Vehicles seem like such an integral part of T2k, it almost feels like heresy to suggest playing without one. As a kid, I spent hours pouring over the US and Soviet vehicle guides, imagining which vehicle my PCs would use to high-tail it out of Kalisz, and/or encounter in battle while doing so.
Motor Vehicle Pros:- Increased speed and range of movement
- Increased firepower from mounted weaponry
- Increased cargo carrying capacity
- Armor (if present) provides good protection from small arms fire and shrapnel
Motor Vehicle Cons:- More or less road-bound
- Not particularly stealthy
- Requires time, effort, and additional resources to maintain
- Requires time, effort, and additional resources to produce/acquire fuel
Bicycles are stealthier, and don't require fuel. On the other hand, they don't offer increased firepower or protection. The other cons listed above still apply.
Horses are very similar to bicycles, but offer better off-road performance. I would argue that another con of horses is the emotional bond between rider and mount. Considering how attached some players get to their IG motor vehicles, I'd feel like an absolute heel Ref if/when I had to kill their horses.
In imagining the Escape from Kalisz scenario now, it strikes me that movement
On Foot might be the best option. It offers a couple of advantages of foot travel over vehicles and/or horses:
- Stealthiest mode of movement
- Least road-bound mode of movement
- Least additional maintenance
- No additional fuel requirements
It's not fast or particularly glamorous, but in some ways by foot is a better way to travel. Also, no vehicles means less bookkeeping and, as a Ref, that's something that I really appreciate.
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