Incoming Transmission . . .
+ + + Restricted Data. SIGMA 9 Clearance Required + + +
Decryption algorithm initializing . . .
[] [] [] ACCESS GRANTED [] [] []
IMCN |
|
Incoming Transmission . . . + + + Restricted Data. SIGMA 9 Clearance Required + + + Decryption algorithm initializing . . . [] [] [] ACCESS GRANTED [] [] []
1 Comment
Greetings soldier!
We are now on Part 4 of our expedition inventory postings; this one focusing on the various power armor suits and robot vehicles of Golden Age Salvage. Mechanized forces (or "mecha") are an intrinsic facet of modern combat. Whether it's the inexpensive, low quality suits of Chipwell Armaments or the state-of-the-art machines fielded by the Coalition States, power armor and robot vehicles are commonplace in the standing army of each large, industrialized nation in post-apocalyptic North America. Not only that, but paramilitary groups, independent adventurers, and freelancers have, over the last hundred years, really taken to the technology. In fact, one is hard-pressed to find a mercenary company that doesn't employ at least a few units of mecha. Considering that a small squad of mechanized infantry (3 to 5 suits of power armor) is easily equal to an entire platoon of armed soldiers in body armor, and the reasons become clear. In a world full of demons, dragons, and other superhuman terrors, mechanized forces are the great equalizer that have given humans a chance to survive. However, mechanized forces can fill a number of useful functions outside of combat. The augmented strength and durability of power armor and robot vehicles makes them ideal for heavy labor, such as work in construction, industry, mining, and sal-vage. These machines can be fitted with a vast array of weapons and tools to serve a variety of purposes. Being environ-mentally sealed means that the pilot (and other crew, if any) is protected from airborne toxins, gases, diseases, extreme temperatures, radiation, inclemental weather, and hostile atmospheres, which makes them perfect for exploration. Add to this the fact that many mecha have multiple modes of propulsion, including flight and underwater capabilities, and mechanized forces also become attractive options for short-distance travel through dangerous wilderness. Not surprisingly, Golden Age Salvage has a small fleet of power armor suits and robot vehicles, a portion of which are on loan from Northern Gun. Some of these mechanized units are intended to serve combat and security functions, to protect the convoy from dinosaurs and similarly large inhabitants of the Swamp. Other units are designed specifically for salvage and construction purposes. However, all mechanized units at the disposal of G-Sal are versatile enough to act in several roles, if need be. Power armor and robot vehicles meant for heavy labor can easily double as combat units, should defensive support become necessary. Likewise, power armor and robot vehicles built for combat can also assist in digging, removing heavy debris, and other laborious aspects of salvage. Furthermore, it should be noted that nearly every mecha and vehicle brought on this expedition is capable of traveling in or under water. This is not a coincidence. The watery environs of Dinosaur Swamp demand vehicles and mechanized units that can operate at least semi-amphibiously, especially when the expedition reaches the submerged ruins of the Cape. For those of you who aren't robo-jockeys, the differences between power armor and robot vehicles may not be entirely clear. Some mechanized units, such as the Triax Ultimax (which has features of both power armor and robot vehicles), even blur the line between the two. Perhaps the simplest way to describe the distinction would be to use the words of Buster "Cookie" Rathburn, a former mechanized commando and currently the expedition's mess officer: "Power armor is beefed-up infantry, while a robot vehicle is a tank on legs. Hmph." Alternately, here is a more elaborate explanation from the IMCN: Power armor is defined as a robotic exoskeleton that is worn by the pilot. It's a robotic suit, which means it only ever has a single person in it (the pilot). In some respects, it's not inaccurate to think of power armor as a highly mechanized, heavy infantry form of body armor. Power armor is usually humanoid-shaped and rarely exceeds 15 feet in height. The movements of the power armor correspond directly to the movements of the pilot's body, though some suits may utilize additional controls in the form of foot pedals, voice actuated commands, and headjack links. Robot vehicles, as the name indicates, are vehicles, meaning that they are driven rather than worn. Robot vehicles can generally have multiple crew members or passengers, are beyond 15 feet tall, and often assume a number of shapes and designs other than humanoid (though humanoid shapes are still common). They tend to be much more armed and armored than power armor suits, and typically fill the role of heavy support on the battlefield. Click Here to read about the expedition's power armor, and Click Here to read about its selection of robot vehicles. From the thought-records of Questra,
Fourth Blade to the Shemar-Tribe of the Horrorwoods: It has been more than two-hundred hours since I was tasked with my duties as warden of the humans and keeper of the oath. My charge is to ensure that the humans honor their side of the bargain they made with us; to remand the one called "Lapis" to our custody following the conclusion of their "expedition." Though their leader, the man known as "Bostock," has proven honorable in the past, experience has taught me that most humans, especially males, are weak in both mind and body. This weakness can make it difficult for them to keep their word in the face of things like sentiment and adversity. In a way, it is not their fault; they are simply the products of inferior genetic and cultural stock. They've not had the benefit of rigorous Shemarrian training, nor do most of them know the purity of cybernetic rebirth. Consequently, I am here to make certain that the humans commit no treachery against the Shemarrian people and, should such treachery manifest, to dole out swift and merciless punishment. Armorium - (Latin) A place where one stores armor. Greetings soldier! The third of our equipment inventory postings is dedicated to body armor. Personal protective gear is just as important to one's survival as weapons and med-tech... perhaps more so. In a place as perilous as Dinosaur Swamp, the average, unaugmented human is committing suicide if he isn't armored from head to toe. All it takes is one swipe of a dinosaur's claws, or one successful swing from a barbarian's magic bone knife, and it's game over. For us humans, we can't afford to take any chances... a single mistake means instant death if you don't have on your armor. In addition to protection from enemies and wildlife, many suits of body armor (particularly environmental body armor) offer life support and air conditioning. In a hot and humid environment like Dinosaur Swamp, your armor aids in keeping you comfortable and hydrated. It'll keep you safe from insect bites (which may carry diseases such as malaria) and unintended contact with toxic substances. In the unlikely event of a work site accident involving salvage machinery, armor also helps to provide protection. Consequently, body armor serves very practical purposes beyond combat. For these reason, Golden Age Salvage's policy is that all members of the expedition are required to be fully armored at all times when outside of their vehicles. Even inside the vehicles, it's advised that one remain with most of his protective gear in place. Those found wandering around without adequate protective gear, unless previously approved by Lionel Hudson or Ingram Bostock, will receive a stern reprimand from his commanding officer. Repeated offenses may be construed as insubordination, with all of the attending consequences. Golden Age Salvage enforces this rule for the welfare and safety of its members. Dinosaur Swamp is simply too dangerous to take ANY chances with your life. And each time one member is injured or killed, it leaves everyone else in the expedition a little more vulnerable. The only exception to the body armor rule are those members of the expedition who possess some form of extraordinary durability or resistance to damage, such as supernatural creatures and full conversion cyborgs. These individuals are a special case, so don't get any ideas. Just because you see Korban Greyson or Lapis walking around sans armor doesn't mean that you can, too. Our Shemarrian guest, Questra, wears the least protective gear of all, but she's also a cyborg and not an official member of the expedition. Body armor comes in three broad varieties: armored clothing, non-environmental body armor, and full environmental body armor (EBA). Support personnel who don't work directly at the dig sites and tend to stay inside the convoy (such as Jacqueline "Little Boots" Tahari and her operators) are only required to wear armored jumpsuits and fatigues. For everyone else, especially if working in excavation or security, environmental or non-environmental body armor is a must. Click Here, or on the above image, to read about the selection of body armors at the disposal of the expedition. Greetings soldier!
Now that weapons, ammo, and combat accessories have been covered, let's look at the equipment that keeps your body in working condition. Along with its vast armory, Golden Age Salvage (G-Sal) has a state-of-the-art "armamentarium" at its disposal, which is just a fancy term for a doctor's medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and information resources. Northern Gun has pitched in by providing an MAU-500 Medical Automation Unit, as well as several kinds of hard to procure med-ications and inoculants. While it's impossible to account for all the health risks one might face in the field, the IMCN has made you as medically equipped for them as you're ever going to be. As we've already discussed, salvage work is potentially very dangerous, which makes it unquestionably necessary to have a medical officer present during salvage ops. Over the years, Golden Age Salvage had come to rely on the services of Doctor Miles Cochrane, a Body Fixer out of the Manistique Imperium who joined the IMCN in 80 P.A. Though G-Sal has had its share of dedicated medical staff through the decades, most of these individuals came and went. Advanced medical training, at the level of a doctor, is rare in post-apocalyptic North America, which makes it difficult to hold on to Body Fixers, Cyber-Docs, and the like. They tend to be in very high demand, and most lack the desire to stay with merc or salvage outfits for the long-term. However, whenever Golden Age Salvage temporarily needed a physician, it was usually Dr. Cochrane (affectionately known as "Doc Coch") who answered the call. He worked as G-Sal's Chief Medical Officer on more than a dozen assignments and was present when Bostock made some of his biggest scores. Though he was technically a subcontractor and not officially part of Golden Age Salvage, most of the salvage crew came to regard him as an honorary member. The disappearance of Dr. Cochrane nearly a week ago is tragic, and he'll be missed. Admittedly, it doesn't bode well that the expedition lost one of its most important officers only two days in. Yet it's for situations such of these that Golden Age Salvage implemented the policy of hiring redundant medical staff. Damian Mihrick, a subcontractor, has since assumed the position of Chief Medical Officer for the expedition. Weird-alien-symbiotic-organism-shadow-thing notwithstanding, Dr. Mihrick has done a respectable job filling Dr. Cochrane's shoes. Click Here, or on the above image, to read about all the medical equipment, supplies, medications, and drugs on stock with the expedition. |
PodcastsGateway to the Megaverse
Echoes from the Rifts Coalition Deadboys Radio Free Palladium Radio Free MercTown From the Rifts (video podcast) LinksPalladium Books
The AFR Crew FB Rifts Group Rifts Music by Shikimol Rifts By Dustin M. NexusNine.Net Rifts Wiki Rifts TVTropes Rifts Fan Fiction Kitsune's Palladium Web Page Rifts Megaversal Highway Rifts By Neepzeep Stabilizing Rifts Blog 3rd Age of Dragonwright Mad Dog's Multiverse Jaguar's Rifts Pages The Temple Grounds RifterGM's Megaverse Neon Rifts SirTenzan's Rifts Gallery Brett Hegr's Unofficial Palladium RPG Web Page Rifts.freehostia.com Rifts: The Leynet The Black Vault Grimm's Palladium Page The Game Master's Library for Palladium Role-Playing Games The Unreal Inn Johnny's Rifts Page Tiny's Rift Section 7 Repliq Wolf Pack Mercenary Corps. Meefman's Rifts Page Vortex Parallel Rifts Megaverse Project: Rifts Rifts at the Labyrinth Rifts By Castle Lament The Rifts Repository Chris' Rifts Page Ralt's Rifts House Rules Explorers Unlimited Forum Palladium Martial Arts Netbook The Primeval Rift (Rifts CCG site) ErickWujick.com |