CENTRAL POLAND

SOURCEBOOK
W I T A M Y W C E N T R A L N E J P O L S. C E
STAY AWHILE.

Want to get a better feel for the strategic heartland of Poland in the year 2000?
Need some quick adventure seeds or NPCs? Curious how ordinary local people are
getting by in the year 2000? Crave a bit of context for an area your players might
be stuck in for a while? The Central Poland Sourcebook is here to get you kicked
off in the right direction.

by D.M. Spice

™ & © 2022 GDW AND FRIA LIGAN AB. USED WITH PERMISSION UNDER THE COMMUNITY
CONTENT AGREEMENT FOR FREE LEAGUE WORKSHOP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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I used to travel a lot before the war, yeah. I was a junior
account guy at a big Chicago firm. Remember that? Airlin-
ers? Hotel bars? Rental cars? People who didn’t want to
kill you just to take everything you’ve got?
Anyway, out of all the places I’ve ever been, the last
place I imagined I’d end up settling down is Poland. Had
no plans to come here, even after the Curtain fell. Uncle
Sam had other ideas.
“Settling down,” ha. I’d hardly call our situation settled.
But we’ve got a bit of food, a bit of ammo,and these hand-
ful of guys that are left are looking to me to make decisions.
Looks like we’re gonna be stuck here for a little while.
WHAT THIS IS
An assortment of background, reference, resources,
adventure hooks, NPCs, and storylines that players might
encounter if they hang around the area for a bit.
WHAT IT ISN’T
This is not a concrete adventure supplement with a known
storyline, locations, and fully mapped adventure sites. The
pieces are here – but it’s up to you to put them together!
The few stats used within are specific to Twilight:
2000 4th Edition, but for the most part this guidebook is
system-agnostic and could be used with any edition of
T2K, or any game system at all!
A QUICK NOTE
The history and politics of Poland are
a serious matter, full of centuries of
occupation, death, and betrayal. Various
nations, factions, and groups through-
out its history have certainly commit-
ted villainous deeds, been the perpetra-
tors or targets of prolonged propaganda
operations, or been subject to outright
genocide. I have attempted to portray
a small part of this history so far as I
think relevant and suitable for a game
that can be used to contemplate some of
these issues, but I am not an expert. If
you or your players find some of those
ideas objectionable or just un-fun, or I’ve
just gotten the history wrong, then by
all means take or leave as you wish!
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WHAT AM I DOING HERE?
Characters need context and background for what they’re
doing in the game world! When it comes to central Poland
in the year 2000, there are many possible answers.
US SOLDIERS
• Stragglers, hiding out and in need of assistance.
What can you offer in exchange?
• Deserters, done with the war for good and seeking
any means to survive on your own terms.
SOVIET SOLDIERS
• Wounded in battle, recuperating in Bełchatów and
temporarily free to follow your own agenda
• Deserters, trying to blend in and/or return home
• Observers/Advisors, tasked with monitoring the 11th
BGB or local militia
• Deserter from the 9th Tank Division, fleeing mutiny
after mutiny in your former unit
POLISH SOLDIERS
• Could conceivably fight for either side (or both!)
• You might have been attached to a US unit, or a part of
the 11th BGB, or another unit (as Soviets, above). Who
do you fight for, and why?
INTELLIGENCE AGENTS/ASSETS, ANY LOYALTY
• Informing on (Soviet) or supporting (Western) the local
resistance movements
CIVILIAN
• A merchant or caravan guard, on a new or regular stop
on your trade route
• A refugee from fighting elsewhere
• A local now deciding where your loyalties lie
These are just a few examples -- ask your players where
their loyalties lie, and find out what could push them to chal-
lenge those loyalties (or conceal/reveal them). This is a great
spot to develop a character’s moral code from!
LIFE IN CENTRAL POLAND, 2000 AD
THE HARVEST
The food network has collapsed, leading to widespread
famine and malnutrition. Nothing has become more
important than preserving the harvest. In some respects,
Polish farming has proven resilient against the collapse
-- never heavily modernized or collectivized, over half of
Polish farms were small, self-reliant affairs to begin with,
and not heavily mechanized.
On the other hand, what few resources were needed
are now almost completely gone. There is no fuel or spare
parts for the tractors. The roads that seeds and crops and
livestock were transported on are decaying and danger-
ous. Fertilizer, seeds, and security are all in very short
supply. The small family farm is untenable now for basic
survival reasons: without collective defense, the margin
of survival is so thin that keeping the bandits at bay is a
losing proposition in the long run. All it takes is one raid
that steals the seed crop, or one torching of the root
cellar, and a slow death is all but guaranteed for a small
farm and the community it supports.
For that reason, and their own critical food needs,
armed forces in the area have made farmers an offer they
can’t refuse: heavily armed security (and field workers) in
exchange for what essentially amounts to occupation and
seizure of goods. Actual treatment varies, but the farmers
have little choice in the matter. The overall effect is that
most farms have been collectivized under local security
authority - sometimes acting under orders from a higher
power, sometimes not.
The soil of Poland is not outstanding, but it is suitable
for a variety of basic staple grains. Wheat, rye, and barley
are the primary crops, rotated with potatoes, beets, and
occasionally even tobacco. Most farms will also generally
grow a few fruits and vegetables. Planting and harvest for
these crops follows the typical cycle: intensive work for a
few weeks in the spring and fall. During this time, occupy-
ing troops as well as civilians from nearby towns and cities
are brought in to work, voluntarily or otherwise. At least
a quarter of the formerly viable farmland is now tainted
with fallout or biological agents. Some people work these
lands anyway, seeing no other option to avoid starvation,
or simply unaware of the risk.
Hands are typically free to pursue other tasks during
the remainder of the year.
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Foods are preserved for the months ahead in the tra-
ditional manner: root crops and vegetables are preserved
in cellars, and grains are stored in silos or, occasionally,
baked into breads. Rats and pests are a significant threat.
There are no more pesticides, and diseases carried by
pests have wiped out entire villages in the past year.
OTHER RESOURCES
To combat malnutrition, Poles also rely on a variety of
livestock and animal resources. Cattle, pigs, chickens, and
horses are all to be found on many farms -- and present
tempting targets. The loss of breeding stock might be an
existential crisis for a small town, and it’s much easier to
rustle livestock (or kill/clean it on the spot) than it is to
wait until the harvest and steal crops. Desperate people
will do any and all of the above, of course.
Mining was the other key economic activity of the area.
Poland has the largest coal deposits in Europe, with a mix
of both hard coals (suita-
ble for metal coking and
industrial production)
and lignite (primarily for
power production). Rock
salt is also common,
and essential to food
preservation. On the
southern edges of this
region, iron ore can also
be found. Most mining
operations have taken
a backseat to essential
food production, but some areas have kept their mines
functioning to some degree. Generally, there is not the
power or transportation available to make it sustainable.
Underground mines are less common to the region
but do exist in some places (particularly hillier areas to
the south) -- and are often overrun by bandit gangs.
Between harvests, and as part of the normal daily
routine, many people (especially women) work as tailors
and seamstresses. Most families must make their own
clothes now, and without industrial production or even
electricity to do so in most cases, it is a very time con-
suming task. Occupying military forces and militias will
also call on local tailors to craft new uniforms or patch
existing ones. Fabrics are simple: wool and linens. They
are usually well-fitted and simple in design. Bright colors
are popular, and dyes can often be had to create them.
COMMUNICATION
The communication network has never fully recovered,
and may never. Telephone lines do operate between
some areas, but service is unreliable. Maintaining the
lines can be dangerous (especially where they have been
sabotaged intentionally) and the parts to do so are not
always on hand. Radio communications exist between
most major cities, but usage of it is usually tightly
restricted and considered confidential. In some cases
these transmissions use encryption equipment, but just
as often they rely on a schedule of frequency hopping
for obscurity, or codewords for more sensitive details.
Pirate radio stations do exist on a mixture of FM, AM,
and UHF frequencies, usually very irregularly. Sometimes
these broadcasts are informative, merely entertaining,
or pure propaganda/intelligence-sharing for those who
know how to find them.
Most regular people rely on hand-delivered mes-
sages, if they need to communicate with someone distant.
These messages are carried by couriers, merchants, or
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emissaries between small communities. The re-establish-
ment of a functional, reliable postal service is a priority
for governments in the region, as it is not only practical
but also establishes their legitimacy.
POWER
Electricity, and all it provides, is a rare luxury. The power
grid in general is wrecked, meaning that electricity even
from the few functioning power plants usually only travels
to the closest communities. Even then, workers to run the
plants and mines can be in short supply. Thus, electricity
is widely available only to the powerful, such as military
cantonments and stronger cities/local governments. The
typical person relies on lanterns for light and fire for heat
most of the time.
There are exceptions, of course. Some lucky folks may
have access to generators, and the fuel to run them from
time to time. Those near larger rivers may have water
wheels that generate sufficient power for a small area.
For very brief needs, such as using a radio or light for a
small part of the day, power might be generated mechani-
cally, by bicycles or other contraptions. On the whole,
though, these are exceptions. Most people do not have
the know-how, time, or resources to keep such things
running. And any of them might be a desirable target
for outsiders.
All of this has significant implications on industry.
Without power, there simply isn’t enough energy for
many of the old aspects of industrial life. Machining, tool-
ing, and manufacturing are largely impossible most of the
time. Refining of fuels and mining of assets have both
become slow processes, which means those fuels must transit, which creates an antagonistic relationship with
be carefully rationed and horded. Wood, having many some communities.
immediate uses for heat, construction, and so on, must In areas with significant banditry, the local authorities
be protected in local woods. On the edges of many forests generally are very active in patrolling the roads, establish-
are signs of amateur lumber poaching. In some places ing checkpoints, and questioning those they do not rec-
entire forests have been clear-cut in a more organized ognize. In some places, travel documents (or chits) may
fashion, both for resources and to deny bandits a hiding have been established and travel without them subject
place. The basic survival utility of these woods also makes to detention or fine.
pulping a very low priority, and the energy and facilities to
easily make paper mostly a memory. Printing is therefore RELIGION
rare and restrictive, as well. Poland is almost universally Catholic, and in apocalyptic
times, the power of the Church remains significant. Like
TRANSPORTATION everything else, however, the Church has grown more
The days of free and easy transit on the roads are over. local, and the doctrine and preachings of one bishop or
Even in “secure” areas many roads are still subject to parish might vary significantly from another. Having the
ambush by thieves, bandits, kidnappers, or extortion by support and preachings of local religious authorities can
the local military/authority. be of significant importance.
Keeping most civilian vehicles fueled and in good Still, there is a strong divide in Poland now. Many peo-
repair is out of reach for all but the wealthy or those ple have become more devout than ever – at the same
whose livelihoods depend on it (such as some merchants). time, the horrors of the past several years have turned
Motorcycles have become more popular as they are many away from the church entirely. Most Poles are pre-
mechanically simple, consume little fuel, and are capable occupied by very practical
of going places cars and trucks often cannot – including matters of survival, but
to escape danger. this schism is a source of
For most people who need to travel or transport significant friction in many
goods, though, horses, pack animals, wagons, and bicy- communities.
cles have renewed purpose and are more common. These
too are valuable assets and can be appealing targets if
not well protected.
For all of these reasons, travel on the roads is con-
sidered risky work requiring armed escort. A person with
an urgent message to deliver might offer a net profit in
food to someone who could promise to do so. If deliver-
ing the message would take two days, four days worth
of food would be seen as a fair price. Merchants and
diplomats both require armed guards for their caravans,
and are often forced to take on journeymen who have
similar destinations and will then part ways, if they feel
they can trust them. Some merchants (especially those
dealing in contraband) prefer to work alone or in small
groups, but most will band together in larger caravans for
safety. The unreliability of transport in general still means
that many areas must count on being almost entirely
self-sufficient – and that the arrival of a large caravan is
cause for excitement, as buyers race for what goods they
have brought, and what news. Many merchants charge
exorbitant prices for their goods, given the difficulty in

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FACTIONS/UNITS ACTIVE IN THE AREA

THE SOVIET UNION • Establishing road sweeps and checkpoints

12TH GUARDS TANK DIVISION • Conducting military operations against insurgencts,

bandits, and enemy troops in rear areas.
After pushing west as far as the Warta River at Sieradz,
the 12th has been withdrawn from combat for rest and • Hunting down deserters and enemy stragglers

refitting in the area around Łodz.

Enemies:
2350 troops. 72 combat vehicles. • Marauders, deserters, and stay-behind forces

Activities:
• Limited front-line combat, supplies nearly
exhausted POLAND
• Repairing and refitting, preparing for defensive
NEW POLISH PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC
cantonment
The Soviets have been quick to reinstate the Pol-
• Pursuing deserters and US stragglers/POWs
ish People’s Republic in areas they control. In many
instances this has been as easy as simply restoring the
Enemies: old Party loyalists to power, after a few years away.
• US troops In general, the Polish people are in little position to
• Polish partisans resist this, and extensive propaganda blaming the war
on the failure of capitalism. Practically speaking, most
people expediently support whichever government
KGB
keeps them safe and fed, at least on the surface. This
Active in all of Poland’s significant cities. Consisting of
includes the functionaries that make up the govern-
officers acting in official capacity (as liaisons to the Pol-
ment itself, but ideology is one of the few fuels left that
ish government), undercover agents, paid collaborators.
keeps the war burning.
In some cases these cells and cadres have no actual
communication with Moscow and have either gone Activities:
rogue or are simply continuing operations as per their
last orders.
• Restoring the infrastructure & political apparatus of
the state
• Seeking out dissenters and opponents
Activities:
• Gathering intel on Polish nationalists Enemies:
• Working with the Polish Security Service to under- • Western-aligned Poles and agents
mine and destroy resistance.
11TH BORDER GUARD
Enemies: BRIGADE
• Foreign intelligence agencies Reconstituted under
• Polish partisans/nationalists the direction of the
HQ and main
MVD force at Bel-
A paramilitary force with armaments rivaling most chatow. Addi-
front-line divisions, the Soviet MVD is responsible for tional battalion
rear and internal security. They conduct this role in in Piotrków
force, often in collaboration with Polish counterparts.
In the wake of the recent fighting they are very active
indeed.

Activities:

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Trybunalski. Patrols the surrounding countryside out to NSZ (NARODOWE SIŁY ZBROJNE) -
20-30km regularly. “NATIONAL ARMED FORCES”

400 troops. 100 horses. In opposition to the communist Poles, the NSZ is a home-
grown Polish resistance force, with a resurrection of a
Activities: 1940s-era name. They represent the Polish “government
• MP and anti-partisan duties in exile,” often in concept only as they have no contact or
• Securing supply lines and resources for communist even assurance that it still exists. Developing guerilla cells
Poland and insurgency. Their current struggle is in motivating
• Gathering reconnaissance and fighting local Poles in the struggle for independence, when many are
marauders long past tired of the fighting and the edge of survival.

Enemies: Activities:
• NATO troops • Spreading anti-Soviet sentiment & propaganda
• Marauders of the (mutinied) Soviet 9th Tank (“Remember Katyn!”, art, the national anthem)
Division • Recruiting loyal fighters
• NSZ partisans (reluctantly -- some members may be • Acquiring weapons and materiel
sympathetic)
Enemies:
• Soviet forces and collaborators
M.O. (MILICJA OBYWATELSKA) - “CITI-
ZEN’S MILITIA”
• Marauders from the mutinied Soviet 9th Tank Divi-
sion
Locally conscripted militia forces provided bare neces-
sities of security and policing duties, typically for slight
preferential treatment in ration priority. While most
communities rely on some form of impromptu militia for
self-defense these days, the MO is a nominally national
organization with a claim to lawful power from the central
government. Thus, the MO in one city typically has the
same activities and strategic goals as the one a couple
of cities over -- although the size, capability, and local
problems could be much different – as might the political
leanings of many of the recruits.

Activities:
• Policing, disaster-relief, food distribution, and other
paramilitary duties within cities and towns.
• Managing/controlling influxes of refugees

Enemies:
• Bandits, criminals, and any other entity that dis-
rupts local operations

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THE UNITED STATES

2ND ARMORED DIVISION

Spearhead of the central thrust of Operation Reset, the
2nd faced heavy combat during the operation but came
out of battle victorious. Now deep in enemy territory near
Radom, and at risk of being cut off completely.

1600 troops. 58 combat vehicles.

Activities:
• Moving west towards Radomsko,
low on fuel, ammunition, and morale
• Working with DIA to exfiltrate back to
friendly lines
• Attempting negotiation with 9th Tank
Division for free passage in exchange for
weapons
• Gathering up US stragglers for a coordi-
nated push back west

Enemies:
• All Soviet and Soviet-aligned forces

DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (DIA)

Caught flat-footed after the rapid failure of Operation
Reset. Now struggling to salvage the situation in any way
they can. The DIA has limited, scattered resources in the
area -- primarily small cells of unreliable privateer agents,
usually operating under false identities. But if the KGB
is to be believed, then their spies and provocateurs are
everywhere...

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OTHER/UNALIGNED Activities:
• Capturing resources for the journey home
• Conducting raids on the surrounding countryside
[FORMER] SOVIET 9TH TANK DIVISION
• Defending themselves from enemies all around
This unit of mostly Ukrainian troops mutinied in 1999 and
stopped taking orders from Moscow. A series of addi- Enemies:
tional mutinies followed, and now this “unit” is composed • Almost everyone, including each other (but ironi-
of several bands of brigands, who have cantoned in and cally, they have realized a relationship of conveni-
around Radomsko. These bands are often at odds with ence with the Americans)
each other, but sometimes find causes to unite around.
Each can individually muster anywhere from a few dozen
to about 150 men. A few have second-rate Soviet heavy
weapons and vehicles, often disabled or limited in fuel
and ammo.

Supposedly, these men have deserted the Red Army

to return home… but for the time being they seem quite
occupied raiding the area where they are. Disagreement
on short and long-term goals continues to cause prob-
lems among the former 9th.

1200 troops. 30 combat vehicles. (in total)

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DEALING WITH FACTIONS (OPTIONAL RULES)
As the party negotiates the delicate political and military
situation of the area, they will doubtless find themselves
aligned with some factions, and at odds with others. Their
actions may even tip the scales towards one group or
another achieving their goals!
The following simple set of rules allows you to quickly
resolve favors owed to/by the players, as well as “off-
screen” faction actions at a very abstract level.
WHAT COUNTS AS A “FACTION?”
This is up to you! The local situation is dynamic and many
people are not who they claim to be. Gaining trust with a
local cell of Polish resistance fighters may buy you abso-
lutely no trust with a different cell several cities over --
unless you can gain an introduction. Being a hated enemy
of one sect of the 9th Tank Division might gain you job
offers from one of their rival groups. Over enough time,
factions might absorb other factions or spin off into sub-
factions! Having a very high loyalty level with a faction
could also make you a target of others, of course...
FACTION LOYALTY
As the players build up trust and loyalty with various
factions, or parts of them, award them “skill points” of
loyalty with that group. This works exactly as any other
skill, except with no parent attribute - the “skill” itself can
advance all the way from nothing, to D, to DD, all the
way up to AA. For instance, if the players perform a first
successful mission for DIA agents in the area, then give
them a ranking of “D” loyalty with the local DIA. If they
have been tested extensively and performed dozens of
missions, then it might be much higher. It all depends
on how desperate the faction is and how the group has
helped them out in the past. Track these on your group
sheet or wherever is convenient.
(You may even decide that the players have some
amount of starting loyalty with one or more factions,
depending on their identities and backstories.)
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When the players need something of value from their
patrons, they may petition the group in question and roll
their current loyalty level:
Multiple successes means the patron is happy to
provide almost exactly what was requested, if at all
possible.
One success means they can have what they’ve
asked for, more or less, at no significant/unexpected
cost -- assuming it’s available.
Failure means that the patron can only provide
them some small portion of what they want, some-
thing not quite appropriate, or not right now -- and
that it is likely contingent on the group doing some
other favor or payment for them first.
Players can push this roll -- but mishaps on pushed
rolls mean the stakes go up: the patron faction demands
a significant favor or face-saving gesture, or you immedi-
ately lose a level of loyalty with them! Make the players
narrate how they are persisting with their demands or
hammering home trying to make their case.
Generally, explaining how this system will work to
the players in advance is helpful in reducing grief and
unrealistic outcomes. Making big demands of factions
can be risky, but the goal here should not be to surprise
or ambush the players. I recommend talking through the
thought process of what they’re asking for, what you think
the faction is likely to provide, and what the outcomes
might be before they decide to make the final roll.
What is “something of value?” Again, that’s up to you
and the players, and what the faction can realistically pro-
vide. The scale of the request should match the power
of the group in question, the actions of the group so far,
and the plausibility given the current situation. It should
fit common sense.
• Requesting guided anti-tank weapons from an ill-
equipped resistance cell is likely impossible - they
just don’t have them!
• Requesting a squad of fighters to join you on a
raid is probably a pretty big ask unless you have a
 proven track record of success or have a very good
plan you can share.
• Requesting a few magazines of ammo from a fight-
ing division you report to directly probably shouldn’t
call for a roll at all, unless that division is critically
low on supplies.
• Requesting a main battle tank and a full tank of fuel
calls for a pretty damn good reason and reputation.
Feel free to apply modifiers to this check if you feel fit
based on the above, or, of course, simply say it’s impos-
sible and there’s no need to even ask. The higher the
faction loyalty, the bigger asks you can reasonably make!
In most cases, the factions will expect to see some
clear return on their investment. If the players are contin-
uously asking for weapons and returning without them, or
borrowing fighting men only to lead them to their deaths,
then their faction loyalty should drop rapidly unless these
missions are otherwise major successes!
Of course, roleplay out these interactions to your
heart’s content! In my own campaign, some of these
negotiations have become the highlights of entire ses-
sions. Other times, it was more fun to just roll the dice
and move on quickly.
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FACTION ENMITY
The optional rule to the optional rule! If you want, you
may also track the notoriety the party builds up with
various factions, increasing it gradually over time if they
perform aggressive or hostile actions against them. Peri-
odically, make a skill check in the same way to determine
whether that faction has taken a particular interest in
the party.
Successes means the faction becomes more certain
the party is responsible for their problems, and
assigns more resources to identify, track, discredit,
apprehend, or kill them. The more successes rolled,
the more effort they may invest.
Failure means they don’t yet consider the players a
threat worthy of more pursuit -- but make this roll
again the next time the players cause them trouble!
COUNTDOWN: IF THE PLAYERS DO NOTHING

Without meaningful intervention, here’s the likely progres-
sion of events over the summer and into the end of 2000.
MAY 2000
The NATO offensive has been over for weeks, and the
Soviet counter-offensive has run out of steam. Opera-
tions now are limited to front solidification, resupply,
and rear-area mop-ups. Critically, entire NATO divisions
remain trapped behind the lines, cut off east of Piotrkow
Tribunalski, and are attempting to push back home. By
the middle of the month they will be in contact with the
leadership of the irregular 9th Tank Division and making
deals to trade heavy equipment (mostly damaged tanks
and IFVs that are of limited use to them on the move, but
represent a huge upgrade to the 9th’s defenses) for safe
passage back west.
JUNE 2000
As the weather heats up, so do anti-Soviet tensions
throughout Poland, as it is clear the occupiers are again
here to stay. An underground that has been forming
over the past several months is gathering recruits and
supplies, and in June a series of terrorist attacks against
Russians (and Polish collaborators) begins, mostly car-
ried out by disorganized cells without central authority.
These attacks are hugely controversial even amongst the
resistance, but provoke the expected reprisals, which in
turn builds momentum for the resistance, which begins
seeking more sources of weapons and men...
Soviet crackdowns escalate to mass incarceration, and
deportation of those even suspected of subversive activity.
Entire towns are forcibly disarmed, leaving them defense-
less against marauders or even neighboring communities
that grow increasingly desperate. In some places, such
as Bełchatów, there is a troubling reliance on Soviet-loyal
Poles to do this work of cowing the populace, and that
loyalty is tested as the summer goes on...
FALL 2000
As the air cools, it is clear the situation is deteriorating
significantly throughout much of Poland. The mines are
operating again under forced labor. Front-line troops have
been recalled to anti-partisan duties and the crackdown
is in full force. Insider attacks are common, and Soviet
soldiers understand that they are constant targets. Defec-
tions are common; defectors are dealt with at least as
harshly as the Polish resistance.
The fall harvest is carried out at the end of a rifle
barrel, but every day the situation seems to be growing
worse. The thin tethers holding what’s left of civilization
together are growing ever more strained…

JULY-AUGUST 2000
The Polish resistance is torn between two goals: the prac-
tical expediency of provoking conflict between the 9th
Tank Division marauders and the Soviet-led powers-that-
be in the area, and performing direct attacks against the
9th itself (which after all has been terrorizing many Poles
in the area). Where the underground falls on this issue
mostly depends on whether they have personally expe-
rienced the end of the 9th’s stick. Regardless, false-flag
attacks escalate between all factions in the area. The DIA
and any NATO agents (deeply invested in tying up the
Russian bear with housekeeping problems) are eager to
support this with whatever resources they can. For a brief
time, the whole region is subject to low-intensity warfare.

11
CASE STUDY: THE CITY OF BEŁCHATÓW
Bełchatów (bew-ha-tuf) is located about 40km south of
the major city of Łódź and 20km west of Piotrków Trybu-
nalski - the local seat of authority. Lying along the main
supply route from Piotrków Trybunalski to all points
west, and 10km north of the largest coal power plant in
all of Europe, it has significant strategic importance to
the region.
The population in 1995 was almost 60,000. Today, it is
closer to 15,000. Following the nuclear strikes on Warsaw,
Bełchatów was overrun with refugees, which exceeded its
capacity to feed and house the people there. As famine
struck and the situation became untenable, sustained
violence broke out between locals and refugees, further
damaging city infrastructure. Ultimately, tens of thou-
sands died of disease, helped along by malnutrition, and
12
most of the population fled the city again. Now, with the
fighting seemingly over, many are returning.
The power station is currently inoperable. It was struck
by conventional air strikes and chemical weapons by both
sides in the war on more than one occasion. The power
lines from the plant are also severed in several places
throughout the countryside. Since it seems that the last
major battles of the war are over, returning the plant to
functioning status has become a prime ambition of some
of the local powers. And, contaminated as they are, the
coal pits are just sitting there, waiting to be mined again...
We rolled into and through Belchtown high on the hog. We
were gassed up and assed up for the first time in months,
and Ivan wasn’t putting up much of a fight. We crossed
phase line Charlie ahead of schedule and kept right on
rolling... until.
We came rolling right back into Belchtown -- sorry, Top
hates it when I call it that, says we gotta blend in now -- a
week later. Half of us, with less than half the ass and none
of the gas. That’s about when things broke down entirely.
We were cut off but hearing about other units having it
way worse.
So now we’re sniffing around this place dodging Ivan
and his cousin Piotr. It doesn’t look good. Only upside is it
seems like Piotr on the left trusts Piotr on the right about
as far as he can throw him, and they all look about as
fucked as we are. So I guess we’re gonna try to make a deal.
13
REASONS TO GO THERE
Bełchatów is a place of some strategic importance and a
bit off the beaten track. Like much of the area, it is recov-
ering and chaotic after the recent fighting, but the worst
of it bypassed the city, and overall the surrounding area
is relatively secure. Why it might be appealing depends
largely on who you are and what you’re after, but rumors
abound – many of them true!
FOR US FORCES
There are scattered bands of stragglers reported through-
out the area. Some are wounded and need rescue/assis-
tance. Some are being held captive. Some have decided to
form partisan bands or help the locals do likewise. Some
have deserted and gone marauder. Some may have vital
intel that should be recovered and/or destroyed.
FOR SOVIET FORCES
The large-scale fighting is over, but there are partisan
and political battles all around. Control of the power
plant, the croplands, and the workers to operate will
soon become critical to the security of the Soviet Union.
Missions abound, from rounding up POWs, to raiding
partisans, to gathering intelligence, to escorting convoys.
FOR POLES
For most ordinary Poles, survival has become contingent
on finding a patron. If you’re lucky enough not to be a
robotnik (indentured worker), it’s probably because you
have either the contacts or skill to have earned work
doing something else. This could be transporting mail or
goods (or guarding those who do). It could be infiltrating
local marauder groups (or, just joining them). It could be
as a fighter or support for the armed resistance. Many
of these patrons are active in and around Bełchatów – or
have targets who are.
FOR EVERYONE
There is a steady flow of troops, supplies, and refugees
both into and through the city. Simply following this flow
to see where it leads isn’t the worst way to meet people,
earn a meal or two, and blend in for a while…
HISTORY AT A GLANCE
Bełchatów dates back all the way to the 1390s. The town
was prosperous in crafts, textiles, and manufacturing
throughout the 18th to 19th centuries. The Russian king
Alexander II became sovereign over Poland in 1855, and
afterwards a patriotic resistance movement formed. In
1863, this turned to a full-on uprising, which was crushed
over the next year by the Russian army. As a result of its
participation in the uprising, Bełchatów lost its munici-
pal status, which was not restored until 1925. Bełchatów
was again active in the struggle for independence during
World War 1.
In 1939, Bełchatów was the site of intense fighting
against the Germans. The city had a majority-Jewish popu-
lation and was the site of over 5000 executions during the
Nazi occupation, while most of the remaining Jews were
deported to camps elsewhere. Bełchatów was liberated
by the Soviets in 1945, creating a familiar situation for
the remaining Poles.
In the Communist era, Bełchatów continued its tradi-
tion of resistance, notably friendly to Western democratic
reforms and the Solidarity movement. Both Poles and
Russians are well aware of this history, and the tenuous
situation it creates today.
14
LIFE IN BEŁCHATÓW
Today, Bełchatów is typical of many war-torn European
cities -- a disorienting, disorganized mix of militarized
activity, ruins, crime, and ordinary people just trying to
survive.
About 70% of the remaining population now works
in the agriculture needed merely to survive, and that
number is increasing. There are large plots of farmland
primarily to the east of the city, but the seeds and soil
are not as good as they once were and the tractors have
ground to a halt. The result is more and more people and
land are needed to produce the same amount of food,
and doing so has become the absolute highest priority.
The farms are run as military operations by the Commu-
nist-loyal Citizen’s Militia (Milicja Obywatelska, or MO),
resurrected under Soviet occupation. Meanwhile, most of
the city parks within the city have also been converted to
community gardens and subsistence farming. Volunteer
militia (often unaffiliated with the official people’s militia)
or neighborhood gangs guard over these small fields of
fruits and vegetables.
Visible from almost anywhere near the city are the
rows of identical 1960s communist apartment towers
(known as bloki), up to twelve stories tall and stretching
across entire blocks. Most of the bloki are in the western
part of the city, which is currently nearly lawless, but some in trying to keep them fed and in good health, but this is
can also be found in the south and east. Most of these are often a losing battle.
still occupied in the first few stories, but abandoned or Like most cities, Bełchatów has a central space in the
home only to squatters above that. Close-knit communi- city center where people post photos of friends and fam-
ties tend to arise out of these towers, with work parties, ily they are trying to locate. In Bełchatów, this whole city
voting blocs, militias, and criminal gangs forming identities block of photos and “last seen” information is sobering,
from their homes -- all they have left. as the city had many connections to Łódź and Warsaw –
The city is divided by the “river” Rakówka, which runs both devastated by the war.
from south to north and more resembles a small canal. Many residents fled the city when the war started, and
Nonetheless it creates a natural defensive barrier from many more during the food shortages and unrest that
east to west, and most of it has been sandbagged and followed. It’s hard to tell which structures were destroyed
lined with checkpoints and defensive positions, literally by fighting or by rioters. In any case, even with the many
dividing the city in two. structures ravaged by fighting, there are far more homes
East of that line, within the city center, Bełchatów has than people now, so much of the city has been all but
broad streets that are either paved or cobblestone. Many abandoned. Some entire neighborhoods are nearly
of the tree-lined sidewalks are now missing their trees
(illegally cut down for firewood last winter). The grass
between buildings and around abandoned houses has
grown tall and wild, even in the city center. There’s a rich,
alive smell in the air. The insects, at least, are thriving.
In the city center’s commercial districts, most struc-
tures are two or three stories, and the ground floors which
once housed shops have been abandoned or converted to
impromptu community gathering areas. Little unbroken
glass remains; most windows are secured with wooden
shutters. The well-off live upstairs, relatively secure in the
well-patrolled area.
Despite the significant amount of coal nearby, there is
little reliable electricity in the city, and business happens
on a diurnal schedule. At night, most law-abiding people
have gone to bed. Those that are out rely on carbide
lamps, giving the city a decidedly 19th century look. The
military and police patrols are sometimes (but not always)
better equipped.
Many cars and trucks were left abandoned; most
of these were scavenged for fuel and parts early in the
war, whether by bands of thieves or by organized effort.
Years later, about half of these have been cleared out of
the city, leaving most of the streets easily passable. The
sight of horses on the streets is common, especially since empty, as residents relocated away from danger. Some
Bełchatów is occupied by a cavalry unit. holdouts remain. Bandits and thieves often operate in
Beggars, war wounded, and the mentally ill are also these abandoned areas and prey on those who pass by,
a common sight in the streets. They are not “homeless” especially at night. The sound of isolated gunshots in the
in the traditional sense of the word, as they generally near distance is common. The militia rarely take much
have access to abandoned shelter -- but many of them interest unless one of their own is involved.
are unable to earn a living in the fields, so have turned West of the river, and especially In the neighbor-
to panhandling in order to stay fed. The Church is active hood of Dolnośląskie, the situation is even more chaotic.

15
Rocked by battle and left to fend mostly for themselves,
there is still the feeling of a low-intensity war zone there,
especially at night. Snipers trade shots from the towers,
soldiers and police raid the area, and the civilians still
living there scurry quickly from place to place and keep a
low profile. It can have a ghost-town feel, although thou-
sands of people still occupy it -- and more are showing
up every day.
On the horizon to the south is the power plant. It no
longer belches plumes of smoke, but even 10 kilometers
away, it’s towering stacks can easily be seen. [this plant
has been significantly expanded in the 21st century, and
the modern form is much larger than what we would
see in 2000, but it is still a huge presence]. Up close,
the open pit mines stretch for miles, and create artificial
hills of excavated earth taller than any natural hills in
the area. These are sometimes used by snipers to pick
on merchants and easy prey. The Border Guards reluc-
tantly patrol the area -- the grunts have all heard horror
stories about the chemical agents dropped all over the
plant and the mines.
16
SECURITY SITUATION
NATO forces successfully advanced beyond the thinly
defended city during Operation Reset in April of 2000,
but their hold was short-lived and a Soviet counterattack
pushed them out less than two weeks later. While the city
center was bypassed, there was fierce fighting in both
directions in the outskirts, particularly to the southwest
and south. Fresh vehicle wrecks still litter the fields to
the east and the urban area west of the river. Stragglers
and deserters from both sides are known to be hiding
out in and around the city. Sympathizer safe houses are
sure to exist.
There are no regular Soviet forces within Bełchatów,
but there is a steady stream of troops and logistical train
traveling the E67 road on their way west. Although the
pace of this military traffic is slowing down, the road is
heavily cleared and patrolled, and often civilian traffic is
delayed or banned from using it entirely.
The task of occupying the city and its surroundings
currently falls to the Soviet-aligned Polish 11th Border
Guards Brigade, an anti-partisan and stabilization unit
that converted to horse cavalry last year. Soviet KGB “advi-
sors” are very active in observing and directing the opera-
tions of this unit. The 11th BGB currently has its hands full
with both the influx of refugees and rising tensions in the
city, and the resurgence of banditry in the countryside.
The MO supplements local security operations. Loyalty
is known to vary enormously, but since militia members
receive favorable treatment (and meal rations), recruit-
ment has been successful.
The river Rakówka essentially marks this “border”
along the northern and western edges of the city center.
Fencing, sandbags, and small fortifications are prevalent
along this length and the many small bridges across it.
Heavy fighting has taken place on more than one occa-
sion among the dense apartment towers in Dolnośląskie
-- the present result is that it’s substantially more lawless,
unsupported, and resentful of the failures of the local
government. At night, the entire area is dangerous, with
small roving gangs of bandits and marauders common.
Law-abiding citizens shelter indoors, or appeal for entry
across the river.
South of the city, what remains of the mutinied
Soviet 9th Tank Division are scattered across the area
from roughly the power plant, east to the Pilica river, and
as far south as the Warta river. The 9th was a primarily
Ukrainian-nationality unit. After executing their Russian
officers and political cadre last year, the unit refused fur-
ther orders and went rogue. A series of additional blood-
lettings followed as mutineer turned against mutineer,
and the “division” has since broken into smaller bands
with no central leadership. Most of these bands number
about 100 men and a handful of combat vehicles, and
relations between them are always shifting. In addition
to fighting with loyal Soviet units sent to suppress them
and local Polish resistance, they sometimes fight openly
with each other. While their stated objective is to return
home to Ukraine, progress towards this goal has been
dubious and it’s clear that some of them would be content
to remain as local warlords indefinitely. For now, they
occupy several towns and cities (most notably, Radomsko)
and are little more than ruthless marauders in the eyes
of the populace.
Bełchatów was historically friendly to Western demo-
cratic reforms and Solidarity, and has known Western
collaborators. Due to its location and local resources Sovi-
ets consider it a high priority despite its small size, and
are very wary of the resurgence of a Polish nationalist
movement. As their counter-offensive loses steam, they
will again turn their eyes inward to ensure stability in the
recaptured territory.

17
18
NOTABLE LOCATIONS
THE RIVER RAKÓWKA
Cutting the city neatly in two, this small river (never more
than 20 feet across) provides a defensible line between
the current “haves” in the eastern part and the “have nots”
to the west. The damage in the west is much heavier and
more visible than on the other side of the river, (as is the
level of law and order and general positivity towards the
government.)
There are four intact road bridges crossing the
Rakówka, and each has a sandbagged pillbox emplace-
ment that is manned around the clock, stocked with
MMGs and disposable AT weapons. There are also a
number of footbridges, whether original constructions
or improvised. There is security overwatch on these from
nearby rooftops, but they are otherwise unsecured.
• The river is both polluted and contaminated, and
signs are posted at regular intervals to this effect.
• Guards at the bridges check for papers from any-
one they don’t recognize and all vehicles. Those
without original residency east of the river or official
business are turned away.
• Snipers often watch from the rooftops; a tedious
assignment
EAST OF THE RIVER/CITY CENTER
OLSZEWSKI MANOR
Located along the river, and near the police station and
city hall, the former estate of the wealthy Olszewski fam-
ily has been occupied by the Communist Party and the
KGB. The entire grounds are patrolled by well-armed
guards day and night, especially along the river. Citizens
come and go during the day as required, but papers are
checked at the gates.
Many citizens are resentful of the obvious luxury the
Party now affords itself; they excuse this with the claim
that there was no longer space available in the City Hall.
CITY HALL
Across from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, the city’s ornate City Hall was temporarily
occupied as a military command post during the fighting,
and has taken some shelling. It remains mostly intact and
19
under repair, however, and the daily business of the city
government has resumed.
• Significant radio/communications tower nearby was
wrecked by fighting, needs parts to rebuild
• Easy walk to the Manor and Public Library
• Home to courts since courthouse was burned
MUNICIPAL STADIUM (STADION
MIEJSKI W BEŁCHATOWIE)
Built in 1977, with a capacity of about 5000, the former
home of Bełchatów’s football club now serves multiple
purposes as both a military logistical hub and medical
support/triage area. It has more than enough size to sup-
port both of these activities. Very recently, it served as a
staging area and repair yard for vehicles, but now that the
vehicles have advanced westward, that aspect is shutting
down. Instead, it is now a good deal busier with the sick
and wounded, housed in large military tents on the pitch
itself. As the number of wounded slowly declines, the
number of POWs rises, there is discussion about moving
the wounded into the hospital, and converting the facility
to a POW camp.
• Open playing field occupied by shipping containers
of military supplies, 10-20 man military tents, and a
rotation of horses and other pack animals that are
currently stabled here. The grass has all been tram-
pled to mud and rutted by tracks and tires.
• Bustling with constant coming and going of military
personnel, doctors, and nurses
• Civilians not permitted inside; perimeter constantly
patrolled by at least one active squad of Border
Guards.
• Interior activities routinely monitored by the KGB
(both in uniform and not)
HOTEL SPORT
Located across from the stadium on 1 Maja, this five-story
hotel has been converted into administrative offices and
barracks for the 11th Border Guards. The four-story struc-
ture shows some pockmarks and signs of fighting, but
remains mostly intact.
• Windows mostly barricaded by wood or steel; sand-
bagged PK machine guns line the perimeter of the
roof, in case they are needed
• Soldiers come and go at all hours, typically in a
fairly relaxed posture
FIRE/MILITIA HEADQUARTERS
The city’s “new” fire brigade (part of the MO) did heroic
work during the war, and during the riots of 1999, which
earned the militia credit in the eyes of many. Large parts
of the city still burned, but much more would have if not
for their efforts, which were supported by an around the
clock volunteer effort. The engines now are horse-drawn,
and the force substantially reduced.
Many of the former professional firefighters became
cadre of the MO. Not everyone agrees about the overlap
between these two missions, however.
• The tall, salmon covered tower offers easy over-
watch of almost all of the eastern side of the city
(much of which is now officially abandoned).
• Powerful radio transmitter
POLICE STATION/ABANDONED COURTHOUSE
Not far from the Estate and the river, in the Śródmieście
neighborhood, are Bełchatów’s central police station and
courthouse. Both were sacked in the unrest in 1999, and
suffered fire damage. The three-story, faded blue police
station has had steel bars and plate welded over most of
the windows, giving it a far more intimidating appearance
than in the past. The courthouse suffered more severe
damage, and its operations have all been moved to the
city hall.
• Adjacent park is used for public postings and
announcements.
• Police station heavily fortified
• Radio mast on roof is second largest in city
WEST OF THE RIVER
EDWARDÓW CITY MARKET
(TARGOWISKO MIEJSKIE)
The open-air market along the riverfront in Edwardów,
just southwest of the city center, has certainly seen better
days. Across the river (and therefore often disregarded
by the central city authorities), the market nonetheless
remained an important part of life for the many remaining
residents of the Edwardów and Dolnośląskie neighbor-
hoods. At present, the market stalls are just starting to
20
return to use, after clearing most of the destruction from
the recent round of fighting. Many of the stalls have been
destroyed, and several the husks of burnt-out armored
vehicles remain. Yet life goes on and vendors are return-
ing. The market is a stopping point for any caravans
heading through town, who typically provide their own
security.
THE BLOCKS
Rows of Communist apartment towers dominate the area.
Typically, they stretch over entire long blocks. Most are
anywhere between 6 and 12 stories tall -- although no
one “legitimately” lives in the upper floors now. Many of
them were heavily shelled or outright destroyed in battles
early in the war, and then two recent rounds of fighting as
NATO forces captured and then retreated from the city.
What these structures may lack in habitability, they now
make up for in anonymity. Many squatters and criminal
elements are now scattered among them -- in addition
to those who remain for whom they are simply home.
There is frequent sporadic sniper fire in the area, espe-
cially at night, and targets can often seem at random.
Typically, however, the shooting is between old residents
of the area who are still trying to defend their homes
and those who seek to rob them or force them out. At
times, it is politically motivated as a growing anti-Russian
sentiment targets Russian KGB, MPs, and their allies in
the 11th Border Guards. If you’re looking for black market
goods, forged papers, or anything else the city govern-
ment has restricted, someone here will at least tell you
they can get it for you!
• Commanding views of area
• Many of them dangerous both due to structural
damage and potential occupants
• Still occupied on lower floors by many holdouts of
original residents and refugees
• Towers have started organizing their own emer-
gency services (clinics, food, militia)
THE SCHOOL/THE FIELDS
The old primary school in the center of Dolnośląskie has
become the new seat of government for local efforts there
to preserve order. Heavily patrolled by a locally-formed
militia, who are for the moment tolerated by the KGB
and MO, this small area is the core to several thousand
people still living in the local area. The community is reli-
ant on traders passing through the city market, and the
larger farms to the southwest -- which are under explicit
guard by military forces, but has established subsistence
gardens wherever possible.

• Adjacent parks and sports fields converted to com-

munity gardens; subsistence farming of fruits and
vegetables
• Fields are guarded night and day by locally-formed
militia (“the Defenders” or obrońcy)
• Neighborhood government operates out of the
school under heavy security

IN THE NORTH
AIRFIELD
Four kilometers north of the city is a small (750m) impro-
vised airstrip, which was hastily created early in the war
and used as a FARP for transport helicopters. An aban-
doned Mi-6 and Mi-8 remain, as does an An-12 transport
aircraft that apparently tried to make an emergency land-
ing there (and ended up plowing into several houses off
the north end of the strip). All of these aircraft have
been completely stripped of useful parts and fuel.
However, the plane itself has been recently occu-
pied by a group of US Army stragglers who are
sheltering in it. It provides a good staging
area from which to recon the routes to the
south, so they are observing traffic as they
plan their next move. They have planted a
number of Claymore mines and tripwire
flares around the perimeter and are pre-
pared to bug out on a moment’s notice.

21
ENCOUNTERS IN AND AROUND BEŁCHATÓW
If you need a thematic encounter while the party is exploring the city or its surrounding areas, look no further!

For each table, roll a d10 three times, and take one result from each column. If you don’t like the result or it doesn’t
make sense, roll again! If you need more details, use the standard T2K Motivation cards, etc. Many people here are
not who they at first seem to be.

CITY CENTER
D10 WHO? CONDITON WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
1 MO militia (1d6) exhausted Looking for any provocation
2 MO militia (2d6) curious Cleaning up the area, grumbling about how things are only getting
worse
3 Soviet soldiers (1d4) suspicious Regarding you with cold indifference
4 Polish soldiers (1d6) alert Trying to buy (or steal) something you have
5 Politician/bureaucrat sick Arguing about the state of the city with a bystander (or you)
6 Thieves/vagabonds hungry Very interested in who you are and what you’re up to
(1d4)
7 Beggar angry Talking about leaving, maybe to see how it is in Warsaw or Krakow
8 Shopkeeper/ friendly Hurrying, late to be somewhere else
tradesperson
9 Workers (1d6) hostile Trying to sell you something
0 Children (1d6) agitated Returning to their homes

WEST OF THE RIVER

D10 WHO? CONDITON WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
1 volunteer militia exhausted Sizing you up or trying to pick a fight
(1d6)
2 wild dogs (1d6) curious Cleaning up the area, grumbling about how things are only getting
worse
3 Merchant and suspicious Regarding you with cold indifference
guards (1d4)
4 Polish soldiers (1d6) alert Trying to buy (or steal) something you have
5 Politician/bureaucrat sick Arguing about the state of the city with a bystander (or you)
6 Thieves (1d4) hungry Trying to recruit you
7 Beggars (1d4) injured Talking about leaving, maybe to see how it is in Warsaw or Krakow
8 Street toughs (1d6) friendly Patrolling the streets or transporting goods
9 Workers (1d6) hostile Trying to sell you something
0 Agitators (1d4) desperate Destroying something or preparing to

22
CITY OUTSKIRTS
D10 WHO? CONDITON WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
1 Border Guard patrol exhausted Scouting the area
(3d6)
2 Scavengers (1d6) curious Pursuing a fight (roll again if you need to know with who)
3 Merchant caravan suspicious Regarding you with cold indifference
with guards (2d6)
4 Wild dogs (2d4) alert Following you
5 Farm workers (1d6 sick On their way into Bełchatów
off-harvest, 4d10
during, possibly with
armed guards)
6 Bandits (2d6) starving On their way to Łódź
7 NSZ partisans (2d4) wounded Looking for supplies
8 Refugees (3d10) friendly Carrying valuable goods or intelligence
9 Soviet troops (2d10) hostile Trying to sell you something
0 American stragglers hopeful Destroying something or preparing to
(1d6)

EXAMPLE:
The party is making their way to the markets on the west side of the city. The referee decides an encounter is
likely, and rolls 5, 2, 9. Reading the results from the West Of The River table in order, this is:

■ a politician or bureacrat
■ curious
■ trying to sell you something

The referee decides that this is a concerned member of the city council who wanted to see up close what the
situation is like in some of the apartment blocks. What they are trying to “sell” the party is an idea: their help in
evicting some violent squatters from the upper floors in exchange for a later favor.

USING THE TABLES

Adjust results to your needs and what makes

sense in the moment. Remember that these
encounters are always an opportunity to
expand on situations the characters are
already a part of, rumors they have heard, etc.
Common sense should prevail. Wild dogs, for
instance, obviously don’t literally do many of
the things listed on the table -- but with a bit of
imagination about their needs and what they
want, most of the results can still fit.
Whether these encounters should include
vehicles, pack animals, etc, as well as the level
of weaponry and gear the encounter has is left
to the common sense of the referee.
23
D66 QUICK MISSIONS
Maybe the party has new orders. Maybe one of the NPCs from the previous table needs some help. Or you just want to
know what they’re doing. Roll on the Quick Missions table to start generating an idea! The location of the mission objec-
tive, what resources are needed or available to do it, what the opposition may be, and what rewards the players may
find are all left at the referee’s discretion -- or use the other tables/normal encounter cards to answer those questions!

D66? Roll two d6 and read one as the first digit and the other as the second.

D10 MISSION
11 Scout the road out to the next major junction.
12 Assist in recovering a disabled vehicle.
13 Recover stolen breeding stock.
14 Find and capture whoever burned down [local farm/facility].
15 Re-capture deserters. They’re desperate and starving.
16 Re-capture deserters. They’re well-armed and won’t come willingly.
21 Shore up the defenses of [nearby settlement] against an imminent raid.
22 Escort a small merchant convoy to [city no more than 3 days away] and back.
23 Locate a missing person, and find out why they went missing.
24 Locate where a gang of bandits has made their camp.
25 The enemy is reported to possess [valuable machine/electronic component]. Recover it.
26 Capture POWs for interrogation.
31 Raid an enemy compound and kill their leader. Make sure they know who did it.
32 Raid an enemy compound and kill their leader. Make sure they don’t know who did it.
33 Make your way to an LP/OP a day or two from here and find out why they’ve stopped reporting.
34 Escort a survey team that is charting NBC danger areas and blast craters in the area.
35 Re-establish communications with a unit/town now out of radio range.
36 Re-supply an outpost that has come under attack.
41 Hand deliver a diplomatic message to a hostile warlord.
42 Sabotage an enemy vehicle repair facility.
43 Sabotage enemy food distribution.
44 Sabotage an enemy ammo depot.
45 Assassinate a rebel leader and leave evidence that [another faction] did it.
46 Flush out a sniper team that is overwatching a local road junction.
51 We have reports of an abandoned cache of supplies near [local town]. Find it and recover it.
52 Destroy an illegal printing press.
53 Ambush a convoy we expect to be moving along [nearby road] tomorrow.
54 Go on a goodwill patrol and give food and supplies to [recently occupied town].
55 Arrest agitators.
56 Locate and recover pre-war intelligence data from [somewhat distant city/facility].
61 Sieze illegal weapons from local civilians.
62 Determine who has been leaking intelligence to the enemy. Arrest them.
63 Capture horses/livestock from a stable rumored to be [a few days’ travel away].
64 Sieze an encampment with a fuel still and hold it until we can capture it.
65 A mail carrier from Krakow has not arrived on time. Follow their route and find them or bring them in.
66 Provide medical care/escort a medical team to a quarantined community suffering from disease.

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BEŁCHATÓW NPCS
The following personalities can help add flavor to your party’s experiences in the area. They are either powerful figures
(within the local politics) or individuals with high ambitions, about to make moves.
PAWEL KRAWCZYK | MAYOR
Krawczyk, 50, recently reinstated to his post as mayor
of the city, is a petty tyrant of base impulses. He sees
the condition the city is in, but feels powerless to do
anything about it, so mostly doesn’t bother. He is
happy to string along others with his apparent influ-
ence, but anyone with actual power knows he is at
best a useful idiot.
ATTRIBUTES
STR C, AGL C, INT B, EMP C
HIT CAPACITY: 4
CUF: D
SKILLS: Command C, Persuasion C, Close Combat D
GEAR: None
MOTIVATIONS
Lustful: Pawel’s indiscretions have always been
tolerated within the circles of power. His power
includes to granting “conditional immunity” from
hard labor, etc, to individuals he finds attractive.
Somewhat Violent: Violence does not alarm Pawel,
something his puppeteers and supporters find
useful. Lacking any skill for it himself, he has sub-
ordinates who do this dirty work instead. He is not
intimidated by physical threats, and will find subtler
ways to take revenge.
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COL. ALEXEI NIKOLAEV | KGB
Nikolaev is the head of station in Bełchatów, a tem-
porary position which has only recently been created.
Trusted for his work in Lublin, Nikolaev is under pres-
sure to stabilize the situation. Convinced that there
are agents of the enemy all around (and not entirely
wrong), he is eager to make allies but fast to punish
traitors.
ATTRIBUTES
STR C, AGL C, INT B, EMP B
HIT CAPACITY: 4
CUF: C
SKILLS: Command C, Persuasion B, Ranged Combat C
GEAR: a silenced Makarov PB pistol is in his desk
MOTIVATIONS
Stubborn: Once Nikolaev comes to a conclusion, it
is very hard to change his mind, and he is very set in
his way of doing things.
Very Sociable: Nikolaev looks for the good qualities
in anyone he meets -- his idea of “good qualities” is
commitment to Communist ideals and abject loyalty.
LT. COL. FELIKS BOLSUNOWSKI
Bolsunowski is the CO of the 11th Border Guards Bri-
gade. Hand-picked by Lublin after his predecessor
was killed last year, Bolsunowski finds himself torn
between loyalties as he sees the situation unfold. His
primary loyalty is to the men of the unit, which in turn
has earned their respect.
ATTRIBUTES
STR B, AGL C, INT B, EMP B
HIT CAPACITY: 5
CUF: C
SKILLS: Command B, Persuasion C, Ranged Combat D,
Recon D
GEAR: standard infantry gear, although usually armed only
with his sidearm
MOTIVATIONS
Honorable: A man of his word, Bolsunowski is cau-
tious with his commitments and the lives of his men
but once sworn to something will not fail to carry it
out.
Moderately Sociable: He has a strong sense of duty
to the unit, to the Polish People’s Republic, and to
the people of Poland, in that order.
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JEVEK REBA
Jevek is the upstart, de facto leader of a growing NSZ
resistance cell in the area. A fiery speaker and strong
tactician, he’s been able to motivate several small
bands to take up arms. Their goals are the removal
of Soviet occupiers from the area. He is more accepting
of other foreigners, for the moment, especially if they
can help him achieve his goals.
ATTRIBUTES
STR C, AGL B, INT C, EMP B
HIT CAPACITY: 4
CUF: B
SKILLS: Command C, Persuasion C, Ranged Combat C,
Close Combat C
GEAR: civilian clothes, but always carrying one or more
concealed weapons
MOTIVATIONS
Ruthless: There are few tactics that Jevek wouldn’t
employ, and few casualties that he wouldn’t see as
acceptable, if it meant restoring an independent
Polish state.
Moderately Violent: Jevek has had enough talk.
It is time for action, and he is quick to agree that
violence is the easiest solution.
“VOYNICH”
Believed to be a nom-de-guerre, Voynich is the com-
mander of one the largest group of mutineers from the
former Soviet 9th Tank Division. A survivor of both the
war and numerous more recent attempts on his head,
he is a very cunning and dangerous man.
ATTRIBUTES
STR B, AGL B, INT C, EMP C
HIT CAPACITY: 5
CUF: C
SKILLS: Command C, Persuasion B, Ranged Combat C
GEAR: frequently carries a submachinegun and wears body
armor, although this as much for show as anything
MOTIVATIONS
Charismatic: The men who follow Voynich do so
because they believe he is their best chance to
survive the war. He’s faced grim circumstances and
always come out a survivor, through shrewd analysis
of his friends and foes and ability to sway others.
Pompous: Voynich expresses disdain for just about
everyone above his station, or his rivals. If everyone
would just follow his lead, the war would be over!
UNKNOWN
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KATERINA “PCHELKA” OSSOVSKI
A tank driver, then commander, now warlord, this
30-year-old Ukrainian commands respect through her
utter ferocity. She has blood on her hands and has
learned that inspiring fear is the difference between
survival and having her throat slit like her predeces-
sors. She commands 100 men who would die for her.
ATTRIBUTES
STR C, AGL B, INT B, EMP C
HIT CAPACITY: 4
CUF: B
SKILLS: Command B, Persuasion C, Ranged Combat C,
Close Combat C
GEAR: her AKS-74U never leaves her side
MOTIVATIONS
Ruthless: Pchelka has had to be tougher and fiercer
than all of the men around her. She offers no mercy
to those who oppose her.
War Leader: She inspires absolute confidence in
her troops, because of her demonstrated knack for
predicting what the enemy will do before they do it.
In turn, she is quick to reward her soldiers for their
successes.
“MOLE”
Mole is, in his own words, a criminal genius. Ener-
getic, affable, and possessing a very flexible moral
code, Mole is out to get rich or die trying. He’s happy
to bring those he trusts along for the ride. Given his
penchant for big talk, somebody somewhere must like
him, because he somehow manages to keep his head
(and his anonymity) attached.
ATTRIBUTES
STR C, AGL C, INT B, EMP B
HIT CAPACITY: 4
CUF: C
SKILLS: Persuasion B, Survival C
GEAR: typically none, other than valuable barter items hid-
den away
MOTIVATIONS
Very Greedy: To Mole, money is power, and he’s out
to get as much of it (valuables/capital) as possible to
buy his way to a comfortable life.
Very Sociable: Mole likes making friends, and help-
ing out those he trusts. He only acts the fool, though
-- he carefully monitors everyone he extends his
good faith to, and won’t hesitate to take down those
who seem like trouble.
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“WOJ”
Woj is Mole’s partner in crime, and the stalwart, “bad
cop” side of the operation. In contrast to Mole, Woj
runs his mouth rarely -- preferring to take sudden
action when it’s needed. He seems withdrawn and
laconic (maybe owing to his obvious wounds) but his
eyes and ears don’t miss much.
ATTRIBUTES
STR A, AGL B, INT C, EMP D
HIT CAPACITY: 6
CUF: A
SKILLS: Ranged Combat B, Close Combat B, Survival C,
Recon B
GEAR: Woj is usually either holding a gun or sure to have
one very close by
MOTIVATIONS
Loyal: His loyalty to Mole is unwavering. It’s not a
story he tells often, but there must be something
behind that.
Very Violent: Woj has hurt people badly, more than
he can recall, and will do it again.
AREA SETTLEMENTS AND PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
An abbreviated list and guide for English speakers, based on material provided by Jeremy Mettler. As a rule, assume
that most settlements have between 20-30% of their pre-war population. Some places may have far less than that!

NAME PRONUNCIATION PRE-WAR POPULATION (APPROX.)

Bełchatów bew-ha-tuf 60,000
Bielsko-Biala bey-els-ko be-ah-wah 170,000
Bochnia boak-nia 30,000
Chrzanów sha-nuf 50,000
Czestochowa cheh·stuh·ho·vuh 220,000
Debica duh-beets-ah 45,000
Dobrodzień doh-bro-gen 4,000
Gliwice glee-veet-suh 175,000
Góra kalwaria goo-rah calvaria 12,000
Gorlice gore-leet-za 29,000
Gostyń gost-yen 20,000
Gostynin gost-in-in 19,000
Grójec gru-yets 16,000
Jarocin ya-roh-chin 25,000
Jedrzejów yen-drey-uf 16,000
Kalisz ka-leesh 100,000
Kamieńsk ka-mean-isk 3,000
Katowice ka·tuh·veet·suh 300,000
Kielce key-el-say 190,000
Koło ko-wo 23,000
Konin ko-nuhn 75,000
Kozienice kozy-neet-zah 21,000
Koźle kosh-lah 55,000
Krakow krack-uf 750,000
Krzepice shrah-peet-sah 4,000
Kutno koots-no 44,000
Łask wask 17,000
Łódź woodge 650,000
Łowicz wah-vitch 28,000
Lublin loo-bluhn 330,000
Lubliniec loo-blee-nitz 23,000
Miechów me-kuf 9,000
Namysłów ma-mey-swuf 13,000
Oleśnica oh-less-nica 33,000
Opoczno oh-porch-no 15,000
Opole oh-pol-eh 100,000
Ostrzeszów os-stress-uf 14,000
Ozorków Ore-zor-koff 16,000
Pabianice pab-ya-nit-ski 55,000

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Piotrków Trybunalski pee-ot-reh-koff trib-oh-nah-ski 65,000
Pleszew ple-sef 18,000
Praszka prash-ka 6,000
Przedborz shed-bush 3,000
Radom rah-dom 185,000
Radomsko rah-dom-sko 40,000
Rawa Mozowiecka rava mozo-veit-ska 14,000
Sieradz shir-ats 40,000
Skierniewice scare-nee-veet-ah 41,000
Syców sits-uf 8,000
Szczerców shtats-uf 3,000
Tomaszów Mazowiecki to-mas-uf mazo-vyet-ski 55,000
Turek tur-eck 26,000
Warszawa var-shava 1,650,000
Wieliczka vee-ah-litz-ka 18,000
Wieluń vee-ah-lun-ya 17,000
Włocławek woot-suave-eck 98,000
Wrocław rote-suave 640,000
Zduńska Wola z-dun-ska vola 36,000
Złoczew Zwah-chev 3,000
Zyrardów zee-rarh-duf 38,000

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 SPECIAL THANKS:

Alf Bergesen
Magnus Forsgren
Urban “Sasha” Geshke
Rustam Kamalov
Maksim Kask
Michael Kennedy
Joonas Lahtiharju
Tomasz Lewandowski
“Chad Maximum”
Jeremy Mettler
and
the smart and thoughtful people on the Juhlin and Free
League forums

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