COLONIAL TIMES

THE JOURNAL FOR THE 2300AD SCI-FI ROLE-PLAYING GAME

ANDROSYNTHESIS
ROBOTICS AND SYNTHETIC LIFE

‘OPERATION BACK DOOR’ PART TWO

THE YLII: ENIGMATIC NEIGHBOURS JUST OUT OF REACH
PATRONS: NIEMOLLER / DESAY
THE ROSE OF CASCADIA: PORTLAND, OREGON IN 2300
ON DECK: THE BOBCAT ARMOURED FIGHTING VEHICLE
YOUR WORLD: NEWS FROM THE CORE & THE COLONIES

3 WINTER 2013
STYGIAN FOX
STYGIAN FOX
 CONTENTS
4 SIGNALS FROM THE DEEP DARK Writers
Colin Dunn, Steff. J Worthington,
5 EDITORIAL Dave Elrick, Chuck Gannon,
Wesley Street.
6 ‘OPERATION BACK DOOR’
MULTI-PART ADVENTURE Artists
BY CHARLES E GANNON Steff. J Worthington,
PART 2: ‘FIRST CONTACT’ Leostarkoneru, Kruger 46,
Laurent Esmiol, Mark Hirst,
Ian Stead, Richard Spake,
18 SPECIES: THE YLII
A HARMONIOUS RACE ‘Hameed, Nicholas Cloister,
BY CHUCK GANNON Tyrapollo, Knightflyte96,
Gebostock, Gavin Dady,
Wesley Street, Neville D’Souza,
38 ANDROSYNTHESIS
ROBOTICS AND SYNTHETICS
Benjamin Cehelsky
Dawn Allyn, J.B. Halverson
ARTICLE BY COLIN DUNN
Miranda Hedman, Sade Shizuku.

46 ON DECK: THE BOBCAT AFV

AN ARMOURED FIGHTING
VEHICLE. ARTICLE BY COLIN
Cover art:
DUNN & MARK HIRST ‘Alpha’
by Albert Urmanov
49 PATRON: NEIMOLLER/DESAY
AN ADLERHORST BASED
http://albyu.deviantart.com/

PATRON Direction & Editing

BY DAVE ELRICK Steff. J. Worthington

52 SETTING: PORTLAND 2300

THE ROSE OF CASCADIA
Copyright
All contents are ©2013 by their respective
BY WESLEY STREET creators. 2300AD is a trademark of Mongoose
Publishing for their science fiction roleplay-
ing game. Colonial Times is a trademark of
59 YOUR WORLD
NEWS ROUNDUP
Stygian Fox for its magazine of sci-fi roleplay-
ing and futuristic design and is published to
an irregular, but charming, schedule.
BY STEFF WORTHINGTON ‘Ashen Stars’ is copyright Pelgrane Press Ltd.

62 CONTRIBUTORS DETAILS
Submissions
& Contact
steffworthington@hotmail.com
Colonial Times is an unofficial magazine dedicated to the science fiction RPG ‘2300AD’. ‘2300AD’ is copyright
2012 Mongoose Publishing. This free fan based magazine is not for sale and is a work of fiction. No similarities
to real world people or events are intended. As it is catering for both the GDW & Mongoose versions, it may
feature articles out of chronological order with the current Mongoose rules & setting.
 SIGNALS FROM THE
DEEP DARK
TOPICS BEING DISCUSSED ON FACEBOOK, G+, AND ELSEWHERE

FACEBOOK GOOGLE+

James Randolph Thomas Jr. Klaus Teufel

From 2300ad ships hulls are mold- Thoughts about King.

ed sandwiches of material that
are formed to the shape required. I figure Kinglish males wouldn’t
Wouldn’t this make hull repairs a shave as a rule, because of the
bit more expensive as it is a custom danger of cuts. (As if they’re not
piece? Except for prefab slabs or dwarvish enough!)
standard hulls (cylinders and cargo
containers) other sections might be Chris Lee
more expansive.
So um...rules-lawyering question/
Randy McDonald hypothesis about extending stut-
terwarp distance using ejectable
Neutrino telescope arrays would be cores:
cool. Just saying.
What is the feasibility for using
h t t p : / / w w w. u n i v e r s e t o d a y. tugs (or just warping to) an empty
com/106659/neutrino-detection- chunk-o-space to build a produc-
could-help-paint-an-entirely-new- tion plant for drives. If done at tug-
picture-of-the-universe/ ish distances, would it be possible
to overhaul old drives with a new
Constantine Thomas core and reuse it? Take the used
Ta-180 and put it on an unmanned
Speaking of higher gravity worlds, barge to discharge, salvage it back
here’s an interesting article by An- to raw material to reuse?
ders Sandberg about what a world
twice the radius of earth would be I’m guessing the core discharge
like (in Wet and Dry varieties): issue is a big reason why antigrav
http://www.aleph.se/andart/ar- doesn’t exist - to prevent building
chives/2013/11/greetings_from_ discharge waystations in the black
doubleearth.html to bridge uncoverable distances.

4
 EDITORIAL
ne of the problems with sci-fi fact. Recently we had a discussion
RPGs is that they can date really about medicine in the year 2300
fast. Anyone who thumbs through and we barely got past 2020 before
the Equipment Guides will quickly problems started to crop up.
realise that the Portacomp, with its
memory chip of 200mb, is dwarfed “We’ve reached the end of anti-
by the 64gb micro-SD I currently biotics.” is the kind of statement
have in my phone. that I’d usually put up there with
asteroid impact predictions and
So I was wondering, what else in a zombie apocalypse. Neverthe-
the 2300AD universe is likely to less, in no longer than 10 years the
dated in the next 10 years? Hope- miracle of anti-biotics will be be-
fully we’ll see 2300AD still in print hind us. People being prescribed
for the next 10 years and Colin and incorrectly and not finishing their
others will be updating the tech courses, overuse on animals, and a
as they go, but how much do you lack of research in alternatives have
think it will have changed? Will gotten us to a point where there are
we have computers with 10tb hard some virulent bacteria out there
drives? Will smart phones have 1tb that cannot be controlled.
sd cards?
So will simple extrapolation do for
Over recent years we have seen 2300AD? Or will we need to re-
enormous strides in technology in think our ideas of technology for
the spheres of propulsion, energy the future?
storage, energy production, and
healthcare. Will those same areas Next issue I hope to have an arti-
have the same focus in 2300? cle that deals with medicine for
2300AD. Luckily, I have an excel-
<amy things can get in the way of lent resourse close at hand!
that progress, something like Twi-
light perhaps, but also from reach-
ing a scientific dead end. Of these,
the tech tree that worries me the
most is medicine. My girlfriend
is a scientist working in immu-
nology and while I find her work
interesting, it’s also a little terify-
ing. Not given to hyoperbole, she
is a woman who looks at evidence Steff. J. Worthington
before entertaining something as Editor

5
 OPERATION BACK DOOR
THE COMPLETE ADVENTURE BY CHARLES E. GANNON

EPISODE 2 : FIRST CONTACT

Morgan’s Firearm BEFORE: to be jammed. Similarly, radiation emis-
sions from active sensors --and deep
First introduced in In the first episode, the characters signed system scanners-- seems to be emanat-
2298, this pistol was on to lead ‘Operation Back Door’. The ing from the general vicinity of the third
fated from the first objectives sounded simple; explore the and fifth planets in the system.
to be known almost unknown systems leading to the brown
exclusively by its nick- dwarf known as Back Door, take a quick The signals begin to taper off as the
name, the `shoot and peek into what may be Kafer space, Cat’s Feet moves deeper into the sys-
whisper.’ The first AIA keep an eye out for a `mystery race’ that tem. However, since the signals are only
interdepartmental might be enslaved by the Kafers, and re- traveling at the speed of light, a little ba-
memo describing the turn. After accepting the mission, the sic math will reveal that the ship must
gun contained a single characters got acquainted with their have been detected just after it crossed
typo (an omitted ship and crew and left to blaze a trail the heliopause, causing the locals to
space) that rendered through unknown space. Now they are cease their transmissions.
the gun’s classification journeying toward the last stop on their
as the S&WISP 106. agenda; system SS-27 6854. Uppermost It is of course possible that the crew of
Given the extreme on everyone’s mind is that this might be the Cat’s Feet will instead become the
silence of the weapon, Kafer territory. crew of the Cold Feet and decide to
S&WISP immediately turn tail and run. However, two of the
was jokingly trans-
lated into `shoot and
ACROSS THE NPC crewmembers are fairly sure that
these signals are NOT indicative of a
whisper.’ The weapon THRESHOLD: Kafer presence insystem. Hannah, who
itself is anything but a served as a part-time commo officer in
joke, however. Where: System SS-27 6854
the Kafer Conflict, and Dumaine, who
(-8.8, -47.7, -11.7)
has as good a knowledge of Kafer com-
With the exception of munication styles and methods as just
its barrel, the S&W What: Arrival and spaceside discover-
about anyone, both conclude that these
ISP fits into the palm ies in the Ylii home system
signals are not of Kafer origin. Every-
of a hand, and is thing is wrong, from the bandwidths
almost 100% con- Upon entering the SS-27 6854 system,
being used to the sophistication of the
structed from ad- the players will immediately be aware
channel-switching. These signals, as-
that the system is inhabited. Radio sig-
serts Dumaine with a highly-excited
nals --unintelligible binary coding-- can
6 be found jumping up and down the dial,
never staying in one place long enough
gleam in his eyes, are being made by
someone else; some intelligence that
humanity has not yet encountered.
Since this will (SHOULD!) get the play- ment on this planet is largely maintained vanced plastics.
ers eager to see what this system holds, by its very dense atmosphere and high Those pieces which are
they will begin to head insystem. The greenhouse effect. Orbit four is not com- not made of plastic
data --and scenes-- they will encounter pletely devoid of matter; a small attenu- are easily remov-
are included below. Note that the great ated cloud of debris is present. Long term able (making the gun
majority of the HISTORY of the garden analysis may in fact reveal that there was quickly `invisible’ to
planet cannot be attained in this scene, once a small world here (1120 km in di- a great many security
but must wait until actual contact with ameter) that was apparently blasted apart detection systems)
the inhabitants of the world (the Ylii). over 100 millenia ago. This small world and have been ar-
was a casualty of the Y’Lii War, a fact chitectured to give
SS 27 6854 which the Y’Lii themselves lost track of, the weapon optimal
but have since rediscovered via their own balance and recoil-
Stellar Type: K6 V research. absorption character-
Absolute Magnitude: 8.3 istics.
Radius: 0.556 Planetary Overview
Mass: 0.552 The Shoot and Whis-
Luminosity: 0.062 The Y’Lii homeworld, known to the Y’Lii per is unusual in that
Temp. in Degrees K: 3980 as Ssuushni’a (which translates roughly as it uses a binary pro-
Number of Obits: 6 `Mother-Island’) is a large, misty world pellant system, rather
with extensive polar caps and deep oceans. than fixed cartridges.
Planetary Data Lying just beyond its smallish sun’s life However, the nature
zone, it rotates through a very slow day/ of these binary propel-
Orbit AU World and Core Type Diameter Density night cycle of just under 30 hours. The lants is quite uncom-
1 0.12 Hothouse, rocky 5,934 0.8 presence of three satellites creates signifi- mon. The gas mol-
2 0.16 Hothouse, rocky 15,870 0.8 cant tidal cross-currents, making the seas ecules produced by the
3 0.25 Cool Gdn rocky 17,123 0.7 choppy, fickle, and pock-marked with exothermic reaction
4 0.35 Debris ----- ----- --- storm-generation centers. However, these are ionized with a
5 0.50 Failed Core rocky 9.989 0.9 same features tend to undercut the forma- weak positive charge.
6 0.75 Failed Core icy 17,120 0.3 tion of tidal waves. This is makes it pos-
sible for the S & W
System Overview The land which is not ice-bound is lush ISP to incorporate the
with undergrowth, owing to the high av- compact return-sleeve
The Y’Lii home system is most notable erage humidity of the atmosphere. In the (or `u-turn’) integral
for the fact that its `garden’ world ac- slighly lower gravity, vegetation tends to silencer design. As the
tually lies .006 AU beyond the parent grow taller and favors tapering forms. bullet clears the bar-
star’s life zone. The temperate environ- Given the enhanced power of Ssuushni’a’s rel, an electro-mag-
netic ring at the muz-
LIFE ZONE
zle puts out a brief,
high-power negative
core)

core)

SYSTEM CHART FOR pulse. This slows the

6854

(hothouse)
(hothouse)
Ssuushni’a

expanding, positively-
SS 27 6854
(debris)

ionized gas via elec-

(failed

(failed

tromagnetic repulsion,
27

redirecting much of it
into baffles that travel
SS

7
AU 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 5.0 10 15 20 25
 Ylii Spacecraft

`backwards’ toward
the firer. windstorms (and their frequency), approaches 90 %. However, these are not
these growths also tend to grow as `clouds’ in the proper terrestrial sense
The gas that main- `networks’ that emulate a superstruc- of the word, but are more akin to diffuse
tains its forward di- ture grid, or to display an almost elas- mist. Indeed, if the cloud cover was of a
rection (roughly 35%) thicker variety, the planet’s albedo (light
tic flexibility and resilience. Hence, the
is channeled through `trees’ of Ssuushni’a may be either area reflective) properties would increase and
the OR point producers. probably tip it into a permanent glacial
forward-leading baf- age. As a result of its peculiar atmospher-
fles that continue for The fauna of the world includes a great ic conditions, Ssuushni’a has a mysteri-
approximately 5 cm number of aviforms, some massing ous, murky appearance; a fuzzy smudge
beyond the muzzle. over 120 kg. Impossible on most other of greens, blues, and polar white.
This results in a very worlds, Ssuushni’a’s low gravity and at-
silent weapon with mospheric density make these glider/
a very short overall fliers possible. Another common fea- However, a patient observer would even-
profile. ture in its fauna are either very large tually be rewarded with spottings of
eyes, or extensive echolocation/sonar buildings in deserts and wastelands. Al-
The S & W ISP also development. Both of these sensory most all of these would seem to be either
features an integrated adaptations allow creatures to operate spaceports, industrial complexes, and/or
laser sight with 100% effectively in the murky, low-frequen- massive microwave rectennas. There will
coherence out to 15 cy light environment of Ssushni’a. be little sign of habitation in these areas,
meters. The numeri- since the Y’Lii place such `environmen-
cal designation for tally troublesome’ installations in com-
the weapon --106-- is An orbiting observer would be hard- paratively inhospitable (and more resil-
short- pressed to gather much visual data ient) biomes.
on Ylii civilization unless they were
8 able to remain on station for many The two innermost natural satellites
weeks. Ssushni’a’s mean cloud cover have been almost completely converted
into huge solar energy reception and eccentric trajectories of their own. hand that refers to
processing sites, which then beam the the fact that it takes a
collected power down the the recten- A study of the planet’s two innermost 10 round clip of 6mm
nas in the wastelands. In addition to natural satellites will reveal HUGE solar bullets. These bullets
its three natural satellites, Ssuushni’a energy collection complexes, plus beam- are another unusual
is ringed by a dense swarm of artificial down facilities aimed at either the garden feature in the `Shoot
ones, ranging from 1 meter diameter world OR orbital relays with relay/beam- and Whisper’ design.
peewees to several gargantuas meas- down capabilities of their own. Any at- Comprised of a teflon-
uring almost 100 meters across. How- tempt to land on these two moons will be treated depleted ura-
ever, whereas humanity’s spacecraft foiled by a blockade of more than a dozen nium core (of approxi-
take on a bewildering array of shapes, of the smallish, silvery spheres --traveling mately 3.5 mm) and a
the Y’Lii unfailingly construct theirs at a respectable rate. However, no com- simple lead `overjack-
in the form of a perfect sphere. This munication will be initiated, nor respond- et’, these rounds have
gives Ssuushni’a the appearance of be- ed to. excellent effectiveness
ing ringed by drifting clouds of silver against both armored
bubbles. and unarmored tar-
gets. In effect, the lead
serves as a discarding
sabot that discards
only upon contact
with a target, allow-
ing the frictionless
armor penetrating
core to continue on. It
also means that `soft’
targets will not simply
have a neat 6mm hole
drilled in them; the

SSUUSHNI’A expanding properties

of the lead ensure that
the weapon packs a
significant whallop
to targets which offer
only light resistance
History If, despite the daunting silence, the char- to penetration. AIA
acters decide to move into orbit around agents refer to the am-
See the accompanying article entitled, the planet, about 50 of the spheres --rang- munition (technically
`The Y’Lii’ for a complete history of the ing from 1 to 14 meters in diameter-- will referred to as `target-
planet and its people. gather around Cat’s Feet and match vec- shedding sabot’ or
tor. Surrounded by a cloud of drifting, sil- TSS) as a `hammer
As the team heads deeper in system, ver bubbles, high above a mist-enshroud- and pancake’ round.
they will note a few spherical craft or- ed green world, even hard-nosed Hannah
biting the outermost planet, a few more Spitzmacher will spend a moment con- Clearly, the Shoot
around the next --but as they approach templating the silent and eerie beauty of and Whisper is not a
what appears to be a garden-world just the tableau. It will be Franchot Dumaine particularly good
OUTSIDE the life zone, they will de- who finally shatters the moment; “Mon
tect HUNDREDS of such craft in a be- dieu! What are we waiting for? Let’s
wildering variety of orbits. Some seem
to be traveling in clusters, others off on
LAND!” 9
multipurpose weapon, A WALK IN THE FOREST and enter it; that is the only way that the
but then again, it is Ylii will ever be in contact with them.
not intended to be. It
Where: on Ssuushni’a
is a highly conceal- When approaching their selected land-
able, silent, and potent ing spot, they will note two brief gleams of
What: exploring the Ylii homeworld
short range weapon white light from deep in the forest. If they
--ideal for the special fly over to investigate, there will be nothing
Note: before reading further, the referee
requirements of field to be seen. There will also be no place to
should read the article `The Ylii’ in or-
agents and/or under- land; the nearest possible spot for the Cat’s
der to understand the Ylii, their behavior,
cover law enforcement Feet is the landing site they had already de-
and motivations.
personnel. cided upon. The first characters out of the
ship will see the white light again, beam-
In addition to the scientific and cultural
The Shoot and Whis- ing up straight into the sky. Anyone with
wonders that await, it is also true that
per is not available on Recon skill will be able to tell at a glance
the planet below is by far the easiest re-
the general market, that it’s coming from precisely the same
fueling site in the system. And, judging
and the only foreign spot as before.
from the spheres, there’s probably some
nations which have
refined fuel available --that is, if the lo-
been permitted to It will be an eight hour march to reach the
cals feel like sharing it.
purchase the weap- source of the light. During this time, the
on are Australia, players will have 3 encounters with local
Furthermore, this may be the `mystery
Germany, England, fauna. A bestiary for the Ylii planet is not
race,’ a point which both Dumaine and
Canada, and Italy. provided here; space does not permit its in-
Morgan will point out if the characters
Efforts are underway clusion. However, the last of these encoun-
are thinking that this would be a good
in France, Manchuria, ters should occur only 30 minutes or so be-
place to turn back. If he has to, Morgan
and Austrovenia to fore the group expects to reach the source
will break his cover to get the team to
duplicate the weapon. of the light. The creature should be a 100
land (by giving the order himself), but
kg flier/glider Hunter that swoops down
this is a LAST resort.
SMITH & WESSON on the party while they’re crossing a small
ISP 106 glade. This final encounter will, in fact, in-
As the courier begins to change course
volve a short fight, the attacking creature
for a descent, the spheres will part in
Type: 6mm binary attempting to flee as soon as it takes any
what almost looks like a gesture of invi-
propellant automatic damage.
tation. One by one, they peel away from
Country: USA
the path of the Cat’s Feet and resume
Weight (empty): .4 kg The other encounters should be deter-
their previous orbits.
Length: 17 cm mined randomly. Referees should consider
(Bulk=0) the forest to be `teeming’ with life for pur-
The team will be struck by the perva-
Action: single shot poses of determining the econiche of any
sive forests, which show signs of scat-
Ammunition: creature confronted.
tered, irregularly-arranged construction
6x14mm target shed-
--very reminiscent of the ruins the char-
ding sabot Consult the planetary description to de-
acters saw on Erie in the first episode
Muzzle velocity: 450 termine some general traits of this world’s
(hint, hint!). If the team manages to spot
mps flora and fauna. Some other interesting fea-
--and head for-- one of the industrial
Magazine: 10 round tures that Dumaine or any interested ob-
complexes in the desert or wastelands,
box servant players may note are:
they will find it deserted (the inhabit-
ants having fled underground pending
1) Even the `leaves’ of the pinnacle-like
the results of the first contact with the
trees are long and thin in shape, appearing
10 unknown visitors). The characters will
eventually HAVE to land near a forest
more like streamers. The branches tend to
be whip-like, resembling willow-wands or
 Magazine weight (in-
cluding filled, dispos-
able propellant cells):
.1 kg
ROF: 3
Aimed Fire Range:30
Area Fire Burst: 3
rounds
Area Fire Range: 15m
DP Value: .04
Price: Lv390 (Lv25 per
magazine, Lv10 for a
box of 100 rounds)

To detect the unseen

A NATIVE OF
observer

SSUUSNI'A
2300AD Task:
Formidable, Recon-
naisance, +2 for hav-
thick vines. The root structures seem to both the flora and fauna. There are sever- ing either exceptional
be interlaced and exceptionally sturdy. al trisexual species (how that works is not hearing or exception-
All these features suggest the ability to exactly clear to the characters, who might al sight. Immediate.
resist high winds with minimum struc- merely assume that they are looking at unu-
tural damage; a logical evolutionary trait sual social structures), as well as egg-laying MGT2300 Task: For-
on a large planet with a heavy atmos- mammals. Plants seem to attract their nec- midable (-6), Recon,
phere. essary symbiots not only with scent and Intelligence, Immedi-
color, but light. The orange-gold glow that ate.
2) Animals tend to be somewhat `spin- Ssuushni’a gets from its sun has very little
dly’ in appearance. Even without dissec- green in it, and minimal amounts of any BRP 2300AD Task:
tion, observations of their movements of the higher wavelenghts of light. Conse- Special Success (20%
suggest that many have cartiliginous, quently, nature’s pastel is more limited. A of skill), Skill: Spot or
rather than bony skeletons. As noted large number of plants compensate for this Track, Perception,
earlier, eyes, ears, and even noses tend limitation to their potential `attractor stim- Immediate.
to be quite large --almost comically so uli’ by producing their own light. Green
by human standards. Marsupials seem and blue bioluminescence is a pervasive GURPS 2300AD
to be quite prevalent, given the number botanical `sex’ characteristic and attractor Task: Formidable
of arboreal species in evidence. Ground in the Ssuushni’an forest, lending it an al- (-5), Tracking, Imme-
carnivores tend to be fast and lethal, al- most `christmas tree’ appearance in the ar- diate.
though the even the biggest is smaller eas where this kind of flora predominates.
than a black bear. Reptiles are not un- There is one other factor that the characters One attempt per hour
common, although they show less ad- may or may not note as they travel through for all systems.
aptations for nocturnal activity; they are the forest; they are being followed (see side-
apparently almost uniformly diurnal. bar).

3) The variety of reproductory systems Only one attempt may be permitted per
is one of the most unusual features of hour. If detected, the `unseen observer’
11
 will be glimpsed briefly; only enough number of responses. For example, if
to discern that it is humanoid, a little all but one characters decides that the

COLONIAL TIMES smaller than a human, and fur-cov-

ered. There will also be an impression
of HUGE eyes. This is the Ylii known
as Vishzuss’zruhna’zhii (roughly: Self-
fleeing Hunter offers a great opportu-
nity for target practice, the Ylii will be
VERY skeptical --and will prefer to
talk to the person who did NOT do the
knowing-speaker-of-basic-truths- shooting.
who-is-an-Alpha-Alpha), who has
been assigned the task of watching the There is one last crucial point having to
group as they make their way through do with the attack of this creature. De-
the forest. pending on initial range and whatever
other weapon may be available for him,
Vish’s (we’ll use a nickname, whereas Morgan is likely to use his S&W ISP 106
the Ylii NEVER would) duty is to see handgun to dispatch/drive off the aerial
how this new race of sophonts treats
the environment. A respect for flora
and fauna, a sense that one does not
`own’ nature but cooperates with it as
an equal, is the key not only to the Ylii
outlook on life, but their assessment of
the level of a species’ intelligence. If the
characters smash around in the under-
growth, ripping up samples, casually
disecting creatures, etc., Vish --and the hunter. If he does this, the characters
rest of the Ylii-- will be appalled. If, on are likely to notice that the `shoot and
the other hand, the characters evince whisper’ is no ordinary handgun; it is
respectful interest in the environment a very sophisticated, special-purpose
without mangling or mistreating it, the weapon. If the players do not begin to
Ylii will be readily coming to the con- voice suspicions about WHY a helms-
clusion that prolonged contact with man should have such a weapon, Du-
these odd, small-eyed aliens might be a maine will relentlessly pursue this line
good idea and a `natural action.’ of inquiry. Clearly, it is to Dumaine’s
eventual advantage if he can make the
The key test will be how the characters rest of the group distrustful of Morgan
respond to the conflict with the avian (and by association, the AIA).
hunter at the end of their journey. Once
wounded, the creature will attempt to Morgan is too smart to try to lie once
flee as fast and as far as it can. If the he is found out. He will explain com-
group lets it do so unmolested, or fires pletely and calmly why he is working
shots that are only meant to scare it, undercover on the mission and what
this will crystallize the Ylii attitude to- his duties are. He will NOT try to take
ward the humans as positive. If, on the command of the team; that is NOT
other hand, the group decides to blast part of his mission except as a very last
the hunter to tiny pieces even when it resort. Dumaine will inflexibly insist
is retreating in a panic, Ylii attitudes that Morgan is not to be trusted, how-
will be decidedly negative. If character ever, and that the whole group has been
responses are split between these two made the dupes (or guinea pigs) of the
12 extremes, the Ylii will be undecided,
biased in the direction of the greater
AIA.
SPEAKER FOR THE sides will (presumably) try to make it

COLONIAL TIMES
clear to each other that they mean no
PEOPLE: harm and want to talk, they will have
to go about determining exactly how
Where: on Ssuushni’a
to converse. If any of the characters has
brought along a portacomp with ANY
What: First personal contact with a Ylii
kind of language program at all, and
they attempt to use it, Vish will become
In the aftermath of the attack by the
unusually animated and begin `typing’
avian hunter --immediately afterward
with one hand upon his arm ornament
if there is a severely injured teammem-
(apparently a portacomp also). How-
ber-- the characters are likely to note a
ever, his unit seems extraordinarily
stirring in the undergrowth, followed
powerful for its size (in comparison to
by a long breathy whistle that begins
human technology). After a little vocab-
at a shrill pitch and slowly descends to
ulary is exchanged in the classic man-
a bass tone. The duration of the sound
ner --pointing to an object, naming it,
lasts over 20 seconds. A few moments
and then hearing what the other person
after it ends, a humanoid figure will
calls it-- a crude level of communication
arise out of the underbrush. This (of
can be established with the aid of some
course) is Vish.
kind of phonetic emulator in Vish’s unit
(which converts his hums, whistles, and
From here on, the flow of play will
sibilances into their human language
largely be determined by character ac-
equivalents). (Note: if anyone has taken
tions. Consequently, the descriptions of
along a KAFER language program and
the interactions with the Ylii are more
tries to communicate with THAT, im-
general in nature, with the emphasis on
mediate understanding will be estab-
Ylii objectives and attitudes. This allows
lished: the Ylii have been dealing with
a referee to determine the course of ac-
the Kafers for over 300 years. In turn,
tion the Ylii would adopt in any given
with access to a common language, the
situation.
two races will be able to decode each
other’s language with extraordinary
Vish will approach the group cautiously,
speed.)
although if there is a wounded party
member, he will move more rapidly and
Vish will explain in broken English (the
decisively. In the event that any of the
referee should try to emulate this) that
characters present are a bit spooked by
there is a place nearby where what he
this, Dumaine assures them --based on
calls the `you-name and me-name’ pro-
his abilities in these matters-- that Vish
cess can be vastly accelerated. He would
is not threatening them. Instead, Vish
be grateful if the group would accom-
will attempt to assist in whatever first
pany him there. A twenty minute walk
aid is being administered to the injured,
brings the group to the base of a large
proving to be quite competent in this
tree with a suspiciously ladder-like vine
regard. The characters will notice that
running up its side. Although later ar-
Vish is wearing a light harness, to which
boreal acrobatics will prove that he cer-
various tools are attached. In addition,
tainly does not require a ladder, Vish (as
he is wearing some sort of mechanical/
any good host) will provide the exam-
ornamental armguard.
ple for his uncertain guests and begin
After the initial contact, in which both
climbing up. 13
 Once in the mid-level of the foliage, structions promulgated by the deltas
the players will begin to learn the rea- who are constantly monitoring this first

COLONIAL TIMES sons why Ylii society is difficult to see

from orbit. Almost all their dwellings
are shaped and colored much like the
botantical structures around them. A
encounter-- the humans are to be con-
sidered as potential allies.

If the humans were a bit excessive in

few aliens similar to Vish (other Alphas) their use of violence, or used weapons
are waiting when they arrive. These as large and destructive as assault rifles,
creatures also emit a long whistle of lasers, etc, Vish will immediately ex-
greeting and study the humans patiently press curiousity as to why the humans
while Vish accesses a much larger com- would fashion and carry such things.
puter. If the players have a portacomp But Vish’s phrasing of this question will
and language program, Vish will ask for be skewed towards a species-and-econ-
permission to interface it directly with iche perspective; he will ask the group
his system. In order to make sure that what prompted such a development and
this goes smoothly, he will invite com- how it is an extension of their place in
puter experts amongst the players to the natural order they evolved from.
help him monitor things. The referee
should design a few tasks for computer- If the players are not equally burst-
skilled players to handle at this point. ing with questions, Dumaine will be,
However, the outcome should be inevi- and seems to be handling the situation
tably successful (since it would be hard with admirable calm, considering that
to go much further without the ability he is living the ultimate dream of every
to communicate!). xenosapientologist. In actuality, Du-
maine is already calculating how he can
It turns out that Vish was assigned to get one of the Ylii to accompany him
watch and contact the `ut’soYlii’ (his back to earth. One of Dumaine’s first
word for humans, which translates questions will be whether or not the Ylii
as; small-eyed thinkers). If the group have had contact with the Kafers, and if
seemed violent or uncaring of the envi- so, what the `context’ of that interaction
ronment, Vish will want to learn more has been.
about that right away. This is as much
to find out WHY an intelligent species Clearly, the group is free to be as can-
would behave that way, as it is a way of did or covert as they wish. The Ylii how-
determining how much further the con- ever, are open-handed and honest and
tact should be pursued. Vish will rattle off a brief synopsis of
Ylii-Kafer history. His comments will
Regardless of how well (or poorly) the end with some hint of the moral/ethi-
humans present themselves in Vish’s cal/ecological dilemma this situation
eyes, two things will immediately be has thrust upon the Ylii. He will also ask
clear to him; this species can be com- what experience the humans have had
municated with peacefully and they with the Kafers, since they obviously
seem to prefer cooperation over vio- knew enough about the species to in-
lence. This marks them as profoundly quire about its impact upon the Ylii.
different from the Kafers, with whom
the Ylii have been unable to establish Soon after these issues have been dis-
even the smallest degree of conceptual cussed, a high-toned chirp will emanate
14 common-ground. And consequently, from Vish’s decorative wrist-computer;
--in accordance with the plans and in- the delta’s have decided to invite the hu-
mans to the Ylii capitol of Hnnsiithu, munal sense kicking in and tweaking

COLONIAL TIMES
where they are to be made welcome to the fact that these two individuals
while talks of greater length are held. are not what they seem to be, given the
purported social structure of the hu-
SUGGESTIONS TO THE man group. He is only mildly uncom-
fortable around Morgan because the
REFEREE: AIA agent is not out to hurt anyone; his
duty is to protect and, somehow, Vish
The drama --and enjoyment-- in this can intuit that. But Dumaine has mur-
scene should stem from the (often com- derous-- even genocidal-- motives that
ical) frustrations that arise when two Vish vaguely `senses’ but his unfamili-
cultures are trying to establish mean- arity with such ideas makes him unsure
ingful contact with each other. Howev- of what he’s sensing. Non-defender Ylii
er, the players should also be reminded are less likely to pick up on this, since
(by the NPC’s, if necessary) that this one human social structure will be less ac-
alien contact has the potential to be the cessible to them.
deciding factor in the future of human
conflict with the Kafers. So although
there may be many amusing moments THE YLII DILEMMA:
as each side misunderstands the other
or expresses itself in a humorously awk- Where: Hnnsiithu, Ylii capitol
ward fashion, it is still deadly serious
business; descending to slapstick is not What: Ylii reaction to human culture
a good idea here. and Operation Back Door

Before taking on the critical role of Vish will guide the characters a short
Vish, the referee should study the arti- distance away from the tree complex
cle on THE YLII carefully, particularly they were in, skimming easily along
those sections relating to culture, lan- branches that the characters must cross
guage, history, and human interaction. with great care and no small amount of
The Ylii are a truly ALIEN race, whose wobbling. The end of their brief journey
different outlook is just as organic as is a puts them at an entrance to a tapering
Kafer’s. This quality should come across building. Once inside, they take a lift
very clearly in the referee’s portrayal of downward. This deposits them in an
Vish (and any other Ylii). underground mag-lev station of sim-
ple but advanced design. After a 2 hour
A special note; Vish is not really an Al- maglev ride, the characters are invited
pha Alpha; he is a Defender. Like all to debark, and along with Vish, emerge
other Defenders, he is not aware of this into the Ylii city of Hnnsiithu.
--or that there is even an ongoing re-
evolution of this `lost species.’ The same The Ylii capitol strongly resembles a for-
qualities that suited him for his role as est itself. Without exception, the build-
a Speaker for his people --courage, in- ings are tree-like spires, joined by nar-
tense curiousity, decisiveness-- will cre- row walkways, and sturdy guidewires.
ate in him an affinity for the humans. The Ylii can be seen using the wires to
However, he will seem slightly uncom- travel between the buildings with the
fortable around Morgan, and even mo- arboreal ease of gibbons, swinging from
reso around Dumaine as time goes on.
This is actually the uncanny Ylii com-
one to the next. Built right next to a for-
est, it is difficult to tell where the city 15
ends and the buildings begin.
 This is the first glimpse that the players 3) Do the humans have any message
will have of some of the 33 species of Ylii from their leaders? (Although in Ylii,

COLONIAL TIMES that comprise this society. The almost

bizarre diversity of this is in odd con-
trast to the easy order and tranquility
that pervades the place. There is also the
the word for leader literally means,
`most-cautious Great-thinker.)

The players can be as open --or closed--

odd feeling that although this place IS a about these matters as they wish. How-
city, its shape and concept defer to the ever, in the case of each question, there
land around it, not vice versa. Vehicles are some important Ylii attitudes that
--usually hovercraft-- are infrequent; al- already exist, and may influence the Ylii
most all the Ylii are walking --or swing- reactions to the characters’ answers.
ing-- to wherever they’re bound, and
none of them seem to be in a rush. None The Ylii HOPE to learn that the humans
of the Ylii are clothed, although a few came here because they discovered
(Betas and Alphas) are carrying tools of some Ylii in the course of fighting the
one sort or another. Lit by the golden Kafers and wanted to become friends
glow of the K-type star, and seen against with the entirety of the Ylii race. (Re-
a backdrop of the green-blue biolumi- member; to most of the Ylii, `becoming
nescent foliage, the entire setting is a friends’ means that they will begin to
pastorale of unearthly beauty. widen their polytaxic society to include
humans.) Although the Ylii will be less
The Ylii will be equally interested in the pleased (and less trusting) if the sole
humans, gazing at them and whistling motivation for contact is presented as an
their odd version of hello, which Vish alliance against the Kafers, the Ylii will
translates as meaning `This first meet- still be receptive. After all, they NEED
ing is a pleasure and a gift to be honored.’ allies badly --and in a hurry. However,
The Ylii seem to find nothing inherently they have an innate discomfort with the
rude in staring --often for prolonged notion of making friends with a differ-
periods of time-- and also seem to have ent race simply to join forces in an ef-
no modesty taboos. However, they ema- fort to injure a third species. The more
nate an air of having respect for EVE- violence-oriented humans seem, the
RYTHING they come into contact with. less comfortable the Ylii will be with
them. The fact that humanity has fought
The next item on the agenda is a meet- the Kafers in self-defense and has tried
ing with a council of deltas, mostly com- to communicate with them regarding a
prised of the Conceiver species. This is peaceful solution doesn’t really change
the rough equivalent of the heart of the this discomfort. The Ylii reaction is not
Ylii government. This group of individ- logical; it is instinctual.
uals will be very polite, glad to share any
information they have --including their As to how the humans got here, the Ylii
outlook on life, the universe, and every- are hoping to learn that the humans are
thing-- but will also try to get a few key now in control of the Kafer gateway sys-
questions of their own answered. These tem of HC +25 1902. This is the only
are: way (known to the Ylii of this `Sec-
ond Civilization’) that they can travel
1) Why did the humans come here? to systems beyond the last three they

16 2) HOW did the humans get here?

have been restricted to. The characters
will not be able to mislead the Ylii into
thinking that they came from this di-
rection, however. The Ylii will ask ques- accepting this offer of an envoy. (In fact,
tions regarding conditions in systems if he is thwarted in this, he will prevent
lying along that rout. The players will the departure of the ship until the group

COLONIAL TIMES
not be able to `fake’ answers to these accedes to his demand.)
queries. It is inevitable, therefore, that
the Ylii will come to realize that the hu- However, before the Deltas come to their
mans arrived in Ssuushni’a via a differ- momentous decisions regarding the hu-
ent route, or a more power interstellar mans, several days will pass. Over this
transit technology. time, Vish will be the group’s constant
(and extremely likable) companion. It
Regarding a message from humanity’s is likely that during this time, the play-
leaders, the Ylii will be grateful for any ers will hear some things which hint at
word of friendship or alliance. They will the current ethical/ecological crises that
be alarmed if the characters’ statements the Ylii find themselves caught up in.
reveal (either directly or indirectly) that Should they wish to pursue the matter
the humans, too, are sorely pressed by with any of the deltas, their comments
the Kafers and their vicious attacks. will be welcomed, and in some cases,
However, this will only strengthen the eagerly sought after. Despite their cul-
resolve of the Deltas to pursue some tural orthodoxy, the Ylii are among the
sort of alliance with the humans. universe’s most open-minded creatures
and consider the perspective of an out-
There is one last point that underlies sider to be valuable.
Ylii thoughts about the Kafers. This is
a desire to prevent them from being These contacts and discussions --which
wiped out. As deadly and destructive the referee should present as being ex-
as the Kafer’s are --the Ylii call them tremely casual, if interesting, affairs--
`ze’yluYlii’ (literally: the unthinking may in fact be the most profound things
thinkers)-- the Ylii simply cannot ac- the characters do while on Ssuushni’a.
cept the notion that any race or species As Vish and the deltas are stimulated
MUST be exterminated to preserve an- by the human perspective, they will
other. The concept of control and con- consider new viewpoints, new possi-
tainment is difficult enough for them bilities regarding the future of the Ylii
to accept. Consequently, any brusque, and what it means to be a sophont. The
militaristic jingoism such as `it’s us or referee should reread the section (in the
them’ will strike a decidedly sour note accompanying article of the Ylii) that
with the Ylii, who find such attitudes covers Ylii/Human interaction prior to
very similar to those evinced by the Kaf- handling these conversations.
ers. Once again, the fact that the Kafers
STARTED the war does somewhat ex- Detective work and fierce encounters
plain and excuse the human reaction with the minions of the treacherous
--but not much. Tricolor organisation enliven the third
episode of ‘Operation Back Door: Sa-
In the final analysis, the Ylii will wish bouteurs & Skullduggery’ in Colonial
to discuss things further with the small- Times #4. Also for a history of the plan-
eyed-thinkers, and will offer to send an et and its people, refer to the compan-
envoy back with the group. To no one’s ion article on the Ylii in this issue.
surprise, this envoy will be Vish. Re-
gardless of who disagrees with him or 17
why, Dumaine will be adamant about
THE

YLII NPCS
YLIIThis article expands upon basic data that
was first presented in the Kafer Source-
polydextrous, meaning that they do not
evince a right/left coordination bias in
In the course of this book by William H. Keith, whose work either their manual or pedal `hands’.
(and any subsequent) is gratefully acknowledged. While it is
adventure, the players not necessary to possess the Kafer Sour- Ylii heads are actually `sensor’ hous-
are likely to encounter a cebook to run adventures involving the ings for their large eyes (binocular ar-
number of Ylii NPCs. Ylii, the author highly recommends it as rangement), small ears (2, located on
a source of deeper understanding about the `cheeks’ of the head), and a complex
The following statistics the Kafer-Y’Lii interaction, as well as of hairlike sensory spindles dedicated to
offer mean values for some features of Y’Lii physiology. maintaining equilibrium and assessing
each of the Ylii genera air pressure (clustered in tufts around
(based on the dominant BASIC PHYSIOLOGY the ears). The Ylii eye is a large organ,
species). designed to gather low-energy light.
The Y’lii are homeothermic, oxygen- Consequently, Ylii can `see’ body heat,
Variations across species breathing humanoids that evolved in an vehicle emissions, and other infrared
can be inferred from environment of diffuse, low-frequency sources that are invisible to humans.
the separate description light. They are polytaxic, which means However, Ylii cannot see blue light and
of each genus’ non- that their `race’ isn’t a race at all, but is do not adjust well to high-intensity light
dominant strains. There a sprawling amalgamation of sophonts conditions. Noon in the Sahara would
is considerable varia- belonging to (roughly) the same sub-or- be an intensely uncomfortable (and
tion due to individual der or superfamily of creatures. To use temporarily blinding) experience for a
differences as well, but an terrestrial example, the Y’Lii `race’ Ylii.
generally less so than in would be equivalent to the entire super-
humans. family of Hominoidea (man and the The Ylii brain is located in the center of
manlike-primates, or apes) operating as the upper torso in a bony protective cas-
a single, integrated society. ing. A six-chambered sequential pump
Alpha functions as the heart and is located in
STR 7 Despite division into 33 separate spe- the upper abdomen. Four-lobed lungs
DEX 15 cies scattered across 7 genera, all Y’Lii overlay the brain case and acquire air
evince certain common characteristics. through 4 slits located near where one
END 9 They are upright bipeds, although some would find the upper bronchea in hu-
DET 9 can adopt a rolling four-limbed gait. mans. The Ylii mouth provides direct
INT 11 They have four fingered hands and feet, access to the alimentary canal, being
with two fingers of each extremity be- located in the abdomen. The abdominal
ing opposable digits (thumbs). Almost mouth structure inverts and folds out of

18 all species are equally dextrous with

their pedal digits as they are with their
sight when not in use. Communication
is achieved by passing air through the 4
manual digits. Furthermore, they are breathing slits, resulting in wheezing/
 Beta whistling phonemes with a muted nasal that many of these parallels are crude
quality that has been likened to French. congruences, at best. Even where Ylii
STR 3 Without palate, dental structures, or lar- activities may `seem’ to be physically
DEX 18 ynx, the tonal variations of Ylii language analogous to human behaviors, this
END 6 are much subtler, since fewer phonetic in no way implies that the two share a
options are available. commonality of function, purpose, or
DET 10 cultural significance.
INT 8 The Ylii are trisexual and deliver single,
live young. The three gender are male, Ylii of the Alpha genus are the most `ad-
female, and bearer. The male impreg- venturous’ of the Ylii and are the most
nates the female, who then carries the likely to be encountered off-world or as
Gamma fertilized ova for approximately one interspeciate liaisons. They are curious,
STR 7 month. Then the female transfers the hardy, and have a strong, aggressive will
ova to the bearer, who carries the child to survive. Alphas have traditionally
DEX 15 for another 10 months. Consequently, served as the Ylii’s explorers and first-
END 9 Ylii females do not endure long or dif- wave colonists.
DET 9 ficult pregnancies. Also, the more spe-
cialized and single-purpose anatomical The Alpha genus includes two related
INT 11 arrangement of the bearer makes for but distinct species, which might best
easier and safer births. Ylii infants are be termed the `gamers’ and the `find-
slightly less physically dependent than ers.’ The gamers serve a purpose that
human newborns, but must quickly might be be likened to a cross between
Delta master the complex social arrangement professional athletes and performers.
STR 6 that results from the polytaxic nature of In short, they seem to retain and enact
DEX 16 their society. those cultural aspects of Ylii society that
require physical expression.
END 4 All Ylii are covered with a smooth silky
DET 11 fur, although color, length, and texture The finders seem to specialize in track-
INT 15 vary according to genera. These differ- ing things, searching for lost objects,
ences are not signifiers of class or caste. persons, and livestock. They tend to be
With the exception of only 1 of the 33 the most reclusive of all the Ylii, and
species, Ylii are herbivores. tend to associate predominantly with
Epsilon the Alpha species of the Alpha genus.
THE GENERA AND SPECIES
STR 5 All species of the Alpha genus are fairly
DEX 14 The Ylii are divided into seven genera large (for Ylii), averaging 1.5 meters in
END 8 --Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, Ep- height. With the exception of the palms
silons, Iotas, and Zetas. Within these of hands and feet, they are covered with
DET 5 seven genera, there are 33 separate spe- glossy brown or brown-grey fur.
INT 9 cies and subspecies. Each of the seven
genera classifactions is also the classifi- The Beta genus might well be called the
cation for the dominant (by percentage) Ylii technicians. They tend to follow
species within that genus. The different quickly in the wake of Alpha explora-
species are distinguishable not only by tions, their inquisitive natures drawing
physical characteristics, but by the tasks them to the new and puzzling challeng-
they perform within Ylii society. Most es presented by novel environments.
of these task-related roles will be ex- While they are skillful artificers, they
20 plained in terms of human equivalents.
However, the reader should be aware
are also extremely placid and socially
malleable. They quickly adapt to --and
adopt-- any social order in which they Ssuushni’a’s deserts, moons, and orbital Iota
find themselves. The dominant species stations.
of this genus --Beta Beta-- are highly STR 5
dextrous and knowledgable engineers, There are three specialized species DEX 14
designers, and manufacturers. Howev- in addition to the dominant strain of END 9
er, their fixation on such things appears Gammas. These species would be best
to degrade their overall intelligence. In referred to as `helpers’, `scavengers’, and DET 10
fact, they are not so much `slower-wit- `wildlings.’ INT 8
ted’ as they are just plain uninterested
in (and therefore, ignorant of) other The helpers seem to fulfill a role not
things. wholly unlike that of an itinerant la-
borer, except that their `homelessness’ Zeta
There are two other species in the Beta seems to stem from an ingrained no- STR 4
genera, which would best be called madic nature. In effect, they wander
the `fixers’ and the `tinkers.’ The fixers about Ylii society, perpetually on the DEX 18
tend to be a little less intelligent that the look-out for any little (or big) job that END 10
dominant Betas, and a little more stub- needs a strong back or hand --which DET 5
born. However, they are extraordinarily they gladly supply. They stay and eat ei-
dextrous and doggedly persistant re- ther in the homes of other Ylii species, INT 4
pairmen. or in special `hostels’ maintained for
them.
The tinkers are quite the opposite, being
quick-witted, utterly cooperative, but a The scavengers are essentially garbage-
Ylii remains in hu-
bit fickle. The tinkers manufacture the man/undertakers, who consume any
man space can be
small items used by the Ylii, as well as edible waste products --including dead
found in systems
little eye-pleasing objects that are jewel- Ylii. This makes them the only meat-
ry-like adornments to be added to utili- eating species of all the Ylii. They also
Ross 863,
tarian devices. Tinkers do quick, beau- have the most complex sensory appar-
tiful work --but rapidly tire of making tus, including a variable-sensitivity reti-
DM +5 3409,
any given product, and so move on to nal arrangement and brown-tinted nic-
something else. tating ocular membranes that function
Ross 867,
as `sunglasses.’ This arrangement allows
The Beta genus are small for Ylii, never them to function equally well in light
DM +3 3465,
standing much more (or less) than a and dark.
meter in height. They are covered with
and DK +17 4521.
short brown fur that is quite sparse on The wildlings are possibly the most in-
their heads, hands, and feet. Exposed teresting --and enigmatic-- of all the Ylii
skin is red-brown to rust-colored and species. Esentially the wildlings are ele-
somewhat wrinkled. mental or `prehistoric’ Ylii. They do not
read, only fashion the crudest tools, and
The Gamma genus might be called the speak a simplistic pidgin dialect of the
`proles’ of the Ylii culture. They pro- Ylii language. The rest of the Ylii accord
vide the strong backs and hands that them a great deal of respect and take
do whatever heavy labor remains to be great care not to influence or change
done by Ylii. They are simple-minded the habits or lifestyle of the wildlings. In
and docile, and are less sensitive to fact, the wildlings play a complex role
environmental differences than other in the `macropsychology’ of Ylii cul-
Ylii. Consequently, they are frequently
found in the Ylii industrial sites that dot
tural outlook. Basically, the wildlings
both serve as a living reminder of what
21
 the Ylii were, and constitute a way for environment or role that it does not ap-
at least one species of the `proto-Ylii’ prove of will quickly weaken and die.
not to become extinct. The importance This is their inborn way of `fighting
of these concepts reflects the Ylii focus back;’ a physiologically-activated meta-
on not exterminating any species, even bolic change that effectively `suicides’
if that means carefully preserving one’s the Delta.
own evolutionary predecessors.
The deltas generally oversee and or-
The Gamma genera are the largest of the chestrate the activities of the other
Ylii, averaging 1.8 meters in height and genera, although they are not `hands-
80 kilograms in weight. They are stur- on’ leader-types. Quite the contrary;
dily built and quite strong for their size. their guidance takes the form of sug-
Their fur is short, thick, and either black gestions --which are readily obeyed by
or charcoal grey. Their hands and feet the other genera. Although the Deltas
are hairless and black-skinned. tend to make excellent and thoroughly-
considered decisions, they do not do
The Delta genus are the most intelligent so rapidly. To a Delta, insistence upon
--and elusive-- of all the Ylii. The great a quick decision would be like telling a
majority of them are teachers, a term human that fish should have legs; it is a
which includes authors, documenta- non sequiter. The only important thing
rists, reporter/ observers, and any other to a Delta is that their decision is (in all
task that focuses on the transmission ways) responsible and ecologically ho-
of knowledge. Deltas are nonagressive, listic.
but are highly individualistic. Humans Besides the dominant species Delta Del-
22 would think of them as `politely pig-
headed.’ A delta that is forced into an
ta, there are three other species, which
would best be referred to as `mnemon-
ics,’ `healers,’ and `conceivers.’ Mne- work done. But beyond this, there is a

COLONIAL TIMES
monics are less mentally agile than the predisposition in the Epsilons toward
dominant deltas, but have extraordi- social amalgamation; in some strange
nary memories and a knack for logical way, they are the glue that holds the Ylii
and mathematical thought. They are ex- together as a unified society. There is
pert computer programmers, librarians, no `logic’ behind this, nor is it simply
and simulation experts. explicable as an adaptation that ensures
enhanced survival due to their special-
Healers are the `doctors’ of the Ylii, who ized contribution to the welfare of the
tend to work in close concert with the other genera. Rather, the activities and
`comforter’ species of the Epsilon genus interaction of the Epsilons seem to be
(which are described later on). a behavioral cue to the rest of the Ylii
to remain tightly integrated and social-
Perhaps the most important --and rar- ized. They make the logical structure of
est-- of all Ylii species are the `conceiv- the polytaxic society `feel right’ to its
ers’. More than any other species, these various, diverse members.
are the Ylii leaders, who possess unusu-
ally powerful and versatile minds. They There are four species other than the
tend to spend long periods isolated in dominant Epsilons in this genus. They
monospeciate groups, where they may are the `commercials,’ the `organizers’,
work together or apart. Their role is a the `comforters’, and the `watchers.’
mix of many things: inventor, judge,
macroeconomic logistician, and think- The commercials oversee the final dis-
tank consultant. tribution of goods and services in the
Ylii community, although there is no
Delta’s stand about 1.4 meters tall and `selling’ or `buying’ per se’; Ylii do not
are almost completely hairless, except have any concept of money. They are
for scattered tufts on their torsos, fore- more akin to social welfare administra-
arms, and a sparse covering across their tors.
backs. Their skin is dark grey to black
and is quite wrinkled. They are ex- The organizers fill a slot that might best
tremely sensitive to light (even for Ylii) be described as ombudsman/foreman.
and still follow an almost completely They keep track of what is going on in
nocturnal existence. a community, do any simple planning
that does not require a delta, and over-
The Epsilon genus is the most gregari- see the execution of any directives from
ous of the Ylii genera, with the domi- the deltas.
nant species of this genus being akin
to civil servants. The Ylii word for this The comforters are a combination day
group translates roughly as `commu- care/nurse/midwife/ hospice attendant/
nals’ and certainly conveys more of the counselor. Separated from other Ylii,
diffuse and broad nature of their role in they will die within days.
this society. They are the noisiest of Ylii,
tending towards hyperactivity when One of the more interesting of the Ylii
they are excited or upset. species is the watcher. Quite literally,
the job of a watcher is to make sure

23
The Epsilons are to the Ylii commu- that everything is going according to
nity what the Gammas are to Ylii in- plan and that everybody is doing what
dustry; they are the hands that get the they should be doing. While this might
 sound to a human as a cross between a The miner’s role is fairly self explana-
kibitzer and a policeman, it is actually tory. These Ylii actually like working

COLONIAL TIMES more analagous to a babysitter/surro-

gate parent.

The most common task of the watchers

in narrow, confined spaces. Given their
heavier fingers and prominent nails, Ylii
evolutionists speculate that this species
probably made its home in burrows, or
is to see to the ongoing socialization of in hollowed-out `tree’ trunks. The min-
the Ylii young, regardless of genus. The ers also enjoy working in P-Suits, al-
complexities of a society that integrates though the vastness of space produces
33 different species into a single func- agoraphobic reactions in them.
tioning unit are learned with some diffi-
culty, and parents cannot always be pre- The finishers essentially handle the fab-
sent. When they are not, a watcher will rication of building components and
usually be around to guide the young have an extraordinary eye --and feel-
Ylii through any social unsureties or er- - for balance, smoothness, and stress
rors. lines.

Generally, adult Ylii are of no concern The Iota genus stands about 1.3 meters
to watchers; lacking a concept of crime, tall and (except for the hands and feet)
the Ylii never TRY to do anything that’s is covered with an almost blue-grey fur.
wrong. However, if a Ylii is getting se- The skin of the Iota is tannish-grey.
nile or is becoming mentally disturbed,
the watcher is there to make sure that The Zeta genus is essentially the agrar-
their cognitive impairment does not ian equivalent of the Gamma. These
bring them --or other Ylii-- to harm. smallish Ylii are fairly docile and sim-
The watcher will then report this im- ple-minded. although the dominant
pairment to one of the organizers. species of this genus has a thorough
understanding of farming and horticul-
The Epsilon genus averages 1.2 me- ture. This genus is interfertile with the
ters in height and frequently adopts a Epsilon genus, but offspring are sterile
four-limbed lope when moving on the Zetas. Of all the genera, the Zetas are
ground. Except for their hands and feet, probably the least curious, evincing a
they are covered with light grey to snow strong desire to live and die in the same
white fur. The fur around the eyes is jet vicinity where they are born.
black, giving them a `masked’ appear-
ance. Their skin is also black. They are Although there are only two species
the most numerous of all Ylii genera. (other than the dominant) of Zetas, each
one of those species is further subdivid-
The Iota genus is the Ylii answer to the ed into subspecies. One species would
builder. The dominant species of this best be qualified as arboreal gatherers,
genus has a fondness for structures, of which there are five subspecies. The
whether of stone, steel, or composites. arboreal gatherers have only one task
Like the Betas, they’re a bit detached in life; to tend and/or gather needed
from society. However, they are not as products that grow in the high vegeta-
socially malleable as the Betas, and have tion of Ssuushni’a’s temperate zone. The
a strong self-preservative instinct. subspeciate discriminations are largely
There are two additional species in this due to different sensory sensitivities
24 genus, which are best thought of as the and varying weight (with the smaller
miners and the finishers. subspecies being able to range up into
the higher regions of the Ssuushni’an ed and still interfertile. Social structure

COLONIAL TIMES
forest). They are by far the best climbers was similar as well. Consequently, when
of the Ylii. local conditions worsened, these two
proto-genera began to cooperate, evolv-
The other species --the land gatherers-- ing a symbiotic relationship. The Zetas
are ground dwellers who range back and were food-scroungers par excellence,
forth across thinly-forested areas and possessing the excellent noses and supe-
even scrub-lands in search of food or rior agility that enabled them to locate
other natural products of interest. They and retrieve fruits from even the high-
tend to be larger than the arboreal gath- est reaches of the trees. Meanwhile, the
erers and are the swiftest runners of the Epsilons patrolled, oversaw the young
Ylii, frequently using a 4-limbed gait. of both groups, and saw to the portage
and storage of the food, thereby freeing
Zetas range between .8-1.1 meters in the Zetas to do what they did best.
height and are covered with tan-brown
fur (except for their hands and feet). The However, as the forests continued to
arboreal gatherers have the largest ears decline, more ground foraging was re-
of any of the Ylii, as well as the most de- quired --which put the Ylii at hazard
veloped balance sensors. However, their from various predators that they had
eyes are the smallest of any Ylii, giving never had to worry about before. In or-
them an almost tarsier-like appearance. der to acquire protection for the Zeta
ground foragers, the joint Epsilon/Zeta
troops began to shadow the movements
Evolution and History of the more formidable Gammas, who
were often left alone by the same preda-
The Ylii `race’ evolved via the compi- tors that troubled the smaller Ylii genera.
lation of symbiotic interdependencies In time, this relationship was cemented
between closely-related species. This by food-sharing with the Gammas.
occurred largely due to the gradual cool-
ing of Ssuushni’a’s star, at trend which As the orchestrators of the Ylii proto-
became significant enough to begin to society, the Epsilons began to specialize
change the biosphere approximately in attracting and integrating other Ylii
10,000,000 years ago. Ssuushni’a be- who possessed skills that were need-
came colder, glaciers advancing across ed by the whole group in order to en-
once-temperate plains. Air temperature hance its survival. And as the decline of
decreased, causing a long-term increase the forests continued and their habitat
in rain. shrank and grew colder over the course
of several million years, these first crude
For the `forest’-dwelling proto-Ylii, this polytaxic groupings began to migrate
heralded unwelcome alterations to their toward the warmer equatorial regions.
biome. Preferring the lowland forests
and jungles, their ranges were eventu- These were the darkest --and most du-
ally flooded, killing many of the trees. bious-- days of the Ylii struggle for ex-
This provided the first impetus toward a istence. Forced to cross swamps, open
polytaxic society. The Epsilons and Ze- plains, and mountains, the Ylii fre-
tas, originally a single suborder, had al- quently found themselves stranded in

25
ready begun evolving into separate gen- treeless biomes. It was during this pe-
era. However, these branches of the Ylii riod that the Deltas and Alphas were
evolutionary tree were still closely relat- added to the symbiotic network. More
 individual oriented than the other Ylii, Ylii intelligence evolved as much from
these genera were accustomed to fend- the challenges inherent in managing a

COLONIAL TIMES ing for themselves, and were better able

to adapt to living in treeless climes, due
to their greater ingenuity and versatility.
So, in a reprise of the way the Epsilons
polytaxic social order as from desperate
responses to Maslowian needs. Conse-
quently, Ylii are not particularly `tool’
oriented compared to other intelligent
had begun to shadow the Gammas, the species. Much of their intelligence and
whole polytaxic troop now began to inventiveness is focused on the nature
follow the Alphas and Deltas (which at and manipulation of ecological and
this time had just begun to evolve into social relationships. Ylii thought tends
separate genera). The Alphas and Deltas therefore to be broad in scope (seeing
adapted to this new arrangement quick- the universe as an intensely and abso-
ly and rapidly emerged as the `brains’ of lutely interactive whole made up of in-
the troop. extricably linked parts), yet oddly nar-
row in focus (the only valid criterion for
Those groups which reached the warm- anything is whether it is in keeping with
er equatorial regions did so only because the dynamics of the universal equilib-
they adopted this sweeping macros- rium).
ymbiotic arrangement. Consequently,
by the time the `crisis’ of survival had Clearly, a full, cognitive realization of
passed (Ssuushni’a’s climate essentially such issues is not the province of each
stabilized at a new, cooler level approxi- and every Ylii. Some genera are not
mately 6 million years ago), the Ylii much more intelligent than exception-
polytaxic structure was firmly in place. ally bright `domesticated’ creatures.
Some troops had stumbled upon tool- The Gamma Wildlings --and several
making as they struggled for survival subspecies of the Zeta arboreal gather-
during their equator-bound migrations. ers-- are not much more clever than an
This skill was retained and enlarged orangutan (but go and meet an orangu-
by the intensely curious deltas, who tan sometime...).
still placed a higher premium on self-
reliance than other Ylii. The tool as an These unusual aspects regarding the
extension of self was a notion that the evolution of Ylii intelligence not only
Deltas were temperamentally primed influence psychology and philosophy
to embrace, and before long, drinking (which will be addressed later), but have
gourds, ropes, and javelins (to repel had a profound impact on the history of
predators) began showing up in their the Ylii.
hands. The rest of the Ylii evinced keen
interest in these objects as well, and an Early History: When Less Is More: The
offshoot of the Epsilons began to fash- Ylii As Technical Minimalists
ion these devices with an almost com-
pulsive dedication. This offshoot even- At the core of Ylii thought and behavior
tually subdivided into the Beta and Iota is their reliance upon the skill speciali-
genera. At this point, Ylii society began zation enabled by their polytaxic society.
a rapid upward climb in sophistication This arrangment ensures optimum ca-
aand intelligence. pabilities for survival without recourse
to tools; the differentiated expertise of

26
It should be noted, however, that where- the group members takes the place of
as human intelligence was almost ex- special purpose artifacts. Therefore, the
clusively prompted by survival needs, Ylii only invent a tool if it serves a
responsible purpose that cannot be met ready clear. They evinced extraordinary

COLONIAL TIMES
by the `organic’ abilities of the group. abilities in the areas of animal commu-
And they only improve the tool if the nication, ecology, clean energy tech-
need that prompted its invention has nologies, environmental control, phi-
changed or intensified in such a way losophy, mathematics, programming,
that an enhancement of the tool is re- and biogeneering. Their military and
quired. Also, violence is almost un- health technologies were --by compari-
known amongst Ylii, so wars were very son--decidedly retrograde (and in some
infrequent (and resembled brief, exten- cases, downright primitive).
sive barroom brawls more than any-
thing else). Consequently, the Ylii have However, approximately 100,000 years
not had to contend with any of the clas- ago, the Ylii encountered a crisis that
sic human `technology drivers.’ Only they were unprepared for. In the course
as their societies grew larger and more of their slow but steady expansion into
complex was any form of industrializa- their interstellar neighborhood, (includ-
tion or mass-provided service required. ing settlements or bases in a number of
Hundreds of millenia passed before the systems that are in human space) they
changeover to a truly technical society came across a race of intelligent crea-
began. tures --the first intelligent life they had
ever encountered. Ironically enough,
It is appropriate to note here that by the this race was the Kafers
time they were beginning to enter their
equivalent of the Industrial Age, the Ylii Culture in Crisis
had evolved an alternative to war that
might best be described as a `war of Study of the Kafers had a profound ef-
words.’ These `wars’ were simply gener- fect upon the Ylii, who had been ac-
ation-long debates between differently- customed to discovering biospheres
minded factions. For instance, as small- and biots in balance; the unfailing and
er governments began to amalgamate unconscious drive of all things to follow
and centralize into bigger entities, a the universal law of cosmic homeostasis.
three-century-long `war of words’ was The Kafers confused the Ylii, who could
waged between those Ylii that saw this not understand a species that would de-
trend as a movement away from a true spoil environments, kill more prey than
`oneness’ with the natural order, and it needed, and revel in violence. It took
those which saw it as a natural evolution several centuries for the Ylii to finally
for an intelligent species. Central to this come to a consensus that the evolution
--and any other-- Ylii `war of words’ is of Kafer intelligence --indeed, its very
the effort to determine whether a given nature-- was the product of a heritage
course of action is `holistic’ or not. of violence. Consequently, since it was
the central adaptive quality of their so-
The Ylii achieved most technical break- ciety, Kafers were able to apply violence
throughs either to serve the needs of to other life forms, each other, or even
their society, or --later on-- to sate their the environment itself. The only driving
curiousity about the universe. Lacking a factor was self-preservation; they had
colonial drive, the Ylii expanded slowly no concern or concept of ecological bal-
across the face of Ssuushni’a, and even ance.

27
more slowly once they began to reach
out into space. By this time, the pat- This presented the Ylii with a major
tern of Ylii technical excellence was al- problem. Clearly, the Kafers were a
 product of the universal order; after all, Ylii order --and panic began.
everything is. Yet, the universal order

COLONIAL TIMES had created a species which was either

blind to or uninterested in maintain-
ing the order that had created it. The
philosophical implications and dilem-
In actuality, the Alphas were respond-
ing in accordance with their nature. The
Kafer Question, representing a threat to
the Ylii, reactivated the old defensive/
mas embroiled the entire Ylii culture, agressive scout instincts of the Alphas,
which --for the first time-- was forced who were the closest things to decisive
to consider that its emphasis on ecologi- or military leaders that the Ylii had. But
cal communalism was an arbitrary, not they had not functioned in this role for
inevitable, outcome of evolved intelli- so many hundred’s of millenia, that the
gence. `organic’ nature of their reaction was un-
recognized by most of the Deltas.
Dramatic rifts in opinion began appear-
ing in the Ylii society when this `Kaf- Of course, following their natures, many
er Question’ advanced another fateful of the Gammas sided with the Alphas
step --a step that mortally wounded the --the footsoldiers following the officers.
`first’ Ylii civilization. Xenologists be- Others, however, stuck with the Epsilons,
gan pointing to the Kafers’ success as who remained dedicated to the orthodox
survivors, and the rapid (by Ylii stand- Deltas.
ards) improvement of their technol-
ogy and social ordering. The end result; No one incident touched off the ensuing
eventual expansion into space, and con- cataclysmic war. However, the ortho-
tact with the Ylii. dox Deltas were unable to control the
comparatively excitable Epsilons, who
What could be done? Certainly, the Ylii began to withhold communal services
could contain the Kafers; they had the from those Alphas and Gammas that
technological headstart to maintain were seen as `rebellious.’ The dull-witted
absolute control of the situation if they Gammas began causing incidents, that
wished. But such action flew in the face were in turn put down by the Epsilon-
of the central Ylii instinct; never inter- serving Gammas --and the ineluctable
fere with the natural order of things. upward spiral of escalation took care of
And any decision to keep the Kafers the rest.
bottled up on their home world would The war devastated Ylii society. Un-
constitute just such inteference with a knowledgable in the waging of war, the
naturally-evolving race. Ylii did not have an ethic for how to
handle it societally or personally. Liter-
Most Alphas took a stand with the mi- ally billions of the Ylii --particularly the
nority of Deltas who believed that it was Epsilons-- went insane and/or commit-
only natural for the Ylii to respond to ted suicide. The weapons developed were
the Kafer question with SOME kind of crude and imprecise, slaughtering mil-
action. This involvement on the part of lions that might have been spared had
the Alphas was unique in Ylii history. the Ylii ever evolved a science of war. All
The society’s decisions and debates had this was made more horrific by the fact
always been the sole province of the that since there were no real `military’
Deltas. The Alpha reaction was seen by targets, EVERYTHING was a target. The

28
the majority of orthodox Deltas as the war itself only lasted about a year.
beginning of a fracturing of the natural
However, the aftershocks went on for systems still remain under Ylii control;

COLONIAL TIMES
several generations. Mentally-shattered SS -27 6854 (site of the Ylii homeworld,
Ylii (`reverts’) roamed the surface of Ssuushni’a), DK -33 1023, and Dk +32
every settled world, occasionally de- 2390. And moves are afoot in the Kafer
stroying everything in their path. Just Associative to conquer the remaining
as often, whole communities would go Ylii worlds quickly, in order to free up
silent, later discovered as suicides. assets for the next human conflict.
The orthodox delta factions won the
war (if it can be said that anybody won Psychology, Philosophy, and Interac-
it) and determined that the only way to tion with Humans
preserve the homeostasis of Ylii culture
was to remove those aspects of aggres- The broadest assertion that can be made
sion that made the Gammas respond about Ylii psychology and philosophy is
to Alpha crisis leadership. Similarly, that it is exceedingly conservative by hu-
they decided that the Alpha agressive- man standards. Not surprisingly, this is
ness had to be toned down by making a direct outgrowth of the environmental
the defensive instinct of this genus self- and physiological realities of Ylii exist-
centered rather than socially-protective. ence.
After several centuries of careful eu-
genics work, this was accomplished on In the first place, although the Ylii tri-
Ssuushni’a, --which by then boasted the sexual arrangement significantly reduces
only remaining population of Ylii in the the risks that humans associate with re-
universe. production, it does not alter the fact that
Ylii never deliver more than one young
The Ylii experienced an inward turning over a combined gestation period of 11
after the war which shattered what they months. Furthermore, the `chain of re-
refer to as their First Civilization. Most production’ is more complex (requir-
of the aforegoing history was lost --ei- ing three rather than two participants),
ther obliterated by the chaos of the war making it more fragile; the removal of
itself or forgotten in the sad and des- any of the three participants will result in
perate years that followed. Subsequent reproductive failure. Consequently, Ylii
generations of Ylii did not want to re- reproduction is a slow process that is still
member it, desiring to put as much con- quite vulnerable to all sorts of disasters.
ceptual distance between themselves The bottom line, then, is that (similar to
and that time of madness. One of the humans) the first roots of Ylii society are
things they forgot about was the Kafers grounded in assuring adequate care and
--a race that has (inadvertantly) already protection for the young and for pregnant
destroyed them once. adults. As a strictly non-predatory, her-
bivorous species, this led to an extremely
The Kafers are now preparing to finish conservative approach to food-gathering
the job they are unaware they started. and defense. Preemptive defensive ag-
The `modern’ Ylii resumed interstel- gression and hunting were unknown,
lar space travel only 900 years ago. 300 which forced increased emphasis upon
years ago, they encountered the Kafers, rationing of supplies and avoidance --or
and since then the Ylii have been bru- appeasement -- of predators.
tally swept aside or taken as slaves by
these savage neighbors. (Please consult
the KAFER SOURCEBOOK for more
This of course prompted the polytaxic
arrangement of Ylii society. However, 29
detailed information). Now, only three this arrangement in turn intensified Ylii
 tendencies toward social conservatism. questions that had spurred the Ylii on
Place and role in one’s society was large- to some of their best and brightest dis-

COLONIAL TIMES ly predetermined. Furthermore, the

complex rules of a polytaxic society and
of trisexual parenting and family group-
ings have always forced developing Ylii
coveries. As is true for humans, the Ylii
trait for aggressiveness was inextricably
linked to decisiveness and adventurous-
ness --and it had been removed. Accept-
to tread carefully and cautiously. ance of things as they are became the un-
contested mindset of the Ylii.
Consequently, the Ylii temperament is
very mild, with a tendency to embrace This attitude underlies the Ylii approach
the orthodox and the logical. It is also to health and medicine. The delta hear-
stresses rationalism, and patient obser- lers are quite capable surgeons and bio-
vation. As a result of this, the Ylii had geneers; their expertise with recombi-
fully evolved notions of scientific meth- nant DNA therapies is at least equal to
od and empiricism before they even be- human abilities in this area. However,
gan to smelt metals. the Ylii only use these capabilities to heal
injuries or infectious diseases. Congeni-
It was this extraordinary (and perhaps tal, inherited, or other `innate’ health
for a human, unsettling) legacy of soci- failures are left untreated, although any
etal homeostacis that made the Ylii so discomfort to the afflicted is alleviated.
unprepared to handle internecine war A human seeing this for the first time
--and so unable to limit its destructive- might perceive this as being profoundly
ness. Predictably, the victors of the war cruel, but it is in fact a result of the Ylii
--the more orthodox deltas-- resolved worldview.
to make sure that Ylii society could
never be imbalanced again. However, in The Ylii care deeply for those among
their urgency to take a hand in the evo- them who are plagued with an `innate’
lution of their own species (ostensibly illness, but their philosophy stresses har-
by ridding the Alphas and Gammas of mony with the natural order of things,
recidivistic aggressive traits), they were rather than the preeminent importance
actually flying in the face of their own of individual lives. Consequently, they
beliefs. The traits removed from the perceive an innate illness as a part of the
Gammas --but most particularly, the natural order, and are thereby bound
Alphas-- were essential to a balanced not to interfere with it. Conversely, the
Ylii society. The orthodox Ylii were too Ylii see the repairing of damage to be
overwhelmed by the horror of the war consistent with natural behavior; indi-
to realize that their society NEEDED a vidual creatures attempt to heal them-
defensive, reactionary element, if it was selves, and social animals rally to the
to have any capacity for self-preserva- aid of the infected or injured. Although
tion against an aggressive foe. Instead, it may also be claimed that animals do
they excised this very capability. not care whether an affliction is innate or
not, and that therefore the distinction is
The result was more than just a reduc- irrelevant, the Ylii would point out that
tion of aggressive tendencies in Alphas nature prevents the animals from heal-
and Gammas, but a decided trend to- ing innate ailments. This factor serves to
ward social stagnation. The adventur- control their numbers in the event that

30 ous Alphas now seemed more content

to stay in known environs, to explore
predators or infectious disease cannot,
and ensures a healthy species. The Ylii
less boldly, to raise fewer scientific therefore conclude that a race which has
intelligence is not automatically man- are achieved through increased empha-
dated to save whatever life it can. Rath- sis upon the importance and definitive
er, intelligence must be used to order a detail of labels, or `names.’ This neces-
society of sophonts in such a way that it sity produced the Ylii linguistic focus on
continues to follow the natural order, no naming and linguistic precision.
matter how complex and advanced that
society becomes. Consequently, the names for all things
are not only precise, but functionally
Ylii conservatism is also reflected in Ylii descriptive, being somewhat reminisci-
language, which emphasizes precision ent of German. (An example; the Ger-
and functional construction. The com- man word for wrist --handgelenk-- lit-
plex social patterns of Ylii culture make erally means `hand-linkage’, or `hand
it inevitable that each individual will connector’.) The emphasis on names is
have to describe and distinguish many reinforced by a number of grammatical
different relationships between persons. rules, the most notable of which is that,
Additionally, some of these relation- in any sentence, a pronoun can only be
ship are almost identical structurally, used after the utterance of the proper
but have vastly divergent social con-
notations. The necessary distinctions
noun it is connected. Therefore, where
in English one would say, `I saw Bob.
31
 He’s at the store,’ a Ylii would have to say, the same thing when they use the term
`John, (who is the speaker) saw Bob. Bob `equality.’ But in fact, they do not.

COLONIAL TIMES is at the store.’

The human concept of equality is hardly
Like English, the language obeys a sub- ironclad or immutable. It varies from in-
ject-verb-object order. However, pos- dividual to individual. For most people,
sessives, plurals, superalatives, and di- any definition of equality includes the
minuitives are each denoted by a single, presupposition of a `spiritual’ equality
discrete prefix or suffix. Ylii is remark- that defines every life as being equally
ably free of grammatical exceptions, and sacred and valuable. However, many
is therefore structurally easy to learn. humans expand this view to include as-
However, the vocabulary is tremendous, sertions that the potentials and abilities
since terms do not change meaning ac- of human beings are equal also (given
cording to `context.’ In Ylii, there is no completely equal opportunities), where-
such thing as context, and consequently, as others insist that there are vast innate
there is really no such thing as Ylii `hu- differences. This nature vs. nurture de-
mor.’ The closest thing that Ylii experi- bate remains unsettled, and thus clouds
ence to laughter or amusement would be the meaning of the word `equality’ when
analagous to the Victorian notion of be- used by humans; to know what it means,
ing `charmed’ or `delighted.’ Ylii would you must know the opinions of the per-
conceivably interpret human laughter as son uttering it.
a sign of anger (or possibly, gastronomic
distress). However, the Ylii use equality to mean
ONLY equality of the spirit. Since Ylii
As has already been indicated, the Ylii social composition actually depends
`political process’ is quite unlike any- upon complementary IN-equalities
thing that humans have ever developed. (represented by the differing specializa-
While neither a hierarchy or caste-sys- tions of the various genera and species),
tem, Ylii society is nonetheless highly the human nature vs. nurture issue is a
regulated, albeit by an invisible `social non sequiter for Ylii. Similarly, the Ylii
metabolism’ that seems to make all its understand the concept of individual-
members quite happy. However, despite ism but not with any of the human sub-
the differences between Ylii and human textual implications of resisting societal
society, there are clearly a large num- pressures.
ber of basic similarities in language and
value-structures. In fact, unless players For the Ylii, many human concepts
are wary --and astute-- they may make will be utterly alien, odd, or downright
the erroneous assumption that social alarming. Ylii have no word for `murder.’
similarities are in fact interchangeable Their closest equivalents --roughly corre-
human:Ylii equivalents. This is not the sponding to `manslaughter,’ `assassina-
case; the distinctions are all the more tion,’ and `war-killing’-- are not shaded
important BECAUSE so many of them by the concept of domestic premedita-
ARE so subtle. tion that underscoures the human con-
cept of `murder.’ Similarly, the Ylii do not
For instance, both humans and Ylii have even have a concept faintly resembling
a highly developed philosophical con- the human values known as `disgusting’

32
cept of what both call `equality.’ Brief ex- or `lofty.’ The Ylii perception of the uni-
changes between the two species would verse is that all things fit and therefore,
suggest (to both of them) that they mean all things are to be as they are. Individual
Ylii are not wont to pass aesthetic judg- `perfect equality’ and the logistical real-

COLONIAL TIMES
ments when determining the worth of ity of differing degrees of expendability
a thing. Consequently, a whole category (usually based on abilities and attrib-
of human adjectives --here represented utes). The Ylii feel no such dilemma;
by `disgusting’ and `lofty’-- are mean- their polytaxic social order makes such
ingless to them. considerations moot. Expendability al-
ters as the environment changes; new
Many human concepts --such as covet- challenges define new needs. And right
ousness, gluttony, exploitation, compe- now, the Kafer challenge means that the
tition-- are known to the Ylii only be- Ylii need human allies.
cause of their three centuries of contact
with the Kafers, in whom they observed Possibilities Of A Human/Ylii
such behaviors. Humans may not find Alliance
the comparison very flattering, but
that’s the truth of the matter. Clearly, the Ylii need allies if they wish to
survive the continuing aggression of the
In all fairness, humans may have some Kafers. Despite projects to reintroduce
problems understanding a number of aggressiveness into Gammas and the de-
Ylii attitudes, particularly the some- velopment of an effective remote fighter
times chilling aspects of their social (the Fastball; see part II of the adventure
pragmatism. While Ylii society might BACK DOOR for details), the Ylii sim-
be called the ultimate welfare state, it is ply do not have the numbers or tempera-
also true that the Ylii remorselessly dis- mental predisposition to mount a fast,
card their dead for the scavenger spe- effective war effort against the Kafers.
cies of the Gamma genus to eat. They
allow the `innately’ ill to perish (albeit One of the major paralyzers of the cur-
painlessly) without making the slight- rent Ylii defense initiative is that many
est effort to heal them. Deltas can --and of the Deltas (once again) see the Kafers
will, if necessary-- issue purely prag- as behaving in accord with their natures;
matic prioritized survival lists dictating the species is doing what it evolved to do.
which members of a population should However, unlike the last time, the Kaf-
be saved if disaster is imminent. To hu- ers are not just a potential threat; they
mans, this may look like the ultimate in are a proven hazard that is threatening
depersonalized, clockwork autocracy. to exterminate the entire Ylii race. So
However, to the Ylii, their adherence to the Deltas are compelled to ask the ques-
--and acceptance of-- this system is as tion: is it the natural fate of the Ylii to be
natural as a human’s self-preservation exterminated? Is this the Ylii role in the
instinct. No Ylii is complying unwill- events of the universe? Or --as some are
ingly; no one is getting `cheated’ or `ex- beginning to wonder --must they fight
ploited.’ This is simply how Ylii society back, and thereby take a natural step for-
works. Consequently, humans may also ward in their own evolution?
find that the Ylii have a different view
on the importance of individuals. Ylii To humans, this debate may seem ludi-
revere each individual, much the same crous, but it is serious business to the
way we are grateful to each cell in our Ylii. And resolution is difficult, since they
body, but this does not alter the social eliminated the aggressive Alpha traits
knowledge that certain Ylii are more that would have galvanized thought and
expendable than others. Human society
wages a tug of war between the ideal of
action in the face of such a threat.
This is where the influence of first con-
33
 tact with humans may have a profound
impact upon the Ylii as a race. Certainly, Contact with humans is sure to bring

COLONIAL TIMES upon learning that the modern Ylii be-

lieve that their forebears `removed’ the
aggressive instincts of at least one genus,
some human is likely to ask whether in
fact the ancient Y’Lii --in tampering with
about self-questioning because human
society --for all its imperfections and in-
ternecine cruelty-- is intimately involved
with the dynamic (and often infuriating)
process of trying to sort out what is mor-
some of the genera-- destroyed the very al and what is not. The Ylii will see clear
thing they wanted to create; NATURAL parallels between themselves and human
balance. This is a crucial perspective that society --and will furthermore quickly
the Ylii need to consider and contact come to the seminal deduction that the
with humans --and their value system-- humans are social creatures who stand
will help the Ylii make that critical con- somewhere between the Ylii and Kafer
ceptual jump. evolutionary cultural extremes. Seeing
the human interplay and conflict of mor-
In effect, the Ylii `answer’ to aggressive als will make the Ylii wonder; could this
tendencies was not an `answer’ at all, but also be part of the natural order of OUR
a dodge. The Ylii were so used to altering social evolution? Such a thought would
relationships between things in an or- have wide-ranging impacts on Ylii atti-
ganic or systemic fashion, that they did tudes and thoughts, and would pave the
not see that the next step in their evolu- way for a re-emerging subspecies that
tion was to realize that one of the unique has --as of yet-- not even become aware
challenges to sapient creatures is to real- that it exists again, or of the crucial role
ize that some situations are not `fixable’ it may play in defending the Ylii race.
per se; they are paradoxical, and even (More on that later.)
tautological in nature. Unfortunately, the
post-war Deltas sought a *structural* an- However, there is an equally likely --and
swer to what was inherently a *moral* di- equally efficacious-- outlook that more
lemma. They tried to delete the `problem’ conservative Ylii thinkers are likely to
aggressive component from their society. embrace (humans may find it somewhat
They never realized that it is `natural’ for odd --or even repulsive). This view would
an intelligent creature to change its NA- perceive humanity as the `defender’ spe-
TURE by changing its THINKING. by cies that must now be integrated into Ylii
being *forced* to ask questions such as: society!
how do societies endure disagreement?
Aggression? Is aggression --both exter- Although this may seem a strange con-
nal and internecine-- ever necessary and ceptual turn, one must remember that
if so, when? Does the necessity of vio- the Ylii do not see themselves as a `race.’
lence make it justifiable? Even if it is jus- Each genus is physically and mentally
tifiable, how should one emotionally feel disparate. Consequently, their collective
about it? `identity’ has nothing to do with biologi-
cal/genetic conformity.
In effect, the ancient Deltas --in a man-
ner similar to some orthodox human Furthering the perspective that suggests
religions-- attempted to bypass the ex- `adopting’ humanity into Ylii society is
istential crisis of morality and ethics the alluring fact that the humans have
by `mandating’ an answer; in this case, come along JUST when their protective
34 mandating via genetic law, rather than
the `law of God.’
tendencies were needed. From the Ylii
viewpoint, conflict (and therfore, fight-
ing) is evidently natural for humans, Alphas: a new (or actually, very old) Al-

COLONIAL TIMES
even though they also seem to have pha species, the `defender.’
some degree of concern for maintain-
ing harmony with the natural order. In The Defender species is actually an evo-
this way, it is all too simple for the more lutionary throwback to the original,
orthodox Deltas to see current events as prewar dominant Alpha Alpha strain.
a parallel to the prehistoric evolution of After almost 300 years of Kafer conflict
the relationship between the Epsilons and fears of extinction, the Ylii genetic
and Gammas --with the humans cast in pool has undone what was done to it by
the role of the less-aware but physically the ancient deltas who biogeneered the
imposing protector-Gammas. In this aggressiveness traits out of the Alphas.
equation, the Kafers are the new and Despite their advancement in biology,
dangerous predators that must be dis- the few Delta researchers who have
couraged from attacking. suggested that such a thing may be oc-
curring are at a loss to explain it. They
Clearly, this conceptualization fits with can only ascribe it to nature’s uncanny
the current Ylii worldview. It does not (almost spooky) knack for producing
require that the Ylii change; it merely properly-adapted mutatations in re-
requires that a new species be added sponse to new environmental condi-
to their polytaxic society. The Ylii DO tions.
realize, however, that this addition will
not be like the others, that social and The new `Defenders’ are no larger than
cultural differences will always be vast. the modern Alpha Alphas, and are simi-
larly colored. However, they tend to be
It is also important to note that any hu- somewhat more intelligent, more goal-
man offers beyond military alliance oriented, and more outspoken. How-
(such as trade and cultural exchange) ever, the Ylii --including the Defenders
will be seen as an invitation to the kind themselves-- have not yet realized that
of `social amalgamation’ that underlies these temperamental changes actually
the more orthodox Ylii view. Not re- herald the reemergence of the original
ally understanding the human notion of Alpha species.
sovereign states and commercial trans-
actions, the Ylii will assume that the hu- Instead, the Ylii are much more focused
mans are following the polytaxic para- on their attempts to reintroduce aggres-
digm that shapes all Ylii thought and sivity into the Gammas. This is largely
perception. Understanding the human being done by accessing the Wildling
political notions of `united yet separate,’ gene pool, which was left unmodified in
and `cooperative yet self-determining,’ the wake of the Ylii war. There is some
will require a colossal conceptual leap success here, but even the most aggres-
on the part of the Ylii. To them, these sive mutant Gammas seem to need
ideas are every bit as logical as asser- some sort of lightning rod to get them
tions that `up is down,’ and `black is motivated. Despite intelligent planning
white.’ by the deltas, and personal leadership
by the dominant alphas, most gammas
The Return Of The Defender simply do not fare well as soldiers or
guerillas. However, there have been one
However, some Ylii already exist who
35
or two notable exceptions to this rule
may be more ready to understand hu- which are currently being studied.
mans than the deltas or even the normal
 Unfortunately, the study is centering on for decisive action when trying ensure
the mutant Gammas, rather than the survival. The defenders will gravitate
unseen factor behind their success; they toward the comparatively radical idea
were being led by a Defender alpha muta- that the Ylii must accept that moral di-
tion. In the same way that Epsilons pos- lemma is part of the natural process of
sess a mysterious quality that generates all sophonts, and that ecological and/or
a desire for close communalism in other genetic engineering is not always the an-
Ylii, the Defenders have the capacity to swer to social problem.
excite, inspire, and organize the Gammas
to perform as highly-effective soldiers. By clustering around humans, the de-
fenders will increasingly come into con-
The other major impact of human:Ylii tact with each other and become a dis-
contact will be the way that Alpha de- tinct, cohesive voice in Ylii affairs. This in
fenders gravitate toward humans and turn will prompt investigation by more
their philosophies. This does NOT mean deltas, who will begin to realize that the
that defenders are humans in Ylii-suits; defenders are not just oddly-outspoken
not in the least. However, the defenders Alpha Alphas; they are the welcome
will understand the human capability throwback to the original alpha --now to
be labelled as the defender species

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ANDROSYNTHESIS

ROBOTICS AND SYNTHETIC LIFE IN THE 24TH CENTURY

BY COLIN DUNN
 Diego turned his head slowly, finger Robots can be found in practically The Kaefer Invasion
poised on the trigger of his MP-67. any shape and size, from insect-sized
The Company had hired him to find swarmbots to massive construction and On
an experimental robot and destroy it. mining machines, and even starships.
Sometimes these things got loose before The most common types of robots seen
User Acceptance Testing was complete. in every-day situations are the various
In this case, the UAT team had kinda domestic and service robots. They han-
ended up dead, and so the matter dle most of the menial work in mod-
needed to be dealt with, quiet-like. It ern society, and even give their high
wasn’t until after he had accepted that price, they typically pay for themselves
they told him it was an android, flesh within a year or two , given how much TAKE PART IN
body, artificial skeleton, and a brain it would cost to employ a human in a
that was half fullerene and half cloned similar role. A typical domestic service THE 2300AD
animal tissue. Didn’t really change the machine, like the Sistemas Domesticas
COMMUNITIES
job for him, but if he had known he “Adele”, is a spindly machine about 1 –
would have asked for more money. 1.5 metres tall, with extendable arms ON FACEBOOK
for hard-to-reach areas. Domestic ro-
Easing the safety of the gun off with a bots are primarily cleaning machines, AND GOOGLE+
faint “click”, he lowered himself into a though most are able to do light cook-
crouch, and peeked around the corner. ing as well. Service machines are able to
She was right there, less than half a perform heavier cleaning jobs, and are JUST SEARCH
metre in front of him, not breathing, also designed to do light maintenance
just watching him. The target. She work, like replacing light panels and re- FOR US THERE
put her finger to her lips in a “shush- pairing cosmetic damage.
AND JOIN IN THE
ing” motion, and with the other hand,
she punched him the throat, crushing In the Core, surveillance robots and DISCUSSIONS
his windpipe, all in one blindingly- computer-controlled drones are a com-
quick motion. As he struggled for his mon sight, common enough that these THAT ARE
last breaths, his face discolouring, machines are all-but-invisible to the
SHAPING THE
she crouched down close to him, and average citizen on Earth and Tirane.
stared into his bulging eyes as the light Surveillance robots come in a wide va- UNIVERSE
slowly faded within in them. After his riety of forms, but most are airborne.
body had spasmed its last, she calmly The most common is the NW-12, from OF 2300AD
picked up his gun and his linkphone, Aquitaine, a small LTA drone con-
and started walking in the direction trolled by a remote computer. This si-
from which he had come. lent, disk-shaped machine has a pair of
counter-rotating rotors in the centre,
and is equipped with low-light cameras
Robots are a common sight on the and sensitive audio pickups. Data from
worlds of 2300AD, particularly on the these machines is run through an expert
Core worlds, but even the Frontier system that looks for actions, faces, and
worlds have a great many robots in a key words, which can trigger an alert to
variety of roles. It is this ubiquity that a human analyst, which can trigger fur-
a major factor in the underemployment ther action from police or other security
crises that affect most Core nations. agencies.
On the Frontier, however, it is the lack
of enough people that encourages the Another type of common surveillance
spread of robotic labour. technology are swarm robots. Due to
their limited range, that are released
The King Crab into areas where active confrontations Courier Robots are considered a se-
are occurring, and they will fan out to cure way of moving small packages,
Frame: Basic Long Size: 2 image anything in range. The Human- like data chips, prototypes, and even
Slots: 6 itech “Legion” swarm consists of about pizzas, around the crowded confines of
8-100 insect-sized robots, equipped a typical city in the Core. Most courier
Strength 8,
with cameras and limited auditory re- bots are small flyers, using two or four
Dexterity 8
Intelligence 7, ceptors. Each unit has a narrow field of shrouded rotors for lift and propulsion.
Education 3 view and a “limited range to their “eyes”
Hull 3, and “ears”. However, in concert, the The Hyde “Gopher” is a common de-
Structure 1 swarm can produce very detailed audio sign. In normal use, like almost all cou-
Mass: 15 kg and video. riers, it only carries its corporate ID in
Arms: Size 2 an RF chip, with no external marking
The power supply for the swarm only to distinguish it from any other courier
Locomotion: 10 Sprawl- lasts about 10 minutes, and the trans- bot. There can be hundreds, perhaps
ing Legs mission range of individual units is very even thousands of couriers on the loose
Size 2 10 kph, (High Per-
short, little more than 100 metres in a in a city on any given day. Security on
formance)
typical urban setting. However, they are these courier machines is quite tight,
Armour: 11 a powerful tool for law enforcement and with the owning corporation tracking
other security agencies. them closely. The Gopher is armoured
Traits: Light, Strong well-enough to withstand small-arms
Momotaro’s addition to the field of se- fire, and if the storage compartment is
Brain: Parallel Computer curity robotics is the King Crab, a type opened without the proper code, the
with 2 Memory Sticks, of robot often referred to as a “Police contents are flash-incinerated.
running Command Al- Spider” in the media. The King Crab is
gorithm 2, Personality about a metre tall at full extension, and The Gopher is about a meter across, us-
Program 3, Antivirus 2, varies from 0.5 metres to 1.5 metres ing four shrouded rotors, one at each
Encyclopedia 2 (Law En-
wide, depending on the set of the legs. corner of the roughly-rectangular chas-
forcement), Melee/2, Gun
It scuttles about on ten legs, allowing it sis. It usually operates from roof-top to
Combat 1, Recon 0, Ath-
letics 0, VRC, AVS, to move equally-well in all directions. rooftop, though some buildings have
It lacks hands or any sort of manipula- exterior doors built to accommodate
Equipment: Audio Sen- tory appendages. On the Core worlds, these robots.
sors, Code Reader, Mo- Police Spiders are equipped with neu-
tion Sensor, Basic Optics, ral disruptors, and some, like the King Many nations in the Core ban the pro-
Advanced OpticsInfrared Crab, can cast neural webs for safe and duction of Dolls, life-like humanoid
Vision, Tactile Sensor, effective crowd control. For riot-con- robots that are typically used in com-
Radio Transceiver (Very trol purposes, they can release a cloud panion and sex worker roles, though
Distant Range), Smell of noxious-smelling gas as well. If all some models are also used as reception-
Detector, Odour Emitter,
else fails, a Spider can also grapple with ists and customer service staff. Dolls
Black Box, Wireless, Gek-
a target and immobilize it with its ten are available in a wide variety of physi-
kocote Feet, Enhanced
Vision, Enhanced Audio, limbs. Spiders have very good vision otypes and sexual configurations, from
Video Recorder, Loud and hearing, and even olfactory sen- exclusively male or female to hermaph-
Speaker, Basic Vocoder, sors, but their intelligence is fairly poor. rodite and even gender-morphing at
Lightbar, Satellite GPS, There are intended to work with a hu- will. Dolls are programmed to be able to
Gyroscope, man partner, or under the oversight of a carry on a reasonable conversation, and
(Cont.) larger computer system, and its human can show enough “personality” that it is
managers. Spiders are not good at deci- possible to mistake them for a living be-

40 sion-making. ing. However, Dolls are not intelligent,

they merely feign it well.
 Neural Disruptor, Neural
Web Launcher, Neural
Web Launcher fires fine
fullerene thread over a 20
meter radius area. Eve-
ryone within that area is
affected as if by a neural
disruptor.

Weapons: Robot Punch

(Melee (unarmed), 1d6
damage), Grapple

Price: Lv23,550

There are persistent stories of black- crane work, as well as building demoli-
market Dolls available in non-human tion. It is the size of a small bull-dozer,
configurations. with a dozer blade on the front, and an
excavating arm at the rear. Unlike larger
In an advanced setting, Dolls would be robots, it does not have provision for a
Androids (see below). human operator to ride on or it, but it
can be controlled remotely by a dedi-
The TP (Telepresence) Servo is re- cated workstation, or even any comp
lated to Dolls, using much of the same running the required software and pos-
technology, but with added sensory sessing the proper encrypted access key.
capabilities. TP Servos are drones, re-
motely-controlled by a nerve-fusion Military Robots and Drones
telepresence rig, giving the user sen-
sory and even tactile feedback almost Drones are rare on the battlefields of the
like they were there. A TP Servo can 24the century. The requirement for a
be operated anywhere there is an ultra- dedicated communications link makes
high-bandwidth link network. This en- them vulnerable to jamming, hacking,
compasses most urban and rural loca- and other forms of electronic warfare.
tions within 300 kilometres or so from Robots are somewhat more common,
a major city within the Core, but likely but they are rarely armed, and can only
only found in the largest cities on the fire under direct orders from specific
Frontier. Some wealthy bio-isolationists humans, and only in person. Robot
use Servo to interact with the rest of the comm links are subject to the same vul-
world while their meat body is safely nerabilities as drone communications,
ensconced in a hermetically-sealed life- and are considered an unacceptable tac-
support unit. tical risk. Of the major nations on earth,
only Japan and Iran allow combat ro-
The Pinchot D30 construction robot
is a fairly typically heavy construction
botics to accept remote commands, and
even then, the commands must be made 41
machine, used for excavating and light by two different authorized humans.
Advanced Android Carnivore Attack Robot Artificial Intelligence in 2300AD

Frame: Standard Tall The Carnivore is ground support aerial Unlike many science-fiction settings,
Size: 3 robot, a light tilt-rotor machine that can especially recent ones, 2300AD lacks
Slots: 10 carry a load-out of up to 8 light tactical widespread artificial intelligence. There
Strength 12,
missiles, or four 70mm rocket pods fir- are expert systems, numerous auto-
Dexterity 12,
ing laser-guided rockets. This ordnance matic systems that can drive vehicles,
Hull 4
Structure 3 load is in addition to the 3-barrelled fire weapons, and even assist with re-
Mass: 115 kg heavy rotary machine gun in a turret search, but nothing that seems to have
Intelligence 13, in the nose. While it can act as an au- self-awareness and a personality. While
Education 9 tonomous unit, it is typical paired with true, self-aware AIs have been created
Arms: (2) Size 3, Slots: 4 a remote human gunner/commander, in the past, they invariably go insane
Locomotion: Tall Legs while the robot brain flies the aircraft. with 3-6 months. The exact reason is
Slots: 4 still unknown, but one possibility that
Traits: Anthropomorphic, Carnivores were used by French forces has been mentioned is that these super-
Bio-cover (Beautiful), against the Elysian revolutionaries on intelligences lose themselves in the vast
Light-weight Joi, until hackers with the revolutionary virtual worlds they can create with their
Robot Brain: Synaptic council were able to penetrate the secu- own processing power. These fantasies
Computer with 6 memory
rity protocols used by the French, and grow more involved and overwhelming
sticks (TL13)
commandeer a flight of three of these that they lead to the intelligences with-
Software: Command Al-
gorithm 3, Personality robots, turning them on their former drawing into themselves, in a sort of
Program 5, Emotion Gen- masters until the French forces brought computer-autism.
erator, Encyclopaedia 3, in manned aircraft to eliminate them.
Advanced Reflexes, Anti- Androids in 2300AD
virus 2, Voice Recognition Whisper drones
Software, Advanced Voco- Androids are an unofficial part of the
der Software, Skill Packs Whisper Drones, manufactured by 2300AD milieu, presented here as an
(2 at Level 0, 2 at Level Hundemann Industries in the United option for people who are looking for
1, One at Level 2, one at States, get around the vulnerabilities of adventures in a universe that reflects
Level 3) , 3 Languages,
data communications by using a hard science fictional sources like Bladerun-
Emotion Analyzer, Expe-
link. This little drone is powered by a ner, the Aliens movies and books, or the
rience Processor, VRC
Equipment: Basic Optics, pair of ducted counter- rotating lift fans recent addition, Prometheus.
Advanced Optics, Infrared run off a small superbattery. Sensors are
Vision, Low-Light Vision, limited to basic optical and IR, but the Androids are not exactly robots, and
Enhanced Vision, Audio drone also contains a spotting laser for the treatment of them in science fic-
Sensors, Enhanced Hear- designating targets for guided weapons. tion varies from source to source. Some
ing, Distant Radio Trans- see them as artificially-engineered bio-
ceiver, Wireless Network The Whisper drone is connected back logical creations, essentially enhanced
Connection, GPS, Smell to the controller by 1000 metres of hair- clones of humans used for dangerous or
Sensors, Taste Sensor, thin fibre-optic cable. It is used by tanks unpleasant tasks, including the military.
Tactile Sensor, Genitals,
and combat walkers to sight around ob- In a related vein are constructs like bi-
Medical Scanner, Vocoder
stacles and designate targets for missiles oroids, that layer vat-grown muscle and
(advanced), Code Reader,
Gyroscope and guided artillery. This small drone sinew over an artificial skeletal struc-
is in use by both France and the United ture, using hybrid organic/computer
Weapons: Punch 2d6 States, and similar drones are fielded by brains.
most modern militaries.
Cost: Lv319,500 Still others portray them as very ad-
vanced robots, still artificial, but unde-
 Visit us at the

2300 Vienna
Robotics Show
3-6 June

Aleksanderplatz
Vienna
Austrovenia
Sample Bioroid tectable as anything other than human 2300AD universe, a computer-based
save through a medical examination. artificial intelligence would go insane
Frame: Biological (Hu- Androids are an outgrowth of the same within 1d6 weeks of coming on-line.
man) In an alternate 2300AD, this may not
line of development that includes Dolls
Size: 3
and TP Servos, but with artificially-in- be the case. This is, of course, up to the
Slots: 10
telligent brains. referee.
Strength 8 (4),
Dexterity 15 (9), Bioroid
Endurance 10 (6)
Bioroids, for the purposes of the book 9
Mass: 95 kg design system, are built with a biologi-
cal frame, based on a human. Unlike the
Intelligence 13, Biological Frame from Book 9, though,
Education 9 the bioroid is built up from a powered
endoskeleton with biological tissue, in-
Traits: Living Body (Nor-
mal Human range of cluding skin, laid over top. The robot
senses), Beautiful brain is a hybrid organic computer, and
is one of the few types of Artificial In-
Robot Brain: Synaptic telligence that do not seem to go insane
Computer with 4 memory over time. Bioroids require deep body
sticks (TL13) scans to differentiate them from hu-
mans, albeit humans with a great many
Software: Command Al- implants.
gorithm 3, Personality
Program 4, Emotion Gen- Bioroids thus require both food and
erator, Encyclopaedia 3,
power. While the brain can draw enough
Advanced Reflexes, Anti-
virus, Voice Recognition power for operation from the biologi-
Software, 4 Languages, cal systems, the endo skeleton requires
Advanced Vocoder Soft- power to operate at full efficiency. If
ware, Skill Pack (Drive power is not available, for whatever rea-
2), Skill Pack (Carousing son, then the android uses the second
1), Skill Pack (Steward 1), physical stat from the stat block in the
Emotion Analyzer, Expe- near sidebar.
rience Processor,
Advanced Robot
Equipment: Basic Optics,
Infrared Vision, Distant
The advanced robot is a more conven-
Radio Transceiver,
tional design, featuring a near-perfect
Weapons: None cover of material that looks and feels
like skin, along with a number of other
Cost: Lv257,000 modifications that mimic a person, in-
cluding a heartbeat, mimicry of breath-
ing, and tiny, randomized movements
that make them appear much more hu-
man.

44 The android described would artifi-

cially-intelligent, and even suitable for
play as a player character. In the official
THE ALICE 3 WITH jONNY r
an interplanetary special for the Vienna Robotics Show
Hi, everyone. I’m here in beautiful Aus- mean.)
trovenia at the VRS to bring the very Guerlain (Robotics) P.R.
latest in hardware, software, and wet- It was meant as a compliment. My pre- Manager Andre Caron
ware from the leading innovators in vious model had inferior facets such as responded:
robotics technology. We’ve scored a bit the lack of taste and smell, and the in-
of a scoop today as Guerlain, publisher ferior material which comprised skin. “On the face of it, some
and tech producer, have given an exclu- As you can see, or maybe not see, (it may think we wouldn’t
sive with one of the show models for the was here she let out a playful giggle but approve of Jonnyr’s
new Alice model android (3.0). not a giggle of a woman, it seemed to article but on the con-
Well, it’s really busy at the show son let’s be a recording of a giggle she had heard trary, it shows Alice to
get started.... Good morning, Alice. somewhere, Japanese maybe, either way be so human-like that
it didn’t suit her) my new dermis is DR- Jonnyr was unable to
Good morning, Jonny. 488xL, a real skin substitute. Feel it if separate the reality of
you like. Alice from his precon-
You are quite the spectacle here today! ceived notions of arti-
Everyone is eager to get a look at you. (She offered her arm. It felt very real.) ficial person technology
these days.
(Alice stands up and stands motionless Nice.
in front of the crowd. Crowd goes silent If anything, this article
until she tentatively gives a gentle wave. Do you think so? Good. and part interview af-
A roar of applause) firms our belief that the
Do you think... Alice3 is our most life-
Lots of people have looked at me but it like model yet.”
isnt everyone. That I will be a popular model? Yes, I do.
You can place an order
I understand that. What specs do you ....er... for Alice3 at Guerlain.
have over the previous model? fr.sol, any large Lucky
If you like, I can answer all your remain- Penny store. There is
‘The’ previous model? My previous ing questions with a 94.883% accuracy currently an 8 month
model? It’s ok Jonny, you don’t need based on previous interviews. I shall waiting list and prices,
those notes. I’ve studied your career, send them to your Drift™ account so you for unmodified models,
you are a better interviewer when it’s ‘on can spend more time enjoying the show. start at Lv319,500 (plus
the fly’. tax).
(it was here that I suffered a certain
...er... thanks. sense of dread. For a second, it didn’t
feel like I was giving tech-vocce to a
You’re welcome. piece of equipment, but conversing with
someone who had zero social skills, or
(awkward silence. Alice studies for a some mental illness. She shot me that GUERLAIN
PERFECTION IS OUR BLUEPRINT
second and then a weird and slightly dispassionate smile again after studying
creepy smile appears on her face. Only me like an insect in a jar for a second

45
its only her lips. Her eyes keep studying and I left.
me. I don’t feel at ease at all but I think
that was her intent. To put me at ease I
 PATRONS by DAVE ELRICK

NEIMOLLER / DESAY
ON
ADLERHORST
Classic Traveller had a supplement encounters for 2300AD. The following
International Tensions called 76 Patrons which included 76 entry specifically uses the background
adventure seeds, each with six potential of one of the worlds in the 2300AD uni-
It’s easy to get caught up
outcomes. Later on, BITS (British Isles verse, although with a little work refer-
in the moment. maybe
bullets are flying, harsh
Traveller Support) published a similar ees should be able to port the situation
words, or threats. How- book in their 101… series for any ver- to other worlds in the 2300AD universe
ever, the referee does him- sion of Traveller called 101 Patrons. or even in their Traveller (or other sci-
self and his players a dis- When Mongoose Publishing took over ence fiction game) universes.
service if they do not keep the Traveller licence, they took the for-
in mind the international mat a little further with their 760 Pa- Neimoller / Desay
ramifications if they act trons.
less than discretely. What World: Adlerhorst, French Arm
may seem on the face of it The patron encounters published in the (C986625-9)
‘a small fracas’ could con- above books were useful for referees
ceivably result in the col-
who need an idea or a short filler adven- Required Skills: Stealth, vehicle skills,
lapse of governments and
in the gaining of resentful
ture for an ongoing campaign. Typical- possibly illegal skills (e.g. bribery, for-
enemies. A good referee ly, the entry would include some idea of gery, etc)
will temper these outre the world type (if the entry was planet-
political issues to his trou- based) and a suggested set of skills that Situation: Adlerhorst (page 58-60 of the
blemakers but sometimes the player characters would find useful 2300AD rulebook) is a habitable world
throwing them in the deep to successfully complete the adventure. in the French arm with two colonies –
end can result in wonder- German and French. During the War of
ful play.t. Below is the second in a series of patron German reunification, tensions ran very
high on this world. By the end of the war Insurance will only cover so much of the
on Earth a multi-national peacekeeping cost, and they may even reduce the payout
force was stationed on Adlerhorst to because the closure of the port could not
keep the peace between the two sides. be foreseen.
Public ownership of weapons is heavily
restricted, although this is only really He needs some people to get into the port
enforced in the cities. and recover the goods (six pallets worth
– about the amount to fit into an eighteen-
Tensions between the two colonies still wheeler or similar vehicle). He has paid
run high and recent trouble has trig- for them and has completed the neces-
gered demonstrations and violence. sary import permits (he will show them
Some groups are picketing the space- to the PCs if asked) so the goods belong to
port demanding the removal of the him. It’s just a matter of getting them from
peacekeeping forces. As a result, the the port warehouse to his warehouse. He
spaceport has been closed to anything doesn’t mind how it’s done, but if the PCs
other than essential personnel for two plan anything illegal he doesn’t want to
days and the peacekeepers there are on know any details as he doesn’t want to get
alert for trouble. into trouble with the colony authorities.

Player’s Introduction Gunther/Jacques can supply information

about which warehouse the goods are held
The player characters are currently on in and roughly where in the warehouse
Adlerhorst – for this adventure to work they are. He also supplies directions to a
they should start in either Neuberg warehouse he owns (not his main one, in
or Saint Benoit. Depending on their case there is trouble). He can also arrange
backgrounds, they may be residents of for a vehicle if the PCs ask.
Adlerhorst or just passing through. They
should not be part of the peacekeeping The spaceport is massive (about the size
forces. They have been contacted by a of an international airport, such as Heath-
man called Gunther Neimoller (if they row or LA International) and has several
are in the German colony) or Jacques service entrances as well as the public one
Desay (if they are in Saint Benoit). facing Neuberg. The peacekeeping forces
are stretched keeping an eye on the public
Gunther/Jacques tells the PCs that he demonstrations and, as a result, have too
owns a chain of food stores in the colo- few troops to monitor the miles of fenc-
ny. Some of the fruit and vegetables sold ing and every single service entrance. If
in his stores don’t grow well on Adler- the PCs manage to enter the port quietly
horst and as a result are imported from and are careful about not being discov-
off-world. Although they are packed in ered they have a good chance to get the
an oxygen-low environment to inhibit job done.
ripening, they must be sold within a
certain amount of time or they will go What’s Really Going On: Roll a D6 or se-
off and he will lose the money he has lect whichever one of the following situa-
paid. tions appeals to you the most:

47
 CAN

Gunther/Jacques
YOU
FILL
THIS
SPACE?

THEN
COLONIAL
TIMES arranged several groups just like the

NEEDS
PCs to force entry to the spaceport
• 1 All is as represented. Gunther/ to cause confusion and overload the
YOU! Jacques is a trader who wants the peacekeepers (he has also arranged for
goods he has paid for before they a riot to start outside the port at the
lose their value. same time). His own forces will follow
WE • 2 Gunther/Jacques is actually from
up (or even conceal themselves in the
PCs vehicle) and gain entry to the port
NEED the other colony. He is attempting where they will quickly move to con-
ART to steal the goods so that he can sell
them, make aa profit and get one
trol the port.

AND over on those damned Germans/ • 5 The documentation is forged. The

TEXT
Frenchies – if he can embarrass the shipment contains guns and ammo
peacekeepers at the same time, so for separatists on Adlerhorst. The
much the better. peacekeepers don’t know about this
yet but customs are likely to find them
SEE • 3 Gunther/Jacques is actually a soon. The PCs may find out if they
CONTACT smuggler and the goods secretly
contain items which are either sub-
drop a carton and ammo spills out,
rather than fruit, or they may not find
INFO ject to high import tax (e.g. expen- out until they deliver the cargo to the

ON
sive alcohol, rare perfume, cheese) warehouse.
or are actually illegal (e.g. drugs).
CONTENTS With the spaceport closed, cus- • 6 The documentation is forged. The
toms have the time to do a thorough shipment contains guns and ammo
PAGE check of all incoming cargos and for separatists on Adlerhorst. The
Gunther/Jacques wants the goods peacekeepers already know about this
moved before that can happen. The and are waiting to see who comes to
exact nature of the cargo is up to the collect them and where they are taken
STYGIAN FOX
referee. to. They will initially follow the PCs
discretely, but will have regular troops
• 4 Gunther/Jacques is actually a sep- on standby to recover the weapons
aratist who plans to take over the and neutralise the separatists.
48 spaceport by capturing the control
buildings while the peacekeepers Further events are up to the referee.
are at the main entrance. He has
 STARSHIP ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

THE ‘BOBCAT’ ARMOURED FIGHTING VEHICLE BY COLIN DUNN & MARK HIRST
The Bobcat is an advanced eight- is at rest. The Hunter variant removes Kinetic Gel
wheeled vehicle built on the same basic the infantry compartment, and instead
chassis as the older Lynx. While the fits additional banks of power cells and Kinetic gel is a thick,
drive train is retained, the vehicle is a second MHD turbine to power the flexible material, about
2 centimetres thick,
equipped with a more powerful MHD laser. This system holds enough power
that hardens instantly
turbine that provide power not just for for 20 shots, and recharges at the rate
when struck by a fast
the drive, but also for the storage banks of two shots per minute, whether the moving object. It pro-
that supply energy for the vehicle’s pri- vehicle is at rest, or not. vides AV 10 for the
mary weapon, a compact laser cannon. round in which it is
The infantry compartment holds 10 struck. AV declines by 2
The light laser cannon operates in soldiers and their personal gear, in- each combat round it is
two firing modes. One is a low-power cluding weapon and pack, and the two hit until the AV reaches
target designator, painting targets for heavy weapons, one per fireteam. Entry 0, at which point the
guided missiles and artillery rockets. and exit is through the rear doors, entire panel is rigid and
The other, high-powered, mode is suit- which feature drop-down panels of useless.
able for engaging incoming artillery armour-cloth backed by kinetic gel, to
Deployment
rounds, including heavy tube artillery, protect the troops as they disembark.
along with a respectable anti-armour America is by far the
capability for engaging light vehicles The Bobcat lacks any secondary ar- biggest purchaser of the
and combat walkers at ranges out to 5 mament, though some vehicle com- Bobcat but other coun-
kilometres. manders add remote-controlled turrets tries have also seen a
with heavy machineguns. Aftermarket need for the light multi-
The power cells for the laser are anti-missile/anti-personnel charges are use role that the Bobcat
charged by the MHD turbine, and hold likewise a common addition. caters to.
enough power for five shots. The cells
recharge at the rate of one shot per Features: Advanced controls, Autopilot Considering that the
main companies that
minute while the vehicle is moving, (Drive/1), Aquatic Drive, Eight Wheels,
provide parts for the
and two shots per minute if the vehicle AFV, Short Term Life Support, Hostile

49
Bobcat are Ameri- Environment Protection, Computer, Defenses: Reactive Armour/I, Explo-
can and Australian it Standard Nav (+2), Advanced Sensors sive Belt Anti-Missile System, Laser-
makes sense that these (+2), Basic Electronic Countermeas- based Anti-Missile System, Smoke Dis-
two countries were the ures (+1), TL10 Continental Range penser (12 rounds), Flares (12 rounds)
first to recieve their or- Commo w/Encryption, Uplink, and Weapons: Light Laser Cannon Range:
ders. Tightbeam, IR Mask /I, Visual Camou- Distant Damage: 5d6 Auto: No
flage /I, Fire Extinguisher
Other nations include:

Canada
(although the Bobcat is
used in a purely battle-
field command vehicle
role)

Britain
(known as The Jaguar)

Poland

The Netherlands

Flanders
(Much to France’ dis-
gust)

and Brazil.
PORTLAND 2300
BY WESLEY STREET
Crime In The Rose During my adjustment period I spent I quit after my first year and used the last
City time traveling around Earth. I was a jun- of my savings to move back home. Mom
ior manager fresh from the Premiere ag- offered to put my name on the title for
Large-scale illegal ac- ri-vehicle field office on Beta Canum and the ranch. I’m not convinced that raising
tivitiy in Portland is the best advice I received for acclimating beefalope is how I want to spend the rest
split between organ-
to Core life was to jump in. So I had a of my life but at least my head is quiet
ized crime families
disgusting delicacy called a “hotdog” in again.
and small street gangs.
Reported crime as a New York City, visited museums in Paris,
whole is far below the and danced in nightclubs in the Tokyo Overview
global average though Metroplex. I saw unemployed people and
financially-motivated was staggered by how many there were. Originally a settlement and deep water
nonviolent crime is be- When I wasn’t occupied with claustro- river port for 19th century fur trappers,
lieved to be higher than phobia-induced panic-attacks I tried to Portland, Oregon in 2300 is most well
the norm. frame the context of my experiences as, known as the home city of Trilon Indus-
The Twilight-era was what Mom called, teachable moments. tries, Inc.
marked by the disrup- Earth history is incomprehensibly long
tion of effective law-en-
and complex compared to the hundred- The American Pacific Northwest avoid-
forcement operations.
plus years we’ve been walking around on ed most of the direct violence of the Twi-
International syndi-
cates took advantage BC. I was humbled. light period but climate change resulted
of the chaotic decades in increased rainfall which damaged the
to curry favor with But all the culture diving and media region’s agricultural output. Food short-
the regional micro- exposure did little to prepare me for ages and mass population migrations in
governments and war- working in Portland. We took our work Oregon and neighboring Washington
lords. The Mob rooted seriously on BC but it was a job that I State were common until the last decade
into the American East left at the end of the day. Everywhere I of the 21st century. When the American
Coast and Midwest turned in Portland I saw Papa Trilon. regional and national governments re-
while the ethnic Chi- Trilon-made products, Trilon advertise- took control of their territories and in-
nese triad moved down
ments, Trilon 3V programming, and the frastructure, urban centers like Portland
from Vancouver to take
Trilon logo on caps, jackets, and shirts. began the process of rebuilding.
the American Pacific
Northwest. The West We had official Trilon housing, Trilon
Coast yakuza clans, schools, Trilon-brand transportation, li- New development differed from the
based primarily in censed Trilon stores which accepted only typical urban/rural divide of the late-
California, have made Trilon scrip, and Trilon cops watching 20th century. While the central business
some inroads into the us, always watching, at company picnics and industrial components of Portland
Pacific Northwest over in Trilon Plaza and basketball games in remained, high speed air film and tube
Trilon Arena. One week in and the Trilon lines made commuting safer and more
company anthem hard wormed its way cost effective for residents living outside
52 into my dreams. the city’s Hub. By 2300 the greater Port-
land metropolitan area has expanded to
include all of Multnomah, Clackamas, of life in a way that European colonists he last century though
Washington, and Hood River Counties. failed to centuries earlier. they remain a distant
Portland’s population of 1.7 million res- Unemployment in Portland is on par second in size and in-
idents are majority European and His- with the global average of 25%. Assis- fluence. The multi-
million livre Zhou/
panic descent followed by a large Asian tance beneficiaries are concentrated
Wong Shipwrights Ltd.
and First American community. During in the Oregon City and Beaverton dis-
is a triad shell-compa-
the disarray of Twilight, First American tricts. Densely populated residential ny that takes part in
Nations organized to claim (some say blocks consist of heavily police patrolled money laundering and
reclaim) flooded lands abandoned by government housing units. As these fraud.
local ranchers and farmers. Over the districts sit within line-of-sight of the
span of several decades, local Chinook prosperous Hub, the blights are charac- Gang activity is mostly
and Salish-speaking tribes established terized by a distinct feeling of frustra- limited to Portland’s
successful niche agribusiness concerns tion, anger, and unrest. Most residents blight districts though a
in the region including spice and deco- do not qualify for colonial settlement few “poseur” groups of
rative flower cultivation. The tribes have programs and are forced to languish on disaffected middle-class
youth operate across
retained many ancient traditions and local employment waiting lists. Youth
the city. Gangs typical-
even introduced some nativist fashion gangs destroy surveillance drones with
ly take on o n e
and spiritual beliefs to the area. How- homemade EM weapons. Targeted ad-
of
ever, tribal elders and anthropologists vertising systems are often sabotaged or
worry that Core World cultural homog-
enization may completely end their way
vandalized. At the same time, food and
small item vending machines are treat-
53
two forms: bōsōzoku- ed with utmost care as they remain the commercial product and service line
influenced “speed sole source of convenient consumable animations run in loops on display sur-
tribes,” who perform goods. faces or via holographic projection.
petty vandalism, ille- The city’s middle class conglomerate in
gal street racing, and
Post-Twilight Portland has been ex- suburban and exurban communities in
general hooliganism;
panded, demolished, and rebuilt in a the city’s southern and western districts.
and more goal-oriented
groups engaged in il- continuous cycle. The landscape re- These districts are arrayed in orderly, ge-
legal business practices mains pristine and natural landmarks, ometric patterns and the average home
such as blackmail and including the Columbia River, Mount is a large, single family, townhouse-style
vice peddling. Twenty- Hood, and the regional parks, have condominium. Automated drones han-
fourth century Ameri- changed little. Some pre-Twilight build- dle the majority of food and other con-
can street gangs have ings are preserved as historic sites. These sumable deliveries along with waste re-
moved away from the include the Observatory Museum, the moval but markets remain available for
purely racial lines of the Oregon Symphony hall, and the Port- individuals who prefer a personal shop-
late 20th and early 21st land Building with its Portlandia statue. ping experience or a local entertain-
centuries. Low econom-
Architecture is the typical blend of old, ment option. Shopping areas also dou-
ic status has provided a
new, and revivalist styles that dominate ble as airfilm train stations. Trilon owns
unifying frustration for
the chronically un- and cities across Earth. Neighborhoods with several neighborhoods in these areas,
under-employed. Aver- a strong ethnic heritage will often follow assigning corporate housing to all of its
age gangs range in size an identifiable design style or philoso- employees and providing free education
from 10-to-30 mem- phy such as the heavily feng shui and services to all dependents.
bers but the largest four Chinese Imperial-era influenced Inter-
in Portland have over national District. While the federal interstate roadways
100 members each. are decades behind in their overhaul
The Scooter Kids are a The city Hub is a collection of tower process, the local TrafCon system is a
group of teenage vehicle clusters connected by domes and walk- model of efficiency and safety with an
modification enthusi-
ways. The tallest building in Portland is extremely low accident and fatality re-
asts who operate in and
the 150-story Trilon Industries Tower cord. Highways leading in and out of
around the Oregon City
district and delight in at the center of the company’s sprawl- the Hub are covered with transparent
causing mischief for po- ing corporate campus. The high-tech alumina paneling which keep the streets
lice and private security facility was built with aerogels and ag- dry during the winter months and also
forces. Considered to gregated diamond nanorods which al- serve as projection surfaces for ads and
be generally harmless low for both flexibility and tremendous local news bulletins. These highways are
they’re often responsible tensile strength. To avoid a disruptive limited access which make police pa-
for illegal street parties cast shadow, the spire uses a series of re- trol and automated surveillance simple.
and racing. flectors to illuminate the city below. At The city’s tilt-rotor aircraft corridors are
The Stumps are a group certain times of the day the tower liter- also heavily monitored to ensure safety
of brutal extortionists
ally glows with the sun’s light. The tower and compliance. Portland maintains a
who control a ten block,
is outfitted with several VTOL and heli- state-of-the-art subway system and au-
fortress-like section of
the Beaverton district. copter landing pads for executive and tomated bus system for higher popula-
Gang initiation requires VIP use. tion density areas though service in and
that each member have around the blights has been discontin-
some sort of cybernetic Hub district clusters are separated by ued. Various ground and air taxi ser-
weapon implanted in large areas of private or public green vices are available with rates dictated by
his or her body. The space which add to the feel of high-tech distance traveled.
Portland triad will of- universities. Restaurants and boutiques
ten contract the Stumps serve area employees’ dining, shopping, Portland International Airport is open
when violent action is and entertainment needs. At night, to air travelers, the majority of who are
required.
business passen- The White Hand An-
gers. Trilon owns a gels, arch-rivals of the
cluster of hangers Stumps, are an all-
which are used to female gang that en-
gage in illegal software
store and maintain
and drug dealing. The
the company’s lo-
WHA’s mysterious sen-
cal air fleet. Port- ior leadership are all
land International rumored to be seasoned
services all major informatics experts and
Earth destinations digital con artists. The
and direct flights disappearance of com-
depart twice daily mercial grade chemi-
to the San Francisco cal shipments, used in
Spaceport. narcotic manufactur-
ing, are often blamed
on this criminal enter-
Portland receives
prise.
little in the way of
The King Road Set in
sea traffic as ocean Oregon City have their
borne shipping is fingers in several il-
transferred at the licit activities including
mouth of the Co- smuggling and rack-
lumbia River in the eteering. The gang has
city of Astoria. Ves- made a name for itself
sels that do dock in by being the go-to or-
Portland are typi- ganization for restricted
cally private water- black market items in-
cluding military grade
craft or the occa-
A Member of the PPB firearms. Their sources
sional tourist ship. Rapid Response Team are heavily guarded
Portland’s water- secrets though Ameri-
front is dominated can and Texan federal
by parks, entertain- professional sports teams. The Oregon
agents have busted sev-
ment and dining facilities, and the pri- Museum of Science and Industry, lo- eral linked go-betweens
vate homes of the city’s elite including cated along the Willamette River, has in the Southwest.
the residences of Trilon Industries’ sen- received massive expansion grants and
ior leadership. exhibit sponsorships from Trilon. OMSI
maintains one of the largest stellar sci-
Economic Sites ences attractions in North America. The
museum runs exclusive screenings of
Trilon Industries is the largest private declassified Trilon survey mission foot-
employer in Portland and their pres- age including guided tours of the Kie-
ence is reflected in the cityscape and Yuma colony landscape.
local culture. Trilon Industries Plaza,
encircling the base of Trilon Industries Trilon Industries Plaza is a manicured
Tower, is the location of annual Trilon- green space complete with rose gardens
sponsored concert, theater, and other and riverside walkway located along
cultural events. Trilon Industries Arena the south bank of the Columbia River.
is a 50,000 seat sports and large-scale
entertainment facility in the city’s his-
Life-size copper statues of important
figures in Trilon corporate history are 55
toric Rose Quarter and is home to local interspersed across the grounds and
 watercraft shuttle employees and visi- university an incubator for new Trilon
tors to Government Island where Trilon talent. The university is a top tier re-

COLONIAL TIMES maintains an outdoor corporate retreat

area. As the company is extremely secu-
rity conscious, guards, hidden cameras,
and surveillance drones are present at
search institution with internationally
recognized biology and health science
courses.

all facilities. Trilon Security Services’ The United States government main-
conservatively dressed, professional, tains a small presence in Portland. The
and extremely polite employees are Army Corps of Engineers operate fa-
equipped to handle any sort of property cilities that manage the Pacific Ocean-
incursion. However, first-time offend- feeding waterways and the Geological
ers are gently escorted from the prem- Survey monitors Mount Hood. The lo-
ises before an armed response is neces- cal First Americans keep a joint tribal
sary. Trilon Security Services is on good embassy in association with the Bureau
terms with the Portland Police Bureau of Aboriginal Affairs. The Department
so jurisdictional issues tend to be rare. of the Interior monitors pollution out-
PPB Chief Wayne Lee often subcon- put and while industrialists grumble
tracts police services with TSS despite about government interference, the les-
accusations of civil rights abuses. sons of Twilight have kept the majority
of the population in the pro-enforce-
The state of Oregon and the city man- ment camp.
agers are the city’s second largest em-
ployer. Health, human services, labor, Trilon Industries isn’t the only major
education, and law enforcement offi- private employer in the area. Micro-
cials along with city leadership, includ- technica Computers, a competitor in
ing Mayor Shawna Dietrich, work out the home electronics market, keeps a
of the Portland Government building. large field office. The office is complete-
The complex is a modern curved ten- ly self-sufficient and handles a num-
story glass and steel structure. Origi- ber of defense software contracts for
nally constructed in 2219 it occupies the American and Canadian militaries
five blocks. The Portland Hall of Justice as well as the city’s public Augmented
is located in the Old Downtown neigh- Reality overlay – a digital rose garden
borhood in the Hub and ten satellite po- that combines elements of Baroque-era
lice precincts are spread throughout the Europe with whimsical fantasy litera-
metro area. The four precincts located ture. Microtechnica owns the Portland
within the blights are the equivalent of soccer club, sponsored the restoration
small military outposts and are staffed of Pioneer Courthouse Square, and is
primarily with heavily armed fast re- a financial backer of the Portland Rose
sponse teams. Patrol officer uniforms Festival.
and vehicles are easily spotted with their
distinctive black, white, and neon green Victoria, Inc. makes use of orbital manu-
color schemes. facturing co-ops but its corporate home
office is located in the Hub district. The
Oregon State University’s Portland cam- apparel design company specializes in
pus is located along the bank of the Wil- high-tech everyday wear targeting the
lamette River. Grants have expanded young adult market. Their most popular
56 the university’s nuclear engineering
and ship design programs making the
garments include built in sousveillance
gear used by trendy life bloggers, genet-
ically engineered fibers spliced with bi- extremist members, NARL and Trilon

COLONIAL TIMES
oluminescent properties, and EyeSnag™, Industries have been engaged in active
a line of clothing with stitched-in glass hostilities for the past four decades. This
fiber micro-holographic projectors that typically manifests as info warfare and
loop animated advertisements across media smear campaigns. NARL is not
their surfaces. EyeSnag™ wearers receive averse to old-fashioned protest marches
regular micro-payments from ad part- outside the Trilon campus. The founda-
ners. The unemployed often sport these tion has some support in the local com-
clothes as a method of receiving sup- munity, especially in the blight districts.
plemental income, thus explaining their However the average Portlander views
popularity in blight districts. Trilon’s presence as a positive econom-
ic influence on the city and NARL as a
Like many cities, Portland has several group of out-of-touch reactionaries.
banking institutions operating in its
borders. New York-based American Attractions
Off-World Financial has a large branch
office in the Hub. Specializing in invest- While Portland isn’t a tourist mecca it
ment portfolios in American Arm stel- does offer a variety of cultural, dining,
lar development, AOWF has seen its and entertainment options for visitors
meteoric rise begin to flatten. Rumors and employed residents.
persist of a hostile merger triggered by
either Trilon or New World Order Bank, Washington Park is located just west of
an action all parties involved deny. the Hub. The park offers a zoo, amphi-
theater, various gardens, 450 year-old
Portland’s top hospital and other health scale steam engines, and a playground as
care providers are primarily not-for- well as memorial sculptures commemo-
profit institutions run by universities rating American participation in armed
or charities. Oregon Health & Science conflicts across the centuries. An inter-
University Hospital is highly regarded active Augmented Reality overlay at the
as a regional trauma center and includes Mexican-American wars memorial pro-
a full staff of cybernetic, clone trans- vides a detailed account of the Mexican-
plant, and electronic prosthesis special- Texan-American conflict though local
ists. St. Raphael the Archangel Hospital Hispanic scholars have questioned the
is the preferred elective surgical and re- presentation’s accuracy. Air and space
habilitation facility for Portland’s elite attractions are a major draw for the city
as well as a popular destination for legal and the park maintains restored air and
bioenhancement. BOXdoc, a franchise spacecraft for public view.
of small, full-service, private health care
providers, has recently expanded to The International District is Portland’s
include emergency transport services Asian cultural center. Originally the his-
in the Portland metro area. However, toric waterfront Old Town, the Interna-
charges of providing a front for ProVo- tional District is populated with tradi-
lution black clinic operations have put a tional Manchurian, Japanese, Hispanic,
dent in the company’s public image. First American, and South East Asian
restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The
The North American Research League local triad & yakuza warlords typically
has programs in Portland. While the
Vancouver-based foundation has di-
avoid butting heads in this part of the
city, preferring to handle their business 57
vorced itself from the actions of more in the blights or outside city limits.
 The stratovolcano Mount Hood is vis- ries. The décor is primarily wood and
ible from almost everywhere in the city. leather mixed with neo-First American

COLONIAL TIMES A minor eruption in 2193 was predicted

well in advance by the Geological Sur-
vey thus preventing human fatalities.
As of 2300 the volcano is unofficially
style.

Spat’s Turbine is a three-story restau-

rant and dance club located along the
considered to be dormant. Small earth- Willamette River. A former hydroelec-
quakes are a semi-regular occurrence tric power plant, the establishment’s
and accepted as a part of life. Mountain theme is 19th century industrial with
climbing and hiking are popular ac- a heavy emphasis on brass dials and
tivities along the mountain’s slope as is tubes. The food is passable Quebecois
cross-country skiing in the winter. Lo- haute cuisine and the drinks are notori-
cals take personal pride in resisting any ously watered down but the live enter-
attempt at commercial development as tainment is considered some of the best
the area provides a needed respite from in the city. The house band specializes
Portland’s heavy advertising and sur- in instrumental interpretations of clas-
veillance landscape. sical electronica compositions.

Portland offers the typical prepackaged, Despite being located in the Beaverton
franchise dining fare found in most blight, Tejas Gastrobar is a local tradi-
North American cities including Night tion and a favored destination for slum-
Owl coffee shops and American Bar ming Portlanders. The menu consists of
family restaurants but local eateries are simple tapas dishes and a limited selec-
a popular destination. tion of craft beers. The current owner,
Mariano Diez, is considered by many in
The Loom is a high class restaurant fre- the local community to be the blight’s
quented by the city’s corporate power- official “spokesperson” and serves as
brokers and their hangers on. The Loom a public face at anti-corporate rallies.
specializes in coastal Salish foods – This has made him a person of interest
clams, fish, wildflowers, tubers, and ber- to the local authorities.

58
 YOUR WORLD
THE LATEST NEWS BROUGHT TO YOUR FINGERTIPS

A thing of beauty & violence

Master Hu has been making specialist cutlery for 3
decades but recently won the contract to design the
swords for the Manchurian Army Officer College at
Haerbin.
“It is a great honour. It will help me focus my art.”
The swords will be given to every officer upon their
graduation but judging by some of Master Hu’s earlier
work (left) I’d say the honour was all theirs.

A Welcome Return
Efforts to reintroduce the Arctic Wolf into parts of Northern canada are
proving succesful with the news that the number of wolves in the wild is
expected to exceed 2000 over the next year.

In ‘94 there were fears that the Arctic Wolf numbers had fallen to pre-
Twilight levels (which, at the time, were mistakenly thought to be zero).
While I’m sure they don’t all look as cute as the little fella to the right, I’m
sure we can all agree that protection of the species is good news. Similar
efforts are also ongoing in Russia, the Scandinavian Union, and the Far
Eastern Republic.

Heights of Majesty
Oskar Rendinger took this winning photo-
graph in the National Geographic photo of
the year competition and netted himself a
neat Lv10,000 prize. Taken in Oskar’s home
country of Austrovenia, it shows a storm roll-
ing in and starting to build over Wildspitze.
“It’s a good picture but it was a tense race to
shelter once the storm came
in.” confessed Oskar.
59
 YOUR WORLD
Art Reportage
When two meteorites slammed into the hillside near his Wyoming home, artist
Frank Harlende painted the view and then put the painting away. Little did he
know that when he uploaded the image via his Drift™ his paintings and sketches
would become all the rage.

“I’m not sure I see what the fuss is about. I just draw to pass the time. I’m glad
of the money though.” a very humble Harlende told this reporter. Nearly 50 of
his pieces have sold already and Frank’s store of artwork has run dry. He’s busy
painting more landscapes to keep his friends and fans happy and so he can sup-
port himself and a nearby horse rescue.

‘The Night The Sky Fell’ recently fetched Lv120,000 at a NY auction house.

The Epic Continues...

‘On White Mountain Slopes’, the third book
in Julie Saunders’ epic ‘Sword Wielder’ trilogy
is currently filming in Norway. Big things are
expected of the third film as the previous two
have taken 3 billion livre at the box office and
home entertainment providors. Amelia Edi-
son (right) plays Tamneril, a young Elf war-
rior intent on proving herself to her family but
unwittingly uncovers a plot by the dark lord
Axan to cover the world in death.

In this installment, Tamneril’s family have

been killed by the Liche Army and she seeks
revenge and the death of the dark lord.

As we probably all read it in English class,

we are all aware that Saunders’ third book
is violent and full of tragedy but Gateshead
studios are understood to be resisting the urge
from financiers to tone down the violence so a
younger audience might fill the movie thea-
tres.
“It’s a classic.” said Gateshead’s media rep
William Danvers, “I’m certainly not going
to change a 150 year old Scottish epic just to
please the investors.”

Lets hope he gets his way.

Shrouded In Mystery
Serene bottle green oceans cover the world of Avalon (DM-34
11626 A) at the far end of the American Arm and it’s the seas
that have brought scientists to this distant world in an attempt to
explain why there is such a difference in depth between the poles
at 1km and the rest of the planets’ seas at 300m.

Theories of suspected life on the world have yet to be substanti-

ated and many experts think that if there is life, it may have been
transplanted by careless visitors.

Interplanetary™ episodes that feature Avalon have seen a signifi-

cant rise in viewing figures and Ordis films is expected to send
a team to film more in the near future. Sadly, complaints from
academic circles may end that dream for the near future.

Until that day, we must content ourselves with looking at this

relaxing photograph to the left.

NEXT ISSUE
SPACECRAFT
WORLDS
OBD
VEHICLES
PATRONS
NEWS
..and maybe something from you?
In order for Colonial Times to
continue we need your input!
See the Contents page for the
e-mail address to send your
submissions ideas to.
INPUT
THE GENEROUS CONTRIBUTORS
WHO HAVE MADE THIS ISSUE OF
COLONIAL TIMES POSSIBLE.
THEY’VE STEPPED UP. YOUR TURN.

Steff. J. Worthington
Contact info is steffworthington@hotmail.com .
Available for cartography projects, trade dress, and
graphic design for RPG’s and other books.

Colin Dunn .
Contact info is cgdunn@gmail.com .
Available for short writing/editing projects for
Traveller and other SF games and related short fiction.

Charles E. Gannon
‘Fire with Fire’ out now http://www.charlesegannon.com/
‘Trial by Fire’
cegwebmaster@hotmail.com
Release date
July 2014 Author of ‘Fire With Fire’
Baen Books
available now from all good book retailers.

‘hameed
Contact info is http://hameed.deviantart.com/
Digital Artist

David Elrick
Writer
 Laurent Esmiol
Digital Artist

Luca A. Volpino
Contact info is lvolpino@wildboar.it
sololuca.wordpress.com
Media | News | Publishing

Nicholas Cloister
Contact info is http://cloister.deviantart.com/
Artist | Professional | Digital Art

Gavin Dady
Contact info is Gavindady@gmail.com
Mechanical designs (starships, vehicles, guns, satellites)
hobbyist

Neville D’Souza
Contact info is http://nevs28.deviantart.com/
http://nwiz25.cgsociety.org/gallery/
Artist | Hobbyist | Digital Art

Richard Spake
Contact info is http://spake759.deviantart.com/
Artist | Professional | Traditional Art
Albert Urmanov
Contact info is http://albyu.deviantart.com/
Artist | Digital Art

L. Knight
Contact info is http://knightflyte96.deviantart.com/
http://www.knightmanproductions.com/
Artist | Hobbyist | Digital Art

Benjamin Cehelsky
Contact info is http://ryky.deviantart.com/
Artist | Digital Art

Dawn Allyn
Contact info is http://dawnallynnstock.deviantart.com/
Artist | Hobbyist | Stock Producer

J.B. Halverson
Contact info is http://grayeyesstock.deviantart.com/
Artist | Hobbyist

Miranda Hedman
Contact info is http://mirish.deviantart.com/
Artist | Student | Varied
Mark Hirst
Contact info is http://www.cambrianmoons.com/
Artist | Digital Art

STYGIAN FOX
STYGIAN FOX

COLONIAL TIMES