+++Intercepted Communication+++
+++Aleph Sector+++
+++Station: TALLAX PR733+++
+++Time Index: 1215.0805.007M42+++
“WELL?!”
“I re-re-really must protest at you t-t-tone Inquisitor Le Pen. We are both-“
“Hathek you old fool, stop wasting my time.” [Subject identified: Sarko Le Pen Imperial Inquisitor. Politics: Unknown]. “My patience is fading faster than your support in the council. Now, answer me.”
[Frantic sound of papers rustling] “There have been several tangible gains to my policy over the past 3 years. [Subject Identified: Hadrian Hathek, Imperial Inquisitor. Politics: Heavily associated with current UFP cabinet] “Trade has increased by 2%, instances of violent conflict between the UFP and Imperial forces have decreased by 64% and the Premier of the UFP has personally guaranteed me that he will look over proposals for possible reintegration into the Imperium as soon as he can. He’s a bit distracted at the moment – you see it’s an election year but I really do thi-”
“By all that is Holy Hathek, just shut up. A decision-“
“Shut up?! How dare you?! I was hunting down radicals before you learnt to use a stunclub.”
“Nevertheless, Hathek, a decision has been reached within the council. The powers that be do not believe you’re in control of the Aleph situation. Now that Lord Xanthus has disappeared they don’t believe we have strong enough Inquisitorial guidance in the area. I am coming to relieve you of your post. I’m rendezvousing with the necessary Imperial forces and translating in-system in a matter of weeks. Be ready to be relieved”
“R-relieve me? Preposterous, I won’t have it, I’m providing fine guidance to Imperial forces! This is preposterous, I shall have words with the Higher council about you Le Pen. After my pudding… Treatus - WHERE’S MY PUDDING?!”
++Communication terminated from source++
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Myrentas II - Sartosan Attack: The final nail in the Imperial Coffin
The Sartosan Rangers crossed the Ornz by boat in the middle of the night of 0405.007M42. Nearly half the regiment had crossed before they were detected and the mists which are so common in the Ornz valley in the spring saved most of the remainder from death as the Imperial heavy artillery opened up on the UFP troops. Over ten thousand men had managed to cross the river by daybreak and the Tallaxian engineers had bridge the river in a number of places.
The UFP attack came in the marshes in the middle of the Ornz valley and the Sartosan Rangers were the ideal troops for the job. The jungles and forests of Sartosa had conditioned the hardy fighters to difficult terrain and they quickly out manoeuvred the Librian 57th troopers. Sentinels gave the Sartosans close armour support while the Librian heavy tanks floundered in the mud, despite their rough terrain modifications.
The UFP attack came in the marshes in the middle of the Ornz valley and the Sartosan Rangers were the ideal troops for the job. The jungles and forests of Sartosa had conditioned the hardy fighters to difficult terrain and they quickly out manoeuvred the Librian 57th troopers. Sentinels gave the Sartosans close armour support while the Librian heavy tanks floundered in the mud, despite their rough terrain modifications.
The Sartosan performance did owe a lot to the UFP fleet advisors who were instrumental in guiding and aiding the Sartosan officers on the ground, particularly when the Sartosans, new to advanced warfare, struggled to keep pace with the rapidly changing face of the battle.
Even so the Sartosans had succeeded and even the most optimistic of Imperial generals realised the game was up. In the north even the Tau managed a spectacular advance against the Praetorian Guard, inflicting heavy losses. At 5:17pm local time on 0607.007M42 Lord General Lenord declared a full-scale withdrawal and prepared to leave Myrentas II with as many troops as he could. By now the remnants of the Praetorians, Librians and Scyllians were in full retreat, and the fall back risked becoming a rout as the Tau approached from the north and the Tallaxians, Sartosans and Hartak 7th Legion approached from the east. He needed time for his troops to disengage. Time which could be bought by the Blood Martyrs’…
The UFP attack came in the marshes in the middle of the Ornz valley and the Sartosan Rangers were the ideal troops for the job. The jungles and forests of Sartosa had conditioned the hardy fighters to difficult terrain and they quickly out manoeuvred the Librian 57th troopers. Sentinels gave the Sartosans close armour support while the Librian heavy tanks floundered in the mud, despite their rough terrain modifications.
The UFP attack came in the marshes in the middle of the Ornz valley and the Sartosan Rangers were the ideal troops for the job. The jungles and forests of Sartosa had conditioned the hardy fighters to difficult terrain and they quickly out manoeuvred the Librian 57th troopers. Sentinels gave the Sartosans close armour support while the Librian heavy tanks floundered in the mud, despite their rough terrain modifications.
The Sartosan performance did owe a lot to the UFP fleet advisors who were instrumental in guiding and aiding the Sartosan officers on the ground, particularly when the Sartosans, new to advanced warfare, struggled to keep pace with the rapidly changing face of the battle.
Even so the Sartosans had succeeded and even the most optimistic of Imperial generals realised the game was up. In the north even the Tau managed a spectacular advance against the Praetorian Guard, inflicting heavy losses. At 5:17pm local time on 0607.007M42 Lord General Lenord declared a full-scale withdrawal and prepared to leave Myrentas II with as many troops as he could. By now the remnants of the Praetorians, Librians and Scyllians were in full retreat, and the fall back risked becoming a rout as the Tau approached from the north and the Tallaxians, Sartosans and Hartak 7th Legion approached from the east. He needed time for his troops to disengage. Time which could be bought by the Blood Martyrs’…
Parataea - Tau Landing encounters hostile Eldar
Commander Whitefire’s Tau battle group faced an uncontested landing on the uninhabited forest planet of Cathasaea and in the weeks that followed the landing the earth caste were successful in setting up a large Tau base, extending the perimeter of their control to fifty kilometres in a few weeks. Much of the forest was cut down and plans began to build a colony on the planet in the same mould as the burgeoning Lucardium colony.
In 05.007M42, as colonists began to arrive on the planet, the Eldarattacked. At first no-one could understand their motives but there werethose in the UFP who had a fair idea. The Eldar had never attacked the Tau in this sector until now, and the attack did not appear to have a specific objective. Although the attack was beaten off by the Tau commander Whitefire, Tau high command responded by reinforcing the colony. Perhaps what the Eldar intended after all?
Either that or the Eldar were trying to prevent the Tau from expanding their Empire. If that were thes case they were unsuccessful as their attack failed and they took heavy casualties. Since then they have not been back and no-one in the Tau high command is sure whether they will return. To them the Eldar are a capricious and unpredictable race who’s motives are often part of an unimaginably complex purpose.
In 05.007M42, as colonists began to arrive on the planet, the Eldarattacked. At first no-one could understand their motives but there werethose in the UFP who had a fair idea. The Eldar had never attacked the Tau in this sector until now, and the attack did not appear to have a specific objective. Although the attack was beaten off by the Tau commander Whitefire, Tau high command responded by reinforcing the colony. Perhaps what the Eldar intended after all?
Either that or the Eldar were trying to prevent the Tau from expanding their Empire. If that were thes case they were unsuccessful as their attack failed and they took heavy casualties. Since then they have not been back and no-one in the Tau high command is sure whether they will return. To them the Eldar are a capricious and unpredictable race who’s motives are often part of an unimaginably complex purpose.
Cathasaea - Eldar and Tyranids attack
On 0505.007M42 the new Imperial garrison on Yuki faced their biggest threat as the tendrils of Hive Fleet Triton appeared on Imperial sensors. At least the listening post was working. The Tyranids landed in strength but were held by a stalwart defence by the Dark Angels in their forward base. While the Librian 4th Mechanised Regiment awaited results of the battle at the forward outposts, the Eldar acted.
In a lightning assault the like of which has become so familiar the Eldar, this time a mix of Pirates and some from a previously unknown Craftworld, assaulted the Imperial garrison on Yuki with the obvious intention of destroying the listening post and allowing the Tyranids to wipe out the defenders. It was a two pronged attack.
One group assaulted the Dark Angels from the flank while many of their number were still finishing off the remnant of the ‘Nid attack, while another attacked the main Imperial garrison and base. The first attack was successful with the Eldar scoring a telling and rare victory against the Adeptus Astartes. The Marines took heavy casualties and were forced to give ground as the fast vehicles of the Eldar outmanoeuvred their opponents. Facing a desperate situation themselves the Imperial garrison was unable to help and the Dark Angels’ base was all but annihilated.
Meanwhile the Imperial garrison itself came under a ferocious assault from Craftworld Eldar, but very quickly things began going wrong for the aliens. The Librian mechanised regiment, having heard of the Eldar weaponry and ferocious charges, sensibly stayed inside their vehicles, firing their multi-lasers and heavy bolters. Supported by heavy Leman Russ tanks and lethal Hellhound flame-tanks the Eldar attack quickly floundered in the face of so much armour. Lacking adequate anti-tank capability the aliens withdrew leaving the Imperial garrison almost unscathed.
In a lightning assault the like of which has become so familiar the Eldar, this time a mix of Pirates and some from a previously unknown Craftworld, assaulted the Imperial garrison on Yuki with the obvious intention of destroying the listening post and allowing the Tyranids to wipe out the defenders. It was a two pronged attack.
One group assaulted the Dark Angels from the flank while many of their number were still finishing off the remnant of the ‘Nid attack, while another attacked the main Imperial garrison and base. The first attack was successful with the Eldar scoring a telling and rare victory against the Adeptus Astartes. The Marines took heavy casualties and were forced to give ground as the fast vehicles of the Eldar outmanoeuvred their opponents. Facing a desperate situation themselves the Imperial garrison was unable to help and the Dark Angels’ base was all but annihilated.
Meanwhile the Imperial garrison itself came under a ferocious assault from Craftworld Eldar, but very quickly things began going wrong for the aliens. The Librian mechanised regiment, having heard of the Eldar weaponry and ferocious charges, sensibly stayed inside their vehicles, firing their multi-lasers and heavy bolters. Supported by heavy Leman Russ tanks and lethal Hellhound flame-tanks the Eldar attack quickly floundered in the face of so much armour. Lacking adequate anti-tank capability the aliens withdrew leaving the Imperial garrison almost unscathed.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
The Battle of Myrentas Deeps
The Imperial and Tau fleets had been shadowing each other for several weeks as the ground war ground on in the Ornz valley. Neither commander was eager for a fight but with operation End Game the Tau commander was under orders to make sure the Imperial fleet was kept busy and did not interfere with the four UFP cruisers stationed above the planet.
The Tau commander of the fleet was quite concerned as the Imperium now had a significant force in the system including two battleships and five cruisers. This meant the Tau fleet would have to wait until the moment was favourable, or at least not suicidal, before moving into attack formation. Until then the Tau fleet would have to continue avoiding the Imperial fleet who were desperately trying to get the Tau to engage.
Fortune appeared to be smiling on Commander Cold Sight on 2804.007M42 when the ground attack began. This would be the moment he would have to turn and fight before the Imperial ships moved in to attack the UFP vessels around the planet while they were vulnerable helping the ground war. As the Tau fleet commander prepared his fleet the news came in that the Imperial cruisers Galileo and Imperious were not with the bulk of the fleet.
Rear Admiral Dreyer, commanding from the Bridge of Iron Duke had received intelligence of an unescorted Tau convoy from his picket escort during 2704.007M42 and had dispatched the two cruisers to investigate. Though the intelligence was false the crucial decision meant that two of the Admiral's most powerful cruisers, a Mars class carrier and a Tyrant class cruiser, would be unavailable for the coming battle.
The abrupt appearance of the Tau fleet cruising past his formation took the Imperial commander somewhat by surprise but the Admiral soon had his battle line in formation. Leading the line escorted by the light cruisers Ajax and Achilles was the dictator class Emperor's Wrath, followed by the two Imperial battleships.
The Tau fleet were also in some difficulty as they had not expected such quick detection by the Imperial fleet once they changed course. Commander Cold Sight found his fleet travelling away from the Imperial battle-line and his entire fleet in danger of being encircled. The Tau Kor'O ordered the fleet to come about but the poor manoeuvrability and slow speed of the Tau told early on as Iron Duke and Agamemnon poured fire into the cruiser Deep Fire. Venting atmosphere and burning the Tau Protector lurched out of the line crippled before the Tau fleet had even been able to form up a cohesive attack.
The Tau managed to turn their ships line abreast and were soon firing all their forward batteries at the Imperial fleet with the Pinafore on the right wing and the Ores'Au on the left. Guardian and Bright Hope, the inexperienced class Hero class vessel, made up the central vanguard of the Tau attack.
The Imperial fleet had successfully manoeuvred their battle line around the right flank of the Tau, punishing the Ores'Au with battery fire and lance shots. Meanwhile the Tau missiles seemed remarkably ineffective and unable to find their targets. At the same time Imperial fighters and massed turret fire kept the Mantas at bay.
Ajax and Achilles paid heavily for their forward positioning, both disengaging having taken heavy damage from the Ores’Au and escorting Castellans. As the battle reached a climax Iron Duke had her bridged smashed by railgun fire and was forced to withdraw, but not before the combined weight of her gun batteries and the lances of the Agamemnon had reduced the Bright Hope to a drifting hulk.
By this time the remaining Tau vessels had managed to manoeuvre around to the rear of the remaining Imperial battleship but found their weaponry ineffective against the vessel's powerful void shields. In addition the return fire from the Agamemnon quickly crippled the Ores'Au and she was also forced to withdraw. As the Agamemnon and Emperor's Wrath turned back into formation the remaining Tau cruiser realised the game was up and fled leaving the Imperial fleet as the victor.
The battle itself was a defeat for the Tau who lost a valuable cruiser and had three other capital ships - battleships - crippled. The Imperium had two light cruisers crippled and the Iron Duke badly damaged but the Tau fleet had taken more damage and had been forced to disengage. However it could have been a lot worse. Analysis showed that while the Tau missiles were far less accurate than usual, the accuracy of the heavy lance vessel Agamemnon was extremely poor, except for the salvo which almost destroyed Deep Fire. Had the battleship's fire been better the Tau vessels may have lost more than just on ship.
Positionally the Imperial fleet had got their tactics right, engaging the Tau abeam, presenting their broadsides while making themselves a difficult target. However the loss of Novem squadron in the opening minutes of the battle was unfortunate - the frigates were nowhere near where they were supposed to be!
The return of the Imperious and Galileo bolstered the Imperial fleet and they began to move in system towards the UFP vessels stationed above Myrentas II.
Opposing Fleets
Imperium
Iron Duke Emperor Class Battleship Crippled
Agamemnon Apocalypse Class Battleship
Emperor’s Wrath Dictator Class Cruiser
Achilles Dauntless Class Light Cruiser Crippled
Ajax Dauntless Class Light Cruiser Crippled
Nexum Squadron Three Sword Class Escorts Destroyed
Vagrim Squadron Three Firestorm Class Escorts Destroyed
Tau
Pinafore Custodian Class Battleship Crippled
Ores’Au Explorer Class Battleship Crippled
Deep Fire Protector Class Cruiser Crippled
Guardian Protector Class Cruiser
Bright Hope Hero Class Cruiser Destroyed
Vre’Aun Messenger Class Escort
- 2 Castellan Class Escorts
- 3 Castellan Class Escorts Destroyed
The Tau commander of the fleet was quite concerned as the Imperium now had a significant force in the system including two battleships and five cruisers. This meant the Tau fleet would have to wait until the moment was favourable, or at least not suicidal, before moving into attack formation. Until then the Tau fleet would have to continue avoiding the Imperial fleet who were desperately trying to get the Tau to engage.
Fortune appeared to be smiling on Commander Cold Sight on 2804.007M42 when the ground attack began. This would be the moment he would have to turn and fight before the Imperial ships moved in to attack the UFP vessels around the planet while they were vulnerable helping the ground war. As the Tau fleet commander prepared his fleet the news came in that the Imperial cruisers Galileo and Imperious were not with the bulk of the fleet.
Rear Admiral Dreyer, commanding from the Bridge of Iron Duke had received intelligence of an unescorted Tau convoy from his picket escort during 2704.007M42 and had dispatched the two cruisers to investigate. Though the intelligence was false the crucial decision meant that two of the Admiral's most powerful cruisers, a Mars class carrier and a Tyrant class cruiser, would be unavailable for the coming battle.
The abrupt appearance of the Tau fleet cruising past his formation took the Imperial commander somewhat by surprise but the Admiral soon had his battle line in formation. Leading the line escorted by the light cruisers Ajax and Achilles was the dictator class Emperor's Wrath, followed by the two Imperial battleships.
The Tau fleet were also in some difficulty as they had not expected such quick detection by the Imperial fleet once they changed course. Commander Cold Sight found his fleet travelling away from the Imperial battle-line and his entire fleet in danger of being encircled. The Tau Kor'O ordered the fleet to come about but the poor manoeuvrability and slow speed of the Tau told early on as Iron Duke and Agamemnon poured fire into the cruiser Deep Fire. Venting atmosphere and burning the Tau Protector lurched out of the line crippled before the Tau fleet had even been able to form up a cohesive attack.
The Tau managed to turn their ships line abreast and were soon firing all their forward batteries at the Imperial fleet with the Pinafore on the right wing and the Ores'Au on the left. Guardian and Bright Hope, the inexperienced class Hero class vessel, made up the central vanguard of the Tau attack.
The Imperial fleet had successfully manoeuvred their battle line around the right flank of the Tau, punishing the Ores'Au with battery fire and lance shots. Meanwhile the Tau missiles seemed remarkably ineffective and unable to find their targets. At the same time Imperial fighters and massed turret fire kept the Mantas at bay.
Ajax and Achilles paid heavily for their forward positioning, both disengaging having taken heavy damage from the Ores’Au and escorting Castellans. As the battle reached a climax Iron Duke had her bridged smashed by railgun fire and was forced to withdraw, but not before the combined weight of her gun batteries and the lances of the Agamemnon had reduced the Bright Hope to a drifting hulk.
By this time the remaining Tau vessels had managed to manoeuvre around to the rear of the remaining Imperial battleship but found their weaponry ineffective against the vessel's powerful void shields. In addition the return fire from the Agamemnon quickly crippled the Ores'Au and she was also forced to withdraw. As the Agamemnon and Emperor's Wrath turned back into formation the remaining Tau cruiser realised the game was up and fled leaving the Imperial fleet as the victor.
The battle itself was a defeat for the Tau who lost a valuable cruiser and had three other capital ships - battleships - crippled. The Imperium had two light cruisers crippled and the Iron Duke badly damaged but the Tau fleet had taken more damage and had been forced to disengage. However it could have been a lot worse. Analysis showed that while the Tau missiles were far less accurate than usual, the accuracy of the heavy lance vessel Agamemnon was extremely poor, except for the salvo which almost destroyed Deep Fire. Had the battleship's fire been better the Tau vessels may have lost more than just on ship.
Positionally the Imperial fleet had got their tactics right, engaging the Tau abeam, presenting their broadsides while making themselves a difficult target. However the loss of Novem squadron in the opening minutes of the battle was unfortunate - the frigates were nowhere near where they were supposed to be!
The return of the Imperious and Galileo bolstered the Imperial fleet and they began to move in system towards the UFP vessels stationed above Myrentas II.
Opposing Fleets
Imperium
Iron Duke Emperor Class Battleship Crippled
Agamemnon Apocalypse Class Battleship
Emperor’s Wrath Dictator Class Cruiser
Achilles Dauntless Class Light Cruiser Crippled
Ajax Dauntless Class Light Cruiser Crippled
Nexum Squadron Three Sword Class Escorts Destroyed
Vagrim Squadron Three Firestorm Class Escorts Destroyed
Tau
Pinafore Custodian Class Battleship Crippled
Ores’Au Explorer Class Battleship Crippled
Deep Fire Protector Class Cruiser Crippled
Guardian Protector Class Cruiser
Bright Hope Hero Class Cruiser Destroyed
Vre’Aun Messenger Class Escort
- 2 Castellan Class Escorts
- 3 Castellan Class Escorts Destroyed
Fortress Whiteridge breached by Eldar!
While Pattonson was attacking in the south the Eldar were back in the north, attacking the Chaos fortress of Whiteridge in the second raid in as many weeks. The unexpected attack came as a boon to the Imperial and Coalition forces alike as the aliens tore down the defences and caused havoc inside the city. The Iron Warriors were forced to commit their finest troops to the battle and suffered heavy, perhaps terminal losses. The city of Whiteridge had been made ready for the taking by this second Eldar assault but before anyone could thank them or ask why the mysterious aliens had vanished.
Myrentas II: Allentown Breakout - The squats attack.
Following the aborted landings by Tau forces around the Imperial base at Gethsemane, general Pattonson did not immediately show his hand, choosing to wait until the Blood Martyrs were fully committed to dealing with the Tau threat before launching his assault. This he was confident had occurred on 2804.007M42 and he gave the order to start the second phase of operation End Game.
The overall objective for Pattonson’s elite Hartak 7th legion was to break the Imperial defences wide open and strike North West. The plan had an ambitious timescale, with Gethsemane surrounded in just 10 days. This called for the squat forces to forge ahead, taking around 40 kilometres every day. Even more ambitious were the objectives of the Tallaxian Armoured Brigade, following on behind, who were expected to advance over 800 kilometres in 12 days.
The overall coalition commander knew the required schedule would be tough and that he needed to break through the Librian lines quickly, surrounding them in a lightning encirclement. There was a brief bombardment by the Tallaxian air corps before the land raiders and rhinos of the Hartak 7th Legion rolled forward out of their bridgehead in Allentown.
Initially progress was poor as well placed defensive positions of the Librian 101st regiment took their toll on the Hartak forces, destroying or immobilising the lighter troop transports in the crowded streets of Allentown itself. Pattonson knew that success lay in breaking out of the town and into open country, but twelve hours after the attack had started the advance had stalled in the suburbs. The lightning assault was now massively behind schedule.
Salvation came when the general committed his reserves. Fierce hand-to-hand engagements proved the Guard were no match for the squats at close quarters and the deployment of fifty land raiders brought much needed firepower to the attack. Soon Allentown was littered with the wrecks of Imperial tanks and the majority of the defenders were falling back.
24 hours after the attack had started the Hartak 7th legion were free of the crowded streets and breaking out into the open countryside of the Ornz river valley. However, with 390 kilometres between them and Gethsemane, the squats were already 30km behind where they should have been, though casualties had been light. Now everything depended on the Tallaxian armoured brigade and the success of the Sartosan Rangers in the north.
Intercepted Necron Communication
01010111-01100101-00100000-01100001-01110010-01100101-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01101110-01100101-01100011-01110010-01101111-01101110-01110011-00101100-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01101101-01101001-01100111-01101000-01110100-01111001-00100000-01101101-01101001-01100111-01101000-01110100-01111001-00100000-01101110-01100101-01100011-01110010-01101111-01101110-01110011-00101100-00100000-01100100-01101111-00100000-01110111-01101000-01100001-01110100-00100000-01110111-01100101-00100000-01110011-01100001-01111001-00101100-00100000-01101110-01101111-00100000-01110000-01101111-01110111-01100101-01110010-00100000-01101001-01101110-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01110110-01100101-01110010-01110011-01100101-00100000-01100011-01100001-01101110-00100000-01110011-01110100-01101111-01110000-00100000-01110101-01110011-00101100-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01101101-01101001-01100111-01101000-01110100-01111001-00100000-01110100-01101111-01101101-01100010-01110011-01101000-01101001-01110000-01110011-00100000-01100111-01101100-01101001-01100100-01100101-00100000-01101100-01101001-01101011-01100101-00100000-01101100-01100101-01100001-01110110-01100101-01110011-00100000-01101111-01101110-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01110011-01101111-01101100-01100001-01110010-00100000-01110111-01101001-01101110-01100100-01110011-00100000-01100010-01110010-01101001-01101110-01100111-01101001-01101110-01100111-00100000-01100100-01101111-01101111-01101101-00100000-01100110-01101111-01110010-00100000-01100001-01101100-01101100-00101100-00100000-01110011-01110101-01110010-01110010-01100101-01101110-01100100-01100101-01110010-00100000-01110100-01101111-00100000-01110101-01110011-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01100011-01101000-01100101-01100101-01110011-01100101-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100001-01110100-00100000-01110111-01100001-01110011-00100000-01110100-01100001-01101011-01100101-01101110-00100000-01100001-01101110-01100100-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01100111-01110010-01100101-01100001-01110100-00100000-01000011-00100111-01110100-01100001-01101110-00100000-01110111-01101001-01101100-01101100-00100000-01101101-01100101-01110010-01100011-01101001-01100110-01110101-01101100-01101100-01111001-00100000-01100100-01100101-01110110-01101111-01110101-01110010-00100000-01101111-01101110-01101100-01111001-00100000-01100001-00100000-01110100-01101001-01101110-01111001-00100000-01110000-01101111-01110010-01110100-01101001-01101111-01101110-00100000-01101111-01100110-00100000-01111001-01101111-01110101-01110010-00100000-01110011-01101111-01110101-01101100-01110011-00100000-01110111-01100101-00101100-00100000-01101111-01101110-01101100-01111001-00100000-01110111-01100001-01101110-01110100-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01100011-01101000-01100101-01100101-01110011-01100101-00101100-00100000-01110100-01101000-01100101-00100000-01100011-01101000-01100101-01100101-01110011-01100101-00101100-00100000-01010100-01001000-01000101-00100000-01000011-01001000-01000101-01000101-01010011-01000101-
Thursday, April 26, 2007
IMPERIAL UPDATE
Transmitted: Adept Falsherin
Date: 2304.007.M42
Security Clearance: Vermillion
Ref: GH302/N.19.04.007/A
Received: Imperial Capital, Cerberex monitoring station
Subject: Inquisitor Hathek Communication
Thought for the day: Serve the Emperor today, tomorrow you may be dead
> Message begins :
Intelligence indicates the chaos fleet of the Iron Warriors has been located in the Scallius system. Several thousand troops have reportedly been landed on the planet in the region of the Vernia settlement where previous activity by the Penetrators traitor legion has been recorded.
Several grand companies are reported to have landed along with their indentured slave forces. At this time we do not believe the Iron Warriors to be under the same command as those on Myrentas II.
The leader of the Iron Warriors on Scallius is as yet unknown but he commands a formidable force including three grand companies of marines, over five thousand slave troops and a fleet of at least four capital ships. Such a force would be capable of overwhelming the smaller Imperial worlds in the sector.
The Iron Warriors' landing was contested by ork forces, which were scattered by the overwhelming traitor legion firepower. The chaos forces then increased their territorial control by attacking the tyranids which infest the planet, defeating them and taking a large area of wasteland. The motive behind this attack is as yet undetermined.
The Dark Angels have reported that the new listening post in the Cathasaea system came under attack by eldar forces, apparently appearing from nowhere. The Dark Angels counter assaulted the raiding force and were successful in driving them off, but the damage done to the new installation is considerable. In addition we believe the Dark Angels suffered more
casualties and loss of equipment than they are admitting to. It is worrying that the eldar even knew of the installation's presence and even more concerning that they seem intent on thwarting our plans to clear the Perseus Deeps of threats. We wonder if they are hiding something.
May the Emperor guide you.
> Message ends
Date: 2304.007.M42
Security Clearance: Vermillion
Ref: GH302/N.19.04.007/A
Received: Imperial Capital, Cerberex monitoring station
Subject: Inquisitor Hathek Communication
Thought for the day: Serve the Emperor today, tomorrow you may be dead
> Message begins :
Intelligence indicates the chaos fleet of the Iron Warriors has been located in the Scallius system. Several thousand troops have reportedly been landed on the planet in the region of the Vernia settlement where previous activity by the Penetrators traitor legion has been recorded.
Several grand companies are reported to have landed along with their indentured slave forces. At this time we do not believe the Iron Warriors to be under the same command as those on Myrentas II.
The leader of the Iron Warriors on Scallius is as yet unknown but he commands a formidable force including three grand companies of marines, over five thousand slave troops and a fleet of at least four capital ships. Such a force would be capable of overwhelming the smaller Imperial worlds in the sector.
The Iron Warriors' landing was contested by ork forces, which were scattered by the overwhelming traitor legion firepower. The chaos forces then increased their territorial control by attacking the tyranids which infest the planet, defeating them and taking a large area of wasteland. The motive behind this attack is as yet undetermined.
The Dark Angels have reported that the new listening post in the Cathasaea system came under attack by eldar forces, apparently appearing from nowhere. The Dark Angels counter assaulted the raiding force and were successful in driving them off, but the damage done to the new installation is considerable. In addition we believe the Dark Angels suffered more
casualties and loss of equipment than they are admitting to. It is worrying that the eldar even knew of the installation's presence and even more concerning that they seem intent on thwarting our plans to clear the Perseus Deeps of threats. We wonder if they are hiding something.
May the Emperor guide you.
> Message ends
LEAKED UFP TRANSCRIPT
+++UFP TRANSCRIPT+++
+++CLASSIFIED+++
+++FEDERAL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING+++
+++2204.007M42+++
A: Welcome gentlemen, do sit down. Shall we get straight on with it?
A: First item on the agenda - Myrentas II. General , a brief overview?
B: Thankyou 'A'. Operation End Game is about to get underway. The Hartak 7th Legion are fully fuelled and preparing to strike out from the Allentown Bridgehead. The Sartosans are ready to cross the Ornz.
C: And what of the Tau airdrop?
B: Unfortunately after the losses they sustained in the drop the intervention of the Blood Martyrs finished them off. Casualties on the Imperial side were light we hear, but the hunter cadre did manage to destroy a large number of marine vehicles. Reports from our agents suggest the Blood Martyrs made short work of the Tau, deep striking their terminators into the heart of their defended positions.
A: Sounds unpleasant.
C: Hardly distinguishing themselves. Have you spoken with Lightfoot?
B: Not as yet, but he is under no illusion that with the failure of his latest assault the Tau involvement in the future of Myrentas II is now minimal. Myrentas will be a UFP colony.
A: Good to hear , though surely the Tau will demand a base?
C: They can have a base, but we don't want an influx of Tau colonists. Leave them in no doubt who the masters are on Myrentas now.
B: Agreed.
A: And the plans for the final assault on the Imperium? We must keep casualtied to a minimum. Neither Hartak nor Tallax will accept a slaughter.
B: We are confident our forces can break the back of the Imperial defenses in two weeks. The system is blockaded, they cannot resupply. The 7th Legion will brush aside the defenders now the Blood Martyrs have tipped theirhand.
C: Good news . We'll leave it in your capable hands.
A: Good. Then we should move on to item 2. Lucardium has been attacked by Tyranids. Apparently they landed in force near the Tau base itself.
C: Aren't there colonists on Lucardium too?
A: Yes, but it appears that commander Longstride has learned from his mistakes on Myrentas and the Tyranid assault was halted at the walls of the Tau base compound. Reports indicate that Tau casualties are light and theTyranid menace was unable to breach the Tau defences.
C: Excellent.
B: So they don't need our help on this one?
***Sound of laughter***
A: No it looks like they have the situation under control. The tyranid hive fleet is still in orbit so the sector commander is sending the newly arrived Tau vessels to intercept them.
C: That will be a decisive action!
A: Indeed! Anyway gentlemen, I'm afraid my time is short. We should briefly cover item 3?
***Murmurs of approval***
A: Good. It appears the eldar have intervened once more.
C: Oh?
B: Yes, they attacked the Iron Warrior defences on the north side of Whiteridge and the damage was severe.
C: This is excellent news! Though rather worrying. Are the eldar helping us or not? Is it the same eldar we have had dealings with before?
A: Unknown. Though reports would incidcate... Not. We must investigate and ascertain their motives, but for now the damage to Whiteridge's fortifications can only be seen as a blessing.
C: I agree. The last item on the agenda?
A: Yes. Our attempts to isolate Ravitane are bearing fruit. Following the fortuitous attacks by the eldar and the slow Imperial response the govenor is threatening to declare a general strike. In addition the system'sproximity to our worlds has made it difficult for the planet to trade with the other members of the Imperium.
C: Especially when that cargo is intercepted by our, "pirates".
***Sounds of laughter***
A: Indeed! Though we must ensure they never find out their true identity. The next stage is to offer Ravitane trade and arms contracts so it can defend itself. We just need to make sure the Blood Martyrs are keptoccupied to prevent their intervention.
C: Excellent. Within a year I see another addition to our federation!
B: Good news gentlemen. Is that all for today?
A: Yes, I wish you all a pleasant week. Until next time...
+++TRANSCRIPT ENDS+++
+++CLASSIFIED+++
+++FEDERAL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING+++
+++2204.007M42+++
A: Welcome gentlemen, do sit down. Shall we get straight on with it?
A: First item on the agenda - Myrentas II. General , a brief overview?
B: Thankyou 'A'. Operation End Game is about to get underway. The Hartak 7th Legion are fully fuelled and preparing to strike out from the Allentown Bridgehead. The Sartosans are ready to cross the Ornz.
C: And what of the Tau airdrop?
B: Unfortunately after the losses they sustained in the drop the intervention of the Blood Martyrs finished them off. Casualties on the Imperial side were light we hear, but the hunter cadre did manage to destroy a large number of marine vehicles. Reports from our agents suggest the Blood Martyrs made short work of the Tau, deep striking their terminators into the heart of their defended positions.
A: Sounds unpleasant.
C: Hardly distinguishing themselves. Have you spoken with Lightfoot?
B: Not as yet, but he is under no illusion that with the failure of his latest assault the Tau involvement in the future of Myrentas II is now minimal. Myrentas will be a UFP colony.
A: Good to hear , though surely the Tau will demand a base?
C: They can have a base, but we don't want an influx of Tau colonists. Leave them in no doubt who the masters are on Myrentas now.
B: Agreed.
A: And the plans for the final assault on the Imperium? We must keep casualtied to a minimum. Neither Hartak nor Tallax will accept a slaughter.
B: We are confident our forces can break the back of the Imperial defenses in two weeks. The system is blockaded, they cannot resupply. The 7th Legion will brush aside the defenders now the Blood Martyrs have tipped theirhand.
C: Good news . We'll leave it in your capable hands.
A: Good. Then we should move on to item 2. Lucardium has been attacked by Tyranids. Apparently they landed in force near the Tau base itself.
C: Aren't there colonists on Lucardium too?
A: Yes, but it appears that commander Longstride has learned from his mistakes on Myrentas and the Tyranid assault was halted at the walls of the Tau base compound. Reports indicate that Tau casualties are light and theTyranid menace was unable to breach the Tau defences.
C: Excellent.
B: So they don't need our help on this one?
***Sound of laughter***
A: No it looks like they have the situation under control. The tyranid hive fleet is still in orbit so the sector commander is sending the newly arrived Tau vessels to intercept them.
C: That will be a decisive action!
A: Indeed! Anyway gentlemen, I'm afraid my time is short. We should briefly cover item 3?
***Murmurs of approval***
A: Good. It appears the eldar have intervened once more.
C: Oh?
B: Yes, they attacked the Iron Warrior defences on the north side of Whiteridge and the damage was severe.
C: This is excellent news! Though rather worrying. Are the eldar helping us or not? Is it the same eldar we have had dealings with before?
A: Unknown. Though reports would incidcate... Not. We must investigate and ascertain their motives, but for now the damage to Whiteridge's fortifications can only be seen as a blessing.
C: I agree. The last item on the agenda?
A: Yes. Our attempts to isolate Ravitane are bearing fruit. Following the fortuitous attacks by the eldar and the slow Imperial response the govenor is threatening to declare a general strike. In addition the system'sproximity to our worlds has made it difficult for the planet to trade with the other members of the Imperium.
C: Especially when that cargo is intercepted by our, "pirates".
***Sounds of laughter***
A: Indeed! Though we must ensure they never find out their true identity. The next stage is to offer Ravitane trade and arms contracts so it can defend itself. We just need to make sure the Blood Martyrs are keptoccupied to prevent their intervention.
C: Excellent. Within a year I see another addition to our federation!
B: Good news gentlemen. Is that all for today?
A: Yes, I wish you all a pleasant week. Until next time...
+++TRANSCRIPT ENDS+++
IRON WARRIORS COMMUNICATION
+++++ INTERCEPTED COMMUNICATION +++++
UNKNOWN VOICE: Commander Gallowfen, we have received word that the Iron Warriors surrounding Kendrenec are planning an offensive.
GALLOWFEN: The fools! They'll bring the Imperium and Eldar crashing down on their heads. Who leads them?
UNKNOWN: The one known as 'Cowboy'.
GALLOWFEN: By the dark gods! He'll ruin all our plans.
UNKNOWN: But commander, he claims to never have been beaten on the battlefield.
GALLOWFEN: Hah! That's before he came to this sector.
UNKNOWN: What are your orders commander?
GALLOWFEN: He is not, I repeat NOT, allowed near Myrentas II.
UNKNOWN: But should the Imperium drive out the UFP and control the planet, you will need reinforcements.
GALLOWFEN: Never! The defenses are in place, the war-forges in our mountain citadel are operational, the Obsidian Blade air strike force is unbeatable. I have mobilised all the troops at my disposal. The Imperium shall never drive us out!
+++++ COMMUNICATION ENDS +++++
UNKNOWN VOICE: Commander Gallowfen, we have received word that the Iron Warriors surrounding Kendrenec are planning an offensive.
GALLOWFEN: The fools! They'll bring the Imperium and Eldar crashing down on their heads. Who leads them?
UNKNOWN: The one known as 'Cowboy'.
GALLOWFEN: By the dark gods! He'll ruin all our plans.
UNKNOWN: But commander, he claims to never have been beaten on the battlefield.
GALLOWFEN: Hah! That's before he came to this sector.
UNKNOWN: What are your orders commander?
GALLOWFEN: He is not, I repeat NOT, allowed near Myrentas II.
UNKNOWN: But should the Imperium drive out the UFP and control the planet, you will need reinforcements.
GALLOWFEN: Never! The defenses are in place, the war-forges in our mountain citadel are operational, the Obsidian Blade air strike force is unbeatable. I have mobilised all the troops at my disposal. The Imperium shall never drive us out!
+++++ COMMUNICATION ENDS +++++
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Aleph Sector: Subsector bulletin
Transmitted: Adept Falsherin
Date: 1904.007.M42
Security Clearance: Vermillion
Ref: GH302/N.19.04.007/A
Received: Imperial Capital, Cerberex monitoring station
Subject: Lord Commander's Eyes Only
Thought for the day: Only in Death does Duty End
> Message begins :
My lord,
As per your instructions I have compiled a short report detailing our current committments in the Aleph sector and issues of concern.
Operation Caterwaul
So far our actions in the Perseus deeps have led to the successful insertion of Imperial bases in the Cathasaea but protracted fighting continues on Myrentas II against the coalition of the Tau and UFP. Resources are running low on the planet and we estimate it will fall in three weeks with no further reinforcement.
Reports indicate Lucardium has now become a Tau base, there is serious fighting between orks, chaos forces and the Tyranid menace on Scalius, presumably from the same fleet which destroyed Lucardium. Libria is on high alert.
Protogonus
The system has been cleansed of Tau forces. No further action required.
Hellheim
Our monitoring station on Einmyrria has detected a massive buildup of Tau forces on and around Cernunnos. They appear to have no interest in our base or the chaos world of Donar, but are reinforcing thier position. A vast base has been recorded, similar to those documented elsewhere.
Ravitane
After much bloodshed the Eldar have been removed from the planet though sporadic raids continue. The govenor is demanding compensation.
Aurelis Deeps
Serious fleet actions reported between the chaotic Norsefire empire and Tau forces. No action required at this time.
Adeptus Astartes
Currently we can count on the support of the Blood Martyrs. The Dark Angels appear to be following their own agenda.
Political
Inquisitors Hathek and Huron recommend electing a new Cardinal before central rule in the sector becomes untenable. Vornax and Ravitane have become increasingly rebellious and the later is threatening to default on its tithes unless it is compensated. The whereabouts of Inquisitor Xanthus is unknown. Banderossa is becoming increasingly lawless. We are concerned these three planets may be vulnerable to UFP insurgency.
Other Threats
Curious anomalies have been reported in the barren system of Hortensius system. Inquisitor Hathek has requested further information
http://thenotoriousblogofjtb.blogspot.com/2007/03/hortensius-system-scanning-anomaly.html
> message ends
Date: 1904.007.M42
Security Clearance: Vermillion
Ref: GH302/N.19.04.007/A
Received: Imperial Capital, Cerberex monitoring station
Subject: Lord Commander's Eyes Only
Thought for the day: Only in Death does Duty End
> Message begins :
My lord,
As per your instructions I have compiled a short report detailing our current committments in the Aleph sector and issues of concern.
Operation Caterwaul
So far our actions in the Perseus deeps have led to the successful insertion of Imperial bases in the Cathasaea but protracted fighting continues on Myrentas II against the coalition of the Tau and UFP. Resources are running low on the planet and we estimate it will fall in three weeks with no further reinforcement.
Reports indicate Lucardium has now become a Tau base, there is serious fighting between orks, chaos forces and the Tyranid menace on Scalius, presumably from the same fleet which destroyed Lucardium. Libria is on high alert.
Protogonus
The system has been cleansed of Tau forces. No further action required.
Hellheim
Our monitoring station on Einmyrria has detected a massive buildup of Tau forces on and around Cernunnos. They appear to have no interest in our base or the chaos world of Donar, but are reinforcing thier position. A vast base has been recorded, similar to those documented elsewhere.
Ravitane
After much bloodshed the Eldar have been removed from the planet though sporadic raids continue. The govenor is demanding compensation.
Aurelis Deeps
Serious fleet actions reported between the chaotic Norsefire empire and Tau forces. No action required at this time.
Adeptus Astartes
Currently we can count on the support of the Blood Martyrs. The Dark Angels appear to be following their own agenda.
Political
Inquisitors Hathek and Huron recommend electing a new Cardinal before central rule in the sector becomes untenable. Vornax and Ravitane have become increasingly rebellious and the later is threatening to default on its tithes unless it is compensated. The whereabouts of Inquisitor Xanthus is unknown. Banderossa is becoming increasingly lawless. We are concerned these three planets may be vulnerable to UFP insurgency.
Other Threats
Curious anomalies have been reported in the barren system of Hortensius system. Inquisitor Hathek has requested further information
http://thenotoriousblogofjtb.blogspot.com/2007/03/hortensius-system-scanning-anomaly.html
> message ends
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Operation End Game
The first action in operation End Game saw the Tau hunter cadres move against the trapped Librian 57th regiment in the small town of Blatherwycke just a few miles east of Allentown. Against the under strength and poorly equipped Librians the Tau threw in their finest troops in an effort to impress the UFP. In that they were marginally successful. The Librian 57th put up a brave fight for a few hours but inevitably capitulated in the face of overwhelming firepower. Over three thousand prisoners were taken along with several hundred tanks and other vehicles.
Pleased with their initial success the Tau launched the second phase of their part of operation End Game, the air drop of several hundred Tau into battle around Gethsemane using Orcas. Initially the Tau had thirteen dropships for the assault but were restricted to twelve as one developed engine trouble. This was not the only operational setback.
The plan originally called for the Tau drop to be made at night or at dawn to maximize surprise, but the spring weather led to widespread fog forming in the Ornz valley. Eventually commander Lightfoot conceded that landing at night in fog was too risky and rescheduled the attack to occur in daylight despite protests from several of his subordinates.
Twelve Orcas, escorted by twenty barracudas and four tiger-sharks, left the Tau zone of occupation bound for Gethsemane. Flying low across the southern plains of the Ornz river valley it was hoped they would evade detection long enough to achieve the mission.
The Imperial defenders were finally alerted to the Tau presence by the Blood Martyrs, who immediately launched a thunderhawk gunship to intercept. It was joined by two wings of lightnings and a squadron of thunderbolts and battle was joined just a few miles from the intended drop zone.
In the ensuing aerial dogfight it became clear that the lumbering Orcas were vulnerable, and despite the efforts of the barracudas seven craft were shot down before they reached the drop zone, killing all on board. Two more were severely damaged and only three managed to get their full compliment of troops safely to the drop zone.
While the Imperial fighters concentrated on the Orcas the barracudas inflicted heavy damage on them, shooting down no less than nine lightnings and four thunderbolts. In addition the Blood Martyrs' thunderhawk was forced to make an emergency landing after taking heavy damage.
The Tau suffered too, losing seven of their fighters and three more receiving heavy damage. On the return trip two more were shot down before the Imperial fighters ran out of fuel.
The bloody aerial battle had cost the Imperium dearly, with more than a third of their total strength having been lost in the action, and in defending (unsuccessfully) radar stations in the north from chaos attack. On the positive side for the Imperium, the Tau only managed to drop in the region of one hundred troops, far less than the coalition had hoped.
A fateful decision was then made by commander Lenord. Though unaware the Hartak 7th Legion was about to launch their spring offensive, the general accepted the Blood Martyrs offer to clear the Tau from Gethsemane and did not change his defensive positions along the Ornz. When the Hartak 7th legion attacked they would find the defenders ready and waiting. The airdrop diversion had failed, though the Blood Martyrs' hand had been tipped early on. The UFP assault could now be sure they would not meet marines in the first day of the attack
Next games:
Librian 101st Regiment vs. Hartak 7th Legion*
Blood Martyrs vs. Tau**
Scyllian 8th Regiment vs. Sartosan Rangers***
*Blitz mission, Hartak 7th attacking
**Cleanse - Tau not allowed any vehicles.
***Recon in a swamp! Whole table difficult ground
Pleased with their initial success the Tau launched the second phase of their part of operation End Game, the air drop of several hundred Tau into battle around Gethsemane using Orcas. Initially the Tau had thirteen dropships for the assault but were restricted to twelve as one developed engine trouble. This was not the only operational setback.
The plan originally called for the Tau drop to be made at night or at dawn to maximize surprise, but the spring weather led to widespread fog forming in the Ornz valley. Eventually commander Lightfoot conceded that landing at night in fog was too risky and rescheduled the attack to occur in daylight despite protests from several of his subordinates.
Twelve Orcas, escorted by twenty barracudas and four tiger-sharks, left the Tau zone of occupation bound for Gethsemane. Flying low across the southern plains of the Ornz river valley it was hoped they would evade detection long enough to achieve the mission.
The Imperial defenders were finally alerted to the Tau presence by the Blood Martyrs, who immediately launched a thunderhawk gunship to intercept. It was joined by two wings of lightnings and a squadron of thunderbolts and battle was joined just a few miles from the intended drop zone.
In the ensuing aerial dogfight it became clear that the lumbering Orcas were vulnerable, and despite the efforts of the barracudas seven craft were shot down before they reached the drop zone, killing all on board. Two more were severely damaged and only three managed to get their full compliment of troops safely to the drop zone.
While the Imperial fighters concentrated on the Orcas the barracudas inflicted heavy damage on them, shooting down no less than nine lightnings and four thunderbolts. In addition the Blood Martyrs' thunderhawk was forced to make an emergency landing after taking heavy damage.
The Tau suffered too, losing seven of their fighters and three more receiving heavy damage. On the return trip two more were shot down before the Imperial fighters ran out of fuel.
The bloody aerial battle had cost the Imperium dearly, with more than a third of their total strength having been lost in the action, and in defending (unsuccessfully) radar stations in the north from chaos attack. On the positive side for the Imperium, the Tau only managed to drop in the region of one hundred troops, far less than the coalition had hoped.
A fateful decision was then made by commander Lenord. Though unaware the Hartak 7th Legion was about to launch their spring offensive, the general accepted the Blood Martyrs offer to clear the Tau from Gethsemane and did not change his defensive positions along the Ornz. When the Hartak 7th legion attacked they would find the defenders ready and waiting. The airdrop diversion had failed, though the Blood Martyrs' hand had been tipped early on. The UFP assault could now be sure they would not meet marines in the first day of the attack
Next games:
Librian 101st Regiment vs. Hartak 7th Legion*
Blood Martyrs vs. Tau**
Scyllian 8th Regiment vs. Sartosan Rangers***
*Blitz mission, Hartak 7th attacking
**Cleanse - Tau not allowed any vehicles.
***Recon in a swamp! Whole table difficult ground
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Myrentas II Spring offensive
Myrentas II - Tau/UFP battle plan...
Operation End Game, coined by a UFP military streategy was the plan to annihilate the Imperium on Myrentas II and score a major vistory for the Tau/UFP alliance in the sector. The plan would utilise the strengths of their forces, while minimising the risks and covering for the inherrent weaknesses of the forces which faced the Imperium across the Ornz river.
Commander Lightfoot, of the Tau expeditionary force new well the problems the coalition faced on Myrentas II as did his counterpart in the UFP high command, General Gerd S Pattonson of the Hartak 7th Legion. At the beginning of 04.007M42 the situation on the planet had become a tense stalemate. The UFP had recently stabilised the front line along the river Ornz after Tau defeats and had trapped two divisions of Imperial Guard on the wrong side of the river. The Guardsman by this time were running short of fuel and ammunition and a plan to supply them from air was rejected by Major-General Lenord.
To the north the chaos fortress city of Whiteridge remained a thorn in the side of the coalition and Imperuim alike, but satisfied at recent small gains against the Iron Warriors, the coalition leaders decided to strike hard and fast against the Imperium before turning their attention to the chaos forces.
In space the situation was an equally tense standoff. With the arrival of Kor'Vattra Kor'O Auymun at Cernunnos, three protectors were allowed to leave the Tau base and join the Pinnafore at Myrentas. Along with the UFP Tallaxian cruiser squadron the forces in the system were significant, seven cruisers and a battleship. The Imperium meanwhile had but four cruisers but boasted the power of Iron Duka and Agamemnon and the result was a tense and nervey game of cat and mouse. In addition the UFP Mars class were kept in orbit around Myrentas giving the coalition marginal air superiority on the surface.
The generals met to discuss the planned spring offensive in a villa south of the coalition city of Nairnville. Far from the wartorn Rockwell and out of range from Imperial bombing raids. A number of plans were discussed and finally the finishing touches to End Game were made. At the time Lightfoot and Pattonson were unaware of Lenord's planning on the west of the river. The Tau involvement in End Game would be significant, but it is clear from the notes made the UFP now considered the Hartak 7th legion as the key offensive element in any coalition offensive. Behind closed doors the UFP were privately giving the Tau one last chance at making good their battle tactics, or the coalition would forever be led by the UFP. Tau forces would
begin phase I of the offensive on the Imperial front by first using hunter cadres to pressurise the trapped Imperial Guard east of Allentown, before annihilating them completely. Meanwhile in an audacious and flamboyant airborne operation, several cadres would be dropped just to the south of Gethsemane, the Imperial HQ, far to the west of the Ornz river.
The airborne drop would in fact be a feint, with the tau only required to fight for the city until phase II began. The spectacular airdrop by Tau forces would force Lenord to respond, drawing forces away from the front from the east and north to counter the threat of his landing area being overrun and weakening the front line along the river. At this point phase II would begin.
Once UFP intelligence was satisfied the feint had worked, the Hartak 7th legion would blitz its way across the river at Allentown and charge north west, encircling the defenders and cutting them off from their base - under attack from the Tau - at Gethsemane. Simultaneously the light forces of the Sartosan Rangers would cross the Ornz opposite the area of marchy ground between the Scyllian 8th and Librian 101st regiments. Using the rangers in this terrain would give the UFP forces an advantage, as the rangers were specialists in combat in such terrain, unlike the defenders who relied heaviliy on tank support. This attack would seek to pin the Librians and
Scyllians, preventing their quick withdrawal and redeployment.
Once the Hartak Legion and Sartosans were engaged with the Imperial Guard the squat forces were to creat a corridor from Allentown towards the north west. Through this the fast moving armoured elements of the Tallaxian armoured divisions would pour, sowing confusion and destruction to the rear of the Imperial defenders. Cut in two Major-General Lenord would be forced to accept surrender terms or be annihilated.
The End Game strategy played to the strengths of coalition forces but had a number of problems which Lightfoot and Pattonson were acutely aware of.
1) The Tau airdrop, key to the plan, only had thirteen Orcas available to carry Tau forces into combat as all available mantas were being jealously guarded by Pinnafore and her consorts, lest they engage the Imperial battlegroup. With this enough Tau forces, without the support of their skimmer tanks, would have to pin down the bulk of the Imperial garrison at Gethsemane and draw off forces from the front line. In addition the Orcas would be vulnerable to fighter interception and would have to be escorted all the way. With this in mind the attack was planned as a dawn attack.
2) While the coalition high command were reasonably confident on their intelligence regarding the Imperial Guard, there was no way of knowing the whereabouts of the Blood Martyrs - the space marine chapter which had caused so much damage to Tau attacks. If the marines were redeployed rapidly and in strength, the UFP blitzkrieg may falter.
3) The entire plan relied on a swift and decisive breakthrough attack. If victory did not come quickly and casualties were high, both commanders knew that their respective governments did not have the political will to sustain the level of death their forces were experiencing fighting for a small pirate world. The Tau were already looking for other options in the Perseus Deeps, while the UFP, while keen on liberating the occupants of Whiteridge and Rockwell, were not keen on spending too many Tallaxian and Hartak lives in the process... The coalition generals knew this offensive would be their last on Myrentas II
Myrentas II - Imperial battle plan...
The Imperium too were less than happy with the situation on Myrentas II and Lord Commander Xertes was keen that Major-General Lenord get on with it and bring matters to a close - without requesting ever more men and equipment. Even so Lenord's position wasn't rosy. He had less than two-thirds the fighting men and machines he'd had at the beginning of the campaign and sorely regretted the earlier meat grinder missions against the chaos forces in Whiteridge. Lenord could count on two regiments of Scyllians and two Librian, with an under strength (and unreliable) Praetorian regiment in reserve. In addition two companies of Blood Martyrs were nominally at his disposal, but the veteran commander found them more inclined to follow
their own judgement than his directives...
The Imperial Navy had given to him four fighter wings, barely enough to contain the Tau and Chaos bombing raids and both men and machine had become dangerously over stretched in recent weeks. Although he didn't admit it Lenord had already decided not to defend his army from Chaos bombing raids and to hold his fighters in reserve to face the larger coalition threat.
Fuel had become the most precious and scarce resource now in the Imperial sector. But 04.007M42 only armoured tanks were allowed fuel, with even chimera mounted guardsmen forced to walk on foot. A fact which infuriated several commanders of the Librian regiment, who continued to fuel their chimeras in blatant contravention of Lenord's order. Morale among the Guard was dropping and desertion to the coalition was rife.
Despite these problems Lenord still planned a major offensive for the spring once the snow and ice had cleared from the lowlands. Although less ambitious than the coalition plan, which Lenord was oblivious of, the offensive still constituted a major advance. The Major-General's plan centered around the marshland midway down the Ornz river, separating the two major Guard defensive lines. He knew full well that they constituted a holw in his lines which could be easily exploited by the technologically advanced Tau and their UFP allies. It had happened before in the autumn. With this in mind Lenord planned to shut this door into his defences once
and for all.
The plan was simple. Using what amphibious craft he had available the Scyllian 8th regiment, supported by the Imperial Navy, would secure a beachead on the eastern bank of the river just to the north of the marshy ground. Then, using what armour they had the Scyllians would move outward and southward, securing the area opposite the marshland and establishing a perimeter. To prevent rapid redeployment a massive Imperial bombardment from the Librians would pin the defenders to the river.
Knowing the UFP and Tau tactics Lenord expected this phase of the operation to go well, with minimal casualties. The coalition forces would not stand and fight, preferring to withdraw to prepare for a lightning counter assault of such ferocity so as to destroy the Imperial bridgehead. It to was this phase of the operation Major-General Lenord gave great thought.
The Major General requested the aid of the Blood Martyrs in this task, to fend off aggressive counter assaults on the bridgehead while engineers constructed defences and built supply bridges across the river. Once that was complete the bridgehead could be considered secure and the offensive continue. The Blood Martyrs agreed to the plan. Both sides waited as the appointed hour of their attacks arrived...
Operation End Game, coined by a UFP military streategy was the plan to annihilate the Imperium on Myrentas II and score a major vistory for the Tau/UFP alliance in the sector. The plan would utilise the strengths of their forces, while minimising the risks and covering for the inherrent weaknesses of the forces which faced the Imperium across the Ornz river.
Commander Lightfoot, of the Tau expeditionary force new well the problems the coalition faced on Myrentas II as did his counterpart in the UFP high command, General Gerd S Pattonson of the Hartak 7th Legion. At the beginning of 04.007M42 the situation on the planet had become a tense stalemate. The UFP had recently stabilised the front line along the river Ornz after Tau defeats and had trapped two divisions of Imperial Guard on the wrong side of the river. The Guardsman by this time were running short of fuel and ammunition and a plan to supply them from air was rejected by Major-General Lenord.
To the north the chaos fortress city of Whiteridge remained a thorn in the side of the coalition and Imperuim alike, but satisfied at recent small gains against the Iron Warriors, the coalition leaders decided to strike hard and fast against the Imperium before turning their attention to the chaos forces.
In space the situation was an equally tense standoff. With the arrival of Kor'Vattra Kor'O Auymun at Cernunnos, three protectors were allowed to leave the Tau base and join the Pinnafore at Myrentas. Along with the UFP Tallaxian cruiser squadron the forces in the system were significant, seven cruisers and a battleship. The Imperium meanwhile had but four cruisers but boasted the power of Iron Duka and Agamemnon and the result was a tense and nervey game of cat and mouse. In addition the UFP Mars class were kept in orbit around Myrentas giving the coalition marginal air superiority on the surface.
The generals met to discuss the planned spring offensive in a villa south of the coalition city of Nairnville. Far from the wartorn Rockwell and out of range from Imperial bombing raids. A number of plans were discussed and finally the finishing touches to End Game were made. At the time Lightfoot and Pattonson were unaware of Lenord's planning on the west of the river. The Tau involvement in End Game would be significant, but it is clear from the notes made the UFP now considered the Hartak 7th legion as the key offensive element in any coalition offensive. Behind closed doors the UFP were privately giving the Tau one last chance at making good their battle tactics, or the coalition would forever be led by the UFP. Tau forces would
begin phase I of the offensive on the Imperial front by first using hunter cadres to pressurise the trapped Imperial Guard east of Allentown, before annihilating them completely. Meanwhile in an audacious and flamboyant airborne operation, several cadres would be dropped just to the south of Gethsemane, the Imperial HQ, far to the west of the Ornz river.
The airborne drop would in fact be a feint, with the tau only required to fight for the city until phase II began. The spectacular airdrop by Tau forces would force Lenord to respond, drawing forces away from the front from the east and north to counter the threat of his landing area being overrun and weakening the front line along the river. At this point phase II would begin.
Once UFP intelligence was satisfied the feint had worked, the Hartak 7th legion would blitz its way across the river at Allentown and charge north west, encircling the defenders and cutting them off from their base - under attack from the Tau - at Gethsemane. Simultaneously the light forces of the Sartosan Rangers would cross the Ornz opposite the area of marchy ground between the Scyllian 8th and Librian 101st regiments. Using the rangers in this terrain would give the UFP forces an advantage, as the rangers were specialists in combat in such terrain, unlike the defenders who relied heaviliy on tank support. This attack would seek to pin the Librians and
Scyllians, preventing their quick withdrawal and redeployment.
Once the Hartak Legion and Sartosans were engaged with the Imperial Guard the squat forces were to creat a corridor from Allentown towards the north west. Through this the fast moving armoured elements of the Tallaxian armoured divisions would pour, sowing confusion and destruction to the rear of the Imperial defenders. Cut in two Major-General Lenord would be forced to accept surrender terms or be annihilated.
The End Game strategy played to the strengths of coalition forces but had a number of problems which Lightfoot and Pattonson were acutely aware of.
1) The Tau airdrop, key to the plan, only had thirteen Orcas available to carry Tau forces into combat as all available mantas were being jealously guarded by Pinnafore and her consorts, lest they engage the Imperial battlegroup. With this enough Tau forces, without the support of their skimmer tanks, would have to pin down the bulk of the Imperial garrison at Gethsemane and draw off forces from the front line. In addition the Orcas would be vulnerable to fighter interception and would have to be escorted all the way. With this in mind the attack was planned as a dawn attack.
2) While the coalition high command were reasonably confident on their intelligence regarding the Imperial Guard, there was no way of knowing the whereabouts of the Blood Martyrs - the space marine chapter which had caused so much damage to Tau attacks. If the marines were redeployed rapidly and in strength, the UFP blitzkrieg may falter.
3) The entire plan relied on a swift and decisive breakthrough attack. If victory did not come quickly and casualties were high, both commanders knew that their respective governments did not have the political will to sustain the level of death their forces were experiencing fighting for a small pirate world. The Tau were already looking for other options in the Perseus Deeps, while the UFP, while keen on liberating the occupants of Whiteridge and Rockwell, were not keen on spending too many Tallaxian and Hartak lives in the process... The coalition generals knew this offensive would be their last on Myrentas II
Myrentas II - Imperial battle plan...
The Imperium too were less than happy with the situation on Myrentas II and Lord Commander Xertes was keen that Major-General Lenord get on with it and bring matters to a close - without requesting ever more men and equipment. Even so Lenord's position wasn't rosy. He had less than two-thirds the fighting men and machines he'd had at the beginning of the campaign and sorely regretted the earlier meat grinder missions against the chaos forces in Whiteridge. Lenord could count on two regiments of Scyllians and two Librian, with an under strength (and unreliable) Praetorian regiment in reserve. In addition two companies of Blood Martyrs were nominally at his disposal, but the veteran commander found them more inclined to follow
their own judgement than his directives...
The Imperial Navy had given to him four fighter wings, barely enough to contain the Tau and Chaos bombing raids and both men and machine had become dangerously over stretched in recent weeks. Although he didn't admit it Lenord had already decided not to defend his army from Chaos bombing raids and to hold his fighters in reserve to face the larger coalition threat.
Fuel had become the most precious and scarce resource now in the Imperial sector. But 04.007M42 only armoured tanks were allowed fuel, with even chimera mounted guardsmen forced to walk on foot. A fact which infuriated several commanders of the Librian regiment, who continued to fuel their chimeras in blatant contravention of Lenord's order. Morale among the Guard was dropping and desertion to the coalition was rife.
Despite these problems Lenord still planned a major offensive for the spring once the snow and ice had cleared from the lowlands. Although less ambitious than the coalition plan, which Lenord was oblivious of, the offensive still constituted a major advance. The Major-General's plan centered around the marshland midway down the Ornz river, separating the two major Guard defensive lines. He knew full well that they constituted a holw in his lines which could be easily exploited by the technologically advanced Tau and their UFP allies. It had happened before in the autumn. With this in mind Lenord planned to shut this door into his defences once
and for all.
The plan was simple. Using what amphibious craft he had available the Scyllian 8th regiment, supported by the Imperial Navy, would secure a beachead on the eastern bank of the river just to the north of the marshy ground. Then, using what armour they had the Scyllians would move outward and southward, securing the area opposite the marshland and establishing a perimeter. To prevent rapid redeployment a massive Imperial bombardment from the Librians would pin the defenders to the river.
Knowing the UFP and Tau tactics Lenord expected this phase of the operation to go well, with minimal casualties. The coalition forces would not stand and fight, preferring to withdraw to prepare for a lightning counter assault of such ferocity so as to destroy the Imperial bridgehead. It to was this phase of the operation Major-General Lenord gave great thought.
The Major General requested the aid of the Blood Martyrs in this task, to fend off aggressive counter assaults on the bridgehead while engineers constructed defences and built supply bridges across the river. Once that was complete the bridgehead could be considered secure and the offensive continue. The Blood Martyrs agreed to the plan. Both sides waited as the appointed hour of their attacks arrived...
Friday, March 23, 2007
MORE FLEET CLASHES
2003.007M42
Another two Tau fleets set off from Tau space last week with the intentionof breaking through the Aurelis in a series of short warp "hops" toreinforce the Tau colonies of Cernunnos and Lucardium in the Aleph Sector.Each fleet was large, consisting of a Custodian and at least four frontline cruisers, either Protectors or Hero class vessels.
The first swung tothe galactic south, attempting the longest route to the Persues Deeps viathe Norsefire empire and around Protogonus, a journey of more than threemonths but one which circumvented much of the Imperial Forces.The second fleet attempted a direct breakthrough, around the Aurelis deepsand straight to Cernunnos. While only taking a month or so to traverse the journey would be fraught with danger, as the Tau ships would be jumping back into real space well inside Imperial territory, at one point comingless than a light year from Ciprex III.
Kor'O'Vesh Myanar
The first fleet consisted mostly of new Tau vessels and only a couple ofthe older designs. Taking the long way round the fleet did not expect to encounter any Imperial resistence as it crossed the boundary of Tau spaceand entered the dark foreboding region known as the Aurelis Deeps.
However the predations of the chaotic Norsefire Empire were expected. They arrived on the fourth day.The Tau fleet dropped out of the warp in a system containing a Cepheid variable star which produced a prodigious amount of coronal mass ejections, solar flares and radiation bursts. These blinded sensors and made ordnance trips hazardous, the perfect environment for an ambush.
It was the flagship of the Tau fleet which first noticed the prowling hadesclass cruiser as it closed on the Tau position. Quickly the admiral of thefleet gave orders for the fleet to reform, and slowly the scattered elements of the Tau armada formed up into a unified whole.By contrast the chaos fleet came at the Tau peacemeal and were badly mauled, with no less than three capital ships succumbing to the massedrailgun and ion cannon fire in spectacular detonations. The rest of the chaos fleet was reduced to wreckage before the Tau, undamaged, once moremade the jump into the warp. The chaos battleship, ever at the edge of Tau sensor range, never gave battle.
Kor'Vattra Myonshi'Tal
The second Tau fleet heard via interstellar radio of their comrades' success against the chaos fleet, a success which would carve out a safepassage through the Aurelis Deeps for all Tau shipping with the addition ofWaystations to the area following the battle. However the Kor'Vattra Myonshi'Tal was a very different fleet, made up of older vessels and led by a venerable Explorer class battleship.
Their more direct route quickly saw them come into conflict with their most bitter foe, the Dark Angels chapter of the space marines.The dark Angels were thought to only have one of their fleets in the sector but this battle demonstrated otherwise!
The Tau fleet had kept together asthey exited the warp some twelve light years from Cerberex in the uninhabited system merely designated Aleph K5PP7A0*. The Dark Angels were waiting. The second fleet of the mighty Adeptus Arbites chapter fell upon the Tauwith ruthless efficiency, rendering many ships' weapons inert long before they were in range.
Once again radiation bursts interfered with communications and the battle was a confused and close quarters bludgeoning match as the two fleets closed to ridiculous distances. The two formations literally flew through each other, the marine Battlebarge missed the Heroclass Yel'di by less than three kilometres, less than the length of the ship.
The damage to the Tau fleet was considerable with over half their capital ships crippled or effectively out of action. However the marines paid a heavy price for this, losing more than nine escort class vessels and many space marine veterans, each hard to replace. With the marine fleet behind them and lacking the manoeuvrability or firepower to effectively continue the fight, the Tau disengaged as one behind the curtain of plasma which marked the scene of the battle.
The result was inconclusive. Although severely damaged every Tau capital ship survived and several days later made it successfully into dock at Cernunnos. The Dark Angels' plan to prevent the Tau from reaching their forward bases had failed.
*Aleph - subsector, K5 - spectral clas of star, P/B/M Singular, Binary ormultiple stars. P7, planets 7, A0 - alphabetical classification
Monday, March 05, 2007
MAJOR FLEET ACTION IN THE AURELIS DEEPS
Another major fleet action between Tau and Chaos forces has occurred in the dim and dark systems of the Aurelis Deeps, as the Tau attempt to reinforce their positions in the Aleph sector. Unable to make long warp jumps the Tau fleet once again re-entered real space in the territory of the Norsefire Empire. The Tau ships, some older, obselete classes had to spend several hours recharging their jump engines and were ambushed by a large force of chaos cruisers and a Despoiler class battleship.
The battle itself was intense, with the Tau fleet staying in close formation but unable to do much damage against the fast moving chaos ships. However after four hours of gruelling fighting the Tau had lost one merchant class and had all but one of their other ships crippled and forced to disengage. The chaos fleet was also forced to disengaged after two ships were hulked and another exploded. In the end this was a Tau victory but once again the battered remains of the Korvattra was forced to withdraw for Tau space.
This is the second time the Tau have failed to penetrate the Aurelis Deeps to reinforce commander Lightfoot. The Tau must defeat the chaos forces or face the long trek round to the galactic north.
The battle itself was intense, with the Tau fleet staying in close formation but unable to do much damage against the fast moving chaos ships. However after four hours of gruelling fighting the Tau had lost one merchant class and had all but one of their other ships crippled and forced to disengage. The chaos fleet was also forced to disengaged after two ships were hulked and another exploded. In the end this was a Tau victory but once again the battered remains of the Korvattra was forced to withdraw for Tau space.
This is the second time the Tau have failed to penetrate the Aurelis Deeps to reinforce commander Lightfoot. The Tau must defeat the chaos forces or face the long trek round to the galactic north.
ELDAR RETURN TO RAVITANE
Just a week after the eldar were removed from the planet of Ravitane, a new pirate raiding force, apparently unrelated to the first, slipped silently into the Ravitane syste. The aliens landed on the devastated island of Selimac, looting, pillaging and slaughtering with wanton abandon. The Blood Martyrs, readying their thunderhawks to leave the planet were caught off guard - the eldar pirate ships having slipped passed Torment in orbit around the planet. Hastily the fourth company put together an improvised attack but were hampered by the dense and ruinous terrain of the city itself, and the company was forced to withdraw taking heavy losses.
The eldar held the main military base of Selimac for two more days before fleeing in the face of overwhelming odds. To protect the populace the govenor of Ravitane has demanded that the Blood Martyrs station a company on the planet permanently, a demand refused by the chapter. However, in an attempt to placate the govenor three companies of Imperial Guard, due for deployment into the Perseus Deeps are to be redirected to Ravitane. This leaves operation Caterwaul seriously undermanned and Lord General Militant Xertes is under pressure to call off the late Cardinal's ambitious plans.
The eldar held the main military base of Selimac for two more days before fleeing in the face of overwhelming odds. To protect the populace the govenor of Ravitane has demanded that the Blood Martyrs station a company on the planet permanently, a demand refused by the chapter. However, in an attempt to placate the govenor three companies of Imperial Guard, due for deployment into the Perseus Deeps are to be redirected to Ravitane. This leaves operation Caterwaul seriously undermanned and Lord General Militant Xertes is under pressure to call off the late Cardinal's ambitious plans.
PENETRATORS DEFEAT ORK ATTACK ON VERNIA
The Vernia settlement marked a deep thrusting salient into ork held territory on the morning of 0303.007M42 and the warlord ork clans came together to mount a three pronged attack on the lightly defended chaos settlement. The orks thought they would get an easy victory, but as they charged through the ruined streets of the settlement the cultists who were fleeing before them revealed a whole company of Penetrators set up in defensive positions, just to the south west of the main square. The orks charged headlong into the killing fields and a massacre ensued, with a major warboss losing his life. The ork attack was stopped and now the greenskins are in full retreat on Scalius, with their backs to the dark side of the world...
DARK ELDAR SAVAGED BY HIVE FLEET TRITON
On the west side of Scalius in the deep ravines of the Callestus rocky expanse, a raiding Dark Eldar force were caught off guard by Tyranid forces while they were raiding outlying settlements close to the Tyranid front line. The massed guants and warriors, supported by hordes of geneastealers fell upon the raiders as they collected slaves from the Callestus settlement of Moor. The Dark Eldar mounted a spirited counter attack but luck wasn't on their side as more of the 'Nids appeared from the west. Those who could fled through the webway back to Commoragh while the rest were slaughter by the ravening alien horde. Moor fell and the Hive fleet is once again back on the march on Scalius.
Friday, March 02, 2007
BLOOD MARTYRS ENCOUNTER TYRANID MENACE
An action has been reported on the distant and remote planet of Amoss in the region of the Melberg system, far to the galactic east of the Aleph subsector. Whether or not the aliens are part of one of the existing hive fleets or an entirely new splinter fleet is unknown, but the planet's population of some 400,000 sent a plea for aid last week. A plea answered by the Blood Martyrs.
The tyranid infestation was caught before it could take hold, and the forces of the Adeptus Astartes easily fended of the swarms of Tyranid creatures which rushed towards the planet's main settlement. Assault cannons proved to be more than a match for the aliens' thick carapaces, while the Blood Martyrs assault troops dispelled many a myth that Tyranids could not be taken in hand-to-hand combat.
Though the Tyranid menace on Amoss has been eliminated, the Blood Martyrs did lose some valuable equipment in the defence of the colony's spaceport, proving once again that Tyranid beasts can easily penetrate even the thickest armour. Inquisition forces are now on the planet attempting to ascertain the extent and origin of this latest Tyranid incursion.
The tyranid infestation was caught before it could take hold, and the forces of the Adeptus Astartes easily fended of the swarms of Tyranid creatures which rushed towards the planet's main settlement. Assault cannons proved to be more than a match for the aliens' thick carapaces, while the Blood Martyrs assault troops dispelled many a myth that Tyranids could not be taken in hand-to-hand combat.
Though the Tyranid menace on Amoss has been eliminated, the Blood Martyrs did lose some valuable equipment in the defence of the colony's spaceport, proving once again that Tyranid beasts can easily penetrate even the thickest armour. Inquisition forces are now on the planet attempting to ascertain the extent and origin of this latest Tyranid incursion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)