Age of Napoleon AT Scenario

[basilstaghare]

Regarding the Age of Napoleon scenario:
https://www.vrdesigns.net/scenario.php?nr=37

This is listed as AI capable. Has anyone had success playing this very nice looking scenario in solo play? Any tips or advice on playing this scenario solo? Ie, making the AI competitive? Should the Human player have the AI majors use the join options and then declare war immediately on all AI factions or will the AI actually use the strategic card options appropriately? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[basilstaghare]

Im guessing that no one has played this venerable scenario in some time. That's a shame, because its a good, unique and immersive mod. I have tinkered around with solo play and found the best way (IMHO) to play solo is for the human player to control France, Britain, Prussia, Austria and Russia. Let the AI control the other nations. I came up with some simple house rules based on a die roll for how major nations react to aggression on their minor neighbors and also surrendering when major urban centers have been taken (vs. wiping a major off the map). Once a major surrenders, then there is 12 month cool down period before war can be declared on that major again. Again, these are my own house self imposed house rules.

The scenario could use a modern refresh but is solid as is. Be warned that if you leave a HQ populated by only general staff and/or leaders, and no other units, that the game crashes when you try to move the HQ.

I also think the unit production should be decreased by at least 25% and the movement for both field and garrison status should be reduced by 20% or so.

[ernieschwitz]

I haven't had time to look at that scenario. I was thinking about updating it (redoing it probably) at some point. I got sidetracked however. If it is as good as you say, it might be worth doing sooner than later. Also, if you have some fixed rules you are going by, maybe it can be coded into the game.

I meant to answer you earlier about AI. I think that one of the problems the AI suffers from is that it is very unlikely to declare war on a country "larger" than itself. Not sure exactly how it measures it.

[basilstaghare]

I haven't had time to look at that scenario. I was thinking about updating it (redoing it probably) at some point. I got sidetracked however. If it is as good as you say, it might be worth doing sooner than later. Also, if you have some fixed rules you are going by, maybe it can be coded into the game.

I meant to answer you earlier about AI. I think that one of the problems the AI suffers from is that it is very unlikely to declare war on a country "larger" than itself. Not sure exactly how it measures it.

Yes, I agree on AI not declaring war on a stronger power so it limits what the AI can do.

My Solo house rules are:
The human plays France, Britain, Prussia, Austria and Russia

When a country invades a minor power (minor = all nations not named above), any adjacent major powers have a 33% chance to declare war on the invader.

When two waring majors are in conflict, the major power losing an urban city (not a fortified city) has a chance to sue for peace. Each urban city lost yields a 33% chance to sue for peace.

Once peace is declared as above, then the two majors may not declare war on each other for 12 months. Obviously, the victor controls any territory taken prior to peace.

Since its too easy to surround and kill units, I have a self imposed rule that you have a 33% chance to surround a unit, otherwise you have to leave one hex open for retreat.

Thats it so far but still playtesting. Some events and the TO&E option from ATG would be good additions. I think making units 25% more expensive might help the pace for this very long game as well.

My personal imagining of the scale is this: 1 pt of infantry/guard or cavalry = 1,000 men. 1 pt art = 10 heavy guns (12# or 9#), 1 Ship = 1 Ship. Typical Corps is 20 Inf; 4 Art, 3 Lt Cav; Heavy Cav Corps would be 8-12 points.

Thanks for your reply Ernie.

[basilstaghare]

FYI: Here is the original thread on the release of this Scenario by TWeber:

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 0&t=133055

[ernieschwitz]

Interesting read.

I can do some of the stuff, but not all of it. :/

Not sure I'll be redoing it just now, but if I do, what kind of graphics (landscape) would you want?

I have 4 suggestions:
Standard AT graphics = do nothing
Real Mod Graphics = Easy to do
ATG Graphics = Redoing map possibly, or using the one from European Diplomacy Remastered
4Seasons Graphics = Would make the scenario fill a lot in the Scenario bank, but look great. Map would need redoing

[basilstaghare]

Interesting read.

I can do some of the stuff, but not all of it. :/

Not sure I'll be redoing it just now, but if I do, what kind of graphics (landscape) would you want?

I have 4 suggestions:
Standard AT graphics = do nothing
Real Mod Graphics = Easy to do
ATG Graphics = Redoing map possibly, or using the one from European Diplomacy Remastered
4Seasons Graphics = Would make the scenario fill a lot in the Scenario bank, but look great. Map would need redoing

My vote would be your most excellent European Diplomacy Remastered Map. In fact, I would be happy with a Napoleonic Version of EDR for that matter.

[ernieschwitz]

Ok, I am taking a closer look at this.

Also, crowdsourcing ideas. Have some, send them to me

[basilstaghare]

Ok, I am taking a closer look at this.

Also, crowdsourcing ideas. Have some, send them to me

I for one am excited to see what you come up with!

[ernieschwitz]

Looking for a good name, ...

Anyone have any ideas? Scope is Europe, 1796-1814, approx.

[basilstaghare]

Looking for a good name, ...

Anyone have any ideas? Scope is Europe, 1796-1814, approx.

Horse and Musket
Horse, Musket, Saber!
Horse, Cannon, Musket
Vive L'Empereur!
Emperors and Kings
Grand Tactics
Grande Emperor
Europe Ablaze
The Bitter Snow (Referring to the 1812 Russian Invasion)
Ordre Mixte!
Column and Square
Guard and Grenadier
European Conquest

[ernieschwitz]

To those following, I've made a thread in the Mods section, where you can see some of my progress.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 0&t=395647