Balancing a Scenario: Part 2

Balancing a Scenario

Part 2

by Mark Piper

In the first installment of this article, a proposed approach to designing and balancing scenarios was described. Having found a good map of the battlefield and a decent order of battle, the scenario designer must then identify those units directly involved in the action. Reference as to many accounts of that part of the battle should allow suitable adjustments and identification to terrain and troop quality. Thus equipped, an attempt should be made to allocate points to both sides and then, with consideration to the relative strengths of both sides, allocate terrain victory conditions.

Step Seven

Identify between three and four key or important terrain features that influenced the outcome of the battle. Try to have at least one initially in the control of the attacker, one not controlled, and one or two under the control of the defender. This will depend on the size of the forces involved and the board being played upon.

Example:

Attacker/defender (33) (48)

Rocky knoll (attacker) 6 8

Crossroads (?) 8 10

Big knoll (defender) 8 12

Wooden bridge (defender) 11 14

Step Eight

Finally, the victory conditions must be decided upon. Using the points so far, we could state that a minimum 25% advantage (i.e. 3:2) in points in the game is required for a decisive victory,; otherwise, a marginal victory is won.

To illustrate this approach in more detail, I will describe how a historical scenario would be developed. The completed scenario will appear in the next issue. The scenario is to be based upon the Confederate assault on Culp's and Cemetery Hills on the second day of the battle of Gettysburg. This game is relatively small, both in size and troops involved. A very good map appears on page 128 of The Illustrated Atlas of the Civil War. In conjunction with the other maps in the books listed at the end of this article, a reasonable scenario should be able to be produced.

Confederate Forces

Ewell's Corps

Ewell (1 E corps leader) (4 points)

Early's Division (18 points)

Johnson's Division (21 points)

43 total points

Union Forces

Geary's Division, XII Corps (10 points)

Wadsworth's Division (10 points)

Barlow's Division, XI Corps (4 points)

Ame's Brigade 3/-/2

Shurz's Division (8 points)

Haye's Division, II Corps (5 points)

Carrol's Brigade 5/4/3 E

39 total points

Between the scenario map and the order of battle above, the basis of the scenario can now be constructed. The Confederate force is split, but it is in two divisions under a corps commander and has artillery support. The Union force is made up of "odds and sods" from a number of divisions. Some of these brigades were thrown into the battle to plug gaps as they appeared.

The key terrain in this battle would obviously be Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill. Rock Creek, the outskirts of Gettysburg itself, woods and the stone walls are also featured. Hasty entrenchments on Culp's Hill also played a role in the successful defense of the Union flank. The wooded area of Culp's Hill will affect movement and Gettysburg should be treated as a town as detailed in the rules. Woods and Gettysburg will provide a firing modifier.

Defending Rock Creek, defending Culp's Hill or defending woods, will give a bonus to the defender. The stone walls should also give cover. The game will take seven turns to play, starting with the Confederate turn at 1830, and will finish with the Union move at 2130. Twilight/darkness rules will apply.

Part three of this article will appear in a future issue.

Part 1 of Balancing a Scenario

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