Farewell to Arms
General Summary
Mission Profile
- Mission Type: Recon
- Force Size: 15,000 BV
- Location: Vernier Outskirts, Grid I04
- Weather: Scattered Showers
- Time of Day: Late Morning
Situation Overview
According to the contract representative, Antan Exports is a front for Andurien loyalists who are funneling equipment to prop up their independence. On the southern outskirts of Vernier City, nine cargo containers have been prepared for travel and are being guarded by a force of Anton Exports "security forces" and arms smugglers. The contract for this mission stipulates the need to investigate as many of the containers as possible, and report back findings so contraband can be properly seized and reallocated. The Harbingers will be compensated with salvage rights for their efforts.Objectives
Primary Objective: The Harbingers are to inspect nine cargo containers which have been processed for shipment. Doing so will identify valuable resources meant to go to Andurien.(2 VP)Secondary Objective: Eliminating any of the Antan Security forces or smugglers' 'Mechs will be beneficial in the long run, as it will also prevent the equipment from finding their way to Andurien forces.
Setup
This small portion on the outskirts of Vernier City has a sparse amount of large buildings, and several roads connecting them. For those recreating the battle area, the terrain includes 2d6+4 Road Elements, 3d6 Building Elements, and Nine Cargo containers which fit inside a single hex. We are using 10 Road and 10 Building Elements for this scenario, with most of the elements placed no less than six hexes from the edges of the mat.On the "far side" of the battlefield, there are three clusters of Cargo units (three each) separated by at least two hexes of space. These are the objectives. The Arms Smugglers deploy close to one of these clusters, while the Antan Exports forces deploy near another. The Harbingers may enter from the opposing side, and chose to deploy "on the corner".
Forces
Harbingers
- AWS-8Q Awesome A ("Sassy")
(0/2; Specialist: PPC, Lucky 1) - BNC-3M Banshee ("Patty Cake")
(1/4; Sniper) - GRH-5H Grasshopper ("Jungle Jackie")
(2/4; Multi-Tasker, Lucky 1) - OTL-4D Ostsol ("Boomstick")
(2/5; Range Master (M), Lucky 1) - WSP-1A Wasp ("Twist")
(3/5; Lucky 1) - SDR-5V Spider (Falkner) (4/6)
- LRM Carrier A ("Prodigal Sons")
(1/5; Oblique Attacker) - Schrek PPC Carrier A ("Gunpowder Saints")
(1/4; Sandblaster) - Laser Carrier ("Sweet Ones") (0/4)
Cache Defenders
Antan Exports Security
Arms Smugglers
Antan Exports Security
- MAD-3M Marauder (2/3; Range Master: L, Lucky 1)
- QKD-4G Quickdraw (4/6)
- RFL-3N Rifleman (4/6)
- OTL-4D Ostsol (4/5)
- GRF-1N Griffin (4/4)
- LCT-1V Locust (4/5)
- LCT-1V Locust (4/5)
- ASN-21 Assassin (4/4)
- SHD-2H Shadow Hawk (4/5)
Arms Smugglers
- VTR-9B Victor (2/3; Jumping Jack, Multi-Tasker)
- VND-1R Vindicator(3/5; Jumping Jack)
- GLT-4L Guillotine (4/6)
- CLNT-2-3T Clint (3/6)
- LCT-1E Locust (4/6)
- STG-3R Stinger (5/6)
- STG-3R Stinger (5/6)
- PXH-1 Phoenix Hawk (4/5)
- PXH-1 Phoenix Hawk (4/5)
- WSP-1A Wasp (4/6)
- WSP-1A Wasp (4/6)
Special Rules
Forced Withdrawal: When certain conditions are met, the defending units will surrender in position. These conditions are as follows:- If a BattleMech expends all their ammunition and has no more available weapons.
- If a BattleMech loses one side torso location due to damage.
- If a BattleMech sustains internal damage in two torso locations or three limb locations.
- If a BattleMech suffers two Engine hits or one Engine hit and one Gyro hit.
- If a BattleMech is rendered immobile or otherwise unable to escape the battlefield.
Scanning: In order to definitively determine what is within the cargo containers, a 'Mech must get close enough to penetrate the shielding of the containers. This means closing to within three hexes of one cargo container, though an Active Probe or similar equipment will increase this range by one.
Special Abilities
Jumping Jack: This unit is more accurate when jumping than normal, having only a +1 to-hit penalty.Lucky: Sometimes you just find luck when you least expect it. For each point of Lucky, this pilot may reroll one Gunnery or Piloting roll per scenario.
Multi-Tasker: Whenever you want to exploit a target-rich environment, or just need to have your attention divided, it's difficult. However, this pilot reduces all attacks against secondary targets by a -1 To-Hit bonus after working on their ability to split their focus.
Oblique Attacker: It takes some skill to read where your enemy is, when you can't have visual confirmation. This pilot can make Indirect LRM attacks against a target without the benefit of a spotter and have an additional -1 To-Hit modifier when doing so.
Range Master: This pilot has trained to fire more accurately at a different range than normal. They swap their short range penalty for the designated range penalty (either medium or long range this means their short range is now less accurate but their chosen range is more accurate.
Sandblaster: This unit rolls on the Cluster Hit table better than average. At long range they get a +2 bonus, at medium range they get +3 instead, and at short range they get +4 instead.
Sniper: Experience teaches pilots how to lead distant targets better, making it less difficult to hit their targets. This pilot halves all standard range penalties (+1 for medium range, +2 for long range).
Weapon Specialist: Training and time have brought a sense of a particular weapon and how to get the most out of it. This unit has a -2 To-Hit bonus with their chosen weapon.
Battle Report
Prelude
(Image Link Missing)On arrival to the location, two distinct forces were spotted near the targeted cargo containers. "Sassy" determined her force had interrupted an exchange, which would allow the Harbingers to cause damage to both Antan Exports' security and the smugglers. Despite being outnumbered, she noticed the majority of the units were lighter than the bulk of the mercenaries' forces. They were going to take punishment, for certain, but they could emerge victorious with good luck.
Turn One
(Image Link)As the Harbingers noticed the number of opponents, "Sassy" directed her force to let them come into range. For now, the Awesome and Schrek fired on the Ostsol and the LRM Carrier fired on the Rifleman. Both of the Antan 'Mechs took considerable damage, and were not quite in range to return fire yet. The barrage caused the Ostsol to stagger and fall, yet it would not remain down long.
Turn Two
(Image Link)Antan Exports' security forces closed much faster now, as the two Locusts go for the vehicles. Their Ostsol continues to advance despite taking a few more shots, while attention shifts to protect the Harbingers' vehicles. While the Laser Carrier is able to shred the Ostsol on approach, damage to its front armor threatened to breach. The crew quietly ditched, while the nearby Schrek blasted its PPCs into one of the enemy Locusts. "Patty Cake" moved her Banshee to intercept the other, managing to close in for melee combat. It delivered a devastating kick which swept through one leg and proceeded to send the gyroscope out the back side of the Light 'Mech.
Meanwhile, "Boomstick" maneuvered his Ostsol to continue assaulting the Rifleman with assistance from many missles from the LRM Carrier. Despite the concentrated effort, the Heavy 'Mech continued standing and delivering fire at the Harbingers' Ostsol. While it did connect, this was relatively minor damage and only significantly damaged its arm. The Harbingers' Wasp and Spider were meanwhile trying to circle the northern edge of the settlement, only to spot the smuggler 'Mechs approaching. A hasty decision was made to reverse and make all haste around the edge of the combat currently taking place.
Turn Three
(Image Link)While the Harbingers' scout 'Mechs were attempting to move out of the way, a barrage from the Clint tore apart "Twist's" Wasp from the rear. At the same time, both Stingers were swiftly dispatched by the Grasshopper and "Sassy". The other light 'Mechs belonging to the smugglers advanced along the northern edge of the city, clearly attempting to flank while most other units were focused on the battle. "Boomstick" was ordered to engage the Marauder and flush it out of cover, which was received with mixed results.
The Rifleman continued to back away from combat, now missing an arm, before the LRM Carrier's next barrage caused the leg to break free. When the heavy 'Mech fell, it landed heavily and could no longer contribute to the fight. Antan Security's Quickdraw and Shadow Hawk moved in to try intercepting the Spider, though shots were near impossible to land on the quick-moving 'Mech.
Turn Four
(Image Link)While "Sassy" directs the Harbingers forward to engage the Security Forces' Marauder, the smugglers begin rushing the flank with their fast units. Their Guillotine engages her Awesome as PPCs shred apart the nearby Wasp, and concentrated fire comes from multiple angles into the Assault 'Mech. The damage is severe, but not too threatening - yet. A barrage fired from the LRM Carrier manage to eliminate the Shadow Hawk by destroying its leg.
Falkner was able to speed his Spider past the security 'Mechs and begin taking scans of the cargo containers, while one of the smugglers' Phoenix Hawks diverted to attempt intercepting Falkner. When a Locust managed to get close enough to threaten the LRM Carrier, "Patty Cake" hustled over and proceeded to again drive a kick into the light 'Mech. When its weapons were able to maul the rear of the vehicle and cripple its motive system, the kick snapped the right leg into two pieces and drove the thigh up into the torso. The Harbingers' Ostsol engages the Marauder at close range, delivering a punishing barrage into it along with the Grasshopper.
Turn Five
(Image Link)Falkner's Spider continues bounding through the southern side to the next cargo area, quickly setting about using the scanner to inspect of a second set of cargo containers. The smugglers' Phoenix Hawk attempts to move and cut it off, though it had been simply too far out of position to catch the fast scout 'Mech. Despite knowing there was little to be done about the Spider, the smugglers quickly fold in to start firing on the Harbingers. "Sassy" takes severe damage but is able to maneuver to help pour damage into the Marauder, causing it to fall under the intense punishment.
As the smugglers and security push past the Harbingers, they take every opportunity to damage the Harbingers on the way out. The Banshee takes a considerable amount of punishment, and the Schrek is rendered incapable of pursuit even if the mercenaries wanted to. Instead, "Sassy" allows the stragglers to flee the combat area and begins reporting in on the situation so they can arrange for payment.
Aftermath
With the security forces and smugglers breaking off, the Harbingers proceeded to remain in the area until their League contact could confiscate the contents of the containers. Local authorities were unhappy with yet another combat engagement within city limits, yet there was precious little to be done in the face of BattleMechs. With assets elsewhere in the city being seized by those authorities, Antan Exports ceased being an entity in other fashions.
Damage Report
Damage
- AWS-8Q A: Right Arm (24 Armor; 75% Structure), Left Arm (5 Armor), Right Leg (5 Armor), Left Leg (5 Armor), Right Torso (7 Armor), Center Torso (23 Armor), Head (8 Armor).
- BNC-3M: Right Arm (10 Armor), Left Arm (2 Armor), Left Leg (2 Armor), Left Torso (7 Armor), Center Torso (24 Armor).
- GRH-5H: Right Leg (20 Armor), Left Leg (8 Armor), Right Torso (2 Armor), Center Torso (12 Armor).
- OTL-4D: Right Arm (8 Armor; 50% Structure), Right Leg (15 Armor), Left Leg (15 Armor), Right Torso (7 Armor), Left Torso (6 Armor; 25% Structure, Large Laser (2 Hits), Medium Laser), Center Torso (5 Armor).
- WSP-1A: Destroyed. Components salvaged.
- SDR-5V: Left Torso (2 Armor).
- LRM Carrier A: Front (5 Armor), Right (5 Armor), Rear (6 Armor), Motive (2 Hits).
- Schrek A: Front (2 Armor), Right (20 Armor; Structure, Stabilizer Hit), Rear (9 Armor), Turret (4 Armor), Motive (3 Hits).
- Laser Carrier: Front (8 Armor).
- MAD-3M: Right Arm (22 Armor; Detached, 75% Structure, Large Laser Hit, Upper Actuator Hit), Left Arm (11 Armor), Right Leg (10 Armor), Left Leg (10 Armor), Right Torso (17 Armor; Destroyed), Left Torso (17 Armor; 25% Structure), Center Torso (35 Armor).
- ASN-21: Right Arm (6 Armor; 75% Structure), Left Arm (6 Armor; Destroyed), Right Leg (6 Armor; 75+% Structure, Detached), Right Torso (10 Armor), Left Torso (10 Armor; Destroyed), Center Torso (3 Armor).
Rearming
- GRH-5H: LRM 5 (1 ton)
- LRM Carrier A: LRM 20 (2 tons)
- MAD-3M: AC/5 (1 ton)
- ASN-21: SRM 2, LRM 5 (2 tons)
Parts Not In Stock
- AC/5
- Structure (40t): Left Arm
- Structure (40t): Left Torso
- Structure (75t): Right Torso
Medical Report
- "Sassy": 1 Wound.
Salvage Report
- MAD-3M Marauder (2/3; Range Master: L, Lucky 1): Acquired. Sent to repairs.
- ASN-21 Assassin (4/4): Acquired. Sent to repairs.
- RFL-3N Rifleman (4/6): Acquired. Prepared for sale.
- SHD-2H Shadow Hawk (4/5) Acquired. Prepared for sale.
- PXH-1 Phoenix Hawk (4/5) Acquired. Prepared for sale.
Components Salvaged
- Medium Laser (5)
- Large Laser (2)
- SRM 2
- Cockpit
- Sensors
- Life Support
- Jump Jet (4)
- Actuator (20t): Upper Arm (2)
- Actuator (20t): Lower Arm (2)
- Actuator (20t): Hand (2)
- Actuator (20t): Upper Leg (2)
- Actuator (20t): Lower Leg (2)
- Actuator (20t): Foot (2)
- Actuator (60t): Upper Arm
- Actuator (60t): Lower Arm (2)
- Actuator (60t): Hand (2)
- Actuator (60t): Upper Leg (2)
- Actuator (60t): Lower Leg (2)
- Actuator (60t): Foot (2)
- Structure (20t): Left Arm
- Structure (20t): Right Arm
- Structure (20t): Left Leg
- Structure (20t): Right Leg
- Structure (20t): Left Torso
- Structure (20t): Right Torso
- Structure (20t): Head
- Structure (60t): Left Arm
- Structure (60t): Right Arm
- Structure (60t): Left Leg
- Structure (60t): Right Leg
- Structure (60t): Left Torso
- Structure (60t): Right Torso
- Structure (60t): Head
Mission Report
Primary Objective: The Harbingers inspected the contents of six cargo containers, which were seized by authorities.(12 VP)Secondary Objective: Eleven BattleMechs were eliminated by the Harbingers over the course of the combat engagement.(11 VP)
NPC Report
Detained
Antan Exports- MAD-3M Marauder (2/3; Range Master: L, Lucky 1): Acquired. 'MechWarrior captured.
- RFL-3N Rifleman (4/6): Acquired. 'MechWarrior captured.
- LCT-1V Locust (4/5): Acquired. 'MechWarrior captured.
- ASN-21 Assassin (4/4): Acquired. 'MechWarrior captured.
- SHD-2H Shadow Hawk (4/5): Acquired. 'MechWarrior captured.
- LCT-1E Locust (4/6): Acquired. 'MechWarrior captured.
- PXH-1 Phoenix Hawk (4/5): Acquired. 'MechWarrior captured.
Destroyed
Antan Exports- OTL-4D Ostsol (4/5): 'Mech destroyed. 'MechWarrior captured.
- LCT-1V Locust (4/5): 'Mech destroyed. 'MechWarrior captured.
- STG-3R Stinger (5/6): 'Mech destroyed. 'MechWarrior captured.
- STG-3R Stinger (5/6): 'Mech destroyed. 'MechWarrior captured.
- WSP-1A Wasp (4/6): 'Mech destroyed. 'MechWarrior captured.
Escaped
Antan Exports- QKD-4G Quickdraw (4/6): Unit withdrew from the combat area.
- GRF-1N Griffin (4/4): Unit withdrew from the combat area.
- VTR-9B Victor (2/3; Jumping Jack, Multi-Tasker): Unit withdrew from the combat area.
- VND-1R Vindicator (3/5; Jumping Jack): Unit withdrew from the combat area.
- GLT-4L Guillotine (4/6): Unit withdrew from the combat area.
- CLNT-2-3T Clint (3/6): Unit withdrew from the combat area.
- PXH-1 Phoenix Hawk (4/5): Unit withdrew from the combat area.
- WSP-1A Wasp (4/6): Unit withdrew from the combat area.
Table of Contents
- General Summary
- Forces
- Special Rules
- Special Abilities
- Battle Report
- Aftermath
- Damage Report
- Medical Report
- Salvage Report
- Mission Report
- NPC Report
Report Date
10 Apr 2023
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