Paths of Glory 9.1.n

Please report any problems to claudio.ciardelli@gmail.com.

Introduction

This version of the POG Vassal module is aimed at modernizing the capabilities and graphics to reflect the latest release of the physical game. The new artwork associated with the 2018 release game has been aligned with functionality enhancements with a particular focus on streamlining play.

Getting Started

When first starting a new game, you'll be asked to pick a "setup". The initial release of this module only features one choice, the "free setup", which is aligned with the campaign game start. (It is anticipated that future releases of this module will broaden the setups available.) After side selection, you'll be prompted to choose a "board". You'll have two choices with "Map" being the original Mark Simonitch gameboard while the "Deluxe Map" features the new artwork associated with the POG "Deluxe Edition" release. It should be noted that from a game functionality perspective, these maps are the same. (Note however that for versions 9.1.n, the "Map" choice has not been fully tested. It is advised to choose version "Deluxe Map"

Updated Functionality

1. Choosing a Side

The side you choose gives you access to its hand of cards.

Central Powers

Allied Powers

To better facilitate hand security for live and non-ACTS play, a Solitaire player side has been omitted. To play solitaire, either change sides back and forth or add a Solitaire player side to the module on your own, following the procedure shown on the Paths of Glory module page at the VASSAL site.

2. Cards

To reduce window clutter, card decks have been placed on the main map below the board. Instead of creating several scenarios that include/exclude the Optional cards, they are in their own labeled decks for inclusion if you wish. Click the red "Add to Game" button to automatically add the Optional cards to their respective decks. Deal cards to each player using the menu in the main toolbar. The extension cards are available in a separate window accessible from the commands ribbon on top of the game board.

Playing Cards

Select a card in your hand, right click, and choose from: Play as Event (Ctrl-E), Play for OPS (Ctrl-O), Play for RPs (Ctrl-R), Play for SR (Ctrl-S). Combat Cards also have these options: Play as Combat Card (Ctrl-C), or Discard (Ctrl-D). Combat Cards get played to locations below the game map. Events that adjust War Status or VPs will modify those values automatically. Some of the options are greyed out or removed based on the game status (Ex: Play as Event is not available on Turn 1 for Reinforcements events).

3. Units and Markers

Control markers, forts, trenches, armies/corps, and the various map markers (Attack/Move markers, etc) are separated into different game piece layers to prevent accidental movement and stacking. The drawing order from bottom to top is: Forts, Control Markers, Trenches, Units (armies/corps), then everything else.

Activation Markers

Right-click a single unit--not an entire stack--to place an activation marker for Movement or Attack in the space. All activation markers can be removed by the toolbar button, and are also removed when the turn is advanced.

4. New Functionality

Placing Action Round markers

At start, and after turn advance, the Action Round markers are positioned one next to the other rather than stacked. Right-click on the current Action Round marker to send it to appropriate box (OPS, Event, RP, SR...)

Replacement Points markers

When a card is played as RPs, the Replacement Points markers are moved automatically on the tracker.

War Status

Each side's war status will be adjusted automatically by the play of events. War Status markers may also be moved manually if desired. The Combined War Status marker moves automatically to the current sum of AP and CP War Status.

Near East Restrictions

Right-click the four static Near East restriction markers to flip them over when each one is used in a turn. They will automatically flip back to their available side when the turn is advanced.

Black Dot Units

Restoring armies and corps that have black dots to full strength is allowed by the module, but triggers a reminder message that this is against the rules.

Movement Indicators

The choice of whether or not to display movement of units is set to follow the player's preference--use the Mark Moved Pieces tickbox in File -> Preferences. Movement trails default to off, but can be enabled for units via right-click.