Wild Bill Wilder

Thanks, CA. I really appreciate those thoughts. And you are perfetly right about the briefing. Some want little or nothing. Others want it all and then some. The truth be known, I think the silent majority want enough information to know just what is supposed to be going on, what they just might face (leave a few surprises here - ), and how they got to this place. In my thinking, the lack of some sort of background turns it simply into an arcade style-shoot-em-up. A little history to give one the feel of the situation is mandatory, at least for me. I detest nothing more than a scenario with little or no background, nothing to put me "in the mood." Now I don't need background for Wolfenstein, or Pac-Man. I do need it when I am about to enter a battle. Imagine a poor commander thrust out on a battlefield knowing nothing of the enemy, his own forces or what possibly might be out there! Poor guy! Hard call, anytime. Maybe criteria for evaluating briefings might be in order. 1. Historical flavor 2. Grammar and Spelling 3. Interest level 4. Intelligence (infomration) 5. Size Does it make me feel like I'm really going to war? Can I hear shells falling in my mind as I read it? Does this person know how to spell? If he doesn't spell check his document or read it over to be sure it is right, what confidence do I have that he did not do the same in his design? Does it make me want to play the battle? Does it pique my interest? Does it tell me too little, too much? Do I feel that it is adequate for the task before me? Is it too short, too long? Do I feel like I'm reading a book or a briefing? Offering two points for each of those and you can come up with a decent evaluation of the briefing. If everyone would do that with mine, I could take the score a lot better. If they still gave it a "one," at least I would know that they evaluated it fairly on more than one point. I'm off the pulpit, guys...WB

Ah, Lopaka, sounds like I've won your heart Wild Bill

I'll have to agree on the arbitrary choice of a "1" because someone does not like one's writing styles or feels he has too much info, or too little. I could live with a "5" even but a consistent "1" on scenario briefings seems quite harsh. It is done, however, and rather consistently, with certain authors. And so it goes.

Wow, JTCM! What an interesting after action report. I've never seen one done like that before. Most fascinating. You gamers continue to amaze and impresse me with your innovations. Nicely done! I hope you enjoyed it. I could not find page 86 WB

I like the idea of ratings. It is not the final voice, but it is one that should be heard. The final voice is heard from the downloads of the scenario. Germanboy spoke of points for scenario briefings. Normally I take bad marks along with good marks in stride. It does kind of hurt, though, when some folks consistently vote a "1" for scenario briefings because the style or the method of introduction does not appeal to them. It is, however, something I can and will live with.

Hang in there, Stefan! It might get better (but I doubt it :eek: ) WB

One more thing, in ALL of mine, allow free AI setup, Fred...WB

I think a special vote of thanks should go to Treeburst and Nabla. For those who don't know, hosting a tourney is one of the toughest jobs anyone could have. And you don't even get to play! Just control the flow, make explanations, keep records, placate irate participants and maintain your sanity...not an easy job. I doff my helmet to both of you. Well done! Running a tourney is very much like the battle, "Meeting of Devils." WB

In the light of your poetic masterpiece, Lopaka, I'll dedicate "Meeting of Devils" to you Now a word of explanation. "Meeting of Devils" is historical. I know it is pure chaos but it happened pretty much as you see in the game. Read up on it. Without giving away too much, let me recount an actual incident. A young Red Devil came to his commander all out of sorts. He told him that someone had landed nearby and he went to help him with his parachute. In the darkenss, the guy who had just landed asked the British paratrooper if he had seen his Schmeisser. The lanky corporal ended his report with the question, "Just what the bloody hell is going on, sir?" Welcome to the chaos called "war." Wild Bill

I'm delighted to see this one begin. Jarmo had a good idea here, a Tournament off the beaten track. Remember, there are ugly surprises and you may be filled with anger and remorse before it is over. Hang tough. Win or lose, you'll still have fun. That is what it is all about. Thanks, Treeburst and Nabla! Good job!...WB

Its worth a lot, Jason C! Sounds like you put in many hours of work on this. I'm impressed. I hope the gamers will grab your goodies! Make a pack and send it to me. I'd love to check it out. Wild Bill

A very valid point, Fred. I've failed in that area more than once. Just because I know does not mean that you do. I'll use more care in this regard in the future. Thanks for the suggestion. Wild Bill

I'm still partial to my Nijmegen scenario, Russel, sorry! I enjoy the two pronged assault for the bridge by the Airborne and British troops from the town and the river bank. Getting across can be hell. Still have visions of the movie, "A Bridge too Far" each time I play it. (Yes, I still play it!). Its at the depot. Be sure to get Nijmegen Revised. Wild Bill

Smite those Philistines, JK! Or should I say Gideon, or Samson, or perhaps David? Thanks Redecker. Glad you had fun...WB

Not the Schelde, but I will be posting one shortly on the Canadian advance through and around Caen this week, Viceroy. Look for it on the Scenario Depot site before the week is out. WB

Excellent AAR, Splash! Thanks for the update. ANd you are having fun! That is what counts. Delighted I could have a part in that. WB

I wish I could give you a list of all of them, but unfortunately I can't. I will mention a few of mine. Some were included on the original CD. Others have been posted at the Depot. They include... On the CD Operation: Team DeSobry (get the revision) Scenario: Wiltz (on CD) Others Herrilsheim - Cut Off Melee at Marvie Manhay - On the Rrowl If you need the revision for Team DeSobry drop me a line. Wild Bill

If you want a smaller version of Bocage fighting, try Painful Progress. Bocage fighting without a doubt is the most frustrating of any battle. An interesting look of a mix of tanks and infantry is the Barkmann scenario, Le Lorey, A Hard Stand." It was included on the original CD of the game so you already have it. Loosely based on Ernst Barkmann, Panther Ace and his two wingmen as they take on a slew of American tanks and infantry. They are moving forward to support some retreating German infantry. The key to winning with tanks is the proper use of your three Panthers, which are highly outnumbered. It is an exercise in armor skill with a little good luck needed for success. Here is the text from the game. Title: le Lorey- A Hard Stand Type: Meeting Engagement Date: July 26th, 1944 Location: , France Weather: Clear Terrain: Dry Turns: 20 Scenario Description: Slowly, ever so slowly, Allied forces pushed out of the Normandy beachhead. American and British tanks were now ashore in plentiful numbers and the German armored units that had finally been released by Hitler were having a very hard time of it. Those that survived the trip to the front lines through the harrowing enemy air raids found that defensively the terrain was very much to their advantage. The British and Americans were now advancing through hedgerow country. This proved to be an Allied tanker's worst nightmare. Ambushes took place at every twist in the road. The Germans carefully hid themselves among the giant thick hedges that bordered roads and property. They could not be seen unless at point blank range. Tank engagements were all conducted in very close quarters, with German armor almost always able to get off the first shot. Sergeant Ernst Barkmann was a tank commander in the SS Panzer Regiment 2 of the Das Reich Division. Beginning the war in Poland as an infantryman, he later transferred to the Panzer Corps. It was here that he proved to be one of Germany's top tank aces. In the fierce fighting on the Eastern Front, Barkmann was awarded the Iron Cross First Class for his valor in the fighting around Kharkov in a Panzer Mk III. When the new Panther tanks arrived for the massive tank fighting at Kursk, Barkmann was the one of the first to receive one. He continued to prove his prowess in armored warfare. Early in 1944 the Das Reich Division was transferred to France. To counter a possible breakout from the beaches by American forces, the division was assembled in the area south of St Lo. On July 8th, Barkmann registered his first American kill, an M4A3 Sherman. His streak continued. The next day he and his crew cremated two more. A few days later, another three had been confirmed as definite kills by Barkmann. There were always harrowing moments for the young, handsome sergeant but somehow he survived. In one battle, his tank was put out of commission. He returned to headquarters for further orders. While there taking a moment of well deserved rest, an urgent request for help came in from four of his fellow tankers who were surrounded and under heavy fire. He grabbed the nearest available Panther and grimly noted the fresh blood stains from its previous commander that painted the hatch interior in grotesque patterns. This was no game, and no one knew it better than Barkmann. He found his comrades and with two other Panther tanks roared to their aid. This action meant another two tanks would be added to his growing tally of kills. His last engagement before the major retreat to Germany would take place on July 26th, 1944. Receiving reports that strong American tank forces were advancing south from St Lo following the massive air raid in the area, Barkmann and two other Panther tanks set up an ambush in the hedgerows near the village of Le Lorey. All crews were at battle stations, the tension of a month of hard fighting etching lines of fatigue indelibly into their faces. Positioning his tank in an ideal ambush position at a crossroads, Barkmann sighted a long column of enemy vehicles approaching him. His gunner, Corporal Pooggendorf, estimated the distance at around 200 yards. Barkmann tersely barked the order to fire. The Panther shuddered as its main gun erupted flame and smoke. Almost instantaneously, more flames erupted from the lead American tank. The others behind it in the column began frantically backing away. The fight continued. The crack of the gun, the clang of the empty shell casings and the slamming of the breach all added to the horrid din of war inside the steel monster. The sky began to fill with smoke as Barkmann's tank scored one hit after another. Both of his companion tanks were hit and lost. The German sergeant cooly surveyed the terrain, found more targets and fired upon them. His keen eyes spotted two Shermans flanking his position through the thick haze of battle. His 7.5 cm gun barked. One Sherman was hit and burst into a fiery death pyre for the American tankers. The second Sherman managed to get off two quick desparate shots, hitting Barkmann's tank both times. Then Barkmann's cannon spoke with a wicked authoritative growl and the second Sherman took a leap backward and was still. No further fire came from that direction. Though a heroic stand was made, it could not last. By now Barkmann's Panther, # 424, had taken numerous hits. The escape hatches were twisted and jammed. His driver had suffered a serious neck wound and screamed hysterically in pain. One track on the massive steel cat had been blown away. The zimmerit protective covering of the tank had been peeled back by armor piercing 75mm rounds. Armor flaking inside the turret from enemy hits had created further wounds to his crew. Enemy artillery shells were bursting all around his position. Even worse, he could hear the drone of the Jabos (enemy fighter bombers) above him, searching for him in the dense smoke. He had done all he could. Barkmann spoke to his driver calmly, reassuring him. The driver immediately came back to his sense, climbed into his seat, and wrestled the tank into reverse. He then slowly backed it out of the fight, the tank twisting and waddling in a crab-like motion. Once out of the action, German infantry was stationed nearby. Witnesses to the battle, they were stunned. They dramatically attested that Barkmann in this engagement had taken out well over a dozen enemy vehicles. His tally included halftracks, trucks, a jeep and nine Sherman tanks. His sacrificial stand at the crossroads would be recognized by his later receiving the award of the Ritterkruez (The Knight's Cross). Wild Bill

Hey Coop! Soon as the guys leave the battlefield, all bloodied and battered, these will be out for all of you. These AAR reports will help me to fine tune these scenarios even more. I don't think you will ever again have scenarios so well tested by so many skilled wargamers as these. Should not be much longer. Thanks for asking...WB

Those AARs are a superb piece of work and a big help to me, guys. Treeburst passes them all to me and I read every one. Quite a talented group here! As for taking my scalp, you are too late Besides, what would you do with a scalp with only three hairs on it? :eek: This has been a great experience for me, and it has been an honor to get to know all of you fellow gamers and share your travail as you agonize over each battle. Win or lose, you are to be congratulated for putting up with my evil machinations. Good job, guys! I hope we can do it again someday. Perhaps the East Front one day? Wild Bill

Speaking of women, Big Dog, different women have different tastes. So do wargamers. There is a large crowd of less than die-hards (probably the majority who play wargames) who have a busy life style and just don't have the time for the monsters. The smaller, quick play battles are right up their alley. A good firefight between arriving home and dinner or another between getting the kids tucked in and then crashing are ideal. Tastes vary. It is good to have a nice mix of all types. Wild Bill

I just read your paraphrase, JK! Loved it! I really loved it! Hey, send it to me Warrior. I'd love to keep a copy of it and print it out, paste on my computer as a guide for future scenarios. You are tha man, John! A true battle-scarred vet after the ordeal of these seven tests of skill and courage. Wild Bill

Take heart, JK! Ah, the frustrations of the battlefield commander. I have been rather diabolical this time around and put you all under a lot of pressure. Your reports have been most helpful to me. I appreciate them all. The scales of war are so delicately balanced... Thanks, Holien. I appreciate it...WB

Detective Admiral Keith on the prowl. Too bad Big Dog didn't catch the scent WB

"Not enough time, not enough hardware, not enough manpower..." these are common complaints of the battlefield commander. How many times has a Patton or a Rommel told his subordinates, "You are falling behind. You need to move forward now. No excuses. Do it now!"? To recreate that type of pressure, about the only way a designer can do that is with a limited time frame. This causes the human player, even though he may have strong forces, to take chances, to make some opportunistic choices and hope they turn in his favor. It also, when playing a game, makes you sweat, swear, and sometimes sulk . It does create a certain amount of frustration and that too is often the lot of a dedicated and skillful commander. "If I just had more time..." Wild Bill