Starting a New Scenario

  1. Load a Scenario Setup
  2. Review Scenario Notes
  3. Fixed Setup Forces
  4. Variable Setup Forces
  5. German Flak and Event Counters
  6. Allied Drop/No Drop Markers
  7. Variable Victory Conditions
  8. Reinforcements
  9. Holding boxes
  10. Setup Complete


1. Load a Scenario Setup

From the File menu, select Scenarios, then one of the Scenario level submenus (in this example, Advanced, then a specific scenario:-





2. 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.





3. 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. All markers are distributed to the different status windows.


4. 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 button.
There is one tab for each of the 9 Divisions in the game. Divisions that do not take part in the scenario have an empty 'Not deployed in this scenario card'. Divisions with forces taking part in the scenario have a card similar to this :-



This shows the Variable setup forces for the 82nd Airborne 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. These instructions are from the Scenario description in the Exclusive Rule.


5. German Flak and Event Counters

Some scenarios include Stacks of Flak counters or Event counters that must be manually distributed to preset locations on the main map by the German player. Here is the Hohenstaufen setup card for the Race for the Bridge scenario:-



Notice the three Deal buttons. These are present on all Hohenstaufen Scenario cards, whether or not the scenario has Flak or Event counters available. In this scenario, there is a stack of face-down Flak counters and another of of face-down Red (1AB) Event markers. These stacks are VASSAL 'Decks' that have special properties to shuffle sets of counters. The correct number and mix of Flak or Event counters has been selected and added to the 'Decks'. The German player can distribute these counters to the correct location by clicking on the appropriate button. Each time a new scenario is started and the Deal buttons clicked, the counters will be distributed in a different sequence.

Use the Deal Flak Counters button to deal distribute the Flak counters. Depending on the scenario, not all Flak counters may be distributed. If more than one Division has Flak counters to be distributed, then the Deal Flak Counters button must be clicked on each Scenario Card.

Use the appropriate Deal Event Counters button to distribute the event markers. Event counters, where they are used in a scenario, are always included on the Hohenstaufen Scenario Card.

Clicking on the buttons a second time, or where there is no matching counters for this scenario will have no effect.

It is important that the German player click the Deal buttons, as the player who deals out the counters is the only player who has access to reveal them later in the game.


6. Allied Drop/No Drop Markers

Some scenarios make use of a pair of Air Drop/No Drop markers with the same front (Air Drop?) but different backs (Air Drop!, No Drop)

These counters are available on the Allied Scenario setup cards and can be used as per the rules by Flipping them over (Ctrl-F Flip) command) and placing them on the Turn track on the specified times.

However, a better way to record this decision is to create a Delayed Note in the Notes window, accessed using the button. Delayed notes are encrypted notes saved into the game save file that cannot be changed once created, and can be revealed to your opponent at a later time.

See the 'Special Features' help for details on how to use Delayed Notes.


7. Variable Victory Conditions

The Scenario A Bridge To Far requires the allied player to select one of three different Victory Conditions at the start of the game and reveal the decision at the end of the game. The selection of a Variable Victory Condition should be recorded using a Delayed Note.

See the 'Special Features' help for details on how to use Delayed Notes.


8. 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.


9. Holding boxes

Where appropriate, the Scenario cards contain holding boxes to hold Roadblock and Rearguard counters not currently in play, Airpower markers not yet used and artillery units currently located in the Divisional Artillery Park(s).

  


10. Setup Complete

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