1st Manassas with 'Altar of Freedom'

I'd had 'Altar of Freedom' for a while on pdf, together with some of the scenario packs, and of course seen it used by author Greg, and the chaps at Little Wars TV.

Though when I saw some of the commentary on Steve's recent post surrounding the game, I knew it was one that was crying out to be tried.

 I had been recently re-basing my 20mm plastic ACW troops for Volley and Bayonet. The 3"x3" bases seemed to work well, though some changes to conceptual understanding of how road movement and recoils worked, was required.

Highlights:

• I can see some of the Chipco style design mechanisms (that the LWTV guys favour) re. combat in the rules, but it's the command and control structure that really stands out as being fluid and original, and...very period-centric.
• The 'turn clock' allows me, if I have control of it, to control the pace of the turn - to some extent. Where I am canny, I can get 'more out of the turn' by hanging on to the initiative, if my opponent has not been careful.
• A secret bidding system, by division, allows each player to put their impetus where they need to in terms of command points. Sometimes it's obvious ...but not always, and that's the core of the system.
• The turn clock might just squeeze a division or two out of the action if well played however, enabling a canny general to hold on to the initiative.
• This can create focus on certain parts of the battlefield, like Maurice, although there are a lot more surprises when a subtle player outsmarts you here.
• By manipulating the turn clock (insofar as you can - you don't always get the luck you might need), and playing to each general's strengths via his traits - it really feels like a civil war battle.
• There are also commander traits for the Generals. This is really evocative of the period.
• Beauregard had the 'micromanager' trait for instance, which forced him to hold back points for end of turn activity. Although this hampered grabbing the initiative, it enabled the odd brigade to carry out 'end of turn' maneuvers which made good ground in the centre - Union units watching helplessly while his 'genius' allowed a brigade to slip into an open space. 
• Little touches like this give each commander his own in game 'personality', and actually forces your opponent to try and recognise this, and thereby attempt to foil its effects.  (It 'is' as if you knew this guy at West Point and he chose the wrong side in the war...and how many times have we read that in civil war sources).
• In terms of hacks, and with a few changes to the straightforward combat system, this sort of turn clock / command trait system could easily be used in other large battles in other horse and musket periods - Age of Marlborough for instance (this was on my mind throughout the game, where Marlborough, Tallard, Eugene would have unique traits which would influence play). (Don't even start me on my thoughts re. using some of the mechanics for corps level WW2...Market Garden, the Ardennes, D-Day for instance).

'Enough prattle ...git to the battle boah!   (and why is mah yooonit at -3 in this here fight ???).'

 Rebs at Bull Run

  'I intend to use this large dice to form the centre of my defensive position Zeke!'

 An early cavalry clash, though it will come to naught, with neither side gaining an advantage on the Union left throughout the battle ...much to the shame of the Union General !!!

 Confederate moves on the Union left...becoming stymied, and more of a delaying action on the considerable Union numbers.

 Most Reb activity took place in the Union centre, with dramatic attacks across the river.

 Union troops failed to stop Johnston's forces making considerable inroads.

 

 Union Brigade back at camp (rally point for broken units - this is a very nice mechanic, and works perfectly bearing in mind the scale of the battles).

 Rebel Yell!

 Go Billy Yank!

 

 With the centre under considerable pressure, and undeniably clever gameplay from the Confederate General, the lynch-pin of the Union line threatened to break.

 Now, in the final game turn, with the Union camp about to be attacked, the game was effectively over.

A truly inspiring set of rules, with a lot of future potential.
(...and I still like that Marlburian idea...though I do need to try 'Twilight of the Sun King' which threatens to have a similar dynamic, if not C&C system).

And finally:

Musketry of the period ...who knew?

And the obligatory DM3 toon...