Recently came across something rather interesting and being a while since I last did a Cold War Skirmishes post, it is something too good not to post. If things go to plan, this is likely to be the first of two posts this month, the second post will be a write-up of a playtest of Frozen Skies' air combat rules and should be expected some point round the 15th June. Also, if you wish to support me or get access to new posts ahead of the crowd then please consider checking out my Patreon.
Wolfgang The Bratty Man: A Legend Of The Cold War
Picture the scene.
You're a British soldier stationed in Germany and part way through a field exercise on the Soltau Training Area. You're cold, tired and sick of ration packs when all of a sudden a blue Mercedes van appears like magic through the smoke of a mock battle. Angry shouts are elicited from the NCOs as you and your fellow soldiers run off to buy hot chips, bratwursts, burgers and cold beer.
Wolfgang Meier, a legend amongst British soldiers based in north Germany, had arrived.
Wolfgang had a semi-mythical ability to manoeuvre his van across seemingly impassible terrain to bring his wares to hungry armour crews (who were then often obliged to tow the van out when it got stuck). His knowledge of exercise plans and the local terrain was also legendary, and he often knew where units were headed before they even received their movement orders – some observed that if he wasn’t an East German spy, he should have been.
For more than two decades his van could appear at any time of day, even in the middle of a live military training exercise narrowly missing grenades. During the '70s and '80s he was an instant morale booster whenever he appeared, his uncanny knowledge of where units were helped more than one lost soldier.
And end of an era came to end in 1994 when Wolfgang's fast food van completed it's last mission and the man himself brought himself a camp site with the money he'd made.
Use In Games
Wolfgang could potentially be an interesting and useful NPC for a GM to use, serving at least as a friendly face for the characters to encounter. He's best played turning up out of the blue, either as a Travel Encounter or when the GM feels the time is right. The GM could have Wolfgang serve as a source of information, letting the characters know where their parent unit is or where enemy forces are. Additionally, Wolfgang could help them out by giving them a lift or beseech the characters for help in rescuing his family.
Wolfgang Meier
Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d8, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d8, Driving d8, Language (Native) d8, Notice d8, Persuasion d10, Stealth d4
Pace: 6; Parry: 2; Toughness: 5
Hindrances: Loyal, Mild Mannered, Pacifist (minor), Quirk
Edges: Ace, Alertness, Charismatic, Danger Sense, Reliable, Streetwise, Strong Willed
