The Vin-Khalla Campaign Thread

Hello peeps,

In the weeks to come, this thread will be used solely for campaign related updates. It will be an announcement thread where the campaign will be explore in detail. Both stories and reports will be placed here.

Kindly abstain from commenting here and comment instead on the Battle for Vin-Khalla thread. Your cooperation will help keep this thread neat and focused. Also it will make reading easier for everyone who wants to just follow the happenings of the campaign.

Thanks again!

Planetary Description:

Designated as a Civilised World by the High Lords of Terra, Vin-Khalla Prime nestled within Segmentum Obscurus near the border with Segmentum Ultima. It is the sole planet inhabited in its solar system of five planets. Supported by a population near ten million, it functioned mostly as a halfway stop for merchants plying the north eastern trade routes.

Vin-Khalla Prime currently has three hive cities with several starports that facilitate trades, repairs and other businesses. The planet is blessed by the Adeptus Mechanicus with a modest manufactorum to churn out replacement parts for star faring ships. These are normally sent to Vin-Khalla Prime’s orbital docks through heavy shuttle transfers where the maintenance works are done.

Ecologically the planet is fairly balanced with the outskirts untainted by industrial wastes and capable of producing crops. This is mostly due to the fact that it was only settled less than two thousand years ago. Vin-Khalla Prime in itself also contains several raw material veins and renewable agro resources to sustain itself.

Being the only occupied planet in the system that drew its name, Vin-Khalla Prime stood like a candle in the dark. The next occupied solar system is quite a distance away. For this sole reason the Vin-Khalla system was kept a watch on by segmentum command at Cypra Mundi. Backwater as it may be, it was one of a handful of outposts supporting the current trade routes.

While Vin-Khalla is no stranger to engagements with Chaos or Xenos, the coming conflict was more than segmentum command had prepared for. With the 13th Black Crusade over on the western side of Segmentum Obscurus, Vin-Khalla faced a triple threat engagement against Chaos, the mysterious Xenos (consisting of Eldar of both like with the Tau) and lastly the most carnivorous threat of the lot, the Tyranids.

Apologies for the delay... this was due to some command changes...

Chaos Warband

With the failure of the 13th Black Crusade, Chaos remnants that chose to fight on had dispersed in all directions. One such warband comprising of patched up units decided to head towards the galactic east. Having seen Imperial forces sufficiently supplied in their earlier battles, Warmaster Jeremy and the Chosen Joe decided to pillage and possibly cripple the Imperial lines in the galactic east. Coming within range of warp communication, Warmaster Jeremy had their sorcerers activate their splinter cells within Vin-Khalla Prime ahead of their arrival. Thus it was, that by time they exited the warp Vin-Khalla Prime had descended into civil war. With blood running and watering the ground, Warmaster Jeremy afforded himself a malicious grin… the harvest is now ripe for the taking.

Craftworld Eldar

Having consulted the strands of fate, Craftworld Saim-Hann and Craftworld Iyanden had aligned themselves under the leadership of Autarch Ben of Saim-Hann. Unknown to many, Vin-Khalla Prime’s mines will be finding repertories of gleaming stones within a year if nothing was done. These will be mistaken as precious stones spurring an aggressive extraction for profits. In truth, these stones are spirit stones used by the Eldar to save their souls from Slaanesh. It would be best if the miners do not find them or if the Eldar could somehow harvest them first. Whatever happens, the Eldar will see to it that this cache of spirit stones does not fall into any other hands but their own. To that end, they are willing to even parlay with their Dark Kin.

Know your buildings:

Hive Cities:

A hive city is a well reinforced building. It is not a singular building per se but a city boosted by an Imperial Bastion, a Shield Generator, a Manufactorum and a Power Station. It is a cornerstone of Imperial defenses in Vin-Khalla Prime. Only 3 such cities mark the landscape of the planet. Conquering this is not for the fainthearted.

Know your buildings:

Imperial Bastions
Imperial Bastions mostly take the form of reinforced ferrocrete bunkers with ceramite platings. Bastions are typically resilient enough to withstand an orbital bombardment, and often form part of a planet's defense network. On Vin-Khalla Prime, 4 such structures stand resolutely alone while another 3 each stand among the defensive fortifications of a Hive City.





Building Special Rules:

Defender may deploy an additional Imperial Bastion with any upgrade as a Fortification for free. Refer to page 116 of the BRB for further information.

Know your buildings:

Settlement / Village
While the majority of the population on Vin-Khalla Prime stayed in the hive cities, 2 settlements dot the  landscape of the planet. While unfortified, these settlements have a volunteer corp for security matters. In times of danger, these very same men and women make up part of the PDF regiment of Vin-Khalla Prime.



Building Special Rules:


Defender can conscript 1 unit of volunteers counting as troops for free. Unit's profile is as a 10-men IG Infantry squad or Chaos Cultists without any upgrades. To field this singular unit, the Defender must have FOC availability and actual model availability.

Know your buildings:

Starport
To support trade and transportation between the ground and space, starports play the crucial role of linking the two. On Vin-Khalla Prime, 6 such structures stand ready on the open plains to receive and send. Besides the usual business, basic refit and cargo service offices are located here as well for the supplying of components and parts for ships heading for conflict zones.




Building Special Rules:

Defender may deploy an additional Skyshield Landing Pad as a Fortification for free. Refer to page 116 of the BRB for further information.

Know your buildings:

Shield Generator
Set up as defensive points, the shield generators function as an umbrella for planetary forces against orbital bombardments. Hive Cities will definitely have one. Scattered throughout the planet 3 other such installations are set up where a PDF staging areas would likely be. The shield generator also messes up orbital scans making deep striking maneuvers dangerous if not deadly.



Building Special Rules:

Attackers cannot deep strike or infiltrate. If an Attacker's unit can only arrive via deep strike, roll 3D6 for scatter.

Know your buildings:

Mines
The Imperial Governor has commissioned the works at 2 mines near one of the hive cities in Vin-Khalla less than a five years ago. Based on a rogue trade tip, there in those locations lie hidden vaults of riches. Call it a gamble but extra money is never a bad thing and hence the work began. As they got closer miners have been reported to have somehow regained their vigor despite their toil. Could some sort of power lie hidden within? Unfortunately as they moved closer towards their goal, calamity fell on them in the form of a Xenos invasion.



Building Special Rules:

Defender may roll for an additional Warlord Trait from the Rulebook. Refer to page 111 of the BRB for further information.

Know your buildings:

Manufactorum
Vin-Khalla Prime sports 6 manufactorums (of which 3 reside in hive cities), blessed by Omnissiah. Their general role was to churn out replacement parts for star faring ships. Aside from that, the manufactorum also produces materials for the local mining and agro activities. The manufactorum is supported by several representative from the Adeptus Mechanicus.



Building Special Rules:

Defenders may take 1 extra Elite or Heavy Support unit worth up to 150pts for free. Attackers originating from the manufactorum (tile) may take 1 extra Elite or Fast Attack unit worth up to 150pts. All FOC constraints apply. Also Flyers and Flying Monstrous Creatures cannot be produced here.

Know your buildings:

Power Station
The necessary building. Without it even the manufactorum will not be able to run. There is a power station supporting each hive city and 3 others supporting the general population.



Building Special Rules:

Defender may nominate up to 2 units to gain the Scout special rule. Attacker originating from the power station may nominate up to 2 units to gain the Scout special rule.

Aerial Tactical View of Vin-Khalla Prime



Commanders, take a good look at the world before you. This is where you will find death and at the very same time glory. To you this most sacred task is given; victory at whatever the cost. Yet, do not cheapen the lives under your leadership. Expend them well, honour them well. When the time comes to march into battle, let not your hearts be faint but let it thrum to the echo of your war machines. War beckons us. Let us not keep her waiting...

Month 1: The Battle Begins...

The Vin-Khalla Campaign started with the swift deployment of all forces unto the planet. Except for the Tyranids who were still in transit, the 1st month saw 9 engagements in total.


==> Red denotes Chaos Forces; Blue denotes Imperial Forces; Silver denotes Necrons; Purple denotes Xenos; Tyranids = TBA

Casualties were high for the Imperial forces with the Chaos and Necron forces making the most gains. Xenos forces claimed the most wins however in true gain, they were sorely tested loosing as much as they claimed.


==> Pre-Engagement Stage between the Craftworld Saim-Hann and Dark Angels


==> Tau vs Chaos Daemons



==> Craftworld Saim-Hann vs Dark Angels



==> Craftworld Botak vs The Scourge CSM


==> Archon Alvin ddeploying his troops...

With all sides engaged, Hive Mind Dan who was not present due to unfavourable warp currents projected a powerful psychic blackout. Blanketing the entire planet with the Shadow of the Warp, commanders were forced to fight in the dark. The situation persisted until Hive Mind Dan was satisfied that the combatants were fully aware of his soon to be terrible arrival. Nevertheless, the battle grounded on despite the Tyranid's unforeseen provocation.





As the end of the month drew near, the new map of Vin-Khalla Prime looked like this;


The Results:
Archon Nahri vs Chosen Joe = 0 : 1
Captain Dom vs Autarch Ben = 0 : 1
Warmaster Jeremy vs Farseer Edward = 0 : 1
Captain Shaun vs Lord Subahan = 0 : 1
Captain Shaun vs Archon Alvin = 0 : 1
Farseer Edward vs Lord Subahan = 0 : 1
Commander Jia Vin vs Chosen Joe = 0 : 1
Autarch Ben vs Captain Shaun = 0 : 1
Captain Dom vs Archon John = 0 : 1

Summary:
Necrons          = +2 / -0
Chaos Forces   = +2 / -1
Xenos Forces   = +4 / -4
Imperial Forces = +1 / -4
Tyranids          = +0 / -0

Month 2: Hive Mind Dan Arrives

With the unsuspecting ground forces engaging each other, Hive Mind Dan unleashed his Tyrannid brood upon the world. Since planetary defenses were busy with ground targets, the numerous spore pods arrived unmolested. Striking hard, the Tyranids razed 3 buidlings instantly and annihilated the defenders to goo... Chaos Forces bore the brunt of Hive Mind Dan's assault. See image report below;


==> Hive Mind Dan arrives and initiates land fall.


==> Current areas under Tyranid control and with the added faction bonus, Hive Mind Dan has extra 100pts to utilise in his army.


==> Necrons vs Dark Eldar


==> Kabal of the Infernal Flame vs Ultramarines



==> Hive Fleet Zavulon vs Space Wolves


==> Map at the current month end

The Results:
Captain BLee vs Archon Nahri = 0 : 1
Archon John vs Lord Subhan = 0 : 1
Wolf Lord Syamael vs Hive Mind Dan = 0 : 0
Warlord Aiman vs Captain BLee = 0 : 0

Summary:
Tyranids         = +10 / -0
Necrons          = +1 / -0
Xenos Forces   = +1 / -2 (Lost 1 tile to Tyranids' Planet Fall)
Imperial Forces = +0 / -3 (Lost 2 tiles to Tyranids' Planet Fall)
Chaos Forces   = +0 / -7 (Lost 7 tiles to Tyranids' Planet Fall)

Chaos seemed to have lost its momentum due to the sudden appearance of the Tyranids while the Imperials are doing their best to slow the enemies' onslaught. Xenos made minimum headway this month as well. However the Necrons under the leadership of Lord Subhan shows no signs of slowing down as yet.

The Status on Vin-Khalla Prime

Chaos

Warmaster Jeremy paced about in his makeshift field command centre, arms crossed and head bowed low in contemplation. The campaign does not seem to be heading his way. While they had surprised the population and even captured a hive city, things were looking grim for the Chaos forces. Despite Chosen Joe’s successful push in two locations and Warlord Aiman managing a stalemate, he himself had lost some ground to an Eldar war host. Worst, the damned Tyranids landed enmassed within their lines smashing up his forces in seven warzones. Warmaster Jeremy will need a concerted effort to pull things back on track from now on. Just then, a whisper from the warp caught his attention and a sinister plan slowly took form.

Current Total Controlled Areas:
Hive City x1
Bastion x1
Village x1
Shield Generator x1
Manufactorum x1
Power Plant x1
Basic Terrain x15

Xenos

Autarch Ben of Saim-Hann looked at the farseers’ closed chamber doors from his command throne’s viewing screen, growing slightly impatient at their psychic communion. It has been hours since they went in to consult the strands of fate to better guide their future engagements. So far, their progress had been mixed, winning on several fronts but losing a few as well. It does not bode well if situation persists, what more with the questionable Tau assisting them indirectly. Sighing to himself, he picked up the sound of a different clicking of boots approaching. From the looks of it, Archon Alvin would like to have a word with him on their next move. Time to finalise their next plans then and hope the farseers will join them soon.

Current Total Controlled Areas:
Starport x5
Village x1
Manufactorum x3
Basic Terrain x13

Imperial Forces

Captain Hakim slammed his gauntlet on the table before him, smashing it to splinters. The Imperials were loosing ground too fast with the campaign turning to look like a haphazard circus. Captain Shaun of the Dark Angels who was there with him in the bunker watched quietly. No doubt, a counterattack needs to be launched quickly and decisively. Greeting his teeth to calm himself down less he gives in to his red thrist, Captain Hakim turned to his equivalent and walked back to join him at the hololithic campaign display. The blue dots marking the imperial forces are hard pressed on all sides, with two Necron phalanxs getting real close to their hive cities. If only they had more troops to fight back...

Current Total Controlled Areas:
Hive City x2
Bastion x1
Shield Generator x1
Power Plant x1
Mines x2
Basic Terrain x13

Necrons

Lord Han danced dreamily in the private chambers of his tomb complex. Accompanied by weird sounds Necrotyrs deemed as music of sorts, the Necron Lord was uncharacteristically happy. With the campaign going smoothly so far, Lord Han looked forward to returning to his simulated life. Soon he promised himself, he will be back to spending eternity with his ideal life. A Necron cryptek knocked on his chamber doors requesting his personal audience. Stopping his dance midstep and silencing the music, Lord Han mind-activated the door to allow the cryptek entry. A report of the surface dwellers’ activities were transmitted to him in less than a second. Lord Han’s eye lenses narrowed seeing his age old nemesis moving closer towards him, “Summon my minions!”

Current Total Controlled Areas:
Razed Buildings x2 (Shield Generators x2)
Basic Terrain x16

Tyranids

Hive Mind Dann struck Vin-Khalla Prime where the meatiest meat were. In the absence of Orks, Chaos infantry was the most juicy. In a fell sweep, Hive Mind Dann led Hive Fleet Zavulon to gobble up 10 territories.  Unfortunately due to strong winds, he only managed to consume 7 Chaos locations. His appetite unfulfilled and greedy for more while disregarding his malnourished state, Hive Mind Dann tried to have some Space Wolves as dessert for his first round of buffet. Sadly, they were too aggressive for taste and left Hive Mind Dan wanting more. Looking around him, he was spoilt for choice. Where shall Hive Mind Dann strike next?

Current Total Controlled Areas:
Razed Buildings x3 (Bastions x2, Starport x1)
Basic Terrain x8

Month 2.5: The still before the storm

Latest aerial view:






4 buildings a-smoking... How much more will burn or survive by the end of the campaign?

Due to RL issues, both Yip and I had been very tied up this recent weekend. Please see below the hard results. I will update this post later... Thanks again to the very helpful hosts Jeff and Alvin for helping out...

End of Month 3 Results

Captain Dom vs Chosen Joe = 0 : 1
Cmdr Faizal vs Lord Subhan = 0 : 1

Summary:
Necrons          = +1 / -0
Chaos Forces   = +1 / -0
Xenos Forces   = +0 / -1
Imperial Forces = +0 / -1
Tyranids          = +0 / -0


Month 4: Xenos Armies makes positive gains





==> Dark Angels vs Craftworld Ilfirin





==> The Scourge CSM vs Necrons



==> Kabal of the Infernal Flame vs Dark Angels

End of Month 4 Results

Captain Dom vs Archon Nahri = 0 : 1
Colonel Rizal vs Farseer Iqbal = 0 : 1
Captain Shaun vs Farseer Iqbal = 0 : 1
Warmaster Jeremy vs Lord Subhan = 0 : 1

Summary:
Necrons          = +1 / -0
Chaos Forces   = +0 / -1
Xenos Forces   = +3 / -0
Imperial Forces = +0 / -3
Tyranids          = +0 / -0


Month 5: Necrons suffer first recorded defeat


==> 1k Sons CSM vs Dark Angels



==> Necrons vs Craftworld Ilfirin









==> IG vs Necrons




==> Nameless Kabal vs Dark Angels

End of Month 5 Results

Lord Mark vs Archon Nahri = 0 : 1
Warlord Aiman vs Captain Shaun = 0 : 1
Colonel Rizal vs Lord Subhan = 0 : 1
Lord Subhan vs Farseer Iqbal = 0 : 0
Archon John vs Captain Shaun = 0 : 0

Summary:
Necrons          = +1 / -1
Chaos Forces   = +0 / -1
Xenos Forces   = +1 / -0
Imperial Forces = +1 / -1
Tyranids          = +0 / -0

Map of Vin-Khalla Prime During Month 4 & 5



==> Double Arrows indicate activities on Month 4 while Single Arrow indicate Month 5 activities

After updating... here is the current map of Vin-Khalla Prime;

Month 6: Chaos Advances






==> Necrons vs Daemons of DOOM!!!

This month saw the Lords of Cheese battling it out. In a bold attempt by Lord Subhan Anuar, the Necron Lord attacked Chosen Joe Soon in hopes of razing another building (bastion this time)... Unfortunately the cheese was strong with Chosen One and with a t-shirt that added extra wind to his rolls, Chaos was triumphant. Necrons must have been too weak due to a progamme recently initiated... A-S-A-U-P



As the battle played out between the Necrons and the Chaos forces, Captain Hong Yip was defrosted from his cryo chambers to face the assault from Warlord Aiman. Waking from his long absence to find the 1k Sons before him, Captain Hong Yip quickly jumped into action. Alas, due to being out of battle for too long the game turned against him and Chaos took another territory.



While the battle continued on the other sides of Vin-Khalla Prime, sneaky Archon John attempted to attack and take over a lone power plant garrisoned by the 4th Company Ultramarines. Unfortunately, the wyches failed to deliver in this battle despite advancing in blinding speed. Sent packing, the DE fled for the space marines to make a quick advance to capture a territory.



End of Month 6 Results

Lord Subhan vs Chosen Joe = 0 : 1
Captain Yip vs Warlord Aiman = 0 : 1
Archon John vs Captain BLee = 0 : 1

Summary:
Necrons          = +0 / -1
Chaos Forces   = +2 / -0
Xenos Forces   = +0 / -1
Imperial Forces = +1 / -1
Tyranids          = +0 / -0

Hearing reports of Archon John's findings, Autarch Ben sanctioned an assault on Vin-Khalla Prime through a hidden web way portal. The battle was done stealthily with two Eldar forces leading the charge supported by a Tau cadre. Pic-corders were not able to detect their approach until it was too late. All was left were the evidence of their devastating passing.




Month 7: Xenos Resurgent

End of Month 7 Results

Captain Zemo vs Cmdr Jaivin = 0 : 1
Captain Shaun vs Autarch Ben = 0 : 1
Captain Hakim vs Farseer Soo Kai = 0 : 1

Summary:
Necrons          = +0 / -0
Chaos Forces   = +0 / -0
Xenos Forces   = +3 / -0
Imperial Forces = +0 / -3
Tyranids          = +0 / -0