Convergence - Vassal Engine

The Vassal Engine is a game engine for building and playing online adaptations of board games, tabletop games and card games. It allows users to play in real time over a live Internet connection. It runs on all platforms, and is free, open-source software.

It is written in Java. Update Java in case Vassal fails to complete the installation.

## Convergence Module and Extensions

Vassal needs a module and its extensions to work.

The Convergence module contains:

* 1 type of field

    Now let's move on to the extensions. We have an ext for **each Saga**, in this way it will be easier for me to edit every extension, and to improve the "aesthetics" of the older cards or to correct various errors.

The first extension you download will have a "module version 0.0". In the future, whenever the extension is updated, the number will change (Ex. 1.0, 2.0, etc.).

Download module and extensions: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Y3\_auInTEI0LfVvE6j\_lVyqCOQVtJph1?usp=sharing

I remind everyone that the file should not be downloaded to "pieces". Just click on the "Download" button at the top right.

When a new update is made, it'll be announced in my Discord server, with the link here: https://discord.gg/UQwqpgH

***Do note that this module is edited from the Battle Spirits module, so there may be elements that represent Battle Spirits instead of Convergence.***

## How to Install Vassal

* Open the Vassal plugin http://www.vassalengine.org/
* Choose Standard *(A reminder to update Java in case Vassal fails to complete the installation)*
* After installing Vassal, the Launcher will appear.

## How to Install Module

     After installing Vassal, the Launcher will appear.

Go to the launcher (*Pic at the right*) > **File** > **Open Module...** > **Converg Tcg** (*Right Click on the Converg Tcg*)

Right now you have two options.

1) Immediately open the module

2) Load the .Ext without opening the module and let it load all together

     Right click on Converg Tcg module > "Add extension"

All sets will begin to load, wait for it to complete. After that the **Game Windows** should open. If you can't see it, hide all your tabs to see if it's behind them.

## Select Play Mode

**Start New Game Offline:**

By selecting this option, you can use Vassal even without an Internet connection. In this mode it will not be possible to face any other player. After pressing "Next" you must choose a Field. After that the **Game Room** will appear.

**Look For a Game Online:**

Selecting this option and pressing the "**Finish**" button will allow you to enter the online Game Room. All users will find themselves in the "**Main Room**" as soon as they log in.

**Load Saved Game:**

Here you can save a previously saved game. Load the file and press the "**Finish**" button. However, you will not be online.

## The Game Room

     Now I will list the function of each button in order:

**1) Undo Last Move:** This button allows you to go back one action. Also affects the Chat.

2) **Step Forward Through Logfile:** I don't know what this button does, I've never seen it used (LOL)

3) **Show/Hide the Server Controls:**

This button will allow you to reveal / hide the bar on your right. These four keys are the most important ones (although you will probably use them a few times).

* A) **Connect:** It will allow you to switch from Offline to Online.
* B) **Disconnect:** It will allow you to switch from Online to Offline.
* C) **Looking for a Game:** It explains itself.
* D) **Away from Keyboard:** It explains itself part two.

4) **Retire:** It allows you to **become an Observer** or **Change Sides**.

* A) **Become Observer:** If you want to leave your place to a friend, press this button.
* B) **Join Another Side: S**witch from **Black** to **White** or vice versa.

5) **Cleans up the Field:** It will clean away all the cards on the field. The cards on the Field will return directly to the deck. To return the cards to the Trash in the deck, just **right click your mouse** on the cards in the trash, then click **"send to trash"**, and all the cards in the Trash will return to the deck. You will have to drag the cards in the offboard onto the Field or simply drag them onto the Deck.

6) **White Deck Box:** This is the **Deck Box** of those who uses the **White Side**.

7) **Library**

8) **Deck Editor:** The space to create your deck.

9) **Black Deck Box:** This is the **Deck Box** of those who uses the **Black Side**.

10) **Dice:** Roll a 12-sided dice.

11) **View Deck & Side Deck:** Check your deck and side deck.

12) **View Trash:** You can check the cards in the Trash of both players without having to touch the trash on the Field.

13) **Game Steps & Retort Timing**

## Make a Room

As soon as you press "Play Game Online" you will immediately be inside the Main Room. This room is mainly used for chatting. Look to your right in "***Active Games***" > ***New Game*** > ***Write the name of the room you want to create***.

You are now in the newly created room. You can see it from the "Current Game".

## Load a Field and Choose a Side

     Go to ***"File"*** > ***New Game*** > ***Art*** > Choose a **Field** among those that are there.

After choosing a **Field**, a new "**Choose a Side**" window will open. Choose between **Black** or **White**.

(***White*** = Top of the Field

***Black*** = Bottom of the Field) After choosing one of the two sides, you can get access to the Core Bags and the Deck Box of your respective colour.

## Make a Deck

     Open the **"Library"** and open the **"Deck Editor".** Drag the cards from the Library into the Deck Editor. There is also a **"Clone"** option when you right click on the card in the Deck Editor.

You can adjust the size of the Deck Editor using the Magnifying Glass. Click "Fit Height" to view all 40 available spaces. By expanding the window you can see a white space on the right, where you can put the cards you don't want in your deck. When you are done, select them all by dragging your mouse over them while holding down the left key. Click "Send to Deck". They will be placed at the top left corner of the window. While keeping them selected, drag them to the central area of the deck editor (the one without a number). After that, right click on the deck, Save. Put a name for your Deck.

***Each Convergence deck is supposed to have 50 cards, but unfortunately we can't alter the space in the deck editor, which is why it says 40 on there. To lay out more cards, just throw them to the white area on the right.***

## Load Deck

Open the ***Deck Box*** > Right Click > ***Load*** > ***Select a Deck*** > ***Send to Board***.

Shuffle, draw 5 cards, set up 7 face-down cards on the Life Charge, 2 face-up cards in the Energy Zone, throw the 12-sided Dice to decide the order, and start playing.

## Tips

***DRAW CARD FROM THE BOTTOM:*** To draw cards from the bottom of your deck > ***Right Click on your Deck*** > ***Reverse***. Check the chat when you do it to make sure the action is successful (*Example: [\* Red> inverts Deck (B) \*].*) After you draw the cards, **REMEMBER TO** right-click **AGAIN** on the Deck and **Reverse**.

***SEND CARD TO BOTTOM OF YOUR DECK:*** There are three ways: 1) Place the card on your opponent's side and right-click "***Send to Bottom of the Deck***". 2) Place the card in your hand, right-click "***Send to Bottom of the Deck***". 3) Place the card offboard, right-click "***Send to Bottom of the Deck***".

***DISCARD CARD FROM YOUR OPPONENT HAND:*** You can drag cards from your opponent's Hand onto the field. The cards will not be revealed to you. They are only shown if the owner of such cards clicks "Reveal" or if it is moved by the owner of such cards.

***SELECT ZOOM:*** Many people may not have noticed it, but this button provides several zoom in the field. To view the complete field, press "Fit Height" the field will adapt to your screen. You can also tighten the chat to enlarge the field space more.