What are good websites for reference? (Mission Creation)

Y

Yskonyn

Guest
I am reading the excellent guides on the editor by George McEwan and the Scenario Design AAR that came with Market Garden and I have become pretty interested in creating a scenario.
I would love to create a (semi)historical scenario, but I am wondering if you guys know of websites where there is a good archive of maps, background info, etc?

Cheers!
 
Asked Bootie a little while ago to set up a forum as part of the CM Scenario Design section for people to post good sources and/or post research questions.

It really depends on what you are after and which units you want to create something from. What engagement are you thinking about undertaking?

A few tips (from an ex Graduate in History if that counts for anything :p)
- Google is your friend but always try to get two different web sources confirming the same thing or ensure the web material you are using is from a reputable source/has references listed. It's the web, people have a tendency to make stuff up.
- Don't forget to search under 'Google Books' and 'Google Scholar' for journal articles and freeware materials.
- A map is worth 1000 words. A map from 1940's Europe is worth 10,000. Google maps is great but in many cases, especially around urban areas the terrain is completely different to the 1943-44 battlefield.
- Try to match historical photos to an area on the map - helps with getting the 'feel right.'
- Undertake Unit History research and don't forget to research the lead up to engagement you are designing in the editor. The lead up not only tells the narrative about why the battle was fought but also gives you a good indication of troop and equipment quality.
- Have a defined start point of a scenario. What I mean by this is cut off all historical events completely at a certain point - which in game is when the player hits the big red button to get the fight underway. Try to match history to an extent but don't try to 100% replicate the flow of the battle as the player will undoubtedly do something different anyway. (And you'll just go nuts).

Let us know that the scenario is about and I'll see if I know any sources.
 
Thanks for your input, Ithikial.

I would like to do some research about my local area in WW2.
From the 'Grebbe-line' to the 'IJssel-line' there are bound to be some cool stories fitting to create a (semi)historical scenario.
So I am looking for maps and historical information in the 'Amersfoort' / 'Deventer' line in Holland; North of Arnhem.
In Amersfoort the Germans had a transport camp for prisoners and jews which had a terrifying reputation because of the brutal mentality of one of the Officers there. The Red Cross aided by the Canadians liberated and took over the camp, but information about what led up to them coming there is pretty hard to find, but I'd like to try.
 
Yskonyn said:
Thanks for your input, Ithikial.

I would like to do some research about my local area in WW2.
From the 'Grebbe-line' to the 'IJssel-line' there are bound to be some cool stories fitting to create a (semi)historical scenario.
So I am looking for maps and historical information in the 'Amersfoort' / 'Deventer' line in Holland; North of Arnhem.
In Amersfoort the Germans had a transport camp for prisoners and jews which had a terrifying reputation because of the brutal mentality of one of the Officers there. The Red Cross aided by the Canadians liberated and took over the camp, but information about what led up to them coming there is pretty hard to find, but I'd like to try.
Click to expand...

So we're talking about April 1945 then? Arnhem wasn't want liberated until the Canadians rolled through as the way came to a close. Just curious why you're not waiting for the Bulge game? The OOB etc will be updated for 1945.
 
Well as it will be my first attempt I have to start somewhere. :)
Or otherwise train myself in using the editor.
But you are right, perhaps a time a bit earlier is more suitable for now.
 
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