Author Topic: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb  (Read 2968 times)

Paul

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CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« on: 14 April 2015, 16:56:37 »
We've got a regular gaming session going on over at Sam's, but life tends to deny access to numerous people who used to be regulars.
In an attempt to both call back to some of the huge battles of yore, and maybe get some people out we hadn't seen in a while, Sam, Mark (Speck) and myself started advertising a big bash in January, to occur April 11.

Mark was in as he wanted me to have a slightly less insane bash at Cold Wars, there's a thread nearby. We'd amp things up in April.
Herb was also coming down, which was cool, since we hadn't seen him since November '13.

Now we're halfway through; Day 1 is behind us, Day 2 is ahead of us. (Date unknown)


Let's see what we've wrought...


In one corner, the Clan Steel Viper Fusiliers, fresh off of a campaign that included kicking Blood Spirit ass. One of their Trinaries only rates Veteran as a result, but the other two are quite elite. You may also notice some salvage among their ranks.
Weighing in at about 210,000 BV, they out-score a Thera Super Carrier.

In the other corner, the Indigo Cell on Tameron. They've been working on something, but generally haven't been active enough to get found, until now.
They're outnumbered 3 to 1 in 'Mechs, though they have at least 1 Sept (21) worth of ProtoMechs. Their best MechWarrior would be considered bland by the Vipers. And they only have 1 of them.
They've also spent some time working on their defenses, and the Clans have had ample opportunity to develop their hatred for the scientist cabal's tactics.
(CSV - SOC 1)
(CSV - SOC 2)

Geography forced the Steel Vipers to split up. Beta Trinary would advance through the canyon on the Society's left, while Alpha and Gamma Supernova would advance through the canyon with the artificial moat.
Artillery support was provided by a Star of Nagas.

The Society's wall had three Heavy Turrets on them, each with two Clan RAC5s, as well as a Nova CEWS. The dividing wall of granite had an LRM-15 turret on it, with 5 launchers, each with Artemis V. Also another Nova CEWS, three Chaff Pods and several Vehicular Grenade Launchers placing smoke.
It was these who managed to get some initial damage in on Beta Trinary as they advanced through the canyon.
Very soon though, they encountered traps. An horrific pit-trap deposited a Stooping Hawk in depth 2 Magma, taking 2d6 damage to every location. The 'Mech's torso flooded out, through thankfully the cockpit did not immediately give in. The CSV - SOC 3 picture shows the trap and two Starmates who had the dubious honor of witnessing the demise.

Additional advances in to the canyon discovered more hidden turrets: two with 30 M-Pods, one which shredded a mint Medium 'Mech, the other finished off a Spirit that had found the Fluid-Gun turret. The Fluid Gun turret blasted it with paint and Acid, but regrettably the M-Pod turret finished it off before the end-phase damage could kick in, possibly forcing a PSR. (Hard to do south of command mine detonation)
Beta Trinary worked to clear the trench methodically, losing only the aforementioned three 'Mechs, and a fourth to a second lava pit. The Society's defenders on the walls, including LRM12 Minotaurs and a few erLL Sprites pelted the incoming Beta MechWarriors, aided in some cases by the Nova CEWS of the turrets.

Meanwhile, Alpha and Gamma were encountering the moat.
(CSV - SOC 4)



The Moat, as it turned out, was filled with a Sept of ProtoMechs: Orcs and Hydra modified to carry SRTs. Additionally, a Septecimia UW was present in the solitary Depth 2 hex.
The torpedoes proved highly effective at breeching one or both legs of the 'Mechs who walked in. With Pointblank shots, damage was being done in the Movement, Weapons and Physical attack phases (Frenzy attacks doing 1 or 2 damage)

The Steel Viper artillery had spent its time pelting the turrets on the wall, but now wisely diverted a barrage to the Moat. Artillery damage can occur at multiple levels above and below the impact level. While many shots strayed (and one caused slight splash damage on a Clan Light Mech), three rounds connected, wiping out a large amount of the submerged ProtoMechs. Lots of chum and crud bubbled to the surface...

The artillery soon paid for its efficiency by being subjected to a full wave of Cruise Missile /120s launched from the Society base, which wiped out the Nagas. (Note: I rolled for this without the artillery player being able to see: this was a mistake)

The path through the moat, meanwhile, was clear, as proved by a Fire Falcon that managed to walk through without incident. More 'Mechs lined up, only to find Command Activated mines still present on the floor. The surviving ProtoMechs also moved in to the cleared path, causing slower progress. Several Clan assault and heavy Mechs had gone prone, either due to breeches, or through intent, delivering their highly accurate firepower on hapless Hydra and Orcs. Their firepower is successful, leaving only a few more ProtoMechs... The Septicemia finds its end when it is DFA'ed by a Stone Rhino.

Beta Trinary, meanwhile, has managed to push through the canyon, intent on coming out to support Alpha and Gamma, who will be forming up after clearing the Moat. They find a fresh surprise at the canyon's end: the hill at the end (CSV - SOC 4) is not what it seems...!
I asked a player to indicate the title of the table on page 88 of Total Warfare, bottom right.
(CSV - SOC 5)

The DropShip, an ancient Buccaneer buried by the Society, let it's exhaust wash over the few 'Mechs behind it. It added its two rear-firing Medium Lasers to add insult to injury. The Kit Fox did not survive this encounter.
Meanwhile, four construction 'Mechs shed their camo cladding, and began to manually throw bombs down from the ledge. The Mad Dog behind the first victim could not survive this, even though two of the construction Mechs were destroyed before they could throw any bombs. The remainder of Beta Trinary made short work of the last two, while they made sure to stay clear of the DropShip's exhaust, leveling it as well in due course.
(CSV - SOC 6)

And that is where we end the session. Several skirmishers from Gamma Trinary have used their JumpJets to clear the moat, ensuring minimal interference with the passage of their more ponderous brothers. About a Trey worth of ProtoMechs and three Cephali have advanced beyond walls and the solitary gate to engage them, while the bulk of the Society force is content to wait out the inevitable assault on their fortress.
(CSV - SOC 7)

The forest just outside the wall has been painstakingly manicured to not exceed 5 meters. Level 1 foliage ensures 'Mechs will receive no cover, while ProtoMechs still do.


What next? Beta Trinary braved the canyon with relatively minimal casualties.
Alpha and Gamma likewise suffered some in the Moat, but still contain the bulk of their numbers.
Unless the Society has more tricks up their sleeve, it seems their end is inevitable...!


« Last Edit: 14 April 2015, 16:58:25 by Paul »
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Paul

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #1 on: 14 April 2015, 16:57:56 »
Follow up with more pictures.

Terrain and accommodations provided by Sam. Minis provided by Mark/Speck and Brian/JHB. Herb provided by his cats.

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UnLimiTeD

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #2 on: 15 April 2015, 03:10:36 »
How does one stop oneself from cackling evilly when snapping those traps?
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wantec

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #3 on: 15 April 2015, 06:32:56 »
How does one stop oneself from cackling evilly when snapping those traps?
He didn't. It was really only b/c he ran out of traps to spring that he stopped cackling.
BEN ROME YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARD, I READ YOUR BOOK!


Cubby

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #4 on: 15 April 2015, 13:03:11 »

The 'Mech's torso flooded out, through thankfully horrifically the cockpit did not immediately give in.


Fixed.

Sounds like a blast!
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Paul

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #5 on: 15 April 2015, 13:14:38 »
Fixed.

No, it means he had time to use his side arm. ;)


Quote
Sounds like a blast!

Think you might be at the next one? You're still on the mailing list, right?

Paul
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Cubby

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #6 on: 15 April 2015, 14:36:15 »
Mailing...list...?

First I'm hearing of it.
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HABeas2

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #7 on: 16 April 2015, 12:38:13 »
He didn't. It was really only b/c he ran out of traps to spring that he stopped cackling.

What makes you think he ran out? The battle's not over yet!

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Headhunter

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #8 on: 17 April 2015, 18:19:28 »
I will say it was different.

Definitely set off some emotional elements as well (myself included). However I'm interested to see how things pan out in the 2nd half.

Thanks Herb for taking the time to make it down too. It was nice to get to talk to you and see you in person.

HABeas2

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Re: CSV vs Society: More Hate, More Herb
« Reply #9 on: 17 April 2015, 19:05:23 »
Great to see you guys too!

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