Dark Ages - Revision history

Nairenvorbeck at 14:08, 28 March 2014

2014-03-28T14:08:18Z

Nairenvorbeck at 21:44, 7 May 2013

2013-05-07T21:44:19Z

Nairenvorbeck at 21:13, 7 May 2013

2013-05-07T21:13:41Z

Nairenvorbeck at 21:24, 14 April 2010

2010-04-14T21:24:54Z

Nairenvorbeck: /* Variant Rules */

2010-04-14T03:28:17Z

Variant Rules

Nairenvorbeck at 21:11, 11 April 2010

2010-04-11T21:11:51Z

Nairenvorbeck at 21:10, 11 April 2010

2010-04-11T21:10:31Z

Nairenvorbeck at 18:49, 1 April 2010

2010-04-01T18:49:42Z

Nairenvorbeck at 18:48, 1 April 2010

2010-04-01T18:48:11Z

Nairenvorbeck at 21:23, 28 May 2009

2009-05-28T21:23:28Z

@@ Line 113: / Line 113: @@
 An alliance with the Norse may be preferable if the Scots focus on the western theater.  In this case, the Swedes should appeal to the Anglo-Saxons for assistance against the Danes, and focus their efforts on naval dominance in the Baltic Sea region.  Close coordination with the Norse is necessary to ensure that the Swedes do not bog down in Skane, and it is likely that concessions will have to be made in Alvheim or even Trondelag or Varmland to secure this support.  Spoils in Danish territory should heavily favor the Swedes to offset this.
-I hope this quick overview of opening strategies for the Dark Ages has piqued your interest in the variant, and whetted your appetite to pillage and plunder in the cold northern waters.  Any prospective GMs or interested players that would like more information or files for running the variant should contact me directly at Screwtape777 AT gmail DOT com.  Please respect privacy and limit the distribution and use of this address to Diplomacy related topics only.
+I hope this quick overview of opening strategies for the Dark Ages has piqued your interest in the variant, and whetted your appetite to pillage and plunder in the cold northern waters.
 Thanks!

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 Alliance with the Norse works well if a deal in Skagerrak can be reached, and an equitable division of Swedish spoils is agreed upon.  These two powers can readily coordinate attacks on Skane, unlocking the Swedish defenses and providing the support the Norse need to advance on land.  The Danes in turn benefit from plundering continental SCs and securing their eastern front.
-Alliance with the Swedes
+Alliance with the Swedes allows for rapid early Danish growth by negotiating a settlement for Skane and the continental SCs instead of fighting over them.  If the Swedes can be persuaded to build in the north (particularly a fleet in Lap/wc) then this alliance can be very successful over the long term, even if it can be difficult to divide Norse spoils effectively.  The Danes may even gain enough on the European continent and from an early invasion of the west as to make Norse spoils irrelevant.
 * The Norse –
-The Norse position also bears little similarity to any position in Standard – Turkey is the closest match, but that is mostly due to their relationship with the Swedes.  The Norse have a simple choice of alliance with the Danes or Swedes, while remaining vigiliant against Scottish fleets heading east.  This choice also entails whether the Norse will be primarily a naval power (as is the case in most alliances with the Swedes) or if they will fight on land for dominance of Scandinavia (which is the direction most alliances with the Danes lead to.)  The Norse are the second point of the Scandinavian Triangle.  Of the three, they are the most vulnerable to attack from the west, typically by Scots that got off to a good start.  To that end, they usually have the most interest in a rapid resolution of events in the Scandinavian Triangle, which allows them to take the initiative against the powers of the British Isles.
+The Norse position also bears little similarity to any position in Standard – Turkey is the closest match, but that is mostly due to their relationship with the Swedes.  The Norse have a simple choice of alliance with the Danes or Swedes, while remaining vigilant against Scottish fleets heading east.  This choice also dictates whether the Norse will be primarily a naval power (as is the case in most alliances with the Swedes) or if they will fight on land for dominance of Scandinavia (which is the direction most alliances with the Danes lead to.)
 * And finally, the Swedes –
 The Swedes are the third point of the Scandinavian Triangle.  Their position bears many similarities to Russia in Standard, most notably in bi-coastal Lappland.  They have ample early opportunities for expansion, though most of them will be contested by the Danes or Norse.  Tension runs particularly high in Varmland and Skane, and a wise Swede will guard these territories jealously due to their tactical value.  The Swedish rear guard is very secure from attack, however, an alliance of Norse and Danes can launch a devastating pincer attack that can quickly reduce the Swedes.  The Swedes stand to gain the most from western involvement in Scandinavian affairs in the long term, despite the inability of those powers to directly aid Swedish defenses against an attack by the Norse and Danes.  The Swedes must focus more than any other power on the control of territory with tactical value rather than simply gaining SCs.
 I hope this quick overview of opening strategies for the Dark Ages has piqued your interest in the variant, and whetted your appetite to pillage and plunder in the cold northern waters.  Any prospective GMs or interested players that would like more information or files for running the variant should contact me directly at Screwtape777 AT gmail DOT com.  Please respect privacy and limit the distribution and use of this address to Diplomacy related topics only.

@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 * The Gaels -
-The Gaelic position is most similar to Britain in Standard.  The Gaels begin fairly secure in their island home that we know today as Ireland.  While they enjoy considerable defensive advantages, their early opportunities for expansion are somewhat less than their immediate neighbours.
+The Gaelic position is most similar to Britain in Standard.  The Gaels begin the game fairly secure in their island home that we know today as Ireland.  While they enjoy considerable defensive advantages, their early opportunities for expansion are somewhat less than their immediate neighbours.
-The Isle of Man, Lancaster, and Cornwall are their most likely targets for growth in the first year.  The Gaels priorities for negotiations are fairly straightforward – form a strong bond with either the Scots or Bretons early, keeping options with the Anglo-Saxons open.  Avoid the formation of a Scot/Breton alliance at all costs – the Anglo-Saxons are unlikely to be able to save the Gaels in that situation, especially if they are distracted by the Danes.
+While the Gaels have a variety of targets available to them in the first year, only the Isle of Man can be guaranteed to fall under their sway.  Beyond that, expansion will almost surely bring them into conflict with either the Scots or Bretons, and possibly the Anglo-Saxons as well.
 * The Scots –
 The Scottish position is most similar to Germany in Standard.  The Scots begin the game poised for rapid expansion, but will have to make concessions to their neighbors in order to secure their vulnerabilities on three fronts.  Early occupation of key sea zones may carry a short-term cost in SCs, but will pay off as a deterrent to invasion from Scandinavia, and provide opportunities to gain diplomatic capital by offering support to Norse or Danish forces.  Alliances with the Gaels, Bretons, or Anglo-Saxons are all strong options in the early game, though the Scot player in particular must keep a nervous eye turned east as events unfold in Scandinavia.  Events in the British Isles and Scandinavia tend to resolve themselves independent of one another in the first 2-3 years, but after that, attacks across the North Sea become more common.  The Scots would do well to be the first one to occupy the strategically invaluable North Sea and Zetland Islands accordingly.
 * The Bretons –
 The Breton position is most similar to Austria in Standard.  The Bretons have a tight group of home SCs that are all interconnected, and their position lies in a veritable minefield of SCs.  Just beyond that perimeter however, lie Gaels, Scots, and Anglo-Saxons – all three potential strong allies or formidable enemies.  The Bretons must tread carefully – peace on one, preferably two, fronts is a must.  To that end, SCs such as Deira and Lancaster must be weighed carefully – are they more valuable in Breton hands, or traded away for friendship with a neighbor?  An opening stab to Hwicce that threatens Hamptonshire can damage Anglo-Saxon growth tremendously – but are you *sure* that the Gaels will stay by your side?  Of all positions in Dark Ages, the Bretons offer the most reward for well-timed stabs.
 * The Anglo-Saxons –
-The Anglo-Saxon position is most similar to Italy in Standard.  Peaceful neutral expansion is readily available, and first year growth of 2 SCs can be attained without violating neutrality – but not without opening up vulnerabilities in your home SCs.  Breton invasion of Hwicce and Middle Anglia are significant threats in the first and second years – if their attacks are coordinated with the Gaels or Danes these threats have the potential for early Anglo-Saxon elimination.  Gaelic convoys into Cornwall can potentially coordinate with Breton attacks on Hamptonshire.  Although dangerous, Breton/Scot alliances are usually directed more at the Gaels than the Anglo-Saxons, and should be encouraged.  Breton/Gaelic alliances should be disrupted at all costs.  Finally, despite the threat they pose, the Bretons can also be extremely valuable as an ally against either the Gaels or the Scots – or both.
+The Anglo-Saxon position is most similar to Italy in Standard.  Peaceful neutral expansion is readily available, and first year growth of 2 SCs can be attained without violating neutrality – but not without opening up vulnerabilities in your home SCs.  Breton invasion of Hwicce and Middle Anglia are significant threats in the first and second years – if their attacks are coordinated with the Gaels or Danes these threats have the potential for early Anglo-Saxon elimination.  Although dangerous, Breton/Scot alliances are usually directed more at the Gaels than the Anglo-Saxons, and should be encouraged.  Breton/Gaelic alliances should be disrupted at all costs.
 * The Danes –
 The Danish position does not have much similarity to any position in Standard.  The Danes are unquestionably a naval power with considerable prospects in both directions on the European coast, as well as at the expense of their neighbors in Scandinavia.  The Danes form one point of the “Scandinavian Triangle” of the Norse, Swedes, and Danes.  Typically, two of these will ally against the third, and barring significant involvement from the west, that third power will be eliminated early.  It is very much in the Scots and Anglo-Saxons interests to prevent this from happening however, and it is not at all uncommon for a Scot or Anglo-Saxon fleet in the North Sea to prop up Danish or Norse defenses to that end.
 * The Norse –

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 The Gaelic position is most similar to Britain in Standard.  The Gaels begin fairly secure in their island home that we know today as Ireland.  While they enjoy considerable defensive advantages, their early opportunities for expansion are somewhat less than their immediate neighbours.
-The Isle of Man, Lancaster, and Brittany are their most likely targets for growth in the first year.  The Gaels priorities for negotiations are fairly straightforward – form a strong bond with either the Scots or Bretons early, keeping options with the Anglo-Saxons open.  Avoid the formation of a Scot/Breton alliance at all costs – the Anglo-Saxons are unlikely to be able to save the Gaels in that situation, especially if they are distracted by the Danes.
+The Isle of Man, Lancaster, and Cornwall are their most likely targets for growth in the first year.  The Gaels priorities for negotiations are fairly straightforward – form a strong bond with either the Scots or Bretons early, keeping options with the Anglo-Saxons open.  Avoid the formation of a Scot/Breton alliance at all costs – the Anglo-Saxons are unlikely to be able to save the Gaels in that situation, especially if they are distracted by the Danes.
 * The Scots –

@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 Somerset, Jelling and Lappland are bi-coastal territories, similar to Spain or Bulgaria in Standard.
-The Island of Man and Roskilde are similar to Constantinople in Standard in most respects.  Armies and Fleets may move directly from Jelling, to Roskilde, to Skane, and vice versa.  This is indicated on the map with the brown and black "bridges."  Unlike Constantinople though, Fleets MAY move directly from Kattegat to Bay of Pomerania (and vice versa) - they may move around Roskilde.  A fleet in Roskilde may NOT convoy.  The Isle of Man functions in a similar manner, as do the sea zones around it.
+The Island of Man and Roskilde are similar to Constantinople in Standard in most respects.  Armies and Fleets may move directly from Jelling, to Roskilde, to Skane, and vice versa.  This is indicated on the map with the brown and black "bridges."  Unlike Constantinople though, Fleets MAY move directly from Kattegat to Bay of Reric (and vice versa) - they may move around Roskilde.  A fleet in Roskilde may NOT convoy.  The Isle of Man functions in a similar manner, as do the sea zones around it.
 Zetland is a single land SC depicted on the map as an island group.  Everything inside the small blue circle is a single space, i.e. the four small islands and the small amount of water around them are all one space (similar to Cebu in Colonial).  Zetland is bordered at sea by Scapa Flow, Norwegian Sea, Rogaland Coast, and Moray Firth.  It is not adjacent by land to any other territory, though Zetland may be occupied by an army (via convoy) or by a fleet.
 There are 37 total SCs on the map.  Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 19 SCs (simple majority).  Have fun and happy raiding!

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 There are 37 total SCs on the map.  Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 19 SCs (simple majority).  Have fun and happy raiding!
 [[Image:DarkAgesV4StartNames.png|center|850px]]
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← Older revision		Revision as of 21:10, 11 April 2010
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	There are 37 total SCs on the map. Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 19 SCs (simple majority). Have fun and happy raiding!		There are 37 total SCs on the map. Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 19 SCs (simple majority). Have fun and happy raiding!
		+
		+	[[Image:DarkAgesV4StartNames.png\|center\|850px]]

	====Commentary====		====Commentary====

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:49, 1 April 2010
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	====Starting Positions====		====Starting Positions====

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 Variant Created by:  Benjamin Hester<br>
-[[Image:DarkAgesV3Display.PNG|center|850px]]
+[[Image:DarkAgesV4StartNames.png|center|850px]]
 ====Starting Positions====
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 ====Variant Rules====
-Dark Ages Variant Rules, Version 3.  Homepage: http://nairenvorbeck.angelfire.com/
+Dark Ages Variant Rules, Version 4.  Homepage: http://www.dipwiki.com
 The Dark Ages Variant is a historical transplant of Hasbro/Avalon Hill's Diplomacy game to the North Sea region in 825 AD.
@@ Line 35: / Line 28: @@
 Special territories:
-* Somerset, Ribe, Jelling, and Saxony, and Lappland are bi-coastal territories, similar to Spain or Bulgaria in Standard.
+Somerset, Jelling and Lappland are bi-coastal territories, similar to Spain or Bulgaria in Standard.
-* The island of Roskilde is similar to Constantinople in Standard in most respects.  Armies and Fleets may move directly from Jelling, to Roskilde, to Skane, and vice versa.  Unlike Constantinople though, Fleets MAY move directly from Kattegat to Bay of Pomerania (and vice versa) - they may move around Roskilde.  A fleet in Roskilde may NOT convoy.
+The Island of Man and Roskilde are similar to Constantinople in Standard in most respects.  Armies and Fleets may move directly from Jelling, to Roskilde, to Skane, and vice versa.  This is indicated on the map with the brown and black "bridges."  Unlike Constantinople though, Fleets MAY move directly from Kattegat to Bay of Pomerania (and vice versa) - they may move around Roskilde.  A fleet in Roskilde may NOT convoy.  The Isle of Man functions in a similar manner, as do the sea zones around it.
-* Zetland is a single land SC depicted on the map as an island group.  Everything inside the small blue circle is a single space, i.e. the four small islands and the small amount of water around them are all one space (similar to Cebu in Colonial).  Zetland is bordered at sea by Scapa Flow, Norwegian Sea, Rogaland Coast, and Moray Firth.  It is not adjacent by land to any other territory, though Zetland may be occupied by an army (via convoy) or by a fleet.
+Zetland is a single land SC depicted on the map as an island group.  Everything inside the small blue circle is a single space, i.e. the four small islands and the small amount of water around them are all one space (similar to Cebu in Colonial).  Zetland is bordered at sea by Scapa Flow, Norwegian Sea, Rogaland Coast, and Moray Firth.  It is not adjacent by land to any other territory, though Zetland may be occupied by an army (via convoy) or by a fleet.
-*There are 38 total SCs on the map.  Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 20 SCs (simple majority).  Have fun and happy raiding!
+There are 37 total SCs on the map.  Solo victory is declared when one nation has control of 19 SCs (simple majority).  Have fun and happy raiding!
 ====Commentary====
-The Dark Ages variant was released in late 2007 as part of my relentless quest to become the most prolific variant designer around.  (I only have three others completed, so I’m sure I have a ways to go before I can claim that title.)  Since that time, the variant has undergone three playtests (in ACD and DC) and three revisions.
+The Dark Ages variant was released in late 2007 as part of my relentless quest to become the most prolific variant designer around.  (I only have three others completed, so I’m sure I have a ways to go before I can claim that title.)  Since that time, the variant has undergone three playtests (in ACD and DC) and four revisions.
 Dark Ages is a simple map translation variant – meaning none of the core rules of Diplomacy have changed at all, only the map and the roles that the players assume.  Which, in the case of Dark Ages, are the Gaels, Scots, Bretons, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Norse, and Swedes, roughly as they were in the year of our Lord, 825.  Some concessions to gameplay at the expense of historical accuracy have been made, but these have been limited to the greatest extent possible.  The layout of the North Sea region lends itself readily to the intent of the variant – to emphasize naval action and fill the map with opportunities for convoys.  This is the age of Viking and Germanic invasions by sea, and the variant is designed to capture that spirit.
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 The Gaelic position is most similar to Britain in Standard.  The Gaels begin fairly secure in their island home that we know today as Ireland.  While they enjoy considerable defensive advantages, their early opportunities for expansion are somewhat less than their immediate neighbours.
-Strathclyde, Cornwall, and Brittany are their most likely targets for growth in the first year, plus the guarantee in Munster.  The Gaels priorities for negotiations are fairly straightforward – form a strong bond with either the Scots or Bretons early, keeping options with the Anglo-Saxons open.  Avoid the formation of a Scot/Breton alliance at all costs – the Anglo-Saxons are unlikely to be able to save the Gaels in that situation, especially if they are distracted by the Danes.
+The Isle of Man, Lancaster, and Brittany are their most likely targets for growth in the first year.  The Gaels priorities for negotiations are fairly straightforward – form a strong bond with either the Scots or Bretons early, keeping options with the Anglo-Saxons open.  Avoid the formation of a Scot/Breton alliance at all costs – the Anglo-Saxons are unlikely to be able to save the Gaels in that situation, especially if they are distracted by the Danes.
 * The Scots –
@@ Line 63: / Line 56: @@
 * The Bretons –
-The Breton position is most similar to Austria in Standard.  The Bretons have a tight group of home SCs that are all interconnected, and their position lies in a veritable minefield of SCs.  Just beyond that perimeter however, lie Gaels, Scots, and Anglo-Saxons – all three potential strong allies or formidable enemies.  The Bretons must tread carefully – peace on one, preferably two, fronts is a must.  To that end, SCs such as Deira and Strathclyde must be weighed carefully – are they more valuable in Breton hands, or traded away for friendship with a neighbor?  An opening stab to Hwicce that threatens Hamptonshire can damage Anglo-Saxon growth tremendously – but are you *sure* that the Gaels will stay by your side?  Of all positions in Dark Ages, the Bretons offer the most reward for well-timed stabs.
+The Breton position is most similar to Austria in Standard.  The Bretons have a tight group of home SCs that are all interconnected, and their position lies in a veritable minefield of SCs.  Just beyond that perimeter however, lie Gaels, Scots, and Anglo-Saxons – all three potential strong allies or formidable enemies.  The Bretons must tread carefully – peace on one, preferably two, fronts is a must.  To that end, SCs such as Deira and Lancaster must be weighed carefully – are they more valuable in Breton hands, or traded away for friendship with a neighbor?  An opening stab to Hwicce that threatens Hamptonshire can damage Anglo-Saxon growth tremendously – but are you *sure* that the Gaels will stay by your side?  Of all positions in Dark Ages, the Bretons offer the most reward for well-timed stabs.
 * The Anglo-Saxons –
-The Anglo-Saxon position is most similar to France in Standard.  Peaceful neutral expansion is readily available, and first year growth of 2 SCs can be attained without violating neutrality – but not without opening up vulnerabilities in your home SCs.
+The Anglo-Saxon position is most similar to Italy in Standard.  Peaceful neutral expansion is readily available, and first year growth of 2 SCs can be attained without violating neutrality – but not without opening up vulnerabilities in your home SCs.  Breton invasion of Hwicce and Middle Anglia are significant threats in the first and second years – if their attacks are coordinated with the Gaels or Danes these threats have the potential for early Anglo-Saxon elimination.  Gaelic convoys into Cornwall can potentially coordinate with Breton attacks on Hamptonshire.  Although dangerous, Breton/Scot alliances are usually directed more at the Gaels than the Anglo-Saxons, and should be encouraged.  Breton/Gaelic alliances should be disrupted at all costs.  Finally, despite the threat they pose, the Bretons can also be extremely valuable as an ally against either the Gaels or the Scots – or both.
 * The Danes –
-The Danish position does not have much similarity to any position in Standard – perhaps Italy, but even that is something of a stretch.  The Danes are unquestionably a naval power with considerable prospects in both directions on the European coast, as well as at the expense of their neighbors in Scandinavia.
+The Danish position does not have much similarity to any position in Standard.  The Danes are unquestionably a naval power with considerable prospects in both directions on the European coast, as well as at the expense of their neighbors in Scandinavia.  The Danes form one point of the “Scandinavian Triangle” of the Norse, Swedes, and Danes.  Typically, two of these will ally against the third, and barring significant involvement from the west, that third power will be eliminated early.  It is very much in the Scots and Anglo-Saxons interests to prevent this from happening however, and it is not at all uncommon for a Scot or Anglo-Saxon fleet in the North Sea to prop up Danish or Norse defenses to that end.
 * The Norse –
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