On April 15 NOVA celebrated it's fourth anniversary. We had a party to kick off NOVA's fifth year as an AADA chapter. Few chapters out in the world can say that. In this issue we will cover NOVA's recent troubles with the Three Maniacs and a Grenade (see The World "Out There" section), along with a few new sections. One is called Duel Slang and that should get everyone's attention.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but this has been a strange year for weather. Could it be a delayed effect for the Short War? It's been cold one week, hot the next. It could be typical Nebraskan weather. Well, on to better things.
Grenade Dropper: $750, 100 lbs., 2 DP, 1 space, 15 shots, cost by grenade type, 4 lbs. per grenade. Loaded cost is $750 plus cost of grenades, loaded weight 160 lbs. This weapons drops a grenade out the side or rear of the carrying vehicle. This weapon may use a rotary magazine, but the grenade timers must be preset.
Extended Magazines: for SMGs, shotguns, rifles, machine pistols, grenade launchers, and assault rifles only. Consult the chart below. Above the regular size, each extended magazine adds one G.E. to the weapon.
| Weapon Type | Shots | Cost | G.E. |
| SMG | 10-20-30-40 | 10-20-30-40 | 1-2-3-4 |
| Shotgun * | 10-20-30-40 | 10-20-30-40 | 1-2-3-4 |
| Rifle | 20-40 | 10-20 | 1-2 |
| Machine Pistol | 6-12 | 10-20 | 1/2-1 |
| Grenade Launcher | 5-10 | 10-20 | 1-2 |
| Assault Rifle | 10-20-30 | 10-20-30 | 1-2-30 |
* = A double-barreled shotgun uses the same extended magazines as a shotgun.
A SMG with a four G.E. extended magazine will have a total of 50 rounds.
Cost of magazines does not include cost of ammo.
10 shots is a regular magazine, 20 shots large, 30 shots extra large, and 40 shots is a drum magazine.
Stink Cloud loads for smoke screens: CPS 15, heavy duty CPS 60. The stink cloud acts like normal smoke for combat purposes. However, any unprotected person that enters the cloud must roll one die on the following table:
1 - Character vomits and is unconscious for 5 minutes.
2-4 - Character vomits for 1 minute and is unable to do any movement for firing action.
5 - Character is at a -4 to hit for this turn and 3 more turns.
6 - No effect.
Stink Grenade: same effects as a stink cloud. Forms a 1"x1" cloud. Costs $70.
Crash Helmet: $150, 1 G.E. as cargo, no if worn. Options include: radio $25, 2-way radio $50, tinted visor $50, gas mask $30, target grid $300 and a +1 to hit with hand and vehicular weapons, P.A. system $50. The Duellist Special has all these options for $655.
Crash Helmets are the perfect match to any body armor and can come in any color at request. If a specific paint style is what you want it will cost an additional $50.
The latest developments in NOVA's neck of the woods has been the appearance of Doctor Darksun, Professor Sunshine, and the return of the Lightning Bug, the so-called "Three Maniacs and a Grenade". They teamed up in January along with several local gangs. Autoduellists and companies have suffered terrorist acts, some of which did not fair well. Defense Systems International outlets have been totally destroyed since early February. The possible war with Texas seems tame when compared with this trio's insane attacks.
Speaking of the possible Texas War, temperatures have risen after the partial destruction of Tokyo, Japan by a sub- launched ICBM. The Japanese Protectorate has issued economic sanctions against Texas. The Texas Government claims it had not fired the missile. An investigation has been underway for several months now. Conclusions to the whole matter seem far away at the moment. Texas and Japan going to war? Will there be a Texas left?
NOVA and MADD had a recent argument over of all things SDI and cruise missiles. As mentioned in NM2-3 MADD HQ was hit with an ARF-launched cruise missile last summer (for more details see the "On The Road" section). MADD claims SDI has shot down the missile (yeah, right!). In NOVA's opinion SDI has not been used in over 20 years. Additionally, it has not been maintained because of governmental collapse and lack of money and need. SDI is space junk in the present Car Wars universe. Besides, think of the odds needed for a satellite weapon to hit an on-the-deck missile from space. Anyone having opinions on the subject may write to NOVA or MADD. Any response may be published in the "Return Fire" section.
This section will cover all responses to NOVA from interested autoduellists and their opinions. In the last few months NOVA has received more letters from other clubs than at any other time. Letters came for MADD, LEADA, and Driving Tigers.
The Driving Tigers are trying to start up a fanzine full of fiction stories. Interested duellists should send submissions care of the Driving Tigers. We wish them luck in their venture.
MADD and NOVA have recently normalized relations. After our arguments on "cruise missiles vs. SDI" stemming from NM2-3 when it was mentioned that MADD HQ was hit by a conventionally-armed cruise missile. The argument is currently stalemated by strong feelings in both groups. For a time there we were hoping MADD would crawl back down it's hole. Hopefully things will be worked out between us.
In mid-December we received a copy of LEADA's newsletter "Targeting Laser" which all our members enjoyed. We hope to see more of it. In a recent letter from the LEADA president it was commented that the Nightmessenger was very American. Apparently we weren't up to the British brand of humor. We see no big deal in this (to each his own). We highly recommend LEADA's newsletter if you can send away for a copy. NOVA would also like to establish normal relations with LEADA and anyone else interested in steady communications from a group of die-hard autoduelling fans.
Oct. 2035: Ion Storm, then convicted with manslaughter charges, flew out of the War Arena on his wingless rocket- powered cycle during a three-way team fight. He set a new speed record of 105 mph for the arena. Ion luckily grabbed a passing flagpole and survived. The cycle crashed into the arena parking lot.
Summer 2038: Doc of Doc's Custom Specialties released most of his personal staff save a chosen few. He later hires mercenaries for his personal army.
Nov. 12, 2038: New Omaha is attacked by several terminators for reasons unknown. They were stopped by members of NOVA. Doc's crew reappears on the scene with a monster car. The car exploded after taking out five terminators. Ambush destroyed three buildings and four terminators. Save Ambush, all other NOVA vehicles were lost.
Nov. 13, 2038: Harry Kellman sets a new world's record on a closed course at the Heartland Speedway by zooming up to 320 mph in a van called Vantache. This broke Richard Knight's record a few months earlier.
Nov. 18-20, 2038: Council Bluffs hosted Contretemps 7 and a Car Wars tournament ran by NOVA. Lincoln hosted Nebraska-con '88, a con boycotted by the Lincoln Avengers and NOVA.
Trivia Corner: New Omaha's most destroyed buildings are City Hall and Police HQ. Each were wrecked three times between 2034 and 2037. Civic Arena follows with 2035 and 2036. NOVA HQ got it in 2035 and 2037.
Nov. 19, 2038: Local television was blacked out by Doctor Darksun. He threatened to take over New Omaha soon and dared anyone to stop him. He laughed hysterically and left the airways.
Nov. 26, 2038: Sappe Brothers Truck Stop exploded for unknown reasons. The survivors included Ambush, Ryan "The Crowbar" Crawdor, Roy Flang and Debbie Fulton.
Trivia Corner: New Omaha's largest explosions - 1) Giant Crater in north New Omaha, 2035. 2) Sappe Brothers Truck Stop, 2038. 3) Civic Arena by way of Lightning Bug's airship, New Year's Eve 2036. 4) Airship exploding near Eppley Airport, 2038. 5) Boneyards razed again, this time by terminators in 2038.
Dec. 3, 2038: The Civic Arena explodes during a unlimited event for reasons unknown. This is the third time the Civic Arena has been turned into rubble.
Dec. 24, 2038: Telecom Industries and an unidentified warehouse were burned down in a terrorist fire. The terrorists restated their December 17 demand for $350,000 or else they would burn down more buildings. The terrorists were captured that night by Enforcer and Fred Guiness, agents of Varean Investigations. At midnight a sleigh pulled by nine reindeer was seen over New Omaha. The driver was heard to say "Merry Christmas and Drive Offensively!".
Dec. 26, 2038: For the past month the New Omaha metro area has suffered from a rash of wrecks and abandoned vehicles that were mysteriously disappearing. In place of the vehicles were the letters DS burnt into the ground. Doc Savage claims no knowledge of the disappearing wreaks.
Dec. 31, 2038: The Madhatters Gang attack north New Omaha while NOVA members were attending a New Year's celebration. Casualties were high for the Madhatters due to the aim of inebriated NOVA gunners. The HQ and factory of Gadget's Gadgets and the Magistar Arena mysteriously disappeared at the stroke of midnight. The owner of both establishments, Greg von Schmeerheim, could not be located for comment.
Jan. 11, 2039: The newly opened Deathplunge was attacked by a three-legged walker that traversed the Missouri River. Doctor Darksun has claimed responsibility for the damage.
Jan. 14, 2039: NOVA reports getting a letter from the Lightning Bug saying "I'm Back".
Jan. 19, 2039: Local television broadcasts were jammed by Doctor Darksun again. He announced that he was teaming up with the Lightning Bug and Professor Sunshine. He also told the city that he controls all the local gangs. Can the city and NOVA survive? Tune in next week as...
Among the latest changes is the elections of five new officer positions. The new positions are:
Vice-President: Tim Jacques
Treasurer: Jay Chladek
Historian: Keith Shelton
Game Marshall: Cliff Christiansen
Data Manager: Don Viner
Rounding out the list is myself (Norman McMullen) as President and Don Jacques as Secretary.
Each officer has specific duties to perform to keep NOVA forever going. However, some positions are more generalized than others, like the President and Vice-President. You will hear more from these officers in the upcoming newsletters as each will control certain sections.
November 25, 2038: Red Express Bus Company, by Dippy.
December 17, 2038: Phantom Salvage, by Phantom.
January 10, 2039: Deathplunge, owned by Deathpark. Central Park Hydroarena, operated by Doc Savage. Crossroads Arena, operated by Captain Commando. The Fun Center, by Banzai Inc. Pliskin, Burton, & Steel Detective Agency and Morgue, operated by Snake Pliskin, Jack Burton, and General Steel.
January 17, 2039: Merc, Inc. by Tim "The Weasel" Jacques.
"Contretemps 5 Champ"
Contretemps 5 was held April 25 through 27, 1986 at the Crown Quality Court, Bellevue, Nebraska. The club championship was held there. There were three rounds held. The first was at the Aksarben Arena; the second the Radius Test Track. The final round was at the Deathstorm Arena. The Deathstorm is 75% dirt and gravel with five permanent spike obstacles. The rest of the arena is a paved walled area with six obstacles, along with six jumps on the north wall, three on both sides.
The final round consisted of Tim Moffit, Cliff Christensen, Ted Hunter, and Carl Rasmussan. Ted Hunter's pickup was trashed early in the fight when Carl T-boned Ted with his pickup. Ted rolled up to a wall, where upon impact he lost his turret gauss gun. Carl turned his pickup towards Tim, but Tim and Cliff teamed up and blew out Carl's front tires and his turret gauss gun.
Meanwhile Ted ignited his smoke grenades and climbed out of his vehicle. Bracing himself against the wall, Ted pushed against his truck with all his might. To his luck he pushed the pickup back on it's wheels while he got a face full of dirt. Hearing the pickup land, Carl and Cliff lobed grenades into the smoke, killing Ted. Carl harassed Tim with launched grenades and was soon followed by Cliff. Tim brought his two front vulcans to bear on Cliff and took out his front left tire. Cliff rolled into the paved area and slammed into a corner of an interior wall, crushing his own gauss gun.
Climbing out of his pickup with grenade launcher in hand Cliff ran to a corner defense boulder. The defense boulders at this time have been partially activated by the near hits of the grenades. Cliff was sending grenades around Tim, who had no choice but to kill Cliff in self-defense.
Tim thought he had won until an unexpected near miss grenade shot came from Carl. Tim turned and faced Carl's wreak and fired his vulcans into it. Grenade-dodging Tim won the NOVA Club Championship.
"The Nebraska Civil War of 2038"
Off all the hardships that the people of Nebraska had to face nothing was more serious than the State Civil War of 2038. As the people were apathetic to their surroundings, various factions seized power by stealth and assassination. Fortunately, it did not succeed, but it came close.
The first signs of trouble started in early 2038 when a new political party emerged. This party, called "The Nebraskans For A Liberated Society", had a platform of more individual rights, less government, and the banishment of autoduelling (EDSEL may had a part in the last idea). The candidate for the Governor's election was Mary Gibberson, a native of New Omaha. Labeled as an Anarchist, Gibberson protested the name and called herself a "liberator of the people".
However, the FBI had another version of her "liberator" status. According to their records, Gibberson was a sworn member of the Anarchist Relief Front and a dangerous one as well. Skillful political maneuvering saved the day for Gibberson as all claims were denied and refuted. To the general public it was nothing more than political name calling.
While politicians were debating, battles for supremacy were being fought. ARF vehicles were patrolling the countryside, gaining support and beating any competitors. NOVA was dealt a serious defeat in Falls City as a massive ARF armada decimated their strike force. Kirk Stales, leader of the Unification Party, was assassinated by an unknown sniper. Fingers were pointed and accusations were flying. Mrs. Stales took her late husband's place but it was too little, too late. Gibberson won in a close election.
On June 2 the ARF party initiated a series of subversion techniques. Their armies of the night awoke as well as many sleeper agents. Soon many important people in the state turned out to be ARF supporters. The situation was looking more like a coup than an election. Many were outranged but not to the point of revolt, at least not yet.
On June 4 the breaking point was reached. Mary Gibberson mysteriously resigned. Lt. Governor Allen Renfold Farrels held a press conference to announce his ascendency to the Governor's post. As he began his speech he removed the mask he was wearing to reveal a hooded mask. It was none other than General Chaos! Immediately he instituted a dawn-to- dusk curfew as well as a ban on vehicular weapons. The National Guard was called out and EDSEL forces were invited to help keep the peace.
Many citizens were shocked at what was happening to their state. It was starting to become a police state before their very eyes. All riots and protests were put down savagely by the ARF-controlled police and all media were taken over by the state. This was done to "protect the populace from rebellious factions", mainly those who would like democratic freedoms. General Chaos wanted no opposition and went to great lengths to make this possible.
It was then that the General made a bad mistake. Using stolen cruise missiles, the General targeted several areas that were deemed "hotbeds of insurrection". The missiles were armed with conventional warheads and targeted at four sites. They were the headquarters for NOVA, the Lincoln Avengers, the Unification Party, and the New Omaha Police. Thought there was a prompt explanation why this was done the people of Nebraska were angry, very angry. They could put up with a megalomaniac like Chaos if they had to, perhaps lose some rights, even a curb on autoduelling, but bombing of its own citizens? That was too much! Approximately 129 people died in the attacks. The Lincoln Avengers HQ was totally decimated and the survivors went underground to form resistance groups.
June 6 saw at least 60 duellists with several hundred deserting National Guardsmen and citizens formed into an armed group. This group went through Omaha and cleaned out the ARF scum. It then proceeded to Lincoln to lay siege to the city. All ARF forces that managed to escape various other town uprisings fell back to Lincoln. The ARFs managed to hold out for a week but they were fading fast.
Mary Gibberson was wounded in an artillery barrage and was sent to Mercy Hospital. She was later captured and sent to trial. May other Anarchists just simply threw down their weapons and surrendered. General Chaos was furious. He wanted a climatic finish and ordered his most loyal members to blow up the state capital building while he escaped in a helicopter. Hissing his revenge, he took off only to be shot down at the outskirts of the city. He survived and was rescued by his elite guards. Rebel forces gave chase and managed to destroy Chaos and his goons in the small town of Friend, Nebraska.
The job was not over. A special strike team, courtesy of NOVA, was sent to General Chaos's personal clone chamber to destroy it. They were successful but not before fighting fanatical guards, robotic defenses, and a seven-foot giant in battle armor. The Department of the Army quickly snatched up this armor before NOVA could claim it for their own.
On July 4 a huge party was held in New Omaha as people celebrated their freedom. Never again will they be blind and apathetic. Mary Gibberson was sentenced to life in prison for subversion against the U.S. government and for embezzling the state treasury. Many other ARF members received harsh prison terms or were used as cannon fodder in arenas.
The Lincoln Avengers HQ was rebuilt and many members were awarded medals for bravery from the new governor (former speaker of the Unicameral and an Unification party member). BLUD vows that they will be back. EDSEL forces were "kindly" escorted out of the state by AADA members. Many EDSEL members were tarred and feathered and their vehicles painted a bright yellow.
Will ARF return to Nebraska? Will BLUD come back with a vengeance? Will the country ever be united. Stay tuned for future issues.
Looking for good fiction for a fanzine. Send all submissions to the Driving Tigers.
Happy fourth anniversary to all NOVA members - Stormin'.
Happy explosions, and your going to need them - from the Three Maniacs and a Grenade.
Has anyone seen the Phantom lately? - Dippy.
I'm in the Boneyards, stupid - The Phantom.
This is a new section devoted to slang used by duellists during or after a duel. Any submissions for this section are welcome.
Crunch and Munch: A ram kill that confettis the victim's vehicle (Jay Chladek).
Crash and Burn: A fiery crash (Norman McMullen).
Manwhich: A pedestrian between two cars, usually resulting in no more pedestrian (Don Viner).
Andreic: Talking a lot, but saying nothing while in a bad temper (Cliff Christiansen).
Hirtising: Lobby to get your way, and leaving if you don't (Cliff Christensen).
Tankmobiles: A heavily-armored vehicle (Mike Montgomery).
High Rollers: Cargo that is highly prized by thieves, like weapons, gas, and electronics (Tim Jacques).
Re-Run: Someone who has been cloned one to many times (TJ).
Highway Darwinism: A belief that the road belongs to the car with the biggest guns (TJ)>
Laser Brain: Someone who favors laser weapons (TJ).
Can Opener: Ramplate (TJ).
Wheeleater: Someone who consistently shoots at tires (TJ).
Eggbeater: Helicopter.
The Equalizer: Weapons that give pedestrians a chance against vehicles.
A Murphy: Rolling the worst possible roll on a die, usually a one. "Murphies" is used if it occurs on two dice. "Half- Murphy" if only one of two dice is Murphy (Norman McMullen).
Yellowback: A duellist that frequently avoids combat.
Master of Disaster III (Mod III): Pickup, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, super power plant, 6 solid tires, driver, VFRP w/magazine front, ITL front w/LGL for all rockets, no-paint windshield, fire extinguisher, SWC (ITL). Sloped metal/plastic armor: F18/45, L0/40, R0/40, B0/40, T0/5, U0/10 with 4 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 1; 7,795 lbs., $29,508.
IIIA: change all rockets to AP. $31,608.
IIIB: as basic, but add spoiler and airdam. Armor: F18/37, L0/36, R0/36, B0/35, T0/5, U0/10. $30,072.
Bill the Cat's Car (Mach 5): Luxury, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/SC, 4 SBPR tires, driver, 4 linked MGs w/HD ammo front, MML left and right, RL w/magazine rear, fire extinguisher, 10 points of CA for the driver. Armor: F49, L30, R30, B30, T15, U15. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 3; 6,595 lbs., $22,480.
Bill the Cat's Car (Mach 6): Luxury, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/SC, 4 SBPR tires, driver, 6 linked MGs w/HD ammo front, SD w/explosive ammo rear linked to MGs, fire extinguisher, 10 points of CA for the driver, 8 points of CA for the SD. Sloped armor: F42, L31, R31, B26, T12, U12 with 4-8 point wheelguards. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 2; 6,599 lbs., $23,848.
This section will be used occasionally to correct any error printed in earlier issues.
In NM2-4 we stated that NOMAD printed a newsletter at one time. This is a mistake. I was thinking of SANDTrap instead. We just got the two mixed up. Sorry about the confusion. The SANDTrap newsletter was called The Civilian Defender, which lasted one issue in 2036 (no wonder my memory was off).
Harry "Kari" Kellman, by Norman "Stormin'" McMullen
"He Drives Anything"
Harry "Kari" Kellman is an internationally known test driver for Radius Motors of Lincoln, Nebraska. The "He Drives Anything!" cry was first heard at a bar in New Omaha, and is countable to Harry's driving capability. Harry currently holds the position of Research and Development Testing Director at Radius Motors. Recently, I caught up with him at the Radius Test Track. This interview was done in the east defense tower control room between testing sessions.
Norman McMullen (NM): How is the testing going?
Harry: Pretty good. We are just running the final series on the Vantache before it goes into production. On Monday I set a new closed circuit record with the Vantache at 320 mph. There were people from the AADA and Guiness here to officilize it.
NM: That's one fast car.
Harry: It's a van, really.
NM: How many world records to you hold?
Harry: I currently hold only four, but I did hold three others that have been broken this year.
NM: Is it true that you were born in the Grand Canyon?
Harry: Yes, I was. My birthday is August 4, 2011. My parent's went to the Grand Canyon for a stunt. Dad tried to jump the canyon in a rocket-powered subcompact. You may have known him as Killer Kellman. He took off, and at that instant my mother on the sidelines went into labor. For the record he did make it across. We were always traveling around he country. Dad usually ended up in the hospital.
NM: Is that how you became interested in vehicles?
Harry: Yes, most definitely. My father crashed everything imaginable. Until the Short War and the Food Riots we were in bad times. No money, food, or anything else. Dad started driving trucks of algae around the country, and the family usually road with him. We did pretty good until we went down on a delivery to Florida. The convoy we were in was ambushed in Arkansas. Dad rammed the roadblock, killing himself, the ambushers, and the algae. After that the family wandered around the country. Mom was killed in New Omaha during the Resettlement. I finally pitched my tent in Lincoln and attended UNL. At the 2033 Graduation I received my BA in mechanical engineering. I applied for a test driver slot at Radius Motors. The rest is history.
NM: That took care of several questions. How did you become a member of the Lincoln Avengers and NOVA?
Harry: That's easy to explain. I like being with other duellists. With the Lincoln Avengers being the local group I naturally joined. I enjoyed their company despite some of their practices are a little too militaristic for my tastes. NOVA, on the other hand, is a wild bunch. I been interested in them for some years now since the first ARF war.
NM: That happened in 2034.
Harry: I believe your right. At that time I borrowed a Sledge mini-bus and equipped it with a testing package of cameras and such and went for a test drive. In New Omaha I picked up Joe Ratner as my gunner. We had a blast and Radius Motors loved it.
NM: Is it true that Radius used some of your test driving footage for their commercials?
Harry: Yes. That is how I became a spokesperson and head test driver for Radius.
NM: Is there anything you haven't driven?
Harry: A rocket liner and a space shuttle. Remember that Radius is into everything. Radius is a really great company. Come on down to the garages and I'll show you my vehicles. (At this point we went to the underground garages beneath the track. Off to one end we walked to a heavy steel door. Harry pulled out a pass card and unlocks it.) Here they are: Sledge, Easy Street, Hind-T, Bloodstorm, and Blade Runner.
NM: I've heard about the others. What's so special about Easy Street?
Harry: It's easier to show you. (Harry gets into the compact and starts it. He hits a switch and skirts pop out from underneath. Then a propeller and rudder lift out of the back and the wheels raise up into the wheel wells. It hovers a few inches above the ground).
NM: It's a hovercraft?
Harry: Technically it is called a dragonfly, a car-hovercraft. It is the first of it's kind.
NM: Had you ever had to use it?
Harry: Once on the way home I was ambushed by several upstarts. I taught them a lesson they would never forget. Unfortunately I never checked to see if they ever got their cars out of the lake.
NM: Do you have much trouble with challengers?
Harry: Not much trouble because I drive a different vehicle home everyday. Tonight I think I'll drive a monster tank home.
NM: Well, thanks for the warning and the interview.
Harry: No problem.
Harry Kellman is a confirmed quadruple ace with additional unknown numbers of unconfirmed kills. To date he has never activated a clone, but has spent some time in hospitals. Harry's sponsor is Radius Motors. His hand weapons varies, depending on his needs. Tactics are usually split-second flashes that make him totally unpredictable in arenas. Harry's skills are as follows: Driver+3, Gunner+5, Handgunner+1, Cyclist+1, Fixed-Wing Pilot, Helicopter Pilot+1, Trucker+4, Scuba, Hovercraft+1, Hangglider, Tank, and Boat+1. Harry is sometimes referred to as Sledge.
Do not be fooled. This is our renamed editorial section. Myself and other members will cover our opinions on the game.
"The Universal Point System"
Everyone knows that the final round of the World Championships ran on a point system and NOVA's Club Championship last year also had one. There are one or two clubs that have a point system for certain arenas. Why not have it for the rest of the world?
In arena combat a duellist can avoid combat and win the arena without making a kill by the survivor rule: the last one surviving is the winner. But in the point system the winner would be the duellist with the most kills. Awarding yellowbacks for doing nothing does not make sense. What about the situation when time runs out a winner must be declared between duellists? To complicate that matter say that they had the same number of kills. These are hard calls that can be dealt with by a point system.
You don't need points for everything in a arena or tournament. In a normal arena duel points need only be awarded for kills, being killed, leaving the arena and illegal items (gas engines in Hammer Downs, for example). Special points can be given out in tournaments for crossing checkpoints, hitting targets, jumps and catching rings or flags; all of which is up to the tournament organizers. In campaign play points can be awarded for the top three finishers and other things not covered by the general points. This is exactly how the NOVA point system works.
(A copy of the system is included in the Articles Section of the NOVA web site - editor)
It is worth the effort for the AADA to officilize a universal point system; even just for the World Championships. Granted you got to watch out for the easy points all the time. A good way to discourage easy points is to make kills worth more than easy points. With a point system enforced the yellowbacks cannot win by hiding.
In the counterpoint area: MADD misunderstood our proposal for the RGM Launcher System in NM2-3. It is a compromise of the old and new systems. I believe this to be very logical and it allows for all possible mounting options. I guess nobody out there considered what and old RGM with an extra magazine can do. Four missiles in three spaces is a bargain that makes the mind spin. The old system weighs more, but it can be justified. You cannot do that in the old one.
Here we come to the end of another Nightmessenger. How are we doing? We are in need of submissions for the upcoming Midwest Encounter Guide and for any sections of the newsletter.
NOVA has just completed an updated NOVA Works Catalog (up to 2039) and a Nebraska/Iowa Atlas with more information and true-to-life facts. We are currently working on a world record article, New Midwest Encounter Guide, Vehicle Guide, and our own character system. Look for upcoming updates in future issues.
Drive and fly offensively!
Norman McMullen, President
Don Jacques, Secretary
Closing Quote: "Do you have what it takes to be a road warrior?" - Tom Bodett
Re-editing of Nightmessenger Vol. 3, No 1 completed on 05/03/97 by Donald Jacques.
Editors: Norman McMullen, Don and Tim Jacques.
NOVA Works: Grenade Dropper by Norman McMullen, Extended Magazines by Tim Jacques, and Crash Helmet by Cliff Christensen.
In the Arena: Norman McMullen
On the Road: Tim Jacques
Local Hero: Norman McMullen
The Showroom: Master of Disaster III -- Norman McMullen
Bill the Cat's Cars -- Don Jacques
All other sections done by Norman McMullen.
Typesetting and Printing: Don Jacques
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.