AARHE 1939 map and rule files

I’m reviewing all Vichy rules available out there, as I plan to make a unique mod, because I like historical realism and simplicity, with minimized luck of dice, and some “asymmetric balance”.

Some major points I’ve posted elsewhere in the forum:

The main issue for this expansion is how to develop French neutrality, while at the same time providing a bonus to Germany. Apparently ignored by most players, in real life (IRL), Germany economically exploited Vichy, which had to richly sustain 300,000 German troops stationed in Northern France. Therefore, in the game, it only makes total sense that Germany gets the 3 IPCs from Vichy Southern France.

Another related major issue is what to do with French colonies in terms of neutrality/occupation and IPC flows. I agree that the Vichy setup should reflect what happened IRL: North Africa, Syria, and Indochina go to Vichy, while other French colonies stay Free. However, it messes up Italy’s incursions into North Africa (as IRL, Hitler denied French colonies to Italy). I’m not sure yet as to the best approach to subjecting these colonies to invasion, occupation, and who gains IPCs (other than agreeing that Japan has easy access “rights” over Vichy Indochina), and also remote units…

Germany never fought Vichy. IRL, with Operation Torch, Germany simply occupied Vichy in 1942, with no resistance whatsoever. Vichy units were disbanded. That can be also the case in the game. Just remove Vichy units.

The uncertainty surrounding local pre-battles is quite interesting (will Vichy troops welcome or resist Allies in North Africa?..). However, I’d try to minimize dice randomness that is often used to decide some outcome. IRL, Vichy troops (just like Italians) surrendered as soon as seeing enemy superiority: thus, in the game, if Allies send more land + air units than defending Vichy units, then there should be no battle but quick surrender. Or, make it highly unlikely that a battle would ensue (for example, need to roll a 1).

I’m now working on my own house rules, for an expansion (HBG lingo) that is quite realistic, fun yet simple. If anyone is interested, let me know and I’ll be happy to share my rules when ready…

phd_angel@yahoo.com

Chicago, December 2020

Not you but a message to others. I can’t release versions of maps that can be edited/stripped of whatever. Too many people selling on ebay these things and shouldn’t.

Interesting to see how the German/Axis deployment in the southern sector looks sparse, at first glance. Maybe key to why Army Group South struggled more than the other two did in the early stages? That and the Soviet commander of the Southwest Front (Kirponos) being more competent than the other four?

I don’t know but can find out. Really i just found these little games when i downloaded info from an old external hard-drive on my new computer. I have like 50 other game file/modules that i have also found , but pertain to Classic wargames like AH Third Reich, Stalingrad, D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, Waterloo, Victory in the Pacific, War at Sea, and countless others.

I even redid Shogun with cards and rules, map, etc

We use a heavy outdoor vinyl for our maps. The kind that sign shops use for promotional banners etc. Really nice on larger maps. Don’t be scared to spend the extra money over paper as it is well worth it long term.

The territories are intentionally squared off as part of the “look” I was going for. Wanted to give it a modern, almost sci-fi feel to it since it depicts a conflict that never actually happened.

The green territories represent US “landing areas” in a way. Places where new US units may be placed after purchase simulating safe landing areas for reinforcements from the mainland. Grey are NATO nations, brown Russia, orange Pact, and light tan neutral.

MIDDLE EAST TERRITORIES Cont…

The territories of the Middle East consist of independent countries that provide oil and other resources to the Allies. During the game, Germany and Italy have a chance to control this oil (and the IPCs) by taking over these territories. They are captured or liberated like any other land territory, but the IPCs of this region are tracked differently. The Allied powers may occupy these territories in order to defend them from Axis capture, but they can never take control of these territories for themselves. In fact, the United Kingdom player begins the game with one Infantry in Lebanon-Syria, but does not gain the IPCs generated by this territory.

Whenever Germany or Italy captures a Middle East territory, move their national control marker (either German or Italian) along the track of the lower ‘Middle East Territories’ section of the National Production Chart (NPC), according to the value of the territory just captured. The upper part of the chart is unaffected.

As per the normal rules for the Axis Minors; if the AM capture a Middle East territory, place a German national control marker on the Middle East Territories section of the NPC, according to the value of the territory just captured.

Germany and Italy may never build Naval Bases or Industrial Complexes on a Middle East territory. However, Air Bases are allowed.

There are eight positions on the Middle East Territories track of the NPC chart. During their Collect Income phase, the German and/or Italian player may collect their IPC income, according to their respective IPC level, directly from the Allied players - not from the bank. The Allies must decide who will pay Germany and/or Italy. The costs may be spread out among the three Allied powers, or one power may bear the burden. If the Allies are unable to decide to pays, the Axis powers will choose.

For Example: In the chart below, Germany controls 3 IPCs and Italy controls 2 IPCs. During Germany’s Collect Income phase, he/she will collect 3 IPCs from the Allied powers. During Italy’s Collect Income phase, he/she will collect 2 IPCs from the Allied powers.

Axis Capture Middle East IPC's.PNG

Stalingrad wins it look for new thread Stalingrad game. I probably can’t start work on it for a while.