Post by Tristan Herman on Jul 8, 2012 15:03:17 GMT
So, you stumbled onto Issuing Orders by whatever means the wills of the world thrust upon you. You have entered the site armed with little more than the determination to learn, and something something something about deep and meaningful admonitions of roleplay prowess and whatever else...
This thread is something that I, when I first joined the site, would have been very thankful to have. Most players, going into their first battle thread, don't exactly know the procedure here on Issuing Orders. And let's be honest, it's probably something you've never seen before.
"What? A 'BATTLE-THREAD'? I do not understand that which you of are am and is talking about, sir."
Alright, on Issuing Orders, because this is a World War II roleplay, and not "slice-of-life", people are inevitably going to, you guessed it, go into battle with one-another. Combat, explosions, all that jazz. But on IO it doesn't quite work like Dungeons and Dragons, nor is it as simple as two people taking turns posting that they hit each other; you will find no dice, and no slow-paced one-hit combat here.
Issuing Orders battle-threads work something like, let's say, a professional chess match. You have two players on their own side of the board, and an arbiter (yes, gentlemen, that is the referee in a chess match) overseeing each player's actions and determining their legality. Each person takes their turn, moves their piece, and if everything is ship-shape, then the arbiter records the movement or action of the piece in play.
IO works on that level, but here our players are the characters, and the arbiter is your best friend the moderator. Additionally, you can have more than one player on either side of the battle, but let's keep on track for now, yes?
Now, the object of this thread is for you to have a guide and a firm understanding of the mechanics of a battle-thread for your first taste of action. So let's stop with the explanatory fluff, and get to an example, shall we?
For starters, every battle thread you go into will have a map, such as the one pictured. Generally, a map will be presented to a Moderator, or the Mod in question will supply one. Then, each player (depending upon setup of the battle) will deploy his or her units on the map, as depicted. As a general, de facto rule, Allied troops have a tendency to be green/yellow/tan, while Axis troops are red/black/blue. This is by no means an actual rule, but something to keep in mind when observing other battles/old battles.
Once everyone is in agreement, the battle starts with a post. The first post from each player is crucial in several ways. First, if the Mod has not given you the opportunity to deploy your troops before hand, you will be doing so by way of a written post on your first turn. For example:
- Lieutenant Rupert Crawford
- NPC:
Corporal Paul Harris
- NPC: (Sniper) Marksman Robert Hawkins
- NPC: Private Harry Coombe
- NPC: Private David Mercer
- NPC: Private Simon Litchfield
- NPC: Private Hugh Watson
- NPC: Corporal James Brown
- NPC: Private Thomas Harvard
- NPC: Private Michael Rimmer
- NPC: Private Calvin Howard
- NPC: Private Nathan Flint
The forest was dense, compact and surprisingly still; above, the branches bowed as a heavy gust of wind swept overhead, a small sprinkle of snow breaking through the overhead canopy of leaves and outstretched branches and dusting the earth below. Lieutenant Crawford had his unit taking a small break, whilst a small reconnaissance party moved up front to assess the situation as they neared an open and quite deep ravine. A ravine they’d been moving along quietly for the past couple of days in hope of finding a crossing without making a huge detour. It was a risk worth taking in Lieutenant Crawford’s mind, as the men were in high spirits, more than enough rations to sustain them another week and warm clothing that kept the men from complaining or more importantly losing any digits to their feet or hands.
Watching his men quietly, Lieutenant Crawford pulled out a case of cigarettes and slid one out casually, noticing a few wandering eyes as he placed the tobacco stick upon his lips. Clicking the case shut, he nodded towards Corporal Brown sitting nearby, having been a set of the wandering eyes and extended the silver tobacco case out towards the man, simply saying; “give the men a smoke each Corporal, if there isn’t enough then some of them may have to share” the Lieutenant kindly ordered, watching as Corporal Brown arose from his seat, having sat upon his helmet and take the case from the Lieutenant’s hand. “Thank you sir, I’m sure the lads will appreciate a smoke”[/I] he puffed out from between his cold lips that soon coiled into a wry smile, attempting to hide it. “Oh and Corporal, make sure the men are wearing their leather jerkins under their smocks, I don’t care if it’s bleeding uncomfortable to wear, they need warmth” Lieutenant Crawford said bitterly, having noticed a couple of men take them off earlier and pack them away.
The men were wearing cameo smocks over their uniforms and leather jerkins, with their netted brodie-helmets and makeshift headwear camouflage of a few twigs and foliage they’d sewed into the netting. They weren’t the best looking unit, but they’d made an effort to blend with their attire and even their boots were buckled at the shins to stop drafts. If anything, Lieutenant Crawford thought to himself, was that his men were working up too much of a sweat with all the warmth of their gear. The thought made him grin to himself, it always better to be prepared than to be unprepared and Lieutenant Crawford made sure of that.
As Corporal Brown stepped away and moved towards the soldiers lingering nearby, handing out the cigarettes, Lieutenant Crawford lit his own and turned away to gaze off into the woodlands, waiting for his reconnaissance to return and if by magic or a sixth sense, his designated guard a few yards away from the main squad abruptly loaded his Lee-Enfield rifle and hollered; “Wool!” with a challenge and with a sharp response came “Rabbit!” as two men moved out from behind a cascade of trees, moving towards the picket where the unit’s guard lowered his rifle and let the two men move on by without concern. As the two men trotted towards the men resting up, Lieutenant Crawford made himself more visible and stepped forth, plucking the cigarette from his lips, watching as Corporal Harris and Marksman Hawkins walked over to report their findings. “Sir! We’ve established a route across the ravine just due west of here. Hawkins couldn’t spot any enemy presence across the ravine, but--”[/I] - “We didn’t get close enough sir”[/I] Hawkins interrupted the Corporal, as he attached the scope back upon his Lee-Enfield rifle with a sharp click. “If I may sir, I suggest we hold the party up at the ravine for an hour or so to be sure. It’s incredibly quiet and more so, incredibly open”[/I] Marksman Hawkins reported, giving his advice.
Taking one last drag on his cigarette, he handed the half smoked cigarette to Corporal Harris before speaking, “Alright chaps. Corporal Harris, fill in Corporal Brown and get the men set up, Marksman Hawkins you stick with me - we’ll move out in two minutes” he ordered. With that, Corporal Harris trotted over to Corporal Brown and the two of them started decking out their allocated squads with their gear and orders. Marksman Hawkins stuck close to the Lieutenant, it hadn’t taken two minutes for the men to gear up again, before they were moving quietly towards the ravine; their smokes dotted out before leaving their now allocated FRP (Fallback Rendezvous Point) if they were to chew off more than they could handle, at least now they knew their regrouping point.
As Lieutenant Crawford’s unit reached within sight of the ravine, they came to a halt and hunkered down temporarily with the trees, everyone’s eyes keenly fixed to their surroundings and their rifles jaunted towards the front. Corporal Harris and Corporal Brown approached the Lieutenant and Marksman situated within the middle of the moving column for orders. “Corporal Brown, move your squad down south and cover our left. Sit tight and watch for enemy activity, don’t get too close to that ravine’s edge, but move up if you have too. Corporal Harris, you’ll keep your squad firmly in the middle here and watch that crossing - tell you what, send two men up to our right with Marksman Hawkins, I want everyone’s eyes dead front for next hour and any enemy reports to be noted immediately” the Lieutenant briefed, watching as the two Corporals nodded in acknowledgment and moved off to their squads, Marksman Hawkins grinning as he followed Corporal Harris to be assigned two men to take with him to their right.
Loading his Sten SMG, the Lieutenant moved up the middle with Corporal Harris’s remaining squad (minus two men and Marksman Hawkins) and veered his sight off to each of his sides as he watched Corporal Brown silently move his squad down left and Marksman Hawkins move up right with two soldiers gingerly moving through the woodlands. He knew he’d have a good line set up and neither parties on the flanks were too far away to hear orders either, so Lieutenant Crawford was happy with his textbook procedure - as such and quietly observed the crossing dead ahead, glancing to the men surrounding himself, who either leaned behind trees or knelt behind thick brushes of bush. The snow wasn’t so deep in the woods, but they weren’t that deep they wasn’t being harassed by the bitter wind now sorely apparent.
Side Notes:[/b]
Just to help clarify the movements a little better for the moderator.
- Corporal Brown & four soldiers have progressed SOUTH on the map.
- Marksman Hawkins & two soldiers have progressed NORTH on the map.
- Corporal Harris & Lieutenant Crawford W/ two soldiers have remained steadfast in the middle.
[/quote]
On his first turn, Lieutenant Crawford dictated the movements of his men onto the field through a detailed and well written post. For further clarification, he also indicated exactly where each man was moving at the bottom of his post in a side note. In turn, the Axis player did the same, moving his men into position on the opposite side of the ravine.
After each post, a Mod post will generally follow unless otherwise indicated. The following Moderation post by Nathan Whyte is an example of the first mod post in a battle. The first Mod post generally clarifies the movements of the men onto the battlefield, and allows the Mod to throw a few wrenches in, just to make things realistic or interesting:
[/u][/center][/color]
Allied[/u][/color]
Lieutenant Rupert Crawford
- NPC: Corporal Paul Harris
- NPC: (Sniper) Marksman Robert Hawkins
- NPC: Private Harry Coombe
- NPC: Private David Mercer
- NPC: Private Simon Litchfield
- NPC: Private Hugh Watson
- NPC: Corporal James Brown
- NPC: Private Thomas Harvard
- NPC: Private Michael Rimmer
- NPC: Private Calvin Howard
- NPC: Private Nathan Flint
Remarks: All the soldiers are cold, despite the issue of rudimentary wet-weather gear. Trouser legs are soaked, and as soon as they step in to the wind they will feel this. As always in the Battle of the Bulge, hypothermia is a major risk, something all the men are aware of.
Axis
- Unteroffizier Dieter Rentz
- NPC: Corporal Axel Oberholtzer
- NPC: Machine Gunner: Jakob Bauer
- NPC: Pvt. Karl Hoffmann
- NPC: Pvt. Heino Göbel
- NPC: Pvt. Thomas Glaubrecht
- NPC: Corporal Kiefer Kreusler
- NPC: Pvt. Rolf Lechtenbrink
- NPC: Pvt. Michael Steinhöfel
- NPC: Pvt. Horst Benz
Remarks: All the soldiers are cold, despite the issue of rudimentary wet-weather gear. Trouser legs are soaked, and as soon as they step in to the wind they will feel this. As always in the Battle of the Bulge, hypothermia is a major risk, something all the men are aware of.
Both sides have moved in to their positions without being spotted. In this battle, weather is going to play an important part.
- The sun is very much high in the sky, but it is making it's way down on the western-side of the map. This means it is in the British soldier's eyes. However, with a map covered in snow, there is an awful lot of glare, so visibility isn't exactly great for either side.
- The two sides are still in snow going up and over their boots. Naturally, they are very cold.
- Demoralisingly, both sides can also see the sunlight ahead (once out of the shade of the trees) and there a few murmurs along the lines of "Why can't we get out in the sun?"
- However, there is good tactical appreciation by all soldiers that they may be being watched, hence the need to stay behind trees and watch. This doesn't mean they're not restless, it just means they have faith in their leaders to not do anything stupid.
Next post:[/u] Crawford[/color][/quote]
At the end of every Mod post, the Mod will dictate who has the next turn. In this case, Crawford proceeds with his second post. But to demonstrate the finer points of combat in a battle thread, we will be moving to a separate battle now:
Cuffing the back of his leather glove up against his nostrils, SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck sniffed hard, as the cold began to set in upon his sinuses. Damned weather done nothing but drag the human body down, if it wasn’t aching and catching a chill from the bitterly cold climate, you were contracting the yearly flu or illness that developed from such a radical change within the atmosphere. ‘Freshens up the Earth for the new-year!’ they say, but those words were far from true, the winter months done nothing but kill off the weak and wound the strong, there was no good outcome from such a horrible climate, not even Santa Claus could compensate for the misery it brought every year.
Holstering his Lugar pistol, SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck clipped his holster back into place to secure his sidearm and slowly turned upon the hinds of his heels to face the awakening men scattered in a rounded group behind the truck. “Jeder hat einen Partner?” the SS-Obersturmführer questioned firmly, a few nods beckoning from the soldiers, whilst a couple murmured “Ja - Ja”. Once SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck primarily had all of their attention, he licked his drying lips from the bitter cold and nodded himself, pointing out towards the two nearest soldiers. “Sie zwei, Fortschritt unten die Straße für fünfzehn bis zwanzig Yards und beobachten die südliche Seite davon Waldland. Gehen Sie außer dem Zaun nicht, erst als ich die Ordnung gebe - verstehen? Ich werde eine Mannschaft ins Waldland bringen, ich brauche die Straße, um sicher zu bleiben.” the SS-Obersturmführer said with a questionable look, but the soldiers being questioned merely stood straight and clacked their boots together, spitting out “Jawohl!, before they moved off down the road.
Looking to the other soldiers, pacing about within their spots coldly, SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck pointed out another two nearest to him. “Sie zwei - Dieselben Ordnungen, aber behalten einen Abstand von fünf Yards zwischen sich selbst und den anderen. Ich will Sie, das südliche Waldland beobachtend. Mich zu sparen, diesen--wiederholend…” he said, suddenly pausing, as he pointed out yet another paired up duo of soldiers, speaking again. “Sie zwei werden auch hinter dem zweiten Los, Fünf-Yard-Abstand vorwärts gehen. Ich will Sie alle, um dem südlichen Waldland - gegenüberzustehen, gehen jetzt!” he barked out, sending the four soldiers, who clacked their boots together and acknowledged the orders, off into the general direction of the first pair sent out.
Now there were only six left…
Adjusting his MP40 to lay more comfortably against his stomach, he rounded up the last six soldiers with a hand gesture for them to step closer. “Sie - Aufenthalt hier und Hilfe schützen den Lastwagen mit Hartman. Ruhe von Ihnen, folgen Sie mir, wir sind dabei, diese Ratte auszuspülen, wenn sie in diesem Teil des Waldes sind. Wir werden Nördlich der Sektor später, nicht genug von uns überprüfen, um beide Stücke des Grunds sofort zu vollbringen. Wollen jetzt wir sich bewegen” and with that said, SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck turned to face the wooden fence behind-himself, patting the snow from off the top of the fence with his gloved hand, before taking a good grip and pulling himself up and over the wooden frame separating the road from the wildlife. Dropping down the opposite side, he patted the ruminants of snow that caught to his leather coat, from off himself, before turning to await the five soldiers ordered to follow him to climb over themselves…
“Kommen Sie! Offene Augen! Unser Ziel wird gemeint, um zwischen sechs bis sieben Fuß hoch zu sein, eine Flasche des Schnapss wird dem Soldaten gegeben, der zuerst entdeckt” he laughed out, watching as the men finally climbed over the fence, grinning to themselves at the proposed award that could be available to them, before they turned to begin walking southwards slowly, from out of the ditch.
Translations:[/b]
Jeder hat einen Partner?
- Everybody have a partner?
Sie zwei, Fortschritt unten die Straße für fünfzehn bis zwanzig Yards und beobachten die südliche Seite davon Waldland. Gehen Sie außer dem Zaun nicht, erst als ich die Ordnung gebe - verstehen? Ich werde eine Mannschaft ins Waldland bringen, ich brauche die Straße, um sicher zu bleiben.
- You two, advance down the road for fifteen to twenty yards and observe the southern side of this woodlands. Don't pass beyond the fence, not until I give the order - understand? I will be leading a team into the woodlands, I need the road to remain secure.
Sie zwei - Dieselben Ordnungen, aber behalten einen Abstand von fünf Yards zwischen sich selbst und den anderen. Ich will Sie, das südliche Waldland beobachtend. Mich zu sparen, diesen--wiederholend…
- You two - Same orders, but keep a spacing of five yards between yourselves and the others. I want you observing the southern woodlands. To save myself repeating this --
Sie zwei werden auch hinter dem zweiten Los, Fünf-Yard-Abstand vorwärts gehen. Ich will Sie alle, um dem südlichen Waldland - gegenüberzustehen, gehen jetzt!
- You two will also advance behind the second lot, five yards spacing. I want you all to face the southern woodlands - now go!
Sie - Aufenthalt hier und Hilfe schützen den Lastwagen mit Hartman. Ruhe von Ihnen, folgen Sie mir, wir sind dabei, diese Ratte auszuspülen, wenn sie in diesem Teil des Waldes sind. Wir werden Nördlich der Sektor später, nicht genug von uns überprüfen, um beide Stücke des Grunds sofort zu vollbringen. Wollen jetzt wir sich bewegen.
- You - Stay here and help guard the truck with Hartman. Rest of you, follow me, we're going to flush out this rat if they're in this part of the forest. We'll check the Northern sector afterwards, not enough of us to accomplish both pieces of ground at once. Now, let's move.
Kommen Sie! Offene Augen! Unser Ziel wird gemeint, um zwischen sechs bis sieben Fuß hoch zu sein, eine Flasche des Schnapss wird dem Soldaten gegeben, der zuerst entdeckt.
- Come! Eyes open! Our target is meant to be between six to seven foot tall, a bottle of schnapps will be given to the soldier who spots 'em first.
[/quote]
As is seen on the map, and detailed in the post, the German troops are moved off the road. It is VITAL you indicate on the map where your troops are moving. Be it through lines, arrows, or Native American divining-rod (not really), so long as it is shown. If you do not, it is very difficult to determine (particularly for the Moderator) which man has moved where, and along what path. Failure to do this can result in a post void if you are unlucky, or a direction to go back and draw the unit movements if you are very lucky.
Finally, we move on to actual firing and shooting.
The shots came from nowhere and everywhere. As Rhys had desperately tried to calm the desperate Hughes down, the most terrifying sound in the world resounded across the battlefield. The sound of a gunshot amidst a sea of silence. Rhys pushed the young private at his side instantly to the floor and took desperate cover behind the rock that was defending the two of them. Many more followed the shot and then...silence.
Rhys swallowed and turned to Hughes.
"Are you OK, Private?" he whispered.
"Yes...yes, sir..." stuttered the young man, before displaying that he was evidently not OK, by rolling onto the floor and staring up at the stars in the fetal position.
Rhys had no idea where the others where, he was seperated from his company but he had an idea. He knew for a fact that Diaz could at least vaguely comprehend the Welsh language. Perhaps if he sent orders to him in Welsh for him to translate to the rest of the squad. After all, what were the chances of the Germans being fluent?
"Jack!" he bellowed. "Sut wyt ti? Beth yw'r sefyllfa? Beth yw'r sefyllfa?"
There was silence for the next few seconds and Rhys feared the worse until, at last, a tentative voice piped up from the distance.
"Rydyn ni'n iawn, Sersiant," a voice said breathlessly. "Ond...mae...mae Griggs lawr. Mae 'di cael ei saethu yn y stwmog..."
"Ydy'r anaf yn angheuol?" /b] the Sergeant demanded. "Atebwch!"
"Dwi ddim yn chredu, Sersiant,"Diaz answered. "Ond mae'n wan. Dwi ddim yn siwr os bydd o gallu dall arno am llawer fwy,"
"Iawn," Rhys answered determinedly. "Parker, Cadwaladr! Swatiwch tu ol y coed cefn; gwnewch yn siwr fod Griggs o dan cwfert dda a protectiwch o!"
A faint muttering in the distance clarified that Diaz was translating to the privates in hushed tones.
"Jack!" continued Rhys quickly. "Gwthiwch ymlaen a Rich; cymerwch y ddau agosaf i lawr!"
With the orders given, Rhys turned back to Hughes who seemed to have taken control of his panic attack.
"You can do it, Private," Rhys whispered. "Just concentrate,"
Hughes nodded and Rhys suddenly saw a defiant gleam in his eyes. The private expertly aimed his rifle with commendable fashion and without batting an eyelid, sent a bullet roaring through the night sky towards the nearest couple of the enemy.
"Good lad," whispered Rhys encouragingly. "Now push forward with Rich and Corporal Diaz. Make sure to stay low,"
"What about you?" asked the Private fearfully.
"Don't worry about me, Private," said Rhys through gritted teeth. "I'm going to pick them off one by one,"
Hughes nodded and scuttled off towards the centre of the battlefield while Rhys backed away, deciding to use his sniper rifle to its full advantage. He was vaguely aware of his men taking a couple of shots in the distance but none of that mattered. All that mattered in his mind was sending as many Germans to hell as possible. The safety of his men was foremost in his mind.
Kneeling down behind a large rock just to the left of his main force and aimed his rifle directly at a young German private whose body was just poking out from behind a second cluster of rocks. Expertly closing one eye, Rhys pulled the trigger as the gun was aiming directly at the German's outstreched neck. With the shot fired, Rhys jumped to the ground prone to await the enemy's retalliation.
Private Phillip Hughes peered over the craggy surface of the rock and ducked down again instantly and wondered how he had ever become engulfed in such a horrific situation. He had signed up immediately, the second war had broke out, everyone had. Somehow at training, they never told you what it was really like on the battlefield. Hughes was scared. Not because he was scared he might be shot. No. Because he was scared he could kill someone - a real, live human - and not feel anything. He didn't want to be a..a...murderer. He didn't want to killa anybody. But how much choice did he have?
Breathing heavily, the Private jumped up again and this time didn't hesitate. He sent two lightning shots at the enemy before him before ducking down again. He felt sick as the guilt began to rise in his stomach. But then, suddenly, the guilt was replaced by a sudden feeling of...excitement? Exhiliration? Happiness? Hughes felt nauseous. He was actually enjoying himself.
"It's me or them," he muttered to himself. "It's me or them,"
Translations
1. Jack!Sut wyt ti? Beth yw'r sefyllfa?
Jack, how are you? What's the situation?
2. Rydyn ni'n iawn, Sersiant. Ond...mae...mae Griggs lawr. Mae 'di cael ei saethu yn y stwmog...
We're fine, Sergeant. But..but Griggs is down. He's been shot in the stomach.
3. Ydy'r anaf yn angheuol? Atebwch!
Is the wound fatal? Answer!
4. Dwi ddim yn chredu, Sersiant. Ond mae'n wan. Dwi ddim yn siwr os bydd o gallu dall arno am llawer fwy.
I don't think so, Sergeant, but he's weak. I don't think he'll be able to hold on for much longer.
5. Iawn. Parker, Cadwaladr! Swatiwch tu ol y coed cefn; gwnewch yn siwr fod Griggs o dan cwfert dda a protectiwch o!
OK. Parker, Cadwaladr, take cover behind the trees at the back; make sure that Griggs is under good cover and protect him as best you can!
6. Jack!Gwthiwch ymlaen a Rich; cymerwch y ddau agosaf i lawr =
Jack! Push forward with Rich; take down the closest two!
Shots Fired
Staff Sergeant Rhys Bevan - 1
Corporal Jack Diaz - 3
Private Phillip Hughes- 2
Private Geraint Cadwaladr - 3
Private Daniel Rich - 4
Private Sean Parker - 2
Private Richard Griggs - 1
In this post by Rhys Bevan, we see a good example of a turn in which the player dispatches the enemy. Notice, on the map, the red lines drawn from unit to unit? Those are firing lines or "lines of fire". This indicates where a unit is shooting. Rhys has taken a further step at the bottom of his post to indicate how many shots are being fired by each man. This is another crucial element in edit your maps after each post. If you don't indicate where you are firing, you will likely witness the same outcome as the one described if you don't indicate your unit movements. Although, there is room for a Mod that is in a bad mood (and God help you if they are) to throw in several wrenches to teach you a lesson.
When all is said and done, and the battle has concluded, the Moderator or an Admin will deliver a closing post, and award "command points" or "CP" to the participants based on their post quality, tactics, and general behavior in the battle. For more information on CP, check out the topic on how to earn it in this sub-board.
A few final notes on battle threads:
Always include a legend with your map. Indicate what units are which color, what color/pattern/shape everything is, objects, structures, and so on. That doesn't mean label your map like it's a dissection lab in your biology class, it means make sure everyone can understand what you have done or illustrated.
At the end of the day, the Moderator has the final say on what happens in a battle. If a Mod decides that your man got shot and was instantly killed, he is dead. If the Mod thinks your Panzer IV just ran out of gas, have fun with your new lawn ornament. If the Mod thinks a pink pterodactyl that fires lasers out of its nostrils sprouts from the nondescript French barn you just assaulted, then you may want to get on your knees and start praying. Bottom line, the Mod's word is final.
HOWEVER...
If you feel like a Mod is abusing their power, favoring your opponent, or you have some other grievance, do not hesitate to contact another staff member, or our Glorious Leader PuNk!, and ask for help. Just make sure you have a legitimate claim.
Be courteous to your opponent. Especially at the start of a battle. If you get into a very emotional match (no, I do not mean romantically) with someone, you run the risk of them being very disinclined to show your character or your men any mercy. Losing men means spending CP to replace them. And losing your character means, well, a whole lot of work down the drain.
Plus, you just look like a buffoon before the rest of the community. We don't exactly take kindly to those who are not willing to be polite or kind here.
Hopefully you've taken at least SOMETHING out of this thread. If nothing else, it can act as a guide of sorts for your first battle. Just remember to be vigilant and detailed. Thinking before you post will generally get you farther than gut reactions and impulse. Tactics count.
Good hunting.
Battles used:
"Jagged Teeth and Nails" issuingorders.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ardennesforest&action=display&thread=3936&page=1, featuring Rupert Crawford and Dieter "Iceman" Rentz.
"Just You, Then Freedom" issuingorders.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=irrelevantbattleaxisvictor&action=display&thread=4610, featuring Kyle Steinbeck and Vivienne Rousseau.
"Raid on the Trenches"
issuingorders.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=irrelevantbattleaxisvictor&action=display&thread=4629
featuring Armin Fuchs and Rhys Bevan.
This thread is something that I, when I first joined the site, would have been very thankful to have. Most players, going into their first battle thread, don't exactly know the procedure here on Issuing Orders. And let's be honest, it's probably something you've never seen before.
"What? A 'BATTLE-THREAD'? I do not understand that which you of are am and is talking about, sir."
Alright, on Issuing Orders, because this is a World War II roleplay, and not "slice-of-life", people are inevitably going to, you guessed it, go into battle with one-another. Combat, explosions, all that jazz. But on IO it doesn't quite work like Dungeons and Dragons, nor is it as simple as two people taking turns posting that they hit each other; you will find no dice, and no slow-paced one-hit combat here.
Issuing Orders battle-threads work something like, let's say, a professional chess match. You have two players on their own side of the board, and an arbiter (yes, gentlemen, that is the referee in a chess match) overseeing each player's actions and determining their legality. Each person takes their turn, moves their piece, and if everything is ship-shape, then the arbiter records the movement or action of the piece in play.
IO works on that level, but here our players are the characters, and the arbiter is your best friend the moderator. Additionally, you can have more than one player on either side of the battle, but let's keep on track for now, yes?
Now, the object of this thread is for you to have a guide and a firm understanding of the mechanics of a battle-thread for your first taste of action. So let's stop with the explanatory fluff, and get to an example, shall we?
For starters, every battle thread you go into will have a map, such as the one pictured. Generally, a map will be presented to a Moderator, or the Mod in question will supply one. Then, each player (depending upon setup of the battle) will deploy his or her units on the map, as depicted. As a general, de facto rule, Allied troops have a tendency to be green/yellow/tan, while Axis troops are red/black/blue. This is by no means an actual rule, but something to keep in mind when observing other battles/old battles.
Once everyone is in agreement, the battle starts with a post. The first post from each player is crucial in several ways. First, if the Mod has not given you the opportunity to deploy your troops before hand, you will be doing so by way of a written post on your first turn. For example:
@ said:
- Lieutenant Rupert Crawford
- NPC:
Corporal Paul Harris- NPC: (Sniper) Marksman Robert Hawkins
- NPC: Private Harry Coombe
- NPC: Private David Mercer
- NPC: Private Simon Litchfield
- NPC: Private Hugh Watson
- NPC:
Corporal James Brown- NPC: Private Thomas Harvard
- NPC: Private Michael Rimmer
- NPC: Private Calvin Howard
- NPC: Private Nathan Flint
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The forest was dense, compact and surprisingly still; above, the branches bowed as a heavy gust of wind swept overhead, a small sprinkle of snow breaking through the overhead canopy of leaves and outstretched branches and dusting the earth below. Lieutenant Crawford had his unit taking a small break, whilst a small reconnaissance party moved up front to assess the situation as they neared an open and quite deep ravine. A ravine they’d been moving along quietly for the past couple of days in hope of finding a crossing without making a huge detour. It was a risk worth taking in Lieutenant Crawford’s mind, as the men were in high spirits, more than enough rations to sustain them another week and warm clothing that kept the men from complaining or more importantly losing any digits to their feet or hands.
Watching his men quietly, Lieutenant Crawford pulled out a case of cigarettes and slid one out casually, noticing a few wandering eyes as he placed the tobacco stick upon his lips. Clicking the case shut, he nodded towards Corporal Brown sitting nearby, having been a set of the wandering eyes and extended the silver tobacco case out towards the man, simply saying; “give the men a smoke each Corporal, if there isn’t enough then some of them may have to share” the Lieutenant kindly ordered, watching as Corporal Brown arose from his seat, having sat upon his helmet and take the case from the Lieutenant’s hand. “Thank you sir, I’m sure the lads will appreciate a smoke”
The men were wearing cameo smocks over their uniforms and leather jerkins, with their netted brodie-helmets and makeshift headwear camouflage of a few twigs and foliage they’d sewed into the netting. They weren’t the best looking unit, but they’d made an effort to blend with their attire and even their boots were buckled at the shins to stop drafts. If anything, Lieutenant Crawford thought to himself, was that his men were working up too much of a sweat with all the warmth of their gear. The thought made him grin to himself, it always better to be prepared than to be unprepared and Lieutenant Crawford made sure of that.
As Corporal Brown stepped away and moved towards the soldiers lingering nearby, handing out the cigarettes, Lieutenant Crawford lit his own and turned away to gaze off into the woodlands, waiting for his reconnaissance to return and if by magic or a sixth sense, his designated guard a few yards away from the main squad abruptly loaded his Lee-Enfield rifle and hollered; “Wool!” with a challenge and with a sharp response came “Rabbit!” as two men moved out from behind a cascade of trees, moving towards the picket where the unit’s guard lowered his rifle and let the two men move on by without concern. As the two men trotted towards the men resting up, Lieutenant Crawford made himself more visible and stepped forth, plucking the cigarette from his lips, watching as Corporal Harris and Marksman Hawkins walked over to report their findings. “Sir! We’ve established a route across the ravine just due west of here. Hawkins couldn’t spot any enemy presence across the ravine, but--”[/I] - “We didn’t get close enough sir”[/I] Hawkins interrupted the Corporal, as he attached the scope back upon his Lee-Enfield rifle with a sharp click. “If I may sir, I suggest we hold the party up at the ravine for an hour or so to be sure. It’s incredibly quiet and more so, incredibly open”[/I] Marksman Hawkins reported, giving his advice.
Taking one last drag on his cigarette, he handed the half smoked cigarette to Corporal Harris before speaking, “Alright chaps. Corporal Harris, fill in Corporal Brown and get the men set up, Marksman Hawkins you stick with me - we’ll move out in two minutes” he ordered. With that, Corporal Harris trotted over to Corporal Brown and the two of them started decking out their allocated squads with their gear and orders. Marksman Hawkins stuck close to the Lieutenant, it hadn’t taken two minutes for the men to gear up again, before they were moving quietly towards the ravine; their smokes dotted out before leaving their now allocated FRP (Fallback Rendezvous Point) if they were to chew off more than they could handle, at least now they knew their regrouping point.
As Lieutenant Crawford’s unit reached within sight of the ravine, they came to a halt and hunkered down temporarily with the trees, everyone’s eyes keenly fixed to their surroundings and their rifles jaunted towards the front. Corporal Harris and Corporal Brown approached the Lieutenant and Marksman situated within the middle of the moving column for orders. “Corporal Brown, move your squad down south and cover our left. Sit tight and watch for enemy activity, don’t get too close to that ravine’s edge, but move up if you have too. Corporal Harris, you’ll keep your squad firmly in the middle here and watch that crossing - tell you what, send two men up to our right with Marksman Hawkins, I want everyone’s eyes dead front for next hour and any enemy reports to be noted immediately” the Lieutenant briefed, watching as the two Corporals nodded in acknowledgment and moved off to their squads, Marksman Hawkins grinning as he followed Corporal Harris to be assigned two men to take with him to their right.
Loading his Sten SMG, the Lieutenant moved up the middle with Corporal Harris’s remaining squad (minus two men and Marksman Hawkins) and veered his sight off to each of his sides as he watched Corporal Brown silently move his squad down left and Marksman Hawkins move up right with two soldiers gingerly moving through the woodlands. He knew he’d have a good line set up and neither parties on the flanks were too far away to hear orders either, so Lieutenant Crawford was happy with his textbook procedure - as such and quietly observed the crossing dead ahead, glancing to the men surrounding himself, who either leaned behind trees or knelt behind thick brushes of bush. The snow wasn’t so deep in the woods, but they weren’t that deep they wasn’t being harassed by the bitter wind now sorely apparent.
Side Notes:[/b]
Just to help clarify the movements a little better for the moderator.
- Corporal Brown & four soldiers have progressed SOUTH on the map.
- Marksman Hawkins & two soldiers have progressed NORTH on the map.
- Corporal Harris & Lieutenant Crawford W/ two soldiers have remained steadfast in the middle.
[/quote]
On his first turn, Lieutenant Crawford dictated the movements of his men onto the field through a detailed and well written post. For further clarification, he also indicated exactly where each man was moving at the bottom of his post in a side note. In turn, the Axis player did the same, moving his men into position on the opposite side of the ravine.
After each post, a Mod post will generally follow unless otherwise indicated. The following Moderation post by Nathan Whyte is an example of the first mod post in a battle. The first Mod post generally clarifies the movements of the men onto the battlefield, and allows the Mod to throw a few wrenches in, just to make things realistic or interesting:
@ said:
Mod Post
Allied[/u][/color]
Lieutenant Rupert Crawford
- NPC: Corporal Paul Harris
- NPC: (Sniper) Marksman Robert Hawkins
- NPC: Private Harry Coombe
- NPC: Private David Mercer
- NPC: Private Simon Litchfield
- NPC: Private Hugh Watson
- NPC: Corporal James Brown
- NPC: Private Thomas Harvard
- NPC: Private Michael Rimmer
- NPC: Private Calvin Howard
- NPC: Private Nathan Flint
Remarks: All the soldiers are cold, despite the issue of rudimentary wet-weather gear. Trouser legs are soaked, and as soon as they step in to the wind they will feel this. As always in the Battle of the Bulge, hypothermia is a major risk, something all the men are aware of.
Axis
- Unteroffizier Dieter Rentz
- NPC: Corporal Axel Oberholtzer
- NPC: Machine Gunner: Jakob Bauer
- NPC: Pvt. Karl Hoffmann
- NPC: Pvt. Heino Göbel
- NPC: Pvt. Thomas Glaubrecht
- NPC: Corporal Kiefer Kreusler
- NPC: Pvt. Rolf Lechtenbrink
- NPC: Pvt. Michael Steinhöfel
- NPC: Pvt. Horst Benz
Remarks: All the soldiers are cold, despite the issue of rudimentary wet-weather gear. Trouser legs are soaked, and as soon as they step in to the wind they will feel this. As always in the Battle of the Bulge, hypothermia is a major risk, something all the men are aware of.
Both sides have moved in to their positions without being spotted. In this battle, weather is going to play an important part.
- The sun is very much high in the sky, but it is making it's way down on the western-side of the map. This means it is in the British soldier's eyes. However, with a map covered in snow, there is an awful lot of glare, so visibility isn't exactly great for either side.
- The two sides are still in snow going up and over their boots. Naturally, they are very cold.
- Demoralisingly, both sides can also see the sunlight ahead (once out of the shade of the trees) and there a few murmurs along the lines of "Why can't we get out in the sun?"
- However, there is good tactical appreciation by all soldiers that they may be being watched, hence the need to stay behind trees and watch. This doesn't mean they're not restless, it just means they have faith in their leaders to not do anything stupid.
Next post:[/u] Crawford[/color][/quote]
At the end of every Mod post, the Mod will dictate who has the next turn. In this case, Crawford proceeds with his second post. But to demonstrate the finer points of combat in a battle thread, we will be moving to a separate battle now:
@ said:
Cuffing the back of his leather glove up against his nostrils, SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck sniffed hard, as the cold began to set in upon his sinuses. Damned weather done nothing but drag the human body down, if it wasn’t aching and catching a chill from the bitterly cold climate, you were contracting the yearly flu or illness that developed from such a radical change within the atmosphere. ‘Freshens up the Earth for the new-year!’ they say, but those words were far from true, the winter months done nothing but kill off the weak and wound the strong, there was no good outcome from such a horrible climate, not even Santa Claus could compensate for the misery it brought every year.
Holstering his Lugar pistol, SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck clipped his holster back into place to secure his sidearm and slowly turned upon the hinds of his heels to face the awakening men scattered in a rounded group behind the truck. “Jeder hat einen Partner?” the SS-Obersturmführer questioned firmly, a few nods beckoning from the soldiers, whilst a couple murmured “Ja - Ja”. Once SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck primarily had all of their attention, he licked his drying lips from the bitter cold and nodded himself, pointing out towards the two nearest soldiers. “Sie zwei, Fortschritt unten die Straße für fünfzehn bis zwanzig Yards und beobachten die südliche Seite davon Waldland. Gehen Sie außer dem Zaun nicht, erst als ich die Ordnung gebe - verstehen? Ich werde eine Mannschaft ins Waldland bringen, ich brauche die Straße, um sicher zu bleiben.” the SS-Obersturmführer said with a questionable look, but the soldiers being questioned merely stood straight and clacked their boots together, spitting out “Jawohl!, before they moved off down the road.
Looking to the other soldiers, pacing about within their spots coldly, SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck pointed out another two nearest to him. “Sie zwei - Dieselben Ordnungen, aber behalten einen Abstand von fünf Yards zwischen sich selbst und den anderen. Ich will Sie, das südliche Waldland beobachtend. Mich zu sparen, diesen--wiederholend…” he said, suddenly pausing, as he pointed out yet another paired up duo of soldiers, speaking again. “Sie zwei werden auch hinter dem zweiten Los, Fünf-Yard-Abstand vorwärts gehen. Ich will Sie alle, um dem südlichen Waldland - gegenüberzustehen, gehen jetzt!” he barked out, sending the four soldiers, who clacked their boots together and acknowledged the orders, off into the general direction of the first pair sent out.
Now there were only six left…
Adjusting his MP40 to lay more comfortably against his stomach, he rounded up the last six soldiers with a hand gesture for them to step closer. “Sie - Aufenthalt hier und Hilfe schützen den Lastwagen mit Hartman. Ruhe von Ihnen, folgen Sie mir, wir sind dabei, diese Ratte auszuspülen, wenn sie in diesem Teil des Waldes sind. Wir werden Nördlich der Sektor später, nicht genug von uns überprüfen, um beide Stücke des Grunds sofort zu vollbringen. Wollen jetzt wir sich bewegen” and with that said, SS-Obersturmführer Steinbeck turned to face the wooden fence behind-himself, patting the snow from off the top of the fence with his gloved hand, before taking a good grip and pulling himself up and over the wooden frame separating the road from the wildlife. Dropping down the opposite side, he patted the ruminants of snow that caught to his leather coat, from off himself, before turning to await the five soldiers ordered to follow him to climb over themselves…
“Kommen Sie! Offene Augen! Unser Ziel wird gemeint, um zwischen sechs bis sieben Fuß hoch zu sein, eine Flasche des Schnapss wird dem Soldaten gegeben, der zuerst entdeckt” he laughed out, watching as the men finally climbed over the fence, grinning to themselves at the proposed award that could be available to them, before they turned to begin walking southwards slowly, from out of the ditch.
Translations:
Jeder hat einen Partner?
- Everybody have a partner?
Sie zwei, Fortschritt unten die Straße für fünfzehn bis zwanzig Yards und beobachten die südliche Seite davon Waldland. Gehen Sie außer dem Zaun nicht, erst als ich die Ordnung gebe - verstehen? Ich werde eine Mannschaft ins Waldland bringen, ich brauche die Straße, um sicher zu bleiben.
- You two, advance down the road for fifteen to twenty yards and observe the southern side of this woodlands. Don't pass beyond the fence, not until I give the order - understand? I will be leading a team into the woodlands, I need the road to remain secure.
Sie zwei - Dieselben Ordnungen, aber behalten einen Abstand von fünf Yards zwischen sich selbst und den anderen. Ich will Sie, das südliche Waldland beobachtend. Mich zu sparen, diesen--wiederholend…
- You two - Same orders, but keep a spacing of five yards between yourselves and the others. I want you observing the southern woodlands. To save myself repeating this --
Sie zwei werden auch hinter dem zweiten Los, Fünf-Yard-Abstand vorwärts gehen. Ich will Sie alle, um dem südlichen Waldland - gegenüberzustehen, gehen jetzt!
- You two will also advance behind the second lot, five yards spacing. I want you all to face the southern woodlands - now go!
Sie - Aufenthalt hier und Hilfe schützen den Lastwagen mit Hartman. Ruhe von Ihnen, folgen Sie mir, wir sind dabei, diese Ratte auszuspülen, wenn sie in diesem Teil des Waldes sind. Wir werden Nördlich der Sektor später, nicht genug von uns überprüfen, um beide Stücke des Grunds sofort zu vollbringen. Wollen jetzt wir sich bewegen.
- You - Stay here and help guard the truck with Hartman. Rest of you, follow me, we're going to flush out this rat if they're in this part of the forest. We'll check the Northern sector afterwards, not enough of us to accomplish both pieces of ground at once. Now, let's move.
Kommen Sie! Offene Augen! Unser Ziel wird gemeint, um zwischen sechs bis sieben Fuß hoch zu sein, eine Flasche des Schnapss wird dem Soldaten gegeben, der zuerst entdeckt.
- Come! Eyes open! Our target is meant to be between six to seven foot tall, a bottle of schnapps will be given to the soldier who spots 'em first.
[/quote]
As is seen on the map, and detailed in the post, the German troops are moved off the road. It is VITAL you indicate on the map where your troops are moving. Be it through lines, arrows, or Native American divining-rod (not really), so long as it is shown. If you do not, it is very difficult to determine (particularly for the Moderator) which man has moved where, and along what path. Failure to do this can result in a post void if you are unlucky, or a direction to go back and draw the unit movements if you are very lucky.
Finally, we move on to actual firing and shooting.
@ said:
The shots came from nowhere and everywhere. As Rhys had desperately tried to calm the desperate Hughes down, the most terrifying sound in the world resounded across the battlefield. The sound of a gunshot amidst a sea of silence. Rhys pushed the young private at his side instantly to the floor and took desperate cover behind the rock that was defending the two of them. Many more followed the shot and then...silence.
Rhys swallowed and turned to Hughes.
"Are you OK, Private?" he whispered.
"Yes...yes, sir..." stuttered the young man, before displaying that he was evidently not OK, by rolling onto the floor and staring up at the stars in the fetal position.
Rhys had no idea where the others where, he was seperated from his company but he had an idea. He knew for a fact that Diaz could at least vaguely comprehend the Welsh language. Perhaps if he sent orders to him in Welsh for him to translate to the rest of the squad. After all, what were the chances of the Germans being fluent?
"Jack!" he bellowed. "Sut wyt ti? Beth yw'r sefyllfa? Beth yw'r sefyllfa?"
There was silence for the next few seconds and Rhys feared the worse until, at last, a tentative voice piped up from the distance.
"Rydyn ni'n iawn, Sersiant," a voice said breathlessly. "Ond...mae...mae Griggs lawr. Mae 'di cael ei saethu yn y stwmog..."
"Ydy'r anaf yn angheuol?" /b] the Sergeant demanded. "Atebwch!"
"Dwi ddim yn chredu, Sersiant,"Diaz answered. "Ond mae'n wan. Dwi ddim yn siwr os bydd o gallu dall arno am llawer fwy,"
"Iawn," Rhys answered determinedly. "Parker, Cadwaladr! Swatiwch tu ol y coed cefn; gwnewch yn siwr fod Griggs o dan cwfert dda a protectiwch o!"
A faint muttering in the distance clarified that Diaz was translating to the privates in hushed tones.
"Jack!" continued Rhys quickly. "Gwthiwch ymlaen a Rich; cymerwch y ddau agosaf i lawr!"
With the orders given, Rhys turned back to Hughes who seemed to have taken control of his panic attack.
"You can do it, Private," Rhys whispered. "Just concentrate,"
Hughes nodded and Rhys suddenly saw a defiant gleam in his eyes. The private expertly aimed his rifle with commendable fashion and without batting an eyelid, sent a bullet roaring through the night sky towards the nearest couple of the enemy.
"Good lad," whispered Rhys encouragingly. "Now push forward with Rich and Corporal Diaz. Make sure to stay low,"
"What about you?" asked the Private fearfully.
"Don't worry about me, Private," said Rhys through gritted teeth. "I'm going to pick them off one by one,"
Hughes nodded and scuttled off towards the centre of the battlefield while Rhys backed away, deciding to use his sniper rifle to its full advantage. He was vaguely aware of his men taking a couple of shots in the distance but none of that mattered. All that mattered in his mind was sending as many Germans to hell as possible. The safety of his men was foremost in his mind.
Kneeling down behind a large rock just to the left of his main force and aimed his rifle directly at a young German private whose body was just poking out from behind a second cluster of rocks. Expertly closing one eye, Rhys pulled the trigger as the gun was aiming directly at the German's outstreched neck. With the shot fired, Rhys jumped to the ground prone to await the enemy's retalliation.
*
Private Phillip Hughes peered over the craggy surface of the rock and ducked down again instantly and wondered how he had ever become engulfed in such a horrific situation. He had signed up immediately, the second war had broke out, everyone had. Somehow at training, they never told you what it was really like on the battlefield. Hughes was scared. Not because he was scared he might be shot. No. Because he was scared he could kill someone - a real, live human - and not feel anything. He didn't want to be a..a...murderer. He didn't want to killa anybody. But how much choice did he have?
Breathing heavily, the Private jumped up again and this time didn't hesitate. He sent two lightning shots at the enemy before him before ducking down again. He felt sick as the guilt began to rise in his stomach. But then, suddenly, the guilt was replaced by a sudden feeling of...excitement? Exhiliration? Happiness? Hughes felt nauseous. He was actually enjoying himself.
"It's me or them," he muttered to himself. "It's me or them,"
Translations
1. Jack!Sut wyt ti? Beth yw'r sefyllfa?
Jack, how are you? What's the situation?
2. Rydyn ni'n iawn, Sersiant. Ond...mae...mae Griggs lawr. Mae 'di cael ei saethu yn y stwmog...
We're fine, Sergeant. But..but Griggs is down. He's been shot in the stomach.
3. Ydy'r anaf yn angheuol? Atebwch!
Is the wound fatal? Answer!
4. Dwi ddim yn chredu, Sersiant. Ond mae'n wan. Dwi ddim yn siwr os bydd o gallu dall arno am llawer fwy.
I don't think so, Sergeant, but he's weak. I don't think he'll be able to hold on for much longer.
5. Iawn. Parker, Cadwaladr! Swatiwch tu ol y coed cefn; gwnewch yn siwr fod Griggs o dan cwfert dda a protectiwch o!
OK. Parker, Cadwaladr, take cover behind the trees at the back; make sure that Griggs is under good cover and protect him as best you can!
6. Jack!Gwthiwch ymlaen a Rich; cymerwch y ddau agosaf i lawr =
Jack! Push forward with Rich; take down the closest two!
Shots Fired
Staff Sergeant Rhys Bevan - 1
Corporal Jack Diaz - 3
Private Phillip Hughes- 2
Private Geraint Cadwaladr - 3
Private Daniel Rich - 4
Private Sean Parker - 2
Private Richard Griggs - 1
In this post by Rhys Bevan, we see a good example of a turn in which the player dispatches the enemy. Notice, on the map, the red lines drawn from unit to unit? Those are firing lines or "lines of fire". This indicates where a unit is shooting. Rhys has taken a further step at the bottom of his post to indicate how many shots are being fired by each man. This is another crucial element in edit your maps after each post. If you don't indicate where you are firing, you will likely witness the same outcome as the one described if you don't indicate your unit movements. Although, there is room for a Mod that is in a bad mood (and God help you if they are) to throw in several wrenches to teach you a lesson.
When all is said and done, and the battle has concluded, the Moderator or an Admin will deliver a closing post, and award "command points" or "CP" to the participants based on their post quality, tactics, and general behavior in the battle. For more information on CP, check out the topic on how to earn it in this sub-board.
A few final notes on battle threads:
Always include a legend with your map. Indicate what units are which color, what color/pattern/shape everything is, objects, structures, and so on. That doesn't mean label your map like it's a dissection lab in your biology class, it means make sure everyone can understand what you have done or illustrated.
At the end of the day, the Moderator has the final say on what happens in a battle. If a Mod decides that your man got shot and was instantly killed, he is dead. If the Mod thinks your Panzer IV just ran out of gas, have fun with your new lawn ornament. If the Mod thinks a pink pterodactyl that fires lasers out of its nostrils sprouts from the nondescript French barn you just assaulted, then you may want to get on your knees and start praying. Bottom line, the Mod's word is final.
HOWEVER...
If you feel like a Mod is abusing their power, favoring your opponent, or you have some other grievance, do not hesitate to contact another staff member, or our Glorious Leader PuNk!, and ask for help. Just make sure you have a legitimate claim.
Be courteous to your opponent. Especially at the start of a battle. If you get into a very emotional match (no, I do not mean romantically) with someone, you run the risk of them being very disinclined to show your character or your men any mercy. Losing men means spending CP to replace them. And losing your character means, well, a whole lot of work down the drain.
Plus, you just look like a buffoon before the rest of the community. We don't exactly take kindly to those who are not willing to be polite or kind here.
Hopefully you've taken at least SOMETHING out of this thread. If nothing else, it can act as a guide of sorts for your first battle. Just remember to be vigilant and detailed. Thinking before you post will generally get you farther than gut reactions and impulse. Tactics count.
Good hunting.
Battles used:
"Jagged Teeth and Nails" issuingorders.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ardennesforest&action=display&thread=3936&page=1, featuring Rupert Crawford and Dieter "Iceman" Rentz.
"Just You, Then Freedom" issuingorders.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=irrelevantbattleaxisvictor&action=display&thread=4610, featuring Kyle Steinbeck and Vivienne Rousseau.
"Raid on the Trenches"
issuingorders.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=irrelevantbattleaxisvictor&action=display&thread=4629
featuring Armin Fuchs and Rhys Bevan.
