Jump forward to 1990, the world has started to settle down - Uni-Tech has been involved in several Scandals involving Politicians around the World in many Countries and City States taking 'gratuities' from Uni-Tech. Said Politicians were all involved in Voting on Policies or the Passing of Bills that involved Uni-Techs business in those locations - even though Agents and Operatives such as Jacob Nexus of British Intelligence or Wolf Sculder and Kate Mulley of the D.O.I. uncovered evidence that seriously implicated Uni-Tech in these scandals. The Courts in each instance mysteriously found Uni-Tech to be innocent of any wrong doings.
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Primes in Country's all over the world start to take over, this naturally leads to a Cold War - sometimes breaking out into out and out Conflict, Ricardo Khan declares Independence for the Bengal City State, his massive intellect and will raising an army of Carnivorous Dinosaurs to do his bidding.
The Other Indian City States, fearing Khans eventual Victory launch a Nuclear Strike against Bengal devastating it completely. Though there are reports that Khan fled the City and survived.
In the United City-States of America, a similar situation occurs - the Arlington shanty is dominated by a Prime calling himself the Soothsayer. He raises an Army of Primes, Mutts, and Morlocks and Marches on the Washington City State stating his intent on removing the last remnants of Government there and declaring himself Emperor of the Americas. A Nuclear strike is ordered, wiping out he Soothsayer's Army. It was obvious to the World this was setting a dangerous precedent - that simply using a Nuclear strike was the answer to all the world's problems, and that taking that simple answer would eventually lead to disaster.
Uni-Tech scientists had already realized that hard Radiation had an affect on the R.D.S. Virus after the Doombringer incident in 1983, possibly creating further mutations in those affected by it. This not only filled them with jealousy, as they had consistently failed to create Primes artificially - but worried them, as the release of radiation into the environment could speed up the 'evolution' of the Primes. Uni-Tech then started to take a more 'passive' (and positive) role in world Politics, actively and openly supporting Governments around the world.
In 1985, Varian Blackwood started Blackwood Industries - by 1990, in just 5 years Blackwood Industries had become the foremost Company world wide for producing Medical and non-Lethal Weapon Technology - Unlike Uni-Tech, such technology and Aid is given freely (another thorn in Uni-Techs side).
With Varians Help, NATO formed a new Elite Force known as the A.S.P. (Apocalypse Security Personnel) Troopers - charged with protecting the Planet from new and unusual Threats, the A.S.P.s are recruited from the best and are given the best equipment. One of their most Famous is Major Caprican, famous for his dashing good looks and derring do attitude. Christopher Caprican, in his quest for attention and adoration, insists on a special helmet design for his Troopers - and their Armour is White, rather than the standard Pale Grey of the A.S.P.s
It seemed like a new beginning for the world with Varian watching out for the planet and the newly formed A.S.P. Troopers as its Guardians.
But this story was far from over, in fact - it was just beginning . . . . . .
The World's Primes weren't united - by 1981 we were seeing both destructive Primes either causing havoc, or seizing control of small communities with the intention of raising warbands.
To Director Rick Savage, the Chief Executive Officer of the Initiative, and a Prime himself. The situation was unacceptable, he knew something had to be done - or the global situation with regards to these Super Beings was going to get much worse.
The Initiative dates back to 1947 as a result of the Roswell scare, its mandate was to act as a world investigation and defense force. Looking into strange occurrences and threats to world peace, and acting on them independent of any Government interference or influence.
In 1981 however, the Initiative changed with the mass recruitment of Primes into its ranks - most primes do not like to take Human life, the see all life as sacred whether it be Dino, Mutt, Norm, or Prime - and seek to do no harm wherever possible. This isn't to say they won't take more extreme measures when pushed, they just prefer not to if at all possible.
Commonly called "F.O.N." (shorthand for Freaks of Nature) by the rest of Humanity, these Brave men and women defend humanity regardless of any discrimination against them.
Whilst the Global defense mandate of the Initiative remained, the desire for less violent solutions to problems too precedent - this was enforced when Savage made a deal with Varian for Technological aid, and all the troopers were armed with Non-Lethal Subsonic Weaponry.
The Initiative maintains installations worldwide, but their main base is a gigantic hovercraft.
Their Mobile base of Operations is a gigantic Hover Platform known as the Vigilant - it is maintained by a crew of 124 Initiative Operatives, has a standing force of 80 Initiative Troopers and has at least 10 Primes stationed there at anyone time.
It uses similar lift technology to the Mark I Cobra Low Altitude Skimmer it cruises just above the ground, high enough to avoid trees, dinosaurs, and residential buildings - but not high enough to attract attention from above.
The Vigilant has the best in security technology, including several mounted Blackwood Industries "Neural Scrambler" which emits subsonic waves that cause both Dinosaurs and Carrion to (for the most part, its not perfected yet) ignore the Vigilant should it have cause to land.
The Initiative stands as a force for peace and stability, in a world gone wild.
Coming Soon - THE M.A.T.A.T.!
The Blackwood Industries Mark I Sentry Unit isn’t the only Robot in Town.
The NATO A.S.P. troopers also have Inorganic Backup, based on earlier non-Varian A.I. Technology - the M.A.T.A.T. (Mobile All Terrain Automated Trooper) Units can have a tendency to Malfunction when not maintained properly, shooting on friend and foe alike.
Still, their presence on any field of Battle far outweighs any concerns over safety - as they are only used away from the Civilian Population.
Armed with a Subsonic Cannon and a "Grabber" (a modified mechanical claw which grew out of the Cutter and Spreader devices used by Rescue Services) capable of exerting 95 tonnes of pressure. A M.A.T.A.T. can also be fitted with Twin-Linked heavy blaster rifles, a flame-thrower, or a water cannon depending on the nature of its duties.
Soon to be released (should have been earlier, DAMN YOU SALUTE!) 66mm Tall, cast in Resin 50mm Base. £12.99 Each. Sculpted by Carl Stoelzel - assisted by Dave Stone. I'll be taking orders for it in about a week or so.
The First Picture is of an actual production Model, the second Picture is of the Pre-Production Model to give an idea of scale (Porky Ironsides Miniature not Included).
The Seraphis Institute in one form or another has existed since the time of the Crusades, its mandate has always been one of investigation and exploration, and has always stood for knowledge and learning above all else - even during the 17th Century, when they found themselves at odds with the Catholic Church.
All Members of the Seraphis Institute are unique individuals, some call them Primes - others call them Freaks, the only fact people should know is that the Seraphis Institute has Powerful, Driven, Agents working for it.
The most important and well known personalities are as follows -
Charley 'Ruby' James has the powers of Energy Projection and Empathy, an elegant and demure English rose as dangerous as she is beautiful. Beautifully spoken, elegant to a fault – her balletic movements bely the fact she is a deadly hand to hand combatant.
Dr Klae Steele has Invisibility and Intense Cold powers. A strange man, older in his ways than his appearance gives away - there is something behind those cold blue eyes
that's disturbing. Whilst he is happy to rely on his abilities, he is also more than capable of using the special Side Arms most Seraphis Agents carry.
Sterling Mercury has Speed and Sense Manipulation (minor mind control, and illusion creation), he is quick witted and capable - people underestimate him because he is almost supernaturally charming and has a great sense of humour, that is generally a Mistake.
"P.B." has Prowess Augmentation (Strength and Damage Resistance on demand) and Psychomtery, a huge black man – massively strong with fists like coal shovels. Most find him intimidating - but he is the most gentle man you could wish to meet.
Then there is Major John Colt, a seemingly jovial ex-military type - but don't let his middle aged spread and jolly demeanour fool you, as an ex British Secret Service Agent there’s a lot more to Major Colt than meets the eye.
Last we have Agent Harry Solo - a retired United Nations Special Agent, tough as Nails and quite ruthless. Skilled in capturing (and terminating) Rogue Primes - in part thanks to the special Sidearm Seraphis Agents carry. To underestimate Solo is to take a gamble – and Harry Solo never loses at Cards.
They are all Members of the Seraphis Institute, a Group of British Scientific Trouble-shooters charged with investigating our changing world - and help protect it. Privately Funded, and answerable to no one but themselves - the world is lucky they hold themselves to the highest moral standards. All operatives are equipped with the latest advances in technology, freely provided by Varian (who has ties to the Institute) - including the most up to date equipment and weaponry.
Whilst the day to day running of the Institute is down to Major Colt - but Dr Steele, his adopted Daughter Jenna, and Harry Solo decide on the placements and make all the strategic decisions, whilst all planning and long term thinking is done by the Metatron - the Institutes A.I. Computer, created by Varian Blackwood and donated to the Institute.
The Seraphis Institute were spectacularly Sculpted by talented Ian Mountain.
Every Game Setting needs good guys and bad guys, and S.D.Z.A. is no exception to that rule.
About the Factions
In S.D.Z.A. there is plenty of choice and it’s not a case of you can ONLY take certain things in certain Factions – there are a lot of ‘mix and match’ possibilities. Good vs Evil are pretty much the only restrictions, and even then with mind controlling psychotropic drugs and electronic control collars - that line can get a little Fuzzy.
Humanity
At the end of the Day, the Earth is filled with people – normal folks just trying to do their job, or even survive. These are the regular “Human” Factions that n the base game.
Regular Folk – Not So Regular.
A lot of people spend most of their lives within the City States, the surviving Communities during the Year of Chaos walled themselves off – only rarely trading with other City States. Corruption became rife in a lot of these cut off communities – they rarely let in new blood, and thanks to the Neo-German alliance and their National Sport of 'Death Ball' Gladiatorial-Like Sports became the norm for entertainment – Shanty Dwellers (those who live in shacks and old trailers just outside the city walls) would fight for the right of Citizenship, but even those who won rarely survived their wounds to join the elite. Even when they did, life inside the safety of the Walls was rarely what they expected.
Self Sufficiency and Recycling became the key to survival both inside and out of the Walled Cities – food gets recycled as fertilizer or feed for livestock, bodily waste from both humans and animals gets turned into fuel. Nothing is wasted.
All these factors go to make for tough and hardy stock (not to mention they are cunning) and these “types” form the Core of the Human Faction. Rednecks, Shanty Dwellers, City Security, Wasteland Warriors – all are possible within the SDZA Rules and Setting.
The Rangers have what is considered to be one of the Toughest jobs on the planet, these brave Men and Women regularly risk their lives for Civilians and Military alike - if there's a Dinosaur, Wildlife, or Territory problem, they are the ones called in to sort it. The Ranger Movement (or D-Ranger/Dinosaur Ranger depending upon your preference) grew from the Staff at the first Dino-Parks - originally their membership comprised of the regular Staff, Veterinarians, Palaeontologists, Experienced Zoo Keepers, and Animal Behaviour experts hired to work at and maintain the Dino-Parks – during the Year of Chaos when the Dinosaurs escaped the Dino-Parks, and started roaming wild and free - the remaining governments of the world hired most of the original Rangers to help monitor, control, and even capture escaped and wild Dinosaurs in an attempt to control the situation - though their modern Duties and responsibilities are greater today – acting as border guards and peacekeepers, Rangers often Deal with Carrion Outbreaks and Criminal Problems outside a City States walls as well.
Uni-Tech are the Corporation responsible for the Dino-Parks and the subsequent mess created - they can be played as either bad or good guys (depending on your own perspective). They have the best Weapons and Technology in the game, and so tend not to show up in great numbers. Ruthless, Efficient, and Direct are words that best sum-up Uni-Tech.
Cops and Government Types - Special Agents, the Military and Private Security – then there are the “Super Troopers” (as the general Population call them) the super-elite A.S.P. Troopers of N.A.T.O. With the increased need for Military Aid during (and after) the Year of Chaos – N.A.T.O.s mandate became more that of a World Military Police Force, than just a European Peace Keeping force. Varian Blackwood, Agents Sculder and Mulley, and Jacob Nexus himself generally work in this area (though Varian maintains his own Private Security as well).
The Primes of the Initiative (F.O.N. Operatives)
Our beloved Super Beings are technically split three ways, you have the Sanctioned Primes - those that work for the Initiative. These are your "Freaks Of Nature" Operatives, though they function on their own (and even have their own Troopers) they can be included in with any "Good" Army, so Military, Government types, and Human "Survivors". If you field F.O.N. Operatives with a Sentry Unit however, you may only ever take one Sentry – as they have a distaste for ‘Inorganics’.
The Carrion & the Giaour
The Carrion aren't your "predictable" Zombie faction - you will even see some humans mixed in with Carrion on the battlefield. There are Rednecks who have lived in the Barrens so long they've become cannibals and live alongside the Carrion - picking up their leftovers for food -they are basically a clan of modern Ghouls. The "Giaour" as they call themselves function as "back-up" for Carrion Forces or you can field a Force of Giaour and take a few Carrion as cannon fodder. They may even take a special Prime Character, known only as "The Prophet" . . . .
The Brotherhood
The Brother faction is the most exclusive (whilst politically being the most inclusive) - and has the least "mix and match" potential. They are led by the children of the original Rebels who almost started the war between the Normals and the "Chosen" (as they choose to call themselves), the Brotherhood is made up of Primes (both lesser and greater) and their Supporters. Rebs, Primes, Morlocks (pale skinned tunnel dwellers, de-evolved into APE Like Creatures by the R.D.S. Virus), Mutt's and the feared Caprican Legion make up their Number.
The Caprican Legion
The original Caprican Legionnaires were former ASP Troopers who manifested Mutations brought upon by the R.D.S. Virus - the crack 12 Man team led by Major Caprican, fearing for their position and status - not only within the Ranks of the ASP Troopers, but also society as a whole, vanished into the Wilderness. Taking with them a cache of ASP Trooper weapons and gear Only to show up some time later fighting amongst the ranks of the Brotherhood as the white clad Caprican Legion.
The Caprican Legionnaires are never seen without their Unique Helmets, different in design to the Regulation ASP Trooper gear - more menacing and completely covering their heads. The stories go that the Legionnaires are so deformed, so twisted by the R.D.S. Virus - that they never show their faces out of shame.
Other stories tell of them augmenting their slowly decaying bodies with stolen Varian Blackwood Technology, and that they are more Machine than Man now - held together by their now dirty and stained white Armour and stolen cybernetics have fully bonded with their twisted and broken forms.
Utterly Loyal to Major Caprican and totally ruthless, when fighting the Legionnaires barely utter a sound other than in response to their Leader - "By Your Command" . .
The Dinosaurs
Along with regular Dinosaurs, you have "Smart" Dino's who lead their brethren and the True Breeds that are species that breed true, unlike their more tragic brethren the Mutts (see below) that are actually evolved Carnivores rather than hybrids. Unless you have a Torem leading your Dinosaur Faction (A Torem is a type of True-Breed that has manifested Prime Powers) you may not mix Carnivores with Herbivores.
The Seraphis Institute
These are the 'Men in Black' of S.D.Z.A., a shady Organization made up of Primes, and ex Government Types, and Freelance Agents. Whilst ostensibly fighting on the side of Good, their long term objectives are unknown.
The Outsiders
The Outsiders are those rejected (or those who reject) Society – some by choice, some by an accident of Fate.
Most (not all) Primes come about because the RDS Virus affects them that way, Mutts because the RDS Virus passes back into the Human population from the Dinosaurs and "carries" some of the Dino characteristics with it - this leads to either Mutt's being Born to healthy individuals who were Carriers - or spontaneous "change" caused by the Infection.
The "Mutts" - poor souls are those who through exposure to early versions of the R.D.S. (Reactive De-evolution Syndrome) Virus ended up as twisted fusions of Dinosaur and Human.
Primes born outside of Communities generally join the Brotherhood, those who don’t join
the ranks of the Ronin - Rogue Primes who refuse to work with either The Brotherhood or the Initiative. Though the don’t always start out as Outsiders (some are ex Institute for example) they always end up as such.
The Highwaymen - ex Military, ex Rangers etc. - people who get "danger addicted" and want to make a lot of money fast - they are a Faction in their own right, but can also work with Good or Bad guys as Mercenaries - unscrupulous Highwayman can be in the Hire of Uni-Tech - whilst another could be working to bring much needed supplies to a Shanty Town.
The Time Knights
Strange Robed Figures have been seen of late, swathed in heavy purple robes trimmed with strange hex designs.
They carry strange sidearms, that can project focused streams of plasma - 'Plasma Blasters' they call them, people who have encountered these strange individuals have heard them mention their weapons by name.
They possess powers akin to those of the Primes, yet when scanned with a Visor do not show up as such. In fact on the rare occasions where a blood sample has been taken from these Strangers, its been ascertained that it has human and non-human characteristics - and that there is every indication they are immune to the R.D.S. Virus.
These brave 'Knights' always seem to arrive in the nick of time, to help or aid the enemy. Though the dark ones generally wear Black, Dark Grey, or Dark Burgundy robes and alien looking helmets - these Marauders seem hell bent on causing as much chaos and destruction as possible. But their robes sport the same strange designs.
Where they come from, or what their motives are are unclear - but it's obvious these strangers are a force for good, and evil . . . .
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