Russo-German War 'JanRoss' Variant

[sPzAbt653]

Thanks for spotting them. Some of the divisions are set to Sections in the Editor. I'll go thru it and reset them. While I'm at it I'll put the Border Guards back to Sections also.

[sPzAbt653]

v1.5 [July 22, 2024]
Adjusted some Section/Division graphics.

I just post the .sce file here. No need to replace anything else.

[sPzAbt653]

If you navigate here [in the blue box] you may delete the three files [in the red box] if you have any of them. These were the files that over rode the original graphics.

[iangelderman]

I'm looking at starting the v1.5 as Axis vs Soviet PO. On turn 1 there are three theater options available to the Axis player.
1. What does Finnish Theater of Operations Optional Deployment do?
2. What does Activate German General Reserves do?
3. Play with Riverine Units - found an explanations in the provided manual pdf for this option.

Also, should I be concerned that when I open the scenario in the editor a message appears stating that I'm playing the wrong equipment file. The only reason for using the editor was to generate a .col file to edit counter colors and I did not make any changes nor did I save the scenario.
I followed the install instructions provided:
The scenario file placed inside the scenarios/WWII-East Front folder in 'Documents/My Games/The Operational Art of War IV'.
The folder containing the equipment file, mapoptionals and scenario bmp inside Graphic Override in 'Documents/My Games/The Operational Art of War IV'.

[sPzAbt653]

This is a new Option that wasn't included in the original pdf:

Finnish Theater of Operations Optional Deployment:
The Axis Player will have a Theater Option on turn 1 titled 'Finnish Theater of Operations Optional Deployment'. Historically, the German National Defense Division under General Jodl prepared a campaign plan in September 1940. Part of this plan concentrated forces in the south of Finland for attacks coordinated with Army Group North either towards Leningrad or across the Svir River to Tikhvin. No attacks in northern or central Finland were contemplated.
If the Axis Player choses this Option on turn 1, the 3.Gebirgs Division will arrive on turn 2 at Kemijarvi [122,48], the 169.Infantry Division and SS.Kampfgruppe Nord will arrive on turn 2 at Savonlinna [135,95]. The XXXVI.Gebirgs Korps HQ, along with the 40.z.b.V. PzAbt, 211.Pz Abt and 43.Bautrupp will arrive on turn 2 at Savonlinna [135,95].
If the Axis Player does not choose this Theater Option, the 3.Gebirgs Division will arrive on turn 2 at Kirkenes [130,12], the 169.Infantry Division and SS.Kampfgruppe Nord along with the XXXVI.Gebirgs Korps and its' attached units will arrive on turn 2 in the Kemijarvi-Salla area.

[sPzAbt653]

Activate German General Reserves

The Germans started the campaign with approximately 20 divisions in Reserve. They are all scheduled to arrive as they were released historically. If this Option is chosen, the divisions will instead be available at the start of the scenario.

I don't think the pdf will be updated with these changes, so I will post a .txt document with them.

[sPzAbt653]

when I open the scenario in the editor a message appears stating that I'm playing the wrong equipment file.

Do not worry about this one, but if you don't like it you can Save the scenario in the Editor and the message will go away.

[iangelderman]

Thank you for the explanation and file. Great work on the scenario btw.

[Franciscus]

Hi, sPz. Thank you for your incredible work.

As I am contemplating starting this monster against Soviet AI, just a stupid and basic question:

- I only see a 41-45 scenario. Does that means that coming 1943 and the date for the variant scenario to end we get an event ? Or is that by house-rules ?



Best regards

[sPzAbt653]

The players determine the outcome after turn 186. We didn't want the game to be physically terminated as there may be a desire to continue.

Please read the included Scenario PDF File for details [all the 1941-43 stuff is right at the beginning], and note AXIS Player Turn 1 Theatre Options.

[Franciscus]

The players determine the outcome after turn 186. We didn't want the game to be physically terminated as there may be a desire to continue.

Please read the included Scenario PDF File for details [all the 1941-43 stuff is right at the beginning], and note AXIS Player Turn 1 Theatre Options.

Thank you!

[Cpl GAC]

Gents - some housekeeping; there are still some divisions marked as sections. My apologies for not writing them down. Also - This confused me;

86 Inf.png (1.62 MiB) Viewed 685 times

Ignore it?

[Cpl GAC]

Gents, from my AAR; https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 8&t=406135

Turn 20 looking in on Elmer - nine of the 11 Bautrupp are around Tartu with the left wing of AGN. Seven in one stack and two in the other. The two remaining Bautrupp are on the Polish side of the border for AGS. Near Chelm and Hrubieszow.

Except for the group north of Tartu the remaining front units are all in single-digit supply areas.

I'll gladly email the .sal if you want to look.

I did let Elmer play one turn with Active Disengagement off seeing that would stop him from trying to force the Panzers through Kiev and across the Narva and Pskov. It seemed he was improved overall but I didn't really test it more than the one turn.

Note; I don't like "playing" in Finland; I just keep the assigned troops up there and drag the German/Finn units backwards every other turn except for SS Nord and 1the 169th. Them I march deep into the endless supplyless badlands.

[Cpl GAC]

from the AAR thread;

I play Strong Intelligence and Handicap/Cheat Computer+2.

I’ve thought that a Theater Option should be given on Turn 1to boost the PO capabilities. When selected the TO would give the PO a bit more supply, more automatic rail repair, greater supply radius range and a few units which automatically disband to inject replacements into the inventory. Maybe withdraw a formation or two from the player's side.

Even though this scenario is designed to be played against Elmer Gerry, I agree. Given my limited understanding of scenario design; In addition to the above (well, not that withdrawing my troops idea...) maybe have a TO giving the Panzer regiments and a few infantry divisions designated to be in the Panzer Groups Major Ferry ability in 1941 & 1942 and fold the Panzer division's engineer battalion into the regiments.

Knowing there's no hiding behind the Major Rivers in 1941 would be chaos for the Soviets. But - I'm not sure how good Elmer is at intentionally crossing major rivers not at bridges because he seems to want to cross at the bridges but gets locked up if a strong defense is there. Historically Gerry went around strongly defended positions.

Give the Soviets their full troop count but don't just erase them with shock levels to open the field. Maybe lower their proficiency in 1941 so they also go into reorganization more frequently. Make them erratic, not just eliminated; you have the troops - they just aren't doing what you want fast enough.

My $.02 - not to diminish that this is a great scenario.