Traject0ry

Join our "mini-tournament" of seven other players and four so far unreleased scenarios! In order to join mail me traject0ry@hotmail.com and announce that you are willing to join. Allied war effort needs YOU! Tournament details here (Click the link!): "100 Minutes Tournament" -T [ June 24, 2002, 04:31 AM: Message edited by: Traject0ry ]

This is the nightmarish "100M" tournament for eight willing victims. Harsh language is not tolerated but witty flaming is mandatory. Raw deal as short as I can put it: Four premade scenarios (see below), not perfectly balanced. Eight players with one half playing as Axis (and the other Allied) each player fighting all four scenarios against different opponents (Thus "Allied player one" would play each scenario against each of the Axis players who in turn would play the remaining three scenarios with various Allied players so that no one will end up playing the same scenario twice). Scoring: The players are not compared to their opponents but instead to other players on the "same side". Thus if all players of the Allied side lose a certain scenario those losing it with the smallest margin would be in the lead. This system produces two victors - one for the Allied "side" and one for the Axis (thus giving you a 25% chance if it is a game of luck!). Scenarios: Each participant will play four different scenarios against four different opponents. Each scenario lasts 25 turns and vary in size and type as follows: Axis Attack (Large) Allied Attack (one Medium and one Large) Meeting (Small) Other conditions will vary. These are played blind though briefings will often include "intelligence" concerning the opposition. Adding general briefings here: Title: Arch Enemies Type: Meeting (German/Fallschirmjaeger vs. British) Class: Semi-Historical Date: 21st of April 1945 Location: Germany, near Zeven Time: Night Terrain: Damp Weather: Clear Length: 25 turns Size: Large In 7th of May 1945 the Guards Armoured Brigade accepted the surrender of 7th Fallschirmjaeger Division. Since Rhine these two Divisions had fought against each other with both ability and resolve shown by soldiers on both sides. When the war finally ended on the western front the battered 7th Division was at Cuxhaven. Their request of being allowed to surrender to their formidable opponent the Guards Armoured Division was honoured to the letter. Only a few weeks earlier the Divisions had been smiting each other to pieces. Late 20th of April the British signals noticed heavy German radio traffic near to their position. A detachment from the Guards Armoured was sent into the darkness in order to reconnoitre enemy movements. Knowing that they would be facing the dreaded 7th Fallschirmjaeger Division the Guardsmen advanced boldly with a grim idea of what future would bring along with it for them. Title: Mechanized Bushmen Type: Advance (UK vs. German) Class: Semi-Historical Date: 13th of June 1944 Location: North-west from Tilly (near Verrieres) Time: Day Weather: Clear Terrain: Damp Length: 25 turns Size: Medium Breakthrough to inner France was in the allied grasp but several key locations were still to be captured before the dash to final victory could begin. The most important "locks" defended by the Germans were St. Lo (constantly under pressure from the advancing Americans) and Caen (the main objective of the Commonwealth forces since the D-Day). Between these locations in the heart of the Bocage country was Tilly (has been written "Tilley" in some of my older sources) where some of the fiercest fighting took place as 50th British Division (under Major-General D.A.H. Graham) and 7th British Armoured Division (then under Major-General G.W.E.J. Erskine) clashed with the (in)famous Panzer Lehr (under General Bayerlein). As the "Desert Rats" of the 7th Armoured marched towards their fiasco in the hands of Wittmann many small "Lehr" detachments deployed to slow down the allied advance were hotly engaged with the 50th Division troops. One such battle was fought near Verrieres (n-w from Tilly) when panzer under Hauptmann Felmer supported by a mixed detachment of grenadiers from the 902nd Regiment faced elements of the 9th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry backed by armour from the 61st Reconnaissance Regiment and 5th Battalion R.T.R. (actually a 7th division unit by the time). Title: Dies Irae Type: Advance (Germans/SS vs. British) Class: Semi-Historical Date: Operation Epsom 30th of June 1944 Location: Southwest of Caen Time: Dawn Terrain: Dry Weather: Clear Length: 25 turns Size: Large Epsom offensive had brought the British VIII Corps across Odom. This served as a reason for the Germans to commit most of their reserves including 1st, 2nd, 9th and 10th SS Panzer Divisions against the hard pressed British troops forcing them back over the river. In the last days of June the fact that no German armoured assault could throw the advancing allies back to the sea was clear. The best of the German armoured forces on the Normandy front had been committed piecemeal to halt the British thrust and their steam was dwindling as the VIII Corps fought for its survival. Elements from the 2nd Battalion (Glasgow Highlanders) 15th Division had moved during the cover of the night to their new positions Near Tourville. After digging in and preparing to face once more the attacking Germans they tried to get some rest despite the sounds of battle just south of them. In the first hours of the 30th of June some supplies got through to them and though the food was all welcome no other munitions were received. As the first signs of dawn were noticed by the soldiers they heard a sound coming from the south. It was the sound made by an armoured vehicle closing in fast. Title: Recogne Recount Type: Advance (Americans vs. Germans) Class: Semi-Historical Date: 4th of November 1944 Location: Recogne in Belgium Weather: Fog (Smoke) Terrain: Damp Length: 25 turns Size: Large Allied were making fast progress during late 1944 with their attack towards the German border in Belgium. The weather was damp and the roads were all muddy presenting some challenge to the advance. Their German opponents seemed to withdraw rather than fight and thus the allied were boldly pressing on without any clue that their enemy was preparing to a great counteroffensive once to be known as the Bulge. While the greater picture was unclear to the men on the field the allied forces happily liberated Belgian towns and villages one by one. The German resistance was weak and uncoordinated but in some villages vicious defensive actions were performed against the usually more numerous Americans. In Recogne the defending troops had decided that no allied force should be let through without a fight. As the Americans were advancing to the village of Recogne in Belgium the air was thick with smoke which irritated eyes and made the men cough. The village area and surrounding woods were ablaze creating a huge smokescreen covering the surroundings. Warily the Americans moved in to secure the remains of the village. Soon the first shots were fired. Getting Started: When all eight have enlisted I'll send each axis all four scenarios and list of opponents (including a note which scenario is played against which opponent) to compete against. Gameplay: Use TCP/IP, LAN or Pbem - I don't care. If you ever get this finished I'll worry about the diplomas (see below). Take all the time you want (as long as it suits your opponent) and play all four separately or simultaneously - whichever suits you best. Getting in: Enlist here, no other choice. Just put a post with your name (Battlefront alias will do), side you want to play and a working e-mail address. First four Axis and Allied players applying are in. Getting out: You must find a replacement if you are dropping out. Just name a player who is willing to fill your boots (and his e-mail) and *PUFF*, it's done. Requirements: None, flame me and your fellows as much as you like. I have no feelings whatsoever. Join and play. Results: Post them here. Mail me traject0ry@hotmail.com or Jay jayceboyd@hotmail.com AARs and reviews: Post 'em here but not before the tournament is over. None are mandatory but if you want to just go ahead and write. Prizes: Reputation and Glory. Possibly a laminated diploma (if Jay ever get's 'em finished) delivered free of charge. Official complaints here or: traject0ry@hotmail.com jayceboyd@hotmail.com Cheers, -T [ July 21, 2002, 09:07 AM: Message edited by: Traject0ry ]

Prolly not as the troops are both considered "axis". Besides the sad German versus Finns action is not worth the effort unless you want to see a lot of burning buildings -T

Playing simultaneously does cut some of the surprise element for sure and this type of game will certainly not suit every gamer playing CM:BO. I'm playing one (Abrams' Thunderbolt) from the Depot (I've played it before) against a beginner who wanted me to comment his progress. In order to do so I decided that we'll play this mirrored and I'm personally employing risky tactics in order to take advantage of the map and employ my troops to their fullest extent. As I'm certain that he will play a more cautious and concentrated match it will allow him to see the strengths and weaknesses in both tactics. In my opinion it can be great fun to play mirrors especially when gaming against an old trusty opponent and when the pair of you already have given the scenario in question a go (and know what the opposition has to offer). I also underline that ofcourse such mirrored rematch requires a balanced scenario (or the results could be compared from the different games just to see which one achieved a greater margin of victory - a good way to play a scenario which often ends up in a draw) if the players want a match that either one could win. -T

I've got a taker! Cheers Combined, let's make it tough and worth swearing -T

This is a good question and you'll get a lot of answers as each author has a personal view on such matters. In MY opinion (it is the right opinion but just for me - lol) semi-historical means that the scenario has historical background (being a part of a bigger attack for example) but the author does not have the will to use (as this could turn it terribly uneven) or have access to accurate maps or OOBs (these could also be altered to add balance). Thus it is a battle in "historical frames" lacking some accuracy to be labeled as "historical". As it is the battles are recounted by men and maps could be faulty thus making the concept of "historical" quite flimsy to begin with. Besides as the events of the scenario usually take a different path than the actual battle it is NOT a historical recreation anyway. The game engine itself is not designed to be historically accurate but to produce quality gaming! Still if the map is made based on actual models (descriptions, photos or maps) and the OOBs are formed around lists gathered from historical sources as accurately as possible a scenario is often labeled "historical". Each author puts an effort to his product and such thing as historicality should not be mixed with "playability" or "quality". Besides many fictional skirmishes might accidentally depict small encounters with much more detail than any historical scenario does -T

I could try this one out but all my "usual" opponents got their card full. If anyone is interested and out of opponents then mail me: traject0ry@hotmail.com and we'll tackle this together (author should not reply, lol) One turn a day and no Sundays (as I play from office) -T

Downloaded it and if it is of proper size I'll TCP it tonight. You should include here approximate size and length for "Ghost" as it often helps playtesters to select those best suited for them. If it is NOT huge and last OVER 50 rounds expect my review on Monday. -T

One more bocage fight requiring playtesting. I need two man teams ready to tackle a Medium sized 26 turn British advance. The Briefings are mere drafts but the scenario itself has been refined to the stage of final playtesting. No need for page long AARs or other fancy pulp. Simply your opinion, how it could still be improved and a list of things you liked/disliked. Leave your e-mail here (plus the e-mail of your opponent) and I'll send it to you... Those thinking of going against AI with this one or are unable to give any kind of feedback should not bother. Got plenty of such playtester already :mad: . Thanks in advance, -T

Cheers for adding the PBEM scores. Being a cry-baby always helps

Guess it was me being so loud about "hard to find quality pbem scaenarios" so cheers to all this good service. Hope that some day the other fine sites can hear me howl... And yes, if I ever get one finished I'll review it. That's a promise. -T

"If english was good enough for Jesus it is good enough for me." Nii 'tana, 'kele... -T

Ahem... Here goes again. As it is that people are already keeping and updating lists of good pbem scenarios this topic will (in the future) serve only the purpose of: A) Add people's personal favourites on the list here in order for those interested to go and find them Add directions (addresses) for good upkept lists of pbem scenarios. As most scenarios are reviewed at the sites no comments on the scenarios shall be added here. Go to the sites, download the scens and write the reviews/AARs or whatever it is the site asks for. Thus people visiting here can check scenario reviews for the scenarios listed at the site or find a list upkept by someone containing quality pbem scens. Hope this removes all the grief caused by my previous posts. Thank you for all the good scens listed and directing me to the right tracks... (I'll prolly be labeled as "Lap Dog" after this ) [ April 29, 2002, 09:31 AM: Message edited by: Traject0ry ]

Oopsie, once more the idea was to collect a list of good Pbem scenarios. Thus name, where it can be downloaded and the guy recommending it are the only things that count. And that is the scenario name, site page and the rest is added to the post automatically. If you are looking forward to fight over which site is the best in listing scenarios or who does the most work in order to get his site to function properly please go and start a topic for "Flaming the sad scenario sites" but in here the idea was clearly different. Thank you for those scenarios named, I shall check all the ones named here and post reviews at the sites hosting them (though this will take a while as I play only 2 turns a day...) Be patient then and be good [ April 29, 2002, 09:33 AM: Message edited by: Traject0ry ]

One my way pleez! traject0ry@hotmail.com

Our goal here shall be to create a list of people's favourites as well as to provide access to quality lists for pbem scenarios upkept by the true fanatics. [ April 29, 2002, 09:50 AM: Message edited by: Traject0ry ]

Many things have changed since posting this original message. Please read my further (edited) comments below and the other posts sent by all the good people. I'll leave the rest of my original "first" post of this topic intact below so that people having similar problems can find these helping posts (through search) and to provide a monument for arrogance and selfishness... As there are plenty of places were one could go to for downloading a bunch of scenarios, read AARs and articles about those very same scenarios it could be a nice idea to collect the very best ones (play by e-mail scenarios - meaning balanced and enjoyable) on one list so I could easily find and download them... As most search engines on scenario sites do not allow search with such conditions as "playability as pbem" or "balance against human opponent" I often find myself endlessly going through huge archives with no other way to find what I'm looking for than simply checking each of the scenarios present one by one. I'm not short with opponents but most of them are fed up with either QBs or playing against me in my self-made scenarios (little surprises for the author - breaking the balance I have tried to achieve )... Hope this will help others as well. Selfish as always, -T [ April 29, 2002, 09:42 AM: Message edited by: Traject0ry ]

Getting serious then... heh. Most certainly even the best of shooters can miss his target in a combat situation. It is inhuman to completely ignore the fact that people of the opposition are trying to kill you. Besides good shooters (not that I know any) who have visited the range weekly for 14 years have their "Bad days" as well even without any combat conditions. Thus John's post which provides accuracy information does not even try to take this into account. It simply shows that a certain hit even at range conditions is hard to achieve with WWII weaponry. Bolting a zeroed weapon and shooting at the range of 50 m to a stationary tank sized target should do but such a task is actually quite hard to manage during combat mithinks. Disagree as much as you like...

"I...am...not...FLAT!!!!" :mad:

Hmm, the ammo type selection should ofcourse be available to the player thus overriding the tac AI when necessary. Then again most tanks are equipped with adequate MG's to deal with the infantry (to keep their heads down - eliminating them is another matter) as with many modern tanks which often simply carry very small amounts of ammunition well suited for anti-infantry fire. Thus using MG's and not the main weapon to suppress soft targets is prolly the solution offered by the game designers in order to save the main gun ammunition for a more "proper" use. This ofcourse does not fully compensate for the firepower of the 105mm gun or even 75mm but hey, it is a game after all... BTW, what's a trajectory?

Guilty, besides "Sanctimonious" is my WIFE's middle name while I'm stuck with "Skiver" - leave my girl out of it or prepare to be scudded! What do we need real life for as long as we can play CM:BO and fight over Bren tripods at "Battlefront?"

Fire away matey, I'll take a look. Far too grand a scale for me though but the idea sounds nice. Could it be done with smaller units without loss in quality of action? Mikä vitun "vinnis pulletiini" :confused: (translation will be mailed if requested to persons of age 16 or older) traject0ry@hotmail.com

Fire away matey, I'll take a look. Far too grand a scale for me though but the idea sounds nice. Could it be done with smaller units without loss in quality of action? Mikä vitun "vinnis pulletiini" :confused: (translation will be mailed if requested to persons of age 16 or older) traject0ry@hotmail.com

Dear John, (Always wanted to start one post like that...) As the rest of us are mere mortals and restricted to two grandads =) there is no way for us to check facts about every aspect concerning WWII... But seriously I must admit that my own sources are not THAT accurate as stated earlier in one of my posts (if I recall) and several references has been made that I am bound to expect the worst case in every scenario (it is this thing about war - something makes me feel unsafe) so most people will always find my text somewhat exaggerating. Your sources seem to be okay and I trust that everyone posting here will keep your opinion in higher regard than mine (a mere junior member). Besides you must be one of the few who actually bother to read everything posted on this list. Man I hope they pay you good... Then to the rest of you stubborn Bren(tripod)men... As it is however the conversation keeps on going and if anyone gets his/her feelings hurt that is purely unintentional coincidence (at least from my part) which I regret on the behalf of the poor bassie taking all this sooooo seriously. To make posting this reasonable I'd like to sum up this tripod thing however: 1) Thus those posting on this list are more or less convinced that not only Bren tripods existed but were also used by troops during WWII. 2) The tripod was used for long-range firing from prepared positions by the troops (ofcourse there would have been men who decided to use it during hectic attacks but we are trying to reason within the limits of CM:BO which luckily leaves Rambos out from simulation). 3) It was more often used for AA work but even then the material clearly shows that it was not often used and certainly not in crucial role in several battles (such stories would have survived for mere 60 years easily). 4) As there is a proper reason NOT to model Bren tripod in the game (it did not have that much meaning in battlefield anyway + it would simply turn this conversation to another stupid non-mattering tidbit that was left out of the game even if it would be added this very second + we would have to stop flaming each other on this subject) there is no reason to keep up this quarrel for a minute longer (though I must admit that I enjoy it...) than it has already lasted. Hmmm... my tone was not intended to be this aggressive - well at least I can feel more flames headed in this direction. Better get my barbeque out of the garage....

Built this scenario with allied attacker (about 2100 pnts) UK and German defender (like I had an option - with 1800 points). As it has been very hard to balance and some drastic measures have been used since the previous playtesting it could be considered brand new. Drafts of briefing are also included and the deployment is made after historical guidelines. Problem is that the only way of distribution is via e-mail (as long as my wife sits home writing her graduation work) so if anyone can be bothered with this... I'll check this topic daily so leave your e-mail in order to receive it. No need for detailed AAR:s (you can't be bothered with such as this is still a draft) but I'm hoping to receive good hints concerning the balance (Axis bonus suggestions, reinforcement deployment and anything else you can come up with from weather to length....) as this one has been a bit tricky. For solitaire play German side is recommended though two player game feedback is the more valued... Thanks in advance laddies!