Great write-up as usual and a very imposing presence indeed! Nice to see you have alternate names and backups planned for your ISDs &c already haha
Forces of the Ceknell Subsector
Me too Centerpoint, trust me, me too. That would be pretty awesome, alas, I'm in this frozen winter wonderland.
Thanks a ton, ZenMasta, mate. I don't trust myself to not get them blown up quicker than I can rename them. And without being too much of a spoiler... yeaaaah
Alright, little update: there should actually be a few of these soon enough after some nice pre-holiday games.
CR90 Squadron- Kazar Group
Painter's note, the Tramp on the right is old, the Terrapin on the left is 'new'. The Rebels inspired patterns work great as far as I'm concerned.
Alternate Angle: Bow
Codex: Kazar Group
Following the first battle of the Convoat Belt, the Dagobah Tramp drifted listlessly until it caught the attention of a local system patrol craft. Thanks to the boarder control ship SPS-Reliant, most of the crew survived the encounter even though the Tramp was wrecked. A precursory examination concluded that the cost for repairs would have far exceeded the price of purchasing a new vessel. Thus, the Dagobah Tramp was sold for scrap at the Jergall shipyards.
But thanks to the glib captain's natural charisma and creative accounting, the vessel's cost could be recouped from defrauding the merchant guild's chief claims officer. 2 weeks later, Rochet purchased another CR90 corvette, the ex-Corellian Sector Authority ship Fidelity . The ship was unofficially rechristened the Dagobah Tramp II but chartered as Kazar I , the first ship of the newly established 'Kazar Securities & Trust' corporation. It was a company founded by Rochet and backed by his partner, Rynellis Giles.
They now operate with some degree of freedom in the Callipsean Corridor, where system security is sorely needed. Contracts were taken which saw Kazar Securities operating as convoy guards against pirate raids from Pelatine to Hyacinth, and soon a second vessel was added to the corporate register: Kazar II.
Kazar II , or Terrapin , was added to the corporate registries after its purchase at auction. It had been recovered from a collection of antiquated stock found in the mothballed Imperial shipyards of Tollonth, orbiting Besjuan. The Terrapin was originally registered to New Hope Exploration co. but was evidently abandoned. What happened to NHE co. remains speculation, but what is known is that the owners disappeared shortly before the majority of their assets were liquidated. The Terrapin has since been stripped and refitted for service by Kazar, the only system remaining in its old configuration was an innovative near-ship collision alarm.
Kazar Securities continues to operate under Imperial contract while supplying a degree of support to Renegade operations, but there is an understanding in place: should any Kazar ship be caught while supporting renegade operations, they will be destroyed. If they cause any problems in any port, refuse to surrender for inspections, or are identified within the Lentarra Corridor, then they will be treated as enemy combatants. While such an arrangement might be considered unthinkable in the civilized interiors, the Ceknell Sub-sector authorities simply lack the resources to effectively deal with the multitude of problems in their troubled systems. For the time being, the Kazar group has been accepted as bounty hunters within the Imperial sphere, though their position is tenuous at best.
Edited by Vykes
I'm just gonna leave these here:
Edit: I hope you don't mind me making these, Vykes. Truthfully I was using them to test out my proxy-making project.
Edited by FoaSThat is a seriously awesome idea FoaS, I'm going to have to get full set printed up when I go to Staples. Man, that really is going to help keep everything in perspective at a glance and simplify the bookeeping for secondary objectives.
Thanks a ton mate!
Sure you don't want to wait until I get the 600 dpi version to you?
I guess I can wait
Well I guess I'll put up one 'treat' and one little bit of an advancement.
Responsibilities
“Sit.” Admiral Kassik's voice betrayed little as he stood behind the imposing onyx and silver monolith of a desk at the center of the Dawnguard's captain's quarters.
It was an aged stateroom, imperious but bereft of both the grandeur and opulence of an Imperial 's more familiar features. The pot lights flickered momentarily as a shiver ran through the aging man-o-war's systems like an arythmic heartbeat.
Fleet Captain Hackett's eyes never departed from the aging man, looking at older wiry white-hired man. Conversely, Kassik never deigned to look at his subordinate.
“I'd rather stand, Admiral.”
“That wasn't a suggestion.” Kassik's razor edged hiss rose to the surface as the veins bulged in his neck, a flicker of restrained rage ghosting across his face. Hackett acceded, taking a sat in front of the desk under the auspice of the Imperial ensign hanging on the back wall.
Kassik departed from his desk and crossed to a display on the far wall. Several rows of brass plaques hung in the spotlight, holograms of a dozen different ships slowly rotating as he neared. An oppressive silence was tempered with the low thrum of the ship's reactor far below their feet as it lay moored at Cauldron station.
Hackett said nothing, instead, he leaned back in the winged chair and waited. After a moment, Kassik began with an ominous growl, “You know why you're here.”
“Because you summoned me, Admiral.”
Kassik placed his hands behind his back, as if guarding them from strangling the ostensibly obedient officer. “Would you care to explain what happened at Wissroe in my absence?”
“Oh, that.” Hackett errantly waved a hand and crossed his legs, “My glorious victory over the Renegade fleet near L-”
“Glorious victory?” Kassik scoffed. “Your actions resigned most of our ships to drydock. That 'glorious victory' required us to beg for support from a raft of third-party Yenkurran ships that were the dregs of their obsolete and thoroughly inadequate patrol fleet. You effectively lost our Star Destroyers, most of our fighter craft, and I won't even include your previous steps in losing me two of my best line officers!”
“With all respect, Captain Arboe was thoroughly unsuited for the task, and captain Marsstak-”
“You would not dare defame the glorious dead.” Kassik's voice slipped to a gravely snarl. “Hackett, if it weren't for Providence we'd have likely lost the vast majority of our offensive fleet in exchange for a single enemy flotilla. If I were in the Grand Admiral's tunic, I'd have demoted you for that miserable Pyrrhic failure!”
The fleet-captian casually shrugged, non-plussed. “And yet, you've made me a task force commander. How is that possible, Admiral? Hmm?” a phantom smile crossed the man's cracked lips.
“Outside forces have deemed your performance of meriting a more aggressive command. And seeing as I can't replace Rear-Admiral Perch, a very capable and competent man-”
“An aged warhorse a good spell past his expiration date and overdue in being put to pasture.” Hackett leaned forward and brushed the edge of the desk, “And you know it.”
Kassik's knuckles cracked audibly as the blood rushed to his face like a crimson wave. “Admiral Perch's service record is unparallelled. You should be grateful you even stand on the same floor as that 'aged warhorse'. I'm only letting you keep your bars because every dog has their day, including the whelps.”
“I have every confidence in myself-”
“Spare yourself the disappointment..” Kassik dragged his fingernails across the table with a rasp. He began to pace, one hand stroking his chin, the other tucked behind his back in an attempt to reclaim some modicum of dignity. “I know how you operate, and I know that your friends are adept at smoothing over your misteps, which lets you float to the top like pond scum-”
“I'd prefer to think of it as cream.” Hackett openly smirked.
“You won't last forever, and the closer to the sun you are, the easier it is to get burned.”
“And your proverbial sun has set.” Hackett watched the admiral turn on a dime and bring his fists down on the desk, yet it didn't deter him, “You haven't controlled this situation from the moment that Rebel admiral skulked into this system. You've tarried and waffled, squandering every opportunity that has been presented to you. Of course, you made your little friends and tried to contain this 'Deathmark' when you should have taken the steps to crush him! And your little 'Due Dalliance'? Tripe, absolute tripe” He scoffed and finally stood up.
“I'll see you processing papers at a remedial academy for ungifted gunners, that's about the limit of your natural talent.” Kassik's voice crackled with a venomous snarl.
Meanwhile, Hackett casually picked himself up and wandered towards the wall of service plaques.
“Don't turn your back on me!” Kassik roared and finally stepped out from behind the desk, heels clacking against the stony surface as he strode to the junior officer.
“Calm yourself, Admiral. You wouldn't want to slip on your tea or burst a blood vessel. Now, didn't you have something to tell me?' The chesshire grin was unmistakable as the fleet captain turned on his heel, hands properly tucked behind his back.
The Admiral didn't arrest his march, but bulled straight into the taller man. With an unceremonious wobble, Hackett turned and hop-skipped back against the cold marble wall. Kassik stood face to face with the taller and broader man, undaunted by at least fifty pounds of muscle separating them.
“You're lucky I don't shoot you for gross incompetence, misconduct, and almost a preturnatural ability to squirm out of whatever hole you've dug yourself into at the expense of anyone around you. I hate you 'politically inclined' officers. You're a blight on the Imperial Navy, and you are the most irredeemable of the Emperor's servants. In thirty years I have never met an officer so thoroughly undeserving, under-qualified, and so blissfully wasteful as yourself.”
Kassik's face twisted into a sour frown. “The Admiralty has decided to promote you to vice-admiral of my fleet. You were not my first choice,. In fact, you weren't even on my list.”
Hackett puffed his chest out and smiled, “I graciously accept the will of the Admiralty. I will act to carry out my duty for the Emperor, in his majesty's four-hundred seventy seventh fleet.” his voice rose with a cough, averting his eyes to look over his superior'ss head, in feigned deference to his rank.
“Don't get too comfortable, Hackett.”
“I'm eminently comfortable in whatever position the Admiralty places me. Neither of us dictate the will of the Navy. I advance by their good graces and my skill,” he leaned over the shorter admiral slightly, “and there will be nothing you can do to halt my rightful advancement as a emerging leader in his majesty's Imperial Navy.”
Kassik chewed on his lip, not backing down as the broader man loomed over him. He nodded a few times, almost resigned to that fact. “You've made a mistake somewhere, I know it. I'll find something, and you'll be executed for treason or gross negligence. You aren't as clever as you think, Hackett. After all, you may have shuffled Arboe off, but you can't get rid of me so easily. And in the mean time, I'll be watching you.”
This time it was Kassik's turn to smirk, but there was only malice in his clear blue eyes, a hint of flint edged reproach. “I'm going to make sure that you don't get any more of my officers killed. You won't be able to muddy the story with me around; you will follow my lead and do as I say. I won't give you room to breath, and you won't get one speck of undeserved glory. Now, Vice Admiral Hackett,” he grinned wolfishly and leaned in close, “get out of my sight.”
The newly promoted vice-admiral sidestepped away, slipping back towards the entrance. He stopped mid-way and half-turned. “I'm honoured to serve under your command, Admiral Kassik. May you serve in his Majesty's navy for the rest of your life. One of these days, when you're gone, I'll have the privilege to say that I served under the great Daaton Kassik, and I'll give a speech to your high ideals. But mark my words, I will bury you, Admiral.”
Hackett shot his superior a murderous parting glare, and calmly strode out the door.
…
A new, dilapidated Yenkurran vessel that I ever so like!
Did I mention I dislike the Gladiator model?
Edited by VykesOh cool! I didn't realize you were going to use the B2 to reinforce the Imperial lines! Nice update as always, looking forward to more!
That nebulon B2 looks amazing! What material did you order it made from? I'd really like to know how the different levels of detail turn out after painting!
I couldn't help it Zen, I liked TIE fighter too much not to have that thing on the Imperial side
It was a lot of fun to see that thing finally come to life, I wasn't far off of modifying a pair to make one a 'stunty' and the other a proper B2. I figure, if the Rebels get the Nebulon B, it only feels right that the Imperial side gets to take control of the upgunned version... and I like the Mc30 models enough that I couldn't concieve of not using them.
Hopefully I'll have a bit more story work done in a day or so, it's been a bit hectic with some farmwork lately. I will admit, that one was fairly fun to write, and the B2 might have been frustrating to prep but it was fun to finally paint.
Thanks Dmgcontrol, it's just a plain FUD model, thugh I'll admit I did a fair bit of surface sanding to get the upper most plates how I wanted them. I'll admit I've never worked with the WSF stuff, I'm not sure how it compares really. That said, I'm interested as that's my big question for the medium as well.
I guess I can wait
Well I guess I'll put up one 'treat' and one little bit of an advancement.
Responsibilities
“Sit.” Admiral Kassik's voice betrayed little as he stood behind the imposing onyx and silver monolith of a desk at the center of the Dawnguard's captain's quarters.
It was an aged stateroom, imperious but bereft of both the grandeur and opulence of an Imperial 's more familiar features. The pot lights flickered momentarily as a shiver ran through the aging man-o-war's systems like an arythmic heartbeat.
Fleet Captain Hackett's eyes never departed from the aging man, looking at older wiry white-hired man. Conversely, Kassik never deigned to look at his subordinate.
“I'd rather stand, Admiral.”
“That wasn't a suggestion.” Kassik's razor edged hiss rose to the surface as the veins bulged in his neck, a flicker of restrained rage ghosting across his face. Hackett acceded, taking a sat in front of the desk under the auspice of the Imperial ensign hanging on the back wall.
Kassik departed from his desk and crossed to a display on the far wall. Several rows of brass plaques hung in the spotlight, holograms of a dozen different ships slowly rotating as he neared. An oppressive silence was tempered with the low thrum of the ship's reactor far below their feet as it lay moored at Cauldron station.
Hackett said nothing, instead, he leaned back in the winged chair and waited. After a moment, Kassik began with an ominous growl, “You know why you're here.”
“Because you summoned me, Admiral.”
Kassik placed his hands behind his back, as if guarding them from strangling the ostensibly obedient officer. “Would you care to explain what happened at Wissroe in my absence?”
“Oh, that.” Hackett errantly waved a hand and crossed his legs, “My glorious victory over the Renegade fleet near L-”
“Glorious victory?” Kassik scoffed. “Your actions resigned most of our ships to drydock. That 'glorious victory' required us to beg for support from a raft of third-party Yenkurran ships that were the dregs of their obsolete and thoroughly inadequate patrol fleet. You effectively lost our Star Destroyers, most of our fighter craft, and I won't even include your previous steps in losing me two of my best line officers!”
“With all respect, Captain Arboe was thoroughly unsuited for the task, and captain Marsstak-”
“You would not dare defame the glorious dead.” Kassik's voice slipped to a gravely snarl. “Hackett, if it weren't for Providence we'd have likely lost the vast majority of our offensive fleet in exchange for a single enemy flotilla. If I were in the Grand Admiral's tunic, I'd have demoted you for that miserable Pyrrhic failure!”
The fleet-captian casually shrugged, non-plussed. “And yet, you've made me a task force commander. How is that possible, Admiral? Hmm?” a phantom smile crossed the man's cracked lips.
“Outside forces have deemed your performance of meriting a more aggressive command. And seeing as I can't replace Rear-Admiral Perch, a very capable and competent man-”
“An aged warhorse a good spell past his expiration date and overdue in being put to pasture.” Hackett leaned forward and brushed the edge of the desk, “And you know it.”
Kassik's knuckles cracked audibly as the blood rushed to his face like a crimson wave. “Admiral Perch's service record is unparallelled. You should be grateful you even stand on the same floor as that 'aged warhorse'. I'm only letting you keep your bars because every dog has their day, including the whelps.”
“I have every confidence in myself-”
“Spare yourself the disappointment..” Kassik dragged his fingernails across the table with a rasp. He began to pace, one hand stroking his chin, the other tucked behind his back in an attempt to reclaim some modicum of dignity. “I know how you operate, and I know that your friends are adept at smoothing over your misteps, which lets you float to the top like pond scum-”
“I'd prefer to think of it as cream.” Hackett openly smirked.
“You won't last forever, and the closer to the sun you are, the easier it is to get burned.”
“And your proverbial sun has set.” Hackett watched the admiral turn on a dime and bring his fists down on the desk, yet it didn't deter him, “You haven't controlled this situation from the moment that Rebel admiral skulked into this system. You've tarried and waffled, squandering every opportunity that has been presented to you. Of course, you made your little friends and tried to contain this 'Deathmark' when you should have taken the steps to crush him! And your little 'Due Dalliance'? Tripe, absolute tripe” He scoffed and finally stood up.
“I'll see you processing papers at a remedial academy for ungifted gunners, that's about the limit of your natural talent.” Kassik's voice crackled with a venomous snarl.
Meanwhile, Hackett casually picked himself up and wandered towards the wall of service plaques.
“Don't turn your back on me!” Kassik roared and finally stepped out from behind the desk, heels clacking against the stony surface as he strode to the junior officer.
“Calm yourself, Admiral. You wouldn't want to slip on your tea or burst a blood vessel. Now, didn't you have something to tell me?' The chesshire grin was unmistakable as the fleet captain turned on his heel, hands properly tucked behind his back.
The Admiral didn't arrest his march, but bulled straight into the taller man. With an unceremonious wobble, Hackett turned and hop-skipped back against the cold marble wall. Kassik stood face to face with the taller and broader man, undaunted by at least fifty pounds of muscle separating them.
“You're lucky I don't shoot you for gross incompetence, misconduct, and almost a preturnatural ability to squirm out of whatever hole you've dug yourself into at the expense of anyone around you. I hate you 'politically inclined' officers. You're a blight on the Imperial Navy, and you are the most irredeemable of the Emperor's servants. In thirty years I have never met an officer so thoroughly undeserving, under-qualified, and so blissfully wasteful as yourself.”
Kassik's face twisted into a sour frown. “The Admiralty has decided to promote you to vice-admiral of my fleet. You were not my first choice,. In fact, you weren't even on my list.”
Hackett puffed his chest out and smiled, “I graciously accept the will of the Admiralty. I will act to carry out my duty for the Emperor, in his majesty's four-hundred seventy seventh fleet.” his voice rose with a cough, averting his eyes to look over his superior'ss head, in feigned deference to his rank.
“Don't get too comfortable, Hackett.”
“I'm eminently comfortable in whatever position the Admiralty places me. Neither of us dictate the will of the Navy. I advance by their good graces and my skill,” he leaned over the shorter admiral slightly, “and there will be nothing you can do to halt my rightful advancement as a emerging leader in his majesty's Imperial Navy.”
Kassik chewed on his lip, not backing down as the broader man loomed over him. He nodded a few times, almost resigned to that fact. “You've made a mistake somewhere, I know it. I'll find something, and you'll be executed for treason or gross negligence. You aren't as clever as you think, Hackett. After all, you may have shuffled Arboe off, but you can't get rid of me so easily. And in the mean time, I'll be watching you.”
This time it was Kassik's turn to smirk, but there was only malice in his clear blue eyes, a hint of flint edged reproach. “I'm going to make sure that you don't get any more of my officers killed. You won't be able to muddy the story with me around; you will follow my lead and do as I say. I won't give you room to breath, and you won't get one speck of undeserved glory. Now, Vice Admiral Hackett,” he grinned wolfishly and leaned in close, “get out of my sight.”
The newly promoted vice-admiral sidestepped away, slipping back towards the entrance. He stopped mid-way and half-turned. “I'm honoured to serve under your command, Admiral Kassik. May you serve in his Majesty's navy for the rest of your life. One of these days, when you're gone, I'll have the privilege to say that I served under the great Daaton Kassik, and I'll give a speech to your high ideals. But mark my words, I will bury you, Admiral.”
Hackett shot his superior a murderous parting glare, and calmly strode out the door.
…
A new, dilapidated Yenkurran vessel that I ever so like!
Did I mention I dislike the Gladiator model?
Where did you bought the base?
Vykes,
Great stuff. This is a tremendous thread to give me some inspiration. I am a mini-painter coming out of a 2-3 year hiatus. Couple of questions. Hope I am not being redundant but I searched the thread and didn't see the answers.
- Are you priming these models or painting on top of the old paint job?
- Are you stripping them first? If so are you taking them apart first?
- Finally what kind of paint are you using on the ship stands?
Thanks for the help! Great work you have here.
Thanks mates, sorry it took me a bit... I've been busy (and you'll all see why on what in a while
)
That base is just from one of my Nebulon B, Atlantis. But -laughs- I do know that you can occasionally find spare bases at Big Orbit Games, it's a UK based 'card singles' spot. I found it after I shattered the Janus's base 'fin the night before the second Sullust tournament. Though just picking up a spare CR90 has been about the same price given their scary-low prices recently.
Hey LazarusTaxon, mate. Thanks for saying, I am flattered. Glad to hear you're coming out of a hiatus, feel free to join in on some of our painting threads too, we don't bite!
Because I use multiple varnish coats of protective varnish, I haven't had an issue with just laying a base coat down over the bare plastic (after it's been washed in hot soapy water) No stripping required, though I sometimes do after I'm not satisfied with my own work. These days I've been using an airbrush for that first initial basecoat. It's not for any technical reason beyond saving a lot of time. The plastic tends to hold the paint for the purposes of painting but I wouldn't recommend it for gaming without the 2-3 coats of varnish.
Now, what I would recommend is actually exactly the same thing that I use for the base: a Krylon 'With Fusion' flat primer for plastic. It's pretty cheap (about $6 at a big-box store like Walmart compared to Army Painter or Citadel which is $20 here) and you've got a decent number of colours. I've been using a 'camo brown' colour, because I find on the tabletop, the dark brown shade actually makes the base blend in to my playmat more than a stark black does (same principle as to why blue is the best shade for camo at night, it doesn't leave the stark outline).
Hope I've been some help, and feel free to ask anything you want.
Love this stuff, great work.
How are you doing your engines? Careful airbrushing then washes/ brush details or all brush work?
What's your base coat for that great grey you are getting on your ships?
Thanks mate, sorry it took a bit (working on a big project and I know I'd be blathering about it too much if I was here more often
).
Up until now I've been doing engines strictly by brush. It's been typically a drybrush of dark blue, then lighter blue, then countershade the area with a blue wash and re-highlight right back up to white. That said, I bought an airbrush and I've been getting stellar results with just a few quick applications.
That grey has been a vallejo cold tone base with gradual mixing from stonewall grey. Vallejo does make a great game line when it comes to greys, not quite sold on their blues though.
Well, we fiiinally get another update. Sorry I've been a touch absent, there's a reason but aaaall shall be revealed in time. For now, we return you to your regularly scheduled programming, already in progress.
Operation Due Diligence Mission 1: Opening Moves:
Admiral Kassik has devised the first steps in a new push, codenamed Due Diligence. Renegade forces have ranged far from their outlying bases to capture and raid Imperial convoys and deal with local anti-piracy militias. It is the opinion of Admiral Kassik that they may ave grown complacent and over extended themselves. Taskforce Anvil was to draw in and destroy Renegade forces in the Pelatine system, using a cargo convoy as bait. The ruse has worked.
A fleet of enemy warships sporting the insignia of the Rebel Alliance has just exited hyperspace right into our trap. The enemy raiding force initially numbered just two corvettes and a contingent of starfighters ISD Shining Waters hyperspaced in to provide a rear guard for the convoy and to trap the corvettes.
Upon the arrival of the rest of the task force, the the two Corellian corvettes, Sakiruss and Cohesion , aborted their capture operations and summoned reinforcements. The corvettes have regrouped with the Mon Calamari light frigate Arbite , but the prize is the Mon Calamari cruiser Mon Delphoss.
Victory-class Star Destroyers Pegasus and Dawnguard will target the Mon Delphoss directly while the ISD Nightmare will launch a pincer attack against the faster Rebel vessels. It is doubtful that the Shining Waters will be fast enough to join the initial attack on the Mon Delphoss .
The Mon Delphoss is expected to mount a strong starfighter defence, consisting of several groups of X-wings, A-wings, and Y-wings. These fighters will undoubtedly make Vice-Admiral Hackett's flagship, ISD Nightmare , a priority trarget; the Imperial-class Star Destroyer is the only vessel capable of catching the Rebel fleet.
The first wave of will consists of two flight groups of Tie fighters and Tie interceptors designated Alpha group. Alpha group's task is to eliminate enemy starfighters before they can engage the ISD Nightmare . If resistance proves to be heavier than expected, additional Tie fighters and Tie bombers from flight group Beta are on standby as reinforcements.
We launch immediately, Providence guide us.
+++
...
Author's note: I wrote this one up like a briefing because the mission went like clockwork. It might have been the most spectacular victory the Imperials have seen to date. Not a single loss, not one Tie fighter! The VSD Pegasus was crippled with 5 damage inflicted upon it, but there were no Imperial losses.
By comparison, the Rebels lost the Mc80, the Mc30 (in a single volley from the Nightmare for that matter) and one CR90 as it tried to flee. Oh, and 2 flights of X-wings, a flight of A wings, and a flight of Y-wings, the only thing that was left was a single group of chewed up Y-wings that managed to use the Nightmare to get away from those interceptors.
Seriously, what could have gone better? Well... did I mention I was playing Rebels?
One of the worst defeats I've ever been dealt, and it wasn't the dice, I just got dismantled: it was a learning game, first try with the Mc80 and Mc30, I underestimated an ISD II. It won't happen again!
Player's note: a 400 point 'quick match' warm up, it was really to get a handle on the new ships. I didn't feel like letting one of my admirals get fed to the meat grinder on ships I was unused too, so I opted for a 'Yenkurra' group.
What was brilliant was that the Rebel secondary objective was 'Swift Victory', but it actually was a 'Swift Defeat', lost in 3 turns. The Imperials got 'Comrades' and managed to pull it off.
The nargin of victory ended up being incredibly wide: 24 points for the rebels, compared to 310 for the Imperials, Sure it's a 9-1 under the new rules (did I mention I love the new margins? 10-0 is nearly impossible and that's great) but with the Secondary Objects it goes to a 11 - -1. IE, a massive failure: something that would trigger one of the campaign preset 'event flags'.
Some may recognize the format
I'm toying with having this pop up more frequently.
::applause::
Nice! This actually kind of makes me want to fire up the old flight sims again. If only we had a modern incarnation!
Yeah, those sims were awesome, weren't they? I'd love to see a modern incarnation, even a new Rogue Squadron or something (despite that being an arcade sim, it was still fun). Alas, I guess this is the most I'm going to see of it for the meantime. But I'll still probably use the format in the future.
For now, we've got a minor update! There'll be some more later this week.
MC30c- "Helios"
painter's note; washes, it was done with loots and lots of washes. Then one or two judicious applications of layering paint and some simple edging. But it didn't take long, and I feel almost cheap and tawdry for using something so simple. But the Yrellion Skye was much the same, and my next Mon Cals will likely be as well. It works too well.
Aside from that, I guess it sorta counts as a conversion, though not a big one. I trimmed off a mast from a micromachine LCAC 'navy hovercraft' that I found hanging out in a heating vent in my house about 5 months ago. I tossed it in my bits box and, whadya know, it fit. I like how it turned out. I'll have to take some better pictures though. It seems camo ships want to give me trouble focusing that camera. After some testing, I think I'll be going back and painting all my flight pegs as well.
Alternate Angle: Rear Starboard
Codex: Helios
The Helios began its service in much the same way as a large number of other famed Mon Calamari warships, a keel laid down for a civilian vessel. The Helios was originally registered as the Mon Cailus , a long-haul Mc30 class passenger ferry for a Corellian White Star Line passenger service. A number of oddities implicit in its then-novel design may have raised flags had Dac not been then thought of as a loyal and supportive part of the Galactic Empire. As it were, the Mon Cailus was completed and served for three and a half years as a passenger liner between Dac, Corellia and as far as Alderaan before its mutiny and induction into the Alliance to restore the Republic under Mon Mothma.
The Helios was one of the earlier model Mc30 series passenger ferries: it had large expandable cargo holds, good broadcast and communication systems,, and the advantages of the advanced Mon Calamari shielding technology. However, the Mon Cailus i ncluded a network of reinforced bulkhead struts in its mid-deck cargo holds. Ostensibly included as an improvement to survive asteroid impacts, the importance of the internal mooring brackets would only be fully realized when they served as mounts for rotating concussion missile magazines. It would become common in all purpose-built Mc30c warships. In addition to its increased mass, the Mon Cailus was limited by its relatively inefficient Tri-Lunar 255 stardrive, an oversight that would be remedied by later vessels incorporating a Tri-Lunar 270 model. While the TL 255 was effective enough to power the ship's systems, engines, and a brace of quad laser cannons, it was incapable of producing enough power to mount a sizable configuration of turbolasers and a class 1 hyperdrive. As a result, when the Mon Cailus was refitted to become the Helios , it was classified as a short-range torpedo frigate.
Despite its initial limitations, the vessel has performed well under its seasoned crew. The Helios saw fighting against the Empire in the battle for Okten's Reef in the Tapani sector, and in raids throughout the Bristol sector. While neither tour of duty produced remarkable success for the Rebellion, the Helios performed well under its captain, Seun Dingh. While characterized as overly cautious, occasionally paranoid, and possessing a disconcerting habit of holding conversations with herself, the Mon Calamari captain has proven very effective in escaping from some of the best laid Imperial ambushes. She has shown an unerring capability for steering her vessel away from torrents of fire that could easily tear the fragile frigate to pieces.
Seun Dingh and the Helios were transferred to the Ceknell front as part of a Rebel force instructed to assist the Renegade fleets in the region. While the Helios was evading task force Springtrap in a counter-raid on the moon of Arenth, the Helios's sister ship, the Mc30c Scout frigate Arbiter was caught in the disastrous Pelatine ambush leaving the Helios a the sole operational Mc30 in the region.
...
Long overdue Mc30 entry buuut C'est la vie. I managed to scoop up a more impressive Mon Cal not too long ago, so that'll be fun to work on.
Nice! This actually kind of makes me want to fire up the old flight sims again. If only we had a modern incarnation!
Since EA has exclusive rights to Star Wars games for the next 8 years or so I doubt we will see any good Star Wars space combat games but you may want to check out "Star Citizen" It is being designed to have the same WW2 in space feel that Star Wars has and is being designed to be extremely mod freindly. I would be shocked if we did not see a Star Wars mod for it pretty quickly after release. (The single player campaign even has Mark Hamill as a major character)
P.S. Love the mission briefing format Vykes, brings back a lot of fond memories.
I rather liked it too, Swusn. Again, GOG got the rights to it and put the old ones up, but I'd still love to see something new. Still, I'm a sucker for that nostalgic little tract of gaming paradise.
Anyhow, just a few little story updates for today, though I will say that there's a nice lil' ol' package delivery notice for me. Wonder what that could be. -laughs- so expect to see something tomorrow and something else pretty big this week.
A Gathering of Wolves
A lone figure stood atop the metal catwalk high above the sprawling grey labyrinth of isles and hololithic displays. Dozens of bridge crew scuttled under the individual's auspice, feeding information from one computer terminal to another, affecting incremental changes in the blips and glowing icons of the massive projected image of the subsector dominating the middle of the room.
“C-commander Senche,” a Mon Calamari adjutant stuttered, not daring to ascend the catwalk overlooking the rest of the bridge. Two unblinking Ashtek warriors stared the ensign down, waiting for an answer from Senche.
After a moment of silence, the bald-headed Senechal stirred. Lifting his head a little higher, he took a deep breath, “Speak.”
“All s-s-ships have reported in. They are on standby for the jump to light speed, s-sir.” Bowing her head quickly, she retreated to the communications alcove along with a half dozen mottled Calamari bridge staff.
The Ashtek warrior hid a smile as he rolled his shoulders back. It was time. “Communications, open an all channels hailing frequency.” In the space of a few moments, there was an innocuous chime as the bridge fell silent.
“Crews of the First Fleet, Rebel adherents, Clanners of the Ashtek path, warriors all: I am Senche Orren Ashtek, senechal of Lord Lylent. You have joined this noble cause by your own free will, you honour yourselves and your households. Our lives belong to our lordship and your lives have been entrusted to me. Know that, heed that.
“Let it be known by dictates here today: we will prevail, or we will perish. Preform well, and you will be preserved. But place your life ahead of all others,you will perish in turn. If not from the guns of our enemies, then by mine.”
The slight pause sent a ripple across the bridge as the statement resounded in he depths of every ship in the fleet. Senche's lips peeled back into a mithless grin, stark contrast to the scores of wide eyes and slack-jawed stares around him.
“If any ship turns aside, it has committed treason against us all. You will turn your guns upon them. If anyone should be so ignoble as to launch a single escape pod without my direct approval, I will loose my finest pilots upon them. They have been given instructions to make such cowards a priority target. I will not let you disgrace yourself in such a manner.”
He strode the catwalk, the slow resonance of metal shod boots on the gantry carrying over the communicator.
“Let it me known that we will face the might of the Galactic Empire. They will throw everything they have at us. This very day they have routed and dismantled a fleet belonging to the Rebellion. This will not happen to us. Place your trust in one another, follow your orders, dismiss your fears of loss and suffering, turn your mind to the task ahead of you. Do this, and we will take our enemy apart, piece by piece. We will overcome every hostile force arrayed against us and grind them to dust.
“If you fight well, then by my honour and by my oath, I will not leave you to die needlessly. Every effort will be made to spare you, for we serve each other. You will not die unless I say so. To our foes, I shall be generous: they may dispose of themselves in any manner they see fit.”
Senche smiled, clasping the railing of the gantry and staring into the yawning void outside the bridge window.
“Warriors of Ceknell, followers of the Rebellion, soldiers without equal: I salute you! The word is given. Forward! Forward to victory!”
The first Renegade vessel made a howling lurch into hyperspace, followed by many more. There wasn't a single sign that a fleet had been there moments before.
author's note:
I was at a loss as to how else to depict a Rieekan equivilant. Which is distinctly different from a Reichian equivilant
And part 2:
Operation Due Diligence Mission 2 Briefing: Tables Turned
Our last attack defeated a Rebel raiding force and significant curtailed their activities in the region. Well done. There is no doubt that this has set the Renegades back severely. Prisoners are being loaded on the Shining Waters as we speak. The Rebel Mon Calamari frigate has been destroyed, and the captured enemy corvette will likely offer us a keen insight into the intentions of the Rebellion in the sub sector.
Our task force is closing in on the remnants of the Rebel fleet, but follow up operations have stalled. The VSD Dawnguard was damaged in our previous engagement, causing a meltdown in its hyperdrive core. Admiral Kassik refuses to leave the Dawnguard in such a precarious position. A plan has been hatched and put in motion. Our part is to defend the Dawnguard until the modified frigate Raven arrives with a replacement drive core.
Before the Cohesion was disabled, it managed to send a distress signal requesting reinforcements. Moments ago a Renegade fleet dropped out of hyperspace. It seems Lylent isn't ready to abandon his allies.
The enemy force consists of the Mon Calamari cruiser Yrellion Skye , the modified Rendilli assault frigate Shrike , one Mon Calamari light frigate, two corvettes, and one Nebulon-B class frigate. In addition, several groups of assault starfighters have already been deployed.
The Victory- class destroyers Dawnguard and Pegasus have formed into a squadron and will target the Rendilli assault frigate and the Nebulon-B while flight group Alpha protects them from enemy fighter assaults. We have seen a mix of X-wing and Y-wings in this contingent, so expect the enemy to make attack runs against the Pegasus. The Dawnguard is likely a secondary target, seeing as it is already incapable of withdrawing.
Imperial Class Star Destroyers Shining Waters and Nightmare will engage the Mon Calamari vessels and provide a bulwark against the enemy corvette squadron. Flight group Beta will consist of the majority of the Tie Interceptors, and will lead the attack on the enemy starfighters surrounding the Yrellion Skye.
You must not let those B-wings or Y-wings engage our Star Destroyers!
The
Raven
should arrive within five minutes. It will have its own flight group of TIE fighters, designated flight group Gamma, they will provide fighter cover for the delivery operation.
Pilots, to your fighters. Providence guide you.
Now I just need to think of making some kind of graphic to show obstacles and the like. I haven't done work on pixle-esque stuff in a long long time. Thi should prove interesting.
Awesome stuff as always, very atmospheric! Very curious to see how this battle between your front line actual ships goes, verses their stand-ins!
Alright, first thing's first. I got that package in and did a little bit of work.
Operation Due Diligence Mission 2 Conclusion: In the Graveyard
Another bone-shattering impact shuddered through the Pegasus 's bridge, tossing crew like ragdolls in the pits below. Camlee clung to the arm of the captain's chair, enduring the shockwave that flattened everyone not already seated. Her nails had bit straight into the leather armrest and she still felt the discomfort of vibrations coursing through her feet.
“ Status!” she hollered, her voice long worn away to a hoarse rasp. Even then, she was nearly drowned out by the staccato rattle of metal spars and debris bouncing off the Pegasus 's hull.
“ Shields are packing quite a wallop, cap'n!”
The ruins of what was left of the Mon Delphoss ricochet off their pitted hull in cacophonous dirge. The Rebel cruiser's main body lay torn open as if by a pack of wolves, its innards spilled across space in flecks of durasteel and ribbons of once-melted ceramics. Only the aft was left, a scorched husk trailing wisps from plasma from its breached reactor core.
It hasn't been the wisest idea to enter the debris field, but the predatory bow of the Shrike was partially obscured. The long gouging lances of turbolaser fire raking through the detritus left vibrant tendrils of seared metal in its wake.
The hellish torrent of fire slackened only long enough to be directed elsewhere. A few sudden flashes in the near distance hinted as to the cause. Drifting somewhere on the other side of the hulk of the Mon Delphoss , the Dawnguard had slipped into the gunship's sights. The modified Assault frigate wasn't supposed to be the enemy flagship, they weren't supposed to fight like this.
“ Alright this is our ope-” Camlee's eyes opened wide, “where did that Nebulon-B go?”
“ Scopes are down captain. It could have-”
A dark shadow eclipsed the Star Destroyer before the frigate's bow lights slowly flooded across the bridge. It blotted out the Pelatine sun a split second before a lighting flash of turbolaser fire bracketed the command deck of the Victory. The ship lurched under the colossal impact, sending six million tons of metal listing awkwardly amid a haze of vaporized durasteel. With a last crackling pop, the shields vanished.
Camlee was bodily hurled from her seat and slammed against the roof before crashing back down to the deck. She sprawled out, ear throbbing as she groggily rolled over to lay on her side. The Nebulon-B plunged past the vessel within pistol shot of the bridge, not that she could have picked up a gun at the moment.
“ Who'sh dead?” her muffled question corresponded with a hacking cough as she spat out a mouthful of blood. Camlee staggered ungainly to her feet, groping for the chair arm to steady herself.
“ No one here, though we've got some breaks and injuries, ma'am.” a battered ensign called from the communications alcove.
Other voices chimed in with similar reports. The worst of the lot needed the medical corp, a few concussions, but looking over the foredecks it was bound to be a lot worse below.
“ Comms officer, get a message to the Shining Waters . Shields compromised but we're still in the fight. Now, cycle the deflectors and get our bow shield-”
“ Ma'am!” Camlee was stopped cold, “Communications are dead.”
“ What do you mean communications are 'dead'?! When did the array take a hit?”
There was a slight pause, interspersed only by an an impatient tap that matched the tempo of the debris still ringing off the viewport.
“ Ma'am, the systems are up. We're being jammed.”
Shaking her head, Camlee hissed and pointed at the vague shape of the Shrike that glided through the MC80's ruins. “Well then do something useful and get the shields back up. Helmsmen, bring us around hard to port. And even us out. Plane, zero degrees.”
“ Yes, captain.”
The ship slowly began to heel and even out, dragging itself painfully through the outskirt of the debris field.
“ Target the Assault frigate, bring it down and we'll end this. Maybe we can divert some fire from the Dawnguard .”
Somewhere far on the horizon, past the hulk, there were far larger flashes and lances of fire that could only come from a contest of the titans.
“ Helm, cancel that order. All power to engines and lets get around there before they get in behind us. We'll try and assist the big guns, maybe we can bring that cruiser do-”
There was a sudden flash, a low static crackle over the external amps, and a sudden cascade of pure white light. It silhouetted the cold dead skeleton of the ship, a infinitesimal black blur briefly glimpsed past the veil of shattered bulkheads, then it was gone.
It went deathly quiet on the bridge. Camlee gripped the chair, “Try to raise the Shining Waters or the Nightmare. I want to know if this is over.”
There was nothing but a droning buzz of static for more than ten-long seconds. A faint crackle and a voice suddenly cut through the silence. “This is Vice-admiral Hackett. I am exercising executive authority effective immediately. All Imperial vessels will withdraw.”
“ Command, please confirm: has the Dawnguard received its hyperdrive unit?”
There was a static squeal, but the voice was unmistakably Hackett. “That's a direct order, captain. Fix your bearing to zero-zero-zero and execute emergency jump procedures. Hackett, out.”
Camlee bit her lip again, feeling her tooth go straight through a bloody scrap that she must have bit through when she struck the ceiling. Hissing in pain, she dabbed her mouth and looked out over hership. “I hear you.”
Turning her back on the prow for a moment, she hissed and snapped her fingers. In a few short moments, there was a telltale blip as the Nightmare slipped into hyperspace. The moment it disappeared from their charts, she broke her silence.
“ Get me the Dawnguard.” There was soft indicator chime as the communications officer put her though. “ Dawnguard , this is Pegasus . Are you capable of following orders?”
A grainy mechanically distorted rasp greeted them, “Negative, Pegasus . Hyperdrive unit still inactive. The Raven was warded off when that Assault frigate made a sudden turn to trap it against the Mon Cal frigate. The big one is still out here, but limping. The Shining Waters ... it's gone.”
Camlee let out a breath she didn't even know she'd been holding. “Affirmative Dawnguard. ... make your way to nav buoy L-nine-nine-two. We'll circle around and try for another pass.”
Suddenly given another purpose, the captain strode the raised platform, overseeing everything she could take in. “Get me engineering, I want a systems report and I want it now. I want all gunnery crews to report in. If we're going head to head with that Assault frigate, I need to know what firepower we can throw at them. Get our medical bay clear and see to the injured, pull what stormtroopers and armsmen we have to replace any incapacitated gunners, then the rest of them will be on medical detail. Oh, and I want communications readied on the broadest spectrum. How is our reception?”
“ Chatter is normal and it looks like everything cleared up on the ship-to-ship comms.”
“ Hmmm, convenient,” she muttered darkly and looked towards the distant red blip of the nav buoy to the starboard side. “Are all channels open?”
“ Yes, ma'am.”
Camlee bobbed her head and took a deep breath, a hitch in her voice betraying all it needed to, “At-tention.. This is acting captain Camlee of the VSD Pegasus initiating Emergency Code Zero. Repeat, Emergency Code Zero. All Imperial loyalist forces, respond immediately.”
It was a long wait, staring out at the emptiness of space hoping to glimpse some faint ray of salvation through the interminable darkness.
...
Gamer's note: Wow... Rieekan was a shock for me. That, Defiance with Concentrate Fire double arcing an ISD. It was an assassin ship, Oh, and smashed up an Imperial list right good and proper, every ship crippled or obliterated, only the fighters got through with some success. I'm just sorry I couldn't really relate the Tie Interceptor holding up 2 A-wings, 2 B-wings, and 'Keyan' for a whole turn. It was magic, it had to be... or else I'd have taken down the Nightmare too.
....
I'm one of the first to get one I guess, picked it up the day it came out
Blocked the colours in and tomorrow I'll do some lines and extra shading.
WIP update:
Unlined Cruiser (before):
Lined Cruiser (after)
Oh, and there's a few more spindly things in the packaging too. But we'll get there in time.
Edited by VykesIs there an Imperial version of taps out there? Haha great stuff!
I'm sure somewhere out there in the EU there is
Thanks mate.
I'm liking the alternate Mon Cal...
Why the decision to paint/draw on panel lines?
Edited by DWRR