Brother Against Brother- An American Civil War Game

[DisgruntledLemming]

OOC: I know this is not Diplomacy or WW, or any of the games that are normally around here, but instead, I am bringing you a "new" type of game.

Based in 1859, the United States of America are nearing the breaking point when the tensions flare and a war could very well begin. Divided on the issues of Slavery, States Rights and downright Nationalism, there is much talk of Secession amongst the Southern States, even those along the border between Slave and Free States. It is up to you, fine Governor, to decide. Will you side with the Union or the Separatists? Or will you "seize the day" and move your state to total independence? The decision is yours.​

Now, the way this game works is that in 1859, and you are in charge of a State. Now, why just a state? If all goes as planned, I hope to see most of the South and at least half the North controlled by players. It is the Player's Duty to either secede from the Union or stick with them, there is no middle road. Now, do I hope to see states like New Jersey and Maine seceding and joining the Confederates? Heck no! But I would like to see some deviation from real life history. (I.E. Maybe more states out West ended up joining the South, or maybe Virginia decided to remain loyal, I want to see Alternate History folks!)

Now, for the actual rules. Here they are.

1. Follow all of the rules of the forums. This should go without saying.

2. Be realistic! I don't want to see people making decisions that would not have come up in real life in any way shape or form "just cause".

3. Don't be a jerk. Sounds a bit funny right after I say be realistic, but be understanding at the same time, discern but don't insult. Sometimes a subtle tap on the shoulder is all it takes.

4. Respect me and my junta administration, erm I mean administrators in the game. If we say that Montana was not a state at this time, just trust us. Or if you lost a battle, just roll with it.

5. NO OOC DEBATE OF SLAVERY. Sorry guys, it's just the way things are. If we bring it up, then it turns into a spirited debate, but it's a slippery slope, and we don't want this to be an argument over whether or not the CSA would have eventually freed the slaves.

6. Please refrain from any other debates. And I know that even the most subtle, barely linked comments can spark a huge controversial debate, and prevention is the best cure.

And now, we get onto the fun rules. How this Game is Played.​

1. You are a Governor- You can choose what state to run, I will post a map in a second. Dark Blue = State, light blue = territory and really dark blue = D.C. You can only be a State and only a State can secede. Now, I want everyone to have a short bio on their governor, I will get a sign-up sheet in a second.

2. You control your State- If you want to secede at a certain point, and it makes sense to do so, then do. Seceding doesn't automatically put you in the CSA though, if say teh Union is losing the war bad, then California or Oregon can form the California Republic, or if Texas loses faith in the United/Confederate States, they can go backwards a bit and be a Lone Star Nation again.

3. Supply Routes and Armies- Each State gets one "Army", and depending on the state, they vary in size and specialization. For example- Virginia will have a lot more soldiers than say... Florida, but maybe Texas has more experienced soldiers, so they may be more effective in combat. Armies also depend on railroads, so getting supplies to the front is absolutely necessary. Each State varies in the amount of armies it can support via railways. A large portion of the game will be about maintain supply lines deep into enemy territory.

4. Presidential Elections- If an election for President pops up in either the USA or CSA, or any other player-state, then each governor can run for that position, but support will be determined by... 1. Issues, who agrees with you? 2. Position, what is your background? 3. Money and 4. Victories of that State. You have to get other Governors, as well as the people, to elect you. Acquiring Presidency will mean that you will take indirect control of the rest of the nation, but you will no longer have direct control over your State.

It may be a bit to soak in, but give it time. I will post 3 reserved pages, one for listing the taken States, one listing the battles/timeline and one for the map(s).

 

[DisgruntledLemming]

Reserved for Maps

National Map

State Difficulty Map

State Map

 

[DisgruntledLemming]

States-

(Going from East to West)

Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine-

Difficulty: Easy

Background: The states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are all grouped together in order to consolidate the "Northern Forces" into one army and one governable region. With such small states in that close of an area, for the duration of the war, they will be under the management of the leadership of New Hampshire.

Forces: Army of New England- 6 Infantry Units, 2 Cavalry and 4 Artillery.

Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut

Difficulty: Easy

Background: In a similar situation with New England to the North, there are three small states in a local region, and for this reason, Rhode Island and Connecticut have, temporarily, united their armies with Massachusetts for Consolidation purposes.

Forces: Army of Boston- 5 Infantry Units, 3 Cavalry and 2 Artillery

New York

Difficulty: Medium

Background: One of the more populous states, and one with the stronger militaries, New York is a force to be reckoned with in US politics and in military strength should a States' War ever arise. However, with high population comes high risk, particularly with separatism and dissent, which may form riots and rebellions...

Forces: Army of New York- 6 Infantry, 3 Cavalry, 3 Artillery

Pennsylvania

Difficulty: Easy

Background: Another populous state, but less than New York. It is an industrial, rather than military power, it will be a primary supplier of supplies to whatever side they may choose to follow, but are less prone to riots and rebellion.

Forces: Army of Philadelphia- 4 Infantry, 4 Cavalry, 2 Artillery

New Jersey

Difficulty: Medium

Background: A smaller state, and the last Northern State to abolish slavery, it is a particular hotspot in antebellum politics. The people are divided, and New Jersey has a military meant for fighting Slave and other rebellions rather than an all out war...

Forces: Army of New Jersey- 5 Infantry, 2 Cavalry, 3 Artillery

Maryland

joebthegreat

Difficulty: Hard

Background: The State that gave a portion of it's land to form the Capital of Washington D.C., is in a particularly precarious position.Essentially, they have the hardest choice of all the States. They are a Slave State, but are they more loyal to their heritage or to their Country? If they decide to not leave the Union, then they could be a vanguard for the Union, defending the Capital, but if they split, their state will certainly be ravaged by war. They are the most likely front line in the war, and so their army is the strongest of all.

Forces: Army of the Potomac- 7 Infantry, 4 Cavalry and 4 Artillery

Virginia

Hawkeye

Difficulty: Hard

Background: Aside from Maryland, Virginia is also in a particularly bad position, they are being pressured by their Southern Brethren to join them to secede, but are closer to Washington D.C. than the rest of them, and because of this, they would be under serious threat should a State War break out. The abolishment of Slavery could destroy their economy, and that may be the deciding factor...

Background: Army of Virginia- 6 Infantry, 5 Cavalry and 3 Artillery

North Carolina

Devotist

Difficulty: Medium

Background: They are the second line of defense for the South, for if Maryland and Virginia decide that they are loyal, but North Carolina otherwise, they would end up being the front lines. This outcome, while unlikely is a major fear of Carolinians. Exporting Cotton is their most lucrative business, and they can't possibly risk that could they?

Forces: Army of North Carolina- 4 Infantry, 5 Cavalry and 1 Artillery

South Carolina

Difficulty: Easy

Background: Historically, the first State to Secede, South Carolina is in a rather comfortable position. Far enough away from Washington to secede without fear of immediate retaliation, and is kept in a "pocket" by their fellow Dixie brethren. They are in a position to be the one waving the flag and rallying their fellow Southerners.

Forces: Army of Charleston- 3 Infantry, 3 Cavalry and 1 Artillery

Georgia

Difficulty: Easy

Background: If South Carolina is safe, then Georgia is really safe. Georgia is in a similar position to South Carolina, only they have more available land. This makes them a prime state to set up factories, POW camps as well as maybe some important bases/government centers, due to it's distance from Washington.

Forces: Army of Georgia- 4 Infantry, 2 Cavalry, 1 Artillery

Florida

Difficulty: Easy

Background: Of all the states with pro-secession sentiments, Florida is the safest of them all. They have many miles of coastline, difficult to blockade and a plethora of natural resources at their disposal. What they lack however, is manpower. This puts them in a position where they can either play the role of backup or perhaps find some new states to join the Union... Cuba or Haiti could very well be potential Confederates should the war go well enough.

Army: Army of Florida- 3 Infantry, 4 Cavalry, and 0 artillery

Ohio

Difficulty: Hard

Background: One of the “Western States” of the Union, they are a more rural people than the people along the seaboard. They are in a difficult position because they lack a serious army to match that of the Southern States, and that is a serious threat, especially if Kentucky secedes.

Forces: Army of Ohio- 2 Infantry, 1 Cavalry, 2 Artillery

Indiana

Difficulty: Medium

Background: Right next to Ohio, Indiana is one of the states that gates the way into the Western Plains. They are in a similar position with Ohio, but not quite as dangerous. With forces about equal to that of Ohio, but they are not in as important of a strategic location, they don't have a gateway into the Eastern Seaboard States.

Forces: Army of Indiana- 2 Infantry, 2 Cavalry, 1 Artillery

Michigan

Jacob Lundgren

Difficulty: Easy

Background: Just north of Indiana and Ohio, Michigan is really only under threat by a possible British intervention, with their position in the Great Lakes, a simple use of small boats to maneuver soldiers around could be a true hamper to any invading army. However, they are lacking in soldiers, but make up for it in supplies.

Forces: Army of The Lakes- 2 Infantry, 1 Cavalry, 3 Artillery

Kentucky

Vainglory

Difficulty: Hard

Description: In history, they were a border state along the North and the South. Because of this, they are in a particularly precarious position. If they decide to Secede with their Dixie brothers, the Union could swarm into Kentucky and overwhelm them, but if they decide to remain loyal, the Southern States could do the same, only with much more prejudice. Whatever they decide, they will be a front line.

Forces: Army of Kentucky- 3 Infantry, 2 Cavalry, 1 Artillery

Tennessee

Killerflood

Difficulty: Medium

Description: Tennessee's fate will be invariably decided by Kentucky. Either they will side with the Union and force you into a situation where you are under attack, or they join with the South and Secede, and become a barrier for you. Tennessee has a modest army and a good supply of resources, but is not in a position to take the front line beatings.

Forces: Army of Tennessee- 3 Infantry, 3 Cavalry, 1 Artillery

Alabama

Difficulty: Easy

Description: A relatively "safe" state, but still a target for Union activity should the Union's forces find their way down to the Gulf. Your role is rather than that of a supplier or soldier role, but more of a economic and diplomatic role. The Gulf of Mexico is a safer export region of Southern goods than the Eastern Seaboard, and is less vulnerable to a Union Blockade. However, should the Union armies find their way down this far south, they may be in trouble.

Forces: Army of Alabama- 1 Infantry, 2 Cavalry, 1 Artillery

Mississippi

Difficulty: Easy

Description: And if Alabama is a potential target for Union activity, then Mississippi is even more of one, it's position along it's namesake river is one of the main reasons that Mississippi was given a stronger-than-average army. It is their job to defend both themselves, the River and their immediate neighbors, Alabama and Louisiana.

Forces: Army of the Mississippi 2 Infantry, 3 Cavalry, 1 Artillery

Louisiana

Difficulty: Easy

Description: Finally, of all the "Export Three" Southern States, Louisiana is certain to take the biggest hit. Not only because they have the most sea access and is certain to be a major exporter to Mexico, Spain and Britain, but also that they have significantly more population than their eastern brothers.

Forces: Army of New Orleans- 3 Infantry, 2 Cavalry, 1 Artillery

Arkansas

Difficulty: Medium

Description: A lesser state amongst the South, they are most renown as the area where the Cherokee people reside. Their lack of influence makes them a very unlikely Union target, but that comes at a price. They have a smaller military than most of the other States, and because of this, they need strong leaders, both at the diplomatic table and in charge of the armies.

Forces: Army of Little Rock- 1 Infantry, 1 Cavalry, 2 Artillery

Missouri

Difficulty: Hard

Description: In comparison to their southern neighbor Arkansas, Missouri is in a difficult position. They are uncannily loyal to Washington, moreso than their Southern Cousins at least, but are a slave state and fear a potential abolition of slavery. They have a choice to make, and whatever choice they make, they are certain to be key to their faction's operations in the West.

Forces: Army of the West- 3 Infantry, 2 Cavalry, 1 Artillery

 

[DisgruntledLemming]

Reserved for Game Timeline

 

[DisgruntledLemming]

Full List of Rules


Politics and Independence

1. You are in control of the State, and as such, you have full rights to control your state in politics and diplomacy in the nation itself.
2. Different states will have different opportunities to secede, normally these will either be started by events (i.e. California has the opportunity to secede if they get a specific event)
3. Following the formation of the Confederate States of America, each state that Seceded will become a state within the CSA, they will function the same as member states of the Union, but only not with the Union.
4. Most decisions will be regulated by events or private messages before they happen. (i.e. Texas cannot decide to become independent from the CSA without a proper event/consulting me.) This is in order to prevent out-of-character and odd events.
5. When the current Incumbent of a President is in power, each state will be given an opportunity to run for President, this means that the player abandons his rights to have absolute control over his state but now has the ability to make demands and commands to the Governors of the States under him. Governors have the option to obey or disobey, but disobedience will have heavy consequences. Once more, commands and orders will be regulated via private messages.​

 

[joebthegreat]

How much time between deadlines? How much time would be required for each turn?

I'd play as Maryland as my first choice. California as my second choice. Texas as my third choice. All of them are equally interesting options as far as I'm concerned. Whichever state I play, I would be a drunk and irresponsible leader (I'm good at that kind of thing).

 

[Hawkeye1489]

This is an interesting concept. I like it very much. Along with joeb's questions, I have a question about the map. West Virginia wasn't a state until 1863, and Nevada joined in 1864. Are there going to be provisions for this? (i.e. West Virginia is still part of Virginia) What about other territories that should wish to join the union(s)? The division of the Arizona and New Mexico Territories is one thing that jumps to mind. I am not trying to needlessly complicate your game, I'm just curious is all. Either way I am interested in joining.

 

[randakar]

OOC: I know this is not Diplomacy or WW, or any of the games that are normally around here, but instead, I am bringing you a "new" type of game.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. This used to be the werewolf forum, and that legacy is still very much present, but this forum's new mission is much broader than that. If we can have Diplomacy, BSG and Aurora games, there is definitely room for this.

 

[Adamus]

Would love some more info on game mechanics but definately interested. Will wait and see before confirming my in'ness.

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

Indeed nothing wrong with a game like this, appears set up well. To help you along I will take up Michigan.

 

[DisgruntledLemming]

Would love some more info on game mechanics but definately interested. Will wait and see before confirming my in'ness.

I did this later last night and forgot some important details. (Mainly the military...)

 

[DisgruntledLemming]

This is an interesting concept. I like it very much. Along with joeb's questions, I have a question about the map. West Virginia wasn't a state until 1863, and Nevada joined in 1864. Are there going to be provisions for this? (i.e. West Virginia is still part of Virginia) What about other territories that should wish to join the union(s)? The division of the Arizona and New Mexico Territories is one thing that jumps to mind. I am not trying to needlessly complicate your game, I'm just curious is all. Either way I am interested in joining.

West Virginia will be addressed in the game, but will not immediately be a State. I will elaborate further when I get the last of the rules up, as will the Arizona-New Mexico.

How much time between deadlines? How much time would be required for each turn?

Default, I'd give 3 days to give a decision, but for particularly important ones, I would probably give 5 or more days, but I want to hear what everyone else says.

 

[Killerflood]

Go, go Tennessee!!

If you can't tell, I'm interested. PM me if there's any updates or needed info please.

 

[Hawkeye1489]

Well...let me just put my stake in and say IN and I'd like to claim the great Commonwealth of Virginia

 

[Culise]

Idle curiosity, but can you play de-facto independent entities like the Indian Nation or Sioux? One of the interesting parts of this era is the western front, where while the main Union and Confederate armies were clashing over the Potomac and NoVa, you also had the Dakota and Colorado Wars as distractions, as well as the Indian Nation actively taking sides in the main war.

Tentatively interested as Missouri or Minnesota, or perhaps the Dakota Sioux if permissible, pending a look at the full rules and gameplay.

 

[DisgruntledLemming]

I put some thought into Native American nations, but I am still unsure as to how to represent them, odds are they will mainly be there raiding and attacking in terms of events, maybe will be included in mercenary events. Still putting thought into it.

Expect a full list of rules sometime this week.

 

[joebthegreat]

So far it looks like a fun way to get into arguments with the people I love getting into arguments worth. I'll definitely be joining then.

Joeb the Governor, he has been drunk for three months consecutively. Prepare to be amazed as he handles delicate diplomatic situations!

 

[Hawkeye1489]

Oh, and I would advise changing the name from Philadelphia to Pennsylvania in the states list.

 

[DisgruntledLemming]

Thank you Hawkeye. I always make that mistake.

Anyhow, I am sorry about not getting the rules listing up in time. Life caught up with me, but expect it this weekend!

 

[Vainglory]

May I call dibs on Kentucky?