Mission Idea: "Wargame" (Alternative names: "Ares", "Mars"...yeah I'm not that creative when it comes to names)
Type: Zeus, Co-op
General concept:
Both sides (Zeus, players) fight over an AO that contains some "zones". These zones will have some perks, like artillery, statics, AAA, rockets, rearm/repair hubs, etc. Both sides get an FOB - this is the perk for the starting zone. How this functions will be detailed later. Anyway, the zones can only be controlled if there is a leadership element in them, i.e. CO/DC/SL. Further, some additional AI vehicles will be assigned to either CO or DC - these will be wheeled jeeps/MRAPS or tanks. These are command vehicles, and can also be captured. They will be
CARELESS to make them behave properly. Zeus gets similar vehicles (pre placed) for capturing Zones. Vehicles will be marked as command vehicles (including player CVs, if any, like CO and DC's IFVs) with flags attached to them.
Game wins when either side destroys all enemy command units, and FOB. Alternatively, if all players are dead before the next respawn wave spawns, they lose.
How FOBs Work:
For Players
FOBs are the starting point for the game, and for any respawn waves (unless players control a zone with a land corridor). Command vehicles, some AAA, helicopters for CAS. FOB is destroyed when all units within, or a special unit/building is destroyed. Should be something that Zeus can destroy fairly easily.
For Zeus
FOB contains supply and medical trucks (maybe 2 of each type?), CVs. Zeus is not allowed to spawn more supply trucks, or add any more CVs (so make sure s/he has enough - 1.5x no. of zones should be good).
Regarding Zone Perks:
Only if a zone is controlled by a command element, are the perks allowed to be used. So, for example, AI controlled AAA will only be active if zone is controlled, otherwise it becomes CARELESS, and gets set to HOLD FIRE. Similarly, Artillery will get added to JTACs' support menu only if the zone is controlled. Some zones may grant an aircraft CAS run or heli supply drop, same rules apply.
For Zeus, there will be nothing pre-placed, since that won't make sense. But, Zeus can only use fire support modules if the appropriate unit is placed in the AO. Zeus is subject to
costs. Zeus gets certain points per minute for every zone controlled, just like wargame. Income rate can be set via mission params.
Player Zeus
It may be a good idea to either grant Zeus to the CO and/or DC, but only allocate points to them once they control zones (like the OPFOR Zeus - and by OPFOR I just mean "opposing force to players", doesn't have to be CSAT). These points should only be used for calling in airstrikes, not shells. Could also be used for controlling AI command vehicles more precisely, or directing supply trucks from the FOB.
Alternatively, BLUFOR (again, generic BLUFOR, not necessarily NATO) could get a dedicated Zeus that respond to the CO's requests, and control allied AI. This may enable thinks like armoured support, etc. Again, this Zeus will have cost restrictions, and earns income proportionally to how well players are doing.
Contested Zones
In Wargame, contested zones means no income on both sides - this will be true here as well. Since Zone Perks can't be used by Zeus, this
will activate for players even if the zone is contested. Of course, if OPFOR is already present, they will attack those assets - so make sure to set them captive until players control zone.
Air/Land Corridors
If you want, you may make it such that any zone with a road running through it can act as a a reinforcement corridor. Players will wave respawn at FOB but can teleport some distance (say 500m) outside the AO, on the side of this zone. Zeus can similarly spawn units in a similar location if they control the zone.
Spawn zone should be an air corridor, if it's taken (i.e. FOB is destroyed), that side can't use any aircraft - be that CAS or for supply drops.
How to Zeus This
You're only allowed to spawn units reinforcements behind your FOB and preferably outside the AO. As mentioned above, you can also do this in Land Corridors. If you can sneak units behind player's lines then that's fine, but don't make them go outside the AO. If you're extra cheeki breeki, try sending a helicopter with troops, or an attack helo right around to the FOB.
Do NOT be accurate with your arty etc. It should only be to scare them. AI are fair game. You can only use fire support on units that your units can see. Yes you can use recon
I think that's all. Improvise on this, improve this...I realise that this is more a game mode than a mission, but oh well.