Current Project: Random Mission Generator, Testing, & MORE MAPS

PRIMARY GOAL:

Would like to include all of you on this. I'm thinking of using one of the Mercenary Handbook mission generators (any better suggestions?) and here is what I need:

-an easy to understand chart that will allow us to randomly assign missions to Lances on the fly.
(I haven't begun looking at them yet and it has been awhile since I've used them. does anyone have any suggestions?)

Note: a FORCE GENERATOR is NOT needed since we can effectively do that in megamek already.

PRIMARY GOAL:

We need testers for the current game mechanics. Before we launch this campaign, we would like some people to test the rules (together) that we have set in place and give us HELPFUL feedback. Ask Skwi or myself if you need help.

-we will need 2-4 players
-testing Event Table found here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/29256rc58p4qw41/Tables - Events 3.0.xls
-testing TechPoint Economy found here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/w5st023bi4gd1dv/Tables - TechPoint Economy 3.0.xls

Note: Please keep in mind I have done A LOT of testing already on my own. We will NOT be making sweeping changes. We will take any criticism under advisement, but please don't be upset if we choose not to use your suggestions. Try to be patient with us and trust us on this

SECONDARY GOAL:

More maps never hurt! If any of you would like to design some maps in the megamek map creator, it would sure be a big help!. If you want to help, but don't know how, I can assist you.

Here are the standardized sizes we will use:

Small Maps = 16x17 (best if modular; combining 4 of these makes a medium map. EXPERT MAP MAKERS ONLY! SEE ME FOR DETAILS)
Medium Maps = 32x34 (best for urban maps or maps with heavy cover, forest/jungle maps or maps with rugged terrain. open-ish terrain is okay too)
Large Maps = 48x51 (best for maps with more open areas, although may include a few "high ground" areas, bodies of water or other unique geography)

Helpful link for new map makers:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w2le7ac7ctzsj4k/YyCMgvKIFN

 

Well everyone don't rush in at once.

 

I suppose I could help test... Hmph!

I may try making a few maps as well. Any specific types you need?

 

@Dihm: just off the top of my head I think we could use another spaceport map. one that makes more sense than the one we have (35x35 North Scar Flats HQ). what i mean is that spaceports capable of facilitating most dropships are usually somewhat isolated from (although still near) big cities. dropships are huge and loud. they wouldn't be landing in the middle of the city. a large map that looked like your typical large airport (don't forget to add dropship gantries) would be a nice addition. i would think it should have at least one standard runway (3 hexes wide) and should be positioned in one corner of the map. spaceport should consist of a fair number of buildings but only enough to look like a proper spaceport. surrounding areas should probably be mostly open, but allow for some hills and tree cover. a conservative sprinkling of some high explosive tanks could be a nice added feature, but not required.

if that sounds too hard or too specific, we don't have any good medium sized jungle and/or swamp maps. if you feel like it, maybe another moon map? (i think we only have 1 good one). more snow/ice maps are also good (with and without trees). if you need more inspiration, i highly recommend looking to random battletech art/mechwarrior games/ etc. (it helps)

@Taake: i definitely need to do testing but it will probably have to wait until this weekend. how does noon on Sat. sound?

@Wolf Ward: really any type of map is appreciated right now. we might not get around to using the maps any time soon, but having some more to pick from will definitely help. the ones i listed to dihm above are propably what we have the least amount of.

NOTE TO ALL MAP MAKERS:
-use the standardized sizes listed in the OP
-remember your scaling; one hex = 30 meters across, 1 level altitude = half the height of a battlemech
-minor altitude changes should probably be left as flat terrain (example: plains and small rolling hill countryside)


if you guys need assistance on map designing. i will be available this weekend.

 

i could do a bit later for pacific timers. just didn't want to leave our GMTeamers out in the cold. sunday's great too. noon then unless something changes.

 

Hmmmm, I'll take a shot at the spaceport when I get a chance. Have some ideas.

How large are the standard ovoid dropships, when grounded?

 

7 hexes: 1 in the center and then the 6 adjacent hexes.

 

Beauty, I got this shiz.

 

Opens Map Editor
Tries to change the elevation of a tile
Tries some more
Tries even harder, maybe clicking more firmly will help
Rage quits.

Fuck your maps, maps are stupid.

 

EST. I can do Saturday too. people just need to let me know.

lol... pick a day and i will walk you through it. it isn't too hard once you get the hang of it. same goes for anyone else needing help

 

Sunday we tested general event and ambush mechanics. Great success, we had!

Thank you to all who were able to be there to help!

Testers:
-Fet
-Flessar
-Ghiest
-Haki

Honorable Mentions
-Me
-Blue
-Taake
-Princess (aerospace worked!)
-Testbot (for not crashing the game controlling 9 units)

 

Would like to do another test session some time in the next couple of days. Taake, I know you missed the last one due to time conflicts with your D&D game and the officer meeting. What is the earliest that is good for you?