A Brief Demonstration of my Soloplay Mechanism

[Dobbs]

The following is a few turns showing how my Soloplay system works.

For those interested, here's the link to download the rules:

https://www.sailsofglory.org/showthread.php?5731-A-Test-of-my-Revamped-Solo-Mechanism/page2

The latest version and the Bearing Template is on line 60.

I use a modified version of the sideslip cards (cards 3-6 in any deck). If you don't want to use these, play a regular straight instead when a sideslip would be used. If interested, here's the link:

https://www.sailsofglory.org/showthread.php?5655-Sideslip-Cards

The download for the basic ships is on line 27. There are more on line 34.

The setup; two evenly matched frigates.

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Outside of 2 combat rulers, the AI ship moves straight.

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Inside of 2 rulers, the AI ship runs off the charts. Here we see it in the yellow sailing arc on a port tack.

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The opponent (me) is ahead of the AI ship and on a reciprocal course. The AI rolls a 5, minus 4 for being beyond long range.

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The result, I chose to go straight and the AI ship luffed up.

More to come...

[Dobbs]

I chose to come up closehauled on a starboard tack.

The AI was in the red arc on a port tack. I was off its starboard beam heading to port. The range was just barely long.

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I use a house rule that a ship turning toward the wind may state before movement that they are intending to come up closehauled. If the card would carry the ship into the red arc, the player instead pivots it on the windward stern corner to be at the extreme edge of the yellow arc. A number followed by a C on the AI charts indicates that the AI ship will use that number card but if the turn would carry it into the red arc, it becomes closehauled instead.

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...and the AI gets off the first broadside, a bow rake at long range!

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[Dobbs]

I try to forereach on the AI ship and gain the holy weather gauge. The AI ship rolls a 4. The second turn red table is used, which directs me back to the 1st table .

https://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=50090&stc=1

The AI boat is still on a port tack, I'm on its starboard side and heading to port at long range.

https://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=50091&stc=1

https://sailsofglory.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=50114&d=1595357232



The smoke is leftover from the previous turn.

[Dobbs]

Having not moved far enough to bring my full broadside to bear, I decided that luffing up might do the trick.

The AI is still in the red on a port tack. I'm still on its starboard side and heading to port.

The AI rolls a 3, plus 4 for short range becomes a 7.

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I realized just now that this table should say "Previous Turn" or "Last Maneuver" instead of "1st Turn Maneuver" in the upper left.

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The result:

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I get off a partial stern broadside and receive another full broadside in return.

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I've had enough for the day!

[Bligh]

Simply superb explaination of your system Dobbs.
Nice to see your Laser blazing away.
I turned one of your pictures for you.
Thanks for posting this.
Rob.

[Fabbe]

Thanks for this explanation, Dobbs!

I've tried out the system a few times and have had entertaining actions.

Sometimes I might have forgotten to apply the modifier for beyond long range. (I have not forgotten the modifier for short range though.) For forgetful people like me, it might be helpful with the modifiers at the top of each table in a future revision of the ruleset. Another little thing is that when deciding the enemy's position relative to the solo-ship, it might be good to mention what part of the vessel - I assume it is the central mast.

[Dobbs]

Thanks, Rob for turning my picture right side up!

Andrew, good suggestions, keep them coming! I'll update soon and post the changes.