Lone Star Archeo-genomics project

[nilgravity]

I’ve always been inspired by Lonestar and I have also loved a lot of the fan creations/storefronts on these forums so I’ve decided to start working on my own Lonestar fan expansion. I am telling myself it isn’t a Rifter submission so I’ll go a little crazier with it. This is more practice for other projects that I will be submitting to The Rifter.

Lone Star: Archeo-genomics project
Desmond Bradford has been bored with Dogboys for some time. He has moved onto bigger and better things. He gave little thought to approving, lowly but talented, Jean Wendell’s archeo-genomics proposal. He now feels he will come to regret his decision.
The archeo-genomics project revisits past accomplishments of the Lone Star complex and attempts to improve their viability. Primarily the team will be looking on new and better ways to use the Dog Boys and the process of ‘evolving’ various dog breeds. This prospect was very appealing to the bean counters in Chi-Town because it sounds inexpensive- which it is.
The name archeo-genomics is in reference to the part of the project focused on re-discovering lost breeds of domesticated dogs. Wendell discovered that pre-rifts there were many more dogs than anyone in Lone Star had previously. During the Cataclysm many breeds didn't have the survival skills to live on their own without civilization to help their gene’s carry on. While other breeds intermingled into a hardy ‘generic’ breed not too different than the Australian Dingo.
Some of the lost breeds continue to this day by finding niche environments while others continue on through hobbyist breeders.
In most cases Dr. Wendell’s team must search through pre-rifts material to find out specific traits of other breeds of dogs and use genetic engineering and even good old fashioned selective breeding to create an animal as close to breed standard as possible. Often they can check their work with broken chained samples of DNA in their files.
Wendell’s team has thus far been a boon to Bradford who gets credit for most of their accomplishments by those who count. She has redeemed several projects which were previously considered a waste of investment and she has lowered the cost of many types of operations.
What Bradford is concerned with is the fact that there is now someone who has the potential to be groomed into his replacement if any of his unsanctioned projects get discovered. On the other hand Dr. Wendell’s team is highly productive- so much so that they actually make it less obvious that Bradford is pouring most of his resources into projects on the lower floors of the Lone Star complex.

Psi-hounds AKA Psi-Calvary AKA Horsehounds
Prosek’s favorite of archeo-genomics accomplishment is the Psi-Calvary. Not only has it been useful in the ongoing attempts of the Coalition to tame the wilderness but also as a propaganda piece. These animals serve in contrast as evidence that Dog Boys are simply intelligent animals who walk on two legs. Anyone looking at Psi-Calvary can see they could be merely fancy giant dogs. Spending time with them makes it much easier to accept that Dog Boys are more advanced but basically the same.

The Psi-Calvary are actually an intermediate step in genetic engineering between common dogs and Dog Boys. This stage of the process was created before the idea of Dog Boys was fully conceived. The idea of using the natural abilities of dogs to sense the supernatural was there, but the idea was to use large semi-intelligent dogs in the manner of a fox hunt.
Dr. Wendell came up with the idea of reissuing these creatures to solve the problem of transportation in the New West. Commanders were complaining that there were no practical vehicles for patrols along the western front. They are either too loud, cumbersome, or expensive for the Ops they’ve been running in the region.
Wendell’s solution was a popular one. Psi-Calvary are popular mounts for lone wilderness scouts and death squads. These soldiers are notoriously anti-social and much prefer the company of these intelligent beast to that of their Dog Boy kin that annoy them in the way that other humans who are needy and seeking their approval annoy them.

(see image)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oipmMGrfAP8/ULPOM39mx5I/AAAAAAAAAHk/raO_2hwaeaE/s320/RIFTSpsihound.jpg
Function
Primarily as riding mounts. Occationally a Horsehound is put into a Dog Pack to carry heavy equipment and/or supplies

Natural Abilities
Psi-Calvary have all the natural abilities of Dog Boys.

Attributes
I.Q. 2D6 (High animal intelligence) M.E. 3D6 M.A. 3D6 P.S. 3D6 +12 PP 3D6 P.E. 3D6+20 P.B. 2D6+5 S.P.D. 3D6 +15

Breeds
Psi-Calvary receive the same bonus for breeds as other Psi-hounds. The default size is about that of a horse. Smaller dog breeds being pony sized while larger dog breeds are closer to Clydesdales.

Skills
Tracking (+15%)
Prowl (+7%)
Climb (-10%)
Sense of Balance (-20%)
Swimming (+5%)

[Mech-Viper Prime]

I honestly love the idea, and I could see using this for recon units.

[Jedrious]

And here I was hoping that you were developing the Dino-boy project...

[taalismn]

Just don't bring back the Boston Pug....let them stay dead...

[nilgravity]

And here I was hoping that you were developing the Dino-boy project...

Wendell will be revisiting more than just dogboys. She's more of a troubleshooter than Bradford. I lead with the Horsehounds to foreshadow her willingness to find uses for things seen as failures.

:ok:
Just don't bring back the Boston Pug....let them stay dead...

You're likely to be disappointed in this thread...

[taalismn]

[

:ok:
Just don't bring back the Boston Pug....let them stay dead...

You're likely to be disappointed in this thread...

Then I shall be obliged to make them extinct again.
Really, they're not really dogs; they're flies that have traded a set of legs and wings for a few levels up in size and warm-blooded metabolisms.

[nilgravity]

[

:ok:
, they're not really dogs; they're flies that have traded a set of legs and wings for a few levels up in size and warm-blooded metabolisms.

So you're saying I should use the mutant animal rules from HU?

[Icefalcon]

I like this idea. Did the Coalition also come up with a set of barding for them as well?

[nilgravity]

I'll be getting to that. If you look at the image I linked to they are definitely wearing armor.

[taalismn]

[

:ok:
, they're not really dogs; they're flies that have traded a set of legs and wings for a few levels up in size and warm-blooded metabolisms.

So you're saying I should use the mutant animal rules from HU?

No, I'm just saying I hate Boston Pugs.

Give me dogs with honest NOSES, not open sinuses.

[abtex]

So a line of Chinese 'Great Wall' chasers are out as well. Flat faced dogs trained to test the Wall by attacking it. Forgot their names.

[keir451]

Interesting concept. I, personally, would have had her modify horses instead as I think the Dog Boys are fine, but keep going anyway 'cause I REAALLY want to see what you come up with next!

[nilgravity]

In Lone Star they do talk about the issues with horses. There was a batch of Horseboys we haven't seen any stats for... yet...

[nilgravity]

Pug http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MD8hLhMoUwA/ULl6CHwhwDI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ZAJQX8rZJG8/s320/LONESTARpug.jpg
This charismatic breed almost useless as a military asset but have been great diplomatic tools. Mostly as giving the unaltered animals away as part of gift baskets during important negotiations. These dogs survived the Cataclysm because of their sheer number of them because of their popularity as pets, especially by the wealthy. Pugs have become the ultimate status symbol in post-rifts earth, because owning one is seen as openly mocking the “rifraf” that have to fight to survive. Offering a comeback to this insult is the Coalition ambassador, because they are the only ones with Pug Dog Boys.
Mutant pugs are very effective at coaxing people into giving up information they did not mean to divulge. The reason they are so effective is because pugs are genuinely agreeable which flatters people into forgetting where the pugs loyalty lies. Intelligence gathering has been reduced to diplomats finding an excuse to leave the room without their Pugboy attendant and later ask them what was discussed.
This strategy has only really failed once. The Coalition was seeking to develop a relationship with a group of arms dealers that specialized in modernizing pre-goldenage vehicles. For some inexplicable reason the mere presence of the Ambassador’s pug aid through the leader of the organization into a murderous rage.

Breed Characteristics
I.Q. -2 M.A. +2D4 P.B. +2
-30% to intimidate
-20% to all scent related skills
After extended periods in warm conditions (above 80 degrees) Pugs must make a save of 14 or suffer heat stroke.
Pugs are also susceptible to having their eyes pop out from pressure to the neck (such as being choked by an irate arms dealer). If the eye is not immediately put back in it can be lost forever. Attackers who are surprised by this outcome must make a save 12 (+1 per 20% of pugs charm/impress) vs pity/mercy. Failing the save immediately drains all anger from the attacker and often leads to mild guilt/shame.

[taalismn]

Pug http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MD8hLhMoUwA/ULl6CHwhwDI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ZAJQX8rZJG8/s320/LONESTARpug.jpg
Mutant pugs are very effective at coaxing people into giving up information they did not mean to divulge. The reason they are so effective is because pugs are genuinely agreeable which flatters people into forgetting where the pugs loyalty lies. Intelligence gathering has been reduced to diplomats finding an excuse to leave the room without their Pugboy attendant and later ask them what was discussed.
This strategy has only really failed once. The Coalition was seeking to develop a relationship with a group of arms dealers that specialized in modernizing pre-goldenage vehicles. For some inexplicable reason the mere presence of the Ambassador’s pug aid through the leader of the organization into a murderous rage.

I can almost forgive you for this.

[nilgravity]

I had planned pugs first all along you just added a bit of flavor to it.

[taalismn]

I had planned pugs first all along you just added a bit of flavor to it.

I was about to say; if you came up with all that(art included) in response to my comment, you are to be saluted for your quick wit and pen, and if you already had that all ready, your persistence and resistance is equally impressive.
Got anything for the Chinese Crested or any others of the Toy Group?

[nilgravity]

Not yet.

[abtex]

I had planned pugs first all along you just added a bit of flavor to it.

After extended periods in warm conditions (above 80 degrees) Pugs must make a save of 14 or suffer heat stroke.

Pugs are also susceptible to having their eyes pop out from pressure to the neck (such as being choked by an irate arms dealer). If the eye is not immediately put back in it can be lost forever.

Heat strokes in the Southwest would be a problem. But you are not talking about Psi-Calvary size ones.

Now BioCloned free roamin' scout eyes would be useful. That go for a walk then come back or 'sent' back intell by Psi means. Lose one, pop in a spare. Maybe upgrade to a better one.

On a side note, how wide do you plan to genetic engineer dogs? So far Psi-Calvary and the Pug.

[nilgravity]

Great feedback Abtex, it got me thinking about some ways to make pugs more useful.
As for how many dogs... Not sure yet I only want to add breeds that add something interesting to the world of Rifts. I'll put it this way, I'm going to be in danger of over representing other mutant animals.

[nilgravity]

Dalmatians AKA Hellhounds http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6yfPcSt_FE/UL_Bhdvc9HI/AAAAAAAAAIE/ilT_Qk69Cfk/s320/LONESTARhellhound.jpg
Dalmatian Dog Boys were originally given the name Hellhounds because of how surprisingly vicious they are. Before the cataclysm the breed was widely popular because of their decorative spots. Many people gave away the fully grown dogs because they were not the friendly family pets depicted in the popular media of the time.
While the name is often used to describe all Dalmatians, officially, the moniker is used for the 25% of Dalmatians with an affinity with fire.
Wendell’s team has found references to the relationship between pre-cataclysm firemen and the breed but they are unsure of it’s nature. Were the animals connected with the element all along or did they develop some sort of rapport after generations of being raised in firehouses? If it is the later, she can not understand why the breed was chosen in the first place (As clever as she is it hasn’t occurred to her that the tradition was started before firetrucks).
Hellhounds have been received with mixed reviews because more of them are expected to go feral or turn on the Coalition by some trainers. The dalmatians with an affinity to fire lack the ability to sense evil that other Dog Boys have. Others find that paranoid logic and see the good far out weighing the occasional turncoat.
Hellhounds are very effective as part of fire fighting brigades. They are also useful for burning enemy crops and fighting enemies with fire/plasma attacks without the burden of providing additional equipment.

Breed Characteristics
P.E. +1d6 P.B. +1
25% of dalmatians receive Pyrokinesis and Impervious to Fire instead of the psychic abilities normally available to Dog Boys.
All dalmation dog boys have the potential to become bursters as they mature (instead of leveling up as Dog Boys). +10% to all Burster abilities if they do.

[taalismn]

Amother short, but excellent, post...though my first impression of the art after reading the title of 'hellhound' was of a hockey-mask mad slasher....all it needed was to have a fire axe raised over its head....

[abtex]

Great feedback Abtex, it got me thinking about some ways to make pugs more useful.
As for how many dogs... Not sure yet I only want to add breeds that add something interesting to the world of Rifts. I'll put it this way, I'm going to be in danger of over representing other mutant animals.

I will not stop you. Keep going.
Humm... Some mutant animals may have once been DBees' pets or farm animals. Not just wild killing machines. That is something missing from the game.

[taalismn]

[Humm... Some mutant animals may have once been DBees' pets or farm animals. Not just wild killing machines. That is something missing from the game.

Pigboys? Grunts?

[nilgravity]

Amother short, but excellent, post...though my first impression of the art after reading the title of 'hellhound' was of a hockey-mask mad slasher....all it needed was to have a fire axe raised over its head....

Oooh remind me when I do equipment to add a vibro axe for them.

Humm... Some mutant animals may have once been DBees' pets or farm animals. Not just wild killing machines. That is something missing from the game.

I was going to say Wendell is too much of a goody-toe-shoes for DBee animals but that raises some questions on the about how the mutant dinosaurs were made. They are canon but we don't know much about them. Crap I was hoping to avoid mutant dinos...

Pigboys? Grunts?

DBee fungus hunters! There is one mutant farm animal mentioned in Lone Star I plan on covering them and I have an idea for Mutant Bovine. The temptation with pigs would be mutant razorbacks.

[nilgravity]

Battle Cat Breeds
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvEZGVN4vKQ/UNaShayMk5I/AAAAAAAAAI8/jUqDwHT5N28/s320/battlecat1.jpg
While researching Archeo-genomics Wendell discovered to her surprise that, like dogs, there was once a great variety of domestic cats. At the time of this discovery Lonestar had developed Battlecats from the genetic average of domestic cats as well as their larger and more feral cousins (tigers, lions, etc). Cat pedigrees were largely lost in the cataclysm because they were too clever for their own good. Cats are much more adept at escaping and breeding with another breed than dogs are. Cat breeds are also more difficult to identify by non-experts as many cat breeds come in a large variety of colors and the differences between the breeds are less dramatic.
The discovery of different breeds has had a significant effect on the deployment of Battlecats. Many of the discovered breeds are more doglike and easier/more willing to train. Other breeds have skill sets that enable Battlecats to be trained in military specialties previously reserved for Dogboys. Some Turkish Van Battlecats have been accepted into the Sea Dog training program. Domestic cats have a long history with seafarers because of their superior balance and rat catching prowess. While not as disciplined as their Dog Boy counterparts these Battle cats are excellent for night operations at sea.
Once the concept of cat breeds was in Wendell’s head the hard part was locating them, many breeds being extinct. A few of the breeds were created through genetic archives and/or selective breeding at Lone Star, others were found with private breeders or having found niche environments where they thrived without losing breed specific traits. The Kurilian Bobtail was an example of the latter. Though they were not an American breed these cats were imported from an island north of Japan before the golden age of science. After the cataclysm their pack hunting techniques allowed them to prey upon a wide variety of North American wildlife both on land and in streams.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5JaO39Vfo4/UNaSmPRAwGI/AAAAAAAAAJE/hOqC_BeT1q8/s320/battlecat2.jpg
01-05 Turkish Van
Less affectionate than other domestic breeds, +20% to swimming +1 strength
06-10 Khao Manee
+2d6 ISP +1D6 M.E. one additional sensitive +12% Sense Psychic and Magic Energy and Sense Supernatural Beings
11-15 Serengeti Cat
Jump 16ft
16-20 Sphinx
Hairless. +1D4 I.Q. High metabolism/body temperature +2 save versus disease
21-25 American Bobtail
Doglike personalities,Natural Escape Artist (65%), loves to travel, has Empathy in addition to starting psychic abilities.
26-30 American Curls
Kitten like personality P.B. +1d4
31-35 Siamese breeds
Very talkative +1 P.B. +1 I.Q. +1 M.A.
36-40 Somali
+2 I.Q. +2 P.P.
41-45 Kurilian Bobtail
Works in groups better than other breeds, M.A. +1, Difficult to breed (only have one litter a year), +5% hunting & Prowling +10% swimming +2 to strike
46-50 California Spangle
Bred to resemble wild cats but actually very affectionate. +1D6 M.A. +1 P.P.
51-55 Devon Rex
Highly mischievous one time bonus of +15% to all espionage skills
56-60 Boxer Cat or American Polydactyl
Extra digits on hands and toes +20% to hold on to surface, +1 grapple, +1d6 claw attacks
61-65 Maine Coon
Large long hair cats (see mutation table), +1 P.S., +1 P.E., +12% Swimming, Speed is unaffected by snow, 25% also have Boxer cat modifications
66-70 American Shorthair
All have “rat catcher” mutation, +5% swimming
71-75 Norwegian Forest Cats
Resistant to cold (half damage)
76-80 Siberian
Large long hair cats (see mutation table), +1 P.S., +1 P.E., +5% physical skills where applicable
81-85 Egyptian Mau
+2D6 SPD +1 P.P. +1 initiative. +1 I.Q. Hate the cold
86-90 Himalayan
Large long hair cats (see mutation table) -8% smell +3 P.B. +1D4 M.E.
91-95 Rag Doll
Large friendly cats +1D4 P.B. +1P.E. 5% deaf in one ear 25% gain Death Trance as an additional psychic ability
96-00 Savannah
Large Semi-domestic breed +7% to physical skills where applicable, +1 P.S., +1 P.P., +1 P.E., Jump 16 ft vertically

[DevastationBob]

I can't wait for the Lapdogboys. Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, tiny assassins trained to protect the wives of high ranking citizens.

[nilgravity]

I actually love that idea. But it might be tempting to go really crazy with it.

[Icefalcon]

I can't wait for the Lapdogboys. Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, tiny assassins trained to protect the wives of high ranking citizens.

That would be kind of cool.

[taalismn]

Maine Cooncats are the best cats. They KNOW they're cool.

[taalismn]

We need a fifth column group of Battlecats who are led by a White Persian named Blowfeld..

Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the human puppet for Mister Kittykins, the true mastermind behind SMERSH...

[Giant2005]

Creating new Dogboys based on different species of dogs doesn't sound like progression to me - it is just a sideways step.
If Lonestar comes up with new creations, I think it is likely for them to escalate things by adding new animals to the mix and combining their traits into the Dogboy. If you have seen the 90's Gargoyles cartoon, they did something similar by adding the DNA od Electric Eels to their mutant animals to give them electric powers.

[Akashic Soldier]

Creating new Dogboys based on different species of dogs doesn't sound like progression to me - it is just a sideways step.
If Lonestar comes up with new creations, I think it is likely for them to escalate things by adding new animals to the mix and combining their traits into the Dogboy. If you have seen the 90's Gargoyles cartoon, they did something similar by adding the DNA od Electric Eels to their mutant animals to give them electric powers.

This.

In a short comic book that I wrote and Mike Mumah was going to work on before his stroke Desmond "perfected" the Dogboy process and created the equivalent of an Achilles Neo-Human as the next evolutionary step. They looked nearly completely human but still had the Dogboy social inclinations and were master psychics. Of course Karl had no idea what he was doing but that didn't stop Desmond. The ultimate test was to see if anyone could tell the difference between them and genuine humans so he put psi-block inhibitors in their genes so he could active them later and then engineered social situations where they would bond/imprint on a deadboy cadet "as their best friend (Alpha)" while they grew up side by side. After the training was completed (with the unbalanced ones having been weeded out or 'accidentally' dying in the field) he would then awaken the "god gene" in them and unlock their sleeping power.

At least that was his plan. . .

[Icefalcon]

Creating new Dogboys based on different species of dogs doesn't sound like progression to me - it is just a sideways step.
If Lonestar comes up with new creations, I think it is likely for them to escalate things by adding new animals to the mix and combining their traits into the Dogboy. If you have seen the 90's Gargoyles cartoon, they did something similar by adding the DNA od Electric Eels to their mutant animals to give them electric powers.

This.

In a short comic book that I wrote and Mike Mumah was going to work on before his stroke Desmond "perfected" the Dogboy process and created the equivalent of an Achilles Neo-Human as the next evolutionary step. They looked nearly completely human but still had the Dogboy social inclinations and were master psychics. Of course Karl had no idea what he was doing but that didn't stop Desmond. The ultimate test was to see if anyone could tell the difference between them and genuine humans so he put psi-block inhibitors in their genes so he could active them later and then engineered social situations where they would bond/imprint on a deadboy cadet "as their best friend (Alpha)" while they grew up side by side. After the training was completed (with the unbalanced ones having been weeded out or 'accidentally' dying in the field) he would then awaken the "god gene" in them and unlock their sleeping power.

At least that was his plan. . .

That sounds awesome.

[Akashic Soldier]

That sounds awesome.

Despite popular belief, I don't do anything less than awesome.

[Nightmask]

Creating new Dogboys based on different species of dogs doesn't sound like progression to me - it is just a sideways step.
If Lonestar comes up with new creations, I think it is likely for them to escalate things by adding new animals to the mix and combining their traits into the Dogboy. If you have seen the 90's Gargoyles cartoon, they did something similar by adding the DNA od Electric Eels to their mutant animals to give them electric powers.

I don't think outside of the semi-clones of some of the Gargoyles there were never any mutant animals created by that genetic mastermind, he used human test subjects (willing or not) to splice them to create bat-winged felinoid human mutates with electrical powers. He wasn't much different than a Gene-Splicer as he seemed to prefer sentient subjects like humans to experiment on.

It'd be a creative idea though for fan or canon-created mutants out of Lonestar, chimeras like that would provide dog boys and battle cats with abilities enemies wouldn't have prepared for (since the Dog Boys at a minimum have been around long enough anyone well-versed in them would know all the tricks one might have).

[Blue_Lion]

There are some intresting ideas for animals in after the bomb. Spider ghoats, pleasure bunnies, a mutant with the abilty to telaport and shifter mice to name a few.

[nilgravity]

The archeo genomics project is a threat to Desmond because it's getting results without all the cloak and dagger. Desmond is who we'd want in charge if we were in charge but Wendell is the kind of person the Coalition would want if they knew what Bradford was up to.

[taalismn]

The archeo genomics project is a threat to Desmond because it's getting results without all the cloak and dagger. Desmond is who we'd want in charge if we were in charge but Wendell is the kind of person the Coalition would want if they knew what Bradford was up to.

Ah, the perils of being the up-and-coming, yet politically naive, office genius. Desmind will either seek to subvert the chap by diverting Wendell to some project that contains him firmly under Bradford's thumb(Desmond's prefered means; he is a GOD after all) or, worst case scenario, a lab 'accident'(bitten by a rabid pomeranian a particularly virulent mutant strain of the disease, so tragic....).

[nilgravity]

Naked Mole Rats AKA Tunnel Rats
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cG7mApxm-s4/UP16xy8dHbI/AAAAAAAAAKU/Uxgkb3SO6Qg/s320/lonestarNMR.jpg
In perhaps the greatest perceived insult to the current director of the Lone Star Facility is the efforts of the Archeo Genomics Project to find ways to redeem the rodent mutant efforts (and bats which have somehow been lumped in there).
Pressure to recover the rodent project has increased as reports have trickled in of escaped mutant rats associating (and perhaps mating) with D-Bee rat humanoids (AKA Ratlings). Many back in Chi-town remembering before the mass exodus Director Bradford would brag at the superiority of his creations over the alien look a likes.
While researching different breeds/species that might be more loyal (or suicidal), Wendell’s team made quite the discovery. Naked Mole Rats are not true rats but look close enough to be a dig at the escapees (and also Bradford). More importantly they are a completely loyal species of rodent that behave similarly to social insects such as bees, ants or Xiticix.
A squad/digging team of these creatures is completely submissive to the female in charge of them. In nature it is a breeding female but a psi-stalker (or even sky stalker [back to that later]) work well for field teams. Their ability to breed in large numbers and fierce loyalty make them the perfect replacements for the rogue rat mutants. Even their poor vision isn’t seen as a major problem since they were never intended to be more than shock troops anyway.
Many generals are excited to use Naked Mole Rats in Coalition expansion. Enemies will be horrified as these terrifying creatures pop out of the ground and swarm their cities. They would be especially suited for taking over and running mining towns (Silvereno for example).
Naked Mole Rats are native to Africa, which was a concern of researchers, because it might have made genetic samples difficult to obtain. Luckily Naked Mole Rats were genemapped just before the golden age of science because they are extremely healthy rodents that live over thirty years and are especially resistant to cancer. Mapped genetics transfers quite easily to the sequencer.
R.C.C. Requirements: none
Player Character Note: Mole Rat society is based on intimidation and hence present many roleplaying challenges. Dominant females are usually more interested in breeding than anything else. Submissive workers have little time to pursue their own interests. It is recommended that players either create a psi-stalker to lead a group of Naked Mole Rat mutants or defender/warrior caste (requires PS 16 or higher). Naked Mole Rats only become feral by accident and will return to the CS unless they are afraid of the consequences.
Alignment: Any
Attributes
IQ: 2d6+3
M.E.: 2d6
M.A.: 2d6
P.S.: 3d6
P.P.: 2d6
P.E.: 3d6+8
P.B.: 1d6
Spd. 3d6 1d8 +2 digging
HF 12
I.S.P.
Hp: PE +1d6 per level
S.D.C: PE +5d6 +skill bonuses
Weight 100-145
Height 5
Appearance
Animal appearance. Stocky, covered in wrinkled skin and whiskers all over the body. Eyes are small ears have no parts outside the head. Teeth grow outside of the mouth in order to make sure dirt doesn’t get in their mouth while digging. Hands are human-like with opposable thumbs.
Human Speech
Typically full but hard to understand because all of their consonants are soft.
Natural Abilities
Prowl 60% +2%
Tunneling 80% +5%
Identify Scents 44% +2%
Track by Scent 30% +2%
Damage Bite does 3d6 SDC/HP Punch 1d6
Teeth are like little pick axes and can be used to gnaw through almost any SDC material (there are rumors that patient Naked Mole Rats have made their way through MDC material.
Underground Senses: Naked Mole Rats have very poor vision (all shots outside of point blank range are considered even with WP) but are somewhat compensated with increased tactile senses and body whiskers which allow them to stay in contact with walls and detect air movement +20% when applicable.
Tunnel Running: Naked Mole Rats run the same speed whether going backwards or forward.
Cold Blooded: Naked Mole Rats evolved in a very warm region and do not generate their own body heat. This limits how far north they can operate in year round
Magic None
PPE 3d6
Psionics 01-25% are minor psionics select four sensitive powers
RCC Skills
Speak American 90%
Radio: Basic +10%
Land Navigation +20%
Wilderness Survival +5%
Demolitions +12%
Prospecting +20%
Basic Mechanics +5

WP Knife
WP Shovel
Hand to hand: Expert
RCC Related & Secondary
Same as Mutant Rats
Standard Equipment & Money
Same as Mutant Rats. Body whiskers make full environmental armor ‘blinding’ to them. Rats also carry around something to compensate for their vision from magnifying glasses to large display optical equipment.
Cybernetics None
Typical Mission:
entrenchment, tunneling, infantry, sabotage, demolition. “Dig teams” typically have a female commander plus 20-50 tunnel rats.

[taalismn]

Poor, docile. vat-rats.....wanted as cannon-fodder. hated as a veiled insult. loyal to the meatgrinder....

[abtex]

Maine Cooncats are the best cats. They KNOW they're cool.

Kind of big as well

[SolCannibal]

Not quite something new, but these minis got my attention today:
http://www.bronzeagemin.com/miniatures_ ... oper-1.htm
http://www.bronzeagemin.com/miniatures_ ... oper-2.htm
http://www.bronzeagemin.com/miniatures_ ... ogue-1.htm
http://www.bronzeagemin.com/miniatures_ ... ogue-2.htm

[nilgravity]

Mutant Groundhogs AKA ‘Chucks
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5F0jGWvNV_4/UQ32lzK6yvI/AAAAAAAAALc/ye4wKlLWDmw/s1600/Groundhogs.jpg
The joke when developing mutant Groundhogs was that they would be the rodents answer to the Killhounds because of their burly build and their surprisingly aggressive behavior. The joke happened to have a little truth to it.
While primarily herbivores the unmodified animal will make prey of smaller animals. They are very grumpy and will attack an animal they perceive to be a threat. They can be kept as pets but they have to be conditioned to be more affectionate.
The mutant animal thus makes a loyal enough soldier but works best in solitary. Usually to set up and man outposts in the CS expansion of the west. The outposts are set up to resupply patrols and to warn impending attacks against western threats. These outposts are becoming set up more and more north because the groundhogs can tolerate a much colder climate than the Naked Mole Rats.
Geneticist of the Archeogenomics project are only vaguely aware of the Groundhogs sensitivity to time and mostly dismiss it. Mostly because Clairvoyance is not an unusual ability of mutant animals and groundhogs work primarily alone.
There are a few reports of Coalition patrols retreating to a Groundhog manned outpost and suddenly having no problem defeating the threat. On the surface it is assumed that it is simply a testament to the construction of these outpost or even the tactical superiority of the chosen location. These reports will eventually be examined more thoroughly and it will become more obvious that an abnormally high number of these reversals involved enemies manipulating time or the weather.

Alignment: Any
Attributes
IQ: 3d6
M.E.: 3d6
M.A.: 3d6
P.S.: 4d6
P.P.: 3d6
P.E.: 4d6
P.B.: 3d6 +4
Spd. 3d6 1d8 +2 digging

I.S.P.

Hp: PE +1d6 per level

S.D.C: PE +5d6 +skill bonuses

Weight 160-200

Height 5
Appearance
Animal appearance. Stocky, brown furry and adorably chubby. Because they are mostly underground dwellers their ears are smaller than that of a rat. Hands are human-like with opposable thumbs with large claws from the tips of the digits for digging.


Human Speech
Typically full but whistles a lot when talking especially if under stress..


Natural Abilities
Prowl 60% +2%
Tunneling 80% +5%
Detect Ambush 44% +2%
Identify Plants 30% +2%
Damage Bite does 3d6 SDC/HP Punch 1d6
Natural Clairvoyance 26%+2% (same as Sensitive ability)
Forecast 75% +5% (same as clairvoyance but only gives impression relating towards weather this includes Ley Line storms)

Temporal Stability: all technology or abilities that disrupt or change the flow of time have a +2 to their difficulty or must make a difficulty 14 save or have the ability negated. 25ft +5 ft per level
+2 initiative


Magic None

PPE 3d6
Psionics 01-25% are minor psionics select four sensitive powers (‘Chucks may also opt to take only three powers and add +40% to natural Clairvoyance

RCC Skills
Speak American 90%
Radio: Basic +10%
Land Navigation +20%
Wilderness Survival +15%
Demolitions +12%
Prospecting +10%
Basic Mechanics +9%
WP Energy Rifle
WP Knife
WP Shovel
Hand to hand: Expert

RCC Related & Secondary
Same as Mutant Rats

Standard Equipment & Money
Same as Mutant Rats.

Cybernetics None

Typical Mission:
Primarily used for setting up outpost and manning them but also used for missions along with Tunnel Rats including entrenchment, tunneling, infantry, sabotage, demolition. Female mutant groundhogs are sometimes used to lead a group of Tunnel Rats.

[Jedrious]

Mutant Groundhogs AKA ‘Chucks
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5F0jGWvNV_4/UQ32lzK6yvI/AAAAAAAAALc/ye4wKlLWDmw/s1600/Groundhogs.jpg
The joke when developing mutant Groundhogs was that they would be the rodents answer to the Killhounds because of their burly build and their surprisingly aggressive behavior. The joke happened to have a little truth to it.
While primarily herbivores the unmodified animal will make prey of smaller animals. They are very grumpy and will attack an animal they perceive to be a threat. They can be kept as pets but they have to be conditioned to be more affectionate.
The mutant animal thus makes a loyal enough soldier but works best in solitary. Usually to set up and man outposts in the CS expansion of the west. The outposts are set up to resupply patrols and to warn impending attacks against western threats. These outposts are becoming set up more and more north because the groundhogs can tolerate a much colder climate than the Naked Mole Rats.
Geneticist of the Archeogenomics project are only vaguely aware of the Groundhogs sensitivity to time and mostly dismiss it. Mostly because Clairvoyance is not an unusual ability of mutant animals and groundhogs work primarily alone.
There are a few reports of Coalition patrols retreating to a Groundhog manned outpost and suddenly having no problem defeating the threat. On the surface it is assumed that it is simply a testament to the construction of these outpost or even the tactical superiority of the chosen location. These reports will eventually be examined more thoroughly and it will become more obvious that an abnormally high number of these reversals involved enemies manipulating time or the weather.

Alignment: Any
Attributes
IQ: 3d6
M.E.: 3d6
M.A.: 3d6
P.S.: 4d6
P.P.: 3d6
P.E.: 4d6
P.B.: 3d6 +4
Spd. 3d6 1d8 +2 digging

I.S.P.

Hp: PE +1d6 per level

S.D.C: PE +5d6 +skill bonuses

Weight 160-200

Height 5
Appearance
Animal appearance. Stocky, brown furry and adorably chubby. Because they are mostly underground dwellers their ears are smaller than that of a rat. Hands are human-like with opposable thumbs with large claws from the tips of the digits for digging.


Human Speech
Typically full but whistles a lot when talking especially if under stress..


Natural Abilities
Prowl 60% +2%
Tunneling 80% +5%
Detect Ambush 44% +2%
Identify Plants 30% +2%
Damage Bite does 3d6 SDC/HP Punch 1d6
Natural Clairvoyance 26%+2% (same as Sensitive ability)
Forecast 75% +5% (same as clairvoyance but only gives impression relating towards weather this includes Ley Line storms)

Temporal Stability: all technology or abilities that disrupt or change the flow of time have a +2 to their difficulty or must make a difficulty 14 save or have the ability negated. 25ft +5 ft per level
+2 initiative


Magic None

PPE 3d6
Psionics 01-25% are minor psionics select four sensitive powers (‘Chucks may also opt to take only three powers and add +40% to natural Clairvoyance

RCC Skills
Speak American 90%
Radio: Basic +10%
Land Navigation +20%
Wilderness Survival +15%
Demolitions +12%
Prospecting +10%
Basic Mechanics +9%
WP Energy Rifle
WP Knife
WP Shovel
Hand to hand: Expert

RCC Related & Secondary
Same as Mutant Rats

Standard Equipment & Money
Same as Mutant Rats. Body whiskers make full environmental armor ‘blinding’ to them. Rats also carry around something to compensate for their vision from magnifying glasses to large display optical equipment.

Cybernetics None

Typical Mission:
Primarily used for setting up outpost and manning them but also used for missions along with Tunnel Rats including entrenchment, tunneling, infantry, sabotage, demolition. Female mutant groundhogs are sometimes used to lead a group of Tunnel Rats.

You forgot their uncanny ability to predict the weather

[nilgravity]

look a little harder lol

[Aramanthus]

This is a very cool idea. I am looking forward to trying some this out in my game.