VASSAL Module for VaS

[MektonZero]

There are some of us, like me, who just don't have a regular group of wargamers around. Everyone I know wants me to DM 1st Edition D&D, what's up with that? I do get to play actual wargames twice a year at the local wargaming convention but I'd like to play this game a bit more often than that. Especially now that my copy of OOB just arrived, Merry Christmas to me!

VASSAL is a free Java based program to handle tabletop gaming in a computer format. People use it to play everything from Advanced Squad Leader to Axis and Allies Miniatures. http://vassalengine.org/community/index.php

Punching out a bare bones module shouldn't take very long (I've got a fairly good chunk of it done already for my own personal use) and I'll add in a few neat features later, like putting in record sheets you can fill out to track damage. Maybe if Mongoose likes the idea enough they will give me permission to use their gorgeous counters. Otherwise I'd have to see what generic artwork I can come up with (Damnit Jim, I'm a programmer not an artist!) In any case, whatever I come up with will be free for anyone who wants it.

First I'd like to know what kind of public interest there is for such a project. Chime if if you're interested in play testing whatever I come up with.

If someone from Mongoose notices this, maybe they could pass the request along, or at least point me to the proper person to ask. If all else fails I'll try a generic Mongoose email in a week or so (to give them time to get through the holidays) and see how far I can get.

 

[Jack Tar]

I have already made htm record sheets for VaS that work when off line, and i find they work well to keep track of things, but i would be interested to hear more about your idea.

 

[MektonZero]

Basically VASSAL is an electronic tabletop. You connect to other players over the net and you share the "table" with them. In addition to artwork (models), other features can be things like LoS/Range tools, randomized card decks, zoom ability, record sheets and die rollers. Commands for the ships include the ability to move them forward in 1/2" or 1" increments and rotate them by set amounts to match the turning arcs.

Here is a what I've been playing around with lately.

Click on thumbnail for larger picture. This shows the basic board and the Range tool.


This one is fully zoomed out, the battle space is virtual, only limited by the amount of RAM you've got in your computer (and plain blue sea doesn't use much ram). I've run a carrier battle on a 5" x 6" table and used about 50 meg of RAM, adding 50 ships and carrier aircraft used a few more kilobytes. The blue square you see in this shot shows a 12" sector, you can set up any size battle you want just by adding more rows and columns. Also showing is the popup showing which ship is being pointed at and I've opened the record sheet for it (DD-221 USS Simpson, the 20 in the corner of the counter is the year she launched). The record sheet is also expandable, for example the armament and critical hits listings section will add lines as needed.

In addition to ships and aircraft, I intend to add terrain, islands and coastline and coastal batteries.

Short of winning the lottery, this will be about the only chance I'll get to play VaS with people in other countries. The players can also choose to have observers can also log onto the game and watch but they won't be able to interact with the pieces.

 

[Jack Tar]

Ooh Very nice - many thanks for the additional information.

I would put my hand up for some of this!

 

[Frankvas]

You should ask Mongoose but I don't think they'll object. There's a Vassal module for B5:Acta that uses their graphics from the ship counters (scanned I think).



Frank V.

 

[MektonZero]

You should ask Mongoose but I don't think they'll object. There's a Vassal module for B5:Acta that uses their graphics from the ship counters (scanned I think).



Frank V.

Excellent news. I haven't heard anything via PM so I'll shoot them an email.

 

[JayRaider]

I don't think Mongoose would object since they've always remained quiet about Vassal ACTA mods even though its widely advertised in the ACTA forum.
I helped with some of the 1st Edition ACTA mods so i have a reasonable knowledge of Vassal (although its been quite awhile).
If you have any questions i'd be glad to help.
Unfortunately i don't have any knowledge of VAS but i do know its based roughly on the ACTA gameplay.

 

[katadder]

I did start work on a mod for VaS on vassal however things like turning templates and arcs were a bit more difficult than with ACTA.

mongoose doesnt seem to mind these mods too much as they even supported a CTA vassal tourney last year.

any problems drop me a line and I will see if I can help as I keep the CTA mod upto date.

 

[tiepilot1138]

Did anything ever come of this? I'm just now discovering Vassal, and think it would be way too convenient for sucking up my time.

 

[katadder]

well usually jay or myself seem to be the people sorting vassal mods and with VaS as I mentioned before its quite a bit more difficult to do turning templates etc.
as VaS isnt a game either of us play it seems theres not been the interest, although if anyone needs help ask either of us and we will see what we can do

 

[Silverleaf]

I realize this is an extremely old thread, however I've been searching for a VaS Vassal module and have not found it.

Was such a mod ever made available, and if so does anyone have a link to it?

Many thanks,

R.S.

 

[rcbecker1]

I havent heard anything in years.
Ray