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Having played through Japan in Victoria II, the idea of modding HOI IV is now striking me as completely unpalatable. I will be continuing conflicts that would arise from the post-Victoria II world in Grognard Strategic Simulation Game, "The Operational Art of War IV". Since this is a continuation thread, I will not be explaining a whole lot. Here is a link to the old thread. We jump immediately into The South African-Zulu Conflict In 1934, due to increasing economic crunches due to a falling global stock market, the nations of South Africa, Oranje, and Zulu are at a crossroads. Their allies and those with colonial interests Japan, Germany, and Scandinavia are watching the conflict that is about to break out on the borders of these nations with great car. Oranje-South African diamond mines, as well as Zulu coal make this area highly desirable. Facing an energy crisis, South Africa believes they must strike at Zulu coal mines with haste. Oranje is pro-South Africa, as is Japan. Scandinavia is pro-Oranje, and Germany is pro-Zulu. Divisions will be claimed later, as well as pre-war actions. However, in the meantime, you must declare yourself for a nation. South Africa  (Yes, this flag doesn't make much sense.) Stats Military: 70,000 Infantry, 70 Tanks, 15 Planes, 9 Ships Government: Constitutional Monarchy Head of State: Pieter I Alliances: Japan (Mutual Defense, Japan will not help in offensive war) Short information: Founded after the Japanese defeat of the British Empire in the mid-1800s, South Africa has been tied to Japanese foreign policy ever since. Although the king is an Afrikaner, the British outnumber the Boers, and the Boers resent that greatly. Civil war is possible soon. South Africa needs coal to sustain industrialization in the interior, and is running short. Zulu  Stats Military: 64,000 Infantry, 5 Tanks, 0 Planes, 4 Ships Government: Absolute Monarchy Head of State: Cyprian Bhekuzulu kaSolomon Alliances: Germany (Clandestine, open support only if Zulu regime at risk) Short Information: Having protected their independence and westernized, the Zulu regime has been attempting to grow and industrialize, the slow movement of the absolute monarchy, as well as lack of investment by the great powers of the era leave the Zulus with an understrength military. Germany is keen to invest soon in the Zulus however, seeing Zulu as a bulwark against Japanese expansionism. Oranje  Stats Military: 26,000 Infantry, 2 Tanks, 0 Planes, 0 Ships Government: Dictatorship Head of State: Andreis Coetzee Alliances: Scandinavia holds Oranje as essentially a junior partner. Short Information: Having struggled to industrialize, and watching their brothers-in-arms Transvaal be incorporated into the Scandinavian Empire, Oranje is poor, has a small military, and a very angry population who want revenge towards anything that moves. Although their anger is pointed at the Zulu, Oranje could possibly be bribed into fighting against South Africa as part of a greater Boer rebellion. To sign on as part of the General Staff for a nation, which entails 1. Your voting and decision making counts only for your country. 2. Your suggestions will be incorporated into decision making 3. Your own unit in the game as a General 4. If you do not wish to be a General but part of a voting body or "senate", specify so. Post the flag of the nation you wish to represent A suitable name (Afrikaans/English for South Africa, Afrikaans for Oranje, isiZulu for...Zulu. You can also be a foreign advisor to these nations, but then the order goes Japanese, Scandinavian, and German). Personality (Brave, glory hound, cautious, scholarly, or whatever you feel is appropriate short summation of character) Divisions, squadrons, and flotillas will be handed out after pre-war decision making is done.  This is a map. Unit composition, location, and even the map itself is subject to change. This however is an approximation of where we will be fighting (or maybe not?) Top Hats Monthly fucked around with this message at 09:51 on Apr 17, 2018 |
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Apr 16, 2018 23:56
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For the Cyprian!
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Apr 17, 2018 00:41
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Koppen Laksekjønn a Scandinavian advisor known for his aggressive tendencies and a proponent of manuever warfare(competency not guranteed).
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Apr 17, 2018 00:53
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General Vanilla Mint reporting in. The nephew of the famous, deceased Japanese commander of Special Force Ichi, Vanilla Aishito. Unlike Aishito who was 50% Japanese and 50% Dutch, Mint is 100% Dutch who was born in the Netherlands during the first World War and received military training in the Netherlands. Vanilla Mint is pro-Boer if a civil war were to happen. Although he idolizes Aishito, he is brave, but not a glory hound.
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Apr 17, 2018 05:11
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Foreign Advisor-General Tatsuya Kowareta is signing up to aid this valuable Japanese ally. His aggressive nature and policies seek to ensure a clean and rapid victory! ShootaBoy fucked around with this message at 07:39 on Apr 17, 2018 |
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Apr 17, 2018 07:28
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As you continue to sign up for nations, the pre-war situation is based around Victory Points. Zulu starts at a default win because of their political objectives are to retain independence and control of the coal mines. (You can only vote for who you pledge allegiance to). Higher VP costs mean that more must be captured in order to win, or for Zulu, total defense must be ensured. You can suggest or pitch anything outside of these pre-defined categories, but make sure to account for victory costs. ZULU PREWAR DECISIONS (You can select any combination, or just one. Or none at all.) Spend 25VPs expanding the police, and German deniable assets. Police units will be formed in uMgungundlovu, Maseru, Fort Shaka, and eThekwini. These will be civil police units, but the extra bodies may stem the South African tide. A light German recon unit will be deployed in the north. Spend 50VPs expanding the Fort Shaka fortifications on the South African border This will expand Fort Shaka five hexes, making it substantially larger, while also allowing for more units to start in "war footing". The price for this is extremely steep though politically, and will make South African victory much easier if the line falls, as they do not have to capture as much territory. Fixed garrison units will appear across the border. These are immobile fortifications. Spend 100 VPs expanding the army This is a massive investment that will immediately make this scenario a draw if neither side can take territory, but will result in certain Zulu defeat if any territory is captured. This modernization program will include a new armored division, aircraft, a marine infantry division, and artillery battalions. Spend 150 VPs on flipping the Boers The South African armies will start massively understrength, and Oranje will be neutral in the conflict with the Zulus and biased against South Africa. This is an EXTREMELY powerful option, but almost complete capture of South Africa is required for a victory. Scandinavian intervention forces will have a 50/50 chance of intervening for or against Oranje depending on the situation. Spend ??? VPs on political concessions This will result in a diplomatic meeting between South African players and Zulu players. Post if you are interested in being a diplomat and you will bargain for a peaceful resolution to this conflict. The cost in VPs will vary by the final agreement and who gets the better deal. If no agreement is made, war begins. SOUTH AFRICAN PREWAR DECISIONS Spend 25VPs on a group of Japanese advisors Japanese advisors will increase the theater reconnaissance of South Africa, giving the South African military a much better idea of what is going on. Spend 50VPs expanding the air arm Purchased Scandinavian and Japanese air designs will make the air force significantly stronger and able to intercept ships, supplies, and do direct combat support. This will add a few more squadrons to the RSAAF. Spend 50VPs on "new" ships South Africa can buy two outdated cruisers from Japan. This will make the South African navy tower over the Zulu navy. Spend 100VPs on Oranje-South Africa border concessions South Africa can concede parts of the border off map in exchange for Oranje contributing to the conflict from the get go, rather than if Zulu forces approach their borders. This force is two Oranje cavalry divisions, Oranje Gendarmie, and three units of pro-South Africa Boer guerillas behind Zulu lines. If both South Africa and Zulu select this option in numbers, the scenario changes into a double civil war. ORANJE PRE-WAR DECISIONS Oranje is not in control of their destiny, but Oranje players can vote if their allegiances lie with South Africa, or against it. This will have many hidden effects. Top Hats Monthly fucked around with this message at 12:39 on Apr 17, 2018 |
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Apr 17, 2018 12:36
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My vote is for allying against South africa unless we get border concessions.
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Apr 17, 2018 14:06
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General Kagiso is prepared to defend his homeland! I vote for Spend 150 VPs on flipping the Boers, if for no other reason than I'm hoping for the double civil war option where three foreign powers are also intervening, and no one is exactly sure who's on their side outside their immediate squad.
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Apr 17, 2018 14:29
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General Henrik Botha, a learned man with training abroad at a Japanese military academy, is ready to serve his country. Spend 100VPs on Oranje-South Africa border concessions. Our industry doesn't require hundreds of square miles of savannahs, we need coal, and that's in Zululand. Also totally willing to meet at the negotiating table with any Zulu representatives willing to find a more peaceful solution to this crisis.
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Apr 17, 2018 15:36
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Great Powers of the 1930s The United States of America Military: 950,000 Infantry, 650 Tanks, 800 Planes, 170 Warships Government: Republic Head of State: Herbert Hoover Alliances: Brazil, Liberia Short Information: America's extreme isolation from European affairs has led to them fighting no major wars against European or Asian powers in the entirety of the period from 1836-1930, barring a brief low intensity conflict against the Ottoman Empire in the late 1800s. Their colonial empire is massive in Africa, and the US has a large military. One that has never been tested. The United Kingdom Military: 450,000 Infantry, 200 Tanks, 400 Planes, 210 Warships Government: Constitutional Monarchy (Socialist) Head of State: George V Alliances: Germany, the Netherlands Short Information: Having fought in many wars throughout the last century, the United Kingdom has had great gains and suffered horrible defeats. It has complete control over India and Canada, but conflicts with Japan led to the shrinking of the Empire in Africa and Oceania. Her allegiances lie with the continental powers of Germany and the Netherlands. The UK has claimed Normandy back into the British crown. Germany Military: 900,000 Infantry, 650 Tanks, 380 Planes, 90 Warships Government: Constitutional Monarchy (Liberal) Head of State: Wilhelm II Alliances: United Kingdom Short Information: Germany was formed in the late 1800s and early 1900s by the Prussian crown. Although Germany has had many great successes, control of central Europe has been rather tenuous, as Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Wurttemburg all believe themselves to be the real "Emperor of the Germans". Germany has been suffering from communist uprisings in the 1910s and 20s, but has put most of them down. Japan Military: 800,000 Infantry, 150 Tanks, 650 Planes, 250 Warships Government: Constitutional Monarchy (Fascist) Head of State: Hirohito Alliances: Scandinavia, South Africa, Brazil, Persia Short Information: The upstart and rising power of the 1800s, Japan has carved a massive colonial empire, controlling parts of China, Australia, Indonesia, India, and the Suez. Japan has enjoyed great success and her old rival, Russia, has been obliterated. However, failure to gain much out of the wars that have gripped Japan in the past few decades have led to a rise in fascism. The socialists and fascists seem poised to start shooting each other any second... France Military: 250,000 Infantry, 70 Tanks, 300 Planes, 50 Warships Government: Democracy (Liberal) Head of State: Albert Lebrun Alliances: Austria-Hungary Short Information: Although having suffered bitter defeats to the Germans, Dutch, British, and Japanese, France has not led the flames of liberalism be snuffed out entirely. France remains a democracy, albeit severely weakened. Their alliance with Austria-Hungary is a pragmatic one, anything that will annoy the Germans and British. Industry, despite years of warfare, is still the largest in the world. Austria-Hungary Infantry: 400,000 Infantry, 20 Tanks, 180 Planes, 20 Warships Government: Prussian Constitutionalism Head of State: Otto von Habsburg Alliances: France Short Information: After years of turmoil, Austria-Hungary has found its footing. Although with low rates of literacy and glacial paces of industrialization, Austria-Hungary has found itself not terribly damaged by war, but facing a stiff reality should they not prepare for threats from all directions. Scandinavia Infantry: 500,000 Infantry, 180 Tanks, 200 Planes, 70 Warships Government: Constitutional Monarchy (Conservative) Head of State: Gustaf V, Christian X (Disputed) Alliances: Japan, Ottoman Empire Short Information: Scandinavia, unified, controls all of the Nordic regions, as well as parts of former Russia. Although low in population, Scandinavia is highly technically advanced and has some of the best fortress structures in the world. However, defeat to Germany led a puppet Denmark that was forcibly reintegrated, causing tension as Christian X claims to be the Emperor of Scandinavia, while Gustaf V has formal power. Netherlands Infantry: 900,000 Infantry, 30 Tanks, 300 Planes, 170 Warships Government: Constitutional Monarchy (Liberal) Head of State: Wilhelmina Alliances: United Kingdom Short Information: Possessing the largest army in the world in terms of soldier to regular citizen ratio, the Netherlands has guarded their independence and reincorporated Belgium. Their military strength means that they have a relatively low level of people working in factories, and not that much colonial territory, much of it taken by the Japanese. The Netherlands is allied with the UK, but is uncomfortable with German expansionism. Top Hats Monthly fucked around with this message at 21:25 on Apr 17, 2018 |
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Apr 17, 2018 19:18
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General Mnguni votes to spend 150 VPs on flipping the Boers because you know, could be nice
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Apr 17, 2018 21:50
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25 VP on militarising the police. Because when has giving a bunch of civvies guns ever gone wrong, I ask you? Edit: What happens if Zulu vote to flip the Boers, but the Boers vote to go against SA anyhow?
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Apr 18, 2018 01:39
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Veloxyll posted:25 VP on militarising the police. Because when has giving a bunch of civvies guns ever gone wrong, I ask you? A lot of chaos.
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Apr 18, 2018 06:09
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Generaal van Hoogewezen is ready to lead his South African infantry division to glory!
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Apr 18, 2018 08:05
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If no further leaders or votes occur in four hours the scenario begins!
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Apr 18, 2018 18:50
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General Peter Van Doorn signing up for duty, his focus on defensive tactics and morale will be big boost for the infantry.
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Apr 18, 2018 19:11
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so the current tally for the pre-war options is: Zulu Flip the Boers: 2/3 votes (2 yes, 1 abstain) South Africa Border Concessions 1/5 votes (one yes, four abstains) Oranje Ally against SA in the event of no border concessions 1/1 votes (one yes). I'm just pointing this out for the south african players who I presume don't want to get smashed.
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Apr 18, 2018 23:40
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Stairmaster posted:so the current tally for the pre-war options is: Realistically I'm for both Border Concessions and for upping the SA airforce but I'm not sure quite how many VPs we've got to work with here, or if we can go into negatives or anything so I only recommended one proposal.
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Apr 19, 2018 00:08
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It's probably too late now but I would rather expand the wing arms for South Africa.
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Apr 19, 2018 02:45
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I’ll allow it, compile results and design the scenario
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Apr 19, 2018 12:47
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Is it too late to sign up? If not, Sebastian Krige, a compassionate man with a low opinion of modern industrialized warfare, joined the army because that's what his father and grandfather and great-grandfather did(not all for the same country), has a 'slight' drinking problem that may intensify in the coming months. A proponent of infiltration tactics, bypassing and encircling enemy strong-points via stealth and surprise rather than massed artillery.
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Apr 20, 2018 00:07
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I am currently running behind on scenario design as the scenario has gotten a bit larger and I need to do extensive playtesting. This starting scenario is a good way to get semi-familiar with NATO symbols and more complex symbols. Prelude to war Before the war began, large sacrifices were made by all the sides of the conflict. South Africa gave some land to Oranje for their promise of support, of which they agreed. However, Oranje also made back channel deals with Zulu for control of South African diamond mines should war breakout. Oranje was a very lose cannon, but all signs pointed towards Oranje joining the Zulu. Many members of Coetzee's inner-circle found this type of treachery to be beyond what they would accept. Slowly, they drew their plans against him. South Africa spent hard earned cash on expanding the Royal South African Air Force. New monoplane designs were purchased from the United Kingdom and from Japan. This meant that South Africa had total control of the air, plus dedicated air superiority plane designs. However, their coffers were spent and the Boer population of South Africa was slowly turning against their masters. King Cyprian realized that the gap between South Africa and Zulu had widened to the point where a possible war could result in Zulu's total annexation. He devised a plan and handed it to his Generals. Operation Isiphepho King kaSolomon sent the plan to his Generals via courier, to avoid telegraph signals from being tapped. The plan involved attacking King Pieter I at his ocean retreat house near Coffee Bay. Despite the increasing tensions, Pieter I demanded that he be allowed to go to his cabin. This story somehow ended up in the papers of Cape Town, and despite his security's extreme urging, the King departed anyway. King kaSolomon knew that the King was not well liked. Not by his relatives and not by the people. The only people who liked him were his guard, and even that was only because he signed their quite handsome checks. A decapitation strike could possibly result in a guaranteed civil war, rather than having to wait on the one that was already brewing. The security detail knew that an attack was coming, but they did not know whether it was from the East or West forest (the previous King, Adem I, planted a beautiful forest around the cabin), or possibly from the South via the sea. Whatever the case, they knew attack was possibly coming, but the King, once again in his hubris, wanted a minimal security detail. 20 guards are available, with 1 senior commander South African Generals, first come first served on who gets to be the leader unit. MAP: Yes, it sucks, I had a great map in QGIS but I either forgot to save or it failed to save properly because I can't find it. I threw a few hours in the trash for that so I had to use MSPaint. Once again, sorry it sucks.  (The purple flag represents King Pieter)  This is the leader of the close protection (CLP).  This icon represents a unit of six bodyguards, armed with rifles and pistols.  This unit represents a sniper.  This unit represents a dog.  This is the King's boat. Unmanned.  This is the King's car. South African commanders, you get to decide how you will organize your defense. Zulu can enter from either side or from the ocean. Their strength is unknown. This is how you submit your defensive orders. South African Commander posted:Close Protection Leader: Stationed by King in cabin You can either PM me orders, or send them to this email japanlpsa@gmail.com I already have a Zulu player who will give orders. I am not showing Zulu units because the level and strength must be a surprise. Notes on the combat system I have devised a series of RNG and dice rolls to decide if a unit gets spotted, hit, or destroyed.
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Apr 20, 2018 20:00
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I guess I'm first?
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Apr 20, 2018 21:25
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Darn, beat me to it Vanilla. Will work on security proposal to submit a bit later today.
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Apr 20, 2018 22:08
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*in a really south african voice* I suggest you put the car in the lake!
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Apr 20, 2018 22:15
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Stairmaster posted:*in a really south african voice* I suggest you put the car in the lake! We put the car on the boat, in the lake, with a dog driving and a sniper in the trunk. Brilliant!
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Apr 20, 2018 22:40
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What if we put the car on top of the boat in the lake with the sniper and dog in it.
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Apr 20, 2018 22:40
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Oh poo poo, I just noticed we made the exact same shitpost at the same time South Africa is gonna win boys, our teamwork is already at the top
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Apr 21, 2018 15:29
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Vanilla Mint Ice posted:Oh poo poo, I just noticed we made the exact same shitpost at the same time That's that SA mindmeld is what it is. I fully trust your tactical skills at defending the king with that kind of innovative thinking. As a note for THM, you mentioned we have a total of 20 guards, so that's 20 total, not 20 groups of guards correct? Do we have a specific limit on the amount of any particular unit being used other than that dogs have to have a minimum of 1 person with each of them and that guards are in bunches of 6? scavy131 fucked around with this message at 16:13 on Apr 21, 2018 |
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Apr 21, 2018 16:11
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 After three days at the retreat, the King finally relented and prepared to go home. General Vanilla Mint, head of operational forces in South Africa, was assigned to guard King Pieter, but resented the job. He wanted more men, armor, and light artillery for operations of this nature, but it seemed the King was more willing to spend money on fancy eggs made of gold and another jewel for his crown. Whatever the cause, he remained loyal to Pieter and carried out his duties diligently. He ordered his units to take up defensive positions after receiving word of strange movements of Zulu military forces. They must be prepared to evacuate at anytime. At 6PM on Sunday, they decided to evacuate. However, the evacuation plans were slowed by a myriad of problems. Terrible weather had blown in, including heavy thunderstorms. The Royal Transport was bogged down and they had to wait another 12 hours for the road out to dry. For all of Pieter's wasteful conveniences, he wanted to keep his cabin rural. General Kagiso of the Zulu had other plans however. As the storms and night rolled in his troops readied themselves for battles. They had a grueling trek by sea and overland, masquerading as simple fishermen before dumping their ship 20 kilometers from the site of the cabin. They decided a seaborne invasion would be too risky. Their plan was simple: Go through the Eastern forest, saturate the Royal Cabin with mortar fire, and let nobody escape. The only capturing they could do would be of the King, but if he ran, they had to neutralize him. Dice Rolls posted:Weather: 1d20=1 (!), Severe Thunderstorm South African Unit Positioning Bodyguard Unit 1: Guard Shack Sgt. Badenhorst Cpl. Bilgnault Cpl. Theron Pvt. De Beer Pvt. Van den Heuvel Pvt. Hertzog Bodyguard Unit 2: Eastern Forest Sgt. Steenkamp Cpl. Fourie Cpl. Verwoerd Pvt. Van Schoor Pvt. Van Ryneveld Pvt. Pietersen Bodyguard Unit 3: Western Forest Sgt. Malan Cpl. Van den Berg Cpl. Botha Pvt. Klerk Pvt. Kruger Pvt. Blaauw Dog: Western Forest Sgt. Heuning Close Protection Leader: Major General Mint Zulu unit positioning All located in West forest. Names are hidden until killed or captured, due to the secrecy of the operation, no names are known except for: Sniper Lt. Buthelezi (Veteran sniper of the Zulu-Scandinavian war of 1899. Considered the best shot in all of Africa) Commanding Officer General Kagiso The new NATO symbol you see is a mortar unit. Turns will be 30 seconds each. Dice rolls, RNG, and statistics I have wrote will decide units fate. These are the first shots of the South African-Zulu conflict.
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Apr 21, 2018 21:21
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With only one shot Buthelezi will decide the fate of this war. Forward! 
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Apr 21, 2018 21:34
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Good to know we only had one dog for distribution, because I was gonna have literally everyone have a dog on one hand. A true case of One Man, One Dog. King gets a dog, snipers get dogs, looks like a dog-walkers convention.
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Apr 23, 2018 16:04
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