Morpheus vs Fusileer2002 AAR

[Morpheus]

Hi All,

Just to announe a new PBEM AAR by me - first timer!

Hope to keep a turn by turn log as we are hoping to do a couple of turns a day.

Should be starting tonight - with screenies etc.

I'll be doing it from Union perspective - fusileer (CSA) won't be posting - but may well comment :-)

I'm hoping he doesn't use my frankness in terms of my strategy against me though!

Expect the first update later on this evening (GMT).

Cheers

Morpheus

[Morpheus]

Obviously all plans are subject to modification and short of the usual grand scheme of "Let's win the war" I thought it only prudent to let you know what will be going down in the opening gambits.

I'm new to the PBEM idea - so have only had the opportunity to pit myself against Athena until now - but I am aware that playing against a calculating, thinking Human opponent will be a lot different, my approach (at least initially will be similar - subject to whatever spoiling plans Fusileer makes/attempts.

My initial plan is to hold back until early August and then unleash the army of the potomac to seize Manassas (hoping that Fusilleer allows this of course).

I will opt where possible for a tactical defence - although my early estimate is that I will be in the low 70's of NM initially - with recruitments/financial issues and the inevitable inability of union forces to mount a good offensive due to inept commanders.

I will be looking to push through the ranks those commanders more able than the starting 3* generals (i tend to keep mclellan at two stars and move him to train militia centrally or in connecticut). Grant and Hooker will be my focus with their comparable stats to the CSA Generals. I will have to absorb the inevitable VP and NM penalties - I am mindful though that the CSA can win quickly if I just sit back and do nothing.

With this in mind I will look to create some mobile division commands to serve two purposes - push the ranks of the leading generals as well as tie up CSA troops fending off the advances of these forces. If I can keep Fusileer keeping one eye looking over his shoulder, I'll at least stand a chance of bringing the material and resource superiority to bear later in the game.

It sounds easy - but I know it won't be. All plans are fluid and fighting against a wily human opponent will mean that the plans will need to be more fluid than ever.

But I have my gameplan in my head already.

My plan is really to put fusileer on the back foot and keep him there until I am strong enough to knock him over completely.

Victory is not a foregone conclusion, my plans can come unstuck as easily as an envelope licked by a dehydrated man, but if it works, then I stand a good chance.

We shall see.

[Morpheus]

Right - First Update.

The scenario Fusileer has chosen is the April 61 Campaign with Kentucky.

I've only played with this recently to get a feel for it. Should be interesting.

Opening Screen as follows:
http://www.ageod-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12262&stc=1&d=1282842052

Basically, as the Union player I am resricted - so I have done what little I can.
http://www.ageod-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12263&stc=1&d=1282842052

and....
http://www.ageod-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12264&stc=1&d=1282842052

and....
http://www.ageod-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=12265&stc=1&d=1282842192

A few replacements to get me started. I'm now short on resources - but these will be replaced.

Let's see what Fusileer does.....

[enf91]

Little tip: If you click the paper clip above the text field, you can put the images in the post.

[Mickey3D]

Hi Morpheus, a nice idea this AAR

I don't want to interfere in your game but IMHO the north don't need to waste ressources to industrialize, just my two cents ....

[Morpheus]

Cheers Guys - sound help!

I only industrialise in Kansas - as there is litererally zero supply and ammo produced there - so it's really to give Kansas a bit of an initial boost.

:-)

[Morpheus]

Ok. So this is the outlook in the East.

My current plan is as follows:

1 - Take Manassas in the early fall of 1861 - looking to move later August - to avoid the 10NM penalty.

2 - Hold at least a division force here - to be reinforced by Army of Potomac once Manassas issue is decided. It all depends on Fusileer if he contends the ground.

3 - Build Defensive Line here - divisional strength at least in eash sector. I would put a Corps here but that option is restricted till 1862..... we shall see if that impacts as MTSG would be helpful to hold this ground.

4 - Start establishing line of defence in northern WV - it's a good springboard to launch an offensive from - I want to try and build a decent sized force here - as it will be the extreme flank of my Eastern forces - also covering the eastern edge of my central area. Covington is an early target for this force to look to - as that can be a great springboard to invade VA and beyond.

5 - 2nd line of defence across Wilimington/Philadelphia to provide cover for assault through Delaware and also to offer reinforcements to Washington area if needed.

6) Holding the line at Pittsburgh is important - it's a strategic city and therefore an obvious target for attack.

You may notice I have left a big gap - north of Harper's ferry - that is intentional - to draw forces to this area - which will offer exposure on their flanks if Fusileer is foolish to fall in it. I'm not sure he will be.



This is the central area. With the scenario denying me access to KY (unless I trigger invasion) I will hold on the flanks - and not strengthen too heavily in the central area around South Indiana and Western Ohio.

1 - Hold the depot here - it is also a useful rail junction.

2 - Indianapolis will be the main staging area for troops - to allow for movement by rail as required. Another key depot and rail junction.

3 - Advance post to bog down any invasion until support can be sent forward.

4 - Cincinnati will become staging post if and when KY is invaded by the enemy. I do not intend to do this at all and will refrain from building my forces too near the border areas.

5 - A covering force to provide a buffer here.



In the west.....

1 - Holding St. Louis is key to my strategy - it will be the staging post for my invasion of Missouri proper.

2 - Hold the Lexington Depot. Will be the second front in MO.

3 - I will try and bring Sumter to Leavenworth with much of the regular troops to push south and threaten the flank in MO and ARK.

4 - Covering force of KS troops to hold the line and offer a buffer to any invasion attempt.

5 - Cairo is the springboard for my initial southward attack into Tennessee.

6 - Springfield will be the staging post for troops moving west from IL and OH and WI.

Right. That's the plan - but it is fluid and is dependent on my opponent. He'll have his own mind I know.

[Morpheus]

So this turn - we're sending our Generals out to start taking their positions.

Hamilton and Howe to Wheeling WV

Wallace and Asboth to Cairo IL.

Keyes and Humphreys to St. Louis MO.

Griffin to Wilmington DE.

Blenker to Chicago IL.

Wood to Indianapolos IN.

Nelson to Cleveland OH.

Hurburt to Pittsburgh PA

Mccall to Springfield IL.

I'm also continuing with my industrialisation of Kansas to promote the Supply and Ammo production and am investing in some Rail and River stock.



I have ordered replacements:



I also noticed that the Call for Volunteers has come in......



I hope that next month will see Schurz raise his cavalry - I'll need them to scout the Rebel positions in VA.

I am also hoping that the MO event is triggered to bring Lyon into play - as he is a useful general in the western theatre.

We shall see what Fusileer does with his turn - if I stick to plan I'll be calling for volunteers next turn. We shall see.

Check back for an update!

[Mickey3D]

I only industrialise in Kansas - as there is litererally zero supply and ammo produced there - so it's really to give Kansas a bit of an initial boost.

You won't see huge army in Kansas and there will be far enough supply and ammo in Lexington and St Louis.

Moreover you are diverting ressources you could use to build fighting units.

[Morpheus]

Hey Mickey3D

True enough - but if I want to launch an offensive from KS down the flank of MO and ARK then it will prove useful.

It's only for the first few turns that I do this - plus at $10K and 12WS it's not a huge dent in my resources!

[Morpheus]

So, the plans of Fusileer still appear a mystery - mine are beginning to take shape. I have had an impulsive moment with the arrival of the Washington Brigade - so attack Manassas with the nw released USMC in support.

I've set them to make a cautionary advance which will allow retreat if overwhelmed. It may come off, it may not. It depends in where the SC troops have gone to now they've left charleston. If north-east then it may present an issue - one of my own opening moves as CSA is to move these troops to Manassas to secure it. I respect Fusileer so will assume this is the case hence the setting of "cautionary attack".

A few replacements purchased. And some reinforcements as follows:




I've opted to increase my easter forces and start buidling the independent commands early - the brigades chosen take around 2-3 turns to produce so will be ready once the main bulk of the CSA Army of the Potomac and Shenandoah are unlocked.

I've also opted for as many Cavalry as possible - these are my eyes and ears - they'll head south to recon and raid and blow railways. I expect similar counter moves from Fusileer so I've also produced a Horse Art in Boston and will combine this with two cavalry regiments to form a Raider/Hunter Force to counter any serious threats.

The replacements will be added to next turn to continue to flesh out the Army of the Potomac at Alexandria.

I've also decided to issue 8% War Bonds and take the early hit on VP to pre-empt Fusileer. It's a bold move - but the VP total is longer term. I want to try and maintain my NM as far as possinble - it's 90 at the moment and this is possibly as high as it will be for a while - but I'd like to keep it high for now and see what develops.

I've also called for volunteers and paid a $1k bounty - happy in the knowledge than next turn will be the Income Tax and Confiscation act which will add $400k to my coffers.

Aside from the tentative moves to seize Manassas a lot earlier than planned, are ships moving from Fort Pickens and Fort Jefferson to link with James Palmer who has taken command of the Allied Shipping in the Atlantic to protect the Transports from attack by the inevitable arrival of Semmes.

I'm also keeping Banks in Baltimore to add the potential of a further 3* led stack if required - but it will also mean some additional conscripts in this town. Once the situation is clearer I'll move him north to NYC or Boston as the bonus conscription bonus is bigger in these towns.

Roll on Turn 4, it's exciting this........

[Jim-NC]

I notice you have a lot of heavy artillery replacements. Are you expecting to take large losses in this category?

[Morpheus]

Hey Jim,

Yes and No. I do send a fair bit of Seige Artillery out - so the replacements are useful! :-)

[Morpheus]

So, the opening exchanges have begun. Manassas has fallen to Union troops under Milroy. (although I don't expect to hold it - so have set them to retreat if engaged)

Here's the results:




We'll see what fusileer does to counter that - he's laid siege to Harper's ferry with militia so far - no other movements that have been observed.

It'll be another turn before I can send decent cavalry forces forward to reconnoitre the ground - so in the meantime I'm moving Schurz forward to just north of the Rappahannock to observe movements south of Fredericksburg.

Patterson's forces are moving to Wheeling WV to link with Hamilton, with Patterson himself on a one-man scouting mission into VA to bring him south of the Shenandoah Valley.

The Missouri event has fired and Lyon has appeared with Cavalry and Militia Brigade. This will move out to secure Jefferson City next turn.

The Generals sent out to take up stations are now almost all in position.

Some more replacements ordered: 4 inf, 2 Cav 2 Lt. Art.

And 2 Brigades of Inf, Inf, Cav in MO and WV (hoping these are posted to the western area of WV).

There are still 2 turns until the bulk of the forces are released - so it's still early days - but I'm pleased with how things have gone so far.

I think my early attack at Manassas has surprised Fusileer.

We shall see.

[Mickey3D]

True enough - but if I want to launch an offensive from KS down the flank of MO and ARK then it will prove useful.

You mean down the Neoso or Verdigris river ? Don't forget to build depot... Arkansas winter is harsh !

[Morpheus]

For some reason my post for Turn 5 has disappeared entirely.......

Oops.

Onto turn 6 then!

[Morpheus]

So to catch up from the missing turn 5......



1 - Reinforcements to Manassas to boost Milroy's troops - as the move to take it has come off - I'll see if I can hold it for now!

2 - AOtP to move to DC to increase replacements to it, it's set to Passive so that it will receive priority in the replacement phase.

3 - Hamiltons command has been boosted by the troops from Patterson. It'll be moving forward to occupy Covington which will be my FOB for operations in VA in 1862.

4 - Schurz has identified enemy positions and is returning to DC across the Rappahanock and Potomac Rivers.

5 - Troops are in place to hold the ground north of DC.

That's the situation in the East - in the west Sumter is calling troops to Leavenworth for a push onto ARK flank - to Fayetteville and Lyon and Wallace have seized Jefferson City and Rolla respectively. I'm going to burn the depot at Rolla to hinder any possible CSA counteroffensive.

Kentucky still remains neutral.

I've opted for Full Mobilisation this turn in response to Fusileers call for Volunteers, I want to try and maintain the manpower advantage.

I'm also moving a Cavalry brigade down past Christianburg in VA to cut the rail lines:



So things are shaping out according to plan - but I'm sure Fusileer will come up with some spanners for my works soon.

I just hope I haven't underestimated him as yet.

Turn 7 will be a revelation - I hope. He's sure to know that each turn which passes, the gulf in manpower and resources is set to widen.

We'll see.....

[Morpheus]

So to catch up from the missing turn 5......



1 - Reinforcements to Manassas to boost Milroy's troops - as the move to take it has come off - I'll see if I can hold it for now!

2 - AOtP to move to DC to increase replacements to it, it's set to Passive so that it will receive priority in the replacement phase.

3 - Hamiltons command has been boosted by the troops from Patterson. It'll be moving forward to occupy Covington which will be my FOB for operations in VA in 1862.

4 - Schurz has identified enemy positions and is returning to DC across the Rappahanock and Potomac Rivers.

5 - Troops are in place to hold the ground north of DC.

That's the situation in the East - in the west Sumter is calling troops to Leavenworth for a push onto ARK flank - to Fayetteville and Lyon and Wallace have seized Jefferson City and Rolla respectively. I'm going to burn the depot at Rolla to hinder any possible CSA counteroffensive.

Kentucky still remains neutral.

I've opted for Full Mobilisation this turn in response to Fusileers call for Volunteers, I want to try and maintain the manpower advantage.

I'm also moving a Cavalry brigade down past Christianburg in VA to cut the rail lines:



So things are shaping out according to plan - but I'm sure Fusileer will come up with some spanners for my works soon.

I just hope I haven't underestimated him as yet.

Turn 7 will be a revelation - I hope. He's sure to know that each turn which passes, the gulf in manpower and resources is set to widen.

We'll see.....

[Morpheus]

So, into turn 7, with some developments. Fusileers AOtP has advanced and retaken Manassas (which is fine - it was the plan to only hold it with Milroy's troops until they were attacked).

Johnston has also advanced into Harper's ferry. I must admit it has left a tempting target south, Covington which I am going to begin my move towards in turn 8. I want to build a FOB at Covington, with a depot and a decent sized force to hold it. It'll mean Fusileet has to keep one eye open over his shoulder and divert troops to counter the threat.

I'm hoping my own troops under Mcdowell sort it out with their replacements, they're still well down on strength and cohesion, even with a shed load of replacements in the pool.

There's not a lot to report in the western sphere of operations. So I'm sending Lyon and his cavalray to provide some intel on the enemy forces around Springfield.

Here's the situation in the East as is stands.


I'm happy with how things stand at the moment. I'm cutting the rail in VA this turn with the cavalry sent south, with another section of cavalry on evade orders to fulfil a similar mission in central VA.

I'm also going to attempt to send a single gunboat past Island 10 in Tennessee to see what lies below. Hopefully it won't be blown out of the water.

Turn 8 awaits - another update soon.

[acme]

great!
a new aacw aar!
i will be following it!
good luck

[Mickey3D]

Is the war over ?

[fusileer2002]

Mopheus' PC is having trouble at the moment. Hopefully he'll have it back online soon. There were quite a few developments since the last update in here but hopefully he'll pop back in to update you all - I dont want to ruin the suspense