MARCO CONCEPTUAL

Vehicles

One of the things about Russia that strike adventurers from Western Europe and North America, is the number of (compara- tively) low-tech "wheeled" and "gasoline" powered, 20th cen- tury vehicles, not to mention bicycles, horses and animal drawn carts and wagons (pulled by horses, oxen and D-Bee animals). Old, 20th Century style motorcycles, jeeps, trucks, tractors and half-track (tread) vehicles are comparatively easy and inexpen- sive to build. Yet even these are relatively expensive (compared to 20th Century prices) and fairly uncommon. 20th Century ve-

hicles are most numerous in and around the Sovietski and some of the big cities under the protection of the Warlords. Even in these (relatively) modern cities (most of which are also equal to roughly early to mid-20th Century technology, culture and ap- pearance), motorized vehicles are fairly uncommon. Seventy to eighty percent of these are owned by and serve the military and government, with belonging to businesses and farms, leaving only 8% or less to wealthy individuals.

For example, a medium-sized farm might have 1-3 tractors, 1-6 trucks, 2-8 motorcycles and maybe a jeep, car, or one other vehicle (possibly an M.D.C. one). A large farm might have twice as many vehicles, while a small one isn't likely to have more than one tractor, one or two trucks and one or two motor- 140

cycles — farms in the wilderness, steppes and northwest may not have even one motorized vehicle, relying entirely on animals and manual labor! An estimated 50% of all plowing, field work, hauling goods, transportation and general labor on farms is done by horses, oxen, or other animals, and the calloused hands and strong back of the common worker. The amount of man and ani- mal labor jumps to 85% in the wilderness and steppes, where motorized vehicles among the common people are very rare. Except for the rare city, the Sovietski, and the technology held closely by the Warlords for their Camps, modern vehicles and technology greater than to 20th century levels are very un- common and found in scattered patches across a land area more than three times the size of the United States!

The use of horses, other riding animals and bicycles as a means of transportation is common throughout Russia, and let's not forget the mode of transportation provided by one's own feet. Russians do a lot of walking.

Magic and magical vehicles are uncommon in Russia. Other than the handiwork of the Mystic (smithy) augmenting animals with magical horseshoes and men with enchanted tools, there is little in the way of magic that can help the average peas- ant. This is why, against the decree of the Warlords, some peas- ants enlist friendly faerie folk, spirits and D-Bees to help them in their backbreaking labors.

Used Vehicles: The prices for used vehicles are typically

30-50% less depending on their condition and state of repair. However, the S.D.C. (or M.D.C.) will be less than a new vehicle, and the maximum speed will be 3D6% slower (ei- ther a clogged, tired old engine or improperly calibrated; needs a tune-up). Some used vehicles may also be missing standard fea- tures or have other little problems or broken parts (door sticks, lock doesn't stereo is missing, etc.)

Note: For worldwide continuity, prices are presented in Uni-

versal Credits. However, the Rubles (Rb) currency has been re- instated by the Warlords. The current rate of exchange (among

who will accept Rubles is two Rb for one Universal Credit. Also note that most villagers and wilderness people won't accept Rubles or Universal Credits! Instead they trade goods and services for everything.

S.D.C. Vehicles

Note: Listed in order of most

Bicycles

Common Street Bike: A.R. 6, S.D.C. 40, Speed: (8 to 24 km) on the streets, dirt roads and well worn trails. Reduce to 3-5 mph (4.8 to 8 km) off-road. Plus the bike will suffer 1D4

S.D.C. damage for every miles (8 km) travelled on rugged

conditions. Range: Varies with the stamina of the person pedaling (typically about 4 km per P.E. point of the in- dividual character); can travel up to miles (24 km) per hour.

Cost: 60 Universal Credits.

Racing Bike: A.R. 5, S.D.C. 30, Speed: 10-20 mph (16 to 32

km) on the streets, dirt roads and well worn trails. Reduce to 5-8 mph (8 to 13 km) off-road. Plus the bike will suffer 1D6 S.D.C.

damage for every five miles (8 km) travelled on rugged condi- tions. Range: Varies with the stamina (P.E.) of the person ped-

aling (typically about 4 miles/6.4 km per P.E. point of the individual character); can travel up to 20 miles (32 km) per hour. Cost: Universal Credits.

Mountain Bike: A heavy-duty bike with tires designed for travelling off-road on dirt trails, grass, and other uneven and rugged terrain.

A.R. 7, S.D.C. 60, Speed: Around 10-12 mph (16 to 19 km) along dirt wide trails and flat terrain, 6-8 mph (9.6 to 13 km) on rocky, rugged or overgrown terrain. Range: Varies with the stamina (P.E.) of the person pedaling (typically about 4 miles/6.4 km per P.E. point of the individual character); can travel up to 12 miles (19 km) per hour miles/24 km on smooth roads and streets). Cost: Universal Credits.

Motorcycles

Scooter: Basically a motorized Mountain Bike. A.R. 7, S.D.C. 50, Speed: 50 mph (80 km), Range: 200 miles (322 km).

Cost: 300 credits.

Motorcycle — Light: A.R. 7, S.D.C. 50, Speed: 90 mph (145 km), Range: 120 miles (193 km). Cost: 300-800 credits.

Motorcycle — Medium: A.R. 8, S.D.C. Speed: mph (177 km), Range: 350 miles (563 km). Cost: 1,000-2,000 cred- its.

Motorcycle — Heavy: A.R. 10, S.D.C. 150, Speed: 140 mph (224 km), Range: 350 miles (563 km). Cost: 3,500-25,000 cred- its.

Note: Custom modifications for Motorcycles:

Add credits for souped-up bikes and increase speed by 20%.

Add 500 credits for a sidecar attachment.

Add credits to the price for motorcycles customized to have 20 M.D.C. maximum.