Colonial Campaigns Club (CCC)

What is the reason for the PDT to define the first side, and not just the scenario file? Seems you are inviting contradictions this way.

Dierk,

The game engine needs to know which side is side A, first player or whatever so that it will use the proper graphics, oobs, victory conditions, etc, etc. The PDT file is the proper file to identify that for the game engine.

The scenario editor gives designers the ability to start a game in any of the game phases, if using the multi-phase version, or by either side, if using the single-phase version, to give them flexibility to create or recreate necessary tactical situations.

For isntance you can create a scenario specifically to be played with MDF, and have it start in the Defender's Fire Phase, or the Offensive Melee Phase to depict a very specific surprise attack.

I agree it does create confusing terminology. [:)]

Phil,

As designer of Quebec_a.scn, I will probably be the one to do the grunt work changing it, but the game was sent out with one singular pdt file to simplify any future corrections, so I'll have to get Rich's approval to add a new pdt file for any 'official' patches.

Of course for any of my home-made pdt files I could introduce this option, and need to remember to make my alternate pdt files in pairs to allow for either army to be 'first.' [:D]

Excellent, now I can fix those lost turns!

So, can anyone tell me, is it the 1st number in PDT that determines which side is 1st[?]

And can I assume this is how it works for TS-BG and all HPS games[?]

Cheers,

Paul,

Let me give you an example from HPS' Wagram (hint as to how universal the structure is. [;)].)

In the AustrianFirst.pdt file the first number after the title line is 1, in the FrenchFirst.pdt file it is 0. [:)]

In our series all our pdt files start with a 1 after the Title line which causes the Brits to be the 'First Player.' A 0 then, should cause the French or Americans, depending upon game title, to be 'First.'

Al,

Is there some standard? 1 always Brits, 0 always French and Americans? Or is it based on who is in Main.oob 1st?

Cheers,

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Al Amos</i>
The scenario editor gives designers the ability to start a game in any of the game phases, if using the multi-phase version, or by either side, if using the single-phase version, to give them flexibility to create or recreate necessary tactical situations.

For isntance you can create a scenario specifically to be played with MDF, and have it start in the Defender's Fire Phase, or the Offensive Melee Phase to depict a very specific surprise attack.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

There is such a scenario out there. The historical battle of Perryville for BGS starts with the Reb Defensive Fire Phase. Very confusing, as the Rebs get but one shot, and even played with ADF they have to start and thus fire this time defensively, one full turn played for but one shot. [xx(]

Dierk,

Wrong war, but I also created Groveton (Beginning of 2nd Manassas) where confederates start in DF. They get a few more shot in than one.

I am playtesting and lost 1 Cannon, 10 Infantry and 30 Cavalry in the Ambush. So it seems to work in this case.

Still would like to know for sure what causes turn to be skipped.

If 1 (Brits) in pdt file, and Colonials start game, does it always skip 1/2 turn of British?

Ok - Read through the responses - here is Stupid Question #1:

Al and Rich - why didnt you use the same format that I did for Wagarm so that this lost half turn doesnt happen? Add in a British First PDT file or something like that.

Second Dumb Question:

Will you be putting out a patch/update on Rich's site to fix this?

And having had played Mr. Prete when he first joined I am glad to hear that he is giving the British fits!

Philip - go for the dog next time. That really messes up Lord Yorktown's strategy.

I usually start by leaving a trail of hot dogs down the trail. Mutt-mutt follows them and I put him in a cage for the game.

Hmm, obviously that strategy didnt work too well at New Orleans right Lord Yorktown? Hopefully Philip comes up with something else to do to the pooch!

Ernie - will that extra half turn really make a difference anyway ....? [:D][:D][8D] Ok - to be honest you did need it at Lundy's Lane and it became Bill's Bane! I hope to face you soon in a Panzer Campaigns game pard.

[:0]