Falkland Islands sourcebook

[avantman42]

I've been interested in the Falkland Islands for a long time, and I've been thinking about writing a sourcebook for them for ages. I never quite got around to it though, largely because it'd probably never get used

However, for no very good reason, I finally decided to write it. The files are too large to attach. I've put the PDF and .odt files into a collection on Scribd:
http://www.scribd.com/collections/36...nds-sourcebook

As I said, I'm not really expecting this to get any use, but I decided that it was an itch that I had to scratch. Feedback would be very welcome.

Edited to remove .mobi files

[Olefin]

First off let me say to you - very well done! I skimmed it quickly this morning but will read it more thoroughly later. I do like what I have seen so far.

As for no one using it - new sourcebooks are always welcome. And I dare say that someone on this board will use it one day, either for adventures there or for ones starting from there.

One suggestion - you probably want to put some kind of notice on there similar to what has been put on the Czech Army guide and the Mexican Army sourcebook as to copyright use so you dont get into any trouble with the people who still own the rights to Twilight 2000.

Not sure if there is standard boilerplate language that needs to be on there.

[kalos72]

I am not sure...I mujst be stupid but I cant open the attachements.

[avantman42]

The attached files are .mobi for a Kindle. They were the only ones small enough to attach to a forum post.

If you follow the scribd link you can get PDFs from there.

[avantman42]

Originally Posted by Olefin

One suggestion - you probably want to put some kind of notice on there similar to what has been put on the Czech Army guide and the Mexican Army sourcebook as to copyright use so you dont get into any trouble with the people who still own the rights to Twilight 2000.

Good idea, I'll add something. I'll also add a Creative Commons licence notice.

[avantman42]

Updates:

I've removed the .mobi files from the original post, since they just seemed to cause confusion. If anyone wants files for use on an e-reader, PM or e-mail me.

I've added a creative commons licence notice.

I've knocked up a website to host this and anything else that I write: https://rpg.phillipsuk.org/doku.php/t2k/start

Direct links to the sourcebook: 1st Edition version, 2nd Edition version.

Note that any updates will not be applied to the files on Scribd, just the versions on my website.

[boogiedowndonovan]

cool stuff, no RAF or RN?

a non T2k question, why does the FIDF have Steyr vs standard British arms? not happy with the performance of the L-85?

[simonmark6]

This is what I have gleaned from the internet and I have no verification of sources.

The FIDF apparently purchased the weapons in 1987-88. The consensus is that the SA-80 was not available for purchase at that time as all production was going to front line units in Northern Ireland and Europe. It is possible, therefore, that the Steyr was purchased for ammo compatibility and maybe because it was a bull-pup.

This is, of course, highly speculative but sounds feasible to me.

[boogiedowndonovan]

Originally Posted by simonmark6

This is what I have gleaned from the internet and I have no verification of sources.

The FIDF apparently purchased the weapons in 1987-88. The consensus is that the SA-80 was not available for purchase at that time as all production was going to front line units in Northern Ireland and Europe. It is possible, therefore, that the Steyr was purchased for ammo compatibility and maybe because it was a bull-pup.

This is, of course, highly speculative but sounds feasible to me.

I agree with your assesment, thanks!

[RN7]

Originally Posted by boogiedowndonovan

a non T2k question, why does the FIDF have Steyr vs standard British arms? not happy with the performance of the L-85?

I think it was for a number of reasons. From the late 1980's the Steyr became the rifle of choice to replace the FN-FAL and its major derivatives such as the SLR in many Western armies as it was not only a high quality rifle but was a bit space age looking at the time. I think British forces such as the SAS used it in a limited way, and the British government gave the Falkland Island Regiment funding to buy their own gear but failed to make sure the Falklands would buy the same gear as the rest of the British Army. So the Falklands Regiment bought some snazzy new kit including quad bikes I believe.

[James Langham]

In 1982 the FIDF had SLRs, however as the Royal Marines were handing over and double strength many (if not all of these) were used by the RMs and some .303s in store were issued instead.

In the film An Ungentlemanly Act (advised by Mike Norman the RM commander and highly accurate), the two FIDF seen have SLRs. Hope that helps.

[StainlessSteelCynic]

Originally Posted by RN7

I think it was for a number of reasons. From the late 1980's the Steyr became the rifle of choice to replace the FN-FAL and its major derivatives such as the SLR in many Western armies as it was not only a high quality rifle but was a bit space age looking at the time. I think British forces such as the SAS used it in a limited way, and the British government gave the Falkland Island Regiment funding to buy their own gear but failed to make sure the Falklands would buy the same gear as the rest of the British Army. So the Falklands Regiment bought some snazzy new kit including quad bikes I believe.

As I understood it, the Falkland Islands has it's own government and as such, makes it's own decisions about what they will get when it comes to their defence force. While the FIDF has strong links to the British Armed Forces, it is not part of them although they do have a Warrant Officer from the RMC on permanent attachment as a training officer. For what it's worth, it's been speculated on a few forums that the WO attached at the time advised against adopting the L85.

Edit: I wouldn't place too much emphasis on countries such as Australia and New Zealand adopting the AUG to replace the SLR when it comes to why the FIDF chose the AUG. Australia originally chose the M16A2 as the successor rifle but like all our main rifles from the past, the intention was to make it under licence here in Australia. When Colt refused to agree to the licence deal, Australia dropped the M16 and took the AUG. (It's been said that Colt losing out to FN to manufacture the M16 for the US forces caused some embarrassment and even bitterness at Colt and they didn't want other companies manufacturing "their" product - hence, no licensed production in Australia.)

[avantman42]

Originally Posted by boogiedowndonovan

cool stuff, no RAF or RN?

I figured they would be called back to Europe at some point during the war. That's why it's a TA battalion left on the islands - I imagined them being sent there so that a regular unit could come back to Europe.

Originally Posted by boogiedowndonovan

a non T2k question, why does the FIDF have Steyr vs standard British arms? not happy with the performance of the L-85?

I've often wondered the same thing, but I've not found any answers. I don't know what they were using in 1982, either. If anyone knows, I'd be interested to find out.

[avantman42]

Originally Posted by StainlessSteelCynic

As I understood it, the Falkland Islands has it's own government and as such, makes it's own decisions about what they will get when it comes to their defence force.

I don't think they've always had as much independence as they do now. The current constitution only came into effect in 2009 (the previous one was adopted in 1985 and amended in 1997). This is why the sourcebook says the islands are governed by the UK-appointed governer. Nowadays, they're largely self-governed.

I'm not sure what system of government was in place when the AUG was adopted.

[TrailerParkJawa]

Hello Avantman42

I like this. I'm looking forward to seeing any additional work. I'm interested in the entire independence story line. Personally I think it's pointless to even bother or that there is nothing to gain. However, I was immediately filled with questions about why do these guys want to declare independence. Have they given up on being British? Do they want to eject the entire world that went crazy? I would think the soldiers on the islands aren't a true burden but a help.

These are just my thoughts but that's what happens when you read an interesting story. Keep it up!

[avantman42]

Originally Posted by TrailerParkJawa

Hello Avantman42

I like this. I'm looking forward to seeing any additional work. I'm interested in the entire independence story line.

There may be minor updates, but I'm not expecting to expand on it a great deal. The idea is that it presents the situation at a particular time (when the PCs arrive). It was my intention to provide background information and a situation that allowed for some interesting possibilities. It's up to the GM how he uses them.

Originally Posted by TrailerParkJawa

Personally I think it's pointless to even bother or that there is nothing to gain. However, I was immediately filled with questions about why do these guys want to declare independence. Have they given up on being British? Do they want to eject the entire world that went crazy? I would think the soldiers on the islands aren't a true burden but a help.

The independence idea came from real life. Currently, the islands are largely self-governing, but Britain provides defence, largely because the islands can't afford to pay for their own defence. There is a real possibility that commercial oil mining will start soon, and at that point, the Islands' income will increase dramatically, to the point where they could pay for their own defence. Some Islanders are starting to suggest that when/if that happens, there will be no need for them to remain British, and that they should become independent.

In the T2K world situation that I present in the sourcebook, things are somewhat different. The islands aren't self-governing, and there is no prospect of income from oil. On the other hand, there have been some difficulties producing enough food for everyone on the islands. The population of the islands is 3,000 and the British military probably adds another 500. That means that around 15% of the food produced goes to the British military. There is no real threat of invasion, so it's easy for a hungry population to see them as simply a drain on scant resources. Note that the islands were largely self-sufficient before the war, so they don't really need the extra manpower to help out with food production.