You initially decide to try and pry to see if Ermengardis actually knows about Adelinde's little secret. Of course, Adelinde said she knew, but better to be sure than sorry. Still, obviously you try and be quiet about it, coming a bit closer, something initially met with a bit of confusion by Ermengardis before you speak. Asking quietly a simple question. "Do you by chance happen to know someone named Adelinde?" Immediately, Ermengardis seems to freeze slightly, and shakes her head in a no. Though even without her saying anything she seems slightly worried and concerned. Though you soon try and sooth her fears by saying "I already know, she said she told you and I was curios if she was truthful in that regard. I don't plan on doing anything to her, and she's already got Gallonia's intelligence on her side, so she shouldn't be in that much danger."

This gets Ermengardis to let out a sigh of relief. And after she speaks in a hushed voice "Yes, I'm aware...I just didn't know you were as well. She's not a bad friend after all and I'd rather something didn't happen to her, given we can relate in a way to having issues with our...origin. Even if her situation was quite messed up unlike my own which if anything is only problematic because I chose a side."

After this, you decide to shift the subject. You just wanted confirmation after all. "How's the book you are working on going along? And what is it about? I've not really heard much about it other than you were working on it."

This seems to perk Ermengardis up a little as she speaks with a bit of eagerness. "Oh! It's memoirs of my time in the war. I hope to one day make a full biography of myself if things go well, but I figured that given I can give some insight into flying and tactics in the air it would likely be able to get more attention. And ideally I'd be given more time to work on it. So far I've gotten to the start of this year, in the few months on leave I had. But I also included training and a bit of background as to why I joined in the first place...The only thing I'm worried about is the fact I fully expect parts of it to be censored extensively because I'm not patriotic enough, or too weak in some regard. But, even then, that's fine. Because once this war is over I can just release a uncensored version. And ideally another book on my earlier life. Hopefully I can also make some chemist work too. Speaking of, if I'm able I plan on working on a bit of chemistry. I've had the chance to read up on some papers from a chemist from Dacinia and I think their work has potential. Ironically the papers were published almost thirty years ago in Prußenmark, and another few a bit more recent but still fairly old. If I had access to the materials though I'd probably try and see what I could do with it and do some experimentation with it. Though I know I probably would need to do more studying beforehand given I'm probably not experienced enough for working on such things." You aren't sure if she's being humble with the last bit or if she actually isn't confident, and in the latter case you honestly couldn't tell if she actually had good reason to be lacking in confidence or not.

(Terribly sorry for the delay in getting this out and seeming to just drop off the face of the earth for a few weeks. This Easter has been quite hectic with a bunch of personal/family stuff. But as I said, I'll run this damned quest till it kills me or kills Helene.)

>Ask Ermengardis about her family in more detail.
>Ask Ermengardis about her thoughts on the murders.
>Ask Ermengardis why she's interested in these papers.
>Ask Ermengardis for more detail why she thinks her work would be censored.
>Ask Ermengardis what tactics or similar would be in the book.
>Ask Ermengardis about something else. (Write in)
>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.

>>5638693
>Ask Ermengardis why she's interested in these papers.
>Ask Ermengardis for more detail why she thinks her work would be censored.
Thought you're dead after not replying on the last thread heh

>>5638693
>>Ask Ermengardis why she's interested in these papers.
>>Ask Ermengardis for more detail why she thinks her work would be censored
>>Ask Ermengardis what tactics or similar would be in the book.

>>5638693
>>5639220
+1

"So what exactly has gotten you interested in these old papers anyway? I know your interest in chemistry but why specifically them?" You ask, what is so special about one report anyway?

"Well for one it's the discovery of a new chemical. And a hardly tested one at that. From what I can tell the chemical shouldn't be harmful, and maybe it could serve as a medicine? It comes from plants after all. A bit of study would potentially prove it to be useful, I think. Consider it an intuition I guess, but I just think it's interesting and, to be honest I guess I just want an excuse to do chemistry again. It's been a very long time after all. Other than that, I just find it interesting, and I feel that maybe something could be done with it given there isn't too many studies on it other than the initial one that discovered it. I suppose though I'd probably need to be fairly careful working with it though, and probably should actually do more studies in chemistry in general before I try anything but still...It's something I'll probably work on in the future I guess. Erm, sorry for rambling on a bit."

"There's no need to apologize. You are just explaining yourself after all." You say, getting a nod from Ermengardis before you continue. "So, why exactly do you think your work will be censored at all? I mean, it's just a memoir after all."

She stares at you silently for a bit with a slightly surprised and confused expression before saying "I...thought that would be a bit obvious. It's my memoirs. That exactly is reason why. I mean, it has my thoughts, worries, concerns, fears and everything else in it. Including that of my family and my thoughts on the war in general. And I think you recall how I told you I wasn't a volunteer... While the aspects of chivalry in war still exist as the propaganda says, it's not as much as you'd be lead to believe. Knights don't kill themselves in the event of their defeat. Well, not to spare themselves from excruciating pain of burning alive anyway. I know how in the east Cipanto's versions of knights did at times, but I'm digressing. Most pilots have a pistol just in case their engine bursts into flames in a fight. I know some hold it for self defense in case they crash behind enemy lines but the unspoken rule is, well...If the engine is burning, you are going to crash and die anyway, so..." She pauses before letting out a sigh. "I told you before how I don't really talk to other pilots unless they make ace or last a long time. I've gotten attached to too many and been burned for it... Most pilot's lifespan isn't in months, it's in weeks, or even days. I honestly don't understand how the other's do it. Maybe they learned that lesson before I did. Or maybe they just handle loss better. I...I don't know."

"I think I can see why you think some of it would be censored..." You simply say with a bit of concern.

"Yeah...I don't really have anyone to talk to about these things either. Or well, usually. I'm an ace, I'm supposed to be confident. I think you are probably one of the few people I actually feel comfortable talking about these sorts of things with. And well, when was the last time we talked again? Near the end of last year, right? At the very least in my writings I can express how I actually feel. And, well, this isn't even counting the fact that I've killed people. Every victory is another pilot, just like me, but on the other side of the lines. Though, I guess propaganda and dehumanization has made it easier for the others, but well...you know my situation. I know they are people just like you and me. It helps they are trying to kill me or my allies but even then sometimes it just...hits you one night. That someone has been forced to write a letter of condolence. And someone's family will receive it. The worst part is I think I'm getting used to it. And I don't know what I fear more, that one day my family might receive the same letter, or that I might one day not feel anything after the fact...To be honest part of the reason it's taken so long is because I've essentially been writing two books. One a more sanitized version that I know will only get light censorship, and one that I know would just be tossed into a fire if any censor saw it. I suppose though I should consider myself lucky I'm not a soldier in the trenches. Though I guess if that was the case I probably would only have to worry about a lot of things for a short time before nothing at all. I suppose it's a good thing women aren't allowed as soldiers yet. Just pilots." She says all of this somberly, and it's quite clear she has a lot of suppressed thoughts bottled inside her. Yet, after a slight pause she says "I know you probably didn't intend to just listen to me talk about these sort's of things, but...thank you for listening."

"I'm not sure what to say, honestly. But, I hope this helps in some way...You are a valuable pilot and a good person. You've been through a lot, but this war will end eventually. Hopefully sooner rather than later." You say, a bit unsure about jumping into the next question right away.

"I think if the public knew how bad things were, this war would be ended by tomorrow. And I say that as someone who in all honesty probably hasn't seen even a quarter of the horrors I've heard men had to go through. I hope you are right though, not just for my sake, or the countries sake, but for everyone's." she says, before more quietly saying "At least I've protected the people I care about. At least, the ones not in the escadron anyway."

After this, and a while of silence, you ask a simple question that ideally would draw the conversation away from the darker thoughts and demons that Ermengardis is clearly facing. "What tactics do you have in the book? Anything particularly special?"

"Initially it's basic advice that just about anyone could use that isn't obvious at a first glance. Don't follow an enemy down when behind enemy lines or when enemy aircraft are around. Don't try and be a glory hound, a damage enemy running from the fight will in all likelihood keep running and is no longer a threat. Don't have tunnel vision and keep your eyes on everything and everyone around you. Don't fly in a straight line if you can help it. If running away, and on friendly side of the lines, dive to get away... That sort of thing. There's more complicated things as well, like some maneuvers to shake an enemy off your tail, or to reverse the situation and get on their own. How to best deal with bombers. The weak spots of certain aircraft. But, I probably put in a lot more of things you shouldn't do or mistakes to avoid than things you should do." She seems to be a fair bit better sounding now than she was about a minute ago, at the very least.

>Ask Ermengardis about her family in more detail.
>Ask Ermengardis about her thoughts on the murders.
>Ask Ermengardis if she's alright.
>Ask Ermengardis about something else. (Write in)
>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.

>>5640475
>Ask Ermengardis if she's alright.
Although I imagine anyone would say anything to avoid literal shock therapy.

>>5640475
>>Ask Ermengardis if she's alright.

>>5640475
>Ask Ermengardis if she's alright.

>>5640475
>Ask Ermengardis if she's alright.

>>5640475
>Ask Ermengardis if she's alright.

"Are you...Alright? You sound like you have more than just a few problems..." You ask, genuinely a bit concerned with how she was doing.

"If you are asking if I have shell shock or not, no. I don't. They have physical and extensive mental issues that I'm sure you are well aware of. I just have thoughts. Many thoughts... But if you were asking in general...I don't know, to be honest. I guess I just have had plenty of time to think. Unlike before I don't have any distractions with the combat, duties on base and my book, as before I had to brush these sorts of thoughts aside and do what I was ordered. But now I have nothing better to do, nothing really to distract myself. I can't just write my book at all times. Not if I want to maintain quality anyway. It's probably weakness of my character as some might put it. Though I guess when you can see through the propaganda and know your enemy isn't some heartless monster but just some guy like your neighbor, your father, that local shop keeper...It all just kind of makes dealing with everything worse. And try as I might I cannot see them as the monster the propaganda wants me to see them as. Not given the fact some of my family is part of them... For all I know, I've already killed a relative of mine who got into the Fliegertruppen. I know I probably haven't, but it is a fear. Though compared to everything else it's practically a drop in the ocean." She gives a pause, sighing before saying "I wish there was a way for pilots to be able to survive if their aircraft goes down like the observers in balloons. Then less people would die. On both sides of the line." Despite the heavy subject matter, Ermengardis seems to be composing herself decently enough.

"So, you just have these thoughts that are bothering you and nothing else? No nightmares or anything?" You ask just to make sure.

"Yes, that is correct. Though if I actually did I probably wouldn't tell anyone but you and a handful of other people. I'm well aware as to how shellshock is treated here after all...I guess the best way to put it is I'm scared. Not of potentially dying, but the consequences my family will face if I do perish. And what I'll become from all of this. I don't really feel like some sort of hero, and I don't want to change into some sort of monster or lose all feeling. Though, I already know one up and coming ace in this escadre is aiming to become the poster child of enemy propaganda and has arguably already become the former. I guess put another way I don't want to become numb to it all." Ermengardis says, a hint of worry in her voice, but perhaps just letting her speak is helping.

>Ask Ermengardis about her family in more detail.
>Ask Ermengardis about her thoughts on the murders.
>Ask Ermengardis what ace she's referring to as a monster.
>Ask Ermengardis about something else. (Write in)
>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.

>>5642067
>>Ask Ermengardis about her family in more detail.

>>5642067
enought chit chat, we gotta go back to war
>>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.

>>5642067
>Ask Ermengardis about her thoughts on the murders.

>>5642067
>Ask Ermengardis about her thoughts on the murders

>>5642067
Also, the question about the murders could tie in with
>Ask Ermengardis what ace she's referring to as a monster.

I'll give you all one more day to vote before doing things. (Mainly because I need to work on other stuff) Remember you can pick multiple options for conversations like this.

>>5643315
This too then

"I see...I know this probably will come as a surprise question to you, but what is your thoughts on the murders?" You honestly are more curios as to her insight and if she's scared of them than what she thinks, as you feel that answer will be blatantly obvious.

"You mean the recent ones? They are awful. I can understand disliking prostitution and those who indulge in it but murder is a far too extreme response. Those are people with families, friends and in some cases even children. Though in the latter case I very much hope that it is the prostitute whom is doing it out of desperation to care for them rather than some sort of unfaithful husband, but I'm getting away from the point." She says, a bit of concern held in her voice initially before tapering off with distraction.

"Anything else? Like maybe who did it or any idea's as to what might be going on?" You ask trying to actually get something more than just an 'it's bad.'

"Well, if you want me to don a detective had...Hmm..." She pauses seemingly collecting her thoughts and thinking a bit before speaking. "They are causing a bit of chaos behind the lines of late right? I don't think it would be a soldier, as I don't think they'd get leave so soon. Plus, their trail in the cities is odd, going behind our lines and then suddenly to a frontline city before going well back once more. If they were a soldier it would be obvious if that was the case, wouldn't it? Unless they deserted anyway. The biggest question I have though is why do they have a numbering with their most recent mass killings? Do they know twelve other cities with prostitution rings that they plan to decapitate the leadership of? Or is it a ruse to throw off the investigators? If it's the former, how do they know the people who run those businesses and where did they get that information? Is there actually more than one murderer? Or some sort of accomplice? But honestly, the biggest question I have is why haven't they been caught yet? I mean the Capeldu Murders were never solved but that is because they stopped, and the only ones known for certain to be done by them were killed in the span of about a week. These murders have been going on and off for almost a full year now...Honestly it has me a bit afraid that one of the people in the investigation itself is potentially behind these actions. I mean, what better way to prevent yourself from being caught than to just investigate yourself?" She has a bit of concern in her voice at points, but otherwise seems mostly calm.

"So, you don't think it's a soldier. What about an ace who'd commonly get sent behind the lines? You mentioned there was a pilot who was a monster after all." You say a bit off handedly, though Ermengardis's eyes widen as she seems to have realized something.

"That...That makes sense for how they'd be able to go behind the lines so often. They would be going on propaganda tours and traveling to training bases constantly, and they could potentially sneak off in transit for a bit to commit their horrible acts while they are behind our lines, then depending at what time it is and where, either arrive late and simply have it chalked up to a minor delay or arrive like nothing happened. It also explains why so many of the murders would be close to the front line initially. They perhaps didn't have the chance to go back, and only recently became an ace. Alternatively, they could have gone back plenty of times and then learned the ins and outs of the rail system and how to exploit it to their advantage and sneak off without anyone the wiser...But, that could apply to almost any ace. Couldn't it?" She seems to get deep into thought for a while after this.

"Who exactly is that monster of an ace you mentioned?" You say after almost a full minute of silence.

"Oh, you haven't heard? It's La Terreur. She apparently got the nickname due to the fact she commonly made extra passes on aircraft that were already out of action. There's...an unspoken rule that when an airman is going down, but still can survive, you don't go after their aircraft. After all, they are like a disarmed or surrendered combatant. But, she...doesn't abide by those rules. Not even on our side of the lines. I really don't like it as I don't want that tradition to die, as if it wasn't for that tradition I probably would end up like it in that scenario. Her name is Roselyne Chopin, if you don't know of the nickname. And with what I have heard about her, she kind of scares me. I have no clue if she's the murderer but, I'd not be surprised if she was. D-Don't tell her I said that though." She seems fairly concerned, and actually a bit scared by the end. Seems she practically heard a horror story about the woman. Well, at the very least someone's certainly made a name for themselves quite quickly for an ace with only five victories...For all the wrong reasons. How fun.

>Ask Ermengardis about her family in more detail.
>Ask Ermengardis if she could potentially help with the murder investigation.
>Ask Ermengardis about something else. (Write in)
>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.

>>5645813
>>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.
We got a (possible) name.

>>5645813
>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.

>>5645813
>>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.

>>5645813
>Wrap up the conversation and get back to the war.

Guys, should we go aggressive against Lothring this turn, given that they about to get a new aircraft? We are short on fresh aces, though. . .

>>5646971
Better to go aggressive right now while they don't get the new aircraft than to do it after. We have a better chance of getting more aces now than later.

I'm gonna just use the turn originally made before this side story thing, so...Yeah. Anyway, unless something changes in a few hours I'll probably do that turn and then we'll be back to normal combat.

>>5646971
We send the rookies to ̶d̶i̶e̶ be heroes and our aces behind to supervise obviously.

>>5646971
the time for waiting is over, the war seems to waining and waxing, so we need to get out there now

From the archive, the last issued orders were:
> Blanc to recce in the Tilhof AOO and try to rustle up some intercepts.
> Bleu and Noir to escort Blanc.
> Vert to bust balloons.
> Rouge on Defensive CAP.
Not as aggressive as a Circus over Leeuwenborg, but hopefully the Lothrings will still bite near Tilhof.

Alright, crunch is done. I'll do the map and write the turn out early tomorrow. Intended on getting it done earlier but I'm tired at this point and need sleep. My apologies in advance for the delay.

File: Western Front.png (59 KB, 789x796)

59 KB PNG

You give a nod and ponder the information you have gained silently for a while before soon winding down the conversation and bidding your farewells. Of course, Adelinde, or well, "Adélaïde" stays with Liliane, and you fully expect they'll be here all day. But for you? This short little visit can be used as a nice little boost of morale for a few of the most important pilots. It's not long however until you find yourself back on a train heading to your little office and are back to managing the mundane tasks of running your air corps. Of course you expect things to go decently enough, even if there's not that many experienced pilots up in the air...

You sadly would be proven wrong as the week went by...

Elsewhere, over the front, Calantha Desjardins leading a small flight including herself, Eremburga Cerf, Yda Laflèche and the up and coming ace Oriolda Bonnet spotted a major force of the fairly new enemy bombers crossing over into their airspace, escorted by a number of Falke's, both D.II's and D.III's, and even a handful of Bergens. The escort was, simply put, extensive. With practically twenty or perhaps even more aircraft escorting a force of ten. In a way, it reminded her of the strategy that their own escadre had used in the past, a force large enough to be a threat and demand a response. Yet defended enough to make any attack hurt. Still, she motioned to her fellow pilots to follow her as she closed in...

Hinrich Herremberg, far more well known as Skarabäus, was flying his old Bergen D.I. His blue aircraft with gold trim and ornate scarab from which he got his nickname clear to see. Of course, the aircraft his jagdstaffel had kept in use due to supply constraints was outdated at this point, but he had managed to get thirty three kills in his craft and he planned on getting at least another two before he'd stop using the thing. Perhaps he'd buy it and keep it for a museum? Of course, while his interest was always in entomology there was a certain beauty to the air, and preserving the aircraft of the heroes of Prußenmark was something he felt would be nice. Still, he expected today to be fairly easy. It was, if anything, a training mission for the newer pilots of his jagdstaffel, lead by him to keep them safe. Really, they if anything were just tacked onto the escort to further dissuade enemy aircraft from attacking and provide some experience if anyone was foolish enough to do so.

From up above, Calantha and her small flight dove upon their enemy from the sun. The initial attack quite potent, with Eremburga managing to get a few shots into one of the heavy bombers that were quite vital, and set one of the engines on fire, while Yda managed to kill the pilot of one of the escorting Falke's and Calantha killed the engine of another. Yet, despite having the altitude advantage and initial surprise, the disparity between numbers was clear as day. Eremburga was the first to make a fatal mistake, focusing on moving to another bomber as the one she was focusing on started to go down only to not be shot down by one of the escort but by one of the gunners, the gunfire punching through the engine extensively setting it alight, before a few more rounds in the wrong place caused the aircraft to jerk violently in the air as a small explosion rocked the small craft that soon found it's wings breaking up before plummeting down to the earth. Oriolda meanwhile who had no luck in the initial dive continued to try and harass one of the bombers before taking similarly harsh fire from the gunners, soon finding themselves bleeding and their aircraft badly damaged, and carefully, they tried limping home where they later crashed on approach. This left only Yda and Calantha, who both realized they now were in a terrible situation. One was terrified, the other remained calm and confident despite the odds.

Yda would not abandon Calantha, despite the fear she felt, and soon saw the ace go after what she presumed was a pilot of roughly equal skill, and with this she decided to abandon fighting the bombers and instead focus on trying to protect her flight leader and prevent her from dying. She did not want to be left as a sole survivor again. She didn't want the nightmares to get worse, yet, she felt they might anyway given what she had done already. Her actions, unknown to Calantha, would serve to save her life, as she drove off a Falke D.II that had just managed to get into a good firing position on her flight leader with enough lead that the maneuver to try and get away caused the craft's upper wing to break up and soon fall to the earth with the other craft. While she wouldn't shoot down anything else in the sortie, she would keep herself and Calantha alive.

File: destroyed-artillery-romania.jpg (296 KB, 2000x1500)

296 KB JPG

Speaking of, Calantha swiftly aimed for the obvious enemy ace and utilized her craft's superior agility and speed to the fullest, however she struggled to get into a good firing position with more than just a snap shot, the pilot of this Bergen proving to actually be quite the threat despite the fact that it was a damn Bergen of all things. Annoyingly too, she needed to keep a keen eye around herself to not crash into one of the enemy aircraft and likewise to not be shot down on them, but luckily the few lapses in her observation and awareness were covered by Yda. And, she was able to slowly but surely maneuver to get a few good shots into the Bergen. Yet, nothing critical or greater than a second or two of harmless fire it seemed. However, even when she finally hit something important, the pilot still was adept at avoiding fire and even managed to get a few snap shots on Calantha despite the craft's inferiority, but soon enough, Calantha would deal major damage to the elevators, and then move in for the kill...Only to be forced off by a Bergen of the jagdstaffel diving infront of her and forcing her to break off for risk of crashing and or getting shot at by the other craft. This Bergen soon followed by the many other aircraft around Calantha, and forcing her to break off from the retreating ace unless she wanted to be an easy target. And so, she turned her attention to the Bergan that ruined her chance at further putting herself in the spotlight. The Bergan that saved Hinrich's life would not survive themselves, nor would another Falke D.II...

Out of ammo, and with far too many craft, Calantha would start to retreat and dive for the deck to get away, and Yda swiftly joined her while the various aircraft of Prußenmark moved to rejoin their bombers...Later, another escadron's flight of seven aircraft would engage this force, and fail to down any of the surviving bombers, managing to only down a couple more Falke's and a Bergen in exchange for being wiped out entirely. The bombers soon caused devastating damage to Gallonian artillery with about forty guns destroyed and another twelve damaged, along with a sizable portion of munition supply destroyed. Similar events repeated elsewhere in the north with artillery batteries, supply depo's, and key defensive positions receiving heavy bombing. And a sizable amount of Prußenmark forces in the air seemed to be dedicated to softening up defenses. And in the far north, Lothring's bomber would join in formation with Prußenmark's own in these efforts. All while Fryg's flew overhead taking as many pictures as possible...At the very least A few of said two seaters would be downed by Yda and Calantha as well.

Hinrich meanwhile was relieved to get home, and to find that only one of his force had died. When he realized the craft with the same colorful additions and patterns that had moved recklessly to save him had not been among the ones who returned, he was disappointed, and immediately asked for the pilot's name. After advocating that Alleck Harder, the pilot in question, be posthumously be awarded. Something that was granted with some time. Hinrich personally writing to the young man's family as well and sending them an extensive gift.

Things did not go as well as they could have, to say the least. Offensively, things went alright for Bleu, which only lost two pilots, one of which sadly was just one victory away from becoming an ace. But otherwise acceptable given the experience of the pilots. Noir however took the brunt of it on the offensive patrols, losing every single aircraft except for one. Luckily, not all of these pilots died, as Osanna Beauvau merely crashed on landing upon her return, though the loss ratio is certainly not ideal, but to be expected when an enemy ace comes into play and causes problems. Blanc however lost two aircraft, arguably more tragically was the fact one of the aircraft shot down held the gunner who managed to down an enemy scout despite the extensive quality difference. Though given the losses that Noir took, it was to be expected that not all of them would make it home. Rouge likewise took a heavy beating, with many pilots shot down over the weeks, leaving only Yda and Calantha. Though, the former despite now being an ace seems...despondent. In fact she often seems unresponsive as well, taking a fair bit to snap out of a seeming miserable trance. Perhaps another trip to the sanitorium would help? She needs to be in condition to fly, she became an ace after all! Lastly, Vert managed to, unlike Noir or Rouge, managed to have a pilot wounded and return home with a functioning aircraft. Though things went poorly for them as well, though different reasons. Mainly running into experienced pilots being the major defining problem for them. Still, the situation could be worse...Though it certainly could be better.

On the ground though, things remain stagnant as snow starts to pile on. And, on the last few days, a blizzard has started in numerous places at the front. The next few weeks might be far less active due to adverse weather making it impossible, or at least impractical, to fly. At least it will give pilots time to rest and recuperate. It also means the extensive bombing we suffered the last few weeks will ideally be a fair bit less than before. (Translation, next turn's missions will have low tempo.)

Squadrons, aircraft, pilots, and other information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KT0JJxoLsbcNFC7RqtsWKke9iTnLQ8blSCf_8dZ4jWw/edit?usp=sharing

(I think this is the biggest turn I've ever wrote for the game. Hope you enjoy)

Well that went poorly. AAAAAAAAAAAA. A-at least we didn't lose any aces.

>>5648924
I will write up resource and pilot allocation later. Are the rest of you okay with standing down some squadrons for this turn, given the fatigue levels?

And Vert's Arcenaux just had a long spell in the hospital, only to go back there again. Oh kek.

We should run a mission intent on capturing a mostly intact Kronlein G.III, we have almost no intel on the damn things, and an example could help with our bomber development. If anything, we can keep it afterwards.

>>5649276
It's a low tempo period

>>5649470
Yes, I was thinking of letting two fighter squadrons go on leave, buying only enough fighters to equip the other two, and use the remainder to buy some decent aircraft for Blanc.

Here be an allocation proposal:

14x Verany C2's = 112 RPs
7x SUD Galeasse R's = 70 RPs
18x Pilots = 3 RPs
No resupply, as this is supposed to be a low-optempo turn,

Airframes:
Bleu & Vert: 10x Verany C2's
Blancs: SUDs
Rouge & Noir: No aircraft. ground echelon to maintain Wing Reserve
Wing Reserve: 5x Verany C2's

Pilots:
Bleu: Ponce to stay with TRACOM. All other able pilots to Active. 2x Replacements.
Blanc: Cuong, Khai and Thanh to Reserve. Tien, The and Phuong to Active.
Vert: Guilloux to stay with TRACOM. All other able pilots to Active. 6x Replacements.
Rouge: Hauet to TRACOM. All other able pilots on PR Tour.
Noir: All aces on PR Tour. Saint-Yves and de Montgomerie on leave.
10x Replacements to the Pilot Pool

Vert on Defensive CAP
Blanc to either reconnoitre Leeuwenborg or execute the >>5649278 special operation. Given the bad weather, I actually like that idea.
Bleu to escort Blanc.

Actually, if the >>5649278 operation takes place, maybe let Vert join in on the fun too and leave La Patrie undefended.

>>5649604
Actually Gilet Lebas is listed as both in Bleu's Reserve and KIA, so give Bleu 3x Replacements, with only 9x to the Pilot Pool.

Actually, one thing I noticed is that this game does not seem to model Operational Losses (accidents). Given the primitive aircraft, I would expect many such incidents with bad weather.

>>5649614
Technically it does. You just picked the one nation that had a bonus against ops losses at the start. You know how I mention a few aircraft crashing on landing after being damaged or being forced to land in the middle of returning to base because their engine cut out? That's an Ops loss, though the latter case because of said bonus can be recoverable. Though I will say, it also helps that your aircraft generally are lost quickly enough that their engines and likewise often aren't given enough time to run through their life cycle.

>>5649611
Fixed.

>>5649278
Here is an idea. Once a Kronlein raid is reported by its target, scramble Bleu and Blanc to patrol the Kronlein airfield. Bleu will force down a Kronlein that is at low altitude, but still outside AA range. The 3x SUD Type R's will land near the Kronlein. If operable, one the SUDs can be abandoned and the pilot can fly off with the Kronlein. If not, tear off vital components quickly, and bug out.

How is that for crazy? Honestly, having only one fighter squadron to escort, and the one lacking in elan at that, is risky. I will let others decide if they want to throw in Vert into this madness.

>>5649750
That would be pretty fucking nice, it's the easiest way for us to get a mostly intact one, I think throwing vert into this would be wise, this could be a gigantic propaganda victory on top of all the vital information we might get on the aircraft, after all, they just did massive raids on our lines with Kronleins, and showing both their air commandand our public that said kronleins aren't safe at all from us could drastically increase the morale on the front and force the enemy to rethink their operations.

>>5649874
Okay, then both Bleu and Vert will escort Blanc, and there will be no Defensive CAP this turn.

If you have any specific details you want to hash out with the plan with the Kronlein's other than the basics let me know. Otherwise I believe you are in agreement with the op and spending plans and will work on the turn either tonight or tomorrow.

>>5649750
We're going to end up with another pilot/ground crew with a weird grudge

>>5650588
Oh at least. I suspect a real hash, with several aircrew captured for the benefit of Preussen propaganda in [s]Hanoi[/s] Berlin.

Rolled 37, 88 = 125 (2d100)

Take a wild guess what this is for.

Rolled 23, 38 = 61 (2d100)

This is also up for you to figure out, though if the latter dice is poor, well...Let's just say some people will get the infantry experience.

Rolled 58, 70 = 128 (2d100)

And now, for something completely different.

File: Western Front.png (59 KB, 789x796)

59 KB PNG

While it has been a while, you decide the time is now for another plan similar to that of the operation that got insight on the Bergen's interrupter gear. This time however, it's dedicated to the enemies latest bomber instead, and more or less the full thing. Of course, the ideal situation would see an intact example taken fully. But all you can do is simply wait for the success or lack there of that your orders bring. A wait that is quite exhausting compared to most other days, given what happened the last time this was attempted. Ideally though, some of the factors that caused problems with the original plan this was based on were no longer existent...

Initial parts of the plan were simple. Find an actual airbase with Kronlein G.III's. The intel needed to be up to date after all if an interception of the craft over enemy lines while it was lower to the ground was to be successful. This initial phase would go fairly smoothly, and most fights in the air inconclusive or ending favorably. It wasn't anything too extreme our out of the ordinary, and the recon aircraft were protected from any interception. Interestingly however, Bergan's were just as involved in these interceptions as the Falke's involved, and both were fairly few in number. Though the bad weather was likely to blame for this, as said weather was also responsible for the loss of a pilot and a few aircraft. Luckily, finding an airfield took less than a week. Unfortunately the rest of the week was unsuitable to flying. But at least all there was to do was wait for raid reports now. Annoyingly however, when the weather cleared up enough, many reports were simply incorrect. The aircraft responsible for the bombing being either T.II's or even in a few cases Frÿg's. Still, despite this, correct reports would come in, and by the middle of the month a few Kronlein flights would be engaged over the enemies lines, to mixed results. The initial attempt on a Kronlein flight ended poorly, with a number of our aircraft downed by escort and the Kornlein G.III's themselves. Yet the second attempt went far more favorably, with a Kronlein damaged by flak earlier being downed by Eva Courbet. Unfortunately, it crashed and broke badly upon hitting the ground, and the location it crashed near was annoyingly next to enemy forces, including some light AA, making an inspection impossible. The third attempt however, made possible thanks to Lucie Maret, was the most viable and successful. The Kronlein being forced down to land, but still intact. The problems however, began when the S.U.D's moved down to try and potentially inspect and maybe even capture the craft.

File: Gotha2.jpg (482 KB, 1600x1094)

482 KB JPG

While in pristine condition, so too were it's crew, which did not leave the craft after landing. Once the S.U.D's move to land, they initially incorrectly thought the bomber's crew had left. It turns out, they simply had been ducked down and not noticed until one of the gunners peaked out, saw our dismounting pilots, and got on their machine gun as the pilots on the ground drew their own weapons. Needless to say, this did not end well, with two pilots gunned down along with their crew's, the situation made worse by the other gunner the Kronlein had joining in the fray. Luckily, one of the gunners on our S.U.D's returned fire, and while injured, was able to clear the bomber of the gunners, and even hit the pilot who was still ducked down. Attempts to inspect the aircraft after was short. An attempt to see if the craft was intact enough to take off was indeed made, and it was seen that such was indeed possible...If it wasn't for one problem. The reason the aircraft was forced down was because Lucie's fire caused a number of fuel leaks...The aircraft's engines needed to be refueled. Something that, needless to say, was impractical given the circumstances. Still, the aircraft would be looked over quickly before a flare was fired telling those on the ground to get going, the low flying escort seeing infantry moving on the position. And, swiftly, the pilots on the ground ditched, but not before swiftly ensuring that our own aircraft we were unable to recover wouldn't be intact when the enemy got it, nor the Kronlein.

While not exactly ideal, much like the Bergen, the short investigation has given some insight. Mainly into the engines, fuel tanks, gun layout, and some interesting pilot equipment that could be useful for high altitude flying. Though, all in all, for a small little operation things went fairly well. Arguably slightly better than the last time something like this was attempted...

Elsewhere, the war seems to be turning a bit in Steyerland-Magyrian's favor, as in the east, while Prußenmark is bogged down with Varuski forces in the north and center, the forces of the dual monarchy push slowly but surely. Retaking all the land lost in the initial stages of the war, and potentially providing to prevent a devastating famine crisis that could have occurred were the fertile lands of the north east of the nation still held by Varuski hands. Despite this, Varuski seems to be holding the forces of Prußenmark at bay at the very least, and most losses against them are regained, though unfortunately any pushes meet a similar fate. Against the Vitulian's however, Steyerland-Magyria pushes much faster despite the winter, utilizing it to their advantage even with avalanche and other problems caused at every opportunity by their forces thanks to aircraft and artillery. The attack is something of a surprise, and the already low morale for the Vitulian's is brought closer and closer to the breaking point as a sizable number of the Dual Monarchy's enemies in the south west simply surrendering under their assault instead of trying to hold to the last man. The last thing of note is simply that of another horrible murder, this time in Aurilucon. Much like the last mass killings, there is a mark left simply stating 5/12...

Squadrons, aircraft, pilots, and other information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KT0JJxoLsbcNFC7RqtsWKke9iTnLQ8blSCf_8dZ4jWw/edit?usp=sharing

Not bad at all. Now it is time to pull those five reserve Veranys out of the shed.

Airframes:
Bleu: 5x Verany C2's
Blanc: Put the Type R into Reserve; let's keep it for a future Special Op. This turn will be too dangerous.
Rouge: 6x Verany C2's
Vert: 6x Verany C2's
Noir: 4x Verany C2's

Pilots:
Bleu: Desmarais and Bachelot to Reserve.
Blanc: Cuong and Khai to Reserve, The to Active.
Rouge: Flandin, Hauet, Anouilh to Active. Desjardins to TRACOM. 3x Replacements.
Vert: Maret and Chausson to Reserve. Guilloux to Active.
Noir: de Montgomerie, Saint-Yves and Behet to Active. Noir to TRACOM. 1x Replacement.

Will Cal get promoted for her command of Rouge two turns ago? Perhaps not, considering the losses incurred. Also, if none of the Rouge replacements are Capitaines or Commandants, Amelie will be in command, which will be interesting.

Orders:
Blanc to fly Circus against known Lothring airfields. Time to attrit them before it is too late.
Pick 2-3 squadrons to escort Blanc, with the remainder on Defensive CAP. I am inclined to go with Rouge, Vert and Noir, but if anyone else has another allocation, go with that.

>>5652839
Re: Blanc, move Chien, Tien and Phuong to Active too.

Thanh, the 30/30 KIA from the Special Op was supposed to be in Reserve. Doh!

I guess Commandant Marais runs his Escadron as he sees fit.

>>5652839
Oh and give each fighter squadron an extra Replacement pilot too, since we have those in the Pool.

>>5652839
The reserve aircraft I divided between Bleu and Vert as their squadrons personal reserve. Not an Escadre reserve. It's why Vert has 9 aircraft despite losing more than just 1 plane, same for Bleu's current numbers as they lost two aircraft to accidents. Sorry if that throws a wrench into your plans.

>>5652853
I'll certainly apologize for this too, that was an accident on my part.

>>5652839
Is practicing bombing runs in our own lines a better use of time than reserve?

>>5653207
Maybe? If so, then that makes sense. Otherwise, the wing staff can take turns flying it behind the lines to claim flight pay.

>>5652947
No problem, I had hunch when I retired for the evening. Here be the revised sheet:

Airframes:
Bleu: 5x Verany C2's
Blanc: Put the Type R into Reserve or use as a training hack.
Rouge: 6x Verany C2's
Vert: 5x Verany C2's
Noir: No aircraft

Pilots:
Bleu: Desmarais and Bachelot to Reserve.
Blanc: Cuong and Khai to Reserve, The to Active.
Rouge: Flandin, Hauet, Anouilh to Active. Desjardins to TRACOM. 3x Replacements.
Vert: Maret and Chausson to Reserve.
Noir: Non-aces still on leave.

Orders; Two for others to choose from:
> The entire Escadre on a Circus against Lothring airfields.
> Blanc recce on Leeuwenborg. Vert and Rouge to Escort. Bleu on Defensive CAP.

Alright, was a touch busy but I'll work on the turn tonight. Expect it to be done either then or tomorrow.

>>5653660
Just a heads up, since no one specified which of the two orders to go with I rolled for it. Turn will be out soonish.

File: Western Front.png (59 KB, 789x796)

59 KB PNG

Once more orders are set out and the traditional bout of work begins. It's still quite cold, it being the middle of winter, but at least the blizzards have left this section of the slow covered battlefield for the time being, allowing your pilots to keep doing their jobs. Regardless, a grand and powerful push with circus operations goes underway against Lothring to good effect. Of course, you fully expect heavy losses due to the nature of the operation in question, but luckily you are well aware that you'll be gaining plenty of replacement aircraft and pilots if need be. Yet, good news comes to you fairly soon.

There weren't actually to be many letters of condolence to be written these past two weeks. At least, not for this Escadre.

The operation went about as smoothly as it could be, with plenty of the CN-III's being swatted out of the sky with the considerable escort that Blanc received. In fact, not a single aircraft from Blanc was shot down, and Rouge didn't lose any pilots, though they did suffer a casualty with the new pilot Chloé Valcroix suffering from a bullet wound, though said bullet passed clean through and didn't hit anything vital luckily. However, that isn't to say that there were no losses. Bleu and Vert did lose a few pilots, two each to be specific, and Aelisia Kléber of Rouge had a crash landing after combat, though was uninjured. But compared to what usually happens these past two weeks have been wonderful. And it's only further exemplified with the efforts of the pilots of Blanc doing a decent amount of damage to Lothring airfields. Of particular note however is that Sarra Anouilh downed three Falke D.II's and a CN-III, officially making her an ace. Though honestly that is merely a cherry on top of the absolutely fantastic showing these past two weeks from the pilots of 14e Escadre Mixte "Liberté".

Due to the lack of major disruption in the bombing efforts, combined with the relatively decently skilled pilots of Blanc, a number of enemy aircraft, hangers, and other facilities have been bombed and had damage dealt to them. Efforts by the Lothring air corps is likely to be weakened for the next month or two most likely, though that is likely to not have too major an effect on the enemies offensive patrols. Though it will ideally force Prußenmark to either invest more resources in supporting them in the air or simply leave the airspace above Lothring less defended. However, despite the strong blow we have delivered there is still one problem. Prußenmark's efforts to bomb our forces and artillery are still underway and in full force, using very much the same method of forcing our friendly aircraft to engage even if it is not exactly ideal. While aces and other skilled pilots on our side have managed to even things out at times, the vast majority of our allied forces are suffering quite handily in these circumstances.

File: crash.jpg (888 KB, 1500x976)

888 KB JPG

Lastly in regards to news at the front, an allied recon aircraft that went far behind enemy lines in Lothring has reported seeing a unidentified aircraft flying about at high speeds. Perhaps a prototype of some sort? Details are a bit scarce, but the pilot in question swears it isn't anything he's seen before. With regards to news not far from the front, Frefort has suffered a strike from the murderer. As expected, 6/12 was scrawled nearby. It's likely if it wasn't for the war these strings of murders would be the cause of massive demand for a reformation of the police force which is certainly absolutely humiliated at this point...

Before you are able to work on sending out orders however, Botrel arrives at your office with news. "High command has informed us our artillery has suffered extensively. Far too much to be acceptable. As such, they have issued a demand that all escadre's at least dedicate some forces to dealing with the threat in question. I do hope this does not disrupt any of your plans. Other than this, weather reports speak of some further snow, for better or worse, so expect pilots to have a few days off." It seems high tempo operations won't be an option for the start of the month. But that likely wasn't planned anyway, right?

Squadrons, aircraft, pilots, and other information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KT0JJxoLsbcNFC7RqtsWKke9iTnLQ8blSCf_8dZ4jWw/edit?usp=sharing

(Sorry for the smaller turn. It's kinda hard to write when things go really well and nothing too exceptional happens. I suppose I coulda wrote a bit about Sarra's point of view but, it's a bit late now for that. Plus, it's not that impressive given it was drawn out and not in a single battle or something similar.)

>>5656167
20x Verany C2's = 160 RPs
2x SUD Galeasse R's = 20 RPs
18x Pilots = 3 RPs
+20% Resupply for all Escadrons, except Rouge which gets +40% = 7 RPs

Airframes:
Bleu: 6x Verany C2's
Blanc: Put the Type R into Reserve or use as a training hack.
Rouge: 9x Verany C2's
Vert: 8x Verany C2's
Noir: 8x Verany C2's

Pilots:
Bleu: Chaney to TRACOM. Lebas to Reserve. Desmarais and Bachelot to Active. 3x Replacements.
Blanc: Marais, Vinh, Truong to Reserve. All pilots currently in Reserve to Active.
Rouge: Anouilh on PR Tour. Desjardins, Chopin and Bonnet to Active. 2x Replacements.
Vert: Courbet to TRACOM. Maret, Guilloux, Duverger to Active. 3x Replacements.
Noir: de Montgomerie, Saint-Yves, de la Croix, Behet and Delannoy to Active. Noir to TRACOM. 3x Replacements.

Orders:
Blanc to Reconnoitre the Leeuwenborg, Tilhof and Eberding AOO.
Rouge and Noir to escort Noir.
Bleu and Vert on Defensive CAP.
I was tempted to place Bleu on leave this turn, but we have so many planes available.

>>5656655
Maybe other can vote on whether to recce Leeuwenborg, Tilhof or Eberding. Also, what do anons think of this idea?

> Instead of escort, have Noir bushwhack enemy raids on their egress.
We get reports from struck targets, and from the Kronlein caper two turns ago, we know their home airfields. It should be easy to draw straight lines between the two and scramble Noir as appropriate.
I was tempted to suggest Rouge, but all those aces are commanded by a Nugget who can barely fly or navigate. Merde.

>>5656167
Re: write up ideas, maybe this turn's PR Tour can be a catastrophe. A drunk and a doomer, what can go wrong?

PS -- I presume the airfield bombings last turn were performed by other Escadres? Our SUDs do not have bomb racks. . .

>>5656774
Amusingly that drunk is the only thing keeping that wreck of a woman suffering from extensive PTSD made worse by the fact they are a pacifist. shell shock afloat. I did actually think about this though, but forgot while working on the turn. Something to consider for the future though. Among other things.

>>5656784
You basically gave all the recon they'd ever need and helped deal with potential response any fighters had. So, yeah... Totally didn't forget that the Type R isn't the only one that doesn't have inbuilt bomb hardpoints...

>>5656655
Support

Can we ever do PR tours ourselves?

>>5657360
Potentially in the future. It'd be an event/option you'd be allowed to do. Though, your pilots get more reputation than you do, for obvious reasons. After all, how many people know of Ernst von Hoeppner or David Henderson compared to say, Oswald Boelcke the Red Baron/Manfred von Richthofen, Albert Ball, René Fonck
and Billy Bishop?

Of course, with so many ace pilots coming out of your Escadre, you've certainly got that going for you, but chances are such an event would only happen after pulling off some sort of big/major plan.

>>5656655
Curios choice to have Noir escort itself.

Joking aside I'll work on the turn soonish. Things are getting more busy for me annoyingly.

>>5659813
I suppose this would be Blunder random event in a miniatures game. . .

I intended to get the post out yesterday. It'll be a bit delayed, but I should get it out sometime tomorrow. Sorry for this.

File: Western Front.png (59 KB, 789x796)

59 KB PNG

The past few days had been hard for Boutart D'Amboise. Symonnet Bachelot who had been in the escadron a while and just became an ace died yesterday on the last sortie, and Conrrat who was quite the up and coming pilot likewise perished earlier in the week alongside his second in command. Ever since he took command it seemed everything just went in disaster as they ran into overwhelming forces of enemy offensive patrols while it seemed their fellow defenders of their own air space got lucky in that they found nothing or reasonable forces. Still, while the stress of it all, he was still alive, and had made a modest count of victories, managing to down a Fryg CL.IIa and a Koerkamp C.I, arguably one of the few that weren't fighters causing problems. But ideally today would be a nice calm and boring patrol where nothing happens.

He and his flight of remaining pilots were not that lucky.

Firstly, he and his flight ran into an enemy offensive patrol once more, much to D'Amboise's annoyance and slight despair. Secondly, the aircraft's ornate star like markings clearly showed these were volunteers from the CSA, likely from Jagdgeschwader XIV "Eidgenossen". Still, one in particular had a number of additional colors, specifically a red circle behind the cross that symbolized the empire the pilot fought for surrounded by a thin white outline and blue triangle that lead into stripes similar to the flag of one of the states of the CSA. This, along with a row of 13 stars on the top, blue painted wing and other clearly personal decals different from the rest of the flight implied the pilot in question was an ace. Naturally, Boutart reacted accordingly, moving in to try and engage the most skilled of the enemy pilots while his wingmen engaged the others, even if they were outnumbered, with two more enemy aircraft than their own three being in the fight. Still, his wingmen served well keeping everyone except the enemy ace from engaging him while staying alive themselves. And as such, as was oh so common, two experienced pilots dueled in the sky.

Initially, the two pilot's duel began with neither pilot holding any real advantage, the altitude of both craft being similar, both were aware of the other and both swiftly entered maneuvers to try and get on the tail or get a shot at the other. Of course, one could say that technically, the enemy pilot had a slight advantage given the capabilities of his aircraft compared to D'Amboise's own. But in essence it was about as even as it possibly could be, with only skill and luck being the defining factors that could tip the edge to either pilot. After an initial head on pass that the enemy ace quickly pulled away from, the two entered a number of half loops and twisting rolls to try and get on the other's tail as both aircraft slowly lost altitude, occasionally snap shots getting fired and a couple rounds going through fabric and doing little else. Yet once close to the ground D'Amboise managed to get another such snap shot that struck an important few spars and caused one of the elevators of the Falke to fly off. Yet, even with the aircraft's agility reduced, the pilot's skill saved them from getting shot down immediately, and still the best D'Amboise could hope for was a snap shot. Yet, he would get lucky once again, another few spars in the tail, the same side that lost the elevator, and soon the rudder went as well, and at low altitude and in desperate maneuvers, the enemy ace crashed into the ground.

This wasn't the end however, as one of the other Falke's dove down to try and help their flight leader, arriving just in time to become Boutart's next target, and with their attempt at a pass overshooting it was quite simple for Boutart to gain their fourth victory so soon after their third. However, celebration would not come to pass, as after he regained altitude and found his two wingmen battered but still alive and the enemy driven off, his flight was struck by yet another enemy flight. One of the same number of aircraft as his own. And by extension, another enemy ace. Swiftly, his two wing men were cut down just as Boutart managed to get a good few rounds into the engine of one of the Falke's, setting it alight. And after, he had to deal with not just an ace constantly hounding him, but their enemy's wingman. And every time he maybe had a chance to reverse the situation or get a snap shot off on their rival, the enemy's wingman forced him to maneuver away from their fire, constantly being slowly whittled. Yet, despite this Boutart managed to survive long enough for a stroke of luck. As when the second enemy ace lined him up and fired, only a few rounds would go flying before suddenly, they stopped. And a few seconds later, broke off. Their wingman joining them. Whether it was a jam or mercy, Boutart didn't know. However, he was able to survive, unlike the rest of his escadron, much to his sorrow.

Later, he would learn he had fought Jürgen Glisser, and the enemy ace he had slain was Michael Sÿfrid. And while he arguably should have been celebrating, he felt he couldn't. Not when he lost all the men he was supposed to protect.

Elsewhere, a new pilot, Capitaine Sibilia Dembélé, suffers a similar fate to Levia, managing to get an ace in a day only to be met with a nickname that is a bit less flattering, and likewise due to Acelina's antics. Though this time the nickname of Culex is more of a reverse in it's irony to Levia's own nickname. At the very least the new ace quickly becomes at least moderately friendly with the Léviathan, and with a mutual dislike for Acelina.

With orders sent out once more, you find that the winder days of late are surprisingly calm. At least, for your Escadre. Despite some heavy losses on the side of Bleu, most of your forces find themselves only lightly damaged at best, with a surprising number of enemy pilots downed compared to your own losses. However the reasons why quickly become apparent. Firstly, Vert hardly ran into any enemy aircraft on their defensive patrols, meaning the only way they could have suffered losses is due to accidents. Secondly, half of the enemy aircraft that were shot down these past two weeks were either obsolete craft, specifically five CN-III's and a Bergen, or two seaters downed by Bleu pilots before they were killed. The other half were Falke's, one of which was a D.III. And while even if one counted only the Falke's for a kill loss ratio it'd be positive, it was only ever so slightly so. Though, given a fairly successful enemy ace was out of the picture it certainly was a worthwhile trade...

File: Carousel_02.jpg (158 KB, 980x447)

158 KB JPG

Still, surprisingly the bombing has stopped briefly, and instead a flurry of two seaters has flown over our lines of late. Perhaps they are searching for more targets with which to strike? Regardless, at any rate things likely are going to remain positive for the time being, and provided success continues there is a real chance that the Escadre could be strengthened further. However it is quite clear that there is a very good chance that Gallonia isn't the only one planning for a major spring offensive as soon as the snow melts. However in Vitualia the offensive by our foes continues, and a major Naval battle has occurred with the Steyerland-Magyrian navy moving to bombard Vitulian forces. They were intercepted by a Vitulian force and a battle began that was a strategic Vitulian victory but a tactical Steyerland-Magyrian victory, with three predread battleships on the Vitulian side along with a modern one sent to the bottom for only two confirmed enemy predreads. This was partially due to the efforts of the fairly old cruiser SM Kaiserin und Königin Margrede Hinderofen and her small force of crusiers and destroyers that were part of a completely different operation running into the battle near the tail end of it and catching the Vitulian navy by surprise in the dusk, along with putting a few torpedoes into their navy. Regardless, the fact there has been a surprising trend of naval victories for our enemies is concerning. Ideally Steyerland-Magyrian doesn't realize the advantage it has until Pretany can move some of it's ships to reinforce Vitulia...

Squadrons, aircraft, pilots, and other information.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KT0JJxoLsbcNFC7RqtsWKke9iTnLQ8blSCf_8dZ4jWw/edit?usp=sharing

(Sorry about the time it took to get this update out. Also sorry for almost forgetting an arguably quite important part of the update. That being the ease of access to the doc)

>>5662848
Ouch, three near-aces in Bleu lost. I had hopes that the squadron had turned the corner and could be more like Noir.

Airframes:
Bleu: No aircraft, send the ground echelon on leave.
Blanc: Maybe use the Type R as a Judas Goat? The next time Amelie is on PR Tour, she can paint it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assembly_ship
Others: 8x Verany C2's

Pilots:
Bleu: D'Amboise on PR Tour.
Blanc: Minh and Cuong to Reserve. Marais and Vinh to Active.
Rouge: Hauet to TRACOM.
Vert: Guilloux to TRACOM. Maret to Reserve. Courbet, Charbonnier and Chausson to Active.
Noir: de Montgomerie on PR Tour. Noir to Active. 1 Replacement Pilot.

Orders:
Blanc: Same as last turn.
Rouge and Vert to escort Blanc.
Noir on Defensive CAP.

Or maybe someone else has other ideas regarding orders? I admit this is not as adventurous as the January turns.

>>5662726
>Pretany can move some of it's ships to reinforce Vitulia...
Not much, I suspect. Historically, the French Navy relieved many British ships in the Mediterranean so that they could concentrate on the North Sea. Maybe those ugly Gallic pre-dreads will see some real action.

By the way, did Blanc lose two Galéasse R's? I thought it should have 7 +2 that we just bought.

>>5663327
No, you didn't lose any. Apparently, that didn't get through when I edited it. Or I just missed it.

>>5663318
You can 100% do that with the Type R if you want.

>>5663318
Hmm, the over to over-manage is compelling to change
> Noir: de Montgomerie on PR Tour. Noir to Active. 1 Replacement Pilot.
to
> Noir: de Montgomerie on PR Tour. de la Crox to TRACOM. Noir to Active. 2 Replacement Pilots.

>>5663657
Assuming QM has not already started crunching the next turn. Otherwise, sorry for flip-flopping, you can choose to ignore this.

>>5663318
I think we can rest most for this turn if we really wanted to.

>>5664218
Maybe a lower optempo? Or perhaps rest more veteran pilots?

>>5664237
Both?

>>5664218
Okay, how about this allocation that rests more 20+ fatigue pilots and brings in more noobs from the Pilot Pool?

Airframes (copied from >>5663318):
Bleu: No aircraft, send the ground echelon on leave.
Blanc: Type R is the Judas Goat.
Others: 8x Verany C2's

Bleu: D'Amboise and Chaney on PR Tour. Ponce stays with TRACOM. Lebas on leave.
Blanc: Minh and Cuong to Reserve. Marais and Vinh to Active.
Rouge: Hauet to TRACOM.
Vert: Guilloux to TRACOM. Maret to Reserve. Courbet on PR Tour. Charbonnier and Chausson to Active. 1 Replacement Pilot.
Noir: de Montgomerie, de la Croix and Noir to TRACOM. 3 Replacement Pilots.

Orders:
Blanc: Other's choice or die roll between:
> Recce Coloroux and Dissons AOO for a change, or
> Recce Leeuwenborg, Tilhof and Eberding AOO again.
Rouge and Vert: Escort Blanc.
Noir on Defensive CAP

Or would you prefer the original >>5663318?

Well, given that I haven't worked on the turn yet, (Was planning last night but didn't get the chance to) I'll let you vote between the two plans.

>>5664436
I'll support this

Just a heads up given I've been busy with things, I'll probably take a bit of a break and make the update after this thread falls off. I might squeeze another update in if I find the time but I think this'll be the end of thread 8.

Also still shocking to me I've been doing this for a year. Hope you guys have been enjoying it.

Take it easy QM! I am pretty busy too between work and the release of Rule the Waves 3.

Do you wish the players made Helene fly dangerous sorties? It would have been a rather short quest. If the next few turns are light on casualties, maybe a new bomber squadron can be formed and Helene can ride along in the first raid.

I was interested in chatting with Huistase Vaugrenard before he left the hospital. We got to know the pilots in Rouge and Vert, but not so much Bleu and Noir. That said, more war turns are good too.

This quest is making me consider picking up some more old box sets or miniatures for Wings of War/Glory.

>>5667878
I'd not really mind if Helene flew more. The one thing I wish you guys did though was more specialized operations. Like something to prevent Lothring from finishing their engine project via a bombing mission or something. Because well, that fucking thing is an mid interwar tier engine...And everyone currently is just about getting to the Mid WW1 tech when it comes to aircraft. I wanted to warn you guys about it, but I didn't want to be overbearing, so I sent another message from Conley in the hopes of just subtly nudging you in that direction. The bright side is that producing the thing will certainly be expensive, but that's just about the only one.

Also you bring up a decent point. Vert and Rouge get all the glory. It makes some sense given they have all the top aces but it's a tad disproportionate. Blanc got some attention back in the day, but the limited amount they got made sense given two seaters. Bleu's one good pilot died before you talked to them, and now only really has aces that got there by luck more so than skill but they certainly deserves some attention. And Noir even more so given the success they have.

Lastly, I got RTW3 the second it came out as well. I've not gotten to the missile age yet but it's quite interesting so far, and I like the extended time with predreads that isn't enforced by simply slowing down tech progression in the options. Wish I had more time to play it though. But given the break this will be on for likely a week or so I probably will have the time for it.

>>5668136
Can Helene propose a joint operation with 15e Escadre? Right now, 14e does not have the RP to equip bombers and keep up with attrition. Of course, the orders for the next turn still stands.

>>5668412
Yes. Though depends on the op.

Also gotta love it when you think you posted something and then find out you never actually did.