Dog Boys and Other Mutants!

[Lt Gargoyle]

I have been a long time player and GM of Rifts and other Palladium Games.. and of late I have turn my attention to Chaos Earth.. and I have been wondering.. What if any Mutant Animals would be around.. either as Part of the N.E.M.A. forces or as escapees? I can see maybe a few Sniffers Dog-Boys included as part of there (N.E.M.A.) forces.. for Smuggling and Bomb Detection.. and for Search and Rescue. The thought came to me when I was rereading my South America Books and the Mutants who escaped during those hectic days...

So the question is.. how would you introduces our favorite Puppies.. and how would the Brass (Leadership) of N.E.M.A. react to them when they suddenly start says "Hay Sargent! That guy over there.. he just don't smell right!"

I played a mutant bat using the rules from the TMNT game for his mutation. He was created in lonestar, and created to scout out areas for NEMA. He was good at his job. Able to move about and being super small, 3ft he could move around pretty easy. He lived on base and had minimal interaction with the population center he was stationed at.
once the destruction started he was in his element. sneaking around hiding and protecting those who thought of him as dangerous. though this made it harder for him to interact with the civilians. it was a fun character.

[glitterboy2098]

well, IIRC Lonestar and the south america books, as well as underseas, all established that genetically altered beings were being made in prerifts times.

lonestar was built to do that, south america had a program to make all sorts of mutant animals.. a program that took advantadge of the expertise of the even earlier Amphib work (which was about altering adult humans!)

i don't remember if Lonestar ever said whether the facility had been active before the cataclysm hit, but it wouldn;t be too hard to beleive that prototype versions of the dogboy mutants had been made, either at lonestar or elsewhere, and some of those prototypes wound up being put to use by a NEMA group.

[Lt Gargoyle]

i thought i read somewhere in the rifts universe that chi town and lonestar were the dogboy labs, but it was technology gotten from lonestar that allowed them to do this. I will have to pull my books out to find it again.

But I do imagine that the Lone star complex was putting out some proto type of many animals to figure out which could be best used in different inviorments.

[Lt Gargoyle]

I would think they would lose thier minds for the first few day if not weeks while they get wreaked with the sudden surge of mystic energy. It would be over whelming to thier senses. well at least in my Opinion.

[keir451]

IIRC the official word is that Dog Boys were never actually fully created, as they are in the CS's time, it was felt that tp do so would be tantamount to creating a slave race so their production was forbidden, legally speaking. The Omaguan cats were still in nthe labs (Again IIRC) so they weren't in full field use at that time. However I could see that maybe the first few Dog Boy Test models may be around somewhere, or maybe even a have a couple of Dog Packs Rifted back in time.

[Lt Gargoyle]

IIRC the official word is that Dog Boys were never actually fully created, as they are in the CS's time, it was felt that tp do so would be tantamount to creating a slave race so their production was forbidden, legally speaking. The Omaguan cats were still in nthe labs (Again IIRC) so they weren't in full field use at that time. However I could see that maybe the first few Dog Boy Test models may be around somewhere, or maybe even a have a couple of Dog Packs Rifted back in time.

Ok.. I can except that, but then I would have to ask.. with the Mutants Amphibs (from Rifts: Underseas) who the PR People "Spinned" Into "Heroes" who sacrificed their Humanity to explore the last great uncharged territory of Earth (the Oceans).. What else might have Lonestar had up their sleeves... I have seen someone suggest using the "Sea Titan's" as a template for a Super-Solider program that preformed way beyond expatiation with the Coming of Rifts (though I would make them sterile or we'd be over run with the likes by now), but what else might make for an interesting story?

Personally.. I love playing my Mutant Rat Assassin (from the the Lonestar Book.. as is).

As a side Note.. does anyone know when the First Psi-Stalkers started to show up?

Shortly after the rifts appeared would be my guess on the psi stalkers, since the were tribal and nomadic in the begining

[keir451]

IIRC the official word is that Dog Boys were never actually fully created, as they are in the CS's time, it was felt that tp do so would be tantamount to creating a slave race so their production was forbidden, legally speaking. The Omaguan cats were still in nthe labs (Again IIRC) so they weren't in full field use at that time. However I could see that maybe the first few Dog Boy Test models may be around somewhere, or maybe even a have a couple of Dog Packs Rifted back in time.

Ok.. I can except that, but then I would have to ask.. with the Mutants Amphibs (from Rifts: Underseas) who the PR People "Spinned" Into "Heroes" who sacrificed their Humanity to explore the last great uncharged territory of Earth (the Oceans).. What else might have Lonestar had up their sleeves... I have seen someone suggest using the "Sea Titan's" as a template for a Super-Solider program that preformed way beyond expatiation with the Coming of Rifts (though I would make them sterile or we'd be over run with the likes by now), but what else might make for an interesting story?

Personally.. I love playing my Mutant Rat Assassin (from the the Lonestar Book.. as is).

As a side Note.. does anyone know when the First Psi-Stalkers started to show up?

I'm not sure that thet amphib's of Underseas were a Lone Star/TexAm product, the Sea Titans were actually the result of accidental exposure to a Lemurian Rift experiment and were intially limited in number (I don't have the book infront of me right now so I can't look up the numbers, sorry) which may explain the current numbers.

[glitterboy2098]

amphibs were not a lonestar product. they were the product of the group that became the creators of the various mutant animals in South America, both the Omaguan mutant cats and the others of Achilles in the SRR.

[Lt Gargoyle]

using my kids fear; What about a 10' spider, intellegent and venomious. while its web may not be MDC, once in it your screwed. it seeks out those soft spots between armor and if it cannot find one it will just simply remove the armor from spots. It does not like to kill its prey out right. no this mutant spider wants to torment you. So unless its starving it will keep you alive for days draining you as it goes. perhaps some telepathic ability lets its victim know whats happening.

[Lt Gargoyle]

A P.P.E./I.S.P. Vampire Spider.. Ok.. not going to sleep anytime soon.. thanks!

My Brain is now envisioning a swarm of little Spiders with a Hive Mind Collective, or one very BIG Bug.. who I REALLY Don't want to meet in a Corridor of some abandoned Military Bunker.. I don't care if there is an entire Division of Brand New S.A.M.A.S.'s down there or not!! Not going to do it!! Throw the Goblin in.. and walk away!

Thank you.

Here is a subtle one for you. What about a mutant dog. It appears like any large dog breed, like a German Shepard, it finds a group of humans and like a psi stalker feeds on their PPE. The human non the wiser, because this dog seems to protect them. Telling them when certain danger is near. Attacking other predators trying to muscle in on its meal, the humans would feel the sensations of being weak and what not. The dog does not just drain one of them at a time. But the whole group, it should be considered intelligent.

[Lt Gargoyle]

yea i love it when you can create sympathy for the villian and the group has no idea they are actually protecting the villian killing them. Its a good plot twist. and the best part it will truely build a gap in thier trusting of future NPCs who actually do need thier help. Or could even help them.

It would also be good for those who think they are fully independant of needing others to survive.

[eliakon]

Mutants in Orbit clearly has mutant animals in use in the space facilities.....

[glitterboy2098]

Mutants in Orbit clearly has mutant animals in use in the space facilities.....

MiO has to deal with the fact it was written for After the Bomb, and had a rifts:space section tacked on. we don't know if those mutants were around when the catalysm occurred.

[Lt Gargoyle]

Mutants in Orbit clearly has mutant animals in use in the space facilities.....

MiO has to deal with the fact it was written for After the Bomb, and had a rifts:space section tacked on. we don't know if those mutants were around when the catalysm occurred.

True.. but is does bring up a good point.. with the number of Dimensional experiments that where going on at the time of the Cataclysm (The Lone Star Complex in Texas, KLS Corp. in Florida, and what ever they where doing in Japan)... just what was D-ported in.. and what might be from the Genetic Dr Frankenstein's??

Also.. Since Mutants in Orbit came out in 1992 (some 20 odd years ago), how much of it still holds true? Don't get me wrong.. I still have my copy (held together with Duct-tap and a prayer), but it's been years and years since I have played it.. and lot has happened (rule changes and updates) since then.

Well perhaps the Mutant experiments were allowed in space, since scientist and military types would have some access to top secret/research projects. Which could explain the MiO stuff.

I agree that the book should get some updating. but that maybe do more to power creeping of the other books. but for the most part it can stand alone since nothing from Rifts earth is suppose to be able to make it into orbit.

[Josh Hilden]

Mutants in Orbit is one of my top 5 Palladium books of all time.

[Lt Gargoyle]

i think that would be a good world book to revise and turn into a full Rifts source book.

[Tor]

If more mutant animals are desired one can always just merge elements of the After the Bomb setting. Heck, Mutants in Oribt practically married them.

[Rimmerdal]

I did my take on them. This is what I came up with. It also set up the Psi-Stalker as well. if it helps anyone.

NEMA“Hellhound” Trooper
Live well, not Long- K-9 Ops Trooper Motto
Done by: Rimmerdal

The K-9 Operations team of NEMA is charged with civilian defense and urban combat. These men and women are cross between a SWAT specialist and a K9 handler. K-9 Ops also aid in dealing with demons and other supernatural threats.

Now in the days of chaos they carry a shield with the insignia of NEMA and that of K-9 unit. This serves two roles in addition to a defense weapon:
1)As a visible symbol people can recognize. This the shield can do more help than just to protect the trooper, it can inspire hope.
2)What the people need to see is a reliable defense and this shield like the men and women who carry them represent that defense.

There most important item gives them their name. The genetically engineered dogs they train command and work with daily. The Hell Hound is a dog with various Genetic advantages. The dog is smarter than most dogs, has superior strength and endurance than most dogs.

More importantly they are extremely tough due to a layer of Impact absorbing “Bonemail" under there skin. This layer is a made up a lattice work of bones and cartilage that serves to protect the animal by spreading severe impacts. These dogs will be the blue print that will give way to make the Dog boys of the Coalition. Rumors persist that the New Republicans are the actual minds behind the Dog boys and not Desmond. Other rumors claim Desmond is or was a New Republican himself.

During the cataclysms 1280 of these soldier would be slated to phase out due to the mechanical dogs. But as fate would have it they would not go down with out a fight. The remaining 1280 will step up and defend humanity as the demons siege chicago. After the battle of Chicago some 600 or so will perish leaving 400 dogs with out handlers. The Chicago Swat teams, reserve military and paramilitary units will take up the call and join the remnants of Nema's K-9 ops.

What is known was the base of operations used by the Hellhounds is attacked and the remaining Hell Hounds were presumed killed in the resulting blast that was seen by survivors from afar. Rumors and tales speak of dogs of super natural origin with red eyes are saving civilians and protecting small pockets of humanity up until the Maryland facility is sealed up. The K-9 operations Unit fate remains unknown. Some claim the Darkhounds in th emagic Zone are related the Hell hounds..

NEMA K-9 Operation (“Hellhound” Troopers)
Attribute Requirements :
High PS, PE and ME required (15 or better) 60% of the “Hell Hound” are males. High MA and PB help but are not required.

K-9 Operations Trooper :
Language: Native, standard
Language: Foreign (+5%)
Language: Sign Language (+10%)
Literacy: Native, standard
Literacy: Foreign (+5%)
Literacy: Sign Language (+10%)
Law: General (+25%)
Radio Basic (+10%)
Dog Breeding (+25%)
Animal Husbandry (+25%)
Climb (+10%)
Prowl (+10%)
W.P. Automatic Pistol
W.P. Shotgun
W.P. Submachine gun
W.P. Knife
W.P. Shield
W.P. Energy Pistol
HTH: Expert
MOS:
The following MOS are available to the Hellhound trooper:
Intelligence and reconnaissance (Intel Agent)
Any Peace keeper
Other skills: 4+2 at level 2, 4, 8 & 12
As NEMA Peace Keeper, except they can get all Military and Espionage skills at +5%
Secondary skills: 2+2 at level 3, 6, 9 and 12.

Items of Note :
NEMA Tactical Shield of choice (Dark Blue and Dark Grey)
NEMA Body armor (Dark Blue and Dark Grey)
NEMA Long Coat (Dark Blue and Dark Grey)
NEMA MIP-21 (4 extra clips)
NEMA Auto-Mag Pistol x2 (4extra clips, 2 silver, 2 Iron)
NEMA “Hellhound” SMGx2 (6 extra clips, 3 silver, 3 iron)

One Dog (The choice of Breed and name of the animal is up to the Hellhound trooper)

New Items/Weapons :
NEMA Tactical Shields:
This shield serves to protect it’s wielder in combat. It comes in 3 sizes:
Small-MDC 10
Covering a forearm it can help Hellhounds that need to engage enemies in air ducts, tunnels and other cramped conditions or for those who need free hands. Medics often have there shield hold medical gear, monitors and electronics.

Medium-MDC 20
This is the typically seen shield. It provides the trooper a shield shaped like policeman’s badge. When thrown the shield can inflict 1d8 Damage, at maximum range of 10ft.it is the size of a Knights' shield.

Heavy-MDC 40
The Heavy Combat shield is in appearance and function like a tower shield. Hellhound troopers train with the Tower shield to perform a phalanx and have successfully used this maneuver.

NEMA H-90 “Hellhound” SMG
Named after the unit it was made for this SMG serves as the NEMA SMG. The FN P-90 was used as a basis to work from in the weapons lab. The hell hounds needed a weapon they could carry and use in urban and close quarters combat.
Now this sturdy weapon can be found in most units and is popular with those who carry heavy weapons or heavy loads.

Weight: 5lbs.
Damage: 5d6 SDC (single shot) or 1d6x10 SDC (three round burst)
Rate of Fire: single or three round bursts.
Range: 600ft
Payload: 60 rounds
Standard items: Scope, Universal Light and Laser Sight.
NEMA "Hellhound" Tactical K-9:

The Hell hound was a military project to make dogs a survivable military asset. After the robotic dogs had been made they were sideline and funding diverted from the "K-9 division" went to manufacturing.

Once that was done they were about to dismantle the division, but that was when the chaos started.

As the city of Chicago came under siege the 640 remaining K-9 Ops troopers stationed there held ground and defended the city the best they could. Despite the numbers against them, and the powers they faced this unit did well, of the 640 troops some 320 would survive the hell that was Chicago.

After that they stayed active and began rebuilding at a base called the "Kennels". 160 of them are active and in the field while the remaining 160 act as an Elite Guard at NEMA HQ. The other 640 stationed elsewhere had similar fates those that survived eventually made there way back to the “kennels.”

The term "Hell hound" came from the fact that these dogs have a second eyelid that allows them to spot Infrared and other light frequency beams. This eyelid turns the eye a visible red hue.

Stats:
IQ: 6+1d4
ME: 8+1d4
MA: 4+1d4
PS: 8+1d6(Augmented)
PP: 8+1d6
PE: 10+1d6 (Augmented)
PB: 41d4+2
Speed: 10+1d6
Hits as per characters: PE+1d6 per level
SDC/MDC: 1d4x5 MDC

Abilities :
Note: This on top of the abilities listed in creatures of Chaos, page
1) Can see infrared beams and track them back to the source. Range: 300ft

2) These dogs are expert trackers of both supernatural and mundane targets. Tracking: 80%

3) A think layer of "Bonemail" protects the beast from impact and melee damage. "Bonemail" is a made up a lattice work of bones and cartilage that serves to protect the animal by spreading severe impacts over a wide area. The Bonemail heals in a matter 1d4 weeks. The dog posses 1d4x5 MDC based on size and weight.

4) Detect explosives and drugs. Detect contraband: 70%

5) hand-like paws allow them to climb and manipulate objects such as door handles and to pick up and move objects. They also allow easier knockdown due to larger area. Climb 40% (over Urban and typical terrain) and +2 to knock down human sized foes.
HTH: Expert
Note:
Typically equal to the handlers level with no parry. Taught by handler, most are level 4. This is due to the unique bond the handler and dog form. Also any bonuses the handle gets from training apply.
no. of attacks : 5
1) +2 pull strike, +2 roll with/Punch, fall or Impact
2) +3 Dodge
3) +2 strike (Bite or claw)

[Lt Gargoyle]

i like the nema hellhound. great work.

[Warshield73]

Well perhaps the Mutant experiments were allowed in space, since scientist and military types would have some access to top secret/research projects. Which could explain the MiO stuff.

I agree that the book should get some updating. but that maybe do more to power creeping of the other books. but for the most part it can stand alone since nothing from Rifts earth is suppose to be able to make it into orbit.

I have done a lot of work on Rifts Space over the years and the way I always figured it was the mutant animals were very small in number when the rifts came. Mostly from illegal experiments done by governments and corporations far away from prying eyes.

Given the faster rate of maturation and reproduction I thought it made sense that the mutant animal population would grow a lot faster then the human population even in the orbitals.

It is defiantly a setting that needs an update, if not a complete redo. I mean if you look at the original numbers given in the MiO/RS they would have been completely wiped out by the Arkohns, not to mention anything else.

[drewkitty ~..~]

well, IIRC Lonestar and the south america books, as well as underseas, all established that genetically altered beings were being made in pre-rifts times.

lonestar was built to do that, south america had a program to make all sorts of mutant animals.. a program that took advantage of the expertise of the even earlier Amphib work (which was about altering adult humans!)

i don't remember if Lonestar ever said whether the facility had been active before the cataclysm hit, but it wouldn't be too hard to believe that prototype versions of the dogboy mutants had been made, either at lonestar or elsewhere, and some of those prototypes wound up being put to use by a NEMA group.

And in the "Teaser" announcement for CE In one of the Rifters, dogboys were mentioned as a big part of the CE setting concept.

[Rimmerdal]

well, IIRC Lonestar and the south america books, as well as underseas, all established that genetically altered beings were being made in pre-rifts times.

lonestar was built to do that, south america had a program to make all sorts of mutant animals.. a program that took advantage of the expertise of the even earlier Amphib work (which was about altering adult humans!)

i don't remember if Lonestar ever said whether the facility had been active before the cataclysm hit, but it wouldn't be too hard to believe that prototype versions of the dogboy mutants had been made, either at lonestar or elsewhere, and some of those prototypes wound up being put to use by a NEMA group.

And in the "Teaser" announcement for CE In one of the Rifters, dogboys were mentioned as a big part of the CE setting concept.

ya, if the setting expands they could Lonestar as a base and tell the story of its fall. As for the DB..not just the work..but Congress and the powers that be may not be keen on making them officially. It would be a little too much to explain to the public. not to mention the fear of what other monster might be made in the wrong hands.

[Rimmerdal]

i like the nema hellhound. great work.

Thanks. I needed a staged evolution of the dog boy. not an instant Dog to man..it seemed improper to not go through the various stages of creating mutants. and frankly if they publicly stated "Hey were making Dog people..." the public out cry would be massive as would be the panic it would spread.

[Nightmask]

well, IIRC Lonestar and the south america books, as well as underseas, all established that genetically altered beings were being made in pre-rifts times.

lonestar was built to do that, south america had a program to make all sorts of mutant animals.. a program that took advantage of the expertise of the even earlier Amphib work (which was about altering adult humans!)

i don't remember if Lonestar ever said whether the facility had been active before the cataclysm hit, but it wouldn't be too hard to believe that prototype versions of the dogboy mutants had been made, either at lonestar or elsewhere, and some of those prototypes wound up being put to use by a NEMA group.

And in the "Teaser" announcement for CE In one of the Rifters, dogboys were mentioned as a big part of the CE setting concept.

ya, if the setting expands they could Lonestar as a base and tell the story of its fall. As for the DB..not just the work..but Congress and the powers that be may not be keen on making them officially. It would be a little too much to explain to the public. not to mention the fear of what other monster might be made in the wrong hands.

There is nothing to tell about Lonestar's fall nor can it be used as a base in CE without treating it as a separate continuity rather than the past of Rifts as it officially is now because Lonestar's backstory clearly states that Lonestar's entire population of workers vanished when the Cataclysm happened and remained completely untouched and undiscovered until the Coalition found it.

[Rimmerdal]

well, IIRC Lonestar and the south america books, as well as underseas, all established that genetically altered beings were being made in pre-rifts times.

lonestar was built to do that, south america had a program to make all sorts of mutant animals.. a program that took advantage of the expertise of the even earlier Amphib work (which was about altering adult humans!)

i don't remember if Lonestar ever said whether the facility had been active before the cataclysm hit, but it wouldn't be too hard to believe that prototype versions of the dogboy mutants had been made, either at lonestar or elsewhere, and some of those prototypes wound up being put to use by a NEMA group.

And in the "Teaser" announcement for CE In one of the Rifters, dogboys were mentioned as a big part of the CE setting concept.

ya, if the setting expands they could Lonestar as a base and tell the story of its fall. As for the DB..not just the work..but Congress and the powers that be may not be keen on making them officially. It would be a little too much to explain to the public. not to mention the fear of what other monster might be made in the wrong hands.

There is nothing to tell about Lonestar's fall nor can it be used as a base in CE without treating it as a separate continuity rather than the past of Rifts as it officially is now because Lonestar's backstory clearly states that Lonestar's entire population of workers vanished when the Cataclysm happened and remained completely untouched and undiscovered until the Coalition found it.

Any books hit at what happened to the vanished lonestar staff? I know there was a portal at lonestar.. Des mentioned he briefly activated it then after a 5 pointer turned it off. If Remember it was in Sub basement 9 Wondering if they properly expand on that.

[Nightmask]

well, IIRC Lonestar and the south america books, as well as underseas, all established that genetically altered beings were being made in pre-rifts times.

lonestar was built to do that, south america had a program to make all sorts of mutant animals.. a program that took advantage of the expertise of the even earlier Amphib work (which was about altering adult humans!)

i don't remember if Lonestar ever said whether the facility had been active before the cataclysm hit, but it wouldn't be too hard to believe that prototype versions of the dogboy mutants had been made, either at lonestar or elsewhere, and some of those prototypes wound up being put to use by a NEMA group.

And in the "Teaser" announcement for CE In one of the Rifters, dogboys were mentioned as a big part of the CE setting concept.

ya, if the setting expands they could Lonestar as a base and tell the story of its fall. As for the DB..not just the work..but Congress and the powers that be may not be keen on making them officially. It would be a little too much to explain to the public. not to mention the fear of what other monster might be made in the wrong hands.

There is nothing to tell about Lonestar's fall nor can it be used as a base in CE without treating it as a separate continuity rather than the past of Rifts as it officially is now because Lonestar's backstory clearly states that Lonestar's entire population of workers vanished when the Cataclysm happened and remained completely untouched and undiscovered until the Coalition found it.

Any books hit at what happened to the vanished lonestar staff? I know there was a portal at lonestar.. Des mentioned he briefly activated it then after a 5 pointer turned it off. If Remember it was in Sub basement 9 Wondering if they properly expand on that.

They were just backstory throwaway characters so no there hasn't been any mention of what happened to them they simply vanished when they triggered their portal generator at the same time the event occurred (Japan worked out much better with the entire city plus population being transported when their experiment also went online at the same time).

[Tor]

amphibs were not a lonestar product. they were the product of the group that became the creators of the various mutant animals in South America, both the Omaguan mutant cats and the others of Achilles in the SRR.

Not sure we should refer to them as the 'same group', while MOST of the researchers in ShaperCorp ended up working for Project Achilles in Argentina, since there were some SC members of that group who did not go on to do so, as well as being non-SC members of PA, it's better to recognize them as distinct groups.

[Rimmerdal]

Just had a thought on the GA Dogboys. Have them in a facilty in the area that will be the magic Zone. They could be newly developed and few in number. Also have a large number of them in tubes incubating. Now here's the part I thought was good.

Have the survivors become altered by the magic and the ones in the tubes become modified by the bases computer become augment in a fashion to better survive the chaos. theis computer core could be the key that DSes finds and use to make the newer breed of Dog boys.

Also this gives des a secret base, and place to plot against the CS and D-bee's in the Magic Zone. Could be a good base for the Vanguard. Who might come to make friends and ally with the the dark hounds.

[gaby]

Maybe some half way between a Normal Dog and a Dog Boy?

[Rimmerdal]

Maybe some half way between a Normal Dog and a Dog Boy?

Go one step higher...they become the "Darkhounds" or supposedly mutated Dog Boys in the Psyscape book.