2nd Generation WW1 Solo Decks

[Blackronin]

One of the weaknesses of the previous solo decks was the closing of enemy planes in the frontal facing of the AI plane and when the enemy planes were very near the AI plane. Some of the manoeuvres didn't made sense.

As a stop gap solution I implemented these:

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...ed-Solo-Charts

But I wasn't happy with extra rules when the charts should be enough and fast to use. So I came up with this new approach.
There are four lines for when the enemy plane is very close to the AI plane. Right forward arc, left forward arc, right rear arc and left rear arc. The AI plane will react to the proximity of the enemy plane, trying to stay way from the enemy's forward arc and trying to bear its weapons against the enemy.

The next two lines are for forward and rear arcs when the enemy is at a safe distance and will give time to the AI plane to put itself in a better position. Being the enemy closing or moving away.

The last eight lines are for enemy planes more than a ruler away, in left or right arcs of the AI plane and closing or moving away. These lines were streamlined and are slightly different from the previous chart.

I've done the A, B, C, D, D-special, E, E+, F,G, I, J, J*, N, R, S, T, U Charts. Please experiment with it and give me some feedback of it's use if you do care to do it. Thanks.

I'll soon (during this week) make the other charts. I haven't received any feedback yet, but my experiences have been favourable and I'll use these charts from now on.

The other charts that I'll be making are: (H, G*, K), L, M, O, P, Q and V when it arrives.

I've taken the charts from the below post and concentrated them here. They're also in my files. Feel free to use them at your will.

A - G - J* - S - T Decks


B - J - R Decks


C Deck


D - U Charts


D Special Chart (For those who feel that the Dr.1 turned a little better to left than the D Deck allows.)


E - I Decks


E+ Deck (For those who feel that the Nieuport 11 turned a little better than the Eindecker.)


F - N Decks


P Deck


G* - H - K Decks


Q Deck


O Deck


M Deck


L Deck

[Xoliul]

Nice one! As i said in another thread, I will try this!

That said, here's a crazy thought:
Instead of doing this full manual and looking up on paper charts, how about a computer program that just takes a few parameters as input and then does the dice throw and returns the result automatically? It could even do damage rolls easily, though i'm not sure if that would work. i'm not suggesting you to write it, i might actually try to do it myself, just wonder how people feel about that? ideally this would even be a smartphone/tablet app that you have next to you at the table (I don't know how to program that though).
Also, I presume that using Ares' graphics (for movement cards) inside that program would not be OK due to copyrights and such ?

[fast.git]

I'll take a look at these over the next couple of days, Joaquim, and get back to you with my thoughts.

[Blackronin]

Nice one! As i said in another thread, I will try this!

That said, here's a crazy thought:
Instead of doing this full manual and looking up on paper charts, how about a computer program that just takes a few parameters as input and then does the dice throw and returns the result automatically? It could even do damage rolls easily, though i'm not sure if that would work. i'm not suggesting you to write it, i might actually try to do it myself, just wonder how people feel about that? ideally this would even be a smartphone/tablet app that you have next to you at the table (I don't know how to program that though).
Also, I presume that using Ares' graphics (for movement cards) inside that program would not be OK due to copyrights and such ?

Indeed.
But I do like the paper charts and real dice rolling.

[Blackronin]

I'll take a look at these over the next couple of days, Joaquim, and get back to you with my thoughts.

Thanks, Chris.

[fast.git]

Indeed.
But I do like the paper charts and real dice rolling.

Although I agree with Joaquim, there is something to be said for such a program... especially one that would generate three-card draws for multiple aircraft at once. Might ease the burden of large solo engagements. And it's not necessary, really, to use Ares' graphics. Using generic arrows to identify which card should be played should avoid any copyright issues. In other words, sure, you'd have access to the numbers of specific maneuvers in each deck (something Herr Oberst is already working on), but you'd need the deck for length of arrow, depth of turn, etc.

[MoonSylver]

Very interesting! I'll digest it further when I've had the morning java.

[Scott]

This looks promising. It makes me want to learn how to code apps. I don't have time right now, but my job responsibilities taper off in the summer and I may tackle it then.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

I like the refinement there.
Distance does matter in a lot of cases.
Rob.

[fast.git]

Agreed. At times, I've erred on the side of "common sense" when running AI pilots... hopefully this refinement will mitigate the need for that.

[Blackronin]

I like the refinement there.
Distance does matter in a lot of cases.
Rob.

Indeed, Rob. Sometimes the advanced charts would put the AI plane in a "stupid" position.

Agreed. At times, I've erred on the side of "common sense" when running AI pilots... hopefully this refinement will mitigate the need for that.

That's the plan.

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

A must try as I've indicated in your other thread elsewhere Joaquim.

[Nightbomber]

Joaquim, you are boosting the solo options again
I will surely try this against my phantom opponents!
Good work

[skyking20]

Its always good to roll dice. I love the gracefulness of the game though and do not want to see artificial mechanics over shadow it!

[skyking20]

One thing that I have never heard mentioned with this type of mechanic is how should the randomizers be affected by the damage that the phantom pilot has taken? Not so much his abilities, that is dictaed by the rules, but his attitude towards risk taking, pursuit and even staying in the fight. Even pjhantom pilots want to fight another day!

[Flying Officer Kyte]

If you read our reports and AARs in OTT you will find several suggestions on how to deal with the morale issues of AI pilots Lance.

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/for...r-the-Trenches

Besides which the story lines are a darned good read as well.
Rob.

[flash]

Check the OTTFM Rules Lance - we try to use the KISS principle whenever we can:

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...Campaign-Rules

[flash]

My first observations:

If an aircraft is less than 1 ruler closing to the front quarters somewhere then chances are on the first card played you will be passing eachother - maybe 3 turns in the opposite direction from that they came will give them something to think about ? Put the turn/straight/Immel at 3-4 and the opp turn at two?

If an aircraft is less than 1 ruler closing to the rear quarters somewhere then chances are on the first card played you have been shot - if you are not turning into the attack on the first & second card you are likely to be shot again... +1 !!

Not so much with these decks but with later decks I noticed we do not always make use of the full moves available or necessarily in the right way - like sideslips, sharp turns, broad sideslips - though they can be tricky to factor in. eg Camel could make 3 sharp turns right to engage target on the left !

Lots to ponder - not in a position to test much in the near future but keep up the good work Joaquim.

[Blackronin]

My first observations:

If an aircraft is less than 1 ruler closing to the front quarters somewhere then chances are on the first card played you will be passing each other - maybe 3 turns in the opposite direction from that they came will give them something to think about ? Put the turn/straight/Immel at 3-4 and the opp turn at two?

I've thought of that. But three turns in the opposite direction from a plane that only makes 60º turns is giving a lot of time for the player to put himself in a good position. If the plane has 90º turns, now that's another story.

If an aircraft is less than 1 ruler closing to the rear quarters somewhere then chances are on the first card played you have been shot - if you are not turning into the attack on the first & second card you are likely to be shot again... +1 !!

But you have to give the AI plane several very different options here, or the player will always put the plane in a good position, knowing always where the AI plane will head. Even a less than optimal manoeuvre will probably put the player planing a different manoeuvre for his plane, thus giving a chance to the AI to leave the cone of fire. In many games I lost the AI plane as a target because the dice dictated the less obvious move.

Not so much with these decks but with later decks I noticed we do not always make use of the full moves available or necessarily in the right way - like sideslips, sharp turns, broad sideslips - though they can be tricky to factor in. eg Camel could make 3 sharp turns right to engage target on the left !

Lots to ponder - not in a position to test much in the near future but keep up the good work Joaquim.

You're right. That's one of the aspects I want to work about the late decks. And this new approach - that I hope will clean the dumb moves for the AI will leave me space to put some fancy manoeuvring with the most manoeuvrable decks.

And thanks for the comments, Dave.

[flash]

I've thought of that. But three turns in the opposite direction from a plane that only makes 60º turns is giving a lot of time for the player to put himself in a good position. If the plane has 90º turns, now that's another story.

I don't agree with that entirely as the approaching pilot won't know which move will be selected by AI when he plans his moves & he has to play his three cards before he can counter the AI - that doesn't prevent him second guessing of course but will give him another AI counter move to think about.
For example, if you approach AI from the middle right front quarter at close range chances are that you will pass behind him on the first card of the turn - by AI playing three left turns he will have turned 180 and there is a chance you may be in front of him as you moved right to left relative to his start position. I think that's a valid counter attack option compared with turning right for three turns as in that case the AI will get out of the line of fire but will likely be way out of position for a counter attack, though it's a valid option as an evade move.

But you have to give the AI plane several very different options here, or the player will always put the plane in a good position, knowing always where the AI plane will head. Even a less than optimal manoeuvre will probably put the player planning a different manoeuvre for his plane, thus giving a chance to the AI to leave the cone of fire. In many games I lost the AI plane as a target because the dice dictated the less obvious move.

Just a suggestion is all ! Maybe reverse the sideslip option so you slide to the inside of the turn rather than the outside ?

You're right. That's one of the aspects I want to work about the late decks. And this new approach - that I hope will clean the dumb moves for the AI will leave me space to put some fancy manoeuvring with the most manoeuvrable decks. And thanks for the comments, Dave.

You're welcome - just poking the fire of inspiration

[Blackronin]

I'll try once or twice with your idea of putting the turn/straight/Immel at 3-4 and the opp turn at 2 and I'll report back.

[flash]

Maybe a sideslip right then 2 lefts could be a nice option to try too ?

[Blackronin]

Four more decks.
The E+ is for the Nieuport 11 (completely unofficial-unofficial), but I think that it will work in a more realistic way if you're playing solo.

Decks on the start of the Thread.

[skyking20]

I know right. Our last game one of our better players in a Spad VII jammed his guns on the first shot and then "bumped" into a violently maneuvering Gotha (well for a Gotha it was violent!) three times!! I was trying to write it all down for an AAR (but we were all laughing and the guys get impatient when I do too much writing). Anyway, the Spad was so messed up that by the time he got clear of the Gotha and was ready to shoot again, one of the kids playing had gotten behind him in a Fokker E III and put him down with one shot!

If you read our reports and AARs in OTT you will find several suggestions on how to deal with the morale issues of AI pilots Lance.

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/for...r-the-Trenches

Besides which the story lines are a darned good read as well.
Rob.

[MoonSylver]

I was trying to write it all down for an AAR (but we were all laughing and the guys get impatient when I do too much writing).

If you have a digital camera, pics are a fast, easy, & effective way of "visual note taking" for AAR's. Very easy to "reassemble" the action later when writing it out when referring back to the pictures

[Blackronin]

If you have a digital camera, pics are a fast, easy, & effective way of "visual note taking" for AAR's. Very easy to "reassemble" the action later when writing it out when referring back to the pictures

Right on the spot.

[Blackronin]

The F and N deck are done.


I must still make the late war decks:

L Deck
M Deck
O Deck
Q Deck

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Keep up the good work Quim.
Rob.

[Blackronin]

Keep up the good work Quim.
Rob.

Thanks, Rob. I will.

[Captain Chum]

Keep up the good work Quim.
Rob.

+1....interesting work mate.

[flash]

....
I must still make the:

G Deck
H-K decks
J Deck
L Deck
M Deck
O Deck
P Deck
Q Deck
T Deck

And the U & V decks ??!

[Nightbomber]

This is really a gargantuan work, Quim

[Blackronin]

And the U & V decks ??!

Are these out yet?!

[Blackronin]

This is really a gargantuan work, Quim

Thanks, my friend.
And then I'll start working on ww2. I have an excellent idea for the solo decks.

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Superb work Joaquim. Looking forward to trying these out next week.

[flash]

Are these out yet?!

U deck is the Sopwith Tripe & V deck will be the Alb D.II & Halb CL.II (check out the pics in the AA store)
V is the J* deck ie J deck with 1 L&R sideslip removed.

[Blackronin]

Ok! Of course.
I'll do these as well.

[rkwright]

These look outstanding, I'm going to try them either tonight or tomorrow! Might I suggest two things?

1) I am considering rolling 2 d6 - 1-3 on the first dice and I use the old charts, 5-6 and use these new charts. Basically more moves for the AI to make. Not sure if more is better but I like the idea of more variety.

2) When I play against other human pilots, its always the unexpected that catches me off guard. Maybe consider breaking up the 3-4 roll column and let the AI do something completely different. ie if the enemy pilot is closing at 3 o'clock, the AI pilot won't turn into the fight, but fly straight, then being making left turns to attempt to tail. Not good Dicta, but hey, combat is never text book.

[rkwright]

One other thing...

Does the D deck have 90 degree left turns?

[Blackronin]

One other thing...

Does the D deck have 90 degree left turns?

You're right. I always forget that D deck hasn't left 90º turns because I use 90º turns in my Dr.1 deck.
In my opinion (and not only mine) the Dr.1 was able to turn left much better than the Camel.
I'll change that in a moment.
Thanks.

[Blackronin]

Some decks redone and some decks added! All in the first post of this thread!

D deck - Redone - Now you have the D - U decks in one chart and the D special (for those mad like me in another chart).
A - B - S decks chart redone. Out with B deck (has 3 sideslips not being used) and in with G, J* and T (same manoeuvres as A and S). It became A, G, J*, S, T Decks Chart.
New chart - B - J - R Decks Chart.

Have fun!

[flash]

Don't forget J* = V Deck - so you have an A, G, J*,V, S, T Decks Chart - Like the consolidation Joaquim.

[Blackronin]

Don't forget J* = V Deck - so you have an A, G, J*,V, S, T Decks Chart - Like the consolidation Joaquim.

Thanks, Dave. I won't forget.
P deck and G*-H-K decks done.

Just four more to go. The late war decks.

[Blackronin]

Peter (Teaticket) was kind enough to clean the new Charts so that they are much readable and can be printed in half a page.
Here they are:

Solo chart for decks A G J* S T
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/dow...o=file&id=1779

Solo chart for decks B J R
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/dow...o=file&id=1780

Solo chart for decks C
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/dow...o=file&id=1781

Solo chart for decks D U
http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/dow...o=file&id=1782

[calm]

Will be helpful when I start playing WW1 solo

[Blackronin]

Will be helpful when I start playing WW1 solo

Oh! You'll love it, Carlos.
It's intense flying.

[calm]

Joaquim, with the aproaching WW2 campaign, I will not have time to play it very soon, but I am eager to try it, I know it should be very intense flying, as you said

[fast.git]

These look great... thanks to Joaquim (for the initial work) and Peter (for the .pdf)!

[fast.git]

P deck and G*-H-K decks done.

Just four more to go. The late war decks.

Do you have the G*-H-K decks uploaded yet...?

[MoonSylver]

Oh! You'll love it, Carlos.
It's intense flying.

I can't wait to get another game going so I can try these out. I'm really looking forward to the challenge of an even more skillful AI opponent (not that the old one wasn't!)