Recruiting for Combat Mission II Interactive Dynasty

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by Blade6119

you might want to pm that news WSU

Already did it, thanks.

[Blade6119]

np...i just know your in st.louis, and since i was raised there i know everyone is completely retarded

[tucker342]

I don't have any preference. Whereever you need me is fine.

[WSUCougar]

Updated.

Still awaiting input from GoldenEagle.

1. We will be playing as the Germans in a customized scenario (“quick battle” in game terms).
2. We will be representing combined elements of a panzer division.
3. Troop quality will be high
4. Battle type will be random (since we have no consensus whatsoever!).
5. I’m leaning toward random terrain type.

Here’s a possible lineup of unit types and assignments. Nobody panic if you don’t want this, it’s just a starting point for discussion:

A platoon of armored cars [sachmo71]
Various medium armor (PZ-IIIs & IVs) [ DeToxRox, pskov, SirFozzie, Tasan]
A jagdpanzer or two (tank killers) [Travis, Blade]
Mobile artillery and/or an assault gun or two [kingfc22, The Afoci]
Halftracks (MG, 20mm, and/or other)[tucker342]
Several platoons of panzer grenadiers, some in half-tracks and/or riding in on the tanks [Calis, DataKing, GoldenEagle, samifan24]
Mortars [MrBug708]
One or two heavy weapons platoons (or perhaps engineers with satchel charges & flamethrowers) [Qwikshot, blade6119, RealDeal]

[pskov]

Medium Armour is fine with me. Could we do a late war scen though? I just find Panther vs JS-II more appealing than Pz III vs KV-1

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by pskov

Medium Armour is fine with me. Could we do a late war scen though? I just find Panther vs JS-II more appealing than Pz III vs KV-1

I'm sure you do!

Nah, we're gonna start in 1941, I think. Do you have a preference on the Pz-III version?

[GoldenEagle]

* German
* Attacker, assult
* infantry
* City

[sachmo71]

What type of armored cars are they, Cougar?

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by sachmo71

What type of armored cars are they, Cougar?

Various choices. I'm partial to the Puma myself (with a 50mm gun), but there are other types. I can send you a list later if you want.

[DataKing]

Three questions for you:

1. For us "soft targets" riding around in halftracks, will the halftracks be considered under our command? I ask because, on top of providing transportation, halftracks and their armament (MG42s, light ATGs, etc) can provide some nice local fire support.

2. Can infantry units "pop smoke?" I've found that strategically-placed smoke can be your best friend when you're not sitting behind a few centimeters of armor plating.

3. Maybe I missed it, but do infantry platoons have dedicated fire support, in the form of machinegun and light mortar (50mm) squads?

Can you tell I'm big on fire support and fire superiority?

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by DataKing

1. For us "soft targets" riding around in halftracks, will the halftracks be considered under our command? I ask because, on top of providing transportation, halftracks and their armament (MG42s, light ATGs, etc) can provide some nice local fire support.

My initial response is yes, although it might make for a cool interactive element if the halftrack guys worked in tandem with you foot-sloggers. Any thoughts from the rest of you?

2. Can infantry units "pop smoke?" I've found that strategically-placed smoke can be your best friend when you're not sitting behind a few centimeters of armor plating.

I'll have to check on this, but I don't think so. I know when it comes to "cover smoke" the vehicles do it on their own (a typical example being when a light tank comes under fire from a heavy AT gun and needs to back away). Other than mortar/arty/armor smoke rounds, I don't think smoke is player-initiated.

3. Maybe I missed it, but do infantry platoons have dedicated fire support, in the form of machinegun and light mortar (50mm) squads?

Yes.

Can you tell I'm big on fire support and fire superiority?

I know that'll be a popular opinion when the masses of Siberians start streaming our way...

[pskov]

Originally Posted by WSUCougar

Do you have a preference on the Pz-III version?

My prefered model would be Pz-III Ausf. H, but thats assuming no chance of getting an Ausf. M. (Or Flammenpanzer )

[WSUCougar]

Specifics of our battle set-up:

Time: June, 1941 (The first month of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of Russia)

Side: Germans, unit quality high, panzer division (mechanized)

To be randomly determined: location (north, central, or south), battle type (assault, attack, probe, or meeting engagement), map type (large town, town, village, farmland, or rural), tree coverage, hills, previous battle damage, time and weather.

My proposal for the make-up of our battle group:

(4) Pz-IIIH medium tanks [2 DeToxRox, 2 pskov]
(4) Pz-IVD medium tanks [2 SirFozzie, 2 Tasan]
(4) PSW 222 armored cars [sachmo71]
(2) Sturmgeschutz IIIb assault guns [kingfc22]
(4) Jagdpanzer I tank-hunters [2 Travis, 2 blade6119]
(1) Infantry Company, consisting of:
a. HQ, 2 HMGs [DataKing = company commander]*
b. (3) Infantry platoons, each consisting of HQ, 3 squads, 50mm mortar [Blade, Calis, samifan24]
(1) Pioneer (engineer) Platoon, consisting of HQ, 6 squads, 3 flamethrowers, 7 halftracks [RealDeal, GoldenEagle, Qwikshot**
(3) 81mm mortar teams [MrBug708
(8) Halftracks [4 tucker342, 4 The Afoci]

* I assigned DataKing as company commander due to his experience with the other dynasty; if he does not want to do it, or if someone else really wants to instead, speak up

** The pioneer platoon has some flexibility in terms of who gets what. I can also attach an HMG to this platoon. A suggestion would be one of you is platoon leader with HQ, HMG, a halftrack, and a flamethrower; then 3 squads, 3 halftracks, and a flamethrower for the other two.

Issues: The regular infantry company will not have transportation of their own. They will either foot-slog it, ride the Pz-IIIs & IVs, or use some of the unattached halftracks. MrBug’s mortars will also probably need halftrack transport initially, although mortars generally don’t need (or want) to move around after they find a good spot.

x x x x x

Okay, what I’d like to get is a “sound-off” post from everyone involved to verify that you are still on-board and that you approve of your unit assignment. If anyone is unhappy and wants something else, just say so (I won’t be upset – I made some assumptions putting this together). Also, feel free to post any questions. Once we’re good to go I’ll start-up the official dynasty thread and we’ll get rolling.

One more logistical issue and question for you guys. I will be taking screenshots of the game from various perspectives. The game is incredibly flexible when it comes to this. I intend an “overhead” view, perhaps a “behind the Germans” view, and then individual views from each of the units. Do you guys have any requests about how to structure these? Do you want the “overall” view, or should we perhaps limit it to just at the beginning (to keep it “realistic”)? Also, how best to post the images? Uploads? Or can someone “host” them (I’m not sure how to do that)? Anyway, let me know.

[Tasan]

I'm happy with this. I was hoping to get the Panzer IV anyway. Fond fond memories of them in Panzer General II.

[RealDeal]

sound off. Can't wait to start. I only know one thing, and that's attacking.

[Blade]

I am still here, and ready to go! However, you got Blade6119 and I mixed up...I think we are supposed to be assigned opposite to how you have us.

[Calis]

I'm here and ready to go!

I can deal with the lack of transport also, I don't like being cooped away and just waiting to get blown all to hell anyway. Is the map size random? I can't remember if that's even an option, so not sure. Just curious how far will be marching it.

As for the pictures, I have no real preference. I think the ideas you said sound good.

[Blade6119]

sounds good with me

[sachmo71]

I'm here. I can host a few pictures if you need me too, but I don't have oodles of space.

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by sachmo71

I'm here. I can host a few pictures if you need me too, but I don't have oodles of space.

Thanks, sach. How much space would you have available to use, roughly?

And are you okay with the armored cars, or would you rather have something else?

* * * * *
Blade, are you okay with the infantry? I know you said panzer grenadiers (and jagdpanzer) but you'll be riding in with the tanks. Let me know if you definitely want to switch out.

* * * * *
RealDeal, any input on the break-down of the pioneer platoon?

* * * * *
Any other input on the game images? This is kind of important because it will provide you guys with what you are facing.

[DataKing]

Captain DataKing, reporting in! If you need someone to host the pictures, let me know. I can do it, but would not be able to do so until I get home from work each evening.

Kingfc22, prepare to be hearing from me often. There's little better than an assault gun when enemy troops need to be "softened up" a bit...and that nice thick armor skin you guys carry around will come in handy too, I'm sure.

[kingfc22]

I'm in and DataKing, I'm here when you need me.

[pskov]

Sound off.

I would like toh have our images restriceted to a somewhat realistic level. i.e. A shot looking around from varoius units POV. I think it will be more challenging (and fun) if we restrict ourseleves this way.

[Blade]

Originally Posted by WSUCougar

Blade, are you okay with the infantry? I know you said panzer grenadiers (and jagdpanzer) but you'll be riding in with the tanks. Let me know if you definitely want to switch out.

Not a problem at all! I am here to serve!

[Qwikshot]

Ready for orders, my platoon will be more than happy to take the MG unit, if there are no other takers...(I know I know lugging that sucker around will be rough, but I plan to ambush )

[tucker342]

I'm here and ready for action!

[samifan24]

I'm here and ready to accept my assignment, sir!

[MrBug708]

Here

[Travis]

Present and ready to roll.

[Tasan]

I've got oodles of space, and no bandwidth restrictions. Its a little server I have here at the house. Its always up, so that shouldn't be an issue either. Anyway, if you need it, its at your disposal.

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by Tasan

I've got oodles of space, and no bandwidth restrictions. Its a little server I have here at the house. Its always up, so that shouldn't be an issue either. Anyway, if you need it, its at your disposal.

Sweet! Thanks Tasan, that’ll work great. If you PM me your e-mail addy I'll send you a test image entitled “Team Photo.” It shows the bulk of our equipment arrayed in a rural setting. I'll link to it once it's up (and you give me it's URL).

[sachmo71]

Cougar,

I have 10 megs of space avaliable, but I guess that problem has already been solved. As far as armored cars go, I'm fine with that.

[Blade]

Out of curiousity, how is this game? I have seen it in the local shops, and been tempted to buy it, but have not taken the plunge yet...

[Calis]

If you're a wargame fan at all..or really even if not, get it.

Best wargame around imo, and one of my all-time favorites. Just a blast to play.

[The Afoci]

Reporting to duty!

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by Blade

Out of curiousity, how is this game? I have seen it in the local shops, and been tempted to buy it, but have not taken the plunge yet...

I'll second what Calis just said. It's simply an awesome tactical wargame, and one of my favorite computer game systems EVER.

They also just came out with the 3rd edition...Afrika Corps. *slobber*

Try out the demo!

Here's the website: Battlefront.com

[tucker342]

hmmmm I'll have to check it out...

[WSUCougar]

Awaiting sound-offs from DeToxRox, SirFozzie, and GoldenEagle before we proceed with the festivities.

[Tasan]

WSUCougar, have you sent me the test image yet?

[WSUCougar]

Originally Posted by Tasan

WSUCougar, have you sent me the test image yet?

No, different computer. I'll do so tonight.

[Tasan]

Here's a test pic for everyone to see:

[GoldenEagle]

How do I soundoff?

[WSUCougar]

Thanks Tasan - Here's the caption, guys:

In the foreground is one of MrBug’s mortars. In the second row, left to right, is one of kingfc22’s assault guns (a Sturmgeschütz-IIIb, if you’re scoring at home), an infantry squad (the game represents squads with three figures, even though there are 10 guys in it), a PZ-IIIh, and sachmo’s PSW222 armored car. Across the back row are two halftracks (251/10 with a 37mm gun, and the more common 251/1 with MG), the Panzerjäger tank-hunter, and the PZ-IVd.

How do I soundoff?

Here ya go, Golden Eagle:

Okay, what I’d like to get is a “sound-off” post from everyone involved to verify that you are still on-board and that you approve of your unit assignment. If anyone is unhappy and wants something else, just say so (I won’t be upset – I made some assumptions putting this together). Also, feel free to post any questions.

One more logistical issue and question for you guys. I will be taking screenshots of the game from various perspectives. The game is incredibly flexible when it comes to this. I intend an “overhead” view, perhaps a “behind the Germans” view, and then individual views from each of the units. Do you guys have any requests about how to structure these? Do you want the “overall” view, or should we perhaps limit it to just at the beginning (to keep it “realistic”)?

[SirFozzie]

Soooooooound off!

[WSUCougar]

Okay, we're getting close. Still awaiting a final okay from GoldenEagle and a reply from DeToxRox and we're good to go. I will start up a new thread at that point.

Prep your troops, gentleman. Operation Barbarossa begins shortly!

[GoldenEagle]

Souding off. I perfer the overhead view, but any will work with me.

[Tasan]

Things are good here. Overhead would be nice I think.

[MrBug708]

Impartial to the view

[WSUCougar]

This post will close out this thread, as we move on into battle. Special thanks again to Tasan for hosting our images.

Here's the new thread: Combat Mission II: Interactive Dynasty