This is the replay of "Time of Writhe" with changed roles as a two player PBEM (gwgardner is the Axis and I as the Westen Allies and USSR will try not to get totally mauled by his onslaught).
Version: The game has started a while back with V1.7beta then V1.7 and finally V1.7HF
House rules:
- new units have to be deployed in original home countries only
- new units must be divisions and can be upgraded only if not in ZOC or (if in ZOC) need to have at least 5% defense bonus.
- Leaders can be only assigned to L1 divisions and then act as HQ units (usually behind the front)
- control of a country is given to human players once they are influenced by 50% or more
- no more than 5% of PP can be shipped to other nations at any given time (exception events such as Lend Lease)
- Ships can only be repaired 1 HP per turn (for a bit more realism in repair times)
- Damage of raiders on convoys is toned down. (allows Italy to operate in North Africa)
- armored ZOC is reduced to 1 (to allow more armored breakthrough action, especially in the USSR
- the retreat threshold is reduced to 20% (avoids the funny retreat losses)
- all minors have at least 3 SMP
- Belgium, Holland at +100% income (has no real effect to be honest)
- France at 50% increased production (has a noticeable effect, not sure why Gary wanted this, probably I am not a challenge otherwise.)
Some of the changes benefit the Axis (ZOC, convoy). Some the Western Allies (increased production). Overall I have the feeling that they are in favor of the Allies. But as I know Gary, he will prove me wrong.
These house rules are purely optional. The game is very enjoyable without them. Of course one can always argue if they are worth the hassle to remember them. It is your choice as ToW is so customizable - and that is one of the good points of the game.
Time of Wreak (Western Allies - USSR)
RE: Time of Wreak
September 9 1939
Not entirely unexpected but no less devious, the German Wehrmacht started its attack on Poland last week. While some blended Polish nationalists ramble on about winning the campaign, the more pragmatic army leadership tries to do everything to just prolong the affair and deny Germany an early capture of Warzaw.
Not entirely unexpected but no less devious, the German Wehrmacht started its attack on Poland last week. While some blended Polish nationalists ramble on about winning the campaign, the more pragmatic army leadership tries to do everything to just prolong the affair and deny Germany an early capture of Warzaw.
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RE: Time of Wreak
September 16, 1939
The Wehrmacht wastes no time to invade the Low Countries. No wonder given the boosted economies of Western Europe. The attack on the Netherlands is conducted entirely with Infantry.
The Wehrmacht wastes no time to invade the Low Countries. No wonder given the boosted economies of Western Europe. The attack on the Netherlands is conducted entirely with Infantry.
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RE: Time of Wreak
September 24, 1939
Poland can still hold out a bit longer, the Netherlands looks hopeless and the Russians expand into the Northern Baltic.
Poland can still hold out a bit longer, the Netherlands looks hopeless and the Russians expand into the Northern Baltic.
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RE: Time of Wreak
October 1st, 1939
Even the Polish nationalists are not calling for victory any more. The West did nothing to help Poland of course. They are building frantically defenses against a German strike west. The UK dispatches a few units to strengthen the French spine. Not much time remains as both the Poland and Holland campaigns are winding down.
Germany has stepped up the U-boot campaign in the Atlantic which causes PP losses in the UK, and our u-boot hunters are subject to German air raids. We may switch soon to air attacks on submarines. For now we use the doomed Dutch fleet for the job. They are a nice training target for the German pilots but we save the precious British ships.
Even the Polish nationalists are not calling for victory any more. The West did nothing to help Poland of course. They are building frantically defenses against a German strike west. The UK dispatches a few units to strengthen the French spine. Not much time remains as both the Poland and Holland campaigns are winding down.
Germany has stepped up the U-boot campaign in the Atlantic which causes PP losses in the UK, and our u-boot hunters are subject to German air raids. We may switch soon to air attacks on submarines. For now we use the doomed Dutch fleet for the job. They are a nice training target for the German pilots but we save the precious British ships.
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- oct139.jpg (186.37 KiB) Viewed 707 times
RE: Time of Wreak
October 9th, 1939
Poland's days are numbered. The Belgian's look anxiously across the border and have to watch helplessly as their Dutch neighbors crumple and crumble under the German boot. They prepare their defenses but their means are pitiful despite the economic boost.
The Russians expand further into the Baltic without encountering much trouble.
Poland's days are numbered. The Belgian's look anxiously across the border and have to watch helplessly as their Dutch neighbors crumple and crumble under the German boot. They prepare their defenses but their means are pitiful despite the economic boost.
The Russians expand further into the Baltic without encountering much trouble.
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- oct939.jpg (148.38 KiB) Viewed 707 times
RE: Time of Wreak
October 16th, 1939
Warsaw and with it Poland falls. But just a few days before the capitulation valiant Polish anti-aircraft crews are honored for shooting down 14 HP worth of Luftwaffe bombers.
This frees up the majority of the German troops for new campaigns. Belgium and Denmark are still neutral, though.
Warsaw and with it Poland falls. But just a few days before the capitulation valiant Polish anti-aircraft crews are honored for shooting down 14 HP worth of Luftwaffe bombers.
This frees up the majority of the German troops for new campaigns. Belgium and Denmark are still neutral, though.
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- oct1639.jpg (140.89 KiB) Viewed 707 times
RE: Time of Wreak
October 24th, 1939
Talinn falls to Russia but this is overshadowed in the world press by the conquest of Holland by Germany.
Next we expect the standard attack on Belgium/France and are as prepared for it as our resources allow. The French have weaker units at the Belgium border that can be upgraded at a moments notice (to save maintenance in the meanwhile).
But an attack on the USSR is also possible. The Germans refused to honor the MR pact and are hence close to Minsk already. The PP wastage rule more or less dictates that the Russians have to spend everything above 500PP savings. So we will have a lot of red L1 infantry available soon. But Moscow invests a little bit into Infantry research as well.
Even a sea lion is not out of the question after the German Luftwaffe has cleared the North Sea of defending navies.
Talinn falls to Russia but this is overshadowed in the world press by the conquest of Holland by Germany.
Next we expect the standard attack on Belgium/France and are as prepared for it as our resources allow. The French have weaker units at the Belgium border that can be upgraded at a moments notice (to save maintenance in the meanwhile).
But an attack on the USSR is also possible. The Germans refused to honor the MR pact and are hence close to Minsk already. The PP wastage rule more or less dictates that the Russians have to spend everything above 500PP savings. So we will have a lot of red L1 infantry available soon. But Moscow invests a little bit into Infantry research as well.
Even a sea lion is not out of the question after the German Luftwaffe has cleared the North Sea of defending navies.
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RE: Time of Wreak
November 1st, 1939
Still no sign of renewed German activities. France can use this time well to further fortify.
The USSR is close to finish the Baltic campaign. We will wait for Germany's next move before deciding on new exercises in Finland or Lithuania. It is better to know the German Panzers are actually deployed in France before committing new Soviet forces to the deep and vast Finish forests.
Still no sign of renewed German activities. France can use this time well to further fortify.
The USSR is close to finish the Baltic campaign. We will wait for Germany's next move before deciding on new exercises in Finland or Lithuania. It is better to know the German Panzers are actually deployed in France before committing new Soviet forces to the deep and vast Finish forests.
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RE: Time of Wreak
December 1939
The German are fighting the "Battle of Britain" out of their new bases in the Netherlands. After initial setbacks, the RAF is fighting back with an overall positive result. (It almost looks as if the RAF has some home advantage). This could very well be the preparation for a Sea Lion.
Otherwise the German does a very good job at keeping the suspense. Belgium / Denmark and all other minors remain neutral. Is it wise to leave France alone for so long if they have an economic production advantage (see first post)? Maybe the Axis wants us to focus entirely on the defense of France and neglect the British Isles?
As of now, the German strategy stalls all next moves of Russia, keeps the UK guessing whether to further invest their meager PPs in aircraft or keep enough reserves for a home defense. In that sense it is a great strategy of the Axis.
Estonia and Latvia a Soviet satellites by now but we hesitate to enter Lithuania not knowing where those German tanks are.
The German are fighting the "Battle of Britain" out of their new bases in the Netherlands. After initial setbacks, the RAF is fighting back with an overall positive result. (It almost looks as if the RAF has some home advantage). This could very well be the preparation for a Sea Lion.
Otherwise the German does a very good job at keeping the suspense. Belgium / Denmark and all other minors remain neutral. Is it wise to leave France alone for so long if they have an economic production advantage (see first post)? Maybe the Axis wants us to focus entirely on the defense of France and neglect the British Isles?
As of now, the German strategy stalls all next moves of Russia, keeps the UK guessing whether to further invest their meager PPs in aircraft or keep enough reserves for a home defense. In that sense it is a great strategy of the Axis.
Estonia and Latvia a Soviet satellites by now but we hesitate to enter Lithuania not knowing where those German tanks are.
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- Dec139.jpg (273.03 KiB) Viewed 707 times
RE: Time of Wreak
February 1st, 1940
After a week of especially heavy losses in January, the Germans have abandoned the Battle of Britain and not renewed any air attacks on England ever since. We patrol the North Sea with aircraft in order to detect any naval activities early on but it is very quiet in the Atlantic for a long time now.
The refusal to attack France so far has also delayed the war entry of Italy. There is no North African campaign yet. Mobile British troops that were shipped to the desert early on are on the ready, though.
It is time for the USSR to take action. We cannot wait longer for a possible German move and declare war on Finland. From now on, Finland will be controlled by Gary.
After a week of especially heavy losses in January, the Germans have abandoned the Battle of Britain and not renewed any air attacks on England ever since. We patrol the North Sea with aircraft in order to detect any naval activities early on but it is very quiet in the Atlantic for a long time now.
The refusal to attack France so far has also delayed the war entry of Italy. There is no North African campaign yet. Mobile British troops that were shipped to the desert early on are on the ready, though.
It is time for the USSR to take action. We cannot wait longer for a possible German move and declare war on Finland. From now on, Finland will be controlled by Gary.
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- feb140.jpg (318.16 KiB) Viewed 709 times
RE: Time of Wreak
February 9th, 1940
International aid starts to pour into Finland. Curiously, France, the UK and the US abstain from helping the Helsinki government. Still, the Finnish defenses have now a secure PP cushion for future battles.
International aid starts to pour into Finland. Curiously, France, the UK and the US abstain from helping the Helsinki government. Still, the Finnish defenses have now a secure PP cushion for future battles.
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RE: Time of Wreak
February 24th, 1940
The Axis is still dormant. What are they planning now? If they want to make us nervous then they have achieved their goal.
Given the production wastage effect, the British and French will start building up a strategic bomber fleet to hurt German production. With a neutral Belgium buffer in between, there is little else they can realistically achieve in the near future. Further funds go into research with the goal to match Germany at eye level in the coming years.
The Axis is still dormant. What are they planning now? If they want to make us nervous then they have achieved their goal.
Given the production wastage effect, the British and French will start building up a strategic bomber fleet to hurt German production. With a neutral Belgium buffer in between, there is little else they can realistically achieve in the near future. Further funds go into research with the goal to match Germany at eye level in the coming years.
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RE: Time of Wreak
March 24th, 1940
Yes, the German General staff seems to be still on vacation. In the meanwhile, Russia makes some progress in Finland and the British are about to finalize the construction of its second strategic bomber wing. We prepare for attacks in the east and west.
Yes, the German General staff seems to be still on vacation. In the meanwhile, Russia makes some progress in Finland and the British are about to finalize the construction of its second strategic bomber wing. We prepare for attacks in the east and west.
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RE: Time of Wreak
April 16th, 1940
The bad weather season is almost over and the last excuse for inactivity for the German will fade away. Where will they strike - what a suspense.
The UK steps up its strategic bombing campaign. To balance cost (bomber damage) and result, we attack only cities that are at 4PP or higher.
The bad weather season is almost over and the last excuse for inactivity for the German will fade away. Where will they strike - what a suspense.
The UK steps up its strategic bombing campaign. To balance cost (bomber damage) and result, we attack only cities that are at 4PP or higher.
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RE: Time of Wreak
May 1st, 1940
There are German troop movements across the USSR border. Just reconnaissance or a surprise invasion? Can Germany really attack the USSR with an undefeated France in its back?
There are German troop movements across the USSR border. Just reconnaissance or a surprise invasion? Can Germany really attack the USSR with an undefeated France in its back?
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RE: Time of Wreak
Looking good, what will the Germans do? Sounds like they are planning to hit Russia but could they just be waiting to go through denmark and belgium?
RE: Time of Wreak
May certainly is a good month to strike into the Soviet Union. There is very little France and Great Britain can do against Germany when she is at war in the East. The same reasons they could not help Poland apply to the USSR also. Belgium and the Netherlands are a perfect shield for Germany until the West can convince them to abandon their neutrality.
Germany could make hay while the Sun shines, and then when things slow down strike in the West. It sounds like enough of a risk that Gary, who knows a risk pretty well, may just try it.
Chuck
Germany could make hay while the Sun shines, and then when things slow down strike in the West. It sounds like enough of a risk that Gary, who knows a risk pretty well, may just try it.
Chuck
RE: Time of Wreak
May 24th, 1940
The Germans heeded your advice and declared war on the USSR in early May. They wanted to take advantage of the good weather conditions to drive their mobile formations deep into our defenses that they hoped to take unawares. And they would have were it not for the PP wastage event that forces the Soviets to spend most of their PPs on equipment right away. As a result our defenses were as good as they can be given that the best unit we can field is a L1 Infantry corps.
France and the UK are helpless indeed. The Maginot line is well defended by Germans and Belgium acts as a buffer. It will take 40DPs from both the UK and France (at least, maybe even three rounds of pressure) before we can convince Belgium to join the Axis. And who can blame them given the threat of their powerful neighbor to the east.
The Germans heeded your advice and declared war on the USSR in early May. They wanted to take advantage of the good weather conditions to drive their mobile formations deep into our defenses that they hoped to take unawares. And they would have were it not for the PP wastage event that forces the Soviets to spend most of their PPs on equipment right away. As a result our defenses were as good as they can be given that the best unit we can field is a L1 Infantry corps.
France and the UK are helpless indeed. The Maginot line is well defended by Germans and Belgium acts as a buffer. It will take 40DPs from both the UK and France (at least, maybe even three rounds of pressure) before we can convince Belgium to join the Axis. And who can blame them given the threat of their powerful neighbor to the east.
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- may2440.jpg (568.49 KiB) Viewed 709 times
RE: Time of Wreak
June 1st, 1940
All German attack strength is aligned the vector Minsk - Smolensk. Everywhere else we see mostly passive lines. The Russians have nothing to stop the German panzer corps at the moment. Even well entrenched infantry in fortified position will be penetrated. So all we can do right now is gain time until the Russian economy and technological advances catch up. We build lots of cannon fodder units that we stuff into the space between Minsk and Smolensk and hope that we can build them faster then the German can destroy them. We also decline 100PP in favor of more substantial defenses around Smolensk (event) since 100PP worth of Infantry is shredded up like nothing in the open country by the German elite units.
All German attack strength is aligned the vector Minsk - Smolensk. Everywhere else we see mostly passive lines. The Russians have nothing to stop the German panzer corps at the moment. Even well entrenched infantry in fortified position will be penetrated. So all we can do right now is gain time until the Russian economy and technological advances catch up. We build lots of cannon fodder units that we stuff into the space between Minsk and Smolensk and hope that we can build them faster then the German can destroy them. We also decline 100PP in favor of more substantial defenses around Smolensk (event) since 100PP worth of Infantry is shredded up like nothing in the open country by the German elite units.
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