New Campaign - Battle for Poznan - Online and In-Person Tabletop

[Mendrugo]

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.

[Paul]

I really like this premise, and hope I'll be able to play!

You plotting to post the cool fortification rules too?

[Mendrugo]

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)

[Tinyozora]

For the in-person portion, we're still working on a final location but it will be in the Northern Virginia area.

[Mendrugo]

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%

[Mendrugo]

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.

[Paul]

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.

[Mendrugo]

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. 

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.)

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.

[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.

[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.

[Paul]

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Mendrugo]

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.

[Paul]

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.

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.

[Mendrugo]

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.

[Paul]

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?

[Mendrugo]

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)

[Mendrugo]

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%

[Mendrugo]

The same map, but with the initial CCAF deployment (units are stacked - only the lead element will be visible in each stack)

[Mendrugo]

And, the updated spreadsheet (corrected some errors - missing cities, unnamed firebases, etc.)

[Mendrugo]

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.

[Paul]

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.

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.

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.

[Mendrugo]

I have updated the map based on your movement orders.  This is not finalized until midnight on Monday.

[Paul]

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)

[Mendrugo]

Brain fart on my part.  I moved your tanks to Xilinhot instead of Zhalantun. Correcting.

[Mendrugo]

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.

[Paul]

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

[Tinyozora]

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]

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.

[Paul]

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.

[Mendrugo]

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.

[Tinyozora]

wow, what's the chance on mechanical issues with the scorpions?  :o

[Mendrugo]

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.

[Frabby]

I somehow managed to completely miss this campaign until now. Looks like I have some reading to do; I'm definitely interested in the online part!

[Paul]

Solid first set of stuff! This is fun so far!

For future reference: provided it's possible in a situation, could an estimate of the hostile force strength be given? For example, I imagine the Fundao event, we wouldn't really have anything in the way of numbers. Genhe, I would presume the local infantry unit would have an estimate of some sort (even if flawed). The below orders presume that the opposing forces are relatively small, I wouldn't mind a chance to amend orders if this assumption is flawed.
IE if Genhe is like a few hundred Hermanos vs a few hundred Protectorate, I'd likely switch the order to something a lot less adventurous.


OOC: This is looking like quite the situation: a lot of paramilitary activity. Choosing sides seems necessary. Probably was inevitable anyway; 90% is pretty much a done deal. Especially when the 10% is split 3 ways.
Still, we may be able to deal with the Poles at least.

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

Launch Guardians from Firebase Elvas against GDG targets. Orders of fighters are to observe the following priorities:
1. 100% return rate of Guardians; do not engage or continue engagement if opposition presents credible and imminent means of downing Guardians.
2. Fire SRMs or drop bombs only when pilot has 100% confidence in 0 collateral damage. This has the highest priority, even if it means no bombs are dropped, or no SRMs are fired.
3. Loiter above the engagement and gather intel even if it's impossible to attack due to directive #2. We need to get a clearer picture of what this is about.

Launch Guardians from Firebase Trujillo on Zaragosa towards Elvas as well. Issue similar orders, with the understanding their fuel will permit almost no loiter time.

Attempt to get infantry from Firebase Candra in visual range of fight. (Probably impossible given how movement seems to work). Intent is to observe from range, not get involved. Establish communications with Guardians and assist with target selection.

TO DO: Have Mask contact the Protectorate, and have the Protectorate provide intel on GDG activities. We are interested in destroying the GDG and would prefer to do the heavy lifting there.

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?

Have Guardians from Firebase Tianchang deploy, and await commands/targets from Jump Infantry Company. Load Frag SRMs if possible to swap ammo; standard loadout should be normal SRMs.

Jump Infantry should attempt to place the Hermanos between themselves and the Protectorate. (160 degrees, since 180 degrees increases odds of 'friendly' fire)
Have Jump Infantry issue ultimatum to *both* sides when Guardians are in strike range:
- Disengage immediately
- The Poznan Militia places you under arrest. Toss your weapons and lay on the ground.
- You have 10 seconds to comply

Communicate to infantry that the assumption is neither side will comply.
If both sides, or the Hermanos don't comply, call in Guardians on the Hermanos position. Bombing run. Guardians to loiter for additional SRM attacks called in by infantry. Infantry to attack the Hermanos if they do not surrender. Prisoners preferred, safety of troopers is higher priority still.

Protectorate is not a priority at this time. If they attempt to leave, let them. If they attempt to comply with surrender order, shield them from the Hermanos. Your actions should make your priorities obvious, so friendly fire from the Protectorate should be minimal and cease quickly. If they are stupid and attempt to pose a threat to your unit, disengage and let the Protectorate deal with the Hermanos without your support. Observe conflict, and mop up whatever side seems to have won, if possible.

If the Protectorate is adamant about attacking your unit, you are to defeat them if this seems possible.

Avoid overextending. Do not attack if opposition appears superior to your Company.


TODO: Contact the Protectorate depending on how the above goes.

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

Dispatch Guardians from Firebase Husar (Boleslaw) to engage GDG. Copy orders from the Guardians going against the GDG in Elvas. Key is avoiding collateral damage, even if that means they end up just flying over.
As with Elvas, see if an infantry platoon from Firebase Candra can get eyes on the conflict to assist in target selection.

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

Communicate. Request their intentions. Ask them if they want to share security concerns.
If they communicate, maintain friendly stance. [Hopefully there will be a follow up in such an instance.]
If they are uncooperative but unaggressive, leave them be and withdraw.
If they get belligerent, engage if you have a clear and overwhelming advantage. Withdraw otherwise.
Explain to on-site commander that conflict with the Hussars is not desirable, cooperation is preferred, but that we are not interested in having our authority challenged. We are even less interested in losing troops, Scorpions and Silverfins in a futile battle.

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

Have Guardians from Firebase Lorca respond, with orders similar to those issued against Guardians tasked with going against the GDG without ground troops. Engage Hermanos when you have clear targets, not dropping bombs or SRMs is fine if no targets present.
In the event that either no opportunity exists at Ulanqab, or in the event that ammo remains, communicate with commander at Yakeshi and Genhe, and assist there per the orders for that battle.
 

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?

Orders similar to Genhe, BUT:
- Assumption is that Scorpions are not going to be very effective without infantry support.
- If true, Scorpions should not rely on the Protectorate to act as infantry support.

As such, the stance cannot be as aggressive as it is in Genhe. Scorpions will likely have to hold back and then attempt to arrest or destroy the survivors if they're Hermanos, or attempt to arrest or let flee if they're Protectorate.
If I'm wrong, (IE, if the effective fighting strength on both sides is, say, about a platoon each) the Scorpions can follow the battle plan of Genhe.

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.

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

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

This seems a bit high, but let's see if it's just a weird collection of dice. No need to start changing stuff based on a single turn.

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. 

A lot depends on the numbers. Genhe is promising, even if it's infantry only with air support. Yakeshi probably won't be; either the Scorpions stomp an infantry platoon out of existence in a turn or two, or they don't get involved until the fight's basically over because of the disparity. Hard to judge without numbers.
Rzeszow shouldn't and hopefully won't become a fight. If it does, it'll be amusing to find a way for those Silverfins to do anything. =)


Paul

[Mendrugo]

The possible outcomes from the MANEUVER OPERATIONS are: 
- No Progress (no contact reported);
- Campaign Continues (Pretty much a duplicate of the No Progress result, for our purposes);
- Attrition (the most common result - a percentage of the units put into the field get reduced to "Salvage" quality due to wear and tear);
- Skirmish (small sub-elements of the two sides come into contact and fight);
- Battle (major elements of the two sides come into contact and fight);
- Decisive Engagement (major elements from one side come into contact with small sub-elements of the other side, setting up a beat-down or outright surrender)

Genhe: Hermanos have a company (four platoons) of motorized machine gun infantry (MGs in the sidecars);  Protectorate has a company of foot rifle infantry and a lance of Urban Enforcer IV armored vehicles (Capellan variant of the Cellco Ranger from Vehicle Annex)

Rzeszow: Winged Hussars have a foot rifle infantry company (four platoons)

Yakeshi: Hermanos have a company (four platoons) of motorized machine gun infantry (MGs in the sidecars);  Protectorate has a company of foot rifle infantry and a lance of Urban Enforcer IV armored vehicles (Capellan variant of the Cellco Ranger from Vehicle Annex)

[Mendrugo]

I somehow managed to completely miss this campaign until now. Looks like I have some reading to do; I'm definitely interested in the online part!

By all means, join in!  You're welcome to provide input on troop deployments and battle guidance.  I'll resolve conflicts based on consensus orders following each deadline.  The next deadline is Midnight Thursday (Eastern US Time)

[Paul]

The possible outcomes from the MANEUVER OPERATIONS are: 
- No Progress (no contact reported);
- Campaign Continues (Pretty much a duplicate of the No Progress result, for our purposes);
- Attrition (the most common result - a percentage of the units put into the field get reduced to "Salvage" quality due to wear and tear);
- Skirmish (small sub-elements of the two sides come into contact and fight);
- Battle (major elements of the two sides come into contact and fight);
- Decisive Engagement (major elements from one side come into contact with small sub-elements of the other side, setting up a beat-down or outright surrender)

This feels wrong, but I see no point in whining this early. Let's play a few more turns, and if I still feel like it's off, I'll bring it up again.

Genhe: Hermanos have a company (four platoons) of motorized machine gun infantry (MGs in the sidecars);  Protectorate has a company of foot rifle infantry and a lance of Urban Enforcer IV armored vehicles (Capellan variant of the Cellco Ranger from Vehicle Annex)

Dang. We need to hassle the Mask: seems like the Protectorate has the intel needed to engage with a large formation of the enemy, but we do not.
Orders remain unchanged, but infantry is cautioned that this fight is a lot more even than we want. They have permission to maneuver as indicated, but can hold off issuing the ultimatum until both sides have degraded each other a bit.

Rzeszow: Winged Hussars have a foot rifle infantry company (four platoons)

Clearly, we need to start sending Scorpions out with Flechette ammo.
Orders remain unchanged, but without Flechette ammo, this isn't in our favor. My assumption is that the Poles may be willing to deal, but if they start making excessive threats, the Scorpions are free to shell the Poles with ACs until their ammo runs out, then return to base. Or finish them off with MGs if the ACs degraded them sufficiently.
In BT terms, they have 1 MP, we have 4/6. Move to 6 hexes, shell for a couple of turns, then back up to 6 again. Closest they ever get is 4 hexes, so they never get a shot off. This sounds like an auto-win, except the AC ammo will run out before they die. But maybe enough casualties will be made that the MGs can finish the job without major casualties.
Not really worth playing out in game, seems boring.
But again, the hope is that we don't have to fight 3 insurgent groups, and that we can find sufficient common ground with the Hussars to at least get through the next several months or more.

Yakeshi: Hermanos have a company (four platoons) of motorized machine gun infantry (MGs in the sidecars);  Protectorate has a company of foot rifle infantry and a lance of Urban Enforcer IV armored vehicles (Capellan variant of the Cellco Ranger from Vehicle Annex)

Orders don't really change. Potshot the Hermanos beyond their effective range (So 4 hexes and above in TW), command apologizes for not sending you out with frag ammo. Don't go in to MG range unless the enemy has been degraded. Try to take some prisoners. If the GDG and Hermanos (and Hussars!) are getting offworld support, we may need the Protectorate despite their supremacist tendencies, so that extensive spiel about how to deal with them continues to apply.

Paul

[Paul]

Game wise, Genhe seems worthwhile. The other Scorpion fights don't seem interesting, but could be done at roughly the same time because they're so lightweight.
Still, if all of this gets RPed out, that's fine too. Playing it out grants greater control over the finesse portion about favoring the Protectorate. Especially with regards to mitigating the risk of airstrikes.

[Mendrugo]

Game wise, Genhe seems worthwhile. The other Scorpion fights don't seem interesting, but could be done at roughly the same time because they're so lightweight.
Still, if all of this gets RPed out, that's fine too. Playing it out grants greater control over the finesse portion about favoring the Protectorate. Especially with regards to mitigating the risk of airstrikes.

They are all small fights - perhaps we could tack Genhe onto the end of your campaign event this Saturday.  I have the minis, record sheets, and terrain.

[Paul]

They are all small fights - perhaps we could tack Genhe onto the end of your campaign event this Saturday.  I have the minis, record sheets, and terrain.

Not impossible, but I can't guarantee there will be time. I have to leave pretty much around 6pm.

[Mendrugo]

This feels wrong, but I see no point in whining this early. Let's play a few more turns, and if I still feel like it's off, I'll bring it up again.

If we were strictly adhering to the Quick Campaign Resolution structure, you'd roll on the table until you got a Skirmish, Battle, Decisive Engagement, or Campaign Continues result.  "No Progress" is treated like "roll again" and "Attrition" weakens your side due to mechanical failures, and then you keep rolling.  A bad series of rolls could see the majority of your force laid out in the repair bay by the time a combat result comes up.  I've chosen to treat "Attrition" as a "downgrade a unit for maintenance and stop rolling" result.

Dang. We need to hassle the Mask: seems like the Protectorate has the intel needed to engage with a large formation of the enemy, but we do not.

In these cases, the local Protectorate forces were alerted to the Hermanos by their raids on the Chinese cities.  No Mask reports are needed to follow the plume of smoke on the horizon.

[Paul]

If we were strictly adhering to the Quick Campaign Resolution structure, you'd roll on the table until you got a Skirmish, Battle, Decisive Engagement, or Campaign Continues result.  "No Progress" is treated like "roll again" and "Attrition" weakens your side due to mechanical failures, and then you keep rolling.  A bad series of rolls could see the majority of your force laid out in the repair bay by the time a combat result comes up.  I've chosen to treat "Attrition" as a "downgrade a unit for maintenance and stop rolling" result.

That definitely makes a bad thing less bad.
I'm inclined to think those rules mean to reflect a long period of maneuvers, not the little stints we do, so the incidence of attrition should be lower still.
That said, I do think it makes sense to table this until we've got a couple of turns in.

In these cases, the local Protectorate forces were alerted to the Hermanos by their raids on the Chinese cities.  No Mask reports are needed to follow the plume of smoke on the horizon.

That makes a lot of sense, but I like embarrasing the Mask. ;)


Time-wise, there's been a few changes. I've got a lot more availability.
We could:
- Arrive early and knock it out
- Stay after the main game is done, and play it out
- Return after dinner with the group, Store closes at 9pm, so as long as we get back by 8pm, that could be useful.

Which has your preference? Mine leans towards the first, and maybe showing up at 10:30 or 11?

[Mendrugo]

The Merc Handbook quick campaign resolution system assumes each round is a month, while I'm running this on a week-long basis. 

Looking more closely (it's explained in the air superiority section, not the ground-war section, which is why I missed it earlier), the Attrition result is explained as the result of isolated encounters between actively hostile forces along the established battle lines.

That being the case, I'll re-roll "Attrition" results for units that aren't co-located with declared hostiles.  Consider your patrolling Scorpions in full working order.

I'm game for this to be the warm-up act.  I'll plan to be at the store by 10:30 with everything necessary in hand.

[Paul]

That being the case, I'll re-roll "Attrition" results for units that aren't co-located with declared hostiles.  Consider your patrolling Scorpions in full working order.

Good solution. If you want to adjust it again later, I'm not automatically opposed to it. The notion of attrition makes a lot of sense, and I'm not expecting immunity.

I'm game for this to be the warm-up act.  I'll plan to be at the store by 10:30 with everything necessary in hand.

Cool. I think Genhe should be the focus, but the Yakeshi fight may be worth a look as well, from a 'kingmaker' perspective.
And I assume I can't retcon the Scorpions to all have Flechette ammo? It'll become SOP subsequent to this turn, until the enemy demonstrates heavily armored enemies. But I realize it's not an idea I had initially (despite that being possible, given the intel you gave us) so I don't consider myself entitled.

Paul

[Mendrugo]

I'll bring enough minis and record sheets for all three potential fights.

Since they didn't know the composition of the OpFor, standard loads make the most sense.  That being said, remember the Scorpions come standard with a Machine Gun, so you do have anti-personnel options.

[Paul]

I'll bring enough minis and record sheets for all three potential fights.

Cool!

Since they didn't know the composition of the OpFor, standard loads make the most sense. 

Fair.

That being said, remember the Scorpions come standard with a Machine Gun, so you do have anti-personnel options.

Yeah, but the downside of that is getting in to their range to use the MG.
Now, if it was like 1 platoon, I'd move all 4 scorpions in and hose, since a single salvo from all 4 will likely waste the infantry. A single salvo from 1 platoon isn't likely to kill a Scorpion.

But 4 platoons can waste a Scorpion if we rush in. Best to shell at range until it stops being funny. 1 kill per shot, maybe 2 if we get em in the open. The Protectorate forces will have to do a lot of killing.
The MGs might get used as mopup.

Flechette ammo, the guns still do 2 damage against armored targets, but 5 against infantry. Noice.

Paul

[Mendrugo]

One other factor for you to consider - the battlefields in Genhe and Yakeshi are "Dense Urban". 

I'll be using the Marvel Superhero city maps (seen here: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=59139.0).  Initial deployment for Genhe is with the Hermanos holed up inside a bank (they got caught robbing it), and the Protectorate forming a perimeter in the surrounding blocks. 

[Paul]

That's starting to look pretty interesting! Looking forward to that.

Questions I'll likely ask (but that I don't mind if you resolve Saturday)
- Do we know the Bank's CF? Failing that, do we know the building class (Light, medium, etc)?
- Are the protectorate forces communicating with us?

[Mendrugo]

That's starting to look pretty interesting! Looking forward to that.

Questions I'll likely ask (but that I don't mind if you resolve Saturday)
- Do we know the Bank's CF? Failing that, do we know the building class (Light, medium, etc)?
- Are the protectorate forces communicating with us?

It's a Heavy building, with a Hardened vault area.  The Protectorate forces welcome your arrival and request help resolving the standoff.

[Paul]

It's a Heavy building, with a Hardened vault area.  The Protectorate forces welcome your arrival and request help resolving the standoff.

This is going well.
Extend appreciation of the locals doing their part to counteract brazen banditry. We are indeed here to resolve the issue. Request that we develop a joint plan of resolution.

More questions:
- Do we know if the Hermanos have hostages?
- The bank in question, is it a major brance, or a minor one?

[Mendrugo]

Depending on which map I end up using, the bank building is either 3 or 6 stories high.  There may indeed be hostages, but I the situation is evolving, and the Protectorate haven't gotten anyone inside to negotiate.

For the Yakeshi fight, the situation is reversed.  The Hermanos brought some field guns (towed behind the bikes) and are besieging a police station, with Protectorate troops holed up inside.

[Paul]

Depending on which map I end up using, the bank building is either 3 or 6 stories high.  There may indeed be hostages, but I the situation is evolving, and the Protectorate haven't gotten anyone inside to negotiate.

K, solid starting point.

For the Yakeshi fight, the situation is reversed.  The Hermanos brought some field guns (towed behind the bikes) and are besieging a police station, with Protectorate troops holed up inside.

Do we know if they just brought like 2 or 3 in 1 platoon, or did all platoons bring those guns? Might be hard for the Scorpions to fight that. Good thign we have some airstrikes coming in.

Paul

[Mendrugo]

Do we know if they just brought like 2 or 3 in 1 platoon, or did all platoons bring those guns? Might be hard for the Scorpions to fight that. Good thign we have some airstrikes coming in.

Paul

1 per platoon.  4 total.  They are still bandits, equipment wise, not an RCT.

[Paul]

1 per platoon.  4 total.  They are still bandits, equipment wise, not an RCT.

Relieved to hear it. That fight may prove tricky, but do-able. I've got plots.

[Mendrugo]

One slight modification to the Yakeshi fight - instead of Urban Enforcer IVs, there'll be a lance of GS-54 Guard SecurityMechs trying to relieve the siege.  (Just for variety, rather than having UE4s at both fights)

Urban Enforcer IV:  17 tons, 3/5, 2.5 tons of BAR 8 armor, 1 MG in a turret, 1-ton infantry compartment, fore and aft grenade launchers

GS-54 Guard: 15 tons, 5/8, Head and CT-mounted Machine Guns, Utility internal structure, fairly thin BAR-8 armor.  (Can take a Medium Laser or AC/5 to the CT or Head and keep going, but such a hit will penetrate anywhere else).

[Paul]

The Genhe and Yakeshi fights were completed!

Solid chunk of fun, the maps really worked out well! The Guards are hilarious, but boy are they aching for just a shred more armor. They were plenty to save the besieged police in Yakeshi though. The Scorpions barely made it there to help, though the bombing run by the Guardians was very helpful.

Found out I made two errors though:
- Bombs are 10 damage each. Whoops. Wouldn't have drastically changed things, since 6 still hit.
- Frag missiles do full damage, as opposed to the damage reduction they otherwise cause. So, each Frag SRM would have killed 4 guys in the open, not 8. Fortunately, this error's effect only really came up the 1 time they hit...

At Genhe, the combined police and militia force hounded the Hermanos as they fled, darting around. Ultimately, they were brought down, though not before wrecking one Urban Enforcer, and damaging two others. Some militia troopers were also wounded or killed. Hopefully some the doctors back at base are able to save some of them, they continue to be a wildly critical asset to the Militia.


State news agencies to pin the damage in those two cities squarely on the Hermanos, make sure to have footage of them shelling a police station. Include the number of Hermanos that were killed, and the number that will be going to trial for their crimes.


I forgot to ask about the GDg vs Protectorate fights: were our Guardians able to help, or did they have to waive off due to presence of credible AA assets, or inability to determine targets with no collateral damage risk?


Near term SOP changes:
- All Scorpions to deploy with Flechette ammo moving forward. 5 damage against infantry, 2 damage against armored targets and building, 10 damage against Woods.
- All Guardians to deploy with Fragmentation SRMs moving forward. 2 damage/missile against infantry, 0 damage against armored and buildings, 4 damage/missile against Woods.

While we will face armored opponents in due time, we will likely face a larger amount of infantry enemies near term.

- Entire Poznan militia to be informed about the following changes in posture:
* Protectorate Guard: our goals are largely aligned. Treat as friendly Civilians; maintain OpSec, but do not needlessly expend their lives when the tactical situation permits.
* Hussars: Possibility of cooperation exists, but is not yet a fact.
* Hermanos: This organization is an enemy to the State. Capture or kill.
* GDG: This organization is an enemy to the State. Capture or kill.

Refraktor: We need to create alternatives to the Hermanos and GDG in those populations, either by propping up an existing organization to act as the representatives of those people, or by creating one from whole cloth. That done, we need to cooperate with the Protectorate to have those new organizations succeed. Success should be possible without being detrimental to the Chinese population.
Hopefully the interrogations will bear fruit on the Hermanos.

[Paul]

Procurement question:

What would it take to purchase a lance of Heavy APCs for each Firebase? The ability to be able to deploy one company from each seems invaluable. Job 1 remains manning the fortifications, but even with 1 company mobile, we're in great shape at most locations.

We'd ideally want the Heavy Tracked APC: fast enough, and able to conquer a lot more terrain. At 130,600 C-bills each, a lance would cost 522,400 cbills. Equipping 12 Firebases and the Starport would come to 6,791,200. A lofty goal, but hopefully we can start picking at it. Just getting it at 6 firebases would be a huge boost. (3,134,400)


What are you thinking about with regards to the next session?

[Mendrugo]

Purchase a heavy APC from where?  They aren't manufactured locally, and the CCAF procurement office takes months to approve toilet paper requisitions, let along new tanks. 

(The campaign is intended to be an exercise in muddling through with - and conserving - what you've got - you want more equipment, get real friendly with one of the ethnic factions and beg for them to loan some gear.  Urban Enforcer IVs would fit your needs, having a squad-sized infantry compartment, but you'd need to provide some hefty security assurances to get the Protectorate to give up their APCs.)

I'll need to do some rolls on the tables to resolve the GDG and Protectorate fights where you just supplied air support, make some map icons for the Protectorate units, and post the updated status maps and spreadsheet, along with a new Mask SitRep and some local news reports summarizing the events of the previous turn.  Hope to have all that out by next weekend, and then we'll do another online strategic turn.

[Paul]

Purchase a heavy APC from where?  They aren't manufactured locally, and the CCAF procurement office takes months to approve toilet paper requisitions, let along new tanks. 

(The campaign is intended to be an exercise in muddling through with - and conserving - what you've got - you want more equipment, get real friendly with one of the ethnic factions and beg for them to loan some gear.  Urban Enforcer IVs would fit your needs, having a squad-sized infantry compartment, but you'd need to provide some hefty security assurances to get the Protectorate to give up their APCs.)

Cool, thought I'd bump in to either 3 year delays or budgetary problems or both.

Agree that the UEiv would work, though we'd need 12 of em to move a company of infantry. Still, might be worth starting the conversation; see what it'd take. If they can articulate what they want for it, we can tell them if we can make that happen or not.

I'll need to do some rolls on the tables to resolve the GDG and Protectorate fights where you just supplied air support, make some map icons for the Protectorate units, and post the updated status maps and spreadsheet, along with a new Mask SitRep and some local news reports summarizing the events of the previous turn.  Hope to have all that out by next weekend, and then we'll do another online strategic turn.

Solid, looking forward to it.

[Paul]

Le bump