Go and devastate the klingon planets like they did yours the rats.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Monday, September 23, 2019 - 08:18 am: Edit

They are getting closer and closer to doing just that. The Feds are probably going to kill a couple Romulan BATS this turn, and they are pushing closer and closer to the the interior or Klingon space. There will probably be a flurry of Coalition death in the next few turns.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Thursday, September 26, 2019 - 04:05 pm: Edit

AT31

Combat keeps raging!

The Coalition managed to keep hold of planet 0718 at the cost of 3 or 4 x-ships killed; the Hydrans could have kept fighting for longer, as they had plenty of fighters to burn up, but once the Lyrans were out of small x-ships to kill, they decided the trade off wasn't worth it.

In Kzinti space, the Klingons held onto planets 1504 and 1506.

In Fed space, the Feds are currently fighting over planet 2715; both sides have a lot of ships, x-ships, fighters/PFs, and a high compot (in the first round, the Feds were at 136 compot, the Coalition were at 154).

On the Romulan front, the Feds fought an approach round over BATS 4110, retreating after a round where the Romulans rolled up.

Numerous fights to go.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Sunday, September 29, 2019 - 08:26 pm: Edit

AT31

Jason is out of town for a week, so we are in stasis.

As of press time, the Coalition have lost 21 ships (of which 4 are X-ships); the Alliance have lost 12 ships (of which 1 is an X-ship).

The Alliance are currently paused fighting over planet 2715 (where they will probably retreat as soon as Jason gets back after a round of combat; the Klingons have a lot of ships and a compot of, like, 150+ due to B10 and X-ships; the Feds have a significant, but smaller fleet and not that many fighters).

After that, there are 4 fights left to go; including the Fed attacking Romulan BATS 4010--the Romulans at BATS 4110 retreated there, and they have a significant force. The Feds and Gorns will likely liberate planet 3707 from the Romulans, and the Gorn will likely liberate planet 4705 as well.

Alliance have rolled an average of 3.6 so far this turn; the Coalition have rolled an average of 3.2.

Romulans made 8 out of 15 (i.e. 53%) of their cloaked evasions.

Combat to continue shortly!

By Gregory S Flusche (Vandor) on Monday, September 30, 2019 - 05:54 pm: Edit

Cool

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, October 05, 2019 - 08:20 am: Edit

AT31

Jason is back from his trip.

The Fed unsurprisingly retreated from Lyran held planet 2715 after one round (the B10 and a bunch of X ships showed up to defend it), leaving it in Lyran hands.

The Fed are currently fighting Romulans in an approach in front of BATS 4010, but given the lines in question and the first round damage, the Feds will probably leave after the one round. They can regroup and certainly come back later.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Monday, October 07, 2019 - 06:53 pm: Edit

AT31

The last few fights are underway!

In 1603, a mob of Kzinti will kill some Coalition FF; the Coalition will kill a Kzinti FF, and then they will run. Over planet 3706, a 140 point Fed force full of X ships is going to chase some Romulans away--they have held this planet for 6+ turns. In Gorn space, the Gorn will likely chase the Romulans off of planet 4705, which they have held for, probably, 5 years+.

Combat is almost over!

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Tuesday, October 08, 2019 - 03:31 pm: Edit

AT31

Combat is over!

In Hydran space, the Hydrans failed to take back planet 0718, but they still have both 0416 and 0519, control of most of Western Hydran space, and a strong map presence.

In Kzinti space, the Kzinti took back planets 1105 and 1802, control most of their space, and only don't control planet 1504 of their original planets.

In Fed space, the Feds recaptured planets 2214, 2610, 3415, and 3706. The only planets in Fed space currently held by the Coalition are 2715 and 3711. The Fed have pushed the Coalition back to the edges of Fed space, and are poised to strike back significantly next turn.

In Gorn space, the Gorn took back planet 4705, and now control all original Gorn planets and most of Gorn space. The Romulans now only hold planet 4309 in the original NZ.

Ships Killed:
-LYR: 3DWX, STJ, CL, FF
-KLI: D5X, 2D5, 6E4
-ROM: SKX, 2SP, SEE, 5SEH, SN

-ZIN: CM, DWE, FKE, FF
-HYD: 2AH, CU, SC
-FED: DDX, FFX, 2NCL, FFE, FF
-GRN: BD, DD

25 dead Coalition, 16 dead Alliance.

The Alliance rolled an average of 3.36; the Coalition rolled an average of 3.07.

The Romulans only made about half of their cloaked evasion rolls this turn.

By Ted Fay (Catwhoeatsphoto) on Tuesday, October 08, 2019 - 04:08 pm: Edit

Sounds like the Alliance is slowly gaining ground, though of course Coalition should take some of that stuff back on CT32.

Almost game over!

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Wednesday, October 09, 2019 - 08:15 am: Edit

Yeah, the Federation are in control of most of their space, except for the bottom edge by the Tholians and the Romulans have a SB and big fleet over planet 3711 that they'll probably keep.

The Feds can certainly hit numerous bases and planets this upcoming turn, if they maintain some forward deployed fleets.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, October 12, 2019 - 09:08 am: Edit

AT31

The turn is over!

In Hydran space, the Hydrans have large fleets over planets 0416 and 0519, a mob of ships at the entrance to the Old Colonies, and a couple modest reserves off map.

In Kzinti space, the Kzinti have a giant mob of ships on planet 1105, a big fleet at the capital, a battle line at planet 1802, and 2 fairly solid reserves off map.

The Feds have a lot of ships forward deployed, including significant fleets at planets 2106, 2214, 2812, 3415, 3509, and 3706. The fleet at 3415 has a tenuous supply situation. They have 4 solid reserves, all near the Capital, but for the first time in probably a decade of game time, the only ships at Earth are a handful of Aux hulls.

The Gorn have a large fleet holding planet 4705; most of the rest of their fleet is in 4403, including a couple modest reserves. There is a stray Gorn battle line stationed at Fed planet 3706 with a Fed fleet.

Map at end of AT31:

http://www.lightlink.com/pdb6/SCD2mapAT31end.html

Three turns to go!

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, October 12, 2019 - 11:36 am: Edit

CT32

y184 SP T32

Lyran Econ:

Command Points: 1

Exploration: 305+12=317 (+11, 330 next)

Treasury EP: 45.115 (AT31)

On Map Provinces (32): 28 (.5)=14
Off Map Provinces (8): 30 (.5)=15
Captured Provinces: 2.4+3 (.5)=2.7
On Map Planets: (59): 59 (.5)=29.5
Off Map Planets: (16): 16 (.5)=8
Captured Planets: 4 (.5)=2
XTP Conversion (20%, +10)=(24.24)

Total EP: 92.075 (71.2 produced)

Treasury XTP: 10.28 (AT31)

XTP from Conversion: 24.24
XTP from Planets (40%): 31.6
XTP Bonus: 7

Total XTP: 73.12 (62.84 produced)

Construction T32:
-30 3CWX (XTP, CW)
-24 3DWX (XTP, DW)
-10 SCX (XTP, DW)
-9 CC
-21 SCS (6FFF, PF from pool)
-6 NCA
-6+1 HDWE
-2.5 FF
-0 6PF (pool)

Construction Total EP: 45.5
Construction Total XTP: 64

Conversions:
-5 CC>CCX (XTP)

Conversion Total EP:
Conversion Total XTP: 5

Repairs:
-1.5 (CWE 0617)
-2 (2E4 1407)

Repair Total: 3.5

Pay To Supply Ships:

Total Spent EP: 49
Total Spent XTP: 69

Treasury EP:
Treasury XTP:

PF Replacement:

Field Repair:

FFF Left: 0

Salvage:

-----------------------------------------------

Klingon Econ:

Command Points: 4

Exploration: 196+7=203 (+8, 220 next)

Treasury EP: 33.93 (AT31)

On Map Provinces (52): 49 (.5)=24.5
Off Map Provinces(0): 16 (.5)=8
Captured Provinces: 8.4+11 (.5)=9.7
On Map Planets: (90): 90 (.5)=45
Captured Planets: 10 (.5)=5
XTP Conversion (20%, +10)=(28.44)

Total EP: 97.69 (92.2 produced)

Treasury XTP: 14.91 (AT31)

XTP from Conversion: 28.24
XTP from Planets (40%): 40
XTP Bonus: 8

Total XTP: 91.35 (76.44 produced)

Construction T32:
-13 DX (XTP, D7)
-14 D5DX (D5)
-30 3D5X (XTP, D5)
-27 3FX (XTP, F5)
-21 C8S (6FFF, PF from pool)
-8 D7
-5 D5 (D5W)
-10 2D5
-5 2E4 (D5)
-6+1 HDWE
-8 2F5W
-7.5 3E4 (F5)
-2.5 E4
-0 24PF (4 flotilla, 6FFF)
-0 (PF from Pool to 1214 SB)

Construction Total EP: 74
Construction Total XTP: 84

Conversions:
-7 D7>DX (XTP, 1411)

Conversion Total EP:
Conversion Total XTP: 7

Repairs:
-2 (D7C 1811)
-3 (2D5 2916)

Repair Total: 5

Adopting Lyrans:
-Currently 0 adopted; 12 spare lines.

Adoption Total:

Total EP Spent: 79
Total XTP Spent: 91

Treasury EP: 12.35
Treasury XTP: 0.35

FFF Left: 0

DBB:

PF Replacement:

Field Repair:

Remaining:

Salvage:

-----------------------------------------------
Romulan Econ:

Command Points: 1

Spare Parts: 4, -1=3

Exploration: 202+9=211 (+8, 220 next)

Treasury: 36.625 (AT31)

On Map Provinces (62): 60 (.5)=30
Off Map Provinces(0): 16 (.5)=8
Captured Provinces: 6.2+7 (.5)=6.6
On Map Planets: (51): 51 (.5)=25.5
Captured Planets: 2 (.5)=1
XTP Conversion: (20%, +10)=(24.22)
Extra XTP Conversion: +2 (4)

Total EP: 79.505 (71.1 produced)

Treasury XTP: 4.65 (AT31)

XTP from Conversion: 24.22
XTP from Planets (40%): 21.2
XTP Bonus: 6
XTP Extra Conversion: 2

Total XTP: 58.07 (51.42 produced)

Construction T32:
-24 2SPX (XTP, SP)
-27 3SKX (XTP, SK)
-15 TH (4FFF, PF pool)
-6 SPM (FH)
-15 3SP
-6+1 HDWE
-5 2SEH (SK)
-7.5 3SEH
-2.5 SN (WE)
-2.5 SN
-0 8PF (2FFF)

Construction Total EP: 60.5
Construction Total XTP: 51

Conversions:
-7 FH>FHX (XTP 4613)
-3 WE>KE (2916)

Conversion Total EP: 3
Conversion Total XTP: 7

Repairs:
-2.5 (SUP 3711)
-2 (FH 4510)
-1.5 (WE 2916)

Repair Total: 6 (EP)

Adopt Ships: (0/1 paid for)

Total EP Spent: 69.5
Total XTP Spent: 58

FFF Left: 6

Treasury EP: 10.005
Treasury XTP: 0.07

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Monday, October 14, 2019 - 11:44 am: Edit

CT32

During the raid phase, the Coalition raided 4 provinces and a C5 hit a lone FF that got left in the back corner of Fed space. The FF survived crippled, 3 of the 4 province raid succeeded with a Gorn POL chasing an FFH off with a solid plasma F hit to the bridge or something.

Moves are well underway.

In Hydran space, the Coalition seem to be piling most of their ships on planet 0519, although one fleet in the NW edge of Hydran space is hitting the mob of FFs at the mouth of the Old Colonies.

In Kzinti space, so far about 140 ships have moved into 1401, where the Kzinti ave about 150 SEQ.

On the Fed front, the Coalition are hitting Fed fleets at planets 2106, 2214, 3415, and 3509. The Coalition are advantaged at all of these fights so far.

In Gorn space, the Romulans have sent a large, but not real impressive (i.e. pinning force) to hold down the Gorn on planet 4705, and have a significant force in 4706 to move (as well as a ton of province raiders to province raid with).

Plenty of ships to go.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 - 05:56 pm: Edit

CT32

Moves are done, and reserves have been deployed!

In Hydran space, there are two fights--a Hydran advantaged fight at the mouth of the Old Colonies (where both reserves went) and a giant mob of Coalition vs somewhat smaller mob of ships over planet 0519.

In Kzinti space, three fights--150 some odd SEQ of Coalition vs 170 some odd SEQ of Kzinti at the Kzinti Capital (both reserves went there, in case the Coalition were deciding to attack the homeworld); a significant number of Lyrans vs a handful of Kzinti at planet 1001, and a significant number of Klingons vs 4 Kzinti at planet 1502.

In Fed space, six fights. A lot of Klingons vs a lot of Feds at planet 2106, a lot of Coalition vs fewer Feds at planet 2214, a lot of Klingons vs a lot of Feds at planet 2812, a Klingon battle line vs 4 Feds in 3214 (which will result in a Fed fleet getting cut out of supply if I don't do something dumb), a lot of Klingons vs fewer Feds at planet 3415, and a lot of Romulans vs a lot of Feds at planet 3509. Most fights are marginally Klingon advantaged, it is possible that the reserves that went places pushed the scale in the direction of the Feds in a couple places (I haven't counted ships yet).

In Gorn space, 2 fights. A significant number of Romulans vs a larger Gorn force in Capital hex 4503 (there are no PDUs in the hex, but the SB still exists); it is unlikely that the Romulans can kill the SB, so that is probably not their plan. At planet 4705, a numerous (but not real impressive) Romulan force is fighting a marginally larger (now that reserves showed up) Gorn force.

On to combat!

By Gregory S Flusche (Vandor) on Thursday, October 17, 2019 - 05:09 pm: Edit

Get them kill them baby eating Gorns. Smash the Vulcan puppet empire. Go Romulans.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Friday, October 18, 2019 - 09:59 pm: Edit

AT32

Combat is underway!

In Hydran space, the Lyrans had a brief clash with the Hydrans near the Old Colonies, seeing the Lyrans lose a BCH and a flotilla of PFs in exchange for a KNX and then running away (it was mostly an attack to draw reserves, which worked).

In Kzinti space, the Coalition recaptured planets 1001 and 1502, but are waiting to fight over 1401 till later.

On the edge of Fed space, the Coalition are fighting the Feds at planet 2214, with both sides rolling 6's on the first round of combat (two X ships exploded). The Coalition declined to retreat.

Over in Gorn space, the Romulans are attacking Ghdar III (4503)--the immediately went to Ghdar III Major, protected by a SB (but no PDUs, which got killed a long time ago). The Gorn had a 200+ compot, but BIR rolled down and the Gorn rolled a 1, so they only did, like, 40 damage. The Romulans devastated the major planet and immediately relocated to the previously devastated (but currently recovered) minor planet in the system.

Plenty of carnage to go.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, October 19, 2019 - 08:35 am: Edit

AT32

Combat continues--over in Gorn space, the Romulans devastated both Ghidahr and Glattor in 4503, lost a few good ships, and then ran from the system. They had zero hope of killing the SB, but devastating both planets there scored 10VPs for the game end (essentially), so hitting them seemed worth the effort. At this point (T32 of a 34 turn game), as there are no more big swings to be made by the Coalition, really, it's all about grabbing VPs where they can be found.

The Klingons pushed the Feds off planet 3415, and they will end the turn cut off from supply, which makes them a bit less scary.

The Feds are still tenaciously fighting over planet 2214. Those ships will still be in supply at the end of the turn (I couldn't arrange for them to be out of supply without having the blocking ships get landed on by reserve forces), and they will have a *lot* of things that they can reach to attack next turn, which remains problematic.

Fighting continues.

By Ted Fay (Catwhoeatsphoto) on Saturday, October 19, 2019 - 09:56 am: Edit

2214 is dangerous for the Feds to keep. Interesting!

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, October 19, 2019 - 02:18 pm: Edit

AT32

And after 3 rounds, the Feds fled from 2214--the Coalition had too many ships for the Feds to realistically hold the planet, and getting mangled trying was likely viewed as counter productive. As it stands, the Feds now have 30+ SEQ in 2213, which, next turn, can hit numerous BATS and planets inside of Klingon space, and from a few of them (2014, 2216), can even retrograde somewhere.

By Chuck Strong (Raider) on Saturday, October 19, 2019 - 07:08 pm: Edit

"At this point (T32 of a 34 turn game), as there are no more big swings to be made by the Coalition, really, it's all about grabbing VPs where they can be found."

FEDS Commentary:

This is a good example of meta-gaming where the players KNOW when the game is ending and will do things they might not normal do militarily/politically because of the foreknowledge of the game ending rules.

When there is some sort of variable gaming ending mechanism, this effect is minimized. I hope that some sort of variable ending mechanism is in place for this game as I'd really hate to see this game end where players start making irrational moves and attacks knowing that there is no real consequences (such as the Coalition failing to retrograde crippled ships for repairs or Alliance choosing not to set reserves or shotgunning ships to grab or contest territory on their last player turn).

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, October 19, 2019 - 07:53 pm: Edit

Chuck wrote:
>>This is a good example of meta-gaming where the players KNOW when the game is ending and will do things they might not normal do militarily/politically because of the foreknowledge of the game ending rules.>>

Agreed 100%. And yet, as the rules are written, we have two choices:

A) And the game as suggested, and historical, at the end of AT34.

B) Roll a D6 at the end of every turn, and on a "1", the game ends. Which could result in the game going for another 10 turns or more. Which is not at all ideal.

>>When there is some sort of variable gaming ending mechanism, this effect is minimized. I hope that some sort of variable ending mechanism is in place for this game as I'd really hate to see this game end where players start making irrational moves and attacks knowing that there is no real consequences (such as the Coalition failing to retrograde crippled ships for repairs or Alliance choosing not to set reserves or shotgunning ships to grab or contest territory on their last player turn).>>

There is no variable game ending mechanism in place for this game, as a while ago, we agreed to end the game as as the rules suggest--at the end of AT34, as that is the historical end of the game, and the alternative (roll a D6 and on a "1", end the game) is not a realistic or viable end condition for the game (i.e. "roll a die, and on a '1' the game ends", is a *terrible* rule for ending the game).

It is as if the end of the game as printed needs fixing or something :-)

We are playing the end of the game as the game suggests. Which will 100% result in the Alliance doing likely preposterous things on the last turn. As that is how the game is written. I agree that it is likely preposterous. And will have strange end results. But that is how the game is written, and how we agreed to end the game a while ago. Is it ideal? No, no it isn't. But that is what we got.

The last time this discussion came up around this game, we came up with all sorts of ideas for variable, yet reasonable, game end conditions as adjustments to the rules. But as they were all hypothetical, we decided to go with the rules as written. But still, fixing the end of game conditions? Probably a good idea.

By Chuck Strong (Raider) on Sunday, October 20, 2019 - 02:17 am: Edit

Noted.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Sunday, October 20, 2019 - 08:31 am: Edit

(Moving this to General Discussion).

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - 08:50 pm: Edit

CT32

Combat is done!

In Hydran space, the Coalition recaptured planet 0519, and got repulsed from hex 0117.

In Kzinti space, the Coalition redevastated all the planets in the Kzinti capital other than Kzintai (which remains unharmed and full of PDUs), and recaptured planets 1001 and 1502. The Kzinti still have a giant pile of ships sitting on planet 1105, which will likely be a problem this upcoming turn.

In Fed space, the Coalition recaptured planets 2106, 2214, 2812, and 3415. They were chased away from planet 3509. There are about 35 Fed ships in supply and in hex 2213, which can hit numerous vulnerable targets in Klingon space. There are about 50 out of supply Fed ships in 3315 that won't be able to hit anything in particular this upcoming turn.

In Gorn space, the Romulans devastated both planets in Capital hex 4503 and were chased off from planet 4705.

Ships killed:
-LYR: CCX, CWX, DWX, BCH, CWS, FF
-KLI: 2DX, D5S, D5
-ROM: SPX, KRC. SPC, BHE, (SPF, 2K5L)

-ZIN: 2FF
-HYD: KNX, CU
-FED: 3CX, DDX, NSC, FFE, 2FF
-GRN: BDD

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Thursday, October 24, 2019 - 08:46 pm: Edit

CT32

The turn is over!

In Hydran space, the Coalition have a lot of ships in 0617, the Lyrans have a solid fleet over SB 0411, and there are Lyran reserves at 0411 and 0810.

On the Kzinti front, the Coalition have big fleets in 1407, 1506, and modest fleets in 1001 and 1504. There is a Klingon reserve in 1506, a Lyran reserve at SB 0404.

On The Fed/Klingon front, there are big fleets at 1910, 2214, 2916; Klingon reserves at 1910, 2318, and 2916.

On the Fed/Romulan front, most of the Romulan fleet is at SB 3711, and there is a significant Klingon fleet at 3415. There is a fleet and a Romulan reserve at BATS 4010, another reserve at 4313.

On the Gorn front, the Romulans have most of their ships at planet 4309, along with a reserve.

Map at end of CT32:

http://www.lightlink.com/pdb6/SCD2mapCT32end.html