Slitherine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets
7.4.5 Stay at Sea by Last Impulse’s Phasing Side (RAC 13.4)

The major powers belonging to the side that was the phasing side in the last impulse of the turn chooses which of its naval units it wants to stay at sea. Most naval units are eligible to remain at sea between turns, though few do.

No air units can remain at sea between turns, nor can naval units that: belong to a neutral major power, are a naval transport that is carrying cargo, or are in the zero section box of a sea area. However, convoys and ASW units may remain at sea indefinitely, even though they always occupy the zero section box when at sea.

This phase is over once all major powers on the last impulse’s phasing side have clicked on the End of Phase button in the main form.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Froonp

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets
7.4.5 Stay at Sea by Last Impulse’s Phasing Side (RAC 13.4)

The major powers belonging to the side that was the phasing side in the last impulse of the turn chooses which of its naval units it wants to stay at sea. Most naval units are eligible to remain at sea between turns, though few do.

No air units can remain at sea between turns, nor can naval units that: belong to a neutral major power, are a naval transport that is carrying cargo, or are in the zero section box of a sea area. However, convoys and ASW units may remain at sea indefinitely, even though they always occupy the zero section box when at sea.

This phase is over once all major powers on the last impulse’s phasing side have clicked on the End of Phase button in the main form.

Steve, this is wrong. Air units at sea in Naval Air Missions can stay at sea, as ships. Remember that "staying at sea" is an abstraction, much like the naval air missions are. That a naval air unit stays at sea does not mean that its airplanes are flying all the time without landing, it just means that the operations at sea for that air unit are maintained for an extended period of time, and its efficiency lowers (it goes 1 box lower).

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

7.3.23 HQ Support by Non-Phasing Side (RAC 11.16.3)

This is a optional rule and if it was not selected, the phase is skipped.

If land combats have been declared, the program checks to see if there are any non-phasing major powers which could declare HQ support to attacked hexes. If so, then they are given the opportunity to do so. This phase is done once all major powers on the non-phasing side have clicked on the End of Phase button in the main form.

7.3.24 HQ Support by Phasing Side (RAC 11.16.3)

This is a optional rule and if it was not selected, the phase is skipped.

If land combats have been declared, the program checks to see if there are any phasing major powers which could declare HQ support to attacked hexes. If so, then they are given the opportunity to do so. This phase is done once all major powers on the phasing side have clicked on the End of Phase button in the main form.

quote:

ORIGINAL: composer99

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

7.3.23 HQ Support by Non-Phasing Side (RAC 11.16.3)

This is a optional rule and if it was not selected, the phase is skipped.

If land combats have been declared, the program checks to see if there are any non-phasing major powers which could declare HQ support to attacked hexes. If so, then they are given the opportunity to do so. This phase is done once all major powers on the non-phasing side have clicked on the End of Phase button in the main form.

7.3.24 HQ Support by Phasing Side (RAC 11.16.3)

This is a optional rule and if it was not selected, the phase is skipped.

If land combats have been declared, the program checks to see if there are any phasing major powers which could declare HQ support to attacked hexes. If so, then they are given the opportunity to do so. This phase is done once all major powers on the phasing side have clicked on the End of Phase button in the main form.

Incidentally, HQ support is announced as described above, but resolved after the ground support step, per RAW 11.16.3: "Resolve HQ support after ground support missions have been flown and any air-to-air combats fought."

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

quote:

ORIGINAL: composer99

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

7.3.23 HQ Support by Non-Phasing Side (RAC 11.16.3)

This is a optional rule and if it was not selected, the phase is skipped.

If land combats have been declared, the program checks to see if there are any non-phasing major powers which could declare HQ support to attacked hexes. If so, then they are given the opportunity to do so. This phase is done once all major powers on the non-phasing side have clicked on the End of Phase button in the main form.

7.3.24 HQ Support by Phasing Side (RAC 11.16.3)

This is a optional rule and if it was not selected, the phase is skipped.

If land combats have been declared, the program checks to see if there are any phasing major powers which could declare HQ support to attacked hexes. If so, then they are given the opportunity to do so. This phase is done once all major powers on the phasing side have clicked on the End of Phase button in the main form.

Incidentally, HQ support is announced as described above, but resolved after the ground support step, per RAW 11.16.3: "Resolve HQ support after ground support missions have been flown and any air-to-air combats fought."

Excellent point. I will add this.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets
7.4.18 Support Minor Countries (RAC 13.7.2)

During this phase the program checks all minor countries to see if they are being supported by the Allies. For this to occur, the Axis must be at war with the minor country, the Allies currently have 4 or more corps/armies in the minor country, and the minor country hasn’t been ‘supported’ previously during the game.

If the program finds a supported minor country, then the US entry action #21 occurs (see RAC 13.3.3 for details). After all minor countries have been checked, the game advances to the next phase.

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7.4.19 Mutual Peace (RAC 13.7.3)

The program first checks to see any of any of the three compulsory peace agreements might occur for wars between: USSR-Finland, USSR-Rumania, and USSR-Japan. If the requisite conditions have been met (see RAC 19.6.1, 19.6.2, and 13.7.3 respectively for details), then the major power which has the ability to mandate peace is asked if that is what they desire. Note that the compulsory peace between the USSR-Japan is an optional rule and is only checked if that rule has been selected.

If the deciding player enforces peace, then the program: (1) effects changes to which country controls what hexes, (2) changes the state of relations between the countries to ‘neutral’, and (2) performs any required relocation of units. Relocating units is different from rebasing them. Relocated units are ‘teleported’ to the nearest friendly hex where they can legally stack, without regard to the normal rules for moving units. Relocating units is performed as a digression and the owning player(s) of the unit(s) get to choose in which hex each unit is placed. However, the choice of hexes is restricted to the ‘nearest’ hex, so there really is no choice unless 2 or more hexes are equidistant.

After the three compulsory peace agreements have been checked, and any mandated peace agreements effected, the program asks all warring countries if they want to agree to mutual peace. For China to come to peace, both China and the USSR (which controls the Communist Chinese) must agree.

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7.4.21 Liberation (RAC 13.7.5)

During this phase, the program checks each country in the game to see if it has just been liberated. If it finds one, it immediately performs the various tasks related to liberation (see RAC 13.7.5 for details).

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7.4.22 Surrender (RAC 13.7.6)

This is a optional rule and if it has not been selected, the phase is skipped.

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7.4.23 Factory Destruction (RAC 22.2)

This is a optional rule and if it has not been selected, the phase is skipped.

The program checks to see if there are any blue factories whose hexes are occupied by an enemy land unit. If that condition is found, then players that controls those land unit are given the opportunity to destroy those factories.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Froonp

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets
7.4.18 Support Minor Countries (RAC 13.7.2)

During this phase the program checks all minor countries to see if they are being supported by the Allies. For this to occur, the Axis must be at war with the minor country, the Allies currently have 4 or more corps/armies in the minor country, and the minor country hasn’t been ‘supported’ previously during the game.

If the program finds a supported minor country, then the US entry action #21 occurs (see RAC 13.3.3 for details). After all minor countries have been checked, the game advances to the next phase.

Also, it must still be unconquered.

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7.4.19 Mutual Peace (RAC 13.7.3)

The program first checks to see any of any of the three compulsory peace agreements might occur for wars between: USSR-Finland, USSR-Rumania, and USSR-Japan. If the requisite conditions have been met (see RAC 19.6.1, 19.6.2, and 13.7.3 respectively for details), then the major power which has the ability to mandate peace is asked if that is what they desire. Note that the compulsory peace between the USSR-Japan is an optional rule and is only checked if that rule has been selected.

If the deciding player enforces peace, then the program: (1) effects changes to which country controls what hexes, (2) changes the state of relations between the countries to ‘neutral’, and (2) performs any required relocation of units. Relocating units is different from rebasing them. Relocated units are ‘teleported’ to the nearest friendly hex where they can legally stack, without regard to the normal rules for moving units. Relocating units is performed as a digression and the owning player(s) of the unit(s) get to choose in which hex each unit is placed. However, the choice of hexes is restricted to the ‘nearest’ hex, so there really is no choice unless 2 or more hexes are equidistant.

After the three compulsory peace agreements have been checked, and any mandated peace agreements effected, the program asks all warring countries if they want to agree to mutual peace. For China to come to peace, both China and the USSR (which controls the Communist Chinese) must agree.

I would not say that.
For China, 13.7.3 says that "Both the nationalist and communist Chinese must agree before China can come to peace."
Generaly the Communist China is controlled by the player that is controlling USSR, but that does mean that USSR has something to decide here. It is the same for Nationalist China, that is generaly controlled by the USA player, but you don't say that the USA have to agree to the peace.

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7.4.21 Liberation (RAC 13.7.5)

During this phase, the program checks each country in the game to see if it has just been liberated. If it finds one, it immediately performs the various tasks related to liberation (see RAC 13.7.5 for details).

The program should check each country in the game to see if it can be liberated, and ask the Major Power that can liberate it if he wants to liberate the Minor Country. Liberation is not mandatory. It has consequences, that can be unwanted. The main effect is that the force pool of units of the liberated Minor Country is added to the liberator's force pool.

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7.4.22 Surrender (RAC 13.7.6)

This is a optional rule and if it has not been selected, the phase is skipped.

It is not an optional rule. This is a regular mandatory rule.

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7.4.23 Factory Destruction (RAC 22.2)

This is a optional rule and if it has not been selected, the phase is skipped.

The program checks to see if there are any blue factories whose hexes are occupied by an enemy land unit. If that condition is found, then players that controls those land unit are given the opportunity to destroy those factories.

Only in supply land units can destroy factories, but maybe that's too much detail.

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ORIGINAL: Taxman66

Shannon,

In regards to #1, a minor country can be conquered and still be 'at war' ala the Netherlands, Belgium, etc... 

quote:

ORIGINAL: abj9562

We appreciate the updates Steve. Looks like RAC will be a delight to read similiar to RAW. I sure hope my brain can keep the two seperate where it needs to be. Perhaps a small summary document of rules differences between the two would help expierenced players?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

Today's installment of new text for the Player's Manual.
===
7.7.5 Calling Out Reserves (RAC 9.6)

If a major power on the phasing side declared war on a major power on the non-phasing side, then both major powers have the option to immediately call out their reserve units. If one of them decides to call out its reserves, a form is displayed, showing all the reserve units that may be called out. The owner gets to decide which ones are placed on the map, which may be none, all, or some (see section 8.7.2.43 for a description of the Call Out Reserves form).

If reserve units have been called out, then the setup tray is displayed and the owner gets to place his units on the map. They have to arrive in cities in their home country and are always disorganized as soon as they are placed on the map. Some of the units have to be placed in specific cities (e.g., the Kiev reserve unit has to be placed in Kiev).

Once all major powers have indicated that they are finished placing reserve units by clicking on the End of Phase button on the main form, the subphase is over and the game advances to the next subphase.

7.7.8 Voluntarily Aligning Minor Countries (RAC 9.8)

During this subphase, major powers on the phasing side may be able to align specific minor countries. Which minor countries can be aligned by each major power is unique and defined in the rules. However, only one minor country can be aligned by each major power in a turn. The program displays the Align Minor Countries form when there is one or more minor countries that can be aligned by the current major power (see section 8.7.2.14 for details on that form).

Once all major powers on the phasing side close the Align Minor Countries form, the subphase is over and the game advances to the next subphase.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets
7.7.5 Calling Out Reserves (RAC 9.6)

If a major power on the phasing side declared war on a major power on the non-phasing side, then both major powers have the option to immediately call out their reserve units. If one of them decides to call out its reserves, a form is displayed, showing all the reserve units that may be called out. The owner gets to decide which ones are placed on the map, which may be none, all, or some (see section 8.7.2.43 for a description of the Call Out Reserves form).

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7.7.6 Choosing Major Power for Attacked Minor Countries (RAC 9.7)

If during the second subphase of this phase, a major power declared war on a minor country, then the attacked minor country has to be aligned to a major power on the other side. Each of the eligible major powers that can align the minor are asked, in the order that their capitals are closest to the capital of the attacked minor country.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Froonp

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets
7.7.5 Calling Out Reserves (RAC 9.6)

If a major power on the phasing side declared war on a major power on the non-phasing side, then both major powers have the option to immediately call out their reserve units. If one of them decides to call out its reserves, a form is displayed, showing all the reserve units that may be called out. The owner gets to decide which ones are placed on the map, which may be none, all, or some (see section 8.7.2.43 for a description of the Call Out Reserves form).

This form should also appear during each DoW phase when a Major Power that is at war with another Major Power still have uncalled reserves, so that he can call them.

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7.7.6 Choosing Major Power for Attacked Minor Countries (RAC 9.7)

If during the second subphase of this phase, a major power declared war on a minor country, then the attacked minor country has to be aligned to a major power on the other side. Each of the eligible major powers that can align the minor are asked, in the order that their capitals are closest to the capital of the attacked minor country.

Only active Major Powers can align Minor Countries. Active Major Powers, are Major Powers that are at war with another Major Power. There is an exception for Poland that can be aligned by the CW during the 1st impulse of the game.

quote:

ORIGINAL: composer99

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

Today's installment of new text for the Player's Manual.
===
7.7.5 Calling Out Reserves (RAC 9.6)

If a major power on the phasing side declared war on a major power on the non-phasing side, then both major powers have the option to immediately call out their reserve units. If one of them decides to call out its reserves, a form is displayed, showing all the reserve units that may be called out. The owner gets to decide which ones are placed on the map, which may be none, all, or some (see section 8.7.2.43 for a description of the Call Out Reserves form).

If reserve units have been called out, then the setup tray is displayed and the owner gets to place his units on the map. They have to arrive in cities in their home country and are always disorganized as soon as they are placed on the map. Some of the units have to be placed in specific cities (e.g., the Kiev reserve unit has to be placed in Kiev).

Once all major powers have indicated that they are finished placing reserve units by clicking on the End of Phase button on the main form, the subphase is over and the game advances to the next subphase.

7.7.8 Voluntarily Aligning Minor Countries (RAC 9.8)

During this subphase, major powers on the phasing side may be able to align specific minor countries. Which minor countries can be aligned by each major power is unique and defined in the rules. However, only one minor country can be aligned by each major power in a turn. The program displays the Align Minor Countries form when there is one or more minor countries that can be aligned by the current major power (see section 8.7.2.14 for details on that form).

Once all major powers on the phasing side close the Align Minor Countries form, the subphase is over and the game advances to the next subphase.

In 7.7.5, would it be worth mentioning that any power that does not immediately call out all its reserves may call out any remaining reserves during a later impulse, or would that be too much information for a primer (probably too much, now that I think about it).

In 7.7.8, I assume you mean 'impulse' when you say 'turn' for how often a major power can align eligible minor countries.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

7.7.6 Choosing Major Power for Attacked Minor Countries (RAC 9.7)

If during the second subphase of this phase, a major power declared war on a minor country, then the attacked minor country has to be aligned to a major power on the other side. Each of the eligible major powers that can align the minor are asked, in the order that their capitals are closest to the capital of the attacked minor country. The first major power that accepts aligning the minor does so. If none of the major powers is willing to align the minor, then the minor country immediately surrenders (see section 7.4.22 for a description of the process of surrendering).

Once all attacked minor countries have been aligned, or surrendered, the subphase is over and the game advances to the next subphase.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Orm

quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

7.7.6 Choosing Major Power for Attacked Minor Countries (RAC 9.7)

If during the second subphase of this phase, a major power declared war on a minor country, then the attacked minor country has to be aligned to a major power on the other side. Each of the eligible major powers that can align the minor are asked, in the order that their capitals are closest to the capital of the attacked minor country. The first major power that accepts aligning the minor does so. If none of the major powers is willing to align the minor, then the minor country immediately surrenders (see section 7.4.22 for a description of the process of surrendering).

Once all attacked minor countries have been aligned, or surrendered, the subphase is over and the game advances to the next subphase.

It might be nice to add a note here that says that "Poland may only align with the Commonwealth." to lessen the confusion to new players why they cant align Poland to another country.

-Orm

• 
  Your strategic plan, which should drive your production priorities. Your production plan must enable you to accomplish your objectives.
• 
  Your opponents’ activities. Early on, the Allies are mostly reacting to the actions and plans of the Axis, and their production should reflect this requirement. Later, the tables are turned.
• 
  The major power you are building for. Each major power has its own unique characteristics and requires certain unique production elements. The CW and US, for example, usually need many sealift units to ferry their troops around.

quote:

ORIGINAL: brian brian

re: asking a player if they wish to destroy a captured blue factory

Could this have a check-box to make this automatic? i.e. if you have an in-supply unit on a captured enemy blue factory, this happens automatically? It is a simpler way to play the game, presuming that this always gets done.



re: China

There has been some talk of re-aligning the countries to have Russia control all of the Chinese, and giving the French to the US. This is how it is currently played at WiFCon. I strongly disagree with this; China is easily the most absurd part of World in Flames already and completely unifying strategic decision making on the Asian map is just another gimme for the Allies who don't need any help in the game. The goal is to reduce inter-Allied tension late in the game when the Nationalists and the Communists begin to compete for the Asian objective hexes. Subsidiary to this is the desire to not have players feel like their expensive vacation was ruined by the actions of a player on their team. (There are a few other small tweaks to the rules that go on at WiFCon with a similar goal.) I feel that these are not a good idea, as inter-Allied tension is a natural part of the game. And you can't get around Allies fighting no matter how many rules you try to tweak - last year's WiFCon included a memorable USSR<>UK row over landing in Kiel too early and thus giving the Germans a big production boost for little strategic gain.

But there has been talk that Harry approved this basic change in the alignment of the Allied Powers among three players on that side. I don't know if he just gave out one of his stock replies - 'sure, play it how you like' or if it has been an official rule change?



Also I think there is a specific new rule that China can not align minor countries.


A handy section in the Player's Manual could cover the few small differences between RAC and RAW, such as the new system of naval combat aborts, and most importantly, a discussion of the handling of divisions in MWiF. This would be well appreciated by long-time players of the game who don't need to read a long manual to find these small items.

Another such change is Japan closing the Burma Road - this is currently allowed at any time. Obviously this needs to be dialed-in a little bit more for MWiF and placed somewhere in the sequence of play.

Oh, and telling the players during the DoW discussion that this is when the US can occupy Greenland/Iceland/Northern Ireland should include a brief caveat that this can only be done if the appropriate US Entry option has been selected in a prior turn US Entry phase.

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ORIGINAL: composer99

Since this seems to be the actual thread where elements of the player's manual are being posted, I am posting my contribution (section 3.4.10) here. Sorry if the formatting is a bit off.

3.4.10 Production
 
Production is one of the most interesting facets of gameplay in MWiF. Production strategy is at least as important as military strategy: without a successful production strategy, your major power will find itself running out of key units at key times, the consequences of which range from your offense running out of steam through outright defeat.
 
The Production Plan
At any stage of production, you should have a production plan, a more-or-less structured notion of what you are going to build and when. Your production plan is influenced by:

• 
  Your strategic plan, which should drive your production priorities. Your production plan must enable you to accomplish your objectives.
• 
  Your opponents’ activities. Early on, the Allies are mostly reacting to the actions and plans of the Axis, and their production should reflect this requirement. Later, the tables are turned.
• 
  The major power you are building for. Each major power has its own unique characteristics and requires certain unique production elements. The CW and US, for example, usually need many sealift units to ferry their troops around.

 Qualities of a Strong Production Plan
A strong production plan, one that assists a major power in achieving its objectives, has several qualities: focus, flexibility, redundancy, and discipline. They must also account for timing and shortfalls. Certain powers and certain situations call for the possession of a greater degree of these qualities than others.
 
Focus
Your production plan must be focused on fulfilling the requirements of your strategic plan. You must avoid the temptation to “get a little of everything” unless that is all you need to do.
 
Example: A German production strategy for Barbarossa requires cheap land units, blitz units, engineers and HQs, and must eschew excessive investment in the navy, higher-cost air units, and the like.
 
Flexibility
It is also important to be flexible. Remember that “no plan survives contact with the enemy” – changing tactical and strategic conditions will punish a static production plan. You will want to be able to react to unexpected opportunities or dangers, both at the tactical and strategic level, as they arise.
 
Example: If the Axis are not defending their home country factories, the Allies should build bombers to launch more aggressive strategic air raids.
 
Example: While preparing for the war against the CW and US, Japan must keep aware of the potential to attack a weak USSR or to defend against a Soviet invasion.
 
Redundancy
Luck can lay waste to the best-laid plans. Your production plan must enable you to bounce back rapidly from a sudden reverse. In addition, your production in the present should anticipate future losses.
 
Example: A bad surprise split may see otherwise inferior enemy naval forces sink or damage 1-2 AMPH as you are getting ready to invade. If you built redundancy in, you will have some uncommitted spare AMPH and land units to bring in next impulse.
 
Example: If using divisions, build your PARA and MOT divisions and keep them together. Any PARA corps lost due to bad luck in the air combat can be quickly reformed during the next production step. Don’t forget to build extra air transports and rebuild the divisions.
 
Example: Germany and the USSR must maintain high rates of infantry production while at war with one another to make up for their turn-to-turn losses.
 
Example: The Commonwealth should start building spare convoys before it begins losing them in large numbers after the fall of France.
 
Discipline
Certain units are easy to overlook. When preparing your production plan, be aware that both ‘workhorse’ units (convoys especially) and ‘chrome’ units (artillery and offensive chits in particular) have their place and build them at the appropriate time.
 
Making the effort to properly lend to your allies is often very difficult. The USSR, Free France, China and Italy are all likely to require constant flows of lending from their allies to survive and/or thrive. Overlooking this aspect of production will weaken your side overall.
 
Example: Keeping Italy propped up and building SUB units, even in the midst of a Barbarossa campaign, can serve Germany well by keeping the Western Allies busy fighting U-boats and naval air instead of landing in Italy or France.
 
Timing
The trickiest element of the production plan is timing. Units take anywhere from one to twelve turns to build. For powers such as the US, there is often a further 1-2 turn delay before they are shipped to their destined theatre of activity. A strong production plan will take these into account.
 
Example: If the CW wishes to take part in a strategic invasion of Italy by July/August 1942, it will require some combination of sealift, paratroopers, marines, regular army, and long-range fighters and bombers arriving on the map by May/June so that they can be deployed to the Mediterranean in time.
 
Shortfalls
Frequently, you will not always be producing up to potential: seizure of your territory, sinking of your convoys, or bombing of your factories will reduce your production. You must prioritize carefully in the event of production shortfalls.

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ORIGINAL: brian brian

There are some pretty good player's notes written by the designer of the game that could be of use....

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ORIGINAL: brian brian

On destroying factories, I was just hoping it wouldn't be too hard to add an 'automatic' checkbox to the existing form. But I don't know if that would require creating another form. A lot of players would just answer 'yes' every single time, so if it could be automated that would be nice. I can't remember if MWiF is including 'Construction Engineers' and whether that part of the Engineer optional is even still part of the rules? (Did the 08 mods finally drop them?)

quote:

ORIGINAL: brian brian

On destroying factories, I was just hoping it wouldn't be too hard to add an 'automatic' checkbox to the existing form. But I don't know if that would require creating another form. A lot of players would just answer 'yes' every single time, so if it could be automated that would be nice. I can't remember if MWiF is including 'Construction Engineers' and whether that part of the Engineer optional is even still part of the rules? (Did the 08 mods finally drop them?)