Intro: I am considering a very large undertaking; a Level IV of Word of Blake forces and one of their final holdouts on Terra (maybe Mars) where a coalition of Clan and IS forces were trying to recapture the SDS networks and destroy some Command structures. This campaign would consist of a strategic hex map, where the scale is, more-or-less, based on one hex per mapsheet. Unit movement would be based on groups, where the slowest unit defines the maximum movement speed (so a Level II with an Urbanmech can move 3 hexes on the strategic map in one hour, even if the rest of the units are Locusts, unless they decide to abandon the Urbanmech, which is fully acceptable in my book). Players would take turns, similar to Axis and Allies, moving their forces on the strategic map; with each turn being one hour in-universe. Once a unit gets into contact with opposing forces, they might get some preliminary data on force composition, then could decide to retreat or engage, and that battle would use Total Warfare rules. We would also use Megamek to resolve certain fights, especially if it just an ASF bombing run on some forces or even an ASF only game.
My Position: I would have control of the Word of Blake forces, and my primary objectives are to defend a few points on the map; the SDS facility and the Command structure. Depending on the size of the map, I may include multiple SDS facilities and minor command structures as well. I'm considering multiple fronts as well, that way if one player is unable to play we could keep up the campaign on other fronts, so perhaps the players with bigger armies need to knock out SDS control stations, while the smaller armies need to target the command facilities.
Support Vehicles: So I need to sort out what kind of support vehicles I want. For munitions, I am assuming that all the munitions would primarily be stored around the main command or SDS structure, so Kharnovs would be utilized to move munitions from the main structure to the field. Sherpas would then be used to disperse the munitions from meeting locations with the Kharnovs to the various units. I would also probably bring a couple MASH vehicles that could meet up with units to treat pilot injuries.
Questions:
1: I need some support vehicles with hoists to drive along with Sherpas for rearmament. I understand I could use mechs with hand actuators to rearm, but I don't want to rely on that. What are some vehicles with hoists?
2: Any other support vehicles that are recommended would be appreciated. I haven't really done a campaign in regards to dealing with support vehicles. I am not worried about salvaging destroyed mechs, but see next question for more info.
3: In regards to repairing armor, internal structure, limbs: how long does this take? I assume it takes a while and requires some sort of facility to make the repairs. I don't expect reinforcements to arrive; what you drop with is what you get, so I am curious as to how feasible it would be to repair certain components in this sort of campaign.
4: In regards to healing pilots: how long should this take? Again, I would assume it requires facilities, whether a MASH vehicle or hospital.
5: Are the answers for questions 3 and 4 in Campaign Operations?
Let me know your thoughts, both on the questions and in regards to the campaign idea. I haven't received full buy-in from everyone in the group yet, but the people I reached out to seem interested, especially since I know they have big armies and it would be nice to be able to use all the forces we have purchased.
