Update, version 18.99, October 31, 2018
- Toolbar additions, line forward commands 'By Formation' for brigade and division levels - 500, 750 (division only) and 1000 yards.
Line forward commands, by formation...
‘By formation’ means a formation is designed with the leader further back from the formation than the standard 10 yards. So, by moving the leader back 510 yards, a '500 forward' formation call from a line formation will move the troops 500 yards forward, maintaining their line integrity. Furthermore, the leader, which otherwise would remain idle, is given a 500 yard forward movement command, the second function allowed in the GUI, and a standard line formation results after 500 yards of movement.
These line forward commands evolved originally from scenario scripting and dealing with the game's 'move form forward' commands. They're great commands, when they work, but totally unreliable for scripting purposes. Half the time they dud out, blocked by some seen, or unseen, obstacle. On the toolbar they still have purpose, that's why I include them, because players can eventually get them unblocked if they’re patient and persistent. Line forward commands ‘by formation’ are never blocked.
Another reason I script and prefer play with these types of forward movement commands is that they prevent 'caravans' from happening. Caravans are formed when troops (sometimes) gravitate from a given formation inward, to and behind the leader, over long distances. 'Hold Line' formations (green) prevent caravans but are not as accurate in maintaining line integrity as 'by formation' forward movement commands. Also, they're real slow at reaching their destination. I've found that it's better to move at line columns for a while and then allow for a player option on whether or when to hit the 'Hold Line' formation button as the enemy is approached. If the leader is TC'd throughout the journey then a standard line formation will result at the end positions. Or halt the leader and form the line short of the destination if opted.
Using TC Officers and Atcommoff
The last couple of sentences referred more to Brigade level commands, Division level needs a few more steps to maintain a good solid line while moving forward. TC Officers is the key. Immediately after initiating a move forward by formation command - select TC Officers (red flag button). While all his officers are TC'd the leader has no control, but this insures that they won't stray from their destination orders. For the leader to gain control again in order to halt or change the formation, Atcommoff (four white flags button) must be initiated, this TC's Off all the brigade officers so they will follow division commands.
Atcommoff function change
To make the TC Officers command more formation friendly the Atcommoff command will no longer TC Off the commander (selected officer). I've found that if the commander isn't instantly TC'd after Atcommoff, he can suddenly dart off, changing position and direction, and destabilize further maneuvering of a given division formation. So, this change insures that the commander stays TC'd, thus locked into his position or destination, and the formation lives on to advance or whatever, under complete control of the player. Brigade level Atcommoff will remain as is, the brigade officer will still TC Off with the Atcommoff command.
- Line Forward Commands Upgrade 18_99.jpg (274.53 KiB) Viewed 878 times
- New CSA historically based flag finials assigned to B&F OOBs and OOBs included in the 2018 HD flag upgrade: Antietam, South Mountain, Prairie Grove, Pea Ridge, The Red River Campaign and Chancellorsville (Chancellorsville Extras mod).
Most CSA regimental flags now display and correspond with these flag finials by state...
- CS State Flag Finials.jpg (176.15 KiB) Viewed 878 times
