Jim-NC wrote:What is involved in being a PBEM host?
Good question!
It's a simple job, and doesn't take much time. Here's an overview of the way it works:
The host starts the game, and then sends a certain file to each player. Each player loads that file as a saved game, makes their moves, saves the game, and then sends back a file to the host. After the host has both files from both players, the host resolves the turn.
Here's a really important point: the host is the only person who ever hits the "end turn" button.
Now, as for the particulars...
what follows is paraphrased from
Daxil's excellent post on hosting, in his tournament thread.
[SIZE="2"][font="Times New Roman"]1.
Create the game
The Host chooses the pertinent scenario and chooses either side and starts the game as usual. This automatically generates a subfolder in the C:\Program Files\AGEod's American Civil War\ACW\Saves\ directory, named after the Scenario selected. In this newly created folder you will find two TRN files, each with three letters indicating which side it belongs to (USA or CSA).
2.
The Host sends a zipped TRN file to both opponents
The Hosting player now sends the TRN files to the players. The players must store this file in the folder named AACWGame\AACW\Saves\ in a sub-folder. They should name the sub-folder after the initial host created name.
3.
Players send ORD file to Host
Each player now loads the game and gives his orders for the upcoming turn. When ready, each player saves the game. This will generate an ORD file (in the folders mentioned above).
Important: do not click on End Turn at this step.
They then sends the ORD file to the Hosting player.
4.
The Host resolves the turn
The Hosting player saves the ORD file received from the players into the appropriate directory and loads the game again. He now clicks on End Turn to launch the turn resolution, where all orders are then executed. A new turn is now ready to start.
Go back to step # 2 and repeat.[/font][/size]
The TRN file is the scenario file. It has all the information about the victory conditions; who controls what; where units are; and all of the particulars of each unit (supply, hits, etc.).
The ORD files contain the information of where units have been ordered to move.
It may
sound kinda complicated, but it isn't! In fact, it's really easy. Give it a try, and you'll see what I mean!
If you'd like to check out Daxil's original post,
click here.
Now, a couple of tips:
Make sure that everybody agrees on what options are going to be used, and the house rules that you want to use, if any.
Also, it might be a good idea to decide whether the game can be discussed with other players, and if so,
what can be discussed.
Finally, I recommend that the host keep careful track of each turn... maybe by putting all files into a subfolder labeled with the turn number. That way, if something unexpected happens, problems are easier to resolve.
apy: 
