Developing a Combat Effectiveness Model for SEOW
Posted: Wed 18 Dec 2013 10:55 am
Details to come, from all involved in the discussion, as we develop this "CE" model for SEOWv7.
Cheers,
4S
Cheers,
4S
Greetings,
As per discussions via Teamspeak , I have offered to "interpret" from the model of ASL (Advanced Squad Leader) , arguably the most thoroughly designed WW2 Tactical Boardgame, to derive useful mechanisms for consideration for use in SEOW.
A few parameters are necessary to make this consideration most effective.
What is Squad Leader?
Squad leader was designed as a WW2 Tactical Level boardgame.
Each playing is referred to as a "Scenario".
The mapboards are divided into hexagons , each hexagon representing 40 metres of terrain.
Each Scenario is represented by a "Scenario Card" detailing the historical background for the engagement , the precise units involved (both at start and - possible - reinforcements) for both sides and their combat condition (more on this later), the map/maps required and their orientation , the scenario length in game turns (representing approximately 2 minutes of combat) , the Victory conditions for both sides , and the historical outcome.
Perhaps most important and unique element of game design which allows the vast breadth of combat conditions and events to be simulated is a feature of each scenario card called "Scenario Special Rules" or to the veteran ASL player , SSR. This feature allows any scenario designer to add a rule of their own design , or to preclude or exclude any rule in the base ruleset , offering a clever designer to impart a unique flavour to every scenario he/she designs.
As it is now , any ground combat on a scale from platoon level to battalion level can be reasonably represented.
Units
In ASL any kind of WW2 ground unit can be simulated. Most are included in the Ruleset , but any variations may be included in the SSR of any given scenario.
The base units are infantry counters , squad leader counters , and support weapon counters.
Infantry Counters
Infantry Counters are of three basic Types : squads , crews , and squad leaders.
Squad Counters represent an infantry squad with its own inherent characteristics of firepower (quantitative and qualitative) , range , morale degree and state of , Unit Class (Elite , 1st Line , Reserve , Conscript etc), possible smoke grenades and inherent LATW (Inf AntiTank Weapons). Infantry Movement rate is not represented explicitly on the counter , but rather as a universal rate effected by Unit Class , Morale State , and Exhaustion. Various movement rates may be selected during the game (normal , double time , assault movement , advance) all of which have potential repercussions in terms of Exhaustion in following turns , ability to Dig In , Effects on Close Combat etc.
Each unit in ASL has an inherent Unit Size Number which effects the enemy's ability to target it with heavy weapons , and effects its ability to hide effectively.
The front of the counter represents the unit in good order (capable of fighting) , the counters reverse side represents the unit when morale has been broken (capable of routing - running away).
In addition , the rules include a list of "Nationality Traits" which instill different Nationalities (and special units such as the Waffen SS and the USMC) with subtle and unique characteristics.
Squad counters represent units of various strengths in manpower, changes of which are represented by the effectivenes of other characteristics. Also , combat effects may result in a unit being attrited to Half-squad strentgh , with reduced characteristics - each squad counter has its own associated half-squad counter.
Crew Counters are used to represent the specially trained units operating AFVs (Armoured Fighting Vehicles) , Artillery Pieces , and in some cases Support Weapons (SW). Infantry Squads can also operate SW , though sometimes at a disadvantage to represent untrained usage.
Crew counters also have a Good Order side and a Broken side (ASL vets often refer to broken units as "brokies" - just thought that would amuse a few of you).
AFVs are considered to have an inherent morale (determined by nation and date , or in some cases by SSR) until they exit or bail out of their vehicle either voluntarily or due to combat results.
The last Infantry Counter Type is the simplest and the most vital to the uniqueness of ASL , the Squad Leader (SL) counter. A SL represents a single low level commander who enables or (in the case of very poor ones - which ARE represented!) disables the units he is with/near on the cardboard battlefield.
SL have two numbers on their Good Order Side. The first number represents the SLs inherent morale - which is usaully higher than the troops he commands. The second number is his Leadership Modifier - this is the Quantitavive amount of his combat effectiveness , ie how much he can affect the units with/near him to rally , survive under fire , and to fire effectively. SLs have a Good Order Side and a Broken side just like all other infantry units.
The key to the effectiveness of units in battle is the quality and effective use of the SL . The SL has several fundamental assets :
1) They can rally broken friendly units
2) They can increase the ability of units with/near them to maintain effectiveness under fire ( they may not break or pin as easily)
3) They can increase the effectiveness of fire of units they are with/near
4) They can increase the movement rate of units they are with
5) They can increase the portage capacity of the units they are with.
6) They can decrease the likelihood of weapons suffering random breakdowns , and increase the possibility of repair of said SW
7) They can increase the likelihood of and results of Close Combat , and infantry units willingness to engage AFVs in Close Combat.
SL are the backbone of the Game System. Period.
Support Weapons (SW)
SW are represented in ASL with their own counters. SW include Machine Guns (MG) , Light Mortars (40-60mm) , Flamethrowers (FT) , Demo Charges (DC) , Radios and Field Phones , Anti-Tank Rifles (ATRs) , Bazookas and Panzerschrecks.
Note* Panzerfausts, Anti-Tank Magnetic Mines, Molotov Cocktails are considered abstractly as a possibility inherent in a squad's armament depending on nationality, theatre and date.
SW have a Good Order side and a Malfunctioned side , and every use includes the possibility of a breakdown (which is also intended to include temporary disfunctionality caused by ammo depletion , clearing dud rounds , changeing hot MG barrels etc , etc).
Such malfunctions have a subsequent repair possibility.
Each SW has a Portage cost - so commanders must carefully consider which units will carry which SWs.
Each SW (Exc Radios and Field Phones , obviously) has a Firepower, a range , and a Rate of Fire possibility.
Radios and Field Phones are used to direct Offboard Artillery.
That's all the juice I have for now. My next post will be about Ordnance and AFV counters.
For what it's worth , I think the most salient and dynamic addition that ASL offers is the concept of Leadership. Obviously I don't know how SEOW reflects tactical leadership now , but I suspect that this is one area where SEOW may borrow some mechanisms from ASL.
Sincerely,
Kopfdorfer
