Thursday 9/20

[kirkh]

I should be on at 8PM hopefully. Are we going to play a campaign game or forego it this week? Lastly, I'm still having problems with the new VASSAL. It seems about 50% of the time when I open the DP module (regardless of playing online or one of the e-games) it shuts down my computer and reboots it. This never happened prior to the introduction of VASSAL version 3.0.4 so I assume it's not my machine.

[AP]

I'll be on by 8CST, I think we are done with the first campaign and were looking to start a new one right? Maybe we could just play open games tonight & start a campaign next week?

Vassal hasnt rebooted my PC to that extreme, but the 'cards' window has never worked right for me... i can only view it if it is full screen or maximized - kinda a pain!

[kirkh]

I didn't think we were ready for a new campaign yet. I wouldn't mind taking a break from "campaigning" for a few weeks anyway. My pilot roster consists of one guy with eight missions and everybody else with one or two. I'd like to "diversify" for a little while.

[kevan]

Unless the Germans want one more shot at catching the British in points, we can call the campaign over and a learning experience.

Before we start up a new campaign, I would like to see the rules ironed out. Also, there should probably be a poll for scenario, to make sure we have one that appeals to the majority.

[kevan]

We managed to get two games in tonight, the first time we've managed to do so in a long time.

The first game saw Mark and I in Camel 150s against Dan in a Fokker DVII 185 and Andy in a venerable DIIIa. This was a quick battle, going only six turns, but this was enough time for Andy to get chased into the clouds after three turns with 22 hits in his plane, and Dan to follow soon after with close to 20 in his plane.

The second game was another quick, seven-turn dogfight that saw Andy and I in Albatros DVs against Mark and Dan in SPAD VIIs. Andy managed to score a critical wound on Mark's pilot, who soon passed out and was falling out of control. He did manage to regain consciousness, but crashed on landing. Dan stuck around for a few more turns, but poor initiative rolls and the German superiority in guns soon had him heading for safety.

[kirkh]

I'm sorry I missed it. I'm glad I got my problem fixed though. I now use VASSAL version 2.9.9 and it seems to work great.

[AP]

I had a request to write up my improv 'VDP out of control' rules last night, so here goes-

Once you have determined that you are unconscious, perform the following steps-

1. Roll 1d6 for type of dive.
1= 200ft UNDERdive
2= 100ft UNDERdive
3= Normal
4= Normal
5= 100ft OVERdive (15% chance wings come off, rolled AFTER movement phase for turn is done)
6= 200ft OVERdive (25% chance wings come off, rolled AFTER movement phase for turn is done)
NOTE- If your dive has been cut due to a crit, it factors negatively into this roll I.E- Dive -100 crit, a roll of '3' would actually be a 100ft overdive.

2. Determine the direction your out of plane will go.
This is done by highlighting your aircraft, closing your eyes, and while holding the CTRL key, rapidly press either '[' or ']' to the count of 10, then stop. Open your eyes and gasp in surprise at which way you are facing!

3. Roll 1d10 and multiply by 2. That is how many squares in that direction you will travel. Repeat step #2 for final facing.

4. Once ALL other players have finished the movement phase of the turn and BEFORE the jams & firing phase, roll 2d6. On a 5,6, or 8 you are in a spin, and any aircraft targeting you still checks jams and subtracts ammo, but its an automatic miss.

5. Cross your fingers, chant a positive mantra, say a prayer to the DP gods & send every positive vibe you have in you to the effort of WAKING UP!!! (30% chance at end of turn)