Crowley's Cavaliers Vs TOTAL CHOAS (Update 14/05/16)

[markhall]

So with the release of Total Choas we have decided to take the challenge of playing through the Book.
And this is the Unit we have put together to take on the task.
On the Players force are Peter Crowley,Dahtac and Myself.
The op Force being played by Lorcan Nagle,Freak and arquinsiel from the boards with a few other non Board members

Crowley's Cavaliers
At the end of the Fed Com Civil war a lot of Units and Militias where left shatter and broke.

 And that's where we find the the start of Crowley's Cavaliers They where stationed on Mirach originally part of the Mirach planetary Militia. Having tried to remain neutral and pulled back to protect his townships. They managed to get hit by both sides passing through. looking for supplies. Taking a pasting both time. By the time the war ended he and his troops where mustered out by the new Chain of command.
Taking what they had they head out to outreach and begin expanding. Merging with Other Vets of the Civil war.  By August of 3067 they have a mixed Battalion of troops and set about looking for work.

Forces:
Fronted by a company of Fast Cavalry mechs.  Two Brawler lances and one dedicated recon unit.

Commando   COM-7S   Brian Carter   4   5
Jenner   JR7-F   Lorcan Nagle   4   6
Spector   SPR-5F   Brian Fanning   4   5
Cicada   CDA-3G   Vinny Ireton   4   6


Nightsky   NGS-6T   Mark Hall   4   5
Phoenix Hawk   PXH-3PL   Derek Kerr   5   6
Griffin   GRF-6S   Brian Kenny   4   6
Wolverine   WVR-7M   Stephen Fox   4   6


Thunderbolt   TDR-9NAIS   Peter Crowely   3   4   2575
Barghest   BGS-3T   Keith O Sullivan   4   6   1805
Marauder   MAD-9S   Michelle Howard   4   5   1786
Awesome   AWS-9Q   Andrew Felle   3   4   2588

The Tanker Company provides the units punch.
With 2 assault lances and one lance to back up the Recon elements.

Rommel Tank   Gauss   Crew A   3   4   1626
Rommel Tank   Gauss   CrewB   4   5   1178
Schrek PPC Carrier   Standard   Crew C   3   4   1290
Demolisher    Gauss   Crew D   3   4   2110


Schrek PPC Carrier   Standard   Crew E   3   4   1290
Rommel Tank   Gauss   Crew F   3   4   1626
Rommel Tank   Gauss   Crew G   4   5   1178
Demolisher    Gauss   Crew H   5   6   1315


Striker light Tank   Laser   Crew I    4   6   817
Striker light Tank   Laser   Crew J   4   6   817
Chevalier    BAP   Crew K   4   6   554
Chevalier    BAP   Crew L   4   5   583


The Infantry units is a hodge podge of  whatever they could recruit along with Transport assets.
Currently they tasked with protection of the units assets.

   
Sloth Battle Armor   (Standard)
Gray Death Standard Suit   [LRR]
IS Standard Battle Armor   [LRR]
IS Standard Battle Armor   [LRR]
Jump Laser Infantry   Princeps III 103rd Jump Battalion
Jump Laser Infantry   Princeps III 103rd Jump Battalion
Mechanized Field Artillery   71st Mechanized
Mechanized Field Artillery   71st Mechanized
Heavy Foot LRM Infantry   Stalwart Support-Heavy LRM Infantry
Heavy Foot LRM Infantry   Stalwart Support-Heavy LRM Infantry
Heavy Infantry   Heavy Urban Response Platoon
Heavy Infantry   Heavy Urban Response Platoon
Goblin II Infantry Support Vehicle   (Standard)
Goblin II Infantry Support Vehicle   (Standard)
Maxim Heavy Hover Transport   (BA Factory Upgrade)
Maxim Heavy Hover Transport   (BA Factory Upgrade)
Badger Tracked Transport   Prime
Badger Tracked Transport   Prime
Heavy Hover APC   (Standard)
Heavy Hover APC   (Standard)

[markhall]

LOOK WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
SITUATION
KEID INTERPLANETARY DROPPORT
KEID, CHAOS MARCH
29 SEPTEMBER 3067

Unit composition.
The Mechs best suited for this mission.




The Citys mercenary Defenders "Rolling Disaster" prepare for the arrival of the attackers while the Blizzard rages.


Turn1(RD)
The Crowley s Cavaliers make their way into the city. The Wolverine attempting to make it further into city activates and blow his Masc resulting in both feet actuators seizing up.  In spite of this it still reaches its first target and with some help from the Cicada they drop the first building. With the other two pairs dropping their target warehouses.
Elements of Rolling Disaster Move forward but one of the Skulkers end up skidding through a shop Front. It's Lance mate follows suit thinking it was part of the plan. The few shots taken all fly wide in the snowstorm.





Turn 2(CC)
The Cavaliers start towards the second serious of target buildings.  The lead elements of the Disasters mill about into their lines.
The Pheonix Hawk focuses his fire into one of the Galleons Melting it side to slag. Both of which hit the back of the Thunderbolt with a smattering of fire.  The Thunderbolt engages the approaching Vedettes Taking the Gun clear off its turret. The tank crew signal their intent to stand down now that they where weaponless.
Under orders the Cicada breaks off to target one of the rear warehouses. It's chased by two Packrats But they both fly harmlessly past him as it dashes them with Laser fire.
And three more warehouses drop to fire and a Heafty kick from the Thunderbolt. Burying its contents in the rubble.







Turn 3(RD)
The Nightsky draws the Hunters attention while it brings down anther building. The Pegasi Chase the Wolverine and finish behind it.
The Phoenix Hawk goes to its aid. While the Thunderbolt sprints up and blasts one Hunter while kicking the other.
The Cicada successfully levels its target despite the defenders efforts to chase him off.
Thanks to his Pulse lasers and Targeting computer the Phoenix Hawk immobilises one of the Pegasus but not before their combined fire score enough damage to breach the Wolverine and clip its gyro. Which goes down hard the snow doing little to provide a cushion for it.








Turn 4 (CC)
With its TSM activated the Nightsky bypasses the city defenders and goes for the farest target.
While the Cicada attempts to return  to protect the Wolverine.
In an attempt to protect itself the downed Wolverine crawls into the protection of the closest building. With the "Disasters" Packrats chasing after it.
The Thunderbolt chases the remaining Hunter down. But fails to finish it off with a kick. But its firepower sends a Harassers crashing into a snow drift and takes out the airskirt.
While the Phoenix Hawk walks back and targets the last Galleon taking the Laser off it.




With all the warehouses downed. Crowley Issues the order to fall back to protect the Wolverines slow withdrawal.
The "Rolling Disasters" Commander offers a ceasefire and agrees to let the mechs withdraw rather than loose any more units to the "Cavaliers" Guns. With the Thunderbolt and Griffins Help the Wolverine regains his feet and starts for home.

Outcome:
A fun start to what will hopefully be a great campaign. Okay it was an unfortunate start with the Wolverine cocking up the MASC roll as it entered the board. But these things happen.
The fact that we didn't let Lorcan know we where going to use the Blizzard options meant we had to fluff the infantry into having cold weather gear.
We opted for the Options
+100 Blizzard: Use Blizzard rules (see p. 60, TO).
(see p. 55, TO).
+150 Overwhelming Force: Increase the Defender’s force by
50% of the Attacker’s deployed force.

With the mindset that the Blizzard would help us achieve our goal of getting the warehouses while avoiding enemy fire.
And the Overwhelming force was a nice extra WP netting us an extra 250 pionts.

[Arquinsiel]

The important thing to note here is that I am a better pilot than Lorcan.

[markhall]

You have have put more of a target on "Your" Commando now.
You know how Nagle is.

[Lorcan Nagle]

The important thing to note here is that I am a better pilot than Lorcan.

Them's fighting words, boy.

[StuartYee]

Great write up and pics!

I like the paint scheme and I'm digging the building models- where'd you get those?

Looking forward to the next installment of Crowley's Cavaliers!

[Alex Keller]

Nice!  Looks like the start to a great campaign.  Is the dead tree version of Total Choas out yet?

[Arquinsiel]

Them's fighting words, boy.

Lil' Pukey can take you.

Great write up and pics!

I like the paint scheme and I'm digging the building models- where'd you get those?

Some of them are RPUK resins, the clear ones are from Monsterpocalypse, and the big blockey ones with two holes are barricades from AT-43 IIRC.

[markhall]

Some of them are RPUK resins, the clear ones are from Monsterpocalypse, and the big blockey ones with two holes are barricades from AT-43 IIRC.

Indeed.

I warned you Carter. Now we'll have to work extra hard to keep that little fella alive.

[Ouchies]

Looks good man!  O0

Static emplacements are really hard to defend, especially when the to hit numbers are getting hosed for normal fire. 

[Lorcan Nagle]

Oh, you have no idea.  When I got a tank into the back arc of one of the 'mechs, and realised I needed 13s to hit with the SRMs... 

[Arquinsiel]

Yeah, that game was rather dramatically tough for the OpFor. Sensible in context, but there didn't seem to be a way to get the TNs below 11.

Indeed.

I warned you Carter. Now we'll have to work extra hard to keep that little fella alive.

He'll be graaaaaaand.

[markhall]

 Tomorrow night sees Mission 2.
But the First battle of the  OUTREACH MINI-CAMPAIGN

Recon:
Captain Hall will lead a Lance to Ferret out an enemy camp.
Once located they'll have to ID enemy forces and cause as much damage as they can before returning for a follow up strike.

Nightsky   NGS-6T   Mark Hall
Spector   SPR-5F   Brian Fanning   
Cicada   CDA-3G   Vinny Ireton   
Phoenix Hawk   PXH-3PL   Derek Kerr

Game will kick off at 7pm in http://gamersworlddublin.com/

[markhall]

Bryant 3067
Unidentified  forces have been reported having arrived on planet. Captain Hall takes out a scout lance to confirm these reports.
Nightsky   NGS-6T   Mark Hall
Spector   SPR-5F   Brian Fanning   
Cicada   CDA-3G   Vinny Ireton   
Phoenix Hawk   PXH-3PL   Derek Kerr

Unknown to the Player force. The enemy consisted of
Blackknight Clanbuster.
Whiteflame WHF-3B (Anvil)
Raijin RJN-101-C (lightray)
Griffin GRF-6CS

Using Both option granting us an extra 50 WP if the mission was successful.
The following weather and terrain were rolled.
Weather is Full Moon Night (page 58, Tacops)
Terrain is Hazardous Liquid Pools (page 49, tacops)

Turn 1
Two unknown mechs spotted in the distance. Unable to tell what they where. The lance moves closer using the Forest for Cover. While letting the Cicada Scan for any extra forces. The Spector has his ECM set to E-ECM to keep the prob active.



Turn 2
They continue forward with the Cicada reporting clear areas for the rest to advance to. The other forces make no sign or moves that they have seen Crowleys troops.


Turn 3
Marks Knightsky moves out to see if he can attract some attention while the other three attempt a wide flank on the the lone Heavy.
He is rewarded with fire from across the map. Forces are definitely hostile. He frees up all units to engage as necessary.





Turn 4
On front of the Nightsky. Two mechs break cover from hidden locations.


Most of the forces target the WhiteFlame. Fire between forces goes wide for the most part. With a ppc from the Griffin smashing the Spectors Spotlight. The Cicada begins scanning the enemy units for intel.


Turn 5
In an attempt to get the Whiteflame on its own. The Cavailers fall back behind the river and regroup. Offering the Whiteflame tempting targets. The Black knight Light comes on and follows the retreat mechs but does little to help any shots hit.




Turn 6
Instead of pushing the attack the invaders decide to regroup themselves and fall back to the far tree line. While the Griffin continues to throw fire from long range towards the Spector. The Cicada pushes wide to try and tag the Whiteflame again. And comes up with lots of Juicy data.


Turn 7
Halls Nightsky shines on the Raijin and the Cavaliers score some minor damage across the mech.  In return the Blackknights PPC slams into the torso wrecking the side and the Spotlight in the process.
The Cicada continues its push on the far flank while supporting with the Large laser. Wisely choosing to avoid the Blackknight.



Turn 8
Iretons Cicada makes a move on the unmoving Griffin. Using the hills as cover while attempting to scan it. The white flame and Raijin move up to support it. While the Cavaliers continue to move sideways in a block. Most of the fire is ineffective.



Turn 9
Deciding this was getting too hairy. Hall issued a regroup order calling back Iretron to the main force.
It manages to scan the Griffin on its way back. Confirming that this was indeed a WOB force.
The Raijin and the Whiteflame push on the main group. With the Knighskys right torso going in and wrecking the Laser there. Again the Cavaliers score a smattering of hits on the Raijin but nothing worth celebrating. The Raijin gets a kick into the Spector who only just remains upright.




Turn 10
Deciding that they where outclassed and gunned. Hall orders a break back to base. Now that they knew what they where dealing with they could  plan accordingly. And they put as much space as their JJ can between them and the WOB forces. Who decline to chase them.



Aftermath:
Mission was a success. We Id's the enemy forces. And confirmed that ID. And returned to base to tell the others just what kind of mess we have landed on our doorstep.
WoB 1st division according to unit Logos and IFF. We may be in the doo doo now.
OBJECTIVES
Identify the opposition. Confirmed
Preemptive strike. Failed
Escape! Confirmed.

Netting the unit 250 WP this game. Less repairs on the Nightsky and Spector.
We did discuss pushing for the Redemptive strike objective.  But he had too many pulse lasers to make it a viable option.

So we finished this game a lot quicker than we normally do. But it was nice not to do a stand up fight. We played quite cagey with our guys. Not too willing to let them die on a foolish task.

[Lorcan Nagle]

I came so close to downing that Nightsky.  Booooo.

[markhall]

Close but no Donut WOB.


I will say I'm a little sad that its been two games and I've still not knifed anyone yet. :(

[StuartYee]

Another exciting episode!

Always nice to see Unseen models out in force. Great paint jobs all around!

Now that the Wobbies have been identified, it'll be interesting to see what happens next!

[Lorcan Nagle]

Next time, the Blakists show the Cavaliers what we do to the AMC 'round these parts.

[markhall]

Next time, the Blakists show the Cavaliers what we do to the AMC 'round these parts.

Does it involve Tea and Cake? Cause I can get behind that!

Or unconditional Surrender?

[Lorcan Nagle]

Yellow Cake maybe.

[markhall]

On the warchest points front.
We started with 1000.

Guess who's coming to Dinner mission 1
Cost: 300
Extras:
Blizzard 100
Overwhelming forces 150
Objectives:
Fulfil the contract 150
Total WP:1100
Repairs & Warrior skill advancement. 97
Net Total: 1003


Recon Mission 2
Cost : 200
Extras:
Complicated Weather 25
Treacherous Terrain 25
Objectives:
Identify the Opposition 100
Escape 100
Gross WP: 1053

Repairs: 23
Net Total: 1030

[markhall]

Next Game: Tuesday 6pm, http://gamersworlddublin.com/

Byrant
Peter Crowely let his weight rest on the table. The room was silent as his men looked at him. Gone were the raise voices and the arguments amongst them. It no longer mattered what side they had taken on the debate. Some had wanted to stay and fight others to bail in order to avoid the fate of other units who have faced the Word. They had been heated and determined to be heard. He had stopped the fighting with one sentence.
“The Forces of Blake were coming for them!”
Now they all waited for his command. The final call was his. And now he had no choice but to send them out.     “Talking’s done. Time to earn our pay lads, Kit up.”

MISSION: STRIKE
Crowleys Cavaliers will be the Defenders in the Scenario.
Thanks to the Successful Recon mission. The Op Force suffers a -2 to all rolls for force selection rolls.
Crowleys will have a lance of mechs,Tanks and Infantry try slow down the Initial drive by the Wob Forces.

[Lorcan Nagle]

Burr's Black Cobras FOB
Bryant
Chaos March
1st October 3067

Lieutenant Carl Siebert took a few seconds to compose himself before doffing his forage cap and stepping into his company commander's tent.  He could tell the guards on either side of the flap wre probably snickering behind their visored helmets, but to hell with them - they wouldn't do that to his face and he could bust them to KP duty if he wanted.  That bravado vanished when he saw the tent didn't just contain Captain Wetherspoon, but also Major Schappel - Fang Company's overall CO. 

"Ah, Siebert, good to see you," Captain Wetherspoon said, beckoning him over.  "Take a look at this"
Siebert peered over the large noteputer laid out on the field table - a gift from the Blakists - it was displaying real-time data showing the location of the Cobras, Jacob's Juggernauts, their Blakist allies; and their enemies, local militia backed up with AMC mercs.  One cluster of icons, representing a combined-arms batallion on the enemy side was highlighted.

"These guys here smashed the Rolling Disaster in a raid two weeks ago.  And two nights ago they pushed this way," Indicating a line into the Blakists' AO, "and pulled a recon run. But the Blake unit they encountered got as much data on them as they could - including their base location.  Don't ask me how they did it."
Siebert studied the map.  "They're in our Area of Operations... The Blakists want us to go after them?"
"Exactly," Schappel nodded, "And we're in a bit of a bind.  We're stretched a little thinner than we've let the Robes know, but we can't let this one go.  Which is where you come in, Lieutenant.  About half of Fang Company is ready to go - your Lance is the only complete 'Mech unit, and you're the junior officer with the longest time in the unit.  So this is your ball to run with."
Siebert did his best to damp his nerves.  "I won't let you down, Sir."
"I know you won't, Lieutenant.  We wouldn't put you in chare of this op if we didn't trust you.  And you've done good by this unit.  You stuck with us when we got back from Nanking - you've spent a lot of time in a junior position while we've been top heavy with officers.  And we know you could have gotten a Captain's slot in another outfit.  We're expecting to be able to expand a fair bit when we get back to Outreach"
"You get in there, take them by surprise and hit them hard," Wetherspoon continued, "Come back with your unit intact, and you're next in line to command a company in Major Schappel's new Batallion"

Siebert saluted, turned on his heel and left the tent.  As soon as he was outside he accelerated to a run.  He was barking orders to his men within moments...

[markhall]

Interstellar Explorers facility.
Bryant
Chaos March
1st October 3067


Starting Positions.
With a line on defending the 4 buildings in the  center. The Cavaliers take up around them. With the Awesome and Shrekk acting taking the open tarmac to act as a deterrent  for coming out into the open terrain.
The rest of the force prepare to take the various firing lines in the Suburbs.



Turn 1
The Burrs forces come on in three groups. With the fast Hover tanks making a break across the dropport.
The main mech forces move up each with a tank for support.
The Cavaliers respond by attempting to intercept the central formation. The Marauder scores hits on the Main Gauche  damaging its tracks slowing its advance and that's about it for the Cavaliers. The return fire on the Barghest causes it to faceplant on the intersection. The Maxium scores some missile hits against the Thunderbolt.






Turn 2
The Cobras tanks continue the Wide arc around the dropport. The regulator ends up sideslipping off the board. We agree to have it return next turn up the board.
The Cobras move into the centre in an attempt to group up against the larger opposition. Artillery from the Infantry scatters across the city. IE may not be happy about this.
The Demolisher finishes off the Main Gauche. As the Cavaliers attempt to corral the Cobra mechs. The Talon has an arm stripped As it kicks the Barghest. Who with the aid of the Thunderbolt core the Wolfhound. The Marauder and Strider exchange ineffective shots at each other. The Awesome and Schrekk wait for the tanks to reappear form behind the tower.





Turn 3
Using their speed the Cobras attempt to get behind the front line of defenders. Causing Crowley to issue a fall back order as he see the enemy slip by. The Rommels make an attempt to chase the Talon which results in one of them sitting crashing through the floor as it gives way to leave it sitting in the basement.
The Hovertanks fire at the awesome as they close. Bits of armor ping off as Andrew puts 3 PPCs into the Regulators front sending it crashing across the airfield.

Turn 4
The Strider leaps into the fray with abandonment. It's fire scatter over the Demolisher finding a weakspot and killing the engine.
The Rommel pulls out of the basement and fires at the Strider. The shots going just over its shoulder.
The Talon belts out behind the Awesome who is busy dropping the Maxium. He regrets his choice of targets as the Talon's PPC shake the Schrekk taking out the driveshaft. Leaving the tank a powerless hull. The tank crew final shots take the Laser arm off the Talon.
The Firestarter opens up more of the second Rommel. The Barghest takes fire off the Shadowhawk and misses with its return efforts.
The Thunderbolt shots on the Strider scratch it. With no real effect.






The Artillery is targeted just behind the  Hunchback again going wide. One of the shells strikes Crowleys Tbolt. Upsetting him somewhat.
But not preventing his own fire from opening up the Firestarter taking removing a Jumpjet and heatsink.

The Zephry is hurt and the engine starts struggling. The Barghest takes volley of fire and ends up downward facing dog again.






Turn 5




Turn 6



Mark Hall
6 Sep (1 day ago)

to Mark
Turn 5
Bolstered by the dropping of the tanks and the Barghest unsteady feet. The Black Burrs Push onwards. With the Hunchback leading the way. The Thunderbolt attempts to get out of the main fight and goes after the Talon. It's weapons open more locations on the mech.
The RAC jams in the process.
The Hunchback unloads into the Barghest who manages to avoid the AC shot but not the Lasers. Mostly due to the Awesomes PPCs taking the right side off the Hunchback. It stays on its feet and crunches the Barghest front leg. The Barghest fluffs its attempt to return the favour ending Keith a lot of scorn from the rest of the unit.
The Barghest,Rommel and Marauder all make attempts on Carls Shadowhawk now that they know he's the unit commander. It's not that successful.





Turn 6
With the loss of the Hunchbacks Gun. Carl Issues an order to Pull out. The Cavaliers are having none of that. And push to cut off the fleeing Hunchback. The Talon takes a direct route away from the battle. The Marauder takes a short cut through a building and ends up knee deep in its basement with the Shadowhawk and Strider both eagerly thinking about the incoming kicks.
The Arty takes out the drive skirt on the Zephyr forcing the crew to pop the hatch. The majority of Cavaliers aim for the Shadowhawk. With the T-bolt and Rommel agreeing to fire on the Strider in an effort to knock it off its feet.
With 5 PPCs and a whole range of small fire coming at the Shadowhawk, Carl braces himself. As one of them connects with the head taking it clean off.
This happens as his own fire finds its way to the Thunderbolt. Missiles and Autocannons scoring hits on the open right torso. The explosion sets off one of the remaining ammo bins. Sending Peter skyward as the remains of the Thunderbolt crumbles.




Turn 7
The 3 remaining Cobras. Use the city as cover to get out of the line of fire. The Hunchback Running for all he's worth.
The Cavaliers let them go as they attend to their fallen commander. And tank crews. Throwing a few shots down field just to keep them moving.


Outcome.
The Game started solidly enough for the Cavaliers. The fact that we outweighed the Burrs force. Gave us a an overconfidence in out forces. The Cobras out manoeuvred the non Jumping Cavaliers force easily. But not enough to group their firepower well. As the Cavaliers keep the pressure up.  The Loss of two tanks to Crits was unfortunate but it happens. They where mostly undamaged when it happened too. Lorcan did a good Job of keeping his Commander out of the fight. But the last turn worth of fire put the hurt on him even without the head hit.
And the Burrs keep the pressure on the T-bolt once they opened the Torso. Which Paid off for them when they hit the Ammo. Which left us to have to pull out rather than trying to finish off the attacking force. Althou only one mech left in one piece. Even it had Armor damage.

[Lorcan Nagle]

Yeah, this game was kinda painful - I think the Cobras did the best they could given the units rolled (I'm rolling the opposition for all the missions on the force compulsion table and RATs), and while I rolled stupidly well for skills, the dice failed me on a good few key shots.  I was hoping to put the Barghest down quickly after some great grouping on the first couple of turns, but we couldn't monopolise on that. 

[markhall]

We have decided to add a way for units to get an edge point for the Campaign.
Using the warrior skill increasing rules from Total warfare.
Each unit that survives a battle receives 1 point.
With the opforce selecting a unit who receives a Man of the match point.
Then for 7 points we can purchase 1 Edge point.
With the lance commanders being able to buy 1 that's usable across the Lance.

We are also considering using them to Buy Warrior Skills or mech Quirks. If anyone out there knows of way to do this.
Please share. We're open to Ideas.

[Lorcan Nagle]

Yeah, my suggestion was to work out an equivalence between WP and AtoW XP, and factor the pilot abilites from there.  Still thinking upon quirks.

[StuartYee]

 [applause]

Seems like the Cavaliers took a bruising, but came through in the end. Poor T-bolt....

[Lorcan Nagle]

I will get them and I will get them good.  Eventually.

[markhall]

[applause]

Seems like the Cavaliers took a bruising, but came through in the end. Poor T-bolt....

Don't worry we'll get Petey back on his feet soon enough.


Till then. I LEADDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!