Avastan: Planetfall

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya
Calls her team.
OK Guys - Those drones get targeted, dodge! We need good tactical data.
And with that, she gets her own drone up about 50cm from the ground.
Right Captain...What do you want me to scout?

[Tiglath]

Jakob

Jakob sees the sentry who is still visible notice the red flare. He seems confounded and shouts across to his mate in the other trench. The other sentry pops his head up and seems equally at a loss at least for the moment.

Meanwhile, Jakob hears a shout and some coughing from below the trapdoor.

[joertexas]

Prerna directs her driver to turn right heading southeast and climb to five meters. "Gunner, target is bunker at twelve o-clock, seven hundred meters." She lays her commander's reticle on the bunker. "Fire as you bear."

[Tiglath]

Kit & Freya

Both see the "Aslan" G Carrier nose forwards and down the outside of "your" berm and stop between the outside slope of the enemy berm and the oblong building on the runway's edge (Top left hand corner of square E5 - see graffiti on gurusql's art below). The Aslan debus and form a line to advance on the flank of the API infantry position at the front/south of the berm. Behind them comes the female who is in turn followed by her grav "cart".

Attack Plan 2.jpg (17.11 KiB) Viewed 435 times

Aslan movements scrawled in Blue

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Prerna's IFV climbs engaging the VCP pill box as it does so. The RPA-12 thumps and the gunner's shots strike the area of the weapon slit. The super heated plasma carves through the rockcrete like... well, plasma through rockcrete. Flames gout from other weapon embrasures in the pill box as the interior is devasted by plasma and secondary explosions. No one inside could possibly survive that superheated conflagration.

Everybody in the Starport sees the IFV climbing to five metres above the runway its position unmissable due to the plasma hosing from its main armament and into the pill box below.

As the IFV breaks 4 metres altitude Prerna sees all the onboard threat receivers light up. It would appear that the grav vehicle has just popped up on the Starport's sensor "landscape".

(OOC:
Roll(2d6)+2: 3,3,+2 Total:8 Hit
(Light) Bunker AV 20 RPA Pen = 44
Bunker penetrated and occupants hit at 24 - CES AV (6) = Instakill).

[joertexas]

As the IFV breaks 4 metres altitude Prerna sees all the onboard threat receivers light up. It would appear that the grav vehicle has just popped up on the Starport's sensor "landscape".

"Driver, take us down to one meter and turn right heading one eight zero. Gunner, target flak tower, twelve o'clock, five hundred meters. Fire as you bear." Prerna targets the top of the flak tower, and then she looks at her threat receivers to see what type of emitter is tracking her.

[Tiglath]

Frank

"Isolate that signal and clean up and playback that audio for me" the techs quickly comply with Dubs' request. Letting him work Voss grabs a headset and listens in.

Dylan offers "Um... singing???"

Dubs rolls his eyes "Yes, but before that the "mechanical transient" is artillery fire. Automatic artillery fire - a rotary CPR gun". Looking at Frank he states "Someone's getting a hell of a working over in the mountains to the east, sir. Then there's this...". Dubs plays back the audio transmission.

Voss scowls as he listens in "Swordies, sir. Armour. Forget any tech advantage - no one in their right mind likes fighting Swordy armour. How the hell did they get here?!?"

(OOC: CPR = Chemically Propelled Round i.e. conventional/current ammo).

[gurusql]

Kit & Freya

Both see the "Aslan" G Carrier nose forwards and down the outside of "your" berm and stop between the outside slope of the enemy berm and the oblong building on the runway's edge (Top left hand corner of square E5 - see graffiti on gurusql's art below). The Aslan debus and form a line to advance on the flank of the API infantry position at the front/south of the berm. Behind them comes the female who is in turn followed by her grav "cart".

Attack Plan 2.jpg

Aslan movements scrawled in Blue

Kit

Kit and his bus will follow the Aslan G-Carrier and as soon as the Aslan get far enough to expose an entrance for us to not cut into their weapons kill zone Kit will order the acceleration into the hanger with the three ships. Assuming that there are not people walking around or open ships with open hatches we will proceed as planned.

[The Bindoner]

Nice shot Shug.

Well done lads, now, back in the bus.

We’ll do overwatch ‘til Sarn’t Gaughan’s lot’re done, then we’ll move on to the next target.

Jess closes the IFV down and waits until the Rangers have finished placing their charges and boarded the Carrier.

Driver, take us up, but keep us below the lip’ve the berm. I want comms to HQ, but I don’t need to get spotted.

The intention is to get a laser-comm link to one of the drones without getting higher than hull-down at the berm top.

To Frank: Sorry Boss, tripped a wire. Helos accounted for, force intact. Intend to neutralise local defence points and move on. Where’d you need us next?

[Leitz]

"Beau, you've got the drum. If they start to surrendur, order them to drop their weapons. Find one of their comms if you can." Jakob pulled the trapdoor lid up, popped a grenade down below, and pushed the trap door shut. He brought up the team comm; "Love, George, smoke 'em when you got 'em."

The grenade went off, and then Jakob went through the trapdoor.

Jakob's combat armor will protect him from the carbon monoxide, and he'll use grenades and ACR to clear his way down until they begin to surrendur.

[Tiglath]

Jess

Jess sees Gaughan's men drop their holdall and improvise. Sprinting for the furthest (7 o'clock) berm the "bombing team" splits into two pairs who then throw hand grenades into the engine intakes of the pair of parked jets and then sprint away diving for cover to protect themselves from the blast. The interceptors aren't destroyed outright but don't look at all "serviceable" given a gratuitous overdose of "FOD".

A pair of near simultaneous explosions sound from due south. Checking his chrono Charlie states "Ours, Ma'am".

The team head back towards the G Carrier and Gaughan's stationary squads (still deployed as an anti vehicle ambush) before diverting into the last untouched (8 o'clock) berm to attach demo charges. They recover the holdall and return to the G Carrier as Gaughan collapses his defence by squads and the Rangers scramble back aboard the G Carrier.

As Jess watches and waits the minutes slowly tick away. She determines that the heavy rifle that Gaughan is now apparently armed with is likely a LAG-10 (by coincidence SEMC has one in stores). That particular train of thought is disrupted by the charges on the helos in the eastern bays beginning to sequentially detonate with satisfactorily catastrophic results to the aircraft.

[Tiglath]

Prerna

"Driver, take us down to one meter and turn right heading one eight zero. Gunner, target flak tower, twelve o'clock, five hundred meters. Fire as you bear." Prerna targets the top of the flak tower, and then she looks at her threat receivers to see what type of emitter is tracking her.

As the IFV dips in height the threat receivers flip from red to orange. Prerna notes the onboard software has diagnosed the threat as within the characteristics of starship or long range ground based sensors associated with planetary defence missile systems. As the IFV descends from its "pop up" the gunner hoses the flak tower's flat top with plasma fire. The primary and secondary weapon systems mounted there - both of which seem to be as yet unmanned missile launchers are hit and begin to not only to burn but also to generate secondary explosions.

(OOC: [2d6]=6 Enemy sensor lock
[2d6]=10+2 To Hit
Gah, my Wizards of the Coast die roller now directs me to Magic the Gathering! ).

[joertexas]

Prerna paints the two installations as destroyed on the battle map, and changes her unit's status to "awaiting orders". In the meantime, she directs her driver to continue a slow starboard turn at about 60 kph to bring them up on the west side of their ship. Everyone in the vehicle with a view port or a sensors feed is on high alert for threats.

[shaidar]

Frank

Voss scowls as he listens in "Swordies, sir. Armour. Forget any tech advantage - no one in their right mind likes fighting Swordy armour. How the hell did they get here?!?"

"When it comes to Erica, or Tourmaline, almost nothing surprises me anymore. No doubt that's why they wanted the helo's taken out."

To Frank: Sorry Boss, tripped a wire. Helos accounted for, force intact. Intend to neutralise local defence points and move on. Where’d you need us next?

"Not to worry Sargent-Major. Continue to support Gaughan as they retreat and take out the local infantry points as planned, I'll let you know your next target when they start to react."

Prerna paints the two installations as destroyed on the battle map, and changes her unit's status to "awaiting orders". In the meantime, she directs her driver to continue a slow starboard turn at about 60 kph to bring them up on the west side of their ship. Everyone in the vehicle with a view port or a sensors feed is on high alert for threats.

"Major, be ready, I'll need you to respond quickly to the enemies reactions, particularly from the Scout base...in the meantime" On the tactical computer Frank assigns the Major the AA battery in D3.

"Mortar team, lay down fire on the enemy HQ" he assigns the emeny HQ (C7 upper left) on the battle computer.

He then pops up a channel to Jess, Prerna and Gaughan "Good work all, you have your targets, but if there are any Helo's that survived then they must not be allowed to leave the port, they take priority apart from your own safety."

[joertexas]

Frank

"Major, be ready, I'll need you to respond quickly to the enemies reactions, particularly from the Scout base...in the meantime" On the tactical computer Frank assigns the Major the AA battery in D3.

He then pops up a channel to Jess, Prerna and Gaughan "Good work all, you have your targets, but if there are any Helo's that survived then they must not be allowed to leave the port, they take priority apart from your own safety."

"Nayar copies," Prerna replies.

She switches to the vehicle intercom as she paints the flak tower in the targeting display. "Driver, come right heading zero five zero. Gunner, target, two o'clock, eight hundred meters, flak tower, fire as you bear."

[Tiglath]

Kit (and Freya via Drone Obs)

As per schedule two helos detonate to the northeast Kit and notes that the Aslan have adapted but at least adhered to the plan. They dismount and advance on foot westwards and across the access road to the target berm (containing "Deliverance"). Meanwhile, the G Carrier (now apparently commanded by the female Aslan) hovers halfway up the berm to give it a better angle on the trenches on the flat. As the Aslan have crossed the road and taken post to the west of it Kit sees that the way is clear for his force to enter the berm via the southern road entrance. As he does he sees what must be Prerna's IFV perform a "pop up" to engage and destroy the Flak Tower nearest to the Scout Base.

This violent display, together with the burning pill box and helipad beyond, has not been lost on the sentries in the API infantry positions. It appears that at least a "local" alarm has been sounded and the API infantry bundle from their dugouts haphazardly cramming on gear and lining the firestep in the trenches. Whether they have noticed the Aslan and the Carrier to their rear is not immediately apparent. However, then four pale blue sashimono illuminate in the darkness immediately to the east of their trenches.

The Aslan roar and the sound carries across the snowy Starport. Then they open fire. Their heavy wepaons are enfilading the trenches so the occupants gain scant cover and their CES armour appears to offer no ballistic protection from the massive calibre rounds. Kit watches an Aslan engage the nearest trench as his IFV approaches the berm entrance. Shouldering his HMG the huge creature walks automatic fire along the trench smashing bodies apart as it strikes them. Pieces of meat and fragments of gear and weapons are thrown out of the trench together with an amount of dust and debris from the concussive impact of the heavy rounds. Through the literal carnage of the first devastating burst Kit can see only two of the eight soldiers who were in the trench still whole. The two survivors quit the trench and rout westwards. The story repeats as another Aslan pours enfilading fire along the support trench. Here only one dazed and terrified survivor claws his way out of the earthworks and runs away into the night. The third Aslan lights up the further frontline trench. Here the increased range and a less favourable angle grants some protection to the API troopers at the end of the trench closest to the Aslan. Casualties appear to be lessened but the occupants are still driven to ground by the sheer weight of incoming fire. Alas, the sight of their comrades running for dear life is too much and the five surviving occupants of the third trench also run into the night.

The Aslan, moving at a surprisingly swift jog, now move Northwest up the angle of the berm and towards the flank of the API positions on its slope.

Meanwhile, on Kit's direction the IFV noses into the berm via the road entrance. Kit sees one figure in a long coat immediately run towards the trader Saxon and a pair of slouched guards at the Hawkwind's airlock suddenly grab for their rifles. These last two are in local civvy gear but with soft armour and plate carriers worn over it. The guards at Deliverance's air lock have heavier armour and stand at the top and bottom of the stairway to ground level. The one at the top ducks back inside the airlock while his mate legs it up the stairs. However, Kit's attention is immediately drawn to two figures in complete hard armour near Saxon's airlock. Both immediately react to the IFV's presence. One shoulders an energy weapon and with a bright flash fires on the IFV. Very fortunately the bolt ricochets off the IFV's armour. His comrade reaches beneath the barrel of his gauss rifle to fire his underslung grenade launcher. The grenade strikes the IFV full on but again its armour (and luck! ) holds. From the IFV's fighting compartment Able comments "Ruddy 'ell - it's gettin' lively!"


(OOC:
Round 1
4cm RAM Auto GL [2d6]=6+4 Hit (Pen greater than AV of 20 occupants hit at excess Pen (16) vs AV 6 (CES) KIA

Here's just a sample of the carnage:
Aslan#1 15mm AHMG [2d6]=11+4 (Four Hits!!!)
2d6 + 9 − 6: (4 + 5) + 9 − 6 = 12 KIA
2d6 + 9 − 6: (3 + 5) + 9 − 6 = 11 SW
2d6 + 9 − 6: (5 + 2) + 9 − 6 = 10 SW
2d6 + 9 − 6: (6 + 1) + 9 − 6 = 10 SW
Second Autofire Target: 2d6 + 4: (1 + 5) + 4 = 10 (Two Hits)
2d6 + 9 − 6: (2 + 5) + 9 − 6 = 11 SW
2d6 + 9 − 6: (5 + 6) + 9 − 6 = 14 very KIA

API Section #1: Morale 7 -6 (Casualties) so reduced to a target roll of 2d6 below 1 (adjusted to the minimum of 2)
2d6: (5 + 3) = 8 Fail by 6+ = Routed

Aslan#2 15mm AHMG 2d6 + 4: (4 + 6) + 4 = 14 (Four Hits Again!!!)
2d6 + 9 − 6: (3 + 4) + 9 − 6 = 10 SW
2d6 + 9 − 6: (4 + 6) + 9 − 6 = 13 KIA
2d6 + 9 − 6: (4 + 1) + 9 − 6 = 8 SW
2d6 + 9 − 6: (6 + 4) + 9 − 6 = 13 KIA
Second Autofire Target: 2d6 + 4: (5 + 3) + 4 = 12 (Three Hits)
2d6 + 9 − 6: (1 + 4) + 9 − 6 = 8 SW
2d6 + 9 − 6: (3 + 4) + 9 − 6 = 10 SW
2d6 + 9 − 6: (2 + 5) + 9 − 6 = 10 SW

API Section #2: Morale 7 -7 (Casualties) so reduced to a target roll of 2d6 below 0 (adjusted to the minimum of 2)
2d6: (3 + 6) = 9 Fail by 7 (6+) = Routed

Aslan#3 15mm AHMG 2d6 + 4: (1 + 6) + 4 = 11 (Two Hits)
2d6 + 9 − 6: (5 + 1) + 9 − 6 = 9 SW
2d6 + 9 − 6: (5 + 5) + 9 − 6 = 13 KIA
Second Autofire Target: 2d6 + 4: (4 + 3) + 4 = 11 (Two Hits - Halved due to Cover)
2d6 + 9 − 6: (3 + 1) + 9 − 6 = 7 Light Wound

API Section #3: Morale 7 -3 (Casualties) so reduced to a target roll of 2d6 below 4 DMs: +1 NCO still alive +1 partial cover
2d6: (3 + 4) = 7 Fail by 1 = Suppressed
Panic Check due to Routing Friends. Target roll of 2d6 below 4 DMs: +1 NCO still alive +1 partial cover -2 Two units with Casualties within 50m
2d6: (4 + 1) = 5 Fail by 1 = Fall Back (to nearest cover) to North West.

Berm Infantryman #1:
2d6 + 5: (3 + 3) + 5 = 11 hit (+ve DMs Skill +2 Low Hit Veh DM +3)
Pen 34 plus 1d6: 3 = 3
IFV AV = 35
Other Wpn Table: Pen by 2 = No Effect.

Berm Infantryman #2:
2d6 + 3: (5 + 3) + 3 = 11(+ve DMs Skill +0 Low Hit Veh DM +3)
Pen 36 plus 1d6: 1 = 1
IFV AV = 35
HE(AP) Wpn Table: Pen by 2 = Surface Hit.
2d6: (5 + 5) = 10 No effect (Launch Rail not present).

[gurusql]

Kit

Kit remembers the old story that no plan survives engagement with the enemy and this was certainly no exception given that the three ships are all open, where he had thought they would all be closed.

"Butters! Freya, we may not have picked the safest place for you." Kit thinks though the scenarios and is glad his original plan had some back-ups. "Gunner, target those two Saxon guards with the IFV guns until we engage and then you will need to lay down suppression fire against the Deliverance. Nuts, Ink and Route One we are going after the Saxon. Able given the lighter force at the Hawkwind you take Whiskey and Dog and take out the guards and get a foothold on that ship. Freya, you will take command of the IFV and her guns taking the third unit Camp Freddie, Killer and Johnny over the engage the Deliverance. You are their heavy weapons support and will be directing them from the IFV over comms. Overwatch watch our six and let us know about stragglers. Hard and fast until you know they have surrendered and Able remember there might be hostages on board."

I will be happy to roll or let the GM do the same.

[Tiglath]

I will be happy to roll or let the GM do the same.

OOC: I hope to add some more tonight. A tactics roll and a to hit roll from the IFV would be helpful for starters. We can race to see who gets there first!

[gurusql]

Kit

Tactics (Tactics-2 +2, Int B +1) [_2d6+3]=(2+4)=6+3=9
Leadership -2, B INT [_2d6+3]=(5+2)=7+3=10

And the hit roll from the IFV
[_2d6]=(5+5)=10

[Tiglath]

(OOC: That's great, thank you! I'll move things on tonight. )