Berthier

Computer Campaign Assistance

by Tony De Lyall

Berthier is an assistant for running miniature wargames campaigns. Berthier allows two campaigners, without an umpire, to run simple strategic campaigns leading to tabletop battles. Alternatively umpires can use Berthier to help run two sided campaigns. Berthier should be suitable for most historical wargaming periods, naval, or fantasy, but was developed with the Horse and Musket period in mind. Berthier computerises the 'chest of matchboxes' approach to campaign movement described in wargaming books and articles. This approach allows concealed movement of two opposing forces over the campaign map. You take your favourite paper based campaign map and grid it with a square grid. You give each square a reference number - used to track campaign unit positions, and nominate each square as one of the five strategic terrain types used in Berthier. You then create the strategic campaign map in Berthier. Alternatively, you can use Berthier's GridMap utility to do this with any map image saved in Windows BMP file format. The strategic map can be viewed pictorially during the campaign. Annotations can be attached to map squares. Berthier allows up to 16 campaign units per side. Movement is alternate, with each side moving all its units in its movement phase by issuing orders to units. Berthier determines the best route and moves the units. Units move from square to square with movement restricted by the type of strategic terrain. Designated units can also be ordered to transport other units. When opposing units enter the same square Berthier indicates that contact has been made. Contacts can then be gamed out on the wargames table or with Berthier's combat resolution function. Units can scout nearby squares. Berthier optionally manages supply and attrition for units. The campaign can be saved at any time and recommenced late

Berthier also includes several campaign utilities:

  • customiseable random event tables,
  • customiseable look up reference tables,
  • automated dice of many sorts, and
  • a campaign notebook.

Berthier is a DOS program with a mouse and/or keyboard Interface. It will also run in a DOS window under Windows/95/98/NT. Berthier is freeware. Berthier may be downloaded from - http://members.xoom.com/wargaming/vnb.htm See the Utilities and Player Aids Section.

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