Defensive Works

In THE OZARKS CAMPAIGN command simulation, commanders (players) will be able to order their divisions to prepare defensive positions. Light rifle pits and heavier earthworks can be constructed and will become permanent alterations to the WIA geography. With the help of testers, we are seeing exactly how this is going to work.

Some test positions (may not be final positions) were established around Lebanon, a strategic county seat location. Some woods were cut to provide timber and prepare a clearer field of fire. A rail fence was disassembled to provide easier access to supporting timbers for works. Crops were damaged and a defensive position was established with a line of abatis to the front. Having only just learned how to make TC2M maps, this is my first attempt at earthworks.

One thing I learned is that rifle pits can be done quickly, but heavy defensive works are time consuming to adjust the maps. The draft rules with which we are working now in the test phase would essentially allow works to by built overnight. With two massive armies, this amount of alterations on the maps might prove too much work to keep the sim going. Rules may need to be adjusted, either making it take longer to build full defensive works, or limiting the number of times a division can create full earthworks in a given period.

Here are a few screenshots of a rough test at Lebanon (still working with the commander to determine the final locations of works on the map, but the earthworks from the test will carry through into the final sim):