Report - mini-AAr on 1.14

[GraniteStater]

Well, I just hadda write this one up. Sorry that I didn't post in the other threadbank, but it's not realyy a full blown AAR, just a report on some Athena behavior, which might have nothing to do with 114, but here it is - the game in question is over (Nov 62).

Apr 61 w/KY - Union.

In general, as usual for me, I do some Light Indy in NY ($$), NJ, MD ($$), OH, IL, and MO. I build some Militia, even though I know some are coming - I want my rear well garrisoned. I also have a full RR&River policy nowadays, although I'm not religous about it; the idea is to keep supplies flowing.

Well, things are going along OK for about six months or so, or a year, nothing very unusual, except that the AI seems to be putting up a better fight and seems to be a bit more protective of Richmond. * Does the AI ever stick with Montgomery as a capital? I realize the patch probably didn't address AI defensive priorities, but, she seems to be doing a bit better.

To describe it, the AI was counter-punching more often and more effectively. The only real hole she gave me was a chance to take Nashville, more or less per historical schedule. Then, suprisingly, no counterattack on Nashville. My other Western spring 62 objectives (I try to match what the Union did by then and usually it's a tall order - remember, Grant had Fts. H&D by mid-February) were lagging badly and sadly. The struggle for KY was hammer and tongs. Lyons repeatedly assaulted Springfield, MO and was repulsed every time.

The Shenandoah was defended vigorously. Central VA was defended well, also. I managed to scrape together a New Orleans expedition by the late summer of 62 and took the city and Ft. Pike.

However, about this time, actually, probably June 62, Athena started to go batty, I think.

Large raids, very large, in corps strength and better, with several simultaneously. To write things backwards, I shrugged my shoulders at a certain point and said to myself, 'Hey, if they wanna die here instead of there, I'll accomodate them.'

Wiped out a CSA column in southern IL, by the Wabash - Ohio river blockaded and he was trapped. Wiped out a small division that got all the way to Racine, WI. Wiped out PGT B-gard's major column that got to Jersey City. Wiped out Ewell's boys in Philly.

Lost Louisville and retook it bloodily, but Bragg managed to skedaddle and merge with another formation, even though all of KY was mine really, at this point, not much of a supply corridor available for him.

In brief, everybody that crossed the Potomac or Ohio was KIA or POW.

Then, after I stamped out all the fires, McDowell took Richmond. I had noticed my NM was doing really good, but that brought it to 194. Game over - Union Victory.

The only Objectives in my hands were Nashville and New Orleans and then, as the curtain fell, Richmond.

No Henry&Donelson. No Memphis. Not even Springfield, MO.

My conclusion is that NM & VP will increase greatly with destruction of enemy elements, much more than I realized. 'Course, I had totally eliminated on the order of 700 to 1200 PWR equivalents.

Go ahead, make my day! It was quite annoying, though, although it played into my hands. Rather strange, really - CSA needs to be defending and counterattacking, not plunging into enemy territory unless there is a real chance to take DC - at least that's my opinion.

Just had to share.

[Colonel Dreux]

Well, I just hadda write this one up. Sorry that I didn't post in the other threadbank, but it's not realyy a full blown AAR, just a report on some Athena behavior, which might have nothing to do with 114, but here it is - the game in question is over (Nov 62).

Apr 61 w/KY - Union.

In general, as usual for me, I do some Light Indy in NY ($$), NJ, MD ($$), OH, IL, and MO. I build some Militia, even though I know some are coming - I want my rear well garrisoned. I also have a full RR&River policy nowadays, although I'm not religous about it; the idea is to keep supplies flowing.

Well, things are going along OK for about six months or so, or a year, nothing very unusual, except that the AI seems to be putting up a better fight and seems to be a bit more protective of Richmond. * Does the AI ever stick with Montgomery as a capital? I realize the patch probably didn't address AI defensive priorities, but, she seems to be doing a bit better.

To describe it, the AI was counter-punching more often and more effectively. The only real hole she gave me was a chance to take Nashville, more or less per historical schedule. Then, suprisingly, no counterattack on Nashville. My other Western spring 62 objectives (I try to match what the Union did by then and usually it's a tall order - remember, Grant had Fts. H&D by mid-February) were lagging badly and sadly. The struggle for KY was hammer and tongs. Lyons repeatedly assaulted Springfield, MO and was repulsed every time.

The Shenandoah was defended vigorously. Central VA was defended well, also. I managed to scrape together a New orleans expedition by the late summer of 62 and took the city and Ft. Pike.

However, about this time, actually, probably June 62, Athena started to go batty, I think.

Large raids, very large, in corps strength and better, with several simultaneously. To write things backwards, I shrugged my shoulders at a certain point and said to myself, 'Hey, if they wanna die here instead of there, I'll accomodate them.'

Wipred out a CSA column in southern IL, by the Wabash - Ohio river blockaded and he was trapped. Wiped out a small division that got all the way to Racine, WI. Wiped out PGT B-gard's major column that got to Jersey City. Wiped out Ewell's boys in Philly.

Lost Louisville and retook it bloodily, but Bragg managed to skedaddle and merge with another formation, even though all of KY was mine really, at this point, not much of a supply corridor available for him.

In brief, everybody that crossed the Potomac or Ohio was KIA or POW.

Then, after I stamped out all the fires, McDowell took Richmond. I had noticed my NM was doing really good, but that brought it to 194. Game over - Union Victory.

The only Objectives in my hands were Nashville and New Orleans and then, as the curtain fell, Richmond.

No Henry&Donelson. No Memphis. Not even Springfield, MO.

My conclusion is that NM & VP will increase greatly with destruction of enemy elements, much more than I realized. 'Course, I had totally eliminated on the order of 700 to 1200 PWR equivalents.

Go ahead, make my day! It was quite annoying, though, although it played into my hands. Rather strange, really - CSA needs to be defending and counterattacking, not plunging into enemy territory unless there is a real chance to take DC - at least that's my opinion.

Just had to share.

One of the two times I've played the Union, more or less the same thing happened. They sent corps/armys to raid Philidelphia and all kinds of places you'd never think they'd go (Polk's stack maneuvered in Indiana and Illinois, bypassing all the major cities). They really didn't defend any of the major objectives, but for Richmond.

[It's a Trap]

Same Athena seems to go on suicidal corps raid to Pittsburg for mine and after the CSA force is destroyed. The southern forces can never recover from those total loses. Especially when it removes a good chunk of the leadership.

But I've experienced this back in 1.13. And it is with Athena on max aggression.

[enf91]

I get similar things, even with AI on normal aggression. The Shenandoah force almost always heads for Pittsburgh, where I crush it and bag thousands of prisoners. It does act aggressively, attacking my holdings in KY and elsewhere, but it often does so without regard for its supply line. Thus, its attacks die due to lack of supply and thousands of soldiers disappear.

[gekkoguy82]

I've noticed the same behavior as well. Kind of an exciting twist I think, compared to my computer adversary in the past (she was no slouch before through!). I've had stonewall jackson holed up in Pittsburgh for several turns, no matter what I do and how many I attack with I can't dislodge him No ridiculous rampaging cavalry all the way to Chicago, and a courageous, if not reckless, opponent in the east. I like these changes

[It's a Trap]

While exciting, it doesn't go well when it results in a decimated CSA eastern army and you can capture Richmond by mid 82'. And with the NM increase from the battles you win. It usually means instant win.

[gekkoguy82]

While exciting, it doesn't go well when it results in a decimated CSA eastern army and you can capture Richmond by mid 82'.

heh, true. however, I can't seem to do that yet, so it's still exciting!!

[soloswolf]

Give her something to swing at!

Many (if not all) of these problems can be fixed by crossing the Potomac. Engaging, or at least presenting a target will go a long way towards making Athena act a bit more normal.

If you do prefer to stay on your heels a bit and organize extensively before you forge ahead, try giving her a bit of a fow bonus. It will also help.

[Gray_Lensman]

deleted

[gekkoguy82]

I do so hope that most experienced USA player/gamers can capture Richmond by mid 82'. That would be maybe 500+ turns of play?

You might take just a tad bit more time to read what you actually posted...

[It's a Trap]

I do so hope that most experienced USA player/gamers can capture Richmond by mid 82'. That would be maybe 500+ turns of play?

You might take just a tad bit more time to read what you actually posted...

to funny not going to edit

[GraniteStater]

Well, I don't anyone to think the OP ran away and hid.

It's a tad disappointing to see the AI do this, especially when she fights so well in KY and the Western theater in general. To be fair, I had never seen it on this scale before. Guess I'll have to set it to Hard, even though it'll make a Union player want to organize even more. I've always played default Aggression - maybe putting it on Cautious will help.

I've finally started a CSA game, BTW. It is definitely a different game and approach.

EDIT: Just saw the FoW bonus idea- seems like very good suggestion. Incidentally, I think I'm a fairly aggressive Union player, but trying to get the AI not to go hell for leather after Ft. Monroe or abandon Richmond seems problematical.

And does the AI ever stick with Montgomery as the capital in an April 61 start?

[soloswolf]

And does the AI ever stick with Montgomery as the capital in an April 61 start?

No. It moves to Richmond by event.