Vassal Factory

Update - Mage Knight Board Game v2.6.1

Mage Knight Board Game v2.6.1 is not available. Changes include:

- Tutorial log added.
- New game buttons added to Main Map. Click the numbered button and the game will be set up with corresponding number of mana dice and units.
- Round clean up & Round setup button on the Card window automates round end clean up and setup.
- Clear play area button clears deed cards, returns mana tokens, resets mana counters and moves used skills.
- Changed the mana token counting system. Incrementing the mana token count by clicking on the mana button or pressing UP now calls an appropriate mana token to the player's mat. The count cannot be decreased, but is reset by the 'clear play area' button.
- Changed the crystal inventory system. Clicking on the crystal buttons calls crystal tokens to the inventory.
- Reroll button re-rolls black and gold mana.
- Skill tokens have 3 positions - unused, used this turn and used for the round.
- Removed auto-shuffle and added right-click 'shuffle' to token decks, and included token decks in game setup shuffle.
- Bonds of loyalty skill token given unique clean up position in bottom left.
- Character piece shapes changed to make selection easier.
- Dummy card reports hero change.
- Mouseover zoom shows discarded tokens on main map.
- Fixed skill token peeking
- Player map edited.
- Player display buttons moved to layer 4
- Tactic cards report deletion.
- Extra jpg/png files removed.
- Monster den and spawning ground descriptions updated.
- Interactive skill tokens now report deletion.
- Control bar tab descriptions rewritten.
- Round order tokens moved to player mats and delete option removed.
- Other minor tweaks and fixes.
- Updated to use Vassal 3.2.4+
- Module notes updated.

New Module - Bowl and Score v1.0.

Bowl and Score v1.0 is now ready for download.

Update - Space Empires: 4X

Space Empires: 4X has been updated to v2.1. Updates include:

- Corrected number of black holes in the White Deep Space Marker deck
- Made the Colony, Homeworld 20 and Homeworld 30 markers available for Red and Yellow players in the cardboard box menu.

Opponents Wanted • Re: Legendary: Marvel Deck Building game

Very doable. What sort of availability do you have?

Statistics: Posted by MasterGM — April 30th, 2013, 6:21 am

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Games in Progress • Twilight Imperium - The Great Divide

Creating a Post for Play by Forum with some friends. First attempt at this, wish me luck.

Statistics: Posted by thebrokentao — April 30th, 2013, 4:45 am

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Module General Discussion • Re: Drawing Random Units Tray

Thanks! And, thanks again to Michael Kiefte for designing the Import process.

Statistics: Posted by cgmclellan — April 30th, 2013, 4:03 am

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Module General Discussion • Re: Loss of Player Option

Thanks, Unfortunately, that was not mentioned in the instructions to make a scenario.

Statistics: Posted by cgmclellan — April 30th, 2013, 4:00 am

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Technical Support & Bugs • Re: Possible bug with scenario files

Found and fixed this problem and committed to SVN 8667.

Layer traits from pre 3.0 modules where not being converted correctly in 3.2.

You should be able to play these modules correctly with 3.2.5.

Statistics: Posted by Brent Easton — April 30th, 2013, 3:13 am

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VassalFactory: Zombie Enclave : Disponible / Available ! http://t.co/cQlk7aHr5B http://t.co/RCE1xPbDI2

VassalFactory: Zombie Enclave : Disponible / Available ! http://t.co/cQlk7aHr5B http://t.co/RCE1xPbDI2

VassalFactory: Zombie Enclave ... screenshot http://t.co/JHv0x2Xh

VassalFactory: Zombie Enclave ... screenshot http://t.co/JHv0x2Xh

VassalFactory: Another Zombie Game in progress ... who can guess its name ??? http://t.co/QY0eoNPf

VassalFactory: Another Zombie Game in progress ... who can guess its name ??? http://t.co/QY0eoNPf

Vassal - Utopia Engine

Vassal - BSG Express

Vassal - Un Pour Tous

Operation Dauntless

Posted some sample map images for Operation Dauntless.

Bomber Command Mounted Map on P500 List

Added a Double-sided Mounted Map for Bomber Command to the P500 list. We'll be adding a couple more mounted maps in the near-future, as we'd like to run several maps together later this year, as long as we get at least a couple hundred orders for each. So order away, if you'd like more mounted maps!

Updated Game Pages

Updated the game pages for Iron & Oak, Newtown, and Rebel Raiders on the High Seas with box cover art and a variety of game component sneak peeks.

2013-03-28 Published 5 new maps (by Jim Duncan)

Thank you Jim for submitting 5 new scenarios on CCAncients.net map database.

JD131 Shechem (89 BC)

JD132 Papyron (65 BC)

JD133 Jerusalem (57 BC)

JD134 Nile (47 BC)

JD135 Arabah Valley (83 BC)

Your contribution is really precious.

If you would like having a look to all maps created by Jim, then CLICK HERE and see his "Designer Page".

Don't forget to update CCA Vassal extension with all his maps HERE (v 1.92).

Enjoy playing these CCA maps!

2013-02-14 Published 5 new maps (by Jim Duncan)

In this Valentine's Day (for those who fell in love with this amazing boardgame) we are happy to announce the publication of 5 new maps from Jim Duncan.

JD125 Thymbra (546 BC)

JD126 Raphon (163 BC)

JD127 Marisa (163 BC)

JD128 Kedron (138 BC)

JD129 Asophon (103 BC)

Thank you Jim for your continuous scenario contributions.

If you would like having a look to all maps created by Jim, then CLICK HERE and see his "Designer Page".

CCA Vassal extension will be updated soon!

Enjoy playing these CCA maps!

2012-12-13 Published 3 new maps (by Brent Steeves)

Hi guys, Brent Steeves kindly allow me to publish his last 3 scenarios about Neo-Assyrian Empire

BS08 Mount Uaush (714 BC)

BS09 Siege of Lachish (701 BC)

BS10 Til-Tuba (652 BC)

Thank you Brent for your scenario contributions.

If you would like having a look to all maps created by Brent, then CLICK HERE and see his "Designer Page".

Enjoy playing these CCA maps!

"Duel of Eagles: Mars la Tour" Now Available

I'm happy to report that Duel of Eagles, which features my artwork, is now available from White Dog Games and Victory Point Press.


I don't have my copy yet, but from what I've seen, the production values of the printed game are pretty darn high - nicely reproduced counters - and thick too.  And a high quality print job on good card stock for the map.

I have a lot of respect for the improved quality that the team at Victory Point Games has achieved, and it's really icing on the cake that they are printing the game, which was a pleasure to work on in collaboration with designer Hermann Luttmann and publisher and chief of White Dog Games, Michael Kennedy.

Prussian Blues

National uniform color was simply tradition. At a distance, an army’s colors proved incomprehensible save for the Austrians who wore white and the British who wore red. At cannon shot, Prussian blue was much like French blue, and the Russian green was not distinguishable from either of them. Cavalry regiments were particularly difficult to distinguish at longer range, and friendly fire was a constant threat from enthusiastic gunners. —Roman Jarymowycz, Cavalry from Hoof to Track

The above quote is an excerpt from the vastly interesting web essay by Joshua Cohen titled Thirty Six Shades of Prussian Blue, which examine's the pigment's influence on culture from its discovery in the early 18th century through its discontinuance as a Crayola crayon color in 1958, all while touching on art, the Holocaust, and radiation poisoning.

I came across Cohen's essay while trying to satisfy my curiosity about the origins of the pigment and its relationship to the Prussian military uniform color.

Vinkhuijzen Collection of Military Costume Illustration,  New York Public Library.

Famously worn by the Prussian army in the 17th-19th centuries, the color Prussian blue is both a descriptive term for the dark blue of Prussian uniforms and it is a proper noun: Prussian Blue, the first synthetic pigment, accidentally discovered by the paint maker Diesbach in 1706 in Berlin. It appears to be a coincidence that the blue pigment so closely matched the dark blue Prussian uniform which had already been in use for more than a decade.  The pigment was also known as Berlin Blue, Milori blue, and Paris Blue, but those appellations have fallen by the way.  Perhaps the name Prussian Blue stuck because of the visual link with the uniform color.

Fading and Colour Change of Prussian Blue: Methods of Manufacture and the Influence of Extenders,National Gallery Technical Bulletin, 2004

The history behind the paint pigment is interesting.  Up to the point of the discovery of Prussian Blue, painters had to rely upon lower quality blue tints derived from such sources as Indigo, or super-expensive Lapis Lazuli, a stone then only found in Afghanistan. Diesbach and a close ring of associates guarded the secret recipe for Prussian Blue for 20 years, making good money from selling the pigment in Holland, France, Switzerland, and elsewhere.  However, by the mid-1720s, the secret was out and manufacture of the pigment spread.  French Chemist P. J. Macquer experimented with Prussian Blue and developed Prussic Acid (also known as Hydrogen Cyanide), which could be used as a dye but also eventually a number of industrial applications, including becoming a key ingredient in Zyklon B.

The first known painting using Prussian Blue was by Pieter or Adriaen van der Werff: Detail of  Entombment of Christ (Picture Gallery, Sanssouci, Inv. No. GK I 10008)

Prussian military blue, however, was for the most part probably made using dye created from the Woad plant. Prussian Elector Friedrich Wilhelm is said to have chosen blue as a uniform color in the mid-late 17th century to support the peasantry involved in producing Woad.

Coat of the First Battallion Guard with embroidered Order of the Black Eagle, worn by Frederich the Great.  From the collection of the DEUTSCHES HISTORISCHES MUSEUM.

Woad blue is an ancient dye recipe, having been found in excavations of iron age habitations.  Dye derived from Woad is made with leaves from the plant combined with human urine, and alcohol   It is said that dyers and dye makers would consume alcohol and then urinate into the vats to formulate the dye.

When Indigo became available from the east, its use was banned in many European countries to protect to the Woad industry.  Eventually, however, Indigo, which was defamed as the Devil's Dye, would be adopted throughout Europe and the U.S. because of its superior blue color.


As Cohen points out, Prussian Blue was one of the original 48 Crayola colors, but was re-named "Midnight Blue" in 1958 because students in the U.S. could no longer relate to the history of Prussia.  Perhaps teachers grew tired of trying to explain it, or maybe they just didn't know. It seems a shame, because Prussian Blue is a proper name for the pigment.  Especially when you consider that in 1958 Crayola introduced two additional pigment-based colors with obscure names: Burnt Sienna and Raw Umber.

Battle of the Bulge for the iPad Review

New on my iPad this week is what must be the first high-quality, purpose-built wargame app for the iPad, Shenendoah Studio's Battle of the Bulge.  Here are my initial impressions.

At a wargamer's first glance, the game is dead sexy.

The Fat Bastard of Bastogne enjoying a well deserved spa outing.

Oops... sorry about that.

Ahem, the game features a beautiful map with counters that are plain and simple, but still eye-catching.

Under the hood, the game engine is that of a boardgame. Having begun my career in wargaming with more complex PC games that try to leverage the computational power of the personal computer, Shenendoah's game feels a bit shallow.  But it is what it claims to be: "...based upon the best design practices and traditions of board wargaming." Indeed, the game is the baby of veteran board wargame designer John Butterfield.

The early goings are favorable for the German offensive.

I've pretty much moved on from PC wargames to boardgame versions, and I like the style and the playability of this game, and enjoy the challenge of Shenendoah's creation and the convenience of having it on my iPad complete with an enemy AI.  I haven't tried playing a human opponent yet, in "pass the iPad" face-to-face mode, or using the Apple's GameCenter's ability to play an opponent remotely. I think that will be fun to do.

I beat the big campaign in my second try on the easiest level (aka Monty) before the skies cleared and my armor and mech units started taking punishment from the Jabos.  So, the game might be a bit easy, but I'll reserve judgment until further play on the tougher setting (aka Patton).  I suspected that the defensive AI would be tougher than the offensive AI, but not so.  The offensive AI pushes for the Meuse like a regular Joachim Peiper.  Traditionally, it's always more difficult to code a competent offensive AI, so kudos to Shenandoah studios.

Days later, I've exited two Pz Divisions through Liege, and have been able to withstand Allied Counter Attacks.

In reading player comments online, there seem to be two camps.  Those who love it (board wargamers) and those who aren't impressed (PC wargamers). And I see both sides of the argument.

A few more strategic choices would be fun... being able to coordinate attacks from multiple areas, being able to "dig in" when on the defensive, having to follow certain command-chain strictures that disallow moving the 2nd Pz from the southern sector to the northern sector on a whim, etc.

Qui est-ce qui joue ce soir contre Toulouse ?

"C'est l'amour !C'est l'amouuuur!C'est l'a mour mour mour !" Oui heum. Bon. Sinon, en plus classe y a : "O Toulouse...Aujourd´hui, tes buildings grimpent hautA Blagnac, tes avions sont plus beauxSi l´un me ramène sur cette villePourrai-je encore y revoir ma pincée de tuilesO mon païs, ô To...

Hop la bille le dernier Florent Toscano est prêt !

Haaa quoi de mieux que de retrouver son bon vieux PC pour écrire une petite news concernant le futur jeu Opla ? Et oui Monsieur Florent Toscano fait tourner son malin petit jeu de bille depuis presque un an et j'ai même eu l'occasion de jouer au proto (comme ça, je me la pète un peu) lors du f...

Citons-le...

Quand on vous parle de jeux autres que jeux de société, vous devez parfois vous demandez pourquoi nous vous parlons de ce site plutôt que d'un autre, de ce jeu online plutôt que celui-ci, etc etc. Eh bien tout simplement parce que nous aimons bien, que nous vous proposons de le découvrir, et q...

Thread: Computer Based Board Gaming:: Hex Grid Toolkit for Nexus 7

by alexandersshen

Hey folks! I worked on this new app for the Nexus 7 this past weekend. It's basically a portable hex grid map you can bring with you with a handful of tile types and the ability to place, move, rotate, and flip player tokens (up to 4 players).

I use it for when I test my tabletop war games at lunch and don't feel like bringing my miniature board and game tokens.

Feel free to check it out. It's free! Thanks!

Link: http://www.shengames.com/?p=111

Thread: Computer Based Board Gaming:: Looking for opinions on buying iPad versions of boardgames

by almo2001

Hi!

Let's suppose I'm about to release Super Game New Edition. Super Game was already doing pretty well, but it needs an update in terms of art and marketing.

At the same time, I'm also getting into releasing iPad versions of my games.

Would you be more interested in getting the iPad version at the same time as the board game? Just as an example, suppose it's a $20 game with an associated $2 iPad version. Would you still be interested in the iPad game if it came out months later?

Thread: Computer Based Board Gaming:: New App - Automated PBEM for old turn based computer strategy games

by Dhiraj

Hey all. I've just finished making a new program called PlayMailer for Windows 7/XP/Vista, which automates playing old DOS turn based strategy games by email. It makes setting up new games and loading and saving games super easy and has some features like in-game chat.

Basically how it works:- you put in your email account details, create a new session with a player list, and then PlayMailer will launch your game, configure all the players within the game (by automatically moving the mouse around and clicking on stuff) and load your turn. When you've finished your turn, you press a hotkey, and PlayMailer automatically saves your game and sends the save file to the next person, who receives a notification message. Here's the website, with the program, some screenshots and some about info.

http://www.playmailer.net/

It only supports 3 games at the moment, but I plan to add one new game per week hopefully.

Thread: PBEM:: New App - Automated PBEM for old turn based computer strategy games

by Dhiraj

Hey all. I've just finished making a new program called PlayMailer for Windows 7/XP/Vista, which automates playing old DOS turn based strategy games by email. It makes setting up new games and loading and saving games super easy and has some features like in-game chat.

Basically how it works:- you put in your email account details, create a new session with a player list, and then PlayMailer will launch your game, configure all the players within the game (by automatically moving the mouse around and clicking on stuff) and load your turn. When you've finished your turn, you press a hotkey, and PlayMailer automatically saves your game and sends the save file to the next person, who receives a notification message. Here's the website, with the program, some screenshots and some about info.

http://www.playmailer.net/

It only supports 3 games at the moment, but I plan to add one new game per week hopefully.

Thread: PBEM:: Looking for PBEM of Twilight Struggle with TS_Engine_4.9.1

by OriginalBR

Hi guys,

I would like to play a game of Twilight Struggle by e-mail with Ts_Engine v4.9.1.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/34716/twilight-struggl...

My e-mail is dmendes@bancofator.com.br

Thanks

Thread: PBEM:: Opponent Wanted: We the People

by amtr

Hi I'm a longtime tabletop player of this game. I downloaded VASSAL and know about ACTS, but need help getting started. Anyone out there want to help out and play a few games?

Thread: PBEM:: Green Dragon Adventures PbP

by talismangame

Hello everyone! I have a homebrew game that I would like to host but need some players to enjoy it. If interested please contact me.

Story so far....

The problem: Demons have proven victorious after the last Great War against the armies of dark elves. Now they desire more power and surface the Lands of Bavidirian scorching and killing everything in their way. Most of the towns and villages have been destroyed and the races of the lands are forced to unite in the free city of Rondor. It is the last town of hope to save that of mankind.

You are an adventurer seeking a way to make it in this world and hoping to survive the turmoil’s ahead. Your next task is to choose an adventurer. Read further on which adventurer you would like to represent.

Do you have questions? Great! Here are some questions that I have answered thus far.

What kind of game is this?

Green Dragon Adventure is a Fantasy Strategy Play by Post Game.



How do I get started?

Click on the register button above and answer the questions to build your character. Once you have become a registered member and answered the questions wait for the DM to post your character sheet in the forums. From there you will receive further instructions on how to play the game.



What can I do while I wait for my character sheet to be created?

Once you have registered, find the time to read the Player's Guidebook to see how the game works at www.greendragonadventure.com



Do I have to be on certain days or times in the week to play this game?

You come in whenever you have time. There is no specific time to play the game.



Is this just another hack and slash game?

It can be if you like, yet some have chosen the quiet life and just work a profession safely in town the entire game session if desired. It is your choice! You can be an adventurer, a lord, a furniture maker, and much more. We have dozens of apprenticeships, noble titles, and guild memberships to join.



How many classes and races are there to choose from?

There are 12 races and 12 classes to choose from. This doesn't include the sub-classes in which you can additionally have once your adventurer reaches the 5th level. This also doesn't include the many professions that you can become. You can become a bower, shoemaker, yak or sheep herder, etc. etc.



When exploring what will I find?

Over 2000 different events can happen to your adventurer ranging from encountering monsters, allies, finding magical items, solving riddles, winning the lottery, falling in love, exploring ruins and dungeons, or even inheriting businesses.



Who made this game?

GD your humble host and DM has made this game available for you for free! He enjoys hosting to adventurers and see where they end up. Come join him for some fun!


Thanks for allowing me to post. I am not sure exactly where on the page in the forums so I tried PBeM. Please change if it is in the wrong spot.

See you soon!

GD

Thread: PBEM:: WaW Pbem ?

by grosbil

Hi.
Looking for a World at War pbem.
I have never played this game so don't be afraid :-)
See you soon.

Star Borders: Humanity 2nd edition has launched!

Star Borders #1

Click here for all the details and to order Star Borders: Humanity 2nd edition. 

Gone for the 2013 GAMA Trade Show

Tuesday, March 19th - Friday, March 22nd 2013

Ghosts in the Grid Rebooted has launched!

Casual cards #6