Edwin P.

And of course Random Events where players can influence the outcome: Random Event: 1% per turn, if German subs interdict Allied Merchant Shipping and USA is Neutral. News Flash: German sub sinks US Merchant Ship. Diplomatic Options Button Appears for German Player. Diplomatic Options for German Player: Option 1: German Foreign Minister conveys applogizes to USA government and offers compensation to survivors (Cost 10MPP). Option 2: German Government assumes no responsiblity for ships entering a war zone. (50% US War readiness increases 1% to 4%)

I am especially interested in finding out if SC2 will include a game changing semi-random event such as Japan Attacks Russia (instead of Pearl Harbor) = No Siberian Transfer for Russia, but a stronger USA. Random Event: Japan attacks Russia instead of Pearl Harbor (10% - 1 in 10 games, while USA is Neutral.) ------------------------------------------------- Start of Turn X Popup for both sides: News Flash: Japan Massing Troops on Siberian Border. Diplomatic Option button appears. German Option: Diplomatic Chit to prevent Japanese attack on Russia. Russian Option: Diplomatic Chit to prevent Japanese attack on Russia. American OptionL: Diplomatic Chit to prevent Japanese attack on Russia. Note: All sides do not know if the other has expended a diplomatic chit to prevent a Japanese attack on Russia. ------------------------------------------------- Start of Turn X+1 = If Germany nor Russia nor USA expended a diplomatic chit on Japan then Japan attacks Russia. No Siberian Transfer, USA gains Bonus (Units and/or MPP). ------------------------------------------------ If Germany and/or Russia and/or USA expend a diplomatic chit on Japan then Japan does not attack Russia. Popup: NEWS FLASH: Russia signs trade agreement with Japan. (if Russia expended a diplomatic chit on Japan during the prior turn). German Foreign Minister visits Japan (if Germany expended a diplomatic chit on Japan during the prior turn). USA embargoes sale of oil to Japan (if USA expended a diplomatic chit on Japan during the prior turn). The News Flash (with 1 to 3 comments) adds a touch of chrome to this simple event. Note that all players see the same inital news flash and must select a diplomatic option without knowing if their opponents have elected to expend a diplomatic chit to influence the outcome of this event. Why this event? It totally changes the game. USA Stronger, Russia Weaker. And since it rarely occurs (at most 1 in 10 games) it is not something that players will plan for. ============================================= I would also like to see: Turkey Allows British Naval Forces to Transit the Straits IF UK Spends Diplomatic Chit on Turkey AND Turkish Axis Alliance % < 20% THEN 50% UK and USA naval units can move through Turkish Ports and the Bospherous straits to/from the Black Sea. NEWS FLASH: The Government of Turkey has granted transit rights for British and American, not Russian !, naval forces to move through the Bospherous Straits. Turkey Allows Axis Forces to Transit Straits IF Axis Spends Diplomatic Chit on Turkey AND Turkish Axis Alliance % > 80% THEN 50% German and Italian naval units can move through Turkish Ports and the Bospherous straits to/from the Black Sea. NEWS FLASH: The Government of Turkey has granted transit rights for Axis Naval forces to move through the Bospherous Straits. Why only a 50% chance? Diplomacy is never a sure thing? ========================================== And of course this Diplomatic Event: English diplomatic contacts learn location of Axis Forces in North Africa 1 Diplomatic Chit = UK spots 10% to 50% of Axis units in Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iran and Iraq for 1 Turn. (Cost 75 MPP) Note: The UK had substantial commercial and tribal contacts in North Africa and the Middle East. Axis Diplomatic contacts learn location of Allied Forces in North Africa 1 Diplomatic Chit = Axis spot 10% to 50% of Allied units in Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Syria and Iraq for 1 Turn. (Cost 75 MPP) Note: There was a substantial number of pro-German Anti-British and Anti-French sympathizers among the Arab populations of North Africa and the Middle East. [ October 27, 2004, 04:03 PM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

I understood. I should have said "Any News HC?" . So far HC et al has not made any extensive comments on the diplomacy system or random events. I too am looking forward to hearing what will be included.

Will the German Axis AI concentrate its air fleets on the Eastern front to support an imminent invasion of Russia? Yes/No [ October 27, 2004, 11:03 AM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

EV, I would say only if the unit adopted a posture of "Hidden" at the start of their turn and does not move or attack - to reflect an active decision to hide their presence - radio silence, hiding trucks in barns and under netting, no parades of troops marching through open fields. Benefit - Reduces spotting range of enemy units by 1. Cost - Unit can't move or increase entrenchment while hidden.

Any news?

Excellent, and don't forget the diplomatic effects of giving territory to another nation. Germany giving Vichy Algeria to Italy would make Spain upset and Germany giving Vichy France to Spain would upset Italy.

Idea: for Stationary Units Much like you can give orders to Air Fleets, how about one for land combat units: Hidden Posture - Reduces enemy spotting range by 1 for this unit - A Hidden unit can not have moved or attacked that turn, and does not gain an entrenchment level while hidden in a non-city hex.

It would be interesting, as Blashy and Roosevelt45 (the 2nd) proposed, if in H vs AI games if the Allies won the system allowed Russia and the West to fight it out, with the Human Player being assigned the side (US/UK/France OR USSR) with the lower MPP production (usually the Western Allies). Essentially Game Option for: Allies Win > Popup Message: War Between Western Allies and Russia? Yes/No > If YES game continues with Allies at war with USSR. Human Player assigned to Alliance with lower MPP production (usually Western Allies). AI controlled alliance moves first (or randomly selected side moves first?) in a surprise attack. If NO game ends normally. Not a must have feature, but it would make for an interesting extension of the game. [ October 26, 2004, 07:15 AM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

Excellent idea. In Practical Terms Each Axis Unit on Border of Sweden after Norway surrenders = 5% Chance for Swedish Mobilization 4 Axis units on Swedish Border = 20% Swedish mobilization. 5 Axis units on Swedish Border = 25% Swedish mobilization. Swedish Mobilization Effect 50% Sweden Mobilizes an additional Corps 25% Swedish Units Begin to Entrench 25% Sweden Mobilizes a HQ Unit. 25% Swedish Corps - half strength - guards Swedish/Norwegian Border 25% Swedish Post Surrender Partisans Activated 25% Sweden asks UK to deploy Air Fleet to Stockholm. UK has option to operate UK airfleet(s) to Neutral Stockholm, if so, then Axis sees popup: UK Air Fleet Arrives in Sweden at Invitation of Swedish Government. This airfleet may not attack until Sweden joins the Allies, but it can spot enemy units. On average, Swedish mobilization means that 1 or 2 of the above events will occur. As _onepercent says; "this would add that unknown factor into the game. Not knowing where they have their units, nor exactely what kind of units they have, nor how many units they have." or if Swedish partisans would be activated. Or as _onepercent also suggest, let their be a chance that the major neutrals use their MPP production to purchase more units. A simplified Active Neutral: For example - let their be a 10% per game (1 in 10 games) that Turkey becomes an Active Neutral and uses its MPP production (from 3 cities and 1 port) to purchase new units, about 1 corps every 4 turns. Then, once it has purchased 5 units it attacks Vichy Syria and then Neutral Iraq, annexing these two territories. Perhaps allowing the Allies to ship supplies to Russia in exchange for; Improved Infantry Technology or Mpps to purchase an Air Fleet or a HQ unit. Or does it blockade Allies supplies to Russia in exchange for aid from the Axis. Perhaps if the Axis conquers Egypt, the Turks having conquered Syria and Iraq, threaten to attack Egypt. Does the Axis defend Egypt and force Turkey to join the Allies or does the Axis relent and give Turkey control over Egypt in order to maintain a neutral Turkey? And if the Axis declines Turkey's ultimatium does Turkey attack or does it back down? Does Turkey Backdown from Threat to Invade Egypt? 25% per Axis unit in Egypt or 100% if Russia has surrendered, -20% per 5 Turkish Units above 10. Thus, if 1 Axis unit in Cairo 25% that Turkey decides backs down from invasion threat. If 4 Axis units in Egypt then 100% Turkey backs down from invasion threat. However, if Turkey has 15 Units then the chance of Turkey backing down is reduced by 20%, if Turkey has 20 units mobilized then the chance of them backing down is reduced by 40%. Does Turkey Threaten an Invasion of Axis controlled Egypt? Probably only 1 in 20 games. +25% if Turkey controls Vichy Syria +25% if Turkey controls Iraq +25% if Allies use Diplomatic Chit to encourage Turkish Aggression against Axis controlled Egypt -25% if Axis use Diplomatic Chit to encourage peace with Turkey -100% if Russia has surrendered to Axis +10% if Italy controls Egypt. And what happens if Turkey successfully annexes Egypt, in addition to Syria and Iraq? Will its leaders stop their expansion or will they continue to rebuild the Ottoman empire? Perhaps they then demand that Italy withdraws from Libya? If the Italians refuse then the Turks threaten to join the Allies! Will Turkey demand the return of Territory from Russia? If the Russians refuse, then Turkey may join the Axis? In fact, at this could be a great balancing tool in HvH games. With an Active Neutral Turkey threatening the stronger player, be it Allied or Axis, with territorial demands and the Human player not knowing how strong the Turkish Army is. A strong human player might suddenly see himself threatened with a demand for territory by Turkey - Decline and Turkey may join the other side, accept this demand and your production is weakened. Of course, I would limit Turkey's asperations to Vichy Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Caucaus Russia, Bulgaria, Albania, the northern part of Greece and a few tiles of Yugoslavia - the domain of the Ottoman Empire. Simarily, I would limit Spain's asperations to Gibraltar and Algeria. Naturally Germany giving Egypt to Turkey would damage relations with Italy and Germany giving Vichy Algeria or Vichy France to Spain would also damage relations with Italy - perhaps leading Italy to become a neutral power and withdraw its units from the front lines. [ October 25, 2004, 07:25 AM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

Any chance for Active Neutrals? What is an Active Neutral? A major neutral nation (Spain or Turkey) that acts according to its own AI. It can attack another nation without triggering an automatic act of war. The actions and movements of its units are limited by its AI, not by a human player. An active neutral can produce its own units and launch diplomatic initiatives with the major powers. Example 1: Spain as an Active Neutral A. While an Active Neutral Spain may decide to attack Gibraltar, this does not trigger an automatic state of war with the UK unless the UK decides to. If the UK treats this as a DOW then Spain joins the Axis. If the UK decides to ignore this action then Spanish units attacks Gibraltar and UK units may freely attack only Spanish units attacking Gibraltar, without forcing Spain to join the Axis. B. While an active neutral Spain may decide to attack Vichy Algeria. C. While an active neutral Spanish units may not move beyond the confines of Spain and Algeria. D. While an Active Neutral Spain may ask the Allies for MPPS with which to increase the size of their army. E. While an Active Neutral Spain may ask the Axis for MPPs with which to increase the size of their army. How would this work. Spain begins the game as a pure neutral nation. Actions by the Axis and Allies may cause it to become an Active neutral. Example: Axis attacks Sweden, Switzerland and Vichy France. Spain becomes an Active Neutral and asks for military assistance from the UK and begins to produce units. Spain may also ask Germany for a promise and MPPs not to attack Spain, else, it threatens to join allies. If UK experiences large losses at sea and/or the Axis invades the UK then Spain may decide to attack Gibraltar. UK is given option to DOW Spain or not, or to pursue a limited war that is limited to attacking Spainish units adjacent to Gibraltar. If Axis attacks conquers France Spain may, but not always (use of diplomatic chit?), offer the Axis the chance to station air units, not land units, in Spain in exchange for Vichy Algeria. Example 2: Turkey as Active Neutral A. If Turkey becomes an active neutral it may pursue an active foreign policy (say 1 in 10 games), product units and act with its own AI. B. Turkish units may move to attack Vichy Syria. C. Turkish units may attack Iraq. UK reaction may be: C1. Let Turkey have it. C2. Lets defend Iraq (UK units may enter Iraq and attack Turkish units in Iraq without triggering war with Turkey) but can not attack Turkish units in Turkey. C3. DOW Turkey, Turkey joins Axis. C4. Demand that Turkey withdraw. (%) for Turkey to accept. C5. Will will accept Turkish control over Iraq in exchange for Free Passage to/from the Black Sea. D. If Vichy France Surrenders to Germany then Turkey may attack Vichy Syria. Axis reaction may be: D1. Let Turkey have it. D2. Lets defend Syria. D3. DOW Turkey, Turkey joins Allies D4. Demand that Turkish units withdraw. (%) for Turkey to accept. E. An Active Turkey may offer Non-Russian Allies free passage to the Black Sea in exchange for Technology or MPPs. F. An Active Turkey may offer to assist the Allies in excange for Territory promised by the Earlier peace treay signed with Russia and Iraq and Syria. This causes - Active Turkey to launch AI controlled attacks on the Axis, limited by the fact that Turkish units may not move further than 10 tiles from Turkish Territory. Allied units can trace supply to Turkish cities. Turkey gains territory from Russia in Caucaus mountains. Once tide of war turns towards Allies then Turkey becomes neutral once more. Imagine the shock on the Axis player's face when he encounters Turkish units in the Causcause mountains and/or invading Bulgaria and/or liberating Iraq. Of course the loss of 5 Russian cities/resource hexes will cost the Russians 50MPP per turn. [ October 24, 2004, 10:59 AM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

1. One item to keep in mind is that Gibraltar is small, very small. This size puts a physical limit on the number of troops that can be stationed there. 2. Its relatively easy to defend. Imagine one big mountain surrounded on 3 sides by water and on one side by realtively flat terrian - one big kill zone.

Dear JerseyJohn, Web Site: http://www.cosmosite.net/239-175-gibraltareng.htm Looking for Backup: --------------------------------------------- Web Site: http://www.feldgrau.com/july.html July 5th July 5th, 1940: In retaliation for the British action at Mers-el-Kebir, Vichy French warships based at Dakar capture 3 British merchant ships, while French aircraft stationed in Morocco attack British shipping off Gibraltar.

"(jbrôl´tr) (KEY) , British crown colony (1995 est. pop. 32,000), 2.5 sq mi (6.5 sq km), on a narrow, rocky peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea from SW Spain. Most of the peninsula is occupied by the Rock of Gibraltar (Lat. Calpe), one of the Pillars of Hercules, which guards the northeastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar, linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic. The town of Gibraltar lies at the northwest end of the Rock of Gibraltar. The peninsula is connected with the mainland by a low sandy area of neutral ground. West of the peninsula is the Bay of Gibraltar, an inlet of the strait. There is a safe enclosed harbor of 440 acres (178 hectares). The rock, of Jurassic limestone, contains caves in which valuable archaeological finds have been made. It is honeycombed by defense works and arsenals, which are largely concealed. A tunnel bisects the rock from east to west." "During the Second World War, the Royal Engineers (originally the Artificer Company during the Great Siege) including a Canadian contingent, achieved wonderful feats of engineering, adding some 30 miles (40Km) of tunnels."

I read this once, but will have to confirm, the Rock (inside the actual geological structure) contains submarine pens. These pens were used not only during WWII also during the cold war. submarines could enter and leave the rock without being visually spotted.

Pro-Allied - No response to Allied Attacks on Syria or Algeria Neutral - No response to Allied Attacks on Syria. Joins Axis if Vichy Algeria is attacked. Pro-Axis - Joins Axis if Syria or Vichy Algeria is attacked.

Excellent idea. An excellent reson for the Axis to expend diplomacy chits on Vichy France.

Can one link event triggers to the AI level and the AI player? Example: An event that can occur only if Germany is AI controlled and the AI is set at Expert level. Expert Level AI: 10% Spain joins AI controlled Axis after France surrenders. --------------------------------------------- Example: An event that can occur only if the USA allies are AI controlled. Expert Level AI: 20% US Gains an additional Cruiser and Carrier when it enters the War. (transferred from the Pacific fleet)(1 in 5 games) Intermediate Level AI: 5% US Gains an additional Cruiser and Carrier when it enters the War. (transferred from the Pacific fleet) (1 in 20 games) Beginner Level AI: 0% US Gains an additional Cruiser and Carrier when it enters the War. (transferred from the Pacific fleet) [ October 14, 2004, 07:56 PM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

"In the first case, as Shaka pointed out, though in game terms the Gibraltar garrison is represented by a corps it is really only a reinforced brigade -- why would the UK bother to withdraw them?" Well, occassionaly I see my opponent will leave Gibraltar undefended, in the hope that the Italians will not make a move against it, at least until a new unit can be brought in. And if no land unit is close by an air unt can be operated in. (This may change in SC2 when an ampibious unit can move to a costal tile and land on the same turn)

In my view, in the Spanish case, the UK might have declared war on Spain, but only after defeating Germany and Italy. But to open up another front and allow Germany access to Gibraltar would have been something that the Churchhill would have avoided, in my opinion. [ October 14, 2004, 08:36 AM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

Events for cases where the Axis or the Allies abandoned important cities. Example: If Warsaw is not garrisonned and a Soviet unit approaches within 2 tiles after 1942 then the city revolts and a pro Allied partisan unit appears in it. This event can only happen once. (The Warsaw Uprising) (say 25%, 1 in 4 chance to happen) Example: Each turn no Allied units are in Egypt or its ports there is a chance that Egypt revolts and a pro Axis partisan unit appears in Cairo. This event can only happen once. (The Egyptian officer corps and the general populace did not like the British) (say 2%, 1 in 50 turns) Example: Each turn no Allied garrison is in Gibraltar there is a 1% Spain annexes Gibraltar and the port of Gibraltar is reduced to zero - thus allowing Allied and Axis ships to freely transit it. (even if Franco annexed Gibraltar, he would allow the British navy free transit to and from the Mediterrean). This event can only happen once. (1 %, 1 in 100 turns). Question: Are these historically possible events? Is the chance for them occuring realistic? Would they improve the game? [ October 14, 2004, 08:10 AM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

More important to me, than Free Italians, would be adding events for cases where the Axis or the Allies abandoned important cities. Example: If Warsaw is not garrisonned and a Soviet unit approaches within 2 tiles after 1942 then the city revolts and a pro Allied partisan unit appears in it. This event can only happen once. (The Warsaw Uprising) (say 25%, 1 in 4 chance to happen) Example: Each turn no Allied units are in Egypt or its ports there is a chance that Egypt revolts and a pro Axis partisan unit appears in Cairo. This event can only happen once. (The Egyptian officer corps and the general populace did not like the British) (say 5%, 1 in 20) Example: Each turn no Allied garrison is in Gibraltar there is a 1% Spain annexes Gibraltar and the port of Gibraltar is reduced to zero - thus allowing Allied and Axis ships to freely transit it. (even if Franco annexed Gibraltar, he would allow the British navy free transit to and from the Mediterrean). This event can only happen once. (1 %, 1 in 100). [ October 14, 2004, 07:54 AM: Message edited by: Edwin P. ]

JerseyJohn "The regular air, sea and land units would vanish from the map and the two sides would recieve differing amounts of MPPs; the one for captured equipment and the other for additional personnel." One could say that this was incorporated into the plunder one received from conquering a nation.

I know, I learned the hardway. As in poker, you have to know when to hold them, and when to fold them. It will be interesting to see if HC improves the AI so that it will occassionaly, and unexpectedly, attempt to take Gibraltar and Egypt. Since he is looking at everything, just perhaps.