• Dan Dolan u1012129@warwick.net

Just got my copy of Scotland the Brave (StB). It appears to be an interesting looking module. 9 scenarios and a Platoon Leader CG. The scenarios range from small recon detachments meeting to a couple of larger sized actions with some interesting vehicles and arty all over the place. The scenarios use all of the map (a personal quirk I look for this in a module.) There are some real interesting actions that require a player to accomplish a mission with a small force. the scenarios look to be playable in a single sitting.

The map is done in CH's computer generated style. Map size 21 x 40 hexes, standard ASL sized. Counter density doesn't appear to be a problem in any of the scenarios. No new terrain. It uses the now standard CH terrain depictions - Orchards have more than 4 trees, otherwise the terrain looks similar to other CH maps ala PdH, and Shanley's Hill. CH seems to have settled on terrain depictions so there aren't many questions concerning the map. What few there are are answered by the inclusion of a StB News sheet. The terrain is also quite interesting as it covers a type not yet found in HASL products. It is a combination of small village and open ground with enough cover to make life intersting for tankers.

There is also a 4 page folder containing Ian's Designer Notes. I guess the price will be similar to the other recently released CH products (I don't know it, I just call and order it). It's ASL so I buy it.

I think it will be an interesting addition to the CH line and I'm not worried about the quality of the design work with Ian's name on it. I don't look for typos, I leave that to those who enjoy finding such things to look for.

This is a quality product. You won't be disapointed with it. The reason for my compliments of Ian's work is simple. He does great work. He may be the best ASL designer out there right now. His work is meticuously researched and his designs ar usually pretty close to error free. This is one you can buy without fear of getting ripped off in any way.

You can even use Eddie's Black SS guys!

• Steven J. Pleva 104211.553@compuserve.com

At the risk of inflating Ian's ego (it's probably too late anyway) and/or offending Dan Dolan's sensitive designer ego; I have to throw in my vote for Product of the Year (1998).

Admittedly, I'm a little biased, but I have to say that Scotland the Brave is the best thing to hit the shelves this year. I've played five of the scenarios and they were all quite good even though I lost one to snake eyes on the last CC DR where snake eyes was the only roll that would win it for him. I haven't even played the two scenarios that I think are the best in the lot: "Orders for the Major" and "Hohenstaufen Left". Throw in a great looking map, a PL CG and well written designer notes and the package is complete.

We believe that the product is 100% compatible with Eddie's non-glorifying SS counters, but we're waiting for the report from Ernst and Young to be sure.

Again, I'm biased so weigh this post appropriately (whatever the heck that means)...

Gor-Gor

• Russ Bunten rbunten@eagnet.com

First off, I have to laud the fact that there are only 5 SSR's and about as many terrain notes for the entire module. I wish they were all this way. This is how ASL is supposed to be.

Couple of nits though....

Sunken Road and Elevated Road artwork are the same on the map. Pointed out in the little quickie newsletter enclosed but we almost missed it. From an "amatuer" like me, they look identical vice "similar" as pointed out though. Ian, was this a mistake or did you do the artwork that way on purpose?

Otherwise, my only complaints are that the map is glossy and I hate those orchards (and the graveyard). But that is nothing new. Otherwise, a fine map.

Decided to play Hohenstauffen Left (or something like that). Bunch of Brit platoons dug in around the small village getting assaulted by a mixed bag of SS supported by a FT HT and 6 PzIVJ's. I get a few of the older Churchills later. One problem right off the bat is that the German OBA is directed by an offboard observer at level 2 in any hexrow A hex. Problem is that hexrow A (as well as the majority of the area in play) is level 3. We assumed that it meant 2 levels higher (i.e. level 5) rather than a dug in observer. Didn't see any mention of that anywhere but I may have missed it. There is also a weird SSR for that scenario that allows the British MMC to begin in foxholes but not SMC that start stacked with them. Obviously a historical thing but still wierd.

BTW, the Tree-lined Path is kinda kewl Ian.