League Campaign Discussion Thread

[kevan]

We can do some fine tuning over the next week. The important thing is that anyone wishing to use an existing Albators DIII, SE-5, or two-seater pilot, or who wishes to play a specific side, should get over to the sign-up page and get their name down.

[kevan]

After last week's game, and seeing the impact of an extra plane in a scenario where teams are rewarded for sticking it out, I'm adding the following to the campaign rules.

Balancing
At any game with an odd number of players, or where an additional player is flying in to an even-number game, the numerical advantage will always go to the side with the fewest total campaign points.

So, with the allies currently up 8-3 in campaign points, any numerical advantage this week will go to the germans.

Also, at last week's game and in the game report that will appear in the dispatch, I inaccurately reported that Kirk's pilot would be returning in an SE-5. Checking the rules I had written out, allied pilots who are shot down are to be given an SE-5a. Let's hope he can keep this plane in one piece...

[kirkh]

Hey, I'm right here!!! Besides I wasn't "shot down" per se, it was more of a "marginally controlled plummet".

[kevan]

Oh yes, that's right, you left your plane in enemy territory where the Huns could patch up the oil leak and make it airworthy in a couple of days...

Any Germans want to fly a captured SE? Kirk probably even left most of a belt of Vickers ammo and a few spare Lewis drums for you.

[AP]

Ohhh... i like that... Germans have the option of flying the SE, with whatever ammo Kirk left in it!! all damage could be patched up of course...
Each side, once scenario is announced, has the option to fly whichever aircraft they choose, right?

[kevan]

At present, I've set it up so that pilots are assigned aircraft - slightly ahistorical, I know, but it is partly for balance. The only option at present is whether to have a two-seater airborn. Unless you roll a two-seater mission, which obligates the attackers to have their two-seater in the air.

But I'm amused at the idea of the captured SE. Realistically, it would most likely have been whisked off for study and perhaps training use behind the lines, but what the heck, I'm willing to let it go - the ammo limitation will mean that it will likely be viable for only one, perhaps two missions. I'm trying to remember if there is a rule for pilots who fly outside their normal aircraft grouping - and some German pilot will need to learn how to change Lewis drums.

Kirk will need to inform us what he had left for Vickers rounds and Lewis drums.

[kirkh]

Sorry, but the Germans probably wouldn't have been able to repair an engine that had four hits in it. Even if they could, my pilot did what he was trained to do and set his aircraft ablaze before walking home. Luckily for him, right along the road he landed on was a handy visitors center with lots of information, maps, and brochures that allowed him to sneak back across the lines undetected.

[kazorm]

Actually, there were several times in the war when accomplished GERMAN ACES flew captured aircraft for either single or multiple missions.

[kirkh]

Oh I understand that, but those aircraft were usually captured intact or pretty close to intact. I'm just wondering what kind of capability the Germans would have to replace an SE's engine.

[AP]

Yeah I doubt a busted engine would be repairable nor would they take the time...but you never know!
I am in again for tonight, but will be late again due to softball, so 9:15 at the latest. If the scenario allows a late fly in... sign me up!!

[kirkh]

I don't know if I'll be there tonight. If I get my computer back and up and running I will, but at this point that's only wishful thinking.

[Orion]

I would be fine with getting started at 9pm - that way turn 1 would probably be ready just as Andy shows up. What do you guys think? I can be there at 8:30 or 9 so it doesn't bother me either way.

Dan

[Orion]

kirk - what was the issue with your machine? If you guys ever need pc help, I would be happy to assist via phone.

[kevan]

If we have enough people show up early tonight, we could maybe fly a quick dogfight, then roll up a campaign game for 9. But it seems like we don't usually get going until about 9 most weeks anyways.

[kirkh]

Dan - It was nothing you could have helped with over the phone. A smoking power supply needed to be replaced. I'm up and running again though.