Twilight: 2000 is a tactical RPG with a focus on combat and survival in a world shattered by war. This adventure uses the original (1st edition) rules, with combat rules from the supplement Twilight Encounters. Some 'homegrown' rule changes simplify the game, especially for a one-shot adventure at a convention.
You are a Canadian soldier in the 1er Battalion of the Royal 22e Regiment (also called “The Van Doos”), which is part of the Canadian 4th Mechanized Infantry Brigade (Canadian Forces Europe). The Canadian 4th is based out of Karlino, on the Atlantic coast of north-western Poland. The “Van Doos” had been subordinated to the US XI Corps as part of a plan to drive into north-western Poland. You have been specially assigned to a mechanized infantry troop in the US 4-12 Armored Cavalry Squadron, the sole unit in the Recon Brigade of the US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized).
On June 19, 1999, the US 5th Infantry Division and its allied subordinate units launched its spring offensive from western Poland. This offensive, called Operation Reset, was supposed to split the Soviet and Polish armies, and force them into a retreat east of Warsaw.
At first, the US offensive looked promising, but stalled near Kalisz, less than 250 km from Warsaw. On July 15, a combined force of Soviet/Polish units joined the combat, including the Soviet 21st Motorized Rifle Division (MRD). The ensuing Battle of Kalisz was devastating to both sides. By July 17, after bitter fighting, the US 5th Infantry Division was finally broken and forced into a disorganized retreat. Divisional and brigade cohesion and command structure collapsed, and individual units were left to fend for themselves. You still remember the haunting words from the US 5th Division commander: “Good luck. You're on your own now.”
Your team escaped to a potential rally point south-east of Kalisz. No other allied troops arrived, and you quickly discovered that soldiers in the Soviet 21st MRD were sweeping the area for any survivors of the US 5th Division. Many of the Soviet soldiers were executing US 5th Division soldiers after capturing them. Being a prisoner of war was no longer an option; you had to find a way out of there.
The commanding officer of the Soviet 21st MRD, Major General Vladimir Rubachenko, has his division HQ in Ostrów Wielkopolski, a town south-west of Kalisz. Apparently, he had one of the last working helicopters as his personal transport. Since you had a helicopter pilot in your team, you formulated a plan; steal the helicopter and fly back to the Canadian base in Karlino!
With the help of local ORMO (local militia opposed to the Soviet occupation) you infiltrated the base at Ostrów Wielkopolski, and managed to steal the General's helicopter with minimal casualties. You head towards Karlino, and the Canadian base.
You allow yourself a smile, giddy with excitement about your unbelievable escape just a few hours ago. In less than 5 hours flight, you will be 'home' at the Canadian base. You close our eyes and try to relax - what could possibly go wrong?
Twilight: 2000 is a tactical RPG with a focus on combat. This event uses miniatures and terrain to enhance players' ability to visualize the unfolding action and help them make their best tactical decisions. Miniatures helps the GM and players to quickly determine the status of a PC/NPC such as stance, cover, and range. Along with the revised combat system in the supplement Twilight Encounters, combat is fast and easy to resolve, while still being a good modern small arms simulation that was the hallmark of the original game.
This is a continuation of the adventure from CanGames 2023. You do NOT need to have played “Part 1” last year in order to enjoy this year's event, but past players might find satisfaction in continuing the story of this rag-tag squad.