Mix it up a little. Make the game a more challenging for even the old
vets. How can you do that without a major rewrite of the old system ??
As a newer player, but experienced with other PBM wargames in the US,
I would suggest a few simple things that would re-introduce the fog
of war and make intelligence gathering more important.
1) Mix up the artifact list each game, so that players DO NOT know
what each arti does without research. Maybe you keep the
names/numbers of each arti, but randomize the powers each one has. So
what if it isn't historical (ex, ROW is a +500 combat arty); it makes
for a much different arti game, use of mages, etc. No run for the top
5 arti's instantly like in every other game of MEPBM ever played. If
you need tweaking for balance (i.e. Free need more mages/agents, Dark
need fewer,reduce # of arti's, whatever), discuss away and decide on
a fair tweak.
2) Randomize the starting attributes (i.e. C50 Bulrakur is actually
Dog Lord's Borhan at A30, etc). Each player starts with the usual
names/character types, but only the player knows initially which
attributes each has. Suddenly makes killing/kidnapping, tracking of
characters, etc. a little more open, and requires intelligence once
again. Obviously the character leading that enemy army has command
ability, but beyond that..
3) Finally, re-jigger the starting forces with a happy medium of pop
centres and starting army forces between current high 1650 and low
2950 start ups. Allows some early action without the instant wars of
1650, but without all the slower build up time required in 2950
scenario. Combat arti's and spells will have more importance, but not
as much as the 2950 scenario. Less troops may allow players to use a
few more mages for needed intelligence instead of commanders ?
1) Mix up the artifact list each game, so that players DO NOT know what each arti does without research. Maybe you keep the names/numbers of each arti, but randomize the powers each one has. So
My understanding is that 4th Age does this, although I've never played
it. From what I've read, it significantly devalues artifacts.
Finally, re-jigger the starting forces with a happy medium of pop
centres and starting army forces between current high 1650 and low
2950 start ups. Allows some early action without the instant wars of
War of the Ring is somewhat like this. It probably has more troops than you want, though.
Don,
Fourth Age does all that you ask and more.
It allows you to select your top 3 starting capital locations.
Artifact numbers are randomized.
You define your starting characters
You define your starting armies
You define your starting pop center locations & sizes (in 3 sets
based on your 3 starting capital location choices)
So, it's all you ask for and more, and it already exists.
I participated in the playtest 2 for the game way back in the late
90's (and GSI even took some of my suggestions!). I think it's
a good game, and with the reduction in strength of agents that's
taken place, it has great possibilities.
Dave
> 1) Mix up the artifact list each game, so that players DO NOT know
> what each arti does without research. Maybe you keep the
> names/numbers of each arti, but randomize the powers each one has.
So
My understanding is that 4th Age does this, although I've never
played
it. From what I've read, it significantly devalues artifacts.
Artifact numbers are randomized and 2ndary powers are eliminated.
If you're safe, it might be worth naming a few mages with Teleport
and Researching until you find worthwhile toys. Reasonable idea
for a Team to have one nation dedicated to the search, but otherwise
it's hit and miss. Although, you do get artifact information
sometimes, using Victory Conditions - they will tell you the
number. If you, or an ally, or a 585 reveals a good toy and it's
number, find it!
Brad
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