NAME, Rank and Number

[murtalianconfederacy]

(sorry, my pun generator broke...)

This campaign follows the story of the North Atlantic-Martian Entente, or NAME for short. Unfortunately, I haven't quite finished the generation of two NPEs, so the folder won't be up until Wednesday, by which time it will already, of course, be obsolete. However, when I've generated the NPEs, the folder will be up and I'll edit in a link to the folder here:

This is also an attempt to downsize my vessels. Most of the time, I have been playing with dreadnoughts/battleships of hull size 20 in S:X scale, and heavy cruisers at hull 12. This time, however, heavy cruisers are hull 7-8, battleships hull 12 and dreadnoughts hull 16. I'm also attempting to deploy fleets apart from one massive fleet and just defensive squadrons in the rest of the systems--the NAME, at least, has a defensive fleet of three squadrons in each of their systems--not large squadrons, but enough to actually pose a threat.

The NAME started off as an INT-1 power, with a peacetime income of 72, a trade of 14 and maintenance of 76 with all ground forces in reserve. They had already encountered a splinter colony, the New Lunar Alliance, who were in a state of Partnership. The NLA had a peacetime income of 12, a trade of 2, and a maintenance of 13 with its ground forces and defensive base in reserve.

3000.01

The first scout squadron encountered a splinter colony, the New Neptunian Imperium. However, the NAME and NNI were former enemies and the Imperator of the Imperium had a long memory. Luckily, the scout squadron left before shots were fired.

3000.02

In a move hardly surprising, the Imperator dismissed the 'doves' and announced a declaration of hostilities, which was broadcasted via the hastily placed communication beacon.

The second scout squadron discovered a Minor Colony system with 4 RAW.

3000.03

The NAME sent 1st Fleet to Neptunia, and both sides activated their reserve units.

BATTLE OF NEPTUNIA

In the first of two battles, the NAME 1st Fleet engaged the NNI Battle Fleet

NAME forces

1 Iapetus CV
2 Tethys CVL
2 Vulcan CG
3 Alliance DN
4 Union BB
2 Daedalus ECA
3 Icarus ECL
6 Formidable CA

36 Starfury

NNI forces

1 Triton BCV
2 Polyphemus ECA
8 Proteus FF

18 Trident

The vastly superior numbers, ELINT, surprise (+1 vs -4) and fighters of the NAME made this a very short affair. While one Daedalus provided blanket defensive protection, the second and two Icarus jammed the Polyphemus' own ELINT. The Starfury flights were sent to engage the squadron, but the NAME ships stole their thunder, destroying all NNI vessels (AS of 206 x (4+1)/10=103, versus a total of 62 damage the NNI fleet could take). The NNI fighters, meanwhile, on orders from the Triton, moved to engage the squadron were almost all of the ELINT vessels were, but a withering hail of AF fire destroyed them all (AF of 31 x (2+1)/5=18, just enough to destroy them all).

BATTLE OF NEPTUNIA III

After the turkey shoot in the outskirts of the system, 1st Fleet then moved to engage the defensive fleet around Neptunia III, the 'homeworld'

NNI forces

2 Nereid CL
12 Larissa LR fighter flights

Surprisingly, the two light cruiser-sized opponents were useless against the main fleet.

As a result of the two battles, morale fell (Neptunia failed the Hostile Forces check), and the Neptunians rebelled. All remaining fleet and ground units joined the rebellion, and the New Neptunian Republic was born

(CM note: The NNI was a Totalitarian government, so it lost 6 morale when it failed the check, and the rebels lucked out on the secession rolls.)

The rest of the campaign notes will appear soon

EDIT: For some reason I forgot to type the date of the Battles of Neptunia. This has been corrected.

[murtalianconfederacy]

The file has been posted to the VBAM Group under Campaign Folders-->NAME, Rank and Number.

3000.04

The New Neptunian Republic requested an armistice, which was given. Seeing as only two Nereids were in service, the NNR decides to stop any more of its populace from being killed. The NAME accepts the armistice, and declares a protectorate over Neptunia.

The NLA decided to formally petition for membership of the NAME, which was granted.

The second scout system, exploring from New Atlantica, discovered a new route into Neptunia.

3000.05

The NAME decided to scrap the smaller shipyards orbiting New Luna and Neptunia and construct two shipyards in orbit of New Sol. Some of the new members contest this bill, but the majority of the government supports it, especially with regards to efficiency. To assuage their fears, the NAME purchases additional productivity at New Luna and Neptunia. The NAME reduces the number of trade fleets by a third to reduce trade saturation.

No raids or exploration success occurs this turn.

3000.06

The NAME decides to provide a standard defence fleet to New Luna and Neptunia, constructing one Hawaii base, three Hermes and six Olympus for both systems, and constructing three Hawks for trade protection. However, to make way for this, the NAME scraps the Lagrange orbiting New Luna, as well as 3 Tranquility, 3 Serenity, 16 Selene and 2 Nereids, as well as 12 Larissa, 12 Apollo and 24 Drone flights. Ground forces are also re-arranged, 4 Security Forces in New Luna and Neptunia replacing the 2 Alliance Guards, 3 Light Infantry and 1 Imperial Guard.

Both scout forces made successes this month, one discovering a Major Colony system, the second encountering the Tailigan Imperium, an INT-1 power. Both sides were fairly happy and Normal Relations were established.

3000.07

Nothing of any note occurs this turn

(CM Note: Nothing. No raids, diplomatic actions or exploration success. Bit anti-climactic, really...)

3000.08

One NAME scout force encountered the Republic of New Ganymede, a IND-3 level NPE. Both sides were very happy to encounter the other. As the meet-and-greet happened, though, a raid of 1 Battlewagon, 1 Dragonship, 3 Barques and 6 Darts descended on the fleets. The NAME squadron stayed and fought with the RNG and defeated the raiders (CM Note: Okay, bit of a CM-generated assistance, but no-one likes raiders, and the RNG fleet were almost outgunned by the large raider force)

Another raid struck Taili Gamma, and here the local trade defence fleet wasn't so lucky, only managing to drive off the raider force consisting of a Dragonship and three Barques.

(CM Note: I decided to increase the chance of a raid happening in the system by 10%, as the Dragonship and one Barque was only crippled. The battle only lasted one turn)

The TI scout squadron discovered a Minor Colony system with 4 RAW

3000.09

The NAME, after the Battle of New Ganymede, offers a NAP to the RNG, which is accepted.

A pair of Pinnaces attacks Taili Gamma, and are easily destroyed

(Just a 1EP raid this turn--not worth generating, really)

The NAME continues it's generation of NPEs as a small splinter colony is discovered, the Cerian Belt Alliance. Both sides are fairly amiable and Normal Relations are established

(CM Note: Seeing as they were only 2EP wartime economy, I decided to say they purchased four Barques for defence, instead of trying to develop a native ship-building industry. They have the advantage of being atmospheric so they can land if necessary for repairs)

3000.10

The NAME scout squadron discovers a new route from the system explored in 3000.06 to another system already explored. The TI do slightly better, discovering a new Minor Colony system with 4 RAW.

A trio of raids occur this turn, one in New Luna (1 Battlewagon, 2 Barque, 6 Darts), one in New Atlantica (4 Barque) and one in New Ganymede (1 Brigantine, 2 Barque and 6 Darts). All three resulted in a victory for the local defence forces.

The NAME offered the TI a NAP, which was accepted.

3000.11

The NAME offered the CBA a NAP, which was accepted.

Taili Beta defeated another pair of Pinnaces that tried to attack the planet.

3000.12

The NAME encountered an INT-1 power, the Rhotecan Confederacy, who themselves had encountered an IND-3 power, the Pyurvian Imperium. The RC and PI had signed a NAP prior to first contact. The NAME and RC were fairly friendly and Normal Relations were established.

The NAME also discovered a Colony system with 6 RAW, while the TI discovered a Minor Colony with 6 RAW.

The CBA managed to defeat a concerted raider attack to invade New Ceres by a Battlewagon, Sloop, 2 Barques and 6 Darts with a Marine unit embarked on the Sloop. Unfortunately, one Barque on the CBA side was destroyed, but were it not for the ambush Commodore Jansen-Cook had set, the CBA would surely have been defeated.

The NAME offered the TI a PT, which was accepted.

(Current time--have not yet generated end-of-year)

[murtalianconfederacy]

End of Year 3000

New Sol, New Mars, Tailigan and Rhoteca all experienced population growth.

Morale at Sol shot up by 2, and morale also increased at Neptunia, Tailigan, Taili Gamma and New Ceres. However, in both Rhotecan systems, morale fell (forgot to edit morale on the system chart, so will edit it at the next opportunity)

Productivity at New Ceres rose by 1. Productivity also rose at Tailigan.

A new source of minerals was discovered at New Ganymede.

System authorities in New Luna reported that four ships had entered the system. As speculation grew, the system received a message which the UT was able to translate almost immediately, as it was a close cousin of Spanish and Portugese. The ships identified themselves as belonging to the Latin American Union and they had just emerged here from their homeworld, Nova Amazonia. Normal relations were established

(CM Note: The LAU were a bit of a pain to generate, as they required me to put my CM hat on twice. When generating, their homeworld only had 2 jump lanes, and as an INT-1 power, the choice was either to have the route to New Luna be their first ever explored route, or that they'd discovered another system and have just explored the second route. A flip of the coin meant they'd explored both jump lanes, but the other system they'd explored turned out to be New Ganymede, so I had to alter the destination)

[murtalianconfederacy]

Sorry its been a while to update, but I've been doing a setting in S:AE, and its taken me a while to type up.

But there have been new turns generated, so here's the write-up. A new campaign folder is in the VBAM Yahoo group.

3001.01

The RC constructs four Jekan Zaruls to round out their defence fleet at Tashov.

The NAME begins their colonisation effort of the system to be named New Pacifica. Two census, one from New Sol, the other from New Mars, are loaded onto transport fleets, while a defence fleet of three Hermes, six Olympus' and 12 Starfury flights are constructed.

Meanwhile, the LAU and CBA both offer the NAME a NAP, and both are accepted. The LAU then offers the NAME a PT, which is also accepted (House rule--if a treaty is being offered to a power that has an acceptance chance over 100% (i.e., automatic), the next treaty will be offered)

A raid at Nova Brasil by a lone Battlewagon and her fighters is defeated.

No exploration successes to report.

3001.02

The NAME completes the colonisation of New Pacifica, and its mobile defence is moved into place. This now means for the first time the TDP outstrips maintenance, with the income New Pacifica churns out.

The LAU really seems to love the NAME. A MDT is offered and accepted this turn.

A raid at New Atlantica occurs, with the trade fleet in-system. The three Hawks defeat the lone Brigantine and her fighters easily.

Explorers from Neptunia discover an outpost system. Nothing else of interest is found.

Explorers from Taili Gamma encounter the Korfihal Grand Duchy, a splinter colony. Relations are tense, but normal relations are established.

3001.03

The CBA constructs a Barque to bring the fleet back up to strength.

The RNG experiences a PIOT political shift, and offers the NAME treaties up to MDT level, which are accepted.

Another Brigantine and her fighters emerge in NAME space, this time in Neptunia, and are easily defeated.

Explorers from New Sol discover a minor colony system with an asteroid field. Unfortunately, it only has one jump lane, so the explorers are ordered to explore it and then move back to NAME space.

Explorers from Nova Brasil discover a minor colony system. Upon further inspection, they discover a large pirate cache which is claimed by the government and is sold, netting the LAU 23 EP.

3001.04

The LAU constructs a starport at New Amazonia. While raising the risk of piracy, the Starport will give the LAU an extra 3 EP/turn (4EP boost in trade minus the 1EP for maintaining it)

The NAME offers the CBA a PT, which is accepted. Meanwhile, the RC offers the NAME a NAP, which is accepted.

The NAME constructs one Hawaii base and attendent fighters over New Pacifica, maintaining a standard of defensive cover for the NAME (one Hawaii, three Hermes and six Olympus)

No raids occur this turn.

Explorers from Taili Gamma make contact with the CBA.

Explorers from Rhoteca discover a colony system with an asteroid field. Nothing else of interest is discovered.

3001.05

The RC offers the PI a PT, which is rejected. No diplomatic incidents occur, but it is clear the PI is not too interested in expanding their contact with the outside world.

The KGD hawks, in an audacious move, attempt a DoH on the TI, but it fails due to the doves and the floating councillors who see a conflict against the TI as suicide.

A trio of Barques and 2 flights of Pinnaces strike Inhorka, but the TI squadron there beats off the attack.

Explorers from Neptunia discover another route into New Luna. This means that from next month all NAME systems can be on a trade route.

LAU explorers exploring the system found in 3001.03 encounter the New Peruvian-Ecuadorean Republic (mercifully shortened to NPER), a major splinter colony with three systems. Relations are friendly and normal relations are established.

[murtalianconfederacy]

3001.06

The NAME restructures its trade routes, earning an extra 2 EP.

The NAME offers the CBA a MDT, which is accepted.

The LAU offers the NPER a NAP, PT and TT, all of which are accepted (the house rule strikes again!)

A raid by one Barque against forces in Nova Peru ends with the defeat of the raiders.

The NAME explorers in the system explored in 3001.03 discover a new major colony system. Upon further inspection, they discover a large pirate cache which is claimed by the government and is sold, netting the NAME 35 EP.

Explorers from Nova Peru discover a minor colony system with a healthy RAW value (6). However, nothing else is discovered.

The TI orders its exploration squadron back to the home system in order to carry out a fleet refit, replacing the FraFraGums on patrol with FraStaGums, and moving the FraFraGums into the exploration squadron under the command of a trio of newly-built FraStaJev carriers.

3001.07

The TI constructs nine FraStaGums.

The NAME lends the RNG 25 EP for the construction of a non-QE colony fleet. It also transfers ownership of the system discovered in 3000.10 to the RNG. In response, the RNG experiences a PIOT and offers the NAME first an alliance, then a partnership, both of which are accepted.

The LAU offers the NAME an alliance, which is accepted.

The LAU offers the NPER a MDT, which is accepted. The NPER offers the LAU a NAT treaty, which is accepted. The LAU is granted full schematic access to the Huascar, Quito, Angamos and Cuzco, while the NPER is granted full schematic access to the Manaus, Pihrana and Moreno. (CM: I decided to make it a -5% acceptance chance because of the Moreno, but the LAU accepted it anyway--the Huascar has double the AF of the Inca, so maybe that's one reason, and the Angamos, which could give the LAU light fleets carriers, could be another)

The NPER encounters the Baronian Royal Kingdom, an IND-2 power. The two sides almost come to blows, but the NPER explorers make a quick getaway.

3001.08 (current turn)

The RNG constructs a colony fleet, and loads a census onto it.

The TI constructs 3 FraStaGums and 3 FraStaJevs with 18 FraFraVols.

The RNG formally petitions the NAME for membership, which is accepted.

The NAME offers the CBA an alliance, which is accepted.

The CBA offers the TI a NAP, which is accepted.

The LAU offers the NPER an alliance, which is accepted.

The TI attempts a DoH on the KGD, but the declaration fails.

The BRK attempts a DoW on the NPER, which is successful, and the declaration is public. Reserves are activated.

Raiders, in the form of three Barques, attack Rhoteca when the TF is not in-system. The light fleet consisting of 2 Felaj Koluks, 4 Jekan Volaz and 12 Jekan Zaruls easily defeats the raiders.

Raiders strike Baroni Kon. Three Battlewagons, four Pinnace flights and eighteen Dart flights are defeated, but not before a Barkefahr Kreig, 6 Zhalapahr Kreigs and 7 Inkafahr Vhoig flights are destroyed and a Kahnafahr Kreig crippled. While some claim the raid was sponsored by some, there is no evidence to support it.

(CM Note: just as a little intrigue, especially given the strength of the raid and other factors, I decided to roll a d20 to see whether the raid was an actual raid or a raid ordered by the NPER--a result of 1-4 would have meant it would have been a NPER-sponsored raid, and the NPER would have had one EP removed to simulate the cost of the raid. However, it was a 16, so it was a bog-standard raid)

Explorers from Rhoteca discover a route into New Atlantica.

(This is the present time-3001.09 will be resolved soon)

[murtalianconfederacy]

The campaign has finished due to a combination of boredom and the emergence of a 'superpower'. Will write up the campaign folder later.

[Tyrel Lohr]

The formation of a superpower with an early lead is a problem with some solo campaigns that only start with a single player empire instead of two or three. I've found starting with three or four powers gives you enough empires that are on an even footing at the start of the game that at least three will still be viable by the late-early game when things get interesting. I say that because, on a randomly generated map, there is inevitably one starting power that starts in such an abysmal region of space that they end up with very few viable exploration or expansion routes, or the systems that are available for colonization are just extremely poor.

By the end of the game you had quite a few empires in play, many of them low-tech. Almost all of them also seemed to be more than happy to be friends with everyone. My dice rolls tend to be far less generous, and I end up with empires yo-yoing back and forth between slight antagonism and cautious optimism. That is until the huge +-10 result hits and everything falls apart!

[murtalianconfederacy]

I might start doing that. Hmm, the possibilities abound. I could do a human-centric campaign with three/four human powers, or simply pull one of my fractured species settings out and do that.

I'm thinking of utilising the Lekhroihans I've designed for S:AE (new designs, of course, for the S:X setting)--I'd love to get the Ohru Fealty League in action...

Also thinking of limiting the size of NPEs on activation. Maybe the first year limit it to INT-1, then after INT-3, but nothing bigger. OR, maybe, reduce the size of homeworlds

[Tyrel Lohr]

Also thinking of limiting the size of NPEs on activation. Maybe the first year limit it to INT-1, then after INT-3, but nothing bigger. OR, maybe, reduce the size of homeworlds

Another option would be to limit any NPE to controlling a maximum amount of territory/colonies equal to that of the most powerful player empire? That would set a rough limit that you could use to keep the new NPEs from forming huge, sprawling empires at activation and keep them at parity with the other powers in the game.

[murtalianconfederacy]

I'd make it a x1.25 the largest in-play empire, as I always seem to have several powers in an alliance...

But yeah, your suggestion does make sense.