 |
| Beginning of campaign turn 6 |
Having spent most of my available wargaming time during the week messing around with my hex based tabletop. It was time to return to the WW2 Western Desert campaign. At the end of turn 5 Axis forces were successful in winning two out of a possible 3 games. As they were the attacking force in turn 5, they move forward one zone on the campaign map and remain the attacking force. They remain the attacking force until they don't win 2 out of the 3 games to lose a campaign turn. At which point the Allies take their turn to be the attacking force and regain lost ground.
 |
| Supply tracker being used in the campaign |
Supplies for the campaign turn were diced for. I am changing the way I do supples, while not unhappy with the existing approach it lacked variability in the supplies, you either got supplies of you did not. Moving forward each side gets to roll a D3 dice, the attacking side always deducts one from their score. Players can then with their available points:
- resupply units (1 pont per unit)
- add defences to a unit (1 point per unit)
- add additional air support to 1 of the best of 3 games
The Allies scored 3 supply points and chose to resupply two of their armoured divisions, so they are at full strength baring any wear and tear from the desert. Their third point went on adding defences to their New Zealand infantry division.
The Axis scored 1 supply point and deducted 1 as they are the attacking force. They were unable to resupply any units and will carry on without change. For the first battle they are attacking with the 21st Panzer division, who will face the South African infantry division.
 |
| First attacking move |
Terrain cards decided the tabletop layout. The Allied position (red arrow) will benefit from an advance defensive line and will be able to use the hills for defence. Thirty percent of their forces will start the game in reserve off-table.
 |
| Terrain cards used to decide the tabletop. |
Axis forces will benefit from a flanking move on one of the flanks using a third of their force. Another third will start the game on the tabletop, and the final third will start in reserve off-table.
So everything is set to play the next game, and hopefully with all the WW2 Desert forces out, a second game will be played.
This campaign is feeling like two prize fighters battling it out toe to toe, which feels right for Alamein where there is no open flank. Going round the open flank could make prepared defences less effective and achieve an element of surprise (delay force arrival) or better access to objectives (allow attacker to one objective one square)?
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, what mechanics are there that might force one side to fall back several ‘zones’? The Desert War was characterised by the back and forth nature of these long advances/retreats. Perhaps if the supply points were modified by length of supply line to the port? This would make capturing ports important although you should have to expend supply points bringing the port back online.
All just suggestions and still looking forward the next battle.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am hoping the supply adjustments will help with one side getting a run on and push forward a couple of zones before running out of steam (supplies).
DeleteI am thinking about some rules for the open flank and reserves, and may introduce a rule or two as the campaign progresses.
Nice to see the Desert action about to kick off again and I think the tweaked supply system works better.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping with the amended supply rule forces will not be able to reequip they divisions as quickly.
DeleteI'm surprised that the attackers get -1 to their supply roll. I would have thought that winning would allow them to capture enemy supply dumps and repair damaged/abandoned equipment.
ReplyDeleteI do like your suggestion on capturing enemy supply dumps. While not sure about how to work this in presently, I will give it some more thought. As for the minus 1 for attackers, my assumption, which I did not specify, was the attackers are having to direct more supplies to petroleum, oil, and lubrication (POL).
Delete