Veteran activation

[PJL]

When using this mode, if the commander is inactive, is he effectively 'locked' and can't move at all, or does merely have a large penalty? Basically is it effectively the 2nd option used with hidden activation, or the 3rd?

Thanks.

[Durk]

It is a large penalty, not locked.

[PJL]

It is a large penalty, not locked.

OK - thanks for clarifying.

[ohms_law]

I've gotta say, I love the "veteran" option.
It makes the game much more fun, to me.

[ArmChairGeneral]

So if you are playing with hidden activation your forces cannot become locked due to inactivity?

[ohms_law]

Well, they kinda do...
You can issue them orders regardless. However, there's a chance that they may not execute those orders. In some cases, a pretty good chance.

I think that it's pretty realistic. I mean, Lincoln certainly wanted (and ordered!) McClelland to march on Richmond plenty of times...

[Merlin]

I've gotta say, I love the "veteran" option.
It makes the game much more fun, to me.

Agreed. Best AGEOD feature ever.

So if you are playing with hidden activation your forces cannot become locked due to inactivity?

It's absolutely identical to the less severe activation rule (the one with movement and combat penalties but no lock) except activity isn't determined until the execution phase. What that means in practical terms is you will never know if your generals are active until you watch the execution phase, but more importantly you can form divisions instantly. The value of the latter point alone is worth the switch.

[ajarnlance]

Agreed. Best AGEOD feature ever.



It's absolutely identical to the less severe activation rule (the one with movement and combat penalties but no lock) except activity isn't determined until the execution phase. What that means in practical terms is you will never know if your generals are active until you watch the execution phase, but more importantly you can form divisions instantly. The value of the latter point alone is worth the switch.

Do you mean that you don't have to wait until October '61 to be able to form divisions?

[loki100]

Do you mean that you don't have to wait until October '61 to be able to form divisions?

No, but you do not have the problem at the start of a turn where an inactive general can't be used to make a division (after October). So it eases that part of the process of putting your forces into a decent command structure.

For what its worth, against the AI, I still lke the harsh activation rule. More than anything else, it offsets the advantage of being able to outplan the AI, as its inevitable, esp with the Union early on, that a complex plan will fail or you'll not be able to take advantage of a sudden opportunity. It also makes late Autumn/early Spring moves more risky in case bad weather catches you stuck in the open.

[ArmChairGeneral]

I like playing with "harsh" activation rule also.