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Digital Gaming => The Colosseum => Topic started by: Boggit on December 14, 2020, 02:40:47 PM

Title: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on December 14, 2020, 02:40:47 PM
Hi Guys,

I've had some discussions with Rich at JTS about sponsoring a Serbia '14 competition. I will ask for all participants to be provided by JTS with a copy of Serbia '14.

I am minded to run it as a Grand Campaign team game with players acting as Divisional or Corps Commanders. One player will also get the role of commander in chief who will coordinate the emails of the various players in his/her command. In a limited sense this will create an element of initiative as to the order of play.

In principle this style of play should be a lot less demanding in time, and more manageable, than individual league games for a larger campaign. It will also be fun to see how the different commanders will communicate or not.

I'm totally new to running this type of competition, so at this stage I am open to your suggestions for house rules to keep the competition functional and fun.

I haven't seen the game yet, beyond the JTS store details, so I assume this is likely to be a choice between Austro-Hungarians and Serbs (although there are other nations depending on the scenario).

https://johntillersoftware.com/WWICampaigns/Serbia14.html

I propose that we play the 2nd Austro-Hungarian Invasion of Serbia (Fighting Fire with Fire), which seems quite balanced, and also gives the Serbs an opportunity to go onto the offensive as well. However, if the consensus is that we play another scenario we can do that and put your case forward.

https://johntillersoftware.com/WWICampaigns/Serbia14/Notes.pdf

Let me know what interest you have in participating, and any preferences for the side/level of command wanted on this thread.

If we can get an idea of numbers of participants that will be good.

All comments welcome.

Best regards,

Boggit :)
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Blucher on December 14, 2020, 04:17:51 PM
I would be interested in being a Austrian Corps or Divisional Commander
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: matt3916 on December 14, 2020, 04:19:32 PM
I'm interested in being a Corps or Divisional Commander, no preference as to side.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on December 15, 2020, 12:00:48 PM
I just bought Serbia 14 and to some degree I am familiar with the Tiller operational games system.

I would be interested in being a divisional commander.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: reapagan on December 18, 2020, 02:22:06 AM
To command a division of fighting men to glory and victory would be a pleasure for either side.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on December 23, 2020, 11:52:24 PM
Well we have four competitors so far, which gives two a side. Let me know on the thread if that is workable for you guys, or whether you'd like to see more players involved?

When I have a ballpark for the final numbers I will contact Rich at JTS for copies and we can get started. If you are happy to have two a side and think the Second Invasion of Serbia is too big for a two player team, then we can choose another scenario.

Please let me know your views.  :)
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on December 24, 2020, 03:39:02 PM
What were you thinking in terms of turn response. It would be more fun if more people were willing to join. Perhaps more may join if we wait until the New Year to start?
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on December 24, 2020, 04:02:33 PM
We can do. No problem waiting a bit.

I'm just here to get things running.

I just want this to be a fun thing for you guys, so give me as much feedback here as you need. :)
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on January 05, 2021, 11:12:13 PM
Just a bump to remind potential players that we are still recruiting for the game.

JTS have kindly agreed to sponsor the game and will provide copies of the game for the competitors.

We have four players ready so far and could do with more. However, we can do a two a side, but obviously it is a lot more work for just two players compared to four or five in a team.

Shall we wait a bit longer to recruit or so you want me to set a start date fairly soon? I will need to let Rich@JTS know how many copies of the game we need, so I will try and organise that when we have a date to start. LET ME KNOW in this thread how you guys want to do this.

In the meantime. I thought I'd start putting the team together and adding if we have more interest.

Serbia
z1812
Blucher

Austria Hungary
reapagan
matt3916
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on January 06, 2021, 09:54:43 AM
If it will only be 4 of us, perhaps a smaller scenario would work better.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: nelmsm on January 06, 2021, 08:07:59 PM
I have a copy so wouldn't mind playing but I don't want to get into something too big. Maybe see if there is a scenario that is Corps vs Corps. I'll play the Serbian side if we aren't required to do really quick turns
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on January 13, 2021, 05:13:53 AM
OK, time I think to get things started. If anyone else wants to join later, perhaps we can accommodate them by general agreement.

I need to get copies out to everyone without them and I think Nelmsm is right that we adjust the scenario to suit the number of players.

Let me get in touch with Rich at JTS and when I hear from him we can get things moving. :)
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on January 19, 2021, 11:34:01 AM
OK, I have despatched the serials and links for the game and we are off!

Bearing in mind feedback from z1812 and Nelmsm I have opted to go for a smaller scenario. Unless anyone has strong objections I suggest we play either
Scenario 1914_0821_01: A Matter of Honor (Sabac) (Medium size - 27 Turns), or
Scenario 1914_0906_02: Obliged to Attack  (Syrmia Offensive) (Medium size - 43 Turns)

I suggest these teams...

Serbia
z1812
Blucher
Nelmsm

Austria Hungary
reapagan
matt3916

House rules: Each team will select a commander in chief who will coordinate the order of play for their side. Essentially all this means is that the save file for the turn is passed by the commander in chief to each sub commander for the turn before sending the completed turn to the opposing commander in chief. That way we should be able to coordinate the pace of play without too much trouble.

As this is all new we need to stay in touch on the thread so we can iron out any issues that arise to keep things on track.

Decide your scenario within the next few days and we can get started! :)
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on January 19, 2021, 02:03:01 PM
I would prefer the shorter scenario. The shorter the scenario the less likely real life will interrupt the game flow. It also provides more time to consider the strategic and tactical approach.

I was thinking that the person having the most experience with this game system would probably be the best Commander for our side.

Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: NikolaiB on January 23, 2021, 12:37:12 PM
Hi, I just saw Rich Hamilton post about this game in the JTS Facebook page! I am definitely interested in being a divisional commander (any side). Commanding a division is perfect for me and a great chance to try a team game and a larger scenario.

I have some experience playing against the AI in East Prussia '14, but have not played the WWI system in PBEM. I do have PBEM experience from years ago, and recently started getting back into it and have reported a few games.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: nelmsm on January 23, 2021, 02:47:40 PM
Was looking over the scenarios and might I suggest 1914_0919_01: Blood Mountain.  It has 2 Serbian Divisions and 3 Austrian Divisions so would be a great set up for two Serbian players and three Austrians.  You could add NikolaiB to the Austrian side and we'd be set organizationally.  Both forces are close together and the action would happen pretty quickly.  One main VP hex to fight over and that with casuality points determining the game. 
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: NikolaiB on January 24, 2021, 02:28:16 PM
I am up for any scenario! I feel pretty safe committing to any length as long as I command a division.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on January 28, 2021, 12:09:39 AM
Quote from: nelmsm on January 23, 2021, 02:47:40 PM
Was looking over the scenarios and might I suggest 1914_0919_01: Blood Mountain.  It has 2 Serbian Divisions and 3 Austrian Divisions so would be a great set up for two Serbian players and three Austrians.  You could add NikolaiB to the Austrian side and we'd be set organizationally.  Both forces are close together and the action would happen pretty quickly.  One main VP hex to fight over and that with casuality points determining the game.
That sounds quite doable. Let's run with that.

@NikolaiB - Welcome aboard. You will play on the Austrian side. Have you got the game, or do I need to contact Rich @ JTS to see if I can get hold of a copy for you?

Both sides need to confirm their commanders in chief who will coordinate the PBEM files and allocate commands to their subordinate generals.

Let loose the Dogs of War! :knuppel2:

Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: NikolaiB on January 28, 2021, 10:00:02 AM
Hi, if you can get a hold of the copy, then that would be great, thank you!

However, if you can't, I will be happy to get the game, this team game looks fun. There are not many chances to participate in one while only commanding a division.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on January 30, 2021, 08:22:53 AM
Hi Blucher and Nelmsm, I suppose we should organize ourselves. How should we communicate? PM's or email, I can't think of any other option. Let me know what you think.

I not sure about how we should organize command. I wouldn't want to be the Commander so maybe one of you would like to do it. If not, we could divide the turns by three and each take a turn.

What do you think?
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: NikolaiB on January 30, 2021, 09:58:08 AM
I like email for communication, that way all my PBEM wargaming is kept in one place. My impressions with short scenarios is that having a commander is less important than having a plan that we stick too. Hopefully we will all participate in coming up with the plan instead of just pushing it all onto the commander!
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: nelmsm on January 30, 2021, 12:19:51 PM
Hey guys I just noticed that I make the 3rd Serbian player.  I'll drop out as I'd be the one delaying things anyway so you can have your two Serbian division commanders and three Austrian Commanders. Planting time in South Texas and I've been working 10 to 12 hour days trying to get everything needed down there so it might be better this way anyway.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on January 30, 2021, 04:23:43 PM
Quote from: nelmsm on January 30, 2021, 12:19:51 PM
Hey guys I just noticed that I make the 3rd Serbian player.  I'll drop out as I'd be the one delaying things anyway so you can have your two Serbian division commanders and three Austrian Commanders. Planting time in South Texas and I've been working 10 to 12 hour days trying to get everything needed down there so it might be better this way anyway.


Good luck with the planting. 12 hour days......................I have worked more than a few of them, I don't envy you.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: nelmsm on January 30, 2021, 06:26:18 PM
Quote from: z1812 on January 30, 2021, 04:23:43 PM
Quote from: nelmsm on January 30, 2021, 12:19:51 PM
Hey guys I just noticed that I make the 3rd Serbian player.  I'll drop out as I'd be the one delaying things anyway so you can have your two Serbian division commanders and three Austrian Commanders. Planting time in South Texas and I've been working 10 to 12 hour days trying to get everything needed down there so it might be better this way anyway.


Good luck with the planting. 12 hour days......................I have worked more than a few of them, I don't envy you.

Well all I'm doing is shipping their seed down there but I have folks planting now and the last ones won't quit until July sometime.  It does get easier though as we go along.  Hoping the long days only last another week or two. 
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on January 31, 2021, 10:37:23 PM
Quote from: NikolaiB on January 28, 2021, 10:00:02 AM
Hi, if you can get a hold of the copy, then that would be great, thank you!

However, if you can't, I will be happy to get the game, this team game looks fun. There are not many chances to participate in one while only commanding a division.
I'll contact Rich for you.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: NikolaiB on February 01, 2021, 10:30:43 AM
Hi, one thing about the teams, I noticed Blucher would prefer to command AH. So, how about me and him switch sides?

Serbia:
z1812
NikolaiB
Nelmsm [Nelmsm, you can be our official advisor!]

Austria Hungary:
reapagan
matt3916
Blucher

I am going to reach out to everyone for their emails.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on February 04, 2021, 12:48:22 PM
Quote from: NikolaiB on February 01, 2021, 10:30:43 AM
Hi, one thing about the teams, I noticed Blucher would prefer to command AH. So, how about me and him switch sides?

Serbia:
z1812
NikolaiB
Nelmsm [Nelmsm, you can be our official advisor!]

Austria Hungary:
reapagan
matt3916
Blucher

I am going to reach out to everyone for their emails.
So long as everyone is happy, I have no objection. :)
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on February 25, 2021, 01:14:30 AM
How's the game going? Any screenshots, comments etc?
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on February 25, 2021, 09:54:35 AM
Quote from: Boggit on February 25, 2021, 01:14:30 AM
How's the game going? Any screenshots, comments etc?

Hi Boggit, Unfortunately this team competition seems to be dead. Nickolai and I have been in touch, and have tried to contact others but without success. Thank you for trying to organize it.

If anyone shows interest in the future I am willing to participate.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on February 26, 2021, 12:52:43 PM
I will get in touch with them.

Rich Hamilton at JTS provided the game free of charge in good faith, and I think those players who have had the game should at the very least make an effort to keep to their side of the bargain.

If this is a problem that players will take what is effectively a free game to them and not hold to their side of the bargain - i.e. to participate, then this sends a very bad precedent to those publishers and developers who are kind enough to sponsor us. On a personal note it begs the question, "why should I bother too?"

In the meantime Z1812 will you please contact Nikolai and play the competition scenario anyway? It may be that there are good reasons why the others have been out of touch and we can feed them into the competition once things are cleared up.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on February 26, 2021, 02:29:30 PM
Quote from: Boggit on February 26, 2021, 12:52:43 PM
I will get in touch with them.

Rich Hamilton at JTS provided the game free of charge in good faith, and I think those players who have had the game should at the very least make an effort to keep to their side of the bargain.

If this is a problem that players will take what is effectively a free game to them and not hold to their side of the bargain - i.e. to participate, then this sends a very bad precedent to those publishers and developers who are kind enough to sponsor us. On a personal note it begs the question, "why should I bother too?"

In the meantime Z1812 will you please contact Nikolai and play the competition scenario anyway? It may be that there are good reasons why the others have been out of touch and we can feed them into the competition once things are cleared up.

I will PM Nikolai.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on February 26, 2021, 03:05:11 PM
Well Nikolai and I are ready to start. Matt3916 just indicated he is ready to play. I suggest we wait over the weekend. If we get 1 more player then there will be 2 on each side. What do you think?

If not we can play 3.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on February 26, 2021, 03:35:59 PM
Just as to the mechanics of the game. I have not played more than one person at a time. I have not played on a team.

What is the sequence of play. So player A and B on team 1 gets the turn. They review the move and confer by email, then decide upon the move and either player A or B returns it?

Or does each player have specific formations they exclusively control? They confer and one completes and sends the turn.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: nelmsm on February 26, 2021, 04:08:13 PM
The players on each team decide who will command what forces.  The opposing team will send you the turn and player 1 will move his forces and send the file to player 2 who will move his forces and end the turn and send to the both members of the opponents team.  They then do the same and so on and so forth.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on February 26, 2021, 07:31:36 PM
Quote from: nelmsm on February 26, 2021, 04:08:13 PM
The players on each team decide who will command what forces.  The opposing team will send you the turn and player 1 will move his forces and send the file to player 2 who will move his forces and end the turn and send to the both members of the opponents team.  They then do the same and so on and so forth.

Thanks for the reply. That sounds quite efficient. I was not aware that the game allowed you to pass the move to a friendly player.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: nelmsm on February 27, 2021, 08:46:03 PM
Played 1 has to remember not to end the turn, just save it.  Player 2 needs to be the one to end the turn each time. You will need to share the password as well. 
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on February 27, 2021, 10:32:38 PM
Quote from: nelmsm on February 27, 2021, 08:46:03 PM
Played 1 has to remember not to end the turn, just save it.  Player 2 needs to be the one to end the turn each time. You will need to share the password as well.

Thanks again for the info!
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on March 01, 2021, 04:04:00 PM
Hi All,

I Have sent an email to Nikolai. I have suggested that the teams be Nikolai and Matt, versus myself and nelmsm. I have also suggested the scenario A Matter of Honour at 27 turns. Does that suit everyone?
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on March 01, 2021, 04:19:20 PM
Ok everyone should have messages and/or an email about starting the game. Once I have confirmation from everyone we shall start.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on March 01, 2021, 09:33:58 PM
Now that we are organized, I will start the game. I have a busy day tomorrow, but I should get a turn out no later than Wednesday morning. Have fun everyone,
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on March 02, 2021, 01:25:32 PM
Nelmsm and I are just deciding about strategy. I should get a move out later today. If not tomorrow.
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on March 02, 2021, 07:47:42 PM
Fantastic news guys. I'm glad that at last you're off and running. I hope you really enjoy the game and the format that we are working too.  :bd:

Please drop your feedback, thoughts - good and bad, AAR's, screenshots on the screen etc into this thread.

Once we get started, it's quite possible that Rich at JTS will pitch in to the conversation. He has mentioned when we discussed the sponsorship of the game that he will also give the designer Ed "Volcano" Williams a heads up so he can engage on the thread. That would be a great opportunity if you have any questions on design decisions/history etc.

I know Ed and in my opinion he is an EXTREMELY well read WW1 historian, one of the best today in my view. O0
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on April 07, 2021, 11:03:01 PM
How is the game going? You are all very quiet... :-X
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: z1812 on April 08, 2021, 07:31:31 AM
Quote from: Boggit on April 07, 2021, 11:03:01 PM
How is the game going? You are all very quiet... :-X

Hi Boggit,

We are moving along at a steady pace. 9 turns are complete. Nelmsm has started an AAR in the digital AAR section.

I suppose we are a quiet group..........
Title: Re: Serbia 1914 Team Competition
Post by: Boggit on April 27, 2021, 08:24:47 PM
Quote from: z1812 on April 08, 2021, 07:31:31 AM
Quote from: Boggit on April 07, 2021, 11:03:01 PM
How is the game going? You are all very quiet... :-X

Hi Boggit,

We are moving along at a steady pace. 9 turns are complete. Nelmsm has started an AAR in the digital AAR section.

I suppose we are a quiet group..........
Nice! :bd: