Testing, testing, one, two, three. Is this thing on? Oh, sorry about that.
    NOVA has received little correspondence over the past year or so. I am wondering what people are doing in this great big world of ours? Well, write us and tell us what you're doing. We'd like to know.
    It's generally recognized that Car Wars is skyrocketing in Europe, ten years after it did so in the states. What can we do; to each his own path.
    New Omaha has been relatively quiet lately. It's not expected to last. Psycho, Crazy and Detective Hammer are on the loose. Psycho has recently returned from a trip to South Africa. The DSA people weren't pleased with him for some reason. That's their business.
    Not much of has been seen or heard of Crazy lately. It is possible that the hospital has finally caught up to him. On the other hand, Detective Hammer is alive and well. Local criminals haven't made much of an impression on him. Rumors continue about him taking vacations in Chicago. Now that's crazy, taking vacations in a war zone!
    Since their is nothing else to bore you with I'll let the rest of the Nightmessenger continue.
 

We are always looking for new and exciting things for Car Wars. Sometimes we go over our limit. This is one of those times.

Microcopters: This first microcopters were created in the late '40s and early '50s. The designers of these vehicles were attempting to create low-cost air transport, some for private pilots, others for the military. In both cases, the endeavors came to nothing -- a few home-built micros appeared, but no mass market was created; the difficulty of learning how to fly a helicopter and small payloads saw to that.
    The Dark Years saw the rise of the Fortress Towns, and their extensive air recon apparats -- the "eyes in the sky" could spot inbound cycle gangs at a distance, allowing the defenders time to prepare a "suitable response". However, there was one small drawback -- such aircraft are expensive; even a small microplane can run about $20 grand. Poorer communities had no access to air recon, and thus tended to get hammered by lightning raids.
    It was shortly after the development of electric power plants for motorcycles that an enterprising private pilot grafted one onto his old home built. The microcopter carried no armor, no weapons, no electrical gear -- in fact, it was no more than pilot, power plant, binoculars, and a CB radio! This seemingly ungainly vehicle was instrumental in the surprise and rout of the region's cycle gangs.
    The success of this design led to its emulation by other similarly poor communities, and to its adoption by the military as a cheap, expendable sensor/weapon platform. It was also adopted by some cycle gangs as light air support! In more placid surroundings, designs of this type saw service as medevac vehicles, news camera vehicles, police air vehicles, and -- in an example of history coming full circle -- sport aviation vehicles.
    Microcopter dueling is not something attempted often -- the vehicles are simply too fragile for long-term combat. Duels tend to be short and unpleasant. Racing these vehicles is a popular pastime in certain areas, as a stripped microcopter is quite speedy.
    Microcopters are built by just about every aircraft manufacturer in the world, plus some non-aircraft companies. Availability is common.

Accessories for Microcopters:
Retractable Landing Gear - 0.1 x body cost; uses 3 mini-car tires ($5 and 1 lb. per DP, max 4 DP). * *=Standard effects

Extra Rotor Blades - Main: $50, 2 lbs.; Stab.: $10, 1 lb. *

Micro Weapon Wings (pair) - $50, 10 lbs.; 2 DP, 1 space (each). Armor - $2, .1 lb per point, max 10 points. *

    The vehicles use cycle power plants or engines. Accel., top speed, figured as helicopter; # of power units as cycle. Vehicle has one armor location, covering all aspects (due to small size). Power plant/engine located behind crew. 1/3 space rule does not apply.

Sample Vehicles
Little Death: Lt. M-C, medium PP w/PC & SC, pilot, MML front, SWC. Armor: C16. $3,528; 689 lbs.; HC 4; Accel. 5, top speed 150. This is a basic light-combat copter.

Riddler: Md. M-C, large PP w/PC & SC, pilot, MG front, SWC. Armor: C29. $5,340; 920 lbs.; HC 4; Accel. 5, top speed 150.
A slightly more robust vehicle, best used for long-range sniping.

Lumps: Hv. M-C, super PP w/PC & SC, pilot, 2 linked CBs under, SWC. Armor: C35. $5,496; 1,148 lbs.; HC 4; Accel. 5, top speed 150. This vehicle is used as an anti-cycle chopper by local defense units.

Whisper: Xh. M-C, super trike PP w/PC & SC, pilot, 2 linked WGMs front, SWC. Armor: C35. $9,040; 1,195 lbs.; HC 4; Accel. 5, top speed 150. This vehicle is most effective for eliminating stationary targets at long-range.

Bug: Lt. M-C, small PP, autopilot linked to radar, vehicular camera front, 10 points of component armor for PP, streamlining. Armor (RP): C1. $14, 685; 399 lbs.; HC 2; Accel. 5, top speed 165.
A self-guided unmanned scout, very expendable. It flies a pre-programmed route stored in the autopilot.

Medevac: Xh. M-C, super trike PP w/PC & SC, pilot, 2 passengers, micro weapon wings with 10 points of armor each and 3 MNRs in each wing (linked), retractable landing gear (1DP tires), 2 extra MR blades, 2 extra SR blades. Armor: C27. $7,303, 1,380 lbs., HC 6, Accel. 5, top speed 160. An inexpensive aeromedical vehicle.

Arrow: Hv. M-C, super trike PP w/PC & SC, pilot, streamlining, retractable landing gear (1 DP tires), 2 extra MR blades, 2 extra SR blades, micro weapon wings with 10 points of armor each. Sloped armor: C33. $6,961; 919 lbs.; HC 6; Accel. 10, top speed 207.5. A pure racing chopper.

Flitter: Md. M-C, medium PP w/PC & SC, pilot, 10 points of component armor for pilot, 10 points of component armor for PP. $2,350; 610 lbs.; HC 4; Accel. 5, top speed 160. Designed for travel around large estates. Fast and cheap.

Ceramite AFV Armor: $5,000 and 50 lbs per point. This material is lightweight armor for AFVs. It is an advanced ceramic/metal alloy that is immune to the scabbing effects of HESH ammunition. It is fireproof, laserproof and is destroyed on a damage roll of 6, regardless of whether or not the damage was caused by weapons fire or collisions.

Hi-Res Radar: $5,000, no weight or space. This advanced radar allows for targeting without penalty through smoke, paint, rain, snow, etc. It actually shows a clear silhouette of all obstacles and targets for easy identification. Range is 3 miles; drains 10 power units per hour of continuous use.

Long Range Hi-Res Radar: $20,000, 100 lbs., one space. Similar to the regular Hi-Res Radar, but has a range of 15 miles. It drains 15 power units per hour of continuous use.

Ocean Rescue Raft: one space when stored, 20 lbs., $750. Can be deployed from a bomb rack. When fully inflated, this covered raft can hold 18 people safely and contains an emergency radio transmitter (battery lasts 5 days) and a portable medikit.
 

Since our last newsletter there's been an address change for one of our members. Michael Garriety, better known as the DeathKnight, has moved from Des Moines, Iowa to New Haven, Connecticut to pursue more schooling. We wish good luck, and will keep in touch with him.
    If you've moved or have had trouble getting your Nightmessenger, please write us with your new address. We're interested in what's going on where you are. We'll print the most interesting letters in the Return Fire section.
    Recent terrorist acts in New Omaha have shocked the populace. The NOPD and others are looking into this menace.
 

January 8, 2045: The Elvis Commandos announced they are currently considering arrangements with the DSA involving a tour of South Africa. The tour proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

January 8, 2045: All arrangements have been settled today by a press conference of the Elvis Commandos. The tour is set to begin on January 22.

January 10, 2045: Daimschel Tread Works debuted their latest tank, the Powell. It's designed to fulfill the light tank requirements for armies all over the world.

January 12, 2045: Testing of the Powell Light Tank began outside of Arthur, Nebraska. Visitors from all over the world attended.

January 22, 2045: The Elvis Commandos airship left New Omaha for South African. A multitude of fans gave them a colorful farewell.

January 26, 2045: Robojed, Steelfist, Executioner and Peacemaker opened the Four Cyborgs of the Apocalypse Detective Agency today, with support from the ARC (Advanced Research Company). The four former police cyborgs commented that they would handle any and all kinds of cases.

January 27, 2045: South Africa greeted the Elvis Commandos as they landed at the Pretoria International Airport.

February 8, 2045: Psycho was released by the DSA officials. His only comment: "They were very helpful on overcoming some more difficult aspects of one of my current projects".

February 10, 2045: Psycho arrived back in New Omaha. He commented, "DSA's rubber rooms are just the same as the U.S.'s" Reporters were understandably baffled by the statement.

February 14, 2045: The Iowa State Patrol substation on I-80 near the Nebraska state line was attacked and destroyed by an unknown assailant. Evidence at the scene indicates that the vehicle used was a 10-wheel APC.

February 14, 2045: A Nebraska state patrolman was attacked by a huge cyborg near the I-80 Bridge. Prompt response by CA personnel routed the attacker; it escaped after taking several hits.

February 18, 2045: The statue "Blind Justice" inside the state supreme court building in Lincoln, Nebraska attacked and killed three court justices. The statue was destroyed; subsequent investigation showed it to be a robot.

February 21, 2045: The Elvis Commandos tour of South Africa ended today. As they boarded their charted airship, one said, "We really enjoyed our stay and hope we can do it again. The fans were very appreciative and we thank them all. Thank ya verymuch".

February 28, 2045: Psycho today landed his new Hawk-equipped car in Los Angeles. Some radar operators reported his car traveling in excess of Mach four when first sighted several hundred miles southwest of L.A. Psycho only commented was, "It works, I almost made it".

March 8, 2045: The testing of the Powell light tank ended today with excellent results. Rumors of a U.S. contract and foreign buyers abound.

March 9, 2045: Several farms owned by former members of the Prairie Dog Clan were raided and burned by the Progenitors. This group vows to remove these people and "reclaim there land of birth". The Nebraska National Guard was mobilized two days later to hunt down and destroy the Progenitors.

March 12, 2045: Several countries reported a car-size object traveling in near-space. The low orbit object was never clearly identified. The object disappeared over New Mexico.

March 23, 2045: Daimschel Tread Works was awarded the Light Tank contract from the U.S. government. The initial order was for 200 tanks.
 

March 24, 1995: Tank Girl.

Summer 1995: Batman Forever, Judge Dredd, Waterworld.

Holiday 1995: Goldeneye (new James Bond film).
 

GenCon '95: August 10-13, 1995 in Milwaukee, WI. Site of the World Racing Championship, Godzilla's Smarter Brother, and the Midwest Racing Championship.
 

Microplanes and Power Plants: According to the "Catalog from Hell" microplanes can only use car power plants and engines. Wait a minute. Why is that? There's airplane power plants and engines capable of propelling a microplane. For the small microplane a new power plant is needed. No big problem.

Micro power plant: $5,000; 4 spaces; 1,500 lbs.; 10 DP; 3,500 power factors.
Micro engine: $10,000; 4 spaces; 500 lbs.; 10 DP; 3,500 power factors and 20 mpg.

Propellers and planes: Once again according to the "Catalog from Hell" propellers take up spaces. Why? This makes no sense. Are we surprised? No. Propellers should take no space because the shaft and the propeller take up negligible space in the aircraft.
 

Yes, we goofed even with three editors. It can happen. On the Magnum Motors 2045 Cruiser the armor is listed as "slop" instead of "slope". There's some really gross new armor out there. Also, this vehicle was not listed in the credits. The revised design was made by Don Jacques.
 

For those of you looking for "rare" Car Wars materials we have a few contacts.

Karl Rasmussen
406 Mary M. Kountz Memorial Drive
Bellevue, NE 68005

Ben Scott
PO Box 12383
Denver, CO 80212

Write to them for a list of available items. They include old ADQs, supplements and expansion sets.
 

The first round of the series was held at the Drop-Out Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Three teams showed for the Division 30 event; Team Radius (Norman McMullen), Team Amex (Don Jacques), and Team CFI/Torgo's Pizza (Chris French). Radius entered a "Lightfigher B", Amex a "Twin Two", and CFI entered a "DMN-8R".
    The action started immediately; Radius tagged CFI's front with a long-range laser shot. Then Amex and Radius went at it; Amex nailed Radius's front, then set up behind Radius and began hammering on his flanks and rear. Radius returned the favor, chewing on Amex's front and flanks.
    The affair was interrupted by the sudden arrival of CFI. Radius paid dearly for his effrontery; CFI first nipped Radius's front with an RR shot, then slammed three more into that side, removing all of Radius's armor, wrecking his MML, and damaging the power plant. Radius floored the accelerator and ran, with Amex in hot pursuit. CFI cruised around to the other side of the arena.
    With his front armor gone, Radius endeavored to keep Amex behind him, but ran out of running room. He cut some hard turns, lost control, smacked the wall hard, then was rammed by Amex. Radius's troubles did not end; CFI came blazing up from the other direction, RRs blazing. He did more internal damage, swung around, and sent a 3-shot volley into Radius's nose, gutting the interior. The crippled wreck then plowed into a dropped arena section; the collision ripped off the front suspension, destroyed the front tires, and sent the wreck rolling. Chalk one for CFI.
    CFI then set after Amex; now able to sit behind Amex at will (Amex had already expended all his ID ammo), he began hammering on Amex's rear. His third volley ripped open Amex's rear armor, wrecked the ID, and blew the driver into the power plant. Kill #2 for CFI. Game over.
    The performance of CFI's "DMN-8R" was shocking; two kills in six volleys, and was only damaged twice (on the front by Radius, on the left by Amex). Rarely has such a dominating performance been seen in an event. If this is any sign, this will be one brutal season.

1st - Team CFI/Torgo's Pizza (2 Kills) 12 points
2nd - Team Amex 5 points
3rd - Team Radius 1 point

CFI "DMN-8R" - Luxury, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, 150 cid engine w/turbo, 5 gallon dueling tank, 4 PR snow tires, driver, 3 linked RRs front w/HESH ammo, 2 SDs w/incendiary ammo linked right and back, 2 extra incendiary SD magazines, HRSWC (RRs), HD brakes, Overdrive, streamlining. Cargo capacity: 1 space, 5 lbs. Sloped Armor: F75, L60, R60, B70, T1, U5. Accel. 5/10; top speed 70/90 with overdrive; HC 3; mpg-50(55); $27,937; 6,600 lbs. Driver's gear: body armor, flak jacket, HAVR with LTS and URGL, explosive grenade for URGL. $2,025. Total: $29,962
    About as close to perfection as one can get. The only drawbacks are the lack of anti-fire defenses and the lack of wheel defenses.

Amex "Twin Two" - Mid-size, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant, 4 solid tires, drive, pulse TwL front, ID rear, HRSWC (TwL), link between TwL and ID, HD brakes. Sloped Armor: F75, L50, R50, B50, T10, U10. Accel. 5; top speed 92.5; HC 3; $29,612; 5,760 lbs. Driver's gear: body armor, HP w/folding stock and hollowpoint ammo. $376. Total: $29,988.
    A good vehicle; the armor is adequate (at the end of the duel, it had lost 167 points -68%- of its armor!), but the top and underbody could be lightened. The TwL is effective, especially combined with a HRSWC (To Hit of 4!), but the possibility of LR armor (especially metal) could leave a duelist in trouble. The ID is better suited for narrow arenas where it can muck up handling, but beware of snow tires (hint: DMN-8R); a FCE would be better - and cheaper. A good effort, but needs improvement.

Radius Motors "Lightfighter B" - Compact w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, medium power plant w/SC, 4 PR tires, driver, pulse laser rear, MML front, overdrive, HD brakes, HRSWC (laser). Sloped metal/plastic armor: F7/38, L7/37, R7/37, B18/38, T0/3, U0/4. Accel. 5; top speed 92.5; HC 3; $27,840; 4,437 lbs. Driver's gear: body armor. $250. Total: $28,090.
    Designed to get in front of an opponent, or to surprise duelists from the "fighter plane" tactical school. Unfortunately, this vehicle needs room to run from its targets (a commodity not often found in arenas), and is vulnerable to deflection shots into its sides. It needs better acceleration and top speed to bring its weapon to bear, and it doesn't have it. The armor is invulnerable on the back, weak everywhere else. This vehicle would better serve as a convoy rearguard.
 

23 January 1995

Fellow Duelists (and usual suspects)

Here I am, writing to you from the wilds of a strange uncivilized land that some call Connecticut. After approximately three weeks here, I can definitely say that Omaha (even at its worse) is far better than New Haven. There are so many gang killings here that they hardly rate more than one or two minutes coverage (for the entire night's death toll) on the evening news. The driving habits of the local yokels are also unbelievably bad.
    As far as my classes are concerned, I'm registered for all of them and my books have been purchased. The introductory material is somewhat basic, but there is every indication that there are better things to come. Who knows, in a few years there might even be a TV series about me (Garrity, M.E. or Garrity, U.S. Marshall - don't laugh, Chris).
    You might be interested to know that a certain "atomic weapons permit" gets the strangest looks when worn while walking through the university's physics department (chuckle, chuckle, tee hee!!)

Technical bulletin

Last week's installment of "The Next Step" series on The Discovery Channel profiled the development of ceramet armor. Normally a TL8 substance, the material shown was a composite of boron carbide and aluminum. A half-inch thickness of this stuff can stop a .50-caliber slug. The significance of this development is that the King Rat SBT I designed could theoretically be built immediately!! How's that for scary?
    Norman, in case you don't have my new mailing address, it is listed below:

Michael Garrity
UNH Student Mail, Box #248
300 Orange Avenue
West Haven, CT 06516

M

P.S.: I'll be unable to attend Andromeda II due to time and academic constraints. I still don't know about GenCon.

M
 

26 March 1995

I thought you might like to hear about my battles with GHOST. The tank duel went off all right. Dave Hoffman used a 60-ton tank with a huge engine and light weaponry. The most surprising aspect of the design is that it had 3,800 lbs of rocket boosters (getting up to 100 mph) and a ram plate. The resulting collision took place at a combined speed of 150 mph. My 80 ton tank lost all of its front armor and weaponry. However, the turret was still able to fire. I drove Dave from the field by nearly chewing off his right tread.
    The second battle was a division 30 off-road duel using the same field (a 3-D table with much forest, hills, and other obstacles). I used my "Gibraltar" design. I won by scoring a mobility kill, accepting a surrender and chasing a third duelist into a wall. Thus, I achieved my objective and two victories.

Until next.

M
 

The 2045 NOVA Club Racing Championship promised to be an interesting event, with 2044 AADA Racing Champion Mike Garrity in attendance. Also present were Norman McMullen, long time NOVAite, and Chris French, who swept the 2044 Midwest Championships. Oddsmakers gave Garrity the best chance of winning with French a close second; McMullen would be lucky to finish.
    Qualifying appeared to bear out their predictions: Garrity stormed to the pole position in his DKI "Streak" with a 222.5 mph blast. McMullen surprised his critics by taking second starting position in his Radius Motors "Wedge VIII" with a 217.5 mph pass. French started scratch in his CA "RMT-250 T S/S", posting a 197.5 mph run. It appeared the event result would be a foregone conclusion.
    This was not the case. When the green flag fell on the 100 mph rolling start, French used his superior acceleration to rocket away from the others. McMullen pulled away from a slow-accelerating Garrity and set out after French. Overdrives were engaged early [note: as the "official" ruling was concerning gas burners & overdrive is utterly wrong, it was ignored; see "Nuts and Bolts in the previous issue], with French hitting top speed in 7 seconds, which allowed him to run away and hide for the first two laps.
    Weapon fire was allowed after completion of a lap; however, the separation of the racers was so great, it took McMullen another whole lap to get near French, who opened up with his AVR. McMullen finally overtook French at the end of the front stretch, and began firing at him with his MG. Evidently bothered by this, French clipped McMullen's rear, doing slight damage. McMullen straightened out and attempted to out range French's AVR before it breached his armor. French had other ideas, however; he began pushing his engine to keep close to McMullen, blasting away all the while. His final shot destroyed McMullen's power plant; crippled, McMullen began slowing. French also lifted, to preserve his damaged engine.
    He did not have long to relax; Garrity came storming up, and shot past French entering turn 3; French nailed him with an AVR shot en passant. With McMullen occupying the inside groove, Garrity was forced wide in turn 4; French was able to cut inside and punt Garrity in the rear, but did no damage. Once again, French began burning his engine to keep place with Garrity. Miraculously, his engine held, and he opened up with his AVR. Garrity returned fire with his AVR.
    The battle ended abruptly; to save weight, Garrity had not mounted any armor on his vehicle's body! Component armor could not stand up to concentrated AVR fire, and Garrity was blown to bits by French's fire. This was not the end of this encounter, though. Garrity had just entered the high-speed kink on the backstretch. Garrity's uncontrolled vehicle smashed into the inside wall at 222.5 mph, utterly destroying the vehicle. Debris covered the track such that it appeared Garrity would achieve posthumous vengeance. However, French was able to navigate through a thin spot in the wreckage, and cruised across the line roughly three seconds ahead of the disabled McMullen.
    The race was red-flagged while the debris was swept up. During the pause, McMullen's crew found out the power plant was not repairable. With only one operable vehicle left, the race was called and French was declared the winner.
    This victory makes French NOVA's first 2-time double champion. "I did what I had to do - go fast, turn at the right time, and shoot anyone who got by me. When Garrity cashed in, I started looking to the inside of the Kink, figuring the debris'd be thinner there, and I got away with it.
    "It was important that I beat Garrity, and beat him hard. He represents the sort of blind blithering incompetence that pervades the AADA World Championships. The refs are biased and incompetent, the rules are poorly written and interpreted, and the whole system is rigged. I've been screwed out of two Racing Championships; by beating Garrity, I've proven their so-called 'Champions' aren't. I've shown who really is the best racer in the world. I am The Best."

Final Results:
1st - Chris French (5 laps completed, 3 laps led, margin of victory 3 seconds)
2nd - Norman McMullen (5 laps completed, 1 lap led)
3rd - Michael Garrity (4 laps completed, 1 lap led)
 

CA "RMT-250 T S/S" Driver: Chris French
Reversed medium trike, standard chassis, heavy suspension, 250 cid engine w/turbo, 5 gallon dueling tank, 3 HD racing slicks, driver, streamlining, spoiler, airdam, overdrive. Sloped armor: F39, L10, R10, B10, T0, U0. Accel. 15/20 (10/15 w/overdrive); top speed 172.5/192.5 w/overdrive); HC 5/6@60+; 2,099 lbs.; $13,211. Driver's gear: body armor, flak jacket, AVR w/LTS & 2 clips (1 standard, 1 extended), derringer, duelist's shades. $1,787.

Radius Motors "Wedge VIII" Driver: Norman McMullen
Reversed light trike, light chassis, heavy suspension, super trike power plant w/PC & SC, 3 PR racing slicks, driver, streamlining, spoiler, airdam, overdrive, MG right, SWC (MG). Sloped armor: F10, L10, R10, B10, T0, U0. Accel. 15/10 w/overdrive; top speed 197.5/212.5 w/overdrive; HC 5/6@60+; 1,350 lbs.; $12,127. Driver's gear: Impact armor, SMG, LP. $2,453.

DKI "Streak" Driver: Michael Garrity
Reversed medium trike, standard chassis, heavy suspension, super trike power plant w/PC & SC, 3 standard racing slicks, driver, streamlining, spoiler, airdam, HD brakes, overdrive, safety seat. Armor: 0 in all locations, 10 points of component armor for driver, 10 points of component armor for power plant. Accel. 15/10 w/overdrive; top speed 202.5/222.5 w/overdrive; HC 5/6@60+; 1,325 lbs., $9,225. Driver's gear: AVR w/LTS. $1,150.
 

The event this year was held at the Hourglass Arena in Greenwich, England (the arena is split down the middle by the Prime Meridian). Attendance was poor; evidently, most of the duelists had fallen victim to a street drug known as "Magic". The duelists who did show were Chris French, driving a CFI WTE-5K "White Shark"; Don Jacques, in an Excalibur "Scythe RR"; and Norman McMullen, running a Blaster Motors "Fightblaster C". The duelists started in the southeast, southwest, and north sides, respectively.
    At the start of the event, Jacques dived down the western tunnel. French feinted towards the center choke point, then dived down the east tunnel. McMullen feinted toward the west tunnel, then cut back to the eastern, seeking to confront French. The moment French showed his nose, McMullen fired, doing minor damage to French's front.
    French also fired -- he put his SDs on automatic, and cut a fast diagonal across the NE corner of the arena. McMullen suddenly found himself trapped in a very small area, while moving quite fast. A hard left turn sent his right side into a wall, doing minor damage. French set out for Jacques, shutting off his SDs.
    Due to his greater speed at the time, French swung around behind Jacques, shot him in the rear, doing minor damage, then winged past -- and dropped two sets of spikes right in front of him. Jacques caught both sets; the incendiary loads did moderate damage, sent Jacques into a spin, and ignited his right-front tire.
    At this point, McMullen attempted to escape his prison, using a thin point in the spikes at the mouth of the east tunnel. One spike cluster blocked his path, he could not avoid it, and it did minor damage to his tires. French saw this, and broke away from Jacques. After leaving two spike clusters at the south end of the east tunnel, French returned to Jacques, whose tire had burned away.
    Several time French attempted to shoot Jacques's rear or left sides (McMullen had hit Jacques's left side while blocked up). Jacques managed to pivot away from each attempt, and even plunked French's left flank once.
    Meanwhile, McMullen had come to his reckoning with French's spikes. He dodged one successfully -- the problem being, there were two clusters, and McMullen caught all of that second one; it left his tires badly racked up. Disregarding this, McMullen plunged toward Jacques & French. He selected Jacques as his target, and let fly with his BC. McMullen's third shot breached Jacques's right flank -- then ripped through the pickup's cargo space and into his undamaged left flank. Jacques swung his vehicle around and blasted McMullen's right flank into wreckage. This turned out to be a major tactical error -- it exposed his breached flank to French's BC. French's shot splashed Jacques's power plant all over his left armor. Jacques surrendered to French instantly.
    McMullen, trying to protect his damaged flank, turned away from French and headed for the south half of the arena. French followed, closing in for the kill. McMullen pulled some heavy maneuvers, leaving him perilously close to losing control of his vehicle. French noticed this, and fired.
    Things went hideously wrong for McMullen at this point. The impact of the shot knocked him over the edge of control, and into a skid. The skid caused his right-front tire to come apart, which sent him into another skid. This second skid destroyed his left-rear tire, which caused his car to enter a spin. The spin destroyed his two remaining tires and his underbody. McMullen suddenly found himself sitting in an immobilized vehicle -- with French parked on his right flank, gun locked and loaded. McMullen's surrender was something of a fait accompli.
    "That was one hard fight," French said during the post-event interview. "I had a slight disadvantage, not having sloped armor, but then, I was the only one with dropped weaponry. An arena like this, dropped weapons are quite effective, as was demonstrated -- both kills were put in their positions by my spikes. It surprised me no one else had dropped weapons; I figured they'd be thick in here.
    "Picking off Don like that -- hey, white sharks pick off cripples. Go fig."
    Norman McMullen was given the Goody's Headache Award for having the worst luck of the competitors. Don Jacques earned the Liquid Wrench Slickest Move Award for using pivots to hold off French. French donated his prize money for his sponsor, Torgo's Pizza.
 

CFI WTE-5K "White Shark" -- Mid-sized, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant, 4 PR tires, driver, BC w/HESH front, 2 SDs w/Incendiary Ammo linked left and rear, HRSWC (BC). Armor: F75, L60, R60, B70, T1, U4. Accel. 5; top speed 92.5; HC 3; $18,970; 5,760 lbs. Driver's gear: body armor, flak jacket, AVR (6 shots). $1,030. Total $20,000.
    Heavy & accurate firepower, decent dropped weapons, solid armor all around -- the perfect killing machine, as its name makes clear.

Blaster Motors "Fightblaster C" -- Mid-sized, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, large power plant, 4 solid tires, driver, BC w/HESH front, HRSWC (BC), streamlining. Sloped metal/plastic armor: F18/20, L7/18, R7/18, B7/19, T0/3, U0/3. Accel. 5; top speed 100; HC 3; $18,385; 5,758 lbs. Driver's gear: body armor. $250. Total: $18,635.
    A good design -- the firepower is effective and accurate and it is faster than the average dueler. However, it is without a dropped weapon for inconveniencing other duelists, its composite armor is weak on all sides except the front, there is roughly $1,300 wasted, and the streamlining's speed boost is wasted in most arenas. A good idea, but in need of improvement.

Excalibur "Scythe RR" -- Pickup, hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, super power plant, 4 solid tires, driver, 2 linked RRs w/HESH front, dual weapon magazine (RR - HEAT), FcD rear, SWC (RRs), HD brakes. Armor: F75, L50, R50, B50, T10, U10. Accel. 5; top speed 95; HC 2; $18,915; 7,150 lbs. Driver's gear: body armor, AR, DStG. $1,010. Total: $19,925.
    An unusual notion -- using a pickup with a heavy chassis (so it only needs 4 tires) in this division to get more space available for 1/3 space limits. Unfortunately, this is a fairly limited utility. The dual-weapon magazine was never fully utilized. A hidden plus -- the cargo space is a "legal damage sink" (Q.E.D.). The lack of dropped weapons (the FcD barely qualifies as such), is another serious flaw. The armor is adequate. This is an interesting concept, but is not as effective as it could be. It also needs a magazine switch, probably a good swap for the HD brakes and DSTG.

Firepower would need to be heavy -- D20 is the first where heavy armor becomes available, so most vehicles would be "bricks". Two duelists selected BCs with HESH; 4 dice, and a 50% chance of removing metal cannot be sneezed at. A to-hit of 7, backed by a +2 computer guarantee good chances to hit at range. One duelist went with linked RRs with HESH, and a DWM with HEAT, which gives similar damage and to-hit, but allows the use of HEAT ammo. The drawback of this system is that two TH rolls are needed instead of one. The +1 computer connected to the RRs meant it would be harder to score hits at range.
    In an arena with little room for maneuver, dropped weapons can be anything from annoying to deadly. Surprisingly, only one vehicle had significant dropped weapons; in the course of the duel, this vehicle trapped one car, so badly damaged that vehicle's tires that an otherwise minor loss of control knocked it out of the event, and rendered the other vehicle incapable of any significant ability to maneuver. It won the event. Coincidence?
    Armor would be heavy; distribution would make the difference. The "Fightblaster" carried the equivalent of 276 points of plastic; however, 195 points of it was in metal, and in a division where HESH-equipped weapons are common, metal's endurance is poor. It lost 10 of its 39 points; if one discounts the front, which was never targeted, it lost 10 of 21 points, or almost half. The plastic was thin, and barely survived being penetrated; 6 points (7%) was wasted in T & U, which are rarely engaged sides. The "Scythe" carried 245 points, 20 were wasted on T & U (8%), which could have been used elsewhere (that one side would not have been breached). The "White Shark" had the most even distribution , and only 5 points (1%) wasted on T & U.
    A note on the actual vehicles -- the appearance of the pickup, which can mount 5 spaces of weaponry instead of only 4, was unusual. It was not much of an improvement, its handling was somewhat degraded, and it could not carry any more armor than the mid-sizes. In the end, the only real "advantage" was the cargo space, which meant internal damage would likely not hit anything (and it worked!).
    In the end, the vehicle with the best balance of weapons and armor would carry the day. The "White Shark" had this needed balance, and it did win.
 

"Are we being punished for something?" Animaniacs "Baloney & Kids"

"Information is Ammunition." Major Adam Steiner, 1st Somerset Strikers

"Know Thine Enemy" Macchiavelli

"If truth is the first casualty of war, then language is the first casualty of politics" author unknown
 

This issue we'll be featuring sports/race cars and some aircraft. I think you'll like them.

2044 Dodge Viper RT/10: race-modified luxury, x-hvy. chassis, hvy. suspension, 500 ci aluminum engine with 30 gallon dueling tank, 4 solid C.S. tires, driver, passenger, 2 linked incendiary HRLs front, autolock homing system (guiding HRLs). Sloping/streamlining, hexagonal platelet armor, improved spoiler/airdam, targeting system jammer, LDR, vehicular computer, computer navigator w/autopilot, upgrade program, surge protector, improved sunroof, 2 ejection/safety seats, HD/ABS, overdrive, HD shocks, active suspension, anti-theft system linked to electrical system killer. Armor: F80, L65, R65, B70, T17, U20 with 4 20-point FP tire shields. Accel. 15; top speed 237.5; HC 6/7@60+; 6,600 lbs.; $155,435.

2045 Lola/Matra Indycar (CI-22 combat Indycar model 22): Indycar, std. chassis, 200 ci ceramic engine w/BT, TH, VPT (intercooled). 40 gallon dueling tank, 4 HD slicks, driver, sloping/streamlining, 2 10-shot light rocket pod* (passive radar) w/link front, 8 LTRs w/3 links B, active suspension, HRSWC, ejection/safety seat, improved spoiler/airdam. Armor: F30, L30, R30, B30, T2, U5. Accel. 30; top speed 265 mph; HC 8/9@60+; 2,900 lbs.; $60,789.

2045 Porsche/Heckler & Koch 956: Mid-size racing body, stnd chassis, hvy. suspension, 165 ci aluminum engine w/2 VPT (intercooled). 30 gallon racing tank, 4 PR C.S. tires, driver, passenger, 2 AMGs* w/explosive ammo and link front, SD w/explosive ammo and link to AMGs rear, sloping/streamlining, improved spoiler and airdam, HRSWC (AMGs). FP armor: F60, L60, R60, B60, T10, U20 with 4 10-point FP wheelhubs. Accel. 25; top speed 207.5; HC 5/6@60+; 4,800 lbs.; $44,847.
    Option: replace 165 cid w/200 cid (keep add-ons), remove 5 points of armor, add 5 lbs to cargo/passenger area. Top speed 227.5 mph, $46,857.

* Assault Machine Gun: to-hit 7, 2d6 (area effect), $1,500, 300 lbs., 2 spaces, 4 DP, 20 shots. CPS 50, WPS 5. Loaded cost $2,500, loaded weight 400 lbs.

2045 Farrari-OTO/Melara F40: Sedan racing body, stnd. chassis, hvy. suspension, 180ci aluminum engine w/2 VPT (intercooled). 20 gallon racing tank, 4 PR C.S. tires, driver, passenger, 2 heavy rocket pod* (active homing) w/link front, MD w/link to HRP rear, sloping/streamlining, improved spoiler & airdam**. FP armor: F60, L60, R60, B60, T10, U25 with 4 10-point FP wheelhubs. Accel. 25; top speed 210; HC 5/6@60+; 5,100 lbs.; $48,220.

* Rocket Pod: cost 10 x weight of rockets, weighs .5 x weight of rockets, spaces weight/100 (rounding down), DP equal number of spaces, to-hit of 9.

** Improved spoiler/airdam: cost 10 x 1 point of armor, no weight, standard effect. Cannot be retrofitted.

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.

High Flight Mud Wasp LA01: Medium microplane, sports power plant w/PC & SC, prop w/10 points of armor and ducted cowling front, retractable landing gear with 2 ORHD cycle tires and tailwheel, OR suspension, variable wings, pilot, HMG with explosive ammo located front in each wing, link for HMGs, 2 space bomb rack on centerline, dive brakes, improved tail assembly, hi-res computer. Sloped armor: F48, L38, R35, B45, T30, U50. Accel.: 10; top speed 317.5/477.5 with wings swept (add 10 with gear up); stall speed 30/40 with wings swept; wing DP 8; HC 3; 4,598 lbs.; $52,736. Max bomb load 402 lbs.

High Flight LA02: Small airplane, sports power plant w/PC & SC, prop w/10 points of armor and ducted cowling front, retractable landing gear with 3 PR tires, swept wings, pilot, HMG with explosive ammo located front in each wing, link for HMGs, 3-2 space bomb racks located one each at left wing, centerline, and right wing, dive brakes, improved tail assembly, hi-res computer. Armor: F35, L35, R35, B35, T20, U35. Accel.: 5; top speed 430 (add 10 when gear is up); stall speed 67.5; wing DP 12; HC 3; 4,920 lbs.; $33,730. Max bomb load 1,080 lbs.

High Flight Grappler LF01: Medium airplane, small airplane power plant, prop w/10 points of armor and ducted cowling front, retractable landing gear with 3 PR tires, forward swept wings, one pair maneuvering foils w/10 points of armor each, pilot, 2 linked HMGs with explosive ammo front and synchronized to fire through prop, AAM in each wing, improved tail assembly, dive brakes, hi-res computer. Sloped armor: F75, L55, R55, B70, T45, U70. Accel.: 15; top speed 577.5 (add 10 when gear is up); stall speed 75; wing DP 16; HC 0; 9,955 lbs., $79,154.

Courier Services Swan: Large airplane, standard airplane power plant w/PC & SC, 2 tilt rotor props w/10 points of armor each and ducted cowlings, retractable landing gear w/3 PR tires, pilot, gunner/medic (carries own gear), universal turret under with MG loaded with AP ammo and armored searchlight (75 lbs., $500, 5 DP), 2 homing torpedoes per wing, side door (left), winch, infrared, dive brakes, 2 4-space bomb racks, long-range radar, no-paint/tinted windows, vehicular computer for pilot. Armor: F75, L75, R75, B75, T50, U100. Accel.: 15; top speed 385 (add 10 when gear is up); stall speed 50; wing DP 20; HC 1; 14,995 lbs.; $92,250. Cargo capacity: 3,405 lbs., 4 spaces.
 

Well, it's show biz time. I'm here to give my reviews on the latest in Duelist entertainment cubes.

Streetfighter: This mid '90s action/comedy is based on the arcade game of the same name. It stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as Col. Kyle of the Allied Nations (A.N.) and Raul Julia as M. Bison, ruthless dictator. Bison takes several A.N. relief workers hostage and Kyle and Co. battle to free them. It's cheesy, and characters slowly changing costumes until they look like their arcade selves.
    The martial arts is outrageous at best, with moves normally not possible. If you want a good comedy, this is it.*

Highlander, The Final Dimension: Formerly entitled TheMagician, this movie stars Christopher Lambert (Macleod) and Mario Van Peebles (Kain). This movie takes place a few years after the original, completely (and wisely) ignoring the second film.
    Kain ravages 1600s Japan, killing immortals, including a mage. Macleod escapes before the mage is killed and Kain is trapped. Centuries later Kain escapes his confinement and hunts down Macleod. Kain tells Macleod "You never had the prize" (so much for the first movie).
    Kain is a brutal and savage opponent for Macleod, with overtones of Kurgan. The showdown is predictable with some illusionary tricks thrown in. Why didn't they listen to themselves? **

Gone In 60 Seconds: Written, directed and produces by H. B. Halicki. A classic car chase film about a L.A. car theft group with a contract to fill - 47 cars within a week. Can they do it and get away with it? Well, not to give away the whole story, but a '73 Mustang is their biggest problem. The film ends with a 40 minute police chase throughout the L.A. area with dozens of wrecks and flip-flops. A must-see for any car chase buff. ***
 

Finally, it's over. For some reason this issue was harder than most to compile. I don't know whether it's because the lack of excitement from SJG or the lack of local duelists or just my lack of thrills in writing it. So be it.
    Next issue will feature loads of excitement as New Omaha goes up in a mushroom cloud (just kidding - I hope). We'll return with more new devices of destruction and some new equipment to welcome summer in, along vehicle guide updates and other vehicle designs. And, of course, the usual local mayhem and some Junehem (put in just for fun). Until then, check your six.

Drive Offensively!
 

Norman McMullen	Chris French
NOVA President	NOVA Vice President

NOVA Works:
Microcopters: Chris French
Ceramite AFV Armor: Michael Garrity
Hi-Res Radar: Norman McMullen

10 O'clock News:
Norman McMullen, Jay Chladek, Chris French, Don Jacques, and Michael Garrity

Convention Calendar: Norman McMullen

Murphy's Corner: Norman McMullen

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

Movie Releases: Norman McMullen

The Showroom:
2044 Dodge Viper RT/10, 2045 Lola/Matra Indycar, 2045 Porsche/Heckler & Koch 956, 2045 Farrari-OTO/Melara F40 by Chris French
High Flight LA01, LA02, LF01, and Courier Services Swan by Don Jacques

Quotes: Norman McMullen and Don Jacques

Cube Logs: Norman McMullen

2045 Midwest Regional Dueling Championship: Chris French

Vehicles:
WTE-5K White Shark by Chris French
Fightblaster C by Norman McMullen
Excalibur Scythe "RR" by Don Jacques
2045 NOVA Club Racing Championship by Chris French

Vehicles:
RMT-250 T S/S by Chris French
Wedge VIII by Norman McMullen
Streak by Michael Garrity

2045 Midwest Dueling Circuit: Chris French
Vehicles
DMN-8R by Chris French
Twin Two by Don Jacques
Lightfighter B by Norman McMullen

Return Fire by Michael Garrity

Closing Fire by Norman McMullen

The World "Out There" by Norman McMullen

Typesetting by Don Jacques

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

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