The Danish Leutenant seems lonely. She is now totally cut off from anybody who speaks her language.

Shouldn't we set up a security picket?  To cover our bums while we decide our next move.

Excellent idea, Mr. Corrigan. See to it.

Don, if you could explain the situation to the refugees, I would appreciate it. No need to give detail, just let them know we've sent off a team to try to collect some intelligence and supplies. And that we're going to be scouting for a new lie-up point to the south west since it seems the least inhospitable direction just now.

Alfred walks over the the Danish Lieutenant and puts a hand on her shoulder. He looks her in the eyes, lets a small smile show, and gives her shoulder a squeeze. Communication doesn't always require words. He indicates in common military sign language that she should follow Corrigan and watch his hand signals.

Mr. Corrigan, our young Danish lass needs to feel useful. You don't share a language, but you share a profession. Use hand signals and don't be afraid to go slow and play charades. But let her do some time on the picket force. She's probably got good eyes, and it'll make her feel like she's contributing. And remember, she doesn't speak the language but we'd be as lost if everyone was speaking Danish.

Nelson makes a mental note that the 'language class' suggestion should become an order and a daily tasking while on the march.

right away sir

I approach LT Camilla Ashton and point to myself and here and then point in the direction of where I plan to set up the picket post which is just north of our position and then motion for her to follow me.

Camilla understands exactly what Andy wants her to do. She's been in command of her own unit before although acting as a partisan was a little different.

I do a quick check of me gear and north from camp at first and then decided to head west so we can keep an I on the intersection sout west of Lask.  I point to my eyes and my ears to remind the LT to look and listen as we move out from camp.

Having finally digested the plan to infiltrate Lask, Tanya approaches the colonel. "Anything I can do to help, sir?"

OCC: I'm trying to pick things up on the fly, but any little clues as to what's going on would be greatly appreciated.

Noting that Corrigan has things (and the young lady) well in hand, Nelson begins planning for the team to go out and scout for a new lie-up point. He also makes sure to check on the wounded and insure they are recieving some care even if Gallin isn't around anymore.

William volunteers for scouting. "Sir!"

NPC'd
Ok, I want Brown, Redgrave, and Corrigan to head southwest about half a day to scout out our next night harbour. It has to be defendable with access to fresh water. A barn, shack or other stucture for shelter would be good as long as it is unlikely to attract attention. Also, keep an eye out for game and other food sources as you go.
The rest of us will stay here and wait for the "spetznaz" team to return. While we are here I want to continue the instruction of the Poles in weapon handling as well as incorporate them into the guard roster. With only four of us remaining we'll need all the help we can get on that front.
Once the scouts had headed out, he continued speaking with the remaining people.
Don, Sergio, I'd like some input from you as to what we can do here while we wait. I'd like to hear from Camilla too but language being what it is and all...
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:53, Fri 23 July 2004.

Camilla settles down into a concealed position to act as sentry for the first shift. Utilising her limited skills as a combat engineer, she camoflagues the position while paying attention to the sounds and movements of her surroundings. Situated a hundred metres or so away from the main group, the low murmour of camp sound barely reaches her.
Although her AK-74 is servicable, Camilla misses her old hunting rifle. Many kills had been made over the years since her grandfather had handed it to her on her 16th birthday. Before the war's outbreak, it had served faithfully taking deer and other game on her regualar forays into the hills around Copenhagen and the lives of many Soviet soldiers since.

The day passes fairly uneventfully to begin with. The sun is shining above the green canopy of the trees, birds are singing, children playing. The only thing that marrs the otherwise idealic setting is the occasional bursts of gunfire off in the distance.
The sentry changes at regualar intervals with nothing to report.

Out of sheer boredom, Camilla takes it apon herself to go for a short walk around the surrounding area. Gathering her equipment and making sure her rifle is loaded with a full magazine, she indicates to the others her intention. She also makes it clear by signs and body language that some company would be welcome.
Any takers?
This message was last updated by the GM at 08:05, Wed 28 July 2004.

Don has been taking it very easy during the day. He has been chatting with the natives and been trying to get the morale up in the group with strange anekdotes from his life. Since he is always a "great guy" in all his stories, chances is that probably all aren't true.

Seeing Camilla rising and putting on her gear he gets interested, and when she waves to him to come, it takes only a couple of seconds to stand close to her. He has grabbed his gun but has let anything heavy be.

" 'ey, lassie. I knew you couldn't keep away from this body"

He knows she doesn't understand so he smiles to her.

"You know, there are a lot of Scottish words actually are coming from scandinavia. From the vikings, you know. Vee-king-aar-nah."

Dons 'scandinavian language' is far from perfect, yet it can actually be understood.

"I have heard that the isle of mist, Skye, in Scotland actually means just that. Scandinavian 'sky', is mist in Scotland"

Even if the information is correct, Cam probably has large difficulties understanding Dons pronounciations.

Don is eager to get away from the others, so he puts his hand on Cams back and pushes her forward into the forest.

A couple of the Polish refugees get up from where they were sitting and move towards Camilla and Don. Armed with the AKM's and wearing webbing so recently aquired from the soldiers the day before, they certainly looked capable of taking down any game they stumbled across.

When seeing the Poles approaching with their gear, Don feels that his plan with the girl for the next hour is going down the sink. So, in Polish he tells the men:

"Great, we will come soon, the lady has some urges, if you know what I mean, hehe. I wish I had some spirits to get her to loose up, even more, hehe. We'll come back pretty quick. It has been some time for me too, hehe."

"THEN, we can go hunting deers! Hehehe."

Words are not needed for Camilla to convey her feelings at Don's obvious intentions. Icicles begin to form on his nose as he speaks to the approaching Poles.
If he tried another more civilized approach he may have a chance, she thinks to herself.
Then she bursts out in laughter as if somebody had just told the funniest joke she'd ever heard.
Choking back tears and sobs of mirth, she welcomes the two Poles as they join her little "patrol".

" 'ey!?", Don says with his scottish accent when the Poles are joining the small group.

He doesn't really understand Cam's laughter, but he plays along with it. After all, making a woman laugh is a highway to her heart. Don gives the new guys a hug and ends off hugging Cam. He also laughs at the situation.

"Off we go, to shoot off a Bambi or two!" Dashing into the woods he starts singing 'Ol' McDonald had a farm', since he knows that the song is widespread all over the world. For a fact he knows he has heard it sung in scandinavia sometime, so if its cheering-up-time, then Don starts cheering!

When getting deeper into the forest, to where the animals lives, he gets quiet, and starts thinking of the times of his childhood when he followed his father hunting on the moors back home.

Camilla taps Don on the shoulder as he heads off into the woods. Typical bloody pilot, no idea of the real danger on the ground. The man makes more noise than a herd of baboons!
Once she has his attention she starts to mime. First she places her finger to her lips (shhh!), then she sheilds her eyes with her hand as if peering off into the distance looking for something. Finally, with one hand she mimes somebody walking (two fingers) and with the other she makes a pistol pointing towards them.
This message was last updated by the GM at 12:56, Thu 05 Aug 2004.

" 'ey, you want to see my loaded gun? Hahaha!"

"By all means, mylady. Be my guest.

Don stops and politely bows. He makes a gesture with his hand showin Camilla that she can take the lead. He follows close behind her, looking at her backside saying more or less for himself:

"Aye, that illfitting uniform isn't doing anything good to your figure, lassie"

Nothing comes to mind or body, upon seeing such a scene, than shaking his head.

While he's of officer material, that was many a year ago. His increases were due to the covert ops and sient mechanical work. He's more of a solo man and so not sure of what help he can be.

However watching this man pursue the girl like this? It did bring a large grin to his face. He'd not thought of romance or the like, (as it didn't appear to be "romance" Don had in mind), for a long time. The urge to get back home, where he could have good food and company he could easily talk to, rustled through his mind. There was that girl at home who... well... no point in thinking of that. It had nearly got him killed once, walked stright out into a road whilst daydreaming. That WASN'T going to happen again.

He continued to spend his time trying to faintly help out people with obvious problems with weapons or shooting. Otherwise he was found, when off guard duty, near the Poles, trying to catch a little of the language here and there.

But now? He wondered if he should try and "help?" the lady? He'd never been much of a ladies man, more the tall, dark stanger. Silent and mysterious, especially when there was no language to cross over!

Plus. These jokes Don kept coming out with... he just shook his head.

As the others started to bicker and laugh, he sat aginst a tree, gun resting at his side, and began to lightly flitter out a french tune from his village.

Sorry, But I'm not going there... just ...imagine! :)

[OOC: And here was me about to drop out. NOW THIS sort of thing I can do! :) And if I missed any, sorry but the "L" key doesn't seem to want to work most of the time!?]

Don sees that the frogeater is giving him a somewhat sarcastic smile but takes a grip over Cams shoulders to set off into the woods.

[OOC: It's a geniune one. He's finds you a riot!]

Shrugging Don's hand from her shoulder with an icy stare, Camilla hefts her rifle and heads into the trees. Indicating that everybody space out and stay quiet, she is alert for any sign of either danger or game.

Camilla leads the group of four till she can no longer hear the sounds of the camp. (At least a few hundred metres I'm guessing.) Once the sounds of camp have faded into the background noise of the wind whispering through the leaves, she indicates that everyone fan out into a line (walk side by side about 10 metres apart), change direction and begin a circumnavigation of the site.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:14, Wed 11 Aug 2004.

Sergio gets to cleaning his weapon, taking it apart and cleaning each bit, making sure they look and work okay and then putting them back together.

With interest from the others, he soon has a crowd of people not on scouting/guard duty, cleaning their own weapon and he's happy to help.

OOC: I was sort of hopeing (and planning I have to admit) that Sergio would enjoy a walk.

Don and Cam, roll Observation please. (this will be a laugh!)

Camilla, ever alert for the signs of game, totally misses the indications of something out there other than potential food.
Obs roll: 6
Skill: 1

One of the Poles with the small patrol suddenly halts and drops to one knee. He brings his rifle up to point away from the camp to the east. He looks a bit scared.

[OOC: lol I was letting them do their own thing, is there only 3 of us left? Gods.... oh well I'll take my observational expertise and head somewhere else!

*walking off in a huff*

Still at least he can run REAL fast! :) ]

The sharp-eyed Scotsman suddenly comes to a halt, in the middle of a little song about the mighty Cuillin Hills.

He stops and gives a little hint to the others to stay calm while he looks forward to see what might be happening.

Obs skill  3
Roll       2

Along with the Pole accompanying you, Don hears the sound of multiple feet moving through the forest. It sounds like they are close. A few moments go by and you hear the sound of horses hooves and the jangling of harness. A Russian voice calls out softly.[Private to Donnachaidh: Stop. We'll set them up here in this clearing.]

"A couple of horses, and a bunch of Russians further along"

"They are speaking of 'setting them up here'. I wonder if they are talking about some kind of weaponry. Maybe cannons or machineguns?"

Don whispers to the others, and to Cam he makes the international code for russians, ie holding an invisible hammer and a haycutter in his hands. It takes some time for him to wonder how one mime 'a machinegun' or 'artillery' so instead he keeps his ears open.

Camilla motions one of the Poles to go get Sergio. His skill in stealth and observation could prove to be extremely important in the near future.

Sergio rubs his knuckles against his chest, for no apparent reason.

:)

One of the Poles that went out with Don and Cam comes trotting back into the camp with the blood drained from his face. First he whispers to one of his countrymen before going directly to Sergio, where he motions the Frenchman to follow while putting his finger to his lips. The Pole that had been whispered too looks frightened and then rushes about whispering to everyone.
The camp quickly becomes silent and still.

Sensing somehtings up with the hush and gestures, he follows suite with a gesture, pointing at the people and circling the area, before crouching down, holding his gun out and fingering his eyes outwards.

(to the others, get together and make a circle, covering all sides and keep a look out and guns ready)

He then nods to the man come to collect him and begins off.

When the Pole leads Sergio to the location of Don, Cam and the other Pole, Camilla motions him forward to scout out the situation after Don has quickly filled him in.
[Private to Major Sergio D'ammond: You sneak quietly forward through the bushes and soon spot a group of Russian soldiers setting up three medium mortars in a clearing. Two are WWII vintage 81mm's but the third is an 82mm Vasilek automortar (extremely dangerous!). The weapons and ammunition for them have been transported on pack horses which are being picketed nearby. In total you can see at least a dozen men although it is very difficult to get exact numbers. Personal weapons are predominately AKR submachineguns although you have seen an AKMR with attached grenade launcher also.]

Quietly rummaging back he ponders which *way* the enemy guns had been facing? Were they towards the camp, (or the place the others went to) or another palce, as yet unknown?

He emerges to guns pointed at him, until it's recognisable who it is.

There are men, rusques by the look of em. Dez about twelves and all has guns, as well as sum oldz and new, how you say? Grande Autocannon? Mortar? C'est ca, mortar! It also looks like dey gotz sum horses too, could be good for us no? But we arr out numbered... He looks over at the poles, sizing them up for warfare.

They have the advatage of ze guns, with people who can use em, from teh look, with submacky guns and even the odd grenade attachment. He looks a little worried. And attempts to hide a little as he whispers what he's seen, looking back every now and then to make sure he's not been followed.

[Private to Nuked: It will matter where they were looking, aiming at and how protective they appear. If that s ok?]

PM[Private to Major Sergio D'ammond: The mortars are still in the process of being set up. They are probably for the support of another group within a few kilometres. Mortars also have a minimum range at which they can be fired - they are incapable of defending themselves although the crew may still use their personal weapons of course. The accompanying troops are predominantly involved in setting up the mortars, unloading the ammunition and picketing the horses. Only a couple are actually on guard and watching the surrounding forest at this time.]

It zeems dat the people are mainly in rush of getting ready, there are not many aware and a few well placed [grenades? - don't wanna blow up the mortars!] or bursts of fire could take them down.

The only problem is that they're most likely in support of a larger group in the vicinity, who woulc no doubt hunt us down until finding us, and no clue as to HOW big diz lot is we can kno.

Dey do av ze lots of ammo, which could be best used by us, no? He awaits responses.

Camilla has a blank look on her face as Sergio continues talking. She didn't understand a word of it.

"Well, my little French friend... What do you think we should do? Should we go back and fetch some of the other Poles or do something ourselves? I guess we could've used that other Dane here. He seem to be of the 'I like being a throat-cutter' type of person. I have myself no wish of attacking a bunch of soldiers myself, but if you force me to I can at least try to help you when the time comes to retreat"

Well as it is theres not threat to us unless maybe they find us no? So if we are quiet. But then they may know and be ready to ambush US!? Iz a difficult descision. They outnumber us and unless we use a lot of firepower, the other Poles are not likely to hitz shit?

[OOC: So how far away are they? Can we safely stay in our camp and unless they come our way, we should be fine? And does it look like they might be attacking the other group?]

The Mortars are being set up only a few hundred metres to the north east of the camp site. This is of immediate concern due to the fact that the group that set out to Lask went this way and presumably will return via the same or similar route - they may run into them.
Secondly, where is the main force that these are obviously setting up in support of? A mortar detachment of this size pre-war would be used in support of at least an infantry unit of company size (100+ men). In the present situation, they could be in suport of anywhere between a few dozen and an entire brigade (roughly 3 companies per battalion, 3 battalions per brigade, not including all the supporting elements) potentially up to several thousand soldiers.
You are presently approximately 50 metres or so away from them in cover.
There is no real direct threat to you BUT this could change at any moment, especially if they do what they should and send a small "clearing patrol" out to make sure there is no threat to them in the immediate area. This patrol would almost certainly discover the camp.
You have the four PC's (Don, Sergio, Camilla and Alfred) as well as 10 Poles who are competent to fight (especially if they fire bursts - little actual skill required...). There are another half dozen or so rifles that are presently not being used (those that were taken by the hunting party the previous night) and plenty of small arms ammunition.

There are 14 hand grenades and Kett's M203 40mm grenade launcher available in addition to the rifles. A barrage of these weapons from concealment would probably do a lot of damage to the russians and maybe even allow a change of ownership of the mortars, etc.

The choice is yours......

NPC'd
Lt Col Nelson sneaks quietly up to join the small group hiding in the bushes. What's the story then? he asks in a whisper.

*pointing*

Encampment, mortars, many armed guards, don't know of us or the camp, too close to NOT do something. Any ideaz? whispers Sergio.

"I am not sure if I can go there and convince them not to shoot us, or our awayteam"

NPC'd
At this point it seems our best solution is to either move the camp and risk attracting their attention with the noise or attack by suprise with grenades and automatic fire. If we leave, we'd have to abandon the UAZ too.
I'm open to suggestions though.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:55, Wed 08 Sept 2004.

Well, we could easily push the vehicle no? And the camp can be moved, I can wait in cover for the away team [OOC: very Stargate ehh?] Especially as no-one seems to want to attack. But then are they likely to cause trouble for us in the future?

NPC'd
I am concerned with the whereabouts of the rest of their unit and the strong possibility of them bumping into the other groups. I doubt the "Spetznaz" team will return any time soon but the "Scouts" should be back in the next hour or two.
Perhaps if we move the camp as quietly as possible a few hundred metres away and when the scouts return attack the mortars? The return of the 3 scouts will improve the odds conciderably.

OOC: Andy, William and Tanya are three of the four best fighters each with Initiative 6. They are also carrying the heaviest weapons (1 RPK, 1 RPK-74 light machine guns and 1 AK-74 assault rifle).

"Aye, Mr Nelson. I guess we should get out of the way. The problem is, though, that if we move, our steps can be tracked a lot easier, especially if we are going to move the car"

"I'm not a tactician. But I think we should stay where we are, but that we should put up some more guards. Then, when the others are coming. They'll probably spot the mortargroup since they have some of the sharpest eyes around."

"The other option is to make a quick attack before they have been able to group, but since we probably don't have the firepower needed, we'll probably be gunned down. Or what do you think, Mr Nelson?"

NPC'd
I believe we have the firepower here now, especially if we open up by suprise with grenades, he whispers in reply.
I have to agree that moving will leave a lot of tracks to follow. 30+ people and a vehicle are hard to move stealthily.
The question is when do we attack, before or after the scouts return?
Sergio, you have a silenced SMG don't you? Perhaps you could attend to a few with that or find a good sniping position to support the attack?

With a wide grin.

You meenz taking out people with no zound? Well I guess I can have a go! You make it sound like I do it everyday...

He starts to inspect his weapon to make sure it's fully operational.

But surely we'd want to wait for everyone, no?

"Aye, I guess it would be easier to wait. On the other hand, then they will have dug themselves a lot deeper into the area. What we CAN do, if you want to. It is to make a tactical map of the whereabouts of their troops, and see what opposition we really have against us, and how they are organized. I guess you cant do it by just writing it down now, so you should make a new survey. Or what do you say Mr Nelson?"

Nelson is about to reply when a burst comes from the radio of the Russians positioned so perilously close by. The radio operator has apparently neglected to keep the volume down - perhaps this is an indication of their lax security?
[Private to Donnachaidh: In Russian. Repair yard to Mortar section. Request immediate fire support over.]

NPC'd
Caught about to speak, Nelson held off to allow Don to hear what was said.
What was that Don?

"It was in russian. If our friends are anywhere near a repair yard, they will soon have a lot of shells falling in their heads. It was a request for mortar support... Maybe this is the opportunity you want, soldiers... Please be quiet, so that I can try to hear the answer, if they say they are ready or not...

The radio operator replies a few seconds later.
[Private to Donnachaidh: In Russian he requests more details such as location, etc.]
The voice at the other end sounds panicked.[Private to Donnachaidh: It's painfully obvious that the person at the other end has no experience at calling in indirect fire. The radio operator however, shows his skill as he extracts all the required information. Apparently, the repair yard is in danger of being overrun by a unit of rogue Polish troops. Most of the Russian personell are dead or wounded and the speaker is holed up inside an armoured vehicle that was under repair. The fire is requested to hit the yard itself which is located a few kilometres to the north east - the same direction the "spetznaz" team went.]

"Unfortunately my friends, we are at war"

"Someone is calling for indirect fire upon what appears to be our spetznaz-unit. I still haven't gotten the information if they are ready to answer his call with the mortars yet"

"I will go back and get the others, we probably have to do something fast, these guys seem to know what to do"

"I'll go back and fetch the other, I just want to know whether it is going to be a hurry or not. In any case, I suppose you want to hear that our men is doing an impact on the russians. Most people at the caller's site are dead"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:31, Tue 14 Sept 2004.

Zeems speed may be needed. He looks upset.

Don you head back and get the rest ready and on guard. Bring some in, numbers good. I guess the rest of us get ready to charge or the like? I can sneak around the other side, start grenades and bursts, then while they shoot into my side with their backs turned, you lot join in.

He looks most grim at this prospect, seeing the faces of others with the "shooting in the back" idea.

It's the best way to attack a superior foe, strike fast and quick, with confusion.

He gets ready to leave, incase anyone has a better idea, or anything to add.

And if they do start firing before I do, we better just go for suprise! Everyone keeps bursts for maximal output.

NPC'd
Using signs, gestures and sketches in the dirt as appropriate, LtCol Nelson outlined the quick attack plan. He assumes Don translates as needed.
Don, there's no time to get anyone else and the rest aren't really up to it anyway.
Ok Sergio, but I want to modify that a little. Take Don with you around to the 9 o'clock position and give fire support.
The assault team will consist of myself, Camilla and you three Poles. We'll attack from here, indicating the 6 o'clock position. You three, points at the Poles, fire short bursts. Camilla and I will use Grenades and aimed fire along with 40mm HE, pats Kett's C7/M203 combination.
Ok, Sergio, Don, hand over your grenades and move round into position. We begin the attack as soon as we hear the first shot.
Once Sergio and Don have begun moving to their assigned position, Alfred directs with hand signals the few remaining people into a line abreast.
He then drops any excess equipment so as to be able to move easily.
If only we all shared a common language but at least we shouldn't need to speak too much in the next few minutes.

OOC: Don and Sergio, I suggest you both take advantage of the repetative actions rules to keep firing. Use bursts, single shots or whatever you choose.

Nodding Sergio dumps all but one grenade, and moves off with Don.

[OOC: he'll use the sustained bursts then. As I'm no good on the rules this'll take some time again lol!]

"Aye, hopefully they will give up. I'm not that keen on executing someone in this way. Should we bring some extra guns, I have only 3 mags for my gun"

Don gets his stuff together and follows Sergio.

NPC'd (again!)
Cam takes up her share of the grenades and waits, along with Alfred and the three Poles, for Sergio and Don to initiate the attack.

Sergio leads Don into position, assisting him to remain quiet and out of sight. So far the Russians do not appear to have noticed anything unusual about their immediate surrounds - they are too focused on the imminent fire mission it seems.
The voice on the other end has not replied to the last request for information and the battery commander is becoming a little concerned. He gives the ready command to the mortar crews. There is a rush of activity as they align the "tubes" to the co-ordinates and hold the first round over the end of the barrel ready to drop (the Vasilek crew prepare another 5 round clip).

Fire when ready!

Don aims into the group of people. He whispers for himself while waiting for Sergio to start it all up.

"Lord, forgive us. Because we don't know what we are doing."
"Sweet Mary, have mercy with their souls"

[OOC: Sorry been discussing firing with the GM! Lol! Sorted now.]

Whispering back, Sergio replies: For me, zeez is just another day in ze office.

And with that the shooting begins.

Aiming at any armed persons, starting nearby and moving outwards, Sergio's first shot goes awry. Giving a curse, he pulls the weapon in tighter and his fairy of firing returns to him. His second shot flies into the nearest head, nearly pulling it right off. Followed by a leg shot, the man moves no more. The aim turns and two shots pummel their way into the new target.

[There's a 20% AUTOMATIC miss chance? Jeepers!]

Phase 3.

shot 1 - 9   auto miss
shot 2 - 1   Head                   Damage - 16 (8x2)
shot 3 - 3   Left leg               Damage - 4          *killed*
shot 4 - 7   Chest                  Damage- 8
shot 5 - 8   Left leg               Damage- 3           *11 damage*

[Hope that's all alright?]

[And if you have one shot per phase? Is it always aimed, or does that take a phase action in itself?]

edit:
Target 1:
2 hits, 16 damage to head & 4 damage to left leg total 20
Target 2:
2 hits, 8 damage to chest & 3 damage to left legtotal 11

This message was last edited by the player at 11:06, Sat 02 Oct 2004.

Don squeezes the trigger on the rifle, aiming at the man with the grenade launcher. The bullet flies true and hits the man in his abdomen.
To hit: 4
Location: 6 abdomen
Damage 12
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:32, Fri 24 Sept 2004.

Sergio opens the attack with the "pfitt, pfitt, pfitt, pfitt, pfitt" of his silenced submachinegun.
First the radio operator is hit and falls over possibly dead. Next one of the mortar crew hits the ground, lead in his chest and leg.
Moments later, Don takes out what was probably the greatest threat to you all - the grenadier. Tending to the horses pickets nearby, he doesn't even see it comming as the bullet hit him square in the stomach, knocking him down.

Unfortunately the shots came a moment too late, the order having just been given moments before to fire the first rounds.
ThuThuThump!
Three 82mm high explosives head out through the sky to their destiny even as bullets begin to fly.
The other Russians appear stunned and confused at the sudden collapse of one of the crew. The radio operator hasn't been noticed as yet and the sound of the mortars drowned out Don's shot.

Don keeps the trigger pressed down as he aims for one of the closest men.

None of the bullits hit him though, but the fellow beside him gets hit hard in the left arm.

5,4,4,2
6,1
Hit in 3, left arm, damage 14
This message was last edited by the player at 10:54, Fri 24 Sept 2004.

The assault group missed the first shots too due to the mortars firing so are a little behind to begin with.
Camilla steps forward in line with the others, her rifle at the ready for any target that is revealed.

Whispering, Sergio says to himself: Sheet, they av already started.

With that he renews his effort to get as many down as he can. Two shots going into another, and another, and a final going into a further one still. (two shots to each, and one shot for the last person)

Phase 2.

shot 1 - 5   Right leg              Damage - 5
shot 2 - 5   Left leg               Damage - 10         *15 damage*
shot 3 - 8   Abdomen                Damage - 8
shot 4 - 7   Chest                  Damage - 6          *14 damage*
shot 5 - 4   Head                   Damage - 11 (22?)   *11/22 damage*

edit:
Target 3:
2 hits, 5 damage to right leg & 10 damage to left leg total 15
Target 4:
2 hits, 8 damage to abdomen & 6 damage to chest total 14
Target 5:
1 hits, 11/22 damage to head total 11/22


You rolled 27 using 5d10 [7,10,5,4,1]. Locations

(for speed, I'll post phase 1)

PHASE 1

To hit: You rolled 17 using 5d10 [2,4,4,2,5].
Damage: You rolled 36 using 10d6 [2,6,5,5,2,3,4,4,3,2].
You rolled 19 using 5d10 [3,3,5,1,7].

Target 1:
2 hits, 10 & 8 damage to left arm total 18
Target 2:
2 hits, 5 damage to abdomen & 8/16 damage to head total 13/21
Target 3:
1 hits, 5 damage to right leg total 5



edit:
Target 6:
2 hits, 10 & 8 damage to left arm total 18
Target 7:
2 hits, 5 damage to abdomen & 8/16 damage to head total 13/21
Target 8:
1 hits, 5 damage to left leg total 5

This message was last edited by the player at 11:10, Sat 02 Oct 2004.

The three Poles step forward with Cam and Alfred. One is on Cam's left,the other two on Alfred's right (Cam is on Alfred's left). Rifles at the ready and trigger fingers twitching with nerves at the thought that they are about to be called upon to perhaps kill someone for the first time.

Don still keeps his trigger pressed and hits the poor man he has aimed for the phase before in the left leg.

6,5,3,1

Hit in 9, left leg, damage 11

NPC'd
Alfred also begins the forward movement, rifle at the ready, grenade launcher loaded.

Sergio keeps up the disciplined firing, dropping two more of the Russian mortar men. The third however, staggers by remains on his feet.
Meanwhile, Don lets loose another burst at the hapless man he'd already hit, taking him in the leg as he lay bleeding.

The Russians finally react, dropping to the ground and clutching for their weapons (AKR submachineguns).

Since there is nobody with such a high Initiative, only those who are conducting repetative action may act. Basically this means that whatever you were doing in the last phase, you may continue doing it this phase. If you choose to stop or change actions, you must wait till your initiative phase before acting once more.
[Private to Major Sergio D'ammond: you may continue firing 5 shots per action at the closest targets]
[Private to Donnachaidh: you may continue firing a single burst at the closest target. Technically, you shouldn't be able to change target area but....]
[Private to Lt Col Alfred Nelson: you may continue walking forward ready for "opportunity fire"]
[Private to Leutenant Camilla Ashton: you may continue walking forward ready for "opportunity fire"]

Don keeps the preasure on, firing another burst at one of the mortar crews.
Unfortunately, now that they are hugging dirt, all bullets miss.
6,4,1,1
Hit 7 - Right Leg
[Private to GM: Actually I had two guys in the closest trench. The first bullet passed the first guy, and hit no2, the 2nd hit was on 1st guy, and so is this then.][Private to Donnachaidh: anything but a head, chest of arm result is a miss now that they are down. bad luck :(]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:21, Fri 01 Oct 2004.

Camilla continues forward, eyes darting back and forth, ready to take advantage of any head, hat, or even finger that she can spot.

Whispering, Sergio says All I can say, iz the ground ain't gonna elp you taht much... acck merde!!!

More shots, seeking his aim and their target. with his tree as cover he hopes it will be enough. And it also seems the fire back and dust created by them all jumping to the ground leaves him missing more than he's used to. He drops his previous target and start on the next.

PHASE 6

To hit: You rolled 36 using 5d10 [5,10,7,9,5].
Damage: You rolled 19 using 6d6 [2,1,5,5,5,1].
You rolled 17 using 3d10 [5,9,3].

Target 8: (from phase 1) (already has 5 damage to right leg)
2 hits, 3 damage to abdomen & 10 damage to left leg total 18
Target 9:
1 hits, 6 damage to left arm total 6


[OOC: Ackk evil roller. And does them being on the ground, like ourselves, given them more cover? (or a minus to hit?!)]

[OOC: Also from your posts, I'll record the "target number I've been hitting..." which I believe is 8 so far. (and 9 being injured.) off to edit posts to reflect this!]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:11, Sat 02 Oct 2004.

The Assault group steps through the last bushes to see Sergio hit the 10th of the Russian Mortarmen. The remaining two quickly attempt to surrender at the sight of yet more opponents - they have no desire to die.
The speed and efficiency of your "fire support" has been shockingly amazing.
All that is left is to round up any prisoners you wish to take and see to the wounded.
Tied to trees a little way to the left are 10 horses. Nearby them are their pack saddles and tack. The body of their handler lies next to his rifle, riddled by Don's bullets.
The centre of the clearing is occupied by the bulk of the Russians, still laying next to their mortars, two WWII era M1937 82mm mortars and one 82mm Vasilek automortar. There are small supplies of HE, HEDP, ILLUM and WP rounds stacked ready for use a few steps away.
Located about halfway between the mortars and the horses roughly two dozen apparently full jerrycans are lined up.
A quick search of the area and the Russians reveals a the following items, 1x AKMR/BG-1, 10x 40mmS HE, 11x AKR, 1x SVD sniper rifle, 1x 5/25km radio, 12x pack, 12x sleeping bag, 12x webbing, 72 kg civilised food, 12x steel helmet, 12 spare sets of fatigues and 3 full magazines for each personal weapon.
A check of the jerrycan contents reveals a fortune in diesel - 480 litres in total. What a small unit of mortars could be doing with such a treasure trove remains a mystery (at least for now).

As you search through the area and begin to deal with your prisoners, the radio bursts into life once more. [Private to Donnachaidh: Basically it's a request for information on the situation at the mortars. It is reasonable to assume that the inquirer is from a Russian unit close by.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:54, Wed 06 Oct 2004.

Motioning weapons away (as if it hadn't happened already) Sergio remains vigilent.

Asking Don, So what now? You can tell them to tend to their wounded, or even tell em the problems of travel wiz such people. As we know. Also zay itz nothing perzonal.

Keeping an eye on the others, he tries to get people organised, the language barrier causing the nomral type barrier.

"Some russian force around here is calling them on the radio. Should I tell one of the survivor to say that everything is ok? I can ask them to say that 'mortar fire has been ordered, and that we're still waiting to hear for results'"

"I could say it myself, but my russian is not that great..."

"Or, should we try to get one of the civilians to say something? Problem is that they are not familiar with the lingo"

"By the way, you civilians, make sure to take the weapons of the shot soldiers. I wouldn't like to have a HE-bomb in my back while trying to speak to the guys."

He asks one of the civilians to go after some others, in that way we could move the gas and the other things to our own vehicle.

"Thinking about all the firepower and the gasoline I suppose this unit also acts as a supply unit for some other unit"

nodding.

Well, I guess if they talk they might say what's going on. We'll have to send them off or something at sometime. Make sure they know, if they cooperate, we will let them go off when all is clear, but if they try anything odd then they'll be shot, in the stomach and left to die.

Sergio hopes the threat of a painful and lengthened death will intimidate the captives into acting appropriately.

While you're here talking to them, I'll cover you, otherwise we should send peole to scout around to make sure no-ones coming this way.

The voice on the radio sounds again.
[Private to Donnachaidh: Request sitrep over........ There is a pause for a few seconds while they wait for an answer then, What was that firing, over. Besides the mortars themselves, only your three bursts could possibly have been heard. You can safely assume that since they are using the same frequency etc, then they are up to date on the request for fire support earlier.]

Don gets one of the surrenders to the radio. He tries to persuade him to be calm and answer the questions, and if done correctly he will be freed later.

"Answer them that you wait for a reply of how the mortars hit the target. Tell them that the shooting was the guard killing off a couple of rabbits. And no tricks, we all wanna live through this war, don't we?"

The Russian prisoner does his best to allay the suspicions of the other unknown unit.
The reply comes back almost immediately. Acknowledged. Continuing to revendous. Alpha zero out.

"Well done, my russian friend. Where is the rendezvous going to take place, and when?"

Don is using a rather friendly voice. Thinking that all the chit-chat and drinking with russian delegates pays off even here in the forest.

He replies at the location we were firing at within an hour or so.
An examination of the mortar sights reveals they are aimed at a location approximately three kilometres to teh north east - the same direction the "spetznaz" team went a couple of hours ago.

Don translates it all to Sergio, and makes a try for explaining the condition for Cam.

"Shouldn't we let Cam warn her fellow Dane, Dave, about the troops that is entering their area? I guess they might have grabbed onto the radio from the caller earlier and the chances that there is fullblooded danes in the ranks of the Polish och Russians are very slim. I could say one or two words in Gaelic, and probably that wouldn't be easy for the Russkies to understand either, but I guess, neither would our friends, hehe."

"Mr Nelson, do you have any idea if this radio is traceable, if only saying a couple of words? We wouldn't want the Poles to understand that the call comes from the mortargroup."

He listens and awaits the replies fromt he others, Wondering what to do with all these prisoners.

Getting the polish to collect the guns, he tries to continue a look out.

NPC'd (and I thought we had a new player for Alfred!)
Any radio transmission should only be tracable with specialist equipment. I don't know about you but the last time I saw anything like that was back in '99 with divisional HQ.

"Aye, lassie. Here you have a direct contact to your friend. Tell Dave they are probably going to get visitors in a short time."

"Tell them they don't need to hide from mortars either, since we stopped them from working. They can get here and have some more food if they wanna, I suppose that'll give them some extra swiftness under the feet."

With gestures he makes his best to tell Cam what he wants from her. For the first time it isn't sexually related. To begin with...

On the other hand, I guess he would be interested in using them onto the russian troops when they arrive there, but I won't let more unnecessary bloodshed happen.

Cam appears to have some understanding of what is requested of her. She takes the radio and speaks into it.

"So, should we 'nuke' the mortars or take them with us? We haven's seen any open water anywhere where we could dump them? I guess it would be rather easy to just blow them to pieces, but that might make it easy to spot us.

Pack everything up except the mortars and ammo. We'll give the others fire support if they reply to Cam's transmission.

Vell I know I can't use them easily. I could have a go. But I've not been trained!

Seems dumping them would be the best idea, they could be used against us but...

What about burying them?

*After Alfreds words*

Though if someone can use them, they could be invaluable.

It's quite easy. I'll make the corrections and set the fuzes. The rest of you just drop the rounds in.

Juss to be shure, I'll keep watch, what about getting the gunners that were there before to help!?

I wouldn't trust them for a moment. Doesn't take much once a round is armed to cause a lot of trouble for us.

It's true, but they'd know what they're doing to help, and they also have about 20* guns aimed at them

* or however many

There is a reply in the same language Camilla used on the radio. The voice doesn't sound very happy and as soon as they cease transmiting, Cam replies again.

Don doesn't want to bother her with trying to explain what she hears, he lets her continue with the communication. Instead checks the prisoners so noone tries to get away or worse.

Another voice comes over the radio, this time in halting French.
(Sergio translates) This is Smythe. We have acquired around one hundred litres of ethanol and several armoured vehicles. All four vehicles are in need of repair and one is unable to move. Repairs will take approximately two hours for mobility to be attained. Suggest relocating to this location.

NPC'd
Request them to deliver some of that alcohol here if possible and we'll drive the UAZ over please Sergio.

NPC'd
Sergio simply nods before transmitting.
Acknowledged. Have aquired three 82mm mortars, a quantity of ammunition, 10 pack horses, and 480 litres of diesel. Please deliver a quantity of alcohol for existing vehicle and we will move to your location.

Don, I need you to get the Poles to help pack up the camp and all this stuff here. As soon as the fuel arrives, we'll move out and hook up with the other group. Hopefully the scouts will return here shortly otherwise we'll leave a note or something for them.

semi OOC: the scounts have returned.
OOC: to whom do I report?

Normally that would be Alfred but he seems to be an NPC again. The only active PC in that particular group at the moment is Don - scary thought isn't it (he's a serving Scottish politian).

William was a little suprised and tried to keep his face straight, but damn, someone kicked ass, anyway he thought where's the Lt, before finding him, busier than a dog in a fire hydrant factory as usual"Sir" William cries before saluting.

OOC: well, I guess I report to Alfred.

Andy finds the Lt Bird, and clicks his heels together.  "Sah!  We've scouted out a route, it looks clear.  There is a wog village along the route, but we should be able to bypass it."

Do you think we could ditch these civies there? Alfred asks the returned scouting party of Tanya, William and Andy.

Don asks the Poles to help with all the supply found.

"Aye, let's go back. But should we really have 5!!! vehicles? Shouldnt it be better to choose the best, so that we dont need to use as much fuel? And the risk is that we have an incoming army into the area where they have started their repairshop?"

Don helps out with moving the stuff.

"Yeah, it would be a great idea to let the civilans go. They wont survive out here without us. On the other hand we could leave a mortar behind, for them to go rabbit-hunting, hehehe"

"If we have to many autos, we should take the best, maybe strip the parts from the others" Andy suggest.

"As for droppin' off the civvies, it's worth a try.  Nothing ventures, nothing gained."

NPC'd
Ok, then that's the plan. Once the alcohol arrives, we'll relocate to the other vehciles and assess then for serviceability. Once they are all mobile, we'll proceed to the village the scout team discovered and see if they will take in the civvies. Might have to give 'em a vehicle and some of our supplies, but I think we're getting a loaded down anyway.
Alright, lets be ready to move at five minutes notice.

Don helps out with getting the Poles to work with the move. There is a lot of meat on the horses, so the civilians could probably get a couple of those, along with the vehicles, if it'll be possible to leave them at all. Question is if the mortars really are to be moved. Better to blow them to pieces, but who is Don to argue?... I guess the vehicles and the horses are making a rather severe track to follow anyway, so a couple of mortars more probably don't make a big difference.

Everything but the mortars are loaded up when half an hour later, Dave and Kett arrive with a jerrycan of fuel each. A few more minutes and the UAZ is fueled, mortars loaded, and the civilians and horses moved out.