1. Test the stability of the GS expansion in play against the AI.
2. Present a forum to showcase the expansion for discussion and feedback.
3. Have fun.
Ground Rules:
The GS expansion is designed specifically for PBEM and hot seat play without any “house rules”. That is, anything allowed by the game engine, short of cheating (i.e.reloading and replaying turns), is within the spirit of the expansion. An experienced player can easily exploit the weakness of the AI even capturing Paris in 1939 and / or totally defeating the UK, USSR and even the USA. While games such as these can be played on their own merit that is not the way that this game will be played.
1. I will only invaded those countries in GS that were historically invaded by the axis and on the date that they were invaded. For historical dates that don’t fall on a game turn, which most of them won’t, then the invasion will be on the last game turn before that date. Also, for countries initially invaded by Italy (i.e., Greece and Egypt) Germany will not intervene no sooner than they did historically. It’ll be interesting to compare my conquest results against the historical conquest dates. In fact I will grade myself using the color scheme below.
2. Greece. The invasion of Greece will be carried out by the Italians on the October 25, 1940 game turn. The Italian fighter, tactical bomber and armor corps will be commitment in Greece until its conquest. The German cannot intervene in Greece by land or air until the April 3, 1941 game turn.
3. North Africa. The Italians will invade Egypt on August 26, 1940 or one turn after Egypt activates if later. The DAK (i.e., Africa Corps) will consist of a German armor unit led by Rommel will arrive no earlier than the February 2, 1941 game turn. Historically, the DAK began arriving in North Africa starting on February 10, 1941 with Rommel arriving on February 14, 1941 and taking command at that time. The Germans will also commit one fighter unit to North Africa. The total axis air strength in North Africa will not exceed two air units.
4. (German) Axis Minors. Hungarian, Romania, Bulgarian and Finnish units will not be used for anti-partisan (i.e., counter resistance) operations in France or garrison of French cities. Axis minors, which can always be used within the own country as necessary; will be used outside their home country as follows. Bulgarian units can be used in Yugoslavia and Greece after these countries are conquered. Hungarian units can be used in Yugoslavia, including support of the invasion, and later can be used in southern Russia only. Romanian units will only be used in southern Russia (i.e., outside of Romanian). Finnish units can attack Russian units but cannot move beyond the limits of their initial starting positions. That is, they can’t be used to push deeper into Russia.
5. German u-boats can only be used offensively to attack allied convoys. They CANNOT be used to attack the RN or allied transport. The only “attacks” of this sort allowed is when allied units of these types run into hidden subs.
6. German u-boats CANNOT take up position in or block access to the English Channel.
7. I will have 6 German u-boat flotillas (i.e., 3 more built ones) by the time Russia is invaded.
8. Axis air units can be used to attack the RN. However; axis fighters cannot attack allied air units at their airbases.
9. The Italians cannot build additional air or naval units, including sub groups, but can repair as necessary the ones they start with.
10. German and Italian transport and invasion capacities will never be exceeded.
Personal Note: I usually start these things on weekends during "dead time" and during the week is when I realize what sort of time commitment I've made to the project, which in this case is this AAR. I do find them fun and hopefully you do too. However; I can certainly achieve objectives 1 and 3 stated above much faster and with less effort without posting to an AAR. The second stated objective does require an AAR and I don't mind keeping it as long as others find it useful. I'm looking for encouragement and participation to keep it going. By the way, it won't hurt my feeling if you feel the other way (i.e., it's not useful) and wish to voice your opinion as such too. Bottom line is please provide feedback is you wish me to continue or stop this AAR.
Also, if you can think of any other guidelines you'd like me to follow please voice them.
would more easy to recognize and digest by the most of players than the "rainbow scale".
