Master Rules Index

17. MASTER INDEX

"Order and discipline are the true foundations of military success."

This index provides a comprehensive, hyperlinked reference to every chapter, section, and specific rule in Dress on the Colors.

00. INTRODUCTION, SCALES & UNIT STANDARDS

1.0 Design Philosophy & Core Principles
RULE-00-1.1 - The Core Objective
RULE-00-1.2 - The Command Philosophy (Eliminating the Freeze)
RULE-00-1.3 - Visual Clarity
RULE-00-1.4 - Dynamic Engagement (The Reaction System)
2.0 Core Scales of Action
RULE-00-2.1 - Ground Scale
RULE-00-2.2 - Time Scale
RULE-00-2.3 - Figure & Stand Ratios
RULE-00-2.4 - Table Space & Battlefield Footprint
3.0 Basing Specifications (15mm Standard)
RULE-00-3.1 - Standard Base Dimensions
RULE-00-3.2 - Stand Compatibility
RULE-00-3.3 - The Center Color Stand
4.0 Regimental Sizes & Tactical Footprints
RULE-00-4.1 - Regimental Size Categories
RULE-00-4.2 - Minimum & Maximum Stand Thresholds
RULE-00-4.3 - Regimental Health Profiles
5.0 Spatial Geometry: Frontage Accuracy vs. Depth Distortion
RULE-00-5.1 - Frontage Accuracy
RULE-00-5.2 - The Depth Distortion Dilemma
RULE-00-5.3 - Rules Compensating for Depth Distortion
6.0 Designer Commentary & Historical Context

01. SEQUENCE OF PLAY & THE TURN STRUCTURE

RULE-01-1.0 - Overview
2.0 Phase 1: Staff & Command Phase (Simultaneous)
RULE-01-2.1 - Step 1.1
RULE-01-2.2 - Step 1.2
RULE-01-2.3 - Step 1.3
3.0 Phase 2: Active Maneuver & Assault Phase (Active Side)
RULE-01-3.1 - Step 2.1
RULE-01-3.2 - Reaction Window A
RULE-01-3.3 - Step 2.2
RULE-01-3.4 - Reaction Window B (The 4.0" Line)
4.0 Phase 3: Active Ranged Combat Phase (Active Side)
RULE-01-4.1 - Step 3.1
RULE-01-4.2 - Step 3.2
RULE-01-4.3 - Step 3.3
RULE-01-4.4 - Step 3.4
5.0 Phase 4: Assault & Melee Resolution Phase (Simultaneous)
RULE-01-5.1 - Step 4.1
RULE-01-5.2 - Step 4.2
RULE-01-5.3 - Step 4.3
6.0 Phase 5: Status, Smoke & Clean-up Phase (Joint)
RULE-01-6.1 - Step 5.1
RULE-01-6.2 - Step 5.2
RULE-01-6.3 - Step 5.3

02. COMMAND, STAFF PIPS & TACTICAL MANEUVER

1.0 The Command Structure & Brigadier Ratings
RULE-02-1.1 - The Brigade as Tactical Element
RULE-02-1.2 - Brigadier Leadership Profiles
RULE-02-1.3 - Generating Staff Pips
RULE-02-1.4 - Physical Tracking & Pip Hoarding
2.0 Command Radius & Out-of-Command Status
RULE-02-2.1 - The 4-Tier Command Network
RULE-02-2.2 - Line of Sight for Command
RULE-02-2.3 - Out-of-Command Restrictions (The Inertia Rule)
RULE-02-2.4 - Attached Leaders
3.0 The Staff Pip Menu: Standard vs. Special Orders
RULE-02-3.1 - Free Standard Orders (The "No Freeze" Baseline)
RULE-02-3.2 - Special Staff Pip Tasks
RULE-02-3.3 - Expenditure Timing
4.0 Formations & Tactical Dispositions
RULE-02-4.1 - Line of Battle
RULE-02-4.2 - Assault Column (Column of Companies)
RULE-02-4.3 - Road / March Column
RULE-02-4.4 - Skirmish Screens
RULE-02-4.5 - Artillery Formations
5.0 Movement Rates, Maneuver Rules & Geometry
RULE-02-5.1 - Master Movement Table
RULE-02-5.2 - Wheeling & Direction Changes
RULE-02-5.3 - Formation Changes & Re-forming Line
RULE-02-5.4 - Inter-Unit Intervals & Passage of Lines
RULE-02-5.5 - Retrograde Movements (Falling Back)

03. TERRAIN, ELEVATION, REVERSE SLOPES & LINE OF SIGHT

1.0 Master Terrain Classifications & Movement Effects
RULE-03-1.1 - Terrain Scale & Standard
RULE-03-1.2 - Master Terrain Matrix
RULE-03-1.3 - Entering and Exiting Terrain
RULE-03-1.4 - Fractional Movement Minimum
RULE-03-1.5 - Rough Ground & Formation Disruption
2.0 Linear Obstacles, Entrenchments & Sunken Lanes
RULE-03-2.1 - Split-Rail & Snake Fences
RULE-03-2.2 - Stone Walls
RULE-03-2.3 - Hedges & Brush Rows
RULE-03-2.4 - Abatis & Field Earthworks
RULE-03-2.5 - Sunken Roads (e.g., The Bloody Lane)
3.0 Structures, Buildings & Town Sectors
RULE-03-3.1 - Isolated Farmhouses & Stone Structures
RULE-03-3.2 - Artillery Destruction of Buildings
RULE-03-3.3 - Town & Village Sectors
RULE-03-3.4 - Melee in Built-Up Sectors
4.0 Elevation, Slopes & Dead Ground (Reverse Slopes)
RULE-03-4.1 - Elevation Levels
RULE-03-4.2 - The Crestline Position
RULE-03-4.3 - The Reverse Slope & Dead Ground Rule
RULE-03-4.4 - Intervening Hills Blocking LOS
RULE-03-4.5 - Artillery Plunging / Overhead Fire
5.0 Line of Sight (LOS) & Firing Arcs
RULE-03-5.1 - The 45° Forward Arc of Fire
RULE-03-5.2 - Origin of Measurement
RULE-03-5.3 - Strict Prohibition on Firing Through Friendly Units
RULE-03-5.4 - Skirmish Screen Sight Exception
RULE-03-5.5 - Blocking Terrain & Vision Limits
RULE-03-5.6 - Target Priority Rules
RULE-03-5.7 - Flank & Enfilade Definitions
7.0 Designer Commentary & Historical Context

04. DEFENSIVE REACTIONS & INTERACTIVE TACTICS

1.0 The Reactive Philosophy & Trigger Windows
RULE-04-1.1 - The Anti-Passivity Principle
RULE-04-1.2 - Reaction Trigger Windows
RULE-04-1.3 - The Reaction Economy (Free vs. Reserved Staff Pips)
RULE-04-1.4 - Single Reaction per Trigger Limit
2.0 Reaction 1: Closing Defensive Volley (Point-Blank Charge Halting)
RULE-04-2.1 - Trigger Condition
RULE-04-2.2 - Cost & Eligibility
RULE-04-2.3 - Execution & Dice Pool
RULE-04-2.4 - The Charge Discipline Check
RULE-04-2.5 - Outcome of the Volley
RULE-04-2.6 - Gunsmoke Aftermath
3.0 Reaction 2: Opportunity / Interdiction Fire (Maneuver Punishment)
RULE-04-3.1 - Trigger Condition
RULE-04-3.2 - Cost & Eligibility
RULE-04-3.3 - Execution & Resolution
RULE-04-3.4 - Tactical Cost to Firer
RULE-04-3.5 - Resumption of Movement
4.0 Reaction 3: Skirmisher & Light Cavalry Screen Evade
RULE-04-4.1 - Trigger Condition
RULE-04-4.2 - Cost & Eligibility
RULE-04-4.3 - Evade Execution
RULE-04-4.4 - Attacker Redirection & The Overrun
5.0 Reaction 4: Refuse the Flank (Hasty Pivot)
RULE-04-5.1 - Trigger Condition
RULE-04-6.2 - Cost & Execution Requirement
RULE-04-6.3 - Mechanical Execution
RULE-04-6.4 - Tactical Combat Impact
6.0 Reaction 5: Counter-Charge (Rebel Yell & Mounted Shock)
RULE-04-6.1 - Trigger Condition
RULE-04-6.2 - Eligibility & Traits
RULE-04-6.3 - Cost
RULE-04-6.4 - Counter-Charge Surge Execution
RULE-04-5.5 - Melee Modifiers & Combat Impact
7.0 Master Summary Matrix of All 5 Reactions
9.0 Designer Commentary & Historical Context

05. RANGED COMBAT, WEAPONS, COVER & GUNSMOKE

1.0 Sequence of Ranged Combat & Firing Eligibility
RULE-05-1.1 - The Ranged Combat Phase (Phase 3)
RULE-05-1.2 - Firing Eligibility Criteria
RULE-05-1.3 - Target Nomination & Priority Rules
RULE-05-1.4 - Measurement Origin & Firing Arcs
RULE-05-1.5 - Enfilade & Flank Raking Fire
2.0 The Stand-Based Dice Pool & Master Weapon Profiles
RULE-05-2.1 - Dice Pool Formulation
RULE-05-2.2 - Small Arms Weapon Matrix
RULE-05-2.3 - Field Artillery Matrix
RULE-05-2.4 - Depressed Muzzles & Double Canister Carnage
RULE-05-2.5 - Artillery vs. Deep Formations
RULE-05-2.6 - Concentrated Battery Fire (Staff Pip Spend)
RULE-05-2.7 - Low Ammunition Rules (Optional Historical Chrome)
3.0 Defensive Saves, Casualties & Micro-Damage
RULE-05-3.1 - The Cover Save Step
RULE-05-3.2 - Master Cover Save Categories
RULE-05-3.3 - Casualty Stand Removal (2 Hits = 1 Stand)
RULE-05-3.4 - Regimental Shatter Threshold
4.0 Suppression: The Natural 6 Disorder Trigger
RULE-05-4.1 - The Suppression Rule
RULE-05-4.2 - The Discipline Save
RULE-05-4.3 - Resolution Timing & Multiple 6s
RULE-05-4.4 - Tactical Effects of Being Disordered
RULE-05-4.5 - Plunging Fire & Overshoot
5.0 The Gunsmoke Obscuration Rules
RULE-05-5.1 - The Smoke Bank Trigger
RULE-05-5.2 - The Obscuration Penalty
RULE-05-5.3 - Point-Blank Smoke Penetration (0–6")
RULE-05-5.4 - Smoke Dissipation & Clearing
RULE-05-5.5 - Multi-Regiment Smoke Walls
6.0 Friendly Fire & Intervisibility Restrictions
RULE-05-6.1 - Strict Prohibition on Firing Through Formed Friendly Lines
RULE-05-6.2 - Firing Through Skirmish Screens
RULE-05-6.3 - Artillery Overhead & Plunging Fire
7.0 Master Shooting Modifiers Summary Matrix
9.0 Designer Notes & Historical Commentary

06. ASSAULTS, CHARGES, OPPOSING SHOCK & MELEE RESOLUTION

1.0 Assault Initiation & Charge Declarations
RULE-06-1.1 - The Decisive Shock Phase
RULE-06-1.2 - The Command Requirement (Staff Pip Expenditure)
RULE-06-1.3 - Charge Eligibility Criteria
RULE-06-1.4 - The Charge Vector & Alignment
RULE-06-1.5 - Terrain Restrictions on Assaults
2.0 The Approach & Reaction Trigger Window B (The 4.0-Inch Line)
RULE-06-2.1 - The 4.0-Inch Interruption Line
RULE-06-2.2 - Order of Defensive Reactions
RULE-06-2.3 - Resolving the Closing Defensive Volley
RULE-06-2.4 - The Pre-Contact Discipline Check
RULE-06-2.5 - Consequences of the Discipline Check
3.0 Physical Contact & The Opposed Melee Roll (Phase 4)
RULE-06-3.1 - Base Alignment & Contact Geometry
RULE-06-3.2 - The Opposed Melee Formula
RULE-06-3.3 - Master Shock Modifiers Matrix
RULE-06-3.4 - Engaged Stand Count Calculation
4.0 Melee Resolution, Casualties & Aftermath
RULE-06-4.1 - Determining the Victor
RULE-06-4.2 - Tied Melee Combats (The Bloody Draw)
RULE-06-4.3 - Consequences for the Defeated Unit
RULE-06-4.4 - Consequences for the Victor (Consolidation & Reform)
RULE-06-4.5 - Breakthrough & Sweeping Advances
5.0 Assaulting Artillery Batteries & Heavy Fortifications
RULE-06-5.1 - Overrunning Artillery Batteries
RULE-06-5.2 - Storming Heavy Earthworks, Stone Walls & Sunken Roads
6.0 Master Melee Modifiers Reference Matrix
8.0 Designer Notes & Historical Commentary

07. MORALE, BRIGADE FALTERING, LEADERS & ARMY TRAITS

1.0 Regimental Health & Morale States
RULE-07-1.1 - Dynamic Degradation
RULE-07-1.2 - Regimental Health Profiles
RULE-07-1.3 - Regimental Stand Health Breakdown Reference
RULE-07-1.4 - The Master Discipline Check
RULE-07-1.5 - Consequences of Failed Discipline Checks
2.0 The Brigade Faltering Clock (The Brigade Morale Engine)
RULE-07-2.1 - The Brigade Collapse Doctrine
RULE-07-2.2 - Tracking Brigade Casualties
RULE-07-2.3 - Threshold 1
RULE-07-2.4 - Threshold 2
RULE-07-2.5 - Brigade Size vs. Threshold Breakdown
3.0 Rallying, Re-forming & Regimental Recovery
RULE-07-3.1 - The Disorder Marker & Tactical Penalties
RULE-07-3.2 - Rallying via Staff Pips (Command Rally)
RULE-07-3.3 - Natural Regimental Rally (Phase 5)
RULE-07-3.4 - The "Double Disorder" Attrition Rule
RULE-07-3.5 - Reforming Worn Lines (Resting in Reserve)
4.0 Leaders, Headquarters & Officer Casualties
RULE-07-4.1 - Leadership Command Functions
RULE-07-4.2 - Attaching Leaders to Regiments
RULE-07-4.3 - The Leader Casualty Risk Trigger
RULE-07-4.4 - Leader Casualty Resolution Matrix
RULE-07-4.5 - Targeting Solitary Command Stands
6.0 Designer Notes & Historical Commentary

08. CAVALRY OPERATIONS, DISMOUNTED TACTICS, WEAPONS & HORSE ARTILLERY

1.0 Mounted Operations, Formations & Movement
RULE-08-1.1 - Regimental Scale & Basing
RULE-08-1.2 - Mounted Formations
RULE-08-1.3 - Master Cavalry Movement Rates
RULE-08-1.4 - Mounted Shock vs. Formed Infantry
RULE-08-1.5 - Cavalry vs. Cavalry Clashes
2.0 Dismounted Tactics
RULE-08-2.1 - Dismounting
RULE-08-2.2 - Remounting
3.0 Cavalry Weaponry & Carbine Mechanics
RULE-08-3.1 - Master Cavalry Weapon Profiles
RULE-08-3.2 - Mounted Shooting Restrictions
RULE-08-3.3 - Rapid Fire & Ammunition Depletion
4.0 Screening, Reconnaissance & Evasion Tactics
RULE-08-4.1 - The Vanguard & Flank Screen
RULE-08-4.2 - Cavalry Evasion (Reaction 3 Application)
RULE-08-4.3 - Delaying Actions (The "Dismount & Fall Back" Tactic)
5.0 Horse Artillery ("Flying Batteries")
RULE-08-5.1 - Horse Artillery Organization & Mobility
RULE-08-5.2 - Rapid Deployment (The Half-Move Unlimber)
RULE-08-5.3 - The Flying Battery Galloper Tactic
7.0 Designer Notes & Historical Commentary

09. PICKUP GAMES & SCENARIO GENERATION

1.0 The Random Engagement Generator
RULE-09-1.1 - Playing Without a Historical Scenario
RULE-09-1.2 - Generating the Battle
RULE-09-1.3 - Initiative & Attacker/Defender
2.0 Deployment Type Matrix (Roll 1D6)
3.0 Victory Conditions Matrix (Roll 1D6)

10. OPTIONAL RULES

1.0 Pre-Game Command Bidding
2.0 The Clean Barrels (First Volley)
3.0 The Friction of War Events
4.0 Hidden Deployment (Blinds)
6.0 Historical Army Traits
RULE-07-5.1 - Army Traits Overview
RULE-07-5.2 - The Rebel Yell Doctrine
RULE-07-5.3 - Seen the Elephant (Green Units Under Fire)
RULE-07-5.4 - Iron Discipline (Elite Formations)
7.0 The Horse Holder Rule (Detailed Dismounting)
RULE-08-2.1 - The Decision to Dismount
RULE-08-2.2 - The Horse Holder Deduction (The 1-in-4 Rule)
RULE-08-2.3 - Deploying the Dismounted Skirmish Line
RULE-08-2.4 - The Horse Holder Stand (Vulnerability & Movement)
RULE-08-2.5 - Remounting Procedure
8.0 Advanced Artillery Tactics
RULE-05-8.1 - Overhead Fire
RULE-05-8.2 - Counter-Battery Fire
RULE-05-8.3 - Bouncing Solid Shot (Enfilade)
7.0 Pre-Planned Written Orders (Token System)
8.0 Elite Sharpshooter Regiments (Optional Trait)
9.0 Seeing the Elephant (Premature Firing)
10.0 The July Sun (Heat Exhaustion)
11.0 Uncontrollable Pursuit (Breakthrough Frenzy)
12.0 Refusing the Flank (The Chamberlain Maneuver)
13.0 Digging In (Hasty Breastworks)
14.0 Spiking the Guns (Artillery Overrun)
15.0 The Rebel Yell / Union Huzzah (Psychological Shock)
16.0 Desperate Valor (Command Action)
17.0 Caught Flat-Footed (Forced Reaction Penalty)
18.0 The Second Line of Battle (Support Morale)
19.0 Plunging Fire & Overshoot (Rifled Muskets)
21.0 Late-War Open Order (1864+)
OPT-10-21.1 - Deploying into Open Order
OPT-10-21.2 - Movement & Maneuvers
OPT-10-21.3 - Firepower & Survivability
OPT-10-21.4 - The Melee Trap
22.0 The Wave Attack (Deep Mass Assault)
OPT-10-22.1 - Authorizing the Wave Assault
OPT-10-22.2 - The Kinetic Strike (No Musketry)
OPT-10-22.3 - Continuous Momentum (The Surge)
OPT-10-22.4 - The Artillery Magnet

Master Rules Index

17. MASTER INDEX

00. INTRODUCTION, SCALES & UNIT STANDARDS

01. SEQUENCE OF PLAY & THE TURN STRUCTURE

02. COMMAND, STAFF PIPS & TACTICAL MANEUVER

03. TERRAIN, ELEVATION, REVERSE SLOPES & LINE OF SIGHT

04. DEFENSIVE REACTIONS & INTERACTIVE TACTICS

05. RANGED COMBAT, WEAPONS, COVER & GUNSMOKE

06. ASSAULTS, CHARGES, OPPOSING SHOCK & MELEE RESOLUTION

07. MORALE, BRIGADE FALTERING, LEADERS & ARMY TRAITS

08. CAVALRY OPERATIONS, DISMOUNTED TACTICS, WEAPONS & HORSE ARTILLERY

09. PICKUP GAMES & SCENARIO GENERATION

10. OPTIONAL RULES

11. CAMPAIGN PROGRESSION

09. DESIGNER NOTES, MATHEMATICAL MODELS & HISTORICAL PHILOSOPHY

10. INTRODUCTORY SCENARIO: "CLASH AT HERON'S CREEK" (AUTUMN 1862)

[UNION DEPLOYMENT ZONE: South Edge (Within 6.0" of Table Edge)]

15. EXAMPLES OF PLAY