Military Structure

[Martok]

It's a nice idea, but my question would be this: What practical effect(s) could/would multiple military ranks have on the game? Aside from the realism/"coolness" factor, would there really be any point?

[Sheogorath]

It could replace the star system. Although historically rank wasn't much of an indicator of strategic/tactical prowess, I think for the purposes of the game it would be a nice touch instead of 'UH OH, THiS GUY HAS TEN STARS" it would be "UH OH, THIS GUYS A MAJOR GENERAL WITH THE VICTORIA CROSS".

A bit of immersion, perhaps.

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

Well, I suspect a "Broads & Bastards" style system might be possible for modders - ranks given or achieved by characters could increase command ability.

[ULC]

I actually suggested awhile ago that the Command Star system be done away with, and instead take up command ranks instead. It would be wonderful to have low level Captains and Lieutenants, Followed by Majors and Colonels, and then appointed Generals and Admirals.

One could then add certain troop improvements to each rank, such as increased firing rate, more ordered formations and faster responding units, and different recruitment rates and costs, or even units he is able to command, since I wouldn't assign my best Captain with more units then my Major.

[Alexander the Pretty Good]

The only problem with that is that there were certainly officers whose abilities didn't match the rank. Particularly since commands could be purchased.

[ULC]

Yes, but we would still have traits I am sure, which would mean we could have Majors who are superior to our Generals. Generalship and Admiralship would be appointed, or it could be determined based on governement, so in absolute monarchies, your General might be your most loyal rather then most able. Think of it like the College of Cardinals, but like your Pool of Majors/Colonels/Commodores instead.

[Incongruous]

Yes, but we would still have traits I am sure, which would mean we could have Majors who are superior to our Generals. Generalship and Admiralship would be appointed, or it could be determined based on governement, so in absolute monarchies, your General might be your most loyal rather then most able. Think of it like the College of Cardinals, but like your Pool of Majors/Colonels/Commodores instead.

It would desirably be more along the lines of court or Parliamentary favour, overtime a certain family via the players choics (eg. conquering certain areas, imposing certain acts) could become the most prominent and therefore have a greater chance of getting one of their own or a favourite, appointed to the army or admiralty.

[Celtic_Punk]

The only problem with that is that there were certainly officers whose abilities didn't match the rank. Particularly since commands could be purchased.

*cough cough* monty *cough cough*


I do like the idea of a rank structure tho

[Polemists]

Regardless of how you spin it. Yes certain people did get ranks because of authority, yes families did play a role, yes politics plays a role, yes command skill does not equal rank .

However I would personally prefer to look down on a battlefield and see Lieutant so and so, by captain so and so, go to battle. Rather then Captain Smith, Captain bob, Captain fred all go to war. I mean it just gets to the stage where I have to many captains and not one thing that differentiates them from other captains until they become general.

I'd like to see my captains actually climb to general not just

One Battle, One Victory, next turn your a general.

Talk about battlefield promotion

[Incongruous]

It would be a good way of limiting the use of vast armies, it would be unthinkable for a nation to have like, 200 field armies, commanded by men mostly fresh on the scene. If command of vast armies was limited or curbed in some way to allow only field marshalls or commanders the leadership, and in order for their army to funcytion properly it would be proper for certain units leaders to make up the rest of the officer structure, indeed the general should have a staff and a not a unit attatched to him.

It would make things a lot better and harder for a player, making battles that much more dangerous, in the period they were avoided by most commanders at all costs, not just because of the large casualties inflicted, but the possibility that one's officers would be wiped out.

It would be better because it would introduced much needed role-play into TW, which I must admit has become as a hollow a tube. Would it not be excellent if one could raise a lowly ensign up the ranks through decades of brutal warfare, finally to have them made Field Marshall.

Then, if the political framework works properly, having this war hero made first minister or some such