Armchair Generals (IC)

[macrorufus]

Dawn shatter as the shriek of incoming shells tear the peaceful morning apart. Scy'thean infantry, thinking fast, shelter in the lee of the trenches that stretch along the theatre, giving them some cover from the artillery. After one hours' bombardment, the shrill cry of tin whistles float across the one hundred metres separating the lines, and through the smoke a gutteral chanting comes. Scy'theans stand up in their trenches and aim towards the enemy lines.

The Ixians come, rifles held in front of them, the light gleaming on their bayonets as they walk through the mud that covers the 'No Man's Land.'

The cries of 'Stand to! Stand to repel!' ring through the line as Scy'theans begin to open fire. Halconian recon craft fly overhead, directing the answering Kraynox howitzers with unrelenting accuracy.
The Ixian attack wave breaks, and as they run, a bugle sounds, a company of Haukadon riders, cut down the remainder.

Commanders wait to give orders to their respective arms, as the attack was repulsed successfully.

[Please detail what units of your arm, attack/defend, what section of Left/Right/Centre front]

[Dusty]

1 Flight recon attacks right flank. Flight Zepplin + flight recon for spotting attacks center of line.

[Nelle Kozera]

6inch field guns: Attack left!

5 inch howitzers: Attack Center!

1lb-er autocannons: Defend Center!

[SliceOfDog]

Dragoons hold back, observe battlefield from left of our territory.

Heavies push firmly Right, but being conscious of leaving open the possibility to retreat (so no full charges, maybe a determined trot)

Mounted cav. guns defend Right, ready to cover a Heavy retreat.

[Cobalt3924]

Scy'Threan Grenadiers: Attack Center

Scy'Threan Riflers: Attack Center

Scy'Threan Engineers: Defend Center

[macrorufus]

Ixian Rolls:

Air:
Zeppelins - Attack Centre
Recon-Fighter - Defend Centre
Recon-Fighter - Attack Centre

Infantry:
Rifles - Defend Centre
Grenadiers - Attack Left
Engineers. - Defend Centre

Cavalry
Heavies - Attack Left
Dragoons - Defend Right
Towed Maxim-guns - Attack Centre

Artillery:
Field Guns (Shrapnel) - Attack Right
Howitzers (HE) - Defend Left
Autocannons (AA). - Defend Centre

Ixian rolls done, combat details to follow.

[macrorufus]

Initiative on all Fronts: United Free (actions go first, unless defending) ((Centre & Right to follow))

Left Front:

Kraynox dragons are seen manhandling their massive field guns into position, checking sights and cranking the gun elevations high. The quadripeds feed shells into waiting breaches, as they prepare to begin their salvo. At 06:00, the first in the line of guns fires, followed quickly by the others.
Shells are flung off across the comparatively short distance from Ixian lines, explosions lighting the trenches. With all the explosions it's hard to believe anything could survive the bombardment. But, the dragon artillerymen knew that they'd always see survivors.
Roars of 'Rounds complete' echo across the Kraynox gunnery position as at last, the available munitions for the bombardment are spent. The Kraynox slap hands and grin amongst each other, Ixia got an early wake up call today.

As the bombardment ends, Scy'thean officers blow their whistles signalling a general attack on the left front. The United Free infantry clamber out of trenches using their trench ladders followed by officers and begin to advance towards the shelled enemy trenches. Two companies of infantry, two hundred Scy'theans pour out of their trenches and form a large wave as they approach the unnervingly quiet Ixian line.
The quiet is broken by an Ixian howitzer bombardment that lands around the Scy'thean push. The shells fall to the rear, and to the sides of the Scy'thean infantry. Strangely few of the high explosive shells actually strike the Scy'thean force, instead creating a box, lined by howitzer shells with only one direction un-hit: Towards Ixian lines.
The box barrage herds the infantry wave into a small mass, preventing Scy'theans from moving.

Kraynox and Rebodil officers can only swear at the unfolding disaster, as the Ixians begin to fire from their trenchline at the massed force. A line of tracer bullets suddenly sweep out from the Ixian lines and mow down a good portion of the infantry attack. Thinking quick, the Rebodil dragoon officers grab for their telescopes. Two Ixians are crewing what appears to be a smaller, more compact version of the United Free maxim guns, the attacking company is wiped to a man. As soon as the howitzers cease fire, the Ixians begin their own advance.

Five hundred Ixians pour out of their trenches, committing their all to a counter-assault. Rifle fire is exchanged between the trench lines, and maxim guns cut down a large number of assaulting Ixians. However, Ixian grenadiers manage to storm the trenches, first lobbing their small explosives with harsh cries of 'Grenadz!'

The Rebodil dragoons, defending the left front, had seen enough. Bugles cry as the Haukadons are urged towards the Ixian infantry. Rifle rounds impact on the shields placed on the heavy steeds of the Rebodil dragoons as they open fire with their own carbines.
The dragoons suffer losses as Haukadon's are shot down, but the highly trained cavalry use their downed mounts as temporary cover, however, there is an answering bugle as Ixian heavy cavalry storm onto the field. The dragoons that were still mounted withdraw! The Left Front has suffered a particularly heavy loss, as the Ixian wave storms into the trenches and hold them.

The Left has suffered heavy casualties. Ixia is in a strong position on the left.

[macrorufus]

Initiative: United Free (actions go first, unless defending)
Centre Front:
06:00, early morning silence is shattered by the rumble of Kraynox howitzers, as the dragons toss shell after shell at the Ixian line. High above, circling No Man's Land, Halconian aircraft swirl, feeding target information to the Kraynox gunners. Kraynox artillery drops close to their own trenches, and as more shells fall, the Ixian defenders lose sight of the United Free Trench line.
After each shell the Kraynox raise their sights by 1 degree, creating the impression of a field of fire and detonations that head towards the Ixians.

Concealed by the smoke, Scy'thean whistles blow and the 4 companies general infantry storm out, followed by the Grenadiers and Rifles company of the Scy'thean infantry arm. They advance slowly, using the creeping barrage for cover as they make their way to the enemy lines. The continually advancing bombardment covers the approach of the United Free infantry entirely, and when the bombardment stops abruptly, Ixians are only just moving back into position when grenades explode in the trenches, followed by a horde of Scy'theans jumping down into the trenches. The insectoid infantry tear apart the Ixian defenders, and the Ixian infantry break, falling back down the reserve trenches.

Engineers following the Grenadiers and Rifles begin to set about on making the trench defensible from a counter attack from the reserve trenches. They coil out lines of barbed wire across the escape trenches leading to the reserve trenches. No sense losing what's just been taken. It is fortunate they did so too, for a counter push by an Ixian cavalry group surprises everyone. Madness seems to be an Ixian mindset, as the cavalry wheel sharply and riders jump to their towed-maxim guns. They are all cut down very fast.

The drone of large engines herald the late arrival of the Ixian air corps. Their planes tear down into the Halconian aircraft. Unfortunately, neither side had developed frontal weapons, making the dogfight a curious form of turning to allow the rear gunner to fire. Neither side obtains any casualties, but the Halconian recon flight is unable to continue observation. As the dogfight swirls, two large cigar shapes are spotted lurking, and become zeppelins. The Ixian Zeppelin drops its bombs on the trenches below, fiery explosions blossoming in the trench line. The United Free zeppelin heads past the Ixian one, onboard maxim guns firing at their Ixian counterparts, dropping its cargo on the reserve trenches. Neither zeppelin achieve considerable casualties, and both retire from the field. Both are too high to be engaged by the fighters or AA. Neither seemed to want to approach the other.
The swirling dogfight sees the odd aircraft downed as a Halconian craft slams into the dirt, the crew dead. The Halconian flight breaks away and flies for the United Free lines, as belatedly the Kraynox autocannons begin to fire into the sky at the aircraft. A single Ixian craft glides down and crashes, its pilot getting out and managing to shoot a flare at his craft before Scy'thean riflemen shoot him down.

The Ixians do not appear to wish to charge down the reserve trench. This is a victory for the United Free. The engineers present in the infantry section examine the 'Stutter-gun.' Its design will be incorporated soon for the United Free.

[macrorufus]

Initiative: United Free (actions go first, unless defending)
Right Front:

The rumble of guns fills the air as Ixia pounds the right front and determined Scy'theans pour out of their trenches into the bombardment. The shells fall amongst the advancing Scy'theans creating huge casualties. Their casualty rate is attrocious as Ixian infantry fire at them from the safety of their trenches. The rumble of horses hooves fill the air as the bombardment stops abruptly. Ixian dragoons pour from behind their lines to attack the massed Scy'theans, gunfire and sabres whirling.

Halconians fly uncontested in this section of the line, and the lead pilot picks out a red flare. He fires it over the sky as the United Free recon watch the decimated Scy'theans attempt to flee. The recon flight heads back for their own lines after the flare was launched.

A spyglass shuts as the Rebodil riders hidden behind a hill view the flare floating high. Bugles sound as heavy Haukadons are urged into a stampede. As the Rebodil riders close with the engaged dragoons, Ixians shout out in alarm, before the heavy Haukadons smash into the grouped dragoons. Ixian riders and horses are trampled by the heavily armored haukadon cavalry. The dragoons break, and the Rebodil push onwards thundering over and past Ixia's lines to charge the field guns in the rear. The battle is short and costly. The Rebodil are eventually forced to give up their ground as the Scy'thean infantry were to badly hit to take the trenches. But before they go, they manage to spike the enemy field guns.

[SliceOfDog]

Edit: After discussion with Dusty, I have reason to believe he would make a more competent military commander than I.
...
That means I'm changing my post to reflect better tactics.
But shh.
It's a secret!

Heavies and dragoons move in to support the right, and if successful push up to meet the centre (no further than that though)

Stutter-guns to defend centre.

And if I can be so bold as to suggest some moves for the rest of you (these are only suggestions, I won't be offended if you choose to do things differently): Cobalt, have your Engies continue to defend the centre so we don't lose ground, have your rifles defend left and your grenadiers move in with my cavalry on the right. Nelle, focus mostly on defending left, maybe put one on defending centre. Dusty, maybe recon right for our push up to meet the forward centre, and put the other two on defending centre and left?
Again, all just my suggestions. It may be that if the exact above happens, we would all die horribly in a blaze of un-glory, but that's just things as I see them

[Dusty]

MG Recon attacks left to spot for artillery.

Both Zeppelins attack right with other MG Recon.

[Nelle Kozera]

7inch field guns: Attack left!

6inch Field Guns: Attack right!

1lb-er autocannons: Defend Center!

[Cobalt3924]

Grenadiers attack Right
Rifles defend Left
Engineers defend Center

[macrorufus]

Ixian rolls:

Field Gun - Attack right
Howitzer - Attack left
Autocannons - Attack right

Rifles - Defend Centre
Grenadiers - Defend left
Engineers - Defend Centre

Recon - Attack left
Recon - Defend Left
Zepp - Attack right

Dragoons - Attack left
Heavy Cavalry - Defend Centre
Maxim Cavalry - Attack left

[macrorufus]

Initiative on all Fronts: Ixia (actions go first, unless defending) ((Centre & Right to follow))

Left Front:

Dawn breaks slowly and on the left front, howitzers along the Ixian line open up. The Scy'theans were unable to see the howitzers fire, but could more than hear the shriek of incoming shells, and as one they take shelter, scrambling for the limited cover that the trenches offer. Although, the shells fall far short, almost dangerously close to Ixian lines. The Scy'theans knew something wasn't right as the bombardment continued relentlessly between the lines. The Kraynox gunners on the United Free lines cursed, the enemy howitzers were protected from the field guns direct line of fire. The infantry detachments sound the make ready, and prepare themselves for what will come. Ixia has a plan, as evidenced by the slow but mirage-like way that the curtain of shellfire slowly crept across no-man's land. The explosions approaching ominously closer. The dragons manning the field guns opened up on Ixian lines, their aim spoiled by the lack of visibility and air coverage. The skies were a whirl of planes as the outnumbered Halconians fought valiantly to remain in the skies, all sense of formations lost in the dogfight. The wing leader's plane shudders as bullets slam into it from all sides, and his plane begins to dive. Thinking quick, he scrambles out and opens his wings. Better a desperate chance, than none. It is only then that he sees an Ixian craft, the weapon flashing as it turns towards him. His body is never recovered, and the flight is forced to retreat.

As the bombardment finally closes within 100 yards of the trenchlines, the Scy'theans are forced to take cover leaving their stutter guns unattended. It is only after the bombardment sweeps past the front trenches that the Ixian ploy comes to light. Merely a hundred yards behind the wall of shells are the Ixian infantry, supported by the dragoons and horse-towed maxim guns. Yelling wildly, the Ixians are into the trenchline before the Scy'theans can return to their ready positions and re-crew their stutter-guns. The fighting is close and bloody, Ixians jumping down into the trenches. Bayonets flash amidst rifle fire as the Ixians force the Scy'thean infantry back into the reserve trenches. For the first time in the war the Ixian are finally seen up close.

The Left looks lost... However, the Kraynox observer corps are quick to pass on the technique to their own gunners.
/You can now specify a creeping bombardment!/
/Question to Halconians: The pilots report on the dishonourable fighting of the Ixians. Should they follow suit?/

Mid and Right to follow.

[macrorufus]

Centre Front:

Tin whistles sound from the Ixian reserve trenches, and shouting warcries the Ixian infantry pushed down their own occupied front trenches in an attempt to push out the United Free nestled there. Perhaps understandingly there is no bombardment to herald an imminent assault as the lines are rather close. However, their charge is brought short by well placed Rebodil stutter guns and barbed wire. There is no respite for the jammed soldiers, only kinks in the trench lines prevent entire squads from being mowed down by concentrated gunfire. After a half-hearted attempt to charge the wire the Ixians fall back.

Even the arrival of a thundering heavy cavalry charge does little to affect the tide of battle. Kraynox gunners, tired of scanning empty skies, depressed their autocannons to their lowest elevation and opened up. The effect was devastating. Ixian riders flog their mounts as they try to break away, this engagement truly proving that the cavalryman is a dying breed.

Right to follow.

[macrorufus]

Right Front:

The whistle of incoming shells announce the break of dawn better than any cockerel as the Ixian field guns open up along the right front. However, the bombardment serves to do little besides throwing barbed wire around, as silence replaces the noise, Scy'theans man their positions peering over towards no man's land.

Sure enough, the Ixian infantry struggle out of their trenches and for a brief moment the SCy'theans cannot believe the audacity of Ixia's High Command, as supporting the push are horse drawn anti-air weapons. The horses are weak, skeletal creatures, clearly while the cream of the crop is in the cavalry, the unwanted are made to tow Ixian weapons.
The Scy'theans unleash their firepower on the struggling Ixians as the Rebodil dragoons and heavy cavalry sound their charge. Rifle and stutter gun fire knocks down Ixians like bowling pins, and Ixian anti-air guns falter in no man's land as the horses towing them are brought down. However, the crews thinking quickly hide behind the sparse cover offered by the flak shields and point them down range towards the United Free lines, towards the charging haukadons churning their way through the sludge. Dragoons fire off their carbines, from the side of their mounts, knocking a few Ixian gunners off their perches.
It isn't enough.

With a dull thump, the guns open up, tearing great swathes through the Haukadons and their Rebodil riders alike. Each round punches holes the size of a Haukadon hoof, the carnage is terrible. The field is soon littered with dead mounts and riders. An Ixian zeppelin makes for the United Free lines slowly.

The counter attack begins as the Kraynox gunners fire their field guns the rounds make short work of the remaining anti air guns. As the guns quiet, Scy'theans grenadiers storm their way towards the enemy trench line, chasing what remnants remain of the Ixian infantry.
High above in the skies, Halconian fighters rise to engage the Ixian Zeppelin. As the Halconians close they open up with their machine guns puncturing holes in the zeppelin's gas chambers, there's a sudden spark and the zeppelin is suddenly enveloped in a cloud of flame, the gas chambers ignited as the frame falls towards no man's land.
The Halconian zeppelin flies uncontested towards the Ixian lines, managing to drop a full bomb load on the enemy trenches.

Current Situation:
Ixia holds United Free's reserve trenches on the left.
United Free holds Ixia's reserve trenches in the middle.
Ixia's right has been eradicated....

A general signal to retreat is sent by the Ixians, their force withdraws rapidly abandoning a large quantity of equipment.

((Descriptions of new zone, and technology found will be added soon))

[macrorufus]

United Free Tactical Briefing:

The Ixians have withdrawn past a large river and taken up positions on its far side. This has stalled our attempts to continue to rout them. It will not be easy to cross. There are sites where we can ford the river, but this will slow down our rate of advance immensely.

The following changes have occured:

Question to Halconians: Synchronised Machine guns and choice of (Triplane) or (early twin engine bomber)
Question to Scy'theans: Gas masks and choice of (Light Stutter Gun think: Lewis Gun) or (Fire-Thrower)
Question to Kraynox: Barbed wire fuses and choice of (9inch howitzer rail mounted) or (9inch field gun, towed)
Question to Rebedil: Sorry... nothing. Yet.

Division leaders await further orders.