Battlegroup 6 - Spearhead: Comms

[loud schooner]

Hey fellas

So it seems we are leaning on getting the transports and landing somewhere not in Elim

I will say that while it gets our forces out of the congestion it leaves us unsupported and having to split our already limited force to protect our near or completely defenseless transport.

That’s if we can convince them to stay instead of dusting off immediately

Which if they did would leave us no avenue of escape

[sterile hollow]

If we can pick up the extra transports. We're coming through a contested gate, and the bots may have Field Nav 1 by the time we get through meaning orbitals are either falling back to the mining station or pushing on to Elim to try to get reinforcements to hold the starport

[old palm]

I feel like if we land near Elim we could co-ordinate with another BG and pinch the bot line making an opting for us, not to mention we have a fair bit of survivability in our group

[forest trench]

Map update

[loud schooner]

If we can get another BG to land with us outside of Elim city I think it would relieve some of the concerns I have and further cut down on the space port congestion

Do we know where Rabbit is landing?

[sinful light]

Dunno

But yeah

If we can get someone else with us, we can rapidly move to secure the city and try to hold for others

[loud schooner]

Which city?

[sinful light]

We are landing i. Elim right?

[true hill]

Flip a coin

[loud schooner]

Everyone is landing Elim or at least most of our forces are landing Elim so we will have support landing there. I mean if we land somewhere else having support will do the above

[true hill]

Depending on the time of the convo we slide with everyone and clog the city or Baghdad rushing the south mine

[loud schooner]

Cell’dar mine seems a bit too ambitious

[true hill]

Somebody has to do it

[loud schooner]

We land in shit creek we will have to fight our way through a whole other city

[loud schooner]

Not really, not alone

[true hill]

Whoever said alone?

[loud schooner]

It would be alone

[true hill]

We are seeing if Rabbit wants to join us

[magic berry]

https://tenor.com/view/you-dont-turn-your-back-on-family-you-cant-walk-away-from-family-you-cant-leave-family-behind-you-cant-ignore-family-you-cant-disregard-family-gif-16058425

With the ARMCO Family, you're never truly alone

[civic jackal]

Any one knows how long we got till battle start?

[loud schooner]

Let’s see if it happens but still a tad bit ambitious. Doable though

Or at least we hope so

[true hill]

Sunday

6 days

[civic jackal]

Nice

[true hill]

Rn everybody is feeling out each others plans

We were the only BG asking for the mining transports, but Shack hasn’t gotten back on how they work with deploying forces

[loud schooner]

Awesome

[magic berry]

Once we get the information, it'll either be Delta Force: Spearhead or Grand Theft Mining Transport

[sinful light]

Soon as we land without cover

https://tenor.com/view/jo-jos-bizarre-adventure-run-jojo-jjba-bye-gif-17212465

[true hill]

The transport is the cover

Or the mechs just get insanely lucky with evades while everybody else unloads

[sinful light]

I dunno if we wanna risk damaging those

Hey

Think the bots would fall for a fake surrender

[magic berry]

@sinful light Did you take lesson's from General Skywalker?

[sinful light]

Look

Far as we know

They got no alliances

[true hill]

Tbh we should do anything but join the bottle neck at the spaceport, probably could use the landers outside of the city and flank into the city center if we have to hop into that bottleneck

[sinful light]

And I dont know how the rules of war applies in space/to robots

[loud schooner]

There is a Geneva convention equivalent but I doubt the bots give a damn

With the kidnapping civvies and all

[chrome dagger]

We should probably expect that the autonomous force harvesting civilians probably doesn't care if we throw a white flag up, fake or otherwise

[true hill]

I also think people are overestimating the initial drop

[opaque kayak]

I thought we were hot dropping off of hats?

At least, dats what @vestal oracle was planning with me and @halcyon skiff

[loud schooner]

Hot dropping is a strong term. Seeing as it’s only a 3rd of our force and dropping you on an enemy held position would see the five poor teams likely slaughtered

Right now it’s mostly for transportation

[true hill]

Do we have enough HATs?

[loud schooner]

No

Singular

[true hill]

That’s what I figured

Unless we poach some that’s not feasible

[loud schooner]

Take a look at the google sheet

[loud schooner]

Not happening at this point and would be counter productive

[true hill]

Indeed

Would mess up our assignments anyway

[sinful light]

Look I just wanna make sure we get fully paid

[true hill]

4 rec is plenty to rebuy the unit

[chrome dagger]

Shooting tends to solve that problem

[sinful light]

No I just dont want the Federation to cut our pay for "wartime violations"

[true hill]

Just don’t shoot civies

[chrome dagger]

Okay, I feel like I'm missing the point you were initially trying to make, I was responding to the 'would the bots fall for a fake surrender' part

[loud schooner]

Same

Blockade, the current consensus is to use the civilian transports to avoid the port congestion but to still land within Elim yes?

[chrome dagger]

There's a poll currently running to determine this, but I believe that is the plan that's leading said poll

[loud schooner]

Cool beans

Awesome, we are looking good I think

[golden falcon]

Jeez, that intel is bleak. It looks like this is just a few degrees off of the worst case scenario.

[chrome dagger]

Oh I misread that, so the poll only says to grab the transports, we can discuss where we land after that. We were talking about possibly hitting Cell'dar mine but that's dependent on orbital conditions and is pretty risky, so I think a clarifying vote would be good

[true hill]

Personally I don’t think we should fight in the city as more of a qrf because they’ll get bogged down quickly building defenses and whatnot

Earlier we suggested the mine to lighten and expand the initial front

[vestal oracle]

So apparently as the only remaining HAT I noticed my occupants got changed up. Any particular reason why?

[magic berry]

Unless we land in the city and Thunder Run toward the Mine

Or Vice Versa.

[chrome dagger]

You've been our only HAT for a while, I'm not sure who you were carrying before but I was under the impression that what's in the transport assignments tab was what was agreed upon by everyone else

Our logi truck was the only one I adjusted due to losing an IFV

[halcyon skiff]

yooo, can ppl not kick me outta my hat??

[opaque kayak]

Uriel (pantheon) was in there, isn’t now

[chrome dagger]

Uriel is on there, he's the first one listed

[opaque kayak]

Odd… colds sworn he wasn’t

[vestal oracle]

Lmao

[halcyon skiff]

im confused?? 😭

[vestal oracle]

Sounds like we are all illiterate

[halcyon skiff]

yall cant drag me from dawn of war and make me worry like this bro 😭

[opaque kayak]

I might just be blind, mb

[chrome dagger]

Okay, hold on for a second lol...is anyone actually in the wrong position? BG Roster can't be edited by anyone but me so that's what I'm rolling with once the sign up period ends, if anyone adjusts you out of a slot in the other tab, please let me know

[halcyon skiff]

yall got me getting overrun by orks now 😭

necrons did not make it 😢

[vestal oracle]

Nope it's all good you can yell at me I misread and thought someone made a change to the plan and got salty over nothing 😅

[opaque kayak]

(my dyslexia made me just fckn skip over an entire column)

[halcyon skiff]

i was just following with what i was messaged lmao didnt even open the doc yet

[chrome dagger]

Geez, okay 😅 had me worried someone wasn't happy with their accommodations, all good then

[vestal oracle]

Giving out poor TAC a heart attack before it even begins

[chrome dagger]

Oh I had a few already after reviewing this mornings intel

[vestal oracle]

It's gonna be fuuuuuuun

[opaque kayak]

It will be

[quasi crest]

Looking forward to blasting scrap, and bringing passengers into the very jaws of certain death.

[civic jackal]

I can't wait to only be in combat for 2 turns before I'm blasted into nothing

[forest trench]

Two?! We gotta an optimist ovah 'ere!

[civic jackal]

Well some one has to die first and I would rather it be my unit then one of the units with upgrades

[quasi crest]

I'm not too worried, myself. If the mission overall is a win, I'll have enough to rebuild my amphibious IFV with a full length gun to boot. A real wetland skirmisher

[sinful light]

Honestly it was kind of a joke

Hmmm

The missile strike, wonder where it was fired from

[chrome dagger]

Gotcha, was a little worried due to the war crime nature of it...nevermind then

[sinful light]

Yeah no it was mainly a joke

Also call me paranoid but I dont think they'd accept a surrender

[loud schooner]

Oki doki, on the vote

[slate nymph]

Well fuck me, looks like we've got a helluva fight and paycheck awaiting us huh?

[chrome dagger]

Good morning Spearhead, just a reminder that there's a poll currently running as to what our initial deployment plan will look like please vote here if you haven't already #1382048208192274462 message

I should amend that it's not yet confirmed that the ships are ours to take, and should we get to claim them I will be running another poll to confirm our drop location

[old palm]

Have we asked for them yet?

[chrome dagger]

We have, yes. Initially we were the only ones who wanted them but Rabbit was considering them too last I heard

[old palm]

Rabbit is like our rival at this point, same build want the same support

The vegeta to our goku

[chrome dagger]

Well actually, the math works out that we can both take the transports if our HAT, VTOL, and fighters fly alongside. Not a plan without risks, of course, but that's another option at least

[gritty spruce]

Indeed

I'd actually go for it alongside them

If we really are set on trying to use the transports

[proper coral]

Just let Storm go first to uh “probe” for AA that scouting may have missed😝

[chrome dagger]

Yeah, the whole 'blind drop' aspect is looking less and less appealing...

[proper coral]

Can’t say I would risk it tbh

[chrome dagger]

Though looking at it...Victorum has the scanning capabilities necessary to make it a...less blind drop

I'll let the poll go through before I keep speculating though

[loud schooner]

In the Lussan Op we went in for a blind drop, Lost 17 players in a single turn.

[chrome dagger]

I was on Titan, I'm not saying I love the blind drop plan

[loud schooner]

Same

[proper coral]

We’ve done that too many times already💀

[loud schooner]

yuppers

[chrome dagger]

We can always take the ships somewhere else

[loud schooner]

It has its benefits if the whole ARMCO force is doing it but as a BG its not. Its like playing Russian roulette on all of us dyng in a snap.

and there is likely 3 in the chamber since we are fighting bots, not some pirates or some relatively poorly equipped dictator

[old palm]

To be fair when I watched the titan campaign recap the reason they lost so many was because of where the landing ships were placed if we properly screen the drop ships with fighters/vtols on all sides won’t they be shot at first and won’t they be much better at dodging the shots?

[chrome dagger]

The issue is that we didn't know the quantity and location of enemy AA assets...which is the same issue we currently have

[gritty spruce]

Honestly, with so few stealth units, low intel is our destiny

[loud schooner]

It would tell us that there is AA but not exactly where so it would be difficult to avoid them. We'd be running the risk of losing valuable combat craft for little intel. Good thinking though

[gritty spruce]

To be entirely fair

[loud schooner]

Which is why its a bad idea to "Hot drop" and do our own intel gathering by slowly probing forward from secured ground

[gritty spruce]

The op knew they were dropping right on top of a military installation
They could have predicted how it went

Here we don't have even that

[gritty spruce]

But it is fun

[forest trench]

When in low orbit, Orbitals become the exclusive target of every ground based gun within range . I'm not sure how the body blocking plan would work

[loud schooner]

Its fun till half of you all die turn one and all this planning and prepping goes to waste

[old palm]

Although I can’t imagine a mine has much AA

[gritty spruce]

Depends what the bots are doing there

If it's important to them, it will

Especially since 2 of the connections to it are air only

[loud schooner]

we simply won't for the aformentioned lack of intel

[forest trench]

Also, every weapon with a range 2 or more can hit orbitals, not just AA

HMGs, tank cannons, HOTEL missles, etc.

[old palm]

Just to play devils advocate titan was attacking a countries home base this seems like the only AA they’d have is guns on trucks of the similar it isn’t like the bots have been here long right? I doubt long enough to build proper AA

[loud schooner]

possibly, possibly not. Either way, a few AA trucks or a few AA tanks will ruin our day

[proper coral]

We had a strategic missile come into the city from the east

Idk about you but I’m not fucking around with that in a VTOL

[civic jackal]

Pop up AA tent/j

[forest trench]

They could have brought some in through the gate, but we don't know if they expected a fleet to turn up so soon. Their inital plan might have been a hit and run. Steal as many Fuzzies as possible and then be gone by the time the feds get there. So they wouldn't be packing that much heat. On the otherhand, if they plan on holding the world, or aren't but just wanted to prepar for the worst, they might have brought a lot of guns through

[loud schooner]

Honestly that is a possibility. Remember those towable AA pieces on titan

[civic jackal]

I was not there but I have heard the storys

[loud schooner]

Could of sworn there was a Rats

[civic jackal]

Not my rats I'm brand new to this game

[rustic zealot]

Well apparently there’s already a Saber…..

[loud schooner]

Cool beans

Well, the more rats the merrier

[loud schooner]

We lost an IFV?!

[chrome dagger]

Yeah, an old member of Hammer from last campaign, French re-made the BG for this op and he said he'd hop over if they got enough people

[loud schooner]

Right

[foggy whale]

Do y'all have rearming plans for your fighters?

[sinful light]

Uhhhh

[chrome dagger]

I think the initial plan was for an airfield to be built, but that would be difficult given the drop plan we were entertaining, so something to think about

[foggy whale]

Airfield is planned for Crossroads via Flying Shovels. So there is that, but the fighters have to stick with their BG. If y'all aren't in Crossroads anymore and there isn't a carrier in high orbit, the fighters would need y'all to fall back or they'd just remain empty.

(admittedly this is me drawing attention to one of the purposes of 212th. We do Logi and air support. Plan is to be making runs between Crossroads and the BGs pushing out from it.)

[fading edge]

hey blockade whos your backup TCO?

[chrome dagger]

Should be on the sheet, @peak anchor

[fading edge]

thanks!

[chrome dagger]

Just a reminder that there's 2 hours left on the poll for our starting plan #1382048208192274462 message

[sinful light]

Honestly, if we land with rabbit, our mechs could move up alongside theirs to hold up the bots

[rustic zealot]

Then have what 3 lances? I forgot how many they have

[old palm]

I think it would be 3 lances

Basically a galaxy at this point

[forest trench]

That was quite conclusive!

[chrome dagger]

If there's enough of a movement objecting to this, I'll hear it out, but otherwise we'll proceed with that as our plan

[forest trench]

I mean, only a little more then half voted, so there is a chance less than half want to go for the transports, but I doubt it.

18 yay, 6, nay, 24 nonresponses

[chrome dagger]

For sure, and due to time constraints going forward for order submission, those that abstain from voting are going to be left out, so those that want to have a say should vote when they can, I'll try and send out periodic reminders

[forest trench]

wait, no that was exactly 50% voter turnout!

Huh!

Better voter turnout than the midterms 😛

Wait. No... 18+6+24= 48... I did the math wrong... never mind

[brazen lark]

Are the Lumaran transports going in with a TF?

And when will we start receiving Intel? Not until after the first round?

[chrome dagger]

So...the transports were fleeing to the safety of the station, Shack said we need to get there to check out and then board the transports. Storm Blessed is trying to see if they can get there first and send them towards the gate for us, since they can move faster than we can, but that hasn't been confirmed.

[chrome dagger]

I'm not sure if you've checked out the midround events channel, but we did have some intel come in from an advance team of our special forces

[brazen lark]

thanks @chrome dagger

[slate nymph]

https://tenor.com/view/star-wars-clone-wars-gif-19805910

:>, but yeah, props to the spec ops for getting right into the mud for us

[forest trench]

is there anyway for us to do a small test game? Get us used to the new rules? Or is there a channel or doc where you can read the play by play of old games? I've only ever seen general overveiws.

[proper coral]

Unfortunately not. There were some small training campaigns before this back in like April but we won’t see any of those start again until after this big campaign is done. I would make sure your tac com is super clear on what is expected of you guys every turn and make sure you read through the rules well for everything relevant to your unit

[chrome dagger]

Alright everyone, two points of discussion. First and foremost, we have 7 orbitals with a total of 42 slots for units to deploy from at our disposal. Assuming we don't get any more recruits, we can all load up, or we can have our fighter escort fly alongside, though they'll only have one attack before needing to rearm. Most importantly, we need to decide where we're going to land. I think the three options on the table would be Elim, Cell'dar mine, or the crossroads. We could feasibly land at Hill mine too, but I know one or two BGs were thinking about heading in that direction already.

There's ups and downs to each option, Elim is the 'safest' drop point, Cell'dar is a great big unknown, and the crossroads seems to be the site of an enemy strong point, making rushing it...possibly not a good idea.

I'll let you guys run some ideas around before I set up the final list of our drop options, and if anything relevant passes through the TAC-COM chat, I'll forward that here as well

[opal bolt]

im reiterating my idea of cell'dar. i think there may be a likelihood of an enemy production center which could be a great spot to initially land and strike. since it's one of the 3 major resource centers on the map we should look at cutting them off. plus we would potentially be able to wrap around to zyial from the south and try to push around on the enemy's lines. throw their position off and take out any strongholds or convoys on our way to zyial and crossroads.

[forest trench]

I agree that cell'dar is an important spot to drop. However it is quite risky given all the unknowns. Until we get more info (including whether deploying there is even possible rules wise) Cell'dar is a deal breaker for me. I don't want to drop blind. Also, there are many civilians in Elim in need of help ASAP as well as possibly the spec ops team. If we can get to Elim a week sooner, we could do a lot of good. However, I am unsure how our unit composition would fair in urban combat since we are so vehicle heavy.

If it turns out that the freighters can only deploy a BG at the Elim spaceport, do you guys think a more infantry/arty heavy BG should take our place?

[sinful light]

The main issue about Cell'Dar is that we can't leave without going all the way around, and theres no guarantee of a air field for our fighters

Or if we need repairs

[golden falcon]

I agree with planetfall, if we’re the main ground assault we don’t want to die in the air. Better to land where we can spend our lives at a high cost to the enemy. We should land at Elim where its safest and move into danger spots in full force.

[sinful light]

Do we know how much faster we can land before the other BG?

[tall briar]

I agree with planetfall too since there's another mine adjacent to it

[chrome dagger]

Most likely we won’t be landing sooner, but we’ll be able to deploy at the same time and avoid the starport bottleneck

[rustic zealot]

Best together than separate

[forest trench]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waa2ucfgVgQ

[sinful light]

https://tenor.com/view/i-dont-tell-you-how-to-live-your-life-patrick-patrick-star-spongebob-sb-gif-5403156173125867913

[sterile hollow]

I vote landing at Elim, we could reinforce Spec Ops, or hunt down any AA in the city to help more forces land.

[true hill]

I disagree with Elim because with our speed we will watch forces bog down in the city by the time we get planetside. Seeing that atm it is just bot OBT forces we would be better off assisting in expanding the front

If we go Elim, we should go to the edges of the city instead of the spaceport

[chrome dagger]

Before I consider posting the poll, is there any location except Cell'dar mine and Elim that anyone wants to throw out?

[sterile hollow]

Elim is our choke point currently, if we can't secure the spaceport there is no expanding front.

[true hill]

How many other bgs are better equipped to bog down and defend?

[forest trench]

Hmmm. I guess C-Z and H-H?

[true hill]

Right now we are better off attacking instead of defending seeing as our forces are mainly offensive focused

[sinful light]

There is a issue that our fighters will have no way to rearm

[forest trench]

Though if someone can come up with reasons to land at those spots I'd ant to hear them

[loud schooner]

We don’t have to land at the star port just in Elim itself

From there we can decide to push to another city if we want

[forest trench]

Does the spaceport have a runway?

[true hill]

L-H is the only one I could see us getting support in capturing

[chrome dagger]

Not necessarily, no

[true hill]

Seeing as flying shovels are taking crossroads and that is a stepping stone from Elim

[chrome dagger]

I don't think we confirmed that but Shack mentioned that they're usually separate

[loud schooner]

If we land at Elim we are still attacking and expanding the front, we’d just be doing it as a whole and not piece meal and unsupported

[true hill]

My only concern with Elim is that if too many forces are committed for a small bot force we can lose momentum

It’s much harder to move once we hit the ground

[sterile hollow]

Can't have other BGs set up defenses while we expand the front if none of the others can make it to the surface. We can act as a mobile force in Elim to help the other BGs on the ground before resupplying and moving on to L-H or Hill Mine with DF

[loud schooner]

That applies no matter where we go. Landing outside of Elim imposes extra risk for what gain, I don’t know

[true hill]

Plus, with the mining ships being as slow as they are we will have way better intel then right now

Iirc we will be waiting 4-5 turns since we need to get the ships, load up and move toward the planet

We’ll have a way better idea then on ground conditions and where we can best help

So instead of going for the city we can set our sights deeper because we will arrive late

[sterile hollow]

I think Storm Blessed is trying to go ahead to try to get the mining transports to meet us at the gate

[loud schooner]

True that we will have more intel but until we do making the call to land somewhere else seems unwise. If further intel suggest otherwise then we should land elsewhere

[true hill]

Also, I think we are overestimating the initial bot force

Right now it seems to be scouts and interceptors, with the heavier forces off plant or in Ziyal

Later, they will get a lot more heavier equipment which makes progress much slower

[loud schooner]

Why do you think this?

[celest ferry]

*Note: Cell'Dar is easily cut off if you are not Airmobile. The nearest reinforcements by ground from ELIM are 5 Strategic Distance away. Expect to need to hold out for 5+ rounds.

[static spire]

Main problem im seeing with the Elim plan is the frigate sized ship dropping pods at Elim. If that ship has a gun they will defenetly be focusing on us before we can land around the city. While the celldar plan does have a bunch of unknowns I think that ship will be more dangerous to us. We should atleast have a plan to deal with that ship if we are landing.

[celest ferry]

Solution: BEES I mean VTOLs and TF2/3.

[static spire]

Swarming it is prob the best bet but we might be better off landing with the main force at Elim starport if we are gonna land there anyway

the ship might also just be a troop trantsport (haveing only drop pods and atmo fuel) but takeing that risk is not advisable

[loud schooner]

By the time we get to Elim TF1 will have stealth with the Enemy vessels or no BGs are landing there

Someone make sure I’m not wrong on that

[chrome dagger]

I don't know if Victorum has committed to a plan yet, but yes we will most probably have orbitals to deal with their orbitals

[static spire]

I thought TF 1 couldnt be in atmo because they had little to no fuel for it

myb tf 2 or 3 could do the job

[chrome dagger]

Yeah Victorum is composed of all non-low orbit ships. I don't recall, was that frigate in low orbit? If it's restricted by fuel too then it can't stay for long

[static spire]

Ah mb its sitting in high orbit. Then we can prob have some of the other taskforces atleast scare it away.

[true hill]

The mention of a hubship and cops still being able to fight makes this seem to me like a probing force

So they haven’t committed any of the heavy forces because they would have a much heavier and more obvious presence

[opal bolt]

Which may mean a reserve point is held up or on the way.

[loud schooner]

Convincing but what freelancer said

[true hill]

Most likely hunting the hill survivors if I had to throw down an idea

[opal bolt]

Probably where part of it is.

They may also be holding a post at crossroads with their main force. Or have a staging point to move waves upon waves of forces in

If they have dropships then this is likely the case

[true hill]

I reread the brief and like us they have only recently arrived to the system

All space assets got destroyed, but they’ve only recently made planet fall

[opal bolt]

Which means they've been blitzing this planet since they got here.

[true hill]

Nobody is dug in yet

And Elim only has light probing forces, if the bots were serious they wouldn’t be lollypopping obts everywhere

[opal bolt]

From what I recall in midround they have been blitzing this planet and the only known holdout we know of are damara, hill, and elim

[true hill]

Hill group fled before the bots

So we have no idea if it is a true blitz or just feeling out the planet

Space is under bot control but the ground is way more hazy in comparison

Missiles will be a problem though, even if they are just using light forces for the moment a missile swarm would be hard to maneuver around

[opal bolt]

Hill still had civs there according to the report from the lumarans

[true hill]

Indeed

From what I could tell it was a knee jerk reaction to just leave before the bombs started falling

Plus, no mention of they even have any equipment

[opal bolt]

Some civs got left deeper in hill mine

But hill isn't our focus if other folks are eyeing it up

[true hill]

Oh let’s leave hill to somebody else

No reason for us to protect soft targets like that for 6 turns

The lack of engineers would make that a nightmare

[opal bolt]

Cell'dar however, if not controlled by the bots, and if its true no fortified positions are established... nothing stops us from working around on them.

[true hill]

That’s my current thought

Do something stupid when nobody can react

Because then it is not stupid it is smart

[opal bolt]

Its got a perfect backdoor toward zyial and then offering a point to sweep around and cut off the bots at crossroads

[true hill]

Plus, flying shovels is trying to make a landing strip at crossroads

If they make it before or during our landing our fighters can resupply without too much hassle

[opal bolt]

We'd also potentially link up with the teams from hill to hit cross roads

If we hit zyial

And clear open a new landing zone

[true hill]

I almost wonder if zyial is “bait”

Because we do not have to control the planet, just hold out and keep civies alive

[opal bolt]

Zyial got hammered out in the initial invasion according to the fuzzies in the report

[true hill]

Ziyal will be a landing zone for the troops in the bot orbitals

So if we can contain them there it would be easier to manage instead of letting them commit anywhere

Though, this is future problems

We need to capture the first mine or plan elsewhere when we hit planetside

[opal bolt]

Regardless if we hold zyial we have to snag a landing point, and cell'dar seems the best to me. Considering it will slow down bot production by keeping the resources from them

Plus nothing stops us from digging for a few toys for the fleet

[true hill]

I agree on Cell’dar to prevent bot production

[sterile hollow]

As pointed out, we have a lack of engis, how are we supposed to hold anything long term?

[true hill]

We let somebody else do it

[opal bolt]

We make the landing zone

[true hill]

Even if we just destroy everything it’ll take turns for them to rebuilt

[opal bolt]

Not stay there.

[true hill]

We should ask shack if we can demo the mine

[opal bolt]

Clear cell'dar, get a task force to fortify or completely lock off the mine.

[true hill]

If we can’t have it nobody can

[opal bolt]

Then move on to zyial

Scope the situation there and try and clear it before figuring our next move

Because future plans hinge on where we land

[sterile hollow]

So the proposed plan is to land behind enemy lines on a enemy position that we have no real intel on, use our limited supply to hopefully clear and maybe destroy a mine, then push to what is possibly the largest concentration of enemy forces on our own to attempt to clear it and hope that other troops will be able to back us up?

[true hill]

yes

Although the current battle lines are super hazy

They are hitting the cities and the trapped civies did not have any contact with the enemy on the planet before fleeing

[civic jackal]

I love this plan

[true hill]

Plus, we’d most likely have to help in crossroads if the stars aligned anyway

[opal bolt]

We know right now hill has civs trapped inside, Elim is holding out for evacuation and a contingent of basically PDF forces have transports from hill landing at damara to serve as a staging ground.

Cell'dar's status is unconfirmed, and given our current travel paths we'd be landing beyond the main force at elim

We know as well Zyial only got blasted the hardest. However, we haven't been confirmed if they've fortified there. Plus we could just as easily be locking them out of cell'dar instead of facing a contingent there

[true hill]

The idea is that the bots are spread thin so we need to take advantage of that before they organize properly

[civic jackal]

Personally this plan works out great for my units lore

[opal bolt]

I stand by using cell'dar as a landing point and potential point for another battlegroup or task force to cover it from bot aggression

[loud schooner]

Definitely do not want to demo the mine, it is still not ours. While we our job is to evacuate civvies the Feds will be back here in force to retake. Losing them a mine will not make them pleases with us

[opal bolt]

Seeing as other teams are making for hill we could wrap around and strangle the bot offensive before they organize. Buying time to help pull the fuzzies out and for feds to come to aid them

[loud schooner]

Though I am warming to not landing in Elim. Only problem I have is it’s still just straight speculation

[true hill]

Demoing the mine is the last resort

Not something we start with

[loud schooner]

Which puts us back to playing Russian roulette

[true hill]

Everything is Russian roulette

That’s the fun of it

[loud schooner]

Until you die

[true hill]

Just keep spinning

[opal bolt]

Most of our intel atm is spotty at best.

[true hill]

4 rep vs 5

[civic jackal]

I saw we land as far into there back lines as we can and wreck as much havoc as possible

[loud schooner]

I would still like to not die

[opal bolt]

We only know the status of 2 positions

....3

[true hill]

Cities are bombed to hell and the civies bailed without any good intel

[opal bolt]

Hill, Elim, and zyial

[loud schooner]

My boys have survived 2 campaigns, being within the thick of it without a scratch

I would like them not to die today

[opal bolt]

Sounds like you're in a good spot for this plan then

[true hill]

We should be getting a ton of otter tik toks on bombs falling by now

[opal bolt]

Go for 4 and you get some serious legendary status

[true hill]

No way they don’t have reels

[loud schooner]

I’m leaning towards your Russian roulette plan but unless we get more intel I say Elim

[civic jackal]

You have luck on your side it seems

[sterile hollow]

Exactly, we have no good intel. Looking at the Meta history, blind drops end horribly

[opal bolt]

Guess right now, its Elim or cell'dar

[loud schooner]

Extremely badly

[true hill]

The kicker is everybody is going in blind 🔥

Though we actually have a benefit in being slow

[opal bolt]

For now

[true hill]

Everyone else gets to find out for us

[loud schooner]

I will like to remind or inform everyone on the blind drop we did on Titan. We lose 17 players in 1 turn.

[true hill]

Those bugs could aim

[opal bolt]

Honestly if we push cell'dar, by the time landing on Elim happens we would be getting an idea of what most places look like by the time we START making for cell'dar

[loud schooner]

Hopefully yes

[opal bolt]

Cell'dar and crossroads are out of the way options, but not impossible drops.

[true hill]

Push comes to shove we tone back the intensity and use the village or other poi as a staging ground

[opal bolt]

Honestly their further positions actually setup for some possible security in picking either for landing zones

[true hill]

I don’t like Elim because missiles will shred our mining transports

Need somewhere with less able AA

[opal bolt]

Besides we still never got a confirmation on those mules moving the mechs

[true hill]

Surprised shack didn’t answer that

[opal bolt]

Unless I missed that

[true hill]

I didn’t see anything in tac com chat

[sterile hollow]

If we drop at Cell'dar and things go wrong we have no route for retreat and limited chances of reinforcement. If we drop on the outskirts of Elim we can go in and clear the AA meaning our fighters have an easier time and our transports have an easier time bringing in the other BGs which frees us up to move ahead

[loud schooner]

I’d prefer to land on the village honestly

[true hill]

My only qualm with village is that it only has land connection to crossroads

So it is as cut off as the mine

[opal bolt]

Which isnt much better imo

[true hill]

L-H would be the most likely fall back drop if we stay out of elim

Seeing as the mining ships can land anywhere

[opal bolt]

Honestly if we push cell'dar we would have solid intelligence to work with to formulate or replan landing strat

Atleast by the time we get there

Or get near it

Bottom bill for me is cell'dar but if we agree anywhere else ill accept whatever we run with.

[loud schooner]

Yes that’s all wel and good but we can’t forget the enemy has a say as well

By that I mean the enemy is likely to make is pay an equivalent exchange for that intel

[old palm]

I’ll be honest Cell’dar seems suicidal to me, we have no way to get support out there since our only connection is by air and from what I can tell we are lacking any way to do air transport

[loud schooner]

Exactly

There is no recourse if things go wrong except fight our way through an unknown amount of enemy or die trying

And let’s be realistic fellas

[old palm]

I like a hot drop more then most people but that’s a little too hot for my tastes

[loud schooner]

Something will go wrong

[old palm]

I feel like Hill mine or L-H would be good since both are close to where our main force would be so if worst comes to worst we can retreat to elim and ask the BGs there to work with us and pincer our way through the bot forces

[rustic zealot]

Thanks murph

[old palm]

We move fast enough that we could in theory have the main group serve as the anvil and we could come in from behind the bots at Elim as the hammer, if we can quickly break Elim out of a it’s siege that opens up doors for everyone

[loud schooner]

Makes sense I think

[old palm]

I like hill mine slightly better just because we can rescue some civilians along the way but I know there’s concerns about the transports being shot down

[loud schooner]

That and we might not have the staying power to get bogged down

We are kind of a glass cannon, attrition wise. We don’t have the logistical or maintenance backbone to stay engaged for too long

[old palm]

Our force is pretty hard to pin down though right? Since all our infantry is mechanized?

[loud schooner]

Exactly

[old palm]

I figured we’d hit the mine then fade away to the city

Assuming it all goes to plan

[loud schooner]

The civvies would still be inside

[civic jackal]

Hit and runs could be fun Don't we need to take out factorys

[old palm]

I guess I hoped our initial hit would poke a hole long enough for them to flood out behind us

[loud schooner]

We’d have to take an unknown amount of turns evacuating them and loading them onto something or escorting them out of the city , tying them or us

[old palm]

Unmounted infantry move one space a turn right? So they could in theory get to the city in the one turn of fighting? Or is that not quite how it works

In that case I think L-H is better so we can try and free up the city forces ASAP

[loud schooner]

That’s on the strategic level, on the tactics level 1movent is not a lot

[old palm]

Plus there’s likely to be less bots waiting in what is essentially the middle of nowhere

[old palm]

Yeah I realized that when I saw your message

As fun as being hero’s might sound it seems like we have a better bet of helping them by going there after breaking the elim free

[sterile hollow]

Thats why I proposed the idea of landing on Elim outskirts, if we are able to move through the city and take out AA sites that helps reinforce the corridor to space for us to land troops and evac civvies

[rustic zealot]

Did we already suggest a beachhead set up before going and taking out AA? If we drop next to Rabbit we have a larger force to move in and gain more ground.

[sterile hollow]

Honestly can't remember if its been suggested, but it makes sense to me

[civic jackal]

Just a quick question do we have a plan for the factories that we need to take out or is that just going to be more of a if you see them take them out thing?

[true hill]

We are 7 hypotheticals deep

[loud schooner]

More of the latter,

No intel to run off to make a plan

[loud schooner]

This

[rustic zealot]

I’m an IFV, you say factory? I say “Floor it into that wall”

[loud schooner]

Right now our focus is landing

[opal bolt]

more importantly where we are landing.

[rustic zealot]

https://tenor.com/view/avengers-infinity-war-why-is-gamora-who-is-gamora-chris-pratt-where-is-gamora-gif-11868187

[loud schooner]

Yes

I say village or Elim outskirts

cell dar mines is too ambitious

[sterile hollow]

Which village?

[loud schooner]

Nery’s village

[opal bolt]

nery

[loud schooner]

The other one would
Be even ballsier than the mine

[sterile hollow]

Do we have any potential intel on what L-H looks like on a tactical level?

[loud schooner]

None

[last shadow]

Slash
2nd Air
RayProf
what would this wing of fighters go by?

trying to vome up with a basic organization for the air

[old palm]

although a small part of me wants to land there I do think that would make it so we can only get supplies from orbit

I think in terms of blind drops L-H is the safest though

[chrome dagger]

Alright, some final notes before the poll:
-I can see about having Victorum provide us some scanning information if we're landing at Cell'dar. This doesn't solve all our problems but at the very least we should be able to localize a landing zone that doesn't get us all killed, and worst case we can divert our forces elsewhere if scans reveal to many forces in the area
-Aerial resupply is a concern we might have to coordinate with another TF to solve until there's an airfield in operation

[edgy sequoia]

Isn’t Cell‘dar only connected by airway? So you would be dependent completely on TF
(Hello! Just wanted to take a look what all of you are planning!)

[chrome dagger]

We're taking some of the Lumaran orbitals for that

[edgy sequoia]

Ah so the plan is to load up in the frigates again if you want to move to another strat point?

[chrome dagger]

@grand violet Could I please get this poll pinned? Thanks

[chrome dagger]

If all goes well, yeah, but loss of the orbitals is a concern that might be pushing us away from the Cell'dar route

[old palm]

Do we have the time and energy to do ranked choice voting or should people switch their votes when it’s clear their candidate isn’t winning?

[forest trench]

Personally I feel like it is too early to vote right now. As Nye Guy said, we are 7 hypotheticals deep right now. We are missing a ton of information that'd sway my and I assume your guy's votes. If we base our decision off of this poll, we'll be going off of uninformed guesstimates. I'm pretty sure our understanding of the rules for the transports, let alone our assumptions about enemy forces don't agree.

Wait. I just realized. Does that mean we need to vote on whether to vote?

XD

[chrome dagger]

We need to have some sort of idea as to what people are thinking about, in all likelihood, the unknowns from Cell'dar won't be resolved until we're already in transit. Otherwise I'd ask why we're taking the transports in the first place

We can always divert based on later information

[old palm]

Quick question, if we plan on landing at Elim would we even need the civilian transports?

[chrome dagger]

We could join the bottleneck, or use the transports to land elsewhere and either flank or cut off the enemy, either way if the transports are ours I think we should use them to avoid having to deploy one by one. It's not fully clear how limited deployment will be at the starport

[forest trench]

I'm not willing to say anything about bottlenecks or if the transports will let us deploy faster or slower, 'cause I just don't know. But if the bots have made progress taking Elim in the time it takes us all to get there, they may have encircled the spaceport with inward facing defenses. Being able to land outside of that encirclement and flank it could be massive. And even if the bots aren't dug in, making sure our highly mobile units don't get boxed in and unable to move enough to go evasive is important. I mean for light mechs that's less of an issue, since they can just run right over infantry. but think about the poor LVs (aka me :P). Giving us open ground to use the speed and range advantages our vehicles have is important. And may give us the ability to more easily link up with pockets of local resistance.

[brazen lark]

I just say set us down some place we believe is “safe” otherwise our BG may be compromised before we can even fight.

[opal bolt]

I still bank on a flanked position Strike to shred the enemy lines to open up paths for transports and other battlegroups to move in.

That or the landing at cell'dar

[old palm]

I don’t want to come across as aggressive but what is the goal of Cell’dar? That seems like a genuine suicide mission, we’d be behind enemy lines and 5 turns away from support that would have to reach us through the heaviest fortified bot position

[opal bolt]

The thing is, we don't have any confirmation as to the bots digging in yet. They've been making a continuous nonstop blitz across the system since dropping from the gate. However the goal of cell'dar if possible is clear it of any possible bot forces, and burn it before letting them turn it into a possible production center

Because hill, cell'dar, and the wreckage field are big resource points to expand the bot forces immensely

[old palm]

But we’d be burning ourselves too, the only way out is to walk through the city that’s already been captured

Even with our faster speed that’s 3 rounds of us with no support trying to run back to our lines

The civilian transports are a one way ticket the way i understand it

They drop us and run

[opal bolt]

We are trying to see about getting orbital support for taking cell'dar. Otherwise its just the suggestion. Plus using orbital data we'd be able to know how viable or risky the cell'dar gamble is

Right now every spot is as risky as any other with the low levels of intel we got.

[loud schooner]

I'm down with Cell'dar only if we get further Intel. @chrome dagger Hey sorry for the ping but just wanted to make sure the vote isn't a perminent thing

[opal bolt]

Right now everything is hedging bets

We only know hill was abandoned and has civs trapped deeper in.

Elim is actively undersiege by bot forces, being held scarcely by security and PDFs

And zyial was blasted to the ground in the initial waves.

That's all we actively know right now

[rustic zealot]

All Spearhead IFV's be advised when hauling infantry. Disembarking/embarking cost 0.5 speed for the infantry. Unless you have the Rapid Deployment Ramp upgrade, that 0.5 cost might not get the infantry in their desired location during that round. Be aware to use this tactic safely. Dont want to put infantry at risk especially if we assault a location.

[opal bolt]

So if we are worried about dropping behind lines, we could just as easily be dropping around or infrony of their lines

[loud schooner]

Yes

[opal bolt]

Its all a gamble

[loud schooner]

exactly

Its less of a gamble the closer we drop to friendly lines as support is closer

[opal bolt]

From the sounds of it, Elim is holding by a thread

[loud schooner]

The position of any supporting forces is the only garauntee we have, why abandon it

[loud schooner]

Yes it is but Redwall and Venator are dropping there and should be easily or the easiest taken back

[opal bolt]

And if we could secure the orbital support. A split counter offensive could help thin up their chances of fortifying if they haven't yet.

[loud schooner]

Mind orbital support is likely going to be limited to a recon of the area as they will be needed elsewhere

If the recon saves its possible or at least not suicide then it makes sense

[opal bolt]

That's all im saying on it. If intel tells us otherwise or if we don't get it, then we can reorient to a fallback plan of possibly landing outside Elim and flanking the bot forces

Aiding in burning their momentum up before the fuzzies lose the city

[loud schooner]

Okay, we're saying the same thing. We just need to wait for confirmation of orbital support and for Bloackade to lett us know we can change our minds later if necessary

[opal bolt]

He did establish that regarding cell'dar if we get intel

[loud schooner]

awesome

So now we sit and wait I think

[brazen lark]

If we take the Lumaran transports, let’s just fill one with small supply so wherever we land will be our initial supply depot.

[loud schooner]

We are taking them and we don't have the cargo space for supply. Its a tight squeeze unless we have our aerospace craft fly escort

in which case it would be nice to pack their slots with supply if they do though we don't have any way of unloading those supplies

[brazen lark]

Could we just airdrop the supplies where we land from VTOL and HAT?

[loud schooner]

aidropping supplies is not a thing, or at least it might take a ungrade

Supplies have to be stored somewhere. They can be found in the wild but once we have them we have to hold them somehere. An engineer, a supply depot of supply point

[chrome dagger]

Airdropping supplies from a HAT to a logi truck is a base thing in the rules now

[loud schooner]

Thank fuck!

Where is that in the rules, I'm assuming ints not in the VTOl section

[chrome dagger]

It's under the logi truck's unit description

[loud schooner]

Ooooh, you can supply drop to fill up a logi truck

cool

[sinful light]

Mornin folks

[forest trench]

'Mornin!

[loud schooner]

Good morning

[brazen lark]

We could fill the HAT initially with 25 small supply and do 2.5 airdrops to logi truck. But not sure where the VTOL and HAT will land?

[loud schooner]

The HAT won't be landing

[brazen lark]

unless we could keep a Lumaran transport in orbit for air units.
How long can the HAT stay airborne?

[loud schooner]

I don't believe there is feul factor involved

[brazen lark]

Plus HAT was slated for airdropping Inf but unclear if we can bring the Inf onto Tactical map embarked on HAT. Perhaps do a mix of Inf and supplies??

[loud schooner]

With the civie transports that would no longer be necessary. The HAT can fly in loaded with supplies

[opal bolt]

Probably should withhold dropping those until we know where we are landing.

Logistics can be planned up after we deploy

[loud schooner]

Also, just to be clear fellas we know longer have 2 Speed on strategic layer if we do so. Same goes for if we were to paradrop our infantry

[opal bolt]

Considering we don't know where that'll be.

[loud schooner]

We're talking options, of course we'd have to wait and see

[chrome dagger]

If no one takes the ships from us, we'd still be able to load up and use those to maintain our speed

[opal bolt]

So we would gain operational usage of the transports... not the fuzzies?

Those become assets for us to use?

[loud schooner]

Awesome

[opal bolt]

Am i... understanding that right?

[chrome dagger]

As far as I'm aware, that was the idea yeah

[opal bolt]

Oh... then shit we got plenty of opportunities to go places. Btw...What's the status on them having mech bays?

Did we get the word on that?

[loud schooner]

THis is getting intertesting

[chrome dagger]

I'm pretty sure Shack isn't putting specific bays on them for ease of use, otherwise it would just be 'hey only this one BG can use them'

[loud schooner]

I imagine since we can all fit we can all load up the same way

[opal bolt]

Sounds like.

And if no clarification was made that means we got a full battlegroup deployment to wherever we wish

So long as Intel checks out on any agreed LZ

That's what 12 mules at our disposal

So long as nobody else aims to claim them.

[chrome dagger]

We've laid claim to 7, rabbit wanted the other 5

[halcyon skiff]

didnt even know we had a poll

welp

plan works for me tho

[chrome dagger]

I'm gonna start pining polls with Dresden's help, there's another one up now

[sinful light]

We gonna land together?

[opal bolt]

As far as I was aware rabbit is going with another BG to hill for the civs right? Or am I misremembering that?

[chrome dagger]

I just checked in with Rabbit, they're considering coordinating their landing with ours but they're likewise waiting on a poll to resolve

[opal bolt]

Okay, so i missed it then, who was it heading for hill?

[chrome dagger]

Maybe Dwarf Fortress?

[crisp beacon]

Dwarf Fortress and Ultra are going to Hill

[opal bolt]

Got it

Okay so, guess we figure out the coordinating with rabbit on where we could be heading to land at.

[chrome dagger]

Right, we'll get their input and reassess our deployment options in the coming rounds

[rustic zealot]

We will take it one turn at a time, we might not even deploy first round. But if we do, we will have alot of allied units nearby. Then we can assess ground tactics from an operational level to be able to assess tactically

[opal bolt]

If we land beyond elim we definitely won't be first down.

But we will be first down at a location

Especially if we can get the Intel for neyrs or cell'dar

[true hill]

Only concern with the vote is that we can only assume positions

Elim could be a disaster and a single bot could be chilling on L-H with nobody able to get there on the ground

Imo wait for the first ground scans to make a decision

[loud schooner]

If any city isn't going to be a disater, it would be Elim, it has the most support behind it. Splitting our force in the face of potential disaster on Elim would almost spell doom for the entire Op

[opal bolt]

Honestly its the whole idea for cell'dar atm.

[opal bolt]

The most support, i.e. the ONLY support

[true hill]

Elim is going to be so congested

Too many hands without targets means a wasted opportunity

Though I bet most bgs are like us and don’t have a clue what the plan is

[loud schooner]

More hands mean the job gets down right allowing us to make more opportinies down the line

[opal bolt]

More hands also means more crossfire in crossroads

Not... the location

Like actual crossroads in the city

[opal bolt]

Though I think this is true. It's probably for the same reasons we're indecisive on it. That being lack of intel

[loud schooner]

Friendly fire isn't a concern. The only way I see it being a problem is with Is being more bunched and Arti smacking our hexing with -1 Defence which they would do anyway. More bodies would mean we are better able to get crossfires on the enemy. Though like you say We lack intel and trying to talk this through further probably isn''t helpful

[opal bolt]

Honestly, the most we should be coordinating if we aren't landing first, if we are landing with rabbit, and if they're landing somewhere do we stick with them?

[loud schooner]

I concur

[thin shore]

Does my heart good seeing BG Spearhead doing well. Good luck down there!

[opal bolt]

We we'll try

[vestal oracle]

Since I am the only HAT I'm wondering if for the troops I got I should keep them in bay as a "hey this area needs backup" or "there is an opening here go exploit it"

[old palm]

By two cents is “hey we need backup” most our force can handle the pushing of an opening

[loud schooner]

Id say the former seeing once they deploy that’s it, load spent and it’s always good to have a reserve.

[civic jackal]

I like the second one gives me more chances to do behind enemy lines stuff

[loud schooner]

VTOL AVAILABLE

[vestal oracle]

I mean I can hot drop folks then they can VTOL as needed

But I'd ideally like to hot drop my teams into somewhere that can make an impact but won't know if there even is any till we get more intel alas

[vestal oracle]

You plan to go Rambo on them or gonna try and stick as a group with the other four?

[loud schooner]

It would take 5 whole turns to VTOl all of them out so not very practical. I'd also like to point out again, dropping them behind enemy lines is just as likely to get them killed as the enemy also has a say. However we are diving into hypertheticals again. I'd say technically they are a reserve for now. We can decide how to deploy said reserves, to hot drop or not to hot drop when we make contact with the enemy and see what's what

basically its not a right now decision

[vestal oracle]

VTOL idea was if they are needed elsewhere after they've already been dropped

[civic jackal]

I plan to extend just a bit out from are group of four to act as scout and to look for factory's to destroy

At most tho 2 hexes

[gritty spruce]

Welp that's a pretty clear result

So, should we put up a big version of the city map and work out the spot?

[chrome dagger]

We were discussing that, based on any intel we get between now and the time we can actually drop, we're not fully committing to Elim yet, this is just our preliminary idea so we have some direction. Honestly I don't know about figuring out our drop zone for the same reason, notably that we don't have any vision on the ground as far as where it would be safe to do so

[dull chasm]

We could also possibly secure Elim, then fly to the mines

[forest trench]

Hmm. Good point. Once Elim is secure we'll hopefully have a better picture of Cell'Dar.

[dull chasm]

It’s only 2 speed by overland on the strategic map

[chrome dagger]

I wanna see if we can coordinate with Victorum on that, if they can scan the ground ahead of our advance, and possibly let us borrow some of their flight decks for re-arm, we'll be in good shape

[dull chasm]

Since we can fly

[dull chasm]

That’d be great. Are they still planning on holding the southern space lane?

[chrome dagger]

As far as Sierra's map leads me to believe, yes, but I will have to confirm with them

[dull chasm]

Also hey everyone! Been away for a few days, glad to see I didn’t miss much while I was gone. /s

[loud schooner]

Narrowed down that the only thing worth discussing is potential landing areas for our new transports right now. We've tentatively voted on Elim. Possible to change and more intel comes in

[dull chasm]

Oh don’t worry, I always read through the full chat backlog

[loud schooner]

You're stronger than I

[rustic zealot]

https://tenor.com/view/wtf-gif-11403402916845629606

[halcyon skiff]

Can I get an update on what the overall plan is so far? I was absent pretty much the last two days 😅

[loud schooner]

This

[halcyon skiff]

Ight

Also couldn't we hold back a little until nav L-W1 is taken and move through celdar mine to ziyral? Cutoff the boys on both sides

[dull chasm]

I’d expect Ziyral to be the main bot stronghold, at the start.

They hit it hard, and it has a spaceport to unload.

If we are going via Celdar mines, I think the plan is to take the mines.

Since otherwise it WILL become a massive bot factory aimed straight at our rear

[chrome dagger]

Yeah Cell'dar is probably less fortified given that it's a couple spaces from Ziyal, but the longer we wait the worse it gets

[vestal oracle]

Wonder how screwed we are if the bot blockade ship is left uncontested in orbit, it was dropping some pretty chunky pods to the surface

If our orbitals can't properly keep it at least busy we might have even less time than expected as the enemy most likely has ODT capabilities so our rear will always be vulnerable

[dull chasm]

TF-1 will make mincemeat of a lone frigate. Have you checked out their loadout?

[vestal oracle]

I have not seen the orbitals no. Just had a random shower thought I should bring up

[chrome dagger]

A fair concern, but Victorum is composed of a battleship and three battlecruisers. They might have an issue with fighting a larger quantity of ships, but they're packing some decent firepower

[dull chasm]

lots of MBT cannons and bombers too

I think the biggest risk is that Victorum can only be in one place

…though worst case they can sortie out an air wing to strike line vessels like that.

[chrome dagger]

I think they calculated that they can't afford to send out many sorties, if any, due to their current cargo capacity

[dull chasm]

Ah right the LS cost

…hmm, I wonder if we do secure one of the mines, if we can ship ore to that space station to get more LS.

Victorum does have hangers and an HAT, so they can resupply.

[opaque kayak]

just realized were the second largest bg and 3rd largest unit in the rnite force rn

[dull chasm]

What are the largest two?

[opaque kayak]

venator and dwarf fort

[dull chasm]

Aren’t both of those BGs?

[opaque kayak]

no venatoe is a tf

nvm... it is a bg

[dull chasm]

That’s Victorum, Venator is our main tank deployment.

[opaque kayak]

im thinking victorum

[dull chasm]

Yeah

[opaque kayak]

man... venator's tac com has some work cut out.... 55 ppl

[dull chasm]

Oof

[sinful light]

Also, they have no atmospheric fuel

[chrome dagger]

I think we were talking about bombers at this point, only aerospace assets can sortie

[sinful light]

How can they come down to the surface wouldn't thay count as splitting?

[chrome dagger]

It's not splitting if you're on the same strategic point, even if some units are in high orbit and some are on the tac-map

[sinful light]

Ohhh

[slate nymph]

id agree on that

[opal bolt]

Did yall know about us planning to head to zyial?

Unless I missed something

I assumed cell'dar was our goal until we got intel?

[white creek]

My understanding is Ziyal was generally never the plan for almost anyone (especially since the intel) since it’s so far from the gate we’re all coming from

And generally my opinion is that we should clear the entire rest of the planet before even daring to touch it

[opal bolt]

That was why I assumed we were planning for cell'dar or for a flanking rush to aid at elim.

[loud schooner]

We aren't touching Ziyal, it was the very initial mission statement but things changed quickly.

[quasi crest]

Will we need to have orders in by Sunday, or is that just when we emerge?

[loud schooner]

That's game start I believe but either way w have to sit pretty and wait for the civillian transports to become available

[chrome dagger]

We should be getting an orders channel for each group that’ll say when it’s open, but yeah my assumption is that TAC-COMs at best will just say where the BG decides to move, if that, until we land

[golden falcon]

Just to clarify. Do we need to send the order “I sit and wait to deploy first round.”?

[chrome dagger]

Best I can answer to at is I’m not sure, but most probably no. I’ll update everyone if I hear something different

[chrome dagger]

Okay, just got word that this Sunday, orders for BGs/TFs going speed 3 are due. Since we're speed one, it's looking like Sunday the following week will be when our first orders are due. I'll keep everyone posted

[opal bolt]

https://tenor.com/view/shea-whigham-walkie-talkie-serious-gif-15387793

[dull chasm]

Well our BG is speed 2, but sadly can’t drive an IFV in space.

[opal bolt]

Tbf we're spending turn 1 loading our BG with rabbit to prep for our run on cell'dar

All aboard the transports

[halcyon mulch]

Keep us updated if you need SOS spearhead you're not the only convoy landing

[chrome dagger]

Copy that, once we get the transports secured I'll update you on what our deployment plan is

[halcyon mulch]

we'll be securing crossroads for flying shovels

[sinful light]

Morning folks

Any update on us working with Rabbit?

[chrome dagger]

It looks like they'll be heading to crossroads

[sinful light]

We going with them or are we stay in Elim

[chrome dagger]

Who knows for now, we could re-run the vote but we don't really have any new intel to base it off of

[dull chasm]

I think wait until we actually need to make the decision

Storm Blessed will be there first right? They can give us some info.

[chrome dagger]

If all goes well, yeah

[rustic zealot]

https://tenor.com/view/willy-wonka-excited-smile-the-suspense-gene-wilder-gif-5933521

[rustic zealot]

Looks like BG storm is starting the party, they are getting their orders in

[true hill]

We going crossroads now

Going with flying shovels will help our fighters with supply

[acoustic yarrow]

we can submit orders already?

damn

ive not been keeping up with stuff

[loud schooner]

Yuppers we're on hold for now with our current speed and waiting for the transports

[acoustic yarrow]

ah so our orders arent soon?

[celest ferry]

I mean... yes.

[celest ferry]

Correct! Alongside TF3 and hopefully one of the smaller BGs.

While I'm here, @chrome dagger , how willing would you be to transfer one or two of your fighters to the 212th Logi? 212th will be making regular runs to the Airfield on Crossroads and can keep them armed and healthy.
(And if we can get another BG that's more flexible than STORM, that would be a boon to the operation as a whole).

I can't offer anything in return, unfortunately. Talk to 212th TCO, I'm just here atoning for my sins of recruiting many VTOLs and causing part of the logistical crisis.

[chrome dagger]

So it's ultimately their decision, I like the idea of having a bit of coverage for our HAT, Church, who is really helping out with our transport capacity. I admit that re-arming could be a bit of a concern, but having some dedicated fighter coverage is definitely helpful.

^^@last shadow @errant mauve @steady plinth ^^
Just so you're aware, the 212th is looking to get their last few members if you're interested in helping out. Like I said, it's ultimately your decision

[quiet escarp]

I mean, Church could join the 212th Logi too.

Their choice. I also don’t know your logi situation

[chrome dagger]

We'd have a lot of infantry walking place to place if he did

[last shadow]

I think the 6th is gonna need me more given we're talking a wing all together

[celest ferry]

True, but they do want the Logi capability.

[quiet escarp]

HATs can’t pick more up without and airfield

Once they jump they’re stuck on the ground until you make it to the airfield

[celest ferry]

You'll be Speed... 2? 3?, but after the airdrop, you'll be back down to 1 unless you can get back to the airfield, yeah.

[quiet escarp]

Entirely up to the units involved.

[celest ferry]

Wait, aren't you Speed 1? I don't think you can carry everyone?

Lemme check real quick.

[chrome dagger]

We've done the math, we've got the capacity

[foggy whale]

Y'all don't push. You've given offers, it's up to the players on what they want to do.

[celest ferry]

Nevermind, I didn't see your LVs.

[chrome dagger]

All good, sorry if I came across as a bit pushy

[foggy whale]

Spearhead,
if we hit minimum, then I look forward to assisting y'all with supplies, troop movement, and air cover as much as we can.

[chrome dagger]

Looking forward to seeing you guys down there, good luck with recruitment

One last thing I will say is that we do have the Lumaran orbitals, assuming they make it through the operation, we can ride around on those

[celest ferry]

... I thought they were troop transports only, no Air?

[sterile hollow]

Do the Lumaran orbitals need atmo fuel we need to worry about?

[foggy whale]

Much appreciated, and thank you for being willing to ping your fighters (regardless of how they choose)

[opaque kayak]

I will look forward to having backup… be more luxurious than just jumping out of a base hat right over a starport

[celest ferry]

No ATMO fuel, no hovering ability.

[chrome dagger]

I'm assuming our air can just fly along, right?

[celest ferry]

True - just can't rearm or repair, still.

[dull chasm]

In regards to refilling an HAT: theoretically can do via an orbital with an aerospace hanger and VTOL hanger or landing gear.

[chrome dagger]

Fair, yeah, good point

[dull chasm]

WAIT! If we do deploy via mining transport, can gave the HAT bring 1 large supply so the fighters can sortie back and get resupplued.

[chrome dagger]

HATs can't start with a large supply, was answered in the Q & A doc

[celest ferry]

True, but you'd only be able to repatriate 2 units every 2 strat rounds with Fluffle, or 1 unit every 2 strat rounds with Atlas.

Victorum will refuse to take on those requests.

[dull chasm]

If we are going Elim first, can pick one up there.

[celest ferry]

So, 6-10 rounds of strat rounds of sitting on a point and also tying a TF there.

... huh, can't really be solved either way.
(VTOLs reign supreme)

[foggy whale]

There will likely be opportunities to pick them up from orbitals with supplies last. I do look forward to seeing how the supply system and our TFs handle it

[celest ferry]

Sounds great, except for the fact that our LS budget is also kinda tight right now - TFs would rather use that for their operations.

[dull chasm]

Do we know what Flying Shovels are doing after getting the airstrip at crossroads up?

[celest ferry]

I am aware that there is a minimum amount of air cover that you should keep for your aerospace units (ignore STORM, we're just committing suicide with extra steps here), but being effective isn't just based on the ratio you have - you also need to ensure your fighters remain combat effective (staying armed).

Without armament and the ability to land and repair, the most you can to is be a bullet sponge for the HAT to live, since Aerospace lost the ability to scout.

Even just one unit transfer means we will be 1/5th of the way to getting another BG that can do logistics and provide air support.

(As usual, this choice must be made of your free will, I'm not permitted to force you to do anything. I've made my points - you can ping me back if you have questions!)

[celest ferry]

Staying there and keeping it up, repairing and healing units, and some limited logistical capability in paradropping any INF-heavy companies, since they have a lot of HATs.

[foggy whale]

I believe they are also planning to continue digging in. They like their airfield, and they're gonna make sure it's not easily taken

[forest trench]

Can BGs not send their air units on sorties to rearm? The BG has to be in the same map as an airfield?

[quiet escarp]

They can. But you need LS to preform a Sortie

[celest ferry]

And only Orbitals carry LS, so...

[quiet escarp]

No BG can carry LS to start and the TFs (maybe atlas will) aren’t going to be giving supplies out

[steady plinth]

I can help with it

[dull chasm]

Only orbitals start carrying it, but HATs can carry it too

[celest ferry]

... I just reread the sortie rules.

"Sorties can't land at airfield."

Even if you sortie, you can't rearm & repair.

[dull chasm]

Oof

[quiet escarp]

So answer to your question. Ah No

[foggy whale]

If you're interested, here's the roster. Most of us have left our name on the original roster in case 212th doesn't hit 15. There is no pressure to join, but we will be going in and out of Crossroads (and Elim if needed before Crossroads) to resupply and rearm between runs to BGs on the planet that aren't in a Strategic Point that has a TF or airfield.

[last shadow]

hmm fair but I though the 6th had the supply to handle 3 planes?

that said everyone seems critically low on air so how's 212's anti air?

[celest ferry]

You have the supplies for the engineers to repair and re-arm, but you have no way to land them.

While the idea of an ENGI paradropping out of a HAT onto a Fighter to repair it would be funny, that's not permissible.

[celest ferry]

Only 1 fighter. That's why I'm asking.

They have 4 HATS and 3 VTOLs.

[last shadow]

fair we do have a vulnerability gap I'll try and talk with the others and see how things go from there

[celest ferry]

Just need y'all to consider it. Thank you.

[chrome dagger]

For those that decide on heading over, just let me know so I can update our roster accordingly, and good luck out there

[foggy whale]

Regardless, I meant what I said. If we hit our mark, I’ll be watching Spearhead (and the rest) on this job to assist. 212th is all about providing aid to those without a carrier or airfield in their Strategic Point.

[errant mauve]

I was pinged, but there have been lots of messages since then. What's exactly going on with the Fighters?

[celest ferry]

TL;DR: Fighters can't rearm unless you have an airfield on the same strategic point, Fighters can't leave the BG.

3 options:

1. You shoot once, and be a bullet sponge for the VTOLs for the rest of the campaign.
2. You drag your entire BG off of a strategic point just to rearm, forcing a retreat.
3. You transfer BGs to 212th, which is trying to perform air support and logistical drops. Or transfer to a TF.

All the options are bad, but 3 is the workaround we've figured out so far.

[loud schooner]

The idea is for Redwall to move up behind us and create a FOB

and hopefully an airfield

We are just the pointy end without any tail. Redwall is supposed to move up and support

[celest ferry]

Redwall doesn't have the capability to make an airfield?-

[loud schooner]

How so?

[celest ferry]

It's an upgrade, and we only have 2 field engies (1 with the upgrade needed), and both are with Flying Shovels.

[loud schooner]

I see

[celest ferry]

How are you getting the Medium Supply for the FOB? Are they bringing enough? (1 MS per round of operation).

[celest ferry]

Wait - REDWALL Engies don't even have the "Build FOB" upgrade, that's also impossible-

[loud schooner]

That complicates things, then we're back to one shot fighters

[celest ferry]

thank Zeus we're figuring this stuff out before we deploy-

[foggy whale]

Flying Shovels is planning to build an airfield in Crossroads since they have the engi who always builds airfields. lol

[last shadow]

wait our engineers can't make airstrips I was told they could

[celest ferry]

In V3? Yes.
In V5? It's dedicated upgrades.

please have your BG read the updated rules, there's a lot of changes-

[last shadow]

no as in I was told the guy who brought me in that I'd go without the fob for abit then they'd make one and I could land after a few turns of no resup

[foggy whale]

To be fair, FOB is a different upgrade than airfield. Y’all may have someone with the FOB upgrade.

They could have been talking about Flying Shovels building an airfield as well. 🤷‍♂️

[celest ferry]

tf?-

Whoever brought you in clearly did not read the new rulebook, or are sitting on rec and haven't bought the upgrade yet or coordinated with any of our TFs to be able to actually build the airfield.

[last shadow]

yeah I'm checking the list now

but yeah I can see the 6th spearhead has 1 engineer with carry rigs

[celest ferry]

I checked. All are base engineers.

Unless the person is sitting on 5-6 rec and haven't updated a single thing and hasn't coordinated with the groups needed to actually build their things, they are either lying or uninformed.

I'll guess uninformed, they probably haven't read the new rulebook.

[last shadow]

yeah still think I might have to take the 212th up on there offer I'd rather not by usless most of this campaign

[celest ferry]

212th: https://discord.com/channels/222052888531173386/1384286773068435587

[last shadow]

right requesting transfer to the 212rh

[chrome dagger]

Granted

[rustic zealot]

Good luck transfers

[last shadow]

thanks sorry I couldn't join the fun on the front

[foggy whale]

212th’s goal is to assist other BGs. I haven’t looked at your current battle plan, but I’ll be watching y’all’s movements so we can assist as much as possible. Again, that’s the whole point of the 212th

[forest trench]

'Appreciate it

[errant mauve]

Oh well. 🤷‍♂️

[chrome dagger]

Sorry for the ping Pedro, but were you heading over to the 212th? They just need one more and I'm not seeing you on their sheet yet

[steady plinth]

Oh, where is to put my name on?

[chrome dagger]

Here's the document https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UVWvjkGzI9-J2y_ngahp3tF4NBlBhpk5PwpEnq4ZFb8/edit?gid=0#gid=0

[forest trench]

Thats a nice doc. They have a good sheetswizard.

[steady plinth]

There, put my name, this Will be my first time, i hope i dont cause much trouble

[chrome dagger]

Good luck up in the skies, we'll be watching from below

[forest trench]

Nahh man! You want to cause lots of trouble!... for the bots >:D

Go get 'em! Don't matter what BG you're in.
Well, in this case it does matter, 'cause you where the one to make the BG official! 🎉

[errant mauve]

Well guess it's option one for me then.

[quiet escarp]

You can do option 3 if you want.
we can always take more. But you are welcome to stay in Spearhead.

In either case thank you for keeping HATs safe

[chrome dagger]

Whatever you decide, be sure to let me know, no hard feelings if you want to head over, it'll probably let you do more aerial stuff

[errant mauve]

I'm staying here.

[forest trench]

I hope that'll work out well.

[errant mauve]

We shall see. I'll report my findings at the end.

[quiet escarp]

I'm gonna send you a ping at the end for your opinions

[dry pivot]

Shalom from The Storm Blessed and Tremor!
Been quite focused on Operation "Free the Starport". What are y'all about?

[chrome dagger]

Hey Honid, Spearhead's been debating our plan for a bit now, we're currently thinking of landing on the outskirts of Elim to help the rest of the BGs deploy, but there's also the crossroads on the table where Rabbit is heading. Going to be holding a poll when we get more intel to decide where we end up

[civic jackal]

@vestal oracle yo since orders are in 2 days do we have a prop point or plan of what were doing?

[chrome dagger]

Orders aren't due that soon for us since we're on a slow transport

[civic jackal]

oooo ok

when do we need to have orders ready then

[chrome dagger]

Probably check in next week? Even then I'm not too sure, as far as I can tell, our BG will reveal a map before any input is required by us. I'm keeping track of order submissions so once we get close to the deadline, I'll send pings to whoever is threatening to run late

[dry pivot]

Sounds good
Trying to get an understanding of the "middle BGs" (4 through 10) so that certainly helps

[vestal oracle]

Ya until we get to a destination where we can actually do something a plan and point of entry is pending. I will at some point before next week poke all 5 of ya about what you'd like to do

[civic jackal]

ok

[dull chasm]

The three targets which have been discussed are Elim, Crossroads, and Cell'Dar Mine. The last of those would be the most likely to ask for your support, if we end up heading that way.

[slate nymph]

Sooooo, what's our finally sort of game plan that we've got going? Cause I am excited to see what's been cooked up by all you lovely lads lasses and other general denominations etc

[chrome dagger]

We’ll get a poll going soonish, just waiting on some more intel to come in

[opal bolt]

In other words. We're waiting on week 1 to finish orders and midround events

[sinful light]

Mornin

[loud schooner]

Morning

[sinful light]

Looks like we need to get out vehicles ready and double check equipment

[forest trench]

Grumble Grumble
"Who knew being a merc would be such work? I signed up to die in a ditch and get rich doing so! Not quadruple check wiring."
Grumble Grumble

[rustic zealot]

Morning all

[forest trench]

Mornin!

[loud schooner]

Welcome to the para-military

Morning

[forest trench]

It's the big daaay

[loud schooner]

It is, and we are going ot spend it chilling and oing PMI

We should be on the ground, murdering bots already

[opal bolt]

First round of events coming in soon folks. Hope yall are ready?

[chrome dagger]

We've still got to wait for sign-ups to close tonight, but yeah, soon

[rustic zealot]

https://tenor.com/view/puppet-red-ball-soon-gif-13188418

[forest trench]

So many decisions to make 😛

[magic berry]

In the Bunk of Foxhunt Squad

Okay, let's make sure we got everything.

Dibbles! Grab Fergus' carry pack. You're on Fox Watch duty!

[chrome dagger]

In Gatcrasher's cabin

Alright, SMGs? Check. Disposable launchers? Check. Drop pods? Uh...

[golden falcon]

I got one can not wait to get out of the transports so we can scrap some bots.

[sinful light]

Inside Yeti's Mech Bay

"Servos, ideal. Paint Job, impeccable. Weaponry, ready to fire. Hey, hey wait... WHERES MY VID PLAYER?! I NEED MY VID ESSAYS WHO THE FUCK TOOK IT?!"

[forest trench]

-Inside the Cargo bay, a Light Vehicle is up on cinderblocks-

LV Commander: "Who the fuck did this!!! Where do you even get CINDERBLOCKS on a SPACESHIP!?!"
-Snickering from around a hallway corner-
C: "Aaugh you idiots! Of course it was you! We don't have time for this!"
Gunner: "We do! We aren't even in-system yet! What else are we s'posed to do?
C: "YOUR JOBS! CHECK THE WIRING! Uuug... why did I sign up with you two?"
G: "'Cause you knew we'd get in too much trouble without yah?"
Driver: "Because you love us too much?"
C: "Hmmph"

[rustic zealot]

IFV Vehicle bays

“Alright, gas her up. Ammo racks, i want them filled and ready. Canteens, full with extra. Radios, extra batteries stored, gun checks at 0930. You bring any dirt into my shop, and we will leave you behind, do you get me?”

[opal bolt]

sitting around the mech bay prep checking

"All the lasers online. Locomotion and sensors perfect. And the finishing additions."

pockets a cigar and loads up a mix tape labeled "battle mix"

"Should be all set after we drop in on them."

[loud quest]

i dont even know how owe ship looks like

can someone point me up?

[sinful light]

Ship?

[loud quest]

are we all like in endurance or?

[loud schooner]

Nope. some unnamed support ship most likely

[forest trench]

Like what do the auto transports look like? I assume they are big because they are speed one

[loud quest]

well i shall do my roleplay as well

firing engine inside hangar bay
Tank commander:
Gentlemen, today is a finally day to be deploy again after almost a year, today we are facing a big task just like in a "quick and drill" contract, but this time, we are now defending a hole planet against some unknow bots. we are in a special group who will punch throw hardes enemy lines, and we dont know if we gonna survive this one, if we survive, god help us, if we dont, we tired then

[civic jackal]

Inside the rats barracks

Game of poker intensifies

[quasi crest]

"Bud, we good to go?"

"Yeah. Foxhunters be advised, we're an air cushion craft, so keep that pet o' yers away from the big spinny bits."

[magic berry]

"This is Foxhunter, understood. We'll keep him strapped in the carrier. Be advised, he will demand head scratches upon boarding."

[forest trench]

Soft knocking on the door of the barracks
"Room for two more?"

[civic jackal]

as long as you got the credits to play

[dull chasm]

“Heya, Boss… should we be doing a pre mission check or something?”
“Huh? Nonsense. The truck’s a Yotoya, they never break down.”
“Well, if you say so Boss…”

[forest trench]

The gunner and driver look at each other.
D: "Uuuh, yeah we got a few creds left... Right?"
G: "Yeah, yeah, didn't spend 'em all... got like, a hundo left. What's it to chip in?"

[civic jackal]

10 creds to play

[forest trench]

D: "That cheep? Nova!"
They both sit down

[civic jackal]

poker starts back up

[quasi crest]

a trolley rolls by with a salesman trying to peddle the truly awful tasting Mosquito-Mash Corndogs, the other thing sent from the Flashpan.

[forest trench]

Sniff
D: "Ahh, just like my grandmama used to make... I never liked visiting her."

[civic jackal]

we will take 10

how much

[quasi crest]

The guy seems eager to be rid of them, and takes 6 credits for a baker's dozen. He also seems very eager to go away after handing them off before you can...maybe...demand a refund.

[civic jackal]

thank you

why is he off in a hurry

the rats start happly eating there mosquito-mash corndogs

[rustic zealot]

Fresh out of req points I’m afraid….will you take unused vehicle maintainers?

[magic berry]

I'll take two. One for the fox. One for my squad leader.

[quasi crest]

The corndogs taste like a soaked dishrag and have the texture of wet clay. The Tanirrans really weren't exaggerating on how bad they are

[civic jackal]

what you talking about this stuff is great defently beats roasted desert rat

[true hill]

Anything we have to do for orders yet?

[chrome dagger]

Nope, not yet. I’ll let you guys know

[twin slate]

In Scrap’s Cabin

"Do we still have the Terminator movies?"
"Yeah, Why?"
"Figured we could do some “research” before the drop."
"I could go for a Movie night"

[rustic zealot]

https://tenor.com/view/therussianbadger-clankers-star-wars-gif-349892101008769638

[chrome dagger]

Just a reminder for those that might not have seen, but we're not due to submit orders for a few cycles yet. In the meantime, I've added order formatting guidelines to our orders channel, the most important part is the minimum information needed when sending your orders. Please note that for record-keeping and general TAC-COM sanity, any time you notice an issue with your order, please delete and re-submit the order so we know people aren't changing things after the fact.

As I mentioned before, I will let you guys know when orders for our battlegroup are open, and will send pings if necessary for those that are cutting the deadline a little close, that's all for now, good hunting

[rustic zealot]

Copy all

[unique island]

so if i read the doc right im transporting GO'Bs

[chrome dagger]

He was moved over when we lost one of our IFVs, I could swap him with supplies given we're likely getting the cargo space with our transports, just let me know

[old palm]

So do we know which battle group will be acting first?

[unique island]

i dont mind transporting him but i think more supply would be better

[unique island]

most likely storm

i think

[old palm]

Hope they soften them up for us

[sterile hollow]

I'm fine hoofing it so we have more supply

[chrome dagger]

Well hopefully with the Lumaran transports we won't have to, otherwise it'll be slow going on the strategic layer

[loud schooner]

One of our strengths is our speed which sucks because we don't have enough transports to fully capitalize

Perhaps we can like get back in the transports, head to orbit, reboard all our troops then do it again?

I imagine since every last one of us are packed in anyway we can make that happen

[chrome dagger]

Most likely we'll get more info on how the transports work once they're in our hands, but here's hoping

[loud schooner]

🤞

[sterile hollow]

I saw in meta-comms that there are about 29 unaffiliated players, is it worth trying to do some recruiting from them for some more transports?

[loud schooner]

I believe we have some slots still available though it would mean less for supply

[edgy sequoia]

26

[loud schooner]

Though being able to pick up all our Infantry to maintain speed would be very awesome

[old palm]

I feel like we are probably good at where we are right?

[loud schooner]

https://tenor.com/view/palpatine-do-it-gif-26306996

[chrome dagger]

So out of the transports we have to our name, we can support 42 units. If our HAT and fighter flies alongside, we can afford to take a few more on, if we want. Another IFV would be wonderful if one is around, but basically we can at least afford one or two other units

[old palm]

Maybe go asking for an IFV or more transport units

[edgy sequoia]

Still 4 IFVs around somewhere

[forest trench]

Nice.

Any freelance Engis left?

[edgy sequoia]

This should be mostly accurate. Just one additional unit I haven't added yet

[chrome dagger]

Alright, I've updated the logistics doc to reflect

[civic jackal]

Does anyone know when we will get news of how the first wave is doing on there landing?

[loud schooner]

#campaign-information message

Tuesday and Friday are full Tac-map releases

Schedule looks pretty tight so I assume early on those days we will get midrounds

[civic jackal]

so we will be making are moves after that then im guessing

[loud schooner]

Hopefully

For however long it takes to get those transports

[halcyon mulch]

Does spearhead have a roadmap yet? I know you're dropping with rabbits at the crossroads but do you know where your going to try to secure after that? I personally think I'm going to try to get Rabbit to advance towards Zival City to see if we can assist whatever militia remnants that are still alive by the time we secure crossroads.

Here's a map from flying shovels

This is rabbit's goal to secure as soon as we can #1382037555876331722 message

[chrome dagger]

Spearheads gonna run a vote once the transports are in our hands, Cell’dar mine was on the table as a possible flanking route to Ziyal city but we’re still undecided

[rustic zealot]

IFV’s, quick suggestion when we hit the ground. Let’s stay together and move in a staggered column.

Picture Referenced

It creates space for allied light vehicles to pass through, provided that green space for our infantry to be safe as well. And gives us a range 2 throughout the formation. It’s a solid formation when going through city lanes, we can change it further down the rounds but would be a good start. Ideas?

[quasi crest]

Aren't snub autocannons range 1? I didn't put the upgrade one on, so I don't know if I'd match the range here

I'm all for the column otherwise as a core to our force while having a safer corridor to our squishy dudes.

[slate nymph]

https://tenor.com/view/anime-nod-fran-isekai-fast-gif-7087891165681916231

Agreed, column is good

[chrome dagger]

Also remember that multiple units can occupy one hex, within reason. This is map scale dependent but that's typically been how it's worked

[forest trench]

Is up forward on this? Or is right forward? I assume the pinkish orenge is Vehicles, but which vehicles go where? And what do the numbers mean?

Oh wait, are the numbers the IFVs?

So then what is the orange? The rest of the BG vehicles?

[rustic zealot]

The numbers are IFVs, forward is right/east.

Orange is the range of IFV weapons

Green is the flow of access for other units or our infantry

Figured this spread can provide flexibility. Especially if the whole BG is dropping with

[rustic zealot]

I think you are right, regardless range 1 might be good for the middle of formation

[quasi crest]

It's good for a core, I'd wager. We IFVs can deploy towards whatever direction our skirmishers on the outside (possibly the mechs) run afoul of, and drop infantry in some measure of covering fire.

Very "circle the wagons"

Though it's probably obvious, I think tanks should take up the front. They'd start the offensive while the column collapses into the attack.

[rustic zealot]

It would be appropriate. In a larger strategic plan, I (personally) would have tanks in an arrow head at the front,

mechs at the flanks,

the IFV column behind the tanks,

light vehicles behind them

And VTOL’s guarding the rear with our logis trailing behind.

That’s only if our backs are to a wall and not having anything besides allies behind us

[graceful hamlet]

I personally doubt were going to have a whole lot of need for convoy formations.

[simple ridge]

Yeah, unless they’re already “entrenched” in the city and adopting guerrilla tactics

[chrome dagger]

Shack did request formations from the advance groups for when they first enter a map, so something to keep in mind.

[graceful hamlet]

Sure. But that's an at the time sorrt of thing. And a long formation for moving down roads wouldn't be what he's looking for.

[loud schooner]

Formations are very situational, so yeah it’s an in the moment kind of thing

A staggered column would be good on the move for example but not the best idea on the attack or if we suspect there might be enemy presence near by

Also IVFs you’re our Inf life line so don’t be dying

[forest trench]

Oh fuck! A battlecruiser right out the gate? Fluffle is in trouble!
The VTOLs guns are usless agasnt it's armor, if the VTOLs could flank... But that'd put rabbit at risk... or is rabbit in the cargo holds and the vtols are empty?

[crisp beacon]

Fluffle isn't carrying troops (and wasn't meant to), but Stormblessed is in the VTOLs

[forest trench]

Oh? I could have sworn fluffles was made with the intent of carrying Rabbit

Bah, I should have realized it was stormblessed though. No one else has that many VTOLs

....had...

[crisp beacon]

Was, but plan changed with the whole... logistics... thing

[unique island]

fluffle need to hold until victorum can come help them

[sinful light]

Sorry I have had no power whatd I miss

[unique island]

the first wave as started

[forest trench]

Fluffle and Stomblessed in their VTOL swarm has run face first into a battlecruiser killing civies who are begging for help

[atomic lantern]

and so it begins

[sinful light]

Ruh rog

[forest trench]

They only have two HMGs and a fighter. No ship to ship weapons

And the bots have a fighter escort and there is another ship incoming but we don't know what it is

If the VTOLs can flank around the Battle cruiser, they could destroy it with a hail of fire from their dinky pop guns, but the VTOLs'll be butchered by the fighters... Well, no there are so many of them to spread the damage. AndFluffle can gun them down. They might be able to do this!

Huh, a VTOL player is saying VTOLs can't flank. I'm not seeing that in the rules anywhere though

[peak anchor]

I think theres a section that states Aerospace units can't flank. Makes my AA tank a lot better of an interceptor if so

[forest trench]

Aaaah so it's an aerospace trait, not a VTOL trait. But... that's against ground targets... I feel like that should be different for orbitals. Hmm. I guess that'd make planes too powerful against them?

[peak anchor]

Yeah, not sure on that part tbh, but that's probably the rule the VTOL player was referencing, at least.

Someone said something about Shack saying orbitals can be flanked, but idk when or where that was all said and if only ground targets can do that or aerospace assets, too?

Rules can be underdefined in this ruleset, but it keeps changing drastically and any work on refining them would be wasted until he's happy with the core mechanics, but hopefully these are getting close now. It is at least more similar to last version than the first few were

[crisp beacon]

It's under flanking rules in the V5 core doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ccgnjyKU8Y0yzMTIAwMoYMQpPqsFvNLNIV3K3Rz-cBE/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2j6c8dk6jz47

[forest trench]

"Air Assets gain no benefit from flanking attacks"
Hmm yeah that's pretty conclusive. Drat.

[forest trench]

Thanks

[sinful light]

Powers finally back

[opal bolt]

Well apparently the comm chatter blew up from the currently deployed and active TFs and BGs.

As soon as the first mid round event dropped

Meanwhile we're over here chilling in the crew deck playing cards and jamming out to mentally prep for deployment next week

[rustic zealot]

The early feeling of being at the crew decks, feeling the hum shifts of a ship exciting hyper space, hoping to not be surprised sniped by an incoming enemy ship round unbeknownst to awareness.

[opal bolt]

We vibe in the crew decks suddenly half the BG gets toasted and/or vented due to surprise high explosive hull breaching.

[rustic zealot]

https://tenor.com/view/han-solo-star-wars-hold-together-dont-worry-millennium-falcon-gif-19070075

[opal bolt]

So, who's ready for intel on the first encounter from the tin heads?

Im imagining the next 2 weeks will be loaded with that

[forest trench]

There is an intel sheet being made as we speak. The spooks are aaalwaays watchin' 👀 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1333vysK6k-euW2G1jaPBhTvQC_f0wh-MqvA8l3LSi-Q/edit?gid=0#gid=0

[rustic zealot]

Is the battlecruiser not added yet?

[forest trench]

None of it's stats are known yet. The freighter Treecat has yet to use it's scanner

[slate nymph]

Looks like the fires already warming up, let's just hope we can fan the flame when we make land fall

[inland trail]

I take it we do not have to make any explicit order that we medics, infantry, and engineers don't have to announce that we are mounted-up in vehicles right now?

[vestal oracle]

Nope

[chrome dagger]

For clarity's sake, we're not giving orders right now because we haven't been placed on the map. I'm not sure about NPC transports, but if you're, say, loaded into a HAT for a full turn, you do still need to put an order down so we know you're around, it's fine to just mark down your coordinates as "As [transport callsign]"

[forest trench]

So turn 3'll be the tail end of next week right? That's when the auto transports translate through the gate? And it'll be a week longer until we get to the station to transfer over to the mining ships right?

[chrome dagger]

Yeah...we'll be sitting tight for a while

[sick thorn]

Do we need to submit orders while in transit?

[chrome dagger]

So...it doesn't look like we strictly have to, but the consensus is that it might be a good idea just to make sure we've still got everybody with us, and to make sure that there's a clear record of everyone agreeing with the plan to head to the station.

As it's going to be a...bit of a boring one, I won't be super strict on details since our movement isn't really under our control, but it'll be good practice for the new players on how order submission works

[loud schooner]

More like midway through

I will get the ball rolling on orders

[opal bolt]

just considered this but we should probably come up with names for those transports when we get them

[rustic zealot]

Spears 1, 2, 3, etc

[loud schooner]

I was gonna say save the naming convetion for when wre aquire them but those are pretty good

[quasi crest]

I was tempted to call them 'shaft 1-3'

[loud schooner]

Hmm, tempting

Like it completely fits and is extremely humorous

[chrome dagger]

I was going to suggest spear/trident/and other types of polearms for our ship callsigns, though shaft is a good one too

[loud schooner]

Spear, Trident and Shaft?

[quasi crest]

We're the spearhead, and the shaft pushes us into position. Very plausibly deniable

[chrome dagger]

Remember we have seven transports to name

[loud schooner]

I thought we have half of that

NICE

[chrome dagger]

Yeah there were 12 and Rabbit only needed 5

[loud schooner]

Exactly, its perfect

GOtcha

Spear
Trident
Angon
Pike
Shaft
Iklwa
Javelin

[quasi crest]

Spear, trident, pike, lance, spontoon, halberd, and billhook would be my only other suggestion, as an assortment of different polearms, but you beat me to the punch

[loud schooner]

This is good

[quasi crest]

Sorry blockade, didn't mean to hijack your naming scheme idea

[chrome dagger]

Nah it's all good, I think this works out nicely

[chrome dagger]

@hoary zinc Sorry but I'm going to have to use you as a reminder of what not to do when you mess up an order. Not a huge deal for today, but remember to delete and re-submit any order that you have to edit so that we can keep a consistent record

Thank you, sir

[quasi crest]

say, should I say that I'm carrying my assigned infantry, or do they mount up when we land?

[chrome dagger]

The ruling was we all dismount the orbital individually when we land, so yeah technically no one's mounted yet

[quasi crest]

roger, I'll say I'm not carrying anyone yet

[tall briar]

As we won't be on the field this round, do we need to fill orders?

[chrome dagger]

Not necessary, just for people to get some practice or RP in if they want

[tall briar]

ok

[chrome dagger]

@civic jackal Minor thing but you noted your total speed as (2.0) but you're infantry so you should have (1.0)

[civic jackal]

Ooo sorry

@chrome dagger do I need to delete and resend if I'm fixing a gramer error in the order message?