Suri “Quick” Temprana and her mail-carrier

Suri was always an ambitious woman.  She chose her career because it gives her status,  daily challenges – and the chance to prove that women can do the job.

She is also very fond of speeding around on her (homemade) buggy.

What everybody knows:
Suri has a minor mutation: “extra” teeth in her upper jaw.   This has given her a lisp and makes her slightly self-conscious about smiling and laughing.
At some point, she had dental surgery to remove several teeth (she still has an extra set of canines).
She’s very professional and will deliver mail to anyone, anywhere.
She is very supportive of EmDees, midwives and other medical types.

What some people know:
The nickname “Quick” is only partially due to the speed of her buggy.  Suri chose it because it’s easier for her to say clearly.  It is her radio callsign.

What very few people know:
She cannot have children

What nobody knows:
The dental surgery  was performed by a group associated with the Breeders.   In partial payment, she agreed to have a Tubal Ligation operation.

PD Roleplaying notes:
1. Remember the lisp.
2. She’s a feminist

Breeder/Slaver weaponry: gas grenades

Small “pocket-sized” grenades… that can be launched from a revolver.

Because sometimes it’s not just the good guys who get the weird stuff.

 

 

Task Group Michigan – Campaign Notes #4: Slavers

The lower Michigan peninsula (like many areas) has a problem with Slavers.  However, they do not identify themselves as “slavers” and will claim to be Agents of the Michigan Emergency Prisoner Workfare System, or MEPWS.

History of the Michigan Emergency Prisoner Workfare System

The MEPWS dates back to the beginning of Maxwell’s Militia.  When the Militia seized power, it had to make decisions about the fate of prisoners held in Michigan’s jails.  Many (mostly old, sick and non-white) were killed, but some inmates were incorporated into a “Prisoner Workfare” system where they were given the choice of working or starving.

The system was always corrupt (especially with the female prisoners) but – in general – the prisoners were a useful asset.  They were used on farms, road repair and in the more dangerous salvage operations.  Also, the Militia found that some prisoners had useful skills such as mechanics and welders.  The MEPWS was so useful to the Militia that it “became necessary” to keep prisoners for life.  Propaganda stated that the Prisoners were incapable of life “outside” and needed to be kept under supervision.   In other words, there would be no chance of parole, or even release.  Children born to female prisoners were given the status of “inmate by birth”.

The MEPWS operated for decades and partially survived the collapse of Maxwell’s Militia.  It now operates out of pre-war Prison facilities in Ionia and Jackson.  Naturally, it is on very good terms with the Steel Crusaders.

Task Group Michigan – Campaign Notes #3: The Steel Crusaders, Bikers of Grand River Valley

The Steel Crusaders, are a large, heavily-armed group of Bikers, the primary “military” force of Southern Michigan. They might be encountered anywhere in Michigan, but are most likely to be found near the Grand River. The SC roam – at will – along the river valley; they prey upon the communities that exist between the ruins of Jackson and the ruins of Grand Haven.  The majority of the Crusaders are in their late teens or early 20’s.  Most of them are simply swaggering thugs – lording it over people who are too frightened or too weak to fight back.

NPC Rolodex #9: Mister Peter Franklin, Travelling Monk

Mister Franklin with one of his flutes

Some people call him a saint, but Peter Franklin doesn’t see it that way.

What everyone knows

1. Mister Franklin is from “The Library” – a place where people collect knowledge of the World and the Old Times.
2. He is a skilled teacher and has taught many people to read (both text and music)
3.  He makes flutes and other musical instruments
4. He is highly respected in the local communities and has often helped them to settle disputes without bloodshed.

What nobody knows

1.  Mister Franklin was once a high-ranking member of the Breeders (aka The American Renaissance Movement or ARM).
2.  He is attempting to atone for his actions – and the numerous deaths he was responsible for

Background

The Breeders attempt to prevent the spread of mutations and have tried several ways to improve their efficiency.  One of their experiments was inspired by the 20th century Concentration Camps.  It was not an unqualified success.   It killed many mutants, but the Breeders were intrigued to discover that their personnel were often troubled by what they classified as the simplest forms of mental illness: empathy and guilt.   The Camp was closed and attempts were made to rehabilitate the staff.  Approximately 25% were classified as incurable – and designated as “IOD” (Involuntary Organ Donor).

Franklin was one of the Camp Guards – and one of the incurables.  He escaped and eventually encountered “The Library”.   For the last 30 years, Franklin has been trying to atone for what he did.

Cave Rats and the The Delphi Diner

One of the new Encounter Groups in 4th edition is the “Cave Rats” or “Tunnel Rats”; these are the descendants of people who found or built underground shelter before the Wars and Asteroid strikes.  They don’t have a very high technology (early 20th Century) but trade in “recycled technology, information, iron ore”.  This article is an attempt to add a little more detail and suggest how a PD might incorporate them into a campaign.

The “Delphi Diner” is a relic from an earlier time – when America was mobile and the roads were safe.  It is close to the Cave Rat community and is linked by power and phone lines.  Warning: Following the pylons back to “Home” is discouraged.  There are traps and even a few landmines on the route.

“Technical” Tactics

The most common pseudo-military vehicle in the world of the Morrow Project is usually a “Technical” – an open-backed civilian pickup truck or four-wheel drive vehicle mounting some form of heavy weapon: a machine gun, light anti-aircraft gun, recoilless rifle, or other support weapon.   Maxwell’s Militia is the most widespread user, but this weapons platform is available to almost any group that has Technology Level C.

Organization

There is very little sophistication in the use of  “Technicals”.

1. The basic unit is the vehicle and its mounted squad:  a group of 4 to 8 fighters with their gear  and supplies.

2. the vehicles usually operate in groups of 4 or more

3. There is only one tactical formation: the ‘extended line”

SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)

1. “Maintain an extended line abreast”

2. “Keep your neighbours just in sight, but no closer”

3. “Move to the sound of the guns”

4. “Dismount when you see the enemy”

5. “”When you come under fire, stop and fire back”

How this works in combat

Technicals always move abreast and maintain a distance between them such that each unit can just see the vehicles on either side (obviously, this distance varies dependent on terrain etcetera).   The intended result of this movement formation is that the enemy will be easily flanked.

The vehicles that first encounter the enemy will immediately halt and lay down suppressive fire.  The momentum of the advance will cause the other vehicles to advance a small distance  before they can react and turn towards the firefight – this will result in a flanking position.  There is no need for radio communication or formal orders, each unit turns towards the gunfire and (while maintaining formation) automatically positions itself on the flanks or to the rear of the enemy position

Once the fighters can see the enemy, they dismount and form another extended line about 3 or 4 metres in front of their Technical. The unit (dismounted fighters and vehicle)  then sweeps forward until they come under fire – at this point the fighters take cover and the vehicle stops while the squad’s heavy weapon is used.  Meanwhile the other Technicals (and their fighters) close in on the position (again without formal coordination – just guided by the sound of gunfire).

Note: The squad leader remains with the vehicle (and may be the main gunner).  He coordinates his fighters and driver by voice commands.  Professional military might consider this less than optimal, assuming that the squad leader should join the dismounted fighters and  leave a trusted subordinate to manouver the vehicle.  But it must be remembered that the leader usually owes his position to the fact that his family owns the Technical – an immensely valuable and almost irreplaceable asset.  He would be foolish to risk losing control.  All squad leaders agree that ambitious subordinates should be kept IN FRONT of the machine gun

NPC Rolodex #8: Sir Kay, Grail Knight

Using the Napoleon’s Own encounter group can be tricky – but they can (and should) be more than “comic relief”.

Sir Kay is an example.  She believes herself to be the reincarnation of one of the Knights of the Round Table.  She is not unique: there is a group of Grail Knights (all searching for Arthur and the Holy Grail).  However, when the PC’s meet her, she is on a separate quest: looking for the Morrow Project.

NPC Rolodex #7: Major Jason Carswell, Squadron Commander, KFS Air Force

 Major Carswell is commander of RiverHawk Squadron and might be encountered anywhere within 100 kilometres of the KFS border.  He was forced into a crash-landing after his P-47 experienced engine failure – and now he’s “walking home”.   On his return, he intends to discipline his mechanics and recommend the SERE trainers for commendation.

Personality: Carswell is arrogant and tends to be over-confident.  However, he’s not stupid and has good self-discipline.  (Unlike many in the KFS Air Force, his rank was achieved on merit; it wasn’t just his family connections). Equipment: Flightsuit, 9mm pistol (only 6 rounds left) KFS “gunfighter” belt (contains maps, compass, etcetera)

Notes: Carswell’s only weapons are a pistol and a survival knife.  He won’t resist if faced by superior firepower (and would really appreciate a  good meal).

Uses in the game:  

Ransom: the KFS Air Force issues “blood chits” for its pilots and promises 10,000 credit reward for their return Prisoner Exchange: “Bullets & Blugrass” could run very differently if there’s a negotiation involved Information: If treated well, Carswell will be happy to chat about the KFS Air Force (he WANTS to impress)

NPC Rolodex #6: “Joker” the Scout

Dodge “Joker” Harding – Trucker Scout
Truckers have to be cautious when moving along the old Interstates.  Some routes are structurally unsafe and some have a “bandit problem”.  Also – on a commercial level – it’s good to know if there’s a market for goods and services.  This is where people like “Joker” are useful.  Joker will explore an area and report back to the convoy.

Joker is a friendly young man and has a certain charisma.  People tend to like him and trust him (especially if they’ve dealt with his family)

Scout Equipment:

Scouts  tend to travel light and don’t carry much equipment: an inspection light, a few “trade items” and a handgun.  They will either walk or use a modified motorbike