And the PDF for the first scenario is here: The Empire Strikes Back
The Story so far
The transponders in the loot
captured by the pirates have been followed by the Imperial Nebulon B
Escort Frigate Triumphant to the Sarka System, an Outer Rim system
near the Perlemian Trade Route, and not too far away from the
Wheel.
Imperial intelligence has informed that the hyperspace line accessing the system is monitored by two sensor outposts, each protected with a minefield. If the Imperials are to destroy the Pirate threat, they will have to destroy the Satellites before they can warn the pirates of their presence. Interceptor squadrons Ebon and Iota are dispatched as soon as the fleet emerges from hyperspace, and rush towards the Satellites...
As Ebon squadron approaches its target, they detect an HWK-290 docked to the satellite... a secondary target is added to the mission!
Imperial intelligence has informed that the hyperspace line accessing the system is monitored by two sensor outposts, each protected with a minefield. If the Imperials are to destroy the Pirate threat, they will have to destroy the Satellites before they can warn the pirates of their presence. Interceptor squadrons Ebon and Iota are dispatched as soon as the fleet emerges from hyperspace, and rush towards the Satellites...
As Ebon squadron approaches its target, they detect an HWK-290 docked to the satellite... a secondary target is added to the mission!
Battle Report
This scenario was my attempt to recreate the feelings I had while playing an scenario in the computer game X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, in which you get an assignment as an Imperial pilot to fly through a minefield using an Interceptor... The feeling of constant vulnerability as you flew without shields through the minefield was coupled with the awesome maneuverability and firepower of the Interceptor to create a memorable gaming experience.
As the Pirate I did not have much to consider, as I only had a HWK-290 to build, though there were still two open options: creating a ship to flee or to help defend the satellite. I decided to go the second way.
JL's list, Pirates: (Rebel Operative HWK-290 with 10 upgrade points)
HWK-290, Rebel Operative with Ion Cannon Turret, Intelligence Agent and Engine Upgrade (26)
Beni decided to try Lieutenant Lorrir with his added maneuverability and two Saber Squadron pilots.
Beni's list, Bounty Hunters (65 points for 3 Interceptors, one of them named)
1. Lieutenant Lorrir (23)
2. Saber Squadron Pilot x2 (21x2)
1. Lieutenant Lorrir (23)
2. Saber Squadron Pilot x2 (21x2)
Considering the mission, I would personally have exchanged the Saber pilots for Avenger or even Alpha pilots, to save some points to upgrade Lorrir's Interceptor, because the main enemy here were the mines.
Setup
Covering all the approaching lanes with just 6 mines seemed impossible and at this point I thought there were not enough mines in the mission but decided to give it a try. It would turn out later that the mines could maneuver enough to pose a significant threat. The Interceptors started in the side of the mat with the biggest hole in the minefield.
Covering all the approaching lanes with just 6 mines seemed impossible and at this point I thought there were not enough mines in the mission but decided to give it a try. It would turn out later that the mines could maneuver enough to pose a significant threat. The Interceptors started in the side of the mat with the biggest hole in the minefield.
 |
| The Ebon squadron approaches the minefield at full speed. |
Round 1
Beni decided to go toward the Satellite following an almost straight line, going full 5 straight then taking a 1 bank turn boost toward the satellite. I started maneuvering the mines in position to block their direct line of approach to the Satellite.
Beni decided to go toward the Satellite following an almost straight line, going full 5 straight then taking a 1 bank turn boost toward the satellite. I started maneuvering the mines in position to block their direct line of approach to the Satellite.
 |
| The Lorrir's Demons decide to take the riskier but faster approach... If their aim is true and they are able to destroy some mines, they'll get to the Satellite in no time |
 |
| Lorrir destroys the second nearest mine, but his Saber escorts fail to destroy the closest mine... trouble in the horizon for Ebon squadron! |
Round 2
One of my mines had luckily survived the fire barrage from the Interceptors and was in a perfect position to detonate against one of the Interceptors, the other ones I decided to move into the path flight of the other Interceptors.
One of my mines had luckily survived the fire barrage from the Interceptors and was in a perfect position to detonate against one of the Interceptors, the other ones I decided to move into the path flight of the other Interceptors.
 | |||||
| One of the mines rams into one of the Saber Interceptors and blows it to pieces! |
 |
| The HWK-290 crew works desperately to finish the Satellite repairs |
 |
| Lorrir is destroyed by a direct mine hit, but one of his wingmen passes through the minefield! The Saber pilot manages to take a shot at the Satellite at range 3! |
Round 3
I tried to block the Interceptor with my HWK-290 as well as I could, but the Interceptor's much better maneuverability allowed it to get an unobstructed final shot at the Satellite.
I tried to block the Interceptor with my HWK-290 as well as I could, but the Interceptor's much better maneuverability allowed it to get an unobstructed final shot at the Satellite.
 |
| Lorrir's Demons have fulfilled their main mission, though it seems none of them will survive the engagement... The HWK-290 ionizes the last surviving Interceptor while the 3 surviving mines close in... |
Round 4
The last Interceptor advanced at a snail's pace thanks to the ion turret of the HWK-290. Another shot from the HWK-290 and one last hit from the mines destroyed the last of the Lorrir's demons.
The last Interceptor advanced at a snail's pace thanks to the ion turret of the HWK-290. Another shot from the HWK-290 and one last hit from the mines destroyed the last of the Lorrir's demons.
 |
| Mission accomplished, Lord Vader! |
Conclusion
The mission worked as expected. A fast and furious extremely dangerous mission for both sides... This is the exhilarating advantage of playing a mission in which all sides have glass cannons. The mission plays also quite short (around 30 minutes) so it is a good one to teach a new player the game.
The mission worked as expected. A fast and furious extremely dangerous mission for both sides... This is the exhilarating advantage of playing a mission in which all sides have glass cannons. The mission plays also quite short (around 30 minutes) so it is a good one to teach a new player the game.
I initially thought that only 6 mines would probably not be enough of a threat, but decided to leave this part of the mission untouched. I only reduced the amount of rounds needed by the Interceptors to destroy the Satellite, because the original 6 for major victory and 8 for minor victory seemed too easy for them.
We also had time to review the possible strategies and repeat a bit the mission to see whether it made sense.
1. Take the highest risk to the safety of the Interceptors but get as fast as possible to the Satellite. This was Beni's approach in our test game. This gets the Interceptors in round 2 at range 3 from the Satellite, so good chances of destroying it, if they survive.
2. Go straight and fast following one edge of the map to avoid the mines, then take a turn toward the satellite... This would make the Interceptors arrive in round 3 to range 3 of the Satellite. The HWK-290 would be able to act and the chances of destroying the Satellite quickly are lessened, but the Interceptors have more chances of surviving.
3. Pick the mines at long range and approach the minefield after destroying 2 or 3 of them... This again increases the survival rate of the Interceptors but at the risk of not getting to the Satellite in time if the dice don't fall the Imperial's way.
So, we'll take a break now to "train" for an official tournament that will take place in The Hague... stay tuned for my next report!
No comments:
Post a Comment