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Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 3:08 pm
by VTFL
My brother and I are not quite newbies, but not too far from it. We are also old, senile and stupid. We intend to play as Allies against the Japanese (AI) and have decided to establish the Palembang Fortress as part of our strategy. We are aware of the historic flaws in doing this and want to self-impose a handicap or two on ourselves in an effort to get a little closer to something that would have been historically plausible. At last, here is my question. Is there a viable way to sporadically shut down Palembang's supply production . . . like one week at a time, or every other day, or whatever? I know it can be pretty much self-sufficient, and we wanted to somewhat minimize that.
Re: Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 3:39 pm
by RangerJoe
VTFL wrote: Mon Jan 23, 2023 3:08 pm
My brother and I are not quite newbies, but not too far from it. We are also old, senile and stupid. We intend to play as Allies against the Japanese (AI) and have decided to establish the Palembang Fortress as part of our strategy. We are aware of the historic flaws in doing this and want to self-impose a handicap or two on ourselves in an effort to get a little closer to something that would have been historically plausible. At last, here is my question. Is there a viable way to sporadically shut down Palembang's supply production . . . like one week at a time, or every other day, or whatever? I know it can be pretty much self-sufficient, and we wanted to somewhat minimize that.
If you are playing the regular game or a mod where the refineries produce supplies, shut down the refineries. They supplies produced would actually be the Petroleum, Oil, and Lubrication products that are represented by supplies. That is, the Avgas, Mogas, diesel, motor oil, greases, and all other such products. While units can eat them or shoot them as ammo, they can be used to make gas bombs and such.
Of course, by shutting down the refineries, the oil will build up and Australia only needs a little raw oil for its excess refinery operations.
Re: Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:14 pm
by VTFL
Thanks! That's a great idea!
We also plan to send land forces to Palembang relatively quickly. Initially these would presumably be largely from Malaya/Singapore. We are aware that the British would probably not immediately abandon this area, and there were Dutch-British political considerations. Is there a suggested way we should delay this? I should add that we do not plan to defend Malaya or Singapore to the extent the British-Australian-Indian forces did. That is, as quickly as we think the British should have seen the handwriting on the wall, we plan to cut and run to Palembang.
Re: Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:19 pm
by BBfanboy
The Dutch rightfully considered Java the core of their empire in the area, but what if they decided to fight forward (at Palembang) instead of trying to defend everywhere in Java?
If you imagine such a policy, you could airlift Restricted Dutch units to Palembang or Oosthaven (to march to Palembang) to help set up your fortress. Above all, you need an emergency convoy of supply to Palembang to have any hope of holding out for a few months. I suggest at least 50,000.
Re: Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2023 4:55 pm
by RangerJoe
Yes, you can cut and run to Palembang and even airlift some parts of the Malaya Army as well. But don't base air units at Palembang but one hex behind it so they will not be trashed during a bombardment. That said, build up the Port and Airfield to at least 9 so no fuel is wasted. Build up Osthaven, both the Port to draw more fuel and to enable you to load more tankers plus the Airfield for defense.
Re: Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:40 am
by SuluSea
Perhaps it's the cranky old man in me but the incessant off topic pictures make the forum reading cumbersome. If the goal is to make us use more data while reading...well done.
Re: Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2023 8:51 am
by Yaab
This is why I always leave Palembang lightly defended against the AI and fortify Batavia/Sorebaja/Singapore instead. Soldiers eating avgas just break immersion for me.
Re: Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2023 11:27 am
by Sardaukar
So called "Fortress Java" is often better option, since it is easier to supply from Australia.
OTOH, it requires lot more forces.
Unfortunately, if you play vs. IJ AI, it breaks the AI if Japan cannot get Palembang and/or Java.
Re: Palembang Fortress handicap
Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:48 am
by BBfanboy
Yaab wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 8:51 am
This is why I always leave Palembang lightly defended against the AI and fortify Batavia/Sorebaja/Singapore instead. Soldiers eating avgas just break immersion for me.
Easily rationalized: The troops trade the petroleum based supply with the local populace for food and other things they need. The black market has everything.