Vinegar Joe Stilwell

[petedalby]

In my last 2 games playing as the Axis, poor old Vinegar Joe has spawned next to 1 or more Japanese combat units. He didn't last long and the NM bonus was welcome.

But rather than spawn why not list him as a reinforcement so that the Allied player can put him somewhere sensible & out of harm's way?

[Elessar2]

The advantage is that it won't take ~6 turns to ship him there from the US. I can't recall if the scripts can be tweaked to "notice" nearby Japanese land units and have him beam down somewhere safer.

[LoneRunner]

ORIGINAL: Elessar2

The advantage is that it won't take ~6 turns to ship him there from the US. I can't recall if the scripts can be tweaked to "notice" nearby Japanese land units and have him beam down somewhere safer.

I think Pete meant that Stilwell should be placed as a Chinese reinforcement. That way he's already in China.

[petedalby]

Exactly so. If he commands Chinese he could be a reinforcement in China. If he commands US he could be a reinforcement in the States. The current arrangement seems unfair on the Allies and easy pickings for the Axis.

Apologies if I didn't explain myself properly.

[BillRunacre]

Hi Pete

Because it's a Decision Event, the unit will deploy via script, i.e. it's not a unit that the player can place.

One thing that might be possible would be to have its arrival location in China dependent on the presence or absence of an Axis unit within say 4 hexes of Kunming when he's due to arrive. Then if there is an Axis unit there, he would deploy elsewhere, maybe at Chengdu.

However, this does give the Japanese the ability to force Stilwell to deploy further away from Kunming, which might not be desirable.

[petedalby]

Thanks Bill. Why not deploy him in Wanting provided there are no Axis units within say 4 hexes? That's nice & close to the Burma border. If that's blocked then Chengdu may be a reasonable alternative.

[EarlyDoors]

+1 for checking 4 hex range

Given how close the working relationship between Slim and Stillwell would the game engine allow spawning in Burma or India?

[BillRunacre]

The engine will allow for Stilwell to deploy in any Allied territory.

However, setting up scripts to deploy at more than 2 locations based on the proximity or absence of Axis units at a certain point in time is quite a brain teaser, and it might not be possible to make it foolproof.

I've made a note of this and will give it some thought. [:)]

[LoneRunner]

Thanks Bill. You are much appreciated.

My Japanese troops just killed Stilwell in front of Kumming in an MP game. I felt bad about taking advantage of the situation but not bad enough not to do it.

Perhaps Stilwell could spawn at Wanting instead of Kumming? Still might get attacked, but less of a chance since he is further west from the front.

[KorutZelva]

Have a second, immediate decision giving the player the choice between two spawn locations.

[smckechnie]

Here is the problem with Stillwell.

1. He can only command Chinese troops which is historically inaccurate, as he really mostly commanded British and US forces.
2. He spawns right when Axis are usually closing in on destroying Wanting and Kunming. At least against veteran and elite players. So he just is not that helpful.
3. Usually makes more sense for the allies to have him just show up in the US.
4. The lack of his ability to command any US air power is bad.

Suggestions:

1. Have him spawn as US HQ instead of a Chinese HQ.
2. Allow the allied player to place him in Wanting, Kumming, or Lanzhou].
3. Allow him to command Chinese, British, and American forces.