Alright, long time update incoming. 500 point 3 player game Including a custom mission. So there you go. And tonight/tomorrow, I'll put up some new fleets, yeah... lots of stuff in store.

The Perzorras Raid

Prologue:

Dawn slowly graced Perzorras' western continent, quiet shafts of light filtering down through the gauzy clouds turning them incandescent shades of scarlet and orange. It was 4:48 in the western district, the prison district. Under its deceptive glow, the soft amber marble shrouded in wispy clouds, was little more than a labour colony.

4:49. Eleven minutes until the work day began, when overseers from the Imperial Security Bureau and several volunteered regiments would parade the countless thousands of prisoners out from their cells and take a headcount: dispensing punishment or awarding proper 'rehabilitation' where they saw fit. It wasn't merely a place to remand the violent criminals of society, it was a place of forgetting: political prisoners, dissidents, non-compliant public figures, and even those held 'in trust of the state' would dot the registers along with petty thieves and scofflaws.

The last few off-worlder ships were slowly climbing into orbit ahead of the commencement of the Western district work day. Nameless freighters and contracted system skiffs shuttled the produce between districts while others would have to brave the cordon zones before jumping to a more hospitable system. And to facilitate that, the world was watched over by a single unchanging star in the western sky.

Far above the surface of the ISD Gloria hung like the sword of Damocles above the prison colony. It was an unwavering symbol of the Imperial Security Beuro's undisputed mastery of the planet. A half dozen lesser cruisers would streak through the heavens, twinkling satellites far below, but that one star was unchanging.

Captain Imshael Wolst looked at the large chronometer mounted on the bridge of his Star Destroyer. The mighty warship basked in the light of a new dawn which peeked out from beyond the horizon and slowly inched across the cool gunmetal floors towards the command dais.

The thirty year old Imperial officer's face was sallow and gaunt as if the flesh barely stretched over his high cheekbones and high brow. Yet he sighed, watching another freighter break away from the surface and meekly slip past the bow of the massive destroyer.

“Status.” Wolst said before clearing his throat.

“Sir,” The sensor officer chimed, “Code clearance passed. Freighter Ogopogo has been cleared.”

The captain nodded. “Very good. Adjutant, bring my tea and some of that canleon honey if you would.” Wolst shifted his weight and squinted while taking in the Perzorran sunrise.

A sudden crystal chime piqued his attention. “Sir, two contacts identified: Victory -class star destroyer Pegasus and modified frigate Raven have arrived near the old dock buoy. Distance to contacts is eighteen-point-three megalight and closing.”

“Peculiar.” Wolst sighed and held up a hand to the petty officer with the serving plate. “Open up a channel.”

There was a blip, a hiss, and the unmistakable sound of a rasping crackle. “Hackett, we've been over this. The ISB is beyond your current jurisdic-”

“This is acting captain Camlee of the VSD Pegasus . We have authorization to complete a prisoner transfer.”

The reply stymied any response from the gaunt man for a few moments. Wolst glanced back to the adjutant who shook his head. The captain bit his lip and slowly turned, eyeing the distant silver speck.

“Captain, we have no notification from the Sector authority or the governor about a prisoner transfer. Change course to heading zero-zero-zero and remain outside the cordon zone until we receive clearance codes.”

“I see.... standby for clearance.” Camlee intoned.

There was a series of blips preceding an unnerved yowl, “Sir, new contacts bearing zero-four-zero and closing. Fighter craft dropping out of hyperspace, Assault Gunboat class. Pegasus is launching fighters!”

Wolst blinked, rising from his seat and staring at the silver dot that was the Pegasus. His voice dropped to a gutteral snarl,“It's treason then, is it?”

There was a faint chortle in reply, “Might want to take a step back, I wouldn't want to have to hurt you. Prisoner L-one-one-two-five-seven, we're sending a shuttle to pick them up then we'll be off.”

“Over my dead body. Lieutenant, order first squadron into position. Engage any vessel attempting to bypass the cordon.”

The sensor officer piped up once more, but by then the telltale eldritch hues of ships dropping out of hyperspace could be seen streaking off the starboard bow, “Contact, thee more ships, EF76 Nebulon B-class frigate and two civilian marked CR90 corvettes. Numerous snub fighters, Z-95 and B-wing classes!”

Camlee' voice grated on the ISB officer's nerves, “Well, that's not how I'd want it, but I bet they'd oblige.”

Wolst was on his feet and striding over to his communications officer, while spouting off at a slight clip, “Comms officer, dispatch all garrison fighters and bring the squadron into formation. Now!”

...

Far below on the mustering fields of Perzorras' prisons spread across the western district, dozens of officers checked their lists for the day-to-day to commence. Few noticed that the ever-watchful star that had remained immobile above the world had moved for the first time in years.

...

Player's note: This one is a little different, we finally got our group back together, set everything up, lo and behold, camera died and I wasn't using my phone. I'll hunt around to see if any of our group took any pictures worth posting. But yeah. Anyway, our 'battle 2' for this little mini-arc is a little bit different, notably because we have 3 people playing 2 vs. 1.

Our 'Coalition' raiders included my two opponents versus me, each of them with 250 points and me with 500. The 'drain' for them was still having 2 admirals which we concluded as fair given the potential for having the 'best of both worlds' though I'm not sure a VSD II can be called 'best'. Anyway, we had that, and made it clear that the two forces may not benefit from each others special rules (IE, Gallant Haven affecting an allied TIE interceptor,).

We also sliiiightly tweaked the mission just a smidge to fit the theme. More on that below.

Thanks to FoaS of course for the KDY application to prettify my groups random mission ramblings.

ISB Briefing:

......

Firebase Aswalgo: T-2

++Start mission briefing log: Firebase Aswalgo FB-3-0119-0458++

“ Alright pilots, we only have time to go over this once. As of o'four-fifty hours the cordon ha been broached and an enemy fleet has arrived in-system. Presumably, they intend to ferry out criminals to destabilize the region. We can't let that happen.

C-and-C has identified three key approach vectors that the enemy fleet will almost certainly utilize to ferry in their strike forces and commando units. That's the key, controlling these approach vectors will cut off the number of ground-attack forces will be hitting our western district complexes. AA can't hope to knock all of those birds down if they come in force and anything bigger than a tramp freighter will probably still have enough wind to knock out our guys on the ground.

Key in these coordinates and shoot down anything that comes at you, don't give them an inch!

ISD Gloria , and Protector squadron are already forming up and Flight group Guardian scrambled two minutes ago.

Chief Wens? They're good to go?

Right! Flight group Fury, the TIEs are fuelled, so get a move on! Grab your garters and get to the gantries, let's go kill us some Rebs!” ++End log++

+++Order of battle+++

Imperial Security Beureau- Perzorras' 1 ^st Squadron

Imperial-I class Star Destroyer Gloria (18.)

Imperial Light Cruiser* Protector (14.)

Imperial Light Cruiser* Alert (2.)

Imperial Light Cruiser * Resolve (6.)

Imperial Raider I-class Corvette Monitor I (16.)

Flight group Fury: 4 Tie Ln flights led by Aestermon 'The Hound' Mynoe (4a, 4b, 8b, 20.)

Flight group Suppressor: 3 flights of Tie Sa (10a, 10b, 12a)

Flight group Guardian: 2 flights of Tie Ad (8a,12b)

*Rated Gladiator-II class Star Destroyer equivalency.

The Imperial Security Bureau's presence in the Perzorras system was significant thanks to the large assortment of labour camps and prisons which contributed a significant source of income and raw materials to the local governor. While reports of the facilities amounted to them being anarchistic states governed by prisoner's eking out their own miniature empires under vicious warlords, the facility was nominally separate from the protectionist blockade around the planet. From his flag under the ISD Gloria , Imshael Wolst was given complete control of the picket squadrons around the planets, and several firebases on the planet surface.

Renegade fleet “Blockade Buster, 2 ^nd unit”

EF76 Nebulon B escort frigate Ansuar (3.)

CR90a Ilchuss (15.)

CR90a Hecate II (17.)

Green Group: 2 flights of Z 95's purloined from the Port Eikron hangars. Led by Minnos 'Buster' Braum (11b, 21.)

Blue Group: 2 flights of B-wing fighters on loan from the Rebel Adamantine strike force. (7a,7b)

HWK-290 Pixous (11a)

Commander Audren's first assignment as the officer in charge of a task force was a difficult one: find a site of importance for the Imperial remnants in the outer reaches of the Ceknell subsector and eliminate it to create a public relations victory. Records of Captian Arboe's imprisonment were leaked to several Renegade agents who handed the intel off to Commadore Lylent. The plan was to ignite a potentially dangerous situation, or to escape as quickly as possible if both Imperial forces turned their attention to the task force. G-75 transports, YT-1300's, and a number of other freighters were scrounged up with a rearguard of CR-90 corvettes, though this secondary 'prison raid' fleet would not arrive until fifteen minutes after the operation commenced.

Fleet Captain Reylk's provisional forces- Pegasus Squadron

VSD-II Pegasus (13.)

M/Frg* Raven (1.)

Flight group Jinx- 2 flights of Assault Gunboats from Jinx Squadron. (9a,19.)

Flight group Predator- 3 flights of TIE Interceptors from the Cinder Knights. (5a,5b,9b)

The particular of Captain Camlee's actions were officially undisclosed following the incident, but the plan and objectives couldn't have been more certain. Prozerras prison complex included a number of high-ranking political figures opposed to Admiral Hackett, the Pegasus would provide the protection for an extraction force. It was this secondary force's job to extract Captain Arboe and any other significant figures that could be used to indict Hackett or offer open resistance against his rule as defacto military governor of the Ceknell Subsector.

++T-0++

Holopic footage of the battle has pinned down the exact position of the two opposing forces during the attempted prison break at Perzorras.

ISB fleet captain Wolst deployed most of his forces in two separate formations, a centre force and an eastern contingent. The Central task force created a long slow line abreast; anchored on the contingent's left flank by the ISD Gloria supported by the Imperial Light cruisers Alert and the Protector , and ended with the Raider-class corvette Monitor I. Both wings would advance at one-half speed while the Imperial Light Cruisers Protector and Alert would engage at one-third power to create an envelopment. Three Tie fighter flights from Fury squadron were deployed alongside the Monitor I , acting as a combat air patrol.

This central contingent had two main objectives:

1. Destroy the Renegade main contingent in detail.

2. Hold the Western Approach drop vector as well as the Station Approach drop vector to maintain the integrity of the Perzorras cordon zone.

Fleet Captain Wolst stationed a secondary strike force with a strong fighter contingent to guard the Eastern Approach drop vector. The force was centred around the Imperial Light Cruiser Resolve, a nd supported by Tie Advanced from flight group Guardian, Tie Bomber group Suppressor , and a Tie fighter flight under the direction of Group commander Braum.

This smaller detachment had only a single task assigned to it:

1. Contest the Eastern Approach drop vector for as long as possible; withdraw if circumstances necessitate.

While the detachment was deemed suitable for anti-pirate operations, or prison suppression, it was also rated as unsuitable to take and hold the approach against a concentrated frontal assault.

Captain Camlee's contingent generally remained separate from the Renegade forces during the battle, and may have been hampered by the gulf between two unsupported forces. The modified frigate Raven was stationed off the port side of the VSD Pegasus , poising it to interdict any attempts by lighter ships in Wolst's line to attempt to harass the slower Victory. Assault Gunboat group Jinx was given free reign to attack any targets of opportunity, and to disengage if required. The two flights from Jinx squadron formed up off the Raven' s port bow, positioning themselves and their slower attack craft to engage either of Wolst's ISB contingents. Meanwhile, Tie interceptors of fighter group Predator were positioned behind the industrial detritus field at point R.2 where they massed for immediate offensive counter air operations. Reports never indicated the presence of an enemy force twice their number.

Camlee's operational goals were as simple as they were specific:

1. Broach the Perzorras cordon zone and allow for a commando force to raid the Westerra prison complex to retrieve inmate Arboe.

2. If at all possible, open a viable assault lane for repeated targets on the western continent to maximize confusion and allow for an escape.

Commander Audren's raiding fleet was a very tightly knit group, principally built around the use of speed to maximize its firepower. It appears as if the echelon formation was created to form a 'weave' if need be, enabling each element to engage and slip through any blockade attempted. But the formation exited hyperspace off its mark and presented itself to the ISB forces as an eastward-aligned line abreast.

The Ansuar acted as the fleet's flagship, and formed the anchor element on the left flank of the fleet. CR90's Ilchess was stationed in the middle with Hecate II taking up the lead strike position. Fighter cover was centred in a loose net protecting the Ansuar.

Persuent of Lylent's orders, Audren had three primary tasks:

1. Escalate tensions and inflict significant losses, moral and materiel, on the Imperial forces in the region.

2. Disable or draw away the ISD contingent to make room for the follow up fleet.

3. Avoid confrontation and offer assistance to Camlee's attack force.

++T+1++

Under Captain Camlee's discretion, operation begin in earnest when VSD Pegasus breaches Perzorras' red-line cordon zone. Wolst's flagship ISD Gloria signals the start of his fleet's operations moments later by leading one pincer of the central task force's envelopment. Both Renegade CR90's turn sharply to port at flank speed, skirting the asteroid field at point L.2 and turning sharply to face the Gloria . The swift manoeuvres quickly render the Imperial Light Cruiser group in the middle of the formation without a clear goal other than containment. Tie fighter group Fury separates from the Monitor to act as a wide anti-figher screen in front of the Light Cruisers.

Audren's flagship, the Ansuar , increases to flank speed. Its trajectory situates it on a heading to engage the Monitor and approach the Western drop vector separate from the pair of corvettes.

Nearer to the Eastern Approach, the Pegasus completes launching of Tie interceptor group Predator. Predator group approaches the enemy fighters massed straggling alongside the ILC Resolve . The enemy fighters weren't massed together, and were spread between the R.1 point debris field and Perzorra's No.6 inspection station. Tie Advanced maintains a protective bulwark while Tie bomber group Suppressor musters behind.

ISB forces close all the drop vectors for the Perzorras' western continental prison complexes.

++T+2++

Modified Frigate Raven' s long range turbolasers rake the lead flight of Guardian s quadron, inflicting casualties on the tie advanced vanguard. The modified frigate then decelerates, yawing to port as it approaches the station's drop vector.

Guided by the Pegasus , Tie interceptor group Predator holds formation until ILC Resolve engages Pegasus at maximum range. Predator group rares past the ISB's fighter Vanguard, sewing havoc among the massing TIE bomber formations. Beta 1 and Beta 2 flights of Predator group run amok, destroying an entire flight of TIE Sa before the Suppressor bomber group can react. Beta 3 flight of Predator group engages the battered element of guardian flight but can't quite seem to destroy the battered Guardian vanguard. ISB fighter contingents are close to collapse before control can be re-established.

Near the Western Approach, the pair of Imperial light cruisers in Wolst's central task force continue their crawling advance. Gloria directs Fury squadron to eliminate the leading element of the Renegade snubfighter force, and the entire group is sent after 'Buster' Braum's lead Z-95 group. Despite a concentrated effort on the part of the ISB garrison forces, Resolve group finds itself bogged down in a dogfight against the slower but resilient Renegade craft. In the ensuing counter attacks, and aided by efforts of the Ansuar 's elite flight controllers, Braum's Z-95 group effectively destroys more than twice their number in Tie fighters, while a flight of heavy B-wing fighters engages Fury flight Alpha 3 at stand-off range with concussion missile. Fury group is effectively destroyed in its entirety ((Ref.#229.4 Rescue Operations).

ISD Gloria 's long range batteries impact across the shields of both Renegade corvettes, destabilizing the energy fields but leaving both vessels unscatched. Frigate Ansuar engages the Raider Monitor I , but a prepared crew brace for impact and negate the majority of the damage inflicted. Ansuar slows to cruising speed and engages starboard lateral thrusters.. Z-95's of Green group take up a position contesting the Western Approach now that all enemy fighters have been eliminated.

The thus-far unengaged Assault Gunboats of flight group Jinx choose this time to intervene on behalf of the Renegade forces. Banking hard and accelerating to attack speed, they begin their initial attack run on ISD Gloria. Long range torpedo runs yield mild damage as they impact on the Imperial-class's prow-shields.

Near the Eastern Approach, Predator group's initial offensive stalls. After an intense dogfight, ISB forces now under the command of group commander 'Hound' Mynoe dispatch the each flight of Tie interceptors one by one. The cost is high: many of the ISB flights sustain considerable damage in return as the nimble attack craft made them pay dearly for their efforts, but control is re-established of both the Station and Eastern Approach, though attrition rates among ISB pilots reach nearly fifty percent.

++T+3++

Renegade CR90 Hecate II takes the initiative, engaging ISD Gloria at point blank range with its turbolaser and laser cannon batteries. The corvette's light guns induce fluctuations on the prow and starboard capacitors but little else. Its wild acceleration draw it in the path of the Ansuar, triggering proximity alert klaxons and temporarily closing the Western Approach to any assault ships.

Near the eastern approach, ILC Resolve brackets the Pegasus with heavy concussion munition as it closes, causing complete shield collapse on the prow and starboard. A second salvo from point blank range causes complete shield failure and scars the Pegasus 's port gun batteries, destroying its targeting cogitator bank. Resolve slips past the Pegasus, trying to break off and disengage now that the IISB flagship appears to be floundering.

However, Resolve 's approach was ill-fated: even as the Light Cruiser slipped under the Victory-class's prow guns, targeting solutions were fed to the Raven' s gunnery crews who locked on to critical systems on the ageing Imperial vessels. As the Resolve began its yaw and increased its engine output, Raven opened fire. The first salvo from the Raven 's starboard side bypassed the weak stern deflectors of the Resolve , impacting its engine compartment and tracing missiles across the back of its control tower. Concentrated turbolaser fire mixed with advanced concussion missiles gouged out huge section's of the control tower, destroying its communications array leaving the vessel silent. The relentless barrage from the modified frigate left the Resolve listing out of control, engines firing uncontrolled as the Light Cruiser began to lose power. Pegasus' s weak stern battery put the light cruiser out of action, collapsing bulkheads in the unshielded engineering compartments and causing secondary explosions which rippled through the stern of the vessel, gutting Resolve' s stern and central compartments.

The Western approach sees a partial reversal in fortune for the Renegade forces. Wolst's ISB forces under Protector and Alert continue close coordination with the Gloria , waiting for the lead ship's signal before commencing long range bombardment. Gloria 's batteries lock on to Hecate II , and despite the corvettes impressive turn of speed, a torrent of fire stitches across its easily picked-out engine compartment. The smaller ship explodes as rippling explosions consume the entire vessel leaving nothing but a shattered debris field. Hecate II is lost with all hands. Gloria 's torrent of fire even catches the CR90 Ilchess , impacting its shields and collapsing them almost immediately. A stray shot knocks out the corvette's secondary reactor, causing a power drain and relay failure. Damage reports indicate no loss to main systems, but engineering teams are tied up manually rerouting and repairing a series of burn-outs and control system failures, spreading these teams thin across the ship.

Gloria 's tractor beam captures the Ansuar , bringing the renegade task force in line as the light cruisers close in. The signal was relayed from the Gloria to both Light Cruisers: open fire. Turbolasers from each heavy barbette mount wracks the sturdy escort frigate, shaking the vessel and buckling the port keel struts. All the while, flight crews relate targeting information from their main banks to its fighter escort. The target: Monitor I . Strafing runs from B-wings of Blue group swiftly puts Monitor I out of commission,

Renegade fighter craft and Camlee's Assault Gunboats continue uncoordinated bombing runs on ISD Gloria , despit the precarious position of being caught between a triangulated net of ISB capital ships.

The remaining Tie bombers of Suppressor group engage the Pegasus at the fringes of the Eastern Approach while Guardian flight engages the Raven . Rocket attacks from the Tie advanced impact against the starboard shields, causing the emitters to temporarily overload, leaving the section vulnerable. Group commander Mynoe's Tie fighter flight breaks off its attack and adjusts its heading. It would make contact with the ISB central task force, but for now, it took up positions near No.6 station until it could be relieved.

Renegade fighters still control most of the attention on the Western Approach, keeping the drop vectors open for as long as possible. But the Station Approach and Eastern Approaches remained closed as ISB fighter patrols protect what avenues they can.

++T+4++

Despite its impending doom, Renegade commander Audren orders his bridge staff to remain at their controls as all non-essential hands are given clearance to head to the escape pods. Fighter control continues their information assault on Gloria, picking out several key emitters that short circuited, leaving nearly undetectable fluctuations in the Gloria' s thus-far impregnable shields: Braum was selected for his expertise, launching the initial attack. Advanced proton torpedoes slipped through the Gloria' s shields, impacting on its weakened capacitors and detonating its primary bow shield projectors. Gloria 's shield splutter and collapse, leaving it open to the waves of inbound Renegade strike fighters.

Gloria 's targeting shifted dramatically as its shields collapsed. Most of its heavy weapons were temporarily slaved to the point-defense systems, creating a lattice of lethal fire. Braum is killed when turbolaser fire clips his Z-95 and sends it spiralling into the Gloria 's bow. Casualties soar as Renegade fighter flights enter the labyrinth of fire to engage the now vulnerable Star Destroyer. ILC Protector adds its firepower to the Gloria 's while ILC Alert is retasked: it's mission, seek and destroy. Audren's command ship is given priority by Alert' s commander, Captain Veignt.

The Alert engages the Nebulon B at close range, volleys from its heavy lasers causing an explosion in the Ansuar' s spine, shattering the support struts and splitting the vessel in half. As it sheds parts, the stern engineering and reactor compliment is struck again, forcing the reactors into a meltdown. The shockwave from the collapsing reactor core entirely shears the prow and stern, emergency bulkheads saving most of the forward compartments from the internal explosions that buckle its superstructure. What's left of the Ansuar is dragged into Perzorra's orbit (See. AL2.2441 Ansuar crash site recovery).

ILC Alert is ordered to pursue and engage the Ilchess while Protector escorts the ailing Gloria. In an eerie echo of Audren's final orders that occurred only moments before, Wolst orders his crew to the escape pods as the Rebel fighters target his vessel. The crew panics as word spreads among the staff, aided by the rocking impact as the B-wings of Blue group target and destroy the system's life support systems. Assault Gunboat group Jinx skims the surface of the Star Destroyer despite taking several losses. Close range torpedoes penetrate the Star Destroyer's durasteel hull and explode internally, setting off the port tibanna pumps causing an emergency venting before its holding tanks were breached. Five decks were vented into the void, and six more were immediately plunged into darkness as the relays cut all power to the starboard side to slow down any chain reactions. Gloria is put out of commission and set adrift, though it remains mostly intact. Protector remains alongside to conduct retrieval operations and suppress any Renegade fighters in the area. With the Gloria thought to be destroyed, and casualty rates spikes to more than 75%; a large number of Renegade fighters engage their hyperdrives, leaving the remaining ranks further depleted.

Near the No.6 Station, modified frigate Raven 's anti-snubfighter barrage drives off group commander Mynoe's Tie fighters and permanently grounds one flight of Te Advanced from Guardian squadron at No.6 station. The second element retreats to the exposed inspection hangars where work crews patch up any system that can be fixed. The ground crews extract wounded pilots, scavenge parts from downed aircraft and maintenance vehicles, and in several cases, volunteered for sorties with Guardian flight (see citations, AL.022). Despite devastating fire from the Raven , and numerous casualties inflicted on both air and ground crews, Guardian squadron remains operational, contesting the Station Approach with constant short-duration sorties.

Despite mounting casualties, the Renegades remain in control of the Western Approach, but due to the valiant efforts of Guardian squadron, the Station Approach is held by the Imperial Security Bureau’s forces and the Eastern Approach is contested by elements of Suppressor group.

++T+5++

The battle for the No.6 Inspection station proves to be a frenetic affair for the pilots of Guardian group. Modified Frigate Raven 's anti-ship battiers pelt the station's exposed superstructres, causing fires and significant damage, while its more accurate close in weapons systems train themselves on the numerous hangar bars and masking support struts that could shield Tie Advanced. More and more of the patchwork ISB fighters are put out of action, depleting the failing numbers until only a single fighter was left semi-operational, flown by the volunteer pilot Aldrik Zeen.

The Western Approach sees a dramatic reversal in fortune: aided by interlocking fields of fire, Protector and Alert 's effective anti-snubfighter patterns create an interlocking deathtrap. Few Renegade fighters that remained after the destruction of ISD Gloria were allowed to escape.

Tie bombers remained nominally in control of the Eastern Approach, but by now, the Western Approach is firmly in the hands of the ISB. Guardian squadron doggedly hangs on to the Station and its approach.

++T+6++

ISB group commander Mynoe's return to the central station was thwarted by the Raven 's auto-tracking turrets. The arrival of Ilchess only ensured that the station finally had to be abandoned by outside forces. Tie Advanced group Guardian , reduced to merely one fighter, finally loses control as the corvette Ilchess blocks the main hangar doors with its bulk, covered by modified Frigate Raven' s weapon batteries. No.6 station falls to the attacker's forces.

As the Pegasus makes its approach on the Western district prison yards, the ISB ships reform around the Gloria , ferrying survivors to safety. HWK Pixou s's hyperdrive was destroyed by the Protector 's forward batteries, and trailing fire destroyed the light freighter before it could descend to the planet below.

While the ISB forces nominally retain control of the Western and Eastern Approaches, the central station is held indefinitely by Camlee's forces.

+Result+

10 tokens for the ISB under Wolst. vs. 5 under the 'Coalition',

'Coalition' forces lost included the Frigate Ansuar , the corvette Hecate II , “Luke” Braum, 2 flights of B-wings, a flight of Z-95/X wings, and an HWK in addition to 3 Tie In flights.

The ISB garrison force lost the ISD Gloria , the ILC/GSD Resolve , 3 flights of Tie Ln, 1 Flight of Tie Ad, and 1 flight of Tie Sa.

The total came to 425 VP for the ISB and 410 for the Coalition. A 5-5 win for the ISB.

Take away:

a 3 person game is totally possible, and the inherent advantage of flexibility for dual-faction teams is reduced by the expenditure of an additional commander and a strict 1-1 alternation between multi-player teams. We orchestrated it that Camlee's command was the 'primary' figure, and was the default 'first choice' in each activation, but we gave the other 'coalition' player 3 chances to 'seize the initiative' and activate first if they wished. In retrospect, while it worked great and it was used twice in key circumstances, which all would have made the difference, it should have just been the player with the lower number of points in the coalition chooses who is first or second on the 'team'.

Overall, it was massively enjoyable... and now, back to tournaments. But I'm really hoping that we get a few more games in soon too.

Epilogue:

The Sentinel's engines screamed as the vehicle touched down amid a swirling eddy of dust and smoke on the rooftop of the prison complex Its dual laser cannons glowing white hot as the landing ramp hammered down on the old ferrocrete slab.

The Pegasus 's 29 ^th Navy armsmen squad rushed down the ramp to the dusty rock below. The olive uniforms studded with grey plates standing out distinctly against the sun-scorched adobe finish. In the center of the dozen guardsmen was a single officer, a black-lined stormcloak over her shoulders, peaked cap, and a heavy blaster pistol loosely held in her grasp.

Camleee glanced about for the briefest of moments before the sergeant pressed down on the back of her neck, shoving her into a crouch,

The burly sergeant squinted and knelt down, carbine brought up to his shoulder as he scanned the surrounding rooftops, “LZ isn't clear ma'am, keep your head down. Silver studs are blaster magne-”

The rest was drowned out by the holo-link spluttering to life, “Stand by, Breakout two-nine. Dust off in three... two...one... Lift off-”

The Sentinel's engines flared to life, buffeting the crenellated roof with its backwash and kicking up an impenetrable beige miasma of sand and ferrocrete powder.

“Stallion-six is airborne, resuming CAS formation. Happy hunting, Breakout two-nine.”

As the Imperial lander throttled up and climbed into the cerulean sky, Camlee chanced another glance at the surrounding rooftops of the compound albeit with more caution than last time. Five ruined towers jutted up from the outer wall, scoured black by cannon fire or pitted with flachette. The barrel of the NK-10 ion cannons sticking up like twisted monuments as their charred and holed barbettes vomited acrid black smoke which wafted over the compound's open yards.

A single recessed doorway marked with the Imperial medical corps sigil yawned in front of them. The sergeant wordlessly signalled a pair of troopers forward and turned his back on the door, eyes-scanning the surrounding rooftops.

The armsmen scurried towards the bastion-like edifice, quickly tapping on a keypad. A ruddy faced corporal called back, “Codes are changed and emergency protocols enabled. Going to have to use a datapick to hack this open.”

“ET?” Camlee called back as the sergeant unfaltering stared at one particular rooftop corner overlooking their landing pad.

“Can't say for certain ma'am,” He reached for the small black tool sachet on his belt. “forty, forty five seconds.” The second trooper next to him stared at the doorway, E-11 held across his chest like he was on parade.

Camlee nodded. One could push a crew enough to always expect the best of them, but to push them too far was to invite disaster. The young acting captain nipped the inside of her cheek, sucking on the pinprick of blood.

'She'd know where that line was'.

There was sounds elsewhere, other teams, stiffer resistance, maybe even inmates by the sound of the wailing klaxons to the east near a massive block-compound belching smoke from its upper floors. It was too far away for a stray missile-

The fine hairs on Camlee's neck prickled at some six-sense response as a tide of uneasiness crept over her. She twitched and turned, glancing at a bare spot along the crenellations twenty meters away. Something caught her attention, a metallic scrape barely audible over the row.

A shock of sandy hair and a white cap flitted across one of the tooth-like crenellations on the parapet. There was barely time to draw breath as the thick flared barrel of a crewed weapon poked its muzzle out between the ragged stone.

“E-web!”

Screaming torrents of crimson spat down from the opposing crenellation, turning rock to fine white powder as they lashed the rooftop at chest height.

Camlee threw herself flat as a trooper two paces closer to the door took the first bolt without warning. He was flung back and twisted unnaturally, the upper half of his chest charred to the bone. Two others were struck by the repeater blaster before the squad could hurl themselves to the ground or behind the slanted buttresses flanking the doorway.

The sergeant stuck close to Camlee, keeping her mostly shielded on the laser-swept landing pad. Already the crenellations were being chewed away as each blast pocked the aged building with fist sized craters.

“Squad two-nine, covering fire!” The sergeant popped his head up, E-11 spitting ruby bolts at the distant rooftop. Two or three other troopers obeyed, the howls of their carbines kicking up a racket, but it was nothing compared to the gale of return fire from the repeater cannon.

Ducking back into cover, Camlee unceremoniously scurried towards the door on all fours. The cloak swept behind her like a mop, hampering her every moments until she wrenched its clasp and tore it off before rolling into cover.

She found herself flopped over the boot of the corporal who had been working on the panel, now cowering in the lee of the ferrocrete buttress. Her heart pounded in her chest, her tongue felt as if it had turned to dust, yet evidently she wasn't alone; most of the inexperienced Arsmen huddled behind cover, clutching weapons in their white-knuckled grip.

'What would Arboe do?'

At that moment, trying to make sure her rum and heels were in cover so as not to get shot off, she felt very dissimilar to her former commander. Nevertheless, she rolled over and leaned against the buttress, checking the charge on her pistol. Slowly craning her head up above the precipice, a blaster bolt caught the of the ferrocrete a handbredth away, spitting up shards of rock as Camlee dropped back into cover.

Nervously, she saw a few of the others staring at her. Nerving herself up, she flashed a reckless grin, “E-web gettin' you down too, corporal?” Camlee awkwardly mumbled as she flicked the com-channel open.

The ruddy faced man cackled nervously as the Captain regained some of her former authoritative mien, “Stallion-six, this is Breakout two-nine. We're pinned on rooftop Eta-two. Requesting close air support on the rooftop corner directly to the south, distance: twenty meters.”

There was a momentary hiss of static.

“Copy Two-nine. Keep your heads down.”

The acting captain licked her chapped lips and whistled sharply, “Heads down!”

The sergeant and three others caught out on the platform did as she said as the booming roar of Cygnus ion engines rattled the rooftop. As ungainly as it appeared, the Sentinel banked hard at the other end of the compound, hanging in mid-air and awkwardly rolling on its side. The landing craft paused for a brief moment, then let fly at their harassers. Streams of laser bolts swept the rooftop, kicking up a dust cloud as it pulverized the ferrocrete, sending crumbled masonry cascading from its disintegrating bulwark to the yards below. The whistle of a concussion missile punctuated the chatter as the whole corner of the adjacent building disappeared in a curtain of flame and smoke.

The med-bay door opened a minute after the Sentinel had finished its work and even then Camlee couldn't be certain her hearing was ever going to go back to normal.

With a near-silent hiss, the dual doors lazily opened up onto a single downward sloping ramp. The sergeant went first, Camlee staying just behind along with the seven remaining soldiers of the squad. The lights flickered and dimmed as the compound was rocked by another explosion that rumbled through the floors. It was sturdy, but not invulnerable. The first room held nothing but empty gurneys, drawn curtains and grungy glass-walled tanks. The sour stench of spoiled bacta and cheap antiseptic hung thickly on the air, doubtlessly trying to hide another odious scent.

The grungy grey-green walls were crusted in streaks or rust and grey splotches. Painted medical charts moulded with discarded gauze and soiled linens. Row by row, the soldiers searched the abandoned room until one of the guardsmen seemed to find something in a darkened corner of the room. It was a doorway with blackened wire-glass windows looking into the next room.

The sergeant waited for the unit to assemble and ready themselves for an assault. The mechanically inclined corporal tinkered with the door panel before giving Camlee and the sergeant a nod.

On the other side of the wire-glass was a smaller room, lit by a central bank of flickering fluorescent rods, two white-clad ISB guards menaced a doorway on the other side of the room with their carbines. Little else could be glimpsed through the portal.

Camlee gave the order with a bob of her head. Hefting her pistol, the door rasped open.

“Drop your weapons!” she shouted the moment the doors creaked open.

One of the white-clan med turned on his heel, weapon tightening to his shoulder. Camlee's bolt took him high in the centre of his chest, leaving a small flickering flame as he slumped backwards. His companion immediately dropped his weapon, flinging his hands up and taking a step back as the squad stormed in.

Camlee strode in the middle of the tight knot of soldiers, spotting a small cadre of grey-clad medical staff watching in silence from the far side of the room. Half a score of them milled around like animals, looking skittish as half the soldiers in the squad held them at blaster point. The remaining guard was swiftly shoved to the ground.

Amidst the quick shuffle as the soldiers searched the smaller medbay, the blocked doorway's panel lighting changed from a ghostly red to a baleful green. With a slow rasp, the doors opened up into a flickering hallway. Camlee twisted, bringing her pistol to bear against whatever stepped through those doors.

It looked like nothing, a dark unlit hallway with a single flickering lamp at the far end. It took a full two seconds to recognize that there was a dark silhouette standing mid-way between themselves at what looked like some intersection a few dozen meters away, past the rows of unmarked doors.

There was a clip of boots against the hard surface as they approached.

“Halt!”

Camlee squinted down the sight of the barrel-heavy blaster pistol The figure was slim, but she noticed movement lurking in the shadows on either side of the more obvious figure as well.

The Sergeant lifted his carbine to his shoulder, “I sa-”

“Morning, Squirt. You finally made it to captain, didn't you?” The voice chortled, then quickly whistled. Camlee reached over, planting her hand firmly on the muzzle of the sergeant's blaster as her own pistol dipped towards the floor.

The tone was more than familiar, cocky, slightly 'off' and still jovial. “Cap'n!” Camlee's face lit up in recognition. It disappeared an instant later.

Stepping out into the light was a harsh looking woman dressed in the unsightly orange of an inmate's uniform, broken only by the low slung belt and high peaked hat of an ISB officer added to her apparel. She crooked a blaster rifle at her elbow, but her face was almost unrecognizable. Aside from an Imperial sigil branded onto her left cheek beneath an aurubesh number, she had a tribal black tattoo cut from her shaved scalp straight down the whole right side of her face, straight to her neck and evidently to her wrist. Lithe, even skeletal, she kept that glimmer in her eyes that made even the veteran sergeant edge back.

“Cap'n Arboe?” Camlee flinched, hesitating as she swayed forward then rocked back on her heels.

The doors to one or two of the rooms opened, more than two dozen ratty figures spilling into the hallway. Most wielded crude blades or mauls, a few had blasters, each looked like a lowlife press ganged from the dankest hovels of Nar Shadaa.

“I knew you'd do it.” Arboe stepped forward, resting a gaunt hand on Camlee's shoulder. It lasted for a second before she embraced her with a pat and rub on the back. “I knew it... good to see you Lieute... Captain Camlee.” With a breath, Arboe held the somewhat uncertain Lieutenant at arm's length.

Some of that reservation melted away as recognition dawned on most of the squad, despite the former-captain's barbaric appearance. Arboe smiled and slipped by Camlee, heading towards the nervous cabal of lab coat clad staff.

“We'll save the reunions for later. I do have one last thing that I have to do here.” Arboe stalked over to the group, rising on her toes as she rocked back and forth, “Hello Doctor Yvats, was it?” She flashed a crooked grin at a gaunt, impassive man near the front.

“I told you I wouldn't be staying here long, remember? Of course you do, 'course you do. Now-” she reached out, searching his breast pocket and bringing out a small silver and topaz rank bar. “I did say I would be getting this back, did I not? But what sort of person would I be, here, this is yours.” She took the hat off her shaved head and popped it jauntily on his. “Comandante, it's been a pleasure I'm sure.”

Arboe turned back to Camlee who kept looking between the still grim-faced man and one of the individuals skulking from the shadows. He was tall, masked, but the unmistakable tan fatigues were emblazoned with the Alliance Phoenix. A Rebel commando. Shouldering a light satchel, he tucked his blaster away and drew a pair of maglocked manacles from his pack.

Arboe merely gestured for Camlee to follow as she strode towards the door to the landing pad, arms crossed behind her back, loosely clutching her blaster in hand. “Doctor Yvat's is being modest: he's also the sector director of the medical sciences and experimentation division. Just don't go into the basements, that's where all the 'special treatment' took place.”

Camlee said nothing, though a few false starts did find their way to her lips. Arboe glanced back with a lopsided grin, “Don't worry Cammy. It wasn't all bad, I even made some new friends. And they just so happen to be friends of friends who are dying to meet you. And Admiral Kassik, of course.”

“They would have to be, ma'am.” Camlee muttered, gazing up at her former captain who rocked on the tips of her toes as she walked through the disused hospital ward. Camlee bit the inside of her lip again, trying to parse out what felt different about her commander.

I need to sit down and paint more. I think your one post has more then I have done in the past 2 months...

Paint, paint my good fellow! You're terrific at it and have so many things to show off too!

-laughs- then I guess I should put up just one of those fleets tomorrow to not make it 'one day overkill' eh? But tomorrow shall be a fleet, aye, that it shall be! And then another the day after, and the day after!

As for me, I work on commissions because it's more opportunities to paint stuff! Without it, I'd be either repainting all my own stuff again and again, or sitting on my hands waiting for Wave III to come out. As it is, I'm already back to painting X-wing stuff so yeah! But, I do have a VSD on order, and I'm pondering plans to make it a twin-engine VSD I modification. Just... having trouble pulling the trigger on an exact design.

Yaay!! I'm glad to see you back and active again huzzah! And some neat story-telling too. Good to see those light cruisers getting a bit of a workout haha

Fantastic work both painting and story/campaign wise.

Paint, paint my good fellow! You're terrific at it and have so many things to show off too!

-laughs- then I guess I should put up just one of those fleets tomorrow to not make it 'one day overkill' eh? But tomorrow shall be a fleet, aye, that it shall be! And then another the day after, and the day after!

As for me, I work on commissions because it's more opportunities to paint stuff! Without it, I'd be either repainting all my own stuff again and again, or sitting on my hands waiting for Wave III to come out. As it is, I'm already back to painting X-wing stuff so yeah! But, I do have a VSD on order, and I'm pondering plans to make it a twin-engine VSD I modification. Just... having trouble pulling the trigger on an exact design.

I do have tons of Mels stuff sitting here half done. I think my biggest delay was my sudden switch to 1/7000 scale for all my smaller ships. The flotilla rules are just fueling the fire...

That is a pretty big change then to 1/7000. Going with the Flotilla-esque look for CR90's and the like then? Detail on the 1/7000 still top notch? I've been looking over a few and I'm not quite sure what to make of them. Still love to see 'em mate

I need to pick up another Gozanti to use as an 'Assault' variant, but after that I'm starting to wonder. The Brah'tok (or however it's spelled) looks like an incredible chance to make into a flotilla.

Thanks mates, do appreciate it. I'll admit I was really missing Ceknell while the tournaments were running. But now with the Wave III flotilla news, I'm pretty excited on how this'll affect some low point raid scenarios. Might even get me into picking up an X-wing 'Imperial Assault Carrier'.

But, first of all, I did say I'd put up a fleet. So, here's the first one I'll likely put up another tomorrow, and another the day after that (with a few odds and ends on Friday if I get the chance).

...

Will of the Peoples “Vult Populii”

The Will of the Peoples was a composite fleet, made up of idealistic Alliance personnel and anti-Imperial volunteers backed by a professional corps of merchant guild soldiery. Under the auspice of House Agrippa, a Vendre Cluster merchant house of significant standings and abundant holdings, the Rebel fleet was based on the factory moon of Myrling in the Leatu system.

Alliance warships and outlaw clippers lurk among the aged industrial venting towers, moored in the deep rifts of the assembly plants, or are otherwise concealed from the prying eyes of Imperial spies. While Myrling might be a long way from Nar Shadda, it holds similar sway in the Vendre cluster, and is protected by a collection of guild fleets collectively known as 'the North Charter Fleet', the NCF.

S hips that wander into Agrippa's space that are wanted by the Imperial authorities are occasionally given new modification packages, masking, and forged identification signifiers to escape the Imperial garrisons stationed in the neighbouring sector. The cost of this 'service' can be extreme, and in many parts, ships are seized by Agrippa agents and forcefully forward to scrapyards. These yards often fall occasional prey to rogues, renegades, and pirates: more often than not, sponsored by House Agrippa itself. The deniability of possesing these vessels goes a long way in providing materiel in House Agrippa's aggressive campaign of self determination. And to this end, the Agrippan NCF vessels are tasked with the protection of these ships mid-transit, or their destruction if they become too great a liability.

With the Empire's resurgent push to establish sole dominance of the Corporate Sector authorities and the reversal of rights allotted to members of the Galactic senate, House Agrippa funds a number of cells, maintaining a respectable distance while carefully monitoring the situation. Though outwardly loyal to the Empire, the merchant house is a significant supporter of the Rebellion.

Modified Assault Frigate- Harbinger

Alternate Angle: Engines

Alternate Angle: Ventral Hangar

The Harbinger is the heart of the Agrippa NCF contingent in Myrling. Designed as a 'first of its class', the Harbinger -class frigate design was an improvement over the earlier lessons learned when constructing the Shrike -class frigates deployed with the Ceknell insurgency. While the Shrike was build with ready-to-use materials in order to maintain secrecy, the Harbinger was purpose built as a new line of ships that could be exported abroad by the Vendre shipyards.

The vessel's interior compartmentalization has been greatly revamped, reducing the crew needed to fully operate the ship at a mere 3,875, less than half what many similar ships require. The vessel does suffer from some lapses in personnel redundancy, but the demands are typically less which mitigates the fear of key personnel burnout. The vessel replaced the quad matrix lattice capacitors with a more efficient Dyntex C111 tangled double helix overlay energy couplers which distribute power through a variable surge system, capable of rapidly transferring large amounts of power to various systems including state of the art harmonic deflector shield emitters. While the system still hasn't been perfected against high intensity beams such as the XI7, the projectors still offer a sizable performance boost over contemporary emitters while the vessel can also syphon power through its capacitors, into the turbolaser relays, supplementing ts already considerable firepower.

The vessel was tested in combat several times against raiders and warmongering seperatists in several systems within the Vendre cluster, and while the Harbinger shows some damage as a result of clever traps and close calls, the vessel has an unblemished service record thus far. Captained by the stalwart 'mister' Alwarn Dyves, the veteran commander skilled against pirates. But his skills have never been put to the test against Imperials, which may yet lay in his future if the ruse is ever discovered.

Nebulon B- Dark Omen

Alternate Angle: Stern

The Dark Omen is a standard EF76 Nebulon B Frigate. Once called the tribune, it was part of the system garrison fleet under the fledgeling empire before the military-wide revitiliztion and reorganization plot. The smaller system defence forces were absorbed into the Merchant Guild House fleet under the Vendre Trade Charter. The charter allowed the use of a select tonnage of Imperial vessels which were transferred from the local yards to the house guild fleets, provided all repairs, maintenence, and necessities would be paid by the guild in full. The Dark Omen is typical of this practice, despite it being one of the largest vessels in the sector to be transferred in this way.

The Dark Omen is typical of the escort frigate itself. Used mainly as a patrol and response craft, the Dark Omen has acted as a local enforcer of House Agrippa's will on the sector, chasing off pirates, protecting sensitive cargo, and acting as a liaison for Imperial delegations. Locally, when the Dark Omen is spotted entering a system, it's usually on executive orders to exercise authority on behalf of House Agrippa. Its captain, Lucillus Maux, aims to keep it that way. The aloof and reclusive commander has kept a leash on the crew of the Dark Omen , and as such its reputation a faceless shadow of the House Lords has been secured for a decade.

CR90-Animus

Alternate Angle: Starboard

Alternate Angle: WIP Corvettes

The CR-90 Animus is one of many Vendre series M/CR90 corvettes at station through the guild flotilla. While it is technically classified as a conversion kit under its own trade limitations and recognized by many members of the Corporate Sector, the Corellian Engineering Corporate has registered complaints about the Vendre M/CR90, arguing it is an unlicensed replication of their principle corvette line.

Like many others of the Vendre flotilla, the Animus is an upgunned corvette designed to operate in groups as part of a dedicated assault unit or independently as a chase and destroy vessel. Vendre's high yield drive cores typically output more raw power than the stock Corellian CR90 models. Unfortunately, its hyperdrive is considered second class compared to the Corellian ships despite the oversized reactor. Stress on its frame is minimized by strengthening the exterior support spans, and several layers of ablative corrodenum coating improves its effective protection by confusing the targeting systems on most vessels.

The Animus itself is one of the first production run of upgunned M/CR90, and has a brutal reputation for pirate and mercenary suppression. Built with its oversized reactor partially extending into the ventral barbette, the vessel's armoured core offsets the energy output levelled into its engines, making it slower than many top of the line Corellian models. But the Animus's heavier armament have let it exchange shots with other similar sized vessels and emerge as the clear victor.

Under Captain Giseppe, the Animus served in the NCF during the Clan Antollue campaign where it was credited for destroying the CR-70 Gorgon and the CR-90 Ptolemic . An Imperial observer remarked on record that it 'contributed to the destruction of a EF76 Nebulon B appropriated by the pirate clan'. Giseppe's actions led to a spike in orders for the Vendre CR90. Currently it is in contention with the Corellian Engineering Corporation's CR92a for several Imperial Navy contracts.

CR90- Portent

Alternate Angle: Port

Alternate Angle: Stern

Like the Animus , the Portent is another in the M/CR-90 series, and sports just as many modifications. The Portent was only active 8 months prior to the outbreak of the Ceknell rebellion, but has accrewed a number of battle honours against the Delorite Pirate Gang in the Corbidan system. It has a reputation of being quick and dangerous, possessing a number of high variability sensor suites for multi-spectrum communications and electronics warfare capabilities. The exact nature or origin of its ECM suite is unknown, and barring specific Imperial contractual disclosure agreements, will likely not come to light until the M/CR90 mk.II version is available to purchase.

The Portent is a proof of concept ship, sporting a heavily reinforced barbette ring, a specially fitted 'quick rig' that can handle a number of Vendre produced modular components fitted directly over its primary power couplers and relay systems. Engineering space is minimized by the additional support spars, but the new 'Intuition' series of rapid interface allow for replacing damaged core components within 30 minutes, and allows for an emergency release to activate in the event of a core breach, improving safety for the crew.

The Portent had displayed compatibility with the Vendre barbette emplacements, but all of its known operations have sported a secondary conning tower and control suite for directing the actions of other vessels around it. Acting as a control and communications ship, the Portent is a significant asset to the Vendre guilds and House Agrippa in particular, both in terms of tactical flexibility and a powerful proof of concept to perspective buyers.

YT-1300 “Sabaton”

Alternate Angle: Engines

House Agrippa maintains a large fleet of light freighters, and the YT-1300 Sabaton is quite alike any other. The vessel has something of a close history with the Harbinger , having acted as a drydock ferry and resupply vesel during fleet trials. As such, the Sabaton has become something of a favoured mascot for the far larger warship.

Few things set the Sabaton apart on first glimpse: it has a double sealed cargo hold for use in storing dangerous goods, and an upgraded heavy laser cannon turret with heavy repeater blasters installed for use against pirate crafts or light starfighters. While capable of taking on a handfull of Imerial picket fighters, the Sabaton is anything but a dedicated warship, though with its overly ambitious and particularly eager pilot, Rashon Sachaives, some of the technical limitations have been mitigated by a dose of healthy opportunistic aggression.

Rashon built a reputation over 6 years, by flying some of the longer distanced and highest risk light freight jobs that the guild house ever had. From Kuat to Anoat, and all along the rimward spires, Rashon has conducted guild business while instating many of the plans decided by the House lords. Several close calls with the Imperial authorities near Nar Shadda quickly convinced Rashon to turn his skills as a smuggler into a legitimate practice as a courier and transporter for diplomatic level affairs. As such, the Sabaton remains with the NCF.

HWK-290 “Lightspeed”

Among the less ethical agents of House Agrippa is Aho Kaed, a silvertongued Twi'lek. Known as an information broker and occasional arms trafficker, his HWK-290 Lightspeed fell into the service of House Agrippa after an arms deal selling plans for the prototype V-19 Starfang fighter. Ever since, Aho Kaed has been one of the few elements of the House that has the independence to make a name for himself while staying in their steady employ.

The Lightspeed has a number of modifications rarely found on the market. Its powerplant has been upgraded with several perloined KDY series solar cell couplers jury rigged to a full body piezeoelectric toggle. The 'switch' is activated by a high G-force turn which puts out a burst signal transmission, confusing most sensors and targeting systems on a tight turn, showing the vessel flying in several other directions. Coupled with an ID spoof and 'screamer' field to blot out the presence of other vessels in the immediate vicinity, the Lightspeed is a particularly slippery fighter. Used primarily as a blockade runner and covert courier, the vessel sacrifices any advantages to remain protected, rather than to make itself more of a threat.

Kaed's current interest in the NCF and station there is currently unknown.

H6- “Flightmaster”

The H6 Scrugg in the employ of House Agrippa is a price piece and suspected research project into slowly replecating technology to produce their own line of strike-bomber. The H6 itself has no designation, but for more than five years the ship has been given to the individual with the rank of 'Flightmaster of House Agrippa'; the title acting as an indicator of the leader of all House Agrippa's fighter squadrons.

The current Flightmaster is the fighter Ace Vin Morant, a middle aged human with as many replaced parts as his fighter. Vin Morant was suspected to be a separatist Mandalorian from the late Republic era, participating in the clone war as an agent for the Confederacy of Independent Systems under the Techno Union army. After his fighter was destroyed on Tanzak, he had an eye and several fingers replaced, eschewing organic tissue replacement in favour or additional mechanical interfaces. From there, the list of battlefield injuries greatly increased and now he barely resembles the human he once was.

Morant is as close to a savant as House Agrippa has been able to cultivate he himself has gained the moniker 'the Iron Beast' as much for his cold and calculated mien as the mechandrites and replacement limbs. There have been few in the service of the guild who have participated and lead as many victories as the current flightmaster, and rumours persist that the mechanical augmentation is to artificially extend his lifespan to keep him in indefinite service to House Agrippa.

Y-wing- Kazerin Wardogs

The Kazerin Wardogs are another unit that exemplifies the reorganization of the military following the end of the Clone War. The unit, once the 998 ^th , was a Republic fighter group that fought under Jedi master Amshel during the pursuit of the Separatist fleet from Courescant. Amshel was killed during the 'Jedi purge' and the unit was left stranded far on the outer rim, their Arc-170's in desperate need of replacement and supplies running low. Even before the official disbandment, the unit under their leader, Major Tassus, was selling their services to the highest bidder.

Fifteen years later, they had made a name for themselves in the Sujimis sector, but settled themselves into the Vendre cluster and its neighbouring system. Despite the supposed betrayal of the Empire and the disbandment of the 998 ^th , the Wardogs have a very close relationship with both the Imperial authorities in the Sujimis sector and the local Vendre Lords defence fleets. Stationed in a number of chapter houses throughout the region, the mercenary unit can count itself as a small fleet and a recognizable asset in the region due to its formidable size and organization. Brutal, professional, and ruthless, the Kazerin Wardogs are a formidable asset in the employ of any who can afford their services.

The Wardogs ' 4 ^th and 5 ^th flight group is currently stationed with the NCF at Myrling. Outfitted with top of the line modified BTL-4Y-wings, they form a solid strike group adept at shooting down enemy pilots and exceptional as a first-strike team against capital ships and hard targets.

Loving the low-viz y-wings: I'll have to steal that one!

Wow! There are not enough emoticons in the whole world to throw at this fleet Vykes. Stunning!

Seriously impressive work. Seriously. Jaw-dropping detail in both paint job and background. Most impressive.

Been loving the story arc your been doing. Everytime I see an update I'm hopeing it's more. Still waiting for what happened to Fleet-Captain Reylk in The Azora Schism.

Go for it DUR! I know I was a little surprised how well the low viz 'grey' squadron turned out. It was surprising but it aaaalmost tipped me into painting up my X-wing squadron along the same lines. Almost. -laughs- it does look great. -sighs, debating another rebel fighter pack, though I have no use for even more X-wings).

Thanks HoundsTooth, KryatDragon -laughs- They are a ton of fun to paint and I'm happy with how it turned out. The solid colours were really a bit of a surprise for me as I just haven't had to do anything like it in a while I'm just glad it turned out. Background wise -laughs- I was working on this just -just- before the Rebels episode focusing on the mining Guild. All I could think was 'Well... it was original sounding till today. Frig'

And thanks in particular Salted Diamond. I typically don't get to hear too many people mention background so it's really good to hear too. Honestly, it's one of the big things for me that keeps my attention for quite some time... but I'm almost shocked. I did actually update the first part of the Azora Schism and it seems it never actually posted. Now I'm wondering if it didn't post, or it ended up elsewhere and confused a few people. Iiii'll quickly check around and see where that one went too. Either way, should be up on Friday then

And for our second fleet of the week, the Mon-cals.

Alliance Strike Group: Task Force Falcariae

Alternate Angle: Base Coat WIP

Unsurprisingly, Myrling was chosen by the Rebel Alliance to act as a site to berth a new Alliance strike group: task force Falcariae . Centred around the eponymous MC80 Star Cruiser, the strike group consists of two newly constructed frigates and several flights of Alliance starfighters. It was theorized that a small mobile force could use the cover of the industrial world to conceal itself from the Imperial authorities after intervening in neighbouring sectors. With the abundance of Mon Calamari cruise liners on Myrling, such ships could hide in plain sight.

The fleet's first actions weren't against the empire, but as a rescue for a large number of Dolphite people fleeting from a system-wide civil war. The task force intervened long enough to rescue several freighters of survivors after an orbital station was destroyed, then embarked for Myrling with more than 2,500 refugees spread across 3 ships.

Mc80- “Adamantine Star” ( Falcariae )

Painter's note: Goooonna quickly look around for a few more shots of this one, just need to get my SSD card back. Anyhow, yeah, Even including my MC80a, this is my favourite MC series ship I've painted.

Alternate Angle: Port

The Falcariae is the heart of the strike group and its primary assault carrier. Derived from the Mon Calamari phrase for an 'enduring star' or 'Adamantine Star', it too was originally a luxury liner built in the Dac shipyards. Considerable effort was taken when retrofitting the Falcariae for combat, yet its first task led it to taking on more than 2,000 refugees from the Noh Dolphas civil war. Now, with one of its main flight decks converted to community housing for off-worlders, it is a focal point for anti-propaganda messages and even recruiting. The unintended benefit has been that the ship now appears more like a cruise liner on Imperial security scans than a warship.

Nevertheless, the ship has been outfitted with a strong drive core and powerful thrusters, allowing the ship an impressive and surprising degree of mobility. The extended hangars and machine shops have been converted back for civilian use, but it has led to an increase in the number of full-time on duty crew can be spared for a myriad of tasks. The Falcariae has kept most of its weapon batteries disguised and internalized through gunports that appeared as standard apertures.

While many of these have resulted in tell-tale benefits to the ship, the most divisive element is its F&T prototype linear accelerator for launching its starfighters. Seen as a reversal of the standard Imperial tractor beam technology, the F&T works to swiftly slingshot a readied fighter out of the fighter bay at a greater speed than it could normally manage. In theory, it would allow for swift deployment of the group of A-wing and B-wing starfighters. But the accelerator is prone to breakdown and despite initial trials, failed to accelerate the lighter A-wing fighters in a more noticeable fashion. Likewise, B-wings still had to return on their own power, which made deployment quick but added nothing to recovery times. Often referred to disparagingly as 'finicky & tedious' among other more unsavoury terms, it remains an overworked and underachieving element of the system.

Nevertheless, under the leadership of the irrepressible Calamari Captain Berkat, the ship operates smoothly and the task force has yet to see significant losses or exceptional difficulties. Thought of as a 'lucky' individual, Berkat led the delegation to take in the Dolphite population and settle them as defacto crew on the ship. Perpetually optimistic and well spoken, Berkat represents the local face of the Rebel movement as a sincere altruistic force for change.

MC30c- “Riptide” (Reyla)

Alternate Angle: Stern

One of the two sister Mon Calamari Frigates, the Riptide served through a large number of military-suitability tests even before the leadership of Dac decided to aid the Rebellion. While much of the information on conversion feasibility was done on other lines of the venerable MC30 cargo hauler, the Riptide was built on the same keel and fitted from the ground up with systems that could aid in defences against pirates and mercenaries. While later stripped down and rebuilt around its old frame, the Riptide was still a closely guarded vessel until the first reports of Mon Calamari complicity with the Rebellion surfaced.

Since then, the Riptide has been pitted against outlaw clans and acted as a Q-ship for a number of cargo hauling companies with strong Mon Calamari connections. With its records a secret, and many crew having been cylcled to other craft to train recruits for the Mc30's role as a warship, there is little confirmation of its greatest feat: the destruction of the Dreadnought Akra under captain Reisba.

Reisba still emphatically insists that the destruction of the Akra was what made the MC30c justify its coniderable cost and prove itself as a concept, though the reality is that the MC30c program had already been approved and was well underway by the time of the alleged Akra incident. Stony and often sullen, Reisba is a competent captain, but neither approachable or exceptional in any notable facet.

MC30C “Justiciar” (Mon Rowan)

The Justiciar is the newest sister ship to the Riptide , both of them having their keel laid down at the Dac station 3 facility. Work was sped up on the Riptide while the Justiciar took a longer approach and was finished more than a year later. As such, the Justiciar is a true MC30c warship, custom fitted and designed strictly for combat, rather than formed in a transitional way like the Riptide .

Fast, efficient, but still slow on high speed turns, the Justiciar displays all the hallmarks of its emergent class. Its array of rapid-reloading drum fed concussion missile launchers carried over from earlier transitional models, and internal mounting brackets were reinforced to protect key critical systems better than some earlier models. Nevertheless, the frigate had little exposure to combat, and has only seen action against the Delphite Sindera army when their older R-41 starchasers launched torpedo salvos against her.

Despite the lack of combat experience from captain and crew alike, the Justiciar has the awkward title of being the only purpose built warship in the task force. Captained by the Mon Calamari Ymoth, she has made several overtures about 'redeeming the dignity' of the Justiciar through combat after a less than ideal showing against the Delphite attack.

A wings- Savage Squadron

The A-wing group known as Savage Squadron are one of the two principle parties that make up Red Group stationed aboard the Falcariae . With a history stretching back to Garm Bel Iblis's initial acceptance of the Alliance cause, they may not be a particularly old unit but they are considered veterans. Savage Squadron were originally a group of pilots in a mix of Z-95's and R-22's under Admiral Iblis, and the unit proudly displays the 'legacy' even though not one of its members can say to be from the original squadron. Now equipped with A-wing starfighters, the unit is the primary interdiction and blocker force for the fleet.

With actions spanning most of the length and breadth of the Outer Rim territories, Savage Squadron has seen its fair share of combat and was the ideal choice to protect and intercept enemy actions against the task force. During the Non Delphos incident, they repeatedly held off attacks from T-wings and Z-95's, destroying more than two score of fighters for the loss of just two A-wing fighters. With 20-1 odds in their favour, it has done little to mute the boastful nature of their squadron. Far from it, their leader Akane 'Deep Red' has held it as proof of superiority and a portent of things to come.

B-wings- Razor Squadron

Painter's note: Alright, I admit it, I'm getting better at the Dagger stripes and I'm more than happy about how the markings turned out. B-wings still look a little bit weird to me, and aren't my favourite Rebel fighter, but they are a ton of fun to paint!

Alternate Angle: Aft

In stark contrast to the legacy roots of Savage Squadron , the second constituent part of Red Group is Razor Squadron . Razor Squadron 's primary source of pilots came from a disaffected Fondoran Imperial garrison. Trained on TIE bombers and well drilled in the Imperial academy, this unit was merged with other volunteer pilots who met a strict vetting process, all to fly the new B-wing starfighter.

The unit has seen service just once under their commander “Tem” Temninus, but the former Imperial Navy commander has more than a decade of service and acted with many of the Imperial pilots during the early stages of the Empire's formation. Temninus's Razor flight performed admirably but undeniably coldly during the No Dophite incident: while Savage Squadron acted as a bulwark against hostile fighter squadrons, Razor held back until the majority of the Dolphite Sindera fighters were engaged. They quickly pounced on the various light frigates and outdated corvettes that made up the Sindera attack force, destroying two corvettes and mauling their frigate before the Sinderans broke off their attack.

Vykes this stuff is simply superb, this stuff makes me want to paint, it is very inspirational.

Thanks a ton mate, if it can be an inspiration for even one person, then my job's already done What can I say, painting is just a plain ol' positive pursuit in my books.

Awesome stuff Vykes.

Vykes, for your ISD, did you air brush or hand paint them?

Nicw work Vykes. Your killing me.

The 1/7000 scale in most of it is just as good. Obviously modded where required to not break but over all the effect is great, and the detail is awesome for the small size.

I have no words. You are up there as the BEST Armada painter right now. You should stream yourself painting sometime so we can see you work.

Thanks CheesyRobMan, I do try!

Well Cruiser, it's actually a bit of a mix, but for the most part they're hand-brushed. If you'd like I can put up a picture tutorial of an ILC which essentially shows my usual approach for Imperial ships. That, or wait for my VSD-I mod thing that I'll probably do. (long story short, I handbrush all the grey, add a tint via airbrush, and then it's back to the brush to even it out).

But Wes, I can't be guilty of killing someone! I'm far too young and pretty for prison! -laughs- I've got a fair bit of spare time right now so I guess I do get to paint more than most. But you do have some of the prettiest models around from Mel, so there. Hmmmm, I miiiight have to look into getting a pair of small 1/7000 Tartans as flotillas. The designs for those ships are neat, but the size has never been that convincing, so it could very well be worth it even if It does seem as if it were back to painting BFG again.

Hmm, I think I might just be one of the most prodigious painters in Armada right now, maybe not the most prestigious. I can name a few candidates for 'Best Armada painter', maybe we should hold some sort of awards show: Admiral's Choice Awards , 'A Black TIE Event', etc. But many thanks all the same, mate! Hmmm live streams are basically impossible but a youtube stream might eventually be possible. We'll have to see about that one, eh? Neat idea, very neat idea.

Rebel Evacuation Fleet: Sullust

Despite allegations of widespread support, the Rebellion hasn't found traction in every regions, some have even ended in disaster. The Sullisti first 'liberation' movement was one such incident. When Rebel agents infiltrated the sector, they reported that the people strongly supported the Empire and would rise up against the Imperial garrison. A fleet was created, troops were raised, and supplies were readied for the insurrection at the Imperial-held shipyards. The uprising never happened.

Whether support was not as widespread as believed, the Empire's hold too strong, or the Sallusti upper echelon were satisfied with the Imperial policy, the Alliance forces that landed as a liberation force were cut to pieces on the molten plains while the fleet was smashed in orbit. Few ships escaped, and one of the few gains couldn't even be properly celebrated due to the debacle.

Led by the stolen EF76 Nebulon B escort frigate, the small flotilla of CR90's now reel from the defeat as they slowly seek to rebuild the shattered fleet. Under the aegis of the Dantooine Rebels, and with an understanding from the Alliance representative in Captain Berkat, the evacuation fleet makes its way towards Vendre space to take refuge among the dense star cluster.

Nebulon B- Concordat

Painter's note: We decided on a sort of 'patchwork' look for the Nebulon B as it seemed both close enough to the Imperial colour scheme to look stolen, and far enough to be unique (I later went back and painted my own Nebulon B to be completely Imperial sooo you can see the differences if you flip back a page). It was fun, using a lot of different little colours, and toying with more of the rusty mix. Can't wait to try the same thing on some G-75's!

Alternate Angle: Starboard

The EF76 Nebulon B Concordat is the solitary war prize of the Sullusti expedition. The far ranging escort frigate with a minimal fighter escort was docking for refit at the time of the assault, and its skeleton crew were overwhelmed by a Rebel assault force from the Assault Frigate Deliverance. The Concordat broke its moorings and joined the fleet just as the Imperial forces started to react. The Concordat was originally a Sallusti patrol ship but after a close-call by an Imperial Light Cruiser at Ghollard II near Dantooine, the Concordat was forced to flee after drawing too much attention.

Currently the Concordat is the flagship of the evacuation fleet under bravet-commodore Tynsing. Then captain Tynsing transferred his flag from the Tempest IV after proving his seniority from among the few remaining officers. An elderly ex-merchantman, Tynsing has taken the Concordat and ensured its safety as a lynchpin command craft from which to both guard and supply the remainder of the tattered Alliance fleet. Seen as ultimately meek and overly cautious, the Concordat's primary systems have been patched to repair damage but sport no major modifications due to supply and crew suitability issues, given that much of its command staff have been gleaned from the two CR-90 corvettes that survived the engagement.

In its current condition, the Concordat is a patchwork escort craft that serves its role s a stand off pocket carrier and command vessel under the venerable captain, but more aggressive posturing has been rendered nearly impossible without support.

CR90- Tempest IV

The Tempest IV had a long and immaculate history prior to the first Sallusti disaster. It could be counted as one of the original ships pledged to the Alliance by Garm Bel Iblis, and has been involved in a number of alterations with Imperial pickets and battlelines but has managed to slip away each time. The ship's survival may be attributed in part by its exceptional capability as a blackade runner and raider rather than dedicated gunship.

It mounts a powerful full spectrum sensor suite capable of intercepting and broadcasting system wide messages with relative ease. However, because of the lack of suitable crew, the system systems tend to be running at less than optimal levels, and will until the current crew can find replacements and familiarize them with the somewhat peculiar systems. Otherwise, the Corellian CR90 is unaltered from its stock state, and with minimal outside modifications, it blends in as a merchant ship in most systems.

When Captain Tynsing relinquished command, it had to be handed down to a warrent officer, Amagel Rondor of Tattoine. Much of the veteran sensor and communication crew were transferred to the Concordat, leaving an understrengthed and overworked crew in the hands of an untested commander. While the captain's zeal is considerable, she hasn't been called upon to test the abilities of the vessel in a meaningful way. As such, the Tempest IV remains a 'midguard' ship to guard the Concordat while the Razorback acts as a long-ranging craft. A fact that Amagel has protested publicly about on numerous occasions, bringing a degree of tension between commanders.

CR90- Razorback

Painter's note: And this is what happens when you take the Rebel's Liberty CR90 and switch the blue for Red. I'll admit, I think it looks shockingly different from the original ship even if it's a pattern match. The Dark Thrusters (Disney, probably) were particuarly interesting as I don't think I've gone that deep in colour for a regular hull component before. I'm a fan.

The Razorback was originally a CR90 gunship built under contract from CorSec by the Tenpani navel yard. Its service history was impeccable up until docking at Dantooine where a freak core spike caused an explosion in its reactor control core, causing massive structural damage to the aft of the vessel. Thought to be unsalvageable, the safety shearing spars prevented the minor explosion from reaching the majority of the crew compartment but rendered the ship suitable for little more than scrap. Providentially, the Dantooine rebel cell had taken in an older refit M/CR70 that had lost most of its bridge in a meteor shower. The rear half of the refit CR70 was married to the fore of the Razorback, creating a single hybrid ship considered 'lucky' by its crew.

The Razorback's larger extended CR70 engines were coupled by the Corellian refit reactor core, giving the vessel a higher peak sublight speed than many others in its size class, but its temperamental CR70 Legacy series capacitors have otherwise limited its adaptability. Nevertheless, it acts as the fleet's supply and scouting ship, having guided them from a number of ambushes and fled from Imperial routine patrols after giving warning to the Concordat.

Commanded by Captain Leth, the ship often is seen as ranking second to the Concordat in some unofficial hierarchy. Leth has courted this distinction, and may very well be the cause due to the nature of the missions assigned to the ship. Leth is also the second senior most figure in the fleet after Tynsing.

X-wings Dantooine Falcons

One of the most glaring issues for the evacuation fleet was their absolute lack of fighter cover. All of the engaged fighter groups were either shot down or scattered. As the fleet neared Dantooine, an X-wing fighter group unilaterally decided that the evacuation fleet needed protection, and departed from their hangars. Since then, the Dantooine unit, the Falcons, have been the protection force needed by the small, patchwork fleet.

The Falcons are a newer unit made up of headstrong recruits and a number of cadets from the local Imperial academy. As a unit, they work poorly together due to a caustic blend of insubordination and headstrong optimism, but have proved themselves exceptionally daring against the Imperial Navy.

Holo vids have shown many of the unit's pilots display incredible reaction times and an unerring preternatural ability to judge distances for dangerous maneuverings. Their brazen demeanour and cavalier attitude towards risk has seen them more often rewarded then punished. Rumours persist that the Falcon's are all recruited from 'force sensitive' mystics, children of ancient Jedi that escaped the fall of Courescant, or are otherwise inspired by other forms of the ancient force mysticism. Those rumours are almost universally rejected, and a more plausible explanation has been offered by some in the Falcon's own ranks, “only a fool can shine while chasing a wild bantha.”

Under their current commander Joss Martez, the Falcon's gallant attitude and blatant disregard has become even more pronounced than under their former leader. The fighters have been redecorated in brighter colours, with more personal variation including internal and external 'microart' to be applied. The unit is well known for being an exceptional escort, and it's reflected in the high regard in which they are held, but Alliance tacticians have consistently complained about the lack of discipline and the callous dismissal of plans in favour of spur-of-the-moment heroics.

YT-2400 “Satira”

Piloted by the young ex-spice trader Khett “Red Shepherd” Jovin, the Satira is a relatively unremarkable ship on first inspection. Jovin's ship is a typical YT-2400 with a close-in targeting computer salvaged from a Tartan-class patrol ship. With just a few slight modifications, the 'Red Shepherd' was a scourge to local militia groups as he traded spice with a number of criminal syndicates and to several research institutes for experimental purposes. Jovin has since fallen out of favour with his criminal network but remains a general purpose courier and smuggler.

Jovin unofficially joined the Rebel cause when the Sullusti evacuation fleet was menced by a long range militia patrol piloting aged R-41 starchasers. With the aid of the uatomated targeter and a loadout of advanced homing concussion missiles, the potential strike disitigrated before it was launched against the undefended corvettes. Jovin was officially contracted to provide a degree of protection for the fleet from Salllusti space to Dantooine where the Falcons would pick up the escort duty, but Jovin has stayed on as an unpaid 'asset', slipping through mission critical supplies and messages in systems too guarded for the fleet to openly visit.

Good natured and ultimately philanthropic, Jovin quickly became something of a guardian and friendly outside perspective in the empty war rooms held on the Concordat, and acts as the fleet's primary agent in external affairs. Thus, while not officially joining the Rebel Alliance, Jovin has become a close confidante and respected member of the group, even though he holds no particular stake and can claim no seniority.

...

And that's it for the last fleet this week. I've actually had these done for a while but I wanted to get in the conclusion for the Azora Schism as well before any of these fleet or any others show up in future story lines. Still, tomorrow we'll have a few more odds and ends (and I'll likely update the Part 1 of Reylk's Trap with a conclusion edit, just to keep that all together. I've yet to find out where in net-space that reply went too).

Painting comp or just a show off could be cool.

I find it hard sometimes to paint when I am always working on the rules end of things but I have enjoyed it a great deal. When I get a chance I will post some of the 1/7000 scale stuff in detail shots next to stock Armada models. I think the only thing not making them totally goofy next to the Rogues is the base size however. Either way I love the in-scale idea.

That would be kinda cool, eh? I am pretty glad we have the painter's thread, though I wonder if we could ever work up a painter's challenge thread. Hmmm. -ponders that-

Aye, you do a ton of work on the custom rules side of things so that counts as a plausible excuse Seriously, yeah that is true. I don't have to deal with much on that front, just a few mission splices here and there while remembering who 'the Missile Boat' is (IG88, always IG88).

I'd love to see some of the 1/7000 stuff. I always did wonder about how it looked with 1/7000 ships and fighters next to one another. Stock Armada has always had that sliding scale that just sorta fit, even if it wasn't right. So I'm always semi-skeptical of accurate 1/7000 fleets because I like my fighters so much.

... I need that Agrippa fleet in my collection...