Author Topic: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign  (Read 10871 times)

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Offline yasha

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Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« on: November 01, 2017, 11:29:52 PM »
May 16, 1940, 05:25
Mhorish Sea, east of Nurashima


The sounds of dive bombers roared overhead, with the morning sun at their back, this victory would be a new dawn for the Ardian Empire, these Himeyan savages will know their place in history. That's what Albus Laurentinus reassured himself as he pulled himself onto the wing of his fighter. He and the other pilots turned to face the officers on the deck. "Ad imperatorem!" they shouted while saluting. "Ad imperatorem!" the pilots saluted back before climbing into their cockpits. With the flight deck cleared, the Ardian pilots started their engines; setting off to join their brothers in the sky, Nurashima would be theirs today. Albus swooped just over one of the amphibious transports before climbing to group up with one of the dive bomber flights. Maneuvering his head to get a better view of the ocean, he spotted Nurashima in flames, his comrades had already begun their crusade against the Himeyan savages.

Getting distracted by the scene below, he was interrupted by a weak signal coming through his radio. "This is Leo bomber group 3! Unknown hostiles coming in from the northwest, about five thousand meters and diving!" Far up ahead, over Nurashima, Albus could spot the distressed bomber team; the planes were spiraling towards the ocean. The blood in his neck pulsing, he desperately tried to spot the hostile planes. "Leo bomber group 3 was annihilated, hostile planes are converging on Nurashima!" another voice said on the radio. "Roger that, Angelus figher group 1 intercepting!" Albus replied, diving towards the island. He could see the enemy fighters clearly now, there was no mistaking it, these were those "Songbirds", as the intelligence officers called it, and they were fast.

"Atilius! On me!" he barked, getting his squadmate to form up on him as they went to engage the Songbirds. Albus aligned his plane with the trajectory of one of the Himeyan fighters, hoping to catch it when it disengaged from its dive and pulled up; but instead the Himeyan leveled out and turned, slipping under the pair after disengaging the bomber formation to the front. "Dammit, he's below us!" Albus shouted, rolling to try and spot the Songbird. "I found him, he's not getting away!" Atilius muttered over comms; "Roger that, I'll maintain altitude. Wait, you've got one coming in high, 9 o' clock!" Another Songbird swooped in at high speed, cutting in front of Albus' fighter before going to engage his squadmate. Before the other rookie even had time to react, the Songbird peppered his plane in tracers, setting it ablaze, to crash into Nurashima moments later. Enraged, Albus dived in to get a shot at the Himeyan plane that Atilius was chasing, having burned most of its energy evading the Ardian, it sluggishly attempted to turn around and force Albus to overshoot, but Albus instead managed to score multiple hits on the Himeyan with his 20mm, turning the plane into a fireball that plunged into the ocean.

"All units, enemy forces are retreating, regroup and prepare for subsequent attacks!" the radio buzzed. Albus took a deep breath and climbed back to altitude, most of the AA guns over the burning island had been silenced, but he could still see troops scurrying around. Just under a dozen Himeyan fighters were retreating west, with twice as many Ardians in pursuit. Angelus Fighter Group 1 turned back towards the Ardian fleet, for the rest of the morning they would be providing CAS for the Ardian landings on Nurashima; with nothing left to oppose them, they had taken over the island and got any fires under control before noon. Still, Albus, and many of the Ardian pilots felt uneasy, those Songbirds were more than a match for the Ardian fighters; and managed to kill off multiple Ardian planes before retreating.



Declaring war just hours before attacking, the Ardian Empire had their sights set on the Mhorish Sea for years. The first Battle of Nurashima was a massive tactical and strategic victory for the Ardian Empire, and cost the Himekuno Republic an incredible stockpile of supplies, as well as a vital strategic position in the Mhorish Sea. In Himekuno this battle came to be known as the Disaster of Nurashima, for the overwhelming casualties the Republic suffered while defending and retreating from the island base.
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Online Achkaerin

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2017, 01:12:18 AM »
In Suiseikawa province in the north east of Himekuno the Achkaerinese forces deployed to the theatre had set up camp it felt more like a large village or small town than anything though, they had the high ground of the hills and a strong defensive line around them, not that they were expecting trouble they were a long way from the front lines, they had a makeshift airfield and makeshift harbor. It was an ideal staging point for their operations though they hadn't expected to have been staying this long, Achkaerin had been involved around the Horn since virtually the get go, they'd sent a naval group to the area early on and then reinforced it in the early 20's with other fronts being opened up elsewhere splitting the Ardian's attention had served them well and with the success of the Channels campaign a few years earlier there was cautious optimism in some quarters that the war was heading into its latter stages. At least as far as the Ardian theatre was concerned the Ardian's had been chased from the Kyne, from the far reaches of the continent and from the channels. But the Mhorish would likely be the toughest nut to crack.

The camp they had was in and around an old abandoned castle that looked like it belonged well in the past. The castle served as the command post, in the dining room of the castle the commanding officer the young Lieutenant General Athos Mishima of the Achkaerin Army was looking at the giant map of the theatre that lay on the table. They had a problem, the Mhorish was the Ardian's backyard they had the numbers and they had the advantages. The strategy therefore had been containment keep a tight perimeter and don't give the Ardian's the fight they were probably looking for, so the news that Nurashima had fallen to the Ardian's was a serious concern - Nurashima was without question the most strategic location in the Mhorish, if Ardia were able to operate out of there then they had not only the numbers and firepower but the high ground as well.

But the biggest problem by a mile was the Ardian's encrypted orders. this had been the thorn in the side of many throughout the war, having to resort to guessing the Ardian's moves rather than countering them through knowing what they were. The only reason they'd beaten back the Ardian's at sea so far had been firstly the Ardian's had been stretched thin and then bottleneck fighting.

"When?" Athos asked looking at the attache who'd handed him the information about Nurashima
"This morning." the attache said
"Right." Athos said he sighed as he placed the Ardian flag on Nurashima on the map "We didn't see that one coming. Has Culshaw made any progress with the Ardian code breaking?"
"Nothing yet." the attache said
"This isn't going to be so easy." Athos said "We just entered a whole new ball game."


In the Ardian Capital the Emperor Constantine Devaux received the news of the conquest of Nurashima it was a good day, they'd been on the back foot so much recently but now this was the start of something else. He looked across the room to where his son Timon stood in uniform and where his fifteen year old daughter Atlanta sat now they had Nurashima they controlled the Mhorish now, now they would hunt down their enemies on the sea and  show their dominance.
« Last Edit: November 06, 2017, 08:57:23 PM by Achkaerin »

Offline yasha

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2017, 04:58:28 AM »
May 16, 1940, 11:06
Bridge of the HDV Reitai, Mhorish Sea, west of Nurashima


The 3rd Mobile Strike Fleet had nearly torn the dock away from Ura-Rokkō when they received a distress call from Nurashima, "HOSTILES ATTACKING, NEED SUPPORT" is the only thing they ever received, and only once. Admiral Toyohisa Saneda grasped his heart, anxiously pacing up and down the command bridge of the HDV Reitai; with no more than a single CVL, a pair of CLs and a few more DDs, the 3rd Mobile Strike Fleet was the closest the Himekuno Navy had to Nurashima at the time, with the majority of their ships parked close to Cojotan.

"Admiral!" one of the radio operators exclaimed. "What is it, Tachibana!?" Toyohisa anxiously ran up to the console, and picked up a pair of headphones. "Sir, we're picking up a signal. It's definitely one of ours!" Toyohisa threw on the headphones and stared intently at the radio. "..epeat! We are under attack by Ardian air units! Requesting support!" The Admiral let out a heavy sigh of relief, at least someone out there was alive. "This is HDV Reitai of the 3rd Mobile Strike Fleet, we are approaching Nurashima. Help is on the way, Nurashima Base!" He looked over at the cartographer's desk, they were less than 100km from Nurashima. "Negative, Nurashima is gone! This is the HMV Shinokusei. We've ten merchant ships retreating west but the only thing covering our backs is the skin on them! Unless you help get these fighters and PT boats off of us, it's a long swim back to Ura-Rokkō, HDV Reitai!"

His anxiety in not knowing the fate of Nurashima cast aside, Admiral Saneda began spitting out orders to the 3rd Mobile Strike Fleet, ordering the Reitai's air crews to prepare for takeoff. Quickly glancing at Tachibana, he knew what the comms officer was thinking, and nodded in approval. "This is light carrier HDV Reitai to all nearby units, friendly merchant ships are currently under attack west of Nurashima, requesting air support!" The young Comms Officer relayed that message on multiple frequencies, hoping they would have allies listening.


In the distance, Shinigami 4 spotted a furball of a dogfight; and below it was a line of merchant ships spraying tracers in every which direction. Calmly, he radioed the flight leader. "How should we engage, Shinigami 0?" he asked, instinctively following pitching his nose up with the rest of Shinigami team. "Six through Twelve will maintain altitude, the rest of you pair up and engage those fighters up ahead. Seiryuu team looks like they could use some help." Shinigami 4 took a moment to think. According to the Shinokusei, Seiryuu Team were the only ones who could immediately respond to the attack, and if they were still out there, they must've been going back and forth between base and the frontline for hours. "Bunch of superhumans in those things..." he muttered to himself, making out the shape of an SY-39 against the clouds.

"Four, on me!" one of the other pilots called out, that thick Kaedweni accent could only be Shinigami 2. "Roger that, Two! Lead the way." Pulling up on Two's 7 o' clock, four followed him into a steep dive towards the furball. "If I get shot, you're paying for the funeral, four!" The pair shared a laugh while they scanned to see who was who. "Two o' clock!" he shouted, spotting one of the Ardians chasing down one of Seiryuu team's guys. With cold precision, Shinigami 2 lined up his nose along the Ardian's trajectory and unleashed a quick burst of machine gun fire, tearing off the Ardian's wing. The pilot managed to jump, and nearly smashed into Four's wing before his parachute deployed.

"Thanks for the assist, Shinigami!" he heard the Seiryuu team airman say. "No problem, let's sweep up these wankers[1] and go help those boats out." Two replied.

A deafening boom came from below them, shaking Four's plane. "What the hell was that!?" Two shouted, startled. "That was one of the merchant ships! Finish these pigs and get down there, those dive bombers aren't letting up!" Zero ordered, rolling off and diving towards the carnage below. "Roger!" the rest of Shinigami team followed. Two and Four grazed right over the burning merchant ship, sailors were desperately jumping overboard as flames and debris continued to erupt from it.

With the Himeyans sending what meager reinforcements they had in the Mhorish, the amount of Ardian planes and PT boats closing in on the merchant fleet only multiplied. And with the 3rd Mobile Strike Fleet still not in range to provide AA cover, the 9 merchant ships, and everything on them was still in great peril.
 1. Said in English.
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Offline Gadshack

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2017, 06:14:21 AM »
Eight Z-2 ‘Tigersharks’ quickly left the deck of the INS Dauntless, that had diverted its original course upon receiving the call for help. The Achkaerinese Captain of the venerable carrier was reluctant at first, as he was a cautious and calm man, unsure what they were driving into, but heard the desperate call and heeded it's request. Xeolani Yacashi, leading the Kaiop fighter squadron deemed the ‘Skyraiders’ was rejuvenated to be getting into combat again. The scruffy group of pirate-pilots gathered around in their barbaric and hyper manner, taking shots of Marigold flower wine for good luck, before announcing a prayer to gather moral and hype.

They all ran out to their planes, already started by the organized ground crews. With the wind blazing in their favor the Kaiop took off with their heavy and rugged planes from the small flight deck of the Dauntless; Yecashi giving one last vibrant holler to the onlooking Captain, knowing this would be their final trip on the Dauntless. How Yecashi hated being at sea, how he loved being the air. It was almost euphoric until he came to his senses, focusing on the task at hand. A sickening pit sunk into his stomach, looking to his left and right making sure everyone was in formation.

On his right, a rookie, mere kid by the name of Jeken who had found himself behind the stick of the Coanchuan born Tigershark. He had a lot of faith in Jeken’s ability as a natural pilot, thought cauntioned his somewhat cocky enthusiasm.

On his left, was an old timer and trusted wingman, Ushoki. She was perhaps one of the best pilots in the squadron behind Yecashi, feared for knowing the Tigershark as if she was a physical part of it. She was the most committed and obsessed with the war effort, but distant and jaded.

“I spot those fucks down’ere.” Hamotyo called out.

“Yeah, yeah I see. You know what to do.” Yecashi commanded. By this time 8 other Tigersharks had joined them, flying parallel to Yecashi’s own formation. Yecashi figured to lead 8 Tigersharks obscured by brief cloud cover in a shallow dive through them, while ordering the second formation to zoom outright into the Ardians. It was a ballsy move, as by the time Yecashi dived straight out of the clouds he and his wingmen were in the thick of a furball, though catching the Ardians by surprise and confusing them in their perpetual state of tunnel vision. Ushoki nearly tore her wings off at the speed she pushed her plane, or so it felt like it. By the time she was oriented a screaming Ardian dive bomber was in her sights, she squeezed away, with the six 50 caliber guns of the Tigershark snapping of its wing.

In a matter of minutes several dive bombers simultaneously met their fate and the Ardian fighters were in peril confusion as the unknown planes feel from the clouds all around them. The other eight Tigersharks openly dived from the sun, acting as the initial distraction.

The Kaiop pilots soon found themselves in an intertwined in furball themselves with angry Ardians. Yecashi, maintaining his high speed as he took out a bomber and badly wounded another, now had an Ardian on his tail squeezing away with his 20mm. A few hits lit up his cockpit in fire, finally he thought, the notorious Kaiop ace meets his fate. Jeken, pulled in behind the Ardian thought it was too late and fire angrily all over the canvas, scoring a few hits and sending the Ardian smoking.

The Kaiop ace struggled to open the cockpit as the fire spread feverishly around the controls. The canopy would only crack, so Yecashi put the plane in a straight vertical dive hoping to hit the water as fast he could, no Kaiop pilot wanted to die in fire. He said his final prayers, before suddenly the flames were sucked out of the cockpit alongside the dramatic shift in pressure. Suddenly he had regained sanity and pulled as hard he could on the stick. Yecashi’s Tigershark, lovingly named Boom and Zoom, struggled as he forced the nose above the horizon at breakneck speeds. So fast, Yecashi could feel blood rushing into his eyes and out his ears, with his vision producing a vignette of black. He had underestimated the Ardians in this theater.

Meanwhile, covering Yecashi’s limping retreat to the nearest friendly airbase, Hamotyo had scored two fighter kills in a boom and zoom attack, then pulling into an High yo-yo when another Ardian overshot his dive on Hamotyo. He landed himself in front of the Kaiop, and Hamotyo squeezed away. “Must be my lucky day!” He jokingly choked the comms.

By the end of the skirmish, the Ardians were sent pulling back with 4 fighter losses and 11 downed dive bombers. Yecashi desperately called on the radio, more concerned with who they lost over his own being. “We're fine boss, lets just get you home.” Ushoki said, as the Kaiop quickly sped away to Himeyama.

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2017, 10:39:43 AM »
The Baltic expeditionary force under command of General Woldemar Falkenberg had also deployed like their Achkaerinese counterparts in the same province of Suiseikawa, north east of Himekuno, establishing a strong defensive presence and creating improvised landing strips as well as a funtionable docking area for the Baltic fleet which transported the men and equipment. Baltic presence in the Mhorish front could be attributed to the royal government's commitment to finally get rid of the Ardians who were their biggest rivals, adding to the fact that they weren't most certainly well-liked in most parts of Mundus; to think that Balticum and the Ecclesiastical State were finally cooperating and sharing the same goals was truly astonishing, although it would have been much more preferable if it were due to to other reasons than just neverending brutality and blood shed the General thought for himself; the most important reason for even being dragged into this war was due to the Ardian threat towards Balticum's former colony Saheristan as it lay exactly in the trade cross-roads between the northern and southern parts of Mundus, if the Ardians managed to cut that vital economic line, seriously bad thing would have occurred.

General Falkenberg was too studying some sort of map laid across a large table; The Balts managed to found what seemed to be an abandoned town and from the looks of it decided it was best to fortify it as much as possible, with the addition of the town hall acting as the regional command for the Baltic presence in the Mhorish area. General Falkenberg received an urgent report from their fellow Mhorish allies about the Ardian strength on the battle field and victory seemed to be in favor to them. "Damn, it seems as if these Ardian bastards have gotten all the unlimited supply of men and firepower while we're desperately trying to find every scrap of metal that could be of use to us, which is why we need to await our Achkarinese friends and see how they'll proceed from here on out, lucky they got to that castle first, naturally. Well this ghost town will anyway be of use to us, with a bit of spring cleaning and adding defensive layers, it'll be our comfortable homestead until what the Lord knows the war will end...if it'll ever end." he told his closest attaches and advisors who were discussing amongst themselves about the next strategies to implement.

"Status report about our naval comrades?" he asked one of the radio operators while lighting up a new cigarre and pouring some conjak.

"Sir, they should be soon in position with our first aircraft strike group although it might be too late to make a difference according to the Admiral...Sir?" the radio operator noticed that Falkenberg's attitude became of irritation.

"Sorry, I just find it a bit amateurish that our allies have not coordinated with us for some strange reason, especially the Achkaerinese host, makes it hard to be able to act effectively as possible, but wouldn't be surprised if they took all the glory for themselves; remember the crusades? Their imperial monarchs get the title of "Defender of Christendom" and what do we get? Bah, I wouldn't dare speak of it...after all the men and effort we've sacrificed in every conflict as part of our nations' cooperations, we always happen to be left behind in a sideline of sorts...

Everyone else in the room simply didn't comment as they looked strangely on the General, it was for the first time he acted..weird. But perhaps he had some points across though. "I'll proudly serve my country that our government and nation commands, likewise for you but be prepared in case of any 'misrepresentations' regarding those participating in a conflict and who gets the most benefits and glory from it...Mark my words gentlemen...Mark my words."

Offline KaiserAdolf

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2017, 03:53:58 PM »
It was a glorious moment for Ching Fei, the president of the Democratic Party who surprisingly garnered enough support and votes throughout the campaign period as her party came out as the winner in 1940 General Election by a big margin of votes although at first the party was not expected to be able to defeat the former government led by the National Party. In particular, Fei's aggressive methods in campaigning and fighting for women's rights had made her infamous amongst the citizens especially the ladies. Eleven years ago, she was dispatched to an influential nation in the West where she served as an ambassador and a diplomat. Ching Fei's life in the empire was generally stressful where she had to cope with all the protocols and royalties ethics since the empire was very strict and proud with their royal culture and identity.

It was all but enjoyable until she fell in love with an Ardian businessman and married. Her past experience as the ambassador to Ardian Empire and her achievement in bringing the stubborn Ardian Empire representative to an agreement on free trade with Kaiser Adolf was absolutely one of the pointers of her success in winning the political war. The Ardian Empire historically was always one of a close partner in trading which was highly profitable where the imperial merchants tend to purchase spices and cane sugars from the various ports in western Kaiser Adolf.

Now, the nation directly begun importing steel and iron from Ardian Empire to supply the industrial needs. Later, she was ceremonially appointed as the first female Prime Minister by Sultan Riayatuddin, the monarch. One peaceful month has passed, Ching Fei was sitting on her mahogany chair while carefully scanning the bundle of papers on her singular table where she proceeds by putting down her signature on every documents visible. It was an optimistic start for her and her newly organised cabinet for the government until she heard a knock on the door, "Come in." A smiling tall man with wavy blonde hair approached her or so she expected but the reality was, the man did not smile. "What is the matter, honey?" Fei asked her husband who later instantly put down a newspaper on the desk. Griswald Hanz remained shut yet his expression grew grimmer. Fei reached for the newspapers, her face darkened, 'NURASHIMA IN MHORISH HAS FALLEN: ILLUMIC IS IN DANGER'.

For the next few days, the nation was in an uproar regarding the updates in Mhorish theatre. The issue of Illumic security was being debated on every streets whether the unstoppable Ardian Empire will continue their fight onwards to the channel or not. It was because the empire was seen as a trading partner but also a huge threat to everyone. Probability of the war spreading was being talked and the economy would also plummet if the trading line in the region was cut off and conquered by the Ardian Empire. The matter was brought to the parliament which ended with MPs dividing over the matter with those supporting to stand up defending the channel by deploying the troops to Mhorish and those who support to establish an alliance with the Ardian Empire for a safer future. The citizens also follow their steps and begun showing their support or disdain for Ardian Empire. Ching Fei issued an executive order to get the navy ready for further instructions. "War is inevitable but which side should we choose? ..." She murmured to herself.

Offline yasha

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #6 on: November 05, 2017, 06:39:43 AM »
May 16, 1940, 12:46
Near the southern coast of Himekuno, Mhorish Sea


At this point, of the 24 planes that departed from Kokodora-Tsuryuuji Airbase early that morning to defend Nurashima, only 8 remained. Seiryuu team was exhausted, shaken and yet, they refused to rest. They continued to hastily reload and refuel their planes at base before heading straight back into the fight, and they wouldn't walk on solid ground until the merchant ships from Nurashima got home safe or were all resting at the bottom of the sea.

"We got unknown aircraft coming in from the East, Seiryuu team." Seiryuu 5 said, using their telescopic sight to get a better look at the formation ahead, one of them appeared to be smoking. Switching to an open channel, they attempted to contact the unknown planes, all the while fanning out and climbing; preparing for a possible dogfight. "Unidentified aircraft, this is Seiryuu team of the Himekuno Republic Air Defense, you are approaching the coast of Himekuno, state your allegiance or we will engage you as hostiles." After a brief silence, they got the response they hoped for, a friendly one. "Seiryuu team, this is the Kaiop Skyraider squadron launched from the Achkaerinese INS Dauntless; we are proceeding to Kokodora-Tsuryuuji Airbase in order to land. I repeat, we're on your side Seiryuu team."

Closing back into a tight formation, Seiryuu team passed right beside Skyraider squadron as the Himeyans made their way back to assist the merchant fleet and the Coanchuans sought out the airbase in Himekuno. Seiryuu 5 took note of the marigold roundels they possessed, as well as the apparent Himeyan script on the side of the smoking plane. "Don't crash Skyraider!" Seiryuu 5 joked before switching back to a closed channel and leading what remained of their flight back into battle.



In a borderline insane move, the HDV Reitai had been hiding alone behind a mountainous island while the rest of the 3rd Mobile Strike fleet engaged the growing number of Ardians directly, desperately fending off bombers and PT boats. The HDV Kurokaze, commanded by Captain Masuichi Zenkumura had been guarding the rear of the merchant fleet while the destroyers wove between the merchant ships, guns spitting out HE shells at the oncoming PT boats as fast as they could be loaded. The sides of the Kurokaze were being pelted by sparks and shrapnel as her flak guns frantically pounded away at the low-flying torpedo bomber squadrons coming in.

"Captain, two enemy destroyers spotted to starboard!"

"Understood." the captain said with a frustrated sigh, as much as he hated to admit it, the amount of persistence these Ardians had was admirable, commendable even, but he would show no sympathy for any Ardian pilot or sailor who would find their resting place at the bottom of the Mhorish Sea, for they were not noble, their fearlessness was not courage, but rather comfort in numbers. Meditating on these thoughts for a moment, Masuichi collected himself and knew what he was going to do next. "How far are these destroyers?" he asked with a slow and calm demeanor. "Closer of the two is 13 kilometers. The second is approximately 10 kilometers behind it, sir."

"I see." With a sudden change in attitude, Captain Zenkumura's slow growling voice had stirred up into a commanding roar. "All guns, prepare to fire on that destroyer!" he bellowed. The Kurokaze's 6 double barreled 15cm cannons swiveled towards the Ardian destroyer, intently staring down the small ship. "All guns in position sir!"

"ALL GUNS! FIRE!"

The Kurokaze unleashed a punishing broadside volley at the incoming ship, red glowing shells arced over the sparkling sea and struck down upon the seemingly suicidal Ardian destroyer, causing it to erupt in flames. "Sustain fire!" Captain Zenkumura bellowed again, another rain of 15cm shells descended upon the Ardian ship, this time causing a violent explosion that rattled against his eardrums. Smirking ever so slightly, Masuichi took a moment to look at the unfortunate destroyer, a black tower of smoke rising from it. The Ardians would not allow him to savor a victory, however small it may be.

"Sir... Recon planes have spotted a small fleet approaching from the east. They reported seeing a battlecruiser." Masuichi stared at the young man, eyes wide in disbelief.



Flying through the valleys of Suiseikawa, the two-seated plane carrying General Masamune Yomaehara was on a hasty trip to attend a meeting that Masamune had sincerely hoped would never be necessary. As the plane neared the once abandoned castle the Achkaerinese breathed new life into, the General peered over the pilots shoulder, spotting the soldiers and air crews hurrying about their makeshift base. As the young pilot reached to adjust the radio, Masamune interrupted him. "They know it's us, Sergeant." The pilot silently nodded as he eased the plane down onto the dirt airstrip. "Be safe, Sergeant." General Yomaehara said to the young pilot as he pushed the canopy open and climbed onto the wing. "Yes sir!" the pilot said back, taxiing the plane to be refueled as the General hopped off and made his way to the castle.

Making his way inside, he quietly approached the Achkaerinese officers leaning over their map of the theater.  "Lieutenant General Mishima, it was my sincerest hope that my opportunity to meet you wouldn't be brought upon by an event such as this." he said solemnly, getting the young officer's attention. "Now that the Mhorish Sea is facing a very real possibility of Ardian dominance, we both know what task has been put before us."
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Offline The Young Pope

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2017, 11:42:32 AM »
"Let's see if our Achkaerinese allies got something planned for us, after all they've been present in this vicinity a bit longer than us from what I can recall." General Falkenberg was being driven around in a military jeep as he was on his way to meet the combined allied leadership in the castle-turned-into-HQ occupied by the Achkaerinese forces. For months every part ahd been struggling in keeping the Ardian war machine at bay to no avail, despite the few reported victories and such. On his way he could see more and more Baltic military personnel streaming into the ghost town and some even set up camps outside, as well as the improved defensive structures that were put in place.

Making his way into the map room where the Generals were to be gathered, he couldn't stop thinking at his other comrades in the sea and air, knowing fully that they were desperately trying to fend off Ardians sinking remaining allied survivors retreating from Nurashima back to the mainland. "Gentlemen, we meet again once more under these unfortunate, dire circumstances" as he raised his voice to catch their attention upon entering the room with his entourage. "We indeed know what task has been put before us, the question however is the correct way in executing it..."

"COMMENCE FIRING!...OPEN FIRE!...SINK THOSE BASTARDS!..." Various versions of the attack command from each individual leading officer onboard the Baltic fleet stationed in the Mhorish front were issued, as they faced an incoming small Ardian Fleet which was reported to have a battlecruiser amongst them. The one who called the shots and alerted everyone in the fleet to make their battle stations ready was Admiral Ruprecht Heilmann, Overall Commander of the 1st Mobile Strike Fleet; He began his career in the Royal Baltic Navy before the start of the Great War. In 1918, while he was in command of UB-68, the submarine was sunk by enemy forces and Heilmann was taken prisoner. While in a prisoner of war camp, he formulated what he later called Rudeltaktik ("pack tactic", commonly called "wolfpack"), which would characterize his overall strategies and tactics. Included in the 1st Mobile Strike Fleet was a H-class Battleship, a true marvel of Baltic engineering, its main weapons it possessed were the 8 50.8 cm guns, and if used correctly, could inflict massive damage and literally make "great kabooms" on the enemy vessels, as the Admiral put it.

"Let's see if their puny battlecruiser can stand up to the might of Mr. H here..." he said sarcastically. Since he was commanding from the aircraft carrier, he naturally made sure that his vessel remained in the background as its aircraft were hurrily taking off to further assist from the air, their objectives ranged from protecting the evacs, bombing enemy vessels, shooting down enemy planes and so. "Mr. H" as the grand battleship was being referred to, opened up a full broadside amidst the intense firing from her other smaller siblings as they faced off in a hectic battle against the smaller Ardian fleet, giving the enemy no mercy at all.  With a few broadsides, Mr. H literally pounded the battlecruiser to its fullest with the 50.8 cm guns, setting it ablaze, while the incoming shots she received only inflicted minimal damage. In a short notice, the Battlecruiser finally exploded and began to sink slowly but surely.

Upon witnessing their flagship sinking, the Ardians decided to flee for it and began to turn away; No matter how small this encounter may have been, it was a sweet, sweet victory amidst all the previous failures, something that the Admiral and the men under his command too pleasure of. "I don't want any of these bastards escaping, I suggest we pursue them as far as possible." the Admiral ordered. "Hope our aerial boys have their own sweet victories..."

It was at that moment that he already saw the returning fighters and dive bombers, noticing that everyone didn't make it unfortunately, as well as some extensive damage on the aircraft, most of them were either BF109s, Ju87s or Fi167s. "From what I can tell, we sustained 25% of air losses, damn..."


Offline Holy King

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #8 on: November 06, 2017, 03:54:02 AM »
"You know this sea is helluva calmer than the sea by home!" A man shouted in a troop transport. "It would, if it wasn't for the war going on!" A few people laughed. "So this area is controlled by the Achkaerinese?", the same man asked the navigator of the ship. "Aye! We're going to help them drive out the Ardians from the area. If you get shot at tell them you're from Himekuno." A man wearing shorts with a matching short sleeve shirt with belts called out, "Some of you are going to get shot considering you look like your from Ardia." The man next to hime, wearing an out of place grey long coat and black boots and helmet replied "Probably, we can hope for the best."

After arriving on the beachhead, the men began to stretch and set up camp. A man wearing a tropical hat decorated with medals and a red feather with a matching color set uniform cupped his hands and began to shout. "Alright men! As of now, you may rest. But later when we are assigned to mission, get into your squads. You know the drill. Anyhow, as of now I'm off, don't get to relaxed." The men began to cheer and drink as the presumable commander walked off to the Achkaerinese stronghold just so they don't we're some sort of Ardian task force." 

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #9 on: November 08, 2017, 12:40:38 AM »
Athos glanced at the men assembled before him, this was no easy task, any hopes of a swift end to the war following victory in the channels was gone now that the Ardians had taken Nurashima.
"Gentlemen." Athos said indicating the table with the map on it, an Ardian flag now pinned onto Nurashima "The events of earlier today are obvious and the implications even more obvious. Anyone who thought we'd broken the Ardian's when we drove them from the channels is now mistaken. They're not beaten yet and now they're even more dangerous." he handed each of them a summary sheet.

"Originally as you know our strategy was to contain the Ardian's to the Mhorish area, hold our positions in naval terms and keep them boxed in near their own coasts, stifling them and assuring our naval supremacy whilst denying them the straight up fight they want, at sea there's a fair bit that can be said for numbers and whether we like it or not the Ardian's have the numbers and the firepower. Nurashima is the most strategic position in the Mhorish we'd hoped that containing the Ardian's and limiting their moves would leave them trapped near their own coast or at least mean if they did come out they'd fight us on our terms, it turns out that they blindsided us and through a surprise attack managed to take Nurashima and by taking Nurashima they've also taken control of the Mhorish. However the most worrying development is not losing Nurashima but the coinciding movements of Ardian land based forces, prior to this morning they were holding position to the south we believed them to be in a defensive posture however within three hours of Nurashima falling these forces comprising several renowned Ardian divisions have pushed north with some swing round a little to the east it seems their intent is to encircle us and confine us within a geographical area, in short this is a form of siege warfare I'd expect them to use their new found position in control of the Mhorish to box us in from the sea as well by harassing our supply lines they will try to probe us, disrupt us, intimidate us, but they will not beat us, we're fighting for our homes, our futures, to protect those we love, the countries that we love. Remember the battle is not to the strong but to the brave and I can't think of anything braver than fighting to defend everything you hold dear.

Now speech's aside we have a problem in that the cornerstone of our containment strategy is gone so we're changing tact, we're going to hit and run. We're going to do something that's never been done before we're going to run naval operations through a single command centre we're going to pick our targets, we're going to hit them and then we're going to be gone before the Ardian's know what hit them. Make occupation impossible and you'll drive out an invader, make them bleed heavily enough and they won't come back. In terms of specific orders for the moment keep naval assets close to coastlines and within range of air cover, I don't want anyone caught out there alone, we're not the hunters anymore we're the hunted and now we must choose very carefully when we turn predator. However I want a strong naval presence in the northern Mhorish this victory at Nurashima must not be allowed to evolve into an Ardian push into the Illumic. Everyone needs to scout by land and air, we're in a new ball game now let's figure out the players and what their cards are. Do that and we'll win through in the end."

Offline KaiserAdolf

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #10 on: November 14, 2017, 06:36:42 AM »
Night was nigh when Griswald Hanz came back from a business meeting three days ago. Being a renowned businessman in the country, he had sufficient experience, knowledge theoretically and practically to be a good one. Griswald came from an old nobility family which was no longer influential and was raised and taught from A to Z by his parents in his homeland of Allied States of Ardia. While the Hanz family was no longer holding significant roles in Ardia as their precedents used to be, they still pride themselves with their culture and national ideology, sometimes on an extreme scale. Later on, he achieved a degree in business management and further established a multiregional company based both in Ardia and Kaiser Adolf. However, he was no longer the CEO and decided to help Ching Fei in her campaign.

He entered the Seri Perdana, the official Prime Minister's residence borrowed from the government for Ching Fei and him. Hanz unbuttoned his business suit, remove his pants and his tie where he later crept upstairs only to find his wife sleeping. He himself felt extremely exhausted so he didn't expect much from her wife considering how busy she was carrying her responsibility as the prime representative of the people especially when the Ardian conflict was becoming more popular and critical in the whole country. Hanz grinned when he saw that her wife still hang on to a teddy bear whom he gave her years ago in Ardia during their first date together. Then, he saw a few papers on a table next to the bedroom wall, "This must be her unfinished works, how great if I can help her and reduce her burden." Hanz whispered to himself. He stopped a while and took a look at the papers, files and documents. He was surprised. It felt like a train loaded with tons of rocks came crushing him, destroying his body, all his bones and soul to a pulp. Ching Fei snored a bit too loud and he quickly turned and looked at her. He brushed off what was influencing his mind and laid down next to her, sleeping.

The next day, the tension increased to a whole new level when news regarding Ardian advance was received from the naval scout by the government. The Ardian force had pushed back the coalition formed by the Achkaerin and Balticum supported by foreign mercenaries or so the report said. Meanwhile at the parliament, "Madam Prime Minister, it is clear now that the Ardian threat is becoming a menace that even a coalition of several nations cannot stop their rampage in the Mhorish Sea. They are now our biggest threat considering their capabilities to destroy our security and our sovereignty! They had done it before and they can do it again. Therefore, the time has come to do what is right as we can no longer remain silent and act like everything is going fine while our neighbouring nations are fighting and losing their lives against the Ardian savages in the sky and at the sea!" An MP voiced his opinion only to be attacked by another one, "The Ardian has been a great economic ally for Kaiser Adolf for tens of years which means they need our resources and we need theirs. To make it blunt, what evidence do we have that can basically confirm the Ardian Allied States intention to occupy the Illumic region? None. Every words that is coming out from your filthy mouth are mere speculations and lies! You damned conservative fool!"

Griswald Hanz bought a bouquet of white lily, a flower which was a symbol of majesty backed up with the ancient myth telling that the white lilies came from the queen of the gods. From the side, the flowers looked like bells. The petals opened up making each of them looked like a star. In his eyes was determination. In his left hand was the bouquet and his right hand, his leather bag. Hanz walked into her wife's study after knocking the door two times in a quick precision. He saw Ching Fei looking up at him, smiling. He approached her, kissed her cheek and put down the bouquet of lily onto the table. Hanz smiled back but behind his smile, was all but happiness.

Ching Fei told him, "Honey, you know how much I love lily. How adorable, thank you. So how was your day? Don't worry about me though, I am doing surprisingly fine. Of course, there are a few setbacks but mostly, I am finishing what I coul--" Hanz sudden interruption caught her off guard. Coldly, he said, "I saw the documents. I know you are going to authorise the national military for mobilisation into the Mhorish Sea soon, making Ardia our enemy." She stuttered, "Ah- yes about that, I believe the stake is too high for us to remain neutral. An action must be taken and this is the most logical." Hanz sighed, "I... I wanted to believe. To believe that you and I will never be seperated but...how could you? How could your betray me like this?" Tears ran down on his cheek while Ching Fei tried to comfort him althought she too, was shocked. She could never ever thought that her husband was still loyal to Ardia. That, was where she was mistaken.

In just a few seconds, Hanz grabbed something out from his bag and aimed at his wife, a locally manufactured pistol given to them for protection. He squeezed the trigger and boom. Ching Fei was dead, having her back against the desk. Her blood spluttered across the room and tainted the no-longer-white lily.

It was ironic because lily too, was a symbol of death. "I will always love you. Always. Ad Imperatorem!" Hanz pressed the pistol against his head and boom. The sound brought the guards rushing the room but it was too late. Whatever they saw, will be printed in their minds until the day they die. The news regarding the incident was covered. The Vice Prime Minister, Megat Qutuz secretly began to lead the government as approved by Sultan Riayatuddin and his first executive order was, "Coordinate with our allies in Mhorish Sea. Contact them, notify them of our intention. Relay them message that our navy will support their flank and supply any necessities. Kaiser Adolf is going to war." Two naval fleets are heading into Mhorish Sea.

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #11 on: November 16, 2017, 06:06:20 PM »
As the sun set on the glorious day, far to the south the Ardian's were busy tightening the noose around Himekumo, for months they'd been positioned in what the Alliance had believed to be a defensive perimeter but now with the seizure of Nurashima they were in anything but defensive mode, tanks and troops were moving north, planes were preparing for action, they were going to ride the momentum of taking Nurashima and smash the holdouts of the Horn before the thrust that was coming from the east of the continent broke the Kinsel Lines.  The quicker the hold outs fell the quicker focus could shift to  breaking the Alliance advance from the east.

The Ardian's weren't messing around either they'd sent their most respected General Diedrich Randolph to meet out retribution and destruction upon the enemies of the Empire, he'd led the Ardian's to a few significant victories in the war, his reputation was somewhat feared within the Alliance ranks. He poured over the map he had of the region they were well on their way to victory, now they just had to crush the foe underfoot and things were progressing well in that regard they were almost finished laying track for the Juggernaut  and behind their lines a much more devastating threat would bare its fangs the Sword of Mars. The spring of 1940 had brought a critical gain for the Ardian's now they had just one thing left to do - convert that gain into an absolute victory.

Offline yasha

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #12 on: November 21, 2017, 02:00:30 AM »
May 16, 1940, 16:31
Mhorish Sea, west of Nurashima


"This is the IAS Coriovallum from the 21st Surface Assault Fleet to all units near Nurashima, the IAS Iapetus was sunk by a Baltic ship, biggest ship we've ever seen. We are currently retreating back towards Nurashima but these guys are hot on our tails. Requesting all available support!"

What was already a busy day on Nurashima was getting more hectic by the second as the Ardians patched up any major damage to the base the Himeyans left behind and unloaded a campaign worth of supplies onto the island. From the command tent they had set up, Major Camillus Tiburtius of the Imperial Ardian Army Air Wing had listened intently to the distress signal broadcast by the 21st Surface Assault Fleet. "This is Nurashima base, what's going on out there? What do you mean biggest ship?" he asked, still tense after the initial attack. "The biggest battleship we've ever seen, Nurashima Base, simple as that. And they're coming right this way."

"Roger that IAS Coriovallum, air support is being scrambled." Camillus dropped the set of headphones on top of the radio and stepped outside, a squadron of Do-217s were among the first to arrive on Nurashima and were currently parked in one of the intact hangars. He stopped a nearby mechanic "How quickly can we get these 217s airborne with those special weapons?" he demanded. "Twenty minutes, sir! They've already passed fuel and ammo checks!"

"I want them airborne right away, these Balts are awfully ballsy to come right at us."



Responding to the 21st Surface Assault Fleet's request for support, a flight of Fw-190A-5s and Do-217Es screeched through the low, black clouds above the Mhorish, intent on beating back the Baltic fleet. "Are we in range?" one of the gunners asked as the pilot peered through the nose of the plane. "Think so, let's give these Balts a little gift for coming all the way over." the pilot said before switching on the radio. "All units prepare to initiate attack run!"

The swarm of Ardian planes all dipped below the clouds in unison, a fiery storm of smoke, tracers and flak saturated the air as the Ardian fleet frantically returned fire at the oncoming Baltic ships and aircraft. "Pick your targets, we bounce back up as soon as all bombs are away and on course." the pilot announced, causing the bombers to fan out as they approached the Baltic fleet, their fighter escorts hanging just below the clouds to engage any intercepting fighters. "Fuck me, that thing is massive." the front gunner exclaimed as they drew near the H-class battleship. "Don't miss, don't want these guys getting away with sinking the Iapetus." the pilot said as their bomber steered towards the gargantuan ship. "Roger that, approaching optimum range." the weapons operator replied from behind him. "Right, all units! Bombs away!" the pilot commanded over the radio, a symphony of whistling stirred up as the Ardian flying bombs were released from the bombers and dove down towards the Baltic fleet below. "Trajectory is good! This one's for the Iapetus!" the weapons operator hollered. The pilot checked his comms and heard the other bomber crews announce a successful launch.

"Alright, let's get out of here, Balts are still sending more planes. If this doesn't send them back, then the rest of the Ardian navy will."



After dusk, many of the Ardian ships who arrived in the Mhorish were tasked with finding and hunting down stray enemy vessels. A week before the attack, recon planes reported seeing a Himeyan light cruiser parked near a small rocky island to the southwest of Nurashima. A day later, they came to the conclusion that it was the HDV Tsukyouji. Not willing to pass up the opportunity to weaken the Himekuno Republic's defenses, a small strike group was sent to search the area and destroy the vessel if possible.

Under the starry sky, the IAS Angelus and a small detachment of destroyers scanned the coast of mainland Ardia to the south of Nurashima, intent on sinking this lone cruiser before it could reunite with the rest of the Himekuno navy. The violent explosions and endless gunfire that echoed through Mundus that morning had faded away into a deathly silence as the Ardians drove the Himeyans and Baltics away from Nurashima and closer to Himekuno. The captain of the IAS Angelus ordered its pilots to refrain from having dinner while they searched for the HDV Tsukyouji, citing that they'd need to be airborne at a moment's notice if they found it. And so a tired, hungry and miserable Albus Laurentinus paced around the hangar of the Angelus, nibbling away at some crackers one of the sailors gave him out of pity.

Even with the hunger and exhaustion from a whole day of combat making the air crews grumpy, it was the amount of air casualties they sustained during the day that really put them off. For a little less than six hours, about 50 Himeyan fighters worked nonstop to intercept Ardian bombers and destroy fighters; the Ardians lost 160 planes in those 6 hours. "Once we find them, we'll make sure they don't get off the hook so easily again." one of Angelus Figher Group's other pilots muttered to himself as Albus walked past. "Songbirds got lucky, if it's just us versus them up there, they won't have a chance." Albus reassured his squadmate Rufinus, taking a second to admire one of their planes; thing could hold up against Hime MGs all day long if you flew it right.

Not long after the pilots eased themselves into small talk, the sortie alarm came on in the hangar, calling Angelus Fighter Group 1 and Torpedo Group 1 to their stations. "Let's go Albus, we have 160 pilots to avenge."

"Is that a challenge?"

"It's a promise." Rufinus said enthusiastically.



Albus could see it now, the HDV Tsukyouji was steaming west towards Himekuno, spotlights mechanically scanning the blackness above while its AA guns ripped through the dark night with bright orange tracers, spraying at everything that moved. "Whats your orders, Albus?" Rufinus called over comms as they passed over the light cruiser. "Stay high, if more of those Songbirds show we have to be ready to meet them. If that happens, we have to keep them busy until our torps get here." The Ardian fighters circled high above the Himeyan light cruiser, it hadn't the flak guns to nail them out of the sky at that range, but those autocannons could tear them to bits.

"You hear that?" Rufinus asked. Albus listened closely, he could hear it, those were the sounds of radial engines humming away in the distance. "All units, we have probable incoming hostile fighters, prepare for combat maneuvers." he announced, bringing his plane into a climb, Rufinus following suit behind him. Albus scanned ahead, hoping to catch some little black dots moving against the starlit sky. "I see them, those little glinty bits to our 11." Rufinus called out. "Ah, I see 'em." Albus said, the polished metal finish that seemed to be used by all the Songbirds they've encountered so far reflected just enough light that Albus could see them flying closer. "I reckon that's 500 meters below us, 6 kilometers away." Albus said. "All units, prepare to engage."



The torpedo bomber group could tell where the furball was just by following where all the tracers came from, and it was moving closer. Looking over his shoulder at the scene ahead, the rear gunner of the lead bomber spotted one of the planes going up in flames and diving towards them. "I think that was a Songbird." he remarked, diverting his focus back to his machine gun. "Looked like it, let's kill this floating scrap heap and get out of here." the pilot replied sleepily. "Looks like they're just sending whoever they can, they really must've not been expecting us."

As the torpedo bombers drew closer, the volume of AA fire being thrown at them grew, a storm of glowing orange bullets came at them like howling wind, the rear gunner swallowed the rock in his throat as they pulled up to the side of the cruiser. "Ad Imperatorem!" the pilot shouted like a prayer, before the plane pulled up slightly and banked towards the Himeyan ship. "The Caesar protects... The Caesar protects..." the pilot chanted quietly as their plane charged straight through the gale of bullets. "Torpedoes away!" he shouted before forcefully pulling the plane out of its attack run. "Hey buddy, tell me that one's a hit." he said with a sigh of relief. "Come on, let's sink us a cruiser." the rear gunner said eagerly, failing to notice the stream of tracers sweeping towards them. "Urgh!" the gunner groaned in pain, grasping his chest. "What's wrong!?" the pilot shouted at him in alarm. "Look... we scored a hit..." the gunner said weakly, pointing towards the massive pillar of fire rising from the Himeyan ship. "I think that's our kill..." he said, collapsing onto the MG turret as his vision blurred and faded.

"Dammit! Stay with me buddy!" the pilot shrieked, trying to shake his friend awake by the shoulder with one hand still on the control stick.
something funny or offensive here

Offline Gadshack

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #13 on: November 23, 2017, 04:08:18 PM »
Bidzakwemok, Northern Ahkabnil

The atmosphere was jubilant with the urgent activity of wartime production, but sorrowful and depressed in the same instance. Men, women and children all wept. A mother, saw her 16 year old son off to war; an old man, seeing his family off as he carries on with a torn rucksack; stoic officers, greet the pale faces of the many new recruits, most young and supposed to be in their prime, but thrown into a situation where most if not all, would not return.

Pechani looked on from a distance, whole town’s young populations had been wiped out simultaneously in this war. There was so much grief that weighed down personally on his heart and mind, Pechan sometimes wondered if the suffering and toil was worth the endeavor. Then he glanced as the colors on his shoulder and realized the uniform he was wearing. He had grown up in an age of war, with his parents constantly telling him how much worse it was under Imperial rule. Was it though? Was there more to living in this world than the certainty of death and destruction. Yet, such hardship was accustom to Pechan’s generation.

He had just got back from the deemed ‘Chanal Front’ with a recommendation to be commissioned for the Oqiilchich, they were an elite group of troops that trained in the highest elevations of the country. Their name was akin to ‘Death Troopers’ meaning warriors who fight to the death, they were a group that was all over the Horn with origins in the Quywe Empire, fighting most notably in the war with Ardia between Quywe, before the rebellions. A war his father and mother fought in, he always got the sense they were never the same.

Pechan was honored that he received such a valiant opportunity, though Yaotenmel knows he didn't have much of a choice. It was either this, or back to Chanal. His heart trembled with a deafening anxiety upon such a thought; he didn't remember what he did in Chanal and he didn't want to, Pechan simply knew it was enough to have him recommended here by superiors.

So he continued on down the street, several old and new soldiers were lined up together, many had bandages wrapped around their bloody wounds, propped up by their rifles. A tour of more battle hardened soldiers had just gotten off a truck, surely seeking out drinks and prostitutes in their neglected youthful exuberance. Some just sat somberly, one young woman, sitting in a perpetual state of shivering with a still, frightened face.

Finally, Pechan reached the temporary conscription enter down the street, a mere mobile tent full of officers who overwatched dozens of men signing up. “Lieutenant Pechan sir.” He approached a rather decorated looking man, standing at attention. “I was directed to report here under commission, for directions.”

The stoic officer grabbed the papers, onlooking them then handing them back. “Have you read these warrior? These… commendations. Quite impressive.”

“No sir I have not.”

“You're a medic?”

“Yes sir.”

The officer shook his head as he continued reading on, ascertaining a deep respect for medical personnel on the battlefield. Though he derived them useless in the grand scheme. “You held off an attack while treating wounded members of your group, in Chanal of all places. Why aren't you back there? We need elite men like you back there.”

Pechan paused for a moment, glancing at the questioning officer. “My entire group was wiped out sir, I was wounded and asked for a transfer, they put me here for moral, sir.”

“Ah.” The officer shook his head, holding out some wine for Pechan. He gladly accepted it and took a swig. “It's always an honor to meet an Oqiilchich, you men have a special place reserved for you in the Heart of Yaotenmel.”

“I am not one yet.” Pechan corrected, receiving his documents back.

“Ah correct, you need charter to the mountain post, the pipeline.”

“Yes sir.”

“Right, we'll get you on your way then, my utmost respect to you warrior.” The officer nodded, sending Pechan off. May your death be a good one, Oqiilchich.

Oqiilchich were troops known all over the Horn, they weren't particularly Ahkabnilian or anything. They were troops of high caliber trained and bred in the most deprived conditions. Fanatic patriots at heart. However, Ahkabnil during the Ardian Scourge began to recruit commendable regular soldiers into their ranks, significantly boosting their numbers. Hundreds of thousands would train with the highest standards yet most minimal means. They were shock troopers then, evolving their reputation as brutal. They took no prisoners, gave no refuge, each filled with the fire of vengeance.



The Mountain Post

“Will you be staying long, General?” Commander Weqpah asked, handing the old venerable leader a cup of squash wine.

General Daelin shook his head. “As much of a fan I am of the Oqiilchich, I am called upon by the Revered Speaker and the rest of the staff. Nurashima is no secret and several hundred thousand of my men are pulled off the line.”

“We need as much men here, they're not thinking of sending you to Nurashima are they?” Weqpah asked.

“There's not much I can do about it, plus I agree with their intent. Nurashima is vital, without it we can't continue fighting here and that's a fact. We're already battling the Ardians for control of this sea. If you agree, your men will be joining me, and you as well Commander.”

Weqpah paused, his heart racing. “What about the other Oqiilchich post?” He began to walk out to the balcony of his command post, overlooking to the bustling training ground and fatigued trainees. The distant valley echoed nothing  but eerie quiteness and natures often crack of thunder or a Condor’s screeching call. It was a beautiful sight, watching the foggy clouds roll between each rocky crevice of each mountain, even the mountain post itself was choked thick with intense fog. The air was thin, that even Weqpah could hardly breath despite living high up here for so long, as he took a deep contemplative sigh.

“I always trust your word, you know that. And I'm with you on this.” He held his cup up, downing the rest of his wine. “I am just afraid on the Chanal Front. This scourge has forever changed the country. More than the rebellions ever have. I worry for our future if we're not here.”

“It's all strategy.” Daelin sighed as he stood up with the held of his cane, his right leg crippled from the Quywe War with Ardia. “Your Oqiilchich will be at the front of this operation. When that operation will be I'm not sure, we have to gather the logistics of it,  it prepare your men for Himeyama, commander.”

“So this is what you came to ask?”

“It's what I've come to order.” The General replied. “You're too much of an asset to me.” The deep rumbling buzz of an H-Uhke “Death Whistle” making a screeching pass overhead reminded the General. “We will have air cover, from our supposed allies and most importantly ourselves. So cheer up Commander, battle is what a warrior lust for. I will be back when a plan is set in motion, in the meantime bureaucracy calls!” Daelin said with one last swig before heading out. Weqpah continued to watch the Deathwhistle’s perform their low passes of the day, contemplating the year ahead. He looked forward to the Chanal Front, now he was set for Nurashima. How he hated Himekuno.

Offline Comrade Kermit

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #14 on: November 30, 2017, 07:43:37 PM »
The Situation in Herrenbucht

Herrenbucht's jingoism had been great directly after declaring war on Ardia. A great success of the anti-Ardian propaganda program that had been sickering into the heads of the hole population over the past weeks. The looming disaster, Herrenbucht losing its independence was feared by everyone. If Herrenbucht was really as threatened by Ardia as her government supposed or if it was just pure act of opportunism to be on the winning side rather than on no one's side would never become clear.

Now with the blockade of Herrenbucht the population's spirit was diminishing. Although Herrenbucht tried to have an economy as independent as possible, she was now cut off from vital supplies and the people feeled this. To break through the blockade was top priority. The fronts to Ardia on land were easily defendable bottlenecks, however an agressive war was unthikable at this stage. Another reason for the necessity to break the blockade was to be able to finally send weapons to Herrenbucht's allies and partners in the war. Selling off some of Herrenbucht's stockpile was a great opportunity to strengthen the own economy.


Neuhafen, Herrenbucht's second biggest coastal town

Admiral Else had been sitting at this table with his colleagues for days now. Maybe it was just his temperament, but he could not understand the prudence of the staff. Don't they understand the urgency of the situation? Again, Captain Jogel complained about risk of the plan and how it would only be successfull with many sacrifices. Else interrupted him.

"Dear colleague, I think you don't understand the situation here. I know you all studied military tactics and how wage war efficently, but I think there is something you are all missing here. Given Herrenbucht's history the whole military is focused on agressive war tactics. This might be useful when superior to your foe, but in this war, given time we are the losing side. Ardia won't be waiting for our moves. That is why we need to strike now while their blockade is fairly weak. We declared war, still we have been passive for the last week. Our defenses WILL break when doing nothing so let's move!"

The staff remained silent, thinking of what Else had just said. First one to say something was commander in chief of the navy Grand Admiral von Huger "Else....I think you're right. Let's execute the plan" Now everyone in the room agreed. "Of course" Else thought, "no Herrenbuchtian soldier would refuse and order no matter how stupid he thinks it to be."



Somewhere in Sovereignity Bay, a Herrenbuchtian submarine

"We have them on the radar, sir!"

"Are you sure? They should not be that close"

"They are moving towards us, Sir"

"So they are starting an offensive as well?! We need to attack quickly. Contact the vessel south of us. We will shoot these damn Ardian's now. They won't even understand what's going on"



"Okay Sir. S4? S4? Are you there? S4 Zepter? U24 Wurm speaking here."

a metallic voice came out of the small speaker
"S4 here, what are you doing. Did you see they are moving?"

"Yes we saw that we are attacking now, they should be moving to you soon"

"Roger U24, we will be ready"

In the meantime the whole submarine fleet had been informed that they were free to choose targets in reach. Torpedoes were fired on the Ardian vessels, who were not able to respond to the attacks. Trying to defend themselves they were dropping waterbombs wildly into the sea but they started sinking riddled with holes from torpedoes.

"Stop firing. To all ships, stop firing. We have our breach, don't make them leave!"

The submarines were moving forward with full speed.

"Sir we have now crossed their demarcation line, but there's something weird on the radar"

"What? Let me have a look? What... what is..." He took the microphone "STOP! STOP! DON'T MOVE!"

Severeal submarines exploded right in front of the commanding ship. Parts of the destroyed ships rushing into the rest of the fleet

"Damn how could I forget the water mines...Those were unnecessary deaths. Still we have to move. Maneuver through the mines as quickly as possible without risking any lives"

The fleet proceeded carefully through the minefield. They halted behind it and turned around.
Captain Olf watched the Ardian ships through his periscope from the back waiting for his sign. There it was. Far behind the Ardians he could see Herrenbuchtian flags. The navy was approaching

Olf took the microphone "Now it's our time fire everything you have. To all ships: Fire everything you have!"

A few seconds passed, then a deafening noise caused by hundreds of torpedoes being fired on the Ardians started. When the first ship sunk, destroyers and cruiser started firing from the west.

Captain Olf watched the spectacle, with a smile forming on his face. "That's what you get for these water mines" he whispered

"Captain! They are moving, they move southwards."

"That means the plan is working"

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The People's Republic of Argemonto

Offline yasha

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #15 on: December 17, 2017, 01:08:32 PM »
May 28, 1940, 03:09
Basis Operandi Rex, Heyran coast


Just under two weeks after raiding Nurashima, the Ardian Empire had been sending countless ships and planes to be based in Heyra, deliberately neglected as to not raise alarm to the Northern Sovereignty League; if the Himeyans could see a looming attack from Heyra, they would've been ready for it, no guarantees that they could've taken Nurashima before the NSL stuck back like a great steel fist. Now that the Ardians had the upper hand, they'd been tightening their hold over the Mhorish; Basis Operandi Rex would be one of the key points from which they conducted attacks, along with Basis Operandi Ora Cultro; or as the Himeyan savages called it, Nurashima.

The recon teams at Basis Operandi Rex had felt uneasy most of the week, while they had beaten back the Baltic surface assault fleet into the shadows, Ardian recon planes couldn't find the Himeyan 3rd Mobile Strike Fleet at the docks with the remaining merchant fleet, the HDV Reitai and her escorts could be prowling around Alba Karinya for all they knew. Especially with the Corax Flying Bombs not scheduled to arrive for another week thanks to some Ardian red tape.

Lighting a black cigarette with a long match, one of the naval officers slipped into Fabuis Spurius' barracks, where a circle of young men studied the aerial photos of the Himeyan and Baltic ships they encountered weeks before. "Good news gentlemen, our submarines have spotted the HDV Iga-Hatsuzo aviation battleship and have managed to isolate it, the hope is that we can lure it away from the Vaguzian coast where we can strike it down." the Ardian recon teams hollered and applauded; the Iga-Hatsuzo, along with the Reitai and Ginryuu were the Ardian's main concern with the Himeyan surface fleet thus far and so the fact that they might have pinned one of these main threats down boosted morale a bit.



Majutsu Team, despite being part of the rather famous HDV Reitai's air crew, had hardly seen any real action in the Mhorish Campaign thus far, being dive bombers without anything to dive on, until now anyways. The passage of hardware into Heyra hadn't gone unnoticed by Himekuno; well aware that the Ardians would be using a base in Heyra as part of a strategic wall to keep them from pushing into the Mhorish, the Himekuno Republic decided it was worth the risk of preemptively the Ardian-sympathetic but neutral Heyran Restoration; damaging Ardia's control over the eastern Mhorish before it could truly be solidified. Accompanied by Obake Team as escorts, who replaced the tattered Shinigami Team, the dive bombers flew low on their way towards Heyra, an air raid being all the Himekuno Republic could afford to launch on Ardian territory, and even then they weren't looking to lose planes.

Narrowly avoiding a nightfighter patrol, Majutsu Team could spot their target, an illuminated airstrip meant to welcome back the nightfighters and cargo planes arriving from Nurashima pointed them towards the Ardian base like a big red arrow, discreetly switching to an open channel, Majutsu 2 could tell that Latin pig language was attempting to communicate with them, likely mistaking the sounds of their radial engines for that of their own planes. "We'll peek below the clouds to pick targets, second time over we're going in for the kill." Majutsu 1 announced. "Roger." the dive bomber team said collectively, easing themselves below the black clouds, with all the lights the Ardians had on, they could make out barracks, hangars, even fuel and ammo caches that the Ardians had left out in the open, likely to be organized and packed away before noon. "Majutsu 2, going to hit those ammo crates." the pilot called out after switching back to a closed channel. "Roger, Majutsu 1 will strafe the grounded fighters."

With each bomber having called out their target and Obake Team ready to swoop down at the first sign of trouble, Majutsu Team dove towards the earth in unison, talons out, ready to slice the throat of the great Ardian menace. When the Ardians knew that it was the enemy upon them, they unintentionally made it known how woefully unprepared Basis Operandi Rex was to hold its own; 20mms meekly spat out at the Himeyan dive bombers swooping in on the many assets they had lying out in the open, machinegun fire tore holes in barracks and caused trucks to erupt into flames, while the death whistle of bombs preceded deafening explosions that saw pieces of hot metal launch into the air like hellish fireworks as they struck down on their ammo stores.

"Dammit, after them!" one of the Ardian air officers called, ordering hastily suited-up pilots to their aircraft; all for naught however, as the crystal roundel of the Himekuno Republic Air Defense glared down on them, a pair of bombers cutting through each and every Ardian plane sitting on the airstrip. Some exploded as the Himeyans made their attack run, some would only be confirmed inoperable after the pilots got in and attempted to start, feeling a puddle of leaked fuel at their feet. By the time the nightfighter patrols returned, it was already far too late to do anything, the Himeyans had left a great ugly mark on the Ardian base and the surrounding area.
something funny or offensive here

Online Achkaerin

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #16 on: December 19, 2017, 11:13:12 PM »
Fleet Captain Bruce Knight stood on the bridge of the
INS Hope
as the carrier and the other ships that made up the ship's escort held tight to the Hime coast line they'd been in the Mhorish longer than any other Achkaerinese Forces, having been deployed down there in 1922 when the Ardian's had set about picking off the supply convoys in earnest, a more effective presence was called for and that had heralded the birth of this vessel, a craft designed to carry aircraft into battle. They'd been having some success in the early years but then things had changed, the advent of the Ardian code machine had changed the game, it had put them on the back foot and now with Nurashima's fall they were having to hold close to the coast lines and within range of allied air cover. The codebreaker's of Achkaerin, their brightest minds were constantly working on how to crack the code. Bruce was thinking carefully, Nurashima was taken what was the Ardian's next move going to be?


At the castle Athos was looking over the map again, this was bad, the noose was tightening with Heyra now on the Ardian side that put a hard perimeter around the horn area of the Mhorish, everywhere he looked on the map he was greeted by Ardian miniature flags the small perimeter the Alliance held on Hime soil wasn't much and they were cut off from their nearest reinforcements in Akhabnil. So here they were surrounded and they had by reputation the Ardian's great General Randolph sitting there to the south waiting to hit them. So how were the Ardian's going to do it? With Nurashima having fallen they had the advantage at sea for now, so logic dictated that they'd try to push that advantage home - Athos thought for a moment if he were the Ardian's how would he do it?

"From both sides." he muttered "From the sea and from the south. Chase the enemy north and right into the killing field of the troops up there." now how was he going to stop it? "Sergeant."
"Sir?" the Sergeant asked
"Send a message to our allies." Athos said "Enemy coming from the sea, don't lose the skies."
"Yes sir." the Sergeant said
"Request Hime and Balticum mainly focus on defeating the likely sea attack, we'll slow the ground advance." Athos said

Offline Lakhzovia

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #17 on: December 20, 2017, 04:54:58 PM »
Rhand-Herrenbucht Border Region

Rhand had so far managed to avoid being drawn into the war being waged by its Suzerain, it had been content to simply provide material support in form of supplies to the Ardian Empire, however pressure had been growing for some time for them to take an more active involvement in the war.

Despite its lack of participation Rhand, anticipating the possibility of foreign invasion due to its strategic location had not exactly neglected their defences and had levied their peasantry to provide a force of some 100,000 men to form a home guard.

Neighbouring Herrenbucht's opportunistic entry in to the war had proved to be an antagonism too far as far as Ardia was concerned and the pressure to intervene had become an outright demand. 50,000 men had therefore been deployed to the coastal border region between Rhand and Herrenbucht, the build up of course had not gone unnoticed by Rhand's neighbours, but with air support from Ardia and naval support from the Rhandic navy it should be possible to punch a hole through their defensive lines and drive for the capital, taking them out of the war in a swift campaign; so went the thinking of Central Command.

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: Operation Crimson Storm - the Mhorish Sea Campaign
« Reply #18 on: December 21, 2017, 11:46:14 AM »
OOC: Not sure about the others but my previous posts are ret-conned and not considered to be canon. Baltikum will be like devious "neutral" Sweden.

Offline DaveIronside

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