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I was surprised,
if not shocked, in July of 2001 when Blackcat approached me about playing the
role of general in one of his upcoming scenario games. I, after all, was new to
scenario games. The play to which I was accustomed had a definite void of any
type of leadership at all. I had done some homework and learned all I could
about how scenarios work. I was reasonably well equipped. Could I possibly pull
this off without making a complete fool of myself?
Looking back, there were certain expectations I held
as the game approached. This would be simple, right? Perhaps like a rather large
game of chess. Move, counter move, checkmate! Among my troops, there would be
order. A chain of command would be established, and everyone would have a sense
of direction and purpose. There is, at times, an advantage to not knowing what
is expected of you. After all, ignorance can also make you unpredictable. I
immediately enlisted the support of two of my teammates. Buddha would serve well
as an XO, and ICE would be my eyes and ears on the battlefield. I planned a
simple strategy; go on the offensive, and stay there.
Getting involved before the game definitely paid
off. A command structure began to form. Frequent visitors to the game’s on-line
forum proved invaluable. They were enthusiastic, and took their role-playing
very seriously. These were the type of players with whom I wanted to surround
myself. Clues to the storyline also periodically found their way to the forum.
I was given the role of General Robert Hodges, U.S.
Army, Special Forces. My nemesis would be Henry Blankenship, CEO Kopeck Corp..
As the Kopeck general, he and his XO both had previous experience in the role of
general. This, I must admit, was a bit intimidating.
Upon arriving at War-in-the-Woods, in Youngstown Ohio, I quickly introduced
myself to the staff and other key players. Over the next couple of days, I would
learn many lessons in the art of leading a paintball “army”. These are the
lessons that I wish to share with you now.
First, arrive early. I was unable to arrive until
after nightfall on the night before the game was to begin. I was able to walk
the field but with only a flashlight to show the way. Fortunately, a couple of
my friends from the forum were happy to show me around as best they could. I was
able to get a basic feel for the field, but there’s no substitute for daylight.
Second, spend some time talking to the scenario
director. Asking questions, even if they seem silly, will pay off big time.
Typically, the scenario director is a very busy soul, but he will be more than
happy to answer questions and offer advice. Listen to his advice! Remember, you
are a very important part in making this game a success. You owe it to everyone
involved to be informed.
Third, expect chaos! All of the expectations I held involved some sort of order.
This was not the case. It can be very difficult to make sound decisions with
paintballs slamming against the side of your command post. Units become
fragmented, and plans go astray. The best you can do is simply to remain calm. A
calm attitude has a way of rubbing off on those around you
Next, take your time, and think it through. Initially, I had fifty guys standing
around asking for orders and wanting to shoot something. When the first orders
from the command center arrived, things only got worse. The orders came in code.
The scenario director prepared me for this, and I had a book that I used to
decipher the orders. The troops, on the other hand, could not seem to understand
why they were still just standing around. My point here is that receiving orders
and developing a plan takes time--sometimes, an excruciatingly long time. If
your XO is available, use him as a liaison between yourself and your teammates.
You simply don’t need any added distractions. Your teammates mean well, and they
want to fight, but let your XO keep them at bay until you’re ready to issue
orders.
It is very important to assign someone to base security. This is most important
at night when it is difficult to tell who’s who. It is very easy for an op-for
to walk right into your command post and send you packing to the dead zone.
Get out there and fight! You came here to play paintball, for crying out loud.
Yes, as a general you will be worth a certain number of points. In my stint as
commander, I was probably shot a dozen times. I was proud of the fact that when
“killed”; it was always on the front lines. Look for opportunities to get out
and about even if you just tag along on a mission. Seeing your general on the
front lines, slinging paint, and not afraid of taking a hit, does wonders for
morale. Imagine the surprise on the faces of my adversaries when I, as general,
single handedly took over their base!
Be good to your team. These people are here for a good time, and you should be
too. Don’t go overboard with your orders. These are not soldiers, and therefore
they cannot be pushed around. Ask for volunteers. Give newer players the chance
to tackle the “good” missions. Don’t stick players with missions that they don’t
want, at least not on a regular basis (everyone gets a crappy job from time to
time). Let them rest when needed. Allow them to pace themselves. This will
foster more of a team spirit, and in the end you get the most out of them.
The last two lessons are perhaps the most important if you want to be a
successful general.
Communicate! Two way radios, ear-buds, and push-to-talk microphones are worth
their weight in gold. If you can out-communicate your opponent, you will have a
tremendous advantage. With a good communication system, you can know everything
that happens, as it happens. You will be able to react more quickly to
situations that may arise. Find out who on your team has radios, and place them
wisely. No squad should leave on a mission without one. Communicate,
communicate, communicate!
Lastly, don’t forget the storyline. It is so easy to get caught up in winning a
war only to forget why you’re there. The story is typically worth big points. In
all the confusion, chaos, and adrenaline, you must keep the plot in mind. This
is a scenario, not a “big game”. Scenarios are a thinking person’s game. Sure,
many players will show little interest in the plot, but this is ultimately your
responsibility as a scenario general.
When the dust settled at the end of our 24-hour adventure, my elite forces
reigned supreme. For this, I would have to credit our superior use of
communication (there’s that word again), an absolutely fantastic and supportive
group of players, and the other general suffering from heat exhaustion.
Since I cannot count on an opposing commander getting sick, next time I will
concentrate on these fundamental lessons to carry me through. And after the
exhilarating experience I had in Youngstown, there will be
a next time…
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