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Post by blaird on Jun 1, 2016 2:12:26 GMT
Welcome to the Jäger Stammlokal Pull up a chair, and sit on down.
Feel free to discuss anything in a role play environment for your u-boat's crew.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 1, 2016 23:55:19 GMT
Mid-August, 1939, Jager Stammlokal, Wilhelmshaven
“I want the boat ready to go at a moment’s notice.” KptLt Viktor Radel looks at the other men seated at the table, the officers of U-86. “War is coming.”
ObfchzS Peer Jolitz, being new to the group begins to laugh. Realizing he is alone, it turns into a nervous chuckle before dying out as the young 2WO puts his hands in his lap, unsure what else to do with them.
Radel waits a moment, his stern gray eyes fixing the younger man. Then he resumes. “We reclaimed the Saarland in ’35. Austria and the Sudetenland in '38. The British may think they’ve bought peace by sacrificing others but the French know better. There are still Germans suffering under the French yoke in Alsace. The Furher will not let such a situation stand. And, unlike the Tommies, the French share a very porous border with Germany. War is coming,” Viktor repeats his assertion. “I want Ra’n to be ready when it does.”
“Leave?” LtzS Leon Schmidt, U-86’s 1WO asks tentatively, seeing his hopes of visiting his fiance, Gisela Poel, in Berlin quickly fade. Radel’s next words confirm Leon’s fears.
“No more than a day at a time. I want everyone back in quarters by midnight every night. And no more than one-third on leave at a time.”
“But the men will go stir crazy,” Schmidt tries to wrestle a concession from his Kaleun.
“There is plenty of work to do on the boat,” Viktor counters. “And, there are always drills. Do you think the French or the British will give you time to train once the war starts.” Radel’s tone makes it clear he is not asking a question.
Turning his attention to the LI, Lt (Ing) Jordan Volke, Radel says, “And I want the diesels operating at peak performance.”
In his mid twenties, Volke is the other ‘old man’ among the officers. Smiling he chides his Kaleun and friend, “And when haven’t they?” The two younger men glance nervously at their Kaleun, surprised at his lack of reaction to the LI’s seeming challenge. Then again, they have yet to realize the bond the two men have forged over several years of service together in the boats. Still, for the sake of maintaining discipline Jordan manages to finish with an, “Aye, aye, Sir.” Viktor has to suppress an amused smile at his friend’s gesture for the sake of the ‘younger men.’
“Very well.” Radel stands. “I’ll take the first watch tonight. Drinks are on me.” U-86’s Kaleun drops a wad of bills on the table before turning to leave.
“Who does he think…” Shmidt begins, watching Radel walk out.
“He thinks he is the Kapitan,” Volke cuts off the 1WO. “And responsible for all our lives. Relax. Once he knows he can rely upon you he’ll ease up. Until then…” Volke picks up the money and holds it out to the 1WO, “Why don’ you get us something to drink.”
As Schmidt gets the drinks Jolitz asks Volke, “Ra’n. What kind of a name is that?”
“A Norse goddess of the sea. She uses her net to draw sailors under the water to drown.”
“Oh.” Peer falls silent.
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Post by blaird on Jun 2, 2016 1:28:19 GMT
August 15th, 1939
A group of young men sit around a table at the Hunter's Rest (Jäger Stammlokal) Gentlemen, I would like to welcome you to the crew of the U-85 Seehexe (Sea Witch) rumors have it that we will be getting busy shortly, and I would like you to get departments ready. I will be canceling all future leaves.
Now I think we should all get to know each other. My wife is with my parents in Madgeburg, my dad is one of the plant managers at the ball bearing plants.
He then points to the LtzS sitting next to him, your turn. "I am your first watch officer, Isidor Hax. My father served in the battle of Jutland, and had allot of pride in the navy. After the last war he was released from the service, and we settled on the coast of the Jade Bay. in the town of Dangsat, which is about 20 miles from here.
It is nice to meet you, Isidor, I would like you to work with Obersteurersmann Hermann, and make sure he won't get us lost. I would also like you to work with Matrosenobengefreiter Bauer, he's our deck gunner, make sure he can hit what we are aiming at an not throwing our lives away without a chance of sinking something. Once you have worked with him, get with Marosengefreiter Zander and Marosengefreiter Kolbus, they are our flak gunners, I don't want to have to explain that we turned back early because we got hit by aerial combatants.
Then the KpLt, turns to the youngest man at the table. "I am ObfzS Cosmas Schlosser. My dad was killed in the last war, but my uncles talked about the trenches, and I figured it wasn't for me, so I decided to grow my sea legs. I call Gotha, in Thurengia my home.
thanks, Cosmas, I would am going to have you work with Stabsobermachinst Schmidt, and come up with some practice dives, and with his help put Machineobergerfreiter's Ruef, Kayss, Schmidt, Viezenz, Gareis also work with our men in Ballast control, Matrosengefreiter's Johne, Degen Ellner, and Wizner I don't want to end up under the waves and unable to come back up.
I've known him for a while, as he helped me get the Seehexe up to standards before the rest of the crew was assigned, but this is LtzS Anselm Pacher. "Hi I am our Engineer, I am from Aachen, which is in the Northern Rhine. I may call on people from various departments if it keeps the floating.
Anselm, get with Obermachiest Reinhardt and Obermachinest Griffhorn and make sure that our electric motors and Diesel engines are good to go.
I will take the Bosun, Obersteuresmann Koenig, and we will work with Funkobermast Neuber and Lottner, our radio chiefs, and Funkobergefreiter Heisel, our hydrophone chief.
Isidor and Cosmas, I would like both of you to to get familiar with Obermechaniker Jacoby our Torpedo Chief, and his two assistants, Merchanikemaat Knollmann and Merchanikemaat Wagner, and get the fish to run straight and true.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 6, 2016 15:22:03 GMT
3 October, 1939, evening, Jager Stammlokal KptLt Viktor Radel enters the Jager Stammlokal. Looking about, he sees that many of the offices of the 15th U-Boat Flotilla are present. Walking over to the bar he asks Walfred Brauer for a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Thus supplied, Viktor makes his way to the table where KptLt Werner Bornhof is seated. The commandant of U-73 looks up at Radel’s approach, unsure what is afoot.
Reaching the table, Radel sets the glasses down and pops the cork on the champing. Filling both glasses, he hands one to Bornhof. Taking the other glass, and still standing, Radel announces, “To the first Knight’s Cross or the 15th. May many follow.” Nodding at Werner, Viktor drinks.
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Post by jcook119 on Jun 7, 2016 4:36:39 GMT
3 October, 1939, evening, Jager Stammlokal
Werner takes a hearty sip of the champagne, humbled by the cheers of his fellow officers. "It is my honor to serve with such a fine group of gentlemen. Fortune put Das Werwolf in the right place at the right time, as she will for each of us. When she does, seize the moment! She is as fickle as she is beautiful, don't let her snatch the prize from your grasp." With a widening grin, he adds "And don't ever call her ugly out loud."
"Walfred, a new round, on me!"
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 7, 2016 14:54:59 GMT
3 October 1939, evening, Jager Stammlokal (continued)
“May I?” Viktor indicates one of the empty chairs at Bornhof’s table. When the latter nods, Radel takes his seat. Earnestly he tells the other U-Boat Kapitan, “Tell me all about the Barham.” Werner is more than willing to relive his great moment. Viktor pays close attention, taking mental notes should he ever confront a similar situation.
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Post by jcook119 on Jun 10, 2016 0:50:45 GMT
1 December 1939, evening, Jager Stammlokal
"There you are Viktor! Good to see you." Bornhof waves to his fellow officer as he makes his way over to the table, champagne in hand. "May I join you?" After receiving Radel's nod, Werner takes a seat. Popping the cork on the bottle, he pours two glasses with a smile. Handing one to Radel, he takes a drink and says "It seems you took our last conversation to heart mein freund. I've heard rumors that Fortune has danced her way across your stage this time. Tell me, how did it feel when you saw the explosions? When you KNEW your prize was yours and yours alone?"
"Alas, she must have heard my joke the last time we were here. She dangled another treasure in front of Werwolf, and then snatched it away! It seems we are one and one, Fortune and I. But, all is well. Any patrol you come back from is a good one...prizes or not."
The two men talk on into the evening, swapping tactical advice and laughing over various crewmen's fobiles. As other commanders come in, Werner motions for them to join in, and gets a fresh bottle and glasses as each man sits down to join the conversation.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 10, 2016 4:05:58 GMT
1 December 1939, evening, Jager Stammlokal (continued)
As the evening wears on and the drink takes hold, some of the participants turn sentimental, not too surprising given the season. Talk turns to home and families.
“What will you do with December leave?” Viktor asks Werner, his own thoughts turning to a particular blond and silently thankful that certain other officers will be out on patrol. “I understand the Flotilla will be hosting a Holiday Ball.”
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 14, 2016 19:30:35 GMT
13 December 1939, Jager Stammlokal
Lt (Ing) Jordan Volke sits with his friend and kommander, KptLt Viktor Radel. U-86’s 1WO, LtzS Leon Schmidt is on leave, visiting his fiancé while ObfzS Peer Jolitz, like a normal young man, is out on the town. The two friends share a beer while Volke seeks to tease information out of Radel about his recent trip to the Bavarian Alps with the mysterious blond, Jutte. Viktor is making Jordan work for every salacious detail, invented or otherwise, unwilling to reveal that he spent most of his time in bed recovering from a skiing accident.
Jolitz enters the room and looks around. Seeing his Kapitan, the young man quickly approaches the table. In a state of agitation, he ignores formality blurting out, “The Graf Spee is in trouble!” The entire room falls silent, everyone turning their attention to the self-appointed town crier. “The Tommie’s caught her and shot her up- pretty badly. She managed to make it into Montevideo. I think that’s somewhere in South America.”
“Uruguay,” Volke interjects. “A neutral. The Graf Spee won’t be able to stay there long. Remember what I said about taking on the Royal Navy in a direct confrontation.” Volke refers back to their conversation during the last patrol about the strategy for waging the naval war.
Jolitz joins his fellow officers at the table, all engaged in silent reflection. Subdued conversation replaces the formerly boisterous atmosphere in the Jager Stammlokal.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 23, 2016 4:09:30 GMT
31 December 1939, evening (posted jointly by crushedhat & kaleun)
KptLt Viktor Radel sits at a table with his fellow U-Boat commander and friend, KptLt Karl Schneider. Despite it being New Year’s Eve, or perhaps because of it, Viktor is in a foul mood. After spending several days together with Jutte in her private suite at the hotel, she is not available tonight, having to fulfill her duties as Baroness and host a New Year’s Eve party at her husband’s estate in the country.
While Karl nurse his beer his friend quickly downs his fourth. “It’s not fair!” Viktor rails against his situation. “Jutte should be with me tonight.” He looks to Karl for support.
Karl drinks his beer and orders another round in. He had only been back in port for a few hours and was glad to see his old friend again, even though Viktor would be going out on patrol very soon while Karl had to endure several months of refit. He chooses his words carefully.
"Please remind me of what you are wearing around your neck, old friend", Karl quietly asks.
"You know what it is. The Ritterkreuz - the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross", Viktor replies, not sure where his friend was leading.
"Please remind me of why you were awarded it," Karl continues.
"You know why I was awarded it. I sank the HMS Royal Oak", Viktor mumbles back.
"As all of the Fatherland knows, that was one of the main battleships in the Royal Navy." Karl points to the ribbon of his Iron Cross 2nd Class. "This thing here? Any U-Boat commander can get one of these.”.
"You'll get the Ritterkreuz before long, my friend", Viktor replies getting some vague comprehension as to what his friend is on about.
"My point is this. The Ritterkreuz hangs around your neck, drawing people's attention, especially those of good looking ladies. From there, it draws their attention to your face and if my memory serves me, your rugged face never seems to have turned away any lady. As my schmiss is my lady magnet and lets me regale the ladies with my tales of duelling, your Ritterkreuz is your lady magnet and the story behind it will charm any woman into giving you her metaphorical crown jewels."
"But I want Jutte", Viktor moans.
"I know, my friend, I know. You seem to be smitten with this one, and I am sure she would be with her dashing hero to see the New Year in than playing hostess at some boring soiree", Karl adds. "She has responsibilities as we have responsibilities. She might not like them as we might not like ours, but we all do our duty nevertheless if we are to keep our positions", he continues.
"Perhaps you're right", Viktor reluctantly acknowledges. Even though he might take his time, Karl always does seem to have a way of explaining things clearly and showing the bigger picture.
"Anyway, without any disrespect to the clientele here, we should be seeing in the New Year in where there are prizes for us to take. We are U-Boat commanders, one who has just come home and one who is a war hero and I would like to have some more fun. I'm sure the company of some other ladies may help ease things, even if it is just for them to hang off our arms and drink the champagne we are buying them."
"I'll be thinking of Jutte, though", Viktor adds. Karl sighs to himself, still not used to his friend being so smitten.
"I'm sure you will focus on tonight's patrol and see what other targets we can get close to. Your lantern must not be hidden under a bushel, that Ritterkreuz deserves to catch the eye of another lady. I'll get us a car, drive us into town, find us a decent club and we'll see the New Year in somewhere more salubrious. I'll also make sure you are back on the base in the morning. Do you accept this mission, Kaleun Radel?"
"Jawohl, Kaleun Schneider, the Fatherland expects this of us!" Viktor declares. The two friends quickly drain their beers and head out on their nightly patrol to the hotspots of Wilhelmshaven to see out the last hours of 1939 and welcome in the New Year.
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 6, 2016 0:22:54 GMT
15 February 1940, evening The junior officers of U-86 are grateful for the chance to spend their leave with friends and loved ones, an opportunity afforded by their kapitan, KptLt Viktor Radel’s decision to remain in Wilhelmshaven. Viktor did not make the decision out of a sense of compassion or to win their gratitude, his motivation being more basic. Viktor simply wishes to maximize the time he has to spend with Baroness Jutte von Rothenberg.
Thus it is that his mood is all the darker, Jutte having recently left with her husband, the Baron, for a Valentine’s getaway. Granted, he had several nights with her before she left, some of them shared with Jutte’s friend, Carla Frey. Still, the current situation only serves to reinforce Viktor’s situation vis-à-vis the alluring blond. Knowing that his current mood makes him less than fit company, Viktor has been avoiding his roommate and fellow U-Boat commander, KptLt Karl Schneider. He has been less successful avoiding his friend, Lt (Ing) Jordan Volke. As U-86’s engineer, Volke has been working daily with Viktor to prepare U-86 for her next patrol.
Entering the Jager Stammlokal, Jordan sees his kapitan sitting alone at a table, sullenly nursing a beer. Jordan smiles, knowing the paper he is holding will cheer up his friend. Walking over, Jordan thrusts the paper in front of Viktor and takes a seat, not waiting to be invited to do so. He signals the bartender, Walfred Brauer, to bring him a beer. Jordan then sits back grinning at Viktor and waiting for his response.
“Finally,” Viktor states after reading the paper Jordan gave him. A smile spreads across Viktor’s face. “The Fuhrer has gotten through to those blockheads at HQ and gotten them to give up the stupidity of adhering to the Prize Rules. Unrestricted submarine warfare is hereby authorized,” Viktor needlessly tells the man who brought him the news. “No more warning targets and making sitting ducks of ourselves!” Reverting to the hunter, Viktor signals Walfred to bring him another beer as well. Then, thinking better of it, Viktor stands and announces, “A round for the house! We’re being unmuzzled!”
“I thought it would cheer you up,” Jordan grins.
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 14, 2016 12:32:53 GMT
3 April 1940, evening KptLt Vktor Radel sits alone, nursing his beer, and his resentment at the fact that Baroness Jutte von Rothenberg has made no effort to contact him. He is in the process of convincing himself that she has found a more influential lover when a sudden hush comes over the room. A moment later, Viktor senses someone standing nearby. Looking up, Viktor sees a familiar face framed in wavy blond hair, light brown eyes watching him.
Viktor says nothing and Jutte takes the chair beside him. Reaching out, she rests a hand on his arm. Viktor does not withdraw it, feeling the old desire rising even as he tries not to.
“I miss you,” Jutte admits, her voice soft and low.
Viktor snaps back, “No one else available to amuse you?” He immediately regrets it, a tear coming to Jutte’s eye.
Jutte’s normally pale face flushes. “Not like you.” She tries to give her voice a playful bantering tone, only partially succeeding. “That’s why I’m here, taking this risk.” Both Jutte and Viktor are aware that others in the room are watching them. “I don’t like the way we ended it.”
“’Ended it?’” Viktor rejoins.
“I hope not.” Jutte squeezes Viktor’s arm as she smiles.
Deciding there is little point in further talk, now, here, Viktor takes Jutte’s hand and brings them both to their feet. “I assume your suite is available?” At Jutte’s nod, Viktor leads her toward the door.
At the end of the bar, LtzS Derk von Rothenberg watches his stepmother and KptLt Radel leave together. He has little doubt about where they are going and what will ensue. He feels a rising jealous anger.
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 16, 2016 15:39:29 GMT
9 April 1940, afternoon “Have you heard the news?” a breathless ObfzS Jeer Joilitz asks as he comes to a sudden stop where U-86’s kapitan and engineer are sharing beers and stories. It is obvious from Peer’s breathless state and windblown hair that he has raced here from wherever he was. As KptLt Viktor Raddel and Lt (Ing) Jordan Volke look up expectantly, Peer blurts out, “We’ve invaded Norway!” The news causes a temporary halt in the drinking throughout the establishment.
Viktor starts to rise. “Where are you going?” Volke asks, knowing his friend and therefore already forming an opinion.
Volke’s supsicions are confirmed when Viktor says, “To ask for a Norwegian patrol. Where the action is.” It is now Viktor’s turn to race.
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