Another issue, along with these neutral block rules, we should probably decide if there need to be any adjustments to the neutral force pools at game startup, because that could possibly affect which states are in which blocks.
For the most part the initial setups as printed on the map are fine, and we could just go with those, but I have some ideas I would like to put forward and see what people think.
Printed on the map are inf numbers for various neutral nations. They are easy to see and assist us in setting up the neutrals if they get attacked. Just because the numbers of inf are printed on there, doesn’t mean we cannot add other unit types to certain territories. I also think adding neutral ships is very possible by simply naming the sz to place. This would be similar to the last page in the Xeno’s W@W rule book that listed neutral countries armies. IF units get added to neutral nations, it should be based solely on balance and game play issues, with perhaps merely a basis on historical fact.
UNITS I WOULD ADD:
In order to make a US conquest of SAmerica slightly harder, I would propose adding an attack unit to Argentina, perhaps an art. I would also add a dd to Chile and a dd CA for Argentina. This would represent the fleets for all Samerican states.
In Africa I would add 1 unit, preferably an inf to Liberia even though that goes against the printed on information. This is to represent all garrison troops of Liberia/sierra leone/Rio de Oro and to give the allies a threat to their back door should they choose to invade Spain, much like Angola and Mozambique do for Safrica if Spain is activated. The only other value these territories would add to the Axis if Spain was invaded would be as landing zones for aircraft. Perhaps this is advantage enough, only playtesting will show.
In Asia I would not be adverse to adding units to Turkey, even units that might significantly increase it’s defensive capabilities. I would counsel against any mobile units though, Turkey had a large military but not very modern. Adding 1 art 1 ftr, or perhaps even an aa gun might do the trick. I would also add a dd and perhaps a trn to Turkey in the Black Sea.
Sweden could use a bit more strength too, I would add an art and a ftr here as well. Sweden could also get a dd for coastal defense, they had the largest fleet in Scandinavia. Also a mountainous country and modern weapons.
Iberia is definitely the one area that needs the most work. Spain is just too tempting of a target to invade on the way into Europe. However the value of the territory cannot be denied. What about taking the NB away from Gib and adding it to Spain for instance? Or just giving Spain a NB. I think Spain should get a ftr, and perhaps an arm to represent all that Civil war material that is left over. I would give them a CA and a dd and possibly a trn, all in the same sz inside the Med. Possibly add 1 dd to Portugal. They needed the fleet to defend their far flung empire.
One issue these changes might bring about is that attacking neutrals, or at least some neutrals would become prohibitive. Not sure if this is the way we want to go or not.
This is a subject where getting some advice from IL over on Larry’s site would be nice. He knows the exact numbers for alot of these nations armies/fleets. I would like to use that information as a basis but slant everything towards balance over reality.
