The Full Campaign - Lodrik (J) vs. JochenHeiden (A)

[BananaConvention]

Unfortunately yesterday's success was short-lived, and Lodrik brought is crashing back to reality.

Lodrik has dealt us a blow today, switching to a new, ethically questionable tactic against us in China. I can't say I am very happy about it, but it's not technically against any rule. It's just... cheesy. Now we will have to come up with a counter, and I don't know if there is one.

At Tarakan, Lodrik completely avenges his fallen transports, effectively eliminating our fighters after I pressed the attack one too many days. The remnants of our air forces there are now reeling in retreat back to Celebes to lick their wounds.

In the Bay of Bengal, Lodrik's ships have temporarily retreated, but we are seeing signs that Port Blair may have been a trap all along, and we barely got out alive.

Finally, mystery is abound in the South Pacific, with missing carriers, ghost surface raiders, and subs clogging our convoy lanes.

Overall, Lodrik is definitely showing signs of life in this campaign and things are becoming difficult for me again. He's definitely not out of this thing, not by a long shot!

https://youtu.be/agcBmAv434Y

[BananaConvention]

Today our bomber forces launched a MASSIVE raid on one of Lodrik's airfields in Thailand, and the results were just fantastic! We dealt him a major blow, and there's plenty more where that came from.

In Northern China, Lodrik's troops have finally arrived in Sian, and we are racing to leave town before it's too late. However, in Changsha, Lodrik's aircraft have been eerily quiet, refusing to fly today. I think they know what they're up against and are choosing the wiser course of action.

In the Philippines, our forces at Cagayan are effectively trapped, and it's up to brave group of volunteers to find an escape path out of there. Can they get out in time?

Near Rangoon, Lodrik has finally figured out how to use his twin-engine torpedo bombers against our ships, and our supply convoy takes a beating with heavy losses.

Finally, our carriers strike at Port Blair, but only find a few rowboats. The secret's up, and it's time to move out before the Betties come for revenge.

https://youtu.be/BxKGRcMtDCk

[BananaConvention]

Today was nothing but a GIANT FAILURE on ALL fronts!

First, our submarines failed. They had multiple tries on lightly defended targets, and didn't get it done.

Next, our bombers failed. Out of 150 bombers sortied this turn, exactly 0 found their targets.

Then, our fighters failed in their CAP, and were totally overwhelmed over Rangoon, leading to heavy losses.

But wait, there's more! Lodrik finally launched his attack on Sian, and it was a total blowout. The roads leading out of Sian are strewn with wounded Chinese soldiers reeling from another patented Lodrik Death Stack.

Finally, our naval search in the South Pacific failed. Lodrik sailed an entire armada through and put a hurtin' on some of my best ships, and put our remaining troop ships in an extremely perilous situation, with the possibility of thousands lost at sea being a serious concern going into the next turn.

https://youtu.be/CsyZngjvbXg

[BananaConvention]

This one's going to be a doozy.

Where do I even begin? Well let's start in New Zealand. Lodrik's warships have started self-replicating like Amoebas and tons more are coming out of the woodwork, with 3 additional task forces now being spotted in and around New Zealand. A major engagement ensued and our ships were pin cushions for Japanese shells, but they didn't exactly get away without a scratch either...

In China, Lodrik returns to his dastardly ways with his nonsense night bombings of Changsha, but this time, our Chinese brothers in Arms flew to meet the threat and definitely left a few Japanese pilots with soiled britches if nothing else.

Now for the big surprise (or not, depending!), the Kido Butai has RETURNED on map! I'll let you guess where they showed up, but their arrival constitutes a "narrow escape" for a certain Task Force that was inhabiting the same space not two days prior. Thank Goodness my premonitions were correct. Now we have a major threat standing in the way of our plans.

Lastly, I'm going go take a few minutes at the end of the video to discuss the "State of the Game" as of March 1942, and talk about how my strategy is shifting from a month ago, in light of the current developments. This will be a long one, but well worth it, so grab some coffee, popcorn, or Cognac, and join me for this action-packed turn!

https://youtu.be/bWGO-2dR4Cw

[BananaConvention]

Lodrik is starting to bleed us dry with a death by 1000 pin pricks.

In China, we suffer a massive and unexpected defeat on the ground. I didn't see it coming at all, and it has potentially long-lasting ramifications for our defense plans in the North of China.

In Burma, my B-17 pilots were drinking on the job and failed to find their targets once again, but the same can't be said about the Japanese. They absolutely plastered us.

In the Philippines, the "Killers of Cagayan" were killed, and sent retreating into the mountains of Mindanao, compromising our defense plans for the island.

In the South Pacific, Lodrik's naval and air forces pull off another victory, striking us unexpectedly at Pago Pago, and massacring a flight of irreplaceable Marauders.

I basically have nothing positive to report further: Over and out.

https://youtu.be/p4C7sGEMdXA

[BananaConvention]

I predicted it was coming soon, and the day has arrived: the Air War over Rangoon has commenced!

Lodrik finally launched his much anticipated aerial assault at Rangoon, and this was by far the largest air battle we have seen this campaign. Our valiant fighter pilots did the best they could to stem the tide of non-stop Japanese attacks, but they were eventually worn down and overwhelmed. We took heavy losses in aircraft that are not replaceable right now.

In China, Lodrik's back to the same old tricks at Changsha, daylight bombing. This time, however, he's changing things up on the ground. We have detected a new thrust, and it could spell catastrophe for us if we are not careful.

In the South Pacific, Lodrik continues to menace New Zealand and block the path to Noumea. We also suffer a very unfortunate and regrettable submarine loss. This campaign is spicy as ever!

https://youtu.be/s_5pJGcAzIg

[BananaConvention]

Lodrik never saw it coming!

Our little patrol gunboat Asheville, that had been previously hanging out at Tarakan and then made its way to Ambon decided to sortie on a belligerent expedition to Tarakan just to see what's doing. By the the they were done, a burning pile of twisted Japanese steel was left smoldering in Tenate Harbor!

Unfortunately we weren't as lucky in the air out there in the Dutch East Indies. Our Dutch bombers sortied repeatedly today and ran into Zeroes at every turn. Very few survived the day and we lost many pilots in what could be described as a senseless outing.

Over Rangoon, Lodrik tried his hand at night bombing again, but this time he was met by the AVG and Commander Thach in his F4F Wildcats, and were appropriately punished for their crimes.

Finally, in the South Pacific, yet another threat emerges, as Lodrik's carrier forces seemingly continue to multiply by the day. The island of Pago Pago suffered a significant attack and the survival of the ships in port is now in question. Where did these new air assets come from?

https://youtu.be/K7yhKQOTZmc

[BananaConvention]

Man... this turn was weird.

Lodrik basically didn't show up this turn. The bombers didn't fly, the ground troops didn't attack. Aside from a some submarine activity and another devastating port strike by Japanese naval bombers, this turn was bizarrely quiet.

It has me starting to wonder if supply shortages are starting to take their town with Lodrik. Take a look at this turn and give me your thoughts about what you think could be going on.

https://youtu.be/8YEsr4W14oM

[BananaConvention]

Sometimes I wish I would just keep my mouth shut.

A turn ago I was commenting that I was curious as to where Lodrik had been when it came to operating around Perth. Well we found out! Lodrik's commerce raiding cruisers came in with fury and violence of action and decimated our ships. Some reports suggested the Japanese were machine-gunning survivors in their lifeboats... how vile!! Add it to the list of war crimes that Lodrik will answer to at the conclusion of this war!

In China, things were mostly quiet, but it's clear he's maneuvering for two major offensives in the North and Center of China. We are doing all we can to prepare but it may be too little, too late.

On Sumatra, Lodrik grabs more bases, leaving only Fortress Palembang. Again, last turn I was asking why Lodrik didn't grab Palembang yet. It certainly appears he's heading over to do it now.

In a baffling and disturbing move, Lodrik lands on an island we control, right smack in the middle of the action. What he was thinking with this latest move is anyone's guess, but it was certainly bold and daring!

Finally, Lodrik's carrier forces near Pago Pago have left, but now they're heading in a new direction that has my forces scrambling. Lodrik's got the heat turned up to max again and we're on our back foot and stumbling!

https://youtu.be/9-8OzAUhRqc

[BananaConvention]

Lodrik's cruisers are out in force in the Indian Ocean and exact an even larger price than last turn!

Things are China are looking more bleak by the day.

The Hiryu Task Force has disappeared from radar south of Pago Pago.

https://youtu.be/GPqvRApT3S8

[BananaConvention]

So I'm trying something different!

I decided to stream a live turn setup on Twitch tonight in an effort to improve the image quality. Youtube has been assigning me an awful codec (avc1) for my live streams, making the image quality blurry and poor. Twitch is much better for livestreaming.

This was the recorded video from the live stream. I hope you'll consider joining me on Twitch in the future for live stream events!

https://www.twitch.tv/jochenheiden

[BananaConvention]

Today was a better day for us!

A few important things occurred here. First, we finally re-spotted the Hiryu task force south of Pago Pago, but we had to sacrifice something to do.

Next, we spotted a new threat emerging just Northwest of Darwin, a Japanese task force, seemingly with at least one aircraft carrier. Its destination and purpose are still unknown at this time.

Finally, we repulsed MULTIPLE Japanese ground attacks all over the map! In several of these locations, I felt certain we would be overrun, but our brave troops held!

Compared to the last two days we had, I'll take a turn like this any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

https://youtu.be/vgI_s6DAxYY

[BananaConvention]

It appears that our worst fears are being realized: Lodrik is approaching the Northern Coast of Australia near Darwin for what can only be interpreted as an invasion attempt.

We will do everything necessary to defend Australia from Japanese boots on the ground. Lodrik appears to have made a tactical blunder by coming in too light, but it remains to be seen how that'll play out without giving it another day.

Two American subs got into perfect firing positions and unleashed their deadly payload this turn, and scored direct hits! Too bad they were Mark 14 torpedoes and they did nothing more than put some dents in hulls.

In China, Lodrik continues to move for an encirclement of the Changsha plains. But it's not all bad news... we were able to get the bulk of our troops across the river safely into Henyang and take up defensive positions. If he intends to cross the river and assault our positions he will pay dearly for it!

https://youtu.be/hmbBMytAeds

[BananaConvention]

Lodrik has INVADED Australia!

As I predicted, the large fleet we detected has attacked Darwin, and it was a bloodbath in the air, on the water, and on land. And it's just the beginning.

In Malaya, our brave Indian troops who've been holding out for months have been put to the ultimate test. Will they make it out alive this time?

In China, Lodrik attacks our weakened forces holding the road to Henyang. Will they survive the onslaught or will the path be left open for Lodrik to drive headlong for our last oil production facility in China?

In the South Pacific, and I'm literally talking the BOTTOM EDGE OF THE MAP, Lodrik's Hiryu task force caught up with a convoy loaded with aircraft, and a slaughter commenced. We are absolutely unable to protect our convoys now. It's time for us to cease all sea-borne traffic until we can come up with a solution for this.

This turn was a giant train wreck for us. Lodrik has definitely righted the ship and is consistently gaining ground and points each turn. Will he turn it around enough to assure himself an auto victory in 1943?

https://youtu.be/_KMpWfFbAVA

[BananaConvention]

Here's a recap of our 11 March 1942 turn setup, while we deal with possible invasions of Fiji and Darwin!

https://youtu.be/rchcAWxTjVw

[BananaConvention]

Another INVASION!!

Lodrik sent a massive task force towards some islands I had predicted in the previous turn, but the shear size of the convoy was shocking. All the aircraft I had ready to defend cowarded out and refused to fly, and I don't know where that leaves us now.

In China, Lodrik resumes his bloody bombing campaign over Changsha. It seems too little, too late, but he's doing it anyway. Is he softening it up for another attack?

In Burma, our offensive continues, but a massive Japanese troop buildup in Bangkok cannot be ignored, and it could derail all our plans.

Day Two of the Invasion of Darwin, and we put a hurtin' on the ships off the coast, but Lodrik returns the favor with a bloody assault on the defenders on land. How much longer can we hold out?

https://youtu.be/rPjtDMIRYvo

[WEXF]

I have been following your AAR on this game on YT and in this last report I noticed something that I think you may be missing in your handling of newly re-bought out units. I think you had a unit (804th Eng. BN) that was destroyed and rebought that just arrived back in the US at SF. If I read the screen correctly it is back as a "restricted" unit and is an a very low % of TOE. If you buy it out now it will cost very little compared to what it will cost in PP after it is rebuilt.

Screenshot (1150).png (2.17 MiB) Viewed 775 times

Just a thought.
WEXF

[BananaConvention]

I have been following your AAR on this game on YT and in this last report I noticed something that I think you may be missing in your handling of newly re-bought out units. I think you had a unit (804th Eng. BN) that was destroyed and rebought that just arrived back in the US at SF. If I read the screen correctly it is back as a "restricted" unit and is an a very low % of TOE. If you buy it out now it will cost very little compared to what it will cost in PP after it is rebuilt.
Screenshot (1150).png
Just a thought.
WEXF

Thank you so much for your reply and for watching my campaign! You're absolutely 100% correct about buying out the restricted unit. I actually already did just that during my turn setup, which I didn't show on screen. All the units I've bought back I got at a massive PP discount for this reason. Keep the observations coming, I DO miss a lot sometimes! It's easy to get lost in this game sometimes.

[BananaConvention]

Boy have I got some drama for you!

So, the turn was awful again. Lodrik has nothing but success today. Fiji is going down, more ships lost south of New Zealand, a suicidal diversion by my last 3 remaining Clemsons, and pre-attack bombardments in China.

But WAIT... there's more...

When I loaded up the turn, I got a disturbing message from the game that something had been changed. Tune in to see the drama that occurred over the turn files and the resolution.

OH! And we hit 5K subs!! Thank you EVERYONE!

https://youtu.be/UX_0_GRbu9E

[BananaConvention]

Join me as I setup my 13 March 1942 turn against Lodrik. Darwin's about to fall, Fiji is in flames, and Australia is blockaded in two locations! Help me find a way out of this!

https://youtu.be/gNvclciX1B4