Northern Europe / Scandinavia Sourcebook

Lurken · #1 02-13-2020, 02:20 AM

Hi

A fellow T2k:er and me have talked about that it would be fun to write up more information about the theater in Northern Europe beyond what is stated already. The reasoning is that what happens in Scandinavia will cause ripples down to Germany, Poland and the Baltics.

So we will start laying out the basics of what happened in the years leading up to the Twilight War, and during the war.

The main focuses will be the Nordic countries, together with Kola peninsula, Karelia region in Soviet Union and potentially Iceland.

If people would like to contribute, they are welcome to do so. Any and all help is always greatly appreciated.

Lurken · #2 02-13-2020, 03:08 AM

Various regions and their assumed state, going by the descriptions that I have read and surmised.

Norway: Is divided and ravaged by ongoing war. Southern parts are held by NATO/Norwegian forces led by the norwegian king. There was a failed offensive against Narvik(?) that was beaten back by remaining WP-forces.

Finland: Defended fiercely against both NATO and WP. The finnish Lapland region in the north is likely devastated. The border area against soviet Karelia and Leningrad is likely also damaged. Unknown status on the state of Finland.

Denmark: Likely devastated by conventional means early in the war to slow deployment of NATO forces into the Baltic sea. Copenhagen most likely a heap of rubble. Bridges to Germany likely blown up, either by danes, germans or by soviet means. The state of Denmark is likely nominal in name only. Possibly failed state at the end of the war.

Sweden: Saw heavy fighting in the north due to spill over from Norway and Finland when dealing with NATO, WP and marauder forces. The mining industry in north does not exist at the moment. Southern and middle Sweden is likely swamped by refugees from Norway and Denmark, and possibly Finland and other nations at the Baltic Sea. Wartime coalition government. Stable state at the moment, but in a bad position. Possibly sending limited forces to the Baltic states and Poland to secure influence and resources. Possibly having geopolitical struggle against France in Northern Europe.

Kola and soviet Karelia: Likely under formal control of USSR, but may harbor separatists.

Iceland: No idea. Possibly forgotten over the war, except for the total reduction of Keflavik and strategic harbours.

Legbreaker · #3 02-13-2020, 05:45 AM

That summary sounds about right. I'm thinking Iceland has probably suffered a significant population reduction after being cut off from the outside world and the trade goods that's usually required to support people in that climate.
Those left have likely reverted to old practices to survive, the skills and memories of elders proving absolutely vital to a settlements viability.

I wonder how many of the members of the Swedish expeditionary forces call or compare themselves to Vikings?

Olefin · #4 02-13-2020, 09:04 AM

"Norway: Is divided and ravaged by ongoing war. Southern parts are held by NATO/Norwegian forces led by the norwegian king. There was a failed offensive against Narvik(?) that was beaten back by remaining WP-forces."

Based on the writeup in Boomer it sounds more like that offensive succeeded

Raellus · #5 02-13-2020, 09:14 AM

I'm pretty sure Going Home mentions that the Danish Jutland division returned home in the autumn of 2000 to perform local security functions. This, to me at least, implies that it wouldn't be a failed state, but one that has recused itself from the continuing conflict to focus on recovery.

I've done a write up regarding Sweden's subtle attempts to gain influence in central Europe through diplomatic, economic, and military means. See Post #25:

https://forum.juhlin.com/showthread.php?t=4881

Olefin · #6 02-13-2020, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raellus

I'm pretty sure Going Home mentions that the Danish Jutland division returned home in the autumn of 2000 to perform local security functions. This, to me at least, implies that it wouldn't be a failed state, but one that has recused itself from the continuing conflict to focus on recovery.

I've done a couple of write ups regarding Sweden's subtle attempts to gain influence in central Europe through diplomatic, economic, and military means. I'll share it when I get home.

You are correct about the Jutland Division

Jutland Danish MD (2,000 men): The bulk of this unit has withdrawn from Germany, and repatriated itself to Denmark, either by land or by crossing the straits to the Danish islands of Lolland and Falster, Some personnel have chosen to remain in Germany, and have attached themselves to various military and quasi-military groups.

There is also the Slesvig Regimental Combat Team of 600 men that are in southern Denmark as well - with 600 men and been there since Dec 1997 on internal security duties

Lurken · #7 02-14-2020, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olefin

"Norway: Is divided and ravaged by ongoing war. Southern parts are held by NATO/Norwegian forces led by the norwegian king. There was a failed offensive against Narvik(?) that was beaten back by remaining WP-forces."

Based on the writeup in Boomer it sounds more like that offensive succeeded

Ah! Thank for the note, I'll read up exactly what it says there. But even with Narvik back in the hands of norwegians, Norway are still in a bad spot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raellus

I'm pretty sure Going Home mentions that the Danish Jutland division returned home in the autumn of 2000 to perform local security functions. This, to me at least, implies that it wouldn't be a failed state, but one that has recused itself from the continuing conflict to focus on recovery.

I've done a write up regarding Sweden's subtle attempts to gain influence in central Europe through diplomatic, economic, and military means. See Post #25:

https://forum.juhlin.com/showthread.php?t=4881

Thank you! Still points towards that Denmark, if not failed, it doesn't feel well. Mildly speaking. Would you agree on the notion that Denmark is likely reduced early in the war by conventional means to deny NATO easy access into the Baltics?

And your post about the swedes operating in northern Poland is what started this ball rolling =)

Tanper · #8 02-14-2020, 04:20 AM

There is actually semi-official lore surrounding this, as there was an official Twilight 2000 sourcebook in Finnish called "The Nordic Countries".
I'll post the main details here (will post additional details to those interested, I own the book):

Finland is under military dictatorship.
Sweden in in the grips of a civil war.
Denmark is quite okay.
Norway is led by a heroic military-prince.
Iceland is just about normal.

Legbreaker · #9 02-14-2020, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanper

There is actually semi-official lore surrounding this, as there was an official Twilight 2000 sourcebook in Finnish called "The Nordic Countries".

I think there's a thread detailing most of it already?

Legbreaker · #10 02-14-2020, 05:16 AM

Lurken · #11 02-14-2020, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanper

There is actually semi-official lore surrounding this, as there was an official Twilight 2000 sourcebook in Finnish called "The Nordic Countries".
I'll post the main details here (will post additional details to those interested, I own the book):

Finland is under military dictatorship.
Sweden in in the grips of a civil war.
Denmark is quite okay.
Norway is led by a heroic military-prince.
Iceland is just about normal.

I was under impression that it was an unofficial addition, since it was only in finnish. So I am sorta disregarding that book.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legbreaker

Thank you Legbreaker, some of those threads contained very good information!

Olefin · #12 02-14-2020, 07:52 AM

The Twilight 2000 sourcebook in Finnish is not official and was never authorized by GDW - so while you can use it if you like its not actually canon

cawest · #13 02-14-2020, 08:52 AM

Iceland would be in deep trouble. they can not supply enough food for the island current pop. I would expect some people fleeing there after the nuks started to fly. (they would view it as a safe place) I could see powerful people going there and not waiting to just to sit in the hot water and would try to take power in some way. with a shortage of food and fuel (the 4x4 is the state truck after all) things would get ugly.

Lurken · #14 02-14-2020, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olefin

The Twilight 2000 sourcebook in Finnish is not official and was never authorized by GDW - so while you can use it if you like its not actually canon

Yea, and it is rubbish. I went through the translated version that I found, and it manages to contradict itself, inside the book. When describing each nordic country, they list all the nuclear attacks. But further down in the book, when they go around the world, I noticed that the Scandinavia part was totally unchanged from the v.2.2 book. With the exception of the editor note.

HOWEVER, we do not that in Boomer, which is official, they specified that Oslo was nuked. So that stays in. But rest of the attacks were more conventional missile/bomber strikes.

Which means, that the editor must have read and should have realized that the book was self-contradicting. It is total rubbish, sadly.

I think this is just another reason to clean it up and do something more sane and internally consistent.

Raellus · #15 02-14-2020, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurken

Thank you! Still points towards that Denmark, if not failed, it doesn't feel well. Mildly speaking. Would you agree on the notion that Denmark is likely reduced early in the war by conventional means to deny NATO easy access into the Baltics?

Yes, I reckon that the Soviets hit the ports with heaps of conventional munitions (and a few Spetznaz raids), and harbors/channels would be extensively mined. I'm quite surprised that canon doesn't have Denmark being nuked at all (AFAIK).

So yeah, Danish infrastructure would be badly damaged, and Denmark would be suffering from fuel and food shortages as well. Compared to its neighbors, however, I think it would be in relatively decent shape. I don't think that it would be a failed state.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurken

And your post about the swedes operating in northern Poland is what started this ball rolling =)

That's awesome.

I too am feeling inspired. This thread has got me thinking about creating a proper Nordic Sourcebook.

-

Legbreaker · #16 02-14-2020, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raellus

I'm quite surprised that canon doesn't have Denmark being nuked at all (AFAIK).

It's worth keeping in mind the game was originally written assuming American players with American characters in American units doing American things.
Other nations appear tacked on almost as an afterthought. Given the lack of US units in the Scandinavian countries as of 2000, it no surprise there's little detail given of those areas.
Looking at all the game materials, it's really only those regions where US troops are likely to be found or move through that have any reasonably detailed information. The latter books moved some way towards detailing other areas too, but it was still generally assumed I think that there would be US characters involved - Bears Den for example.
Given the time the game was developed, and the fact it was a US company with predominately (perhaps even solely - I don't really know) US staff, and RP gamers in the 80's and early 90's were mostly US, it makes sense. Rather annoying for us now, three decades later as we seek to expand into these other regions, but it's understandable why it is the way it is.

Also worth remembering that besides a few exceptions canon doesn't actually state places were not nuked, only those which definitely were. 1.0, 2.2 and 2.2 all indicate the individual GM is free, even encouraged to add more strikes, even if only as random encounters of tac nuke craters.

pmulcahy11b · #17 02-15-2020, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurken

I went through the translated version that I found,

Where did you find this translated version? How can we get one?

Olefin · #18 02-16-2020, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legbreaker

It's worth keeping in mind the game was originally written assuming American players with American characters in American units doing American things.
Other nations appear tacked on almost as an afterthought. Given the lack of US units in the Scandinavian countries as of 2000, it no surprise there's little detail given of those areas.
Looking at all the game materials, it's really only those regions where US troops are likely to be found or move through that have any reasonably detailed information. The latter books moved some way towards detailing other areas too, but it was still generally assumed I think that there would be US characters involved - Bears Den for example.
Given the time the game was developed, and the fact it was a US company with predominately (perhaps even solely - I don't really know) US staff, and RP gamers in the 80's and early 90's were mostly US, it makes sense. Rather annoying for us now, three decades later as we seek to expand into these other regions, but it's understandable why it is the way it is.

Also worth remembering that besides a few exceptions canon doesn't actually state places were not nuked, only those which definitely were. 1.0, 2.2 and 2.2 all indicate the individual GM is free, even encouraged to add more strikes, even if only as random encounters of tac nuke craters.

Thats one reason I did as much research as I did on the East Africa Sourcebook as to likely places for where the nuclear attacks would have occurred based on the size of the refineries and other assets the US and Soviets were trying to deny the other side (as well as letting the South Africans get a few licks in as well). And why when I revised it I changed one nuke strike based on the fact that it really didnt make sense for the Soviets to waste a nuke on that target.

Legbreaker · #19 02-16-2020, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olefin

And why when I revised it I changed one nuke strike based on the fact that it really didnt make sense for the Soviets to waste a nuke on that target.

Well, the Soviet warheads weren't known for their pinpoint accuracy, and their intel may also have been somewhat dated or inaccurate.
That said, I can't imagine Kenya would have had great security against espionage and general spying either... :/

Lurken · #20 02-17-2020, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b

Where did you find this translated version? How can we get one?

I found it attached to one post in one thread here at Juhlin. I'll attach it here too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raellus

So yeah, Danish infrastructure would be badly damaged, and Denmark would be suffering from fuel and food shortages as well. Compared to its neighbors, however, I think it would be in relatively decent shape. I don't think that it would be a failed state.

I too am feeling inspired. This thread has got me thinking about creating a proper Nordic Sourcebook.

Yea, I am convinced that Denmark is in a better state, but to keep up tensions and destabilize Sweden a little, I'll still put lots of danish refugees in Sweden.

Welcome aboard to the Nordic train Raellus =)

Trooper · #21 02-17-2020, 08:56 AM

All the strange things you can find from net. There is 48 pages in the Nordic sourcebook.

This "Nordic sourcebook" is shortened version. Mainly containing information from pages 9-12, 18-19 and from page 48.

Chapter "Elsewhere" is not even from Nordic sourcebook.

This material containing global information is probably from Twiligth rulebook (version 2.0 or 2.2).

You can buy all finnish Twilight 2000 modules from here.

https://www.fantasiapelit.com/

Nordic sourcebook cost 5 euros + postal charge.

Lurken · #22 02-17-2020, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trooper

All the strange things you can find from net. There is 48 pages in the Nordic sourcebook.

This "Nordic sourcebook" is shortened version. Mainly containing information from pages 9-12, 18-19 and from page 48.

Chapter "Elsewhere" is not even from Nordic sourcebook.

This material containing global information is probably from Twiligth rulebook (version 2.0 or 2.2).

You can buy all finnish Twilight 2000 modules from here.

https://www.fantasiapelit.com/

Nordic sourcebook cost 5 euros + postal charge.

Ah, well, good to know that then.

But it is still only available in finnish. So it is basically unusable.

This is why those books are considered less canon that the City of Angels book, which is too considered pretty non-canon.

Lurken · #23 02-19-2020, 01:56 AM

Sapmi: The northern natives.

The Twilight War have caused untold pain, misery and destruction. Yet for a few, it has created opportunities. The Sapmi people have for the region unique adaptability and experience with the lands of the northern reaches of Europe. This have allowed them to expand where others had to withdraw and contract. However, they are still relatively weak and feeble compared to the might of the nations where in they technically still reside. However, those nations are pre-occupied elsewhere, leaving breathing room for them to use their situation. At the moment they are busy playing the powers against each others. Giving scouting aid to Swedish military forces against one group of marauders, while at the same time dropping intel to other maruader remnants that the swedish military cantonments are weakened.

Their ultimate goal is to broker for more power in the north, with the hope to finally have a nation of their own, made from the far reaches of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Soviet Union.

Vespers War · #24 02-19-2020, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurken

Ah, well, good to know that then.

But it is still only available in finnish. So it is basically unusable.

This is why those books are considered less canon that the City of Angels book, which is too considered pretty non-canon.

But how canon is Twilightcycle: 2000?

Legbreaker · #25 02-19-2020, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vespers War

But how canon is Twilightcycle: 2000?

Oh, totally! 100%

Trooper · #26 02-24-2020, 11:01 AM

Survivors Guide to Finland

Non canon . V1 timeline.

Before war: Finland was a republic whose head of state was President Martti Ahtisaari, who lead the nation's foreign policy and was the supreme commander of the Finnish Defence Forces. Finland's head of government was Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, who lead the nation's executive branch, called the Finnish Government. Legislative power is vested in the Parliament of Finland (Finnish: Suomen eduskunta), and the Government has limited rights to amend or extend legislation. Because the Constitution of Finland vests power to both the President and Government, the President has veto power over parliamentary decisions, although this power can be overruled by a majority vote in the Parliament.

War: Finnish Defense Forces were able to defend nation until war went nuclear in October 1997. Finnish government survived nuclear strikes. Mi-8 carrying president and cabinet was lost above Lake Paijanne. No one is quite sure, what happened during those chaotic days after nuclear strikes. Ten days after incident general Tuomo Koivuniemi informed citizens that Finland don’t have government or president. New Emergency Council has 15 members and major political parties have five seats and military have 10 seats.

Nuclear targets

Helsinki: one 10 kt strike to Santahamina military base (air force shot down other cruise missile that was heading to government district in downtown area).

Naantali: oil refinery 50 kt.

Upinniemi: naval base 10 kt.

Porvoo: oil refinery 10 kt.

Soviet 25 megaton high altitude detonation over North Sea generated very strong electromagnetic pulse. EMP destroyed power grid and damaged seriously both nuclear power plants in Olkiluoto and Loviisa. Two weeks after first nuclear onslaught USAF high altitude nuclear strikes above Ural Mountains destroyed electronics that were spared in first salvo. Adding injury to insult western EMP attack destroys newly installed YLE emergency transmitters. Last newspaper was delivered in Oulu area in December 1997.

Helsinki is in state of anarchy. Police and military units are unable control or even contain situation. Many government organizations did have hardened shelters, but those command centers were deserted when there was no room for family members.

From January to June 1998 Finnish society was breaking down fast. Money started to lose its value, postal service couldn’t deliver mail anymore, police was not able to keep order in and even in army large scale desertion was huge problem when reservist returned home to protect their families.

July 1998 military government started demobilization. Most units returned back to their peace time barracks.

August 1998 Stocks of medicine, fertilizer, fuel and food were rapidly decreasing. Mass exodus from cities to countryside. Finnish police have lost 70% of its officers.

In July 2000 population of Finland is 2,56 million. About two million people live in government-controlled areas. Provisional government controls area south of Kotka-Oulu line. Even in that area there are several uncontrolled areas like Helsinki and its surrounding metropolitan area. There are military units outside Kotka-Oulu line, but those units are able to control only small enclaves. In Southern Finland there is no more battalion sized rogue military units, but in Northern Finland there is even brigade size units that don’t take orders from government.

There are several powerful pirate groups in eastern part of Gulf of Finland. Most of them operate from old coastal artillery fortresses. Navy is currently unable to destroy heavily fortified island fortresses.

Urban population is 10-20 % of its prewar level. Main foreign trade site is Turku. Finnish coast and archipelago are still heavily mined (50 000 mines). There is only one patrolled sea lane through archipelago to Turku. Outside navy patrolled sea lane mines, pirates and insular fishing communities are huge threat to anybody who don’t have good guide and lots of firepower.

Military government areas are organized. Areas near soviet border are disputed or terrorized. No military invasion but a lot of marauders and refugees from Russia. Largest marauder units are battalion sized units that can easily overrun even a small town.

Outside government-controlled area you can find large areas in anarchy with county sized areas that are independent or insular.

In June 2000 capitol city is Tampere. It still has population of 32 410. In day time civilian police can patrol in unarmored vehicles. Ancient hydroelectrical plants still produce trickle of energy to run factories. Factories and foundries can produce spare parts to weapons and vehicles. Like Krakow Tampere is also home of armament production. Reloading, mortar rounds and hand grenades dominate, but government hopes that in near future that arsenal would be able to produce brass casings to ammo reloaders and even 122 mm artillery rounds. Near Tampere is Pirkkala air base. Its last operational air base in Finland. There isn’t any fuel for training, but there is still couple of fighters with full fuel tanks. Pirkkala is also the main base of Provisional Air Force Security Regiment that provides security for Tampere region.

Rajamaki alcohol factory is main source of ethanol fuel and biodiesel. Factory and its surroundings are protected with infantry battalion and with Crotale NG AA-battery. There is enough fuel for government use. Cheap fuel is also sold to ships that arrive to Turku harbor.

Trade. Finland is exporting timber, charcoal, tar and biodiesel. University of Tampere can make small batches of antibiotics, meth and synthetic opioids. Government is also ready to sale captured NATO and Soviet armament and vehicles. Small amounts of luxury goods such as vodka, low quality tobacco and greenhouse grown cannabis is exported. Illegal cannabis exporting is controlled by military intelligence. Intelligence service need both gold and information about smugglers and other extralegal activities. In December 2000 one paper mill in Tampere started limited production (3% from prewar level). Only two months later several hundred kilos of paper from first batch were sold to Krakow city government!

Finnish customs service takes 10 % of everything that is imported or exported (gold or in kind). Uncontrolled archipelago makes smuggling profitable and dangerous profession.

Finnish merchants are ready buy to practically anything, if price is right. Government is very interested to buy POL products and night vision technology. Finnish army don’t have enough night vision gear and you can run truck with biodiesel, but you need real oil for lubrication.

Government controlled counties are controlled by local officials. Nimismies is much like old west sheriff. They enforce law, collect taxes, prosecute offenders in court, form ad hoc units to defend area and they perform other duties like welfare. Nimismies don’t have many public servants to help him. Most public servants are local citizens who pay their taxes with work.

Farmers and artisans pay their taxes in kind. Other pay in gold, silver or like most citizens they have duty to work for government. Adults have to work one day in a week to government. It could be military service, guard duty, administrative work, maintaining roads, salvaging scrap metal, spare parts or machinery etc. In general military don’t protect communities against marauders. Villagers have to guard their own communities and farms.
Government do provide weapons and ammunition. Some lucky (probably living very dangerous area) will get assault rifle. Most have to do their guard duty and patrolling with old bolt action rifles and submachineguns. Unless you are in guard duty, you cannot carry military firearms outside our own home or farm. When local defense militias are unable to deal with marauders, nearest military unit will send reinforcements.

In most government-controlled areas military patrols area only in once a month. Typical Finnish Army antimarauder operation consist 100 infantry or military police men, using armored vehicles. Mortar platoon provides fire support. There is usually supply platoon with tactical field care squad. Usually marauder sweeps are intelligence-based operations. Most of the intelligence comes from local authorities (nimismies), but there is growing number of recon patrols that gather intelligence.

Military government will also help people who have lost their home for one reason or other. There is no large-scale refugee problem in government-controlled areas.

Lurken · #27 02-25-2020, 01:18 AM

Thanks Trooper!

nikoruo · #28 03-05-2020, 10:23 AM

i join this group....and i copy paste this what i but on facebook..
I was thinking To build campaing setting To north lapland. In To free city of Kilpisjärvi. Whic was formed by deserters from fdf, soviet and Nato forces. There is mercenary unit on Kilpisjärvi Whic is called laplands free legion players start as part of it.
North of Kilpisjärvi soviet army remrants terrorize northen norway.
South of kilpisjärvi there is fundamental Christian state that calls it self davids sword. It would be like isis
East there would be free city of inari. And between saami People how would be orginized To clans figtingh each other.

I welcome any ideas

Lurken · #29 03-05-2020, 10:41 AM

Welcome!

Interesting take on the sapmi. I thought that it would be interesting to have them carve out their own nation from the ruins of others. Then again, I hardly doubt that the sapmis are effective in their struggle and see plenty of power plays and struggle (diplomatic, influence, power or violence) between the potential fractions.

Regarding the christians, there is a group called the Laestadians, who are a splinter of lutheranism, that historically been on their own edge. It is not too unbelievable that a splinter of them forms and go extremist.

nikoruo · #30 03-07-2020, 01:45 PM

i think sami country would be located around inari and kautokeino.Moast of smi live in finnmark region. Twilightwar perheaps would push tem to southernparts of finmark..and northern parts of finish lapland. In finish sourcebook pohjoismaat there is mentioning that inari has army unit that has rebelled and splintered from finish army.I would base david sword on lestadians.whit powerfull and charismatic headfigure a cult how would see twilightwar as end of times and only true belivers will repopulate the earth.Lestadians are strong in northern parts of finland and sweden

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