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After Action Reports => Digital Gaming AARs => Topic started by: W8taminute on July 08, 2017, 12:17:45 PM

Title: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 08, 2017, 12:17:45 PM
Hi folks (including my opponents!)


Welcome to the most obscure gaming AAR on Grogheads!  I hope to provide a little bit of AAR storytelling as well as some tips and tricks to the game that MetalDog, Tuna, and myself are playing.  I'm not claiming to be a subject matter expert but just want to share provide some entertainment and hopefully teach a few concepts about the game to those interested.

Turn 1 of Marius(W8t) vs. Sulla(MD) vs. Mithradates(Tuna) roman civil war:


Pretty uneventful for Marius of the Populares.  Since we do not control Rome we lost 20 VP right off the bat.  There was nothing I could have done really to prevent that from happening as my closest force needed to recover from low cohesion.  Sure I could have forced the men to march on Rome and be even more tired and possibly face a fight we could not win but I chose not to.   I did however dump a lot of money into raising local defense forces in major cities around my territories.  I also had funds to spare for some Auxilliae and some warships.  The rest of my starting funds were used to build up my infrastructure in the form of land clearance, road building, and popular support initiatives.  A minor battle was fought between forces from my navy and a land force being transported by ships from Mithradates.

(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/831328280935279964/9E490CE7AD4AD166B651EC80AD237837646C71A4/)
Losing 20VP because I don't control Rome

(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/831328280935280095/A2B26B12BA42244247B6485673CFE21B89581A29/)
Small naval battle
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 08, 2017, 01:29:36 PM
Okay, you're light bluemarine; what colors are MD and Tuna?
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: MetalDog on July 08, 2017, 01:39:40 PM
I am red.  And thanks for doing this, W8.  I look forward to learning quickly so we can be a little more evenly matched.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: Sir Slash on July 08, 2017, 10:30:33 PM
OH Yeah! I'm down with some hot Roman-on-Roman-on-Pontic action. I'd be partial to Sulla though I believe.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: MetalDog on July 08, 2017, 11:24:08 PM
Desperately hoping it works out that way.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 13, 2017, 01:35:24 PM
Incidentally, if anyone has dropped out, I could try taking their place?  O:-)
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 13, 2017, 01:52:20 PM
(Wow, I never realized how much of the AGE engine was put into their attempt at converting that World War I boardgame to PC... .... ......... I HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE SORT OF AFTER ALL!!  :cowboy: :nerd: )
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 13, 2017, 03:37:48 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 13, 2017, 01:35:24 PM
Incidentally, if anyone has dropped out, I could try taking their place?  O:-)

Hi Jason,

Yeah we did stop this game because MD was no longer able to commit.  I asked Tuna if he wanted to continue but have not heard from him.  If he responds with a yes we'd be happy to have you take MD's place!
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: MetalDog on July 13, 2017, 10:34:05 PM
So would MD ;)  :)  Super sorry to bail on this.  I will definitely follow along if this continues.  Might even ask a question or a hundred.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 13, 2017, 11:08:57 PM
Quote from: MetalDog on July 13, 2017, 10:34:05 PM
So would MD ;)  :)  Super sorry to bail on this.  I will definitely follow along if this continues.  Might even ask a question or a hundred.

No worries MD.  You can always ask any question and I'll be happy to answer.   ;)
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: Tuna on July 15, 2017, 04:13:28 PM
If you want to start over, that is fine.. I did not consider myself a force to be reckoned with in this battle, but figured I could be a pain in someone's side.. So send a new game, or send JP, MD's files since we only did one anyways correct?
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 15, 2017, 04:31:09 PM
Quote from: Tuna on July 15, 2017, 04:13:28 PM
If you want to start over, that is fine.. I did not consider myself a force to be reckoned with in this battle, but figured I could be a pain in someone's side.. So send a new game, or send JP, MD's files since we only did one anyways correct?

That's a good idea Tuna.  Yes we only did one turn so Jason should be able to pick up pretty easily.  Do you want to join our game Jason?
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 15, 2017, 09:32:07 PM
Let the Year of Three Emperors commence!

{four}

FOUR EMPERORS! ...OR FIVE, IT DEPENDS ON HOW YEARS OF ACCESSION ARE COUNTED OR SOMETHING PERHAPS!  :D


I mean, we're all going to be toast when Vespasian arrives anyway.  ::)
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 16, 2017, 11:58:39 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 15, 2017, 09:32:07 PM
Let the Year of Three Emperors commence!

{four}

FOUR EMPERORS! ...OR FIVE, IT DEPENDS ON HOW YEARS OF ACCESSION ARE COUNTED OR SOMETHING PERHAPS!  :D


I mean, we're all going to be toast when Vespasian arrives anyway.  ::)

LoL.  I'll take that as a yes.   ;D

Feel free to PM me your email and I'll send you the turn.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: Sir Slash on July 16, 2017, 09:57:47 PM
There was a time when I would never turn down an offer of a good 'three-way'. Now I'll be happy just to watch.  ???
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 16, 2017, 10:01:08 PM
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 16, 2017, 09:57:47 PM
There was a time when I would never turn down an offer of a good 'three-way'. Now I'll be happy just to watch.  ???

LoL!


And watch you shall.  Just sent Jason the turn so once he plays it and emails it back to me I'll process the turn and give an update here.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est JRP, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 17, 2017, 05:49:52 AM
That should be this afternoon. Theoretically.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: Tuna on July 17, 2017, 09:49:56 AM
Ewww
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est JRP, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 17, 2017, 03:54:02 PM
...note to self, I am roughly 150 years out of date for the scenario. Must rethink plans from scratch. This is what I get for being nice and not reading the first entry of my opponent's AAR...  ::)

So it might be tomorrow afternoon before I catch up on what's going on with the scenario, both generally and so far after the first turn results.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 17, 2017, 06:50:08 PM
^I'm sure you'll pick up the situation quickly.  This is going to be good.  Here are the results from the latest turn played!


General overview of the situation in Italy from my factions point of view.  (light blue/turquoise color)
(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/832454969386358502/301F14469FFCDC0209768D0CF29EEB375A8DB122/)

The Battle of Rome!
(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/832454969386358287/899F951E936015DC402082A1AE602BF216C84F6C/)

Rome is under siege by our forces after fighting a force of 14k vs. our 26k in the field


Optimales forces attempt to sneak through
(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/832454969386358409/59CC645D7145DA628A5A9F872A3F8C3DBB700912/)

I think Jason was trying to bring some troops to either Rome or Northern Italy.  They did make it through but were intercepted by a force I just happened to move into the middle of his path.

No other events this turn from my perspective other than issuing some dictates to improve local loyalty.  I need to raise some more cash quickly though because I have a feeling things are going to get intense in Italia.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 18, 2017, 05:22:30 PM
Had to work on my FLAGS OF THE EAGLES forum game this afternoon, so no turn 3 yet. Expect to send it tomorrow.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 20, 2017, 06:18:25 AM
The next turn just in.

Lot's of activity.  According to reports from our sources it seems Sulla (Jason) was able to capture Athens from Mithradates (Tuna). 

(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/832455202636274623/C8E5EA1CC54547EA16BA933E50B92B1350A0830C/)
Fall of Athens

Mithradates however took Byzantium.  Meanwhile in Hispania my forces are dealing with barbarian attacks.  Toletum is under siege along with Carrabus (sp?). 

In Italia the siege of Rome continues but with no results.  Metapontum in southern Italy is under siege as well but I won't be able to launch an assault on the city even though there is a breach in the walls.  To put it crudely, my commander is too chicken to do the deed.  Actually if you look at the little brown envelope icon just above his counter that indicates his initiative this turn will not allow him to carry out offensive operations.  See image below:

(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/832455202636274742/BB655DBCD2DA0F895AFFDE528485530208F38624/)


Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 20, 2017, 07:40:04 AM
Yeah, there was just no way I could save Byz. IF ONLY SOME DANG POPULIST REBEL HADN'T TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY OF PERSIAN-ISH INVASION TO STAB US ALL IN THE BACK!  :arr:

Actually, I'm a bit surprised Byz fell. Tuna must have had a general who could assault walls, or else built some siege engines in a nearby town and hoofed them over. Last I checked, the Byz were Frenching the Mithras and telling them to go away or else be taunted a second time.  :))

I'm also honestly surprised Athens 'fell' -- I wasn't aware the Miths had gotten it already, I was just trying to rescue it from the army there! Oh well, better than Thebes.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 23, 2017, 11:36:29 AM
The siege of Rome and Metapontum continues.  Rome's walls still stand strong but we made two breaches on Metapontum.  Meanwhile in Hispania we're on the defensive against the barbarian onslaught.  I'm trying to figure out where I'm going to find more troops to send to that theater as they're sorely needed. 
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 23, 2017, 04:40:38 PM
I have about decided that marching orders are more like suggestions and that I might as well be pleasantly surprised if someone really follows them.  ::)
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 24, 2017, 06:49:30 PM
Quote from: JasonPratt on July 23, 2017, 04:40:38 PM
I have about decided that marching orders are more like suggestions and that I might as well be pleasantly surprised if someone really follows them.  ::)

There are a few factors that prevent a unit from marching.  The presence of enemy units blocking their path, the commanders indecisiveness or his simple refusal to follow orders, and weather can be some of the reasons why formations don't go where they're told.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 24, 2017, 07:54:06 PM
It isn't so much that they don't go; it's that they go zig instead of zag.  ::)
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: Sir Slash on July 25, 2017, 10:49:51 AM
Yeah, sometimes you have to hold the generals hands and lead them region by region to get them to go the way you want. I always drag & drop several times to compare routes and times to get there. The fleets are worse. I don't know how many times I've moved a fleet into a port only to have it sit outside the port because I didn't drag it right on top of the port symbol. It can be... :pullhair:
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 26, 2017, 05:29:09 AM
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 25, 2017, 10:49:51 AM
Yeah, sometimes you have to hold the generals hands and lead them region by region to get them to go the way you want.

I  do that constantly. It doesn't help.

Our recent re-conquest of Athens, came about due to not even one stack heading for Athens. One stack was literally marching the opposite direction, in order to meet another stack in the territory between them. But all the stacks ended up there -- except for a couple of generals who ended up going to the city I told them without any of their troops joining them.  :crazy2:

This is pure "Let's just go conquer Byzantium instead" behavior.


Incidentally, I have been totally away from keyboard the past few afternoons and evenings, until sleep time at night, so that's why I haven't sent in my next turn yet. I don't know if it'll be this weekend before I can do so -- now that I've figured out how to track and plot movable pieces it never takes long to play my turn, but it does take  half an hour and I need to be not-falling-asleep.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 26, 2017, 12:02:15 PM
No worries mate.  Take your time.  I know real life can be a pain and sleep is a precious commodity!   :)
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on July 27, 2017, 06:43:21 AM
I suspect, though I can't be sure, that I'll be able to get a turn in today. If not today, then Friday (tomorrow) for sure. Things will have calmed down by the weekend one way or another, and I should be back to a turn a day soon.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on July 31, 2017, 07:06:03 PM
And another turn played!

Rome is still under siege but Metapontum and Spoleitum have fallen.  (Both in Italia)

Meanwhile the barbaric Lusitanians in Hispania continue to give me trouble although I did manage to drive them away from their siege of Toletum. 
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on August 16, 2017, 05:04:35 PM
I'm thinking of ending the game due to the continuing weirdness in my game loads. I don't know if it's because I don't zip my orders file, and so my orders are getting corrupted, or if it's because I took over from MD's position and the game is freaking out about that. But to give the latest example: I order a general with one legion and some support to go help Thessalonica, which will take him a couple of turns to reach. Next turn, Thessalonica falls -- which is fine -- but not before my general got there. No, he passed Thess and moved right around the ocean rim several provinces beyond it, with orders to continue on to Byzantium! Also, he only has one legion now, no support. I might buy that he lost them in transit somehow, but he shouldn't have warped that far to begin with: perhaps the chaos demons got his auxilliaries, or they fell off the disc he was using to Skim between points. {/WoT ref}

It's migraine inducing, and not even very fair to the other players either, since my generals (with or without armies) might pop up randomly in their hinterlands (mostly Tuna's) to threaten random troops.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: W8taminute on August 17, 2017, 06:13:40 PM
Yeah those are some strange problems.  No worries on 86ing this game.  We can always find another one to pickup!   :)
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on August 18, 2017, 01:26:34 PM
We could do a forum COIN game if we found a fourth.  O:-)
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: JasonPratt on August 18, 2017, 01:27:51 PM
Alternately, we could try starting fresh on AJE, this time with a shorter 3-player scenario (like year of the 4 or 5 emperors, whatever that was  :)) ), and see if the weird problems continue.
Title: Re: Alea Jacta Est MD, Tuna, W8taminute threeway
Post by: airboy on August 28, 2017, 11:08:06 AM
Although this game was a bust, ALEA JACTA EST is on sale for $10 and the expansions are 50% off currently at matrix/slitherine.