Date: 15 Jun 1998 15:11:50 -0000
Reply-To: wif@lists.pipex.com
From: "Benjamin J.A.B. Dick esq." <bdick@lis.ab.ca> Save Address Block Sender
To: Multiple recipients of list <wif@lists.pipex.com>
Subject: Monthly WiF-List FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) updated: 06/07/98
Updated: 06/07/98
Greetings WiF Players,
The purpose of this FAQ is answer frequently asked questions concerning WiF
and the WiF mailing list. This FAQ will be posted on the first and
fifteenth of each month. If you have any further questions concerning the
FAQ, feel free to mail me at 'bdick@lis.ab.ca' with 'FAQ' in the subject.
If you have suggestions in the way of questions that should be added to the
FAQ please send to the same address with 'FAQ' in the subject and they will
be added to the updated FAQ at the earliest possibility. Special thanks to
Soren Egmose for getting the ball rolling.
Good Luck and Good Gaming,
Sections:
1. The WiF Listserv.
2. WiF Product and Information Directory.
3. Common Rules Questions/Errata
--------------------------------------------------------
Section I. The WiF Listserv.
1. How do I subscribe to the WiF Mailing List?
To subscribe send a message to listproc@lists.pipex.com with the body:
SUBSCRIBE WIF <your name>
2. How do I unsubscribe from the WiF Mailing List?
To unsubscribe from the list, send a message to listproc@lists.pipex.com
with no subject and a body of:
UNSUBSCRIBE WIF
***Make sure you include the 's' in the word 'lists' in the above address,
many people have had trouble subscribing/unsubscribing due to this small
error.***
3. Does the WiF Mailing List come in digest form?
Yes it does.
If you wish to receive a digest instead of individual messages, send
SET WIF MAIL DIGEST
4. How do I contact the administrator of the WiF Listserv (John Sloan)?
John can be reached at:
admin-wif@lists.pipex.com
OR
johns@uk.uu.net
5. What is considered 'On Topic' on the WiF Listserv?
After a couple years of off-topic discussions disintegrating into flame
wars and an enormous amount of bandwidth being wasted on the same topic
time and again, a list-consensus developed about off-topic posts. This
list allows a broad 'on topic' consideration (when compared to *many* other
lists), involving basic Strategy and Tactics discussions of WWII, a good
measure of historical discussion that is *relevant* to WiF, WiF game
reports are considered on-topic and are encouraged (unlike a number of
other dedicated war gaming listservs), as well Q&A and general discussion
of rules and mechanics of the game. Further, house rules, proposals and
ideas of this sort are often discussed and are certainly on-topic. [Those
ideas which are not at odds with the game design philosophy sometimes make
it to optional rule status - check out the forthcoming WiF Annual and a
special thanks to Dean and Dave]. Discussion concerning the list itself,
technical information, problems with the list are only marginally 'on
topic', if you feel they are really relevant to all subscribers, then the
post is probably on-topic.
Anything else is considered 'OFF TOPIC', including controversial
discussions about the morality of war, holocaust, etc, etc that have
*nothing* to do with WiF. While a certain amount of OT discussion is
quasi-relevant it should be clearly marked as 'OT' or 'OFF TOPIC' in the
subject for a number of purposes. Many listserv members have no interest
or time to read all the off-topic posts and the use automated filtration
systems in e-mail to get rid of off-topic posts. Please use your
discretion and be courteous in remembering that no matter how interesting a
particular off-topic post is to you, they might be simply annoying to
others who are using this list for the appropriate purposes.
As far as game reports specifically go, while they are certainly on-topic,
please preface all game reports with either "GR" or "Game Report", so that
they can be ignored by those on the list who have no interest in them.
Additionally, (yes I know this section is long winded <chuckle>) when posting
questions to the Listserv, try to include *relevant* subjects. Refrain from
posting queries with topics such as, "A few questions", or "Questions from
Pittsburgh" - such subjects can be difficult to sort and recognize when the
thread continues for several posts.
6. How should I send attachments to the list?
Attachments are a good way to distribute stand-alone material in a long
post. Many people have methods for downloading large files outside of the
regular mail process, or may want to avoid large posts that are stand-alone
altogether. Attachments, if in text format, should be sent in either RTF
or TXT format so that everyone can read them. Other attachments,
particularly audio or video files, should be kept small and in formats that
most people (PC or MAC) can read.
7. How much of my posts should be quoted material?
It is a good idea to cut out text which doesn't relate to your post when
quoted from a previous one. This reduces bandwidth and makes your posts
easier to read. The accepted method is to indicate you have cut out some
(possibly irrelevant) text is by using '<snip>' in place of the removed text.
8. I see a number of abbreviations and acronyms used on the list, what do
they all mean?
Some of the abbreviations used on the list are peculiar to WiF, others are
generic to Internet lingo, they are grouped accordingly below:
Frex: FoR EXample
IMO: In My Opinion, there are many variations on this..
IMHO: In my humble opinion
IMNSHO: In my not so humble opinion (well feel free to think of more...-))
IOW: In other words
AFAIK: As Far As I Know, AFAICT: As Far As I Can Tell
IIRC: If I recall Correctly
BTW: By the way
WiF: World in Flames
WIFFE: World In Flames, The Final Edition
WIFC: World In Flames Classic
WIFD: World In Flames Deluxe
PiF: Planes in Flames
SiF: Ships in Flames
AfA: Africa Aflame
AsA: Asia Aflame
MiF: Mech in Flames
AiF: America in Flames
CWiF: Computer World in Flames
NSU: Naval Supply Unit
RAW: Rules as written
RAE: Rules as erraticized
A2A: Air to air factors
A2S: Air to sea (naval) factors
MAP: Map as printed (I like that one!!!-)))
NEI: Netherlands East Indies
TERR: Territorial Unit
GARR: Garrison Unit
FTR2: 2-turn Fighter
FTR3: 3-turn Fighter
LND2: 2-turn Land Bomber
LND3: 3-turn Land Bomber
DSB: Defensive Shore Bombardment
OOS: Out of supply
CW: Commonwealth
LOS: Limited Overseas Supply
--------------------------------------------------------
Section II. WiF Product and Information Directory.
1. What is World in Flames (WiF)?
World in Flames (WiF) is a strategic level board game about World War II for 2
to 6 players. It is designed and produced by Australian Design Group.
World in Flames is played on a varying number of large maps spread out on a
table top. The map is divided into a hexagonal grid and armies, aircraft, and
ships are represented by small cardboard counters. Players take the role of
one of the major powers of WW2 and seek to do better than their historical
counterparts.
There are a lot of WWII wargames on the market, but WiF is unique in that it
fully integrates every theatre of operation and every type of unit deployed in
WWII. As in reality everything seldom goes according to your carefully laid
plans and you have to be flexible. Die rolling has some effect on game but in
the end the winner is the player with more skills. A full game of WiF Deluxe
tests your skills as the game unfolds you numerous challenges from minor
tactical operations to grand strategy.
Over the years WiF has developed through many editions (WiF1 - WiF5); the
current one was first released in October of 1996 and is referred to as WiF
the Final Edition (WiFFE). The developer of World in Flames, Harry Rowland,
has
expressed his determination not to make another (major) version of WiF the
board game. However, a computer game based on WiFFE is under development.
WIFFE has two major versions: WIF Classic (WiFC) and WiF Deluxe (WiFD). WiF
rules include 69 optional rules, which must be decided on before game play.
Without any options the game is WiF Classic at it's purest (a.k.a Vanilla
WiF). WiFC covers all theatres, but some peripheral locations (like
southern Africa) are abstracted. With all options the game evolves into WiF
Deluxe with maps for Africa and Scandinavia and many more air, land and
naval units (3600 all together) to give a more detailed game. Even the maps
used by WiFC take about 2 square meters of table space so this is no small
game!
For historical reasons WiF Deluxe comprises of several kits:
Asia Aflame (includes artillery and divisions)
Africa Aflame (includes territorials as well as other optional units)
Planes in Flames (additional aircraft)
Ships in Flames (additional ships)
Mech in Flames (includes engineer units and supply counters)
Leaders in Flames (upcoming in the WiF 98-annual)
New products that are planned:
America in Flames (August 1998)
Computer WiF (October 1998)
The rules of WiF have been scrutinized by WiF gamers during the last year.
Some errata was found and ADG has released a new set of rules (release 3),
which is also available on several web-pages. The rules as printed (without
setup information) are about 60 pages; 140 pages if printed from the net.
Typically a game of World in Flames (Deluxe) takes between 100 and 150
hours of play time, but this may vary depending on experience of players.
ADG has also developed a game called Days of Decision (DOD), which can be
played with WiF. The last edition DOD2 seeks to duplicate the political
maneuvering that occurred from 1936 to 1945. It has been integrated with WiF5
and has some rules to integrate it with WiFFE. No new version of DOD is
expected.
WiF should be available at your local gaming store. If not, you can also order
it directly from ADG. A list of ADG products and information on ordering is
available.
*Special thanks to Vesa Saarinen for this description of WiF.
2. What are the prices for ADG products?
Current prices (including postage) are (as of May 30, 1998):
US/Canadian addresses (US$) Elsewhere (Aus$)
WiF Classic Game 60 100
WiF Deluxe Game 120 200
WiF Deluxe Rulebook 20 35
WiF 1-5 to Deluxe update 55 92.50
WiF Classic~Deluxe update (NEW!) 80 135
Classic counters (CS 1-6 & 24) 25 42.50
Deluxe CS (1-9,14,15 & 18-24) 65 110
Final Ed. CS (each) 7 12
Final ed. Maps (5) 25 42.50
Planes in Flames 25 42.50
Asia Aflame 20 35
Africa Aflame 20 35
AfA/AsA Update (NEW!) 30 50
Ships in Flames 30 50
WiF 94/95 Annual (incl. MiF) 20 35
WiF 98 Annual (incl. LiF) 25 42.50
Fatal Alliances II 25 42.50
WiF Newsletter sub (4 issues) 30 50
WiF Virtual Newsletter sub 20 35
WiF virtual+Annual sub 25 42.50
Other Games
America in Flames (avail. soon) 55 92.50
America in Flames Update 45 75
Days of Decision II 50 85
World Cup Football 45 75
Rub Out 15 25
Reduce the prices of each of these products by 25% (except for each LoC
Newsletter subscription) if you are a current subscriber to the World in
Flames Newsletter (yes, you may subscribe and get the 25% reduction
immediately, thus you save US$10 or Australian$20 if you buy the WiF Deluxe
and the virtual sub together, rather than just buying the WiF Deluxe by
itself).
3. Are there other recommended channels of obtaining WiF and other ADG
products?
If your local game store does not carry WiF, Harry Rowland has recommended
contacting Larry Whalen, proprietor of The Gamekeeper who can outfit you with
all your WiF needs.
Larry can be reached by email or telephone:
1-401-351-0362
fmf@pipeline.com
4. How do I contact ADG?
ADG can be reached in Australia at:
ADG
25 Quandong St.,
O'Connor
ACT 2602 Australia
Or in the USA at:
ADG
PO Box 6253
Los Osos
CA 93412 USA
Harry Rowland's email address is: Harry Rowland
<Aus_Design_Group@compuserve.com>
ADG's web page address is: http://206.183.207.67/kranz/consim/adg/
ADG can be reached by phone as follows:
(voice) 61 (+6) 2572048
(fax) 61 (+6) 2572048
(ACN) 008 641 730
5. When is Computer in Flames (CiF) scheduled for release?
Harry's latest pronouncement on CiF is that it will be available in (drum roll
please): October of 1998.
6. When is America in Flames (AiF) scheduled for release?
It is expected to be released at WiFCon in August this year (1998).
7. What is WiFCON and where is it held?
WIFCON
Dates: Saturday, August 8 through
Sunday, August 16, 1998
Location: Johnson & Wales Inn
Seekonk, MA, USA
WIFCON is a wargaming tournament for World in Flames, the definitive
strategic level World War II wargame. Additionally, the
Australian Design Group (ADG) will be releasing new products at WIFCON.
RI and Massachusetts are tremendous areas to visit with beautiful beaches,
historical sites and plenty of entertainment your whole family is welcome!
ADG plans on releasing America Aflames at WIFCON.
Additionally, Harry Rowland will take his turn at the podium to discuss ADG
plans for the future.
The WIF Tournament
Most of the week will of course be spent playing WIF under the auspices of
the annual WIF Tournament. With a full week at our disposal, full WiF
games are possible! Those who attend for less than the full week are
welcome to play shorter scenarios, or have a full-speed crack at the full
campaign. Players are welcome to come with their own group of friends to
play, or to come and be matched up with others rated similarly to
themselves. Tournament rules are currently being discussed, and full
details on any changes to them will be published early in 1998 so you
can get in a game or two of preparation! ADG giant Harry Rowland will be
playing once again with whom is yet to be determined.
This year there will also be beginner’s games for those who feel they do not
want to take on the experienced players. You can come and have full coaching
as well as fun while playing World in Flames.
Facilities and Services
WIFCON's host this year is Johnson & Wales Inn, a small Inn located in
Seekonk, MA. They are offering rooms at $59.00 for two people per room.
An additional $10.00 per person above the first two, not to exceed four
people in a room.
How Do I Sign Up?
WIFCON Convention Registration
To register for the convention, please FAX the following information to
Larry Whalen at 401-351-0362: your name, and the name of the convention
attendees you are booking; phone number and address for all attendees;
specify the number of days all attendees will be present; and please
include your credit card information (type, exp. date, number, name
spelling) so your convention registration can be officially booked. The
fax number is also Larry's phone number if you have further questions
or wish to register by phone. Information packets will be
sent to convention attendees, including WIF tournament rules, as
confirmation in a few weeks.
WIFCON Convention Fees
Registration for the convention itself will be:
$10/day if you pre-register before June 1, 1997
$12/day if you register later, or wish to pay on daily
basis at the door
Guest Room Reservations
Please call the Johnson & Wales Inn at 800-232-1772 in order
to reserve your room(s). When booking a reservation, if you
are willing to bunk with other people, please call Larry Whalen
and he will try to arrange that for you.
Of course, if you already have your family or group lined up, you are most
welcome to book together!
Transportation to and from the airport, can be arranged with the Johnson &
Wales Inn.
We are looking forward to another lively and entertaining tournament so come
and join us for some fun in those dog days of August.
*Thanks to Larry Whalen for this information.
8. What is European-WiFCON and where is it held?
The European WIFCon will be held from October 16th till the 25th in Kassel,
Germany.
Harry Rowland will be in attendance.
European WIFcon 98.
When:
Oct 16 - 25, 1998
Where:
Kassel, Germany
How much:
15 DM (about 8$) a day or
80 DM (about 42$) all days or
120 DM (about 67$) all days including bunk bed accommodations.
Who:
Anybody and everybody who plays WIF. Just as last year we will
have so called "expert" tables with experienced WIF players and
"newcomer" tables with players who play WIF for the first time.
What:
WIF around the clock and ADG new releases and chats with
Harry Rowland (wow!)
How:
e-mail Harold Martin Vignerte at
harold.martin-vignerte@sifi.daimler-benz.com. The tournament is being
organized on a first come first serve basis.
Kassel is situated in central Germany and easily accessible by railway or
highway. If you fly in, your best destination is Frankfurt. We will organize
transportation for those coming in at Frankfurt airport or the Kassel
railway station. We will also organize/reserve rooms in Hotels/Pensions for
those who have a higher budget. The same tournament optional rules are in
effect,
as at the WIFCON that Larry Whalen Jr. is holding in the USA. There are no
guest speakers and so on, this tournament is less formal. However, the
results will be posted in the LOC magazine.
*Special thanks to Harold Martin-Vignerte for this information
--------------------------------------------------------
Section III. Common Rules Questions/Errata
All clarifications and errata found in this section are official, taken from
official rulings by Harry Rowland.
1. Where can I obtain the latest errata for WiF: The Final Edition?
There are several channels for the latest official errata.
Vesa Saarinen's webpage is a semi-official errata site.
It can be reached at: http://www.hatk.helsinki.fi/~vsaarine/wif/
Patrice Forno's site also has official errata posted.
It can be reached at: http://wwwperso.hol.fr/~froon/WiF/wif.htm
A fully official publication of the latest errata is pending.
2. Where can I obtain a copy of all the official clarifications from ADG?
Tom Cleveland is working on a consolidated list of current clarifications.
Tom can be reached at: <Cleaveland@conriver.net>
Alternatively, Benjamin Dick has copies of all WIFFE clarifications classified
by date.
Benjamin can be reached at: bdick@lis.ab.ca
3. What is meant by the term 'peacekeeper'? I see it all the time on the
WiF-list but can't find it in the rules?
Peacekeepers is a term of convenience used on the list referring to the
capability of a Major Power to enter a minor country-controlled hex as per the
following rule:
19.3, Who Can Enter the Minor.
"Your units can enter hexes controlled by a minor country if:
- you are at war with it or with the major power that controls it; or
- it is conquered by you or another active major power on your
side; or
- it is aligned with any active major power on your side and the unit
entering is an active major power unit; or
- it is aligned with a neutral major power on your side and the unit
entering is one of that major power's unit; or
- it is aligned with any active major power on your side and the minor
country unit entering it satisfies the foreign troop commitment rules (see
18.2)."
Specifically, the 'peacekeeper rule' is contained in bullets three and four
above, allowing a MP to enter a minor country regardless of whether or not
that MP is at war with any other MP which may be at war with the minor in
question.
*Special thanks (or NOT) <chuckle> to Don Walker for introducing the term in
the Pax Romana game! (~;
4. What do 'RAW, RAW2, and RAW3' mean?
RAW is an acronym referring to 'Rules As Written'. Specifically, 'RAW' refers
to the rules in general, and in specific to the first printing of the WiFFE
rules copyright 1996. 'RAW2' refers to the second revision of the WiFFE rules
copyright 1997. 'RAW3' refers to the third revision of the rules (minor
changes only) which has (thus far) only been released electronically, dated
14/1/98.
5. When the USSR declares control of the Baltic States, who gets the CP that
sets up there, the USSR, Germany, or someone else?
The USSR.
6. Are the Baltic States and Eastern Poland Soviet Home country or conquered
after Soviet occupation?
Conquered.
7. What Weather zone is the Baltic Sea in? The rules say that it is the
weather zone that the sea box is located in, but, the maps are printed such
that the sea box goes through both the Arctic and N. Temperate weather zones.
The North Temperate.
8. Is naval AA fire halved in bad weather (rain or snow)?
You never halve AA on ships due to weather. The halving of the naval air
factor achieves that already.
9. Provided two enemy Major Powers sign a neutrality pact, can they also
sign a trade agreement along with it?
Yes. Rule 13.7.3, Mutual peace states:
"Two major powers at war can agree to come to peace on any terms mutually
acceptable."
10. Are there 'standard' options that people play?
Options are by their nature a matter of personal taste. Most of the list
members seem
to play with many of the options.
The rule used at WIFCON 97 was that all options had to be agreed by all
players, except the following, that were mandatory:
Option 13: Emergency HQ supply
Option 16: Lend Lease
Option 34: Motorized movement rates
Option 39: HQ support
Option 46: Partisans
Option 50: USSR-Japan Compulsory Peace
Option 61: Offensive chits
11. What are the most important options?
Most options add interesting components to the game, like night bombing.
However, there are quite a few options that drastically effect the strategy,
tactics, and even relative strengths of the players in the game. One
opinion of these are:
Option 1: African & Scandinavian Maps
Option 9: Ships in Flames Units
Option 11: Limited Overseas Supply
Option 13: Emergency HQ supply
Option 16: Lend lease
Option 26: Amphibious rules
Option 34: Motorized movement rates
Option 38: Defensive shore bombardment
Option 43: Two dice combats
Option 45: Partisans
Option 48: Oil
Option 50: USSR-Japan compulsory peace
Option 61: Offensive chits
Option 63: Intelligence
-----------------------------------------------
This FAQ is written and maintained by Benjamin J.A.B. Dick
-----------------------------------------------
Please send any questions to be added to the FAQ to 'bdick@lis.ab.ca' with
'FAQ-questions' in the title.