Scenario Organization question/suggestion

**Omegalazarus** · 01-30-2013 10:58

I am new to the game and am waiting for my 4 planes to arrive. I was looking into scenarios and trying to figure out what I can do with them and how many friends I need over etc. and it is really hard to figure these files out.

Being new to the game and site, I don't want to seem presumptuous but...

I was wondering if anyone has tried to categorize these scenarios for easy search. The few I have downloaded have varied in accessibility as some are hard to interpret as far as info on player numbers, models needed etc. I am not proposing anything that would necessarily change the functions provided by the site.

It seems that it would be a good idea to have a standard info sheet as the first page of a scenario. Something like the min-max players, models needed, etc. Also, if this info is easy to glean, then it would be easy to database this info in a searchable place. I think this would increase the use of all of these amazing user generated scenarios and help the game. I am not graphically inclined, but am willing to try and come up with something. I don't think that a small cover sheet puts an undue burden on content creators and the feeling in the community (admittedly, based on a short observance) seems to be one of fellowship and cooperation so I think people would be up for it.

I am willing to help however I can and can definitely create a spreadsheet with the relevant mission info if I can get the info from the creators. At worst, I can try to mine the files for the info myself, but my n00b status may make that harder for me than for someone else.

The end result could be something as simple as a file in the file section (updated weekly/monthly depending on traffic) that is a spreadsheet listing all the relevant info for scenarios. One could download it and peruse their own requirements to find a few file names that sound good. Then they could go to the section and download them as normal. I think the main crux would be owners updating old files, but new files could be put in seamlessly by submitting the 'standard' cover sheet with their file. A person could add that to the sheet and there you go. I would be more than happy to help with this, especially the spreadsheet as I have excess time to do it. Though, there are surely some out there that are better than me at Excel etc.

What do you all think? Too much trouble? System fine the way it is? etc.

Anyone can message me if they would like to get something going with this, but a group effort would ease the pain of setting up the back-log.

I am mainly interested in making all of the great content I have found so far easily accessible for those who want to use it.

**Oberst Hajj** · 01-30-2013 12:42

We've talked about a standardized Mission format in the past, and all agree that it would be a great idea. The problem is getting someone with skills, software and time to make up the templates. They they have to be made easily modifiable by everyone, so that it's easy to add them to a mission they create.

Most of the missions can be played with any number of players, you just scale it up or down to suit your needs. Same thing applies to plane types really.

**Omegalazarus** · 01-30-2013 14:59

Originally Posted by Oberst Hajj

We've talked about a standardized Mission format in the past, and all agree that it would be a great idea. The problem is getting someone with skills, software and time to make up the templates.

Do you think Microsoft Word is widespread enough to use that as a template base? The entire mission need not be in that form if creators like their own way. Even a standard 1 page form with relevant info would work. Those seem good for easy alteration and addition. IF you go to batrep.net and look at some files there like the "40k Getting Started Guide" or "40k on Time" you will see some sheets that my friend has made for 40k (Batrep is our site to record 40k). These are example of what he can do. I am not as skilled, but can work up good formatting of a word or excel document for people to use. I fear that MS Access is not widespread enough to use or it would be perfect. _NOTE: This isn't a plug for the site and there is no adverts or products. I just want to show what my friend's and I can do with other games. I would be happy to do this for WOG if it is not too forward.

In fact, if you tell me what info a person should know to see if they can do the mission (not all the special rules to play), then I can do a draft before the week is out for a cover page to add to missions. It would basically be a sheet that tells a player "Can I set up and play this mission with the products and people I have?" They would need to read the whole mission that the creator made to determine if they want to play or not.

**Oberst Hajj** · 01-30-2013 15:33

A PDF form that the creator could fill out would actually be the best option. Anyone can download it for free, so in essence, everyone has it.

The biggest draw back to this kind of system from a players point of view is they are going to have to download this coversheet and then if they like the sounds of it, the actual mission. For me, I'd rather just download the mission and look at it. The other option is to just have the creators place this cover sheet as the first page in their mission upload. But we can't really enforce this, the best we could do is have someone dedicated to adding the cover sheets to them after they have been uploaded.

Also, in our Files system, you can only have one file per File (or upload if that makes more sense). Simply putting the pertinent data is the description text area would work just as well.

**Omegalazarus** · 01-30-2013 16:18

Okay, it seems like the best option is the cover sheet idea due to file limitation and ease of use. We can make a good cover sheet and add the template to the site and with a little advertising get the word out to use it. Content creators are usually pliable with these sorts of requests as they are already doing 'something for nothing' and I think people wouldn't mind adding this little hurdle, especially if it makes their scenarios user friendly.

I or a group of us can work on updating the old files if the original creators don't want to or are no longer here, but either way this sounds like a boon going forward. An easy task might be just updating the heavily used scenarios and new ones going forward. If it is possible to put a sticky in the file section that requests users add this format, that would probably be enough. I know we can't enforce it and wouldn't want to as it might chill creativity and am sure people don't come and contribute here to be policed.

I just think it is a good idea that can get going with a little good-hearted effort and awareness. I will look at some scenarios and see what info seems to be needed. IF you or anyone want to send me details that you think are worth noting, I can do a mock up and see if anyone likes it. Thanks for your advice on this so far.

**ptownhiker** · 01-30-2013 18:48

Hi Japheth,
You have started a good discussion and asked good questions. Your perspective as new player enables you to have no institutionalized blinders that come from being involved in any endeavor (this is especially true in the workplace, but that is a discussion for another time). In terms of scenario format, I especially like the format Carl Brisgamer used for his WWII scenario called, "Reconnaissance Over Damascus". I like its combination of organization and slick looking graphics. Another style is my own WWII scenario called, "Raid on RAF Lympe" which has some good organization, but lacks information on scaling the scenario up or down for different numbers of players. It also doesn't have setup diagrams or supporting graphics.

I know that a template would help me stay organized in writing scenarios and could even help guide me in creating a fun, and perhaps balanced, scenario.

dave s.

p.s. Welcome to the 'drome, Japheth.

**Omegalazarus** · 01-31-2013 06:32

Originally Posted by ptownhiker

In terms of scenario format, I especially like the format [for] "Reconnaissance Over Damascus" and "Raid on RAF Lympe".

Thanks for the direction. I will look at those two scenarios for themes and try to get some sort of mock up out by next week. I am thinking something like a break down of necessary info (pieces needed etc.) on the first page, then just some section headers (based on what I see in the files). Of course, anything I come up with will be crowd sourced for tweaks from more experienced players and scenario writers but maybe we can get something headed in the right direction.

Now, on the files!

- Also, I just have to say that I am really excited because the duel packs finally released so Frank Luke's Spad is headed my way. I hope the Kaiser got lots of balloons for his geburstag!

**HTRAINo** · 01-31-2013 10:05

Hi Japheth,

I like the sound of what is to be achieved, and I see your point in having a cover sheet so you don't end up downloading files you don't want or have the components for.
Is this not achievable by adding an image (simple upload) to the desired scenario, with requirements or a comment by the author on which aircraft/balloons etc are required?

I for one know that my scenarios that I posted in WWI prob need a facelift, especially since the dawn of the new WoG rules. Also in light of the Richard Bradley Solo Rules, which I found after doing them. I suppose I could revise those files.

Some scenarios are intended for mission specific aircraft, but others are not. These parameters only need to be set for those 'Specific Missions'.
Others are technically ideas to base a scenario from, and leave the narrative to the creators desire.

Wingman request coming.

I am interested in writing scenarios for solo play. So if people want to pm me when they are stuck for ideas, drop me a line. If you have specific planes you want to use, and number of preferred players then I will try my best to make up a fun scenario.

**Omegalazarus** · 01-31-2013 11:13

Originally Posted by HTRAINo

Is this not achievable by adding an image (simple upload) to the desired scenario, with requirements or a comment by the author on which aircraft/balloons etc are required?

I for one know that my scenarios that I posted in WWI prob need a facelift, especially since the dawn of the new WoG rules. Also in light of the Richard Bradley Solo Rules, which I found after doing them. I suppose I could revise those files.

That is a good idea. I have not posted any files yet, so I am not sure if that would work. If so, it sounds like a great leap forward. I also think that your attitude is the key. If you and other creators are willing to tweak and re-submit your old scenarios, then the system will work out great for players looking to take full advantage of all the great content being put out here. If not, others (myself included) can mine through the old scenarios and add a sheet to the information. I don't think it would be right to actually change anything someone else did, but adding a cover sheet or the image you spoke of should be fine.

I am glad to see this discussion going well and hope that others (like you) with more experience at the game chime in with ideas and observations.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 02-01-2013 02:32

So far as I am concerned Japheth, I'm too busy to revisit any of my scenarios, but you can tweak them as much as you like. That is what they are there for. None are set in stone. Please use them as you see fit.

I wish you every success with this admirable project.

Rob.

**Omegalazarus** · 02-01-2013 07:07

Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte

you can tweak them as much as you like. That is what they are there for. None are set in stone. Please use them as you see fit.

Thanks. Once I get my feet planted and figure out the main points to the scenarios I will try and add a cover sheet in there. I just don't want anyone to think I will be going in and "improving them" a la George Lucas.

I hope to get a chance to read some scenarios today and this weekend and hopefully put forth something next week. No doubt, I will be making little machine gun and stressed engine sounds as I read through the multitude of scenarios I have yet to play.

**Omegalazarus** · 02-01-2013 14:49

Okay, how does this sound for info? I think there should be enough info on the page for a player to know - IF they can play it with what they have access to - If they like that mission type - If it supports the player amount they are looking for

NOTE: This is not a post about any formatting yet. I am simple putting out what titles would be available and need to be filled with some short reasoning as to why they should be there and examples of possible input.

Scenario Name, Creator - Obvious

Scenario type – I would leave a short list of options for someone to pick one. <<Bombing, Aerial Combat, photography, escort etc.>> This keeps a short list of types that best represent the mission, though it may have more than one thing involved. The authorr should pick one they think best suits the feel of the mission.

Number of players – range of players or number if unscalable for some reason (some games may not scale due to model limits or special rules created). Ex. 1, 2-4, 2+, SOLO ONLY

Models needed – Total number of models/type needed to play scenario divided by side. We assume anyone knows that can directly switch all sides, but may include this statement if there is room --- Entente - 3 Fighters / Central, 1 Bomber, 1 Fighter --OR-- 1 Fighter per person, 1 two seater per side

Other Accessories – while it is assumed that the player has RAP or similar components, list a vague sense of objectives needed etc. – Ground targets, AA guns, SOLO rules and templates,

Fluffy synopsis

I am interested in any feedback of categories that need to be added or removed or better ways to express information. This is my take on it as a new player. I am basing this on similar devices from other games and some basic logic about what is valuable info. Note that the creator would then have their scenario on the next page(s) so that is unchanged as of now.

Take a look this weekend and let me know if anyone has any ideas. IF it looks good (based on responses), I'll do a mock-up and post it to see the response. I know this weekend may be busy for some of us because of the Sunday religious observance (Super Bowl).

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 02-02-2013 10:51

Here's my thought on this......

MISSION ORGANISATION SHEET

This is a basic format for organising missions. Each heading has a description of what could be included. Below is an sample missions transcribed into this format.

Mission Briefing:
Include here the mission name, number etc.

GROUND:
Explain here the table layout. Include a map or sketch of the table including known enemy positions and the target if there is one. You could include weather i.e. clouds etc.

SITUATION:
A brief explanation of the situation that may or may not tie in with the campaign so far.

ENEMY FORCES:
Include details of the enemy that may or may not be known. Which squadron, planes they use how many could you expect. This heading includes not only factual but ‘campaign’ based information to enhance the write up and these two should be clearly separated.

FRIENDLY FORCES:
Include here a detailed breakdown of what can be included in the mission.
i.e. rolling dice for numbers or types of aircraft. Names of NPC pilots available for this mission could also be included.

ATTACHMENTS AND DETACHMENTS:
Include here any mission specific aircraft that are not generally part of your squadron,
For example 2 seaters, bombers etc.

MISSION:
This is a one line/sentence statement of what you are to do.

EXECUTION:
Include here the secenario/mission parameters and any special rules or considerations that are to be included.

Mission Briefing: Solo Mission 1: DAWN PATROL

GROUND:
The table is 4’x3’ and may include no-mans land. No-mans land should be placed mid-way running across the width of the table. The weather report is fine and there are no clouds.

SITUATION:
The enemy have taken to flying early morning patrols to try and catch us out. The high command have detailed the squadron to fly each morning a dawn patrol.

ENEMY FORCES:
Our enemy are the Kaiser’s Eagle squadron, they mainly fly scout type aircraft. You can expect Fokker Dr1’s, Albatross DIII’s and Dva’s.

The enemy are the defenders and will be governed by AI rules.
Roll D6: 1 = 1 enemy aircraft
2-4 = 2 enemy aircraft
5 = 3 enemy aircraft
6 = 4 enemy aircraft

Roll D6 for each enemy aircraft
: 1 = Albatross DIII
2-3 = Fokker Dr1
4-5 = Albatross Dva
6 = Free choice from above

FRIENDLY FORCES:
As you are aware 52nd squadron has a mix of aircraft types you all have your own personal choice and your wingmen, if you have the opportunity to fly any of the aircraft available.

Roll D6: : 1 = 1 aircraft
2-4 = 2 aircraft
5-6 = 3 aircraft

Roll D6 for each NPC wingman.
1 = SE5a
2-3 = Spad XIII
4-5 = Sopwith Camel
6 = Free choice from above

NPC Pilots available:

Lt William Johnson
Lt Harry Worth
Lt Oswald Biggley
Lt Harvey Smythe-Jones

ATTACHMENTS AND DETACHMENTS:
There are no attachments to our squadron for this mission.

MISSION:
Your mission is to locate and destroy all enemy aircraft operating in your patrol area.

EXECUTION:
The controlling player chooses which short base line to enter from the enemy (AI) enter from the opposite side. For each (AI) plane roll D6:

1-2 enter from the left square.
3-4 enter from the centre square.
5-6 enter form the right square.

Player controlled planes can choose which square to start in.

The game ends when all enemy or friendly aircraft are shot down or leave the table.

Wounded pilots and crash tables are used to determine pilots outcomes.

No aces can be chosen from the NPC lists.
Wounds and damage are to be recorded and included at the end of the AAR.

**wbfritze** · 02-02-2013 16:02

Skafloc,

I am also creating a template/mission for what I hope will be presented at a convention over here in Minnesota (USA). I'm going to utilize the format you've laid out and see how it...ahem...flies here, when I finish it.

Thanks for the idea.

**Omegalazarus** · 02-04-2013 10:04

@Skafloc - That looks like a well laid out template for mission/scenario creation and I will give it a go when I try my hand at making a mission.

As far as that is concerned, does anyone (everyone feel free to respond) think that a standardized mission template would be popular. I personally think a set template will make creation easier by giving the creator a form to work with and make sure that info doesn't get left out. It will also help players as they get used to what order things are in.

A separate issue that we are looking at is the creation of a 'cover page' that has a simple layout of the mission. The purpose of this is so that players can glance at a single page (or image as @HTRAINo suggested) and determine if they want to and have the pieces to play the mission.

I think these are both equally important advances we can all make in this on-line community to really help new and veteran players enjoy all the great user created content. I think a cover sheet is a good starter as it is easier to add it to older missions and to convince people to add the sheet or image to their upload.

Please, anyone interested in this discussion, tell us what you think about these things. Also, anyone who knows about the uploads can comment on @HTRAINo's idea about using the cover sheet as a viewable image that could save the time of downloading a mission you don't want or can't play. I am particularly interested in this and I would be glad to help create the image to make it readable.

Thanks to @Skafloc and everyone for their ideas, I think we are on to something.

**HTRAINo** · 02-04-2013 13:23

Could a 'hover' be created? (Not sure how/if it would on this forum).

You could then 'hover' over an image, and see a larger version (or mission specifics). 'Un-hover' and it returns to the original layout?

I'm not sure how the coding works for that kind of thing, but it may be a nice touch.
Keith probably has enough on his plate, shipping planes out to ppl at the mo though

**Omegalazarus** · 02-06-2013 12:17

Okay, I was trolling around the files section and trying to play with upload options when I saw a file called "Balloon Away" uploaded by @Sparty.

This has the type of photo info that @HTRAINo mentioned. If you click on the pic from the main menu and then again from the sub menu that opens, you get a full screen of the pick and it contains much of the information we have been talking about!

Now that we see this can be done, and indeed was done by one creator, we can really move forward.

IF I can get a few more responses of support, I or someone can Type up and upload a document for this purpose. Perhaps a moderator can 'sticky' it to the file menu so that when you visit, you see a suggested mission pic/info sheet. If you want, you can download it and fill it out. Then post it as the mission pic so that everyone can see it at a glance.

I was really excited to see this and hope there is interest in completing this little project.

**freebird-52** · 02-07-2013 11:58

Wow, discovered too late...I've started building some scenarios based on the Richthofen's War board game. I tried to follow their format since it was simple but straight forward. I've finsihed all seven plus a few extras - 9 total. my plan was to post them, first two already psoted, for review & comments.

As to format, I kept it the same. However, like you I wanted to use a base template from this website., but there wasn't any..

So that's why I fell back to the Richthofen's War as a template...

Love the discussion and may have to re-visit those I'm working on.

Cheers,
Andy

**Omegalazarus** · 02-07-2013 12:23

Originally Posted by freebird-52

Wow, discovered too late...

Love the discussion and may have to re-visit those I'm working on.

No worries. Hopefully, we will have something moving forward next time you set up a campaign. I will check out your missions and also check out this template as I have not seen or played that game. Feel free to add anything to the discussion or direct others here if they want to support this idea.

**Mike George** · 02-07-2013 13:17

This sounds GREAT! Thanks Omegalazarus for taking it on.

**Omegalazarus** · 02-12-2013 10:49

Okay, I uploaded a file in the Scenarios section titled "Wings Of Glory Mission Essentials (Cover Sheet)" http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/dow...o=file&id=1203

Anyone can download it and check it out. There are tooltips in the status bar to help guide you in filling it out. I protected it so that it won't accidentally get messed up and so that there won't be tons of very similar ones around with tweaks here and there as that defeats the purpose of having a uniform sheet. Feedback is desired as I want this to be useful and intuitive and veteran WoG's and new players alike should let me know how to improve it so we can get it worked out. Once that happens maybe we can get a moderator to make it sticky in the mission section to raise awareness.

Again, the idea is to fill this out for your mission and attach it as the cover sheet and, if possible, upload it as the picture so that people can click on it and read it (to see if they can play it) without needing to download it. For an example of this idea, look at the 'Balloon Away' mission by Sparty. You can click the mission pic and read the basics without ever downloading it.

Remember, the purpose of this IS NOT to replace a mission template. This does not and should not have all the info needed to setup and play the mission. That is another project for another time.

WHAT THIS IS is a single page document of essentials needed to play the mission. This lets players know if they have the miniatures, amount of players, desire etc. to play the mission before they wade through the details of set up and other things. Hopefully, before they even download it.

**ptownhiker** · 02-12-2013 18:18

I have downloaded the mission template and am testing it with a WWII scenario I am assembling. I have run into some formatting problems with my use of OpenOffice (I believe you used MS Word 2010?). The chief issue is that I cannot see the tooltips for completing the form.

I see myself adding a box specifically for starting positions: certain distance from the side or corner of the play area, and a certain altitude or altitude range. I would use the Description section as the flavor description provided for the benefit of players.

I like seeing a section for Victory Points, although I see this as interchangeable with a Victory Conditions section (example: Allies achieve victory by bombing target, Allies achieve victory by getting plane X to the far side of the play area, etc).

**freebird-52** · 02-12-2013 18:47

I've also downloaded the template and started to fill it in.

Several things:
1. Most of my scenarios are one page covering everything broken down into your columns
2. Since I created tables listing aircraft versus what aircraft, I found it laborious converting my table into a usable format to paste into you document.
3. Converting my one page scenario to fill out a one page cover sheet was time consuming.
4. I do see some advantages; the ability to throw something simple together, has the basic elements one would need for a scenario, and reduces the lengthy scenarios down into it’s simple terms.

Cheers,

Andy

**wbfritze** · 02-12-2013 19:40

Originally Posted by Oberst Hajj

We've talked about a standardized Mission format in the past, and all agree that it would be a great idea. The problem is getting someone with skills, software and time to make up the templates. They they have to be made easily modifiable by everyone, so that it's easy to add them to a mission they create.

Most of the missions can be played with any number of players, you just scale it up or down to suit your needs. Same thing applies to plane types really.

Since we're all on line via a website, what about an HTML format? It is easily viewable, obviously, through our web browsers. I have Dreamweaver MX (outdated by modern standards) and I can easily kick together a rough draft if fed with ideas via Word and then maybe ship the docs via email to Herr Oberst for thoughts. How's that for an idea?

I know that HTML might not be easily modifiable, as web coding is mostly static, but it could be a start.

**wbfritze** · 02-12-2013 19:42

Originally Posted by Skafloc

Here's my thought on this......

MISSION ORGANISATION SHEET

Edited for ease of reading...

But, all of these things can be created via pull down menus on Word.

**wbfritze** · 02-12-2013 19:57

example.doc

Like this...the pull down menus can be modified and while this isn't the prettiest of examples, it just shows, to a degree, how a standardized format can be created. With some Word knowledge, anyone can modify it to fit their tastes.

Hope this helps with the ideas.

**Omegalazarus** · 02-12-2013 21:32

Originally Posted by ptownhiker

I have run into some formatting problems with my use of OpenOffice (I believe you used MS Word 2010?). The chief issue is that I cannot see the tooltips for completing the form.

Sorry about that. Word removed the ability to create fill-able PDF's which was my original goal. I can write some tips in the forms and they will be written over when filled in, but my goal is that the form is self explanatory without tips. I mainly used them to guide the format and for English as a Second Language users.

Originally Posted by ptownhiker

I see myself adding a box specifically for starting positions: I would use the Description section as the flavor description provided for the benefit of players.

I intended Description to be for a flavor intro so that is good. As far as starting positions, I remind that I was not trying to replace the entire mission info here, only to tell a player what was needed to play. As start position is not a thing, I did not add it. However, if it looks to be a mission template we may change to that. I am skeptical though. I see many missions take up several pages to describe various things. For that reason, I leave that to the mission creator. I present this sheet only as an answer to the question of "CAN I play this mission." As in, do I have the models, the players, the desire. Of course, you could use 'description' as a place to set out map set up if you wanted the single page to have your entire mission.

I created this after downloading several missions only to realize that I did not have the models for them yet. It would have been nice to peruse them and pick out missions that my collection could support.

Originally Posted by ptownhiker

I like seeing a section for Victory Points, although I see this as interchangeable with a Victory Conditions section (example: Allies achieve victory by bombing target, Allies achieve victory by getting plane X to the far side of the play area, etc).

Yes, this is what I intended this section for. I see that a better name would have been "Victory Conditions" and will make that change with the first round of changes.

THanks for the feedback!

**Omegalazarus** · 02-12-2013 21:43

Originally Posted by freebird-52

Several things:
1. Most of my scenarios are one page covering everything broken down into your columns
Cool. Maybe this sheet will be useful in that manner for simple missions.
2. Since I created tables listing aircraft versus what aircraft, I found it laborious converting my table into a usable format to paste into you document. I don't know what to say about that. It sounds like that will be hard to incorporate anywhere and I am not sure I understand the concept. Can you not do like the Official Scenarios and say 'use series 1 planes against each other? etc.
3. Converting my one page scenario to fill out a one page cover sheet was time consuming. Yes, in this case I see the labor is as intense as writing the entire mission. It seems like this format would only benefit you going forward with new missions. Sorry.
4. I do see some advantages; the ability to throw something simple together, has the basic elements one would need for a scenario, and reduces the lengthy scenarios down into it’s simple terms. Yes, this was created with all those lengthy scenarios in mind. Give the user a simple quick sheet to look at and judge if they want the mission before they dive into the pages of text.

Thanks for the feedback!

**Omegalazarus** · 02-12-2013 21:49

@wbfritze I don't anything about HTML but am willing to help in any way I can. Of course, the bulk of my ideas about it are viewable in the file I uploaded. I think they are good for what we need to convey to prospective users. Let me know if I can help in some way if we want to go this route.

**wbfritze** · 02-13-2013 05:29

Omega,
Well, maybe i can take what you created, put it into a "selectable" and printable web-based format, and that will work? Is that the objective?

**Omegalazarus** · 02-13-2013 13:57

@wbfritze

The end goal is to have a cover sheet on uploaded missions with a standard informative format for anyone who wishes to include it (with an eye at making our missions more user friendly). A perfect solution would be one where the sheet can be uploaded and seen by people before they download the file. For one example of this, look at 'Balloon Away' by Sparty. You can click the pic and see it enlarged and read everything you need before you ever download the file.

If HTML can do something like this, I think it will be great.

**ptownhiker** · 02-13-2013 14:42

Originally Posted by Omegalazarus

@wbfritze

The end goal is to have a cover sheet on uploaded missions with a standard informative format for anyone who wishes to include it (with an eye at making our missions more user friendly). A perfect solution would be one where the sheet can be uploaded and seen by people before they download the file. For one example of this, look at 'Balloon Away' by Sparty. You can click the pic and see it enlarged and read everything you need before you ever download the file.

If HTML can do something like this, I think it will be great.

Ah! I get it now. The "Balloon Away" example clarifies it for me. I had misinterpreted the intent as for your form to be the complete mission briefing. The correct interpretation, however, is to have a summary one can read before deciding whether or not to download the entire mission. Let me revisit your form with that epiphany.

**Hunter** · 02-16-2013 01:57

Originally Posted by Skafloc

Here's my thought on this......

MISSION ORGANISATION SHEET

This is a basic format for organising missions. Each heading has a description of what could be included. Below is an sample missions transcribed into this format.

Mission Briefing:
Include here the mission name, number etc.

GROUND:
Explain here the table layout. Include a map or sketch of the table including known enemy positions and the target if there is one. You could include weather i.e. clouds etc.

SITUATION:
A brief explanation of the situation that may or may not tie in with the campaign so far.

ENEMY FORCES:
Include details of the enemy that may or may not be known. Which squadron, planes they use how many could you expect. This heading includes not only factual but ‘campaign’ based information to enhance the write up and these two should be clearly separated.

FRIENDLY FORCES:
Include here a detailed breakdown of what can be included in the mission.
i.e. rolling dice for numbers or types of aircraft. Names of NPC pilots available for this mission could also be included.

ATTACHMENTS AND DETACHMENTS:
Include here any mission specific aircraft that are not generally part of your squadron,
For example 2 seaters, bombers etc.

MISSION:
This is a one line/sentence statement of what you are to do.

EXECUTION:
Include here the secenario/mission parameters and any special rules or considerations that are to be included.

Mission Briefing: Solo Mission 1: DAWN PATROL

GROUND:
The table is 4’x3’ and may include no-mans land. No-mans land should be placed mid-way running across the width of the table. The weather report is fine and there are no clouds.

SITUATION:
The enemy have taken to flying early morning patrols to try and catch us out. The high command have detailed the squadron to fly each morning a dawn patrol.

ENEMY FORCES:
Our enemy are the Kaiser’s Eagle squadron, they mainly fly scout type aircraft. You can expect Fokker Dr1’s, Albatross DIII’s and Dva’s.

The enemy are the defenders and will be governed by AI rules.
Roll D6: 1 = 1 enemy aircraft
2-4 = 2 enemy aircraft
5 = 3 enemy aircraft
6 = 4 enemy aircraft

Roll D6 for each enemy aircraft
: 1 = Albatross DIII
2-3 = Fokker Dr1
4-5 = Albatross Dva
6 = Free choice from above

FRIENDLY FORCES:
As you are aware 52nd squadron has a mix of aircraft types you all have your own personal choice and your wingmen, if you have the opportunity to fly any of the aircraft available.

Roll D6: : 1 = 1 aircraft
2-4 = 2 aircraft
5-6 = 3 aircraft

Roll D6 for each NPC wingman.
1 = SE5a
2-3 = Spad XIII
4-5 = Sopwith Camel
6 = Free choice from above

NPC Pilots available:

Lt William Johnson
Lt Harry Worth
Lt Oswald Biggley
Lt Harvey Smythe-Jones

ATTACHMENTS AND DETACHMENTS:
There are no attachments to our squadron for this mission.

MISSION:
Your mission is to locate and destroy all enemy aircraft operating in your patrol area.

EXECUTION:
The controlling player chooses which short base line to enter from the enemy (AI) enter from the opposite side. For each (AI) plane roll D6:

1-2 enter from the left square.
3-4 enter from the centre square.
5-6 enter form the right square.

Player controlled planes can choose which square to start in.

The game ends when all enemy or friendly aircraft are shot down or leave the table.

Wounded pilots and crash tables are used to determine pilots outcomes.

No aces can be chosen from the NPC lists.
Wounds and damage are to be recorded and included at the end of the AAR.

I like this format. It would be more concise once a mission was developed. I think it is detailed enough, yet simple to use.

**freebird-52** · 02-17-2013 06:31

Hmmmm...I tried to use the form, save it as a PDF, open it in my photoshop program to save it as a jpeg. But all that showed up once posting it was the dreaded red X.

Any ideas on correcting that?

**Omegalazarus** · 02-17-2013 20:57

not sure. It is a fillable Word doc. so you may not be able to save it as a pdf and get any use out of it since the drop down menus and such won't be available.