Data Recovery

[bewulf]

Just a little sketch for a scenario, before I forget the idea again.

Goal:
All sides try to recover vital data from a research center.
The first player who can recover the data and escape with it wins.

Setup and BP:
As normal, but place an additional building in the middle of the map. This building is the research center.

Rules:
To extract the data a troop must enter the research center and scan for two consecutive turns.
After the troop has extracted the data it must leave the playing area via the side of the controlling player to bring the data to safety.
Multiple troops can extract and carry the data, though only one troop may occupy the research center at any time.

Variants:
a) Gather data from several buildings.
b) Gather data from several buildings, data can only be gathered once from each building. Who gets the most data to safety wins.
c) Instead of getting the data automatically after two scans each scan allows you to roll a d10. On a roll of x the troop finds the data, each consecutive scan adds +1 to the roll.

[tugunmojo]

That's an interesting game idea. I might add that unless eliminating the opposing team will score a win, I would suggest that if the data is not recovered before the game ends due to one side being destroyed, the game is a draw. This will keep players focused on the objective.

I must ask, if all of your infantry are killed, can you win the game or is the best you can do is force a draw?

[bewulf]

Yes, something that keeps this from turning into a simple "Destroy the opposition" and keep the players focused is needed.
Also, if using the Destructible Buildings optional rule, the research center should remain indestructible (or maybe destroying it without your side carrying the data should result in an automatic loss?).

If all your infantry are killed the best you can do is indeed to force a draw by preventing your opponent from winning.
So bring lots of infantry and maybe some transports to protect them and move them quickly.

[davethelost]

I would absolutely make it possible to destroy the research center thus creating a no-win situation

Also no victory without the data. The best you can do then is a draw.

It can be great fun when players forget the scenario victory conditions and objectives...

[Dagger]

Excellent scenario idea. This is exactly the kind of scenario's I am developing. I want to focus on objectives that really make you think about your unit/equipment choices. I'm anxious to see this scenario fleshed out and playtested...

As for scoring... I would award a 2-point victory for securing the data, and a 1-point victory if you destroy the enemy but fail to secure the data. Play the scenario three times... the one with the most victory points is the winner.

Keep in mind that "destroying the enemy" can either mean total destruction or most Bp destroyed if there is a time limit and it expires.

[counterattack3k]

This sounds like an interesting rule set --- since I play quite a lot solo games, do you who are already playing it think it is easily adapted for solo play? Everyone in our group is into historical only while I like to do SF for a break now and then. Ideas and input much appreciated. The type scenario you are discussing seems a possibility.
Karl