Frequently Asked Questions
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What scales are the rules designed for?
The rules have been designed primarily for 15mm and 28mm figures, but they work equally well with 6mm, 10mm and 20mm collections. As long as both armies use the same basing system and measurements, the game mechanics remain exactly the same.
Unit Scale
The rules are based around the regiment or battery, and a base structure used to reflect the different strengths of units in the game.
The fundamental block of a unit is a base. The size of the base and the number of figures on that base will depend on what scale of figures you have and how your figures are already based. The key point is that both sides have the same base sizes. The number of figures is irrelevant (although the aesthetics of the figures are of immense importance!)
An infantry base represents approx. 70-80 men, so an infantry regiment will be made up of the number of bases typically found in that theatre of campaign, or if you have detailed OOB and have a unit strength you can build that unit.
Artillery bases represent a section of two guns and crew. The Union batteries varied from two - three sections, with two being the norm in the early part of the war, but by 1862 three sections were more common. In the rules a Union artillery battery is three bases and the Confederate two bases.
Do I need to use a specific basing system?
One of the design goals of these rules was to allow players to use the figures they already own. There is no official basing system. Simply ensure that both armies use the same basing standard. This keeps movement, firing and combat fair while allowing complete freedom over how your figures are based. Whether your collection was based for Fire & Fury, Black Powder, Altar of Freedom or another ruleset, there is no need to rebase your figures. The rules are intentionally flexible and work with virtually any existing collection.
Epic scale, 6mm and 3mm Basing
Wargamers who have armies in 6mm or 3mm scale usually represent regiments on one base, rather than a multiple of bases. This is not an issue in these rules if you use the unit label to indicate the number of bases in the unit.
For gamers that use Epic ACW figures range, the strips of figures are quite long, so it is advised that these represent two bases rather than one in the game.
Timescale
A Game Turn represents 15-20 minutes of activity. Most games can be completed in around three to four hours. With experienced players the game can move along at quite a fast pace. Smaller introductory games can be finished more quickly, while larger battles involving several players naturally take longer.
Game Equipment
You will need
A tape measure.
6-sided dice.
Many smaller Black and red six-sided dice to record hits, Fatigue is recorded using red dice, while a Permanent Casualty with a black dice.
Lots of 6mm dice holder are very useful.
Staff Officers are represented using Green counters for Brigades and Yellow for Divisional Commander.
If you wish to use the pre-Game rules, you will need several Skirmish Markers.
Unit labels. Before the Game, each unit will require a label. Each infantry regiment, cavalry regiment, artillery battery, and command bases in the Order of Battle will need a label which is attached to the base. A unit label will include the Regiment Name, the weaponry, the Unit Quality, and a unit size. Colour coding also helps in identifying units from the same Brigade.
Do I need special markers?
You will need a Command Clock. These are turn clocks and available from companies such as Warbases in the UK. Skirmish Markers can be made from mdf of the correct shape and size.
The Game Turn Sequence
Each Game Turn is made up of a variable number of Phases which follow the same procedure:
Command and Morale
·Movement
·Firing and Charge Melee
·Game Turn End
Casualty Mechanism - Is there figure removal?
There is no Figure removal in these rules, except for artillery limbers. Hits are recorded by Fatigue and Permanent Casualty dice. The impact of the level of hits is discussed throughout the rules.
What size table do I need?
The recommended table size depends on the size of the battle you wish to fight.
A standard 6' × 4' table is ideal for most 15mm games, while a larger set up may be needed for 28mm if using a full division. Larger refights can use bigger tables if desired.
How many figures do I need?
That depends on the battle you want to recreate. A game with a division will have a dozen infantry units, two-three artillery batteries and suitable command stands for each Brigade and Division commander per side, while larger historical battles can involve considerably more. The rules are designed to scale easily from club games to large convention battles.
Who are these rules suitable for for?
The rules are straightforward to learn while providing enough tactical depth to remain rewarding for experienced players. New players can usually begin playing after a short explanation of the core mechanics. For experienced gamers, the emphasis is on command decisions, manoeuvre, timing and battlefield tactics rather than remembering large numbers of special rules. Experienced players should find plenty of opportunities for meaningful decision-making.
Can I play historical battles?
The rules are designed for historical refights as well as fictional scenarios inspired by the American Civil War. You can recreate famous engagements or design your own campaigns.
Are army lists included?
The rules focus on providing a flexible game system rather than prescribing a single way to organise armies. Players can recreate historical formations or design balanced forces suitable for friendly games.
However there is aa Antietam scenario in the rule book and more scenarios will be available in the future.
How many players can take part?
The rules work well with two players but also adapt easily to multiplayer games, making them ideal for clubs, participation games and conventions. Typically a player can take the role of a divisional commander and control the brigades themselves. You can of course decide to give individual players a brigade each to make it a fun multi-player game.
Can I use these rules for campaigns?
The rules are perfectly suited to linked scenarios and campaign play. Whether you are fighting a weekend campaign or recreating an entire historical campaign, the game mechanics support ongoing battles.
Will there be future supplements?
The intention is to continue expanding the system with additional scenarios, optional rules and supporting material as the game develops. This will all depend on how well the rules sell in the coming months!
Can I use my existing terrain?
The rules are designed to work with the terrain you already own, whether you play on traditional cloth-covered tables or fully modelled scenic battlefields.
Where can I ask questions or provide feedback?
You're always welcome to get in touch through the website or join the community on Facebook, where players can ask questions, share games, offer suggestions and see the latest news and updates.