The Battle of Kumagu [AK-47 Republic]

[Reinhardt]

"War has come to the African Republics!"

Hello, fellow wargamers! For the Second Peter Pig Forum Competition, I've decided to continue with a new post for my AK-47 narrative campaign, known as Republics in Peril. As I've stated before in my previous post, the campaign takes place in West and Central Africa in the region of Republia. Multiple countries, ruled by would-be warlords and tin-pot dictators, struggle to survive. There's been a few changes since my last post, which I'll post here as a change log:

• #1: I've changed the date to 1962. Why? I wanted to keep the arsenal relatively old school. My army, for example, fields a large number of World War era vehicles and weapons, so I wanted to keep the look plausible for the period, if that makes any sense. That, and, the 1960s were a period of high Cold War tension as opposed to the 1970s. Furthermore, factions like the United Nations were still very young, so there'd be a likelier chance of armed intervention (see the Wikipedia page on the Congo Crisis for inspiration).
• #2: There are a few new nations which will be shown on later maps, but I've decided to focus on the conflict between my nation and my friend's nation for now.
• #3: There's an actual mini rule-set in the works for the campaign, but it's still very rough. I'll probably post this on the AK-47 forum later.

Now, just as before, my entry will take the form of a battle report with some additional media here and there (i.e. recordings, news reports, etc.). For this report, we'll be covering the first battle of war between the Democratic Republic of Nurumbi and the nation of Zumisia. These two countries, led by tin-pot dictators craving for power and wealth, have begun a full-scale war along their shared border. After a few minor skirmishes, the first proper engagement of the war takes place in a small town along the Zumisian border known as Kumagu. What side took the day? Read on and you'll find out!

NOTE: I've included additional media in the order that they should be read or listened to for maximum enjoyment. Also, take care with the SoundCloud files, as the next track will play automatically once the one you're listening to has finished. Be warned of any loud audio, since these clips will include battlefield ambiance!

I bring you the next chapter in the Republics in Peril narrative campaign: The Battle of Kumagu!

A map of the region of Republia in West Africa, along with an arrow showing Nurumbian troop movements during the first weeks of the war against Zumisia.

The winds from the coast blew deep inland, providing a calming breeze that cut through the hillsides and forests of the border region. Who could've guessed that this quiet corner of West Africa would soon become a war-zone? Sure, everyone in the villages knew that tensions were running high between Nurumbiland and Zumisia, but no one figured it'd lead to full-scale conflict. The first signs that the situation was beginning to deteriorate came when reports that the ambassadors in the capital cities of Kalumbo and Obuluville were leaving after a heated dispute had occurred during a diplomatic summit. Apparently, a few too many crass jokes were made, and the already thin line was crossed. Now, both countries observed each other's movements, trying to see who would strike first.

Audio Report: International Media Reports on Rising Tensions in West African Region of Republia
Link: https://soundcloud.com/user-88061258/the-world-watches

President Angali of the DRN struck first, and he struck hard. He took center stage, announcing to the nation and the rest of the world that he and the rest of his nation would not tolerate such insults. On that fateful November day, Angali openly declared war on the nation of Zumisia, calling them to the fight. As news of Angali's broadcast made headlines throughout the globe, President Mikeobulu pondered his next move. His advisers suggested a variety of choices, but the intrepid Zumisian dictator decided to play it smart. He sent formal pleas of help to the international community, making it seem as if he was the defenseless lamb being hunted by a bloodthirsty wolf. For the most part, the United Nations and the remainder of the international community ignored Mikeobulu's pleas. After all, they vividly remembered his transgressions against the nation of Zumne that bordered Zumisia to the south. Still, word had spread fast. War was coming. It was just a matter of when.

The flag of the Free People's Democratic Republic of Nurumbiland, otherwise known as Nurumbi or the DRN.

By mid-November, both countries had mobilized large portions of their populace in preparation for hostilities to erupt. Nurumbian and Zumisian border troops eyed each other warily, waiting for the go-ahead to begin the invasion. President Angali had every intention to strike first, but he had to wait for the all-clear from his generals first. Most were still gathering their troops and readying their vehicles for battle, with only a fraction of the Nurumbian Defense Forces prepared to move out to the border. Mikeobulu knew that the Nurumbians were biding for time, and he had to force their hand if he wanted any chance of gaining the advantage in the conflict to come. So, on the night of 18 November, Mikeobulu dispatched a group of his famed Golden Lions, his elite infantry, on a mission.

To execute an elaborate ruse: to make it seem like the Nurumbians fired the first shot.

The flag of the nation of Zumisia.

The plan was simple. The Golden Lions were to take an old crop duster from a nearby farm, place it near the border, blow it up, and make it look like a crash. Then, the Zumisian media would cover the story in the morning, claiming that a civilian aircraft had been shot down by the Nurumbian Defense Forces. The Lions did just that, driving the plane near some woods and planting some dynamite before high-tailing out of there. A loud explosion filled the air, with fire and smoke billowing up into the night sky. By dawn, Zumisian national radio was covering the news. It made headlines within a matter of hours, as foreign news outlets began reporting about the transgressions committed by the DRN. It worked!

Surely they won't notice the fact that there's no upturned dirt or crash crater, right?

With no other choice, President Angali formally declared an invasion of Zumisia. Even though most of his army wasn't prepared, he took the risk. By 20 November, NDF troops were marching across the Zumisian border, making their way to the town of Kumagu. Hastily, the Zumisian Army mobilized a few hundred men to defend the town until further reinforcements could arrive to relieve them. Most Zumisian troops were jubilant and optimistic, thinking the Nurumbians would be no match for them. After all, Zumisia had survived countless conflicts with other nearby countries and warlords. This, surely, would be no different. However, neither side could predict just how bloody this war was going to be.

"Are you picking me up well? Alright, excellent . . . this is John Thompson, once more here with BBC Africa!"

Audio Report: BBC Reporter John Thompson on the Front near Kumagu!
Link: https://soundcloud.com/user-88061258/bbc-report-2

Just a few miles outside of Kumagu, a young British reporter working for BBC Africa gathered his gear and made his way towards the front. John Thompson, followed by his American technician Willy Jenkins, had survived their harrowing coverage of the Zumisian war against the nation of Zumne some months back. Now, with another big conflict flaring up in the region, Thompson and his trusty Yank sidekick were on the scene to get the big scoop. It wouldn't be long before they spotted a column of Zumisian troops heading east towards the border with Nurumbiland. Surely, they'd stumble across the enemy at some point.

"Stay alert, boys!" Zumisian border troops on the march west, looking for Nurumbians crossing into Zumisia.

As the Zumisians patrolled the dirt highway, a contingent of Nurumbian Republican Guard made their way quietly across the border, approaching a nearby hill and radioing in their position. They were swiftly given orders to advance, and they did just that. The Guardsmen approached the crest of the hill before them, peering down towards the valley below. Within moments, the Guardsmen opened fire with their automatic rifles, filling the air with lead. The Zumisian border troops were caught unawares for a moment, returning fire shortly thereafter. Eager to make contact, the Guardsmen then stormed off the top of the hill, guns blazing and feet sprinting as they made their way down. Right behind them were a contingent of NDF troops, mostly militia and army reserves. They brought mortars along with them, and they quickly began to bomb the living daylights out of anything they saw within range.

"Long live Nurumbiland!" Nurumbian Republican Guard, proudly bearing their red berets, charge down to meet the Zumisian border troops.

The Zumisian troops, now facing overwhelming resistance, called for support. No response on the wireless. It seemed as if they were on their own. The situation was only getting worse, as Nurumbian troops continued to pour in. This time, a flanking force supported by a T-55 tank made their way down the central highway and right towards the Zumisians. The Zumisians themselves had a few jeeps and a single M4 Sherman which they put to good use, as the two tanks began to exchange rounds the moment they were within range. By now, the gunfight had intensified to the point that the intrepid reporter, John Thompson and his fellow Jenkins, fled the scene towards a nearby hut.

"She doesn't look like much, but she packs one hell of a punch!" An NDF tank, supported by National Army troops, moves in for the kill.

Yet, the Zumisians would not be without support for long. After a devastating and bloody charge by the Nurumbian Republican Guard, which resulted in the whole squad being slaughtered in a flurry of gunfire, the Zumisian border troops signaled for a contingent of local park rangers to take up arms and join them in the fray. They obliged, grabbing a few spare mortars from the armory in Kumagu proper. Arriving on the scene, the Zumisian park rangers and Nurumbian militia began to exchange mortar fire with one another to little effect. In the meantime, the Nurumbians continued to coordinate further reinforcements, with another flanking force arriving on the scene. However, these troops, supported by HMG-armed technicals, seemed to be running low on fuel. They made a slow crawl towards the front, firing a few shots to try and scare off the Zumisians.

Too late! Zumisian mercenaries try to make a hasty landing to relieve the embattled border troops, ending up in a fierce firefight with Nurumbian troops.

Eventually, Zumisian reinforcements arrived too late. By the time they got to the battlefield, the Nurumbians had slain most of the border troops, and the remaining park rangers beat a hasty retreat. Not wishing to jeopardize more valuable armor and troops, the Zumisian Army declared a full-scale retreat from Kumagu, evacuating the town best they could. By dawn, on 21 November, Nurumbian troops were marching into town. Kumagu had fallen.

Victory for Nurumbiland! With the road now open, NDF troops make their way towards the town of Kumagu in the west.

As for John Thompson and Mr. Jenkins? After the fall of Kumagu, Nurumbian troops captured the BBC reporter and his technician, "escorting" them to the Nurumbian capital of Kalumbo for a "special" assignment.

Yet, this would not be the end of the fighting! The Nurumbians dug in over the course of the week, preparing for the inevitable counter-attack. President Angali was pleased when he heard the news, going out in public to give an address to the nation from the balcony of his presidential palace in Kalumbo. The message was broadcast to every radio that could pick up the frequency, and the Nurumbian public expressed mixed reactions. The conservatives in the audience were ecstatic to hear that the army had gained the first major victory of the war, as it promised good tidings to come. However, others were skeptical. Why were they fighting this war in the first place? Still, detractors knew that open dissent was prohibited in Nurumbiland. Most kept their mouths shut and went along with the victory parades.

Audio Report: President Angali of the Democratic Republic of Nurumbi Addresses the Nation
Link: https://soundcloud.com/user-88061258/president-angalis-victory-speech

Meanwhile, in Zumisia, President Mikeobulu was enraged. He immediately sacked the incompetent commander of his border forces, replacing him with a much more capable leader instead. This new commander made his way immediately towards Kumagu with a fresh supply of troops, including an attack helicopter! With such a force under his command, how could they possibly lose? Yet, the Nurumbians were dug in deep. It wasn't going to be an easy fight for either side.

The Zumisian Army advances! Nurumbian forces lock and load, ready for battle.

On the morning of 25 November, the sound of roaring engines and chanting was heard along the western front. NDF troops ran to their positions, with a new host of Republican Guard prepared to reinforce the defense. Ammo was distributed, prayers were made, and guns were sighted in. It was time for the counter-attack to begin. Zumisian forces stormed across the hills to the east of Kumagu, with troops sprinting across open fields with jeeps for support. The oddest sight of all, however, was the presence of naked militia among the Zumisian contingent. These nude warriors hollered and cheered, firing wildly in every direction. The Zumisians had hoped this would scare the Nurumbians, but alas, they merely held their positions and returned fire to devastating effect.

"Zuma! Zuma! Zuma!" Zumisian Golden Lions and naked militiamen charge across the fields towards Kumagu in the hopes of driving back the invader.

Within moments, the Zumisian warriors were cut down in a hail of gunfire and explosions. Those that remained swiftly fell back, unable to penetrate the first line of Nurumbian defenses. The Golden Lions, however, had better luck. They had pushed back the Republican Guard, chasing after them as they fell back. However, the Golden Lions managed to get themselves encircled. As the Guard retreated, two wings of the NDF swung in to close the trap shut. Nurumbian troops surrounded the brave Lions, as they stood to the last man. Yet, they weren't going to go down without a fight. The platoon commander in charge of the Lions radioed in for helicopter support, albeit a bit late. By the time the Zumisian chopper arrived on the scene, it merely hovered over a grizzly sight. Carnage, utter carnage. The Lions were slain to the last, and the remaining Nurumbian troops were thirsty for blood.

"To the last man, my brothers! For Zumisia!" The Golden Lions bravely hold their position, as they are surrounded by Nurumbian troops on all sides.

Bullets whizzed past the helicopter, as the Zumisian pilot managed to get a few good attack runs here and there. The helicopter then positioned itself over a nearby hotel, proudly featuring the face of President Mikeobulu on the side of the building. Defending this icon valiantly, the helicopter managed to drive back a portion of the NDF troops, blowing up a technical in the process. As the fires raged, the Nurumbians stormed the hotel in the hopes of closing the distance. Yet, by the time they arrived, the helicopter had fled. It had done its job. It stalled the Nurumbians long enough for the remainder of the Zumisian Army to fall back and regroup. Again, however, the battle was lost. The DRN had won. The honor of Zumisia was tarnished, but by no means in tatters.

The Zumisian attack helicopter positions itself over a nearby hotel, holding off the Nurumbian troops just long enough for the Zumisian Army to fall back from Kumagu.

The Battle for Kumagu was won by the Democratic Republic of Nurumbi, but the war was far from over. Zumisia made ready to defend its homeland, while the Nurumbian army set its sights on its next target: the copper mines of Fassas.

Thank you for reading! I hope you all found it enjoyable, and expect more in the future. The war has only just begun!

[Mensn]

Fantastic report. And what a great table. Thanks. Keep the updates coming.

[emphatz]

Wow, a lot of work put into this, really like the newspaper effect, great effort.

[Colonel Kilgore]

Very inspiring all round - thank you, and let's have more please!

[Mike Tanner]

Great work! I am impatiently waiting for the next chapter in the campaign.

[Mike Tanner]

I have just noticed that the campaign is continuing here:

https://rulesforcommonman.uk/smf/index.php?topic=242.msg2877#msg2877

[Reinhardt]

Well, it's been what? Five years?

I remembered posting this battle report years ago after finding the shirt I had won from this competition! Good memories and plenty of nostalgia. I decided to come back and fix the pictures for current viewers getting interested in AK-47. The audio files should still work.

I hope this still brings enjoyment to piggies new and old!