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MICHAEL SATRAN
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
ADVENTURE BACKGROUND
The cyborg supervillain Download has a problem.
Normal humans are becoming more and more skilled with
their personal computers. Massively Multiplayer Online
Roleplaying Games (MMORPGS) are becoming a way of
life, taking up far too much bandwidth and making it
more difficult for him to achieve his evil schemes or to
even pirate Terminator films!
Download, however, has a plan. He will infiltrate the
latest hot MMORPG release and use it to take over the
minds of millions of users, then trap them in robot bodies
of his own design. In the past hes used this technique
freelance to break villains out of prison and to place them
into robot bodies so that they can achieve their own evil
schemes. This time hes in it for himself! His plan is to
hold the MMORPG companies hostage using their own
players, threatening to destroy them with a robot army of
gigantic proportions unless they pay a ransom. Once the
company pays, however, Download plans to use the
money to create an even larger robot army powered by the
minds of crazed MMORPG users so that he can conquer
the entire world and, at last, enjoy unlimited bandwidth
in peace.
As the original bodies of his hostages start to
deteriorate from lack of Mountain Dew and Cheesy Puffs,
it is up to the heroes to find Download and his mind
transfer machine before they all starve to death (though,
admittedly, in some cases this could take some time). Can
the heroes save millions of online roleplayers and bring
Download to justice?
This brief adventure, in three parts, introduces
people to the HERO System 6th Edition, gives them a
chance to roleplay characters, and introduces them to the
combat system.
The adventure begins with a release party in a local
Maxi-Mart where robots attack the participants during
the store release of the latest online supplement for
Megaworld: An Experience Unlike Any Other. During
the fight one of the designers of Megaworld is kidnapped
because Download didnt have time to hack his system
and get the keycodes for the upgrade while he was
building his robots.
The PCs must track Download to his lair, defeat his
robots and Bytes (MMORPG Data Constructs), and save
gamers everywhere from a horrible fate.
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top programmers and scenario designers to various prerelease locations so that people can get to meet them.
(Public relations have always been a priority for
Megaworlds publishers.) Thus, on the day that Download
is going to capture Jason Watts Long, instead of being
safely ensconced at Megaworld Headquarters in
Dinwiddie, Pennsylvania, the top Megaworld programmer
is at a Maxi-Mart in your campaign city.
Getting the Heroes Involved
Getting the heroes to go to Maxi-Mart might be a
problem for certain character types. A technological hero
could be enough of a geek to be playing MegaWorld, or
any hero could be a fan of MMORPGs. A poor hero might
be looking for a cheap tent that he can sleep in instead of
renting an apartment, or it might be the closest thing to a
local supermarket for several heroes. An outdoor hero
might need new camping equipment, or a fishing rod, or
any sort of unusual appliance. A dark vigilante might be
tailing the NPC from the mob detailed after the map key.
If worst comes to worst, allow heroes to be passing by the
Maxi-Mart from the outside after Downloads attack
begins. However, its far better to get a little setup
roleplay with the people inside the Maxi-Mart first.
Downloads Kidnap Attempt
Download will begin his kidnap attempt at 4:01 PM,
one minute after the scheduled release time. This should
be the moment of highest gamer frenzy, when the most
innocent people are clustered around the Megaworld
booth. Children will have had enough time to get out of
school. Young geeks will be out of work early. Parents
desperate to get the latest expansion for their eager teen
will be on hand. Over a thousand people should be in the
line to get to the booth. If the heroes arent careful, a lot of
people could get hurt or killed. A timeline of the kidnap
attempt is outlined below.
3:45
3:50
3:56
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
4:01
MICHAEL SATRAN
ATTENTION MAXI-MART SHOPPERS!
If your PCs are wandering around or shopping in
the Maxi-Mart (or even work there), some normal NPCs
are provided below. Each PC who starts inside the
Maxi-Mart should have an encounter with one of these
NPCs before combat starts.
Kate Baxley, Single Mother of Six: Kate Baxley goes
shopping with all the little Baxleys, and every
single one of them wants to push her shopping cart.
Kate is very beleaguered and will ask enterprising
heroes who are handsome and single if they would
like to watch her children. Kate is recently divorced
and works two jobs just to make ends meet, but
what she really wants is someone to be a father to
her six children. Shes pretty, in a cheerful,
roundish sort of way. The Baxley children are very
rowdy and obnoxious, and Kate is constantly
disciplining one or the other of them.
Phillip K. Ellison, Obsessed Service Manager: Phil
is viewed as the best manager on the floor.
Unfortunately, hes also the most annoying. Phil
has semi-long scraggly hair tied back in a ponytail,
a slightly sunken jaw, and blue eyes. He has a
goatee and sideburns and is always excessively
friendly. He wears a typical Maxi-Mart managers
uniform. Phil is everywhere. If he even thinks that
someone might have a service problem, hes all over
it. This gets him into a little trouble, but little old
ladies, the absent-minded, and people who are
down on their luck who are used to having more
money absolutely love him. The PCs, however,
might just find him annoying. Can I help you?
isnt just Phils tag line its his life.
Louis The Big Toe Falconi, Mobster: Louis Falconi
is a notorious mobster and thug, but nonetheless,
he finds the meat department of the Maxi-Mart to
be high quality. He buys all his meat here and
enjoys taunting police officers who follow him with
his packages, teasing them with phrases like
Looking for someone? and showing them his cut
of eye roast. Louis is a thick, heavyset man with a
little male pattern baldness, a beard, and a fairsized gut. He always wears a custom-tailored suit
but speaks in a thick, crass Italian accent. It is up
to the GM whether police officers are following
Falconi during the scenario.
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
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100m
MICHAEL SATRAN
MAXI-MART KEY
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WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
arent enough to go around. The booth has four
beleaguered employees inside handing out free
helmets as swiftly as they possibly can. (If one of the
PCs is Captain Invincible, he can either be at the
booth helping or, if he is currently suing Megaworld
for copyright infringement, he might be there
protesting!) The Megaworld booth has numerous play
stations where people can play Megaworld, and there
is a line for those as well. The stations have 5 PD, 4
ED, 3 BODY. Unfortunately, the actual booth has
much less, a whopping 4 PD, 4 ED, 2 BODY. Plywood
looks impressive, but it is still just plywood. Also in
the booth is Megaworld programmer Jason Watts
Long, the architect of Megaworlds latest patch. Jason
is a Talented Normal with an 18 INT and a Computer
Programming skill of 15-. Jason has constructed a
patch along with a computer keycode that will make
it impossible for any account to be hacked.
Unfortunately, these keycode broadcasters wont be
online for another 48 hours. Since Download is
capable of hacking almost anything, he cant afford to
have his scheme derailed by Jasons upgrade. Shortly
after the PCs have gotten acquainted with the MaxiMart, Download will attack the Maxi-Mart and try to
kidnap Jason.
15-26) Supermarket Shelves: Maxi-Mart comes with a
full-service supermarket, and these aisles are no
exception. They are packed with various foodstuffs,
canned goods, and other human-needs necessities not
covered in the other areas of the Maxi-Mart. The
shelving units themselves are heavy but not
unliftable. It requires a 50 STR to lift them, and they
have 9 PD, 9 ED, but only 3 BODY. Needless to say,
all the material on the shelves will be upended in a
massive storm of chaos if a PC attempts this. Anyone
landing or remaining in the area surrounding the
upended shelving unit, provided they are standing on
the ground, receives a -2 to DEX rolls. This penalty
only applies to people standing on the ground. Make
up which aisle is which based on whats going on in
your local supermarket.
27) Freezer Bays: These freezer bays each have their
own cooling compressors, and as a backup system,
they are also hooked into the air-conditioning system
on the top of the roof. There are a total of eight
freezer bays. All of them contain various frozen foods
and goods. When full (usually), each freezer has 4 PD,
3 ED, 7 BODY. If emptied, the freezer has only 6
BODY. It takes a 30 STR to lift one of the freezer
units.
28) Butcher Shop: This is a fully-stocked butcher shop,
complete with a butcher and pre-cut cuts of meat.
The meat cases have 4 PD, 3 ED, 11 BODY, as they
are very long and heavy. The butcher has a few
hatchets for cutting meat behind the counter that
count as d6 HKAs. In the hands of the right
superhero, however, they could prove devastating.
The Butcher Shop is next to Sporting Goods and, for a
price, the butchers will process animals hunters bring
in.
MICHAEL SATRAN
35) Big Johns Texas Wieners: Big Johns Texas
Wieners serves hot, tasty Texas Wieners, which may
well be the best Texas wieners in the world. Big
John is actually Richard Wang, an American-born
Chinese with a taste for hot dogs. Richard Wang is a
short, stocky man who will not admit his name except
under duress or to the proper authorities. When
asked if he is Big John under such circumstances,
he will tell them the truth. Would you buy Texas
wieners from a guy named Wang? The Texas Weiner
fryers have 4 PD, 7 ED, 5 BODY, but if the PCs are
lucky enough to grab one while the fryers are on,
burning grease has a nasty effect on just about
everything, assuming that the PC can stand the heat
of grabbing the fryer. Burning grease deals 1d6 of
physical killing damage to anything it comes in
contact with for four phases of contact. Characters
that are immune to heat or fire may freely lift the
fryers; however, others may take 2d6 NND and
possibly suffer minor burns. Spread on the ground,
the grease gives a -3 DEX penalty to anyone who
steps into the area. The storefront of Big Johns Texas
Wieners has 5 PD, 6 ED, 4 BODY.
36) Cafeteria: The cafeteria is a long pick-your-ownplate-of-foods tradition of Maxi-Mart that stretches
back to its origins in the American South. Maxi-Mart
cafeterias are clean, well staffed, and obey all federal
laws. While a lot of the more exotic foods are not so
wonderful, traditional Southern classics like fried
chicken and collard greens are some of the best that
your PCs will ever taste. For their deep fat fryers, use
the rules from Big Johns Texas Wieners. The
cafeteria stations are not on wheels, and have 4 PD, 5
ED, 5 BODY. The stove and its adjacent oven have 5
PD, 8 ED, 6 BODY, the grill has 6 PD, 9 ED, 5 BODY,
and the dishwashing unit is a massive unit with 7
PD, 10 ED, 7 BODY. There is a separate cafeteria
emergency entrance and exit (Area 7) in the back of
the kitchen area.
37) Books and Video: This full-size book and video store
also contains many of the latest musical hits.
Bookcases have 3 PD, 2 ED, 3 BODY. All of the
versions of video and books here are special MaxiMart-censored editions. If one of the player
characters is an author, make sure at least one of his
novels appears here in an edited form. If one of the
player characters is a musician, make sure that all of
the characters albums appear here in clean
versions. This can be exceptionally funny if the
character is a sexy swinger or a foul-mouthed rapper.
38) Toys: This area is filled with all sorts of childrens
toys, from the famous Zargo the Zapper to Barbixon,
the Supermodel from Space! Most toys are easily
destroyed; however the shelves here are truly
massive constructs with 6 PD, 7 ED, 5 BODY.
39) Health Products: This is the Health Products area.
Several health products in various common forms can
easily be mixed by a skilled inventor or commando to
produce fairly unpleasant effects. A skilled gadgeteer
will be able to produce an acid, greasy soap, or other
10
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
43) Seating Area: This seating area for the eating
facilities is filled with cheap tables and chairs. The
tables have 3 PD, 2 ED, 2 BODY, and the chairs have
2 PD, 1 ED, 1 BODY. The Seating Area has a low
wooden rail around it that has 2 PD, 1 ED, 2 BODY.
Customer comfort is really not that important at
Maxi-Mart.
Maxi-Mart Offices
Areas along the inside wall of the Maxi-Mart offices
have windows to be able to see what is going on below.
The windows are mirrored and one-way. All windows
have 2 PD, 2 ED, 2 BODY. Unlike the savage conditions
on the selling floor below, the Maxi-Mart offices are plush,
professional, and comfortable.
44) Reception Area: This Reception Area is usually
filled with 1 to 3 normal job applicants, several
computer terminals where job applicants fill out their
applications online, and a secretarial desk. The
secretary behind the desk is Mimi Gundsacher, age
seventy-six, who also acts as the stores switchboard
operator. Shes been a Maxi-Mart employee for sixty
years and refuses to retire until the ripe old age of
eighty-two. Mimi is a friendly little fireplug of a
woman who never has a mean word for anyone who
respects the elderly. Other people, on the other hand,
may swiftly encounter Mimis wrath. The secretarys
desk has 4 PD, 3 ED, 3 BODY, and pictures of Mimis
children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other
extended family. Computer terminals have 2 PD, 2
ED, 2 BODY. There is a bulletproof window through
which the payroll area can be seen and a small drop
slot. The window has 8 PD, 4 ED, 4 BODY.
Unfortunately, the walls around it are not nearly as
resilient (use standard Maxi-Mart walls).
45) Server Room/Payroll Area: This large area is
where Maxi-Mart keeps its computer servers and
handles its payroll duties. Paychecks are distributed
in Area 44. The area is very cold, which keeps all
payroll personnel in a constant state of
disgruntledness. There will be two robots in this area
as soon as Download can get them there so that he
can take over the security system remotely. Server
bays have 3 PD, 3 ED, 4 BODY. There is also a
medium-sized safe in this room that contains the
days cash receipts. This safe is difficult to open (-4 to
Lockpicking roll), and has 9 PD, 12 ED, 8 BODY. The
safe is bolted to the floor; however, it can be wrenched
free with a STR of 35. The servers are hooked into all
the computers in Maxi-Mart. This includes the
security cameras and the Managers Offices.
46) Security Room: The Security Area of the Maxi-Mart
contains a large wall of video cameras as well as the
same mirrored windows as the rest of the office rooms
that border on the inside. Head of Security Chaim
Goldman usually stays here with 1 to 3 security
personnel. Chaim is a mean, short balding man with
11
MICHAEL SATRAN
PART TWO: FINDING DOWNLOAD
We Interrupt This Program
Within two game hours of Jasons kidnapping, this
newscast airs. Do not read this section aloud if the PCs
are captured in Part One.
The smiling face of Andrea Kohn appears on the TV
screen. Hi, Im Andrea Kohn. Our top story: Superheroes
failed to prevent the kidnapping of Jason Watts Long by
the villain Download this afternoon at the local MaxiMart. No ransom demands have been issued at this time.
Mr. Long was working on several new security protocols
for Megaworld, the number one Massively Multiplayer
Online Roleplaying Game, at the time of his kidnapping.
In a possibly related story, many Megaworld players
have been found unconscious in front of their terminals.
No form of stimulation has been able to rouse them, and
physicians are stretched to the limit to determine the
cause of their affliction. At the present time, over two
thousand people have been affected, with reports of new
cases coming in by the minute. The mayor has declared a
state of emergency, and the crisis is slowly moving beyond
the citys bounds. At the present rate of increase, the
crisis will be statewide in twelve hours and nationwide in
several more. The FBI has issued a warning not to play
Megaworld until the crisis is over.
In other news, a rise in disputes over meal-portion
sizes divides the local board of health.
Ways of Finding Download
As people begin going comatose from playing
Megaworld in the wake of the kidnapping, the PCs will
see that they have a mystery on their hands. Clearly,
Jason Watts Longs abduction involved something that he
knew. There are no ransom demands and time appears to
be running out for the vegetative people on life support.
There are two ways to find Download, both of which may
seem equally attractive to the player characters. It will be
obvious to them that Download needs an incredible
amount of power and equipment to run his operation. The
PCs could investigate this and attempt to extrapolate his
location by researching suspicious purchases of high-end
computers, sudden draws of power off of the grid, and the
like. This will require the Skill Deduction and any
number of Knowledge Skills, Contacts, and Favors, as
well as Streetwise should the GM choose to have
Download acquire his resources through criminal contacts
(not an unlikely scenario).
Or the PCs could choose to enter the Megaworld
MMORPG directly and try to track Download from there.
Nothing as simple as triangulation will work in this
environment. The Internet is not a proximity-based entity
as far as Megaworld and Download are concerned, though
it still might be possible to do so if the PCs have access to
the worlds best equipment, analysis of all server response
times, complete access to Megaworlds customer service
list, and quite a lot of time. But by then the victims of
Downloads machinations will have slipped into
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WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
METHOD A: INTO THE VR WORLD
As mentioned above, the PCs have two methods of
finding Download and rescuing Jason Watts Long: the
dirty, streetwise way or going into the MMORPG. It is
also possible that they might split into two teams and use
both methods at once. If this happens, see the section
below on simultaneous combat for Download. In order to
get into the VR world, the heroes must examine
Downloads equipment, find a way to get into the
MMORPG, get the right mission, and defeat Download.
Alternatively, the heroes can examine Downloads
equipment, figure out how it was made and who sold him
the parts, locate the shipping manifests, and track
Download to his real-world location.
A note on timing: It is important to press upon the
player characters that if they choose both methods, they
need to plan ahead. A non-simultaneous attack in a splitgroup situation is meant to backfire horribly, and should.
Part of the responsibility for this comes from the GM. It is
the GMs responsibility in an introductory scenario like
this one to ask questions like Are you sure? and Have
you done everything you want to do? A more dramatic
GM may choose to have things run at exactly the same
rate of speed, but this should really only be done if the
PCs are novices or working on a brilliant timetable.
Advanced Players: It is recommended for advanced
players that you not ask the questions listed above, as it
may lead to solving the scenario too easily. Some PCs may
try to write an algorithm that allows them to effectively
solve the scenario from their living room. Dont allow this.
Superheroes do not sit in their homes, eat ice cream, and
fight the bad guys from a lounge chair! (Gamers do, but
thats an entirely different matter.) If Download detects
an intrusion of this nature, he will contact the heroes and
warn them that unless they cease and desist in their
electronic intrusion, he will begin deleting hostages. This
is a serious threat and it will be carried out.
Examining Downloads Equipment
If the PCs have destroyed or captured some of
Downloads robots, they may wish to examine the robots
and see how they work. A Computer Programming roll at
-4 and an Inventor roll at -3 are necessary to understand
how the robots function. Electronics and SS: Robotics are
considered Complementary.
The robots transform a persons mind into electrical
impulses and then upload it into Megaworld where
Download is waiting for them. (Having the victims body
is nice for the supervillain, but he really doesnt need it.)
Without a mind, over the course of several days, the body
deteriorates and slips irretrievably into a coma. This gives
Download thousands, possibly millions, of hostages.
Encourage the PCs to roleplay their way through this
process. The robots are extremely complex technological
entities. If the PCs can reassemble an intact mind
transferrance device, they can use the beam on
themselves, enter the MMORPG, find out where
Download is, and attack him in the place where he thinks
he is safest.
Alternatively, the PCs can examine the components
of the robots and try to figure out where Download might
13
MICHAEL SATRAN
other up. Characters may spend experience points to
purchase larger apartments, heroic mansions, and other
in-game goodies. The most powerful characters often have
their own buildings, public hero headquarters, or other
associated heroes that help them fight crime.
Sidekicks do exist, but there are encounters where, if
your sidekick is defeated, a villain may capture him. If
this happens, a sidekick may have to be rescued by a hero
or team of heroes based on which NPC villain wound up
with your sidekick. Most players are very good natured
about sidekick rescues.
The heroes do not perceive Megaworld as if
everything has a colored life point bar over it. Other
heroes dont either. It is actually possible to have a
character knocked unconscious in Megaworld for several
days. (Record time: four and a half weeks.) However, up
until now, it has not actually been possible to die.
Rescuing People and Getting Help
While the PCs are being followed by the dog,
remember that this is an MMORPG and not the real
world. Run encounters for them for as long as the players
would like; just remember that they are on a time limit
and thousands of real-world people could die.
The dog follows the PCs wherever they go in the
MMORPG until the players get the idea that the dog is
important. Allow the PCs to have one or two encounters
in the MMORPG world a burning building with
innocents to rescue, panicking superheroes realizing
theyre trapped in the game, and so on.
This can be played either seriously or for laughs. A lot
of cross-gender roleplaying goes on in MMORPGs. Some
people would rather stare at the opposite sex for hours
while beating people up, and now theyre trapped in the
body of the heroine they roleplay while in reality being a
kind of chunky, bearded nerd. Life is full of little
surprises. Or not so little, if the hero agrees to sign
autographs for said nerd once their time in the MMORPG
is over.
14
Optional Encounters
There are a number of optional encounters that the
GM can include if the adventure needs to be longer. These
are listed here.
Dognapping: A group of desperate heroes in need of
a powerup because their enemies are overwhelming them
tries to kidnap the dog following the PCs and rescue it
by turning the dog in at mission headquarters for a
powerup. This can be a straight fight or a fight where the
characters try and convince the desperate game players
that they really are real-world superheroes here to save
them from Download. This is also a good way to help the
heroes if they dont know that rescuing the dog gives a
powerup. It might also make them fight too hard, though,
or accidentally kill innocent people.
Help Us!: Some of the mightiest heroes in Megaworld
are being attacked by threats that hack right through
their defenses. Downloads Bytes are invincible to almost
everything except the player characters because
Download has set them on god mode. These heroes are
real people who might actually be killed by such deadly
programs. Can the heroes save them? (This option is
recommended.)
Fear the Train!: Someone screws up while playing
Megaworld and is pursued by an entire army of
supervillains, minion creatures, demons, and hot dog
vendors until he gets out of the zone hes in! The PCs are
caught in the way! Whats a poor hero to do?
Internet Romance: One of the heroes gets a
romance subplot with another player while theyre in
Megaworld. This could go any number of ways. The
romancer could be appealing or unappealing to the PC, or,
in an unusual twist, a villain who plays a superhero on
Megaworld in their spare time. (See the Champion below.)
Moral Dilemma: A hero asks the PCs for help. His
wife is pregnant, and hes trapped in his hero persona.
Can the PCs contact the outside and get help for his wife.
Shes due any day. Or maybe a superheroine is pregnant,
but trapped in outside her body.
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
Getting the Mission, Part One: The Tutorial Area
The PCs first need to learn a little bit about
Megaworld. Theyve spawned in the area for novices and
are surrounded by several other costumed heroes who all
look curiously CGI-like. There are several people they can
meet in the novice area of the city and practice using their
powers in CGI bodies. There are several NPC encounters
here that the PCs can have in the tutorial area. Modify
the stats of the Bytes as necessary to run the characters
in the MMORPG.
The Champion: The Champion is an old player with a
new character. The characters other MMORPG
character is Dr. Ladybug, a female armored brick.
The Champion is a male energy projector. The
Champion is kind and helpful, and will openly
approach characters to give them a hand with some of
the initial possible encounters if they need it. He will
ask them to join his superhero team that hes
forming. If asked where the Justice Citadel is, he
readily answers. Hes a really nice guy. He is dressed
in a brilliant suit of blue and silver, and his arms are
covered with stylized metal bands that ripple with
power when he moves.
Plot Option: The Champions real identity is
Laserwhip, a gorgeous supervillainess who loves the
idea that when she goes home from her bank
robberies, crimes, and mercenary jobs, she becomes a
superhero. What a rude surprise awaits the hero who
meets Laserwhip, especially if he plays the
MMORPG, only to have a conversation like I cant
believe youre the Champion!
Doc Defender: Doc Defender is an old hand at the
MMORPG and will swiftly fly in to help the player
characters out. He starts by telling them that if
theyre trying to be real superheroes that are local to
the campaign city, the admins will nuke their
characters and give them a warning. When he
realizes the heroes are actually real, he will begin
giving them help of a different sort. He lets them
know where the key place to get missions is. When he
finds out that they got in here by use of Downloads
equipment, he will suggest going to the Justice
Citadel to register with the Centurion League. He
will tell the player characters to bring the dog, as the
dog is the pet of the butler of the Centurion League.
He gives them directions to the Justice Citadel,
floating high above the city. All they have to do is find
the nearest transporter booth.
15
MICHAEL SATRAN
Getting to the Justice Citadel
Its not hard to find a transporter booth to the Justice
Citadel. Once the PCs get there, there are a number of
heroes roaming about the Citadel, performing tasks and
getting missions. There are several missions that are
always on the board, which looks like a highly stylized
computer screen.
Standing underneath the computer screen is Unistar,
Super Citys most powerful hero. Unistar is powerfully
built, with blond hair and blue eyes, and has a bright gold
costume with a brilliant blue star on his chest. Unistar
makes pithy soliloquies about justice that are long and
awfully difficult to listen to if the heroes talk to him, but
Unistar is a little more aware than most of the other
heroes on the grid and well aware that all is not right in
Super City. He will tell the heroes that they look new, and
if theyd like any help, they can report to the butler,
Anselm. Hell be happy to help them get settled after they
bring back the dog.
Anselm is a man in his mid-sixties with shock-white
hair and a rail-thin build. The dog will run to Anselm and
slobber excitedly, drooling all over his shoes. At this point,
Unistar will move over to the PCs and speak to them.
I understand that youre different from the others
that are here. Weve detected a power anomaly coming
from the West Edge. Would you like to investigate it?
If the PCs refuse to investigate the anomaly, Unistar
slowly begins to shimmer and wink out, fading into an
insubstantial haze. The Justice Citadel begins falling into
chaos and confusion. A Systems Operation roll will enable
the PCs to determine the location of West Edge and travel
there. Once the PCs arrive in West Edge, depending upon
how much time the GM wants to make this take, move to
the Finding the Mission Entry Point section.
Important information about West Edge if the PCs
ask the right questions:
16
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
METHOD B: THE SEAMY SIDE OF
SILICON VALLEY
Tracking the Parts
Examining the parts from Downloads robots using
the proper Computer Programming and Inventor skill
rolls will yield the serial numbers and the name of each
parts distributor (rolls must be made at a -2). Once the
PCs have this set of numbers, they can check credit card
records and shipping companies to determine where the
parts were offloaded. A quick investigation of the
offloaded components reveals that the parts were stolen
en route to a local We Cel Computers and that the order
number had been reimbursed by the shippers insurance
company. The insurance company has no incriminating
evidence, and the stolen parts have vanished without a
trace. The heroes can, at this point, enter the MMORPG
or try to find out what happened to the stolen shipment.
Tracking the Suppliers
What happened to the shipment is relatively simple.
Download altered the shipping manifests and had the
thieves who stole the computer parts he needed deliver
them to a sleazy computer parts smuggling ring.
However, finding this out might take a little bit more
work than it seems. For one thing, the smuggling ring is
connected with local organized crime. For another,
organized crime has no wish to tangle with the heroes and
will tip off Download to the fact that the heroes are
poking around (see the Defensive Measures Optional
Battle). Download will be warned of the PCs presence
regardless in the MMORPG world, but, hey, alls fair in
love and war, right?
Finding Downloads Parts Suppliers and Contacts
The shipping manifest was signed by a man named
Damien Sigfried who can easily be found at the shipping
warehouse. His phone number is on the manifests.
Damien Sigfried: Damien is a nerdy-looking man in a
uniform that makes him look something like a gas station
attendant. He has a long narrow face, big bulging glasses,
and slick black hair that make him look like a 50s
greaser gone strange. Damien will be overjoyed to see the
heroes; after all, it isnt as if he gets to see superheroes
every day. Damien will tell the heroes that he handles
shipments for We Cel Computers all the time. If the
heroes ask to check his records, they can easily determine
that the contents of the manifests have been tampered
with (Computer Programming roll), as there were fewer
parts in the manifest than were actually shipped out.
Thus, after the truck was robbed and everything arrived
at We Cel Computers, it seemed like nothing was missing.
Damien is a useful contact who could be helpful when
other types of parts are shipped through a distribution
warehouse.
A successful Streetwise roll will reveal this to be the
M.O. of Sully Chesterfield, a local mobster affiliated with
the Mafia and the Orlante crime family in specific.
17
MICHAEL SATRAN
Peter Eyeball Pisoni (-5): Peter is the groups lookout
and has an additional +2 to all Perception rolls. If the
PCs try to find Peter, they can easily find him in his
day job as a shoe salesman. Peter has the clout to
keep the contractors out of the warehouse and move
the smuggling operation so that the PCs dont run
into a firefight, possibly destroying all the evidence.
The PCs, however, have to impress upon him the
seriousness of whats going on first. He is a slender
man with big wide eyes who usually wears the
cheapest suits he can get his hands on.
Sully The Chest Chesterfield (-8): If the PCs actually
find Sully at his mansion outside of town, Sully will
be entirely cooperative. However, in the long term,
this will not go well for the PCs. Sully is an extremely
vengeful gangster and will ask his boss, a consigliore
in the Orlante crime family, to put out a contract on
the PCs. Its not always a good idea to go to the
highest guy in the food chain. Sully is a big, heavy
man who wears Hawaiian shirts a couple sizes too
small and baggy jeans. He is usually found in a
lounge chair near his swimming pool, rubbing his
chin over his five oclock shadow.
Finding the Warehouse
Once the warehouse is located, the PCs will have to
get inside to gain access to its offices, then they can read
the shipping manifests, find out where things went, and
any other clues. The clues the PCs can find in the
warehouse are listed below.
Searching the Computer: The computer contains
evidence that the shipping manifest was received under a
different manifest number. This manifest has altered data
that suggests that records of the parts that were
overlooked in the initial shipment have been moved onto a
different manifest. This different manifest is now listed as
lost in transit. Not only did Sully Chesterfield steal the
computer parts, but then he had the nerve to commit
insurance fraud with the stolen merchandise! Discovering
this requires a Computer Programming roll at -2 (PS:
Accountant can be considered Complementary). This
provides the PCs with the address of the delivery point
which is at 113 Pine Tree Way. (Yes, the address is the
same in both the campaign city and the MMORPG.
Download needed to do this to prevent even more lag time
between his physical and his computerized selves than he
already has.)
Searching the Warehouse: The warehouse keeps
duplicate paper records for up to six months. Diligent
searching of the paper records reveals the different
manifest number located in the computer records and the
address of delivery, 113 Pine Tree Way. This requires a
point of Luck, a Perception roll at -5, or four hours of
searching, barring a speed reader to reduce the time.
18
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
PART THREE: ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE
Downloads Base (Real)
Downloads base is a large abandoned department
store supply warehouse in one of the citys tenement
areas. Uninhabited for over fifty years, it was easy to
hollow out the framework and build massive mind prison
towers to hold up the ceiling. Outside the building is a
dilapidated parking lot that is half-paved and filled with
shattered gravel. The loading bays have been mortared
over with concrete, and the windows have been boarded
up. The outer walls have 6 PD, 10 ED, 5 BODY, and are
made of reinforced concrete. The ceiling has 5 PD, 9 ED, 2
BODY. The boarded-up windows have 2 PD, 1 ED, 2
BODY. A Perception roll at -1 will indicate that someone
or something is moving around inside. A Perception roll at
-2 (or an unpenalized Security Systems roll) will point out
the out-of-place high-tech cameras outside a rundown
warehouse. Downloads base has cameras that enable him
to see what is going on outside unless the heroes have
special abilities that foil his camera systems. Review the
base sheet carefully before running the adventure. It is
difficult to catch Download off guard.
Outside the base is the parked Delivery Vanbot, if the
PCs have not already destroyed it. Start combat
immediately; the Vanbot already recognizes the PCs as
hostile.
7
b
b
B
6
D
b
5
4
2
1
10m
100m
19
MICHAEL SATRAN
DOWNLOADS BASE (REAL)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
20
6)
7)
8)
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
DOWNLOADS BASE (VIRTUAL)
In the virtual world, the heroes have no choice but to
open the mission entry point door in the front and go in.
By this point, Download will probably know the heroes
are coming through this door and will have moved his
forces to intercept. The advantage of this situation is that
the bad guys are all close together and can quickly
coordinate on a few key targets. The disadvantage is that
Download knows the heroes are coming and is completely
prepared for them.
The PD, ED, and BODY of the objects in the Virtual
MMORPG world are the same as those in the real world
except otherwise noted.
For Advanced Players: Add two Bits and two Bytes
to this scenario. If Download has been busy putting people
into robot bodies, use the Real World section above.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Shiny
Translucent
Flooring:
The
shiny
translucent flooring that supports the massive black
cubes reflects the shadows of the combatants and
everyone standing on it. It has 6 PD, 6 ED, 8 BODY.
21
MICHAEL SATRAN
THE GRAND FINALE
Taking Hostages
If Download is losing but somehow gets a breather,
he will threaten to destroy one of the massive pylons
containing the minds of his hostages. If the PCs cannot
stop this, Download will kill a very large number of
people. Allow the PCs to be heroic if possible. If the PCs
are unwilling to call his bluff and Download escapes,
remind them that 200,000 or so people lived because they
chose to wait and take another shot at the villain later.
If the PCs continue their assault, Download will shoot
at the pylons. If any of the storage pylons have already
been damaged in the combat, Download will shoot at the
one that looks the most vulnerable. Apply Downloads
attack against the pylon normally. Remember that if the
object is destroyed in reality, it is ALSO destroyed in the
MMORPG. The reverse is not true. The pylon will
respawn in twenty minutes if destroyed in the MMORPG.
Unfortunately, the people will not.
If the PCs completely defeat Download and knock
him unconscious, Download explodes in a spectacular hiss
of electricity, metal, sparks, and smoke! (See the section
on robots. Maybe he was just a robot the whole time or
maybe he was really an evil genius in a robot suit. Only
the GM knows for sure!)
Freeing the Prisoners
There are two ways to free the prisoners from the
data prisons. The first is by constructing a computer
program to return all of the minds to their original bodies.
The base time for designing such a program is one week
and carries with it a penalty of -4. In the meantime,
bodies on life support will need to be cared for, so if the
PCs didnt take care of this beforehand, they may not
wake up at all if the bodies have been moved far enough
from their computer terminals when their minds are
finally freed and try to find their way home. The PCs will
need to find a way to communicate with the outside world
if trapped in the MMORPG world. Methods could range
from contacting Megaworld executives to contacting their
DNPCs who play Megaworld under other names and
giving them the information that they need to free their
characters from the MMORPG world.
The second is by cycling their own brainwave
frequencies to produce a disruptive harmonic effect. This
requires a Computer Programming roll at -5 and a
scientist or computer programmer to acquire the
appropriate data and equipment. Bombarding the prison
towers with the brainwave frequencies will eject all
unwanted protocols to their points of origin (send the
minds back to their respective bodies), much like Jason
Watts Longs security program was meant to.
If the PCs are currently outside the MMORPG, they
can also try to use Downloads equipment to reverse the
process. This is slower, but also doable; it just requires
the PCs to be busy for a few weeks while they send the
people back one at a time.
Allow the PCs to be creative here.
22
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
ADDITIONAL PLOT SEEDS 0-F
Absolute Zero: The coldest rooms have the fastest
processing speeds. Download wants to build one, and hes
stealing all the parts he needs. Can the heroes battle a
ramped-up Download deep beneath Antarctica and stop
him from taking over all the satellites in the world?
One Life to Live: A man dying of cancer asks Download
to transfer his mind into a robot body. Can the PCs stop
Download? Should they? Will Download betray a dying
man, turning him into a weapon?
Two Men Enter, One Man Leaves: Download builds an
arena where people are transferred into robot bodies and
battle it out for the amusement of an Internet audience.
The loser really dies. Can the PCs stop Download before a
bitter DNPC throws his life away?
Three Blind Mice: Download hides a deadly virus inside
three separate packages, each containing a new advanced
mouse for computers. Can the heroes get all three
packages and stop the virus from spreading?
Four Corners: Download creates a computerized version
of online pool. Is the game rigged, or is he just collecting
bets on the games? For additional evil, have Download be
based in Las Vegas or Atlantic City during this adventure
so they cant arrest him if you choose the second option.
Five Card Studliness: Download gives rich old men
back their young wives by transferring them into robot
bodies in an unpleasant Stepford Wives twist.
Unfortunately, he has no intention of giving them their
actual bodies back. Why does he want them? Can the
heroes save them? What will the wives do when they find
out that they are no longer human?
Six Guns and Sarsaparilla: Cowboy Bills Western
Rodeo Circus has been replaced with robots which
Download is using to commit crimes! Save the circus!
Save the people! Dodge a bullet!
Seven Come-Eleven: Download starts running illegal
craps games all over town. How does this fit into his
plans and what happens when the mob gets involved?
Eight Men Out: One of Downloads newest robots is
designed to be undetectable by all forms of modern
examination, and hes replaced a famous baseball player!
Find the robot! Stop Download!
separates
to rid the
a foe that
Download
23
MICHAEL SATRAN
DOWNLOAD
Background: Broken. Robert Kesslinger was broken and
everybody knew it. His trailer park family tried to fix
him as best they could when he was young, but all Robert
wanted was to spend all of his time on a computer. He
didnt like his fellow students, he didnt make friends, and
he hated his teachers.
But Robert Kesslinger was brilliant, and the United
States government knew it. He hacked the NSA database
when he was twelve, and after spending a year and a half
without a computer, he went to a special school where
they taught him advanced computer techniques. Robert
blazed through the courses as if they werent there. He
was disliked but brilliant. Unfortunately, Robert
Kesslinger wasnt merely rude he was an obsessivecompulsive sociopath. Machines were all he cared about.
It was like he was a part of them.
The NSA secretly tested Robert and found out that he
was a mutant with the powers of cyberkinesis and
cyberpathy. Robert was placed under heavy guard, and
his family was told that Robert was working on top-secret
projects for the government. He was nineteen years old.
The United States Army was amazed by Robert and
allowed him to qualify for a degree over the Internet so
that he could continue to work for them right out of high
school. Robert loved working for the Army. The machines
he got to work with were the biggest, best, and most
destructive in the world.
Robert built firewalls, set up computer security
systems, designed advanced prototype networks in his
head, and then built them all for his military masters. He
didnt care if he was killing people overseas or saving
them. He didnt care if he was hurting families or saving
their loved ones. He didnt care about serving his country.
All Robert Kesslinger cared about was his machines and
his latest new toy.
Finally Robert began to grow dissatisfied with the
resources that the Army was providing him. He knew that
he could design better networks, more powerful servers,
and more efficient machines. He wanted to build systems
that would far outstrip the modern capabilities of any
other nation, company, or power on Earth. Robert began
stealing stray pennies and percentages of coins from bank
accounts and manipulating foreign currencies to acquire a
vast fortune that was then secretly transferred via
electronic fund transfers into the budget of the United
States military. At first, no one was the wiser.
For eight long years, Robert practiced in secret,
building his networking projects and experimenting with
his powers, until he could effectively create a digital
duplicate of himself in the computerized realm. He built a
machine that allowed him to communicate with his digital
duplicate but discovered that he had a psychic link to it. It
was when Robert was in his lab for an extended period of
time that one of his digital transfers was discovered, and
General Paul Baines ordered the plug on his projects
pulled. Literally.
24
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
Powers/Tactics: In combat, Download prefers to stay at
range and hide behind his robots. While strong,
psychologically he still views himself as a somewhat
physically frail military hacker. This is likely to change if
he transfers himself into a giant robot body.
Campaign Use: Download is a villain who exists in the
virtual world as much as he exists in the real world. He
presents a unique threat that even a fiendish robotic
mastermind bent on the destruction of all organic life
would have a great deal of trouble with. Download can
even build robot bodies for that fiendish robot
mastermind, an action that would no doubt confuse
everyone, even the fiendish robot mastermind! Unlike
many other computer-based villains, Download remains
in the background unless forced to become hands-on. He
likes to do things in a very big way but is unafraid to start
small, or take revenge against a particular hero in a petty
and unpleasant way.
Download has a secondary use as a facilitator villain
who makes robot bodies of other villains. If the villains
need villain X for one of their sinister plans and villain X
is imprisoned in a suspended animation capsule,
Download can transfer the villains mind into a robot
body, and the plot may proceed. The players will, no
doubt, be doubly surprised to discover that that the villain
is still in jail, and more so to discover that the villain has
exploded into machinery and parts in front of them!
To make Download more powerful, raise his
Multipower to 120 Active Points and increase the cost of
all his powers appropriately. Give him enough Armor
Piercing and Penetrating to make sure his robot body
transfer works on anything. Give him an extra 10 points
of PD and ED, and make all of it Hardened and Resistant.
Increase his Mental Defense by 15, his Power Defense by
20, and his Flash Defense by 15. Add two Overall Levels
and two Combat Skill Levels.
To make Download less powerful, drop his
Multipower to 60 points. Remove his Combat Skill Levels,
and eliminate his ability to transfer people into robot
bodies. Remove several attacks of your choice. Lower his
PD and ED to 15, and cut his CON to 30 and his STR to
45. Remove his Power Defense and drop his Flash and
Mental Defense by 5 each.
Appearance: Download looks like a skinny man with
horribly scarred features, his right eye replaced with a
bulging, greenish optic sensor that takes up a good
portion of his face. His body is covered in dull black armor
that has a strange lustrous shine to it, and occasionally,
sparks of electricity flicker through it or over it. His
hooked nose and remaining grey eye stare bitterly out at
the world without compassion or any form of kindness.
The armor covers most of his head, and his hands are
long, slender, and meticulously crafted, with an extra
joint on the end of each cybernetic finger. Wrist pods and
leg pods dominate the forearms and boots, providing
25
MICHAEL SATRAN
DOWNLOAD
Val
55
26
33
25
20
30
Char Cost
STR
45
DEX
32
CON
23
INT
15
EGO
10
PRE
20
10
8
6
8
6
OCV
DCV
OMCV
DMCV
SPD
35
25
9
15
40
20
20
20
80
15
70
PD
ED
REC
END
BODY
STUN
18
18
16
12
5
25
Movement:
Phases: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
Total: 20 PD (20 rPD)
Total: 20 ED (20 rED)
Cost Powers
END
75 Cyberpathic Electrokinesis: Multipower, 75-point
reserve
7f 1) Electrokinetic Bolt: Blast 12d6
Reduced Endurance ( END; +)
3
7f 2) Electrokinetic Shockwave: Blast 12d6
Armor Piercing (+)
7
7f 3) Electropathic Neuroshock: Mental Blast 6d6
Reduced Endurance ( END; +)
3
5f 4) Digital Knife: HKA 2d6+1
Reduced Endurance (0 END; +)
0
7f 5) Cyberpathic Override: Mind Control 15d6
(Machine Class Of Minds)
7
7f 6) Electrostatic Defibrillation: Drain CON 3d6
Delayed Return Rate (points return at the rate of 5
7
per Minute; +1)
4f 7) Electrokinetic Grapple: Telekinesis (50 STR)
26
Roll Notes
20- Lift 50 tons; HTH Damage 11d6 [5]
141614- PER Roll 141315- PRE Attack: 6d6
1
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
100
115
166
15
159
*
**
Perks
Base
Follower (16 at 474 points)
Follower (16 at 732 points)
Money: Multimillionaire
Vehicle (795 points)
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
Talents
3 +1/+1d6 Striking Appearance
10 Danger Sense 15- (self only, out of combat)
4
5
6
16
12
10
10
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
15
3
3
3
10
3
3
2
3
3
3
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
1
3
2
3
Skills
+1 Overall
+1 with all Non-Combat Skills
+1 with All Attacks
Acrobatics 14AK: The Internet 14Analyze: Computer Programs and Effects 14Breakfall 14Bribery 15Bugging 14Bureaucratics 15Combat Driving 14Combat Piloting 14Computer Programming 20Concealment 14Conversation 15Cryptography 14Defense Maneuver I-IV
Disguise 14Electronics 14Forgery 14Interrogation 15Inventor 14Scholar
1) KS: Banking Computers & Security Systems 112) KS: Computer Geeks 143) KS: Computers 144) KS: Important Hackers 115) KS: Important People in Computer Industry 146) KS: Internet Cafes 147) KS: Military Procedures and Protocols 118) KS: The Internet 149) KS: The US Army 11Mechanics 14Navigation (Internet) 14Paramedics 14-
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
6
2
2
2
8
2
4
7
3
3
3
3
9
Persuasion 15Power: Cyberkinesis 11PS: Hacker 14PS: Computer Programmer 14PS: Military Programmer 14Scientist
1) SS: Accounting 142) SS: Biochemistry 143) SS: Biophysics 144) SS: Cybernetics 185) SS: Electrical Engineering 146) SS: Mathematics 147) SS: Physics 148) SS: Robotics 209) SS: Statistics 1410) SS: Surgery 16Security Systems 16Stealth 14Systems Operation 14Tactics 14Teamwork 14Weaponsmith (Biological Weapons, Chemical
Weapons, Energy Weapons, Firearms, Incendiary
Weapons, Missiles & Rockets, Muscle-Powered
HTH, Muscle-Powered Ranged) 14-
27
MICHAEL SATRAN
DOWNLOAD
28
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
BYTES
29
MICHAEL SATRAN
BYTES
Background: Download created the Bytes while
experimenting with an electrostatic matrix for containing
artificial intelligence. He succeeded beyond his wildest
dreams. These entities could be programmed with a set of
personality matrices, and with careful study be used to
mimic actual people! Download was overjoyed. Creating
the creatures is slow, but they are totally loyal and
valuable minions. Download uses a Basic Model for most
crude tasks, this model appearing as a single entity, or,
inside the MMO, a single Superhero, Normal, or
Supervillain Antagonist.
These creatures are extremely dangerous, as each is
effectively a full-blown supervillain with its own
reactions, capabilities and motives. Several of them may
be more than a match for a superhero team, especially
with proper preparation and planning. The creatures
occasionally have personality defects based on the
limitations of Downloads research but, nonetheless, they
are very effective, especially the advanced models.
Personality/Motivation: Serve Download. Download is
a superior being. Acquire information for Download and
destroy his enemies by the most effective means available.
Quote: (as impersonated being) Im afraid your discovery
will cost you your life.
(as a superhero) Thank you, citizen! Your safety is
all that I require.
(as a PCs wife) Thats lovely, honey. Would you like
some vegetables?
Powers/Tactics: Most basic models of Bytes simply
assume a single form and act according to their dictates
until Download deems otherwise. In combat, they try to
get into the air, usually while carrying a large heavy
object that they can throw, and then fire ranged attacks
until they are closed upon. They possess the ability to
transport human minds into the MMO universe, but this
can easily be replaced with whatever server Download is
currently occupying. They can also get into and out of
places almost instantly as long as there is an electronic
lock or security pad.
When in battle with other machines, Bytes can
effectively dampen their resistor signals, weakening their
EGO for the purpose of controlling powers, like those of
Download.
The Limited Group of Special Effects limitation is
limited to the MMO world. In the MMO world, a Byte can
generate any special effect it wants. This can be
exceptionally
dangerous
for
characters
with
vulnerabilities.
The Bytes like to coordinate attacks on single
opponents, and will fight as a single ruthless unit if given
an opportunity.
30
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
BYTES
Val
50
20
0
13
15
20
Char Cost
STR
40
DEX
20
CON -10
INT
3
EGO
30
PRE
10
7
7
5
5
5
OCV
20
DCV
20
OMCV 6
DMCV 6
SPD
30
10
10
15
80
15
PD
ED
REC
END
BODY
24
24
11
12
5
Movement:
Roll Notes
19- Lift 50 tons; HTH Damage 10d6 [5]
13912- PER Roll 141213- PRE Attack: 4d6
Phases: 3, 5, 8, 10, 12
Total: 10 PD (10 rPD)
Total: 10 ED (10 rED)
Talents
5 Eidetic Memory
18 Universal Translator 14-
Running: 12m
Flight:
34m
Cost Powers
END
62 Electrostimulation: Multipower, 62-point reserve
6f 1) Unedited Electrostream: Blast 12d6
6
6f 2) Edited Electrostream: Blast 10d6
Variable Special Effects (Limited Group of SFX; +) 6
6f 3) Electrostatic Download Burst: Severe Transform
2d6 (Mind into MMO Universe, Application of
similar Power)
Penetrating (+)
6
6f 4) Digital Netburst: Entangle 4d6, 6 PD/6 ED
Variable Special Effects (Limited Group of SFX; +) 6
6f 5) Neurodamper: Drain BODY 5d6
Variable Special Effects (Limited Group of SFX; +) 6
2f 6) Cyberpathic Override: Minor Transform 5d6
(Doors: Locked/Unlocked; Machines On/Off),
Electronic Devices (+), Reduced Endurance (
END; +); Must have electronic component (-),
Requires A Roll (Security Systems roll; -)
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
10
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Skills
+2 with Electrostimulation Powers
Acrobatics 13Acting 13Breakfall 13Computer Programming 12Conversation 13Security Systems 12Shadowing 12Stealth 13Teamwork 13-
31
MICHAEL SATRAN
ROBOTS (BITS)
Background: Downloads first attempt at designing
robots yielded small spherical robots about the size of a
basketball. They display moderate intelligence, can
perform a number of tasks for him, and obey orders well.
Unfortunately, they exhibit a little more self-will than
they should sometimes, and love to do things for their
master, sometimes without his permission.
Personality/Motivation: Serve Download. Download is
a superior being.
Quote: None. The robots cant speak.
Powers/Tactics: Downloads robots swarm about like
flies and attack a single target until he, she, or it is
defeated. They ruthlessly surround people and use pack
tactics against them, blasting and blasting until whatever
is left is unconscious or dead.
The robots use their flight powers to surround people
from all angles and then shoot at them. Although people
think the robots dont really get any pleasure out of their
work, their rudimentary intelligence allows them a secret
glee. In an emergency they will use themselves as shields
to protect their master from injury or death.
Against physically tough opponents, they will drain
the targets EGO and wait for their master to mentally
attack those opponents if Download is present. The robots
are unafraid to coordinate attacks against a single target,
and frequently do so.
32
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
ROBOTS (BITS)
Val
30
18
0
10
10
15
6
6
3
3
4
8
8
10
80
10
Char Cost
STR
20
DEX
16
CON -10
INT
0
EGO
0
PRE
5
OCV
15
DCV
15
OMCV 0
DMCV 0
SPD
20
PD
18
ED
18
REC
6
END
12
BODY
0
Movement:
Roll
15139111112-
Notes
Lift 1600 kg; HTH Damage 6d6 [3]
PER Roll 13PRE Attack: 3d6
Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
Total: 8 PD (8 rPD)
Total: 8 ED (8 rED)
Total Characteristics Cost: 135
Running: 12m
Flight:
30m
Cost Powers
END
45 Weapons Systems: Multipower, 45-point reserve
4f 1) Electro-Blast: Blast 9d6
4
4f 2) Mind Transfer: Severe Transform 2d6 (Transfers
target's mind into MMO Universe, Application
of similar Power)
Penetrating (+)
4
4f 3) Digital Netburst: Entangle 3d6, 6 PD/6 ED
4
4f 4) Neuro-Burst: Drain EGO 4d6
4
60
15
24
6
30
0
0
0
0
0
3
Skills
+2 with Weapons Systems
Breakfall 13Climbing 13Defense Maneuver I
Lockpicking 13Security Systems 11Shadowing 11Stealth 13Teamwork 13-
Talents
4 Double Jointed
5 Eidetic Memory
Total Powers & Skills Cost: 339
Total Cost: 474
400 Matching Complications (80)
10 Distinctive Features: Spherical Robot with Rotating
optic and tentacles (Easily Concealed; Always
Noticed and Causes Major Reaction;
Detectable By Commonly-Used Senses)
20 Hunted: United States Military Infrequently (Mo
Pow; NCI; Harshly Punish)
15 Physical Complication: Can't Speak (Frequently;
Slightly Impairing)
20 Psychological Complication: Loyal To Download
(Common; Total)
15 Vulnerability: 1x BODY Electricity (Very Common)
Total Complications Points: 80
Experience Points: 0
33
MICHAEL SATRAN
DELIVERY VANBOT
Background: Download needed a larger, more powerful
robot to provide him with additional muscle and remain
inconspicuous in urban areas. True to his love of
transforming robots, Download created a robot that could
change into the shape of a common black delivery van.
Unfortunately, when constructing the robots A.I.,
Download ran into several problems. For one thing, the
large robot was bitter about the fact that Download was
building other robots that were better than it was. For
another, the robot was extremely sarcastic, and liked to
let Download suffer the slings and arrows of its
outrageous insults.
The biggest problem was that in its transformed
state the robot was exceptionally large, albeit very quick
for its size, and Download discovered that the robot did
not like to spend too much time as a delivery van. The
quirky A.I. gave it an almost human persona that
Download had very little control over, despite the fact
that the robot was completely loyal to him.
Despite these things, the Delivery Vanbot is the
closest thing that Download has to a friend. Destruction
of the Delivery Vanbot will send Download into a rage,
and he will just rebuild the robot later: stronger, faster,
and more destructive than it ever was before.
Personality/Motivation: The Delivery Vanbot, despite a
sarcastic nature, is completely loyal to Download. It
enjoys battling others. When it gets a good shot in, it will
utter whoops of celebration. If it gets the final blow in
during a combat, it will perform a celebration dance
similar to that of many sports personalities after scoring.
It has no dancing skills and is very large. Keep this in
mind. It very much enjoys smashing things, objects, and
people; however, it still suffers from the same
disadvantages of the other robots.
Quote: Good evening, I am the Delivery Vanbot. I
always deliver. Lets start with your posterior!
I regret to inform you that Download controls my
programming. If you wish to take it up with him, I am
afraid I must smash you into your component parts.
You will soon be at peace because of my superior
firepower. I will record your defeat in order to gloat later.
Powers/Tactics: The Delivery Vanbot is very brutal and
straightforward. It uses its Blast on most targets, its
Autofire and Armor Piercing Blasts against tough targets,
and is hardly afraid to pick up local flora, fauna, and
vehicles and throw them at the PCs.
The Vanbot is unafraid to hide in parking lots, and
use its natural car-ness to its advantage. If anyone is
foolish enough to enter the Delivery Vanbot while it is in
Van mode, he may be in for a rude surprise. It can still
fire its weapons when it is a van, either inside or outside.
The Delivery Vanbot is equipped with a satellite link
and navigation system, which reflect its high Area
Knowledge and Navigation scores. The complicated
34
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
DELIVERY VANBOT
Val
65
18
35
13
20
30
Char Cost
STR
55
DEX
16
CON
25
INT
3
EGO
10
PRE
20
6
6
7
7
5
OCV
DCV
OMCV
DMCV
SPD
15
15
12
12
30
30
30
20
80
20
80
PD
ED
REC
END
BODY
STUN
8
8
16
12
10
30
Movement:
Roll Notes
24- Lift 400 tons; HTH Damage 13d6 [6]
131612- PER Roll 151315- PRE Attack: 6d6
Phases: 3, 5, 8, 10, 12
Running: 42m
Flight:
44m (640m)
END
7
7
7
0
0
0
4
5
Talents
5 Eidetic Memory
18 Universal Translator 14-
Cost Powers
75 Omni-Cannon: Multipower, 75-point reserve
7f 1) Electro-Blast: Blast 12d6
0
10 Rotating Head: Increased Arc Of Perception (360o)
with Sight Group
0
5 Optical Unit: Nightvision
0
40 Robot Body: Life Support (Eating: Character does
not eat; Immunity All terrestrial poisons; Immunity:
All terrestrial diseases; Longevity: Immortal; Safe in
High Pressure; Safe in High Radiation; Safe in
Intense Cold; Safe in Intense Heat; Safe in Low
15
4
3
8
3
3
7
3
13
3
3
3
3
Skills
+3 with Omni-Cannon
+2 with Autofire Attack
Acrobatics 13AK: Roads Of The World 17Breakfall 13Climbing 13Computer Programming 14Electronics 12Navigation (Air, Land) 17Power: Omni-Cannon Tricks 12Shadowing 12Stealth 13Teamwork 13-
35
MICHAEL SATRAN
DELIVERY VANBOT
36
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
JORGI VAN DER VOOT
Background: Jorgi Van Der Voot was born to a middle
class family in Amsterdam, Holland. He grew up in a
loving home, and was exceptionally excited when he got a
chemistry set for his fifth birthday. Jorgi swiftly became
obsessed with science. He was so good at science that he
was able to go to university for science at the age of
fifteen. By sixteen, he had surpassed many of his
professors and, by seventeen, he was engaging in research
with graduate students. Jorgi was on top of the world.
Unfortunately, Jorgi had fallen in with some less
than reputable elements on campus, and several of them
decided to steal his keys while he was sleeping and throw
a party in the atomic clock room. The boys were caught,
but Jorgis scholarships were cancelled. He vowed revenge
against the university, looking for ways to destroy an
honorable Dutch Institution.
Agents of S.P.I.D.E.R. found him, and offered Jorgi a
chance to use his brilliance for a very large sum of money.
Jorgi wouldnt get any degrees, and he would have to
leave his family behind, but he would get to work with the
best equipment, in a world without any scientific limits.
Whatever he required would be his.
It took all of five seconds for Jorgi to accept. Within
six months, a giant robot spraying acidic gas had
destroyed the Universitys atomic clock. Within twelve,
Jorgi was the head of S.H.A.P.E. (SPIDER Human
Advancement Project of Evolution) S.P.I.D.E.R.s
superpowered design arm. Jorgi has been there ever
since, behind the scenes, a manipulator, a user, and an
experimenter. He just doesnt have any moral qualms
about doing things that most scientists would consider
dishonorable or insane.
Jorgi could easily be running half of S.P.I.D.E.R.s
operations himself, but he prefers not to waste time on
tactical situations and spending time in his lab. Most of
Jorgis subjects are volunteers, but he has no qualms
about performing experiments on those who are not so
fortunate. Jorgi Van Der Voot has been working for
S.P.I.D.E.R. for thirty years. He likes his creature
comforts, his fine wines, and his secret island in an Asian
archipelago. Hes a sinister leopard that has no intention
of changing his spots.
Personality/Motivation: Jorgis only love is science. He
doesnt love people, women, men, machines, or any of
those other things. He only likes creature comforts and
experiments. While he can put on a faade of being
pleasant and sociable in public, this is a clever front
designed to hide his true misanthropy from the world.
Jorgi will experiment on anything or anyone he is
given access to, and will hardly bat an eye when asked to
do something horrible in private. He is a classic mad
scientist, although he is cold, with very few psychological
buttons to push. Jorgi is also total coward. He despises
fisticuffs and all forms of combat, and will run at the first
sign of trouble.
37
MICHAEL SATRAN
wanted felon. He wears bland khakis or clothing local to
the area in which he is currently living.
goes to Jorgi Van Der Voot! What will Jorgi do? What is
the price of Jorgis aid? Will the relationship survive?
Char Cost
STR
0
DEX
8
CON
3
INT
10
EGO
8
PRE
5
5
5
6
6
3
OCV
10
DCV
10
OMCV 9
DMCV 9
SPD
10
2
3
5
20
12
24
PD
ED
REC
END
BODY
STUN
0
1
1
0
2
2
Movement:
Roll Notes
11- Lift 100 kg; HTH Damage 2d6 [1]
121213- PER Roll 131312- PRE Attack: 3d6
Perks
30 Contact: S.P.I.D.E.R.* Agents and Bases all over the
World (Contact has access to major institutions,
Contact has extremely useful Skills or resources,
Contact has significant Contacts of his own),
Organization Contact 1410 Money: Multimillionaire
Phases: 4, 8, 12
Total: 2/18 PD (0/16 rPD)
Total: 3/19 ED (0/16 rED)
Talents
2 Environmental Movement (no penalties in
Laboratories)
Cost Powers
END
50 Collection Of Inventions: Variable Power Pool
(Gadget Pool), 75 base + 75 control cost,
Only changed in a Lab (-1); all slots IIF (-)
?
1) Invisibility Belt: Invisibility to Sight, Hearing,
Smell/Taste and Radio Groups , No Fringe
1 Continuing Fuel Charge lasting 20 Minutes (-),
IIF (-)
[1cc]
[1cc]
38
20
6
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
*
Skills
+2 with all Non-Combat Skills
+3 with Dodge
Acting 12Analyze: Genetic Makeup 13Analyze: Technology 13Bribery 12Bugging 13Bureaucratics 12Computer Programming 13Concealment 13Conversation 12Cryptography 13Demolitions 13Disguise 13Electronics 13Power: Gadgeteering 13High Society 12Interrogation 12-
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
3
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
0
3
3
2
3
3
3
2
3
3
2
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
Scholar
1) KS: S.P.I.D.E.R. Scientific Protocols 132) KS: Super Powers 133) KS: Superbeings 134) KS: Superheroes 13Linguist
1) Language: Afrikaans (idiomatic; English is Native)
2) Language: Dutch (idiomatic)
3) Language: English (idiomatic)
4) Language: French (idiomatic)
5) Language: German (idiomatic)
6) Language: Mandarin (completely fluent)
7) Language: Spanish (idiomatic)
Lipreading 13Mechanics 13Navigation (Land) 13Paramedics 13Persuasion 12PS: Scientist 11Scientist
1) SS: Bacteriology 132) SS: Biochemistry 133) SS: Biology 134) SS: Biophysics 135) SS: Botany 116) SS: Chemistry 117) SS: Exobiology 138) SS: Genetics 139) SS: Marine Biology 1310) SS: Mathematics 1311) SS: Medicine 1312) SS: Metallurgy 1313) SS: Paranormal Biology 1314) SS: Physics 1315) SS: Robotics 1316) SS: Subatomic Physics 1317) SS: Zoology 13Security Systems 13Stealth 12Streetwise 12Systems Operation 13Teamwork 12-
39
MICHAEL SATRAN
LASERWHIP
Background: Debra Baskin was the sort of girl who
really didnt know what to do with her life. She was a
smart girl, but unmotivated, and was raised by her
middle-class family to get married after school. She spent
some time in college, but dropped out to join the office
secretarial pool. Fortunately, Debra was easily amused,
with few material wants.
But something was missing
Debra wanted to have fun. Yet her day-to-day life was
perfectly bland. Debra wasnt interested in parties, or
going out drinking with accountants and lawyers who just
got fatter by the day. She wanted some excitement but
had no idea where to get it. Her performance reviews
were perfectly adequate, but she spent a great deal of
time wishing there was more to life.
Then one of Debras geek friends turned her on to
Megaworld! She didnt have powers in real life, but now
she could pretend she did. Saving people, gaining
experience points, helping others, these were things that
got her attention inside of the game. Debra swiftly
became an addict. Within weeks Debra was playing
Megaworld for several hours a day when she got home.
She didnt need someone to love. She had her job in the
secretarial pool, her exercise program, and a ten-dollar a
month entertainment fix.
Still Debra wanted more. She spent only enough time
at work to be average, and began spending time looking
for ways to do more in Megaworld. It was beginning to
affect her relationship with her boss, Mr. Applegate.
Mr. Applegate noticed that Debra didnt attend social
functions like the rest of the pretty secretaries, and asked
her if she was religious. Debra gave a shy little smile and
responded that she really wasnt, she just had so much to
do, and lived alone. Mr. Applegate began investigating
Debra. He didnt find anything wrong with her, she was
just another woman who lived an extremely private life
and was bored at work.
Debra came into work one morning and was told that
she had one month to upgrade her performance or, since it
would be her fifth year without a performance upgrade,
she would be laid off. Mr. Applegate smiled in his office. It
was a tactic he often used. If the girl wouldnt sleep with
him, shed work harder, and if she did neither, shed be
fired. It had been a perfect situation until that moment.
Mr. Applegate had no idea of the events hed precipitated,
what he had created or how he had done it.
Debra came home two days later to find out that the
landlord had raised her rent by five hundred dollars.
Suddenly, Debra was desperate for money. Her family
couldnt help her - they were all the way across the
country - and she was afraid of losing her job and, even
worse, her Megaworld account. When she asked her
friend at work, Lisa, about what to do, Lisa took her aside
and said Listen, Debra, are you a lesbian? If youre not,
sleep with Mr. Applegate. Its not so awful, and youll get
your raise.
40
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
Hand to Hand Combat, and use it with the whip-like laser
beams the sheathing suit helped her generate.
No one noticed or said anything when Mr. Applegate
suddenly gave Debra a raise. She never touched him. The
organization had taken care of all of it, just like they
promised. Debra didnt need to be Debra anymore. Debra
could be Laserwhip.
As Debra, she was a prisoner of being ordinary.
As Laserwhip, she was free.
Personality/Motivation: Laserwhip just wants to have
fun, and being a supervillain is the most fun anyone can
have, right? Laserwhip likes robbing banks, humiliating
heroes, and getting enough money to pay her rent on
time, even though S.P.I.D.E.R. insists on paying her a lot
more than she needs, thats not what Laserwhip is in it
for. Most of her money goes into a cushy retirement fund
that shell be able to enjoy when shes in her seventies and
cant be a supervillain anymore. Debra loves having a
secret life, and smiles happily through all the office
gossip. No one needs to know. And even if they do find
out, theyll be too afraid of Laserwhip to do anything
Quote: Those powers youve got are really cool! Can we
go on a date?
Sorry about your special weapon. I guess it wasnt
that special.
I hope you guys dont need those diamonds! Theyre
my best friends! Who cares about the rest of the girls?
Powers/Tactics: As Laserwhip, Debra can generate a
field of laser energy. Her shimmersuit helps her control
this energy, shaping into the form of a laser-like whip
that she can use to cut objects, fire short range blasts, and
melt through things. She can maintain the field of energy
to protect herself from harm. No one really wants to touch
several thousand watts of laser field, and her martial arts
training enables her to hold her own against experienced
heroes.
For brief periods of time, Laserwhip can transform
into solid light, move through walls, and become
completely intangible. This costs her a great deal of
energy, and she really only uses it when she needs to run
away.
Debra is fascinated by powers and superheroes, but
loves watching other heroes in action while she fights.
While this makes her almost unfazable, her Megaworld
fangirlishness gets the better of her sometimes, causing
her to feel sympathy for people shes humiliating. Most of
the time, though, they just deserve it. She likes to get in
and mix it up, but if people show signs of actually trying
to kill her, shell run away to fight another day.
Campaign Use: Laserwhip is a mercenary supervillain,
who S.P.I.D.E.R. occasionally uses to do their dirty work.
She loves a good scrap, but is playful and teasing,
especially with handsome heroes who she might like to go
out on a date with. Heroes with public identities beware.
If other characters play on the MMO, Laserwhip can
be their internet friend, who chats with them every so
often and goes out with them after hours to talk game
strategy and hero team business. Imagine the look of
surprise on their face when they discover that their
41
MICHAEL SATRAN
LASERWHIP
42
WAR OF WORLDCRAFT
LASERWHIP
Val
20
24
28
13
14
15
Char Cost
STR
10
DEX
28
CON
18
INT
3
EGO
4
PRE
5
7
9
3
6
5
OCV
20
DCV
30
OMCV 0
DMCV 9
SPD
30
8
8
10
60
13
45
PD
ED
REC
END
BODY
STUN
Roll Notes
13- Lift 400 kg; HTH Damage 4d6 [2]
141512- PER Roll 12-/151212- PRE Attack: 3d6
6
6
6
8
3
13
Movement:
OIF (-)
0
0
Talents
4 Double Jointed
2 Environmental Movement (no penalties in Brightly
Lit Environments)
3 Striking Appearance +1/+1d6
Cost Powers
END
Martial Arts: Classic Comic Book
Maneuver
OCV DCV Notes
4 Martial Block
+2
+2 Block, Abort
4 Martial Dodge
+5 Dodge All Attacks,
Abort
4 Martial Strike
+0
+2 Weapon +5 DC Strike
5 Offensive Strike -2
+1 Weapon +7 DC Strike
3 Martial Throw
+0
+1 7d6 +v/5, Target Falls
12 +3 Damage Classes (already added in)
1 Weapon Element: Whips
6
6
20
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Skills
+2 with All Attacks
Acrobatics 14Breakfall 14Bureaucratics 12Contortionist 14Fast Draw 14High Society 12Persuasion 12Power 14Security Systems 12Stealth 14Streetwise 12Trading 12-
Phases: 3, 5, 8, 10, 12
43
MICHAEL SATRAN
OBJECT DEFENSE TABLE
Maxi-Mart
Walls: 5PD/10ED
Roof: 4PD/8ED
Office: 3PD/3ED
Windows(glass): 2PD/2ED (NonResistant)
Air Conditioning Unit: 9PD/8ED
Rolling Racks: 3PD/2ED
Maxi-Mart Key
Concrete Barrier Poles: 6PD/10ED
Entry (revolving doors): 5PD/4ED
Entry (sliding doors): 4PD/3ED
Warehouse (trash compactor): 9PD/8ED
Warehouse (small box): 1PD/1ED (NonResistant)
Warehouse (med box): 2PD/1ED (NonResistant)
Warehouse (lg box): 2PD/2ED (NonResistant)
Warehouse (sm barrel): 2PD/4ED
Warehouse (med barrel): 3PD/5ED
Warehouse (lg barrel): 4PD/6ED
Warehouse (sm crate): 2PD/2ED
Warehouse (med crate): 3PD/2ED
Warehouse (lg crate): 4PD/3ED
Side Exits: 3PD/3ED
Ladies Bathrooms (sinks): 8PD/8ED
Ladies Bathrooms (toilets): 6PD/6ED
Ladies Bathrooms (stalls): 2PD/1ED
Men's Bathrooms (urinals): 5PD/5ED
Security Station: 3PD/3ED
Maxicarts (poles): 3PD/3ED
Maxicarts (carts): 2PD/2ED
Cash Registers: 5PD/4ED
Megaworld Booth (stations): 5PD/4ED
Megaworld Booth (booth): 4PD/4ED
Supermarket Aisles: 11PD/11ED
Freezer Bays: 4PD/3ED
Butcher Shop: 4PD/3ED
Home Appliances: 3-4PD/2-3ED
Plastic Furniture: 1-2PD/1-2ED
Ladies Clothing (rack): 3PD/3ED
Ladies Clothing (table): 5PD/4ED
Sport Goods (gun case): 5PD/5ED
Pun Kee Donuts (oven): 5PD/8ED
Pun Kee Donuts (store front): 5PD/6ED
Big John's Texas Wieners (fryers): 4PD/7ED
Big John's Texas Wieners (store front): 5PD/6ED
Cafeteria (bays): 4PD/5ED
Cafeteria (stove/oven): 5PD/8ED
Cafeteria (grill): 6PD/9ED
Cafeteria (dishwasher): 7PD/10ED
Books And Video: 3PD/2ED
Toys: 6PD/7ED
Health Products: 3PD/3ED
Outdoor Gear: 5PD/4ED
Hardware and Power Tools: 5-7PD/6-8ED
44