Important links:

>Synopsis of Dark Empire (To quickly catch up)
https://pastebin.com/h7uFmbpt

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Dark+Empire

>Twitter feed I use to announce planned game times.
https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest

>This is the map system I use for planning
http://www.swgalaxymap.com/

>Official political map
https://imgur.com/bNUpg6e

I allow between ten and twenty minutes for voting depending on the importance of the issue and how divided the vote is. If the vote is tied up, I usually allow an extra five minutes for a tie breaker, and if no one votes, I roll for the tie breaker The will of the Dark Side.

I always try to incorporate (and encourage!) write ins if they don't violate the spirit of voted decisions, though I may edit or tweak them to fit better.

As a Bellator-Class, Grandeur wasn't really all that much larger than your own flagship, but you still felt a pang of jealousy as you follow a blank-faced lieutenant to the warship's Admiral's mess. The That feeling only intensified when you were ushered into the cavernous interior of the dining hall. High vaulted ceilings, crimson tapestries, bas-reliefs, statues and other decorations line the walls. The table has a veritable feats laid out and a few dozen high ranking Imperial officers are milling about the chamber.

It represents a sampling of the command staff of Grandeur in addition to the admirals themselves.

"Ah, Admiral Tyrna," a steward seems to materialize beside you so quickly that part of you thinks he may be a hologram. "A drink, Admiral?"

"Something light I think," you reply, a little off guard still.

"Admiral Oxtroe has a broad selection of Chandrillan Wines."

You nod absently, a move the steward imitates. "Right away."

Truth be told, you were neither hungry nor in the mood for drinks. This was your first function among other fleet admirals, something like your equals now. You pick at a spec on your uniform before looking around again. You see that Admiral Oxtroe and Admiral Trier, the enigma of the officer corps are beside one another, talking quietly. You've worked with Oxtroe before and know she can be opportunistic and political. Even so, she's competent enough.

Trier though has a reputation as a rebel-killer, a quiet type who was some sort of maverick in his resistance to the Rebellion. He'd been scooped up from certain death by Imperial commandos and brought into command again. He glances your way now and catches you staring. You look away quickly, then feel silly for doing so.

You smell the familiar fragrant spice of Tobacc smoke a moment before you hear the voice. "Let me guess: Feeling a bit overwhelmed?"

You look up into the refined features of Admiral Silas Lobkin, your former commanding officer and briefly a romantic interest. One that ended when you'd concluded he was more interested in your skills and body than your personality.

At the time you served under him, he was something of an outcast in the navy, a man who'd earned his rank through favor rather than skill.
>It shouldn't matter to you what I think
>You could say that
>Feels better to have a friend here
>Write in

>>2719044
>You could say that

>>2719044
>>You could say that

>>2719044
>It shouldn't matter to you what I think

>You could say that
>>2719054
>>2719056

>Writing

You take a moment to study Lobkin before replying. "You could say that."

Lobkin takes a drag from his cigarra and takes another step closer to you. "I know the feeling well. And my first conference was with the Emperor himself.

You try to keep your face neutral, but feel your eyes widen slightly. You'd served under the Emperor once, on separate ships, and that was enough for you. Actually being in a military conference with the Galactic Emperor would be . . . "It must have been frightening."

Lobkin nods, "It was. But I survived. I think you'll do fine too. At least you come in under better circumstances than I did."

"I'm not sure a defeat is better than a defection," you say.

"Clearly you're doing something right. Don't worry too much." He winks at you. He glances up before you can reply. "Ah. Company. I'll let you rub elbows, I've already met 'the legend.'" His tone doesn't carry much respect.

Before you object, Lobkin is striding away, cape rolling along behind him.

"Admiral Tyrna is it?" Admiral Trier asks on arrival. He seems almost understated, quiet, non-imposing, shorter than Lobkin, but still just a hair taller than you, he seems a poor fit for an admiral.

"Yes, Admiral Trier, a pleasure." You shake his hand.

"I've heard a bit of your career," he says, "Sounds like quite the tale."

"It's not finished yet," you say.

Trier smiles, a slow, deliberate action. "Yes. Still, your action at Da Soocha is academy material." he stops, "I mean that it should be taught there."

"They generally only teach successful actions," you return.

"It's all too true. We can always afford to learn from mistakes . . . Shortcomings. "


>I've heard you have quite the career as well
>What do you make the Consortium?
>What do you think of Admiral Oxtroe?
>write in

>>2719109
>>What do you make the Consortium?
Man probably hears/talks too much about his career

>>2719109
>>What do you make the Consortium?
Checked the board just in time to catch this, nice

>>2719109
>What do you make the Consortium?

>>2719109
>What do you make the Consortium?

>>What do you make the Consortium?
>>2719112
>>2719120
>>2719124
>>2719131


>writing

"I wanted to ask you," you say, "About your opinion of the Consortium."

"My opinion?"

"Militarily."

Trier looks almost embarrassed, "I should really be asking you that question, Admiral. You have more experience with them than I do."

It only takes you a moment to discern that he's not trying to mock you for your failure, but rather he seems to want your genuine assessment. "They fight with determination," you say, "Some skill. At least as much as the rebels showed. They're not like the other Warlords I've fought. They seem to have a purpose."

"If they fight like the Rebels then they will be an appropriate challenge for the force we're assembling here I think."

Trier's positive assessment of the Rebellion catches you off guard.

"A man can respect his enemies," Trier says, "even while fighting against them. I'll agree with you. From what I've heard it seems that the warlords are truly united and they've learned some tricks from tangling with Thrawn near Dathomir. We'll be wise to use caution." he pauses and looks at Lobkin who stands alone a few meters away, lowering his voice Trier asks, "What about Admiral Lobkin. I've heard you served under him before. What's your opinion of him?"

You fight down a scowl, "As an officer?"

Trier looks startled. "Yes, you know him personally?"

"Not well," you return, not sure if that's a lie.

Trier seems ignorant of your past with Lobkin. Just as well.


>He's just a politician. An amateur. He's a self-serving snake
>He's competent enough. I have no worries serving beside him.
>He's quite good. Better than most give him credit for. He engineered the conquest of the Yevetha.
>Write in

>>2719173
>>He's competent enough. I have no worries serving beside him.
He's kinda a piece of shit, but he'll do his job well enough

>>2719173
>He's competent enough
Maybe not NO worries

>>2719173
>He's competent enough.

>>2719173
>He's competent enough. I have no worries serving beside him.

Self-serving, but who isn't these days.

>>2719173
>He's quite good. Better than most give him credit for. He engineered the conquest of the Yevetha.

>>2719173
>He's competent enough. I have no worries serving beside him.

>>He's competent enough. I have no worries serving beside him.
>>2719197
>>2719207
>>2719221

>He's competent enough
>>2719199
>>2719200

>He's quite good. Better than most give him credit for. He engineered the conquest of the Yevetha.
>>2719214


>He's competent enough. I have no worries serving beside him.
>Writing

File: OxtroeBriefing.jpg (177 KB, 1299x952)

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"He's competent enough," you say "I have no worries serving beside him. Militarily anyway."

Trier cocks his head, "What do you mean?"

"Well . . . Maybe not that I 'no' worries, but none about her performance."

"You have other concerns?" Trier is clearly confused.

"Lobkin is a bit . . . Self-serving. But who isn't these days?"

Trier fixes you with a blank look at says 'me'.

You feel a bit uncomfortable suddenly, knowing that you certainly fall partially under that umbrella. "He'll do his job well enough."

"Perhaps that's all that can be expected of an officer," Trier says.

"Gentlemen," Admiral Oxtroe calls, voice hardly rising yet somehow carrying authority, "I’d like to get started if I may." she gestures to the seats arrayed around the table which is now being cleared of food by a pair of attendants.

You wonder if her not addressing your presence was an intentional slight or just a habit of operating in a male-dominated navy.

"The Empire is built on balance," Oxtroe begins. "Balance that maintains equilibrium between chaos and violence. We of the navy are the fulcrum that makes it possible." She looks at each of you in turn, her eyes lingering on you. "That balance has been upset and we aim to redress it."

A holomap appears on the wall behind her.

"At least fifty capital ships of the faction calling themselves the Consortium have pressed into ostensibly neutral space. The space we now face. A number of actions were fought," Oxtroe's eyes dart to you again. "And the result is that we were pushed back. For reasons that I think are obvious, Grand Admiral Zahn and the Emperor have decided to strike back." She taps a key and a series of colored lines and arrows appear on the map. "The Consortium has a fatal choke-point though, the hyperspace junction at Randon, it sits astride the only major hyperlane between the Slice and Consortium space." She pauses for this information to settle. "The plan is simple. The armada will split in two. To the North, Admiral Trier and myself will push for the shortest route to Randon. To the south, Lobkin and Tyrna will serve as a flank guard and feint, to force the Consortium to spread their own forces. If this second force happens to secure a breakthrough, so much the better." She looks to Lobkin and you. "Admiral Lobkin, you and Admiral Tyrna will secure Mimban and then diverge, you will maintain the advance along the hyperlane while guarding our flank against incursion from Hutt space. Admiral Tyrna, you will advance through the center and clear out the worlds there."

She lets her eyes travel the assembled officers. "Questions?"


>Yes (Write in)
>None
>write in

>>2719269
Assuming Lobkin or I have a breakthrough, how far should we go?

What happens when Palpy and Alana meet in conference? We will talk to ourselves or play as one or the other?

>>2719269
What of Thrawn?

>>2719269
>None

>>2719269
>None

>>2719269
Any other activities within the operational area?

>>2719282
>>2719285
>>2719300

"What role do we expect Thrawn's forces to play in this?"

"Per Naval Intelligence, we expect no interference from Thrawn. I expect his forces to keep their border secure, this suits my purposes," Oxtroe replies.

"Are there any other activities within the operational area?"

"Aside from Consortium forces? No. There is no Rebel activity of any significance, and no renegade warlord forces. It may be worth noting that the Hutts have deployed a makeshift security force to their border. Nothing that poses any threat, but it's a clear message."

"No trespassing," Lobkin supplies.
"Precisely."

"And assuming Lobkin or I have a breakthrough, how far should we go?"

"Lobkin is authorized to advance all the way to Randon if he finds opportunity," Oxtroe's expression makes it clear she doesn't find this likely. "As for yourself, you must maintain contact with both wings, Lobkin's and mine. If we lose the center, we lose the advance."

You nod, "Understood."

***

>writing

>>2719285
>What happens when Palpy and Alana meet in conference? We will talk to ourselves or play as one or the other?
It's happened once, briefly. You will play the one with the most agency in the scene, usually the Emperor.

"Admiral," Oxtroe touches your sleeve to stop you when you stand to leave after the meeting. "A word."

The others don't look at you as they file out, so, you dutifully go with Oxtroe toward the back of the room.

"We've served together before," Oxtroe says, her voice tired. "I know you can be a capable officer. I know that perhaps you find me . . . Distant or . . . Political?"

You open your mouth to object, but she continues.

"Frankly, I don't care. I don't have the energy to worry over such petty things. The reason I did not let you take Rendilli when you proposed it under my command was because you were green. I couldn't entrust such a job to a new commander simply because it was her idea, you understand?"

You nod, though you have your doubts about her explanation.

"You may continue to harbor your own feelings about me, but I will require that you obey my commands."

"Of course," you reply quickly, annoyed that Oxtroe would propose that you may not.

"That being said, your failure at Zaloriis was a disgrace." She stares at you with unwavering grace. "I could enumerate all the many ways you failed utterly, but I won't. I will say this: if you had held that world, perhaps we would be in a stronger position to throw the Consortium out. I'll remind you that I was only dragged to this end of the galaxy because of your failure to quash the Rebellion." She tightens her lips. "Keep your mind on your work."


>This is not a good way to earn my respect, Admiral
>I did my best. I am not ashamed of what happened.
>You're absolutely right, I'll do better next time.
>Write in

>>2719325
>>You're absolutely right, I'll do better next time.
We honestly should have not lost that battle

>>2719325
>This is not a good way to earn my respect, Admiral. Tend to your lawn and I'll tend to mine.

>>2719325
>>You're absolutely right, I'll do better next time.

I will not be surprised again Admiral.
By anyone.

>>You're absolutely right, I'll do better next time.
>>2719383
>>2719329

>writing

"You have nothing to worry about," you say, face hard. "I won't be surprised again, Admiral. But anyone."

Oxtroe doesn't smile. "I expect you will do your utmost."

"I will."

***

With the Admiral's meeting behind you, your next task is to brief your own division commanders. They've already begun assembling on Undying before your shuttle returns. You're not as much for ostentation as Oxtroe evidently is, you've opted to meet in a sterile, empty conference room.

Upon entering past the double Stormtrooper guard, you see that your division commanders and their senior captains are all present here, diligently sat at the rectangular table with the spot at the head free for you. As you draw up your seat, you take stock of each one in turn. Among them, one of them will serve as your senior division commander, a second in command of the fleet.

Sesstrix is the most junior of all of them, and the one you have the least experience working with. She seems to admire you, so respect shouldn't be a problem. Perhaps she'll seek to imitate your successes. Some would say that she's not senior enough for the role, but selecting a wildcard like her may help shake things up and keep the organization dynamic. It may also irk those who are more senior to her though.

Valorum is a relative of the former Chancellor of the Old Republic, a name that still carries some weight, though this junior Valorum is something of a wastrel, a useless aristocrat in attitude who in actuality has a fighting spirit. You suspect he has more guts than brains though. Making Valorum your senior commander might stroke his ego and he has occasionally shown moments of skill. Beside which, it may earn you political favor with his family back home.

Lisson was a captain you'd worked with in the past, an experienced officer, but one that has a predilection toward politics. You'd transferred him away from your command once since you feared he would attempt to undermine you and take credit for your actions. He is a skilled commander, but he may be politically dangerous. Of course, if you snub him here you may have to worry about his machinations more rather than less

Tierce is an obvious choice, an old friend with significant combat experience. The two of you would work well together. He was one of your closest allies during the early days of command and you suspect he'll continue to fill that role.
It may be worth noting though that selecting Tierce may be seen as playing favorites.

Who will be your senior commander?

>Sesstrix
>Valorum
>Lisson
>Tierce

>>2719420
>Tierce
Anybody that knows us knows that we don't pick favorites. Tierce has experience and we can count on him.

And he's best boy

>>2719437
>Tierce

>Writing

File: Spoiler Image (125 KB, 500x461)

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Tierce was a close friend, but more importantly, he was experienced and trustworthy. He would make an excellent senior commander. You made sure he was previously informed about his new position so you wouldn't blindside him during the meeting.

***

And I'm out of time. Thanks for tuning in guys! I'll see everyone Thursday at 7 EST (11 UTC)

I chill on Discord, come hang out. I also have a Twitter to bolster my ego.

https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX

>>2719497
Short one today. Thanks for running TK

>>2719510
My role at work is changing soon and I'm expected to do a lot more now, so I can't slack off and plan quests like I used to. Plus I need to do some chores

>>2719548
Thanks for the run bossman!

>>2719437
Correct choice

Given our last military failure, we need victories on the battlefield much more than political kudos

>>2719510
>>2719584
>Thanks
Always a pleasure! Thank you fro coming by!

>>2719962
Glad you think so, good to know there's some consensus.

>>2719962
>>2720027
Tierce was definitely the best choice.

I'll also say that Valorum seemed to handle himself well in the last battle. He seemed like he could've been a decent choice

After studying all the commanders at the table, you allow yourself to relax slightly.

"I'm fortunate enough to already know all of you to one degree or another before this," you say. "I've got no need to explain my reputation or to ask about any of yours. I hope that this familiarity will give us a high degree of inter-cooperation in our coming fights. Before I begin the briefing, are there any questions for me?"

Valorum speaks up at once. "So I know that last time it was Admiral Lobkin who you kriffed, who was it now? Oxtroe?" he smiles, it's a knowing smile that tells you he's just having some fun from the last time you'd met as his superior. You suspect he's trying to shock your other commanders, and having good effect. He'd once asked you a similar question, and you'd replied with unconcealed sarcasm, apparently earning his respect.

Sesstrix instantly hits him with a cool gaze while Tierce looks uncomfortable. Lisson simply rolls his eyes, perhaps as upper crust they were familiar with one another, or maybe Valorum's playboy persona precedes him.


>That sort of behavior will no longer be tolerated at this level. Are we clear?
>I'd had hoped to see you matured somewhat, I'm sorry to be disappointed.
>I thought we'd already agreed on my status as a useless dilettante (Joking)
>Write in

>>2722766
>I thought we'd already agreed on my status as a useless dilettante (Joking)

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>>2722766
>I thought we'd already agreed on my status as a useless dilettante (Joking)
HAHAHAHA...ha

>>2722766
>I thought we'd already agreed on my status as a useless dilettante (Joking)

>>2722766
>>I thought we'd already agreed on my status as a useless dilettante (Joking)

>>2722787
>>2722766
Add a write in to my vote.

>Write in: "Besides i doubt i'm Oxtroe type, after all i'm not a star destroyer."

>I thought we'd already agreed on my status as a useless dilettante (Joking)
>>2722774
>>2722776
>>2722787
>>2722789
>>2722812

>writing

You smirk, "I thought we'd already agreed on my status as a useless dilettante."

"Oh, I know, Admiral. I'm just making sure the rest of us are aware," Valorum replies.

"Beside which, I doubt that I'm Admiral Oxtroe's type, after all, I'm not a Star Destroyer," you add.

Valorum's eyes widen just barely and he laughs, "I should have considered that I suppose."

The mood around the table relaxes slightly, some of your captain's chuckling, Sesstrix giving the hint of a smile and Tierce easing into his chair a bit more. Lisson only raises an eyebrow.

"That settled," you continue, "We have business." You tap a key and bring up the holomap of your sector. "Our job is fairly straight forward. We will be holding the center of a two-pronged advance through the Slice. Admiral Oxtroe's wing is intended to the primary hitting arm, while Lobkin's is secondary. We will keep these forces connected. Ishanna is our first target, followed by a joint attack on Mimban. We expect serious resistance at Mimban and a fleet action with Lobkin." you pause. "Beyond that, we will have more room to maneuver. We will be guarding against any sort of effort to split our two forces. to that end we will not be maneuvering as a solid force, but as separate divisions."

How your force deploys once it's past that point is more in the air. You may also choose an unorthodox plan to stay closer with Lobkin's force as they advance along the hyperlane to the south. Otherwise, conventional wisdom is that you will either commit to having a "front heavy" force, intended to deal with threats as they are encountered but with less flexibility, or a larger reserve with a smaller probing force.

Recon of this area is minimal, but there are an estimated 8-30 Star Destroyers in opposition to you and Lobkin's forces.

The "heavy" deployment would be two groups of two divisions each, eight Star Destroyers a piece acting as two separate elements that would clear the world's two at a time. The drawback here is the possibility of encountering a singular, large force that might overwhelm and destroy one of your two 'wings' before the other can redeploy, but it would deal with smaller threats much faster than the reserve deployment.

The deployment centered on reserves is more built around have two divisions act as scouts that can call in reserves as needed from a larger force. The advantage to this one is the ability to call in overwhelming power on a single point without sacrificing maneuverability. The downside is that the time to deploy these reserves may grant enemy forces time to escape first.

Lastly, if you stick some of your divisions onto Lobkin's main thrust, you may stand to clear out the hyperlane faster to pose a larger threat to the Consortium, though it leaves the Imperial center weak.


>'Front heavy' plan
>Mobile reserve plan
>Screen the center and reinforce Lobkin
>write in

>>2722867

>'Front heavy' plan

Then after a few skirmishes or battles we switch too

>Mobile reserve plan

>>2722867
>Mobile reserve plan

As far as we know the enemy seems to like to play the strategy of putting small forces if they use Garivity Whells like last time a force to rapidly redeploy and support those who need seem to be a better strategy

>>2722867
>'Front heavy' plan
Once we feel confident that the majority of the resistance is crushed by our advance, we can switch to
>Mobile reserve plan
To allow more flexibility in mopping up resistance.

>>2722896
>>2722897
>>2722927

Consensus seems:
>'Front heavy' plan

Then switch to

>Mobile reserve plan

after a general breakthrough

>Writing

File: Plan2.jpg (120 KB, 1452x857)

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You explain the plan to your division commanders. Two of your divisions will be up front, with two held in reserve to be called in should they be required. Once the enemy is sufficiently disrupted, a more flexible stance will be taken.

First on your roadmap to victory though was the Ishanna system, a world selected to be cleared by your fleet before you and Lobkin converge on Mimban before splitting off again.

Tierce, as your senior commander, will lead the attack on Ishanna while you maintain the reserve. Who will be your other "forward" commander?


>Sesstrix
>Valorum
>Lisson

>>2722953
>Lisson
He’s smart enough and ambitious enough to want to succeed

He’s also more battle tested

>>2722968
Sesstrix also has some battle test but not one on this scale.

>>2722953
>Lisson

>Lisson
>>2722968
>>2722974


>writing

>>2722953
>Lisson

Although we will need to deal with any political manuever he may have later for now he's one of our commanders with less likely to screw up. Besides if he fucks up here he will have to deal witht he damage to his political life.

You had questions about Lisson's personal loyalty to you, but you had no doubt in his experience. He will be the division commander serving under Tierce in the front, leaving Sesstrix and Valorum's divisions as reserve. You detail the plan to each of your officers and ensure they understand it.

After ending the briefing, your commanders and captains excuse themselves, save Tierce who stands and waits for the room to clear. "It's great to see you again, Admiral- Alana."

You smile back. "It's good to be back, Roth. I trust things have been good while I've been gone?"

"Ah," he looks sheepish, "Better with you here now I think. It's been a long road to get here. Never thought I'd see you as an Admiral. No offense."

"I think we met under less than ideal circumstances," you say, "So I'm hardly surprised."

"Heh, yes. Even so. I'd heard about you finding the Rebel base. Excellent work, it must have felt good."

You waver, "In a way. It was nice to finally strike back, but all the same, it wasn't wholly successful. We segmented the body, we didn't cut off the head."

"Though with ah. . . The fighting at Zaloriis . . . I'm glad you made it."

Another topic to sour your mood.

Tierce seems to sense this at once and changes topics, "I did want to ask though, about your feelings about Admiral Oxtroe."

"I thought you understood Valorum was joking, Roth," you say.

The commander flushes. "Ah! No! I mean as an admiral," he sees your expression and relaxes again, "Emperor's bones, Alana. I'd forgotten you have a sense of humor. All I've seen of you lately is the cold professional side."

"What about the Admiral?" you refresh.

"What do you make of her?"


>I think she has it in for me
>She's tough, but fair
>She's self-serving
>Write in

>>2722994
>She's tough, but fair
>Maybe a little self-serving, but who isn't.
It sucks that our finest hour was immediately dulled with our worst defeat. How quaint.

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>>2723004
>It sucks that our finest hour was immediately dulled with our worst defeat. How quaint.
War is hell.

>>2722994
>She's tough, but fair


>>2723004
To be fair we rushed a group that had interductors we should have figured out they would use one of Thrawns favorite manuevers. I kinda expect to have some kind of trap waiting for us as we do our push with a lot of interdictors pulling our ships out of hyperspace

>>2723018
Let's be real we were ridding on our high horse and didn't expected to lose if we rolled high enough. We were a victim of our own sucess.

>>2722994
>>I think she has it in for me

>She's tough, but fair
>>2723004
>>2723022

>Maybe a little self-serving, but who isn't.
>>2723004

>>I think she has it in for me
>>2723044
>She's tough, but fair
>Writing

"Oxtroe? She's tough, but I think she's fair. We'll see how much of a strategist she is though."

"I have high hopes," Tierce says. "We've come so close, building everything back up, the last thing we need is to let some hodgepodge of warlords nobody's ever heard of come in and tear it all back down."

"I heartily agree with you."

'Well, I should be going," Tierce says, "Don't want Valorum getting ideas."

"Goodbye, Roth."

"See you soon, Alana."

***

The fleet is ready to deploy, and the first target will be the Ishanna system which contains a few inhabited worlds without any real importance. Even so, this system, specifically the world of Rabaan, is an ideal jump point to strike at Mimban.

Advanced reconnaissance has indicated only a small garrison holds the world, something that a single division should theoretically be able to handle. This world will need to be taken before Mimban can be conquered.

It would be possible to fall on this world with both forward divisions at once, with overwhelming firepower they should be able to snuff out whatever defenses the Consortium may have established here, but at the same time, such a conspicuous force would likely alert the Consortium forces at Mimban more accurately to the true strength of the Imperial forces arrayed against them whereas a single division may help conceal your true numbers, and possibly your intentions.


>Send a single division to hide our numbers
>Send both divisions for overwhelming force
>write in

>>2723068
>Write in: "Send a figther to scan the ships around the place if they have a gravity wheel nearby we send both divisions."

>>2723079
There are no interdictors at Ishanna

>>2723068
>Send a single division to hide our numbers

>>2723086
Then i go to send just a single division then.

>>2723068

>Send a single division to hide our numbers

>>2723068
>Send a single division to hide our numbers

Why do i have the strange feeling that Lobkin is going for the overhelming force and because of that we will be forced to support him at a crucial time...

>>2723104
Fortunately for you, he's not going after Ishana. Only Alana's forces.

>Send a single division to hide our numbers
>>2723090
>>2723091
>>2723092

>writing

>>2723022
We (Alana) should brush up on Thrawn's own strategies if we haven't so already at the academy.

>>2723123
Alana has studied some of it, mostly more recently. Thrawn was never widely publicized among the Grand Admirals so she never leared his style at the Academy. Perhaps his non human heritage kept him from the limelight, or perhaps the Emperor preferred to keep him discreet. In either case, almost all she knows is sketchy after action and outside observer reports from his clashes with Zsinj.

With the orders relayed, Commander Tierce and his division lock in jump coordinates and leap away into the Ishanna system, escort vessels and Ties spread into combat formation.

Rabaan only has a modest garrison present, just a handful of aging capital ships, escorts and fighters. Enough to put up a fight, but not enough to hold the world.

Onboard Tierce's ship, Monarch, an old Imperial II-Class, he watches the Consortium defenders rising to meet him save for a courier ship that quickly jumps out of the system, headed for Mimban.

"Looks like they know we're here," he says. "All batteries on target, launch all Ties."

***

Roll 1d100

I will take the best of TWO

DC is 50

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>2723145

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>2723145
Praise the emperor
Praise him
Praise

>>2723150
>48

>>2723151
>15

>48

>Writing

>>2723175
Can we channel the anger of the players of this quest over bad dice rolls into a force storm to manifest at will in game?

>>2723175
Tierce you fucking useless spastic

>>2723178
I'll give you a +1 for that to 49

>>2723181
>Bullying Tierce

-1

>48

>writing

>>2723150
So close.

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>>2723190
What if i give you this

>>2723203
>Bribing an Imperial officer.
I'm putting you on notice.

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To bad Alana isn't blonde.

"Admiral, Commander Tierce reports Rabaan has been taken, moderate damaged sustained."

You scowl. "Is he combat effective?"

"Yes, ma'am,' Communications reports, pouring over data from the battle. "Looks just a bit shot up."

"Fine. We'll proceed as planned then."

It just might mean rotating Tierce's division into reserve sooner than planned. You'll worry about it after the next stage of operations.

With Ishanna secure, the way to push for Mimban is clear. Elements of both fleets, yours and Lobkin's, will jump for Mimban. The last time it had been significant was as a mining outpost for the Empire, before the Battle of Endor. Now, it was looking like the world had been more heavily fortified than before. Frequent ion storms in the upper atmosphere make orbital flight tricky without proper preparation, and it seems at some point an Imperial Warlord took advantage of this fact by developing the world into a hidden fortress.

Its exact capabilities are unknown, but it is known that Mimban is host to a fleet of Consortium warships, at least a dozen Star Destroyers and their support craft. It would be a tough nut to crack, and would take the combined power of both fleets to drive them away for the Hyperlane to be cleared.

From the bridge of Undying you can see the rest of your fleet arrayed around you, both through the viewports that wrap the front of the command deck, and on the sensor displays nearby.

(1/2)

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>2723145
bruh

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>>2723204
It's not bribe it's...a reward for your services...

"Admiral," communications reports, "All ships reports ready to jump."

It was no simple feat to coordinate the jump courses for so many warships, and it took nearly an hour of calculation to prepare the jump coordinates.

"Very good," you reply. "Signal all division commanders to jump.'

"Aye, ma'am."

Reality flashes away before you as the ships leap into hyperspace. The jump isn't a long one, and soon the fleet is emerging, the muddy, brown world of Mimban ahead of you.

You stand back as the captain and bridge crew of Undying handle minor tactical concerns like fighter deployments and picket arrangements, leaving you free to observe the big picture.

A few klicks to your starboard, Lobkin's fleet is likewise arriving. Ahead of you is the Consortium fleet, sixteen destroyers, hopelessly outnumbered against the forces you'd brought.

The advance begins and the Consortium forces throw out a meager skirmish line of carracks and Strikes to delay your advance, only giving you space reluctantly, but paying the price in blood.

This light combat continues for a matter of minutes as you close on the world before you see the main Consortium battle fleet break from orbit and start racing for the edge of the planet's gravitational field, away from your approaching fleet. It seems they're abandoning the planet without a serious fight in an effort to save their fleet.

Lobkin's force is continuing to close on Mimban itself.


>Request permission to pursue the fleeing Consortium forces with your fleet
>Ask Lobkin to forgo the planet and pursue the Consortium with all ships
>Continue toward Mimban, focus on blockading the world to prevent more escapes.
>Write in

>>2723212
dude...to bad it doesn't count.

>>2723208
>Blonde
Well . . . I mean I don't think I SAID what her hair color was . . .

>>2723215
You insult my honor, sir.

>>2723212
>100
AHAHAHA!

Look, that's so amusing to me that I will let yall bank that 100 and have it be automatically deployed at next combat okay? It's a free win for the next combat that I want to apply it to.

>>2723212
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU AHRHIOEFHE

>>2723216
>Continue toward Mimban, focus on blockading the world to prevent more escapes.

>>2723216
>Continue toward Mimban, focus on blockading the world to prevent more escapes.

>>2723216
>Continue toward Mimban, focus on blockading the world to prevent more escapes.

a world like this witha fortress i think it will be a good footing for ouaelfs and maybe there is some dark siders on the planet already.

>>2723216
>Request permission to pursue the fleeing Consortium forces with your fleet

>>2723226
> not wanting the obvious dark side world with a fortress

>>2723230
The world isn't going to disappear after we finish the enemy fleet.

>>2723242
The enemy fleet lefed so fast for a reason. Besides there is still people on the planet, if we go now we lose a foothold. Besides any naval bictory we manage to get will most lilely be stolen by Oxtroe.

>Continue toward Mimban, focus on blockading the world to prevent more escapes.
>>2723223
>>2723224
>>2723225

>writing

You order your forces dead on, not wasting effort leaping after a fleeing enemy in a blind chase, ahead, the storm-shrouded world of Mimban.

"Coming into range of the planet now, ma'am." Navigation says.

"What sort of defenses can we identify?" you ask.

"It's unknown ma'am, the interference in the atmosphere is preventing comscan from penetrating to the surface. Local energy fields are totally obscured, it could-" he console trills at him and he snaps back to it. "Turbolaser fire coming from the surface."

You automatically look up in time to see a series of tremendous emerald bolts strike the shields of one of your destroyers.

"More fire from the surface, appears to be an ion canon," Sensors adds.

"Get me firing trajectories, I want return fire put on those sites at once," you snap.

Tactical and sensors coordinate to start delivering counter-battery fire onto the surface of Mimban.

"One Seven decimal two eight," Sensors reports as tactical feed the numbers into his firing station. "Fire for effect."

A number of ships in your formation return fire, momentarily lighting the clouds of the world green.

It only takes a second before return fire comes back, this time striking Undying's shields.

The ship vibrates enough that you sway slightly.

"A few more like that," Tactical says, "And they'll have us. It's possible those gun sites are ray shielded."

"Possible," you say with a scowl. If they were ray shielded they would have to be hit with bombers or ground forces, and they likely had defenses in place for that too.

"Second barrage incoming. They're staggering shots." Sensors reports. This mattered because it meant it would be virtually impossible for you to time your fire to match the momentary gaps they open in the shields.

You'd once had an instructor in the Academy tell you A ship's a fool to fight a fortress world.

"Navigation, bring us up. All ships withdraw to higher orbit. Coms, get me Admiral Lobkin."

***

It didn't take long of conferring with Lobkin to confirm that Mimban was indeed going to be a tough nut to crack. It seemed to be covered in defensive batteries. A few probing attacks by Ties and assault shuttles had likewise illustrated that the world had anti-air batteries and defensive fighter patrols.

"Either we go in bleeding," Lobkin said, "Or we let them sit down there in the mud till they are good and ready to give up." A concise assessment. "Quite frankly, Alana, I'm content to let them have their little mud ball. We don't have the time or lives to mount a full planetary invasion for Mimban. I'd like to detach a division to ensure they don't leave, and continue moving the rest of our forces."

He pauses in a way that indicates he wants your input.


>We should leave a division to besiege the world
>We should mount a full assault and clear this planet before proceeding.
>Write in

>>2723281
>We should leave a division to besiege the world

>>2723281
>>We should leave a division to besiege the world

>>2723281
Actually, can we use the 100 for the assault here?

>>2723281
>We should leave a division to besiege the world

>>2723281
>We should mount a full assault and clear this planet before proceeding.

>Write in: "This planet is way to fortified to be just a mud ball. Besides leaving it here will allow smaller ships to move through our forces. If something i learned from the rebels is that one small ship is enough to pierce a blockade."

>>2723296
i think we can and honestly i wouldn't be oposed to do it.

>>2723296
I did say you could. I would allow it.

>>2723304
TK do we have our i quisitors with us? Because using the dark siders we have aboard our ships and Lobkin ship we could use a commando force we could hopefully take out the anti-air batteries.

>>2723304
Ohh...that is tempting actually.

May reconsider my vote

>>2723307
There are a number of Komissars in both fleets, but they are not trained or experienced as soldiers. Plus the batteries are all across the planet.

>>2723309
I'm holding the vote for a couple extra minutes for thinking about it.

>>2723313
i say it's about time for then have some battle experience.

>>2723297
>>2723293
Guys we have a 100 storaged if we take this world we will have a fortress world all for us. And Oxtroe won't be able to take the win from us and Lobkin.

Honestly a stored crit is something that might be a one time thing because of TK's benevolence. I dunno if spending it right away is a good idea.

>>2723281
>We should leave a division to besiege the world

>>2723281
>We should leave a division to besiege the world

lets not use it right away

>>2723319
I feel like it's to early to use the 100

>>2723329
True it's early but imagine the benefits of having our own fortress world. Also this won't leave our backs open if the ships that escaped are already reporting our attack.

>We should leave a division to besiege the world
>>2723293
>>2723294
>>2723297
>>2723327
>>2723328


>We should mount a full assault and clear this planet before proceeding.
>>2723298

>We should leave a division to besiege the world
>writing

"I think you're right. There's too many unknowns. Drop a division here and proceed," you say.

"Right. And then the fleet we saw skip out on us just a few minutes ago, I'm sure they're rallying a surprise for one of use down the way. Either we broadcast our attacks by testing hyperspace routes to ensure they're not being interdicted, or we risk jumping into a trap every time." he shakes his head. "That's another problem. Were you offering to leave one of your own divisions here?"

Of course you could leave one of yours. Tierce's division has taken some losses already, but you'll need to bring your senior commander along just in case. You might leave one of your other three and weaken your formation. You might also have Lobkin leave one of his own, although he's supposed to be the more powerful hook, and will likely need more hitting power according to Oxtroe's plan.


>Leave Sesstrix
>Leave Vallorum
>Leave Lisson
>Ask Lobkin to leave one of his

>>2723353
>Leave Sesstrix

>>2723353
>Leave one of our own?

>>2723353
>Leave Sesstrix

Valorum is to easily pushed ina trap Lisson will see being put here as a chance to undermine our autority by making a deal with the local forces. We can only trust Sesstrix with the blockade.

>>2723353
>Leave Sesstrix

>Leave Sesstrix
>>2723361
>>2723370
>>2723377

>Writing

"Commander Sesstrix, I'm entrusting you to keep this world locked down. You're not to let anything in or out, is that clear?"

Sesstrix's hologram fuzzes out for a moment given the disturbances in Mimban's atmosphere. "Clear, ma'am."

You soften your stance slightly, "It's not a punishment, Commander. Don't think of this as a slight, I need someone I can trust holding the rear."

"I'm happy to be of aid, Admiral. I won't let you down."

She salutes and you return it before the channel dies.

***

And I'm out of time again, gents. Thanks so much for playing, when we return, we'll be finishing the Slice campaign and (probably) dealing with a potential Jedi rescue mission!


As always feel free to follow on Twitter or pop by my Discord to say hello.

https://twitter.com/DarkEmpireQuest
https://discord.gg/WMEDDgX


I'm also always available to answer questions or have ideas pitched or whatever.

Thanks for playing!

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>>2723389
Thanks for the run!
>Jedi rescue mission
How anyone could sympathize with those fleshy sacks of magic bacteria is beyond me

>>2723389
Thanks for the run TK.

Too bad we didn't have one of those invasion cubes right now

I didn't forget

>>2723389
Thanks for running

>>2723391
>>2723404
>>2723419
>Thanks

Thank you, guys!

>>2723391
>fleshy sacks of magic bacteria
They are truly pathetic, aren't they?

>>2723414
>invasion cubes
Yup, still just floating around Kuat probably. Just chillin. The Emperor is saving it for something special I imagine.

>>2723932
Hey I have a quick question about the quest.

How often do you play as Sheev compared to the officer?

>>2725778
Ehhh it's hard to said, depends on what's going on. Palpatine makes big picture choices and moves on typically. Alana's take more detail to flesh out.

>>2726087
So about 50/50?

I'm asking because I'm kind of interested in checking out the quest, but I've always found playing as canon characters a bit of a turn off, even if it's a clone in this case.

>>2726101
I think it's less than 50%, but close. You should give it a read anyway, see what you think. Most of Palpatine's stuff is just sending fleets around and choosing Dark Jedi and things.

>>2726101
playing as Palpatine easily contains the best parts of the quest in my opinion, cast your aversion aside and give it a go