IMPACTO AMBIENTAL DEL BOSQUE CAFETALERO

Boat designs come in a variety of shapes, depending on their desired function. Speed boats have sleek hull designs and powerful engines in order to travel at high speeds. Standard features include a VHF radio (treat as a CB radio), convertible tops, running lights, and lifejackets.

R

ECREATIONAL

S

PEED

B

OAT

A medium-sized powerboat, usually with an outboard engine. These boats are often used for water-skiing. Year 2003 cost: $10,000+ USD.

O

FFSHORE

R

ACER

These large race boats, usually measuring between 10 and 18 metres in length, are used in offshore racing. Smugglers often utilise these sleek, fast boats to transport illegal goods. Year 2003 cost: $80,000+ USD.

MILITARY

GROUND

VEHICLES

When battling against foreign incursions or giant monsters, the army will come to the rescue with their awesome firepower. Unfortunately, sometimes even that is not enough.

A

RMOURED

P

ERSONNEL

C

ARRIER

(APC)

A lightly armoured, full-tracked, air-transportable personnel carrier designed to carry and protect personnel and certain types of cargo. Year 2003 cost: $500,000+ USD.

H

EAVY

T

ANK

Heavy tanks (such as the M1 Abrams) are the backbone of military forces. They provide strong mobile firepower while providing heavy protection for its crew in almost any environment. A heavy tank counts as three major Gadgets. Year 2003 cost: $4,000,000+ USD.

CUSTOMISING

VEHICLES

Options can be added to different types of vehicles to enhance performance or give them additional capabilities. Unless otherwise noted, each accessory counts as one minor Gadget and can only be taken once.

Note that Engine Rebuild, Turbocharger, and Big Engine have approximately the same effect in game terms. A fast vehicle may have all three options assigned, however. Some vehicles possess supertechnology, which grants them abilities beyond those outlined below. These abilities are covered using the Item of Power Attribute (page 24). Creating a vehicle such as this not only requires minor and major Gadgets for the base abilities of the vehicle plus any modifications but also requires a Level in Item of Power sufficient to purchase the Attribute(s) granted by the supertechnology.

A

IRFOILS

An aerodynamic feature (airdams, spoilers, etc.) that improves traction by increasing the downward force on a car. Gives a +1 bonus to any Drive (Car) Skill check at speeds over 100 kph. Airfoils are available for any automobile and some exceptionally fast boats.

A

RMOUR

The vehicle is retro-fitted with armoured panels, Kevlar inserts, and bullet proof glass on the windows. Each time the armour is assigned, the extra weight reduces top speed by 10 kph but increases the vehicle’s Armour Rating by 5. Armour is available for any vehicle except an ultra-light aircraft, and counts as two minor Gadgets.

A

RTIFICIAL

I

NTELLIGENCE

(A.I.)

This can be assigned more than once. For one major Gadget, a vehicle can be given one Stat Value in Mind or Soul to a recommended maximum of 10 for each Stat. The A.I. customisation enables a vehicular computer to achieve a limited form of self- operation and eventually self-awareness. For these purposes, the Mind Stat represents processing power and database/knowledge access while the Soul Stat represents consciousness, self-determination, and free will. If an A.I. assists a character in the completion of a task, one-half the A.I.’s relevant Stat is added as a bonus to his or her Skill check (or Stat check).

B

IG

E

NGINE

An upgraded engine, such as a big V8 in a passenger car, or a V12 in a sports car. The engine often differentiates an ordinary passenger car from a luxury model, or a basic sports car from a racer. A big engine adds 20 kph to the top speed of any vehicle.

B

URGLAR

A

LARM

If a door, trunk, or window is opened without the proper key, an alarm will sound to alert (and annoy) everyone in the vicinity. Defeating the alarm requires a Mind- Based Electronics (Security) Skill check. Marginal failure means the thief realises he or she cannot disarm it while a worse failure means will trigger the alarm.

C

ITIZEN

’

S

B

AND

(CB) R

ADIO

With a range of a few miles, truckers favour CBs for exchanging information on road conditions, speed traps, and general gossip. Unlike a personal cell phone, a CB broadcasts to everyone in the area — it is not useful for private communication, but is great for distress calls. A similar option can be taken for taxi dispatcher radios. A CB radio can be installed in any vehicle.

C HAPTER 9: E QUIPMENT Airfoils Armour

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Big Engine

Burglar Alarm Citizen’s Band (CB) Radio Consumer Electronics Convertible Top Door Mount Electronic Countermeasures Engine Rebuild Extra Capacity Extra Endurance Furnishings

Global Positioning System (GPS) Hidden Cargo Space

Improved Brakes Improved Shocks Lights and Siren Luxury Interior Manoeuvrable

Manual Transmission Nitrous Oxide Tank Off-Road Suspension Police-Band Radio Pontoons Radar Detector Rocket Engine Rotating License Plate Sidecar

Slick Tires

Smoke Screen/Oil Slick Special Tires or Puncture-Resistant Stretchers and Medical Equipment Stripped Sun Roof Supercharger Tow Winch Trailer Turbocharger Weapon Mount — Light Weapon Mount — Heavy

80

C

ONSUMER

E

LECTRONICS

These electronic gadgets include small TV sets, a vehicular computer, fax machines, etc. A CD or MP3 player in a car can be considered a fairly mundane item. Electronics can be added to any vehicle, provided the size seems reasonable.

C

ONVERTIBLE

T

OP

The vehicle with this option has a removable or retractable plastic, fibreglass, or fabric top. Removing the top gives a better view and nice breeze, but also means that the driver and passengers are now “partially exposed,” and are at the mercy of the weather. Exposed occupants are also completely unprotected from overhead attacks and can be attacked (bypassing vehicle Armour/Health Points) more easily from the side or rear (-4 attack check penalty to ignore the car’s Armour). On the plus side, those occupants can also fire out of the vehicle without any difficulty, and jump in or out more easily. This feature is available for automobiles; recreational speed boats and most offshore racers automatically possess this option.

D

OOR

M

OUNT

This option is a post and bracket for mounting a light or heavy machine gun out a helicopter’s or van’s open side door.

E

LECTRONIC

C

OUNTERMEASURES

This advanced defence system enables the vehicle to avoid detection by radar and other sensors. Any attempt to mechanically detect the vehicle (except through the basic senses such as sight or hearing) incurs a -6 penalty.

E

NGINE

R

EBUILD

A rebuild is major custom upgrade to the engine, rather than just simply increasing its size. In a car, this may involve removing and completely cleaning the existing system (including “hot tanking” the engine block in a chemical bath to remove grime), then adding various modifications (known as “blueprinting”). Other engine “buzz-words” include forged dome pistons, tuneable fuel injection, strengthened rods and bearings, adjustable or hot cam socket, tubular headers, custom intake manifolds, big valves, and a bored-out throttle body. This option adds 20 kph to the top speed of any vehicle.

E

XTRA

C

APACITY

Some vehicles are customised to contain more cargo or passenger capacity. Each time this option is assigned, the capacity of the vehicle is doubled. Capacity for one passenger is approximately equivalent to a quarter-tonne of cargo space.

E

XTRA

E

NDURANCE

Most vehicles can operate for 3-10 hours before requiring refuelling (one hour for an ultra-light). Each time this option is assigned, the maximum time between refuelling is doubled.

F

URNISHINGS

Furnishings include a mini-bar, mini-fridge, kitchenette, chemical toilet, bunk bed, etc. For larger furnishings (kitchenette, bunks, etc.) each one added also requires replacing one or two seats, depending on the size. Furnishings can be added to any vehicle with Size 2 or more.

G

LOBAL

P

OSITIONING

S

YSTEM

(GPS)

This option uses satellite systems to provide precise navigational co-ordinators, which prevents the driver from becoming lost. Naturally, it is still possible to miss a turn through human error. A GPS can be added to any vehicle.

H

IDDEN

C

ARGO

S

PACE

This space is often used in vehicles that are designed to smuggle goods across borders or past highway patrols. Up to 10% of the vehicle’s cargo capacity can be considered “hidden” under fake panels and bogus fixtures. Hidden space can be added to any vehicle with cargo capacity.

I

MPROVED

B

RAKES

This option includes high quality brakes, drag chutes, or spiked tires that allow the vehicle to stop faster than normal. Those breaks provide a +2 bonus to Drive Skill checks on any manoeuvre where sudden, sharp deceleration is important. Improved breaks can be added to any ground-based vehicle.

I

MPROVED

S

HOCKS

Some vehicles have high quality or adjustable shock absorbers or springs, which provide an extra +1 bonus to Drive Skill checks in any circumstance where the suspension would be important (such as crossing over obstacles).

L

IGHTS AND

S

IREN

Any vehicle can be fitted with a noisy siren and flashing lights. This option can also provide a powerful spot search light.

L

UXURY

I

NTERIOR

Leather upholstery, lots of chrome, extra head room, or other items on a vehicle are a sure way to impress someone special. A plethora of luxury options are available for most vehicles.

M

ANOEUVRABLE

A vehicle with Manoeuvrable has superior handling characteristics that give it a bonus of +1 to Initiative each time it is assigned. This bonus is cumulative with the vehicle’s Manoeuvre Bonus (see Table 9-3: Vehicles).

M

ANUAL

T

RANSMISSION

There are two types of transmissions: manual and automatic. An automatic transmission is assumed to be standard issue for automobiles (but not other vehicles), and means that the gear mechanism changes by itself. In a manual transmission, the driver must shift the gears on his or her own, usually with a stick and the clutch pedal. In the case of automobiles, a manual transmission gives an additional -1 penalty to characters who are trying to do something else while they drive, such as shoot a gun. If, however, a vehicle with an automatic transmission and one with a manual transmission are competing in a race, the GM should give any driver who has both the Drive Skill and a manual transmission an extra +1 bonus to reflect the greater speed control the manual transmission provides. This is a mundane option for automobiles.

N

ITROUS

O

XIDE

T

ANK

This option adds a nitrous oxide tank and push-button injection system. Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) can be injected into the engine, which releases more free oxygen and improves cylinder pressures and engine temperature. This action allows extra fuel to be burned in a more controlled fashion, resulting in a quick power boost for a short sprint. A single injection adds 30 kph to speed and +2 to Initiative on any round it is used. A tank can be used for up to five rounds before depleting the nitrous oxide bottle. This performance enhancer is available for any vehicle except helicopters.

O

FF

-R

OAD

S

USPENSION

A raised suspension and special tires allow the vehicle to drive cross-country at two- thirds of the on-road top speed. The extra suspension weight also means -5 kph to road speed. For airplanes, this option corresponds to Rough-Field Landing Gear that lets the aircraft land without a proper runway. Off-road suspension is available for any ground vehicle or light aircraft.

P

OLICE

-B

AND

R

ADIO

This radio allows the driver to listen to, and communicate on, police and emergency frequencies. If the cops find one of these in a vehicle, they may be a little suspicious, however. This radio is available for any vehicle.

P

ONTOONS

Pontoons allow an aircraft to land in, or take off from, water. The extra air drag reduces the aircraft’s top speed by 5 kph. Pontoons are available for any helicopter or light airplane.

R

ADAR

D

ETECTOR

A detector can warn the driver if a police radar trap is within a few miles. Recent models also detect police laser scanners.

R

OCKET

E

NGINE

The vehicle is outfitted with a rocket engine (either replacing propellers for an airplane or as a booster rocket for ground vehicles). The engine drastically increases the speed of the vehicle by an additional 100 kph but the expensive modification counts as a major Gadget. Additionally, for ground based vehicles, the driver incurs a -2 penalty on all Drive Skill checks while the rocket booster is activated.

C

HAPTER

9:

E

81

R

OTATING

L

ICENSE

P

LATE

With a flick of a switch, the license plate can flip to reveal an alternative identity for a vehicle. This illegal modification is available for any automobile or oversized ground vehicle.

S

IDECAR

Sidecars are attached to motorcycles, allowing an extra person to ride. This option reduces the top speed by 10 kph. A motorbike sidecar requires three rounds to attach or detach.

S

LICK

T

IRES

A vehicle may be outfitted with flat racing tires (no grooves) for better traction. Slicks give a +1 bonus to any Drive checks on smooth, dry tracks, but unfortunately have a poor grip on wet roads: an additional -2 penalty is assigned to any penalties suffered by a vehicle for the weather conditions. Slicks are available for any ground vehicle.

S

MOKE

S

CREEN

/O

IL

S

LICK

This option releases smoke behind the vehicle, obscuring view in a cloud about 10 metres in diameter. The screen will last for 1-6 rounds depending on the wind. Alternatively, it could act as an oil slick, which creates a slippery area that hampers the control of any vehicle driving through it. A driver may avoid the oil slick if he or she spots it in time. At GM’s option, a character caught in a smoke screen/oil slick might be required to make a successful Driving Skill check to avoid an accident. A fully charged smoke screen/oil slick is good for three rounds of use, and is available for any automobile or oversized ground vehicle.

S

PECIAL

T

IRES OR

P

UNCTURE

-R

ESISTANT

Tires may be designed with various special abilities. These include solid puncture- resistant tires that run while flat (halve penalties for losing a tire) or special snow tires (reduce or negate any penalties that the GM may assign for manoeuvring on snow or ice). Any ground based vehicle can be equipped with special tires.

S

TRETCHERS AND

M

EDICAL

E

QUIPMENT

This option differentiates ambulances from regular vehicles. Each stretcher replaces two seats for passenger capacity purposes. Medical equipment can be added to any van or utility helicopter.

S

TRIPPED

These vehicles are carefully stripped down to improve their power to weight ratio. In a car, this might mean removing glass from side windows (replacing them with nets), taking out the headlights, stripping out the doors (the driver will now climb through the window), modifying the seats, and otherwise removing items that are required for regular driving but unnecessary or unsafe for a high-speed race. Stripping a vehicle will add 20 kph to top speed if the vehicle is still “street legal” or 30 kph if enough stuff is removed so that the vehicle no longer meets minimum safety standards. All vehicles, except an ultra-light, can be stripped.

S

UN

R

OOF

A sun roof is an open hatch in the top of the vehicle, which can be added to any car or van. Characters who lean out the opening can be attacked, but receive a benefit for partial cover (-4 penalty to the attacker’s check). A sun roof is available for any automobile or oversized ground vehicle.

S

UPERCHARGER

A supercharger is designed to increase an engine’s power. The supercharger uses a belt-and-pulley mechanism linked to an engine’s crankshaft. It functions by forcing extra air and fuel into the engine’s combustion chambers. A supercharger adds 20 kph to top speed and the extra acceleration gives a +2 Initiative bonus. Superchargers count as two minor Gadgets, and are available for any vehicle except a helicopter or ultra-light.

T

OW

W

INCH

A winch allows the vehicle to tow other vehicles of equal or smaller size (similar to pulling a trailer — see Trailer below). A winch is available for any pickup truck or oversized ground vehicle.

T

RAILER

A trailer lets the vehicle tow extra cargo. A typical trailer is designed for a car or van and can hold a half-tonne (for a car-sized trailer) or 1-2 tonnes (for a larger trailer). The vehicle’s top speed will be reduced by 25 kphInitiative penalty while towing the trailer. Trailers can be added to any automobile or oversized vehicle.

T

URBOCHARGER

This device uses the engine’s exhaust stream to drive an air compressor, which increases the engine’s power output. This extra power adds 20 kph to top speed, but there is no extra initiative bonus, due to “turbo lag” — the delay it takes for the turbocharger to respond. Tuberchargers are available for any vehicle except a helicopter or ultra-light.

W

EAPON

M

OUNT

— L

IGHT

A weapon mount is a bracket or pintle for mounting a light or heavy machine gun on the vehicle’s roof, deck, or the underside of a wing.

W

EAPON

M

OUNT

— H

EAVY

This mount is used for mounting heavy weapons such as rockets.

In document UNIVERSIDAD DE EL SALVADOR FACULTAD MULTIDISCIPLINARIA DE OCCIDENTE DEPARTAMENTO DE CIENCIAS JURÍDICAS (página 72-87)