So we had a much better turnout last week, perhaps due to a number of fan favourite maps being played, or the fact that this week featured a key battle which could have had a significant effect on the course of the campaign. Additionally there were a number of new faces due to fresh players signing up to participate, so numerous factors are at play here. Either way this resulted in one of the most exciting rounds of the campaign so far, so more of the same please.
ROUND 1: LOK WASTELANDS
Following a surprise defeat on Lok, the Empire re-consolidated its forces and mounted a counter attack on this backwater world. Supply lines held this time, so with both forces being fairly evenly matched, it would be a matter of whoever deployed the superior tactics on the day would win the battle. Key installations in the region were captured, lost and recaptured again as the battle progressed pitting the swift heavily armoured but comparatively short range Rebel T1-Bs against the Imperial's heavier longer ranged Firehawke main battle tanks. The combination of these with further fire support from AT-ST Walkers looked to shift the advantage in the Empire's favour, but good use of infantry in the compounds in the area supporting the Rebel armour with anti-tank weapons managed to turn the tide, and once again the Empire found themselves driven from the planet.
ROUND 2: STRIKE AT PARMEL
Emboldened by their recent victories against the Empire the Rebel starfleet had decided to take the battle to the enemy and strike at an Imperial advanced research station where Alliance intelligence had learned of the development of a powerful new prototype TIE Fighter. Their aim? To destroy the design before it can be put into production. However when the starfighter strike force jumps into the system they find that the prototype is already operational and must pit their best fighters and pilots against this new and powerful threat. The battle proves to be fierce with the new prototype TIE Defenders proving their worth by decimating a good number of the attacking Rebel ships, but the Alliance pilots persevered and were finally able to defeat the Imperial forces stationed at the Parmel research facility, hopefully meaning an end to this dangerous new threat.
ROUND 3: JUNDLAND WASTES
After suffering a number of defeats in recent engagements with Rebel Alliance forces, it was crucial that the Imperial starfleet maintained a foothold on Tatooine or their influence in the sector would be severely compromised. Having learned of a Rebel resistance cell hiding out in the Jundland Wastes region of the desert planet, Imperial forces deployed in an all out attempt to rout the Rebels and crush them once and for all. Following a trail which lead to a remote Moisture Farm they finally engaged the Rebels hiding out in the nearby settlement of Anchorhead. Swift and maneuverable AT-PT walkers engaged Rebel light armour out in the desert and finally forced the Rebel troops back to their hidden base where despite heavy loses the Imperial forces managed to score a victory, and an important and significant victory at that.
Taking full control of Tatooine has clear consequences for the entire sector. With the primary hyperspace lane in from the core located in this system control of it was vital. Now the Empire can freely move fresh troops into the sector making nearby worlds such as Lok and Ryloth now too hot to hold onto for the Rebel Alliance, and despite having fought hard to take these territories this development means that the Rebels' smart move is to withdraw to fight another day and leave the Empire in control of the sector.
Check out the following Holonet records of these crucial battles in the ongoing conflict.
So the Rebels have taken 2 rounds, Imperials won the all important Jundland battle. That grants 25 points to Rebels and 20 to Imperials, who also took that sector of the galaxy (Ryloth, Lok and Tatooine).
Due to numbers of unregistered players Imperials lose 1.5 points, taking them down to 18.5 while Rebels lose 0.5 points taking them down to 24.5. Adding that to the scores so far leaves us with:
Imperials 79
Rebels 92
With their victory at Parmel, the Rebels have once again decided to risk a supply run to Taloraan. With Imperials in control of of the Tatooine sector, the Rebels have decided to launch an assault on the Rhen Var Research Facility. Fearing an upcoming Imperial attack, the Alliance must also attempt to remove all personnel from the Hoth sector before the arrival of the Emperor's troops.
So, the next round's maps in order are:
Escape from Hoth
Rhen Var: Research Facility
Battle of Taloraan
If we see the same increasing numbers as we saw last week, that could make Taloraan a very interesting match. We shall be updating the rules of the Campaign to ensure battle outcomes reflect the changes in the current sector ownership. Stay tuned folks!
If you feel you have the skills to help out either faction in its quest to rule the galaxy, head on over to:
Closed Alpha Test & Deth..
