Poland After OMEGA

[Raellus]

I'm currently reading Rising '44 (by Norman Davies) about the valiant but doomed efforts of the AK (Polish Home Army) to liberate Warsaw ahead of the advancing Soviet Army in the late summer of 1944 and it's inspired me to try to steer the player group in my campaign towards helping the Poles whether the storm and regain their independence in the wake of the American's withdrawal from Europe (ie OMEGA).

I'm learning that the Poles have a long history of vigorously opposing occupying armies, especially those from the East, and I can't see them rolling over and allowing dozens of Soviet divisions, some of which have gone rogue, to camp out on their territory indefinitely. I think that many Poles would want to get them out as soon as possible but it's a pretty complicated proposition.

The [loyal] Polish armed forces are clearly outnumbered by the Red Army forces in Poland. Significant Polish forces are no longer under centrallized control (the Krakow ORMO, the Margrave of Silesia's forces, etc.). The Soviets presumably still have nuclear weapons and might be tempted to use them to close their back door should they decide on a general withdraw from Polish territory (especially if "loyal" Polish Army units become rebellious).

Working in the Poles' favor, the Soviets might want to bring some (or, less likely, all) of their divisions back to the Motherland to deal with the various separatist and marauder elements already operating on home soil. Perhaps the Soviets could be persuaded to leave peacefully.

There seem to be a lot of interest "macro"-level, strategic gaming opportunities in Poland, post-OMEGA: uniting Polish factions (this may be a good time to explore the Black Madonna, if it's not been addressed earlier), negotiating with independent Polish, Soviet, and German units. Fighting marauders and hostile foreign forces. General rebuilding operations. It seems like a rich, dangerous, Byzantine setting for all kinds of RPing fun.

I'm not very familiar with Polish canon after OMEGA. Return to Warsaw seems like a rehash of Ruins... . White Eagle appears to deal mostly with Poland south of Krakow. Perhaps some of the questions I've raised are already addressed by these "Return to Poland" modules. None of them appear to deal with the activities of the various Soviet Armies still listed as being on Polish soil as of late summer, 2000.

What is your take on post-OMEGA Poland?

[rcaf_777]

I image Poland being devided after a formal ceasefire is signed, with small units of Marine have FOB along a DMZ with a few units of Army troop UK and US training a new Polish Army the New West Poland would the free Polish legions and the Krakow ORMO, and the Margrave of Silesia's forces. Krakow would become a new Captial and Polish Government in Exile would set up a government

[pmulcahy11b]

There's some fanfic (can't remember which site) about an operation that takes place after OMEGA. It's pretty decent. If no one can find the site, let me know; I'm pretty sure I downloaded the whole thing to my hard drive at some point, and hopefully, the author won't object to my posting it on my site.

[kato13]

Wouldn't the "Return to Europe" series cover some of this. I never played through it so I don't remember any details.

[Abbott Shaull]

I had the Warsaw but don't remember what was mention. One thing I do remember what was left of the Soviet Army was by all practically purpose melting away as an organized army following orders from Stavka and Theater Commanders.

There were areas under the control of the Polish Free Congress. Most regions where what was left of the Polish First, Second, and First Tank Armies had various militias reinforced, many of them working with the PFC other going independent for the time being waiting to see who to support. The Soviet supported government was still Lublin, but they controlled on the city. Some of the best organized areas were those under the control of the 14th MRD and their feudal state that was set up there and the 8th MRD and it City-State of Krakow.

While those areas that had Soviet troops station or such as areas east of Krakow and south of Lublin had marauder problems. Other units were on the move back to their homelands in the Soviet Union. Some units had stayed put either setting up their own feudal states/petty dictatorship or absorbing into the local militia. By this time there were few Soviet units in Eastern Europe who were accepting orders. If they were, they more interested in preserve what limited forces they had than waste lives.

Just some thoughts.

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by kato13

Wouldn't the "Return to Europe" series cover some of this. I never played through it so I don't remember any details.

Not really. Like I said, Return to Warsaw is basically Ruins of Warsaw Part II and White Eagle deals with southern Poland. Bear's Den is set in the Ukraine. There's not much about northern Poland were Polish units predominate or western Poland where there are numerous Soviet units (as of 07/00). I haven't looked very closely at Castle by the Sea yet, though.

Maybe I missed a module somewhere. That's why I asked. I'm also wondering if any forumites out there have worked anything up for post-Omega Poland.

Paul, anything you can share would be much appreciated.

[simonmark6]

I haven't got my modules to hand, but there are some clues to the situation in Poland that might help:

1) White Eagle: Free Polish Partisans are fighting the paranoid King of Silesea, there are a few clues to the state of Southern Poland;
Filipowicz is becoming an egomanical despot
There are independant forces in Czecoslovakia that are looking at Krakow and Silesia greedily
There's been a coup in Krakow and it's looking more fragile than ever, it's suggested that Krakow may soon fall into either chaos or to enemy forces
2) The ruins of Warsaw: The continuing existance of the Black Baron as a threat to peacful citizens suggests that there are few organised forces policing theland. The fact that the Black Baron could last a hard winter without the Northern Polish and Soviet forces crushing him suggests that units in the north are not interested in or able to aid recreation.
3) The Bear's Den: the Ukraine is making a bid for independance and is also threatened by a Pro-Nato unit in the Caucuses.
If the Soviets want to maintain internal security, they are probably pulling units back to deal with this. I'd make the Ukraine a major theatre in the Summer of 2001, returning Ukranian deserters would swell the Bear's army and Soviet forces from Poland, Russia and Roumania would be fighting to retake the Ukraine and establish lines of communication between the Motherland and the Ploesti oilfields.
This potential conflict might start to empty of organised Soviet units and allow Poles to reassert themselves somewhat.
4) Eastern European Sourcebook
The 8-ball division are trapped in the Baltic States and ae likely to get tangled up with these States' attempts to stay independent of the Soviets. Again, if the Soviets decide they want the Baltic States back, this would draw forces from Poland.
5) Survivor's Guide to the UK
In the summer of 2001, the UK are planning their own OMEGA but they also plan to bring their heavy gear home with them. If they succeed, this leaves the Germans facing the Poles pretty much on their own. With the French on German territory, I can't see the Germans taking offensive actions against the Poles, but if the same adventurers that started the war are still in command I could be completely wrong....
6) Howling Wastelands
The drought that effectively kills of the USA results in bumper crops in the UK and Europe, this will help recovery in the long run.

So, looking at all the clues and basing assumptions (which could be totally spurious and incorrect), I'd suggest that as the Americans and British leave, the Soviets will withdraw their organised divisions from Poland to deal with internal issues, fighting marauders, regaining the Ukraine and Baltic States. This would leave Poland with breathing space and growing crops to start recovery.

The problem is, which Poland? There lies the rich roleplaying environment that Rae craves. I think it's more than feasible and also a very interesting scenario.