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***************************************************************************** ****** PANTHERS IN THE SHADOWS User Manual Additions and Corrections ****** ***************************************************************************** For the latest upgrade and add-on disk information for Panthers and other HPS games, check out these sites: CompuServe: GO GAMCPUB Delphi: Custom Forum 24 (Wargaming/Mil Strtgy) AOL: Computer Games Support World Wide Web: http://www.cris.com/~sturmer - Panthers in the Shadows, Revision 1.13 Feb 96 - Please note the following changes and additions that have been made to Panthers in the Shadows since the release version. An asterisk (*) preceeds changes in the latest update. * 8.4 Force Characteristcs ( [v1.13] Addition) SHOOT AND SCOOT indicates whether firing units will try to shift their positions slightly after firing a few rounds. Switching positions prevents enemy units from acquring the firing unit, but also means the firing unit can not acquire its own targets. Orders to "shoot and scoot" are broken down by unit type: Tanks, Tank-Destroyers, Recon, Off-map Arty, and On-map Arty. None, some, or all of these types may be given shoot and scoot orders. STOP UNDER FIRE is a measure of how moving units will react to enemy fire. It is meant to reflect differences in national doctrine and individual troop characteristics for individual units in specific situations, as opposed to the Aggressiveness Level, which is more general and applies to the force as a whole. The higher the STOP UNDER FIRE value, the more likely units are to temporarily pause their movement when they receive fire from enemy units. Higher values also increase the halt duration before the unit continues moving once the fire stops. Stopping and restarting under fire is completely computer controlled. Human players may change the orders of stopped units normally, including the speed and movement path, but the unit will not begin moving until the incoming fire ceases or the halt is otherwise cleared by the computer. The STOP UNER FIRE level is also used to determine when units will "run for cover" from enemy fire. When the STOP UNDER FIRE level is zero, units will NEVER run for cover. MORALE: Setting this level to 100 effectively eliminates morale effects for a force. Units of a force with a level of 100 will never break, go berserk, or surrender. However, the units will still maintain individual morale levels - which affect their accuracy, movement rates, ability to be sighted, and other combat characteristics normally. A force can also be designated as "Elite" if the Morale Level is 95 or greater. Units in Elite forces that also have high individual morale (80 or above) suffer about half the morale losses as "non-Elite" units. However, once a unit in an Elite force has its morale level drop below 80, its morale losses and effects will be identical to non-Elite units. * 8.4.1 Shoot and Scoot Option Menu ( [v1.13] Addition) If either force has issued shoot and scoot orders, the Shoot and Scoot options menu will appear after selecting DONE from the Force Characteristics screen. This menu allows players to customize the effectiveness of shoot and scoot tactics. The Roughness is a measure of how flat or broken an average map hex is. The lower the number, the more flat each hex is, and the harder it becomes to find a way to swich positions after firing. Conversely, higher number make it easier for units to pull back and temporarily hide before popping up to fire again. Terrain values range from zero (perfectly flat) to seven. The default is three, which is about right for the rolling hills found in a large part of Western Europe. The Efficiency of each force at using shoot and scoot tactics can also be modified from this menu. There are three levels available: High, Medium, and Low. Units in a force with High efficiency have a much better chance of successfully switching firing positions than one in a force with Low. The Shoot and Scoot routines also applies to units that are not firing. In these cases, the units attempt to find a defilade or hidden position that greatly reduces the effectiveness of incoming fire. * 8.6.3 Component Unit Actions ( [v1.13] Addition) In the Advanced Game, the morale level of individual units can be changed as desired. This option is primarily inteneded to model composite-type forces, such as a force containing a mixture of both elite and common troops, or one that includes units from different nationalitlies. From the FORCE SELECTION SCREEN, pick the desired unit. The option to change its morale will appear near the bottom of the PICK UNIT ACTION menu. The new morale value is then set using a standard sliding scale. Morale values may be set anywhere between 15 and 100. To exit the sliding scale without changing the default morale value for the unit, hit the <Esc> key. * 8.10.5 Player Determined Start Lines ( [v1.13] Addition) Players may manually set the start line for both sides. From the START LINE OPTIONS menu, select the fifth choice, "MANUALLY SET START LINES". When this option is selected, the human player, or first player in a two player game, must pick the start lines before unit placement occurs. This is accomplished by moving the map cursor to any hex in the desired column on the map, and selecting it. As soon as this is done, the start line will be drawn on the map. Startlines must be at least one hex in from the left or right map edges, and Player #2's start line must always be to the right of Player #1's. If an invalid hex column is selected, the computer will automatically move it to the closest acceptable value. 9.3.9 Reinforcements ( [1.12] Addition) Reinforcements may enter the game already loaded on another unit. Loading of reinforcements is handled in the setup phase almost exactly as if they were being placed on the map normally, subject to two conditions: 1) The carrier and passenger units must both be scheduled to enter the map in the same hex and on the same turn. 2) The loaded status of reinforcements can be changed ONLY at the time each unit is scheduled. Once loaded, reinforcements may not be unloaded until the units actually appear on the map. During the reinforcement placement phase, whenever a potential loading situation occurs, the standard loading routine is used. If the Auto-Load option is ON, units will be loaded automatically, as applicable. Otherwise, the standard LOAD OPTIONS menu will appear. * 10.0.1 Moving units off the Map Edge ( [v1.13] Addition) At the start of an attacking player's Orders Phase, the computer checks to see if any friendly units are located on the far (enemy) map edge. If so, these units may be given orders to move off that map edge and perhaps gain the player bonus Victory Points. This option is always available to an attacking player - even if the actual objective is located on the map. A defending player may never move units off the map. In a meeting engagement, both players are considered to be attacking. When at least one unit is in a position to move off the map edge, a menu will pop up offering the owning player the option of giving his eligible units orders to move off the far map edge. These orders will apply to ALL friendly units currently on an enemy edge hex, the player can not pick and choose individual units. If the order is given to move the units off the map edge, they are removed from the map immediately. There is no movement point cost or delay involved. Once moved off the map edge, a unit can never return back into play. Units moved off the enemy map edge gain Victory Points for the owning player, which are added to that player's total immediately. Points are awarded depending on the player's actual objective: Objective is map edge: 3 times normal VP's Objective is on-map: 1.5 times standard VP's 10.4.7 The XO Staff Page ( [v1.12] Addition) During a campaign game, an additional option will appear in the XO OPTIONS box: REVIEW MISSION ORDERS. Selecting this option brings up the mission statement (OPORDER) that was displayed at the beginning of the game. Hit any key to return to the S-3 screen. 10.4.9 The FSO Staff Page (addition) The manual omits a IF-capable unit status code: "HOLD/DF TGT!" This indicates the artillery unit has a DF target. As such, the unit will not fire IF missions until the DF target is cleared or destroyed. 10.4.11 The ENGINEER Staff Page (clarification) When a number of turns is shown for an obstacle clearance, the value is an "estimate" of the completion time. The estimate is constantly being reassessed - so sometimes it may not decrease between turns (because work is progressing slower than expected). Less frequently, the time may decrease by two or more turns (work is going faster). The accuracy of the initial estimates depends mainly on the force's training level. Low morale and suppression decrease the work rate, increasing the number of turns needed to clear an obstacle. 10.6.8 Limited Intel ( [v1.02] Addition) An additional fog of war level has been added: REALISTIC. When this level is used, the exact weapon type for enemy vehicles is not automatically known, as with the other two levels. Instead, the best friendly LOS to the enemy unit is used to determine if the weapon type will be displayed as a general value (Medium Tank) or exact model (Pz IVE (75)). When the exact weapon type can not be determined for an enemy unit, you will not be able to access the detailed weapon info charts for that unit. Whether a weapon type is known or not is based upon the best LOS (lowest block points) from any unbroken friendly unit to the enemy unit. If the LOS has five or more blocking points, the weapon type automatically remains unknown. Otherwise, a maximum block point total to reveal the unit is calculated and compared to the LOS block points. If the LOS block points are less than or equal the total to reveal, the weapon type becomes known. Enemy units are revealed if the best LOS contains 2 or less block points. Modifications to the basic LOS block point level are made as follows: +1 Friendly Training Level greater than 50 +2 Friendly Training Level greater than 75 -1 For each 10 points of suppression on friendly unit (rounded up) +1 If friendly unit is infantry +1 If the friendly unit quantity is more than 10 -1 If the friendly unit is moving at 11% to 25% speed -2 If the friendly unit is moving at 26% to 50% speed -3 If the friendly unit is moving at greater than 50% speed As an example, a friendly unit is attempting to determine the vehicle type of an enemy unit at 2500 meters. The LOS to the enemy unit contains 3 block points. On the friendly side, the training level is 80, the friendly unit is comprised of 15 infantry, has 15 points of suppression, and is moving at 25% speed. The calculation of the points to reveal is: 2 (basic) + 2 (trng) - 2 (suppn) + 1 (inf) + 1 (qty) - 1 (speed) = 3 TOTAL Because the total is less than or equal to the LOS block points, the vehicle type will be revealed. Friendly aircraft are never used as spotters when attempting to determine enemy vehicle types. Likewise, types of enemy aircraft are always known exactly. Unit types may be exactly discovered and lost again any number of times as the battle situation changes. * 12.1.3 Hex By Hex Movement ( [v1.13 Addition) An "L" movement command indicates Loading/Unloading. When moving the cursor around the map to select the next hex in the unit's movement path, an approximate cost of each hex will be shown in the information box at the bottom of the screen. The cost is shown only for valid hex locations (adjacent to the last hex in the path), and indicates whether the hex uses Road or Cross-Country (CC) movement. Prohibited hexes are indicated by "PROHIBTD". * 12.1.4 Erasing A Path ( [v1.13] Clarification) Loading/Unloading delays (shown by an "L" on the display) may not be erased. * 12.1.8 Passenger Mid-Move Jumps From Carrier ( [v1.13] Addition) Passenger units may be given orders to dismount at any point in their carrier's movement path. Once dismounted, the ex-passenger units can also be given additional movement commands. In essence, this command is the same as telling the unit to "Dismount here, and move on foot to there." In addition to being more convenient, it eliminates potential unrealistic delays that can occur when manually dismounting the units. The easiest way to use mid-move jumps is to follow the folowing sequence: 1.) Load the passenger unit(s) onto the carrier. 2.) Give the carrier orders to move to the "dismounting" hex. 3.) Select the (first) passenger unit for orders. 4.) From the Orders Menu, pick MID-MOVE JUMP (in the Movement section). 5.) If you want the unit to stay in the dismounting hex, selct "Unload" from the lower right corner of the screen. Otherwise, begin selecting additional movement orders for the unit. The computer will realize that the unit needs to dismount to carry out the new orders, and will issue the "Unload" order automatically. 6.) Select DONE to return to the Orders Menu. 7.) At this point, you can go back and give the carrier unit additional orders (to pull back, for example), or just continue with the rest of your turn. Note that units should be loaded onto their carrier, BEFORE the carrier is given its movement orders. Also note that the carrier must have movement orders in order for the passenger to dismount using the Mid-Move Jump routine. After selecting MID-MOVE JUMP from the Orders menu, the movement paths of the carrier and passenger units will be shown on the map. The carrier unit's path is identified with dark gray X's, the passenger unit's by the standard red or white squares. Where the two paths overlap, the hex will have both a colored box and the dark gray "X". All movement orders using the Mid-Move Jump are given using the standard hex by hex selection routine. You may select "Erase Last". In fact, you can erase all of the commands back to the passenger unit's delay or current location (which in the latter case causes the unit to immediately dismount, however, as described in the next paragraph). For purposes of the Mid-Move Jump, passenger units share the same delay as their carrier. In the movement phase, whenever a passenger unit's current movement order is different than its carrier's, the unit will automatically dismount. It does NOT have to be the result of a direct "Unload" order. When units do physically dismount, an additional delay is applied per the normal unloading procedure - approximately 1 turn for troops, 2 turns for guns. During this delay neither the passenger or carrier unit may move from the dismounting hex. * 12.5.1 Cycling Targets ( [v1.13] Addition) The CYCLE 'BEST' option is based on general hit and kill probabilites and an assesment of the relative value of each target. It also takes into account how many friendly units are currently firing at the enemy unit. Players should note that the computer's determination of "best" targets may vary considerably from their own. 15.1 Hex Information Boxes ( [v1.12] Addition) The current turn and game length are now displayed at the bottom of the HEX INFORMATION BOX in hexes without dust, fire, or illumination. The current turn is first, to the left of the "/", followed by the game length. * 15.1 Hex Information Boxes ( [v1.13] Addition) When space permits, hexlines, hexsides, and bridge features will be identified in the right side of the Hex Information Box. On the map, hexes with fires burning in them will be identifed with a small red (sometimes outlined in yellow) box drawn in the center of the hex. The fire level is shown in the red square in hex information box. * 15.2.3 Unit Speed Codes ( [v1.13] Addition) "0S": The unit is stopped under enemy fire. "In Pillbx": The unit is in a pillbox. "In Casemt": The unit is in a casemate. * 15.2.4 Unit Morale Codes ( [v1.13] Addition) "Broken": The unit is broken (and retreating). "Berserk": The unit is Berserk (and charging the enemy). "Wavering": The unit is Wavering (stopped and in partial control). "To Cover": Unit is involuntarily moving to better cover. * 15.3.2 Weapon/Ammo Characteristics Box ( [v1.13] Addition) The Weapon/Ammo Charcterisitcs Box now also shows the maximum range for each weapon. The range is in meters. The weapon names are shown at the left: the main weapon in red; the secondary weapon in blue; the third weapon in green. For the main weapon, data is given for up to four ammuntion types, as available. The secondary weapons show only a single ammuntion type - which is all they can fire. * 19.3.3 Wavering Effects ( [v1.13] Addition) A third classification of morale effects is WAVERING. Wavering units are not truely broken, but are on the edge of becoming so. A unit can become wavering from any number of causes, including enemy fire, exhaustion, lack of faith in higher command, and a general feeling of hopelessness. Wavering is also often propagated by the ripple effect, which is when one unit sees another waver, and begins to waver itself. While the ripple effect is most prevalent in forces that start with low morale, it can also occur in sectors that have been taking heavy losses, even with initially well disciplined troops. In Panthers, units are given a "wavering check" whenever they suffer a morale loss which causes their overall morale level to be 40 or less. Units with a morale level below 40 do not automatically undergo this check - they must lose morale though combat, movement, or other procedure. The probability that a unit will waver is based inversly on the force's morale level. The higher theat level, the less likely an eligible unit will waver. Additionally, vehicle units are a lot less likely to waver than other types. This is becasue by stopping, vehicles lose one of their best defensive assets and in effect becoming sitting ducks. Vehicle units that WOULD waver will instead usually either try to run for cover, or break (and retreat a few hexes). Attacking units have a higher probability of trying to run for cover than defending units, which will more often break. When a unit fails a wavering check, nearby units also lose morale, based upon their distance to the newly wavering unit and if they have an LOS to its location. Units without an LOS to the wavering unit or more than about 300 meters away suffer no additional loss. For units closer than 300-400 meters that can see the unit waver, they will lose up to 5 morale points - depending on how far away they are. Wavering units are only partially in the control of the owning player, and although they still "remember" their orders, they temporarily put them on hold while they regroup. As such, wavering units can not be given new movement orders, or have their existing movement path changed. However, they may be given all other orders normally, and may call for artillery and airstrikes. Additional effects are that wavering units will not move, and will use only the weapon LIGHT Rate Of Fire when engage targets. Units automatically recover from their wavering status at the beginning of the Orders Phase so long as they were not fired upon in any manner during the previous Activity Phase. Recovering units have their morale level set at 30. * 19.6.2 Morale Decreases ( [v1.13] Modification) Morale decrease amounts are modified according to the current morale level of the unit. Units with high morale, at or above 80, have their morale loss reduced somewhat. Units with low morale, below 50, will suffer a greater loss. The amount of the plus or minus deviation from the "standard" depends on the current morale level of the unit. The net effect of this modification is to afford a little extra protection to high morale units, and to speed the disintegration of units already shaken. There are two other situations which affect morale in a substantial fashion. The first is that immobilized units have their normal morale losses increased (making them more likely to bail out). The second is that heavily armored units have their morale losses decreased. The armor thickness required to be consideered "heavily" armored is a function of the year of the battle, and ranges from approximately 35mm in 1939 to 150mm in 1945. The greater the armor value, the more the morale loss is reduced - to a maximum value of about 75%. * 19.6.3 Additional Isolation Morale Effects ( [v1.13] Addition) In cases where a unit loses morale from the effects of enemy DF/IF, overrun, or close combat, the morale loss may be increased if the unit feels itself to be isolated on the battlefield. The isolation determination depends on the range to the closest friendly non-detachment ground unit, and if an unblocked LOS exists to that unit: Morale Loss Multiplier Range to Closest Friendly Unit LOS OK LOS Blocked ---------------- ---------- ----------- 301-400 meters 1.25 1.50 401-500 meters 1.38 1.75 501-650 meters 1.50 2.00 651-800 meters 1.75 2.50 Over 800 meters 2.00 3.00 Aircraft, headquarters (Co, Bn and TF), and non-immobilized detachment units are never subject to additional isolation morale effects. Isolation morale effects have several important effects in the simulation that players should be aware of. First, in the defense, non-detachment units that are stuck out by themselves as "roadblocks" will tend to be have only a short period of effectiveness, before rapidly deteriorating. In the attack, recon units sent far in advance of the force will likewise rarely still accept orders after taking a few turns of enemy fire. A second effect is that as a "wing" or "prong" of a force takes losses, the lower density of units in that sector causes units to become isolated - which speeds the rate at which that portion of the front continues to fall apart. * 19.7 Involuntary Move to Gain Better Cover ( [v1.13] Addition) Units under fire will sometimes attempt to move to hexes which offer better cover and/or concealment than their current positions. This decision, and the subsequent change in movement orders to the new hex, are completely outside the control of the owning player. When units involuntarily move to cover, the following effects are immediately implemented: - The unit's existing movement orders are erased. - The unit gives itself orders to move to the "best" covered hex. - The unit's speed is set to 100%. Note that the unit's orders other than movement remain unchanged. So, the unit may continue to engage any existing DF target, and any passenger units will remain loaded. Units "running for cover" can have their speed lowered by an owning human player, and movement commands after the command delay can be changed. Thus, as the commander of the unit, the human player still retains some control over its movement functions. The reason I allow for this is so that just in case the computer makes a very bad decision, the effects can be mitigated. However, bad decisions are sometimes made in the heat of battle as well - so it is not unrealistic to force a human player to live with some effects of such a decision. 19.7.1 Factors Influencing the "Run For Cover" Probability The following factors are taken into account when determining the probability a unit will move to cover on its own: - The effectiveness of the incoming fire. - Whether the unit is in an IP. - The number of turns it will take to reach the new cover hex. - The potential protection value of the new hex. - The FORCE morale level. - The STOP UNDER FIRE (SUF) level. If the SUF is zero, units in that force will NEVER run for cover. 19.7.2 Selection of the "Best" Cover Hex Selection of the best cover hex is generally determined by the relative LOS blocking points afforded the target by moving into the hex. If the incoming fire is direct (sighted), the target unit will attempt to move to a location which best hides it from the current firing unit. This hex does not itself have to contain any cover, just so long as it is to some degree out of sight of the firing unit. For this purpose, smoke and dust are counted, and units may find refuge behind such clouds. Note that the LOS is taken from the current firing unit, and does not take into account other units which may be engaging the target. However, the routines generally have units hide from the most effective incoming fire. Against indirect fire, units tend to move to hexes with the best cover terrain. No LOS calculations are performed. Hex selection is further adjusted as follows: - The new hex must be within 600 meters of the current location. - The new hex must not be within 200 meters of ANY known enemy unit. - Adjustments are made for the range of the new hex to enemy units firing at the friendly unit, as well as other non-firing, spotted enemy units, as compared to the present location. - The number of turns it will take the unit to arrive at the new hex, at maximum (100%) speed. Vehicle units will never move to a hex more than 3 turns away, personnel units are limited to 5 turns. 19.7.3 Reverting to Player Control Once a unit arrives at its new "covered" location, it will automatically revert to the control of the owning player. That is, as long as it hasn't broken or gone berserk in the meantime. Once back in control of the owning player, the unit will accept all orders normally. 19.7.4 Diverting the Enemy Into Kill Zones In many cases, from a through terrain anaylsis it is possible to determine where units will likely "run for cover". This can be then be used as a major advantage to the defender, who can position units to take maximum advantage of the weaknesses in the expected movement. For example, an open area with some light woods to the south offers a good opportunity for this tactic. A few guns are positioned to the north of the clearing, while other units are positioned just inside the woods. As the enemy force enters the middle of the open area, the guns take it under fire. After a few rounds of effective fire, at least some of the enemy units to will start looking for cover. In this case, probably towards the woods to the south. However, what the enemy units won't realize (until it's too late) is that a friendly force is lying in wait for them there. Friendly units should always be positioned to take maximum advantage of any expected "running for cover" movement - especially towards taking flank shots, and otherwise disrupting the already shaky enemy morale. * 20.4.3 HQ/Same Company Bonus for IF ( [v1.13] Change) When a line company HQ (not D/S) calls for indirect fire from a subordinate unit in its' company, the fire support delay is the orders delay between the two units, plus one turn. In most cases, this will work out to two turns (minutes), as long as the units are within 400 meters of each other. See Section 20.2.5 for more information on the delay calculation between the CO HQ and a line unit. 20.5 REINFORCEMENTS - SPECIAL DELAY (omission) On the turn they enter the map, all reinforcements have a special delay value of zero. * 23.4.12 Shoot and Scoot ( [v1.13] Addition) Enemy units that fired and switched position in the previous Activity Phase have their probability of being sighting reduced by 25% for ranges over 500 meters. Units that did not fire, but are considered hidden, reduce sighting probability by 75% at ranges over 500 meters. * 23.5.9 Shoot and Scoot ( [v1.13] Addition) Friendly units that fired and used shoot and scoot tactics in the previous Activity phase have their probability of sighting enemy units over 500 meters away reduced by 75%. Hidden units that did not fire suffer no sighting degradation. 23.4.2 Target Size (Clarification) The apparent target size of a personnel unit depends on if it is considered "up" or "on the ground". Only un- or lightly-suppressed and moving personnel units can be up. All other troop units are assumed to be lying on the ground. Troops on the ground have their size reduced by 50% to 75%. The size of personnel units in shallow water is always 50% of normal. * 24.13 Overruns ( [v1.13] Change) The probability that a moving unit will conduct an overrun into an adjacent hex is about 66%, modified somewhat for the speed of the unit. Units can not overrun into an adjacent hex which would force them to cross any hexside feature (stream, river, gulley, bocage, tank ditch, or breach), even if the hexside is crossed by a bridge or ford. * 24.15.1 Loading ( [v1.13] Clarification) The delay incurred from loading a unit is 1 turn for personnel type passengers, and 2 turns for towed weapons. * 24.15.2 Unloading ( [v1.13] Clarification) The delay incurred from unloading a personnel type unit is one turn for both the passenger and carrier unit. When towed weapons are unloaded, the delay is 3 turns for the passenger (1 turn to unhitch, 2 turns to set up), and 4 turns for the carrier ( 1 turn to unhitch, 3 turns to unload ammo and supplies). * 24.20 STOPPING UNDER FIRE ( [v1.13] Addition) Whenever a moving vehicle unit takes enemy fire, it may make a temporary halt in its current hex. This halt represents a variety of things: surprise, insecurity and apprehension of the crew, command indecision, as well as doctrine (in the late war years, the Allied ground forces increasingly let the artillery and air force hammer known enemy positions before making an assault). Only vehicle units are subject to these stop under fire routines. The reason personnel units are exempted is becasue they are subject to much heavier effects on their movement by suppression. The probability of a unit stopping under fire depends on the force STOP UNDER FIRE (SUF) level (which can be adjusted in the Advanced Game in the FORCE CHARACTERISTICS MENU), and the effectiveness of the incoming fire. The effectiveness is a somewhat subjective value, based on the quantity, accuracy, and damage potential of the incoming rounds. In general, the following determinations are applied: SUF Level Probability of stopping --------- ------------------------------------------------------------ 100 Units stop under virtually all fire. 75-99 Always stop for effective fire, sometimes for ineffective. 50-74 Usually stop for effective fire, rarely for ineffective. 25-49 Sometimes stop for effective fire, never for ineffective. 1-24 Units rarely stop for effective fire, never for ineffective. 0 Units never stop under fire (the SUF routines are ignored). Within each catagory, the higher the SUF Level, the greater the probability of the unit stopping. Once a unit has stopped under enemy fire, it will remain halted for a period determined by the SUF Level. At low SUF Levels, the unit may begin moving the next turn, even if the incoming fire has not stopped. At high SUF levels, the unit may remain halted for up to several turns after the fire has lessened or ceased althogether. Vehicles stopped under enemy fire are eligible to use the "Shoot and Scoot" defensive routines, Improved Positions, terrain modifiers, and all other modifiers available to stationary units. 29.1.5 (Omission) The maximum range of Beehive/Canister rounds is normally 100 meters or less. However, in Panthers the weapon has been given a range of 240 meters. This was done so units armed with this ammunition could engage troop targets in adjacent hexes BEFORE the target has a chance to close assault the firing unit. 29.1.14 Target Size (Omission) The apparent target size affects the accuracy and probability of scoring a hit. Targets appearing larger than a hypothetical 150 square foot target would at 1000 meters (considered the "standard" target) will be easier to hit. For fire against targets appearing smaller than this, the accuracy will be reduced. 29.3.2.1 Impact Side (Clarification) In most situations, firing units observe more than one side of a target. The actual impact side is determined by computing the relative size of each side (as seen by the firing unit), and calculating a probability based on the overall size. A bonus of about 10% is given to the "best" side, to model the fact that gunners normally aim for the most vulnerable spots. Elevation differences can cause Direct Fire to impact on the top of a target. Against Armored targets, the top armor is determined to be 50%-75% of the rear armor. The top armor value of semi-armored targets is normally zero. Becasue of the large lateral distances almost always encountered relative to the height difference, top impacts are not common from DF. Additionally, the shallow angles often produce skipped rounds, which have much reduced penetration. However, against the relatively thin top armor values, even these shots can be very effective. * 29.9 Shoot and Scoot ( [v1.13] Addition) "Shoot and scoot" is a nickname used by the US Army for a tactic designed to reduce the vulnerbility of firing units to return enemy fire. In essence, a vehicle fires off a few rounds, and then quickly moves into a covered area out of view of the enemy. The weapon then shifts to a new position, usually close to the first position, but situated such that the enemy will have to resight and realign his weapons before firing. After a short time, the unit "pops up" from its new position, and begins the cycle anew. The key ingredients in making this tactic effective are the existence of deadspace or a defilade nearby the firing weapon, and a high level of crew training. 29.9.1 Shoot and Scoot Eligible Units Only vehicle units may use shoot and scoot tactics. Additionally, if the unit is engaging a target it must be of one of the following weapon types: Tank, Tank-Destroyer, Recon, or artillery (on- or off-map). While "shoot and scoot" expressly applies to firing units, in Panthers any vehicle unit that is not engaging an enemy unit may also use shoot and scoot tactics to better hide itself from enemy observation and fire. Units in the following situations may NOT use shoot and scoot: - Units in Improved Positons, or other fortifications. - Artillery units current firing IF missions. - Units currently moving. - Units in water hexes. 29.9.2 Determining When A Unit Shoots and Scoots The hidden status of units is determined just before the Ambush DF phase. Each turn, the status is determined for every unit in the game, so it is possible the status will change from turn to turn. There are three values used in Panthers to determine when a unit succeeds in hiding itself with shoot and scoot tactics: the hex terrain, the terrain roughness value, and the force efficiency level. The base probability is determined as follows: Base % % Increase per Terrain Base Prob. Roughness Level ---------- ---------- --------------- Clear 0 4 Lt. Woods 10 6 Woods 40 10 Modifications for Other Terrain in hex: Terrain % Modification ---------- -------------- Swamp -5 Lt. Bldg. 0 Hvy. Bldg. +5 Village +10 Rubble +50 Craters -5 Crops +20 Additionally, approximately 10% is subtracted for units wih Low efficiency, and 10% added for units in a force with High efficiency. Units that are not engaging a target, but are using shoot and scoot tactics to hide themselves, have the probability multiplied by four if already hidden, and by two if not. NOTE: Vehicle units not moving or firing at an enemy unit will always attempt to hide themselves using the shoot and scoot routines. These attempts are automatic, and do not depend on the vehicle's class or the player's shoot and scoot orders. 29.2.3 Shoot and Scoot Effects Units that successfully use shoot and scoot tactics do not become acquired by enemy units more than 500 meters away. This means that those enemy units can never fire on them with more than their light Rate Of Fire, and can not improve their accuracy by merely engaging the unit for a number of turns in succession. Hidden units are also harder to spot, which translates into a 25% reduction in the sighting probability of all enemy units over 500 meters away trying to see them. On the other hand, the unit that used shoot and scoot is likewise prevented from aquiring any enemy target, no matter what the range. As with the enemy units, this limits the friendly unit to a light ROF, and a flat targeting accuracy. Firing units using scoot and shoot have their probability of sighting enemy units reduced by 75%. Units not firing, but merely hiding, suffer no additional degradation in their ability to spot the enemy. Off map artillery units may also switch positions at the conclusion of each firing mission. If this occurs, the next IF mission in the queue for that unit will be delayed 3 to 4 turns (minutes). Additionally, all Counter- Battery fire missions directed against the artillery unit will be degraded, and after three minutes, completely ineffective. 33.0 FLAME WEAPONS ( [v1.02] Modification) Flame and incendiary weapons are affected differently by terrain and fortifications. The AP Factor reductions (which are cumulative) are: Flame Incendiary Woods - 15% - 25% Buildings (Lev 2) - 5% - 15% Buildings (Lev 3) - 10% - 40% Rubble - 20% - 50% Level 2 IP None - 10% Level 3 IP - 5% - 20% Pillbox - 10% - 30% Casemate - 10% - 35% * 39.1.1 Initial Selection VP's ( [v1.13] Change) The initial Victory Points for several unit classes are calculated as: - Vehicles: {[(main gun pen @ 300m/10mm) + (max wpn range/300m)] x GUNMULT + (avg of front and side armor/10mm) + (max speed/10kph) + (number of LMG/MMG) + (2 x number of HMG) + (10 x number of flamethrowers) + (3 x towing capacity) + (pers loading capacity/6)} x TYPEMULT where: GUNMULT is between 1 and 2, depending on main gun rapid ROF. TYPEMULT is 0.6 for tanks, and other turreted vehicles, and 0.5 for all others. Amphibious vehicles add 15%. - AT Guns: (max range/300m)+(pen @ 300m/10mm)+(avg front armor/10mm) - Arty: (max range/1500m)+(HE shell weight/5000g) x QTYMULT + 2/3 of normal vehicle amount, if unit is Self-Propelled where: QTYMULT is 0.7 if the total rounds per gun is less than 13, or 1.3 if rounds per gun greater than 40. - Personnel: {(unit quantity/10) + (1/2 x number of LMG & MMG) + (number of HMG) + (2 x number of AT weapons with range above 100m) + (1/2 x number of AT weapons with range less than 100m) + (10 x number of flamethrowers)} x TYPEMULT where: TYPEMULT varies between 0.5 and 1.15 depending on the type of unit and their mobility. For example, combat engineers have a TYPEMULT=1.15; motorcycle troops TYPEMULT=1.0; cavalry TYPEMULT=0.75, etc. - Spotter Aircraft: 5 + (max speed/10kph) + (avg armor/2mm) - Attack Aircraft: 10 + a combination of factors including weapon anti-personnel and anti-tank factors, number of machineguns, maximum speed and armor. - Barrage: 250 points - Carpet Bombing: 1000 points Note: Penetration values are calculated using the weather conditions that were set before the force selection began. 42 CREDITS (addition) Playtesting: Jim Weller (ex-Sgt, USMC) I also want to express additional thanks to Nick Bell (ex-CPT, USA) and Richard Link (ex-USAF). During the final leg of testing, as well as throughout production of the upgrade, Nick's attention to detail and well thought out testing methods found a bunch of things that would have otherwise slipped by. He also made some invaluable suggestions on improvemnts and how to implement them. Richard was instrumental in helping me isolate and correct a problem with the campaign game sequence that has been dogging me since Tigers On the Prowl. With his asisstance and perseverence, both games now run the campaigns smoothly. Also, thanks to Jim Richberg for all of the time he spent with a spreadsheet working on the adjusted Victory Point calculations. Hopefully, they now (at least as of version 1.13) relate better to each weapon's capabilities. Other Tigers and Panthers gamers also deserve to be noticed for their sharp eyes and willingness to work with me to get things worked out: Sal Vasta Ed Morris Peter Mitchell Peter Von Kleinsmid Cliff Holmes Jim Murray Simon Fritzlan Pete Marvin Jim Cobb Bob Crane Jim Richberg D.2 United States Force Structures (addition) The Heavy Weapons Company (attached to an infantry battalion) was left off the list. This company consists of a mortar platoon (6 x 81mm mortars) and two HMG platoons (each with 4 x .50 cal HMG's). D.3 United Kingdom Force Structures (change) The Armored Squadron consists of a HQ element and 4 troops (platoons). Each armored troop consists of 3 tanks. APPENDIX E Hexside Multipliers (Clarification) Amphibious units crossing non-frozen rivers use a hexside multiplier of x10. ******** CREATING SCENARIOS/MISSION STATEMENTS (For Advanced Users) ******** If you want to make saved games to trade or give away, Panthers allows for two options - saved games or scenarios. The major difference between the two file types is that players can generally change the setup and game characteristics of scenarios. For example, players can change the computer/human force controls when loading a scenario, but can't for a normal saved game. However, to create scenarios requires a better understanding of the Panthers file name conventions, and is a little more work than a normal save file. To begin with, scenarios are saved in the setup phase, often after only one force has been placed on the map. In fact, sometimes the game needs to be saved before _either_ force has been deployed. (Note that even though the scenario setup can be changed - units can never be "removed" from the map once placed, including in a scenario). To save an in-progress setup, hit <Shift>-S with the UNITS ARRAY or "READY FOR PLAYER...SET-UP" message displayed on the screen. The game setup (to that point) will be saved to the file "QZRTL.OPS". Exit to DOS. Find an unused scenario file name (in the form "xy.SCN", where x and y are any two letters), and copy the "QZRTL.OPS" file to that file name. For example, if the file "BA.SCN" does not exist, it could be used as the new name. The DOS command would be: "copy qzrtl.ops ba.scn" If you get an overwrite warning, it indicates that your file name is not "open", and you should try another. Scenarios also allow for the creation of a "mission statement" which will be displayed at the beginning of the scenario. Mission statements are used to describe the general scenario situation, and possibly provide guidance on objectives/victory conditions. Mission statements can contain up to 45 lines of text, with a maximum of 75 characters per line. Mission statements can be created using any ASCII/text editor. If you're using a word processing program, make sure the file is saved in ASCII or text format, without any control characters. The file name for mission statements is simply the two letter scenario file name, with an "M" extension. Using the above example, the mission statement for the scenario "BA.SCN" would be "BA.M". The display routine automatically highlights the first line of the text file in yellow (unless it is blank), and each line following a blank line in a secondary color. For this purpose, lines that contain one or more spaces are NOT blank. The display routine does not center, indent, or otherwise space the text. If you want a heading centered, for example, you'll have to put spaces in front of the text to do it. Several examples of mission statements are provided with the basic Panthers scenarios, and may be used as examples. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- SCENARIO DESCRIPTIONS ------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTN (Introductory Game) This is a non-historical battle designed to familiarize new players to the Panthers system. The map is a shallow east-west valley with a single east- west road. A few villages and groups of trees offer a meager amount of cover to the defender, which should be utilized to the fullest. The wire and mines along the start line will delay the attackers for a few turns - and the human player (German) should try to engage as many enemy tanks as possible while they are most vulnerable. Once the attacking force breaks through, the reserve panzer company should to be moved into a flank position on either side of the breakthrough to destroy it. In general, armored cars and light tanks should be considered secondary targets, and main tanks engaged first. SNIPE (TF TURNER), Egypt October, 1942 As part of the British attack at El Alamein, code named "Lightfoot", the 1st Armoured Division was given the mission of taking two forward positions, WOODCOCK and SNIPE. Objective WOODCOCK was assigned to the 2nd Armoured Brigade, while the 7th Motor Brigade got SNIPE. To take SNIPE, TF TURNER, was formed, built around the 2nd Battalion. This force was fast and mobile, composed of light infantry and a large number of AT guns. Unfortunately, during the 26 October night move, TF TURNER got lost in the featureless desert and eventually dug in about 1000 meters to the northeast of SNIPE. During the next 36 hours, TF TURNER was engaged by friendly forces twice, and stopped at least six German and Italian assaults. When the force finally pulled out, 32 Axis tanks and 5 SP guns were confirmed destroyed, with another 20 kills likely. The cost to TF Turner was 100 soldiers and 18 guns. This scenario is quasi-historical, in that the two main assaults (the Italians from the south, and Germans from the North) happen simultaneously in Panthers. In reality, they happened several hours apart. However, because the AT guns were dug in, and the position was under almost constant bombardment (often by friendly forces), it was almost impossible to reposition guns or concentrate fire. The concurrent attacks in Panthers recreate and enforce this limitation well - since all the guns will be busy engaging targets in their sector. JUVELIZE, France September, 1944 (Done by Gregory Smith) On the 22nd of September, 1944, just northeast of Arracourt the 111th Panzer Brigade made its last attempt to penetrate the U.S. forces near the little town of Juvelize, France. Elements of D troop and F company, 25th Cavalry Squadron, were screening when a large tank force hit them at 09:45 in the morning. Within minutes 7 light tanks were lost. However, a determined stand by a platoon of attached M18 Hellcats slowed down the attack long enough for the Americans to bring artillery and the 37th Tank Battalion into the fight. Aided by P-47's from the XIX Tactical Air Command, the 37th Tank (although reduced in strength due to recent fighting) swung around to the north flank of Juvelize. They seized Le Trois Croix (a vital hilltop) and surprised a group of German tanks, inflicting 16 losses for none of their own. The fighter bombers merely finished the rout, killing the German commander, Oberst Graf Bronsart von Schellendorf. SINGLING, France December 1944 (Done by Nick Bell) This scenario depicts the US 4th Armored Division's attack on the rear defenses of the Maginot Line as a part of the 3rd Army's push toward the Saar region on the German border. Handicapped by unrealistic orders and a lack of artillery support, TF Abrams attacked the strongpoint of Singling which was supposed to be bypassed. Although follow on forces captured the town of Bining, the Americans were forced to withdraw from Singling that night because of a lack of infantry. Because of heavy casualties, the US infantry units were as weak as the German units. The US half tracks one might expect to see are missing because they couldn't negotiate the muddy slopes and were left in the assembly area. The length of engagement was actually 8 hours - about twice as long as this Panthers scenario. ARRACOURT, France September, 1944 (Done by Gregory Smith) September 19th, 1944 dawned as a foggy day near Arracourt France. There, elements of CCA, 4th Armored Division (notably the 37th Tank Battalion commanded by LTC Creighton Abrams) were struck by the newly-formed 113th Panzer Brigade, commanded by Oberst Freiherr von Seckendorf. The 113th Panzer was composed of hospital returnees and other troops with lower than normal morale but it was "extraordinarily well-equipped" with armor for the time. It had a Panther V battalion and a Mark IV battalion each with 45 tanks, and a regiment of motorized infantry. The fog, while serving to keep away the dreaded U.S. fighter-bombers, also negated the superior range of the German tanks, and elements of the 37th assisted by M18 Hellcat tank destroyers of C/704th TD inflicted terrible losses on the poorly trained and led Germans, despite their technical superiority. SCHMIDT, Germany November 1944 (Done by Nick Bell) This scenario depicts a successful combined-arms counterattack by the Germans against the US 28th Infantry Division in the Huertgen Forest. The 28th "Bloody Bucket" Division was damned by poor leadership at all levels, tough German defenses, and terrible terrain and weather. In the course of 2 weeks the division had gained a few kilometers while suffering over 6000 casualties in one of the bloodiest divisional engagements of the war. Let the computer control the Americans in a single player game. The actual engagement lasted about 3 hours (180 turns). Note that the terrain elevations represent 30 meters instead of 10 meters in height. OMAHA BEACH: 6 June, 1944. (Done by Gregory Smith) This scenario accurately depicts the units that landed in the 116th Regimental Combat Team sector at the start of D-Day, and as such represents about 1/2 of Omaha Beach. The attack was preceded by a carpet bombing attack by 446 B-24 bombers (329 dropped), which historically hit somewhat further inland than the main defensive belt, although no one is exactly sure. The 116th was supported by the 743rd Tank Battalion, which had 2 companies of DD (Duplex Drive) tanks and one company of normal Shermans. There were also 8 tank dozers (not all of which survived to the shore) and the Special Engineer Task Force, who were to blow gaps in the numerous obstacles for the follow-on waves. Supporting the attack was the Texas, Arkansas, several CA's and DD's, nine LCM(R) rocket firing ships, and other craft. Just below the 116th was C company, 5th Ranger Battalion, assaulting Point de la Percee. Defending the beaches at Normandy were elements of the 352nd Infantry Division and the 716th Infantry Division, both second-line units but fully capable of defending from static positions, as events would show. At Omaha, there were no less than 12 casemates, 35 pillboxes, 18 antitank guns of various calibers, over 60 artillery pieces, many mortars and 300mm rocket emplacements. Losses for the 116th RCT exceeded 1,000 men on D-Day, but despite the horrific casualties they proceeded inland once they broke through the thin crust of the German Defenses. Most of the data for this scenario comes from the superb DoD book, "Omaha Beachhead" which contains detailed maps of defenses and detailed lists of assault waves. TEAM DESOBRY, Belgium, December 1944. (Done by Gregory Smith) Major Desobry was the armored force commander of a small outpost that was manning a roadblock northeast of Bastogne just before it was surrounded. Named Team Desobry, it was formed around 15 medium tanks from CCB, 10th Armored Division, and a platoon of M10 tank destroyers from the 705th TD Battalion. Noville, just 6km northeast of Bastogne, sat astride the major road leading into the vital road network. A morning German assault by tanks and infantry was pulled back when the fog lifted; Desobry requested reinforcements and got the 1/506th Parachute Infantry Battalion. This battalion was moving forward to attack NE of Noville when the Germans launched their own, second assault. He also received another platoon of TD's. Unknown to Desobry, the road from Noville to Bastogne was the major attacking point of the 2nd Panzer Division. A huge fight ensued as a battalion of German infantry hit the 1/506th, supported by at least 32 tanks. Heavy artillery also hit the Americans (most of the divisional artillery of the 2nd Panzer). Both sides suffered heavy losses, although the Germans appear to have had a battalion of the 3rd Panzer Regiment crippled during this fight, not to mention the loss of over 30 vehicles. On the 20th, the Germans attacked again, and Team Desobry finally evacuated its position and fought its way back into friendly lines inside the besieged Bastogne. AUTHIE, France June, 1944 (Done by Nick Bell) This scenario recreates the engagement between the 12 SS Panzer Division and the 3rd Canadian Division and the 2nd Canadian Armor Brigade on June 7th, 1944. The battle is interesting to play from either side. During the actual battle the Germans were repulsed at Buissons but held Buron and Galmanche. Sources vary, but between 6 and 12 PzKfw IV were a total loss and more than half the Canadian infantry and tank forces were destroyed. Note that some Canadian units have been consolidated due to program unit quantity limitations, i.e. tank squadrons have double the number of troops. No Allied aircraft participated in the battle, although German sources note that they overflew their positions heading south (perhaps to attack Panzer Lehr?). The German TF CO is Kurt "Panzer" Meyer and Max Wuensche commands the 3 Panthers of the Panzer Regiment HQ.