Here we are again. NOVA just completed it's club championship which will be covered in "In The Arena" section this issue. For those of you who don't already know NOVA holds its club championship in the Fall, so as to avoid the Spring rush before the regionals. This works best for us.
Boat Wars is out now and is very similar to what was printed in ADQ. The hovercraft movement system is the most complex and mind-boggling to date. Whatever happen to SJG policy of KIS (Keep It Simple) for game rules? It's a pity they didn't accept my submarine rules. SJG timing could've been better; the best time for release would've been late August, early September, or better yet early May. Another interesting thing about this is that they twice rejected my new torpedoes and torpedo-like weapons. Something reeks in Texas, and it isn't the yellow roses.
NOVA's Fall mass mailing was a total flop; only one reply out of 50 and that was from the Lincoln Avengers. Is this how far we've fallen? Doesn't anybody want to find out what's going on in the other areas of the world? Autoduellists shouldn't be rowboats on an ocean. We can control our direction. Our strength comes from communication, not just with ADQ, but with each other. I realize that SJG has been silent and secretive lately with no AADA newsletter, which should go to all AADA members and not just the chapters. One problem is SJG is pushing GURPS more than Car Wars. They now have a GURPS newsletter at the cost of the AADA newsletter. The AADA staff is also the ADQ staff. Why don't they have a separate staff of 3 or 4 people? I'll never know. Is SJG miserly? In addition, for those who haven't known SJG just went through another staff (including ADQ) change. This is the second one in a period of 12 months. Indeed, what is going on in Austin? What do we Car Wegins have to do to stabilize the situation? Is there anything we can do? I'll leave it to the readers out there to ponder that.
In honor of the release of Boat Wars we proudly display some new sizes of the standard and homing torpedoes along with a couple of new devices.
Boats are by far the most interesting things that has happened to duelling in the last few years. Torpedoes are very popular in boat duels, especially the homing versions. A.C.E. is proud to introduce its new line of torpedoes before Spring and the beginning of the duelling season. Beat the rush, buy now while your boat's still in drydock and save with discount prices.
Standard Torpedoes travel only in a straight line and can do no maneuvers. Very common but not very effective. Speed is 50 mph. Maximum range is 120 inches.
Mini Torpedo: To Hit special, 1D6 damage, costs $150, weight 50 lbs., 1 DP and 1/2 space.
Medium Torpedo: To Hit special, 2D6 damage, cost $200, weight 75 lbs., 2 DP and 1 spaces.
Heavy Torpedo: To Hit special, 6D6 damage, cost $700, weight 200 lbs., 6 DP and 2 spaces.
The Homing Torpedo are the terrors in water duels, but are not unbeatable. They are so named because they lock on to the propeller sounds of the target boat and maneuver towards it at a speed of 50 mph and with a maximum range of 120 inches. If the propeller sounds are shut off, the torpedo will just go straight unless it hears another propeller sound to home in on. Stealthkote will not protect a boat from this kind of torpedo because they're not radar based. They can only track boats within their front arcs, so if you can out-maneuver them your o.k.
Mini Homing Torpedo: To Hit special, 1D6 damage, cost $375, weight 60 lbs., 1 DP and 1/2 space.
Medium Homing Torpedo: To Hit special, 2D6 damage, cost $500, weight 85 lbs., 2 DP and 1 space.
Heavy Homing Torpedo: To Hit special, 6D6 damage, cost $1,600, weight 250 lbs., 6 DP and 2 spaces.
Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG): Cost $700, 2 GE, to hit 8, takes two seconds to reload. This weapon has two ammo types. The heavy type does 2D6 damage and has a 2" burst effect. It is 1 GE and costs $350. The light type does 1D6 damage and has a 1" burst effect. It is ½ GE and cost $100. Maximum range for the RPG is 40". WARNING: This weapon is not totally reliable. Each time the weapon is fired roll 2D6 for a possible malfunction. If the roll is a 2 or 3 the weapon malfunctions. Roll 2D6 again and use the results listed below:
2-4: Dud. Hits target but doesn't explode, or doesn't leave the barrel but it's inert. Roll one die to determine how the RPG round ended up. Remember, an unexploded RPG round is still very dangerous!
5-9: Half damage done to target.
10-11: Hangfire. RPG will launch out of its barrel 2-12 seconds later.
12: BOOM! RPG instantly explodes. Take full damage, and apply burst effect damage to anyone else in range.
It takes one second to get a bad RPG out of a tube. The firer must then throw the round like a grenade in order to get rid of it. Of course, if there is enough time! A thrown RPG round to-hit number is 12.
Overview: There are three possible rolls to be made. 1) roll "to hit", 2) roll for possible malfunction, and 3) if a malfunction is rolled, determine what kind it is.
Jet Pack: 4 GE, 4 DP, costs $3,000 unfueled, cargo weight of 50 lbs. and takes up 1 space.
Jet Packs cannot be worn with any other backpack or weapons that require a backpack. It can be worn with a battlevest and improved body armor. A Jet Pack (JP) can hover at a maximum altitude of 10" and can reach a top speed of 50 mph with an acceleration of 2.5 mph. A JP has a HC of 2 and JP skill must be needed to fly one, otherwise there is a -2 penalty to fly them without the skill.
If hit from the rear a roll of 1-4 on one die will indicate the JP was hit instead. When firing hand weapons the HC is reduced by 2. JPs use a special fuel that costs $500 a gallon. A JP can hold two gallons maximum. Range with a full tank is 24 miles.
You can mount a 1-space weapon over the left shoulder for 110% normal empty cost of the weapon. All weapons so mounted must be non-recoil in nature.
As mentioned before SJG had another staff change. Let's see how long they hold out. I hope there’s less "Texas is the center of the universe" attitudes. Last issue NOVA published a design by Dax Sadler called M.A.D., which I found out later stands for "Mutually Assured Destruction". So it was what it obviously stood for and now everyone knows.
There was suppose to be a triple club challenge at Nebraska-Con '88 in Lincoln, but this was called off due to lack of attendance. Both the Lincoln Avengers and NOVA boycotted the convention because of bad administration and execution. Nebraska-Con started with signs of good change, but their shortsightedness and greed got to them again. This convention was formerly called Lin-Con which amazingly lasted 10 years. Lin-Con is the lowest, greediest convention known. One of their trademarks was a nightly auction of gift certificates and old gaming products with phony money called "Merl Bucks". Merl Bucks are earned by your gaming performance. NOVA had high hopes that these attitudes had changed this year, but they didn't. It is still a scam-con.
The Unification Party last Fall won one-third of the seats in Congress. Also, there was the return of Federal control over some states, and further recovery from the collapse and depression of the 2010's. There has been rumors of a third civil war involving the retaking of the Free Oil States, especially Texas. The ramifications of even the rumors are far reaching. In case of war happening NOVA, the Lincoln Avengers, and the Rads have talked to the AADA HQ about temporarily moving itself to New Omaha for the duration of the hostilities. We hope they take up our kind offer, and don't let there Texas stubbornness get in the way. Until we're all one!
Now on to the question of the world's top speed records of ADQ 6-3, namely the Zephyr by Cycle Concepts and the AADA verification. In the Midwest, Radius Motors is known for it's 200+ mph vehicles. From their workshops comes the helicopter Yellowbolt with its top speed of 257.5 mph, the car Blur with 225 mph, the car Blade at 255 mph, and the grasshopper Meanstreak at 210 mph. All the above vehicles have a higher top speed than the Zephyr. The Blur and Meanstreak have been published in the Midwest Encounter Guide, available presently through NOVA. The following are the stats of the Blade and Yellowbolt:
BLADE: Sedan, stnd. chassis, hvy. suspension, 500 ci engine w/tubular headers, VPT, nitrous oxide, 5 gallon duelling gas tank, 4 racing slicks, driver, turreted MG w/HD ammo, HD brakes, hi-res computer, spoiler, airdam. Armor: F30, L28, R28, B29, T30, U13 with 4 10-point wheelhubs. Accel. 20/30 with nitrous, top speed 170/255 with nitrous, HC 4; 5,094 lbs., $33,493.
YELLOWBOLT: Small Helicopter w/CA frame, small power plant w/PC & SC, pilot, MML front, hrswc, overdrive, improved tail assembly, ejection seat, co-axil counter rotating blades, retractable landing gear, one pair of maneuvering foils. Streamlining. Armor: 30 per side. Accel. 5, top speed 227.5/247.5 w/overdrive/+10 mph w/gear up, HC 3; 6,485 lbs., $112,250. Revised as of 4/26/97 - editor.
Whoopee! The AADA newsletter is back as of November thanks to the new man in charge, Charles Oines. NOVA finally got its rechartering certificate (dated November 2038, a mere seven months off). As some of you know, NOVA first chartered on April 15, 1984. By a crux of fate it was also Tax Day to those working folk and a cruel joke. I'm afraid Mr. Oines will have to deal with many outraged duelists for awhile until his files are back in order.
NOVA and Norman McMullen had the honor of being asked to two conventions this fall: Sioux City Con and Ville- Con. We would've liked to attend these conventions, but other commitments made it impossible to do so. Of course we would've run our favorite game. Alas, there's always next year.
NOVA will be sadden at the loss of the Lincoln Avengers, which will be breaking up in the Spring of '89 due to the fact they are graduating from college. This will also mean the end of their newsletter called "The Avenger" on it's seventh issue. The Avenger has been one of two chapter newsletters that had the longest running time. I keep wondering whatever happened to the other newsletters: The Flaming Lakers and NOMADS. The Flaming Lakers last newsletter came out in May or June of last year. The NOMADS had only one issue of their Civilian Defender, which was very good, but overdone. Come on people, are you going to let us believe that you're the only chapter newsletter worldwide? Doesn't anyone else have the time to sit down and write even a short newsletter? We'd like to know what's going on in your part of the country. I have already said some more on the subject earlier and I won't repeat myself again.
2036: Civic Arena is destroyed twice. Once in a duel, another by an attack.
July 12, 2038: Richard Knight sets a new closed course speed record of 255 mph in the Radius production car called the Blade at the Radius Test Track in Lincoln, Nebraska as he prepared for his second shot at the World Championship.
July 19, 2038: Richard Knight sets a new road course speed record of 255 mph on the streets of Lincoln, Nebraska with a Radius Blade.
August 18, 2038: In the opening round of the Bemidji Bioval Invitational Richard Knight wins as the center cross- over destroys over half the field with the first exchange of fire. He and three other duelists advance to the Finals.
August 20, 2038: In the final round of the Bemidji Bioval Invitational Richard Knight finishes fourth as a lucky shot destroys his right front tire. In the resulting vault he destroys his unlucky opponent and kills about 20 spectators while traveling at 160 mph and crashing through the safety barriers. His Radius Blae was totally wrecked and he died in the resulting fire. Richard's first clone was activated later that day.
September 28, 2038: Ion Storm sets a new electric airspeed record at 300 mph at the Skyfire Airdrome in Council Bluffs, Iowa with the Radius Yellowbolt helicopter. The Yellowbolt just started its production run this month. Radius Motors is talking about attempting to set a new coast-to-coast airspeed record from New York to L.A. later this year.
September 30, 2038: The Manfred Memorial Combat Stadium was attacked after a threat and ransom ($250,000) was made, but was not taken seriously. The stadium was half destroyed during a game involving the New Omaha Chiefs and the Austin Prairie Dogs. Over 1,500 people were killed and 2,000 more injured in the terrorists attack. The International Terror League has taken credit for the attack. The three helicopters involved were shot down by the stadium defenses.
October 1, 2038: The Jurgie Meister Cup Series second round takes place at the Deathstorm Arena. Dooley outscored Bubba Logan in the 36 second duel. Dooley also took the overall point lead in the series.
October 24, 2038: The Ground Zero Rads HQ was damaged by a cycle gang attack, marking an increase in cycle and car gang activity in the metro area (inside the city walls). The Rads had no comment on the attack. Both the ARFs and BLUDs have claimed responsibility for the attack.
October 25, 2038: NOVA HQ is attacked by cycles and cars of the Road Zombies gang. NOVA members quickly destroyed the gang with minor damage to the HQ security walls. The Road Zombies sustained 100% vehicle losses and 90% personnel losses.
October 28, 2038: The cyborg known as Terror was hospitalized after a gunfight with the New Omaha Police. Terror was arrested for conspiracy to commit destruction of public and private properties. He turned state's evidence against his former minions and got a reduced sentence. While Terror's former employees got "The Chair" he asked for a special agent position instead of his six month prison sentence. The judge granted it under a probation period of three months and a reprogramming for law enforcement by Platinum Cross. Terror was renamed Enforcer on December 10, 2038 and introduced into the New Omaha Police Department.
October 29, 2038: As a Halloween special event the NOVA members had a "Monster Bash" at the Midwest Mud Arena with Division 100 monster vehicles. Featured in the event was No Gun & Dooley in a monster tank called War Dragon. Psycho drove a jet-powered monster car called the Psychedelic Leadfoot. The event was won by Dax who scored four kills, half of them at the starting field.
October 29, 2038: Cleardeath Arena was visited by a supernatural car which destroyed Mr R.I.P.'s car and transported him to the garages with a jack-o-lantern saying "Happy Halloween".
November 1, 2038: The New Omaha Police announced that several new gangs have formed in the metro area. They include: Road Zombies, Vultures, Mad Hatters, Death Riders, Bloody Ghouls, and the Bone Heads. Caution is advised in all travel around the city.
November 5, 2038: NOVA battled the Vulture gang near the home of N.A. Palmer, police officer and NOVA member. A total of 15 cycles, 2 cars and 2 skycycles were destroyed. The battle ended when Randy "Nuke'em" Davies hits a gas main with two recoilless shells while aiming for the center of several Vulture cycles for burst effect. A city block was destroyed in the process, taking down two apartment buildings and creating a massive crater. Davies, 3 Vultures, and 20 people died in the explosion. It is rumored that the city is asking for over 2 million dollars in damages from Davies' employer, Defense Systems International. In a related incident there was an unexplained fire that destroyed Davies body at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
November 8, 2038: The Unification Party wins one-third of the total congressional seats in the national election.
November 9, 2038: Varean Investigators opens its doors in New Omaha. Richard Knight, Steelfist, Dr. Raker, and Ambush turn private eye. Mr. Knight said at the opening to a local reporter, "we'll investigate anything and everything".
Norman "Stormin'" McMullen -- President *
Don "Recoilless Ranger" Jacques -- Secretary *
Tim "The Weasel" Jacques -- Vice-President *
Jay "Hosehead" Chladek -- Treasurer *
Don "Terror" Viner *
Mike "Bullseye" Hirtes
Rich "Rocket Renegade" Robinson *
Andy Robinson *
Dax "Dr. Duck" Sadler *
Keith "The Mantis" Shelton -- Historian *
David "Dark Dawner" Johnson *
Dustin "Mr. R.I.P." Durant *
Ben "Boom Boom" Scott -- Reserve *
Cliff "Doc" Christensen -- Games Marshall *
* = AADA Members
This issue we cover NOVA's 2038 Club Championship. This is the first Club Championship held on a point system. The duelist scoring the most points will earn the title "Duelist of the Year" and receive and prize. As of 2039 all NOVA regular arena duels will be held on the point system.
2038 Club Championship
The Jurgie Meister Cup Series
This year's Club Championship was marked by several records. The first one was that the championship was determined by a point system, similar to the one used at the World Championships. Second, a new speed record was set in the second arena of 70 mph off-road. Before I go any further I should explain that the NOVA championship was held in a three arena series with a different division for each round. Round 1 was held at the Carter Lake Arena with Division 20 cars, Round 2 at the Deathstorm Arena with Division 25 cars, and Round 3 at the Aksarben Arena with Division 30 cars. NOVA usually holds its Club Championship in late Summer or early Fall so that there's no rush come Spring in the Regional and World Championships.
Round 1: Carter Lake Arena, Division 20.
September 17, 2038.
Round 1 started with Norman McMullen, Don Jacques, Jay Chladek, Don Viner, Mike Hirtes, and Dustin Durant. The first five turns were double point time, and Dustin was wrecked from shots from Viner, Jacques, and Hirtes in the first turn. Jay went over the closest checkpoint, dropped spikes on it, and headed for the rings strung between the four center jumps. Jay left a trail of spikes as he captured his first ring, and was the only duelist to do so. Meanwhile, Jacques and Jay were pounding Viner while Norman and Hirtes closed with each other. Hirtes lost his front left tire from Jacques, then lost his back right tire to Norman and flipped upside down at the base of a ramp. Hirtes surrendered to Norman. Viner's tires were shredded by Jay; consequently, he spun out of control into Dustin's car.
Norman did several jumps and started crossing checkpoint along with hitting two targets. Viner died when his car was waxed by Jay's man-portable rocket launcher. Jacques started following Norman around the arena while gunning from one of his rear tires. He succeeded in knocking one off while Norman was in mid-air during a jump. Norman spun out upon landing and hit a wall, but started right back up again. The official called time at 36 seconds with Norman and Jay tied at 25 points. The drivers had a fist fight to determine the winner and Jay emerged victorious. Total time was 41 seconds.
Round 2: Deathstorm Arena, Division 25.
October 1, 2038.
The second round at Deathstorm had the same combatants and an agreement between them that there would be no deliberate tire shots. The battle began with Dustin's early death in the second turn by Dax Sadler, Don Viner, Don Jacques, and Jay Chladek. Sadler had a crew kill while Viner had a vehicle kill. Norman traded shots with Ed, ending in Ed's demise. Meanwhile, Hirtes accelerated in his car with three front-mounted smokescreens activated, making the car untargetable. He quickly shut them off to conserve ammo. As Hirtes crossed a checkpoint, Viner targeted Sadler and Jacques. However, Viner was losing his front armor from the combined firepower of blast cannons. Jay started to wear down Sadler and chased him into an inner arena area, where Sadler lost control and hit a defense boulder. Jay rammed and killed the crew with his ever-popular man-portable rocket launcher.
Norman scored a target hit in the inner arena before Ed, Dax, and Jay entered. Once Ed arrived he targeted Norman. Viner ended up on a permanent spike obstacle, and Jacques killed him off. Norman, seeing complications coming, scored the two checkpoints in the inner arena and jumped out of it. As he was doing so he shoot Jacques' top. As this happened, Hirtes scored another checkpoint, set a new speed record of 70 mph, and exited through the nearest gate.
Ed gave chase after Norman, just as Norman was now chasing Jay. Jacques caught Ed just outside the inner arena and was soon joined by Jay. Norman took off after checkpoints while the others battled it out. Unexpectedly, Norman then circled and jumped back into the inner arena. Jacques and Ed at that time had scored the only ring catches of the arena. Norman shot Jacques' top in mid-air during the jump and killed the driver. Jay was finishing up on Ed as Norman jumped again, shooting at Ed's top. Ed tried his laser guided RLs, but his power plant was all shot up. The next several seconds saw the point leads change. However, Jay believed that he was in the lead and left the arena. In the end, Norman won by 12 points and took the round. The second round lasted 36 seconds.
Final Round: Aksarben Arena, Division 30 cars.
October 15, 2038.
This was it. Norman had a 7 point lead over Jay. It was sure to be the duel of the year by all signs. However, you never know what can happen! There was only one jump in the entire arena, but was ignored totally. The Aksarben has large permanent obstacles, making weapons fire impossible for the first two turns. The no-deliberate tire shot agreement was in effect. Jacques, after crossing his first checkpoint, meet Dustin. In fact, everyone except Dustin scored a checkpoint. Jay and Hirtes accelerated up to 80 mph and closed in on Dustin, who traded shots with Jacques and went into a tunnel. Mike shot flaming oil from his oil gun onto the top of an overpass and at the exit of the tunnel Dustin was in. Dustin was disabled, and Jay delivered the Coup de'Grace. After this, Hirtes turned his sights on Norman.
Ed and Viner went after Jacques, who was now leaving a trail of explosive spikes behind him in a passageway. Sots were traded, but Jacques's strong front armor held out. Ed tried to ram Jacques, but a flame cloud discharger from Jacques took out Ed's tires (Ed and Viner's cars were the same: standard tires with no protection). Ed careened into an obstacle, while Viner fired grenades after Jacques who was still laying spikes, sealing off a part of the arena. Hirtes and Norman played chicken at high speed. Norman lost in a t-bone ram without firing a single shot. As it went, Jay rounded the TV tower and attacked Mike, doing a T-bone on him.
Viner played possum for several turns, then started again and successfully crossed over the spikes. Jay and Jacques traded shots with Jay on the losing end. Viner faced Jay, and both lost their power plants for each other's fire. Viner coasted to a stop and died a grisly death from Jacques as a blast cannon round gave Viner a new meaning to the word overkill. That was the end of the arena. Jay came in first, with Jacques second and Hirtes pulling in third. The round's turning point was when Hirtes rammed Norman's car. Jay had the overall highest score and began the 2038 Club Champion.
Winners Listing and Points Scored
| Player | 1 / 2 / 3 | Total |
| 1. Jay Chladek | 40 46 40 | 126 points |
| 2. Norman McMullen | 35 58 -6 | 87 points |
| 3. Don Jacques | 24 10 22 | 56 points |
| 4. Mike Hirtes | 7 6 12 | 25 points |
| 5. Don Viner | -1 16 4 | 19 points |
| 6. Dax Sadler | 0 7 0 | 7 points |
| 7. Ed | 0 3 2 | 5 points |
| 8. Dustin Durant | -18 -18 -12 | -48 points |
Rich Robinson, Andy Robinson, Keith Shelton, David Johnson, and Cliff Christensen: unrated.
Club Championship Records:
Most kills in a single round - 6. 3 maneuverability, 3 crew in the final round by Jay Chladek.
Most points scored in a single round - 58. Norman McMullen in the second round.
Setting a new arena speed record - 70 mph. Mike Hirtes in the second round.
"and then there was the Lighting Bug"
One cannot go telling directly about the Lightning Bug without explaining about his past. The Lightning Bug (LB) was formerly Doug "Speed" Teller, a disk jockey of a radio station in Cheyenne, Wyoming, before the Food Riots. His penchant was for old rock-'n-roll records (1970-1990), and his station format was golden oldies. During the Food Riots a marauding band of bikers tuned in to Doug's station and thought it stunk royal. Upon arrival, the bikers wreaked the station and tied up Doug with barbed wire. For the topping gesture Doug's stacks of wax (records) were piled around him, applied with oil, and set afire. No one knew how Doug escaped the flames, but he was horribly burned. It was suggested that the fumes of the burning records somehow made Doug crazed, bent on a destiny to dominate the world with rock-'n-roll. Doug wandered through the Wyoming countryside, pickup up his new identity of LB, and plotted his rise to power. LB also made use of disguises, so than no one could identify him and not to alarm people with his skull face. Then, in November 2036, he made his move.
The sole radio station in Scottsbluff, Nebraska was bought by a mysterious man. After a few weeks the State Patrol noticed that the residents looked dazed and docile. Upon the request of the Governor, NOVA sped out to investigate. As the cars approached Scottsbluff, NOVA personnel discovered that the radio airways were carrying only one station, WLBB, and it was a strong signal. Indeed, the signal was so strong that it came over the radios that were shut off! The station was now in sight, but it was completely surrounded by a thick wall, and the gate was steel two feet thick. Needless to say, our heros went through the wall. The first ram car made it through, but it was destroyed by the station defenses. One car run by Dana went over a disguised electromagnet. Dana's car had metal armor and became instantly stuck. Ted Hunter kept his speed and rammed through the building. It was at that time the dreaded BATS (Boiler Android Troopers) appeared and attacked our intrepid heros. While the defensive turrets were waxed the BATS clawed, shot, flamed, and punched NOVA vehicles. Several BATS were slagged when a propane tank they were next to exploded, thanks to some help from Eric Hunter.
The NOVA duelists got out of their vehicles and carried the fight to the Bug's henchmen. The bodies piled up, and the last of the kill-crazed guards were eliminated. The LB was sitting behind a desk, with a hood and cloak one (one of his many disguises). He taunted the NOVA members, so much so that Ted Hunter moved his car further in the station and fired on LB. LB wasn't there, it was a dummy that was killed. LB made a clean escape and caused the station and the transmitting tower to self-destruct. NOVA vehicles managed to get outside as the station exploded. The massive outside walls shielded our heros from harm, but that couldn't be said for the people that were under the transmitter tower when it came down. LB again taunted NOVA, saying that he will be back, and this time he will emerge victorious.
LB made his next appearance on New Year's Eve, 2036. LB had made a secret base in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, just south of Offutt National Guard Base. His plans were unknown, but NOVA decided to send a small strike group by use of a Trojan Horse supply truck. The group split up, using the underground tunnels of the place (how convenient!). Within the hour NOVA discovered that LB planned to bomb New Omaha with hash warheads and enslave the resulting drugged population in his bid for world domination. NOVA immediately attacked, killing many LB goons. In the security dungeon the clones of LB and his top cronies were killed, and unfortunately a reporter from INS was mistakenly waxed. Meanwhile, in the control room the master BATS control console was smashed, sending these rusty water pipes into inertia. As usual, the Bug wasn’t in the area.
At that moment the Bug was in his converted airship, and again taunted NOVA and laughed hardily. The LB then proceeded to bomb his base and launched a stealth hash missile to Offutt National Guard Base. The hash missile hit the flight line, doping the exposed pilots and crews. Only NOVA and the New Omaha Police were left to defeat LB. NOVA's stealth- equipped transport helicopter and several police copters closed in on the massive airship. One chopper was shot down by several turreted VMGs and radar guided missiles. NOVA's heli managed to close with the airship undetected, smashed several top turrets, and sent in boarders. The airship's crew of goons and BATS were no match for NOVA. However, two ninjas made their presence known as one sliced a NOVA member in two. That ninja, however, got a lead enema as he fell backwards onto an exposed support beam and impaled himself. Another ninja missed a NOVA member, No Gun, and got a limpet mine stuck to his chest for his troubles. The unlucky ninja tried to rip it off, but it only resulted in getting his hands blown off in addition to his chest getting ventilated.
With the airship crew all but dead LB decided to drop all of the hash bombs on New Omaha. But good fortune was on the city that night and only two bombs managed to explode. LB tried to escape by glider, but Doc in his jet pack flew up and destroyed the launch hatch. LB then barricaded himself in his control car, going off in a tangent that he can't lose. While that was going on plastic explosives were placed on the armored control car door. Unwillingly, the explosion not only opened the door but the control car with Doc inside detached from the airship. Doc got out, but LB was hanging on to him by his boots. Doc detached his boots, and LB tried to flap his arms in a pathetic attempt to fly. He impacted on the ground and never got up. The airship, out of control, went on a collision course towards Civic Arena. It was a spectacular explosion. The arena was occupied by 2,000 spectators...uh, corpses. The final death toll was over 2,300 with 2,000 more hashed. We don't know if this was the end, for LB's body was never found. Some say that he survived the 1,000 foot fall, and that some ARF agents took him away. Others say that he haunts cube stores, listening to golden oldie rock-'n-roll tracks. The Lightning Bug will go down in New Omaha history as the most demented madman who almost succeeded in his mad dream.
The following cars are from this year's Club Championship final, finishers 1st to 4th.
Olympian: Sedan, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, 200 ci engine, 5 gallon racing tank, VPT, 4 metal tires, driver, 2 linked RRs with HESH front, ejection seat, fire extinguisher, bumper trigger front. Armor F45(ramplate), L43, R43, B43, T27, U27 with 10 points of component armor for the driver. Accel. 10, top speed 80, HC 3; 6,096 lbs., $24,991.
Blastfighter II: Sedan w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/PC, 4 solid tires, driver, BC with HESH ammo and extra magazine front, ID rear, HD brakes, no-paint windshield, HRSWC, 2 bumper triggers. Sloped metal/plastic armor: F18/55, L0/55, R0/55, B0/55, T0/5, U0/12 with 4 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 2; 6,118 lbs., $27,734.
Cannon Ranger SD: Luxury, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/SC, 4 SBPR tires, driver, BC front with magazine loaded with HESH and magazine switch. SD w/explosive loads and magazine rear linked to BC, FE, 10 points of CA each for driver and power plant. Spoiler, airdam, 2 HTFoDs, 1 SkD, 5 FcDs, no-paint windshield, HRSWC, HD brakes, bumper trigger front, weapons timer with four links, damage sensor for SD, HD shocks. Sloped armor: F70, L30, R30, B30, T10, U10 with 4 10-point wheelguards and 4 5-point wheelhubs. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 2; 6,600 lbs., $29,560.
Mantis: Sedan, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, 150 ci blueprinted engine w/tubular headers, VPT, 2 gallon duelling tank, 4 FP standard tires, driver, OG rear with FOJ rounds (8 high temp), HRSWC, overdrive, HD/anti-lock brakes, safety seat, no- paint windshield, streamlining. LR metal armor: F20(ramplate), L14, R14, B14, T0, U3(plastic) with 2 points LR metal CA each for the driver and engine. Accel. 10/5 with overdrive, top speed 82.5/102.5 with overdrive, HC 3; 6,097 lbs., $26,713. Cargo capacity: 3 spaces and 23 lbs.
Clark "Doc" Savage II, by Cliff "Doc" Christensen and Norman "Stormin" McMullen
We caught up to Clark Savage, better known as "Doc", at the HQ of Doc's Custom Specialities. Doc's office is luxurious and roomy, filled with various photos of his past and present teams. Drinks were served and we got to the business at hand.
Nightmessenger (NM): Where and when were you born?
Doc: I was born in Chicago on January 10, 1998 (presumably to rich parents). I don't remember much of the city, considering the family moved to Omaha when I was very young.
NM: So, you grew up in Omaha?
Doc: Yes, I did. I graduated from Northwest High School in 2007.
NM: But you were only 9 at the time?!
Doc: True, I was extremely gifted, especially in the sciences. In 2015 I graduated at the head of my class at UNO with doctorates in Medical Science and Medicine, along with BA's in Physics and Law.
NM: Whoa, what happened to you during the Short War and the Food Riots?
Doc: Sadly, I lost my father during those hateful years. Father valiantly tried to stop a riot, but got killed. Mother died soon after from old age. After all that I buried myself in my studies and hoped it would end quickly. In 2016, with my father's henchmen, Buckaroo Banzai and Snake Pliskin, I hired on to protect a convoy from Omaha to St. Louis. On the way there we met up Captain Commando and Tim "Dive Bomber" Wallenz who helped up save our convoy from a huge gang. After that we returned to what's left of Omaha. I bought a home in Council Bluffs from what I saved of my family fortune. I studied and waited for Omaha to recover.
NM: How had you began "Doc's Custom Specialties"?
Doc: I got started building vehicles and weapons for other people. After a year or two we expanded to a full production line. The fact that we're second to Daimschel Tread Works for the past few years speaks a lot about our quality.
NM: Is that how you got interested in duelling?
Doc: Yes, I'd say so. Quite a few of our customers wanted their vehicles armed and armored. You have to remember around 2027 New Omaha still suffered from gang attacks. The Survivors fought like caged wildcats to keep their own.
NM: Why did you build the Civic Arena?
Doc: Don't remind me. It was just destroyed again for the third time. Originally I built it to help shelter the needy in 2026. After a few years it wasn't needed for that purpose. So I changed it into an arena and entertainment center. Much to my dismay it has been destroyed a few times (he bows his head).
NM: Were you ever involved in any duelling?
Doc: (he perks up) Yes, quite a few to be exact. I fought off several gang wars in the late '20s. In the early '30s I fought several convoy battles in eastern Nebraska and lost some vehicles there. After I joined NOVA (along with the rest of his team) in 2034 I went into several arenas and have never activated a clone yet. Due to the use of a family youth drug discovered by my great grandfather I age more slowly than normal and should live 50 years longer than expected.
NM: What about your subsidiary companies?
Doc: Well, first I built my mansion here in 2030 and hired all my former convoy buddies. Most of them I had to let go earlier this year because of personal reasons. As for subsidiaries I only have a few: Civic Arena, Death Park, and Cleardeath Arena. Civic Arena we already covered, but Death Park was started as a training area for my super soldiers and opened for public use a few years ago. It is owned mostly by myself, Rawhide, New Jersey, and a couple of others. Cleardeath Arena is co- owned by myself and Joe Ratner, and has done very well. Even though the ARFs tried to destroy the Custom Specialties in 2035 they didn't succeed. BLUD hasn't messed with use since 2036 in their failed attempts. Overall we're doing pretty good.
NM: Do you have advice to the starting duelist out there?
Doc: Yes. Make sure you control the flame.
NM: Thank you for your time.
Doc: Thank you.
Doc is a recluse, mostly with a mysterious atmosphere around him and his team. He's known to have superhuman strength, presumably because of the youth drug. His arena winnings total over $1 million, making him one of the richest duelists in the city and has over 50 confirmed kills.
He's known to carry a variety of hand weapons. Most vehicles designed or driven by him are flame related. Clark "Doc" Savage II's skills are as follows: Driver +5, Gunner +5, Handgunner +5, and Runner +5.
Whew, that's it for this issue. You probably wondering what you can look forward to this new year? Well, let's see. 2039 will cover our unlimited arena duels, the 2038 Nebraska Civil War, strange road trips, and other odd adventures and arenas. More new inventions and vehicle designs will be shown too. Speaking of which a new vehicle guide is already planned for an early summer release, so get those vehicles in. An upcoming editorial will cover the point system, the Texas domination of the AADA, and the lack of communication in the AADA.
NOVA is hoping to co-host the Great Plains Regional (or whatever they are going to call it this year) on February 10 with the Ground Zero Rads at the one-day Omacon 8.5 gamefest.
Drive and fly offensively!
Norman McMullen, President
Don Jacques, Secretary
Re-editing of Nightmessenger Vol. 2, No 4 completed on 04/26/97 by Donald Jacques.
Editor: Norman McMullen.
Assistant Editor & Typesetting: Donald Jacques
NOVA Works: New Standard & Homing Torpedoes by Norman McMullen, Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher by Tim Jacques, and Jet Pack by Cliff Christensen.
The Showroom: Olympian -- Jay Chladek
Blastfighter II -- Norman McMullen
Cannon Ranger SD -- Don Jacques
Mantis -- Mike Hirtes
Other vehicles (Blade & Yellowbolt) -- Norman McMullen
Articles: In the Arena by Norman McMullen, On the Road by Don Jacques, and Local Hero by Cliff Christensen.
All other sections done by Norman McMullen.
Originally printed as a SpeedScript 3.2 document on a Commodore 64 with an Epyx extender cartridge. The issue was reentered as a WordPerfect 6.1 for Windows document, turned into a HTML document by KEYview 5.0, and edited again in Netscape Navigator Gold 3.0.