Operation Luminary [Hybrid SP/MP Campaign]

[Apocalypse 31]

Operation Luminary is a hybrid single player and multiplayer campaign being hosted on the TankSim Discord. The campaign is played by two human opponents using a Campaign Map via Google Draw, with two Game Masters. Each opposing commander has a pool of subordinate units and resources, and has been given objectives by HICON (higher control) / Game Masters. In addition to an overall Commander, BLUEFOR also has human subordinate 'Task Force Commanders' who command Battalion-sized task forces which fight tactical engagements via Steel Beasts. 

 

When opposing units collide on the Campaign Map it generates a 'tactical engagement' which is played/resolved via Steel Beasts. Game Masters assess the relative combat power of the engagement and generate a Steel Beasts scenario based on where the units collided on the Campaign Map. The scenario is then distributed to the TF CDRs to play in SP (or coop, if they choose)

 

Each 'Task Force Commander' selected their nationality and task organization, but is under command by a human Brigade Commander for BLUEFOR and receives orders and resources from the Brigade Commander. These resources include tactical enablers which appear within Steel Beasts tactical engagements (Attack Aviation, Drones, Reserves, Field Artillery, Engineers, etc) but also resources that assist the Brigade commander execute his plan such as FARPs (to control distance of Attack Aviation), Emergency Resupply (to re-generate combat power faster), and reconnaissance assets. 

 

There is no PVP at the tactical level. All tactical engagements are played via Singleplayer (but can also be played cooperatively). The results of those engagements are sent to the Game Master as proof of playing - and so GM's can record losses for both sides (losses are not notional in the campaign - but take time to regenerate)

 

A human OPFOR is controlling an entire Division of Combat Power and has aligned his forces, by Battalion, against his assigned objectives. The OPFOR commander is also aligning resources (under the same rules as BLUE), has no visibility on BLUEFOR movements/plans, and also aligns his Company's for each tactical engagement by MIBN using a micro-map of the engagement. 

 

Each Task Force Commander has been given approximately a Battalion of combat power which includes between 2 and 4 companies. During Tactical Engagements, the TF CDR may deploy all of their combat power but suffers a 1-turn 'refit' period after companies are deployed. 

 

This is our first campaign using this hybrid - so far, its been really fun and not too taxing for backside requirements. It helps that we have 2x Game Masters that can keep an eye on the situation and generate scenarios very quickly. We have plans for a follow-on campaign in a different theater/setting. We're building this mid-air, and need to hash out a few things first. 

 

Would also love to expand this to a larger echelon, say a BLUEFOR that its roughly a Division of combat power, spanning across 9x Battalions. 

 

Our current setup:

Game Master: Apocalypse

Game Master: Ben

OPFOR: Nike-Ajax

BLUE BDE CDR: Figmo42

TF 1: Revenant

TF 2: Ronin

TF 3: Los

TF 4: Rooks & Kings

 

 

Method

Edited September 7, 2022 by Apocalypse 31

[Apocalypse 31]

 

 

 Operation Luminary

Day 4

 

....and we are in full swing with contact across the front.

 

@Grenny and the German Jager's from TF HUNTSMEN are engaged with MIBN 8011 near Port Westfalica and have moved quickly to secure a foothold across the Wiser, which is the gateway into Minden. 

 

@Los and TF PANTHER are attacking along the flanks of TF HUNTSMEN, near Bückeburg, and are engaged with MIBN 8012 in the gap. If successful, this will envelop the Donovian 801st Brigade near Minden. 

 

Further east, @Mirzayevand TF BLACK KNIGHT destroyed MIBN 8023 on Day 3 and passed TF RECIPROCITY across the Weser into Hameln.

 

Day 3 ended with @RooksAndKings and TF RECIPROCITY attacking into Hameln but stalled after encountering determined resistance in the the urban jungle of Hameln. Day 4 shows us TF BLACK KNIGHT picking up that attack into Hameln again- with the potential to see TF RECIPROCITY regroup for an attack on the flanks. 

[TSe419E]

Looks like fun.

[Apocalypse 31]

I've been playing SB for a very long time, but just now finding out how amazing the Report outputs can be.

 

I'm especially thankful that I can import it into Excel and sort data easily.

[Volcano]

I like this idea. I have always said -- playing SB as a one-off scenario is one thing (which can be fun enough, sure) but where it really shines is as a means to run campaigns that you just can't pull off in most games, where your imagination (as game master) is usually the limit, and that is the main reason behind the evolution of the report file feature to help manage resources.

Always good to see someone think outside of the box, and this is hybrid campaign seems like a great idea. I would like to participate at some point, next time, if I can be let out of the cave.... 🦇

 

(You might also want to consider putting it into the SB Wiki too - I have several campaigns I wrote up in there for historical purposes, and for inspiration for others to take ideas from).

[Mirzayev]

Operation Luminary

 

TF Black Knight Engagement Results

 

 

[Apocalypse 31]

Day 4 (ongoing)

 

Donovians still holding Hameln after second day of intense fighting. DT has an interesting perspective.

 

 

 

In the west, NATO forces were able to force a retreat in Minden after TF PANTHER (led by @Los) smashed through the gap at Buckeburg. This marks the first Atropian city liberated by NATO forces since the start of hostilities 4 days ago. 

 

 

 

Day 4 - the situation across the Brigade

 

Day 4 - Situation in Hameln; Task Force Black Knight clears the southeast and seizes crossing sites into the city center while Task Force Reciprocity clears the west side. 

 

[Mirzayev]

5 hours ago, Apocalypse 31 said:

Day 4 - Situation in Hameln; Task Force Black Knight clears the southeast and seizes crossing sites into the city center while Task Force Reciprocity clears attempts to clear the west side. 

 

Fixed. 🙃😢

[Apocalypse 31]

[Apocalypse 31]

Current Situation

 

Staff Update

 

 

New friends in the AO, courtesy Donovian Southern Army:

 

Edited September 11, 2022 by Apocalypse 31