I'm back... and I have a question for SG2 players

I'm back. I think. If I've done this right. I've sub'd to the digest
version... but I'm sending to
gzg-l@csua.berkeley.edu so hopefully
this will appear on-list as is the
intent.

Hope all list members are doing well, and that the list has prospered in my
absense.

I was just thinking about Ghurkas, and their potential role in the GZGverse.

I have seen several suggestion: 1) No role, defunct. 2) ESU light infantry.
(Likely given the absorption of Nepal, but somehow unsettling). 3) OU light
infantry. 4) NAC light infantry. 5) Independent light infantry.

1. or 2. can be posited as a result of the ESU annexation of Nepal. The other
three are possible as a result of that
annexation and an out-of-Nepal migration
of at least some part of the Nepalese population.

Right now (I think) Ghurkas may be serving with the British and the Sultan of
Brunei. In past days, they have worked closely with many other forces
including the Australians and New Zealanders. They are now serving in the
Indian Army too which becomes part of the ESU IIRC.

One option is to suppose they are now annexed (via the annexation of their
land and the Indian Army) into the ESU armed forces. It certainly is a twist
on an old theme.

Let us suppose that someone (either the NAC or the OU) provide the Ghurkas a
place to escape to and the means to do
so - a similar mountainous region on
another planet for sake of similarity. The NAC might do so out of
traditionalist feeling ("The Ghurkas have always been with the British. It is
only proper that they be so in 2185."). The OU could do so out of a
commonality of climate (the planets they'd want might include tropical
terrain, mountains, etc. very much like what the Ghurkas might enjoy and
they'd be rough worlds) and an interest in NOT letting their forces join the
ESU or IC.

In either of these cases, it might be a dependent colony, in which case the
Ghurkas could only serve with that Nation, or it could be an independent
colony, at least allowing them to serve with other friendly nations (NAC, OU,
maybe IF (Sultan of Brunei)...) at the decision of the King of New Nepal.

If they were independent, they could contract out as excellent Mercenaries (as
long as they didn't oppose the nation that provided them a colony). They could
use anyone's equipment, or their own homegrown brand. Or they could buy
equipment from the NI or other arms producing source. If they were not
independent, they could be equiped similarly to the national force they are
allied with.

So... opinions? Do they exist? Who do they work for? How should they be
equiped?

In a message dated 6/14/99 3:42:29 PM EST, Thomas.Barclay@sofkin.ca
writes:

<<
So... opinions? Do they exist? Who do they work for? How should they be
equiped?
> [quoted text omitted]

If the sun has never set upon the British Empire then Ghurkas have been
holding it up on their bayonet points! If other great regiments still exist
then the two Ghurka battalions are still there too! I have spoke!

> In a message dated 6/14/99 3:42:29 PM EST, Thomas.Barclay@sofkin.ca

Bearing in mind that the whole [OFFICIAL] background is there purely and
simply for FUN, rather than any real kind of pseudo-future-historical
"accuracy" (whatever the hell that is), I tend to go along with this feeling.
The Gurkhas should still be in NAC service, though I also like the concept of
allowing some of them to hire out as Mercs for other conflicts provided they
don't actually fight against NAC troops, allies or interests.
Why does the idea of a harsh, barren Gurkha- settled colony world just
scream "Dorsai" at me....?  :-)

> In a message dated 6/14/99 4:47:05 PM EST, jon@gzero.dungeon.com writes:

<< Why does the idea of a harsh, barren Gurkha- settled colony world
just
 scream "Dorsai" at me....?  :-)
> [quoted text omitted]

If it didn't you'd be illiterate!

> Let us suppose that someone (either the

Saudi hired Gurkhas as tough, professional troops who are capable of dealing
with unpleasant climate (which IF planets have a fair amount of). The House of
Sa'ud had the money to pay, and they also have an affinity for British trained
troops. Once the House of Sa'ud was overthrown, the Gurkhas either a)
emigrated to somewhere close by (eg, Alarish, or perhaps Free
Cal-Tex);
or b) decided to serve the IF, which really needs steady troops and might be
willing to overlook religious variances to get them. I'd suggest mostly the
latter, it'll give a little more color to the IF.

> concept of allowing some of them to hire out as Mercs for other

Because you haven't read Dune lately?

Or you haven't read The Regiment, with the homeworld "Kettle"...

--Binhan

[quoted original message omitted]

> At 2:15 PM -0700 6/14/99, ScottSaylo@aol.com wrote:

Note that a unit of Gurkhas are currently deployed in Kosovo.

> Or you haven't read The Regiment, with the homeworld "Kettle"...

Oh yes I have....  :-)
Jon (GZG)
> --Binhan