10 August, 2008

Battle of Vernaw Woods (Susquehanna)

2nd Wave
Susquehanna (Free Rasalhague Republic)


Clan Ghost Bear Forces:
96th Battle Trinary (14th Battle Cluster, Beta Galaxy)

Defending Forces:
Regal Death (Mercenary Company)

Bravo Battle Star finds the Regal Death deep in the Vernaw Woods, but there the mercenaries had prepared a devious trap for the Clan warriors. Pit traps and minefields destroyed three of Bravo's 'mechs, and the mercenary 'mechs fired out of concealed positions to seriously damage the other two.

The Warhawk (Inner Sphere Codename: Masakari) and the Timberwolf (Inner Sphere Codename: MadCat) are separated in their attempt to get out of trouble, and mercenary lances harass them with the expectation that they will fall eventually.
The War Hawk has taken serious damage, with armour severely depleted on the right-hand side, and with the valuable Targeting Computer and a Large Pulse Laser out of action.



The remainder of the Trinary intervenes quickly, with Charlie Battle Star relieving the beleagured 'mechs and Alpha Star attacking the rest of the mercenary command.

Warhawk retreats out of heavy woods
Warhawk retreats out of heavy woods

Sigmund Jorgensson, the Warhawk's pilot quickly brings the other Clan warriors up to speed on the situation and urges them to ignore the Clan's traditional rules of engagement.

As the Warhawk (Config C) backs out of the heavy woods, Chen's Mad Dog (in primary configuration once more) and Petra's Viper (this time in the B configuration with single ER PPC) hurry to intervene before it's too late.
The mercenary Wolverine (WVR-6M) has hurried around the main ridgeline behind the War Hawk to cut off its retreat, but this move is countered by the Viper. The merc Guillotine (GLT-4D) and the Phoenix Hawk (PXH-1D) jump in beside the larger Clan 'mech to riddle it with laser fire.

Guillotine and Phoenix Hawk make point blank attack while Viper and Wolverine duel
Guillotine and Phoenix Hawk make point blank attack while Viper and Wolverine duel

The Warhawk pushes across the ridge hoping to find a good position rather than exposing his back by taking the direct route towards the supporting Mad Dog.
The concentrated fire destroyed the Warhawk's right arm taking with it it's second Large Pulse Laser. Now it is left with two fearsome ER PPCs.

As Warhawk crosses ridge right arm is destroyed
As Warhawk crosses ridge right arm is destroyed

Petra's Viper continues to harass the attackers, taking up good overwatch position considering the Warhawk's likely route. Here the Mad Dog's fire should prove decisive with the Phoenix Hawk neglecting evasive movement in order to continue his attack on the Warhawk. However Chen's fire is inaccurate and most of the laser fire and all of the LRMs go astray, and with it the Mad Dog's heat problems become serious.

Viper struggles to keep harassing forces occupied
Viper struggles to keep harassing forces occupied

The lone Stinger (STG-3G), intimidated by the vast amounts of firepower exhibited by the Clan 'mechs braves fire from the Mad Dog to work around the flanks, and come up in front of the Warhawk's escape route.

Stinger braves open ground controlled by Mad Dog
Stinger braves open ground controlled by Mad Dog

The mercenary 'mechs push their heat sinks to the max, and continue their point blank assault on the severely damaged Warhawk. Their fire finally drills through the torso and the Warhawk's engine is forced to shut down. It crashes to ground, but the pilot is unharmed.

Warhawk goes down
Warhawk goes down

The Guillotine and Wolverine, both with huge heat problems begin to withdraw, seeking to avoid any fire from the Mad Dog, and in a supporting position to dissuade the Viper from pursuit. The Phoenix Hawk has had to withdraw into the edge of the woods to avoid fire from the Mad Dog, and this allows the Viper to pick him out, with instant effect. Left without weapons and now shorn of its left leg the Phoenix Hawk is a mission kill.

Viper ignores retreating 'mechs to concentrate on Phoenix Hawk
Viper ignores retreating 'mechs to concentrate on Phoenix Hawk

The other mercenaries flee the field of battle

Mad Dog forces retreating Mercs to leave crippled Phoenix Hawk behind as day breaks
Mad Dog forces retreating Mercs to leave crippled Phoenix Hawk behind as day breaks

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