Western Campaign - Thunder in the Shenandoah Update

We're getting close. Within the next couple days, things will begin moving.

Right now, we are 75% finished with the map, the ruleset will need some augmentation, it's just a matter of how much we want to fold into it just now. I want to have clarity and fairness as well as build interest, while keeping things simple enough to prevent the rules from actually getting in the way of enjoyment. As very experienced boardgamer, I don't want a lot of rule lawyering.

We have an OOB editor, provided by Hays. This is in beta, and needs some testing, which will hopefully conclude over the next week or so. With or without that editor, we can start, but the editor will save a lot of handwork, so we're hopeful he will be able to release it/grant permission for use.

At this time, we are ready to close the forums based on side. The Union will not have access to Confederate forums and vice-versa. Unfortunately, that means the Union players will not have access to Father General's sermons, condensed to just 15-20 pages for easier online study. You also won't be able to take the quizzes based on the sermon. I guess you Union boys should have thought of that before you donned the blue jacket.

The separation will allow for free discussions between players as well as team organizing and so on.

General announcements and the "newspapers" of both sides will be available to all.

You also need to start thinking about who wants to volunteer for command. Each side will need to produce a Corps Commander and a Division Commander. Note the difference in responsibilities.

Corps Commander works with the umpire and scenario designer to move the campaign along. He moves his units on the campaign map (or attempts to do so--units can be cut off).

The Corps Commander will also work with his division commander to facilitate the campaign. He will also allocate resources to the division--although in this campaign, with one division, it is a formality.

In battle, the Corps commanders will command (optional) a single unit and cannot discuss strategy while in the saddle (naturally).

The Division Commander commands units in battle where he is "physically" present. You'd better have a guy who knows what he's doing in SOW here and is comfortable with HITS and Couriers.

Division commander will help facilitate everything administratively, and will post units on the map before battle, when applicable.

The Division Commander also distributes awards and material to the brigade commanders.

What I need from you, the players:

Please nominate yourselves or someone else for Corps and Division command. (volunteer sacrifice)

Also, anyone interested in managing the OOB, or building the scenarios is welcome to volunteer for that duty as well. It shouldn't be too intense, with 1 proper battle every week or two.

If you wish to step up, please do so below. Indicate responsibility and side. Your unit will remain in the game--everyone gets one if they want, no matter what they do.

I'll give this a day or so to sort out, then announce the results.

Also, the "umpire" position is still technically available. The umpire will have some latitude in how they run things--it doesn't have to be "Neal's way or the highway" in that regard.

Thanks, and good luck fellow Confederates everyone!

Since I enjoy the roleplaying, I'd volunteer for division command. There are a lot of players on the union side which have played more than me I guess, so I'll willingly step aside for Kevin, Jack or Sspoom or somebody else if they volunteer.

Having been involved with Neal in the planning of the campaign, its best that I do not take a high command position.

Just tell if you need a scenario done. Preferably one in which my brigade doesn't participate

Leffe, just so you know, the division commander may sometimes choose the disposition of his brigades -- such as if he has occupied a position defensively for at least a turn.

As a brigade commander, there will never be an occasion when you will have significant discretion to place your unit.

:-)

Leffe7 wrote:Just tell if you need a scenario done. Preferably one in which my brigade doesn't participate

That being said, I'm probably keeping you on retainer for questions and advice!

Mr. Digby wrote:Having been involved with Neal in the planning of the campaign, its best that I do not take a high command position.

MajorByrd wrote:Since I enjoy the roleplaying, I'd volunteer for division command. There are a lot of players on the union side which have played more than me I guess, so I'll willingly step aside for Kevin, Jack or Sspoom or somebody else if they volunteer.

Sir, I sent you a PM. :-)