For the third scenario, the Concord have finally located their downed drone and launch a counter attack to try to pull some of the Algoryn forces away. This scenario also introduces the C3D1 light support drone which looks to be a nasty machine. Equipped with a plasma light support, it has a strike value of -3, making it the most potent weapon so far in the scenarios. It will be interesting to see just how it plays on the table but again I am actually going to use the full rules. Normally weapon drones have their own damage chart that you roll on but Kar'A Nine just treats it as one hit and done. Not bad for an introductory situation but I'm going to take my chances with the extra step.
The scenario opens with the AI deployed along the northern edge of the board while the C3 are deployed in the center of the opposite side.
The C3 get the initiative for the first turn and the strike troopers run forward into the pinnacles to get into cover. The Algoryn activate next and the eastern AI squad moves up behind their closest cover, using it to block line of sight to the strike troopers and, more importantly, the light drone.
The second AI unit moves next and follows suit, also running up to use the closest cover to block the line of sight.
Finally the light drone activates, floating forward on its suspensor field to take position behind the strike squad.
Turn two the C3 get the initiative again as the strike squad advances behind the rocky barrier and open fire on the western AI squad. Unfortunately for them the flurry of plasma only manages to take out one of the Algoryn. As luck would have it this turns out to be enough as the same AI squad tries to activate next but fail their command check and hit the dirt instead.
The other AI squad activates next, moving into the rocks to get some protection against the drone and then opens fire on the strike squad. Even with the strike squad in the open, the AI cannot pierce through their target's hyperlight armor.
The light support drone activates next, advancing forward and firing on the same AI squad. The rocks provide some much needed protection though one of the AI troopers does fall to the incoming fire.
With the Concord forces getting close to the Algoryn side, the eastern AI squad charges forward to assault the strike squad. Both sides fire as the AI close with their target and the C3 are able to take out one of the attackers on the way in.
Having come to grips the two units exchange blows with the AI winning the first round, killing one of the strike troopers. The C3 are shaken by the fight but try to hold their ground as the Algoryn launch a follow up attack. This time the strike troopers are not so lucky. They survive the assault but it was enough to break their morale and send them running back to their own line.
With the strike troopers gone, the AI squad quickly falls back trying to take cover among the rocks as they brace for fire from the drone. With its processors thinking slightly more clearly than the organics, the drone simply floats into the rocks as well and opens fire, gunning down one of remaining AI troopers and sending the other running.
Their numbers already reduced, the remaining AI squad moves into cover on their side of the board. They open fire on the drone but the rocks keep them from getting in a clear shot.
The light drone acts first in turn four and runs to the northern board edge to achieve it objective and score a victory point. The AI fire at it but aren't able to pierce its armor even in the open. The two sides trade shots in following turn as well with the drone taking out two of the AI troopers but the final trooper manages to get a lucky shot off that scrambles it systems and destroys the machine.
The scenario ends with the C3 just barely scoring a win. While they didn't manage to lure the Algoryn reinforcements onto the field, they were able to reach the northern edge which is just enough. The light drone is something to be reckoned with just due to the sheer volume of armor piercing fire it can lay down. While more heavily armored than regular strike troopers, in the end all it took was a little luck to pierce it armor and take it out of the game. Assaults are also a very deadly affair in Antares. It was a desperate move for the AI to attack the strike troopers since they were outnumbered but it paid off in the end.
In the next scenario, the C3 try to use the momentum they have finally gained and recover a damaged drone as AI squads are closing in. Can they activate the drone and escape without sustaining any losses? We'll just have to see. Until next time...
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