Feeding Frenzy: Shark7 (J) vs Jim D Burns (A)

[Shark7]

This will be an AAR for our grand campaign, as seen from the Japanese point of view.

This is a slightly modded game with the following:

400% mine production
G5N-1, G5N-2, and G8N available for Japan.
PDU is on, but only to allow for the conversion of a few squadrons to use the G%N series, otherwise, Upgrade paths are static and default.
Aerial Mining, LBA ASW, and 4Es below 6k feet are limited, not banned.

Opening turn saw only a few minor changes, mostly in 'housekeeping' duties. Allies are allowed to change course on any TF already at sea, and Japan is allowed only 1 port attack turn 1.

Reports to follow.

[Shark7]

8 December 1941

Rikugun Taisa Sakai Matsujiro steeled himself for the task at hand. Taking one last chance to smooth his uniform before being called in to begin his report. With the opening of hostilities against the western nations, he had the luck...some would argue bad luck...to be chosen to present the daily briefing to the Emperor. It was an honor few would ever be granted.

The time had come, he was called in to give his breifing. Bowing deeply and respectfully he entered the room and waited for the signal to begin. When it was given he began...

"Your Majesty, as you are aware Imperial forces began operations against the United States, Great Britian and its Commonwealth, and the Dutch East Indies at dawn yesterday. In the last 24 hours we have made good strides in our efforts. Each combat theatre has prepared a report, which I will present with your permission."

A simple nod was Sakai's queue to continue.

"As your Majesty is aware, our efforts in China continue. The main effort in China is to secure the lines of communications and continue to develop the resources we control in that area. Rikugun Taisho Hata of the China Expeditionary Army reports that after carefull evaluation of the ability to resupply Ichang and its relative un-importance to our efforts in China he has ordered that our troops withdraw from this city and be redeployed for future operations. In southern China, our forces prepare to liberate Hong Kong from the British. Also of note, a small disorganized Chinese formation attempted to penetrate our defenses at Pengpu, but were easily driven off by Japanese and loyal Chinese forces in the area."

"Rikugun Taisho Terauchi of Southern Army reports that troops have begun to secure the bases at Singora, Patani and Kota Bharu. He also reports that Thailand has agreed to a ceasefire allowing Imperial forces to provide security to these locations after some initial skirmishes. It appears that Prime Minister Phibunsongkram wishes to maintain peaceful relations with Japan."

"Rikugun Chujo Homma of 14th Army reports that all plans are on schedule. He also reports that combined efforts of both Army and Navy aircraft have severely damaged the airfields and port facilities in the Phillipines. Reconnaissance flights over Manila indicate that a number of American ships are making preparations to get underway. Naval air forces will be tasked with intercepting these ships if they attempt to leave port."

"Kaigun Taisho Yamamoto reports that the raid on Pearl Harbor was not a complete success. While 6 of the 8 Battleships stationed at the port were reported to be severely damaged and burning, the American Carriers cannot be located. It is also reported that a number of smaller combatants appear to have been sunk in the raid, while even more were left burning at their moorings. Kaigun Chujo Naguma has ordered Kido Butai be retired west until the location of the American carriers can be ascertained."

Finished with his report, Sakai waited patiently for any questions that might require answer. With none asked, he was dismissed with a wave of the hand, and slowly backed his way out of the briefing room, bowing deeply as he did so.

[Shark7]

This game has been called due to lack of time. I just do not have the hours in the day to invest in a game this complex and be able to keep a reasonable turn output. As such, this was probably my last attempt at playing AE, the game requires too much time due to micro-management. [:(]