March 2001 Armchair General's Revue Our esteemed President

From the President's Desk:

March. Again we march, we always march. We march to battle, to prove ourselves worthy, even superior to our foes and comrades. Battle is after all the best test of skill, courage and strength.

Worthy opponents all, whether the ever crowing Rewstr, confident and oh so difficult to defeat, or the fast rising stars who have recently joined us. I welcome you all to create carnage, mayhem, and legends. There are many, many great and devious minds ready to destroy the perfect strategy.

As our ranks swell with renewed interest, the battlefield becomes ever more crowded, and the challenge to reach the top all the more alluring. Who will reign as 2001's top ranked player? Can you hold your spot in the top 30? Maybe it's time to gather with your comrades for some team play, or even face off across the table in person.

IAAPA continues to work toward providing ways to play against the finest players in the best A&A community on the planet. Be sure to try out the new team leagues, and other opportunities we are developing. The Annual convention is tentatively scheduled for mid July in New Orleans, in the French Quarter, so start clearing your schedules, and making preparations to attend. Look for further details in the next couple of weeks as we complete the final details.

Comfy ChairAs some of you noticed, we just had an election. While most of you slept, we elected this year's government. Needless to say, participation was a bit lacking in the voting department. To the few guys who voted, thanks for helping direct IAAPA in some sort of direction, to those who didn't vote, please try to have an opinion next time.

Anyways, thanks to those who have served in the past, and to those who ran for office this year. I am grateful to everyone for helping keep IAAPA the best place to play.

I can finally report that all systems are again operational, with our upgrade problems behind us. After a rough week, the new host for the site is actually functional. I can only appologize for the problems we had during the move, and thank everyone for their patience. I'm told that we shouldn't have to move again anytime in the near future.

Now for a few words from our hard working volunteer government members.


Senate Reports

REPORT FROM THE PRIME MINISTER - Michael (micwil) - webmaster@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

The big news in the last month is the lack of candidates in our election. From a administrative point of view, this has resulted in disenfranchising the Legislature from its role as a check on the other houses (Senate and Executive). I have been a strong defender of the Legislature from its inception and feel it is important for the membership to have a direct voice in the governance of IAAPA. However, if the next election results in a similar level of apathy, we may look at revising the Charter of Incorporation to take this into account.

The other matter that does disappoint me is the death of the Havoc...no one has stepped forward to assume the reigns of this publication (even though it comes with an assigned assistant, the Statistician / Researcher office). I know that the publication of regular Havocs was something which helped to bring together our community and have fun with our games. I hope that a creative sole among our membership steps forward to keep this positive component of our commuity alive.

In order to assist in keeping the Legislature a functional body, we have also created a new provision in the Charter of Incorporation which allows for Chancellors to be appropriated for Legislative duty in order to assist the Legislature in acting as a functional body.

Finally, I would like to welcome Brian (Sephorin) as the Chancellor of Team Play (IAAPA Super Team League Coordinator), our newest member (and office) in the Senate. I personally am very excited about the new dynamics that will be created by this league.

Michael

REPORT FROM THE MINISTER OF LAW - John (JohnPin569) - law@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

From the Law Office...

Scales of Justice Greetings Fellow Warriors,

All has been fairly quiet this month. Part of the FAQ section is now up, including the handy "What Touches What" geography map that clarifies the confusing lower right hand corner of the board. It is a work in progress so look for it to be completed sometime in the near future.

The 2001 Convention preparations are in the final stages. We'll be sending out a mailing outlining all the details shortly.

I have been receiving a few questions concerning canals lately. Here is the cut from rules page:

"Canals may be used if and only if you or your allies own the territory or territories controlling the canal at the beginning of your turn. Submarines may retreat through canals you or your allies control at the beginning of the turn even if the land territory or territories are in combat during that same turn."

One question was whether or not this rule also applied to land units as said land units technically have to "use (cross) the canal." The above rule only applies to naval vessels traversing the canals. Also, for movement purposes, the canals are "imaginary" and do not represent an actual sea zone or space. The East and West Panama sea zones are considered to be adjacent. The East Med and the Red Sea sea zones are considered adjacent as well.

That's all for now.

Take care.

John

REPORT FROM THE MINISTER OF RECRUITING - Alan (Spud) - recruiting@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

Greetings from the Recruiting Office.

Recruitment continues to pick up steam...January saw 47 applicants and 10 with guts enough to stay on...21% retainment. Welcome SectionApe, The_Emperor, jclilegdon, An1kan, pepp, grasshopper, and Super_TK.

We had 38 members pass the hurdle in February (but hey, only 28 days) but 11 have joined up for 29% retainment. And even bigger news guys...our female contingent is growing, with 1 new member....welcome trekkiee (and don't worry, there is another potential female recruit out there, so you won't be alone). Also welcome Leothelop, Stile25, Mablung, destroyer (careful when you play this guy...he has some royal bloodlines), AKITACORPS, Diecaster, JovenH, Hijack33, Byrons_Brigade and TechMyst.

And, so far in March, 23 applicants have passed the hurdle, but with the website problems I expect that it may take awhile to entice any of them to stay...we'll see.

Spud Minister of Recruiting

REPORT FROM THE MINISTER OF LOGS - Eric (Raist) - logs@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

Well, I posted a message on the BBS saying to look to the Revue for some announcements, so here they are.

1) All logs are current as of 02/21/01. If you have sent in a log prior to that date, re-submit it, as I do not have it. The logs may be more current, but that date is what I am going to guarantee for now.

2) For those looking for strategy on other players, and not finding logs. Two points:

a) If it says that there is supposed to be a game log, but isn't, you can email me at logs@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net and I should be able to supply you with that log.

b) If you are looking for bidding patterns of an opponent, look to point a, or if the game number is 8361 or higher, email myself, and I will supply it.

3) We will be working on making the bid info part of the gamefinish report, so that way bid info is easily viewed

4) Please send only 1 log per email. If you have 4 logs to send me, send them in 4 seperate emails. Trust me, it is easier that way.

5) Please read the illustrious Chancellor of Stats comments as well. There is another important point there.

Overall the quality of logs has been pretty good.

Eric aka Raist
Minister of Logs

REPORT FROM THE MINISTER OF INTERNET OPERATIONS - Michael (Micwil) - webmaster@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

A fairly uneventful month...here's all that comes to mind...

1) The Rules FAQ section is now up and available on the web site

2) We have created a new section on the web site for the new Tourney League - comments on what you like or dislike about its appearance can be sent to the ISTL Coordinator, Brian (Sephorin)

As always, I am open to any suggestions from the membership as to how to improve the Association.

ADDENDUM

Well the server move made the month quite eventful - apologies to the membership for the week long lack of access to the server. Such is the nature of these DNS updates. I can assure everyone that everything should be running smoothly now. The server was actually fully functional last Thursday, but due to internet issues certain parts of the site were functional...anyway, as long as we don't move again (and we have lots of room to expand now), there should be no reoccurrence of this for a while.

Michael

REPORT FROM THE MINISTER OF TOURNAMENTS - Warren (Reddwarf) - tourneys@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

Hi IAAPA members,

Put down the dice for a second as I have an interesting announcement. A unique Team tournament concept has been developed for the club, in fact it is more than just a tournament it is actually a league. The chancellor of the league will be Brian (Sephorin).

I am pleased to introduce the IAAPA Team SuperLeague (ISTL)

Here are some of the features:

The IAAPA Team Super League is coming soon!

The Battlefield Review, the IAAPA's premier tourney newsletter has moved to a new location, if you've never even heard of the BF Review you can currently find the first two issues in the Regular Tournaments section of the web site BBS. All Reviews can be found under the IAAPA Ezines link from any page of the web site.

The tournaments are running quite smoothly at the moment and I am receiving game results on regular basis. Keep up the good work.

That is all for now so pick up those dice and roll keep rolling those 1's.

rgds,
RedDwarf
(Minister of Tourneys, Chancellor of the Academy)

REPORT FROM THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION - Gil (Tusk) - who@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

From the desktop of the Minister of Communications...

Nothing much to report this time around.

Tusk aka who@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

REPORT FROM THE MINISTER OF MEMBERS - Eric (Raist) - logs@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

The Legislature has been pretty quiet, with most members touching up their areas in case that they are not here after the election. I myself will not be returning to the Legislature, as I am now in the Senate.

However, I will be acting as the Senatorial rep in the Legislature. Hopefully the new Legislature will be just as effective, or even more so than this current one was. I would like to thank the current Legislature, as well as welcome the new members to the fold.

Eric aka Raist

Minister of Members

REPORT FROM THE CHANCELLOR OF ADJUDICATION - Peter (Boromir) - adjudication@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

Greetings:

I am pleased that the first batch of adjudication's (well, one game) went very smoothly. Ready and waiting for more work from the BOFC, Fall 2000, and Master tourneys.

Some general tips to those submitting for adjudication: remove all banter from the game log, in your game summary/"why I should win" section, refer to yourself and opponent as Axis and Allies, (not Fred and Bob), submit on time. The third is obvious. The first two points, its a matter of ensuring the info I send to my panel is devoid of game specific references (i.e. player names and game numbers), also it saves me the hassle of having to do a lot of editing. Thanks.

Happy gaming to all.

Pete

REPORT FROM THE CHANCELLOR OF CUTTHROAT - David (Starchild) - cutthroat@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

Hello IAAPA members,

Cutthroat is alive and well and we are currently playing 2 games.

The thrill of victory by country instead of traditional alliances is interesting and fun. Can Russia win by itself? Are the Germans capable of taking out the UK with help from the Americans? That's right, help from the Americans! In CT1 Germany and UK allied to take out the USA and bring Japan to her knees! CT2 has the Japs and Russians allied with the UK. CT3......well, we don't know as of yet what CT3 will bring.

Ever wonder what it would be like to throw away traditional alliances and ally with whomever serves your purpose? The game is cutthroat and it is well deserved as alliances come and go.

David

REPORT FROM THE CHANCELLOR OF MENTORSHIP - Eric (Raist) - mentors@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

The mentorship program is still running nicely. Since last Review, 11 new trial games have started (23 total), with 18 new recruits taking advantage of the game. Thanks go to Ken, who joined up as a mentor.

For anyone wishing to join up as a mentor, or as an opponent, feel free to contact me at mentors@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net.

Eric aka Raist
Mentorship Coordinator

REPORT FROM THE CHANCELLOR OF TEAM PLAY - Brian (Sephorin) - league@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

Warm and hearty greetings from the desk of the newest office at IAAPA. I'm very excited to announce the incipient formation of the SuperLeague in our association. As RD mentioned, this will be a three player per team tournament that will run every year. It is my hope that participants will continue playing on their team from year to year so that a true "league" style of play can be achieved. It is also my hope that the spirit of team competition and camaraderie will draw the people of the IAAPA much closer together.

A complete set of rules will be posted shortly and a link placed in the Tourneys section of the web site. In the meantime, begin thinking about who you want on your team.

I'll be happy to field any questions or comments (league@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net).

~Sephorin (Chancellor of Team Play, Commissioner of SuperLeague)

REPORT FROM THE CHANCELLOR OF STATS - Eric (Raist) - stats@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

Greetings:

Well, I just stepped into this position towards the end of Febuary, and have not had much of a chance to do much right now. I wanted to wait until the first Revue to pose a question with which I think I will get some responses.

If anyone thinks that their rating/ranking points are off in any way, please email me at stats@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net, and let me know. I will look into it.

Other than that, I will be looking into past games, and into random players to make sure that ranking and ratings are correct.

Eric aka Raist
Chancellor of Stats

 

Legislative Reports


REPORT FROM THE STATISTICIAN / RESEARCHER - Olyn (Sohoa) - squire@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

From the desk of "Squire Sohoa"

Well here it is election time again. The excitement can be felt every where within the halls of the club's headquarters. I for one am running again for the position of Squire without a Knight. I find myself taking care of a horse which no one seems to want to ride.

I have to ask is there no one in this club who finds themselves able to edit Havoc a small town newspaper. I will help you all that I can and together we can voice our opinion through out the air waves.

We can help influence the different roads that the club will take by airing all of the different formats and views of the members along with some humor.

So if you are looking for a Squire and really want a voice, not just a political perch to hang from then let me know. Together we can make a difference.

"THE SQUIRE SOHOA"

REPORT FROM THE STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - Robert (Highcmmdr) - strategy@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

Here is that structure again...I received no comments from the membership and now that I have successfully been returned to my office, I will go ahead with implementation full swing.

Thanks HighCmmdr

What follows is my proposal for the Strategy pages -- please send me feedback!!!

IAAPA AXIS AND ALLIES STRATEGY PAGES

GAME OVERVIEW

Ø Bidding Ø Purchasing Ø Planning Ø Logistics Ø Economics Ø Technology Ø Game Mechanics

AXIS OVERVIEW

* Victory Conditions

¨ Magic 84
¨ Moscow/Russia
¨ Technology

* Strategic Command

* Order of Battle

* Germany

¨ Bidding
¨ Purchasing
¨ Opening Moves
¨ Key Objectives
¨ Key Territories
¨ Strategies
¨ Tactics
¨ Miscellaneous

* Japan

¨ Bidding
¨ Purchasing
¨ Opening Moves
¨ Key Objectives
¨ Key Territories
¨ Strategies
¨ Tactics
¨ Miscellaneous

ALLIED OVERVIEW

* Victory Conditions

¨ Berlin/Germany
¨ Economic
¨ Technology

* Strategic Command

* Order of Battle

* Russia

¨ Bidding
¨ Purchasing
¨ Opening Moves
¨ Key Objectives
¨ Key Territories
¨ Strategies
¨ Tactics
¨ Miscellaneous

* United Kingdom/Britain

¨ Bidding
¨ Purchasing
¨ Opening Moves
¨ Key Objectives
¨ Key Territories
¨ Strategies
¨ Tactics
¨ Miscellaneous

* United States

¨ Bidding
¨ Purchasing
¨ Opening Moves
¨ Key Objectives
¨ Key Territories
¨ Strategies
¨ Tactics
¨ Miscellaneous

REPORT FROM THE HELP DESK COORDINATOR - Phil (Herr_Schmidt) - help@REMOVETHISaxisandallies.net

It's been a busy month at the help desk with all the new recruits pouring in!

Also I've had a few people looking for copies of the CD-Rom If you have a copy you want to unload drop me a line..

Just remember there's no such thing as a stupid question :)

A quick note to all our new members: GET INVOLVED!! We need members to help in running the club! Don't be afraid to step up just because you're new.

Always willing to help :)

Phil (HS)

Closing comments:

And now a final word;

Address verifications went out with your membership kits in January. If you were a member prior to January, and didn't receive a kit, your address was obviously wrong in our records. Please update those addresses! If you are listed below, I haven't gotten your verification code back. Send it in, so that I know you got your kit!

roadrage
levahl
GameStar
abnranger
Spivo
Tony
Milamber
enderl
PunkGeetar
WarlockLH
gzeiger
qman
CIA99
Tirannas
billbailey
DeBruce
Soljourn
cnty9047
Pattonjr
compwar
theedge11
GeekBoy
Razor1010
Coralsky
Yuugal
baldguy
Likkimon
JediKnight
tordenskjold
Einstein
reddwarf
Silent_General
Henrik
maoandian
Aldius
imcbeast
AirAmerica
skypilot
andrew_cowdery
AxAmaster
Quixande
aatorpedo
Blacky
An1Kan
Crusader
Wil
PFC_Plaid
Bismark
Jamie74
UberRalph
SectionApe
Sohoa
Plucken
Dandeman
magus_the_dark
mkr12
Bobbysams
jwang
timothy
Patrick4
sotragic
wmck
HighCmmdr
Spiderfly
kenbell
Stimpy
Chez
crazycoyote
Wild2000
Desertfox!
jclilegdon
DerranJorde
GeDeOne
Coot
wehrmachter

Member kits will be going out to all those who affiliated after January's mailing next week.

One last bonus for those of you who have read this far - here is a complete list of our current ranks and ratings (so that we can keep track of promotions and demotions from month to month. To see the list, CLICK HERE.


ToddVomit
President of IAAPA