Turn 6
The Mercs win initiative again this round and with that win comes the arrival of reinforcements for them as well. The players decided at the beginning of the game to deploy the reinforcements on the west edge of the board. The deployment of the Vulture Mod and the Bombardier tip the balance of the game decidely in our favor.
After placement and movement, a critical error has been made on our part. We have deployed the Vulture right into the fray and in front of the Tempest. During the firing phase the Vulture endures a withering amount of firepower. The Raijin II also pours numerous shot into it opening numerous holes in the unit's armor. However, the Marauder advances on the Initiate. They both trade fire but at the end of the phase, the Initiate crashes to the earth. With this loss, 25% of the WOB forces have been destroyed netting the Mercs one of their objectives and +100 warchest points.
Turn 7
The WOB manages to win initiative this round. The Vulture, badly wounded from the previous round attempts to limp away but is outpaced by the Raijin II. The Bombardier, moves to assist his damaged ally and goes toe-to-toe with the Tempest. During the firing phase the Raijin opens up even more holes in the Vultures armor striking the right hip and gyro. The Marauder pours fire into the Tempest's back but fails to penetrate the thick armor there. The Bombardier has better luck striking areas already damage and breaching three times. One crit blows out the Tempest's gauss rifle. Within brawling range both the Tempest and Bombardier takes swings at each other but miss in a titanic cat fight. Blame it on the rain, boys!
The Mercury II and Rifleman continue with scanning operations. That last depot remains elusive but can only be in the remaining three buildings.
As a result of this round, the Vulture crumples to the earth with a failed PSR and is placed into forced withdrawal in only it's second turn on the board. However, the Tempest is also placed into forced withdrawal but is in no means out of the fight.
Turn 8
The WOB win initiative again.
The Tempest attempts to withdraw to the table edge to protect his backside for what may be a protracted fight down the table edge. The Bombardier hangs tight hoping to draw his fire and protect the downed Vulture and weakened Marauder. The Raijin, faster than his bretheren in the Tempest makes a run for his home edge using his speed to run the gauntlet. The Rifleman and Mercury begin their turns scanning again.
During the fire phase, Building 3 is found to be empty after scanning by the Rifleman clearing the east side of the board. The Mercury, on it's second turn scanning building 5 finds the last hidden depot their netting another +100 warchest points for the Mercs. Although shots are trade on both sides, the Vulture is the only unit that continues to feel the pain suffering even more crits to it's weakened legs. Numerous attempts for it to stand in the movement phase failed.
Turn 9
The WOB win initiative again but there are few options. Attempting to divert fire from the fleeing Raijin the Tempest moves to engage the Marauder and Bombardier. The Mercury II attempts to chase down the Raijin and maybe score a lucky strike but fails to do so. The Tempest serves it's purpose taking heavy fire from the Marauder, Bombardier and Rifleman suffering numerous crits culminating in severe engine damage that ultimatley kills it.
With only one Merc unit in forced withdrawal another +100 warchest points were gained. Coupled with the previous objectives and playing with the weather option the Mercs walked away with 375 warchest points. A badly needed bonus that just might get theme through another battle or two.
Stay tuned for more.