Shutting Down for TS Isaac

As a precaution, I will not be posting over the next few days due to the storm. Hopefully, Isaac will pass uneventfully and all can get back to normal. Until then, be safe everyone.

Strength and Honor,

-Wicked

D&D: Kalistryx and the Council of Spiders!

After a year of Dungeon Mastering D&D Encounters, I will be stepping down and playing as a character in the upcoming Encounters season, Council of Spiders. I will be playing a female Drow Hexblade (or Feyblade, as mine is more commonly known) named Kalistryx. However, she has a lot to prove!

My Most Esteemed Matron Baenre, 

It is with a disappointing heart that I write thee of my youngest daughter, Kalistryx. Her lack of prowess and ability as an acolyte Priestess of Lolth is most disconcerting. I did have high hopes that Kalistryx would follow in my footsteps, but that is not to be. Still, through some means of which she will not confess, Lolth has seen fit to bestow upon her some skill of that which may be still of use to you. It has become evident that Kali does indeed possess some arcane power, though its manifestation is quite...beneath a daughter of House Baenre. In simple terms, Kalistryx has embraced the powers of the warlock, and seems determined to prove her worth. I know not from where, but she has aquired a totem of power that summons to her a fiendish imp. Dreanix she calls him, and he seems to be the conduit for Lolth’s blessings. But her time has come. I shall not have a daughter of mine dally with such base magics without confirming she is worthy of Lolth’s graces. 

To this, I ask of thee, leave to set her upon a quest. A trial to prove her worth to Lolth, House Baenre, and to herself. It has come to my attention rumors are spreading within the City of a shift in power. As one Menzoberranzan’s founding families and ruling House, I find it an essential imperative to investigate and substantiate any such threats to you or our House’s position within the City. Normally, I would assign such preliminary tasks to one of our men or trusted slave, but in this case, in fact, I feel this would be an ample opportunity for Kali to prove to herself and to House Baenre she is worthy of her lineage. Should she fail in this, I will see her put to death. 

I humbly await your wisdom and guidance in this matter. 

Until then, your faithful and devoted daughter I remain, 

Andruzhun 

Kalistryx of House Baenre

More Badlands Battle Reports!

(This comms intercepted from Col. Von Shenk!)

"Do NOT Disseminate -- Destroy After Reading

* Eyes Only *
              

Region 7 Action Report
NSF 1950,7,17 -- #24

Attn: 

Col. Williams
Deep Desert Defense Coordinator
Region 7, Barrington Basin
NuCoal Security Forces

As previously stated in the initial report (see NSF 1950,7,13 -- #16), Southern Belligerents were detected using space borne networks approximately 260km SSE ( 138.14.3 W, 11.2.4 S) of Nineveh.  A PAK interdiction squad was operating in the local area and was dispatched to deal with the threat.  Upon initial contact, it became clear that the Southern forces were attempting to knock out a hidden NuCoal defense communications relay station.

The South consisted of a 4 man Fire Support Squadron led by a King Cobra and a general purpose squad with 3 stripped down Jagers led by an Iguana (see NSF 1950,7,14 -- #23 for full details Southern forces in this engagement, analysis on Southern naming conventions, and suspected deployments).  Our forces consisted of an Urban Combat Squad (Chieftain, 2x Desert Vipers, 2x Hunters) and a HT-72 Firebolt.  There were additional forces associated with this patrol that were still en route when the on scene commander, Maj. Rico, engaged his forces to prevent loss of our communications assets.  The PAK forces initially engaged the Southern forces and the HT-72 destroyed one member and severely disabled another of the fire support squad.  That Heavy Tank was then targeted by the entire Southern Task force, and was crippled, with the loss of 3 crew members  (SSgt. Jack Turney, Cpl. John Tiner and PFC Johnny Reed.  Lt. Rick Buller survived in the turret).  Subsequently, 2 stripped down Jagers were destroyed by indirect fire from our Desert Vipers.  It is suspected that our incoming reinforcements (2x LHT-71, 2x LHT-67 and 2x HC-3A) were detected and the Southern forces withdrew, leaving the installation intact.

The success of the operation was evaluated as PAK 4, South 3.  (See NSF documents 'Force on Force Evaluation Criteria TN 1948' for standards on how this engagement was evaluated and NSF 1950,7,16 -- #19 for the details of this evaluation)

Two members of the South were killed during the engagement and one member of the Southern military was captured after the engagement.  The captured pilot was in a stripped down slave Jager and is currently being held by NuCoal Intelligence and is will be evaluated for a political amnesty claim.  Access to this prisoner is restricted.

The results of the engagement left 2x salvageable light gear power plants and various weapons and ammunition for slated for the NuCoal Salvage Korps (see NSK 1950,7,14 -- #4 for full list of salvage).  The HT-72 was damaged, taking a direct hit in the body, killing the three crew members.  With the power plant and weapons out of service, it was moved back to Port Arthur by Hover Ship.  The tank is listed for refit and is estimated to be ready for action by 1950,7,27.

A full inquiry into the action was entertained on TN 1950,7,16 and the engagement was necessary and the actions by Maj. Rico have been deemed commendable by PAK high command, despite the loss of three patriotic PAK soldiers.  Lt. Buller has been removed from service due to severe injuries, and is slated to be put on desk duty if he recovers.  He has also been nominated for a merit award as have the 3 deceased posthumously.  Maj. Rico and his gear squad have been nominated for a unit award.  For the full inquiry, including interviews, see NSF 1950,7,16 -- #19.

Forces are being maintained in the region until the relay station can be relocated as it is obvious the South is aware of the location of the station.  It is unclear as to the detection method or if they have intelligence.  Espionage is suspect.  NuCoal Intelligence has been contacted.

Rspt:
Col. Von Shenk
Rapid Reaction Force
Port Arthur Korps
NuCoal Security Forces
                               
* Eyes Only *Do NOT Disseminate -- Destroy After Reading"

Reports from the Badlands: Heavy Gear Battle Reports

These comms have been intercepted and confirmed factual.

From Richard:

"This is a couple of pictures from me and Addisons 500tv game a few weeks ago.

 

Addison's CEF won the day over my SRA units in a hard fought engagement.

 

During the conflict Maj. Toht, the political officer in a Jeager moved too far into the front in a brave attempt to recon a cowardly CEF force hiding behind a hill. He was ambushed and engaged in hand-to-hand combat; a melee he would have obviously won; when a volley of mortors rained down from above striking both he and his opponent. He was heavily damaged, but survived. His opponent took a hit and was stunned. Toht saw an opening and struck with his vibro blade and penetrated the CEF Flail's torso, killing the pilot instantly.

 

The volley of mortor were fired by an SRA pilot. Sam Trainer, the pilot of a Spitting Cobra saw his chance for some payback to that bastard Toht. Six months previous Maj. Toht had cited Davian Trainer, Sam's brother for not following regulations and had him tranfered to a post in the Badlands. Davian was killed a week later in a battle with Northern gears. Sam fired the mortors at the CEF flail and SRA Jeager secretly hoping the mortors would take out both. There was a 50/50 shot. Maybe today wasn't his day after all. At the last minute the Jeager went low and was shielded from most of the damage. Maj. Arnold Toht had survived and was probably wondering what idiot had almosst killed him.

 

Crackling with static from damage or volume, Toht's voice came through the com. "Who the frack fired......"

His rant was cut short as the Flail's comrade fired his weapon at point blank range and found its mark.

Toht didn't even see the kill shot coming.

 

Sam's Spitting Cobra now had a clear shot  on the Flail and the enemy pilot knew it. With hand signal of non agression to the surviving Flail, Sam piloted his gear to the west as the call came through to fall back and wait for reinforcements. Davian was avengend and that snake Major Toht was surely on his way to hell."

Year of the Gear update!

So I have completed assembling my initial obligation to our Year of the Gear gaming concept. My two Hussars are done and ready for painting. I began with my General Purpose squad to get a good idea how the new paint scheme will look. Using the Army Painter method, this army should paint up nicely and rather quickly. Here is a sneak peek! More to follow.

Strength and honor,

-Wicked