Quick Start
Don't even think about using this module without reading the "How to Use This Module" file in the Help menu. Sorry about its length, but if you read it carefully,
it should answer nearly any question.
This module now automatically adjusts VPs! It does many shortcuts meant to spare users from manual piece movement and typing messages.
Playing Without ACTS (Automated Card Tracking Service)
- Choose a Scenario
- Tutorial Scenario (Turns 1-3) Two players only: Spain vs Ottoman
- Campaign Scenario (Turns 1-7)
- Tournament Scenario (Turns 3-6)
- Choose a Side
- Start Logging (File menu -> Begin Logfile)
- Make Setup Adjustments if Playing a 2-5 Player Game (Skip in a 6 player game)
Use the submenu in the main toolbar's Player Aids menu to trigger the appropriate setup modifications for the number of players in the game.
- Deal Cards and Treasures
Using the menus in the toolbar of the Cards display, deal cards (and treasures, if applicable) to all players according to the setup in the Scenario Book.
- End Logging (File menu -> End Logfile)
Send this logfile to the other players, or save it to a shared location (e.g., Dropbox).
- Record Holy Roman Religious Preference (6 player games only)
The Holy Roman player should use the HRE Religious Preference button in the main toolbar during his first spring deployment. When the Notes window
appears, create a new Delayed note. Use a title of "Religious Pref" or similar, then enter Protestant, Catholic, or Balanced in the text area. Save the note, then
reveal it when desired.
Notes on PBEM and Logfiles
All players should be using different passwords. Don't leave the password blank. If you will be using the module on multiple computers, your password must be 100%
identical on all computers or you will find yourself unable to access your side at some point.
Player sides are locked by a user's password. If a player needs to drop out of a game, try and get them to do a quick log or saved game in which they switch sides and become an "observer" before they depart the game. Otherwise
a replacement player will be unable to take control of the side (it will still be locked to the old player and unavailable for selection).
Tips for avoiding logging difficulties:
- Make 100% sure you step all the way through a logfile when playing it back.
- If using the Load Continuation feature to load multiple logs sequentially, double and triple-check that you haven't missed any logs and have loaded them in the correct sequence,
or your game will get board state mismatches with other players. VASSAL does not do any board state agreement checking!
Playing With ACTS (Automated Card Tracking Service)
Follow the instructions above, but skip Step 5. The deck and all player hands will be maintained on the ACTS website, though you will still need to retrieve new ruler cards
from the decks in VASSAL when needed.