The day dawns with clear skies. The night passed without any more disturbances beyond the occasional burst of gunfire far off in the distance.
The refugees have slept soundly for the most part, their bellies full for the first time in a week or more. Now that daylight is upon you, it is time to decide your next move.
Will you continue helping the refugees in the hope that they may soon return the favour? Perhaps abandon them to their fate now that they have a few rifles and ammunition? Or will it be some other plan that is put into action?
This message was last updated by the GM at 14:03, Sat 03 July 2004.

Thus if we follow generic plot line #5, we either have to liberate Lask or settle them in another location with the (false) promise of fuel.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:24, Wed 23 June 2004.

Don wakes up, and stretches his arms. He has had a good nights sleep, as always. After getting a small breakfast of left-overs from the day before, he stroles around the others.

"Ah, them trees here, could have even been home in the trossachs."

Don watches the women in the group getting up.

Unfortunately, there is nothing romantic with this Rob Roy here. No lassies interested this night either... Well, they'll come, they always do...

"So, Mr Nelson. What are we to do today then? The Poles actually spoke about fuel. Lask isn't the smallest of places, but there might be some farm in the outskirts that might host some soldiers. Might even have something to drink there? They are Poles, after all. I guess they are out of 25 year old Ardbeg, though"

Climbing stiffly to his feet, Dimitar rubs red, tired eyes.  His attention perks up considerably when the Scotsman mentions drink.  He understood the rolling 'R's of Don's speech better than any of the others, but it was the promise of liquor that alerted him most.  It had been several weeks since the last of the vodka had finished and the annoying trembles had returned.  Recently, they had been bothering him more than usual which did nothing for his temper.

Scratching absently at his crotch while listening to the conversations around him, he sullenly watched the camp waking up.

OCC now we have patched up the story line.

Guido wakes up, does the obligatory scratching of the crotch (better to get it over and done with) while yawning loudly and streatching to wake all in hearing distance, just to be certain clears his throat and nose in an obnoxious snorking noise (you brought this on yourself Nuked) and promtly spits it on the base of a near by tree.
If this doesn't get rid of the plebs nothing will...short of shooting them.
Guido does a quick walk around camp to make sure the picket is still awake, making sure to say Hi to Cam as she can only speak Danish.[Private to Nuked: The second group may not be aware of this.]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:49, Thu 24 June 2004.

Returning from downwind with a shovel in hand I proceed to nudge the Military folks awake to get the day started.

<If only we had a bugler>

Alfred, after a short nap, gets up, freshens himself up, and gathers his small cadre of profesionals, specifically including the two Majors.

Gentlemen and ladies, we have a challenge before us. We have a limited food supply and a need to get more, exacerbated by the presence of our Polish friends. We also have limited supplies of fuel. Plus what is left of the Red Army probably won't be too happy to see us.

So, what options have we? Do the locals know a place where we can acquire food and shelter and perhaps acquire some more food? That is an early question and I'm hoping those of you fluent in the language can sort that out. We need any leads or intelligence we can acquire.

I would suggest we not linger here. We have wounded and staying in one spot, although attractive, might not be a wise idea given the small unit we wiped out last night and the depletion of local animal populations.

So, suggestions? And before anyone suggests dumping the Poles, I have considered that and will do so if and when it becomes absolutely necessary. I'd rather leave them somewhere well situated than out in the wilds, quite frankly.

Alfred sits back to let the team members contribute anything they have to offer.
If it becomes necessary to invite over a couple of locals for further debriefing, then so be it.

Gary listens to the Colonel. He also listens to the Scotsman, though visions of an unpleasant fate dance through his head when he thinks of meeting superior forces in an urban environment....

Don, do you think we might run into some trouble in Lask? Does anyone have any intelligence as to who is in control of Lask and what their attitude might be like? Further, do these locals have any clue where they might be safe or where might offer them a safe place to stay? We can't drag them all across Europe. We've got families back home and our countries probably need us...

"How about a recon and see what we are up against?"
This should be fun.

Sergeant, I'm not altogether sanguine about splitting this small command up while we're this deep in enemy territory. There are still fairly sizeable enemy force elements around.

On the other hand, it may be a productive idea, but mostly when we're a bit closer to Lask, if it seems to be productive to head in that direction.

If the local chaps can feed us any useful information as to what might await us in Lask or if, perhaps, they have another recommendation on where we might go that they might be safely settled, then perhaps we can allow that to guide our strategic planning.

Once the larger strategic direction is established, tactical decisions like where to laager, when to put out an advance team, and such become more clear.

My intention is still to get Donald back to Jolly Old England eventually. And getting him killed would put a jolly big crimp in those plans I should think.

While having this conversation, Alfred uses a Bayonet to scratch a rough map into the sand. When the locals are called over, he will use it, with Don's help, to illustrate some of the possible options and solicit their opinions.

OOC: The Ref said these are educated folks... time for them to contribute some of their brain power and local area knowledge to aid their own cause (and ours).

Don gets the spokesperson and asks for someone that knows the surroundings to help with the map.

"Allrighty then, laddies. Let's see what we have around here"

He settles among the others prepared to translate whatever said.

With questions relayed through both Don and Gallin, you work out that, they mentioned the previous day, they come from Lask. The town has been badly damaged by the recent fighting and many of the townspeople have fled. Many Soviet and Polish soldiers passed through the town heading west after the 256th Brigade (which most of you were a part of) was destroyed and it is presently home to Polish cavalry troops. Further questions lead you to believe that the headquarters of the Polish 11th Border Guard Brigade are located in the town.
Emplaced in the town square are several big guns, most probably artillery in the 105 to 125mm range. All the soldiers are armed with AK's and they have some machinguns and RPG's. No armoured vehicles have been observed to be with the Polish unit. In fact, it appears that they are totally horse mobile with all their stores carried by pack animals and on wagons.
Relations between the soldiers and townspeople are very bad (one of the reasons these people are in the woods and not the relative comfort and safety of their homes). The soldiers see the townsfolk as traitors as some assistance was given to the US troops when they were there.
It is a little doubtful as to how useful this information is as nobody in the group of refugees has been back to town in a week or so.

Stepping up to the group discussing the situation in Lask, Dimitar offers his opinion.  "I go to Lask.  I take him or him for speaking.", he said, pointing his finger to first Don and then Gallin.

He waits momentarily before continuing, "I am part of soviet army.  I check story and radio back."  Dimitar pauses and looks around at the small encampment, the jeep with little fuel, the hungry refugees and the wounded soldiers.  "I not stay here to die.", he mumbled softly to no one in particular.

I find it difficult to think of where would be okay to leave them? They have a little fighting now, but if they find themselves against real soldiers, like ourselves, they'd be no match? Tapping his chin he ponders.

Maybe some of us would like to stay with them?

[OOC: A good way to help them and dump any players that aren't here no more, which sadly may start to include me? Dependin on the internet connection at home!!!]

[OOC: From other thread. So much so fast? I'm a little lost]

It seems to me that we lack the resources to take on the Forces in Lask. I suppose we should then pool our knowledge about what we know about destinations in other directions.... maybe there is a better place to head to. I don't think we can take on artillery and machineguns and a big pile of troops.

I think we have to look at taking the refugees and trying to resettle them elsewhere if we're going to do them any good.

Gary seems frustrated with the situation, but that could describe how he feels about a lot of the last few years.

William helps himself to breakfast, before packing and loading his kit. He looks at all the movement around him, sizing up their potential and the value of their worth, and what it meant to him and his goals of escaping Poland, finding a nice quiet tropical island, and just living, no more fighting, no more running, just living. He snaps out of his dreams and coldly contemplates his companions, professional killer here, granny with a gun there, shark on a leash here, teenager with a knife there.

I don't think we have much choice. She pointed over at the UAZ-469. That thing isn't going to get very far on wishes and we only have enough fuel left in it to get about as far as that tree over there. I suggest a quiet little scrounging trip into Lask. We could do with some ammo for the PK up there and we could even find us a few heavy weapons if we get lucky.
I can't imagine the troops there are in great shape after the pasting 256th gave them laast week and it sounds to me like the HQ of the cavalry unit that caught us is there. Where there are HQ's there are almost always supplies and we may even get lucky enough to disrupt the entire unit for a day or so while we get some distance.
I know the likelyhood of finding fuel in the supply dump of a cav unit is next to nil, but at worst we could find ourselves in possesion of a few more horses.

Chaps, I see the young lady has a point. We've got to have some fuel for the UAZ or some horses to replace it. Some pack horses mightn't be a bad idea. I'm not so worried about disrupting the unit, despite that being in our original orders, because they're probably already fairly disorganized as a consequence of the fighting.

Nonetheless, they are still a force to be reckoned with. If we have enough Pact Uniforms, it would be ideal to have the entire team dressed thus. Standard British DPM or Yank Woodland Pattern will tend to attract the eye.

Perhaps we might (with the right weaponry) masquerade as a Spetznaz unit who have been operating to disrupt the NATO forces, as these are often attached at the Brigade, Division or even Army level. Of course, if we all speak Russian or Polish, this would explain our mixed equipment.

I think anyone who cannot speak neither Polish nor Russian ought to be assigned to continue gaurding the gear and the civilians, perhaps even starting a movement westward. We may have to abandon the UAZ - we'll be out of food shortly so that is more important than the vehicle. The wounded can be carried on litters.

So, let us assemble a small group of Russian or Polish speakers, see to it we are primarily outfitted with Russian or Polish equipment, discard most of our NATO-esque details like dog-tags, letters home, etc. Anything that would identify you definitively as an Allied soldier.

Then, under the cover of darkness, we infiltrate Lask, attempt to covertly acquire supply and perhaps further transport.

And try hard not to let the blighters kill us all....

"We have Plebs to pull it, only problem is food."
"As for the cavalry, their horses are not trained as was demonstrated at our visit to their camp last night, a grenade and the horses will run."
"They don?t appear to be as well trained as is made out, their only advantage is numbers."
Guido paces, looks at Don "We could try talking our way back to NATO lines." indicating a pistol being placed on the side of the head and being fired.

"Is that really a great idea, Mr Nelson? I thought it was down to me and Doc then? Are there any russkies here as well? Hehe...

The Scotsman looks around on the other in the group.

I speak Russian as well, a legacy of time spent in Moscow getting an education and touring the Republics by train. At least, I speak some Russian. Enough to communicate, but I probably have an accent.

Gary seems to be dubious about the idea of a trip ot Lask, but he's equally dubious about sitting here.

"I can speak German" (4-like thats going to help). does a cross and prays for a quick and painless death.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:07, Wed 30 June 2004.

"I was member of Soviet army", says Dimitar.

I don't know how useful I would be. Although I can speak perfect German, East Germany has been on the NATO side for the last couple of years. I suppose it is possible that a few hard core commies have stayed with the Ruskies.
This message was last updated by the GM at 05:35, Wed 30 June 2004.

All I can Speak is perfect Polish and Perfect good ole American.

I was never any good at languages, only got my o level italian.

Don takes a few steps to get close to Tanya.

"You can be VERY useful, lassie. I will tell you how"

He makes a gesture and swiftly wraps his arm around her back. He speaks to her in a sleazy tone.

"Well, doll. I speak russian as well, so I can count for you too, if you want to follow, haha. Just stay close to me at all times, and you will be alright. VERY alright, hehehe"

I really hope that's just an act. What do you have in mind?

So what's the plan and who's going or staying?
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:10, Sun 05 Sept 2004.

"Since no-one is offering another plan, I'm up" Guido checks his rifle "Should we put the politician out of our misery before we go, the honours can go to you Platoon Sergent if you wish" Guido gives an evil grin to Don.

I have no trouble with a trip into Lask. The intel we could gain about troop movements etc could be very useful in keeping us alive over the next few weeks.

Also, what is the Uaz currently configured to run on, Deisel, petrol or alcohol? Whilst the poles are stationary they're probably brewing up as much fuel as they can for any vehicles they might have, those large artillery peices don't move themselves...

The chance to do a bit of scrounging shouldn't be overlooked either, I'm not too shabby in that regard IMHO. (OOC: Scrounging 4, Obs 3, tracking 3, stealth 2).
Who's got the shopping list???

As for languages other than English I only have a little French and German, hence my interest in starting our own language school so we can at least understand each other.

The UAZ runs on alcohol and at the moment the tank has a few ethanol fumes in it.
Don't count on finding much fuel in Lask. It is a Cavalry unit there after all and artillery can be pulled by horses. Also, The polish refugees with you clearly stated that they saw no vehicles with the Polish troops although many vehicles went through town heading west after the 256th was crushed.
Everything from motorcycles to T-90's rolled through and the smell of burning diesel and gasoline filled the air.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I think the walking tour of Lask is afoot, if the pun isn't too painful to contemplate.

After some thought, I plan to send Sergeant Gallin, for his acute command of Polish, Warrant Officer Kett, for his Russian, even if it is not perfect, Sergeant Nikolov as he has the advantage of speaking Russian and knowing how the Pact army operates 'outside the record books', and I would like to send an officer in charge, but it has to be someone who can act the part, and it seems (unless Major D'ammond speaks Russian) that we are lacking an appropriate leader.

Perhaps if Major D'ammond does not speak Russian, we can send Major Smythe.
In the event that Major Smythe goes, I will want Sgt. Guido along as well. We will use a modified version of the original plan.

The team will be a team of Pact Spetzial Nazirsky attached up the chain at Division or Army Group level. That should discourage any effective queries 'up the chain' if people wonder. It will be a mixed unit of ex-East German expatriates and Russians, operating behind NATO lines under sealed orders, who are just passing through Lask, stopping long enough only to acquire some supply and gather a situational appreciation from any Pact units.

The orders will have been issued from Army Group (?) (Nuked, I think our characters should know the local Army Group operating here...), and will not be subject to question by local authorities. The mission will be deniable, which will explain why the members carry no formal identification.

The weapons mix the team will take will be Pact only. Similarly, we'll reorg clothing stores to insure those going are wearing either nondescript civilian wear or Pact BDUs. That will add to the authenticity.

My orders are simple:

Walk in, quietly if possible, find out who is there, what they are doing there, and what they know about NATO units nearby (your interest is obviously operational and you need to know to carry out the raids, etc that are your specialty as Spetznaz). Recce their supply situation, see if you can acquire some horses and resupply of ammunition and food. Then get out and get back.

If we can get a few more supplies and some more transport, and find out what direction the local Pact forces are heading, we can probably select the safest exfiltration route from this area, which is my current objective.

And in case it needs be said lads, don't get yourselves killed.

And Don, you are not going. Under no circumstances will I jeapordize your well being. For all I know, you may be the last vestige of the Government of the United Kingdom left alive. I certainly cannot authorize your presence on a risky recconaisance operation. I'm sorry, but that is the way it must be.

In the meanwhile, while the team is away, we will do some more hunting and scouting locally. We will also dispatch another small group to look for a laager South West of this location, so that we can start moving Westward, but in a way so as to not run into all the Pact units chancing the Kalisz survivors.

Nelson, while he was giving orders, was using his map to illustrate the general direction he will send the scouting party SW.

If the team going into Lask has not returned within 24-30 hours, we will move on to a new laager location heading SW. We will try to avoid main roads and will set the occasional blaze marker that will only be meaningful to the team (establish some common indicators that the tracker-types can watch for).

Nelso finishes, waiting for any questions but expecting few. He spends ten or fifteen minutes making sure the Lask team is intimately familiar with all he and the other SF veterans know about the Spetsnaz, to make their impersonation that much more accurate - everything from mannerisms to operational procedures to history - who trained them, at what level of the heirarchy they are usually attached, etc. The idea is to give the recce team the best chance to not be 'caught out'.

Then Nelson begins thinking about who will be on the scouting party looking for a new laager position. He also makes sure Don understands that with Gallin gone, he's one of our principal communications resources with the locals. And that he is to tell them that we are going on half rations.

Additionally, Colonel Nelson will make the SVD and its ammunition available, along with the fatigues he has obtained, since they aren't likely to be NATO fagitues.

In return, he will take someone else's fatigues (NATO ones) and their weapon and ammunition.

If need be, he encourages at least temporary trades with the locals, if the team itself does not have enough Pact weapons.

Preparing to go to Lask, Kett will dump all of his identifiably NATO gear. He will leave the C7/M203 and his personal effects and his fatigues. He will acquire suitable Pact fatigues or local clothes in exchange. For weaponry, he will keep the Walther since it could be east German (and he speaks German as well as Russian) and he will take the AKR and all of the magazines that will fit it from stores (I think there are 4 or 5, but only two have ammo).

Guys, I recommend taking about a one-third to one-half ammo load - enough that we can deal with a threat, but it justifies our 'low supply' situation and our need to resupply from the local Pact units. Take some empty mags - it will add to the impression. And be careful you've gotten rid of anything that could give us away if searched - things like NATO binoculars, night vision gear, even MREs. And of course, personal effects.

Gallin will nod and make sure he has the plan figured out in his head.
 He will also make sure someone knows what the wounded will need while he is gone.

Note to the team that the UAZ may remain behind if we have to move without resupply and that we will conceal a map somewhere in the area (agree upon a method location).

I speak no russian...
He says eyeing the surroundings uneasily...

Believing hmself to be one of the ones left behind he wonders how he'll be able to talk to the civilians, if the two translators are going to be going. All in a days work no doubt.

He starts to think back to his taining and how he'd gotten here. Used to being on his own, surviving and hiding. His unit having been split and unable to regroup as normal meant he was a long way from home with no way to get in contact with any of them. Still he might see them on the way back? Unlikely though.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:09, Sun 05 Sept 2004.

"Lutentant Colnel", said Dimitar, turning to Nelson. "I think good plan is we bring soldiers back here with us.  You stay ready with ambush.  This way we kill more soldiers easily and have more gear.", he added.  Pausing momentarily before continuing, "One man is like three in ambush.  We kill some soldiers, then we all go Lask for leaders.  I use this plan much times in Hungary one year ago."

He looks around disinterestedly at the faces of the people standing around the map.  He doubts if anyone will listen to him, being a lowly ranked ex-tank driver from an opposing army.

Sergeant, what would a tank driver be doing using ambush tactics in Hungary?

Nelson's left eyebrow is cocked, but otherwise the question seems genial enough.

And of course, that ignores the fact that by the time someone had journeyed to Lask, brought back some troops, we'd ambushed them, and then we'd endeavoured to return to Lask, we'd be several days beyond the limits of our ration situation.

I think the team that goes in has to go in with the idea of returning with some resupply, even if it is only some extra food and ammunition.

Or does Sergeant Nikolov honestly think that a small unit like this can take out the entire HQ force in Lask and then hold it when the rest of the unit returns looking for its HQ?

Nelson looks to Dimtar to see if he actually thinks this small group can take out the entire military force in Lask.

Beheading the serpent has it's attractions, disrupt the enemy whilst we make good our getaway. Quietly though.

(OOC: I have no idea which of my gear appart from weapons is Pact or Nato, haven't been recording that detail.)

OK, who here is bulky enough for a gear swap with me for this mission? (str10, con8)

Want me to search out the makings of a still while we're at it?

Do any of the locals know if there was anything like a sporting goods store in town, knives, Bows etc.

Also, I'm thinking artillery peices as big as the ones described aren't likely to be horse mobile, therefore there may be a tow vehicle or two about or perhaps the vehicles are elseware for the moment (HQ's taxis). The unit in charge may be brewing fuel in the hopes of securing vehicles or to trade for supplies with others.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Mon 05 July 2004.

Dimitar looks evasively from side to side at the LT. Colonel's pointed question about ambush tactics.

After digesting the other questions posed by Nelson, he responds in the flat montone that is his usual mode of speech, "We tell soldiers to bring supply to help other unit.  We make story.  That way, we have food from dead men and they bring for us."  He rubs the rough stubble on his cheeks with one hand while watching the Lt. Colonel with his dull watery eyes.

"We know better about leaders after we visit", he added as an afterthought.

The original eight characters are all fitted out in Pact uniforms and equipment (think back to your escape and stripping the uniforms off the "sleeping" Poles in the hall).
Almost everything found since is Pact in origin, specifically Polish. Only the equipment that Sergio, Dimitar, Gallin and Kett had are not although each of them had some Pact equipment to varying degrees.
Even the big 8 inch guns from WWI and WWII could be horse drawn. That's 203mm! It does take a few animals but they made 'em big (especially first time in the French mud).

Hope you are getting closer to final orders and execution. I will set a thread for each of the groups: Lask, Scout, Camp.

Nelson gives Dimitar another notch on the 'raised eyebrow' scale. He clearly notices Dimtar's 'non-answer' and does not consider the matter resolved. However, for the moment, he merely appears to make some mental note of the matter.

Nelson insures that the other members are swapping out gear for the journey.

Chaps, let's be about it. Grab your gear and get moving. Here is my final order on the subject:

Major Smythe, you will take a unit consisting of Warrant Kett, Sergeant Gallin, Sergeant Nikolov and Staff Sergeant Guido. You will be acting as a mixed Spetsnaz unit, consisting of East German and Polish soldiers, attached to the local Army Group HQ and bearing Pact gear and no identifying papers. Perhaps Sergeant Nikolov will know the local Army Group number. Your mission will be classified and issued from Army Group HQ but you are at liberty to disclose that it involves operations behind enemy lines in support of the recent offensive. It further authorizes you to acquire resupply from local Pact units. Ostensibly, such orders can be verified from Army Group HQ, but obviously this is no longer straightforward. So, you will have to be convincing. And your mission is classified but important. Very Important. And Very Classified.

You will have German and Polish speakers. You will also speak English, but I encourage you to use incorrect or accented English, as if your knowledge of the language is not 100%, in the event you do use English. It will not be unusual for Pact Special Forces to have studied English. Otherwise, Russian, German or Polish, befitting the mixed unit background.

You will travel to Lask on foot, as expediently as possible. You will acquire resupply of ammunition and food, perhaps horses as well to carry your resupply. You will overtly or covertly acquire as much intelligence about enemy dispositions as possible. If you can, acquire fuel, grenades, and most importantly fuel and ammunition for standard Pact weapons.

Return to this location. If we have moved on, chances are we will have left the UAZ. In any event, we will find a local identifiable landmark (copse of trees, a particular stump, a particular arrangement of rock outcroppings) that can be used to reference a location where we will bury or hide a map (probably not in the UAZ, as someone might happen along and move it if we don't). This will indicate our next Lie-Up Position.

When you are able, rendezvous with us, bringing resupply. If you don't come back, we can't rescue you. We still have a responsibility to Don to get him home in one piece. If you get lost or delayed and cannot make contact with us, we will be proceeding generally South-West, trying to avoid major concentrations of enemy forces. At that juncture, do what you must to save yourselves if you cannot locate us.

Are there any last minute questions?

The remainder of the team will remain here and begin sorting out our plans to search for a new laager to the south-west.


Nelson wraps it up, hoping that things can now move forward. He has already surrendered his own fatigues, boots if necessary, and SVD and ammunition.

Nikolov was happy to be going.  To stay here was to die.  He had survived long enough to know that you had to keep going forward in order to survive.

Gathering his things and loading his backpack with his possessions, he prepared for departure in silence.  Finally picking up his rifle, he did a final check of the ground around where he slept in case he forgot something.

Dimitar then walked to the northern edge of the clearing scratching his filthy head through the old threadbare beanie without looking at anyone.

He waits there patiently for the others going to Lask...

Gallin will pick up the appropriate gear and leave his dogtags in someones safe posession. He makes sure he has no American equipment on him, and slings his rifle, wishing he was going hunting in the back woods of America than playing life or death struggles in Poland.  Still, the county isn't that bad, it the people in it...

OK lads, check each others gear just to be sure, we can't afford to slip up here. We'll share around any empty mags and fuel cans. Nikolov, you're most familiar with Pact equipment, care to run your eye over us to be sure?
As soon as the gear check is done we'll head out.

I feel like we should share a flask around at this point.

"Good luck gentlemen, happy hunting" William says, before stalking off to walk the perimeter.

Dimitar runs his eyes quickly over the gear of the small band assembled for the march to Lask.  It all seems in proper order, and the few things that aren't strictly PACT could be ignored as opportunistic replacements.  He knew for a fact that there were very few soldiers left wearing a one hundred percent "by the book" uniform for their particular armed service anymore.  The corner of his mouth twitched when he glanced down at his own hungarian jacket.

Once the gear check is complete he addresses the group as a whole, "Take smile from face.  You are now from communist block.  You must look unhappy and without trust. Try look tired."  He smiles mirthlessly at his own joke after he turns away and heads off through the trees to the north.

The "Spetsnaz" team heads out on foot towards Lask after sorting their gear out. Now all that is left to do is organise the remaining people for the next task at hand.