Force on Force - Getting News

Today we went on with our Kharum campaign and it truly was another sad chapter for Kharum Group of unidentified gunmen took hold of one major TV and radio station. Allegedly these men were members of pro Miracle faction. Some of them were caucasian and maybe foreign mercenaries.

The game we had tonight was my adaptation of a scenario from "Gold War Gone Hot" campaign book, which is actually about Warsaw pact fighting Nato in Europe during 80's. But the scenario fitted and it had many interesting features, so it went to Kharum.

This fight was about two local factions fighting over a TV and radio station in small town in Kharum. Just before sundown well organized group of militia entered the town and started attacking TV station. Poor defenders were taken totally by surprise and quickly one out two initial guarding groups were gunned down. Seeing this overwhelming attack happen, local men joined the attackers and turned against local warlords men, maybe for a revenge or some other reasons. Soon after the fire fight broke some mysterious masked group of well organized men arrived on the high point in a roof. These men were wearing sporty civilian dress, but everything was telling they were'n civilians. More like well trained soldiers armed to teeth. This is now second time these men appear into scene seemingly supporting attacker in very similar operation.

Only few reinforcements arrived sporadically but they couldn't turn the situation. So quite soon up link house was taken and soon after that actual station fell to the hands of attacker. The remaining defenders sold their souls bravely. At some stage the pride of local warlord rolled in a form of armored car and there was some nervousness among the attackers. But after flashy entry the armored car was hit by RPG and the main gun was knocked out. After this humiliation rest of the town turned and remaining local militia withdrew into deepening shadows of African night.

TV station in a town.

Attackers move in.

Fire fight intensifies there's shooters everywhere.

Cautious movement in good cover after clearing the yard.

Mysterious group of soldiers in civilian dress on rooftop. 

Defenders running for cover.

Armored car rolls in.

Fighting in the streets.

TV uplink house and station taken.

Mysterious masked gunmen watching over everything.

Once again nice and eventful game. I was in a role of local defenders and after loosing the initiative from start never managed to gain it back. But still very good game with many cinematic turns. I think the adaptation from cold war Europe into Africa worked well. Maybe once again, bit more power for defender at start.

Now the events in Kharum will stay put over the Christmas. There will be more news from Kharum in January 16, stay tuned.

Force on Force - Closing Up Shop

After a brief ceasefire our Force on Force Kharum campaign continued. This time it was local UN troops time to go on offensive, just to retaliate last times bloody nose, they got from local warlords militia. So UN HQ devised up a raid on weapon stash off suspected enemy leader.


The location was confirmed by HUMINT and troops were readied. To avoid too much fuss and especially civilian casualties, the mission was tasked to poor bloody grunts. Operation started when three fire teams of UN troops were dropped to entry point and they started quick approach to weapon stash location. Leader knew that speed was essential, so there was no time to sneak about. All three fire teams kept close together to give mutual support. Things were looking good for now.

But UN approach was seen by locals. The militia guarding weapon stash was alerted and more militia started gathering around. First shots were fired and all hell broke loose. When first UN team reached eye contact with container of weapons they were shot from all directions. As were other UN teams soon after. This caused casualties and UN troops were forced to stop to tend their wounded comrades. Their approach stalled and they lost the initiative and seemed also lost the control of the situation. The leader of the UN troops didi brave decision and ordered one team to dash for the container, they were gunned down. Casualties started piling up and UN troop set up good defensive positions and called for help. This mission turned into a rescue.

The distress call was answered by UN troops accompanied by US CSAR medic driving by in a truck and two German sniper military trainers which entered in the area. They came in and gave valuable fire support and patched up wounded and actually turned the tide once again. By coming in they also cleared all flanking enemy elements which were surrounding bloodied UN troopers. Now local militia lost their interest for warfare and settled to stay put and only protect weapons storage. UN troops pulled out and the weapon stash was quickly removed and hidden once more. This operation ended with quite embarrassing results for UN HQ.

UN grunts enter the area.

The green container is closely guarded.

Local militia is well armed and ready.

UN approaches in tight formation.

UN food delivery in progress.

Rapid movement through narrow alleys.

Gun men gathering around to all corners.

German sniper and spotter join the fray.

QRF troop with medic unload from a truck.

Initial UN troops in defensive positions waiting for rescue.

Nice game once again but I have to say that the scenario is really difficult if not outright impossible with troops given to attacker. The starting force is way too small so if one should run this game I recommend few more assets for the attacker. I had to threw in this QRF as a ad hoc fix just to keep the game interesting. Otherwise initial force would have been annihilated by turn five. But still good and entertaining game. Now UN is really pissed off and maybe there will be even more professional troops joining.