CT4

The turn is over!

On the Kzinti front, the Coalition pulled most of their ships back to FRD park 1406 (where there are about 120 ships, a bunch of AuxCVs, 4FRDs, and a dozen cripples. A hex behind in 1407, there are another 6 cripples and two weak (4 ships each?) Klingon reserves. And a BATS>SB conversion that the Kzinti can't possibly get anywhere near. On the upside, there is pretty much open season on small Coalition ships holding Kzinti space that aren't within 2 hexes of 1406. Which is most of them.

On the Hydran front, the Coalition mostly pulled back inside their borders to shore up targets the Hydrans could hit. There are about 30 ships at Lyran BATS 0413; about 30 ships at SB 0411 (including 2 moderate reserve fleets); a handful of ships at BATS 0212. The Klingons have a giant stack of FRDs and a Lyran MB in 1013, protected by a fleet of about 100 ships, including 2 reasonable Klingon reserves and a Lyran reserve that consists of a single LAV. Another 30+ ships are at BATS 1214; a few more ships at BATS 1417. The "Stop The Expedition" force of 5 ships are in 1516.

Map:
http://www.lightlink.com/pdb6/SCD4CT4end.html

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 - 12:01 pm: Edit

AT4

y170 SP T4

Kzinti Econ:

Command Points: 0+1=1 (AT3)

Exploration: (3) 33+8=41 (+2, 60 next)

Treasury: 23.675 (CT4)

On Map Provinces (24): 9
Off Map Provinces (6): 10
Captured Provinces: 0.2
On Map Planets: (52): 25
Off Map Planets: (11): 11
Captured Planets: 0
Smuggled:

Total EP: 78.875

Construction T4:
-16 DN
-6 TGT (BC)
-24 4MEC
-4 FKE
-3 FFK
-10 4FF (off map, 1704)

Construction Total: 63

Conversions:
-5 BC>CV (1401, 6FFF)
-1 EFF>FKE (off map)

Conversion Total: 6

Repairs:
-3.5 (MEC, CLE, EFF off map)
-2 (MEC, FFK 1401)

Repair Total: 5.5

Adopt Homeless Ships:

Total Spent: 74.5

Treasury: 4.375 (AT4)

FFF Left: 6

DBB:

Drone Stockpile: 0.6

Salvage:
覧覧覧覧覧覧覧覧覧覧

Hydran Econ:

Command Points: 0+1=1 (AT3)

Exploration: (3) 10+13=23 (+1, 40 next)

Treasury: 3 (CT4)

On Map Provinces (22): 15
Off Map Provinces (4): 6
Captured Provinces:
On Map Planets: (35): 35
Off Map Planets: (13): 13
Captured Planets: 0
Guild Treasury:

Total EP: 72

Construction T4:
-5 PAL (activate)
-6 TG (0.75 FFF)
-10 2HR (3 FFF)
-5 TR
-7.5 3CU (0215)
-7.5 3HN
-4 SP
-21 3PDU (Hydrax, now 13)


Construction Total: 66

Conversions:
-2 (LN>UH 0215, 7FFF)
-1 (LN>DE 0215, 0.5FFF)
-1 (LN>DE 0617, 0.5FFF)
-1+0.5 (LN>DE 0617, 0.25 FFF)

Conversion Total: 5.5

Repairs:

Repair Total:

Total Spent: 71.5

Treasury: 0.5

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Thursday, August 19, 2021 - 09:09 am: Edit

AT4

During the raid phase, the Kzinti successfully raided 2 Coalition provinces, and the Hydrans successfully raided one.

During moves, in Kzinti space, the Kzinti had basically free reign to attack province garrisons and planetary occupation forces, as the Coalition have most of their ships in 1406, defending the BATS>SB upgrade in 1407, and they only have 2, small reserves to reinforce places, so currently there are 7 battle hexes, including a not insignificant Kzinti force attacking KLI BATS 1707. The Kzinti will certainly win in 6 of those hexes (significant lines vs clusters of FFs), and probably will kill BATS 1707.

In Hydran space, the Hydrans sent an 8 ship force to KLI BATS 1419 (undefended and out of range of reserves), the "Expeditionary Force" mostly moved to BATS 1417 (lightly defended), likely just to give up the failed Expedition and save some of the ships involved. A single HN from the Expedition split off and moved to hex 1217 (to avoid just dying now, and possibly help retrograding). There are 4 Hydrans attacking some province raiders in 1119 as well. They also sent a large pinning force to LYR SB 0411 and a large potentially attacking force to BATS 0413.

The Klingons have 2 mobile reserves in 1013 that can reinforce BATS 0413 or save an E4 in 1119. On the Kzinti front, the Klingons have 2 reserves, but they are small (4 ships each, mostly E4s) that are unlikely to make much of a difference in any of the fights (and will probably bolster the forces at BATS 1707).

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Thursday, August 19, 2021 - 11:24 am: Edit

AT4

Combat in Kzinti space has wound up; the Kzinti liberated all their captured planets, killed a bunch of E4/FFs, and sank BATS 1707 in a few rounds of combat (losing an FFK in return).

On the Hydran front, the Hydrans killed Klingon BATS 1419 for fighters, lost an HN from the Expeditionary force (which has now retreated into Hydran supply and will be able to retrograde back to Hydran planet 0718, bringing an end to this foolishness and saving a few FFs). Over BATS 0413, the dice were nuts (trading a DG for a D5S) in the approach, and the Hydrans are now poised to possibly direct the BATS with the FSP tug.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Thursday, August 19, 2021 - 09:04 pm: Edit

AT4

Over BATS 0413, the Hydrans busted through an approach, and then fought one round over the BATS. Dice were insane both times (6's for VBIR both times, high dice both times for both sides). The Hydrans lost a DG in the approach, killing a D5S in return; over the BATS, the Hydrans used the FSP tug to maul the BATS out of existence in one shot (and then crippled a handful of ships on top of that), getting their Tug+Scout Pallet destroyed in the protected scout box for their trouble. The Hydrans then retreated.

In the long run, this was a reasonable trade for the Hydrans. In the short term, losing the second TGS is a problem.

The only fight left is over SB 0411, which will likely see a single round of approach and then a fleeing.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Thursday, August 19, 2021 - 09:16 pm: Edit

AT4

Combat is over! Unsurprisingly, the Hydrans offered an approach at SB 0411, the Lyrans declined, and the Hydrans fled.

So the Kzinti liberated a lot of space and captured planets, and killed a bunch of little ships, and Klingon BATS 1707.

The Hydrans killed 2 Coalition BATS (LYR 0413, KLI 1707), killed a few small ships, and recalled the survivors of the Expeditionary Fleet (SA, 2HN get to make it back home; a 3rd HN is stranded on the edge of Hydran space).

We got 3BATS this turn, but it is probably the last time the Alliance will be killing Coalition BATS for a while.

Ships Killed:
-ZIN: FFK
-HYD: DG, TG+SP

-LYR: 4FF
-KLI: D5S, 3E4

By Jason Langdon (Jaspar) on Thursday, August 19, 2021 - 09:42 pm: Edit

Im pretty sure 0212 will die next turn

And if you risk forward positioning of your Kzinti ships you could have a crack at 0906 or 1107 (or one of the ones out that way).

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Friday, August 20, 2021 - 08:23 am: Edit

[EDIT FAIL]

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Friday, August 20, 2021 - 08:25 am: Edit

AT4

The turn is over!

In Kzinti space, the Kzinti have about 80 ships (and all Auxes) in 1401; a moderate reserve off map, 3 ships at planet 1001, about 30 ships at SB 1704 (including a 10 ship reserve).

The Hydrans have about 40 ships (and all the Auxes) in 0617, about 30 ships at SB 0215, about 10 ships at planet 0718 (the only place they could reach), including the survivors from the failed Expedition. They have 2 modest reserves off map, and a few ships in the back field.

Map:
http://www.lightlink.com/pdb6/SCD4AT4end.html

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Friday, August 20, 2021 - 04:03 pm: Edit

Force Update (as I'm counting).

As of the start of CT5, the Coalition have about 40 cripples on the map (most of which will be repaired this turn; 5 ships are crippled and not on a repair point). About 185 ships and 43 (non Aux based) fighters on the Kzinti front. About 150 ships and 41 (non Aux based) fighters on the Hydran front.

They have numerous LAV/SAVs on the edges of both front, but very few of them (maybe one SAV?) are in range of any significant targets currently.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 07:58 am: Edit

CT5

Lyrans start the turn with about 154 EPs. They build BC, STT, 4CW, 2DW, DWS, 3FF, a pair of KSP. Convert CL>BC. Spend 23 EPs on repairs. End econ with about 53 EPs.

Klingons start the turn with about 185 EPs. They build D7C, D7, D6M, D5V, D5S, 3AD5, 4D5, 3F5E, F5, 5E4. Activate 2D6, 2F5, 3E4. Convert D6>D6M, 2D6>D6D, 3F5>F5S. Spend 12.5 EPs on repairs. End econ with about 40 EPs.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 08:15 am: Edit

Further Force Update:

As of the start of CT5, the Kzinti have a total of 120 ships, 102+[18] fighters.

The Hydrans have 93 ships, 155+[18] fighters.

These numbers ignore Auxes, Aux based fighters, and the Hydran FCP, but includes raid pool ships and the unreleased Marquis fleet ships.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Saturday, August 21, 2021 - 01:21 pm: Edit

CT5

No Coalition raids, op moves are under way.

In Kzinti space, the Coalition have started reconsolidating their holdings, taking back most Kzinti provinces and reoccupying planets 1001 (which has 3 Kzinti protecting it; they sent 4 so far), 1202, and 1105. They have sent a modest force (a dozen ships) to kill BATS 1805; the Kzinti reacted a moderate line of 10 ships from SB 1704 to defend the BATS, but it seems likely that the BATS will die anyway. The Coalition still have piles and piles of ships to move.

In Hydran space, the Klingons have moved to take over the East edge of Hydran space, and have pulled a stack of FRDs to hex 0815 (to presumably be a retrograde point and staging area). Also still giant piles of ships to go.

By Jason Langdon (Jaspar) on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 01:57 am: Edit

T5C continues. About 180 SE have moved in to 0617, so the Coalition are probably there to destroy a few things. Time will tell what sort of attack happens on the Capital, and how much is for the outer planets.

A small Lyran force is also attacking 0315 and a lone HN is going to die in 1217.

In Kzinti space the Capital is being attacked by about 110 ships, but it is not yet clear what the Coalition plan is. A smaller force of around 30 ships are attacking 1502, and an even smaller force is attacking 1805. The Coalition are also going for all the minor planets in Kzinti space, and putting picket ships in place across Kzinti and Hydran space.

We are now waiting to see where the Alliance Reserves go.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - 08:15 am: Edit

CT5

Moves are done and reserves have deployed!

As noted above, there was an avalanche of ships into both the Kzinti and Hydran capitals. The Kzinti suspect that most of the fleet in 1401 is there to devastate an undevastated planet, and mostly there to pin stuff (so the attack on 1502 went off without a hitch). They Hydrans, however, are concerned.

In Kzinti space, 7 battle hexes. Planets 1105, 1202, and 1502 will be captured or recaptured with no opposition (1502 is undevastated, but without defense and facing a significant force). Planets 1001 and 1504 will be saved by reserves showing up. BATS 1805 will be killed by a significant force, but the Kzinti have 10 ships there, so they can do some damage in return. At 1401, the Kzinti have about 80 ships (and an untouched capital planet with 20PDUs), facing about 100 ships.

In Hydran space, 3 battle hexes. BATS 0315 will be vaporized by a significant force; a lone HN in 1217 will certainly be killed. In 0617, the Hydrans have about 55 ships (and a billion fighters), including most of the fleet that was stationed on planet 0718 (which is not under attack) and an off map reserve. The Coalition have about 160 ships (apparently, I didn't count the cripples in my force updates above in terms of available ships...). The Hydrans are likely going to get mangled this turn, but it seems unlikely they will lose the capital this turn (although I certainly could be wrong).

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 07:57 am: Edit

CT5

Combat is well under way.

On the Kzinti front, the Coalition have captured/recaptured planets 1502, 1202, and 1105; were repulsed from planets 1001 and 1504 (by reserve forces arriving to save the day); killed BATS 1806 (losing an F5E in exchange), and currently are in round 4 in the Kzinti capital, engaged in low stakes fights over defenseless planets, having re-devastated 3 of them, swapping ZIN FF hulls for larger ships (generally D5s) over each planet, and then devastated the last undevastated, non capital planet, Kuballis.

In Hydran space, BATS 0315 has been destroyed for fighters, and combat has started in 0617, but no lines have been committed yet (i.e. I just declined the approach fight and split up forces; most fixed ships are at the homeworld except for a few Aux scouts and some HNs spread around the outer systems). The Hydrans have 55 ships and the homeworld has 13PDUs and the SB (and all other planets are undamaged).

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 09:27 am: Edit

CT5

After devastating/redevastating 5 planets in the Kzinti capital, the Klingons ran out of fighters (and clearly didn't want to take that much damage), they left the system, having traded 4D5, F5L and a cripple for FKE, 3FF, and 5 devastated planets (costing me 13EPs for another turn). The Kzinti did not pursue.

In Hydran space, combat in 0617 has started. The Klingons went right to Hydrax with a 120 point line, facing the Hydrans with a 311 point line and EW advantage. BIR was 7, both sides rolled a 6. The Klingons killed 4PDUs, leaving 12 minus points; the Hydrans dropped 124 damage on a line capable of absorbing 111 damage before having to start blowing things up.

On to R2!

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 11:03 am: Edit

CT5

The Coalition successfully stripped all 13PDUs off of Hydrax, fighting hard for 4 rounds. The Hydrans scored 398 damage in total over those 4 rounds, and to get all 13PDUs, the Coalition lost D7, 4D5, 6F5 (all to self killing to resolve damage) and on top of that took 4D6M, D7C, 7D7, 8D5, 4F5S, 6F5, 7CC (64EPs of repairs) as cripples.

After killing the last few PDUs (leaving 18 minus points), the Coalition pulled away from the Hydran home system and are possibly going to strip PDUs off a few more planets on the way out (they still have an uncrippled D6M and some fighters left to burn up).

By Mike Erickson (Mike_Erickson) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 11:09 am: Edit

Peter,

>> In Hydran space, combat in 0617 has started

Do we know what the full lines were for each side for the first big round over Hydrax?

--Mike

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 01:08 pm: Edit

R1 over Hydrax was:

KLI: C8(adm), [3xD5, 3xF5], D6M, 3xD7, 2xCC, 6xIFF, 12DBB, F5S(scout form) - 120/1

HYD: PAL+ADM (c/f), 2LGE, TFS, LB, LM, 6DG, (LAS), (SB: 48/1), (13PDU: 117/4)=311/8

(TFS is the Fire Support TG that was used to kill a BATS last turn, survived, and was still configured as the Fire Support TG).

(It is possible that the Hydrans forgot they used a command point on R1, and were a ship low, costing them 13 compot from an LAV and, like, 5 damage, but I didn't realize it till we had already started the second round, and figured it wasn't worth worrying about).

The Klingons didn't try to compete in the EW war; I guess as he didn't want to risk good scouts on the line, and it didn't matter that much anyway. The F5S was just there to take damage every round.

On the first round, we both got 6's, which resulted in the Klingons crippling every ship they had on the line except the C8, and then self killing a D7, 3D5, and 3F5 on top of that.

Dice remained reasonably sound for both sides, with the Hydrans rolling a little better (I think I got 6, 5, 4, 2 in the 4 rounds). The Klingons killed 4PDU, then 2PDU through minus points, then 4PDU, then 3PDU through minus points. The Klingons line remained mostly identical the whole time; the Hydran's did as well (losing PDUs, but adding a lone LAV for another 13 compot). BIR was 3+4 each round (Klingons picking 3 to ensure mauling, Hydrans picking 4 to mangle the Klingons), and it rolled up a couple times, and probably down once.

Neither side directed any ships; the Klingons just killed the PDUs, the Hydrans just dropped damage, scoring enough to require the Klingons to blow up their own ships in two rounds (124 damage and 112 damage later).

By Richard Eitzen (Rbeitzen) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 02:59 pm: Edit

That's why I like to include more big ships and a big scout in early rounds like that.

By Peter Bakija (Bakija) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 03:10 pm: Edit

Feel free to do so. That's not what happened here.

By Alan Trevor (Thyrm) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 03:20 pm: Edit

Peter,

Out of curiosity, did you consider killing the C8 with directed damage? Granted with 124 damage to resolve, he had to kill several of his own ships anyway. But they are much more common ships, and easier to replace. Was the decision not to kill the C8 based on wanting to keep his total ship numbers lower, or economic considerations, or something else entirely?

By Graham Cridland (Grahamcridland) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 03:37 pm: Edit

I mean, with 124 damage, any directed damage attack is going to mean more surviving ships. So directing anything, much less something big, wasn't going to happen. Killing a C8 is okay, but then nothing else dies. I assume the C8 is in form, so that's 54 damage leaving "not enough to force any self kills".

C8's are nice, and relatively scarce, but killing a cruiser, 3 war cruisers, and 3 frigates/destroyers is a much better alternative.

You can always kill the C8 with directed damage once some PDUs are gone and you're "only" crippling the line, rather than forcing self kills.

By Mike Erickson (Mike_Erickson) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 04:21 pm: Edit

>> R1 over Hydrax was:

Thanks for the additional detail!

The Capital assault is such a fascinating part of the game, with the multiple decisions available to the players and what each individual player believes the risks and benefits are.

It is particularly interesting to see when the Alliance chooses to hunt Klingon command ships, potentially hoping to degrade their overall ability to field high CR fleets over time, or just drops damage and looks for maximum overall economic impact.

--Mike