VDP Module Update?

[kirkh]

Just wondering if there are plans for any more module updates or if we're going to stick with V1.2 for the foreseeable future.

[kevan]

For the foreseeable future. I keep making up counters as I come across good images to use, probably have about 50 to add already, but I don't see any point in doing another update until we have additional features (which pretty much requires the next version of Vassal first) or if we have new maps to add. I have a few good map ideas, but can't see having the time to work on them before autumn.

[kirkh]

Sounds good. I'd like to make a request that if/when a new revision is made that more informational counters be added for things such as clouds, wind direction, battle location, troop concentrations, etc. If that info can be placed on counters near the edge of the board for easy reference it'll make things a tad easier than having to go through the chat transcript or ask everyone again.

Also, is there a possibility some counters/overlays could be put in the library for things such as trenches, airfields, etc. so that they could be placed on the board if the scenario calls for them? In other words, might it be fun/efficient to start out with a board that sort of looks like a blank slate and then have the players add the terrain features as they see fit? I ask because rarely does the terrain that appears on the board impact the game. It would be nice to have a board thats customizeable (is that a word?) rather than having to generate separate boards for each type of possible scenario.

[kevan]

Not a bad idea, having the weather info on the board, and simple to do.

Overlays are already on my list of things that I want to do. I doubt that we'd ever get to the point where the whole board is overlays, but the difference that can be made by relatively small overlays is significant (just ask any Advanced Squad Leader player).

I have some ideas as to overlays I would like - trenches, bunkers, trains, ships (to use Rex's blank map for naval bombing), craters. If anyone wants to suggest others, please feel free to do so.

I believe that some things, such as the front, ports facilities, or mountainous terrain are so big that they really need a whole new map.

[kirkh]

That's true. We'd need a number of "generic" boards just for the general landscape (sea, crater filled front, mountains, grassy/forest/city covered areas behind the lines) and then terrain overlays for the specific features you mentioned like the trenches, trains, aerodromes, etc.

[AP]

I would really like to make a board / overlays... can they just be regular .jpg images?

[kevan]

The prefered image format in Vassal tends to be .png. I believe there's an explantion somewhere on the Vassal site, and I can't recall if that was as much a concern for maps as for counters.

[AP]

I guess my question should be more along the lines of... can I create the image outside of vassal & then import it, or do you have to do everything within that application?

[kevan]

Nope, everything is done outside and imported. Vassal itself is simply a program that manages all the components.

One thing that is done within the program is overlaying the grid on the map. When working on the map, it's handy to remember that the grid size will be 70 pixels by 70 pixels, but you shouldn't draw it on.

I found an online map making tutorial that came in really handy when I started making a map from scratch. I think I have it bookmarked on my home computer - I'll try to find and post it tonight.

By the way, I've been using Paint Shop Pro. If anyone else is using it, it has a handy function that uses what it calls "tubes" that will randomly select and paste an image from a list. So, for example, I've made a tube that contains about 100 trees in the same style as those on the original DP map. To create a forested area, I simply click wherever I want a tree, and one is randomly selected. I plan to create other tubes for things like hedgerows. If anyone uses this program, drop me an email. I believe can be downloaded for a free trial period.

Edit: Found that link cryhavocgames.net/OtherStuff/CreatingWithPSP25.htm#Textures

[mcd]

I was looking inside VDP with the edit tool. I made a few drop down menu commands that when the sub-menu button is pushed, text was posted to the message area. What I did was have a Menu item “Game Flow” with button options to print “Announcements”, “Numbers”, and “Jams and Hits”. A Menu item “Maneuvers” with buttons to print the different maneuver names. A Menu item “Combat” with buttons for each range that printed out the 1-x hits and the resulting die roll, and buttons for Possible and Probable Pilot Hits. It seems to me this would help save typing. I think it would also be useful when rolling up a scenario. Before I spend much more time on this, is this worthwhile? Has someone already done this?

Mark

[joseki]

Hey guys,

Maps an counters. The "Expansion set" Ostend set is available for download from the Apache site. I believe an overview will be in the next drome.

[Rex]

Mark,
those are great Ideas. Hit me up on skype next time your on-line. (there is a text chat feature. that way if I'm not around I will see your message when I get back.) I would like to use the file transfer to get a copy of the module with your changes so they can be included in the next version.

UPDATE:
I have had some communication with Rodney Kinney ( The god of Vassal) regarding the team chat window. He does not think his Dev team will get around to them before the end of the year. This is because they are working on Vassal 3.0 (which is in beta now). So we will have to keep using the double log-in work around for a while longer.

[mcd]

Rex,
Will do.
What is the legality of displaying the result of a die roll, such as Germany when a 6 was rolled on location or RW when a 6 is rolled for a Tail Hit Location?

Mark

[kirkh]

Mark,

We've been playing the VDP games using hidden damage (which is why the separate private rooms are required for some dice rolls, hit location being one) but it's not necessarily illegal to have open damage and some people still play that way. Hope this helps.

Kirk

[mcd]

Kirk,
Sorry my question was not clear. If we add a button that rolls and tells you what the damage was for a Tail section hit, that could be done either in the main room or the “side room” same as today. My concern is on adding that part of the rules into the module. As the tables are already included in the module, I would think it would be no different, but I am not a lawyer. The roll up a scenario charts are not in the module today, is that a problem? My thought is to automate where it makes sense to automate.
Mark