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The Fast and the Furious
Cost: 10,500 (new), 4,200 (used) *The Ikas-Adno Roughneck provides one-half cover to its passengers. Ikas-Adno Roughneck Podracer Data (for use with "Secrets of Tatooine") Top Speed +3; Acceleration +2; Braking +1; Turning +2; Traction –1; Durability +2. Adventure Hook While eavesdropping on a group of rough-looking fellows in a Mos Espa alleyway, Tess witnesses their participation in a serious crime. Before she can slip away, she's spotted by the cretins and only barely manages to escape with her life. Now, she's contacting the players for protection from the goons. Who are they, and what are their plans for Tess? Jien Vorus, Compulsive Gambler and Pod Jockey Jien Vorus is a compulsive Sullustan gambler who is always looking for the next big score. He was once a smuggler with his own YT-1210 freighter, which he lost in a sabacc game. It was on that very same evening that he won his Incom P-905, which he's nicknamed the Sudden Demise (after the sabacc-related circumstance that won him the match). Being drunk at the time, he figured racing couldn't be much different than flying a starship, so he took it up. Vorus is in his mid-twenties, and wears several gold hoops in his left ear. He dresses in local fashions, and supplements his infrequent race winnings with nightly card games. His gambling habit has cost him dearly, and he is constantly in debt to one person or another. This lends a nervousness to the otherwise mellow Sullustan, and he constantly keeps his heavy blaster close at hand. Jien has a very bad habit of using third parties to bet against himself on the eve of a race. The next day, he intentionally loses so that he can collect a sizable sum in order to pay off his debtors. Although his actions have gone unnoticed so far, the Hutts would be very interested to learn of them. Tess Lador has overheard Jien's dealings on a number of occasions, but has said nothing of it. Part of the reason she's kept quiet is that she feels sorry for Jien, but she isn't above using her inside knowledge to profit from a few bets of her own. Jien Vorus: Male Sullustan Scoundrel 1/Scout 2; Init +2 (Dex); Defense 14 (+2 class, +2 Dex); Spd 10 m; VP/WP 17/11; Atk +2 melee (1d3+1, unarmed), or +3 ranged (3d8, heavy blaster); SQ Illicit barter, species traits, trailblazing; SV Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +3; SZ M; FP 2; Rep +0; Str 13, Dex 14, Con 11, Int 16, Wis 13, Cha 14. Equipment: Heavy blaster, Incom P-905 podracer, flight suit, lucky mynock claw. Skills: Appraise +5, Astrogate +10, Bluff +4, Climb +3, Computer Use +7, Disable Device +4, Gamble +6, Knowledge (podracing) +5, Listen +8, Move Silently +6, Pilot +10, Read/Write Basic, Read/Write Sullustese, Repair +8, Sense Motive +3, Speak Basic, Speak Herglese, Speak Huttese, Speak Jawa Trade Language (understand only), Speak Sullustese, Spot +4, Survival +3. Feats: Quick Draw, Spacer, Starship Operation (space transport), Weapon Group Proficiency (blaster pistols, blaster rifles, simple weapons). Jien Vorus' Podracer, the Sudden Demise Incom's short-lived entry into the boutique podracer market, the P-905 is one of the better-made models. It is high-flying, even by pod-racer standards, and somewhat more maneuverable than the typical home-built speed machines that are so common in most competitions. Only a few hundred were made before the project was scrapped, and the high price reflects not only the excellent performance capability of the P-905, but its rarity as well. The shape of the turbines brings to mind many of Incom's past successes on the starfighter market, and even if this model hasn't won a lot of races, its sleek and aerodynamic chassis is always a hit with the fans. Jien's podracer, the Sudden Demise, is painted with a black and red checkerboard pattern. When not in use, Jien keeps it under lock and key, fearful that someone will try to steal it from him. The Sudden Demise
Cost: 14,000 (new), 6,000 (used) *The Incom P-905 provides one-half cover to its passengers. Incom P-905 Podracer Data (for use with "Secrets of Tatooine") Top Speed +2; Acceleration +2; Braking +1; Turning +3; Traction +1; Durability +2. Joi and Kielu, Champions of the Itinawa Clan While watching the races at Mos Espa, Joi had the bright idea to scavenge for spare parts after the race and build a podracer for his Jawa clan. Most of his companions chuckled and shook their heads, but others saw a good opportunity for earning some extra money and agreed to help. Not long afterwards, the Itinawa clan dubbed its first podracer the Utinni, and podracing in Mos Espa was never the same again. Spare parts are usually plentiful on the track after a race, but the Jawas of the Itinawa clan are quickly making them hard to find. Joi plots with his clanmates before each race, and guesses as to where the good wrecks will be found. With the aid of his trusty ion pistol, which he tries to use discreetly, his guesses are usually correct. Joi doesn't usually pick his targets consciously or with malice, though jockeys who deliberately anger or antagonize the Itinawa clan have a higher mortality rate than most. As for Kielu, he was somehow coerced or intimidated into piloting the Utinni for Joi. The prospect of racing terrifies him, even though he finds himself fantasizing about it on a daily basis. He climbs into the cockpit weak-kneed and nearly hysterical, but he always feels a profound sense of excitement and joy when he walks away from a race. The adrenaline rush and accompanying euphoria are quickly becoming an addiction for him. To the other Jawas of his clan, Kielu is a hero to be idolized. Though he enjoys the attention he receives, he fears that his clan will eventually see that he is actually terrified beyond words when he races. The truth is that the clan knows that Kielu is afraid, but they continue to revere him in the hopes that he will keep racing and bring them the wealth that they feel they are due. Both Jawas wear makeshift crash helmets over their desert robes when they race. Joi found his in the wreckage of a podracer, while Kielu's is fashioned from the head of an SE4 servant droid. Joi is of average height, and is rather plump due to the lavish lifestyle he's been living. Kielu is a bit taller than most of his clanmates, which leaves him feeling exposed, even in a crowd. Joi: Male Jawa Fringer 3/Tech Specialist 1; Init +2 (Dex); Defense 17 (+4 class, +1 size, +2 Dex); Spd 6 m; VP/WP 14/9; Atk +1 melee (1d2–1, unarmed), or +5 ranged (3d6, ion gun pistol); SQ Barter, bonus class skill (Repair), jury-rig +2, species traits; SV Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +3; SZ S; FP 2; Rep +0; Str 7, Dex 15, Con 9, Int 15, Wis 13, Cha 14. Equipment: Desert robes, salvaged crash helmet, ion pistol, tool kit, podracer. Skills: Craft (podracers) +9, Diplomacy +4, Disable Device +4, Gamble +5, Hide +8, Knowledge (podracing) +6, Listen +3, Pilot +4, Profession (mechanic) +8, Read/Write Jawa, Repair +14, Search +9, Speak Basic (understand), Speak Huttese (understand), Speak Jawa, Speak Jawa Trade Language, Spot +3, Survival +7. Feats: Point Blank Shot, Gearhead, Skill Emphasis (Repair), Weapon Group Proficiency (blaster pistols, primitive weapons, simple weapons). Kielu: Male Jawa Fringer 2/Scout 1; Init +4 (Dex); Defense 19 (+4 class, +1 size, +4 Dex); Spd 6 m; VP/WP 17/12; Atk +2 melee (1d2, unarmed), or +6 ranged; SQ Barter, bonus class skill (Repair), species traits; SV Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +2; SZ S; FP 3; Rep +0; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 11. Equipment: Desert robes, a droid head fashioned into a crash helmet, several lucky charms. Skills: Climb +2, Hide +16, Knowledge (podracing) +4, Listen +4, Move Silently +10, Pilot +10, Profession (mechanic) +4, Read/Write Jawa, Repair +5, Search +4, Speak Basic (understand), Speak Jawa, Speak Jawa Trade Language, Spot +7, Survival +12. Feats: Alertness, Dodge, Skill Emphasis (Survival), Stealthy, Weapon Group Proficiency (blaster pistols, blaster rifles, primitive weapons, simple weapons) The Utinni Most people thought it was a joke when the Itinawa clan started competing in podraces – that is, until their home-made podracer, the Utinni, started placing consistently in every race it entered. The Utinni is a scratch-built racer held together with scavenged bits of wire and electrowelds. In appearance it isn't much different than any other Jawa-built conveyance – a mixture of mismatched, rusty components that somehow works despite the fact that it defies all logic. The Utinni is unique in its design philosophy in that it carries both a pilot and an engineer (sitting back-to-back), ostensibly to keep the thing running long enough to pass the finish line. It is more than likely, however, that the engineer performs double-duty as a gunner, utilizing a high-powered ionization pistol when not jury-rigging repairs. The Itinawa clan dismisses this gossip with an unusual amount of stoicism, which in turn lends the rumors credibility. Another interesting feature is the added storage capacity, which is used to carry tools (as well as power packs for the rumored ion gun). The Itinawa Clan Utinni
Cost: Not Available For Sale *The Itinawa Clan Utinni provides one-half cover to its passengers. Itinawa Clan Utinni Podracer Data (for use with "Secrets of Tatooine") Top Speed +3; Acceleration +3; Braking +0; Turning +2; Traction +1; Durability +1. Adventure Hook Spare parts, pit droids, and important components from podracers have been disappearing in the pits before and after many recent races. The players, either because they are hired to, or because they are pod jockeys who have lost equipment to the mysterious burglars, must discover who is behind the recent rash of thefts. All signs point to the Itinawa clan and its successful racing duo, Joi and Kileu, as the obvious culprits. In truth, the thief is a small-time pod jockey who is supplementing his minimal income through larceny, and he gladly lets the Jawas take the blame for his misconduct. Gavin Torne Gavin Toran was raised as the only son of very influential parents. His father, a diplomat for the Republic, never dreamed his son would crave anything more than to follow in his prestigious footsteps. He couldn't have been more incorrect. From an early age, Gavin was fascinated by machines – especially fast ones. His childhood years were spent watching race competitions of all kinds. Despite the disapproving looks from his parents, Gavin's interest in racing increased as he grew. By the time he was seventeen, Gavin had decided that his future lay in the dangerous world of legitimate podracing. His parents would have none of it, and forbade him his dream. His future lay in politics, his father proclaimed, and he'd be damned if he was going to let Gavin tarnish the Toran family name by stooping to podracing. When Gavin insisted, his father threatened to cut him off from his inheritance. Reluctantly, Gavin conceded. From that point on, Gavin lived two lives. In the first, he was Gavin Toran, university student and heir to the Toran fortune. In the second, he was Gavin Torne, an amateur podracer with a string of impressive victories under his belt. When his parents died as the result of a politically-motivated bombing, Gavin wasted little time in leaving his first life behind. Using his inheritance as a stepping stone, he made his way into the professional podracing arenas. Sickened by the politics and fakery he saw in the sterile races of the core worlds, Gavin wasted no time in setting out for the Outer Rim. As luck would have it, he landed in Mos Espa, and hasn't looked back. Gavin is a tall, athletic human in his early thirties. His black hair and steely gray eyes lend an intimidating air to his otherwise stoic demeanor. He's known to have a soft spot for younger jockeys, often helping out those who need, but cannot afford, repairs or upgrades. Quite recently, and amid much fanfare, he commissioned a custom podracer from Kalista-Equitar in Mos Espa, which he paid for in cash. Gavin Torne: Male Human Noble 4; Init +7 (Dex, Improved Initiative); Defense 16 (+3 class, +3 Dex); Spd 10 m; VP/WP 17/10; Atk +3 melee (1d3+2, combat gloves), or +6 ranged (3d6, blaster pistol); SQ Bonus class skill (Pilot), coordinate +1, favor +2, inspire confidence, resource access; SV Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +5; SZ M; FP 3; Rep +5; Str 11, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 16. Equipment: Designer jumpsuit, crash helmet, expensive clothing, blaster pistol, combat gloves, Kalista-Equitar Draagax podracer. Skills: Appraise +6, Computer Use +4, Diplomacy +10, Gather Information +8, Intimidate +6, Knowledge (podracing) +7, Listen +1, Pilot +10, Profession (podracer) +7, Read/Write Basic, Repair +4, Search +1, Sense Motive +6, Speak Basic, Speak Bocci, Speak Huttese, Spot +1. Feats: Fame, Improved Initiative, Trustworthy, Weapon Group Proficiency (blaster pistols, simple weapons). Gavin Torne's Podracer Kalista-Equitar, a family-run repulsorlift manufacturer, is nigh-unheard of outside of Mos Espa. Every vehicle that comes off their assembly line is a unique work of art, built to their client's exacting specifications. The Draagax is no exception. While not a typical example of Kalista-Equitar's handiwork, it does represent a taste of what they are capable of. The podracer is large and intimidating, with engines that produce a wailing growl similar to that of its namesake. The cockpit is nearly enclosed, offering a higher degree of protection to the pilot than typical models. While not the fastest racer produced, the Draagax is sturdy and well-built, and has the endurance to remain in a race long after its faster opponents have dropped out. Gavin's Draagax is covered in a flawless coat of amethyst paint, with gold racing stripes trailing the sides of his turbines. Kalista-Equitar Draagax
Cost: 15,000 (new), 10,000 (used) *The Kalista-Equitar Draagax provides three-quarters cover to its passengers. Kalista-Equitar Draagax Podracer Data (for use with "Secrets of Tatooine") Top Speed +2; Acceleration +2; Braking +1; Turning +1; Traction +2; Durability +3. Byapatra: Skill or Just Dumb Luck? Byapatra, a male Pa'lowick of humble birth, found his way off his homeworld of Lowick in the employ of the Scarab Mining Corporation. SMC had come to Lowick to stake a claim mining Lowickan firegems. Due to the propensity for firegem claim-jumpers, Scarab Mining had need of security forces, and Byapatra was all too happy to apply if it meant he could eventually see the rest of the galaxy. His "employment" for SMC ended up being little better that indentured servitude. In return for paying his passage off of Lowick, his contract called for a lengthy employment term with low pay and few tangible benefits. Byapatra, blissfully ignorant of his contract's shortcomings, was more than happy with his accommodations. His career as a corporate security guard took him to many strange worlds, but ultimately landed him on Tatooine. Scarab had acquired a great deal of property on Tatooine in an ill-advised business venture. They had intended to use a revolutionary new technique to refine the inherently flawed ores found on the desert world. The experiment proved to be a disaster. When the dust cleared, Byapatra was left alone and destitute on the streets of Mos Espa. Even this incredible setback did nothing to assail his perpetually cheerful mood, and Byapatra found work as a bouncer in a seedy bar. Fortune smiled on him one evening when a local pod jockey was knifed in a messy brawl. Byapatra broke up the fight, but the jockey was dead and his pit crew was furious. Who would replace their jockey? they asked. No one was stupid enough to willingly step into the cockpit of their Galaxy-Q. That is, except for Byapatra, who was always optimistic and willing to try something new. He'd flown speeders for Scarab Mining, he thought to himself. Could a podracer really be so different? Byapatra is a Pa'lowick in his late twenties, with a yellowish hide speckled with brown spots. His blue eyes, perched at the edge of his stubby eyestalks, are almost human, and the lips on the end of his snout are always bowed in a somewhat absent smile. He keeps modest lodgings, as the majority of his income is spent on water so that he can keep his skin from becoming uncomfortably dry. Byapatra: Male Pa'lowick Fringer 2/Soldier 3; Init +2 (Dex); Defense 18 (+6 class, +2 Dex); Spd 10 m; VP/WP 30/14; Atk +5 melee (1d4+1, tusks), or +6 ranged (2d6, slugthrower pistol); SQ Bonus class skill (Bluff), species traits; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +3; SZ M; FP 4; Rep +1; Str 12, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 14. Equipment: Slugthrower pistol, old security guard uniform and badge, comlink, glow rod. Skills: Bluff +8, Climb +4, Demolitions +2, Intimidate +6, Jump +4, Knowledge (podracing) +2, Listen +5, Pilot +7, Profession (security guard) +6, Read/Write Lowickese, Search +4, Speak Basic, Speak Lowickese, Spot +4, Survival +6, Swim +7. Feats: Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Far Shot, Persuasive, Point Blank Shot, Weapon Group Proficiency (blaster pistols, blaster rifles, heavy weapons, primitive weapons, simple weapons, slugthrowers, vibroweapons). The Dumb Luck, Byapatra's Podracer Mobquet's attempt at earning a few credits on the lucrative podracing circuit is based on a design philosophy similar to that used when building swoops. The truth is that the Galaxy-Q is incredibly fast, low-flying, and a hazard to anyone who dares to pilot it. While these concerns might be ignored by more foolhardy pod jockeys, old-school veterans avoid the Galaxy-Q like it was Sullustan tongue-rot. It offers far less protection for the pilot than the typical racer, and the pod's flimsy frame can't withstand much punishment. The Dumb Luck is a stock Galaxy-Q podracer, with a blue factory paint job that has been chipped and dinged hundreds of times by flying debris, gravel, and the occasional collision. The Dumb Luck (Mobquet Galaxy-Q)
Cost: 12,500 (new), 3,125 (used) *The Mobquet Galaxy-Q provides one-quarter cover to its passengers. Mobquet Galaxy-Q Podracer Data (for use with "Secrets of Tatooine") Top Speed +4; Acceleration +4; Braking –1; Turning +2; Traction –1; Durability +1. By Gary Astleford (gary@garyastleford.com) |