Hi all. Rysyonok and I are playing a grand campaign, with him as the Siberian Whites, and yours truly as the Southern. We've only just worked out the method and started today, but are already having fun [:)]
We'll both be posting a varying amount as turns go on. Right now we are 3 turns in, playing with slightly delayed commitment and some AI bonuses. Standard attrition.
Posts to follow...
A Co-Op White GC! Rysyonok/Alikchi
RE: A Co-Op White GC! Rysyonok/Alikchi
Okay, here goes nothing!
South, 1918 Late July
Like I said, we're a few turns into the game. Denikin's army has exploded south from Azov and run straight into the Red Don Front, led by Sorokin. The past month has been a long running battle between these forces near Zernograd, with the Whites edging ahead in casualties but the Reds holding firm. The Volunteer Army has maintained a steady power value of roughly 500.
In the meantime, some divisions have been detached, and the Cossacks have moved around the battle, capturing Salsk and Tikhoretsk. It's not a perfect encirclement, but I hope to severely mangle the Don Front when Sorokin attempts to retreat.
Mamontov Force, a division-sized group of Cossacks, moved southwest towards Ekaterinodar from Tikhoretsk (leaving Poliakov Force to hold it). This was an attempt to grab Ekaterinodar under the noses of the other large Red force under Kalnin. Kalnin moved to block, and inflicted grievous casualties on Mamontov:
This was my fault - after easy wins, I wasn't taking the reds seriously, and sent Mamontov with 10,000 men against a force of 25,000. :bonk: He inflicted ~8000 casualties and received 6000. Going to have to recruit more Cossacks to fill the gaps.
More to follow as we continue! I hear the Siberians have captured the gold train at Kazan..
South, 1918 Late July
Like I said, we're a few turns into the game. Denikin's army has exploded south from Azov and run straight into the Red Don Front, led by Sorokin. The past month has been a long running battle between these forces near Zernograd, with the Whites edging ahead in casualties but the Reds holding firm. The Volunteer Army has maintained a steady power value of roughly 500.
In the meantime, some divisions have been detached, and the Cossacks have moved around the battle, capturing Salsk and Tikhoretsk. It's not a perfect encirclement, but I hope to severely mangle the Don Front when Sorokin attempts to retreat.
Mamontov Force, a division-sized group of Cossacks, moved southwest towards Ekaterinodar from Tikhoretsk (leaving Poliakov Force to hold it). This was an attempt to grab Ekaterinodar under the noses of the other large Red force under Kalnin. Kalnin moved to block, and inflicted grievous casualties on Mamontov:
This was my fault - after easy wins, I wasn't taking the reds seriously, and sent Mamontov with 10,000 men against a force of 25,000. :bonk: He inflicted ~8000 casualties and received 6000. Going to have to recruit more Cossacks to fill the gaps.
More to follow as we continue! I hear the Siberians have captured the gold train at Kazan..
RE: A Co-Op White GC! Rysyonok/Alikchi
South, 1918 Early August
Pretty decent turn this time.
Denikin continues to battle on in Zernograd region, while other forces spread out. We're now sieging Armavir after an unsuccessful attempt at assault. An attempt on Elista by Pokrovsky's cavalry division was successful, but at the cost of Pokrovsky himself:
Farther south, I've pushed the White Wolves out to keep the main Red force from retreating (Denikin is absolutely thrashing it) and edged another division closer to Ekaterinodar. The site of Mamontov's defeat last turn was claimed without a fight by Poliakov's group, with the Reds (presumably at very low cohesion) retreating into Ekaterinodar itself. The clock is ticking, but hopefully by concentrating all of Denikin's forces, I can siege or assault them in Ekaterinodar in the next few turns, then turn north to Tsaritsyn (sp?).
I've played the Reds here before, I know how weak they are initially. I'm willing to be a little sloppy and take big casualties for the chance of moving north before winter.
Pretty decent turn this time.
Denikin continues to battle on in Zernograd region, while other forces spread out. We're now sieging Armavir after an unsuccessful attempt at assault. An attempt on Elista by Pokrovsky's cavalry division was successful, but at the cost of Pokrovsky himself:
Farther south, I've pushed the White Wolves out to keep the main Red force from retreating (Denikin is absolutely thrashing it) and edged another division closer to Ekaterinodar. The site of Mamontov's defeat last turn was claimed without a fight by Poliakov's group, with the Reds (presumably at very low cohesion) retreating into Ekaterinodar itself. The clock is ticking, but hopefully by concentrating all of Denikin's forces, I can siege or assault them in Ekaterinodar in the next few turns, then turn north to Tsaritsyn (sp?).
I've played the Reds here before, I know how weak they are initially. I'm willing to be a little sloppy and take big casualties for the chance of moving north before winter.
RE: A Co-Op White GC! Rysyonok/Alikchi
South, 1918 Late August
General Miller has arrived from Murmansk to take command of the Northern Russian forces massing in Segezha. With a combat strength of 10,000 men (including 2 armoured trains) and support from the British and French, this force could conceivably be a very useful distraction for the Bolsheviks.
Shaplin's force of ~4000 men in Arkhangelsk is considerably less useful, but may still come in to play.
Fitskhelaurov's merry band of Cossacks has successfully severed the rail line between Tzaritsyn and Moscow. This has attracted Voroshilov's attention! Which is good. Better here than down south:
The sheer numbers of the Reds are making things difficult, along with my inability to focus on one target. Sorokin's greatly diminished Don Front managed to retreat from Denikin, cutting the rail line to my front line forces in the process. Denikin will pursue next turn. Meanwhile, Colonel Drozdovsky's division will try to slip around Kalnin's reds bunched around Ekaterinodar and steal Novorossisyk from behind. I really need the engagement points for more conscripts right now, my units are bleeding out!
General Miller has arrived from Murmansk to take command of the Northern Russian forces massing in Segezha. With a combat strength of 10,000 men (including 2 armoured trains) and support from the British and French, this force could conceivably be a very useful distraction for the Bolsheviks.
Shaplin's force of ~4000 men in Arkhangelsk is considerably less useful, but may still come in to play.
Fitskhelaurov's merry band of Cossacks has successfully severed the rail line between Tzaritsyn and Moscow. This has attracted Voroshilov's attention! Which is good. Better here than down south:
The sheer numbers of the Reds are making things difficult, along with my inability to focus on one target. Sorokin's greatly diminished Don Front managed to retreat from Denikin, cutting the rail line to my front line forces in the process. Denikin will pursue next turn. Meanwhile, Colonel Drozdovsky's division will try to slip around Kalnin's reds bunched around Ekaterinodar and steal Novorossisyk from behind. I really need the engagement points for more conscripts right now, my units are bleeding out!
RE: A Co-Op White GC! Rysyonok/Alikchi
South, 1918 Early September
A good turn!
Denikin has beaten the Don Front to a pulp. It no longer exists. The Volunteer Army must now turn about and face Voroshilov, who has used the rail to move straight south and threaten my line. Markov's division will speed south and try to capture Armavir. I hope Denikin is up to fighting the Red 10th Army!
Meanwhile, my flank with Drozdovsky worked and the Reds are isolated at Ekaterinodar. A new corps is forming under Mai-Maeivski (a very competent man, if a bit boozy) to lay siege to the place.
Again, I am worrying about time now. 4 turns til November - that is not much time to take Tzaritsyn.. but it may be possible.
PS - the Northern Armies (divisions, more like) have begun to move south, against the Greens in Miller's case. At least a month will be required to determine results. After that month, of course, the weather will be very harsh and the front will be essentially static for many weeks.
A good turn!
Denikin has beaten the Don Front to a pulp. It no longer exists. The Volunteer Army must now turn about and face Voroshilov, who has used the rail to move straight south and threaten my line. Markov's division will speed south and try to capture Armavir. I hope Denikin is up to fighting the Red 10th Army!
Meanwhile, my flank with Drozdovsky worked and the Reds are isolated at Ekaterinodar. A new corps is forming under Mai-Maeivski (a very competent man, if a bit boozy) to lay siege to the place.
Again, I am worrying about time now. 4 turns til November - that is not much time to take Tzaritsyn.. but it may be possible.
PS - the Northern Armies (divisions, more like) have begun to move south, against the Greens in Miller's case. At least a month will be required to determine results. After that month, of course, the weather will be very harsh and the front will be essentially static for many weeks.
East, 1918 Early June
East, 1918 Early June:
Here are my principal goals for the 1918 summer - fall campaign:
1. Capture the gold train.
2. Consolidate Siberian and Orenburg armies into powerful units with clear command structure.
3. Use up Czech legion's manpower in meaningful battles.
Here are Eastern forces on June 1, 1918:
Here are my principal goals for the 1918 summer - fall campaign:
1. Capture the gold train.
2. Consolidate Siberian and Orenburg armies into powerful units with clear command structure.
3. Use up Czech legion's manpower in meaningful battles.
Here are Eastern forces on June 1, 1918:
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East, 1918 Early June (continued)
East, 1918 Early June (continued):
Several battles take place as Siberian troops are sweeping across the land, mopping up lone garrisons. Nicholas II is killed by Reds just as Ekaterinburg falls.
Several battles take place as Siberian troops are sweeping across the land, mopping up lone garrisons. Nicholas II is killed by Reds just as Ekaterinburg falls.
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East, 1918 late June
East, 1918 late June:
Two more Red garrisons fall, and the gold train is captured along with Kazan; unfortunately Reds mow down several waves of Social-Revolutionary (EsEr, Komuch) troops with little losses for themselves. This will serve as an important lesson for the rest of the campaign.
As Komuch troops consolidate and recover, Czech 1st Division turns north to assist them.
Two more Red garrisons fall, and the gold train is captured along with Kazan; unfortunately Reds mow down several waves of Social-Revolutionary (EsEr, Komuch) troops with little losses for themselves. This will serve as an important lesson for the rest of the campaign.
As Komuch troops consolidate and recover, Czech 1st Division turns north to assist them.
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RE: East, 1918 Early July
Sorry, skipping a turn!
1918, Early October
This may be the last overview screenshot of the northern Don/Kuban region I have to do for a while. Denikin and Mai-Maeivski have mopped the floor with the Red armies here. It only remains for the latter to land the finishing blow at Maikop. I intend to do this next turn. Afterwards, I'll leave a few cossack divisions behind to clean up the remaining towns (Grozny etc) and perhaps make an attempt on Astrakhan.
Meanwhile, Denikin works his way up the rail line to the northeast, heading this way...
No movement here this turn. My Cossacks keep the railroad shut down and the Reds drawn north away from the city.. exactly how I want them. If this situation holds for a few turns, Tzaritsyn (or should I say, DENIKINGRAD?) will be mine.
1918, Early October
This may be the last overview screenshot of the northern Don/Kuban region I have to do for a while. Denikin and Mai-Maeivski have mopped the floor with the Red armies here. It only remains for the latter to land the finishing blow at Maikop. I intend to do this next turn. Afterwards, I'll leave a few cossack divisions behind to clean up the remaining towns (Grozny etc) and perhaps make an attempt on Astrakhan.
Meanwhile, Denikin works his way up the rail line to the northeast, heading this way...
No movement here this turn. My Cossacks keep the railroad shut down and the Reds drawn north away from the city.. exactly how I want them. If this situation holds for a few turns, Tzaritsyn (or should I say, DENIKINGRAD?) will be mine.
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Enigma6584
- Posts: 306
- Joined: Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:44 am
RE: East, 1918 Early July
Excellent stuff!
Do you play as well?-
Enigma6584
- Posts: 306
- Joined: Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:44 am
RE: East, 1918 Early July
I've got the game but have not yet played too much. I will do so in the near future.
RE: East, 1918 Early July
Thanks, RedCharlie!
1918, Late October
Denikin's inching closer. Next turn, the Cossacks in the north (Fitskhelaurov Force) will make a conservative attack on Voroshilov, hopefully pinning him down, while Denikin and Ulugai's Kuban cavalry make a dash for the city.
..
I'm starting to think ahead to the new year. I have two large forces - the Volunteer Army and M-M's Corps. The Cossacks will have to stay behind, so I need to determine how to use them.
Also of note - it's almost winter, and Versailles is about to trigger. The Ukraine will open up for conquest. I'm not entirely certain how the Ukrainian army forms - is it constructed by the AI? Does it pop into existence the instant Ukraine becomes independent? - whatever, I'd really, really like the resources of Kiev and Kharkov. Kharkov is a critical point, too. Hold it and I have a straight path north to Moscow.
So, the Ukraine will be M-M's theatre (i would like to promote him to Army commander if possible, but I fear I will have to subordinate him to the Cossack command). Denikin's goal will be to hold Tsaritsyn, link up with the Siberians, and assist in their push westwards. The Cossacks will serve as garrisons and roving defence forces, and also move to take Astrakhan, Grozny etc.
1918, Late October
Denikin's inching closer. Next turn, the Cossacks in the north (Fitskhelaurov Force) will make a conservative attack on Voroshilov, hopefully pinning him down, while Denikin and Ulugai's Kuban cavalry make a dash for the city.
..
I'm starting to think ahead to the new year. I have two large forces - the Volunteer Army and M-M's Corps. The Cossacks will have to stay behind, so I need to determine how to use them.
Also of note - it's almost winter, and Versailles is about to trigger. The Ukraine will open up for conquest. I'm not entirely certain how the Ukrainian army forms - is it constructed by the AI? Does it pop into existence the instant Ukraine becomes independent? - whatever, I'd really, really like the resources of Kiev and Kharkov. Kharkov is a critical point, too. Hold it and I have a straight path north to Moscow.
So, the Ukraine will be M-M's theatre (i would like to promote him to Army commander if possible, but I fear I will have to subordinate him to the Cossack command). Denikin's goal will be to hold Tsaritsyn, link up with the Siberians, and assist in their push westwards. The Cossacks will serve as garrisons and roving defence forces, and also move to take Astrakhan, Grozny etc.
East, 1918 Early July
East, 1918 Early July:
Several minor skirmishes take place; Perm, Irkutsk, and Ufa fall. The Red presence in the East appears to be limited to an enclave northeast of Vladivostok, hiding in a deep forest and a small garrison in Blagoveshchensk.
Several minor skirmishes take place; Perm, Irkutsk, and Ufa fall. The Red presence in the East appears to be limited to an enclave northeast of Vladivostok, hiding in a deep forest and a small garrison in Blagoveshchensk.
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East, 1918 Late July
East, 1918 Late July:
The first attempts to take Simbirsk fail as Red gunboats unload shrapnel all over the place.
In a move certain to upset nobility, White Directorate announces land reforms in 6 easternmost regions of Russia. Despite an expensive campaign, populace is barely moved; loyalty gains are anywhere from 1 to 7% - a very poor return on an investment of 90 roubles.
The first attempts to take Simbirsk fail as Red gunboats unload shrapnel all over the place.
In a move certain to upset nobility, White Directorate announces land reforms in 6 easternmost regions of Russia. Despite an expensive campaign, populace is barely moved; loyalty gains are anywhere from 1 to 7% - a very poor return on an investment of 90 roubles.
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East, 1918 Early August
East, 1918 Early August:
Green forces appear down south by Samarkand; in a weeks to come they will decimate White regiments that foolishly attempt to attack rather than wait it out.
Battle keeps raging on in Simbirsk, with Whites slowly starting to gain upper hand. Nearby, Reds cossack raiders destroy two Czech regiments and an armored train despite poor leadership and odds.
Green forces appear down south by Samarkand; in a weeks to come they will decimate White regiments that foolishly attempt to attack rather than wait it out.
Battle keeps raging on in Simbirsk, with Whites slowly starting to gain upper hand. Nearby, Reds cossack raiders destroy two Czech regiments and an armored train despite poor leadership and odds.
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Eastern Front (August 16, 1918)
Eastern Front (August 16, 1918):
Siberian army is reorganized into three individual corps; you can see that each one is taking over a west - east railroad spur and starts heading west. A small detachment is left behind to finalize control over Ural rail.
Siberian army is reorganized into three individual corps; you can see that each one is taking over a west - east railroad spur and starts heading west. A small detachment is left behind to finalize control over Ural rail.
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Eastern Objectives (August 16, 1918)
Eastern Objectives (August 16, 1918):
Note the heavy price of Simbirsk fighting - close to half of my losses are from there.
Note the heavy price of Simbirsk fighting - close to half of my losses are from there.
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RE: Eastern Objectives (August 16, 1918)
Nice posts Rysyonok!
South, 1918 Early November
The Great War is over! But our war continues.
Fitskhelaurov made his move south as planned, but instead of pinning Voroshilov in place, he ran straight into Stalin with some Red Guards and an armoured train, "Artem". The Guards were roughly handled and retreated into Tzaritsyn proper. I will renew the attack tomorrow.
Voroshilov used his rail lines to shift quickly to the south and catch Ulugai's Kuban cavalry division by its lonesome on the southern approach. It was devastated - something like 80% casualties in a mad cavalry charge at the Red 10th Army and two armoured trains. They're going home for a long while to replace their losses (although at the moment, I have no conscripts).
Denikin, playing cautious, retreated in the face of Voroshilov without engaging. This is a small setback, perhaps made large by the fact that winter is coming very, very soon. However, we have good news farther north!
Our Siberian friends have taken Tambov! This permanently severs the rail line between Tsaritsyn and Moscow. Obviously that's a great thing. Not only does it increase the chances of my meeting the year's objectives, but it gives me the opportunity to perhaps destroy Voroshilov and Stalin's forces without space for them to retreat. Fingers crossed, as always...
South, 1918 Early November
The Great War is over! But our war continues.
Fitskhelaurov made his move south as planned, but instead of pinning Voroshilov in place, he ran straight into Stalin with some Red Guards and an armoured train, "Artem". The Guards were roughly handled and retreated into Tzaritsyn proper. I will renew the attack tomorrow.
Voroshilov used his rail lines to shift quickly to the south and catch Ulugai's Kuban cavalry division by its lonesome on the southern approach. It was devastated - something like 80% casualties in a mad cavalry charge at the Red 10th Army and two armoured trains. They're going home for a long while to replace their losses (although at the moment, I have no conscripts).
Denikin, playing cautious, retreated in the face of Voroshilov without engaging. This is a small setback, perhaps made large by the fact that winter is coming very, very soon. However, we have good news farther north!
Our Siberian friends have taken Tambov! This permanently severs the rail line between Tsaritsyn and Moscow. Obviously that's a great thing. Not only does it increase the chances of my meeting the year's objectives, but it gives me the opportunity to perhaps destroy Voroshilov and Stalin's forces without space for them to retreat. Fingers crossed, as always...
East, 1918 Late August
East, 1918 Late August:
Red forces are pushed back from Perm and Simbirsk; there are rumors that Czechs are in turmoil over heavy casualties and failure of the White Directorate to support them with naval and rail firepower.
Red forces are pushed back from Perm and Simbirsk; there are rumors that Czechs are in turmoil over heavy casualties and failure of the White Directorate to support them with naval and rail firepower.
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