>>42740366
>>Gunner’s suggestion- Piano Bar
You can find enough whores at the piano bar, Steve. Hell, if you get enough drinks into a girl who ISN'T a whore, you might be able to bang 'em without it being a purely financial transaction!

>>42740366
>Gunner’s suggestion- Piano Bar

>>42740366
>>Gunner’s suggestion- Piano Bar

It is late in the afternoon when you decide to go and hang out with your Gunner, Stein. Nobody else in your crew seems interested in following, save for the driver, whose name you have not ascertained. Unlike the Loader, he has not even tried to tell you. You actually can’t remember the driver saying anything, ever, although he responds to orders prudently. His face was also always covered by a grey kerchief and goggles. He would be incredibly disturbing if not for your trust for your crew.

The people of Delsau, unlike those from the region of Strosvald you hail from, are easygoing and relaxed. There are only a few curious glances at your masked companion.

The soft percussion of a grand piano echoes down the street the bar is on. It is fairly early on a weekday, and not tightly populated like it would be on the weekends. All of the furniture is made from darkly stained maple, with small flourishes indicative of an artisan who was skilled, but not great enough to avoid common work. All of the pieces have nicks and scratches, marks of wear from decades of use. The bar itself, however, is immaculately polished.

“Jager Ice Caps, all three of us,” Stein orders before you have even taken a seat. The bartender blinks, then steps off to the back room.

“Right,” Stein begins, “you know what a Jager is, right?”

You do. Presumably he is referring to Yeigres, the warlike people of the Naukland forests, and not the generic Czesian word for a huntsman.

“Well,” he continues, “they drink this draught called a Jager Ice Cap. It’s full of steaming hot dark ale, with a hunk of frozen moonshine floating in it. You’re supposed to drink it all before the ice melts, or the other Jagers think you’re a pansy.”

The bartender comes back surprisingly quickly with three tall glasses. The frozen chunk is shrinking quite rapidly, and each glass is gouting steam.

>Bottoms up, you’re no wimp
>Let it cool

>>42740896
>>Bottoms up, you’re no wimp
Besides, I'd rather drink two types of liquor separate than their lovechild.

>>42740896
>Bottoms up, you’re no wimp

>>42740896
>>Bottoms up, you’re no wimp
Ask for a beer back as well.

Rolled 16 (1d100)

You give the drink before you a deadly glance. Stein seems to be waiting for you to make the first move, while the driver, whatever his name is, simply stares at the concoction before him.

Well, you decide not to disappoint.

You grab hold of the warm glass and tip it back into your mouth.

Holy shit is it hot.

>>42741242
As a new player- low is good, right?

>>42741294
Usually yes. I use frankensteined Only War rules.

You somehow manage to keep drinking, even though the burning is intense. It takes all you have to not spit it out and ask for a water. Although, that’s the point though, you think.

You slam the glass back down and take a few deep breaths. Despite its heat, it actually had quite a smooth taste. The moonshine, what little of it melted on your lips, is quite bitter in contrast. Stein smiles, impressed.

“Damn, I was expecting more of a show.”

You ask for a beer chaser, and the bartender gives you a crystal mug of a pale Delsau Draught.

“So how about you?” you ask Stein, “not going to do it?”

“Nah.” Stein responds, “Ol’ driver here doesn’t seem in the mood either. The secret is knowing exactly how long it takes for the moonshine to melt.” He appears to have been taking small drinks every few seconds, like he was a child nursing a hot chocolate drink.

“That’s not very sporting,” you say.

Stein shrugs. “Hey, I didn’t say that you had to chug it. You’re pretty proud, ain’tcha?”

>Act Pompous
>Act Humble
>Write in for either, but also write in if you want an alternative

>>42741385
Wait for him to lean back in his seat, then tip him over, steal his booze while he tries to get back up, and drink it all in front of him, the pussy.

>>42741385
>You know, they say drinking two types of liquor at once gets you drunk faster.
>Besides, I wanted to taste the two flavors apart from each other.

“You know,” you muse, taking a pull on your beer, “they say drinking two types of liquor at once gets you drunk faster. Besides, I wanted to taste the flavors apart from each other.”

“Really?” Stein grins, “That’s good news then. I might just do what driver’s doing in that case.”

You decide that you’re not going to let that liquor go to waste. With a deft snatch, you pull Stein’s glass from him and take a long swig of it.

“Hey, what the hell!”

You grin back at him, “Two zero, my favor.”

He lets a smirk make its way across his face. “You’re lucky the girl’s paying for all of us, commander. Rank or no, I’d have slugged you for that.”

He snatches your beer from the counter. “I’ll just have to take this instead.”

“Sirs,” the bartender leans in, “would you like anything to eat as well?”

“Sure, why not.” Stein says, crossing a leg and swirling the beer around in the mug.

>Order something familiar
>Order something local
>No food, more beer
>Also enter a conversation topic.

>>42741636
>Order something local
May as well try the local food.
Also
>Got any suggestions, bartender?

>>42741636
Also, another beer.

>>42741636
>>Order something local

>>42741636
>Order something local
Ask Stein about himself, and maybe mention we still need to tell him about our bride now that we somewhat safe

Sorry for the holdup fellas, I'm juggling writing this and something that'll come up soon.

“What do you suggest?” you ask the bartender.

He thinks for a moment and replies, “They aren’t extravagant, but a popular choice is Onion Croissants. We get them from the bakery across the way. We have a mutual agreement, you see.”

You do see.

“There are also garlic roasted mushrooms,” he continues, “not Naukland mushrooms, but proper Brown Bulbs. With the right blending and basting they’re more savory than beef tenderloin.”

It couldn’t hurt to get both, so you do. The bartender turns on his heel and exits the place.

“So,” you address Stein, “what’s your story? You said you have relatives from the capital, right? What are you doing out here?”

“Ah.” Stein scratches the back of his head. “Ahhh. Yeah, let’s say I’m not popular back where I used to live. Nothing illegal, just some mischief that made joining my siblings…awkward.”

“Well you can’t just leave it a mystery,” you prod him, “what did you do?”

“I’ll give you the short version,” Stein says, “My family’s a bunch of mechanics. A long time ago, I got cocky. I saw the tank engines while visiting one of my older brothers, and thought, hey, a few parts look familiar.”

The model of tank must have been the Pz. Czs. In truth, although it was a light tank, its engine had more than a few similarities with an oversized truck engine.

“Yeah, so I get more and more familiar with it. Then I get cocky. I ask bro, hey, can I work on your tank? My brother’s the nicest guy in the world, he gives me special permission. So I make a few modifications to it, because I think I’m hot shit. Next day, there’s maneuvers. Bro’s tank breaks down, and they can’t figure out what’s wrong with it.” He leans back and flicks the edge of the now empty mug. “They never stopped giving him shit about it. Then his superiors found out and they got real mad. It wasn’t his equipment to let me modify, they said. He nearly got discharged, and rightfully so, I guess. It was my fault though. I couldn’t look at him without thinking he’s taken all that instead of me.”

“Was going to say, gunner’s a funny position for a mechanic.”

Stein lets out a hoarse chuckle. “Yeah, no. Ever since then I stopped practicing.” He smiles morosely and looks up. “At least I’m not married to a stranger, yeah?”

“Not quite married,” you correct him.

“Whatever. Don’t you at least know her name?”

“I know her last name. It’s von Blum.”

Stein nearly falls out of his chair. “The hell? Doesn’t she know?”

“Maddalyn?” you say, “I’m certain it isn’t her. The von Blums have quite a few daughters. I didn’t come up there just for the view.”

“Still screwy.” Stein mutters, “You sure you don’t want her to be it though? Considering.”

>No
>Not really
>I’d rather talk about something else (write in)

>>42742393
>I’d rather talk about something else (write in)
"...did I ever tell you about (insert personal backstory here)."

>>42742393
>>I’d rather talk about something else (write in)
OH HAY THERE'S OUR MUSHROOMS OMNOMNOM

File: kt-30.png (284 KB, 1000x523)

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“…did I ever tell you about where I came from?”

“Look,” Stein says hurriedly, “if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine, I just think you ought to consider that she knows something you don’t.”

You continue regardless. “My family, the von Trachts, aren’t very large or famous. All we really own is a large house, and we have a couple of servants-”

You feel a tap on your shoulder. Your turn and see your Driver. He motions out the door.

“We can’t go yet,” Stein objects, “We haven’t even…what’s that sound?”

The sudden appearance of a familiar sound appears. Not a precisely familiar one, but one known regardless. A tanker always knows the sound of a tank.

You look out the door and spot the source at the end of the road. It was an absurdly quiet tank.

The twilight make the tank’s shadow large and long. It was a khaki color, the Grossreich scheme. What it was doing here, you had no idea. The tank was a type you had never seen before; it must have been a new sort. It had hardly any seams, and the metalwork was exquisite and precise. It had no corners or welds at all; it was as if it was cast all in one piece.

The more concerning part, however, was its symbols.

The crown was an honored symbol in the Grossreich. It was rarely used outside of the royal household, with one exception.

During the War of Emrean Independence, the current Kaiser, Adam Paulus, had served as a tank commander. He was one of the pioneers of armored warfare tactics; even at the end of the war, when the Grossreich crumbled in the face of Emrean assaults, the young Prince’s tanks wrought destruction wherever they were, often becoming isolated only to break out once again.

This division, after the war, was the only military unit in the Grossreich to be granted the honor of displaying the crown as its symbol.

The Kaiser’s Own.

>Flee
>Stay and Observe the situation

>>42742982
>Stay and Observe the situation

>>42742982
>>Stay and Observe the situation
Our food isn't here yet anyway. Dinner and a show is a must.

>>42742982
>Stay and Observe the situation
But place some money on the table to pay if we need to book it quick
>inb4 this is Maddy's contact

You blink twice and duck back into the bar. No matter how quiet the tank, battle is never silent. The true reason for their presence could wait until you had eaten.

You hear the tank stop in front of the bar, hatches opening. Some conversation occurs, and the tank drives away.

“So what do we do?” Stein asks.

“We stay and eat.” You answer. “What do they care about us? They’re certainly not stopping in for a fight.”

Your answer turns out to be correct once you see who enters.

The one who appears to be the commander is dressed for a parade. He is groomed, clean, and his billowing white cape and black uniform are perfectly fitted, each silver button polished to a mirror shine.

His face seems to be lightly made up, but you can still see some pallor about his eyes, and his cheekbones stick out more than most. All of the strangers seem somewhat gangly, in actuality.

Him and two others, dressed like him but lacking capes, sit next to you and your crew.
There is a short silence. The commander then turns to you and asks “Are you new in town?”

>write in response

>>42743493
So if I get this straight, one of the royals or servants of royals of a country currently invading ours just walked into the bar we're in?
Um...
>"Yes."
Should there be a sir appended to this or not?
Either way, don't make our nationality apparent.

>>42743493
"Yes. Would you like a drink?"

“Yes,” you respond. “Would you like a drink?”

The man smiles warmly, “It would be appreciated, but we have plenty of money. Do not trouble yourself just for politeness’ sake. Despite my appearance, I am as common blooded as any of you. The Kaiser looks favorably upon merit, not circumstances of birth.”
“I am Pieter Vals,” the commander introduces himself, “of his majesty’s, the Kaiser of the Grossreich of Czeiss, Tank Guards. I would be pleased to make your acquaintance, herr…?”

>your name
>some other name

>>42743840
>write in
Someone not as dist distinguished as yourself

>>42743840
>your name
I'm not that good at thinking up names, and I don't think we can deflect this one so easily...

>>42743840
>First name only
No need to draw more attention than need be.
Only yield information he specifically asks for.
No need to lie, but no need to tell him what he isn't obliged to know.
Not speaking is more suspicious.

Forgetting my trip is what I do best.

“Richter,” you say, “Certainly not somebody as distinguished as yourself.”

“You flatter me, but I see how it is.” He pauses for a second. “You would not happen to be a fellow tanker, would you?”

You feel your blood run cold. “Come again?”

“It’s the smell. You smell of oil and cordite.”

The bartender returns with your food. “Ah, Pieter, so good to see you again. Will you be having the usual?”

Pieter nods and the Bartender moves off.

“We could be mechanics,” offers Stein.

“I know the mechanics around here. None of you are them, and you all share the scent.”

The only sound was of the Bartender mixing a drink.

“I heard that a platoon of tanks bearing the marks of Strosvald, of von Blum, specifically, came around through the southern border. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

He leans on the bar. “Rather odd, really. The von Blums were, disappointingly, defeated, however the orders in that event were to go into the Reich…not into Delsau. In fact, you would have to go well out of your way to enter Delsau rather than retreat into the Reich. Quite suspicious.”

You are silent at first.

“Tell me the truth. I already know, but I want to hear it from your mouth. Are you the single platoon who remained loyal to your Archduke? Don't be afraid to say so. Loyalty is not something to be condemned. If you weren’t who I know you are, that would be…disappointing.”

>Truth
>Lie
>Other (Write in)

>>42744300
>>Other (Write in)

Quickly smash a glass on his head, pick up our stool and fight the other two.

Quality mugs tend to be next to impossible to break from the bottom, he'll be out cold!

Trust me, this is a great idea!

This is not a serious idea, stop that.

>>42744300
>Truth
The man knows.

>>Truth
>"I didn't want to instigate anything, which is why I didn't tell you anything more than my name at first. I thought you might not know and wanted to prevent an... argument."
Edited vote.

>>42744300
>Truth

Stein glances at you warily. The driver looks as he always does.

“I am. Rather, we are. I am Lieutenant Richter von Tracht, of Strosvald’s 3rd Panzer Regiment, 6th Company, Second Platoon. I dislike being dishonest, but I was unsure of your intentions. Hence why I only gave you part of my name. I didn’t want there to be any…arguments.”

“There will be no arguments,” Pieter says. His men have relaxed immensely. “Are you going to eat that? Onion croissants are no good cold.”

You pick one of them up. “That’s it then?”

Pieter nods. “That’s it. This is neutral ground, there is no war here. I would prefer to drink with a friend rather than an enemy.” The bartender returns with his drink. It is a small shot of something as black as night. “I hope your hatred for us is not such that we cannot drink, is it?”

>I’m afraid it is. (Leave)
>Is isn’t. (Write in question or discussion)

>>42744672
>>"It isn’t. We were just taking the time to enjoy the amenity. I in particular was having these croissants, which were reccomended."

>>42744672
>Is isn’t. (Write in question or discussion)
The only men I can possibly have ire against are, in descending order, politicians, people who forgot to wash BEFORE getting in my tank, and clowns.

>>42744672
>"It isn’t. We were just taking the time to enjoy the amenity. I in particular was having these croissants, which were reccomended."

I like this.

“It isn’t.” You say, taking a bite out of the onion croissant. It is as good as promised and you have to appreciate the taste for a second. “We were just taking the time to enjoy the amenity. These croissants in particular were recommended to me. They are quite good.”

“They are. The mushrooms are too.”

“Also,” you add, “The only men I can possibly have ire against are, in descending order, politicians, people who forget to wash BEFORE getting in my tank, and clowns.”

“Politicians…yes.” Pieter says wistfully. “Indeed, it is because of them that we are forced to call each other foes. I presume you have heard of the famine we are stricken with.”

“Yes. Is it really that terrible?”

“It is, and worse.” Pieter says gravely, “There was a grain blight, then a drought. Our larders have been empty for years, and the land by itself cannot feed the nation. We appealed to other nations for help…but they all feared us.”

“Actually, we were not told of this famine. I only found out very recently.” You say.

“Predictable, isn’t it? Yet how terrible. Despite my fame for it, I take no pleasure in war.” He downs the black shot in one gulp. “I have paid heavy sacrifices for my status as well. I have had my tank, and crews, shot out from under me twice. All fifty kills, that make me one of the greatest tank aces in history…I am the only one of my current crew to have seen all of them.” He picks up the shot glass and taps it on the counter a few times.
“You must leave this place, Herr von Tracht. As soon as it is possible for you to. I will not inquire as to what business you have here, but either abandon it or conclude it quickly. I have been here, attempting to gain passage for the Reich through the lands of Delsau. It has been difficult, and if the next refusal is a final one…I have tried desperately to prevent war from reaching this place, Herr von Tracht. My desire for this place to be spared has only grown since I first arrived. However, my countrymen starve. Mothers cry out as their children die to sicknesses they cannot resist. I do not hate this country’s people for withholding aid, I am not ignorant of our history, but my loyalty is to my Kaiser and my people. So I implore you to leave. I would want you to join me, knowing of your exploits, but that would be selfish of me.”
>write in response

>>42745323
We're going to have to fight this guy at some point, aren't we?
>"I cannot promise you that. I can only hope and appeal that the issues caused by the famine are soon reconciled, so that there will be no need for war to be waged here or anywhere else."
>(Make a mental note to ask or otherwise obtain information on why the trade opportunity is being withheld at some point)

>>42745444
I sure fucking hope not. I like him, and he is apparently not someone to be fucked with.

>>42745323
Thank him for the heads-up

“I can’t promise that,” you say. “We can only hope that the effects of the famine are dealt with, so there will be no need for war here or anywhere else.”

Pieter stars into his empty glass. “Hold onto that hope of yours. Cherish it, and try to keep it close in the coming times.” He gets the attention of the bartender. “I will pay you for replacements for these glasses, if we do not return them. My men and I need to go.”

“Thank you for the warning,” you express your gratitude as he leaves.

“Let us both hope that it was unnecessary.”

The bartender wishes him well and his men leave clutching their beers.

You leave after having your meal. It is delicious, but somewhat soured by a sense of dreadful inevitability that descends upon you.
It is not only a desire not to fight a man you have recently met, but also a genuine sense of fear. If Pieter truly had fifty kills, he would be a terrifying opponent in any tank, and the Kaiser’s own would naturally have the best tanks available to them; types you had never seen before.

You meet with Maddalyn that same night. You explain the events that took place at the bar, and the possible coming situation.

“So this place may not be safe for long.” You finish.

“Crud. Well, let’s hope negotiations are slow and uncertain then,” Maddalyn says, “They’ll be here tomorrow night, and if the Grossreich loses patience by then, we’ll be sunk.”

>Risk it and stay another day; you may be enlisted to fight with your tanks
>Leave as soon as you can

>>42745933
>>Leave as soon as you can

>>42745933
>>Leave as soon as you can

>>42745933
>>Leave as soon as you can

Let's not get caught here...

You get the feeling that negotiations will not be slow and uncertain, and you express your opinion as such.

“You really think they’ll invade just like that?” Maddalyn asks pensively. “They’re already invading Strosvald, and they’re going through a famine. Do they have the strength to risk war with Naukland?”

“From what I was told, they’re desperate enough. That, and he’s part of the Kaiser’s Own. I would bet, judging from what we fought when they first invaded, that their troops in Strosvald weren’t their best. If they attack here, it’ll be their best men.”

This was a guess, but an educated one. All the Grossreich equipment you had seen when you were fighting was old; easily up to six years old or more. Certainly not their elite units. However, they were able to afford doing that by convincing lords of the realm to turn on the Archduke.

“Well,” Maddalyn puffs despondently, “what are we going to do then?”

>Leave south and enter enemy lines with your tanks
>Take transportation to the east and back to Sosalian states, leaving behind the tanks

>>42746643
>>Leave south and enter enemy lines with your tanks
Time to fight back to our lines I guess. Not leaving our tanks.

>>42746643
>>Leave south and enter enemy lines with your tanks

>>42746643
>Leave south and enter enemy lines with your tanks
We have to break out past enemy lines and quickly, unless your contact can arrive sooner or meet us elsewhere

>>42746643
>>Leave south and enter enemy lines with your tanks

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I figured there'd be a bit more debate on where to go, lol. Oh well.

It’ll be risky, but you decide to retrieve your tanks and go through enemy lines to the south, hopefully reaching your allies. It has been a couple of days, so hopefully the gap between you and friendly lines is not too large. The Oberst did say he was going to attempt a breakout from the city, likely towards the east.

The other option would be to attempt to be stealthy, skirting the border and passing through Plisseau to attempt to get back the primary battle lines, which according to rumors, are encroaching on the territory around the capital. However, there would be little to no chance of finding friendly help.

>Break to the south
>Skirt the Border

>>42747985
>>Break to the south
Lets go do the big damn heroes 2 electric boogaloo and find the Oberst. That and wreaking havoc on supply lines and rear echelon motherfuckers is too good an opportunity to miss!

>>42747985
>>Break to the south

>>42747985
>>Break to the south

>>42747985
We should think carefully about this, if we run out of fuel we are boned.

The decision is made to retrieve your tanks and break southwards. From what you’ve heard, the invasion has made much progress, but has been disorganized. The lines are loose, so theoretically you can break through easily and make it back to the smattering of regiments that had been surrounded in Blumsburgh.

It wouldn’t be of great difficulty to get your tanks back; your crews watching them never reported any suspicious dealings with any would be looters of your equipment. Bumming fuel off of your hosts would probably be out of the question, but you had brought some spare fuel with you, so it wouldn’t be like you were running on fumes from the start.

The more difficult issue was Maddalyn.
If war broke out, she would be far from safe in Delsau, yet bringing her with you would be equally dangerous for her. You propose sending her away to Naukland, but for whatever reason, she vehemently refuses. She won’t say exactly why, which is very strange, but she appears to want to stay with the platoon for more than any sentimental reason. You can guess though that she’s worried for her safety for one reason or another.

>Bring with
>Ditch
>Alternate Solution

>>42748385
>>Bring with
We gotta try.
If we fail, we're all boned anyways, so there's not really a 'better' option.
And if we don't bring her, she's inevitably gonna follow us or something.

>>42748385
>>Bring with
But she's gotta pull her weight somehow.

>>42748385
>Bring With
if we're heading out I don't feel that we can afford to leave her behind.

>>42748385
Also question OP, do we have any escorting Infantry with the platoon anymore? or do we just have the tank crews?

>>42748901
Nope. Your guys are organized on the regimental level. Platoons don't have organic infantry attachment; you would if you were working with another regiment, but you're by yourself at the moment. Right now you have your tanks and your crews; five tanks, five crew in each of the two mediums, and four in each of the three lights.

>>42748996
This is op forgetting the trip as usual by the way.

>>42748385
>>Bring with
But she has to tell us why she wants to come along.

“So, you’re leaving.” One of the Delsau guardsmen says as you ready the platoon to pull out. “Did you, uh, do what you came here for?”

“No,” you answer sullenly, “but it seems fate has a way of working things out. Not the way we intended.”

You prepare set out with little difficulty. Maddalyn takes her place on the floor of your tank, and the pockets of your crewmen are stuffed with as many tea biscuits as they could put on the shop’s tab. A bottle of Naukland Malt has made its way into the place where the scuttling charge once was.

Judging by Pieter’s early exposition of your identity, you can guess that you can’t hide under your von Blum emblems anymore. The defeated von Blums would have gone back into the Reich, and likely redecorated with the colors of the Kaiser. You’ll have to expect to fight or avoid contact, instead of simply driving fast like you did before.

>bring up any other queries or plans now; next post will begin the way back

>>42748996
>>42749016
Thanks for the clarification OP, I figured as much but thought I'd ask.

Is this the part where we repaint our emblem and become a free-agency?

Mercenary tank platoon?

I'm worried about moving back through enemy lines by ourselves guys, I have to wonder if it might be better to move through Pliesau and back into our own lines. We really don't have much in the way or reconnaissance and I would have to see the convoy ambushed and overran.

>>42749330
hate*
>I would hate to see the convoy
should have reread that.

>>42749286
OH, if any of our platoon members have some form of painting ability, we can have them paint a picture of Maddi in various states of undress on our tanks as our emblem!

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>>42749633
That is horribly, terribly cruel to her.

But I want it. It sounds like a fucking riot.

>>42749716
Come and join the Dark Side, we've got brownies and strippers.

Rolled 7, 43, 6 = 56 (3d100)

Alright if you're all done with any plots it's time to get rolling.

These dice are for a chart so don't think just cause it's low it means it's good.

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It is only a matter of twenty minutes before you spot something alarming.

“All tanks, halt, and form a line formation!” You call out to your radio operator.

You curse as the tanks slide to a halt on top of a hill, and you look down and see exactly what you didn’t want to encounter so early.

Four tanks, identical to the one you encountered at the bar. They are stationary, sitting in the open. The terrain is lacking in woods or high brush, but it is hilly.

It is approximately six o’clock, so while there is still light, long shadows are being cast and the sun is sinking quite rapidly.

>plan of action
>As a reminder, Tanks 1 and 2 are Pz. M/32s, 5 man crew tanks with 47mm guns, while tanks 3 and 5 are Pz. M/28s with 25mm Anti-Tank Cannons; Tank 4 is armed with a 13mm machine gun that is not effective against medium level armor
>Also in case you forgot how to read maps the closer the lines are together then the steeper the incline.
>while it is not strictly necessary to eliminate the enemy, they are blocking the way forward that isn't through difficult terrain. Any plans are fine, just make sure to elaborate on them.

>>42750318
Forgot to add it, the enemy is about 1 kilometer away.

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>>42750318

>>42750318
Is it evident that we have been spotted?

>>42750318
First of all, which way is north?
Then, I'll post my plan. Need to get the directions right

>>42750447
If they see you, they aren't acting it.

That's a detail I should probably include in the future, although to be fair everything before this was a prepared ambush.

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>>42750484
I'm really off my mapmaking game aren't I.

Phew. Sorry about that.

>>42750555
How confident are we in our gunners long range abilities? Do we think that we can accurately make long distances shots?

>>42750762

1km is sort of pushing it considering the size of our guns; even if we can hit them I'm not entirely confident in the ability of 47 or 25mm guns to reliably penetrate those monsters. I think we need to get closer to ensure they don't beat us in a long range fight, but I'm not sure how unless we just yolo it

>>42750555
Alrighty. Here we go. I need tank 4, 3, and 5 to form a wedge, with tank 4 leading, and head to G3, then diagonally to E1, then south to try and climp the far side of Hill 18. Tank 1 and 2 are to get into defilade at the edge of the woods on our hill to watch their progress and provide any supporting fire. We won't try and pick a fight, but will respond if they try to stop us with anything but words.

>>42750948
I was toying around with a similar idea to the right using the tress around e8 as a shield and swinging around hill 17. with our big guns in g4.

I like the idea of a flying v

>>42751087
I was thinking moving it totheright, but according to those contour lines, they would have a much flatter and easier view of our tanks if we made for those trees. The course I plotted to the left should have the hills hide us alot better.

Rolled 26 (1d100)

After a short briefing, your platoon begins the operation.

The light tanks, consisting of tanks 3 4 and 5, move behind the small copse at the top of the woods as you move your own tank and tank 2 into it.

You’re not certain if the enemy is outright hostile yet, but if the forward push is noticed, you’ll know soon enough. The movement is hidden, for the most part, but there’s a small space where you could be noticed if somebody was looking at just the right moment.

The Naukwaffe 47mm anti tank cannon, as far as you’ve been informed, is one of the strongest anti tank guns known. You are fairly certain that it can do the job if necessary. Of more concern are the guns on the light tanks.

The 13mm is a modified aircraft machine gun, only really suited to taking on light vehicles, and the 25mm cannons are old weapons, designed to take on tanks like the ones armed with it. At close range, it shouldn’t make too much of a difference, but…

The critical point is reached. Your guns trained on the enemy tank line, you wait for a reaction.

>>42751350
As the tank formation rolls into the valley between the two hills, the turret of the rightmost tank begins to turn.

>open fire
>wait

>>42751370
>Open Fire
It'll be worse if we let them strike first

>>42751370
Can we have an updated map with the new positioning and facings?
Also, do we have any means of communicating with them, short of flailing our arms out the hatch?

>>42751370
>wait
Hold your fire, we hold the high ground and are already sighted in. We'll get them while they reload and adjust if they fire

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>>42751575
Sure.

And yes, all of your tanks are conveniently equipped with radios.

>>42751608
Also, in addition, we need to waituntil more tanks are commited to that attack and turn their turrets away.

>>42751614
Yes, but we're traveling with a noble woman in our vehicle, I'd rather not risk taking a shell if we don't have to. There might be a possibility of negotiating passage as a diplomatic escort of some form. (This is my first time seeing this quest, so I'm unsure of the full political fitting here, but it's worth examining our options before shooting away at Tanks that outclass us)

>>42751350
>The 13mm is a modified aircraft machine gun, only really suited to taking on light vehicles
This reminds me, we need to replace the 13mm on tank 4 with a flamethrower like the M3 satan

>>42751620
Wait, poke a white flag out the hatch, and hail them on the radio.

>>42751370
>wait

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After short deliberation, you elect not to fire. You do sent a short transmission to the forward section, warning them that they may have been noticed.

Although the turret of one of the tanks had begun to turn, it must have lost sight of your forward formation before lining up the sights, or the crew decided that a moving target in that space would be too difficult to hit.

In either case, a moment passes and the enemy formation begins to contract.

>next action/step?

>>42751915

Let their spaghetti flow freely as they wonder what's going on and what they should do

>>42751915
>>42751915
Are we trying to get past them or kill them? If we are trying to get past, have tanks 3, 4 and 5 keep heading south at full speed, keeping the crest of the hill at B1 between us and the enemy tanks. Once their attention is on them, have tanks 1 and 2 head towards B7 with all possible speed. Hopefully they will be confused enough to let us pass without getting hit.

If we are trying to kill them, then follow the plan above, but stay at the crests of the hill and engage them from both sides.

>>42752129

I think by the time 3-5 have gotten through the enemy will have figured out what's going on enough to make 1-2 sitting ducks if they try to cross without covering fire. I think it's safer to have 3-5 engage the enemy from their superior position upslope (if they can get a shot) to pin and distract the enemy tanks if not to destroy them entirely. Once 1-2 have made the crossing to the hill 3-5 can withdraw and we can continue...until we run into whatever reinforcements the enemy is sure to call up.

>>42752129
Whatever you prefer.

If you don't feel that it's necessary to destroy them in order to get past, you don't have to. The current objective is merely to break though to the south.

>>42752129
>>42752194
I think leaving them alone is a dangerous game, if we don't destroy them I have a feeling we'll be dealing with a more enemy units as they close the net around us. Best to take the high ground and assault them from two directions. That's my two cents.

>>42752238

This is probably best. Engage them from the hilltop with 3-5 then 1-2 can break out and finish them with the 47mms. We have a good history with pincer attacks so far and I don't see any reason to stop now.

>>42752260
Yep see if we can draw the frontal armor at 3-5, then hit the sides with 1 and 2

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As the enemy formation continues to form itself into a more defensive shape, you give a command to the light squadron.

They dip over to the side of the hill, and are met with a semicircular formation of armor.

Tank 4 lets loose a burst of machine gun fire. While there is practically no chance of it harming the enemy armor, it can at least hope to make the crew button up tighter.

Give me two d100s.

Rolled 48, 34 = 82 (2d100)

>>42752364

The 25mm rounds bounce away ineffectually.

You see the cannons of the enemy begin to elevate, but it appears a miscalculation was made in their positioning; their guns cannot elevate quite high enough. There is a standoff in the works; neither side can harm the other. The enemy soon decide, however, to take advantage of their frontal strength and charge towards the hill

>intervene; fire
>the time isn't quite right, have the light tanks continue to draw them in

>>42752378

If they're charging the hill we should have a solid flankshot. As soon as we have a 90 degree angle on them, send some rounds their way.

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>>42752850
Second

The enemy advance in unison. The tanks are not quite at a right angle to you, but you have a decent angle on the flank armor. Even if these tanks are of an unknown model, there are few tanks by nature whose flank armor is equal to their front. You give the command to fire.

>Roll 2 d100s

Rolled 24, 42 = 66 (2d100)

>>42752918

Rolled 9, 47 = 56 (2d100)

>>42752918

Rolled 26, 39 = 65 (2d100)

>>42752918

The shot from Tank 2 flies just over one of the targets, but your tan’s shot flies directly into the forward section of the closest tank. The shell enters through the left drive wheel and exits out the other side. The stricken tank comes to a jarring stop as its treads tangle uselessly in the ruins of the drive wheels.

You have time for an additional shot, and take it. Tank 2’s shot once again barely misses the mark, hitting where its target was just a second before, but your second shot flies truer than your first, burrowing its way into the turret rim.
The damage does not appear to be catastrophic, but the shell has visibly lodged itself deep inside the rim between the turret and the hull; it will certainly not be turning until the offending munition is removed.

>line up another volley after this one
>reposition to avoid return fire
>other

>>42753131
>>line up another volley after this one

>>42753131
>>line up another volley after this one

You decide to take the risk and fire another volley. Although you haven’t destroyed any enemy tanks yet, you have disabled one and immobilized another; your odds are already that much better.

However, the enemy has become acutely aware of their situation. They are forming back into a defensive semicircle, while the immobilized tank’s crew abandons it and dashes into the underbrush at the foot of the hill.

>Roll another 2d100

Rolled 50, 39 = 89 (2d100)

>>42753350

>>42753350

Rolled 92, 60 = 152 (2d100)

>>42753350

Rolled 67, 77 = 144 (2d100)

>>42753350

Rolled 88, 58 = 146 (2d100)

You fire another volley, but this one does not have the effect of the first. Your own shot slams into the ground just in front of one of the retreating tanks, while Tank 2’s shot strikes solidly on the turret mantlet plate of one of the enemy tanks, but does no visible damage.

The two undamaged tanks fire back at you.

The shots are far short, however, and both do nothing but scatter dirt up the terrain.

It appears that they are retreating. Do you attempt to pursue and cut them off?

>Give the order to hunt them down
>let them retreat and make your way further down

That vote will be the last one, I’ll have it influence the start of the next thread. It’s 4:00 in the morning now so I’ll stick a fork in this thread as far as story goes and call it done. I’ll try and answer any questions if anybody’s got them.

>>42753466
>88
ded
rip in peace

>>42753506
>>let them retreat and make your way further down
Won't win the war hear, there is far more to be gained by moveing quickly.

>>42753506
>let them retreat and make your way further down

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>>42753466
>>Let them retreat and make your way further down.
Dammit goy stop starting these when I'm asleep, missed the last one.

>>42753506
>Let them retreat

>>42753506
>let them retreat and make your way further down
Time to leave

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Maus bump

>>42757620
Story's done mate. I have work to do.

Unless there's any pertinent questions or comments we're stopping til next Saturday.

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>>42757657
>til next Saturday

>>42757657
Are we getting new tanks or tank upgrades in the future?
Also, do we have an unit emblem, like at company or even at our platoon level?

>>42757854
Despite the number of threads, the war's only been on for a few days. I wouldn't expect to see anything new for a while unless there's time skips. If you lose any equipment, it'll be replaced with something else depending on what's around and if there is anything around.

At least not as far as friendly armor. You're likely to see new variants of enemy armor sooner rather than later. If any allied countries come into play they'll have new designs too.

If you want a new emblem I'll let you guys deliberate on it. Platoon level markings, while unofficial, would be allowed if you want them.

>>42758108
Whats the flag of our country again? I'm brainstorming ideas

>>42758216
I...actually haven't drawn one up. That'll be something I'll have to do.

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>>42757657
Fuck, I just had to sleep properly for once and miss this AGAIN.

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>>42758353
Rough draft because drawing coats of arms takes more time than I want to commit right now

Some basic history's in the pastebin, but I'll just repeat it here for convenience. Modern Strosvald was created through the union of two dynasties, symbolized by the bicolor spanned by the mace. There's other things too but that will have to come later.

>>42758621
Sorry, I don't really know when the best times for people here are.

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>>42759444
Well when we get a full version expect a modified countryball version of it. If I don't sleep through the next thread too.

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>>42760394
Dammit, Paint has a habit of removing text.

>>42759444
I have an idea then. Let me get to a comp in the next few hours and I'll post it