Fwurg

[Mercury]

A large scale fleet battle has started in Sector 7 -5! The following fleets have engaged in battle:

Union

• UDF CORPI 1
• UDF CORPI 2
• UDF CORE 2
• UDF RIG 2
• UDF RIG 3

Mandalorian Fleets

• Haran Ibi'tuur (MF 134)
• Ori Naast (MF 279)
• Tal Vhett (MF 179)
• Ne'tra Hettir (MF 315)
• Haat bal UIjaa (MF 493)
• Haa'it (MF 494)
• Hettyc Aranar (MF 241)
• Kote Ka'rase (MF 26)

((OOC: As there are no player fleets currently involved in the fight, to save everyone sanity, I will not be doing a play by play of this large scale, multi-party battle. Instead I will report progress every week. This battle is expected to last several turns. Interaction is possible in the meanwhile but will be limited. Please post any actions relevant to the engagements in this sector in this thread.))

[Mercury]

119

Union and Mandalorian forces have engaged one another in battle on several different, quickly shifting fronts. Currently no planetary territory is being disputed or used, making space battles the dominant form of engagement.

The Mandalorian forces are exceptionally agressive in engagements and have not wasted time exploring the enemy. While the Union has been able to use this to their advantage with several traps, in general the agression has been overwhelming, causing considderable damage to several fleets.

The UDF CORE 2 damaged Haa'it (MF 494), the Mandalorian scanning fleet, limiting its scanning capacity, but was unable to destroy it due to a forced engagement with Mandalorian support forces.

Union Commanders have requested reinforcements as Union fleets are continually being outnumbered which caused significant losses in several engagements.

[Mercury]

120

Battles in sector 7 -5 continue to grow in intensity, with the Mandalorian Fleets causing significant damage while taking comparatively little in return. Union forces are on the defence. UDF RIG 3 was significantly damaged after being caught in a Mandalorian ambush and lost 2 effectiveness levels.

UDF CORPI 1 and UDF CORPI 2 have joined the battle to reinforce the Union forces, significantly improving their positions.

[Senator Enrorgh of Meritonia]

As soon as both the KK F1 and KM F1 fleets arrived in 7 -5, they consulted with Admiral Giambastini and joined in the battle to further reinforce the position of the Union fleets. As these were both lightly armed fleets and considerably smaller then each individual fleet of the Union or the Mandalorians and as such were more mobile and faster, they were mostly used for relieve efforts or as a fast response force to counter immediate threats.

[Alexander Giambastiani]

When KK F1 and KM F1 joined the Battle in 7 -5 they were asked by Admiral Giambastini to engage the two smaller Mandalorian Fleets (Mandalorian Fleet 26 - Kote Ka'rase and Mandalorian Fleet 241 - Hettyc Aranar).

One day in the battle they were joined by two Union Defence Fleets that moved into a flanking position around the smaller Mandalorian Fleets. When they opened fire the small Mandalorian Fleets were immediatly outgunned.

[Mercury]

121

Meritonian forces quickly pressed battle to the orders of Admiral Giambastini, engaging the Mandalorian fleets in the sector.

Despite their warrior culture, the Mandalorians seemed to hold no shame in withdrawing from a battle in which they were out-gunned, but not before the Union Defence Fleets with the aid of the Meritonian forces inflicted heavy damage, with the Koto Ka'rase losing one and the Hettyc Aranar losing two effectiveness levels.

With four fleets assigned to hunt the two smaller groups, Mandalorian Forces got the advantage in a different part of the sector where they, destroying several key vessels in the UDF CORPI 2 fleet and reducing its effectiveness level by 1.

[Senator Enrorgh of Meritonia]

Both fleets had sustained well throughout the battle and had not taken any significant damage. Senator Enrorgh assumed the Admiral would not pursue the damaged Mandalorian fleets as it would pose a larger risk for the Union main forces, which were currently outnumbered. As such the fleets were given the order to follow the 2 Union defence fleets that had assisted them in the previous engagement and assist the main forces.

The Meritonian fleets focus on running interference and executed swift and quick assaults on weak spots in the front, hampering Mandalorian retreats and sallies, hoping to surprise retreating fleets and catching them off guard.

((OOC: If you wish to do something else with these fleets Elmer, feel free to overwrite or adjust my orders accordingly. Ultimately my fleets will follow the instructions of the Admiral.))

[Mercury]

122

After taking some beating, the Mandalorian forces regrouped, making a collective assault on the Union Forces, resulting in a large offensive forcing the Union fleets to withdraw from their current positions. The Union lines held however and though terrain was given, the impact of the attack was limited.

UDF CORPI 1 and 2 both suffered damage, each losing 1 effectiveness level, while Haat bal Uljaa (MF 493) also suffered 1 effectiveness level of damage.

[Senator Enrorgh of Meritonia]

The admirals of the Komès and Meritonian fleets conferred to review the current standing and status of the fleets. As yet both fleets hadn't suffered any major damage, nor had they taken any serious losses that would hamper efficiency in combat. The situation of the Union Defence forces however was much less favourable, as several fleets had already sustained damage.

The admirals then decided, after getting the approval of their governments, that they would employ a different tactic. They called a conference with fleets senior officers and staff, proposing the following plan:

• All efforts would be made to protect the better equipped Union Defence forces from damage
• They would work with a minimal crew complement, on voluntary bases
  

Most of the senior officers and staff respected this daring plan and supported it. If there was to be any hope for the Union, sacrifices needed to be made. Their older ships were no match for the Mandalorians, but in this way they could serve a purpose. Those of the crew that did not wish to take part, left and joined other fleets as complementary crew.

The Admirals then gave new orders and the fleets split up into smaller parts and joined the lines of the Union fleets. The orders were simple, prevent as much damage as possible to the main body of the Defence forces, if needed with their own ships and lives.

[Mercury]

123

With the new defensive tactics of the Union, Mandalorian forces continued gaining ground, pushing deeper into the sector with battles coming closer and closer to the Bozzy Spine.

The new tactic proved useful and the Mandalorians did not manage to inflict any damage on the Union fleets, though the Meritonian fleet KM F1 lost one effectiveness level. Meanwhile, the Union fleets managed to damage the MF 493 Haat bal Uljaa again, reducing the effectiveness level by one more level.

Admiral Alexander Giambastiana managed to set up an elaborate trap in addition, causing the loss of an effectiveness level on the MF 134 Haran Ibi'tuur as well.

Two new Mandalorian fleets entered the sector to provide new support to the Mandalorians: MF 1376 Ne'tarang and MF 1389 Mir'Shupur Vod. They would join the battle next turn.

[Mercury]

124

With two fresh Mandalorian fleets thrown into the frey, the Mandalorians gained some key advantages, pushing the Union further back into the sector and causing a loss of effectiveness in UDF CORPI 1, UDF CORE 2 and UDF RIG 2.

Union forces did manage to cause some severe nosebleeds to the newly arrived Mandalorians however, as both of the new fleets were dealt blows to reduce their effectiveness.

[Senator Enrorgh of Meritonia]

The two fleets from the Kingdom of Meritonia and Komès were unsuccessful in their attemps the shield to Union fleets from critical damage, never the less the Admiralty maintained the orders and even called in reinforcement from the KM second fleet. They would soon arrive in the sector and partake in the defensive screen surrounding key ships in the Union defensce fleets.

The admiralty made another announcement to the crew:

" We must try harder, the Union fleets must be shielded from damage as much as possible, what ever the cost. If we must, we will give our lives in defence of the Union, we cannot risk the Mandalorian gaining the upper hand or all will be lost... "

With that, the fleets pulled in even closer and formed defensive screens around several key vessels of the Union Defence force, soaking up as much fire as possible.

[Mercury]

125

The front in Sector 7 -5 seemed to lighten up, with the pressure put on the Union fleets seeming to diminish. It was soon discovered why: two of the Mandalorian fleets had withdrawn from the sector. Hettyc Aranar (MF 241) and Haat bal UIjaa (MF 493) were pulled back by Mandalorian commanders, though the exact reason why remained a mystery. As fresher troops went to the front lines, this would mean renewed battles, but at least for the moment it was more quiet, and no damage was caused as both sides re-established their battle lines in the lull of fighting.

[Mercury]

126

With several Mandalorian fleets withdrawn and several new Union fleets engaging in battle, the battle appeared to be turning to the favour of the Union.

Appeared, because despite of the superior numbers, the results of battle seemed to indicate quite the contrary. The Mandalorians held some sort of unknown advantage it seemed, as engagements consistently turned out worse than predicted by strategists and advanced computer models. Or perhaps they were just lucky?

Regardless, despite their superior numbers, Union forces suffered a lost effectiveness level on UDF CORPI 2 as well as the Komès fleet. The Mandalorians meanwhile got through with remarkably little damage and no effectiveness lost.

[Senator Enrorgh of Meritonia]

Encouraged by their succes the shield damage on the much more powerfull Union fleets last turn, the smaller fleets of the Kingdoms of Komès and Meritonia continued their efforts the protect the Union fleets. As soon as the admirals noticed the withdrawl of several Mandalorian ships, which shifted the odds slight in favour of the union fleets, they contacted Admiral Alexander Giambastiani and left him the following message:

" Feel free to focus on the offence Admiral, our fleets will continue to shield your fleets from damage and mount a defence.We should press our advantage while we can."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

((OOC: I made a mistake. The Union fleets only can engage when combat ready, as the rules explicitly say that you cannot fly into a combat by accident. And as the Mandalorians are in combat with the Union fleets, they cannot engage the new Union fleets as well. So 127 is the first UDF-AUX1 has fully entered the battle, as they engage in 126. UDF-AUX2 is moved and thus have never participated in this battle. Sorry for the confusion.))

"This is admiral Christoffer Randal from the UDF-AUX1, commander Alexander Giambastiani we are here to reinforce the battle.

UDF-AUX2 has been recalled to the Hiocan homesector and won't be joining us."

[Mercury]

127

Unexpectedly, the entirety of the Mandalorian Forces disengaged from battle. Though Union Forces attempted to push further, their impact of damage was minimal as the Mandalorians held a tight defensive line. What they were planning was unclear, but for the moment, it looked as if victory was close on the horizon!

Union Analists, always ready to ruin a party, suggested care should be taken to celebrate prematurely - the Mandalorian forces were far from beaten.

((OOC: For clarity sake, can you list which Union Fleets are now engaged in battle? This will avoid confusion in future turns.))

[Senator Danar Tassar]

((OOC: UDF-CORPI1
UDF-CORPI2
UDF-RIG2
UDF-RIG3
UDF-CORE2
UDF-AUX1
KK-F1 (Kingdom of Komes fleet 1)
KM-F1 (kingdom of Meritonia fleet 1)))

[Gerben]

((OOC: and last but not least KM-F2 (Kingdom of Meritonia fleet 2)))

[Mercury]

128

Having disengaged from the enemy, the Mandalorian fleets split up into two groups, one heading to Sector 7 -4 and the other to Sector 7 -6. The worlds of Komes and Meritonia seemed spared for the moment, but so much could not be said for the Hiocan Society and Astrian Colonial Authority.

((OOC: Thank you for listing the fleets! This was most helpful for me.

The Mandalorians have moved away from this sector, ending the battle here and moving it to Sector 7 -4 and Sector 7 -6. The Mandalorian Scanning Fleet (Haa'it MF 494) has withdrawn entirely.))

[Senator Danar Tassar]

((OOC: How does this work regarding the Union fleets? And we didn't do any damage in their retreating action? I opened a topic about retreating fleets over a week ago, but the proposed rule change isn't active yet. Does this mean that the Union fleets are 1 week late at the battles in Hio and Stellaria, setting us in a major disadvantage?

Because now the situation is:
turn 0: Mandalorians get mysterious orders we don't know about as we don't get intel on their orders of this turn
turn 1: We get to know what happened last turn: Mandalorians moved to sector 7 -4 and 7 -6. Union fleets get orders to move this turn
turn 2: Mandalorian fleets engage, Union fleets just arrive in sector
turn 3: Mandalorian fleets are already in position, only now Union fleets engage))

[Mercury]

((OOC: At this time, the Mandalorian fleets have pulled a fast one. I believed this made sense considering that was how the rules worked and I did not feel the one turn was a big unfair advantage, because it only lasts for one turn. I also felt that from a story perspective it made sense. The enemy withdraws, you do not know exactly where they are for a bit, then they move on a target and you respond to this.

That said, it is also not the intent to have the Mandalorians hopping about all over the place. This is a final offensive, not an introduction to repeated location hopping. Together with the new rule change, I think that should fix it for future occasions. For further discussion, I think the fleet disengage / retreat thread would be best, to prevent clogging up the IC forum.))