American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

I don't think you are wrong to wish that there was a greater sense of "us vs. them" in the Club. I wished that also. But since I joined I have found extremely little of that attitude and have found everyone on both sides more than willing to help out with anything when asked. I used to wonder why that was but I believe it is simply that the members here value the experience and fun of gaming over the roleplaying of "us vs. them." You can't force people to dislike the other side when really we are all just desperate to make friends with people we share common interests with. I've played against you a few times and if you asked me for help I would surely give it rather than refer you back to your own side for help. I expected the Club to be different than it is when I joined. Instead of finding a place where people were contentious and guarded I found them to be welcoming and helpful. My initial surprise wore off and soon I learned to accept the help and friendship of anyone who offered it regardless of what side they were on. Now when people ask me for anything I don't ask what side they are on, I just see them as another friend in the Club and help.

If you don't feel the same about the situation that is your choice. If you want to roleplay all the time then you are welcome to do so. But for others who might choose differently just let them be.

About 25 years ago, the club was pretty much predicated upon the principles that Paul is talking about. Role playing existed to a great extent. But some members weren't used to being talked to in that manner and others went a bit overboard with their roleplaying as well. Even though there was a lot of fun involved, it also resulted in a lot of hard feelings and public 'fist fights'. The club eventually calmed down because it had to and the roleplaying pretty much disappeared. Even in those days, I learned more from my opponents from the 'other side' than I did from my own side. I still tend to think more 'club' than I do 'side'.

As for battle vs maneuver, I had to change sides in the BG days because I had played every single scenario on the BG games and the club recognized a contest as being a battle only when a Reb commanded the Rebs, etc. That changed. In this day and age where it's a battle as long as the two opponents are from different sides (regardless of which side you are commanding), I would struggle to justify the need of a maneuver. Once you get over the thrill of the initial promotions in the club, points aren't a major consideration anymore but are replaced by the fun of the game.