This issue will catch up on what we missed last issue. We'll also be saying good-bye to Autoduel Quarterly. Yes, you heard correctly! ADQ will soon become part of Car Wars history. It is to be replaced with the Roleplayer Magazine, or shall we say a part of said magazine. 'Nuff said.
    There's been a lot of water under the bridge in the last few months, and not all of it has been good. More on this later. I don't want this to be a 'Gloom and Doom' issue. So, on with the newsletter.

More innovative ideas from the minds of NOVA. Did you ever wish that there was an idea to fit your needs? Try the following equipment, and you'll see that we aim to please.

Regenerative Brakes: +$750 per wheel, no extra weight. This device is usable only on vehicles with fuel-cell power plants. Basically, it increases total range by 10%. It accomplishes this task by converting the energy released in applying the brakes into electricity. This extra power is then channeled back into the power plant. A side effect of this device is that it gives a -D1 to the hazard caused by high-speed braking. The effects are cumulative with those of HD brakes and anti-lock brakes.

Rain Tires: 200% normal tire cost, +5 lbs to tire weight. Rain tires have one or more deep groves in the surface of the tire, in addition to the normal tread. These grooves force water from under the tire, allowing more traction on a wet surface than standard tires do. This has the effect of eliminating rain hazards. Rain Tires may be fireproof, steel belted or radial. Plasticore tires may be made into rain tires, but loose the effects if the rubber coating on even one of the tires is lost.

Cargo Space Brackets: $100 per cargo space in a vehicle, 10 lbs per cargo space. Not usable with oversized carriers and trailers (they don't need them anyway). These brackets allow the cargo spaces in a vehicle (van, pickup truck, etc) to be used as regular vehicle spaces. Thus, a van with cargo space brackets will have 30 spaces, not 24+6 spaces.

Glitter Sprayer: $800, 25 lbs, 1 space, 2 DP, 25 shots, CPS $15, WPS 2 lbs. Loaded cost $1,175, Loaded weight 75 lbs. A Glitter Sprayer (GLS) creates a 1" x ½" cloud when fired. All laser-based equipment and weaponry fired through and in such a cloud will have their beams reflected/refracted by the crystalline particles in the cloud. This has the effect of stopping damage from all types of lasers (except x-ray) and preventing such devices as LADAR and laser-based ATADs from working through and in such a cloud. A glitter cloud will last one turn for every 2" of elevation above the ground (minimum of one). This is because the particles gradually sink towards the ground.

Carbon-Titanium Frame: 5x body cost, 1/2x body weight. Like a CA frame, a CT frame only weighs half the normal body weight of a vehicle so modified. However, since CT is much stronger than CA, it takes normal damage in rams, rolls and collisions.
 

Now, down to the nitty-gritty. As announced above, ADQ is being canceled. Most likely, it will become a part of Roleplayer or be combined with it into a new magazine. Either way, Autoduel Quarterly is history. What's next, the end of Car Wars?? Stay tuned, we'll keep you informed.
    There are rumors of more Mob control in New Omaha (gasp!), but these have not been substantiated as yet. What tops the list around is NOVA's 2042 Club Championship. This event was filled with conflicts, both in and out of the arena. See "In The Arena" for more details.
    NOVA has answered another challenge, this time with SAS/Zebra of Iowa. They met on November 7, at the "Fields of Honor" convention in Des Moines. The outcome of this meeting saw SAS/Zebra destroyed by NOVA. The dueling started on November 4, with three separate events: 2 arena duels and 1 tank-team battle. All three of these were won handily by NOVA. Relations between the two groups have grown during and since these duels (see "In The Arena" for more details).
    Midwest Defense has been awarded a contract to install a satellite navigation system, with the first satellite to be launched early in 2043. Midwest Defense and the city of New Omaha will be installing traffic sensors, cameras and a CPU to control the system. The system's purpose will be to monitor and control traffic density, road conditions, accidents, etc.
 

May 20, 2042: The Death Knight's personal vehicle, the Death Machine, was seen on the outskirts of Des Moines. When last reported the Death Machine was westbound on I-80.

May 23, 2042: Three members from the J Street cycle gang were found entangled in a net, hanging from a light pole outside Lincoln Police HQ. A note found with the unconscious criminals read "From the Revenger".

May 24, 2042: Four more members of the J Street cycle gang were found captured by similar means. Lincoln Police declined a request from an interview on the incidents.

May 26, 2042: The Revenger was seen chasing three cyclists eastbound on I-80. Witnesses reported his vehicle as being a custom-made, long, black, low-slung car similar to the Batmobile. A report of twin turboprops mounted in the rear was dismissed as ridiculous.

May 28, 2042: A reliable sighting of The Revenger was made, and the presence of the twin turboprops on the rear of his vehicle was confirmed. Chase was given, but The Revenger was lost. The media is now calling his vehicle "The Revengemobile".

May 30, 2042: In protest against the anti-monster-truck ordnance recently passed in New Omaha, SWORDS members Deathshead, Ace, and Kilroy lead a convoy of some 80 monster trucks through the streets of New Omaha to City Hall, where they met with the Mayor. Afterwards, all monster trucks were driven peacefully out of the city. Citizens of New Omaha breathed a sigh of relief.

May 31, 2042: The Revenger brought in three members of ASP to Lincoln Police Headquarters. The Police Commissioner was commented for saying "Yes, he is a vigilante. However, since he has committed no serious crime in the city, we won't prosecute".
    Estimates of the repair costs for the irradiated Imagination Arena surpass four billion dollars. Gadget, CEO of G&G Interests says that Imagination will close its doors soon so as to start the repairs.
    A UFO was spotted in western Nebraska. Farmer Hugh Dunnit said "It was shaped like a sports car, but larger. I saw it chasing someone. Then, it went up into the air really fast. I never seen anything like it ". The Air National Guard could not be reached for comment.
    SWORDS member Steel announced tryouts for the all-new Steel Brigade, a mass army of cyclists under his employ.

June 1, 2042: Roscoe's Corner Market opens its doors. Not remarkable in of itself, but it's a sign that America seems to be going back to more peaceful times. Roscoe Cuthroe, the owner, sells no weaponry, and doesn't allow any in his store.

June 4, 2042: The Revenger was finally seen in the flesh. Witnesses reported that he got out of his Revengemobile to chase down two perpetrators to bring them to justice. He then tied them in a net and placed said net on the roof of his car. The Revenger drove off into the night, saluting the witnesses. They report him as wearing black body armor and a black helmet, both of which had white trim.

June 5, 2042: The Revenger's modus operandi was reported as he pursued two hit-and-run terrorists on I-80. Reporter David Dawkins said "he didn't even take a single hit. He fired two rockets at their front armor and followed them up with anti-power plant rockets, putting the vehicles out of commission. When the terrorists tried to run the Revenger fired a rocket which in turn released a net. The net caught the individuals and the Revenger reeled them in. He tied them to his roof and drove off."

June 7, 2042: A new terrorists faction calling itself the New Omaha Terrorist Society announced its presence on public television. NOVA president Joe Ratner was reported as saying "Oh, great. Another bunch of loons".

June 8, 2042: There was a disturbance at Roscoe's that involved four toughs being thrown out bodily by Roscoe himself. Police reported that these four were trying to shake down Roscoe for protection money. Roscoe said "These punks don't scare me. If they think that they can shake me down, they've got holes in their heads."

June 12. 2042: Hierarch Industries, formerly an electronics manufacturer, names Jonathan Dark as its new CEO. Mr. Dark says that Hierarch will soon open a new plant near New Omaha.

June 16, 2042: The Revengemobile was seen in New Omaha. The car opened fired on a group of schoolchildren with its twin gauss guns, killing seven and injuring thirteen. Local police immediately gave chase, but were unable to catch the criminal. An outraged Death Knight announced that he will hunt the Revenger down and kill him in a slow and painful fashion.

June 17, 2042: Hierarch CEO Jonathan Dark was seen in New Omaha in the company of local duelist Lissa Sanders.

June 22, 2042: NOTS reminded New Omaha of its presence by painting an area of four square blocks of the downtown area to resemble a giant Monopoly Board, with the old County Correctional Facility on one corner. They then played Monopoly. Every time they passed the "jail", though, they all waved and chanted, "Just Visiting". Seven NOTS members were arrested by Police and fined $5,000 each for using excessively bad humor in a public place.

June 23, 2042: The Revengemobile was seen along I-80 by New Omaha Police along with units of the State Patrol. They immediately gave chase and in the ensuing three-hour pursuit speeds exceeded 120 mph. Unfortunately, the Revenger eluded capture.

June 24, 2042: Roscoe was attacked by members of the Savage Bats street gang. He beat all twenty of his attackers into unconsciousness using only his bare hands. What was more miraculous was that he was unharmed. "It was weird," said Roscoe., "they had surrounded me, and had drawn their weapons. I immediately ducked and they opened fire. The next thing I knew all of them were unconscious."

July 4, 2042: New Omaha celebrated 266 years of American Independence. A huge party was sponsored by Hierarch Industries, the centerpiece of which was the biggest fireworks show since the Short War. The Buffet included free hot dogs, lemonade, and beers. Hierarch CEO Jonathan Dark and the omnipresent Lissa Saunders were on hand to light the first fuses.

July 10, 2042: A tremendous explosion was felt to the south of New Omaha, measuring 4.1 on the Richter Scale and breaking windows in some southern neighborhoods. Afterwards, a message was beamed from ToyTown, the sight of the blast. It seemed the ToyTown owners had to blow up the Imagination Arena in order to get rid of all the radiation leftover from the atomic bomb that detonated there. The owners apologized, announcing that they will pay for the damage caused by the blast.

July 10, 2042: A video tape was delivered to a local television station. The tape contained information asserting ASP has created a fake Revenger in order to eliminate the real one. A note from the Revenger, which was found with the tape, said that those responsible could be found on the outskirts of the Boneyards. The note also said, "My car is the Vengeance Cruiser, not the Revengemobile!". When Police reached the site where the perpetrators had been they found a severed head in a life-support capsule. A note bearing the mark of the Death Knight was attached to the capsule. The note said, "Sorry for the mess. I just had to show what I do to people who massacre innocent children". The note also canceled the threat against the Revenger.

July 11, 2042: UFOs were seen in western Nebraska. This time local farmer Hugh Dunnit was quoted as saying "There were two of 'em, they looked liked flying sports cars. I thought they were the weirdest thing I ever saw ". National Guard officials had no comment.

July 12, 2042: Another local vigilante, the Thornn, fired on three Mob enforcers. He escaped without injury, which is more than can be said for the objects of his attention.

July 13, 2042: The leader of the J Street cycle gang was captured by the Revenger. After personally handing the leader over to the Lincoln Police Chief, the Revenger saluted onlookers and lept back into the Vengeance Cruiser. The vehicle then awed the assembled witnesses by accelerating to over 100 mph in less than three seconds and disappeared into the night.

July 15, 2042: Dozens of stray animals were let loose in the streets of New Omaha by members of NOTS. A statement was then issued. "They should have let the Captain start the Pet Patrol again."

July 17, 2042: Roscoe's was fired upon by a missile launcher from an unknown assailant. The missile turned out to be a dud, and it didn't even break a window.

July 19, 2042: An attack on New Omaha Mayor Bill the Cat leaves two aides dead and three others critically injured. No-one has yet taken responsibility for this incident.

July 20, 2042: NOTS pitched in and collected $5,000 to help defray the hospital costs of the three individuals injured in yesterday's attack on the Mayor. NOTS had nothing to say except "It wasn't us, it wasn't our style, and these guys were seriously deranged."

July 21, 2042: A disturbance in northern New Omaha was reported after an explosion leveled an entire city block. However, all other details have been hushed up by the government.

July 22, 2042: Hierarch Industries reported that its CEO, Jonathan Dark, was admitted to a Chicago hospital suffering from exhaustion.

July 23, 2042: Stock in G&G Interests climbed in heavy trading. G&G announced a mutual cooperation pact with DeathKnight Industries.

July 25, 2042: A high-speed chase through the streets of New Omaha ended when the sports car that the unknown assailants were chasing plunged off the pier into the Missouri River. The pursuers expected this to be the end, but the vehicle righted itself and flew away over the water. Witnesses who got a better look at the car reported that its occupants were none other than the Revenger and Lissa Saunders.

September 12, 2042: Giuseppe de Gloria, owner of Anna-Fortuna's Mortuary & Florist Shop, was arrested by New Omaha Police. He was questioned about his association with the Mob.

September 13, 2042: Based on strong evidence, Giuseppe de Gloria's case was scheduled for criminal court.

September 14, 2042: Police search their evidence lockers in an attempt to find the evidence they had against Giuseppe de Gloria.

September 15, 2042: Giuseppe de Gloria was released from police custody. However, in front of the Hall of Justice four Department of Liberation Q-cars opened fire, destroying three Mob cars and disabling two police cruisers. Giuseppe de Gloria was tranquilized and kidnaped in broad daylight.

September 21, 2042: Six police vehicles attacked a suspected Mob front Fat Marty's Bar with no warning and warrant. It was later announced that the six vehicles used in the attack were stolen over the course of six days. The vehicles were returned to their owners with notes addressed to the police. The notes said "thank you from the DOL".
    Mayor Bill the Cat announced that he had deputized all current members of NOVA as additional police officers, saying that "for years, NOVA has helped keep the peace. Now they can do so with official sanction ."

September 23, 2042: It was rumored that a DOL convoy, consisting of four 18-wheelers and twelve cars, was seen in Iowa, heading westbound on I-80. No visual confirmation was given.

September 24, 2042: A member of the Mob on trial in New Omaha District Court alerts the courtroom to the presence of a DOL agent in the back row. The DOL agent promptly opened fire with a silenced SMG loaded with antipersonnel ammunition, dispatching two bailiffs. He then turned on the mobster, killing him with a burst to the face. The DOL assassin escaped the courthouse, killing two police officers in the process. Four DOL Q-cars stopped in front of the courthouse, disabling a nearby police cruiser. The Police chased down two of the cars, finding them to be remote controlled. As soon as this fact was discovered the vehicles exploded, killing four police officers, destroying three police cars and damaging another. Three officers survived without injury.
    Two DOL 18-wheelers were spotted in Lake Forest, Illinois. Eight cars provided an escort. When the convoy crossed into Missouri they were joined by another convoy of equal size.

September 29, 2042: The DOL convoy returns to Nebraska and is joined by another group of vehicles consisting of two rigs and eight cars. This raised the vehicle mix to six rigs and 24 cars. A force of GNATS attacked the DOL group twenty miles outside of New Omaha. The GNATS force, numbering some twenty vehicles of various sizes, was decimated. Only three DOL vehicles were destroyed.

September 30, 2042: Six wrecked GNATS Fire Ants were found outside of New Omaha on I-80. DOL announced that it was responsible, claiming vengeance for the GNATS attack on the DOL convoy the previous day.

October 1, 2042: A New Omaha Police Officer, responding to a burglary-in-progress call, was decapitated by a bullet fired by a sniper. Police ballistics experts estimate that the bullet was fired from a distance of 450 yards. The Department of Liberation claimed responsibility for this attack before the news was leaked to the press.

October 3, 2042: A Mafia crew of four was suspected in the destruction of a grocery store. The attack killed three of the store's employees. The Police have no information as to the reason for this action.

October 4, 2042: The Department of Liberation mixed it up with a pocket of GNATS agents that had been secretly hiding in New Omaha. The battle lasted less than one minute before DOL backup arrived and collapsed the newly-constructed building the GNATS were hiding in. The DOL retrieved its two wounded agents and fled with no police pursuit.

October 5, 2042: A car self-destructed across the street from New Omaha Police Headquarters. The driver was killed instantly. No-one else was injured, and no damage was done to the building.

October 12, 2042: The Weasel and the DeathKnight started a convoy in New York City. Their objective was the West Coast. They report attacks by terrorists as well as other minor road hazards.

October 13, 2042: The Weasel/DeathKnight convoy left Youngstown, Ohio and continued west. The convoy stopped in Chicago for the night.

October 14, 2042: Chicago-area truck stops were attacked the previous night and some suffered heavy damage. The Weasel/DeathKnight convoy escaped the fracas with only minor damage. On the way to Grand Island, Nebraska, the convoy was assaulted by the Skulls motorcycle gang and by terrorists helicopters. All of these threats were exterminated. The convoy pulled into the Grand Island truck stop without further annoyance.

October 15, 2042: The Grand Island truck stop exploded at 2 a.m., utterly destroying the Weasel/DeathKnight convoy. The facilities were leveled and surrounding facilities sustained considerable damage.

October 19, 2042: The DeathKnight paid for the damage done to the Grand Island truck stop. Explanations for this action wasn't forthcoming.

October 21, 2042: The Federal Government signed a contract with DeathKnight Industries. The contract was for the purchase of 50 Goliath Mk-IVB rigs for use as convoy escorts.

October 22, 2042: The Brotherhood has linked the Mob to the attacks on the Chicago-area truck stops. However, there is no real proof of this. The Government reports minor ASP activity in the New England area, along with ARF activity in the same area.

November 4, 2042: NOVA duels S.A.S/Zebra in a Division 30 event in Zebra's home arena. Michael Garrity takes first place with three kills.

November 5, 2042: NOVA meets S.A.S/Zebra again in a Division 40 duel in the same arena as yesterday. Michael Garrity wins again with two kills for NOVA.

November 6, 2042: S.A.S/Zebra battles NOVA in the Commercial Combat Zone in Missouri. The event was a tank duel, comprised of two teams of four tanks each. NOVA blitzed Zebra again, winning the battle. The NOVA vehicles took minor damage.

November 11, 2042: In a move that stunned the New Omaha business community, the corporate spokesman for DeathKnight Industries announced that, as of December 11, DKI will go public.
    In related news, Advanced Combat Engineering (ACE) announced that it has acquired Advanced Research Corporation (ARC).

November 12, 2042: Radius Motors announced its acquisition of Defense Systems International. An undisclosed amount was paid for the company.

November 14, 2042: Michael Shadow was named CEO of ARC by Xavier Powell of ACE.
    Michael Garrity won NOVA's club championship. The duel was held at Aksarben arena. Michael managed to beat out Norman McMullen, Don Jacques, Don Viner, and Chris French for the top spot.

November 23, 2042: NOVA and the city of New Omaha banned the use of military items in all arenas and events unless otherwise specified. The announcement came at a joint news conference held by Joe Ratner and Bill the Cat.

December 4, 2042: At a news conference held at Lincoln, Nebraska, Herbert Kelson, president of Radius Motors, announced the production of the twelfth model of the famous BlastFighter dueling car. There are 93 different versions being produced. The new version is being produced for the police, military, and civilian security markets, and is done in cooperation with DeathKnight Industries. Mr Kelson announced that more BlastFighter models will be produced in 2043. These will include airborne and amphibious models.

December 11, 2042: The eagerly-awaited public issue of DeathKnight Industries stock (NYSE: DKI) was held. Initial issue price was $80 per share, with 40,000,000 shares being offered. Investment interest is expected to be heavy.

December 30, 2042: In a landmark event, it was announced that the first issue of the "Nightmessenger" completely free of typographical errors, was published.

January 19, 2043: DeathKnight Industries stock reaches $125 per share in very heavy trading, based on speculation that DKI is in the running for the U.S. Army's contract to develop a new light tank.

January 28, 2043: Defense Department officials awarded the contract to develop a light tank for the U.S. Army to Daimschell Treadworks. This announcement, plus a decline in the NYSE initiated by program trading, caused DKI stock to drop $35 per share.
 

Recently, it has come to our attention that there has been an abuse of the "abuse of firepower" article published in ADQ. This article was an unremarkable piece that did nothing to curb or otherwise restrict the use of military items in arena duels.
    NOVA is a civilian organization, not a military one. Most of our vehicles are AADA-official, especially the arena designs. As of November 23, 2042, NOVA has banned the use of any and all military items unless stated beforehand. This is to return the balance to dueling events. After all, duels are supposed to be fun for everyone.
    The City of New Omaha has agreed to enforce the ban also. Vehicles will be checked before each event by arena officials. Any equipment found to be in violation will be confiscated, the offending duelist will be fined $5,000 and restricted from dueling for 30 days.
    Since duelists' attitudes reflect the attitudes of the group they're with, NOVA doesn't favor arrogance or vanity in duelists. After all, one should always remember the old gunfighter's saying: "There's always someone better than you." It doesn't matter whether or not you're the World Champion or Joe Blow (average duelist). Every dog has his day, and sooner or later it will end. If any NOVA duelist gets out of line in any way, please tell us.
    NOVA has become known for big-bore artillery in recent years, mainly due to our widespread usage of blast cannons and antitank guns. This has come about in order to defeat the heavy armor in most of our designs; these average at least 240-250 points total, with a maximum of 330 points. The downside of this vast firepower is that average designs from other chapters and places look wimpy by comparison. When you trash someone's design in two seconds, it's not the end of the world. On the contrary, it means that guile and trickery are now fully in vogue. Duelists, no matter how badly outdone they are, will compensate and return the balance to their future duels. This is currently going on in NOVA events. Big guns are fine and dandy, at least until something different comes around. Remember, duels and duelists are always evolving.
 

... In Space (What's left of it.)

Orbit Wars: I said it at Origins/GenCon and I'll say it again: "It will be the death knell of Car Wars." Any duel fought in a hard vacuum will be extremely deadly due to the fact that any shot that pierces the vehicle would destroy it, either by explosive decompression or the heat of uncontrolled reentry. Space isn't a good place to duel, and certainly isn't relevant to the world of Car Wars. See next idea.

Colony Wars: Not as bad as the preceding idea, but close. Duels on different planets in the Solar System will not only have to contend with different gravities (throwing weapon ballistics and vehicle handling off) but also hostile atmospheres. In this kind of duel, you would survive longer than in Orbit Wars, but not by much. Don't expect it to see it in stores anytime soon.

Upscale Racing: Much like upscale dueling, this is in 3x scale, using race track which can be made from the Dark Futures road sections. Matchbox race cars would complete the process. This would be a great idea for conventions.
 

None of any interest in the near future. 'Nuff said.
 

By the looks of it, Impact is dying a slow, painful (for gamers) death. None have been planned for the spring, and Impact 3 hasn't even been announced yet.
    Nuke-Con 3 will be a very likely prospect for Fall 1993, as will GenCon. We'd all like to attend it again and participate in a well-run Racing Championship (if such a thing is humanly possible).
    Contretemps is coming back. It will return in 1994. Hopefully, we can run a Car Wars tournament there. Until next time.
 

This year NOVA returned to the remodeled Aksarben Arena. Only five contestants attended. They were: Norman McMullen, Don Jacques, Michael Garrity, Don Viner, and Chris French.
    Early on, Jacques and McMullen went head-to-head, with McMullen taking minor damage from a blast cannon round. Jacques took no damage from McMullen's weaponry. Meanwhile, Viner started laying a trail of mines in the SE corner of the arena. French saw this and slowed down while going into the corner. Garrity aimed towards Jacques and hit him with APFSDS rounds from his ATGS.
    Jacques fired his rear-mounted OG (loaded with flaming oil ammo) in front of McMullen to discourage pursuit. Meanwhile, Viner boxed French in the SE corner with a double line of proximity-fused mines. Jacques went up the center ramp and blocked the base with flaming oil. Garrity fired his FCGS near the central tower. Viner rounded the abstract and set his sights on Jacques and McMullen (who had just rounded the central tower). Jacques landed with Viner on his tail and was rear-ended twice.
    Viner T-boned Jacques, putting him in roll that subsequently killed him. In the meantime, Viner left a huge trail of mines. McMullen dropped a load of his OJ/ID and side-mounted oil/ice dischargers, then zoomed past Garrity. Garrity got a solid hit on McMullen's right side with his ATGs, and chased after him (leaving another FCGS round in his wake). They continued around an obstacle into another patch of ice/oil left by McMullen. Garrity lost control, rolling twice and slamming into another obstacle. Garrity's roof was breached, causing the loss of his FCGS as well as minor damage to other components. Garrity landed heavily on his tires at 50 mph and continued the chase.
    Viner exploded some of his mines around McMullen, doing minor damage to the tires. McMullen went around the jump and the tower, heading back towards Garrity (who fired on McMullen's front). Thanks to McMullen's heavy metal armor, their was only minor damage. A second volley repeated the experience, and McMullen ducked behind the jump while Garrity went the other way. A third shot from Garrity's ATGs missed.
    Viner angled towards McMullen and Garrity, who promptly departed the area. Viner started dropping mines, blocking the tower and jump area. McMullen turned around an obstacle to face Viner (who had just blocked a few more obstacles and gates with mines). McMullen surprized everyone by firing a laser through his weapon concealment, doing heavy damage to Viner's front armor. What made matters worse was both McMullen and Viner sideswiped at a high rate of speed. McMullen died as a result, and most of Viner's right side armor was destroyed. Both cars spun out of control, with McMullen being disqualified because his vehicle spun out through a gate. Viner crashed into an obstacle head-first.
    Garrity came around the tower and headed towards Viner. Fleeing, Viner went through the canyon and over an ice/oil patch. Garrity caught him at this point, firing and scoring a hit with his ATGs. A second volley breached Viner's armor and destroyed the power plant. He coasted to a stop outside a gate and surrendered to Garrity.
    While all of this was going on French slowed and turned around the SE corner. He attempted to penetrate the mines that Viner had laid, but proximity fuzes foiled that idea. The resulting detonations destroyed his underbody armor and power plant. French withdrew and Garrity was declared the winner.

Finishing Positions:

1^st - Michael Garrity (one kill)
2^nd (tie) - Norman McMullen
2^nd (tie) - Chris French
4^th - Don Viner (one kill, surrendered)
5^th - Don Jacques (killed)

Total Elapsed Time: 26 seconds
 

Championship Vehicles:

Toilet Duck (Michael Garrity) - Luxury w/CA frame, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, 200 CI gas engine w/VP turbocharger and 1-gallon dueling gas tank, 4 SBPR radial tires, driver, 2 linked ATGs w/rotary magazines front (5 shots APFSDS & 5 shots HESH each), FCGS w/2 extra magazines rear, HRSWC (ATGs), 2 fake weapons front (MGS), blow-through concealment for ATGs, 4 fake wheelguards, 4 fake wheelhubs, overdrive, 10 points CA for driver. Sloped armor: F74, L65, R65, B42, T10, U10. Accel 10/5 w/overdrive, top speed 75/95 w/overdrive, HC 4; 6,599 lbs., $39,860. Base MPG - 35.

???? (Don Viner) - not released for printing. Known details, however, are as follows: luxury, 100 point ramplate, 2 MDs (one rear, one right - linked) w/extra magazines for a total of 90 mines.

BlastFighter VI (Norman McMullen) - Sedan w/CA frame, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, 300 CI gas engine w/5 gallon dueling gas tank, 4 solid tires, driver, laser front, OJ & ID linked rear, 2 pairs of oil dischargers/ice dischargers (1 R, 1 L), 4 bumper triggers, 3 weapon links, blow-through concealment for laser, fake weapon (BC) front, spoiler, airdam, overdrive. Sloped armor (metal/plastic): F18/50, L0/50, R0/50, B0/50, T0/10, U0/10. Accel 10/5 w/overdrive, top speed 95/115 w/overdrive, HC 3/4 at 60+; 6,120 lbs., $38,223. Base MPG - 22.

Cannon Ranger (Don Jacques) - Luxury w/CA frame, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, large power plant w/SC, 4 SB solid tires, driver, BC w/extra magazine (HESH) front, OG w/HT ammo rear, mini-rocket platform w/2 incendiary light rockets, magazine switch for BC, targeting computer, spoiler, airdam, HD shocks, 10 points CA for driver, 10 points CA for power plant. 4 10-point wheelguards, 4 10-point wheelhubs. Sloped armor: F83, L40, R40, B40, T30, U10. Accel 5, top speed 90, HC 2/3 at 60+; 6,600 lbs, $39,986. Driver's equipment included body armor, double-barreled shotgun, and 2 fake grenades.

MVR-1K (Chris French) - Pickup, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, super power plant, 6 solid tires, driver, BC w/extra magazine front (HESH), HRSWC, spoiler, airdam, active suspension. 4 10-point FP wheelguards, 4 5-point FP wheelhubs. FP armor: F70, L55, R55, B60, T2, U5. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 2/3 at 60+; 7,792 lbs., $37,468.

About a year ago we received a challenge from S.A.S./Zebra in ADQ. This had happened after we had issued a challenge to River City ADA. It never went off because River City dried up and blew away. We answered Zebra's challenge and started planning on a date. During this time we went to GenCon/Origins and met S.A.S./Zebra there. We became friends and started talking about dates again. After much consultation we decided on Fields of Honor, held on November 7 in Des Moines. The challenge duel was to be set in Hammer Downs, but was moved to the Zebra Arena (3-D w/HO-scale cars). The division was set at 15, and the combatants readied themselves.
    S.A.S./Zebra was represented by Ward Black and his friends Tony and Chris. NOVA colors were carried by Norman McMullen, Michael Garrity, and Chris French. In the opening round, Zebra took some shots at NOVA, but missed. Zebra broke formation to go around the central obstacle. NOVA converged on one side, with French going up one ramp to the upper level. He iced/oiled it on the way up. Garrity came behind French and bootlegged his trike halfway up the ramp. He then fired at Chris (of Zebra), killing him with a hit from his three RRs.
    Ward and Norman traded shots with Ward getting the worst of it from Norman's BC. Ward did little damage with his RR. Chris' wreck nearly sideswiped the top of Tony's car after it hit the ramp. Garrity fired on Tony's top armor, doing heavy damage. Tony returned fire, doing good damage to Garrity's top armor. Ward fired his RR at Garrity's top armor, causing a breach.
    Garrity fired at Ward's left side, doing good damage. Norman circled under the ramp and closed on Ward. French circled the upper level and came down the other ramp, leaving a trail of ice and oil. He fired his RL at Ward but missed. Norman fired his BC at Ward and killed him. This kill won the challenge for NOVA
    NOVA competed against S.A.S./Zebra four times at Fields of Honor. The other events were two car duels and a tank match. NOVA won them all. S.A.S./Zebra is a good group, but they were simply overwhelmed by NOVA firepower and dueling prowess. Since that time, NOVA and Zebra have become good friends. We would like to do a joint project with them, the details of which would be discussed with them at a later date. In the coming year we hope to have even better relations with them. There's even the possibility of another challenge match.
 

First known as Omaha, this city was started in the early 19^th century by fur traders. As soon as the quality of Midwestern soil became known farmers began to move west. The Missouri river was seen as an asset, mainly due to the ease of transportation it provided. Omaha prospered quickly as the transportation industry moved railroads and river shipping terminals into the area. In 1946 the growth of Omaha exploded as the Strategic Air Command (SAC) moved into Offutt Air Force Base. SAC has been a major factor in Omaha's growth ever since.
    Before the Food Riots, Omaha's metropolitan population stood at 450,000. This made it the largest city in Nebraska. The Grain Blight hit Nebraska hard, as farming was one of the state's biggest industries. In less than a month, thousands of Nebraska farms were abandoned, leaving several hundred farm-dependent towns without a source of revenue. When no quick-cure for the blight was found most of these towns were deserted, the former inhabitants seeking safety in Lincoln or Omaha.
    Even before the Blight, Omaha was straining to expand while its population increased by the tens of thousands. Those who abandoned their farms and towns for Omaha quickly found that there was no room. Tent cities sprang up overnight and the already-overpopulated city became a hotbed of tension, and later riots.
    At the start of the Short War, Offutt AFB evacuated all of its nonessential personnel and sealed its gates. Although it was the target of hundreds of megatons worth of nuclear destruction, it survived intact, thanks to the effectiveness of the US orbital defenses. However, the Air Force never recalled its personnel; Congress had quickly canceled all strategic (ie, nuclear) defense appropriations and all but gutted Offutt. Preparations were quickly made to put Offutt in the hands of the Nebraska National Guard.
    The change of command never went off. The growing tension, fear and desperation of Omaha residents had finally reached its peak. A human tidal wave surged south, searching for food along with anything else that could help them survive. The rioters' southward course eventually led them to Offutt.
    The base's defenders (a mixture of National Guardsmen and Air Force personnel) fought hard, but were vastly outnumbered and practically unequipped; the Air Force had pulled out most of its equipment and the National Guard hadn't established its armory yet. Offutt fell under the attack and was looted.
    By now, a mass insanity had gripped most Omaha residents. Perhaps it was fear. In any case, the Offutt rioters were now better-equipped than the police. They headed north to loot, pillage, and burn Omaha. They did a good job of it. Within 24 hours the flames of the city lit up the sky, visible for miles against the blackness of the night sky. Omaha, a city that had prospered for more than two hundred years, was destroyed.
    Some Omahans lived by use of strength and cunning. Many of those who lived, people who had been accountants, lawyers, school teachers or factory workers, now found themselves searching for weapons with which to defend themselves. One group in particular, led by Gunnery Sgt. Scott Chianti, a Marine Corps reservist, survived for two years, staging raids against gangs from a hotel which they had fortified and used as a base. When the city was reclaimed, Sgt Chianti was court-martialed for being AWOL, and sentenced to ten years in Leavenworth Prison. He was later killed in a prison riot (author's note - Sgt Chianti's body was never positively identified. Unconfirmed rumors say that he passed off another body as his and escaped in the confusion).
    Two years passed before the U.S. Army and the National Guard could muster the strength to mount a raid against the Offutt looters and reclaim Omaha from the gangs that infested it. In less than four months the core of Omaha was liberated and the gangs expelled to the ruins north and west of the city.
    Omaha's first fortifications appeared soon after. To avoid constant gang raids from the northern and western ruins, the new city government expended millions of dollars to erect miles of ten-foot high walls on the city's northern and western borders. This only proved a temporary hindrance to the gangs. They soon began moving southward in order to bypass Omaha's patrols on its southern flanks. Many times gangs would attempt to raid Omaha or Offutt. In 2016, the long-awaited southern wall passed from the planning stage into actual construction. In the same year the city government renamed the city "New Omaha".
    Today, New Omaha is even more heavily fortified. As its population grew (2040 census estimate of 170,000), the city spent more and more tax money to better the existing defenses. The walls have been heightened to 15 feet, and now boast large numbers of manned/automated defensive bunkers near all major approaches. However, it is still considered to be an open city (it's impossible to have a completely-closed city when two major interstates pass directly through it). Vehicles entering the city limits via the interstate system can't possibly be stopped and checked individually.
    However, the New Omaha Police Department does randomly stop motorists for safety checks and to search for contraband. All major highways into the city have checkpoints at which motorists must furnish identification and state their reasons for going into the city. These checkpoints are heavily defended and have large rolling gates that can close off the highways at any time.
    New Omaha does have a surprising amount of security for a city its size. All resident vehicles must have an IFF transponder (paid for by automobile license fees), as well as prominently-displayed license plates. They must also have their license numbers painted on the roof to aid in airborne surveillance and policing actions.
    The Downtown portion of New Omaha (location of City Hall and Police Department Headquarters) is a No-Dueling Zone. Any dueling in this area will be terminated with extreme prejudice, usually by members of NOVA or any police officers that happen to be on the scene. The remaining parts of New Omaha routinely see small firefights. The Police Department normally doesn't intervene in these actions, unless innocent bystanders are threatened or there is substantial property damage.
 

This issue we feature the designs from S.A.S./Zebra that were used in our recent duels with them.

Roundabout Special 30K: Mid-size, x-y. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant, 4 PR tires, driver, AC front, RL in universal turret, SS rear, hi-res computer, overdrive, anti-lock brakes, active suspension. Armor: F45(ram), L40, R40, B40, T20, U20. Accel. 5/2.5 w/overdrive, top speed 95/115 w/overdrive, HC 4; 5,535 lbs., $29,390.

Budget Tank: Luxury, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, 200ci gas engine w/5 gallon dueling gas tank, 4 Plasticore tires, driver, gunner, BC front, RL w/incendiary ammo front, turreted RL w/incendiary ammo smart-linked to front RL, RL w/incendiary ammo B smart-linked to turreted RL, SD w/explosive spikes rear, 2 hi-res computers. FP armor: F40, L35, R35, B30, T15, U4. Accel. 5, top speed 65, HC 3; 6,595 lbs., $39,885. Base MPG: 35.

Grendel K: Mid-size, x-hvy chassis, hvy. suspension, super power plant, 4 HD tires, driver, turreted RR w/extra magazine (HESH ammo), HRSWC. Sloped Armor: F50, L45, R45, B40, T41, U10. Accel 10, top speed 125, HC 3; 5,230 lbs., $14,965.
 

Since April 18, 2042, Lissa Lee Saunders (who duels under the name "Pathfinder) has been the object of much local, regional, and national attention because of her very rare success in autodueling; of the last seven arenas she has entered, she has taken First Place in all of them.
    Lissa was born on March 12, 2022, to David and Julia Saunders. She is one of four children that consist of her twin sister and older twin brothers. Lissa and her twin sister Jesse have been confused for each other for as long as either of them can remember. Even now, Jesse Saunders, up-and-coming boat & hovercraft duelist, receives a lot of attention in public, being mistaken for Lissa.
    Lissa once thought autodueling to be unnecessary and barbaric, often saying "duelists are kill-crazy goons looking for an ego trip " to her brothers. That changed just before she entered high school, where her brother Robert brought home a friend who occasionally entered the arena. "I didn't follow the dueling news, says Lissa, "so I had no idea what this guy did. We carried on a normal conversation. I even liked the guy, regardless of his age."
    She didn't find out that he was a duelist until her brother mentioned it a few weeks later. "Without even knowing it, that was the night that I discovered that all duelists aren't kill-crazy goons." Shortly after that, Lissa became interested in autodueling as a modern-day sport.
    In high school, she took as many electives as possible, concentrating on those that would help her on the dueling circuit. Offensive Driver's Education and Auto Mechanics were her first priorities, and after passing both classes with flying colors, she enrolled in a public gunnery course.
    Lissa began her first job in her junior year of high school. With the help of her Auto Mechanics instructor, she landed a job at a Lincoln truck stop as an assistant mechanic. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at the University of Nebraska, majoring in psychology. The great expense of a college education precluded her from buying a dueling vehicle capable of arena combat.
    After a year of college, an advertisement from Essex Duelcars and Omaha Enforcement Network caught her interest. OMEN, a new dueling organization, was forming, and it was looking for members. Essex Duelcars was also providing each new member with their first arena vehicle. Thanks to the skills that she had learned (even though she might never use them), Lissa was signed into OMEN as a full member.
    Lissa's first arena, on April 18, 2042, was only the start of a professional dueling career. The event was a Division 30 grudge match between Essex Duelcars and Radius Motors. After slowly chewing away at the Radius Motors Blast Fighters, she rammed the vehicle, scoring her first arena kill and her first win. She purchased the damaged Essex Duelcars' Zaitech Madness, and continues to drive it to this day.
    Both her second and third arena kills were close copies of her first; she scored one kill and took first place both times. It was at this point that the regional spotlights started to swing in her direction. Shortly thereafter, she quit her job at Crystal Gold Truck Stop in Lincoln and moved to New Omaha, now being busy recruiting new members to fill out the OMEN ranks. In Lissa's fifth and sixth arenas she led Essex Duelcars' Corporate Combat Team into battle, and although she didn't score any kills, she still found herself in the limelight. This time she was surrounded by her friends on the winning team.
    Her seventh arena was what some people called her comeback arena. She scored her first kill since the fourth arena and once again took first place in an untouched vehicle. Lissa was now known throughout the Midwest as "Pathfinder", and is currently taking some time away from dueling to travel and continue her education. "In the next year or so, I plan on learning to scuba-dive and to get my private pilot's license, both of which I've wanted to do for some time," said Lissa.
    She still plans on dueling part-time, mainly on behalf of Essex Duelcars, as a member of OMEN and as a new member of NOVA. Lissa has also been recently named as one of New Omaha's "Million-Dollar Duelists", a rare and prestigious honor. However, her first priority is still continuing her self-education and travel schedule.
    When not dueling, Lissa spends most of her time either on the road, traveling from city to city, or as a mechanic at local dueling garages. When asked why she likes traveling so much, she said "I like to meet people. Meeting people is one of the more important aspects of life. Getting out and seeing different cultures teaches a person more than any classroom instructor ever could."
    "There's a lot out there I still have to see and learn. I'm no longer setting my goals on just one thing. I'd rather know a little bit about everything instead of everything about just one narrow field ."
    Lissa is 20 years old. She stands 5'11", weighs 120 lbs and has long brown hair and brown eyes. Her skills are Driver +2, Gunner +2, Handgunner +1, Mechanic +1, Cyclist, Boat Pilot, Martial Arts, Acrobatics, Running, Climbing, Search, Paramedic, and Area Knowledge (New Omaha). She has six confirmed arena kills, a target hit average of 0.844 and a combatants killed average of 0.857.
 

This column has returned to update everyone on our correspondence. We'll cover everything from the end of ASP to going bimonthly. On with the mail.
    Milton Martin Fernandez is one of our regular correspondents, and he recently lost all of his Car Wars Material in Hurricane Andrew. Anyone wishing to donate any and all types of Car Wars items should contact NOVA or see ADQ 10/3 for details. Anyone with used items or duplicates of items should please consider donating them to a needy duelist.
 
 

Dear Norman:

October 10, 1992

I finally have a few minutes to write off a short note. While we're grateful for the mention in NM 6/2, no one in the Driving Tigers/Road Wolves recognized any of the duelslang you attributed to us (as well as to the "Flying Tigers"). For that matter, none of it appeared in our magazine either, although we did use some slang. Lastly, no one knows who Stephaine Galley is (there's no one by that name on our mailing list).
    I just thought you'd like to know, in case you got any more Galley submissions.

Thanks again for the mention, though.

Sincerely:

Christopher Burke

P.S.: Your copyright is wrong. It should be copyright NOVA (spelled out or abbreviated) not Nightmessenger.
 
 

N.O.V.A. October 26, 2042

After man weeks of surveillance upon M.A.D.D. HQ, I managed to sneak into their motor pool. Inside was a huge dirigible that was in the process of being inflated. It was launched days before the raid, and it brought no adverse reactions because it bore the familiar Uncle Al's logo. Three semi-trucks also bearing Uncle Al's logos left at the same time. I followed them north for several days. Just last week they arrived in Chicago at an Amy TV station. Late that night, file cabinets were unloaded from the trucks, and dozens of crates were loaded back into the trucks. These crates bore US Army serial numbers as well as labels that read "Explosive: Warning". A man came out of the station and talked to the ASP that was supervising the operation. Through the use of a directional microphone I was able to overhear most of the their conversation. The text follows:

ASP: "You're late."
Man: "Sorry, do you have the files?"
A: "Yeah, they've already been sent in. Do you have the device?"
M: "I've got someone bringing it out right now. Be careful with it, though. I don't want Chicago to glow, ya know?"
A: "Don't worry about it."
M: "Make sure it goes off on November 3^rd."
A: "Don't worry about that either. You sure about that shipment?"
M: "Absolutely. A government shipment of weapon-grade plutonium is headed through New Omaha on Halloween. No one knows about it, not even the cops. Guess they don't want to alert the gangs and scare the public."
A: "So, we leave our vans in Council Bluffs for the gang and they'll take care of the rest?"
M: "Yep! And NOVA will get the blame and the bomb. That'll teach them to screw with us!"

At that point, an unmarked box was lifted into the dirigible. The next morning, they left and went west on I-80 into Iowa. Sorry I couldn't follow them, but I've got a few non-stock options that the Iowans would be more than happy to disconnect for good!
    Watch out guys, these dudes are psycho, especially since Colonel Stevens got captured. Have an interesting Halloween, and good luck!

DEATHADDER
 

Hey Norman:

OUCH! Tough race. I can just see the sportscaster saying "I thought he could squeeze in there, too". Well, things have changed around here faster than a jet-powered race car. I've finally (about time) found a gaming group in Salem. No more 90-minute road rallies to get to a place to game. We're playing a good variety, including GURPS, Fantasy Hero, Twilight 2000 and... Car Wars. Well, it's a very good mix of several games. We use the Car Wars timelines, theme and modified vehicles. We use Champions (actually just HERO) characters with no powers. And finally Shadowrun Races.
    We all work for ANR Freight out of Springfield (a real company that our GM works for, so we get free maps of all their terminals) as members of what is called a H.A.N.D. team. I can't remember what the abbreviation stands for, but we carry Hazardous and Dangerous cargo. On our first run we were attacked by members of T.A.R.O.T., a big-time terrorist organization that I can't remember the full name for (editor's note: the terrorist organization T.A.R.O.T. was first found in the James Bond role-playing game several years ago). I apologize, it's kind of late and I'm not known for my memory anyhow. After this weekend, I'll be able to give you the full names as well as some more details.
    On with the issue of the Nightmessenger (rivaled only by ADQ by virtue of its budget). My suggestion would be to go bimonthly (I'd push for monthly if you guys didn't have full-time jobs). I realize that the annual subscription rate would go up (which reminds me that I'll have to send you another check after the holidays). The advantage would be that each issue would be more up-to-date. Also, submissions that were late could just be bumped to the next issue (two months away) as opposed to delaying the issue or having to wait another three months. If you'd like, I could send in a story every so often chronicling the adventures of the H.A.N.D. I'd need to change a few things (races to human),but I don't think that much would be lost in the translation.

Well, as another year closes, we look towards the future. Where will the new year take us? GenCon and the Racing Worlds, or the Dueling Worlds in Texas? An alliance with S.A.S./Zebra? Joint projects? A new NOVA Works Catalog (hopefully)? The Nightmessenger with SIX issues per year? Only time will tell.
    Happy Holidays to all duelists everywhere. I hope Santa brought you your favorite weapon this year.

Drive offensively!
 

Norman McMullen President of NOVA

Tim Jacques Vice-President

 

Re-editing of Nightmessenger Vol 6, No 4 completed on 01/24/99 by Donald Jacques.

Editors: Norman McMullen, Don Jacques, Tim Jacques, and Michael Garrity.

NOVA Works: Regenerative Brakes and Carbon-Titanium Frame by Michael Garrity, Rain Tires by Don Viner, Cargo Space Brackets by John Scheibler, and Glitter Sprayer by Norman McMullen.

Dueling Ideas: Norman McMullen and Craig Sheeley.

In the Arena: 2042 Club Championship by Norman McMullen.

Zebra Challenge by Michael Garrity and Norman McMullen

Focus: by Q.

10 O'Clock News: John Scheibler, Don Viner, Michael Garrity, and Norman McMullen

The Showroom: Toilet Duck by Michael Garrity, Cannon Ranger by Don Jacques, BlastFighter VI by Norman McMullen, MVR-1K by Chris French. Budget Tank, Grendel K, and Roundabout Special 30K by S.A.S./Zebra.

Local Hero: by Q.

All other sections done by Norman McMullen.

Typesetting and transcriber of the Great American Novel: Don Jacques
 

Nightmessenger is published quarterly by the New Omaha Vehicular Association, 701 S. 22 Street #73, Omaha, NE 68102. All material is copyright December 1992 by Nightmessenger. All rights reserved.

Car Wars, Dueltrack, Boat Wars, Car Warriors , Crash City, Truck Stop, Convoy, Uncle Albert's , Autoduel and AADA are registered trademarks of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, or are used under license. The above trademarks, and the characters and situations of the Car Wars background are the exclusive property of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, and are used by Nightmessenger under permission.

Reproduction of any material published in the Nightmessenger without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Any reproduction of Car Wars stories published in the Nightmessenger, or any other unauthorized publication of fiction using the Car Wars background, without the express written permission of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated is strictly prohibited.
 

Annual subscription is four issues at $4, or $1 an issue.
 

Originally printed as a SpeedScript 3.2 document on a Commodore 64 with an Epyx extender cartridge (this issue - 6/4 - was worked in part as a WP file). The issue was reentered as a WordPerfect 6.1 document, turned into a HTML document by KEYview 5.1, and edited again in Netscape Composer

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