For those interested in GSI's policy on SS turns:
Clint,
This is an OLD issue that has been discussed here in the US for a long
time. GSI setup the default Special Service orders to be what they are -
deliberately. The intent was NOT to play the game for the players when they
miss a turn - but rather to safeguard their characters (215 orders) and
provide as much scouting as possible. This is what the default orders do.
The default Special Service orders DO NOT try to select an 'obvious' order
or the 'best' order for the characters. To do so introduces a HUGE numbers
of problems.
For example, players often ask why they can not have their agents give
'guard loc', or have their commanders issue 'troops on manuevers', or have
their mages issue 'prentice magery when receiving Special Service. The
reason is because those orders all increase the skill rank (which the
player's want!!!) but also increase character maintenance. Increased
maintenance could bankrupt a nation (unlikely, YES, but not all that
improbable).
The net result would be that because of the orders given on a Special
Service turn, a player could be eliminated from the game. Granted, a player
can be eliminated on a Special Service because of the lack of certain
orders, but that is different and the elimination is not due to an action
on the part of the game or game moderator.
There are many other problems with selecting alternate or standing orders
as well.
The bottom line is that GSI does not want to encourage Special Service - we
want the players to PLAY. And this is why we have not, nor plan to, change
the default Special Service orders.
Bill
ยทยทยท
Hi Bill
Some of our players would like an improved Special Service. Ie with the
orders changed. Is this something that you have considered? If so what
was the result.I can get the suggestions passed on to you if you want...
Clint