File: Colter Lee.jpg (44 KB, 513x513)

44 KB JPG

The soft light of pre-dawn barely illuminates the deck of the ship, as well as the outline of the coast half a mile away. There is a rocky beach there, one on which you will be landing. You’ve been peering at the shoreline off and on through your field glasses since the horizon began to lighten up in the east. Thankfully, your forces will have the sun at their backs when the operation begins, assuming clouds don’t move in and obstruct the sunlight. The vessel you are aboard now was a British second-rate ship of the line for decades, but has since been converted to carry troops. Last night, the Shogun’s flagship, as well as a detachment of other warships, went to bombard another target. Currently the fleet sitting off the coast here is made up mostly of troop ships, with a sprinkling of warships to provide artillery support during the landing. You look off to the east, seeing the USS Hartford and USS Wyoming a ways off from your vessel. Though their main use will be deploying the US Marines alongside your forces, the captains have also opted to provide support as full members of the expedition fleet.

“Colonel,” a familiar voice greets you. Looking over, you see the Marine commander, Colter Lee, approaching you. “Coffee?” He hands you a tin cup.

“Yes please,” you say as you take it. “So, are you ready?” The reason for the Marine commander being aboard your vessel is because only half of the 200 Marines are aboard the USS Hartford, with the other half being aboard the transport with your force.

He sighs, resting his elbows on the wooden railing. “As ready as I’ll ever be, sir.” Colter looks out at the distant shore. “This is the biggest landing operation I’ve ever been a part of. How many troops are slated to land again?”

“The assault force will be a little over two thousand men from our ships.” You shrug. “And supposedly another ten thousand from the other domains.”

Colter chuckles. “Twelve thousand men going ashore. That’s no small order. They might even write a dime novel about it.”

You shrug, sipping your coffee. “As long as we make it through the assault, the dime novelists can do whatever they want.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” He looks over at you. “Oh, and Custer wanted me to tell you he’s getting some breakfast ready for all the officers and whatnot. You coming?”

>”Sure, I’ll be down in a minute.”
>”I think I’ll stay here for a while longer, try to scout out the beach some more.”
>Write-in.

>>3196460
>”Sure, I’ll be down in a minute.”

>>3196460
>”I think I’ll stay here for a while longer, try to scout out the beach some more.”

>>3196460
>”I think I’ll stay here for a while longer, try to scout out the beach some more.”

We beter try to get every advantage we can, this is the real deal.

>>3196460
>”I think I’ll stay here for a while longer, try to scout out the beach some more.”

Probably a waste of time but this anon is paranoid like that.

>>3196472
>>3196477
>>3196480
Roll me some 1d20s.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3196489

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3196489

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3196489

“I’m going to stay up here and scout the beach some more.” You gesture to the field glasses you kept after your scouting mission a few months ago. “Might be able to detect something.”

Colter shrugs. “In this light? Fair enough, I guess.” He turns, walking away. “I’m getting some chow though. See you later.”

You nod. “Yeah.” With that, you put the field glasses up to your eyes once more, squinting to see better. There’s not much to see, unfortunately. From where the coastline gives way to sand and the sand gives way to grass is maybe fifty to a hundred yards. It isn’t a terribly wide beach, but there is a hill at the end of it, with the land itself being of a higher elevation than the beach. You can see a few areas that will be easy enough to climb, but you are almost certain that those areas will be death-traps of enemy fire.

As you scan further inland, you look for any obvious signs of enemy emplacements, failing to see much. There are areas where the grass looks kind of strange, but that could just be patches of scrub or something. Five hundred or so yards beyond the initial step up are more hills, where you are almost certain artillery lies. There are a few alcoves in the hills, but it is all forested and impossible to actually see in detail, especially in this low light. You can only hope that the enemy will have a hard time hitting your forces with the sun in their eyes.

You keep doing simple reconnaissance for the next half hour or so. The sun finally peeks over the horizon in earnest, and you get a better idea of the beach’s conditions. It will definitely be rough going until your men reach that first earthen step, since there is no cover on the sand to speak of. Still no immediate signs of enemy forces can be found, but you get the idea that they’ve probably built fighting positions and hidden them.

It is maybe another fifteen minutes before people start coming up onto the deck, preparing to launch the first boats. You find yourself forced away from the railing by the ship’s crew, who need to conduct their prep work. As you walk along the decks, soldiers in the familiar black uniforms of the Aizu military begin to show up.

“Colonel Stockton.” You look to see your lieutenants, as well as Colter, standing off toward the stern of the ship. As you head over to meet them, Sato speaks again. “It looks like we are about to launch. All of the troops are prepared.” He crosses his arms. “Shall we make ready to launch?”

>”Let me speak to this ship’s captain first.” (warn the captain of shore emplacements)
>”No use in postponing the inevitable. Let’s go.”
>Write-in.

>>3196527
>>”Let me speak to this ship’s captain first.” (warn the captain of shore emplacements)

>>3196527
>”Let me speak to this ship’s captain first.” (warn the captain of shore emplacements)

>>3196527
>>”Let me speak to this ship’s captain first.” (warn the captain of shore emplacements)

>>3196527
>>”Let me speak to this ship’s captain first.” (warn the captain of shore emplacements)

“Let me speak to the ship’s captain first,” you say.

“Very well, sir.” Sato bows. “We will be waiting here.”

You bow in return, then head aft toward the place where the captain should be. After climbing a flight of stairs onto the rearmost deck, you see a Japanese man wearing a naval uniform, complete with the white cap. Walking up to him, you give a courteous bow. “Captain, good morning.”

“And to you as well,” the captain replies. “Are your troops ready to launch?”

“Nearly.” You nod. “But there is something I wished to discuss with you.” Gesturing to the shore, you continue. “I think I have a good idea where the enemy emplacements are. Could you notify the rest of the fleet, and perhaps have the warships provide a barrage before we launch?”

The captain raises an eyebrow. “You say you know where the enemy emplacements are? I have spent the last two hours looking at that coast with a telescope.” He crosses his arms. “All that I could see were areas that the enemy could be hiding.”

“Then why not have the fleet barrage those areas prior to the assault?” You frown.

The captain chuckles. “And waste our shells on places where the enemy might not be?” He shakes his head. “We will wait to fire our naval guns until enemies have been properly sighted.”

>”Very well, Captain.” (drop the issue)
>”As the person in charge of this operation, I order you to barrage those positions.”
>”Fine, then I won’t order the boats to launch until we get artillery support.”
>”If a lot of men die because of enemy artillery fire, their blood will be on your hands.”
>Write-in.

>>3196568
>”As the person in charge of this operation, I order you to barrage those positions.”

Let's waste shells and not lives then.

>>3196568
>>”As the person in charge of this operation, I order you to barrage those positions.”
>>”If a lot of men die because of enemy artillery fire, their blood will be on your hands.”

>>3196587
Tentative +1

>>3196568
>As the person in charge of this operation, I order you to barrage those positions.”

The goal is to gain a foothold on the landing area. The troops will deal with the enemy more in land.

The more troops who survive the initial landing the more time and success we save advancing.

You frown deeply, crossing your arms. “As the person in charge of this operation, I order you to barrage those positions.”

The captain looks as if he has just been slapped. “Uppity little worm,” you hear him mutter in Japanese. “Very well, sir. I shall send out the order for a barrage to the rest of the fleet.” He looks at the other vessels. “It shall be up to their captains whether the bombardment actually occurs.”

You nod, then point to the shore. “Tell them to bombard just above that earthen step, as well as the forested hillside further inland.” With that, you turn and walk back toward your lieutenants.

“How did things go, sir?” Kojima speaks first as you approach.

“The captain isn’t a fan of me, I think.” You shrug. “But it looks like we’re getting an artillery barrage to soften up the enemy before we land.”

“Very good,” Sato remarks. “I can tell that the beach has been prepared for our assault. The Choshu retinues and their irregulars are quite smart. They would never just let us walk onto their territory.”

You nod. “My thoughts exactly. I’m surprised we haven’t taken any fire from the shore yet.”

Colter speaks up next. “That’s because they aren’t about to reveal their positions. They’ve still got that advantage right now.”

“I see,” you reply. “Well for now, let’s stand by and see what this barrage does.”

You all wait for the first muzzle reports, and see fire leap from some of the warships. As you look around, your heart sinks; only half or so of the warships actually participate in the barrage. Thankfully, it seems to be quite effective. You see columns of earth fly up from where the high-explosive shells land. Some of the pillars of earth have men strewn about as well, having landed on a concealed fighting position. More shells fly past the earthen step, onto the hills. You pull your field glasses again, trying to see any evidence of those shells hitting something. You see some obvious explosions from inside the forest, as well as pieces of shrapnel, men and artillery pieces flying everywhere. You estimate perhaps half of the shells hit something hostile, with the rest dispersing or just hitting empty space.

“Alright,” you say after the shockwaves dissipate. “Let’s get this show started.”

Perhaps five minutes later, you sit in a 40-person rowboat with Nakajima and 38 of his best men. All around you are identical boats filled with Aizu troops and US Marines. Adjusting your cap, you check one last time to make sure you’ve got all your weapons and gear. You spot your lieutenants on various boats, as well as Lee aboard a boat filled with his men. Nakajima clutches his carbine, staring straight ahead toward the beach. All of the men look nervous, to say the least. You don’t blame them.

>”You got this, Nakajima?” (check on Nakajima)
>Give the men a speech.
>Stay quiet for now.
>Write-in.

>>3196645

>”You got this, Nakajima?” (check on Nakajima)
After checking our number two

>Give the men a speech.
"Eyes on the target, you know your orders, don't stop until you reach cover, I'll see you at the beach gentlemen"

>>3196651
+1

>>3196651
>>3196645
Sure

Big emphasis on the don't stop moving part.

>>3196651
Backing

“Nakajima,” you look over at the Lieutenant. “You alright?”

He blinks, nodding quickly. “I-I am, sir. Thank you.”

You nod. “Keep it together, kid. Stick with me and you’ll be fine.” You then look at the rest of the men, deciding they all need some inspiration. Standing up, you clear your throat. “Gentlemen, we’re finally here. The moment we’ve been training for all this time.” You look around at the other boats, dozens of them bobbing lazily in the small waves. “Keep your eyes on the target, you all know your orders.” You make eye-contact with various soldiers in the boat. “Once we land, keep moving until you get to cover. You’re the best that Japan has to offer, remember that. Let’s give ‘em Hell!”

“Yes sir!” Quite a few of the men reply, saluting.

“Alright,” you say. “That’s what I like to hear.” With that, you return to a seated position, keeping an eye on the beach. As your eyes wander toward the hills, you see several flashes and clouds of smoke, followed immediately by the resounding thunder of artillery. Turning sideways to be heard better, you shout. “Incoming!”

>Roll a 1d20

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3196684

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3196684
If we get a nat 1 do we all die?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3196684

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3196684

At least we softened them up before landing, maybe that will reduce our casualties considerably

You grimace as shells whistle overhead. One slams dead-on into a boat nearby, throwing chunks of wood and men everywhere. “Shit,” you say. “We’ve lost a boat!” More shells land nearby, and another boat is taken out further away. “Status report on those boats!”

Nakajima grimaces. “One was filled with sharpshooters from Kojima’s regiment. Kojima was not aboard, I think.” He squints to see the wreckage of the one further away. “The other was a boat with Marines on it.”

“Dammit,” you say. “Row faster, men. We’re sitting ducks like this!” You look back toward the fleet. “Where’s our artillery?”

Another shell lands just off your boat’s bow, rocking it all around. A soldier starts to fall overboard, but you grab him by his belt, yanking him back onto the bench seat. “Sir, we have lost two more boats!”

“We’re almost on the beach,” you call out. “Keep going!” As you say that, the sound of artillery going off behind you gets your attention. The fleet has returned fire. You watch the shells whistle overhead, slamming into the enemy artillery positions and silencing them, at least for now. “Yes, finally!”

Even with four boats down, your force is still considerable. You don’t receive any more artillery fire as you keep rowing. The beach gets closer and closer, with nothing shooting at you the whole time.

“Strange,” you say after a few minutes. “It’s quiet.”

Nakajima raises an eyebrow, still tense. “Why is that strange, sir?”

You nod toward the beach. “We’re in rifle range, assuming the enemy have men on the top of that earth step.” Frowning, you continue. “You’d think they would have lit us up by now.”

“Perhaps our artillery has sent them running?”

You shake your head. “Doubtful. Keep your head on a swivel.” You feel the boat’s keel touch sand, and then all Hell breaks loose. Enemy soldiers, hidden behind camouflaged fighting positions, stand up and begin firing on your boats as they reach the shore. “Contact!” You hop out of the boat and into ankle deep water, your men following suit. “Find cover, move up!” You begin firing on the enemies as you see them, charging up the beach with your men. They’ve got the height advantage on you, but that step has a steep enough angle that you might be able to use it for cover, but you’d be hard-pressed to fight the enemy from there. Though, you could have some men haul the boats onto the sand and use them instead, allowing you to keep firing from further down the beach. More boats have landed now, including some of the Marines. You see Colter a ways down the beach, yelling as he fires his Walkers from the hip. You and Nakajima crouch behind a shallow dune with some of the men. “Your orders, sir?” Nakajima looks over at you.

>”Overturn the boats on the shore and use them for cover.”
>”Move up to that earthen step and take cover there.”
>”Affix bayonets.”
>Write-in.

>>3196742

>”Overturn the boats on the shore and use them for cover.”

We are the first to touch land, provede covering fire for the boats that are arriving, when another wave lands we go to the earthen step while the provide covering fire for us.

>>3196742

>”Move up to that earthen step and take cover there.”

>>3196742
>”Move up to that earthen step and take cover there.”

We don't want to get bogged down here. Artillery might have the beach zero'd. Grab a position up the beach so we can get reinforcements here easier.

>>3196785
Good point, I'll change to that, must be the reason their artilery stopped, they are waiting to fire at the beach.

Roll a 1d20

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>3196799

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3196799

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3196799

>>3196742
>”Move up to that earthen step and take cover there.”

“Move up to that earthen step and take cover there.” You point to the spot in question, then make a run for it. The whole time, you lay down fire with your Henry. Your men follow you, as do the Marines and other soldiers who have just landed. As you run, you see men fall around you in no small number. You estimate that perhaps fifty or sixty men have fallen on this beach since you landed. The step isn’t as tall as you though, maybe being seven feet tall, if that. You could pull yourself over it in a single motion, if you wanted to.

“Colonel,” Commander Lee and perhaps thirty Marines run up and take cover with your men. “This is a real slog, ain’t it?”

You nod. “I will walk the entire length of Japan before I do another shore landing.”

He chuckles, taking out a match and lighting a cigar. He puffs on it a couple times, then holsters his Walkers. “How many of them do you think are up there?”

You grimace. “I don’t know, maybe sixty or seventy. Maybe more.” Looking back toward the sea, you see more boats landing.

Colter’s grin widens as he reaches into his haversack. “Watch this.” He pulls out a couple rather large Ketchum Grenades. “Boys, let’s shake these bastards up a little.” The other marines pull out grenades of various sizes as well, priming and then promptly tossing them over the step. You hear shouts on the top of the step, followed by a few rather jarring explosions. A few body parts fly over the edge, landing near you.

“Handheld bombs?” Nakajima raises an eyebrow. “Perhaps we should invest in some of those, sir.”

Colter shakes his head. “They’re only good for stuff like this.” He grins. “Hell, I’ve thrown one and had it thrown back at me before.”

“Good thinking, using them.” You nod at Colter. “How many casualties have your men taken?”

He frowns. “Probably at least sixty.” The young commander looks back to the beach. “We lost a whole boat, plus at least a dozen here on this beach.”

“Damn,” you grunt.

“Yeah.” He nods. “For now, we need to take the beachhead.” He points up. “Think we should climb this thing and engage the enemy on equal terms?” You look at the beach again. There are a lot of dead men laying on the sand, but there are a lot more boats coming ashore as well. You estimate that you’ve got maybe three or four hundred men on the beach, with the rest on the way now.

>”Let’s stay here and wait for more men.”
>”This beach won’t take itself. Let’s go!”
>Write-in.

>>3196857
>>”This beach won’t take itself. Let’s go!”

the more we wait the more of our people will fall, we have the best right here, let's do this

>>3196857
If everyone alive in our wave is accounted for then

>”This beach won’t take itself. Let’s go!”
We can tie up the defenders so the next wave can come across more unopposed.

But if we still have men that haven't made it to the earthen step then we need to cover them before pushing.

>>3196857
>”This beach won’t take itself. Let’s go!”

Let's take advantage of those explosions.

Roll a 1d20

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>3196881
I hate this part

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>3196881

Rolled 4 (1d20)

>>3196881

Could be worse, but could be much better.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3196881
Don't you dare get shot Naka

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3196881
Rolling for shits and giggles

this is a rough slog

>>3196913
Beach landings usually are.

>>3196913
>>3196916
>>3196886
It's all part of the immersion anons. That's why the dice have been average.

File: Iron Frame Henry.jpg (31 KB, 1024x291)

31 KB JPG

“This beach won’t take itself,” you say. “Let’s go!” You sling your Henry over your shoulder, drawing your saber and climbing over the ledge as the rest of the soldiers follow you. As it would turn out, this wasn’t a step at all, but a fighting position built for this purpose. You land behind the earthen ridge, right in front of a startled enemy soldier. Without hesitating, you bring the saber down, cleaving his head in half. You immediately sheathe the saber though, pulling out your Henry once more.

The rest of your men have begun pouring over the top as well, fighting the enemy as they enter the trench. Well, trench isn’t really the proper word, as the place where the rear wall would be opens up into a grassy field. It is brutal, bloody combat, and quickly your Henry’s magazine runs dry. You sling it over your shoulder and draw your Dragoon, continuing to fight as enemies try to overrun you.

Soon your Dragoon runs dry as well, and you don’t have the time to reload it. Instead you draw your saber once more, hacking through enemies as you find them. The Marines are in their element, many of them using thick cutlasses and pistols in these close quarters. Your mens’ bayonet training has paid off as well, with them making short work of their enemies. You see all four of your lieutenants in the fighting at one point or another, most of them having fallen back to using their sabers too. Eventually, you get enough downtime to load your Henry back up, allowing you to put some distance between yourself and the enemy soldiers.

The fighting goes on like that for what feels like hours. You know it can’t have been more than a few minutes, but it is exhausting and brutal. You are covered in blood, of which you hope none is yours, and your Henry’s barrel is practically smoldering. As you fire into a group of enemy soldiers to keep them away from Lieutenant Sato, you notice something peculiar. Most of the remaining enemies, perhaps thirty or so, break and begin running away from your line.

You lower your Henry as the men begin to cheer. “We have defeated them, sir!” Nakajima raises his katana triumphantly.

File: GatlingGunDrawing.jpg (129 KB, 929x1200)

129 KB JPG

You sigh, kneeling down and topping off your Henry. “Don’t be so sure. We’ve still got the artillery on the hill to deal with.” You look around, seeing many of your own men lying amongst the dead, as well as many US Marines. Of the four hundred that went over the wall, you estimate that at least a third are now dead or dying. “Let’s move. We need to make sure our forces don’t have any more artillery to deal with.” You all begin walking toward the hills, making it about fifteen yards before one of your Lieutenants gets your attention.

“Sir, what is that?” Sato points to a beige shape a hundred or so yards away, on the edge of the forest.

You grimace, squinting. As you do, a flash of brass against sunlight makes your heart skip a beat. There’s no way they’ve gotten one. You quickly whip out your field glasses, watching with horror as enemy crews load the hoppers onto their weapons. “Back over the step, now!” You shout at all of your men. “Take cover!” The sound of rapid fire and the whizzing of many musket balls fills the air as everyone realizes the reason for your dismay. “Gatling Guns!”

And that's all for tonight! Tomorrow we'll have a session at around the same time. Until then the floor is open for questions, comments, concerns, shitposts, and everything else. Thanks for playing!

>>3196972
Thanks for running, man that is tense

we are going to have to signal some artillery or flank those Gatling guns, thanks for the session boss looking forward to the next

>>3196972
Thanks QM. Can't wait for tomorrow!

So anons, any idea of how to get past that gatling gun? We don't have radios so we can't call in support. Would signal lamps work in daylight?

>>3197817
I think the captain will probably see it if he is looking with his spy glass, that thing ripping people apart will be hard to stay hidden, we have to focus on surviving and getting our guys out of here now

>>3197817
Sniper fire or outflanking.

>>3197822
With how the navy delayed the shelling of the coast line I don't think they will go out of the way to support us unless directly told.
>>3197823
Probably our best bet in the end.

>>3197817
grenades

Session in approximately an hour.

>>3197823
It’s less sniping and more marksmanship but with all this black powder smoke in the air it will be hard.

If worse comes to worse, we may have to affix bayonets.

>>3198154
Affix bayonets and charge a Gatling gun? Jokes

Luckily these must be the early gatalings with the loose Cartages so the rate of fire will be impaired since it uses a hopper system

Still extremely dangerous but if we were to weigh if it’s only one position a charge may be best

>>3198191
charging a Gatling gun....that reminds me of a movie....don't remember which one.....

Your men realize what is happening, but by then the first enemy rounds are already tearing through your formation. You see men fall all around you, and the company begins to panic. You look down the line to see Sato and Kojima already getting their men back over the Step, though they’ve taken casualties too. “Nakajima! Subaru!” You call out to your other two Lieutenants. “Everyone, over the Step now!” With that, you begin clambering back towards the earthen mound, the rest of the company following suit. Gatling rounds whistle past you as you clear the crest of the Step and slide down the other side. Looking around, you see lots of your men have made it, including all of your Lieutenants. As you look around some more, you see the telltale blue uniforms of the US Marines, as well as Colter amongst them. Crouching, you head over to where your lieutenants have begun to cluster. “Dammit, dammit, dammit,” you mutter as you walk. “I need a status report, how many casualties?”

Nakajima is the first to speak. “Sir, you have been hit!” He points to your left arm.

You see quite a bit of blood running from a wound, but a quick test of your range of movement tells you that it’s nothing serious. “Just a graze. Didn’t hit bone. Now how many casualties did we sustain?”

Sato rubs his forehead, grimacing. “Out of the two hundred or so that went over the top, at least a third.” He swears under his breath. “Perhaps more.”

You nod. “Did anyone get an idea of how many Gatling guns they have?”

Kojima speaks up. “Four, sir.”

Four? You have a pretty good idea where they got them. Perhaps you’ll pay the British garrison in Yokohama a visit when this is all over. “Alright, four Gatling guns. We’ll have to come up with a way to neutralize them or the enemy will counter-attack while we’re pinned down.”

“We still have more boats coming, sir.” Sato looks out to sea. “Perhaps once we have more than a thousand troops, we could mount a bayonet charge and overwhelm them?”

You shake your head. “Even with a thousand men, they’d almost surely tear us to shreds.” Looking out again, you notice something peculiar. “Speaking of reinforcements, doesn’t it seem like there are a low number of boats coming ashore?”

“Indeed,” Kojima says.

You frown, pulling out your field glasses. As you scan the boats on the water, you notice something you anticipated, but dreaded nonetheless. Every boat is filled with soldiers wearing black Aizu uniforms. “None of the other domains have launched their landing forces…”

“W-what?” Subaru looks out to sea. “Impossible! Without them, we only have two thousand men!”

“Far less than that now,” you say. “They’re probably not going to launch until we’ve secured the beachhead.” Sighing, you lower your field glasses. “Fucking cowards,” you mutter under your breath.

“Perhaps we could distract the enemy and send a flanking force around?” Nakajima crosses his arms. “Gatling guns are like cannons, right? They are slow to move from target to target.”

>”Good idea. We’ll organize a flanking maneuver.” (go with Nakajima’s plan)
>”There’s too much wide-open space to flank them. We’ll have to organize a charge and pray for the best.” (support Sato’s plan)
>”Is there any way to signal the fleet and request artillery fire?”
>Write-in.

>>3198274
>”Good idea. We’ll organize a flanking maneuver.” (go with Nakajima’s plan)
>Fix Bayonets.

They are essentially heavy artillery. Unless they did intercepting fire (Which I doubt) we can provide covering fire.

If we can outrun them we can shoot and stab them in their positions.

Cause at this point which point the smoke from black powder will create a smoke screen.

QM how thick is the smoke

>>3198274
For now:
>”Good idea. We’ll organize a flanking maneuver.” (go with Nakajima’s plan)
>>”Is there any way to signal the fleet and request artillery fire?”
Flares, signal rockets, heliographs, even a runner anything would do.

>>3198274
>>”Good idea. We’ll organize a flanking maneuver.” (go with Nakajima’s plan)

>>3198274
>flanking time!

>>3198274
>”Is there any way to signal the fleet and request artillery fire?”

>”Good idea. We’ll organize a flanking maneuver.” (go with Nakajima’s plan)

>>3198285
The more time we wait the worse it will get. I still motion to at least fix bayonets due to single shot rifles.

>>3198274
>”Good idea. We’ll organize a flanking maneuver.” (go with Nakajima’s plan)

>>3198195
Also here is my description of early gatalings.

They have to keep the rate of fire slow in order to prevent jamming. Also it’s the cartage version in which was a bit unreliable.

>>3198290
Mate we're not going to do a frontal bayonet charge against 19th century machine guns.

Roll some 1d20s.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>3198301

>>3198274
>”Is there any way to signal the fleet and request artillery fire?”

If we distract them, the distraction will be torn to shreds. We better pin them in place with potshots and wait until bombardment takes care of them.

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>3198301

>>3198300
Did I say a frontal charge? I said to flank but prepare bayonets.

We only have one shot rifles in a cloud of smoke from all the discharged black powder. We will have to overtake their positions so having a bayonet will be nesscary unless you rather them club the enemy with their rifles.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3198301

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>3198301
Dice please save the tarp

“Good idea, Nakajima.” You reload your Henry as you speak. “We’ll organize a flanking maneuver.”

“Very well, sir.” He nods. “Who shall act as the distraction?”

You shake your head. “Nobody. We’ll split the attack force in two, that way they get flanked on both sides.” You finish reloading, closing the magazine tube. “It’ll be impossible for them to effectively focus on two separate groups on opposite sides of their formation.”

“Understood.” Nakajima salutes you. “I will prepare the attack force.”

“Good,” you reply. “I’ll speak with Colter. We’ll need the Marines and their grenades as well.”

With that, you head down the length of the Step to where the remnants of the Marine regiment are recuperating. Of the two hundred originally sent out with you, only around a hundred remain. Though many of them look tired and shaken, you can tell they’re ready to get moving again. Colter sits on an overturned metal bucket, reloading the cylinders of his Colt Walkers. “Colonel,” he says without looking up.

“Commander Lee,” you greet him. “Are your men up for more fighting? I think I’ve found a way to neutralize those Gatling guns.”

“Excellent.” He grins. “Let’s hear it, Boss.”

You gesture to the approximate location of the guns, through the Step. “Since Gatling guns have to be aimed like traditional artillery, the plan is to send two groups out to flank them, going to opposite sides.”

He looks up at you. “They’ll be unable to effectively target us. I like it.”

You grin. “I was hoping you’d say that.” Looking over to your men, you cross your arms. “We go over the top in five minutes.”

“Got it,” he replies.

Five minutes later, you’ve got a hundred men ready to go over the top. Fifty of your soldiers, led by Nakajima and Sato, will attack the right flank. The other group is made up of the best 50 US Marines under Colter’s command, with him leading them. The rest of your force, as well as the remaining troops coming in via boats, will remain at the Step until the assault team has taken out the Gatling guns. As you look at the assault teams, you cross your arms.

>Go with Sato and Nakajima’s group.
>Go with the Marines.
>Stay behind and oversee the remaining landings.
>Write-in.

>>3198340
Marines got this.


>Go with Sato and Nakajima’s group.
>fix bayonets.

>>3198340
>>Stay behind and oversee the remaining landings
I think we can trust all three officers to handle this in a competent manner. Better we act like a senior officer and stay back to direct the overall battle.

>>3198340
>Stay behind and oversee the remaining landings.

>>3198340
>>Go with Sato and Nakajima’s group.

>>3198274

>”Good idea. We’ll organize a flanking maneuver.” (go with Nakajima’s plan)

Let's see it through, get thise things out.

>>3198340
>>Stay behind and oversee the remaining landings

>>3198340
>Go with Sato and Nakajima’s group.

>>3198340
>>3198362


Lol, I copied the vote from the wrong post.

Here's my real vote.

>Go with Sato and Nakajima’s group.

>>3198340
>Go with Sato and Nakajima’s group.

THROUGH THE GATES OF HELL

>>3198340
>go with soto and neju

>>3198390
WE MARCH TO HEAVEN

>>3198396
THROUGH REBEL LINES

You climb over the Step alongside Nakajima and Sato’s men. “Alright men,” you hear Nakajima say in Japanese. “Charge to the right, get around the back of them!”

The team begins moving across the field, and you look over to see the Marines doing the same in the opposite direction. The Gatling guns open up, but you are very quickly out of their angle of fire. They keep shooting at empty air for a good ten seconds as you all move. “Enemies along the treeline,” you point out. Some of the enemy soldiers that retreated from the Step lay a good thirty yards ahead. You lay down some fire in their general direction, as do your various NCOs.

The air is filled with smoke, both from the Gatling guns and your own repeaters, allowing you a good deal of cover as you move up. You are quickly among the enemy soldiers, causing your men with bayonets to use them, and many NCOs to switch to whatever melee weapons they carry. You switch to your Dragoon, wishing you had a second one for times like this.

After a relatively brief bout of combat, the remaining enemy soldiers retreat into the woods, shattered. Peering through the trees, you see the Gatling guns. Their crews are trying desperately to traverse the guns toward the Marines, who are rapidly getting closer. You notice some men mounted on horses a distance away, who turn and ride off into the forest. Even their commanders are running from you, it would seem. “Alright men, let’s go in on these fools!” You unsling the Henry, cocking it.

You all charge for the Gatling guns, firing on the crews as you do. Several enemy troops fall immediately, as others grab their personal weapons to return fire. It is futile though, as you now have them rather dramatically outnumbered. In this crossfire, they don’t last long. Out of the probably twelve men operating the Gatling guns, perhaps three or four survive and run off into the woods, up the hill.

“They’re running,” you say. “Excellent work, everyone.”

You hear the Marines whooping and hollering over on the other side of the guns. Colter Lee walks over to all of you, his Walkers smoking from heavy use. “Hell of an assault.” He grins, lighting a cigar. “They didn’t even see it coming.”

You nod. “They panicked as soon as they realized what we were doing. Kept firing into empty air.” You take out a cigarillo and light it, puffing for a few seconds before speaking again. “Good work out there. Take any casualties?”

“Nope,” he replies. “You?”

Frowning, you call back to Nakajima. “Lieutenant. Give me a head-count.”

Nakajima speaks with the troops for a minute or so, then returns to you. “Four injured, none killed.” He crosses his arms. “What shall we do now, sir?”

>”There’s still artillery up this hill. We need to neutralize it.”
>”Have the men set up fighting positions inland of the beach. We need to secure that grassy field before we can convince the rest of the force to land.”
>”Keep things locked down on the beach. I’m taking a boat back to the fleet to see why we landed unsupported.”
>Write-in.

>>3198492
>”Have the men set up fighting positions inland of the beach. We need to secure that grassy field before we can convince the rest of the force to land.”

>Commandeer the Gatling guns

>>3198494
>>”There’s still artillery up this hill. We need to neutralize it.”
Send a messenger back to the fleet; we need reinforcements to consolidate the ground we've gained.

>>3198494
>”There’s still artillery up this hill. We need to neutralize it.”

Then we'll have some breathing room.

>>3198494
>”There’s still artillery up this hill. We need to neutralize it.”
>”Have the men set up fighting positions inland of the beach. We need to secure that grassy field before we can convince the rest of the force to land.”

Let Kojimas maskmen and the line infatry set up a position here, salvage those Gatlings, We, Nakajima and some of the suave trained troops will have a look out on those artillary positions.

>>3198492
>”There’s still artillery up this hill. We need to neutralize it.”

>>3198507
We're few in number though. Can we afford to split up?

>>3198494
>”There’s still artillery up this hill. We need to neutralize it.”

>>3198492
>>3198498
This is good.

Also order someone to signal to the fleet to recommence landing.

We're a commander, delegate, delegate, delegate

>>3198494
>>”There’s still artillery up this hill. We need to neutralize it.”

>>3198492
>>3198507
Supporting this.

Maybe send a runner to prep the landing boats.

Btw how good are we on ammunition since it must be a good hour or so since we landed and had heavy fighting.

And can we take any spare ammunition from the dead or wounded to top us off?

Also out of curiosity what did the enemy have besides the gataling gun, since they were trying to reach for their small arms.

Muzzle loaders and what make?

Just got back from dinner.
>>3198546
>>3198554
These are good questions, which will be answered in the next post.

Also roll some 1d20s.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3198621

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>3198621

>>3198492
>”There’s still artillery up this hill. We need to neutralize it.”

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>3198621

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3198621

>>3198633
Nice job anon.

“There’s still artillery up the hill,” you say. “We’ll need to neutralize it before we do anything else.”

“Understood, sir.” Nakajima salutes you. “I will inform the men.”

You nod. “Good. Let them rest for a few minutes before we go up.” With that, you turn toward the Gatling guns and their fallen crews. Thankfully, the guns themselves don’t appear to be damaged, so you’ll be able to take them with you. As you approach them, you see something peculiar. The crew were armed with rather modern weapons. You kneel down to inspect the carbine in the hands of a dead enemy solider. As you examine it, you see a Crown insignia stamped on it, as well as British proof marks. “Enfield Musketoons?”

“Something wrong?” Colter walks up, leaning against the Gatling gun.

You nod. “These men were equipped with British weapons. British gear as well, by the looks of it.” You examine the cartridge belt of a fallen enemy, finding the crown insignia as well. “Yeah, British.”

He grimaces. “British support? That’s not a good sign.”

You nod. “It’s troubling. Get your troops ready. We’ll be assaulting the last artillery positions soon.”

“Got it,” he replies.

A few minutes later, you stand at the head of your formation with your officers. “Let’s finish this.” Stepping up the hillside, you shoulder your Henry. The terrain is relatively easy to cover, but the forest is thick enough to make seeing a potential enemy difficult.

“Shit, sir.” You hear a Marine speak up. “This is just like Formosa.”

Colter speaks next. “Let’s hope not, Corporal. I’ve had enough of screaming savages charging out of the jungle at me.”

“There they are,” you say. Up ahead, maybe fifteen or twenty yards away, a battery of large cannons sits in a clearing. You notice that they’ve been piled high with green foliage to conceal them. “Strange, no enemies.”

“Perhaps they’ve fled?” Sato frowns.

You all approach the artillery, seeing that the pieces are relatively modern breech-loaders. As Sato predicted, they appear to have been abandoned. “Looks like we’ve won the day.” Colter chuckles, kicking the wooden wheel of a cannon.

“What should we do now, sir?” Nakajima crosses his arms.

>”Commander Lee, destroy these guns with your grenades.”
>”Any ideas how we can get these down to the beach? They’re too valuable to just leave here.”
>”We should return to the beach and signal the fleet to launch everyone else.”
>Write-in.

>>3198663
>This appears to be a trap, Lets see if we can't find any traps or the enemy hiding nearby. This is TOO good to be true.

>>3198663
>Secure the area around the artillery and send a runner/officer to signal the fleet.

>>3198663

>”Commander Lee, destroy these guns with your grenades.”

And then

>”We should return to the beach and signal the fleet to launch everyone else.”

>>3198671
Supporting. We've bled for these guns; let's give them a taste of their own medicine

>>3198663
>>3198676
This

>>3198676
This

>>3198663
>>”We should return to the beach and signal the fleet to launch everyone else.”

>>3198678
Not to mention these are relatively valuable guns as well. I need to recheck what model these might be

“Secure the area,” you say. “The enemy could be waiting for us to let our guard down or something.”

“Yes sir,” Sato replies. The troops begin taking up positions around the guns.

“And send a team down to the beach to get word back to the fleet. We’ve secured the beachhead.” You point in the direction of the beach.

Three or four troops under the command of an NCO break off from the formation, heading down the hill quickly. You sigh, sitting atop a crate of shells and rubbing the bridge of your nose. Your arm is still bleeding, and you can really feel it now. Nakajima leans against the barrel of a cannon, reloading his LeMat carefully. “Quite the day they gave us, eh sir?”

You nod. “Licked ‘em anyway though.” You consider lighting up another cigarillo, but remember that you’re sitting atop a box of munitions and decide against it. “You alright?”

He nods. “I am not injured.” He points to your arm. “You, however, are still bleeding, sir.”

You sigh. “I’ll live.” Nakajima however, is not satisfied with your answer. He finishes reloading his revolver, then pulls a piece of gauze from his pack and wraps it tightly around the wound on your arm.

“This will staunch the bleeding.” He frowns apologetically as he tightens it. “Though once we get some doctors ashore, you should get it looked at by a professional.”

You chuckle. “And let them hack it off? No thanks.”

After around half an hour, your runners return. The NCO walks up to you, bowing deeply. “Sir, the rest of the force will be coming ashore very soon.” He stands to full height after you return the bow. “And Lord Matsudaira wishes to convey his utmost thanks for your bravery.”

You nod. “Thanks, Sergeant. You and your men can rest now.”

Commander Lee runs an oily rag over the barrel of his Colt Walker, chewing on something as he speaks. “So what’s the plan now, Boss?”

>”Let’s try getting these cannons down from the hill to the field. They’re too valuable to leave behind.”
>”Let’s destroy this whole hilltop, guns and all.”
>”Leave the guns for now. Let’s head down and greet the incoming forces, set up a temporary base.”
>Write-in.

>>3198703
>dig in, secure the area and wait for reinforcements. If anything reposition the gatalings and artillerh piece for a counter attack.

>>3198703
>”Let’s try getting these cannons down from the hill to the field. They’re too valuable to leave behind.”

>Keep a wide spread on those guarding the guns being moved.

>>3198703
>>Write-in.
Order troops to look over the captured equipment and ammo. Make sure they're not sabotaged or something.

Also order the gatlings to be brought up to a seperate battery. At least we know those are good to use.

>>3198703
>>”Let’s try getting these cannons down from the hill to the field. They’re too valuable to leave behind.”

>>3198710
Supporting

>>3198703
Quick question is this hill top the highest point in the area so far? If so this should be a defensible position.

>>3198703
we have to hold the position until relief forces and the supply train catches up.

>>3198723
Also if the hill is decently tall, we have a forward base and could possible see the enemy units

>>3198722
There are higher hilltops further inland. This is the highest point close to the coast.

>>3198728
Then this makes a decent forward base. I say we dig in and use the material to make this a forward base.

Have to double check on what breach loaders we have so we can gauge their usefulness

>>3198703
>”Let’s try getting these cannons down from the hill to the field. They’re too valuable to leave behind.”

Loot is loot. Unless booby-traped.....
>Check Cannons and powder before moving.

>>3198718
>>3198710
2nding

Why are we coinciding the high ground?

we should focus on turning the artillery emplacements away from the beach towards the direction of the enemy and digging in.

>>3198703
>>3198710
this. We have the high ground.

Hmm, So what type of artillery, 20 pounder or 40 pounder armstrong guns?

File: fc813f2a1eb22f1fd126db3b3(...).jpg (87 KB, 718x561)

87 KB JPG

“We’ll dig in and make this spot our forward base.” You look around. “It’s not ideal on account of the heavy foliage, but it’s the highest spot around.”

“Makes sense,” Colter nods. “I assume that will mean directing the freshly-landed troops up here as well?”

You nod. “That it will.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5al0HmR4to

The next couple of hours consist almost entirely of logistics. Coordinating the landing of troops, making sure they know where to go, things like that. It is more exhausting than the battle, honestly. All in all, your forces took 342 casualties. Of those, 290 were killed in action, with the remaining number being too badly injured to continue fighting in the battle. The United States Marines took far more substantial casualties, considering their numbers. Of the 212 that were slated to land with you, 104 were killed, and another 23 were injured too badly to continue fighting.

You pour over the information, which was written down by your respective officers for you during the wind-down after combat. You sit atop the earthen Step, using an overturned launch boat as your seat. All along the beach, corpses still lay. Sarah Holman and her photographer take still images of them, and the cynical part of you notices that more photographs are being taken of the dead Marines, seemingly.

Three hundred and ninety-four men killed. You feel that number burn into your mind. It is low, compared to the ten thousand that have landed so far, but it is still a sobering number. Blood stains the sand of the beach, and mixes in with the frothy seawater. As you light a cigarillo, puffing for a while, you see distant boats from the general force beginning to make their way to shore.

You feel your eyes pull toward the tattered blue uniform of a US Marine again. He floats, face-down in the surf maybe ten feet from shore. His kepi floats next to him. You can only imagine how the United States will react, hearing that more than a hundred of her native sons were killed on some foreign beach. The last time American soldiers were killed on foreign ground in any substantial number, the US Army rearranged an entire country over it. Your eyes wander back to the black uniforms of your own fallen soldiers. How will the Japanese react to their sons laying on this beach, over a campaign with such a nebulous goal? You have no idea, truly.

As the first of the general ground force make their landing, you sigh. The total number of soldiers slated to take part in this campaign numbers just under a hundred thousand, though most of them are part of the force moving overland from the northeast.

The first official battle that you’ve fought as a colonel is over. Silently, you hope, no, you pray that it will be easy going from here on out. That you broke the Choshu Domain’s spirit here, and the rest of their forces would be pushovers. Shaking your head, you stand up and begin walking back toward your hilltop base.

>>3198770
Considering the caliber this may the best artillery we have until we move the field artillery which will take time.

Also may not be as heavy as these guns I assume that these are the heavier armstrong guns

And that's going to be all for tonight. Thanks for playing! Next session will be Monday of next week, like always. Until then, feel free to post questions, comments, concerns, shitposts, and everything else.

>>3198808
Thanks for the run chief, Shame we're gonna trigger a war between the US and England using Japan as a proxy.

>>3198808
Well shit....while causalities were relatively light considering the tech and the fact it was amphibious, its still hard that the marines lost over 50% causalities.

>>3198805
also refer to these as my question. What caliber how much, info can we precieve from the hill, and what field pieces or artilllery are we off loading to compare?

>>3198802
we are going to have to play the Brits as the bad guy, let it slip to Sarah that the reason so many marines died is because rebels armed by Britain are causing havok in Japan.

>>3198813
>Shame we're gonna trigger a war between the US and England using Japan as a proxy.
There's a reason I'm sticking to Vietnam-era songs for this quest.

>>3198816
Unfortunately Stockton is a bit of a brainlet when it comes to artillery, so all you know is that they're somewhat colossal breech-loaders. Definitely not little field-guns, to say the least.

>>3198824
Did Japan have decorations during this period? Sound like the marines should be cited and awarded for bravery.

>>3198824
Oh lawd

When the tree's start shouting "FOR QUEEN AND COUNTRY!"

>>3198827
I honestly don't know if Japan had military decorations yet. I'll have to research it.

>>3198824
I'm assuming there the 40 Pounder guns then. Which is a bit funny, since i think around 1865 the British decided to discontinue the Breechloader for rifled muzzle loaders.


Also besides the marines what other perks did we get for allowing observers and doing the scouting mission?

What can we do for the marines since their effectively a disbaled unit.

>>3198833
>Also besides the marines what other perks did we get for allowing observers and doing the scouting mission?
You gained the somewhat nebulous "Favor of the Consul General." Which could develop into a number of things. Also possibly expect more Marines in the near future.

>>3198838
oh hey, that's good though their equipment may be a bit outdated though.

Well i hope we can find some use to the surviving marines, maybe man the artillery on the hill.

Also i'm not entirely sure the British are backing the CHoshu,though they are sellign weapons to them as merchants. Though I do wonder how are the Choshu have the capital for it

>>3198802
Usually there are more ingured than killed AFAIK. Are post-Civil War statistics different?

I hope we live long enough to get to take part of the Japanese expediary force during the Boxer rebellion.

>>3199216
This is a unique situation due to it being a frontal assault and there being a lack of doctors and medics accompanying the first few waves. Though I am taking a little creative license with your troops’ attrition and casualty statistics.

>>3199513
Stockton would be around 60 at that point, so it’s highly unlikely. Though I do have some ideas for a sequel quest, depending on how this one turns out.

>inb4 Stockton treats a minor stomach wound on Nakajima and still doesn't notice
>inb4 "soft stomach"

>>3200483
Naka's stomach is probably fit and tight.

File: 1517655337275.png (143 KB, 253x307)

143 KB PNG

>>3200483
>Stomach wound
>Minor
Hahaha, not in the 1860s. That being said:

>>3200865
This anon is right on the money.

File: Spoiler Image (51 KB, 1024x512)

51 KB JPG

>>3200960

>>3200960
>>3201005
It makes sense considering Nakajima was able to keep up and pass all fitness and training tests we went through.

Just a quick heads-up guys, Monday the session might start later than normal. I’ll make up for it by running a session on Thursday and possibly Friday as well.

File: dab_on_bushido.jpg (354 KB, 1366x768)

354 KB JPG

Hello.

I know nothing about this quest but the OP image inspired me.

I'm not sorry.

>>3204407
Sweet. Thanks for the heads up.
>>3204462
It's pretty close.

Today is the day lads! the day we check Naka's stomach

>>3212638
Victory shall be had!

>>3212638
Four, Six or Eight?

>>3212773
Four is best.

what time will it be chief?

>>3213545
Session will be in approximately two hours. Winter is Hell.

>>3213811
If you're in the north of USA and Canada watch out for Thursday.

>>3213815
Yeah we’re getting hit by freezing rain right now. The high Wednesday is like -4 with a windchill factor of around -25 to -45.

>>3213844
Sounds about right. I'm around south of NY. Getting nowhere near as bad as you though.

You sigh, leaning forward in your chair. It has been a long time since you were on campaign for any substantial length of time, so you had forgotten how much of a hassle shaving in a campaign tent was. You squint, trying to hold the handheld mirror right as you drag the straight razor across your chin. Perhaps it would be better to just grow a beard, you think.

Chuckling, you remember your reflection from the first time you looked in a mirror after Andersonville. Having never grown one before, you hadn’t realized that you had a blond stripe of facial hair running vertically down your chin. It stuck out like a skunk’s stripe against the dark brown of the rest of your beard, which matched the color of your hair. Running the blade along your neck downward, you decide to avoid all the unfortunate nicknames that might come from a beard like that.

It has been a little over a week since the shore landing deposited you in the Choshu Domain. In that time, the entire Aizu force had come ashore. Along with them came the forces of the Sendai and Mutsu domains. The Morioka forces are still on their way, and have encountered heavy resistance, if reports are to be believed. Unfortunately, the other seven domains who were expected to provide troops for the forward assault refused to participate, and only landed their forces a couple days ago. As an Aizu commander, that is none of your concern; you have your own troops to account for. The hilltop base, where you have placed your tent, as well as those of your officers and their regiments, was not nearly large enough to hold your entire force. The Aizu contingent, which numbers nearly ten thousand regular line infantry in addition to your New Rifle Corps, has set up their tents in the grassy field between the hill and the beach.

The artillery you captured, British 40-pounder pieces, was quickly appropriated by the Aizu Artillery Corps, which you weren’t aware existed. Apparently, the French artillerist that Sato mentioned had trained them. Beyond that, the Gatling guns were retained by your forces and set up on the Northwest side of the hill as a deterrent against future attacks. No such attacks had come, and from your understanding, the enemy has since retreated to the city of Hofu. Right now, you are all being told to wait until the Shogun orders a push inland.

You finish shaving, examining your face once more in the mirror before rinsing the razor off in a little washbasin. Sighing, you lean back and sip your morning coffee. The most recent newspaper lays on your cot unread; you already know what it’s about. A photograph of the beach, complete with dead US Marines and Aizu soldiers, is featured on the front page. The shore assault had been a success, if only barely. The US Marines took heavy casualties, and have since been reduced to a support role until reinforcements can be shipped in from the US. Your forces had a rough go of it as well, but thankfully none of your officers were killed. You glance at the newspaper again, sighing as the light of early dawn begins to bleed through the canvas walls of your tent.

>Go visit one of your officers. (Who?)
>Head to the mess tent and get some breakfast.
>Read the newspaper. You’re curious what was said about the assault.
>Meet with the commander of the Sendai Domain’s forces. His camp is not far away.
>Write-in.

>>3214181
>Read the newspaper. You’re curious what was said about the assault.

>>3214181
>>Meet with the commander of the Sendai Domain’s forces. His camp is not far away.

>>3214181
>>Meet with the commander of the Sendai Domain’s forces. His camp is not far away.

We should form good relations with the other leaders so we dont get hung out to dry. Perhaps grab our adjutant before we go.

>>3214181

>Go visit one of your officers. (Who?)
Grab Nakajima and go
>Head to the mess tent and get some breakfast.

It's always him that brings us food, let's surprise the kid, and see how he is doing.

>>3214206
Agreed, grab him and lets go there

>>3214206
>Perhaps grab our adjutant before we go.
Do you mean Nakajima, or another of your lieutenants?

>>3214229
I assume its Nakajima in this case.

>>3214229
Naka

>>3214229
Basically nakajima. He's been at our side the whole time.

make sure he bring's his sword anyways.

>>3214229
Yes

>>3214229
Sato

File: Colt_Navy_Model_1851.jpg (246 KB, 1866x770)

246 KB JPG

You decide that it would be good to meet with the Sendai commander. You’ve heard his name before, Colonel Satoshi Takei, but you know absolutely nothing about the man. Putting your boots and gear on, you exit the tent and make your way along the dirt path toward the temporary stables. On your way, you take a detour toward Lieutenant Nakajima’s tent.

“Hello, Nakajima?” You call out as you approach his tent.

He sticks his head out through the canvas flap. “Yes, sir?”

“I’m going to meet the Sendai commander. You want to come along?”

“I shall, sir.” He nods. “Just give me a moment to gather my things.”

A few minutes later, you and Nakajima are walking down toward the stables together. You notice that he has added a piece of weaponry to his kit, a second revolver is holstered on his belt at an angle. It is much smaller than the LeMat, but still clearly a full-size military piece. “Where’d you get that?” You point to the new revolver.

“Ah, this.” Nakajima nods, drawing the revolver and showing it to you. It is an 1851 Navy with most of the finish gone, and partially damaged grips. You notice it’s still quite sizeable in his hand. “I found it after the shore landing. I believe an enemy must have dropped it.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Interesting. That’s a good piece, if it’s a real Colt.”

He grins, re-holstering it. “I had been wanting to get a secondary pistol for a while. Though the LeMat is nice…” He trails off, resting his hand on the grip of the colossal revolver. “It is a bit cumbersome in close combat.”

You nod. “It is. There’s a reason they call ‘em horse pistols.”

Nakajima frowns. “If that is supposed to be a figure of speech, I am afraid I do not understand, sir.”

You shake your head. “No, it’s a literal term. Large revolvers are better for use from horseback.” You then gesture to the stables. “Speaking of horseback, let’s get going.”

“Very well, sir.” Nakajima follows you to the stables. It takes a few minutes to get the tack onto the horses, after which you both take off toward the Sendai camp.

“Is there any news on when we will march inland?” Nakajima looks over at you.

Shaking your head, you reply. “Nothing yet. We’ve been told to wait for orders from the Shogun.”

“I see.” Nakajima nods.

>Remain quiet for the remainder of the journey.
>”How have you been since the assault? Everything normal?”
>”I don’t suppose you know anything about this Colonel Takei, do you?”
>”I’ll race you to the camp.”
>Write-in.

>>3214309
>>”I don’t suppose you know anything about this Colonel Takei, do you?”
>>Write-in.
"How are our men holding up? The casualties must have been a shock."

>>3214309
Backing this >>3214312

>>3214312
This

>>3214312
Support

>>3214309
>>3214312
This.

Though i like to add that casualties are quite low considering the limited training and it’s a amphibious assault.


It’s bad to say it but that’s the truth and give a sense that this would have been worse and we heard worse.

Also quite surprised the French knew how to operate British 40 pounders, considering French still used muzzle loafers iirc?

>>3214327
Yea but thats not something that the men would want to hear. Not for their first engagement.

What we'll need some easier victories to boost morale.

>>3214336
We are not telling the men that. We are telling Nakajima.

This is a cold comfort we got off at light as we did. Considering the operation.

>>3214312
+1

But I still want to race him after we finish talking, maybe something will come loose.

Also, we got our asses handed to us by him a couple times, time to win one.

>>3214334
Yeah, they are using the La Hitte system of artillery which was a muzzle loading system but the barrels were rifles with improved shells.

They wouldn’t covert to breach loaders till the 1870s

>>3214350
Race sounds nice too.

“How have the men been holding up since the assault?” You frown. Though your casualties were surprisingly low (for such a dangerous operation) they endured quite a hectic bout of close combat with the enemy.

“Many of them are doing well, sir.” Nakajima glances at you before returning his gaze to the horizon ahead. “They are eager to move deeper into enemy territory. That being said…” He trails off. “There are some who seem to have shut down completely. And others who have gone from being brave fighters to jumping at shadows. It is strange.”

You nod. “Soldier’s Heart. It affects some men after they’ve seen combat. It should pass, with time.”

Nakajima raises an eyebrow. “Soldier’s Heart? I see.”

For a while, neither of you speak as you ride along the dirt trail. You pass a couple of friendly patrols, who recognize your uniforms and wave you on. “So,” you say after a while. “Any idea who this Colonel Takei is?”

“I have not heard much about the man, sir.” Nakajima frowns. “If the rumors are correct, he was educated in the United States, and is a nephew of the Sendai daimyo.” He leans over, lowering his voice as if telling you a secret. “And allegedly his mother is a foreigner from Europe.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Is that so? Interesting.”

“Indeed,” Nakajima replies. “Supposedly he is a respected commander in the Sendai military.” He shrugs. “Though, most of that information comes from the campfire rumors that soldiers tell when bored.”

You frown deeply. Those rumors are rarely accurate, though they are almost always based on some kernel of truth. The two of you keep riding for a while more until you come up on the edge of the Sendai military encampment. It is much like yours, a tent city inland of the beach, but you notice that the tents are of a different style than the canvas army tents that your forces were issued. These are round, and made from green and blue fabric. As you approach the base, Nakajima calls out to a sentry in Japanese. He replies, and lets you in.

File: Takei Satoshi.png (1.02 MB, 960x960)

1.02 MB PNG

“Alright,” Nakajima says. “The command tent should be this way.” He points down a row of tents to a large one, which looks more like the command tent at your base. The two of you dismount, hitching your horses at the camp’s stables, then walk the rest of the way. This camp is closer to the sea, and the dirt foot-paths are muddy. Thankfully, the early morning air is still cool. The two of you approach the command tent, entering through the open flap. Inside, the place has many desks, chairs, and tables, as well as a cot in the back. At one of the desks, with his feet kicked up, is a young Japanese man reading a stack of reports. He looks up at you, raising an eyebrow. “Il est trop tôt pour me déranger. Qu'est-ce que tu veux?”

You frown. “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish.”

The man’s scowl deepens. “Ah, you’re the American working for the Aizu Domain.” He stands up, sitting his paperwork down and walking up to you. You notice that he speaks with a hint of a Southern accent, but speaks English flawlessly. “Takei Satoshi, at your service.” He crosses his arms, scowling.

You nod. “Colonel Daniel Stockton, Aizu Domain.”

“Well met, Colonel Stockton.” He shakes your hand, but the scowl never leaves his face.

>”Is there a problem, Colonel?”
>”Your English is flawless. Where did you learn it?”
>”I noticed your troops didn’t begin to come ashore until the assault was over. Why was that?”
>Write-in.

>>3214406
>”I noticed your troops didn’t begin to come ashore until the assault was over. >”Is there a problem, Colonel?”

>>3214406
>”I noticed your troops didn’t begin to come ashore until the assault was over. Why was that?”

>southern accent

Damn, this dude was educated by the damn dixies

>>3214406
>>”I noticed your troops didn’t begin to come ashore until the assault was over. Why was that?”

>>3214406

>”Is there a problem, Colonel?”
>”Your English is flawless. Where did you learn it?”

>Where do we go and coordinate from here?

If he has beef with us fine. I just want to know what we are going to do moving forward. We have a good a starting position and it seems our replacements or our supplies are good I just want to know the plan

>>3214406

>”Is there a problem, Colonel?”

>>3214406
>”Is there a problem, Colonel?”

Military commanders can hate each other. I just want to know if his unit can be relied on when the time comes.

I don’t begrudge him holding his units back.the beach was a blood bath and adding more bodies to the shoareline would have been deadlier.

You grimace. “Is there a problem, Colonel?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Ah, my apologies. I get temperamental when I haven’t had my coffee.” Colonel Takei rubs the bridge of his nose. “You’ve done nothing to offend me, Colonel.” He points to a rather nice-looking set of chairs off to the side. “Please, have a seat.”

You and Nakajima go over and sit down, and Colonel Takei quickly writes some things on his paperwork before sitting opposite you. “I was also curious about something,” you begin. “Sendai forces were slated to be part of the shore assault, but none landed until after the battle was over.”

He nods. “It looked like you and the Marines had it covered.” It is your turn to scowl now. “That being said, we tried to launch.” He looks at you with a somewhat regretful expression. “However, dear uncle refused to let my forces go ashore.”

He looks like he is about to say more when a junior officer comes in with a kettle of coffee and several cups. He sits it down on a nearby table, and he and the Colonel have a brief exchange in Japanese. The officer pours a cup of coffee for each of you, then leaves. You continue from your previous line of conversation. “That makes sense. None of the other daimyos launched their forces either.” You shrug.

He sighs, sipping from his cup of coffee. “That’s true. Many of them thought it would be certain doom for any man stepping foot on that beach, that it would be a sure defeat.” Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he continues. Many of them still believe that this campaign is useless.”

You frown deeply. “As long as we win, I don’t much care whether they think it’s useless.”

“Perhaps they are right, though.” He looks at you. “What if this campaign is unwinnable?” Leaning forward, he continues. “I heard about the British artillery seized by your forces. If the British Empire is helping the Choshu Domain, what chance do we have?”

>”Our business isn’t in deciding whether we have a chance or now. It’s in leading troops.”
>”I doubt the British would directly support the Choshu. They likely bought everything through a private agent.”
>”If their current track record is anything to go on, British support won’t be enough for the Choshu to win. We captured their artillery with relatively low casualties.”
>”If it’s so futile, what would you suggest?”
>Write-in.

>>3214526
>”If their current track record is anything to go on, British support won’t be enough for the Choshu to win. We captured their artillery with relatively low casualties.”
Soft american fuck ya voices

>>3214526


>”Our business isn’t in deciding whether we have a chance or now. It’s in leading troops.”
>”I doubt the British would directly support the Choshu. They likely bought everything through a private agent.”

>>3214526
>”I doubt the British would directly support the Choshu. They likely bought everything through a private agent.”

>>3214526
>”Our business isn’t in deciding whether we have a chance or now. It’s in leading troops.”
>”I doubt the British would directly support the Choshu. They likely bought everything through a private agent.”

>>3214526
>>”I doubt the British would directly support the Choshu. They likely bought everything through a private agent.”

File: 1548381522428.jpg (164 KB, 1074x1061)

164 KB JPG

I'm gonna call the session here for tonight. We'll run tomorrow at our usual time, then have an additional session on Thursday to close up the thread. Thanks for playing!

>>3214584
Good night QM, thanks for the run.

>>3214526

>”Our business isn’t in deciding whether we have a chance or now. It’s in leading troops.”

>”I doubt the British would directly support the Choshu. They likely bought everything through a private agent.”

We have experience with British selling shit to our enemies and we know they won't start shit unless its profitable.

And they know its not worth it and are only interested in cash.

>>3214526
>>”I doubt the British would directly support the Choshu. They likely bought everything through a private agent.”

>>3214526
>>”Our business isn’t in deciding whether we have a chance or now. It’s in leading troops.”
>>”I doubt the British would directly support the Choshu. They likely bought everything through a private agent.”
>>Write-in.
"Furthermore, further british aid above the level we have seen would necessitate the involvement of Her Majesty's troops.

The very fact that we landed in concert with US Marines means that IF The Empire was directly supporting the Choshu domain, they will have to weigh whether they wish for open fights between US and British troops. Something which could spiral out of control poorly if mismanaged with consequences for The Empire around the world.

Thus I feel we should not see further evidence of british involvement beyond what we have seen. Weapons and maybe some individual trainers."

>>3214712
Eh...also ooc wise, I think the British are going through some military reforms right now.

Also the best they can send iirc are either Indian and Australian troop.

Session in an hour.

>>3215640
Woo!

You sigh. “Our business isn’t in deciding whether we have a chance or not.” Taking a sip of coffee, you continue. “It’s in leading troops.” You shrug. “Though I doubt the British are actually supporting the Choshu Domain directly, they probably bought that equipment through a private agent.”

Takei raises an eyebrow. “You think so? I suppose it’s not out of the question, considering all of the American and Prussian arms being bought up by the Shogun.” He leans forward. “And if your results during the shore landing are anything to go on, we probably have a better chance than most of the daimyos are assuming.”

“I can only do so much on my own,” you admit. “This campaign was built around a strategy of combined efforts, from many domains.” Leaning back, you frown. “I’m sure you were briefed on the main strategy.”

Takei nods. “Indeed I was. The taking of Hofu should be relatively simple, the enemy there have been broken by previous engagements.” His eyes narrow. “The castle at Hagi, however… That will be a tough nut to crack.”

You grimace. “Yeah, it’s built on the side of a mountain.”

Colonel Takei frowns. “Not only that, but the enemy daimyo will have all his best retainers there, as well as any elite Western-pattern units.” He takes a sip of coffee. “And if we push them into a corner, like the Shogun wants us to do, they will fight to the last man.”

“I guess we’ll just have to kill them all, then.” You lean forward, looking down at your cup of coffee. You’ve heard of the Japanese’ aversion to surrender.

“It’ll be like the Alamo for anti-Shogun forces,” Takei replies. “Destroying the Choshu forces at Hagi might just strengthen their resolve.”

“Possibly,” you relent. “But if that’s what it takes, that’s what it takes.”

Takei nods. “You’re right. There probably won’t be any way around it.” He finishes his coffee, sitting the mug down. “Anyway, was there anything else you wanted to discuss, Colonel? I’ve got something of a full schedule today.”

>”We wouldn’t want to distract you from your duties, good day.” (leave)
>”I’m curious about your troops’ weapons and training. Do you have a Western-pattern brigade?”
>”I heard you spent some time in the US. Anywhere interesting?”
>”I’d like you to promise that my troops can count on your army for support, even if the other domains refuse to take part.”
>Write-in.

>>3215747
>>”I’d like you to promise that my troops can count on your army for support, even if the other domains refuse to take part.”

>>3215747
>”I’m curious about your troops’ weapons and training. Do you have a Western-pattern brigade?”

I would want him to make the promise but if his daymio order him not to the obligation to him would be greater than to us.

After that we

>”We wouldn’t want to distract you from your duties, good day.” (leave)

>>3215747
>>”I’d like you to promise that my troops can count on your army for support, even if the other domains refuse to take part.”

>>3215747
>”I’d like you to promise that my troops can count on your army for support, even if the other domains refuse to take part.”

>>3215747
>”I’d like you to promise that my troops can count on your army for support, even if the other domains refuse to take part.”

>>3215762
I know but we have to ask. It's the least we can do for our men.

“I’d like you to guarantee something for me.” You lean forward.

“What’s that?” Takei raises an eyebrow.

“That my troops can count on your army supporting us, even if the other domains’ forces refuse to enter the fray.”

Takei grins for the first time since you’ve met him. “Normally, a commander might mention that such a request could put him at odds with his superiors.” He leans back, crossing his arms. “But the truth is, I’ve been looking forward to seeing actual combat since we all shipped out.” He extends a hand, which you shake. “I’d be glad to guarantee my troops’ support.”

“Thank you, Colonel Takei.”

He stands up, stretching. “Don’t mention it. We are comrades, after all.” He then gestures to the tent’s entrance. “Now, I don’t mean to seem rude, but my officers will be here soon for a strategy meeting.”

“Of course,” you reply. “Good day, Colonel.” You bow.

He returns the gesture. “And to you as well, Colonel.”

With that, you and Nakajima leave the command tent, heading back out into the lukewarm morning air. The camp is bustling with activity, even at this hour. Troops in pale blue uniforms mill about, some with rifles slung over their shoulders.

Nakajima crosses his arms. “Well, that was an interesting meeting.”

You sigh. “It sure was.”

“What shall we do now, sir?” He looks over at you.

>”Let’s take a look around this camp. I’m curious about the weapons and kit these soldiers have.”
>”We should return to the base. It’s just about time for breakfast.”
>I want to do a quick patrol of the surrounding forests, just to make sure there aren’t any enemies nearby.”
>Write-in.

>>3215810
>”We should return to the base. It’s just about time for breakfast.”

>>3215810
>>I want to do a quick patrol of the surrounding forests, just to make sure there aren’t any enemies nearby.”

always alert

>>3215810
>I want to do a quick patrol of the surrounding forests, just to make sure there aren’t any enemies nearby.”

>>3215810
>>”We should return to the base. It’s just about time for breakfast.”
Shouldn't be patrolling with just the two of us.

>>3215810
>>”We should return to the base. It’s just about time for breakfast.”

>>3215810
>I want to do a quick patrol of the surrounding forests, just to make sure there aren’t any enemies nearby.”

I'll wait ten minutes and roll a d2 if no tiebreaker vote is made.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

1 for patrol
2 for returning to base

“Let’s do a quick patrol around the nearby forests.” You look over at Nakajima.

“Very well, sir.” Nakajima nods. The two of you make your way to the horses, riding out toward the forest. As you slow down to navigate the foliage, you take your Henry out.

“I doubt we’ll be able to ride much further,” you say. The two of you dismount, walking deeper into the forest. Before you leave the horses completely, you hitch them to a nearby tree and take your valuables with you to prevent theft.

“Previous scouting parties have not been through this patch of woods, sir.” Nakajima walks beside you, his carbine at the ready. “We should be careful.”

You nod. “That’s true. I just want to have a better idea of the terrain we’re dealing with, in case the enemy tries to make a counterattack through this forest.”

“Good idea,” he replies. “I was thinking that we should send some teams down with axes and clear sections of the forest around the base, to give a clear firing line.”

You raise an eyebrow. “That might not be a bad idea. Let’s wait until we have a timeframe for the campaign first though, the Shogun might want us on the move again before we could benefit from such measures.” You nod toward a small game trail leading ahead. “Let’s keep moving.”

>Roll a 1d20.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>3215953

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>3215953

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3215953

You walk up the path a short distance, stopping as you hear something rustle through the brush ahead. You raise your Henry, squinting to see what exactly made the noise. In this brush, it is impossible to tell the sounds of a wile animal’s movement from that of a man’s.

Walking forward slowly, you scarcely breathe for fear that you might give your position away. Nakajima follows close behind. You emerge into a small clearing, finding it empty. “Damn,” you finally say after a few seconds. “Must’ve been an animal.”

“Possibly,” Nakajima replies. “Scouts have spotted the occasional deer running around.”

You are about to reply when something peculiar catches your eye. “Hold that thought, Lieutenant.” Walking over, you kneel to find a couple sets of boot-prints in the mud at the edge of the clearing. “There were definitely people here. Maybe three or four.”

“Locals perhaps? Maybe hunters?” Nakajima crosses his arms.

“Not likely, with armies marching around everywhere.” You shake your head. “Could’ve been scouts from the Sendai Domain.” Standing up, you are about to turn back when you see your own hilltop base in the distance, through the trees. This clearing is the perfect vantage point to observe your camp from. “Never mind, I don’t think it was Sendai troops walking around here.”

“Why do you say that?” Nakajima walks over to you, then when he sees the base, he grimaces. “I see. That is bad.”

You nod. “It is. Anyone who sets up camp here would be able to watch us all day with some field glasses.”

“And it is not visible from camp, or else we would have seen it.” Lieutenant Nakajima frowns deeply. “What should we do about this?”

>”We’ll have patrols run through here regularly, to discourage the enemy from coming back.”
>”I think we should station a squad of troops here as a permanent guard post.”
>”For now there’s not much that can be done. There could be a dozen other vantage points like this.”
>Write-in.

>>3216002
>>”We’ll have patrols run through here regularly, to discourage the enemy from coming back.”

>>3216002
>”I think we should station a squad of troops here as a permanent guard post.”

>>3216002
>”For now there’s not much that can be done. There could be a dozen other vantage points like this. However we can use this to misinform the enemy.”

>>3216002

Dammit I wanted to know their equipment


>”We’ll have patrols run through here regularly, to discourage the enemy from coming back.”

>>3216015
+1

>>3216002
>”We’ll have patrols run through here regularly, to discourage the enemy from coming back.”

>>3216002
>”We’ll have patrols run through here regularly, to discourage the enemy from coming back.”

File: Bill Harp.jpg (79 KB, 806x604)

79 KB JPG

“We’ll have patrols run through here regularly,” you say. “That will be the best way to discourage enemy activity.”

“That makes sense,” Nakajima replies. “Shall we return to base and notify the other lieutenants?”

You nod. “Yeah. Let’s head back.” With that, the two of you return to the horses and head back to base. As you arrive at camp, things seem mostly normal. You head up to the hilltop, where Nakajima leaves to go get the other lieutenants. In the meantime, you head over to your command tent and deposit your combat gear.

As you sit down at your desk, someone enters the tent. You turn, expecting your lieutenants, only to be surprised by a familiar face. “Colonel Stockton,” Harp greets you as he enters. In his right hand is a bottle of whiskey, with two glasses in the left.

“What are you doing here, Harp?” You grin. Harp had been assigned to stay back in Edo for the campaign, along with Beretta and some of the base staff. For him to be here, something must have changed.

“Well, the Shogun ordered that Italian kid down here, and he’d get eaten alive without someone to keep an eye on him.” He chuckles, sitting the glasses and bottle on your desk.

“Wait,” you begin. “You mean the Shogun sent Beretta down? Where is he?”

Harp sighs, taking a seat nearby. “He’ll be up here shortly. Apparently he’s meeting with the commander of the Artillery Corps. Something about seeing some guns you captured.”

You frown, leaning forward. “So he’s been sent here to look at the cannons…”

“Indeed,” Harp says. He uncaps the bottle, pouring it into the first glass. “Whiskey?”

>”It’s not even nine in the morning, Bill.” (refuse)
>”Of course!” (accept)
>Write-in.

>>3216137
>>”Of course!” (accept)
Just a bit though.

>>3216137
>>”It’s not even nine in the morning, Bill.” (refuse)

>>3216137
>No thanks, the Lts are coming at any minute now.

>>3216137
>”It’s not even nine in the morning, Bill.” (refuse)

>>3216137
>>”Of course!” (accept)
>>Write-in.
"To continued success on this campaign."

>>3216137
>”It’s not even nine in the morning, Bill.” (refuse)
We'll join you layer bro.

>>3216137
>”It’s not even nine in the morning, Bill.” (refuse)

>>3216137
It’s not even nine in the morning, Bill.” (refuse

We are on duty.

File: Enzo Beretta, 1866.jpg (38 KB, 564x715)

38 KB JPG

You shake your head. “It’s not even nine in the morning, Bill.”

He chuckles. “Fair enough, Colonel.” Drinking his own glass, he continues. “So I heard the Marines had a particularly rough go of it.”

You nod. “Over 50 percent casualties. They’re acting purely as support now.”

Harp sighs. “Shore landings are a brutal affair. I was in the battle of Veracruz, you know.”

“Really?” You lean back, crossing your arms. Harp has always been cagey about the Mexican War, for one reason or another.

“Yeah,” he nods. “It was dreadful. A lot of good men died there.” He takes another drink. “But it pretty much guaranteed us a victory over Mexico, so I guess it was worth it.”

You sigh. “Hopefully we won’t have anything so terrible here.”

“Hopefully,” Harp agrees.

You are about to say more when the flap to your tent opens again, and Enzo Beretta enters carrying a large briefcase. “Ah, Colonel!” He gives you a salute. “It is good to see you, sir. Have you been well?”

You shrug. “As well as anyone else here, I suppose.” You then gesture to a chair nearby. “Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you, sir.” He sits down, laying his briefcase on the floor next to him.

“I understand you were sent here to look at that artillery,” you say.

“Among other things, yes.” He nods. “I must say, seeing so many British weapons in the hands of the enemy is a bit troubling.”

You nod. “The British are selling arms all over the world, it only makes sense they’d have merchants here as well.”

“Colonel?” Another voice, Nakajima this time, calls from outside the tent. “I have brought the other officers.”

“Come in,” you say. The four Lieutenants enter, saluting as they see you. “Well it looks like everyone’s here. Let’s start with the patrol briefing first.”