[OOC] Called Up - A WWII-esque Military RP (Alternate Universe)

[HeySeuss]

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A member of the Swiss Army, circa WWII.

Table of Contents

- Character Sheet Thread; Post Sheets there using this template.
- A map of Augstberg; it's a map of the Swiss Cantonment of Luzern, but it's got a nice shape and some place names to work with.
- Issued Equipment Listing
- A quick overview of education in the Principality.
- Other stuff will be linked here, such as information on military equipment and so forth.

TL;DR Summary:

- Alternate Universe, not Earth, setting.
- Equivalent to the WWII-era and WWII-tech.
- The Augstberg Principality (Fürstentum von Augstberg) is based on Switzerland and Finland; it is mountain terrain and forests and other terrain that favors a prepared defender.
- The players will be the members of an individual squad in the Principality Armed Citizenry, a militia formation that all citizens join at the age of 17. However, these characters are reservists in the elite 3rd Jäger Battalion, probably serving in the same infantry platoon, if not squad. It helps explain why the PC's are perhaps a cut above the usual.
- At the same time, the characters have lives; University, careers, family and god knows what else. This is being disrupted by the callup of the strategic reserves.
- For centuries, the Principality has maintained neutrality through inhospitable terrain and its citizen soldiery, but the discovery of mineral wealth, especially in this technological age, make the Principality a riper fruit for the picking.
- The characters are citizens of the Principality of varying ages and backgrounds that have been called up (by lottery, or by volunteering) for active duty in the face of this danger.
- Players are encouraged to help develop the setting, including the weaponry.

In Character

In Character Info:

For centuries, the Augstberg Principality maintained its independent rule and neutrality through the ferocity of its citizen-soldiers, notable as loyal to their nation before other nations developed nationalism. The constitutional rule of law and the limitation of the Prince's authority in the realm and the parliamentarian/referendum veto system of governing ensured that Augstbergers were eager to repel the invasion of would-be rulers from neighboring nations. The fervor of its militia forces, harsh terrain and adverse climate, as well as a lack of treasure to make the invasion a worthwhile conquest meant that after a while, the neighbors stopped trying to invade.

These neighbors went to war and consolidated power among themselves, sometimes with Austberger mercenaries being hired out, and they gained a historical reputation for prowess before one of the reigning Princes convinced the parliament to suspend the practice of allowing Augstberger soldiers to hire out to foreign powers, convincingly arguing that such a practice may well draw the Principality itself into the fighting among other, larger nations, and lead the Principality to ruin. Despite this neutrality, the neighbors knew that the fruit was not easily picked in the mountains.

Regrettably, the discovery of fissible materials and petroleum reserves in the nation have created a different situation, as now Augstberg's natural resources in conjunction with its healthy and self-sufficient industrial development and strong financial sector mean that it has become, ironically, a victim of its own success. As war breaks out on the continent at large, Augstbergers know that one side or the other will decide that this small country's resources are the key to a larger victory.

Out of Character

Out of Character Info:

The characters will be called up members of a platoon of the 3rd Jäger Battalion. The 3rd Battalion is one of the reserve units where citizens serve out their reserve service (10 years of reserve service after two years active duty conscription) after having served in the 1st and 2nd Jäger Battalions. That means that the characters would be in better than usual physical shape and well trained, even if they are reservists. (I don't think that a country like this would have an airborne formation due to a variety of strategic and budgetary factors.)

The initial equipment of the unit will not be the top tech of the era, because they are switching over from a peacetime configuration (and production) to wartime footing.

There is little more to say, except that while this is a casual RP, I would like to keep the writing quality good -- so I want people to use their spell check and so forth. That's not because I am a grammar Nazi, but because I feel like it is the basics and it makes it easier for everyone to read what is written. Also, people that involve themselves in this ought to know that the OOC needs to stay polite. I've rarely had a problem outside of Nation RP's, so I'm hoping to keep that going.

The most important thing in this RP, however, is participation. I'd like to make this a long term RP, so I'd like to hear people's ideas and work with people to brainstorm in a collaborative fashion.

[Rock Killjoy]

Yup yup making my character now,unfortunately sniper was snagged already but I do have knowledge of ww2 guns so if you'd like help with weapondry I'm willing to assist!

[HeySeuss]

Hah, I own several WWII guns, so I actually know quite a bit about mechanisms and so forth. I'll take suggestions, but I'm going with bolt action rifles for the start and other items that were in service in 1939.

[Rock Killjoy]

Ah alright lol I think you know a fair bit more then I about it then being a first hand owner of a few xD

[Aegis1650]

Kinda late and I have work, so I'll do the CS tomorrow, dibs on demo, as an actual combat engineer, I'll make sure it sticks to historical accuracy.

[Jannah]

Rock Killjoy said
Yup yup making my character now,unfortunately sniper was snagged already but I do have knowledge of ww2 guns so if you'd like help with weapondry I'm willing to assist!

So we already have a sniper? Sad. That's the role I wanted.

[HeySeuss]

Jannah said
So we already have a sniper? Sad. That's the role I wanted.

It won't be some guy out all alone in a ghillie suit -- it'll be the squad's designated marksman. So it's pretty much another infantry unit role.

[SillyGoy]

Working on my character sheet now.

[Goldmarble]

Seuss....my must you tempt me so?

[HeySeuss]

For the purposes of equipment, I'm going with the following items of issue in terms of weaponry; I will list the Bergen designation and the real world equivalent. All characters, in the Swiss tradition (which we are carrying over) are issued a rifle that they keep in the home in the event of callup to the militia. Most purchase their weapon at the end of their service and retain it. The Augstbergen, like the Swiss, are very, very, fond of their rifles.

The Augstbergen design their own rifles, that much is clear, but for everything else, they tend to refine designs they like and modify them to suit their needs, both in terms of quality as well as weight, as necessary. Even the regular infantry fight in an alpine environment, so light is better.

- Service Cartridges: 7.5x55mm for rifles and machineguns, 9x19mm for pistols and SMG's. The old .455 crops up in the old P83/13 revolver, though.
- Service Rifle: Gewehr m1934 - G34 (Swiss K31) - Also scoped and issued as a sniper variant. The rifles are already damned accurate, so very little is done besides mounting a scope offset to the left side of the receiver. The neighbors use turnbolt action rifles of varying designs, but the Bergens are stubborn and their rifles are the ultimate refinement of the straight-pull bolt-action. If your characters were 17 in 1934, they got this rifle and keep it in their closets. (Current year is 1940.) Some of the graybeards swear by the older guns, and claim that the G34 is too short, but serving troops tend to appreciate the handier G34 in alpine terrain.
Older Service Rifle: Gewehr m1891/14 - G91/14 ( Schmidt-Rubin 1896/11) - The younger characters probably were issued the G34 when they were serving in the ranks, but there are older marks as well, such as the G91/14 (which is an even older design rechambered to a modern cartridge when the Principality switched calibers to something modern). It is a much longer weapon, not nearly as handy as the G34, and the G34 has a much more compact action; the sight radius is about the same, though the barrel is considerably longer. There is a carbine version of the weapon called the K14 though it is not as accurate as the G91/14 or the G34 due to a shorter sight radius.
- Sidearm: Repetierpistole m1903 - R03 (Luger P08) - Issued to officers and NCO's, though on a very limited basis for the latter.
- Alternate Sidearm: Pistole m1883/13 - P83/13 (Webley Mk. VI) - These are old school and more common in the ranks -- they were sold off after production of the R03 started, though they seem to keep cropping up in the ranks. They also have a reputation for stopping power, owing to a .455 caliber round.
- Submachinegun: Maschinenpistole m1937- MP37 (Suomi M-31) - These are just coming into service, but so far have only been issued to NCO's (Korporal and above) and officers.
- Light Machinegun: Maschinengewehr M1924 - MG24 (M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle) - The Jägers take two per squad, which is double what the usual issue is. Other members of the squad help carry the ammo to keep this weapon 'fed.'
- Heavy Machinegun: Maschinengewehr M1904 - MG04 (M1917 Browning Machinegun) - This weapon is very similar to the other heavy machineguns of Augustin Lanik, thus the nickname "Lanik gun" but the variant in use with the Principality has been lightened up considerably while retaining the reliability of other weapons in this class; Augstberg is mountains, and the gun is already a bitch to haul and requires a crew of at least two, though three is preferred. It is water-cooled.
- Anti-Tank Rifle: Gewehr M1939 (Solothurn S-18) - A just-introduced weapon firing a 20mm round, this semi-automatic rifle is intended to deal with enemy tanks by firing a large caliber, steel-cored round that is also chambered in the Principality's favorite dual-mount anti-aircraft cannon...which is also the primary cannon armament for its aircraft. You get the idea.
- Bayonet: m1918 Bayonet (Swiss m1918) - A 13" blade, double edged and high quality steel. But Jägers tend to own their own knives -- usually hunting knives of some sort -- that they bring along with their kit instead of the pigsticker.

I'll go into details on the characteristics of these weapons. I tried to pick a mix. You can assume things about bayonets and combat knives and so forth.

The Bergen standard uniform is grayish-blue, but Jägers wear green tunics instead, while retaining the pants, though they also distinguish themselves with a special field cap as well as mountain boots. Everyone has camouflaged ponchos/shelter halves that see a lot of use in a lot of different ways. It is similar to the German Splittertarnmusterpattern, but a darker brown color. The reverse side is a white winter camo; white. In the field Principality troops tend to wear comfortable clothing beneath the uniforms -- inevitably, the stuff made for hunters, including the gloves, is superior to the military issue, as it is subject to the demands of the market, rather than the whims of some old colonel in procurement.

I'll throw the helmet up to vote.

- M1 Helmet (US)
- Brodie Helmet (UK/Commonwealth)
- Stahlhelm (Germany) - Yes, we're talking the old 1915 version. It's heavy.
- Adrian Helmet (France) - The Soviets used a copy of this too, alongside a bunch of other helmets.
- The Swiss M18 Helmet -- the one you saw up on the front page of this RP. ;)

[SillyGoy]

A question, because I don't know jack about conscription and drafting and neither Duck Duck Go nor Google are giving me any straight answers:

How does the educational system work? I assume that highschool finishes at age 18; if boys are called up at age 17 into active service -- which, I assume puts them into a training camp that hands them uniforms and rifles -- will their education be postponed until the two years are up, or...?

[HeySeuss]

The answer is that their education ends at age 17, they go into serve, and then come out into the reserves and can go to university or work or whatever after that term of service. If, for some reason, they do not pass out of their secondary education at 17, they can petition to go in a year later for service in order to finish up their primary education.

The principality has standardized primary schools, but after that, the kids take proficiency tests and so forth at age 12 to establish which sort of secondary education they receive. There are, of course, also private schools for upper class types...that is to say, rich failures.

Secondary education types include, broadly:

- Gymnasium - Classical education, university track for arts and literature and languages. Those that pass are automatically admitted into University, though not necessarily on scholarship, after Service.
- Realschule - As above, but a focus on modern languages and mathematics and scientific education. Those that pass are automatically admitted into University, though not necessarily on scholarship, after Service.
- Hauptschule - Education for two years, with some passing into apprenticeships or work for two years before Service.
- Private Schools - Generally, they mirror the Gymnasium, but have a bit of stigma attached -- they're 'daddy's money' schools for those that didn't make the cut into a Gymnasium or a Realschule...

After graduating secondary school, Augstbergers, by law, do their service, unless they are physically or mentally unfit.

[Rock Killjoy]

My vote is on the M1 helmet.

[Goldmarble]

Anti-tank device?

[Aegis1650]

Name: Heinrich Strauss
Rank: PFC
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Physical Description:


Skillset:
Heinrich has an eye for explosives; he is very knowledgeable about their use and implements, what compounds are better for different jobs. Coupling this with the degree in mathematics he obtained he is capable of quickly solving demo calculations in his head, giving the appearance of wild lucky guess work to those who don’t know better. He is also quite a brawler, and good with heavy machinery.

History:
Born in Escholzmatt to his single father, for his mother died delivering him, Heinrich grew up somewhat rough. Escholzmatt is a mining town, and from a fairly young age, only 13, Heinrich worked the mines with his father to help with increasing ore demand. While this was going on, he still attended school, though his grades suffered, however, the only class he still did well in was mathematics. The added income from both he and his father working did help with money around the house and they lived comfortably, muck more so that other miners who had to support their families, and for this they were envied by their neighbors. While it never proved too much of a problem, they were often left out, not openly shunned, just not kept in the loop. This would all seem small in comparison to Heinrich’s 18th birthday, the day he would join the conscript forces, go off and go to college. The day was wonderful, but dark, for the first time, he and his father would be truly alone, separated from one another, the only friend they each had. And so with a heavy heart and tearful eyes, Heinrich said goodbye to his father. But it would only be for 2 years, and so Heinrich had hope to see him again after conscription. Where his academia had suffered for his work, his physical heath had not. 5 years of working the mines had made him strong, tough, able, and training was significantly easier for Heinrich than for others, his marksmanship scores were average, something that the others mocked him for, those that had come out of the more rural hunting communities, who had grown up behind the gun. But it was no laughing matter to face Heinrich hand to hand, where the other had marksmanship, Heinrich had brawn and skill in a brawl, for there was more than one time he and his father had gotten into a bar fight. After completing training, His instructors had noticed his competence for close combat, and aptitude for demolitions, and sent him to engineering courses for further training. Here Heinrich refine the knowledge he obtained in the mines of blasting and extracting, learned of emplacing obstacles, building fortifications, mine warfare, and a slew of other engineering tasks. During his Engineer training, he attended college, majoring in mathematics, his only academic subject worth mentioning, and obtained a degree. It all seemed Heinrich was getting set for a bright future, but then work came, his father had died, cave in in the mine, and Heinrich was all alone. He hadn’t any real friends, only acquaintances, no family to speak of, and his conscription was just about up. So Heinrich went back home, buried his father, and was granted early release, he was brought into the 3rd Jäger Battalion as a resevest and went back to work in the mine. But now war looms over Augstbert, and the reservists are being drawn up for her defense.

Psychological Profile:
Heinrich is very methodical; there is no problem that can’t be solved with the proper application of force. However he is quick to anger and his fists are capable of a fair bit of force.

Equipment:
- Gewehr m1891/14 - G91/14 ( Schmidt-Rubin 1896/11) - The younger characters probably were issued the G34 when they were serving in the ranks, but there are older marks as well, such as the G91/14 (which is an even older design rechambered to a modern cartridge when the Principality switched calibers to something modern). It is a much longer weapon, not nearly as handy as the G34, and the G34 has a much more compact action; the sight radius is about the same, though the barrel is considerably longer.
- 5 POMZ antipersonnel tripwire mines.
- Basic demo kit w/ crimpers, 10 Electric blasting caps, 50ft of black powder time fuse, Handheld piezoelectric detonator
- 5 MON 50 DFC mines
- 3 PT Mi-P Anti-tank shaped charge mines
- 20 pounds of composition C moldable explosive
- 3 canisters of M4 fuel thickening compound
- KS 98 saw-back bayonet

[Rock Killjoy]

You guys have no idea how hard it was to find a good female picture that wasn't in a skirt or a bathing suit ._.

[Rock Killjoy]

Name: Balalika Franz

Rank: Private First Class

Age:20

Gender:Female

Physical description:

http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Catachan_Knives?file=Catachan_Scout_female.jpg

Skillset:
Fist fighting,LMG gunner and Heavy machine gunner.

History:Balalika was born in Zell into a family with her mother father and older brother who had a physical handicap which prevented him from doing much of a 'mans work' this landed the responsibility upon Balalika and her father from a young age she assisted her father in everything from building to hunting.Another responsibility fell upon Balalika as her brother was often picked on for his disability,she took it upon herself to defend him.For this and her appearance (which was leaning more towards a Tom-boy then girly like the other girls in the town.) She was ridiculed highly by most members of the small town because of these things,whom were more old fashioned like the neighboring nations.The populace of the town primarily being immigrants and decedents of immigrants.Balalika went to a Gymnasium but she didn't take it very seriously as she had many more responsibilities at home to deal with.While she didn't take it seriously both her teachers and parents picked up quickly on her talent at literature and story writing,as she would write stories on fantasy as well as her life in a sort of journal of sorts.Her ability to describe and accurately recount happenings while making them interesting made her stories that much better.Due to her up bringing hunting and doing labor that would have been occupied by her brother had he not been handicapped she has a highly toned muscular build and has high levels of endurance and stamina,she is also an excellent shooter.She's a natural at fighting with out weapons as she grew up fighting against near damn anyone who crossed her or her brother,(which was nearly everyone in town.)and can take a punch with it phasing her little.When she was nearing the end of her education her father and brother both fell horribly ill and died unable to afford the medical attention they required herself and mother moved into her mothers parents home.She joined the reserves highly against her mothers and her grandparents wishes who thought a battle field was no place for a woman,Balalika joined the 3rd battalion reserves and is being drawn up to do her duty to defend her country as she has always wanted to do.

Psychological Profile:
Balalika is a strong willed woman who is highly opinionated and seeks to constantly improve herself physically and mentally.She has become tolerant to sexism towards herself but can't stand when it's talked about.She has a will made of iron and easily controls her emotions having trained herself as well as gaining military training,on with standing interrogations.Balalika has a fierce sense of protectiveness and loyalty to those that earn her respect.

Equipment:
- Main weapon-- Light Machinegun: Maschinengewehr M1924 - MG24 (M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle) attached bipod.

- Side arm- Alternate Sidearm: Pistole m1883/13-These are old school and more common in the ranks -- they were sold off after production of the R03 started, though they seem to keep cropping up in the ranks. They also have a reputation for stopping power, owing to a .455 caliber round.

- 20inch combat knife
- Rain gear
- Extra Ammo storage
-
May add more depending on what's added in terms of equipment.

[Aegis1650]

Alright, my character sheet should be done, the explosives are not regionally accurate, if this is supposed to be Swiss based, but they are era accurate, hopefully you won't find that a problem.

[TeddyBearMafia]

Rock - if you google for Russian or Belorussian soldier portraits, there are a number of women there seeing as the Soviet Union used female combatants. Just if you're interested in a photo over artwork.

[Rock Killjoy]

And see Soviet Russia kicked ass female soilders point proven.