[WarInEur] Random options

[Hansen]

What if there was an option for "random options". The idea is it allows for
a certain uncertainty in play. You can't be quite sure what the rules are
until you have a bit of experience in that game.

I can think of a couple ways to work this. You could have a limited set of
options that can appear randomly. For example, the blitzkrieg ZOC allowing
for the Germans to move at a +1 through a ZOC or the partial combat odds.
These would be options that affect play. The UK would not be sure if Sea
lion option was available or not. The Russians and Germans wouldn't know if
severe weather option was in play.

You could also have the option applied somewhat randomly. For example, with
the +1 ZOC option, players would move normally. Then the computer randomly
determines if they have more movement points based on the +1 ZOC rule. The
random chart could be bell curved with the highest likely hood being for
France. The same idea could be applied to combat with partial odds.

You could also leave the "activation" of the option up to the player, thus
keeping tactical surprise for employing the increased capability.

The basic idea is to keep the exact capability of the armies (as judged by
the rules) to be a bit of a mystery, just as it was in the real world.

Imagine having the changing UK troop values and applying it randomly. First
time a unit goes into combat, it is randomly determined to be "full
strength" or at the reduced strength.

You could extend the idea to other areas like air warfare. There could be a
percentage chance for a +1 or -1 modifier to the die roll which would
represent the give and take of air plane technology development.

- John