Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Opifex 23
Opifex 23
Issue 23
January-February, 1900
Information
Editor, Writer and Art Director: Michael C.
LaBossiere, ontologist@aol.com.
Cover : Goya, 1795 Work.
Interior Art: Michael C. LaBossiere,
ontologist@aol.com.
Writer and Archive Master: Ricardo J. Mndez,
rmendez@sheertalent.com.
Web Page
The web page provides readers with links to
acquire the software needed to view issues,
information about the ezine as well as direct
access to the current issue. The address is
www.opifex.cnchost.com/obmru/
Acquiring Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random
Universes
Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random Universes may be
reliably acquired by the following means:
Subscription: To subscribe send email with the
message subscribe OBM to
ontologist@aol.com. The subscription issues are
mailed as compressed pdf files. America Online
will automatically decode such files. Users of
other services may need to acquire a utility such
as Aladdins Stuffit Expander (available for both
Mac and PC platforms) in order to expand the
file. Naturally, Adobe Acrobat Reader will be
needed to read the pdf files.
Online Viewing of PDF: The current issue of
Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random Universes can be
viewed directly by using a web browser that has
been set up to use Adobe Acrobat Reader as a
helper application. Go to
www.opifex.cnchost.com/obmru/
Online Viewing as Web Page: The current issue
of Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random Universes can be
viewed directly by using a web browser. Go to
www.obmru.goplace.com.
Download: The current issue of Opifex BiMonthly: Random Universes can be downloaded
from www.opifex.cnchost.com/obmru/
Back Issues
Ricardo J. Mndez has set up an FTP archive site
for past issues of Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random
Universes . Each issue is available as an
individual ZIP file. ZIP archives can be unzipped by
a variety of PC utilities as well as Stuffit
Expander (freeware for the Mac and PC). The site
is http://www.sheertalent.com/rmendez/obmru/
Legal Information
Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random Universes1996. All
rights reserved.
Fees
Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random Universes is a free
ezine.
Trademarks
Most product names are the trademarks of the
companies producing those products. Use of a
trademark to identify a product discussed in this
ezine should not be taken to imply the
sponsorship of the holder of said trademark, nor
should the use of a trademark without explicit
mention of its status as a trademark be
construed as a challenge to the trademark
status.
Copyright Information
Unless otherwise noted, all of the material in this
ezine is protected by the relevant copyright
laws. Contributors have given permission for
their material to be used in this ezine.
Contributors retain all rights to their material.
Third parties wishing to make use of any material
within this ezine must contact the relevant party
or parties in order to secure permission.
Distribution
Opifex Bi-Monthly: Random Universes may be
freely distributed provided that:
The ezine is not modified.
No fee is charged for the ezine over and above
the normal cost of distribution. The normal cost
of distribution includes the fees for online
TSR
TSR, which is now part of Wizards of the Coast,
has the following policy: as long as (1) you're
not copying our text, (2) you're not copying our
art, (3) you're not copying our logos, and (4)
you're not making money off of it, you can use
our properties to make your own fan material
(within good taste - no porn, etc.). That's it.
Make your stuff. Have fun.
Contributors
Guidelines
1996,1997
Michael C. LaBossiere, ontologist@aol.com
Kelly Rothenberg, Lemarchand@aol.com
Submission
Conditions
Format
Specifics
Payment
At this time no payments or compensation of
any kind are offered for contributions.
Reviews
The Opifex Bimonthly: Random Universes staff is
always interested in reviewing game and game
related material, including computer games. If
you are interested in having your product(s)
reviewed, please contact the staff at
ontologist@aol.com or
rmendez@sheertalent.com.
News/Announcements
New OBM:RU Web Site
Source: Michael LaBossiere
Information: Opifex Bi-Monthly:
Random Universes has relocated its web
pages from America Online to Geocities.
The new pages are better designed, more
detailed, and offer more features than the
previous pages. Go to
www.opifex.cnchost.com.
6
Universes
SinkHole1999
By Michael C. LaBossiere
Ontologist@aol.com
Call of Cthulhu
Legal Information
This adventure is copyright 1999
by Dr. Michael C. LaBossiere. It may
be freely distributed for personal use
provided that it is not modified and
no fee above the normal cost of
distribution is charged for it. Visit
my web site at
www.opifex.cnchost.com.
Call of Cthulhu is Chaosium Inc's
registered trademark for their game
of horror and wonder in the worlds
of HP Lovecraft. For more
information, contact Chaosium Inc.,
950-A 56th St, Oakland, CA 94608 -or call us at 510-595-2440. Visit
Chaosium's web page at
www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/.
Introduction
This adventure is set in Wakulla,
Florida in the 1990s. With some
slight modifications it can be used in
other times and places.
The adventure pits the intrepid
investigators against a cult dedicated
to aiding an underground aquatic
evil.
Keepers Background
The following provide the
background information the Keeper
needs to run the adventure.
Untold eons ago the earth was
visited by strange and terrible
beings. Among these was the horrid
entity Tulushuggua. Tulushuggua
found the water filled crevices of the
earth to its liking and squirmed its
way deep into the earths crust.
There Tulushuggua spawned its
brood of Tulush who spread out
7
Universes
Investigation
The following details the
information the investigators can
acquire during the course of their
investigation
8
Universes
Smith
It is likely that Smith will be the
starting point of the investigation.
He will be able to provide the
investigators with the following
information:
I was down on my luck and short
of cash when the good Lord brought
an opportunity to me. Two fellow
believers, or so I regarded them at
the time, came to me and spoke of
their desire to establish a place for
the faithful. These two, Daniel Hayes
and Janet Reuben, said that they
owned a piece of land in Florida that
would be ideal for a religious retreat.
They informed me that I had been
chosen for my reputation for gaining
the trust of other faithful individuals.
To make a long story short, we went
to Florida, where the land was
located and began constructing our
little earthly city on the hill.
All went well for several months as
the faithful came and renounced
their worldly goods so that they
might join us. Then things began to
get weird. Hayes and Reuben began
to preach about the end times to
come, but what they said wasnt in
the Good Book. They spoke of those
who once were and shall be again
and how those who join the winning
side will survive and those who do
notwell, they wont survive.
I was concerned about all this, but
Hayes was able to sooth my fears.
But not for long. About three months
ago Hayes had the faithful start
digging into a sinkhole that is on the
grounds. Eventually, they built a
concrete dome over it. At night
Hayes led strange masses in the
dome. I considered confronting him,
but one of the few remaining faithful
fellows warned me that Hayes
meant to deal with me. I took his
warning seriously and made good
my escape, taking with me some
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
Map
The adventure takes place mainly
in Wakulla. Wakulla is short distance
from Tallahassee, which is the
capital. Tallahassee is a small city
with an airport, two universities
(Florida State and Florida A&M),
two malls and not too much else.
Wakulla is a fairly rustic area and
is best known for its sinkholes and
Wakulla Springs State Park, which
contains a beautiful stretch of river
fed by a natural spring. The area is
populated by a wide variety of
wildlife, including many alligators.
The area is most famous for the
mammoth bones found in the spring
and the various films that were shot
there (various Tarzan films, one
Airport Film, and the Creature from
the Black Lagoon).
Compound Map
The compound is located in a
wooded and isolated area of
Wakulla. The compound is
surrounded by a six-foot high
wooden fence. During the day the
cultists spend their time doing
various chores and participating in
various rituals. At night the cultists
sometimes participate in rituals, but
they generally tend to turn in early.
The guard posts at the corners of the
compound are manned twenty four
hours a day.
1. Guard Post: The guard posts
are wooden towers with metal
plates reinforcing the wooden
walls. Each post is equipped
with a small search light. There
is always at least one armed
cult tough in each guard post.
2. Parking lot: The cult vehicles,
an assortment of cars and
trucks, are kept here.
3. Restroom and kitchen: One half
of building contains showers,
toilets and sinks. The other half
contains a large kitchen and
4. Barracks: This is the sleeping
and living area for the cult
members. It is broken into three
sections. One section is for the
male cult members, the second
is for the female cult members
and the last section is a
common area/dinning area.
The barracks is typically empty
during the day, except for meal
times and when the cultists are
cleaning.
5. Temple: This is the cults normal
worship area. It is laid out like a
church, with an altar area at one
end and pews in the main area.
The religious motif is Christian,
to provide a plausible cover for
the cult. The cultists conduct
their normal rituals in the
temple. The rituals involve
13
Universes
Action
While it is not possible to predict
the exact actions of the players, the
following guidelines should prove
helpful to the Keeper.
Diving
Aquatic minded investigators
might elect to dive in Wakulla
Springs in search of what might have
attacked the divers. Since the park is
a state park, the investigators will
either need to get permission (which
might prove difficult in light of the
recent episode) or sneak in. The
spring is extremely deep and if the
investigators are limited by SCUBA,
they will not make it that far. If they
use a remote submersible or a
similar device, they have a slight
chance of finding the dive light (the
battery is dead) and perhaps some
other pieces of the divers
equipment.
If the investigators decide to try to
poison the springs or use explosives,
they stand an excellent chance of
being arrested. Also, such tactics
would do a great deal of harm to the
native life. In any case, the Tulush
are unlikely to be affected by such
tactics.
The Keeper will need to decide
whether the investigators encounter
a Tulush or not. The chances of this
happening are fairly slight, unless
the investigators take appropriate
steps to attract their attention (such
as by using the spell). Needless to
say, an encounter with a Tulush in
the water would probably prove
extremely dangerous.
Provoking the Cult
If the investigators take action that
arouses the suspicion of the cultists,
they will take steps to learn more
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
Conclusion
The adventure comes to an end
when either the cultists or the
investigators are defeated.
The investigators are defeated if
they are killed or driven away. In
this case, Hayes will continue to
expand his cult until he is eventually
able to purchase and control a large
part of the era. Hayes success will
bring in other, more powerful
individuals and evil will flourish in
this part of Florida. Thus, any
surviving investigators who return
will face an even greater challenge.
If the investigators defeat Hayes
and the cult, they should receive a
1D6 Sanity point award. Keepers
should also give a few additional
points if the investigators manage to
defeat the Tulush in the area. The
investigators should receive a lower
award if they defeat Hayes through
brutal means, such as murdering all
the cultists.
Depending on how the
investigators defeat Hayes, they
might be well regarded in the area or
wanted criminals. If the investigators
handle the situation well, the local
people will be very pleased and will
be willing to help the investigators in
the future. If the investigators handle
the situation badly (excessive
violence or injuring local people)
they might end up as wanted men.
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
NPCs
The following details the NPCs the
investigators are likely to encounter.
In most cases only the NPCs
relevant skills are listed.
Preaching Pete Smith, Religious
Con Man
STR 13 CON 14
SIZ
14
INT 13 POW 13
DEX 13
APP 13 EDU 14
SAN 62
HP 14 DB
+1D4
Description: Smith is a middle-aged
man with graying hair. He looks
extremely trustworthy and has a
smooth, pleasant voice. Smith is a
con man who favors the religious
angle. Despite his tendency to be
obsessed with money, Smith is not
an entirely bad sort of person. He
considers his experience with Hayes
a bit of a revelation and feels
obligated to undo the wrong he
helped to create.
Relevant Skills: Fast Talk 65%, Law
32%, Library Use 37%, Occult 48%,
Persuade 60%
Daniel Hayes, Cult Leader
STR 13 CON 14
SIZ
15
INT 16 POW 17
DEX 13
APP 14 EDU 17
SAN 00
HP 15 DB
+1D4
Description: Hayes is a moderately
handsome man who has reddish
blonde hair and a disarming smile.
Behind the smile dwells a sharp, but
evil mind. Hayes, a former
anthropology student, is now
dedicated to the cause of his new
16
Universes
15
12
00
SIZ
DEX
SAN
16
12
00
Mythos Being
Tulush, Lesser Servitor Race
Char Rolls
Ave
#1
#2
STR
2D6+12 19
22
20
CON 3D6+12 22-23 26
27
SIZ
2D6+12 19
20
18
INT
3D6
10-11 12
14
POW 3D6+3
13-14 15
14
DEX 3D6
10-11 13
14
DB
+1D6 +2D6 +1D6
HP
21
23
23
Description: The Tulush are servants
of Tulushuggua, a terrible being that
dwells deep within the flooded caves
of the earth. In terms of appearance,
a Tulush looks like a horrible mix
between a finned eel and a squid.
The front of a Tulush contains four
long, squid-like tentacles with a
mouth in the center of the tentacle
mass. The mouth is unusual and
contains a spiral of teeth that reach
almost to the stomach of the
creature. When the Tulush swims,
the tentacles press together,
streamlining the creature.
On either side of the head are
two fluid filled bumps which serve
as the Tulushs sonar sense organs.
Since a Tulush has no eyes, they
must rely on their highly effective
sonar to find their way and their
prey. The Tulush also make use of
sound to communicate. They have
their own language as well as a
simplified version they use to
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
Contact Tulush
This spell can only be cast near a
water-filled cave that branches deep
into the earth where the Tulush
dwell. The spell is cast by pouring at
least a pint of blood from an
intelligent creature into the water
followed by striking a wall of the
cave with an iron rod. The pattern of
striking is quite complex and
conveys the request to the Tulush.
The spell costs 3 magic points to cast
and 1D3 Sanity points. Unless the
cave does not eventually reach the
Tulush, the spell succeeds
automatically. See page 199 of the
5.5th edition of the rulebook.
Call/Dismiss Tulushuggua: This
ritual gains the attention of
Tulushuggua, The Watery Dweller
Beneath. The spell costs the caster
and any participants a variable
number of Magic Points and costs
the caster 1D10 Sanity Points.
Additional points might well be lost
when Tulushuggua makes its
appearance.
This spell can only be cast near a
water-filled cave that branches deep
into the earth where the Tulush
dwell. The spell is cast by pouring at
least a pint of blood from an
intelligent creature into the water
followed by striking a wall of the
cave with an iron rod. The pattern of
striking is quite complex and
conveys the request to the Tulush
who bring the message to their
master. The chances of success may
be increased by using an enchanted
rod of iron. For each point of POW
the rod has been imbued with, the
chances of success increases by 10%.
See page 195 of the 5.5th edition of
the rulebook for additional details.
Spells
18
Universes
Handout #2
-Old Cults of Mystery (1921) by Able Hastings.
There are a few references to those who dwell beneath the earth, yet swim
rather than burrow and all of them are disturbing. It is said that a great evil god
dwelled within the aquatic crevices of the earth and sent his minions to the
surface to have dealings with certain corrupt men. The most complete work on
this topic is contained within Humbolts Forbidden Cults.
Handout #3
-Odd Florida (1966), Gerald Jones.
In addition to the pleasant tale of the fountain of youth, there are many not so
pleasant Spanish tales. One story speaks of a small band of Spanish soldiers who
set out from Fort San Marcos in search of another party of men who had failed to
return. Based on the references to sinkholes, it is likely that these men reached
the area now known as Wakulla. The men supposedly encountered one of the
missing men. The man was crazed and spoke of the devil that dwelt within the
water filled hollows. He told the soldiers how something lashed out of the water,
dragging his fellows into the hole. He said that there was so much blood that all
the holes in the area were tinted red. When the man was brought back to the fort,
all he could do was recite the following: veins run through the earth and her
blood is water. Things swim in her bloodthings that should not be. It is said
that the man was sent back to Spain and died twenty years latter in a monastery,
still reciting the words.
Handout #4
-Tallahassee Democrat
Tragedy in Wakulla: Diving in Wakulla Springs is a dangerous undertaking and
recent events brought this fact home. Two experienced divers, Charles Walters
and Reginald Brisk, went into the caves after taking extensive precautions.
Tragically, only Charles Walters emerged from the dark waters. A local man,
Timothy Springer , found the diver wandering in the woods and promptly took
him to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
19
Universes
20
Universes
1
1
5
4
2
N
1
20 Feet
Compound Map
21
Universes
2.
1.
2.
N
15 Feet
3.
2.
Caves
22
Universes
Legal Information
This adventure is copyright 1999
by Dr. Michael C. LaBossiere. It may
be freely distributed for personal use
provided that it is not modified and
no fee above the normal cost of
distribution is charged for it. Visit
my web site at
www.opifex.cnchost.com.
Call of Cthulhu is Chaosium Inc's
registered trademark for their game
of horror and wonder in the worlds
of HP Lovecraft. For more
information, contact Chaosium Inc.,
950-A 56th St, Oakland, CA 94608 -or call us at 510-595-2440. Visit
Chaosium's web page at
www.chaosium.com/cthulhu/.
Introduction
This adventure takes place in New
England, with a brief journey to
Florida. The adventure is part of a
series of adventures that are suitable
23
Universes
Dear x,
I apologize for contacting you out of
the blue like this, but I have
stumbled across a matter of grave
concern. When I contacted a mutual
friend about this matter, he
suggested that I contact you because
of your talents and experience in
dealing with certain unusual
matters.
I hope I am not out of line in asking
for your help, but I cannot think of
anyone else to turn to at this time. I
assure that the situation is worthy of
your attention and could well pose a
danger to a significant portion of the
human race.
In hopes that you and your
companions would be willing to
listen to what I have to say, I have
taken the liberty of arranging
transportation for you and your
friends to Portland, Maine.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karl West
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
Keepers Background
The following information is
provided for the Keeper. Some of
this information might be brought to
light by the investigators, but at the
start of the adventure they will be
ignorant of what is actually behind
the events they will be facing.
The Vorceki
Three and a half million years ago
the Vorceki (The People) emerged
as the dominant life form on their
watery homeworld. A curious and
24
Universes
Action
The following events detail key
occurrences that take place during
the course of the adventure. The
Keeper needs to ensure that each
event takes place.
Events: Maine
The following events take place in
Maine. Maine is a heavily wooded,
lightly populated state. The largest
city in the state is Portland, which is
located in southern Maine, on the
cost. Portland has an airport and the
capital, Bangor (which is about a two
and a half hour drive from Portland)
has an international airport.
26
Universes
Aftermath
After Beck is defeated, he will die
(even if the damage did not seem
sever enough to kill him). However,
with his dying breath he will say
...location...map.. Deep spring
there.. mastodon bones...find
detector...use disk seven for more...
and then die. The map he is pointing
to is of Florida. If the investigators
check disk seven, they will find that
it contains very complex
mathematical data and equations
which, according to Lansing, seem to
be some sort of coordinate system.
If the investigators check on the
clues Beck gave, they will find that
the only place in Florida that
involves deep springs and mastodon
bones is Wakulla Springs in Florida.
Both Dr. West and Dr. Lansing will
insist that the group journey to
Florida to follow the lead.
Events: Florida
The following events take place in
Florida.
The Journey
Wakulla Springs is approximately
2,000 miles from Maine. Dr. West
will be willing to arrange air
transportation for the group. Unless
the Keeper wishes to cause the
investigators additional trouble, the
journey should be uneventful. The
investigators will fly into the
Tallahassee airport. Tallahassee is
the capital of Florida and also
contains two universities, Florida
State University and Florida A&M
University. Wakulla springs is about
a thirty-minute drive from
Tallahassee.
Wakulla Springs
Wakulla Springs is a state park, It
is best known for the spring, which
is very deep and leads into a rather
30
Universes
Key NPCs
The following are major NPCs.
With the obvious exception of Beck,
they should be kept alive if at all
possible, since they are intended to
play critical roles in additional
adventures..
Dr. Karl West
STR: 11 CON:12 SIZ: 13 INT: 16
POW: 13 DEX: 11 APP: 11 EDU: 17
SAN: 65 HP: 13 DB:
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
Technology
Gate Component Locator
The GCL looks like a tablet about
the size of a coffee table book and it
weighs three kilograms. It is made of
the same material as the gate
components and was manufactured
by the Vorceki. The device is actually
a sophisticated computer, but the
only use that will be accessible to
humans is the function it was last
programmed for, namely locating
gate components. Using the device
requires a POW of at least 12 . Using
it effectively requires a successful
Computer Use skill roll. If used
successfully, the user will receive a
complex string of data and formulas
that indicate the location of the
nearest gate component. Interpreting
the information into longitude and
latitude requires a successful
Navigate skill roll.
If the locator is within 10Km of a
gate component, it will create a
pull in the mind of the user,
enabling him to find the component.
Think of it as sort of an alien
dowsing rod.
-Handout#1
Dear x,
I apologize for contacting you out of
the blue like this, but I have
stumbled across a matter of grave
concern. When I contacted a mutual
friend about this matter, he
suggested that I contact you because
of your talents and experience in
dealing with certain unusual
matters.
I hope I am not out of line in asking
for your help, but I cannot think of
anyone else to turn to at this time. I
assure that the situation is worthy of
your attention and could well pose a
danger to a significant portion of the
human race.
In hopes that you and your
companions would be willing to
listen to what I have to say, I have
taken the liberty of arranging
transportation for you and your
friends to Portland, Maine.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karl West
35
Universes
The Moons
Dark Side1991,1997
By Michael C. LaBossiere,
Ontologist@aol.com
CyperPunk 2020
The universe is large enough and old
enough that the existence of other beings
more advanced than humanity is not
merely likely, it is virtually guaranteed.
I have known this for a long time. But
knowing this and finding a three
million-year-old spacecraft is a lot like
the relation between knowing that being
shot will hurt and being shot.
Legal Information
This adventure is copyright
1991,1999 by Dr. Michael C.
LaBossiere. It may be freely
distributed for personal use
provided that it is not modified and
no fee above the normal cost of
distribution is charged for it. Visit
the Opifex Phoenix web site at
www.opifex.cnchost.com.
Cyberpunk 2020 is the copyrighted
property of R. Talsorian Games.
Introduction
Referees Introduction
In order to properly run this
adventure, a copy of Near Orbit will
be required. This adventure deals
with the discovery of a 3 millionyear-old alien spacecraft on earths
moon and the events that result
because of this.
Getting the PCs Involved:
36
Universes
Background (Referee)
The anomaly is being produced
by a craft that is nearly three million
years old and is of non-human
origin. For details, see the section on
the Alien Craft, below.
Maps
Dig Site
The dig site is located on the
moons surface, on the dark side of
the moon. Because of this, the
expedition will rely on artificial
lighting. The dirt piles are composed
of the excavated dirt. The dig cover
is a section of armored hull material
(SP=45) that is being used to protect
the dig site. Underneath it is the dig
shaft. The VBC is the Vacuum Base
Camp.
VBC Interior
The VBC is a portable shelter used
in exploration of hostile worlds (the
moon and Mars, so far). It is armored
(SP=25) to prevent accidents. It is
designed to sustain a crew of ten for
thirty days.
First Level
1. Airlock: The airlock is designed so
that both doors cannot be opened at
the same time.
2. Equipping Area
3. Locker: Used to store air tanks, etc.
4. Locker: Used to store suits, etc.
37
Universes
Action
Prior to the events listed below,
the referee will want to describe the
week of work prior to event #1. A
few short role playing sessions can
be used to introduce the PCs to the
NPCs and the situation. However,
the week of digging will be rather
dull. If desired, an emergency or two
(a life support accident, a nearby
crash, a lost person on the moon) can
be used to liven things up and make
the situation more real for the
players.
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
The Plant
One the NPCs (detailed below) is
actually working for a corporation
which would like to have sole access
to the alien object. This plant will be
smuggling information out of the
camp via a laser communication
device. The plant will also be acting
to insure that the corporation gets
the artifact and that no evidence is
left of this fact. To this end, the plant
has been equipped with a small
nuclear device. The plant is
extremely good at what she does and
will set it up so an innocent team
member seems to be the plant. She
will also strive to create friction
among the team members and put
them under stress (with accidents)
and so forth. She will do this to make
her job (insuring her corporation
gets the artifact) easier.
The Work
The first phase of the work is the
scanning of the site with various
instruments. This will reveal that a
very high density object is locked
beneath the lunar surface and that it
is emitting electromagnetic energy.
The object appears to be encased in
fused silicates, which indicates it was
extremely hot when it impacted the
moons surface. The depth of the
object indicates that it arrived on the
moon 2-3 million years ago.
The depth of the object, its
encasement in fused silicates, and
the extreme caution used in the
digging will result in a week being
required to unmoon the object.
Event #1 The Uncovering
At the completion of the digging
and the chipping away of most of the
silicates, a carefully formulated
chemical will be used to dissolve
38
Universes
NPCS
NASA/ESA Team
The NASA/ESA team consists of 10 people. PCs will replace NPCs on a 1-1
basis, with the PC replacing the appropriate NPC. If there are more than 5 PCs,
another VBC can be added so that there are at least 5 NPCs.
Team Commander: Captain Ruth Milkin (NASA Corporate)
Int: 7
Ref: 6/8
Tech: 6
Attr: 6
Luck: 7
MA: 6
Body: 5
Emp: 6
Skills: Resources +7, Leadership +6, Human Perception +3, Persuasion & Fast
Talk +2, Education & General Knowledge +5, Mathematics +3, Physics +3, Z-G
Maneuver +4, Z-G Combat +2, Astrogation +4, EVA +4, Athletics +3, Handgun
+3, Melee +2, Shuttle pilot +7, OTV Pilot +4, Athletics +4.
Cybernetics: Biomonitor, Boosterware(+2), Neural Processor, Interface Plugs
Equipment: Militech Black Widow Flechette Pistol and two clips, Militech
Electronics Taser, Kendaichi Monoknife
Description: Capt. Milkin is the military leader of the expedition. She was
selected to head up the expedition because she is known as a calm leader in
stressful, dangerous, and odd situations. She is an experienced spacer and a good
leader.
Jumper Pilot/Security: Lt. Carl Yates (Solo)
Int: 6
Ref: 7/9
Tech: 7
Attr: 5
Luck: 6
MA: 5
Body: 5
Emp: 4
Skills: Combat Sense +6, Z-G maneuver +6, Z-G Combat +6, EVA +3,
Awareness/Notice +2, Handgun +6, Melee +4, Athletics +6, Basic Tech +6, Akido
+4, Pilot (Fixed Wing) +3, Pilot (MV) + 5, Heavy Weapons +4, Rifle +5
Cybernetics: Biomonitor, Boosterware (+2), Neural Processor, Interface plugs.
Equipment: Smartchipped Militech Electronics Laser, Smartchipped Militech
Black Widow flechette pistol and three clips, Militech Electronics taser,
Kendaichi Monoknife, kevlar vest.
Description: Lt. Yates is the moon jumper pilot and the security chief. He is a
competent and experienced officer and is determined to keep the artifact in the
right hands.
Science Team Head: Dr. David Yund(Corporate) ESA
41
Universes
Int: 8
Ref: 5
Tech: 8
Attr: 5
Luck: 7
MA: 4
Body: 4
Emp: 5
Skills: Resources +7, Chemistry +2, Education & General Knowledge +8,Expert
Knowledge: Non-Human Technology Theory +5, Expert Knowledge: Moon
Science +4
Geology +4, Language (English) +2, Library Search +8, Mathematics +4, Physics
+3, EVA +3, Z-G Maneuver +3
Cybernetics: None
Description: Dr. Yund is the foremost expert (on the moon) in the area of the
theories regarding non-human technology. He is also a skilled and experienced
lunar explorer. He grew up on pulp science fiction and will be especially
vulnerable to the nightmares.
George Evans (corporate)
Int: 9
Ref: 5
Tech: 8
Attr: 7
Luck: 8
MA: 5
Body: 6
Emp: 5
Skills: Resources +2, Awareness/Notice +6, Chemistry+2, Education & General
Knowledge+ 6, Expert: Electromagnetic Theory +6, Library Search +4, Z-G
maneuver +3, EVA +2, Athletics +1, Melee +1.
Cybernetics: None
Description: George Evans is the graduate student responsible for the discovery
of the artifact. He is a talented and ambitious young man who does not let his
ambition override his ethics (which is odd these days). He is, however, a sharp
operator and a good scientist. His discoverer of the artifact will insure him an
excellent career (if he survives).
Medical Officer : Diane Spender (Tech) ESA
Int: 7
Ref: 6/8
Tech: 7
Attr: 8
Luck: 5
MA: 6
Body: 5
Emp: 5
Skills: Medical Tech +6, Personal Grooming +2, Wardrobe & Style +2, Seduction
+7, Diagnose Illness +6, Education & General Knowledge +4, Language (English)
+4, Athletics +4, Z-G maneuver +4, Z-G Combat +4, EVA +3, Akido +4,
Handgun +3,
Cryotank Operation +2, Demolitions +1, Basic Tech +2, Melee +2.
Cybernetics: Biomonitor, Neural Processor, Boosterware(+2), Interface Plugs,
Scratchers.
Equipment: Avante P-1135 Needlegun with two clips of nerve toxin darts,
Kendaichi monoknife. She has a laser communication device and a nuclear
charge concealed in some of her medical equipment.
Description: Diane seems to be a caring and sensitive human being. In reality,
she is ruthless and calculating, the type of person who would sell their parents to
a body bank. She is a deep cover agent for a corporation and has been leaking
them ESA secrets for years. She is devoid of any moral sense.
Other NPCs
42
Universes
Equipment: Pilot suit, Hammer M-11 Bolt Pistol and two clips, Kendachi
Monoknife.
Description: Corporate pilots, in it for the money.
Corporate Equipment:
There are two teams. Each MV-4 has 6 Corporate team members, a pilot, and a
leader. The first team has two MV-4s, the second one. The OTV pilots are in an
OTV.
Examination of the probe will
lead to advances in material sciences
Equipment
and as the interior is examined, it
will enable advances in computer
Alien Artifact
technology, instrument technology
and so forth. In fact, the probe is
Introduction:
mankinds key to the stars.
The alien artifact is a three
Examining the drive system will
million-year-old probe from a highly
provide human scientists with the
advanced non-human race.
empirical data they would need to
develop a new field of research in
Description:
near light speed drives. Obviously,
The probe is basically a cylinder
the artifact is priceless as an item
with four attached cylinders and
from a nonhuman culture.
what appear to be fins or wings
extending from the back (or front).
Shock:
The front section contains the probs
Proof of the existence (or one time
brain, the next section contains
existence) of an alien race far more
instruments and the power supply,
advanced than humanity would
and the section with the fins is the
create quite a stir. If the information
power plant and drive.
is released, all sorts of things will
happen: cults will form to welcome
Scientific Data:
the aliens who are on their way to
The probe is four meters long and
save us, the tabloids will go nuts
is of extremely high density. It
(Elvis Found in Alien Probe!),
generates a very odd
people will start watching the skies,
electromagnetic field and emits what
militaries will begin asking for
seems to be a signal. X-Ray scans
funding for more space weapons,
reveal the interior contains what can
and many books will be written. The
be best described as fossilized
exact impact is left to the referee.
equipment, none of which resembles
any known human technology. The
MV-4 Moon Jumper
outer shell is of an extremely dense
Produced by the same company
and tough material, superior to all
that produces the AV-4, the Moon
known human materials. The probe
Vehicle-4 is designed to operate on
still has a functioning power or
the moon. It has room for a pilot and
battery system, which indicates an
copilot in the front, six passengers in
incredibly advanced energy
the back, and has a cargo section
technology (after all, human
(can be converted to seat six more
corporations are proud of their 5passengers). It has sufficient power
year batteries).
and life support for five days and is
Value:
equipped with radar, a
44
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
Universes
45
Universes
Dirt
VBC
Dig Cover
Dirt
11
4
10
5
6
2
7
8
12
3
First Level
46
Universes
Second Level
Opifex Bi-Monthly Random
Reviews
Homeworld
5 stars out of 5
System requirements
Minimum:
CPU: Pentium II 233 MHz
Memory: 32MB RAM
Available Hard Disk Space: 100MB
Recommended:
CPU: Pentium II 333 MHz
Memory: 64MB Ram
Video: A recent 3D accelerator card
with at least 16MBs in RAM (works
with OpenGL and Direct3D)
48
Universes