OPERATION EXPORTER - Multiplayer "User vs AI" Campaign

[Double_Deuce]

This will be the official recruitment and information thread for the campaign. More information can be found on this game concept here >

Multiplayer User Campaign (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=47453)

SCENARIO NAME: Syria–Lebanon Campaign (aka Operation Exporter)
LOCATION: Vichy French-controlled Syria and Lebanon
DATE: June - July 1941

SITUATION: The Syria–Lebanon campaign, also known as Operation Exporter, was the Allied invasion of Vichy French-controlled Syria and Lebanon, in June–July 1941. The Allied offensive was aimed at preventing Nazi Germany from using the Vichy French-controlled Mandate of Syria and Mandate of Lebanon as springboards for attacks on the Allied stronghold of Egypt, as the Allies fought a major campaign against Axis forces further west, in North Africa. Under the plan, Allied forces led by the 7th Australian Infantry Division would attack north into Syria from the British Mandate of Palestine. The operation was to begin on June 8.

The "team" will be C Company, 2/16th Battalion, 21st Brigade, 7th Australian Infantry Division.

This will be a 4-5 scenario custom designed Multiplayer User Campaign. Each player will command a platoon of the company with one player the overall commander and controlling the HQ/Weapons Platoons and any support assets (air/artillery and reinforcements). For this game we will need at least 4 players (maybe more as the campaign develops) which are a Commanding Commander and 3 Platoon Leaders.

Basically I will create the campaign and scenario files and upload them for the team. Each team member will download the file, load the save file and play part of the turn (making sure only to move/shoot their assigned units) and then they will save the file (DO NOT END THE TURN). They will then upload their new save file to this thread for the next commander in the sequence (1st Plt, 2nd Plt, 3rd Plt and HQ Plt) to play his unit's part of the turn. The Company Commander will be the last person to play the turn, moving his units, plotting any call for fire/air support, etc and essentially, officially ending the turn and then uploading the new save file to this thread. The sequence then starts again for the next turn.

The game will follow the same basic procedures as the RUSSIAN CIVIL WAR II - Multiplayer "User vs AI" Campaign (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=47288) HOWEVER, ALL players will be playing using the same campaign file.

Any questions, comments, or to sign up please feel free to post.

[gila]

Sounds good count me in.
How is the CO figured for each team though?

[Roman]

Ok. Give me a peloton that does not disappoint.

[Double_Deuce]

Ok. Give me a peloton that does not disappoint.
All 3 line platoons are currently available so just pick the 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

[Double_Deuce]

Sounds good count me in.
How is the CO figured for each team though?
Not sure what you mean? There is only one CO, the one for the company in the campaign. He will run the A0 unit and all the support units. All other commanders are platoon leaders who will run the B0, C0 and D0 units and their subunits.

[Roman]

Ok. Give me a peloton that does not disappoint.
All 3 line platoons are currently available so just pick the 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

I think the company leader must designate the platoon commanders and assign targets.

[cuckoo]

Sounds great, although moving a single platoon per week is not much, man. Count me in anyway.

Thanks for the heads up at worldatwar.eu, Gila! I should come here and Blitz as well more often. Looks like I´ve missed all the campaigns. I still remember the Phony War -campaign we had at Gamesquad DD, or was it still WarfareHQ back then? So sad we never finished it...

Someone who is better on the map: are there any more campaigns currently that I can jump into?

[iCaMpWiThAWP]

Count me in, I'd rather play a platoon commander, but if no one wants to be the CO i can play the role, sounds like fun.

[gila]

Sounds good count me in.
How is the CO figured for each team though?
Not sure what you mean? There is only one CO, the one for the company in the campaign. He will run the A0 unit and all the support units. All other commanders are platoon leaders who will run the B0, C0 and D0 units and their subunits.

I was thinking there was two sets of human teams,after re-read your OP,i see where i was wrong,should be fun:D

[Roman]

Sounds great, although moving a single platoon per week is not much, man. Count me in anyway.

Thanks for the heads up at worldatwar.eu, Gila! I should come here and Blitz as well more often. Looks like I´ve missed all the campaigns. I still remember the Phony War -campaign we had at Gamesquad DD, or was it still WarfareHQ back then? So sad we never finished it...

Someone who is better on the map: are there any more campaigns currently that I can jump into?

You're cuckoo for WaW? We're playing a battle there. Now we allies? mmm:D:up:

[cuckoo]

Sounds great, although moving a single platoon per week is not much, man. Count me in anyway.

Thanks for the heads up at worldatwar.eu, Gila! I should come here and Blitz as well more often. Looks like I´ve missed all the campaigns. I still remember the Phony War -campaign we had at Gamesquad DD, or was it still WarfareHQ back then? So sad we never finished it...

Someone who is better on the map: are there any more campaigns currently that I can jump into?

You're cuckoo for WaW? We're playing a battle there. Now we allies? mmm:D:up:

Yes I´m exactly the same Cuckoo! ...and yeah we could become allies but I can still spray your platoon with Z-fire haha

[Roman]

Sounds great, although moving a single platoon per week is not much, man. Count me in anyway.

Thanks for the heads up at worldatwar.eu, Gila! I should come here and Blitz as well more often. Looks like I´ve missed all the campaigns. I still remember the Phony War -campaign we had at Gamesquad DD, or was it still WarfareHQ back then? So sad we never finished it...

Someone who is better on the map: are there any more campaigns currently that I can jump into?

You're cuckoo for WaW? We're playing a battle there. Now we allies? mmm:D:up:

Yes I´m exactly the same Cuckoo! ...and yeah we could become allies but I can still spray your platoon with Z-fire haha

Uhh. This will be like the movie "Platoon. " A private war between sergeants.:D

[iCaMpWiThAWP]

You're cuckoo for WaW? We're playing a battle there. Now we allies? mmm:D:up:

Yes I´m exactly the same Cuckoo! ...and yeah we could become allies but I can still spray your platoon with Z-fire haha

Uhh. This will be like the movie "Platoon. " A private war between sergeants.:D
Uhh, aren't platoons led by lieutenants?:cool:

[Roman]

Yes I´m exactly the same Cuckoo! ...and yeah we could become allies but I can still spray your platoon with Z-fire haha

Uhh. This will be like the movie "Platoon. " A private war between sergeants.:D
Uhh, aren't platoons led by lieutenants?:cool:

Yes. But in the film there is a dispute between sergeants. Saw the movie "Platoon" with Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe and Charlie Sheen?
Cuckoo is Tom Berenger because he is guy bad.:D

[iCaMpWiThAWP]

Uhh. This will be like the movie "Platoon. " A private war between sergeants.:D
Uhh, aren't platoons led by lieutenants?:cool:

Yes. But in the film there is a dispute between sergeants. Saw the movie "Platoon" with Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe and Charlie Sheen?
Cuckoo is Tom Berenger because he is guy bad.:D
Yeah, but i was just pointing that out, sounded funny that a movie named platoon centers on a dispute of sergeants

[Double_Deuce]

Thanks for the heads up at worldatwar.eu, Gila! I should come here and Blitz as well more often. Looks like I´ve missed all the campaigns. I still remember the Phony War -campaign we had at Gamesquad DD, or was it still WarfareHQ back then? So sad we never finished it...
I think it was still WarefareHQ back then. They are on the 3rd or 4th new domain name now. :(

[Double_Deuce]

Uhh, aren't platoons led by lieutenants?:cool:
On paper and in theory they are. Just saying. :D

[Double_Deuce]

Yes, all players will be on the same "team" playing against the AI. For those who played in and followed along with the Russian Civil War II game, think of it as the same format EXCEPT you only move/shoot your assigned units and then pass the save file to the next platoon leader who does the same until it finally goes to the CO who plays his guys, reviews the overall map and officially ends the turn. He then watches the AI Turn and posts the latest save game file to the forum and also post the orders for the new turn (using less than 100 words).

Anyone involved in the game as a commander is limited to posting no more than 100 words (per turn) when posting anything related to what is going on the the game. This simulates their radio chatter and hand/arm signals during the game. IF you post and one of the other players doesn't understand what you meant he will just have to interpret it to the best of his ability (no PM'ing asking for clarification ! ! ! :mad: ). Kinda like the real world and this should help with Fog of War and simulating confusion in battle. :up:

To add to this, if a player posts their communication and appear to be confused the CO can respond in the NEXT turn when he posts his orders for the new turn, BUT this will reduce the words available for his orders for that turn by that same amount.

The above will keep the game form dragging out and keep things moving rather than everything stopping while people are discussing little details which could not really be done in the heat of combat.

[Double_Deuce]

Ok. Give me a peloton that does not disappoint.
All 3 line platoons are currently available so just pick the 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

I think the company leader must designate the platoon commanders and assign targets.No, all positions for the game are first come first serve. First to post stating that they want x unit gets it as long as its not already spoken for in this thread.

[gila]

I'd rather not be the CO myself.
I'll take any platoon though.

I'll put my vote for CO to Cuckoo, because it would be ironic to have a Capt.Cuckoo leading us in this thing;)
And he is a good player of course:)

[Double_Deuce]

OK, based on replies in this thread I have the following positions spoken for;


COMPANY CO: OPEN (pending cuckoo's acceptance of being volunteered or not) :D.
1ST PLATOON: gila
2ND PLATOON: Roman
3RD PLATOON: iCaMpWiThAWP

[Double_Deuce]

Another note. Whoever is the CO will need to know the process to load the next scenario file into the campaign game structure so that the Core Force carries over from scenario to scenario.

The process is basically the same we did with the RCW II game and is covered in this thread;

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/showthread.php?t=47288

NOTE: Of course scenario slots and file names will not be the same. ;)

[gila]

As far as CO,the job goes to whom ever accepts,
icamp said earlier he would take it if no one accepts,
All good players here,we just need a CO,to get this rocking:)
I'll do it if no other takers.

[gila]

I can see a Band of Brothers campaign working well in this format also.:)

[gila]

One other detail,
Is excessive suppresive fire allowed?
Most cases in pbem hu v hu,there might be restrictions,
The AI does not use it the way a human may, and have a big handicap there.
I don't use z-fire unless been fired on from a suspected location against the AI.
Latley have a rule of never using in pbem.
Otherwise it's alot of waiting time as someone fires every round they have,very boring and gamey imo.

[cuckoo]

Capt.Cuckoo... I like the sound of that! I´ll volunteer for the role, but a platoon is just as good.

[Double_Deuce]

One other detail,
Is excessive suppresive fire allowed?
Most cases in pbem hu v hu,there might be restrictions,
The AI does not use it the way a human may, and have a big handicap there.
I don't use z-fire unless been fired on from a suspected location against the AI.
Latley have a rule of never using in pbem.
Otherwise it's alot of waiting time as someone fires every round they have,very boring and gamey imo.
Good point. I'm thinking about having a rule that z-fire is only allowed against /suspected unseen targets and against vehicles (since AT capability is pretty limited in this time period).

[Roman]

One other detail,
Is excessive suppresive fire allowed?
Most cases in pbem hu v hu,there might be restrictions,
The AI does not use it the way a human may, and have a big handicap there.
I don't use z-fire unless been fired on from a suspected location against the AI.
Latley have a rule of never using in pbem.
Otherwise it's alot of waiting time as someone fires every round they have,very boring and gamey imo.
Good point. I'm thinking about having a rule that z-fire is only allowed against /suspected unseen targets and against vehicles (since AT capability is pretty limited in this time period).

I use the "z" when I know the position of the enemy prior to an assault. or to avoid an assault the enemy. Bone is the use of fire suppression.
Could be used to suppress a hypothetical position but reveals our own position.

[cuckoo]

One other detail,
Is excessive suppresive fire allowed?
Most cases in pbem hu v hu,there might be restrictions,
The AI does not use it the way a human may, and have a big handicap there.
I don't use z-fire unless been fired on from a suspected location against the AI.
Latley have a rule of never using in pbem.
Otherwise it's alot of waiting time as someone fires every round they have,very boring and gamey imo.
Good point. I'm thinking about having a rule that z-fire is only allowed against /suspected unseen targets and against vehicles (since AT capability is pretty limited in this time period).

I use the "z" when I know the position of the enemy prior to an assault. or to avoid an assault the enemy. Bone is the use of fire suppression.
Could be used to suppress a hypothetical position but reveals our own position.

Ditto... EXTENSIVE use of z-fire is another matter and actually is quite annoying. Also, isn´t the unit who shoots broadside less capable of op-fire the next turn? I´m not sure...

[gila]

Think excessive z-fire does affect a units ability to have op fire.
Not good when you are counting on the other platoons for support and one went a bit nuts previously,and can't op fire when needed most;)

[Double_Deuce]

Good point. I'm thinking about having a rule that z-fire is only allowed against /suspected unseen targets and against vehicles (since AT capability is pretty limited in this time period).

I use the "z" when I know the position of the enemy prior to an assault. or to avoid an assault the enemy. Bone is the use of fire suppression.
Could be used to suppress a hypothetical position but reveals our own position.

Ditto... EXTENSIVE use of z-fire is another matter and actually is quite annoying. Also, isn´t the unit who shoots broadside less capable of op-fire the next turn? I´m not sure...
Well, I've no plans to outlaw it but think there should be some restrictions. As for what I am still working on it. Maybe it should just be a self control issue where you use it when you think it should be used, primarily against unknown targets (suspected enemy positions) and prior to assaulting, kinda situations.

[gila]

I use the "z" when I know the position of the enemy prior to an assault. or to avoid an assault the enemy. Bone is the use of fire suppression.
Could be used to suppress a hypothetical position but reveals our own position.

Good point!
Thats the mmg's team job to lay down suppresive fire on a point of assault.
However it does give enemy arty something to plot on.

[Double_Deuce]

CURRENT ROSTER THEN;

* COMPANY CO: cuckoo
* 1ST PLATOON: gila
* 2ND PLATOON: Roman
* 3RD PLATOON: iCaMpWiThAWP

Also, the 1st turn of each scenario in the campaign (the deploy part) will be done by the CO and then sent to the 1st Platoon Leader to get the ball rolling. That turn and each turn thereafter the CO gets the file last BEFORE the turn is ended so he can review the situation, position his men and officially end the turn. He will then post the save files and issue next turn guidance via the forums.

Also he will be the last to get the file between scenario's so he can assign any repair points. Basically he needs to be the one with the file first for deployment and then between scenarios during the repair phase. He should be the only player, ending the turn.

Let me finish the 1st 2 files (the unit overview) and the 1st scenario and we should be ready.

As mentioned before, I am aiming for at least 1 finished turn per week BUT if it goes faster that's fine. Do your turn, save the file, post a short AAR (less than 100 words) and attach the Save file for the next player, and so on.

Any questions, now is the time to ask. ;)

[gila]

I use the "z" when I know the position of the enemy prior to an assault. or to avoid an assault the enemy. Bone is the use of fire suppression.
Could be used to suppress a hypothetical position but reveals our own position.

Ditto... EXTENSIVE use of z-fire is another matter and actually is quite annoying. Also, isn´t the unit who shoots broadside less capable of op-fire the next turn? I´m not sure...
Well, I've no plans to outlaw it but think there should be some restrictions. As for what I am still working on it. Maybe it should just be a self control issue where you use it when you think it should be used, primarily against unknown targets (suspected enemy positions) and prior to assaulting, kinda situations.

I'm good with that self control point myself,and that should the basis rule for z-fire in this campaign:)
Cuckoo accepted command,
Say one say all?

edit: i see it's decided,now awaiting my orders.

[Double_Deuce]

cuckoo is out of contact for a few days so that will give me time to tidy things up through the weekend. So . . . we should be ready to go early this coming week.

[Roman]

OK. I hope the news

[gila]

OK. I hope the news
You are the 2nd platoon
As soon as i get files/orders then i'll post them up here for you ASAP:)

[Roman]

OK. I hope the news
You are the 2nd platoon
As soon as i get files/orders then i'll post them up here for you ASAP:)

Ok. Then it moves on the order of platoons? It's good to be organized.

[gila]

Yep,
Me being the 1st platoon,has to play my turn with my platoon units only! and then post a "SAVE TURN" file and possibly a short dar, here, for the next in line and so on down the line :)

[Double_Deuce]

Normally when I create a campaign I set the 1st scenario to 1 turn so players can deploy and review their forces BEFORE the actual campaign starts. In this game I will set it to 3 turns. That way the team can work through the game turn sequence to get familiar with the steps needed to process each turn and pass the files back and forth.

Then after those 3 turns the official campaign can start right from there.

[gila]

Normally when I create a campaign I set the 1st scenario to 1 turn so players can deploy and review their forces BEFORE the actual campaign starts. In this game I will set it to 3 turns. That way the team can work through the game turn sequence to get familiar with the steps needed to process each turn and pass the files back and forth.

Then after those 3 turns the official campaign can start right from there.

Hey DD,
I think we are in sync with the process here.
Play your turn,don't end turn,unless the CO,save turn ,post files and aar, and pass it to the next player
It's very simple.
The CO has a different process and i'm sure you'll guide him through:)

[gila]

OK. I hope the news
You are the 2nd platoon
As soon as i get files/orders then i'll post them up here for you ASAP:)

Ok. Then it moves on the order of platoons? It's good to be organized.

Keep in mind the order of platoons does not give any senority from 1st to the last,, just who goes first:)
A 2nd and third means just as much,
In other words,,we work and fight as brothers;)

[cuckoo]

ok I´m back...

...and I think I got the process too.

One question regarding the DARs though: The platoon leaders are forbidden to check out the other platoons situations, right? And they should only know about the overall situation from the CO´s DAR, yes?

gila mentions the platoon leaders writing a possible DAR after their turns. So how is it?

[gila]

CURRENT ROSTER THEN;

* COMPANY CO: cuckoo
* 1ST PLATOON: gila
* 2ND PLATOON: Roman
* 3RD PLATOON: iCaMpWiThAWP

Also, the 1st turn of each scenario in the campaign (the deploy part) will be done by the CO and then sent to the 1st Platoon Leader to get the ball rolling. That turn and each turn thereafter the CO gets the file last BEFORE the turn is ended so he can review the situation, position his men and officially end the turn. He will then post the save files and issue next turn guidance via the forums.

Also he will be the last to get the file between scenario's so he can assign any repair points. Basically he needs to be the one with the file first for deployment and then between scenarios during the repair phase. He should be the only player, ending the turn.

Let me finish the 1st 2 files (the unit overview) and the 1st scenario and we should be ready.

As mentioned before, I am aiming for at least 1 finished turn per week BUT if it goes faster that's fine. Do your turn, save the file, post a short AAR (less than 100 words) and attach the Save file for the next player, and so on.

Any questions, now is the time to ask. ;)

I was going by the last paragraph in post #33.

Radio chatter from platoon leaders should be limited and directed mainly to the CO,but there is no security issues here as the AI can't pick up our radio transmission;)

This is DD's baby however, and he makes the call:D

[Double_Deuce]

One question regarding the DARs though: The platoon leaders are forbidden to check out the other platoons situations, right? And they should only know about the overall situation from the CO´s DAR, yes?

gila mentions the platoon leaders writing a possible DAR after their turns. So how is it?
There is no way to really prevent cheating via PM or email, I mean who would know except those doing it. ;)

What I would say is when each Platoon Leader moves/shoots his men, and then uploads his SAVE file he can post a 100 word maximum AAR with that file upload that is basically his radio chatter/hand & arm signals to his comrades during the turn. So he should SAY what information he wants to pass up the chain of command and along to his teammates in those 100 words.

Each Platoon Leader and the Commanding Officer can read those comments BUT cannot respond to anything in those posts until the file comes around to them again and they play their turn, upload the file and have a chance to "post" a reply or further guidance/information.

Hopefully that clarifies that for you guys.

[cuckoo]

jebou!lets go

[Double_Deuce]

Just an FYI, here is the breakdown of the "Commands". The CO controls all of the units listed under HQ Platoon, including the MG and Mortars sections.
HQ Platoon
A0 CO HQ/C 2/16 AIB
B0 A HQ/C 2/16 AIB
B1 B HQ/C 2/16 AIB
F0 MG-A/C 2/16 AIB
F1 MG-B/C 2/16 AIB
G0 MTR/C 2/16 AIB

1st Platoon
C0 HQ/1/C 2/16 AIB
C1 1/1/C 2/16 AIB
C2 2/1/C 2/16 AIB
C3 3/1/C 2/16 AIB

2nd Platoon
D0 HQ/2/C 2/16 AIB
D1 1/2/C 2/16 AIB
D2 2/2/C 2/16 AIB
D3 3/2/C 2/16 AIB

3rd Platoon
E0 HQ/3/C 2/16 AIB
E1 1/3/C 2/16 AIB
E2 2/3/C 2/16 AIB
E3 3/3/C 2/16 AIB

[gila]

Looks good,and the CO has control of some toys as well (morters and mmgs)

Still not clear if this done by EM or just post saved
turn here in this forum, for the next player in line.

If the latter,i would suggest putting it in the AAR sub forum,that way there would be people reading the progress and possible future recruits:)

[Double_Deuce]

Looks good,and the CO has control of some toys as well (morters and mmgs)

Still not clear if this done by EM or just post saved
turn here in this forum, for the next player in line.

If the latter,i would suggest putting it in the AAR sub forum,that way there would be people reading the progress and possible future recruits:)
Yeah, I'm going to start a new thread in the AAR subforum with the briefing and start file.

The "save files" and 100 word radio chatter will the posted in that thread.

[Roman]

Ok. My men are training hard and are thirsty for blood ..

[Double_Deuce]

Sorry guys, I accidentally overwrote the original map and am in the process of rebuilding it from the screenshot I uploaded. Should be ready to go by the end of this weekend. Please post if you are still in so I know we are back on schedule.

[gila]

Still in:)

[Roman]

I am

[gila]

While you are in the process of building the map, could we have simple points of reference?

For example:
A few important area indenity markers also, besides just VH locs?

[iCaMpWiThAWP]

Still Alive.

[Double_Deuce]

While you are in the process of building the map, could we have simple points of reference?

For example:
A few important area indenity markers also, besides just VH locs?
Adding more "text" to the map then?

[gila]

If a large map,but smaller maps xtra text gets in the way.
Either way i'm fine with it:)

Have a happy 4th of july!

[cuckoo]

Here I am.

[gila]

Hey DD,
Been awhile since heard from you.
Hope everything's OK?