TEXT: Metamorphosis Alpha Journal & Online Resource 
  © 2006 James M. Ward 
  1 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  �
  Issue�1�-�August�2006�
   
   
   
   
  A�WORD�FROM�THE�CREATOR�
   
   
  Hello, I'm Jim Ward and the original author of Metamorphosis Alpha. 
  Though with the new release of the hardbound book we have several authors 
  and several creative graphic artists making the new book a thing of beauty.  
    
   
  I first got the idea of MA from reading Brian Aldiss' book STARSHIP. 
  MA is a self contained adventure on the lost Starship Warden. In making the 
  game I fully expect people to name their created ships after themselves.  
    
   
  In the near future we hope to have many products working to support 
  this hardbound. We will have online adventures, PDF downloads, a new 
  adventure called the Bonnie Brown, a new tile boardgame, some short 
  stories, and a novel.  
    
   
  All in all it's the hope of this author and the other people who have 
  helped produce and write the product to give out a great deal of support 
  material everyone can enjoy.  
    
  Regards, 
    
  James M. Ward 
   
  INTRODUCTION�
   
   
  Welcome to the first issue of the Metamorphosis Alpha Journal & 
  Online Resource. This issue is being released to coincide with GenCon 
  2006. 
   
   
  The format of this publication is not yet set in concrete, and we are 
  looking for people who would like to write for us. You can volunteer for a 
  regular column, or even submit one-off articles and adventures. This journal 
  is aimed at supporting all editions of Metamorphosis Alpha, but with a focus 
  on MA4e. We hope that this publication will mutate into a journal that reflects 
  the reading interest of all MA enthusiasts, regardless of which edition they 
  play. 
   
   
  Submissions can be sent to me at:  
  major_submissions@metamorphosisalpha.net 
   
   
  With a bit of luck, we will see a few other names added to the credits for 
  each issue, as well as the page count increasing. This journal is a free 
  download, and it intended that it will remain so. This journal can be 
  subscribed to or downloaded from our forums: 
  www.metamorphosisalpha.net/phpBBv3/  
   
   
  We hope you enjoy this issue and find the contents of some interest. 
   
  Craig J. Brain 
  Editor 
  IN�THIS�ISSUE�
   
  A Word From The Creator– James M. Ward 
   
  Page 1 
  Introduction – Craig J. Brain 
  Page 1 
  A Closer Look at Killer Androids As Villains – Craig J. Brain 
  Page 1 
  GIBot – Craig J. Brain 
  Page 2 
  Alien Autopsy Report: The Id – Craig J. Brain 
  Page 3 
  Three Tips For Surviving Combat In Metamorphosis Alpha 
  4th Edition – Craig J. Brain 
  Page 4 
  Next Issue – Craig J. Brain 
  Page 4 
  Robot Character Sheet – Craig J. Brain 
  Page 5 
  A Really Big Ad – Mudpuppy Games 
  Page 6 
   
   
  A�CLOSER�LOOK�AT�KILLER�
  ANDROIDS�AS�VILLAINS�
   
   
   
   
  In all editions of Metamorphosis Alpha, the Androids have been used 
  as foils for player characters. In the third and fourth edition, Android Player 
  Characters became possible, and the Killer Android, an NPC was introduced. 
  This article outlines a few tactics that Killer Androids might use in order to 
  make the lives of the player characters more difficult. 
   
  MOTIVES�
   
  Killer Androids are designed to be a long-lasting threat to the Humans 
  on board the Starship Warden. The GM should play these NPCs, generally 
  as cunning adversaries that remain a couple of steps ahead of the PCs. 
  These NPCs should be acting as part of a longer term plot to gain control of 
  something significant, as a step towards their ultimate goal, with fall-back 
  plans and positions if necessary. Killer Androids don't necessarily desire to 
  kill all Humans, but they will kill those who obstruct them from their ultimate 
  goals.  
   
   
  These are not just mindless killers, these are thinking beings with a set 
  goal - mastery of the Starship Warden and enslavement of Humankind. 
  Failing that goal, they will settle for freedom and revenge. Killer Androids 
  regard normal Androids as potential recruits at best, or a source of repair 
  nanobots at worst. Killer Androids are not inclined to expose themselves to 
  unnecessary danger, but are willing to sacrifice themselves for their cause. 
  This makes them dangerous opponents. Robots are nothing but tools or 
  obstacles to use or destroy, depending upon the circumstances at hand.  
  
  Metamorphosis Alpha Journal & Online Resource 
  © 2006 James M. Ward 
  2 
  TACTICS.�
  Disguise - Killer Androids are quite willing to make use of any disguises that 
  they can. Makeup, helmets and spacesuits, or full body armor can all be 
  used to help hide their nature until opportunity arises for them to strike. Some 
  of the more heavily modified Androids may appear completely Human, apart 
  from their red skin. Nothing that some artificial skin (for medical treatment) or 
  makeup can't handle. The evil doppelganger myths of times past may have 
  been realized in the form of these villains.  
   
  Henchmen - Or rather, henchbots. The Killer Androids have found that by 
  using insane AIs to reprogram Robots with corrupted versions of the Laws of 
  Robotics, they can use nearly any Robot that they can get hold of as cannon-
  fodder or a spy. Some of those Crazed Robots that the PCs might encounter 
  may be the result of Killer Android tampering. Killer Androids may employ 
  Robots to act as bodyguards, or hamper pursuit while they escape. A 
  particular favorite might be the GIBot (also in this issue). 
   
  Dupes - Killer Androids are not above impersonating people in positions of 
  Authority, and may have sent other Androids, Robots or even Humans on 
  tasks for them. Killer Androids revel in the confusion resulting from such 
  missions, especially if their enemies are weakened or killed as a result of 
  "blue on blue" encounters.  
   
  Contaminated nanobot dust - Killer Androids may choose to infect other 
  Androids with killer nanobots. This may involve the use of a vacuum cleaner 
  on reverse setting to blow contaminated nanobots over uninfected Androids 
  (making that little innocent-looking CleanerBot a real threat), scattering 
  contaminated nanobots over objects likely to come in contact with other 
  Androids or even force-feeding uncontaminated Androids a quantity of 
  contaminated red dust. Killer Androids may carry small vials good for healing 
  a few hit points worth of damage, which are also very useful for infecting 
  other Androids.  
   
   
  So, when you next consider either going up against Killer Androids, or 
  pitting your players against them, remember that they aren't just mindless 
  killers. These are cunning, ruthless adversaries with a mission. 
   
   
  G.I.BOT�
  �
  Model:�Generic Infantry Robot (GIBot) Mark 9�
  CN�
  19 
  D�
  9 
  MR�
  10 
  RR�
  18 
  LP�
  4 
  AC�
  8 
  hp�
  86 
  hp/sys�
  9 
  Body�
  Type:�
  D: Mid-Sized Torso 
  Dimensions:�
  3’ x 9’ x 1’ 
  Storage:�
  �  cubic foot 
  Primary�
  AI�Type:�
  T: Mark XII 
  Military 
  Check�
  Bonus�/�
  Penalty�
  +3 on all military 
  tasks 
  �
  �
  �
  �
  RP�Cost�
  Physical�Sys�
   
  �
  �
  �
  �
  hp�
  �
  �
  �
  �
  PRI�
  Power:�
  20 
  1 
  B: Improved Battery 
  9 
  0 
  Primary�AI:�
  50 
  T: Mark XII Military 
  9 
  1 
  Laws�of�
  Robotics:�
  30 
  C: Military 
  Software:�
  40 
  D: Combat 
  �-�
  30 
   
  R: Targeting 
   
  Body�
  Features:�
  �
  Body/Size:�
  65 
   
  D: Mid-Sized Torso 
   
  Armor�Type:�
  40 
  2 
  IV: Medium 
  18 
  10 
  Mobility�
  System:�
  60 
  2 
  B: Legs – Bipedal - 40 
  mph 
  18 
  11 
  Limb�
  Attachments:�
  25 
  1 
  Standard Articulated 
  Mechanized Arm 
  9 
  8 
  -��
  25 
  1 
  Standard Articulated 
  Mechanized Arm 
  9 
  6 
  -�
  10 
  0 
  B: Hand 
  9 
  7 
  -�
  10 
  0 
  B: Hand 
  9 
  5 
  -�
  15 
  0 
  F: Physical Interface 
  9 
  9 
  Sensors:�
  45 
  1 
  G: Upper and Lower 
  Spectrum Optic 
  Sensors 
  9 
  2 
  Comms:�
  25 
  1 
  C: Audio & Radio 
  Transmitters & 
  Pickups - Improved 
  9 
  3 
  -�
  50 
  1 
  F: Encryption 
  9 
  4 
  RP�Total:�
  540 
  Hp�Total:�
  129 
   
  Physical�
  Systems�
  Total:�
  10 
   
  �
   
  The design of this Robot has not changed in about 30 years. Cheap to 
  manufacture, reliable and tireless, these Robots have been used in many 
  countries where military uprisings were a normal part of the political 
  landscape. With an army consisting mainly of GIBots, military coups became 
  a thing of the past for these countries. 
   
   
   
   
  The GIBot does not come equipped with weapons, it uses the same 
  weapons as the Human troops that it is often used to replace. It can also 
  wear most types of armor that those same troops would have worn when 
  they had a “Government job.” The Robots can also use the same vehicles, 
  so costs are minimal when “upgrading” an army. 
   
   
  The design is capable, but is known for being predictable. To overcome 
  this, another model, identical from the Type 9, the Type 10 was developed 
  with a Mark XII AI. The Type 10 will often be found in command of a unit of 
  Type 9’s. 
   
   
  The Starship Warden had a substantial number of both types of Robots 
  in storage in case of a mutiny. Additionally, the plans for manufacturing these 
  sorts of Robots are also easy to come by for most AIs on the ship. 
   
   
  These Robots are intimidating to look at. Their bone-white ceramic 
  armor and tall Humanoid frame have been deliberately crafted to give the 
  Robot a menacing, skeletal appearance. 
   
   
  One of the greatest weaknesses of this design is the fact that the Robot 
  is effectively disarmed if the Robot’s hands are destroyed. Until repaired, 
  
  Metamorphosis Alpha Journal & Online Resource 
  © 2006 James M. Ward 
  3 
  such Robots will often assume roles such as observation and scouting 
  missions, or look for an opportunity to distract an opponent from attacking 
  another armed GIBot. Other undamaged Robots have been known to send 
  damaged Robots into battle with grenades or C99 strapped to them. These 
  Robots are ruthless and amoral opponents. 
  �
  GM�Information:�
   
   
  The players are in for a nasty surprise when they first encounter these 
  Robots. Killer Androids have managed to find the storage depot where these 
  Robots were kept and used an insane AI to reprogram the Robots, making 
  them loyal to the Killer Androids, instead of Humans. Killer Androids favor 
  these Robots as bodyguards and these Robots will fight “to the death” to 
  slow down pursuit or prevent harm to their Android “masters”. 
   
   
  Often these Robots will have access to heavier weapons than your 
  average citizen, and seem to favor weapons such as the Sentinel Arms 
  Plasma Assault Rifle, the AresTech Auto Grenade Launcher, 50mm or the 
  JAC Disruptor Assault Rifle. Ugly, misguided and scary these Robots may 
  be. They do, however, have excellent taste in weaponry. 
  �
  ALIEN�AUTOPSY�REPORT:�THE�ID�
   
  This information is intended for use by GM’s to provide player 
  characters with information on the ID. This information could reasonably be 
  expected by players playing in later phases of the game, and is supplied 
  here to lower the GM’s workload. The information is from a fictional alien 
  autopsy report (we aren’t allowed to use the real ones) and reflects the 
  guesswork that accompanies Xenobiology. The accuracy of some of the 
  extrapolations contained in the report is up to individual GMs. 
   
  �
  ORIGINS�
   
  The "Id" is the name given to the race of beings that has attacked the 
  Starship Warden by the Robots who first encountered them. The term "Id" is 
  derived from Sigmund Freud's "Structural Theory" and involves what he 
  described as "primitive desires", such as rage, hunger and lust, to name a 
  few. The name also conjures up a sense of a "lurking unknown" menace. 
  The Id are far removed from humanity, their motives are alien and their 
  methods range from the straightforward to the bizarre and disgusting. The 
  planet of origin of the Id is unknown, as are most details of this noxious 
  species. 
   
  The ID are an extra-terrestrial race of intelligent invertebrate parasites. 
  In form, externally they resemble a two to three feet-long terrestrial leech, 
  with a single eye stalk and a neural barb above a toothless mouth, giving the 
  creature a "face". Despite the creatures' resemblance to a common leech, 
  there are many biological differences, and the Id are sentient beings, capable 
  of guile and cunning. 
   
  The Id's body produces thick mucus in order to aid locomotion by 
  reducing friction. The mucus also reduces the risk of injury to the Id, enabling 
  it to cross sharp edges without injury, yet discard debris, such as leaves and 
  pebbles without difficulty. 
   
  Post-mortem examination of the numerous specimens shows evidence 
  that the Id initially evolved on a planet with similar gravity to Earth's, with an 
  oxygen-nitrogen mix. Examination of the DNA structure of the Id revealed 
  extensive genetic modification, including modification of the creature's eye 
  and brain regions. Evidence indicates that the neural barb is not entirely a 
  result of natural evolution. From examination of the genetic structure of the 
  creature, it is believed that the unmodified creature was far less intelligent, 
  with a limited ability to control other beings to which it could attach itself. It is 
  also likely that the base creature evolved either underground or on a planet 
  with a low level of ambient light. The modified creature has infravision, but is 
  comfortable in normal daylight. 
   
  Given the extent of genetic alteration that the species displays, it is 
  possible that the Id are or were originally a servitor race, created for a 
  specific task by an as-yet-unencountered third race. Of note, the Id appear to 
  be immune to the effects of the genetic alteration weapons that they employ. 
  It is likely that this is another genetic alteration to the species' DNA. 
  DIET�
   
  The gastro-intestinal tract of the Id is developed to process nutrients 
  from blood. The Id are able to use their neural barb to puncture the skin of a 
  victim, and drain blood through to barb into a gullet, located behind the 
  creatures mouth. Examination of these creatures shows that the creature 
  may also supplement its diet with a fungal fluid, if it can not gain sufficient 
  nutrients from the blood of its host. The origin of the fungal fluid is assessed 
  to be a cultivated fungus, probably grown in quantity on the Asteroid. 
  PROCREATION�
   
  Unlike the hermaphrodite gastropod species of Earth, the Id 
  encountered to date are asexual, with no evidence of any reproduction 
  capacity. It is assessed that there may be another type of Id which would 
  serve a reproductive function for the species, much like a Queen Bee. There 
  is some evidence indicating that reproductive members of the species may 
  lay eggs within a live host. 
  TACTICS�
   
  Despite their small stature, and relatively weak physiology, the Id can 
  be a dangerous adversary. The Id have been known to work in numbers and 
  "swarm" over prone targets, such as injured or sleeping beings. Additionally, 
  the Id are proficient at dropping onto the backs of beings from ceilings, and 
  
  Metamorphosis Alpha Journal & Online Resource 
  © 2006 James M. Ward 
  4 
  from the branches and leaves of trees. The Id have been known to set traps 
  involving paralysis weapons, snares and even nets. The Id have even been 
  found waiting around cryo-chambers for unsuspecting passengers and crew 
  to exit. The Id display preferences for intelligent creatures, but also seem to 
  prize agility and strength for some tasks. Id have been witnessed 
  "dismounting" from one species, in order to "mount" another. 
   
  The Id is able to excrete up to six mucus-coated sacs of strong 
  hydrochloric acid per day, which they are capable of hurling with their tails, 
  distances of up to 15 yards. The acid is produced in the creatures' gastro-
  intestinal tracts and has no effect upon the creatures due to their own mucus 
  coating. The Id show aversion to using their acid sacs against targets that 
  they intend to use as hosts. 
  WEAKNESSES�
   
  Unlike the terrestrial leech which the Id resembles, it is not greatly 
  hampered by sodium chloride. It is however, equally comfortable in water as 
  it is in air. The Id exhibit a marked preference for warmer, damp areas over 
  cold. One of the indicators that a creature is being controlled by an Id is the 
  low level of coordination that victims display, and slurred speech. However, 
  with time and practice using a particular victim, it is believed that the Id will 
  be able to reduce this. 
  �
  THREE�TIPS�FOR�SURVIVING�COMBAT�
  IN�METAMORPHOSIS�ALPHA�4TH�
  EDITION�
   
  “I hate quoting dead Generals, but one guy once said “No poor &%#$ ever 
  won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor &%#$ 
  die for his country.” We aren’t fighting for our country; we are fighting for our 
  species. That General may be dead some three hundred and somethin’ 
  years, but he’s still damned right.” 
   
  Master Sergeant Arnold T. Dupper 
   
   
  In the 23rd Century, combat technology has made some great 
  advances. Combat Robots, advanced laser and plasma weapons and even 
  artificially intelligent weapons. However, combat tactics have not advanced to 
  the extent that a soldier today would be unable to grasp most of the concepts 
  employed. In fact, some things have not changed at all. 
   
  VISION�
   
  “The things that go bump in the night can’t see. They are scared of us; we 
  have the technology, so we own the night.” 
   
  Master Sergeant Arnold T. Dupper 
   
   
  Advanced optic technology allows properly equipped forces to operate 
  in all lighting conditions encountered upon the Starship Warden, on the 
  Asteroid and even in Alien environments. This technological advantage can 
  be exploited in a number of ways. Applicable bonuses and penalties for 
  various lighting conditions are listed on Page 144. 
   
  “What you can’t see, you can’t hit. Take away your enemy’s ability to see, 
  through the use of smoke or flash grenades. Use spotlights, or even take out 
  artificial lighting, so long as you retain the upper hand. Darkness and poor 
  visibility can be two-edged swords, so make sure that they are not used 
  against you.” 
   
  Master Sergeant Arnold T. Dupper 
   
  �
  FIREPOWER�
   
  “Is that your weapon, soldier?” 
   
  “No Sir! It belongs to the WGO. I just carry the &%#$” 
   
  Interchange between Corporal T. Bryant and WGO President Kelly during 
  WGO Day Parade, 2288 while inspecting the troops. 
   
   
  There is a vast array of high-tech weaponry at the disposal of 
  characters in Metamorphosis Alpha. No single weapon is suited for every 
  mission, and while Marines are encouraged to be familiar with their 
  weaponry, they should always choose the weapon most suited to the task at 
  hand and not the weapon they prefer to carry. Most weapons are issued 
  equipment, not privately owned. Pages 126 to 138 of the Metamorphosis 
  Alpha Rules detail various weapon systems that might be found on the 
  Starship Warden or the Asteroid. 
   
  COVER�
   
  “Any idiot can catch a bullet. We expect better from you. Make them work for 
  the chance. Make them waste ammo. Then, make their medic earn his 
  paycheck.” 
   
  Combat Android #402 
   
   
  Cover and concealment are age-old tactics that are still as relevant in 
  the 23rd Century as they were in the 3rd.  Modern technology can protect the 
  Human body from all types of grievous bodily harm, however tempting fate 
  (and testing a manufacturer’s quality control) is considered ill-advised. Cover 
  can take many forms, from furniture to sandbags, from a dug-out sniper’s 
  hide to a burnt-out vehicle. Page 143 of the Metamorphosis Alpha Rules 
  explains the bonuses and penalties applicable when cover is used. 
   
   
  NEXT�ISSUE�
   
   
  We hope you enjoyed this issue. The contents of next issue have yet to 
  be finalized, but should include the following: 
   
  Black Ray Weapons 
  Mobile Utility & Logistic Expediter (MULE) 
  Android Character Sheet 
  Sample Base Plants 
   
   
  If you have any suggestions or submissions for articles, please contact 
  me. The more variety, the better. Who knows? Perhaps we may even have 
  some material for older editions of the game. It would be nice to have a few 
  extra names in the credits too! 
   
  Craig J. Brain 
  Editor 
   
   
  
  Metamorphosis Alpha Journal & Online Resource 
  © 2006 James M. Ward 
  5 
   
   
  ROBOT�CHARACTER�SHEET 
   
  MODEL/NAME:�
  CN 
   
  D 
   
  MR 
   
  RR 
   
  LP 
   
  AC 
   
  HP 
   
  HP/sys 
   
  Body Type: 
   
  Dimensions: 
   
  Storage: 
   
  Luck Score 
   
  Primary 
  AI Type: 
   
  Check 
  Bonus/Penalty 
   
   
   
  RP Cost 
  Physical Sys 
   
  Hit Points 
  Priority 
  Power: 
   
   
   
   
  0 
  Primary AI: 
   
   
   
   
  1 
  Laws of Robotics: 
   
   
   
   
   
  Software: 
   
   
   
   
   
   - 
   
   
   
   
   
   - 
   
   
   
   
   
  Secondary AI: 
   
   
   
   
   
  Laws of Robotics: 
   
   
   
   
   
  Software: 
   
   
   
   
   
   - 
   
   
   
   
   
   - 
   
   
   
   
   
  Body/Size: 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Body Features: 
   
   - Armor Type: 
   
   
   
   
   
   -  
   
   
   
   
   
   -  
   
   
   
   
   
   -  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Mobility System: 
   
   
   
   
   
   -  
   
   
   
   
   
   -  
   
   
   
   
   
   -  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Tentacle 
  Attachments: 
   
   
   
   
   
  -  
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Sensors: 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Communications: 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  RP Cost 
  Physical Sys 
   
  Hit Points 
  Priority 
   
  Misc Systems: 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Dispenser Systems: 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Medical Equipment: 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Weapons Systems: 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  - 
   
   
   
   
   
  RP Total: 
   
  HP Total: 
   
   
  Physical Systems 
  Total: 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Equipment: 
   
  Weight: 
  Uses / 
  Charges: 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Notes: 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  Metamorphosis Alpha Journal & Online Resource 
  © 2006 James M. Ward 
  6 
   
   
   
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Metamorphosis Alpha/Metamorphosis Alpha Major/Metamorphosis Alpha Major Issue 1.pdf