Starting a New Scenario

  1. Load a Scenario Setup
  2. Select a Side
  3. Review Scenario Notes
  4. Fixed Setup Forces
  5. Variable Setup Forces
  6. Allied Random Unit Setup
  7. Reinforcements
  8. Holding boxes
  9. Setup Complete


1. Load a Scenario Setup

From the File menu, select Scenarios, then a specific scenario:-





2. Select a Side

Select a Side to play from the list of available sides. When starting a fresh game, both Allied and Axis sides whould be available. If you are joining an existing game started by another player, only one of the sides may be available. If both sides have already been taken by other players, you will still have the option to join the game as an Observer, but will not have access to the full game functionality.





3. Review Scenario Notes

Open the Notes Window using the Notes button. Review the scenario notes. These notes are the same as those included in the Exclusive rules, with Errata applied.





4. Fixed Setup Forces

Units of both sides that start the scenario in a specific hex are already in place on the map, along with any associated IP or Entrenchment counters, as per the Scenario Notes. Units that may optionally start in an IP will be placed on the map without the IP markerand labelled 'May setup in IP'. The owning player should create IP markers (Engineering -> IP) as required for these units. All other markers are distributed to the different status windows as required by the scenario.


5. Variable Setup Forces

Units that have a variable setup can be found in the Scenario card for each Division. Open the Scenario Cards window using the Scenario Cards button.
There is one tab for each of the Divisions in the game. Divisions that do not take part in the scenario have an empty card and are hidden from view. Divisions with forces taking part in the scenario have a section on the card similar to this :-



This shows part of the Variable setup forces for the Allies for this scenario. These units must be manually deployed by the Allied player by dragging the units from the Scenario setup card and dropping them onto the main map, following any setup instructions. The instructions are from the Scenario description in the Exclusive Rules.


6. Random Allied Unit Setup

Some of the scenarios specify a random element to the placement of Greek starting units (and some allied units). Open the Randomisation window using the button with the Greek flag and a question mark.

 

Click on the Randomise Greek Units button to allocate a starting hex to each unit from the pool of allowed hexes as per the scenario notes.
You will then need to manually move the units to the specified hexes on the map.


7. Reinforcements

Reinforcements are stored on the scenario card, sorted into date, time of arrival and arrival location, ready for deployment when the correct game time is reached. Reinforcements are deployed manually by drag and drop from the scenario card to the main map.



Note that where a formation appears for the first time as a reinforcement, the stack includes the Activation Chit for that Formation. The Activation Chit should be moved to the 'Available' chits box on the Activation window.


8. Setup Complete

For information on the special features built into the Vassal Operation Mercury module to support play, see the Special Features item on the Help menu.