Ukraine invasion

[Dire Bare]

I hear what you’re saying, kinda. But T2K is now squarely (and explicitly, in the new edition) an alt-history story set in the past.

I get the escapism bit, though I also kinda feel like T2K is never going to be that sort of escapism. It’s not a power fantasy. It’s something harder-edged. In that same vein, some of the best movies, novels and TV shows explore harsh realities that are 100 percent current. When the pandemic first hit the movie Contagion shot to the top of streaming charts. Narratives in other mediums can let you work though the fear and anxiety, head on. Can RPGs do the same? I think so, but maybe I’m in the minority.

I’m not saying anyone should ever play anything they don’t want to, of course. It just makes me wonder what they think T2K is all about. It’s not a game where you wander around feeding on the pain of refugees or war casualties. In most campaigns I’d bet the PCs either immediately or eventually try to help.

Yeah, I guess it was near-future when first released, but is now alternate history. I feel old.

I do feel like you are missing the point. It's not about how YOU view the game, its about how OTHERS do. It's a fine game, to be sure . . . but for SOME, playing modern day warfare gaming during modern day warfare reality isn't appealing. YMMV, of course.

Ukraine is getting a lot of attention right now, of course. But there is always something horrible happening somewhere that doesn't get the same level of media coverage and world attention. It's one of the reasons T2K doesn't appeal to me at all . . . it's too close to reality, and I prefer escapism in my gaming. For those who can separate their T2K gaming from their feelings about real-world warfare . . . more power to you!

 

[Grendel_Khan]

Yeah, I guess it was near-future when first released, but is now alternate history. I feel old.

I do feel like you are missing the point. It's not about how YOU view the game, its about how OTHERS do. It's a fine game, to be sure . . . but for SOME, playing modern day warfare gaming during modern day warfare reality isn't appealing. YMMV, of course.

Ukraine is getting a lot of attention right now, of course. But there is always something horrible happening somewhere that doesn't get the same level of media coverage and world attention. It's one of the reasons T2K doesn't appeal to me at all . . . it's too close to reality, and I prefer escapism in my gaming. For those who can separate their T2K gaming from their feelings about real-world warfare . . . more power to you!

Fair points, but as you address at the end, it doesn’t seem like T2K is your thing anyway.

So, respectfully…why are you responding about this? Would be like me talking about why I don’t want to play Strixhaven for this or that reason, and then adding the fact that I don’t really prefer D&D of any kind or gaming as pure escapism.

 

[Dire Bare]

Fair points, but as you address at the end, it doesn’t seem like T2K is your thing anyway.

So, respectfully…why are you responding about this? Would be like me talking about why I don’t want to play Strixhaven for this or that reason, and then adding the fact that I don’t really prefer D&D of any kind or gaming as pure escapism.

We're having a conversation? You responded to me first? But if it bothers you, I'll stop.

 

[Smackpixi]

So, I know donating blood was shot down a few days ago, and it’s true, no blood donated in the US or likely wherever you are is getting to Ukraine, but…it’s never a bad time to donate, it’s always needed, if a war somewhere makes you inclined to donate some blood, do it, there is never an excess, nor never a silly reason. donate blood.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Keep your eyes open. The usual charities will probably be doing clothing drives, either to go directly to the Ukrainian refugees or to replenish what they’ve already sent that way. Many people basically ran away with whatever they were wearing and could carry. And that’s not much.

Personal, I’d also keep a lookout for toys. Apparently, a large percentage of the refugees arriving in other countries are unaccompanied minors.

 

[John R Davis]

Yes but the good news is that those nations are in the minority. In today's resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, 141 nations voted in favor. Only five nations (Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea, and Eritrea) voted against it. Thirty-five nations abstained (notably including China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and South Africa), and 12 were absent. The resolution is non-binding, but it is a good expression of the world's will.

I am personally appalled that the most populous democracy in the world abstained. I'm sure when China starts to chip away at more of their territory they may have a change of heart.

I just hope all this aid reaches Ukraine in time, though I guess refugee agencies will spend it wisely

On the Twilight 2000 thing, you could play the Russians, the upcoming city-siege book will feel kinda odd, and maybe I always felt weird bit unease playing it.
I know it's a bad thought but with so many fat sitting targets just sat there ( convoy, black sea fleet) the Hawks probably thinking lots off " what if".

 

[LongTimeLurker]

I think it's mostly that the Ukrainian air power is pretty degraded at this point, and apparently NATO is NOT handing them any new planes, sadly. I have read that they have been making some strikes on the convoy with what they have left, though.

Good. The last thing we need is NATO soliders getting into direct conflict with Russian soldiers or having NATO caught directly supplying the Ukraine or have NATO trying to enforce a 'no fly zone' in Ukrainian air space. I have less than zero desire to see WWIII start over a bunch of Euro BS. This is NOT a North American problem. Let portugal or spain or ireland or italy or any one of the dozens and dozens of Euro countries deal with it.

 

[billd91]

I am personally appalled that the most populous democracy in the world abstained. I'm sure when China starts to chip away at more of their territory they may have a change of heart.

India’s abstention appears to be a mix of long-standing diplomatic ties and a general unwillingness to publicly pick geopolitical sides.

 

[Rabulias]

Good. The last thing we need is NATO soliders getting into direct conflict with Russian soldiers or having NATO caught directly supplying the Ukraine or have NATO trying to enforce a 'no fly zone' in Ukrainian air space. I have less than zero desire to see WWIII start over a bunch of Euro BS. This is NOT a North American problem. Let portugal or spain or ireland or italy or any one of the dozens and dozens of Euro countries deal with it.

Uh, you do realize that the majority of NATO is made up of European nations?

And as global as the economy is, the aftereffects of this will impact people in North America (and most other nations in the world), however it turns out. The pandemic and current global supply issues have shown this of late.

As far as WWIII, it's not like WWI and WWII started over European issues... I agree we need to proceed carefully, but if the default policy is always "dictators with nukes can do anything they want" that is only going to get worse for everyone.

 

[Zardnaar]

Crappy situation nuclear threat when someone Putin doesn't like leaves the toilet seat up east of the Oder.

Still he's probably bluffing. He threatens consequences if anyone interfered. Well people are interfering.