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2314 lines
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: Earth's Dreamlands : Info on: RPG's, :(313)558-5024 : area code :
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:RPGNet World HQ & Archive: Drugs, Industrial :(313)558-5517 : changes to :
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: 1000's of text files : music, Fiction, :InterNet : (810) after :
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: No Elite / No porn : HomeBrew Beer. :rpgnet@aol.com: Dec 1,1993 :
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:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO AD&D TECHNOLOGY
|
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FOR ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
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BY
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REID BLUEBAUGH
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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@ COPYRIGHT 1992 by REID BLUEBAUGH
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The following guide is the property of its author, who hereby states
|
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that he retains the copyright. You may distribute it at will, provided
|
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that nothing in the guide, this notice, or any of the credits are
|
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altered in any way; and that you do not make a profit from it.
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||
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Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, AD&D, and TSR are registered trademarks
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of TSR, Inc.. Use in no way implies permission on the part of the
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owner, nor is to be construed as challenge of these trademarks.
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Initial Reactions To The Guide
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Preface
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Figuring Out Techno-Items
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Cimarron Six-Shooter
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A Story of Fyre and Smoak
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Sixguns & Sorcery
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Weaponry - Past & Present
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High Technology Items
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Ghostbusters
|
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Non-Weapon Proficiencies
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Rogue Kit: Technologist
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Predator
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Alien
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||
Terminator
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Magic-Items
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Albus Ater Ante Magicus Metallum
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Suggested Reading
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Special Thanks
|
||
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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INITIAL REACTIONS TO THE GUIDE
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"An excellent job, Reid. It's thorough, interesting, and definitely
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useful."
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-- A.R.
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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PREFACE
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This informative guide is to give a DM some rules for introducing
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technology in an AD&D game. The consequences of doing so is not
|
||
discussed in this guide because it is discussed thoroughly in the
|
||
articles that are listed in the "Suggested Readings" section.
|
||
Since players shouldn't automatically know how a highly technical
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||
item works immediately, "Figuring Out Techno-Items" gives a few systems
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||
to allow characters to analyze any technical item.
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||
This guide will take you through various new weapons starting with
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a modified hand crossbow to a laser gun.
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"Cimarron Six-Shooter" gives you the gun feel without having to
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introduce gunpowder or worse things. Now a character can be a cowboy.
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The 2nd edition introduced the arquebus into AD&D, unfortunately
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it has many flaws that "A Story of Fyre and Smoak" will correct and
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make realistic. This information can be used as a replacement of the
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arquebus or in an adventure to Earth when firearms were introduced to
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the medieval era.
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Some DMs may want characters to enter Earth's old west. If the DM
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has the Boot Hill RPG, he can convert Boot Hill characters to AD&D
|
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characters using "Sixguns & Sorcery".
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||
"Weaponry - Past & Present" provides information for guns from the
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old west to modern day Earth. Jumping into the future, a DM can sling
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characters into a high tech adventure using the information in "High
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Technology Items". For a more novel approach to undead killing,
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||
"Ghostbusters" gives interesting items.
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||
"Non-Weapon Proficiencies" offers some things that may be of use
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to gun-slingers and their ilk.
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"Rogue Kit: Technologist" gives a kit for players of a character
|
||
who hates magic. This definitely goes against the grain of AD&D, so it
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||
should be very fun to play.
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||
Monsters that uses technology is interesting and famous movie
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creatures are listed in game terms in the "Predator", "Alien", and
|
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"Terminator".
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||
No guide would be complete without a few "Magic-Items". And for
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fun, "Albus Ater Ante Magicus Metallum" provides something interesting
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for DMs.
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For the most part, the information enclosed will have been play-
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tested and in a workable form. In others, you may have to make further
|
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adjustments to fit the ideas into your campaign. All rules are optional
|
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and whatever is needed by the DM should be used. It is suggested that
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you at least try to use everything and see how it goes. If it works
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well then use it, if not get rid of it. In any case, I would be
|
||
interested in knowing the results and any changes you've made.
|
||
This material is the fruit of my labor with special assistance
|
||
from a few people who are acknowledged in the "Special Thanks" section.
|
||
For those that do receive this guide, I ask that the material is
|
||
unchanged. If you have any ideas, suggestions, comments, criticisms,
|
||
additions, recommendations, or complaints; I would be very interested
|
||
in hearing them. The only way the guide can get better is for everybody
|
||
to contribute in one form or another. At the very least I would be like
|
||
to be informed of the usefulness of the guide. All help would be
|
||
appreciated. Because I plan to make continuous updates, I would
|
||
appreciate that people do not make the guide available via FTP sites
|
||
because they tend to accumulate old out-of-date versions.
|
||
I would appreciate that my name as well as those in the Special
|
||
Thanks section are not removed, changed, or altered since we are the
|
||
ones who deserve credit our names should remain with the guide. Of
|
||
course I can't really stop anybody from doing what they want. I just
|
||
ask that you respect those who made this guide possible because I'm
|
||
sure that they will continue to make great material for AD&D.
|
||
|
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Reid Bluebaugh
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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FIGURING OUT TECHNO-ITEMS
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Dragon Technique
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In the absence of someone to instruct the character in a techno-
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item's use, a character may attempt to puzzle out it out on their own.
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To do so, a player rolls on the appropriate Investigation Tables given
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herein. Then he rolls a 1d10 for each round the character spends
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puzzling out the item. Following the directions in the Table and
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starting at Start. The following modifiers apply to each roll (all
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modifiers are cumulative):
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Intelligence less than 10.................................... +1
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Intelligence greater than 14................................. -1
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Similar object seen in use................................... -1
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Object has been explained by someone familiar with it........ -2
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Operated similar object previously........................... -2
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INVESTIGATION TABLE: Weapons
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Start
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1-6 go to B
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7-8 go to C
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9-0 go to A
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A
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1-4 go to B
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5-7 go to Start
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8-0 DISCHARGE!
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B
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1-5 Finish
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6 go to Start
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7-8 go to A
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9-0 DISCHARGE!
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C
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1-5 go to B
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6-0 go to Start
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Discharge - weapon goes off, injuring the user or some nearby person.
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(If both results are possible, then 50% chance of each.)
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INVESTIGATION TABLE: Simple Non-Deadly Items
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Start
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1-5 go to C
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6-8 go to A
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9-0 go to E
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A
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1-4 go to B
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5-0 go to Start
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B
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1-5 go to C
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6-0 go to A
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C
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1-4 go to D
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5 go to A
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6 go to Start
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||
7-8 go to B
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9-0 go to F
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D
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1-3 Finish
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||
4-5 go to B
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6-7 go to F
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8 go to C
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||
9-0 Item Destroyed
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||
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||
E
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||
1-4 go to Start
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||
5-8 go to C
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9-0 go to F
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||
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||
F
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1-4 go to C
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||
5-8 go to E
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9-0 Item Destroyed
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||
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||
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INVESTIGATION TABLE: Complex Non-Deadly Items
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||
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||
Start
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1-6 go to C
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7-8 go to A
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9-0 go to F
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||
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||
A
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||
1-3 go to C
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||
4-6 go to B
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||
7-0 go to Start
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B
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1-4 go to D
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5 go to C
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6-0 go to A
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C
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1-5 go to D
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||
6-7 go to B
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||
8-9 go to A
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0 go to Start
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||
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D
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1-4 go to E
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||
5-6 go to C
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||
7 go to B
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8-0 go to I
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E
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||
1-3 Finish
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||
4-5 go to D
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||
6-8 go to J
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||
9-0 Item Broken or Destroyed
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||
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||
F
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||
1-3 go to C
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||
4-6 go to Start
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||
7-8 go to G
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||
9-0 go to H
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||
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||
G
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||
1-4 go to D
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||
5-6 go to C
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||
7 go to F
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||
8-0 go to I
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||
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H
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1-4 go to G
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5-8 go to F
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||
9-0 go to I
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||
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||
I
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||
1-4 go to D
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||
5-6 go to G
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||
7 go to H
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||
8-0 go to J
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J
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1-5 go to E
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||
6-7 go to I
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||
8-0 Item Broken or Destroyed
|
||
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||
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||
Weapons consist of all death-dealing devices. Simple non-deadly
|
||
items consist of motorcycles, radios, televisions, flashlights, etc..
|
||
Complex non-deadly items consists of automobiles, computers,
|
||
audio/visual systems, electronic equipment, etc..
|
||
|
||
|
||
Gamma Technique
|
||
|
||
|
||
Unless a character acquires a techno-item from someone willing and
|
||
able to explain how it works, or the character has previously used or
|
||
seen in use a techno-item just like it, the character won't know how to
|
||
use a newly-acquired techno-item... let alone its purpose. The
|
||
character may try to figure out what the techno-item is and how it
|
||
works by using the following procedure. Each attempt at figuring out a
|
||
techno-item takes 1d4 turn. There is no limit to the number of tries a
|
||
character can make, but only one character at a time can try to figure
|
||
out a techno-item. One character's progress (or lack of) in this
|
||
regard, doesn't affect another character's chances figuring out the
|
||
techno-item.
|
||
The DM should follow these steps when a character is figuring out
|
||
an item;
|
||
|
||
1) Get the techno-item's complexity (given as a letter).
|
||
|
||
2) Using the item's complexity, find the Start Number, Die Roll,
|
||
and Damage on the Techno-Item Complexity Table. Do not give
|
||
players any of this information.
|
||
|
||
3) The DM rolls one die for the item and one for the character
|
||
trying to figure it out. The DM uses the type of die listed in the
|
||
Die Roll column for the item's die. The character's die is 1d12
|
||
for humans and demi-human characters, and 1d10 for humanoid
|
||
characters. For every intelligence point above 15, modify the die
|
||
roll by +1. For every intelligence point below 6, modify the die
|
||
roll by -1.
|
||
|
||
4) The die roll result for the item's die is added to the number
|
||
listed in the Start Number column. The die roll result for the
|
||
character's die is subtracted from this number. This total result
|
||
will be a new Start Number for use in future attempts (if any and
|
||
if possible) for this character to figure out the item.
|
||
|
||
5) If the total result is less than or equal to 0, the character
|
||
has figured out what the item does and how to operate it. If the
|
||
total result is equal to or greater than the start number plus the
|
||
first number in the Damage column, then the item breaks (unless it
|
||
discharges). If the total result is equal to or greater than the
|
||
start number plus the second number in the Damage column, then the
|
||
item discharges if possible, doing an amount of damage equal to
|
||
the second number in the Damage column (doesn't break however). A
|
||
character can keep trying to figure out an item until he succeeds
|
||
or it breaks.
|
||
|
||
|
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TABLE: Techno-Item Complexity
|
||
|
||
Complexity Start Number Die Roll Damage
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A 5 1d4 3/*
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B 10 1d6 3/*
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C 15 1d8 3/7
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D 10 1d8 2/3
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E 20 1d10 3/9
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F 5 1d6 1/2
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G 25 1d12 4/9
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H 30 1d20 6/*
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* an item of this complexity cannot do any damage to the characters
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|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
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CIMARRON SIX-SHOOTER
|
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|
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|
||
The information presented here is taken from DRAGON #176
|
||
The Voyage of the Princess Ark. The story is an excellent example of a
|
||
western setting in a D&D world, but without the intervention of
|
||
technology. Note that the information presented here has been modified
|
||
for AD&D; see the article for D&D information.
|
||
|
||
The six-shooter is a weapon. This little wonder was originally
|
||
created by Smithy, a clever watchmaker, and Westron, a crossbow expert.
|
||
They came up with the idea of a very light crossbow that could shoot
|
||
darts. The true innovation lay, however, in the use of a spring
|
||
mechanism that rearmed the weapon after each shot. A S&W hand crossbow
|
||
can hold up to six small darts. Recocking the crossbow required only a
|
||
quick motion of the hand, which could be done in the same round the
|
||
weapon is fired. It takes a full turn to load another six darts into
|
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the weapon's handle.
|
||
Unfortunately, the six-shooter has always been a fragile weapon
|
||
that easily jams. A to-hit roll of 1 or lower, after modifiers are
|
||
applied, causes the dart to jam inside the weapon, requiring one round
|
||
to clear and rearm the device.
|
||
Nowadays, a six-shooter costs 800 silver pieces (including a
|
||
leather holster, the hand-crossbow itself, and 18 darts). The hand
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||
crossbow has encumbrance of 25 cn. An extra supply of 18 darts cost 50
|
||
silver pieces. Some notorious sharpshooters use depleted cinnabryl
|
||
darts, which add a flat 10' to all ranges and cause an extra hit point
|
||
of damage. These special darts cost 200 silver pieces each.
|
||
The proficiency and specialization rules in the Player's Handbook
|
||
do not apply to the six-shooter so disregard them. If a character isn't
|
||
proficient in the six-shooter, he suffers a -5 to hit penalty. If the
|
||
player devotes a weapon proficiency to this weapon the character earns
|
||
a basic mastery of the weapon. For each additional slot, the player
|
||
moves up to the next mastery. Note mastering a six-shooter isn't
|
||
limited to the fighter class and any class can continue to devote
|
||
proficiency slots to the six-shooter. The following table shows the
|
||
advantages to mastering the six-shooter:
|
||
|
||
|
||
TABLE: Cimarron Six-Shooter Table
|
||
|
||
Mastery Ranges To Hit Bonus Damage
|
||
Basic 50/100/150 +0 1d4
|
||
Skilled 60/100/150 +1 1d6
|
||
Expert 70/110/150 +2 2d4
|
||
Master 80/110/150 +3 2d6
|
||
Grand Master 80/110/150 +4 3d6
|
||
|
||
Two six-shooters can fired at the same time, one in each hand,
|
||
provided they are both armed at the end of the previous round. Apply a
|
||
-2 penalty to hit on both sides.
|
||
At the Skilled mastery or better, the user may acquire non-weapon
|
||
proficiencies related to the six-shooter's use. Each proficiency
|
||
requires 1 non-weapon proficiency slot. They are as followed:
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
REID COMMENT: The six-shooter weapon is a great way to give a campaign
|
||
a western feel without worrying about the dangers of putting gunpowder
|
||
or firearms in AD&D. A character could be influenced by a western book
|
||
from another dimension and thus become obsessed with molding a life
|
||
around it. It isn't as far fetched as it seems. A Star Trek episode
|
||
dealt with a world that was based on a gangster book. Most of our own
|
||
civilized world is based on the bible as other civilizations have there
|
||
own key books. So a character if not a civilization with an obsession
|
||
to mimic the old west would be great. The "The Voyage of the Princess
|
||
Ark" story is great for combining AD&D with the Old West and if your
|
||
hesitant to consider doing this then I suggest you read this wonderful
|
||
article. Just look how this statement flows: The fighter finds in the
|
||
strongbox a dusty collection... Time Life Books: The Old West. Possibly
|
||
better would be a magic cube that displays old western shows and
|
||
movies. A character that thinks he's John Wayne, a character who lives
|
||
the life of Bonanza, or worse he's the last ranger the Lone Ranger...
|
||
give it a chance it might be fun.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
A STORY OF FYRE AND SMOAK:
|
||
|
||
NOTES TOWARDS ACCEPTABLE FIREARMS FOR AD&D
|
||
|
||
Copyright 1992 Bryan J. Maloney
|
||
|
||
|
||
Introduction
|
||
|
||
By now, everybody is aware that the 2nd edition AD&D game has
|
||
taken a nod towards the possibility of firearms by including the
|
||
"Arquebus" in the Players' Handbook and by setting firearms in their
|
||
Forgotten Realms package. Unfortunately, TSR's attempt at introducing
|
||
firearms has only further demonstrated their general level of
|
||
incompetence regarding military history and military technology to a
|
||
wider audience. They made a substantial error in adding firearms to
|
||
AD&D, which could have been easily prevented had they done historical
|
||
research adequate for a high-school term paper.
|
||
|
||
History
|
||
|
||
The arquebus proper was NOT, by any stretch of the imagination a
|
||
"primitive" firearm. It actually requires a great deal of technological
|
||
sophistication and centuries of experience with gunpowder-ish weaponry
|
||
to come up with such a device. Real-world history, without magic to
|
||
impede the progress of gunpowder weaponry, took nearly 200 years from
|
||
the introduction of gunpowder in Europe to the production of something
|
||
that could be called an "arquebus".
|
||
Furthermore, TSR decided that they had no need to actually look
|
||
into realistic ranges, rates of fire, etc.. Instead, the "arquebus"
|
||
they present was obviously invented out of whole cloth, with no
|
||
rational relationship to any other weapons, etc.. Therefore, presented
|
||
here is some compiled data on firearms more appropriate for most AD&D
|
||
campaigns.
|
||
What is an appropriate "first generation" firearm? The earliest
|
||
European use of gunpowder historically was not for personal weaponry.
|
||
Instead, gunpowder was used to power siege devices known as "bombards".
|
||
They took a full day to place and could only be fired two or three
|
||
times a day safely. However, they could hurl stones which were borders
|
||
of magnitude larger than most mechanical siege engines. Plus, they made
|
||
a terrifying noise. These bombards were also called (in English)
|
||
"gonnes" (pronounced "gon-ess"; the singular was spelled "gonne" and
|
||
was pronounced "gon-eh"). Eventually, someone came up with the idea of
|
||
miniaturizing things, thus producing the "hand-gonne". This was the
|
||
primary form of personal gunpowder weaponry for at least the first
|
||
generation of widespread gunpowder use in Europe.
|
||
The hand-gonne was nothing more than a miniature cannon, with a rod
|
||
on the rear to hold it. Larger versions had a sort of "mounting" stick,
|
||
which one stuck into the ground and used as a swivel to steady. They
|
||
were unreliable, inaccurate, and dangerous, but they produced a
|
||
terrifying noise, and were MUCH easier to learn to use than either bows
|
||
or crossbows. Furthermore, they scared horses, which meant that a
|
||
non-noble army could really wipe up the field with knights.
|
||
Kings liked them because gonne-men were cheaper to train and
|
||
supply than were either long-bowmen or cross-bowmen. They could then
|
||
outfit an army with pike and gonne-men and let their damned knights go
|
||
whistle.
|
||
Anyway, the hand-gonne was the personal firearm of earth's Middle
|
||
Ages. If one is to introduce firearms into a pseudo-medieval setting,
|
||
it is far more appropriate than later, more advanced forms.
|
||
Before we get into the descriptions of the gonnes, I should point
|
||
out that the gonne was a MILITARY weapon paramount. It was most
|
||
effective in a massed volley. It was not until the invention of the
|
||
wheel-lock or the flintlock centuries later that firearms even began to
|
||
challenge sharp steel for one-on-one fights. This doesn't mean that it
|
||
would be useless, just that a gonne is not the all-powerful weapon that
|
||
a modern firearm is today.
|
||
|
||
Game Conversion
|
||
|
||
The first thing to consider when dealing with firearms is just how
|
||
to classify them as weapon proficiencies. They are easier to use than
|
||
any other missile weapon (except thrown), but they are rather nasty to
|
||
deal with, smelly, dirty, etc.. The DM is advised to make them
|
||
available to Warriors and Rogues (but not to any sort of nobly,
|
||
knightly or extremely "honorable" package/character class because
|
||
gonnes are a COMMONER'S weapon) as standard weapon proficiencies. The
|
||
proficiency includes knowledge of loading, cleaning, unjamming, care,
|
||
etc..
|
||
After this the DM needs to consider the ammunition. At the time of
|
||
hand-gonne use, it was more common for a shooter to cast his own
|
||
bullets from ingot lead as to purchase them. One would buy loose
|
||
powder, but it would be stored separately, since each shot would have
|
||
to be loaded separately. Furthermore, it is easier to partition metals
|
||
by weight than by any other means, so primitive firearms were usually
|
||
built around calibers which corresponded to X balls per pound of lead.
|
||
This is how these gonnes were designed.
|
||
This will also make ammunition costs and other information easier
|
||
to handle, since one merely needs to set a price per pound of lead and
|
||
price per ounce of powder, then allow the players to keep track of
|
||
usage.
|
||
Anyway, the calibers of ammunition, their weights, and loads are
|
||
as followed:
|
||
|
||
|
||
Lead Balls Powder Loads
|
||
Caliber Per Pound Per Ounce
|
||
.39 80 42
|
||
.42 64 33
|
||
.46 50 26
|
||
.49 40 21
|
||
.53 32 16
|
||
.59 24 12
|
||
.62 20 10
|
||
.67 16 8
|
||
.74 12 6
|
||
.78 10 5
|
||
.84 8 4
|
||
.93 6 3
|
||
1.06 4 2
|
||
|
||
|
||
The hand-gonne is quite a weapon. It will misfire at least 15% of
|
||
the time. On a "to hit" roll of 2 or less means that it just went
|
||
fizzle. On a natural 1, the gonne blows up -- the weapon's damage is
|
||
inflicted on the wielder.
|
||
A gonne has to be held with one hand, preferably steadied on
|
||
something, while the other hand applies a slow match to the open
|
||
touchhole. If it rains, forget it. If it is foggy, forget it. If a
|
||
handgonne is not steadied upon something, the character should have a
|
||
-2 "to hit" for a light handgonne and a -5 for a heavy handgonne.
|
||
Handgonne range characteristics are pretty even, and are
|
||
summarized below:
|
||
|
||
|
||
Point
|
||
Type Blank Short Med Long Very Long
|
||
Light handgonnes 0-10 11-30 31-40 41-70 71-100
|
||
Heavy handgonnes 0-20 21-60 61-110 111-160 161-220
|
||
|
||
|
||
Ranges are in yards. Point Blank range gives a +5 bonus "to hit".
|
||
Short Range has a 0 modifier. Medium range is -2, long is -5, and the
|
||
Very Long range is -10. Beyond Very Long, the modifier "to hit" is -20.
|
||
(The half-damage and maximum damage ranges of a gonne depend more on
|
||
its ammunition than on its general size, so they are listed with the
|
||
individual weapons.)
|
||
The first list is of light handgonnes, which correspond to modern
|
||
pistols. They are designed for one-handed use, and might have a higher
|
||
rate of fire. In any case, they are lighter and smaller than heavy
|
||
handgonnes.
|
||
Rate of fire presents a particular problem for AD&D, since a
|
||
completely unskilled person can clean, load, and VERY CAREFULLY aim one
|
||
of these things every two minutes. Heavy hand-gonnes can be fired every
|
||
three minutes WITH EXCRUCIATINGLY CAREFUL AIMING TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Light Handgonnes
|
||
|
||
Caliber Damage 1/2D Max Wt. Cost
|
||
.39 1d6/1d8 220 1600 1 300
|
||
.39 1d6/2d4 220 1600 3 320
|
||
.39 1d8/1d10 220 1600 3 340
|
||
.42 1d8/1d12 220 1600 4 350
|
||
.46 1d8/1d12 220 1600 3 350
|
||
.46 1d8/2d6 220 1600 4 370
|
||
.49 2d4/3d4 220 1600 5 380
|
||
.53 2d4/2d8 220 1600 5 400
|
||
.59 1d10/4d4 220 1600 6 430
|
||
.62 1d10/3d6 220 1600 7 450
|
||
.67 1d10/2d10 220 1600 8 480
|
||
.74 1d10/3d8-1 440 3800 9 520
|
||
|
||
|
||
Heavy Handgonnes
|
||
|
||
Caliber Damage 1/2D Max Wt. Cost
|
||
.53 1d10/4d4 220 1600 7 300
|
||
.53 1d10/3d6 220 1600 10 310
|
||
.59 1d10/2d10 220 1600 9 330
|
||
.62 1d12/2d12 220 1600 13 380
|
||
.67 1d12/4d6 220 1600 15 410
|
||
.74 1d12/3d8 440 3800 12 390
|
||
.74 1d12/3d10-1 440 3800 17 450
|
||
.78 1d12/4d6+1 440 3800 13 430
|
||
.78 1d12/3d10 440 3800 19 490
|
||
.84 2d6/4d8 440 3800 21 530
|
||
.93 1d12/4d8 440 3800 18 510
|
||
.93 2d6/3d12 440 3800 25 600
|
||
.93 2d6/3d12+1 440 3800 32 620
|
||
1.06 2d6/4d10+1 880 7000 31 700
|
||
1.06 2d6/5d6 880 7000 40 750
|
||
|
||
|
||
Caliber is in inches. Damage is for small & medium creatures and
|
||
then for large creatures. 1/2D and Max are ranges in yards. Note that
|
||
the half damage ranges are longer than the effective accuracy of the
|
||
weapons. This is common with large-bore firearms. The ball can keep
|
||
velocity, but the weapon is hard to aim properly. Weight is in pounds,
|
||
cost is in silver pieces.
|
||
|
||
|
||
(Acknowledgment goes to Greg Porter and his work 3G3, which helped
|
||
immeasurably in converting mundane measurements to gameable terms.)
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
REID COMMENT: If you allow gunpowder and primitive firearms in your
|
||
campaign then this is the way to go. Presently, a character has a wide
|
||
selection of swords, pole arms, and bows but can only take the arquebus
|
||
as a firearm AND it isn't to spectacular. If your going to let a
|
||
campaign go in this direction, then use the rules presented here. They
|
||
are much clearer and historically accurate and allow more freedom for
|
||
the players.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
SIXGUNS & SORCERY
|
||
|
||
|
||
Introduction
|
||
|
||
In the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide (p. 112-113), there are
|
||
rules for converting Boot Hill to Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and visa
|
||
verse. Unfortunately, a D&D character transported to Boot Hill must
|
||
follow the Boot Hill rules, which could be very deadly (and difficult
|
||
for the players to understand). Therefore, these rules allow easy
|
||
conversion of Boot Hill NPCs without converting the D&D player
|
||
characters. Also, the rules use D&D combat rules for ease of use. This
|
||
allows a DM to expand adventures to locales other than Boot Hill. One
|
||
excellent example of this would be THE CITY BEYOND THE GATE adventure
|
||
in DRAGON #100.
|
||
These rules are a modification of rules found in the 1st Edition
|
||
Dungeon Masters Guide, Dragon #100, the Boot Hill Game Book.
|
||
|
||
Boot Hill Shooters
|
||
|
||
Converting a Boot Hill character is handled as follows:
|
||
|
||
Strength - as shown, except 19 = 18/50 and 20 = 18/75
|
||
Intelligence - use 3d6 to determine
|
||
Wisdom - use 3d4 to determine
|
||
Dexterity - 6 base +1 per 10% speed rating (max. 16)
|
||
Constitution - use 3d6 to determine
|
||
Charisma - use d8+4 to determine
|
||
|
||
Each Boot Hill character is a fighter. His level is equal to his
|
||
gun fight experience. hit dice, hit points, saving throws, THAC0, and
|
||
such are determined by his level like normal D&D characters. Thus,
|
||
Jesse James would be a 12th level fighter and benefit as one.
|
||
|
||
Armor Class for the American Man
|
||
|
||
Armor class is 10 for Boot Hill characters before dexterity bonus,
|
||
etc.. However in modern times, D&D characters could come in contact
|
||
with S.W.A.T. teams or terrorists who wear modern day body armor which
|
||
could yield a low armor class.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
WEAPONRY - PAST & PRESENT
|
||
|
||
|
||
There was/is a multitude of weapons in the past and present. Table
|
||
1 lists a nice span of weaponry without getting out of control. DMs
|
||
should make changes or additions as he feels will best suit his
|
||
campaign.
|
||
Fire Rate is how many shots the weapon can fire per round. Numbers
|
||
in parentheses represents double barrels. Supply is how many bullets
|
||
can be fired from the gun before it needs reloaded. Reload Time is the
|
||
time needed to load the weapon before the weapon can be fired. Weapon
|
||
Speed Modifier is the number that is added to initiative.
|
||
Table 2 shows range and the range modifiers to THAC0. Table 3
|
||
lists a description of Weapon speed.
|
||
|
||
|
||
TABLE 1
|
||
|
||
Damage Fire Reload
|
||
Weapon S-M / L Rate Supply Time W.S.M.
|
||
.38 revolver 1d8 / 1d6 4 6 1 rd. +2
|
||
9mm pistol 1d8 / 1d6 4 8 5 seg. +2
|
||
Derringer 1d4 / 1d4 1(2) 6 1 rd. +4
|
||
Fast draw revolver 1d8 / 1d6 3 8 1 rd. +2
|
||
Rifle 2d6 / 1d10 2 2 7 seg. +4
|
||
Sawed-off shotgun 1d12 / 1d6 1(2) 1(2) 2 rd. +6
|
||
Scatter gun 1d8 / 1d6 1(2) 1(2) 2 rd. +5
|
||
Shotgun 1d10 / 1d8 1(2) 1(2) 2 rd. +6
|
||
Submachine gun 2d4 / 2d4 20 20-50 5 seg. +1
|
||
|
||
Other hand guns 1d8 / 1d6 3 6-8 1 rd. +4
|
||
Other shoulder arms 2d4 / 1d6 3 2-4 1 rd. +4
|
||
|
||
|
||
TABLE 2
|
||
|
||
Range Range Modifier
|
||
Weapon S M L S M L
|
||
.38 revolver 6 12 18 +3 +1 0
|
||
9mm pistol 6 12 18 +3 +1 0
|
||
Derringer 1 3 6 +2 +1 0
|
||
Fast draw revolver 3 7 15 +3 +1 0
|
||
Rifle 11 20 35 +3 +2 0
|
||
Sawed-off shotgun 2 6 9 +5 0 -2
|
||
Scatter gun 2 4 8 +1 0 -1
|
||
Shotgun 4 8 13 +2 0 -3
|
||
Submachine gun 7 15 20 +5 +1 -1 *
|
||
|
||
Other hand guns 5 10 15 +3 +1 0
|
||
Other shoulder arms 10 20 35 +2 +1 0
|
||
|
||
* Increase range modifiers to +8 (S), +4 (M), and 0 (L) if
|
||
fire is traversed across target.
|
||
|
||
|
||
TABLE 3: Weapon Speed Modifiers
|
||
|
||
1 - Whoosh!
|
||
2 - very fast
|
||
3 - fast
|
||
4 - average
|
||
5 - below average
|
||
6 - slow
|
||
7 - very slow
|
||
|
||
|
||
OTHER WEAPONS
|
||
|
||
Flame Thrower - Range: A line 10'-60' long. Does 8d8 points of damage
|
||
(save for half). Jellied gasoline burns for 1d6 rounds.
|
||
|
||
|
||
GRENADES, ETC.
|
||
|
||
Dynamite 4d10 pts. damage
|
||
Vial of Nitro. 6d10 pts. damage
|
||
(Civil War) Percussion Grenade 6d10 pts. damage (+1d10 Fragmentation)
|
||
WWII Hand Grenade 8d10 pts. damage (+1d20 Fragmentation)
|
||
Modern Hand Grenade 6d6 pts. damage
|
||
|
||
|
||
MINES
|
||
|
||
Land Mine - Range: 0. Does 1d10+10 points of damage upon contact.
|
||
Anybody within 3 feet suffer 1d6 fragmentation damage.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
REID COMMENT: Letting these more elaborate weapons in a campaign can be
|
||
dangerous. I suggest that a DM put the players in another dimension or
|
||
time where he experience these things. This way the AD&D campaign world
|
||
doesn't get greatly effected. Of course, these weapons wouldn't kill a
|
||
world because most will run out of ammunition thus the weapons become
|
||
useless and lose their novelty. The DM just has to make sure that
|
||
characters don't get access to a great supply of ammunition or allow
|
||
the characters to manufacture their own.
|
||
I suggest you read the articles listed in the "Suggested Readings"
|
||
section for much input on the advantages, disadvantages, dangers, whys,
|
||
and hows of technology in a campaign.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
HIGH TECHNOLOGY ITEMS
|
||
|
||
|
||
SECTIONS: Energy Sources
|
||
Weapons
|
||
Phaser
|
||
Medical Supplies and Equipment
|
||
Miscellaneous Items
|
||
Control Transmitters
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Energy Sources
|
||
|
||
|
||
Techno-items usually require an energy cell to function as in the
|
||
case of hi-tech weapons. Below is a list of the various energy cells.
|
||
|
||
Atomic Energy Cells (A) - These are bulky, heavily-shield nuclear
|
||
batteries weighing 12 kilograms. they will hold a charge for 1000 years
|
||
if unused. Once dead, they may be recharged by replacing their Fuel
|
||
Cylinder. Replacement cylinders may be found in military supply depots
|
||
or a few nuclear power plants and factories.
|
||
|
||
Chemical Energy Cells (C) - These rechargeable batteries come in many
|
||
shapes and sizes. They lose their charge after 1 to 6 years of disuse.
|
||
|
||
Hydrogen Energy Cells (H) - Similar to Chemical Energy Cells, but are
|
||
less common. They don't lose their charge from disuse.
|
||
|
||
Solar Energy Cells (S) - These are Chemical Energy Cells fixed to a
|
||
Solar Panel so they recharge in sunlight.
|
||
|
||
Energy Cell Charger - When connected to a power source (line or
|
||
broadcast), this will recharge and Chemical or Hydrogen Energy Cell.
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Weapons
|
||
|
||
|
||
Type Range Damage Value Supply Power Code
|
||
Laser Pistol 3/ 6/ 9 5d6 30000 10 H D
|
||
Laser Rifle 10/20/30 6d6 36000 6 H D
|
||
Mark I Blaster 5/10/15 1d6 6000 8 H D
|
||
Mark II Blaster 5/10/15 2d6 12000 8 H D
|
||
Mark III Blaster 7/14/21 3d6 18000 8 H D
|
||
Mark IV Blaster 5/10/15 4d6 24000 8 H D
|
||
Mark V Blaster 7/14/21 5d6 30000 6 2H D
|
||
Mark VI Blaster 7/14/21 6d6 36000 6 2H D
|
||
Mark VII Blaster 7/14/21 7d6 42000 6 2H D
|
||
Mark VIII Blaster 7/14/21 8d6 48000 6 2H D
|
||
MKI Disruptor 5/10/15 1d20 20000 20 H D
|
||
MKI Disrup. Rifle 10/20/30 2d20 45000 30 H D
|
||
MKII Disruptor 10/20/30 2d20 40000 30 H D
|
||
MKII Disr. Rifle 20/40/60 4d20 85000 40 H D
|
||
MKIII Disruptor 20/40/60 4d20 80000 40 H D
|
||
MKIII Disr. Rifle 40/80/120 6d20 125000 50 H D
|
||
MKIV Disruptor 40/80/120 6d20 120000 50 H D
|
||
MKIV Disr. Rifle 80/120/240 8d20 165000 60 H D
|
||
Needler 2/ 4/ 6 * 4000 10 C D
|
||
Stun Ray Pistol 1/ 2/ 3 * 5000 10 S D
|
||
Stun Ray Rifle 3/ 6/ 9 * 7500 6 S D
|
||
|
||
|
||
Electroflail - 2d6 12000 - S D
|
||
Energy Mace - 10d6 60000 - C B
|
||
Paralysis Rod - * 3500 - CSH D
|
||
Stun Whip - * 4000 - C D
|
||
Light Saber - 8d6 48000 - H C
|
||
Vibro Dagger - 3d6 18000 - H C
|
||
|
||
Chemex Grenade - 10d6 4000 - - F
|
||
Energy Grenade - 12d6 4500 - - F
|
||
Fragment Grenade - 5d6 2500 - - F
|
||
Poison Gas Grenade - * 2500 - - F
|
||
Stun Grenade - * 3000 - - F
|
||
Tear Gas Grenade - * 2000 - - F
|
||
|
||
CDP A - 10d6 6000 - - F
|
||
CDP B - 12d6 7000 - - F
|
||
Concussion Bomb - * 7500 - - F
|
||
Fission Bomb (C) - 40d10 17000 - - F
|
||
Fission Bomb (D) - 60d10 17000 - - F
|
||
Fusion Bomb - 15d10 10000 - - F
|
||
Matter Bomb (Alpha) - 15d6 8000 - - F
|
||
Matter Bomb (Beta) - 30d6 20000 - - F
|
||
Matter Bomb (Delta) - 60d6 50000 - - F
|
||
Micro-Missile 10/30/50 7d6 30000 - - F
|
||
Mini-Missile 30/60/90 20d10 40000 - - F
|
||
Neutron Bomb - 20d10 15000 - - F
|
||
SDP - 6d6 3000 - - F
|
||
Surface Missile 1000/2000/4000 * 70000 - - F
|
||
|
||
|
||
Notes:
|
||
|
||
Range is in tens of yards. Each range category (Short, Medium, or
|
||
Long) includes attacks from distances equal to or less than the
|
||
given range. The modifiers for range are -2 for medium range and
|
||
-5 for long range. * means that the item has special effects that
|
||
are outlined in the equipment descriptions. Value is in gold
|
||
pieces. Supply is the number of shots the power cell is good for
|
||
before becoming useless. Power is the number and type of power
|
||
cell the weapon is powered by. Code is the complexity used in the
|
||
Gamma Technique.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Missile Weapons
|
||
|
||
These include a variety of weapons. All are designed to project a
|
||
beam, missile, or ray of some sort at a target in range. All need power
|
||
and ammunition to function. Hi-Tech missile weapons can be fired twice
|
||
per round and a normal attack roll is made.
|
||
|
||
Laser Weapons - Each shot sends a laser beam at the target.
|
||
|
||
Mark Blaster Weapons - Each shot sends a sonic blast at the target.
|
||
Mark I-IV are pistols and Mark V-VIII are rifles. The wielder of sonic
|
||
missile weapon doesn't make a normal "to hit" roll. Instead, the target
|
||
makes a saving throw vs. paralyzation to avoid being hit. This saving
|
||
throw is made at a bonus of +2 if the weapon is used at medium range,
|
||
or +5 if the target is at long range.
|
||
|
||
Disruptors - Each shot sends a disruption beam at its target. A
|
||
disruption beam disrupts cells in living matter causing damage to
|
||
creatures eternally. All disruptors have two settings: Standard, High
|
||
Power. Standard is as in the table. High Power allows a rate of fire of
|
||
2 shots per round, a +1d10 damage, and drains double the amount of
|
||
power (i.e. two charges).
|
||
|
||
Needler - A clip for a needler contains 10 small needles coated with a
|
||
paralysis drug (save vs. poison or become paralyzed for 5d4 rounds).
|
||
The energy cell will be used up after 30 shots. This weapon is
|
||
completely soundless.
|
||
|
||
Stun Ray Weapons - A successful shot does no damage, but knocks the
|
||
victim out for 1d20 rounds.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Energy Weapons
|
||
|
||
Some weapons combine elements of melee and missile weapons. All
|
||
are close combat weapons that can't be thrown and need power.
|
||
|
||
Electroflail - A flail made of mithril and charged with electricity.
|
||
The slightest touch cause a severe shock. The Solar Energy Cell is good
|
||
for 40 minutes.
|
||
|
||
Energy Mace - This energized club is powered by a Chemical Energy Cell
|
||
good for 20 minutes.
|
||
|
||
Paralysis Rod - This 1 yard long rod may be powered by a Chemical
|
||
Energy Cell (good for 4 hours), a Solar Energy Cell (good for 8 hours),
|
||
or a Hydrogen Energy Cell (good for 12 hours). When brought into
|
||
contact with exposed flesh (not protected by clothing, armor, etc.), it
|
||
overloads the victim's synapses, causing unconsciousness and paralysis
|
||
lasting 4d4 hours. The victim can't be awakened prematurely.
|
||
|
||
Stun Whip - The Chemical Energy Cell in this item is good for 30
|
||
minutes. A target hit by one of these 3 yard wire whips becomes
|
||
unconscious for 5d4 minutes.
|
||
|
||
Light Saber (Vibro Blade) - The handle of this device houses a the
|
||
energy cell good for 20 minutes. When in use, a blue-etched force field
|
||
forms a 1 foot blade that will cut through almost anything (DMs
|
||
discretion).
|
||
|
||
Vibro Dagger - Similar to the vibro blade, but with a blade of only
|
||
6 inches long, the vibro dagger's cell is good for 30 minutes.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Grenades
|
||
|
||
These are exploding devices usually delivered by hand. A character
|
||
should use the standard grenade-like missile combat rules. Before
|
||
throwing the grenade, the character activates it by "pulling the pin"
|
||
on it. Once the pin is pulled, the grenade automatically explodes the
|
||
next round. All characters within 9 yards of an exploding grenade are
|
||
suffer the effects of the grenade. Damage is halved if save vs.
|
||
paralyzation is made by victims.
|
||
|
||
Chemex Grenade - Creates a chemical explosion (complete with lung-
|
||
searing flame) within the area.
|
||
|
||
Energy Grenade - Releases blast of energy within the area.
|
||
|
||
Fragment Grenade - Covers the area with jagged metal chards.
|
||
|
||
Poison Gas Grenade - Spews poison gas throughout the area that hangs in
|
||
the air for 1d6 rounds (-2 if area is windy). Characters must save vs.
|
||
poison or suffer 3d6 points of damage for each round exposed to the
|
||
gas.
|
||
|
||
Stun Grenade - Spews paralysis gas that acts like poison gas, but hangs
|
||
in the air for only 1d4 rounds. also, characters are knocked
|
||
unconscious by the gas for 5d4 rounds taking no damage if a save vs
|
||
poison is failed.
|
||
|
||
Tear Gas Grenade - Spews tear gas that hangs in the air for 1d6 rounds
|
||
(-2 if area is windy). Characters make a save vs poison. Failure
|
||
indicates that the character suffers a -2 "to hit" and suffers a -1
|
||
penalty to armor class. The effects last for 3 rounds.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Bombs & Missiles
|
||
|
||
This category includes demolition charges, small warheads, and
|
||
sophisticated missiles. These items have any type of fusing device the
|
||
DM wishes (proximity, impact, heat, time delay, etc.). Most lack
|
||
delivery and guidance systems and have to be carried to the desired
|
||
spot and detonated. All characters within area of effect suffer damage.
|
||
Damage is halved if save vs. paralyzation is made by victims.
|
||
|
||
CDP A (Concentrated Damage Pack Type A) & CDP B (Concentrated Damage
|
||
Pack Type B) - A canvas backpack full of plastic explosives designed to
|
||
be placed by the bearer against a structure to be destroyed. Blast
|
||
radius is 30 yards for type A and 60 yards for type B.
|
||
|
||
Concussion bomb - A canister 10 inches long and 3 in diameter with
|
||
small "hooks" that fit various delivery systems. Has the effect of a
|
||
stun grenade, but has a 60-yard blast radius and a cloud duration of
|
||
2d6 minutes.
|
||
|
||
Fission Bomb - A black steel sphere 15 inches in diameter. Has a 1-mile
|
||
blast radius. Come in 2 versions: Clean and Dirty. The dirty bomb
|
||
causes radiation (DM decides the effects of radiation).
|
||
|
||
Fusion Bomb - A 50-inch diameter black steel disc. The blast radius is
|
||
60 feet.
|
||
|
||
Matter Bomb - A disc similar in appearance to a fusion bomb. Comes in
|
||
alpha, beta, and delta types. The alpha has a blast radius of 9 yards;
|
||
the beta has a blast radius of 30 yards; and the delta has a blast
|
||
radius of 60 yards.
|
||
|
||
Micro-Missile - A 3-inch long missile that comes complete with its own
|
||
plastic handgrip/launcher. It does a blast radius of 15 yards.
|
||
|
||
Mini-Missile - A 15-inch long missile in its own disposable, shoulder-
|
||
held launcher. It has a blast radius of 30 yards.
|
||
|
||
Neutron Bomb - A 18-inch in diameter duralloy sphere. This bomb has a
|
||
blast radius of 300 yards. The bomb only damages living beings; it
|
||
doesn't harm equipment, vehicles, or buildings.
|
||
|
||
SDP (Small Damage Pack) - A canvas bag of plastic explosives. The blast
|
||
radius is 12 yards.
|
||
|
||
Surface Missile - A slender 3 yards long cylinder, usually fixed to a
|
||
military installation, or vehicle, and directed by computers and radar
|
||
at the launch site. There are 3 types of surface missiles: neutron,
|
||
fission, an concussion. The first two are simple bomb of the
|
||
appropriate type attached to a surface missile. The latter type will do
|
||
30d10 points of damage to anyone in a 100-yard blast radius.
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Phaser
|
||
|
||
|
||
There are two types of phasers: Phaser I and Phaser II. Phaser I
|
||
does not have a handle and can fit easily in the palm of the hand. The
|
||
hydrogen energy cell in a Phaser I holds 50 charges. Phaser II is
|
||
larger and has a handle. The two hydrogen energy cells in a Phaser II
|
||
holds a total of 100 charges.
|
||
|
||
Type Range Charges
|
||
Phaser I 5/10/15 50 Range is given in
|
||
Phaser II 10/20/30 100 tens of yards.
|
||
|
||
|
||
A phaser is different than other weapons in that it has a setting
|
||
controls that allows various forms of damage.
|
||
|
||
|
||
SPREAD:
|
||
|
||
Normal - The wielder makes a normal "to hit" roll.
|
||
|
||
Wide - The wielder doesn't make a normal "to hit" roll. Instead, the
|
||
target makes a saving throw vs. paralyzation to avoid being hit. This
|
||
saving throw is made at a bonus of +2 if the weapon is used at medium
|
||
range, or +5 if the target is at long range.
|
||
|
||
|
||
SETTING:
|
||
|
||
The number following the setting is the number of charges that
|
||
will be drained from the battery per hit. Wide-spread attacks will
|
||
drain twice the number of charges per person affected. The setting are
|
||
as followed:
|
||
|
||
Stun (1) - Target must make a successful saving throw vs. wands or be
|
||
rendered rigidly immobile for 5d4 rounds. A save indicates that the
|
||
stun didn't affect the character this time. The ray from this setting
|
||
is blue.
|
||
|
||
1 (2) - Target suffer 1d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage. The ray color from settings 1 through 10 are various shades of
|
||
red (1 being light red, and 10 being dark red).
|
||
|
||
2 (3) - Target suffer 2d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage.
|
||
|
||
3 (4) - Target suffer 3d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage.
|
||
|
||
4 (5) - Target suffer 4d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage.
|
||
|
||
5 (6) - Target suffer 5d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage.
|
||
|
||
6 (7) - Target suffer 6d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage.
|
||
|
||
7 (8) - Target suffer 7d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage.
|
||
|
||
8 (9) - Target suffer 8d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage.
|
||
|
||
9 (10) - Target suffer 9d10 points of damage, save vs. wands for half
|
||
damage.
|
||
|
||
10 (12) - Target must save vs. death magic or die.
|
||
|
||
Maximum (14) - This setting causes matter to vanish. It affects even
|
||
matter (or energy) of a magical nature. Disintegration is
|
||
instantaneous, and its effects are permanent. Anything within the 10' X
|
||
10' X 10' cube is obliterated. A thin, green ray (no wide-spread
|
||
attack) causes physical material affected to glow and vanish leaving no
|
||
trace.
|
||
|
||
Overload (all) - This setting causes the phaser to build up energy that
|
||
surpasses safety parameters until it explodes destroying the phaser.
|
||
Phaser I has a blast radius of 25 yards and does 5d10 points of damage
|
||
to living things in the blast radius. Phaser II has a blast radius of
|
||
50 yards and does 5d20 points of damage to living things in the blast
|
||
radius.
|
||
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Powered Armor
|
||
|
||
|
||
Type AC Value Power Code
|
||
Energized Armor 2 75000 A E
|
||
Inertia Armor 2 110000 2A E
|
||
Powered Alloyed Plate 2 120000 A E
|
||
Powered Plate Armor 3 100000 A E
|
||
Powered Assault Armor 1 150000 3A E
|
||
Powered Attack Armor 1 150000 2A E
|
||
Powered Battle Armor 2 150000 2A E
|
||
Powered Scout Armor 2 150000 2A E
|
||
|
||
|
||
All powered armor consists of a sealed suit with a power source
|
||
that makes it function like a "second skin" when worn. Energized Armor
|
||
and Inertia Armor may function without a power source (but it will be
|
||
impossible to make jet-assisted jumps). Other types won't function
|
||
properly without a power source. They will still protect the wearer in
|
||
most cases, but their force fields (if any) won't work and the
|
||
character won't be able to move while in them. Gas doesn't penetrate
|
||
functioning powered armor since there is a 72-hour oxygen supply inside
|
||
that works independently of the armor's power system. All suits have a
|
||
2-way radio, a Medi-kit, ultraviolet and infrared sensors, and an audio
|
||
system that automatically dampens loud noises and amplifies soft noises
|
||
(wearer can make out individual sounds at 4 times the normal distance).
|
||
|
||
Energized Armor - The suit's jet-pack lets the wearer make jumps of 180
|
||
yards. It is powered by a single Atomic Energy Cell good for 40 hours.
|
||
|
||
Inertia Armor - Suit has a partial force field that can absorb up to
|
||
half of the damage (25 points of damage per round) inflicted on the
|
||
wearer. It also has a jet-pack for use in making jumps of up to 180
|
||
yards. It is powered by two Atomic Energy Cells good for 60 hours.
|
||
|
||
Powered Alloyed Plate - The single Atomic Energy Cell (good for 44
|
||
hours) gives this armor the ability to move under its own power while
|
||
worn. The wearer moves as if unburdened while carrying an additional 30
|
||
pounds and as if burden when carrying 60 pounds over his normal amount.
|
||
Powered Plate Armor is an improved version using a single Atomic Energy
|
||
Cell good for 52 hours.
|
||
|
||
Powered Assault Armor - The three Atomic Energy Cells in this suit are
|
||
good for 48 hours. While in operation, the suit provides a force field
|
||
that absorbs all damage inflicted on the wearer (50 points per round
|
||
maximum). In addition, the wearer moves as if unburdened while carrying
|
||
an additional 90 pounds and as if burden when carrying 180 pounds over
|
||
his normal amount. The wearer moves at quadruple speed and can make 30
|
||
yard jumps. Built in the finger of each hand is an independently-
|
||
powered laser pistol and built into the helmet is a micro-missile
|
||
launcher with a 20-missile clip. Built in the back of the suit is a
|
||
grenade launcher (90 meter range) with a 15 grenade clip containing
|
||
assorted grenades. The suit's powered fists do 9d6 damage.
|
||
|
||
Powered Attack Armor - The two Atomic Energy Cells in this suit are
|
||
good for 40 hours. This type is the same as the Powered Assault Armor,
|
||
but its force field absorbs 40 hit points maximum per round and the
|
||
wearer moves at triple normal speed.
|
||
|
||
Powered Battle Armor - The two Atomic Energy Cells in this suit are
|
||
good for 48 hours. This type of armor contains a force field that
|
||
absorbs all damage inflicted on the wearer (maximum of 30 hit points).
|
||
The wearer moves as if unburdened while carrying an additional 60
|
||
pounds and as if burden when carrying 120 pounds over his normal
|
||
amount. He may move at double his normal speed and make 15 yard jumps.
|
||
|
||
Powered Scout Armor - The single Atomic Energy Cell (good for 56 hours)
|
||
gives this armor the ability to move under its own power while worn.
|
||
The wearer moves as if unburdened while carrying an additional 30
|
||
pounds and as if burden when carrying 60 pounds over his normal amount.
|
||
This type of armor contains a force field that absorbs all damage
|
||
inflicted on the wearer (maximum of 20 hit points). The wearer moves at
|
||
quadruple speed and can make 30 yard jumps.
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Medical Supplies and Equipment
|
||
|
||
|
||
These items are labelled with a universal symbol and include
|
||
instructions for use (that will be indecipherable to most characters).
|
||
The labelling system will let characters easily recognize all types of
|
||
medical equipment and supplies once they encounter any example of that
|
||
of equipment or material.
|
||
|
||
Accelera Dose - A 6-inch long disposable jet spray tube of a compound
|
||
developed to accelerate healing. Characters who spray the compound
|
||
under their skin immediately heal 1d10 points of damage.
|
||
|
||
Cur-In Dose - A 6-inch long disposable jet spray tube of a substance
|
||
that breaks down most chemicals not normally found in the human body.
|
||
If taken within 30 seconds of exposure to a drug or poison, the user
|
||
experiences no effect from the drug or poison.
|
||
|
||
Interra Shot - A 6-inch long disposable jet spray tube containing a
|
||
sort of "truth serum" that opens the subconscious to direct
|
||
interrogation. If affected, the character answers all questions
|
||
truthfully for 10 minutes and then forgets the interrogation.
|
||
|
||
Medi-Kit - A 3X6X12-inch metal and plastic box that can be hung on a
|
||
belt for transportation. A micro-computer in the unit controls sensors
|
||
that analyze medical problems in any subject it scans. The unit is held
|
||
next to the skin when a scan is desired. If a character wants the kit
|
||
to heal a wound, he holds it over the trauma area. The kit
|
||
automatically sutures wounds, injects anti-toxins and antibiotics
|
||
(where needed) and even gives simple instructions on how to perform
|
||
operations. It will also spray antiseptic dressings on treated wounds.
|
||
Kits are powered by a Chemical Energy Cell and keep functioning as long
|
||
as their drug banks are full. There are about 4 treatments per drug
|
||
bank for each type of problem the kit is designed to handle.
|
||
Replacement banks (with built-in power cells) will be found in military
|
||
depots and chemical plants. Medi-kits will never inject anyone with a
|
||
substance (Accelera Dose, for example) poisonous to the patient. They
|
||
heal 1d10+20 points of damage. The average Medi-kit heals 2d20+200
|
||
points of damage before exhausting its drugs banks.
|
||
|
||
Mind Booster - A 6-inch long disposable jet spray tube containing a
|
||
compound that enhances metal functioning. The user's intelligence is
|
||
increased by 3 for one hour after taking the compound. However, he must
|
||
rest for four hours immediately after the drug wears off or he will
|
||
permanently lose 3 points from his intelligence.
|
||
|
||
Poison Antidote - A 6-inch long disposable jet spray tube containing an
|
||
antidote for each type of poison. If used on someone within 30 seconds
|
||
of exposure to poison, the antidote may save him from damage or death.
|
||
Each type of antidote always work for each type of poison. If an
|
||
antidote is for another type of poison, it has a 50% chance of working
|
||
on the poison the user was exposed to. The chance is modified by +10%
|
||
for each level the antidote is above the poison and -10% for each level
|
||
below it is below the poison.
|
||
|
||
Stim Dose - A 6-inch long disposable jet spray tube containing a
|
||
special stimulant that doubles the user's speed, increases his
|
||
dexterity by 1 and increases strength by 3 for a period of one hour.
|
||
The user must rest for eight hours immediately after the dose wears
|
||
off.
|
||
|
||
Suggestion Change Drug - A 6-inch long disposable jet spray tube
|
||
containing a hypnotic drug that puts the user in a trance for 10
|
||
minutes. While hypnotized, the user may be given instructions that he
|
||
will follow literally for the next four hours, including instructions
|
||
to take orders from another character. Once out of the drug's trance,
|
||
the user will only subconsciously remember his instructions.
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Miscellaneous Items
|
||
|
||
|
||
Auto-analyzer/Tricorder - This hand computer/scanner/data transfer
|
||
mechanism is most often used to analyze life forms and natural
|
||
phenomenon. The character using it must make an intelligence check for
|
||
each use to obtain the information he desires, although the DM may
|
||
determine that the intelligence check is only needed when seeking a
|
||
particularly complex piece of information. If the check is successful,
|
||
the player may ask the DM 1-6 simple or yes/no questions.
|
||
The analyzer can also be set up to act as an alarm, with 100 yard
|
||
range. The analyzer can work via a computer link-up or with a variety
|
||
of data chips that can be inserted.
|
||
The analyzer runs on a Hydrogen Energy Cell that will allow it to
|
||
function continuously for 18 hours.
|
||
|
||
Universal Translator - This small computer translates a multitude of
|
||
languages. It comes in a variety of forms, sometimes as an item of
|
||
jewelry, a small rod, an ear plug, an ear implant transmitting to a
|
||
computer elsewhere, etc.. When in use, the device is generally
|
||
undetectable (with the exception that the speaker's lips move like he
|
||
was in a Japanese martial-arts movie).
|
||
The device works best when languages are preprogramed into it. In
|
||
order to use a language not programed into it, the translator must
|
||
"derive the language matrix". To derive a basic matrix, the translator
|
||
needs to be exposed to the language for several minutes, then as time
|
||
progresses the language base will improve.
|
||
|
||
Communications Sender - This is a short range communications device. It
|
||
resembles a 20 by 10 by 5 inch black box with a small tv screen in one
|
||
side. The Chemical Energy Cell powering the device is good for 40
|
||
hours. Messages can be sent or received at a 100-mile range.
|
||
|
||
Communicators - These palm-sized plastic boxes fold out to display a
|
||
dial used to direct a signal in any direction. They allow users to
|
||
communicate over a 4-mile range. In some cases, communicators will only
|
||
respond to signals from other units tied into a particular network.
|
||
Each has a Chemical Energy Cell good for 200 hours.
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
Control Transmitters
|
||
|
||
|
||
A control transmitter appears to be a small speaker, with a jack
|
||
that connects it to a sonic generator. The device allows commands to be
|
||
given to a specific type of creature of animal or less intelligence.
|
||
Each time a command is given to a particular type of creature, a 6-
|
||
sided die is rolled. If a 6 isn't rolled, the creature obeys its
|
||
command. If a 6 is rolled, the creature goes mad and will attack the
|
||
users of the device if possible. After the device has backfired, it
|
||
cannot be used with the same species again, but functions normally with
|
||
other species. Below is a listing of the various transmitters:
|
||
|
||
Type Color
|
||
Mammal red
|
||
Fish blue
|
||
Insect yellow
|
||
Reptile white
|
||
Plant green
|
||
Robot/Android black
|
||
|
||
----------
|
||
|
||
REID COMMENT: See the comment in "Weaponry - Past & Present".
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
GHOSTBUSTERS
|
||
|
||
|
||
This section provides some of the more exciting items that
|
||
Ghostbusters use. If DMs let players visit Ghostbusters, they can learn
|
||
much about undead and how to fight them. Of course, ghostbusting stuff
|
||
probably should be handled humorously and lightly. References to ghosts
|
||
and specters imply to all forms of undead. PKE stands for Psychic-
|
||
Kinetic Energy that is basically the undead life force.
|
||
|
||
|
||
The Official Ghostbuster's Proton Pack - Small nuclear accelerators,
|
||
the proton packs are a Ghostbuster's basic weapon. The wiggly stream
|
||
emitted by the proton pack scorches walls, knocks holes through wood
|
||
paneling, destroys chandeliers and upholstery - and occasionally even
|
||
subdues ghosts.
|
||
Proton packs have two basic settings. The "attack" setting is the
|
||
major one. A successful hit by a proton pack's stream does 1d10 points
|
||
of damage. The "containment" setting is used to form a proton stream
|
||
cage around an undead creature and move it to wherever the Ghostbusters
|
||
please. Usually two Ghostbusters must cooperate to use the containment
|
||
setting properly, and the undead's hit points must have been reduced to
|
||
zero before it can work (or the ghost just zips away). Usually the
|
||
containment setting is used to move a trapped undead directly over a
|
||
ghost trap, which is then activated.
|
||
Crossing two proton set on attack results in a catastrophic
|
||
explosion. This explosion is so catastrophic, in fact, that crossing
|
||
the streams can happen only when done on purpose, or when two
|
||
Ghostbusters fire proton packs in the same round at the same target.
|
||
A proton pack has a maximum range of 300 yards.
|
||
|
||
Atmospheric Ionization Analyzer - This device samples ionized traces
|
||
left by PKE activity, and can be used to date paranormal occurrences,
|
||
sort of like carbon 14 dating is used to date fossils and stuff.
|
||
|
||
Ecto Visor - These spook-finder glasses allow a person to see
|
||
ectoplasmic manifestations that are not yet materialized on the super-
|
||
etheric plane. In other words, they allow you to see undead, even those
|
||
that don't want to be seen. They also eliminate all peripheral vision
|
||
and look dumb.
|
||
|
||
Ghost Trap - A small box which stores and transports one subdued
|
||
undead. The lid is opened by pressing a foot pedal attached to the box
|
||
by a twelve-foot length of tubing. As it opens, the ghost trap produces
|
||
a luminous white cone of psychokinetic force which channels the target
|
||
undead into the trap. When the foot pedal is released, the trap closes.
|
||
It takes a second or two for the field to neutralize the undead's own
|
||
ectoplasmic energies, so a specter could zoom away from the trap before
|
||
it's sucked inside - unless the containment stream of a proton pack
|
||
holds it there.
|
||
|
||
PKE Meter - Psycho-kinetic energy meters are undead-finders, measuring
|
||
local PKE valences to discover paranormal activity. When an undead
|
||
creature is in the area, pretty lights flash and the PKE meter's arms
|
||
raise up high. The closer and more powerful the ghostly presence, the
|
||
higher the arms rise and the more insistently the lights flash.
|
||
|
||
Protection Grid - A protection grid is large and immobile. it can
|
||
safely store an extremely large number of undead. After many
|
||
adventures, it can get full and threaten to collapse, but ant actual
|
||
collapse can only occur at the DM's instigation.
|
||
|
||
Spectroscope - This is a boxlike apparatus with an internal chamber
|
||
that, oddly enough, has nothing to do with specters. Put something
|
||
inside switch on the scope, and make an intelligence check. If it
|
||
succeeds, the character finds out the object's chemical composition.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
NON-WEAPON PROFICIENCIES
|
||
|
||
|
||
# of Slots Relevant Check
|
||
Proficiency Required Ability Modifier
|
||
Cowboy Cool 1 Charisma 0
|
||
Fan Shooting 1 Dexterity 0
|
||
Fast Draw 1 Dexterity 0
|
||
Hip Shooting 1 Dexterity 0
|
||
Repair Cimarron Six-Shooter 1 Intelligence 0
|
||
Speed Loading 1 Dexterity 0
|
||
Sharpshooting 1 Dexterity 0
|
||
|
||
|
||
Cowboy Cool - This allows the user to stare down an opponent in a duel
|
||
and gain a psychological advantage. On a successful Charisma check by
|
||
the user, the opponent suffers a -2 penalty to his next to-hit roll
|
||
(and to his next Dexterity check if using the Fast Draw proficiency
|
||
below). This proficiency requires two rounds of concentration to take
|
||
effect. Cowboy Cool can also be used to negate someone else's attempt
|
||
to use Cowboy Cool or to spin one or two six-shooters on one's fingers
|
||
without dropping them.
|
||
|
||
Fan Shooting - The user attempts to shoot as many missiles (i.e.
|
||
darts, bullets, beams, etc.) as possible within one round. The extent
|
||
of success on the user's Dexterity check indicates the number of darts
|
||
that can be fired at a given combat round. A successful Dexterity check
|
||
allows at least two shots during the same round; if the Dexterity score
|
||
was beaten by 3-5 points, at least three shots in a round; 6-8, up to
|
||
four shots; 9-11. five shots; and 12 or more, all six shots. Each
|
||
successive shot suffers a cumulative -1 penalty to hit (-1 for the
|
||
first shot, -2 for the second,, etc.). Of course, this assumes that the
|
||
weapon holds six missiles.
|
||
The first shot occurs when the user should normally be allowed to
|
||
fire during the combat round (i.e. initiative). Each successive shot
|
||
will then happen in each successive segment. Fast Draw and Fan shooting
|
||
proficiencies can be used simultaneously.
|
||
|
||
Fast Draw - Upon making a successful Dexterity check, a user can shoot
|
||
before anyone else during a combat round, regardless of the original
|
||
Initiative result. If two opponents fight a duel and both use the Fast
|
||
Draw proficiency, the one who beats his Dexterity score by the highest
|
||
amount gains the initiative.
|
||
|
||
Hip Shooting - The user has the ability to shoot from the hip. The
|
||
proficiency allows the user to shoot faster, adding a +2 bonus to
|
||
Dexterity checks made for Fast Draw or Fan Shooting attempts.
|
||
Unfortunately, it is less accurate and causes a -2 penalty to hit in
|
||
both cases.
|
||
|
||
Repair Cimarron Six-Shooter - On a successful Intelligence check, the
|
||
user can repair a jammed Cimarron Six-Shooter. Each attempt takes a
|
||
full hour. He may try as many times as needed to repair the weapon. An
|
||
unmodified score of 20 causes the weapon to break permanently.
|
||
|
||
Speed Loading - For a specific missile weapon, character cuts reloading
|
||
time of weapon in half with no penalties.
|
||
|
||
Sharpshooting - On any to-hit roll of 20 or better after modifications,
|
||
the user may make an extra Dexterity check. If successful, the user
|
||
designates a a particular spot on a target to be hit by the dart. This
|
||
can be used to automatically disarm an opponent or inflict maximum
|
||
damage. Sharpshooting cannot be used with the Hip Shooting or Fan
|
||
Shooting proficiencies.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
ROGUE KIT: TECHNOLOGIST
|
||
|
||
|
||
Description: The technologist is either the fore-runner of a new
|
||
technological age or a researcher into a technology long forgotten
|
||
(dependant on the DM's campaign world). In any case, he loathes magic
|
||
and wants to rid the world of it and bring the world into a
|
||
technological age. For this reason, he is considered a rogue in
|
||
society, going against the norm (magic).
|
||
He is basically an scientist/engineer with great knowledge in a
|
||
specific field (i.e. architecture, mechanical design, smithing, etc.),
|
||
but will dabble in anything to help the advancement of technology.
|
||
Technologists must have an intelligence above 15, a wisdom above
|
||
13, strength above 12, and dexterity above 12. Although not required,
|
||
high dexterity and strength are also useful. They do not get any
|
||
experience point bonuses due to high ability scores.
|
||
|
||
Role: A technologist has a great knowledge on numerous, practical
|
||
topics that tend to be more valuable than the arcane knowledge of mages
|
||
and clerics. He will always insist that technology is the solution to
|
||
all problems and will use technology to solve problems.
|
||
A technologist will, of course, try to do a service to everyone by
|
||
attempting to get them to use his devices more often thus making
|
||
progress towards technological advancement. However, most people will
|
||
be distrustful of this technology, and won't use it. The DM should not
|
||
allow the technologist to totally reshape the world! Only in extreme
|
||
circumstances should his devices be accepted and used for any length of
|
||
time (even the scientist gets to save the day!). An example would be
|
||
where he saves a starving village by inventing a steel-bottom plow and
|
||
new irrigation procedures, that when combined with his new pumping
|
||
system, saves the people from slow, painful death.
|
||
|
||
Weapon Proficiencies: Technologists are allowed any weapon used by
|
||
thief (except under specific circumstances, see below) and prefer those
|
||
that have some degree of complexity in their use or manufacture such as
|
||
an arquebus, bow (any), crossbow (any), mancatcher, etc..
|
||
|
||
Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus: Engineering, Appraising, Alchemy,
|
||
Architecture, Reading/Writing. Recommended: Artistic Ability,
|
||
Blacksmithing, Brewing, Carpentry, Gem Cutting, Leather-Working,
|
||
Mining, Stonemasonry, Weaponsmithing.
|
||
|
||
Skill Progression: A technologist doesn't have the thieving skills of
|
||
Move Silently, Hide in Shadows, Detect Noise, Climb Walls, and Read
|
||
Languages. Pick Pockets, Open Locks, and Find/Remove Traps are usually
|
||
distributed evenly.
|
||
|
||
Equipment: A technologist is limited to weapons and armor of the thief
|
||
class unless they make some technical wonder of their own that is out
|
||
of these bounds. For example, they can use any armor of a type that
|
||
they have proficiently made (in the time of the campaign, things made
|
||
before don't count) because they've spent enough time with that type to
|
||
know it fairly well.
|
||
Starting funds are 10d10 x 10 gold pieces.
|
||
|
||
Special Benefits: A technologist has the abilities of a sage. His
|
||
knowledge is in a field of study (DMG, page 107, Table 61: Fields of
|
||
Study); preferably something pertaining to science. Note, that the
|
||
technologist must maintain the resources that normal sages have.
|
||
A technologist can detect the following information when within 10
|
||
feet of the particular phenomenon.
|
||
|
||
Detect secret/concealed doors 1-2 on 1d8
|
||
Detect grade or slope in passage 1-5 on 1d6
|
||
Detect new tunnel/passage construction 1-5 on 1d6
|
||
Detect unsafe walls, ceiling, and floors 1-7 on 1d10
|
||
Detect sliding/shifting walls or rooms 1-4 on 1d6
|
||
Detect stonework traps, pits, and deadfalls 1-3 on 1d6
|
||
|
||
Note that the technologist must deliberately try to make these
|
||
determinations; the information doesn't not simply spring to mind
|
||
unbidden.
|
||
A technologist gains an immunity to illusions as he progresses in
|
||
levels. As well as a saving throw, a technologist gets a 5% chance for
|
||
each level (no greater than 95%) minus the level of the illusionist to
|
||
resist the illusion. Racial adjustments are as followed: Dwarf +10,
|
||
Halfling +7, Elf +5, Half-elf 0, Human -5, Gnome -10.
|
||
The greatest and most important ability of a technologist is to
|
||
build items of the next time period (i.e. Ancient, Dark Ages, Middle
|
||
Ages, Renaissance, etc.). The DM must be aware of what time period the
|
||
current campaign is in and what the next one will be. To build an item,
|
||
the character must have the proper plans and resources to do it. The
|
||
player must submit the idea for approval to the DM. Mainly, the DM must
|
||
be sure that the technical item will not influence the campaign world
|
||
enough to throw it out of balance. If the DM rejects it, then his
|
||
decision is final and the item can't be made. If the DM accepts the
|
||
proposal, the character has the knowledge to make the item. Now, the
|
||
player must gather all pertinent information on the item (for copyright
|
||
purposes of course), if tinker gnomes have to do it then so do
|
||
technologists. Then given the proper campaign time and resources, the
|
||
item is created by the technologist.
|
||
|
||
Special Hindrances: Obviously, technologists despise magic of any kind
|
||
and will never willingly use or partake in anything magical. In fact,
|
||
they will attempt to destroy everything magical that they find.
|
||
|
||
Races: Dwarves, with their affinity for the mechanical and lack for the
|
||
magical can be technologists. Gnomes also prone to be technologists,
|
||
although most gnomes are less capable of rising above being tinker
|
||
gnomes. Elves can be technologists, but few are interested. Of course,
|
||
humans (half-elves) were born to be technologists (some sages claim
|
||
that they will master technology and eventually rule the world after
|
||
the demise of all magic).
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
PREDATOR
|
||
|
||
|
||
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any
|
||
FREQUENCY: Very rare
|
||
ORGANIZATION: Solitary or Tribal
|
||
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
|
||
DIET: Omnivore
|
||
INTELLIGENCE: Average to Exceptionally (8-16)
|
||
TREASURE: Special
|
||
ALIGNMENT: Lawful
|
||
NO. APPEARING: 1 (2-8)
|
||
ARMOR CLASS: 9 (natural)
|
||
MOVEMENT: 12
|
||
HIT DICE: based on level
|
||
THAC0: based on level
|
||
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2
|
||
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 1-6/1-6
|
||
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil
|
||
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Nil
|
||
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
|
||
SIZE: L (8' tall)
|
||
MORALE: Fearless (19)
|
||
XP VALUE: Variable
|
||
|
||
Predators are a technology-using alien race, for whom honor and
|
||
battle are the way of life. War is the natural, preferred existence for
|
||
most Predators, being the Predator racial philosophy, and it is for
|
||
this reason that Predator society stresses physical strength and
|
||
fighting skill above scientific achievement. Most Predator scientific
|
||
effort goes into developing tools of warfare to augment their natural
|
||
abilities and help them in their contests.
|
||
The urge for battle compels this species to comb the Prime
|
||
Material Plane searching for challenges. Heat and war draw them to
|
||
worlds where they may join the battles they find there in their own
|
||
way.
|
||
An adult Predator stands over 7 feet tall, weighing from 200 to
|
||
250 pounds. It has a dark green reptilian-type skin, and its face is
|
||
nearly indescribably grotesque. They do have two eyes, and a mouth that
|
||
is surrounded by teeth and pincers.
|
||
Because of the nature of Predator society and its battle
|
||
philosophy, a Predator begins adulthood as a 3rd level fighter. Some
|
||
Predators may pursue other avenues such as diplomacy, science, or
|
||
politics, but they will always retain their fighter class. All Predator
|
||
families maintain a particular primitive weapon in the nature of a
|
||
sword, spear, etc. as a symbol of their heritage. Each family member
|
||
must be specialized in this weapon.
|
||
Predators receive a +2 to their initial Strength scores and a -1
|
||
to their initial Charisma scores. The rest of their statistics are
|
||
calculated regularly.
|
||
|
||
Combat: In combat, a Predator will use many forms of technological
|
||
weapons and defenses. A Predator will never limit itself to only one
|
||
form of weaponry, instead using a combination of missile and melee
|
||
weapons. Predators have a vast knowledge of strategy and tactics and
|
||
will use this knowledge to the fullest.
|
||
Predators prefer to hunt in an area where some form of fighting
|
||
is going on among its prey. This serves to camouflage their stalking,
|
||
as well as trim down the number of noncombatants that might get in the
|
||
way.
|
||
A Predator is always honorable, within the context of its culture.
|
||
They find no honor in killing a defenseless opponent, and their
|
||
preference is to hunt the premier warrior of the group they are
|
||
trailing. When a Predator is defeated, it accepts that defeat with
|
||
grace, and will commit a form of ritual suicide, generally by blowing
|
||
itself and its victorious enemy up. This serves the multiple purpose of
|
||
erasing the dishonor of losing, destroying an enemy powerful or
|
||
resourceful enough to kill one of them, and finally to protect the
|
||
secrets of the Predator technology.
|
||
Predators are aware of the existence of magic and its power, but
|
||
they are unable to use it. They do respect it, however, and find it a
|
||
challenge. For many of them, there is nothing more glorious than taking
|
||
the head of a highly ranked mage. Moreover, these beings enjoy
|
||
traveling to magical worlds where unusual and unique beasts with
|
||
extraordinary powers roam.
|
||
|
||
Habitat/Society: Predators are generally found in hot and humid areas
|
||
where some form of fighting is happening, although they may be found
|
||
anywhere.
|
||
Predators sometimes travel in groups when they go to other worlds
|
||
for their safaris. However, they don't hunt together, believing that
|
||
battle is a solitary, personal experience.
|
||
After a successful kill, they will collect the head and other body
|
||
parts significant to the victim, return with these to their ship, and
|
||
render them down to bone. The bones for the basis of their trophy
|
||
collection.
|
||
Although Predators are omnivorous, they prefer to eat raw, red
|
||
meat.
|
||
|
||
Ecology: Predators seem to have only one true natural enemy. This is
|
||
the insectoid species commonly called simply "Alien". Any other enemies
|
||
a Predator might have, are generally made, tracked and killed during a
|
||
hunt. They prey on all forms of life, but favor those species with
|
||
intelligence, and have a preference for other warrior races.
|
||
|
||
---------------
|
||
|
||
Sample: The Greyhawk Predator
|
||
|
||
CLASS: Fighter ALIGNMENT: Lawful Evil
|
||
LEVEL: 7 SIZE: L (8')
|
||
|
||
STR: 18/00
|
||
DEX: 17
|
||
CON: 15
|
||
INT: 16
|
||
WIS: 10
|
||
CHA: 14
|
||
|
||
REGULAR DEFENSE ADJ: -3 MAGICAL DEFENSE ADJ: 0
|
||
SYSTEM SHOCK: 90% RESURRECTION SURVIVAL: 94%
|
||
|
||
HIT POINTS
|
||
|
||
HIT DIE: 1d10 HIT POINT ADJ: +1
|
||
MAX # OF HIT POINTS: 75
|
||
|
||
ARMOR CLASS: -3
|
||
|
||
Powered Assault Armor
|
||
|
||
ARMOR CLASS: 0
|
||
|
||
- Powered by three atomic cells good for 48 hours.
|
||
- 72 hour gas supply for wearer.
|
||
- Ultraviolet and infrared sensors.
|
||
- Audio system that dampens loud noises and amplifies soft
|
||
noises (wearer can make out individual sounds at 4 times
|
||
the normal distance). The system can also record sounds and
|
||
play them back.
|
||
- Provides a force field that absorbs 10 hit points per round.
|
||
- Wearer moves as if unburdened while carrying up to 250 lbs.
|
||
- Wearer moves at quadruple speed (i.e. 56).
|
||
- Wearer can make 30 ft. jumps.
|
||
|
||
COMBAT
|
||
|
||
HIT PROB.: +3
|
||
DAMAGE ADJ: +6
|
||
MISSILE ATTACK ADJ: +2
|
||
|
||
MOVEMENT: 11
|
||
|
||
3 attacks/2 rounds
|
||
|
||
THAC0: 14 without hit prob.
|
||
|
||
Powered Fists
|
||
|
||
THAC0: 11
|
||
DAMAGE: 9d6+6
|
||
% KO: equal to damage
|
||
|
||
|
||
Shoulder Battle Gun Proficiency (bonus)
|
||
|
||
- The target tracking system gives the user +4 on attack
|
||
rolls with the gun.
|
||
|
||
THAC0: 8
|
||
|
||
- No strength bonuses for hit prob. or damage. Missile attack
|
||
adj. applies.
|
||
|
||
WEAPON DAMAGE RANGE SHOTS POWER SOURCE
|
||
laser 5d6 180 ft. 30 hydrogen energy
|
||
needler* - 180 ft. 10 chemical energy
|
||
micro-missile 7d6 270 ft. 15 atomic energy
|
||
|
||
*save vs. paralysis or be paralyzed for 1d20 minutes
|
||
|
||
|
||
Single-Weapon Style Specialization (bonus)
|
||
|
||
ARMOR CLASS: -4
|
||
|
||
|
||
Two-Handed Style Specialization (1)
|
||
|
||
- One-handed weapons used two-handed gain +1 to damage.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Predator Honor Sword Specialization (2)
|
||
|
||
- Treat as two-handed sword relative to size and damage.
|
||
|
||
THAC0: 10
|
||
2 attacks / round
|
||
|
||
DAMAGE
|
||
S-M L
|
||
Single-Weapon Style 1d10+8 3d6+8
|
||
Two-Handed Style 1d10+9 3d6+9
|
||
|
||
|
||
Vorpal Hand Disk Specialization (2)
|
||
|
||
- The disk returns to thrower who can only retrieve it from
|
||
the air if he is proficient in this weapon.
|
||
|
||
THAC0: 8
|
||
2 attacks / round
|
||
|
||
S-M L
|
||
DAMAGE 1d8+8 1d8+8
|
||
|
||
|
||
Claw Blades Proficiency (bonus)
|
||
|
||
THAC0: 11
|
||
3 attacks / 2 rounds
|
||
|
||
S-M L
|
||
DAMAGE 1d4+6 1d4+6
|
||
|
||
|
||
Net Proficiency (1)
|
||
|
||
- The arm gun contains a clip of 5 nets.
|
||
- A successful hit pins the victim. The victim must make a
|
||
successful strength ability check to break free. The victim
|
||
may not attack until the next round.
|
||
|
||
THAC0: 12
|
||
|
||
- No Strength bonuses for hit prob. or damage. Missile attack
|
||
adj. applies.
|
||
|
||
3 attacks / 2 rounds
|
||
|
||
S-M L
|
||
DAMAGE 1d4-2 1d4-1
|
||
|
||
|
||
Self-Destruct Neutron Bomb
|
||
|
||
- Once activated, the bomb will exploded in 10d10 seconds. Everything
|
||
within 900 yds. will take 20d10 damage. Any victims are allowed a save
|
||
vs. death to half the damage.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Medi-Kit
|
||
|
||
- A micro-computer in the unit controls sensors that analyze medical
|
||
problems in any subject it scans. The unit is held next to the skin
|
||
when a scan is desired. If a character wants the kit to heal a wound,
|
||
he holds it over the trauma area. The kit automatically sutures wounds,
|
||
injects anti-toxins and antibiotics (where needed) and even gives
|
||
simple instructions on how to perform operations. It will also spray
|
||
antiseptic dressings on treated wounds. Kits are powered by a chemical
|
||
energy cell and keep functioning as long as their drug banks are full.
|
||
There are about 4 treatments per drug bank for each type of problem the
|
||
kit is designed to handle. A medi-kit heals for 1d10+20 hit points of
|
||
damage. The kit can heal 200 points of damage before exhausting its
|
||
drug banks.
|
||
|
||
BACKGROUND: This particular Predator is found on safari on Oerth. There
|
||
are plenty of challenging monsters roaming around the planet; not to
|
||
mention all the cocky races that roam around looking for war.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
ALIEN
|
||
|
||
|
||
Alien (Warrior)
|
||
|
||
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any
|
||
FREQUENCY: Very rare
|
||
ORGANIZATION: Solitary (Hive)
|
||
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any - Prefer darkness
|
||
DIET: Carnivorous
|
||
INTELLIGENCE: Very
|
||
TREASURE: Nil
|
||
ALIGNMENT: Neutral
|
||
NO. APPEARING: 1-3 (10-100)
|
||
ARMOR CLASS: 4
|
||
MOVEMENT: 12
|
||
HIT DICE: 6+6
|
||
THAC0: 4
|
||
NO. OF ATTACKS: 4 or 1
|
||
DAMAGE/ATTACK: (Claw/Claw/Bite/Tail) 1-6/1-3/1-10/1-12 (Str bonus +8)
|
||
(Smaller Bite) 1-20
|
||
SPECIAL ATTACKS: See below
|
||
SPECIAL DEFENSES: See below
|
||
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
|
||
SIZE: M (5-7' tall x 5-7' long; 2-300 lbs)
|
||
MORALE: Fearless (19-20)
|
||
XP VALUE: 8,000
|
||
|
||
These are a nasty bit of work that look something like a
|
||
bipedal lizard/insect. They are generally larger than human sized, and
|
||
in many ways resemble the worst demons of myth and legend, from their
|
||
long broad head and mouths full of teeth, along their glistening bony,
|
||
armor-hard bodies, past emaciated looking limbs tipped with razor sharp
|
||
claws, and finally ending in a long, semi-prehensile tail with a barbed
|
||
stinger. They don't weigh as much as they look like they ought to.
|
||
|
||
Combat: The Alien's body is covered with a hard shell or chiton, that
|
||
has been compared to steel armor. This chiton is, in turn covered with
|
||
an acidic slime that effectively diffuses their heat signature,
|
||
rendering them invisible to infravision. They are able to Move Silently
|
||
(95%) even while moving at their top, lightning fast speed. They can
|
||
Hide in Shadows (95%), and effectively blend into nearly any
|
||
background. They can Climb Walls (99%), moving up sheer walls at full
|
||
speed. They are able to leap 20' straight up and 50' straight forward.
|
||
Warriors exude an acidic mucous that they use to melt through
|
||
obstacles, also their blood is highly acidic. Their acidic mucous
|
||
coating does 1d8/rd damage if it remains in contact with the victim,
|
||
7while their blood does a 1d6/rd damage.
|
||
Warriors can attack with either or both of their claws, and
|
||
against targets larger than themselves all four claws. They can bite
|
||
with their Great Mouth, full of hundreds of razor sharp, steel hard
|
||
teeth. If their victim is immobilized, either by the tail or the
|
||
forelimbs, they are able to attack with their Lesser Mouth, which
|
||
shoots from their Great mouth with sufficient force to penetrate a
|
||
victim's skull through plate armor. If this attack is successful, the
|
||
victim must save versus petrifaction or be stunned for 1d6 rounds while
|
||
the Lesser Mouth consumes the victim's brain. Whether stunned or not,
|
||
the victim will lose 1 intelligence point per segment, as well as make
|
||
a system shock check each segment. If any of these checks fail the
|
||
victim dies.
|
||
However, they will rarely use this attack, since Warriors prefer
|
||
to leave their opponents alive to act as host for the Queen's larvae.
|
||
In keeping with this, the tail attack is a stinging one (save vs.
|
||
petrifaction).
|
||
Aliens have no eyes. They can sense other creatures by the
|
||
vibrations of their movements in the ground, walls, or air. They have
|
||
exceptionally good hearing. Therefore, they ignore invisibility because
|
||
they are picking up the vibrations and sound from objects. They can
|
||
also sense heat. They can never be surprised, although they surprise
|
||
their victims on a roll of 1-9 on a d10.
|
||
Their primary weapons are their speed and their strength.
|
||
Rather than stand and fight, they will hit and run, and return later,
|
||
each time getting a surprise roll.
|
||
|
||
Habitat/Society: The Warrior is a worker and third in this insect-like
|
||
Alien species. The other two branches of the species are the Queen and
|
||
the Face Hugger Drone. The warrior performs all labor necessary to
|
||
support and protect the Queen. Although they are cunning in battle,
|
||
they possess little intelligence or volition beyond what is necessary
|
||
for the hive's or their own survival.
|
||
|
||
Ecology: Although they are primarily air breathers, warriors can
|
||
survive exposure to nearly any environment for a short time. Their
|
||
original environment is not known, but their skills and abilities
|
||
suggest a harsh, hostile world of deep cave complexes or thick sunless
|
||
jungles.
|
||
|
||
Life Cycle: The Queen lays her "basketball-sized" eggs, and these
|
||
become inert, until conditions prove right. It is reasonable to assume
|
||
that in their natural environment only a fraction of the eggs hatch,
|
||
and because of the hostile nature of the environment there is a high
|
||
mortality rate among this species. However, in the presence of a living
|
||
creature, an egg will hatch and the "Face Hugger" Drone/larval carrier
|
||
emerges.
|
||
This thing will burn though nearly any obstacle, moving quickly on
|
||
its spider-like legs to reach a victim. It impregnates the victim, by
|
||
planting the true larva inside the living creature's body, usually the
|
||
lungs, and fertilizing the larvae with the victim's own genetic
|
||
material. The Face Hugger then dies, its purpose fulfilled. The larva
|
||
lodged inside the life form remains as it gestates, and grows into a
|
||
more mature, viable form.
|
||
When it is ready to "hatch," the creature often explodes from
|
||
its host's body. The host will likely provide the original food source
|
||
for the infant creature. It will grow to its adult size very quickly,
|
||
over the space of a day or two. Because the host provides some of the
|
||
genetic material, there is some thought that the body form of the host
|
||
will cause minor changes in the final body form of the alien, i.e. with
|
||
a human host, the alien will be humanoid, while the host should be
|
||
something like a wolf or a dog, it will assume a more quadruped,
|
||
wolfish aspect. Regardless, it will still be quite recognizable for
|
||
what it is, and none of its stats will change.
|
||
|
||
|
||
WRITTEN BY
|
||
|
||
MARC CARLSON
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
TERMINATOR
|
||
|
||
|
||
Terminator, T-800 101 series
|
||
|
||
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any
|
||
FREQUENCY: Very rare
|
||
ORGANIZATION: Solitary or Tribal (Military)
|
||
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
|
||
DIET: Nil
|
||
INTELLIGENCE: Genius (17-18)
|
||
TREASURE: Special
|
||
ALIGNMENT: Lawful
|
||
NO. APPEARING: 1 (2-8)
|
||
ARMOR CLASS: -3 (natural)
|
||
MOVEMENT: 15
|
||
HIT DICE: 20 (160 hp)
|
||
THAC0: 0
|
||
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2
|
||
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-24/2-24 or by weapon
|
||
SPECIAL ATTACKS: see below
|
||
SPECIAL DEFENSES: see below
|
||
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
|
||
SIZE: M (human sized)
|
||
MORALE: Fearless (20)
|
||
XP VALUE: 20,000
|
||
|
||
|
||
Terminator, T-1000 series
|
||
|
||
CLIMATE/TERRAIN: Any
|
||
FREQUENCY: Very rare
|
||
ORGANIZATION: Solitary or Tribal (Military)
|
||
ACTIVITY CYCLE: Any
|
||
DIET: Nil
|
||
INTELLIGENCE: Genius (17-18)
|
||
TREASURE: Special
|
||
ALIGNMENT: Lawful
|
||
NO. APPEARING: 1 (2-8)
|
||
ARMOR CLASS: -5 (natural)
|
||
MOVEMENT: 40 (45.5 MPH)
|
||
HIT DICE: 25 (200 hp)
|
||
THAC0: 0
|
||
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2
|
||
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-24/2-24 or by weapon
|
||
SPECIAL ATTACKS: see below
|
||
SPECIAL DEFENSES: see below
|
||
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Nil
|
||
SIZE: M (human sized)
|
||
MORALE: Fearless (20)
|
||
XP VALUE: 30,000
|
||
|
||
Although the Terminator is called a "Cyborg", it is really an
|
||
Android designed to relentlessly pursue and kill human beings. Although
|
||
these androids were originally quite crude, the builders of the
|
||
Terminator built upon their earlier mistakes until their killing
|
||
machines were indistinguishable from humans, then later shapeshifters
|
||
able to perfectly assume the forms of humans.
|
||
The T-800 series is an automaton consisting of a hyperalloy
|
||
combat chassis upon which is layered humanoid living tissue. This
|
||
tissue consists of hair, skin, flesh and blood. The T-800 resembles
|
||
humanity so closely that it even sweats and has bad breath. When this
|
||
sheath of living tissue is damaged, however, it begins to die, and
|
||
eventually rots away. They are indistinguishable from normal humans in
|
||
outer appearance, though they tend to be imposingly large if male,
|
||
coldly feminine if female. Although they appear human, as soon as
|
||
something gets in the way of their dictated missions, the true power of
|
||
these machines is revealed.
|
||
The T-1000 series Terminators are a technology breakthrough in
|
||
liquid metal, with the ability to change the shape of any part or of
|
||
the whole body in 30 seconds, besides having the standard abilities of
|
||
their predecessor T-800s. They can alter their body's density, and
|
||
polymorph to any form that they have come into contact with. They can
|
||
polymorph their body parts into simple objects (i.e. edged and blunt
|
||
weapons), and can withstand temperatures from -40 degrees Celsius to
|
||
1225 degrees Celsius.
|
||
|
||
Combat: With a 20 Strength, T-800s are as strong as stone golems, and
|
||
they normally strike at targets with their fists, for 2-24 points of
|
||
damage. They are to use any weapon with proficiency. They also have
|
||
a +10 bonus to damage done by melee weapons due to their 20 strength
|
||
rating. They strike twice a round, once with each hand.
|
||
They have a +4 to Surprise, and are themselves never surprised,
|
||
and have a -1 initiative modifier (instead of +3 for medium creatures)
|
||
when striking with their fists due to their high strength and dexterity
|
||
(treat as 18).
|
||
T-800s have the tracking ability equal to a 19th level Ranger (2nd
|
||
ed.) or a 25th level (1st ed.).
|
||
T-800s have the ability to mimic any voice or sound perfectly
|
||
after hearing the original once, although they may have some trouble
|
||
with details such as vocal idiosyncracies.
|
||
They have infravision and ultravision with a range of 300 feet.
|
||
Because of their extremely powerful vision, hearing, and other
|
||
detection methods; magical illusions are also easily recognized as
|
||
such (+10 to saves vs. 5th level or better illusions).
|
||
They are programed to use any weapon with total proficiency. Due
|
||
to the technological nature of the T-800s, most spells have no
|
||
effect on them. All hold spells, charm spells, sleep spells, spells or
|
||
psionics that affect the mind in any way, will not work on them.
|
||
Normal fires and most magical fires will have no effect on T-800s
|
||
except to burn away their fleshy outer covering. Meteor Swarms or other
|
||
extremely hot fires similar to the breath weapons of Very Old or older
|
||
Dragons have a chance of melting the quite durable skeletal structure
|
||
of Terminators, which is made from material similar to titanium. This
|
||
material can only be damaged by weapons of +3 or greater enchantment.
|
||
Cold has no effect, and lightning of 30 or greater points of damage
|
||
renders them stunned for one round while they recover their senses.
|
||
The only spells that can effect them are those affecting normally
|
||
inanimate objects, like Teleport, Wall of Force, Telekinesis, etc..
|
||
Saving throws against these spells still apply, of course.
|
||
Although T-800s are able to repair themselves for 5 hit points of
|
||
damage each day (to the endoskeleton), they have discovered that the
|
||
spell Mend acts magically to heal some of this damage (1d12+2) for
|
||
them. The outer organic shell of Terminators is able to slowly repair
|
||
itself if not totally destroyed, at around 4% per day.
|
||
|
||
The T-1000 series Terminators are a technology breakthrough in
|
||
liquid metal, with the ability to change the shape of any part or of
|
||
the whole body in 30 seconds (5 segments), besides having the standard
|
||
abilities of their predecessor T-800s. They can alter their body's
|
||
density, and polymorph to any form that they have come into contact
|
||
with. They can polymorph their body parts into simple objects (i.e.
|
||
edged and blunt weapons), and can withstand temperatures from -40
|
||
degrees Celsius to 1225 degrees Celsius. They are also immune to
|
||
critical hits and surprise or attacks from behind.
|
||
The only restriction they have is they never use any objects like
|
||
weapons, armor, or magic items, preferring to use their natural
|
||
polymorphing ability to make everything they need from the substance of
|
||
their body.
|
||
Melee weapons do no damage to them. Low velocity projectiles do no
|
||
damage against them while high velocity projectiles do full damage.
|
||
Acid does double damage to them. Fire and cold attacks will do normal
|
||
damage if their temperatures fall outside the protective range of -40
|
||
to 1225 degrees Celsius, otherwise they don't take damage from them
|
||
either. Magical attacks do normal damage, unless one of the previous
|
||
mentioned defenses states otherwise.
|
||
The T-1000's best ability is regeneration. Half of damage they
|
||
take per round from any attacks that do a maximum 6 points of damage
|
||
are instantly healed. A fourth of damage they take per round from any
|
||
attacks that do a MINIMUM 7 points of damage are instantly healed.
|
||
|
||
If encountered in a magical world such as Greyhawk, or the
|
||
Realms, terminators are likely to have gathered a few magic items from
|
||
previous encounters. Items requiring actions to activate (ex.
|
||
wands, rods, staves, scrolls, etc.) cannot be used by T-800s. However,
|
||
they know the value of these items to others and can use this knowledge
|
||
to their advantage. Other magical items that are continuously active
|
||
such as +1 swords, rings of protection, etc. work for T-800s and they
|
||
will use them if the items will serve a good purpose.
|
||
The DM should make the decision on how a Terminator is armed, but
|
||
if he/she needs this information quickly then:
|
||
|
||
30% Ring of Protection
|
||
20% Ring of Regeneration (only for the human shell)
|
||
20% Other (random beneficial)
|
||
|
||
If armed (60%), the weapons are likely (90%) to be magical. Roll
|
||
for types on a d20:
|
||
|
||
01-05 +1
|
||
06-10 +2
|
||
11-16 +3
|
||
17-19 +4
|
||
20 +5
|
||
|
||
Habitat/Society: The original Terminator robots were built by Cyberdyne
|
||
Systems Inc. from the remains of a T-800 that had traveled back in
|
||
time, and been destroyed. Later, Terminators were built by a
|
||
technologically advanced society of machines as the ultimate killing
|
||
machines, weapons to use against those humans that resisting the rule
|
||
of the machine. Unfortunately for the rulers of this society, their use
|
||
of time travel to affect the past of the human's leaders, "warped"
|
||
themselves out of existence. The few terminators that were sent into
|
||
the past, and out on missions to explore the alternate universes,
|
||
escaped their creators' destruction.
|
||
|
||
Ecology: Terminators neither eat nor sleep. They are completely free
|
||
of emotions, never relenting from their path, following relentlessly
|
||
the mission that they were programed for until it is accomplished or
|
||
they are destroyed. When that path leads to you, you can run, but you
|
||
can't hide.
|
||
Their alignment actually reflects the programming that they were
|
||
given by their creators, but Terminators are generally considered
|
||
lawful in keeping with their programmable nature, and never straying
|
||
from their tasks.
|
||
Terminators will only converse or interact with other intelligent
|
||
life if it suits their purposes to do so, perhaps negotiating doing
|
||
something in exchange for something else.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
MAGIC-ITEMS
|
||
|
||
|
||
Leyden Jar
|
||
Manuals of the Terminators Volumes 1-1000
|
||
|
||
|
||
Leyden Jar - A nice technological weapon that is easy to make is a
|
||
Leyden jar charged full of static electricity. The character throws it
|
||
and it breaks (it's glass) on contact, doing 1d4+level damage to
|
||
everyone within 5 feet.
|
||
|
||
Manuals of the Terminators Volumes 1-1000 - These manuals are on small,
|
||
thin, metallic, discs, encoded in some way. A legend lore has a 50%
|
||
chance of revealing it to be a information device, but some greater
|
||
magic is perhaps needed to uncover the total mass of information. This
|
||
compilation is on the construction and animation of T-800 and T-1000
|
||
terminators. It contains all the information necessary to make them.
|
||
It will cost 100,000 gold pieces for the construction of a T-800
|
||
and 500,000 gold pieces for a T-1000. The cost is mostly the setting up
|
||
of the lab. Batteries not included. It will take roughly 1 year to
|
||
construct a terminator after all the materials are collected and the
|
||
manuals are read (which is very time consuming in itself). The work
|
||
must not be interrupted for more than 10 hours per day.
|
||
The constructor should have doctorate degree in Computer
|
||
Engineering. If no doctorate degree, cost is doubled and time is
|
||
quadrupled. The constructor should also have an intelligence of at
|
||
least 18. Anyone who with less than 18 intelligence will most likely
|
||
not know the manual for what it is, and even the geniuses would have a
|
||
no chance whatsoever to know at first glance.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
ALBUS ATER ANTE MAGICUS METALLUM
|
||
|
||
|
||
A portal to the Positive Material Plane and a portal to the
|
||
Negative Material Plane come in contact with one another on The Prime
|
||
Material Plane for an a minute instant. This confrontation causes a
|
||
massive explosion which will harm every living thing within 100 feet
|
||
(100 - 1d20 for every 10 feet away from the center of the explosion Hit
|
||
Points of Damage). Furthermore, anybody within 200 feet of the
|
||
explosion and not properly shielded will be permanently blinded by the
|
||
strange mixture of intense light and intense darkness.
|
||
The residue from this strange occurrence is a bizarre metal. The
|
||
sages and scholarly mages refer to this metal as Albus Ater Ante
|
||
Magicus Metallum. Common folk prefer the terms A.M. or Threatom. The
|
||
metal has only been found deep within the earth. The portal collisions
|
||
may take place elsewhere but all evidence (i.e. residue) so far shows
|
||
that it is limited to the earth (possibly some strange link to the
|
||
Elemental Plane of Earth, but there is no evidence of this). The amount
|
||
of the metal found is usually around one ton.
|
||
The metal is unique in that it is the only metal known to change
|
||
colors naturally (if it is accepted that the metal is created
|
||
naturally). At completely random intervals it will change from pure
|
||
white to pure black immediately. Note that each separate piece of the
|
||
metal will act independently on its color transformation.
|
||
The best (or worst) quality of the metal is its uncanny ability of
|
||
anti-magic; in essence it totally neutralizes and negates magic it
|
||
comes in contact with. First, it removes spells and spell-like effects
|
||
(including device effects, innate abilities, and mages' memorized
|
||
spells) from creatures or objects comes in direct contact with the
|
||
metal (i.e. not through clothing, armor, etc.). Second, it disrupts the
|
||
casting or use of these magical abilities if in direct contact with the
|
||
person attempting to use the abilities (i.e. mages' and clerics' spells
|
||
that are being cast would fail). Third, it destroys all magical items
|
||
that don't make a saving throw vs. disintegration for each round it is
|
||
in contact with the ability. When an item is destroyed, everybody
|
||
within a 50 feet radius must make a saving throw vs. paralyzation or
|
||
become blind for 1d6 turns. As anybody could see, this could be a very
|
||
dangerous substance indeed.
|
||
The metal can be forged into items by an extremely good blacksmith
|
||
or weaponsmith (must have a minimum of 2 slots in the proper non-weapon
|
||
proficiency). The metal's melting point is at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit,
|
||
but in other aspects it is very similar to iron. The time to forge
|
||
items from this metal is quadruple the amount for normal metals.
|
||
(DMs should be careful in introducing such a substance in his/her
|
||
campaign. Some players may take advantage of such an item and overlook
|
||
the dangers of using it.)
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
SUGGESTED READING
|
||
|
||
|
||
Modern Monsters - DRAGON #57, BEST OF DRAGON VOL. V - The legendary Ed
|
||
Greenwood takes a look at technology in AD&D.
|
||
|
||
The City Beyond The Gate - DRAGON #100 - An adventure set in modern day
|
||
London where characters experience current technology.
|
||
|
||
High-Tech Hijinks - DRAGON #114 - Advice on using technology in your
|
||
campaign.
|
||
|
||
The Voyage of the Princess Ark Part 23 Shootout at South Gulch - DRAGON
|
||
#176 - A story that is an excellent example of a western setting in a
|
||
D&D world, but without the intervention of technology.
|
||
|
||
Sturmgeshutz and Sorcery - BEST OF THE DRAGON VOL. 1 - Gary Gygax takes
|
||
a look at AD&D and WWII.
|
||
|
||
Expedition To The Barrier Peaks - AD&D Module S3 - An adventure that
|
||
incorporates hi-tech weaponry to make adventurers' lives miserable.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
SPECIAL THANKS
|
||
|
||
|
||
Marc Carlson (BITNET ADDRESS: IMC@VAX2.UTULSA.EDU) for his most
|
||
excellent contribution of the alien race and also for his excellent
|
||
revisions to the description of the predator race and the terminator
|
||
race. Also, he sent high points of his rules he uses for gun (and non-
|
||
gun combat), which were used to make the disruptors and other various
|
||
weapons. Finally, he sent a multitude of high-tech items that were used
|
||
in the guide.
|
||
|
||
Bryan J. Maloney (BITNET ADDRESS: JACOBUS@SONATA.CC.PURDUE.EDU) for his
|
||
great article "A Story of Fyre and Smoak: Notes towards acceptable
|
||
firearms for AD&D" which was located on the network.
|
||
|
||
Darkheart Soulreaver aka Steven R. Hamby (BITNET ADDRESS: ZA9ZA03@SYSA.
|
||
COMPUTING-SERVICES.MANCHESTER-POLY.AC.UK) for his artificier kit that
|
||
was transformed into the Technologist Rogue Kit. Also, an unknown
|
||
person made a technologist kit that was also used in developing the one
|
||
that is presented here and the Leyden Jar item with it.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|