40K good campign book desires:

[madd0ct0r]

Ok, I'm starting to looking at putting together a Epic: Armageddon Supplement.

Given the extent of scorn around here for some of the tactics used in Forgeworld Publications, I figured some of you might like the chance for a 'sensible' campaign.


Basic plot line:

In the shallows of the Eye of Terror lies the Daemonworld of Ddywensac. A dark and fearful place, the planet is one of the Heretek Forges, trading weapons and demon engines to all factions in return for resources and security.
Historically, the centre of this activity is the spires of Hive Usk, where the current Dark Magos controls the flow of energy and souls through her domain. Rebellions and schisms are common. A minor faction have taken control of the Stygian Canyon Manufactorii, exploring the effects of weaker binding upon demon engines. This horrendously unstable research has been banned, with the practitioners moving to outright rebellion. This could be framed as a philosophical debate within the Dark Mechanicus, albeit one that will shape the future of warfare for many systems around it.

Both sides are racing to complete and unleash as many super heavy demon engines as possible. The rebels have enlisted the cultist surface tribes to swell their numbers, whilst the Magos has requested the aid of a chaos titan legion in return for a base on the planet’s moon. The Titan Legion has landed but seems to treat both sides in the conflict with equal contempt.

Constraints:
the planet is basically a demon-forge-world. you'll need more then sun-screen on the surface.

The war must be won without disrupting the supply schedule to other worlds too much, as the planet survives mostly by being useful.
Both of the Mechanicus sides see their limited number of acolytes as more valuable inside the factories then as infantry.
Both mechanicus factions have significant manufacturing ability for anything tank sized upwards. Bound demons give these tanks a limited lifespan, but means they don't need drivers or fuel.
Hive Usk has greater output, but the rebels use of unbound demon engines give them an edge in one to one ability.

Hive Usk sits in a plains area, basically similar to Detroit. As you might expect, Hive Usk is a huge baroque nightmare, intmidating more for it's sheer size then any especially effective defenses.

Stygian Complex is a fortified canyon in a broken area. Think sort of arizona. A single river runs through it, with spoil heaps and pollution causing it to spread out into a marsh in the region below the canyon.




So, as commander on either side. what do you order?

[Purple]

So we what, just pick a side and describe our strategy? I can do that.

Well... this might sound crazy. But as a commander on the rebel side I feel I need to grab the dragon by the throat. As you said, the planet survives by being useful and fulfilling the supply schedule. What that means is that sooner or later forces from the outside are going to start pouring in to make sure it is not disrupted. And when that happens chances are that thanks to the nature of chaos both sides will be royally screwed. Ergo, the best course of action right now is to go after those production and delivery capabilities. And go after them with such ferocity and determination that my enemies give pause. Show the rest of the eye that my opponents can NOT be relied upon to maintain their duties. And show my enemies that I would rather accept mutual annihilation right now than a potential defeat. Than use this to force them to the negotiating table. Sure it's crazy. But crazy and bold is what chaos is all about baby.

[madd0ct0r]

hmmm. you're going for the blitzkreig option?

Emphasis on the faster tank sized demon engines with hard spear tip of fast super heavies (Slaanesh or Tzeentech influences). Roll across the continent, raiding settlements and outposts along the way.


Hive Usk would probably respond by building artillery engines and air support. Basically area control regiments that force you to detour from the direct path to the Hive. Air support to harry your blitzkrieg columns. No real supply lines to cut, but can try and prevent reinforcements.
Ambushes and delaying attacks might not work - there's the risk the rebels would just punch straight through.

Since the rebel industrial output is less I'd expect counter-raiding and disruption attacks on the canyon system might be cost-effective, but Hive Usk would have to get the forces there - a pure 'tank' force might have the speed to beat the blitzlegion though.