FiveCore Company Command

People's Edition!

There are two reasons for this to be really good news. The first is that this is a major overhaul of the original rules taking account of developments across the FiveCore family. I haven't digested all of the changes but I'm very impressed based on my initial look through.

The second reason is that the upgrade is free if you have already got a copy through Wargames Vault. And even if you haven't, its just $7.99 and well worth it. despite the exchange rate.

Ivan also has a 20th century scenario generator for $1.99 which looks tempting, something for the weekend perhaps!

"Nineveh, we are coming!"

and I'm back in the fight!

As will be apparent from the lack of posts recently, I have been taken unawares by an illness which has made me re-prioritise my activities. I am on the mend now and should be getting back to normal over the next couple of weeks.

While I have been contemplating my navel, the real world has moved on and the offensive in Mosul has continued to play out. 

Mosul (New Statesman)

I have concentrated recently on figuring out the ISF/Coalition order of battle to get a fix on the scale of the fighting and what level of unit I need to represent. Although it will produce quite a few units, I'm likely to go for battalion. My notes are now complete (for the moment) and you can find them here.  

Advancing ISF forces (NBC News)

I am massively impressed by the quality of the planning that has gone into the offensive and the complexity of the operation itself, especially managing disparate and competing partners, and difficult external stakeholders. I don't think we have seen anything this difficult since D-Day.

Next steps are to finish the map and get on with the rules!

Its progress Jim...

but not as we know it!

Apart from work, which has me buried at the moment, I have been getting on with the Mosul game. Lots to do but here is a first shot of the map.

Hopefully this looks familiar if you are from Mosul! The bunkers are my attempt to reflect the barricade line that ISIS have built north of the airport. 

As with Ramadi, I'm using the M44 scenario editor to sketch out the map. I have also determined to use the same system as Ramadi. I think it should work well.

Now the framework for the campaign has emerged more clearly I can get designing instead of havering!

A couple of interesting things have also come my way which are worth a look:

• Crossfire Lite (ugh!): This looks good and is on the Freewargames site.
• Orders of battle...: A blogspot with Crossfire, KISS and other OOBs. Really good!