Realism issue

[Rhetor]

Although I have already mentioned this issue in the "wish list" thread, I would like to repeat it: in the strategic game there should be a possibility of deploying one's vessels to the approaches of a naval base. Port Arthur should be defended not only by shore batteries and minefields, but also by the ships. In the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-05 the vast majority of engagements were fought on the roadstead of Port Arthur - within the range of the shore batteries. I agree that the current strategic struggle for the shipping lanes is much more interesting than the rather boring mine war that was really fought near Port Arthur, but in the current state the strategic system produces some very unrealistic situations.
For example - Japanese light forces can attack and sink a returning commerce raider almost in the entrance of Port Arthur, even when the base is full of ready ships. I have once lost one of the auxilliary cruisers, which was hit in the rudder and succumbed to swarm of TBs after a few hours of fighting, almost in the entrance to Port Arthur, which was full of combat ready vessels.

During the campaign game the IJN is keeping watch on the roadstead of PA, but I, the Russian admiralissimo in the East, cannot order my ships to patrol the roadstead of my own principal naval base. I cannot sent my numerous gunboats, clippers and destroyers to engage those patrolling enemies without sending them at least one location away from the base, and placing them at unnecessary risk.

None of the designers gave any comment on this issue; if adding a "base patrol" option is impossible or requires too much alterations, then maybe it would be possible to add a possibility of setting the destination to the location of my base? The ships could leave port and circle near the entrance. As I have written above, currently the only way to make a TF leave a base is to give it a destination at least one location away from the base.


Comments are welcome :-D

[Robus]

This is a good point. I've wondered too why this option is missing. If would have to be used sparingly and carefully, though. Keeping valuable shis on permanent patrol in the roadstead would be a dangerous move for the Russian player and a good invitation for Togo to make a night visit.

[Bullethead]

I'm with you on this one. I think I've asked for it myself.

The root of the problem seems to be that the types of orders availabe to selected TFs is based on the type of map hex the TF or cursor is in. If the hex contains a friendly base, then you can't give a patrol order, period. This forces the Russian player to station patrols at Elliot Islands and Wei-Hai-Wei, where they are much easier pickings than if they had the protection of shore batteries and a port to escape into.

IMHO, it's absolutely essential for the Russians to be able to have some sort of early warning system outside PA. This is the only way to know if it's safe to send weak and/or slow ships in or out.

[Rhetor]

IMHO, it's absolutely essential for the Russians to be able to have some sort of early warning system outside PA. This is the only way to know if it's safe to send weak and/or slow ships in or out.

Thank you for support.

Those patrols I am advocating would not only serve as an early warning system. In a recent game my ships apparently suffered damage while leaving my base. Apparently the AI not only sends all these small vessels to keep watch on my forces, but also to lay mines. To sum up - in the current situation I have virtually no means to effectively prevent the enemy from laying mines on my "front yard".

Edit: Ah, one more thing. It seems that sometimes a ship would hit a mine in the strategic mode. Why, oh why I am not notified about it instantly?

I would really appreciate if Mr. Koger or Mr. Rose could comment on this.

[Robus]

I agree the option to patrol a port would be a good idea.

You can accomplish the early warning part with a few precautions. Keep a couple of independent DD recon TFs of a couple of vessels each. Send them out on a triangular sweep between Port Arthur, the Elliot Island, and Weiheiwai, moving in opposite directions of one another, a couple of hours before you sortie slow and valuable ships. Choose the sailing hour of your sorties carefully to avoid sailing into unknown waters at night. Send your ships to sea with escorts. This will usually save you from most problems.