Much has been written about how to make wargame scenery on the wargames table more realistic. The miniature figures which we use and the ways in which we can base them, can have just as equal an effect on realism. Obviously, superb painting skills will come into play, but there are other ways to achieve realism using miniatures, than just choosing a variety of figures in different poses. The ideas presented in this article are not meant to have any effect on any aspect of game play, but are presented as ways to enhance visual appeal.

One way for more realism is to try to achieve a unit theme. This is obvious when painting a Zouave unit or any of the Iron brigade regiments. However, thought must be given to other units. Are they pre-war militia, "ragged rebs," new recruits or veterans? Old Glory's "energetic infantry" set is a good way to use a theme. The figures are all different and they are all cheering. This is a change from the standard marching or skirmishing figures because they will stand out from other regiments.

Another way is to use Mexican-American war figures. They can be mounted as battle-experienced, grizzled Confederate sergeants as figures on command stands. Mexican-American war figures can also comprise entire units as early war militia. This would make first Manassas battles really authentic. Frontier Miniatures, Minifigs and Friekorp Miniatures make nice Mexican-American War figures.

General stands can be made more realistic and interesting. For example, a destroyed cannon barrel or odd casualty figure can make excellent use of empty space on leader stands. Stone Mountain's camp packs are excellent for dressing up empty space on stands. One of the most effective leader stands can be having a dismounted leader figure (perhaps looking through binoculars) standing in front of his horse. This is more interesting than a stiffly posed mounted figure on a large base.

Command stands are a way to create more realistic looking units. For example, mascots can be useful additions. "Old Abe," the bald eagle of the 8th Wisconsin, could de depicted on the command stand. Other animals, such as dogs, can fill the role of mascots for your units. Another way to enhance command stands can be to mount slightly smaller musician figures. The drummer boys will look more youthful and hence more realistic. More than one flagbearer can also be used: one for the national colors and one for the regimental colors. This is also an effective way to mark elite units.

Livestock can be added to farm building areas. Chickens and cows will portray farmlands more realistically than just buildings and fences. They can also provide booty for Sherman's troops to loot. The occasional play, shovel or well can also be thrown in for extra emphasis. Civilians can be a great addition too. Photographers, a military band, townsfolk and reporters can be present to liven up the table. This idea can be extended to include famous personages and picnickers that have come to watch the battle. Such figures should not have any role in game aspects but are there for aesthetic purposes.

Women in Wargames

Women can also be a useful addition to the wargame table. They can be included as camp followers or sutlers in camp areas for a Shiloh scenario. Viviandres, which are in included in Old Glory's Napoleonic French legere package, can be included with Zouave units for that French theme. They can also be included in farm scenes as poor widows or soldiers' wives holding down the farm while their husbands are off to war.

Casualty figures are also an effective device for a realistic table. By replacing removed stands with casualty figures, areas of heavy fighting or melees can be depicted. This will work as a means of tracing the flow of battle. This fits into the concept of the wargame table as a moving diorama, as well as a reminder of the brutality of the Civil War. Of course, you might want to add a field hospital to your army.

Why not break away from tradition and include both Federal and Confederate figures on the same stands? This is effective by using figures arranged in a melee situation or with a group of soldiers guarding enemy prisoners. Another advantage to using melee figures is that they can be "generic" units that can be added to your order of battle, if you are short one or two regiments or stands.

Also, who says that there must be an equal amount of figures on each base? Stands might be mounted with slightly more or less figures than prescribed by the rules. This will allow you to have staggered battle lines rather than even rows of troops. Only make sure that your opponent is aware of any deviation.

It is alright to break away from the so-called traditional bases with rigidly posed and uniform figures (unless you're playing Napoleonics). By creating different kinds of stands and using figures that have no effect on play, wargame tables can be improved by more than just good scenery. By combining both elements, a truly memorable game can be achieved.