The leader of the Imperial scout patrol consults his sensors and then looks up at the forest tree line before him. Tricky to get a good reading in a forest so teeming with life. A Lambda class shuttle had flown low over the canopy moments before, and there were no scheduled flights over this area of the forest moon that he was aware of. He looks back to see his men tending to their speederbike scout transports. Better to be safe than sorry. He gives them a brisk hand signal and instantly they're alert and bring their weapons to bear and fan out into the underbrush surrounding their scout camp. Eerily the forest suddenly becomes deathly silent. The scout trooper leader crouches near a fallen log peering into the dense foliage.
Then the brittle snap of a twig breaking under foot. The scout spins and the thunderous clap of blaster fire echoes through the woods.
ROUND 1: ENDOR CLEARING
The race was on. An Alliance Gallofree transport downed in the space battle raging above was the prize. Both faction's forces charged at breakneck speed towards the crash site at the centre of the region, both commanders being well aware that the first to reach the wreckage would have the advantage of an easily defendable position. With this in mind the opening moments of this battle would be crucial. The Imperial forces arrived there just before the Rebels, perhaps spurred on by the fact that the transport's transponder could be the Imperial troops' ticket off this rock. Fending off the initial assault wave of Rebel troops the Imperial forces consolidated their position, erecting E-Web blasters aimed at the distant tree line and cutting down any enemy foolish enough to fall into their crosshairs. The Rebels did manage a few flanking manoeuvres that cost the Imperials some quite heavy casualties, but the line held and a second unit was able to move forward towards the Alliance's command post forcing the Rebels into a defensive posture in the closing moments of the battle. Despite valiant efforts the Rebel troops were forced into a full retreat from the region.
ROUND 2: ENDOR STRIKE TEAM
Covertly landing a stolen Lambda Shuttle behind enemy lines on the forest moon of Endor, a Rebel strike team made a daring incursion into Imperial held territory dangerously close to an Imperial deflector shield generating complex. The Empire was however ready for such a bold move with an entire legion of their best troops lying in wait. A scout camp was the first line of defence which was held successfully for a time, but was eventually overcome by a seasoned unit of Rebel troops well trained in guerrilla and jungle warfare. With the assistance of the indigenous population they easily secured a strategic tree village in the area which then gave them a staging ground for their assault on the Empire's primary installation in the region. The Imperial commander wisely pulled his troops out of the forest and initiated a near impenetrable defence of the Outpost with a high number of troops supported by light AT-ST Walkers and turbolasers. Once the Imperials were dug in the Rebels found it all but impossible to break through these defences, even after procuring stolen walkers and despite their best efforts the Imperial defences held and the Rebel forces had to withdraw having failed in their mission.
ROUND 3: STRIKE AT PARMEL
Having received intelligence reports regarding new experimental Imperial starfighters being developed in the Parmel system, the Rebel General Angelus has dispatched a strike force of Rebel starfighters to either capture or destroy the Imperial facility. To the Rebel pilots' dismay on entry to the system they found that some of these experimental ships (the TIE Defender) were already on line and were instantly pressed into service in the defence of the station when the Rebel threat presented itself. The battle was fierce with Rebel and Imperial starfighters swarming over the research station in a deadly dance among the stars. Heavy losses were incurred by both sides, but the Alliance was finally victorious after a long and hard fought battle, and gained control of the Parmel facility.
Once again we had some epic games this week climaxing in a 1 ticket to 0 victory for the Rebels in Parmel, real nail biting right down to the wire action. It doesn't come much closer than that. At the moment the Rebel Alliance is taking a bit of a kicking, but will it play out true to the movies? Will the Rebels rise from their darkest hour like a Phoenix to claim victory from the jaws of defeat and crush the all powerful Empire?
With many rounds yet to go it is still all to play for, the tide could turn at any time. So what are you waiting for? Sign up here, and join the fun. Registration for the campaign remains open, so it is not too late to take part. Whether it's helping the Alliance to Restore the Republic, or maintaining the order of the First Galactic Empire, choose your side and stand shoulder to shoulder with First Strike veterans and newcomers alike.
For a taste of what you're missing, check out Campaign Member Joshino's excellent video footage from last week's games. Enjoy.
The next round starts this Sunday and will be played over Encounter at Mos Entha and the Battle of Ryloth, before taking to the stars in the epic Battle of Taloraan. You really don't want to miss that one.
The wind howls across the ice plains of Rhen Var, whipping up the loose surface powder into dazzling flurries that add to the falling snow. Through this blinding blizzard emerges an Imperial patrol, but this will be no ordinary perimeter check. Ahead, an Alliance strike group have advanced under cover and already have the Empire's troops in their sights.
Moments later, the Alliance silently press on past their fallen enemy.
ROUND 1: RHEN VAR RESEARCH FACILITY
The facility was a priority objective for the Alliance, as evidenced by the great numbers they dispatched to secure it. Faced with overwhelming numbers the Empire was forced to fight a strategic retreat, defending flags only long enough for hasty defences to be erected inside their main outpost. With the majority of the battlefield under their control, Alliance troops were able to mount multiple strikes on the complex from all sides. However, despite their numerical and strategic advantage, they fell to the superior defence tactics of the Empire.
ROUND 2: RHEN VAR ICE PLAINS
Once again, Alliance tactics failed to defeat the Imperial defences. Despite the use of Mortar Freerunners to try and soften the Empire's armoured blockade, many of their shots failed to reach their intended targets. Meanwhile, T1-Bs and APC Freerunners made foolhardy runs alone against the might of the longer ranged Firehawkes, only to meet a tragic end. The Empire's initial defences finally broke however, and the Rebels were able to surge forward. It was too late in the battle though, and the remaining Rebels were unable to secure the Temple complex.
ROUND 3: ESCAPE FROM HOTH
It seems that the Empire is paying the price for its choice of starfighters. Despite being smaller and more manoeuvrable, the humble TIE series is no match for the shielded craft of the Rebel Alliance. The Rebel transports flocked together to form a tight flight group before moving towards the hyperspace buoy. TIE bombers did their best to hold them back, but were beaten down by X-Wings, Y-Wings and the Gallofree transports' defensive batteries. The battle was not without some losses to the Alliance though, with two of their transports destroyed before they could reach the beacon. Crucially, the rest escaped, one of them carrying their most feared General, Angelus. Imperial intelligence suggests that he has already secured a hidden base and even now is planning another battle in this escalating war.
Another fantastic turnout this week, with the Rebels taking the numerical advantage. Imperials continue to command the lead, but how long can it continue?
Signups for the campaign remain open, so if you think you can contribute to the battle you can still take part. Whether it's helping the Alliance to Restore the Republic, or maintaining the order of the First Galactic Empire, choose your side and stand shoulder to shoulder with First Strike veterans and newcomers alike.
The next round starts this Sunday and will be played across the forest moon of Endor in Endor Strike Team and Endor Clearing, before taking to the stars in Strike at Parmel.
Clouds of dust hang in the air, betraying the presence of the enemy as they rush across the desert dunes towards Mos Espa. No-one knows for sure which side fired the first shot, but all heard the tell tale snap as that single laser bolt charged through the air.
It was swiftly followed by thousands more.
So began the Rebel Alliance's new war, a war in which they would no longer hide and attack tyranny from the shadows, but face it united and hunt it down in all its forms throughout the known galaxy. It is a new day. It is a new war.
ROUND 1: MOS ESPA
This was a decisive victory for the Empire, an early win here was imperative to show the Rebels that their cause was not worth dying for. Using their superior numbers to their advantage the Imperials quickly took the first few flags, before launching a massive offensive that pushed the Rebels back. Faced with no alternative, the Rebel's Commander, Angelus, was forced to make a strategic withdrawal and plan for the next encounter.
ROUND 2: JUNDLAND WASTES
It almost seemed too easy, flush out the Rebel rats from the outlying towns and stamp out their influence on Tatooine. Once more the Alliance faced a foe that outnumbered them, and once again they put up a valiant defence. Alas, it was not enough. Luckily, an atmospheric ion storm brought the battle to an early end as major equipment failure was reported across both sides and this round was declared a draw by all those that took part.
ROUND 3: BATTLE OF YAVIN
The Emperor will not be pleased, for this was a double blow to the Empire. After learning the location of the secret Rebel Base, the Death Star was sent to destroy it and send a clear message to those that would resist him. Alas, the base still stands, and the Death Star is no more. The Rebels were able to destroy it's deflector shields quickly, despite the best efforts of the Empire's best pilots. Large scale dogfights were reported in the vicinity of an exhaust trench and then contact was lost with the station. No survivors have been found.
So began the first round of the Nation in Conflict Campaign. All in all, the Imperials were able to command an early lead, but that could all change next week. Hopefully we'll see a few more Rebels turn up, as this week they were a little thin on numbers throughout the evening.
It was great to see so many people turn out to battle, and reports suggest that everyone had some memorable moments to talk about after the event! If you're interested in taking part, it's not too late to get involved, just sign up here.
Imperial tyranny has left its mark right across the galaxy. The oppressed and those who believe in a better way of life, who remember the bright days before the Empire, gather in secret. They will stand by and allow the suffering no more. Leaders have been chosen, and lines shall be drawn in the sand. It is time for the people of the galaxy to rise up and free themselves from the Emperor's iron grip.
The Outer Rim becomes more lawless day by day, intelligence reports of an outlaw Rebellion gathering in the most far flung systems of the galaxy has reached the ears of Imperial High Command. Governors and Moffs are being dispatched to these outlaying sectors with orders to engage and destroy any such uprisings. Local garrisons will continue to recruit new troops to aid in keeping the peace in these sectors. Order will be restored.
At last the Nations In Conflict First Strike Campaign has arrived. With Leaders, Officers and admins selected, the full registration process can finally begin. Starting on Sunday June 5th you will be able to register on Nations In Conflict's forums to be a new recruit for either the Imperial or Rebel factions. Once signed up you'll be eligible to participate in the first round of campaign battles which will commence on the following Sunday, June 12th.
If you want to experience First Strike as it was meant to be played then this is really the way to do it, you'll be under the command of First Strike veterans who'll show you the ropes and teach you valuable tactics which will lead you to victory. Teamwork and communication will be paramount. It will be the faction who works best together on the day who will succeed.
Closed Alpha Test & Deth..
