2)
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A]
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25 > I (He 112-H) and II (Ju 88 A)
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent' [AI5]

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment [A3]
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 [M] (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[eskuche]

Good stuff. I usually play the British route as the British maps seem to offer more room for creative strategies, so it's interesting to look at other approaches on the French path.
+2 defence on artillery is a disappointment compared with move or range, but can be moderately useful when providing defensive fire, since it's harder to suppress (roughly 1 point less per enemy attack) so more strength remains available to disrupt enemy attacks.
On an setting with more prestige it might make a nice conversion to SPArt of some sort, but not so good on Rommel.

That's a reasonable idea! I always hated towed arty getting wrecked by your random SP gun in defense scenarios. It's really hard to let go of the 590 cost here...but may just closet this one until the Brummbar honestly.

[eskuche]

Setup: Low tanks, no anti-air, both 8.8's and PzJg, all five bombers, including Rudel.

Prestige, heroes, and core: Start 15698 > elite reinforce 5 infantry strength > 15656.

Outcome: DV; Chars took a beating and some chip damage here and there. I focused the big forts first, and hit the lone center AA as fast as possible. From there, just mopup.

II. Panzer Korps
12 Panzer-Division
> 9 Panzer-Regiment (IVD) > I. [D2] and II. [A3]
> 8 Panzer-Abteilung [A] (38(t)A)
> 10 Aufklarung Abteilung 'Kerscher' (38(t)A)
> 22 Aufklarung Abteilung [M] (Recon)
> Artillerie-Regiment 5 > I [D2] and II Abteilung
> Panzerjager Abteilung 254 [D3]
> FlaK Abteilung 254 (Sdkfz 7/2)

Kampfgruppe Dir
> Pionere-Abteilung 12 'Dir'
> Artillerie-Abteilung 13 [M] (15 cm)
> Artillerie-Abteilung 14 (10.5 cm)
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 35
> Sturmgeschutz Bataillon 36

SS Westen Division
> SS Nordland Regiment > I [Ini] (Panzergrenadier) and II [D] (Infanterie)
> SS Artillerie-Abteilung 650(p)
> SS Panzer-Abteilung 701 (SS Panzer IIIF)
> SS Gallien Panzer-Regiment > I(f) [D] (Somua) and II(e) Matilda II
> SS Frankreich Panzer-Regiment > I(f) Char and II(f) Char

15 Infanterie-Division
> Schutzen-Regiment 1 'Schulze' > I [A], II [A2], III Bataillon
> Schutzen-Regiment 2 > I [D], II Bataillon
> Artillerie-Regiment 6 > I [A2] and II Abteilung
> 26 Aufklarung Abteilung [Ini] (Combat)
> FlaK Abteilung 18 (8.8 cm) [M]

VI. Fliegerkorps
Jagdgeschwader 14 > Stab and I Gruppe
Jagdgeschwader 1 'Bar' > Stab (A2ID2)
Schlachtgeschwader 47 > Stab [A]
Aufklarung Abteilung 5 'Rudel'
Kampfgeschwader 25 > I (He 112-H) and II (Ju 88 A)
Zerstorergeschwader 26 'Lent' [AI5]

2. Fallschirmjager-Regiment [A3]
Luftwaffe Flak Bataillon 35 [M] (8.8 cm)

(Italicized new, [heroes in brackets])

[eskuche]

This year was okay. I did not expect the lack of overstrength to be so overbearing, so I (A) took too long and risked not getting a DV, which meant I played the last few turns sloppily and (B) took too much damage, meaning that not all my units ended above 300 experience. I may have overestimated the laxity of the experience rules (100/50/25/12/6/3 original vs. 100/50/35/20/10/5). The goal in '41 is to maintain the desired core units at 350+ experience. This means way more careful play with expensive units, such as recon (!) and the PzIVs. Overall, I would have used more stukas. I suspect that later years will hinge on knocking off overstrength points from the air before engaging only almost-guaranteed safe shots with elite units. Because there is no ROF penalty on artillery, we'll try to aim to convert some high +attack hero units into the very high caliber Morser/Kanones.

Hero accumulation was generally great. Movement on both 8.8 cms and one artillery, 3 attack on FsJg, 2 attack on an infantry, and 3 defense on a PzJg. Only five misses (A, D, D on infantry, including an SS, and an A on a tank and D on a fighter), but no whiffs (I reloaded spotting on artillery).