Tsarists/White Russians

[xeoran]

So what do people think about the idea of Tsarist Russians fighting for Axis or Allied forces? Might be very interesting and a chance to bring some Russian history to bear (extra Cossacks, Strelitz etc..).

[malika]

A very interesting question. I think the US might support them in secret, but they also need the USSR to defeat the Axis forces. I think it would be more fitting then to see these remainders (those who havent been purged by Stalin) to fight for the Germans.

[xeoran]

Exactly, I feel they'd fit in well with the Germans and humanise them more.., US would garner contacts but no support as they need the USSR but if the Axis do win and install the Tsarists then the US would have contact links..

[malika]

I think the US would use the Tsarist for a coup in the USSR after defeating the Axis forces, in the same way the US used Nazi warcriminals for operations in Eastern Europe/Russia and Latin America, but this wouldnt really happen in our game since the war still isnt over yet, hence the USSR and the Americans are not really direct enemies.

[xeoran]

True...the Americans also used ultranationalists and far righters in Japan (including to degrees the Yakuza!)

[malika]

I would imagine most of the pro Tsarist figures would either join the Axis forces as local milita and agents, but most of the survivors (which would be few since Stalin went all purging mode) would just move to Germany, Britian or the US and simply hang out there for the rest of their lives.

[xeoran]

Well many of the survivers migh move to Germany if they think theres a chance of winning again, or they might be approached by a German agent for that purpose, they would make great Axis rallying points.

[malika]

I think most pro Tsarist figures would have the same role as local partisans for the Russian army. They would function as "locals" which you could ally with as a German player. They wouldnt have anything that different. Heck I could even see some fully integrated into the German army, only difference might be some medal or plume thingie on the uniform.

[xeoran]

Or possibly a whole Russian propaganda unit- all decked out. Strelitz?

[malika]

I think propaganda could play a cool influence in the game. I think I suggested that idea some months ago. Speakers on tanks which would spread messages which would either encourage your own troops or drop the morale of the enemies!

[xeoran]

I think the speakers would only be for the Russians and considering tey let the enmy know where you are there would have to be pay off. I think a before game dropping of leaflets or such might work though.

[malika]

Those things would be great for in campaigns, especially those long term ones. Before a mission you would have to roll to see if the drop of leaflets was succesful, if it was morale of the enemy will go lower but if they fail the morale of your own troops might go lower, something along those lines...still cool but with a risky side to it.

I would love to see White Russian/Tsarist characters in the German background/forces. So they would have fled to Germany, received training there and fully integrated within the German army, becoming tactical advisors for the Eastern Front for example or becoming scientists (Im getting this whole Van Hellsing vibe from this idea...)

[xeoran]

Van Helsing vibe sounds great to me..may be plus theres some huge pathos between these sad Russians who know the only way to save their people from the Soviets is to fight beside demons like the Axis...

[malika]

For example, but I can also see members of these former elites fully joining the Nazi ideology. However these things can be kept in the background

[xeoran]

Exactly, you can certainly see a Romanian count or two, Bulgarian fascists and the like..