Scenario Overview
The region of Novigrad has become the site of an intense and escalating standoff between two global powers: Rusfor and NATO. After a decisive victory in the Battle of Novigrad Gap, Rusfor cemented its control over key territories, gaining the loyalty of local civilians who, desperate for stability, accepted Rusfor’s protection over NATO’s. The battlefield win, however, came at a cost. Rusfor now finds itself embroiled in a struggle to consolidate its power while managing the suspicions of local communities and fending off NATO’s counter-operations.
In a bid to solidify its hold, Rusfor moved quickly to annex the lands it seized, establishing infrastructure and building heavily fortified zones. But Rusfor’s ambitions go far beyond conventional warfare: the annexed lands have been repurposed for nuclear experimentation, sparking fear and uncertainty among the populace. As rumors of nuclear testing spread, NATO has launched a new covert operation to regain control, aiming to expose the potential dangers posed by Rusfor’s experiments. The unsettling news has also attracted the interest of the World Health Organization (WHO), which has announced plans for a soil investigation to assess potential nuclear contamination in the area. Civilians, caught between allegiance and fear, are beginning to waver, seeking security from whichever faction can offer the best protection.
As NATO’s special forces attempt to infiltrate the region and gather intelligence on Rusfor’s nuclear developments, Rusfor is working against the clock to complete its testing and secure key personnel, including a reclusive nuclear scientist, Professor X.
Both factions are facing unique challenges:
- Rusfor must defend its hold on the region, stabilize its nuclear program, and prevent NATO from gathering intel or sabotaging the project. Civilians who initially sided with Rusfor may need further persuasion to maintain loyalty, given the risks surrounding the nuclear operations.
- NATO is tasked with infiltrating deep into Rusfor-held territory, assessing the nuclear threat, and convincing civilians to switch allegiances. NATO must find a way to neutralize the nuclear lab and possibly secure Professor X, who may hold vital knowledge for preventing a catastrophic incident.
The civilian population, playing a critical role in this volatile situation, remains divided. Their allegiances hinge on which faction can best assure their safety. Some are deeply loyal to Rusfor, thankful for protection from past conflict, while others are concerned by the risks of nuclear experimentation and may be swayed to NATO’s cause if convinced of the threat Rusfor poses.
As tensions reach a boiling point, both factions have a final objective: secure Novigrad’s future under their control. With a ticking clock on nuclear instability, every move becomes a high-stakes gamble, creating a volatile mix of espionage, combat, and diplomacy.