Author Topic: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop  (Read 7369 times)

Mendrugo

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Year: 3008
Location: Poznan (Capellan Confederation)

SitRep: With the Ariana Fusiliers having been called away from their garrison posting on Poznan to aid in the defense of New Aragon against the Federated Suns, the world of Poznan's defenses have been reduced to militia and Home Guard, making them a target by foes from within and without.

Campaign Briefing: Players will take command of Poznan's conventional garrison.  Per the NAIS Atlas of the 4th Succession War, the world of 1.8 billion had six regiments of militia circa 3028.  For the 3008 campaign, they're assigned six regiments of militia and one Home Guard regiment. 

Strategic turns will be played online.  Players will receive situation briefings on developments since the last strategic turn and allocate their assets accordingly.  We will use a larger version of the attached map (file size limitations require this one to be shrunk) to track unit deployments and enemy contacts.  During a strategic turn, units will be able to move a number of hexes corresponding to their cruise movement, with mountains costing double (so a 4/6 Scorpion tank lance could move 4 hexes over flat terrain, or 2 hexes over mountains).

At the end of strategic turns, checks will be made to see if there are any overlaps between friendlies and hostiles, and whether combat ensues, using the Quick Campaign Resolution tables from the Mercenary's Handbook.  Players may choose to either resolve battles by rolling on the QCR tables, or to play the battle (or a portion thereof, if it gets too huge) on tabletop.  I will be running battles in the Northern Virginia/Western Maryland region, but if any other group wants to get involved and play out other battles and report the results, that's highly welcomed.  OpFors may include anything from local insurgents to mercenary raiders, up to and including a full on planetary invasion (the more damage you sustain in the early phases may make Poznan a more tempting target later on).

The Local Scene: Poznan was settled by Polish colonists, followed by Spanish and Portuguese waves of immigrants.  The Poles and Spanish fought a war over control of one continent, and the Spanish won, becoming dominant.  Once Poznan became part of the Capellan Confederation, however, ethnic Chinese immigration was enormous, and by 3008, they comprise 90% of the planetary population, relegating the original three groups to tiny minorities. 

Elements of these groups have formed underground militias that the Maskirovka believes to have received covert training and materiel support from ethnically aligned MechWarrior families, who were granted barduc titles and lands on Poznan, and have established fortified castles there.  Though the families' BattleMechs and MechWarriors are currently deployed to New Aragon, fighting Wolf's Dragoons, their households and strongholds remain potential centers of unrest. 

*WARNING* Due to the shortage of trained MechWarriors and BattleMechs, commanders are not to take action against these barduc nobles or their households unless they have conclusive proof of their involvement in crimes against the state.

Poznan Garrison TO&E, 3008

Home Guard
-HQ Lance
--Mobile HQ
--2 MASH Units
--4 Long Toms
--1 Triumph DropShip
-1st Battalion
--1st Company (long range fire support)
---2 Schrek PPC Carriers
---2 Manticore Heavy Tanks
---4 LRM Carriers
---4 Vedette Medium Tanks
---2 Guardian Fighters
--2nd Company (close assault/urban)
---2 Demolisher Heavy Tanks
---2 Brutus Assault Tanks
---4 SRM Carriers
---4 Hetzer Wheeled Assault Vehicles
---2 Guardian Fighters
--3rd Company (recon/flanking)
---4 Condor Heavy Hover Tanks
---4 Pegasus Light Scout Tanks
---4 Swift Wind Scout Cars
---2 Guardian Fighters
-2nd Battalion (airmobile jump infantry)
--1st Company
---4 Platoons Jump Laser Infantry
---1 Planetlifter
--2nd Company
---4 Platoons Jump SRM Infantry
---1 Planetlifter
--3rd Company
---4 Platoons Jump SRM Infantry
---1 Planetlifter
-3rd Battalion (mechanized infantry with field guns)
--1st Company
---4 Platoons Mechanized Laser Infantry
---4 Sherpa Armored Trucks carrying field guns
--2nd Company
---4 Platoons Mechanized SRM Infantry
---4 Sherpa Armored Trucks carrying field guns
--3rd Company
---4 Platoons Mechanized SRM Infantry
---4 Sherpa Armored Trucks carrying field guns

Poznan Militia Regiment (same for all six - each assigned to a different continent, while the Home Guard garrisons the one with the planetary capital)
-1st Battalion
--1st Company
---12 Scorpion Light Tanks
---2 Guardian Fighters
--2nd Company
---4 Silverfin Coastal Cutters
-2nd Battalion
--1st Company
---4 Platoons Foot Rifle Infantry
--2nd Company
---4 Platoons Foot Machine Gun Infantry
--3rd Company
---4 Platoons Foot Minelayer Infantry
-3rd Battalion
--1st Company
---4 Platoons Foot Rifle Infantry
--2nd Company
---4 Platoons Foot Machine Gun Infantry
--3rd Company
---4 Platoons Foot Minelayer Infantry

As the role of the Capellan militia is to man fixed fortifications (hopefully delaying enemy assaults long enough for relief to arrive from offworld), each militia infantry battalion has 6,000 BV worth of fixed defenses (calculated by plugging the bunkers and towers from McCarron's Armored Cavalry into HM Aero as space stations - imperfect, but a decent enough rule of thumb), and can deploy one fortification for each infantry platoon fielded in a defensive engagement at a pre-established firebase.  That's enough to put every platoon in a MAC-style Infantry Bunker (10 MGs), or to put in one big centerpiece (Primary Missile Hell, Punishment Bunker, etc.) and some smaller supporting bunkers.

I welcome questions, feedback, and expressions of interest.  I hope to launch the campaign in January, 2018.
« Last Edit: 22 December 2017, 22:43:08 by Mendrugo »
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Paul

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #1 on: 22 December 2017, 22:57:47 »
I really like this premise, and hope I'll be able to play!

You plotting to post the cool fortification rules too?

The solution is just ignore Paul.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #2 on: 23 December 2017, 01:00:25 »
Each continent has several firebases, and the main continent has firebases and the planetary defense HQ, Fort Dainmar.  Each militia command has 6,000 BV it can assign to the firebases on its continent, and can field a number of fortifications (including traps) in a defensive battle for that firebase equivalent to the number of active infantry platoons present at that firebase.  (So you can't use 6,000 BV to spam 600 'Mech Holes.)  This makes it imperative to the militias that they keep the infantry for the purpose stated in the House Liao sourcebook - manning fortifications, rather than charging out to fight the enemy in the field.

The Home Guard has 12,000 BV of fixed defenses it can deploy at Fort Dainmar and the firebases on Barcelona, with the same limitations of # of platoons present.

Traps:

(10 BV) 'Mech Hole (CF 39, Level 2, 1 hex. This underground construction, camouflaged at ground level, is placed so that a 40+ ton 'Mech will walk over it and fall in.  Can be avoided with a successful PSR, modified by movement mode.  Failure results in taking damage from a level 3 fall.)

(26 BV) 'Mech Trap (CF 105, Level 1 , 1 hex.  Concealed underground infantry bunker next to 'Mech Hole with gunports for firing at a fallen 'Mech)

(105 BV) Hellfire Pit (Level 4 deep pit with 100 CF camouflage cover, 80 point demolition charge on cover (will reduce weight limit to 20 tons); 100 CF bunker facing into pit with room for one platoon of infantry; 10 flamers aimed at bottom of pit)

(150 BV) Bomb Theatre Pit (This pit is identical to a Hellfire Pit, except it has no flamers, and the infantry are equipped with a 40-point AeroTech bomb. A chute empties into each pit.)

Fortifications:

(1,014 BV) Defensive Tower (150 CF, Level 4, 2 hexes, 2 turrets with 90 points of armor): Turret 1 (Level 4) - PPC; Turret 2 (Level 3)- LRM-20 (24 rounds); Emplacement Level 2 -- One AC/20 (15 rounds), two SRM-4 (25 rounds each); Emplacement Level 1- Four machine guns (200 rounds); fighting positions for one platoon of infantry.)

(103 BV) Pillbox (100 CF, Level 1, 1 hex. Concealed until fired. 24 point armored turret with one 1 medium laser; 2 heavy mortars, fighting positions for 1 platoon of foot infantry)

(154 BV) Infantry Bunker (CF 150, Level 1, 1 Hex - four turret MGs, six fixed, one pointing each direction, fighting positions for one platoon.  Five tons of ammo.)

(1,508 BV) Backstab Bunker (CF 150, Level 1, 1 Hex, 2 AC/20s, 4 tons ammo; 2 LRM-20s, 4 tons ammo; 6 SRM-6s, 8 tons ammo.  Sensor baffled and facing away from the enemy advance, facing a friendly bunker 15 hexes away.  Enemies bypass it to attack the visible fortification and get hit from the rear.)

(2,940 BV) Primary Missile Hell (CF 150, Level 3, 3 Hexes - three Level 3 turrets with 3 LRM-20s each, 9 tons of ammo, and 48 armor.  3 fixed SRM-6s w/4 tons ammo and 2 MGs w/1 ton ammo at ground level facing front; 2 fixed SRM-6s w/2 tons ammo and 2 MGs with 1 ton ammo facing rear.)

(932 BV) Secondary Missile Hell (CF 150, Level 3, 1 Hex - Turret mounts 3 LRM-20s with 9 tons of ammo and 48 armor.  Four fixed SRM-2s w/4 tons inferno ammo cover the front, right, left, and rear arcs, respectively.)

(517 BV) Mosquito Tower (CF 150, Level 4, 2 Hexes - Turret with 64 armor and 10 AC/2s with 9 tons ammo)

(2,755 BV) Punishment Bunker (CF 150, Level 1, 2 Hexes - 4 AC/20s w/12 tons ammo, 4 LRM-20s w/12 tons ammo; 2 AC/10s w/4 tons ammo; 2 SRM-2s w/2 tons ammo.  Dug into a hillside, can only be attacked from the front.)

(2,134 BV) Archery Artillery Bunker (CF 150, Level 1, 3 Hexes, 5 Long Toms w/8 tons ammo, facing front; 6 SRM-6s w/6 tons ammo facing front; 6 SRM-6s w/6 tons ammo facing rear.)

(266 BV) Target Artillery Spotter Bunker (CF 150, Level 1, 1 Hex - 2 AC/5s w/4 tons ammo, 10 MGs w/3 tons ammo, sensor baffled)

(38 BV) Roadblock (CF 150, Level 1, 1 Hex - Level 1 wall across a full hex.  Cannot be stepped over by 'Mechs, but can be walked through.  Provides partial cover.)

(719 BV) Anti-'Mech Gun Emplacement (18 tons of armor, CF 150, 1 AC/20 w/4 tons ammo, 1 AC/5 w/2 tons ammo)

(140 BV) Anti-Infantry Gun Emplacement (CF 150, 6 tons of armor, 1 MG w/2 tons ammo)
« Last Edit: 23 December 2017, 01:10:29 by Mendrugo »
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Tinyozora

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #3 on: 25 December 2017, 20:10:22 »
For the in-person portion, we're still working on a final location but it will be in the Northern Virginia area.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #4 on: 05 January 2018, 14:34:19 »
Commencing the online portion of the campaign:

Players are advisors to the planetary Refrector.  Review the Situation Report and table of key information below, as well as the map in the first post, and respond to this post with suggestions for deployment of assets and orders for what they want the units to do. 

Units can move their "walk/cruise" MP (always a minimum of 1) in one round, but must pay 2 MP to cross a mountain ridge. 
Naval units can move by water and be docked at any city touching water (having port facilities). 
Guardians must be stationed at a city (no camping out in the wilderness), and can be added to any fight that emerges within a six-hex radius as air support.
The Triumph can accommodate a battalion of armor.  Each Planetlifter can accommodate a jump infantry company.
The exact composition of the fixed defenses at each base may be determined at the time it is attacked, but is fixed thereafter.

Poznan, Capellan Confederation

MEMORANDUM
TO: Major Bian-jho Khe-zwi, Refrector of Poznan
FROM: Special Agent Sung, Maskirovka Special Operations Directorate
SUBJECT: Poznan Situation Report

Zhao, Major.  May the blessings of the Chancellor’s Celestial Wisdom continue to fall upon us.

Garrison Status Report: Analysis by the Maskirovka indicates the Home Guard and Militia personnel are loyal to the Chancellor and committed to defense of their homeland, but worried that the redeployment of the 2nd Ariana Fusiliers has left them without the assets needed to repel a major incursion.

-   2nd Ariana Fusiliers: Deployed to New Aragon.

-   Poznan Home Guard: Deployed on Barcelona.  Has transferred personnel from firebases Lorca and Leon to Fort Dainmar in the wake of the Fusiliers departure. 
o   Assigned Assets:
   Armor – One (1) Battalion
   Infantry – Two (2) Battalions
   Combat Aircraft – Two (2) Elements
   Transport Aircraft: One (1) Element
   Transport Vehicles: One (1) Company
   Artillery – One (1) Lance
   DropShip – One (1) Triumph
o   Operational strength: 100%. 
o   Morale: 79%

-   Poznan Militia: Militia assets are distributed evenly across Poznan’s six lesser continents, leaving defense of the main continent, Barcellona, to the Home Guard.
o   Assigned Assets:
   Armor: Two (2) Battalions
   Infantry: Four (4) Regiments
   Combat Aircraft – One (1) Squadron
   Naval Vessels: Two (2) Companies
o   Operational strength: 100%
o   Morale: 68%

-   Strategic Facilities:  Militia firebases are designed to support the operations of a single Militia regiment.  To facilitate rapid response, each continent hosts two firebases, with militia assets divided between them.
o   Fort Dainmar:
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 66%
o   Firebase Husar
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Sprawadlivosci
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Gandra
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Elvas
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Almodovar
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Trujillo
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Lorca
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Leon
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Tianchang
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Goji
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Tonchuan
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Yuci
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Zakopane
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%
o   Firebase Wudang
   Defensive perimeter: 100%
   Garrison strength: 50%

-   Ethnic Unrest:
o   While 90% of the planetary populace is of Chinese descent, the Polish, Spanish, and Portuguese minorities (descendants of the first two waves of colonization) have expressed dissatisfaction at the Mandrinn’s efforts to meet the needs of the majority.  This malcontentment periodically manifests in eruptions of ethnic violence carried out by poorly armed militias, until the militia moves to crush the dissidents and restore order.
o   Our agents have surveyed the populace, and rated the level of unrest among the major population groups.  Based on centuries of experience, we recommend corrective action whenever the rating exceeds 50%.
o   Chinese: 15.8%
   Trouble Spots: The following cities on the Seville continent have been recently experiencing an upswing in crime, attributed to ethnic-Spanish bandit gangs.  The citizens demand greater militia protection.
•   Genhe (Seville) – 61%
•   Zahlantun (Seville) – 50%
•   Yakeshi (Seville) – 47%
o   Spanish: 23.2%
   Trouble Spots: Ethnic Spanish farmers in the following regions have been protesting the decision by the traders’ guilds to offer premium prices on the output of ethnic Chinese farmlands.  Several ethnic-Chinese agricultural concerns have begun to make offers on Spanish lands, anticipating taking over a turnkey operation and realizing greater revenues.
•   Alburquerque (Palma) – 60%
•   Jerez de los Caballeros (Seville) – 52%
•   Almonte (Zaragoza) – 57%
•   Alhambra (Palma) – 43%
o   Polish: 27.9%
   Trouble Spots: A series of bombings has damaged mining facility output at Polish-owned mining operations.  Poles suspect the Chinese are trying to force them out of their businesses.
•   Rzeszow (Mieszko) – 55%
•   Gdansk (Mieszko) – 43%
•   Lednica (Mieszko) – 48%
o   Portuguese: 26.2%
   Trouble Spots: Several key elements of Castelo Branco’s public service infrastructure (sewers, electricity, food ration distribution) have failed spectacularly in recent weeks, raising questions about both maintenance efforts and whether monies allocated for said maintenance have been redirected.
•   Castelo Branco (Galicia) – 47%
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #5 on: 05 January 2018, 16:10:42 »
Whoops - forgot to give a deadline:

Recommendations to the Refrector on deployment for Round 1 are due by midnight on Monday, January 8. 

At that point, I will check to see if any battles result, and at least one will be played out tabletop in Northern Virginia in January.  The rest will be resolved using the Mercenary's Handbook tables.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Paul

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #6 on: 05 January 2018, 18:53:58 »
First, I gotta say, I'm super impressed with the enormous amount of work you've done! The spreadsheet, movement, the map, even the intel briefing, it's super impressive! You've set the bar high, don't be discouraged if it takes a bit for players to step up, and make sure you encourage them to improve their responses if you find them lacking initially.

OOC question: responding to Unrest when it gets about 50%: is anything needed beyond moving troops in to relevant hexes? What can be said about volume of troops, orders, player involvement? The below presumes a high RP component, maybe it's just simple deployment math.

Also, can, or should foot infantry have light and Heavy APCs assigned to enhance their movement points? What's needed to make that an enhancement?


Here's my attempt. Really hoping I'll be able to attend a game, ideally the first one.

<>

Honorable Refrector,

I am pleased to find that the year 3008 presents us with ample opportunity to service the people of the Confederation, and his Celestial Wisdom!

Please extend my gratitude to Agent Sung, his report is an example of clarity and brevity. He should know that the concerns of the Maskirovka are not ignored.

I will present my advice by responding to each relevant element of his report.

Garrison Status: I admire the delicacy Agent Sung uses to describe this issue. We should heed his warning: I recommend an effort to boost morale across the Poznan defenses. We cannot pretend that the removal of a BattleMech regiment has improved our position, and we must share, in diplomatic fashion, that we are aware of this, while reminding them of the inherent strength and advantages of our defensive posture. I would recommend an informational video reminding the troops about their goal, in case of a major incursion: pin down and degrade the enemy, while reinforcement are sent here. The video should mark several units that could respond to us in due time, including the Fusiliers, to remind the troops that they are close. (without including current strategic information.)

Second Ariana Fusiliers: While their departure amplifies our security issues, it also presents us with an excellent opportunity to engage the probnlems fomented by local barducs. With many of them gone, their ability to interfere is reduced, which could permit opportunity. I recommend we ask Agent Sung to focus energy on this area, since we cannot predict how long they will be off planet.

Ethnic Unrest:
* Seville:
[OOC: the map has an unlabelled firebase here. Presumably Firebase Jerez, given it's next to Jerez de los Caballeros?]
We should notify the 4th Poznan commander that the increase in banditry in his domain must not be tolerated. The citizens are correct in demanding more protection, and it must be provided. It is key, however, that policing efforts are not confused for ethically targeted military action. Pursue the following actions:
- Communicate with local police and determine a list of targets that will benefit from direct militia intervention.
- Communicate with local police and determine locations that are perceived as especially vulnerable by the local pollution: patrol.
- Whenever possible and appropriate, use infantry assets to support local police efforts in dealing with bandit strongholds. Bias towards minimizing civilian casualties; the public order benefits from having bandits put on trial, which is hard when they're shot in the back while resisting arrest.
- Initial response by the Foot Infantry Company in Firebase Tianchang. Focus should be on Zhalantun, Yakeshi and Genhe.
- Foot Infantry MG company at Tianchang to support if necessary.
- Scorpion lances at Tianchang to be available in a situation where collateral damage chance is deemed near 0.
- Commander of the 4th: this is seen as an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to produce positive results among the population, and improve order.
[Actual move order: 4th Poznan Foot Infantry Company in Firebase Tianchang, move to Zhalantun hex. No additional moves just yet]


* Spanish Farmers:
Advisory to commanders of the 3rd, 4th and 6th Poznan militia, informing them of the reported situation of Trading Guilds favoring Chinese farms.

3rd Poznan: Risk exists for riots in Almonte, troops at Firebase Trujillo to be placed on alert: be ready to respond in a situation local law enforcement is unable to contain. Deploy to protect local farmers, be it Chinese or Spanish, in case of reports of displacement or dispossession efforts by radicals.
- Advance Foot Infantry Company from Firebase Trujillo towards Almonte: no action to be taken there; advancement placement to respond to excessive rioting as above.
- Notify Commander of Castille Mondragon: We are aware of this issue, and seek to preserve the peace. Notify us of concerns, that we may act upon them. Unilateral action may prove counterproductive.

4th Poznan:  Risk exists for riots in Jerez de los Caballeros, troops at Firebase Jerez to be placed on alert: be ready to respond in a situation local law enforcement is unable to contain. Deploy to protect local farmers, be it Chinese or Spanish, in case of reports of displacement or dispossession efforts by radicals.
- Advance Foot Infantry Company from Firebase Jerez towards Jerez de los Caballeros: no action to be taken there; advancement placement to respond to excessive rioting as above.
- Notify Commander of Castille Alamosa: We are aware of this issue, and seek to preserve the peace. Notify us of concerns, that we may act upon them. Unilateral action may prove counterproductive.

6th Poznan: Risk exists for riots in Albuquerque and Alhambra, troops at Firebase Tongchuan and Yuci to be placed on alert: be ready to respond in a situation local law enforcement is unable to contain. Deploy to protect local farmers, be it Chinese or Spanish, in case of reports of displacement or dispossession efforts by radicals.
- Advance Foot Infantry Company from Firebase Tongchuan towards Alhambra
- Advance Foot Infantry Company from Firebase Yuci towards Albuquerque, via Mula
- Notify commander of Castille Del Toro: We are aware of this issue, and seek to preserve the peace. Notify us of concerns, that we may act upon them. Unilateral action may prove counterproductive.

Communication to Traders Guild: ask them to explain the reported activities, and what their plans are to create a positive outcome. [OOC: would prefer that to be a back n forth over a course of days, rather than wait a month, but know that may be out of reach. Ultimately would recommend beating them about the head and shoulders about no ethic bias towards any of the Confederacy's citizens, and that monetary gain that results in exploitation or destabilization will be met with intensely unpleasant counteractions by the Refrector and Diem if they don't seem to get the hint right away]


* Polish Mines
Advisory to commander of the 5th Poznan of the recent bombings, and local suspicions. Risk of local ethnic riots is present, alert troops to be ready to respond in a situation local law enforcement is unable to contain. Goal is to protect Poles and Chinese equally.

- Move Minelayer Company from Firebase Zakopane to Lednica. Have commander investigate bombings in this area, assess what security enhancements can be made (by militia and/or mine personnel) to prevent additional bombing events.
- Move Foot Company from Firebase Wudang to Gdansk. No additional action at this time.

- Inform commander, Zamok Jadwig: We are aware of this issue, and seek to preserve the peace. Notify us of concerns, that we may act upon them. Unilateral action may prove counterproductive.

- Publicly denounce the bombings, and publicly state that the terrorists responsible for this will be brought to justice. All those who would seek to harm the lives and livilihoods of the citizens of the Confederacy will be treated as an enemy. Include some nice blurbs about the accomplishments of the Poles, the planet's original settlers, and a reminder that the ore from Mieszko even at this very moment is used in the defense of the entire Capellan Confederacy.
[OOC: unless that's incorrect; I presume they export at least some, and that at least some are used in the military industry]


Portuguese infrastructure issues:

While certainly suspicious, the immediate problems will not benefit from Militia involvement. Alert commander, 2nd Poznan of the situation, and inform him that riots may develop in the near future if the situation continues to deteriorate.
Request an investigation from Agent Sung, to either root out sabotage, local corruption, or both. Short term, make funds available to affect some repairs while the situation is being investigated. Publicize such fund allocation when actual, ignoring it will make the locals feel marginalized.


Finally:

Advisory to all Poznan Militia commanders: Perform a readiness check of all your units and fortifications. Verify that all systems, weapons, communications and power infrastructure is functional. Perform inventory audit of all supplies, correct shortfalls. (Supplies are all consumables; ammunition, food, water, fuel, parts, etc). A unit is considered 100% operational unless otherwise indicated. The moment to indicate is now, and overlooking deficiencies in readiness may be harmful to your career.

The solution is just ignore Paul.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #7 on: 05 January 2018, 20:01:49 »
OOC question: responding to Unrest when it gets about 50%: is anything needed beyond moving troops in to relevant hexes?

Unrest drops 5% per turn per lance/platoon assigned to a given city.  You can play whack-a-mole moving a large force from crisis point to crisis point, or you can attempt to spread out your forces and gradually cool things down...though that risks scattering your troops and losing irreplaceable assets to a bushwhack.

If the unrest gets above 50%, there is a chance it will spawn insurgent forces who will mount attacks, driving unrest still higher.  Above 75%, and the city may revolt and become hostile. 

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What can be said about volume of troops, orders, player involvement? The below presumes a high RP component, maybe it's just simple deployment math.

It can be run on pure deployment math, as outlined above.  However, if you RP giving orders to the troops deployed, that may have side effects ("go to X and protect the Spanish" vs. "go to X and burn the Spanish farms" vs. just "go there and keep the peace" - the default).  You can intentionally try to build credibility with any of the four ethnic groups, though the Refrector's default is to favor the Chinese.  (If 90% of the planet turns on you, Max Liao ain't gonna be happy.)

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Also, can, or should foot infantry have light and Heavy APCs assigned to enhance their movement points? What's needed to make that an enhancement?

At best they could commandeer civilian transports.  Per the House Liao book, the militia foot infantry's job is to man the fortifications and tie down the enemy until friendly reinforcements arrive.  Giving them transports would encourage them to venture into the field, which is a violation of their mission statement. 

Operational protocol is for the militia Scorpions to be the primary mobile response force on land, and the Silverfins at sea, with the Planetlifters bringing in Home Guard Jump Infantry if you need boots on the ground.  In the event of a major incursion or revolt, the Triumph can drop a whole armor battalion on the hot spot.

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[OOC: the map has an unlabelled firebase here. Presumably Firebase Jerez, given it's next to Jerez de los Caballeros?]

I found a few map errors - an unlabeled fire base, an unlabeled city, and two cities with the same name.  They are fixed in the spreadsheet, but I need to upload a new version of the map.

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[OOC: unless that's incorrect; I presume they export at least some, and that at least some are used in the military industry]
.

Per the INN profile, the minerals are sold to the equatorial continents, where the traders are based.

As far as supplies go, armored units that survive a battle and can return to a friendly base can replace armor and ammo, but not weapons.  Infantry can recover lost trooper boxes when at an active base, per the optional MASH rules.  Also when deployed with the HQ unit's two MASH units - though that is usually just for the veteran Home Guard infantry.
« Last Edit: 05 January 2018, 20:16:28 by Mendrugo »
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Paul

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #8 on: 05 January 2018, 20:12:47 »
Unrest drops 5% per turn per lance/platoon assigned to a given city.  You can play whack-a-mole moving a large force from crisis point to crisis point, or you can attempt to spread out your forces and gradually cool things down...though that risks scattering your troops and losing irreplaceable assets to a bushwhack

Hmm, I might adjust deployment then.


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If the unrest gets above 50%, there is a chance it will spawn insurgent forces who will mount attacks, driving unrest still higher.  Above 75%, and the city may revolt and become hostile. 

Gotcha, cool.

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It can be run on pure deployment math, as outlined above.  However, if you RP giving orders to the troops deployed, that may have side effects ("go to X and protect the Spanish" vs. "go to X and burn the Spanish farms" vs. just "go there and keep the peace" - the default).  You can intentionally try to build credibility with any of the four ethnic groups, though the Refrector's default is to favor the Chinese.  (If 90% of the planet turns on you, Max Liao ain't gonna be happy.)

Makes sense.
What about the problem that doesn't benefit from the militia at all, or just barely? IE, the issues on the Portugese continent, and the issues in the mines: there's really not a whole lot to do, it's really more an intel problem.


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At best they could commandeer civilian transports.  Per the House Liao book, the militia foot infantry's job is to man the fortifications and tie down the enemy until friendly reinforcements arrive.  Giving them transports would encourage them to venture into the field, which is a violation of their mission statement. 

Gotcha, so don't move the foot infantry.

Operational protocol is for the militia Scorpions to be the primary mobile response force on land, and the Silverfins at sea, with the Planetlifters bringing in Home Guard Jump Infantry if you need boots on the ground.  In the event of a major incursion or revolt, the Triumph can drop a whole armor battalion on the hot spot.
[/quote]

OK, if that's effective at reducing unrest, that's worth doing.

The solution is just ignore Paul.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #9 on: 05 January 2018, 20:23:42 »
Extra guards on the mines and/or extra security around the strategic toilet paper reserve decreases unrest because the citizens see the Refrector is taking their concerns seriously.

If no troops show up to provide security, and then the Dancing Joker takes out the main reservoir, then unrest shoots up.

I also have an OpFor map with the locations and missions of the OpFor, and if you deploy to the right place at the right time, you may get some prisoners to interrogate.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Paul

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #10 on: 05 January 2018, 20:58:53 »
Extra guards on the mines and/or extra security around the strategic toilet paper reserve decreases unrest because the citizens see the Refrector is taking their concerns seriously.

Good point. Too bad most of the infantry can't be redeployed, most of the jobs need infantry, not Scorpions.
Scorpions are almost meaningless in combat, so being able to use them in reducing unrest is very valuable. Also means that losing them isn't really any loss. Organized invasion would likely just attack (and take) a firebase of their choice, after which we drop a battalion on them and see if it can be won.



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I also have an OpFor map with the locations and missions of the OpFor, and if you deploy to the right place at the right time, you may get some prisoners to interrogate.

Well, seems low odds presently for that, since intel is (understandably and logically) a bit sparse.


new deployment orders; RP instructions remain unchanged, as they would reflect what posture leadership expects of the deployed troops. This replaces previous deployment orders.
(MPs added so you can tell me if I'm doing that right, or overlooking MP costs)


Seville Bandit response:
Deploy Scorpion 1 from Tianchang to Zhalantun (1mp)
Deploy Scorpion 2 from Tianchang to Yakeshi (2mp)
Deploy Silverfin from Xihilhot to Genhe (5mp)

Reasoning: Start pushing down on the 4 hotspots to get or keep them below 50%. Genhe still a problem, most likely.


Farmer crisis:
Palma:
Deploy Scorpion 1 and 2 from Tongchuan to Alhambra (2mp)
Deploy Scorpion 3 from Yuci to Albuequerque (via Mula) (2mp)
Deploy Silverfins from Rushan to Albuequerque (they can't make it in 1 turn, they'd be in the hex west of Alhambra)


Seville:
Deploy Scorpion 3 from Jerez to Jerez de los Caballeroz (1mp)


Zaragosa:
Deploy Scorpion 1 and 2 from Trujilo to Almonte (1mp)
Deploy Scorpion 3 from Almodovar to Almonte (1mp)

Reasoning: This will tap the brakes on Alhambra, Jerez and Almonte, but will likely leave Albuequerque hot. Intent is to redeploy Scorp 1 and 2 down to Alhambra as well; along with the Silverfins, things should calm down swiftly.



Polish mines:

Deploy Scorpion 1 from Zakopane to Lednica (1mp)
Deploy Scorpion 2 from Zakopane to Gdansk (2mp)
Deploy Scorpion 3 from Wudang to Rezrow (2mp)
Deploy Silverfins from Rushan to Rezrow (2mp)

Reasoning: Should calm things down. With luck, we'll get some good intel too.


Galacia:
Deploy Scorpion 1 and 2 from Elvas to Castelo Branco (2mp)
Deploy Scorpion 3 from Candra to Castelo Branco (2mp)
Deploy silverfins from Repino to Castelo Branco (2mp)

Reasoning: Concentration of force, jumping on the issue.


I forget how the jump infantry works, but if they can make it, I'd send 1 company to Genhe and 1 to`Albuequerque' those two are hot, and it's hard to get more than a lance there.

Overall, the risk seems minimal:
We have the OOC issue that all these problems happen at once, which is either just the nature of starting somewhere, or it's neglect, or a coordinated effort to put stress on the militia. I'm assuming the former, but maybe that can be clarified.
As such, all these spinning plates need attention. And military-asset wise, we really have no way to overextend by chucking a couple of scorpions around. If there's an ambush somewhere that kills some scorpions or an infantry company, then we know where the enemy is, and we hit it with both barrels, the kitchen sink, and this roll of quarters in a sock.
Doing nothing is asking for a lot of problems.

The solution is just ignore Paul.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #11 on: 05 January 2018, 22:11:35 »
Feel free to keep revising - I'll input whatever the consensus is by the deadline.  Other interested players are welcome to join the discussion and suggest orders over the weekend.

Backstory - the Fusiliers were redeployed to support New Aragon as part of the Elastic Defense strategy about two months ago, when Maskirovka intel spotted a huge AFFS/Wolf's Dragoons task force staging to retake New Aragon.  Ethnic unrest began rising noticeably starting about a month ago, in certain areas. 

Maskirovka analysis suspects agents provocateur, but it's not clear whether they're SAFE, MIIO, Wolfnet/7th Kommando, Free Capella, or parties unknown.  Due to the elastic defense strategy and the magnitude of the AFFS strike on New Aragon, most military and Maskirovka assets in this and nearby Warrens have been reassigned to support the effort there, so you don't have teams of Mask bully boys to kick down doors and round up the usual suspects.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #12 on: 05 January 2018, 22:28:24 »
Solid background.

Have they at least helpfully provided a list of those usuals for us to kick down with more plebian boots than the Mask?
The solution is just ignore Paul.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #13 on: 05 January 2018, 23:03:08 »
Polish - Winged Husars (ethnic Polish underground militia)
Spanish - Los Hermanos del Sol (ethnic Spanish underground militia)
Portuguese - G.D.G. (Guerrilha do Galicia) - ethnic Portuguese underground militia
Chinese - People's Protectorate (ethnic Chinese underground militia)
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #14 on: 05 January 2018, 23:14:25 »
The updated map with corrected labels and color-coded cities to show unrest:

Green: 0 - 24%
Yellow: 25 - 49%
Orange: 50 - 74%
Red: 75 - 100%
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #15 on: 05 January 2018, 23:16:15 »
The same map, but with the initial CCAF deployment (units are stacked - only the lead element will be visible in each stack)
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #16 on: 05 January 2018, 23:17:17 »
And, the updated spreadsheet (corrected some errors - missing cities, unnamed firebases, etc.)
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #17 on: 05 January 2018, 23:27:24 »
I forget how the jump infantry works, but if they can make it, I'd send 1 company to Genhe and 1 to`Albuequerque' those two are hot, and it's hard to get more than a lance there.

The Jump Infantry typically deploy aboard Planetlifters, which can take them up to 12 hexes away and deploy them as paratroopers (with the planes landing at the target area).  Alternately, they can be added to any battle within 4 hexes of where the planes are based (just as the Guardians can be added to any battle within 7 hexes of where they are based), by being scrambled and deployed by air as a rapid reaction force. 

Without the Planetlifters, they have 3 MP overland. 

They can also be deployed anywhere on the planet if you commit the Triumph (as can any of the units that can cram aboard), as long as you can trace a valid path through orbital spaces that are not controlled by enemy space forces.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Paul

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #18 on: 06 January 2018, 00:09:20 »
The Jump Infantry typically deploy aboard Planetlifters, which can take them up to 12 hexes away and deploy them as paratroopers (with the planes landing at the target area).

Cool. Please deploy 1 company each to Gehne and Albuequerque, both are within 12 range. After disembarking, the planet lifters should park at the nearest firebase, with my understanding the infantry then has 3 MP.


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Alternately, they can be added to any battle within 4 hexes of where the planes are based (just as the Guardians can be added to any battle within 7 hexes of where they are based), by being scrambled and deployed by air as a rapid reaction force. 

Very useful once we have something resembling a setpiece battle coming our way.


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They can also be deployed anywhere on the planet if you commit the Triumph (as can any of the units that can cram aboard), as long as you can trace a valid path through orbital spaces that are not controlled by enemy space forces.

Good to know, but the Triumph lacks a clear target at this time.

The solution is just ignore Paul.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #19 on: 07 January 2018, 09:23:01 »
I have updated the map based on your movement orders.  This is not finalized until midnight on Monday.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #20 on: 07 January 2018, 15:04:30 »
Cool!

Just for my info, I didn't spot a unit on Zhalatun; here are all the orders on Seville:

Seville Bandit response:
Deploy Scorpion 1 from Tianchang to Zhalantun (1mp)
Deploy Scorpion 2 from Tianchang to Yakeshi (2mp)
Deploy Silverfin from Xihilhot to Genhe (5mp)

Seville:
Deploy Scorpion 3 from Jerez to Jerez de los Caballeroz (1mp)

Plus also a company of infantry on Genhe.

(I haven't quite got the hang of your map unit notions just yet, I don't think)
The solution is just ignore Paul.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #21 on: 07 January 2018, 16:38:13 »
Brain fart on my part.  I moved your tanks to Xilinhot instead of Zhalantun. Correcting.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #22 on: 08 January 2018, 16:30:01 »
Reminder: Any additional suggestions for militia deployment are due tonight at midnight.

For additional information - Maskirovka reports on the various ethnic militias:

Winged Hussars: Named for the legendarily skilled Polish cavalry of ancient Terra, this group comports itself in the manner of a knightly order, greeting each other with exaggerated formality and granting each other titles of rank to which they have no legal claim.  Their members are primarily recruited from the ranks of the Commonality, especially the mining industry.  They seem highly motivated by a desire to defend the honor of their group and their people, and are quick to join a fight when insulted.  Maskirovka searches of their chapter houses almost never turn up contraband, but the Special Services Branch strongly suspects they have weaponized MiningMechs, mining robots, and other industrial vehicles cached in abandoned mining shafts in the mountains.

Los Hermanos del Sol:  Los Hermanos del Sol ("The Brothers of the Sun" in Inner Sphere standard English) began their existence as a hovercycle gang, mostly engaged in low level criminal activities - racketeering, controlled substances, arms smuggling, prostitution, etc.  They provided muscle in many conflicts between rival tongs and triads, using their payouts to recruit, arm, and expand.  Most Spanish settlements have at least one chapter of the Hermanos.  Rather than being feared and hated by the people, however, the Spanish population idolizes them as heroes who ride free and fight hard.  Underground cantinas circulate banned hermanocorrido ballads.  They frequently skirmish with law enforcement when intercepted in the commission of their criminal activities.  In the field, they primarily rely on weapon-carrying motorcycles, monocycles, skimmers, and ATVs, though some police reports indicate that they have been stealing and weaponizing AgroMechs and agricultural robots as well.

G.D.G. (Guerrilha do Galicia):  While most of the Portuguese inhabitants of the island-continent of Galicia are content to go about their daily lives side by side with their Chinese caste-mates, the G.D.G. is a fanatical group of ethnopurist radicals who want nothing less than to drive all outsiders into the sea.  They have launched campaigns of ethnic cleansing in the past (most recently in 2956 and 2981), and were violently suppressed, but manage to reconstitute after a few decades of licking their wounds.  In past uprisings, they have utilized modified IndustrialMechs and industrial vehicles armed with missile launchers and heavy autocannons. 

People's Protectorate:  Comprising 90% of the planetary population, the Chinese community relies on the comparatively well-armed planetary militia and the Home Guard for protection.  Still, there are times when they want to put some extra-legal pressure on the other ethnic groups.  Chapters of the People's Protectorate exist in most Chinese population centers, staffed by veterans of the civilian police forces, and armed with police weaponry, vehicles, and equipment that were reported lost by their contacts in the supply chain.  They have been known to employ military-grade infantry weapons, Urban Enforcer IV armored vehicles, and even GS-54 Guard SecurityMechs.
« Last Edit: 08 January 2018, 16:39:11 by Mendrugo »
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Paul

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #23 on: 08 January 2018, 16:43:53 »
Have attempts been made in the past to either negotiate or interact with these groups, beyond trying to arrest/kill them?
Seems like common ground can be found against the GDG in most cases, and even the Hermanos.

What's Mask's stance on the Protectorate?
Useful & leave them be
or
they're extra-legal vigilantes: combat em
The solution is just ignore Paul.

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #24 on: 08 January 2018, 16:47:57 »
Paul did a good job at covering all the issues.  My only recommendation, and it's kind of vague, is to start moving militia infantry companies to any city with more than 50% and platoons to any over 40%.  Rifle first, then machine gun, then any remaining if necessary. 

This is mostly to provide actual boots on ground and free up the more valuable assets like scorpions to cover other locations as necessary. 

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #25 on: 08 January 2018, 16:57:31 »
Have attempts been made in the past to either negotiate or interact with these groups, beyond trying to arrest/kill them?
Seems like common ground can be found against the GDG in most cases, and even the Hermanos.

What's Mask's stance on the Protectorate?
Useful & leave them be
or
they're extra-legal vigilantes: combat em

The Maskirovka is sympathetic to the Protectorate, and looks the other way when they go to put the smack-down on some uppity neighbors.  The Militia views them as friendlies, but they only deploy their limited assets to respond to threats the militia is unable to handle.

The Winged Hussars publicly deny they have anything to do with illegal activities.  Their most public activity is riding horses in parades wearing archaic costumes, and raising money for orphanages.  Lacking evidence at this time, the Mask has not taken any action against them, especially since they have the strong support of the Polish MechWarrior families.

The Hermanos want nothing to do with law enforcement or other representatives of "El hombre," (the man) and have a solid track record of disappearing witnesses who might be able to reveal their whereabouts or the identities of their leadership.  Their close ties to the tongs and triads give them substantial reach into even the Chinese population centers. 

The G.D.G. has learned from being exposed in the past, and utilizes a strict cell-based structure that has proven difficult to penetrate.  The Mask has asked the Portuguese MechWarrior family to intercede, but with minimal results.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Paul

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #26 on: 08 January 2018, 18:41:19 »
Paul did a good job at covering all the issues.  My only recommendation, and it's kind of vague, is to start moving militia infantry companies to any city with more than 50% and platoons to any over 40%.  Rifle first, then machine gun, then any remaining if necessary. 

This is mostly to provide actual boots on ground and free up the more valuable assets like scorpions to cover other locations as necessary.

That was my first orders, but we need the infantry to man the fortifications, or they're basically empty.

Now I may have misunderstood that, or misunderstood a nuance, but the impression I have is that we can't move any infantry *except* the airmobiles without deteriorating the firebases.



[buncha intel on the resistance groups]

Interesting. Looks like the Hermanos and GDG are going to be pretty big problems. Especially if either is getting outside support, and I know I'd look at them 2 first if I was a Feddie or Leaguer. To bad our Mask support is diminished.

Recommend not giving them free PR to use against us, while paying extra attention to problems in their areas. Provided we don't take a dump on the Poles, and provided they don't get targetted by the other three (Protectorate being our worst problem in that situation), we may even be able to create some sort of detente.

And, hey, wouldn't you know it, that mine sabotage stuff is probably Protectorate. I'm starting to enjoy the level of scumbaggery Mendrugo exhibits.

The solution is just ignore Paul.

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #27 on: 09 January 2018, 21:23:17 »
Turn 1 Campaign Results:

Aerospace Operations:  No check.  Miliita/Home Guard has undisputed air superiority.

Maneuver Operations: 
 
Almonte:  Attrition: One Scorpion develops mechanical difficulties and cannot be used in combat until repaired at a firebase.

Castelo Branco:  Attrition: One Scorpion develops mechanical difficulties and cannot be used in combat until repaired at a firebase.

Fundao: Skirmish: A skirmish erupts between G.D.G. terrorists and the People's Protectorate.  Dispatch air support?  If yes, for which side? 

Gdansk:  Attrition: One Scorpion develops mechanical difficulties and cannot be used in combat until repaired at a firebase.

Genhe: Skirmish: Poznan Home Guard Jump SRM Company come upon a skirmish between Los Hermanos del Sol and the People's Protectorate.  Withdraw?  Attack?  Aid one side?

Jerez de los Caballeros: Attrition: One Scorpion develops mechanical difficulties and cannot be used in combat until repaired at a firebase.

Nanchang: Skirmish: A skirmish erupts between G.D.G. terrorists and the People's Protectorate.  Dispatch air support?  If yes, for which side? 

Rzeszow: Skirmish: 5th Poznan Militia (Scorpion Lance 2 and Silverfin Lance) encounter elements of the Winged Hussars on patrol.  Attack?  Withdraw?

Ulanqab: Battle: A pitched battle erupts between Los Hermanos del Sol and the People's Protectorate.  Dispatch air support?  If yes, for which side? 

Yakeshi: Skirmish: 4th Poznan Militia (Scorpion Lance 2) encounters a pitched battle between Los Hermanos del Sol and the People's Protectorate.  Intervene?  Take sides?  Hang back?


Review the situation reports above and issue orders to your troops on scene.  You may assign Guardians to provide air support for any engagement within 7 hexes of their current location. 

Let me know if any of the battles you're present for (Genhe, Rzeszow, and Yakeshi) sounds interesting enough to play out on tabletop, or if you want to resolve it with a roll on the COMBAT OPERATIONS TABLE and move on to the next online turn. 

Deadline for responses is midnight on Thursday, January 11.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

Tinyozora

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #28 on: 09 January 2018, 21:44:13 »
wow, what's the chance on mechanical issues with the scorpions?  :o

Mendrugo

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Re: New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop
« Reply #29 on: 09 January 2018, 21:47:36 »
wow, what's the chance on mechanical issues with the scorpions?  :o

Attrition is one of the most frequent results on the Mercenary's Handbook MANEUVER OPERATIONS table.  It reflects the wear and tear of driving your tanks hither and yon around the planet.  The tanks in question can still drive, but can't fight until they spend a turn getting repaired back at base.
"We have made of New Avalon a towering funeral pyre and wiped the Davion scourge from the universe.  Tikonov, Chesterton and Andurien are ours once more, and the cheers of the Capellan people nearly drown out the gnashing of our foes' teeth as they throw down their weapons in despair.  Now I am made First Lord of the Star League, and all shall bow down to me and pay homa...oooooo! Shiny thing!" - Maximillian Liao, "My Triumph", audio dictation, 3030.  Unpublished.

 

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