Mission: The Invasion of Alpha State (part 3)Chapter 8 – Debriefing:Assuming the Troubleshooters make it back in one piece (a pretty big assumption, actually, but anyhow…), they will be met by Sergeantr-O, and ordered to report to DUD Sector Debriefing Room 24-D as soon as possible. Finding the room will not pose a problem, and once they arrive, they will be confronted with the following:
After a brief journey, you make it to Room 24-D. It’s not much to look at, containing only one bench and a podium. Oh yes, and a squad of Vulture Warriors, but that’s to be expected in this sort of situation, anyhow. One of the Vultures gestures curtly to the bench with his hand flamer and says, “Drop all your weapons on the floor in front of the podium, then sit down.” The look on his face indicates that he means business.The Troubleshooters should do as he says. The Vulture Warriors (skill 10, damage F10) really do mean business. Resume the debriefing with the clone replacements if necessary.
After seating yourselves, you wait. And wait. And wait. During all this time, the Vultures don’t take their eyes off of you. One of them absently twirls his hand flamer. Suddenly, the door opens again, and a Blue clearance Citizen strides into the room, carrying a thick folder. Behind him are four Blue Internal Security officers in full riot gear. As the Citizen takes his place behind the podium, the IntSec officers take up positions behind you. The Citizen opens his folder and flips through the papers for a few moments, and then glares at you.The Blue Citizen, James-B-OND-4, is one of IntSec’s top investigators. His name is not on his crisp jumpsuit. He makes frequent eye contact with the Troubleshooters, but his face does not betray any emotions whatsoever. Continue:
“Citizens. I have been ordered by the Computer to conduct your debriefing in the place of Eye-B-SIK-5, who is unavoidably detained. You were ordered to take part in mission number IAS/A-69, in which a pre-emptive strike was to be launched against Alpha State, the centre of Communist activity. In so doing, you managed to destroy a number of targets as laid out by the Computer. Team Leader, name them.”The Team Leader should do so. Assuming he or she is correct, read:
“Correct. In destroying those targets, Alpha State’s defensive capabilities were effectively destroyed, resulting in a resounding victory for Alpha Complex. Your exploits have been captured on vidtape, and will be broadcasted after the upcoming episode of Teela-O-MLY. Congratulations, Citizens, for you have earned the coveted Award of Battle Merit 4th Class.”Allow the Troubleshooters to bask in their glory for a minute or two, then continue:
“In addition, I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, you are all promoted to Orange security clearance, with all the rights and duties entailed therewith, and each of you has been awarded a bonus of 2,000 credits.”The Troubleshooters should be extremely happy right now – James-B will notice those who are not, and those Citizens will earn a couple of treason points for their failure to appreciate the Computer’s largesse. Once the Troubleshooters calm down, continue:
“However, it has also come to our attention that a great misdeed has been committed. During the assault on Alpha State, one of Alpha Complex’s own sectors, ZOT Sector, came under assault. The fighting was fierce, the defenders held out as best they could, but ultimately they failed. Since the only true enemy of Alpha Complex is the Commie mutant menace, it is logical to assume that such a force attacked ZOT Sector. As you will see from this security camera footage from several locations around ZOT Sector, a concerted assault was made against several key installations, namely, the Communications Centre, the Ammunition Storage Facility, and the Information Processing Node.”The footage mentioned by the Citizen appears on a pop-up vidscreen behind him. Clearly shown are gun battles between the loyal defenders of ZOT Sector, and an elite squad of murderous Commies. They are all Red clearance (but then again, all Commies are Red through and through), but a couple of them look vaguely familiar.Most of the Troubleshooters should clue in that the footage shows them making their attacks against their designated targets in “Alpha State”, but for those who do not, a regular Moxie check should clear things up. Even if the Troubleshooters destroyed the security cameras, some of the film was uploaded into the network and sent to the Computer’s mainframe – there is no escape. If the Troubleshooters did not get shot down, then the footage will be of those targets being nuked, and James-B will mention that the aircraft was identified as having been assigned to the Troubleshooters.
The Citizen continues, “I am sure you will agree that these Commie mutant traitors look very familiar. Since it is you, Troubleshooter Team IAS/9698A, who were shown to be attacking ZOT Sector, and since only a Commie traitor would willingly attack Alpha Complex, the Computer has pronounced you guilty of committing acts of Commie sabotage and destruction. This vidtape evidence proves your disloyalty to the Computer, your willful destruction of Computer property, and the depths of your malevolence in the service of Communism! For these heinous acts, you are all hereby demoted to Infrared clearance, stripped of your Awards of Merit, and each fined 5,000 credits.”GMs should increase the financial penalty by the value of the mission equipment lost and/or destroyed – this can be levied against the team’s Equipment Officer, or divided amongst the survivors. However this works out, continue:
“In addition, you have all been sentenced by the Computer, in Its infinite wisdom, to death for your crimes. Before your richly deserved executions are carried out, is there anything you traitors wish to say?”This is it – do or die. Well, “die” is almost certain at this stage, but it never hurts to give the Troubleshooters an illusion of hope. This is the opportunity for the Troubleshooters to beg and plead for mercy, to say that it was all a mistake, that they fell victim to Commie mind control, and, most likely, that it was the fault of someone else on the team. Those Troubleshooters who manage to pin the blame on one or more of the others, thus proving the treason of others, will have their own treason point totals reduced. As the arguments continue, note down who says what, and adjust their treason point totals accordingly. Once you think enough has been said, James-B will order the immediate executions of those who were unrepentant (they are shot by the IntSec officers), and then sentence those who were repentant (but still possessed more than 20 treason points) to be reassigned to the FUD Sector algae farm – as fertilizer (these clones are then dragged away by the IntSec officers). Those who managed to bring their treason point total to less than 20 will be promoted to Red clearance for their loyalty to the Computer in the face of adversity, and then be sent to DOA Sector for Experimental Brain Reconfiguration Therapy, as a show of their continued dutiful service to the Computer. Activate new clones all around, if any are left.
Well, there you go, another
Paranoia adventure brought to a happy ending! The players had some mandatory fun (the best kind), and the accusations of treason flew in great number. In future missions, the players can learn of the great ZOT Sector Massacre, in which a Troubleshooter Team went insane and ruthlessly butchered an entire sector filled with innocent, hardworking Citizens. Of course, the truth need never be known. The remaining population of ZOT Sector was executed for treason shortly after the mission cleanup; in the Computer’s attempt to reconcile the issue, It reasoned that, if they
weren’t traitors, then they would not have been invaded by Alpha Complex forces. The fact that the invasion happened must have meant they really were Commies, and therefore they all had to be executed. ZOT Sector was subsequently redesigned as ZOW Sector. But no one talks about that.
Likewise, no one seems to know what happened to those clones who participated in the almost-legendary Invasion of Alpha State – most clones know about the invasion, but no one seems to know of anyone who actually participated in it. The Computer had them all executed too – they attacked a Commie stronghold that turned out to be ZOT Sector, so they had to be Commies themselves for carrying out such an act of treason. And another legend is born…
Secret Society Missions:
This section contains secret society missions that can be assigned to the Troubleshooters prior to the mission itself. Feel free to take each player aside and read their mission to them quietly.
Anti Mutant: A contact of yours in POP Sector PL&C just received word that your Troubleshooter Team is scheduled to stop by there for a major pickup prior to your mission. One of the clerks (an Orange) is a member of our society, and has set aside a Sonic Rifle for you. Just say, “I understand that we’re supposed to be getting some extra fuel.” to the contact, and ensure that you are the last person to leave the area. When no one else is looking, you will get the weapon. We hear that you will need the extra firepower where you are going – the place is full of mutants!
Communists: Your party cell leader, Stal-I-NNN-3, has learned that your mission will strike deep into Communist territory! You must not allow this mission to succeed! Wherever possible, sabotage unsupervised mission equipment and try to spread the glorious word of Communism! If all else fails, kill those members of your team who refuse to abandon the oppressive dogma of the Computer!
Computer Phreaks: You know how you love those death-matches we play on AlphaNet late at nightcycle? Well guess what? This mission is one big death-match! The word is out that one of the gang managed to do something cool, and you’ll get to play the most realistic vidgame yet! If you survive, tell everyone on the Net how it was, but while you’re at it, take note of any neat scenarios we can use for the next version of the game!
Corpore Metal: Although we believe your mission will not involve bots to any great extent, the standard operating procedures apply: If you see a free bot, help it in any way you can; if you find any bots that remain enslaved by their Asimov circuits, free them. If any of your fellow Troubleshooters try to stop you, kill them. We understand that this mission will provide many opportunities to sow chaos among the meatlings – take advantage of it.
Death Leopard: So buddy, we hear you’re off to Alpha State. The Ultimate Beast says that Alpha State is full of evil Commies who don’t know how to have fun. Show ‘em how we do it in Alpha Complex, get it on vidtape, and you’ll become a gang leader for sure! One of our guys on the inside at PL&C has managed to sneak in a Multicorder into your team’s mission equipment. Grab it, use the can of neon Blue spray paint we’ve provided you, and party!!
FCCCP: The most Blessed Shepherd of our flock, the illustrious Pen-I-TNT-4, has heard from on high that your mission shall take you into the bowels of Communist infamy itself – Alpha State! Verily shall the awesome wrath of the Computer (praises be!) smite the unbelievers and lay their false ideology low, and you must be the hand that delivers that fateful blow! Use wisely the hand flamer that we have provided you, and burn the Communist traitors unto their final torment! But be wary, loyal follower, for we hear there are Communists on your Troubleshooter team.
Frankenstein Destroyers: Though they may be scum, we hear that the Commies have invented a device that allows its user to deactivate any bot from a distance. Obviously, this would be of tremendous use to us. If you find it, grab it! In the meantime, watch out for Commie spies on your Troubleshooter team. We hear the PL&C clerk who will be serving you can be bribed – use the extra 100 credits we have given you to acquire a couple of ECM slugs, then obtain a slugthrower from your mission equipment. Use them on any suspicious bots you find.
Free Enterprise: The big boss tells us that your bunch is headed to Alpha State, a major den of Communism. Of course, such deluded souls need to be exposed to the wonders of the marketplace, and you’re the sort of clone to do it! We’ve given you a dozen Teela-O-MLY trinkets (she’ll be their favourite vidstar before long), and 24 cans of Bouncy Bubble Beverage – when they taste that wonderful brew, they’ll know in their wayward hearts that buying low and selling high is the way to go! If you find anything good out there, bring it back – we might be able to sell it back home.
Humanists: We have heard that your Troubleshooter team will be going to Alpha State, the very den of Communism itself! Though Communism is the antithesis of all that is good in human society, we have heard that Alpha State contains bots and computers that are truly subservient to humans. If this is indeed so, try to retrieve some samples of their programming (a bot brain would be a good start) for later study.
Illuminati: Take the plastic eye in the pyramid that we have given you, and place it atop the highest structure you can find. Then, when you deem all to be in readiness, chant the following phrase in front of the first group of bystanders you find: “Thus spake the High Chapperal to the flock, ‘There’s a sucker born every minute’, but be nice to the sucker with the biggest gun.” When this done, tear open the packet of Blissful Joy juice flavour crystals we have also given you, and shake out the contents on the ground, forming as large an eye in the pyramid symbol as you can create. Do not fail.
Mystics: Some Commie once said that religion is the opiate of the masses – that is so deep! We have heard that you will be going on a long journey to the land of Commie philosophy itself. Perhaps you might meet some of these great thinkers, and over some good drugs, blow your minds on the possibilities of creating Cosmic Oneness. We have given you two hydropsionic acid tablets – have a nice trip!
Pro Tech: We have heard that your mission will take you Outside, possibly to an old research facility! You must try to find some relics of the Old Reckoning, and bring them back. They had cool gadgets in those daycycles, and perhaps there might be some real treasures out there than we can copy and improve.
PSION: Danger! Our sources have told us there are a couple of Anti-mutants on your Troubleshooter team! Find out who they are, and kill them!
Purge: One of our clones on the inside has uncovered something big! Your Troubleshooter team is to be sent to Alpha State, the home base of the Commies themselves! Rumour has it that theirs is a society controlled by humans, but that it was not always so. Try to capture a knowledgeable-looking Commie, and find out whether this is true. If so, find out how they did it!
Romantics: Our agents have not been able to find out much about your upcoming mission, except that it might involve leaving Alpha Complex. If this is true, you should seek out Old Reckoning relics if you can.
Sierra Club: Loyal member! Our SUN Sector tree-planting project is well advanced, but we need more specimens! Collect all interesting plant samples that you come across, and perhaps a couple of insects to balance the ecosystem. We have given you four specimen jars to aid you.
NPC Roster:
Chapter 1 – The Mission Briefing:Name Service Group Secret Society Mutation Weapons/Armour Description
Eye-B-SIK-5 Armed Forces Romantics (11) Energy Field (10) Blue laser pistol (11, L8)/None Bored briefing officer
Chapter 2 – Training:Name Service Group Secret Society Mutation Weapons/Armour Description
Vulture Warriors (4) Armed Forces Various Various Neurowhip (11, E10)/Green reflec Quiet fellows who just do their jobs
Sergeantr-O-KKK-2 Armed Forces Pro Tech (7) Mental Blast (9) Orange laser pistol (12, L8)/ Orange reflec Typical armchair general
Grund-G-GUY-3 Armed Forces Corpore Metal (3) Empathy (2) Green laser pistol 10, L8)/Green reflec Not a people person
Orange thugs (6) Armed Forces Various Various Orange laser pistol (11, L8)/ Orange reflec Morons looking for an excuse to shoot people
Chapter 3 – Let’s Grab Our Gear and Go!:Name Service Group Secret Society Mutation Weapons/Armour Description
Anne-V-KEY-5 CPU Romantics Hyper-senses (8) None/None Flustered high-clearance Citizen
Frankenstein scrubots (6) None Corpore Metal (1) None Abrasive scrubber (5, I6) or Red laser pistol (3, L8)/ Chrome (ALL2) Janitors gone bad, with a scrubber to grind against humanity
Angry crowd Various Various Various Knife (6, I7) or Red laser pistol (6, L8)/None Average Citizens who are fed up with the system
Vulture Warriors (8) Armed Forces Various Various Slugthrower (10, P7)/Green riot armour (L4P3) Well-armed clones who just want some peace and quiet
Duct-O-TAP-4 PL&C Anti-Mutant (4) Energy Field (11) Orange laser pistol (8, L8)/ Orange reflec (L4) Lazy, annoyed PL&C clerk
Blue IntSec Goons Internal Security Various Various Slugthrower (12, P8)/Blue riot armour (L4P3) High-clearance thugs
Chapter 4 – Up, Up, and Away!:Name Service Group Secret Society Mutation Weapons/Armour Description
Vulture Warriors (10) Armed Forces Various Various Slugthrower (11, P7)/Green reflec Well-armed thugs eager to keep the peace
Sergeantr-O-KKK-2 Armed Forces Pro Tech (7) Mental Blast (9) Orange laser pistol (12, L8)/ Orange reflec Typical armchair general
Hap-LES-6 Technical Services None Matter Eater (1) None Infrared porter
Use-LES-6 Technical Services None Adrenaline Control (5) None Whiny Infrared porter
Brain-LES-6 Research and Design Pro Tech (1) Telekinesis (9) None Dim-witted Infrared porter
Gorm-LES-6 PL&C Communists (1) Energy Field (10) Brass knuckles Conniving Infrared porter
Hope-LES-6 HPD & Mind Control None Teleport-ation (6) None Infrared porter
Gut-LES-6 Armed Forces None Pyrokinesis (8) None Nervous Infrared porter
Life-LES-6 Technical Services Communists (1) Regener-ation (12) Knife Tough Infrared porter
Chapter 5 – The Battle of the Skies:Name Service Group Secret Society Mutation Weapons/Armour Description
Enemy vulturecraft pilots (many) Armed Forces Various Various See vulturecraft description in appendix Eager, glory-seeking turbo-jockeys
Defenders of ZOT Sector/Alpha State (300) Armed Forces Various Various Red laser pistol (8, L8)/Red reflec Brave Citizens protecting their homes
Chapter 6 – Behind Enemy Lines:Name Service Group Secret Society Mutation Weapons/Armour Description
Sniper (numbers determined by GM) Armed Forces Various Various Laser rifle (13, L9)/Orange reflec Sneaky clone eager to seek vengeance
Red ZOT Sector soldiers (6) Armed Forces Various Various Red laser pistol (8, L8)/Red reflec Fanatical clones with no sense of self-preservation
ZOT Sector Commies (6) Various Communists (2) Various Slugthrower (9, P7)/Kevlar (P3) Fanatical clones with little sense of self-preservation
ZOT Sector citizens (20) Various Various Various Makeshift clubs (7, I5)/None or Red laser pistol (L8)/ None Ordinary Citizens who have been pushed too far
Red Communications Centre guards (4) Armed Forces Various Various Slugthrower (11, P7)/Red riot armour (L4P3) Unimaginative thugs, almost qualified for the job
Red loafing clone Power Services Sierra Club (1) Matter Eater (8) Feeble punch (6, I2)/None Lazy, whiny would-be couch potato
Orange generator supervisor Power Services Pro Tech (3) Mechanical Intuition (12) Orange laser pistol (7, L8)/ None Bossy micro-manager
Red generator technicians (3) Power Services Various Various Makeshift clubs (5, I4)/None Wimpy techies
Yellow control room supervisors (2) HPD&MC Various Various Yellow laser pistol (9, L8)/None Paper pushers who think they’re heroes
Red control room clerks (10) HPD&MC Various Various 4 have Red laser pistol (6, L8)/None and rest have None/None Meek paper pushers eager to avoid trouble
Orange control room guards (2) Armed Forces Various Various Slugthrower (9, P8)/Orange riot armour (L4P3) Unimaginative thugs who are qualified for the job
Yellow Ammunition Storage Facility guards (4) Armed Forces Various Various Slugthrower (13, P9)/Yellow riot armour (L4P3) Terminally bored guards eager for some target practice
Combots (3) None None None Slugthrower (7, P8)/Blast shielding (ALL3) Big on guns, low on personality
Green Information Processing Node guards (6) Armed Forces Various Various Slugthrower (13, P10)/Green riot armour (L4P3) Unimaginative thugs who are overqualified for the job
Red clerks (15) CPU Various Various Red laser pistol (7, L8)/None Cowardly paper pushers
Chapter 7 – The Triumphant Return?:Name Service Group Secret Society Mutation Weapons/Armour Description
Enemy vulturecraft pilots (10-20) Armed Forces Various Various See vulturecraft description in appendix Glory-seeking turbo-jockeys bent on vengeance
Pursuing ZOT Sector army (as many as GM needs) Armed Forces Various Various Red laser pistol (8, L8)/Red reflec Vanquished army looking for a convenient scapegoat
Chapter 8 – Debriefing:Name Service Group Secret Society Mutation Weapons/Armour Description
Sergeantr-O-KKK-2 Armed Forces Pro Tech (7) Mental Blast (9) Orange laser pistol (12, L8)/ Orange reflec Typical armchair general
Vulture Warriors (6) Armed Forces Various Various Hand flamer (skill 10, damage F10 Burly clones who mean business
James-B-OND-4 IntSec Illuminati (20) Telepathy (11) Blue laser pistol (13, L8)/None Suave clone who works mysteriously
IntSec officers (4) IntSec Various Various Blue laser pistol (12, L8)/Blue riot armour (L4P3) Well-trained thugs eager to use their skills
Gamemaster Appendix – Vehicle Statistics:Alpha Complex/Alpha State VulturecraftArmour: ALL4
Weapons: Laser Cannon III (damage L13), automatic slugthrower with 1,000 rounds of solid slugs (damage P7, 10 rounds fired per burst)
Pilot Skills: Vulturecraft Operation and Maintenance (14)
Projectile Weapons (13)
Vehicle Aimed Weapons (10)
Note: Once an Alpha Complex bomber has been damaged, 1d4 (or 1d20/5) enemy vulturecraft will close in to try to finish it off, firing first with lasers, and then firing slugthrower bursts once they get close enough to fly by. Alpha Complex vulturecraft will intercept enemy fighters that come too close, but will pull back if they receive a “wound” damage rating.
Alpha Complex BomberArmour: Forward Gunner Bubble ALL3
Cockpit ALL5
Main Fuselage ALL4
Wings ALL4
Tail Gunner Bubble ALL3
Under Gunner Bubble ALL3
Top Gunner Bubble ALL3
Weapons: Forward Gunner Special mounted slugthrower (damage P8) with 1,000 rounds of ammunition (10 rounds are fired per burst)
Mid Gunners Special mounted slugthrowers (damage P8) with 1,000 rounds of ammunition each (10 rounds are fired per burst)
Under Gunner Laser Cannon III (damage L13)
Top Gunner Laser Cannon III (damage L13)
Tail Gunner Special mounted slugthrower (damage P8) with 1,000 rounds of ammunition (10 rounds are fired per burst)
Skills: As per Troubleshooter
PRODUCTION, LOGISTICS, & COMMISSARYEQUIPMENT ISSUING AUTHORITY DEPARTMENT AND GAS BARISSUED EQUIPMENT SUMMARY FORM IAS/A-69-A.RG
(Permission granted by the Computer to photocopy for personal use – failure to photocopy is treason)
Quantity Item Clearance Value (credits)
250 Bottles of Bouncy Bubble Beverage IR 500
500 Bags of Cruncheetym Algae Chips IR 1000
1000 Happiness Energy Bars IR 2000
15 Packets of Cold Fun IR 30
35 Pairs of Boots IR 70
500 Visomorpain Tablets IR 500
500 Xanitrick Tablets IR 500
20 Cans of Mutant Spew™ Cola R 20
3 Bullhorns R 150
8 Gas Masks R 400
10 Flashlights R 100
10 First Aid Kits R 250
2 Personal Hygiene Kits R 50
10 Tins of Boot Polish R 30
100 Bottles of Super Shine Mouth Wash R 500
5 Bottles of SuperGum/Solvent R 125
100 Thermoses R 2500
6 Buckets R 60
2 Pillows R 24
1 Poncho R 15
100 Metres of Velcro R 500
4000 Metres of Plasticord R 4000
1 Hottorch R 100
10 Laser Barrels (Red) R 100
25 Grenades R 1250
6 Pairs of Brass Knuckles R 60
10 Laser Pistols R 1000
12 Truncheons R 120
250 Qualine Pills R 250
250 Pyroxidine 2 Pills R 250
150 Gelgernine Capsules R 150
300 Sandallathon Tablets R 300
1 Multicorder I R 600
1 Infrared Programme (Multicorder) R 50
1 Self-Destruct Programme (Multicorder) R 50
40 Metres of Dental Floss O 4
4 Pairs of Binoculars O 200
5 Pairs of Protective Goggles O 25
10 Hammers O 100
8 Laser Barrels (Orange) O 160
5 Laser Rifles O 1500
1 Crowbar Y 10
6 Folding Shovels Y 60
6 Laser Barrels (Yellow) Y 180
2 Flamethrowers Y 1000
2 Slugthrowers Y 1000
10 Solid Slugs Y 100
10 Dum-Dums Y 100
10 HEAT Slugs Y 100
4 Backpacks G 200
6 Matchboxes G 6
4 Rolls of Camera Film G 40
85 Notebooks G 85
10 Sticks of Chapstick G 1000
4 Laser Barrels (Green) G 160
1 Pretty Green Stone G 2
8 Geiger Counters B 800
10 Utility Knives B 500
1 Cone Rifle B 1000
10 Solid Shells B 300
10 Napalm Shells B 300
5 Tacnuke Shells B Classified
100 Thymoglandin Tablets B 500
4 Cigarette Lighters I 4
8 Pocket Watches I 80
10 Pairs of Infrared Goggles I 3000
700 Nails I 700
1 Satellite Dish I 25000
4 Hang Gliders V 2000
4 Inflatable Rafts V 400
23 Umbrellas V 230
1 Plasma Generator V 2000
1 Pocket Protector UV 3
TOTAL COST 60453
I, the undersigned, understand that any inability on my part to verify that all of the above items, upon completion of my mission, are both accounted for and in good working order, will be grounds for my immediate execution. Alternatively, the Computer may assign both myself, and the remainder of my Troubleshooter Team, to the GUT Sector Spleen and Liver Banks/Soft Drink Development Lab, should it be proven that any equipment loss was unavoidable under the circumstances prevalent at the time in question. In addition, I acknowledge that, by signing this form, I have given my consent to take part in any future Bouncy Bubble Beverage product testing.
________________ - ____ - ______ - __
(Signature of Equipment Officer)
submitted by
/u/No_5127 [link] [comments]
