It was the date August 27th, 1939, that found lieutenant general Hjalmar Siilasvuo standing at a podium in a small town near the Finnish capital of Helsinki. The weather was warm, but the ageing Finn felt goosebumps rising under his stiff military uniform. Townsmen and women surrounded him, apprehension rising among the restless murmurs that float over the growing crowd. Siilasvuo can’t help but sympathize with them.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop pact had been signed between major powers Soviet Union and the Third Reich a few days prior. The non-aggression treaty had been unexpected to say the least, with both parties being political enemies. What this would mean for their neighbouring countries was unclear. However, commander-in-chief of Finland’s defence forces, Carl Mannerheim, was insistent Finland would be affected.

The threat of war between Russia and Finland had been growing for awhile now. Mannerheim was determined to be prepared for when the gauntlet was thrown down. According to him, the Karelian Isthmus- a stretch of land between the Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga— was in dire need of strategic fortification. That was what brought the lieutenant general to this town today: recruitment.

With any luck, he would be able to find volunteers to fill the manpower demanded by Mannerheim. Chances were good though. The Finnish people understood that the Soviet Union had both the ability and motive to challenge their independence. In fact, it wouldn't be the first time. A puppet Finnish Communist government had sparked the Civil War only twenty years ago. Although it had only lasted three months, the outcome was significant. Finland had become an independent state. And now, with increased political tensions across the region and the growing possibility of war, they would be called to defend their sovereignty again.

Siilasvuo took a deep breath, eyes hardening as they surveyed the mass of people. The security of his nation was at stake, the security of their nation. Recruits would be delivered to strengthen the preparation efforts. With one final thought of their shared resolve, he took another breath and opened his mouth to deliver the compelling argument that the town needed.

A few useful links to catch up on history
youtube.com/watch?v=lWi2Kclq0DE

youtube.com/watch?v=jmC9jJuXAbQ

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_War

1.1 This is intended to be a literate/advanced literate roleplay. All expectations for those are in effect. These include- but are not limited to— effort to proof read before posting and no godmodding/power playing/meta gaming.

1.2 This is intended to be a realistic historical roleplay. While prior knowledge and expertise are not expected or needed, an effort to help make this roleplay more historically feasible is expected.

- Getting into character could potentially include using Finnish terms for classes and ranks in character dialogue, but not in standard text for easier comprehension.
- There are expected realistic depictions of appearance, inventory, ability (skiing experience is permitted and may come in handy), and identity. Due to the Finnish defences having rampant shortages, volunteers would likely start with their clothes and not provided uniforms. But characters who have served before may have one.
- As women were not on the front-line, only male characters over the age of 18 will be accepted as a partisans. Max experience for characters is that they would volunteer from the reserve (prior military service).
- In order to fill ranks, approximately THREE CHARACTERS per player is requested. We are trying to fill 11 ranks.

1.3 The activity level expected will be 2-3 posts per week. Please let the host or co-host know if that suddenly isn't possible or if IRL is expected to become a larger priority. There shouldn't be an issue depending on the IC situation.

*Note Characters can die if they would in real life, for example if they poke their head out when there is a sniper. This rule has no exceptions so even officers could die. This means you are not rank locked and upward mobility is a possibility.

Name:
Age:
Gender: Male
Intended rank and/or class: (Captain & Lieutenant reserved for the host and co-host)
Appearance: (Historic Picture please, in uniform is a preferred but not required)
Personality/Bio:

Kapteeni - captain
Luutnantti - lieutenant
Vänrikki (can be typed as Vanrikki) - 2nd lieutenant
Kersantti - sergeant
Alikersantti - corporal
Sotamies - private
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"Special Classes"
Pioneeri - Field Engineer / Pioneer
Viestimies - Signal Corps ( Radio operator)
Tarkka-ampuja - Sniper
lääkintämies ( can be written as laakintamies) - Field medic