U-boats, or Unterseeboot, were a 20th century technology introduced by the Germans during the First World War. It was a submersible vessel capable of hunting ships out in the Atlantic and submerging under the waves when danger showed itself.
It was a frightening weapon, striking out of nowhere, and capable of sinking ships hundreds of feet long. So great was the threat, great resources were pumped into this wonder weapon in hopes of it changing the war.
THE HISTORY
From the outset of the war, the allies blockaded Germany with naval patrols along the English Channel and North Sea. The effectiveness did not go unnoticed and Germany decided to reciprocate with attacks in the Atlantic. At the start of the war some 20 u-boats were let loose to sink allied shipping. Their success spurred the production of more vessels, reaching up to 380 u-boats by war's end. The onslaught was devastating with some 600,000 tons of cargo sunk every month.
The allies needed to adapt, and by 1917, they had instigated protocols and new technologies in order to deter the threat at sea. The tides changed for u-boat crews. Gone were the days boarding enemy merchant ships and requisitioning supplies before sinking them. Their wonder weapons were now tin cans in the wake of new technologies and protocols meant to challenge their supremacy.
THE TERROR
U-boats were one of the many frightening modern devices unleashed during the war. One can only imagine how it must've felt like to be a sailor out in the vast Atlantic ocean, not knowing if you were being followed or spied on by the underwater threat. Some 6000 ships were sunk during the war by u-boat torpedo strikes, with many of their crew dying out at sea from the elements.
But, by 1917, things were different. Depth charges, convoy formations, and listening technologies (hydrophones) all added pressure on the u-boat crews. Q-ships, disguised as merchant vessels, would wait for a u-boat to surface before unleashing a barrage of threatening fire.
Every encounter now could be a threat, and submerging was often the prudent call. Many a crew waited in silence as they heard enemy vessels churn overhead. White-knuckled moments of holding still as the muffled explosions of depth charges came closer and closer. The u-boat, meant to win them the war, was now going to be their coffin out in the frigid waters of the Atlantic.
THE GAME
We've always valued the lessons and history of the First World War. Back in 2001, Ray and I put together a game called Pro Patria Mori, that explored the horrors of the Western Front through a one-shop tabletop roleplaying game.
This year, we're coming up with a standalone expansion called Pro Patria Mori: High Seas.
High Seas continues the tradition of exploring the terror of World War 1 for players through a one-shot ttrpg experience. This expansion adds more rules and granularity, with a fog of war mechanic, enemy defence and attack stats, as well as a u-boat play surface for you and other players can navigate your vessel as you struggle to survive in the rolling sea.
The zine will have contemporary artwork to immerse players into the session.
If this sounds like a game you're interested in playing, do check out our Kickstarter Launch Page. We hope to crowdfund the printing of the zine this October 29. We'd love to have you aboard.
