Originally posted by LTCMTS
As I indicated, first, each scenario would use the appropriate database, OOB and installations from a base set. Since there will be a scenario editor, once the base sceanrio is set, such as a "No Pearl Harbor" situation in which the Japanese execute their "Decisive Battle" OPLAN with the light forces (ic. the Kido Butai, which the Japanese considered part (along with SS, CAs and DD flotillas) of the attrition forces) dedicated to attacks on the US Pacific Fleet as it made its way across the Mandates based out of Truk and the Battle Fleet held for the final act somewhere in the north Marianas in Home waters, a player can reset the assignment of forces as desired. As far as an early Novemeber start, the strategic time-distance impact on logistics and force deployment would actually prevent any substantial changes to the historical OOBs and force positioning as of 7 Dec 1941. Any major attempt to change the historical deployment would require radical changes in the event timeline at least six months or more prior to 7 Dec 1941. However, use of the editor to amend a basic sceanrio would obviate the need for special rules, event triggers, etc, etc. An example would be a basic scenario in which the Japanese bypass the Philippines and ignore US Pacific islands, while occupying the rest of French Indo China, Thailand and attacking Malaya and the NEI using historical OObs, installations, etc with no US combat envolvement (we can argue all day about whether the US would go to war to prevent the Japanese from acquiring resources needed to fight the US later on, but read on). In the base scenario, the BE/French/NEI player is going to get slaughtered, but his victory conditions will be based on how well he does not on if he defeats the Japanese. A sub-set of that scenario would include a US intervention at a time and place of the US players choosing. Multiple scenarios using different event points (15 Dec 41, Jan 42, May 42, etc) could then be generated by other players and shared with the community. Another scenario would play the historical situation, with the not so slight change of the PacFleet still being stationed at San Diego. The point is that a single base database using a common geographic reference with a scenario editor would allow the creation of alternate strategic situations from which to began the simulation without input of additional variables into the game mechanics.
LCTMTS,
As I said, I understand and have no problem with the concept of useing presumptions to set up scenerios that model differing op plans ie; an attritional/decisive battle strategy instead of PH attack. However, given that the only rational for a bypass US scenerio is to obviate or delay a US entry into the war. I dont see how simply allowing the US player to choose when and where to declare war realistically models that scenerio. When is the US oob activated? Can a US player sail a supposedly "non-bellegerent fleet" to Singapore prior to DOW? Can he escort Dutch, Brit, ANZAC convoys prior to DOW? How does the AI differentiate between the differing allied commands. Besides you seem to be assumeing the game is going to support multi-player options ie; seperate US player, Brit player, Dutch player, Chinese player ect....) I have seen no indication that it will. More likely its only going to be two player Japan/Allied game with nuetrals Russia, Thialand being activated when attacked.
The only way I see of modeling a bypass US strategy within the current game mechanics (UV) and your canned/edited scenerio idea is a scenerio that pre-supposes that Japan by-passes the US and attacks Brits/Dutch only. US is presumed to have stayed out of the war, but substantially reinforces PacFleet, PI, Guam, Wake, ect..... Japan successfully completes conquest of SE Asia. The scenerio starts April/May 42 with either US or Japan declareing war for one reason or another. and take it from there.
I agree you could create any number of like scenerios that pre-supposes any number of suppositions/conditions. I however would still prefer a campaign scenerio that allowed for a number of open ended variables such as US entry. It would capture the uncertainties of war much more realistically IMO.
Regarding a Nov start date, The need for the earlier date for a non-PH scenerio is to allow for certain minor redeployments such as the placement of Kido Bhutai. Which in itself would not effect the bulk of historical deployments ect....and not require radical changes in the time line 6 months prior. The game logistic system surfices to prevent any wholesale drastic redeployements within the 1 week time span I am suggesting.
