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You are Lieutenant Rondo Von Metzeler, and there was a situation brewing that was already uncomfortable, and looking to get worse before it got better. You could only hope that you would be able to take care of it- or to at least mitigate any damage that might occur from failures in tactics you might make.

A train, ten boxcars long that could very well contain anything, had steamed up from across the Twaryian occupied border. Orders from above were to not damage the tracks- but you did have to stop the train. Caution ruled the day, as you had ordered out 1st platoon (with 3rd going around to dispatch trailing Twaryian skirmishers) to take measures to coax the train’s operators into halting the vehicle- or halting it themselves. Whatever was in there, it could not be allowed to simply pass through your lands.

Despite the risk of disaster if mishandled, you felt that the current situation was under control. Bar a colossal monstrous crustacean bursting loose from the car. Von Tracht had taken you around to see many a sight indeed, including things that while seemingly completely natural, appeared to the senses as anything but. Even what was formerly illogical could no longer be discounted.

“Report from Gyro 1, sir,” a staff officer suddenly said to you from the radios, communicating with one of Netilland’s odd scouting flying contraptions. “They’re seeing another group coming towards the border, gunning it.”

Another group? “…Composition and location, bearing of travel..?”

“Can’t say yet, just spotted,” the radio officer rattled off, “…Confirm? Roger.” He turned back to you with a mix of bafflement and worry. “Armor and trucks, two platoons of each. Reckon it’s their motor infantry.”

“…Two…four..?” you leaned forward. That was a significant force. “…Location and bearing, immediately…”

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It was given, and upon a map of the sector in the middle of the headquarters office, appropriate tiles were laid down on approximate locations. This looked to be a heavier assault than had ever come before…how polite of Von Tracht to lay responsibilities in your lap just in time for this. Could the company even handle this scale of attack, to say nothing of what secret might be lying in the train to the east? Perhaps, yet also, perhaps not, and it was not as if you could not call in aid, as Gerovic had surely done…Regardless, battle was most certainly inevitable, and you had to make ready whatever you had in preparation for what you would actually do.

>Keep 1st and 3rd platoons where they are to handle the train. 2nd and whatever armor you mobilized would fend off the other threat.
>Withdraw 3rd to HQ, you had to face the coming force with at least relatively even odds.
>The train was now clearly a distraction- withdraw all troops to HQ to get ready to meet with Gerovic
>Other?

Note that 4th and 5th are both at the UGZ- even if they were ready to march over, they would not arrive in timely fashion.
Also, in regards to reinforcement (make sure to ask how much help you want from whomever)-

>You needed no help- and certainly not to owe any favors. 5th company could handle this themselves.
>Were you in no position to call favors from Kommissar Zohl? Even if you would owe him for it, there would be no greater equalizer than calling upon Netilland’s most elite…
>Richter was well acquainted with Captain Edelschwert, and had aided him recently. Surely he would be quick to come to your aid?
>Other?

Remember that anybody coming to help still has to get to you, regardless of how much you ask from them, so it’ll take some time for them to arrive.

Past Threads are collected here: https://pastebin.com/UagT0hnh
Twitter for announcements and various horseshit is @scheissfunker

>>4114397
>Keep 1st and 3rd platoons where they are to handle the train. 2nd and whatever armor you mobilized would fend off the other threat.
>Richter was well acquainted with Captain Edelschwert, and had aided him recently. Surely he would be quick to come to your aid?

>>4114397
>>Richter was well acquainted with Captain Edelschwert, and had aided him recently. Surely he would be quick to come to your aid?

>>4114527
supporting

>>4114397
>Keep 1st and 3rd platoons where they are to handle the train. 2nd and whatever armor you mobilized would fend off the other threat.
>Richter was well acquainted with Captain Edelschwert, and had aided him recently. Surely he would be quick to come to your aid?
The attackers only have twice our numbers, military science says this isn't enough to take a fortified position. Let's hope military science is right.
>Recall the 4th from UGZ-09 in any case. The battle might drag out.

>>4114675
Supporting.

Also tanq mind showing what the Blue Knights and the 13th Guards have?

>>4114675
+1
These odds aren't really fun though considering 2nd Platoon has no upgrades and our tanks aren't really meant to get into an extended trade

>>4114675
This works.
Tell the 1st to throw enough trees and debris on the track to stop it from proceeding if it speeds up now while we still have time.

We'll probably be relatively safe here in the base but we'll be abandoning the town to destruction.

>Other?
This just got escalated to Fustercluck, alert High Command and warn them this isn't going to be a raid and the the Twaryians are here to destroy a town full of Netillian colonists.
Radio the New Mayor and tell him of the situation.

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>>4114788
For the Blue Knights, sure, since Edelschwert picked up a couple new things since last seen- though nothing terribly major.

The 13th Mechanized Guards, however, are not so open. Totally not because I haven't assembled their sheet yet. However, you do know that they've got the best equipment that can be provided, and have ridden in one of their armored assault transports that they have enough of to cart the whole company around in, not counting what is undoubtedly no shortage of support units.

In any case-

>>4114527
>>4114675
>>4114649
>>4114779
>>4114800
Keep everybody where they are.

>>4114527
>>4114614
>>4114649
>>4114675
>>4114779
>>4114800
Call the 12th

>>4114675
>>4114800
And get 4th platoon on standby,

Writing.

>>4114855
You are counted as well despite appearing while I was submitting the post.

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>4114857
Now let’s play a game of “What’s. In. The. Traiiiiin”
>0-10 Only the conductor
>11-20 Regular folk
>21-30 Some bandits
>31-40 Regular troops
>41-50 Troops with good equipment
>51-60 Troops with anti-tank
>61-70 A mage battalion
>71-80 Mages with abominations
>81-90 200 Bertram clones
>91-100 The Kaiser himself to claim Richter

>>4114879
That's an impressive roll.

>>4114881
Thanks, I’m training for the duel

Speaking of the duel should we drag Richter back into this? After all he needs to fight to get rid of his Fear and the situation now is pretty dicey anyways

>>4114890
Let’s maintain him training anon, he’s gonna need skills as well

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“…Call the outpost field telephone and tell them to make sure first and third platoons…stay on task…” you instructed the operators, “…Call Headquarters and request two things…one, for a message to be given to Captain Edelschwert and his company, requesting aid….the other…inform High Command of the scale of this raid…I believe the intent is to destroy New Jorgenstohn…Call the mayor of said town as well…inform him of the risks…”

Whether razing the colonial town was truly Gerovic’s objective was unknown, but it was the easiest conclusion to come to given the direction of his movement. Unfortunately, you would be unlikely to reach it in time, let alone fight off the enemy, at least unless help arrived, and even trying would leave the base defenseless. Fortified as it had been over the past weeks, it was vastly preferably to try and hold there. Tricky as Gerovic was, he might overrun it otherwise.

A response from Edelschwert was hearteningly prompt. Though his armored car and infantry complement were busy with patrols, he could certainly send his armor- two platoons worth, totaling eight armored fighting vehicles. Whether that would match what you had to contend with was yet to be seen, but you would not complain about reinforcement. A response from command besides the clinical, official reply of “deal with it,” was not forthcoming. Perhaps that was to be expected.

Also encouraging was the hilltop outpost’s report that the train that had so daringly breached the border was coming to a stop, even as the Twaryian skirmishers did their best to evade engagement with 3rd platoon. Soon, you’d finally be told what on earth was inside the mysterious transport…

-----

Lieutenant Borscholm was quite thankful that he’d been given an easier part of what was described as a mess in the making, especially as the train’s stopping made it more and more appear as though this would not be violent. Not that his men were happy about it.

“Gonna be a real waste of time if we dug these holes in no time flat only for nobody to shoot at us.”

“Shut the fuck up, newbie, you ain’t been shot at before, start looking to be and you’ll catch a bullet yourself. Won’t be so hard for it then.”

“Got in right after the whore brigade flew off,” the young rifleman said bitterly, “The lowlanders get to sit in the UGZ with all its cheap whores. Thought I’d get serious pussy getting in, at least paid for. Fuckin’ recruiters.”

Borscholm was not about to confess that he was no longer a virgin because of the mentioned “brigade.” He could admit that, despite their good position on the hill, if anything was in the train, he’d have preferred to be with the half of the platoon going forward to investigate. “No worries, private,” he said, despite the Squad Leader’s cursing, “If it turns out to be nothing, we’ll help third platoon encircle the Twaryians they’re chasing.”

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Borscholm continued to peer down curiously at the train, as a boxcar opened up and some people in plain civilian clothes jumped out, and waved. A couple were women, even. Ellowians fleeing, perhaps? They’d only be placed in the UGZs, but who knew what they could be running from…

“The fuck’s that? The front and back cars just…fell open?”

Borscholm adjusted his view. Indeed, the sides of the front and back cars in the train had fallen open and to the sides…those were…those were armored cars? And a pair of anti tank guns? From nowhere, there were suddenly a pair of fortified cars, stacked with bricks and sandbags. The cars began to disgorge troops from their bottom hatches, the Lieutenant suddenly noticed. The armored car turrets swept over the troops in the open…

“Insurgents! Open fire! Open fire!”

-----

A far off poomf poomf poomf was heard, followed by rifle and machine gun fire. So much for that, you thought bitterly. “…I want a report on what that is…immediately…” you demanded of the operators.

The message was relayed, and it took half a minute of excited interjections before you were given an actual answer. “The train was full of insurgents, sir! They’re swarming out of the train and fighting with first platoon! They’re saying they have armored cars and anti-tank guns on the train!”

“…How many..?” you tried to urge through the sloth of your mind’s transition to words.

“…Uh…” a query. “Two of each, loaded up on the train. The sides of the car fell off-“

“How many men, too!” you barked in a surge of frustration.

“Dozens…no! Hundreds! Huh?” the operator choked, “Confirm? Noway, not with…”

“Gyro Two sights mass insurgent contact at a train, sir!” another radio operator shouted over.”

That was as certain as one could get. Two independent sightings of a similar contact. Hundreds, though? That could mean…how many platoons? Thank heaven you were safe at headquarters…but for how long?

“Outpost is reporting First Platoon sending up signals requesting armor support!”

“One at a damn time!” you cried back, but the tanks did have to be roused. As many as you could, and Edelschwert’s people had to be pointed in a direction. If High Command was lackadaisical about a Twaryian attack, then surely they couldn’t ignore what was reported to be this many insurgents from nowhere, especially from Twaryian soil.

>Select what tanks and say what commanders to mobilize. You have crews for five tanks.
Also
>Advise the Blue Knights go to help 1st and 3rd platoons.
>Tell the coming reinforcements to head to the HQ camp- you’d need their help against Gerovic’s tanks.
>Other direction?

>>4115022
>Tell the coming reinforcements to head to the HQ camp- you’d need their help against Gerovic’s tanks
I won’t be surprised if this guy attacked us with power armors

>>4115022
>Tell the coming reinforcements to head to the HQ camp- you’d need their help against Gerovic’s tanks.

>>4115022
X-20 with Anya and Ilger's tank to go support the 1st and 3rd. I'd like to imagine if they've sandbagged the armored cars and anti-tank guns
it will take them a little while to dismount them. Maybe wishful thinking.
>Other
If we can, have the mortars devote their efforts to the train situation, pinning the rebels down would nice, if only for 1st and 3rd to get a chance to retreat if it gets too hot.

>Tell the coming reinforcements to head to
>Other direction?
Mag ain't gonna be happy but ask if he can split his cars/cavalry to head to the train and his tanks to head to us?
It would be really good to hit this train fight from three sides, if only to encourage rebels to melt away from our sector.

If Mag doesn't want to do that then default to head to us because ultimately we want Gerovic. If he goes down it really doesn't matter how many rebels they release into the wild.

Von Metzeler / Krause / Eakova with the X-51, X-80 and M28 to stick around until we know where Gerovic is heading or to meet up with Mag's armor.
>Other Other
Do we know who is in command the NeueHoudeberg sector? Might want to at least tell him that a horde of rebels just got dumped on his doorstep. If only to prepare for them if they head that way.

Apologies for the text dump

>>4115057
Sorry, I'm an asshole and gonna change 1 thing: don't send Anya and Ilger to help but do ask Mag to send the armored cavalry.
Tell 1st and 3rd to do what they can until help arrives then retreat. We just don't want that mess to interfere with the Gerovic fight.

Keep all tanks ready for the armor attack from the south.

>>4115022
Send the two mercenaries along with Anya in a tank of her choice to go deal with the train. Krause and von Metzeler should mount up and take positions to defend the HQ until the Blue Knights arrive to help defend it. If Gerovic doesn't go for the HQ they can be rerouted to counter him while we remain at the HQ or help with the train if needed.

>>4115022
>Select what tanks and say what commanders to mobilize. You have crews for five tanks.
Supporting >>4115057
>Tell the coming reinforcements to head to the HQ camp- you’d need their help against Gerovic’s tanks.
Don't like splitting our armour considering we're at a numerical and mechanical disadvantage already.
As >>4115057 get the mortars to start opening up while they're still relatively clustered together. Also inform the other sector. If Command doesn't want to commit further reinforcements to the north get 1st and 3rd to break off.

>>4115093
Supporting this

>>4115022
Do our mortars even have the range to the train? What caliber are they anyway?

>Send out Anya in the a tank to help with the train
Thankfully she'll be covered by the hill and the forest on approach, and after that she circle back to the other side of the train out of the AT guns' fire arc.

Can we swap the crews between the tanks freely without regard for experience with a particular model?
>If yes, send Anya in an M28, use the X-5x and T-16 for defence
>If no, send Anya in X-20, use both M28, X-50 and X-51 for defence
>And get Richter the fuck back here, he can at least command a tank

>Tell 1st and 3rd to hold fast
If they try to retreat they'll be mowed down. In place at least they have their foxholes.

>Advise the Blue Knights go to help 1st and 3rd platoons.
We should be able to hold for some time in our fortified position. The 1st and the 3rd aren't so lucky.

>>4115607
Supporting

Going to finish breaking up the packed snow and ice on the driveway then come back and call the vote.

>>4115607
>Do our mortars even have the range to the train? What caliber are they anyway?
They're assumed to have been moved into range considering this was being prepared for, but they are 80mm medium mortars, and their range is roughly around one and a half to maybe two kilometers.

>Can we swap the crews between the tanks freely without regard for experience with a particular model?
You can, yes. Plenty of practice has been had with the X models and the m/28 is what every Strossvalder has at least trained on (at the base model), and ironically Twaryian equipment has been experienced during the vacation in Sosaldt.

Alright then.

>>4115033
>>4115045
>>4115384
All in on HQ

>>4115235
This being the above too I think.

>>4115057
>>4115459
Split off light cars to help infantry? Only his 1st and 2nd are coming, his heavy cars with proper dismounts are busy.

>>4115607
>>4116586
Send the reinforcements to help the infantry.

As for local commitment:

>>4115057
>>4115384
X-20, X-51, X-80, x2 M28

>>4115607
>>4116586
M28, X5(insertnumber), T-16, get the actual main character? Also send a fluff to help the train.

>>4115235
Mobilize five, unspecific choice, split deployment to train.

Alright, how to handle this...

Blue Knights head to HQ, Mortars to help train fight, Anya to Train, with at least one mercenary. A compromise, I suppose. If I've counted up things wrong or misinterpreted intentions feel free to say so while I get this written out.

Things had gotten far too intense far too quickly- though before leaving in a hurry to fortify yourself, you gave the beginnings of a simple plan- Captain Edelschwert’s forces would head directly to the headquarters camp, and once all the tank crews and commanders were distributed, they would be split between aiding 1st and 3rd platoons, and digging in at camp with the 2nd platoon. There were entrenchments and embankments a plenty, with laboriously dug hull down tank positions. Hopefully, they would be enough. A proper (if hasty) briefing would await the tank commanders, as well as Lieutenant Abetz of 2nd platoon, but first, you had to force some confidence into your stronger, but wavering psyche.

With Frederick’s help, you procured and downed half a bottle of strong spirits. You had never been a heavy drinker, hopefully this wouldn’t become a new habit like it apparently had with Von Tracht, who was also being summoned to the briefing. Regardless of his current status, he was a tank commander of the Archduchy, and he had to be ready for a fight, even though there were insufficient crewmen to man as many tanks as you had officers for them.

The briefing only lasted a couple of minutes, before you assigned the final roles. “…Sergeant Nowicki. Take one of the mercenary officers and their tank…go northeast and support our infantry against the insurgents. Take whatever vehicle you like.”

“The double cannon one then.” Nowicki immediately claimed the little-used twin cannoned X-20. “Hey, Cockroach! Get your ass moving!”

“Heh. Now after all these years Creampuff’s tellin’ me what to do,” Lieutenant Illger chuckled to himself before Anya kicked at his leg. “Sheesh! I’m going!”

Nowicki didn’t leave right after the mercenary, though, and instead turned on Von Tracht, who had been dragged over rather breathless from the nearby woods. “Hey, idiot,” she reached up and pulled him down by his collar so they were at equal height, “Keep your head down. Choir Boy’s got his head screwed on tighter than you right now. I’ll take care of your crew, so don’t do anything stupid while we’re gone.”

Richter only replied with a confused splutter before he was tossed back, and the Sergeant strode after the mercenary she just sent away.

“…Right then. Lieutenant Krause, Lieutenant Abetz, and…er…” you paused, pointing at the other, red haired mercenary.

“Frances.” She answered astutely. “Uh, Junior Lieutenant.”

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“…Yes,” Junior Lieutenant, that was easier to remember. “You are all with me, occupying the defenses here at the headquarters. I will mount up in the X-50, Krause in the X-80, the Junior Lieutenant in the T-16…We are expecting two platoons of armor…and two platoons of motorized infantry, with mounted support…reinforcements from the 12th Armored Cavalry in the form of two armored vehicle platoons will be arriving, possibly after any attack begins…if your vehicle is knocked out, the other tanks have been started, so retrieve a vehicle and return to the front…we have no more time. Further questions will be handled as we make ready…”

-----

The enemy’s capabilities being uncertain, you had made as part of the initial armor line both one of their own newer tanks (marked with a flag to avoid friendly fire) as well as the X-80, whose shaped charge rounds were said to be quite effective against armor- though you had had little opportunity to test the measure of that. If Gerovic brought any T-15s, you would have to place your hopes in that. Without the Strossvalder high velocity 4.7 cm gun that you had seen able to penetrate the T-15 in weak spots from relatively close range, you would be hard pressed to harm one of those eastern beasts while in a defensive posture. At the very least, your vehicles would be protected below the turret by walls of earth.

The battle northeast continued to audibly rage, now accompanied by mortar barrages as the mortar section sent to accompany the two platoons east began its supporting fires. With large caliber artillery guns banned in the border zone, such would be the heaviest indirect support on quick call. Uneasy reports still came along- third platoon was rushing to support, but in the meantime, first platoon faced an all-out assault: something that, were the enemy as numerous as claimed, they might not be able to deal with, even with Sergeant Nowicki rushing on her way…

>The Revolutionary League insurgents are launching an all-out assault! While they take more casualties this way, if they close the distance, their superior numbers may inflict ruinous casualties.
>Roll two sets of 1d100- the first for closing attack, and if that is lost, a melee assault. Should friendly forces win the first roll, a second attempt at a closing attack will be made.

Give me two sets of 1d100 dice rolls, DC greater than. 1st Platoon has a base combat ability of 30, +10 for regular experience. They also have New Model Machine Guns and a Munitions Caster team, for a cumulative further +10. They will have mortar support for another +10, for a result of 65, but Borscholm is an aggressive leader unsuited for defense- meaning it’s reduced by 5 for a total of 65.
Their opponent has a total combat ability of 40, though with their numerical superiority and vehicle support, they have 55 for the first action, and either the same or 85 for the second, depending on if they win the first closing roll.

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>4117050

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>4117050

Rolled 15, 81 = 96 (2d100)

>>4117053
>>4117056
First Platoon putting up a strong defense. How strong is the enemy attack?

>>4117053
>Give me two sets of 1d100 dice rolls, DC greater than. 1st Platoon has a base combat ability of 30, +10 for regular experience. They also have New Model Machine Guns and a Munitions Caster team, for a cumulative further +10. They will have mortar support for another +10, for a result of 65, but Borscholm is an aggressive leader unsuited for defense- meaning it’s reduced by 5 for a total of 65.
Also should it be 55?
30+10+10+10 is 60

>>4117053
>>4117056
Keep the good work comrades and Bertram will be a walk in Stalingrad

Rolled 3, 6, 9, 9, 3, 2 = 32 (6d10)

>>4117067
...Yes. Numbers brain working.

141-60: 8 degrees of success
151-136: 1 degree of success.

Casualty time. D10s, but 4 or more degrees results in another d10's worth casualties to the loser, in addition to the normal bonus or reduction in casualties afforded by degree of success.

However, the scale of the attack means there's double rolls for everybody, and the furious assault means that the enemy's casualties are doubled. Fun. The first two are the first phase, the second two are extra enemy casualties from owning them hard, the last two are phase two.

Even if you take a lot of damage the enemy has still failed to manage to close in, bright spot.

>>4117084
The [leader of our nation ?] wills it

>>4117084
Fucking ow.
>>4117091
That'd be the Kaiser of course!
Ah, but which one?

>>4117110
There's only one Kaiser though. Unless the Archduke decides he wants a promotion I guess.

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Despite the apprehension in the operator’s voice, the reports of 1st platoon’s defense against the sudden enemy were almost too good. Apparently, in an attempt to overwhelm 1st platoon, the enemy insurgents had charged their position- and been driven off twice, the first time, resolutely, though the terrible sacrifice of the first attack combined with time spreading out their numerous formations meant that they were beginning to pressure 1st platoon terribly. 3rd Platoon was approaching, but their allies would likely have to weather at least one more attack before Sergeant Nowicki was ready to fully support them.

Gerovic, meanwhile, had disappeared from the eye of the autogyros- then come back up. Heading straight for you, from the south. At this pace, they’d come before Edelschwert arrived. A quick check with your gunner- you’d want to fire as soon as you could. It wasn’t as if you were exactly revealing a hidden position.

Another attack announced- another few minutes to hear the results, while keeping a wary…shuddering eye in your binoculars, into the only slightly misty afternoon.
>Another set of 1d100s. One for another charge against 1st platoon- then a less strong attack against 1st platoon and then 3rd platoon’s flank attack. 3rd platoon has less equipment and direct support so their combat ability is merely 40, but Kristoph, as an Aggressive Leader, gives a bonus of 5 while also taking less casualties upon winning offensive actions. The enemy in the latter two engagements also loses some bonus from support and numerical superiority for a combat ability of 45 instead of 55.

Additionally, vote on:

>Have Anya support 1st platoon- out of range of the train’s weapons
>Have Anya attack the train directly and destroy its supporting arms

>>4117091
Archduke Siegfried Von Strossvald, though these are Netillians fighting, so...the Military Council, the Defense Party, the Premier? Whatever.

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>4117145
>>Have Anya support 1st platoon- out of range of the train’s weapons

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>4117145
>Have Anya support 1st platoon- out of range of the train’s weapons

>>4117155
Fuck

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>4117145
>Have Anya support 1st platoon- out of range of the train’s weapons
I don't think we need another roll, but lets test teh nice good to see what could have been.

Rolled 77, 64, 86 = 227 (3d100)

>>4117163
Nah you needed 3.

Anyways, keeping Anya safe I see. Almost like she was purposefully kept out of the riskiest lines of fire. I see how it is.

Rolled 9, 1, 9, 7, 5, 10, 2 = 43 (7d10)

>>4117147
>>4117155
>>4117157
>>4117169

138-132: Evens
65-109: Four degrees of Failure
75-131: Four Degrees of Failure

No worries, the tanks are here just in time for the melee. You're the one getting hit with bonus casualties now though.

Also, the numerical bonus for extra dice does not apply to the last- this'll be first two dice, second two dice plus bonus, then a single dice, plus its bonus.

>>4117155
>>4117163
Ok, nothing to worry for now.

>>4117181
Christ 1st Platoon really getting hammered here

>>4117197
They held on fiercely, but they’re humans after all

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Anya Nowicki peered just over the cupola as the flank of the hill was crested, then the battlefield opened up before her. The sight she saw shook her confidence, but only for a moment. “Illger! Get on line with me!” she shouted into her throat microphone, “Holy hell, they’re being overrun,” she coughed as she saw another attack on the beleaguered 1st platoon, though they were surrounded by bodies as is, persistent attacks had clearly worn them down- they were starting to melt under the pressure, and the insurgents were closing in, preemptively drunk on a victory they saw coming as only one machine gun was answering at least three. Mortar shells splashed around, threatening but ineffective.

“Targets sighted.” Stein, the gunner, reported stiffly.

“Shoot anything that ain’t green!” Anya shouted back, “Fire! Fire!”

-----

The X-20 had not fired its weapons often in your time here, you remembered, but the sound of its report was unmistakable, like a far off rattling as its cannon reports overlapped one another. The radio operator updating you on the situation had started panicking- but this was all in the Sergeant’s hands now, and the Netillians’. You spied silhouettes, and could now only pay attention to your own tactical situation. Gerovic hadn’t stopped at New Jorgenstohn at all, or even slowed, or fired at it- he had gone straight for your throats.

A situation immediately compromised by a sudden barrage of smoke just in front of your positions. Damn Gerovic- craftily trying to blind you as he approached. You could wait in your current positions…or pull back, using his own cover against him, but to where? The defenses weren’t particularly layered, as the camp hadn’t been large enough to particularly accommodate. The forest north could perhaps give some level of cover, and put you closer to the 12th’s reinforcements, but it also meant withdrawing from the very object you were attempting to defend, as well as your reserve tanks.

Not much time to decide, agonizingly little. Safety in retreat? Safety in the long prepared fortifications? Perhaps valor in a surprise attack advancing into the smoke? Foolish considering your lack of numbers, potentially 3 to 1, against enemies that were most certainly skilled, but…

>Hold fast. If Gerovic came closer, your weaponry was only more effective. Receive him on the metaphorical walls of this castle.
>Abandon the defenses. If he maneuvered to surround or flank you, you were doomed- damn whatever had to be sacrificed at the base.
>You wouldn’t beat this enemy in a slugfest, even behind defenses or cover. Use the smoke to maneuver. (Where, relatively?)
>Other?

Also, give two more sets of 1d100: the fighting on the hill is still happening, after all. Combat ability cumulative of 75 against 45 for 1st platoon now, with the arrival of tanks, and double damage because of the X-20. Still 45 against 45 for 3rd platoon.

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>4117237
>>Hold fast. If Gerovic came closer, your weaponry was only more effective. Receive him on the metaphorical walls of this castle.
If we move out of cover we're screwed considering they have the mobility advantage

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>4117237
>Hold fast. If Gerovic came closer, your weaponry was only more effective. Receive him on the metaphorical walls of this castle.

>>4117243
>>4117249
At this rate we don't have to worry about the duel because everyone's gonna be dead with these rolls

Rolled 6, 75 = 81 (2d100)

>>4117243
>>4117249
Voting is still open while I get other map ready, but rolling for other stuff now.

Rolled 2, 8, 9, 1 = 20 (4d10)

>>4117243
>>4117249
>>4117256

99-51: Four Degrees of Success
49-120: Seven Degrees of Failure

Nasty Damage for everybody coming in. First two for 1st Platoon battle, second two for 3rd Platoon, second of each set is bonus damage. Damage against enemy for first set's final is doubled.

>>4117277
Hmm, yeah that's not the best look. But hey, it ain't over yet!

>>4117277
Oh well at least the X-20 managed to bail out 1st Platoon I guess. Now we somehow need to survive Gerovic's assault

>>4117277
I noticed that your modifiers didn't include any bonuses for defensive positions, and even a penalty for Borscholm . Would we really have better chances by charging into the enemy?

>>4117448
>Would we really have better chances by charging into the enemy?

No. Even if one were insane enough to try it, it would have meant that you wouldn't be fighting at even odds driving away attacks and instead get into a mob fight with the massive outnumbered penalty. The hastily dug ditches meant that they could be fended off multiple times in the first place.

That and it's only a penalty of -5.

>>4117467
How low is 1st and 3rd Platoons numbers at this point?

>>4117243
>>4117249
Mortality clarified in a single strike

Morning hath come and I will update after I make breakfast.

>>4117243
>>4117249
Hold fast, help is coming.

Sticking to the trenches it is.

>>4117508
That is not something I will define for certain until this fight is over, but each platoon is about 80 people depending on additional troops, so one is looking around half and a quarter out respectively for 1st and 3rd.

File: january14thraid6.jpg (352 KB, 1400x1457)

352 KB JPG

No, your best chances were on these fortifications, regardless of any feeling of being rooted to them. They were better protection than any armor on the tank you rested in, and when seconds were an eternity in a battle, you weren’t about to spend them risking moving elsewhere.

…The smoke began to thin. Hurry, you thought irritably, Hurry and clear up. Let me at least see the death coming for me. The Fear grew worse, and worse…was alcohol not meant to help it? Yes, somewhat, but the apprehension growing as you heard the noisy Twaryian tanks approach…then their silhouettes. Near 300 meters away, almost perfect engagement range, as light trucks motored forwards as well. Different looking trucks flanked them, themselves seeming mounted with guns, smallish ones. There were…many…Edelschwert would be arriving soon, but would soon be soon enough?

“Sir?” your gunner called you back from the clouds, “Target?” He was nervous as well. The odds had never been this against you…

>Mark targets to fire upon. You have initiative. Accurate fire is not expected through smoke, certainly not for defending infantry at 300 meters, but the the ranges are such that distance is no obstruction to the tanks.
>Von Metzeler is in the X-50, Eakova is in the T-16, Krause is in the X-80. The Stormtrooper squad is behind Von Metzeler as a reserve.

>>4118090
>T-16 and X-50 - the western group of tanks
>X-80 - The group of 4 tanks on the road
We should've bought some AT guns while we had the opportunity...

>>4118104
Going with this. I don’t know why we didn’t buy any. If I remember correctly we still had some points to spare after buying more fuel.

>>4118104
I'll support this. As for AT guns they were like what 12RP? We definitely didn't have enough leftover

>>4118090
I once again ask, how does Gerovic manage to get so much resources ? Is his charisma and command skills that good ?

>>4118104
>>4118143
>>4118145
Action plan taken.

Go ahead and give me 3 sets of d100, DC 30 for the first two, 40 for the last, because of smoke and low velocity weapon. Degrees of success apply. Not that you should expect them to burst asunder out of courtesy.

>>4118150
>I once again ask, how does Gerovic manage to get so much resources ? Is his taste in eastern cartoons that good ?

I am unsure of what sort of answer you expect! You hardly know a thing about the Twaryian Armed Forces in general, let alone Gerovic, besides that he has infamy and is purported to be a Captain.

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>4118187
>Is his taste in eastern cartoons that good ?
I bet he watches GuP and AL

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>4118187

>>4118187
>Is his taste in eastern cartoons that good ?
Can we persuade him to switch sides with a choice waifu?

>>4118195
>>4118207
I hope we live to fight Bertram

>>4118187
Forgot to mention as per usual, DC roll under. Though since they're at standard combat range it'd be slightest to be easier anyways.

>>4118213
Oh, I feel better now

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>4118187

>>4118195
>>4118207
>>4118256
Well at least your own crew is hitting on the mark. For what it's worth. Writing.

>>4118256
>>4118207
>>4118195
Plot twist, Bertram is working with Gerovic so he doesn’t have to wait a week to give us a twarian tie

File: january14thraid7.jpg (430 KB, 1787x1860)

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“…The group at the 2 o’clock,” you ordered the gunner as the turret turned, “…Fire at will…”

As you ducked back down, the tank kicked back with the sharp blast of its cannon, and you watched the glowing trace of the shell fly out and strike against the silhouette of an enemy. They slid and stopped- you couldn’t tell if you knocked them out or immobilized them yet, but either was fine. Judge Above, when they started firing back…your breath already felt like you were being choked, but the smoke cleared more and the eastern vehicles began to take more certain shape, closing…

“They’re made of tough stuff,” you heard the Mercenary Junior Lieutenant say warily over the radio, “Direct hit on the front plate, did fuck all. Do they have a weak spot or do I have to go for the turret rim and tracks?”

“I’m using the specials,” Krause reported, “Their trajectory’s off. Glanced off the side of their turret, I need a direct hit with it.”

“…Hold fast…” you said more to yourself than to them. “…Reinforcements will arrive soon…”

“Shell ready!”

“On the way!”

>Roll another 3 sets of 1d100, roll under 70 as the smoke clears. However, this time, the enemy will be firing back. Order is Metzeler, Eakova, Krause.
Also, state where to aim with the shot.

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>4118285
Lower plate

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>4118285
Gun mantlet, they should be close enough for precise shots so hopefully we can at least disable their gun

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>4118285
Turret rim. Let’s reduce the amount of punishment for us.

Rolled 24, 27, 75, 7, 72, 77, 42, 5, 12, 87, 90 = 518 (11d100)

>>4118288
>>4118311
>>4118314
Nice rolls.
And now the other guys shoot. At you.

First six are the T-16s (that didn't get slapped hard), with DC 40 because of your trenchworks. Second four are the support cars, with DC 25, and last is the T-15, with DC 75. From left to right, roll under.
>That's a lot of guns!
Yes.
Good luck.

>>4118336
The good news is that the worst thing to get hit by didn't hit you so take solace in that.

>>4118336
5/11, looking good
>>4118338
Looking really good

>>4118336
Well this is going to be fun. Hopefully Edelschwert can get here before the camp's a burning mess.

“…Aim for the lower armor…!” you advised the gunner. A small correction was felt, then the kick of the cannon knocking back the vehicle.
You stared…saw the hit. The lower glacis admittedly did not protect the guts of the tank, but a hit was a hit, and any disruption to the tank’s internals, including that of the lower hull crew, was as good as one could ask for.

Reports on firing came in. A hit on the gun from the Mercenary- Krause reported a direct hit on the front lower turret of his target, with impressive results. An explosion like a high explosive shell, but the tank’s gun suddenly sagged. Hopefully knocked out.

Then the tanks, near uniformly, halted. Returned fire.

…

You were scarcely aware of the loud krkrang of steel, the subtle sound of it failing to hold against impact, you only became cognizant of the smell of burning…ears ringing…blood. Pain.

The senses fled, logic following behind. Before you knew it, you were outside of the tank, every pop, boom, cracking whistle another weight upon your back, your chest. Run! Run! Judge Above, have some mercy! Your legs had folded into useless masses beneath you as your cheek touched the snow. You couldn’t feel your left arm- did you have one? Every thought made your breathing halt, your chest burn…were you dying? Death would be a mercy-

“Lieutenant!”

A voice. Von Tracht? Was he not terrified? Your vision had fled as well, you could hear, but you groped about feebly. Where were you? Who were you? Somebody…somebody help…

-----

You are Richter Von Tracht, and you were under the influence of two doses of Wakeleaf, taken in the quickest, dirtiest fashion possible. Your nose burned like fire, your head pounded, but you were high as the clouds and the Fear had no place up there. Anya had told you to stay down, to not take Wakeleaf, to not do anything stupid…but you had had enough. You refused to do nothing, especially now, as you lifted Von Metzeler and dragged him into a trench. His left arm had been carried away just above the elbow, and the X-50 was idle- choking crewmen poured out the back and rushed to the trench where you had taken Von Metzeler.

“Hey!” a stormtrooper, armored and hefting a submachinegun, ran over to where you had all ducked. “You all right?” He gazed at Von Metzeler, “We’ll take him down to the medics below, what about you?” He spoke to another crewman, covering his face, blood between his fingers.

“I-I-I can’t see!” He sputtered pathetically, “I can’t see!”

Even the influence of drugs couldn’t stop your heart from freezing, but it was pounding so quickly and unevenly that you were utterly incapable of being still, not even in terror.

“W-w-we h-have to go!” you stammered, loudly, every syllable a cracking of glass, “We have to get, get over,” Words failed you, and you instead bodily grabbed the healthy remaining three crew. Something, you had to do something…

>Get back in the X-50. If you were lucky, you could at least recrew the weaponry…
>Go back to the motor pool and get the X-51 or X-52. Identical in design, either would suffice…
>This was hopeless. Take command and have everybody retreat to the tunnels. The enemy tanks could at least not reach you there.
>Other?

>>4118378
>>Get back in the X-50. If you were lucky, you could at least recrew the weaponry…
Tell the stormtrooper to go find Yva, only way they're getting the arm and eyes back

>>4118378
>His left arm had been carried away just above the elbow
Poor guy, gotta day goodbye to sword fighting
>>4118386
+1

>>4118386
Supporting

>>4118378
>>Go back to the motor pool and get the X-51 or X-52. Identical in design, either would suffice…
Take the crewmen that can still see.
Also seconding the idea to get Yva, I don't know if she'll actually be willing to use magic on him but it's worth a shot.

>>4118386
>>4118390
>>4118398
>>4118401
Load up in a new tank! And find the witch!
Writing.

In honor of Metzeler left arm https://youtu.be/3Y1Z1y2PSNw

Please excuse, I did a goof.
Rewriting update.

>>4118571
Mind telling what was it ?

File: january14thraid8.jpg (343 KB, 1526x1500)

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“Th-there’s,” you coughed, “There’s a woman in a cottage near the woods, north, northeast, I need you to-need you to get here…” Maddalyn wasn’t here. Poltergeist wasn’t here. Not even the Riverman. There was one person who could help you- help her friend, to at least consider it.

The Stormtrooper squinted at you like you were insane. “There’s an attack right now, they’re coming right-“

“G-go, fool!” you lashed out, “They aren’t coming from, from the north! Go!”

Some measure of authority must have been in your voice as the armored trooper rushed off, kit clanking. You took the healthy crew- and made a dash for the recently knocked out X-50. Gerovic might have wounded Von Metzeler, but damn it if you were going to make this any easier for him!

“B-back in,” you stuttered as you clambered out of the trenches and towards the X-50, whose back remained wide open. It wasn’t on fire- and was thus hopefully still serviceable. You were a crew short so the driver would have to come back and load when you were in position, but beggars were no choosers in this situation.

One bit of good news- as you climbed atop the X-50 and looked around, over the top of the embankments that protected the Motor Pool vehicles, you saw Edelschwert’s reinforcements arriving from the north. They needed directions. Everybody needed directions.

You hooked yourself into the radio as quickly as possible. “Plat-platoon, report. Report.”

“Turret’s busted, gun too!” Eakova shouted back, “We’re dead in the water!”

“We’ve taken a hit to our treads,” Krause reported, “My tank is immobile. Where is Rondo? Is he all right?”

A pause. “He’ll b-be alright. I’m coming. Edelschwert is almost here…” Incredible crackling and popping began. As though an infantry assault were occurring…though the muffled Hoorrahh! probably said as much.

“Gun’s alright,” the gunner reported- you hardly knew the crews besides your own. The strike to the turret had had no chance of hitting the vulnerable ammunition reserves. “…Hey, load me up! Load AP!”

>Take command.
>Declare your target for firing.
>Tell Edelschwert where to deploy his forces?
>Instruct Eakova or Krause to bail out and change vehicles? (There is an m/28 and the X-52 still in the motor pool.
>Any other actions?

>>4118575
Miscounted the vote on whether to get in the X-50 or the X-51 back at the motor pool. Not too big a change.

>>4118581
Eakova and Krause should abandon their vehicles and crew the tanks waiting in the motor pool. Everyone else should also pull back to the motor pool and form a defensive ring around it. Meanwhile Edelschwert's forces should split in two and circle around the HQ to attack the Twaryian forces in their flanks. If the Twaryians advance into the HQ Edelschwert will be in position to envelop their forces and they can be entrapped and captured or destroyed within the HQ. If the Twaryians are smart they'll recognize the threat to their flanks and limit their advance so we can form a stable line of defense.

>>4118575
Don't listen to him, tanq actually tried to post a drawing of the battle scene but accidentally posted a picture of himself dressed as Richter while standing in a model of an m/28 made of cardboard while holding an Anya dakimakura.

>>4118581
>Instruct Eakova or Krause to bail out and change vehicles? (There is an m/28 and the X-52 still in the motor pool.
>>4118596
Supporting this
Also, that makes sense

Wouldnt Yva need whats left of Metzelers arm to reattach it?

>>4118618
Unfortunately, mr panzer sent it to the shadow realm, so she’ll have to regrow it

>>4118618
>>4118627
A concerted search hasn't exactly been made for it!

>>4118581
Judge Above, what a mess we stepped into. Supporting >>4118596's plan
>>4118618
>>4118627
I don't remember if Richter knows it, but fortunately Yva has some experience with prosthetics.

>>4118677
There’s a slim chance we could find it after the battle, but it seems we’ll meet punished rondo next

>>4118719
I wouldn't imagine there's much resembling a functional arm to be recovered after getting it blown off by an AP round. A spooky prosthetic might be a better alternative in the long run than trying to stitch back on a mangled limb. Just imagine, we could poke Bertram's eyes out with it

Don't you only need one arm to swordfight anyway? It's a good thing von Metzeler picked out a wife right before becoming a cripple; worst case scenario he gets to retire to the countryside and live as a wealthy landowner with his cute wife and a government pension while earning a reputation in underground dueling circles as the dark and mysterious one-armed swordsman. Assuming he doesn't bleed to death immediately.

>>4118742
The off-hand is still useful in a duel for grappling and as a counterbalance, but for a quick, first blood sabre duel lacking an arm shouldn't too much of a hindrance. Rondo's a handy guy to begin with, he should still have the ability to fence afterwards, yeah assuming bleeding etc.etc.

>>4118596
+1.

>>4118581
>>4118596
For what it’s worth five hours after most of the voting, the positions everyone is in now seem like the best bet for buying time for Edelgard. The lines are getting charged right now and picking everyone up to fall back just gives the enemy more time to close the gap and bring their superior numbers to bear. Bringing up the two extra tanks can buy time to pull back later but those tanks need time to get back on the line. Also we are in the only armored target against at least five active high caliber guns, so get that gunner shooting right to left at any armored box still moving.

>>4119249
>>4119305
Actually yeah on second thoughts giving up our strongest defensive positions would be unwise. Tell Eakova to go get another tank since their gun is busted anyway but let the X-80 and us keep firing

>>4119305
>>4119346
The Twaryian infantry are already only 100 meters from our line and with the degree to which they outnumber us there's a serious risk that we could be overrun immediately, which obviously would be catastrophic. They've already started their assault and they sure as hell aren't going to want to stay in the open if they can avoid it. Falling back gives them about twice the amount of ground to cover which buys us at least twice the amount of time, and if they slow down while they navigate over our fortifications or use them as cover then all the better for us. There's no point in forcing an all-or-nothing final stand when our reinforcements have just arrived and will join the battle momentarily.

>>4119371
Allowing them to take our trenches mean we're giving away our best cover while allowing them to make a mess out of the camp by giving them free potshots into the interior and motor pool.

>>4119378
Also the best time to reduce their infantry advantage is now before they dismount and they're still in the open.

>>4119305
Supporting

>>4118581
>Have Eakova switch vehicles, Krause can stay since his gun is working
>Shoot at T-16s directly south
>Don't retreat the infantry, the enemy is too close already. Tell the western flank to reinforce the center though.
>Tell Edelschwert to attack the eastern infantry. Crush them under the threads!

>>4119473
I'm supporting this but amending that after Krause fires once, he and his crew should bail and grab another tank. He's a sitting duck no matter how valuable that gun is.

Although the point may be moot after he, and we, get blown the fuck up.

>>4119509
Our tanks are dug in. They're sitting ducks by default.

>>4119473
I agree with this, but I think Edelschwert should split up and attack around both sides. Their left flank will crumble immediately since the tanks there are already jacked up, and then they can start flanking the center.

>>4120147
We might get overrun before that.

>>4120222
Maybe. Our tanks aren't doing too well, but the infantry is dug in and no worse for wear yet, plus we still have the storm troopers in reserve in the center. We can have Krause engage the two south tanks while we load HE and suppress the infantry while we still can.

>>4120280
Honestly one thing I am concerned about is most of Edelschwert's tanks are pretty undergunned to be facing Twaryian armour. Maybe get his heavier tanks to go round the left flank while the lights and armoured cars go after the infantry

Up, going to break more ice then come back.

>>4118596
>>4118611
>>4118677
Bail out, get alternate tanks, fall back to tighter defensive positions while reinforcements attack the flanks. Attempt to draw things into a line rather than an encirclement.


>>4119305
>>4119346
>>4119400
Not one step back. Buy time for reinforcements to bolster positions.

>>4119346
And have Eakova change vehicles.

>>4119473
>>4119509
>>4120147
Have Eakova swap out- direct fire south, keep everybody in trenches. Have reinforcements attack the east.

>>4119509
Yet have a one shot policy for Krause
>>4120147
Also split for both sides.

>>4119385
Once they're within a hundred meters they dismount- and slow down as would be expected, though there's plenty of suppression to go around...

How to spread this...I believe it would be, generally speaking-
>Have Infantry hold current position
>Change out tanks- Krause after firing one shot
>Have Edelschwert split and wrap around both sides

If I've miscounted or whatever then feel free to point out, I'll come back and get this update out in a bit.

“…Eakova!” your thoughts collected as an armor piercing round was slung into the cannon breach, “If your t-tank is d-d-dam-damaged, get a n-new one! Your old one! Krause! Fire one more time…and do the same!” You didn’t bother waiting for confirmation, as you turned out and shouted back to the Stormtroopers, “Hold the lines! Hold the-the trenches!”

KRKOWW!!

The cannon blasted dust up and over you- no attention was paid to where the round went yet, you had to get Edelschwert on. Damn it all, your hands wouldn’t stop shaking like there was an earthquake within…

“C-captain,” you stuttered, “S-send your tanks around both, both sides, their right…our left…the east, it-it’s soft.”
Again, no time to hear a reply, only time to burst forth from the top once more and see what was going to hell in a handbasket…

>Roll 4 sets of 1d100 First is your tank’s shot, second is Krause’s, latter two are Netillian 2nd platoon troops firing against the enemy attack. Yours and Krause have a DC 70 roll under as usual, 2nd platoon troops are fighting in mass rather than single target firing, and thus are Combat Ability 50 Higher Better against their enemies, when they roll.
Yes we have reached the point where higher and lower are in the same roll set.If it's taking a while don't hesitate to make another roll post. Map update is after this roll.

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>4120502

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>4120502

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>4120502
>>4120535
>>4120573
Off to a good start

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>4120502

>>4120535
>>4120573
God fucking damn it.

>>4120594
>>4120600
At least 2nd platoon's mass attack is going alright!

Rolled 8, 79, 23, 76, 88, 81, 6 = 361 (7d100)

I return.

>>4120535
>>4120573
Just shy of doing damage.
>>4120594
>>4120600
But hey, 139 and 147, hard to beat.

Time to see how hard you get hit! Tanks are DC40, and the attacking Twaryian Infantry have their Combat Ability of 70 (they're good- and supported by the Combat Cars this round) reduced by 30- to 40, but they outnumber you, so up to 50.
First two shots against you, second three against Krause,
Last two are Infantry.

>>4120594
>>4120600
139-131: Evens
147-56: Nine Degrees of Success

That is not a lucky first roll though is it.
Getting it all ready.

>>4120750
Tanks are row under and infantry is roll up, right ? In that case we’re good, only 3 hits

>>4120765
Got confused, but damn we got a tie with their best roll and 9 successes. What happens in a draw though ? None takes damage or both take minor damage ?

>>4120769
>What happens in a draw though ? None takes damage or both take minor damage ?
In these (very unsteadily defined) rules, degrees of success are how much more an enemy is damaged, and how much less the victor is damaged by combat. 0 degrees just means there's no modifiers to damage, but being higher does at least mean they were theoretically "on top" in said engagement, so bad things like being closed on more doesn't occur.

>>4120777
Ok, so we pinched the first one and tore the legs of the second. Seems fine to me

Rolled 6, 4, 1 = 11 (3d6)

I forgot something.
Getting this real quick. Second set is damage and bonus for the right.

>>4120809
That’s our bonus ?

File: january14thraid9.jpg (345 KB, 1443x1500)

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“Glanced off the armor!” The gunner reported. Damn it, what did it take to-

KRKRAAANG!!

A deafening sound of steel tearing open, and a spray of something hot and wet over your side, followed by splinters of pain in your leg- a hand shot down, and you felt a long spike of hot metal, jutting out just above your knee.

“Ggh!” you bit back a yelp, as you felt more smaller splinters about.

“Viktor? Viktor!” A cry of confusion came from below, and you had to keep yourself from looking.

“Th-the gun…” you crouched down yourself to try and open the mechanism…only for the breach to fall apart as you tugged upon it. “The…” You felt your voice distantly repeat itself, stunned. Something scratched its claws against the inside of your head like a bear was trying to rip its way out, but your high made you barely aware of it.

Outside, a familiar Twaryian warcry rang out, and your blood turned to ice. There was no infantry in front of your position- just the Stormtroopers behind. Could you make it? You…you couldn’t stay here.

“Viktor!” the impromptu loader wailed, only to be tugged out the back.

“We’re sitting ducks without that gun!” the Driver turned Radio Operator cried in consternation, “We gotta leave!”

There was no argument made, but even as the crews abandoned the tank under you, yourself limping after them, you could hear the cracks of rounds passing the X-50, the enemy infantry apparently ignorant of its crippling wound. You staggered, tripped, fell, then blindly crawled like an animal to the closest trench works, the crew who had outpaced you pulling you in as you drew close.

“Here they come, boys!” You heard the Stormtrooper sergeant shout, though you already heard furious fighting towards the trench that had once been your flank. What…what were you to do? The T-16 was retreating back towards the motor pool, faster than legs could carry anybody. You looked over to the X-80; the crew, and Krause, were bailing for whatever reason, a few of the crew clutching wounds. Had Gerovic crushed you so easily..?

No, no, you hadn’t lost yet. There were more tanks in the motor pool, Edelschwert was here…but could you make it?

>What choice did you have? Rush to the motor pool, as fast as you could limp.
>There was no time to get to the tanks. Grab whatever weapons you could- you'd test your luck in a trench before showing your back.
>You would move faster with the help of a tank. Gather the crew and return to the vehicle you fled- even if you risked being struck along the way, each second counted in this situation. (Will result in reaching the motor pool faster…at a risk.
>Other?

File: ripinpeace.png (771 KB, 1200x822)

771 KB PNG

Don't worry tanq, I got this one.

>>4120873
>What choice did you have? Rush to the motor pool, as fast as you could limp.
Great, with luck we only got small piercings along our body. We can’t do much with a gin anyway and staying in the trench against a bigger force is not good, specially with our last rolls (to be fair, if we were even our result wouldn’t be so poor). Time to enter the panzer and avenge Rondo’s arm.

>>4120873
God. Fucking. Damn it.
Ok.
I think our best bet is
>Rush to the motor pool, as fast as you could limp.
Fight the pain, Richter! Fight and Kill and Win, or die trying! Can't do any of that outside of the tank! Well maybe you could, but let's not risk losing your other eye or more to the same type of shit.

>>4120924
>or die trying
Reminds me that before this shitfest, everyone was theorizing how long we would last against Bertram and now we are asking if we’ll even manage to get there at all. mfw this was part of tanq’s plan to start Panzer Revenge quest with Anya and Maddy for Richter and Yva for Rondo’s arm

>>4120935
>Panzer Revenge: With Anya and Maddy
Yeah, no.
Maddy will go nuclear and will kill everyone in Strossvald with Demiphantoms. Anya might seek vengeance, assuming our luck isn't funneled completely away from fueling MC plot armor and towards crushing Gerovic like it has been, so that she has someone to take vengeance on. Otherwise, she's going to downward spiral super hard.
Them actually working together is the most unlikely turn of events.

Rolled 30, 89, 41, 10 = 170 (4d100)

>>4120916
>>4120924
Run to the motor pool!
Writing. Hobbling along on foot'll take a couple rounds...things may be better when you're back in the fray at least!
Writing, but not before a few rolls. Go ahead and give me two sets of 2d100 here to face this- as the initial line of your armor has been knocked out, the Twaryian armor can now focus on supporting their friends- so they'll get their Combat Ability of 60 rather than 50 against your guys, who still get a bonus of 50 themselves. This will be two rounds of battle, after all.

Rolled 98, 77 = 175 (2d100)

>>4121010

Rolled 17, 78 = 95 (2d100)

>>4121010

Rolled 2, 3, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2 = 14 (7d6)

>>4121010
>>4121039
>>4121060
148-90: Five Degrees of Success
128-147: One Degree of Failure
57-101: Four Degrees of Failure
128-70: Five Degrees of Success

Time to see much violence there was, then. It'll go First Damage-Bonus-Second Damage-Third Damage-Bonus-Fourth Damage-Bonus

At least I'm not slinging around as many dice as Luftpanzer demanded.

>>4121078
If only Reinhold were here...

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The Captain stood atop his idle steel chariot, surveilling the battle before him. “Funny, isn’t it, Kommandant?” he mused to himself, “Our first meeting, and my tank is the first casualty, by immobilization of all things. Ah well. Perhaps we will properly clash another time.” He looked down to his crew, “Is the track broken yet? We will need the alternative drive quite soon.”

“Just another few moments, Captain.” One of the crew grunted up.

“Good, good.” The Captain nodded, and put both ears of his headset back on. “Status report!” he barked.

“Captain, permission to retreat. The damn heretics have been holding the east furiously, and armored reinforcements threaten our flank.”

“If our flank retreats, then what will we do?” the commander of the second Moskity platoon complained, “The casualties are high, but such is war. I demand that we continue. Move the tanks up-“

“Know your place, Lieutenant!” The Captain shouted down the enthusiastic officer, “Permission granted, Meteor One. Iron Two will cover you. We will try again when Iron Two prevails over your opponents.”

“Captain.”

“Yes, Misha.”

“There is also enemy armor moving around west. They are also moving more armor from their motor pool.”

“…” The Captain rubbed his head and sighed. “I was so hoping to deal a more final blow than this. Meteor Two! Do you think you can press further? If you are so eager for battle, I have one more task…”

-----

It was a furious rush to the motor pool, but when you arrived, you were heartened by the sight of Krause loading into the X-52.
“Richter!” he called out, “Are you alright? Where is…” He paused, “No, later. How is it on your side?”

“T-terrible.”

Krause nodded. “Let’s fix that.”

Eakova had already charged out of the place with the M/28-31 when you had arrived. As you did your best to climb aboard the X-51, leg screaming but the chemicals flooding your brain making it so you barely felt a thing, you hoped her tank would be intact as you and Krause went out once more.

You took your place in the Cupola- down a radio operator in order to use what minimal crew you had as gunner, loader, and driver, you were relegated to platoon command. It would have to do for now. You tried to peer through the camp, and saw the Stormtroopers now firing across trenches at encroaching Twaryians. However, Edelschwert’s forces had reached your flanks, and you noticed beyond the fortifications- the Twaryian armor had scarcely moved up, and the eastern troops were retreating to their trucks. Perhaps this was the beginning of the end.

>Take command. Where do you move your tanks?

>Maintain a defensive posture. All you could hope for was to survive. (Take long range shots at targets. Which ones?)
>Counterattack. If the Twaryians were wavering, you needed to force them along. (Where?)
>Link up alongside Gerovic. Form a strong front. (Which side?)
>Other?

>>4121137
>link up with gerovic
and then plug him.
For real though let's support Edelschwert's weaker tanks to the east. There's less of our infantry over there too.

>>4121155
Actually I guess those are the stronger tanks, but I still think that flank is in more danger

>>4121155
>>4121162
Damn I'm a retard, I mean the west flank.

>>4121137
>>Link up alongside Edelschwert. Form a strong front. (Which side?)
Western flank

>>4121137
>Support the central infantry with close range MG and HE fire
They're almost overwhelmed.
>Keep moving back and forth to not let enemy tanks get a bead on us. Don't stop for a second.
We only need to hold until Edelschwert closes in.

>>4121137
Also tanq is 4th Platoon able to make it in time for these closing phases or only after this battle?

>>4121218
The passage of time at the camp has been far less than the greater scale map's time passage- they won't arrive unless the fighting drags out, somehow.

>>4121167
>>4121197
Supporting

>>4121167
>>4121197
>>4121225
Link up with allies at the west flank.

>>4121199
Support the center.

Writing.

>>4121137
Link up with the reinforcements to the west. We might be able to blunt any remaining damage if we go back to reinforce the line right now, but we need to decisively counterattack and damage Gerovic. He cannot be allowed to safely pull back his forces from a stabilized frontline, he needs to have his whole force threatened with destruction if he doesn’t sacrifice a portion for covering a retreat.

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“…Al-alright,” you toyed with your throat microphone uncertainly. Your leg was getting rather damp…wet, hot…were you bleeding out? The piece of metal was still stuck in your leg, but it was easy to ignore when you were almost out of your mind on hard drugs. “K-K-Krause, w-we, we need to link with-with Edelschwert, to th-the west, can you, can you…can you get in comms with him.”
“Our men are fighting, Lieutenant!” Krause objected.

“W-we,” you struggled for a response, “Can’t commit p-piecemeal, we need…we need to be with the other tanks, we were defeated last we went in with three, we c-can’t, just, do it.” You weren’t inspiring faith, you were sure, but Krause wasn’t the sort to rebelliously do his own thing despite objections, thankfully.

The platoon moved over to the edge of the camp, where Edelschwert’s heavier vehicles were advancing. You spied one of the commanders raising their hand to you in greeting, then pointing. An easy enough signal.

Meanwhile, there was a hell of a battle everywhere else, and after more than a few close cracks you ducked deep into the turret. To the flank, you heard Edelschwert’s other vehicles beginning to engage with their guns, and return fire, while ahead there was the bursting of grenades and the rattle of submachineguns as well as rifle fire. Judge Above, you hoped you were making the right decision by not just rushing right in…

>To the center, 2nd platoon fights against an enemy that has breached the defenses, the specialized Stormtrooper squad bearing the brunt. To the east, Edelschwert’s light vehicles and 2nd platoon engage a retreating enemy as their support tries to cover them. Roll a set of 2d100 to determine center fighting, one at 50 skill, the Stormtroopers at 75 skill. Roll another 2d100, DC 50 Roll Under, as Edelschwert’s first arrivals fire upon the retreating motorized troops.

Rolled 28, 25 = 53 (2d100)

>>4121325

Rolled 39, 23 = 62 (2d100)

>>4121325

>>4121333
Why is everyone competent except us?

>>4121340
Probably because Richter and Rondo are mentally half-cripples [if not an actual cripple for the latter] at this point?

Rolled 6, 52, 99, 51, 12 = 220 (5d100)

>>4121333
>>4121335
Neat.
Now the easterners.

60 Skill for the first two (higher is better), then three DC 50, because the right has tanks too.

>>4121340
Tanqs invisible hand is moving the dice to hammer home the point that we arnt a one man show anymore and we have to rely on other people and on the bonds of friendship with our retinue and crew and all that gay stuff.

Rolled 1, 4 = 5 (2d6)

>>4121348
So how does it feel to have a bullet graze by your face?
In any case:
78-66: One Degree of Success
100-112: One Degree of Failure (Minus One Casualty per combat due to Armor)
99- Miss
51- Miss
12- Hit

>>4121351
You always had to rely on that gay stuff!

>>4121353
Not that bad, our infantry basically traded evenly this round? How about casualties for the Twaryians on the eastern flank?

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The fighting in the center held…perhaps slowed. Momentum grinding down, hopefully?

“Lieutenant,” Krause’s voice crackled in your ear, “The Captain says his men on the east side destroyed two enemy combat cars, but one of his armored cars was knocked out by enemy armor. Their gear is mostly lighter than ours- we’ve got to finish this quick, whether Gerovic runs off or we snag his people.”

Or if he stands firm and wipes the floor with you. No, that wasn’t an option, you couldn’t let yourself think that would happen. You had a strong front now, a line of panzers that faced a mere two tanks and two combat cars on Gerovic’s west flank. You were ready to strike- and strike you would. The last wisps of smoke were long gone, and now it all came down to who was a faster draw on the shooting gallery.

>You have five tanks on the line. Delegate targets within 300 meters, unobstructed by buildings/tents. Trenches do not block fire. Alternatively, fire after the enemy to move one space and then shoot.

>>4121361
Here.

>>4121372
Isn't it six tanks? 3 of ours 3 of Edelschwert's?

>>4121375
It is, yes.
It's a good thing there's a map for all these times I'm forgetting what numbers are. Either that or the extent that nobody likes Eakova is causing even me to start disregarding her.

>>4121378
Alright then focus fire on that 2 T16s and support car.

>>4121372
>Edelschwert's M28 and NKE1 at the western T16 in front of our trenches
>NfK17, Eakova and us at the other T16
>Krause at SC next to X50

>>4121385
+1

>>4121385
Supporting this targeting

>>4121385
Supporting, also make sure to fire first.

>>4121385
>>4121391
>>4121393
>>4121397
Alrighty then.

Give me 3 sets of 2d100. First two are you and Krause, at DC 70, next two are Eakova and the NKE-1 at DC 45, and then the NfK7 and the M28, at DC 35, due to different gun size/velocity and effect on armor (thought the Combat Car has barely any armor anyways, so...hey.)

Rolled 19, 48 = 67 (2d100)

>>4121410

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Rolled 95, 91 = 186 (2d100)

>>4121410
Satan guide my dice!

Rolled 19, 64 = 83 (2d100)

>>4121410

>>4121419
Satan did indeed guide your dice it seems

>>4121416
Hit and Hit!
>>4121419
Miss and Miss!
>>4121421
Hit and Miss!

Something something they never miss.

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When the line stopped, it was as though a line of past-century soldiers had leveled their muskets, and all fired at once. An inspiring ripple of fire across the line, and despite the danger, you found yourself craning out of the turret, binoculars in hand- hopeful to see if this was the turning point. The place where you stopped…stopped losing this.

Von Metzeler’s crew were talented; even with the loss of the gunner, the replacement proved a crack shot. A direct hit to the hull of one of the dark, boxy T-16s, and an immediate fire gouting smoke from it, signaled a kill, and another strike from another unknown tank in your line punctured its turret rim. Only one crewman scrambled out of the burning vehicle, and though the other tank’s armor protected it from every other shot, Krause’s dispatch of one of its support cars, a shot ripping apart the light vehicle like a fist through paper, appeared to shake the survivor’s confidence. It must have spread quickly- within several seconds, almost as if by shared intent, smoke grenades began to burst, rather than drift, about. The shot fired by the enemy was another smoke shell, and shockingly quickly, a cloud had descended.

Was this it? The firing had quieted down as suddenly as the cover had descended, though there was still the sound of cannon further east.

Dare you press your luck..?

>Press East, then. If they wanted to leave, then all of them would have to.
>Remain cautious. You won’t chase them out, but you won’t be lured into a trap.
>Pursue them into the smoke! This will not be some battle that will be debated upon who lost more!
>Other?

>>4121419
Getting near 100 when we need roll under, I’m telling is like the randomizer is an a.i. reading what the quest uses and fucking us up anyway. But to be fair, our fight was mostly even, although we got fucked hard because the numbers were on their side.

>>4121463
>>Other
Circle west around the smoke and start putting flank shots into them. Hopefully that should force the guys on the east to start falling back to support the retreat on our side.

>>4121463
>Press East, then. If they wanted to leave, then all of them would have to.
Giving what Mister G said to that tank, he still wanna pull a ninja on us.

>>4121468
+1

>>4121465
The Lord of Lies has deceived me again!
>>4121463
THE X50 IS BLACK.
WHY IS IT BLACK.
>Other?
SHOOT IT.
>Pursue them into the smoke! This will not be some battle that will be debated upon who lost more!

And once it is destroyed turn east for flank and rear shots. More to support the poor NKE3s who probably can't pierce jack shit.

>>4121501
Oh yeah if they're trying to capture it then also by all means try to track it but blow it up if we have to.

>>4121468
This. It's conceivable that we could kill at least two more tanks and/or stop them from stealing the X-50 if we head them off.

Also I don't know if we can tell from here, but Gerovic's immobilized tank should be watched. Even though we don't actually know he's in it, if we can tell its in fairly good condition we will definitely want to capture it considering how most of our tanks are jacked up now.

>>4121463
>Contact the autogyro for intel, then decide.

>>4121501
>>4121513
The X-50s gun isn't even working, so if need be just get one of our tanks to ram and disable it.

>>4121137
>“Funny, isn’t it, Kommandant?” he mused to himself, “Our first meeting, and my tank is the first casualty, by immobilization of all things. Ah well. Perhaps we will properly clash another time.”
I bet tanq did this just to make us smile a bit after all this shit.and to leave tears for when we fight sans

>>4121526
Imagine if Metzeler managed to kill him with the first shot of the battle lol

>>4121463
>Other?
Have Edelschwerts tanks go through the right edge of the smoke and see if they can flank or catch any forces if they retreat. Our tanks should double back through the camp to help the east flank.

>>4121468
>>4121471
>>4121478
Try and circle west to put pressure on the whole line.
Just as a note, I think it should be stated that this will be a relatively gradual process. You aren't going to suddenly pop two hundred meters south now, you're not nearly that fast, especially if you want to stay on line with the NKE-1.

>>4121501
>>4121501
Shooting things because they're black.

>>4121522
Hey funny flying machine tell me about today.

>>4121719
Split again. I think. "Right" is relative.

Eating then writing.

>>4122259
tanq, there's an easy way to turn tank shooting rolls into roll-over if you want.
Just turn your DCs into bonuses and set the new DC to 101. So instead of rolling 1d100 and winning on 30-, the players roll 1d100+30 and win on 71+. The probability is exactly the same.

Rolled 21, 93, 88, 18, 14, 69, 84 = 387 (7d100)

>>4122269
That would probably be for the best, but I'm stubborn.
Also didn't ask for something I should have last night so I'll get them now. First four are DC 20 and the latter are DC 50.

>>4122280
Over or under?

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Gerovic’s forces couldn’t be left to flee without being harried, but you were wary enough of a trap to not dash into the smoke- you’d flank around. Such intent was relayed to the platoon, and maybe to Edelschwert, through Krause.

“Are you sure?” He replied over the radio, “Captain just reported his guys were hit damn hard, they’re retreating. The Twaryians aren’t chasing ‘em, but…”

“D-Debon says t-to never match strength ag-against strength,” you rattled off freshly relearned military theorem, “Striking against th-their weak side, side, will, will, make them run more quickly.”

“The Captain’s not going to press the other side anymore, regardless.”

“Th-that’s fine.”

The driver was urged forward, and you did your best to get the line around the smoke, though if Gerovic was retreating, this maneuver would leave you flanking nothing at all. It would at least force him along. Though…

…Wait. Something caught your eye in the smoke. The idle form of the abandoned X-50 had been merely in the background of this battle after you left it, but suddenly, it…wasn’t where it should have been. You peered around in alarm, and through the smoke, you saw the suggestion of its shape being moved around its embankment fortification. Was…Gerovic was trying to steal your tank!

“Driver, h-halt!” you ordered suddenly, “Gun…Gunner, t-ten o’clock, our tank, our tank…”

“Huh?”

>Destroy it! You’d rather it be a smoking wreck than be used against you. (Prompts a DC 50 roll)
>Shoot to immobilize it! You weren’t done with that tank! (A difficult shot- Prompts a DC 25 roll)
>Let it go. There were bigger matters to deal with than this offense.
>Other?

>>4122295
Under.

>>4122345
>Destroy it! You’d rather it be a smoking wreck than be used against you. (Prompts a DC 50 roll)
I wouldn’t be surprised if we destroyed its tracks and then we learn that Gerovic’s guys put a new gun in it

>>4122345
>Shoot to immobilize it! You weren’t done with that tank! (A difficult shot- Prompts a DC 25 roll)
Might as well go for broke.

>>4122345
>>Destroy it! You’d rather it be a smoking wreck than be used against you. (Prompts a DC 50 roll)

Fuuuuck Mag's other side got fucked for free didn't they.
>>4122345
>Destroy it! You’d rather it be a smoking wreck than be used against you. (Prompts a DC 50 roll)
Gerovic has been eyeing those tanks for awhile ever since he put his finger through the holes we made in our first foray (even if Richter doesn't know that.)

>>4122361
>>4122377
>>4122418
Shoot to kill!

>>4122370
But I want that tank!

Alright then, give me up to three sets of 1d100 for a DC 50 roll under. The final result will be averaged- you don't need to roll multiple times if you're fine with the first result, but the lower the result is the better.

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>4122465
Gimme that nat 1

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>4122465

>>4122472
You wanna be greedy after that meat grinder ?

>>4122473
I wasn't trying to be greedy, I read the post wrong!

>>4122478
You thought it was a roll over ? Dammit

>>4122481
No, I read skipped over the part where it said the result would be averaged.

>>4122488
Now we need a 23 to get to 49. The dice goods, not satisfied with fucking our dies, they target the players mind as well

>>4122465
>>4122494
Why are we doing averages instead of best 1 out of 3 anyway?
Also can someone please roll the 3rd dice to get us under please!

>>4122499
>Why are we doing averages instead of best 1 out of 3 anyway?
Ask tanq, or should I say pre-ww2 sans

>>4122499
>>4122515
>Why are we doing averages instead of best 1 out of 3 anyway?

This is not meant to be an easy roll. Best out of 3 DC 50 would be rather easy; there would be no reason not to roll three dice. Personally, I like averages more because, rather than another roll canceling out a failure, it mediates it, is a part of it intrinsically. I find it more interesting. Granted, it has its flaws if somebody gets excitable and rolls when they do not need to, but it has never been objected to before.

That, and obviously, there would be no complaints if the roll had been significantly lower.

That said, I won't wait too much longer for a third roll. The worst you can do is miss, which you're going to do anyways now.

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>4122465

>>4122567
See, what were you all so worried about.
Writing.

>>4122567
Panzer Vor

>>4122560
>I find it more interesting.
That's fair. It's just that we haven't used averages for a bit and I was wondering if there was a specific reason for the switch up.
>>4122567
Oh thank the Judge.
>>4122574
>What were you all so worried about.
Horrible failure.

>>4122628
>Horrible failure.
Considering the situation it would be just a miss and I think we still had a second chance because the tank is broken, but we would lose precious time

>>4122574
X50 you will be missed dearly

>Roll Average: 47- Success

“D-destroy it! B-before they c-can run off with it!” you croaked over the intercom.

Graciously, the gunner responded astutely, and a round went out, followed by the metallic tearing clank of metal ripping through metal. A bright spot in the smoke followed by more, different smoke told you that you had set your former tank aflame. A…a tragedy, but better than letting Gerovic have it.

“Right,” you gasped, “F-forward…”

-----

Before your flanking maneuver had even reached the smoke, however, Gerovic’s forces had fled, east and west, to the south, and much as you might have wanted to pursue them further, Edelschwert vetoed any such notion. His forces had taken significant damage, and he pointed out plainly that if Gerovic was leaving you alone now, you didn’t want to follow him into whatever might be waiting to cover him. Not with your forces as they were now.

Krause also gave his mind towards collecting yourselves- your will, and high, beginning to slow, you acquiesced, but only after finding out the status of the others on the hill.

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A few more casualties had been taken, but with the arrival of Anya and Illger, the insurgents who had been fighting so furiously melted away, leaving the train they arrived upon empty. The anti-tank guns had been dragged away with the absconding fighters, but the armored cars had been captured- on closer inspection, their engines turned out to have been removed from the start. First and Third platoons had been devastated, both easily taking around fifty per cent casualties. For your own part, the X-50 had been completely destroyed, still burning, though no longer popping and bursting from within, whilst the X-80 had been terribly damaged, both its turret traversal and engine block rendered non-functional, broken, not merely jammed. The T-16 that had been captured had had its cannon ruined by enemy shelling, and its vertical traverse destroyed- neutered, practically. It was only a small salve that Gerovic had left behind a single T-16, its forward transmission ruined by a shell. The other vehicles were yet to be examined, for fear of booby traps or similar sabotage.

Closer to home, there was Von Metzeler. Alive, apparently. You didn’t know if Yva had been fetched yet, and nobody could find his dismembered limb, either. One of his crewmen had been slain in the battle, from what you heard, one that had been with you from the very beginning- but you couldn’t will yourself to be upset, somehow. You were too intoxicated, too keyed up on pure energy, that made you awake, yet distant. Another crewman had been wounded in his eyes by shrapnel, and wouldn’t be able to serve any longer, at least, not any time soon.

Fourth Platoon arrived five minutes after the fighting had ended- only in time to help clean up the mess. Edelschert took his casualties- retrieval vehicles would arrive to cart away the armor he lost. Keeping control of the field had helped in that way. If Gerovic had driven you off…it was possible you’d have lose all your tanks, even if you would have taken less damage.
The atmosphere around the camp had no relief or joy in its victory. There was only sullen silence, and apprehensive muttering, as the numerous wounded of 1st and 3rd were dragged back by their comrades. None of the fallen Twaryians had survived to be taken prisoner- in their rush to leave, anybody who could be saved had apparently been retrieved, leaving you with only black cloaked, square helmet easterners, blood as cold as the snow. Insurgent prisoners had been taken- they would have to be dealt with later.

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Von Metzeler’s crew left, and you were alone, in a daze, before belatedly remembering that, yes, you were quite seriously wounded. They had told you to come with them to the medics- you just…hadn’t heard them.

…

You couldn’t feel good about this. Had you hurt Gerovic as much as he had hurt you? Had you won? Had you lost? Was it worth it? It was hard to tell under the heavy cloud of Wakeleaf in your head, but if you could claim anything…it was that the horrified screaming within had quieted a courteous smidgen.
>Fighting for their lives has steeled the fragile minds of Von Tracht and Von Metzeler somewhat. Their Valor has increased by 1.

A limp, a gap in your vision, pain in your chest, metal splinters all along your leg and flank, blood running down your nose from snorting the very stuff keeping you from curling into a ball and weeping, a broken finger. If you took any more punishment, you might have fallen apart at the seams before your ill-fated duel with yet another enemy.

Maddalyn would fix this all if she were here. You missed her, so terribly, thinking about that. Yet, would you want her here? Exposed to this? A flash to when she had been shot in Sosaldt, the surprise, then pain, then terror in her face, how close she might have been to being killed outright…

Anya had come by and said something, but you weren’t paying attention. You just let the triage people stop by, and eventually, trucks came for the lot you had been sorted with. As you were transported to the hospital, you couldn’t help but feel like you wanted to sleep…but the Wakeleaf forced your eyes open, all the way along.

-----

>Roll for Captured Loot
>d4 Combat Cars
>d4 Captured Twaryian Weaponry
>d7 Captured Insurgent Weaponry (Same as Twaryian Gear)

Rolled 3 (1d4)

>>4122729

>>4122721
I'll need to make a new OP image now, even- not only is it snowy now, but the subject tank has now burnt to a crisp.

Rolled 4 (1d4)

>>4122729

Rolled 6 (1d7)

>>4122729

>>4122735
>>4122737
>>4122740
Finally some good news
>>4122736
https://youtu.be/3Y1Z1y2PSNw For the fallen warrior, he’ll be remembered dearly

>>4122729
Ok, we fought Gerovic, can we go home now and the Twaryians are clearly trying to start shit. War is inevitable. Can Richter go home now?

>>4122736
That's sad.
Any ideas on what the new OP image will be?

>>4122735
>>4122737
>>4122740
Solid rolls. At the very least we got some good loot.

>>4122745
>>4122767
Our guys died for this loot, it's the least they deserve.

>>4122771
I feel like there have been occasions where we've fought just as hard for less.

>>4122776
Probably. Man, Gerovic really beat the shit out of us but if you think about it he threw like eight platoons of infantry and twice our amount of tanks at someone who needed to be high and semi-drunk to even fight and he still couldn't carry the day. Even if he still has a shit-ton of resources to throw at us this has to sting his pride a bit.

>>4122795
Well, he doesn't really know that Richter was high at the time.
And either way, he doesn't seem like the type to let hurt pride cloud his judgment. So besides some lamentations in a theoretical intermission scene, I doubt much will come of this besides him putting even more effort into defeating Richter.
We'll have to wait until Richter is sober so we can get the full damage report.

Also another thought. I'm sure it's fine, but where are the hellfire shells?

>>4122795
After this one, he gotta take a big time to amass resources since it was basically a failure, having those result against a smaller force. unless his boypucci is that good

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>>4122824
Probably still with the Tank-chan back with Maddy.

I think we did great, way better than it could have gone.
And the best part? Even though tanq pointedly didn't mention it, we have a TRAIN now!

And soon enough we're going to get another group of Ellowian soldiers. Especially now that the the Netillian contingent has been thoroughly weakened, this raises opportunities in the near future...

>>4122824
Think we left them in Strossvald with our M32.
Anyway I agree with you that we should start planning to go home; should probably go see the Major once we finish settling stuff here. With our additional injuries trying to fight the duel is gonna be even worse and honestly us and Rondo are in no state to command.

>>4122835
I’m sorry to say this, but I don’t think we have time to go home before the duel. We couldn’t find a good way to cheat it, only gaining an advantage to his sans eye with the magic sap. Prepare your dice and let’s roll. By the way, how much time do we have until the duel ?

>>4122855
I'm saying we should get help for the duel as Metzeler was subtly hinting in his PoV because trying to pretend that we can handle it on our own is just wishful thinking.

What a goat fuck, Sergeant Anya Nowicki thought as she was set to writing the report- not because it was work nobody wanted to do that was dumped on her, but because now, there was nobody else to do it. She was pissed off- not because of anything she did, but because of where she wasn’t. If she had stayed…

Cool it, Anya. If you could see the future, then you…probably wouldn’t have done a lot of things.

A heavy sigh. No, it was time to pick through what was left behind.

First was the fact that three of the odd armed trucks Gerovic had attacked with turned out to be recoverable- repairable, even, with the parts from the fourth, most damaged of them. It was a minimally armored vehicle, with a plate up front and back, and angling off, a plate on each door, but otherwise completely open topped and unprotected, a machine gun in the passenger’s seat and a low revolving platform that carried a very light, long barreled 2.3cm gun, that seemed to be automatic. Anya had no ideas yet as to what they could be used for, but they obviously had potential.
>x3 BM-8 Captured

Then there was what was picked off of and around the dead. A surprising amount of equipment and ammunition had been found in the aftermath, especially at the site of the battle where Anya had personally blown apart quite a few insurgents, as well as picking off quite a few trying to run off. She’d have to follow up on that later- the NLF had some of the salt in their panties shaken out with arms delivered to them, she’d have to make sure another few spoons of grit weren’t freshly added to any underwear, and a rival insurgency was chafing indeed.
>x10 Twaryian Infantry Equipment Captured

Anya had taken a brief look at what had been picked up. The Revolutionary League insurgents (as the prisoners had divulged they were part of) were carrying the usual Twaryian guns- the old obsolete tube magazine bolt gun that had to have bullets fed into it one by one, the machine gun that looked like a wheel of cheese had been stuck to the top of it, the submachineguns that spat out half a magazine if you pressed the trigger lightly. The proper Twaryians had similar examples of the latter two, but they had a newer model of rifle. A magazine stuck out the bottom, now, though otherwise it was a very similar looking gun.

The train was…a thing. High Command hadn’t asked for it, as far as Anya was concerned, that meant it was theirs. Not that she had a solitary clue what to do with it. A train was cool, she guessed? The armored cars that had been loaded on it, they had functional weaponry- but no engines. If Smitty were here she could turn them into something, but she wasn’t, so like the train, for now, they were simply there.

…Man, though. The Netillians got fucked up in that last battle, she thought. To the point where the two platoons involved didn’t even add up to one platoon.

…An idea for later. If Richter had any brains whatsoever, he’d think of it anyways. A spike in his leg, Choir Boy losing his left arm (For some reason he went off with Yva- well, if he couldn’t give himself a handy anymore, she supposed)…the only person who wasn’t fucked up here were Stache and the Hogs. Anya looked at her wounded arm with contempt. Not that she minded fighting, but Judge Above, they needed a break from this…

-----

The Next Day- January 15, 1933

You felt absolutely terrible. Even after a day’s rest, and half a day after, knocking yourself out until four in the afternoon of the next day, you still itched from the pieces of metal taken out of you, and your head felt like you had been beaten with a stone. From the inside. Even after your supposed rest, you felt tired, sleepy, anemic. The doctors urged you to stay in bed- you were tempted to listen to them.

>You had too much to do. The only way you could be kept in this bed was if it was being shared with a tiny little lady with a soft bottom.
>Take the medical advice. You were hardly in any condition to be running around even before these new wounds…(Switch Characters. To who?)
>Other?

>>4122855
>By the way, how much time do we have until the duel?
You can go before now, theoretically. The deadline, though, is in five days, about. He gave you a week.

>>4122860
We all know that anon. The problem is that we couldn’t find a way to get direct help : we can’t sneak anyone to support us and Yva couldn’t boost us with magic. Our only real option is talking to poltergeist. Do you have any ideia to give us ?

>>4122881
>You had too much to do. The only way you could be kept in this bed was if it was being shared with a tiny little lady with a soft bottom.
>>4122882
Go talk to the IO and see what they can do and then talk to the spooky guy in our dreams

>>4122881
>Take the medical advice. You were hardly in any condition to be running around even before these new wounds…(Switch Characters. To who?) Let’s go with Stache for a new view
>You can go before now, theoretically. The deadline, though, is in five days, about. He gave you a week.
Damn, I thought we were near the deadline.
>>4122888
>Go talk to the IO and see what they can do and then talk to the spooky guy in our dreams
I dunno if we’re that valuable to them, but it’s worth a try. Do they know that magic exists though ?

>>4122881
>You had too much to do. The only way you could be kept in this bed was if it was being shared with a tiny little lady with a soft bottom.

>>4122881
>>You had too much to do. The only way you could be kept in this bed was if it was being shared with a tiny little lady with a soft bottom.

Enough dithering with the side cast, all it did was almost get Von Metzeler killed.

>>4122881
>You had too much to do. The only way you could be kept in this bed was if it was being shared with a tiny little lady with a soft bottom.
I miss Maddalyn. I miss her so fucking much it actually physically hurts.
We need to go back and we need to go back NOW!

>>4122888
>>4122898
>Go talk to the IO and see what they can do and then talk to the spooky guy in our dreams
>Do they know that magic exists though?
Talking to Poltergeist would be a great idea, unfortunately, we don't really have much say in when we're allowed to see him.
And now that I think about it, we can't really talk to the Major about this effectively without spilling some precious details about Soulbender shit.
For their sake and our own, I'm not too keen on telling them about all that, which kinda leaves us at an impasse. If we can find a way to inform the Major about Bernam's "talents" without spilling the wizard beans then we're in the clear, otherwise, we're sorta stuck because if the help the major sends in is too mundane and Bernam deals with it and catches wind of what we're doing everyone is fucked.

>>4122929
There's not much Soulbinder stuff to say honestly,the only relevant thing here is that he has magical eyes that give him night vision.
Also I suspect given that the IO has things like the Trance they at least have some knowledge of the arcane even if they're not that involved in it.