Pro Patria (Valkyria Chronicles)
- Thread starter Emdeman
- Start date
LurkingWreck
Smol Birb
- Location
- Norway
Hop on the bandwagon!
[X] Move to assist the assault on the fortress.
[X] Move to assist the assault on the fortress.
- Location
- .
[X] Move to assist the assault on the fortress
Emdeman
The Atlantic Federation
- Location
- Australia
I agree which is why I didn't want to do it at the beginning and probably won't do it now. I think I overreacted a little when I saw the lack of responses half a day after an update.
Does anyone want to take a crack at all the references littered throughout the story?
Update will come when I get back from work. So votes are open for another six hours.
Chargone
Invisable operator
- Location
- New Zealand
That ambush...
I kind of expected it the moment the option to send all the troops into the city came up. It's a fairly clasic ambush. Particularly when the enemy (us) has armour, which does poorly in built up areas. (I was reading the story only thread to catch up.)
And apparently I'm too late to vote
Ahh well, next time!
I kind of expected it the moment the option to send all the troops into the city came up. It's a fairly clasic ambush. Particularly when the enemy (us) has armour, which does poorly in built up areas. (I was reading the story only thread to catch up.)
And apparently I'm too late to vote
Ahh well, next time!
2.6
Emdeman
The Atlantic Federation
- Location
- Australia
[X] Move to assist the assault on the fortress
The next day your weary forces move out of the battle-scarred town of Seczerin. You are now riding on a re-purposed civilian car - driven by Jaimes - far away from the van, Mueller having now decided he needed all his machines for operations and couldn't spare a platoon to be glorified chauffeurs. You defer to him on this matter, he knows tank actions better than you.
The road to the fortress should take nearly two days. In the distance you can hear the dull thunder of explosions. You pass refugees going the other way, few want to talk and you're not inclined to force them. Though one geriatric fellow out of all the people deigned to inform you of some details. The fighting at Midlon has been going on for more than a week. Garrison was at beginning was half its normal size, being able to hold a maximum of four thousand soldiers. Judging by the tone you suspect the old man has resistance sympathies. Apart from directing the troops there isn't much to do which leaves plenty of time to think.
One thing that stands out to you is that there always appeared to be a smaller number of faithful patriots in federation lands compared to the apparent herds of republican terrorists in the empire.
In your opinion, commoners these days have no idea how good they have it. Your father is always grumbling about moochers and how in the past it wouldn't have been allowed to exist in the first place. No welfare wastrels back in the old days. Near constantly complaining about how the reforms enacted during the reign of Emperor Otto the Great (may he forever find worthy conflicts) were infringing on the ancient rights of the nobility and interfering in the running of the nation states. Its that kind of thing that fueled the sovereign's rights movement.
No new-fangled concepts like 'insurance' or 'dole' which even many federation nations haven't yet copied and passed. Though to be fair they at least had the illusion of choice and didn't have it 'shoved down their unwilling throats' in his vivid words.
You yourself are of two minds about this. On one hand it helped the economy by sharply reducing the number of emigrants leaving the empire in peacetime, while also keeping the proles content. But on the other hand it signaled a dangerous destabilising effect on the age old status quo, an unknown path that could spell disaster. Not to mention more cultural encroachment by the corelands, more homogeneity and less diversity.
Though to be honest, the nostalgic old days your father dreams about were also used to carry out some barbaric customs like ritual mutilation and sacrifice or first night. Its just that going to the other end of the extreme was not the answer in your opinion.
Back to the matter as hand, the Federation has always had an edge over the Empire in the fifth column arena. Which said something about the character of the republicans. The revolutionaries' seductive promises of liberty and egality seemed to sway many naïve and feeble-minded people to their cause. At least the Empire made up for that shortcoming by fermenting trouble in the Federation's colonies. There at least, the sanctimonious rhetoric could be used against them and exposed for the hypocrisy it naturally was.
The stumbling block to the whole overthrowing the nobility idea was that it simply placed the merchants at the top instead. And they have practically no accountability or legitimacy whatsoever. Being ruled by the mercantile classes was substantially worse for the working man than anything that came before, you have been informed. Continuously exploited to endlessly generate profit without any regard to well-being.
As you approach the location of the fortification you see large craters littering the fields, an obvious indicator to the presence of enemy artillery. It is just after the end of the day, with the last rays of light piercing the dark horizon.
You have the good fortune to encounter Giraud's outfit first, who are watching over the northern approach. The man himself seems relieved to see you. He invites you to his tent and shares a glass of wine.
"To the king of kings", you both intone before drinking.
"You couldn't have come sooner colonel", he starts off, "there's something nasty going on".
"What do you mean?" You ask perplexed, "Is the enemy doing something unusual?"
"As in?" you prompt, vaguely remembering the fellow.
"About the arty section you told us to escort, he keeps it close to him. Says that its permanently assigned it to him for duration of the campaign. That you were ordered to transport it here by the general in order to take the fortress", he finishes.
You stand up, outraged, "What? Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"
"I sent a message a few days back, thought you were responding to it. I see it hasn't gotten to you".
"Well it appears we have quite the problem".
Hot damn, do you have a problem. The commander of the siege can't officially take away formations legitimately part of your brigade, like Giraud's troops. But that artillery wasn't originally a part of your force. The isolation granted by being the highest ranking officer around must have given him ideas. If you had come here with your whole force instead- no point contemplating possibilities. Thank goodness you came here now instead of chasing those federation lackeys, otherwise you'd be getting Giraud's messages somewhere dozens of miles away.
"Here's a report on casualties we've taken so far capturing this pile of rocks", he hands over a some papers to you.
How dare he try to take your artillery! You had to use up valuable capital to get them. You should go right up to him and take back what is yours. The risk of confrontation should make him back down. Though if things go awry you could get into trouble. On the other hand… you could go upstage him and finish off the fortress right now. His troops have retired for the night to conduct the final attack for tomorrow. Swooping in and taking the glory would be quite satisfying but night operations tend carry extra risk. Then again he could be operating under a severe misunderstanding, unlikely as it may be. You could always jointly take the fort tomorrow and converse with him afterwards. Or you can accept that this metaphorical battle is not worth fighting and walk away, though you'll be damned if you're forgetting about it.
[] Confront. Him. Now
[] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [] Now, on your own
- [] Tomorrow with Baumann
[] Disregard the transgression, but remember it
^ (attack happens together tomorrow)
[] Write-in
OOC: So I fell asleep just before finishing the update. Sue me. This is brought to you by the miraculous time called lunch hour.
The next day your weary forces move out of the battle-scarred town of Seczerin. You are now riding on a re-purposed civilian car - driven by Jaimes - far away from the van, Mueller having now decided he needed all his machines for operations and couldn't spare a platoon to be glorified chauffeurs. You defer to him on this matter, he knows tank actions better than you.
The road to the fortress should take nearly two days. In the distance you can hear the dull thunder of explosions. You pass refugees going the other way, few want to talk and you're not inclined to force them. Though one geriatric fellow out of all the people deigned to inform you of some details. The fighting at Midlon has been going on for more than a week. Garrison was at beginning was half its normal size, being able to hold a maximum of four thousand soldiers. Judging by the tone you suspect the old man has resistance sympathies. Apart from directing the troops there isn't much to do which leaves plenty of time to think.
One thing that stands out to you is that there always appeared to be a smaller number of faithful patriots in federation lands compared to the apparent herds of republican terrorists in the empire.
In your opinion, commoners these days have no idea how good they have it. Your father is always grumbling about moochers and how in the past it wouldn't have been allowed to exist in the first place. No welfare wastrels back in the old days. Near constantly complaining about how the reforms enacted during the reign of Emperor Otto the Great (may he forever find worthy conflicts) were infringing on the ancient rights of the nobility and interfering in the running of the nation states. Its that kind of thing that fueled the sovereign's rights movement.
No new-fangled concepts like 'insurance' or 'dole' which even many federation nations haven't yet copied and passed. Though to be fair they at least had the illusion of choice and didn't have it 'shoved down their unwilling throats' in his vivid words.
You yourself are of two minds about this. On one hand it helped the economy by sharply reducing the number of emigrants leaving the empire in peacetime, while also keeping the proles content. But on the other hand it signaled a dangerous destabilising effect on the age old status quo, an unknown path that could spell disaster. Not to mention more cultural encroachment by the corelands, more homogeneity and less diversity.
Though to be honest, the nostalgic old days your father dreams about were also used to carry out some barbaric customs like ritual mutilation and sacrifice or first night. Its just that going to the other end of the extreme was not the answer in your opinion.
Back to the matter as hand, the Federation has always had an edge over the Empire in the fifth column arena. Which said something about the character of the republicans. The revolutionaries' seductive promises of liberty and egality seemed to sway many naïve and feeble-minded people to their cause. At least the Empire made up for that shortcoming by fermenting trouble in the Federation's colonies. There at least, the sanctimonious rhetoric could be used against them and exposed for the hypocrisy it naturally was.
The stumbling block to the whole overthrowing the nobility idea was that it simply placed the merchants at the top instead. And they have practically no accountability or legitimacy whatsoever. Being ruled by the mercantile classes was substantially worse for the working man than anything that came before, you have been informed. Continuously exploited to endlessly generate profit without any regard to well-being.
As you approach the location of the fortification you see large craters littering the fields, an obvious indicator to the presence of enemy artillery. It is just after the end of the day, with the last rays of light piercing the dark horizon.
You have the good fortune to encounter Giraud's outfit first, who are watching over the northern approach. The man himself seems relieved to see you. He invites you to his tent and shares a glass of wine.
"To the king of kings", you both intone before drinking.
"You couldn't have come sooner colonel", he starts off, "there's something nasty going on".
"What do you mean?" You ask perplexed, "Is the enemy doing something unusual?"
"No sir, they've mostly been losing and dying. Its the other colonel here, some chap called Baumann. He's doing something shifty".
"As in?" you prompt, vaguely remembering the fellow.
"About the arty section you told us to escort, he keeps it close to him. Says that its permanently assigned it to him for duration of the campaign. That you were ordered to transport it here by the general in order to take the fortress", he finishes.
You stand up, outraged, "What? Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"
"I sent a message a few days back, thought you were responding to it. I see it hasn't gotten to you".
"Well it appears we have quite the problem".
Hot damn, do you have a problem. The commander of the siege can't officially take away formations legitimately part of your brigade, like Giraud's troops. But that artillery wasn't originally a part of your force. The isolation granted by being the highest ranking officer around must have given him ideas. If you had come here with your whole force instead- no point contemplating possibilities. Thank goodness you came here now instead of chasing those federation lackeys, otherwise you'd be getting Giraud's messages somewhere dozens of miles away.
"Here's a report on casualties we've taken so far capturing this pile of rocks", he hands over a some papers to you.
That's more than ten percent of the battalion's strength. Steep losses, and as of this moment your most diminished formation. The melancholy thought is soon interrupted by the current issue.
How dare he try to take your artillery! You had to use up valuable capital to get them. You should go right up to him and take back what is yours. The risk of confrontation should make him back down. Though if things go awry you could get into trouble. On the other hand… you could go upstage him and finish off the fortress right now. His troops have retired for the night to conduct the final attack for tomorrow. Swooping in and taking the glory would be quite satisfying but night operations tend carry extra risk. Then again he could be operating under a severe misunderstanding, unlikely as it may be. You could always jointly take the fort tomorrow and converse with him afterwards. Or you can accept that this metaphorical battle is not worth fighting and walk away, though you'll be damned if you're forgetting about it.
[] Confront. Him. Now
[] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [] Now, on your own
- [] Tomorrow with Baumann
[] Disregard the transgression, but remember it
^ (attack happens together tomorrow)
[] Write-in
OOC: So I fell asleep just before finishing the update. Sue me. This is brought to you by the miraculous time called lunch hour.
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Chargone
Invisable operator
- Location
- New Zealand
69 is substantially less than 10% of 4500? 45 would be 1%, 90 would be 2%... or did i miss something?
[X] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [X] Tomorrow with Baumann
Makes it much harder for him to justify not giving them back.
edit: Or at least, it makes it harder for him to get away with making us look bad for trying.
[X] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [X] Tomorrow with Baumann
Makes it much harder for him to justify not giving them back.
edit: Or at least, it makes it harder for him to get away with making us look bad for trying.
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Emdeman
The Atlantic Federation
- Location
- Australia
No he's referring specifically to the 33rd Chasseur battalion commanded by Giraud. Battalions usually number around 600-800. So far the losses you have taken were shared out between all 6 battalions. These are the losses his one battalion have taken in this assault i.e. what they've taken over the last few updates they were detached from your brigade.
- [] Tomorrow with Baumann
Plan Cavalier:
[X] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [X] Now, on your own
-- [X] Send a dispatch to HQ afterward announcing the fall of the fortress and lauding the contribution of your artillery crews while recommending basic medals
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Didn't we start with
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- Location
- .
[X] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [X] Tomorrow with Baumann
- [X] Tomorrow with Baumann
LurkingWreck
Smol Birb
- Location
- Norway
[X] Disregard the transgression, but remember it
^ (attack happens together tomorrow)
That little shit!
We will remember this, although we don't have time to chew him out for it right now. If i read the last few updates right, we're quite behind the frontline. We need this fort to fall as effortlessly as possible, so we can catch up with the other divisions.
^ (attack happens together tomorrow)
That little shit!
We will remember this, although we don't have time to chew him out for it right now. If i read the last few updates right, we're quite behind the frontline. We need this fort to fall as effortlessly as possible, so we can catch up with the other divisions.
Emdeman
The Atlantic Federation
- Location
- Australia
To argue the other point, waiting for the next day would give up the element of surprise as the enemy is expecting you. On the other hand it would mean double the numbers and sharing the losses. Both are viable.
Does anyone want to point out the references and allusions? It could help others understand the context and provide background info. Any speculation or questions?
Vote count
Will wait for more votes before writing the update.
Does anyone want to point out the references and allusions? It could help others understand the context and provide background info. Any speculation or questions?
Vote count
5 votes
1 vote
1 vote
Will wait for more votes before writing the update.
- Location
- Southern Virginia
[X] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [X] Now, on your own
-- [X] Send a dispatch to HQ afterward announcing the fall of the fortress and lauding the contribution of your artillery crews while recommending basic medals
There's no "misunderstanding." Imperial politics are a rat's nest, and this asshole is trying to steal critical assets. If he's going to try petty bureaucratic maneuvering then the way to shut him down is to assert Rudolph's own superior authority. Of course they're equals so that can turn into bickering and possession is nine-tenths of the law. Right now he has our artillery close at hand. And going over his head is likely to annoy headquarters at having to hash out a dispute between two colonels.
Unless, of course, we assert superior authority by means he can't stop, with achievements that will incline Headquarters to take our side. That means we need the fortress as currency. As proof of being a better, more capable officer. Thankfully Baumann sent a dispatching asking Rudolph for help, tacitly conceding his inferiority, and Rudolph can blame any delays in the front on having to help him out. It's by no means nice or collegial, and kind of glory-hounding, but the Imperial military is messed up that way. And frankly being taken advantage of this way is rather annoying and something we need to retaliate against or else we need to get used to being used as a doormat.
- [X] Now, on your own
-- [X] Send a dispatch to HQ afterward announcing the fall of the fortress and lauding the contribution of your artillery crews while recommending basic medals
There's no "misunderstanding." Imperial politics are a rat's nest, and this asshole is trying to steal critical assets. If he's going to try petty bureaucratic maneuvering then the way to shut him down is to assert Rudolph's own superior authority. Of course they're equals so that can turn into bickering and possession is nine-tenths of the law. Right now he has our artillery close at hand. And going over his head is likely to annoy headquarters at having to hash out a dispute between two colonels.
Unless, of course, we assert superior authority by means he can't stop, with achievements that will incline Headquarters to take our side. That means we need the fortress as currency. As proof of being a better, more capable officer. Thankfully Baumann sent a dispatching asking Rudolph for help, tacitly conceding his inferiority, and Rudolph can blame any delays in the front on having to help him out. It's by no means nice or collegial, and kind of glory-hounding, but the Imperial military is messed up that way. And frankly being taken advantage of this way is rather annoying and something we need to retaliate against or else we need to get used to being used as a doormat.
SirLagginton
Shadow Cabal Caerbannog Bun-Bun
- Location
- Arrrghhh
[X] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [X] Now, on your own
-- [X] Send a dispatch to HQ afterward announcing the fall of the fortress and lauding the contribution of your artillery crews while recommending basic medals
- [X] Now, on your own
-- [X] Send a dispatch to HQ afterward announcing the fall of the fortress and lauding the contribution of your artillery crews while recommending basic medals
- Location
- Southern Virginia
To elaborate a bit on the plan, taking the fortress right now is a bargaining chip. It gives Rudolph a claim on the prestige of taking the fortress, and thus appearing like a capable, decisive officer to HQ. If Baumann wants to pick a fight over the artillery, it puts us in a better position. Since he appealed for our assistance he can't argue that Rudolph was acting without cause or stepping into a situation he had well under hand, as he will undoubtedly try. Likewise the point of recommending some rather low-level awards among the artillery crews is to assert that they were acting under Rudolph's orders, not Baumann's. Getting that dispatch off to HQ before Baumann can present his side of the story should be a fait accompli. Of course the dispatch is just a preliminary report, and a more detailed report will be required later on; and Baumann can be made aware of that, which is both a threat and an opening to brush over the "misunderstanding."
If Baumann backs down gracefully we can elide over the details of the siege in favor of presenting it as a united effort carried out vigorously and competently (albeit more vigorously and more competently by Rudolph) whereas if Baumann is truculent the report HQ receives will paint Rudolph as responding to desperate pleas for assistance and garnering all the credit between his artillery and the night attack. Either way it goes Baumann is certainly an enemy and will have to be carefully watched for future attempts to undermine Rudolph, but backing down will just see Rudolph used as a doormat by his peers and lose respect among his officers. You have to show you can and will retaliate against slights and plots before you can cultivate a reputation for magnanimity without being taken advantage of.
Though, and this is something I have been turning over, how much are the dice rolls for casualties modified at all by the traits and circumstances? There are modifiers for some rolls, but we didn't seem to receive any bonus from Rudolph's Cautious trait in seeing through the ruse back at the first town. An element of chance is needed, but some courses of action are just inherently less risky or less costly than others. If the enemy actually is taken by surprise in a night attack, for example, casualties would probably be significantly lower than in a direct assault in the morning. On the other hand a long siege with trenchworks inching closer methodically is going to see fewer casualties than an all-out assault; and of course having heavy artillery on hand is always going to make taking a fortified position less costly and more effectively.
If Baumann backs down gracefully we can elide over the details of the siege in favor of presenting it as a united effort carried out vigorously and competently (albeit more vigorously and more competently by Rudolph) whereas if Baumann is truculent the report HQ receives will paint Rudolph as responding to desperate pleas for assistance and garnering all the credit between his artillery and the night attack. Either way it goes Baumann is certainly an enemy and will have to be carefully watched for future attempts to undermine Rudolph, but backing down will just see Rudolph used as a doormat by his peers and lose respect among his officers. You have to show you can and will retaliate against slights and plots before you can cultivate a reputation for magnanimity without being taken advantage of.
Though, and this is something I have been turning over, how much are the dice rolls for casualties modified at all by the traits and circumstances? There are modifiers for some rolls, but we didn't seem to receive any bonus from Rudolph's Cautious trait in seeing through the ruse back at the first town. An element of chance is needed, but some courses of action are just inherently less risky or less costly than others. If the enemy actually is taken by surprise in a night attack, for example, casualties would probably be significantly lower than in a direct assault in the morning. On the other hand a long siege with trenchworks inching closer methodically is going to see fewer casualties than an all-out assault; and of course having heavy artillery on hand is always going to make taking a fortified position less costly and more effectively.
Emdeman
The Atlantic Federation
- Location
- Australia
Despite the urgency of the narration the clashes so far have been very one-sided. In pretty much all the battles you've heavily outnumbered the enemy. Four, sometimes five times to one (nearly ten to one in the first encounter). Rudolf does not directly mention this though it can be inferred by scrutinising the prisoner numbers or estimated enemy force composition. This isn't mentioning the massive materiel superiority. You can sort of see Rudolf's inexperience showing where he is tensely recounting each clash blow by blow as if he is on the verge of losing. Most imperial commanders of his rank would call recent combat an easy victory and think no more on it.
Also remember that this counts both the wounded and deceased, you'll probably get some of the wounded back over time (as it counts all who are even moderately hurt enough to require attention). 400∼ dead and wounded taking what you have is pretty unremarkable, even light. Its basically a series of shallow cuts. For example, about 25% of the previous number will be dead, another 25% will be too hurt to return to combat while the remainder may be able to.
I hadn't actually thought of using the cautious trait in the rolls. Now that you mention it I can see where it would be useful. The dice rolls were a bit of a late addition.
I was mainly using the traits to affect the narration and vote options. Can you tell where the cautious trait is being referenced? Hint, its towards the end of most combat updates, I'm trying to point out why he's cautious. His heavy infantry leader trait was why he was so critical of the vehicle composition of Vorbeck's heavy foot battalion, opening that vote option and character interaction. It was also part of reason why he wanted to censure Surena at that border town, though that admittedly also had other motives at play influencing him.
The inspiring leader trait hasn't been shown that much recently though at the start of invasion he did interact with the rank and file fairly well. You wouldn't think our main character is all that uplifting from reading though that's mostly because you've been privy to all of his inner thoughts, the good and the bad. You don't really see much of him interacting with the troops under him. His exterior is quite different.
The traits also affect the type of votes you receive. For example, if Rudolf hadn't taken cautious he could have been able to immediately pursue the federation forces at Seczerin. Instead he automatically waited a day so his forces gather themselves, with the added option of waiting longer.
Though now that you've pointed it out, I will think of using traits more often in dice rolls in the future. I don't really want the traits to affect small scale tactical combat. That job is handled by subordinates, it should impact the larger scale events. Most of the time its Rudolf giving the overall commands and then sitting back and having the underlings carry it out.
Thing is, the enemy have their own plans and sometimes those plans can conflict with your own. With explosive effects. This would make some options riskier than others but wouldn't appear so at first glance. Also, one decision earlier on could create an atmosphere for other events to occur in the future.
For example, if you had raced forward at the start, like choosing the other options instead of taking the slow and steady approach with light infantry, you would have been able to catch the whole Lublin garrison before they left. This would have made the ambush at Seczerin a non-factor and you would have decisively captured the town. It really was a series of events that built up.
Vote locked.
6 votes, winning vote
4 votes
No eta on the update, maybe in a few hours, maybe tomorrow.
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2.7
Emdeman
The Atlantic Federation
- Location
- Australia
[X] Decide later, take the fortress first
- [X] Now, on your own
-- [X] Send a dispatch to HQ afterward announcing the fall of the fortress and lauding the contribution of your artillery crews while recommending basic medals
This situation will require some deft manoeuvrings, the other colonel is clearly up to no good. But that can be settled later, now is a good chance to strengthen your position.
"Giraud, how soon can you get your unit ready for battle?" you ask off the cuff.
"Battle? We've spend the whole day fighting though we haven't been at the forefront", the older man frowns.
"Then you can handle the rearguard operations, give me a situation report", you respond calmly.
"Our side has been spending the last few days clobbering this place. Too many damn mines lying around, but most of its been cleared. It hasn't been easy but the enemy is on its last legs, the last push petered out shortly before their final lines".
"I gathered, we're going to move out in three hours, now what about…"
It is dark as your forces move out. The moonlight provides a dim backdrop to the area. There will be no armour for the initial attack, much to the displeasure of Mueller and the heavy infantry commanders. There had to be a stealthy approach, the tanks will come afterwards. No point alerting the sentries beforetime, the enemy's or Baumann's. To this effect, the infantry placed rags between armour plates to muffle sound and tarnish shiny surfaces with soot or grime. You shared a joke with a few men that this was one of the few time they'd do the opposite of what field regs demanded. That earned a few chuckles. In the low visibility they looked a bit more like elites and special forces than regular grunts.
The Midlon fortress itself was no antiquated middle period castle but two twisting rings of modern bunkers, pillboxes and volley gun nests. Based around the Wislah river it had presented a formidable obstacle. Key word being had, the acrid smell of smoke from recent fighting still hangs in the air. The defenders had been uprooted from the bulk of the defensive works after several days of heavy fighting. However, the combat had been so intense it had left both sides exhausted just before the final bastion could fall. This presented your fresh forces with an opportunity.
Apparently there was an armoured train - affectionately nicknamed Death by the rank and file - which had been causing havoc among the imperial forces. Battering the attackers from range with artillery fire before moving away to other points in the defense. According the Giraud it has now been immobilised by your artillery tearing up the tracks.
The troops advance into the fortress, cautiously checking for any fresh mines laid by enterprising Merovians recently. The burnt out husks of outposts and ruined fortifications litter the field. The concrete seems to have weathered the battering fairly well... other things didn't. You pass by the bodies of the recently dead out in open, barely cooled. Baumann's men fought hard for this place. You feel a pang of regret for taking their accomplishment away.
The discharge of firearms half a mile in front of you announces the start of fighting. Fire is exchanged between your forward troops and enemy sentries. The low light will mean most of the shots will miss, meaning close quarters fighting. Something your heavy infantry excel in. Your forces immediately overrun the initial outposts. Your supposition was right, the enemy troops were bone tired. They weren't expecting an attack of this size. The response is sluggish and more outer defenses fall. You hear small pops of grenades going off.
The roar of tanks can be heard as they race toward the front to support the infantry. Shellfire soon joins the chorus of ear-splitting noises. There is very little answering anti-tank fire, maybe they're running low on lance ammunition or just caught off guard.
The thin federation defenses become weaker as two thirds of your brigade roll them up. Your soldiers are about to reach the final defensive lines before their last fort when the enemy resistance finally solidifies. They seem to be able to put up more of a fight now that they can rouse enough bodies to the frontline, but it won't matter soon as your tanks and mortars will just shred them.
Then an indistinct roar suddenly fills the air. You can't tell where its coming from. The buildings around you seem to shake. An enormous amount of dirt seems to have been suddenly kicked up. The sound of deep explosions reverberate through the air.
What ever-loving hells was that? It sounded like a super-heavy shell detonating. Which is nonsensical as there are no railway guns or capital ships for hundreds of miles.
You can see even from here that your forces are obviously in serious disarray. Going by the confused shouts, disorder is the main result from the commotion, though that's because there's no indication on the number of casualties yet. You could go in person and re-form them. It would put you at risk but you do have an honour guard of elites. You are leery of throwing yourself into danger considering the consequences but you are no coward. Your troops need you. Yes, there are lower ranked officers there but they could be incapacitated or too slow. The enemy certainly isn't going to pass up this chance.
Personally rally the troops?
[] Yes
[] No
***
Last part of the vote be held in abeyance until relevant.
Enjoy cliffhanger while I sleep. Next update will be soon, 12-18 hours.
- [X] Now, on your own
-- [X] Send a dispatch to HQ afterward announcing the fall of the fortress and lauding the contribution of your artillery crews while recommending basic medals
This situation will require some deft manoeuvrings, the other colonel is clearly up to no good. But that can be settled later, now is a good chance to strengthen your position.
"Giraud, how soon can you get your unit ready for battle?" you ask off the cuff.
"Battle? We've spend the whole day fighting though we haven't been at the forefront", the older man frowns.
"Then you can handle the rearguard operations, give me a situation report", you respond calmly.
"Our side has been spending the last few days clobbering this place. Too many damn mines lying around, but most of its been cleared. It hasn't been easy but the enemy is on its last legs, the last push petered out shortly before their final lines".
"I gathered, we're going to move out in three hours, now what about…"
***
It is dark as your forces move out. The moonlight provides a dim backdrop to the area. There will be no armour for the initial attack, much to the displeasure of Mueller and the heavy infantry commanders. There had to be a stealthy approach, the tanks will come afterwards. No point alerting the sentries beforetime, the enemy's or Baumann's. To this effect, the infantry placed rags between armour plates to muffle sound and tarnish shiny surfaces with soot or grime. You shared a joke with a few men that this was one of the few time they'd do the opposite of what field regs demanded. That earned a few chuckles. In the low visibility they looked a bit more like elites and special forces than regular grunts.
The Midlon fortress itself was no antiquated middle period castle but two twisting rings of modern bunkers, pillboxes and volley gun nests. Based around the Wislah river it had presented a formidable obstacle. Key word being had, the acrid smell of smoke from recent fighting still hangs in the air. The defenders had been uprooted from the bulk of the defensive works after several days of heavy fighting. However, the combat had been so intense it had left both sides exhausted just before the final bastion could fall. This presented your fresh forces with an opportunity.
Apparently there was an armoured train - affectionately nicknamed Death by the rank and file - which had been causing havoc among the imperial forces. Battering the attackers from range with artillery fire before moving away to other points in the defense. According the Giraud it has now been immobilised by your artillery tearing up the tracks.
The troops advance into the fortress, cautiously checking for any fresh mines laid by enterprising Merovians recently. The burnt out husks of outposts and ruined fortifications litter the field. The concrete seems to have weathered the battering fairly well... other things didn't. You pass by the bodies of the recently dead out in open, barely cooled. Baumann's men fought hard for this place. You feel a pang of regret for taking their accomplishment away.
The discharge of firearms half a mile in front of you announces the start of fighting. Fire is exchanged between your forward troops and enemy sentries. The low light will mean most of the shots will miss, meaning close quarters fighting. Something your heavy infantry excel in. Your forces immediately overrun the initial outposts. Your supposition was right, the enemy troops were bone tired. They weren't expecting an attack of this size. The response is sluggish and more outer defenses fall. You hear small pops of grenades going off.
The roar of tanks can be heard as they race toward the front to support the infantry. Shellfire soon joins the chorus of ear-splitting noises. There is very little answering anti-tank fire, maybe they're running low on lance ammunition or just caught off guard.
The thin federation defenses become weaker as two thirds of your brigade roll them up. Your soldiers are about to reach the final defensive lines before their last fort when the enemy resistance finally solidifies. They seem to be able to put up more of a fight now that they can rouse enough bodies to the frontline, but it won't matter soon as your tanks and mortars will just shred them.
Then an indistinct roar suddenly fills the air. You can't tell where its coming from. The buildings around you seem to shake. An enormous amount of dirt seems to have been suddenly kicked up. The sound of deep explosions reverberate through the air.
What ever-loving hells was that? It sounded like a super-heavy shell detonating. Which is nonsensical as there are no railway guns or capital ships for hundreds of miles.
You can see even from here that your forces are obviously in serious disarray. Going by the confused shouts, disorder is the main result from the commotion, though that's because there's no indication on the number of casualties yet. You could go in person and re-form them. It would put you at risk but you do have an honour guard of elites. You are leery of throwing yourself into danger considering the consequences but you are no coward. Your troops need you. Yes, there are lower ranked officers there but they could be incapacitated or too slow. The enemy certainly isn't going to pass up this chance.
Personally rally the troops?
[] Yes
[] No
***
Last part of the vote be held in abeyance until relevant.
Enjoy cliffhanger while I sleep. Next update will be soon, 12-18 hours.