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

[HeySeuss]

Sheet thread, guys. Those of you who posted there, thanks.

[Goldmarble]

Any anti-tank devices good sir?

[TeddyBearMafia]

I'd suggest some variation on the Wz. 35 anti-tank rifle, which was an early Polish variation used in 1939. But not a ton of European nations had locally developed high-caliber anti-tank weapons at the start of WW2.

[Aegis1650]

Mah bad, reposted in sheets.

[Goldmarble]

TeddyBearMafia said
I'd suggest some variation on the , which was an early Polish variation used in 1939. But not a ton of European nations had locally developed high-caliber anti-tank weapons at the start of WW2.

Well, actually...The Solothurn S18/100 was initially deployed in 1938, and the Lahti L-39 was designed/introduced in 1939.

[HeySeuss]

I updated the weaponry post and added illustrated examples for the uniform types and colors. I also did a bit on bayonets.

[TeddyBearMafia]

Goldmarble said
Well, actually...The Solothurn S18/100 was initially deployed in 1938, and the Lahti L-39 was designed/introduced in 1939.

Small nations, I meant. I stand corrected though: I am most definitely not an expert on WW2 weapons.

[HeySeuss]

Luckily, the Solothurn weapon is Swiss. So that's easy.

[Goldmarble]

HeySeuss said
Luckily, the Solothurn weapon is Swiss. So that's easy.

Aye. I think Rudolph will be trained in it. Reading up on how it was deployed, carried, and trying to find videos of how it was operated.

[HeySeuss]

Probably was carried by a two man crew at least. Ammo? Well, heavy. I would think that it would be kept in a truck or put on a mule.

[Rock Killjoy]

Sorry about that I posted in the sheets place.

[Goldmarble]

HeySeuss said
Probably was carried by a two man crew at least. Ammo? Well, heavy. I would think that it would be kept in a truck or put on a mule.

Heh, Empty 10 round magazines weighed 2 kilos alone, loaded with 10 rounds put it at just under 5 kilos. 11 lbs. For one magazine. One magazine weighs more than most battle rifles of WW2.

Barrel was able to be quickly detached for transport, breaking the thing down to 50 lbs for the individual crew members. Plus their personal firearms, ammunition for that, and the rest of their gear.

For transport, there was also a small dolly that could be used (and fired from if need be), two wheeled.

So uh....Volunteers for a spotter? Glorious position following gunner to distressingly close proximity to enemy tanks, while carrying in excess of seventy pounds of equipment. Must have a strong back, and good testicular fortitude.

Or NPC?

[HeySeuss]

I don't think it's realistic to haul that thing around everywhere, especially for a squad. It's probably kept with company/battalion supplies and given out as needed.

[Gunther]

Hello everyone. HeySeuss has invited me to come join you in this RP. It looks like a fun one. I've been RPing on and off with HS for two or three years now. We share an interest in several different themes. As HS is well aware, I have real world military experience and have been reading the subject of military history for about 40 years. I have no intention of correcting anyone or telling anyone what to do. Do whatever you like. We are here to have fun. My character may instruct on certain relevant topics, but view that simply as In Character discussion/activity. I am here to have fun with writing just like you guys. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If any of you also has real world military experience, I would love to hear about it.

[Rock Killjoy]

I have a question! ( •~•)/)

[HeySeuss]

Cool beans, glad you hooked up with us, Gunther.

I have thoughts on where and how the 3rd Jäger Battalion will be deployed and so forth. I also think, in the nature of the callups in the 1973 Yom Kippur war, that not everyone will make it to their callup on time and that the unit will go to war with the people that have arrived and make do with short-staffed squads because they got orders and couldn't wait for the stragglers. That'll explain why an all-PC squad is short-staffed...and leave room for later arrivals to the RP.

Corporal spots are still open, if anyone is interested.

Bear in mind that national service means that not everyone who gets drafted is going to be enthusiastic about it, or happy that their lives, which are on track after their two years of active duty are up, are being disrupted for a callup into mobilization. It's quite possible they'll be rather surly, particularly toward the system; the military establishment and the politicians. Moreso than in an RP about volunteers, we should have a diversity of outlooks on authority and patriotism and politics. There probably will be a clash of personalities between some of the 'lifers' (professionals) and the conscripts and that is a natural thing that happens in these sorts of armies (if you look at the way the Israelis go about it, they've had protests and so forth from within even their paratrooper units).

I only mention that because conscription is a thing of the past in many countries, because warfare became increasingly technical and the skills took more time than two years to properly hone -- and constantly half-training specialists became very expensive.

It's worth noting also that equipment will evolve considerably.

Gunther said
I have no intention of correcting anyone or telling anyone what to do. Do whatever you like. We are here to have fun.

So in the interest of easy, flowing narrative and keeping things fun, we don't need to get overly technical. Gunther's right, we can get bogged down in the technical and tactical, or we can tell the story. This should be more like "From Here to Eternity" or a similar -novel- in tone that concentrates on the people if possible. :)

Just a thought, not a sermon. I'll be back after work to discuss this all further if necessary.

[Gunther]

I took an SL (Corporal) slot, HeySeuss. Meet KPL Manfred Krebs.

HeySeuss said I also think, in the nature of the call ups in the 1973 Yom Kippur war, that not everyone will make it to their callup on time and that the unit will go to war with the people that have arrived and make do with short-staffed squads because they got orders and couldn't wait for the stragglers. That'll explain why an all-PC squad is short-staffed...and leave room for later arrivals to the RP.

This works for me. I'd say an authorized squad or section (UK) of 10 or 12 is good. Probably 12 with two LMG teams and then go with what you got, even if that is only a half a dozen troops.

[SillyGoy]

It's going to be great having a real-life military veteran RPing with us. It'll certainly be very interesting, and I can already see some of us scratching our heads as we are corrected for our mistakes regarding subjects about, well, basically everything military.

Also, I just posted this handsome fellow's character sheet in the appropriate thread.

I hope to play with you guys soon.

[Goldmarble]

HeySeuss said
I don't think it's realistic to haul that thing around everywhere, especially for a squad. It's probably kept with company/battalion supplies and given out as needed.

I already knew that was how it was going to be :D

Also, welcome Gunther, good to see you again.

[Rock Killjoy]

I'm excited honestly I've been looking all over for a good ww2 type rp.However most are either not accurate at all on anything or 100% you are a useless woman type deal so ^~^