Takeover Campaign An Alternate Cyberpunk world By Mark Manzano Timeline and Historical Background. Here are some notes given in the form of a timeline, it covers about 60 years, and it give a general idea as to what happened to the world after most world governments stating with the U. S. were taken over by assorted corporations. Date Event 1993 Mastrech Treaty held up by squabling European countries. 07/10/95 US Government has finally declared it's long overdue bankruptcy. 07/11/95 The US Congress and Senate pass the government dissolution and liquidation act, The president signs it into law that afternoon. The law goes into effect in two weeks after it was signed. 07/12/95 World stock markets starting in Tokyo Japan start to collapse as a result of the US government going bankrupt. To raise sufficient cash flow the US Government sells off gold from the reserve held at Fort Knox. 07/14/95 South Africa goes into economic nose drive as the price of gold collapses on the world market. 07/16/95 Masstrech Treaty finally ratified by all signing nations. Europe is finnaly united owing to the international economic crash of the us. 07/18/95 US government sell off begins, Federal offices and facilities across America are crowded with various corporations, and private individuals. The auctions that are held are compared by the media to sharks at a feeding frenzy. 07/21/95 Food riots in the US as a result of the now worthless food stamps, and as a result of the complete collapse of the welfare system. 07/24/95 Defense Department is bought out by it's own personnel forming an employee owned corporation, now named North American Defense Forces (NADF). The corporation sets up it's headquarters in the old Pentagon building, in the former capital of the US Washington DC. 08/01/95 The various intelligence agencies (NSA, CIA, etc.) form a new corporation named IntellNet. Corporate headquarters are located in Langly VA. 08/02/95 IntellNet is called "SpookCo" by various Wall St. types, the name sticks like glue. 09/11/95 Abortive military coup in the China, leads to complete and total chaos in most Chinese cities, and complete anarchy in the rural provinces. 09/13/95 Utah has a coup in the state capital, led by conservative fundamentalist Mormons. The state borders are closed, and all non Mormons are deported. 10/14/95 Pacific Rim Cartel (PRC) formed, it initial members include the following countries, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the colony of Hong Kong . 12/15/95 The Pacific Rim states (California, Oregon, and Washington) of the US join the PRC. 12/16/95 Hawaii Joins the PRC. 12/20/95 Alaska declares independence form the US, and sets up a Libertarian government. 01/10/96 Confederate States of America (C.S.A.) reformed in south east US, it's members are made up of all the old civil war confederation members, the C.S.A.'s capital city is Atlanta Georgia. 01/15/96 The C.S.A. signs long term defense and training contract with the NADF, contract lasts for ten years. 01/21/96 Texas declares independence. 05/11/96 US Treasury operations, and functions replaced by various major banks, they issue their own currency backed by various commodities. The money issued by major banks is generally accepted on a continent wide basis. 07/13/96 Hawthorn Eurotech starts it's buy outs forced or otherwise, of various high tech, biological engineering firms. 09/20/96 All operations formally handled by the Postal service now being handled by a combination of various delivery companies. 10/11/96 IntellNet merges with several credit, and consumer data services, thus expanding their share of the international information market. 110/07/96 Alaskan Free State signs trade accord with the PRC. 12/31/96-01/01/98 The Consolidation. 02/20/98 HEI starts the basic genetics research that leads to the AR/C series. 07/21/98 Renaissance Genetics Ltd. (RGL) founded. 10/25/98 RGL starts it's research into human-animal genetics, A-10 series started. 10/30/98 HEI genetic engineers succeed in their first design project, they make a pair of unicorns, that look exactly like their mythical counterparts. 01/25/99 HEI shows their pair of unicorns to the public for the first time at a major world horse show. The unicorns cause a worldwide sensation. Bowing to pressure as a result at the show, HEI makes a press release saying that they will have some for sale at the next major international horse auction in London England (EEC). 04/06/99 6 pairs of unicorns put up for sale at horse auction, they set a world record price for any breed of horse on the open market. 10/12/99 AR/C1 series (talking domestic house pets with limited intelligence, and vocabularies) perfected, plans are made by HEI's marketing division to sell them to the pet trade by the Christmas shopping season. 11/01/99 AR/C10 series gets massive advertising, and publicity push by HEI's marketing division. 12/30/99 AR/C10 series are the biggest Christmas hit, and topple all of the traditional toy sales, for the season. The average retail price for the ARC/10 series (Depending on breed) is N$ 1,000-2,500 and higher in some cases. 01/05/2000 NADF makes a massive order of AR/C1s (25,000, over a 10 year period.) in attack dog breeds, most other corporations, and some mercenary units follow suit. 05/15/2000 NULife BSC Incorporated. 11/27/2000 North American BioMedical Founded, Los Angeles CA. PRC 05/01/01 General Technologies formed after a merger of General Electric, United Technology, Allied Signal, and Rockwell International. 07/06/05 General Technologies sells it's NBC division to Turner Cable Systems, and drops out of the broadcasting industry. 10/12/05 Turner Cable Systems, buys Capital Cities/ABC Group in a forced merger. 11/20/06 CyberNet Systems Ltd., established, San Mateo CA, PRC. 06/11/07 Several corporations start research into mental computer direct interfaces. Experimental software, and cyberdecks are being tested. 10/13/09 Early cyberware is being tested on "volunteers". 02/14/10 Interface systems perfected. Birth of "The Net". 12/10/10 AIM capable secretly perfected, and brought on line by a number of corporations, and world governments. 19/07/12 HEI's AR/C series perfected. 20/12/13 HEI starts selling their AR/C series to various corporations, individuals, and assorted military operation on a world wide basis. 06/15/14 RGL starts selling its A-500 series of Animal Morphs. 07/17/19 All A-500s, and AR/Cs are commonly used as "contract" labor, for any number of hazardous, or unpopular types of employment. 09/11/19 NuLife stars selling their on line of specialized altered animals on the market. 10/15/19 The term Morph becomes the common name for all Animal Genetic Constructs 12/24/19 First known activities, of what the authorities and corporations now call a terrorist group, the Morph Liberation Front strike a HEI "production" facility, a RLG laboratory, and a NuLife shipment of altered animals. All of the corporations hit refuse to make comments. RGL withdraws from the industry after a statement from the CEO Dr. Richard Anson Ph.D.. citing "Ethical, and personal conflicts.". 10/08/20 Cyberware perfected, and is now available on the open market, although there are some problems with early production cyberware it proves to be popular with the general public. 04/02/21 Construction begins of newly established moon colony. The colony is named Luna 1. 10/12/25 Mining operations on the moon are now producing enough materials for export to Terra. 04/10/26 Construction of "Crystal Palace" begins at L4 point, It is a joint venture of General Technologies, Boeing Aerospace, and HEI. 06/11/26 Boeing Platform completed in orbit over Seattle-Tacoma. 09/12/26 Commercial Spaceport built at former Edwards Air Force Base by a number of Japanese, and PRC corporations. 10/30/32 Crystal Palace completed. 10/28/34 Mission to Mars launched by ESA and PRCSA, in a joint effort. The Mars exploration ship is named Neal Armstrong. 04/30/36 Mars Mission has successful landing on the Martian surface. 10/30/38 Mars Mission returns from Mars, with viable survey data. 01/05/40 Several Mars Colonization ships are launched, by various corporations and government groups from Moon Orbit. 06/10/42 Mars Colonies established. 12/10/42 First Martian war breaks out, HEI and General Technologies cite resources as main reason for hostility. 10/15/43 First Martian war ends, as both sides exhaust their military forces on Mars due to "supply" problems. 12/20/43 Morphs that have bought out their contracts are given rights as free citizens, however they are treated with blatant prejudice by the majority of the human population. 01/15/50 Campaign Starts. Takeover Campaign Overview. The World of the Takeover Campaign, is a cyberpunk future where almost all governmental functions have been taken over by multinational corporations, they have become for all due respects their own governments, complete with police/security forces, military troops, and assorted types of equipment and military hardware. However if something proves to be unprofitable (Like medical treatment for uninsured patients, or for that matter urban renewal projects) they won't do it. Of course if something can make them a profit they will. The corporations will also use any means at their disposal to make a profit. Even if that includes open warfare, acts of sabotage, industrial espionage, assassinations and kidnappings of key personnel, and other extreme tactics that can't be detailed. As far as the world itself is concerned just take for granted that everything is a mess. The cities are crowded and filthy, and needless to say there also dangerous places to visit . In fact just surviving in one on a day to day basis is a challenge, what with all of the crazies on the street, the gangs, the abusive corp cops who have nothing better to do, and other lowlife scum that infest the streets like sharks looking for victims to eat alive... The current state of the world. Here's some basic information on the current conditions in various parts of the world. North America Canada After the collapse of the US. Canada had the unfortunate task of closing it's borders to keep from being overrun by refugees fleeing the increasing chaos in the south. Ultimately they had to employ military units on their southern border refugees out. There were several violent border clashes between the Canadians and Americans trying to flee. There were several slaughters of civilians, and rouge US military personnel. Canada itself lost British Columbia when it joined the Pacific Rim Cartel in 1999, after this Quebec split off on it's own. And the what was left of the Western Provinces formed a loose confederating with, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wyoming. This left eastern Canada to fend for it's self. Canada's current statistics Canadian Federation (Eastern Canada) Population: 40 Million Demographics: Human: 95% Morph: 5% Capital: Ottawa Quebec Population: 20 Million Demographics: Human: 98% Morph: 2% Capital: Montreal Western CanAm Confederation Population: 15 Million Demographics: Human: 85% Morph: 15% Capital: Calgary United States of America Well, the USA no longer exists in its current form but here's what's left of it. Confederate States of America (C.S.A.) The C.S.A. is made up of all of it's former members. Currently they are completely insular and they tend to hold to old southern traditions. Currently they have got problems that a commonly associated with metroplex and sprawl zones, A higher then average crime rate coupled with pollution and a skyrocketing population. The Corporations do have major influence in the built up sprawl areas, and normally they can dictate local policy to city governments. C.S.A. Stats Population: 180 Million Demographics: Human: 75% Morph: 25% Capital: Atlanta Georgia. Federal States of America (FSA) The FSA is completely dominated by the corporations, so much so, that local government groups are only elected on corporate authority. Because the corporations also appoint people to political offices, the effectively control the region with an iron hand. The FSA has a lot of problems with overcrowding of it cities, excessively high crime rates, rampant corruption, and generally nasty environmental problems so that most of it's citizens are justifiably paranoid. FSA Stats Population: 240 Million Demographics: Human: 65% Morph: 35% Capital: New York City New York Mountain States Confederation (MSC) The MSC is made up of most of the Rocky Mountain states plus former US State of Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. They are generally under developed, and outside of their few sprawl zones they have mostly wilderness. As a general rule most of the population goes about carrying weapons, and they have a rather polite society. The corporations only have political power in the larger cities but outside of their power bases they are completely ignored by the majority of the population. And are normally treated with open contempt in rural areas. MSC Stats Population: 120 Million Demographics: Human: 70% Morph: 30% (of this 25% are believed to be runaways) Capital: Denver Colorado. Alaska Free State (ASF) This ASF is under populated by comparison with the rest of North America, it's main industries are primarily petroleum exports with the PRC. The population is mainly concentrated in the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks the rest is scattered in various small towns, and villages. Most of the people who live here carry firearms of various types, and the crime rate in the cities is remarkably low. In addition to this corporate interference is almost nonexistent. ASF stats Population: 12 Million Demographics: Human: 98% Morph: 2% Capital: Fairbanks Republic Of Utah The Republic Of Utah is a theocratic republic, more like a dictatorship then anything else. They are extremely isolationist and xenophobic they have completely closed their borders and any morphs that show up here ether get expelled, or if they are really unlucky they get killed by the authorities as abominations in the eye of God. As a matter of fact everything that most people take for granted, like abortion for instance, is impossible to get no matter what the reason. They also have revived some of the more dubious Mormon religious traditions like polygamy, etc. Stats Population: 25 Million Demographics: Human: 100% Morph: 0% Capital: Salt Lake City Republic of Texas Texas is primarily controlled by the oil, Industrial, and Ranching concerns. Texas is under some corporate influence, but this limited to it's large urban areas, The state has only two major sprawls, and they are centered around Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston. The rest Texas is dominated by oil fields, and ranching operations. Stats: Population: 90 million Demographics: Human: 85% Morph: 15% Capital: Austin. Pacific Rim States (PRS) The PRS are members of the Pacific Rim Cartel, and as such they are part of one of the current world powers. Most of coastal California, and it's cities are under the sway of the largest of the Japanese multinational corporations, the city San Francisco has been completely rebuilt to it's original appearance by several of the largest Japanese corporations and is still considered to be one of the most attractive modern cities in the world. However in most of the coastal sprawl zones crime, pollution and other problems are the norm. Stats Population: 220 Million Demographics: Human: 78% Morph: 22% Capital: San Francisco Ca. Mexico Mexico got hit hard by the collapse of the USA. It did not do very well at all it's economy self distructed along with it's central government. Right now Mexico is primarily used as a corporate client state, with it's vast pool of cheap labor and it's resources and complete it's complete lack of environmental regulations Mexico has become the industrial dumping ground for North America. Stats Population: 350 Million Demographics: Human: 65% Morph: 35% Capital: Mexico Central America Most of Central America is under domination of various corporations. As such the local conditions have a tendency to resemble what is happening in Mexico, with the additional problems of active subversive groups, including various "peoples liberation factions", eco-terorests, and assorted criminal trouble makers of various types. Stats Population: 275 Million Demographics: Human: 65% Morph: 35% Capital: NA South America South America, well it depends on where you happen to be, In South America the country you are in and what happened to it during the collapse tells what you can expect to find. Brazilian Empire This is the major power down here. When the collapse of the world economy happened they had a major military coup here. The new military Junta running the show stood back and watched as the rest of South America ether collapsed into complete chaos or were taken over by various corporations. The Junta not liking all of the surrounding anarchy, and political chaos moved in on Brazil surrounding countries and conquered them in one of the more successful military operations ever scene in the Americas. The following countries are now part of the Brazilian Empire. Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam, and Guiana. Stats Population: 400 Million Demographics: Human: 80% Morph: 20% Capital: Brasilia As for the rest of South America, it's ether owned by one of the corporations, or it's a complete mess. Stats Population: 250 Million Demographics: Human: 95% Morph: 05% Capital: NA Europe Most of Europe was thrown into a lengthy depression brought on by the collapse of commercial market places, starting with the fall of the US Government. The European economies eventually recovered as most of their governmental functions were privatized and put under the control of surviving corporate entities. Western Europe The nations of Western Europe because of the collapse, and the rise of the corporations for the most part went their own separate ways. They are still linked together through common market treaties, but the European Economic Community (EEC) died with the collapse of the USA. United Kingdom (England, Scotland, and Wales) The UK almost didn't survive. After a state of emergency was declared by the Prime Minister, and an effective police state was set up to deal with rioters, and terrorists. The UK was able to recover it's economy. Currently the UK is dominated by a number of corporations who moved in when the government privatized most of it's functions. England, has a number of sprawl zones most notably surrounding London, and the larger industrialized cities. That have all of usual problems associated with them. Stats Population: 110 Million (Mostly in sprawl zones) Demographics: Human: 75% Morph: 25% Capital: London England. France France has not had it easy, as a country it has completely fractionated along provincial and regional lines into a rather loose confederation, with Paris serving as a capital of sorts. Paris it's self is surrounded by extensive sprawl zones, except for it's central historical zone, and it's corporate controlled residential areas, most of Paris is not safe. Stats Population: 95 Million Demographics: Human: 85% Morph: 15% Capital: Paris Germany Germany became the most effective corporate state in all of Europe, They were able to pull together relatively fast after the collapse, as such they have one of the highest standards of living in the world currently, on the down side their are some tradeoffs. like corporations completely controlling all aspects of the lives of it's citizens to highest levels. But then again some of Germany's citizens have ether slipped though the cracks of the system, or they've gotten to a high enough corporate or social level that they can't be touched by it ether.. Stats Population: 90 Million Demographics: Human: 85% Morph: 15% Capital: Berlin Italy Italy split apart into it's traditional regional states, they are now a rather loose confederation with Rome as their nominal capital. The Italian states very in both economic wealth, and political power. The capital Rome is surrounded by sprawls in all directions. Out side of the central business district, The Vatican, and the historic tourist zones. Rome has all of the classic sprawl problems, and then some. Stats Population: 75 Million Demographics: Human: 75% Morph: 25% Capital: Rome is on a nominal basis, although most of the Italian states have their own capital cities. Spain and Portugal These too have basically just managed to survive as nations. however the both of them suffer from depressed economies and the both of them have been suffering from a drain of their best and brightest people to other countries in Europe, and they've been suffering from depopulation. On the other hand because their frontiers are "open". They have got an influx of runaway morphs, which because of their population problems they have not engaged in any sort of deportation practices much to the disgust of the runaway's contract owners. Stats Population: 60 Million Spain/45 Million Portugal Demographics: Human: 55%/60% Morph: 45%/40% Capitals: Madrid, Spain and Lisbon Portugal. Scandinavian Confederation (SC) The SC is a confederation of the Scandinavian countries. They are sparsely populated for the most part, with most of their citizens concentrated in planned coastal cities, none of these cities have sprawl zones, and compared to the rest of the world their rather safe. Of course the SC maintains a rather strict emigration policy that restricts the entrance of non citizens. The corporations that do operate out of here like to keep it that way, so much so that the cities tend to look like police states, what with monitor cameras everywhere and rather well armed corporate, and government police units that come in an obvious abundance. Stats Population: 80 Million Demographics: Human: 95% Morph: 5% Capital: Stockholm Sweden. Switzerland Switzerland still has the lead in international banking, they also manufacture most of the world's best cyberware in addition they still have the highest income brackets in the world. And they've remained completely neutral in world politics. Their cities are very clean, and very safe... Stats Population: 30 Million Demographics: Human: 80% Morph: 20% Capital: Geneva As for the rest of Western Europe the conditions, sprawl zones, and other problems depend largely what happened to the country that you happen to be in. Stats Population: 190 Million Demographics: Human: 80% Morph: 20% Capital: Depends on the country. Eastern Europe If you thought that Eastern Europe was a basket case back in the 90's you ain't seen nothing yet. All of the worst problems that you can find in the Takeover world are here, and then some. All of Eastern Europe, well for the most part anyway, are massive sprawls, with all of the worst of the sprawl related problems, skyrocketing crime, pollution, and industrial blight are the norm. The vast majority of the population that live here ether serve as corporate peons or they are unemployed, or live like feral animals. But then again Eastern Europe is noted for having an extensive and active black market, were virtually anything is available for a price. Baltic States The Baltic States (Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania) banded together and formed a mutual defense, and internal commerce system. They have effectively sealed off their borders from the rest of Eastern Europe, and maintain an isolationist world policy. As for local conditions no one is certain as to what goes on inside their borders. Stats Population: 60 Million Demographics: Human: 100% Morph: 0% Capital: Riga, Latvia. Poland Nothing works here, the corporate owned factories do but nothing else does, this place is almost completely sprawl and the few open spaces left are covered with lifeless forests and other debris. The local population when it isn't working spends most of it's time ether drinking, or doing nothing. Stats Population: 80 Million Demographics: Human: 75% Morph: 25% Capital: Warsaw Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia, is a complete industrial sprawl. It is completely choked by pollution, and has been so completely controlled by a series of outside corporations that most of it's population are corporate peons from their entire lives. Stats Population: 120 Million Demographics: Human: 60% Morph: 40% Capital: it used to have one. Hungary Hungary is the exception in the general mess that most of Eastern Europe is. They still have strong contacts with Austria and as such they have a shared economy because of this they aren't as overrun with sprawl zones. Stats Population: 75 Million Demographics: Human: 80% Morph: 20% Capital: Budapest. Bulgaria Bulgaria, yet another industrial wasteland, it's just like most of Eastern Europe a mess. Stats Population: 60 Million Demographics: Human: 80% Morph: 20% Capital: Albania Still broke, and backward. Nothing to note, it's mostly wasteland these days. Stats Population: 20 Million Demographics: Human: 95% Morph: 05% Capital: Rumania Rumania is still a basket case, it got passed over by most corporations as not being worth the trouble. It has backward industrial plants, and a rapidly declining population. Stats Population: 20 million, and dropping Demographics: Human: 100% Morph: 0% Capital: Long sense abandoned. USSR (AKA Russia) The USSR does not even exist in it's old form. During the collapse it completely self destructed, owing to a series of civil wars. Most of the western parts are covered in sprawls, and like the rest of Eastern Europe it's over polluted, has rampant crime and a thriving black market. Stats Population: 330 Million Demographics: Human: 75% Morph: 25% Capital: it used to be Moscow but it isn't any more. So much for Eastern Europe. Africa Africa is, depending on your location, it's ether sprawl or it's primitive with nothing but wilderness for miles around. As for major players their few and far between around here, and are generally concentrated in coastal cities and sprawl zones. Stats Population: 1 Billion (Total) Demographics: Human: 75% Morph: 25% Capital: Depends on the country. Asia Asia is a interesting place to live in, depending on were you happen to be a the time. China There's an old Chinese curse that states "May you live in interesting times". That describes China perfectly. From the Warlord dominated countryside to the sprawling cities China has it all, and then some. China itself is fractionated with assorted warlords, juntas of varying types, independent city states, and corporate controlled coastal areas. Because of the life in China is somewhat chaotic at times, and rather "adventurous" at times, if your looking for action this one of the places to be. The sprawl zones here can be very unforgiving to the foolish or ignorant, and as such a generally avoided by most.. Stats Population: 950 Million Demographics: Human: 80% Morph: 20% Capital: Used to be Beijing, but it doesn't count any more. Japan Japan is the leading nation of the Pacific Rim Cartel. This is one of the driving economic, and corporate power centers in the Pacific. Japan has large urban sprawls, that have an apparent orderly look to them. The truth is that they have problems with rising Yakusa activities, corporate corruption, and other dirty laundry that seldom if ever gets aired. Japan produces some of the best cyberware in the world, and they can go head on with any of their competitors, and they usually win. Stats Population: 240 Million Demographics: Human: 85% Morph: 15% Capital: Tokyo The Philippines The Philippines are an overly industrialized archipelago, they have a number of problems, massive sprawl areas coupled with an active terrorist network. Currently all employment comes from corporations of various types all of whom like the cheap native work force. Stats Population: 120 million Demographics: Human: 95% Morph: 05% Capital: Manila South Korea South Korea is a thriving industrial nation. They export a lot of lower priced cyberdecks, and cyberware to most of the world's market places. They do have sprawl zones located around their coastal cities, and Seoul their capital. Stats Population: 95 Million Demographics: Human: 80% Morph: 20% Capital: Seoul Other parts of Asia will be developed later. Australia Australia this country is still largely under populated and relatively sprawl free. They have only two major sprawl zones, the ones around Sydney, and Melbourne. This rest of the country has remained mostly unchanged over the years. Their population has remained remarkably low, and stable over the years. They export a number of raw materials that are of value on the world market. Stats Population: 45 Million Demographics: Human: 97% Morph: 03% Capital: Canberra Morphs Morph characters are essentially anthropomorphic animals. They are the result of genetic engineering, and as stated earlier, they are mostly used as a form of contract worker, usually employed in some of the more dubious, or dangerous lines of employment. As for physical looks they look like biped versions of their base animals, complete with the appropriate fur markings, and tails. Their facial structure includes the appropriate muzzles, ears, and eyes. Morph ownership contracts Most morphs are normally under some form of contract, this is a document that gives all rights a morph has under the law to a given morph's owner. All of the contract have the "buy out value" of a given morph (For most morph PCs the amount is the character's total points times a cash value from $100-$500 per point depending on what the morph's specialization is.) As such almost all morph characters are still owned by somebody, or they're runaways or some such. This also dictate the maximum amount of points for skills. Morph buy out cost table Job Skills $ X Body Guard 75 points 150 Combat Model 100 points 300 Security Guard 75 points 150 Lab Technician 80 points 175 Sex Toy/Escort 40 points 100 These are examples of the various jobs that morphs have training, and access to. If you don't like any of the above and can come up with anything that you prefer discuss it with your referee. New Advantages Body Coverings Varies Passive Defense (PD) costs 25 points per +1, up to a +6. PD doesn't have to be from armor; it could represent speed, as some morphs will have this (Cheetahs, and Leopards for example), or it might be a sixth sense that warns of incoming attacks. Damage Resistance (DR) cost 4 points per +1. This is normal physical DR, good against physical blows only. A morph can have any possible body covering, it all depends on what species the morph. The cost reflects the price of PD and DR; points have been added to some of the special properties described. Very thin fur, like that found on a Chihuahua dog. Prevents sunburn no other properties. (0 points) Spiny fur: Like porcupine quills PD 1, DR 1. Does 1d-2 impaling damage to opponents in close combat. (35 points) Feathers: Same effect as thin fur. (0 points) Fur: Acts like light clothing, most morphs tend to have this body covering, DR 1. (4 points) Thick hide: similar to elephant or rhino hide, PD 1, DR 1. (29 points) Thick fur: Like a polar bear's pelt for example. PD 1, DR 1. Acts as warm clothing. May cause suffering in hot weather! (29 points). Their are other possible body coverings but these are the most commonly encountered on morphs. Natural Attacks As morphs are based on animals, some of them are designed with their natural weapons intact. Claws 10/15/40 Small claws do +1 damage they cost 10 points, short claws do +2 damage and cost 15 points, Large claws allow hands/paws to do swing/cutting damage, and cost 40 points. Hooves 15 points Hooves are basically blunt striking weapons. They do +2 damage, and are a 15 point advantage. Teeth 0/5/10 points Teeth do damage as per p. B140. They are only good in close combat. Blunt Teeth (0 points) do crushing damage only. Figure damage as per p. B140, but halve actual ST.. Sharp Teeth (5 points) do cutting damage. Fangs (10 points) like those of the saber tooth tiger, do impaling damage. Morph Character Races This section covers the most common types of morphs that inhabit the Takeover world. They are arranged by species. One thing though when the morphs were being designed, most of the ungulate species were left out completely. Canines Coyotes Description: These morphs are wolf like in appearance, The color and texture of their fur varies considerably. Black patches may be found on the front of the arms, and near the base and tip of the tail. Advantages/Disadvantages: Coyote morphs have ST. +2 (20 points), and HT +1 (10 points). Their advantages are; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +1 (2 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), and Sharp teeth (5 points). They have the following Disadvantages; Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 40 Domestic Dogs This covers the most common species of domestic dogs that have been engineered in to morphs. For the most part these morphs are based on attack/guard breeds (Doberman Pincers, Rotwilers, and German Shepherds, etc.) for use as military models, or some of the more attractive species that are used as pleasure models, such as collies for example. Advantages/Disadvantages: (Military Models) They have ST. +3 (30 points), and HT +2 (20 points). Their advantages include; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Combat Alertness +1 (5 points), Reflexes (15 points), Sharp Teeth: Cutting Damage (10 points) Thin Fur (0 points). Their disadvantages include: , and Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 69 Advantages/Disadvantages: (Pleasure Models) They have ST. -2 (-15 points). their advantages include; Acute Hearing +1 (2 points), Acute Taste & Smell +1 (2 points), Appearance Handsome/Beautiful (+2/+4) (15 points), Charisma +1 (5 points), Thin Fur (0 points), and Voice (10 points). Their disadvantages are, Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 14 Foxes Description: These morphs are largely based on Red, silver cross foxes. They have all of the usual fox markings. The head and body are reddish in color, and the ventral surfaces are gray and white in color, in addition their tails are blackish towards the tip which white. And as is normal with foxes they have slit cat like pupils. Advantages/Disadvantages: Fox Morphs have ST. -3 (-20 points), DX +3 (30 points). Their advantages are; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Appearance: Attractive (+1) (5 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), Small Claws +1 damage (5 points). They have the following disadvantages: Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 17 Wolves Description: Wolves are the largest of the canine morphs. Most of them are almost exclusively used as military models. This morph has a large range of fur colors, they can be any color form black to white, although gray is the most common shade. Advantages/Disadvantages: Wolves have ST. +3 (30 points), and HT +3 (30 points). Their Advantages include Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points) Alertness +2 (10 points), Combat Reflexes (15 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), Sharp Teeth (5 points). They have the following Disadvantages: Bad Temper (-10 points), Duties to contract owner: 15- (-15 points), Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 82 Felines Cheetahs Description: Cheetah morphs look like a sleeker leopard. Their faces have distinctive black marks to ether side, the rest of the body has varying shades of yellow with numerous black spots. Advantages/Disadvantages: Cheetah morphs have ST. +1 (10 points, and DX +3 (30 points). Their advantages are Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +1 (2 points), Alertness +1 (5 points), Appearance: Attractive (+1) (5 points), Claws +2 (15 points), Increased Speed +1 (25 points), Combat Reflexes (15 points), Sharp Teeth (5 points) and Thin Fur (0 points). Their disadvantages include: Impulsiveness (-10 points) points), Social Stigma (-10 points) Point cost to play one: 96 Domestic Cats Description: This covers all of the known cat morphs. Because of the wide variety of fur colors, forms and markings of domestic cats, it is impossible to list them all here. Advantages/Disadvantages: Cat morphs have ST. -3 (-20 points), DX +3 (30 points), Their advantages are; Acute Hearing +1 (2 points), Acute Taste & Smell +1 (2 points), Appearance: Attractive (+1) (5 points), Catfall (30 points), Night Vision (10 points), Small Claws +1 (5 points), and Thin Fur (0 points). They have the Following Disadvantages; Duties to contract owner: Impulsiveness (-10 points), Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 74 points Lions Description: Lion morphs are normally tawny yellow, but can vary form gray to ocher and they can be blackish; females can be paler in color and are even lighter colored on their throat, and ventral surfaces. Advantages/Disadvantages: Loin morphs have ST. +5 (60 points), and HT +2 (20 points). Their advantages include; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Claws +2 (15 points), Combat Reflexes (15 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), Night Vision (10 points), and Sharp Teeth (5 points). Their disadvantages are; Bad Temper (-10 points), , Impulsiveness (-10 points), Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 92 Tigers Description: Tiger morphs are generally colored in one of two ways. The most common coloration is like that of the Bengal Tiger, an orange body with dark or black stripes, that is paler in coloration in the ventral surfaces. The other variation is that of the White or Siberian Tiger, when the body fur is completely white, with the usual black or dark colored stripes. Advantages/Disadvantages: Tiger morphs have ST. +5 (60 points), and HT +2 (20 points). Their advantages include; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Claws +2 (15 points), Combat Reflexes (15 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), and Sharp Teeth (5 points). Their disadvantages are; Bad Temper (-10 points), Impulsiveness (-10 points), Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 97 Pumas Description: Puma morphs body fur is colored yellow-brown, with paler fur on their ventral surfaces. They have black markings on their faces. Advantages/Disadvantages: Puma morphs have ST. +3 (30 points), And Ht +2 (20 points), Their advantages are; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Claws +2 (15 points), and Fur DR 1 (4 points). Their disadvantages are: Impulsiveness (-10 points), Social Stigma (-10 points) Point cost to play one: 57 Mustilids Ermines Description: Ermine morphs have fur colored like this the back is brown, and the ventral surface is yellow or yellowish-white. During the winter this morph's fur color changes to pure white with a black tail tip. Advantages/Disadvantages: They have ST. -4 (-30 points), and DX +3 (30 points). Their advantages include; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste and Smell +2 (4 points), Attractive Appearance (+1) (5 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points) and Small Claws +1 (5 points). They have the following disadvantages; Impulsiveness, and Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 2 Common Weasels Description: This morph is similar in appearance to the Ermine. This weasel is however slightly smaller looking. It's fur is reddish-brown on it's back, and white on it's ventral surfaces. Advantages/Disadvantages: They have ST. -5 (-40 points), and DX +4 (45 points). Their Advantages include; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), and Small Claws +1 (5 points). Their disadvantages are; Impulsiveness (-10 points), and Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 2 Otters Description: Otter morphs have dense glossy brown coats, there is a white patch on their throats. In addition their fur is waterproof. And they have webbing between their fingers, and toes. Advantages/Disadvantages: Otter Morphs have ST. -2 (-15 points), and DE + 3 (30 points). Their advantages are; Acute hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), and Small Claws +1 (5 points). Their Disadvantages are; Curious (-5 points), Impulsiveness (-10 points), and Social Stigma (-10 points). They have the following skills; Breath Control +1 (12 points), and Swimming +2 (4 points) Point cost to play one: 23 Skunks (Striped, Spotted) Description: (Striped) This morph is covered with shiny black fur. They have a white stripe on the forehead, with two other white stripes that fan out from the nape of the neck, and rundown each side. (Spotted) Their coat is identifiable by a striking pattern of white irregular stripes all over their bodies. Advantages/Disadvantages: Skunk morphs have; DX +2 (20 points). Their advantages are; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste and Smell +2 (4 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points). Their disadvantages are; Social Stigma (-10 points) Point cost to play one: 22 Wolverines Description: Wolverine morphs are the largest of the mustilids. Their long soft dense coat is dark brown in color. on the forehead there is a white mark, and on the sides of the body from the shoulders to the tail, there are two broad yellowish stripes. Advantages/Disadvantages: They have; ST. +3 (30 points), and HT +2 (20 points). Their advantages include; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Alertness +2 (10 points), Claws +2 (15 points), Combat Reflexes (15 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), and Sharp Teeth (5 points). Their disadvantages are; Bad Temper (-10 points), Social Stigma (-10 points), and Stubbornness (-5 points) Point cost to play one: 92 Procynonidea Raccoons, North American Description: Raccoon morphs have long dense fur, that is gray in color. They also have a distinctive black mask around the eyes. The tail has five to seven black rings. Advantages/Disadvantages: Raccoon morphs have the following advantages; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), and Small Claws +1 (5 points). Their disadvantages are; Curious (-5 points), Impulsiveness (-10 points), and social Stigma (-10 points) Point cost to play one: -8 Rodents Mice Description: Mice morphs have fur running from white to black, with a lot of variations in color and pattern. Advantages/Disadvantages: Mice Morphs have; ST. -5 (-40 points), and DX +4 (45 points). Their Advantages are; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +1 (2 points), and Thin Fur (0 points). Their disadvantages are; Dwarfism (- 15 points), Hit Points -2 (-10 points), and Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: -14 Rabbits Description: Rabbit morphs have fur running in color from white to black, with tawny browns, and tans being the most common. Rabbit morph fur coloring also as a large number of varying patterns. Advantages/Disadvantages: Rabbit morphs have; ST. -3 (-20 points) and DX + 2 (20 points). Their advantages are; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), Acute Taste & Smell +2 (4 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points). Their disadvantages are; Social Stigma (-10 points). Point cost to play one: 2 Ursoids Brown Bears Description: This Species is divided into several subspecies, among these are the grizzly, the Kodiak, and the European brown. The color varies from brown and silver gray, or blue, to black and pail beige. Advantages/Disadvantages: (Brown Bears); Have ST. +5 (60 points), and HT + 2 (20 points). Their advantages are; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), acute Taste and Smell +2 (4 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), and Large Claws (15 points). Their disadvantages include; Bad Temper (-10 points), and Social Stigma (-10 points) Point cost to play one: (Brown Bears); 87 Advantages/Disadvantages: (Grizzly/Kodiak Bears) HT + 2 (20 points). Their advantages are; Acute Hearing +2 (4 points), acute Taste and Smell +2 (4 points), Fur DR 1 (4 points), Increased Strength x 2 (50 points) Large Claws (15 points). Their disadvantages include; Bad Temper (-10 points), Gigantism (-10 points), and Social Stigma (-10 points) Point cost to play one: 77 Their are other possible species of morphs, but these are the most common ones. That players are likely to encounter or play as a character.