We played the first scenario of a new PA mini-campaign, the „hunt for Dr. Meisenheimer“. The idea in this campaign is that the outcome of one scenario will dictate which scenario comes next, so the story unfolds depending on the actions of the leagues.
The year is 1937. There are rumours the Nazis are searching for new ways of warfare, including biological weapons. To pursue this goal, a small unit from the SS Secret Weapon Korps under Fieldmarshall von Kluck tries to capture renowned biologist Dr. Meisenheimer, who is currently in San Francisco as visitor of a science conference. But the Germans are not the only ones showing interest in the professor: The Russian NKVD (Narodnyy Komissariat Vnutrennikh Del) sends top agent Ilija Stoianev with his Sidekick Alex aka Airgirl and the Imperial Japanese Military send an elite commando unit under Jun'i Akechi Mitsuhide to swarth the Nazi plans and secure the professor for themselves…..
The campaign is basically a duel between the Russians ans the Japanese, with the Nazis as opponents who will appear occasionally and be played by the gamemaster.
Episode 1: „The hunt for Dr.Meisenheimer“The action took part in a quiet garden in San Franciscos Chinatown. A few visitors, some locals practicing Tai Chi in the sun and somewhere is Dr. Meisenheimer.
The scenario follows „Sorabaja Manhunt“ from the Perilous Island Campaign, so one of the five plot points is the Professor, and there is a red herring in play as well. Some impressions of the tabletop.
The interior of the pagoda and the central grassy area around the big tree is perilous (molehills!), as well as the 3“ area around the Tai Chi practitioners. Don´t bother these guys!
The Russians and the Japanese entered he park from opposite sides, the Germans followed in turn 2 from a random edge. The first round was quiet, but then very fast all hell break loose! With 3 more or less combat oriented leagues, an intense 3-way-battle ensues, with bullets flying everywhere and a lot of casualties and wounded guys every turn.
The Ilija Stoianev managed to secure 2 plot points but without discovering Dr. Meisenheimer. The Japanese elite veterans did everything to bring him down, but he survived an incredible amount of hits and escaped before the San Fransico Police stormed the park and began making arrests.
The Germans got one plot point and the Japanese the forth one, but in all the shooting and brawling the good Dr. escaped undetected!
Left: The Japanese open fire on Ilja Stoianev!
Stoianev has been wounded badly, but still on his feet!
The Japanese question the locals
The second episode will follow soon: Where is Dr. Meisenheimer now? Will the Russians and the Japanese learn why the Nazis are so interested in him?
Stay tuned.....