Thanks for all the cards and gifts; it's great to be back. I'm glad the Plague is under control. If you haven't guessed by now, I'm Joseph Ratner, also known as Joe Rat - the President of a bunch of oddballs called NOVA.
    Well, the end of the year approaches again. A time to reflect on the events of this year. To say the least, this year has been full of surprises. Who would've thought No-Gun would lead in my absence. I thank him for that. NOVA benefitted from his unique leadership in the mid-year crisis.
    I congratulate Chris French upon becoming the first double NOVA club champion. Now if he could do the same thing at regional level. The lack of duellists, however, make that possibility unlikely.
    NOVA South is finally up and running with Daniel Sloan as president. A while back, Daniel won NOVA South's club championship. We're sure to see him at the Worlds next year. We congratulate him on getting his chapter together.
 

This issue we look into Trans (multi-environment) Vehicles.

Grasshopper (Car to Helicopter): Cost $15,000 and one space. May be installed in mid-size, sedan, and luxury. Takes four turns to change over and take off.

Dragonfly (Car to Hovercraft): Cost $10,000 and one space. May be installed in x-hvy. trikes and subcompacts to luxuries. Takes three turns to change over.

Sparrow (Cycle to Plane): Cost $25,000, 200 lbs., one space and two DP. May be installed in hvy. cycles only. Takes three turns to change over.

Hawk (Car to Plane): Cost $20,000, 400 lbs., 4 spaces and 4 DP. May be installed in mid-size, sedan, and luxury. Takes four turns to change over and take off.

Otter (Car to Boat): Cost $6,000, 200 lbs., 2 spaces and 4 DP. May be installed in trikes (not reversed trikes) and cars. Takes two turns to change over.

Turtle (Car to Submarine): Cost $35,000, 500 lbs., 4 spaces and 4 DP. May be installed in mid-size, sedan, and luxury. Four turns for change over.

Hummingbird (Cycle to Helicopter): Cost $20,000, one space. Heavy cycle only. Four turns for change over.

Duck (Boat to Helicopter): $20,000 and one space. Available for boats. Four turns for change-over.

Goose (Car to Boat/Helicopter): $21,000, 200 lbs. 3 spaces and 4 DP. Available, mid-size, sedan, and luxury. Two turns to boat mode and 4 turns for airborne.

Skate (Car to Ice Car): $1,000, 100 lbs., 2 spaces. May be used by trikes and cars. Two turns to change-over.

Attack Helicopter Bodies: There are four different body sizes available. Description is as follows: Body type: Body cost; Body weight; Body spaces; HC; Rotor main DP/ stabilizer DP; Armor cost/weight:

One-man: $12,500; 500 lbs; 13; 3; 3/3; 16/8.
Small: $25,000; 800 lbs.; 19; 2; 5/3; 20/10.
Standard: $50,000; 1,200 lbs.; 30; 2; 6/4; 30/14.
Heavy: $100,000; 2,000 lbs.; 40; 1; 8/4; 35/17.

An Attack Helicopter has an additional -1 modifier to be hit from the front and/or back due to its narrow silhouette. This is applied before any other targeting modifiers. Attack Helicopters are designed to carry weapons and equipment, not cargo, hence no cargo spaces.
 

Let's see what's happening here. The trials of the Jackal, Gadget, and Mechmaster have been concluded. The DSA has found them all guilty of crimes against humanity.
    On the bright side, the World Health Committee has proclaimed the Wilson Plague over. No new cases have been reported but people continue to die due to complications and opportunistic infections caused by the Plague.
    John Hurtt will start putting out a Car Wars magazine called Ammo Mag. We look forward to the magazine, considering how little is published in the Pyra-- Pym-- Pyro-- I can't say it. You can see our problem. There isn't enough Car Wars articles published in that to fill a thimble.
    We are looking for some big changes to come about with the Car Wars 3-D supplement (expected late this year or early next year). The Compendium disaster will be cleaned up now. Five years is indeed a long time!
    Detective Hammer has gone on a rampage again, scaring numerous people, destroying or damaging cars and leveling buildings. Hammer appears to be trying to make Police Commissioner Smith's life impossible. However, 30 felons were apprehended by Hammer in this rampage. There are rumors concerning a new partner for this loose cannon. Police detectives are nervous, if not scared. Who can blame them?
    UFO sightings and Elvis Commando raids continue to be reported around the area. Reports of Psycho working on a secret project near I-80 outside west Lincoln persist.
 

September 18, 2044: At the Orlando Speedway Dragonmazer beat the Paladin by a bumper in the NOVA South Racing Championship. NOVA congratulates Dragonmazer on his win. Finishing speed were between 140 to 155 mph.

September 24, 2044: Chris French won his second NOVA Club Championship over Mike Garrity and Norman McMullen. Neither surrendered to Chris, after their front armor was breached. It was definetly a duel of the hardheads.

October 1, 2044: The trials of Gadget, Mechmaster, and the Jackal begin at the Pretoria (DSA) House of Justice. While the trials are being conducted separately, the charges leveled against them are related. They are charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, and terrorist actions. In addition, Gadget and Mechmaster are charged with violations of international slavery and cloning laws.

October 4, 2044: An attempt by the respective defense teams of Gadget, Mechmaster, and the Jackal to prohibit use of a DSA interrogation device known as "Mindraper" (a variant of the MMSD capable of tracking down, copying, and replaying memories) failed. The defendants are scheduled to be interrogated soon.

October 6, 2044: The interrogation sessions of Gadget, Mechmaster, and the Jackal took place at 12:00 AM Pretoria local time, and lasted some eight hours. Due to the resistance of the defendants to the process (resisting the Mindraper will result in excruciating agony to the resistor), it will be some time before the defendants will be able to attend their respective trials.

October 8, 2044: Chris French won his second NOVA Racing Championship at the newly opened Playland Speedway. It also makes him the first Double Double Champion in AADA history. No-Gun congratulated Chris after the race.

October 10, 2044: Joseph Ratner's clone came out of the New Omaha Gold Cross Clone Bank. He will be in therapy for several months before returning as the president of NOVA.

October 13, 2044: Detective Hammer was accused of shooting jaywalkers, and handcuffing and dragging a suspect behind his car. Commissioner Smith had no comments on Hammer's recent activities.

October 14, 2044: Detective Hammer pursued and destroyed a suspect's car in a chase cross half the city. An undetermined number of bystander's vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the process. Hammer's only comment was "I got him, didn't I?".

October 23, 2044: Detective Hammer borrowed Commissioner Smith's 2044 Viper GTS for use in a high- speed chase. The suspect was caught, but not after several other vehicles were damaged or destroyed. The Commissioner's car was totaled. Smith could not be reached for comment.

October 24, 2044: Commissioner Smith took delivery of another 2044 Viper GTS. Smith had no comments.

October 26, 2044: Gadget, Mechmaster, and the Jackal have finally recovered enough from their Mindraper sessions to attend their trials. The trials will restart tomorrow.

October 31, 2044: Gadget, Mechmaster, and the Jackal were found guilty of all charges leveled against them. All three have been sentenced to death by slow torture.

November 2, 2044: Detective Hammer stopped a suspect 's car with a Stinger missile. Hammer explained to the amazed witnesses, "I left my bazooka at home". The suspect was taken to the Ratner Memorial Hospital for treatment.

November 8, 2044: Bill the Cat was successfully re-elected as Mayor of New Omaha.

November 9, 2044: This morning Psycho crashed a car in Northeast England. Witnesses reported his vehicle descending from several thousand feet, not appreciably slowed down by its parachutes.

November 20, 2044: Psycho crash-landed one of his cars in western Germany. How he arrived there is anyone's guess. Several airship passengers reported seeing a rectangular object suspended under a tattered parachute just before the crash.

November 24, 2044: The death sentences of Gadget, Mechmaster, and the Jackal were carried out today; all three were spitted and burned. DSA President Hans Vorsted said only, "These threats to society have been exterminated, but there may be more."

December 8, 2044: Psycho crash-landed a car in Australia. He refused to explain how he and his car got there.

December 10, 2044: The number of attacks on former members of the Prairie Dog Clan continue to rise. The attacks are being attributed to descendants of western Nebraska ranch owners who lost their land to the Prairie Dogs and to the recent state decision to enforce its new Land Ownership and Settlement law.

December 15, 2044: Joseph Ratner resumed his duties as NOVA's president. Ratner Taxi's old Bellevue location was opened today.

December 20, 2044: Observers reported seeing Psycho holding a meeting with Dr. Christiaan Van Der Merwe, DSA Science Authority Director.

December 25, 2044: Merry Christmas!

December 27, 2044: Observers reported another meeting between Psycho and Dr. Van Der Merwe. The Doctor was accompanied by another man, whose identity is unknown.

January 1, 2045: Happy New Year!

January 2, 2045: The DeathKnight moved to West Haven, Connecticut, in order to set up subsidiaries of DKI, Inc. In his absence, DKI Senior VP James Smithson will have day-to-day control of corporate operations. DeathKnight is expected to be absent for one year.

January 4, 2045: Psycho was seen boarding a DSAirways aircraft at Eppley International. With him were Dr. Van Der Merwe and the unknown man.
 

Not many Car Wars related movies in the near future, but some sci-fi fare.

January 27, 1995: Highlander III.

In theaters now: True Lies & Time Cop.

Near future: Judge Dredd.
 

Andromeda 2: March 10-12, 1995 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

GenCon '95: August 10-13, 1995 in Milwaukee, WI. Site of the World Racing Championship, Godzilla event, IROC in 3-D and Midwest Racing Championship.

Spring Campaign '95: March 25, 1995 in Omaha. NOVA will be hosting a Car Wars tournament & the 2045 Central Regional.
 

After seeing Pyramid #9 I felt that some things should be straighten out. Some questions in Q & A made us scream "foul". Sorry, we've had more experience with Car Wars than even the present people at SJG (this is a fact, not a boast). So, here it goes:

Lasers/electrical gear in gas-powered vehicles: According to SJG, gas-powered vehicles cannot run any equipment which require power units. I guess that means driving in the dark is out, since the engine couldn't run headlights!

In every gas engine, there is a generator which converts power from combusted fuel into electricity for lights, etc. One can presume that a duelcar or other combat vehicle would have a generator sufficient to run whatever electrical gear was installed. however, this generator will need fuel. So, the more electrical gear, the more power needed from the generator, the more fuel needed for the generator.

In game terms: 1 gallon of gas = 100 PU. using this as a basis, one can calculate how long one can operate electrical gear. Do keep track of partial gallons of fuel, range may become a factor.

Active Suspension in race cars: Yes, it is very possible. In fact it has been used in Formula One racing until very recently. This gives precedence for using it in Car Wars. As far as Car Wars is concerned, active suspension is an accessory, not an upgrade, of suspension. In the last two Racing World Championship (2043-4) final rounds, active suspension was used by both world champions. This was approved by the referees. So, where do they get the answer No?

Overdrive on gas engines: Another answer that makes no sense. Overdrive gear has been on car gas engines for the past thirty years; it is no more than a low-ratio gear in the transmission. Again, there is precedence for its use in Car Wars gas engines.

Laser to-hit scores: Let's get some things straight. First, a laser beam is invisible unless there are particles in the laser's path. The only visible component is a dot on the target. Lasers are targeted just like any other weapon with electronic sighting systems. They travel in a straight line, only minimally affected by gravity or environment. Second, since there is no real difference between a regular laser and it's derivatives and a x-ray laser, the to-hit score for all lasers should be the same: 6.

Jet engines in ground vehicles: Jet engines in ground vehicles are a novelty, used for special events such as drag-racing demos and world record attempts. They are used regularly in Unlimited Hydroplane boat racing. Jet engines in duelling cars are limited to truly unlimited duels or novelty duels or BLUD events. For safety and cost reasons, the AADA strictly regulates the use of jet engines in cars. You don't want to see them in the World Championships.

Mine ammo mixing: It is possible to use different mine modifications together on the same minedropper load (such as proximity fuses on spider mines). Just add the appropriate cost adjustments together.

Loss of an extra wing: The loss of an extra wing on an aircraft will cause the immediate loss of control of said aircraft. If you have enough armor you'll survive your involuntary transition to a lawn dart.

The high price of racing slicks: Examining the way the racing slick's cost is written, I feel there is a need for a clarification. Specifically, "making a tire a slick adds 300% to the cost" from Compendium II and Catalog from Hell. This is misleading. It should state that a slick is four times the cost of the specified tire type.

Top speeds and gas engines: Why are there two separate equations for electric and gas engines? They both provide the same generic power factors. Let's examine the focus on electric engines in Car Wars.

Sample: 5,760 lbs. mid-size with a 200ci gas engine (2,500 pf). Old formula (240): 72.5 mph. New formula (360): 107.5 mph

Hits from torpedoes: Torpedoes run just below the surface of the water, and thus will hit a boat on its side under the waterline. Only a torpedo with a special targeting system (example: a deep-running torpedo with a proximity fuse -- effective at breaking keels) or one fired in the target's underbody arc will affect the underbody of a boat.

HESH rockets: An idea thrown about in NOVA, it makes sense. Consider how little rockets can damage metal. HESH would be available for all kinds of rockets at standard HESH ammo cost. This includes MFRPs.

In recent months a great deal of attention has been paid to the fact that laminate AFV armor makes the average Car Wars tank almost invulnerable. The problem is analogous to the situation which faced Civil War ironclads. These vessels had armor that was so tough that it could only be defeated by a process known as "racking". Racking consisted of battering a warship's armor with repeated cannon fire until it fell apart. The lack of effective cannons or ammo did not help. The following revisions to tank gun ammunition are suggested. They will reintroduce elements of 20th century lethality to 21st century tank combat without unbalancing the tank combat system.

HESH ammunition: Normal cost & weight. The secondary damage caused by this ammunition to laminate plastic armor is NOT halved by any laminate metal armor layer over it. The reason is that the armor fragments spalled off by HESH ammunition don't have to waste kinetic energy blasting through a thick layer of laminate metal.

HEAT ammunition: Normal cost & weight. HEAT ammunition does 1.5x damage to all types of non-laminate armor, and +1 per die of damage to laminate AFV armor. The special qualities of laminate armor tend to disperse & diffuse the jet of hot gases and molten metal produced by HEAT ammunition, thus reducing its effectiveness.

APFSDS ammunition: Normal cost & weight. APFSDS ammunition does 2x damage to ALL types of armor.

DPU ammunition: Normal cost & weight. DPU ammunition does 2x maximum damage to all types of armor. For example, a 105mm DPU round would do 120 points of damage, not 60. All other effects remain the same.

These revisions necessitate some changes in the way tank ammunition is handled (from a legal standpoint). First, HEAT ammunition is now an AADA-restricted item. This means that it is banned from any AADA-sponsored arena. Additionally, it is subject to military-item restrictions in some areas. Secondly, APFSDS ammunition is now a "military-only" item. This stricture should satisfy the criticisms of those who think APFSDS is too powerful.

Information for this article was gained from the following two books: "Modern Land Combat" by David Miller and Christopher F. Foss (New York, Crescent Books, 1987) and "The Civil War Military Machine" by Ian Drury and Tony Gibbons (New York, Smithmark Publishers Inc., 1993).
 

In NM 8-3 the write up on revised race car bodies omitted maneuvers as being a cause of control rolls. This omission is entirely Mike Garrity's fault.

Duelling championships: Points should only be awarded as follows: one kill equals one point. A vehicle is "killed" when it is no longer capable of any type of offensive action. For example, if a car's power plant is destroyed, it can no longer fire weapons or accelerate, and is therefore considered killed. On the other hand, if a car's weapons are destroyed, it is still alive, as it is capable of ramming.

"That was absolutely damned brutal. Whatever idiot decided on the format ought to be shot." Those were the remarks of 2044 NOVA Club Duelling Championship Chris French following the 2045 running of the event. The event format was a Division 60 in the infamous Aksarben Arena. In the event were Norman McMullen, driving a Radius Motors Auto-Fighter II; Michael Garrity, in a DKI Automotive Massacre; and 2044 Club Champion Chris French, running a home-built vehicle designated Z-95 Headhunter, sponsored by Torgo's Pizza and Civil Services Amalgamated.
    The battle started quickly. Garrity fired nitrous oxide and rocketed from the gate. McMullen also showed blazing acceleration from the line. French got underway comparatively slowly. It took McMullen and Garrity slightly over three seconds to try out their respective main weapons - and each other's front armor. The latter did not hold up over well; McMullen lost over half of his armor in one volley! Mike's front received like mistreatment. Before anyone could blink, another volley obliterated McMullen's front armor and one AC. Garrity's front got even more hurt appended to it. They shot past each other, Garrity whipped around to pursue his target, and put a volley into McMullen's rear. McMullen launched heavy-duty flame clouds in an effort to shake Garrity. Garrity broke off the engagement and headed for French, who was circling nearby.
    Upon seeing a speeding Garrity headed his way, French turned and ran through Tunnel Hill (a tactic similar to that which he used in last year's event), hoping to gain enough speed to outrun Garrity, whose momentum from his N2O was rapidly going away. It was close, but French finally gained enough speed to pull away from Garrity. The two made several passes around and though the obstacle before Garrity, annoyed, left smoke in the tunnel, attempting to convince French that something unpleasant awaited. Whether it worked or not is unknown; French chose that moment to turn around and confront Garrity. Garrity was marginally faster to the trigger than French; both fired within moments of the 12 second mark. French lost half of his front armor; Garrity's front was breached, one HVMG was destroyed, and his engine's component armor was scratched.
    Garrity's luck did not improve; slightly over two seconds later, McMullen's remaining AC destroyed Garrity's other HVMG. Evidently unaware of Garrity's predicament, French put Garrity behind him and ran. Garrity followed. French's instinct proved accurate; Garrity, unable to get a shot at French's front, unloaded his gyroslugger into French's rear, hoping to cause a crash. French held it together, though, and headed for a retreating McMullen, who had been trailing Garrity and had hit him once. Garrity managed to sideswipe both French and McMullen on the way.
    McMullen sped around the center bunker; French maneuvered for a head-on shot. The crowd had little time to speculate on McMullen's motive for engaging French head-on with no front armor; his AC damaged French's front, then French's paired XLs vaporized McMullen's remaining AC, most of his powerplant - and McMullen himself. The smoking wreck then plowed into the outer wall at full tilt - 142.5 mph. What little remained burned nicely for the rest of the fight.
    French had little time to rest; Garrity began trying to shove him into the bridge obstacle. French evaded, hitting Garrity in his rear. Garrity executed a T-stop, attempting to cause French to ram his front into Garrity's undamaged flank. Once again, French squeaked by.
    At this point, Garrity's radiator began blowing steam; it had been damaged earlier in the event. Garrity stopped, and began screaming at French to "come out and fight." Unlike their last encounter at the 2044 Regionals, though, French showed no desire to oblige (which was reasonable: French's armor was unbreached, he still had all his weapons, and was still moving). French circled near Garrity, pumping x-ray destruction into the smoking wreck. French's third volley breached Garrity's flank, destroying the N2O bottle, smashing the armor on the other side - and setting the vehicle ablaze. Seconds later, it exploded, blowing Garrity several feet from the wreck and killing him. Chris French became the 2045 Nova Duelling Champion.
    "I knew that whoever engaged in combat first would lose," said French afterward. "The level of firepower available guaranteed rapid armor attrition, so holding back from battle would improve my chance of survival. When I saw Norm & Mike eviscerate each other in two shots, I knew I'd win. They just gutted each other in that volley. After that, it wasn't too difficult.
    "I did not agree with the format chosen for this event. I mean, where the hell is the challenge in Division 60 Absurdism battleships rumbling around dragging enough firepower to gut a city? There is none. The only reason this duel took so long was the small turnout - it took a while to find another duellist. Where's the challenge? I think the next time they handle this, they ought to use a lower - much lower - division. Make it a challenge." French donated his $108,000 prize check to Torgo's Pizza's charity unit.

Final Standings:
1st: Chris French - 2 kills, survivor points
2nd: Michael Garrity - 0 kills, killed
3rd: Norman McMullen - 0 kills, killed

2045 Club Championship Vehicle Design by Chris French

The sheer volume of money involved in this year's Club Championship guaranteed little need to put thought into vehicle design, as is demonstrated by the current stable of vehicles. Each duellist had enough cash available to have whatever he wanted on his vehicles; in the case of the Auto-Fighter II, the designer slapped on a load of useless gadgets and still came in under budget! The designs showed clearly the designers had more pence than sense.
    With the abundant firepower available - the "Massacre" could do 8D+8 in one volley! - armor would be the deciding factor. When one looks at the designs, it seems clear the Auto-Fighter II would outlast all of them. Not so: since top & underbody armor rarely gets hit, armor put there is deadweight, useless. With that in mind, check out the useful armor numbers: Z-95 - 250 points; Auto-Fighter II - 250 points; Massacre - 240 points. As is clear, for all intents & purposes, the Massacre had the weakest armor, while the Z-95 & Autofighter had equal amounts. Contrast this with the actual armor numbers (Z-95 - 261, Auto-Fighter II - 275, Massacre -264); the Z-95 wastes a mere 4% of its armor, while the others waste roughly 9% - each! No more than 5% of one's armor should be so wasted. The Massacre's component armor doesn't count, since it cannot protect the guns, and therefore is useless. So the contest is between the Z-95 and the Auto-Fighter.
    Firepower is easy to state - Massacre: 8D+8, Z-95: 8D, Auto-Fighter: 6D. The Massacre wins big; the Auto-Fighter loses big. When these two components are figured together, it was clear who would win: the Z-95. It outgunned the Auto-Fighter, and had better armor than the Massacre. Since the Z-95's driver avoided early combat, his victory was certain.
 

CFI "Z-95 Headhunter"

Luxury with CA frame, extra-heavy chassis, heavy suspension, sport powerplant, 4 solid tires, driver, 2 linked XLs front, radar, HRSWC (XLs). Cargo: 3 spaces, 140 lbs. Armor: F65, L60, R60, B65, T1, U10. Accel. 5, top speed 115, HC 3: 6,460 lbs., $59,992.

This is not the vehicle I really wanted. I'd have dumped the radar, and tapped on some explosive-loaded SDs. Maybe also add some component armor to fill the remaining spaces. Looking at this design, who can fault me for not mixing it up straight away? Editor's Note - Chris did not design this vehicle. He had  the option of making modifications prior to the event, yet chose not to do so. He has no-one to blame but himself for any shortcomings in the design that he failed to correct before the event. 'Nuf said.
 

DKI Automotive "Massacre"

Luxury with CA frame, extra-heavy chassis, heavy suspension, 150 cid engine w/BP, TH & VPT, 5 gallon duelling tank, 4 PR Radial tires, driver, 2 linked HVMGs with HD ammo front, SS with hot smoke under, 5 laser-reactive webs (F, B, L, R, T) linked to SS, HRSWC (HVMGs), HD shocks, safety seat, 1 tank of N₂O, 10 points of FP component armor for driver and engine, FP insulator for fuel tank. Armor: F65, L60, R60, B55, T10, U14. Accel. 10, top speed 70, HC 4: 6,600 lbs., $52,608. Driver's gear: impact armor with fireproof suit, GS2 with UBGS and LTS, LGL, & APLG loads. $6,750. Total : $59,358.

Proof that money can't buy happiness, but can buy gratuitous havoc. The choice of a gas-burner was interesting, as was the use of N₂ O to gain speed quickly. What is interesting to note is that although this design and the Z-95 have roughly the same amount of armor, this one has less armor on its commonly-engaged sides (F, L, R, B) than the others. It is significant that if this vehicle had mounted another 6+ points of armor of front armor, the Z-95's first salvo would not have breached the armor, and both HVMGs would have been available for its own second shot. How that might have changed things is clear; one HVMG could not have breached the Z-95's armor, but two could have...
 

Radius Motors "Auto-Fighter II"

Luxury with CA frame, extra-heavy chassis, heavy suspension, sport power plant w/PC & SC, 4 solid tires, driver, 2 linked ACs front, HDFCE rear linked to ACs, Weapons timer (HDFCE - 1 phase delay), HRSWC (ACs), overdrive, HD brakes, anti-lock braking system, tinted/no-paint windows, radar, spoiler & airdam. Armor: F75, L50, R50, B75, T10, U15. Accel. 10/5 with OD, top speed 122.5/142.5, HC 3/4 at 60+; 6,600 lbs., $57,200. Driver's gear: IBA, HAVR, MP. $2,722. Total: $59,922.

This vehicle sacrificed 2d6 per salvo for an increase in top speed, a negligible amount of armor, and a lot of useless gadgets (tinted windows for one). This design was the least suitable of the lot, and it showed; the car died after three salvos. The designer should be shot for incompetence and murder. Oh well - die and learn.
 

Rothschild Autoworks 2044 Firepower:Luxury w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/SC, 4 solid tires, driver 2 linked ACs front, turreted VMG w/HD ammo, hi-res computer, 10 points of component armor each for driver and power plant. Sloped armor: F50, L45, R45, B40, T20, U10, 2-10 point wheelguards and 2-10 wheelhubs. Accel. 5, top speed 90, HC 3; 6,600 lbs., $44,970.

Hudson 2044 Hammer (Sedan): Sedan w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/PC, 4 solid tires, driver, BC w/HESH ammo front, turreted VMG w/HD ammo, targeting computer, 10 points of component armor for driver. Sloped armor: F60, L55, R55, B50, T30, U13, 2 10-point wheelguards, 2 10-point wheelhubs. Accel. 5, top speed 92.5, HC 3; 6,117 lbs., $29,808.

Hudson 2044 Hammer (Mid-size): Mid-size, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant, 4 solid tires, driver, turreted VMG, BC front. Armor: F38, L33, R33, B33, T30, U15, 4 5-point wheelguards. Accel. 5, top speed 92.5, HC 2; 5,736 lbs., $18,962.
    Minedropper variant: remove BC; add MD left linked to MD right. Wheelguards to 10 points each. 5,616 lbs., $15,712.

Hudson 2044.5 Hammer (Mid-size): Mid-size, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant, 4 solid tires, driver, turreted HMG w/explosive ammo, BC front. 10 points of component armor for driver. Armor: F38, L33, R33, B33, T30, U15, 4 5-point wheelguards. Accel. 5, top speed 92.5, HC 2; 5,726 lbs., $19,362.
    Minedropper variant: remove BC; add MD left linked to MD right. Wheelguards up to 10 points each. 5,606 lbs., $16,112.

Magnum Motors 2044 Camel: 40' bus, x-hvy. chassis, regular power plant w/extra power cell, 10 solid tires, driver, gunner, 12 passengers, 2 linked HMGs with HD ammo front, 2 linked HMGs with HD ammo in universal turret TF, HMG with HD ammo in sponson turret LR and RR, SD rear with explosive ammo, infrared, improved fire extinguisher, spare solid tire, flush solar panel TB, 2 pairs of OVAs, HD shocks, streamlining. Sloped armor: F, B, Top Front 50 each, sides 40 each, TB, UF, UB 30 each, 6 10-point wheelguards and 6-10 point wheelhubs. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 135, HC 1; 25,155 lbs., $109,750.

Magnum Motors 2044 Cruiser: 40' bus, x-hvy. chassis, regular power plant, 10 solid tires, driver, 2 gunners, 10 passengers, TwL in universal turret TF and TB, 2 linked VMGs front, FCGS with magazine rear, FCGS with magazine in sponson turret LB and RB, improved fire extinguisher, infrared, laser battery, 2 spare tires, tool kit, bulk ammo box - VMG ammo, 2 pairs of OVAs, extra driver controls, HD shocks and brakes, no-paint/tinted windows. Armor: F62, B45, sides 42, TF 40, TB 40, UF30, UB 30, 6 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 122.5, HC 1; 25,155 lbs., $118,800
    2045 version: Remove VMGs, VMG bulk ammo box, one gunner, rear FCGS; add 2 linked HMGs with explosive ammo front, HMG bulk ammo box - explosive ammo, laser battery. Slop the armor: 25,090 lbs., $123,710.

2044 Mini-Sherman: Compact, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/PC & SC, 4 HD tires, driver, 2 linked MGs front, JD (5 shots) rear. Metal armor: F12, L10, R10, B10, T1, U5. Accel. 10, top speed 122.5, HC 3; 4,425 lbs., $9,860.
 

Auto-confetti: When a vehicle hits a wall hard enough to be confettied automatically by the damage.
 

"We need bigger guns." Richard Durkin, Split Second

"Like the man says, 'Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out of it alive'." Bugs Bunny, Rabbit Feat

"What? Over? Did you say it's over? Nothing's over 'till we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!....Now we could fight them with conventional weapons, but that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, in this case, I think we have to go all out. This situation absolutely requires a really futile, stupid gesture on somebody's part.... And we're just the guys to do it!" Animal House
 

THE SHOWROOM

Hartmann Special: Large airplane with swept wings, std. helicopter power plant, co-axial propellers w/ducted cowling and 20 points of armor, 2 std. tires, retractable landing gear, pilot, RFTG w/APFSDS and extra magazine (HESH ammo) front, 4 VMGs w/incendiary ammo (2 in each wing, front mounted), hi-res computer, spotter/rangefinder, altimeter, smartlink, ejection seat. Sloped armor: 75 points in all locations, 10 points of component armor for pilot. Accel. 15, top speed 550, HC 2; 15,985 lbs., $77,875.

Auto-Fighter: Mid-size w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant w/SC & PC, 4 solid tires, driver, AC front, SD w/explosive ammo rear (linked to AC), bumper trigger front, HD brakes, tinted windows, SWC. Metal/plastic armor: F20/50, L0/50, R0/50, B0/50, T0/31, U0/15, 4 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 5, top speed 102.5, HC 2; 5,753 lbs., $28,680.

X-Fighter: Mid-size, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant, 4 solid tires, driver, XL front, OJ & SS linked back, HRSWC. Armor: F50, L50, R50, B50, T35, U16, 4 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 5, top speed 92.5, HC 2; 5,758 lbs., $32,932.

In a recent arena several nigh-invulnerable car designs appeared. We decided to enclose them for your consideration.

Gibraltar: Compact w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, OR suspension, blueprinted 100 ci gas engine w/tubular headers, VP turbo and 5 gallon duelling tank, 4 PROR tires, driver, VMG w/HD ammo front, SWC. Sloped metal/plastic armor: F20/25, L15/20, R15/20, B12/15, T0/5, U0/5, 10 points FPCA each for driver, VMG, and engine. Accel. 10, top speed 70, HC 2 (3 OR); 4,437 lbs., $26,947.

Light Fighter: Compact w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, OR suspension, medium power plant w/SC, 4 PROR tires, driver, laser front, SD w/explosive ammo rear linked to laser, HRSWC. Sloped metal/plastic armor: F18/70, R0/70, L0/70, B0/70, T0/2, U0/2. Accel 5, top speed 92.5, HC 2/3 OR; 4,439 lbs., $29,465.
    Standard version: switch OR suspension to heavy, tires to standard PR, add 3 points of armor. $21,344.
    Version A: Armor is now F18/40, L7/40, R7/40, B7/40, T0/1, U0/1. 4,437 lbs., $28,414.
    Standard A version: OR suspension to heavy and OR tires to standard PR, add three points of armor. $20,293.
 

Wars have consequences. Whether it's human losses, material damage, or political setbacks, the effects are painful and long lasting. The Second Japanese-American War was no exception. After the final shots had ceased, nearly 100,000 soldiers and citizens lay dead, infrastructures on both sides were badly damaged, and many political leaders found themselves unemployed. After the signing of the peace treaty, the Pacific Rim changed radically from a closed monopoly to a wide open demilitarized zone, an event not witnessed since the end of the Second World War.
    Put simply, the Japanese Protectorate no longer exists as a functioning entity. Faced with trade embargoes, economic hardships, and a loss of honor, the country of Japan had folded under its own internal pressures. In a quasi-time warp, its new policies reflect a more conservative approach of isolationism and corporate feudalism. Military and civilian leaders who were connected with the old regime were forced to resign (or worse) and subsequently punished under Japanese customs. Many leaders found themselves shunned by their peers, or exiled, never to return.
    The Japanese public realized for the second time just how close they came to destruction. One hundred years ago, it was the military that seduced them. Now, it was simple greed that got the best of them. In a knee-jerk response, a wave of traditional values enveloped the country. Citizens began to turn to more respectable leaders such as town elders, scholars, and Buddhist clergymen, people who were persecuted during the Protectorate era. A short time later, guild leaders found themselves in the same situation as Protectorate politicians.
    This "national shame" was a window of opportunity for former Protectorate client states. Seeing weakness in Japan, the citizens of Eastern Asia declared their independence and demanded that all Japanese troops and citizens leave their homelands. Overnight, the political boundaries reverted to the pre-Dark Years configurations.
    Japan was in no position to argue. Their economic condition was too weak to afford a large military, and even if they did have the resources, the politicians wouldn't dare lift a finger against the former client states. With the whole world against them, all it would take was one thrust of Allied military power and they were doomed. Even worse, the client states which Japan needed even more than ever for economic survival could simply embargo their former masters into starvation.
    However, at the same time, the former client states realized that they needed Japan as well. Japan was a catalyst for business, research, and administration During the Protectorate era, Japan was a stabilizing force within the region. As "humble shepherds", the Japanese were great planners and forecasters, attributes that made them a powerful force with the ability to finish any project or plan no matter the cost or obstacle.
    Seeing as all sides needed each other, the Protectorate was scrapped for a more representative system where countries were independent, yet shared the common goals of trade, defense, and academia. What formed was the Protectorate Confederation (also called the Asian Alliance). The Alliance is composed of twenty-seven countries with a combined population of 1.5 billion people.
    To many outsiders, the Confederation sounded like another evil multi-national conglomerate lusting for power, but this is far from the truth. As independent states, the Confederation could do things the Protectorate couldn't or wouldn't do (specifically, the power of administrative flexibility and initiative). In the past, any client state that strayed out of the trade pact was harshly punished; now the client states could form their own outside markets regardless of what the other client states thought. In a newly-formed, wide open market, it was everyone for himself.
    For the past twenty years, the former client states were trained by some of the best economic scholars in the world, becoming disciplined, efficient and hungry for new markets. The first market that they wanted to trade with was the United States (as a way of settling tensions and promoting goodwill). The US was a revitalized country, rebuilding itself and looking for new opportunities. The Confederation could provide such an opportunity.
    The Confederation (minus Japan) wanted to show just how grateful they were to the United States for liberating them. Generous trade agreements were signed, giving American corporations profitable trade routes and access to duty-free ports. The Confederation also initiated the process of a new Asian defense pact (as a stabilizing measure). The countries of SUSSR, Canada, the Dominion of South Africa, the United States, and Australia have been invited to join as charter members. Reactions to the proposal have been good, but constrained. The diplomatic services have been working overtime to smooth out the details.
    These new policies of open trade and peace have sparked an economic boost not seen in decades. It's a boost which might usher in a new era for Autoduel America, especially in its reconstruction efforts. As open communication and joint treaties became commonplace, the Pacific Rim has become a quieter, and more profitable, place to live.
    On the military front, the Confederation has agreed to outside inspections from neutral third parties. Peacekeeping troops are being inserted into various "hot spots" to stabilize the chaotic regions where the dismissal of Japanese forces has left a power vacuum, and to monitor Confederation borders. With no help from Japan, the Confederation has had to rebuild its militaries from scratch. Countries such as the United States, SUSSR, DSA, and Israeli Empire were more than happy to sell arms or provide military advisors to the Confederation nations. Some countries (such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore) even went as far as to invite American expeditionary forces to establish "temporary" training centers (to train their own troops, of course).
    Many mercenary units are discovering that the Confederation is becoming a lucrative military environment. No longer are they treated as second-rate trash due to Japanese biases; rather, they are treated as a valued commodity.
    The country of Japan, once a force to be reckoned with, has cut back its military to pre-Protectorate levels. As of this writing, the Japanese have approximately ten active divisions, a modest 100 ship navy, several wings of fighter and bomber aircraft, six brigades of Marine garrison troops, and one minor space station (the only one that survived the American SDI onslaught). It's a far cry from its former self, but it's all they can afford and all they dare muster. Within the next ten years, countries such as Korea, the Philippines, and the Warlord Alliance (China) will most likely surpass Japan in military strength.

1) United States. Its military finally gets the respect it deserves. Its business sector gets helpful boost from new markets while its civilian population will reap the benefits of victory.

2) Entertainment Industry. This has the potential to generate years of micro movies, documentaries, and personal interviews. The war has generated dozens of future movie stars.

3) Reconstruction. With the war over, America can commit more resources to rebuild itself.

4) Uncle Alberts and the AADA. Now that certain cultural and political restrictions have been rescinded, the door is open for an autoduelling bonanza. Arenas are being built at a dizzying pace. Uncle Albert himself is conducting top-level negotiations with Confederation business leaders. Confederation governments are trying to establish universal duelling laws, but enforcement is weak at best.

5) SUSSR and Australia. Both countries have reclaimed lost territories and have greater access to Asian markets.
 

1) Corporate image. The corporations will benefit from the trade alliances, but many people blame them for the war! Some historians have called the Second Japanese-American War the world's largest corporate takeover!!

2) Protectorate Confederation. They may rejoice in their new freedom, but they no longer have the Japanese to back them up! Also, such a diverse group of countries, newly freed, might be tempted to form their own little empires.

3) Japanese People. Embargoed, isolated, and broke, the Japanese people will have to come to grips with the cruelty they've administered to hundreds of millions of people for the past twenty years. Once again, they will take the brunt of the suffering while the elite hide away in protected mountain mansions.

4) The people of Montana, Hawaii, and Alaska. Blinded by anti-government sentiments, and seduced by Japan's offer of independence, the people of each of these states will have to bear the burden of public, government, and military scrutiny for many years to come. Many locals will become prisoners in their own state, never having the right to vote, assemble, or demonstrate.
 

A reminder that Cube Logs expresses the views of the reviewer, not NOVA as a whole. So readers beware.

Pyramid #9: Number nine, number nine, number nine, number nine... This is one of the later issues of SJG house organ magazine. It features an '94 Origins report, a preview of In Nomine role playing game, an Illuminati article and several GURPS articles. The only Car Wars related material was some recycled Q & As, the duelling worlds report with no full narrative of the duel, and an ill-fated article called Car-nasaurs (featuring dinosaurs in Car Wars).
    Just another unappealing issue of SJG's house organ magazine with little or no Car Wars materials. The question flys: what has happened to SJG? Why are they so uninterested in Car Wars? Are they that hard up for money? When will they produce another new game, rather than just rearranging someone else's game (i.e. GURPS Vampire/ Werewolf/Mage or In Nomine)? When will the next Car Wars supplement come out, if ever?
 

Are we seeing the death throes of Car Wars? You tell us. SJG is not printing new supplements anytime soon. The only articles published in the Pyramid are AADA news, Q & A, and lackluster columns.
    Years ago Car Wars was one of the most popular games ever. Now you can hardly drum up players for a game. It's been forgotten by it's own creators, writers, a lot of players and convention organizers. Regionals and club championships have been attended, but poorly.
    SJG is more interested in their encyclopedia game GURPS. Ogre products are few and far between. The GURPS library keeps expanding. Except for Ogre, none of the latest SJG material appeals to me.
    How badly did the secret service hurt SJG? Car Wars has suffered from mismanagement, bad writing, lack of attention and downright incompetence. Car Wars is so close to going under for the final time it isn't funny. SJG doesn't seem to care, haven't for the past five years. If people are mad at me for saying how I feel, so be it.
    I'm tired of SJG wimping out on Car Wars. Either they call it quits and put the last nail in the coffin or put their money where their mouth is and put out new, decent supplements. They can't have it both ways.
    For everyone's information; I'm not afraid of being blackballed by SJG. They've done it before and there isn't that much to be blackballed from.
 

So ends another issue and another year, with a lot of questions still unanswered. Car Wars lives on in our gaming heart; what good it will do has yet to seen.
    Car Wars in 3-D may repair all the previous damage or create a whole new game. We'll just have to wait and see. Even NOVA has its limits; we can only do so much before realizing it's futile. Next year may be NOVA's last, but I don't know for sure. The lack of attendance doesn't help, even though now over half of our membership is international. I know it's sad, but that's the state of things.
    Next issue will deal with the Regionals, NOVA's anniversary, more vehicle updates and devices. NOVA's latest NOVA Works Catalog is available at $10 per copy for anyone interested. Operation No Shoulders may be printed in Morningstar Rising.
    At GenCon '95 NOVA will be hosting the Midwest Racing Championship, along with our co-sponsor Star Realm. We hope to run a more exciting tournament than SJG, with fewer problems. Depending on attendance, it may become a yearly event. The next Godzilla event is entitled "Godzilla's Smarter Brother", sure to scare the wits out of any normal duellist. Oh, well, here we go again.
    Looking over our records, I found that on April 15, 1995 NOVA was 10 years old. I guess some years have seemed longer than they actually were. From the highs and lows NOVA has been there. We're honored to have the title of the longest active chapter in the AADA. What more can be said.
    We can only affect those around us, for better or for worse. Whether it's good or evil, it doesn't matter much until you see the big picture. Big or little, we are all a part of both. Think about it.

Drive Offensively!
 

Norman McMullen	Chris French
NOVA President	NOVA Vice President

 

NOVA Works:
Transvehicles: Norman McMullen
Attack Helicopter Bodies: Michael Garrity

10 O'clock News:
Norman McMullen, Jay Chladek and Chris French

Convention Calendar:
Norman McMullen, Tim Jacques, Mike Garrity and Chris French

The Morning After The Night of The Return of the Living Oops by Norman McMullen

Nuts & Bolts by Norman McMullen, Chris French and Michael Garrity

Movie Releases by Norman McMullen

2044 Vehicle Guide Update and Championship Vehicles:
Firepower and Hammer (Sedan) by Michael Garrity
Camel by Donald Jacques
Mini-Sherman by Chris French
Z-95 Headhunter by Norman McMullen
Massacre by Michael Garrity
Auto Fighter II by Norman McMullen

The Showroom:
Hartmann Special and Gibraltar by Michael Garrity
Light Fighter and Auto-Fighter by Norman McMullen

Duelslang by Chris French

Club Championship by Chris French

Winners and Losers by Tim Jacques

Editorial by Norman McMullen

Quotes by Chris French and Norman McMullen

Cube Logs by Norman McMullen

Duelling Ideas by Michael Garrity

The World "Out There" by Norman McMullen

Typesetting by Don Jacques

Editors of the Great American Short Story: Don Jacques, Chris French, and Norman McMullen

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