Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
Moderator: Shannon V. OKeets
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The Germans continue their retreat in Russia. Constrained by the need to protect Guderian and various disorganised aircraft, a new temporary line is formed. The heavy SS units are pulled off the front as a reserve.
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RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The Germans and Italians make a single air-rebase each and the impulse comes to an end with no re-organisations.
The turn continues on a 6.
S/O 1944 Allied 8
No DoW
US, Combined; Russia & China, Land; CW, Air (not sure of the latter but if the turn doesn't end at the next Axis impulse there will be a number of reorganised bombers for strategic purposes).
The RN launches every plane from Force H in the West Med on a port attack on La Spezia; 4 bombers and 2 fighters as escort.
The Italian Macchi scrambles to intercept, catching the RN slightly by surprise (both rolled 2, 2 points used to boost A2A by 1). Both sides duel around the sky but neither can find an opening (rolls of 9 and 10). The RN first wave of bombers are ordered to press on regardless. The Macchi's fall on them and shoot them out of the sky but in doing so fail to keep sufficient watch on their tails. The Seafires pounce and shoot them down (Italy 6, DX, RN 17 DX). Italian AA fire causes half of one of the Swordfish wings to bomb short (2-point reduction). The strike sinks 3 CP's and damages a CL.
Alerted to the Jap presence in the Marshalls and unwilling to risk a port-strike on Pearl or surrounding islands, the various harbours empty of shipping as they move to safer sea areas. With only one functional CV, the USN couldn't afford to go toe-to-toe.
The US declines any naval combat.
The turn continues on a 6.
S/O 1944 Allied 8
No DoW
US, Combined; Russia & China, Land; CW, Air (not sure of the latter but if the turn doesn't end at the next Axis impulse there will be a number of reorganised bombers for strategic purposes).
The RN launches every plane from Force H in the West Med on a port attack on La Spezia; 4 bombers and 2 fighters as escort.
The Italian Macchi scrambles to intercept, catching the RN slightly by surprise (both rolled 2, 2 points used to boost A2A by 1). Both sides duel around the sky but neither can find an opening (rolls of 9 and 10). The RN first wave of bombers are ordered to press on regardless. The Macchi's fall on them and shoot them out of the sky but in doing so fail to keep sufficient watch on their tails. The Seafires pounce and shoot them down (Italy 6, DX, RN 17 DX). Italian AA fire causes half of one of the Swordfish wings to bomb short (2-point reduction). The strike sinks 3 CP's and damages a CL.
Alerted to the Jap presence in the Marshalls and unwilling to risk a port-strike on Pearl or surrounding islands, the various harbours empty of shipping as they move to safer sea areas. With only one functional CV, the USN couldn't afford to go toe-to-toe.
The US declines any naval combat.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
S/O 1944 Allied 8: Land Movement
The Soviets close up to the Germans but keep 2 Arm and a Mech out of the front lines.
The Soviets close up to the Germans but keep 2 Arm and a Mech out of the front lines.
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RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
One land combats is declared. The Soviets attack Rostov. They do their best to botch the assault (5 rolled) but overwhelming odds (+15 after the fractional not made) carry the fight. Rostov is recaptured, costing the Germans 2 Inf but the Soviets lose an Inf plus a Mot disorganised.
Air and HQ re-organise 3 RAF and 2 USAAF bombers.
The turn continues on a 3.
S/O 1944 Axis 9
The weather turns dramatically. Storms in Arctic, Nth Temperate and Nth Monsoon. Rain in Med and Sth Monsoon. Only the South Temp remains fine (10 rolled).
No DoW
All three Axis opt to pass for a 50% chance to end the turn. They figure with weather this bad, there wouldn't be much the Allies could do if it continues.
The turn does continue (9 rolled) but the Allies all pass due to the weather. This ends the turn (2 at 70%).
Air and HQ re-organise 3 RAF and 2 USAAF bombers.
The turn continues on a 3.
S/O 1944 Axis 9
The weather turns dramatically. Storms in Arctic, Nth Temperate and Nth Monsoon. Rain in Med and Sth Monsoon. Only the South Temp remains fine (10 rolled).
No DoW
All three Axis opt to pass for a 50% chance to end the turn. They figure with weather this bad, there wouldn't be much the Allies could do if it continues.
The turn does continue (9 rolled) but the Allies all pass due to the weather. This ends the turn (2 at 70%).
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
S/O 1944 End of Turn
Apart from the shuttling of CP escorts, the most significant Stay at Sea is the Jap Combined Fleet in the Marshalls. They drop to the 2-box with a Nav and Ftr in the 3-box. If the US returns to Pearl, it'll face a port strike if it doesn't win the initiative (weather permitting). US and Italian subs stay in their sea zones.
The US decides not to risk it and most of the USN returns to San Francisco. A number of CL's go to Pago Pago.
Strategic Bombing is starting to bite into German production. At 35 BP's it is down 18 on what it might have been. Italy 17, Japan 18. China 11. CW 30, US 86. USSR 36.
Initiative Axis 10, Allies 4. Allies can re-roll and want to do so as they don't want the Japs port striking two Trans that could not rebase out of range. At Axis 9 and Allied 2, the re-roll isn't any better. The Axis choose to go first.
Apart from the shuttling of CP escorts, the most significant Stay at Sea is the Jap Combined Fleet in the Marshalls. They drop to the 2-box with a Nav and Ftr in the 3-box. If the US returns to Pearl, it'll face a port strike if it doesn't win the initiative (weather permitting). US and Italian subs stay in their sea zones.
The US decides not to risk it and most of the USN returns to San Francisco. A number of CL's go to Pago Pago.
Strategic Bombing is starting to bite into German production. At 35 BP's it is down 18 on what it might have been. Italy 17, Japan 18. China 11. CW 30, US 86. USSR 36.
Initiative Axis 10, Allies 4. Allies can re-roll and want to do so as they don't want the Japs port striking two Trans that could not rebase out of range. At Axis 9 and Allied 2, the re-roll isn't any better. The Axis choose to go first.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Axis 1
On a roll of 9 (+2) the best of the weather is rain in Nth Monsoon and Sth Temp. Storms in Sth Monsoon, Snow in Med and Blizzards in the North. This could be a quick turn, which will suit the Axis nicely.
No DoW
Italy, Naval. Germany and Japan, Combined.
On a roll of 9 (+2) the best of the weather is rain in Nth Monsoon and Sth Temp. Storms in Sth Monsoon, Snow in Med and Blizzards in the North. This could be a quick turn, which will suit the Axis nicely.
No DoW
Italy, Naval. Germany and Japan, Combined.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Axis 1: Port Attack
The Japs launch 4 CVP's in a port attack on Midway. Their target the 2 US Trans allocated to III and V Mar, currently on Midway.
With the Combined Fleet having long since been sighted, the attack wasn't a surprise to the US. At the first hint of incoming on the radar a massive smoke-screen is deployed across the harbour. Unable to locate their targets, the Japanese can do little other than return to ship (surprise rolls US 2, Jap 8. Combat avoided).
The Italians fly a couple of Navs to the West Med 3-box. In naval movement a sub moves to the Arabian Sea, CL's move out for convoy escort, including a fresh CP put in the West Med. The latter puts the forces in Morocco back in supply and these are promptly shipped out to Spain.
The Germans send 2 U-boats from Brest to Biscay.
The Japanese attend to convoy escorts.
A number of sea areas are available for combat.
The Japs launch 4 CVP's in a port attack on Midway. Their target the 2 US Trans allocated to III and V Mar, currently on Midway.
With the Combined Fleet having long since been sighted, the attack wasn't a surprise to the US. At the first hint of incoming on the radar a massive smoke-screen is deployed across the harbour. Unable to locate their targets, the Japanese can do little other than return to ship (surprise rolls US 2, Jap 8. Combat avoided).
The Italians fly a couple of Navs to the West Med 3-box. In naval movement a sub moves to the Arabian Sea, CL's move out for convoy escort, including a fresh CP put in the West Med. The latter puts the forces in Morocco back in supply and these are promptly shipped out to Spain.
The Germans send 2 U-boats from Brest to Biscay.
The Japanese attend to convoy escorts.
A number of sea areas are available for combat.
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RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
Japan has no wish to tangle with US subs in the Marianas or Solomons so declines combat.
A punt at the lone US CP in the Marshalls on the other hand ... The Japanese don't bother with any additional air support. With all those Jap CV's, the US figure they would just be giving them more targets so decline to fly. The Japs commit their sub but to no avail when nobody can find each other.
The CW CP's in Biscay have no escorts in the 0-box and are relying on the storms to shield them from hungry periscopes. It rather works the other way round and the U-boats find themselves in a happy hunting ground (Germany 1, CW 10). The U-boat skippers go for maximum damage, accepting their possible deaths (X, 2D). Fortune follows the brave as they make their damage rolls and instead suffer a D and an abort D. Then the torpedoes start hitting home and hitting home and hitting home. 6 CP's are destroyed and 3 aborted leaving only 4 in the sea area. A disaster for the CW that probably proves to be the last hurrah of the U-boats in the Atlantic. Unable to relocate the remaining convoys, they limp back to Brest and thence by secret and devious routes return to repair yards in Germany. If the Germans can't recapture Kiel, they won't get out of the Baltic.
Hoping to emulate their German comrades, the Italian subs seek to do battle in Cape St Vincent. Nobody finds each other.
With no CP's yet in the Arabian sea, the Italians don't bother.
As word of the Atlantic massacre gets out, US sub skippers in the Marianas and Solomons vow to show what they can do. The Japs fly a D3A2 to the Marianas 0-box. Nobody can find each other in either sea area.
A punt at the lone US CP in the Marshalls on the other hand ... The Japanese don't bother with any additional air support. With all those Jap CV's, the US figure they would just be giving them more targets so decline to fly. The Japs commit their sub but to no avail when nobody can find each other.
The CW CP's in Biscay have no escorts in the 0-box and are relying on the storms to shield them from hungry periscopes. It rather works the other way round and the U-boats find themselves in a happy hunting ground (Germany 1, CW 10). The U-boat skippers go for maximum damage, accepting their possible deaths (X, 2D). Fortune follows the brave as they make their damage rolls and instead suffer a D and an abort D. Then the torpedoes start hitting home and hitting home and hitting home. 6 CP's are destroyed and 3 aborted leaving only 4 in the sea area. A disaster for the CW that probably proves to be the last hurrah of the U-boats in the Atlantic. Unable to relocate the remaining convoys, they limp back to Brest and thence by secret and devious routes return to repair yards in Germany. If the Germans can't recapture Kiel, they won't get out of the Baltic.
Hoping to emulate their German comrades, the Italian subs seek to do battle in Cape St Vincent. Nobody finds each other.
With no CP's yet in the Arabian sea, the Italians don't bother.
As word of the Atlantic massacre gets out, US sub skippers in the Marianas and Solomons vow to show what they can do. The Japs fly a D3A2 to the Marianas 0-box. Nobody can find each other in either sea area.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
Apologies to those kind followers enduring this AAR for the long delay in updating. I've been having computer problems and in the end had to do a complete re-install from Windows upwards. It's taken over a weak to get everything straight but, touch the side of my head (the only wood available), it seems to be working okay again.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Axis 1: Air phases.
No strategic or carpet bombing or ground-strikes.
The Germans rail an Inf to Kiev
The Japs get their units around Chengchow back in supply.
The Germans mostly move reinforcements east but send a Mech Div down towards Yugoslavia.
No land combats.
The Germans get their aircraft away from the front lines in Russia, which is the last action of an uneventful impulse.
No strategic or carpet bombing or ground-strikes.
The Germans rail an Inf to Kiev
The Japs get their units around Chengchow back in supply.
The Germans mostly move reinforcements east but send a Mech Div down towards Yugoslavia.
No land combats.
The Germans get their aircraft away from the front lines in Russia, which is the last action of an uneventful impulse.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Allied 4
No DoW.
US & CW Naval. Others Land.
The Allies make the heart-warming discovery that 3 of their Trans and 2 Amph are iced in up in the Baltic ports.
The CW attends to convoy escorts, moves an empty CV from Gib to UK, replacing it with 2 full ones, puts BB's and CA's into the Baltic a CA loaded with a Div in the Red Sea and brings an Aussie HQ to Basra A couple of loaded Trans are in the North Sea.
Apart from convoy escorts, the US deploys to the Baltic and returns the main fleet to off Pearl. Transports continue the process of getting units to Europe.
The US subs in the Marianas have a go for the Jap CP but neither side can find each other.
The CW CA in the Red Sea runs into the Italian CP and sends it to the bottom.
In Cape St Vincent the Italian subs try for the CP's but are caught on the surface by the outer screen (3-box). One sub is sent home damaged, while one of the CW CL's has to return to Gib. The Italians persist but are again surprised on the surface and the sub is sunk for no loss.
The Italian sub in the Arabian Sea does slightly better by aborting the CP but is also sent back to port.
No DoW.
US & CW Naval. Others Land.
The Allies make the heart-warming discovery that 3 of their Trans and 2 Amph are iced in up in the Baltic ports.
The CW attends to convoy escorts, moves an empty CV from Gib to UK, replacing it with 2 full ones, puts BB's and CA's into the Baltic a CA loaded with a Div in the Red Sea and brings an Aussie HQ to Basra A couple of loaded Trans are in the North Sea.
Apart from convoy escorts, the US deploys to the Baltic and returns the main fleet to off Pearl. Transports continue the process of getting units to Europe.
The US subs in the Marianas have a go for the Jap CP but neither side can find each other.
The CW CA in the Red Sea runs into the Italian CP and sends it to the bottom.
In Cape St Vincent the Italian subs try for the CP's but are caught on the surface by the outer screen (3-box). One sub is sent home damaged, while one of the CW CL's has to return to Gib. The Italians persist but are again surprised on the surface and the sub is sunk for no loss.
The Italian sub in the Arabian Sea does slightly better by aborting the CP but is also sent back to port.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Allied 4: Groundstrikes
None
No rail movement
In China, the ChiComms start heading North, their goal Manchuria and Korea, leaving behind one unit to prevent the Nationalists from taking Siam.
The Russians close up to the German lines. In the North, a decent sized force begins an end-round of the German line.
None
No rail movement
In China, the ChiComms start heading North, their goal Manchuria and Korea, leaving behind one unit to prevent the Nationalists from taking Siam.
The Russians close up to the German lines. In the North, a decent sized force begins an end-round of the German line.
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RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The RAF send a Typhoon to Denmark and a Tempest to Estonia. The RCAF Mossie flies to Iceland.
The USAAF rebase two fighter-bombers to the front in Spain and a B-17 arrives in England from Greenland.
The Soviets rebase 2 Lnd and a Ftr closer to the front.
Alexander reorganises 3 CP's and a CV in Liverpool.
That concludes the impulse.
The USAAF rebase two fighter-bombers to the front in Spain and a B-17 arrives in England from Greenland.
The Soviets rebase 2 Lnd and a Ftr closer to the front.
Alexander reorganises 3 CP's and a CV in Liverpool.
That concludes the impulse.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Axis 7
On a 5, increased to 7, the weather is Snow, Arctic and Nth Temp; Rain Med and Sth Monsoon; Fine elsewhere.
All 3 Axis go for Land actions.
The Japs launch a 2 bomber (8 factors) port attack, escorted by a Ftr and CVP, against Kwajalein. Their target the two CL's, which would temporarily strand the two US Mar Divs. The US just about picks up the incoming raid (surprise US 1, Japs 3) and scrambles its P-38 to intercept. It'll be fighting at a disadvantage (-2:+2) which could have been slightly improved through use of the 2 surprise points but I think these would be better employed reducing damage.
As the P-38's form up, the Jap P1Y2 sweeps through to target. The Jap fighters miss an early opportunity to deal with the Yankee's (both rolled a 9). The second Jap bomber sweeps through to target, while the P-38's are forced back to base (both rolled 13). AA fire caused 40% of the P1Y2's to drop short (2 point reduction). The US had just enough time to start getting the CL's underway (2 points of surprise used to reduce damage by one column).
On a 5, increased to 7, the weather is Snow, Arctic and Nth Temp; Rain Med and Sth Monsoon; Fine elsewhere.
All 3 Axis go for Land actions.
The Japs launch a 2 bomber (8 factors) port attack, escorted by a Ftr and CVP, against Kwajalein. Their target the two CL's, which would temporarily strand the two US Mar Divs. The US just about picks up the incoming raid (surprise US 1, Japs 3) and scrambles its P-38 to intercept. It'll be fighting at a disadvantage (-2:+2) which could have been slightly improved through use of the 2 surprise points but I think these would be better employed reducing damage.
As the P-38's form up, the Jap P1Y2 sweeps through to target. The Jap fighters miss an early opportunity to deal with the Yankee's (both rolled a 9). The second Jap bomber sweeps through to target, while the P-38's are forced back to base (both rolled 13). AA fire caused 40% of the P1Y2's to drop short (2 point reduction). The US had just enough time to start getting the CL's underway (2 points of surprise used to reduce damage by one column).
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RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
Air-raid sirens announce the Luftwaffe is back to the populace of Manchester. Warehouses storing materials for both factories are destroyed, causing 2 BP loss.
The Mussolini Arm rails to Toulouse.
The Japs move some units inland in China.
The Italians prepare to have another go at the partisan unit they botched last time.
The Germans continue their withdrawal in Russia.
The Mussolini Arm rails to Toulouse.
The Japs move some units inland in China.
The Italians prepare to have another go at the partisan unit they botched last time.
The Germans continue their withdrawal in Russia.
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RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
This time, at +21, nothing can go wrong and the Spanish partisan is destroyed.
The Italians rebase a Dardo to Barcelona.
The Germans rebase two aircraft back behind the lines in Russia.
Yamashita reorganises the P1Y2 from the port attack.
The turn continues on a 10.
The Italians rebase a Dardo to Barcelona.
The Germans rebase two aircraft back behind the lines in Russia.
Yamashita reorganises the P1Y2 from the port attack.
The turn continues on a 10.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Allied 9
No DoW
CW Combined, others Land.
The CW puts 3 CP in Biscay and Illustrious re-joins the fleet at Gibraltar with her new air-wing.
Bomber Command sends 4 groups to bomb Lodz. The USAAF send 4 groups plus 2 P-38's to Cologne. The Luftwaffe counter with 2 Bf-109's, giving them +1:-1.
While the Luftwaffe form up, the first B-17 group gets through to target (Germans 13, US 8). The Bf-109's first pass sends a B-17 group back to the UK without loss (Germans 7, US 11). The escorts then tangle with the Bf-109's resulting in one group from each side RTB (both rolled 14). Odds improve for the US to evens. The fighter duel continues resulting in a P-38 group shot down and the remaining Bf-109 forced back to base (Germans 18, US 8). The US bomb-aimers think their bombs hit the ground but nobody could really pin-point where (1 rolled). Bomber Command could show where their bombs hit ... just nowhere near the target (2 rolled).
The RAF take a punt at an OOS German Arm up on the North Baltic coast with their Tempest. If it works, they would get a good odds attack to expand the bridgehead. Plumes of smoke from blazing Armoured vehicles signify a successful strike (1 rolled).
Gen Blamey rails to the end of the line West of Baghdad.
No DoW
CW Combined, others Land.
The CW puts 3 CP in Biscay and Illustrious re-joins the fleet at Gibraltar with her new air-wing.
Bomber Command sends 4 groups to bomb Lodz. The USAAF send 4 groups plus 2 P-38's to Cologne. The Luftwaffe counter with 2 Bf-109's, giving them +1:-1.
While the Luftwaffe form up, the first B-17 group gets through to target (Germans 13, US 8). The Bf-109's first pass sends a B-17 group back to the UK without loss (Germans 7, US 11). The escorts then tangle with the Bf-109's resulting in one group from each side RTB (both rolled 14). Odds improve for the US to evens. The fighter duel continues resulting in a P-38 group shot down and the remaining Bf-109 forced back to base (Germans 18, US 8). The US bomb-aimers think their bombs hit the ground but nobody could really pin-point where (1 rolled). Bomber Command could show where their bombs hit ... just nowhere near the target (2 rolled).
The RAF take a punt at an OOS German Arm up on the North Baltic coast with their Tempest. If it works, they would get a good odds attack to expand the bridgehead. Plumes of smoke from blazing Armoured vehicles signify a successful strike (1 rolled).
Gen Blamey rails to the end of the line West of Baghdad.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Allied 9: Land movement
The Soviets close up to the retreating Germans.
The ChiComms continue NE, although they won't get much further until Mao is rebuilt.
In the Baltic the CW prepares to follow up on the ground-strike.
The Soviets close up to the retreating Germans.
The ChiComms continue NE, although they won't get much further until Mao is rebuilt.
In the Baltic the CW prepares to follow up on the ground-strike.
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RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
The Soviets declare a lowish odds attack on a German Mech NW of Smolensk. They have a cheap Militia unit to absorb a loss. The CW declare their Baltic attack.
The Soviets find they haven't reckoned on the range of some of the German bombers as a Ju-88P unloads its bombs on their attacking columns (2 points defensive support). The Soviet Blitzkrieg forces the German Mech to retreat for 2 disorganised Inf units.
The CW attack is a formality against a disorganised and OOS Arm reduced to 1 point. Exit the XLI Arm.
The Soviets rebase 3 aircraft forwards and that ends the impulse but not the turn as it continues on a 6.
The Soviets find they haven't reckoned on the range of some of the German bombers as a Ju-88P unloads its bombs on their attacking columns (2 points defensive support). The Soviet Blitzkrieg forces the German Mech to retreat for 2 disorganised Inf units.
The CW attack is a formality against a disorganised and OOS Arm reduced to 1 point. Exit the XLI Arm.
The Soviets rebase 3 aircraft forwards and that ends the impulse but not the turn as it continues on a 6.
RE: Decline and Fall The Long Way Round
N/D 1944 Axis 11
On a 9 (10), the weather turns horrible everywhere with Blizzards, Snow, Rains and Storms across the globe.
No DoW
Italy Land, Germany Naval, Japan Combined.
The Japs have a go at finishing the job they started at Kwajalein with another two bomber port attack. Surprising the US (3 vs 6) the planes swoop out of the rain drenched clouds and claim multiple hits on the CL Brooklyn, sinking her for sure. It later turns out most of these were near misses (X saved to D).
The Deutschland and Koln attempt to run the blockade and break out into the Atlantic. They are intercepted and elect to fight it out in Biscay (3-box). The Kriegsmarine, less the old coast defence BB's, sorties into the Baltic along with 3 subs.
The Japs move 2 Trans to the China Sea and load Inf units for China.
Several sea areas are available for combat.
On a 9 (10), the weather turns horrible everywhere with Blizzards, Snow, Rains and Storms across the globe.
No DoW
Italy Land, Germany Naval, Japan Combined.
The Japs have a go at finishing the job they started at Kwajalein with another two bomber port attack. Surprising the US (3 vs 6) the planes swoop out of the rain drenched clouds and claim multiple hits on the CL Brooklyn, sinking her for sure. It later turns out most of these were near misses (X saved to D).
The Deutschland and Koln attempt to run the blockade and break out into the Atlantic. They are intercepted and elect to fight it out in Biscay (3-box). The Kriegsmarine, less the old coast defence BB's, sorties into the Baltic along with 3 subs.
The Japs move 2 Trans to the China Sea and load Inf units for China.
Several sea areas are available for combat.
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