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Apologies if this has already been addressed, but will there be special rules or benefits applicable to one side or another? Such as, a "Russian Winter" rule that adversely affects German units in Russia from October to March, while Soviet effectiveness is increased?

Other potential Soviet special benefit might involve partisan actions in German held territory, or a "ni shagu nazad" rule providing for decreased chances of Soviet retreat during mid 42-43 (but units that do retreat get damaged reflecting NKVD punishment -- Stalin's infamous "Not a step backwards" order).

Similar benefits/detriments could apply to all the sides in the conflict. Axis & Allies has experimented with this a great deal in the new version.

ORIGINAL: Becket

Apologies if this has already been addressed, but will there be special rules or benefits applicable to one side or another? Such as, a "Russian Winter" rule that adversely affects German units in Russia from October to March, while Soviet effectiveness is increased?

Other potential Soviet special benefit might involve partisan actions in German held territory, or a "ni shagu nazad" rule providing for decreased chances of Soviet retreat during mid 42-43 (but units that do retreat get damaged reflecting NKVD punishment -- Stalin's infamous "Not a step backwards" order).

Similar benefits/detriments could apply to all the sides in the conflict. Axis & Allies has experimented with this a great deal in the new version.

There are some special rules. There is a Russian Winter rule. There are partisans in many conquered territories.

ORIGINAL: Joel Billings

There are some special rules. There is a Russian Winter rule. There are partisans in many conquered territories.

Excellent. I don't suppose I could get a list? [:D] Seriously, how will partisans and Russian Winter work in this game?

ORIGINAL: Becket

ORIGINAL: Joel Billings

There are some special rules. There is a Russian Winter rule. There are partisans in many conquered territories.

Excellent. I don't suppose I could get a list? [:D] Seriously, how will partisans and Russian Winter work in this game?

Winter usually helps the defender slightly, but during the first Russian winter the German defense values are decreased and I think Russian attack is increased. Basically they'll get one turn of great attacks.

As for partisans, the population value of the area will turn into partisan points each turn. As long as the area is garrisoned sufficiently, these points will be destroyed. If not, as they accumulate, they will begin to attack infrastrucure and then eventually supplies and units. To fight the partisans, their must not only be a garrison but a supply unit must be used up. So as Germany conquers more territories, there will be a drain on their supplies each turn just to fight the partisans, and they will have to assign troops to garrison the rear areas. There are a lot of special rules involving the when countries join the fight and what garrisons are required to keep from activating opposing countries. I'm sure there are other rules too but they don't jump to mind at the moment (too much War in the Pacific on my brain right now).

Fantastic! Thanks very much for taking the time to answer.

Sounds like an excellent mechanism for partisans. So far, it looks like Joel and Gary have found a great balance between depth, realism, and simplicity. Good work!

My enthusiasm for this game grows by the minute.