War Without Mercy (no Flavius please)

[Michael T]

Stats 13 August

[Jagdtiger14]

Let me re-iterate, I am a big fan of what you are doing here.

As for conscripts, I think I would use them 1. as road blocks where needed, and 2. defensive positions especially in cities or other terrain forward of the main line...both above as the main line retreats. Any extras mix in with the regulars. I don't think placing them in clear terrain is any good...except maybe vs the Romanians...which is what you are doing anyway.

While it sucks you have lost all those men, you are learning how to play the Soviets as you go. Frankly, I think you are doing a great job so far! In real life, Smolensk fell in mid-July and the Soviets had a major disaster there the first half of August. In July Leningrad was attacked.

The Dnieper River line will stretch him out considerably...your superior numbers might make it possible to counter-attack him before you go completely behind the river line. I see you have a fire brigade ready, but you need more there to counter any bridgeheads...once he gains a foot hold, its time to panic...although you do have a bunch of hero cities after that.

[Michael T]

End Soviet Turn. 17th August 1941 – Clear

Something different for the pundits to ponder. Close ups of the 3 areas of the front that are not static. Note the location of the AGS FSB. Has this man no respect!

Stalin went nuts again this turn, his 4th episode. So 4 General’s shot. All with initiative values of around 50.

This was a direct result of a card I played. Can’t recall what it was called now but it’s the one where the cost of defensive posture goes down (from 15 to 10) but paranoia goes up. My paranoia levels were fairly safe at 4 IIRC. Played that card and they went up to 24. Rolled a 17 or something. Lost 6 PP. But I need some defensive postures for the conscripts. Groan.

[Jagdtiger14]

What happens if you take the FSB?

[Speedysteve]

It automatically relocates back to a previous location from memory with the usual travel disruption that causes

[Michael T]

End Soviet Turn 21st August 1941 – Clear

Things pretty static in the north and centre. But Pskov fell.

But a couple of interesting things happening. 3rd PG has vanished. I have no idea where they are. My best guess is they are going to exploit my weakness around Pskov. But they might turn up anywhere.

In the south the Hun have a bridgehead over the Dniepr. I can do nothing about it. But I do create my own bridgehead right on top of his rail link to his FSB. This means his rail will now have to go via Odessa and back westward along the Dniepr to the FSB. I am hoping this makes some tangible difference to his supplies and creates a diversion in his rear.

This turn we had some notable defensive victories, see below.

[Michael T]

Stats. Stalin is happy again [:)]

[Michael T]

Flavius has informed me the move on the rail hex for the FSB has strangled 1st PG fuel supplies. Robbing him of any chance at Rostov. That along with the 'Iron Wall' in the Centre has prompted a resignation. I accept. Things were getting pretty tough for the Germans.

It was a pleasure to play Flavius and I look forward to our next encounter.

[Jagdtiger14]

Congrats Michael! Thank you for the great AAR!

[Speedysteve]

Well played Michael

[schascha]

Well played and thx for the AAR[&o][&o][&o]