There has only been ONE regret I have ever had with Historic Encounters . . . not being able to offer it to the ENTIRE Squad. So very happy to see you guys considering it too!
![=D]](./images/smilies/eusa_clap.gif "Applause")
Here are my ramblings. Keep what you find useful and throw away the rest mates.
- Keep the decision-making to a very small group of mates. Consult with the group only when needed.
- KISS at least at the beginning guys. Have a vision where you want to take the sessions but your first priority should be to have these sessions on a regular basis. Once you have a base of regulars, a better understanding of both technical and personnel matters, then start adding to the experience.
- Are you planning to also use DCG? Print-out and read Tailspin's good documents concerning this engine.
- Are you also thinking of Normandy? May I suggest initially hosting a smaller map to better determine performance and what not. And maybe host a couple of scenarios before settling into a multi-week situation. During this initial time period there's so much going on that I think in a few weeks later the guys will really apprepriate starting a more lengthy campaign after everyone gets their feet wet.
- Custom skins were a wonderful addon to Historic Encounters. However, I believe the only way to avoid warping and lag is to have everyone download all the skins being used in the session. This can be more complicated when offering personalized skins opposed to a standard custom skin for each plane made available to participants.
Even at our last session my cache had custom skins from folks who either didn't have the skins properly installed or choose to fly with their own skins. Turning them off ensures good server performance and a hassle-free session. If you decide to include them hopefully things will work out better for you guys.
- As a Squad we have certainly progressed with regards to icons. It wasn't that long ago that only a select few had any experience with no icons or even limited ones. You may have noticed that our custom icons have been constantly reduced. Starting this Friday is yet a further refinement of only having a Friendly Name showing 1.0 km. I encourage you guys with whatever the desire of the group.
The only comment I would make is to ensure that you consider what impact, if any, the icon system has with what you want to accomplish. For example teamplay is very important to us, and I believe the icon we use will still help us with our flight and wingman tactics. In time it too may fade away. Will no icons frustrate teamplay or only require additional time until everyone adapts? I do think it is better to start with the icons you hope to use right away, as slowing reducing them may not be as beneficial as it seems.
Notwithstanding, if human participants are going to fly only one side don't forget all the AI pilots don't need to ID planes. If folks are flying both sides then having no icons makes even more sense from a fairness perspective. In any event hopefully folks will be able to coordinate themselves with the use of navigation lights, which I believe is permitted in online wars like EIF.
- External camera is another option I trust has been carefully considered. Personally I prefer them off and yet for a Squad-based experience, especially one where most fly together against AI, I can live with them on. For those who survive most missions this will be seen in a negative light, for those mates who are more often KIA as they learn this game better, will really appreciate having them as spectators. It does make the session more enjoyable, and offers a real opportunity for them to learn as the watch (provided they are not assisting their teammates).
I suppose you guys are going to have a website.
As mentioned in one of my last posts I intend to provide a weekly stats display (thinking of using SturmoLOG) to give folks feedback on the session. Also I will return to posting debriefings with a display of medals and H.E. awards in these posts. Just hope you guys don't put me to shame.
If nothing else keep that German fellow from posting those wonderful pictures of the sessions, especially since we lost our Irish filmmaker.
Again, I not only wish you guys the very best in this pursuit, but fully intend to join a session or two. In the meantime would be happy to answer DCG questions and what not.
Regards,
TS!
) so all we need is perhaps a few willing players and some direction from the veterans of this sort of thing (Tact-If you're there and don't mind please do chip in 
