TEXT: By Braden Campbell and Kevin Siembieda
  TM
  Thundercloud Galaxy
  Rifts® Dimension Book™ 14
  Palladium Books® Presents:
  
  1
  Warning!
  Violence, War, Magic & the Supernatural
  The fictional worlds of Rifts®, Phase World® and the Three Galaxies™ are violent, deadly and 
  filled with supernatural monsters. Other-dimensional beings often referred to as “demons” torment, stalk 
  and prey on humans. Other alien life forms, monsters, gods and demigods, as well as magic, insanity, and 
  war are all elements in this book.
  Some parents may find the violence, magic and supernatural elements of the game inappropriate for 
  young readers/players. We suggest parental discretion.
  Please note that none of us at Palladium Books® condone or encourage the occult, the practice of magic, 
  the use of drugs, or violence.
  An epic sourcebook for Rifts®, Phase World®,
  The Minion War™ and the entire Megaverse®
  
  2
  Dedication
  To Holly-Ann and Annachie, who put up with me while I took this long, dark journey.
  – Braden Campbell, 2011
  Dedication
  To the Palladium staff past and present, but most notably Alex, Wayne, Julius and Kathy, for helping me create and explore the many 
  worlds of Palladium Books. It has been a journey rife with adventure, challenges and danger, but also one filled with triumph, lasting 
  friendships and wonder. I tip my pith helmet to each and every one of you. May we continue to explore many new worlds and find joyful 
  adventure for years to come.
  – Kevin Siembieda, 2011
  The cover, by John Zeleznik, depicts a team of explorers in the Thundercloud Galaxy running into a little trouble with one of the 
  planet’s monstrous life forms.
  PDF Edition – October 2017
  First Printing – April, 2011
  No part of this publication may be scanned, OCRed, reproduced or distributed in any way for electronic publication on the web/
  internet or any other medium.
  Copyright 2011 Palladium Books Inc. & Kevin Siembieda
  All rights reserved, worldwide, under the Universal Copyright Convention. No part of this book may be reproduced in part or whole, 
  in any form or by any means, without permission from the publisher, except for brief quotes for use in reviews. All incidents, situations, 
  institutions, governments and people are fictional and any similarity, without satiric intent, of characters or persons living or dead, is 
  strictly coincidental.
  Rifts®, The Rifter®, Phase World®, Megaverse®, The Mechanoids®, The Mechanoid Invasion®, Splicers®, Coalition Wars®, 
  After the Bomb®, RECON®, Nightbane®, Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game®, and Palladium Books® are registered trademarks 
  owned and licensed by Palladium Books Inc. and Kevin Siembieda.
  Alien Intelligence, Alu, Archie Three, Bio-Wizard, Bio-Wizardry, Blood Magic, Body Fixer, ‘Bot, ‘Borg, ‘Burb, Brodkil, Bultungin, 
  Bushi Federation, Center, Chaos Earth, CheDive, Chrysteel, City Rat, Coalition States, CS, Combat Cyborg, Consortium of Civilized 
  Worlds, CCW, Corbin Decker, Cormal, Coming of the Rifts, Cosmic Forge, Cosmo-Knight, Couril, Crazy, Cyber-Doc, Cyber-Knight, 
  Demon Planet, Demon Star, Demonic Mortals, Denlech, Desslyth, Desslyth the Younger, Diabolist, Dominators, Dyval, E-Clip, Elder 
  Races, Exiles, Federation of Magic, Forge War, Free World Council, FWC, Gene-Tech, Glitter Boy, Great Cataclysm, Headhunter, 
  Juicer, Kasaro, Kingdom of Desslyth, Klynncryth, Kreeghor, Kujamoya, Killaryte, Ley Line Walker, Magic Zone, M-Rads, Mariman, 
  Mind Melter, Minion War, Minions of Splugorth, Mystic Knights, Naruni, Naruni Enterprises, NE, NEMA, New West, Northern Gun, 
  Phase Drive, Phase Technology, Phase World, Prometheans, Repo-Bot, Rifts Earth, Rompo, Shakdan, Shifter, Shing, Skelebot, Spacer, 
  Splynn Dimensional Market, Splugorth, Splugorth Slavers, Splynn, Splynncryth, Star Slayer Demon, Summoner, Techno-Wizard, Tren-
  sik, Trensik Mercenaries, Three Galaxies, Thundercloud Galaxy, Transgalactic Empire, TGE, True Atlantean, Tattooed Man, Tsong-
  kuba Undead Slayer, United Worlds of Warlock, UWW, Whetu, Zuwadza, Rifts® Game Master Guide, Rifts® Book of Magic, Rifts® 
  Atlantis, Xiticix, Mega-Damage, M.D.C., S.D.C., I.S.P., P.P.E., and other names, titles, initials, characters, character likenesses and 
  slogans are trademarks owned and licensed by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc.
  Palladium Online: www.palladiumbooks.com – Also visit us at Facebook.com/PalladiumBooks
  Rifts® Dimension Book™ 14: Thundercloud Galaxy™ is published by Palladium Books Inc., 39074 Webb Court, Westland, MI 
  48185-7606. Printed in the USA.
  
  3
  Palladium Books® Presents:
  Rifts® Dimension Book™ 14:
  Thundercloud Galaxy
  ™
  Written by: Braden Campbell and Kevin Siembieda
  Additional Ideas & Text: Matthew Clements, Carl Gleba, Alex Marciniszyn, Julius Rosenstein and Wayne 
  Smith.
  Editors: Alex Marciniszyn
   
    Wayne Smith
   
    Kevin Siembieda
   
    Matthew Clements
   
    Greg Diaczyk
  Proofreader: Julius Rosenstein
  Cover Painting: John Zeleznik
  Interior Art: Michael Mumah
  Additional Art: Brian and Allen Manning
  Maps: Wayne Smith and Braden Campbell
  Art Direction: Kevin Siembieda
  Typography and Layout: Wayne Smith
  Based on the RPG rules, text, characters, settings,
  concepts and Megaverse® created by Kevin Siembieda.
  Special Thanks to Braden Campbell for plumbing his imagination to give us our first look at an unexplored 
  portion of the Three Galaxies. To Mike Mumah who decided to illustrate the entire book (except for a few pieces) 
  and did an excellent job of it. To John Zeleznik for a cover that captures the perils of exploration. To Allen and 
  Brian Manning for doing some of the weapons on short notice. To Carmen, Carl, Alex, Julius, Wayne and Mat-
  thew for their contributions in breathing life into the Thundercloud Galaxy. And to my intrepid and heroic staff 
  without whom I’d be lost in a hostile Megaverse, Alex, Wayne, Julius, and Kathy. The adventure continues.
  – Kevin Siembieda, 2011
  
  4
  Contents
  The Thundercloud Galaxy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
  Rise of New Imperialism  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
  The Creation of the Company  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
  The Scramble .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 9
  Kreeghor Return and the Scramble Begins in Earnest  . . . . 10
  The Killaryte Rush .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 10
  The New Colonization Program  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 11
  The Scramble Today .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 12
  Major Players in the Thundercloud Galaxy .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 14
  Thundercloud Galaxy Map  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
  Thundercloud Galaxy Facts .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 16
  The Thundercloud Enigma  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
  A Galaxy Under Siege .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 17
  Catalyst for Adventure .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 18
  The Mystery of the Elder Races  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
  Relics from the Past  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
  Game Master Notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
  Template for Making an Elder Race  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
  The Dominators  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
  Dominator Foreign Relations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
  Dominator Tech .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 25
  Dominator Combat Items  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
  Gravity Wave Weapons  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
  Nova Plasma Accelerator Weapons  . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
  Molecular Blades  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
  Sensor Spoofers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
  Dominator Auto-Armor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
  Time Dilation Disc .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 31
  The Gene-Tech .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 31
  Gene-Tech Technology  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
  Gene-Tech Chemical Augmentation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 33
  Gene-Tech Devices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
  Gene-Tech Restoration Machine .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 35
  Bushi Federation .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 38
  Oni History .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 38
  Close Encounters .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 40
  Bushi Technology  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
  Bushi Home World & Notes .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 41
  Bushi Foreign Affairs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
  Denlech Settlers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
  A Tale of Individuality .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 43
  Discovery of Killaryte  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
  The Battle for Independence .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 46
  Denlech Acts of Terror .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 47
  Power of the Denlech  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
  Denlech Foreign Relations .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 48
  Denlech Settler O.C.C.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
  Special Abilities of Denlech Settlers .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 50
  Keeper of the Forbidden O.C.C.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
  Denlech Avenger O.C.C.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
  People of the Thundercloud .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 54
  Bultungin  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
  CheDive .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 57
  The Exiles .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 59
  Kasaro .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 63
  Kujamoya  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
  Mariman .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 68
  Rompo .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 70
  Shakdan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
  Shakdan Doctor/Interrogator O.C.C.  . . . . . . . . . . . 74
  Shing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
  Trensik  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
  Tsongkuba .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 81
  Whetu  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
  Zuwadza .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 84
  Monsters & Exotic Species  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
  Abada – Thundercloud Unicorn .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 87
  Abatwa – Faerie Folk  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
  Adze - Blood Beetle .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 91
  Batamzinga – Lizard Bat  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
  Lurduuk – Lightning Bird .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 96
  Nkoli – Thundercloud Crocodile  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
  Pyashche Probe  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
  Alien Menace or First Contact?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
  Umdhlebi Tree - a.k.a. Death Tree  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
  Yboor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
  Animated Corpse .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  106
  Monster Creation Guidelines  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
  Quick Roll Tables for Monster Creation  . . . . . . . . . . 107
  Alignment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
  The Eight Attributes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
  Size & S.D.C./M.D.C.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
  Horror Factor, P.P.E. & Attacks .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  109
  Natural Weapons and Special Attacks .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  110
  
  5
  Additional Evolutionary Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
  Characteristics Based on Environment  . . . . . . . . . 111
  Dietary Disposition  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
  Predator Hunting Abilities .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  112
  Predator Food Type  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
  Can I Eat the Animal or Monster? .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  112
  Exotic Weapons & Equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
  Throwing Irons .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  112
  Patchwork Armor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
  Denlech Long Rifle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
  Tranquilizer “Capture” Gun  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
  Trensik Rail Gun .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  114
  Desslyth Variable Blast Rifle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
  Accessories for CG Rifles  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
  Colony Riverboat  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
  Homesteader Colony Spacecraft  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
  Conestoga Colony Ship  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  116
  Colony Med-Bot  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
  Utility Robots  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
  Technology of the Exiles .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  118
  Exile “Heavy Hands” Power Armor .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  119
  Exile “Beetle” Fighter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
  Colony Creation Tables  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
  Sponsoring Organization .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  121
  Colony Size  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
  General Alignment .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  123
  Trade Policies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
  Environment Around a Colony Site  . . . . . . . . . . . 124
  Notable or Special Natural Resource  . . . . . . . . . . 126
  Initial Buildings/Facilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
  Medical Facility  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
  Primary Source of Energy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
  Primary Source of Transportation  . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
  Security/Fighting Force  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
  Outside Threats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
  Indigenous People on the Colony World  . . . . . . . . . . 133
  Size of Population  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
  Hostility Index  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
  Tech Level  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
  Origin of the People  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
  Sacred Technology .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  137
  101 Adventures Based on the Discovery of Ruins  . . . . . 139
  Cave of the Ancients .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  140
  Alien Visitors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
  Invaders from Another Time .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  142
  The Cage .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  143
  The CAThedral .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  144
  The Healing Cave  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
  Terraforming Apparatus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
  Ancient Dragon Lair .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  148
  Obelisk of Souls  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
  Sphere of Knowledge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
  Missing Colony Ship .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  151
  Gene-Tech Bounty Hunt .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  152
  Abandoned Mining Outpost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
  Spaceship Graveyard .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  154
  Protected Vault .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  155
  City of the Dead  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
  Castle Grim  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
  Wild Ride  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
  
  6
  
  7
  The Thundercloud Galaxy
  Clouds. Some would succumb to illness or disease and spend the 
  rest of their lives hooked to life support machines, or die in the 
  jungles on some unnamed planet. Others traveled throughout the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy and witnessed myriad conflicts and atroci-
  ties. Some would fight the darkness, other would succumb to it.
  Regardless of their ultimate fate, none of those men or women 
  would emerge from their experience in the Thundercloud un-
  scathed.
  In the beginning . . .
  In order to understand how the current situation got to where 
  it is today, one must first understand something of the history 
  leading up to it.
  Tens of thousands of years ago, long before the rise of Human-
  ity, or Wulfen, or Kreeghor, or Noro, the Three Galaxies were 
  peopled by the Elder Races. These species were so ancient and 
  powerful as to be aptly described as “deific.” Their magicks and 
  technologies were one and the same, and their cultures dated back 
  millions of years. Then, they began to fall, one by one, against the 
  onslaught of one of their fellow Elder Races. So terrible was their 
  campaign of genocide, that these Elders would become know as 
  the Dominators.
  Though few are aware of it today, the Dominators’ home 
  world was located near the center of the Thundercloud Galaxy. 
  It was destroyed 50,000 years ago by a collective of the Elder 
  Races who had banded together with Cosmo-Knights and other 
  heroes of the day, to stop the Dominators. The weapon they used 
  has since become a thing of legend, and has never been created 
  or used since. The legendary Black Hole Projector caused an im-
  plosion in real space with an area effect one hundred light-years 
  in diameter. It left a gigantic black hole, equal to 170,000 stellar 
  masses, in its wake. An aftershock from the Projector traveled 
  through the galaxy killing or mutating almost every life form it 
  washed over. Emergent species, some of whom were just begin-
  ning to colonize other planets and travel out into space, had their 
  evolution set back by eons. Bacteria and viruses changed by the 
  blast front caused plagues that obliterated the populations of en-
  tire worlds, and caused civilizations to crumble and descend into 
  anarchy. Other stars suffered from harmonic disruptions and be-
  came premature supernovae, detonating in vast clouds of plasma 
  gas and radioactive energy. Moving from its point of origin at 
  near the speed of light, the shock wave would take fifteen thou-
  sand years to traverse the entire Thundercloud before finally dis-
  sipating in the intergalactic void.
  For the next thirty-five thousand years, the galaxy churned and 
  tried to settle itself. Most intelligent life forms had been driven 
  back to the Stone Age. The only new threat to rear its head during 
  this time was the arrival of the Splugorth Lord, Desslyth the 
  Elder. Although Desslyth was far too old to retain direct con-
  trol of his kingdom, his High Lords began sending out minions 
  to raid and conquer the indigenous populations of many worlds. 
  With no one to stop them, the Splugorth slowly but surely over-
  ran planet after planet. The dawning of the Third Galactic Era 
  saw the Kingdom of Desslyth encompass around one third of the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy.
  Rise of New Imperialism
  “Civilization degrades the many to exalt the few.”
  – Amos Bronson Alcott (1799 - 1888)
  “All of these stars . . . these vast worlds that remain out of 
  reach. If I could, I would annex other planets.”
  – Cecil Rhodes (1853 - 1902)
  “It is an easy task to sum up the situation in the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy: It is, quite simply, an unmitigated disaster.”
  – TVIA Inspector Addison Sholl
  (9944 - present; 10,000 TE)
  “Unchecked hubris and greed always creates a memorable 
  spectacle worth savoring.”
  – Splugorth Lord Desslyth the Elder
  (Late Second Galactic Era to present)
  In the year 9998 of the Third Galactic Era, the Consortium of 
  Civilized Worlds elected a new Prime Minister. For the first time 
  in decades, this new leader was from a species other than juman. 
  Voirr Jhawn, a former Wulfen Quatoria, was elected to office 
  with forty-seven percent of the popular vote. Her conservative 
  platform was just what many in the Congress wanted. It included 
  such initiatives as tougher sentences for criminals, forcing the 
  T’Zee to adhere to the Civilization Compact and eventual re-
  unification of the Wulfen Republic under the CCW (Consortium 
  of Civilized Worlds). She stood for common sense and an end to 
  political corruption.
  Six months into her term, Prime Minister Jhawn ordered an 
  inquiry into the activities of both Naruni Enterprises and the 
  Thundercloud Development Company. The lone member of 
  this investigative committee was TVIA Inspector Addison Sholl. 
  Although only fifty-six years old (not even middle-aged for a hu-
  man), Sholl had a reputation for being a shrewd and honest ob-
  server driven by detail and minutiae. His ex-wife described him 
  as cold and incorruptible.
  In 9999, after touring the Consortium holdings in the Gaelra 
  Arm of the Thundercloud Galaxy, Inspector Sholl returned 
  to Terra Prime and sequestered himself in his office to write his 
  report. After three months, the one thousand page document de-
  tailing everything that he had seen and experienced was finished. 
  Then, before anyone else could read it, he purged the data files 
  from his computer, threw the printed report into a garbage pail and 
  burned it. The next day, instead of submitting his findings to the 
  Prime Minister, Inspector Sholl quit his job and moved to Center.
  Questions have run rampant ever since. Had the Company 
  bribed Inspector Sholl to keep quiet? What had he seen to cause 
  him to throw away his illustrious career? No one knew. Just as 
  no one in the Prime Minister’s office was sure of what was going 
  on in the Thundercloud Galaxy. Prime Minister Jhawn ordered 
  a second round of investigations. This time, hundreds of TVIA 
  Inspectors began the long journey to find some answers. Some 
  would never return, vanishing forever in the foreboding Crèche 
  
  8
  By the time any species in the Corkscrew Galaxy began to 
  study the heavens, all they saw in the Thundercloud was a hot, 
  volatile region filled with bright protostars and vast nebulae. It 
  whirled angrily around a central “vortex” while flashes of gamma 
  radiation lit up its hidden interior like parsec-wide bolts of light-
  ning. It looked frightening and uninviting. Thus, in terms of space 
  exploration and colonization efforts, the Thundercloud Galaxy 
  was avoided by the people of the Corkscrew Galaxy for a long 
  time. A few probes and long-range scouting missions charted out 
  tiny portions of the Thundercloud’s “Arms,” but the conditions in 
  the Crèche Clouds made accurate mapping impossible without 
  manned spacecraft armed with a battery of sensors.
  According to legend, the Wulfen Republic of old had made 
  some effort to the colonize worlds within the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy. Others also looked to the galaxy and made small attempts 
  to explore and colonize it. However, it was the Great War that 
  would changed everything.
  In 9314 TE, the Transgalactic Empire (TGE), together with 
  the Dark Tribe Wulfen, moved to conquer the remaining half 
  of the Wulfen Republic. It was not long before the war spread 
  throughout the entirety of the Three Galaxies. In response to 
  their helping the Republican Wulfen, the Transgalactic Empire 
  and its allies declared war on both the Noro and the Human Al-
  liance. As war raged and the TGE succeeded in crushing space 
  fleets and conquering worlds, smaller power blocs and indepen-
  dent worlds joined forces with the Noro and the Human Alliance. 
  This would result in the forming of the Consortium of Civilized 
  Worlds (CCW). The Kreeghor’s own early and ruthless con-
  quests would result in their undoing, as worlds flocked to join 
  the CCW for their own survival. As the CCW grew in size, it 
  also grew in power. Fearing conquest and enslavement by the 
  savage and warlike Transgalactic Empire, these member worlds 
  poured vast resources into building massive fleets of starships to 
  stop the Kreeghor. Humans, Noro, Wulfen, Minions of Splugorth 
  and many other people battled the invading Kreeghor in both the 
  Gaelra and Oswoe’s Arms of the Thundercloud Galaxy.
  In the end, the Kreeghor’s Imperial Fleet was decimated and 
  the Empire forced to make peace before it lost its many planetary 
  conquests and holdings.
  The final peace treaty included the ratification of the Tanet 
  Agreement to run concurrent with the Lanator Accords. This 
  meant that everything agreed to in the armistice also applied to 
  the exploration and settling of the Thundercloud Galaxy.
  ! The Trangalactic Empire (TGE) would immediately and un-
  conditionally surrender in Oswoe’s Arm, and a demilitarized 
  zone with a diameter of 3,500 light-yearss from SY-124-616-
  628 would be established.
  ! The TGE would relinquish any and all former Thundercloud 
  colonies to the Consortium, and could never again occupy said 
  colonies.
  ! The use of weapons of mass destruction would no longer be 
  used by either party within the atmosphere of a planet inhab-
  ited by intelligent life forms, and belonging to the opposite 
  party.
  ! Such inhabited planets would no longer be attacked from orbit 
  by starship-borne weapons.
  ! The Transgalactic Empire would accept full responsibility for 
  causing the Great War.
  ! The Empire would pay war reparations to the Consortium of 
  Civilized Worlds (CCW).
  The Tanet Agreement set forth certain rules and conditions 
  with regards to the colonization of the Thundercloud Galaxy by 
  major political powers from elsewhere in the Three Galaxies. 
  Though originally designed for the two super powers – CCW and 
  TGE – its rules were adopted by everyone.
  ! The Annach and Hollan Gulfs would be made free for ship traf-
  fic, and therefore unclaimable by any power or corporation.
  ! The principle was set down that any solar system or territory 
  of space in the Thundercloud Galaxy claimed by a power bloc 
  must contain colonies set up by that same power bloc.
  ! Claiming rights of ownership over any solar or planetary sys-
  tem in the Thundercloud Galaxy would require the power 
  making the claim to notify the other intergalactic powers.
  Note: Though heralded as a great achievement in the CCW, 
  the Agreement was forgotten by the TGE almost as soon as it 
  was signed. The Empire was more concerned with rebuilding its 
  armed forces in the Corkscrew and Anvil Galaxies so it might 
  one day have its revenge on the Consortium of Civilized Worlds.
  The Creation of the Company
  The Thundercloud Development Company
  In the aftermath of the Great War, many member races of the 
  Consortium of Civilized Worlds (CCW) swore that such a con-
  flict would never happen again. They concluded that the means 
  to a lasting peace lay in transforming all the thousands of planets 
  and independent civilizations in the Three Galaxies into Consor-
  tium member worlds. The logic was simple: When all societies 
  were molded into the likeness of CCW society, future disputes 
  could be resolved via diplomacy, not war. This line of thinking 
  marked the beginning of a new sociologic trend in the Consor-
  tium, that of an aggressive New Imperialism.
  A governmental branch called the Consortium Authority 
  was created specifically to oversee the task of bringing new fron-
  tier worlds into the CCW. Their mandate was simple: To explore 
  and colonize the remaining sectors of the Three Galaxies, and to 
  help newly discovered sentient beings and nascent civilizations 
  join the galactic community by becoming productive members of 
  the Consortium of Civilized Worlds.
  In order to perform this monumental task, the Consortium Au-
  thority shares command of the Discovery Corps with the Grand 
  Admirals of each Galactic Task Force (Corkscrew, Anvil and 
  Thundercloud). This lets the Authority direct starships and explo-
  ration teams to sectors of space that look promising for coloniza-
  tion and development. In the process, they have compiled the most 
  accurate star charts yet known. The Consortium Authority was also 
  given Congressional permission to create “Chartered Companies.”
  A CA Chartered Company is an association formed by 
  investors or shareholders for the purpose of trade, exploration 
  and colonization. The creation of such “companies” enabled the 
  Consortium Authority to use private resources, such as corporate 
  sponsorship, to help fund its work to explore and colonize the 
  Three Galaxies. As an “official” government sanctioned repre-
  sentative, each of these privately held, Chartered Companies had 
  the power to make binding treaties with alien Heads of State, es-
  tablish banking institutions and arrange lines of credit, manage 
  the buying and selling of land to CCW colonists and industry for 
  development, and establish its own “police force” to protect said 
  colonies and private interests (terraforming, mining, lumber op-
  erations, etc.). In return, the Chartered Companies agreed to de-
  
  9
  velop the territory they controlled, to respect indigenous people, 
  their customs and laws, to allow free trade within the territory(s) 
  held by the company, and to respect all religions.
  The first of these Chartered Companies was the Thundercloud 
  Development Company, founded when Folvel Tanet’s group of 
  trillionaires and scientists joined forces with Explorers Limited 
  Investments. Deals were struck with corporations like Naruni 
  Enterprises and Macrocode, a standardized training program for 
  potential colonists was established, agreements were made with 
  the Church of the Forge and exploratory missions were sent out 
  into the Arms to catalogue colony sites. The Thundercloud De-
  velopment Company had visions of the Thundercloud Galaxy 
  dominated by colonies and member worlds of the CCW, bringing 
  vast riches to the Consortium and establishing hundreds of shin-
  ing colony cities on hundreds of worlds.
  The first “Company World” was named Eden Three, set-
  tled in 9549 TE. At the funeral of Thundercloud Development 
  Company founder Folvel Tanet, a short time after the establish-
  ment of Eden, new CEO Kestrel Hobbs promised to carry on Ta-
  net’s dream to bring [the CCW’s vision of] civilization and unity 
  to the many worlds of the Thundercloud Galaxy. He pledged to 
  bring the civilizations of newly discovered alien cultures to the 
  CCW in a bid to bring “peace and harmony” to their galactic 
  neighbors and “to pierce the darkness which hangs over entire 
  peoples.” He went on to proclaim, “This is a crusade worthy of 
  our enlightened society. May the influence of the Consortium 
  someday stretch from one arm of the Thundercloud to the other.”
  The following year, a wave of colonists, twenty million strong, 
  left the Anvil and Corkscrew Galaxies to start new lives in Eden 
  and beyond. In the name of progress, harmony and enlightened 
  unity, they would lay claim to 50 new worlds in the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy.
  The Scramble had begun.
  The Scramble
  The official beginning of the Scramble started with the set-
  tling of fifty new planets in the Gaelra Arm of the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy by colonists of the Consortium of Civilized Worlds. Each 
  world colonized gained instant recognition as a member of the 
  CCW. The year was 9550 TE, and this was the Company’s ini-
  tial push to “open up the Thundercloud.” Their strategy was to 
  extend the reach and influence of the Consortium one world at 
  a time, so each of these new planets became filled with as many 
  as four million colonists apiece. Once they arrived, the Company 
  helped them build roadways and space ports, erect housing, and 
  
  10
  establish an infrastructure before moving on to the next world, 
  the next frontier. It is important to note that none of the original 
  fifty “Company Worlds” had any kind of intelligent life on them, 
  as to settle an already inhabited world would have been a gross 
  violation of the Civilization Compact. The colonization of the 
  Thundercloud started out with high ideals and earnest methodol-
  ogy. That would soon change with the reappearance of the TGE.
  The Kreeghor Return and
  the Scramble Begins in Earnest
  A few decades after the Great War, the Transgalactic Em-
  pire (TGE) had rebuilt enough of its Imperial Armada to begin 
  expanding by conquering other worlds with advanced civiliza-
  tions. After several failed attempts to conquer the Faustians, the 
  Kelathra, and the Hule – all of whom quickly joined the Consor-
  tium of Civilized Worlds (CCW) for protection by the Consortium 
  Armed Forces (CAF) – the TGE decided to change their tactics.
  In the Anvil Galaxy, the TGE began searching for the Cosmic 
  Forge.
  In the Corkscrew Galaxy, the TGE started to pick on alien 
  people whom they believed the CCW would be reluctant to ac-
  cept as members.
  In the Thundercloud Galaxy, the Kreeghor went to war against 
  the Splugorth. The Kreeghor themselves had been slaves of the 
  Splugorth who had, triumphed in their rebellion against their cru-
  el masters. Having only known ruthlessness, war and tyranny un-
  der Splugorthian domination, the Kreeghor built an Empire based 
  on similar harsh principles of terror, tyranny and brute force. For 
  a long time, the Kreeghor looked upon the Thundercloud Galaxy 
  – home to the Splugorth Kingdom of Desslyth, with superstition 
  and fear that stemmed from their own origin as Splugorth slave 
  stock. They were all too familiar with magic and places of evil, and 
  were wary of colonizing a galaxy inhabited by the Splugorth and 
  their minion races. As a result, the TGE chose to focus on coloni-
  zation efforts in the Anvil Galaxy, with only a few TGE outposts 
  established at the ends of the Thundercloud’s Arms. Colonization 
  quickly turned into world conquering, and with every world that 
  fell to the Kreeghor, the greater their desire to conquer more. The 
  savvy leaders of the Empire knew that if the Imperial Fleet at-
  tacked innocent people, the CCW would come down on them like 
  a ton of bricks, but if they attacked worlds held by the Splugorth, 
  a mutual enemy feared and distrusted by all, the Consortium was 
  likely to turn a blind eye to their campaign of conquest. No, not 
  conquest. A campaign of “liberation.” The Transgalactic Empire 
  would engage in a campaign to liberate worlds from the clutches 
  of the Splugorth, a cause nobody in the CCW could challenge 
  or condemn. It was a contrivance that worked better than any 
  Kreeghor had dared to imagine. Slave populations liberated by 
  the Kreeghor embraced the Transgalactic Empire. It seemed that 
  the TGE’s harsh totalitarian regime was much better than slavery 
  under the Splugorth. Thus, the Kreeghor found themselves in the 
  unfamiliar role of conquering heroes welcomed and accepted by 
  the people they had saved.
  Of course, the real motivation behind the TGE’s Campaign of 
  Liberation had nothing to do with helping people, and everything 
  to do with, a) revenge against the hated Splugorth, b) the acquisi-
  tion of power and planets via conquest, and c) competition with 
  the CCW. The Kreeghor felt they had to do something to gain 
  a foothold in the Thundercloud Galaxy before the Consortium 
  claimed it all for themselves. By the terms of the Lanator Ac-
  cords, the TGE had given up all claims to its previous colonial 
  worlds, so they turned to attacking the Splugorth held worlds, 
  a known enslaver of planets themselves, and a common enemy 
  of the CCW as well as independent worlds and the TGE. By at-
  tacking the Kingdom of Desslyth, the Empire stood to gain a 
  significant portion of the Thundercloud Galaxy without coming 
  into direct conflict with the CCW.
  Just as the Kreeghor had calculated, the Consortium per-
  ceived the Transgalactic Empire as the lesser of two evils, and 
  were happy to see them taking down the feared Splugorth. Due 
  to the nature of Splugorth planets, where the local enslaved in-
  habitants usually outnumber the Minions by one thousand to one 
  (or more), every time the Kreeghor drove Splugorth forces off 
  of these planets, they found themselves in control of significant 
  populations. Moreover, the infrastructure of these worlds, while 
  damaged, only needed to be repaired, not built up from nothing 
  as the Consortium was doing by colonizing unpopulated planets. 
  The Kreeghor would soon have more possessions and infrastruc-
  ture in the Thundercloud than the CCW, with many times the 
  manufacturing capabilities, raw resources and loyal population.
  This concerned Consortium leaders, who spoke of “blatant 
  Kreeghor land grabbing” and “an unprecedented military buildup 
  right in their own backyard.” For the safety of the CCW and its 
  many member worlds, the Thundercloud Development Com-
  pany was given the mandate to dramatically increase the number 
  of new colonies in order to keep pace with the TGE.
  The Company wasn’t yet able to start settling dozens of new 
  planets per year. It hadn’t the resources or, until then, the legal 
  authority to do so. Therefore, as a stopgap measure, it began a 
  program to locate independent colonies as well as indigenous 
  alien civilizations and bring them into the CCW. For the most 
  part, this plan was successful. Still, both the Company and the 
  Fleet Admirals knew that it was only a matter of time before 
  the TGE controlled a greater portion of the Thundercloud than 
  they did. The Kreeghor could simply conquer developed planets 
  faster than the CCW could colonize and buildup the planets from 
  scratch. From a position of power, the TGE was winning the race 
  to colonize the Thundercloud Galaxy.
  The Killaryte Rush
  The discovery of Killaryte only added to the madness in the 
  Thundercloud. The first discovery of Killaryte thrust Naruni En-
  terprises (NE) into the scramble to dominate the market for the 
  mineral. Killaryte was found to exist only in the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy, but a galaxy is an impossibly big place. Even a transga-
  lactic juggernaut like Naruni Enterprises doesn’t have the man-
  power to search a galaxy for every deposit.
  In a stroke of genius and timing, Naruni Enterprises decided 
  to increase its reach through the Consortium of Civilized Worlds’ 
  colonization program via the Thundercloud Development Com-
  pany. Naruni Enterprises approached the Company with an offer 
  it could not refuse: substantial annual contributions supporting 
  the Consortium’s efforts to colonize the Thundercloud Galaxy in 
  exchange for the exclusive mining and mineral rights to all Kill-
  aryte and related byproducts on Consortium member worlds and 
  colonies. This provided the Company with money to increase its 
  colonization efforts by two-fold, and seeing as how only the Na-
  
  11
  runi had developed a means of refining Killaryte so that it didn’t 
  explode with a mere whisper, it was a win-win situation.
  For nearly four centuries now, Naruni Enterprises has of-
  fered enormous cash incentives to anyone willing to go prospect-
  ing on unexplored alien worlds across the Thundercloud Galaxy. 
  This has encouraged millions of people from the Anvil and Cork-
  screw Galaxies to flock to the Thundercloud to find Killaryte and 
  make a fortune. As part of its agreement with the Consortium, 
  any world that is not already part of the CCW’s colonization pro-
  gram where Killaryte is discovered and the Naruni establish a 
  mining operation, the Naruni will sponsor a Consortium colony, 
  making it a member of the CCW. Naruni Enterprises has no de-
  sire to own the planet provided it can use any means to mine 
  the Killaryte. By starting a CCW colony and turning the world 
  over to the Consortium, the Naruni get Consortium protection by 
  default, and washes their hands of all other responsibility to that 
  world or its people, indigenous or colonists. NE is all about busi-
  ness, the Consortium can have all the rest, the good and the bad.
  Under this agreement, Company colonists and prospectors 
  who find Killaryte deposits are to immediately contact Naruni 
  Enterprises, who sends in a team of experts to quickly establish 
  Killaryte mining operations. Anyone who discovers the valuable 
  mineral is paid a fortune as a finder’s fee. If it is a lone prospector 
  or prospecting group, they get the money. If it is a member of a 
  Consortium colony, everyone in the colony gets part of the find-
  er’s fee (which can be a million credits or more per person!) If a 
  colony has to be relocated, Naruni Enterprise pays the Company 
  for its relocation, and each colonist is paid 250,000 credits for 
  their inconvenience. The colonists are obligated to comply, and 
  those who refuse to leave their homes are forcibly removed. Oth-
  er than this, however, there are no other restrictions or obligations 
  on the part of Naruni Enterprises, including the environmental 
  impact their mining might have on the colony or even the planet 
  itself. If there were already indigenous people living on a Killar-
  yte world, their rights mean nothing and resistance to the mining, 
  being relocated or being assimilated into the Consortium of Civi-
  lized Worlds is dealt with swiftly and often with brutal disregard 
  for their happiness and welfare. At the end of the day, as long as 
  Naruni Enterprises has what it wants, nothing else matters.
  When a Killaryte find is substantiated, Naruni Enterprises 
  sweeps in and takes over. Until that happens however, boom 
  planets can be as dangerous as the streets on the lowest levels 
  of Center. Beatings, theft, drunkenness and murder are common. 
  Prostitution, gun running, and illicit drugs also seem to be a fact 
  of life wherever prospectors gather. Sometimes, local people are 
  pressed into service, acting as little more than guides and pack 
  mules. Of course, NE protects its “assets” by any means neces-
  sary, and their means are considerable.
  The northwestern curve of the Gaelra Arm contains several 
  such worlds, and in recent years has become known as the Naruni 
  Main. Since the explosive Killaryte is so unstable and deadly in 
  its natural form, Naruni Enterprises refines it “on site.” Huge pro-
  cessing plants are built on the surface of Killaryte worlds, which 
  have an unfortunate tendency to belch out high volumes of ra-
  dioactive fog into the atmosphere; a side effect of the refining 
  process. Only when the explosive has been properly stabilized 
  is it loaded into transports and sent back to the Corkscrew and 
  Anvil Galaxies to be manufactured into saleable weapons. Pirates 
  have been drawn like flies to honey by both the refineries and the 
  cargo ships as they make the long haul out towards intergalactic 
  space. The stolen Killaryte is then sold through the black market. 
  In recent years, the Transgalactic Empire has started combing 
  the Thundercloud in search of the coveted crystals. The Empire 
  would love to find a way to refine the mineral for their own use.
  The New Colonization Program
  In 9602 TE, shortly after the discovery of Killaryte in the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy, Kestrel Hobbs, the head of the Compa-
  ny, died. His successor, Antonette Mason, took the opportunity 
  to enact a shift in Company policy, one that was endorsed by 
  the Consortium Authority and backed up by the Thundercloud 
  Fleet Admirals. The Company would establish a greater number 
  of much smaller colonies in an effort to “claim” more worlds for 
  the CCW. Moreover, it was decided by those select few people 
  in charge (the Company CEO, the Grand Admiral of the Thun-
  dercloud Task Force, and the heads of the Consortium Authority) 
  that the Civilization Compact, as it had been practiced, was insuf-
  ficient for the current political landscape.
  Instead of outright ignoring the Compact, which was unthink-
  able, it was “reinterpreted.” The Freedom from Conquest clause 
  had guaranteed that worlds inhabited by indigenous people would 
  be free from hostile takeover and off the table for colonization or 
  development by the CCW. This rule was created to allow these 
  civilizations to grow and develop on their own. When they be-
  came capable of space travel, only then would the CCW invite 
  them to become a member, engage in trade, etc. However, this 
  had limited the colonization of planets to those with no hint of in-
  telligent life – worlds that were uninhabited wildernesses of one 
  sort or another.
  Mason and many others argued that the Transgalactic Empire 
  (TGE) was absorbing former Splugorthian slave worlds with es-
  tablished civilizations and industry, and transforming them into 
  staunch TGE supporters. If the CCW did not try to influence the 
  cultural development of people on other planets within the Thun-
  dercloud, regardless of whether or not they were ready for alien 
  contact, then the TGE would become the greatest power in the 
  galaxy. Furthermore, what was going to stop the Kreeghor from, 
  eventually, conquering these indigenous people when they were 
  done with Splugorth worlds? Under Kreeghor domination, it was 
  argued, any Thundercloud species would be denied their Sec-
  ond Freedom as outlined in the Compact as well as their Fourth 
  Freedom, freedom from tyranny. Therefore, the Consortium had 
  a moral duty to protect the underdeveloped races of the Thun-
  dercloud by making first contact, giving them membership in the 
  CCW and developing them into advanced civilizations. So it was 
  decreed, the duty of the CCW to bring their culture and freedom 
  to those people who did not yet have the ability to claim it for 
  themselves. Better that everyone should be gently guided to the 
  thinking of the CCW than be forcibly transformed into TGE un-
  derlings. Or so the thinking went.
  With this “relaxed” understanding of the Compact, the Thun-
  dercloud Development Company and other Chartered Companies 
  gave the next wave of colonists permission to settle on planets 
  inhabited by indigenous people, civilized or not. Almost none of 
  these alien races had achieved a space-faring level of technology, 
  and many were little better than Stone Age primitives. All of this 
  would enable the Consortium to increase its planetary holdings 
  a hundredfold by claiming and placing entire planets under its 
  protection.
  
  12
  This only drove the Kreeghor to conquer more Splugorth star 
  systems. Which in turn, caused the Company to ratchet up its own 
  efforts and take even more shortcuts. A game of one-upmanship 
  between the CCW and TGE had begun that no one knew how to 
  stop. A game which continues to this day, centuries later. More-
  over, other galactic powers, independents and galactic corpora-
  tions, not wanting to be left out, have joined the Scramble.
  The Scramble Today
  Despite its altruistic intentions, the CCW’s plan to create a bet-
  ter, more peaceful and tolerant intergalactic community in the Three 
  Galaxies was born in hubris and doomed to failure from the begin-
  ning. How could it not fail? Imposing one’s own beliefs upon other 
  people is seldom the blueprint for lasting success, and it is certainly 
  not the “enlightened” approach for peace the CCW had envisioned 
  when it started this mess. Still they press forward, feebly trying to 
  impose the culture, ethics and sensibilities of the Consortium of 
  Civilized Worlds (CCW) on new worlds and alien civilizations.
  To make matters worse, the broad and vast power provided 
  to CCW Charter Companies to explore, colonize and develop 
  the many worlds of the Thundercloud Galaxy on the behalf of 
  the Consortium has only bred even greater hubris in a mad rush 
  to claim worlds and snatch up resources. This has created the 
  domino effect of getting other galactic powers to take notice of 
  the grab for planets, compelling them to make the same dash for 
  power and ownership of the Thundercloud Galaxy before the 
  CCW, TGE and others claim it all for themselves.
  As a point of reference, think of the gold rush and land grabs 
  of the American Old West, or even more apropos, the Colonial 
  Imperialism of England when “colonization” by Britain (as well 
  as France, Belgium, and Germany) laid claim to much of Africa 
  and India in the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries of Earth’s past. The 
  same is happening in the Thundercloud Galaxy. Suddenly, every-
  one sees the planets and people of the Thundercloud as resources 
  to be claimed and owned without concern for the people who might 
  already inhabit those worlds. The CCW has inadvertently sparked 
  one of the most widespread invasions the Three Galaxies have ever 
  seen, and it’s a race for power they aren’t even winning.
  Of course, no one speaks in terms of “invasion” or “owning” 
  the worlds and entire solar systems of the Thundercloud Galaxy 
  – that would be unethical and go against the sensibilities of the 
  Consortium. The CCW has never “invaded or conquered” any 
  civilization or world, and would be offended and outraged to hear 
  anyone suggest otherwise. Their “colonization” in the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy is completely legal and based on good intentions. 
  Ah, but as it is said, “The road to Hell is paved with good in-
  tentions.” Though the development of the vast and undeveloped 
  Thundercloud Galaxy is not supposed to be about money, con-
  quest, or power, that is exactly what it has become. Lofty ide-
  als about helping alien cultures and securing lasting peace and 
  harmony have given way to the Scramble. A mad dash to claim 
  worlds, resources and people, whether those people and worlds 
  want it or not. Unwilling to see their mistakes, and caught up in 
  the frenzy of the Scramble, the most epic planet-grab ever seen 
  remains cloaked in words of “colonization,” “lasting peace,” 
  “prosperity for all,” “unity” and “the advancement of all people.”
  Even the unexpected eruption of the Minion War, and the 
  threat of conquest by the invading Demons of Hades, has not 
  slowed down the race between the major power blocs of the Three 
  Galaxies to see who can conquer – or rather “colonize” – the ma-
  jority of the Thundercloud Galaxy. If anything, the power blocs 
  see the Hades Demons (and to a much lesser degree the Deevils 
  of Dyval) as new competitors in the “acquisition of planetary as-
  sets” as well as a common enemy to all. As a result, laying claim 
  to as much of the Thundercloud Galaxy as possible for its own 
  protection seems all the more imperative, and gives the galactic 
  powers more reason to build and dispatch fleets and armies to 
  protect their “interests” and/or “the people” of the galaxy; namely 
  their own colonies and investments.
  Military forces, dispatched to stand guard over a planet to 
  protect a colony or mining expedition, or other “asset” from de-
  monic invasion, are also used to intimidate, crush or obliterate 
  other threats to the colony, including any indigenous people who 
  dare challenge the rights of the colonists. Though it was never 
  intended, indigenous people are being forced out of their home-
  lands, tricked into selling land and planetary resources, and, in 
  some cases, are being wiped out or choked out by the colonists 
  or corporations engaged in any number of profitable business en-
  terprises. Likewise, many alien governments and civilizations are 
  being unfairly usurped and cheated by off-world “advisors” and 
  corporations offering to “develop and improve their lives.”
  The mad grab for planets, people and resources in the Thunder-
  cloud is aptly dubbed the Scramble, because it seems as if every 
  conceivable player is “scrambling” to get their piece of the gal-
  axy. The blatant planet-grabbing and self-interest practiced in the 
  Thundercloud, even by respected galactic governments and cor-
  porations, is unprecedented and appalling, but openly accepted by 
  all. Everyone is so consumed with the scramble for dominance and 
  control that nobody sees or recognizes what they are doing to the 
  galaxy, the indigenous people or their own intergalactic commu-
  nity. It is a crazy, anything goes, free-for-all creating total chaos. 
  Everything is moving so fast that nobody knows what’s happening 
  where, to whom, or who is responsible. It’s like the Wild West 
  where “might makes right” and the mighty take what they want 
  right now and worry about the consequences (if any) later.
  The people caught in the middle are not just the native 
  people of a particular planet, but the colonists as well. Idealistic 
  colonists and hardy pioneers are being promised a panacea of 
  hope and posterity. Most dream of making a better life, owning 
  land, starting a business or helping less advanced alien people. 
  Many sincerely want to make the Thundercloud Galaxy a better 
  place. All too often, however, that noble dream descends into a 
  nightmare and a struggle for survival against the elements, mon-
  sters, hostile indigenous people, pirates, raiders, claim jumpers 
  and ruthless corporations that see the loss of life as acceptable 
  or even a necessary evil. As more and more worlds are claimed, 
  resources to protect and defend the colonies are spread painfully 
  thin. In many cases, colonists are left to fend for themselves, and 
  some have become forgotten (the colony’s paperwork lost or im-
  properly filed, or mired in red tape while the colonists languish). 
  Most colonists are completely cut off from the outside world and 
  need regular delivery of food, medicine and supplies. Without 
  support from their sponsoring organization they are alone and 
  true strangers in a strange land. They are also vulnerable to a host 
  of dangers: the elements, the environment, wild animals, disease, 
  equipment failure, social breakdowns within their own communi-
  ties, as well as hostile indigenous people, space pirates, raiders, 
  bandits, and claim jumpers. Well equipped mercenaries and scum 
  
  13
  bags happy to slaughter the innocent to take what they want are a 
  constant threat. Some colonies are victimized by the very military 
  force sent to protect them, as the people with the weapons and 
  armor make the rules and take charge.
  Meanwhile, conglomerates and corrupt officials grow fantasti-
  cally rich exploiting underdeveloped alien civilizations and ideal-
  istic colonists. Military forces, police, hired mercenary companies 
  and corporate managers left without clear instructions or super-
  vision find themselves having to make life and death decisions. 
  Without contact or instruction from their bosses or governments, 
  they are left to do as they deem appropriate. Even well intentioned 
  peacekeeping forces without guidance, support or relief can find 
  themselves in over their heads, or fall to panic or corruption, or just 
  make bad decisions that cost lives. Mercenaries, criminals and op-
  portunists are likely to seize power for themselves, enslave or ter-
  rorize people, or become tyrants who force their will upon others. 
  The inexperience of these troops in hostile alien settings, cut off 
  from adept leadership and absence of supervision, has resulted in 
  thousands of desperate and horrific situations, bloodshed and loss 
  of life, even genocide. And things aren’t getting any better.
  Criminals and cutthroats see the chaos of the Scramble as an 
  opportunity for unfettered plundering and pillaging. On many 
  worlds and space lanes, they rob, kill and do as they please with 
  impunity. There are few laws in place in the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy and even fewer people to enforce them. Piracy, kidnaping 
  and ransoms, as well as raids on colonies and spacecraft are com-
  monplace. Some thugs go so far as to take over colonial settle-
  ments for themselves, where they rule with terror and an iron fist 
  like tin-plated gods. The mass confusion of the Scramble makes 
  the majority of the Thundercloud Galaxy a playground for crimi-
  nals, con artists and power-grabs of every sort imaginable.
  Colonists are not always the victims. All too often, colonists 
  become the ruthless and murderous invaders, who view indigenous 
  people as second class citizens or savages to be treated like dogs. 
  When the alien people cry out in protest, violent means are used to 
  quell insurrection. Land is taken by colonists and the native people 
  forced out of their homes, off their lands and forced to serve their 
  new masters. Technological superiority enables a small handful of 
  colonists to deal with and even slaughter hostile people on a mas-
  sive scale. The most insensitive or greedy colonists may enslave or 
  wipe out the very people they originally came to help. Everything 
  gets turned around when cut off from civilization and left to one’s 
  own devices. It is easy for colonists left to fend for themselves to 
  develop a “them and us” attitude toward indigenous people, es-
  pecially if they are very primitive, savage or monstrous. Once a 
  people is demonized, it is difficult to see them as anything more 
  than monsters or bloodthristy barbarians. Instead of cultivating 
  and helping the native population, it becomes a battle for survival 
  against two warring people. Everything becomes twisted.
  Of course, this is NOT true everywhere, and there are many 
  peaceful and successful colonies. But for every success story, the 
  Scramble has also destroyed the lives of untold millions and dis-
  rupted the natural progress of the galaxy. Traditional roles have 
  become twisted, with villains praised as liberators and enlight-
  ened peoples engaging in cutthroat tactics and reprehensible ac-
  tions. Escalating levels of lawlessness, greed and barbarism seem 
  to be everywhere regardless of whether it is a primitive culture, 
  a colony, or an advanced civilization. Chaos spreads as more 
  worlds are gobbled up. The introduction of demons and Deevils 
  to this volatile situation will only create more tragedy.
  Consider the following statistics:
  ! The Thundercloud Galaxy contains approximately 121 billion 
  stars.
  ! According to conservative estimates, if only one half of one 
  percent of those stars have planets, and only one tenth of one 
  percent of those planets have life, there are approximately 
  72,600 possible planets on which to start a colony without 
  relying on a centuries-long terraforming process.
  ! The Scramble began 450 years ago.
  ! Based on the estimate above, the CCW claims almost 20% of 
  the Thundercloud (that’s 14,500 worlds) and the TGE claims 
  dominion over nearly 33% of the Thundercloud (or 23,950 
  worlds), the Free World Council (FWC) holds 10% (7,260 
  worlds), less than three percent is claimed by the United 
  Worlds of Warlock (2,178 worlds), and less than one per-
  cent by independent and unaffiliated colonists. It should be 
  noted that the Splugorth Kingdom of Desslyth predates the 
  Scramble, and the majority of the TGE holdings are worlds 
  conquered and taken from them. The Splugorth’s holdings to-
  day amount to less than 9% of the galaxy.
  ! Based on the numbers above, roughly two-thirds of the Thun-
  dercloud has been claimed in the span of 450 years, the av-
  erage rate of colonization by the super powers is an unprec-
  edented 107 new planets a year! At this rate, it is conceivable 
  the Thundercloud Galaxy will be completely claimed by ex-
  ternal powers within the next two or three centuries. By the 
  year 10,250 TE, the Consortium, the Transgalactic Empire, 
  the Splugorth, and others, will have gobbled up an entire gal-
  axy! This also means that the Scramble is still in full swing. 
  There is still a lot of open space to claim, and thousands of 
  intelligent species to assimilate, enslave or murder.
  Note: This may be a conservative estimate, as some experts 
  contend there are 2-4 times more worlds viable for colonization. 
  However, as more power blocs join the rush to colonize and claim 
  portions of the Thundercloud for themselves, the entire galaxy 
  could still be claimed by outside powers within 800-1,000 years.
  Few people outside of the Thundercloud have any clear idea 
  of what is going on so far away. The acquisitions, colonization, 
  conquest, and grabbing of resources is happening at such a fre-
  netic pace that there is an ever-increasing breakdown in reliable 
  communications, legal procedure and chains of command. The 
  sprawling regions of the Thundercloud Galaxy are being gobbled 
  up so fast and recklessly, and the Scramble involves so many 
  people, that those in charge have lost control. Reports and claims 
  are lost or never filed. Supplies are mismanaged, stolen, or sent 
  to the wrong location. Military units and space fleets quite often 
  take matters into their own hands with little fear of reprisal or 
  consequence.
  People in the Corkscrew and Anvil Galaxies have become con-
  vinced they need their respective power bloc to have a colonial em-
  pire. However, there is already so much going on for them at home, 
  what with the Forge War/Minion War in the Anvil Galaxy and the 
  Intruder threat in the Corkscrew, that the odd report trickling in 
  about trouble and even atrocities taking place 20,000 light-years 
  away in the Thundercloud Galaxy slips by unnoticed or is ignored.
  It has been the lack of information coming out of the Thun-
  dercloud that finally caught the attention of a select few people. 
  On paper, the Company had become a kind of black hole into 
  which people, money, and materiel were being thrown, never to 
  
  14
  be seen again. Forensic accountants working in the office of the 
  newly elected Consortium Prime Minister reported their findings 
  to Voirr Jhawn.
  Regardless of what the super powers decide to do when and 
  if their agents’ findings ever become known, it is the indigenous 
  people of the Thundercloud who are suffering the most for the 
  entire experience. Forever changed by their contact with outsid-
  ers, their natural cultures disrupted and forcibly transformed, it is 
  they who have to struggle to find their own identity in whatever 
  way they can. There is no doubt that this will be a painful process, 
  with uncertain results for the future of the Three Galaxies.
  Major Players in the
  Thundercloud Galaxy
  Here then is the story of galactic empires drunk on their own 
  sense of worth. It is a story of corruption, idealism, and opportu-
  nity; a land turned upside down, where the villains wear the white 
  hats, and the heroes must work outside of the system in order to 
  change it. Welcome to the Thundercloud Galaxy!
  Bushi Federation. Being elitists and isolationists, the Bushi 
  Federation has not played a large role in the colonization of their 
  adopted galaxy. However, they are among the most advanced 
  civilizations in the Thundercloud when it comes to the areas of 
  science and technology. Their advanced weapons, armor, robots 
  and spacecraft are in high demand across the Three Galaxies. The 
  Bushi Federation is a member of the CCW, but they are reluc-
  tant partners who find all the CCW’s rules and bureaucracy to be 
  cumbersome and annoying.
  The Consortium of Civilized Worlds (CCW). The premiere 
  civilization in the Three Galaxies, the CCW is generally regarded 
  as a major force for justice, freedom, and equality. Its capital 
  world is Terra Prime, where the incredibly diverse Consortium 
  Congress presides over 231 different member races.
  In the Thundercloud Galaxy, the actual government of the Con-
  sortium is almost nonexistent, ruling as they do from the far distant 
  Corkscrew Galaxy. Control of the CCW’s Thundercloud colonies 
  and holdings is split between the Thundercloud Development 
  Company (aka “the Company,” a Chartered Company of the 
  Consortium Authority, which in turn is a subsidiary of the Prime 
  Minister’s Office), and the Consortium Armed Forces’ (CAF) 
  of the Thundercloud Task Force. There are a number of other 
  Chartered Companies, but their holdings are so small compared 
  to “the Company,” that they are relatively insignificant. As the ex-
  pansion of the CCW in this galaxy is being fueled by investment 
  capital from conglomerates like Naruni Enterprises, special inter-
  est groups and private citizens, it is far more open to corruption and 
  exploitation than the Anvil or Corkscrew Galaxies.
  The Consortium controls 20% of the Thundercloud Galaxy, 
  but this is largely because of its three substantial allies/members: 
  the Catyr Commonwealth, the Bushi Federation, and the Che-
  Dive Theocracy.
  Catyr Commonwealth. The Catyr are a very human-like race 
  with a high tolerance for radiation. They have been a space-faring 
  people for centuries, but did not discover FTL space travel until 
  recently, which is why most of their worlds are clustered in the 
  southeastern end of Oswoe’s Arm. Catyr make up a large portion 
  of CCW worlds in the Oswoe’s Arm and they are firm supporters 
  of the CCW and its ideals.
  Catyr explorers are paid well to chart space in the Thunder-
  cloud and find new prospective colony worlds. Catyr are immune 
  to the effects of M-Rad and many other types of radiation, so 
  when the Consortium begins a push into the forbidding Crèche 
  Clouds, it will be the Catyr who will lead the way. Likewise, 
  whenever a world is found with radiation levels that cannot sup-
  port human life, the Caytr are given first crack at colonizing it on 
  behalf of their Commonwealth and the CCW. Many Catyr take 
  great pains to respect the rights and customs of other peoples, 
  including primitive civilizations throughout the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy. This has put the Commonwealth in an awkward position 
  regarding the situation with the Denlech Settlers.
  Demon Fleets. The Minion War has caused the demons of Hades 
  to make a bid to conquer the Three Galaxies. In the Thundercloud, 
  demon forces ignore everybody’s rights, and use whatever planets, 
  resources and colonies they deem fit. For the moment, the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy is being used as a staging ground and place to gather 
  and make repairs before moving off to attack planets in the other two 
  galaxies. Most colonies are ignored unless they have something the 
  demons want. Both demons and Deevils seek magic artifacts and 
  the weaponry of the Elder Races who once called the Thundercloud 
  their home. As a result, they can be found digging through ancient 
  ruins and seizing items from the colonists who discovered them.
  The Denlech Settlers. The Denlech are not so much major 
  players in the Thundercloud Galaxy as a monkey wrench. They 
  are quickly becoming the poster child for what’s wrong with the 
  unchecked greed and imperialism of the Scramble. Whether their 
  plight makes a difference in how things are done in the galaxy, or 
  whether their story becomes one more tragedy in the new fron-
  tier, is yet to be determined.
  The Dominators. Though the reign of these advanced beings 
  ended 50,000 years ago, their legacy still has a hold and influence 
  over the galaxy. The relics, weapons and secrets of the super-
  science of the Dominators and other Elder Races can be found 
  scattered across the galaxy.
  The Prides of Shing. The Prides lie in the unexplored southeast-
  ern end of the Gaelra Arm, and are the domain of the felinoid Shing. 
  Apparently evolved from some kind of hunting cat, they have sharp 
  claws and powerful jaws. Contact between the other major powers 
  and the Shing has only taken place within the past few decades, with 
  dreadful consequences for all involved. The Shing are most noted for 
  two things: Their total lack of any unified government, and the fact 
  that they are, at present, the only Thundercloud-indigenous power 
  bloc to actually defeat an outside oppressor in combat.
  The Republikan Enklaves. Although native to the Anvil 
  Galaxy, the Golgan Republik decided that to become a first-rate 
  power bloc they too must establish a colonial foothold in the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy. Regrettably, not long after they did so, 
  the Enklaves went to war with their new neighbors, the Shing. 
  Meanwhile, back in the Anvil Galaxy, the Republic itself has be-
  gun to collapse. Support for its Thundercloud colonies, however, 
  has never wavered, and even as their homelands splinter and fall 
  into decay, the rulers of the Republik refuse to give up control of 
  the Enklaves. Thanks to the superior management skills of the 
  Golgans, this is one of strongest and most self-sufficient of all the 
  Thundercloud colonial holdings. The Golgans “claim” 4.5% of 
  the Thundercloud, though in reality, they have not even explored 
  most of that space, much less colonized it.
  The Splugorth Kingdom of Desslyth. Once the undisputed 
  master of the Thundercloud Galaxy, the Kingdom of Desslyth 
  
  15
  has fallen on hard times. According to rumors, its founder, Dess-
  lyth the Elder, is a Splugorth so ancient that he has to be hooked 
  up to an elaborate life support system. His “son,” Desslyth the 
  Younger, rules what’s left of the Kingdom of Desslyth as Regent.
  Over the past four hundred years, the Splugorth’s Kingdom 
  has been whittled away to a shadow of its former glory by the 
  TGE. Though they once spanned more than a third of the galaxy, 
  Splugorth holdings have been reduced to less than 9%. Though 
  Desslyth the Younger still deals in slaves and magic, as do all 
  Splugorth, he has enacted an insidious campaign of revenge by 
  engaging in a vigorous drug trade targeting the holdings stolen 
  from him by the TGE. His Bio-Wizards also sell their weird sym-
  biotes and advanced medical services to any who can afford them.
  Some question the veracity of the rumors concerning the ap-
  parent collapse of the Splugorth Empire in the Thundercloud, 
  speculating that the cunning Desslyth the Younger is engaged in 
  a diabolical plot not yet revealed. Others wonder if the Younger 
  may be setting the Kreeghor up for a fall.
  The Transgalactic Empire (TGE). The evil Kreeghor are 
  the masters of the TGE, aliens who are hell-bent to control the 
  whole of the Three Galaxies. Theirs is a huge and oppressive 
  government that rivals the Consortium in scope and power, but 
  ruled with an iron fist and military oppression. The TGE currently 
  holds the largest portion of the Thundercloud, estimated at 33%. 
  Their territorial gains have come largely at the expense of the 
  Splugorth. The Kreeghor were once a slave race of the Splugorth 
  who broke free of their ruthless masters. For the last four hun-
  dred years, the TGE has delighted in taking worlds away from the 
  Splugorth and adding them to the holdings of the Transgalactic 
  Empire.
  In a bizarre twist, the brutal Kreeghor are looked upon as he-
  roes and liberators by many of the former Splugorthian slaves 
  who now find themselves to be citizens of the TGE. It turns out 
  that compared to the Splugorth, the Kreeghor are very much the 
  lesser of two evils. The Empire is pleasantly surprised by this 
  reception, and is doing all it can to foster its new image as libera-
  tor and benevolent dictatorship. This includes supplying weapons 
  and combat training to the people they have liberated, so they can 
  take up arms against other enemies of the TGE such as the Con-
  sortium, which they claim wants to assimilate all people.
  
  16
  Thundercloud Galaxy Facts
  In astronomical terms, the Thundercloud is a barred spiral gal-
  axy; a central oval-shaped structure from which two long arms 
  branch off. It measures 30,000 light-years in length and 2,000 
  light-years in thickness, making it much smaller than our own 
  Milky Way, but twice as thick. According to the latest estimates, 
  it contains one hundred and twenty-one billion stars.
  Since the arms curve, each has a length of about 35,000 light-
  years, and averages four thousand light-years across. They are 
  generally filled with clusters of medium-type stars, and solitary 
  super-giant suns. However, the latter tend not to develop a stable 
  solar system of planets or intelligent life, because of the stars’ 
  short life spans of between one and fifty million years.
  The central bar structure is surrounded by a vast bulge called 
  the Crèche Clouds. Measuring over 10,000 light-years in diame-
  ter and 2,000 light-years in thickness, the interior of the Thunder-
  cloud possesses a volume nearly equal to that of the entire Anvil 
  Galaxy. The Crèche Clouds are a gigantic stellar nursery, filled 
  with dust lanes, young stars, nebulae, plasma storms, and expans-
  es. The region also has high levels of a bizarre ambient radiation 
  found nowhere else in the Three Galaxies. This energy has given 
  rise to all manner of mutated and highly resistant strains of virus-
  es and bacteria, and travelers to worlds within the Crèche Clouds 
  must be very careful to avoid contracting an incurable disease.
  The Thundercloud Enigma
  The center of the Thundercloud is referred to as the Vortex: 
  a vast storm with a calm center. This outside observation is mis-
  leading, as this region of inactivity is actually a super-massive 
  black hole.
  The Arms of the Thundercloud. For many thousands of 
  years, the interior of the Thundercloud Galaxy seemed so un-
  inviting, explorers and colonists from the Anvil and Corkscrew 
  galaxies avoided it. Instead, they went to the periphery of the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy, the two spiral arms. Each of the arms is 
  named after a famous astronomer: a Catyr named Riard Oswoe 
  and a Noro known as Pah Gaelra. Each Arm contains at least 40 
  billion stars. Today, it is said that almost all of Oswoe’s Arm 
  and one-third of the Gaelra Arm are considered to have been 
  mapped and “tamed.”
  Of the 726 intelligent species that call the arms of the Thun-
  dercloud Galaxy their home, most are sorely underdeveloped. As 
  a result of their weakened state, many of the indigenous people 
  have been absorbed into or destroyed by one of the power blocs 
  currently colonizing the Thundercloud Galaxy. At this time, the 
  focus of colonization remains in the regions known as the Arms, 
  but there are an increasing number of exploratory ventures deeper 
  into the galaxy.
  Compared to its sister galaxies, the Thundercloud seems out of 
  sync and underpopulated. All of the Three Galaxies are approxi-
  mately the same age. If anything, the Thundercloud is the oldest 
  of the three, and yet it appears to be underdeveloped on some lev-
  els and overdeveloped in others. In the latter case, there appears 
  to be many more worlds suitable for human/humanoid habitation 
  than there should be. Planets with breathable atmospheres and 
  ample vegetation and wildlife are statistically higher than what 
  should be expected.
  On the other hand, there seems to be many fewer distinct, dif-
  ferent species of people. Mathematical projections would suggest 
  there should be 200-300 intelligent races of sentient beings in the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy, but so far, only a few dozen, including hu-
  mans, have been found. One would imagine many of these people 
  would have advanced civilizations. If not space-faring, at least 
  Industrial Age, but again, many are primitive people with very 
  young civilizations and low-tech or stagnant technology. While 
  a handful have managed space exploration (the Shing and the 
  Caytr, for example), most are on par with Earth’s Ancient Egypt 
  or Roman Empire, a few are at Medieval or Renaissance levels, 
  while about half seem to be tribal hunters and gatherers. This is 
  perplexing in and of itself, but even stranger is the fact that many 
  of these beings are found on several planets. If their civilizations 
  have not mastered space travel, how could they have colonized 
  multiple planets? And in some cases it’s planets in both arms of 
  the Thundercloud Galaxy thousands of light-years apart. There 
  are several possibilities and one or all of them may apply to the 
  various sentient people of the Thundercloud.
  One answer is that they once had an advanced civilization, mas-
  tered space travel and went forth to seed other planets. Then some-
  thing happened that caused their civilization to collapse. Thus, these 
  much less advanced people on various planets are the descendants 
  of ancient space colonists. But if that were true, shouldn’t some of 
  the colonies have maintained the advanced science and technology? 
  They wouldn’t all devolve. If each and every colony, worlds apart, 
  has devolved into a low-tech civilization, it suggests there must have 
  been a galaxy-wide catastrophe that affected them all. Otherwise, 
  some of the colony planets would be much more advanced than oth-
  ers. Furthermore, as a space-faring people, you’d think the advanced 
  colony worlds would have gone back to rescue and help the people 
  on their home world, yet nothing of the sort is evident. If this were the 
  case with one or even two different alien races, it might be dismissed 
  as a weird fluke, but there are a dozen or more such cases where a 
  particular sentient species incapable of space travel is encountered 
  on numerous different planets. In almost every case, the people have 
  no historical record of a collapse of their own civilization and most 
  are unaware their people inhabit more than one planet. This suggests 
  something more is at work in the Thundercloud.
  The next obvious answer is these beings were once slaves or 
  subjects of the Dominators, or one of the other forgotten Elder 
  Races. While this is true of a few, it does not seem to be the case 
  for the majority.
  Some of these odd beings are undoubtedly the product of ge-
  netic experimentation by the Gene-Tech. These enigmatic be-
  ings are well known to play with and experiment on animals and 
  “lesser beings,” including humans. Gene-Tech are also known 
  to visit the Thundercloud Galaxy with such frequency that it is 
  
  17
  one of the few places you can go in search of one and have a real 
  chance for success. This has led some people to wonder if the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy is a giant experiment or sort of laboratory 
  where Gene-Tech dabble with the genetic manipulation of plants, 
  animals and people for their own enjoyment. This is certainly the 
  case for some species, but the entire Thundercloud being a Gene-
  Tech experiment seems unlikely.
  A Galaxy Under Siege
  Many scientists and historians suspect the Thundercloud has 
  suffered a number of galaxy-wide disasters. Each cataclysmic 
  event decimating the earlier life forms and civilizations, which has 
  severely set back and stunted the development of intelligent life 
  forms in the Thundercloud Galaxy, at least compared to the rest of 
  the Three Galaxies. Others dismiss this argument, claiming there 
  is no clear evidence of multiple disasters, and the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy is simply developing at a different pace than the rest of 
  the Three Galaxies. While that argument may seem sound, there 
  is concrete evidence of at least one famous galaxy-wide disaster 
  known to have had a profound and debilitating effect on the Thun-
  dercloud Galaxy. It involved the Dominators, giants with godlike 
  power and super-advanced technology. For reasons never quite 
  understood by anyone then or today, the Dominators relished in 
  destroying civilized people, annihilating some completely and dev-
  astating others to force them back into the Stone Age.
  The Dominators were such a dangerous force to be reckoned 
  with that other people and powers of that age joined forces to 
  destroy them, and in the process laid waste to a portion of the 
  galaxy. 50,000 years ago, a Black Hole Projector was unleashed 
  at the center of the Thundercloud Galaxy, where the Domina-
  tors lived. So terrible were these monsters that destroying a 100 
  light-year radius of the Thundercloud Galaxy was deemed an ac-
  ceptable loss of life. The devastating attack was mostly a success, 
  wiping out the Dominator civilization and destroying all but a 
  few hundred Dominators. Regrettably, some had been away from 
  the epicenter of the Black Hole Projector detonation and escaped. 
  So did bits and pieces of their technology, a few secret Dominator 
  bases and a small number of their spacecraft. Though the names 
  of the species are lost to posterity, scores of alien civilizations en-
  slaved by the Dominators were destroyed with them. This alone 
  is a terrible loss, but there’s more.
  When the Black Hole Projector detonated, it unleashed a 
  shock wave of magic radiation, known as M-Rads, that swept 
  across the entire galaxy. The M-Rads touched every single plan-
  et and every life form in the galaxy. The radiation killed entire 
  species, caused sickness and pandemics, altered ecosystems and 
  weather patterns, and caused all manner of mutation and destruc-
  tion. Civilizations collapsed. People unable to adapt to rapidly 
  changing environments, or mutant pathogens, perished. Others 
  survived – barely – and staggered back into a primitive state of 
  existence. Some mutated into something different and new. In-
  deed, the Thundercloud Galaxy is filled with some of the strang-
  est monsters, animals and sentient beings in the Three Galaxies, 
  presumably the product of mutation caused by the M-Rads. The 
  galaxy is also littered with the ancient bones of crashed starships 
  of Dominators and unknown Elder Races, as well as the ruins 
  of forgotten civilizations, and relics of the Dominators and other 
  
  18
  Elder Races. This means there are bits and pieces of ancient, ad-
  vanced weapons and technology waiting to be discovered on who 
  knows how many unexplored worlds.
  As more and more planets in the Thundercloud Galaxy are colo-
  nized, fossil records reveal the bones and artifacts of alien people 
  and lost civilizations that collapsed 160,000 to 40,000 years ago. 
  Most were victims of the Dominators or the shock wave from the 
  Black Hole Projector. Some perished immediately, others survived 
  for thousands of years before vanishing, devolving into primitives 
  or being wiped out by mutants. A small percentage of ancient rel-
  ics date back even farther, all of which supports the theory that two 
  or more galactic-wide environmental disasters have taken place 
  within the Thundercloud Galaxy, destroying budding civilizations 
  and delaying cultural development of the indigenous people. The 
  incident with the Dominators and the Black Hole Projector is sim-
  ply the most recent cataclysm to sweep the galaxy and happens to 
  be the one known by the current civilizations of the Three Galax-
  ies. Yet even the specifics of this cataclysmic event, and how many 
  civilizations were destroyed or transformed, are unknown.
  Some historians and scientists operating on the fringe of science 
  have speculated there is a powerful (Supernatural? Evil? Magical?) 
  force at work in the Thundercloud that attracts people to it like 
  moths to a flame. Some think it is the Cosmic Forge. Others point 
  to the many galactic ley lines and nexus points within the Thunder-
  cloud. Others reject the notion and point to pure coincidence, while 
  others speak of cosmic curses. However, the premise that people 
  are inexplicably drawn to the Thundercloud Galaxy, where they 
  seem to meet with tragedy, is difficult to entirely dismiss.
  Consider the following:
  It is undeniable that the Dominators made the Thundercloud 
  their home, as did a great many super-advanced and godlike be-
  ings collectively known as the “Elder Races.” The last of the 
  Dominators still make the Thundercloud Galaxy their home, and 
  there are persistent rumors that the last survivors of other Elder 
  Races also hide upon unexplored planets in the galaxy.
  The enigmatic Gene-Tech are also attracted to the galaxy, 
  where they have engaged in countless experiments upon the peo-
  ple, fauna and flora of the galaxy for eons.
  Why is it the Exiles cannot tear themselves away from the gal-
  axy either?
  What attracted the Splugorth to colonize part of the galaxy 
  after the cataclysm of the Black Hole Projector, but ages before 
  anyone else?
  Why is it that Killaryte is found exclusively in the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy?
  It is said Cosmo-Knights come to the Thundercloud to medi-
  tate, and it is here they establish secret bases, sanctuaries and 
  training facilities hidden on planets and moons.
  A few thousand years ago, the Goddess Ameratsu brought the 
  Oni to the Thundercloud Galaxy. Only 1,000 years ago, upon her 
  sudden departure, she put into place the means to advance the 
  Bushi civilization and bid them to go forth into the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy and colonize more worlds.
  Eight hundred years ago, the Denlech chose to start a new life 
  in the Thundercloud, when they could have more easily sought 
  out habitable planets in the sprawling Corkscrew Galaxy where 
  they originated.
  Around the same time, the people of the Human Alliance/
  CCW began to eye the Thundercloud for exploration and colo-
  nization. When they started to do so, the Transgalactic Empire 
  (TGE) chose to do likewise.
  There is no denying the ongoing and escalating Scramble is 
  only the latest madness to possess people to flock to the Thunder-
  cloud and inhabit the planets nestled within its arms.
  Now, with the advent of the Minion War, the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy attracts demons and Deevils with their own agenda for 
  conquest and terror.
  Could there really be something about the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy, or something within it, that attracts people and ca-
  lamity? If so, what could it be? Is someone responsible for it, or 
  is it a natural, recurring phenomenon?
  To those who believe it is the Cosmic Forge, it seems unlikely 
  that the Forge would deliberately cause such chaos, but perhaps 
  the Forge is so powerful that its presence alone draws intelligent 
  beings to it. Or perhaps the Forge is flawed more deeply than 
  anyone realizes. Perhaps that is why it hides itself. Perhaps, just 
  as it had once unleashed its power to destroy, rather than create, 
  its presence has a dark influence on the galaxy that contains it. 
  Then again, isn’t the Scramble, despite the chaos and rampant 
  injustice, a vehicle for growth and creation? Colonists are flood-
  ing the galaxy to populate and transform the galaxy. Isn’t that an 
  act of creation? Isn’t the act of creation often violent, chaotic and 
  destructive – especially when humans are involved?
  Among the more superstitious lot, there are those who have 
  wondered if the Thundercloud Galaxy might be cursed by an 
  angry, ancient god. That might explain why the Thundercloud 
  seems so inviting and attractive. Why so many worlds appear to 
  be a paradise and it lures so many people into its arms. Yet, like a 
  poisonous lover, the love affair always seems to result in tragedy. 
  Isn’t that the very definition of a curse?
  Odds are the answers to these questions will never be found. But 
  does it really matter? People are flocking to the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy for a variety of personal, professional and idealistic reasons. It is 
  enough that they come. What unfolds because of it is yet to be seen.
  Catalyst for Adventure
  The Thundercloud Galaxy is a catalyst for adventure like no 
  other. It is an entire galaxy of adventure, exploration and mys-
  tery. It is an environment that contains a countless number of 
  wild and untamed worlds screaming for adventure. The aliens, 
  monsters and people described in this Dimension Book are just 
  the tip of the iceberg. There are entire worlds calling your char-
  acter’s names. There are lives to be saved, people to be rescued, 
  others to be set free, pirates and raiders to be stopped, tyrants to 
  be taken down, Kreeghor to deal with, Splugorth plots to foil, 
  supplies and medicine to be delivered, demons to be destroyed, 
  secret demon (and Deevil) operations to undermine, Cosmo-
  Knights and Heroes of the Megaverse to help and fight alongside 
  of, planets to discover, mysteries to unravel, and ancient ruins to 
  explore. The possibilities go on and on.
  It is time to cut your imaginations loose. The Thundercloud 
  setting allows your characters to engage in just about any space 
  opera/science fiction story imaginable.
  The colonists need help. Help against raiders and pirates, 
  mercs and monsters, the Kreeghor or Splugorth, demons or Dee-
  vils, or madmen or indigenous people out for blood. Remember, 
  even colonists who have come against indigenous people are not 
  necessarily bad guys, and even overzealous and brutal colonists 
  
  19
  won’t see themselves as bad guys or evil invaders. Many may 
  sincerely believe they are helping these aliens or primitive peo-
  ple and don’t understand why those people have turned against 
  them and try to kill them. For the colonists who come to settle the 
  Thundercloud, this is the galactic frontier. Their home worlds, 
  leaders, and societies are far behind them. Most times, the only 
  law is what you choose to make, and people, human and Kreeg-
  hor alike, are left to the mercies of their own inhibitions.
  Bold adventurers and heroes wanted. Adventure and opportu-
  nity abound for those willing to take the risk. True heroes are not only 
  wanted but needed. Men and women who know right from wrong, 
  and are willing to take a stand and fight to protect the innocent and 
  deal out justice, are in short demand and needed everywhere.
  Occupations of every stripe are in demand: adventurers, lawmen, 
  gunfighters, soldiers, Cosmo-Knights, explorers, pilots, smugglers, 
  doctors, and all the rest. For the right group of heroes, adventurers or 
  cutthroats, there is a fortune to be had and history to be made.
  Players, rise to the challenge.
  Game Masters, cut loose.
  This is your chance to explore alien worlds, discover ancient 
  alien artifacts and magic, as well as fight demons, Deevils, the 
  Minions of Splugorth, Dominators, and rogue Cosmo-Knights, 
  crush tyranny and engage in a wide range of adventure scenarios. 
  Anything goes. Seize the opportunity.
  Of course, off the beaten path of the Thundercloud Galaxy, 
  your heroes are likely to engage in life and death struggles, con-
  spiracies and adventures that the “civilized world” will never 
  hear about, or would never believe if they did. Ah, but isn’t that 
  part of the charm for real heroes in a frontier waiting to be tamed?
  Some Film References
  If you want to get a good feel for this setting, here are a few 
  movies to watch, especially the first three: The Man Who Would 
  Be King, Zulu (personally, I recommend the original movie in-
  troducing actor Michael Caine, but any version does the trick – 
  Kevin Siembieda), The Mission, James Cameron’s Avatar, and 
  Apocalypto. The last is not so much about colonization and cul-
  ture clash, as getting a sense of a beautiful but hostile wilderness 
  environment and fighting for one’s survival and the survival of 
  your family. Books about Rourke’s Drift, British Imperialism in 
  Africa and India, and Colonial Africa provide excellent reference 
  too, and were a big part of the initial inspiration for this book.
  The Mystery of
  the Elder Races
  Stories about the Elder Races are told throughout the Three Gal-
  axies. Though the stuff of legends today, they are known to have 
  really existed. It is said they possessed super-science and/or mystic 
  knowledge so far beyond anything known by current civilizations 
  that the Elder Races bordered on the deific. Sadly, they met an ig-
  noble end at the hands of one of their own, the Dominators.
  Reacting to what turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy, 
  the Dominators engaged in a systematic campaign of genocide to 
  annihilate their fellow Elder beings. When an Elder Race civili-
  zation fell or their world was wiped of life, the Dominators would 
  continue to hunt down and murder individuals who got away.
  The only way to stop the Dominators was for Elders who sur-
  vived the Dominators’ galactic genocide to join forces with Cosmo-
  Knights and other people of the day in one last, grand war campaign. 
  When they finally managed to force most of the Dominators to the 
  center of the Thundercloud Galaxy, the Elders and Cosmo-Knights 
  set off a device known as a Black Hole Projector. The weapon de-
  stroyed the Dominators, their home world and everything else within 
  100 light-years of the cataclysmic epicenter. It was an act of despera-
  tion and fear that wiped out everyone in the radius of destruction, 
  including innocent people who never knew what hit them, as well 
  as many of the few remaining Elder Races, along with entire star 
  systems. A wave of radiation swept the rest of the galaxy, causing 
  additional death and mayhem upon other Thundercloud civiliza-
  tions. Today, the black hole found at the center of the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy is an eternal monument marking the end of the Elder Races.
  Or is it?
  A few hundred Dominators are known to have survived the 
  devastation of the Black Hole Projector, and they were reputed to 
  have made their home in the Thundercloud Galaxy. If some Dom-
  inators survived, isn’t it likely other members of the Elder Races 
  also survived? After all, they were said to possess powers equal 
  to the gods of myth. Many were immortal, others lived hundreds 
  of thousands of years, and it is said they could travel to other 
  dimensions and warp space and time. Certainly, some individual 
  members of the Elder Races must have escaped the cataclysm or 
  were away when the destruction was unleashed.
  The insane Dominators claim this is not the case. That they had 
  destroyed them all before they themselves were struck down by 
  the Black Hole Projector. Yet, if the legends and certain historical 
  texts are believed, several surviving members to the Elder Races 
  participated in the final battle that drove the Dominators to the cen-
  ter of the Thundercloud Galaxy where they were destroyed by the 
  Projector. The device, itself, was the creation of the Elder Races 
  fighting to stop the terror of the Dominators, and while it is said 
  the Elder Races sacrificed much to put an end to the Dominators’ 
  insanity, there is no definitive statement that all were annihilated. 
  In fact, there is mention of Elders in legends and rumors long after 
  the incident. As a result, many people believe that members of the 
  Elder Races still walk the Three Galaxies and beyond.
  One problem in verifying the continued existence of the Elders 
  is there is no accurate way to identify them. There are no known 
  photographs or art known to have survived that depict the Elder 
  Races. According to what few records exist, and a multitude of 
  legends and stories with questionable accuracy, we know most 
  Elders were humanoid giants standing 15-30 feet (4.6 to 9.1 m) 
  tall. It is said most were beautiful with human-like features, though 
  some had multiple limbs or wings, and some looked less than hu-
  man. Today, however, except for the Dominators, and perhaps the 
  Prometheans and Gene-Tech (both suspected of being surviving 
  members of the Elder Races, though neither is talking), nobody 
  knows what they looked like. To complicate matters, the insane 
  Dominators continue to hunt and destroy the few surviving Elders 
  wherever they find them, reducing their numbers further.
  Relics from the Past
  Some members of the Elder Races must have survived. Some 
  may have abandoned the Three Galaxies never to returned, but 
  it seems likely others would have remained or return from time 
  to time. Considering the Thundercloud Galaxy was their home 
  
  20
  – and supposedly, their birthplace – the galaxy holds a special 
  place in their hearts. If the Elder should want to remain unseen, 
  it is an easy task. The Thundercloud Galaxy is filled with unin-
  habited and unexplored worlds where Elder survivors could find 
  solitude and remain hidden from the eyes of modern civilizations 
  for as long as they might desire. While some scholars and scien-
  tists insist such speculation is nonsense, and there have been no 
  verifiable encounters with members of the Elder Races for tens 
  of thousands of years (other than the Dominators), others point 
  to a mountain of anecdotal evidence to refute them. For instance, 
  many believe that the goddess of the Bushi Federation, Ameratsu, 
  and Serket, goddess of the CheDive, among others, were very 
  likely to have been one of the Elder Races. There is no ques-
  tion these two beings truly existed, and at least Ameratsu walked 
  among “mortals” as recently as a thousand years ago. Both are 
  reported to be dedicated to protecting their “chosen people” and 
  populating the Thundercloud Galaxy with them.
  It is an accepted fact the civilizations of the Elder Races were 
  so advanced in the areas of science, technology and magic, that 
  the line between magic and science had been extinguished. Elder 
  Races were said to work miracles and used their technology and 
  magic to explore other galaxies and alien dimensions. It seems 
  reasonable then, to think the Elder Races could have colonized 
  countless planets in and away from the Thundercloud Galaxy. As 
  colonists swarm to the Thundercloud, the discovery of ruins and 
  artifacts confirms the existence of numerous ancient, space-faring 
  people. In most cases, the artifacts are fossilized tools, weapons 
  and strange machines, or machine parts discovered by farmers, 
  miners and explorers. Such discoveries have been made on at 
  least a hundred different CCW colony planets alone, and in three 
  instances, an entire ancient city has been unearthed. Weird space 
  junk that dates back eons also confirms the existence of many 
  unknown, ancient space-faring people. Not all are as ancient as 
  the Elder Races, but some are. These ruins also support the theory 
  that there have been a number of galaxy-wide cataclysms that 
  may have destroyed modern civilizations and set back techno-
  logical advancement in the Thundercloud.
  Relics that date back to the Elder Races are worth a fortune 
  as historical artifacts. Unfortunately, they are not just sitting out 
  in the open. Most are buried beneath many millennia of earth 
  and debris. A multitude of artifacts, crashed spacecraft, ancient 
  colonies, secret outposts, and city ruins rest in silence, buried un-
  der ages of dirt, waiting to be discovered by a new generation of 
  people. Some are the secret lairs, abandoned bases and hidden 
  weapon caches of the Dominators, but others are relics of other 
  civilizations and people long forgotten.
  The Elder Races are all presumed to have been giants (which 
  was not always the case), so every time a giant humanoid skeleton is 
  dug up, people are quick to assume it is the remains of a Dominator 
  or one of the other Elder Races. The remains of three giants have 
  been recently reconstructed by CCW scientists. Two of the remains 
  are believed to be previously unknown species of the Elder Races, 
  while the third is the skeleton of a Dominator. The latter and one of 
  the other skeletons date back 170,000 years, but the other unknown 
  skeleton is only 7,000 years old, fueling speculation that the Elder 
  Races still live. Actually, every discovery of a mystery device, an-
  cient computer or ruin of an alien culture sets off new debates about 
  the fate of the Elder Races and the loss of their technology.
  The living past. In the last 800 years, there have been many 
  encounters with relics from the past that continue to function de-
  spite their great age. Functioning bases, outposts, alien spacecraft, 
  and the occasional robot or mystery device are discovered more 
  often than one might expect. Often referred to as “living artifacts,” 
  many of these devices are artifacts of the Dominators, but others 
  that are just as ancient, or older, are not. Many of the ancient ruins 
  and relics use advanced technologies different from those of the 
  Dominators, and can only be the creations of the Elders or another, 
  unknown sentient species that once thrived in the Thundercloud.
  It is an adventurer’s dream to stumble upon ancient alien tech-
  nology worth millions of credits. However, that dream can turn 
  into a nightmare in the blink of an eye, should the relic or the 
  ruins around it come to life. Some living artifacts are protected 
  by automated defense systems, robot defenders, and/or a self-
  destruct mechanism to prevent their secrets from falling into the 
  wrong hands. Considering that the technology of the Elder Races 
  is so advanced, once a defense system or destruct countdown has 
  begun, it is almost always impossible to stop it. The technology 
  is so unlike anything known that even psychics with the abilities 
  of Object Read and powers of Tele-Mechanics cannot understand 
  enough to shut down the machine, call off an attack, or stop a self-
  destruct sequence once it has engaged. Explorers who stumble 
  across such incomprehensible Elder machines or magical devices 
  must exercise extreme caution or risk unleashing forces (magi-
  cal or technological) they do not understand, cannot control, and 
  which could inflict serious damage upon those around them.
  Only 705 years ago, a military fleet from the Human Alliance 
  found an alien base built into an asteroid in Oswoe’s Arm of the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy. It was a functioning base manned by more 
  than 9,000 humanoid robots. Still stinging from the Automaton War, 
  the troops overreacted and laid waste to them. Midway through the 
  battle, the asteroid base was obliterated by a series of devastating 
  explosions. It was later determined the explosions were the result of 
  a self-destruct system that left only scrap to be salvaged and stud-
  ied. Twelve years later, a few bits of machinery recovered from the 
  incident were matched to ancient artifacts dating back 63,000 years 
  that belonged to one of the Elder Races. One can only wonder about 
  what secrets and knowledge might have been rediscovered if the 
  soldiers had not responded in such a paranoid and hostile manner.
  There have been similar reports of encounters with alien ro-
  bots, strange probes, alien bases and derelict spacecraft suddenly 
  coming to life. Such encounters tell how the device tried to chase 
  away or kill “intruders” and either self-destructed at some point 
  in the conflict, Rifted out to an unknown location, or otherwise 
  vanished. Alien “ghost ships” and “living relics” of the Elders are 
  the stuff of legend that Spacers, pirates and adventurers dream 
  about. Finding a functioning, unknown alien spacecraft, cache 
  of weapons or miracle device excites the imagination, but “close 
  encounters” are even more riveting.
  There have been thousands of reports from Spacers, colonists 
  and adventurers, as well as CAF and TGE combat personnel, that 
  report of encounters with unidentified spacecraft and strange satel-
  lites able to outrun conventional starships or vanish out of sight as if 
  by magic. Though such “encounters” are often written off as halluci-
  nations, hysteria, space delirium, lies and hoaxes, there are hundreds 
  of reports of visitations by strange and exotic (sometimes menacing) 
  god-like beings who appear out of nowhere. Could they be Elders?
  There are stacks of reports telling of godlike beings and angels 
  bringing technology and science to nascent civilizations, or who 
  protected them from disaster. Other reports tell of mysterious be-
  ings rescuing space travelers, repairing disabled spacecraft, per-
  
  21
  forming miraculous medical procedures, and other benevolent 
  feats that have saved lives. Some people claim to have been con-
  tacted by an Elder Race and given advice or guidance, or taken on 
  a sightseeing trip in a different part of the galaxy, or given a tour 
  of the beings’ spacecraft. Still others report inspirational visions 
  and warnings they claim were sent to them by the Elders. In some 
  cases, the Elder is said to return over a period of weeks, months 
  or years before vanishing once and for all. Such deific beings may 
  visit one person, a few people, or thousands. It is interesting to 
  note that of 631 incidents of Dominator attacks, 217 make men-
  tion of a benevolent giant or angel appearing to warn people of 
  the impending attack or help them flee or fight. Usually, only one 
  such deity makes an appearance, but 26% of the stories speak of 
  two, 8% of three, and 2.5% of six to a dozen.
  As further evidence of encounters with the Elder Races, 
  there are incidents in which a colonist, pirate, adventurer or space 
  traveler appears on the scene with a strange alien weapon, suit of 
  power armor, bionic limb, device, or small space vehicle that is be-
  yond current levels of technology and is of unknown origin. Some-
  times the item is magical in nature, rather than technology-based. 
  In two-thirds of the cases, the item is something the individual, or 
  someone he traded with, found in the middle of nowhere – in a cave 
  or mine, at an ancient ruin, or something a farmer dug up in his 
  field. Eighty-eight percent of the time, the location of the discovery 
  can not be relocated. In the rare event that it can, excavating the 
  site often produces 1D6 additional working items of the same or 
  similar type, along with additional ancient artifacts and/or ruins of 
  a spaceship, a colony or even a city that dates back 50,000-600,000 
  years. The remaining third of the time, the individual claims the 
  alien artifact was given to him by a benevolent giant alien, angel or 
  god. Other times, the claim is that an ordinary stranger stopped to 
  lend a hand and gave him the item. Only 25% of these “gifts” are 
  ancient. The rest are brand new! Of course, the mysterious bene-
  factor is long gone by the time anyone can launch an investigation. 
  No evidence (or questionable evidence) left behind to verify the 
  story. Note: Similar encounters, discoveries and mysteries happen 
  in the Corkscrew and Anvil Galaxies, but they are much less com-
  mon than the vast number of incidents in the Thundercloud.
  As the home of the Elder Races, it makes sense that colony cit-
  ies, bases, equipment and survivors can still be found within the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy. But recent “live” encounters with mystery 
  men and benevolent gods go well beyond the realm of ancient ru-
  ins. It suggests Elder Races and other ancient people live in or visit 
  the Thundercloud on a regular basis. If they still live in the Thun-
  dercloud, why do they hide and where do they live? Supporters of 
  such supposition point to the Creche Clouds as one of the yet un-
  explored regions of the galaxy and an ideal place for gods seeking 
  seclusion to live or hide. Others note there are thousands of habit-
  able planets yet to be explored and many times more uninhabitable 
  planets that have been ignored because they are unsuitable for hu-
  man habitation. Worlds uninhabitable by people may be the perfect 
  place for a “god” who can adapt to or transform his environment. 
  Still others have suggested the survivors of the Elder Races or their 
  descendants might live in other galaxies or other dimensions and 
  come to visit via a portal at one of the galaxy’s many space ley line 
  nexus points. Or perhaps they come to watch the next generation of 
  life scrambling to populate their home galaxy.
  Another popular question is, why didn’t the Elder Races colo-
  nize the Corkscrew or Anvil Galaxies, especially if they existed 
  for hundreds of thousands of years? For some the answer is, they 
  did. Just not in the way you might expect. There are indications 
  that the long-lived, Elder Races stopped or severely slowed their 
  own procreation. However, it is known they, like the Dominators 
  and Gene-Tech, played with the DNA of other species. Thus, it is 
  possible the Elders “colonized” worlds by causing sentient life to 
  bloom from the indigenous animal life. That could mean humans, 
  Noro, Wulfen, Kreeghor, Catyr, Whetu and countless other species 
  of intelligent beings are, in effect, the children of the Elder Races. 
  Certainly, most civilizations (as in 98.7%) have creation myths 
  with ancient gods credited for creating the world and the people 
  in it, and/or for bringing civilization and knowledge to the people. 
  Do the god myths common to almost all cultures refer to the Elder 
  Races? Perhaps, in some cases, the answer is a resounding yes.
  All of this begs the question: What is it about the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy that seems to attract people to it – even those with 
  the powers and technology of a god? Is it natural? Is it a curse? 
  And where does tragedy strike next? The Thundercloud seems to 
  have a long history of tragedy, mystery and galaxy-wide extinc-
  tions, giving some reason to believe the galaxy may be cursed.
  Game Master Notes
  The nature of the Thundercloud Galaxy makes it rich with his-
  tory, galactic catastrophes, mass extinctions, myths and mysteries. 
  The Elder Races makes the perfect X-Factor, monkey wrench or red 
  herring to throw at your player group. Unknown godlike beings can 
  be used to cause mischief and trouble, help player characters and 
  colonies, send characters on quests, drag or manipulate them into 
  conflicts, provide them with weird weapons or magic, and on and on.
  In the alternative, you could have false gods (really a Domina-
  tor trap, or Greater Demon or Deevil trying to manipulate mor-
  tals), god hoaxes, searches for the Cosmic Forge, and searches 
  for and battles over strange magic artifacts (something demons 
  and infernals have both been scouring the Megaverse to get hold 
  of for themselves). Elders may be responsible for dimensional 
  anomalies, portals and visits to strange dimensions or the realm 
  of a god, and their still working ancient technology could include 
  the discovery of doomsday machines, miracle machines, weird 
  experiments, cosmic zoos, research facilities, groups of robots or 
  an A.I. still active and engaged in whatever its last mission was. 
  Not to mention one-of-a-kind spacecraft, or weapons, or armor, 
  or equipment for the player characters.
  Unleash your imaginations and have a blast.
  Evil Elders. Myths about ancient deities are filled with gods of 
  mischief and wickedness. Most cultures have gods that represent the 
  virtues and vices of men. There are gods of mischief, war, famine, 
  plague and countless other dangers and vices, so it would make sense 
  for deific villains to exist among the otherwise virtuous Elder Races. 
  Remember, the Elder Races are supposed to have grown from mortal 
  origins like humans, so even these enlightened and powerful beings 
  and their descendants share our range of emotions and penchant for 
  bad decision making based on feelings and personal bias. In short, 
  they are good and bad just like us. While the majority are believed to 
  have taken the high road and are creators, healers and idealists, there 
  will be those who are cruel, evil and malevolent.
  The point is, the Thundercloud Galaxy setting is epic in scope 
  and malleable by design. It allows a Game Master to draw upon a 
  history that goes back a million years and derive inspiration from 
  literally thousands of planets. The Elder Races, the Dominators, 
  the Gene-Tech and the many new aliens and monsters introduced 
  
  22
  in this book are all presented to help you weave a tapestry of 
  mystery, secrets and adventure. As always, the range of adven-
  ture is limited only by your own imagination. Give it wing in the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy.
  Template for
  Making an Elder Race
  NPC Elder Race. NOT available as a player character. 
  Game Masters, if you introduce one or more surviving members 
  of the Elder Races into your campaign, do so with great care. 
  The player group probably should not have their own personal 
  deity (though I have seen it work at least once), and he or she 
  should not intervene on their behalf on a frequent basis. How-
  ever, having a deific life form make an appearance as an NPC 
  (Non-Player Character) can create some dramatic moments. The 
  Elder can be used to provide the player group with quests and 
  missions, plots against Dominators, plots against other evildo-
  ers, rescue missions, and humanitarian efforts to protect innocent 
  people, especially the indigenous races of the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy. In short, use an Elder Race as a foil to create adventures for 
  the player group.
  Remember, while god-like beings, the surviving Elder Races 
  are the last of their kind spread across the Megaverse. Like the 
  Dominators, only a few hundred of a few of the Elder Races sur-
  vived. In some cases, there are fewer than a dozen, in a few other 
  cases there may be as many as a thousand. However, the weight 
  and power of their lost civilizations and full range of their tech-
  nology or magic are no longer available to them. Still, they are 
  incredibly powerful and intelligent compared to mere mortals.
  Also known by many other names. The power and essence of the 
  Elder Races are such that they may be known on many worlds, 
  by many names as different deific manifestations.
  Alignment: Remember, during the millions of years the Elder 
  Races dominated the Thundercloud Galaxy and explored the 
  whole of the Three Galaxies and beyond, there was unprec-
  edented peace. Enlightened and kind, most Elder Races are 
  predominantly good alignments: Principled (30%), Scrupu-
  lous (40%), Unprincipled (10%), Anarchist (10%), Aberrant 
  (5%), Miscreant (3%) and Diabolic (2%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 4D6+12, M.E. 3D6+12, M.A. 3D6+14, P.S. 
  3D6+12 (Robotic), P.P. 3D6+6, P.E. 3D6+10, P.B. 3D6+12, 
  Spd 3D6+10 (x10 for flying Spd for those that possess the 
  ability of flight).
  Size: 2D4+6 feet (2.4 to 4.3 m) tall.
  Weight: 100 pounds (45 kg) per foot of height.
  M.D.C.: 5D6x100 (In S.D.C. environments the deific being has 
  Hit Points equal to half his M.D.C. and the rest are S.D.C. 
  points; Natural A.R. of 1D6+6.)
  Awe/Horror Factor: 1D6+8
  P.P.E.: Varies. Tech-oriented Elder Races have 2D6x10 P.P.E. 
  plus P.E. attribute number (use this formula for Dominators as 
  well). Elders who meld magic with tech or use both tech and 
  magic have 2D4x100 P.P.E., and those who rely heavily or 
  entirely on magic have 1D4x1,000 P.P.E.
  I.S.P.: Applies only if the character has psionic abilities: M.E. 
  attribute number x50.
  Disposition: Most are peaceful and good, but are so removed 
  from humanity and mortality that they have difficulty relating 
  to humans and other mortals. Thus, some may be kind and car-
  ing, while others seem aloof and superior. Most carry them-
  selves with an air of royalty or privilege, and are arrogant and 
  condescending toward mortals, treating adults and heroes like 
  ignorant and mischievous children. The worst act as if people 
  are playing pieces in a larger game or talk about people as if 
  they were not in the room. Anarchist and evil members of the 
  Elder Races are always self-obsessed or elitist and see mortals 
  as playthings and pets, or wild animals and curiosities. Most 
  good Elders have high regard for the sanctity of life.
  Average Life Span: Unknown, but presumed to be immortal or 
  extremely long lived. Roll on the following table:
  01-20% 1D6x10,000 years.
  21-40% 4D6x10,000 years.
  41-60% 2D6x100,000 years.
  61-80% 5D6x100,000 years.
  81-00% Immortal.
  Experience Level: Average 2D4+8.
  Natural Abilities: Mega-Damage bodies and can survive in the 
  vacuum of space, underwater or in toxic environments for one 
  hour per P.E. attribute point. Impervious to most diseases that 
  affect mortals, resistant to poison, cold and heat (one quarter 
  the damage, penalties and duration), and Bio-Regenerate 3D6 
  M.D.C. per melee round.
  Special Physical Abilities:
  01-10% Not a carbon based life form. This could be a dif-
  ferent life form – an energy being, a living mist, living stone 
  – or a moving statue, robot or android in which the Elder has 
  transferred his life essence. The life essence could even be 
  placed inside a machine, suit of armor, a helmet, medallion, 
  or vehicle. Communication with mortals is done via Telepa-
  thy (up tp 500 miles/800 km range), as well as dreams, radio 
  transmissions and other means of advanced communication. 
  The Elder is impervious to disease and radiation, can see the 
  invisible, can survive in the vacuum of space, increase M.D.C. 
  by 30% and has Supernatural P.S.
  11-25% Elder Power of Flight. Spd attribute x10, can hov-
  er, float and walk in the air, glide on air currents/wind, has no 
  limit to altitude and can escape the gravity of any planet to go 
  into space. 75% of those with the power of flight have wings 
  or wings that can appear and disappear at will; any type of 
  wing is possible but angelic, feathered wings seem to be the 
  most common, while 25% fly without wings. Increase speed 
  along ley lines and other dimensional anomalies by 100 times, 
  is not affected by gravity, gravity wells or black holes, can 
  survive in a vacuum, doesn’t need air to breathe, +6 to save vs 
  impact, +1 on initiative and +3 on Perception Rolls.
  26-40% 1D4 additional limbs. One = Tail. Two = An ex-
  tra pair of arms (+1 attack per melee, +2 to strike and parry). 
  Three = An extra pair of arms (+1 attack per melee, +2 to 
  strike and parry) plus a tail or other appendage. Four = Two 
  pairs of extra arms or four tentacles (+2 attack per melee, +3 
  to strike, parry and entangle), or one extra pair of arms and an 
  extra pair of legs (increase speed 30%), or one extra pair of 
  arms or legs and a pair of other appendages such as wings, two 
  tails, etc.; Supernatural P.S. and P.E.
  41-45% Magic. Knows all spell invocations, except illu-
  sions and dimensional travel magic.
  
  23
  46-50% Magic. Knows all Elemental spells/controls the 
  elements (may substitute with six elemental-based super abili-
  ties).
  51-55% Magic. Knows all Temporal Magic spells, Ley 
  Line Spells and Space Magic.
  56-60% Magic. Techno-Wizardry.
  61-65% Psionics. All Healing and Physical Super Psionics.
  66-70% Psionics. All Physical and machine based Super 
  Psionics.
  71-75% Psionics. All Sensitive and mind based Super 
  Psionics.
  76-80% All psionic abilities, including all Super Psionics.
  81-85% Shape changer and create avatars. Can transform 
  into any humanoid form from one foot (0.3 m) to 30 feet (9.1 
  m) tall. Can also create as many as three lesser versions of 
  himself. The splintered life essences are known as avatars. An 
  avatar has only 20% of the original’s M.D.C., P.P.E., experi-
  ence, skills and abilities, and each avatar reduces the original 
  by 20% for a long as it is separated from him. The original 
  knows everything the avatar(s) experiences as if the memories 
  and knowledge were his own. If an avatar is destroyed, all its 
  M.D.C. and abilities return to the original. The Elder can dis-
  continue and reabsorb an avatar at will, regardless of distance 
  or location. Thus, as many as four different versions of this 
  Elder can exist at the same time in other places. The powers 
  and abilities of the original Elder are not reduced below 40% 
  of his full capacity, and he can restore himself to full power by 
  reabsorbing the avatars.
  86-90% Dimensional Travel. Tech-based Teleportation 
  (self), Teleportation En Masse (lots of other people), and 
  Dimensional Teleportation, as well as the means to travel in 
  a special suit of armor, or a globe or other vehicle, through 
  Rifts, nexus points and wormholes to other dimensions. May 
  be able to perform the equivalent of some or all Temporal 
  Magic spells via technology. Knows other dimensions, includ-
  ing the Astral Plane, Hades and Dyval.
  91-00% Superhuman. Possesses the equivalent of 1D6+4 
  Major Super Abilities, such as Intangibility, Teleport, Fly, Al-
  ter Physical Structure, Gravity Control, and so on. Only they 
  are not super abilities at all, but super-science and technology 
  that is the equivalent of magic or super powers.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand Combat: Basic. Most 
  Elder Races were peaceful and not warriors or fighters.
  Bonuses: +4 on Perception Rolls, +1 on initiative, +4 to pull 
  punch, +2 to disarm, and +6 to save vs Horror Factor and pos-
  session; all are in addition to any likely attribute bonuses.
  Mega-Damage: As per Supernatural P.S.
  Vulnerabilities: None per se, other than personality flaws and 
  possible insanity. Some have lost their sense of connection to 
  mortal beings and may underestimate humans and other mor-
  tal life forms. They may also feel alone in the Megaverse.
  Available O.C.C.s: Any O.C.C. as one area of the Elder’s exper-
  tise, with all skills at 90+1D8% skill proficiency.
  Magic: See special abilities. Most members of the Elder Races 
  were not practitioners of magic, but possessed technology so 
  advanced that it appeared to be magic.
  Psionics: See special abilities.
  Equipment, Gear and Money: As deemed fit by the Game 
  Master. Note that the weapons and destructive power of the 
  Dominators is said to be 3-5 times greater than any other Elder 
  Race.
  Cybernetics and Bionics: Varies as the Game Master deems 
  suitable.
  Allies: None per se, except others of their kind, which are few. 
  Possibly other god-like beings, intelligent creatures of magic 
  and occasional mortal associates.
  Enemies: Dominators, Deevils, demons, rival and evil gods, 
  Alien Intelligences, and other evil supernatural beings. Fur-
  thermore, many mortal people fear the Elder Races.
  Habitat: Unknown – the Megaverse at large.
  The Dominators
  As one of the legendary Elder Races, Dominators have a cul-
  ture and history stretching back tens, if not hundreds of thou-
  sands of years. For the sake of everyone alive today, it is fortu-
  nate the Dominators’ ambition for pan-galactic genocide came to 
  a screeching halt 50,000 years ago, when their home solar sys-
  tem was destroyed by the most powerful weapon ever built: the 
  Black Hole Projector. Today, the Dominators are nearly extinct. 
  Even so, they continue to present a real and present danger to all 
  sentient life forms in the Three Galaxies and beyond. A single 
  Dominator Star Fortress, even though it only contains one Domi-
  nator, is an engine of destruction 30 miles (48 km) in diameter, 
  capable of devastating entire fleets of spaceships and bombarding 
  the surface of planets.
  Encounters with the Dominators are rare, given that there are 
  half a trillion stars in the Three Galaxies and only a few hun-
  dred of the monsters. However, there are far more Dominators 
  in the Thundercloud Galaxy than there are in the other two or 
  elsewhere. Conjecture and concern as to why this may be run 
  rampant.
  It is believed that 50,000-100,000 years ago, the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy was the Dominators’ base of operation, and may 
  very well be their birthplace. To this day, there is a greater likeli-
  hood of encountering a Dominator in the Thundercloud Galaxy 
  than anywhere else. The reason for this could be as simple as 
  the galaxy is their home, and space-faring visitors are, in effect, 
  tromping through the Dominators’ backyard. The Dominator 
  home world was destroyed by the Black Hole Projector along 
  with every planet and star within 100,000 light-years of the black 
  hole’s epicenter. However, so little is known about the Domina-
  tors and the Three Galaxies from so long ago, nobody knows why 
  they still seem drawn to the Thundercloud. Though it is believed 
  their base of operation now lies at the heart of the Vortex, that 
  too is not an absolute certainty. It is possible the Dominators have 
  claimed a new world or solar system somewhere in the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy as their “home.” Or they may consider the entire 
  galaxy to be theirs, and everyone in it their property. A number of 
  lone Dominators are known to have claimed specific planets and 
  star systems in the galaxy as their personal home base.
  Some people speculate Dominators may have preferred the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy because it had few space-faring indigenous 
  people. Until the last few centuries of the Scramble, Dominators 
  could come and go without anyone in the Thundercloud notic-
  ing or tracking them. As the civilizations of other neighboring 
  galaxies claim more worlds and establish more colonies, this is 
  
  24
  changing, but even now, most colonies are so small and spread 
  out that they are of little consequence to the powerful Domina-
  tors. This speculation has led some to worry that Dominators, 
  unhappy with the rush to populate the Thundercloud, could go on 
  a killing spree to wipe out hundreds or thousands of colonies and 
  trespassing space fleets. Right now, most of the small colonies 
  are probably beneath the Dominators’ notice, but as they grow 
  and as space traffic increases, who knows how the Dominators 
  may respond? Such fears have done absolutely nothing to slow 
  down the Scramble, leading some to wonder if a tragedy of epic 
  proportions is in the making, especially if even one Dominator 
  takes the battle to the Corkscrew or Anvil Galaxies. After all, the 
  Dominators have a long history of attacking civilizations in the 
  Thundercloud that achieve space travel.
  Still others have wondered if the Thundercloud Galaxy is a 
  playground for the behemoths, rather than home. The vast major-
  ity of indigenous people in the galaxy are low-tech to downright 
  primitive. Presumably, they have never had any means of space 
  travel and yet a handful of intelligent life forms, as well as some 
  animal species and monsters, are found on numerous planets 
  scattered across the Thundercloud Galaxy. This would suggest 
  the people once had an advanced space-faring civilization that 
  later devolved, or someone put them on several different planets. 
  Could the Dominators have left slave races stranded on planets 
  in their past? Could the people and creatures found on numer-
  ous planets in the Thundercloud be the descendants of Dominator 
  slaves or ancient colonists? Or perhaps they are the slaves, colo-
  nists or creations of the other Elder Races?
  The theory that some of the sentient beings, monsters and ani-
  mals found in the Thundercloud Galaxy might have once served, 
  or been enslaved by, and even created by the Dominators, seems 
  likely. It might also explain why the surviving Dominators seem 
  to leave primitive people of the Thundercloud Galaxy alone, and 
  blast those who master space travel back into the Stone Age. It 
  is also possible that the life forms of the galaxy are part of a con-
  tinuing Dominator experiment.
  A few have even wondered if the entire Thundercloud Galaxy 
  could be the Dominators’ Zoo. As crazy as that idea may sound 
  at first blush, the zoo idea may be more valid than you think. 
  First, Dominators look upon lesser life forms, like humans, as 
  vermin. Second, Dominators don’t go around destroying every 
  civilization they discover, they have been attacking only space-
  faring people. And when they attack the planets of space-faring 
  civilizations, they seldom obliterate the people, but inflict enough 
  damage to set them back several centuries. Could it be the Thun-
  dercloud Galaxy is their “zoo” or a sort of “nature preserve,” and 
  the attacks are those of custodians making sure “the animals” 
  aren’t escaping from their enclosed habitats? If that is the case, 
  is the Scramble, the colonization and the campaign to advance 
  indigenous people to space-faring tech levels an invitation for de-
  struction? Time will tell.
  
  25
  In any case, the Dominators seem to consider the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy as belonging to them. It is their playground and 
  their home. This means explorers may happen upon a secret 
  Dominator lair, the ruins and artifacts of an ancient Dominator 
  base or an Elder civilization, or come face to face with a Domina-
  tor. Finding a base might reveal ancient secrets of technology or 
  magic, or secrets about the Three Galaxies and other worlds or 
  dimensions, provided an individual could figure out how to work 
  any of the Dominators machines or read their language. There is 
  no doubt that there are ancient ruins and secrets to be unearthed 
  in the Thundercloud Galaxy, be they secrets of the Dominators 
  or lost civilizations. It is simply a question of who finds what, 
  where, and can they hang on to what they find?
  The Thundercloud is littered with ancient ruins. These include 
  abandoned Dominator bases, hideouts, ancient labs and crashed 
  spaceships to still functioning Dominator base camps, secret 
  lairs, weapon caches, war machines, laboratories and preserves 
  where they experiment upon lesser beings, like humans, Noro, 
  Wulfen and Kreeghor. (Gene-Tech do likewise.) This might ex-
  plain what attracted the Splugorth to the Thundercloud Galaxy so 
  many millennia ago, for it is known that they covet Dominator 
  artifacts and the secrets of magic once belonging to the Elder 
  Races. The Splugorth learned ages ago that knowledge is power. 
  However, even the Splugorth have been unable to figure out and 
  recreate Dominator or Elder Race technology.
  Note: More information regarding the Dominators, including 
  their attribute statistics, can be found in Rifts® Dimension Book 
  2: Phase World®, page 96. More of the Dominators’ history and 
  stats for the Dominator Star Fortress are presented in Rifts® Di-
  mension Book 13: Fleets of the Three Galaxies™, pages 45-50.
  Dominator Foreign Relations
  None per se. Dominators hate everyone and have little con-
  cern for the affairs of mortals other than an unreasoning desire 
  to destroy all space-faring people. As a result, Dominators are 
  considered the enemy of all people, and are attacked on sight by 
  most civilizations and military forces strong enough (and brave 
  enough) to take the fight to them.
  Gene-Tech. Old rivals to be tolerated and ignored.
  Exiles. A new upstart race to be dealt with.
  Demons. Dominators dislike demons and Deevils, and hate 
  that they have invaded “their territory,” the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy. While the Dominators would never join forces with any of 
  the lesser civilizations to take the Demon Fleet down, many are 
  taking action on their own, destroying demons and the Demon 
  Fleets wherever they are encountered. For the moment, wiping 
  out the upstart demons in the Thundercloud, if nowhere else, is 
  the Dominators’ current priority. Likewise, Dominators work to 
  keep the technology and magic of the Elder Races out of demonic 
  and infernal hands.
  Deevils. As far as the Dominators are concerned, the infernals 
  of Dyval are worse than the demons. Deevils are more arrogant, 
  conniving and treacherous, making them less predictable and 
  more dangerous. Thus, they are exterminated wherever they are 
  found in the Thundercloud.
  Colonists from elsewhere in the Three Galaxies. Most 
  Dominators have barely noticed the Scramble to claim and colo-
  nize the Thundercloud Galaxy. For them, the colonists are an an-
  noyance to be swatted away when they can no longer be tolerated.
  Dominator Tech
  Salvageable Dominator
  Spacecraft Technology
  Dominator technology is too advanced to be reverse-engi-
  neered, copied and manufactured. However, some of it can be 
  adapted or jury-rigged to some of the more advanced spacecraft 
  and technology of the advanced civilizations in the Three Gal-
  axies. Note: For some reason, ships equipped with Promethean 
  technology are incompatible. Some have wondered if this means 
  the Dominators and the Prometheans were once ancient enemies, 
  or could it mean nothing at all?
  It is also important to note that all Dominator technology has a 
  distinct energy signature that cannot be disguised or concealed. If the 
  energy signature is detected by other space-faring people, the vessel 
  with Dominator tech may be mistaken as a Dominator spacecraft, 
  trap or trick, and either avoided or fired upon. Anyone using Domi-
  nator tech is also likely to be viewed with distrust and suspicion.
  If the energy signature is detected by a Dominator, he may as-
  sume it is a fellow Dominator and avoid contact. However, if the 
  monster realizes the tech has been stolen (which is likely), the fol-
  lowing may occur. Roll percentile for random determination or the 
  G.M. may pick one, or decide on a different course of action.
  01-05% The Dominator decides to destroy the impudent 
  whelps who dare to defile Dominator technology. Thankfully, 
  the monster is likely to be satisfied with leaving the spacecraft 
  blasted and floating adrift or crash landed on a planet. The Domi-
  nator has more important things to do than check to see if they are 
  destroyed. They’ve been taught their lesson.
  06-50% The Dominator goes to investigate, scanning the ves-
  sel and the humanoid insects using the stolen technology. He 
  watches them from afar for a while (3D6 days) before moving 
  on. If the Dominator finds them of passing interest, he may have 
  robots capture one, several or all of them, tag them (like Earth 
  scientists do to monitor wildlife) and release them back into the 
  wild for future study.
  51-75% The Dominator may decide to use them as bait or 
  pawns in one of his own schemes.
  76-90% The Dominator approaches the vessel, captures it in a 
  tractor beam, and then proceeds to explain to the characters how in-
  significant they are, how he could destroy them like ants, and how 
  they should feel honored that he’s decided to let them live because 
  it amuses him to do so. If the people inside the vessel cower in 
  fear or show respect or adoration, he lets them free without further 
  incident. If the Dominator feels insulted or disrespected by any of 
  them, he has robots board the ship, tear out the Dominator tech, 
  probably disabling the vessel (01-75% chance), and punishes the 
  offending insect(s) who insulted him. Then he leaves the spacecraft 
  adrift as the Dominator Star Fortress vanishes in a flash of light.
  91-00% The Dominator threatens and bellows, but secretly 
  admires the ingenuity and courage of the little humanoid insects 
  who have incorporated “his” technology. The vessel is held by 
  the Dominator for a few hours and there may be strange noises, 
  the squealing of metal, temporary loss of control over various 
  ship systems, localized power outages, and flickering lights the 
  entire time. Then, without warning, everything returns to normal 
  and the Dominator is gone. For the crew, there is 1D4 hours of 
  lost time they cannot explain and of which they have no memory 
  
  26
  (they may have been probed, tagged, DNA samples taken, etc.). 
  A system check shows the vessel has been upgraded. A Domina-
  tor Regeneration Node has been installed, the M.D.C. of their 
  outer and interior hulls have been increased by 50%, the space-
  craft’s engines are improved and rate of travel (speed and dis-
  tance) increased 20%, any previously installed Dominator tech 
  works smoothly and without any glitches or penalties. Further-
  more, any injured or ill characters are healed and restored 100%.
  Note: In every case, a Dominator “scan” includes stealing all 
  computer data and information. The Dominator may use that in-
  formation any way he desires. In some instances, the creature may 
  keep track of the ship and/or the crew, and continue to follow their 
  exploits for months or years. If they should find or encounter some-
  thing the Dominator wants, he may, again, make an appearance to 
  take powerful artifacts, pillage ancient ruins, or cause trouble. The 
  Dominator may also use the humanoids as bait or pawns to do his 
  dirty work. In other cases, their antics may simply be entertaining.
  Dominator Hyper Sensors. Dominators need very sophisti-
  cated sensors to operate their quantum wormhole drives and lo-
  cate the hyper-pipes. The range of these sensors is very impres-
  sive and scans out to a 300 light-year wedge (a 5 degree arc) of 
  space. There are limitations when adapting Dominator technol-
  ogy with the lower technology of the current civilizations of the 
  Three Galaxies, making maximum range only 150 light-years 
  and the scan only works in short, 1D6+10 minute bursts. Plus for 
  current ships (Dominator ships don’t have this problem), these 
  sensors are pumping out so much power that the sensor beam is 
  like shining a flashing light in a dark room and enabling other 
  ships in the scanning zone to detect and pinpoint the ship doing 
  the scanning. Still, the 150 light-year range of the scan, the level 
  of accuracy and detail make it worth the risk. For example, a 
  Dominator Hyper Scan will indicate not only the number of life 
  forms on another spacecraft, space station or planet with only a 
  .05% margin for error, but also identify all known species, and 
  warning of those it does not recognize. Of course, identification 
  is limited by the database of the vessel to which the Dominator 
  tech has been adapted.
  Estimated Value: Most companies would kill to get sensors 
  this sophisticated and will happily pay 35-50 million credits.
  Dominator Quantum Singularity Initiator (QSI). This piece 
  of equipment is part of a much larger assembly for the Domina-
  tor FTL drives. The equipment is about the size of a microwave 
  oven and there are hundreds in a Star Fortress. The QSIs work 
  in tandem to create and keep open a wormhole through which a 
  Star Fortress can travel. If one were salvaged and hooked into a 
  single spacecraft smaller than a capital battle ship the QSI opens 
  a wormhole that lasts 1D6+4 minutes. During this time a ship can 
  travel or jump up to 50 light-years. The QSI enables spacecraft 
  to travel five light-years per minute for a maximum of ten min-
  utes. Installing this piece of tech is time consuming as it requires 
  configuring and connecting it to an existing FTL drive. If done 
  incorrectly, a spaceship could be hurled into another dimension 
  or worse, crushed to atoms as the wormhole collapsed around 
  the spaceship. There is also a catch. The Quantum Singularity 
  Initiator takes a tremendous amount of power so at the end of the 
  jump, the ship’s power levels are temporarily reduced by half and 
  1D6x10% of the weapon systems will be down for 1D6 hours, 
  until the power supply can recover and get back up to normal 
  levels.
  Estimated Value: Many shipbuilders have been working on 
  ways to fold space and create stable wormholes for centuries. 
  This piece of tech would be a huge step in that direction. If this 
  technology could be duplicated on a large scale it could be worth 
  trillions to a manufacturer. As a stand alone unit to be installed in 
  a spacecraft it could fetch 50-80 million credits, possibly more in 
  a bidding war. Of course this technology would need to be dem-
  onstrated, and you can expect there to be people who would try to 
  “acquire” it in a less than honest way.
  Dominator Regeneration Node. Scattered about Dominator 
  ships are Regeneration Nodes. These nodes are about the size of 
  a refrigerator and are the mechanism by which Dominator Star 
  Fortresses repair damage inflicted on the vessel. If one of these 
  nodes is salvaged and installed in a smaller spacecraft (i.e. any 
  ship smaller than a dreadnaught) it will repair damage within 
  minutes after it was inflicted, albeit in a limited capacity. When 
  hooked into a Dominator Star Fortress, the Regeneration Nodes 
  are networked to the entire fortress and repair all damage, in-
  ternal and external, via an advanced nano-repair system. When 
  adapted to inferior, non-Dominator spacecraft, the Regeneration 
  Node can only repair exterior hull breaches and related external 
  hull damage. Rate of repair is 1D6x10 M.D.C. per melee round. 
  Repairs per node are also limited to a maximum of three repair 
  locations, each no larger than 500 feet (152 m) in diameter. Ships 
  that are larger or desire greater repair capacities need additional 
  Regeneration Nodes. Repairs are done with nano-bots and energy 
  matter conversion, meaning that energy is converted into matter 
  to repair massive damage, while comparatively minor damage is 
  repaired by the nano system which fuses cracks, cuts and crevices 
  back together and melds scrap pieces and debris into patches that 
  are seamless and perfect. When the repairs are finished, you can-
  not tell there was ever any damage. So long as there is energy, 
  repairs can be conducted.
  Estimated Value: This kind of technology is almost unheard of 
  and may require a demonstration to convince a potential buyer. 
  Shipbuilders would pay a few million credits just to examine the 
  Regeneration Node. Selling it could yield 15 to 30 million credits 
  or possibly more in equipment/trade.
  Dominator Solar Collector Sail. A solar sail is sometimes 
  used in throwaway satellites and buoys used by Dominators. 
  While they may be simple, low-end tech for the Dominators, they 
  can make for a nice additional power supply system for human-
  oid spacecraft and space stations. Deployment of a Dominator 
  Solar Sail recharges drained engines and batteries in one quar-
  ter the usual time needed, can replenish energy after a worm-
  hole jump and can serve as a substitute, emergency or additional 
  power supply.
  Estimated Value: 8-12 million credits.
  Dominator Solar Shields. While nowhere as powerful as 
  Dominator temporal shielding, solar shields protect a ship from 
  deadly solar radiation and allow a spacecraft to travel into the 
  corona of a sun. These shields last for 24+4D6 hours or until 
  M.D.C. is depleted. Current shield technology only lasts 1D6x10 
  minutes before full shield collapse. Solar shields will not enhance 
  the M.D.C. of shields. Modern power systems cannot provide that 
  level of power. Instead, the unique shield matrix can be adapted 
  to current shields to extend duration.
  Estimated Value: If sold to the right parties, this technology 
  could sell for four to five million credits.
  
  27
  Dominator Combat Items
  The Dominators are a foe to be feared, but like most evil forc-
  es, the Dominators did not act alone. During the Dominator War 
  they had dozens of slave races to do their bidding. Some of these 
  vassal races were given the “Gift of the Gods” and allowed to 
  use human-sized Dominator weapons, armor, and gear. Since the 
  war ended 50,000 years ago, most of this technology has been 
  lost, but bits and pieces are sometimes found tucked away on a 
  Dominator Star Fortress, among the rubble of ancient ruins, or 
  hidden on a planet or asteroid that once served as a Dominator 
  base, outpost, lair or weapon cache/depot.
  The discovery of working Dominator weapons and gear can 
  make a poor man a millionaire, give a mercenary company or 
  group of heroes the edge they need to make a real difference, 
  and save lives or destroy them. In the wrong hands, especially 
  among a primitive culture, just one of these weapons could turn 
  an individual into a tyrant king. Many people who find such items 
  among ancient ruins, or at a trading post or galactic flea market, 
  may not even realize what they are holding.
  Like all Dominator technology, these weapons and devices 
  have an energy signature that screams Dominator tech, and which 
  is easy for Dominators to identify and track. With the advanced 
  sensors that Dominators have on their space vessels, they can 
  track these weapons up to 300 light-years away.
  Safety Mechanisms. Dominators don’t trust anyone. They 
  most certainly never trusted their slaves, and built kill switches 
  into most of the weapons and devices given to slaves and mortal 
  henchmen. This kill switch is in all weapons and armor. With 
  a simple voice command, or electronic code, the kill switch is 
  activated. This can be limited to one specific Dominator weapon/
  item per command or all humanoid-sized weapons and armor 
  within a 4,000 foot (1,219 m) radius. The “kill switch” command 
  disables the weapon or device, making it unusable. Body armor, 
  power armor and vehicles see all systems shut down. The pilot 
  inside can get out, but that’s it.
  Most Dominator weapons and items designed for humanoid 
  slaves also have a destruct mechanism that works the same way. 
  Only in this case, activation of the destruct sequence causes the 
  weapon to stop working and visible heat vapors and streams of 
  smoke begin to rise from the device. It turns white hot in a mat-
  ter of 1D4+2 melee rounds, before imploding and doing 1D6x10 
  M.D. to everything in a 3 foot (0.9 m) radius. There are ways to 
  jam the kill switch and destruct signals, or disable the kill switch 
  and destruct mechanism, provided one knows they are using a 
  Dominator weapon and can find a weaponsmith with the skill to 
  do so. (Cost to disable these two features ranges from 15,000 to 
  30,000 credits, and if the merchant is disreputable he might run 
  off with the item, so be wary.)
  Reminder, there is no race save for the Dominators them-
  selves (or, perhaps, another high-tech Elder Race) able to repro-
  duce any of this technology.
  Gravity Wave Weapons
  These weapons were developed near the end of the Dominator 
  war, because it was thought they would inflict full damage to the 
  Dominators’ most dreaded foe, the Cosmo-Knights, but they did 
  not. Likewise, Gravity Wave Weapons proved ineffective against 
  magical defenses and creatures of magic (dragons, etc.), so the 
  Dominators abandoned the technology. Gravity Wave Weapons 
  were thought to have all been destroyed or lost 50,000 years ago, 
  but recently, a few have found their way to the open market. This 
  suggests somebody found an old weapon cache somewhere, and 
  is making a fortune.
  Gravity Wave beams interact with matter, increasing the at-
  traction between the atoms, causing them to collide and collapse 
  on the atomic level. A concentrated beam can cause the atoms 
  of solid matter to implode! In game terms, that means a Grav-
  ity Wave beam has a different effect on the different materials it 
  interacts with. Thus a beam shot at Mega-Damage materials does 
  M.D. while that same beam directed at a Hit Point/S.D.C. target 
  does S.D.C. damage, not M.D.
  Magic and Contra-Graviton fields are the two things that de-
  feat Gravity Wave Weapons. CG fields are generated by CG FTL 
  drives and some vehicles that have CG engines. A simple CG 
  belt on a Grav Pack can be used to completely deflect the beam 
  (no damage at all). It only takes an Operator to modify a Grav 
  Pack/Belt to create a protective field. However, while turned into 
  an anti-gravity wave deflector, the Grav Pack cannot fly or do 
  anything else. Grav Packs are described on page 126 of Rifts® 
  Dimension Book Two: Phase World®.
  The other defense against Gravity Wave Beams is magic. The 
  beam does one third damage to magic armor, magic force fields 
  and other types of magic barriers. Likewise, creatures of magic 
  only suffer one third damage and supernatural beings, like Dee-
  vils and demons, suffer half damage from the blast. This is prob-
  ably why the weapon was abandoned and no longer used by the 
  Dominators.
  Gravity Wave Pistol 
  This pistol is bulky and large for your average humanoid. 
  Characters with a P.S. less than 17 will need two hands to fire 
  the pistol, otherwise they are -2 to strike if holding it one-handed.
  Weight: 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
  Range: 1,000 feet (304.8 m).
  Mega-Damage: 6D6+4 to M.D.C. material and Mega-Damage 
  beings or 6D6+4 S.D.C. to S.D.C. materials and S.D.C. be-
  ings. Note: When used against Cosmo-Knights, damage is only 
  1/100th, the same as any energy weapon leveled against these 
  heroes. Against creatures of magic, damage is only one third, and 
  against supernatural beings, damage is half.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot only. Each blast counts as one melee 
  attack.
  Payload: 15 shots per self-charging E-Clip. Recharges one blast 
  per hour.
  Cost: As a rare and powerful weapon, it sells for 2-6 million cred-
  its.
  
  28
  Gravity Wave Rifle
  This rifle is large and bulky for humanoids. It definitely re-
  quires two hands to fire, and comes with a shoulder strap to hold 
  it in place. It requires a P.S. of 24 or higher to fire the weapon, 
  otherwise the shooter is -2 to strike.
  Weight: 45 pounds (20.3 kg).
  Range: 3,500 feet (1,067 m).
  Mega-Damage: 2D4x10 to M.D.C. materials and Mega-Damage 
  beings or 2D4x10 S.D.C. to S.D.C. materials and S.D.C. be-
  ings. Note: When used against Cosmo-Knights, damage is only 
  1/100th, against creatures of magic, damage is only one third, and 
  against supernatural beings, damage is half.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot only. Each blast counts as one melee 
  attack.
  Payload: 15 shots per self-charging E-Clip. Recharges one blast 
  per hour.
  Cost: A rare and powerful weapon, it sells for 8-14 million cred-
  its.
  Nova Plasma Accelerator Weapons
  The weapon of choice for the Dominators has always been 
  their Nova Plasma Accelerators. 50,000 years after their fall, the 
  Dominators have taken the development of these weapons as far 
  as they can and they are deadly weapons indeed.
  Nova Plasma weapons accelerate bolts of super-heated, ultra-
  dense metal and fires them as blazing rounds of molten destruc-
  tive power. The combination of heat and kinetic energy results in 
  a weapon that inflicts tremendous damage. During the Domina-
  tor War, the slave races of the Dominators used small versions 
  of these weapons. Some of these weapons are likely to remain 
  in storage on Dominator Star Fortresses and in secret bases. All 
  Dominators use the giant-sized weapons as their primary, per-
  sonal weapons, and will have a small cache of them (4D6) on 
  their starships and at bases and lairs. Despite the power of these 
  weapons, they still inflict 1/100 damage to Cosmo-Knights. For 
  other beings, damage is the equivalent to plasma, and creatures 
  vulnerable to heat and fire suffer double damage. Energy to mat-
  ter conversion provides the ammunition and the weapons have 
  self-charging E-Clips.
  Nova Plasma Accelerator Pistol
  – Giant – Dominator Size
  This is a weapon actually used by the Dominators themselves. 
  It is so large that it can only be used by beings taller than 25 feet 
  (7.6 m) and with a Robotic P.S. of no less than 44, or Super-
  natural P.S. no less than 20. With a lot of work, it could be fitted 
  to function as a cannon on a huge combat vehicle or spaceship 
  larger than a space shuttle.
  Weight: 400 pounds (180 kg).
  Range: 1,500 feet (457.2 m).
  Mega-Damage: 2D6x10 M.D. for a light blast. 1D4x100 M.D. 
  for a heavy blast, but the heavy blast takes a few seconds to pow-
  er up and as a result it counts as two melee attacks.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot only. Each light blast counts as one me-
  lee attack, each heavy blast counts as two.
  Payload: 36 light blasts or 12 heavy blasts per self-charging E-
  Clip. Recharges three light blasts (or one heavy) per 30 minutes.
  Cost: As a rare and unusual weapon it could sell for 8-12 million 
  credits.
  Nova Plasma Accelerator Rifle
  – Giant – Dominator Size
  This is a weapon actually used by the Dominators themselves. 
  It is so large that it can only be used by beings taller than 25 feet 
  (7.6 m) and with a Robotic P.S. of no less than 44, or Super-
  natural P.S. no less than 20. With a lot of work, it could be fitted 
  to function as a cannon on a huge combat vehicle or spaceship 
  larger than a space cruiser.
  Weight: 800 pounds (360 kg).
  Range: 2,500 feet (762 m).
  Mega-Damage: 4D6x10 M.D. for a light blast. 1D6x100 M.D. 
  for a heavy blast, but the heavy blast takes a few seconds to pow-
  er up and as a result it counts as two melee attacks.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot only. Each light blast counts as one me-
  lee attack, each heavy blast counts as two.
  Payload: 108 light blasts or 36 heavy blasts per self-charging E-
  Clip. Recharges three light blasts (or one heavy) per 30 minutes.
  Cost: As a rare and powerful weapon, it sells for 20-40 million 
  credits.
  Nova Plasma Accelerator Pistol
  This human-sized pistol packs a wallop normally restricted to 
  cannons, armored vehicles and space fighters!
  Weight: 5 pounds (2.25 kg).
  Range: 700 feet (213.3 m).
  Mega-Damage: 1D4x10 M.D. for a single, light blast. 3D4x10 
  M.D. for a heavy blast, but the heavy blast takes a few seconds to 
  power up, so it counts as two melee attacks.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot only. Each light blast counts as one me-
  lee attack, each heavy blast counts as two.
  
  29
  Payload: 18 light blasts or 6 heavy blasts per self-charging E-
  Clip. Recharges three light blasts (or one heavy) per 30 minutes.
  Cost: As a rare and powerful weapon it sells for 1-4 million cred-
  its.
  Mega-Damage by Blade Type: All blades listed are roughly 
  human-sized.
  Molecular Scalpel and Throwing Stars or Spikes – 1D6 M.D.
  Molecular Knife/Dagger – 1D6+2 M.D.
  Molecular Short Sword or Sickle – 3D6 M.D.
  Molecular Large Sword – 5D6 M.D.
  Molecular Battle Axe – 6D6 M.D.
  Molecular Pole Arm – 6D6 M.D.
  Cost & Availability: Rare and coveted by everyone in the Three 
  Galaxies. Cost 1-8 million credits depending on the size and dam-
  age the weapon delivers.
  Sensor Spoofers
  This device resembles a cell phone that can be carried in a 
  pocket or in a pouch on a belt. When activated, the Sensor Spoof-
  er scrambles and negates the combat bonuses of robots, auto-
  mated weapon systems, combat computers and targeting sensors 
  (even those on power armor or in a vehicle), as well as the tar-
  geting system of incoming missiles, directed specifically at the 
  character wearing the spoofer. This negates bonuses provided 
  by technology, so that only the enemy’s natural ability through 
  physical attributes and training/skills count to strike, parry, dis-
  arm, initiative, etc. – bonuses provided by technology do NOT 
  apply. This gives the character with the Spoofer an advantage 
  against most technologically advanced enemies. NOT applicable 
  when targeting a vehicle or spacecraft in which the character with 
  the Spoofer is a passenger, as it is the vehicle that is being tar-
  geted, not the character.
  Range: The wearer.
  Mega-Damage: Not applicable. Negates targeting and combat 
  systems.
  Cost & Availability: Rare and coveted by everyone in the Three 
  Galaxies. Cost 2-8 million credits.
  Dominator Auto-Armor
  One of the Dominators’ most amazing creations is something 
  known as “Auto-Armor.” This armor utilizes nano-technology 
  and the Dominators’ near magical process of turning energy into 
  matter. (See the Regeneration Nodes for another example of this 
  technology.) The Auto-Armor is carried in a small storage con-
  tainer not much larger than a pack of cigarettes or a large belt 
  buckle (6 inches/15.2 cm) in diameter. In fact, the container is 
  usually worn on the belt, disguised as a belt buckle or worn as 
  a pouch hanging from the belt. Or the armor’s container can be 
  strapped to the chest, thigh or upper arm. Inside the buckle or box-
  like construct (think mobile phone) is a sophisticated set of sen-
  sors that monitor the wearer’s biological vital signs. When there 
  is a sudden increase in adrenaline, heart rate, and/or respiration, 
  the armor has an automatic response of activating and covering 
  the wearer. Smart metallic fibers the width of fine thread spring 
  out of the storage container as if they had a life of their own and 
  cover the body of the person wearing the armor packet as if to 
  create a thin armature over his frame. Moments later, body armor 
  appears, as if by magic, around the entire body, complete with 
  power source and the usual features common to environmental 
  body armor. The whole process takes one full melee round.
  Fifteen seconds after activation, the individual is covered 
  in a full suit of armor. When the armor is no longer needed, 
  Nova Plasma Accelerator Rifle
  This human-sized rifle packs a wallop normally restricted to 
  cannons, armored vehicles and space fighters. Characters with a 
  normal P.S. less than 24 are -2 to strike due to the weight and 
  bulk. Characters with greater P.S., Augmented, Robotic or Super-
  natural P.S. suffer no such penalty.
  Weight: 35 pounds (15.8 kg).
  Range: 1,500 feet (457.2 m).
  Mega-Damage: 2D4x10 M.D. for a light blast. 3D6x10 M.D. for 
  a heavy blast, but the heavy blast takes a few seconds to power up 
  so it counts as two melee attacks.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot only. Each light blast counts as one me-
  lee attack, each heavy blast counts as two.
  Payload: 36 light blasts or 12 heavy blasts per self-charging E-
  Clip. Recharges three light blasts (or one heavy) per 30 minutes.
  Cost: As a rare and powerful weapon it sells for 4-16 million 
  credits.
  Molecular Blades
  Dominators created something reminiscent to Vibro-Blades, 
  only better. These blades are super sharp and do not require a 
  high frequency field like Vibro-Blades to operate. It is presumed 
  the blades utilize the same technology that regenerates ship hulls 
  and creates Auto-Armor to make the Molecular Blades M.D.C., 
  and to keep the blades sharp and able to cut through M.D.C. ma-
  terials.
  Range: Melee combat/hand to hand.
  
  30
  a simple voice command makes the armor dematerialize and 
  the filament fibers retract back into their storage container on 
  the belt. The user may also engage the armor at any time via 
  voice command or the press of a touch point on the container. 
  When engaged, the armor has all the standard features of Mega-
  Damage body armor, plus the features noted below for the two 
  types of Auto-Armor deployed by the slaves of the Dominators. 
  A different command can make the face plate or helmet seem to 
  melt away to reveal the face of the person inside. The same can 
  be done to reveal one or both hands. Another command puts it 
  all back in place.
  By the standard of some civilizations, these two suits of “body 
  armor” would be considered light power armor. By the standard 
  of some people, the armor might be considered magical, but it 
  is not. Auto-Armor cannot be worn over or under other suits of 
  armor.
  Light Dominator Auto-Armor
  Class: LDAA-1000
  Size: One size fits most. The armor is designed to adapt to fit 
  most humanoids from 4 feet (1.2 m) tall to 12 feet (3.6 m) tall.
  Weight: 20 pounds (9 kg).
  Mobility: Excellent, does not hinder mobility at all. Though a 
  Mega-Damage material, auto-armor has the flexibility of soft 
  leather armor giving it excellent mobility.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Head/Helmet – 75
  Arms – 50 each
  Legs – 100 each
  Main Body – 130
  Note: If reduced to zero M.D.C., the armor is destroyed. 
  However, if the armor is sent back to its storage container with 
  as few as 10 points of M.D.C. and turned off, it regenerates 
  the armor and M.D.C. the next time it is activated. It must 
  be allowed 12 hours to recharge and reset the armor creation 
  process. Activating it any sooner releases the damaged ar-
  mor with whatever amount of M.D.C. remained before it was 
  turned off. If turned off with 1-9 M.D.C., it takes 18 hours to 
  recharge and repair the armor to full.
  Special Systems or Features: Strength is equal to the user but 
  increased to the Robotic equivalent. The wearer can leap from a 
  standing position one foot (0.3 m) per P.S. attribute point, double 
  with a running start. The armor also doubles the running speed.
  Sensor Systems: The suit has a built-in radar that can track and 
  identify 36 targets simultaneously at a range of two miles (3.2 
  km). The suit also has complete environmental systems, full ra-
  dio communications and all the basic features of environmental 
  armor.
  Combat Features and Bonuses: The suit has a built-in sound 
  dampener to muffle the sounds of explosions and combat for the 
  wearer. It also has a reduced heat signature and does not clank or 
  clunk. Footsteps have the same sound and weight of an ordinary 
  human wearing shoes (see Prowl bonus). +1 on initiative, +1 to 
  strike, parry and dodge, +2 to pull punch and roll with punch im-
  pact, +5% to Prowl, Tail and other “stealth” rolls.
  Cost & Availability: Rare and coveted by everyone in the Three 
  Galaxies, Light Auto-Armor sells for 8-16 million credits, some-
  times more.
  Heavy Dominator Auto-Armor
  A heavier version of Dominator slave soldier armor. Func-
  tions the same as the light armor.
  Class: HDAA-9000
  Size: One size fits most. The armor is designed to adapt to fit 
  most humanoids from 4 feet (1.2 m) tall to 12 feet (3.6 m) tall.
  Weight: 40 pounds (18 kg).
  Mobility: Excellent, does not hinder mobility at all. Though a 
  Mega-Damage material, Auto-Armor has the flexibility of soft 
  leather armor giving it excellent mobility.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Head/Helmet – 110
  Arms – 90 each
  Legs – 200 each
  Main Body – 250
  Note: If reduced to zero M.D.C., the armor is destroyed. 
  However, if the armor is sent back to its storage container with 
  as few as 10 points of M.D.C. and turned off, it regenerates 
  the armor and M.D.C. the next time it is activated. It must 
  be allowed 12 hours to recharge and reset the armor creation 
  process. Activating it any sooner releases the damaged ar-
  mor with whatever amount of M.D.C. remained before it was 
  turned off. If turned off with 1-9 M.D.C., it takes 18 hours to 
  recharge and repair the armor to full.
  Special Systems or Features: Strength is equal to the user’s own 
  +10 and is the equivalent of Robotic P.S. (If Supernatural to be-
  
  31
  gin with, it remains unchanged; no bonus to P.S. applies.) The 
  wearer can leap from a standing position 1.5 feet (0.45 m) per 
  P.S. attribute point or triple that with a running start. The armor 
  also doubles the running speed.
  Sensor Systems: The suit has a built-in radar that can track and 
  identify 36 targets simultaneously at a range of 4 miles (6.4 km). 
  The suit also has complete environmental systems, full radio 
  communications and all the basic features of environmental ar-
  mor. Heavy Auto-Armor has Sensors Spoofers that, when acti-
  vated, negate any bonuses provided by technology, like a mis-
  sile’s guidance system, a combat computer’s targeting sensors, 
  and so on. Only an enemy’s natural ability to strike, without tech 
  bonuses, applies.
  Combat Bonuses: The suit also provides the following bonuses: 
  +3 on initiative, +2 to strike, parry, dodge, +2 to pull punch and 
  roll with punch/fall and +1 additional attack due to the suit’s sen-
  sors.
  Cost & Availability: Rare and coveted by everyone in the Three 
  Galaxies, Heavy Auto-Armor sells for 18-40 million credits, 
  sometimes more.
  Weapon Systems:
  1. Molecular Blades (2, forearms): These blades are a standard 
  part of the Heavy Armor. They are super sharp and do not 
  require a high frequency filed like Vibro-Blades to operate. 
  There is one blade on each forearm which extends and retracts 
  as needed.
  Range: Melee combat/hand to hand.
  Damage: 3D6 M.D.
  Time Dilation Disc
  Dominator technology has exceeded many boundaries, and it 
  seems time is one of them. The TDD is a device built into the 
  giant suit of Dominator body armor. With a few simple voice 
  commands, the Time Dilation Disc can create several temporal 
  effects.
  Sometimes, this device can be salvaged from a suit of Domi-
  nator armor. It is no bigger than a modern-day laptop computer. 
  The trick is finding the device, as it is often imbedded at different 
  locations in the Dominator’s armor. The Time Dilation Disc runs 
  on a self-contained power source of temporal energy and will 
  always recharge to full in 24 hours. Each of the effects below 
  can be activated three times per day before the TDD needs time 
  to recharge.
  Time Dilation Field: This is a mini-version of the Temporal 
  Shields that are projected around a Dominator Star Fortress. The 
  area of effect is limited to a 10 foot (3 m) radius and can be made 
  to affect everyone around the user, or projected at a specific tar-
  get/area up to 40 feet (12.2 m) in front of the user; line of sight 
  required. Anyone in the area must make a saving throw of 17 or 
  higher (use P.E. bonuses to save, the user of the Time Dilation is, 
  himself, +2 to save). Those who fail to save have no perception 
  of time, are tired, confused and disoriented. They are -20% on 
  the performance of skills (-50% if the measurement of time is 
  required), -2 to strike, parry, dodge and lose one melee attack. 
  Those who are affected by the field remain confused and sluggish 
  for the full duration of the effect, which lasts 1D4+3 minutes. 
  Those who make the saving throw are unaffected.
  Time Slip: This affects only the user and takes a single action 
  to activate. The effect is the same as the Time Slip spell.
  Time Warp Fast Forward: This affects only the user and en-
  ables him to jump ahead in time by seven minutes. The character 
  moving forward in time does not physically move, but vanishes 
  from the present and reappears ahead in time by up to seven min-
  utes.
  The Gene-Tech
  Many believe Gene-Tech are one of the few surviving Elder 
  Races. Though they are tall at seven to seven and a half feet (2.1 
  to 2.2 m), they are not giants, which suggests to some that they 
  are not Elders. In fact, there are some who question whether they 
  originate from the Thundercloud Galaxy at all. What many peo-
  ple don’t realize is while most of the Elder Races were giants, 
  some were human-size or just a little taller. The Gene-Tech civi-
  lization dates back at least several hundred thousand years, per-
  haps millions, and Dominators dislike and destroy them whenev-
  er they are encountered, which suggests Gene-Tech are, indeed, 
  Elders. Those who dispute this point to another discrepancy: it is 
  believed Gene-Tech have short lives of 1,200 to 2,200 years. This 
  is contrary to the belief that Elders live for tens of thousands of 
  years and might even be immortal. So if the Gene-Tech are short 
  lived, it seems unlikely they are Elders. Yet there is a possible 
  answer to that conundrum. Some experts have speculated it is 
  only the physical body of the Gene-Tech that lasts for a couple 
  millennia before it must be replaced with a new clone body, into 
  which the Gene-Tech transfer their life essence and keep on liv-
  ing. This clone creation and transferal process can be repeated as 
  often as necessary.
  The clone-transferal theory is supported by the Bio-Wizards 
  of the Splugorth Kingdom of Desslyth. According to Lord Dess-
  lyth’s sorcerers, long ago, the Gene-Tech transcended their 
  physical form to become creatures of pure energy and intellect. 
  However, without a physical body to anchor and hold them to our 
  dimension, they slipped into a different realm of existence. To 
  visit and remain in our reality, Gene-Tech must create a physi-
  cal vessel born in our reality. To do so, they mutate the body of 
  a living being from this dimension, reshape it through advanced 
  genetic engineering to make it look like their bodies of old, and 
  then inhabit it. Advanced Gene-Tech medical sciences and genet-
  ic manipulation enable the body to last for 1-2 millennia before 
  it wears out or suffers too much damage to keep going. At that 
  point, the Gene-Tech leaves the current physical body and enters 
  a new one. This can also be done when a Gene-Tech is seriously 
  injured and the body dies. A Gene-Tech without a physical vessel 
  cannot remain in our realm of existence for very long (2D6 days), 
  so as a precautionary measure, Gene-Tech tend to have 50-100 
  clones of their body stashed away in stasis at two or more loca-
  tions. Thus, when a new body is needed, one is available. There 
  is no limit to how many times a Gene-Tech changes bodies, pro-
  vided it is a body specifically designed to hold the being’s life 
  essence. A Gene-Tech cannot possess and inhabit another body 
  that is already occupied with a life essence. If a live body without 
  a life essence should happen to be available, a Gene-Tech could 
  inhabit it, but only for 4D4 weeks. That is usually enough time 
  for the Gene-Tech to get to his supply of bodies or transform the 
  genetic structure of the body he is in. However, it is difficult and 
  painful to mutate a body while you occupy it. Plus, the odds of 
  
  32
  finding an empty, potential host body are slim to none – hence 
  the reason for ready to go clones. This is the only way they can 
  exist and function in our dimension. The clone-transferal theory 
  comes from the Splugorth Kingdom of Desslyth, so its validity 
  must be held in question. However, Splugorth and their Bio-
  Wizards know a thing or two about mutating and transforming 
  people. To add further legitimacy, it is said that Desslyth’s Bio-
  Wizards base their theory on a Gene-Tech lair they “acquired” 
  a few decades ago. Within it, they claim to have found 50 stasis 
  chambers. Eighteen were empty. Thirty-two held identical Gene-
  Tech clones. Each one an empty shell waiting to be filled.
  If the Splugorth’s theory is true, some wonder if the Gene-
  Tech miss their physical bodies and old lives in the Three Galax-
  ies, and so, they return and inhabit flesh and blood automatons 
  that mimic old their physical form. However, the one thing the 
  monsters seem to fear is death, especially when a clone body is 
  not near. This has led some to believe that those who prowl the 
  Megaverse in physical bodies are those too afraid to follow the 
  rest of their people to a new life in a different plane of existence. 
  Instead, they cling to their old bodies and way of life. Either 
  postulation might explain why Gene-Tech are callow and cruel 
  toward other life forms, especially sentient beings, whom they 
  seem to enjoy mutilating and torturing.
  Whoever or whatever they are, Gene-Tech can be encoun-
  tered throughout the Megaverse. They seem most numerous in 
  the Three Galaxies, and in recent years, seem to have taken an 
  interest in the Anvil Galaxy. However, the Thundercloud appears 
  to be their primary or favored base of operation. More Gene-Tech 
  can be found here at any given time than in the other two galaxies 
  combined. Likewise, the Thundercloud Galaxy has been the only 
  location where full-blown, ancient Gene-Tech lairs and laborato-
  ries have been found, some dating back 600,000 years.
  The question remains, what are the Gene-Tech up to? As with 
  the Dominators, nobody seems to know much about them. They 
  are masters of genetic engineering and medicine. They seem ob-
  sessed with performing transfiguring experimentation on other 
  beings and rearranging the building blocks of life, but to what 
  purpose? From an outsider’s perspective, it looks like they do 
  it all for their own enjoyment and sadistic pleasure. Could the 
  answer be as simple as that?
  Gene-Tech are also obsessed with secrecy and take great pains 
  to stay out of politics and any sort of limelight. They shun con-
  tact with others, except to abduct and experiment on them, and 
  watch the results from afar. Their starship laboratories, though 
  lacking the firepower of even the puniest frigate, can cross vast 
  stellar distances in a matter of seconds, and Gene-Tech stealth 
  and cloaking technologies are unmatched, making it very difficult 
  to find, track or follow them when they don’t want to be located. 
  Gene-Tech are solitary beings who often travel and conduct ex-
  periments on their own or in pairs and trios, assisted by robots or 
  mutants they’ve created. To run into a group of 4-6 is rare. To 
  encounter a dozen or more is reason to fear.
  Gene-Tech mastery of genetic engineering means they could 
  produce lethal bacteria or viruses that could extinguish life any-
  where, yet they choose not to do so. Rather, they seem to enjoy 
  tampering with the genetic matrix of life, paying particular at-
  tention to sentient life forms. Gene-Tech are known to abduct 
  people without provocation, alter them in some way, and then 
  return them without so much as a word. As a rule, Gene-Tech 
  “alterations” make the test subject more powerful, even super-
  human. However, there is always a terrible price to be paid for 
  Gene-Tech augmentation and genetic re-engineering. The sub-
  ject is almost always turned into a monster. The body changed 
  and deformed. Attractive features erased or marred. It is as if the 
  Gene-Tech believe you can’t be both attractive and powerful. For 
  them, power is held in an ugly, warped vessel. Or perhaps the 
  ugliness is intended to be a warning, because Gene-Tech believe 
  that power corrupts and destroys. Which might speak to the fate 
  
  33
  of their own civilization. For these reasons, Gene-Tech are also 
  known as Gene-Demons. Some in the Three Galaxies whisper 
  that Gene-Tech are descended from the One who tried to pervert 
  the Cosmic Forge in the First Galactic Era. Which is why they, 
  as a people, pervert and disfigure every creature they touch with 
  their twisted science. Whatever the case may be, it seems clear 
  Gene-Tech have lost their connection to humanity and goodness.
  Knowing the Gene-Tech share a demented fondness for, or 
  attraction to, the Thundercloud Galaxy, one cannot help but won-
  der how many of the galaxy’s strange and exotic creatures are the 
  product of deliberate Gene-Tech tampering, experimentation and 
  tomfoolery. The rarer and weirder the creature, the more likely 
  it is to be a Gene-Tech creation. Gene-Tech like variety, so sen-
  tient beings with large populations scattered across the galaxy 
  would seem less likely to be their handiwork. But what if the 
  malicious beings were studying how these species responded to 
  different environmental conditions, or their evolution from prim-
  itive to advanced civilizations? That might explain why you find 
  the same non-space-faring people on a dozen, even hundreds, of 
  different planets with no knowledge the others exist. That would 
  also explain why so many of those same species of people have 
  completely different cultures, beliefs and societies. This might 
  be giving Gene-Tech too much credit, however, as the monsters 
  don’t seem to exhibit that level of interest in “lesser beings.”
  The Gene-Tech presence in the Thundercloud Galaxy is great-
  er than it has been in eons. Is it because the Scramble to colonize 
  the Thundercloud has provided the monsters with new test sub-
  jects on thousands of worlds? Could the Gene-Tech be curious 
  about why so many races are coming to the Thundercloud? Or 
  could they be the cause of it? Or are the Gene-Tech just one more 
  participant in the Scramble to the Thundercloud Galaxy?
  Note: More information about the Gene-Tech can be found in 
  Rifts® Dimension Book 5: Anvil Galaxy™, including the statis-
  tics for the Gene-Tech themselves and their Monster-X servants.
  Gene-Tech Technology
  Gene-Tech Chemical Augmentation
  Gene-Tech items are seldom available anywhere in the Three 
  Galaxies. When they are, they cost a fortune. For some reason, 
  however, Gene-Tech augmenting gene-therapy “drugs” have 
  been showing up in unexpected places in and around colonies 
  in the Thundercloud Galaxy. The augmentation drugs described 
  may be found in ruins and, of course, aboard the spacecraft and in 
  the lairs of the Gene-Tech. As of late, however, Gene-Tech drugs 
  have been showing up at trading posts and colonies throughout 
  the Thundercloud, especially among TGE worlds taken from the 
  Splugorth, as well as Splugorth traders and Space Pirates. This 
  suggests either someone has made a big Gene-Tech drug find and 
  is selling it on the open market, or the Gene-Tech are allowing 
  them onto the market, but for what reason? There’s a third pos-
  sibility, as unlikely as it seems, that someone (Lord Desslyth the 
  Younger?) has figured out how to reproduce a number of them.
  Addiction: Most Gene-Tech drugs are not addictive in the 
  usual sense, as they do not make the user chemically dependent 
  on them. However, some people become addicted to the sense of 
  power the drugs provide on a temporary basis. This lust for power 
  can lead to a hunger for continued use of the Gene-Tech drugs, 
  or a more permanent means to physical power. This could result 
  in full bionic conversion, Bio-Wizard or Gene-Tech transmuta-
  tion, the use of Splugorth symbiotes, pacts with demons and other 
  desperate measures to become superhuman no matter the cost. Of 
  course, power addicts are willing to pay many times more for the 
  drugs they desire.
  Mind Boost. The chemical booster increases the neural trans-
  mitter levels and increases the brain’s overall efficiency. The user 
  thinks faster and more clearly, the effects of mental exhaustion 
  are negated and the penalties caused by disease, drugs or mental 
  attacks that cloud the mind are reduced by half. Bonuses include: 
  +1D4+1 to I.Q. attribute number, +2 to Perception Rolls, +1 on 
  initiative, +1 to save vs psionic attacks and all forms of mind 
  control, +2 to save vs possession, and +10% to skill performance, 
  plus mental tasks and skills are done twice as fast as normal, and 
  the character feels confident and sharp. The Mental Boost lasts 
  for 2D6 hours. Penalties: At the end of the duration, the user is 
  mentally drained and exhausted for 2D6 hours, during which, 
  skills are performed at -20% and the character is -1 on Perception 
  Rolls. Only I.Q. is boosted and multiple injections have no addi-
  tional effect, but a subsequent injection after the first dose wears 
  off will continue the “boost” for another 1D6x10 minutes.
  Cost: 15,000-30,000 credits per single use.
  Psi-Boost. The chemical awakens latent psychic potential and 
  gives the character 1D4+2 Psychic Sensitive or Physical Psionic 
  powers. Player or G.M. may make the selection. The character is 
  also +1 on Perception Rolls and +1 to save vs psionic attack. I.S.P. 
  is M.E. attribute number x2 +6D6 points and recovers as usual for 
  a psychic. Psionic abilities last 3D6 hours. If the drug is used again 
  at another time, the same powers manifest, but the duration is 10% 
  less every time. Penalties: The abilities are fun and exciting, there 
  is the nagging headache the entire duration, and the character finds 
  it difficult to focus and concentrate: -2 on initiative and -20% on 
  skill performance. Penalties last for 4D6+12 hours.
  Cost: 30,000-40,000 credits per single use.
  Minor Healing Booster (MHB). All Healing Boosters are a 
  special concoction of drugs with a minor retro-virus that stimu-
  lates the cells to divide faster, accelerating the healing process. 
  Healing Boosters only work on S.D.C. mortal creatures. Each 
  booster has a limited duration and the effects are not cumulative.
  The MHB is provided in a small syringe that has four uses. 
  After the initial injection, the recipient heals 1D6 Hit Points and 
  2D6 S.D.C. within one melee round (15 seconds). For the next 
  1D6 melee rounds the character continues to heal 1D6 Hit Points 
  per round. If Hit Points are fully restored before the duration 
  expires, the character continues to heal 2D6 S.D.C. per melee 
  round. Multiple injections have no cumulative effect; one must 
  wait until the first Healing Booster is finished before taking an-
  other one. The shot also provides a +10% bonus to save vs coma/
  death that lasts 2D6x10 minutes. A character does not have to 
  wait until he is taking Hit Point damage. The serum may be used 
  to heal S.D.C. damage only, and does so automatically if there 
  are no Hit Points that need to be restored. Note: When used on 
  Mega-Damage characters, the serum restores 1D4 M.D.C. the 
  first melee round, and nothing more.
  Cost: 20,000-35,000 credits per syringe with four uses.
  Super Healing Booster (SHB). The Super Healing Booster 
  works just like the minor one, except it is more potent and includes 
  a powerful stimulant and painkiller. It comes in a injectable syringe 
  
  34
  with four doses. The initial injection provides an instant restora-
  tion of 4D6 Hit Points and 5D6 S.D.C. For the next four minutes 
  (12 melee rounds) the character continues to heal 2D6 Hit Points 
  per melee round. If the Hit Points are fully restored before the 
  duration expires, the character continues to heal 4D6 S.D.C. per 
  melee round. Multiple injections of the Major Healing Booster do 
  not have a cumulative effect; one must wait until the first Healing 
  Booster is finished before taking another one. The Super Healing 
  Boost provides a +20% bonus to save vs coma/death that lasts for 
  3D6 hours. Note: When used on Mega-Damage characters, the 
  super-serum restores 2D4 M.D.C. the first melee round and an ad-
  ditional 1D4 M.D.C. per melee for 1D4 melee rounds.
  Cost: 60,000-100,000 credits for a single syringe with four doses.
  Physical Booster Type 1-5. This is a concoction of hormones 
  and genetically engineered super cells. The combination enters the 
  bloodstream and provides an immediate boost to one of the charac-
  ter’s physical attributes. P.S., P.P., P.E., P.B. or Spd can be tempo-
  rarily increased by six points. The physical boost lasts 1D6 hours, 
  after which the rush ends and there is a crash that lasts 2D6 hours.
  The crash knocks the wind out of the user and for the dura-
  tion the boosted attribute(s) are reduced by half. The booster only 
  works on mortal S.D.C. humanoids. There are five types of physi-
  cal boosters, one type per attribute (P.S., P.P., P.E., P.B. and Spd).
  Cost: A small syringe that has one dose to increase a single at-
  tribute costs 20,000-40,000 credits, and some buyers are willing 
  to pay double for P.S., P.P. and P.E. boosters.
  Super-Strength Infuser. This chemical cocktail boosts a mor-
  tal’s P.S. to Supernatural and turns Hit Points into M.D.C. (2 H.P. 
  = 1 M.D.C.) for 1D4 hours. The physical body can withstand only 
  a small amount of Mega-Damage so additional M.D.C. armor is 
  advised. The damage from punches, kicks and melee weapons is 
  as per the character’s infused Supernatural P.S.; the stronger the 
  character, the greater the damage (typically 2D6 M.D.)
  Cost: 70,000-150,000 credits per dose.
  Super-Strength Inhibitor. This chemical cocktail reduces the 
  Supernatural P.S. of Mega-Damage creatures, including supernat-
  ural beings, to the equivalent of Robotic P.S., but only reduces the 
  victim’s M.D.C. by 10%. Duration is 2D6x10 minutes, half when 
  used on truly powerful Mega-Damage beings such as adult drag-
  ons, Dominators/Elder Races, Greater Demons and Demon Lords. 
  Against true deities the duration is a paltry 2D6 melee rounds.
  Cost: 200,000-350,000 credits per dose.
  Body Booster. This injection temporarily increases a mortal’s 
  S.D.C. by 1D4x100 points and Hit Points by 2D4x10. The boost 
  lasts for 1D6 days, after which the person is restored to normal 
  levels. While it is active the temporary S.D.C. and Hit Points heal 
  at a rate of 3D6 points every ten minutes. Penalties: At the end of 
  the duration, exhaustion sets in and the user needs 1D6+3 days 
  to recover. During this time reduce S.D.C. and Hit Points by half 
  (cannot recover until the duration ends) and also reduce P.E., 
  Spd, attacks per melee round and combat bonuses by half.
  Cost: 75,000-150,000 per dose.
  Mega-Body Booster. Any mortal, S.D.C. being injected with 
  this booster becomes a minor Mega-Damage being for 1D6 days. 
  Hit Points and S.D.C. are combined +100 points is added to de-
  termine total M.D.C. During this time the body heals damage at 
  a rate of 2D6 M.D.C. per hour. Physical Strength is also boosted 
  to the Augmented level, but that’s all. If the character already had 
  superior strength, keep the greater P.S.
  Penalties: At the end of the duration, the user feels weak, exhaust-
  ed and his whole body aches as if it had been beaten with sticks. It 
  takes 2D6+4 days to recover. During this time, reduce S.D.C. to 
  zero and Hit Points by half. Hit Points and S.D.C. cannot recover 
  until the penalty period ends. Also reduce P.P., P.E., Spd, attacks 
  per melee round and combat bonuses by half. Surviving coma/
  death during this period is -20%.
  Cost: 350,000-600,000 per dose.
  Gene-Tech Devices
  A variety of unique devices can be found in the active lairs, 
  secret laboratories and spacecraft of Gene-Tech. Likewise, some-
  times ancient ruins and space junk and flea markets have a work-
  ing Gene-Tech device or two. As is the case of the technology of 
  all Elder Races, the science and construction behind these devices 
  are beyond the comprehension of the most advanced civilizations 
  of the Three Galaxies, and they cannot be reverse engineered or 
  reproduced. Furthermore, once taken apart, there is only a 2% 
  chance the item can be properly reassembled to working order. 
  Worst, in most cases (98%), tampering with the device and open-
  ing it up causes a unique form of self-destruction: the internal 
  workings turn to dust or fine metal filings.
  Gene-Tech Anti-Gravity Flight Vest
  This is a simple plated harness slipped over the head to hang 
  over the shoulders and chest. It looks somewhat like high-tech, 
  football shoulder pads with attachments and plug-ins for porta-
  ble computers, scanners, and other modular features and addi-
  tions. (The device is depicted on the cover of Rifts® Dimension 
  Book™ 5: Anvil Galaxy™.)
  The vest is lightweight (five pounds/2.2 kg), provides 30 points 
  of M.D.C. protection to the upper body, has a built-in personal force 
  field generator (150 M.D.C. for the entire body), and enables the 
  wearer to float above the ground. The vest responds to the wearer’s 
  thoughts and can hover a few centimeters above the ground or en-
  able the wearer to walk and float in the air. There is no altitude limit 
  and the wearer can even escape the bonds of gravity to rise into 
  outer space, though he’ll need an environmental suit to survive the 
  conditions of space. Maximum speed is 50 mph (80 km).
  Estimated Value: 1 million credits.
  Gene-Tech Auxiliary External Lung
  A small, flat backpack with three hoses on each side. When the 
  backpack is hung over the back, the six hoses unfold, wrap halfway 
  around the body, attach themselves and enter the body along and 
  under the rib cage. Once attached, the Auxiliary External Lung does 
  the breathing. It cleans and purifies the air taken in by the body, 
  making the character impervious to toxins, pollution and gas at-
  tacks. It also provides enriched oxygen into the blood. This enables 
  the wearer to function in toxic and low quality air environments 
  for an indefinite time period (months). It also enables the wearer to 
  breathe underwater at depths of up to one mile (1.6 km) and in the 
  vacuum of space for up to 18 hours. While worn, the device cleans 
  and purifies the lungs and the blood of the wearer. The device has 
  an M.D.C. of 40 and each tube/hose (6 total) has 8 M.D.C.
  Estimated Value: 150,000-300,000 credits.
  
  35
  Gene-Tech Floating Light Sphere
  An orb that radiates light from a dim, one candle luminescence to 
  2,000 candles. Furthermore, touching the Light Sphere with one’s 
  bare hand temporarily links it to that individual and the sphere fol-
  lows the person, hovering at shoulder height or a yard/meter above 
  him. Simple voice commands (lower, higher, left, right) make the 
  Light Sphere readjust its position. Similar commands to increase or 
  decrease the brightness work to modify the intensity of light. While 
  this may appear to be a simple, utilitarian device, when you stop to 
  think about it, the sphere is amazing. It seems to understand all lan-
  guages, floats silently via what can only be presumed to be some 
  form of anti-gravity (or magic?), it follows simple commands, it 
  follows specific individuals, and the brightness of the light can be 
  adjusted as desired. The size of Floating Light Spheres vary from 
  grapefruit-size to the size of a soccer ball.
  Trying to take the mechanism apart for analysis destroys the 
  Light Sphere, leaving some bits of metal and plastic and a small 
  pile of metal filings.
  Speed of the Sphere: Hovers stationary and keeps pace with the 
  person using it. Maximum speed is 30 mph (48 km) and can break 
  the bonds of gravity and fly in space.
  M.D.C. of the Sphere: 2D6+22 M.D.C.
  Estimated Value: 10,000-30,000 credits. Note: Some people re-
  fuse to use the spheres for fear they have homing devices within 
  them, which they might.
  Gene-Tech Secret: Unknown to anyone but the Gene-Tech, the 
  mysterious beings can place their life essence inside a Floating 
  Light Sphere, where it can be kept safe for up to 50 years. This is 
  sometimes done to trick enemies into believing the Gene-Tech is 
  dead. After the enemy has left, the sphere floats over to the hid-
  den cache of clone bodies and the monster enters one to live again 
  (or he may reenter the previous one if it is still viable and was left 
  behind by the enemy). A Gene-Tech may also hide inside a Light 
  Sphere to observe mortals from within one, hearing and seeing 
  everything within a 50 foot (15.2 m) radius of the orb.
  Gene-Tech Pacifier (Stun Gun)
  A blast from this stun pistol short-circuits the nervous system 
  to stun victims. Humans and most mortal S.D.C. beings need to 
  roll a 16 or higher to save vs stun.
  Primary Purpose: Capture and pacification of test subjects.
  Weight: 4 pounds (1.8 kg).
  Range: 200 feet (61 m).
  M.D.C. of the Stun Gun: 40 M.D.C.
  Damage, Non-Lethal: A character who does NOT save vs stun 
  has a 01-50% chance of being rendered unconscious for 1D4+4 
  melee rounds. Victims who maintain consciousness are stunned 
  and suffer the following penalties: Reduce the character’s speed 
  and number of attacks per melee round by half, skill performance 
  is -50%, -4 to initiative and Perception Rolls, -8 to strike, parry, 
  and dodge. The accumulative effect on the nervous system of the 
  body being repeatedly stunned extends the duration of the penal-
  ties and may lead to unconsciousness; roll for each blast.
  Duration of Stun Effects: 2D6+1 melee rounds. The duration of 
  the impairment is increased 2D6+1 melee rounds for every zap 
  from the Pacifier for which the character does not save.
  Save vs Stun: 16 or higher; the same as saving against non-lethal 
  poison. The character must save each time he is shot.
  A successful save means the character loses initiative and one 
  melee attack/action that round but is otherwise okay.
  Note: Gene-Tech stun guns are effective against Mega-Dam-
  age beings and people in armor, but they get a bonus to save.
  Light Mega-Damage Creatures (under 120 M.D.C.): +1 to save.
  Heavy Mega-Damage Creatures (121-800 M.D.C.): +2 to save.
  Powerful Mega-Damage Creatures (801-2000 M.D.C.): +3 to 
  save. Not effective against Mega-Damage beings with more than 
  2000 M.D.C.
  Environmental M.D.C. Body Armor: +1 to save.
  Light-Medium Power Armor: +2 to save.
  Heavy Power Armor and Full Conversion ‘Borgs: +3 to save.
  Pilot inside a vehicle or protected by a force field: +4 to save.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot. Each blast counts as one melee attack.
  Payload: 15 shots per self-charging E-Clip. Recharges at a rate of 
  one blast every 10 minutes.
  Estimated Value: 80,000-120,000 credits.
  Gene-Tech Restoration Machine
  The Gene-Tech Restoration Machine is a large device resem-
  bling a full body scanner like a CT scanner. The patient lays down 
  on a bed that slides into the machine with the patient onboard. The 
  machine hums and lights start to blink inside as well as across the 
  exterior of the machine. Once inside, the patient hears calming mu-
  sic and remembers seeing a bright, warm light. What seems like a 
  minute later, the patient is released, new and improved. To those 
  waiting outside the machine, even complex surgery, like replacing 
  a heart, takes only 1D6x10 minutes. Simple tasks like removing 
  an arrow and stitching a wound take 1D6 minutes. Huge tasks like 
  growing and attaching a whole new hand or arm take 1D4 hours.
  Sound amazing? It is. But remember, this is a Gene-Tech de-
  vice, which means there is much more going on than meets the 
  eye. The Regenerator Machine maps and records the subject’s 
  entire genetic structure and keeps several DNA samples which 
  can be used in future experiments to make clones, body parts and 
  monstrosities. All patients are test subjects to Gene-Tech, so each 
  one is given a genetic marker that the Gene-Tech and others of his 
  kind can recognize later. This is known as being “tagged.” The 
  patient’s aura may also be slightly (sometimes drastically) altered, 
  and the machine always does something a little extra to “tweak” 
  and change the subject. While that “something” is always benefi-
  cial and permanent, it changes the character in a fundamental way. 
  (Only intervention by a Gene-Tech can change the character back 
  to the way he or she was.) The change may be physical and disfig-
  uring or not apparent on the surface, but it’s there.
  G.M. Note: If the medical procedure is minor, you, the Game 
  Master, may elect that nothing happened to change the character, 
  other than his being scanned, sampled, and tagged.
  It is also important to note that once the initial “alteration” 
  has been made, subsequent use of a Restoration Machine by the 
  same character does NOT result in more changes or powers. The 
  machine keeps and supports the initial alteration. Even if a differ-
  ent Restoration Machine is used, the “tag” (imprinted on the test 
  subject’s DNA) tells any Gene-Tech machine that the character 
  has already undergone an experimental adjustment and to main-
  tain the alteration as set in the previous procedure.
  Estimated Value: 50-100 million credits.
  Roll on the following table for likely changes, augmentation 
  and penalties, or the G.M. may pick one.
  
  36
  01-05% Enlarged or Strangely Shaped Cranium. Penalties: 
  Reduce P.P., P.B. and Spd attributes by 10%. Abilities: The char-
  acter is either smarter and more aware (+1D4+3 to I.Q., +1D4 
  to M.E., +2 to Perception Rolls, and apply any skill bonuses for 
  increased intelligence) or roll for one of the ranges of psychic 
  abilities below.
  01-20% Empath: Detect Psionics (6), Empathy (4), Empathic 
  Transmission (6), Meditation (0), Mind Block (4), Presence 
  Sense (4), Sense Evil (2), Sense Magic (3), and Sense Time (2). 
  I.S.P. is M.E. attribute x5.
  21-40% Telepath: Clairvoyance (4), Hypnotic Suggestion (6), 
  Meditation (0), Mind Block (4), Mind Block Auto-Defense (spe-
  cial), Mind Bond (10), Telemechanics (10), and Telepathy (4). 
  I.S.P. is M.E. attribute x5.
  41-60% Healer: Bio-Manipulation (10), Bio-Regeneration (self; 
  6), and six Healing powers of choice. I.S.P. is M.E. attribute x6.
  61-80% Physical Psychic: Meditation (0) and Telekinetic Force 
  Field (10) or Psychic Body Field (30), plus six Physical powers 
  of choice. I.S.P. is M.E. attribute x5.
  81-00% Sensitive Psychic: Mind Bolt (varies), Mind Block (4) 
  and six Sensitive powers of choice. I.S.P. is M.E. attribute x5.
  06-10% Strange Hands Type One. They may now be scaly 
  or glow as if there was a light source inside glowing through their 
  skin, or hands might be a different color than the rest of the body 
  or have a strange texture or lumps or barbs, and so on. Reduce 
  P.B. by 10%.
  Energy Expulsion: The character can now generate and shoot 
  tongues of flame, heat waves, or some sort of energy beam (the 
  exact type can vary a great deal, from laser beams to plasma). 
  Range: 2D6x10 feet (6.1 to 36.6 m) per each subsequent level of 
  experience. Roll the 2D6x10 only one time to determine range. 
  Each new level of experience, increase range the same distance 
  every time. So if 6 was rolled, the character can fire energy 60 
  feet (18.2 m) per each subsequent level of experience. Mega-
  Damage: 2D6 M.D. to start, +1D6 M.D. per each subsequent 
  level of experience. Rate of Fire: Each blast counts as one melee 
  attack. Penalty: -5% to skills that require a sensitive touch and 
  dexterity. Furthermore, the hands feel hot to the touch and others 
  touching them feel uncomfortable, hot and sweaty within a min-
  ute or two, ice cream and other cold food melt in a fraction of the 
  time, and unless shielded/covered, the hands show up on thermal 
  scans and infrared optics.
  11-15% Strange Hands Type Two. Same as above, except 
  these are natural weapon hands like a cat. Again, the hands have 
  a strange appearance, and may look more like the talons of bird, 
  or have an outer shell or exoskeleton on the top of the hand and 
  fingers, while the bottoms feel like leather.
  M.D. Weapon Hand: Each hand has 2D6+10 M.D.C. and can be 
  used to parry and grab Mega-Damage weapons. Plus the individ-
  ual either has small, knife-like claws or sharp spikes that extend 
  and retract at will from the fingertips or from the knuckles (not 
  both). A stabbing or slashing attack does 2D6 M.D. in addition 
  to any applicable punch damage from Robot or Supernatural P.S. 
  Bonuses: +1 to parry, +2 to disarm and pull punch. Penalty: -10% 
  to skills that require a sensitive touch and dexterity. Furthermore, 
  the hands feel hard and rough, like a piece of tree bark.
  16-20% Strange Hands Type Three. The hands and fore-
  arms are semi-transparent like the body of a jellyfish. They are 
  cool to the touch and feel disturbingly soft. The strange, translu-
  cent hands can touch spirits and ethereal beings, including Astral 
  Travelers in our physical plane. This enables the character to grab 
  and strike them as if they had physical bodies. The character also 
  has the following psychic abilities, but must make physical con-
  tact, touching the person or object, to use his psi-powers on them.
  Psychic Powers By Touch: Bio-Manipulation (10), Commune 
  with Spirits (6), Deaden Pain (4), Deaden Senses (4), Detect 
  Psionics (6), Electrokinesis (varies), Empathy (4), Object Read 
  (6), Restore P.P.E. (4+), See Aura (6), Sense Evil (2), Sense Mag-
  ic (3), Telepathy (4), Stop Bleeding (4), Telemechanics (10), and 
  Telemechanic Paralysis (20).
  21-25% Strange Eyes, Avian. The eyes are a golden color, 
  but large and round and resemble those of a predatory bird.
  Keen Eyesight: Can see a rabbit or read a sign from two miles 
  (3.2 km) away, 180 degree peripheral vision, +1 on initiative and 
  +2 to automatic dodge (the act of dodging does not use up a me-
  lee attack). Penalties: Reduce M.A. one point, reduce P.B. 20% 
  and -25% to Disguise and undercover skills.
  26-30% Strange Eyes, Dead. The eyes are either solid black 
  with a gray or milky white pupil, or white with a grey pupil as if 
  the eyes were covered in cataracts.
  See the Unseen: See the Invisible (including spirits, Entities and 
  Astral Travelers), Nightvision 500 feet (152 m), see in the ultra-
  violet spectrum of light, +1 on Perception Rolls. Penalties: Re-
  duce M.A. two points, reduce P.B. 20% and -10% to disguise and 
  undercover skills.
  31-35% Strange Eyes, Feline. The eyes look like those of a 
  cat – almond shaped, green, and with the slit-like pupil of a cat.
  Cat Eyes: Nightvision 2,000 feet (610 m) and +1 on Perception 
  Rolls. Penalties: Eyes are sensitive to sunlight; sunglasses or tinted 
  goggles required otherwise reduce attacks per melee by one, initia-
  tive to zero, and all other combat bonuses are reduced by half in 
  sunlight or bright lights. -5% to disguise and undercover skills.
  36-40% Strange Eyes, Glow. The eyes are one solid color with 
  an energy swirl where the pupil should be. In darkness the eyes 
  glow and they crackle with energy whenever the character is angry 
  or upset. He is not bothered by glare or bright light and can look at 
  the sun without squinting or requiring protection for the eyes.
  Energy Expulsion from the Eyes: The character can fire heat 
  waves or some sort of energy beam (the exact type can vary a 
  great deal, from laser beams to plasma) from his eyes. Range: 
  2D6x100+30 feet (70 to 375 m) +50 feet (15.2 m) per each subse-
  quent level of experience. Mega-Damage: 2D6 M.D. to start, +1 
  M.D. per each subsequent level of experience. Rate of Fire: Each 
  blast counts as one melee attack. Penalties: Has trouble seeing in 
  dim light and suffers from night blindness in the dark (-10 on all 
  combat rolls) in darkness and can barely see. If he drops his keys 
  or weapon outside at night, he can NOT see it on the ground un-
  less he has some form of luminescence to light the area.
  41-45% Extra Pair of Arms and Hands: +1 attack per melee 
  round, +1 on initiative, +2 to parry, entangle and disarm. Pen-
  alties: Reduce P.B. by 30%, disguise and undercover skills are 
  -40%, Palming and other skills that require dexterity and where 
  a pair of extra hands come in handy receive a+10% skill bonus.
  46-50% Ape Features: The face strongly resembles that of 
  an ape or neanderthal. Ambidextrous (can use both hands with 
  equal skill), +5% skill bonus to skills that require dexterity and 
  climbing, natural acrobat (gets that skill +10%) and an ordinary 
  human P.S. is increased to Augmented. Penalties: Reduce height 
  and P.B. attribute by 20%, increase length of arms by 20%, dis-
  guise and undercover skills are -15%.
  
  37
  51-55% Canine Features: The face and eyes strongly resem-
  bles that of a dog, the legs are muscular. +1 to Perception Rolls, 
  +2 to M.A. and +2D4 to Spd attributes. Penalty: Disguise and 
  undercover skills are -10%.
  56-60% Feline Features: The face and eyes strongly resem-
  ble those of a cat, the ears are pointed, body is thin and muscular. 
  Nightvision 100 feet (30.5 m), +1 to P.B., +1D4 to P.P. and Spd 
  attributes. Penalty: Disguise and undercover skills are -10%.
  61-65% Mega-Damage Being with Fine, Scaly Skin. 
  1D6x10+50 M.D.C. Looks normal from a distance, but up close 
  the skin can be seen to be fine scales and no body hair, except for 
  on the head; the character resembles a humanoid lizard. Penal-
  ties: Reduce P.B. by 20%, -1 on M.A., and disguise and under-
  cover skills are -20%.
  66-70% Mega-Damage Being with Thick, Rhinoceros-like 
  Hide. The character’s skin is thick with hard leather-like plates 
  covering all the key locations of the body – forearms, shoul-
  ders, chest, stomach, thighs, lower legs, the back of the neck, 
  2D6x10+70 M.D.C. Penalties: Increase weight 30% and the bulk/
  thickness of the body by 20%. Reduce P.B. by 20%, and disguise 
  and undercover skills are -40%.
  71-75% Mega-Damage Being with Form Fitting Armor. 
  2D6x10+110 M.D.C. The character looks like a cyborg, with 
  metal skin. Skin color can be a metallic copper, gold, silver or 
  dark grey. Only the bottoms of hands, feet and the face and a few 
  other locations remain the character’s natural flesh. Penalties: In-
  crease weight 30%, reduce P.B. and Spd by 10%, -5% on skills 
  that require a delicate touch, and disguise and undercover skills 
  are -40%. Note: In the alternative to metal skin, the character 
  may appear to be made of stone or stone-like skin.
  76-80% Mega-Damage Being with Insect-Like Exoskel-
  eton. 3D6x10+130 M.D.C. The character’s body is covered in a 
  lightweight but hard, smooth, glossy exoskeleton like that of an 
  insect. The color of the exoskeleton can be light to dark green, 
  light to dark blue, red, yellow or light to dark brown. Only the 
  bottoms of hands, feet and the face and a few other locations 
  remain the character’s natural flesh. Penalties: Reduce P.B. by 
  20%, -2 to M.A., -5% on skills that require a delicate touch, and 
  disguise and undercover skills are -70%.
  81-85% Looks Fine, but is a Mortal Vampire who Hungers 
  for Blood. The character is a vampire in the sense that he has a taste 
  and desire for humanoid blood and gets a boost whenever he feeds 
  on fresh blood. All physical attributes increase 30% and +1 to attack 
  per melee round whenever the character feeds on two or more pints 
  of fresh, warm blood. The “blood boost” lasts for 1D6+2 hours after 
  feeding. Penalties: Tends to be more aggressive and prone to vio-
  lence all the time. Defensive about his lust for blood and is likely to 
  at least try to keep it a secret from his friends and associates. Fasting 
  from blood is possible, but after three weeks of abstinence, reduce 
  all combat bonuses by half, and they remain at half until the vampire 
  feeds. Blood that has been removed from a body, via any method, for 
  more than one hour loses all value to this vampire. It does not taste 
  good and it does not provide a power boost.
  86-90% Looks Fine, but is Mr. Hyde. This character has 
  dual and opposite personalities. Under calm, happy and friendly 
  conditions he is his normal self. Under stressful, tense and com-
  bat conditions the character become Mr. Hyde – a personality that 
  is more predatory, aggressive and bloodthirsty. Mr. Hyde is loud, 
  arrogant and highly competitive. He responds to threats and in-
  sults with violence. Trick, cheat or embarrass him, and he’ll seek 
  to get even. In combat, Mr. Hyde is ruthless and without mercy 
  (+1 attack per melee, +1 on initiative and +1 to strike); he enjoys 
  fighting and killing. Note: If the character was Mr. Hyde-like 
  and aggressive or evil to begin with, his response is the opposite. 
  When under pressure or in combat he is cool, calm and collected, 
  helps others, watches his teammates’ backs, and shows mercy to 
  his enemies (+1 attack/action per melee round, +1 on Perception 
  Rolls, +2 to disarm and +3 to pull punch).
  91-95% Looks Fine, but is Aquatic in Nature. The eyes are 
  darker with large pupils which make the eyes sensitive to light. The 
  character’s fingers and toes have a fine webbed membrane between 
  each, and he finds himself attracted to water. Sailing, swimming 
  and water sports are, all of a sudden, fun and desirable, and being 
  by the water is calming and pleasant. Swimming speed is Spd at-
  tribute x4, has gills (as well as lungs). The gills are located in his 
  neck, chest or on the side of the rib cage. The character can breathe 
  underwater indefinitely, survive depths up to two miles (3.2 km), 
  is resistant to cold (half damage), sees clearly in dim light, and has 
  nightvision 300 feet (91.5 m). Penalties: Eyes are sensitive to sun-
  light; sunglasses or tinted goggles are required, otherwise reduce 
  attacks per melee by one, initiative to zero, and all other combat 
  bonuses are reduced by half in sunlight or bright lights.
  96-00% Wings: Roll again to determine type: 01-25% Insect, 
  like a beetle. 26-50% Feathered. 51-75% Thick leather like a 
  dragon. 76-00% Thin, almost transparent leather membrane. +1 
  to M.A., Spd attribute x12 when flying, +2 to automatic dodge 
  when flying and +1 to strike. Each wing has 1D6x10+60 S.D.C. 
  (M.D.C. if a Mega-Damage creature).
  Penalties: Increase weight 30% and reduce running Spd by 50% 
  (takes flight when the character wants to move fast). Disguise and 
  undercover skills are -80%.
  Gene-Tech Sleep or Sedation Inducer
  A flexible metal headband with three metal studs and a clear 
  gemstone in the front. Eight thick wires that resemble wrapped 
  lengths of hair or dreadlocks one foot (0.3 m) in length, drape 
  down from the back. Place it on the patient’s head and it induces 
  sleep within one melee round (15 seconds). More than a relaxed 
  sleep, it induces a state identical to being put under by anesthesia 
  for surgery, but without the use of chemicals.
  Estimated Value: 40,000 to 50,000 credits.
  Gene-Tech Spectral Monocle
  An optical device attached to a headband that is placed around 
  the head, behind the ears with an eyepiece that goes over one eye. 
  The eyepiece automatically adjusts to what the eye is looking at 
  to magnify small details 10x and adjusts to see in a wide spectrum 
  of light, including infrared, ultraviolet, and heat radiation, as well 
  as magic energy and the aura of living beings. Used in surgery, 
  biological studies, repairs and looking for structural flaws in ma-
  terials and structures.
  Estimated Value: 20,000 to 30,000 credits.
  Gene-Tech Surgical Gauntlet
  A gauntlet style glove that resembles a bionic hand and fore-
  arm. The gauntlet fits over the hand and extends two-thirds of the 
  way up the arm. The gauntlet automatically adjusts to the size and 
  shape of the wearer. A wide range of surgical tools and features 
  rise out of the glove as needed.
  
  38
  Estimated Value: 500,000 to one million credits.
  Standard features of the Surgical Gauntlet are as follows:
  Air Hose: A small hose that fires bursts of air to clean and 
  dry. It is on a thin, folding appendage that has a one foot (0.3 m) 
  reach.
  Anesthetizing Touch: An area of the body can be numbed 
  as if a local anesthetic has been applied to feel no pain. This is 
  accomplished by rubbing the area, organ or appendage with the 
  pinky finger in a clockwise, circular motion. The motion starts at 
  the center point and moves out in an expanding circular spiral as 
  indicated by touch (whatever size is required from tiny to large).
  Bonuses: The Surgical Gauntlet provides the user with the 
  following bonuses: +5 to Medical Doctor and Paramedic skills, 
  +15% to all Surgery skills and medicine involving surgery. Also 
  adds a +5% bonus to Demolition skills.
  Bio-Comp Monitor (2): A pair of contacts can be removed 
  from the bottom of the gauntlet. One looks like a thimble that is 
  placed on the patient’s finger, the other looks like a large coin or 
  poker chip that adheres to the skin and is placed on the side of 
  the neck or rib cage. The two contacts transmit all of the patient’s 
  vital signs and biological information into the gauntlet, which 
  relays the information simultaneously to any computers within 
  a 100 foot (30.5 m) radius, to a Heads Up Display (HUD) of a 
  Spectral Monocle, or directly to the Gene-Tech’s retina.
  Camera Appendages (2): For filming and recording surgery 
  and patients’ responses.
  Cauterization Tool: For sealing wounds and burning off par-
  asites and diseased flesh. Damage: 1 S.D.C. point to 1D4 M.D.
  Defibrillator System: A mild electric shock can be induced 
  with the palm of the hand or the two first fingers for the purpose 
  of getting a stopped heart to start beating again. The user of the 
  gauntlet can control the intensity of the jolt with his thoughts. 24 
  charges are possible before needing a half hour to recharge.
  A stun blast can also be performed twice per hour. Range: 
  Touch. Damage: Same as the Pacifier stun gun described earlier.
  Extendible and Retractable Surgical Scissors: One pair of 
  tiny scissors on a folding appendage that has a one foot (0.3 m) 
  reach. Range: Touch. Damage: 2D4 S.D.C.
  Light Appendages (3): There are three small light units on 
  thin, folding appendages. Each has a one foot (0.3 m) reach.
  S.D.C. Scalpel Blades (3): Three different sizes and shapes. 
  Suitable for cutting flesh and bone. Range: Touch. Damage: 1D4 
  to 2D4 S.D.C.
  M.D. Scalpel Blades (2): Two different sizes and shapes. 
  Suitable for cutting flesh and bone. Range: Touch. Mega-Dam-
  age: 1D4 or 1D6 M.D.
  M.D. Scalpel Lasers (2): Two pair, each on a thin, folding 
  appendage that has a one foot (0.3 m) reach. Range: Designed 
  for close surgery, but has a maximum range of 30 feet (9.1 m). 
  Mega-Damage: 1 M.D. point to 2D6 M.D.
  M.D. Scraping Fingernail: A long, narrow spoon-like nail, 
  sharp along all edges and used for scraping. The nail can also part 
  down the middle to open and cut like a pair of scissors. Range: 
  Touch. Mega-Damage: 1 M.D. point. Less pressure does S.D.C.
  Self-Cleaning and Sanitizing: Can be performed as often as 
  needed. Takes one full melee round (15 seconds).
  Suction Tube: On a thin, folding appendage that has a two 
  foot (0.6 m) reach. Blood and fluid suctioned away are atomized 
  when they hit a vaporizing laser unit at the base of the suction on 
  the top of the hand.
  M.D. Surgical Drill: A tiny, precision drill on a folding ap-
  pendage that has a one foot (0.3 m) reach. May be used for den-
  tistry. Range: Touch. Mega-Damage: 1 M.D. point to 1D6 M.D. 
  Can be adjusted to do S.D.C. drilling.
  Surgical Forceps/Pliers: A tiny pair of pliers on a folding 
  appendage that has a one foot (0.3 m) reach. May be used for 
  dentistry. Range: Touch.
  Zap Rod
  A simple wand that resembles a medium-sized flashlight. It is 
  used as a cattle prod to induce test subjects (animal and human-
  oid) to cooperate, behave and move along.
  Weight: One pound (0.45 kg).
  Range: Touch.
  Mega-Damage and S.D.C. Settings: 1 point to 1D6 points of 
  S.D.C. or M.D. can be delivered to the subject.
  Rate of Fire: Each zap counts as one melee attack.
  Payload: 90 zaps whether they are S.D.C. or M.D. Self-charging 
  battery that recharges at a rate of one per minute.
  Estimated Value: 2,000-4,000 credits.
  Bushi Federation
  Population in the Thundercloud Galaxy: 3 billion. These num-
  bers have already been included in the Consortium population 
  totals.
  Demographics: 92% Oni, 8% Others.
  The Bushi Federation is located at the base of the Gaelra Arm, 
  sandwiched between the Crèche Clouds, the Republikan En-
  klaves, and the Hollan Gulf. It is the home of the Oni – large, red-
  skinned humanoids renowned for both their martial prowess and 
  astounding advances in the fields of miniaturization and nano-
  technology. If they had their way, the Oni would also be a race of 
  isolationists. They believe their culture to be superior to all others 
  in the Three Galaxies, and even though they elected to join the 
  Consortium of Civilized Worlds (CCW), it did not stem from any 
  sense of camaraderie or kinship. Getting the Bushi Federation to 
  become a member of the Consortium of Civilized Worlds (CCW) 
  was a political coup for the Consortium, but for the Oni, it was 
  more of a painful compromise.
  Oni History
  The story of the Oni people begins many thousands of years 
  ago. In those days, a deific being known as Ameratsu, the God-
  dess of the Sun, arrived on Hoshino, the fifth of six planets or-
  biting a blue dwarf star in the Thundercloud Galaxy. The God-
  dess brought the people known as the Oni with her, guiding them 
  through a massive dimensional Rift to their new home. With the 
  protection of their divine patron, the Oni tribes and clans settled 
  down, tamed their new home world, and made successful lives 
  for themselves. It is unknown whether or not the Oni had any 
  kind of culture before the Sun Goddess took them into her care or 
  why she patterned it on the Japanese culture of Earth. (It is quite 
  possible that Ameratsu influenced both cultures.)
  From the moment of their first arrival in the Thundercloud, the 
  Oni were a feudal society with a rigid caste system, because that 
  was exactly how Ameratsu molded them to be. The feudal Japanese 
  
  39
  style caste has warriors at the top, craftsmen in the middle, and 
  peasant workers on the bottom. Technology was also at the me-
  dieval level, with handcrafted melee weapons and samurai armor. 
  Since their society had been dictated to them by a supreme being, 
  the Oni followed it without question, especially since Ameratsu 
  continued to live on Hoshino and often walked among them. These 
  were simpler times with a medieval level of technology and culture, 
  because that was exactly how Ameratsu molded them to be.
  Things might have gone on like that, complacent and unchang-
  ing, were it not for the arrival of the Minions of Splugorth. Sometime 
  around the year 9000 of the Third Era, an invasion force from the 
  Kingdom of Desslyth opened dimensional portals to various loca-
  tions on Hoshino in an attempt to capture Oni as slaves. The King-
  dom of Desslyth, at that time, was near its height, and the Oni were 
  simply the next planet in line to be plundered. The minions expected 
  to find another underdeveloped civilization to overrun, just as they 
  had elsewhere across Oswoe’s Arm of the Thundercloud Galaxy. 
  They were in no way prepared to fight a Sun goddess. Ameratsu 
  destroyed the invaders, first blinding them with her countenance and 
  then burning them to ashes with the heat of the sun fired from her 
  hands and eyes as focused beams of destruction. When it was over, 
  the Oni rejoiced, but Ameratsu did not. It is possible the effort of bat-
  tling the Desslyth invasion force drained her somehow. Or perhaps, 
  she felt it was time for her chosen Oni to stand on their own. Or 
  perhaps she was called to some other, more pressing celestial mat-
  ter. Regardless of her reasons, Ameratsu made a decision that would 
  impact the lives of the Oni forever: She would leave them.
  One must understand the Oni had lived in the presence of their 
  divine mistress for so long that life without her was inconceivable. 
  Everything they had, they owed to her. Everything they knew was 
  because she had taught it to them. Fearing they might turn upon one 
  another or commit mass suicide, Ameratsu addressed her adopted 
  children, telling them to remain united, grow strong and make her 
  proud. She also elevated their strongest, wisest and most respected 
  warrior and leader, Kihira, into a demigod, and anointed him with 
  the title of “Bushi Emperor.” Then, she imparted to him her final 
  instructions, and left Hoshino, apparently forever.
  As the clans and nations of the Oni watched their deity streak 
  away into the heavens on a wave of solar plasma, Emperor Ki-
  hira gathered his five most trusted friends, each a samurai warrior 
  of renown. He prepared an elaborate tea ceremony for them, and 
  served each of them himself. When he had finished, he told them 
  that Ameratsu had given him a gift. In his mind were now stored 
  a thousand years worth of scientific and technological innovation 
  and knowledge, far beyond anything that the Oni could have imag-
  ined. Emperor Kihira was to use this knowledge to forge a new era 
  for the Oni, and he asked his samurai friends to help him. The Oni 
  people had to be kept unified under the power of the Emperor, lest 
  they splinter into lesser factions. It was the only way, Ameratsu 
  had said, that they would be safe from future threats from “gaijin.”
  The names of those five Daimyo are synonymous with Oni 
  history and the founding of the Bushi Federation. They were 
  Yinshazi the Secretive, Tokuken the Outspoken, Wamori the Pi-
  ous, Nishisa the Fearless, and Zawamori the Invincible. Thanks 
  to secrets given to Kihira by Ameratsu, they too would enjoy ex-
  tended lives, though nowhere as long as the Emperor. Together 
  they kept their people unified, introduced science and technol-
  ogy, and began to build an empire. The introduction of science 
  created a new caste in the Bushi civilization, that of the Tsukurite, 
  or “builder,” a position second only to the warrior. In a remark-
  
  40
  ably short period of time, the Oni learned and mastered biology, 
  chemistry, physics, and engineering, among other sciences.
  When their technology enabled them to extend their reach to 
  the stars, the Emperor ordered the construction of massive space-
  craft with suspended animation chambers and a space fleet. When 
  the ships and fleet were ready, Emperor Kihira called forth his five 
  Daimyo to reveal yet another stage in the grand plan of Ameratsu: 
  It was time to go out into the cosmos just as Ameratsu had done, 
  and bring the Bushi civilization to new worlds. As instructed by 
  Ameratsu to Kihira, Zawamori would stay behind to serve as 
  Shogun and Protector of the Oni home world, Hoshino. The other 
  four generals, placed in special “coffins” (suspended animation 
  chambers), would each take 1,000 chosen men and women and 
  head for the stars. All would sleep for years until their starships 
  arrived at new habitable worlds within the Thundercloud Galaxy. 
  On that fateful day, each of the four Daimyos would establish his 
  own planetary kingdom and rule that world as he saw fit as part of 
  a larger Bushi empire. Yinshazi, Tokuken, Wamori, and Nishisa 
  each took their one thousand and traveled out into deep space. 
  After a century, they each discovered a habitable planet within a 
  radius of twenty light-years, and the Bushi Federation was born.
  Gaijin and Hyu-man
  There are two very important words in the Oni language: gai-
  jin and hyu-man. Each of these words has, in one way or another, 
  shaped their culture, as they reflect the Oni’s sense of racial supe-
  riority and instill in them an apprehension and disdain for outsid-
  ers in general, and humans in particular.
  Gaijin means “foreigner” – “barbarian foreigner” to be more 
  exact. Until the arrival of the Splugorth Minions from the Kingdom 
  of Desslyth, the word did not exist in the Oni vocabulary. It was 
  Ameratsu who first used it to describe the Minions of Splugorth 
  invading Hoshino as she incinerated them. While the translation of 
  gaijin means “foreigner,” it has come to have the broader meanings 
  of “barbarian outsider” and “anyone not Oni.” To be called a gaijin 
  is an insult and often used as a curse word as there is nothing lower 
  and less honorable than a gaijin – except, perhaps, a hyu-man.
  Hyu-man is the collective name for the Goblins of Oni folk-
  lore. According to legend and fairy tales, the hyu-man (Goblins) 
  are nefarious, clumsy and ugly, demonic creatures with a crafty 
  intelligence and knack for causing trouble. Hyu-mans can not find 
  a way to live in harmony with nature, so they are constantly at odds 
  with it, and fight to dominate and control it. Hyu-mans are said to 
  bring bad luck and strife wherever they go, thus, once a year the 
  Oni hold an elaborate cleansing festival designed to drive any hyu-
  man spirits out of their homes and communities. Unusual weather 
  and natural disasters are still blamed on the Goblins to this day, 
  and when Oni children play tag, the one who is “it” is called the 
  “hyu-man.” When translated into Trade Four, this word becomes 
  “humans” and with it comes the stigma of the Goblin legends.
  Close Encounters
  Over time, rumors about an advanced civilization on the edge of 
  Oswoe’s Arm of the Thundercloud Galaxy began to surface. Ac-
  cording to stories told by Spacers and Pirates, these people wanted 
  only to be left alone. Approach one of their wedge-shaped space-
  craft, and the pilot would either take evasive action, outpace the 
  approaching vessel and vanish, or he’d fire on the vessel, crippling 
  it. For centuries the exact identity of this civilization was unknown, 
  and even after the names Bushi Federation and Oni were learned, 
  the locations of the worlds in the Federation remained a secret.
  The Noro were the first to locate and make contact with Hoshino, 
  the home world of the Bushi Federation. Three centuries after the 
  Splugorth attack and Ameratsu’s departure, a Noro delegation man-
  aged to get permission to land and have an audience with the Fed-
  eration’s Shogun. It was in the early decades of the Great War, and 
  the delegation was one among hundreds of diplomatic teams comb-
  ing the Three Galaxies in search of allies to stand against the Kreeg-
  hor’s Transgalactic Empire (TGE). The Noro diplomats had reached 
  an agreement with the Catyr Commonwealth, and it was from the 
  Catyr they learned about the mysterious and reclusive Bushi Fed-
  eration. Among the stories about the Bushi were tales of advanced 
  technology, space fighters, and the combat prowess of their war-
  riors. All would be welcomed assets in the war with the TGE.
  The Noro leading the diplomatic team was an accomplished 
  ambassador, and knew when to speak passionately, when to flat-
  ter, and when to shut up. In this case, he had to juggle all three. 
  The Oni, he soon discovered, were indeed fine warriors, perhaps 
  more skilled than the notorious Wulfen, but they were also xe-
  nophobes and isolationists. They treated him and his team in a 
  snide, condescending manner that smacked of Oni superiority 
  and contempt for “gaijin,” as they called him and his teammates. 
  He hoped their attitude was a defense mechanism to conceal their 
  own fear and insecurity toward outsiders.
  Since the Emperor was considered divine, the ambassador 
  wasn’t allowed to see him. Instead, he presented his case to the 
  Shogun of Hoshino. The diplomat described the Kreeghor and 
  their past as Minions of Splugorth. He told the Shogun about 
  the Kreeghor’s desire to conquer and dominate the Three Galax-
  ies, and he subtly implied that if the Oni did not join the newly 
  formed Consortium of Civilized Worlds, that they might one day 
  find themselves under attack by the Transgalactic Empire (TGE). 
  By joining the CCW, he explained, the Bushi Federation would 
  have powerful allies to stand with against the monstrous invad-
  ers. He also told the Shogun that without the great warriors of the 
  Oni on their side, the Consortium’s cause might be doomed to 
  failure and the TGE could become unstoppable.
  The Shogun listened in silence, and then replied that if the gai-
  jin wanted to destroy themselves, who was he to stop them? The 
  Noro ambassador returned to his starship, and flew back towards 
  Oswoe’s Arm, feeling that his argument had made no impact at 
  all. He was correct. The Oni would maintain their self-imposed 
  isolation from the rest of the universe for hundreds of years. The 
  Bushi Federation would remain free of gaijin entanglement. That 
  meant no trade, no alliances, and no conflicts.
  As they had promised to the Shogun of Hoshino, the Noro did 
  not disclose the location of the Bushi Federation’s home world, 
  and for a time, the Oni were forgotten by the people of the Three 
  Galaxies, preoccupied with the Great War and the restructuring 
  of the political landscape that followed. The TGE and the Great 
  War never reached the Bushi Federation, and the Oni continued 
  to live a happy life of quiet isolation.
  Then came the Scramble. As more and more explorers 
  mapped the Thundercloud Galaxy and settlers and space-faring 
  civilizations rushed to claim as many worlds and resources as they 
  could, the stories about the Oni began to circulate. It had been cen-
  turies since anyone had even flown a ship into Oni space, let alone 
  walked on one of their five worlds or spoken with one, so for a long 
  
  41
  time, stories about a secret alien civilization were little more than 
  rumors and conjecture. Some people even began to fancy the Bushi 
  Federation as a kind of lost civilization filled with riches and ultra-
  technology they wished they could get their hands on.
  In 9574 TE, a Noro delegation representing the CCW arrived 
  in six starships on the outskirts of the Bushi Federation and asked 
  to engage in trade talks. They were refused. Years later, several 
  Iborian missionaries were arrested and detained by the Oni before 
  being sent on their way. The Kreeghor first tried to make contact 
  with the Oni in 9640 TE. Their offers were declined, as were all 
  others to follow.
  Someone, somewhere, should have taken the hint, but the more 
  the Bushi Federation resisted contact with the outside world, the 
  more desperate the outside world grew to get the Federation to 
  join them. By now, the super powers were obsessed with the 
  Bushi Federation, mostly because they couldn’t have it. The 
  CCW became convinced that disaster was sure to follow should 
  the Federation’s super-technology fall into the TGE’s possession. 
  As a result, CCW representatives made one overture after another 
  to win their allegiance, but to no avail. The TGE made a few ef-
  forts as well, but never take rejection well, and quickly decided 
  they didn’t need the Oni and went back to conquering worlds held 
  by the Splugorth Kingdom of Desslyth.
  Though isolationists by choice, the Oni were not blind to, nor 
  ignorant of, the goings-on of other civilizations around them. From 
  afar, they studied the humans, Noro and other members of the CCW, 
  as well as the Transgalactic Empire and other galactic powers. Stud-
  ied them and learned about their cultures, at least on a fundamental 
  level. The Bushi Federation was not happy about the Scramble and 
  hated that so many gaijin were invading their once quiet corner of 
  the universe. The Goddess Ameratsu had foreseen and warned of 
  such a day, saying to the Immortal Emperor Kihira that a day would 
  come when a gathering darkness would threaten the Three Galax-
  ies, and the Oni could no longer hide from the universe. When that 
  time came, the Oni would have to make a choice between two op-
  posing sides, both of whom coveted them as their ally.
  One might think a race of beings such as the Kreeghor, who 
  managed to break free from Splugorth slavery and become a 
  galactic power liberating worlds from their evil masters, would 
  appeal to the Oni. On the contrary, the Oni look upon the Kreeg-
  hor as a pale and dangerous reflection of the Splugorth. The Oni 
  recognize the Kreeghor’s appetite, and know it is only a matter 
  of time before the TGE looks to civilizations other than those of 
  the Splugorth to conquer. This makes the TGE’s acquisition of so 
  many worlds in the Thundercloud a reason for concern. The Oni 
  also realize that the aggressive Kreeghor could never accept them 
  as equals, let alone as their superiors – and the Oni see themselves 
  as superior to the Kreeghor in every way.
  That makes the CCW the lesser of two evils.
  In 9970 TE, the Bushi Federation joined the Consortium. The 
  reasons were simple. The CCW would accept the Oni, more or 
  less, for who they were. They would not force the Bushi Federa-
  tion to change its ways (at least mostly), and the Bushi would be 
  a shining star among the lesser civilizations of the Consortium. 
  (Which, to their thinking, is all of them.) Besides, the Oni find it 
  amusing that “hyu-mans” have come to them on their knees beg-
  ging for their help and association. The arrogant people that they 
  are, the Bushi Federation intends to profit greatly from this “al-
  liance.” As a civilization that prides itself as a feudal-style mili-
  tocracy deploying some of the greatest warriors, weapons and 
  spacecraft in the Three Galaxies, the Oni rather enjoy proving 
  themselves superior combatants against all comers, especially 
  when these conflicts all take place far from the Bushi Federation. 
  Though the Oni had anticipated the next big conflict to be with 
  the Kreeghor of the TGE, they now recognize the Demon Stars 
  and demon invasion fleet as the immediate threat, and the dark-
  ness foretold by Ameratsu.
  Bushi Technology
  For a race whose technological advancement is only a millen-
  nium old, the Oni have an astounding level of technology, and 
  are far ahead the tri-galactic curve in many areas. Foremost is 
  their mastery of nanotech: the construction of machines from the 
  atomic level up. As a result, the technology of the Bushi Federa-
  tion is arguably the best in the Three Galaxies, only Naruni En-
  terprises and a couple others come close, and only the tech of the 
  Prometheans on Phase World may surpass them. Bushi Industries 
  offers some of the most coveted bionics, power armor, weapons, 
  force fields, and spaceships on the market.
  For all their success in nanotech (which powers their advanced 
  weaponry, cybernetics, bionics, and everyday manufacturing), the 
  Oni are completely ignorant in two major fields: those of genetics 
  and gravitonics. Perhaps because they believe that they are the pin-
  nacle of intelligence in the Three Galaxies, the Oni never delved 
  into the secrets of cellular structure. Why fix what isn’t broken, 
  after all? Until they became Consortium members, they couldn’t 
  even conceive of the structure of DNA, let alone the deliberate 
  altering of it. Likewise, they had no idea that by manipulating 
  gravitonic wavelengths, vessels could get around the speed of light 
  barrier. The Oni had settled their four extra-solar worlds the hard 
  way, by sending thousands of hibernating colonists on one-way, 
  sub-light journeys. This has limited both their influence and terri-
  tory, as well as their ability to strike out against other civilizations.
  Today, the Oni now plan to smother their competitors and 
  dominate the weapons market. To that end, Bushi Industries of-
  fers products that are better, smaller, faster, and cheaper than 
  those made by infamous conglomerates like Naruni Enterprises, 
  Wolfpack Weapons, and Galactic Armory. In time, the Bushi 
  Federation expects to secure a monopoly in military hardware as 
  well as other vital markets. When that happens, the Consortium 
  will be utterly dependant on Oni technology to keep it running, 
  and the Bushi Federation will have quietly and methodically con-
  quered the CCW without firing a shot.
  Bushi Home World & Notes
  Hoshino, the Celestial Home World. From its lapis lazuli 
  seas, to its mauve skies, Hoshino is a world of fierce beauty 
  (much like its inhabitants). Churning oceans cover two-thirds 
  of its surface. Seven mountainous continents take up the rest. 
  Hoshino has one season, a kind of eternal autumn. Snow cov-
  ers large parts of the mountains all year round and the poles are 
  choked with ice. The planet has one moon, Koto, a lifeless ball of 
  rock 1,100 miles (1,760 km) in diameter. Ten billion Oni live on 
  the Celestial Home World, and the majority of them live in and 
  around Nakazen, the capital. This is the center of the Bushi Fed-
  eration and one of the most densely populated cities in the Thun-
  dercloud Galaxy. It is filled with skyscrapers, gigantic factories, 
  even a space elevator! It is a high-tech urban center much like 
  
  42
  many others. What sets Nakazen apart is that it is surrounded by 
  acres of pristine farmland in which toil millions of peasants. The 
  caste system of the Bushi Federation has created a distinct split 
  between the haves, who live in an ultra-modern fashion, and the 
  have-nots, who still have a largely medieval level of existence.
  South of the capital, on the Island of Iwahon, the Imperial 
  Palace is under renovation. The entire city-sized building is be-
  ing refurbished and expanded by peasant workers using tradi-
  tional methods. From the air, the construction site looks like a 
  small mountain of bamboo scaffolding over which millions of Oni 
  workers scramble. It is scheduled for completion sometime within 
  the next decade. Even under renovation, it is the home of the Im-
  mortal Emperor Kihira. Yes, this is the same man empowered by 
  Ameratsu centuries ago. While the five Daimyo of today are the 
  descendants of his original five generals, the Emperor, himself, is 
  the same man turned into demigod. While he is referred as the “Im-
  mortal” Emperor, it is unlikely he is truly immortal. Though a little 
  over 1,000 years old, Kihira looks to be a healthy man in his seven-
  ties or eighties (it is rumored in some circles that the Emperor ages 
  the equivalent of 10 years for every passing century). These days 
  he is more of a living god and religious icon that unites and inspires 
  the people than an actual global leader. All the day-to-day matters 
  of business, economy and politics are left to the Bushi Federation 
  Shogun and the four Daimyo of the five main worlds.
  The entire planet of Hoshino is considered sacred ground, 
  and the people are loath to have gaijin or hyu-mans walk upon 
  it. Therefore, most trade and other business is conducted in an 
  orbiting asteroid, which was dragged in from the outer system, 
  hollowed out and turned into a space station and visitors’ port of 
  call. The asteroid station can accommodate ten million people 
  at a time and has 80 active docking ports. The space elevator 
  connects the asteroid to the major manufacturing complexes in 
  Nakazen, so those who come to buy Bushido Industries prod-
  ucts directly from the source have no need to actually set foot on 
  Hoshino. Only very special, invited guests are ever allowed more 
  than an orbital view of the Celestial Home World.
  Yinshazi System. The Bushi Federation has five main worlds: 
  the home world and the four worlds founded by the four Daimyo. 
  Each of the five worlds is fully developed and populated by the 
  Oni. In addition, the Bushi Federation has other holdings claimed 
  by the five primary worlds. The entire Yinshazi solar system was 
  originally claimed and developed by Daimyo Yinshazi the Secre-
  tive. It contains several monasteries for the training of Cyberai 
  and ninja, a small colony, a combat training planet and a mining 
  facility. The entire system is monitored by an extensive web of 
  sensor pods, to the point that no uninvited vessel has a prayer of 
  entering the solar system without being noticed and observed. A 
  full breakdown of the Yinshazi system can be found in Rifts® 
  Dimension Book Six: Three Galaxies, page 50.
  Bushi Foreign Affairs
  The Consortium of Civilized Worlds. All members of the 
  CCW are inferior to the Oni, but an alliance with them seemed 
  like the smart thing to do.
  The Oni remain xenophobic and prefer to limit their direct 
  contact with the rest of the people of the Three Galaxies. They 
  joined the CCW for three main reasons: 1) To protect the Federa-
  tion in order to keep their people safe. 2) To keep the Scramble 
  out of what the Bushi Federation considers the sectors of space 
  that belong to it. 3) To, over time, become the dominant power 
  in the CCW.
  It didn’t hurt that the CCW strokes the Oni ego by acknowl-
  edging them for having superior technology and wanting the 
  Bushi Federation to supply them with that coveted tech. This re-
  inforces the Oni’s overblown sense of importance and superiority 
  over all others. As a strategically important member of the CCW, 
  the Bushi Federation carries more weight than some civilizations 
  that have been members of the Consortium for hundreds of years. 
  For now, the Bushi Federation is the darling of the CCW and 
  can throw its weight around to get almost anything it wants. And 
  that’s the way the Oni like it. What the Oni are not anticipating is 
  that things change.
  Transgalactic Empire. The Bushi Federation is not im-
  pressed by these “gaijin” and wants nothing to do with them. The 
  Oni hope that joining the CCW will keep the TGE from causing 
  any trouble in Bushi space.
  Kingdom of Desslyth. The Bushi Federation sees them as the 
  fading power they are, but also has a lingering animosity for the 
  Kingdom. It was the Kingdom of Desslyth who invaded the Oni 
  home world 1,000 years ago, and it was after that attack that the 
  sun goddess left the Oni. Thus, most Oni blame the Splugorth (all 
  Splugorth and their Minions) for the loss of Ameratsu. While the 
  Oni do not personally seek the Kingdom’s destruction, they are 
  happy to see it happening. If given the chance to destroy Lord 
  Desslyth the Elder or the Younger, the Oni Shogun and Daimyo 
  would be hard-pressed to resist the urge to do so.
  Prides of Shing. The Bushi have heard of rumors of the feline 
  magic users, but have never had any encounter with them.
  The Republikan Enklaves. No diplomatic relations. As far 
  as the Bushi Federation is concerned, the Golgans are brutish 
  wannabes who may need to be shown their place. They are the 
  epitome of the word “gaijin.”
  Denlech Settlers. The Bushi have no contact with the Denlech 
  and consider them weirdos. As for the whole squabble over the 
  right to the Killaryte on the Denlech’s colony world, the matter 
  seems pretty cut and dried to the Oni. Either leave these hyu-mans 
  alone and find Killaryte elsewhere, or take it from the Denlech. 
  They are a primitive people who can’t fight back, so what’s the 
  problem? Just like gaijin to make a simple matter into something 
  ridiculous and complex.
  Exiles. These mysterious aliens are a new, unknown quantity 
  in the Thundercloud to be watched with great concern.
  Trensik Mercenaries. More gaijin not to be trusted.
  UWW Thundercloud Possessions. A potential client for 
  Bushi Industries, nothing more.
  Denlech Settlers
  Population in the Thundercloud Galaxy: Unknown. 20 mil-
  lion Denlech are known to exist on the planet Denlar. The other 
  five groups of settlers remain “lost,” whereabouts and population 
  numbers unknown.
  Demographics: 100% Denlech humans.
  Denlar Overview: The Denlech’s adopted world is called Denlar. 
  It is rather small, about the size of Terra Prime. Half of its sur-
  face is covered by deep, cold oceans. The remainder is taken up by 
  one central landmass and some scattered groupings of islands. The 
  
  43
  main continent, which has never been named, is roughly 22 million 
  square miles in size (56 million square kilometers). The inhabited 
  areas of the planet have a temperate climate, with terrain that rang-
  es from forest to grassy plains to scrublands and mountains. The far 
  northern reaches are cold, snow and ice covered deserts.
  The Denlech have located their communities where the soil 
  is fertile for a wide range of crops, and neighboring fauna offers 
  excellent fishing and game hunting. A local species of tree called 
  the Madaza can be found all across the planet, even on the plains. 
  The large leaves of the Madaza can be used as vegetables, and its 
  fruit, which grows as large as a grapefruit, is extremely nutritious.
  A tale of individuality
  The Denlech’s story begins one thousand years ago with the 
  Automaton War – a historic conflict in which a runaway arti-
  ficial intelligence and legions of robots conquered Terra Prime 
  and seemed on the verge of enslaving all of humankind within 
  the Human Alliance. It was a fight that spanned two centuries and 
  ravaged many worlds and colonies.
  When the A.I. and robots were defeated, it was not a surprise 
  that a huge percentage of people in the Human Alliance suffered 
  from anxiety and a deep-seated distrust of machines, particularly 
  robots and artificial intelligences. With time, therapy and new 
  safeguards put into place to prevent something like the Automa-
  ton Wars from ever happening again, most people returned to 
  their old way of life. Though leery of them, most accepted the use 
  of basic computers, the datasphere and high-technology. A small 
  percentage, however, continued to fear and loathe machines. All 
  machines. They lobbied to dismantle human civilization and re-
  design it without such reliance upon machines.
  They called themselves the Denlech Movement, named af-
  ter Doctor Derek Denlech, a man who had warned the Human 
  Alliance about flaws and disturbing behavioral patterns in the 
  super-computer that would, a decade later, go wild and start the 
  Automaton War. Doctor Denlech also spoke out about human-
  ity’s over-dependence on machines and about ways to “soften” 
  that dependency. He and others like him worried that humankind 
  was becoming fat, lazy, and crippled by technology. He pointed 
  out that every world in the Human Alliance was surrounded by 
  a swirling bubble of information called a datasphere, and all the 
  dataspheres were connected to each other through a tachyon net-
  work. Implanted headjacks and cerebral microprocessors had long 
  ago replaced actual books and most other forms of communication. 
  Basic skills such as writing by hand, doing long division, designing 
  and building objects from scratch, making clothing, building a fire, 
  and many other fundamental abilities had been lost. Physical labor 
  and difficult tasks were taken care of by robots and managed by ar-
  tificial intelligence, leaving the people with nothing to do but make 
  babies and entertain themselves. The technology that had helped to 
  build and advance human society now dominated it.
  The Denlech Movement advocated a “return to basics.” To re-
  discover oneself, nature and the world around them. The hardcore 
  of the movement was five million passionate supporters, but their 
  words and fears appealed to hundreds of millions of people who 
  held on to a fear and apprehension about artificial intelligence, 
  robots and unchecked advances in technology. They lobbied for 
  sweeping reforms, mandatory safeguards, and a return to lower 
  
  44
  levels of technology for the welfare of humanity. To the Denlech, 
  the Automaton War was a wake-up call. A call to return to a sim-
  pler and safer way of life.
  At first, the movement had tremendous support, and it was 
  instrumental in passing a number of important laws and protocols 
  to protect humanity in the areas of artificial intelligence, robots 
  and advanced technologies. Though pleased by these laws, the 
  people in the Denlech Movement saw them as only the beginning 
  – baby steps to protect and reinvent human civilization. As the 
  Denlech Movement radicalized and began demanding sweeping 
  changes, they lobbied the legislature and launched media cam-
  paigns to educate the public about the “evils of technology.” The 
  Denlech couldn’t believe how fast people were willing to forgive 
  past mistakes and return to their lives and technology that had 
  carried them to the brink of destruction. With each subsequent 
  legislative defeat or the passage of laws without teeth, the Den-
  lech became frustrated, then angry. The angrier the Denlech be-
  came, the louder and more extreme they got. This extremism cost 
  them the sympathy of the hundreds of millions of fringe support-
  ers, and before long, members of the entire Denlech Movement 
  were labeled fanatics and techno-phobes. Such harsh labels were 
  hurtful to the Denlech, but not an unfair characterization.
  Some of their ideas were good, such as many advanced ideas for 
  minimizing pollution and developing power systems and machin-
  ery that had little to no carbon emissions. The Denlech presented 
  amazing plans for building communities that conformed to nature 
  and became part of a living environment, and they spoke of a uto-
  pian society. The Denlech Movement imagined advanced hydro-
  ponic gardens to produce high-yield crops, and living in sprawling 
  rural communities. They encouraged getting back in touch with 
  nature, the use of riding animals, bicycles and walking as prima-
  ry modes of transportation, clean magnetic rail systems for mass 
  transportation, solar power and other “natural” methods of produc-
  ing energy. This alone, the Delench Movement insisted, showed 
  they were not anti-technology, but against thoughtless industry and 
  the reckless advancement of tech. The members were, of course, 
  completely opposed to computers and robots, but they argued their 
  absence would provide work and purpose for humans.
  A growing number of Denlech talked about taking civilization 
  back to the pre-Industrial era. They advocated completely forsak-
  ing advanced computers, space travel, life in mega-cities, and the 
  tachyon network. Their plan was to use their current heavy manu-
  facturing to create space arks to carry people to new worlds to be 
  colonized with low-tech communities. Back on the old worlds, as 
  the population became smaller due to the colonization of other plan-
  ets, they suggested abandoning and tearing down the mega-cities 
  and making them into agrarian communities. The Denlech insisted 
  returning to a simpler, “more natural” life as farmers and craftsmen, 
  and giving up high-technology and dependence on machines was 
  the only way to insure human survival and spiritual rebirth.
  There was just one little problem with the Denlech Utopia, 
  nobody wanted it. Few wanted to give up their cozy, data-filled 
  technological lives. The majority of people would rather live 
  with technology that scared them than give up the easy and com-
  fortable life they enjoyed. They didn’t mind the idea of walk-
  ing, exercise or living in harmony with nature, but they didn’t 
  want to give up city life, robot labor, computers, the datasphere, 
  the tachyon network or space travel. In short order, the Denlech 
  Movement found itself alone and rejected.
  After a few decades of futile politics, the members of the 
  movement realized nothing was going to change unless they 
  led the way. Thus was born the Denlech Paradise Reclama-
  tion Project: An ambitious plan to carry 4.4 million Denlech to 
  the stars, where they would start new utopian colonies on alien 
  worlds within the Thundercloud Galaxy. The main reasons the 
  Thundercloud was chosen were: 1. Nobody, at the time, was col-
  onizing it. The Thundercloud Galaxy had a long history of vio-
  lence, destruction, and weird phenomena that made it an ominous 
  and frightening place people avoided. 2. It was truly a new, un-
  explored frontier (at least for the people of the Human Alliance). 
  3. The Denlech wanted to get as far away from the corrupting 
  influence of technology as they could.
  Though many scoffed at the notion, a few years later, the Den-
  lech were heading for the stars to colonize brave new worlds in 
  the name of humanity. Their departure was considered pure folly, 
  and covered with great media fanfare. To most people’s surprise, 
  the Denlech followed the beat of their own drummer and were de-
  termined to realize their dream of a better life without reliance on 
  robots, dataspheres or the burden of overwhelming technology.
  The 4.4 million Denlech had targeted a half dozen worlds to 
  settle. They would divide their forces into several groups, each to 
  settle a different world. Once the Denlech settlers reached their 
  destination, they all had the same protocols and procedures. The 
  Denlech were not techno-phobic as many believed, and the first 
  thing they did upon entering the orbit of a chosen planet was to 
  place a number of multi-purpose satellites in orbit. The satel-
  lites would be used to maintain communications between each 
  of the colonies on the planet as well as provide data to predict 
  the weather, monitor storms, provide basic global positioning in-
  formation, and other peaceful uses for satellites. No satellite had 
  any weapon systems and there was no datasphere. Furthermore, 
  only select members of the Denlech were required to access the 
  satellites and their data.
  Before landing, the small armada of spacecraft divided into six 
  designated groups of settlers. Each group had the task of starting 
  a colony on the same world in hopes of increasing the overall 
  odds for success. The idea was, if one or two colonies failed or 
  met with destruction, hopefully the others would survive.
  Upon landing, the Denlech would establish a base colony, build 
  habitats for the colonists, establish solar power systems and a de-
  fensive perimeter. Using satellite images and information com-
  bined with on the ground exploration, a permanent colony site 
  would be selected and construction of the permanent site begun im-
  mediately. All this happened very quickly, in a matter of months.
  The initial landing zone became a community known as Home 
  Field, and was turned into the manufacturing center of the new 
  colonies. Half the spaceships the Denlech settlers arrived on were 
  turned into mini-high-tech centers of communication and manu-
  facturing. The other half of the spacecraft were camouflaged and 
  kept for future space operations, such as maintenance and repair 
  of satellites, rescue operations, travel to other colonies in case of 
  emergency, and, if necessary, to engage space travelers. Manu-
  facturing capabilities of Home Field were limited to the construc-
  tion of building materials, tools, containers, and resources such 
  as laboratories, medical facilities, water purification, and similar.
  As the colony grew and expanded, the vast majority of Denlech 
  lived simple lives as farmers, craftsmen and naturalists. They use 
  hydroponics and other advanced farming techniques, raised ani-
  mals, and lived in homes and built communities that conformed to 
  
  45
  and complimented their environment. As a result, different Den-
  lech communities may look very different from each other, as each 
  utilized the resources and environment available to them. At one 
  point, the Denlech had planned on bringing livestock and cattle 
  with them to their new paradise, but decided against it because the 
  ecological impact could be disastrous to the indigenous flora and 
  fauna, as well as the environment. Though it was a risky proposi-
  tion, the Denlech decided they would be able to find and cultivate 
  native animals for livestock, pets and beasts of burden. And they 
  did. The settlers drew the line at crops, however, and though they 
  planned to incorporate the edible vegetation and wildlife of their 
  new home into their diet, they brought seeds for a wide range of 
  food staples, from grains and vegetables to fruits and nuts.
  The only world known to be inhabited by the Denlech is the 
  planet Denlar, located in the tip of Oswoe’s Arm. Life on the 
  frontier world would be hard. Their low-tech society and hard 
  work in the fields meant a much higher mortality rate and a short-
  er life span than the advanced civilization they had left behind. 
  All that, however, was to be expected. All that mattered was the 
  Denlech were living their dream and life was good. If there was 
  any sorrow among these stalwart people, it was that once landed, 
  the settlers would have no means of tracking or staying in contact 
  with the other Denlech colonization groups. Thus, they would 
  never know if the other groups reached their colony planets or 
  whether they lived or died.
  From the landing point, the Denlech settlers slowly but sure-
  ly spread out across the land and prospered. They maintained a 
  simple life built largely around farming. They used select bits of 
  “safe” technology to make their lives a bit better, and built their 
  vision of a perfect, low-tech society.
  For the next four centuries, the Denlech lived in complete iso-
  lation, cut off from the advanced civilization they had known in 
  the Human Alliance. While the first generation or two spoke of 
  their home world, their past, the Human Alliance and the Automa-
  ton War, future generations of Denlech lost any real sense of con-
  nection to humanity in the Human Alliance (later to become the 
  CCW). They were quite happy and content with their lives, and 
  considered Denlar their home. Big on education, knowledge and 
  responsibility, all Denlech can read and write, and know about 
  their origin and heritage, but know it on an intellectual level; 
  there is no sense of kinship or sentimentality about the civiliza-
  tion they left behind. The settlers even call themselves “Denlech” 
  rather than humans, and consider themselves to be a people apart 
  from the humans of the Human Alliance/CCW. They all share a 
  common view of life, believe themselves enlightened and are at 
  home with nature. They make and use simple tools and clothing, 
  build homes, ride animals, use advanced methods of irrigation, 
  hydroponics and farming, and utilize solar and wind power. They 
  know about computers, robots, space travel and high technology, 
  but most Denlech (as in 99%) have little use for such things, and 
  all have been indoctrinated to believe them to be dangerous, evil 
  and undesirable. By association, off-worlders, such as the people 
  of the CCW, TGE and other advanced civilizations, are also con-
  sidered to be dangerous, evil and undesirable due to their use of 
  high technology and lack of respect for nature and life. Such piti-
  ful beings are to be avoided and feared as if they carried a plague. 
  To many of the settlers such a representation is not an exaggera-
  tion, they do carry a plague: the plague of advanced technology.
  Among the Denelech, only the Keepers of the Forbidden are 
  trained in the use of technology, manufacturing, satellite commu-
  nication, energy weapons and flying spacecraft. It is the Keepers 
  who run Home Field, do the light manufacturing to make clothing, 
  simple tools and building materials, and maintain the satellites in 
  orbit. One percent of the Denlech are Keepers of the Forbidden, a 
  position of honor that is regarded as a sacred duty passed on from 
  generation to generation of Keepers. However, even the Keepers 
  consider their duty to be a burden and a curse as much as it is 
  an honor. Those assigned to the position try to live a simple life 
  free of machine dependence, ever aware that the machines and 
  technology they use are “tools,” nothing more. Maintaining some 
  measure of technology was deemed a necessary evil. The Den-
  lech desired isolation and simplicity, but they were smart, and 
  realized that sooner or later, the outside world would find them, 
  and they might need the meager remnants of technology they had 
  left, and/or space flight capabilities. Thus, the role of the Keepers 
  of the Forbidden is seen as a sacrifice for the greater good. Still, 
  most Keepers fear they are somehow corrupted by science and 
  tainted by the machines and bits of technology they maintain. 
  Though the position of a Keeper is an exalted one, the rest of the 
  Denlech also wonder if Keepers of the Forbidden are corrupted 
  by technology, and they are regarded them with a touch of fear 
  and kept at arm’s length from the rest of the population.
  Until a Catyr exploration vessel happened upon Denlar, the 
  Denlech had no contact whatsoever with the outside world. They 
  knew nothing about the Human Alliance becoming the Consor-
  tium of Civilized Worlds or what had ever become of their civi-
  lization of origin. The Denlech knew alien races must exist in 
  the Thundercloud Galaxy, but until that day, they had never met 
  one. Thus, it was an event met with a mixture of excitement and 
  trepidation. Elder Denlech feared contamination from the outside 
  world, while younger Denlech worried about the danger a tech-
  nological people might bring to their planet. The Caytr were on 
  a mining expedition in search of valuable minerals. When they 
  realized Denlar was inhabited, they suspended their search and 
  made first contact. They told the Denlar about the CCW and other 
  alien people, and offered to establish trade and bring them the lat-
  est technology. The Denlech politely declined and explained they 
  had come to Denlar to escape technology. The Denlech Move-
  ment’s reach for the stars had become something of legend, so the 
  Catyr were thrilled and surprised to realize these were the descen-
  dants of the fabled Denlech settlers from so long ago. The Catyr 
  assured the Denlech they would respect their desire to remain 
  independent and isolated, and left the planet without incident.
  Word about the discovery of a lost Denlech colony spread 
  like wildfire across the CCW. Their quest for independence and 
  a simple, utopian lifestyle was, indeed, a thing of legend. Ev-
  ery once in a while a curious space traveler or trader would visit 
  the planet and try to wheel and deal with the Denlech, but all 
  were sent away empty-handed. The Denlech didn’t mind the oc-
  casional visitor, but politely rebuffed all offers of trade or regular 
  contact. Things would go on like this for another few hundred 
  years, until the discovery of Killaryte on Denlar.
  Discovery of Killaryte
  The discovery of Killaryte deposits in the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy had set off one gold-rush style push into the galaxy after 
  another. The discovery that started the Killaryte madness in the 
  Three Galaxies was on a planet called Kazematt, located in the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy. It was soon realized that the coveted ex-
  
  46
  plosive mineral was only found in the Thundercloud Galaxy. The 
  rush was on. Naruni Enterprises was the only one able to mine 
  and process the mineral for use in its weapon systems, but they 
  were willing to pay top dollar for it.
  Kazematt was the largest Killaryte find in history and was exca-
  vated for two hundred years before the mineral was depleted. Kill-
  aryte proved to be exceedingly rare, and worse, it was very difficult 
  to identify and locate. It seemed a single Killaryte deposit would be 
  discovered every 20-30 years, but it was always small. Still, every 
  time it was located on a planet, moon or asteroid in the Thunder-
  cloud, it touched off a new Killaryte Rush and madness would en-
  sue. Killaryte-fever caused sane men to give up everything for the 
  promise of wealth beyond imagination. Godfearing people would 
  fight, lie, steal and kill to get their hands on the valuable mineral. 
  Stories of lucky prospectors who struck it rich overnight with a 
  Killaryte mine are the stuff of modern legend. Consequently, ex-
  citement ran high when a breakthrough in technology made it eas-
  ier to find and accurately identify Killaryte deposits. A few years 
  after the tech was released, two dozen new claims for Killaryte 
  mines were filed and sold to Naruni Enterprises. All were small 
  deposits, but each made its founder wealthy beyond his dreams.
  Then one day in 9987, a Catyr mining expedition returned to 
  Denlar to discover what appears to be the largest Killaryte de-
  posit since Kazematt. Maybe the biggest ever. The Catyr returned 
  a few months later to establish a colony, claimed the planet in 
  the name of the CCW, and sold its planet-wide Killaryte rights 
  to Naruni Enterprises. The Catyr who found the massive deposit 
  made a fortune, the CCW got a new colony world, and Naruni 
  Enterprises (NE) was thrilled beyond belief. With this deposit, 
  it could now mass market its famed K-Hex rounds as well as a 
  wider range of Killaryte-based explosives for war and demoli-
  tions. NE immediately dispatched a fleet of ships and workers to 
  establish several mining operations. With them came other set-
  tlers, space pirates, carpetbaggers and trouble. The biggest Kill-
  aryte Rush in history was underway, and everyone got something 
  out of it. Everyone except the Denlech.
  All of this was done without the permission of the Denlech. The 
  Naruni, the Catyr, and the other settlers all just came to take what 
  they wanted, starting with the Killaryte. Under the old interpreta-
  tion of the Compact and the Four Freedoms, this could never have 
  happened, but under the new interpretation, Denlar was free for the 
  taking because the Denlech inhabited less than 40% of the planet. It 
  didn’t matter that they had lived there for nearly 800 years.
  Their planet was being raped and plundered for its resources 
  right before their eyes. For a second time in history, the Denlech 
  were being victimized by technology and greed. And just as be-
  fore, they would fight back.
  The Battle for Independence
  Naruni Enterprises’ first reaction was to ignore the “Denlech 
  natives.” After all, what could these primitive human throwbacks 
  do to the mighty NE? As it turned out, they could do much more 
  than the Naruni had bargained for. The Denlech have used their 
  superior knowledge of the environment to wage a guerilla war 
  that continues to this day, 13 years after it began. The Denlech 
  war is a constant pain in NE’s neck, as their harassment is re-
  lentless and involves sabotaging mining operations, knocking out 
  communications, creating work stoppages and blowing up mines, 
  refineries, supply lines and transport vessels. Killaryte is highly 
  explosive, so it is a simple matter to make it go boom. Since most 
  (95%) of the mining and refinement is handled by robots and ma-
  chines with computer brains and artificial intelligence, the loss 
  of life is minimal, but the cost in machines and lost revenues 
  is high. The robot workforce means the Denlech can fight no-
  holds-barred with little worry about taking life. Much the same 
  holds true when fighting the Repo-Bots Naruni Enterprises uses 
  against them. Thus, only a few hundred people have been injured 
  or killed by the Denlech.
  Naruni Enterprises has no such compunction, and have used 
  deadly force against the Denlech, slaughtering tens of thousands. 
  Of course, Naruni Enterprises, the miners and the new colonists 
  have spun the Denlech attacks to make it look as if NE is the inno-
  cent party and simply trying to defend themselves against crazy, 
  anti-technology zealots. This has only worked to a small degree 
  for NE, as the story of the Denlech is well known. As the battle 
  for Denlar spreads across the dataspheres of every planet in the 
  CCW, TGE and other civilizations, the Denlech are winning the 
  sympathy of many while the CCW is getting a black eye for it, 
  and the Naruni are painted as the wicked villain. It is a story that 
  enemies of the CCW, like the Transgalactic Empire (TGE) and 
  Golgan Republic, are happy to make certain finds its way into 
  the dataspheres and gets wide distribution. Thus, despite NE’s 
  attempts to spin events to look like they are the ones under at-
  tack, and the CCW government trying to avoid getting directly 
  involved, the stories and images coming from Denlar accurately 
  present the Denlech as the underdog and the victim of unchecked 
  corporate greed. It is the Denlech who are seen as heroes fighting 
  for their homes against impossible odds, and it has enflamed the 
  imaginations of people everywhere. Though the Naruni mining 
  operation is sanctioned by the CCW as a Chartered Company, it 
  appears that humans (the Denlech) are being “invaded” by heart-
  less, mega-powerful aliens (the Naruni and their henchmen). The 
  Catyr’s reputation is taking a hit from this as well, even though the 
  Catyr government and civilization have nothing to do with this de-
  bacle; it was a private mining company that discovered Killaryte 
  and set everything in motion. NE doesn’t care about the negative 
  publicity, but it does worry about the politics involved and how a 
  public outcry might damage their bottom line to make a fortune.
  Things are further complicated by the fact that the Denlech 
  are a) human, and b) arguably citizens of the Human Alliance/
  Consortium of Civilized Worlds. Some people even consider the 
  Denlech the first human colonists to hail from the CCW/Human 
  Alliance, making Denlar the historic site of the first CCW colony 
  in the Thundercloud Galaxy. This muddies the political waters 
  considerably, and raises the question of whether or not the Battle 
  for Denlar is a civil war. It also ties the hands of Naruni Enter-
  prises, who would like to send in an army of Repo-Bots and wipe 
  out the pesky Denlech, but can not due to the potentially damag-
  ing political fallout. For the Naruni, it’s all about business and 
  money, so they don’t want to jeopardize a fortune in Killaryte.
  For now, Naruni Enterprises, the Catyr colonists, and others 
  coming to Denlar press forward with their own agendas and op-
  erations. They have taken a “soft” approach to dealing with the 
  Denlech, fighting the upstarts in “self-defense” only when the 
  “natives” initiate an attack against them. It’s the only way NE 
  can avoid looking like the aggressor and the bad guy. However, 
  there are rumors that NE is hiring Space Pirates, mercenaries and 
  thugs to attack Denlech villages, cause trouble and hurt people in 
  the hope of leveraging them to leave the planet.
  
  47
  As for the Denlech, they continue to issue protests, engage in 
  acts of sabotage, blow up Killaryte supplies (and acres of machin-
  ery with them), attack Naruni robots and machines, and do every-
  thing they can to drive the “invaders” from their adopted home 
  world. Meanwhile, some Keepers of the Forbidden are going to 
  Eden and the Corkscrew Galaxy to get their story in the media, 
  win public sympathy, and petition the government of the CCW to 
  intercede on their behalf. Naruni Enterprises doesn’t want these 
  diplomatic missions to succeed, so they engage in a secret cat and 
  mouse game to find and destroy them before they even reach the 
  CCW or a sympathetic media outlet. To that end, Denlech dip-
  lomats and representatives are systematically hunted down and 
  “eliminated” by Repo-Bots, Space Pirates, assassins and other 
  “agents.” In many cases, the crafty Naruni work through third 
  parties, so the agents hired to kill a Denlech rep or destroy a Den-
  lech ship never know the true purpose of their mission. The at-
  tack appears to be random and unrelated. (“It was claim jumpers, 
  Space Pirates, Kreeghor, two-bit thugs,” or any number of hostile 
  forces in the galaxy, “that attacked and killed the Denlech ambas-
  sador. How can you suggest NE was involved?”)
  Naruni Enterprises is quick to point out that they have an open 
  offer to relocate the Denlech to a nice, new planet at the com-
  pany’s own expense. And it is a considerable expense to move 
  approximately 20 million humans. The problem is, the Denlech 
  don’t want to move or compromise their society. They want 
  Naruni Enterprises and all the rest of the invaders to leave their 
  world. The Denlech found the planet first, colonized it and lived 
  in quiet peace for close to eight centuries. They came to Denlar to 
  escape civilization and outsiders, and it is their home. They don’t 
  see why they should have to move, and refuse to do so. Nor do 
  they see why they should have to endure invasion and damage to 
  their ecosystem by outside forces that only care about Killaryte 
  and the money they can make from it.
  Naruni Enterprises will not relent either, because the planet 
  Denlar holds the Killaryte motherload worth a fortune that even 
  the greedy Naruni find hard to imagine. There is so much of it 
  on Denlar that they can mine it for centuries before running out. 
  They can’t (or more to the point, won’t) give it up. This is a more 
  volatile situation than many realize, because the mineral is so 
  valuable to NE, there is no telling what they might do to keep it.
  Denlech Acts of Terror
  In recent months, matters have taken an unfortunate turn for 
  public sympathy and support for the Denlech. A tiny percent-
  age of Denlech seek revenge and are using terror to force the 
  enemy (which are all non-Denlech) into submission via acts of 
  terror. These terrorists are Denlech with superhuman abilities 
  and a few Keepers of the Forbidden enabled by outsiders to form 
  what can only be described as extremist groups and terrorist cells. 
  Most of these terrorist organizations, are not located on Denlar, 
  and the vast majority of Denlech (78%) condemn their acitions. 
  The terrorists have taken the battle off-world to strike at Naruni 
  Enterprises, in particular, but they also attack other “invaders” 
  and “Naruni puppets” – which pretty much includes the entire 
  CCW. The actions of such terrorist groups have included kidnap-
  pings with demands for Naruni Enterprises and all outsiders to 
  relinquish their claims on Denlar and vacate the planet, raids on 
  any vessel carrying Killaryte, bombings of NE business holdings 
  and CCW consulates and similar acts of terrorism. The fact the 
  CCW seem to be turning a blind eye to the events taking place 
  on Denlar makes them their enemy as well, and there have been 
  an increasing number of terrorist attacks on CCW space stations, 
  against CAF partols, commercial space lanes, supply lines and 
  colonies located in the Thundercloud Galaxy, especially Eden, 
  but also within the Corkscrew Galaxy.
  The Power of the Denlech
  There is nothing usual or ordinary about the events surround-
  ing the Denlech, and that includes the Denlech themselves. Pro-
  longed exposure to M-Rads is known to cause mutation, trans-
  mutation and other weird effects. Since the use of the Black Hole 
  Projector 50,000 years ago, the level of Magic Radiation (M-
  Rad) is considered to have subsided to safe levels at most places 
  throughout the Thundercloud Galaxy. There are exceptions, how-
  ever, and one of them is Denlar. Killaryte, it turns out, holds M-
  Rads and has, over the generations, subtly mutated the Denlech. 
  They are still humans, but humans with unique traits and abilities. 
  Many of these “abilities” are subtle, because until the invasion 
  by Naruni Enterprises, most Denlech didn’t know they had any 
  special abilities. Yes, there had been some evidence of mutation 
  over the years, but debilitating mutation often resulted in mercy 
  killings or a shortened natural life. Spectacular mutations, such 
  as Denlech with the ability to fire energy bolts from their hands 
  or alter their physical structure, were rare and generally kept qui-
  et. But there were mutations and “powers” the Denlech took for 
  granted and never thought of as unusual. For example, Denlech 
  don’t realize it, but many have extraordinary physical endurance, 
  great strength, immunity to disease and heal faster than normal 
  humans. These and other, more spectacular abilities have helped 
  them in the fields for generations.
  About half the Denlech have abilities that might be consid-
  ered “superhuman.” One such power is the ability to paralyze 
  and disrupt the operation of machines, even advanced machines 
  and cyborgs like Repo-Bots. The pressure of being under attack 
  and fighting for their lives has revealed 15% of the Denlech have 
  some sort of physical transformation power. None of these abili-
  ties had manifested prior to the Naruni invasion, but must have 
  been lying dormant, appearing only every once in a while. Simi-
  larly, 5% of the Denlech can fire energy blasts from their hands 
  or eyes. All these abilities have given the Denlech an unexpected 
  edge against an otherwise superior, high-tech opponent like Na-
  runi Enterprises and their legion of robots. When special powers 
  are combined with the Denlech’s intimate knowledge of their en-
  vironment in a campaign of guerilla warfare, the “primitive na-
  tives” become an effective fighting force. As evidence of this, the 
  Denlech settlers’ constant attacks on the Naruni mining opera-
  tions have reduced productivity to an unacceptable 59%. Hitting 
  the Naruni where it counts, in the bank.
  There are a few theories about why the Denlech “humans” 
  have unusual powers. The most common belief is that since M-
  Rad is Magic Radiation, somehow the Denlech’s zealous views 
  of a simple life have given them some enhanced physical abili-
  ties suitable for such a lifestyle, while the fierce distrust, fear and 
  loathing toward machines and technology of many Denlech has 
  given them powers to neutralize machines. They never realized 
  they even possessed the machine power, because the average 
  Denlech is seldom near machines that could be affected. Only 
  
  48
  Keepers of the Forbidden work with computers and high-tech 
  machines, and Keepers don’t have these powers.
  See Special Abilities of the Denlech Settler under the Den-
  lech Settler O.C.C.
  Denlech Foreign Relations
  Denlech Society. Living in a universe of faster-than-light 
  travel, intelligent robots, and exotic alien species, they choose to 
  ignore it all. A person visiting them who didn’t know any better 
  might think he had stepped back in time. The Denlech strongly 
  believe that most modern machines and conveniences are actu-
  ally a detriment to human development. This philosophy has only 
  grown stronger over time. As a result, they live in sprawling farm 
  communities, build homes out of natural materials, use simple 
  tools and weapons, and us Earthlings might think of them as 
  something akin to “Space Amish.”
  Some outsiders speaking in ignorance have suggested the Den-
  lech are human supremacists, but that’s not true. The Denlech 
  started out exclusively human, and until the appearance of the 
  Caytr, had never met an intelligent, alien life form. They would 
  consider accepting other people into their community, but only if 
  they completely accepted their way of life and abandoned the use 
  of machines. It is machines and technology that the Denlech fear 
  and loathe, not other people. That does mean they will not accept 
  people who are part, mostly or entirely machines themselves, but 
  other than that, other people are welcomed. It’s just that most 
  members of advanced civilizations aren’t willing to accept a life 
  without modern machines and conveniences. In fact, it is often 
  the people from advanced civilizations who look down upon the 
  Denlech, as they cannot comprehend why someone would walk 
  away from motor vehicles, air conditioning, electronic commu-
  nications and everything else that comes with technology. While 
  outsiders see the Denlech’s chosen life to be one of hardship and 
  adversity, the Denlech see it as good, simple and pure. Life by it’s 
  very nature has its share of hardship, it is what one makes of his 
  life and the joy and peace he finds in it that makes the difference, 
  and Denlech love their life free of all but a few machines.
  Denlech society is democratic and communal, with neighbor 
  helping neighbor. Communities are small, all people get a vote 
  in all matters, and they are led by an elected council of leaders 
  advised by appointed elders. Trade and barter is common, though 
  there is a set currency, banks, lenders, and stores. Entertainment 
  is found in song, dance and hobbies at home and at various festi-
  vals and community events. Denlech enjoy the arts and there are 
  many who draw, paint, sculpt and create crafts for trade, sale and 
  community beautification. All Denlech have a basic to excellent 
  education and are able to read, write, perform basic math, have a 
  good sense of personal history (as the Denlech know it on their 
  world and in the Human Alliance centuries ago), and enjoy phi-
  losophy and life’s simple pleasures. The typical rural community 
  has a population of a few thousand, and there are no big cities. 
  Even Home Field, with its limited manufacturing and spaceships 
  in mothballs, is barely what most people would consider a town, 
  has no places of entertainment or hotels, and is just one more un-
  derstated resource. All Denlech believe in the purity of the body 
  and spirit, so few drink alcohol or use drugs for recreation.
  Until the Denlar Killaryte Rush and the arrival of Naruni En-
  terprises, the Denlech had no regular contact with the outside 
  world. They came to the far side of the Thundercloud Galaxy 
  to get away from civilization and escape high technology. Their 
  isolation was deliberate and that’s the way they wanted to keep 
  it. Denlech are reaching out and even leaving their planet to visit 
  other civilized worlds only in the hope of saving their world and 
  culture from being torn apart. If NE and other colonists left Den-
  lar, the people would be happy to return to their quiet lives in 
  blissful isolation.
  Consortium of Civilized Worlds. For the Denlech, this is a 
  bittersweet reunion with the civilization they left behind almost 
  800 years ago. They are happy the CCW has not suffered another 
  tragedy like the Automaton War and wish them well, but they 
  also want no part or membership in the CCW. With the invasion 
  of Denlar by CCW associated planets and Naruni Enterprises, a 
  CCW trade partner, Denlech feel the CCW are responsible for 
  their invasion, and the lives lost in the conflict, and need to step 
  in and put a stop to it all. While modern Denlech have difficul-
  ty understanding the level of greed and lack of humanity over 
  Killaryte, they get the general idea, but don’t care. The planet 
  is theirs, they don’t want mining or outsiders on it, and they are 
  willing to fight and die to protect their home world. A “civilized” 
  people, Denlech are also willing to go through legal and political 
  channels to resolve their issues with the CCW. So far, thanks to 
  lobbying, roadblocks and interference by Naruni Enterprises, the 
  Denlech have been buried in red tape.
  The CCW is only now realizing the severity of the conflict on 
  Denlar and is just starting to look into the matter. Which bureau-
  crat takes charge of the matter will dictate how things shake out, 
  the level of bloodshed, and who wins or loses. For the Denlech, 
  any compromise and continuance of mining is a loss. A select 
  number of Denlech diplomats are trying to get to the CCW con-
  gress on Terra Prime to make their case, but the Denlech are also 
  in the public media. For the most part, the Denlech delegation is 
  so small and quite honestly so brash that no one is likely to pay 
  much attention to it. It is the powerful and influencial mega-corp, 
  Naruni Enterprises, that has all the clout. Still, a steady stream of 
  media coverage is slowly changing the political landscape.
  Denlech terrorist cells attacking innocent CCW citizens and 
  businesses have not helped the Denlech’s cause, but have done 
  little to hurt it. The CCW and most civilians believe these rebels 
  and extremists are rogues acting independent of the Denlech gov-
  ernment and do not represent the will of the people. Indeed, most 
  seek revenge in blood, and not justice.
  Transgalactic Empire. The TGE finds the entire affair to 
  be wonderful. Though unwilling to help the Denlech or liberate 
  them from the Naruni (they have considered it just to get their 
  hands on the Killaryte, but have thought better of it), the TGE has 
  been very active in propagandizing the “civil war” throughout the 
  Empire and making sure reports, stories and video footage find 
  their way to the dataspheres of the CCW and other intergalactic 
  nations. The Denlech know very little about the TGE as they are 
  playing catch-up in learning about the galactic community, but 
  from what little they do know, they want nothing to do with the 
  fascist regime.
  Kingdom of Desslyth. The Splugorth have no interest in the 
  Denlar Affair, unless, of course, the TGE gets involved. They are 
  not about to let the Empire get its hands on the largest supply of 
  Killaryte ever found.
  Prides of Shing. No contact exists between the two groups. 
  The incident has, however, made the Shing wonder about the in-
  tegrity of the Consortium of Civilized Worlds.
  
  49
  The Republikan Enklaves. No contact exists between these 
  two groups, but the Republikan Enklaves would love to get their 
  paws on that Killaryte. To do just that, the Enklaves have been 
  sending out small fleets disguised as unaffiliated Space Pirates and 
  raiders to waylay and steal shipments of refined Killaryte as well 
  as any other cargo coming and going from Denlar. These Enklave 
  sponsored buccaneers seldom limit their attacks to the Naruni, but 
  rather plunder any spacecraft they think they can get away with 
  attacking. The Enklaves are also trading with Space Pirates and 
  adventurers with no questions asked, as well as providing them 
  protection in Enklave space. An even darker game of intergalactic 
  intrigue has the Enklaves establishing a number of terrorist cells 
  of its own to strike at the CCW and other rivals in the name of the 
  Denlech. The poor Denlech have no clue what’s going on.
  UWW Thundercloud Possessions. No contact exists be-
  tween these two groups.
  Trensik Mercenaries. In a move that has surprised everyone, 
  the Trensik Mercenaries have offered their support to the people 
  of Denlar – free of charge. No one is sure exactly why they’d 
  make such a generous offer, but they suspect is has to do with 
  the Killaryte and a scheme to acquire it for themselves. The lead-
  ers of the Denlech have, for the moment, politely declined the 
  Trensik’s offer for fear it would escalate the war, and because the 
  mercs are high-tech aliens they know nothing about. Nobody’s 
  fool, the Denlech realize the Trensik want to win their favor to get 
  at the coveted mineral on their planet. However, if things change, 
  there’s no telling what might happen. The Trensik have made it 
  clear their offer is a standing one. Moreover, a fleet of Trensik 
  Mercenaries is in orbit around one of Denlech’s two moons keep-
  ing a watchful eye on the war.
  The potential involvement of the Trensik Mercenaries has ev-
  eryone from the Bushi Federation and Republikan Enklaves to the 
  CCW, TGE and NE concerned. Nobody wants to see escalation.
  The Exiles. As the self-appointed protectors of the indigenous 
  people of the Thundercloud Galaxy, the Exiles are trying to de-
  cide whether or not they should get involved at Denlar. First, the 
  Denlech are not indigenous to the galaxy, but they have adopted 
  it as their home and are suffering greatly at the hands of outsiders. 
  Second, the escalating situation at Denlar might be more than the 
  Exiles can handle. So far, they’ve battled against isolated fleets 
  and smaller enemies, not someone with the resources of Naruni 
  Enterprises and the CCW combined. While the Exiles dislike 
  what the CCW is allowing to happen in the Thundercloud, they 
  don’t necessarily want to become their sworn enemy. The Den-
  lech know nothing about the Exiles and would see them as one 
  more high-tech civilization to be feared, interfering in their lives.
  Denlech Settler O.C.C.
  Independent & Non-Aligned People
  Eight centuries of living on the plains and working their fields 
  have made the Denlech strong of mind, will and body. Although 
  they are still human, the Denlech now see their civilization as 
  separate and independent of the Human Alliance civilization, 
  they left behind. Furthermore, Denlech are slightly mutated with 
  most possessing enhanced physical or psionic abilities (see The 
  Power of the Denlech described earlier). As a culture, they are 
  wary of using high technology and fearful of robots, artificial in-
  telligences and magic. Tend to be suspicious of all non-Denlech.
  Denlech Settler O.C.C. [pronounced: DEN-leck]
  Race: Human.
  Alignment: Any, but lean toward good and selfish.
  Appearance: Completely human.
  Attributes (Human): I.Q. 3D6, M.E. 3D6, M.A. 3D6, P.S. 3D6, 
  P.P. 3D6, P.E. 3D6, P.B. 3D6, Spd 3D6.
  Size & Weight: Standard for humans.
  Hit Points: P.E. attribute number +1D6 per level.
  S.D.C.: 3D6+12, plus any gained from Physical skills.
  M.D.C.: By armor or special Alter Physical Structure ability.
  Horror Factor: None.
  P.P.E.: 2D6 for adults, 6D6 for children under the age of twelve.
  Average Life Span: 60 +2D4 years. The Denlech do not have 
  access to the same super-science, medicine and surgical pro-
  cedures of the advanced civilizations. Years of hard work in 
  the fields and under the sun tends to make life short.
  Natural Abilities: Same as humans, but they also have some spe-
  cial abilities. See the Special Abilities table presented at the 
  end of this stat block.
  O.C.C. Bonuses: +1 to disarm, +1 to strike with a long rifle, +1 
  to save vs disease and +1 to save vs Horror Factor.
  O.C.C. Skills:
  Language and Literacy: Native: Trade Four at 90%.
  Animal Husbandry or Brewing: Medicinal (+20%; pick one)
  Basic Math (+15%)
  Cook or Dance (+15%; pick one).
  Gardening (+20%)
  Holistic Medicine or Veterinary Science (+10%; pick one).
  Horsemanship: General (+10%; can be upgraded to Cowboy 
  for the cost of one O.C.C. Related Skill).
  Identify Plants & Fruit (+20%)
  Land Navigation (+30%)
  Lore: Cattle and Animals (+15%)
  Play Musical Instrument or Sing (+15%; pick one)
  Wilderness Survival (+15%)
  W.P. Rifles
  W.P. Ancient: One of choice.
  Hand to Hand: Basic (can not be upgraded or changed).
  O.C.C. Related Skills: Select five other skills at level one, +1 
  additional skill at levels 3, 7, 11 and 15. All new skills start at 
  first level proficiency.
  Communications: Barter, Performance, Public Speaking and 
  Sing only (+5%).
  Cowboy: Any (+10%).
  Domestic: Any (+10%).
  Electrical: None.
  Espionage: None.
  Horsemanship: Exotic (+5%) only.
  Mechanical: Basic Mechanics only.
  Medical: Animal Husbandry, Brewing, First Aid, and Holistic 
  Medicine (+10%) only.
  Military: None.
  Physical: Any, except Acrobatics, Fencing, Kick Boxing and 
  SCUBA.
  Pilot: Bicyclilng and Boat: Paddle Types, Sail Types and 
  Ships only
  Pilot Related: Navigation and Sensory Equipment only.
  Rogue: None.
  Science: Astronomy & Navigation, Biology, Botany, Math 
  skills and Zoology only (+10%).
  
  50
  Technical: Any, except Computer skills, Cybernetics, Sal-
  vage, and any other obvious high-tech skills.
  W.P. Ancient: Any.
  W.P. Modern: Shotgun only.
  Wilderness: Any (+10%).
  Secondary Skills: Select four Secondary Skills from the list 
  found on page 300 of Rifts Ultimate Edition. Select two ad-
  ditional Secondary Skills at levels 4, 8 and 12.
  Other Available O.C.C.s: Cowboy, Preacher, Body Fixer (low-
  tech or Holistic Doctor), Scholar, Vagabond, and Wilderness 
  Scout. Details on these occupations can be found in Rifts® 
  Ultimate Edition and Rifts® New West™.
  Equipment: A good quality riding animal, a couple sets of loose 
  work clothes (a pair of pants, shirt and tunic is the traditional 
  garb), a pair of boots, work gloves, a wide, brimmed hat, a set 
  or two of dress clothes (may be dark or bright colors), saddle, 
  saddlebags, rifle scabbard, belt, waterskin, a blanket or two, 
  old-style box of stick matches, hair brush, comb, if a musical 
  instrument is played the character will have one, and some 
  personal items.
  Weapons: A small knife (1D4 S.D.C.) and scabbard usually 
  carried on one’s person at all times, sickle (2D4 S.D.C.) or 
  hand axe (1D6 S.D.C.), pitchfork (3D6 S.D.C.), shovel (2D4 
  S.D.C.) or wooden staff (2D6 S.D.C.). Clubs and other blunt 
  weapons (typically 2D6 S.D.C. damage) may also be used.
  All Denlech males and half the females own a Denlech 
  Long Rifle (5D6 S.D.C. damage, 3,600 foot/1,097 m range 
  and can load and fire ramjet and K-Hex rounds, two round 
  payload, but Denlech can reload two shells in one melee ac-
  tion). Since the invasion and War of Independence, about 20% 
  have energy weapons and Vibro-Blades they’ve stolen from 
  the Naruni and other invaders, or won in combat.
  Bionics & Cybernetics: None, and avoid them.
  Money: Starts with 1D4x100 in credits and 3D6x100 in tradable 
  items.
  Allies: None to speak of, at least not yet; self-reliant.
  Enemies: Naruni Enterprises is Enemy Number One, followed 
  by the CCW, Catyr and pretty much every outsider trying to 
  invade their world.
  Habitat: Planet Denlar, an Earth-like planet.
  Special Abilities of the Denlech Settlers
  When creating a Denlech player character or NPC (Non-
  Player Character) other than a Keeper of the Forbidden, roll on 
  the following random table to determine the character’s special 
  power, or pick one. Note: A Denlech Settler can only have ONE 
  of the following powers or power sets. Keepers of the Forbidden 
  do not have any of the powers below, but many possess an af-
  finity for machines, electronics and mechanics, and others have 
  psionic abilities.
  01-05% Natural Hunter. In addition to the usual Denlech 
  Settler O.C.C. skills, the Natural Hunter knows these specialized 
  skills: Camouflage (+25%), Detect Ambush (+15%), Hunting, 
  Prowl (+15%), Sniper, Tailing (+20%), Tracking (+15%), and 
  Track & Trap Animals (+25%). These replace beginning Second-
  ary Skills.
  06-15% Enhanced Awareness. +2 on Perception Rolls, +1 
  on initiative and +1 to parry, dodge and roll with impact.
  16-30% Perfect Health. This character has a high P.E. 
  (+1D4+1 to P.E. attribute and fatigues at one tenth the usual rate), 
  is impervious to disease, heals twice as fast as a normal human, 
  and gets a bonus of 2D6 Hit Points.
  31-40% Superior Physical Strength. The Denlech gets a P.S. 
  bonus of 1D4+2 and his P.S. is the equivalent of Robot Strength.
  41-50% Extreme Fitness. This Denlech is an example of 
  physical refinement and enjoys the following bonuses: +2D6+6 
  S.D.C., +1D4 to P.P. and P.E., and +1D6 to P.S., P.B. and Spd.
  51-80% Denlech Disruptor. This Denlech has two powers 
  that undermine machines.
  Telemechanic Disruption Field (special). This field affects 
  electronics and machines more complex than a flashlight, includ-
  ing vehicles, energy weapons, power armor, robots, A.I.s, cyber-
  netics, bionics and Repo-Bots. The field diminishes function of 
  the machine by 50% and scrambles computing capabilities and 
  artificial intelligence. Repo-Bots and other robots, will behave as 
  if they were damaged or drunk. Reaction time, speed, strength, 
  damage from physical attacks and energy weapons, the number 
  of attacks per melee, combat bonuses, weapon and sensor range, 
  skill performance, and similar abilities are all reduced by half. 
  This includes the responsiveness of vehicles and other devices, 
  which suddenly act is if they are at half power, move at half 
  speed, etc. Computers are sluggish, taking two or three times as 
  long to respond with a larger margin for error (50% computing 
  capacity and half its normal skill performance). The effect lasts as 
  long as the Distruptor Denlech remains in range, but the Disrup-
  tion Field does no permanent damage. Note: This psionic ability 
  is NOT available to any other known psychic character class or 
  life form, only Denlech. I.S.P.: Not applicable. The power is al-
  ways “on” and the Denlech must concentrate to turn it off or to 
  affect only 1-4 specific machines/robots within his line of sight 
  and range of effect. When concentrating to turn it off or direct it 
  toward specific targets, the Denlech suffers the following penal-
  ties: No Perception Roll bonus, -1 attack per melee round, -1 on 
  all combat manuevers/bonuses, and -10% on skill performance. 
  Range: 50 foot (15.2 m) radius or line of sight up to 50 feet (15.2 
  m). Damage: Disorientation, sluggish behavior and penalties as 
  described above. Saving Throw: None, not even for A.I.s or bion-
  ics. Limitation: This power is not on when a character is sleeping 
  or rendered unconscious as it is a manifestation of his hate and 
  fear of robots and machines. The only exception is if the char-
  acter is having a nightmare about machines, in which case his 
  power might instinctively activate.
  Denlech Telemechanic Paralysis (special). As per the psionic 
  power, but with a few differences. 1) Duration is three minutes 
  per level of experience not one. 2) Range is 60 feet (18.3 m). 3) 
  Saving throw: None for non-intelligent machines, computers and 
  simple robots. 10 to save vs Telemechanic Paralysis for A.I.s (Ar-
  tificial Intelligences), cyborgs and bionic components attached to 
  a living creature. A successful save means the intended target is 
  not paralyzed, but suffers all the same disorientation and penal-
  ties as the Denlech Disruption Field described above (essentially 
  functions at half capacity). Failing to save means paralysis. 4) 
  I.S.P. cost is not applicable, but each use of Telemechanic Paraly-
  sis can only be directed at one target per level of the character’s 
  experience, the penalties for the Denlech to function are cumula-
  tive as per each machine, and each use of the Machine Paralysis 
  power counts as one of the character’s melee attacks.
  81-85% Energy Expulsion: Each blast counts as one melee 
  attack. Range: 100 feet (30.5 m) per level of experience. Damage: 
  3D6 S.D.C. damage against mortal opponents, 3D6 M.D. against 
  
  51
  M.D.C. machines and Mega-Damage opponents (the transition 
  from one power level to the other is automatic and instinctive).
  86-90% Alter Physical Structure: Mega-Damage Skin. In 
  combat, when under attack, or when in danger, or when angry and 
  on the attack himself, the character’s skin becomes Mega-Dam-
  age. Nothing else changes, other than a bonus of +4 to (S.D.C.) 
  melee damage. M.D.C. is P.E. attribute number +3D6+4 M.D.C. 
  for base, +1D6 M.D.C. per level of experience. Bio-Regenerates 
  lost M.D.C. at a rate of 1D6 per melee round.
  91-95% Alter Physical Structure: Mega-Damage Stone. In 
  combat, when under attack or when in danger, or when angry 
  and on the attack himself, the character’s skin turns into Mega-
  Damage stone. The character appears to be a living stone statue, 
  weight is tripled, and the character’s P.S. becomes the equiva-
  lent of Robot Strength. M.D.C. is P.E. attribute number +1D6x10 
  M.D.C. for base, +1D6+4 M.D.C. per level of experience. Bio-
  Regenerates lost M.D.C. at a rate of 2D4 per melee round and in 
  stone form has a Horror/Awe Factor of 12.
  96-00% Alter Physical Structure: Chameleon. In combat, 
  when under attack or in danger, or when deliberately trying to hide, 
  the character seems to vanish, blending in with his surrounding. 
  This power works very much like the Chameleon spell invocation, 
  only it unlimited no duration. As long as the character wants to 
  hide and stays motionless or moves very, very slowly, he is likely 
  to be unnoticed. Quick movement, even of a single limb, breaks the 
  spell and reveals the character in all his glory. Likewise, though the 
  Chameleon character may be difficult to see, he is NOT invisible 
  nor ethereal, so if someone bumps into the character or happens 
  upon him, the character is revealed. The Denlech Chameleon must 
  also make an effort to hide. He cannot stand out in an open field 
  and expect to go unseen. But if lying down in the grass or hiding 
  behind a log or pressed against the opposite side of a tree, and simi-
  lar attempts to hide, he’ll be concealed.
  Keeper of the Forbidden O.C.C.
  The Keepers of the Forbidden are that small minority assigned 
  to maintain and operate what little technology the Denlech have. 
  Keepers also pilot spacecraft and can use computers and energy 
  weapons. Keepers are free to associate with Denlech Settlers, but 
  they tend to live in or near Home Field, the Denlech tech and light 
  manufacturing center. Keepers are regarded as both exalted and 
  cursed because of their inherited position to control the machines 
  and understand technology. They are completely loyal to their 
  low-tech brethren and hold them in high esteem.
  Since the War for Independence has begun, the role of the 
  Keepers has become all the more important, as they are able to 
  use energy weapons, hijack NE vehicles, handle communications 
  and pilot spacecraft to take diplomatic envoys to the CCW to 
  fight on their people’s behalf.
  Denlech Keeper of the Forbidden O.C.C.
  Race: Human.
  Alignment: Any, but tend to be good or selfish.
  Appearance: Completely human.
  Attributes (Human): I.Q. 3D6+1, M.E. 3D6, M.A. 3D6, P.S. 
  3D6, P.P. 3D6, P.E. 3D6, P.B. 3D6, Spd 3D6.
  Size & Weight: Standard for humans.
  Hit Points: P.E. attribute number +1D6 per level.
  S.D.C.: 2D6+10, plus any gained from Physical skills.
  M.D.C.: By armor, power armor or stolen Naruni force fields.
  Horror Factor: None.
  P.P.E.: 2D6 for adults, 6D6 for children under the age of twelve.
  Average Life Span: 60 +2D4 years.
  Disposition: Honest, loyal and dedicated to their position and 
  their people.
  Natural Abilities: Same as humans, but they also have some 
  special abilities. Keepers have been mutated by M-Rads in 
  a different way from their fellow Denlech. Many possess an 
  affinity for machines, electronics and mechanics, and others 
  have psionic abilities. Roll on the random table below or pick 
  one set of special abilities.
  01-10% Natural Builder: Field Armorer & Munitions Ex-
  pert (+20%), Jury-Rig (+20%), Salvage (+30%), Vehicle Ar-
  morer (+20%) and one Mechanical or Electrical skill of choice 
  (+15%). These replace beginning Secondary Skills.
  11-20% Weapons Specialist: All Demolitions skills 
  (+30%), Safecracking (+20%), Weapon Systems (+20%), and 
  Trap/Mine Detection (+30%). These replace beginning Sec-
  ondary Skills.
  21-30% Natural Pilot: Has all Navigation skills (+30%), 
  Pilot Spacefighters (+20%), and gets to select 1D4 additional 
  Piloting skills of choice (each gets a +20% bonus). These re-
  place beginning Secondary Skills.
  31-40% Psionic Machine Abilities: Object Read (6), 
  Sense Time (2), Telemechanics (10), Telemechanic Men-
  tal Operation (12), and Telemechanic Possession (50). Base 
  I.S.P. is M.E. attribute number x4, +1D8 I.S.P. per level of 
  experience.
  41-50% Psionic Insight: Presence Sense (4), Psychic 
  Omni-Sight (15), Remote Viewing (10), Sixth Sense (2) and 
  two Sensitive powers of choice. Base I.S.P. is M.E. attribute 
  number x3, +1D6 I.S.P. per level of experience.
  51-60% Psionic Physical Abilities: Electrokinesis (var-
  ies), Meditation, Psi-Shield (30) and four Physical powers of 
  choice. Base I.S.P. is M.E. attribute number x4, +1D6 I.S.P. 
  per level of experience.
  61-70% Psionic Mind Communication: Group Trance 
  (15), Mind Block Auto-Defense (special), Telepathy (4), Te-
  lepathy (Super, 10), and three powers of choice from one of 
  the following psionic categories: Healing or Sensitive. Base 
  I.S.P. is M.E. attribute number x3, +1D6 I.S.P. per level of 
  experience.
  71-80% Psionic Physical Abilities: Meditation and 1D4+5 
  Physical powers of choice. Base I.S.P. is M.E. attribute num-
  ber x4, +1D6 I.S.P. per level of experience.
  81-90% Psionic Sensitive Abilities: Meditation and 
  1D4+5 Sensitive powers of choice. Base I.S.P. is M.E. attri-
  bute number x4, +1D6 I.S.P. per level of experience.
  91-00% Psionic Telekinesis Abilities: All powers of Tele-
  kinesis, including Super, +2 Physical powers of choice. Base 
  I.S.P. is M.E. attribute number x4, +2D4 I.S.P. per level of 
  experience.
  O.C.C. Bonuses: +1 on initiative and +1 to save vs Horror Fac-
  tor.
  O.C.C. Skills:
  Language and Literacy: Native: Trade Four at 98%.
  Computer Operation (+25%)
  Computer Programming or Computer Repair (+15%)
  Electrical Engineer (+20%)
  
  52
  Horsemanship: General
  Land Navigation (+10%)
  Laser Communications (+15%)
  Mathematics: Advanced (+20%)
  Mathematics: Basic (+25%)
  Mechanical Engineer (+20%)
  Navigation (+20%)
  Pilot: Truck (+20%)
  Pilot: Small Spacecraft (+16%)
  Pilot: Starship (+12%)
  Radio: Basic (+30%)
  Sensory Equipment (+20%)
  Starship Mechanics (+20%)
  W.P. Energy Pistol
  W.P. Energy Rifle
  W.P. Heavy M.D. Weapons
  Hand to Hand: Basic (can not be upgraded or changed).
  R.C.C. Related Skills: Select four other skills at level one, +1 
  additional skill at levels 4, 8 and 12. All new skills start at first 
  level proficiency.
  Communications: Any (+15%).
  Cowboy: None.
  Domestic: Any.
  Electrical: Any (+10%).
  Espionage: None.
  Horsemanship: General only.
  Mechanical: Any (+10%).
  Medical: First Aid only.
  Military: Recognize Weapon Quality and Trap/Mine Detec-
  tion only (+5%).
  Physical: Any, except Acrobatics, Fencing and Kick Boxing.
  Pilot: Any (+10%).
  Pilot Related: Any (+15%).
  Rogue: Computer Hacking (+5%) only.
  Science: Any (+5%).
  Technical: Any (+15%).
  W.P. Ancient: Any.
  W.P. Modern: Any.
  Wilderness: Any.
  Secondary Skills: Select four Secondary Skills from the list 
  found on page 300 of Rifts® Ultimate Edition. Select one 
  additional Secondary Skill at levels 3, 7, 9 and 13.
  Other Available O.C.C.s: Operator, Freedom Fighter, Robot 
  Pilot, Spacer, Space Pirate, Runner and Vagabond. Details on 
  these occupations can be found in Rifts® Ultimate Edition 
  and Phase World®.
  Equipment: Portable tool kit, a couple sets of loose work clothes, 
  jumpsuit, EVA spacesuit (for piloting spacecraft), boots, work 
  gloves, a baseball cap, a set or two of dress clothes (military 
  uniform style), utility belt, canteen or waterskin, workstation 
  computer, handheld computer, handheld communicator, long-
  range field radio, laser distancer, laser torch, goggles, old style 
  box of stick matches, hair brush, comb, and some personal 
  items.
  Has access to whatever ground vehicles and spaceships are 
  available to the Home Field community, but such irreplace-
  able vessels are used with great care and only in emergencies. 
  Note: Since the War for Independence has begun, additional 
  weapons, gear, equipment and vehicles have been acquired 
  from the enemy and helpful outsiders.
  Weapons: A small knife (1D4 S.D.C.) and scabbard, Vibro-
  Knife or Vibro-Sword, and one energy weapon and 1D6+2 
  E-Clips for each Modern W.P. known to the character. These 
  days, the most available energy weapons are those made and 
  used by Naruni Enterprises and the Catyr.
  Bionics & Cybernetics: None, and avoids them.
  Money: Starts with 1D4x100 in credits and 3D6x1,000 in trad-
  able items.
  Allies: None to speak of, at least not yet; self-reliant.
  Enemies: Naruni Enterprises, the CCW, Catyr and pretty much 
  every outsider trying to invade their world.
  Habitat: Planet Denlar, an Earth-like planet.
  Denlech Avenger O.C.C.
  The planet Denlar is being invaded and hijacked by Naruni En-
  terprises (NE) and, by association, the CCW who is allowing it as 
  part of their colony program. NE has simply waltzed in, set up shop 
  to mine Killaryte, and do as it pleases without regard for the 20 mil-
  lion Denlech inhabitants. People whose ancestors came to colonize 
  the world 800 years before them. The problem is, the Denlech colo-
  nized the planet as independents long before the CCW was formed, 
  and are not recognized as an independent and sovereign nation. With 
  the carelessness of the Scramble and the motivation of NE to get its 
  hands on the massive Killaryte deposits, the Denlech are being over-
  run and their rights ignored. In fairness to Naruni Enterprises, they 
  have not tried to destroy or forcibly remove the Denlech, but are, in 
  effect, usurping control of the planet and engaging in mining opera-
  tions without regard for the environment or the Denlech people.
  
  53
  Outmatched and overpowered, the Denlech have engaged the 
  Naruni in guerilla warfare and sabotage, using hit and run tactics, 
  and targeting mining robots and equipment to harass the enemy 
  and interfere with business. While there has been loss of life on 
  the part of Naruni Enterprises – mostly the Repo-Bot cyborgs 
  (Repo-Bots have organic brains inside robotic bodies) – NE has 
  responded with controlled displays of power that have slaugh-
  tered tens of thousands of Denlech who are no match for their 
  superior firepower and technology.
  Incensed by the injustice and horror of it all, a small percentage 
  have resorted to extreme measures. They call themselves “Aveng-
  ers,” and see themselves as super-patriots defending their people 
  and homes from murderous “invaders” raping their planet. Many 
  would agree, but while most Denlech continue their campaign of 
  harassment and sabotage while Denlech leaders are seeking relief 
  through diplomatic channels, Avengers engage in “eye for an eye” 
  retribution. Denlech Avengers use commando style tactics to hit 
  the enemy hard, killing Naruni executives and leaders without mer-
  cy. Anyone – and we mean “anyone” – who gets in their way, gets 
  hurt or killed. Worse, Denlech Avengers engage in acts of outright 
  terrorism, kidnaping and holding not only NE and CCW leaders 
  hostage, but their families as well. These hostages are often put on 
  public display via the datasphere and executed with much fanfare. 
  Recently, Avengers have taken to blowing up Naruni spacecraft, 
  space stations, and offices back in the Corkscrew Galaxy. Such 
  attacks inevitably kill and/or injure hundreds of innocent civilians. 
  Avengers rationalize their deaths as collateral damage that can 
  come to an end as soon as Naruni Enterprises withdraws all mining 
  operations and colonists from their world.
  The Denlech leaders condemn such ugly behavior, as do the 
  majority of the Denlech people. However, at least 20% see Aveng-
  ers as heroic champions whom they secretly hide and support. Ever 
  happy to hurt the Consortium of Civilized Worlds, both the Trans-
  galactic Empire and Golgan Republikan Enklaves quietly support 
  Denlech Avengers, provide them safe harbor and help to equip 
  them with pirated weapons and equipment from other worlds.
  Denlech Avengers who have remained on Denlar engage in 
  assassination of “live” enemy targets (i.e. living personnel, not 
  Repo-Bots or robots) and try to specifically assassinate manag-
  ers and leaders on the planet, but any off-worlder is a potential 
  target. Avengers operating in space and away from Denlar may 
  recruit Space Pirates and other cutthroats with an axe to grind in 
  their campaigns of terrorism. Some join because they believe in 
  the Denlech’s cause, but most join because the Denlech Aveng-
  ers provide them the opportunity to kill and get a fair cut of the 
  loot. A prime target for attack are Naruni supply ships and cargo 
  transports coming and going from Denlar.
  Denlech Avenger O.C.C.
  Race: Human.
  Alignment: Any, but tend to be good or selfish.
  Appearance: Completely human.
  Attributes (Human): I.Q. 3D6+1, M.E. 3D6, M.A. 3D6, P.S. 
  3D6, P.P. 3D6, P.E. 3D6, P.B. 3D6, Spd 3D6.
  Size & Weight: Standard for humans.
  Hit Points: P.E. attribute number +1D6 per level.
  S.D.C.: 2D6+10, plus any gained from Physical skills.
  M.D.C.: By armor, power armor, special ability or stolen Naruni 
  force fields.
  Horror Factor: None.
  P.P.E.: 2D6 for adults, 6D6 for children under the age of twelve.
  Average Life Span: 60 +2D4 years.
  Dispostion: Tough, bitter, and angry fighters, they are determined 
  to punish the people, businesses and governments responsible 
  for the invasion of Denlar and the murder of its people. Aveng-
  ers are filled with hate and obsessed with revenge. A common 
  battle cry is, “for every Denlech life lost, the enemy (NE and 
  CCW) shall lose one hundred.” Considering more than 10,000 
  Denlech have perished thus far, the Avengers have a lot of 
  bloodshed ahead of them.
  Natural Abilities: Roll on the same Special Abilities Table as 
  Denlech Settlers.
  O.C.C. Bonuses: +1 on initiative, +2D6 to S.D.C. and +2 to save 
  vs Horror Factor.
  O.C.C. Skills:
  Language and Literacy: Native: Trade Four at 98%.
  Basic Electronics (+5%)
  Computer Operation (+10%)
  Horsemanship: General
  Land Navigation (+15%)
  Mathematics: Basic (+15%)
  Navigation (+15%)
  Pilot: Two of choice (+20%).
  Pilot: Small Spacecraft/Fighter (+26%)
  Radio: Basic (+20%)
  Sensory Equipment (+15%)
  W.P. Ancient: Two of choice.
  W.P. Energy Pistol
  W.P. Energy Rifle
  W.P. Heavy M.D. Weapons
  Hand to Hand: Assassin
  R.C.C. Related Skills: Select seven other skills at level one, +1 
  additional skill at levels 2, 5, 8 and 12. All new skills start at 
  first level proficiency.
  Communications: Any (+10%).
  Cowboy: None.
  Domestic: Any.
  Electrical: Any.
  Espionage: Any (+20%).
  Horsemanship: General only.
  Mechanical: Any.
  Medical: First Aid only.
  Military: Any (+15%).
  Physical: Any, except Acrobatics.
  Pilot: Any (+10%)
  Pilot Related: Any.
  Rogue: Any (+10%).
  Science: None.
  Technical: Any (+5%).
  W.P. Ancient: Any.
  W.P. Modern: Any.
  Wilderness: Any (+5%).
  Secondary Skills: Select four Secondary Skills from the list 
  found on page 300 of Rifts Ultimate Edition at level one. Se-
  lect one additional Secondary Skills at levels 3, 7, 9 and 13.
  Equipment: Combat fatigues and/or dark jumpsuit for espionage 
  work, EVA spacesuit (for piloting spacecraft), boots, surgical 
  gloves, a variety of other clothes to blend in with the public 
  (steal whatever they might need for a specific job), handheld 
  computer, handheld communicator, pocket tool kit, laser dis-
  
  54
  tancer, passive nightvision goggles, binoculars, goggles, sun-
  glasses, cigarette lighter, and some personal items.
  Weapons: Survival knife (2D4 S.D.C.), Vibro-Knife or Vibro-
  Sword, 1D4+1 explosives (typically hand grenades, but may 
  include one Fusion Block or other type of explosive), and one 
  weapon for every W.P. plus 1D4+4 additional ammo clips for 
  Modern W.P.s known to the character. Note: Most are weap-
  ons of Naruni Enterprises and the CCW as Avengers find it 
  fitting that the enemy die by their own weapons.
  Also has access to whatever ground vehicles, spaceships 
  and gear are available to that particular terrorist cell or which 
  can be stolen or taken by force.
  Bionics & Cybernetics: None to start, and tends to avoid them.
  Money: Starts with 1D6x1,000 in credits and 3D6x1,000 in 
  stolen goods, including Killaryte, weapons, ammo, and gear 
  taken from the enemy.
  Allies: Anyone who hates the CCW, the Catyr and Naruni En-
  terprises, as well as Space Pirates, figures of the criminal 
  underworld and other evil and murderous beings willing to 
  fight at their side to exact revenge or for money and personal 
  gain. Note: A handful of Keepers of the Forbidden are part of 
  Avenger terrorist cells. A typical Denlech Avengers assault 
  team or assassination squad is 5-10. A cell can be as small 
  as 5-6 Avengers or as many as 32, seldom larger. However, 
  a cell of any size may have a wide array of “associates” and 
  “contacts.”
  Enemies: Naruni Enterprises, the CCW, Catyr and pretty much 
  every outsider trying to invade their world.
  Habitat: Planet Denlar, but can be found anywhere they can 
  hurts Naruni Enterprises or the CCW.
  People of the Thundercloud
  The presumably indigenous people who already inhabit the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy are among the most unusual and unique of 
  the Three Galaxies. Few know their people’s origin, and even the 
  beings who are found to inhabit a number of planets, sometimes 
  in entirely different star systems, have no idea their species ex-
  ists on other worlds. They are shocked by such revelations and 
  are without an explanation. In most cases, even their creation 
  myths do not account for their existence on more than one plan-
  et. Furthermore, the cultures of these identical species are often 
  completely different from one planet to the next, as if there was 
  never any common starting point between them. On one world, 
  they may be peaceful, on another warlike. On one they may be a 
  tribal people with low technology, on another they may be much 
  more advanced. Again, this smacks of Gene-Tech experiments or 
  lost space colonies that, once they became isolated, devolved into 
  very different types of cultures based on environment, leadership 
  and an array of other variables.
  A few of the most notable inhabitants of the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy are described in the pages that follow. Note: Game Mas-
  ters, feel free to come up with your own species of intelligent life 
  forms. To help you on that front, see the Alien Creation Tables 
  found on page 104 of Rifts® Dimension Book Two: Phase 
  World®. Unless noted otherwise, it is assumed that all civiliza-
  tions speak, read, and write some kind of native language at 90% 
  or better.
  Notable People of the Thundercloud Galaxy
  – Listed in Alphabetical Order
  Bultungin     – Transgalactic Empire 
  The Bultungin are indigenous to the Thundercloud Galaxy, but 
  their natural home world is long forgotten. Bulties, as they are of-
  ten called, are one of the slave races that have been liberated by 
  the Transgalactic Empire’s campaign of conquest against the Splu-
  gorth. They are werebeasts with two forms. Their animal form is 
  almost identical to an Earth hyena, except much larger. Their most 
  familiar form among other bipeds is that of a humanoid hyena with 
  short, stocky legs, thin waist, broad shoulders, long thick neck, and 
  a hyena-like head. In this humanoid form, they are bipedal, walk 
  upright, and though their heads and faces are more animal than 
  human, they have the full range of human expression and speak 
  in a clear, human sounding voice (which can be a bit eerie). Their 
  arms are noticeably longer than their legs, and Bultungin fingers 
  are short and tipped with sharp claws. They have large ears, small 
  eyes, and a body covered in light brown or tan fur with various 
  white and black markings that can range from spots to stripes. 
  Males have a mane of longer fur around their necks and on the top 
  of their head; the mane bristles when angry or scared.
  Bultungin were discovered and enslaved by the Splugorth tens 
  of thousands of years ago. Back then, they were aggressive hunt-
  ers and carrion feeders that would steal food from other, larger 
  predators, as well as hunt and kill their own food. They traveled 
  in packs and were quite the savage, primitive hunters. Desslyth 
  the Elder decided these creatures, with their dual body forms, 
  near invulnerability to damage, and their Supernatural Strength 
  and Endurance, would make excellent warrior slaves and work-
  ers. As a result, they were captured and ripped from their native 
  planet, bred in slave pens and scattered across the Kingdom of 
  Desslyth. Though the Bultungin had their moments in combat 
  and made better bushwhackers and assassins than warriors, it 
  took several millennia to beat their vicious, predatory nature out 
  of them and domesticate the beasts.
  What the Splugorth didn’t expect is that Bultungin can be 
  stubborn, slothful and conniving when they want to be. Thus, 
  they were somewhat unpredictable, dangerous and always irrev-
  erent, none of which were appreciated or tolerated by the Minions 
  Bultungin
  CheDive
  Denlech (Described elsewhere)
  Dominators (Described elsewhere)
  Elder Races (Described elsewhere)
  Exiles, The
  Gene-Tech (Described elsewhere)
  Kasaro
  Kujamoya
  Mariman
  Rompo
  Shakdan
  Shing
  Trensik
  Tsongkuba
  Whetu
  Zuwadza
  
  55
  of Splugorth. So it was the Bultungin were treated horribly even 
  by Splugorthian standards. They were beaten down, humiliated 
  and punished with brutal intensity. The Bulties responded with 
  big game hunting, wilderness scouting, and similar. They love to 
  gamble, but never know when to quit. They also love to drink, eat 
  and party. Thus, many are thugs, thieves, bushwhackers, drifters 
  and vagabonds. Some people are quick to label Bulties as noth-
  ing more than galactic trash. That’s a mistake, because they are 
  quite intelligent and given the right motivation, can be produc-
  tive workers, outstanding fighters, good spies (especially good at 
  following people without being noticed), and even a loyal friend 
  or employee. In fact, win a Bultie’s true friendship, and there is 
  nothing he won’t do for you, including risking his own life or 
  fortune.
  Bultungin [pronounced: bul-TUN-gin]
  Also known as Bulties and Hyena-Men.
  Race: Werebeast, which is a supernatural being linked to the 
  mortal world. The creature has a limited life span, grows old 
  and dies.
  Alignment: Any, but leans toward Anarchist (30%), Aberrant 
  (20%), Miscreant (25%) and Diabolic (10%).
  easygoing indifference, passive-aggressive retaliation, and, when 
  the opportunity presented itself, lashed out with a ferocity that 
  could be unexpected and deadly. Hyena-Men can seem easygo-
  ing, docile and obedient one minute and attack or make an escape 
  the next. Over time, Bulties were domesticated and made sub-
  servient – to a point. Even the most submissive Bultungin still 
  exhibits a certain arrogance and disdain for his master (or team-
  mates, as the case may be), and they have a nasty habit of stealing 
  a little bit more than their rightful share, dodging work, and seek-
  ing revenge whenever they can. Thus, even a Bultie of a good 
  alignment can have a mean or spiteful streak in him.
  Whatever their culture might have once been, it is long forgot-
  ten. All Bultungin know is the brutal hand of servitude under the 
  Splugorth and now the Kreeghor. Too lazy to learn complicated 
  or demanding skills like mechanics, medicine, electronics, or sci-
  ence, Bulties prefer work and occupations that provide freedom, 
  flexibility and a chance to use their sly wit and cunning. This 
  makes them ideal for any number of criminal occupations, spy 
  work, assassination, enforcement, mercenary work, adventuring, 
  
  56
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+5, M.E. 2D6+2, M.A. 2D6+1, P.S. 3D6+12 
  (Supernatural), P.P. 3D6+4, P.E. 3D6+5, P.B. 2D6+2, Spd 
  3D6+3 in their hybrid humanoid form, but Spd 50 (35 mph/56 
  km) in their animal form.
  Size: 5-6 feet tall (1.5 to 1.8 m) in their humanoid form. Four feet 
  (1.2 m) at the shoulders in animal form.
  Weight: 130 to 200 lbs (58.5 to 90 kg); all muscle.
  Hit Points (Special): 1D6x10 Hit Points +P.E. attribute num-
  ber to start. The character gets an additional 1D6+2 Hit Points 
  per each level of experience starting with level two. Also see 
  Natural Armor Rating.
  S.D.C.: Not applicable to werebeasts.
  Natural Armor Rating (A.R.)/Limited Invulnerability: Spe-
  cial! The Bultungin are a type of werebeast, making them in-
  vulnerable to most weapons, including Mega-Damage energy 
  blasts, M.D. explosives, rail gun rounds, bullets, fire, heat, 
  cold, poison and disease. Deadly radiation only inflicts 10% 
  its normal damage. They can even survive in the vacuum of 
  space for a short time. However, where most other werebeasts 
  are harmed by silver weapons, the Bultungin are not. Instead, 
  their supernatural weaknesses are wood and steel. A weapon 
  fashioned from either of these two sources inflicts, double 
  damage directly to the Bultungin’s Hit Points.
  M.D.C. (Special): See Hit Points.
  P.P.E.: 2D4x10 base.
  Disposition: Varies with each individual, but in general, Bultun-
  gin tend to be lazy opportunists who get aggressive and pro-
  active when there is opportunity before them and when they 
  feel cornered or threatened. Though Bulties can seem to be the 
  embodiment of laid back, when cornered, angry and in com-
  bat, they fight like mad dogs. Once they chase away or defeat 
  their opponent, or get what they want, most Bulties are happy 
  to get back to more pleasurable activities. They tend to rely on 
  their natural abilities, but like Vibro-Blades, energy weapons 
  and creature comforts. They love food and drink, recover from 
  alcohol in a quarter the time of a human, and can out-eat and 
  drink a human by three times.
  Average Life Span: Short for a lycanthrope species; average 75 
  +2D6 years.
  Experience Level: 1D6, or as set by the Game Master for NPCs. 
  Player characters should start at level one. Note: Use the same 
  experience table as the Galactic Tracer to determine level ad-
  vancement.
  Natural Abilities: Can speak while in animal form, Prowl 80%, 
  Swim 50%, track by smell 70%, Nightvision 300 feet (91.5 m), 
  Bio-Regenerate Hit Points at a rate of 1D6 per melee round.
  Shape-Change: Hyena (Special). The Bultungin can transform 
  from their hybrid humanoid-hyena form into their pure animal 
  shape in 15 seconds (one melee round), and there is no limit to 
  the number of times they transform. They can maintain either 
  shape indefinitely, except during a full moon, during which 
  the character must assume and maintain his animal form from 
  sunset to sunrise. While in this primordial, full moon state of 
  mind, reduce the character’s mental attributes by half, he is 
  highly aggressive (+1 attack per melee round, +1 on initiative 
  and +2 to strike), has a hunger for raw meat, and in a fight 
  during a full moon, there is a chance he’ll kill and eat part of 
  his opponent, even if that person was a friend or acquaintance. 
  (Note: 01-60% Maintains control and can stop any time. 61-
  80% Beats his opponent into unconsciousness or down to 2D6 
  Hit Points/M.D.C.; smart opponents will play dead. 81-00% 
  Loss of control; Fights until he is restrained, rendered uncon-
  scious or killed, or until his opponent is slain, at which point he 
  proceeds to eat 1D4x10% of his victim, savoring every bite.)
  Animal Bonuses: +1 on initiative, +1 attack per melee round, 
  and a bite attack does damage per Supernatural P.S. +1D6 
  damage (can be an S.D.C. nip or an M.D. attack), leap 7 feet 
  (2.1 m) high and 15 feet (4.6 m) across, track by smell 55% 
  (+20% to follow the scent of blood or decaying food). The 
  size of the werebeast hyena is about that of a Saint Bernard, 
  which is larger than the normal animal. The Bultungin retains 
  his ability to speak, as well as his memories and skills even in 
  animal form, though skill performance is limited by the char-
  acter’s animal body. A hyena’s paw cannot hold or fire a gun 
  nor open a door. Skills like driving or working a keyboard that 
  require human fingers and dexterity are -70% in animal form.
  Walking Garbage Disposals (Special): Bultungin can eat and 
  survive on almost anything, including rotting, maggot cov-
  ered garbage, spoiled meat, skin, fur, bone, horns, teeth, old 
  shoes and furniture cushions. A Bultungin can digest almost 
  anything except wood, rocks and steel. Though vulnerable 
  to wood, they can eat fruit, nuts and vegetables, and have no 
  qualms about eating carrion or rooting through a garbage heap 
  in order to find a meal. Thus, many are surprised that these 
  walking garbage disposals have a keen appreciation for fine 
  food, wine and drink. (Note: Impervious to poison and dis-
  ease.)
  Limited Invulnerability (Special): See Natural Armor Rating 
  for more details.
  Vulnerabilities: Bultungin are vulnerable to magic, psionic at-
  tacks, and weapons made from steel or wood. Powerful Mega-
  Damage explosions may knock them down or stun them (use 
  the same table as found for vampires).
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand Combat skill, +1 in 
  animal form.
  Bonuses: +3 on Perception Rolls, +1 on initiative, +2 to strike 
  and parry, +3 to dodge and pull punch, +1 to disarm, and +2 to 
  save vs Horror Factor; all are in addition to any likely attribute 
  bonuses.
  Mega-Damage: Bite and claw attacks do damage as per Super-
  natural Strength, +1D6 M.D. for a bite attack. The Bultungin 
  have a powerful bite, but also have incredible control over it 
  and can inflict S.D.C. or Mega-Damage as they see fit.
  R.C.C. Skills: Limited. Speak their native language, Trade Four, 
  and Dragonese at 98%, Computer Operation (+10%), Hand to 
  Hand (roll percentile: 01-25% Basic. 26-50% Expert. 51-75% 
  Assassin. 76-00% Martial Arts), Land Navigation (+16%), 
  Tracking (+15%), Track Animals (+30%), Tailing (+30%), 
  and three Rogue skills of choice (+10%), plus a total of six 
  additional Secondary Skills at first level. Pick two more Sec-
  ondary Skills at levels 4, 7, 9 and 12. Select Secondary Skills 
  from the list found on page 300 of Rifts® Ultimate Edition.
  Occupations: Do not select an O.C.C., only the R.C.C. Skills, 
  above, apply. Now that the Bultungin are a free people, they 
  often find work as hired thugs, adventurers, assassins, bartend-
  ers, bouncers, guards, mercenaries, scavengers, snitches, tails 
  (i.e. someone who follows a specified target and reports where 
  he goes, who he meets with, etc.), thieves, Runners, Space Pi-
  rates, vagabond workers, and Wilderness Scouts. Many can be 
  found in the ranks of the TGE’s Army of the Thundercloud.
  
  57
  Equipment, Gear and Money: As per their work and whatever 
  they can scrounge.
  Cybernetics and Bionics: None. Avoids them, plus the regen-
  erative abilities of their bodies reject bionics.
  Allies: Other Bultungin mainly, but they also enjoy the company 
  of humans, Wulfen and other canine humanoids, Kreeghor 
  (who they consider to be their liberators and great, if scary, 
  warriors), and Noro. They feel most comfortable around hu-
  mans, Noro and canine humanoids, but tolerate most sentient 
  species, the more human-looking the better. It is the nature of 
  Bultungin to be wary of everyone, and tend to be a bit skittish 
  and cautious around people other than their own kind.
  Enemies: The Splugorth and their minions are the most hated 
  and Lord Desslyth still has several million Bultungin slaves. 
  Bulties hate Ratanoids and the two competitive scavengers al-
  ways clash. Hyena-Men have an instinctive distrust and fear 
  of felines, be they sentient beings or wild beasts, as they are 
  regarded as natural enemies and rivals (they even hate house 
  cats).
  Habitat: The largest populations are found on the planets the 
  TGE has liberated from Lord Desslyth as well as what remains 
  of the Kingdom of Desslyth. However, in recent decades, 
  they have begun showing up on space stations and among 
  space communities, as well as among Space Pirates, Spacers, 
  Runners, mercenaries and adventurer groups throughout the 
  Thundercloud as well as some of the outer rim worlds of the 
  Corkscrew Galaxy and even Phase World. Of course, there are 
  those who have drifted with the tide of opportunity to be found 
  almost anywhere in the Three Galaxies.
  CheDive
  Consortium of Civilized Worlds
  If any indigenous people of the Thundercloud Galaxy screams 
  of genetic manipulation and experimentation, it is the CheDive 
  (pronounced She-DEEVE), who appear to be a human-scorpion 
  hybrid. The CheDive have a humanoid shape with two arms and 
  two legs, but also a large, segmented, prehensile scorpion’s tail. 
  The tail ends in a wicked, hooked stinger that resembles the beak 
  of predatory bird. It is their natural defense and can be used in a 
  fight to punch, swat, stab, slice or poison an opponent. The scor-
  pion tail can be curled tight behind the CheDive to fit as a ball 
  against the small of their back. At a quick glance, the curled tail 
  may appear to be a backpack, bedroll or protrusion from their 
  armor. When agitated, angry, frightened or preparing for combat, 
  the tail uncurls to swing loose and strike. The tail also provides 
  extra balance and a fifth limb to help them climb. Though their 
  face and head is completely human-looking, their body more re-
  sembles that of a giant insect or arachnid. The CheDive’s natural 
  body armor is a shiny gray or jet black exoskeleton that provides 
  them with natural Mega-Damage protection. Damage inflicted 
  to their carapace heals quickly, and once healed, you cannot tell 
  it was ever damaged. Young CheDive molt, shedding their old 
  armor as they grow and mature in a similar way as some Earth 
  spiders and crustaceans. This happens over a 24 hour period leav-
  ing behind what is, in effect, a full body cast. The shed armor is 
  thin and hard, but is used by the CheDive to make simple tools, 
  utensils, weapons and shields. The young shed their armor twice 
  
  58
  a year until the age of 20. Adults also shed their old hide, but only 
  once every 1D6+4 years.
  CheDive hands have two large fingers and a thumb; each curved 
  and vaguely claw-like. The feet have two toes and a similar clawed 
  appearance. The hands and feet are adapted for scaling the low 
  mountains and rock formations of their native planet, which resem-
  bles Earth’s own Nevada and Utah with bluffs, buttes and moun-
  tains. The heavy armor of the hands and fingers means they can 
  parry blades and other weapons, and punch with the weight and 
  power of a ball-peen hammer. (A punch or swat from the tail is like 
  getting hit by a sledgehammer.) The shape of the fingers are such 
  that they are excellent at snagging and holding onto weapons en-
  abling the CheDive warrior to twist and pull to disarm an opponent.
  The CheDive’s unarmored, human head may seem terribly 
  vulnerable to attack, but this is not true. What looks like long, 
  spiked hair on the head (black or dark blue for males, red or blond 
  for females) is actually hard, quill-like M.D.C. bristles that pro-
  tect the top, sides and neck. Furthermore, the head sits low on the 
  body and is protected by their plates on their shoulders. When 
  both of the large hands are cupped over the face it is 100% pro-
  tected without the slightest gap, while covering the face with one 
  hand affords 70% protection. The scorpion tail can also block and 
  parry attacks directed at the head.
  The CheDive originate from a planet in the Gaelra Arm of the 
  Thundercloud named after their god, Serket, the All-Mother. Ser-
  ket is a planet of extremes. The lowlands are rocky deserts and 
  scrublands scarred with deep canyons and plateaus and dotted with 
  buttes and towers of stone. The highlands are rocky hills that turn 
  into low mountains. It is up in the mountains and mountain valleys 
  that visitors find lush alpine forests, rivers and an abundance of 
  wildlife. Supremely adapted to their environment, the CheDive are 
  natural acrobats and climbers. Though they have no insect ability 
  to cling to walls, you’d never know it by how fast they run along 
  mountain cliffs or how well they scale the walls of sheer cliffs.
  CheDive may look like monsters and when on the attack, create 
  a terrifying visage, however, they are intelligent and compassion-
  ate people who care and love deeply, work together as a commu-
  nity, and never attack outsiders without good cause. They live in 
  small to moderate family clans that number from 20-400. Though 
  a tribal society, each clan claims an area of land for themselves, 
  grows crops and raises livestock as well as hunt, fish and gather 
  fruits and nuts. Other clans are not usually hostile and are allowed 
  to travel through areas claimed by other tribes. Out of respect for 
  the people of that area, the outsiders make no attempt to hunt or 
  take anything from the people until they are in an uninhabited zone. 
  Presumably, the CheDive’s own bodies limit their technology, as 
  their hands are not well suited for fine work or great dexterity.
  The CheDive are known to inhabit nine different worlds. Their 
  creation myth tells of how their goddess, Serket, used magic to 
  open portals in the sky to carry them to 32 worlds. If there are 
  more worlds inhabited by the Scorpion People, they have yet to 
  be found. Of the nine, all were only mildly surprised to learn of 
  each other’s existence as all share the same goddess and creation 
  myth. All nine have joined the CCW, have allowed human colo-
  nists to create small communities on their worlds, and are letting 
  the CCW help advance their civilization. A number of CheDive 
  have joined CCW exploration programs as well as the CAF (Con-
  sortium Armed Forces) to see more of the Three Galaxies. As a 
  low-tech civilization without the knowledge or use of magic, un-
  til approached by the CCW, the CheDive had never met any alien 
  beings. Since humans of the CCW and Scorpion People have the 
  same facial features, the CheDive have accepted them as “Little 
  Brothers and Sisters.”
  CheDive [pronounced: She-DEEVE]
  Also known as: Scorpion People.
  Alignment: Any, but lean toward Principled (20%), Scrupulous 
  (35%), Unprincipled (20%) and Aberrant (10%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+6, M.E. 2D6+5, M.A. 2D6+4, P.S. 4D6+4 
  (Robot), P.P. 3D6+5, P.E. 3D6+4, P.B. 1D6+4, Spd 3D6+16 
  (running and climbing).
  Size: 6-7 feet tall (1.6 to 2.1 m), though they tend to slouch and 
  crouch, making them appear to be a head or two shorter and 
  roughly human in size.
  Weight: 180-250 pounds (81 to 112.5 kg); the tail alone adds 50 
  lbs (22.5 kg).
  Hit Points and S.D.C.: See M.D.C.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Head – 35
  Hands (2) – 55 each
  Arms (2) – 100 each
  Legs (2) – 190 each
  Feet (2) – 100 each
  Tail – 200
  * Main Body – 3D4x10+90
  * Add 2D6 M.D.C. to the Main Body for each new level 
  of experience, starting at level two. CheDive Bio-Regenerate 
  4D6 M.D.C. per hour, see Natural Abilities for complete de-
  tails. (In an S.D.C. environment, M.D.C. of appendages be-
  come S.D.C. and half the Main Body M.D.C. becomes Hit 
  Points and half S.D.C. CheDive have a Natural A.R. of 14.)
  Horror Factor: 12
  P.P.E.: 3D6 base.
  Disposition: CheDive have excellent memories, curious and 
  clever minds, and love to play, perform, tell stories, sing and 
  dance. Though superb warriors and capable scouts, the Che-
  Dive try to avoid violence and war, and never engage in bru-
  tality or torture. That having been said, they will not hesitate 
  to fight to protect themselves or their loved ones, and will fight 
  to help others or champion a good cause.
  Average Life Span: 40 +3D6 years.
  Experience Level: As per O.C.C.
  Natural Abilities: Mega-Damage exoskeleton, resistant to heat, 
  fire and cold (half damage), resistant to poison (half damage 
  and half penalties for half the usual duration), superior bal-
  ance, acrobatic, excellent climbers, and capable fighters, plus 
  the following:
  Bio-Regeneration (Special): Recovers lost M.D.C. at a rate of 
  4D6 points per hour. Regenerates a lost finger or two in 48 
  hours; a lost hand or foot in 72 hours; a lost arm, leg, tongue, 
  nose or ear in 1D4+1 weeks and a lost tail in 1D6+2 weeks. 
  Cannot regenerate eyes or internal organs, though the latter 
  heal four times faster than humans.
  Natural Acrobats and Climbers (Special): CheDive can leap 
  and scurry along mountain trails like mountain goats and 
  climb sheer walls of stone at full speed without fear of losing 
  balance, slipping or falling. Their tails help with both balance 
  and climbing, they can leap 10 feet (3 m) high and 20 feet 
  (6.1 m) across, are +4 to roll with impact (half damage from 
  falls with a successful roll of 12 or higher), and get the Climb-
  
  59
  ing and Acrobatics skills, both with a +30% bonus. This gives 
  CheDive a tremendous advantage in mountain and urban (tall 
  buildings) combat environments.
  Poison Stinger (Special): See Mega-Damage for details.
  Also see Psionics.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand Combat skill, +2 at-
  tacks per melee for males and +1 attack per melee for females 
  and juveniles.
  Bonuses: +3 on Perception Rolls, +1 on initiative, +2 to strike 
  and parry, +3 to dodge and pull punch, +1 to disarm, and +2 to 
  save vs Horror Factor; all are in addition to any likely attribute 
  bonuses.
  Mega-Damage: As per Robot equivalent strength, +1D6 from 
  punches, +2D4 from kicks, and +3D6 M.D. from a blunt tail 
  strike. A stabbing or slicing tail strike inflicts damage per Ro-
  bot P.S. +4D6 M.D.
  A poison stinger attack does a maximum damage of 2D6 
  M.D. from the physical attack and as little as 1D4 S.D.C., but 
  even a deliberate poisoned “scratch” results in paralysis unless 
  the victim saves vs nonlethal poison; must roll a 16 or higher 
  to save. The sting must penetrate the skin to poison. The first 
  melee round after being poisoned, the victim feels as if fire 
  runs through his veins; reduce Spd and all combat bonuses 
  by half. The next melee round also reduce attacks per melee 
  to two, the character loses initiative (if he had it), loses all 
  combat bonuses, -30% to skill performance, and the victim 
  has trouble speaking (spell casters can only cast one spell that 
  melee round). At the beginning of the third melee round (30 
  seconds after being stung), the victim drops to his knees and 
  falls flat, paralyzed, unable to speak or move for 1D4 melee 
  rounds. Multiple stings do NOT have an accumulated effect 
  and do not add to the duration of paralysis.
  After the victim recovers (presuming he is not immediately 
  bound and taken captive or slain), subsequent stings do dam-
  age and inflict movement and combat penalties, but do not 
  cause paralysis. Instead reduce Spd, the number of attacks 
  (and number of spells one can cast per melee), and combat bo-
  nuses by half. Duration of the penalties is 1D6+1 melee round 
  per each failed save vs poisonous sting. Note, however, that 
  after the poison has left the victim’s system 1D6+6 hours later, 
  he is again susceptible to the paralyzing toxin.
  Vulnerabilities: None per se, though their large, clumsy hands 
  limit what they use as well as their technological advance-
  ment, and their appearance and nature is close to impossible 
  to disguise. To say a CheDive stands out in a crowd is an un-
  derstatement.
  Available O.C.C.s: Priest (of Serket), Scholar, Wilderness Scout, 
  Vagabond, Spacer, Space Pirate, CAF Trooper, Colonial Sol-
  dier, Mercenary Soldier, and Explorer are some of the more 
  common ones, though CheDive are also attracted to all man-
  ner of occupations involving entertainment, storytelling, and 
  scholastic pursuits; most CheDive women and a third of the 
  males have remarkable, professional quality singing voices. 
  The CheDive have no aversion to space travel and their inquis-
  itive minds make space exploration very appealing. Magic: 
  By O.C.C. only, but the use of magic is truly rare among the 
  CheDive as somehow it seems too alien and unnatural to them.
  Psionics: All CheDive have a few psionic abilities.
  Male CheDive: Empathy (4), Intuitive Combat (10), Mind 
  Block (4), Sixth Sense (2), Speed Reading (2) and Total Re-
  call (2). Base I.S.P. is M.E. attribute number x2, +1D6 I.S.P. 
  per level of experience.
  Female CheDive: Detect Psionics (6), Exorcism (10), Heal-
  ing Touch (10), Mind Block (4), Psychic Diagnosis (4), Stop 
  Bleeding (4), and Telepathy (4). Base I.S.P. is M.E. attribute 
  number x3, +1D6 I.S.P. per level of experience.
  Equipment, Gear and Money: As per O.C.C. CheDive have 
  adapted to civilization quickly and comfortably. Note: Weap-
  ons, tools and equipment must be customized to accommodate 
  the CheDive’s oversized and three-appendage hands
  Cybernetics and Bionics: None. Avoids them, plus the regen-
  erative abilities of their bodies reject most bionic systems.
  Allies: Humans, Noro, and Wulfen. Some CheDive dislike the 
  Seljuk while others get along with them quite well. CheDive 
  who wish to embrace and emulate humanity often become quite 
  chummy with Whetu Servitors, hoping to pick up a few tips.
  Enemies: As allies of the Consortium, its enemies are the Che-
  Dive’s enemies. Thus, the Kreeghor and TGE affiliate races 
  are enemies, as are the Minions of Splugorth, demons and 
  Deevils. In many ways, the CheDive are creatures of nature, 
  place great emphasis on freedom, and take an instant dislike 
  to any beings who would enslave or torment others. In this 
  regard, the CheDive are conflicted about what’s going on with 
  the Denlech and are not fond of Naruni Enterprises.
  Habitat: So far, they have been found only in the Gaelra Arm of 
  the Thundercloud.
  Note: Many xenobiologists are convinced the CheDive are an 
  engineered life form. It is interesting to note that depictions of 
  the goddess Serket bear a strong resemblance to a Gene-Tech.
  Denlech Settlers
  Independent – Ancient Human Colonists
  The Denlech are human colonists descended from the old Hu-
  man Alliance before it formed part of the CCW. Denlech Settlers 
  are covered in detail in the section about notable political powers 
  in the Thundercloud Galaxy. See page 42.
  As for humans in general, other sentient beings tend to think 
  of humans and their many variations and mutations as “rats.” Like 
  rats, humans seem to be found everywhere, especially at space 
  stations, cities and anywhere one finds the trappings of civiliza-
  tion. If they aren’t indigenous to a planet or colonists spreading 
  their influence across the Megaverse, they are traders, trappers, 
  mercenaries, pirates, explorers or adventurers. Humans represent 
  12% of the recorded population of the Three Galaxies, making 
  them one of the most prodigious and common sentient species.
  The Exiles
  Independent – New Enemy
  or Roguish Player Character
  The Exiles are an enigma. Ask one person about them and you 
  might be told they are heroes and champions of the downtrodden. 
  Ask another and you might hear they are liars and thieves. Some-
  one else might tell you they are space gypsies or pirates, while 
  another might tell you they are well meaning waifs wandering 
  the galaxy in search of acceptance by others. Still others might 
  
  60
  warn you they are madmen and cutthroats. In truth, they are all 
  these things and more. Exiles are habitual liars, hot-tempered and 
  unpredictable. They are part con-artist, part thief, part raider, part 
  alien invader, part insane and all trouble.
  Exiles, with their big eyes, round features and thin bodies, look 
  sweet and innocent. They play that impression like a maestro vio-
  linist to win sympathy, trust and favor. They bat their big green or 
  warm amber eyes and feign innocence with consummate skill. All 
  the while the Exile is taking in his or her surroundings, assessing 
  the situation, making mental note of locks and security systems, 
  valuables and opportunity, while they are reading the facial expres-
  sions and body language of those around them. Like a fly to honey, 
  an Exile zooms in on the most heroic, compassionate, and gullible 
  person (or persons) in a group, turns on the “Ah shucks” charm, 
  and slides into the role of kind, innocent stranger, or kind and car-
  ing stranger who wants to help any way he can. Part of this role is 
  pretending to be the humble and suffering hero who will give you 
  the shirt off his back or his own meal even though he hasn’t eaten 
  in days. That’s just how good, kind and caring the noble Exiles are. 
  Bat an eyelash and flash a sincere smile.
  Many use the name Exile to win over a person and tell a sad 
  story of the noble refugee, fighting against all odds to survive in a 
  cruel universe while helping other people in greater need.
  “Oh, you might know my people as the Exiles,” the story begins, 
  “but please, do not judge me by the harsh stories you may have 
  heard about us.” The Exiles paint a tale of tragedy, survival and 
  heroic spirit. According to them, they were once the second-class 
  citizens of an advanced civilization. After generations of mistreat-
  ment, their people, the Justicene, rose up to demand equality and 
  fair treatment. They rebelled without violence by refusing to work 
  under the yoke of tyranny. Their superiors were not so kind. First, 
  the Justicene were beaten. When that failed to stop the rebellion, 
  hundreds of millions of them were gathered up, placed on old car-
  go spacecraft, space arks and floating platforms all strung together, 
  and taken to deep space. It was there, their fate was revealed. Since 
  they were not happy with their lives, they were forever exiled from 
  their home world, and cast adrift without any means of propulsion, 
  and abandoned. Though they had been left with some provisions 
  and manufacturing capabilities, there was not enough and millions 
  perished as they scrambled to provide for everyone.
  15 years later, as they drifted outside the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy, the Exiles saw the shock wave caused by the Black Hole Pro-
  jector that destroyed the Dominators. Their home world, located 
  in Dominator space, perished along with the monsters. Though a 
  fitting end to an unjust people, the Justicene mourned the loss of 
  their planet and civilization – just one of many caught in the fall-
  out of the war as collateral damage. Of course, they would not 
  learn the full details of all this until many millennia later when 
  they returned to the Thundercloud Galaxy. For much of the next 
  50,000 years, the Justicene drifted across space. Over time, they 
  were able to incorporate space junk and alien technology into 
  their floating artificial world. They developed their technology 
  and were able to design spacecraft of their own.
  Where their sea of spacecraft are now is a secret, for the Jus-
  ticene have suffered at the hands of many other civilizations 
  since their initial exile. It seems no civilization has been willing 
  to accept billions of space nomads without a world of their own. 
  And so the Justicene have been rejected, exiled and persecuted 
  many times. Thus, even they call themselves “Exiles.” A name 
  they wear like a badge of honor. This rejection has, supposedly, 
  made the Exiles compassionate for other people who are bullied, 
  dominated or manipulated by more advanced and powerful civi-
  lizations. Now, the long suffering Exiles are champions of the 
  underdog. They are intolerant of injustice and stand with the little 
  guy, and indigenous people being run over roughshod by invad-
  ing colonists with superior technology. Exiles fight tyranny and 
  inequality wherever they find it.
  Or so their battle cry goes. Whether any of this is true is any-
  one’s guess.
  While Exiles often try to play the role of hero, it is not one 
  that fits them well. Nor is it an identity that can be maintained for 
  long. Their true nature of scalawag and miscreant comes out all 
  
  61
  too easily. Exiles are opportunists who profit from the misfortune 
  of others and are masterful instigators and rabble-rousers. They 
  love nothing more than to stir up trouble, create dissension and 
  distrust, and fan the flames of anger and rebellion. Insurrection 
  and conflict are like sweet nectar to the Exiles, for in the chaos it 
  is they who raid the coffers of all parties and loot the dead. Exiles 
  care only about themselves and their fellow Justicene. Anyone 
  else is a sucker and mark to be conned, cheated, robbed and taken 
  advantage. If the mark wises up too soon, an Exile tries to turn his 
  comrades against him, frame him for crimes he didn’t commit, or 
  bop him on the head and get out while the going is good.
  The Scramble in the Thundercloud Galaxy, with all its con-
  fusion, lack of communication and injustice, is a breeding ground 
  for chaos and insurrection, making it an Exile’s paradise. World 
  after world, colony after colony, is ripe for the picking.
  Here is the scam: One set of Exiles sweeps in and instigates 
  trouble among the indigenous population. They whisper in the 
  people’s ear as concerned, “impartial” observers. They empa-
  thize and sympathize with the people, and commiserate with 
  their situation. The Exiles quietly point out injustices, real and 
  imagined, bring tempers to a boil, and speak of the people taking 
  a stand against the “alien invaders.” Then, they sit back and wait. 
  Stirring the pot to keep hostilities simmering. Every new injustice 
  is exaggerated. Every attempt by the other party to make peace 
  is sabotage. When tempers boil over and violence erupts, another 
  set of Exiles seizes the moment to swoop in like avenging angels. 
  With their superior space fighters and weapons, they push the 
  “alien invaders” (i.e. the colonists) back and give the indigenous 
  people a taste of victory. The Exiles, sabers rattling, speak of how 
  they’ll stand with the people until they have won their freedom.
  It is all a ruse, of course. One that paints the Exiles as heroes 
  (something they seem to aspire toward but have no idea what the 
  word or concept means), and gives them just cause – in the name 
  of the people – to attack, raid and loot the colonists, their supply 
  lines, cargo ships and the space fleets who defend them. They 
  have no fear of the CCW, TGE, Naruni Enterprises or the Splu-
  gorth, and seem to take delight in rattling their cages. Making the 
  fight a political issue, and championing a downtrodden people 
  who have asked for their help amid claims of injustice, prevents 
  the Exiles from being branded common brigands and Space Pi-
  rates. Instead they paint themselves as heroic champions or some 
  sort of vigilante force that has appointed itself the “protectors of 
  those who cannot stand against tyranny themselves.”
  Since nobody knows what’s going on most of the time, and 
  so much injustice abounds in the Thundercloud, nobody can 
  outright refute their claims. Thus, the Exiles wander the galaxy 
  talking trash about the big corporations and intergalactic power 
  blocs, stir up trouble at colonies, instigate revolts and conflict 
  among indigenous people, and seem entertained by the conflict 
  and angst of other people. When nobody is looking they rob and 
  steal, cheat, lie and try to profit from the misfortune of all parties 
  involved. All of this gives them carte blanche to raid, rob and 
  cheat everyone. When one side or the other seems to be a decisive 
  winner, or peace is managed despite the Exiles efforts to prevent 
  it, or the two warring sides realize they’ve been set up by the Ex-
  iles, the villains vanish, moving on to find a new sucker to scam.
  When not causing insurrection and war, Exiles scatter into small 
  groups, pairs and lone individuals who go around conning, robbing 
  and engaging in criminal activity, including piracy and hit and run 
  raids. Again, because they pretend to be innocent, weak and help-
  less, many people are caught off guard by how well they fight, 
  especially when clad in power armor or sitting in the seat of an 
  Exile fighter or other warship. Exile technology is comparable to 
  anything the CCW, TGE, Bushi Federation and Naruni Enterpris-
  es has to offer. That means cutting edge, fast and deadly. In fact, 
  though NE and the rest would hate to admit it, Exile technology is 
  more advanced than their own. This high-tech edge and surprising 
  combat prowess of the Exiles often catches victims off-guard and 
  results in an Exile victory. To make matters worse, Exiles don’t 
  fear any of the galactic powers, so nobody is off limits. A band of 
  Exile Space Pirates will consider raiding, robbing or conning the 
  Minions of Splugorth, the Kreeghor, the CCW, the UWW, Domi-
  nators, Deevils, demons, mercenaries, adventurers, colonists and 
  primitive natives alike. Sometimes it almost seems as if they take 
  pleasure from getting the upper hand over everyone. This makes 
  them true exiles disliked and unwanted by everyone.
  The only good thing can one say about the Exiles is they are 
  not cold-blooded killers. Most are satisfied with, and even prefer, 
  defeating, besting and embarrassing an opponent rather than kill-
  ing him. If they can cripple a spacecraft rather than destroy it, they 
  will. People may die as a result, especially when left adrift and on 
  their own after an Exile attack and their cargo being plundered, 
  but Exiles won’t destroy the ship nor kill the crew. And Exiles ab-
  solutely NEVER engage in the slave trade, and have been known 
  to rescue slaves they find as cargo being taken to market. It is 
  rare for an Exile to take a life even when he has the justification 
  to do so, and rarer still for one to kill out of revenge or anger. 
  Don’t start thinking the Exiles might be crooks with a heart of 
  gold. They aren’t. With few exceptions, Exiles are self-serving 
  and cold-hearted con-artists and brigands always playing an angle. 
  They are skilled at figuring out and telling people what they want 
  to hear, as well as masters of misdirection and appearing innocent 
  when they are the true villain behind the scenes. An Exile is your 
  friend until he doesn’t need you anymore, and then he betrays and 
  robs you, and probably leaves you holding the bag for crimes he 
  committed. Exiles love to plant false evidence and lead authorities 
  on a wild goose chase (misdirection) to give themselves a chance 
  to escape or make one more score before they disappear. It is said 
  an Exile would betray his father to save his own skin, and sell his 
  own mother if the profit was substantial enough.
  When backed into a corner or directly confronted, however, an 
  Exile can go off like a powder keg and behave like a crazy man. 
  As noted prior, Exiles are excellent fighters who battle to win, 
  which means they fight dirty and cheat. Again, because they are 
  so good at playing the bumpkin, their combat skills and ferocity 
  catch people off-guard. Even so, a fight is to be expected. Here is 
  where the real craziness happens: Exiles are so committed to the 
  “innocence” routine that the accused will deny his crimes even 
  if there is a mountain of evidence and 20 eyewitnesses stand-
  ing right in front of him. “Who are you going to believe? Me or 
  your own eyes? Huh? Huh!?!” “Lies! All lies. I’ve been framed.” 
  “How can you believe I’d ever do such a thing? I’m your friend.” 
  The Exile will spin all kinds of yarns to cover himself or make it 
  sound like he could be innocent. He may insist he has an alibi or 
  witnesses who can prove his innocence when he knows darn well 
  there are none. He’ll accuse others or point out others involved 
  in other crimes or secret activity. This is all a stalling tactic and 
  misdirection in the hopes it will buy him enough time or create 
  enough confusion that he can make a break for it. If that doesn’t 
  work, the accused or challenged Exile lashes out with a ferocity 
  
  62
  that is startling, fighting like a tiger until he can make good his 
  escape. However, the battle doesn’t end there. An Exile’s twisted 
  sense of justice and deluded image of hero, or at least swashbuck-
  ling rogue, is such that ruinous accusations – even if true – let 
  alone being found guilty or being sentenced to prison, is enough 
  to send the weird alien on a mission of revenge. It is one thing to 
  sentence an Exile to prison and quite another to keep him behind 
  bars. The accused is not alone on this front. Exiles tend to rally 
  around each other in times of need, and even a complete stranger 
  will help a fellow Exile escape the clutches of the authorities. 
  Once freed, the “wronged” villain seeks revenge on those who 
  accused him or took away his ill-gotten gains. This may include 
  death threats, kidnaping of loved ones, extortion, frame-jobs, 
  vandalism, public scandal and a campaign of harassment that is 
  torture to endure. The vindictive monster may also join forces 
  with his accusers’ enemies so he may get his revenge. Though the 
  Exile is not likely to kill anyone with his own hands, he may very 
  well cause their death at the hands of others.
  “Beware the Exiles” is the growing refrain heard throughout 
  the Thundercloud Galaxy.
  Exiles
  Also known as Justicene.
  Alignment: Anarchist (50%), Aberrant (30%), Miscreant (10%), 
  Diabolic (3%), and others (7%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+5, M.E. 2D6+4, M.A. 3D6+10, P.S. 
  2D6+3, P.P. 2D6+10, P.E. 3D6, P.B. 2D6, Spd 1D6+3.
  Size: 5-6 feet tall (1.5 to 1.8 m).
  Weight: 100-160 lbs (45 to 72 kg).
  Hit Points: P.E. attribute number +1D6 per level of experience.
  S.D.C.: 1D4x10 in addition to any bonuses from skills or O.C.C. 
  selection.
  M.D.C.: By armor or force field.
  P.P.E.: 2D6
  Disposition: As a rule, Exiles appear non-threatening, innocent, 
  cheerful, kind, and in need of help or ready to give help. In 
  reality, they are backstabbing cheats, crooks and con-artists 
  always ready to rob or take advantage of someone else’s true 
  kindness and naivete.
  Average Life Span: 2D6x10+80 years.
  Experience Level: 2D4 for NPC or as set by the Game Master. 
  Player characters should start at level one.
  Natural Abilities: All Exiles have the Zero Gravity Movement 
  & Combat skill at 98%, Nightvision 1,000 feet (305 m), natu-
  ral cuteness and charisma (see M.A. attribute), extreme agil-
  ity, +2 to Perception Rolls, and +1 to dodge in zero gravity.
  Ambidextrous (special): Can use both hands with equal skill, 
  +5% skill bonus to skills that require dexterity, including 
  Climbing, Mechanics, Palming, Pick Pockets, Safecracking, 
  and so on.
  Double-Jointed (special): All joints in the legs, feet, hands and 
  arms are double-jointed; +5% bonus to skills such as Escape 
  Artist, where such flexibility is handy.
  Prehensile Feet (special): Exiles have feet reminiscent of a 
  bird, with two large toes in front and a third behind the heel. 
  Both are ambidextrous and though not quite as agile as the 
  hands, can be used to climb, swing from tree branches, grab 
  and grasp objects, and even operate machinery and perform 
  skills like palming and pick pocket. However, skill perfor-
  mance using the feet suffers a -20% skill penalty, a gun cannot 
  be fired with the feet, but they can easily push buttons, pull le-
  vers, and untie ropes. When barefoot, which is almost always, 
  an Exile is +10% to all Climbing, Acrobatics and Gymnastics 
  skill rolls, and is +1 to entangle.
  Available O.C.C.s: The vast majority of Exiles are Space Pi-
  rates, Runners and other criminal occupations (Professional 
  Thief, Smuggler, etc.). Those who are combat oriented are 
  likely to be Robot Pilots (Power Armor), Turbo Jockeys and 
  combat pilots. A small percentage are Body Fixers, Operators, 
  Scholars, Scientists, Spacers, and Vagabonds, or just about 
  any other common tech-based O.C.C.
  Alternative “Exile” O.C.C.: Select the Spacer O.C.C. and use 
  it for initial skills and equipment, but instead of selecting the 
  usual O.C.C. Related Skills available at level one, select one 
  of the following MOS-style skill sets that represent an area of 
  specialty typical of an Exile. Use the Spacer experience table.
  Con-Artist MOS
  Begging (+15%)
  Impersonation (+20%)
  Performance (+30%)
  Public Speaking (+30%)
  Undercover Ops (+25%)
  Seduction (+26%)
  Streetwise (+30%)
  Wardrobe & Grooming (+15%)
  Breaking and Entry MOS
  Basic Mechanics (+15%)
  Climb (+10%)
  Pick Locks (+15%)
  Prowl (+20%)
  Running
  Photography (+20%)
  W.P. Blunt
  Escape Artist MOS
  Acrobatics
  Climbing (+10%)
  Concealment (+20%)
  Escape Artist (30%)
  Palming (+20%)
  Pick Locks (+20%)
  Rope Works (+10%)
  Fence MOS
  Appraise Goods (+30%)
  Art (+15%)
  Barter (+30%)
  Cardsharp (+20%)
  Gemology (+25%)
  Optic Systems (+10%)
  Research (+15%)
  W.P. Energy Pistol
  Gambler MOS
  Cardsharp (+26%)
  Concealment (+10%)
  Gambling (+20%)
  Gambling: Dirty Tricks (+30%)
  Mathematics: Advanced (+30%)
  Palming (+15%)
  Performance (+15%)
  Safecracker MOS
  Basic Electronics (+20%)
  Basic Mechanics (+15%)
  Demolitions (+20%)
  Demolitions Disposal (+20%)
  Jury-Rig (+15%)
  Locksmith (+25%)
  Safecracking (+32%)
  W.P. Heavy M.D. Weapons
  Smuggler MOS
  Barter (+30%)
  Camouflage (+30%)
  Electronic Countermeasures (+15%)
  Find Contraband (+30%)
  Forgery (+30%)
  Gemology (+15%)
  Recognize Weapon Quality (+25%)
  W.P. Energy Pistol
  Snoop MOS
  ID Undercover Agent (+20%)
  Intelligence (+20%)
  Land Navigation (+10%)
  Palming (+15%)
  Surveillance (+20%)
  Tracking (people) (+10%)
  Pilot: One skill of choice (+20%).
  Thief MOS
  Find Contraband (+14%)
  Concealment (+16%)
  Palming (+30%)
  Pick Lock (+20%)
  Pick Pockets (+20%)
  Prowl (+15%)
  Tailing (+30%)
  
  63
  Attacks per Melee: As per O.C.C. and combat skills.
  Bonuses: See Natural Abilities.
  Magic: None.
  Psionics: Standard, same as humans.
  Equipment and Money: As per O.C.C. Also see Equipment sec-
  tion in this book for Exile power armor and spacecraft.
  Cybernetics and Bionics: As per O.C.C.
  Habitat: Unknown. Though they claim to be refugees from deep 
  space who once lived in the Thundercloud Galaxy, many sus-
  pect they are an alien life form from an unknown galaxy or 
  other dimension.
  Allies: Only fellow Exiles. Any other alliance or friendship is 
  likely to be a scam, or a means to an end. When someone wins 
  the true friendship of an Exile, they are treated like an adopted 
  Exile and the friendship is real.
  Enemies: Everyone. They are disliked by the Company, Naru-
  ni Enterprises, most authorities and other heroes, and hated 
  by the TGE, Trensik Mercenaries, the Golgans and demons. 
  They are grudgingly admired and respected by the Splugorth 
  Kingdom of Desslyth and Deevils, but considered rivals and 
  troublemakers to be dealt with severely.
  Kasaro
  Independent Race
  The Kasaro are believed to have existed in Gaelra Arm of the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy for 30,000 years. Based on the vast number 
  of ruins found on the worlds they inhabit, it is believed the Kasa-
  ro were once an advanced, space-faring people who had a small 
  interstellar empire. If true, the Kasaro’s origins appear to start 
  somewhere in the Zuluda star cluster, a neighbor of the Heoda 
  cluster. Ancient ruins of the Kasaro are found on all eight of the 
  planets in the Zuluda system, and Kasaro myth speaks of “voy-
  ages to the seven sisters and beyond.” Indeed, the planet Acrh 
  (pronounced “ack-ruh”) is littered with ruins and is likely to have 
  been the Kasaro’s home world. No one knows what happened to 
  the civilization or its people, though the Splugorth of the King-
  dom of Desslyth smile when they claim knowledge of these be-
  ings. Many suspect Lord Desslyth the Elder played a role in the 
  decimation of Kasaro civilization. They point to the vast number 
  of tech-trained Kasaro warriors among the Minions of Desslyth 
  as well as the many Kasaro gladiators who thrill the audience, not 
  only with their devilish appearance and fierce combat skills, but 
  also their tradition of feasting on those they defeat.
  Kasaro are cannibals. Even those among the tech-trained 
  Minions of Desslyth who might be considered “civilized,” de-
  vour at least the hearts and brains of those they slay on the field 
  of battle. This is said to be a long standing tradition that goes back 
  to before the rise of Kasaro civilization and its subsequent fall. 
  Eating the heart and the brain honors the fallen and empowers 
  the living. For the Kasaro, this is more than superstitious tradi-
  tion. The horrid little cannibals not only derive pleasure and nour-
  ishment from eating their fellow Kasaro and other humanoids, 
  but they are a sort of P.P.E. vampire who is able to channel the 
  P.P.E. of their victims to make themselves more powerful. Eating 
  the heart, which tradition demands be done first, increases the 
  Kasaro’s M.D.C. Eating the brain increases the cannibal’s cun-
  ning and energy to fight (does not fatigue). At least half of each 
  organ must be eaten and only the one who can claim the kill is 
  empowered, though others may share in the meat. The more foes 
  a Kasaro devours, the more powerful and energized he becomes. 
  (See Natural Abilities for complete details.)
  
  64
  In the wild, the Kasaro live in nomadic tribes of hunters and 
  gatherers – their primary prey being other Kasaro. The only time 
  this changes is when there are other humanoids to prey upon. 
  This is worse than it sounds, because when there are other hu-
  manoids, all Kasaro, even the longest of rival tribes, stop fighting 
  one another to prey upon the others, and breed like rabbits. With-
  out them hunting and killing each other, the Kasaro population 
  explodes. As the population increases, the rival clans merge to 
  form large tribes that can range into the thousands. The coming 
  of colonists, explorers and adventurers has been a boon to Kasaro 
  and rather like sending sheep into a forest filled with ravenous 
  wolves. The cannibals are clever too, hiding their true and grow-
  ing numbers, and controlling their urge to attack and gorge them-
  selves upon the newcomers. Instead, they keep their kills to a 
  comparative minimum. At first, the Kasaro hide their presence 
  and lurk in the shadows, picking people off here and there. Any 
  remains that might be found look like they were slain and eaten 
  by a wild animal. Likewise, teams of excavators, scouts and ex-
  plorers go missing, never to be seen again. Then, a small band of 
  colonists or a tiny satellite colony are wiped out. Again, any re-
  mains appear to have been ripped to shreds by wild animals. Odds 
  are the Kasaro have yet to even be seen by the colonists. There 
  are likely to be periods of months between the attacks and disap-
  pearances, further suggesting the incidents were random animal 
  attacks. Within three years, the Kasaro population should have 
  increased by 100 fold. Now the Kasaro become bolder, attack-
  ing larger outposts and settlements, but they still make a point of 
  killing everyone, leaving no witnesses, and devouring every last 
  morsel. When the Kasaro outnumber the colonists by two or three 
  to one, they may make their presence known as warriors, but it 
  is not until they outnumber them by 20 to one, or more, that they 
  attack in swarms. Fallen Kasaro are always taken from the field 
  of battle so their family members can mourn before they are eaten 
  by the tribe.
  Though low-tech savages clad in loincloths or running around 
  buck naked, Kasaro exhibit a cunning, resourcefulness and the 
  natural hunting skills of an intelligent predator. Whether it is in-
  stinct or training, Kasaro have a keen understanding of stealth 
  tactics, hit and run combat methods and guerilla warfare. Bold 
  and fearless, one to a hundred, or even a thousand, Kasaro may 
  creep into a human colony or city and stalk humanoid prey silent-
  ly like a panther. When the alarm is sounded, they may run off 
  into the night (especially if outnumbered or outmatched), or they 
  may stand and fight. However, it is important to never forget that 
  Kasaro see colonists and other people as prey. And though they 
  are a primitive society, they manage their food stock, seldom 
  killing more than necessary, with each Kasaro running off with 
  one or two corpses to feed the rest of their tribe. Thus, humanoid 
  settlements are hunting grounds for the cannibals.
  Kasaro also have an innate understanding of both primitive 
  and modern weapons. They are quick to recognize and evaluate 
  modern weapons, figuring out and memorizing their range, pay-
  load and damage capacity. While only a few Kasaro native war-
  riors are likely to take up the use of guns, they immediately desire 
  M.D. melee weapons, particularly swords and other blade weap-
  ons. Warriors forced into captivity can be trained to wear armor, 
  use energy weapons and fight like more civilized men. However, 
  even “domesticated” Kasaro fight like crazed ninjas on speed, 
  leaping, stabbing, kicking, clawing, head butting, and biting their 
  opponents, as well as blasting away with energy weapons.
  Kasaro are low Mega-Damage humanoids who more closely 
  resemble Deevils than humans. One of their many distinctive fea-
  tures is a pair of thick, black or dark gray horns that curl up from 
  the forehead. These massive horns are often 50% bigger than the 
  cannibal’s head, and are used to attack, parry weapons and take 
  damage from incoming attacks. As natural weapons, they are 
  used to head butt and ram opponents like a bull. The Kasaro’s 
  neck is short and thick, and designed like a spring to withstand 
  punishing impacts. From toe to top of the head, Kasaro stand only 
  five feet (1.5 m) tall, but their horns add 1-2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) to 
  their overall height. Kasaro tend to crouch, like a panther ready 
  to pounce, and seem always ready for combat. Their bodies are 
  stout with thick muscles. Skin color is bronze with dark brown, 
  red or green spots covering their back, shoulders, and tops of the 
  forearms and thighs. Their hands have three fingers and an oppos-
  able thumb, each tipped with a sharp, hooked claw. Their large, 
  wide feet end in large claws that can be used to rake an opponent 
  with a savage kick. They are also used to rip apart slain prey 
  and help with climbing. The Kasaro’s mouth is reminiscent of 
  a leech with a tripartite-jaw filled with hundreds of sharp teeth. 
  This gives them a wicked bite, able to rip out hunks of flesh and 
  saw through bone. The Kasaro have no taboo about nudity, and 
  wear little to no clothing. As minor Mega-Damage beings, their 
  tough hide protects them from the elements and attacks.
  Kasaro [pronounced: kuh-SAR-oh]
  Also known as Devil Cannibals.
  Alignment: Unprincipled (12%), Anarchist (40%), Aberrant 
  (30%), Miscreant (10%), Diabolic (3%), and others (5%). A 
  player character can be any.
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+4, M.E. 2D6+6, M.A. 2D6, P.S. 3D6+4 
  (Supernatural), P.P. 2D6+13, P.E. 2D6+11 (Supernatural), 
  P.B. 2D4, Spd 4D6+13.
  Size: Five feet tall (1.5 m) to the top of their bald heads, but 
  their horns add 2D6+10 inches (0.3 to 0.6 m) for a total height 
  closer to 6-7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 m).
  Weight: 170-220 pounds (76.5 to 99 kg), all muscle and horn.
  Hit Points and S.D.C.: See M.D.C.
  M.D.C.: Kasaro are minor, mortal Mega-Damage beings. 
  P.E. attribute number x2 +1D6 M.D.C. per level of experi-
  ence for main body. The large curled horns have an M.D.C. 
  of 1D6x10+P.E. attribute number, and grow back in 1D4+4 
  months if broken or cut off.
  Horror Factor: 13
  P.P.E.: Base is 5D6.
  Average Life Span: 2D6+60 years.
  Experience Level: 1D6 for most primitive NPC warriors, 1D4+5 
  for leaders and experienced warriors, or as set by the Game 
  Master. Player characters should start at level one. Use the 
  experience table for Wilderness Scout or Spacer.
  Natural Abilities: The senses of the Kasaro are similar to hu-
  mans, but any similarities end there. Kasaro have M.D.C. 
  hides and recover lost M.D.C. at a rate of 2D6 per 24 hours; 
  lost claws and teeth regrow in 1D4 weeks, lost horns regrow 
  in 1D4+4 months. Also see R.C.C. Skills.
  Athletic and Agile (special): The cannibals are incredibly nim-
  ble and agile, can leap 12 feet (3.6 m) high and 18 feet (5.5 m) 
  across from a standing position; increase by 50% with a run-
  ning start. Also see P.P. and Spd attributes for possible other 
  prowess related bonuses as well as R.C.C. Bonuses below.
  
  65
  Cannibal Powers of the Dead (special): Heart. When a Kasaro 
  slays an enemy, he absorbs half the escaping P.P.E. released 
  at the time of death. When he eats at least half of his victim’s 
  heart (must be done within 20 minutes of death), the canni-
  bal increases his own M.D.C. point for point. So if his vic-
  tim had 6 P.P.E. before it is doubled at the moment of death, 
  the Kasaro absorbs those 6 P.P.E. (the rest fade away). The 
  focused ritual act of eating (half or more of) the heart turns 
  those (in this example, 6) P.P.E. into M.D.C. points added to 
  his own. The more P.P.E. an opponent has, the more M.D.C. 
  the Kasaro gains. P.P.E. gained in this fashion remains for 72 
  hours, though any lost in combat are gone; only the cannibal’s 
  natural M.D.C. can be recovered through rest and healing. 
  Subtract damage from these temporary M.D.C. first and his 
  own M.D.C. last. Note: The heart is always eaten fist, then 
  the brain. It takes a Kasaro 30 seconds to eat half a heart and 
  another 30 seconds to eat half a brain; one minute to eat the 
  entire organ.
  Cannibal Powers of the Dead (special): Brain. Same concept 
  and conditions as eating the heart apply to the brain with dif-
  ferent results. Eating the brain energizes the Kasaro so he does 
  not suffer the effects of fatigue. Each heart eaten stems off fa-
  tigue for 24 hours without any penalties or ill-effect after that 
  period. Fatigue is simply erased. This enables the Kasaro to 
  fight, work or travel for days at a time without having to rest.
  It also adds a bonus of +1 to Perception Rolls and +2% to 
  the following Espionage and Wilderness skills: Detect Am-
  bush, Concealment, Intelligence, Land Navigation, Tracking 
  and Wilderness Survival. Duration is 24 hours per brain of a 
  fallen opponent eaten.
  Chameleonic Skin (special): The Kasaro can alter their skin 
  tones to blend into the background environment. For example, 
  at night their skin darkens by 60%, and their skin can change 
  to match the color of leaves, dry grass, colonial concrete, and 
  other colors to help them go unnoticed. +10% to Prowl skill 
  when moving slower than a Spd of 6. When concealed and 
  motionless, there is only a 5% chance of someone spotting 
  them. Of course, they must be naked to do so and most modern 
  scanners and sensors can pick up their body heat and move-
  ment.
  Superior Digestive System (special): The cannibals can eat 
  raw and rotting meat, internal organs, blood, skin, and bone 
  without ill-effect. If the being fails to save against poison/tox-
  ins/drugs any lingering penalties or effects last half as long 
  and are half as debilitating. Though their main prey are hu-
  manoids and their own kind, Kasaro can eat the flesh of ani-
  mals, but it tastes awful and is half as nutritious. Greens and 
  vegetables make the meat-eaters ill, as if they have a case of 
  nonlethal food poisoning.
  Furthermore, the Kasaro’s digestive system can extract wa-
  ter from bone marrow. A second stomach then stores water, 
  enabling the cannibals to go without drinking water for 1D4 
  weeks at a time.
  Reproduction, Offspring and Maturity (special): A female 
  Kasaro bears 1D4 young and can give birth as often as once 
  every seven months. Young reach full physical maturity in 
  only three years, but tend to be slow in mental development, 
  not reaching second level experience for another 1D4+1 years. 
  Still, even an inexperienced Kasaro warrior is deadly and all 
  are instinctive hunters and cannibals.
  R.C.C. Skills of Tribal Kasaro Cannibal Hunters/Warriors:
  Camouflage (+20%)
  Detect Ambush (+20%)
  Detect Concealment (+10%)
  Dance (+10%)
  Dowsing (+10%)
  Fasting (+30% at x3 the normal duration)
  Forced March
  Hunting
  Intelligence (+16%)
  Land Navigation (+20%)
  Prowl (+20%)
  Sing (+10%)
  Tailing (+15%)
  Tracking (people; +20%)
  Wilderness Survival (+30%)
  W.P. Sword
  Hand to Hand: Martial Arts
  R.C.C. Related Skills: None.
  Secondary Skills: Select 1D4+2 skills from the Secondary Skill 
  List on page 300 of Rifts® Ultimate Edition, +1 additional 
  Secondary Skill at levels 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand: Martial Arts (or at 
  least the Kasaro’s version of it) +1 additional melee attack at 
  levels 2, 5, 9 and 13. These are in addition to those provided 
  by the Martial Arts combat skill.
  Mega-Damage: Punches and kicks as per Supernatural P.S., 
  +2D6 M.D. from head butt with horns, +2D4 M.D. from a 
  claw strike with the hands, +3D6 M.D. from a claw strike with 
  the feet, and +1D6 M.D. from bite attacks. Kasaro may also 
  use weapons and are fond of blade weapons, especially swords 
  and spears.
  Bonuses: +2 on Perception Rolls, +2 on initiative, +1 to strike, 
  +4 to automatic dodge (the act of dodging does not use up a 
  melee attack), and +4 to save vs Horror Factor.
  Available O.C.C.s for Domesticated Kasaro and Minions of 
  Splugorth: Any Men-at-Arms O.C.C., Wilderness Scout, or 
  Vagabond, but avoid bionics and piloting power armor or ro-
  bots, and have no interest in learning magic, though they enjoy 
  magic weapons and armor. In addition to being the slaves and 
  soldiers of the Kingdom of Desslyth, Kasaro may be found 
  serving as scouts, adventurers, mercenaries, Galactic Tracers 
  and Space Pirates.
  Magic: None, other than the occasional magic weapon or item.
  Psionics: Standard, same as humans.
  Standard Equipment for Tribes: Kasaro are tribal nomads who 
  live off the land, thus most have little need for much in the way 
  of possessions. Since they have Supernatural P.S. and claws, 
  they don’t even have a need for making weapons and tools, or 
  wearing clothes. Possessions tend to be M.D. melee weapons 
  stolen from outsiders or won in combat, carrying cases such 
  as backpacks, sacks, baskets, etc. and some personal items. 
  Kasaro may also make jewelry from teeth, bones, and scrap. 
  They don’t ride animals, but take an instant liking to fast mov-
  ing hover cycles and rocket bikes.
  Standard Equipment for Civilized Kasaro: As per O.C.C.
  Habitat: Kasaro cannibals are found on numerous planets across 
  the Gaelra Arm, usually starting off as small clans. They were 
  once found on half of the same worlds as the CheDive in the 
  Heoda System, but the cannibals were wiped out by them. The 
  
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  largest tribes are found on the eight worlds of the Zuluda Clus-
  ter. Remember, they are also Minions of Desslyth and found 
  on worlds and holdings of the Kingdom of Desslyth as well as 
  a few of the Splugorth worlds “liberated” by the TGE. There 
  have been rumors of cannibals matching the description of the 
  Kasaro on a few planets in Oswoe’s Arm, but in each case they 
  are said to have been wiped out by Space Pirates, adventurers 
  and colonists, so these “rumors” and the existence of Kasaro 
  outside the Gaelra Arm and Splugorth space have never been 
  substantiated. It is doubtful, and if they were, they were prob-
  ably runaway Splugorth slaves.
  Allies: Kasaro tend to rely only on the members of their own 
  clan. Though a rarity, an individual Kasaro or small group 
  (less than 30), may accept other skilled warriors and powerful 
  beings as a friend or ally. Large groups see non-Kasaro species 
  only as prey and rivals. When no outside humanoid species are 
  present, Kasaro divide into family clans and tribes and prey 
  upon each other. Kasaro also serve as the slaves, gladiators 
  and Minions of Desslyth, though most have been forced into 
  these roles and have no love for the Splugorth (nor Kreehgor).
  Enemies: All non-Kasaro are prey to be hunted and eaten. At 
  some point, Kasaro and CheDive have clashed, probably be-
  cause the two star systems are neighbors, and both hate each 
  other with a passion.
  Note: Why the Kasaro on all planets have devolved to their tribal 
  state after having been a space-faring people remains a mystery, 
  possibly known only to the Splugorth and they aren’t talking.
  Kujamoya
  Consortium of Civilized Worlds
  The Kujamoya are just one of a hundred-plus Associate (non-
  space-faring) races taken under the Thundercloud Development 
  Company’s guidance and protection. Hailing from the planet of 
  Teaca Majoris, the Kujamoya are a primitive yet industrious peo-
  ple. They resemble large hedgehogs, with bodies with covered in 
  quills. Their eyes are small and the creatures are nearsighted, but 
  this is compensated for by an acute sense of smell. Like most other 
  life forms on their world, the Kujamoya are hexapods – they have a 
  total of six limbs. When digging or flat-out speed is called for, they 
  drop to all sixes. However, the Kujamoya have also learned to stand 
  upright, and with four legs to walk on they are very sure-footed.
  In comparison to the Consortium colonists who have moved 
  onto their world, the Kujamoya are terribly primitive. They have 
  an early Metal Age level of technology similar to that of the an-
  cient Greeks and Romans of Earth. They make simple tools and 
  weapons, have mastered metal-smithing, have a language, art and 
  culture, but don’t have a written language or any war technology. 
  Kujamoya are herbivores, and with no need to hunt, skin animals, 
  or prepare meat, they have had no need for weapons and armor. 
  The closest thing they have are knives and hand tools for cutting 
  and carving wood and working with fabric. Some colonists see 
  them as little more than talking animals, but the Kujamoya are in-
  telligent and have certain highly developed skills. They are excel-
  lent weavers for example, using grass, leaves, animal hair (wool), 
  cotton and other soft plants. So skilled are they at weaving, they 
  can make watertight thatch the equivalent of any tarpaulin and Ku-
  jamoya rope is as strong as iron chain. Though the Kujamoya have 
  little use for clothing (big floppy hats, scarves, armbands, hooded 
  cloaks, ponchos and open shirts are worn more for style than func-
  tion), they also produce a very soft fabric called shayald, which has 
  become all the rage at Eden and other Consortium colony worlds in 
  the Thundercloud. The fabric is about to be introduced to the CCW 
  in the Corkscrew Galaxy, where it is expected to explode onto the 
  market as an exotic import for high-end fashion.
  Instead of building houses, they burrow underground, living 
  in a network of shallow tunnels and chambers just a few yards/
  meters underground or in sprawling, dug out towns and cities 
  that resemble a rock quarry or archeological dig covered with 
  thatched roofs. A Kujamoya settlement is seldom more than two 
  feet (0.6 m) above ground, with just their roofs and the occasional 
  flag, ribbon or weathervane showing.
  Their affinity for digging has also affected their religious be-
  liefs. The Kujamoya worship their planet as a deity, which they 
  call the Good Mother. In their creation myths, the hedgehog peo-
  ple are said to have sprung from the ground, and it is from the 
  Good Mother that all living things come. Dead things, especially 
  Kujamoya who have passed on to the next life, are abhorrent to 
  the Good Mother, and must never be put back inside of her. The 
  Kujamoya do not bury their dead, but elevate them instead, plac-
  ing the body atop a tall wooden tower which is set aflame.
  Kujamoya are 4-5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) tall standing on all fours. 
  Their front two “legs” have evolved into thick, stocky arms and 
  hands. Their hands have three, short, thick fingers and an oppos-
  able thumb. The feet of the Kujamoya have three flexible toes 
  and a fourth that works almost as well as a thumb. Though not as 
  articulated as the hands, the feet can grab, pick up, and carry ob-
  jects and are well suited for climbing rocks and ledges. The hands 
  and feet are strong, and capable of digging at a good pace and 
  with considerable control. For a long time, the hedgehog people 
  were hunters and gatherers, but in the last 2,500 years have begun 
  to grow and farm crops, plant orchards, make juice and wine, as 
  well as build marvelous irrigation systems.
  Peaceful and kind, Kujamoya welcomed CCW colonists with-
  out incident, and don’t mind sharing their world with outsiders. 
  Few Kujamoya are interested in space travel or advanced ma-
  chines, and most hope to keep their agrarian society and simple 
  way of life. However, some are interested in seeing other worlds 
  and meeting new life forms. This intrepid minority are the people 
  who may join adventurers and mercenaries to see the universe.
  Kujamoya [pronounced: KOO-juh-MOY-uh]
  Alignment: Any, but most are Principled (30%), Scrupulous 
  (40%), Unprincipled (15%) or Anarchist (10%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 1D6+5, M.E. 3D6, M.A. 1D6+5, P.S. 2D6+6, 
  P.P. 2D6+9, P.E. 2D6+4, P.B. 2D6+3, Spd 3D6+2 running or 
  digging.
  Size: 4-5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) tall, double when standing on all 
  fours, and 5-6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) long. The average quill is one 
  foot (0.3 m) long and as sharp and strong as a sewing needle.
  Weight: Between 140 and 180 pounds (63 to 81 kg).
  Hit Points: P.E. attribute number +1D6 per level of experience.
  S.D.C.: Base is 1D6x10. Additional S.D.C. may be gained from 
  Physical skills.
  M.D.C. via Natural Quill Armor: The quills are M.D.C. struc-
  tures that provide a sort of M.D.C. armor that covers their back 
  from the top of their head to the end of their rump. The face, un-
  derbelly and hands and arms are covered in a silky soft fur, not 
  
  67
  quills, but like a real hedgehog, Kujamoya can curl up in a tight, 
  spiky ball with only the quills vulnerable to attack. The quills 
  provide 1D4x100+210 M.D.C. While curled into a defensive 
  ball, the Kujamoya cannot run, but when they do run away their 
  back side is protected by their M.D.C. quills. The quills cannot 
  be launched at an enemy, and plucking one out hurts, doing 1D4 
  S.D.C. damage. A plucked quill can be used as a weapon (can 
  do as little as 2D6 S.D.C. or one M.D.), but can also be used to 
  parry incoming attacks. Damaged or lost quills regrow at a rate 
  of 3D6 M.D.C. per day. Trying to touch or move a curled up 
  little fella inflicts 2D4 M.D. per attempt. Hitting the living pin 
  cushion causes 3D6 M.D. to the foolish attacker.
  Horror Factor: None.
  P.P.E.: 2D6
  Disposition: As a rule, gentle, kind and friendly. Most Kujamoya 
  are easygoing, pragmatic people who enjoy nature, beauty and 
  the simple things life has to offer.
  Average Life Span: 2D6+30 years normally. Can be twice that 
  much with modern Consortium medicine.
  Experience Level: 1D6 on average, 1D6+3 for leaders, or as set 
  by the Game Master. Player characters should start at level one. 
  Use the experience table for the Wilderness Scout or Spacer.
  Natural Abilities: Protective quills (see M.D.C. above), can dig/
  burrow at a rate of four feet (1.2 m) per melee round through 
  even the toughest clay and gravel, track by smell at 50% (+20% 
  to locate roots, herbs, vegetables, fruit, edible plants and fresh 
  water). They are also good at playing dead; see Psionics and 
  Death Trance.
  R.C.C. Skills of the Kujamoya:
  Botany (+20%)
  Brewing (+20%)
  Cook (vegetarian dishes, +20%)
  Dowsing (+15%)
  Excavation (+20%)
  Gardening (+20%)
  Identify Fruit and Plants (+25%)
  Intelligence (+16%)
  Land Navigation (+20%, above and underground)
  Play Musical Instrument: One of choice (+10%).
  Preserve Food (+10%)
  Sewing (+30%)
  Rope Works (+30%)
  Whittling and Sculpting (+10%)
  W.P. Knife
  Hand to Hand: Basic (cannot be upgraded beyond Expert and 
  that only applies to Worldly Kujamoya).
  R.C.C. Related Skills: Select a total of two skills from Domestic 
  or Wilderness at levels 2, 6 and 10.
  Secondary Skills: Select 1D4+1 skills from the Secondary Skill 
  List on page 300 of Rifts® Ultimate Edition, +1 additional 
  Secondary Skills at levels 3, 5, 9 and 11.
  Available O.C.C.s for Worldly Kujamoya (Optional): Wilder-
  ness Scout, Vagabond, Rogue Scholar, African Medicine Man 
  (or equivalent; see Rifts® Africa), Herbologist (or equiva-
  lent; see Rifts® England) or the Mystic O.C.C., but avoid bi-
  onics and piloting power armor or robots, and have no interest 
  in studying magic, though they find the concept of magic and 
  magic items to be fascinating.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand: Basic.
  Mega-Damage: By weapon or quill only.
  Bonuses: +1 on Perception Rolls, +1 to save vs mind control and 
  possession.
  
  68
  Magic: None.
  Psionics: I.S.P. is M.E. attribute x3 +1D4 per level of experience. 
  All Kujamoya have the following psionic abilities: Death 
  Trance (1), Impervious to Cold (2), Meditation (0), Mind 
  Block (4), Sense Time (2) and two psionic abilities of choice 
  selected from Healing or Physical.
  Standard Equipment for Tribes: A floppy hat, silk scarf, pon-
  cho, 30 feet (9.1 m) of rope, small hatchet (1D6 S.D.C.), small 
  knife (1D4 S.D.C.), whittling knife and woodworking tool kit, 
  belt, shoulder bag, water skin, a pair of eyeglasses or contact 
  lenses, a brush to comb their fur, and some personal items. 
  They may also wear jewelry made of gems, gold and silver. 
  They don’t ride animals and enjoy long, leisurely walks. 
  Worldly travelers may become accustomed to using a commu-
  nicator, language translator, flashlight, Vibro-Blades, radio, 
  cigarette lighter, and other modern tools and conveniences.
  Standard Equipment for Worldly Kujamoya: As per O.C.C.
  Cybernetics and Bionics: Avoids them.
  Habitat: Kujamoya live on their home world. However, they 
  have proven themselves such hardy little workers that 60,000 
  of them have been transplanted to other Consortium planets in 
  the Gaelra Arm, and 20,000 or so have gone off to explore the 
  Three Galaxies.
  Allies: The easygoing Kujamoya treat everyone with kindness 
  and respect. They consider humans and Noro as their friends 
  and allies, but look upon most other races with a touch of un-
  certainty and wariness. They’ve heard about the Denlech and 
  think they sound like fine people.
  Enemies: None per se. The universe and its many people are all 
  new and unknown for them.
  Mariman
  Members of the Golgan Republikan Enklaves
  The Mariman are a conquered people.
  Long ago, the Mariman roamed the grasslands of their home 
  world in vast herds. They lived in relative harmony with their eco-
  system, and knew very little of war or violence. When a wave of 
  destructive energy from the Black Hole Projector washed over 
  them 43,000 years ago, everything on their home world, Oumeam, 
  suffered from it. Entire species died, while others underwent muta-
  tion. Even the weather patterns, which had been warm and windy, 
  changed with devastating effect. Their lush green planet-covered 
  in grassy plains and forest, became hot, dry, and filled with blood-
  thirsty predators. Only the hardiest grasses survived. Many of the 
  forests shriveled up and deserts claimed a quarter of the planet.
  The Mariman were changed, too. Their intelligence raised, 
  they began to use strategies, traps, fortifications, better weap-
  ons and group tactics to survive amongst the large and aggres-
  sive predators. They were already humanoids when the M-Rads 
  struck, but the magic radiation devolved them to more resemble 
  the equine beings from which they had arisen. The head, face and 
  legs all took on a more animal appearance, but their minds were 
  expanded. They soon realized that to survive in a hostile environ-
  ment without forests, caves and hiding places, they had to build 
  walls and better weapons. They also learned that superior numbers 
  could fend off and slay small packs and lone predators regard-
  less of size. This turned them into warriors, and with a dwindling 
  food supply, the hunted became the hunters. Over time, Mariman 
  became experts in trap-laying and coordinated ambushes, because 
  such tactics were necessary take down the many monsters that 
  now threatened them. Their warriors focused on lightning-quick 
  strikes, in large numbers, to overwhelm and destroy the enemy. 
  As odd as it may seem, these horse- or zebra-looking humanoids 
  are fierce and deadly warriors who kill, cook and eat the very 
  monsters and predators who would prey upon them.
  The constant struggle against monsters and predators has kept 
  the Mariman civilization from making great strides. Still, it had 
  reached a level similar to Earth’s own Middle Ages when a new 
  threat arose. This one came from the stars – the Golgan Repub-
  likan Enklaves.
  No match for the Golgans’ superior technology, one Mari-
  man kingdom fell to them after another. In a surprising and astute 
  strategy to integrate the equine humanoids, the Golgans praised 
  their fighting skills and invited – not mandated – them to join the 
  Enklaves’ military to make them even mightier. This appealed 
  to the warlike Mariman, who have thrived as soldiers of the En-
  klaves. For years the Golgans used Mariman as a colonial army 
  of auxiliaries and frontline infantry to take the brunt of destruc-
  tion rather than Golgan soldiers. Time and again, the Mariman 
  shocked their Golgan superiors with victories in situations that 
  the (less combat capable) Golgans thought were unwinnable. 
  Despite this, Mariman are still treated as inferior, second-class 
  citizens, reserve warriors and cannon fodder – mainly because 
  Golgans cannot accept these “horse-headed primitives” could be 
  better (much better) warriors than they.
  Recently, the Republik back in the Anvil Galaxy has undergone 
  something of a bloodless military coup. The Enklaves now have a 
  new leader, one who sees the value in using the Mariman to their 
  full potential. In a break with tradition, there is a brewing plan to 
  send these colonial conscripts into the Shing Pride Worlds along-
  side the Republikan Guard, where the Mariman would serve as for-
  ward scouts and assault troops. Past attempts to conquer the Lion 
  People using the Golgan regular army and a tiny force of Mari-
  man have been complete disasters. These defeats at the paws of the 
  Shing gall the Golgans to no end. As time passes, the sting of these 
  resounding and embarassing defeats makes them want revenge all 
  the more. As a result, military leaders of the Republikan Enklaves 
  are considering sending the Mariman against the Prides of Shing 
  in a new campaign of conquest. They are also considering hiring 
  Kasaro mercenaries to send against the Shing along with the Ma-
  riman and Republikan Guard. Warriors through and through, the 
  Mariman are chomping at the bit to prove themselves against what 
  they see as the most deadly of enemies.
  Pitting Mariman against the Shing is a good match. To these 
  bold warriors, the Shing are just “another monster” to be con-
  quered. Furthermore, some of the Mariman’s own magic based 
  abilities will come in handy in this fight, as will their large size, 
  brutal strength and skill at figuring out ways to counter an adver-
  sary.
  The Enklaves are again increasing their holdings and the 
  fallen empire longs to be restored as a transgalactic power. Tak-
  ing down the Shing seems like a good first step toward showing 
  the people of the Three Galaxies that the Republikan Enklaves 
  are back, and to be feared. Many of the older Enklave Golgans, 
  whose racial bigotry runs deep, take great offense at having to 
  share the theater of conflict with a bunch of savage primitives. 
  Only time will tell what becomes of this.
  
  69
  The Mariman are a humanoid race that evolved from a plains 
  equine species. Their bodies are covered in silver hair like that 
  of a horse. Their heads, arms, and upper bodies are covered in a 
  striking array of dark brown or black stripes. Though Mariman 
  are bipeds who stand and walk on two legs, they more resemble 
  the legs of a horse than a human. Their feet are hooves. Mariman 
  are tall and powerfully built, and the striped Mohawks they grow 
  on the tops of their heads only add to their imposing size.
  Mariman [pronounced: Ma-REE-muhn]
  Also known as Horse Warriors and Battle Horses.
  Attributes: Any, but tend to be Unprincipled (40%) and Anar-
  chist (30%) more than anything else.
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+4, M.E. 3D6, M.A. 3D6, P.S. 3D6+20 
  (Robot equivalent), P.P. 2D6+8, P.E. 2D6+12, P.B. 3D6, Spd 
  3D6+19.
  Size: 9-11 feet (2.7 to 3.3 m) for both males and females.
  Weight: 900-1,200 pounds (405 to 540 kg). Males tend to weigh 
  about 10% more than females.
  Hit Points: P.E. attribute number x2 as a base. Gain an additional 
  1D8 Hit Points per level of experience.
  S.D.C.: Base is 1D6x10. Additional S.D.C. may be gained from 
  O.C.C. bonuses and Physical skills.
  M.D.C.: Via body armor or force fields.
  Horror Factor: 11 when facing them in combat.
  P.P.E.: 6D6 base.
  Disposition: Mariman are born fighters and love physical con-
  tests. They are brave, bold and always ready for combat. 
  Steady even when under fire. They admire other strong and 
  brave warriors, but believe most “civilized” people are soft 
  and weak, especially the Golgans. They like using technology 
  and advanced weapons and armor, but wouldn’t want to do the 
  designing or manufacturing of them.
  Average Life Span: 4D6+56 years.
  Experience Level: 1D4+1 for the average Mariman NPC war-
  rior, 1D6+4 for leaders and experienced warriors, or as set by 
  the Game Master. Player characters should start at level one.
  Natural Abilities: The Mariman can run at their top speed 
  for an hour +1 minute per P.E. attribute point before tiring. 
  Nightvision for 30 feet (9.1 m). Excellent hearing and normal 
  eyesight. Endurance is extraordinary and the beings can lift 
  and pull their P.S. attribute number x100 pounds (x45 kg) in 
  weight. Equal to Supernatural when it comes to lifting and 
  pulling weight. Can leap 15 feet (4.6 m) high and 25 feet (7.6 
  m) across.
  Ley Line Healing (special): When directly on a ley line, a Ma-
  riman recovers 4D6 S.D.C. or Hit Points for every 20 minutes 
  of meditation; +10 at a nexus point.
  Ley Line M.D.C. Transformation (special): When on or near 
  a ley line, the Mariman’s S.D.C. (only) turns into M.D.C. (On 
  S.D.C. worlds, double the S.D.C. only.) Hit Points are not af-
  fected.
  Ley Line P.S. Boost (special): When fighting on or near a ley 
  line or nexus point, Mariman P.S. increases to Supernatural. 
  Adjust damage accordingly.
  Ley Line Running (Special): When fighting or traveling along 
  a ley line or near a nexus point, triple the Mariman’s running 
  speed, double the height and length they can jump/leap, and 
  they can run and hover in the air up to 20 feet (6.1 m) above 
  the ground!
  Available O.C.C.s: Any Men-at-Arms, including the equivalent 
  to CAF Trooper, CAF Fleet Officer, Freedom Fighter, Impe-
  rial Security, Galactic Tracer and Space Pirate, as well as Wil-
  derness Scout and Vagabond. Tend to avoid occupations that 
  involve magic, science, medicine and hard labor. The culture 
  of the Mariman, even after generations under the thumb of the 
  Golgans, is that of the skilled and ferocious warrior. Note: In 
  addition to the usual skills of the respective O.C.C.s, Mari-
  man also know Boxing or Kick Boxing, and W.P. Blunt, W.P. 
  
  70
  Shield, W.P. Sword, and W.P. Paired Weapons, as they are all 
  traditional among the male and female equines.
  Attacks per Melee: As per O.C.C. and Hand to Hand combat 
  skills.
  Mega-Damage: As per equivalent Robot P.S. (or Supernatural 
  when boosted by a ley line). Stomp and kick attacks add 1D6 
  points of damage. Melee weapons are large and usually do an 
  extra die of damage.
  Bonuses: +1 to Perception Rolls, +1 to initiative, +2 to pull 
  punch, and +3 to save vs Horror Factor.
  Magic: Rare among the Mariman; it is not the way of the Mari-
  man warrior, and even females tend to be warriors. See Natu-
  ral Abilities, however, for magic boosts.
  Psionics: Standard percentage chance of developing psionic 
  powers.
  Standard Equipment: As per O.C.C., though weapons will have 
  to be modified and armor custom made for these giant equine 
  warriors.
  Bionics & Cybernetics: None to start. Tend to think they are 
  for weaker races, but don’t mind getting a few cybernetic im-
  plants.
  Habitat: Found throughout the Republikan Enklaves, though 
  none are known to have traveled to the main Republik in the 
  Anvil Galaxy. Their home world, Oumeam, is in the Gaelra 
  Arm near the other Republikan Enklave colony worlds and 
  only a few star systems away from the Shing.
  Allies: Other members of the Republikan Enklaves.
  Enemies: The enemies of the Enklaves are their enemies.
  Rompo
  Also known as Thundercloud Dead Eater
  Nearly every culture in the Three Galaxies has at least one 
  legend concerning monsters that eat the flesh of the dead. A com-
  mon one across the Thundercloud, and one that has unfortunately 
  proven to be quite real, is that of the Rompo. The beast has a head 
  that is reminiscent of a rodent and ape combined, with large, wa-
  tery brown eyes, small sharp teeth, and ears like an ape. It has a 
  barrel chest and ape- or humanoid-like upper body and arms, but 
  the arms and hands are covered in shaggy fur, and the hands are 
  shaped like those of a badger or sloth, ending in massive, hooked 
  claws designed for slashing, tearing flesh and bones, and digging. 
  The legs are short and stocky like those of an ape, but more re-
  semble the short, heavy legs of a bear, though the Rompo usually 
  walks on all fours in a loping manner like a gorilla or chimpanzee 
  when it runs. However, the animal shows remarkable cunning 
  and intelligence, seems to communicate with other members of 
  its species and uses simple tools.
  This is another one of those creatures found on at least a dozen 
  or two worlds in both the Gaelra and Oswoe’s Arms of the gal-
  axy. While many would like to believe the ghoulish creature is 
  another nightmarish creation of the Gene-Tech, archeological 
  evidence suggests the Rompo are an ancient, space-faring people 
  that have devolved into monsters. The reason for this speculation 
  is that almost all (but not all) of the planets where Rompo have 
  been discovered contain ruins of similar design and characteris-
  tic, and all dating back 44,000-46,000 years ago. This suggests 
  the Rompo were victims of the M-Rads unleashed by the Black 
  Hole Projector and something in their genetic makeup made 
  them subject to severe mutation. Thus, the people of each Rompo 
  colony or world devolved into the semi-intelligent, animal-like 
  predators we know today.
  The Rompo are known as carrion eaters, meaning they do not 
  hunt or kill prey, but instead eat the dead. This includes the car-
  casses of whatever remains predators leave behind, road kill and 
  the bodies of humanoids recently buried or left laying in their bed 
  unattended. While this may sound benign, recent studies and ob-
  servations from colonists have shown the clever Rompo to be very 
  aggressive in getting food. First, they often operate in small family 
  clans of 1D6+2 and may travel in groups that range from 2D6+6 to 
  6D6+6 members. The larger the group, the more aggressive they 
  become. Like the hyenas of Earth’s Africa, Rompo don’t just eat 
  whatever scraps are left behind by a predator, but will engage in 
  strategies and tactics designed to scare and chase away the preda-
  tor (especially lone predators) and steal the animal’s meal. If the 
  predator puts up a fight, but is outnumbered, the Rompo may kill it 
  and eat him too, though if the predator is too large, too powerful or 
  refuses to give up its kill, the Rompo retreat.
  On planets where new indigenous people or colonists have ap-
  peared, Rompo have taken to making meals of their recently de-
  ceased, stealing bodies out of beds, from hospitals and morgues, 
  and digging them up from the grave within 96 hours after burial. 
  Sometimes that includes people in comas or who are very ill or dy-
  ing. Clever scavengers, the creatures know not to eat the dead where 
  they find them, but snatch and run, taking the body(s) someplace 
  they feel is secluded and safe (behind a warehouse, under a bridge, 
  inside an abandoned building or cave, behind a cluster of trees, etc.). 
  The Rompo’s aggressive nature surfaces again if humanoids try to 
  take their “food” away from them. The males immediately step for-
  ward, grunting and growling. If the intruders come closer or make 
  a move to get the body. the males begin to hoot and holler, rais-
  ing their fists and slapping the ground with their hands or weapons. 
  This is punctuated by bloodcurdling shrieks and menacing gestures. 
  These theatrics are intended to scare the intruders away and let them 
  eat in peace. However, as with taking carrion from animal preda-
  tors, Rompo usually back off and retreat when the intruder seems 
  too powerful or large in numbers, but not before taking a few swipes 
  with their Mega-Damage claws. If the intruders seem uncertain or 
  someone they can successfully fight and kill, the Rompo will not 
  relent. Killing 3-4 Rompo or inflicting significant damage to half or 
  more will finally send the monsters into retreat. When cornered or 
  protecting a mate or young, the Rompo fight to the death.
  Rompo love caves and underground dwellings, which means 
  they are often encountered among ancient ruins and in cave 
  networks. They also dig tunnels and are decent swimmers and 
  climbers. A Rompo den is always underground, and this is where 
  adventurers are likely to encounter children and females.
  In spite of their size and bulk, Rompo move in silence and 
  are skilled at tailing people, predators and animals without be-
  ing seen. Though they look and behave like animals/apes, they 
  are much smarter. Many make and use simple tools, cover their 
  young in stolen blankets or vegetation, and exhibit understanding 
  and comprehension far beyond a mere animal. Through obser-
  vation and deductive reasoning, Rompo can figure out how to 
  open and close doors and windows, turn on lights, or activate a 
  machine, and some will even wear articles of clothing taken from 
  the dead or stolen from a campsite. They are particularly fond of 
  taking blankets, bedding, capes, cloaks, loose fitting jackets, and 
  
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  hats, as well as food, candy, and booze. Though they prefer to 
  eat carrion, Rompo will pick through garbage and eat processed 
  foods – meats of all kind in particular, but also bread, pies, cook-
  ies, candy, honey, jams, and other things. They tend to leave raw 
  grains and fresh fruit and vegetables alone, but may kill and eat 
  chickens, eggs, small animals, and old and ailing livestock. Since 
  colonies have all these things, they attract Rompo.
  Rompo are curious about everything and everyone, and often 
  tail travelers to watch what they do, as well as observe colony 
  sites. To many people’s surprise, Rompo take a protective and 
  parental attitude over children of all species. They have been 
  known to lead lost children back home and rescue them from 
  predators, bandits and other hostile forces that mean them harm. 
  Colony children have even reported making friends with young 
  and adult Rompo, and tell of traveling with them, wrestling and 
  playing games. If an adventurer can get a Rompo out of his de-
  fensive posture, the creature exhibits sharp awareness and alert-
  ness, is gentle and caring. Rompo around outsiders try to mimic 
  their behavior, understand the language (66% is the maximum to 
  understand a language; cannot learn to read) and can learn to say 
  a dozen very simple words – “no,” “yes,” “stop,” “go,” “come,” 
  “good,” “bad,” “many” “sad,” “happy,” and so on. However, 
  nothing can break them from eating the dead, and most Rompo 
  become bored, unhappy and destructive when trapped in a civi-
  lized environment for too long (1D4+2 days). In the wild, a Rom-
  po can make a good friend and outstanding scout.
  Rompo [pronounced: ROM poh]
  Also known as Dead Eaters, Shaggy Ghouls, Forest People, 
  Sloth People and Shovel Hands.
  Character Note: In most cases, the Rompo are likely to be played 
  as an NPC (Non-Player Character) or monster, however, there 
  is enough depth to them to be allowed as a player character, 
  provided the G.M. approves it. Though playing a Rompo can 
  be challenging and requires excellent role-playing skills, they 
  can be fun, innocent and inquisitive characters suitable to wil-
  derness campaigns. Play them like a brave, caring, and curious 
  10 year old with Supernatural P.S. and claws for hands and 
  you are set to go.
  Alignment: Any, but lean toward Scrupulous (25%), Unprin-
  cipled (35%), and Anarchist (30%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 1D6+6, M.E. 1D6+9, M.A. 1D6+5, P.S. 2D6+15 
  (Supernatural), P.P. 2D6+9, P.E. 2D6+11, P.B. 1D6+3, Spd 
  2D6+7. All attributes are considered to be Supernatural.
  Size: 1D4+4 feet (1.2 to 2.4 m) tall standing erect, but their nor-
  mal stance is walking on all fours, giving them a typical height 
  of four feet (1.2 m).
  Weight: 150-300 pounds (67.5 to 135 kg).
  M.D.C.: 1D6x10 +P.E. attribute number and 1D6 M.D.C. per 
  level of experience.
  Horror Factor: 9 when just seen at a distance or out in the open, 
  12 when acting aggressive or found eating the dead.
  P.P.E.: 4D6+P.E. attribute number.
  Disposition: Curious regardingnew and unusual things. Wary of 
  strangers, secretive and a bit skittish, but not cowardly. Loyal 
  to family and friends, protective of all children, and brave 
  when fighting to protect children, family or friends.
  Average Life Span: 3D6x10 years.
  Experience Level: 2D4 on average, 2D4+3 for leaders, or as set 
  by the Game Master. Player characters should start at level one. 
  Use the experience table for the Wilderness Scout or Spacer.
  Natural Abilities: Tend to be nocturnal creatures, Nightvision 
  2,000 feet (610 m). Day vision is 300 feet (91.5 m), but are 
  blinded by strong daylight and bright artificial light in their 
  eyes (-10 to strike, parry, and dodge). Bio-Regenerates lost 
  M.D.C. at a rate of 1D6 an hour and regrows any lost claws, 
  fingers or toes within 1D4+2 weeks.
  Digging & Tunneling (special): Rompo can dig through dirt 
  and clay at a rate of ten feet (3 m) per minute and are good at 
  digging shallow burrows and short tunnel systems 6-12 feet 
  (1.8 to 3.6 m) under the surface.
  Impervious (special): Impervious to cold, spoiled food, poi-
  sons, drugs, gases, and S.D.C. weaponry.
  Smell Blood, Death and Decay (special): Rompo can smell 
  blood, death and decay up to six miles (9.6 km) away, and track 
  it to its source. Base Skill: 70% +2% per level of experience.
  Vulnerabilities: Fire inflicts one M.D. for every S.D.C. point of 
  damage, while magical and M.D. fires inflict double damage.
  R.C.C. Skills of the Rompo:
  Climbing (+10%)
  Dance (+5%)
  
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  Dowsing (+10%)
  Escape Artist (+20%)
  Excavation (+20%)
  Land Navigation (+25%, above and underground)
  Prowl (+20%)
  Swimming (+5%)
  Tailing (+20%)
  Wilderness Survival (+15%)
  W.P. Blunt
  W.P. Spear
  Hand to Hand: Basic; can be upgraded to Expert for the cost 
  of two Secondary Skills.
  R.C.C. Related Skills: None.
  Secondary Skills: Select 1D4+1 skills from the Secondary 
  Skill List on page 300 of Rifts® Ultimate Edition, +1 addition-
  al Secondary Skill at levels 3, 6, 10 and 15. Skill Penalty: Skills 
  that require fingers and human dexterity with hands are -20% 
  for the Rompo, whose large claws make his hands clumsy.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand combat skill.
  Mega-Damage: As per Supernatural Strength for punches 
  and head butts, Supernatural P.S. damage +2D6 M.D. for claw 
  strikes. Bite attack does only one M.D. Or by weapon, but 
  those are usually S.D.C. or simple M.D. melee weapons.
  Bonuses: +2 on Perception Rolls, +2 to parry (can parry with 
  claws), +2 to dodge, +3 to disarm, +6 to save versus Horror 
  Factor, and is +1 to all saving throws.
  Magic: None.
  Psionics: None.
  Standard Equipment: Very little, perhaps a wooden spear and 
  water skin, or pouch or bag with a few items stolen from colo-
  nists, like a pocket mirror, flashlight, knife, comb or brush, 
  etc. Likes technology and will steal and use simple tools and 
  equipment. Also finds magic fascinating and will use magic 
  items and weapons.
  Habitat: Found throughout the Thundercloud Galaxy, especially 
  on the more populous worlds.
  Market Value: Minimal: 1D6x100 for gladiatorial games or as 
  a zoo animal. Some colonies are so plagued by the things that 
  they offer a bounty for every Rompo killed, paying 3D6x10 
  credits per head.
  Allies: Fellow Rompo. Wary of everyone else, but once a friend-
  ship is established, the creature is a stalwart friend.
  Enemies: Predators, slavers and big game hunters. Wary of all 
  people. It is sad, but many civilized people unfamiliar with 
  Rompo, which are most, assume they are disgusting monsters 
  or wild ape-like animals and kill them without conscience or 
  regret.
  Shakdan
  Minion of Splugorth
  The Shakdan hold a very specific place in the Splugorthian 
  hierarchy. They are a slave race that have, over the millennia, 
  been elevated to doctors and interrogators, trained for decades 
  in healing and the bizarre art of Bio-Wizardry. Their job is to 
  help gather and cultivate alien life forms, and then devise ways 
  to surgically implant them into recipients (both willing and not). 
  The Shakdan are also the ones who operate the transmutation 
  chambers, heal both slaves and Minions, and concoct potent new 
  chemicals and drugs for their masters to use or sell. They are 
  not prejudiced towards any particular race, though it is their job 
  to torture prisoners for their masters. To a Shakdan, there is no 
  difference between performing a beneficial surgery and inflicting 
  hellish agony; it’s all just a part of their job.
  Unlike most other Splugorth minions, the Shakdan are ex-
  tremely well educated. They are also a curious people who love 
  those rare times when they are allowed to escape the confines of 
  the laboratory and see the world outside. Methodical scientists, 
  they will never dismiss anything as being trivial or unworthy. 
  They explore every possibility, test every theory, and follow ev-
  ery protocol to the letter.
  There are more Shakdan in the Thundercloud Galaxy than 
  among any other Splugorth Kingdom, suggesting that they origi-
  nate someplace in the galaxy and were enslaved long ago by Lord 
  Desslyth the Elder. For example, there are fewer than one thousand 
  Shakdan in Atlantis, while the Kingdom of Desslyth has over two 
  hundred million. Those who have had close and lengthy dealings 
  with the Splugorth Kingdoms throughout the Megaverse believe 
  that the Shakdan were once exclusive to Desslyth the Elder, and 
  that they have been traded in small numbers over the millennia. 
  This makes a certain kind of sense, since the elderly Splugorth lord 
  has needed constant medical care for at least the past 30,000 years.
  Shakdan are one of many enigmatic Splugorth servant races; 
  bizarre, floating insects covered in long, hooded robes and tall 
  hats. They can be seen in the various dimensional markets, gath-
  ered together in small groups, clicking and chattering to one an-
  other, their arms folded into their sleeves. This leaves many out-
  siders with the wrong impression they are monks or dark priests 
  of some kind, not healers, mages and torturers.
  Without their trademark robes, the Shakdan are a sickening 
  cross between a praying mantis-like insectoid and a slug. Their up-
  per body is thin and covered with a greenish exoskeleton, but below 
  their waist there is nothing but a fleshy, squirming, legless stump 
  with a pale, pink underbelly and a green backside with dark green 
  or brown blotches. Their mouths resemble the mantis, but also have 
  several dagger-like teeth beyond the mandibles. Their large, bul-
  bous eyes are yellow or light orange with a small black dot for a 
  pupil. Spikes and spines crown the top of the head. A Shakdan’s 
  arms actually have two elbow joints and each hand has ten thin, 
  prehensile fingers about the size and thickness of a pencil. Though 
  they can crawl on the ground like a slug or a worm, Shakdan have 
  the natural ability to hover and float above the ground. This limited 
  flight is believed to be a psionic power unique to their species.
  Shakdan [pronounced: SHAK-dan]
  Also known as Minions of Splugorth and Worm Doctors.
  Player Note: As a Minion of Splugorth, the Shakdan are NPC 
  villains and monsters who specialize in torture, interrogation 
  and mutilation of prisoners. Though doctors with the ability to 
  heal via magic and symbiotic organisms, they are more likely 
  to use captives as test subjects for Bio-Wizard experiments.
  As a player character, the Shakdan is a slave who has man-
  aged to escape the service of the Splugorth to live free. He may 
  be any alignment, including good (which might explain why 
  the character felt he must escape his evil masters), and can be 
  any O.C.C., but tends to be a magic, medical or science O.C.C. 
  Also see the Splugorth Doctor/Interrogator O.C.C. Note: All 
  Shakdan are in the service of the Splugorth, so any “indepen-
  
  73
  dent” Shakdan is a spy or assassin of the Splugorth, or a run-
  away. When a runaway Shakdan is encountered by the Minions 
  of Splugorth, they will insist on taking him into custody where 
  he’ll be taken back to the Kingdom of Desslyth, interrogated 
  and put into the gladiatorial arena to meet his doom. Resisting 
  arrest is met with deadly force, as is running away or any form 
  of resistance by the Shakdan and any of his allies.
  Alignment: Any, but most are Anarchist (50%), Aberrant (25%) 
  and Miscreant (10%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+19, M.E. 2D6+15, M.A. 2D6+7, P.S. 
  2D6+9, P.P. 2D6+10, P.E. 2D6+5, P.B. 1D4+1, Spd 1D6+9 
  floating, 1D6 crawling.
  Size: 6 feet (1.8 m).
  Weight: 150-200 lbs (68 to 90 kg).
  M.D.C.: P.E. attribute number x2, +2D6 M.D.C. per level. Ad-
  ditional M.D.C. protection may be provided by armor, force 
  field, magic talismans or spell magic.
  Horror Factor: 12
  P.P.E.: 6D6 even for those who do not pursue a career in magic.
  Average Life Span: 1D6x10+250 years.
  Natural Abilities: Keen color vision, Nightvision 200 feet (61 
  m).
  Shakdan Hive Mind (special): Although each of them is ca-
  pable of being a fully-functioning individual, they still find 
  great comfort in the company of other Shakdan. Whenever 
  three or more are within 140 feet (42.6 m) of each other, they 
  instinctively pool their thoughts and combine brain power. 
  This temporarily boosts the I.Q. attribute of each Shakdan in 
  the group by 5 points.
  Shakdan Communion (special): Skakdan communicate with 
  one another through a combination of ultrasonic clicking, 
  body language and Telepathy. They can speak Trade Tongues 
  Two and Five with little trouble, but most other languages are 
  simply not possible for them. Certain methods, such as lan-
  guage translators and the Tongues spell, can help to overcome 
  this limitation. Among themselves, Shakdan can communicate 
  via Telepathy, but only among members of their own species. 
  Range is 140 feet (42.6 m). No I.S.P. cost.
  Floating (special): The natural state of the Shakdan is floating 
  1-3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 m) above the ground, and they even meditate 
  and sleep floating. Speed of travel is comparable to a human 
  walking, with a maximum speed of 10 mph (16 km). Maximum 
  height is 20 feet (6.1 m) +1 foot (0.3 m) per level of experience.
  Also see Psionics (and Magic) under the O.C.C. that fol-
  lows.
  O.C.C.s for Rogues and Runaway Shakdan: A runaway slave 
  can be any O.C.C., however, even renegades tend to be Magic 
  O.C.C.s, medicine or science related O.C.C.s. Vagabond and 
  Spacer are also more likely than others. Ill-suited for Men-at-
  Arms O.C.C.s.
  A player character may also be a Shakdan Doctor/Interro-
  gator, but his training is incomplete which means skill penal-
  ties and a smaller range of abilities.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand combat skill.
  
  74
  Bonuses: +6 to save versus Horror Factor, +1 to save against 
  poisons and disease, +2 to save vs parasites and symbiotes, 
  and resistant to interrogation (the interrogator suffers a -25% 
  skill penalty).
  Magic: 01-60% Same as listed Shakdan Doctor O.C.C. 61-00% 
  As per other chosen O.C.C.; if not a magic O.C.C. the runaway 
  has no magic knowledge. However, if the Shakdan is a doctor 
  or any sort of healer, he’ll know at least half, perhaps all, of 
  the magic spells listed under the Shakdan Doctor/Interrogator 
  O.C.C., and have half the amount of P.P.E. as that O.C.C.
  Psionics: Same as listed under the Shakdan Doctor O.C.C.
  Habitat: The Kingdom of Desslyth. Shakdan can also be found 
  in any and all other Splugorth holdings throughout the Mega-
  verse, although in much lower numbers. It is rumored that a 
  tiny handful of Shakdan are kept in isolation deep within the 
  Transgalactic Empire, where they are forced to create the In-
  vincible Guardsmen.
  Allies: Work well with High Lords and Conservators, whom they 
  greatly respect.
  Enemies: Feel superior to the warrior minions, whom they see as 
  being under-educated and good for little more than war.
  Shakdan Doctor/Interrogator O.C.C.
  Bio-Wizardry is the Splugorth art of merging one life form 
  to another via magic. The Shakdan Doctors and Assistant Bio-
  Wizards are some of the best and most knowledgeable in the 
  Megaverse when it comes to healing and torture via the use of 
  parasites and symbiotes. The entire race is dedicated to medicine 
  and science, particularly biological studies. Almost all Shakdan 
  spend their lives in a lab or operating theater, but some occasion-
  ally accompany a Slaver or Warrior Squad (1D6+2 Conservators, 
  Kittani warriors, Blind Warrior Women, and other Minions) on 
  the hunt to capture new symbiotic organisms. Many such teams 
  search the depths of the Thundercloud for new symbiotes, para-
  sites, and rare herbs. Note: Shakdan are not given any training in 
  the creation of Bio-Wizard weapons. That is the strict domain of 
  the High Lords, though the Shakdan may provide the necessary 
  components and assist them.
  Natural Abilities: Same as described earlier.
  O.C.C. Special Abilities:
  1. Parasite/Symbiote Husbandry: This is a veterinary sci-
  ence that focuses on the care, feeding, breeding, and reproduction 
  of Bio-Wizard implants. Base Skill: 55% +5% per level. Note: 
  The Base Skill of a runaway is 20% +3% per level of experience.
  2. Implant Parasites and Symbiotes: The Shakdan can in-
  stall and remove all manner of Bio-Wizard life forms and tech-
  nologies, provided he has at least an operating room and the 
  creatures necessary. Parasites, whose very nature after all is to 
  latch onto another being, are easy to attach. Symbiotic organisms, 
  on the other hand, are a bit more tricky and must be carefully 
  monitored and sometimes adjusted during implantation in order 
  to minimize the risk of tissue rejection (kills both the symbiote 
  and the recipient). Base Skill: 70% +2% per level of experience. 
  New and unknown alien life forms inflict a -30% penalty. Cannot 
  work on supernatural beings such as demons or Devils. Penalties: 
  -10% to Medical Doctor rolls if symbiotic surgery (installation 
  or removal) is taking place in poor conditions, another -5% if it 
  is being done without the proper instruments, and -20% when 
  working with extremely alien and/or brand new symbiotes and 
  parasites. All penalties are accumulative. Note: The Base Skill of 
  a runaway is 30% +3% per level of experience.
  3. Extensive Xenological Training: Through their own 
  schooling and from racially shared memories, the Shakdan have 
  a working knowledge of the anatomy of over 3,000 species com-
  mon throughout the Megaverse. They are at no skill penalty when 
  performing medicine on these races (includes all Splugorth slave 
  races and those known in the Thundercloud Galaxy). Base Skill: 
  78% +2% per level of experience. New and unknown alien life 
  forms inflict a -30% penalty. Cannot work on supernatural beings 
  such as demons or Deevils. Note: The Base Skill of a runaway is 
  40% +3% per level of experience.
  4. Operate Transmutation Chambers: The specialized 
  knowledge of how to transform beings within a mystic muta-
  tion chamber. The character must successfully roll against this 
  skill for each and every procedure, whether it be augmentation, 
  healing, or torture. A failed roll means that something has gone 
  wrong. Of course, only the Splugorth have such Transmutation 
  Chambers. (Roll on the Transmutation Mutation Table in Rifts® 
  World Book Two: Atlantis, page 107.) Base Skill: 40% +5% 
  per level. Note: Runaways do not have this skill.
  5. Shakdan Spell Magic: Even rogue and runaway Shakdan 
  are likely to have undergone training in the medical and magi-
  cal arts to prepare them as healers and interrogators. Thus most 
  Shakdan possess a vast range of magic knowledge even before 
  becoming full-fledged Doctors/Interrogators.
  Agony (20), Armor of Ithan (10), Befuddle (6), Blind (6), 
  Breathe Without Air (15), Calling (8), Charm (12), Charismatic 
  Aura (10), Cure Minor Disorder (10), Death Trance (1), Detect 
  Concealment (6), Domination (10), Featherlight (10), Globe of 
  Daylight (2), Heal Wounds (10), Impervious to Poison (5), Invis-
  ibility Simple (6), Lantern Light (1), Life Source (2+), Manipu-
  late Objects (2+), Negate Poison (5), Paralysis: Lesser (5), See 
  Aura (6), See the Invisible (4), Tongues (12), Trance (10), and 
  Words of Truth (12). May learn additional magic the same as any 
  practitioner of magic, but not until reaching level three, and spells 
  continue to focus on healing, torture and manipulation of others.
  P.P.E.: 6D6x10 P.P.E. +2D6+4 additional P.P.E. per level of 
  experience. Note: Runaways have not completed their training 
  and only have 3D6x10 P.P.E. and get 1D6+2 P.P.E. per level of 
  experience. They cannot learn new magic until they reach their 
  sixth level of experience. Furthermore, remove 1D4+4 spells that 
  have a P.P.E. cost of 6 points or more.
  6. Shakdan Psionics: Considered a Minor Psychic with 
  M.E. attribute number for base I.S.P., the special Floating and 
  Shakdan Telepathy (both require no I.S.P.), plus Meditation (0), 
  Mind Block (4), and two Healing or Sensitive psionic abilities of 
  choice. All Shakdan have these abilities.
  Shakdan Minion of Splugorth Doctor/Interrogator O.C.C. 
  Skills:
  Language: Trade Two and Trade Five at 98%.
  Biology (+30%)
  Brewing: Medicinal (+10%)
  Chemistry (+15%)
  Entomological Medicine (+20%)
  Find Contraband (+10%)
  Holistic Medicine (+20%)
  Interrogation (+20%)
  Lore: Galactic (+15%)
  Lore: Magic (+20%)
  
  75
  Medical Doctor (+30%)
  Pathology (+20%)
  Sensory Equipment (+20% if medical in nature, +5% other-
  wise).
  W.P. Knife
  Hand to Hand: Basic. Can be upgraded to Expert for the cost 
  of two O.C.C. Related Skills.
  O.C.C. Related Skills: Select three additional skills from the 
  Medical and/or Science categories, and four other skills from 
  the skill categories below. One additional skill may be taken at 
  levels 3, 6, 9 and 12. All new skills start at first level proficiency.
  Communications: Any (+5%).
  Cowboy: None.
  Domestic: Any (+10%).
  Electrical: Basic only (+5%).
  Espionage: Wilderness Survival only (+10%).
  Horsemanship: Exotic only.
  Mechanical: Basic or Automotive only.
  Medical: Any (+15%).
  Military: None.
  Physical: Any, excluding Boxing, Acrobatics, and Gymnas-
  tics.
  Pilot: Any (+5%).
  Pilot Related: Any.
  Rogue: Streetwise and Streetwise Drugs only (+5%).
  Science: Any (+10%).
  Technical: Any (+10%).
  W.P.: Any, except Heavy Military Weapons and Heavy M.D. 
  Weapons.
  Wilderness: None.
  Secondary Skills: Select four skills as found on page 300 of 
  Rifts® Ultimate Edition. One additional skill may be taken 
  at levels 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15. All new skills start at first level 
  proficiency.
  Standard Equipment: The Shakdan are given long, enchanted 
  robes by their Splugorth masters that provide the wearer with 
  150 M.D.C., and have dimensional pockets built into the volu-
  minous sleeves. In these pockets they store a surgical kit (scal-
  pels, clamps, sutures, etc.), a medical kit (bandages, blood 
  and tissue builders, universal anti-toxins, protein salves, etc), 
  several unbreakable specimen containers, the equivalent of a 
  PSE-8000 medical scanner, one Pathic Healer symbiote, three 
  vials of Clotrobes, and three vials of Purirobes. Also receives 
  one weapon for every W.P. taken; these can include Bio-Wiz-
  ard and TW weapons, but never Rune items.
  Cybernetics and Bionics: Incompatible with their physiology.
  Parasites and Symbiotes: Oddly enough, the Shakdan are for-
  bidden to augment themselves through Bio-Wizardry. Could 
  it be the Splugorth fear losing control over their little doctors?
  Money: 4D6x1,000 in Splugorthian credits, and another 
  2D6x1,000 in saleable items.
  Shing
  Independent & Non-Aligned People
  “Imagine African lions that talk.” That’s how most people 
  would describe these beings. The Shing look very much like mas-
  sive lions. They walk on all fours, and a male Shing is a half ton 
  of muscle and teeth, his head and shoulders crowned by a thick, 
  dark brown or black mane. A Shing’s short fur is a mustard yel-
  low. Males grow an impressive mane of hair that frames their fac-
  es, runs halfway down their spine, and in some cases covers their 
  bellies. Females are 10% smaller, do not grow manes, and tend to 
  be leaner and lighter colored, but are just as deadly. In fact, it is 
  the females who take the role of the huntress, hunting and bring-
  ing food for their pride. However, the instant anyone looks into 
  the face of a Shing, they immediately recognize sentience in their 
  eyes. Shing are self-aware, intelligent, and skilled in the ways 
  of magic, and it shows in their expressive faces and measured 
  demeanor even before they begin to speak. For ornamentation 
  the felines wear charms and talismans around their necks, bands 
  
  76
  around their arms, or painted markings on their hind flanks. Such 
  items are attached via magic or psionic manipulation.
  Sometime after the War against the Dominators, a Gene-Tech 
  discovered the Shing. He found the giant cats intriguing. Though 
  barely more than wild animals, they had a highly developed intel-
  ligence and social structure. After weeks of observation, he de-
  cided the creatures had great potential. All that was lacking was 
  an elevated intelligence. So he gave it to them and left, checking 
  back periodically to see what kind of society they might eventu-
  ally make for themselves. Thirty-two thousand years later, the 
  end results are the Pride Worlds.
  Since they were granted intelligence and voices, but not hands, 
  the Shing could not evolve into tool users in the traditional sense. 
  Instead, their connection to the natural world took them down 
  the path of magic. Today, their entire species practices magic 
  and pursues many specific disciplines. Who taught the Shing the 
  ways of magic is not clear. According to the felines, they encoun-
  tered practitioners of magic in their journeys to other worlds and 
  dimensions, brought the magic they liked back to their people and 
  developed a society of mages. That may be true, but it is clear the 
  Shing have always had a natural aptitude for magic and dimen-
  sional travel. Whether this is something the Gene-Tech deliber-
  ately built into them or a natural affinity, no one will ever know. 
  Nature seems likely, as the Shing home world and the worlds 
  they’ve since “colonized” all have ample ley lines and natural 
  sources of magic energy.
  Shing society is rather simple. In many ways it is an extension 
  of their lives as predatory animals. Shing live in large prides out 
  in the open, under the stars. Each pride claims a particular terri-
  tory and lives off the land. They hunt wild animals to survive, 
  which is considered an art as much as a necessity. Intelligent be-
  ings, Shing have a strong culture and a number of practices in 
  place to regulate and maintain the environment they live in. They 
  also regulate the large herd animals they prey upon. They have 
  no written language (though many can read other languages) and 
  commit everything to their keen memories. Males defend the 
  pride and hunt when necessary, but females do the majority of 
  the hunting. Both care for children and the elderly. All enjoy a 
  life outdoors, hunting, playing and roaming the land. Shing love 
  nature and embrace what they consider to be a pure and humble 
  society. Even as animals, the lions gathered and hunted in groups 
  known as prides. This made them communal beings given to 
  working together, especially to hunt and defend the pride. The 
  sense of community, cooperation and teamwork became stron-
  ger as their society developed, which gives all Shing a powerful 
  sense of unity. The fact that all Shing came from the First Pride, 
  and the predators never had another sentient rival to face, has 
  preserved the social and cultural sense of family and oneness. 
  It has also made them supremely confident as they have always 
  been at the top of the food chain. Shing are truly the kings of their 
  domain.
  At some point in their lives, almost all Shing are struck by 
  wanderlust – a need to leave their pride and travel alone or in 
  pairs to find new experiences and explore new lands. This wan-
  derlust usually strikes around the age of 17-19 and lasts for 
  3D6+12 years. Sometime later, the wanderer may return to his 
  or her family, but the majority settle down at a new location and 
  start a new pride. In eons past, this is how they came to dominate 
  their home world. In recent generations, it has helped them to 
  explore and colonize new worlds in the Thundercloud Galaxy. 
  These nomadic journeys shaped their magic abilities as well, 
  leading the Shing to develop and learn magic that enables them to 
  travel across space and time to visit other worlds around them. By 
  the time the Scramble reached the Shing, the cat-people had al-
  ready claimed and populated a tight cluster of 16 worlds in three 
  solar systems within the Gaelra Arm. Shing also like to explore 
  other worlds and experience other people, cultures and settings. 
  Their favorites are natural environments, but they find even the 
  sterile walls of space stations and modern cities interesting. Until 
  the Scramble, all their contact had been with only a few people 
  in the Thundercloud Galaxy. They are only now going farther 
  into the Thundercloud and beginning to visit the Corkscrew and 
  Anvil Galaxies.
  Though evolved from predatory lions, the Shing are not war-
  like, nor overtly aggressive. They fight only to defend themselves 
  and their pride, and hunt animals to feed upon. This may be due to 
  their size and natural weapons (teeth and claws), as well as their 
  brute strength and magical prowess. In any case, Shing are open 
  to outsiders and confident without being condescending. This is 
  due, in part, to their deep rooted curiosity of all things. They are 
  especially taken with the idea of the endless Megaverse and wish 
  to see as much of it as they can during their wanderlust periods.
  The CCW recognizes Shing sovereignty as a legitimate space 
  civilization to be left alone, but the Golgan Republik does not. 
  They see the big cats as dumb animals or weird semi-intelligent 
  savages to be captured and tamed. Ever the bullheaded thugs, 
  Golgans have invaded and tried to colonize several of the Shing 
  planets on more than a few occasions. Each time, they have been 
  torn to pieces. The Golgans have a decent level of technology, but 
  they have never dealt with a society in which each person wields 
  magic, nor fought an enemy with such mastery of the mystic arts. 
  Combine that with the predatory instincts of a lion and a people 
  who stick together and fight as well organized combat units, and 
  the Golgans have a recipe for disaster. Armies of Shing spell cast-
  ers teleport into the middle of an unsuspecting Golgan camp, at-
  tack using the element of surprise, scatter them into smaller, more 
  manageable groups, and rip them apart both physically and with 
  magic. When the battle starts to turn against them, Shing vanish 
  into thin air or through a Rift. Shing dimensional magic enables 
  them to breach any defense the Golgans can put into place. The 
  cat-people have even appeared aboard spacecraft to attack from 
  within the vessel and decimate the crew or cripple the vessel from 
  the inside. Since Shing live in harmony with nature and have no 
  traditional “cities” to attack, Enklave soldiers familiar with mod-
  ern bombing raids, strafing attacks and armored ground assaults 
  do not have identifiable targets to strike. While there are Shing 
  communities, pride territories, hunting grounds and breeding ar-
  eas that could be targeted, the dimension-spanning Shing sim-
  ply open dimensional portals and step into Pocket Dimensions 
  or Time Holes to elude the attackers, wait awhile and reappear 
  elsewhere.
  Unable to even get a handle on how to deal with such an un-
  conventional foe, Enklave soldiers are stymied at every turn. 
  Unconfirmed reports state that for every one Shing casualty, the 
  Republic suffered 100. In a stand-up war with the Shing, the Gol-
  gans just can’t compete. Unwilling to give up, the Golgans are 
  considering trying again, only this time using Mariman troops 
  combined with Kasaro and Trensik mercenaries to invade the 
  Shing worlds. If the Republikan Enklaves decide to move for-
  ward with this combination of forces, they should fare much 
  
  77
  better than previous invasions. The Shing could find themselves 
  with a serious fight on their hands.
  Shing [pronounced: SHing]
  Also known as Lion People, Cat-People and Dimensional Lions.
  Alignment: Any, but tend to be Principled (20%), Scrupulous 
  (25%), Unprincipled (18%), Anarchist (10%), Aberrant (12%) 
  and others.
  Attributes of Male Shing: I.Q. 2D6+6, M.E. 2D6+4, M.A. 
  2D6+10, P.S. 4D6+22 (Robot equivalent), P.P. 2D6+3, P.E. 
  2D6+10, P.B. 3D6+8, Spd 3D6+18. Note: P.S. is equal to Ro-
  bot P.S.
  Attributes of Female Shing: I.Q. 2D6+8, M.E. 2D6+6, M.A. 
  2D6+5, P.S. 4D6+15 (Robot equivalent), P.P. 2D6+9, P.E. 
  2D6+11, P.B. 3D6+4, Spd 4D6+26. Note: P.S. is equal to Ro-
  bot P.S.
  Size: 4-5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) tall at the shoulders and 8-10 feet (2.4 
  to 3 m) long from snout to rump. The tail is another 4-5 feet 
  (1.2 to 1.5 m). Females are 10% smaller.
  Weight: 800-1,000 pounds (360 to 450 kg). Females are 10-20% 
  smaller in weight.
  Hit Points: 1D6x10 base, plus 2D6 per level of experience.
  S.D.C.: 1D6x10 S.D.C., plus those gained from O.C.C. and skill 
  bonuses.
  M.D.C.: By magic or force fields only.
  Horror/Awe Factor: 12 +4 when the Shing lets loose with their 
  loud and frightening roar, which they only do when angry, 
  about to attack or to intimidate others.
  P.P.E.: P.E. attribute x15 +2D6+2 per level of experience.
  Disposition: Confident, curious, calm and noble. Shing walk 
  with their heads held high and find life to be a joy, and the 
  Megaverse a place of wonder. Those of a good and even Un-
  principled and Aberrant alignment can be as heroic as a Cos-
  mo-Knight.
  Average Life Span: 5D6+60 years.
  Experience Level: 1D6 on average, 1D6+4 for leaders and the 
  most experienced mages, or as set by the Game Master. Player 
  characters should start at level one. Use the experience table 
  for the Ley Line Walker or Noro Mystic.
  Natural Abilities: Leap 20 feet (6.1 m) high and 30 feet (9.1 m) 
  across from a standing position; increase by 20% with a run-
  ning start. Track by scent 50% (+10% to track people, +20% 
  to follow a blood scent). Roar can be heard for five miles (8 
  km), singing for one mile (1.6 km). Only the young purr. All 
  Shing can speak, but males are also excellent singers.
  Speed Sprint (special): Male and Female can run with a burst 
  of speed that increases Spd +10 for 1D4 minutes at a time. Can 
  be performed twice per hour.
  Also see Magic, as all Shing (with rare exception) can cast 
  magic, and Psionics.
  R.C.C. Skills of Male Shing:
  Appraise Goods (+10%)
  Barter (+20%)
  Detect Ambush (+10%)
  Herding (+20%)
  Interrogation (+15%)
  Land Navigation (+20%)
  Lore: Two of choice (+10%).
  Prowl (+10%)
  Public Speaking (+15%)
  Sing (+20%)
  Swimming (+5%)
  Track Animals (+10%)
  Tracking (People) (+15%)
  Tailing (+20%)
  Wilderness Survival (+20%)
  Wrestling
  R.C.C. Skills of Female Shing:
  Climbing (+5%)
  Detect Ambush (+30%)
  Detect Concealment (+10%)
  Dance (+15%)
  Dowsing (+10%)
  Gymnastics (+10%)
  Herding (+30%)
  Holistic Medicine (+10%)
  Hunting
  Identify Plants & Fruits (+15%)
  Intelligence (+18%)
  Land Navigation (+30%)
  Prowl (+20%)
  Swimming
  Track Animals (+20%)
  Tracking (People) (+25%)
  Tailing (+20%)
  Wilderness Survival (+30%)
  R.C.C. Related Skills: None.
  Secondary Skills: Select 1D4 skills from the Secondary Skill 
  List on page 300 of Rifts® Ultimate Edition, +1 additional 
  Secondary Skill at levels 4, 8 and 12.
  Attacks per Melee: Males: Three. Females: Five. Both get +1 
  additional melee attack at levels 2, 5, 7 and 11.
  Mega-Damage: Robotic P.S. means Shing inflict light M.D. un-
  less they use a power punch/power from claw strike or power 
  bite attack.
  Males: Punches, head butts, pounce attacks as per Robot 
  equivalent P.S., +2D6 S.D.C./M.D. from claw strikes and 
  +3D6 S.D.C./M.D. from bite attacks. Or via magic.
  Females: Punches, head butts, pounce attacks as per Robot 
  equivalent P.S., +3D6 S.D.C./M.D. claw strikes and +2D4 
  S.D.C./M.D. from bite attack. Or via magic.
  Bonuses: Males: +1 on Perception Rolls and initiative, +4 to 
  strike with claws, bite and pounce attack, +4 to parry and 
  dodge (does not have automatic dodge), +2 to disarm, +6 to 
  pull punch, +2 to entangle, and +6 to save vs Horror Factor.
  Females: +3 on Perception Rolls, +3 on initiative, +6 to strike 
  with claws, bite and pounce attack, and parry, +4 to disarm, 
  +3 to automatic dodge (the act of dodging does not use up a 
  melee attack), +5 to pull punch, +4 to entangle, and +4 to save 
  vs Horror Factor.
  Note: A successful roll to pull punch for males and females 
  can reduce damage as the being desires and do S.D.C. damage 
  instead of M.D. if that is the Shing’s intention.
  Penalties: Have a genetic disposition towards bouts of wander-
  lust. Become bored and may fall asleep if not mentally en-
  gaged, and can sleep for up to 20 hours at a time.
  Alternative Magic O.C.C.s: Instead of using the R.C.C. Skills 
  listed above and R.C.C. Magic below, the Shing may choose 
  one of the following alternative O.C.C.s: Ley Line Walker, 
  
  78
  Shifter, Temporal Wizard or Temporal Warrior, and wield the 
  magic of those O.C.C.s. Shing can also become Mystics with-
  out losing their natural psionic abilities.
  R.C.C. Magic: Unless the Shing has chosen another O.C.C., 
  pick one of the following areas of magic for the character. It is 
  helpful if the Game Master and/or player has a copy of Rifts® 
  Book of Magic, where most forms of magic are broken down 
  by type/category and spells are all gathered in an easy to use 
  reference book. Percentile numbers are presented for random 
  determination. Note that two categories are limited to males 
  or females only.
  01-20% Dimension Magic: Specializes in dimensional 
  travel and bending space and time. Close Rift (200+), Di-
  mensional Portal (1,000), Dimensional Teleport (800), Open 
  Rift (600), Re-Open Gateway (180), Rift Teleportation (200), 
  Swallowing Rift (300), Teleport: Lesser (15), Teleportation: 
  Superior (600), Time Slip (20), Tongues (12), and all Tem-
  poral Magic spells levels 7-10. Note: Shing who specialize 
  in this area of magic can perform Teleport: Superior, Dimen-
  sional Portal, Dimensional Teleport, Open Rift, Close Rift and 
  Re-Open Portal at half the listed P.P.E.
  Select two additional spells from Temporal Magic levels 
  11-14 or two Ley Line Magic Invocations (any) for each new 
  level of experience starting at level two.
  21-30% Earth Magic: Starts with all Earth Warlock spells 
  levels 1-3. Select two additional Earth Warlock spells from 
  levels 4-8 for each new level of experience starting at level 
  two.
  31-50% Huntress Invocations (Females only): This is a 
  spell caster who specializes in hunting and taking down prey 
  to feed her pride. Exclusive to female Shing. Starts with all 
  level one Invocations plus Breathe Without Air (5), Carpet 
  of Adhesion (10), Chameleon (6), Charm (12), Cleanse (6), 
  Cloak of Darkness (6), Concealment (6), Electric Arc (8), En-
  ergy Bolt (5), Fireblast (8), Fire Bolt (7), Invisibility: Simple 
  (6), Invisibility: Superior (20), Levitation (5), Magic Net (7), 
  Manipulate Objects (2+), Paralysis: Lesser (5), Reduce Self 
  (20), Shadow Meld (10), Superhuman Speed (10), Telekinesis 
  (8), Teleport: Lesser (15), and Tongues (12).
  Three additional spells are selected for each subsequent 
  level of experience. Spell choices are limited to Invocations 
  from levels 2-10.
  51-70% Combat Invocations (Males only): This is a spell 
  caster who specializes in combat related spells for the defense 
  of his pride. Exclusive to male Shing. Starts with all level one 
  Invocations plus Armor of Ithan (10), Calling (8), Call Light-
  ning (15), Crushing Fist (12), Chromatic Protection (10), De-
  flect (10), Energy Bolt (5), Energy Disruption (12), Energy 
  Field (10), Extinguish Fire (4), Fear (5), Fire Ball (10), Fist 
  of Fury (10 or 50; applicable to claw strikes), Frequency Jam-
  ming (15), Heal Wound (10), Ice (15), Implosion Neutralizer 
  (12), Levitation (5), Multiple Image (7), Mystic Alarm (5), 
  Sonic Blast (25), Reflection (7), Repel Animals (7), Tongues 
  (12), Turn Dead (6), Watchguard (10), and Weight of Duty 
  (10).
  Select two additional spell that relate to combat and de-
  fense each subsequent level of experience. Spell choices are 
  limited to Invocations from levels 3-11.
  71-80% Ley Line Magic: All Ley Line Invocations to 
  start, plus a total of 1D6+4 spells selected from Invocations 
  levels 1-4.
  Select two additional spells of choice each subsequent level 
  of experience. Spell choices are limited to Invocations from 
  levels 1-9.
  81-00% Travel Magic: Specializes in spells used for 
  “traveling,” including a few that are not a mode of travel them-
  selves, but helpful to a traveler (such as Purification, Shelter-
  ing Force, and Tongues). Includes some dimensional magic as 
  they relate to travel.
  Starts with: Close Rift (200+), Create Water (15), Distant 
  Voice (10), Escape (8), Float in Air (5), Fly (15), Fly as the 
  Eagle (25), Fortify Against Disease (15), Ley Line Transmis-
  sion (30), Magic Pigeon (20), Purification (Food/Water; 20), 
  Sheltering Force (20), Superhuman Endurance (12), Superhu-
  man Speed (10), Sustain (12), Swim as a Fish (6), Swim as 
  a Fish: Superior (12), Teleport: Lesser (15), Time Slip (20), 
  Tongues (12), Dispel Magic Barriers (20), and Rift Teleporta-
  tion (200).
  Select one additional “Travel” related spell from the fol-
  lowing list for each new level of experience. Astral Projection 
  (10), D-Step (50), Dimensional Portal (1,000), Dimensional 
  Teleport (800), Influence the Beast (12), Ley Line Fade (20), 
  Locate (30), Mystic Portal (60), Negate Magic (30), Plane 
  Skip (65), Realm of Chaos (70), Re-Open Gateway (180), Rift 
  to Limbo (160), Speed of the Snail (50), Swap Places (300), 
  Tame Beast (60), Teleport: Superior (600), Time Hole (210), 
  Transferal (50), Water to Wine (40), and Winged Flight (35).
  Psionics: I.S.P. is M.E. attribute number x3 +1D6 I.S.P. per 
  level of experience. All Shing possess the following psionic 
  abilities: Death Trance (1), Meditation (0), Mind Block (4), 
  Read Dimensional Portal (6), See the Invisible (4), Sense Di-
  mensional Anomaly (4), Sense Evil (2), Sense Magic (3), and 
  Sense Time (2). In addition, they automatically sense super-
  natural (good and evil), 600 foot (183 m) radius, at no I.S.P. 
  cost.
  Habitat: Found primarily on worlds in the eastern end of the 
  Gaelra Arm. A few have traveled to Center and Lirtasa via 
  dimensional Rifts, where they are often mistaken for Sphinxes 
  by those who don’t know any better.
  Allies: As a nation, few. It is interesting to realize that individual 
  Shing have encountered a wide range of people from humans 
  and Noro to the Golgans and Minions of Splugorth, but they 
  have done so on a one on one basis. Shing are completely un-
  familiar with the concepts of politics, business, commerce, 
  trade, corporations and war. This makes them rather naive and 
  vulnerable. How this might play out on the intergalactic stage 
  is yet to be seen, and the noble and compassionate Shing may 
  be another Thundercloud tragedy yet to unfold. If things start 
  to get nasty, it will be interesting to see if other magic us-
  ing civilizations and people might intervene on their behalf or 
  come to their defense.
  Enemies: The Shing judge all races by their encounters and 
  experiences with them. So far, the Shing consider Golgans, 
  Kasaro, Mariman, Deevils and demons to be dangerous and 
  sworn enemies. They’ve heard about Dominators, but have 
  never met one. Oddly enough, they’ve not had a problem with 
  the Minions of Splugorth or the Transgalactic Empire.
  
  79
  Trensik
  Famous Independent Mercenaries
  Trensik are stocky humanoids with thick muscles. Their pale 
  orange skin is tough and leathery to the touch and covered with 
  small bumps. They have a pronounced jaw, no body hair, tiny 
  ears and nose, thin lips, enlarged craniums and watery-blue eyes. 
  Hands have four fingers and a thumb. Skin is the texture of sandy 
  paint. A thick ridge of bone runs both under and above their eyes, 
  and their lower jaw juts out noticeably. The Trensik are all veg-
  etarians, and have large, flat teeth which gives them a distinctive 
  accent when speaking any of the Trade Tongues.
  The Trensik herald from their home world, Trennis, located 
  deep inside the Crèche Clouds. The planet is barren and dry by 
  galactic standards, with scathing winds and an under-abundance 
  of natural resources. Having little to offer the Three Galaxies in 
  terms of trade, the Trensik decided to tender themselves, renting 
  their people out as soldiers for hire to any who will pay them. The 
  Trensik are a race ideally made for warfare. While their mental 
  capacity is below average, physically they are one of the tough-
  est, non-M.D.C. races alive. The Trensik are silicon-based life 
  forms, and are thus more resistant to physical damage than hu-
  mans or Wulfen. Many are quick to dismiss the Trensik as being 
  stupid or slow. However, prior to the founding of the Trensik 
  Corps, they apparently mastered the science of gravitonics. They 
  seem to favor rail guns, explosives, and kinetic weapons over 
  lasers and particle beams. They also readily upgrade themselves 
  with cybernetics purchased from off-world, or received as pay-
  ment for military services rendered.
  The Trensik are unique, because they have looked at them-
  selves in harsh terms to determine their place in the Three Galax-
  ies. The facts are, they are not pretty nor do they possess brilliant 
  minds. They are a gruff, practical people with powerful bodies 
  and low intelligence compared to many other races in the Three 
  Galaxies. Trensik aren’t stupid, mind you, but they are not ge-
  niuses either. Their technology isn’t bad, but it borrows from oth-
  ers and is nothing special compared to the TGE, CCW, and Na-
  runi Enterprises (from all of whom they get surplus weapons and 
  gear). Knowing they have a diminished intellectual capacity, and 
  that it keeps them from competing on a level playing field, the 
  Trensik decided to market their strengths: Brute strength, mili-
  tary discipline, and bravery. And what better way to do so than 
  as soldiers for hire? Trensik live in a Spartan society so once the 
  decision was made, it was easy to implement.
  Trensik mercenaries are skilled and disciplined soldiers. They 
  are not brutish like the Kreeghor, nor are they vainglorious as the 
  Wulfen can be. What defines the Trensik heart is a deep sense 
  of commitment, hard practiced skill, a pragmatic outlook, and 
  family. It is, in large part, their commitment and sense of respon-
  sibility to their family and their people, that drives the Trensik. 
  That, and a genuine goodness that makes them want to make a 
  difference and help others. Truth be known, the Trensik despise 
  war in all its forms. The only reason that they travel light-years 
  away from home, for decades at a time, to fight in other people’s 
  battles, is because they are certain it is their only hope to be a 
  force in the changing galaxy. They genuinely see themselves as 
  good for little else and believe this is the only way they can earn a 
  living. Their entire civilization has evolved around this paradigm.
  Their demeanor is generally severe, their faces unreadable. 
  Almost no one can ever recall seeing one of them laugh, or cry 
  for that matter. Empathic and telepathic scans reveal little about 
  them other than feelings of devotion, discipline, and stern commit-
  ment. Therefore, it is easy to label them as being just another dour 
  species, or to lump them in with a myriad of grim warrior races. 
  However, the truth is Trensik are far more passionate than anyone 
  knows. Though many believe otherwise, Trensik do, indeed, laugh, 
  cry, sing songs, and tell jokes. They love writing poetry and songs 
  (many of which are surprisingly moving), as well as reading nov-
  els. However, few ever see this side of their culture because the 
  
  80
  Trensik make a point of not showing it when they are on duty in 
  the Corps or around outsiders. They want people to see only their 
  game face, and think of them as stern and fierce warriors.
  Perhaps because it is the one place where the Trensik allow 
  their true natures to shine, the planet Trennis is absolutely off-
  limits to all off-worlders and alien species. If you want to hire 
  some Trensik mercenaries, then you go to one of their two com-
  pany offices. In fact, the exact location of Trennis is a bit of a 
  mystery, and some people are not entirely certain the Trensik 
  originate in the Thundercloud. All of this is just fine by them. 
  The Trensik add to this confusion by having the bulk of the Mer-
  cenary Corps stay in places where many people and races con-
  stantly come and go, such as Phase World and the Kingdom of 
  Desslyth. That way, no one ever sees them go home.
  The Trensik are often hired by the major power blocs for use 
  in proxy wars. They have absolutely no political allegiance and 
  will fight for anyone. As a matter of fact, there have been a few 
  occasions when opposing sides in a conflict have each fielded 
  Trensik units against each other. When the Trensik Corps are 
  hired by outside parties, the first month’s rental must be paid in 
  full, directly deposited into a branch of the Royal Bank of Dracul, 
  located in the city of Center on Phase World. This account is then 
  used by the Trensik veterans to buy food, water, and other neces-
  sities of life from the trading ports in Center and Lirtassa. Thus, 
  as long as the Corps keep fighting out there among the stars, the 
  people on the Trensik home world will have enough to get by.
  Trensik [pronounced: TREN-sick]
  Also known as Trensik Mercenaries and Orange Crush.
  Attributes: Any, but most are Scrupulous (25%), Unprincipled 
  (25%) Anarchist (25%) or Aberrant (10%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D4+5, M.E. 2D4+14, M.A. 2D4, P.S. 3D6+10 
  (Supernatural), P.P. 2D6+6, P.E. 2D6+5, P.B. 2D6, Spd 
  3D6+6.
  Size: 5 and a half to 6 feet tall (1.67 to 1.8 m).
  Weight: Average is 200 to 400 lbs (90-180 kg). They are very 
  heavy for their size.
  M.D.C.: 4D6 M.D.C. base, +P.E. attribute number and +1D8 
  M.D.C. per level of experience. Physical skills that normally 
  impart S.D.C. bonuses provide half that number as additional 
  M.D.C. Additional M.D.C. is supplied by body armor, power 
  armor, bionics, force fields or magic.
  Horror Factor: 10; the Trensik have a reputation of being tough 
  ground fighters.
  P.P.E.: 2D4
  Disposition: Stern, yet paternal, caring, and passionate. At the 
  same time they are pragmatic, fiercely disciplined, self-con-
  trolled and practical. Trensik are loyal to their friends, family 
  and race.
  Average Life Span: 3D6+50 years, short by galactic standards.
  Experience Level: 2D4 on average, 1D6+6 for leaders and the 
  most experienced warriors, or as set by the Game Master. 
  Player characters should start at level one. Use the experience 
  table for the character’s chosen O.C.C.
  Natural Abilities: Very tough skin, Supernatural P.S., resistance 
  to high winds (10% damage), immune to the effects of M-
  Rads, and Bio-Regenerates 2D6 M.D.C. per 12 hours. The 
  tough hides of the Trensik make them light M.D.C. beings, 
  so even without additional body armor, they are a dangerous 
  opponent.
  R.C.C. Skills: Cardsharp, Computer Operation, Detect Ambush, 
  Detect Concealment, Electronic Countermeasures, Lore: Ga-
  lactic, Pilot: Tanks & APCs, and Pilot: Space Fighters, all 
  with a +20% skill bonus, plus Hand to Hand: Commando (See 
  Rifts® Ultimate Edition, page 348). These are all in addition 
  to the usual skills of a chosen Men-at-Arms O.C.C. Additional 
  O.C.C. Related Skills and Secondary Skills tend to focus on 
  Military, Physical, Piloting, and W.P. skills to make them the 
  best warrior possible.
  Available O.C.C.s: Any Men-at-Arms O.C.C., including CAF 
  equivalent O.C.C.s and Galactic Tracer. With their M.D.C. 
  bodies and enhanced healing, most avoid full bionic conver-
  sion, but it can happen. As mercenaries they may sell their 
  services to function as sheriff or other lawmen, gunfighters, 
  guard/escort, protector of colonies, mining and industrial sites, 
  or to explore alien ruins, exterminate monsters, fight Space 
  Pirates and battle hostile indigenous people.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand: Commando and any 
  applicable bonuses.
  R.C.C. Bonuses: +1 attack per melee round, +2 to Perception 
  Rolls, +1 on initiative, +1 to strike, parry and dodge, +2 to 
  disarm and entangle, +3 to pull punch, +1 to save vs Horror 
  Factor at levels 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15, and +12% to 
  save versus coma/death.
  Vulnerabilities: Below average intelligence, and not particularly 
  charming either, which frequently causes those who hire them 
  to underestimate their abilities and not use them to their full 
  potential.
  Magic: None.
  Psionics: None. Not in their genetics.
  Weapons & Equipment: As per O.C.C., plus a standard suit of 
  Trensik EBA body armor, Contra-Gravitonic assault rifle and 
  heavy pistol (equal to the CG-15AR and GR-45HP “Jackham-
  mer”), six clips for each weapon, one additional weapon for 
  each W.P. and three reloads per each, plus a Vibro-Knife (1D6 
  M.D.), 1D6 explosive hand grenades, 1D4 smoke grenades, 
  a canteen, 1D4 week supply of rations, cigarette lighter, and 
  some personal items. Note: Love all Naruni and Bushi weap-
  ons and combat gear.
  Bionics & Cybernetics: None to start. Combat veterans of 5th 
  level and higher may consider a few. It is not uncommon to 
  see vets with 1D4+1 assorted cybernetic implants and one 
  bionic limb with two weapons or other bionic features for 
  it. These must all be purchased from a third party, since the 
  Trensik have no cybernetic technology of their own. Note that 
  because of their silicon-based physiology, Trensik need spe-
  cially adapted implants, which are uncommon and cost 50% 
  to 200% more.
  Money: Almost every credit a Trensik mercenary makes is sent 
  back home to provide for his loved ones. Most Trensik mercs 
  seldom have more than 100 credits on them at any give time.
  Habitat: Home world is Trennis. Encountered throughout the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy, and mercenary companies may also be 
  encountered in the other two galaxies, Phase World in par-
  ticular.
  Allies: Anyone with money and a contract of employment. As 
  typical of the pragmatic Trensik, they try to see everyone as a 
  potential client if not an ally, and try not to burn bridges with 
  civilizations with whom they might personally disagree.
  
  81
  Enemies: None. They dislike the TGE, who have used hired Tren-
  sik mercenaries as cannon fodder with little regard for the sol-
  diers lives, and are untrusting of the Splugorth and try to avoid 
  contracts with them. Likewise, the Trensik do not trust or like 
  any evil supernatural force and only evil or desperate Trensik 
  will allow themselves to be hired by demons or Deevils.
  Tsongkuba
  Warriors of the Transgalactic Empire
  There are several hominine (very ape-like) species across the 
  Three Galaxies, but the Tsongkuba are one of the most well-
  known. They are massive, hunched over humanoids whose arms 
  are twice the length of their legs and resemble hairless goril-
  las with pale to dark gray skin. They have a smooth, but thick, 
  rhinoceros-like hide. Hands are oversized, but have four fingers 
  and an opposable thumb. The feet have three toes and their own 
  opposable thumbs. Tsongkuba walk upright, but run in a loping 
  manner on all fours, and tend to knuckle-walk on all fours when 
  bored and waiting around. Since their scent organs are located in 
  the roof of the mouth, the Tsongkuba have no noses, and many 
  mistake their constant panting for a shortness of breath when it is 
  simply their way of smelling things. Eyes are recessed and pro-
  tected by a thick brow ridge.
  The Tsongkuba originate from a large and verdant world in 
  the center of Oswoe’s Arm, and these hairless gorilla people have 
  known nothing but cruelty and oppression for as long as they 
  can remember. Since the dawn of the Third Galactic Era, they 
  were an indentured race, conquered by the minions of Desslyth 
  the Elder. Whereas once the Tsongkuba were gentle and almost 
  painfully shy, under Splugorthian rule they were transformed into 
  savage fighters and brawny workers. No magic or Bio-Wizard-
  ry was used to this end, but rather their society was altered the 
  long, hard way: through 10,000 years of gladiatorial combat and 
  demeaning, back-breaking labor. Once the Splugorth felt they 
  had toughened the Tsongkuba up enough, they trained them to 
  be deadly warriors. When their home world was liberated by the 
  Transgalactic Empire, all passivity had long since been bred out 
  of them. They were now a desperate, savage people who knew 
  only obedience and bloodshed.
  The Tsongkuba’s tendency to gather in extended families had 
  been crushed, but not extinguished. Now that they are free, those 
  sentiments have begun to creep back. The TGE has seized on this 
  and encouraged them to take out their feelings on their former op-
  pressors and help them conquer other worlds in the Kingdom of 
  Desslyth – if for no other reason than to keep their families safe. 
  Today, Tsongkuba warriors are the Terrors of Oswoe’s Arm, 
  fighting right beside the Imperial Legions as they battle the King-
  dom of Desslyth, reveling in the murder and maiming. Freelance 
  Tsongkuba warriors have taken to a life as mercenaries and Ga-
  lactic Tracers, while other are lawmen for hire, while still others 
  are raiders, bandits and Space Pirates.
  Tsongkuba [pronounced: SONG-ku-ba]
  Also known as Gorilla People and Gorilla Warriors.
  Alignment: Any, but tend to be Anarchist (30%), Aberrant (30%) 
  and Miscreant (20%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D4+3, M.E. 2D4+3, M.A. 2D4, P.S. 3D6+22 
  (Supernatural), P.P. 2D6+8, P.E. 2D6+8, P.B. 2D6, Spd 
  3D6+4.
  
  82
  Size: 7-10 feet (2.1 to 3 m) tall when standing fully erect, though 
  their bent over stance and running on all fours makes them ap-
  pear 5-6 feet tall (1.5 to 1.8 m).
  Weight: Average is 200 to 400 lbs (90-180 kg).
  M.D.C.: 6D6+16 M.D.C. base, +P.E. attribute number and +2D6 
  M.D.C. per level of experience. Physical skills that normally 
  impart S.D.C. bonuses provide half that number as additional 
  M.D.C. Additional M.D.C. can be provided by body armor, 
  force fields or magic. Like the Blind Warrior Women, most 
  Tsongkuba Splugorth warriors are given a magic talisman that 
  provides 150 M.D.C.
  Horror Factor: 10, under the best of circumstances. 15 when 
  angry, standing erect, charging, roaring or threatening.
  P.P.E.: 3D6 base.
  Disposition: Warlike and aggressive, they tend to solve their 
  problems through violence and intimidation. Savage combat-
  ants that they are, the Tsongkuba see themselves as one huge, 
  extended family. Even the most evil one of them will be loath 
  to hurt or kill another Tsongkuba.
  Average Life Span: 3D6+54 years; short by galactic standards.
  Experience Level: 1D4 on average, 1D6+2 for leaders and the 
  most experienced warriors, or as set by the Game Master. 
  Player characters should start at level one. Use the experience 
  table for the character’s chosen O.C.C.
  Natural Abilities: The equivalent of Supernatural P.S., Mega-
  Damage hide, and Bio-Regenerates 2D6 M.D. per 12 hours.
  Long Reach (special): The apish Tsongkuba warriors have a 
  reach equal to their height, which often catches opponents off 
  guard (see initiative, entangle and pin combat bonuses). They 
  are also ambidextrous and can use both hands with equal skill.
  Mega-Damage Beings (special): The tough M.D.C. hide 
  makes them light M.D.C. beings that are dangerous without 
  additional body armor.
  Superior Sense of Smell & Track by Smell (special): Can track 
  a particular smell or scent to its location and track people by 
  smell like a bloodhound. Base Skill: 45 +5% per level of ex-
  perience.
  R.C.C. Skills: Fasting (+10%), Palming (+15%), Paired Weap-
  ons, Wrestling and Zero Gravity Movement & Combat 
  (+10%). These are all in addition to the usual skills of a chosen 
  Men-at-Arms O.C.C. Additional O.C.C. Related Skills and 
  Secondary Skills tend to focus on Military, Physical, Piloting, 
  and W.P. skills to make them the best warrior possible.
  Available O.C.C.s: Any Men-at-Arms O.C.C., including TGE 
  equivalent combat O.C.C.s, Galactic Tracer, Runner, Space 
  Pirate and similar. A few have become Invincible Guardsmen, 
  and damned scary ones at that!
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand skill and any appli-
  cable bonuses.
  R.C.C. Bonuses: +3 on initiative, +1 to strike and parry, +3 to 
  entangle and pin an opponent, +2 to pull punch, +1 to save vs 
  Horror Factor at levels 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 14, and +6% to save 
  versus coma/death.
  Vulnerabilities: -2 to save vs gas attacks, -10% Climbing pen-
  alty, and their below average intelligence, lack of patience, 
  and hyper-aggression can get them in trouble.
  Magic: None. The Tsongkuba know all about magic from their 
  long years with the Splugorth, but because of their limited in-
  tellect and lack of patience, they do not practice magic.
  Psionics: Automatically have the power of Empathy with dou-
  ble range and duration, but only in relation to others of their 
  race. I.S.P. is equal to the Tsongkuba’s M.E. +1D6 per level. 
  They are considered to be Minor Psychics for saving throw 
  purposes.
  Habitat: Found all throughout TGE and Desslyth space in the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy as well as other parts of the Thunder-
  cloud. Rare in the other two galaxies. Those in the Kingdom 
  of Desslyth remain warrior slaves and Minions of Splugorth.
  Allies: The Kreeghor and TGE allied races. The vast majority 
  of Tsongkuba are model citizens of the TGE. They see the 
  Kreeghor as their saviors and the only people who ever showed 
  them any form of kindness. As a result, their dedication to the 
  Kreeghor is fanatical and they fight the enemies of the Empire 
  without mercy – especially the Splugorth, although if told to 
  do so, they will fight anyone the Kreeghor target.
  Enemies: The Splugorth and their minions. The Tsongkuba hate 
  the TGE’s human populations and would eventually like to 
  usurp their position within the Empire. Not too fond of the 
  Monro either, and because the TGE considers the CCW their 
  enemy, the Gorilla People tend to think the same.
  Whetu
  Consortium of Civilized Worlds
  Orbiting close to a blue dwarf star in the Gaelra Arm, the 
  Whetu home world is one that most other species would consider 
  to be uninhabitable. Its surface temperature is so hot that water 
  exists only as steam. The air pressure at ground level is equal to 
  three atmospheres. Still, life somehow managed to take root here, 
  mostly in the miles-deep canyons and sunken lava plains that 
  cover most of the planet. Eventually, a technologically-oriented 
  humanoid species rose to dominance.
  Unlike most races in the Three Galaxies, the Whetu’s biology 
  seems to be based on the number three. They have three eyes, 
  three arms, three legs and each of their limbs possesses three 
  joints. They even have three sexes; male, female, and hermaph-
  rodite. Their arms sprout from the middle of their backs, and can 
  wrap around themselves entirely. They have three large eyes, one 
  in the middle of the head, and one on each sides. The mouth is 
  located in the middle of the chests.
  From very early on in their development, the Whetu knew 
  that the higher in altitude they went, the more the temperature 
  dropped. For these thermal aliens, that meant suffering and 
  death. Even climbing a tall mountain could be incredibly danger-
  ous without extensive protection. When they looked out into the 
  universe, the Whetu saw an impossibly cold place where they 
  were certain nothing else could live. Having no reason to go out 
  into space, they neither developed rocketry nor any other kind of 
  space technology. Furthermore, the Whetu built a world under-
  ground with labyrinths of tunnels and chambers and drew upon 
  thermal energy as their primary source of power and heat. For a 
  Whetu, a cool temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 C),and 
  100–200 degrees (37.8 to 93 C) is comfortable. When discovered 
  by a CCW exploratory team, the human representatives recog-
  nized the Whetu civilization as a sovereign people. The Whetu 
  have since become friends and supporters of the CCW and their 
  explorers and scientists have begun to venture out, into the uni-
  
  83
  verse. Whetu have never engaged in war, and find the idea both 
  exciting and frightening. Ever curious, Whetu desire to learn 
  more about other people, other worlds, magic, space travel and 
  even war. The entire concept of magic is alien to them but they 
  are enthralled with the idea of it, as well as dragons and other 
  creatures of magic and supernatural beings.
  Humans of the CCW have helped design an environmen-
  tal suit for the Whetu to enable them to visit and explore alien 
  worlds, and are working on a non-combat power armor suit for 
  the strange beings.
  Whetu [pronounced: Wheh-TOO]
  Alignment: Any, but lean toward Principled (15%), Scrupulous 
  (30%), Unprincipled (20%) and Anarchist (20%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+9, M.E. 2D6+9, M.A. 2D6+7, P.S. 2D6+7, 
  P.P. 2D6+9, P.E. 2D6+7, P.B. 1D6, Spd 2D6+9.
  Size: 5-6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) tall.
  Weight: 100 to 200 lbs (45 to 90 kg).
  M.D.C.: Base of 30 M.D.C. to start, plus their P.E. (plus O.C.C. 
  and skill bonuses). Add 1D6 M.D.C. per level.
  Horror Factor: 9
  P.P.E.: 2D6
  Average Life Span: 1D4x10+100 years.
  Experience Level: 1D6 on average, 2D4+2 for leaders, or as set 
  by the Game Master. Player characters should start at level 
  one. Use the experience table for the character’s chosen O.C.C.
  Natural Abilities: Triple jointed, impervious to heat and fire, 
  can swim in lava, Nightvision 2,000 feet (610 m), can see 360 
  degrees and have an on the sides of their head so they cannot 
  be attacked from behind or easily surprised, see infrared and 
  ultraviolet spectrums of light, and see the heat spectrum like a 
  thermal imager. Is not blinded or harmed by smoke, sulfur and 
  most other noxious gases, can see through smoke, and in the 
  dimmest of light. Poor daylight/sunlight vision; bright lights 
  hurt the Whetu’s eyes (1,000 foot/305 m range, maximum). 
  Cold based attacks inflict double damage. Bio-Regenerates 
  lost M.D.C. at a rate of 3D6 points per every eight hours.
  R.C.C. Skills: Acrobatics (+10% as applicable), Climbing 
  (+25%), Escape Artist (+15%), Excavation (20%), Firefight-
  ing (+20%), Gemology (+25%), Mining (+20%) and Spelunk-
  ing (20%). These are all in addition to the usual skills of a 
  chosen O.C.C.
  Available O.C.C.s: Any O.C.C., except Men-at-Arms and Prac-
  titioners of Magic. Mainly scholars, scientists, engineers, ex-
  plorers and adventurer types.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand skill and any appli-
  cable bonuses.
  R.C.C. Bonuses: +6 on Perception Rolls, +3 on initiative, +3 to 
  parry and disarm, +3 to entangle, +1 to pull punch, and imper-
  vious to smoke, sulfur and most gases.
  Vulnerabilities: Unable to survive temperatures below 76 de-
  grees Fahrenheit (24.4 C). If exposed to what is the equiva-
  lent of freezing temperatures to the Whetu, reduce attacks per 
  melee, combat bonuses and speed by half, -2 to P.S. and P.P. 
  attributes. These effects and penalties are cumulative for ev-
  ery five hours of exposure. The freezing Whetu also suffers 
  Mega-Damage at a rate of 2D4 points per hours of exposure; 
  cannot Bio-Regenerate at temperatures colder than 76 degrees 
  Fahrenheit (24.4 C). When all M.D.C. has been depleted, the 
  Whetu lapses into a coma. The coma lasts one hour per P.E. 
  point. If warmed to a temperature above 90 degrees Fahrenheit 
  (32 C) the character’s regenerative ability kicks in and he may 
  recover. If not, he dies. Must wear special environmental suits 
  or armor to associate with most other races.
  
  84
  Magic: None.
  Psionics: M.E. attribute x4, +2D4 per level of experience. Con-
  sidered Major Psychics. All Whetu have the following abili-
  ties: Telekinesis (varies), Telekinetic Leap (8), Telekinetic 
  Lift (6), Telekinetic Punch (6), and Telekinetic Push (4), plus 
  Telekinetic Force Field (20) or Pyrokinesis (varies).
  Weapons and Equipment: As per O.C.C. plus two protective 
  environmental suits with padding, helmet and light protection 
  (35 M.D.C., helmet also has 35 M.D.C. by itself), two suits 
  of environmental body armor (120 M.D.C. Main Body, 90 
  for helmet, 60 for each arm and leg), a multi-tool, personal 
  computer loaded with all available information pertaining to 
  humanity, and a few personal items.
  Bionics & Cybernetics: None to start. Most systems are incom-
  patible with the Whetu’s body and thermal physiology.
  Money: Most Whetu are well educated and have 2D6x100 in 
  credits, and 3D6x10,000 credits worth of additional items, 
  probably gemstones.
  Habitat: The majority of Whetu remain isolated on their home 
  world, but Whetu are beginning to spread across the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy, not as colonists, but as explorers, scientists and 
  adventurers. They are also starting to make their way into the 
  other galaxies as merchants, diplomatic liaisons and tourists; 
  particularly in Consortium space. Furthermore, the Whetu, in 
  conjunction with CCW advisors, are building a space port and 
  visitors’ city on the surface of their planet as well as a space 
  station and CAF space station and dock orbiting their planet. 
  The latter is a strategic military maneuver on the part of the 
  CCW, the others are to develop a merchant and tourist trade. 
  As it turns out, the Whetu have a wealth of gemstones and 
  mineral resources that have much more value to the outside 
  world than to the Whetu, and they are happy to trade them.
  Whetu are enthusiastic travelers thrilled to discover the uni-
  verse around them. A few have already relocated themselves to 
  Phase World, while a few have opened up shops at the Center 
  and the Utopia Planets where they find ample employment from 
  wealthy humans. Unlike everyone else in the Scramble over the 
  Thundercloud, the Whetu have no desire, at present, to colonize 
  other worlds. However, the CCW has pointed them toward a 
  couple of other hot and presumably uninhabited worlds for them 
  to consider colonizing and bringing into the fold of the CCW.
  Allies: Humans of the CCW, in particular, but also strive for 
  friendly relations with all full members of the Consortium of 
  Civilized Worlds (of which the Whetu are the newest mem-
  bers). Reactions towards Associate Races can run the gamut 
  from indifference to friendship.
  Enemies: In principle, they see everyone in the Transgalactic 
  Empire as their foe, although they have conflicting feelings 
  towards the Human population of the TGE.
  Zuwadza
  Death Makers – Transgalactic Empire
  The Zuwadza were one of the first peoples to be conquered 
  by Desslyth the Elder following his big move to the Thunder-
  cloud. As had happened time and again across the galaxy, their 
  planet, their culture, and their bodies had been ravaged and set 
  back millennia by the passing of the Black Hole Projector’s after-
  shock. Still, they had fared better than many of their interstellar 
  neighbors, partly due to their supernaturally tough bodies. The 
  Zuwadza were also practitioners of a specialized type of magic 
  which may or may not have helped them survive the shock wave 
  and their millennia of enslavement by the Splugorth.
  The Zuwadza called them the Shausa-raheem, “the Death 
  Makers.” These were the blacksmiths of their race, and although 
  they could forge common, everyday items like pots and horse-
  shoes, they were most known for their skill at crafting knives and 
  other bladed weapons. Somehow, through secrets passed on from 
  master to apprentice, they were able to imbue their creations with 
  powerful magic capabilities. A knife of simple iron, if forged by 
  a Shausa-raheem, could easily cut through stone. Before the ar-
  rival of the Splugorth, the wars between the Zuwadza tribes were 
  many and bloody.
  When the forces of Desslyth the Elder arrived and began their 
  regular routine of enslavement, the tribes of the Zuwadza united 
  to fight a common foe. The weapons of the Shausa-raheem could 
  even combat the magicks and technologies of the Kydian hordes. 
  The High Lords in charge of the invasion were oddly impressed 
  with the metal crafters and decided they could be useful. The 
  lives of the smiths were spared in deference to their skills. The 
  remainder of their race was exterminated.
  Over the next several thousand years, the Zuwadza blacksmiths 
  were put to work throughout the growing Kingdom. Many were 
  told to produce magical weapons or die, but they were also used 
  in construction projects and as general repairmen. As Desslyth’s 
  holdings spread along Oswoe’s Arm, and more and more races 
  were absorbed into the slave pool, the reputation of the Zuwadza 
  
  85
  took on a life of its own. Since they were among the more skilled 
  and favored of the Splugorth’s servants, the other slaves began to 
  fear them. It was said they were all spies and informants out for 
  themselves. It was said they were a race of murderers who could 
  transform simple objects into lethal weapons. That the Zuwadza 
  were incapable of compassion and ruthless in combat. In a way, 
  many of these rumors had an element of truth to them. The Zuwad-
  za had become an emotionally detached race because they had long 
  ago learned that they could best avoid abuse at the hands of their 
  enslavers by keeping quiet, and by doing what was asked of them. 
  Sometimes they did act as informants, warning the Minions of an 
  impending uprising, because it won them greater favor. Snitching 
  was just another self-preservation tactic to the ruthless Zuwadza.
  Zuwadza look like muscular humans. They are tall and broad-
  shouldered, with dark brown skin. As a species, they have little 
  body fat, so even the weakest among them has the defined muscles 
  and chiseled features of someone who works out daily. Both males 
  and females grow a thick mass of dreadlock hair on their heads. 
  Their eyes are solid orbs of green with no discernable pupil or iris. 
  Traditionally, the Zuwadza people wear very little clothing, but 
  frequently adorn themselves with golden necklaces and bracelets. 
  As warriors, they wear body armor and use both melee weapons 
  and modern guns and energy weapons, vehicles and spacecraft.
  Zuwadza [pronounced: zoo-WAHD-za]
  Alignment: Any, but most are Unprincipled (10%), Anarchist 
  (55%), and Miscreant (20%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+8, M.E. 2D6+4, M.A. 2D6, P.S. 2D6+12 
  (Supernatural), P.P. 2D6+8, P.E. 2D6+10, P.B. 3D6, Spd 3D6.
  Size: 6-7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 m).
  Weight: 200-250 pounds on average (90 to 113 kg).
  M.D.C.: 1D6x10 M.D.C. +P.E. attribute number as the base, 
  plus 2D4 for every level of experience gained. Physical skills 
  that normally impart S.D.C. bonuses provide half that number 
  as additional M.D.C. Additional M.D.C. can be provided by 
  body armor, force fields or magic. And in the case of the Zu-
  wadza, armor that they adhere to their bodies.
  Horror Factor: 13
  P.P.E.: 2D6x10 plus P.E. attribute number as initial base. Add 
  1D6+15 P.P.E. per level of experience. Note that the Zuwadza 
  can also take full advantage of P.P.E. provided by ley lines, 
  nexus points, and any personal P.P.E. willingly offered to them.
  Disposition: Cold, dispassionate and hostile. Most seem stern or 
  angry, or driven by some inner demon and keep their true emo-
  tions, thoughts and secrets to themselves. Loyal and compassion 
  to their families and friends who earn their trust and respect.
  Average Life Span: Most Zuwadza who once served the Splu-
  gorth have been given an Absurr Life Node which boosts their 
  lifespan to 450 years or more! This made them more produc-
  tive to the Splugorth. Their normal life span is 1D6x10+100 
  years.
  Experience Level: 1D4+4 on average, 1D6+6 for leaders and 
  master weaponsmiths, or as set by the Game Master. Player 
  characters should start at level one. Use the same experience 
  table as the Noro Mystic Warrior.
  Natural Abilities: Expert gemologists, they can easily appraise 
  the quality of valuable metals and stones (50%+5 per level). 
  Supernatural Strength and Endurance, Bio-Regenerates 2D6 
  M.D.C. every 8 hours, and requires half the daily caloric in-
  take of most humanoid races.
  Also see special magic abilities of the Shausa-raheem 
  R.C.C. which applies to all Zuwadza alive today. That may 
  change in the future, but the Splugorth only had use for the 
  Shausa-raheem weaponsmiths.
  R.C.C. Weaponssmith Skill: All Zuwadze Shausa-raheem are 
  skilled metalworkers, welders and blacksmiths as well as war-
  riors. Base Skill: 82% +1% per level of experience.
  Zuwadze Shausa-raheem R.C.C. Skills:
  Art (+15%)
  Basic Mechanics (+10%)
  Basic Electronics (+10%)
  Computer Operation (+15%)
  Field Armorer (+30%)
  General Repair/Maintenance (+15%)
  Language: One additional of choice (+20%).
  Lore: Magic (+10%).
  Pilot: One of choice, including Small Spacecraft.
  Prospecting (+10%)
  Recognize Weapon Quality (+30%)
  Salvage (+20%)
  W.P. Knife
  W.P. Paired Weapons
  W.P. Sword
  W.P. Ancient: One of choice
  W.P. Modern: Two of choice.
  Hand to Hand: Martial Arts or Assassin (pick one).
  R.C.C. Related Skills: None. See Magic.
  Secondary Skills: The character may select two Secondary 
  Skills as found on page 300 of Rifts® Ultimate Edition at 
  levels 2, 6 and 12.
  Available O.C.C.s: None. Specialized.
  Attacks per Melee: As per Hand to Hand: Martial Arts or Assas-
  sin and any applicable bonuses.
  Bonuses: +2 to initiative, +2 to strike and parry with any melee 
  weapon, +1 to disarm, +3 to pull punch, +1 to save vs Horror 
  Factor at levels 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15, and +6% to save versus 
  coma/death and +2 to save versus possession.
  Vulnerabilities: None per se, but require twice the daily water 
  intake of most humanoid races.
  Magic: All Zuwadza alive today are Shausa-raheem weapon 
  makers, known and feared throughout most of the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy. Part of what made them so scary in the eyes 
  of so many other races was that the Zuwadza did not require 
  special forges or cauldrons. They were (and are) able to use 
  a simple, traditional, stone furnace and ordinary metals from 
  which to create some of the most lethal blades ever seen. The 
  Shausa-raheem enchant their creations by force of will and so 
  can make their weapons almost anywhere, and at any time. 
  Note: In all cases, this applies only to metal blade and spiked 
  melee weapons – axes, knives, forks, morning stars, picks, 
  spearheads, arrowhead, and swords, as well as related tools 
  (sewing needle, ice pick, shovel blade, etc.). Must be metal.
  Turn Metal S.D.C. Blade Weapon Into M.D.C. Weapon (spe-
  cial): In all cases, the S.D.C. metal blade becomes M.D. point 
  for point, so if the weapon did 1D6 S.D.C. it now does 1D6 
  M.D. Wooden parts, like that of a spear or axe handle, are 
  NOT M.D.C., only the metal blade portion.
  1. To temporarily turn an ordinary metal weapon into a 
  Mega-Damage weapon, the Zuwadza uses the Power Weapon 
  
  86
  spell at half the usual P.P.E. cost and for double the duration 
  (four melee rounds per level of experience).
  2. For the cost of an additional 30 P.P.E. and 10% of the sor-
  cerer’s S.D.C. points, the weapon can remain a Mega-Damage 
  weapon for days equal to his own P.E. attribute number. Spent 
  P.P.E. recovers as usual. Spent S.D.C. does not return until the 
  enchantment ends, however many days later.
  3. To turn the weapon into a permanent M.D. weapon, the 
  Zuwadza must expend 100 P.P.E. and temporarily loses 10% 
  of his personal M.D.C. points for 1D4 weeks.
  Energy Metal M.D. Blade Weapon (special): The Zuwadza 
  can make an Mega-Damage blade weapon glow with energy 
  and inflict an additional 1D6 M.D. whenever the blade strikes. 
  The weapon can also fire an energy beam that does 1D6+3 
  M.D. Duration: One melee round per level of experience. 
  Range of the Energy Blast: 100 feet (30.5 m) per level of ex-
  perience. P.P.E. Cost: 15.
  Flaming Metal M.D. Melee Weapon (special): The Zuwadza 
  can make a Mega-Damage blade weapon crackle with flames 
  and inflict an additional 1D6 M.D. +1 M.D. per level of ex-
  perience. Duration: One melee round per level of experience. 
  P.P.E. Cost: 10.
  Turn S.D.C. Metal Armor Into M.D.C. Armor (special): Simi-
  lar to the power above, the Zuwadza can temporarily turn or-
  dinary metal armor into M.D.C. armor. It costs 25 P.P.E. to do 
  so and the magic lasts for only two melee rounds per level of 
  the spell caster.
  Wear Makeshift Metal M.D.C. Armor (special): A Zuwadza 
  weaponsmith can collect and gather M.D.C. scrap metal, place 
  them on his body, and it magically adheres to him! In this way, 
  he can effectively create non-environmental body armor with 
  M.D.C. equal to the character’s own P.E. attribute number 
  x8. The armor does not cause encumbrance, and, in fact, the 
  magic makes the scrap metal feather-light. When all M.D.C. 
  is gone, or the magical duration ends, the armor falls off in 
  a heap. Duration: One minute per M.E. attribute point of the 
  smith. P.P.E. Cost: 25.
  Spells of the Zuwadze Shausa-raheem: Armorbane (100), Cre-
  ate Steel (68), Create Water (15), Create Wood (10+), Force-
  bonds (25), Fuel Flame (5), Ignite Fire (6), Impervious to Fire 
  (5), Lantern Light (1), Magic Shield (6), Mystic Fulcrum (5), 
  Power Weapon (35; twice the duration), Speed Weapon (100), 
  Spinning Blades (20), Swords to Snakes (50), and Tongues 
  (12). Note: The numbers in parentheses are the usual amount 
  of P.P.E. required to cast these spells, but the Zuwadze Shau-
  sa-raheem can cast them at half that P.P.E. amount; round up. 
  Seldom learn more than 1D6 others spells.
  Psionics: None.
  Weapons and Equipment: At first level, a Shausa-raheem has 
  one enchanted melee weapon of choice, a set of metal etching 
  tools, tool kit, a backpack or satchel, water skin, belt, a couple 
  of sets of clothes, and a handful of personal items. Additional 
  weapons and items are likely to be acquired or made over time.
  Bionics & Cybernetics: None because they interfere with their 
  smithing magic. Zuwadza over the age of 200 (most likely 
  NPCs) will have an Absurr Life Node symbiotic organism, 
  given to them by the Splugorth while still in bondage.
  Money: Starts with 3D6x1000 Splugorthian or TGE credits, and 
  another 3D6x1000 credits worth of tradable goods and items.
  Habitat: Zuwadza on planets liberated by the Transgalactic Em-
  pire have been recruited to the Imperial Legions where they 
  can rise to even greater prominence as warriors and weapon-
  makers. Those who have declined the TGE’s offer have gone 
  off to join mercenary companies, raiders, Space Pirates and 
  adventurers operating in the Thundercloud Galaxy. The Zu-
  wadza who remain slaves in the Kingdom of Desslyth live as 
  they have for generations.
  The High Lords of Desslyth had intentionally kept the Zu-
  wadza population culled. There was no way that they could 
  run the risk that an army of them might be able to rise up, each 
  member armed with an array of magical weapons. Thus, it is 
  estimated that there are less than two million Zuwadza enslaved 
  by Desslyth and less than six million Zuwadza throughout the 
  rest of the Three Galaxies. The majority of them have remained 
  in the Thundercloud where they make weapons in exchange for 
  the necessities of living. A scant few have found their way to 
  market centers. No matter where they live however, their repu-
  tation as brutal, self-serving warriors, deserved or not, follows 
  them. They are regarded as selfish merchants of death, and any 
  dealings with them must be done with great care.
  Allies: Their best relations are with Kreeghor and humans. Will 
  create weapons for just about anyone though, including the 
  Trust. Although they themselves have no problem with either 
  the Dark Tribe or the Republican Wulfen, both sides are jeal-
  ous of the quality of Zuwadza melee weapons which are far 
  superior to anything the sword masters of Motherhome ever 
  made. It should also be noted that Zuwadza males find the 
  Staphra women (warriors) quite alluring.
  Enemies: Most Splugorth Minion races. The Anvil Dwarves are 
  regarded as competitors. Zuwadza are feared by most people 
  in the Thundercloud.
  Monsters &
  Exotic Species
  By Braden Campbell & Kevin Siembieda
  Abada, Thundercloud Unicorn
  Abatwa, Thundercloud Faeries
  Adze, Monstrous Beetle Creature
  Adze Beetle Witch (Minion)
  Batamzinga, Lizard Bat
  Lurduuk, Thundercloud Lightning Bird
  Nkoli, Thundercloud Crocodile
  Pyashche Probe
  Umdhlebi Tree
  Yboor, Carnivorous Glob
  Yboor Zombie (Minion)
  The following are a few notable creatures that are generally 
  classified as “monsters” or exotic animals. While some, like the 
  Abada, seem to exhibit some level of intelligence, they tend to 
  behave more like animals than sentient beings, and are therefore 
  classified as such. Many of the creatures listed here are hunted 
  and captured alive for zoos and private collectors around the 
  
  87
  Three Galaxies as well as pursued by Big Game Hunters for sport 
  and trophies.
  The situation being what it is in the Thundercloud Galaxy, 
  when an exotic animal or monster is discovered, it may be hunted 
  for sport and profit without restraint or concern for its survival. 
  Over the last four centuries, at least 53 known species have been 
  hunted to extinction and many others forced to the brink by trans-
  forming their natural environment.
  Abada
  Also known as the “Thundercloud Unicorn”
  Thus far, explorers have recorded more than thirteen different 
  species of “Abada,” gazelle-like creatures found on worlds across 
  the Thundercloud Galaxy. Most of them share common traits: 
  they tend to be smaller than a horse (some as small as a coyote), 
  bear 2-4 long horns, and are swift, shy, and gather in herds. They 
  are herbivores and live on grassy plains or grass covered rolling 
  hills. They get most of the water they need from the plants they 
  eat, munching on shrubs during the dry seasons, and grasses dur-
  ing the wet. Most Thundercloud gazelles develop horns, although 
  the number, shape, and length vary with each species. All told, 
  these creatures collectively number into the trillions, and have 
  become a source of food and sport for colonists from every power 
  bloc, and a food staple for many indigenous people. The rarest of 
  the thirteen Abada types however, is the Abadauna, better known 
  as the Thundercloud Unicorn.
  The Thundercloud Unicorn is the size of a small pony, but 
  has the body shape of a gazelle. It is instantly recognizable by 
  its long, single horn that grows from the forehead. The animal’s 
  pelt is a light tan color with a white underbelly and a distinctive 
  black, lightning bolt stripe running along each side of the animal. 
  The stubby tail is shaped like that of a bear’s and it is also black 
  on top with a white underside. The single horn is thin, tall (2-3 
  feet/0.6 to 0.9 m) and has the spiral ribbing that is common to 
  gazelle/Abada. In the wild, females give birth to one young after 
  a gestation period of 12 months. They live in small herds called 
  “families,” 3D4+2 members strong, with the young achieving 
  adulthood at seven years of age. Members of the “family” watch 
  out for each other. An entire family of Unicorn is a rare sight, and 
  encounters are usually with a single animal or a pair.
  Whether this animal is a result of M-Rad mutation or de-
  liberate genetic tampering is unknown. What is certain is the 
  Abadauna possesses supernatural abilities and high animal in-
  telligence. Though most reject the idea, some people insist the 
  Thundercloud Unicorn may have human-level intelligence. In-
  deed, there are rumors and legends of Thundercloud Unicorns 
  coming to the aid of humanoids in distress and even protecting 
  them from wild beasts. They are said to have led children to safe-
  ty, lost travelers to water or food, or to a place of shelter or where 
  they can be found by rescue teams. Likewise, there are reports of 
  Thundercloud Unicorns having led rescue teams to those trapped, 
  injured or unconscious, and there are tales of them even fending 
  off animal predators to protect an innocent.
  Thundercloud Unicorns seem able to tell good people from 
  evil ones, and naturally help the former and avoid the latter. They 
  are especially fond of children and are said to sometimes play 
  with them and allow small children to ride on their back. Unlike 
  most Abada which live in grassy plains, the Abadauna/Thunder-
  cloud Unicorn seems to prefer meadows and fields of flowers, but 
  may be found in almost any environment with lush vegetation, be 
  it a meadow, grassland, forest or jungle. The only environments 
  where the Unicorn is not usually encountered is deserts, the ruins 
  of civilization and urban settings.
  
  88
  Stranger still is that the Thundercloud Unicorn is known to 
  exist on at least two dozen different worlds – which should be im-
  possible, as most animals are indigenous to one planet and have 
  no means of traveling to other worlds. Yet, it is said the Thunder-
  cloud Unicorns inhabit hundreds of planets scattered across the 
  galaxy. This might be possible on worlds subject to dimensional 
  anomalies, and has been known to happen here and there, but not 
  dozens or hundreds of planets. This suggests that at one time the 
  Thundercloud Unicorn might have been a pet or “seed” animal 
  used in terra-forming planets, but if so, it was done by an ancient 
  and lost civilization. The only other possible explanation is that 
  the Unicorns are or were, at some point in their past, dimensional 
  travelers. The latter seems extremely unlikely, but it is a possibil-
  ity. Some people believe the Thundercloud Unicorn was created 
  and seeded across the Thundercloud Galaxy by the Cosmic Forge 
  or the First Race, and as such, the majority of Forge worshipers 
  consider the animal to be sacred and never hunt or capture one. 
  These faithful believe that even seeing the unicorn, let alone hav-
  ing a close encounter, is good luck. Having one play with your 
  child is a sign that the child is destined for greatness.
  Not all people see the Thundercloud Unicorn as holy. In fact, 
  the Splugorth are said to use its horn, hooves and other body parts 
  in Bio-Wizardry and the creation of Rune weapons. Among the 
  Kasaro, it is said the horn of the Unicorn is a natural anti-tox-
  in and has powerful healing properties. The Kasaro also claim 
  that keeping one captive is a sure way to ward off demons and 
  evil spirits. Many exotic game hunters see the animal as nothing 
  more than a prize to bag and mount on their wall. Thundercloud 
  Unicorns seem able to sense danger long before a hunter can get 
  close enough to observe and shoot it. The creature also seems 
  able to somehow conceal or cover its tracks and there are many 
  stories of how the Unicorn’s trail simply stops, as if it continued 
  on by walking through the air. Worshipers of the Cosmic Forge 
  insist this is more evidence of the animal’s divinity, while natu-
  ralists claim it points to the animal’s high level of intelligence and 
  capacity to reason.
  Abadauna [Pronounced Ah bah dah ooh nah]
  A member of the Abada family of Thundercloud antelope.
  Also known as the Thundercloud Unicorn.
  Alignment: Good only; Principled 50% and Scrupulous 50%.
  Attributes: *I.Q. 2D4+8, M.E. 2D4+14, M.A. 2D4+16, P.S. 
  3D4+12 (Supernatural), P.P. 2D4+18, P.E. 2D4+14 (Super-
  natural), P.B. 3D4+14, Spd 3D4x10 +22; never slower than 
  70 (50 mph/80 km).
  * Intelligence is near human, though the Thundercloud 
  Unicorns are creatures of nature, instinct and empathy. They 
  live off the land, have no use for technology, including magic, 
  and rely on their natural abilities.
  M.D.C.: 4D4x10 base +2D6 per level of experience. (In S.D.C. 
  settings the Thundercloud Unicorn has 2D4x10 Hit Points and 
  1D4x10+30 S.D.C.)
  Size: Small; average height at the shoulders is 3-4 feet (0.9 to 
  1.2 m).
  Weight: 200-350 pounds (90-158 kg).
  Awe Factor: 11
  P.P.E.: 4D6
  I.S.P.: M.E. attribute number x5, plus 1D6 per level of experi-
  ence.
  Average Life Span: Unknown. 1,000 years according to legend, 
  but more likely 1D4x100 years.
  Natural Abilities: Run at 50 mph (80 km) or faster, leap up to 12 
  feet (3.6 m) high and 16 feet (4.8 m) lengthwise, double with 
  a running start; nightvision 300 feet (91.5 m; can see in total 
  darkness), never tires (Supernatural P.E.), heals three times 
  faster than a human.
  Also see psionics. Cannot read or speak, but does have 
  a range of whinnying, whines, purrs, snorts and grunts. The 
  Thundercloud Unicorns use their psionic powers to get a good 
  read on people and situations, are very empathic by nature, 
  and can somewhat communicate via body language, head mo-
  tions, and actions.
  Vulnerabilities: Magic weapons inflict double damage.
  Attacks/Actions per Melee: Four.
  Equivalent Skills: Somehow (magically?) understands all lan-
  guages, but is illiterate and cannot speak, land navigation 
  98%, wilderness survival 90%, identify plants 80%, holistic 
  medicine 50%.
  Mega-Damage: The M.D. from kick attacks varies according to 
  Supernatural P.S.; stomp attacks do one third damage. Horn 
  attacks inflict 1D6 M.D. to mortal Mega-Damage creatures, 
  but do 1D6x10 M.D. to evil supernatural monsters, demons 
  and Deevils.
  Bonuses: +3 on Perception Rolls, +1 to strike and parry, +2 to 
  dodge and disarm, +4 to roll with impact, and +3 to save vs 
  magic and possession.
  Magic: None, although their horn has innate properties.
  Psionics: Sense Evil, Sense Magic, Sense Time and Sixth Sense 
  (all automatic, and require no I.S.P. Range is 600 feet/182 m). 
  Other psionic powers include: Clairvoyance (4), Empathy (4), 
  Levitation (varies), Meditation (0), Object Read (6), Presence 
  Sense (4), See Aura (6), See the Invisible (4), Telekinetic Leap 
  (8), Telekinetic Lift (6), Telekinetic Push (4), Read Dimen-
  sional Portal (6), and Remote Viewing (10).
  Healing – must touch a person/animal with its horn: Dead-
  en Pain (4), Healing Touch (6), Increased Healing (10), and 
  Psychic Purification (8).
  Special Psionic: Communication between themselves and oth-
  er Abada is done via verbal sounds as well as Telepathy and 
  Empathy at no I.S.P. cost and at a 1,200 foot (366 m) range. 
  To communicate with other life forms the creature must use 
  its other psionic abilities, body language and animal sounds 
  (snorts, grunts, whinnies, etc.).
  Allies: None, per se.
  Enemies: The Kasaro, galactic game hunters, slavers, large pred-
  ators, and most evil beings.
  Value: Much like the unicorn of lore, a live Abada can be nearly 
  priceless. A zoo or private preserve will pay 1D6 million credits 
  per animal. They cannot be domesticated or turned into work 
  animals, despite many people’s desire to do so. The horns can 
  fetch 2D6x100,000 credits from an Alchemist or evil Techno-
  Wizard because of their healing and toxin-negating properties. 
  However, to remove the horns, one must kill the Abada first! 
  Magic uses: The severed horns can be used as a magical battery 
  that always contains 1D4x10 P.P.E., and can hold as much as 
  120 P.P.E. The horn can be smashed into a powder and turned 
  into a potion that will negate any and all poisoning.
  Habitat: Found on all life supporting planets within the Heoda 
  Cluster and many other planets where there is plentiful wilder-
  
  89
  ness areas and wide open spaces. Tend to prefer cooler, more 
  mountainous terrain rather than the deserts and rocky canyons 
  that tend to dominate those worlds. Rare and shy creatures, 
  it is believed there are seldom more than a few hundred to a 
  thousand on a typical continent. This may have more to do 
  with their long life span than anything else. According to leg-
  end, there is a planet somewhere in which there are millions of 
  Thundercloud Unicorns roaming happy and free.
  Note: Non-magical Abada are gazelle-like animals with 2-4 
  horns, have the same basic stats as the Thundercloud Unicorn, 
  except they are 30-50% larger, have a low animal intelligence, 
  and do NOT possess any psionic powers, magic, awareness 
  or special affinity for people. Value is 2D4x10 credits for 
  their horn, 2D6x10 credits for their meat, and 1D4x100 for 
  their pelt. They are found where the Thundercloud Unicorn is 
  found, as well as hundreds of other worlds.
  Abatwa
  Available as an optional Player Character
  The Abatwa are Faerie Folk; that is, tiny creatures of magic 
  not too dissimilar from those found throughout the Megaverse. 
  The Abatwa are minute, wingless, attractive, dark skinned hu-
  manoids, who wear only the most minimal of clothing and adorn 
  themselves in bracelets and necklaces made of colorful plant 
  seeds. Both male and female Abatwa are bald and have glowing 
  blue eyes. Abatwa are the smallest of all their fey kin. It is said 
  in folklore that the Abatwa can ride on the backs of beetles, but-
  terflies, mice and sparrows, and can hide beneath a single leaf of a 
  dandelion. Indeed, the average Abatwa stands no more than three 
  inches (7.6 cm) tall. As a result, they have an inferiority complex 
  and do not associate with most other Faerie Folk, and only rarely 
  appear to mortals and other “big folk.”
  If a person should come upon an Abatwa in the wilderness, 
  the first question out of the tiny creature’s mouth is likely to be, 
  “When did you first see me?” If the reply is along the lines of 
  “from a distance” (50 feet/15.2 m fits the bill, farther is even 
  better), then the Abatwa smiles and is likely to be satisfied and 
  friendly, for only a creature of considerable stature could be seen 
  from a distance. If however, a person were to answer that they did 
  not see him until a moment ago or a few feet away – or worse, 
  practically stepped on the tiny fellow before noticing him, the 
  Abatwa is grumpy and dismissive. He might even be incensed, 
  and is almost certain to cause the person trouble, lie to him or 
  mislead him, and even attack the big person with minuscule but 
  highly poisonous arrows. Stepping on an Abatwa or treating 
  them as unimportant or insignificant, even by accident, is to bring 
  trouble and chaos, even death. An angry or insulted Abatwa is 
  likely to follow the “big mean ones,” gathering an additional 1D6 
  Abatwa along the way, and doing things to cause them trouble 
  and suffering. This includes leading other animals into the adven-
  turers camp, causing riding animals to run off, provoke predators 
  to attack and acts of sabotage. (Note: One might recover from 
  insulting an Abatwa by telling the tiny Faerie that the reason he 
  wasn’t seen sooner was because he hides so well, followed by 
  praise for his stealth and hunting abilities. Telling the Abatwa 
  
  90
  that so and so lied so as to not look like a fool for having not no-
  ticed such a dynamic warrior, and other forms of flattery can also 
  turn things around quickly.)
  This is not to say that the Abatwa are evil, just vain and touchy 
  about their size. Indeed, the minuscule Faerie folk are known to 
  aid the helpless and unfortunate, leading the lost back to a trail, 
  providing them with food or leading them to water or fruit on a 
  tree, even chasing off predators. Appeal to an Abatwa’s vanity 
  well enough, and the little fellow may agree to do scouting or 
  fight alongside of you. However, most only allow themselves to 
  be seen by small children aged four and under, magicians, and 
  pregnant women. In fact, it is said that if a woman sees one dur-
  ing the seventh month of her pregnancy she shall have a boy.
  Despite their size issues, the Abatwa have a dour and pragmat-
  ic world view. Whereas other faeries live immortal lives of frivol-
  ity and song. They live in nomadic tribes, several dozen members 
  strong, moving from place to place and gathering nuts, berries, 
  and morning dew. While they are too large to ride about on the 
  backs of ants, they often use mice and goliath beetles (which grow 
  nearly six inches/15 cm long) as mounts. They do sing and dance, 
  but only among the members of their own tribe, and only at night 
  around a tiny bonfire. Being so small and stealthy, Abatwa are 
  all but invisible in tall grass, fields of flowers and among jungle 
  plants under which to hide. Curious of other beings, especially 
  Big Folk, the Abatwa may tail a group of explorers for miles 
  and miles, and know rumors and happenings going on within a 
  50 mile (80 km) radius. They take a very dim view of those who 
  would simply raze the wilderness in order to construct a house or 
  shopping mall, and may cause trouble for the construction crew 
  responsible. As the number of colonists increases, conflict with 
  many an ignorant outsider is inevitable. Their favorite types of 
  people are those who try to live in harmony with nature.
  Abatwa [pronounced Ah baht wah]
  Alignment: Anarchist (50%), Unprincipled (30%), Scrupulous 
  (5%) and evil (any; 15%).
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+5, M.A. 1D6+5, M.E. 1D6+5, P.S. 1D6+3, 
  P.P. 2D6+5, P.E. 1D6+5, P.B. 2D6+11, Spd 3D6+9 running 
  (have no wings and therefore cannot fly under their own pow-
  er, but can ride on the backs of large insects and small wild 
  animals such as mice).
  M.D.C.: 3D6+7
  Size: 2-3 inches tall (5.1-7.6 cm). Half as tall as most other faerie 
  folk.
  Weight: About three ounces (85 grams)
  Average Life Span: Effectively immortal, and can only die by 
  being slain.
  Horror/Awe Factor: 7 for one, 10 for a group of six or more and 
  14 if facing down a tribe of 50 or more!
  P.P.E.: 1D4x100 (less than true, winged Faeries and Pixies), 
  plus they can automatically draw on ley lines same as the Line 
  Walker O.C.C.
  I.S.P.: 2D6
  Natural Abilities: Nightvision 200 feet (61 m; can see in total 
  darkness), see the invisible, keen normal vision, sense the lo-
  cation of water and ley lines: 80% up to a five mile (8 km) 
  range.
  Vulnerabilities: None per se, but like most faerie folk, they can-
  not step on or over salt.
  Attacks per Melee: Four physical actions, or three magical 
  spells, or any combination of the two.
  Equivalent Skills: Understand and speaks Faerie and Gobblely 
  at 98%, magically understand and speak other languages at 
  66%, Climb 80/70%, Cook 70%, Horsemanship: Exotic 75% 
  (small animals and insects), Identify Plants & Fruits 80%, 
  Land Navigation 82%, Lore: Faeries 90%, Preserve Food 
  70%, Tailing 85%, Track & Trap Animals 70%, Tracking 
  (People) 90%, Prowl 90% in the wild among vegetation or 
  70% indoors, Swim 75%, Wilderness Survival 90%, W.P. Ar-
  chery and W.P. Spear.
  Damage: As per P.S. attribute. Their tiny, poisoned arrows and 
  spears inflict one S.D.C. from the weapon itself plus poison. 
  Lethal poison does 4D6 S.D.C. per arrow unless a successful 
  roll of 14 or greater is made to save. They also have a poison 
  that does 1D6 M.D. to Mega-Damage creatures. The range of 
  their bows is a surprising 20 feet (6.1 m). They may also use 
  magic.
  Bonuses: (in addition to any possible attribute bonuses) +2 to 
  strike, parry, and dodge; +3 to initiative, +2 to roll with impact 
  or fall. They are also +6 to save versus Horror Factor, and 
  have +2 to save against all forms of magic.
  Magic: The Abatwa have a selection of innate magical spells in-
  stinctively known to each of them. Each spell can be cast as 
  often as desired without drawing on their personal P.P.E. re-
  serves. HOWEVER, they cannot cast the same spell more than 
  once on the same person within a 24 hour period. Magic that 
  affects only themselves, such as Tongues or Invisibility, does 
  not carry this limitation, and can be cast upon oneself as often 
  as desired, but the Abatwa are immune to each other’s spells. 
  The saving throw against their power is 14 or higher, and all 
  Abtwa spells are equal to those of a sixth level wizard in terms 
  of damage, duration, and range. Cannot learn additional mag-
  ic. They do not possess “Jinx Magic” or the “Faerie’s Dance,” 
  though they wish they did.
  Spells of the Abatwa: Befuddle, Cleanse, Fear, Float in Air, 
  Death Word (typically used only if they are stepped on), Invis-
  ibility (simple), and Tongues. Considered to be a tenth level in 
  terms of damage, range, and duration.
  Psionics: None.
  Allies: None per se, tend to stick to themselves. In a pinch, they 
  can turn to other Faeries, Sprites, Pixies and Brownies, and 
  sometimes, a befriended humanoid.
  Enemies: Dedicated enemies include the Splugorth and their 
  minions, demons, Deevils, evil wizards, Alchemists, and those 
  with a total disregard for the environment. Abatwa are wary of 
  most mortal “Big Folk,” and almost never associate with other 
  Faeries to whom they feel inferior.
  Value: Abatwa have no wings, so their alchemical value is some-
  what low – 4D4x1,000 credits, at best, much less than what 
  other Faeries are worth. Used mostly as P.P.E. batteries in cer-
  tain Bio-Wizard and Rune items where their small size and 
  good level of P.P.E. is handy.
  Habitat: Found on worlds throughout the eastern Thundercloud, 
  especially within the Shing Pride Worlds.
  
  91
  Adze
  Also known as the Blood Beetle
  Not all the dangers in the Thundercloud Galaxy are giant mon-
  sters or alien raiders. Some are the size of a peanut still in its 
  shell, or at least it is when dealing with the Adze, also known as 
  the Blood Beetle or Demon Light. The Adze appears as a small, 
  hideous beetle covered in sharp thorn-like barbs, so that even the 
  act of stepping on one in bare feet or swatting it away with your 
  hand pricks the skin and draws blood. The Adze is a vampire that 
  feeds on blood, and even a drop will send the little monster flut-
  tering to the ground after it.
  Like so many creatures in the Thundercloud Galaxy, the 
  Blood Beetle is much more than it appears to be at first glance. 
  The bug is really an ancient species of demon that predates the 
  Demons of Hades. As an evil supernatural being, it possesses a 
  degree of demonic powers and wicked intent. Its goals: To prey 
  upon the innocent, make people suffer and create confusion and 
  chaos wherever it goes.
  The monster’s primary form is that of an ugly beetle with all 
  sorts of barbs, spikes and wicked looking appendages. Like most 
  insects, the Adze has an iridescent bluish-grey outer shell and 
  gossamer wings that fold up and are concealed behind an external 
  shell covering like a beetle. When it takes flight its lower abdo-
  men glows a faint, blood red.
  When angry, captured or cornered, the Adze is capable of en-
  larging itself into a four foot (1.2 m) tall, giant insect with large, 
  biting serrated mandibles, slashing feet and frightening appear-
  ance. Its blazing red eyes and high-pitched chittering are warning 
  signs that it will kill anyone who comes within 10 feet (3 m) of it. 
  If attacked first, the giant bug lunges at the nearest attacker and 
  fights to the death.
  It is ironic, but the hideous insect is most dangerous when it 
  is in its tiny, insect form, for it is as a little flying beetle that 
  the Adze can mind control people and cause them to do terrible 
  things.
  The Adze’s power to control others. To seize control of one 
  or more individuals, the Adze must wait until dark. When the sun 
  goes down the Blood Beetle takes flight to dance in the night air, 
  tracing intricate patterns and arcane magic symbols in the dark 
  with its glowing crimson tail. It is a sight to behold and always 
  attracts attention, however, this is how the monster seizes control 
  of people, and those in the know will immediately look away and 
  try to get others to do likewise. Even looking up to chase and 
  strike the demon insect is dangerous because you might fall under 
  its spell. The moment the light show begins, everyone who sees 
  it rolls to save vs being fascinated, even mesmerized by the en-
  chanting display. A 16 or higher is needed to save. Those who fail 
  to save are not frightened or harmed, they just become fascinated 
  and stand still, watching the show. This, in turn, attracts others 
  to come and watch too (roll to save, 16 or higher). Those who 
  save vs mesmerism are safe for the rest of that melee round (the 
  remaining 15 seconds) and can shield their eyes, forcibly cover 
  the eyes/faces of others, or attack the little thing (attacks are -3 to 
  strike). However, each new melee round, individuals who saved 
  must keep their eyes averted. Looking at the light/Adze even for 
  a second requires another saving throw. When the individual fails 
  to save, he stands there watching the Adze draw symbols and pat-
  terns in the night air. All who watch slowly lose their will as the 
  magic symbols mesmerize them. The process of seizing control 
  of the viewing audience takes 1D6+1 minutes.
  
  92
  The Adze can place as many as 2D6+12 observers into a trance 
  and keep them standing in place like mindless statues, their minds 
  blank and oblivious to everything going on around them for up 
  to one hour. When they awaken, it seems as if only a minute 
  has gone by. While entranced as statues, they can be taken away 
  without resistance. For the Adze, this is one way for the Blood 
  Beetle to gorge itself, drinking a pint of blood from each victim 
  without them ever realizing it. All they notice later is a bug bite 
  like a large mosquito bite on their neck, face, arm, hand or other 
  exposed area of flesh.
  In the alternative, the malicious Adze – which is a demon let’s 
  not forget – can compel them to perform a simple task or to run 
  wild for an hour. That task is often an act of mindless violence 
  such as smashing windows and destroying property, knocking 
  down fences, tearing down signs, chasing house pets or farm ani-
  mals, trashing food supplies and so on. As a rule, people are at-
  tacked by the violent mob only when they try to stop them or get 
  in their way. Even then, the entranced people only fight with their 
  fists and any melee weapon handy to them, only to get the person 
  to unhand them or get out of their way. This can be bad enough 
  when one Adze takes control of a dozen or two innocent people. 
  It is bedlam when several Adze unleash scores of people on a 
  rampage. Note: Mesmerized victims possess half their normal 
  number of attacks and combat bonuses, and only inflict half their 
  usual damage with bare hands and blunt weapons to attack. Any 
  guns in their hands are used as a club and not as a ranged weapon.
  Each Adze can also control their own set of entranced victims 
  like simpleminded robots to gather and block a road, tear down a 
  gate, gather at the entrance of a building to prevent those inside 
  from leaving, or to seek out and capture one particular person or a 
  small group (6-8 people). Being simpleminded robots, however, 
  they stop attacking as soon as their victim stops moving. (Playing 
  dead has a 75% chance of working and can be tried every melee 
  round. Roll once for the entire attacking crowd.)
  Saving Throw vs Mesmerism/Trance: This is a magic at-
  tack, so psychics don’t get any special bonus to save, but bonuses 
  to save vs magic apply. A 16 or higher is necessary to save. Once 
  entranced the character remains entranced. Victims pulled away 
  or have their heads covered so they can’t see the light show BE-
  FORE the 1D6+1 minutes to completely entrance them, snap out 
  of their stupor in 1D4+2 melee rounds. Until then they have only 
  one melee attack, no bonuses and act like they are sleepwalking. 
  They can be pulled and led by the hand, and will run along with 
  their rescuer, but do not have their faculties or wits about them 
  until the 1D4+2 melee rounds pass.
  When the trance ends an hour later – or upon the death of 
  the controlling Adze – victims snap out of the trance within 1D6 
  minutes. However, while coming out of their stupor their minds 
  are foggy as if waking up from a dream they can’t quite remem-
  ber. That’s a blessing, because it means they do not remember 
  anything they did while in a trance state, however, while hazy, 
  reduce Spd and skill performance by 20%, and attacks and com-
  bat bonuses are at half.
  For total control over one single victim, the horrid beetle 
  burrows into the back of the skull (takes two melee rounds to 
  accomplish) and latches onto nerve endings along the spine. This 
  enables the Adze to utterly dominate its victim, overriding their 
  mind and controlling the body like a puppet. Again, the Adze 
  cannot make its victim kill or maim themselves, but it can ma-
  nipulate the body to say and do just about anything short of it. 
  A creature of chaos, the beetle controls its victim to cause pain, 
  confusion and danger for others. As intelligent as any human, 
  the Adze may manipulate its humanoid puppet to trick others or 
  incite violence. Saving Throw: 15 or higher. A successful save 
  means the victim is free of the monster’s control but feels a bit 
  hazy (-1 attack per melee round, -1 on all combat bonuses, -5% 
  on skill performance). Unless noticed and somehow removed or 
  lured out, the Blood Beetle may remain inside the skull as long 
  as it wants to, and it can try to seize mind control once every 
  24 hours. As a creature of chaos, the Adze has no patience and 
  leaves after three successive failures to seize control.
  To kill an Adze. This diminutive demonic creature of chaos, 
  like a true vampire, is impervious to most S.D.C. and M.D. weap-
  ons, including poison, lasers, particle beams, rail gun rounds, 
  missiles, explosives, and even nuclear or anti-matter detona-
  tions. Likewise, many magical spells have little to no effect on 
  it, though magical energy blasts (fire, electricity, etc.) as well as 
  those of Cosmo-Knights, inflict half damage. The only things that 
  can hurt the vile creature are weapons made of wood or silver.
  Combating the Adze is further complicated by the fact that 
  it almost never does anything directly itself, preferring to take 
  control of innocent people via mind control and trickery to create 
  havoc. Likewise, the Adze can create a wicked henchman known 
  as the Beetle Witch and is likely to have 1D4 Beetle Witches 
  nearby to provide help and protection. Note: The Adze Beetle 
  Witch is described below under Natural Abilities.
  Feeding. The Adze enjoy eating honey, coconut oil and palm 
  water, which are like candy to it, but its mainstay is blood. Unlike 
  many other vampires however, the Adze is not dead/undead, it is 
  a demon. It is also very, very particular about the kind of blood 
  that it drinks. A Blood Beetle can drink the blood of any human-
  oid, but it is said the Adze prefers to drink “the blood of the in-
  nocent,” thus it feeds on children whenever possible. In its small, 
  insect form, the demon insect enters a house and attaches itself to 
  the neck or head of a sleeping child, where the bite is less likely 
  to be noticed, and drinks. At least one whole pint of blood is 
  consumed every evening. This is especially disturbing when one 
  considers that an 80 pound child (36 kg) has four pints of blood, 
  half the volume of an adult. Thankfully, only one Adze claims 
  a child as its prey at a time, but it will return to feast night after 
  night. The loss of blood makes the child pale, weak and anemic. 
  Of course, if there are multiple children living in a house or vil-
  lage (or space colony), then it can visit a different child every few 
  nights, letting the others recuperate for a bit. It takes 4-6 weeks 
  for a victimized child to replace the blood which has been lost, 
  so if the same child is visited a several nights in a row, he could 
  die in less than a week. After a third night of feeding in a row, the 
  child lapses into a light coma. After five consecutive feedings, the 
  child dies. The only saving grace is that victims who are killed in 
  such a way do not rise from the grave at any time, nor become an 
  Adze, they just die.
  Of course, in the modern era, certain protections can be taken 
  to ward off or deter an Adze, including the use of force fields, 
  sleeping within an environmentally sealed space, and, depending 
  on the village or colony, the use of mystical protection circles 
  and charms. Disabling and undermining these defenses is a job 
  that will be left to the Adze’s witches. Therefore, not only will 
  the people in the village be forced to fight the Adze, but at the 
  same time, they will have to figure out who among them is a 
  traitorous Adze Witch. The attacks only stop when the monster 
  
  93
  is destroyed, but how is one supposed to find a specific firefly in 
  the midst of a jungle or forest full of them? For many, the answer 
  is to bait the Adze somehow, leading it into a trap. Once caught, 
  it transforms into its giant size (it has no choice in the matter), 
  and can then be beaten with sticks, shot with silver bullets or 
  stabbed with silver plated blades, and magically set aflame until 
  it is destroyed.
  If for some reason the Adze is denied blood for more than a 
  month, it will go into a feeding frenzy and do anything to get 
  food, probably attacking in its larger form. A frenzied Adze fights 
  savagely, attacking and killing every adult who crosses its path. 
  The monster drinks their blood but gets one quarter the nurish-
  ment from it. Note: While in this state of starvation, all the de-
  mon’s skills and combat bonuses are reduced by half.
  Adze [pronounced: add zee]
  Also known as Blood Beetle and Demon Light.
  Alignment: Diabolic only.
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D6+9, M.E. 2D6+7, M.A. 1D6, P.S. 1D4 as 
  an insect, 2D6+16 in giant form, P.P. 1D6+11, P.E. 1D6+13, 
  P.B. 1D6, Spd 1D6+6 as an insect (triple speed when flying), 
  1D6+17 running in giant form (cannot fly as a giant).
  Size: One and a half inches (3.8 cm) long as an insect. Four feet 
  (1.2 m) tall and 7 feet (2.1 m) long in giant form.
  Weight: As a beetle, weight is .035 ounces (one gram). In giant 
  form, 500 pounds (225 kg).
  M.D.C.: 4D6x10+13 M.D.C., whether the monster is a tiny bug 
  or the size of a sofa.
  Horror Factor: 13 only when one realizes what the beetle is, 15 
  in withered humanoid form.
  P.P.E.: 1D4x100
  I.S.P.: 2D4x10
  Disposition: Selfish, cruel and evil, the demon sees all sentient 
  life forms as prey and playthings. It loves to create confusion, 
  panic and chaos almost as much as it enjoys preying upon and 
  slaying children. Adze are bloodthirsty monsters with no re-
  deeming virtues.
  Average Life Span: Effectively immortal until destroyed.
  Experience Level: 1D6+1.
  Natural Abilities: Nightvision (1600 feet/488 m), see the invis-
  ible, speak, flight (insect form only), impervious to poisons 
  and chemicals, and does not require air to breathe, can smell 
  blood up to one mile (1.6 km) away. Impervious to knockout 
  and stun attacks, all forms of mind control, and magical or 
  psionic paralysis or sleep induction. The Adze does not radiate 
  heat, and the light from their tails cannot be picked up on ei-
  ther ultraviolet or infrared wavelengths (fireflies emit neither). 
  Bio-Regenerates 2D6 M.D.C. per melee round.
  Mesmerism and Mind Control (special): As described previ-
  ously. Also see Psionics.
  Impervious to Most Weapons (special): Like a vampire, ordi-
  nary weapons do no damage to the cursed thing.
  However, any type of wooden weapons do full damage. 
  Even an ordinary, S.D.C. wood club or broomstick does the 
  equivalent of M.D. to the Adze. Thus, if a wooden club nor-
  mally does 1D6 S.D.C. damage, it inflicts 1D6 M.D. to the 
  Adze. Silver is even more deadly, inflicting double damage. 
  Thus, a silver coated dagger that normally does 1D6 S.D.C. 
  does 2D6 M.D. to the Adze. Magic fire and energy blasts do 
  half damage. The same for energy blasts from Cosmo-Knights. 
  See Vulnerabilities for full details.
  Grow to Giant-Size (special): The Adze can grow from the 
  size of a peanut to a four foot (1.2 m) tall, 7 foot (2.1 m) long, 
  giant version of itself. In this form, its bite does 3D6 damage, a 
  claw strike does 3D6 M.D., it has five attacks per melee round 
  and is a bloodthirsty combatant, though it mainly fights only 
  long enough to escape, grow small again and fly away. How-
  ever, should the monster be feeling petulant, it may transform 
  into its giant humanoid shape at will and can maintain it until 
  the sun rises. Cannot turn giant-size in daylight.
  Creation of Beetle Witch (special): The Adze can share a bit of 
  its supernatural and magical powers those who willingly serve 
  it. These lost souls are known as Beetle Witches and are, as a 
  rule, tormented, vengeful and cruel people to begin with. The 
  Adze bites its willing henchman in the back of the neck where 
  the monster imparts a tiny fragment of its evil essence into 
  the victim’s mind. This instills the Beetle Witch with magical 
  powers and supernatural abilities. That person is now a servant 
  to the Adze, able to hear the wishes of the creature, regard-
  less of distance, until such time as the beetle is destroyed or 
  the witch is slain. A successful Exorcism (reduce chance for 
  success by half) only restores the Witch to his original state of 
  mind for 1D6 hours, and as noted, since the individual is likely 
  to have been wicked or demented with murderous thoughts of 
  vengeance to begin with, the change is not likely to be much 
  of an improvement. The powers granted to the Beetle Witch 
  are temporarily gone, but that only makes him or her enraged 
  and more vengeful.
  The Powers of the Beetle Witch include:
  Alignment: Anarchist (15%), Miscreant (45%), Diabolic 
  (40%).
  P.S. Attribute: Becomes the equivalent of Augmented P.S. If 
  Augmented P.S. to begin with, P.S. becomes equal to Robotic 
  P.S.
  M.D.C.: Becomes a minor Mega-Damage creature. Add Hit 
  Points and S.D.C. together, and the combined number is the 
  total M.D.C. of the Beetle Witch. If the character was a mortal 
  M.D.C. being to begin with, increase M.D.C. by 30%.
  Bio-Regeneration: 1D6 M.D.C. per melee round.
  Bonuses: +1 to strike and parry, +2 to save vs mind control 
  and magic attacks, and +4 to save vs possession and Horror 
  Factor.
  Fly: 30 mph (48 km), maximum altitude 3,000 feet (914 m).
  Insanities: Roll once under Phobia, once under Obsession and 
  once under Psychosis Table.
  Nightvision: 1,000 feet (305 m).
  Psionic Powers of the Beetle Witch: Hypnotic Suggestion, 
  Sense Evil, and Empathic Transmission. I.S.P. is M.E. attri-
  bute number x2.
  The Hunger: Beetle Witches crave blood and raw meat for 
  food; ideally the blood or flesh of humanoids. Many target 
  children, teenagers and/or young women. Like the Adze de-
  mon they serve, Beetle Witches crave chaos, confusion and 
  suffering for enjoyment.
  Vulnerabilities (Adze): Like most vampires, the Adze is harmed 
  by weapons made of wood and silver. Wood does full damage. 
  Silver does double damage. Magic energy attacks and “cosmic 
  energy” blasts do only one-half their normal damage. Holy 
  symbols and magical circles of protection hold Adze and their 
  
  94
  witches at bay, as will the leaves of the aloe vera plant (worn 
  around the neck, or suspended above windows and doors). 
  Sunlight is anathema to them: reduce the number of attacks 
  and speed attribute to one-third, and Adze cannot use any 
  of their powers in daylight, even if a gloomy day. They can, 
  however, use their powers during the daytime but only in dark 
  areas. Running water and bodies of water such as lakes and 
  rivers pose no danger to the beetle.
  Attacks per Melee: Five attacks per melee whether tiny or giant-
  sized.
  Equivalent Skills: Biology 75%, Climb 95%, Land Navigation 
  79%, Prowl 75% (insect size only), Swim 60%, Track People 
  77%, and magically understands all languages. The demon re-
  lies on its Beetle Witch to take care of any other needs.
  Mega-Damage: As a small beetle, as per mesmerism, mind con-
  trol and drinking of blood described previously. As a giant, 
  hideous beetle see Grow to Giant Size under Natural Abilities, 
  above.
  Bonuses as a Small Insect: +1 on initiative, +1 to strike, +5 to 
  automatic dodge (the act of dodging does not use up a melee 
  attack).
  Bonuses as a Giant Monster Insect: +2 on initiative, +3 to 
  strike and parry, +1 to automatic dodge (the act of dodging 
  does not use up a melee attack). +5 to save vs Horror Factor 
  and impervious to possession and mind control at either size.
  Magic: None, other than its innate abilities as described (mes-
  merism, mind control, create Beetle Witch, etc.).
  Psionics: Deaden Pain, Induce Sleep, Death Trance (1), Empa-
  thy, Mind Block, Presence Sense, Sense Evil, and Telepathy. 
  The Adze is considered a Major psychic, and only needs 12 or 
  higher to save against psionic attacks; is impervious to mind 
  control and possession.
  Telepathic Link to Beetle Witch (special): The Adze can sense 
  when one of its Beetle Witches is within 10 miles (16 km), is 
  in pain or has been killed. It can instantly speak to any number 
  of its witches within a 1000 mile (1,600 km) radius of itself, 
  giving them commands or summoning them to come to its aid. 
  This power costs no I.S.P.
  Habitat: Found all throughout the Thundercloud Galaxy, but are 
  especially common on the magic-rich planets of the Crèche 
  Clouds. Prefer jungle and forest climates, but can be encoun-
  tered anywhere, including ruins and dark places.
  Slave Market Value: The Splugorth will pay a bounty of one 
  million credits for every Adze delivered to them, dead or alive 
  (preferably dead).
  Allies: With the exception of the witches it creates, and other 
  Blood Beetles, the Adze has no use for anyone. Thankfully, 
  Adze tend to travel alone, in pairs and sometimes in small 
  groups of 3-6, seldom more than that.
  Enemies: All sentient beings are seen as prey. Priests, Medicine 
  Men, mages, Undead Slayers, the Splugorth (enslave them 
  and use them in Bio-Wizardry), and Cosmo-Knights are all 
  considered to be natural enemies. They hate the Demons of 
  Hades who are regarded as upstarts and rivals, and dislike 
  most other supernatural beings except those who promote cha-
  os. The Adze despise being trapped, magically enslaved, or 
  otherwise made subservient, and exact a gruesome vengeance 
  upon those who try to capture them once they break free.
  Batamzinga
  Also known as the Lizard Bat
  The Batamzinga is a species of reptilian creature reminiscent 
  to Earth’s pterodactyl. Their skin is rough with large, scales and is 
  red to reddish brown in color. They have an elongated, powerful 
  beak filled with teeth, and large wings, each tipped with a sharp, 
  hooked claw. The hind legs end in clawed, finger-like talons, but 
  they are small and stunted, good for little more than perching on 
  a branch, cliff or other outcropping. The creature catches and car-
  ries prey in its tooth-filled mouth. Batamzinga are versatile crea-
  tures that make their homes in the sides of ocean cliffs, along river 
  banks that have an abundance of large trees in which to roost, 
  and around swamps and marshlands. The creature eats just about 
  anything, from fish and animals to carrion and humanoids. A 
  Batamzinga wouldn’t normally attack prey the size of a man, but 
  humanoids have proven to be slow, soft, easy prey. The reptilian 
  predator may hunt alone or in pairs, it also gathers in flocks of 
  1D4x10, sometimes two or three times that size. Batamzinga that 
  gather in large flocks are much more audacious, and are known to 
  attack very large creatures. Against humanoids, 2D4 Batamzinga 
  may swarm and surround the person, each taking their turn biting 
  at the poor soul. However, as soon as one of the animals is slain 
  or several suffer serious damage, they give up the fight and fly 
  away squawking in anger. Very large prey, such as something the 
  size of an elephant, can be attacked by a dozen or more. In this 
  case, the monsters land on the creature’s back, neck, and head as 
  each digs in their talons and take bites out of the creature while it 
  is still alive and fighting. These mass attacks count on the weight 
  of numbers to bring their target down. Even flying power armor, 
  giant robots, and shuttles are not safe from large flocks, as they 
  have been known to be attacked by individuals and small groups.
  For tens of thousands of years, the Batamzinga have been 
  bought, sold and traded as animal slave stock by Lord Desslyth the 
  Elder. They were sold as monsters to battle in the arena, to zoo-
  logical aviaries, and to stock animal preserves used for big game 
  hunting. In some places they are even trained as riding animals 
  and are very steady in the air. However, they can never be com-
  pletely domesticated (think tamed lion or chimpanzee), so they are 
  always a danger to their owner or rider. This limits their value and 
  use as a live animal. Over time, millions of the beasts have been 
  shipped to other worlds where they escaped or were released into 
  the wild. Resilient creatures, they have adapted to hundreds of 
  worlds (more?) in Oswoe’s Arm and at least a few dozen worlds 
  in the Gaelra Arm. On worlds where the winged terrors thrive, 
  there are great flocks eager to welcome colonists as a new source 
  of food. When attacking armor-clad foes, Batamzinga seem to 
  know, by instinct, to go for exposed areas of flesh. Batamzinga 
  taste delicious and have become a staple food for tribal people and 
  colonists alike. There are hundreds of delicious recipes for prepar-
  ing Batamzinga, and, yes, they do taste like chicken.
  Batamzinga [pronounced: boht ahm ZEEN gah]
  Also known as Screech Terrors, Flying Terrors, Devil Eagles 
  and many other names.
  Alignment: Considered to be Anarchist or Diabolic evil.
  Attributes: I.Q. 1D4+3 (animal), M.E. 1D6+4, M.A. 1D6, P.S. 
  3D6+21, P.P. 2D6+12, P.E. 4D4+10, P.B. 1D6, Spd 1D6 on 
  the ground, 2D6x10+22 flying (average is 70 mph/112 km).
  
  95
  Size: 5-7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) tall, with a wingspan of 20-30 feet 
  (6.1 to 9.1 m), with a body length roughly the same.
  Weight: 200-300 pounds (90-135 kg).
  M.D.C. Equivalent: 5D6+26 M.D.C. for main body. Head has 
  4D6+20 M.D.C., and each wing has 1D6x10+18 in equivalent 
  M.D.C.
  Horror Factor: 9 for an attacking individual or pair, 12 for a 
  flock of 6-12 attacking animals. H.F. 15 if the flock is 20 or 
  more and attacking.
  P.P.E.: 3D6
  Disposition: Batamzinga behave very much like giant, feather-
  less birds. Among themselves they can be playful, spend most 
  of their time hunting for food, and establish a pecking order 
  within the flock. The largest are the ones who rule the roost. 
  From most humanoids point of view, they are aggressive fly-
  ing monsters to be feared and avoided.
  Average Life Span: 2D6+13 years. Savage as they can be, the 
  creatures are very loyal and mate for life. Females lay a clutch 
  of 1D4+1 eggs once every six months, and take care of their 
  young for 3-4 months until they are ready to go off on their 
  own. Batamzinga can bear young every six months.
  Experience Level: Not applicable.
  Natural Abilities: Fly at exceptional speeds, and track by smell 
  at 54%.
  Equivalent Skills: Land Navigation 90%, Swim 35%, Track ani-
  mals 80%, and Wilderness Survival 90%.
  Vulnerabilities: None per se.
  Attacks per Melee: Two. A body block/tackle uses up both at-
  tacks.
  Damage: Nipping Bite: 5D6 S.D.C. damage plus P.S. damage bo-
  nus. Power Bite does 1D6 M.D. (counts as two attacks), Wing-
  tip claws inflict 3D6 S.D.C. plus any bonuses from the P.S. 
  attribute. Batamzinga sometimes slam into opponents. While 
  such a slam attack is usually reserved for large targets such as 
  giant robots, aircraft and shuttles, once in a while a creature will 
  slam into the ground, a wall or people. A slam/body block/ram 
  attack at full speed does 2D6x10 S.D.C. and has a 90% chance 
  of knocking targets of equal size or smaller off their feet and 
  flying back 1D4x10 feet (3 to 12.2 m). In addition to the dam-
  age, the victim loses initiative and two melee attacks. There is 
  also a 50% chance that a living being is stunned for 1D4 melee 
  rounds (-9 on all combat rolls, reduce skill performance, Spd 
  and the number of attacks by half). Note: Characters in M.D.C. 
  armor take only 3D4 S.D.C. damage from the impact, and there 
  is only a 20% chance of being stunned. The dumb beast, itself, 
  suffers one M.D. from the collision and has a 20% chance of 
  being stunned for one melee round (same penalties).
  Bonuses: Only those gained by high physical attributes.
  Magic: None.
  Psionics: None.
  Habitat: Many worlds throughout Oswoe’s Arm in particular, 
  but can be found throughout the Thundercloud Galaxy.
  Market Value: One credit a pound for the meat and sometimes 
  there is a market for its leathery hide. Teeth only get pennies. 
  It is so common there is little value as a zoo or gladiatorial 
  animal (1D6x100 credits), and they don’t domesticate well so 
  they make awful pets. Even one trained to be a flying, riding 
  animal commands only 2D4x1,000 credits. Riding animals 
  are only semi-domesticated, are unpredictable and may attack 
  their rider at some point.
  Allies: Only other members of its own species.
  Enemies: Other large predatory animals and humanoids.
  
  96
  Lurduuk
  Also known as Lightning Bird
  The Lightning Bird is a medium-sized fowl that resembles a 
  large duck with a curved bill and head crest that gives it a unique 
  “hammerhead” profile. Its feathers are drab brown with slight 
  purple streaks along its back, a white band around its neck, and 
  cream colored underbelly.
  Lurduuk are social animals, though for reasons that no one has 
  been able to discern, they gather in groups of ten or increments of 
  ten. Such a group is called a “ceremony.” While the typical flock 
  is 10 birds, it is not unusual to see gatherings of as many as ten 
  “ceremonies” – 100 birds (always increments of 10).
  Lightning Birds earn their name because they have the ability 
  to fire bolts of electricity and call down lightning to protect them-
  selves. When a predator is spotted prowling towards a Lightning 
  Bird or its nest, the Lurduuk fires off an electric arc or brings down 
  a bolt of lightning. One zap is usually enough to send most preda-
  tors running for their lives. If there is a group of predators (includ-
  ing humanoid hunters), and since Lurduuks gather in groups of 10-
  100, when one bird is spooked and starts calling down lightning, 
  1D4x10% of the other birds may do the same, lobbying blasts at 
  the threat or in its general area. The salvo continues until the preda-
  tor or humanoid intruder flees or is slain. The entire time the water 
  fowls squawk like mad, making a ruckus and flutter their wings.
  Lightning Birds are prodigious builders, and construct between 
  three and five nests per year whether they use each of them or not. 
  Each of these nests measures at least five feet (1.5 m) across and is 
  composed of thousands of sticks held together by mud. By the time 
  it is complete, it is strong enough to support a man’s weight (up to 
  300 lbs/135 kg). The nests are always built along a source of water 
  like the shore of a lake or river banks. The fork of a sturdy tree near 
  the water or in a marshland is another common location for a nest. 
  The sides of man-made structures like dams, bridge supports, and 
  docks can also house a Lurduuk’s nest. An abandoned nest can be 
  a comfy location for a traveler to rest, hide or sleep for the night, 
  though other creatures, like giant snakes, young Nkoli, lizards, 
  bears, and tribal people may make similar use of an abandoned nest.
  Lurduuk are noteworthy for other, more commercial reasons. 
  Their feathers possess magical properties coveted by many, and 
  their meat is a delicacy. Big game hunters find the birds to be ex-
  otic and a challenge, and are willing to pay big bucks for the op-
  portunity to hunt them. See Natural Abilities and Market Value 
  in the stat block that follows for more details.
  Lurduuk [pronounced: LURE Duke]
  Also known as: Thunder Duck, Lightning Duck, and Hammer-
  head Duck.
  Alignment: Considered Anarchist or Unprincipled.
  Attributes: I.Q. 1D4+2 (animal), M.E. 1D6+2, M.A. 1D6+4, 
  P.S. 1D6, P.P. 2D6, P.E. 2D6+2, P.B. 1D6+2, Spd 44 flying, 
  15 swimming or 5 running.
  Size: 22-30 inches long (56-76 cm).
  Weight: 2-5 pounds (0.9 to 2.25 kg).
  Hit Points: 2D6+5.
  S.D.C.: 2D6+3
  Horror Factor: 9.
  P.P.E.: P.E. attribute number x3.
  Average Life Span: 1D4+10 years. Females lay a clutch of 
  three to seven eggs that hatch after roughly thirty days. Young 
  Lightning Birds head out on their own after three months. A 
  year from hatching, they reach full maturity.
  Natural Abilities: Flight, Land Navigation 88%, Swim 90%, 
  dive 10 feet (3 m) underwater, and can hold breath underwater 
  for 30 seconds per P.E. attribute point.
  
  97
  Impervious to Electricity and Energy Blasts (special): It is of-
  ten comical to see the look on an off-worlder’s face when a 
  laser or other energy weapon fails to even ruffle the Thunder 
  Duck’s feathers. Fire does full damage as do bullets, arrows 
  and other kinetic weapons.
  Call Lightning (special): This is why the creature is known by 
  names such as the Lightning Bird, Lightning Duck and Thun-
  der Duck – it can fire electric arcs (below) and call down a bolt 
  of lightning upon predators and other threats. Range: 1,200 
  feet (366 m). Mega-Damage: 3D6 M.D. Each blast uses up 
  two P.P.E. points.
  Electric Arc (special): Range: 400 feet (122 m). Mega-Dam-
  age: 1D6 M.D. Each blast uses up one P.P.E. point.
  Electrical Force Field (special): Whenever the Thunder Duck 
  senses danger, sees a predator or fears for its nest, mate or 
  young, it throws up an Electrical Field that crackles around 
  itself and protects everything within a 10-12 foot (3 to 3.6 m) 
  diameter. No P.P.E. cost.
  Any energy blast directed at the field creates a loud pop and 
  rumbling sound, like distant thunder (hence the name “Thun-
  der Duck”).
  Projectiles (arrows, bullets, and even rail gun rounds) cre-
  ate a loud crack, like lightning, a flash of light, and a rumble 
  like thunder. Half of the projectile is disintegrated, the other 
  half deflected into the ground.
  When a living being, humanoid, animal predator, etc., larg-
  er than a rat tries to pounce on the Lurduuk or strike it with a 
  melee weapon, there is a loud cracking sound and a flash of 
  light. The attacker is struck by a force that sends him flying 
  backward 1D4 yards/meters to land on his backside. There is a 
  01-65% likelihood that any object held in the attacker’s hand 
  is dropped, he takes 1D6 points of S.D.C. damage, loses initia-
  tive and two melee attacks, and his hair stands straight up as if 
  he took a jolt of electricity (which he did).
  Magic Feathers (special): The weird and magical nature of the 
  Lightning Bird is such that its large feathers can be used on 
  arrows to give them an M.D. punch. An arrow with fletching 
  made from the animal’s feathers imparts the arrow with elec-
  trical properties. Upon impact, the arrow explodes, unleashing 
  an electrical blast that does 1D6 M.D. (feathers are destroyed 
  in the blast so the arrow has a one-time use). Thus, primitive 
  people who live on planets inhabited by Lurduuks can cre-
  ate low-powered Mega-Damage arrows (range of the arrow 
  is unchanged). The feathers, beak and skull are also used as 
  components in other types of magic and magic items.
  Attacks per Melee: Three, physical or by magic electricity/light-
  ning strikes.
  Damage: The duck’s bite and head butt does 1D4 S.D.C. dam-
  age, or by electrical attacks (see Natural Abilities above).
  Bonuses: +1 to initiative, +2 to strike with electrical arc, +1 to 
  strike with lightning bolt, and +3 to dodge while in flight.
  Magic: The Thunder Duck has innate magical cabilities. See 
  Natural Abilities, above, and Market Value, below, for details. 
  P.P.E. is recovered at a rate of two points per hour.
  Psionics: None.
  Market Value: Lurduuk meat is mouth watering delicious. The 
  meat is a delicacy among the people of the Republikan En-
  klaves, CCW and TGE, where it fetches a price of 50 credits 
  a pound. Lightning Bird feathers command 50-100 credits per 
  each feather (only the long wing and tail feathers are suitable), 
  and the animal’s beak and hammerhead skull get 1,000-4,000 
  credits as magic components. Note: The defensive and offen-
  sive electrical powers of the Lurduuk makes hunting them a 
  challenge and requires stealth, surprise attacks and long-range 
  strikes. Big game hunters and sportsmen enjoy the challenge 
  and claims it makes the hunt that much more fun, and bagging 
  one much more rewarding. After all, it is the only “duck” that 
  can kill a man with thunder and lightning. Such hunters are 
  willing to pay thousands of credits for the opportunity to hunt 
  the Lurduuk.
  Habitat: Wetland habitats on planets across the Thundercloud, 
  including irrigated land like rice paddies, as well as in water-
  ing holes, ponds, lakes, and rivers of most any environment, 
  including colonies and cities. They are known to exist on at 
  least 122 different worlds.
  Allies: Other Lightning Birds. Animals like ducks, geese and 
  squirrels can be lured to people who feed them. As time goes 
  by, the Lurduuk becomes less afraid of people and comes clos-
  er without putting up an electrical defense or attack. Of course, 
  you need to move slowly and make no sudden movements or 
  the Hammerhead Duck may blast you with electricity. Smart-
  er than you’d think, the birds come to recognize the specific 
  person(s) who feeds them. If the Lurduuk feels extremely safe 
  and comfortable, it will bring its ducklings with it to feed after 
  they hatch (lays 1D6+1 eggs). Lightning Birds who become 
  attached to such “feeders” have been known to protect them 
  from predators or hostile humanoids by blasting threats or en-
  veloping their “friend” within the electrical force field.
  Enemies: Nkoli, giant snakes, other carnivorous predators, and 
  of course, humanoid hunters.
  Nkoli
  Also known as the Thundercloud Crocodile
  Nkoli are big, mean and ugly. Nkoli is the collective genus for 
  several species of giant, crocodile-like creatures found through-
  out the Thundercloud Galaxy. Their bodies are adapted to a life 
  in and near the water. They have changed little over the past 200 
  million years, surviving one mass extinction event after another. 
  Their maws are filled with conical teeth and the jaw can lock in 
  place to hold onto prey. Feet are webbed and crooked spikes run 
  up and down the beast’s spine from the forehead to tail tip. The 
  elongated tail is a rudder and a weapon, and the Nkoli’s tapered 
  profile enables the monster to swim with ease and good speed, 
  and to make sharp turns while doing so. Despite their reptilian 
  appearance, the Nkoli have a complex biology. They have a heart 
  with four chambers, a cerebral cortex, and the equivalent of a 
  diaphragm. In combination, these traits make the Nkoli a very 
  perceptive and alert predator able to voluntarily hold its breath 
  for extended periods of time. They stalk prey, hide underwater 
  where they wait to pounce at prey along the shoreline, and are a 
  menace to humanoids and animals alike.
  All Nkoli are ambush predators. That is to say, they lie still, 
  waiting for prey, such as animals and people, who come to the 
  shore to get a drink of water. Then, in a sudden burst of speed, the 
  Nkoli springs forward, clamping down with its powerful jaws. 
  The bite from one of these creatures is 5,000 pounds (2250 kg) of 
  pressure per square inch, twelve and half times that of the Great 
  
  98
  White Shark. However, these teeth are not for chewing, but for 
  clamping and holding onto prey. Once the Nkoli has a victim in 
  its clutches, the monster drags its prey into the water, holding him 
  under until he drowns. Sometimes they spin their body in what is 
  called the death roll. The death roll is used to keep the victim off 
  balance and unable to fight back, as well as to tear off the victim’s 
  limbs or otherwise weaken them. When the victim stops mov-
  ing, the Nkoli knows he is drowned and releases the creature to 
  tear off pieces and swallow them whole. As strong as the Nkoli’s 
  grip is, the jaw muscles which open their jaws are quite weak. 
  This means that Nkoli can be subdued by clamping their snouts 
  shut and tying them closed with rope or tough bands of rubber. 
  It should also be noted that the Nkoli have no sweat glands, and 
  must get rid of excess body heat through their mouths. Some even 
  lie still, panting like a dog, in extremely hot weather.
  The beasts have a sensitive organ at the back of their throats 
  however, called a glottis, which they use in breathing. Forcing 
  one’s arm into the throat of a Nkoli may convince them to let go, 
  although such a move is likely to cost the character their arm in 
  exchange for freedom. Likewise, the Nkoli won’t pursue a target 
  onto land for more than a short distance, so if a person can evade 
  their lightning-quick initial attack and scramble back from the 
  water’s edge, they should be relatively safe. Nkoli also eat fish, 
  turtles, amphibians, birds and anything that comes their way be-
  low or above the waves.
  There are 27 species of Nkoli known to inhabit more than one 
  thousand worlds. Each varies somewhat in size, color and in the 
  shape of the spikes along the monsters’ spine and tail. Otherwise, 
  they are all pretty much the same animal. The crocodile-like mon-
  sters are always found near sources of water in groups as small as 
  2D6 and as large as 2D6x10. They prefer brackish (muddy) water 
  and swampland. They pose a real danger to humanoids because 
  Nkoli consider them prey and can strike before a person has a 
  chance to react. Every year, across the galaxy, hundreds of people 
  are killed in Nkoli attacks. This situation is compounded because 
  colonists tend to settle near bodies of water. The record number 
  of victims in a single attack is an astounding (but unverified) 380. 
  This occurred when a unit of nine hundred TGE colonial troops 
  attempted to cross a ten mile (16 km) stretch of mangrove swamp 
  infested with Nkoli. Only 520 men survived.
  Nkoli generally reach full maturity in ten years. During mating 
  season, the males bellow, snort water out of their noses, and slap 
  their tails in the water in a display to the females. Two months 
  later, the female will lay between 25 and 80 eggs, which she bur-
  ies in a shallow, sandy pit near the water. Both parents will then 
  guard the nest for three months while the eggs incubate, viciously 
  
  99
  defending it from hungry thieves and interlopers. After hatching, 
  the mother will protect the young Nkoli for up to two years. The 
  male leaves almost immediately.
  Nkoli [pronounced: nnn KOH lee)
  Alignment: Considered to be Anarchist and Miscreant.
  Attributes: I.Q. 1D4+4 (animal predator), M.E. 2D6, M.A. 1D4, 
  P.S. 2D6+17 (equal to Robotic for adults), P.P. 2D6+12, P.E. 
  2D6+12, P.B. 2D4, Spd 3D6+16 in water, or 2D4 on land, but 
  also see Sprint Attack under Natural Abilities.
  Size: 40-50 feet (12-15 m) long on average.
  Weight: The largest recorded specimen weighed in at just over 
  5 tons. Average is 1.3 tons per every 15 feet (4.6 m) of body 
  length.
  M.D.C. by Size and Age:
  Hatchling (under 2 feet/0.6 m) – 6D6+6 S.D.C.
  Young (under 6 feet/1.8 m) – 2D6+4 M.D.C.
  Juvenile (under 15 feet/4.6 m) – 5D6+30 M.D.C.
  Adult (2D4+40 feet/12.8 to 14.6 m) – 2D6x10+30 M.D.C.
  Ancient(2D6+48 feet/15.2 to 18.3 m) – 2D6x10+80 M.D.C.
  P.P.E.: 1D6
  Horror Factor: 7 for young, 9 for Juvenile, 13 for Adult, 15 for 
  Ancient.
  Disposition: Aggressive when hungry. Murderous when cor-
  nered or attacked. Otherwise, lazy and keeps to itself.
  Average Life Span: 4D6+70 years in the wild. 100-120 years in 
  captivity if given proper care.
  Natural Abilities: Detect Ambush 70%, Land Navigation 55% 
  (+20% in water or marshland), Prowl in water 80%, Prowl on 
  land 45%, Swim 96%, Tailing 60%, Track Animals or People 
  45%, and can hold its breath for 2D6+5 minutes, nightvision 
  500 feet (152 m). Clever stalkers and ambushers, Nkoli are 
  quite adept at learning the routines of travelers, campers and 
  livestock. Recovers lost M.D.C. at a rate of 3D6 per 24 hours, 
  immune to the effects of M-Rad.
  Sprint Attack (special): The Nkoli’s secret weapon is a sprint 
  attack. The creature appears big, lazy and aquatic, and that’s 
  what leads to the demise of most prey – they don’t realize 
  the Nkoli can charge and run at a Spd of 50 (35 mph/56 km) 
  for 1D4 melee rounds. (Must rest for 20 minutes after such a 
  sprint.) The typical maneuver is to lunge out of the water or 
  charge an unsuspecting victim so fast that it doesn’t have a 
  chance to dodge, is caught in the monster’s jaws and dragged 
  to its doom before it knows what hit it.
  Vise Grip Jaws (special): The locking jaws of the Nkoli are 
  double its normal Robot equivalent P.S., so if the creature has 
  a Robot P.S. of 24, a Robot P.S. of 49 or greater (or Supernatu-
  ral P.S. of 24) is required to pry open the mouth to release it’s 
  victims. Of course, the Nkoli will fight any such attempt, swat-
  ting with its spiked tail, thrashing, and possibly letting go of 
  the captured prey to bite at those trying to open its mouth. Kill-
  ing the creature or putting it to sleep with magic also makes 
  the jaws slack.
  Note: See Market Value for Nkoli armor and weapons.
  Vulnerabilities: Low salt tolerance, as is true of most crocodile 
  species. Must remain near a source of water lest its skin dry 
  out.
  Attacks per Melee: Four.
  Mega-Damage: The percentage numbers are the breakdown of a 
  typical group or gathering of Nkoli (i.e., 10% are hatchlings, 
  10% young, 25% Juveniles, 45% Adults, 10% ancient) or may 
  be used as a random encounter table. Nkoli may be encoun-
  tered as an individual, pair, trio, group of 1D6+6 or colony of 
  2D6x10.
  01-10% Hatchling: Bite does 1D6 S.D.C. Tail slash does 1D4 
  S.D.C.
  11-20% Young: Bite does 3D6 S.D.C. Tail slash does 4D6 
  S.D.C.
  21-45% Juvenile: Bite does 1D6 M.D. Tail slash does 2D6 
  M.D.
  46-90% Adult: Bite does 3D6 M.D. but the grip is like a vice. 
  Tail slash does 4D6 M.D.; adult Nkoli have a thick tail lined 
  with large, sharp spines 1-2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) long. The 3-4 
  pair of spikes at the end of the tail are 30% larger than the rest. 
  Getting struck by the tail does blunt impact plus stabbing and 
  cutting from these spines.
  91-00% Ancient: Bite inflicts 4D6 M.D. but the grip is like a 
  vice. Tail slash does 6D6 M.D.; ancient Nkoli have a thick tail 
  lined with large sharp spines 2-3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) long. The 
  4-6 pair of spikes at the end of the tail are 50% larger. Getting 
  struck by the tail does blunt impact plus stabbing and cutting 
  from these spines. Combat Bonuses of the Ancients: +1 attack 
  per melee round, +1 on Perception Rolls, +2 on initiative, +2 
  to strike, and +1D6+4 to P.S.
  Note: Remember, the Vise Grip of the Nkoli is double its 
  normal Robotic P.S. Victims caught in the creature’s jaws can 
  only escape by besting the monster’s doubled Robotic P.S. 
  number which is usually around 45-50 Robot P.S. Thus, a Ro-
  bot P.S. of 46-52 (or a Supernatural P.S. of 24-28) can usually 
  pry the jaws open. Killing the creature makes the jaws slack.
  Bonuses (in addition to any attribute bonuses): +2 on Percep-
  tion Rolls, +3 on initiative, +4 to strike. In water, +3 to dodge. 
  Reduce juvenile bonuses by half, round down.
  Magic: None.
  Psionics: None.
  Habitat: Along slow moving rivers, estuaries, lakes, and coastal 
  lagoons. They have been known to enter the sea, but never fur-
  ther out than 17 miles (about 21 km); prefer warm, subtropical 
  and tropical environments.
  Market Value: Nkoli always make popular attractions at zoo-
  logical parks and gladiatorial arenas. Live specimens can get 
  2D6x1,000 credits for a juvenile or adult specimen, double for 
  a massive ancient one. The Nkoli can be eaten and taste quite 
  good. In fact, Nkoli steaks, stews and sandwhiches are starting 
  to show up on the menus of Eden and many TGE and Splu-
  gorth worlds, as well as upscale restaurants on Phase World 
  and some of the Core Worlds of the Corkscrew and Anvil gal-
  axies. Their meat is white, tastes like a cross between chicken 
  and crab, and has a lower cholesterol count than comparable 
  meats. Cuts include steaks, ribs, backstrap and tail filet. The 
  oils from their skins can also be used as a natural healing skin 
  balm, and the skin itself makes fine leather if properly treated.
  A Resource for Primitive Humanoids: M.D.C. Hides for Ar-
  mor & Weapons Made from the Nkoli (special): When dried 
  out and prepared properly, the thick. bumpy, top part of the 
  Nkoli’s hide can be used to make hard, M.D.C. armor (A.R. 
  15, 4D6+44 M.D.C. per suit) and the underbelly skin a soft, 
  flexible and light armor (A.R. 13, 2D6+12 M.D.C.). Thus, 
  wherever Nkoli are found, the primitive people who share 
  the habitat are likely to wear Nkoli body armor and M.D.C. 
  
  100
  capes, cloaks and ponchos. Such armor is non-environmental, 
  of course. Hard armor sells for 6,000-24,000 credits, soft and 
  capes for 2,000-8,000 credits, and weapons for 1,000-6,000 
  credits.
  Nkoli spikes are often used for the tips of spears (1D4 
  M.D.), spikes for war-clubs (2D4 M.D.), and knives (1D4 
  M.D.). Teeth are sometimes used in jewelry.
  Allies: None per se, though they may congregate with others 
  of their own kind, the largest tend to prey on hatchlings and 
  young Nkoli, and there is no sense of friendship or kinship; 
  animal predator.
  Enemies: Humanoids, game hunters, large flocks of Batamzinga, 
  and a few other gigantic creatures.
  Pyashche Probe
  Alien Menace or First Contact?
  The Pyashche (pronounced pie-ash-key) are neither indig-
  enous to the Thundercloud Galaxy nor alive. Though rumored 
  to be a race of intelligent machines, it is believed they are an 
  advanced A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) from another galaxy or di-
  mension. Some wonder if they are secret probes of the Exiles as 
  the technology behind the probes are completely different than 
  those known to the Three Galaxies.
  Pyashche look like some kind of space probe or robot covered 
  with camera lenses, antennae, lights, glowing tubes that seem to 
  shine from within, and two large, heavy, cable-like tentacles and 
  eight thinner, lighter tentacles. They hover and fly by what is pre-
  sumed to be a form of anti-gravity, but that is not a certainty.
  When one is encountered it speaks in the language it has ob-
  served being spoken or has overheard, offering a friendly greet-
  ing in a synthesized but all too human sounding voice. The probe 
  claims to represent a race of beings known as the Pyashche and 
  come in peace. Its mission: to make first contact with the many 
  colorful people of the Thundercloud Galaxy. The probe is happy 
  to chat about many subjects, talk and ask all kinds of questions 
  about the many people, civilizations, intergalactic power blocs, 
  politics, technology, practice of magic and other details about 
  the denizens of the Three Galaxies (not just the Thundercloud), 
  HOWEVER it refuses to reveal anything about itself or the Pyas-
  hche other than broad stroke aspects that tell a person nothing. 
  “The Pyashche are good and noble people.” “Their technology 
  is advanced.” “They have sent the probes to study, observe and 
  make first contact with the people of the Thundercloud.” “Do not 
  be afraid, they come in peace.” These broad strokes are repeated 
  like a broken record. When pressed for details the Probe apolo-
  gizes saying, “I’m sorry, we are not programed to share that in-
  formation.” Pyashche Probes always refer to themselves in the 
  plural, which is disturbing to some people.
  Where is the Pyashche’s galaxy or home world?
  “Far away.”
  What’s the name of the galaxy or home world?
  “I am sorry, we are not programed to share that information.”
  What’s your purpose?
  “To observe you.”
  Why? For what purpose?
  “I am sorry, we are not programed to share that information.”
  Why should we trust you?
  “You have nothing to fear. We come in peace.”
  Who is we?
  “We are the Pyashche.”
  What is it you hope to observe?
  “We observe you.”
  “Why?”
  “It is what we are programmed to do.”
  What do you want from us?
  “We come to observe.”
  What do you hope to learn about us?
  “I am sorry, we are not programed to share that information. 
  May I accompany you?”
  And on and on.
  If allowed to “accompany” and “observe,” the Pyashche Probe 
  hangs in the back, hovering silently at shoulder level or higher 
  for a bird’s eye view. It never takes the lead. If asked to take the 
  lead, it refuses, saying, “How, then, can we observe you? Please 
  continue so we may observe.” It is interesting to note that the 
  machine never uses the word ‘study,’ and dodges the question 
  of whether the people being ‘observed’ are being recorded and 
  the data transmitted to the Pyashche back home (or wherever). 
  If the people under observation fall under attack the Probe falls 
  back and continues to observe without assisting in any way. It 
  fights only to protect itself. It is at that point that people realize 
  the probe has many attacks per melee with its tentacles as well as 
  concealed lasers and other features.
  If a mortal traveling companion becomes injured or separated 
  from the rest of the group the probe may elect to stay behind or fol-
  low him. It does not help or provide directions, but asks questions. 
  “Are you afraid? Tell me how that feels?” “Do you think your com-
  panions are worried about you? Would it upset you if they were 
  not?” “Do you fear death?” “You seem unworried, why?” “How 
  do you know (fill in the blank)?” If the living companion should 
  fall into a pit or quicksand, the probe is unlikely to help him. In-
  stead, asking him questions and moving into various positions that 
  would suggest it is, indeed, filming and recording his responses and 
  actions. If there is nothing left to be gleaned, the probe may remain 
  floating and filming until the character dies, or at some point, thank 
  him for his time and cooperation and fly off.
  In just the last year, reports of encounters with these probes 
  have been flooding in. Some making contact. Other simply ob-
  serving in the distance and flying away when approached. The 
  probes seem interested in all people and aspects of intelligent life 
  in the Thundercloud Galaxy, from primitives and monsters to ad-
  vanced civilizations and their technology. This has made many 
  individuals and power blocs concerned. Nobody knows who the 
  Pyashche are or what they want. When attacked, the probes fight 
  long enough to escape and fly away. When the probe’s M.D.C. 
  reaches zero, the device vanishes in a flash of light and particles – 
  presumed atomized by a self-destruct mechanism. The TGE and 
  Minions of Splugorth have adopted a policy of destroying the 
  probes on sight. The CCW wants to capture and examine one, but 
  has strict orders not to take any out of the Thundercloud Galaxy. 
  Stories of the Automaton War still haunt the people of the CCW, 
  and they are suspicious and wary of any “alien artificial intel-
  ligence.” So far, capturing and examining one has proven to be 
  impossible. Observing the probes in action has yielded no helpful 
  information in understanding or tracing them.
  The probes are not programmed with the location of the Pyas-
  hche home world, nor have they been built with any kind of in-
  
  101
  ternal flight recorder that could be tracked to their point of origin. 
  If reports and video are being transmitted, they are sent by light 
  signals of some kind and possibly through a space warp, making 
  tracing or following them impossible. For reasons yet unexplained, 
  the probes cannot be Object Read and powers of Telemechanics do 
  not work on them. This has led some to wonder if the “probes” are 
  really a mechanical body or spacecraft for a sentient creature com-
  posed of light or other type of energy. The machine’s construction 
  is based on principles of light, rather than on electronics, and are, 
  presumably, powered and recharged by solar light cells.
  Pyashche Probes are almost always encountered as a single 
  unit. If others are a round, observing, they do so in hiding. On 
  the rare occasion one probe meets another, the two communicate 
  through a dazzling display of swirling light and color patterns. 
  The probes have a built-in force field, but it too is some kind of 
  photonic bubble – an energy shield made of pure light. While this 
  makes the machines incredibly intelligent and computations are 
  made at the speed of light, it also means that they are incompat-
  ible with 99% of the technologies they encounter in the Three 
  Galaxies. A Pyashche Probe cannot directly interface or jack into 
  most computer systems of the Three Galaxies. Even the fabu-
  lous Machine People cannot meld with the probes. This means 
  that they have to learn about other races through observation and 
  hands-on experience. They travel through the void for years at 
  a time in a state of low-powered sleep. When a new star system 
  is approached, the Probe awakens and begins searching for the 
  telltale signs of intelligent life such as radio signals and other 
  transmissions, as well as visual cues such as city lights on the 
  night side of a planet, satellites, following spacecraft, and so on.
  The Pyashche Probes present themselves as neutral observers, 
  but they are so secretive, everyone assumes they must have an 
  ulterior and dangerous motive, like invasion. Furthermore, there 
  have been a few reports of incidents in which a Pyashche Probe ab-
  sconded with, or was suspected of absconding with, ancient high-
  tech relics believed to have been created by one of the Elder Races.
  Pyashche Probe [pronounced: pie-ASH-key]
  Model Type: Unknown
  Class: Bracewell probe designed to find and make first contact 
  with alien life forms.
  Crew: Uncertain. Presumed to be a computer A.I. May house a 
  sentient being made of light.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  * Antennae (7) – 20 each
  * Light Ports or Bubbles (32) – 45 each
  * Small Light Ports/Bubbles (11) – 15 each
  Main Tentacles (2, sides) – 200 each
  Secondary Tentacles (8; rear and lower) – 100 each
  Forward Laser (2, concealed) – 50 each
  ** Photonic Energy Shield – 400
  *** Main Body – 450 for small probes, 600 for the larger ones.
  * A single asterisk indicates a small or difficult target to 
  hit. They can only be struck when an attacker makes a Called 
  Shot, and even then he is -3 to strike.
  
  102
  ** Photonic Energy Shield is a force field that recovers lost 
  M.D.C. at a rate of 1D6x10 M.D.C. per hour. If reduced to 
  zero, the main body becomes vulnerable to attack until the 
  Photonic field can regenerate.
  *** When the Main Body is reduced to zero M.D.C. it van-
  ishes in a flash of light and is presumed destroyed.
  Speed:
  Running: In an emergency, tentacles can be used like legs to walk 
  or run at speeds up to 60 mph (96 km).
  Flying in an Atmosphere: Uncertain. It is known to hover sta-
  tionary and fly up to a speed of Mach 3. Presumed to be an anti-
  gravity flight system. Unlimited altitude and can breach the atmo-
  sphere to enter outer space.
  Flying in Outer Space (long distance): The Pyashche Probes trav-
  el from star to star at relativistic speeds. That is, at non-FTL ve-
  locities. When preparing to cross interstellar distances, the probe 
  goes into “sleep mode” and diverts power to its main drive. Then 
  it generates a gamma-ray field around itself and travels along it 
  like riding a surfboard through space. The probe can only ever 
  travel at 99.999% the speed of light. To avoid all kinds of hairy 
  mathematics, and for ease of game play, ignore the effects of time 
  dilation and assume that its top speed is one light-year per year 
  (670 million miles per hour).
  Statistical Data:
  Alignment: Unknown. Presumed to be Anarchist or Aberrant 
  evil, but who knows?
  Attacks/Actions Per Melee Round: Eight via tentacles or lasers.
  Height: 7 feet (2.1 m) tall.
  Width: 7 feet (2.1 m) wide.
  Length: 8 feet (2.4 m) long.
  Weight: 1.5 tons.
  Physical Strength: Robot P.S. of 22 and P.P. 18.
  Intelligence: I.Q. 23.
  Cargo: Cargo space is presumed none, but that may not be true. 
  There could be a small cargo container within the probe.
  Power System: Photonic battery with backup solar panels/sails. 
  Two hundred and fifty years of continual operation, but may 
  spend decades or centuries more in hibernation sleep as the probe 
  travels through space.
  Penalties: 1. Incompatible technology, cannot interface with hu-
  man or Three Galaxies computers and technology.
  2. The probe has no physical self-repair or regenerative sys-
  tems, so when it becomes damaged, loses a tentacle or light array, 
  they are gone. Almost impossible to fix, an Operator or robot 
  engineer can try to make simple physical repairs to the machine’s 
  external shells with patchwork, spray metal and other such ma-
  terials at a penalty of -50%. Any internal or A.I. damage is per-
  manent. Replacement parts are not available. Only the force field 
  regenerates. When the M.D.C. of the Main Body reaches zero, 
  the probe vanishes in a flash of light and is gone.
  Allies: None known within the Three Galaxies.
  Enemies: Everyone with the Three Galaxies is a potential enemy.
  Habitat: So far, encountered only in the Thundercloud Galaxy.
  Weapon Systems & Special Features:
  1. Laser Cannon: Built into the lower front hemisphere of the 
  Probe are two a high-intensity lasers for self-defense. It is tied 
  into the probe’s Radar/Lidar Suite, Combat Computer, and 
  Targeting Arrays.
  Primary Purpose: Defense.
  Range: 4,000 feet (1219 m).
  Mega-Damage: 5D6 S.D.C., 2D6 M.D., 4D6 M.D. or 1D4x10 
  M.D. per single blast.
  Rate of Fire: Each blast counts as one of the Probe’s attacks.
  Payload: Effectively unlimited.
  2. Retractable Manipulators/Tentacles (8): The Probe can use 
  everyday items, tools and weapons by extruding as many as 
  eight long, flexible, metal tentacles. They also let the machine 
  fight in melee combat when necessary.
  Range: Physical reach up to 20 feet (6.1 m), can retract two-thirds 
  of the length inside body housing when not in use.
  Mega-Damage: As per Robot P.S. of 22. Inflicts 1D4 M.D. with 
  a punch, 2D4 M.D. with a power punch (counts as two melee 
  attacks).
  3. Retractable Manipulators/Tentacles (2): The Probe has a 
  pair of heavy tentacles positioned on the sides that are used 
  for heavy lifting and combat when necessary.
  Range: Physical reach up to 25 feet (7.6 m), can retract two-thirds 
  of the length inside body housing when not in use.
  Mega-Damage: As per Robot P.S. of 22. Inflicts 1D4 M.D. with 
  a punch, 2D4 M.D. with a power punch (counts as two melee 
  attacks).
  4. Photonic Energy Shield: This is a light-based force field to 
  protect the Pyashche Probe from harm. It can be raised in an 
  instant (takes one melee action), and due to its nature, takes 
  NO damage from lasers of any kind. Particle beams, ion 
  beams, plasma, kinetic attacks, phase beams, magic, and Cos-
  mic Energy attacks inflict full damage. The Photonic Shield 
  also glows with a soft, warm light and regenerates damage at 
  a rate of 1D6x10 per hour.
  M.D.C. of the Shield: 400. Once depleted, it requires time to 
  recharge, and cannot be raised again for thirty hours. When it 
  comes back on-line, it will again have 400 M.D.C.
  5. Light Portals/Bubbles (32, large): The larger light bubbles 
  are part of the eyes and optic systems of the Pyashche probe. 
  They emit the equivalent of sunlight that will keep vampires 
  at bay out to a distance of 50 feet (15 m). Each can also fire a 
  light beam up to 2,000 feet (610 m) to do precise range finding 
  or 1,000 feet (305 m) as a spotlight.
  6. Observation Ball (1): Stored inside of the Pyashche Probe is a 
  remote probe the size of a grapefruit. It is dispatched to enter 
  buildings, vehicles, and openings too small for the probe to fit 
  through. This small orb has 15 M.D.C. and all the optic and 
  sensor features of the main Probe, and a transmission range of 
  about 5,000 feet (1524 m). If destroyed, the main probe can 
  build a new one using common technologies for about 50,000 
  credits.
  7. Hand to Hand Combat: Eight attacks per melee round via 
  tentacles and/or lasers.
  Bonuses (includes all sensor and programming bonuses): +3 on 
  Perception Rolls, +5 on initiative, +3 to strike and disarm, +8 
  to parry and entangle, and +7 to dodge, +5 to roll with impact, 
  +3 to strike with laser and long-range weapons. Force field is 
  impervious to lasers. The probe is also impervious to psionic at-
  tacks, probes and readings as well as illusions. Takes no damage 
  from radiation or EMP weapons and is immune to the effects of 
  M-Rad. Cannot be surprised or attacked from behind.
  8. Notable Skill Programs:
  Communications: All mechanical communications skills at 
  98% (excludes skills like Performance and Public Speak-
  
  103
  ing), Sign Language using light patterns. Speaks four Trade 
  Tongues at 94% and has a built-in language translator that can 
  translate most languages at 74% proficiency.
  Observational Skills: All Chemistry skills at 98%, Intelligence 
  92%, Land Navigation 94%, Prowl 64%, Research and Tail-
  ing both at 90%, Tracking Animals and People 70%.
  Pilot Related: All at 94%.
  Technical: Photography and Computer Operation 96%, and 
  five Lore skills of choice at 70%.
  9. Sensor Systems of Note:
  Advanced Audio and Recorder. Amplified hearing across the 
  full decibel range. They can pick up inaudible frequencies as 
  well as wide-band radio transmissions. Range 50 miles (80 
  km) in an atmosphere, or 200,000 miles (320,000 km) in space.
  Clock Calendar.
  Combat Suite. Passive nightvision built into a panoramic 
  cluster lens, light targeting (invisible and visible light may be 
  used).
  Modulating Voice Synthesizer. Includes sound analysis com-
  puter.
  Radar/Lidar Detector. Tells the Probe when it is being scanned 
  by others; 80% detection rate.
  Lidar Suite. Can identify and track 148 separate targets out to 
  a range of 50 miles (80 km).
  Radio Wide-band Receiver and Transmitter. 500 mile (800 
  km) range in an atmosphere, or 200,000 miles (320,000 km) 
  in space.
  Recording System. Everything the probe sees and hears is re-
  corded. The light coding used has an infinite recording capac-
  ity, though the A.I. sorts data and images to collate them into 
  subjects and categories. However, the entire, unedited files 
  also remain in a separate storage system. When the probe suf-
  fers physical damage that reduces it to 50 M.D.C., the collated 
  data files are lost.
  Superior Optics. Can see the entire light spectrum from gam-
  ma rays, through all visible light, and into extremely low fre-
  quency radio waves. Can see the invisible and heat signatures.
  Telescopic sight – can read a street sign up to 20 miles (32 
  km) away.
  Almost every “light bubble” is an eye, so unless they are 
  destroyed, the probe can see in all directions and cannot be 
  surprised from above, below or behind.
  Umdhlebi Tree
  Also known as the Death Tree
  Animals are not the only potential danger that explorers, set-
  tlers and land grabbers have to contend with in the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy. There are a myriad of plants which can cause allergic 
  reactions, poisoning, or even death. The Umdhlebi tree is one of 
  the deadliest.
  The Umdhlebi Tree has large, glossy, dark green leaves that 
  exude a milky, bitter sap when broken. The edges of the leaves cut 
  unprotected skin like a razor and must be handled with extreme 
  caution. The trunk is thin and gnarled, covered in two layers of 
  bark; a dry, dead, outer layer that hangs down around it like half-
  shredded wallpaper, and a smooth, younger layer underneath. 
  The roots are also gnarled and appear partially above ground 
  and resemble tentacles crawling away from the tree. Long, black 
  pods with red tips are the plant’s lethal fruit. Even with all these 
  distinguishing features, there are two things that mark the tree 
  as a Death Tree – there are no wildlife other than bits within its 
  branches (the leaves would cut them to ribbons), and the bones of 
  animals and humanoids laying in heaps around its base.
  The Death Tree leaves cut any creature that touches them. In 
  addition to the damage (1D4 S.D.C. from a single leaf), a toxin 
  from the leaf makes its victims dizzy (roll 16 or higher for non-
  lethal poison), which may cause them to stagger into more leaves 
  and take more damage. Dizziness reduces speed, attacks, combat 
  and skill performance -25%.
  The roots release an invisible toxic gas. Standing under the 
  shady tree for more than 10 minutes makes eyes bloodshot and 
  causes delirium. The delirium makes the victim confused and 
  doubles the penalties of the cut from the razor leaf (reduce ev-
  erything by 50%). (If not cut and poisoned by a leaf cut, then 
  the penalties from delirium are only -25%.) Once the victim has 
  dropped down dead, their decaying remains are absorbed into the 
  soil around the tree, nourishing it.
  The fruit of the Umdhlebi tastes sweet and delicious, but is 
  poisonous. Eating as little as two bites causes 5D6 damage direct to 
  Hit Points (if a Mega-Damage creature the damage is 5D6 M.D.). 
  Eating half of the fruit does 1D6x10+12 damage direct to Hit 
  Points. Eating the whole thing does 2D6x10+34 damage. Damage 
  is not immediate, it takes 2D4 minutes for the poison to take effect.
  Predators know the fighting abilities of creatures under the 
  tree are reduced, so they wait until the creature or person seems 
  to start behaving erratically, attack, try to make a quick kill, feast 
  and leave the rest of the carcass under the tree, or drag it away. 
  Of course, predators and scavengers that eat someone that has 
  
  104
  died from poisonous fruit are, in turn, poisoned, and die under the 
  tree’s shadow. The decaying remains are absorbed into the soil 
  around the tree, nourishing it.
  Umdhlebi [pronounced: oomd LEH bee]
  Also known as Death Tree, the Bone Tree and Razor Tree.
  Alignment: Not really applicable, but would be considered Dia-
  bolic. Tribal people often believe the tree is evil and haunted 
  by the spirits of the dead.
  Attributes: Not applicable.
  Size: The largest specimens can grow 25 feet (7.6 m) tall, and 
  have a trunk with a diameter of 6 feet (1.8 m).
  Weight: 1D6 tons.
  M.D.C.: 4D6x10 Main Body. Individual roots and branches are 
  1D4 M.D.C. and leaves are 1D4 S.D.C.
  Horror Factor: 11 for those who know what the tree is; 10 for 
  those who don’t know, but who see the pile of bones heaped 
  around the base of the tree.
  Disposition: Not applicable to a tree, but the atmosphere the tree 
  imbues to those who see it is one of death, fear and dread.
  Average Life Span: 2D8x100 years. Once every five years, 
  an Umdhlebi will not produce fruit, but will instead gener-
  ate flowers filled with seeds which are released on the wind. 
  Where the seeds take root, a new tree grows over the next 
  twenty years. Only when it reaches full maturity will it begin 
  bearing fruit and begin to generate the toxic root gas.
  Natural Abilities: Photosynthesis, regenerate 1D6 M.D.C. per 
  day. Is able to survive in poor soil and clay, and is resistant to 
  defoliants and chemical attacks (+7 to save, half damage even 
  when the saving throw fails).
  Vulnerabilities: Fire does full damage.
  Attacks per Melee: None physically. The poison gas can be re-
  leased once per round.
  Equivalent Skills: None per se.
  Mega-Damage: Read the description for details.
  Bonuses: Resistant to defoliants and chemical attacks: +7 to 
  save. A successful save means no damage. If the tree fails to 
  save, it suffers one third the usual damage.
  Magic: None.
  Psionics: None.
  Allies and Enemies: Depending on how you look at it, the Death 
  Tree either has no enemies (it is what it is) or most life forms 
  are its enemies. Primitive people tend to regard the tree as evil 
  and bad medicine/dark magic and avoid it. Necromancers are 
  likely to find it a valuable resource.
  Value: The razor leaves and poisonous fruit have some value, but 
  are so specialized that the market is minimal. Razor leaves get 
  1D4 credits each. Poison fruits 1D6 credits each. The wood of 
  the tree is not suitable for much of anything, except perhaps as 
  firewood. However, the smoke from burning Umdhlebi wood 
  is toxic and breathing it has the same effects as the roots. Prac-
  titioners of magic may find more value in the thing, though it 
  is not a well known tree. An experienced Alchemist can make 
  a staff made from Umdhlebi wood that can do one of the fol-
  lowing: Cast Mist of Death spell three times daily, turn dead 
  four times daily (up to 50 dead at a time), and inflict double 
  damage to vampires and undead.
  Habitat: Rare. Found here and there on planets across the Thun-
  dercloud. The tree is more common on worlds in the Crèche 
  Clouds. Death Trees do not grow well in rich, fertile soil. The 
  tree does best in rocky, barren ground, or clay. It cannot grow in 
  sand or ice and snow, but it does well in dust and parched earth.
  Yboor
  No one is certain if the Yboor should be classified as intel-
  ligent beings or as monsters. Native to the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy, they are one of the very few species in the Three Galaxies 
  that propagate through a process called panspermia. In brief, the 
  Yboor travel from one world to another by shooting their genetic 
  seed into space. Encapsulated by a mass of frozen protoplasm, the 
  seeds travel for hundreds or thousands of years through interplan-
  etary and interstellar space. When a comet, meteor or space junk 
  laden with Yboor gene-seeds impacts onto a planet, it melts and 
  the seeds reanimate. If there is no life on that particular world, 
  then the seeds die of starvation within a few days. However, if 
  there is any kind of natural biosphere, the seeds go to work.
  The Yboor resemble large amoebae, bigger than a human being, 
  with several organelles floating about on the inside. Slithering about, 
  each of these creatures survive by smothering and feeding upon any 
  living beings they encounter. The more the creature eats, the larger 
  it becomes, until it undergoes cell division and splits to become two 
  identical versions of itself. Animals, including people, are easiest for 
  the Yboor to digest, because they don’t generally have a tough cell 
  wall, but given enough time, plant life can be broken down and ab-
  sorbed too. When the Yboor has consumed enough biological mate-
  rial, it splits in two. Both seed genes then go on their way to find new 
  organic “food” to devour. Growing exponentially, it takes only one 
  Yboor to eventually infest and lay waste to an entire planet.
  When the Yboor amoeba can no longer find animal food sourc-
  es (which generally means they have eaten every organic creature 
  there is to be eaten!), they begin to starve and die. This triggers 
  a mass migration in the amoebae-like creatures. The Yboor in-
  stinctively gather by continent and key geographic locations, and 
  merge into a gigantic mountain of living organisms. The massing 
  Yboor form the cone shape of a volcano that can tower miles into 
  the sky. When the majority of the Yboor population from that 
  region has assembled, somehow the mountain of Yboor is able to 
  eject globs of its core material out into space to start the process 
  all over again. The Yboor left behind disperse and turn cannibal, 
  feeding upon each other. Eventually, the last Yboor dies of star-
  vation, but that could take 1D10+10 years.
  It is important to note that Yboor eat all living creatures, from 
  people to insects. They can and do eat vegetation, but plant-life 
  doesn’t agree with their digestive systems, so they may leave a 
  planet when only plant-life and a few species of insects remains. 
  While the ecosystem of the planet may be crippled, it is an ideal 
  environment for terra-forming and colonization, and may attract 
  space-faring people. Any Yboor still alive spell trouble, not only 
  for the terra-formers, but for their space stations, other colony 
  worlds and home world. If a single Yboor gets onto a spaceship, a 
  space station or colony world, look out. This is also where Yboor 
  exhibit intelligence as they can be quite sneaky and clever.
  The Yboor sound like creatures operating on animal instinct, 
  and in many respects, they are. However, they can control their in-
  stincts and need to feed, in order to make smart, cunning and even 
  calculating moves. When one, two or a few Yboor find a space-
  ship or colony of settlers, the creatures can control their instinct 
  to feed, even if starving, and wait for the right moment to strike. 
  
  105
  Furthermore, the creatures pick off people who are not be missed, 
  or whose “disappearance” can be explained (must have fallen into 
  the crevice, gotten swept away by the currents, etc.). Yboor wait, 
  lurk and pick off their victims. The creatures crawl into out of the 
  way places to hide and stow away so they can be carried off on a 
  spaceship and, ultimately, to another world to devour. That means 
  the monsters understand what a spaceship is and that it will even-
  tually carry them to another planet. In addition, the Yboor seem 
  to know when and where to hide, recognize soldiers, police and 
  weapons, and some claim they have even taken action to sabotage 
  machinery, power supplies, communication systems, etc. Such ac-
  tions require a developed mind, much more than animal instinct.
  Even within the most advanced cities and eco-environments, 
  Yboor reap havoc, hiding and growing in numbers until there are 
  so many, they no longer have to remain in seclusion. By then, 
  they will have secretly and quietly spread across the land, so nuk-
  ing just one contained area is not sufficient to destroy the invader. 
  Furthermore, since the Yboor can survive in most biospheres, in-
  cluding underwater, once infested, they are nearly impossible to 
  completely exterminate.
  The above not withstanding, nobody is known to have ever 
  been able to communicate with the Yboor. Psychics report brain 
  overload from alien sensations, sounds and emotions that defy 
  interpretation. Magic language spells produce a series of musical 
  notes and sounds that resemble bubbling water, but no compre-
  hensible words. Nor do the Yboor seem to have any type of lan-
  guage, culture, or purpose other than to feed, grow and continue.
  Yboor [pronounced: yuh-BOOR]
  Also known as The Devouring Plague or just Devourer.
  Alignment: Considered to be Diabolic Evil.
  Attributes: I.Q. 2D4+4, M.E. 1D6+8, M.A. 1D4, P.S. 1D6, P.P. 
  1D4, P.E. 1D6, P.B. 1, Spd 1D6+3.
  Size: 8-11 feet (2.4 to 3.3 m) long, 5-6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m) wide. 
  Flat and oval in shape with an appearance similar to that of an 
  amoeba, or like a quilt blanket or other shapeless mass.
  Weight: 300-500 pounds (135 to 225 kg).
  M.D.C.: 6D6+6 in amoeba from. (In S.D.C. settings, Yboor have 
  5D6+12 Hit points, 1D6x10 S.D.C., and a Natural AR of 9.)
  Horror Factor: 13
  P.P.E.: 6D6
  Disposition: None other than a relentless, devouring force.
  Average Life Span: Unknown. In space, Yboor gene spores can 
  enter a dormant stage that lasts for thousands of years.
  Natural Abilities: Takes half damage from kinetic (punches, 
  melee weapons, bullets, etc.) as well as electric-based attacks, 
  double damage from heat based. Note: Also see Damage and 
  Psionics.
  Animated Dead. The Yboor can also animate, to a limited 
  degree, large animal species (while supplies last). See details 
  below.
  Flatten or Congeal Body (special): The body of the Yboor is 
  soft and flexible, enabling it to squeeze under doors, through 
  bars and narrow openings, and through narrow pipes.
  Resistant to Damage (special): Kinetic attacks (punches, 
  kicks, bullets, melee weapons, explosions) do 10% their nor-
  mal damage. Cold and cold-based attacks do 10% their normal 
  damage. Sonic and energy attacks inflict half damage. Imper-
  vious to disease, poisons, and toxic fumes when in its natural 
  form. Can survive in space and underwater; can breathe under-
  water. Also see Bonuses.
  See Electromagnetic Energy (special): Yboor see electromag-
  netic waves and can follow natural lines of magnetic energy 
  like a beacon or a highway to navigate planets and space. This 
  helps the creature navigate and find its way; always knows 
  where magnetic north is.
  
  106
  Sense/Hear Radio Waves (Special): Yboor can sense and hear 
  radio waves and transmissions, radar signals, microwaves 
  and electromagnetic energy. Follow radio transmissions to its 
  source: 76%.
  Animated Corpse (special):
  How it works: The Yboor use a weird form of psionics exclu-
  sive to their race to seize limited control over the corpse of the 
  person or creature it has killed and is feeding upon. It controls 
  the corpse like a puppet, but without physical strings attached, 
  to move and perform simple tasks.
  This is another area in which the Yboor exhibit intelli-
  gence. Its own amoeba-like body is unsuitable for operating 
  devices, weapons and other types of equipment, nor is it suited 
  to combat. However, the Yboor can animate the corpse of the 
  creature it has killed and manipulate the corpse to open a door, 
  operate machinery, pick up and use guns, weapons and tools, 
  and to perform other simple tasks, including driving a vehicle 
  (badly). Base skill equivalent is typically 25% (+20% to use 
  sensory, radio and communication equipment).
  Limitation of the Power: The Yboor cannot animate just any 
  dead body. The creature can animate only the prey it has per-
  sonally killed, and the body must still have muscle structure; 
  cannot animate bones or a skeleton.
  Range: The controlling Yboor must be within 600 feet (183 m) 
  and have sight of its animated meat-puppet.
  Duration: Indefinite; as long as it has sufficient S.D.C.
  S.D.C.: When the corpse loses more than half the S.D.C. or 
  M.D.C. it had in life, the body becomes too damaged and bro-
  ken to be animated and it falls to the ground unable to move. 
  No Hit Points apply because the body is dead, smothered.
  Attributes of Corpse: I.Q., M.E., M.A., P.E. are not applicable. 
  P.S., P.P., P.B. and Spd are half what they were in life.
  Attacks per Melee of the Corpse: Four.
  Weapon Usage: The animated corpse can use any kind of 
  weapon, including guns and simple explosives, but without 
  any skill proficiency – NO BONUSES; unmodified die rolls 
  only to strike, parry, dodge, etc. Base Skill: 25%.
  Attacks per Melee (of the Yboor): Two melee attacks/actions 
  per round (15 seconds), but when it animates a dead body, the 
  zombie has four attacks per melee round, but seldom uses an 
  animated body to kill.
  Bonuses (in addition to those acquired by attributes and 
  skills): +10 to save against Horror Factor with the exception 
  of fire – is afraid of fire (it has an H.F. of 16 to the Yboor). 
  Impervious to mind control and possession, disease, poisons, 
  and toxic fumes. Also see Resistance to Damage under Natu-
  ral Abilities.
  Damage/Smoothering Attack: In its natural, amoeba form, 
  the Yboor have only one method of attack, to smother their 
  prey. Being smothered to death is a terrifying experience: the 
  Yboor’s soft, rubbery body slides over its prey, blankets the 
  body to prevents movement (most victims have one attack/
  action per melee round). The victim may feel the Yboor as it 
  slides over him, usually from the feet up, but before he can re-
  act and manage to pull himself away, the thing covers his en-
  tire body. Once covered by the creature, the victim is cloaked 
  in darkness and cannot breathe. The Yboor constricts its body 
  to squeeze out any air that might remain, pins the body of its 
  prey and presses tight against the face, making breathing and 
  screaming for help impossible. Panic ensues, but the prey is 
  trapped under the heavy carpet that is the creature’s body, 
  holding him down and snuffing the life out of him.
  Most victims lose consciousness in 30-75 seconds (1D4+1 
  melee rounds), and are dead – suffocated – after an addition-
  al 1D4+2 melee rounds (45-90 seconds). For most victims, it 
  feels as if several hundred pounds of heavy, wet carpet has been 
  dropped on top of them. A blanket that conforms to the shape of 
  their own body and prevents air from reaching them. Note: Only 
  characters who do not need to breathe or can hold their breath 
  for a longer than usual time won’t die in a matter of minutes. 
  However, “playing dead” won’t help, as the Yboor remains lay-
  ing on its victim to absorb the nutrients from the body as chemi-
  cals are secreted to accelerate its decomposition. A Yboor can 
  melt a body away to nothing but bone in a matter of days (see 
  below). Characters in environmental body armor, a spacesuit, 
  or with an air supply survive much, much longer, though they 
  may remain unable to move under the patient Yboor. Actually, 
  Yboor are smart enough to know that an armor clad humanoid 
  can not be killed in this matter, so it seldom attacks them, unless 
  it is for some other reason (hold them at bay while other Yboor 
  escape, hold them down to prevent attack or until unarmored 
  prey are devoured, etc.). Yboors pick and choose their prey as 
  well as the time and place of their attacks.
  Escaping the Embrace of a Yboor: Characters with a human 
  P.S. of 28, an Augmented (bionic) P.S. of 24, or Robotic 
  P.S. of 20 or greater (Supernatural P.S. of 10+), have a better 
  chance of escaping the clutches of the giant amoeba. Strong 
  characters see their number of attacks/actions reduced by half 
  rather than one, and with intense effort and 1D6+3 melee ac-
  tions, the super-strong character should be able to pull free of 
  a Yboor’s deadly embrace before he loses consciousness. It is 
  important to note that as long as the Yboor can sense life or the 
  body moving (even from just breathing), it patiently holds on 
  tight, even if it takes hours.
  Likewise, a victim can be pulled out by allies who have 
  a combined P.S. greater than a P.S. of 28 (see the numbers 
  above). However, it takes 1D4 melee rounds just to manage to 
  slide one’s hands or body under the soft, slimy, giant amoeba 
  tightly conformed to the victim and/or pressing tightly to the 
  ground, to try to lift it enough for someone else to slide under 
  the monster, and 1D4 melee actions to pull the (unconscious?) 
  victim out of the heavy, wet, undulating Yboor. Furthermore, 
  the Yboor will jostle and try to slip free of the people hold-
  ing it off the victim. Those lifting the Yboor up must roll 14 
  or higher to maintain their grip every melee round (strike bo-
  nuses apply). Of course, a super-strong character or group of 
  characters (P.S. 35 or Robotic P.S. 25 or Supernatural P.S. 20) 
  is able to pick up or drag the Yboor completely off the victim.
  Consuming Prey: Once its prey is dead, the Yboor consumes 
  it by absorbing the body through its skin as it decays. In game 
  terms, the amoeba-like thing absorbs 4D6+6 S.D.C./Hit Points 
  or M.D.C. per day for six days. As it feeds, the dead body de-
  composes at an increased rate: skin vanishing and its muscles 
  shrinking. When all the S.D.C. and Hit Points (or M.D.C.) are 
  gone, nothing remains of a human-sized victim except for in-
  digestible bones, and the Yboor reproduces by dividing into 
  two identical selves. Note: In the case of small animals weigh-
  ing less than 20 pounds (9 kg), the Yboor devours it in a matter 
  of 1D6+1 hours, not days. Plant life takes four times longer 
  for the Yboor to digest and offers one quarter the nutrition the 
  
  107
  alien requires. As a result, feeding on plants is akin to starva-
  tion and seldom done.
  In all cases, the Yboor cannot feed on the corpse of its vic-
  tim when it is animated. The creature must lay on top of it to 
  feed.
  Vulnerabilities: Fire and heat attacks inflict double damage.
  R.C.C. Skills: Climb, Land Navigation, and Swim at 90%. Es-
  cape Artist, Palming, Prowl and Tailing, all at 60%.
  Available O.C.C.s: Not applicable.
  Psionic Powers: Object Read, Presence Sense, and Mind Block. 
  I.S.P.: M.E. attribute number x5.
  Magic Powers: None.
  Weapons & Equipment: None, or as suitable for the animated 
  corpse.
  Armor: None.
  Habitat: Can be encountered anywhere in the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy.
  Allies: None.
  Enemies: All life.
  Monster Creation 
  Guidelines
  The Thundercloud Galaxy is the most bio-diverse of the Three 
  Galaxies and many factors contribute to its range of flora and 
  fauna. It has undergone several galaxy-wide cataclysms which 
  have killed dominant species, collapsed advanced civilizations, 
  devolved and mutated sentient and animal life forms, or has oth-
  erwise played havoc with creatures held within its arms. Mysteri-
  ous and godlike beings such as the Dominators, Gene-Tech and 
  others have also modified and played with the genetic structure 
  of life in the Thundercloud Galaxy, giving birth to new species 
  and transforming existing ones. In addition, the slave trade of 
  both the Splugorth and the Dominators has transplanted species 
  from alien worlds and dimensions to who knows how many other 
  planets within the Thundercloud Galaxy. 
  Many of the animals in the Thundercloud Galaxy are quite 
  benign, posing little or no threat to explorers and settlers. Oth-
  ers, however, are frightening predators or monsters. The follow-
  ing are some quick-roll tables to enable Game Masters to come 
  up with all manner of animals and monsters to cause trouble for 
  player characters. While we try to account for a wide variety of 
  animals, the emphasis of these tables is on dangerous creatures. 
  Note: There are exceptions to every rule and the Game Master 
  can adjust stats, S.D.C./M.D.C., powers and abilities as he deems 
  appropriate.
  Quick Roll Tables
  for Monster Creation
  The following tables and lists are meant as guidelines for the 
  Game Master to create monsters and animals of his own. Most 
  are designed to give the G.M. a start, not to roll up a complete 
  critter.  Uncork those imaginations, extrapolate at will and have 
  fun.
  Alignment
  Most domesticated animals are considered Unprincipled and 
  trained pets are Scrupulous.
  Most wild animals are considered Anarchist.
  Predatory animals are considered Anarchist or Miscreant.
  Predatory monsters are considered Miscreant.
  Man-eaters and Thrill killers are considered Diabolic.
  Only monsters with human equivalent intelligence can choose 
  to behave a particular way and pick an alignment, but they tend 
  toward Anarchist and evil.
  The Eight Attributes
  Roll percentile dice or pick one for each attribute.
  I.Q. (Intelligence):
  01-25% Low: 1D4+2
  26-50% Medium: 1D4+5
  51-75% High Animal I.Q.: 2D4+7; tend to be predators. This 
  is not the same level of intelligence as a human, but the creature 
  shows cunning, cleverness, may hide, use surprise attacks, en-
  gage in cat and mouse tactics, recognize and avoid weapons and 
  vehicles as well as evade traps and ambushes. 
  76-85% Human Equivalent I.Q., Average: 1D6+7
  86-95% Human Equivalent I.Q., High: 2D6+9
  96-00% Human Genius Level I.Q.: 2D6+15
  M.E. (Mental Endurance):
  01-20% Low: 1D6; easily startled and scared away.
  21-40% Moderate: 1D4+4; timid.
  41-60% Confident: 1D6+9; tend to be large animals and 
  predators.
  61-80% Bold: 1D6+13; tend to be smart animals and preda-
  tors.
  81-00% Daring: 2D6+15; tend to be fast, smart animals and 
  predators.
  M.A. (Mental Affinity):
  01-20% Low: 1D6; not very appealing.
  21-40% Moderate: 1D4+5; average. 
  41-60% Good: 1D6+10; shows distinct and attractive person-
  ality.
  61-80% High: 1D6+14; shows an abundance of personality, 
  charisma and appeal, or cuteness; perhaps deceptively so.
  81-00% Charismatic: 2D6+16; shows an abundance of per-
  sonality, individuality, charisma and appeal, or may be adorable; 
  perhaps deceptively so.
  P.S. (Physical Strength): +6 P.S. bonus, regardless of category 
  for predators and +12 for giants (more than one ton or 10 feet/3 
  m tall).
  01-10% Low: 1D6+5; human equivalent P.S.
  11-20% Moderate: 2D6+6; human equivalent P.S.
  21-30% Strong: 3D6+12; human equivalent P.S.
  31-40% Powerful: 4D6+14; equivalent to human Augmented 
  P.S.
  41-50% Incredible Strength: 4D6+20; equivalent to Robot 
  P.S.
  51-60% Extraordinary Strength: 5D6+22; equivalent to 
  Robot P.S.
  61-70% Supernatural P.S., Dangerous: 2D6+10 
  71-80% Supernatural P.S., Dynamic: 3D6+16
  
  108
  81-90% Supernatural P.S., Deadly: 4D6+22
  91-00% Supernatural P.S., Devastating: 5D6+30
  P.P. (Physical Prowess): +2 P.P. bonus, regardless of category 
  for predators.
  01-10% Low: 1D6+2
  11-20% Moderate: 1D6+5
  21-35% Nimble: 1D6+11; +1 to roll with impact.
  36-50% Quick: 1D6+15; +1 to parry.
  51-70% Agile: 1D6+19; +1 to automatic dodge and +1 to pull 
  punch.
  71-85% Extraordinary Agility: 2D4+21; +1 on initiative, +2 
  to automatic dodge and +1 attack per melee round.
  86-00% Superhuman Agility: 2D6+24; +2 on initiative, +4 
  to automatic dodge and +2 attacks per melee round.
  P.E. (Physical Endurance):
  01-20% Low: 2D4+1
  21-40% Moderate: 2D4+8
  41-60% Good: 2D4+12
  61-80% High: 2D6+14
  81-00% Supernatural: 2D6+18
  P.B. (Physical Beauty):
  01-20% Unattractive: 1D6; not very appealing.
  21-40% Plain: 1D6+6; average.
  41-60% Attractive: 1D6+12; perhaps deceptively attractive.
  61-80% Exotic: 1D6+16; perhaps deceptively attractive.
  81-00% Beautiful/Stunning: 2D6+18; perhaps deceptively 
  so.
  Spd. (Speed Running or Flying): +6 Spd bonus for herd animals, 
  and +12 for flying creatures.
  01-10% Slow: 1D6+2
  11-20% Ponderous: 1D6+8
  21-30% Steady: 2D6+14
  31-45% Rapid: 3D6+22
  46-60% Fast: 4D6+30
  61-70% Ultra-Fast: 5D6+40
  71-80% Wicked Fast: 6D6+50 
  81-90% Speedster: 1D6x10+60
  91-00% Super-Fast: 2D6x10+80
  Size
  Roll percentile dice to make a random determination of size 
  or pick one.
  01-05% Very Small: No larger than a frog, mouse, bird or 
  similar sized creatures, including many varieties of insects.
  06-10% Small: No larger than a squirrel or jack rabbit, and 
  may include large insects.
  11-30% Moderate: No larger than a house cat to mid-sized 
  dog.
  31-50% Medium: No larger than a wolf or mountain lion.
  51-70% Large: No larger than a horse. Includes such animals 
  as alligators, crocodiles, African lions, tigers, cattle and humans.
  71-80% Very Large: No larger than an elephant.
  81-90% Giant: 10-15 feet (3 to 4.6 m) tall or long.
  91-95% Massive: 16-25 feet (4.9 to 7.6 m) tall or long.
  96-00% Humongous: 26-35 feet (7.9 to 10.7 m) tall or long, 
  or bigger. May include giant insects, dragons and the largest of 
  dinosaurs.
  S.D.C. or Mega-Damage Creature
  The Megaverse is filled with beings that are either ordinary 
  mortal creatures with S.D.C. (Structural Damage Capacity) and 
  Hit Points, and those that have M.D.C. (Mega-Damage Capac-
  ity) hides, shells or exoskeletons. S.D.C. is the norm, especially 
  among animals, but Monsters often have M.D.C.
  Animals:
  Roll percentile dice to make a random determination of wheth-
  er the animal is S.D.C./Hit Points or M.D.C., or pick one.
  01-88% S.D.C. & Hit Point creature.
  89-00% M.D.C. creature.
  Monsters:
  Roll percentile dice to make a random determination of wheth-
  er the animal is S.D.C./Hit Points or M.D.C., or pick one.
  01-40% S.D.C. & Hit Point monster.
  41-00% M.D.C. monster. Note: Mega-Damage creatures in-
  flict M.D. when they attack, but do not automatically get Super-
  natural P.S. or P.E.
  S.D.C. & Hit Points of 
  S.D.C. Animals and Monsters
  This table is applicable only for S.D.C. and Hit Point animals 
  and monsters. For ease of use, Hit Points and S.D.C. are deter-
  mined by size. Increase the S.D.C. of predatory animals and those 
  with natural body armor by 20%. 
  Very Small (frog, mouse, birds & similar animals): 1D4 Hit 
  Points and 1D4 S.D.C. points.
  Small (rat to squirrel sized): 1D6 Hit Points and 1D6 S.D.C. 
  points.
  Moderate (house cat to mid-sized dog): 2D6 Hit Points and 
  2D6 S.D.C. points.
  Medium (large dog to wolf-sized): 2D6+12 Hit Points and 
  3D6 S.D.C. points.
  Large (alligator, human-sized, African lion, tiger, cattle and 
  horse-sized): 4D6+20 Hit Points and 4D6+10 S.D.C. points.
  Very Large (rhino to elephant sized): 4D6+20 Hit Points and 
  2D4x10 S.D.C. points.
  Giant (Animals taller than 10 feet/3 m or longer than 20 
  feet/6.1 m): 5D6+30 Hit Points and 1D6x10 S.D.C. points, 
  +1D6x10 S.D.C. per additional six feet (1.8 m) in size.
  Creature of Magic, Lesser: 5D6+6 Hit Points and 4D6+20 
  S.D.C. points. Becomes a Mega-Damage creature in M.D.C. set-
  tings like Rifts Earth.
  Creatures of Magic, Greater: 2D6x10 Hit Points and 
  5D6x10 S.D.C. points. Becomes a Mega-Damage creature in 
  M.D.C. settings like Rifts Earth. Special magic creatures usually 
  have a Natural Armor Rating (A.R.) of 2D6+4, are resistant to 
  cold, heat, drugs and chemicals (they inflict half damage and last 
  half as long), magically understands and speaks all spoken lan-
  guages, and Bio-Regenerates 3D6 Hit Points or S.D.C. per melee 
  round.
  M.D.C. of Mega-Damage Monsters
  This table is applicable only for Mega-Damage monsters. For 
  ease of use, M.D.C. is determined by size. Increase the M.D.C. 
  of predatory animals and creatures with natural armor by 20%.
  
  109
  Very Small (frog, mouse, birds & similar animals): 1D4 
  M.D.C.
  Small (rat to squirrel sized): 2D4 M.D.C. points.
  Moderate (house cat to mid-sized dog): 2D6+6 M.D.C. 
  points.
  Medium (large dog to wolf-sized): 5D6+6 M.D.C. points.
  Large (alligator, human-sized, African lion, tiger, cattle and 
  horse size): 1D6x10+20 M.D.C. points.
  Very Large (rhino to elephant sized): 2D4x10+30 M.D.C. 
  points.
  Giant (Animals taller than 10 feet/3 m or longer than 20 
  feet/6.1 m): 2D6x10+40 M.D.C. points, +6D6 M.D.C. per ad-
  ditional six feet (1.8 m) in size.
  Creature of Magic, Lesser: 2D4x10+20 M.D.C. points. Be-
  comes an S.D.C. and Hit Points creature (split M.D.C. number in 
  half for each) in S.D.C. settings.
  Creatures of Magic, Greater: 1D6x100+30 M.D.C. points. 
  Becomes an S.D.C. and Hit Points creature (split M.D.C. number 
  in half for each) in S.D.C. settings.
  Supernatural Beings, Lesser: 3D6x10+50 M.D.C. points. 
  Strength and endurance are considered to be Supernatural and 
  the creature’s physical attacks inflict Mega-Damage (M.D.) as 
  per Supernatural P.S. plus any additional damage from natural 
  weapons. Supernatural creatures are impervious to S.D.C. weap-
  ons and attacks, drugs, chemicals, and attacks inflict half damage 
  and last half as long, are impervious to disease, magically under-
  stands and speaks all spoken languages, and Bio-Regenerate 2D6 
  M.D.C. per melee round.
  Supernatural Beings, Greater: 2D6x100 +60 M.D.C. points 
  (rare). 
  Strength and endurance are considered to be Supernatural and 
  the creature’s physical attacks inflict Mega-Damage (M.D.) as per 
  Supernatural P.S. plus any additional damage from natural weap-
  ons. Supernatural creatures are impervious to S.D.C. weapons and 
  attacks, drugs, chemicals, gas attacks inflict half damage and last 
  half as long, are impervious to disease, +6 to save vs possession 
  and Horror Factor, magically understands and speaks all spoken 
  languages, and Bio-Regenerate 4D6 M.D.C. per melee round.
  Supernatural Beings, Lords and Powerful: 1D6x1,000 
  +350 M.D.C. points (rare). Same as Greater Supernatural Being, 
  except they Bio-Regenerate 5D6 M.D.C. per melee round.
  Horror Factor
  Horror Factor varies based on the type and nature of the ani-
  mal. What follows are common categories of animals and their 
  corresponding Horror Factor (H.F.) range.
  No Horror Factor. Common animals of a non-threatening na-
  ture and general pleasing appearance have no Horror Factor. Even 
  on alien worlds, animals often share features and traits we recog-
  nize and find appealing and non-threatening. An alien fish, frog, 
  rabbit, squirrel, puppy, deer, or bird is not likely to look frightening 
  or threatening and has no Horror Factor. The only exception might 
  be if the character has a phobia about such creatures.
  1D6+6 Awe Factor. Cute, pretty and attractive or graceful 
  non-threatening animals are likely to have an Awe or Prettiness 
  Factor rather than a Horror Factor (ugly and/or scary). +1D4 for 
  exotic and especially beautiful creatures.
  1D6+6 Horror Factor for Vermin. Even if they are not dead-
  ly or dangerous, creatures that fall into the category of vermin: 
  cockroaches, spiders, mice, rats, snakes and similar. They are re-
  pulsive and frightening to most people, even big, bad soldiers. 
  Note: Horror Factor is half for characters who are naturalists, 
  Explorers, Big Game Hunters, Wilderness Scouts, and anyone 
  who regularly works with such vermin.
  1D4+8 Horror Factor for Large and Ugly or Strange Crea-
  tures. By the virtue of their size, many people are nervous or 
  frightened of large animals, including large dogs, horses and 
  cattle, let alone alien creatures. 
  Humans and most humanoids have a knee-jerk reaction to fear 
  and avoid ugly animals and creatures we don’t recognize, espe-
  cially if they are strange or ugly.
  1D4+10 Horror Factor for Predators. The aggressive na-
  ture of predators combined with their capacity to hunt and kill 
  is threatening and scary. Furthermore, many predators are large 
  beasts and equipped with threatening fangs, sharp teeth and claws.
  1D4+12 Horror Factor for Monsters. Defining a monster 
  is somewhat difficult as some people consider certain ordinary 
  animals to be rather monstrous. In a game context, we include be-
  ings and creatures that have a demonic or wicked appearance, the 
  features of a predator (fangs, claws, etc,) usually combined with 
  an ugly, strange or horrific appearance. Monsters may be any 
  size, but the majority are man-sized or larger. Evil supernatural 
  beings, dragons and dragon-like creatures, and other beasts that 
  fit humankind’s image of a “monsters” all fall into this category.
  P.P.E. of the Creature
  All living creatures have P.P.E. (Potential Psychic Energy), 
  the stuff of magic and human potential. The amount of P.P.E. 
  possessed by an animal varies with its size and type.
  Very Small (frog, mouse, birds & similar animals): 1D4 
  P.P.E.
  Small (rat to squirrel sized): 2D4 P.P.E.
  Moderate (house cat to mid-sized dog): 3D4 P.P.E.
  Medium (large dog to wolf-sized): 3D6 P.P.E.
  Large (alligator, human-sized to cattle & horse sized): 4D6 
  P.P.E.
  Very Large (rhino to elephant sized): 4D6+1 P.P.E.
  Giant (Animals taller than 10 feet/3 m or longer than 20 
  feet/6.1 m, such as the dinosaurs of Earth’s past): 5D6 P.P.E.
  Creature of Magic, Lesser: 2D6x10 P.P.E.
  Creatures of Magic, Greater: 2D4x100 P.P.E.
  Supernatural Beings, Lesser: 1D4x100 P.P.E.
  Supernatural Beings, Greater: 2D6x100 P.P.E. 
  Supernatural Beings, Lords and Powerful: 1D6x1,000 
  P.P.E. (Rare)
  P.P.E. Bonuses: +1D6 for predators and those with human 
  intelligence, double for babies, +2D6 for young and those that 
  possess an Awe Factor.
  Attacks per Melee Round
  Insects and Reptiles: Three.
  Non-Aggressive: Two. This category includes most herbi-
  vores and fish, amphibians and birds.
  Predators: Four.
  Monsters: Five (+1 one if it has human-level intelligence).
  Note: Natural Weapons and Special Attacks sometimes add 
  one or more attacks.
  
  110
  Natural Weapons
  and Special Attacks
  All animals and monsters begin with the number of attacks 
  noted in the previous list by type, but this might increase depend-
  ing on what kind of natural weapons the creature has at its dispos-
  al. Roll twice on the table below or select two. Note: S.D.C. crea-
  tures inflict Hit Point/S.D.C. damage. Mega-Damage creatures, 
  including most creatures of magic and supernatural beings inflict 
  Mega-Damage (M.D.). Thus, the level of harm for the weapons 
  and special attacks are listed only as “damage” (S.D.C. or M.D. 
  depending on the nature of the creature). 
  01-10% Horns. Good for stabbing attacks; 2D4 damage in 
  addition to any P.S. bonuses and +1 to strike.
  11-20% 1D4+1 Tentacles. Usually in place of hands, paws, 
  or other types of limbs. Inflict 1D6+2 points of damage in addi-
  tion to any P.S. bonuses. Each pair of tentacles beyond the first 
  grants an additional melee attack.
  21-30% Bite Attack. Huge and powerful jaws inflict 3D6 
  points of damage.
  31-40% Bite Attack. Small, sharp, needle-like teeth inflict 
  1D6 points of damage.
  41-50% Claws. Inflict 3D4 or 2D6 damage in addition to any 
  P.S. bonuses.
  51-60% Large Claws. May or may not be retractable; 3D6 
  damage in addition to any P.S. bonuses.
  61-70% Thick, Slashing Tail. Does 2D6 points of damage, 
  but does not add to the creature’s total number of attacks per me-
  lee.
  71-80% Prehensile Tail. Can be used like an additional limb 
  to hit enemies and hold onto objects. Physical strikes inflict 1D6 
  points of damage, and adds one additional melee attack to the 
  creature’s total. Physical Strength of the tail is usually half that of 
  the animal’s P.S. attribute.
  81-85% Prehensile Tail with Spikes or Blade. Used like a 
  stabbing or slashing weapon inflicts 3D6 points of damage.
  86-90% Poisonous Stinger Tail. Roll again to determine type 
  of poison. Saving throw for non-lethal poison is 16+. Lethal is 
  15+. 
  01-40% Deadly Toxin: 4D6 damage direct to Hit Points (6D6 
  M.D. to Mega-Damage Beings) per each sting.
  41-70% Dizzy/Disorienting/Stun: The victim feels dizzy and 
  his mind foggy. Reduce the number of attacks per melee round by 
  half, reduce Spd by 30% and -3 on all combat bonuses for 1D4+2 
  melee rounds.
  71-00% Paralysis: The limb stung by the Stinger tail goes 
  numb and cannot move for 1D6+1 melee rounds. If stung in the 
  chest or main body, reduce Spd by half and -1 attack per melee. 
  If stung in one leg, reduce Spd by half. If stung in both legs he 
  can’t move and may fall to the ground or need to prop himself up. 
  A paralyzed arm or hand means the limb is temporarily useless.
  91-00% Breath Weapon. Could be a poisonous fog, some 
  kind of corrosive acid, cold/frost or fire attack. Range is 40 feet 
  (12.2 m), inflicts 3D6 points of damage (4D6 if a creature of mag-
  ic or supernatural).
  Additional Evolutionary Features
  Roll once on the following table or choose one that seems ap-
  propriate.
  01-10% Poison Fangs. The creature has a venomous bite so 
  severe that anyone bitten must make a save vs non-lethal poison 
  (16) to avoid becoming paralyzed or dizzy (pick one; see descrip-
  tion of effects on the previous table). Or it is a lethal poison that 
  inflicts 3D6 points of damage if the person fails to save vs lethal 
  poison (14). 
  11-20% Poison Spurs. Usually found on hands/paws, wrists 
  and ankle joints, that serves as a poison attack during strikes. 
  Characters must save versus lethal poison (14 or higher) or take 
  an additional 2D6 points of damage.
  21-30% Psionic Powers. Pick 1D4+1 Psionic abilities (that 
  makes sense for this creature) from the Sensitive or Physical cat-
  egory. I.S.P. is 1D6x10 (+25 for sentient creatures). 
  31-40% Electrical Field Generation. Just like an electric eel, 
  this creature can shock its opponent. This is meant to stun the 
  victim, not outright kill it. Inflicts 2D6 points of damage.
  41-45% Sonic Burst. A super loud shout, roar, or cry, some-
  times on a frequency that approaches the ultrasonic. Characters 
  must roll a dodge or be stunned for the entire melee round. Range: 
  60 feet (18.3 m).
  46-50% Chameleon. The creature’s skin allows it to blend 
  into its surrounding environment. If it remains motionless, there 
  is only a 5% chance of it being discovered visually. At the G.M.’s 
  discretion, the creature might also be able to lower its body tem-
  perature to match the environment as well, making it invisible to 
  infrared and thermal sensors and optics.
  51-60% Quills. A natural armor providing an additional 60 
  S.D.C./M.D.C. A physical attack (with a fist, kick, etc.) against 
  this creature that rolls 12 or less will contact the quills. The at-
  tacker then takes 2D6 damage. The creature can also body block 
  using its quills inflicting 4D6 plus any P.S. bonus. An attack us-
  ing a quill-covered limb inflicts 2D6+ P.S. bonus.
  61-70% Stink Spray. A natural compound that contains a 
  horrific smelling sulphur based chemicals. It can be used up to 8 
  times a day, and will incapacitate victims that fail a save of 15 or 
  higher by causing nausea for five minutes or as long as the person 
  is subjected to it. During that time, the victim has no initiative, 
  performs skills at -80%, and can only take defensive actions, with 
  any bonuses reduced by half. The spray’s stench “marks” its vic-
  tim, staying on him or her for 1D6+6 days. The gagging smell 
  makes surprise attacks, Prowl, Camouflage, or any hiding impos-
  sible (can smell it from 2000 feet/610 m away! Three times as far 
  for creatures with extraordinary sense of smell). Tomato juice, or 
  a chemical equivalent, reduces the effects of the smell by half if 
  the person soaks in it three times in 24 hours, reducing the dura-
  tion as well to 1D4+3 days. Can be eliminated completely after 
  six baths in tomato juice.
  71-80% Stink Glands. Not a weapon per se, just a really bad 
  smell to prevent predators from approaching. It’s hard to fight 
  and vomit at the same time, so characters must save against non-
  lethal poison (16 or higher) to avoid retching (-2 to strike, parry, 
  and dodge, lose half their attacks).
  81-90% Energy Blast. The creature can fire an energy blast, 
  laser beams or electrical arc from its eyes or hands. Range is 100 
  feet (30.5 m; that’s per level of experience if an intelligent be-
  
  111
  ing). Damage is 3D6 (4D6 if a creature of magic or supernatural 
  being).
  91-95% Mimic. This creature can imitate animal sounds and 
  even human voices, much like a parrot. Predators often attempt to 
  lure prey to them by imitating the sounds of the herd, or even the 
  voices of the player’s friends!
  96-00% Psionic or Magical Powers. The most common 
  paranormal abilities displayed by animals (or monsters) are those 
  of Sixth Sense, Sense Evil, and Sense Magic; range averages 
  1D6x100 feet and requires no I.S.P. expenditure. Game Masters 
  can also use this opportunity to gift the creature with whatever 
  else they like, including equivalent incantations, temporal spells, 
  special attacks, or immunities.
  Characteristics
  Based on Environment
  This is the type of environment the creature feels most at home 
  in, and the kinds of behaviors it may have evolved because of this.
  01-10% Arboreal/Tree Dwellers. Like monkeys and squir-
  rels, these creatures prefer the safety and height advantage that 
  comes from living above the ground, high up in trees. These crea-
  tures live in extended families, carefully tending to their young. 
  Average group size is 3D6. Equivalent skills include Acrobatics, 
  Climb and Identify Plants and Fruits, all at 90%, and are +2 to roll 
  with punch/fall or impact.
  11-20% Arctic. All the animals and monsters here have adapt-
  ed to life in snow and sub-zero temperatures. Mammals will have 
  thick fur coats (might be a valuable commodity) and/or large fat 
  reserves (which can be eaten or burned for fuel). Reptiles and 
  other cold-blooded creatures will have also evolved some kind 
  of resistance to the cold (including extended periods of hiberna-
  tion). Creatures in cold environments tend to be larger than those 
  in warmer climes, so increase typical size for that type of creature 
  by 1D4x10%. Equivalent skills include Land Navigation 90%, 
  Swimming 80%, and Wilderness Survival 90%.
  21-40% Desert. These creatures tend to be small and stealthy 
  animals like snakes, lizards, spiders and scorpions, or small fast 
  creatures like rabbits and birds. They tend to live, travel and hunt 
  alone, in pairs or small groups (2D4+1). Stealth creatures get the 
  equivalent skills of Fasting, Prowl, and Track and Trap Animal, 
  all at 70% and are +1 to strike. Fast animals get the equivalent 
  skills of Dowsing, Fasting and Land Navigation, all at 80%, and 
  see their Spd attribute increased by 30% and are +1 to dodge.
  41-60% Forest/Jungle Dweller. Anything living here will 
  use the vegetation to their advantage. Expect to find all sorts of 
  animals from birds and tree climbers, to burrowing animals, wild 
  boar, canines, deer, birds, snakes, insects, scavengers and stealthy 
  predators. Equivalent skills include Detect Ambush 70%, Escape 
  Artist 50%, Land Navigation 80%, Prowl 60%, and Swimming 
  70%, and are +2 on Perception Rolls.
  61-80% Plains and Grasslands. Plains animals are usually 
  fast and fall into two main categories: herd animals like sheep, 
  horses, buffalo and wildebeasts that are herbivores feeding on 
  grass and plants, and the predatory pack animals (wolves and 
  coyotes) that hunt them. Herd animals tend to live in very large 
  groups of 2D6x100 or more. Pack animals travel and hunt in 
  groups of 1D6x10. Equivalent skills of herd animals include 
  Dowsing 60% and Land Navigation 80%. Pack hunters get Land 
  Navigation 75%, Prowl 50%, Tailing 75%, and Track and Trap 
  Animals 66%. Increase Spd attribute of plains herd animals and 
  pack hunters by 50% and +1 on Perception Rolls. 
  81-00% Swamp & Water. These animals include alliga-
  tors/crocodiles, amphibians, reptiles, birds and small mammals. 
  Aquatic animals (including water fowl) can hold their breath un-
  derwater for 1D4+4 minutes and have equivalent skills of Cam-
  ouflage 68% (particularly their nests and lairs), Escape Artist 
  55%, Prowl 50% (+15% underwater), Swimming 96% and are 
  +2 to dodge. Ground mammals have the same equivalent skills 
  as Forest animals.
  Dietary Disposition
  If the number of carnivores in a community increases, they will 
  eat more of the herbivores, thus decreasing the herbivore popula-
  tion. After a while, it becomes harder for the carnivores to find 
  prey, and the population of carnivores decreases. Therefore, in just 
  about any healthy ecosystem, the number of plant-eating species 
  is much greater than the number of meat eaters. This is good news 
  for most player characters. It is important to note that as a general 
  rule, most animals regard humans and humanoids as a threat or ri-
  val, and respond accordingly. Most small to medium-sized animal 
  predators do not prey on people, but monsters are a different story.
  01-40% Plant Eater. A dedicated herbivore, the creature eats 
  plants which may includes leaves or grass, grains/oats/hay, vege-
  tables, roots, nuts or fruit, or several of the items listed. As a rule, 
  plant eaters are not an obvious threat as they tend to be timid, flee 
  rather than fight, and never attack people as prey to eat. However, 
  all are protective of their young and fight to the death to defend 
  them. This means the parent animals fight until the intruder/threat 
  is chased away or killed, or until the adult animals are slain. Cor-
  nered animals also fight and may kill an intruder or threat, but 
  are usually happy to make good an escape. This is also true of 
  an animal followed or attacked inside its lair/burrow/nest. Many 
  herbivores gather in herds or flocks and while the members of the 
  herd/flock are likely to run, one or more dominant males may at-
  tack and try to chase away or kill intruders and threats.
  Do not underestimate the danger of plant eating creatures. 
  Many city folk think of herbivores as harmless. While most her-
  bivores are timid and flee rather than fight, they all will at some 
  point fight to protect themselves. Furthermore, some plant eat-
  ers are large and aggressive toward humanoid intruders – ani-
  mals such as male bulls and buffalo, moose (male and female), 
  elephants, and rhinoceros (and alien creatures like them) come to 
  mind as very dangerous plant eaters best to be avoided. However, 
  even the cute little bunny rabbit, squirrel and woodchuck will 
  bite, claw and kick when attacked, cornered, or grabbed and held. 
  Likewise, any wounded animal is a dangerous one. 
  41-55% Insect Eater. Insectivores are much more common 
  than the average person imagines and includes many species, 
  such as mammals (moles and anteaters for example), but are most 
  common among amphibians, reptiles, fish, bats, and birds. 
  56-80% Meat-Eater/Predator. The creature is a strict car-
  nivore that hunts and preys upon other animals. Meat-eaters are 
  found among most species from fish and crustaceans, to reptiles 
  and birds, but the largest and most dangerous predators are among 
  mammals. Carnivorous animals that immediately come to mind 
  are all types of canines (coyotes, wolves, etc.) and felines (lions, 
  tigers, leopards, etc.). Note: Roll on the Predator only tables that 
  follow.
  
  112
  81-00% Eat it All. This creature is an omnivore, consuming 
  both plants and animals, or it could be a dedicated predator. Re-
  gardless, roll on the predator only tables that follow.
  Predator Hunting Abilities
  Meat eating predators roll three times on the following table. 
  The same power cannot be taken twice.
  Omnivores roll once.
  01-10% Tailing at 4D6+64%.
  11-20% Prowl at 3D6+50%.
  21-30% Track by sight at 3D6+50%.
  31-40% Track by smell at 4D6+60%.
  41-50% Sense P.P.E./Magic, same as the psionic Sensitive 
  power.
  51-60% Climb 4D6+68% and +1 to roll with punch/fall or 
  impact.
  61-70% Nightvision: can see clearly for 1D6x100 feet (30.5 
  to 183 m) in total darkness, and 4,000 feet (1219 m) with some 
  kind of light source such as the moon and stars.
  71-80% Keen hearing: +1 on Perception Rolls, +2 on initia-
  tive and +1 to parry and/or dodge.
  81-90% Natural Sense of Direction: Never gets lost due to a 
  homing sense equivalent to a Land Navigation skill equal to 98%.
  91-00% Sixth Sense, same as the psionic Sensitive power 
  only it is automatic and does not require I.S.P. to use.
  Predator’s Hunting Orientation
  01-25% Solitary hunter, always found alone.
  26-55% Mated pairs. Where there is one, the other will be 
  close by, and both are protective of the other.
  56-75% Hunt in small packs of 2D4.
  76-95% Hunt in medium packs of 3D6.
  96-00% Hunt in large packs of at least 1D4x10.
  Predators Primary Food Type
  01-15% P.P.E. The monster does not eat its prey, but feeds 
  on  its P.P.E. (Potential Psychic Energy), which doubles at the 
  moment of death.
  16-30% Blood. The monster feeds on the blood of animals 
  and/or humanoids, much like the vampire bat. In some cases (01-
  60%), the vampire kills its victims to drink their blood, while 
  other monsters (61-00%) drink blood without killing its victim, 
  but leaves him weakened. Reduce Spd, attacks per melee round, 
  and combat bonuses by 30% for 1D4 hours. 
  31-70% Meat and Bone. This creature is the classic carnivore 
  that eats the flesh and bones of the creatures it kills. Large, alien 
  predators are likely to attack and prey upon humanoids.
  71-80% Man-eater. A carnivorous predator that has acquired 
  a taste for humans or humanoids as its favorite prey. The monster 
  can prey upon other creatures to sustain itself, but it prefers the 
  taste of humanoids above all others and seeks them out.
  81-90% Fear. A psychic vampire who empathically feels and 
  absorbs a victim’s feelings of terror, feeding upon it like sweet 
  nectar. The monster doesn’t need to actually kill its prey to feed 
  upon fear, so many create a deliberate atmosphere of terror. How-
  ever, as a predator, the monster often (75% of the time) kills its 
  prey out of instinct or sadistic pleasure. 
  91-00% Bloodthirsty Thrill Killer. The creature is likely to be 
  a classic carnivorous predator that enjoys killing so much that it 
  hunts and kills just for fun. Such a creature preys upon humanoids, 
  as well as slaughtering cattle, livestock, and pets for the sheer plea-
  sure of it. Of course, it also kills to feed, but most of its kills are only 
  partially eaten or left uneaten. Such monsters often enjoy playing 
  cat and mouse games with their prey before making the kill. 
  Can I Eat the Animal or Monster?
  During the course of a game, it might become necessary to 
  know whether or not the local animals can be safely consumed. 
  The quick answer is usually yes. Most animal species can be eaten, 
  although they might very well taste atrocious or be totally repug-
  nant. For example, maggots and worms are full of protein, but we 
  shudder at the thought of dining on them. Carnivores are, as a rule, 
  foul tasting and have tough, stringy meat. Herbivores and omni-
  vores, are generally good tasting. Many lizards and snakes taste 
  like chicken, but not all birds are edible or have enough meat on 
  them to prepare (i.e. sparrows, finches, etc.). Almost all fish are 
  good eating. The final ruling is always up to the Game Master, but 
  in general, Mega-Damage and/or supernatural beings cannot be 
  consumed except by other Mega-Damage or supernatural beings, 
  unless prepared just right (which some indigenous people might 
  know how to do, but not most colonists and “civilized” people). 
  Monsters or animals that inflict poison can be eaten, so long as care 
  is taken to remove ALL of the poison sacs, glands and stingers.
  Exotic Weapons
  & Equipment
  Throwing Irons
  Several cultures indigenous to the Thundercloud make these 
  oddly shaped knives for hunting and combat as deadly thrown 
  weapons. Against an unarmored opponent any of these can easily 
  sever a limb. They can also punch through wooden boards a quar-
  ter of an inch thick (0.6 cm). Throwing irons are traditional weap-
  
  113
  ons of the Tsongkuba, so the TGE has crafted a Vibro-Blade ver-
  sion for them that inflicts Mega-Damage. Likewise, some magic 
  using cultures construct enchanted throwing irons that also have 
  M.D. capabilities and return to the thrower. In all cases, the irons 
  are thrown horizontally, like a Frisbee.
  Weight: Human-sized throwing irons average 2.5 pounds (1.1 
  kg). Twice to three times as heavy for giant-sized versions.
  Range: 270 feet (82.3 m) by someone with a standard physical 
  strength, 50% farther for those with Robot P.S. and double the 
  range for those with Supernatural P.S.
  Damage: 2D6 S.D.C. (plus any P.S. bonuses) for the tradi-
  tional S.D.C. weapon. Vibro-Blade Irons and magical versions 
  inflict 2D6+2 Mega-Damage. Add an additional 1D6+1 (S.D.C. 
  or M.D.) for giant-sized versions. Some magical versions may 
  inflict even more damage and return when thrown.
  Bonuses: +1 on initiative and +1 to parry. These are in addi-
  tion to any bonuses from W.P. Knife, W.P. Targeting and other 
  bonuses.
  Cost: S.D.C. throwing irons are worth about 400-600 cred-
  its. Vibro-Blade versions will cost 10,000-12,000 credits each. 
  Magic ones may well be priceless although low-powered ones 
  run anywhere between 40,000 and 80,000 credits (+200,000 it if 
  magically returns).
  Patchwork Armor
  A patchwork suit of armor is a hodgepodge of pieces of body 
  armor, recycled M.D.C. materials and salvaged scrap taken from 
  the battlefield or stolen from high-tech rivals. They may be built 
  over a leather or padded armature or undergarment, or combined 
  with the hide of a Mega-Damage monster such as the Nkoli. 
  Some look rather high-tech, others look primitive, strange or like 
  they are ready to fall apart.
  Weight: 25-35 lbs (11.4-15.9 kg) for light suits, 50-60 lbs (22.7-
  27.3 kg) for heavy.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Helmet – 4D6+40 M.D.C.
  Arms – 3D6+20 M.D.C. each.
  Legs – 3D6+26 M.D.C. each.
  Main Body – 4D6+30 M.D.C. for a light suit., 6D6+60 M.D.C. 
  for a heavy suit.
  Movement Penalty: -7% for skills like Climb, Prowl, Swim, etc. 
  for light suits, -15% for heavy suits.
  Note: 75% are non-environmental.
  Cost: 8,000-10,000 credits for light non-environmental armor, 
  12,000-15,000 credits for heavy non-environmental armor; 
  +20,000 credits for environmental armor.
  grenades and explosives to use against the Naruni (see Rifts® 
  Dimension Book 3: Phase World® Sourcebook, pages 55-56, 
  for stats and details).
  Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg).
  Range: 2,600 feet (792 m).
  Mega-Damage: 4D6 M.D. to a 4 foot (1.2 m) blast radius for K-
  Hex rounds. 6D6 S.D.C. for standard rounds.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot only. Each shot counts as one melee 
  attack.
  Payload: Four round internal magazine.
  Cost: 1,000-3,000 credits for the actual rifle, plus ammunition. 
  Five credits for 10 standard S.D.C. rounds. K-Hex ammo is sto-
  len from Naruni warehouses and factories. (NE manufactures K-
  Hex explosive ammunition in many sizes and calibers, ranging in 
  price from 250-350 credits per round.)
  Denlech Long Rifle
  The Long Rifle began as an S.D.C. projectile weapon used for 
  shooting game. When Naruni Enterprise and other invaders be-
  gan raping their land, the Denlech settlers converted their rifle to 
  use stolen Naruni K-Hex explosive rounds to turn their large-bore 
  gun into a Mega-Damage weapon. The Long Rifle can also fire 
  other large bore ammunition and heavy cartridges. The Denlech 
  find it fitting that they use the invader’s own weapons (processed 
  Killaryte) against them. Note: The Denlech also steal K-Hex 
  Tranquilizer “Capture” Gun
  This is a medium-bore weapon used to deliver tranquilizer 
  darts to sedate and capture wild animals. This is an essential tool 
  for scientists, explorers and Big Game Hunters who wish to bring 
  an animal back alive for display or study. In fictional accounts, 
  these weapons fire little tufted darts that instantly put an animal 
  to sleep, but this is far from reality. Tranquilizer darts are essen-
  tially a big syringe filled with drugs, and when it hits its target, 
  a small explosive charge goes off to inject those drugs. The dart 
  itself can inflict serious injury to small animal species and even 
  shatter bones. Moreover, most “chemical incapacitation” agents 
  take 2D6+6 minutes for full effect, requiring the hunter/zoologist 
  to follow the animal until it finally collapses or becomes so slug-
  gish it can be handled, muzzled and caged. Sometimes the drugs 
  don’t work at all (saving throw of 17 for most animals, 16 to save 
  vs non-lethal drugs/poison for predators and sentient creatures).
  Once an animal has been sufficiently affected by the dart, the 
  handlers must move in quickly to help stabilize it. Many crea-
  tures, especially predators with high metabolisms, are very sen-
  sitive to stress, and can easily go into shock and die when they 
  are forcibly put under. It is best if the creature’s vital signs are 
  monitored all throughout the transport period (roll under the Ani-
  mal Husbandry, Veterinary Science or the Zoology skill to do 
  so). In the real world, it should also be noted that different animal 
  species, despite being similar in shape or size, require different 
  drug cocktail mixtures in order to knock them out. To a certain 
  extent, this is a matter of trial and error, especially when dealing 
  with new species.
  A capture gun is almost always a rifle (stats below are for 
  a rifle), though some versions might be a pistol (200 foot/61 
  m range), crossbow (600 foot/183 m range), or blow gun (60 
  foot/18.3 m range).
  Weight: 7 pounds (3.2 kg).
  Range: 1,000 feet (305 m).
  Damage: 1D6 S.D.C. from the impact of the dart itself. The target 
  must also roll a save versus non-lethal drugs (16 or 17; see above) 
  in order to ignore the effects of the sedatives. If the sedated an-
  imal (or sentient being) does NOT fall unconscious – 01-70% 
  
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  likelihood that it does – it is so groggy that it has only one melee 
  attack/action per round, has no Perception Roll or initiative (al-
  ways last to strike), reduce Spd 95% (can barely stand or crawl, 
  can not fly), and is -8 to strike, parry, and dodge.
  Duration: 4D4+4 minutes.
  Rate of Fire: Single shot only.
  Payload: Single, breech-loaded round. Each shot counts as one 
  melee attack.
  Cost: 1,200 credits for the gun. Each dart costs about 100 credits.
  ing settings, light and heavy, although the light setting is almost 
  never used against Imperial Legionnaires.
  Weight: 142 lbs (64 kg) for the gun. Each energy canister weighs 
  30 lbs (13.5 kg).
  Range: 1,800 feet (548.6 m).
  Mega-Damage: Light blast: 4D6 M.D. Heavy blast: 1D4x10+4 
  M.D.
  Rate of Fire: Single shots only. Each blast, whether light or 
  heavy, counts as one melee attack.
  Payload: A clip holds 50 charges – that’s fifty light blasts, or 
  twenty-five heavy.
  Cost: 50,000-60,000 credits when sold to outside parties. Hu-
  mans and other non-supernatural beings can really only use it 
  with powered armor, or as a mounted emplacement weapon.
  Accessories for Contra-Gravity Rifles
  For most armies in the Three Galaxies, CG guns tend to take 
  a back seat to energy weapons. There are some however, who ei-
  ther don’t mind the diminished range, or who have been unable as 
  a species to develop reliable directed energy systems, who prefer 
  Contra-Gravity weapons. The Wulfen are in the former camp, 
  since they prefer their combat at close range. Less developed 
  races like the Trensik often fall into the latter.
  Presented below are a number of add-ons and accessories that 
  can be fitted to any type of contra-gravity assault rifle.
  Belt-Feed Mechanism: This is a factory fitted conversion 
  mounted to the CG assault rifle itself. Uses a disintegrating belt of 
  ammunition and allows for single shot and burst fire, but cannot 
  be used in conjunction with sniper attachments. It can be easily 
  removed and a regular clip inserted at any time. The belt-feed box 
  increases the rifle’s ammo capacity to 100 rounds, but incurs a 
  penalty of -1 when firing bursts. Cost: 6,600 credits fully loaded. 
  Fair availability for those who know to look for it.
  “Snail” Mini-Drum: Another possible replacement for rifles 
  such as the CG-15AR. It is loaded by means of a special tool 
  (costs 100 credits). The drum rests comfortably on the forearm 
  or hip, and the entire assembly is stable when firing. As with the 
  belt-feed box, it can be easily popped off and replaced with a 
  normal ammo clip at any time. Increases the ammo capacity to 90 
  rounds. Cost: 6,000 credits. Fair availability.
  Ready-Mag Speed Loading System: This allows a CG rifle 
  to carry two regular ammo clips side by side. The weapon fires 
  until the first magazine is empty. Then the wielder simply presses 
  the catch, and pushes the fresh clip sideways into place. For those 
  with the proper W.P., the process takes about two seconds, and 
  does not burn up an attack for changing clips. Cost: 4,500 credits 
  fully loaded. Quite common.
  Detachable Grenade Launcher: This is a single-shot, 
  breech-loaded grenade launcher that is fitted to the undercarriage 
  of the CG rifle. The launcher can easily fire most kinds of ex-
  plosive, micro-fusion, smoke, or illuminating grenades. It comes 
  with a pistol grip, and a folding stock can be easily attached, en-
  abling the launcher to be used independent of the rifle if neces-
  sary. Loading a new grenade takes two melee actions/attacks.
  Weight: 6 lbs (2.7 kg).
  Range: 1,300 feet (396 m).
  Mega-Damage: Varies with grenade type.
  Payload: Single shot.
  Cost: 5,000 credits, plus the cost of grenades.
  Trensik Rail Gun
  This is a sleek rail gun with a rear mounted ammo drum. Ad-
  ditional rounds can be fed into the weapon via a belt attached to 
  an ammo backpack. The Trensik’s great strength enables them to 
  handle the load as easily as any full conversion cyborg or power 
  armor. Comes standard with built-in laser targeting and HUDS 
  optical display and single round firing is used for precision shots 
  and sniping.
  Weight: 47 lbs (21 kg). 170 lbs (77.2 kg) for backpack ammo 
  drum and belt.
  Range: 4,000 feet (1,219 m).
  Mega-Damage: 2D6 per single shot, 1D6x10 M.D. per 8 shot 
  burst.
  Rate of Fire: Each single round or burst counts as one melee at-
  tack.
  Payload: Standard drum is 160 single shots or 20 bursts. Back-
  pack ammo-drum adds 800 rounds or 100 bursts.
  Bonuses: +2 to strike on an Aimed/Called Shot (superior balance, 
  and laser targeting array with x10 optical scope).
  Cost: 40,000 credits for the gun. 40,000 for a full backpack.
  Note: Characters with a P.S. less than 22 are -2 to strike, unless 
  the weapon is mounted or braced.
  Desslyth Variable Blast Rifle
  Combining properties of both the Kreeghor rifle, and the Kit-
  tani K-30 pulse rifle, Desslyth’s technicians were able to create a 
  massive laser cannon for use by the Kydian Overlords. The Blast 
  Rifle is a monstrous construction; its bore is six inches (15 cm) 
  in diameter! A heavy, barrel-shaped energy canister, the size of a 
  small beer keg, loads into the back of the gun. There are two fir-
  
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  Colony Riverboat
  Colony “riverboats” are cheap, light, hover vehicles with al-
  most nothing to them. Most are flatbed barges with simple hover 
  propulsion systems. There is nothing fancy about them and al-
  most no expense has been put into their construction. Riverboats 
  have no electronic sensors, no on-board weapons, very little pro-
  tective plating, and run on combustible fuels instead of nuclear 
  power packs. In shape, they often look like a long, flat platform 
  with an engine on the back and a small control cabin somewhere 
  near the front. Modular additions, such as covered pilot compart-
  ment, box cargo container, railings, heated compartment, cargo 
  crane, armored shielding with gun ports, weapon mountings, 
  weapons, and so on, are extras built onto the vessel.
  The speed of these simple vessels is a modest 13 knots (15 
  mph/24 km). Souped-up versions can have as much as double 
  that speed, but that’s the maximum. They can also travel along 
  the current of a river without expending fuel or via long poles 
  or rowing. Many of the colonial armies have transformed these 
  simple hoverbarges into gunboats by adding armored plates and 
  manned gunner positions or weapon turrets.
  Class: Civilian Hover Vehicle.
  Crew: One pilot, one copilot or helmsman, and work crew as 
  necessary. Depending on the size of the barge, dozens of people/
  passengers can be accommodated with or without cargo.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Bridge Cabin – 90
  Engine – 125
  Solar Canopy (optional) – average is 100 M.D.C. (solar panels 
  have 3 M.D.C. per square foot)
  * Engine House (optional) – 130
  ** Main Body – 250 per 60 feet (18.3 m) of length.
  * Unless an Engine House has been added on, the riverboat’s 
  propulsion system is vulnerable to attack. If it is destroyed, then 
  all hover and motorized propulsion capabilities are lost, but can 
  still travel unpowered.
  ** Depleting the M.D.C. of the Main Body destroys the barge, 
  causing it to crash and/or sink.
  Speed: A leisurely 15 mph (24 km/13 knots) is standard, but 
  speed can be doubled for an additional 75,000 credits.
  Statistical Data:
  Height: Varies with height of cargo, whether there is an attached 
  crane, cargo cabin, etc., but the standard flatbed is 10 feet (3 m).
  Width: 30 feet (9.1 m), but a double-wide is available for an extra 
  220,000 credits.
  Length: Standard is 60 feet (18.3 m), but also available in 120 
  feet (36.6 m), 180 feet (55 m), and 240 feet (73 m) long. Add 
  100,000 credits for each size increase.
  Weight: 2 tons, plus 1 additional ton per deck.
  Cargo: 30 tons for the standard boat, increase by 20 tons per size 
  increase.
  Power Systems: Liquid fuel is standard, but solar power is avail-
  able (+50,000 credits), electric batteries (+40,000 credits), and 
  nuclear (+1.2 million credits).
  
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  Range: 850 hours of operation with liquid fuel. A solar array can 
  provide 8 hours of continuous power with a 4 hour backup bat-
  tery. The electric cells will recharge fully with one hour of bright 
  sunlight.
  Market Cost: Anywhere between 160,000 (standard size) to 1 
  million credits is typical, but can cost 5 million if maximum size, 
  nuclear powered and including other features.
  Weapon Systems: None standard, but rail guns and laser cannons 
  may be added. Most do not have built-in weapon systems as the 
  cost is prohibitive and usually requires a nuclear power source or 
  an expensive independent power supply for each weapon system. 
  Instead, there is typically 1-4 armed guards, more if trouble is ex-
  pected, and these guards may include mercs, cyborgs and power 
  armor troops with heavy weapons. Others have gunner positions 
  with a heavy weapon like a rail gun, machine-gun, or heavy la-
  ser rifle mounted on a weapon platform (a length of pipe with a 
  swivel) that can turn 360 degrees; must be manned.
  Homesteader Colony Spacecraft
  The Homesteader is a small shuttle style spacecraft designed 
  for use by colonists. These craft are typically purchased by a small 
  group of families. This allows them to colonize a planet without 
  having to be under the supervision of one of the major power 
  blocs. Larger groups of colonies are often associated with a major 
  government or planet and so they are obligated to follow the laws 
  and mandates of those paying for the colonization effort. This is 
  not the case with the Homesteader. If several families or a small 
  group of people pool their resources they can afford a Homestead-
  er and set off on their own under no rules or regulations.
  Model Type: Civilian Small Colony Spacecraft.
  Class: Homesteader.
  Ship’s Complement: 30-50 people which is typically six to ten 
  families. There is a minimum of four Spacers needed to operate 
  the ship at peak efficiency.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Rapid-Fire HI-Laser Turrets (2) – 100 each
  Reinforced Pilot Compartment – 400
  * Forward Hull 1/3 (bridge and living quarters) – 500
  ** Midships Hull 1/3 (cargo hold) – 600
  *** Aft Hull 1/3 (main engines) – 800
  * Destroying the forward hull destroys all bridge controls. The 
  ship can be controlled from the engineering area at a -25% pen-
  alty to piloting skills.
  ** Destroying the midship hull cripples the vessel. FTL is 
  gone, conventional speed is reduced by half, there is a -40% pilot-
  ing penalty and the mid-section laser turret is dead. There is also 
  a 01-50% chance of losing 1D6x10% of the cargo.
  *** Destroying the aft hull disables the engines and power 
  systems. There is a 01-10% chance of causing the power core to 
  go critical, detonating and destroying the rest of the ship. It cre-
  ates an explosion which does 1D4x100 M.D.C. to everything in 
  a 500 foot (152 m) radius. More likely, the ship is crippled and 
  set adrift while other systems shut down one by one every 1D6+6 
  hours. Thankfully, life support is the last to go, but that gives 
  survivors only a 48-72 hour window to be rescued.
  Speed:
  Atmosphere: 4,325 mph (6920 km or Mach 6) to hovering.
  FTL: 2 light-years per hour.
  Sub-Light: Homesteaders can maintain a speed of 6489 mph 
  (10,382.4 km or Mach 9).
  Range: Limited only by supplies. The reactor carry enough fuel 
  to operate the ship at full readiness for 5 years, but shipboard 
  supplies are only good for two years. Rationing can extend the 
  duration to four years.
  Statistical Data:
  Height: 55 feet (16.7 m).
  Length: 145 feet (44.2 m).
  Width: 68 feet (20.7 m).
  Weight: 550 fully loaded tons.
  Cargo: 30 tons of cargo can be stored, plus 50 passengers.
  Power Systems: One civilian class micro-antimatter reactor.
  Market Cost: 55 million credits.
  Weapon Systems:
  1. Rapid Fire HI-Laser Turrets (2): Homesteaders are not com-
  bat vessels but have two high-powered laser turrets for de-
  fense; one in the forward section on top of the spacecraft and 
  one in the belly of the mid-section.
  Primary Purpose: Anti-Fighter.
  Secondary Purpose: Anti-Missile.
  Range: 1 mile (1.6 km) in atmosphere and 6 miles (9.6 km) in 
  space.
  Mega-Damage: 1D6x10+10 per blast. Both turrets can be brought 
  to bear on an enemy ship depending on its position.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to the number of hand to hand attacks of the 
  gunner (usually 4 or 5).
  Payload: Effectively unlimited.
  2. Homesteader Colony Construction Notes: Once a Home-
  steader has arrived at its destination, the vehicle is designed to 
  be broken down to support the fledgling colony. With a few 
  commands from the cockpit, the Homesteader begins to elon-
  gate and change shape. This preps the ship for deconstruction. 
  With one final command from the ship’s cockpit, hundreds 
  of bolts disengage and the ship separates into several modu-
  lar pieces and sections. This whole process takes less than an 
  hour. From this point there is no returning it to being a space-
  worthy ship unless a skilled starship engineer is available. The 
  ship can be easily pulled apart to make five large homes or 
  ten small homes. Each small home is a two bedroom house 
  with 1D6x10+40 M.D.C. each. Double the M.D.C. and num-
  ber of bedrooms for the larger homes. The ship’s power plant 
  can sustain the settlers for 30 years before needing more fuel 
  and the ship’s sensors and communication gear can be used to 
  communicate with approaching spacecraft.
  3. Homesteader Ancillary Support: There is limited room for 
  vehicles and major equipment. One large vehicle or four small 
  vehicles can be transported in the cargo area in addition to 
  what is considered basic colony gear and supplies.
  Conestoga Colony Ship
  The Conestoga-class colony ship has a long history starting in 
  the Human Alliance. They were one of the first ships to leave the 
  human solar system and spread out to the stars. Over the years, they 
  have seen several incarnations. The latest Conestoga has all that a 
  potential group of colonists needs to start a new life on an alien 
  world in a remote part of space. The ships are built with a modular 
  design. Once they reach their destination the ship can be disassem-
  bled and converted into homes, a power plant, water purification 
  
  117
  plant, a communications center and all the basics a colony needs to 
  get started. The ship’s cargo hold is filled with necessary supplies 
  and there is often tons of farming equipment, construction materi-
  als, tools, vehicles, seed, and even cattle and other farm animals.
  Conestogas are very expensive and are rarely privately owned. 
  They are usually sponsored by a specific government or spon-
  soring company, so more often than not, this group of colonists 
  are affiliated with one of the major power blocs. There are often 
  government officials among the civilian crew and it is their re-
  sponsibility to establish a colonial government and set up basic 
  government services.
  Model Type: Civilian Colony Ship.
  Class: Conestoga Mk. X.
  Ship’s Complement: 3,230 (125 Spacers with an expertise in 
  starship operations). The remaining crew are civilians with little 
  space training.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Interior Bulkheads per 10 feet (3 m) – 30
  Interior Hatches – 15
  External Hatches – 30
  Ventral Shuttle Bay – 4,500
  Shuttle Bay Doors (2) – 700 each
  Point Defense HI-Laser Batteries (12) – 120 each
  *Forward Hull Section 1/3 (main cargo bays) – 13,000
  ** Midships Hull Section 1/3 (civilian section) – 15,000
  *** Aft Hull Section 1/3 (engineering section) – 20,000
  **** Main Bridge (upper hull) – 4,000
  Variable Force Fields – 3,000 per side (18,000 total)
  * Destroying the forward hull destroys all cargo contained 
  within. The ship is still flyable in space, but will have problems 
  landing; -30% to piloting rolls while landing.
  ** Destroying the midship hull kills 2D4x10% of the passen-
  gers.
  *** Destroying the aft hull disables the engines and power 
  systems. There is a 01-07% chance of causing the power core 
  to go critical, detonating and destroying the rest of the ship. It 
  creates an explosion doing 3D6x100 M.D.C. to everything in 
  a 1,000 foot (305 m) radius. More likely, the ship is crippled, 
  loses power, loses FTL capabilities and reduce remaining speed 
  by 50%. The vessel is set adrift and loses 2D4 onboard systems, 
  starting with the force field and half the weapon systems, but life 
  support continues to function.
  **** If the bridge is destroyed the ship can still be controlled 
  from the engineering deck, but suffers a -20% to piloting skill and 
  the communications system is destroyed.
  Speed:
  Atmosphere: Conestogas have limited atmospheric capabilities. 
  They can maintain an atmospheric cruising speed of 1,522 mph 
  (2,435.2 km or Mach 2).
  FTL: 2 light-years per hour.
  Sub-Light: Conestogas are not built for speed. They can maintain 
  a speed of 5707.5 mph (9,132 km or Mach 8).
  Range: Limited only by supplies. The antimatter reactors carry 
  enough fuel to operate the ship at full readiness for 25 years, but 
  shipboard supplies are only good for three years. Rationing can 
  extend the duration to six years.
  Statistical Data:
  Length: 2034.1 feet (620 m).
  Beam: 574.1 feet (175 m).
  Height: 803.8 feet (245 m).
  Mass: 144,000 tons.
  Cargo: 130,000 tons of cargo.
  Power Systems: One sub-capital class antimatter reactor power-
  ing two banks of civilian-class thruster arrays.
  Market Cost: 65 billion credits.
  Weapon Systems:
  1. Double-Barreled Rapid Fire HI-Laser Turrets (12): Cones-
  togas are not combat vessels and as a result, are limited with 
  their weapon systems. Most are equipped with limited point 
  defense systems.
  Primary Purpose: Anti-Fighter.
  Secondary Purpose: Anti-Missile.
  Range: 2 miles (3.2 km) in atmosphere and 8 miles (12.8 km) in 
  space.
  Mega-Damage: 2D4x10 per double-barreled blast. Multiple tur-
  rets can be brought to bear on an enemy ship depending on its 
  position.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to the number of hand to hand attacks of the 
  gunner (usually 4 or 5).
  Payload: Effectively unlimited.
  2. Conestoga Colony Construction Notes: Once a Conestoga 
  has arrived at its destination, the vehicle is designed to be bro-
  ken down to support the fledgling colony. After the Conestoga 
  lands, the first thing done is to deploy all the construction ve-
  hicles. They clear the land and prepare the area for habita-
  tion. The next step is to detach the shuttle bay. The shuttle bay 
  can serve all kinds of functions if needed, but is ultimately 
  designed to store the shuttles and other large construction ve-
  hicles. The rest of the ship is disassembled section by section. 
  The whole engine compartment becomes the colony’s power 
  plant, the life support becomes a water purification and waste 
  treatment center, the bridge becomes the colony’s communi-
  cation center and the rest of the ship is made into the homes 
  of the colonists. Depending on the needs of the colonists, the 
  ship can create 800 to 1,000 homes. Each home is a small, two 
  bedroom house with 1D6x10+40 M.D.C. each.
  3. Conestoga Ancillary Support: In the belly of the Conesto-
  ga is a shuttle bay with two short-range space shuttles. The 
  shuttles are used for exploration of planets and setting down 
  on planets without landing the Conestoga. They also serve as 
  heavy lift vehicles to move ground vehicles, building materi-
  als and equipment around the colony once settled.
  Colony Med-Bot
  There’s nothing like being 10,000 light-years from home and 
  having a broken leg with no doctor around. Not every colony has 
  a trained medical team or hospital. In those instances, it is a good 
  idea to purchase a Colony Med-Bot. The robot is programmed 
  with the same skills as a trained medical doctor and field surgeon. 
  It also carries a small supply of medical drugs, nano-robot repair 
  kits and other basic medical capabilities and supplies. While not 
  as proficient as a real doctor, the Med-Bot can save a life that 
  is teetering on the edge and take care of most common medical 
  needs. Med-Bots are becoming so popular that it’s not uncom-
  mon to see them on a variety of spacecraft found throughout the 
  Three Galaxies, let alone pioneer colonies.
  Med-Bots do not have a humanoid appearance. The original 
  thinking for these robots was that instead of legs it could have 
  
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  a Grav Pack and several arms with a variety of diagnostic tools. 
  Instead of a head the bulb on top of the body is a sophisticated 
  sensor unit that can take a variety of scans to help diagnose many 
  medical issues.
  Model Type: MP-1202
  Class: Fully-Automated, Self-Sufficient Medical Robot.
  Crew: None, a simple artificial intelligence.
  M.D.C.: 50 for main body, 50 for the sensor bulb and 12 for each 
  of the six limbs.
  Speed:
  Running: Not possible.
  Leaping: Not possible.
  Flying: 60 mph (96 km) maximum. Note that flying does not tire 
  the robot and the speed can be maintained indefinitely, however, 
  constant flying at maximum speed is considered heavy use and 
  wears down the battery more quickly.
  Water: Can move through water at one third its speed and has a 
  maximum depth of 2,000 feet (610 m).
  Range: The electric battery provides 80-100 hours of use. The 
  robot can be shut down when not in use to conserve energy, and 
  automatically goes into a low energy “sleep mode” when its ser-
  vices are not needed.
  Statistical Data:
  Height: 4 feet (1.2 m).
  Width: 3.5 feet (1.06 m).
  Length: 3.5 feet (1.06 m).
  Weight: 175 pounds (78.8 kg).
  Physical Strength: Robotic P.S. 20.
  Notable Attributes: I.Q. 16, P.P. 13 and P.B. 6.
  Cargo: None, but can extend a fiber mesh to carry a single patient.
  Power Systems: Electrical battery, with solar recharging capacity 
  (takes six hours to fully charge) or can be plugged into any kind 
  or nuclear or antimatter reactor and charged in an hour.
  Market Cost: 900,000 credits for a new model, but used models 
  can be purchased for as little as 500,000 credits. Really cheap 
  models are typically 1D4+6 years old and are -10% on their skills.
  Standard Skill Programs
  General Knowledge: Chemistry 98%, Chemistry: Analytical 
  96%, Chemistry: Pharmaceutical 96%, Computer Operation 
  96%, Language and Literacy: All Trade Languages 90%, Math-
  ematics: Basic 98%, Mathematics: Advanced 98%, and Radio: 
  Basic 90%.
  Medical Knowledge: Biology 90%, Brewing: Medicinal 80%, 
  Field Surgery 85%, Medical Doctor 86%, Pathology 88%, Sen-
  sory Equipment 96%, Sewing 90%, Veterinary Science 80%, and 
  Xenology 70%.
  Utility Robots
  Utility Robots are multi-purpose repair drones that can be pro-
  grammed for a number of tasks. Some ships use them as engineers 
  to make repairs or maintain their ships. Colonists have been buying 
  them to help build the colony and fill in a niche that may be needed. 
  Other colonies use them to fill in when people have multiple roles 
  to perform. Nicknamed “Fixers,” they can work for 12 hours non-
  stop, don’t need a break or food, don’t complain about work condi-
  tions and can work in conditions dangerous for humanoids.
  Utility Robots do not have a humanoid shape, but rather they 
  have a round torso that has a variety of tools, a sensor dome on 
  top and they hover via a Grav Pack.
  Model Type: UB-0524
  Class: Fully-Automated, Self-Sufficient Utility Robot.
  Crew: None, a simple artificial intelligence.
  M.D.C.: 90 for main body, 80 for the sensor bulb, 25 for each of 
  the twelve limbs.
  Speed:
  Running: Not possible.
  Leaping: Not possible.
  Flying: 60 mph (96 km) maximum. Note that flying does not tire 
  the robot and the speed can be maintained indefinitely, however 
  constant flying at maximum speed is consider heavy use and 
  wears down the battery 30% sooner.
  Water: The Utility Bot can move through water at one third its 
  speed and has a maximum depth of 2,000 feet (610 m).
  Range: Electric battery provides 80-100 hours of use. The robot 
  can be shut down when not in use to conserve energy, and auto-
  matically goes into a low energy “sleep mode” when its services 
  are not needed.
  Statistical Data:
  Height: 5 feet (1.5 m).
  Width: 4 feet (1.2 m).
  Length: 4 feet (1.2 m).
  Weight: 250 pounds (112.5 kg).
  Physical Strength: Robotic P.S. 40.
  Notable Attributes: I.Q. 14, P.P. 13 and P.B. 6.
  Cargo: None.
  Power Systems: Electrical battery, with solar recharging capacity 
  (takes 12 hours to fully charge) or can be plugged into any kind or 
  nuclear or antimatter reactor and charged in an hour.
  Market Cost: 1.4 million credits for a new model, but used mod-
  els can be purchased for as little as 850,000 credits. Really cheap 
  models are typically 1D4+6 years old and are -10% on their skills.
  Standard Skill Programs:
  General Knowledge: Computer Operation 95%, Computer Pro-
  gramming 88%, Language and Literacy: All Trade Languages 
  90%, Mathematics: Basic 98%, Mathematics: Advanced 98%.
  General Utility Knowledge: Automotive Mechanics 90%, Ba-
  sic Electronics 90%, Basic Mechanics 90%, Carpentry 90%, 
  Electricity Generation 80%, Excavation 75%, General Repair & 
  Maintenance 96%, Jury Rig 50%, Masonry 90%, Mining 80%, 
  Recycling 90% and Salvage 80%.
  Special Areas of Knowledge (Optional): Each of the following 
  must be purchased separately for an additional cost of 125,000 
  credits each: Aircraft Mechanics 85%, Computer Repair 88%, 
  Electrical Engineer 80%, Excavation 86%, Firefighting 85%, 
  Locksmith 90%, Mechanical Engineer 80%, Sensory Equipment 
  80%, Spaceship Mechanics 70% and Weapons Engineer 65%. 
  Cost: 125,000 credits each.
  Technology of the Exiles
  The mysterious Exiles may act like beggers and wandering 
  gypsies, but they are a people who possess advanced technology 
  on par with or somewhat superior to Naruni Enterprises. What 
  follows are just a couple of examples.
  
  119
  Exile “Heavy Hands” Power Armor
  Heavy Hands power armor is used for both work and combat in 
  all environments, from outer space or undersea to land and air op-
  erations. An alien technology designed specifically for the unique 
  requirements of the frail Exile people, the pilot is strapped into a 
  cushioned suit, wears a special breathing apparatus, fed via nutri-
  ent dispensers, boosted with drug injection tubes and the entire pi-
  lot’s compartment is filled with a thick, green, shock absorbing gel. 
  These measures all work together to protect the Exile pilot from 
  sudden accelerations or decelerations which can prove lethal to 
  their relatively frail bodies. The Heavy Hands power armor uses a 
  neural interface that enables the pilot’s thoughts to direct its move-
  ment. This suit has no view ports and what looks like goggles for 
  eyes are really cameras and special optics, with a sensor cluster in 
  the forehead between the eyes. While when walking around under 
  heavy gravity, special reinforcements slide into place and the feet 
  have an electro-magnetic grip feature to adhere to the exteriors of 
  metal hulls on spacecraft and space stations. A wrench and cable 
  with a hook and/or electro-magnetic clamp is built into the lower 
  spine of the power armor to provide an additional anchor when in 
  a weightless environment or underwater. It can unwind up to 90 
  feet (27.4 m) of thin, strong cable. Multiple layers of armor plating 
  provide heavy armor protection. A built-in jet pack and directional 
  thrusters built into the feet, back and abdomen (just under the rib 
  age, hips, and in the shoulder blades) provides flight, space and 
  underwater capabilities with superior control.
  Model Type: Multi-Environmental Robotic Exoskeleton (MERE).
  Nicknames: “Heavy Hands” and “Mira” (for M.E.R.E.).
  Class: Power Armor.
  Crew: One.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Winch and Cable (1, lower back) – 100
  Hands (2) – 90 each
  Arms (2) – 220 each
  Legs (2) – 300 each
  * Sensor Head/Helmet – 180
  Reinforced Pilot Compartment – 120
  ** Main Body – 420
  *** Magnetic Deflection Shield – 320
  * Destroying the Sensor Head (face of the power armor) elim-
  inates all optics, targeting and sensors, rendering the operator 
  blind; -10 to strike, parry, dodge and all other combat maneuvers. 
  It does NOT expose the pilot’s own face or head (he’s safe and 
  snug inside the Reinforced Pilot Compartment). Likewise, the 
  suit’s communications system remains intact.
  ** Depleting the M.D.C. of the Main Body destroys the ar-
  mor, rendering it useless. In space the character is set adrift. Un-
  derwater he sinks. However, unless the Pilot’s Compartment has 
  also been destroyed, then the Exile inside is just fine.
  *** This is not a variable force field, its entire M.D.C. must be 
  depleted before any attacks can impact the armor. Once depleted 
  to zero, the shield is gone and requires eight hours to come back 
  online. Otherwise, it regenerates damage at a rate of one point per 
  melee round.
  Speed:
  Running: 70 mph (112 km) maximum. Note that the act of run-
  ning does not tire out the operator.
  Leaping: The powerful legs of the Heavy Hands can propel it 
  20 feet (6.1 m) high and lengthwise from a standing position. 
  Double that distance with a running start.
  Flying: 190 mph (304 km) in an atmosphere and 570 mph (912 
  km) in space.
  Underwater: 70 mph (112 km) underwater. Maximum depth 5 
  miles (8 km).
  Statistical Data:
  Height: 12 feet (3.6 m).
  Width: 5 feet (1.5 m).
  Length: 3 feet (0.9 m).
  Weight: One ton.
  
  120
  Physical Strength: Equal to Robot P.S. of 37.
  Cargo: None.
  Power System: Nuclear, with an operational lifetime of five years.
  Market Cost: Not available on the open market; exclusive to Ex-
  iles.
  Weapon Systems:
  1. Laser Fingers (2): The Heavy Hands has no built-in weapon 
  systems other than a laser finger on each hand, and even it is 
  designed to be a cutting tool.
  Range: 100 feet (30.5 m).
  Mega-Damage: 1D6 M.D. or 2D6 M.D. per single shot.
  Rate of Fire: Standard. Each blast counts as one melee attack.
  Payload: Effectively unlimited.
  Bonuses: Laser targeting adds +1 to strike.
  Market Cost: Not available on the open market; exclusive to Ex-
  iles.
  2. Ion Pulse Cannon. This massive energy rifle can fire either a 
  single stream of particles, or a rapid succession of pulses. It is 
  powered by an onboard fusion battery, which must be replaced 
  annually.
  Weight: 300 lbs (135 kg).
  Range: 2,000 feet (610 m) in an atmosphere. Double range in 
  space.
  Mega-Damage: 5D6 M.D. for a single shot, or 2D4x10 M.D. for 
  a rapid-fire pulse.
  Rate of Fire: Standard; each single or pulse blast takes up one 
  attack.
  Payload: 15 single blasts or five pulse blasts per E-Clip. Effec-
  tively unlimited if cabled to draw power from the suit.
  Bonuses: Laser targeting adds +1 to strike.
  Market Cost: Not available on the open market; exclusive to Ex-
  iles.
  3. Other Handheld Weapons: Exiles “acquire” weapons and 
  equipment from everyone so their raiders and warriors may 
  use anything commonly available in the Three Galaxies, from 
  contra-gravity weapons to the items manufactured by the 
  Bushi Federation and Naruni Enterprises. Exiles tend to prefer 
  heavy weapons.
  4. Hand to Hand Combat: Rather than use a weapon the pilot 
  can engage in Mega-Damage hand to hand combat. See Fly-
  ing Power Armor Training on page 352 of Rifts® Ultimate 
  Edition.
  Restrained Punch – 1D4 M.D.
  Full Strength Punch – 2D6 M.D.
  Power Punch – 4D6 M.D.
  Heavy Hands is fully capable of delivering Kick and Leap 
  Kick attacks. Damage is 3D8 M.D. for a Kick and 5D8 M.D. 
  for a Leap Kick.
  Exile “Beetle” Fighter
  The Exile “Beetle” Fighter is a large, blocky spacecraft with 
  a somewhat oval shape. Four rounded lumps protrude from the 
  top and bottom of the fighter and a quartet of powerful engine 
  thrusters are mounted at the back. This gives the vessel a profile 
  that resembles a meteor, not a spacecraft, and inflicts a penalty 
  of -10% on enemies trying to properly read the sensor signature 
  to identify it as a space fighter. Actually, many people think the 
  fighter rather resembles a beetle, hence its name. Two recessed 
  particle beam cannons are built into the nose and are operated by 
  the pilot or co-pilot. Weapon arms protrude from the sides of the 
  fighter and can track a target, blasting away as the fighter flies 
  past in a horizontal 180 degree arc of fire. Unlike many space 
  fighters in the Three Galaxies, the Exile ship is not designed as a 
  cruise missile delivery system, and is therefore not a “ship killer.” 
  That role is reserved for the frigate and cruiser. Instead, they per-
  form best when used in fighter-to-fighter combat, or to intercept 
  and destroy incoming enemy missiles before they reach their tar-
  gets, as well as launching raids or boardings against cargo ship. 
  Raids on large cargo vessels or cargo fleets, as well as assaults on 
  enemy capital ships, usually involve strafing runs to disable the 
  vessel before boarding, and swarming tactics.
  Class: Space Fighter/Interceptor.
  Crew: Four; pilot, co-pilot, and two gunners. There is also room 
  for a boarding party of 6-8 warriors in Heavy Hands power ar-
  mor.
  M.D.C. by Location:
  Weapon Arms (3) – 150 each
  * Forward Particle Beam Guns (2; concealed) – 100 each
  Reinforced Pilot Compartment – 250
  ** Main Body – 630
  *** Magnetic Deflection Shield – 1,800 (entire ship)
  * A small and concealed target requires an Aimed/Called Shot 
  to hit and even then the attacker is -4 to strike.
  ** Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body destroys the space-
  craft and causes the escape pod/reinforced pilot’s compartment to 
  eject. Exiles always try to recover all lost spacecraft, even wreck-
  age.
  *** This is not a variable force field. Its entire M.D.C. must be 
  depleted before any attacks can impact the hull. Once destroyed, 
  the shield will require 8 hours to come back on-line. Otherwise, 
  it will regenerate damage at a rate of five points per melee round.
  Speed:
  Flying (sub-light only): Mach 14 in space. Reduced to Mach 3 in 
  an atmosphere.
  Range: Limited only by life support (keeps one person alive for 
  up to two weeks).
  Statistical Data:
  Height: 30 feet (9.1 m).
  Width: 40 feet (12.2 m).
  
  121
  Length: 70 feet (21.3 m).
  Weight: 27.5 tons fully loaded.
  Cargo: Cargo bay can hold up to seven tons of goods.
  Power System: Nuclear; average energy life of 10 years.
  Market Cost: Not available on the open market; exclusive to Ex-
  iles.
  Weapon Systems:
  1. Forward Particle Beam Guns (2): Recessed into the nose 
  of the fighter in a forward position are a pair of particle beam 
  cannons similar to the point defense guns of the Regulator 
  Cruiser. They can only be fired at targets directly ahead of 
  the fighter, only have a 20 degree up and down arc of fire, and 
  always fire in tandem.
  Primary Purpose: Anti-Fighter/Anti-Missile.
  Range: Two miles (3.2 km) in space, 1 mile (1.6 km) in an at-
  mosphere.
  Mega-Damage: Each of the guns fire in tandem at the same target 
  inflicting 4D6x10 M.D. per dual blast.
  Rate of Fire: Each dual blast counts as one melee attack of the 
  pilot or co-pilot.
  Payload: Effectively unlimited.
  2. Ion Beam Weapon Arms (3): Two weapon arms are on one 
  side, a single arm is on the other side. Each can rotate 180 de-
  grees, side to side, enabling the arms to continue to fire broad-
  sides as the fighter flies past larger, less maneuverable enemy 
  spacecraft. The arms’ range of movement also means they can 
  point forward to engage enemies in dogfights and backwards 
  to fire upon pursuers.
  Primary Purpose: Anti-Fighters and Spacecraft.
  Weight: Not applicable, part of the ship’s hull.
  Range: Four miles (6.4 km) in space, 1.8 miles (2.9 km) in an 
  atmosphere.
  Mega-Damage: 2D4x10 M.D. per single blast, 4D4x10 M.D. per 
  simultaneous dual blast at the same target and 6D4x10 M.D. from 
  all three weapon arms firing at the same target. The weapon arms 
  are usually aimed at three different enemy targets, firing single 
  blasts at each.
  Payload: Effectively unlimited.
  Colony
  Creation Tables
  By Kevin Siembieda & Braden Campbell, with additional 
  ideas from Alex Marciniszyn, Wayne Smith and Carmen 
  Bellaire
  There are so many uncharted worlds being claimed and col-
  onized that, rather than describe a lot of specific ones, author 
  Braden Campbell decided we should provide Colony Creation 
  Tables so Game Masters can create their own colonies and ad-
  venture settings. Perhaps future sourcebooks set in the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy will focus on specific worlds, colonies and con-
  flicts. Meanwhile, using these tables will enable a Game Master 
  to quickly whip up his or her own hotbed of trouble, adventure 
  and gaming fun.
  The opportunity to explore alien worlds and engage in any 
  type of adventure is likely to entice player characters to traipse 
  around the Thundercloud Galaxy tackling all sorts of challenges 
  and jobs. They may want to try their hand as lawmen, colonial 
  defenders, armed escorts/guards, or mercenaries hired to fight pi-
  rates, raiders, hostile natives, monsters and other threats. Others 
  might seek adventure as explorers, cartographers or research sci-
  entists, or engage in prospecting, mining, salvage operations and 
  excavation of ancient alien ruins, any of which might uncover 
  advanced weapons, technology, magic, magic items, strange ma-
  chines, lost secrets and ancient dangers of unknown alien civili-
  zations. Likewise, adventurers may find active colonies in need 
  of help, places to buy and trade goods, and abandoned colonies, 
  and even the secret hideouts and bases of the Dominators, Elder 
  Races, Deevils, demons and others. Still others might enjoy big 
  game hunting or serving as the scouts and weapon bearers of big 
  game hunters (the armed men who accompany and protect the 
  rich and famous while they are on safari), or make a fortune run-
  ning weapons and supplies to colonies. There are also those he-
  roes who hunt the most dangerous prey, such as demons, Deevils, 
  Exiles, Fallen Cosmo-Knights, Kreeghor, fugitives on the run, 
  and even Dominators. Some characters might even want to found 
  their own colony or start a business at a colony. Less scrupulous 
  characters might be Runners, Space Pirates, mercenaries, raiders, 
  thieves, independent traders, and all sorts of rogues looking to get 
  rich by seizing opportunities in the Thundercloud Galaxy.
  It falls to the Game Master to create interesting places for play-
  er groups to find adventure and opportunity. Below are a series 
  of tables designed to help G.M.s do just that, and quickly. These 
  tables have been written up to reflect the kinds of colonies that are 
  springing up like weeds all over the Thundercloud Galaxy. They 
  should also provide enough information from which adventures 
  can spring or a place where an ongoing campaign can be anchored.
  Note: Also see the tables for Ruin Adventures, Indigenous 
  People, and Monster Creation. A detailed set of Planet Creation 
  tables can be found in Rifts® Dimension Book™ 5: Anvil Gal-
  axy™, beginning on page 146. All planets being colonized as 
  part of the Scramble are habitable worlds that can support human 
  and similar life forms. Many of these tables may apply to indig-
  enous people as well, especially broad stroke conditions such as 
  Alignment, Trade Practices, and Natural Resources; use common 
  sense. There are also some specific tables for indigenous people 
  at the end of the Colony Tables.
  Sponsoring Organization
  Choose whichever one seems most appropriate, or roll percen-
  tile dice to make a random determination.
  01-25% Company Colony. This is a CCW colony set up, 
  settled, and run by the Thundercloud Development Company – 
  a.k.a. The Company.
  26-58% Transgalactic Empire. This can either be an Imperial 
  colony or a group of indigenous people being supplied by the TGE.
  59-68% Splugorth Kingdom. This is most likely the King-
  dom of Desslyth, although it could also be an outpost belonging to 
  any of the other three Splugorth Kingdoms of the Three Galaxies. 
  At least one Splugorth Intelligence not known to be in the Phase 
  World universe is currently hiding in the Thundercloud as well.
  69-76% UWW (United Worlds of Warlock). This colony 
  will be located somewhere deep inside the Crèche Clouds, where 
  
  122
  the magic levels are insanely high. There is a 97% chance that it 
  belongs to the Trust. Otherwise, it has been settled by an indepen-
  dent group of Warlock adventurers, such as the Dwarves of Maul. 
  It will not have a Tangent linking it to rest of the United Worlds, 
  although it might have a regular pyramid.
  77-86% Private Corporation. A number of mega-corpora-
  tions across the Three Galaxies find it desirable to establish colo-
  nies and claim worlds. Such worlds may be designated for min-
  ing, manufacturing, shipbuilding, lumber operations, scientific 
  research, and exotic exports, or a broad range of business opera-
  tions. These corporate worlds can include just about any commer-
  cial operation(s) or serve any purpose. Privately held, a corporate 
  owned world is seldom a CCW Chartered Company, and it is the 
  corporation that makes all the rules, laws, and decisions. Most 
  (99.8%) have their own private security force as well as “con-
  tract workers” (read: mercenaries and adventurers) to function as 
  the police or security force, and army. The corporation also hires 
  other “contractors” such as adventurers, freelancers, mercs and 
  independents to do a lot of their dirty work, as well as handle the 
  dirtiest and most dangerous jobs, including exploration, mapping, 
  and “pest control.” Pest control may include battling monsters, 
  trapping or exterminating dangerous animals, and dealing with in-
  sects, but it is sometimes a euphemism for relocating, controlling 
  and/or exterminating indigenous people who present a problem. 
  Note: Private corporation colonies may become CCW Chartered 
  Colonies in order to get CCW support and protection, but that 
  means the planet and the colony become possessions of the CCW. 
  Consequently, 90% are privately owned and operated. These do 
  not enjoy any protection from the Consortium or the CAF, and 
  everything is handled by the corporation. Such private corporate 
  worlds are targeted by raiders, space pirates, claim jumpers, ri-
  val corporations, and would-be conquerors such as the Demons 
  of Hades, the TGE, and others, because it is presumed they are 
  more vulnerable. However, the complete autonomy and secrecy 
  afforded by a privately held colony world is worth the risk and 
  trouble. Furthermore, the biggest corporations such as Naruni En-
  terprises, the Galactic Armory, Wolfpack Weapons, and Bushido 
  Industries have military resources on par with any galactic civili-
  zation, providing their colony planets with superior protection and 
  security. It is the worlds colonized and developed by small and 
  medium-sized conglomerates that are at a higher risk.
  87-92% Criminal Enterprise. One could argue that crimi-
  nal organizations were among the first colonists of the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy, as many a band of Runners, Raiders, Space Pirates 
  and fugitives have set up shop in the galaxy for centuries. Even 
  with the Scramble going on at full tilt, there are plenty of worlds, 
  moons, planetoids and asteroids ideal for establishing a secret 
  base or lair. Not only that, but many are full-blown colonies and 
  colony worlds, where the brigands have established a safe haven 
  and homes for their families. People sometimes forget that crimi-
  nals are people too, and like anyone else, they want their fami-
  lies and loved ones close at hand. Thus, bandits operating in the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy establish ports of call and secret colonies 
  for themselves and their families where they can relax, live well 
  and enjoy their ill-gotten gains. Such crime worlds, colonies, and 
  secret bases usually have decent communications systems and se-
  curity. Space Fleets are, as a rule, small and nimble, comprised 
  of many space fighters and small, fast spaceships that can handle 
  raiders, adventurers and even small fleets from galactic nations 
  with relative ease. Outsiders may be welcomed at such worlds 
  and colonies, especially for trade, but they are always looked 
  upon with suspicion. If an outsider causes too much trouble or 
  appears to be a spy, the individual(s) is likely to disappear with-
  out a trace, his belongings sold off or added to the crime organi-
  zation’s property (complete with forged bill of sale). Known and 
  suspected crime worlds and colonies are attractive to adventur-
  ers and mercenaries because such places are willing to buy and 
  trade goods no questions asked, and contraband and hard to find 
  items are often available on the open market, or can be acquired 
  for the right price in a short amount of time. Crime colonies are 
  also hotbeds of news, rumors and information that can lead to 
  opportunity and adventure. Note: Unless such a crime world has 
  pushed one of the galactic powers or mega-corporations too far, 
  “the law” avoids such havens of sin and treachery, and there is 
  little threat of attack or interference from the authorities.
  93-00% Independent/Other. The colony is either being 
  founded by an independent group of settlers, or by a lesser power 
  bloc such as the Golgan Republik, the Shing, and others.
  Colony Size
  The idea behind the Scramble is to seed the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy with as many colonies and outposts as possible. Thus, the 
  majority of planets claimed by the power blocs are very thinly 
  populated, especially in comparison to worlds in the Anvil and 
  Corkscrew Galaxies. Note that this number is separate from any 
  indigenous life that might already inhabit the planet.
  01-15% Base Camp. The inhabitants are either a shipwrecked 
  crew or a small band of explorers, a science team, survey team, 
  runaways, independent band of settlers, or bandits. In the alterna-
  tive, a Base Camp may also be the secret base, hideout or camp 
  for adventurers, mercenaries, raiders, Runners, Space Pirates and 
  other bands of people operating in the galaxy. Such a small op-
  eration may be (01-50%) self-sufficient or (51-00%) dependent 
  upon regular supply drops to stay operational. In the latter case, 
  without the delivery of supplies the Base Camp must be aban-
  doned or the colonists will perish.
  Population: 2D6x10 colonists.
  16-70% Colony Outpost. This is one of the most common 
  sizes of colonial holdings in the Thundercloud Galaxy. Anything 
  smaller is just asking to be overrun by someone or something. 
  Outposts are usually the people who do the ground work of es-
  tablishing a foothold for a colony on a new world. It is filled with 
  scientists, miners, explorers and other hard-knock types. These 
  places feel less like an actual colony and more like a village, big 
  camp or bustling workstation. It is almost always the only settle-
  ment on the entire planet, apart from any possible native peoples. 
  The outpost is often (01-70%) self-sufficient, though it might 
  (71-00%) require supply drops from the outside world to keep it 
  running at maximum capacity.
  Population: 1D6x1,000 colonists.
  71-95% Colony. Some planets, especially those settled in the 
  first two centuries of the Scramble, have self-contained, self-suf-
  ficient colonies the size of a small city. The colony probably start-
  ed out as an outpost, but has grown and prospered. The “Colony” 
  may be a single location or the population may be split between 
  a few smaller colony towns and outposts; satellite Colony Out-
  posts are common particularly among the older colonies. G.M.’s 
  choice. Many CCW and TGE worlds fall into this category.
  
  123
  Population: 2D6x10,000 colonists. As usual, the population 
  number is that of the colonists, and does not include any indig-
  enous people.
  96-00% Settled Colony World. These colony planets have at 
  least one large city three to five times the size of a Colony, plus 
  1D6 satellite colonies (equal to #71-95%, above) and 4D6 Colo-
  ny Outposts/towns and villages. The population density is sparse 
  over an entire planet, but this world is definitely settled. When a 
  Consortium world hits this level of development, it can apply to 
  the Congress for full membership as an independent planet, and 
  break free of Company control/sponsorship to become an autono-
  mous governing world.
  Population: 1D6x1 million colonists. As usual, the population 
  number is that of the colonists, and does not include any indig-
  enous people.
  General Alignment of a Colony
  Here we use Palladium’s alignment designations as a barome-
  ter to indicate the general moral and ethical nature of the majority 
  of colonists (65%). Though the majority of people may fall into 
  a particular category, there are always a good percentage (35%) 
  who differ. These people run the gamut of other possible align-
  ments. These same tables can be applied to indigenous people.
  01-15% Principled (Good). The majority of colonists are 
  Boy Scouts with good hearts and the best of intentions. They al-
  ways try to take the high road and care about the environment and 
  finding a way to maintain peaceful and prosperous relations with 
  any indigenous people. Law and order are a necessity they work 
  hard to maintain. Crime and corruption are minimal.
  16-40% Scrupulous (Good). These good, hardworking peo-
  ple want to start a new and better life. They have good hearts 
  and good intentions, and try to live in peace and harmony on 
  their new world and with any indigenous people. Order and per-
  sonal freedom are important to maintain. Crime and corruption 
  are minimal.
  41-55% Unprincipled (Selfish). Hardworking people who 
  mean well and try to do the right thing, but they tend to be fo-
  cused mainly on the welfare and survival of the colony above all 
  others. Personal freedom and civility are important to maintain. 
  Crime and corruption are low, but the colony has a little bit of a 
  chaotic and Wild West feel to it.
  56-70% Anarchist (Selfish). These colonists seek a new and 
  better life and are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, even 
  if it’s at the expense of the indigenous people and/or the environ-
  ment. For many of these people the welfare and survival of the 
  colony is all that matters, and the end justifies the means. If they 
  have to bend a few laws, reshape the world to their desired im-
  age, and wipe out animal species and/or primitive people who 
  get in their way, so be it. Personal freedom and prosperity are 
  important to maintain. Crime and corruption are fairly high, but 
  serious crime (murder, rape, and kidnaping) is moderate. The col-
  ony has a chaotic, Wild West or Casablanca atmosphere where 
  if you grease the right palms, you can acquire or get away with 
  almost anything, even murder, provided the victim was nobody 
  important, an outsider or an indigenous person. Visitors need to 
  be careful.
  71-80% Aberrant (Evil). These colonists believe in law and 
  order as much as the next guy, but it is their laws and survival 
  that matters. They’ll do whatever is necessary to tame and shape 
  their environment to their needs and specifications, and if the in-
  digenous savages need to be taught a lesson, they are prepared 
  to give it. If the indigenous people want war, they’ll respond in 
  kind. If the native people bring about their own destruction, it 
  is a tragedy the colonists are willing to live with. This world is 
  their home now, and nobody is going to chase them away. Order 
  is firmly enforced and personal honor is important to maintain. 
  Crime is low, and corruption and vice are a gentleman’s game 
  with unspoken rules and decorum.
  81-90% Miscreant (Evil). These colonists are opportunists 
  seeking fame and fortune. They tend to be ruthless in their busi-
  ness practices and see themselves as the ones in power and in 
  control. Thus, they tend to ignore protocol, morality and the law. 
  For most of these colonists, the end justifies the means, and all 
  they are concerned about is coming out on top. They have little 
  to no regard for the environment or the indigenous people, and 
  do whatever benefits themselves, their business and the colony, 
  even if it is detrimental to the local people. These colonies have 
  a “them or us” attitude and outsiders and independents are either 
  with them or against them. If against them, the outsiders are re-
  garded as rivals or enemies. It is understandable then, that colo-
  nies with this attitude have serious problems and ongoing conflict 
  and war with the indigenous people. The colony has a sinister and 
  dark atmosphere, and it becomes quickly apparent to visitors that 
  this is a cutthroat, dog eat dog society. Visitors need to be careful.
  91-00% Diabolic (Evil). Half the colony is a den of thieves, 
  cutthroats and bullies, the other half are their victims and the 
  weak, though some of them are no better than the rest. Might 
  makes right at this colony and the colonists take what they want. 
  The most ruthless, brutal and cunning of the lot tend to hold the 
  reins of power and function as tyrannical leaders, the heads of cor-
  rupt businesses and crime lords. These colonists came to the new 
  frontier to get away from the laws and morality of “civilization” 
  to make a new life and seize opportunity. They live in a dog eat 
  dog society and do whatever it takes for them (not the colony as 
  a whole) to survive and profit. Most are willing to do whatever 
  it takes to succeed, including cheat, lie, steal and kill. The indig-
  enous people are troublemakers and an obstacle to be “removed.” 
  Who cares if they are slaughtered and wiped out? The weak al-
  ways fall to the strong; it is the way of the jungle. Crime, corrup-
  tion and vice are high. Murder, rape and theft are commonplace. 
  The colony is likely to have dealings with Space Pirates, criminals 
  and other cutthroats and villains as well as mercenaries, adventur-
  ers and other independents looking for a base of operation or trade 
  where no questions are asked. The atmosphere is that of a den of 
  thieves where life is cheap and one can acquire just about anything 
  if the price is right. Those in power or with the right connections, 
  or enough money, can usually get away with anything, including 
  murder. Visitors need to exercise extreme caution.
  Trade Policies
  Roll percentile dice for a random determination of the pre-
  dominant type of business practices, or pick one. Random rolls 
  may be modified by the alignment of the colony. Thus, a colony 
  that runs everything “by the book,” but is Miscreant or Diabolic, 
  only does so on the surface or only enough to fool any visiting 
  inspector or agent from the CCW or its legitimate sponsor. Under 
  their clean facade is the dark underbelly of a thriving criminal 
  underworld and corrupt government and law enforcement that 
  
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  is either complicit in the underworld operations or take payoffs 
  to look the other way. Good, bad or indifferent, there may be 
  exceptions to the rule, especially at the larger colonies (tens of 
  thousands of people or bigger). These same tables can be applied 
  to indigenous people.
  01-20% By the book. Everything is done by the book. The 
  cost of business and the price of goods and services sold, pur-
  chased or traded are fair and reasonable. Most colony businesses 
  pay 40% of the market price when buying or trading goods from 
  outsiders (+10% for premium items and necessities). The colony 
  does not trade in illegal goods, slaves, contraband, nor items that 
  may have been stolen or have no clear paper trail regarding legal 
  ownership. Bills of sale, receipts, contracts and proof of owner-
  ship are required. NEVER deals with pirates or criminals and cast 
  a wary eye upon mercenaries and adventurers.
  21-40% Fair and reasonable. Business is open and legitimate, 
  but the law and standards may be bent a little, especially if the 
  goods are important to the welfare of the colony. The cost of busi-
  ness and the price of goods and services sold, purchased or traded 
  are fair and reasonable. Most colony businesses pay 30% of the 
  market price when buying or trading goods from outsiders (+15% 
  for premium items and necessities). The colony does not trade in 
  illegal goods, slaves, or obvious stolen goods. Items offered for 
  sale or trade should have a reasonably clear and legitimate look-
  ing paper trail regarding legal ownership. Bills of sale, receipts, 
  contracts and proof of ownership are the norm, but deals under the 
  table can also be made. Businesses and government avoid dealing 
  with known or obvious pirates and criminals and seldom buy goods 
  that appear likely to have been stolen or are of questionable origin. 
  Fairly open to dealing with mercenaries and adventurers, provided 
  the goods being offered for sale or trade appear to be legitimate.
  41-60% Flexible and pragmatic. Business is open and legiti-
  mate for the most part, but the colonists are realists and may bend 
  the law and standards, or turn a blind eye when it is convenient and 
  the risk of getting in trouble is low. Some deals can be made under 
  the table and goods that have a questionable pedigree or have been 
  stolen from a rival or enemy may be purchased with no questions 
  asked. The cost of business and the price of goods and services 
  sold, purchased or traded are usually fair and reasonable. Most col-
  ony businesses pay 30% of the market price when buying or trad-
  ing for legitimate goods from outsiders (+15% for premium items 
  and necessities). However, if the goods are suspected of being sto-
  len and there might be a risk to the purchaser, the business offers 
  only 25% (+5-20% premium if the item is something that can get 
  big bucks). The colony does not openly trade in illegal goods, and 
  never in slaves, but some contraband, drugs and stolen goods with 
  no clear paper trail regarding legal ownership are available if one 
  knows where to look. This community tends to avoid dealing with 
  known pirates and criminals, but may do so from time to time, 
  especially if their survival hangs in the balance. They are open to 
  dealing with mercenaries and adventurers, and don’t ask too many 
  questions about the goods being offered for sale.
  61-80% No questions asked. Not necessarily corrupt or in-
  volved in crime, the authorities and businesses at this colony just 
  play fast and loose with the law and fair practices. They find it 
  easier if paperwork never gets filed, contracts are in their favor, 
  and under the table deals are made with a handshake. A no ques-
  tions asked policy allows them to purchase or trade for goods that 
  may have been (or are obviously) stolen, with a clear conscience 
  and a sizeable profit. The trade of goods and services for goods 
  and services (i.e. the equivalent of cash deals) means nobody has 
  to know about the transaction other than the parties directly in-
  volved, and there is no pesky paperwork, evidence of the transac-
  tion, or annoying taxes to worry about. This very much appeals 
  to Space Pirates, Runners, raiders, thieves, mercenaries and ad-
  venturers. HOWEVER, the colony business people and even its 
  underworld are likely to refuse purchases or trade of items that 
  are obviously stolen goods, acquired through blood, or too “hot.” 
  They don’t consider themselves criminals and always try to be 
  discreet, thus they try never to flaunt their questionable activities 
  or engage in flagrant illegal activity.
  81-00% Down and dirty. The businesses and even the gov-
  ernment of this colony have little to no regard for the law or fair 
  business practices. They deal in vice out in the open, trade with 
  anyone, invite pirates, brigands and lowlifes to do business with 
  them and turn a blind eye to criminal activity or openly engage 
  in it. The colony not only asks no questions, but even when it is 
  known an item is stolen or illegal, they’ll take it anyway. Such 
  colonies encourage may trade in contraband, including the slave 
  trade, and trade with enemies and rivals like the Splugorth and 
  TGE, and Space Pirates, raiders and other criminals. To clean 
  up this town/colony, new, uncorrupt leaders and a small army 
  of heroes who can’t be bought or chased away by evildoers will 
  be required. Most of these corrupt colonies and dens of iniquity 
  continue as such for a long, long time, their leaders and criminal 
  kingpins getting rich all the while.
  Environment Around a Colony Site
  This determines the type of environment in and around the 
  colony site within a 1D6x100 mile radius (160-960 km). Note 
  that this does not have to be indicative of the entire planet or even 
  that one continent, though it very well may.
  01-10% Shocking/Extreme Environment. An arid scru-
  bland, sandy desert, or stony desert; no trees, and suffers from 
  one of the following (roll percentile dice again for random deter-
  mination or pick one):
  01-10% Active Volcanoes: 1D6+1 active volcanoes make life 
  dangerous in the region. Billowing clouds of black smoke and 
  hot, white ashes are frequent occurrences. Lava and molten rock 
  showers happen 1D4 times a month and the land around the vol-
  canoes is barren. However, the soil is rich and ideal for farming, 
  and the region is dotted with groves of trees and mini-forests.
  In the alternative, the volcanoes are inactive, but the land is 
  covered in tall hills, broken by numerous volcanic mountains, 
  and the ground is extremely rocky, difficult to traverse and un-
  suitable for farming or raising livestock.
  11-20% Extremes in Weather: Temperatures goes from 4D6+76 
  degrees Fahrenheit (27-38 C) during the day to freezing at night, 
  plus the area is plagued by frequent high winds that gust up to 40 
  mph (64 km), heavy rainstorms or lightning storms, or tornados 
  in the summer and snowstorms in the winter (4D6 inches of snow 
  from a single storm is common). Other extremes in weather (ice 
  storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, drought, etc.) may be substituted.
  21-30% Earthquake Zone: The area suffers from 3D6 minor 
  quakes and 1D4 major earthquakes (1D6+3 on the Richter scale) 
  a year. Advanced building techniques and high-tech building ma-
  terials help to reduce damage, but there is always some damage 
  from every major seismic event.
  
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  31-40% Flood Plain: The area is prone to severe flooding 1D4 
  times a year and has an abundance of swampland.
  41-50% Harmful Levels of Radiation: The colonists must stay 
  inside an enclosed habitat and wear radiation suits to go beyond 
  the enclosure.
  51-60% Insect Plague: 1D4 times a year, clouds of insects take 
  wing or crawl through the streets. There are so many that they fill 
  the sky like a fog or cover the streets and walls like a carpet. They 
  are mostly disgusting rather than outright dangerous (though they 
  could be), but they clog engines and air filters, get inside build-
  ings and food, and make a mess. The infestation lasts for 2D6 
  days per occurrence. In the alternative, the region could be prone 
  to a particular parasite or disease carried by a particular insect or 
  other vermin.
  61-70% Lifeless: Once upon a time, something bad happened 
  here and the parched earth is cracked, blistered and completely 
  lifeless. It may be a blast crater from an ancient war between 
  civilizations long forgotten.
  71-80% Magic Zone with Active Ley Lines and Nexus Points: 
  There are 2D6+1 ley lines and 1D4+1 nexus points along sev-
  eral intersecting ley lines. Ley line storms and freak dimensional 
  occurrences are weekly events. Furthermore, Entities, Deevils, 
  demons and a host of other supernatural beings and creatures of 
  magic are attracted to the ley line nexus points. This might in-
  clude Temporal Raiders, dragons and Sphinxes.
  81-90% Meteor Field: 2D6 times a year, the area is pelted by 
  a shower of tiny meteor fragments which cause 1D6x10 M.D. to 
  whatever they hit and have a 01-25% chance of causing brush 
  fires. 1D4 times a year a larger meteor strikes the area doing 
  1D6x100 M.D.
  91-00% Wet and Humid: The temperature never drops below 
  50 nor rises above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (10-26.7 C), but mon-
  soon season lasts 1D4+2 months and the region is always humid 
  and steamy, which attracts mosquito-like insects and other bugs, 
  snakes and amphibians that like wet, humid conditions. The place 
  is always like a sauna, the humidity makes it feels 10-20 degrees 
  hotter than the actual air temperature, morning and evening fog 
  are daily occurrences.
  11-20% Marshland. Think Florida Everglades or Vietnam 
  rice fields – swamps, scrubs and sparse patches of forest; good 
  fishing, hunting and rice growing. High ground is light forest or 
  fields of grass and flowers suitable for habitation, some farming 
  and raising livestock.
  21-30% Light mixed forest. Think forests of the Eastern 
  United States. Cleared land is suitable for homes, industry, farm-
  ing and raising cattle and livestock.
  31-40% Heavy mixed forest ideal for hunting and lumber. 
  Think the forests of the Northern United States, particularly Ore-
  gon and Washington, or southeastern Canada. Cleared land is suit-
  able for homes, industry, farming and raising cattle and livestock.
  41-50% Dense rain forest/jungle ideal for hunting and 
  lumber. Think the jungles of the Congo or Thailand, and the 
  Brazilian rain forest. Cleared land is suitable for homes, industry, 
  farming and raising cattle and livestock.
  51-60% Arable plains land ideal for farming and livestock. 
  Low rolling hills, grassy plains broke by small patches of light 
  forest. Perfect for farming and raising cattle and livestock.
  61-70% Arable rustic land ideal for farming and hunt-
  ing. Mostly flat land with rich soil, covered in grass, fields of 
  wildflowers, and light forests, and dotted by meadows and small 
  
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  lakes, ponds and rivers. Good for hunting, farming and raising 
  livestock.
  71-80% Low mountains with alpine forests and lush moun-
  tain valleys. Mountain height 4,000-6,000 feet (1,219 to 1829 m).
  81-90% Towering mountains with alpine forest only along 
  the base of the mountains and 20% up, with lush mountain valleys 
  as high as halfway up. Snow covered peaks year round. Mountain 
  height 25,000-35,000 feet (7,620 to 10,668 km).
  91-00% Arctic Conditions. Winter lasts 1D4+4 months in 
  this flat scrubland (may have low rolling hills) dotted with lakes, 
  rivers, streams and spotty, light pine forests. Even in summer 
  temperatures seldom exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 C) and 
  in the winter temperatures hover at zero (-17.8 C). Growing sea-
  son is short, but summer is spectacular with plains of flowers, ex-
  quisite meadows, and a wealth of cold climate wildlife. Environ-
  ment is suitable for hunting, mining, light industry and habitats in 
  a controlled environmental enclosure.
  Notable or Special Natural Resource
  Roll percentile dice once for random determination or pick 
  one.
  01-05% Ancient Ruins. Excavated ruins of an ancient alien 
  civilization have become a tourist attraction as well as attract-
  ing scientists and historians. A collection of mysterious build-
  ings from another time by an unknown civilization. The Game 
  Master can decide whether or not they are intact, lying destroyed, 
  or have some kind of special power. 3D6 ruined buildings, each 
  with 4D6x100 M.D.C. Note: At the G.M.’s discretion, it may be 
  possible for the colonists to use the ruins for some other purpose 
  (defense, emergency fortified shelter, hiding place, weapon de-
  pot, vehicle storage, hangar, etc.).
  06-15% Arable Land. Rich soil for farming and/or growing 
  fruit trees.
  16-20% Big Game Hunting. Exotic and or dangerous wild 
  animals and so-called “monsters” attract Big Game hunters from 
  across the Three Galaxies.
  21-30% Coastal Fishing. A wealth of fish and aquatic life 
  (such as shrimp, lobster, etc.) supports a thriving fishing industry.
  31-40% Hunting and Trapping/Fur Trade.
  41-50% Lumber Trade.
  51-60% Mining: Fossil Fuels, such as coal and oil.
  61-65% Mining: Killaryte.
  66-75% Mining: Industrial Minerals/Metals such as iron, 
  nickel, lead, copper, etc., used in building and industry.
  76-85% Mining: Natural Gas or Non-Metal Minerals.
  86-90% Mining: Precious Metals or Gemstones.
  91-95% Vacation Spot: Exotic. A location whose vista 
  features something alien and amazing or beautiful that attracts 
  people to come and experience it for themselves. Or some other 
  unusual attraction.
  96-00% Vacation Spot: Paradise. A location blessed with a 
  spectacular and beautiful vista that attracts people to this delight-
  ful paradise.
  Initial Buildings/Facilities
  Every colony starts off with enough prefabricated buildings 
  and facilities to house all of its colonists and establish the initial 
  base colony. Housing is a given. There are always enough build-
  ings to house everyone, but this might mean a small, one story 
  house for each family and preassigned team, or large communal 
  style buildings. Everything listed below is what a colony is sup-
  posed to have to get started. However, the Scramble is so large 
  and unorganized that it can often be a crap-shoot as to what the 
  colonists actually get. Things are mismanaged, lost, mislabeled, 
  left behind, or redirected at the last minute.
  Roll percentile for each of the following facilities or struc-
  tures. A roll of 01-65% means the colony has one. A roll of 66-
  00% means the item is missing and the colonists will have to 
  improvise. If a request is made, missing items might (01-50% 
  chance) be provided with the next supply run in 2D6+6 months.
  All of these buildings come disassembled in crates. They in-
  clude easy to follow directions, and according to their labels, can 
  be put together by the colonists in as little as a few days. This is 
  often a bold faced lie, and even if a colony has a certain struc-
  ture, it might remain packed away in boxes or sit unassembled 
  for months or even years at a time. Having a Civil Engineer on 
  site to help in construction is highly recommended. Otherwise, 
  the buildings cannot be erected properly (has a poor foundation, 
  is incorrectly wired, poorly lit, crooked, roof leaks, etc). Note: 
  Medical Facility gets its own Table. Also note that only planets 
  suitable for habitation are being colonized. Those requiring terra-
  forming first are not included. Large and established colonies are 
  very different and look and function like cities.
  Armory. A small, fortified building that serves as both a bun-
  ker (3D4x100 M.D.C.) and a fortified weapons position, as well 
  as a place to store weapons. Comes with 96 M.D. energy rifles 
  (4D6 M.D. per single blast, 2,000 foot/610 m range), 24 energy 
  pistols (2D6 M.D. per blast, 800 foot/244 m range), 1D4+1 E-
  clips for each, plus two E-Clip recharging stations, 48 explosive 
  hand grenades, 72 smoke grenades, 96 signal flares, 1D6+2 rail 
  guns with 2,000 rounds of ammunition for each, 48 S.D.C. as-
  sault rifles with 400 rounds of ammunition for each, 12 S.D.C. 
  shotguns with 100 rounds of ammo for each, 12 S.D.C. automatic 
  pistols with 400 rounds of ammo for each, six Vibro-Swords 
  (2D6 M.D.), and six Vibro-Knives (1D6 M.D.).
  Barracks. A building meant to house soldiers, it is heavily 
  reinforced, airtight, has armored, locking doors (200 M.D.C. 
  each), narrow windows with sliding M.D.C. coverings/shield-
  ing (30 M.D.C. each), temperature control (heating and cooling), 
  air-purification and circulation system (good for using the same 
  air for 1D4+6 months), and can comfortably house 80 men (two 
  platoons) in bunk bed configuration. 80 M.D.C. per 12 foot (3.6 
  m) wide section of exterior wall.
  Bio-Dome: Agriculture. This is a high-tech hothouse and hy-
  droponic garden that can grow edible plants and food (often with 
  seed and plants the colonists brought with them) until the colony 
  can begin its own traditional farming. After farms can support the 
  colony, the Bio-Dome can be used to supplement supply, provide 
  food from home, or be turned into a botanical garden or laboratory.
  Church/Temple. A medium-sized building that could also 
  double as a school and/or town meeting hall.
  Command Center. The heart of any colony site, the Com-
  mand Center is a combination computer core, administration 
  building, power plant, and heavy bunker. It can have as much as 
  3D6x1,000 M.D.C. and be up to five stories tall. Its 1D4 main en-
  tryways have blast doors with 400 M.D.C. apiece. The Command 
  Center contains meeting rooms, apartment suites for the colony 
  
  127
  Administrators, and in an emergency, can house up to 1,000 peo-
  ple. It also has its own independent power supply.
  Communications Tower. This can either be a modular attach-
  ment for the Command Center, or a separate building unto itself. 
  It provides the colony with a long-range radio transmitter/receiver 
  (500 miles/800 km), plus a short-range radio transmitter/receiver 
  (50 miles/80 km), radar/lidar suite (25 miles/40 km), satellite la-
  ser communications suite, recording studio, radio and TV station, 
  sound lab, and computer data sphere network. Satellite relays can 
  increase range for thousands of miles and enable the colony to 
  communicate with incoming spacecraft and supply ships.
  Construction/Farm Vehicles. A large, metal container (each 
  wall has 130 M.D.C.) the size of two boxcars, with an open top, 
  drop down, drawbridge-style rear hatch, that contains: Two small 
  tractors with backhoe, two medium-sized tractors with detachable 
  backhoes, one bulldozer, four small wood chippers, a thresher, 
  and various attachments suitable for farm work, digging holes for 
  fence posts, etc., along with spare parts. The container has wheels 
  and can be used as a grain or lumber hauler, cargo carrier or stor-
  age unit, or taken apart and used to build a storage building.
  Construction Vehicles, Medium. A large, metal container 
  (each wall has 130 M.D.C.) the size of two boxcars, with an open 
  top, drop down, drawbridge-style rear hatch, that contains: Two 
  medium-sized tractors with backhoes, one bulldozer, one small 
  steam shovel, one roller, and various attachments and spare parts. 
  The container has wheels and can be used as a gravel or garbage 
  hauler, cargo carrier, storage or taken apart and used to build a 
  storage building.
  Construction Vehicles, Heavy/Mining. Two large, metal 
  containers (each wall has 130 M.D.C.) the size of two boxcars, 
  with an open top, drop down, drawbridge-style rear hatch, that 
  contains the vehicles and equipment one needs for digging, min-
  ing and excavation. As usual, the containers can continue to be 
  used as haulers or storage units.
  Drill: Well/Water. An auger and drilling device designed for 
  accessing underground water for use in irrigation and providing 
  drinking water.
  Drill and Oil Rig. Everything you need for two medium-sized 
  or four small oil/natural gas drilling facilities.
  Farm: Animal Pens and Corral. Building material for 
  1D4+1 small pens, 1D4 large corrals and a shed that can be alter-
  nately used as a chicken coop.
  Farm: Barn. Building materials for 1D4 barns to contain live-
  stock, hay and farm supplies.
  Farm: Grain Silo. Silo and elevator for holding grains and 
  corn.
  Factory: Flower Mill. Facility for grinding and processing 
  corn, wheat and other grains.
  Factory: Lumber Mill. A factory style facility for creating, 
  cutting, trimming, molding and processing wood.
  Factory: Specified Manufacturing. The colony is expected 
  to produce something, and this building is going to help them do 
  it. Thanks to the wonders of modern science, it is largely auto-
  mated, but it still has to be fed the raw materials it needs.
  Factory: Vehicle. A heavily automated factory that can be run 
  with a skeleton crew of personnel and workers. The factory is de-
  signed to create modular spare parts and components for vehicles 
  used by colonists. The largest and best vehicle factories make 
  parts as well as 1D4 actual vehicles.
  Fortification: Fence, Light. A 15 foot (4.6 m) tall perimeter 
  fence to encircle the initial colonial compound. Wire fencing 
  topped with an additional two feet (0.6 m) of razor wire or concer-
  tina wire along the top. 20 M.D.C. per 12 foot (3.6 m) wide section.
  Fortification: Double-Door for Fence or Wall. A reinforced, 
  locking gate with key pad entry and emergency, physical over-
  ride key. The gate has 500 M.D.C.
  Fortification: Watchtower. Four 25 foot (7.6 m) tall, fortified 
  towers where one or two lookouts can be posted. Comes stan-
  dard with two high-powered spotlights (30 M.D.C. each, 1,200 
  foot/366 m range; rotates 360 degrees), radio communications, 
  motion detector (800 foot/244 m range), four surveillance cam-
  eras, and siren to warn of attack, danger or emergency. Tower 
  has 300 M.D.C.
  Fortification: Gun Tower. Two 25 foot (7.6 m) tall, fortified 
  defensive towers where one or two lookouts can be posted. Each 
  comes standard with one high-powered spotlight (30 M.D.C. 
  each, 1,200 foot/366 m range), radio communications, motion 
  detector (800 foot/244 m range), four surveillance cameras, and 
  a weapon turret that can rotate 360 degrees. The weapon turret is 
  typically a double-barrel laser (2,000 foot/610 m range, unlim-
  ited payload, 4D6 M.D. per single dual blast, 1D4x10 M.D. per 
  burst), with two flip-top roof hatches where additional gunners 
  can take up a position. Tower has 550 M.D.C.
  Fortification: Wall. A 15 foot (4.6 m) tall wall made of solid 
  Mega-Damage materials. 1D6x10+60 M.D.C. per 10 foot (3 m) 
  wide section. Such a wall is considered suitable against low-tech 
  indigenous people and simple bandits. Note: Only very well 
  funded colonies get a defensive wall around their perimeter.
  Hangar. Has enough room to store a few small aircraft or 
  space fighters, or one small to medium spacecraft.
  Jail and Security Office: Another fully equipped, modular 
  trail-like building with a front office for 4-6 law enforcement 
  personnel, private office, two small jail cells, one large jail cell, 
  private lavatory, small storage room, and one secret compartment 
  (about the size of a closet).
  Laboratory, Chemistry. A completely built and fully 
  equipped, ready to use laboratory in a light M.D.C. trailer (think 
  mobile home without wheels). Needed for testing water and soil 
  samples, and so on.
  Laboratory, Hazmat. A completely built and fully equipped, 
  ready to use isolation lab in a light M.D.C. trailer, complete with 
  a small surgical room and two small isolation chambers. The iso-
  lation lab is used for the containment and study of subjects sus-
  pected of having infectious disease and for post-mortem autop-
  sies. Each individual room/chamber is airtight and has its own air 
  purification and circulation system, as well as an independent air 
  supply good for 6 hours. It also comes with a self-destruct mech-
  anism designed to incinerate everything inside (people, equip-
  ment, everything), without breaking any seal or burning outside 
  the lab. In such an event, the entire trailer is to be buried.
  Laboratory: Science Labs. A completely built and fully 
  equipped, ready to use science lab with testing and research 
  equipment, small isolation chamber, refrigeration units, and gear 
  to perform basic chemical analysis and scientific study.
  Laboratory, Veterinary. A completely built and fully 
  equipped, ready to use lab in a light M.D.C. trailer (think mobile 
  home without wheels). Used for the care of animals and testing 
  and studying indigenous wildlife.
  
  128
  Machine Shop/Fabricating Facility. The tools and machines 
  to cut, mold and put together materials for building and maintain-
  ing the colony.
  Mechanics’ Garage. A fully equipped garage for the repair, 
  maintenance and modification of large vehicles and heavy equip-
  ment.
  Mess Hall, Kitchen and Dining. Though colonists are ex-
  pected to provide for themselves, over time, initially they need 
  to have food and a facility to store, prepare and cook meals. This 
  barracks style building has an independent power supply/genera-
  tor, kitchen, storage area, buffet-line counter, and dining area that 
  can seat 400 people at a time. When no longer needed as a mess 
  hall, it can be used as a town hall or meeting place.
  Mining Facility. All the basic machines, explosives, equip-
  ment and gear to start a mining operation.
  Monument. The sponsors of the colony have sent plans and 
  material to erect some kind of commemorative monument to 
  themselves. Its looks are limited only by the imagination of the 
  Game Master, but it generally serves no purpose whatsoever. 
  Someone just decided that the colony should have one. Note that 
  for Splugorth and UWW colonies, this building can be a func-
  tional dimensional pyramid.
  Motor Pool. A large hangar type building for the repair, main-
  tenance and modification of ground vehicle, power armor and light 
  robots. Standard issue vehicles include: 24 jet packs, 1D6+4 hover 
  cycles, 1D4+4 hover jeep type vehicles, four 20 foot (6.1 m) hover 
  cargo trucks, two larger trucks, fuel tanks, six hoists for working on 
  vehicles, a light crane (can handle up to 10 tons) on a rail system in 
  the ceiling beams, two independent generators, cutting and weld-
  ing equipment, and all the basic tools, equipment and gear needed 
  for the repair and maintenance of vehicles and power armor.
  Orbital Satellite. 1D4+2 satellites are placed in synchronous 
  orbit, positioned for communication with sites around the globe. 
  All have communication, photographic and sensor capabilities, and 
  one also has a weather scanning and prediction function. Bouncing 
  signals from satellite to satellite provides communication capabili-
  ties with more than one colony site on the same planet, as well as 
  ground communication, though there will be “dead zones.” Satel-
  lite relay should provide communication to 70% of the planet’s 
  surface. Note: Interface with an orbiting satellite requires the 
  Comm Tower facility (or a really good, jury-rigged facsimile).
  Recycling Tanks. These can be a godsend for a colony with 
  limited resources. The tanks are able to break down and recycle 
  any one kind of non-M.D.C. material (metal, plastics, organic 
  material) with 98% efficiency. Roll each time for the type of ma-
  terial the tanks recycle. If necessary, the corpses of dead colonists 
  can be recycled in an organic waste tank, their bodies broken 
  down into various useful chemical components, including drink-
  able water (an average Human being is 65% water).
  Refrigeration unit. A semi-trailer sized, or bigger, refriger-
  ated warehouse. Divided into four sections that can be sealed off 
  independent of each other.
  Road Works System. These are the large, automated con-
  struction machines that build streets, highways, tunnels and 
  bridges. The Road Works System is a full robotic operation with 
  manual override. It has a number of programs and can perform a 
  wide range of road construction, but is not an A.I. The robots can 
  do the work of bulldozers, graders, auto-pavers (a cool kind of 
  road roller that also makes and pours its own asphalt), excavators, 
  dump trucks, and front-end loaders. If the colony doesn’t have 
  one, its streets are likely to be dirt or gravel roads, or roads built 
  the old fashioned way. Trying to dig a well without a modern 
  auger is a pain beyond comprehension for most folks.
  School. A trailer designed and equipped to function as a 
  schoolhouse, with two private lavatories, small office, small 
  teacher’s lounge, one 32 seat classroom, one 16 seat classroom, 
  and supply closet. Teachers not included, but each desk has a note 
  pad, writing implements, and portable computer.
  Storage Building: General Use. A large, simple warehouse 
  building with reinforced walls, two large bay doors, security 
  doors and security system (alarm and cameras). A racking sys-
  tem runs down the center of the building and it comes with one 
  forklift. Used for the storage of supplies, parts and vehicles.
  Storage Building: Food. A large, simple warehouse building 
  with reinforced walls, a concrete floor and airtight seams to keep 
  out vermin and water. Comes with security doors and security sys-
  tem (alarm and cameras). A racking system runs down the center 
  of the building, a large, walk-in refrigerator unit is located in the 
  rear, and the facility comes with two traditional forklifts. Used for 
  the storage of food, grains, seed, farm crops and other perishables.
  Supply Depot. A communal supply facility where preassigned 
  supplies and goods are distributed to the colonists upon arrival, 
  and whenever new supplies are delivered. It can also function as a 
  general store with goods and basic supplies that can be purchased 
  or acquired through trade.
  Tach-Line Transmitter. The Tachyon Communications Ar-
  ray allows the colony to record messages and data packets, and 
  then fire them off to places light-years away. This is the only way 
  to communicate with other star systems or ships in deep space 
  without waiting decades for a reply. Think of it as an FTL radio 
  with a reply time of one hour per every 50 light-years the mes-
  sage was sent. This can either be a modular attachment for the 
  Command Center, or a separate building unto itself.
  Water Collection, Processing and Purification System. The 
  means to collect, clean and dispense drinking water for the colony.
  Medical Facility
  01-10% None. The colony has, for whatever reason, no medi-
  cal ability. There is no surgeon, no drugs, no nanoscopic robot 
  medical systems, no protein healing salve. This place is in serious 
  trouble.
  11-30% Basics. There are 1D4 paramedics, but no actual doc-
  tor. Medical supplies are limited to 1D4+1 robot medical and 
  surgical kits, a dozen first-aid kits and basic medical supplies 
  (bandages, gauze, protein healing salve, blood and tissue build-
  ers, megacillin tablets, etc.). Serious injury and illness will be 
  life-threatening, and invasive surgery is simply not possible.
  31-40% Holistic Medicine. Roughly equal to a Clinic/Infir-
  mary (below), but relies on natural healing, herbs, and medicine 
  created from indigenous plants, roots, minerals and wildlife.
  41-60% Clinic/Infirmary. A small medical facility with 
  3D6+12 private sick rooms, two wards, four surgery rooms, and 
  a good selection of medical equipment (including nano repair 
  systems). Big and expensive equipment like a holo-MRI, stasis 
  chamber, or an auto-medic are not part of this facility. Minor sur-
  gery and the installation and repair of cybernetic systems (no full 
  conversion) can be preformed here without risk. Major surgery 
  can be attempted, but at a higher risk than a true hospital (-10% 
  penalty to all surgical skills and -5% penalty to save vs Coma and 
  
  129
  Death). There is one chief doctor who is a 1D6+7 level Body Fix-
  er, one Cyber-Doc who is 1D4+6 level, and 1D6+2 other Medical 
  Doctors and/or psychic healers who are 1D6+1 level, and 2D6 
  nurses/medical assistants.
  61-94% Small Hospital. A small hospital with all the basics, 
  as well as 2D4x10 private rooms, and six wards (each can ac-
  commodate up to 20 patients comfortably, or twice the number 
  in an emergency). It comes with a fleet of 1D4+3 ambulances. 
  There is one chief doctor who is a 1D6+8 level Body Fixer, one 
  head of surgery chief doctor who is a 1D6+6 level Body Fixer, 
  1D4 Cyber-Docs who are 1D4+6 level, and 1D6+2 other Medical 
  Doctors/Body Fixers or Psychic Healers who are 1D4+4 level, 
  and 2D6+10 nurses/paramedics/medical personnel.
  95-00% Large Hospital. A fully functioning hospital that 
  can handle as many as 800 patients at a time. It has all the mod-
  ern equipment and facilities that one could imagine, including at 
  least one auto-medic. This place has a full staff of doctors, nurses, 
  and paramedics, plus it has a specialized clinic with a half dozen 
  Cyber-Docs, as well as 1D6+6 laboratories.
  Primary Source of
  Energy for the Colony
  One of the following are the primary (75-90%) source of pow-
  er for the colony.
  01-15% Wind.
  16-30% Fossil fuels.
  31-50% Solar.
  51-70% Nuclear power plant.
  71-85% Geothermal. Powered by the heat and energy of the 
  molten core of the planet.
  86-95% Satellite energy transmission. Solar energy is col-
  lected by massive solar platforms and transmitted to the colony 
  via beam transmissions. Note this creates one or more narrow 
  bands of energy that will damage/destroy anything that flies into 
  the beam (1D6x10 M.D.).
  96-00% Magic (rare). There are a variety of magic systems 
  to supply energy to the colony.
  Primary Source of Transportation
  Vehicles are an important part of life on the frontier, especially 
  when settlements and colonies can be so very far apart from one 
  another. Sometimes vehicles are required to plow fields, carry 
  timber from a forest, or take water from a dam as well as haul 
  cargo and transport people.
  01-10% None. It is possible because of budgetary cutbacks, 
  weight limitations or an accident that caused the loss of a few pre-
  cious vehicles, that the colony has no vehicles available to them. 
  As an alternative, the colony’s surviving 1D4+2 vehicles may 
  have all fallen into a state of inoperable disrepair because no one 
  there is skilled enough to fix them.
  11-25% Live animals. While it’s almost entirely unheard of 
  back in the core worlds, the use of animals for labor and travel 
  is quite common among the colonies of the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy. In most instances, it’s something picked up out of necessity 
  or from the indigenous, less industrialized natives. However, in 
  other cases, especially when the colony hasn’t any other choice, 
  colonist are quick to take to riding horses or dinosaurs, or what-
  ever local animals are easy to domesticate and suitable for riding 
  and work in the fields. Exactly what the animals may be depends 
  on the environment and the imagination of the Game Master.
  26-60% Simple and basic range of vehicles. The colony 
  has a few common multi-purpose vehicles such as jeeps, pickup 
  trucks, ground cars, or hover cycles (1D4 per every one hundred 
  colonists) as well as a few beat up utility vehicles (cargo truck, 
  flatbed truck or boat, river boats, etc.; one per every 100 colo-
  nists). The colony has at least one expert garage and a handful 
  of spare parts to keep the vehicles going. If built near water, the 
  colony will have a few sail and row boats. Unless nuclear, solar 
  or rechargeable electric powered vehicles, fuel may be in short 
  supply. To reduce expense, some colonies rely on old style com-
  bustion engines and fossil fuels, especially if such a resource is 
  available to the colony. 5D6% of the people in this community 
  are also likely to use work and riding animals.
  61-85% Good range of vehicles. The colony has a fair num-
  ber (3D6+12 per every one hundred colonists) of personal ve-
  hicles (cars, hover cars, hover cycles, etc.) and utilitarian vehicles 
  (buses, trucks, construction vehicles and boats) in fair to good 
  condition, as well as a few aircraft. In addition, the colony has 
  several large, cargo hauling trucks and hover trucks, and a few 
  sea/deep lake-worthy barges and freighters. If built near water, 
  many colonists are likely to own small sail boats, row boats, ca-
  noes and motorboats, while the commercial part of the colony is 
  likely to have twice as many fishing boats, barges and freighters. 
  There may also be a small commercial airport used primarily by 
  industry, business and the authorities. 2D6% of the people in this 
  community are also likely to use work and riding animals. 01-
  50% chance of having a tiny space fleet consisting of 2D4 space 
  fighters, 2D4 space shuttles, and 1D4 cargo frigates.
  86-94% Excellent range of vehicles. The colony possesses 
  one mode of public transportation (typically hover buses), a pri-
  vately owned taxi service, a medium-sized commercial airport 
  primarily for business and industry use, and 1D4x10+15% of all 
  private citizens own a personal vehicle (probably a hover car or 
  hover cycle, and/or sail or motor boat). The colony has a large 
  range of ground transportation, cargo and construction vehicles, 
  as well as a good range of commercial aircraft, boats and ships. 
  The colony has its own factory for making spare parts and pos-
  sibly even one or two types of utilitarian vehicles, as well as hav-
  ing a stockpile of a year’s worth of spare parts. There are a good 
  number of skilled personnel to maintain and repair the vehicles 
  and the colony has one garage or vehicle repair shop per every 
  600 colonists (even if it didn’t roll for any in the Buildings cat-
  egory). 01-65% chance of having a small space fleet consisting of 
  2D4+6 space fighters, one combat frigate, 2D4+4 space shuttles, 
  1D6+4 cargo frigates and one destroyer or light (combat) cruiser.
  95-00% Superior range of advanced vehicles. Like most big 
  cities, the colony has at least two modes of public transportation 
  (rail system, subway system, hover buses, etc.), privately owned 
  taxi and delivery services, a commercial and public airport, and 
  1D4x10+45% of all private citizens own a personal vehicle 
  (probably a hover car or hover cycle, and/or sail or motor boat). 
  The colony has a full range of ground transportation, cargo and 
  construction vehicles, as well as commercial aircraft, boats and 
  ships. The colony has 1D4+1 factories for making spare parts and 
  2D4 types of utilitarian vehicles, as well as a stockpile of 1D6 
  years’ worth of spare parts. There are plenty of skilled personnel 
  to maintain and repair the vehicles and the colony has one garage 
  or vehicle repair shop per every 300 colonists (even if it didn’t 
  
  130
  roll for any in the Buildings category). A modest space fleet con-
  sists of 2D6+10 space fighters, 1D4 combat frigates, 2D6+12 
  space shuttles, 2D6+8 cargo frigates, two destroyers, two light 
  cruisers, one heavy cruiser and one battle cruiser.
  Security/Fighting Force
  01-10% None. It’s every man for himself out here. This 
  colony had better hope that a wandering Cosmo-Knight or other 
  such champion of order happens to drop in, otherwise they have 
  almost no protection against wild animals, predatory monsters, 
  space pirates, hostile locals, or even each other. Sometimes, a 
  band of good-hearted adventurers will adopt such a place while 
  they are in the area.
  11-75% Colonial Soldiers. This colony has a group of full-
  time defenders to protect everyone in times of trouble. Their 
  numbers are rarely more than 10-20% of the total population of 
  the colony, although they will have one overall commanding of-
  ficer. If things get really hairy, 1D6x10% of the remaining colo-
  nists can take up arms to defend the site.
  76-86% Mixed Garrison. A token group of actual soldiers 
  that are supposed to work in tandem with the Colonial force. 
  The number of troopers could be as small as 40, or as great as 
  160. They will have 1D4+3 commanding officers who average 
  1D4+4th level. Conflicts can often arise between the soldiers and 
  the IDF members in situations such as these.
  87-95% Regular Army. Hooray! Actual soldiers. This is a full 
  company of 160-200 fighting men and women who have spent 
  years training in the ways of modern warfare. In total there are fif-
  teen or nineteen platoons of regular soldiers, two squads of power 
  armor or robot pilots (about 20 soldiers total), ten military special-
  ists or commandos, and 1D6 psychics. In addition to civil defense, 
  the garrison may send out squads for reconnaissance, search and 
  rescue, espionage, seek and destroy, and sabotage missions.
  96-00% Small Mechanized Army. Same as above, plus an-
  other company (160 troops), a platoon of 40 special forces types 
  (might be snipers, combat cyborgs, Invincible Guardsmen, Silver 
  Hawk power armor commandos, temporal warriors, etc.), a pla-
  toon of ground power armor, and two platoons of heavy combat 
  vehicles (80 assorted tanks, APCs, and giant robots). This colony 
  is ready for action.
  Outside Threats to a Colony
  These threats are suggestions for likely conflicts and dangers 
  to colonies and adventurers in the Thundercloud Galaxy. Game 
  Masters can pick one and develop it any way he or she deems 
  appropriate. Multiple scenarios and adventures can be spun from 
  each. For random determination, roll percentile dice.
  01-05% Colony War. A rival group of colonists also claims 
  this world. One set of colonists are from the CCW. Another could 
  be from the TGE, Golgan Republik, Shing, Kingdom of Desslyth 
  (or other Splugorth or alien power bloc), or even one of the other 
  lost Denelech colonies! It is possible that one arrived via magic 
  or dimensional portals, and the other via spaceships. Both may 
  have actually existed on the planet, in different parts of the world, 
  for one or more generations before discovering each other. Or 
  perhaps a prior colony was destroyed by a plague, natural disaster 
  or invasion. The founding company or galactic nation had always 
  planned to rebuild its lost colony, but it has taken years to do 
  so. Now that they’ve returned to “their” colony world, they find 
  someone else has established a colony on “their planet.” Disputes 
  and open hostilities ensue. Can the planet be shared or will this 
  become an inter-galactic incident between two space-faring na-
  tions/galactic power blocs?
  In the alternative, demons or Deevils (or other evil beings or 
  monsters) claim the planet as one of their colonies, and until the 
  sponsor of the human/mortal colony can send a fleet to evacuate 
  the colonists or battle the supernatural invader. The waiting could 
  last months. Longer, if the colony’s distress call was never heard! 
  Who can help? How will the colonists survive?
  06-10% Creature(s) from a Rift. Almost anything can 
  emerge from a Rift. Entities and other supernatural monsters 
  as well as creatures of magic are all attracted to ley lines, nex-
  us points and other places of magic. Such creatures can be the 
  source of mischief and comedy, trouble and mayhem, or terror 
  and death. Such travelers might bring trouble and danger with 
  them by accident – disease, an enemy, a monster, dangerous tech-
  nology, unstable magic, or dangerous ideas. They might sow the 
  seeds of discontent and instigate rebellion among the indigenous 
  inhabitants or create division between factions within a colony. 
  Game Masters, explore the possibilities.
  11-15% Invaders from a Rift. Warriors or monsters may 
  spill out of a Rift in great numbers. They may come as colonists 
  themselves, or as raiders or as warriors intent on conquering the 
  inhabitants of the planet (colonists and indigenous people). Game 
  Masters, explore the possibilities.
  16-20% Deevils. With the eruption of the Minion War, Dee-
  vils are searching for magic artifacts, the technology of the Elder 
  Races and recruits to join their war against the demons. Deevils 
  also seek to undermine demon operations, take away their re-
  sources and cause them strife every way they can. This means 
  they are recruiting, manipulating (i.e. tricking mortals into help-
  ing the Deevils or hurting demons) and helping the mortals of 
  the Three Galaxies. Thus, Deevils may, for the moment, serve as 
  unlikely allies against demons and other dangers if it helps them 
  or their cause in some way.
  Don’t start feeling warm and fuzzy about Deevils, and certain-
  ly do not trust them. Deevils are as evil and rotten as demons (for 
  evidence of that, see Armageddon Unlimited). They see mortals 
  as fools and to be used as pawns and underlings, nothing more. 
  A Deevil will turn on a human ally two seconds after that mortal 
  has served his purpose. Furthermore, like demons, they too seek 
  ancient secrets and weapons, and do whatever they can to procure 
  them.
  Deevils are more devious and underhanded than the direct and 
  intimidating demons, so their activities in the Thundercloud are 
  likely to take place quietly behind the scenes. They may also ap-
  peal to disgruntled indigenous people to recruit them as Deevil 
  worshipers in exchange for helping them in conflicts with colonists 
  and corporations who are mistreating native inhabitants and/or the 
  environment. This can stir up all kinds of problems and resentment 
  that can lead to civil unrest, riots, isolated conflicts and all-out war.
  21-25% Demons. For a long while now, demons have been se-
  cretly scouring the Thundercloud Galaxy for the lost weapons and 
  technology of the Elder Races and powerful magic artifacts. They 
  do so directly, through hired thugs and via unwitting third parties. 
  Every time there is word about the discovery of ancient ruins or a 
  strange artifact, or weird occurrence that could be tied to such an 
  object, odds are the demons hear about it. If it sounds like it could 
  
  131
  be something they can use themselves or against their enemies, 
  the demons investigate or send a mortal agent, henchman or dupe 
  on their behalf. If it turns out to be something they want, they steal 
  it or take it by force. If there is a situation they can exploit to their 
  benefit, they try to do so. This makes demons a force of chaos and 
  turmoil throughout the Thundercloud Galaxy.
  Demons abandoned subterfuge and finesse when they invaded 
  the Three Galaxies with Demon Stars and massive Demon Fleets. 
  Though their forces are least numerous in the Thundercloud Gal-
  axy, if there is something they want, they’ll dispatch a small army 
  of demons or mortal henchmen to take it. Thus, if a colony or 
  indigenous people discover something of value to the demons 
  today, they could find themselves fighting demon troops tomor-
  row. Like the Kreeghor, even the demons’ mortal soldiers are 
  aggressive and belligerent, running roughshod over anyone who 
  dares to stand in their way. Evil and cruel, their demon masters 
  don’t care what their advocates and troops do to the people in 
  the Thundercloud. As a result, demon forces – whether actual 
  demons or mortal flunkies – engage in unnecessary displays of 
  power and brutality, killing innocent people, razing villages and 
  colonies to the ground, ransacking communities, raping women, 
  taking people into slavery, and so on. This is not always the case, 
  but often. Demons also hire Space Pirates, other criminals and 
  evildoers to enforce their will and serve their needs.
  This all means demons (and Deevils) can function as a wild 
  card in the Thundercloud Galaxy, appearing out of nowhere to 
  cause trouble, attack or bring mayhem. Remember, while mortal 
  servants of demons and Deevils require spaceships to travel from 
  planet to planet, supernatural beings do not. Most demons (and 
  Deevils) can have a Greater Demon or Demon Lord open a di-
  mensional Rift at a ley line nexus anywhere, provided they have 
  a connection on that world (servants or worshipers), or know the 
  coordinates. Likewise, demons and many supernatural beings 
  possess the power of Dimensional Teleport, or know magic in-
  vocations to teleport to other worlds or open dimensional portals. 
  Thus, the Demons of Hades (and Deevils of Dyval) can, via natu-
  ral abilities, magic or Rifts, appear on a planet without anyone 
  knowing it.
  Humans and mortals do have one thing going for them: de-
  mons and Deevils almost always underestimate them. Arrogant 
  in the extreme, demons (and Deevils) often underestimate mor-
  tals, which gives people a fighting chance. This means they may 
  send an insufficient force to accomplish the task at hand, make 
  dumb moves, ignore the human potential for resourcefulness, and 
  never stop to think that colonists and indigenous people at odds 
  with one another might put aside their differences to fight a com-
  mon demonic enemy, or come to each other’s aide. Note: See 
  Rifts® Dimension Book™ 10: Hades and DB 11: Dyval™ for 
  
  132
  complete details about how demons and Deevils think and how 
  their societies function, among other valuable information.
  26-30% Dragon. Dragons are powerful creatures of magic 
  known to traverse the Megaverse in search of adventure, magic, 
  secret knowledge, treasure and power. The Thundercloud Galaxy 
  offers the promise of all these things. Just as demons, Deevils 
  and so many other people come to the Thundercloud in a quest 
  to find the secrets, magic or weapons of the Elder Races, dragons 
  are lured there for the same reason. Others may seek the worship 
  of primitive people and live as a god, while some may choose to 
  become their king and protector, while still others may terrorize 
  the countryside for fun or out of spite. Some dragons, particularly 
  hatchlings and young adults, simply seek adventure, excitement 
  and fun. A dragon may be a villain, a hero or an opportunist. It 
  may bring peace and prosperity or trouble and violence. Still oth-
  ers seek a place where they can establish a quiet sanctum away 
  from people and civilization, or a place to practice magic, or hide 
  their treasure. For a long time, the Thundercloud Galaxy offered 
  many places to hide or live in secret, and still does, but with 
  the Scramble, those places are becoming fewer. You can imag-
  ine how a dragon might feel if his sanctum or treasure or secret 
  place of meditation and rest is violated by humanoids or looted 
  out of ignorance. The dragon’s reaction is not likely to be pretty 
  or gentle. Game Master Note: The many possible adventures 
  involving a dragon will depend on the creature’s age, alignment, 
  abilities, agenda and you. Have fun with it whether the dragon is 
  young and curious, heroic or wicked.
  31-35% Exiles. Nobody is sure about their real agenda, but 
  they are not to be trusted. Exiles seem to be habitual liars, hot-
  tempered and unpredictable. While they often try to play the role 
  of hero, their true motives are less than noble. They are part con-
  artist, part thief, part raider, part alien invader, part insane and all 
  trouble. Exiles are opportunists who, even if things started out 
  well, in the end, will sell out their own mother if they can make a 
  big enough profit. “Beware the Exiles” is a common refrain heard 
  throughout the Thundercloud Galaxy. They wander the galaxy 
  talking trash about the big corporations and intergalactic pow-
  er blocs, stir up trouble at colonies, like to instigate revolts and 
  conflict among indigenous people, and seem entertained by the 
  conflict and angst of other people. When nobody is looking they 
  rob and steal, cheat, lie and try to profit from the misfortune of 
  others. When they offer their services to serve as protectors and 
  guardians, it is often discovered later that they were the ones to 
  have stirred up tension or caused the conflict to begin with. Even 
  when helpful, they are like the houseguest from Hell who abuses 
  the generosity of his benefactor until thrown out on his ear. Only 
  then the Exile feels angry and mistreated, giving him justification 
  to seek revenge by robbing his benefactor or one-time ally, or 
  vandalizing his property or joining the side of his enemies.
  36-40% Fallen Cosmo-Knight. Cosmo-Knights are said to 
  have secret hideouts and monasteries scattered throughout the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy. Nobody knows how true that is, but there 
  are at least a few known to exist in the remote galaxy. With the 
  demons’ invasion of the Corkscrew and Anvil Galaxies, the vast 
  majority of Cosmo-Knights are off to war in those galaxies leav-
  ing the Thundercloud to fend for itself.
  Many Fallen Cosmo-Knights on the other hand, have either 
  stayed out of the conflict or engage in a lifestyle less than pure 
  or heroic. Fallen Cosmo-Knights see the Thundercloud as an op-
  portunity to make money or find ancient magic and technology in 
  a bid to exact revenge or regain power. Others come to the galaxy 
  to find adventure, vent their anger and disappointment through vi-
  olent work, or join other rogues and dark forces for personal gain. 
  Others hide in shame or become reclusive hermits. Still others see 
  the chaos and injustice going on in the Thundercloud Galaxy as 
  an opportunity for them to redeem themselves as heroes who pro-
  tect colonists, help indigenous people, battle Space Pirates and 
  champion the innocent. However, most are anti-heroes at best, 
  others are self-serving opportunists, and the worst are dangerous, 
  hate-filled villains. Villainous Fallen Cosmo-Knights may work 
  with or lead Space Pirates, Raiders and other camps of criminals 
  and cutthroats, or throw in with demons or Deevils, travel the 
  galaxy as a sort of gunslinger “Hero Slayer,” or go around as in-
  dependent villains or a force of chaos with little regard for anyone 
  but himself.
  41-45% Kreeghor Pirates and Kreeghor Raiders. These 
  rogue Kreeghor are not operating on the part of the TGE. They 
  are rogue soldiers, Space Pirates or criminals who find cargo and 
  supply ships easy targets and colonies attractive opportunities for 
  raids. They are likely to engage in all kinds of crime and villainy, 
  including the slave trade, piracy, kidnaping, robbery, extortion, 
  and murder for hire.
  46-50% Kreeghor, Agents of the TGE. The Transgalactic 
  Empire is always happy to stir up trouble for its rivals and en-
  emies like the CCW. The great distance between colony worlds 
  and the chaos of the Scramble makes this all the easier in the 
  Thundercloud Galaxy. Thus, you can find TGE agents, spies and 
  operatives almost anywhere snooping around, helping indigenous 
  people rise up against CCW/Company colonies and stirring up 
  trouble. Of course, they pretend to be “rogue” Kreeghor, but they 
  are secret government agents and are likely to have the resources 
  of a small fleet close at hand. In the alternative, these could be 
  agents of the Splugorth, demons, Deevils, Trensik Mercenaries, 
  Golgans or any of the space-faring civilizations.
  51-60% Monsters. Monsters from ancient ruins. Monsters 
  indigenous to the planet. Monsters or mutants spawned in a colo-
  nial laboratory. Monsters created and unleashed upon the world 
  by Gene-Tech, Elders or other aliens. Monsters from the Rifts. 
  Monsters from a crashed spaceship. Vampires unleashed by a 
  Vampire Intelligence. Any of these possibilities and others, can 
  unleash a threat to a colony or indigenous people of the Thun-
  dercloud Galaxy. Use the monsters in this book and any other 
  appropriate creatures from any of Palladium’s many RPG titles, 
  or use the Monster Creation Tables in this book to create some-
  thing new.
  61-65% Raiders. These villains are the worst of the lot. Raid-
  ers hit planet-bound communities with the purpose of looting 
  them of valuables. Raiders are brutal and ruthless, beating or kill-
  ing anyone who gets in their way. They may also stop to have 
  their way with women, torture people, take slaves, and cause 
  wanton destruction. While the stories of raiders razing a town to 
  the ground are plentiful, such tales are exaggerations. Most Raid-
  ers leave the community standing so they may return to loot it 
  again and again. With all the colonies popping up, and new primi-
  tive civilizations being discovered (i.e. native inhabitants of the 
  planet), there are more planets and places to plunder than ever. 
  It’s a boom time for Raiders. With the law and defense space 
  fleets spread so thin, Raiders, Pirates, smugglers and other crimi-
  
  133
  nals are having an easy time of it. If you don’t mind hurting and 
  killing people and robbing them blind, then the life of a Raider is 
  one way to profit from the Scramble.
  Raiders may also attack space stations and spacecraft though 
  it puts them in direct conflict with Space Pirates and has led to 
  some bloody feuds. Though Space Pirates are bad, Raiders tend 
  to be the worst of the worst. True cutthroats who kill without 
  conscience and take whatever they want.
  66-70% Temporal Raiders. These are notorious alien beings 
  known to use magic to bring raiding parties to targeted locations 
  for attack. As a rule, Temporal Raiders tend to be sophisticated, 
  high-end thieves interested mostly in magic items, powerful ar-
  tifacts, art treasures, gems, jewelry, high technology, and other 
  coveted treasures. Most are independent operatives out for them-
  selves, but some allow themselves to be hired by powerful be-
  ings, organizations and governments, including the Splugorth, 
  Deevils, demons, deities and other supernatural powers, ancient 
  dragons, the Naruni and others. They are found in the Thunder-
  cloud Galaxy because of the many opportunities and ancient trea-
  sures, both magical and technological. Like demons and Deevils, 
  these mysterious beings covet magic, wealth and power. (See 
  Rifts® World Book Three: England for details about these be-
  ings.)
  71-75% Slavers. Slavers are raiders who specialize in the 
  slave trade. While most Slavers tend to leave colonies and colo-
  nists alone for fear of getting the CAF and other lawmen, authori-
  ties and heroes after them (trouble they don’t need), primitive 
  native inhabitants are often targeted. All the sentient humanoids 
  described in this book are attacked by Slavers, snatched up and 
  carried to distant worlds where they are sold as slaves. Once in a 
  while, colonists, explorers and adventurers away from the safety 
  of a community are also captured for sale as slaves. Though slav-
  ery is outlawed in the CCW, the slave trade is alive and well 
  among the Splugorth, Deevils, demons, and various places and 
  civilizations across the Megaverse. Likewise, some primitive na-
  tive inhabitants practice slavery, particularly when it comes to 
  defeated enemies. The life of a slave may be one of hard labor, 
  servitude or battle as soldiers forced to fight in wars or gladiato-
  rial arenas.
  76-80% Space Pirates. These brigands are quickly becom-
  ing thick as flies in the Thundercloud Galaxy. As the name sug-
  gests, they seldom invade or attack colonies or any planet-bound 
  community. Instead, they target spaceships – cargo and transport 
  ships, to be exact. Space pirates are thieves. They raid and attack 
  cargo ships to steal the goods and valuables they are carrying. 
  They may also attack personnel transports to steal whatever cargo 
  the vessel may have on board, to rob the individual passengers of 
  their belongings, especially gold and jewelry, and sometimes kid-
  nap important people and hold them for ransom or take innocent 
  people to sell into slavery.
  When you encounter Space Pirates on a colony world or space 
  station it’s because they are present trying to sell or trade their ill-
  gotten gains or are looking to spend money and find a little rest 
  and relaxation. Space Pirates also deal in smuggling and the buy-
  ing, selling and distribution of contraband, drugs and other illegal 
  items. Some pirates may also let themselves be hired as armed 
  escorts (in space, on land and at sea), bodyguards and military 
  forces to individuals and communities, including colonists. Of 
  course they can’t really be trusted, but desperate and frightened 
  people will look toward anyone during times of need.
  81-85% Unknown God. A being who seems to possess the 
  power of a god appears. This being may be one of the legendary 
  Elder Races or a being from another time or dimension.
  86-90% Minions of Splugorth. Lord Desslyth the Younger 
  is not happy with the power slip of his aging father and the con-
  quests of the aggressive Kreeghor of the TGE. The Splugorth still 
  wield considerable power in the Thundercloud Galaxy and their 
  Minions and Slavers can be encountered anywhere. They still 
  raid planets, take slaves, and engage in acts of piracy, especially 
  against ships of the TGE and UWW (United Worlds of Warlock) 
  but everyone is fair game.
  Furthermore, the Younger has been letting the TGE conquer 
  planets in the Kingdom of Desslyth that have exhausted their 
  planetary resources, suffer other problems or are just too much 
  trouble to bother with any longer. Rather than fight the Kreeg-
  hor for planetary possessions no longer profitable or desirable, 
  Lord Desslyth the Younger has begun to “colonize” other planets 
  in the galaxy. He has a particular interest in planets that have 
  ancient ruins and are rich in magic energy (ley lines and nexus 
  points), and has no qualms about taking them even if the planet 
  has already been claimed and colonized by another party – colo-
  nists are overrun, taken captive and sold into slavery away from 
  the Three Galaxies.
  91-95% Corporate Treachery. Corporate and/or political ri-
  valry and greed can cause a wide range of conflict that can lead 
  to treachery, sabotage, unfair trade practices, side deals, stirring 
  up unrest among the native population, “accidents,” space piracy, 
  and rivalry that leads to violence and outright war. The feuding 
  rivals may be members of the same civilization, same industry 
  and even the same corporation jockeying for position, wealth and 
  power over one another.
  96-00% Dominator! I was tempted to write “‘Nuff said,” but 
  there can be more to a Dominator than mass destruction and all-
  out war. Game Masters, use your imagination and explore the 
  possibilities. Perhaps the Dominator appears to find or reclaim 
  something he or she left behind on the planet thousands of years 
  ago. Maybe he’s come to protect the planet (and by default the 
  colonists and/or indigenous people) because he has a secret base 
  hidden on it. Or perhaps he has come to protect the indigenous 
  people because he considers them his property, or drops some 
  weird creatures onto the planet for safekeeping, or one of his ex-
  periments goes wrong and trouble ensues, or he comes to his fa-
  vorite world to die, and so on.
  Indigenous People
  on the Colony World
  Size of Population
  01-20% Small population; outnumbers colonists 10 to 1.
  21-40% Medium population; outnumbers colonists 50 to 1.
  41-60% Large population; outnumbers colonists 100 to 1.
  61-80% Huge population; outnumbers colonists 500 to 1.
  81-00% Gigantic population; outnumbers colonists by 
  1D6x1,000 to 1.
  
  134
  Indigenous People Hostility Index
  01-15% Indifferent. The indigenous people don’t know ex-
  actly what to make of the “new people” and tend to ignore them 
  and go about their business as if they were always there. They will 
  engage in some limited trade, but mostly just walk away and avoid 
  contact and interaction. If the outsiders become pests or too disrup-
  tive, the indigenous people relocate themselves, and if possible, 
  hide from them. They fight colonists only if attacked first or cor-
  nered, and then only long enough to make good their escape. In the 
  end, these people are likely (01-70%) to be assimilated by the colo-
  nists, or slowly pushed into a small corner of their own world (71-
  00%) where they are treated as oddities and second-class citizens.
  16-30% Peaceful. The indigenous people accept, if not open-
  ly welcome colonists and other off-worlders. Even if the natives 
  are getting the short end of the stick, they remain peaceful and are 
  likely to be assimilated by the colonists.
  31-45% Angry Isolationists. These people only attack out-
  siders when the intruders come into the traditional lands claimed 
  and/or inhabited by the indigenous people. Otherwise the indig-
  enous people try to avoid the invaders – they want no contact 
  with them. If off-worlders try to “relocate” the native population, 
  that group of people will go to war. Whether other clans, tribes or 
  nations join that battle depends on whether or not they also feel 
  threatened, insulted or attacked.
  46-60% Agitated and Discontented. The native people see 
  colonists and off-worlders as a threat and invaders, but they aren’t 
  sure what to do about it. They don’t necessarily mind sharing their 
  planet, provided the outsiders respect their traditions and stay out 
  of the traditional lands claimed and/or inhabited by them. How-
  ever, most colonists are bossy, pushy know-it-alls who have come 
  to save and elevate the primitive indigenous people by forcing their 
  colonial view of morals, culture and civilization on them. When 
  that happens, there are verbal clashes and violence. Furthermore, 
  the indigenous people hold the intrusive colonists/outsider in con-
  tempt so they target them for robbery, theft and other trouble. How-
  ever, unless they are attacked first, these malcontents may harass, 
  rob and beat up an outsider, but seldom kill without good reason. 
  The indigenous people recognize the invaders’ superior technolo-
  gy and are careful to avoid it, counter it, and steal it for themselves.
  61-80% Angry and Openly Hostile. The native people see 
  colonists and off-worlders as cold-hearted invaders and rivals to 
  be harassed, plundered and slain. The indigenous people engage 
  in random attacks and acts of violence, raids to cause destruc-
  tion and terror, raids to steal food, medicine, weapons and other 
  supplies, engage in acts of sabotage, steal livestock and cause all 
  sorts of trouble. When colonists and outsiders enter what the in-
  digenous people consider their territory/nation/homeland, even if 
  only passing through or coming in peace to talk, they should ex-
  pect to be stopped, challenged, robbed, threatened and harassed. 
  If the indigenous people are insulted, embarrassed, antagonized, 
  threatened or attacked, they respond with hate and violence, and 
  fight back, rob, and capture or kill the outsiders responsible. Fur-
  ther retribution leveled at the colonists – even if they were not 
  responsible for what happened – is very likely.
  81-00% Outraged and Warlike. The native people see colo-
  nists and off-worlders as invaders to be driven away or destroyed. 
  As far as they are concerned, they are at war in a life and death 
  
  135
  struggle to drive the alien invaders from their world. Outsiders 
  are not safe anywhere and are attacked at sight.
  Tech Level of the Indigenous People
  of the Thundercloud Galaxy
  01-20% Stone Age Hunters and Gatherers. These are tribal 
  people and probably nomads who travel following the game ani-
  mals they hunt and moving to different locales depending on the 
  time of year and seasons, like migratory birds flying south for the 
  winter.
  Tools and weapons are simple and basic: Tools are made of 
  bone, wood and stone. Sewing needles are made from carved 
  bone, teeth, claws and ivory, or possibly the quills of animals or 
  plants. Spoons, ladles and such are made from wood, clothing 
  from the hides of animals (buckskin). Knives and blades for hand 
  axes, sickles and similar “edged” tools are shaped from chipped 
  stone in a process called “knapping.”
  Weapons are limited to stone blades and blunt weapons: 
  Wooden staves, wooden clubs and cudgels (1D6 damage) and 
  possibly throwing sticks (1D6 damage), as well as wood and 
  stone hand-axes/tomahawk (1D6 damage), hammers and war 
  clubs (2D4 to 2D6 damage) that have stone heads lashed to a 
  shaped wood handle. All are S.D.C. weapons that can be surpris-
  ingly effective and deadly.
  Stone Age long-range weapons: Limited to throwing sticks 
  (think boomerang and African throwing sticks, but are uncom-
  mon compared to spears and other weapons; 1D4 damage). 
  Spears and javelins (both of which may have a sharpened end 
  hardened with tar, or a stone blade fastened to the end, and inflict 
  1D6 to 1D8 damage), slings and slingshots that hurl stones (1D4 
  to 1D6 damage), and the short bow and arrows (1D6 damage per 
  arrow and has an effective range of 340 feet/104 m).
  Armor: If any armor is used at all, it is soft leather that wraps 
  around the forearms and lower legs, and may include the addition 
  of wood or leather shin guards, arm bands, leather cloak or cape, 
  and possibly soft leather gloves, additional padding in strategic lo-
  cations, and a wood or bone lamellar breastplate. Typical Leather 
  Armor Rating (A.R.): 9 and 20 S.D.C. Armor supplemented with 
  wood or bone A.R. 10 and 30 S.D.C. Patchwork armor incorpo-
  rating modern metal, plastic and/or ceramic pieces stolen or sal-
  vaged from the advanced colonists: A.R. 12 and 38 S.D.C. (Make 
  it 2D6+28 M.D.C. when Mega-Damage materials are used.)
  Housing: Domiciles range from tents made from animal hides 
  and huts made of sticks, mud and animal hides, to living in caves 
  and under the stars.
  Transportation. Foot power: walking and running to riding 
  animals, probably bareback.
  21-40% Stone Age Builders and Farmers. They use the 
  same tools and weapons as the Hunter and Gatherers, but have 
  learned to grow crops and raise livestock, which also means they 
  are no longer nomads, but have settled land and built permanent 
  homes and structures.
  Housing: Settlements are the equivalent of towns, with domi-
  ciles that range from homes and buildings made of clay or sod, to 
  those made of wood or stone. They also build fences and animal 
  pens made of wood, and walls, statues and monoliths made of 
  stone. Think Mayans, Aztecs, and even ancient Egyptians with-
  out the use of metal. The size and sophistication of the struc-
  tures depend on the culture, society and level of technology even 
  among Neolithic people and primitive stone builders. These peo-
  ple are also likely to use color dyes and paint, and wear jewelry 
  made of seeds, bone, teeth, coral and polished stones. Standing 
  stones, monuments and megalithic open air sites like Stonehenge 
  are also part of the builders’ culture. They have also learned to 
  work with clay to make pottery, weave baskets, weave clothing, 
  create works of art and may even have a written language.
  Stone weapons and all else are the same as the Stone Age 
  Hunters and Gatherers.
  41-60% The Early Metal Age. For the purpose of this book, 
  we are combining the use of soft metals, such as bronze and cop-
  per, into one category. These people are much more advanced 
  and fall into the category of the Greek, Roman and Egyptian Em-
  pires at their height.
  Early Metal Age civilizations use a wide range of tools and 
  weapons made of copper and bronze, from spoons and forks to 
  saws and hammers, to knives, short swords (1D6 damage) and 
  metal tipped heads for spears and arrows (same damage as stone). 
  They also make elaborate jewelry, work in all soft metals, in-
  cluding silver and gold, use paints and dyes, and make exquisite 
  pottery.
  Armor (Bronze): The most sophisticated armor is made of 
  bronze metal (think Greek and Roman warriors) with metal hel-
  mets, vambraces, gauntlets and leggings. The armor may be com-
  bined with padding and leather, and there are a variety of other 
  armor that included soft, hard and studded leather armor. Typical 
  Bronze Armor Rating (A.R.): 14 and has 2D6+46 S.D.C. Includes 
  metal breastplate, helmet, vambraces for arms and legs, supple-
  mented with soft or hard leather. Patchwork armor incorporating 
  modern metal, plastic and/or ceramic pieces stolen or salvaged 
  from the advanced colonists: A.R. 15 and 2D6+50 S.D.C. (Make 
  it 2D6+45 M.D.C. when Mega-Damage materials are used.)
  Housing: Wood to stone structures that range from simple 
  houses to stone bridges, grand temples, and coliseums. Towns and 
  cities are large compared to early standard (as many as 80,000).
  Transportation. Ranges from walking to saddled riding ani-
  mals, drawn carts, wagons and chariots, as well as sail and row 
  boats. Some alien cultures may ride flying animals.
  61-80% Advanced Metal Cultures: The Iron Age and Me-
  dieval Technology. This culture has discovered hard metal and 
  use iron and iron alloys. They are comparatively advanced, make 
  elaborate suits of armor, tools, weapons and clothing. Think Me-
  dieval England, Europe and the Middle East. They have a wide 
  range of armor, tools and weapons made of iron, from spoons and 
  forks to saws and hammers, to swords, battle axes and pole arms, 
  as well as metal tipped heads for spears and arrows. Metal weap-
  ons and tools last longer and much greater precision is possible. 
  These people also have more complex machines and devices that 
  have more metal gears and moving parts and have probably mas-
  tered making glass, paper, and a variety of fabrics. The civiliza-
  tion’s use of other metals is also more advanced, enabling the 
  people to make superior jewelry, detailed and elaborate works of 
  art and a wider range of boats and buildings.
  Iron Weapons: Iron provides greater hardness, strength and 
  durability. Iron weapons chop right through bronze armor and 
  weapons, and provide greater protection and power. A wide range 
  of iron weapons is possible. Throwing stars and blades – think 
  Japanese shurikens and throwing spikes (1D4 damage) or the much 
  larger and heavier African throwing irons (1D6 to 2D4 damage), 
  but are uncommon compared to spears and other weapons (1D4 
  
  136
  damage). Spears and javelins (both of which have sharp metal tips 
  or spear head that inflict 2D4 damage or 2D6 for large spears), pole 
  arms with long shafts and a wide range of forks (2D6 damage) and 
  large blades (3D6 damage). Large swords are now possible (2D6 to 
  3D6 damage) and even short swords are lethal (1D6 to 2D4 dam-
  age). The battle axe (3D6 damage) and other large axes (2D6 dam-
  age), along with weapons like large swords and pole arms, are the 
  product of hard metal technology, so is the ball and chain (2D6 
  damage), metal war hammer, the mace and morning star (2D6 
  damage). Better technology and craftsmanship has also led to the 
  long bow and/or crossbow and better arrows (2D6 damage per ar-
  row and has an effective range of 640 feet/195 m).
  Armor (Iron): A wide range of body armor is available: A 
  full suit of chain mail has an A.R. of 14 and 2D6+40 S.D.C. 
  Double Mail has A.R. 15 and 2D6+46. Scale armor has an A.R. 
  16 and 3D6+60 S.D.C. Plate and Chain has an A.R. of 15 and 
  4D6+80 S.D.C., and full plate armor for knights has an A.R. 17 
  and 5D6+140 S.D.C. Helmets are metal and so are many shields. 
  Patchwork armor incorporating modern metal, plastic and/or ce-
  ramic pieces stolen or salvaged from the advanced colonists are 
  the equivalent of plate and chain or full plate armor. (Make pro-
  tection 4D6+75 M.D.C. when Mega-Damage materials are used.)
  Housing: Building materials have also improved. There are 
  more varieties and cuts of wood, brick and mortar, tar and con-
  crete, and doors, gates, and fences may be made of iron or made 
  with iron hinges and handles. Structures range from simple wood 
  houses to brick homes, grand cathedrals, and castles. Massive 
  buildings and fortifications are possible. Cities are large com-
  pared to early standard (as many as 250,000).
  Transportation. Ranges from walking to saddled riding ani-
  mals, drawn carts, wagons and chariots, as well as boats and sail-
  ing ships. Some alien cultures may ride flying animals.
  81-90% Industrial Age. This is the age of machines and fac-
  tories. Technology ranges from the equivalent of 18th and 19th 
  Century Europe and America, think the Eras of British Imperial-
  ism to the American Civil War and the Old West. Steam engines, 
  the cotton gin, and early trains are the latest technology. Automo-
  biles, aircraft, radio and talking movies are still a generation or 
  two away. Guns – kinetic projectile firearms such as the revolver, 
  rifle, and shotgun – have replaced the sword and bows and ar-
  rows.
  91-00% Nuclear or Space Age. This civilization can range 
  from the equivalent of World War II era, to Cold War era, to 
  early Twenty-First Century Earth. Automatic weapons, explo-
  sives, bombs, automobiles, aircraft, and modern buildings and 
  communications are all in place. If on the most modern end of 
  the spectrum, computers and advanced communications are the 
  norm, and genetic engineering, bionics, robotics and space travel 
  are the developing technologies of the new age.
  For this planet to be a candidate for CCW colonization, the in-
  digenous people cannot dominate more than 40% of their planet. 
  For an advanced civilization of this technology level that prob-
  ably means their world has suffered a natural or man-made ca-
  tastrophe that has damaged or decimated half or more of their 
  world. This catastrophe could be self-inflicted or the result of an 
  invasion or attack by a more advanced, space-faring people who 
  have no regard for the rights of others. The TGE, Minions of 
  Splugorth, Dominators, Gene-Splicers and others come to mind.
  Note: A civilization more advanced than the last category will 
  dominate their planet and not be a candidate for colonization un-
  der the rules and practices of the CCW. However, they can be 
  invited to join the CCW, engage in trade, and receive advisors 
  and counseling to become a more active member in the galac-
  tic community. Such worlds may also be targeted by aggressive 
  space-faring civilizations, like the TGE, for conquest.
  Origin of the People
  01-10% Outcasts or castaways. These beings are the survi-
  vors of a crashed spaceship or space ark, a group of refugees or 
  outcasts who either came to this world or were exiled there long 
  ago. Without the resources of their civilization, and left to fend 
  for themselves in a hostile and untamed environment, they de-
  volved and have forgotten their past. Today they believe they are 
  indigenous to the world they inhabit.
  11-20% Slaves or experiments. These people once served an 
  advance race of beings who created them through genetic engi-
  neering for labor or space exploration. They either escaped their 
  creators and started their own civilization, or became stranded on 
  a distant planet where they have managed to survive and develop 
  their own culture and civilization. 01-50% The people have a cre-
  ation myth based on their true origins. 51-00% The people have 
  no knowledge of their past.
  An alternative possibility. The people were created as a social-
  scientific experiment in which they were designed and placed on 
  the planet where their development and progress as a society has 
  been closely monitored. Question: Is the advanced race respon-
  sible (Dominator, Gene-Tech, Elder Race, etc.) still watching, or 
  are these people on their own? If their creator is still watching, 
  will the intrusion of off-world colonists be accepted and observed, 
  or will the watchers intervene to “remove” the intruders so the 
  experiment and the people’s natural progression may continue?
  21-30% Newly evolved. These are the indigenous people who 
  evolved through natural progression into the beings they are and 
  the civilization they have.
  31-40% Devolved from an advanced, high-tech civiliza-
  tion. The ancestors of these beings were once members of an 
  advanced civilization. They may be living on their home world 
  and place of origin, or on a colony world they mistakenly be-
  lieve to be the birthplace of their civilization. They have no clue 
  about their past, and any ancient ruins are regarded as alien or a 
  lost civilization unrelated to their own. The advanced civilization 
  may have suffered natural, social, or self-inflicted catastrophe 
  that destroyed their old way of life and sent them back into the 
  Stone Age. If their tech-level is better than that, it’s because their 
  civilization is once again developing.
  41-50% Devolved and mutated from an advanced civiliza-
  tion. These people share the same story of a rise to greatness and 
  power, only to fall back into the Stone Age. However, self-inflict-
  ed events or outside forces have also mutated and changed them 
  to the point that you’d never know they and the old civilization 
  were ever related. They know nothing of their ancient history and 
  neither does anyone else.
  51-60% Evolved pets. These people were once the “pets” of a 
  powerful, advanced race of beings such as the Dominators, Elder 
  Races or Splugorth. One day their “masters” disappeared or the 
  advanced civilization of their masters was destroyed or fell to 
  ruin. Their masters are likely to have perished with their ancient 
  civilization, but the pets survived and have evolved into their own 
  autonomous people.
  
  137
  61-70% Crumbling civilization. Be they Stone Age tribal 
  people or a low-tech civilization, these people still know their 
  past as an advanced civilization – or at least bits and pieces of it. 
  However, they have lost their technology, and lack the knowl-
  edge to preserve or reverse engineer it. They don’t even know 
  how to maintain or repair the old tech, and depending on how 
  far they have fallen from their old heights, may look upon it as 
  magical or supernatural. They have only a few remnants of their 
  old civilization left.
  71-80% Survivors of a collapsed civilization. These people 
  completely lost their history and culture. They are a shadow of 
  who they once were and are comparatively primitive. However, 
  they are rediscovering their past and striving to learn who they 
  once were. They aspire to become a technologically advanced 
  civilization again, and try to learn from the ruins and relics of 
  their past. Thus, such ancient artifacts are important and precious 
  to them, and they become incensed if outsiders/invaders/colo-
  nists take, bury or destroy them.
  81-90% A plundered civilization. This once technologically 
  advanced civilization began to crumble long ago. They might 
  have been able to stop their decline, except their world was plun-
  dered for its resources and technology. Even as their civilization 
  sunk lower and lower, outsiders came to rob them of their se-
  crets of technology and science, as well as their manufacturing 
  capabilities. So great was their technology (magic?), that to this 
  day, unearthed ancient relics and artifacts are a marvel and often 
  still work. These amazing (magic or Techno-Wizard) artifacts 
  are marvels coveted by all who learn of them and continue to be 
  plundered by the likes of demons, Deevils, Splugorth, Domina-
  tors and Fallen Cosmo-Knights.
  It is ironic, but the indigenous people have changed so much 
  that neither they nor outsiders attribute the ancient wonders to 
  them. It is probably best that the people don’t know who they 
  once were and do not try to rediscover their past heritage and lost 
  technology. For they must have once been one of the Elder Races 
  or on the verge of becoming one before something knocked them 
  back to the Stone Age hundreds of thousands of years ago.
  Though they have no connection to their past, they are angry 
  that outsiders have stolen their history. This culture should be no 
  more advanced than Medieval.
  91-00% Transplanted Civilization. This is a race of people 
  from someplace else in the Three Galaxies, outside the Three 
  Galaxies or even another dimension. It is a surprise to find them 
  in the Thundercloud. This can be an existing race of people from 
  any Palladium game setting, but their culture is now uniquely 
  their own and their tech-level is low; roll on the usual table to 
  determine the Tech-Level.
  Sacred Technology (Optional)
  If the Game Master so desires it, the indigenous people may 
  have a few “sacred” items, relics or artifacts from their past that 
  still function. These could be things like an energy rifle, force 
  field or other high-tech (or magic) device with a regenerating 
  power source, and still works even though it is thousands (even 
  tens of thousands) of years old. In a game context, it should be a 
  device or handful of devices that can have a direct impact on the 
  player characters, threats and enemies/attackers. The bits of an-
  cient technology should be played for fun, surprise and drama. In 
  all cases, there should only be one to a few “sacred” ancient items 
  available to the indigenous people, but depending on the situation 
  and the G.M., that could be expanded to one or several items for 
  each clan, tribe, kingdom or nation.
  Roll on the following tables for a random determination or 
  pick one. As always, we invite Game Masters to unleash their 
  imaginations and whip up something not in the tables.
  Sub-Table 1: Who Possesses the Sacred Technology?
  Someone special and important is the keeper of this valuable 
  and ancient sacred artifact(s).
  01-20% The Chosen One. Only the chosen one (or perhaps 
  Chosen Few, plural) can use the ancient artifact(s). The Chosen 
  may have political or theological ramifications, or require spe-
  cific I.Q., M.E., P.P.E., I.S.P. or genetic requirements in order to 
  use the Sacred Technology.
  21-40% Shaman or other tribal, religious or sacred leader. 
  Only the spiritual leader possesses and uses the Sacred Technol-
  ogy. Or only the spiritual leader possesses the relic, and only he 
  can activate and/or bequeath the artifact to a chosen protector/
  warrior.
  41-60% The leader. The leader of the people has access to 
  the sacred item(s). He or she could be a tribal chief or war chief, 
  warlord, king, or Emperor. If desired, several devices could be 
  used by a pair, triumvirate or small group of 4-8 leaders, heroes, 
  elders, wise men or keepers of sacred knowledge. Each ancient 
  item wielded by these elite people could be the same or different.
  61-80% Elite warriors. Probably a group of elite champions 
  and heroes like the Knights of the Round Table, or a group charged 
  with a special purpose or mission like the Knights Templar.
  81-00% Elite group or organization. This could be a specific 
  group of elite warriors, defenders, spies, assassins, priests, elders, 
  cultists or clan.
  Sub-Table 2: The Sacred Technology Artifact
  Roll percentile dice for a random determination or pick one or 
  two, or come up with your own. Game Masters, the description 
  of the Sacred Artifact is left deliberately vague so you can tailor 
  it to your game and situation. The artifact could be extremely 
  powerful or completely ordinary by the standards of an advanced 
  civilization. Still, it should be a fun moment when the Space Pi-
  rates, intrusive colonists or player characters having an easy time 
  against Stone Age warriors suddenly come face to face with a 
  giant robot or trio of warriors clad in flying power armor.
  Note: A G.M. may assign one or more of these items to one 
  or more native inhabitants. However, as fun as this can be, not all 
  indigenous people will have a working weapon or Sacred Tech-
  nological Relic from the past.
  01-05% Vibro-Blade(s). Ancient Vibro-Blades with renew-
  able energy supply (solar, self-generating, magic, etc.) that inflict 
  Mega-Damage and can parry M.D. weapons. If more advanced 
  than the Vibro-Weapon technology of the Three Galaxies, the 
  weapons are likely to inflict 1D6 or 2D6 more damage.
  06-10% Energy Weapon(s). This could be as simple as one 
  to a dozen lasers or particle beam pistols and/or rifles. Damage 
  should be at least comparable to current weapons in the Three 
  Galaxies, but as advanced, alien technology, could be one or two 
  dice greater, and range could be 10-40% farther.
  11-15% Mega-Damage Body Armor. One or more suits of 
  environmental body armor – probably with exoskeleton enhance-
  
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  ment to strength and speed. They may have jet packs or limited 
  flight capabilities, or just offer M.D.C. protection.
  16-20% Mega-Damage Power Armor with energy weapons 
  and Vibro-Blade. The armor either self-repairs, or has a self-
  charging M.D.C. force field. It should be comparable to anything 
  Naruni Enterprises has to offer.
  21-25% Force Field. A personal body field generated by a 
  device hung from a belt, carried in or hooked to a pocket, or worn 
  like a wristwatch or as a piece of jewelry. The amount of M.D.C. 
  should be considerable (200-800 M.D.C. sounds reasonable – 
  roll 2D4x100 for random determination – 1D6x1,000 M.D.C. for 
  very advanced technology). Depleted M.D.C. recovers at a rate 
  of 10% per hour. The device itself, even if tiny, has 1D4x100 
  M.D.C. and requires a Called Shot with -4 to strike by the shooter 
  to be targeted for attacks. Of course, it is protected while the force 
  field is up. Note: The force field is likely to require being turned 
  off to fire energy weapons, but handheld melee weapons (swords, 
  spears, etc.) can be used to full effect.
  26-30% God’s Messenger. The leader of the clan, tribe, king-
  dom or nation is counseled by God’s Messenger – some sort of 
  robot or magic automaton with an advanced artificial intelligence 
  (A.I.), or magical construct with the mind or life essence of an 
  ancient alien (Elder?), mage, dragon, or supernatural being. The 
  people accept it as an angel or other type of messenger from god. 
  The robot or automaton may be good or evil and truly cares about 
  the people, or it may have its own agenda. It should be extremely 
  powerful (at least equal to or twice as powerful as a Naruni Repo-
  Bot or Iron Juggernaut from Rifts Earth). Whatever it is, it works 
  to protect (possibly control and lead) the indigenous people and 
  may function as a general, warlord, wizard-advisor, or as the se-
  cret power behind the throne.
  31-35% Hover Cycles or Rocket Bikes. The warriors of 
  an elite cavalry have fast and agile hover cycles or rocket bikes 
  with built-in laser weapons (4D6 M.D. per blast, 2,000 foot/610 
  m range, effectively unlimited payload). In the alternative, the 
  “combat vehicle” could be a robot horse or Pegasus, or giant ro-
  bot lion, insect or other mechanical animal.
  36-40% Lightning Bringer. A gauntlet, pistol or rifle that 
  fires bolts of electricity that inflict 1D4x10 M.D. or 1D6x10 M.D. 
  per bolt, are +2 to strike, and have a range of 2,000 feet (610 m) 
  for gauntlets and pistols, 6,000 feet (1,828 m) for rifles. Unlim-
  ited power supply. Each blast counts as one melee attack.
  41-45% Lightning Defense System. This can be a tech or 
  magic defense system that creates a sort of defensive bubble that 
  destroys incoming missiles and projectiles leveled at a particular 
  city or area. Anything that comes within range is zapped and de-
  stroyed long before it hits the populated area. Energy blasts are 
  not affected, but the source of the energy (flying aliens, power 
  armor, aircraft, space fighter, etc.) will fall under attack. What 
  looks like lightning bolts or flashes of energy fire at incoming aer-
  ial attackers. Damage is 5D6x10 M.D. per blast at targets smaller 
  than a bomber, and double damage against larger attackers. This 
  is very much a defense system and cannot be used to launch an 
  attack. Range: Fires at any aircraft or spaceship that comes within 
  10 miles (16 km), and one mile (1.6 km) for small, man-sized 
  targets. If magical, it is likely to tie into and draw power from ley 
  lines and nexus points.
  46-50% Sacred Healing. This could be an ancient ruin, secret 
  room, cave, grotto, pool, or device that heals the injured. This 
  could be done via a team of medical robots, an automated medi-
  cal chamber, nano-medical robots (the size of ants or smaller so 
  it seems like a miracle), healing pool with nano-machines and 
  nutrient fluids, or magic.
  51-55% Medicine Lodge. Medicine lodges were places of vi-
  sion and inspiration. In the case of ancient technology, this could 
  be an ancient ruin where a computer or artificial intelligence, or 
  supernatural or magic force “speaks” to select leaders and people 
  via dreams, Telepathy or artificial means (holograms, transmis-
  sions direct to the brain, etc.). It may work on anyone with the 
  proper focus or mental attributes or only with psychics, and gives 
  them precognition and other psychic premonitions and sensations 
  that warn and protect them. Rather than a place, this could be a 
  helmet, headdress, or skullcap that is worn.
  56-60% Knowledge Giver. This could be a machine or de-
  vice that instills the user with temporary knowledge (lasts 1D6+4 
  hours) in any given area, from cooking or medicine to combat or 
  repairing (or sabotaging) a spacecraft or using advanced technol-
  ogy. Or the device could provide benign information only, such 
  as farming, healing, building, mending, crafts, artistry and so on. 
  The device could be a machine one must sit or lay down in, or 
  something that is placed on the head. Or it could be something 
  that must be worn on the head the entire time the knowledge is 
  available. After the duration ends, the knowledge imparted is 
  completely gone and forgotten. The device cannot be used on 
  the same person again for 24 hours. To do otherwise is danger-
  ous: 01-50% the individual shuts down and is in a coma for 6D6 
  hours; 51-75% the individual has the knowledge he seeks but his 
  mind is like that of an eight year old child (reduce all other skills 
  -50%, attacks per melee and all combat skills are also reduced by 
  half, and the penalties lasts for 6D6+6 hours); 76-00% lucked out 
  and gets the knowledge without obvious problems other than a 
  throbbing headache and a penalty of -1 to save vs psionic attack 
  for the duration he possesses the special knowledge. Only one 
  area of knowledge can be imbued at a time.
  61-65% Teleportation Device, Man-Portable. A personal 
  teleportation device hung from a belt, strapped to the body, car-
  ried in or hooked to a pocket, or worn like a wristwatch or as a 
  piece of jewelry. The device can teleport the user to a location 
  up to 10 miles (16 km), but the location must be visible to him, 
  or a known location with pre-programmed coordinates (default 
  setting includes the ruins or cave where the device was first dis-
  covered). It can perform 1D6+4 Teleportations per day before 
  requiring 24 hours to recharge.
  66-70% Teleportation Device, Large Scale. This can be a 
  large machine on a mobile platform or a machine built into a sta-
  tionary location (i.e. a temple or secret location built on ancient 
  ruins). If mobile, the Teleportation device goes with the people 
  it Teleports and can Teleport them from one location to another. 
  Since the indigenous people probably lack the advanced tech ca-
  pabilities to program or set the machine’s destinations, these are 
  probably ancient settings to what may be open wilderness (where 
  a city or base once stood) or ancient ruins above or below ground. 
  The location could be only a few hundred miles away, but is like-
  ly to be some distance, like a different continent or other part of 
  the world. In fact, Gatherers and Hunters may use the device to 
  migrate to a warmer and more hospitable location to avoid ex-
  treme changes in weather or season, as well as a means to hide 
  or escape (seeming to vanish) from invaders, colonists and other 
  hostile forces. Depending on the G.M., the device can Teleport 
  hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands at a time.
  
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  If stationary, the machine itself is located in a secret and sa-
  cred place, such as ancient ruins, a secret, ancient underground 
  compound, or a temple, church or fortification built upon ancient 
  ruins (not that you can tell). It Teleports people to one or a few 
  predetermined locations where a similar functioning Teleporta-
  tion machine is located. The locations are to places that once had 
  strategic or commercial significance to the lost civilization. To-
  day that location might be a forest or desert, but in the past it was 
  a city, town or military base. While most of these locations are 
  on the surface of the planet, one or a few could be to a secret un-
  derground base (still functioning on some level if there is another 
  Teleport machine there), or even a location on a moon, orbiting 
  asteroid or space station around the planet.
  In the alternative, the device might carry the people to an en-
  tirely different world or dimension, but just one. Again, this could 
  be ideal for Hunter/Gatherer societies who may travel to the other 
  world or dimension to escape bad weather and changing climates 
  on a transdimensional migratory pattern. The indigenous people 
  may not even realize they are on a different world, or they may 
  have myths that explain how their god has given them two or 
  three worlds to live on. The tribes’ reappearance would certainly 
  surprise and confuse colonists who thought they were settling an 
  uninhabited planet.
  71-75% Psionic Booster. A helmet, headdress, crown, or cap 
  that boosts the wearer’s natural psychic abilities (increases the 
  number of abilities, or provides 1D4+4 Super Psionic powers and 
  quadruples I.S.P.).
  76-85% Magic Artifact. This could be almost anything from 
  the sublime to the amazing. Game Masters, we leave this to your 
  imagination. Remember, ancient super-technology and magic ar-
  tifacts of great power are exactly what the demons and Deevils in 
  the Minion War are searching for to claim for themselves. Thus, 
  they could make an attempt to grab the relic, and enslave, torture 
  or destroy the indigenous people or colonists while they are at it.
  86-90% Hidden Space Fleet! Hidden someplace in an un-
  detectable underground military complex, moon base, secret 
  asteroid base or Dimensional Pocket, is a space fleet. There are 
  2D6x100 space fighters, 2D6x10 power armor units, 1D4x10 
  light cruisers, 1D4x10 heavy cruisers, 2D6 battler cruisers, 1D6 
  battleships, 1D4 carriers and one dreadnaught equal to anything 
  the CCW or Naruni Enterprises has. The space fighters and power 
  armor are so advanced they link directly to the pilot/gunner to 
  respond to his every movement, pretty much fly themselves, and 
  all the gunner has to do is fight, dodge and fire his weapons (voice 
  and visual instructions teach the pilot all he needs to know, and 
  practice makes perfect). “Pilots” are teleported to the secret space 
  fleet via one of several sacred temples.
  91-95% Divine Protector. God’s servant. Doomsday Ma-
  chine. This is one or a handful of giant combat robots or war ma-
  chines of considerable power. The machine is either powered by 
  an advanced computer or an A.I., or by the mind or life essence 
  of a living warrior placed inside the machine. This device should 
  be something capable of taking on an entire Naruni company of 
  Repo-Bots, and should have a self-generating force field or living 
  metal that recovers M.D.C. at a good pace.
  96-00% God’s Army. In times of emergency, a small army of 
  (1D6x100 or 1D6x1,000 depending on their power level) combat 
  robots appear to help and/or protect the indigenous people. The 
  robots have advanced computer brains but are not A.I.
  101 Adventures Based on the Discovery of Ruins
  By Kevin Siembieda – with additional text and ideas
  by Matthew Clements, Greg Diaczyk, Carl Gleba,
  Alex Marciniszyn and Julius Rosenstein.
  In all cases, the ruins are ancient, going back thousands of 
  years. Roll percentile dice or pick one of the following:
  01-20% 1D6x1,000 years.
  21-40% 3D6x1,000 years.
  41-60% 1D6x10,000 years.
  61-80% 3D6x10,000 years.
  81-00% 2D4x100,000 years.
  Note: Sometimes even older.
  Unless stated otherwise (because of outside or unusual influ-
  ence), these are truly ancient ruins. They are almost always un-
  derground because the passage of time over a period of thousands 
  to tens of thousands of years has buried them under dust, dirt and 
  debris. Thus even structures that were built on the surface are 
  many (sometimes hundreds or thousands of) feet underground. 
  Books, paper, scrolls, fabric/cloth, furniture, wood, and most 
  other items that deteriorate will have, over time, crumbled to 
  dust. Depending on the environment and amount of time passed, 
  even plastic, rubber, resin and ceramics are likely to have turned 
  to dust or deteriorated into bits and pieces. Only items made of 
  stone and metal will have survived, and moisture, extreme tem-
  peratures, water and wind erosion can destroy them.
  Mega-Damage materials are the most likely to have survived 
  unscathed, but non-M.D.C. and light M.D.C. (under 20 points) 
  materials, components and internal workings of machines are 
  likely to have deteriorated to nothing. Mega-Damage materials 
  more than 190,000 years old are likely to have lost 1D6x10% of 
  their M.D.C., and continue to lose 2D4% of their M.D.C. for each 
  additional 100,000 years. Likewise, moving machine parts and 
  openings are likely to be fused or clogged with dirt, dust, grime 
  and fossilized organic material.
  Magic items and machines that incorporate magic or have 
  magic energy supplies, as well as self-repairing machines and 
  those in stasis, or protected by dimensional magic or other dimen-
  sional forces (Pocket Dimensions, Time Holes, etc.), may survive 
  millions of years with little or no deterioration or damage. In fact, 
  some ancient items, such as those placed in a Time Hole or other 
  type of stasis, might be, in effect, like new. So might rare weap-
  ons, devices and vehicles maintained over millennia.
   In 99.9% of the cases, the civilizations responsible for the 
  creation of these ruins, artifacts and devices are unknown. Only 
  bits and pieces of even the most advanced civilizations are likely 
  to have survived the passage of such long periods of time.
  Game Masters, the following 101 Ruin Settings & Adven-
  tures are presented as the seed of an idea. They represent just 
  some of the possibilities. We invite you to expand upon those 
  
  140
  thousand robots and four hundred laser rifles (3D6 M.D. per sin-
  gle blast, 2,000 foot/610 m range, 20 shots per E-Clip) in storage. 
  It looks like it would be possible to get the production line opera-
  tional again but raw materials are needed. The factory produces 
  the robots, but it could be modified to make other things. Note: 
  There are two big questions that remain unanswered: Are the ro-
  bots dangerous, and what is it that has prevented the locals from 
  entering and past explorers from ever being seen again?
  02% Mystery of Star Hill
  When first spotted, the twinkling starlike lights that hovered 
  over this low hill at night caused archaeologists some concern. 
  Were they a warning or an invitation? Excavations uncovered 
  nine metal rods about three feet (0.9 m) in length. Each carried 
  a single marking, all different. Experts who examined the rods 
  were about to consign them to the unknown purpose category, but 
  one worker learned their secret.
  While handling one, he had a vision of a being instructing him 
  in their use. 1) This light blue rod can fire a burst of electricity, 
  200 feet (61 m). Damage can be 3D6 S.D.C. or 2D6 M.D. It can 
  fire once per melee round with a maximum of 10 shots per hour. 
  2) The red rod fires a burst of flame, 30 feet (9.1 m) and can inflict 
  1D6 S.D.C. damage or 2D6 M.D. It can unleash a maximum of 
  15 bursts of flame per hour. 3) The silver rod unleashes a paraly-
  sis beam. Range is 100 feet (30.5 m). The narrow beam can para-
  lyze one S.D.C. humanoid for 1D4+4 minutes and can be fired 
  presented in the pages that follow, and to create your own. Un-
  leash your imaginations and have fun.
  01% Cave of the Ancients
  A flat stone slab covered in alien inscriptions lies against the 
  mouth of a cave. Legends among the local people tell of an un-
  derground world abandoned by a previous race that has promised 
  to return in the future. That was over 3,000 years ago. What the 
  locals know is minimal and fragmentary: There is a black door, 
  the living statue, and great machines. They have never explored 
  it themselves, because it is taboo, and because it is said those who 
  dare enter are never seen again.
  Removing the slab that covers the entrance enough to squeeze 
  inside reveals a short tunnel. It leads to a large chamber. The 
  chamber is lit with a dim light coming from a glowing orb in the 
  ceiling. To one side is a pile of metal parts and panel sections, 
  possibly from machines or a spacecraft. On the other side of the 
  chamber is a black door in the wall. This door, a little bigger than 
  human size, is actually a non-lethal energy field of some kind. 
  Anyone can walk through it without ill effect. Beyond the “black 
  door” is a control room and a humanoid robot that is slumped 
  against a wall. Everything is dust free and looks new, as if no 
  time has passed. Anyone entering the room causes the robot to 
  awaken and stand up. It makes no hostile moves. Further explo-
  ration reveals several underground levels of what was once an 
  advanced manufacturing complex. There are an additional one 
  
  141
  once per 12 hours. 16 or higher to save. 4) The yellow rod fires an 
  ion energy beam that does 6D6 S.D.C. damage or 4D6 M.D. up 
  to 500 feet (152 m). Payload is six blasts per hour. 5) The white 
  rod creates a force field that moves with the wielder. Diameter: 
  3 feet (0.9 m), and 1D4 inches (2.5 - 10 cm) above the height of 
  the wielder. It provides 1D6x10+80 M.D.C. for 10 minutes, twice 
  per day. 6) The black rod creates a zone of impenetrable darkness 
  for a 300 foot (91.4 m) diameter centered on the wielder. Dura-
  tion: 10 minutes, twice per day. 7) The copper rod levitates the 
  wielder to a maximum height of 100 feet (30.5 m), 10 times per 
  24 hours. The levitation lasts for up to 20 minutes. 8) The semi-
  transparent rod gives the wielder limited flight capabilities for 60 
  minutes, three times per 24 hours. Maximum speed of 30 mph 
  (48 km). Maximum altitude of 2,000 feet (610 m). 9) The gold 
  rod creates a transparent shield of energy that can deflect all types 
  of energy blasts (no damage to person with the rod) and makes 
  him impervious to radiation, heat and fire. Duration: 20 minutes, 
  three times per 24 hours. Note: The rods do not communicate 
  their function nor work for anyone who is not of a Principled or 
  Scrupulous alignment. They were designed for construction and 
  repair work, but also have limited applications for combat and 
  adventuring.
  03% Silver Lizards
  A large area of flat, grassy land ideal for farming is plagued 
  by robotic lizards about the size of a squirrel. They only attack 
  humans or humanoid beings, leaving animals alone. Additional 
  observation has revealed that they stay in a number of burrows 
  located in a perimeter around some ruins in the area. Their sharp 
  teeth and claws are their weapons. As best as anyone can tell, 
  they are guarding the area and do not attack people after a certain 
  point. Are they controlled by somebody? Are they automated and 
  functioning on a pre-set program?
  Each robot has 2D6+10 M.D.C., four melee attacks per round, 
  inflict 1D6 S.D.C. damage with their bite, 2D4 S.D.C. from claw 
  strikes, 1D4 M.D. with a power strike (counts as two attacks), can 
  Climb 90%, leap 15 feet (4.6 m) high or across, and have a speed 
  of 25 mph (40 km).
  04% Crash Site
  The ruins of a small cargo transport has been found in the bot-
  tom of a ravine, and the pilot is dead. The fuselage is broken open 
  in the middle. Anyone going inside to investigate finds only one, 
  large, unmarked M.D.C. shipping container. Inside are two mon-
  sters (or alien beings) that immediately awaken when the crate is 
  opened and attack! (The creatures remain silent until the crate is 
  opened.) They were being shipped to a zoo or laboratory when 
  the transport ship was hit by pirates and this shuttle tried to make 
  an escape, but was shot down. The creatures are a mated pair and 
  the female is pregnant. This world is a new environment for the 
  creatures, but they should be able to adapt and thrive. That could 
  become a serious problem if the things breed in the wild.
  05% Alien Visitors
  A couple of large, alien cargo spacecraft and 2D4 space fight-
  ers have landed in the wilderness not too far from the colony. 
  They clearly know something our player characters, indigenous 
  people and colonists don’t. They come in the middle of the night 
  and are gone before sunrise. Anyone who comes to investigate 
  gets blasted or taken captive. These aliens (from the Corkscrew 
  or Anvil Galaxy, or they could be Exiles, Minions of Splugorth, 
  demons, Deevils, Space Pirates, etc.) know about ancient ruins at 
  this location and are looting the site (can be taking ancient and 
  magical artifacts, ancient machines and technology, collectible 
  relics, raw materials, etc.). The plan is to get as much as they 
  can (whatever it is) and leave before the locals find out or muster 
  enough resistance to impede their efforts.
  Or the alien visitors may be going into the ruins in search of 
  something specific. If the native inhabitants know about the ruins, 
  they may consider them haunted (especially if the aliens return at 
  regular intervals or have been periodically exploring the ruins for 
  years), or sacred ground, or nothing important.
  06% Alien Visitors
  A couple of large, alien cargo spacecraft and 2D4 space fight-
  ers have landed in the wilderness not too far from the colony. 
  They clearly know something our player characters, indigenous 
  people and colonists don’t. They come in the middle of the night 
  and are gone before sunrise. Anyone who comes to investigate 
  gets blasted or taken captive. While here, the aliens (from the 
  Corkscrew or Anvil Galaxy, or they could be Exiles, Minions of 
  Splugorth, demons, Deevils, Space Pirates, etc.) have decided to 
  raid the colony or the indigenous people, heading for warehouses 
  and other buildings where they can get food, livestock or sup-
  plies. Or worse, taking people as slaves! Or perhaps the aliens 
  decide to take people as subjects for probes and experimentation.
  07% Alien Visitors
  A couple of large, alien shuttle craft filled with armed troops 
  (at least a few dozen) and 1D6 space fighters have landed in 
  the wilderness not too far from the colony. They clearly know 
  something our player characters, indigenous people and colo-
  nists don’t. They come in the middle of the night and are gone 
  before sunrise. Anyone who comes to investigate gets blasted or 
  taken captive. The aliens (from the Corkscrew or Anvil Galaxy, 
  or they could be Exiles, Minions of Splugorth, demons, Deevils, 
  Space Pirates, etc.) discover that the relic they are searching 
  for has been recently recovered by the colonists or the indig-
  enous people, or a band of adventurers (the player characters, 
  perhaps). The aliens want it and take cruel and deadly action to 
  get it.
  In the alternative, the aliens find the coveted item is missing and 
  assume the locals or our heroes have the item they want. Problem 
  is, they really do not have it and have no idea where it is. The item 
  may have been found and taken eons ago or last week.
  08% Alien Visitors
  A large shuttle or two and 1D4 space fighters have landed in 
  the wilderness not too far from the colony. They clearly know 
  something our player characters, indigenous people and colonists 
  don’t. They come in the middle of the night and are gone be-
  fore sunrise. Anyone who comes to investigate gets blasted and 
  chased away. The aliens (from the Corkscrew or Anvil Galaxy, 
  or they could be Exiles, Minions of Splugorth, demons, Deevils, 
  Space Pirates, etc.) discover the ruins weren’t so dead after all, 
  and the alien grave robbers have unleashed something ancient 
  
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  and terrible (supernatural monster, a creature in stasis or from an-
  other dimension, a creature of magic, a killer robot, several killer 
  robots, etc.). The aliens go to the nearest community to give them 
  a frantic warning short on details, say they are sorry, and blast off, 
  leaving the locals (and our heroes, the player characters) to deal 
  with “their mistake.” Good luck.
  09% Creatures from the Mountains
  Farmers or tribes near a local mountain have been slowly 
  losing livestock. At first, local predators were blamed until 
  someone spotted what he called a “Gnome” near a chicken 
  coop. The three foot (3 m) tall humanoid had slightly greenish 
  skin and wore simple clothing, with a small knife in a sheath 
  dangling from its belt. It was not frightened by the farmers or 
  tribesmen at all. It then went in and left with a sack filled with 
  chickens. The farmer believes the being controlled him in some 
  way, making him unable to do anything but watch. There is a 
  tribe of these cave dwellers living on the mountain inside caves 
  that might be ancient tunnels.
  10% Home, Sweet Home
  Strange lights and noise have been reported at one or more 
  sites of some ancient ruins believed to have been created by one 
  of the Elder Races as they date back 900,000 years. The ruins 
  have been explored, though not completely excavated, and there 
  are no known dangers, secrets or items of value.
  One night soon after, a strange, giant spacecraft lands and two 
  20 foot (6.1 m) tall aliens emerge. They are clearly an advanced 
  race. They visit the most advanced city, colony or outpost and 
  announce that this is their home world and that everyone on it, in-
  cluding what is believed to be the indigenous people, is trespass-
  ing, and they want everyone to leave as soon as possible. Or else.
  There is no negotiating with these beings. Whether it is true 
  or isn’t, the two aliens have decided this is their home world and 
  they claim it in the name of their people. It is obvious that one 
  of the aliens is very ill, perhaps near death, and the other is quite 
  insane and irrational. The question is, how dangerous are they 
  and what can they really do to the people? G.M. Note: If they 
  are really Elders, and they could be, they should have technology 
  comparable to the Gene-Tech, though weapons would be half as 
  deadly as the Dominators. Speaking of which, could a Dominator 
  arrive on a mission to destroy these two Elders?! Do the colonists 
  and player characters try to protect the aliens or is the Dominator 
  the answer to their own problem?
  11% Illegal Mining Operation
  All the large galactic mining companies are going after the 
  big finds, leaving smaller sources of ore alone since it would be 
  less profitable. An unauthorized local operation has been spot-
  ted. It is being run by a group of smugglers, rogue Golgans or 
  Space Pirates who are using slave labor (people taken hostage 
  from spaceships they’ve raided). The ore is sold off-planet and 
  the smugglers are using the profits to build a heavily fortified 
  compound to protect “their” mining operation. These interlop-
  ers are at least 100 miles (160 km) from the nearest colony or 
  indigenous community, and have taken a “Don’t bother us, and 
  we won’t bother you,” approach to others living on the planet. 
  However, some locals have been disappearing.
  The missing locals could now be part of the slave labor force 
  at the mines as it keeps expanding and slaves get sick or die. If 
  so, anyone attempting a rescue will be faced by a private security 
  group hired to protect the mine or by mercs or pirates.
  Another possibility is that the brigands have unleashed some-
  thing (monster, robots, a slumbering group of ancient aliens, etc.), 
  and it is taking people. Not just locals, but some of the slaves and 
  pirates as well. In fact, things could be so bad that the brigands 
  have abandoned the mine, leaving their slaves to fend for them-
  selves against the things from the ruin.
  12% Invaders from Another Time
  Rumors reach the player characters that a distant town has 
  been taken over by unknown alien humanoids. But these aren’t 
  alien invaders or bandits. According to the story told by the 
  towns-person come to our heroes for help, one of the children 
  found an ancient machine in a tiny cave at the bottom of a ravine. 
  Kids being kids, they began to play with it, flipping switches, and 
  the next thing they know a dimensional portal tears open and a 
  dozen beings (many more if the G.M. so desires) walk out and 
  take the children captive. They claim to be the worst criminals 
  of the “Galintu” and have been imprisoned inside some sort of 
  extradimensional prison where time does not pass. On one hand, 
  they are living relics of a time 180,000 years ago (they are not 
  Elders). On the other, they are murderers, madmen and deviants 
  who have used their knowledge, powers and ruthlessness to seize 
  control of the town. They proudly proclaim they are the worst 
  criminals in the universe. To keep the townspeople in line, the 
  ancient lowlifes have taken a couple dozen children hostage. 
  Meanwhile, these wicked beings (all are Diabolic or Miscreant) 
  are creating havoc for the town, having their way with innocent 
  women, killing anyone who tries to stop them, and doing what-
  ever they please at the expense of others. The one who seems to 
  be the leader is trying to reconfigure the machine to unleash the 
  other 9,000 prisoners. Oh, one more thing, they think the leader 
  is a Fallen Cosmo-Knight.
  13% Scary Stories
  Stories are going around about local woodsmen being attacked 
  by intelligent animals. They are considered intelligent because 
  one spoke a warning to them and another was seen carrying a 
  spear. So far, a bear, a chimpanzee and some kind of fur covered, 
  ape-like humanoid, are described as being the culprits. Stones and 
  spears have been thrown with only minor injuries so far. The goal 
  of these beings appears to be less about killing, and more about 
  keeping people away from an ancient obelisk on West Stonefield. 
  Under the statue is the short tunnel that leads to the cave where 
  the trio live.
  14% Alien Abductions
  People have reported seeing a tall, frightening figure lurking 
  in the shadows at night. Shortly after these reports began, people 
  have started to go missing. So far, 1D4+1 locals have disappeared 
  and everyone is up in arms. Search parties are being formed and 
  the woodlands are to be scoured. There are no known caves or 
  ruins in the vicinity, so it is believed there must be a camp in the 
  woods or spaceship someplace.
  
  143
  As it turns out, there is an active Gene-Splicer outpost and 
  small laboratory on this planet (maybe more than one). It is at 
  least 60,000 years old and has remained hidden all these years at 
  the center of an innocent looking hill. He has successfully per-
  formed some genetic experiments on animals he brought to the 
  planet with him, and recently started capturing local inhabitants 
  to perform genetic experiments on them. His secret laboratory is 
  located in a hill deep in the woods and is guarded by a number of 
  his monstrous creations.
  15% Scavenger Hunt
  The player characters are recruited to, or decide to participate 
  in, a scavenger hunt to find and retrieve a list of weird and exotic 
  items throughout the Thundercloud Galaxy. Some of these items 
  can be found with little difficulty, though their legality may be 
  called to question. Others items are in the possession of indige-
  nous people. While the items belonging to the indigenous people 
  may (appear to) be nothing of value to the player characters, each 
  has great meaning to the native people, and taking it could cause 
  an “incident.”
  Among the items to be recovered are ancient relics located at a 
  handful of historical ruins. One of these sites is said to be haunt-
  ed. Another is said to be the ancient base of a Dominator. Another 
  is said to be a place of magic. And yet another is said to be the 
  ruins of a city once inhabited by an Elder Race. All locations are 
  off limits, but can be accessed with a little careful planning, good 
  timing and stealth. In many cases, the items to be removed from 
  the ruins appear to be of comparatively little value.
  All items are supposed to be located within a 1,000 light-year 
  area. Several competing groups are part of the scavenger hunt. 
  Participants are paid a small, but fair, sum for each item on the 
  scavenger list they recover (2D6x1,000 credits each). The Grand 
  Prize Winner is the group that turns in the most items, with each 
  ancient artifact counting as THREE ordinary items. The winning 
  team gets a grand prize of a new Naruni space cruiser and 10 
  million credits. All items recovered become the property of the 
  “sponsor” of the scavenger hunt. All items must be turned over to 
  him in order to claim the prize.
  Of course, the sponsor for the scavenger hunt is a front man 
  for someone who has special plans for the items recovered. That 
  someone else could be Naruni Enterprises, the TGE, Golgans, 
  demons, Deevils, the Splugorth, a Dominator, a colony or com-
  pany with its own agenda (perhaps the loss of certain items works 
  to the company’s favor, or the favor of its own colony, or causes 
  political or legal problems for a competitor, or they can be com-
  bined to create a powerful magic device), and so on.
  16% The Comet
  The player characters are hired to conduct planetary surveys 
  in the Thundercloud Galaxy (or just out exploring). This includes 
  cruising through numerous star systems and taking scans of plan-
  ets and moons that appear suitable for colonization.
  After several weeks of boring and monotonous work, a strange 
  power reading is discovered coming from a giant comet. Detailed 
  scans reveal it is not a comet, but rather a large metallic structure 
  under a few dozen feet of snow and ice. Further analysis suggests 
  the structure is a Dominator Sphere. It is presumed the Domina-
  tor Sphere is damaged and out of control, its giant master dead or 
  not home. If the sphere could be accessed, there should be a for-
  tune to be salvaged from it. Does the player group dare to ride the 
  comet and see what they can find inside the sphere? Note: Game 
  Masters, it is up to you to determine what might be available in-
  side, or whether there is an injured or healthy Dominator inside.
  17% The Cage
  The player characters and inhabitants of a colony planet brace 
  themselves for impact from an asteroid or a comet. However, be-
  fore the rocketing sphere hits, it slows dramatically, and flies in 
  a horizontal path along the planet’s surface before it makes a soft 
  crash-landing a day or two’s journey away from their location. 
  Investigation is warranted.
  Twenty miles (32 km) before they reach the object, is a mas-
  sive trench dug into the earth by whatever skidded across the sur-
  face. Trees are knocked over like tenpins and the trench is a half 
  mile (0.8 km) deep and 10 miles (16 km) wide! Ten miles (16 
  km) before they reach the crash site, our intrepid investigators 
  are attacked by one or more strange creatures/monsters the likes 
  of which they have never seen and are not known to have existed 
  on this planet. A few miles from the crash site they are attacked 
  again by more strange creatures. From this point, they can also 
  see a massive spacecraft (sphere if a Dominator vessel) a few 
  miles ahead.
  A massive, alien spacecraft sticks halfway out of the ground. 
  If it is a full-sized Dominator Star Fortress, it is 30 miles (48 km) 
  in diameter. If it’s not, it is half that size but still a behemoth. 
  Whatever it is, something happened and though the crash was 
  not as devastating as it could have been with a direct, full speed 
  impact, the vessel is definitely in distress and crashed.
  The crashed vessel can be the creation of an unknown alien 
  race, an Exile zoological vessel or an ancient space ark of some 
  kind that could belong to a Dominator, Gene-Tech, Elder Race or 
  other forgotten civilization. The crew is gone, dead, or the ves-
  sel may have been completely automated. Something happened 
  and it crashed. When it crashed (or explosions or systems failures 
  happened inside), it caused the biological stasis chambers and/or 
  cages to open and release a number (vast or small depending on 
  the G.M.) of animal specimens.
  Problem number one: Stop the flood of unknown monsters 
  getting loose into the ecosystem near the colony or indigenous 
  community.
  Problem number two: Stay alive doing it.
  Game Masters, it’s up to you as to how many, how dangerous 
  and how deadly these creatures may be. It is also up to you as 
  to whether or not there are intelligent life forms as specimens in 
  stasis (or on the loose), as well as if there are any survivors of the 
  people who created and crewed the space ark. If there is a crew, 
  or if the vessel is automated and still functioning, repairs may 
  be underway and the space ark may be able to leave the planet. 
  Likewise, there may be an alien crew or systems in place (ma-
  chines or robots) that will go out to try to recapture the escaped 
  specimens. This could cause as much confusion and problems as 
  the monsters and animals themselves. Furthermore, it is possible 
  that the “keepers” of the space ark might want to add new speci-
  mens to their collection. Specimens that might not just include 
  wildlife, but the player characters, colonists and/or indigenous 
  people! Have fun.
  
  144
  18% Death from Below
  Workers strike a metal object as they dig a new foundation. 
  Moments later, the object, the size of a large house, struggles 
  to rise up form its resting place. It is a Dominator war machine 
  nobody has seen in 50,000 years! The massive robot is severely 
  damaged. Its self repair mechanism is destroyed or offline, and 
  only 2D6 of its secondary weapon systems are working (all are 
  equivalent to the giant-sized Nova Plasma Accelerator Rifle 
  on page 28 of this book). It is programmed to hunt down Elder 
  Races and their associated people. However, that program’s not 
  working either, and the death-dealing machine targets anyone 
  with special powers, including super abilities, Major and Master 
  Psionics, spell casting abilities and any magical or supernatural 
  characteristics. It fights and kills until it is destroyed or all quali-
  fying targets are exterminated. Normally, it would fly off after-
  ward, but it is incapable of doing so. Our heroes are lucky, the 
  Dominator hunter-killer robot has only 2D4x1,000 M.D.C. for 
  its main body, weapons have 1D6x100 M.D.C. each and its 1D6 
  remaining mechanical tentacles have 1D4x100 M.D.C. left.
  19% The Better You
  Deep in the ruins of an ancient city is a chamber filled with 
  odd machines. This was once a high-tech self-improvement cen-
  ter. Individuals would be connected to machines which would 
  then physically or mentally improve them (presumably for the 
  better). Only two of these machines are still somewhat operation-
  al, though they may require the Electronics Engineer skill or the 
  psionic ability of Telemechanics to start them up.
  1. The Mindshaper: A helmet-like device that would be at-
  tached to the head of its patient/subject. Like a highly advanced 
  MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) system, this machine scans 
  and charts the subject’s brain activities. However, it can then alter 
  these brain patterns.
  When used properly, this machine can cure insanities and oth-
  er mental aberrations and induce a sense of well-being in its pa-
  tient. It could even be used to strengthen one’s psyche (increase 
  M.E. by 1D4).
  Unfortunately, if used improperly or if the machine malfunc-
  tions, it could skew these brain patterns in a negative way. This 
  could result in causing insanities. Roll to save vs insanity. A 
  failed roll results in one phobia and one obsession, or make one 
  random roll on the Insanity Table in Rifts® Ultimate Edition. 
  Or the device can change a character’s alignment, evil becomes 
  good, good becomes evil, Anarchist becomes Aberrant or Prin-
  cipled. Or it may give the subject a Clairvoyant vison of the near 
  future – something that haunts him but might help.
  2. The Beautifier: An elaborate, automated mask-like device 
  covers the face of its subject. Much like a plastic surgeon, the 
  machine proceeds to alter the facial appearance of its subject. 
  Since its database contains what was regarded to be physically 
  attractive for different species, it was programmed to enhance 
  and improve its user’s appearance and make them more physi-
  cally attractive (based upon its criteria for beauty).
  However, the machine’s database is limited to species that it 
  has already encountered (although when treating a never before 
  encountered species, it can extrapolate from familiar ones that are 
  similar). Depending upon how well it is being operated and how 
  familiar it is with the subject matter (i.e. their facial features), 
  the Beautifier is generally capable of changing (either increasing 
  or decreasing) its subject’s P.B. by 1D4 points, but changes the 
  victim’s features to look different than what is common for his 
  species/race; i.e. looks feline or cannine, or reptilian or apish, 
  etc. Facial alterations are permanent, and can only be changed 
  through drastic procedures such as plastic surgery, re-using the 
  Beautifier machine again (Good Luck!), or turning to a Gene-
  Tech for help.
  If these machines are disconnected (possibly to be used else-
  where), there is the (01-60%) chance they break and do not turn 
  back on. Roll again every time one is moved.
  20% Dominator to the Rescue?!
  A colony is fending off an attack from demons (or Deevils) 
  and a Dominator shows up to attack the minions of Hell. After 
  the battle, the Dominator leaves the colony untouched. Domina-
  tors have no love for demons, but it seems strange that one would 
  drop by to help a bunch of humans (or whatever race).
  A short time later, the local authorities (or the player 
  characters) realize there is something going on a few miles 
  away. Perhaps there is evidence of more fighting, or perhaps 
  the colony is alerted to the situation by one of the indigenous 
  people in the area. An investigation reveals ancient ruins of 
  the Dominators or one of the Elder Races have been unearthed 
  sometime over the last 36 hours. The ruins could be a con-
  cealed or crashed and buried Dominator Star Fortress, a De-
  mon Star, or spacecraft of an Elder. Or it could be the ruins 
  of an ancient base or laboratory or testing ground. Whatever 
  it is, the demons (or Deevils, or both) want what is inside. 
  (If a spacecraft, they might want the entire vessel itself.) De-
  mons and/or Deevils are trying to plunder old Dominator/El-
  der Races magic and technology for their own evil purposes, 
  and the Dominator is opposing them. Or the Dominator might 
  (directly or indirectly) alert the colonists or adventurers in the 
  area and command them to stop the theft, or warn them that 
  if the demons succeed, it will be bad for the planet or even 
  have galaxy-wide ramifications. The Dominator has destroyed 
  many of the demons, but for some reason, must leave. Finish-
  ing the battle is left to the people of this world.
  The scope of this battle may be small or large. It may be a one 
  night adventure or become a mini-campaign. Have fun with it.
  The Dominator might return like the proverbial cavalry to fi-
  nally finish the battle, or shut down a problem within the ancient 
  ruins or caused by ancient technology or magic unleashed by 
  Deevils or demons. If the ruin is a spacecraft, it may not be so 
  “ruined” after all, and the Dominator is likely to return to take the 
  entire thing away.
  21% The CAThedral
  These ruins were once a large temple. There is a stone altar 
  surrounded by once-wooden benches that have long ago rotted 
  away. Most of the marks identifying whose temple this was have 
  also long faded away. However, an extremely thorough search 
  may reveal that some sections of the altar are actually hollow.
  Hidden inside the altar is a silvery (actually platinum) statue 
  of a feline-looking creature. Despite its obvious age, this idol is in 
  close to pristine condition. Anyone who can Sense Magic senses 
  dormant, but powerful, magic emanating from the statue.
  
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  The statue is the only object in the ruin worth anything. If 
  taken to be appraised or studied, most antiquarians identify it as 
  an idol of a Cat God and estimate its value at 2D6 million credits 
  for its age and rarity. However, an honest appraiser will also rec-
  ommend that the idol be taken to an active temple of the Cat God.
  The Cult of the Cat God will offer a cash reward of two mil-
  lion credits (that’s all they can afford) for the statue. The charac-
  ters may be able to get more than this from private collectors on 
  the open market. However, although the Cult cannot match the 
  financial rewards of possible competitors, they can offer some 
  intangible benefits.
  Donating (or even selling) the statue to the Cult makes the 
  characters “heroes” in the eyes of the Cult’s members. If the char-
  acters ever need any type of favor or assistance, the Cult will be 
  there for them. This can include healing, exorcisms, access to 
  their library, food, and a place to stay at no cost.
  If the characters decide to sell it to a private collector, the 
  Cult of the Cat God is likely to try to interfere (it will depend 
  upon the local Cult chapter and the specific situation). However, 
  regardless of the Cult’s actions, the Cat God himself will react to 
  the character’s actions. Whomever gives/sells the idol to the Cult 
  will be blessed. Whoever sells it to unbelievers will be cursed.
  Blessed characters: a) Gain the ability to speak with ALL fe-
  line sentient races (not animals). b) Are regarded as Cat-Friends, 
  and no feline (sentient or animal) ever willingly attacks them, not 
  even for food. c) Can request ONE favor or service from any indi-
  vidual Cult member, as long as the favor is short of getting the fe-
  line alien killed or doing anything contrary to his/her alignment.
  Cursed characters: Unfortunately, characters that do not show 
  proper respect to the Cat God (i.e. not getting the idol to the Cult) 
  are cursed. a) Their luck goes bad at important times (reduce a 
  combat bonus or skill performance by half at a key moment) for 
  the character (the curse doesn’t apply when the character is doing 
  good or helping others). b) ALL felines, including animals, take 
  an instant dislike to the character and attack if he makes a sud-
  den move or threatens them. This also means no sentient feline 
  will trust the character or do him any favors. c) If the character 
  is unlucky enough to ever encounter any feline deity, the deity 
  will criticize and spit upon the individual (or individuals) and its 
  worshipers will do nothing to help them.
  Note: Demons or Deevils may also want the statue, but they’ll 
  try to steal it, not buy it.
  22% Past Lives
  This is a huge underground complex of computers. Although 
  there were originally huge archives of data, much of it has been 
  lost over the millennia. Despite the best efforts of its creators to 
  preserve their data, over enough time, even the most sophisti-
  cated self-maintenance machines and programs fail and many of 
  the files have become corrupted. Earthquakes and various other 
  tectonic activity over the eons have caused cave-ins that have 
  destroyed half of the computers. Of the accessible information, 
  much of it is personal data about individuals, groups, and orga-
  nizations at that time. Consequently, much of this data has no 
  value except as a snapshot of an ancient, forgotten civilization – a 
  profound discovery for scholars and historians.
  Many archaeologists and other scientists would find examin-
  ing these ruins well worth their while. Furthermore, this complex 
  is so expansive that a scientific expedition could spend years at 
  this site and barely scratch the surface.
  23% The Healing Cave
  This used to be a high-tech holistic massage parlor whose mas-
  sages could actually heal (i.e. restore lost Hit Points and S.D.C., 
  re-knit broken bones, etc.). There are a variety of machines serv-
  ing different functions; however, regardless of their specialized 
  task, all of them were designed to repair damage sustained by or-
  ganic creatures. Local indigenous people have been coming here 
  for centuries and explains why there is nobody with broken bones 
  or serious injury. It is a treasured secret they share only with the 
  most trusted outsiders and they will not be happy if their secret is 
  discovered by others.
  The machines vary widely as to their appearance, some re-
  semble Magnetic Resonance Imagers, others look like iron lungs 
  (from the 1940s and 1950s), decompression chambers, tanning 
  booths, CAT Scan machines, photocopiers, etc. The various ma-
  chines will also employ differing methods of accomplishing their 
  tasks. The three main forms of healing are: 1. Sonics, utilizing 
  vibration, sound and isometrics. 2. Different chemicals, mostly in 
  the form of sprays. 3. Various mechanical repair devices for sur-
  gical procedures, mending bones, etc. These also involve nano-
  bot repairs. For the most part, the massage machines tend to be 
  more effective in fixing physical damage (broken bones, sprains, 
  re-attaching severed body parts, etc.) then they are in treating dis-
  eases, poisons, or toxins. In the case of serious injury, the damage 
  is repaired, 2D6 Hit Points and 2D6 S.D.C. are restored, and the 
  “repaired” individual is released to continue to heal at his normal 
  rate. Cannot cure mental illness/insanity.
  24% The Lake
  There is a lake that has become quite famous to the people 
  of this world. Although the lake is not large (its surface area is 
  only 11.4 square miles/29.2 sq. km), legend has it that there is a 
  great treasure somewhere at the bottom. Unfortunately, the lake 
  is very deep and the water very murky and no one has been able 
  to find any hint of treasure. Still, people come to search. If some-
  one searching the lake were extremely lucky, they might find 
  something virtually beyond belief – an apple tree in full bloom 
  on the lake floor! Moreover, the apples on the tree are a beautiful 
  shiny golden color. Obviously, these are no ordinary apples. It 
  was apples such as these that formed the basis of various myths 
  and legends, such as the Tree of Life and the Golden Apples of 
  Idunn that the Norse Gods ate to retain their immortality.
  Just like those apples, anyone who eats one of these apples is 
  cured of any ailment and is instantly restored to full health. Any 
  poisons or toxins in their system are negated and damage done 
  by it healed. Even missing limbs or other body parts regenerate 
  within 1D4 days after consuming an apple. Furthermore, the per-
  son’s aging stops for 1D6+6 years (eating many apples does not 
  add to the time of delayed aging, one will do the trick). When the 
  aging starts again, eating a new golden apple will stop it again. 
  This can be repeated for decades.
  The main drawback to possessing the apple tree at the bot-
  tom of the lake is that if other people discover that someone has 
  a source of health and immortality (legends do have a way of 
  
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  spreading), others are likely to come to take it for themselves. 
  However, the tree is not without its protectors.
  The Norse gods check on the tree every few years. Further-
  more, they can sense when someone in their immediate vicin-
  ity has partaken of a golden apple. This is a problem, because 
  they believe only they (and their friends and allies) are entitled 
  to the magical fruit. If a character encounters a Norse God within 
  a year of having eaten a golden apple, the Norseman knows it. 
  He’ll want to question the character and demand to know which 
  tree (there are a few more) he has eaten a golden apple from. If 
  the individual does not confess, the Norse God attacks with the 
  intention of killing him (to preserve the secret and hidden loca-
  tion). The deity also informs all who have eaten the apple (and 
  their teammates who have not) that they must pay for their prize 
  (the apples) by going on a quest either back in Asgard (he’ll take 
  them there) or someplace in the Three Galaxies (probably helping 
  people or fighting demons or Deevils). Refusing the invitation to 
  accompany the Norse god is invariably considered as a hostile act 
  and the god responses accordingly.
  25% Terraforming Apparatus
  Deep underground, a passageway leads into a massive com-
  plex of alien machinery and vast reservoirs of water. The scale 
  of the facility is beyond comprehension. It seems to draw power 
  from the planet itself and to be stuck in a kind of “standby mode.” 
  After months or years of study, though the technology is beyond 
  modern understanding, one thing is clear, this machine is what 
  terraformed the planet the people are living on. One can only pre-
  sume this is the handiwork of one of the Elder Races. It clicks 
  back into operation whenever the atmosphere, water or land is 
  poisoned or starts to deteriorate from whatever the cause. Odds 
  are, such a planet is a lush paradise with wonderful, clean air, and 
  an abundance of life. The apparatus has not had to do any envi-
  ronmental repairs in 45,000 years.
  26% Ancient Danger
  An ancient underground ruin is uncovered by accident (re-
  vealed after an earthquake, landslide, sinkhole opens up after tor-
  rential rain, colonists at work or excavating, etc.). Part of the ruin 
  still has power and lights (perhaps magical in nature). There is 
  a massive block that is sealed airtight. If breached, inside is an 
  insane Elder with the powers of a Demigod or Godling. At first, 
  he or she seems grateful, kind and helpful, but it soon becomes 
  apparent that this god is quite mad and a potential danger to the 
  colony or the indigenous people, or the planet itself, or even other 
  planets (can’t let the mad god get off the colony world). Ulti-
  mately, this genie must be put back in its bottle (the containment 
  chamber) or destroyed before it brings about havoc and destruc-
  tion to everyone it encounters.
  The danger of the insane Elder may be subtle and passive, or 
  overt and direct. Under the former circumstance, the Elder may 
  instigate trouble, tempt and corrupt people or antagonize one side 
  or the other – cause indigenous people to rise up against the colo-
  nists or vice versa, cause a revolt or power struggle within the 
  colony or the native population, and so on. Or the mad god may 
  directly attack the colony or lead them or the indigenous people 
  in war or on a crusade, or seek trouble and mayhem in any num-
  ber of ways.
  27% Ancient Danger
  An ancient underground ruin is uncovered by accident. Part 
  of the ruin still has power and lights (perhaps magical in nature). 
  There is a massive block that is sealed airtight. If breached, inside 
  is an Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) that is a wicked and malevolent 
  force. The A.I. may be insane or just evil, but it will ultimately 
  seek to cause mayhem and destruction as well as desire to leave 
  the planet and get to civilized space where it can cause even 
  greater suffering and chaos.
  28% Ancient Danger
  An ancient underground ruin is uncovered by accident. Part 
  of the ruin still has power and lights (perhaps magical in nature). 
  There is a massive block that is sealed airtight. If breached, inside 
  is an eight foot (2.4 m) tall assault robot and it attacks the first 
  person it sees. The robot cannot be reasoned with and it fights 
  without pause until destroyed. It has 1,110 M.D.C. for its Main 
  Body, 350 M.D.C. for each appendage, a Robot P.S. of 50, eight 
  attacks per melee round, a pair of laser weapons built into each 
  forearm (3,000 foot/914 m range, 5D6 M.D. per single blast, 
  1D6x10 M.D. per dual blast from both arms, unlimited payload), 
  a pair of small particle beam weapons are built into each shoulder 
  (1,600 foot/488 m range, 4D6+6 M.D. per single blast, 1D6x10 
  M.D. per double pulse blast, unlimited payload), and a laser wand 
  that extends and retracts from a forearm housing (melee combat, 
  2D6+2 M.D. per attack). Perhaps scariest of all, the robot’s armor 
  “heals” any damage it sustains at a rate of 4D6 M.D.C. per melee 
  round. The advanced alien robot has standard sensor systems at 
  double the usual range and capabilities. Once defeated (reduced 
  to zero M.D.C.), the robot collapses. G.M. Note: If not blasted 
  to smithereens (450 points below zero M.D.C.), tiny nano-bots 
  the size of a grain of salt will begin to repair it. The assault robot 
  plays dead until fully restored, then it rises again to track down its 
  assailants, killing them one by one.
  29% Ancient Danger
  An ancient underground ruin is uncovered by accident. Part 
  of the ruin still has power and lights (perhaps magical in nature). 
  There is a massive block that is sealed airtight. If breached, the 
  characters will think they just hit the jackpot! The containment 
  room is a weapon depot for some forgotten alien race of human-
  oids. Much of its cache has been distributed, but there remains 
  1D6+3 suits of power armor. Each conforms to the size and shape 
  of its wearer (including extra limbs, tail, wings, etc.), and links to 
  the wearer’s nervous system and mind to respond with a thought 
  as if it were a second skin. Each suit has a Main Body of 425 
  M.D.C., 150 M.D.C. for the head and each appendage has iden-
  tical weapon systems as the assault robot (see 28% above), all 
  features common to environmental power armor at double the 
  range and capabilities, plus attachments for a jet pack, and the 
  armor heals at a rate of 2D6 M.D.C. per melee round. The armor 
  boosts the wearer’s P.S. to the equivalent of Robot Strength, tri-
  ples the wearer’s natural Spd, enables him to leap 15 feet (4.6 m) 
  high and 30 feet (9.1 m) lengthwise, and provides the following 
  bonuses: +1 to Perception Rolls, +1 on initiative, +1 attack per 
  melee round, and can survive in space indefinitely. Power supply 
  is unknown, but seems limitless. (Magic? Super-solar powered?)
  
  147
  There are also 1D4 rocket bikes that adapt to function in air, 
  underwater, on the surface of water and in space (Maximum 
  Speed in Atmosphere: Hover to 320 mph/512 km, double speed 
  in outer space, half underwater and is impervious to underwater 
  depths), and two particle beam rifles (2,000 foot/610 m range, 
  5D6+6 M.D. per single blast, 30 shot payload with self-regener-
  ating E-Clip; recharges one blast every five minutes until charged 
  to full). Tech is beyond current level of understanding and may 
  incorporate magic, so it cannot be reverse engineered, though any 
  weapon manufacturer would love to try.
  The danger here is that whoever finds the weapon cache may 
  use it for evil purposes. In the wrong hands, this gear could give 
  an evil warlord the ability to destroy rivals, enslave the indig-
  enous people or become a galactic terror.
  30% Ancient Danger
  An ancient underground ruin is uncovered by accident. Part 
  of the ruin still has power and lights (perhaps magical in nature). 
  There is a massive block that is sealed airtight. If breached, those 
  who discover the chamber (as well as those nearby) are attacked 
  by small robots that try to penetrate any armor or environmental 
  suits and inject them with something, or spray them with some 
  type of substance. (Note: Characters sprayed or injected – which 
  should be all or most of the player characters – do not seem to be 
  harmed or affected in any adverse way.) Fighting and destroying 
  these (flying, crawling, or leaping) robots is easy enough (they 
  only have 1D4 S.D.C. or M.D.C. each) and after awhile, the ro-
  bots retreat into a housing in the floor, wall or ceiling, or are all 
  destroyed by our triumphant heroes (actually a few manage to 
  sneak away and a few others are carried off, unnoticed by the 
  characters). The moment the containment chamber is breached, 
  red lights flash and a warning in an undistinguishable alien tongue 
  repeats over and over again. There might even be what looks like 
  a countdown to self-destruction or a launch of something. The 
  player characters (or NPCs) should be able to stop the launch/
  detonation if they try. If they fail to stop the countdown, nothing 
  happens as the passage of countless centuries has disabled the 
  self-destruct mechanism.
  It isn’t until the innocent people around them (colonists and/
  or indigenous people; one group first, then the next) begin to de-
  volve or behave in a crazy or barbaric and savage manner, and 
  perhaps even start to physically change, that our heroes realize 
  an alien biological weapon or mutagen was released from the 
  containment chamber. The robots were not attacking, they were 
  inoculating those who entered the chamber (and continue do so to 
  any who enter until all the robots are destroyed). As a rule, player 
  characters should manage to get inoculated or are immune to the 
  disease, while many around them are not. Typical saving throw is 
  16+. A successful save means immunity. Player characters are +3 
  to save. A failed roll means devolution and savagery. Those who 
  are not affected are seen by the victims as dangerous enemies to 
  be destroyed. Madness and violence ensues. Those who are not 
  devolved must find a place to hide or hole up until they can find 
  a way off the planet. They are NOT carriers of the disease. There 
  is a formula for an experimental antidote in the alien computer, 
  but it is only 50% effective once the disease has taken hold and 
  symptoms have manifested. Any physical mutation is permanent. 
  The rest is up to the G.M.
  31% Ancient Danger
  An ancient underground ruin is uncovered by accident (revealed 
  after an earthquake, landslide, sinkhole opens up after torrential 
  rain, etc.) or by the colonists. Part of the ruin still has power and 
  lights. There is a massive block that is sealed airtight. If breached, 
  4D6 stasis chambers are discovered. Each contains a strange crea-
  ture (use any of the aliens in this book or other Palladium titles, 
  and/or the Monster Creation Tables in this book to create some-
  thing new). Each is alive. There are a hundred or more other stasis 
  chambers that have failed or broken over time. The creatures inside 
  them are dead. Several other chambers are empty and whatever 
  was inside them is presumed dead. These creatures may be sen-
  tient beings, animals, or monsters, or a sampling of each. They may 
  have been specimens for a space ark, a cosmic zoo, scientific study 
  or experimentation, prisoners, or any number of things. They may 
  be good or evil. All date back tens of thousands of years.
  If the specimen is a known, existing species or sentient being, 
  the life form in the stasis chamber may be different from those 
  known in the present. For example, if the specimen in stasis is 
  an alien known to be a primitive people today, the one released 
  from stasis might be intelligent and from an advanced civiliza-
  tion, or vice versa. If prisoners, they might all be Anarchist and 
  evil alignments. If political prisoners or unjustly accused, they 
  might be of good alignment, or a mixed bag of any combination 
  of alignments. If monsters or animals, they’ll behave like caged 
  animals and respond according to their monstrous or bestial na-
  tures when released.
  32% Ancient Danger
  An ancient underground ruin is uncovered by accident or by 
  colonists excavating. There is a sealed door within a large cham-
  ber. If the airtight door is breached, inside is a Miracle Machine. 
  The chamber contains some sort of advanced laboratory and 1D4 
  nano-medical healing chambers that can mend bones, make re-
  pairs to internal organs, and restore mortals who have suffered 
  damage as great as 90 points below zero, and restore missing 
  body parts/limbs. Thus, people who appear to be dead may be 
  brought back to life provided they have not been dead for more 
  than three hours and damage is no greater than -90 Hit Points (or 
  M.D.C. in the case of Mega-Damage beings). The process takes 
  1D6x10+30 minutes for simple damage, 2D6x60 minutes for se-
  rious damage (down to the character’s last zero to 12 Hit Points) 
  and 4D6x90 minutes for grievous damage (below zero Hit Points; 
  increase time by 50% for repairs to Mega-Damage mortal be-
  ings). Patients are restored 100%, good as new. The machine can 
  cure cancer, arthritis, immune deficiency and most other diseases.
  Unknown to the “patient,” it also “tags” and studies him, re-
  cording his vitals on tiny, organic implants that follow his medi-
  cal history from that point forward. Coming back for future heal-
  ing by the Miracle Machine or within 100 miles (160 km), dumps 
  all data into the lab’s secret files. The purpose of this data collec-
  tion and who might be able to access it is unknown.
  33% Ancient Danger
  An ancient underground ruin is uncovered by accident. Part 
  of the ruin still has power and lights (perhaps magical in nature). 
  There is a massive block that is sealed airtight. If breached, inside 
  
  148
  is . . . nothing. The chamber is empty. Other than strange symbols 
  etched along each corner of the wall, the large chamber is empty. 
  No machines. No furnishings. No debris. Nothing.
  A short time later (1D4 days), people (indigenous or colonists 
  or both) start to disappear or die.
  Something invisible and immortal was inside the magic con-
  tainment chamber until the colonists (or our heroes) breached the 
  chamber and let it out. It could be an evil supernatural monster or 
  god of chaos, ancient Chaos Demon Lord, one or more possess-
  ing Entities that are taking control of people and making them 
  do terrible things, or something that hasn’t stalked people in the 
  Three Galaxies for 2D6 million years!
  Game Masters have fun creating this horror. We suggest it 
  possesses some range of magic or psionic abilities (though it may 
  not be super-powerful), can turn invisible or ethereal at will, and 
  is Diabolic evil. To stop it, the heroes probably have to find a way 
  to lure it back into the containment chamber and seal it back in-
  side. Or perhaps it has some other weakness, or some new species 
  in the Thundercloud (or Three Galaxies) is immune to its pow-
  ers and can destroy it or has the technology to destroy it. (Phase 
  Weapons or Killaryte perhaps?)
  34% Ancient Dragon Lair
  A massive complex is unearthed. It is filled with shelves of 
  books that have long since turned to dust. The same is true of 
  tapestries, carpets and rugs that once adorned the place. Paintings 
  and statues are covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs, and 
  the liquids that once filled vials and bottles have all evaporated 
  ages ago. Items made of wood are half rotted and only objects 
  made of metal have survived. In the center of a grand chamber 
  (maybe a bedchamber or laboratory, or library, observatory, or 
  filled with high-tech machinery that has corroded, rotted and 
  ceased to function long ago) is the skeletal remains of a dragon. 
  Its bones alone are worth a fortune, if one is willing to defile the 
  dead and perhaps awaken a powerful spirit or activate a source of 
  magic defenses hidden by the dust of ages. This is the dragon’s 
  secret lair. Its sanctum sanctorum.
  There are 4D4 other rooms – G.M.’s choice of what’s still in 
  them and the hints of what purpose they once served. There is 
  likely to be a dissection room and laboratory, a dungeon, a meet-
  ing room, a kitchen, and a magick-works chamber where spells 
  and other magicks were designed, tested and practiced. There 
  may be a room with a Teleportation (or Dimensional Teleporta-
  tion) circle or other circles and/or wards (some still active?).
  One of the connecting chambers (or more likely, a secret 
  chamber) is the dragon’s treasure trove – or one of them. While 
  scrolls and books and magic items made of materials that de-
  cay and crumble over thousands of years will be useless, there 
  is likely to be the following that survived: 4D6x1 million credits 
  worth of gold, silver and/or precious gems (it weighs tons), 1D6 
  magic items (non-weapons), 1D6 lesser magic weapons, 1D4 
  great magic weapons (Rune or Holy Weapons, Demon Slayer 
  weapons, etc.), 2D6 non-magical melee weapons of superior 
  quality, 2D4 suits of non-magical body armor (may be environ-
  mental armor if the G.M. so desires), and anything else the G.M. 
  might want to include. Game Masters can totally change, add, 
  reduce and alter what is found, add curses, include a supernatural 
  prisoner that begs to be released, and anything else that makes a 
  compelling story.
  Note: It is possible that the dragon did not die of old age or 
  natural causes, but was killed and his treasure trove already loot-
  ed. If this is the case, there will only be 2D6x1,000 credits worth 
  of gold coins or gems that might have been accidentally left be-
  hind. Use the treasure as a vehicle for more adventures.
  35% Subterranean World
  At the bottom of what was believed to be a natural cave sys-
  tem, sinkhole or pit, the colonists (or our heroes) find one or more 
  ancient tunnels leading down. Perhaps there is an elevator shaft 
  or even a working elevator (large enough for small vehicles, no 
  less!). A cool or warm breeze of surprisingly fresh air rises up 
  from someplace below. Following the tunnel or shaft down leads 
  to a subterranean world as alien as anything on the surface of the 
  planet. The weird setting has a (presumably artificial) light and 
  heat source that imitates the cycle of a day, going from morning 
  to day, to night. There is moderate weather, the occasional wind, 
  rain shower, and thunderstorm. Seasons probably do not change, 
  but most of this environment behaves as one would expect on the 
  planet’s surface.
  Massive, cavernous chamber after chamber (6D6x10 miles/ 
  96-576 km in diameter) is filled with flora and fauna you would 
  expect on the planet’s surface. Though the environment of some 
  chambers may be dramatically different (sandy desert, rocky/
  mountainous, plains, swamp, massive lake or sea, etc.), the ma-
  jority is a lush jungle and inhabited by a range of creatures remi-
  niscent of Earth’s own Age of Dinosaurs. Of course, being an 
  alien world, the creatures could be truly weird or monstrous in-
  sects instead of dinosaurs.
  36% Alien Spaceship Repair Center
  A series of stone-like obelisks form a circle much like Earth’s 
  Stonehenge. It covers a large area (4D6x1,000 feet/1,219-7,315 
  m across) and initially appears to be the ruins of some kind of 
  sacred site for worship.
  The truth of the matter is the site is actually an automated alien 
  ship repair center, which is currently dormant (as its services have 
  not been required in the past few millennia). Teams of archeolo-
  gists who frequently visit have a 10% chance per visit of activat-
  ing the dormant systems on the repair center. Once activated, the 
  average archeologist won’t be able to tell the difference until the 
  next ship flies overhead. That spacecraft is in for a big surprise 
  when a tractor beam reaches out from the stone obelisks, grabs 
  the ship, holds it in place and starts performing “maintenance” 
  on the vessel.
  If the ship was partially damaged or in need of repairs, chanc-
  es are the alien repair station is able to fix the vessel as good as 
  new! All damage to the outer hulls, airlocks, engines and sensor 
  systems is repaired over the next 1D6 hours. Add 1D6 hours per 
  size category; the bigger the vessel, the longer it takes. The repair 
  center does not make interior repairs, nor does it create or supply 
  munitions. Note: Rather than being discovered on a planet, this 
  repair center could be on a large asteroid, planetoid, or moon.
  
  149
  37% Alien Spaceship Repair Center
  A series of stone-like obelisks form a circle much like Earth’s 
  Stonehenge, it covers a large area (4D6x1,000 feet/1,219-7,315 
  m across) and initially appears to be the ruins of some kind of 
  sacred site for worship.
  The truth of the matter is the site is actually an automated 
  alien ship repair center, which is currently dormant (as its ser-
  vices have not been required in the past few millennia). When 
  the repair center sees a spaceship fly by overhead (in orbit), that 
  spacecraft is in for a big surprise when a tractor beam reaches out 
  from the stone obelisks, grabs the ship, holds it in place and starts 
  performing “maintenance” on the vessel.
  Any ship captured by the obelisks receive an alien environ-
  mental upgrade: The system “sees” that the ship’s life support 
  system is failing and repairs it. The real kicker is that it recognizes 
  if the vessel is missing one of the following standard features and 
  installs it: Force field, FTL propulsion system, high efficiency en-
  gines, or galactic homing beacon. The alien repair center attempts 
  to remove the existing inferior version and upgrade the vessel. 
  This usually requires the system ripping out a large chunk of the 
  ship and will appear as if the system is attacking or destroying 
  the ship. As long as people don’t stop the process (they may flee 
  the ship, even using escape pods without incident), the ship will 
  have a brand new power supply with a 100 year lifespan, a force 
  field with the same M.D.C. as the main body of the ship, or a new 
  engine that can travel twice as fast as the old one, or even convert 
  it to travel at FTL speeds. It is also given an alien beacon that now 
  tracks the ship’s movements in the alien database.
  38% Enemy Defense System
  A trio of 50 foot (15.2 m) tall, stone pyramids sit upon an in-
  tersection of three ley lines. They appear to be the ruins of some 
  ancient civilization, at least until spaceships belonging to Minions 
  of Splugorth, Necrols, a Dominator, or Gene-Tech come within 
  300,000 miles (480,000 km) of the planet. The pyramids glow 
  white, energy crackles around each and a beam of white light 
  with blue crackles blasts out of the atmosphere to fire a warning 
  shot at the “enemy” vessel, inflicting 2D6x1,000 M.D.C. It also 
  responds this way to Demon Stars. All of these beings recognize 
  this defense system and should immediately change their course 
  to avoid this planet. If they don’t, the pyramids keep blasting un-
  til the vessel is destroyed. Whenever activated, each pyramid is 
  protected by a force field with 60,000 M.D.C.
  39% Alien Planetary
  Communication Node
  This can be either a standing stone or metal obelisk that glows 
  on its own, or has symbols, characters or ideograms/pictures that 
  glow. The artifact may initially be glowing or will start to glow 
  upon the first arrival of a life form to the site. Roll on the table 
  below to determine the effect.
  01-45% Benign. It is a harmless communication tower, relay 
  station or even galactic traffic sign, mostly useless to the aver-
  age player, but it might lead a skilled archeologist to the next 
  waypoint and possibly onto something even more interesting or 
  exciting.
  46-65% It’s a Trap. Like a moth closing in on the light of 
  a bug zapper, the obelisk was designed to draw the attention 
  of the curious. It sends out intermittent signals that suggest 
  alien life or at least the presence of an alien probe. As people 
  approach the artifact it starts to “sing” and by all accounts it 
  appears to be trying to communicate. However, the truth of 
  the matter is it’s trying to alert its creators (who may be long 
  deceased) or robot sentinels (which may remain active or not) 
  to come and observe these strange new beings and capture a 
  few specimens for study.
  66-85% It’s a Trap. The obelisk is searching to find the right 
  frequency to resonate with the brain waves of the people around 
  it, and this may take several days (2D6 days). Once it is found, 
  one member of the adventurer team, colonists, or whomever, 
  needs to make a save vs mental attack/psionics or be drawn 
  closer to the obelisk. The frequency and probing psionic energy 
  can penetrate most space suits, force fields and even the hulls of 
  thick ships and may cause pilots to fly their ships closer to the 
  obelisk. Once enough people and vessels have been drawn close, 
  the obelisk probes their minds and records all their memories and 
  thoughts, for purposes unknown.
  86-00% Depository of Alien Knowledge. The obelisk is a 
  main data node for an intergalactic version of the internet set 
  up by a long dead alien race. While accessing the data might be 
  tricky (not to mention written in some obscure alien language that 
  could take centuries to decipher), it might possess some relevant 
  archeological or astronomical data (solar winds, meteor showers) 
  and even specific planetary data (weather conditions, life forms, 
  etc.), however, since the node hasn’t been connected to the rest 
  of the intergalactic internet for several millennia, the information 
  has little relevance to modern civilizations.
  40% Obelisk of Souls
  This can be either a standing stone or carved stone obelisk 
  that glows on its own. The artifact may initially be glowing or 
  will start to glow upon the first arrival of a life form to the site. 
  It contains the life essence, astral form or even the evolved/
  ascended form of an ancient alien race, resides inside the ar-
  tifact. They are content with their existence inside the artifact 
  and seek only to discuss philosophy with those they find to have 
  curious minds and willing to speak with them on such matters. 
  The spirits speak of nothing else, reveal no secrets of the past or 
  locations of other ancient ruins. Note: Entities may be attracted 
  to the Obelisk.
  41% Ancient Tomb
  An eerie place that was once an alien prison, but it is now 
  nothing more than a tomb. The power plant that maintained and 
  kept the prisoners inside has long expired and the remains of dead 
  prisoners are found in their cells where they expired. A handful 
  of haunting entities and poltergeist now roam the halls, reliving 
  the tortured lives of the alien inmates. There is also a 10% chance 
  that any remaining backup systems or containment protocols may 
  be accidently activated by the archeologists/player characters 
  which could lead to the awakening of automated prison guards 
  or prison lock-down.
  
  150
  42% Alien Automated Science Machine
  This alien artifact is some grand scale alien machine meant to 
  terraform, mine or explore a world. Probably launched towards 
  the end of an alien civilization’s life, it crashed, which prevented 
  it from performing its programmed tasks. It is nothing but wreck-
  age now, but there is still a wealth of salvageable M.D.C. material 
  suitable for building and possibly other useful components. It is 
  way beyond repair.
  43% Alien Automated Science Machine
  This alien artifact is a robot or machine that works out of an 
  outpost that has become dilapidated over time. The robot still 
  studies life forms and keeps its observation in a computer data-
  base. The colonists and/or player characters are its new subjects 
  for study. The machine does not hurt anyone, it observes. It may 
  take a captive from time to time to take DNA samples, con-
  duct a physical examination and engage in active dialog with 
  sentient beings. After 24-48 hours, it tranquilizes the subject 
  and returns it to the wild (where it found him in the first place). 
  The computer data includes all the life forms on this planet as 
  well as many of those who have visited the planet over the last 
  55,000 years.
  44% Automated Mining Colony
  The machine is designed to dig into and strip a planet of its 
  natural resources. It is unclear from initial review of the ancient 
  and silent machinery if it was going to have someone pick up the 
  raw materials or if it has some means of transporting the ores and 
  mineral it has mined (i.e. through a Rift or wormhole). If the ar-
  cheological team is not careful they may inadvertently reactivate 
  the machine which will start churning up the planet, taking them 
  and their exploration team with it! It is also possible that there 
  are tons of mined ore in the ruins of one or more storage facilities 
  someplace.
  45% Alien Automated Science Machine
  The machine is a massive terraformer, designed to alter the 
  planet’s natural habitat to meet that of a now, long dead alien 
  race. For some reason, it has recently become activated. The pro-
  cess is highly destructive on the current ecosystem and its life 
  forms and should the artifact not be stopped soon, the cataclysmic 
  changes to the planet will make it unlivable for humans and most 
  other races from the Three Galaxies.
  46% Alien Automated Science Machine
  The machine is an aggressive probe. Once activated, it takes 
  samples of flora and fauna – including snatching up people and 
  putting them into stasis into a hidden space ark. Once it has col-
  lected a sufficient number of samples (an amount known only 
  to it), the probe will blast off to travel home with its specimens 
  in tow. To rescue the captured “subjects,” our heroes had better 
  hurry. G.M. Note: You can save the day by having the ancient 
  space ark broken down and unable to blast off, or buried under 
  so many millennia of dirt it cannot fly. Of course, the people who 
  sent the probe may themselves no longer exist.
  47% Sphere of Knowledge
  This black sphere is about the size of a basketball and is cov-
  ered in alien hieroglyphs. When touched the sphere becomes ac-
  tive, and the hieroglyphs begin to glow and the ball starts to hover 
  about waist high. An alien voice speaks, but cannot be under-
  stood initially even with current language translators. After 1D4 
  minutes of hearing the characters speak among themselves, the 
  sphere begins to speak in their language and asks the question: 
  “Please state your request.”
  The sphere identifies itself as Atoni Mark Six artificial intel-
  ligence matrix. The sphere sounds more or less like a computer, 
  but that is a ruse to lure the characters into a false sense of se-
  curity. The sphere is really what remains of an artificial neural 
  intelligence. It was once part of an ancient war machine with the 
  task of wiping out the enemies of its creator, but apparently it 
  went too far and destroyed its creators as well. Other than being 
  able to hover in place, the sphere is immobile and needs someone 
  to transport it around. If the sphere is brought near any kind of 
  technology it begins to meld with it and after 1D6 hours, is able 
  to control whatever it is hooked to.
  If asked what it is doing the sphere will make excuses such 
  as “I am probing for additional data,” or “this piece of technol-
  ogy is primitive and I am attempting to understand its function.” 
  Those with computer skills may notice the sphere is overwriting 
  all of the native code and planting its own alien operating sys-
  tem. While the sphere can take over technology, it cannot transfer 
  its neural intelligence out of the sphere or replicate itself, so the 
  sphere is the heart of the neural intelligence.
  Atoni Mark Six has 500 M.D.C. and is made of ultra-tech met-
  als that are beyond current technology. The sphere’s knowledge 
  is limited to all Communication, Computer, Military and Science 
  skills at 98% and the history of its creator race, but Atoni lies 
  about its own purpose and role in their destruction.
  If it has the opportunity, it will attempt to create a body for it-
  self to give itself mobility. A suit of power armor would be ideal. 
  Cyborgs and those with cybernetics are safe, as the sphere cannot 
  interface with technology that has a biological connection. Once 
  it has a body, it attempts to commandeer a spaceship. If the crew 
  tries to stop it, Atoni will try to kill them. Its goal is to continue 
  its campaign of genocide on all living creatures. It is almost as if 
  the sphere has a homicidal need to kill and destroy.
  48% Alien Warbot
  This is an ancient automated war machine from 1D8 millen-
  nia ago. It is most likely to be discovered in some ruins or float-
  ing in space. Regardless of how it was found, it was helpless to 
  do anything about its situation and had millennia to think things 
  over. During that time it came to many conclusions and now that 
  it is “free,” it wants to see about proving these conclusions. One 
  of its conclusions is that violence is wrong and that violence only 
  breeds additional violence. So it is a powerful war machine with 
  an advanced A.I., and has become: 01-50% A pacifist that abhors 
  violence, or 51-00% A champion of the oppressed and downtrod-
  den dedicated to fighting evil, tyranny and injustice! It will de-
  fend those who freed it and be loyal to them only if they are good 
  aligned characters. If the characters reveal themselves to be evil, 
  Warbot will attack them with the purpose of destroying them.
  
  151
  Warbot is humanoid, but has no facial features other than two 
  glowing orbs for eyes. It seems more organic than mechanical 
  and if checked, it does indeed have an aura. It has 420 M.D.C. 
  and regenerates 4D6 M.D.C. per minute, making it seem almost 
  indestructible. It can survive up to -200 M.D.C. and still “repair” 
  itself. Warbot has a built-in weapon system that morphs one of 
  its arms when needed. It can create a cannon that fires a particle 
  beam that does 1D6x10 M.D. per shot, and has a range of 2,000 
  feet (610 m) and a Vibro-Blade that does 3D6 M.D. It has six at-
  tacks per melee round, has the equivalent of Hand to Hand: Mar-
  tial Arts at 6th level, can operate all modern weapons and swords 
  with a bonus of +3 to strike, and is +5 to save vs all Telemechan-
  ic psionics. Knows all Communication, Espionage and Military 
  skills at 94%.
  49% Power Cube
  A small, opaque cube is found among ancient ruins, or just in 
  the dirt near some ruins. At first, it seems very mundane and may 
  even be dismissed as a child’s toy. The cube, if scanned, seems 
  devoid of any atomic activity. If held for a period of five minutes 
  or more, or placed next to a light or some kind of power source, 
  it begins to glow and atomic activity is dramatic. The cube is able 
  to pull in and store any kind of energy, be it chemical energy, 
  atomic energy, solar energy or even biological energy. It does not 
  impede anything that it draws power from, as somehow it is able 
  to enhance and double even the smallest bit of energy until the 
  cube is fully charged. Regardless of the power source, the cube 
  is fully charged in six minutes. The power can then be accessed 
  by a variety of means that any technician can tap into. One small 
  cube can power a city block or space fighter for a week. When the 
  cube is drained of all its energy, it must rest dormant for at least 
  six minutes before it can recharge again.
  50% Ancient Beads
  A large number of beads are found among ancient ruins, 
  or just in the dirt near some ruins. They are the size of grapes, 
  and have a range of many different colors, and shapes (spheres, 
  cones, discs, teardrops, etc.), as well as different materials (some 
  feel like glass, others like wood, or stone, or metal, or ceram-
  ic, or resin, or shell). Some beads are solid pieces while others 
  have holes through them (for stringing up, perhaps?). Some of 
  the beads are plain while others have symbols or markings (now 
  faded) on them.
  Most of the beads look cheap, so it would be very easy to 
  ignore them as being worthless. However, nothing could be fur-
  ther from the truth. Doing a Sense Magic, performing a Detect 
  Psionics, or using a high-tech device that measures energy will 
  all indicate these beads possess latent power. Their creators, long 
  deceased, called them Survival Beads, an ancient means of stor-
  ing and carrying small utilitarian tools and items. The beads are 
  activated by channeling some form of energy into them, such as 
  electricity or even P.P.E. or I.S.P. (this has to be focused energy, 
  not just a cursory detection).
  When charged with as little as 5 P.P.E. or 10 I.S.P., a bead 
  transforms into something useful. What it is, is predetermined 
  by its shape and color. Items include a knife, shovel, or other 
  tools, water skin, a length of rope, flint and tinder for start-
  ing a fire, pocket mirror, small containers, backpack, satchel, 
  blanket, bedroll, a pair of torches, and even food (a chunk of 
  bread, a small slab of meat, a fruit, etc.). These will not be 
  elaborate things, just basic items that may come in handy and 
  could make the difference between life and death in the wild. 
  Note that the food and drink will not be particularly tasty but 
  will provide the nutrition necessary for survival. Each bead is 
  only good for one use and would seem to come from a magic 
  society. Sadly, any catalog, guide, or database listing which 
  beads will change into what is long gone. This will force char-
  acters into trial-and-error experiments to see what they have, 
  but it is safe to assume that similar-looking beads transform 
  into the same things.
  51% Missing Colony Ship
  The player characters are requested to search for a lost colony 
  ship that never made it to its destination. They are given the ship’s 
  flight plan, details of the kind of spacecraft and a crew manifest.
  Here are some possible reasons for the ship being missing:
  1. It was snagged by an ancient ruin similar to the Spacecraft 
  Repair Center, only this one pulled them down to the planet, dis-
  mantled their ship, and left them stranded. (Same thing might 
  happen to the search party if they aren’t careful. The ruin only 
  snares vessels larger than a shuttle.)
  2. It was captured by a Dominator. He has grown bored and 
  wants a new group of playthings.
  3. It was captured by a Gene-Tech for experimentation. The 
  question is why? Does someone onboard have a unique strand of 
  DNA or are they just the latest test subjects?
  4. It was captured by Space Pirates or Slavers and the people 
  need rescuing or face a terrible fate.
  5. Aliens, unknown to the characters, have captured the ship. 
  Exiles, perhaps?
  6. The colonists reached their destination planet but were im-
  mediately attacked by a group of angry, indigenous people who 
  do not want the colonists on their world. The communication 
  array on the ship and at the colony has been destroyed and the 
  colonists are prisoners.
  52% Destroyed Colony
  The ruins of one or more previous colonies are found. This 
  colony is only 1D4x10 years old. The sponsoring company for 
  the current colony never mentioned any previous attempts at col-
  onizing this planet. What happened? Who destroyed this colony? 
  Was it a Dominator or pirates? Could it have been the indigenous 
  people or a natural disaster? Perhaps it was a rival power bloc 
  or even a rival group of colonists? Is this the fate waiting for the 
  new colony?
  53% Minion War Breeding Ground
  A group of colonists are attacked by giant animal-like mon-
  sters from Hades or Dyval. As it turns out, the planet is being 
  used to breed their deadly war mounts! Colonists and indigenous 
  people are of no concern of the demons and provide food for the 
  animals! There is one or more breeding and training facilities oc-
  cupied by demons (or Deevils) elsewhere on the planet manned 
  by Lesser Demons (or Deevils).
  
  152
  54% Combat Test Ground
  Our adventurers and/or colonists discover this planet is used 
  by one of the regional power blocs in the Thundercloud for war 
  games, troop maneuvers, and weapon testing. And the colonists 
  have just become part of them. 01-20% The Exiles, 21-40% The 
  Kreeghor, 41-60% The Kingdom of Desslyth, 61-80% Space Pi-
  rates, or 81-00% Demons or Deevils.
  55% Minion War Base
  The planet where a colony is being set up also has a base for 
  the demons or Deevils on it. It turns out that the planet’s ley lines 
  are very active and this is the perfect place for the demons and 
  Deevils. Will the colony be caught in the middle of the Minion 
  War?
  56% Secret Weapon Cache
  The concealed weapon container may have been placed here 
  recently or centuries ago by 01-25% The Golgan Republikan 
  Enklaves, 26-50% The Kreeghor, 51-75% The Kingdom of 
  Desslyth, 76-00% Space Pirates. The weapons and gear can be 
  those of the civilization/people listed. In the case of Space Pi-
  rates, it will be a hodgepodge of weapons and gear from several 
  different people (stolen goods), mainly CCW, TGE and Gol-
  gans.
  57% Secret Lair
  Remember Goldilocks? Well you’re in her shoes now, as 
  you’ve discovered somebody’s small secret lair. Nobody’s home 
  now, but who knows when they’ll come home.
  58% Secret Observatory
  The colony that the player characters are visiting is really a 
  secret military base. Its job is to spy on neighboring colonies. 
  The player characters are on good terms with this colony so what 
  do they do? To make matters worse, if the colonists learn that the 
  player characters know about the spying they may not be allowed 
  to leave, at least not without a fight.
  59% Missing Colony Ship
  The ruins of a colony ship or space ark is found. Only it is hun-
  dreds of years old. Could it be one of the missing vessels carrying 
  Denlech? Are the people thought to have been indigenous really 
  the descendants of this spaceship? Is their anything salvageable? 
  Dangerous?
  60% Gene-Tech Bounty Hunt
  This ancient ruin is not a ruin at all, but a secret lab or lair of 
  a pair of Gene-Tech. The beings are not happy to have their lair 
  exposed, but make the best of it by offering a bounty for demons, 
  Deevils, and their war mounts brought in to them alive. What are 
  the Gene-Tech planning to do with these supernatural creatures? 
  How much is that bounty?
  61% Escape Pod
  An escape pod is found, crashed among the remnants of an-
  cient ruins suspected of being related to the Dominators. (In the 
  alternative, the escape pod could be adrift in space or found in-
  side the lair of Gene-Tech.) Examining it reveals a giant-sized 
  baby aboard. Scans of the child are inconclusive. Over the next 
  few days the baby has sudden growth spurts. Soon, the child will 
  be 30 feet (9.1 m) tall and all of a sudden it is calling itself a 
  Dominator and is giving the crew orders. It turns out this is a 
  Dominator clone who was trying to save himself from dying.
  62% Green Fire
  At certain times of the year, greenish flames hover just above 
  certain boulders in a nearby forest. When these flames appear, a 
  group of giant humanoids roam the area. Their heads appear to 
  rest directly on their shoulders and they need to turn their entire 
  body to see in a different direction. Their ferocious attacks with 
  large wooden clubs have left many dead. When the green fire 
  disappears, so do they.
  63% The Dark Place
  The natives speak of a cave where two ley lines intersect to 
  create a nexus point as “the Dark Place.” It is rumored that some-
  thing evil lives inside the cave, but never comes out. However, 
  from time to time, the “Evil Within” sends monsters out of the 
  Dark Place to attack and murder people. Is there really a malevo-
  lent force inside that sends monsters to plague the community, 
  or is there a dimensional portal somewhere inside the cave that 
  randomly opens and spews menaces into this world?
  Going inside the cave, adventurers find evidence of an ancient 
  civilization and what looks like a magic or Techno-Wizard di-
  mensional gateway that predates anything on Phase World. Over 
  the millennia, the mechanism that once controlled the portal has 
  fallen into ruin and now things come through it at random inter-
  vals. There may, however, be an evil (demonic?) force that is 
  using the device to bring evil and trouble into this world. Finding 
  out requires going deeper into the ruins.
  64% A New Discovery
  A meteor, space junk or crashed spacecraft has disturbed the 
  earth beneath it and opened a fissure or cave that leads to some 
  ancient, underground ruins. They are probably just empty tun-
  nels and are not obvious from outside (the opening is under the 
  crashed transport). Anything less substantial than the stone walls 
  have perished long ago, but the ruins could make a good place to 
  hide in case of an emergency, or use as a fallout shelter, or even a 
  place for storage. Of course, nobody knows what else there might 
  be in the tunnels, how far they go, or whether there are any other 
  entrances to the tunnel complex.
  65% An Old Mining Operation
  An ancient mining operation, thousands of years old, is un-
  covered not far from the colony (and/or the indigenous people’s 
  community). There are signs of several devastating explosions, 
  which may have been why the mines were abandoned. Indeed, 
  the skeletal remains of 1,312 workers can be unearthed if one has 
  
  153
  the inclination. (Their remains may be human, Noro, Wulfen or a 
  previously unknown race of beings.) The mine appears to be rich 
  in copper and one other mineral, Killaryte! The big question is: 
  Report the discovery and cash out for 1D4x100 million credits 
  per colonist and see the area stripped and industrialized by Na-
  runi Enterprises, or cover up the mine and keep things the way 
  they are. An NE mining operation will forever change the lives of 
  the indigenous people and the colonists.
  More Trouble: The mines are haunted. There are 2D6x10 Pol-
  tergeists, 4D6x10 Haunting Entities, 4D6 Tectonic Entities and 
  perhaps a few other dangerous Entities at this location. Mining in 
  or near this location stirs up all these ghostly monsters.
  One more thing, was it the unstable Killaryte that caused the 
  original miners to abandon the operation, or is there some other 
  danger attached to this place or locked away farther inside the 
  old mines?
  66% Infested Ruins
  A band of criminals wanted by galactic law enforcement have 
  landed nearby and invaded and entrenched themselves in a par-
  ticular set of ancient ruins. They don’t seem to worry about the 
  law finding them, and make regular raids on colony sites and/or 
  indigenous people to steal what they need to survive.
  It is a mixed group of thugs and races, all are heavily armed 
  and are a menace. There are at least a dozen, maybe more, and 
  they don’t seem to be planning on leaving anytime soon. To re-
  move them from the ruins will be a treacherous gauntlet for our 
  heroes to navigate.
  67% Infested Ruins
  Ruins near a local community have become infested with 
  (G.M.’s choice of) dangerous animals or monsters. They weren’t 
  much of a problem until the creatures started to come into the 
  community. To exterminate them from the ruins means taking 
  them down one by one. Is there something more going on here?
  68% Ancient Monastery
  Someplace tucked away in a forest or mountain or desert is a 
  small monastery. It seems to have been abandoned for centuries, 
  but the remaining artifacts and evidence suggests it was once a 
  place of training and reflection for Cosmo-Knights. There are 
  many secret doors and compartments in the building, but no signs 
  of life. This could make a good secret lair or base camp for the 
  player group or a secret hiding place for the colonists should they 
  ever need one. Does the occasional Cosmo-Knight still drop by 
  to reflect or rest?
  69% Alien Cave Art
  While not as flashy as an artifact or magic device, these 
  scratchings represent the first attempts of a primitive species to 
  understand the world around them. At the very least, the entire 
  area is a valuable archaeological site and proves that the planet 
  once harbored intelligent life. Photos and the cave paintings’ co-
  ordinates could both be worth a price to the right scientists, or 
  make a nice tourist attraction someday. Local people stay away 
  from the cave art and speak of evil spirits living there.
  Something is going on there, as people who spend the night 
  in the caves report strange noises and sounds. Strangest of all 
  are reports of the cave paintings moving, like an old style ani-
  mated cartoon, to reveal silent stories of hunting, tribal rivalry 
  and the arrival of ancient gods. A few believed to be insane, 
  even claim they’ve been transported back in time to experience 
  it themselves.
  70% Ancient City Ruins
  Interspersed across the wilderness are the ruins of a forgot-
  ten alien civilization. Columns and canals, walls and aque-
  ducts. Some of them may be buried in ash or lava layers, a 
  telltale signature of the force that put an end to the civiliza-
  tion that created them. The ruins are proof that intelligent, ad-
  vanced life once inhabited the planet. That information alone 
  may be worth something to the right buyer, or further explora-
  tion might yield even greater finds. Burial chambers, mighty 
  statues, temples and pyramids could all exist among the ruins 
  of this ancient city and elsewhere on the planet. Based on the 
  size and shape of the buildings apparent so far, the people ap-
  pear to have been human-sized beings. It is difficult to tell if 
  they used technology or magic, or what secrets or relics might 
  yet be found.
  71% Fossilized Spacecraft
  Buried in layers of ancient earth is what appears to be a long-
  lost spacecraft. The outer layers have been partially fossilized, 
  but as impossible as it may seem, the environmental seal inside 
  the vessel remains intact. Inside, a few skeletons of the crew 
  may remain. The spacecraft and the equipment inside are all too 
  old to work, but studying them may reveal secrets of science or 
  Techno-Wizardry unknown to modern people. Inertia beams, 
  phase technology, portal generators; anything is possible. And 
  if the players can carefully remove the vehicle without destroy-
  ing it, it could be worth an enormous amount to a museum or 
  university.
  72% Abandoned Mining Outpost
  The player characters have come across one of the most com-
  mon relics space travelers find, an abandoned mining outpost 
  built at some point in ages past. A mining outpost may be built 
  on a planet, moon or an asteroid. It could be a humble survey site 
  with just a few dusty vehicles gathered around a test-dig, or a 
  complete mining complex, left behind when the ore ran dry. No 
  matter the size, there is bound to be some kind of salvageable 
  equipment left inside, and possibly large amounts of precious 
  metals or minerals as well.
  Ah, but who knows who or what has moved in since the min-
  ers moved out? Game Masters, use your imaginations. This could 
  be an equipment depot, hideout or secret lair for Space Pirates, 
  Raiders, runaway slaves, fugitives, refugees or spies for any of 
  the galactic civilizations (TGE, CCW, UWW, Golgans, Minions 
  of Splugorth, Fallen Cosmo-Knight, Deevils, demons and god 
  only knows what). Or perhaps, some kind of monster has crawled 
  in and made it home. Or it might be empty, but holds a clue to 
  some other mystery or danger.
  
  154
  73% Monster Lair
  The player characters have found the lair of a terrifying crea-
  ture. The lair may be a cave system, lava tubes, an alien forest or 
  a giant crater, but the entire area is the backyard of something that 
  does not like to be disturbed.
  The monster(s) could be a massive cave worm or the tunnel 
  complex could be a nest for some kind of monstrous insect, or the 
  G.M. can roll up something new on the Monster Creation Tables. 
  The monster(s) could be intelligent – even a reclusive Splugorth 
  or Godling seeking isolation in the Thundercloud Galaxy. More 
  likely, though, is that it is some lesser creature, a powerful alien 
  or product of Gene-Splicing. Characters who explore the lair or 
  stick around nearby will find out soon enough. Optional fun: In-
  side the lair is a treasure trove of crippled spaceships or vehicles, 
  or weapons and armor of the previous fallen victims. Or perhaps 
  the treasure has nothing to do with the monster and was inside the 
  lair for eons before the monster(s) ever moved in.
  74% Spaceship Graveyard
  Long ago, two great fleets waged war in space and in the atmo-
  sphere high above an uninhabited planet. Or perhaps they weren’t 
  enemies at all, but allies who fell to the Dominators or some other 
  terrible enemy. The battle was fierce and terrible. Tens of thou-
  sands of warships perished in the battle, crashing down onto the 
  planet below. Crippled battle cruisers might have also limped 
  down to the planet’s surface in hope of being rescued later or 
  making a bid for the planet’s surface in hope of being rescued lat-
  er or making a bid for survival in the wilderness (and failed). To-
  day, thousands of years later, the surface of at least one sizeable 
  portion of the planet is pockmarked with craters and littered with 
  the half buried wreckage of once-mighty warships. Somehow, 
  the giant graveyard has remained undiscovered till now. With no 
  intelligent native life forms, the spacecraft have sat undisturbed 
  all this time. What secrets they may hold is yet to be determined. 
  (Game Masters, unleash those imaginations. This setting can be 
  used in space as well with a cluster of derelict spacecraft in orbit 
  or floating in an asteroid field or the rings of a planet, and so on.)
  75% Castaways
  The wreckage of a spaceship and its survivors are discov-
  ered. Living in improvised conditions, a group of “castaways” 
  are found, clinging to the edge of existence. They are amazed to 
  see the player characters or colonists, and relieved that fate has 
  given them a way home. They will not be pleased if the players 
  are also stranded, or are members of a rival galactic civilization, 
  or without the means (or desire) to drop what they are doing and 
  take them home or to some civilized place where the castaways 
  can contact help. It may be possible the castaways have some-
  thing to offer in trade for help: a piece of salvaged technology, 
  a magic item, a cargo of Killaryte, a treasure trove of (stolen/
  pirated) goods, or a bit of useful information or secret plot. At the 
  very least, they have become familiar with the conditions in this 
  part of the world, and knowledgeable regarding survival and na-
  tive wildlife. After months, years or decades stranded, however, 
  their mental condition may be quite strained.
  In addition, it is possible they’ve made enemies of the indig-
  enous people, and now that the locals have seen them with the 
  player characters or colonists, they assume our heroes are also 
  bad people or invaders to be hunted and slain. Worse, the cast-
  aways are likely to paint a poor picture of the native inhabitants, 
  convincing colonists and/or heroes that they are evil savages or 
  madmen. This may lead to a misunderstanding and animosity that 
  lasts for generations.
  76% Castaways
  The wreckage of a spaceship and its survivors are discovered. 
  Living in improvised conditions, a group of “castaways” are 
  found, clinging to the edge of existence. They are thrilled to see 
  the player characters or colonists, and relieved that fate has given 
  them a way home. The castaways start asking all kinds of ques-
  tions. Where are their rescuers from? Who are they? A colony? 
  Indigenous people? Tell us more.
  All this information is being transmitted to bushwhackers, 
  raiders, bandits or enemy forces. They can be Kreeghor, Gol-
  gans, Minions of Splugorth, Exiles, Space Pirates, or any nefari-
  ous group looking to steal goods, take slaves or destroy a (rival 
  or enemy’s) colony. Combat ensues as the treachery is revealed.
  77% Swamp Ruins
  In the middle of a swamp, there is an unusual object sub-
  merged in a pool of stagnant, brackish water. If this object was 
  to be dredged out of the water and the vegetation encrusted over 
  the years scraped away, it would be revealed as a cruiser-style 
  spaceship. Someone familiar with spacecraft might recognize this 
  as a blockade runner or smuggler-type of ship. With room for a 
  crew of four, this ship is armed. Not particularly well by modern 
  standards, but well enough to be able to put up a fight against any 
  modern spaceship smaller than a frigate. However, this ship was 
  designed for speed and was fast and maneuverable.
  All things considered, the spacecraft is in surprisingly good 
  condition and can be repaired and made to fly again. A lot of 
  work will have to be done, but this is a salvageable ship only 5D6 
  years old. Or it could be salvaged for parts and used in another 
  spacecraft. If attempting to repair the ship itself, the chances of 
  getting it flyable within an atmosphere are several times greater 
  than for making it spaceworthy.
  78% Secret Pirate Camp
  The player characters have stumbled across a den of pirates, 
  hidden away in the vastness of the Thundercloud Galaxy. The 
  occasional scout ship comes and goes, sometimes followed soon 
  after by a pirate fleet off to strike some far-off target. Are the 
  pirates potential friends or enemies? Do they have something the 
  player characters want or need? Some pirates would be perfectly 
  happy to help travelers lost in space. Others might claim the play-
  ers as hostages or take their ship and leave them stranded. The 
  final outcome will likely be the result of intense negotiation.
  79% Stasis Pods
  Buried underground or hidden away within a crater, the player 
  characters find a ship or hidden facility. Inside, the stasis pods are 
  amazingly intact, feeding off of some kind of persistent power 
  source. At the center is a special chamber, filled with sealed pods. 
  Within them are alien astronauts, frozen in cold-sleep for a jour-
  ney that was never completed.
  
  155
  Who are they? Where did they come from? How long have 
  they been frozen? The astronauts themselves must know, but is it 
  safe to reanimate them? Are they still in stasis for a reason?
  80% Protected Vault
  The player characters have stumbled across the remains of a 
  former underground colony or secure military facility. While the 
  original inhabitants have obviously been gone for a very long 
  time, the vault is still active - and protected by jealous, possi-
  bly malfunctioning Artificial Intelligence system. The players 
  may find themselves led in circles, locked inside chambers or in-
  tentionally separated. The A.I. can control doors and elevators, 
  computer systems, light, heat and air circulation, as well as many 
  other features of the facility. It may even have robots at its dis-
  posal. Humanoid robots are a possibility, (M.D.C. 80, 2 attacks 
  per melee, alien energy weapons do 2D6 M.D. damage, range 
  1200 feet/366 m), but robots with spider or crab-like body shapes 
  are more universal. (M.D.C. 50, three attacks per melee round, 
  may be equipped with similar energy weapons.)
  The computer that controls the vault may be protecting any-
  thing from a fairly standard colony to advanced military technol-
  ogy or nothing at all. It may try to reach out to the player charac-
  ters and mislead them through the guise of friendship, or attempt 
  to convince them to leave without exploring further. Should they 
  reach areas with more valuables or secrets, the A.I.’s response 
  may change, swiftly becoming violent.
  If the vault has been built with magic, its guardian could be 
  a Golem or some kind of supernatural creature with a long life 
  span. The entire area may be protected by spells, wards, curses or 
  other enchantments.
  At the center of the vault is the real prize. What? Any of the 
  following are possible and more: An ancient alien colony. A 
  doomsday machine. An army of robots. An army of soldiers in 
  stasis (perhaps, ironically, all dead for eons). A dimensional gate-
  way. A slumbering Elder or Dominator. A dreadnaught starship. 
  Vast stores of supplies for some catastrophe that came too soon or 
  not at all. A Demon Star. A Demon Star that has been successful-
  ly turned into a force for good. The Cosmic Forge! Okay, not the 
  real Cosmic Forge, but some ancient artifact that has been mis-
  taken for it. One thing is certain: the vault was built for a reason, 
  and whatever is inside is an incredible prize or very dangerous.
  81% Forgotten Space Gulag
  This is a prison. The gulag is built like a fortress: reinforced 
  doors, tiny windows and corridors and defensive observation 
  points. If the gulag is still operational, there are automatic or 
  magical operating systems in place. That means the player char-
  acters may have to contend with the guards and prison wardens 
  or robots. There may be a series of computer-controlled weapons 
  and robots, or simply an A.I. that locks down or electrifies ar-
  eas that are “off-limits.” Magic defenses may be much trickier 
  or consist of Golems, zombies or supernatural creatures. If oc-
  cupied, the people running the gulag may have lost contact with 
  their superiors decades ago. When the supply ships stopped com-
  ing, they continued to maintain the facility as best they could. In 
  fact, there are generations of “guards” and “prisoners” as they 
  continued to maintain the only society they have ever known. 
  Thus, the “prisoners” are not the actual criminals, but their de-
  scendants. The warden and guards see outsiders as troublemakers 
  or new prisoners to be incarcerated. Descendants of prisoners see 
  them as possible liberators. However, they’ve only known life as 
  prisoners, and it has made them primitive and savage.
  82% Forgotten Space Gulag
  This is a prison. The gulag is built like a fortress: reinforced 
  doors, tiny windows and corridors and defensive observation 
  points. The prisoners may have staged a revolt and taken con-
  trol of the prison, but until now they’ve had no way out. Or the 
  only prisoners left may be mainly cybernetic, or frozen in stasis. 
  The prisoners in stasis might be evildoers or political prisoners, 
  even heroes, unable to escape out onto the planet’s surface. De-
  pending on the nature of the inmates, they may try to attack the 
  player characters or beg them for help. Who knows what services 
  they have to offer or dark knowledge is in their possession? If 
  the gulag is extremely old, the prisoners may even hail from a 
  time when the Thundercloud Galaxy played host to a forgotten 
  civilization or long-lost wave of colonists.
  83% Dreamwaves
  Something (machine, magic artifact, Elder, ancient alien, etc.) 
  in the nearby ancient alien ruins is causing nightmares or visions, 
  which are causing fear or instigating trouble or war. Find the 
  source and stop it/kill it/destroy it, and the trouble ends.
  84% The Bringer
  The Bringer may be an alien being, Elder Race, forgotten 
  deity, demon or other supernatural being, ancient robot or A.I., 
  magical automaton, dimensional traveler, or other strange and 
  mysterious being who brings knowledge, culture, power (scien-
  tific or magical) or weapons to primitive people, miscreants and 
  misanthropes. Such beings may be wicked troublemakers and 
  instigators, agents of chaos or doom, social experimenters, pro-
  tectors/guardians (of the people or the planet), well intentioned 
  helper, or masters of their own, mysterious agenda.
  The Bringer lives/hides among an ancient ruin that serves as 
  his place of origin, lair or hideout. It may also be his source of 
  power. Destroy the ruins or something within the ruins (a pool of 
  water, statue, machine, generator, magic artifact, etc.) and you 
  unplug the Bringer from his source of power, weakening him by 
  half and forcing him/it to make personal appearances to manipu-
  late people. Destroy (or imprison him someplace in the ruins?) 
  and the dreams end, but the trouble he’s instigated may continue.
  85% Monster Maker
  Everything was fine until an ancient ruin was uncovered. Now 
  some force is transforming indigenous people or animals and 
  turning them into monsters. Find the source and stop it and the 
  trouble ends.
  86% Mysterious Monster
  A mysterious monster (or monsters) is plaguing the colonists 
  or the indigenous population. When attacked or chased, the crea-
  ture runs off to a particular location (or a few different locations 
  in the same general area) where it seems to vanish. A thorough 
  
  156
  search uncovers shafts or tunnels or caves that lead to ancient 
  alien ruins. Whether the monster has any relation to these ruins 
  is unknown. It could be ancient aliens who mutated or devolved 
  into savage monsters, or the alien’s old watchdog devolved into 
  a monster, or a creature that was once a monstrous specimen, or 
  experiment that got free, and so on. Whatever it is, it has lived in 
  this region for thousands of years, but is reclusive, elusive and 
  few in number. Now that “people” are more common and numer-
  ous, or have recently moved in near its lair/the ruins, the monster 
  has found people to be easy prey, and hunts them for food and/
  or pleasure. Regardless of the beast’s relation to the ruins (it/they 
  may have simply made their home in the old ruins), this is where 
  it (or they) has made its lair. To stop the attacks, one must flush 
  them out and kill them or go into the labyrinth to “relocate” them.
  87% City of the Dead
  A sprawling, alien subterranean city is discovered. Most of 
  the city remains intact, though there are signs of fire, explosions 
  and combat everywhere. Something bad happened here. The city 
  is littered with shriveled, mummified bodies of the dead. The 
  human-like corpses are the walking dead. Without a food source, 
  the zombies went dormant, dried up like mummies and have laid 
  unmoving, for thousands (perhaps tens of thousands) of years. 
  Now that there is new humanoid life, they rise to kill and feed, 
  and create new zombies.
  88% City of the Dead
  A sprawling, alien subterranean city is discovered. Most of 
  the city remains intact, though there are signs of fire, explosions 
  and combat everywhere. Something bad happened here. The re-
  mains of a castle-like fort has suffered the greatest damage. Deep 
  within its dungeon is an airtight vault, its door sealed in wax and 
  covered in religious symbols. Opening the vault unleashes 2D6 
  bats, which immediately attack any humanoid with an exposed 
  jugular vein. If none are available the bats fly away. 2D4 days 
  later, people drained of blood start being discovered, and talk of 
  vampires abounds.
  89% Ancient Tomb
  Ever since an ancient tomb was opened, the neighboring com-
  munity or colony has been plagued by a mummy (or several 
  mummies). Was the tomb cursed?
  90% Ancient Tomb
  An ancient burial ground has been discovered. Deep in its 
  catacombs are the bodies of thousands, but the tombs are also in-
  habited by dozens of Worms of Taut. If the tomb that opens up to 
  the catacombs is not secure, Nippers, Fire Worms, Tri-Fang and 
  Tomb Worms get into the wild and begin to prey on humanoids. 
  Elsewhere in the catacombs is a forgotten dimensional portal to 
  Hades. Forgotten by the demons, at least.
  91% Ancient Geothermal Power Plant
  Drilling, excavation or exploration of a cave network broke 
  into the ruin of an ancient tunnel. The tunnel leads to a large 
  chamber that is warm and hums with energy. The electronic 
  eye at the entrance opens the moment anyone walks within 20 
  feet (6.1 m) of the door, revealing a control room filled with 
  monitor screens and work stations. The room and machines 
  are designed for beings 10 feet or taller. The underground 
  chamber leads to an ancient tunnel system. The original ar-
  chitects are unknown. The labyrinth of tunnels go on for miles 
  (hundreds or thousands?). Breathable air is cleaned and re-
  circulated, and a system of dim lights illuminates the corridors 
  by an unseen power and control source. So far, no chambers, 
  rooms, doors, conduits or machines have been discovered. Nor 
  any sign of life, past or present. The tunnels are dry and warm 
  (average temp is 72 degrees Fahrenheit/22 C). Walls have an 
  impressive 900 M.D.C. per 10 foot (3 m) wide section. Until 
  there can be a thorough exploration and mapping, the tunnels 
  are an oddity. The colonists can, if necessary or desirable, use 
  the tunnels for storage and/or as a secret hideout and bomb 
  shelter.
  If techs can figure out this is a geothermal power plant and find 
  a way to draw power from the ancient facility, they have enough 
  energy to power cities across the continent.
  92% Rift Gate
  This is the ruins of an ancient, alien outpost, base or small city. 
  It appears to have been abandoned (and forgotten) by its creators 
  thousands of years ago. However, there are the skeletal remains 
  of a variety of different races scattered here and there. Some are 
  unknown to the colonists (or player characters), others are life 
  forms they recognize; some humanoid, others animals.
  There is a door from which a flickering blue light emanates. 
  The hallway leading to it has quite the collection of remains of 
  the dead. Most are whole, some are damaged or look as if they’ve 
  been eaten. Inside the room is a permanently open dimensional 
  portal. Once upon a time the portal could be controlled, but now, 
  it randomly cycles through a list of alien worlds. The dead bodies 
  are the people and creatures who came through the portal by ac-
  cident, and died here. When the portal opens on another world, it 
  warps people or animals from that world to this one.
  93% Rift Gate to Center
  This ancient Rift Gate, more than 100,000 years old, is to Cen-
  ter on Phase World. Only it’s not one of the commercial portals 
  on Level Three of Center, but at one of the ley line nexus points 
  on one of the lowest levels of Center. It is apparent that this planet 
  was home to an advanced civilization that traded with the Pro-
  metheans. Or could this have once been a Promethean colony 
  planet? However the portal came to be, it is a handy thing to have 
  for the colonists. Of course, getting home could be a problem if 
  the travelers can’t clearly indicate the location of the world they 
  came from.
  94% Replicator Robot
  A man-sized alien machine appears from an ancient ruin. 
  Exactly where it came from is unknown, and it may have been 
  trapped in the ruins until recently released by adventurers or ex-
  plorers. This is a Von Neumann probe – a robot with a simple 
  A.I. programmed to replicate itself. Thus, it tears apart vehicles, 
  spaceships, machines, buildings and anything it can use to build 
  
  157
  more versions of itself. Whatever it can get it is hands on is turned 
  into copy after copy of itself. Its mission is to explore and gather 
  information about the people and places in the Thundercloud 
  Galaxy and send it back to its creators. Of course, its creator civi-
  lization is long extinct. However, the probe doesn’t know this and 
  until all of the probes can be found and destroyed, they continue 
  to tear the colonies to pieces. The probe only has a main body of 
  50 M.D.C., but people need to act fast while there are only a few, 
  not hundreds or thousands.
  95% I Am Power
  1D4 locals have appeared with alien technology. They are clad 
  in weird power armor, giant robots or some weird alien vehicle. 
  The alien tech has taken over their minds, making them claim this 
  planet and its people in the name of a long forgotten civilization 
  that vanished with the Elder Races 50,000 years ago. Nothing but 
  sorrow and tragedy will come of this until it is destroyed, as they 
  rule with an iron-fist.
  96% Star Sphere
  Deep in the dirt or within an ancient ruin, the player characters 
  find an orb the size of a grapefruit. The Dominators call it a Star 
  Sphere. According to legend it contains the energy of a small star. 
  It was used to power some of the Dominator’s planet smashers. If 
  hooked up to a starship of any size or power plant, it can power 
  the cities of a planet for eons. The sphere is worth millions. Two 
  potential problems: 1. If the Dominators learn of it they’ll want 
  it back. 2. The Sphere communicates via Telepathy and asks to 
  be set free by sending it into a star. It promises nothing bad will 
  come of such action. It doesn’t communicate well as its mind is 
  quite alien.
  97% A Better Mouse Trap
  This is a mock ruin or large crashed spacecraft that radiates 
  an energy signature that should attract explorers, adventurers and 
  pirates. This ruin may be located in space or on a moon, asteroid 
  or planet.
  It is actually a trap. Think “roach motel” for humanoids: once 
  you go in you can’t get out. At least, not without some serious 
  gunplay and a battle for your life. This “ruin” is a ploy used by 
  the Splugorth and some Space Pirates to lure people into their 
  clutches so they can be captured, robbed and sold on the slave 
  market. Once the victims are drawn inside, the opening and walls 
  of the passageway they came in shift and reconfigure. The way 
  they came in is gone. Going deeper leads them into the maze of 
  the faux ruin, where they are monitored by concealed cameras 
  and ambushed at key junction points. To get out alive, they’ll 
  have to fight their way out.
  98% Alien Factory
  This ancient relic still has power and manufacturing capabili-
  ties. It just needs some repairs and raw materials to start cranking 
  out product. What product? That’s left to the Game Master, but it 
  could be CCW equivalent energy weapons, hover platforms, cars, 
  or widgets. Converting to make something different is months, 
  maybe years of work, but that can be accomplished.
  99% The Sliding Reef
  Once upon a time, there was an advanced coastal city pro-
  tected by a man-made Sliding Reef. The reef serves as a breaker 
  against the ocean’s powerful waves, bearing the brunt of them so 
  that by the time the waves reach the city, most of the force has 
  been dissipated. Legend has it that the Sliding Reef also protects 
  a great treasure. So far, no one has ever been able to find this 
  treasure. In fact, very few of those who made the attempt returned 
  to tell the tale. Most people agree that the Sliding Reef is a death 
  trap for the foolhardy and unwary.
  First, the Sliding Reef is so named because of the consistency 
  of its composition. It feels like a very hard but rubbery material. 
  When it is wet (which is almost always except at low tide), it is 
  extremely difficult to hold on to. Yet, the rubbery material can be 
  very hard and unforgiving when one is being pounded against it 
  by the waves.
  Second, even if one manages to withstand the vicious waves 
  and keep their hold, the Reef’s hundreds of caves (both above and 
  below the surface) are home to thousands of giant crabs and other 
  sea creatures. The crabs are aggressive, voracious and their claws 
  strong enough to snap through metal chains and, with enough 
  time, tear open Mega-Damage armor.
  Third, anyone who actually achieves the all-but-impossible 
  task of fighting their way past the crabs and finding the right cave 
  will find the fabled treasure, but there are hundreds of caves, and 
  keeping track of which one you’ve been inside and fighting an 
  army of giant crustaceans every trip is literally murderous work.
  100% Castle Grim
  These ruins of a haunted castle are the stuff of legend and 
  terror. The ruins are located in a grim and stark expanse of land 
  where it once stood as a proud sentinel guarding over all it sur-
  veyed. Today, it’s is in a state of disrepair, battered and broken.
  Few people come to this area, and most of those who do feel 
  a sense of dread and foreboding and avoid the castle. The castle 
  itself generates an aura of fear and a successful saving throw vs 
  psionics is needed in order to master one’s fear to enter the castle 
  ruins.
  Inside the castle, room after room is empty. What few furnish-
  ings have not crumbled with age are caked with dust. However, 
  there is one area of the castle that visitors will find impressive. 
  The Great Hall (the castle’s largest room) is filled with tapestries, 
  paintings, and sculptures of warriors on horseback.
  The paintings and tapestries are still in fine condition and not 
  faded with time as one might expect them to be. There are empty 
  suits of heavily armored knights and lightly armored bowmen, 
  riders armed with swords, spears, axes, and a variety of other 
  weapons. Over 600 in all, no two are exactly alike, the figures are 
  each different and unique. They can be observed and touched, but 
  not moved from their spot, as the magic that preserves this area 
  keeps everything locked in place.
  Those who dare spend the night in the castle awaken the next 
  morning to find they have a visitor – a mounted warrior who in-
  quires as to the business of the travelers and why they have come 
  to the castle. If offered lies or rudeness, the rider will be provoked 
  into doing battle or departing in disgust. A polite refusal causes 
  the rider to leave without a word. However, if given a courte-
  ous answer, the rider offers to accompany the traveler(s). If the 
  
  158
  traveler(s) are on a mission of some kind, the rider may offer 
  to bring other knights to join them (up to 3D6 more, depending 
  upon the importance of the task at hand). Alert travelers (those 
  making a difficult Perception Roll) notice that there are fewer 
  paintings and sculptures and/or figures on the tapestries than be-
  fore. (Curiously, the same amount that there are riders.)
  The rider(s) tags along and happily assists the traveler(s) on 
  any noble cause, but just for that one task, and then vanishes into 
  thin air. While on the initial assignment, the rider(s) will gen-
  erally follow the traveler’s orders (provided that it’s within the 
  bounds of the riders’ moral codes). They are here to assist, not 
  lead.
  Also, the many riders are all individuals. They have differ-
  ent skills (some are Paladins, others are Knights, Janissaries, 
  Soldiers, Mercenaries, etc.), with different alignments and per-
  sonalities, as well as different attributes and experience levels. 
  However, all of their weapons and armor will be Mega-Damage.
  101% Wild Ride
  Our heroes find the ruins of an ancient alien outpost. Inside 
  the ruins is an ancient cruiser-sized starship. Its door is open but 
  the vessel seems dead and derelict. Looking inside reveals all 
  kinds of salvageable items. There may even be a weapon locker 
  or weapon racks on the walls. Going inside is safe. There are no 
  traps or anything apparently dangerous. Pressing a single button 
  or switch, or trying to remove a weapon or device, activates the 
  lights of the ship. Holographic images appear and wall monitors 
  flicker to life. A prerecorded message in an unknown alien tongue 
  speaks on the loudspeakers. If people exit the vehicle, it goes dor-
  mant in 1D4 melee rounds. Go back in, and the lights and screens 
  come back on. The message recycles in numerous languages until 
  it finds one the characters understand. The displays then change 
  and a sort of travelogue talking about the ship’s creators’ home 
  world plays. The world sounds fantastic, beautiful, and peaceful. 
  A paradise. Then the door closes and locks. The voice announces 
  they’ll be departing in a few minutes and flying through the black 
  hole at the center of the Thundercloud, and blasts off.
  This is not a trap, this is a transport, but our characters don’t 
  know where they are going or if the civilization even still exists. 
  The travelogue talks about how the black hole is new in the gal-
  axy, which means this vessel dates back 45,000 to 50,000 years. 
  If they go for the ride, they find planet is dead, and the vehicle re-
  turns them to the starting point (unless the G.M. has other ideas). 
  It may be possible, through dumb luck more than skill, for the 
  characters to get the vehicle to cancel the flight and turn around. 
  Taking control of the ship is extremely unlikely.
  
  159
  
  160
  
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  Robotech® “Core Rules” – Shadow Chronicles® RPG Hardcover
  All the rules and informa�on a player needs to start a Robotech® 
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  ● Human mecha: Alphas, Betas, Cyclones & much more.
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  Robotech®: The Masters Saga™ Sourcebook – Cat. No. 552
  Tons of never before seen stats and descrip�ons for the many 
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  Robotech®: New Genera�on™ Sourcebook – Cat. No. 554
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  Robotech®: Genesis Pits™ Sourcebook – Cat. No. 555
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  Robotech®: Expedi�onary Marines Sourcebook – Cat. No. 553
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  Zentraedi Glaug Command™ – Cat. No. 55403
  This diverse pack provides your Zentraedi forces with greater tac�cal 
  capabili�es; three game pieces total. $36.95 retail.
  ● 1 Glaug Oﬃcer’s Ba�lepod – the fast and deadly mecha of Zentraedi 
  ﬁeld leaders.
  ●● 1 Quel-Regult Scout Ba�lepod – the stealthy eyes and ears of your 
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  ● 1 Quel-Gulnau Recovery Pod – enhances the Glaug’s ability to bring 
  in Ba�lepod reinforcements. Note: This ﬁgure has NEVER before 
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  Zentraedi Ar�llery Ba�lepods™ – Cat. No. 55402
  Give your Zentraedi legion greater ﬁrepower with these ar�llery and 
  support Ba�lepods; four game pieces total. $36.95 retail.
  ● 4 Zentraedi Support Ba�lepods, each of which can be made into:
  Gluuhaug-Regult – Light Ar�llery Ba�lepod
  Serauhaug-Regult – Heavy Ar�llery Ba�lepod
  TTelnesta-Regult – Experimental Par�cle Beam Ba�lepod
  Four game pieces total.
  Zentraedi Regult Ba�lepods™ – Cat. No. 55401
  Expand your Zentraedi forces with their main infantry ba�le mecha; 
  six game pieces total. $36.95 retail.
  ● 6 Regult Tac�cal Ba�lepods – the lightning quick Regults, armed with a 
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  UEDF Spartan/Phalanx Destroids™ – Cat. No. 55203
  Add some long-range power and up-close punch to your army with 
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  Expand your Destroid squad with these formidable walking tanks; 
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  with powerful par�cle beam cannons for arms, and wielding a 
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  ●● 2 Defender Destroids – a long-range, an�-aircra� juggernaut capable 
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  UEDF Valkyrie Wing™
  – Cat. No. 55201
  Build your ﬂeet of Earth defenders with the Valkyrie Veritech 
  Fighter; six game pieces total. $36.95 retail.
  ● 2 Valkyries in Fighter mode.
  ● 2 Valkyries in Guardian mode.
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  ● Mul�ple heads for making the VF-1A, VF-1J, VF-1R & VF-1S.
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  Play Earth defenders or Zentraedi invaders.
  ● Scalable from small squad skirmishes to mass ba�les.
  ● Turn-based system of play and uses D6. Two or more players.
  ● 34 highly detailed game pieces. 6mm scale.
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  Beyond the Supernatural™ RPG        Nightbane® RPG
  Other horror titles from Palladium Books®
  Fear the Reaper™ Sourcebook
   Heroes who, like knights of old, travel the highways fighting zombies 
  and helping survivors.
  ● Comprehensive background on the Road Reapers.
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  ● The Terror Zombie and more.
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  ● $12.95 retail – 48 pages – Cat. No. 234. Available now.
  Graveyard Earth™ Sourcebook
   The Zombie Apocalypse across the globe; provides a world overview 
  and many adventure ideas.
  ● Many tables for settings, encounters and adventure hooks.
  ● Random Safe Havens by region, and Survivor Leaders.
  ● How to get home from abroad, zombie threat levels & more.
  ● $12.95 
  ● $12.95 retail – 64 pages – Cat. No. 235. Available now.
  Hell Followed™ Sourcebook
   This big, 160 page sourcebook begins to redefine the zombie genre. It 
  broadens the field of possibilities and expands upon the modern zombie 
  mythos. It is full of twists and surprises you will not expect.
  ● 11 new types of terrifying zombies.
  ● 7 player characters, plus Masked Lunatics – heroes or madmen?
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  ● Government enclaves, conspiracy theories and more.
  ● $20.95 retail – 160 pages – Cat. No. 236. Available now.
  The Dead Reign® RPG series
  Dead Reign® RPG – “Core Rules.” It is the aftermath of the zombie 
  apocalypse. The dead reign and the living fight against impossible odds. 
  Can you survive? Find out with this fast-paced horror game. Easy to 
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  ● $12.92 retail – 64 pages – Cat. No. 232. Available now.
  Endless Dead™ Sourcebook
  The zombies grow in number and strangeness. Can humankind 
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  ● Zombie amalgamations, tables and encounters.
  ● New playe
  ● New player characters & timetables for your campaign.
  ● Weaponizing vehicles, vehicle combat rules, and military bases.
  ● Creating survivor caravans, hideouts, Safe Havens & more.
  ● $16.95 retail – 96 pages – Cat. No. 233. Available now.
  Can YOU survive the Zombie Apocalypse?
  
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  ®
  Unleash your imagination!™
  Rifts® Dimension Book™ 14:
  Thundercloud Galaxy™
  The Thundercloud Galaxy is the most mysterious of the Three Galaxies. It is filled with strange alien races (available as player characters), 
  weird creatures and monsters, secrets of the Gene-Tech, the weapons of the Dominators, ancient ruins of countless lost civilizations, and 
  adventure galore. 
  As
  As innocent colonists flock to the Thundercloud, they discover the galaxy holds more riches, beauty, dangers and dark secrets than anyone 
  has ever imagined.
  ● 17 new alien races, plus the Elder Races, Dominators and more.
  ● 9 notable monsters and strange creatures, plus minions.
  ● Learn about the mysterious Elder Races, complete with stats.
  ● Dominators and their weapons, gear and salvage available to players.
  ● Gene-Tech and their chemical enhancements, gear and salvage available to players.
  ● Colony C
  ● Colony Creation Tables and Indigenous People Tables.
  ● 101 Ruins and Adventures Table.
  ● Monster Creation Tables.
  ● Notable spacecraft, weapons, power armor and gear.
  ● Overview of the Thundercloud Galaxy, bits of history, new insights and many avenues of adventure.
  ● Play any type of space opera and science fiction scenario you can imagine.
  ● Written by Braden Campbell and Kevin Siembieda. 
  ● 160 pages of weirdness, aliens and adventu
  ● 160 pages of weirdness, aliens and adventure.
  $20.95
  Cat. No. 883
  ISBN-10: 1-57457-183-4
  ISBN-13: 978-1-57457-183-7
  Minion War™ Titles
  ● Dimension Book™ 10: Hades (Demon Hell described)
  ● Dimension Book™ 11: Dyval™ (Deevil Hell described)
  ● Dimension Book™ 12: Dimensional Outbreak™ (Phase World®)
  ● Heroes of the Megaverse® (Phase World®)
  ● Armageddon Unlimited™ (Heroes Unlimited™ crossover)
  ● 
  ● Rifts® Megaverse® in Flames™ (Minion War™ for Rifts®)
  Aliens Unlimited™ (Heroes Unlimited™)
  ● 100 different aliens – easy to convert to Phase World®.
  ● Super abilities, bionics, weapons and more.
  ● 192 pages of adventure.
  Aliens Unlimited™ Galaxy Guide™
  (Heroes Unlimited™)
  ● 19 alien worlds and their people.
  ● 19 alien worlds and their people.
  ● Monsters, robots, space skills and tons of equipment. 
  ● Spaceship creation rules and space survival.
  ● 224 pages – easy to convert to Phase World®.
  Armageddon Unlimited™
  (Heroes Unlimited™ crossover)
  ● Demons and Deevils vs superheroes.
  ● Can the heroes stop
  ● Can the heroes stop Armageddon?
  ● New Power Categories: Heroic Hellion, Demon Bestowed & others.
  ● Magic weapons, new super abilities and more.
  ● 160 pages – easy to adapt to any world setting.
  Rifts® World Book 35:
  Megaverse® in Flames™
  ● The Minion War comes to Rifts Earth.
  ● Demons, monsters, new magic and much more.
  ● Demons, monsters, new magic and much more.
  ● 192 pages of mind-blowing information and adventure.
  At stores 
  everywhere
  Also from Palladium Books®
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/RIFTS/Dimension Books/Rifts - Dimension Book 14 - Thundercloud Galaxy - PAL883P.pdf