Back to the main page

Mailing List Logs for ShadowRN

Message no. 1
From: "James W. Thomas" <cm5323@***.AC.UK>
Subject: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 13:38:55 +0000
The Predators are nasty enemys...be careful before using them.

I'd guess they developed under higher than earth gravity (the
speed, str etc they have, thier weight, and jump/climb ability)

Bod 9 Skills.
Quick 10 Unarmed
str 9 Armed
int 6 Firearms
cha ? Biotech-First aid
wil 6 Athletics
Stealth
Reaction 8 basic +4 from Gravity
+3D6 G and training
Natural Thermal Vision
Severe? reaction to Earth Atmosphere

Plasma Gun on shoulder
Toys including
Forearm blades
Telescopic spear
Powered Kill disc
MicroRocket laucher
Mononet laucher

All are made of unearthly materials, lighter and harder than
anything we have. All bladed weapons count as Monoedged/ Dikoted

Armour.
Hmmm. Tricky this... They don't appear to wear armour, but they
do wear that metalic string vest thing. That could be some sort
of field... They can Take 12g shotgun point blank, and laugh off
7.62 at range. 10/5? you guess.

Invisability field
as the spell, TN 10 to spot when stationry, 5 moving.
All TN's to shoot them are +2 due to distotion
And ULtrasound Sights just tell them you're there (see below)

Multistectrum Visor.
They can see in all sorts of ranges... visible, IR, UV,
Ultrasound, active or passive. Gamma? X-ray? radiowaves?
milimetric radar? But they can see your Ultrasound sight as a
point of 'light'.

Remember, when GM'ing Predators. Fight fairly.
They have guns, use Plasma Bolts
They have Swords, close with blades
they're unarmed, use fists.
As soon as the situation changes, act accordingly. Think Samurai
/ Big Game Hunter. If you see someone who could be a challenge,
take them on. If they're no fun, kill them out of hand.

CHOPPER
Message no. 2
From: Damion Milliken <u9467882@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 1994 01:26:53 +1100
James W. Thomas writes:

> Invisability field
> as the spell, TN 10 to spot when stationry, 5 moving.
> All TN's to shoot them are +2 due to distotion

I'd think what they have is much more like an Adaptive Colouration power.
Maybe an advanced suit of that camoflague stuff out of shadowtech.

> Multistectrum Visor.
> They can see in all sorts of ranges... visible, IR, UV,
> Ultrasound, active or passive. Gamma? X-ray? radiowaves?
> milimetric radar? But they can see your Ultrasound sight as a
> point of 'light'.

Not to forget that Ultrasound is _sound_ not light. So you don't "see" it
at all. So a multispectrum visor wouldn't include Ultrasound. I'd rule out
gamma and mayhaps the other question marked ones since there would be little
use in seeing via those forms of waves anyhow - You wouldn't be able to see
anything around you, since the waves penetrate the buildings; it'd be like
looking into an extraordinary bright light all the time. Oh, except the
radar.

--
Damion Milliken University of Wollongong e-mail: u9467882@***.edu.au

(GEEK CODE 2.1) GE -d+(d) H s++:-- !g p? !au a18 w+ v(?) C+(++) US++ P? L !3 E?
N K- W+ M@ !V po@ Y(+) t+ !5 !j R+(++) G(+)('') !tv(--)@ b++ D+
B? e+ u@ h* f(+) !r n--(----) !y+
Message no. 3
From: Damion Milliken <u9467882@***.EDU.AU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 1994 01:30:26 +1100
Damion Milliken writes:

> Not to forget that Ultrasound is _sound_ not light. So you don't "see" it
> at all. So a multispectrum visor wouldn't include Ultrasound. I'd rule out
> gamma and mayhaps the other question marked ones since there would be little
> use in seeing via those forms of waves anyhow - You wouldn't be able to see
> anything around you, since the waves penetrate the buildings; it'd be like
> looking into an extraordinary bright light all the time. Oh, except the
> radar.

Ooops. I just remembered that radar is sound too. So no radar either.

--
Damion Milliken University of Wollongong e-mail: u9467882@***.edu.au

(GEEK CODE 2.1) GE -d+(d) H s++:-- !g p? !au a18 w+ v(?) C+(++) US++ P? L !3 E?
N K- W+ M@ !V po@ Y(+) t+ !5 !j R+(++) G(+)('') !tv(--)@ b++ D+
B? e+ u@ h* f(+) !r n--(----) !y+
Message no. 4
From: Justin Fisher <jpf4@***.AC.UK>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 14:51:17 +0000
> > Multistectrum Visor.
> > They can see in all sorts of ranges... visible, IR, UV,
> > Ultrasound, active or passive. Gamma? X-ray? radiowaves?
> > milimetric radar? But they can see your Ultrasound sight as a
> > point of 'light'.
>
> Not to forget that Ultrasound is _sound_ not light. So you don't "see" it
> at all. So a multispectrum visor wouldn't include Ultrasound. I'd rule out
> gamma and mayhaps the other question marked ones since there would be little
> use in seeing via those forms of waves anyhow - You wouldn't be able to see
> anything around you, since the waves penetrate the buildings; it'd be like
> looking into an extraordinary bright light all the time. Oh, except the
> radar.
How about Magnetic resonance (MagRes to Battletech players)?
Justin "Cyclops -)" Fisher
Message no. 5
From: Alex van der Kleut <sommers@*****.UMICH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 09:54:01 -0400
Their invisbility power sounds like adaptive coloration from the
Bandersnatch in the Paranormal Guide to NA. Target #10 if they stand
still, 8 I think if they are moving. Something like that. And there is
the +2 modifier to do anything to them, because of the distortion. If you
want to rip off a good story to run in the campaign, try getting the
first Batman vs. Predator series. Good art and good storyline. Seemed
very true to Movie. And of course the original series from Dark Horse.
Arnie's big, meaner brother.
Message no. 6
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@***.NEU.EDU>
Subject: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 10:52:58 -0500
>>>>> "James" == James W Thomas <cm5323@***.AC.UK> writes:

James> Remember, when GM'ing Predators. Fight fairly.

And honorably. A Predator (I forget their name for themselves) hunts and
fights for glory and honor. They also consider "oomans" the most deadly
"Soft Meat" prey out there, and there are proscriptions against hunting
oomans (at least in the "official" version of the universe).

--
Rat <ratinox@***.neu.edu> |Caution: Happy Fun Ball may suddenly
http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/ratinox|accelerate to dangerous speeds.
PGP Public Key: Ask for one today! |
Message no. 7
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@***.NEU.EDU>
Subject: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 10:56:19 -0500
>>>>> "Damion" == Damion Milliken <u9467882@***.EDU.AU>
writes:

Damion> Not to forget that Ultrasound is _sound_ not light. So you don't
Damion> "see" it at all. So a multispectrum visor wouldn't include
Damion> Ultrasound.

Unless the visor converts the ultrasound to a visual spectrum, sort of the
opposite of how Daredevil's visor works. Or how nightvision goggles
translate IR or UV light into the "visible" spectrum.


Damion> Ooops. I just remembered that radar is sound too. So no radar
Damion> either.

Since when? RADAR, Radio Detection and Ranging (it's an acronym) uses high
frequency radiation (the same kind as your microwave oven uses :). You're
thinking of SONAR.

--
Rat <ratinox@***.neu.edu> |Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.
http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/ratinox|
PGP Public Key: Ask for one today! |
Message no. 8
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 10:46:46 -0600
ARGH!

There's a problem with these proposed writeups of Predator stats, they
are all designed to make wired samauri ratther dead. This is wrong.

Now, I haven't read the books or comics, only seen the movies, but let's
look at these movies:

In Predator I, our favourite grunter, Arnie, playing hte part of an ace
military soldier, managed to escape with his life and not much more when
our old pal Predator showed up on safari.

Predator II pitted a pretty standard street cop against our alien hunter,
this time with much more success (although getting an alien weapon helped).

Neither of these humans were wired to the gills and had any fancy cyber
or magic, and yet they were able to defeat the aliens.

Now, in SR, we have oodles of instruments of combat that even the odds.

--------------

Body: 10
Quickness: 10
Strength: 9

Charisma: 5 (alien), 1 (human)
Intelligence: 6
Willpower: 4

Reaction: 8
Essence: 6
Magic: N/A

Body Armor: 1

Why do I chose this rediculous numbers, you ask?

Rememebr that average human stats are 3, and that the highest human stats
are 6. Predator was _fairly_ evenly matched in the Intelligence area (it
got killed by a log for crying out loud), and his quickness was high FOR
SOMETHING OF THAT SIZE, not necessarily ungodly fast overall.

The question was raised as to armour rating, pointing out that it took
some 12-gauge slugs and walked away. But, if you notice, it bled. Armour
is there, but his high body allowed him to take the punishment.

I won't get into the toys item by item, except to say that you can
approximate it by taking all of the standard SR items and dikoting it to
get the damage ratings, and reduce the weight to 1/4. The only specific
questions are on the shoulder-gun and the "smart disc".

All, IMHO, of course.

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> I do not necessarily speak for the
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> City of Mankato or anyone else
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(GEEK CODE 2.1) GJ/CM d- H-- s-:++>s-:+ g+ p? au+ a- w++ v* C++(++++) UL++++$
P+>++ L++$ 3- E---- N+++ K+++ W M+ V-- -po+(---)>$ Y++ t+ 5+++
j R+++$ G- tv+ b+ D+ B--- e+>++(*) u** h* f r-->+++ !n y++**
Message no. 9
From: Marc A Renouf <jormung@*****.UMICH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 13:30:41 -0500
On Tue, 29 Nov 1994, Damion Milliken wrote:
[on the subject of Predator visors]

> Not to forget that Ultrasound is _sound_ not light. So you don't "see" it
> at all. So a multispectrum visor wouldn't include Ultrasound.

But that's not to say that the visor can't convert sound into a
visual image, just like an ultrasound sight. After all, one ultrasound
sight will look like a "bright spot" to another if they are operating at
similar wavelengths.

Marc
Message no. 10
From: Marc A Renouf <jormung@*****.UMICH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 13:34:02 -0500
On Tue, 29 Nov 1994, Damion Milliken wrote:

> Ooops. I just remembered that radar is sound too. So no radar either.

Uh, no. Radar is RAdio Detection And Ranging. Definitely in the
electromagnetic spectrum of radiation. Sonar is sound. But see my
previous post about seeing sound.

Marc
Message no. 11
From: Brett Ryan Brown <calvinoi@*******.SCRI.FSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 16:36:56 EST
And so our Fearless Leader wrote:
[cut on the dotted line]
> Neither of these humans were wired to the gills and had any fancy cyber
> or magic, and yet they were able to defeat the aliens.
[cut on the dotted line]

But, Robert, you are forgetting...Both humans had the most powerful
force in the universe: Dramatic Effect. No offense, but the
filmmakers could have had the alien defeated by a little kid that got
lucky. Now, admittedly, SR is intended to be run like a movie, and
thus the Predator should be made easy enough to defeat, but if anyone
out there is running a reality-based campaign, then the Predator
should be made pretty damn deadly. I guess what I'm driving at here is
that maybe we should just lay down some base values for guidance, and
then all you GM's out there can do what GM's do and tweak it to fit
their own needs. No criticism here, just my .02 nuyen.

All IMHO, of course. :)


-L8TR,
-Calvinoi MindFlyer

--
_/_/_/_/ _ calvinoi@*******.scri.fsu.edu
_/ | | _ _ NOTE: All of the above
_/ __ _ | | __ __ (_) _ _ ___ (_) text put there by me
_/ / _` | | | \ V / | | | ' \ / _ \ | | is SOLELY my _own_
_/_/_/_/ \__,_| |_| \_/ |_| |_||_\ \___/ |_| worthless blather.
=============================================== ----------------------.
(Geek Code 2.1) G! d+@ H s !g p1+ !au a14 w++(+++) v++(---) c++(++++) |
______________. US>US+++ P? !L 3 E? N++ K++ W--- M++ V -po+(---) Y+>++ |
Fight the War!| t++ 5+ j+ R++ G++>'''' tv+ b++ D+ B--- e u**(---) h! f |
Fuck the Norm!| !r>r n-@ !y .__________________________________________|
Don't Conform!|_____________|
Message no. 12
From: The GREAT Cornholio <mruane@***.UUG.ARIZONA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Mon, 28 Nov 1994 17:50:41 -0700
On Tue, 29 Nov 1994, Damion Milliken wrote:

> Damion Milliken writes:
>
> > Not to forget that Ultrasound is _sound_ not light. So you don't "see"
it
> > at all. So a multispectrum visor wouldn't include Ultrasound. I'd rule out
> > gamma and mayhaps the other question marked ones since there would be little
> > use in seeing via those forms of waves anyhow - You wouldn't be able to see
> > anything around you, since the waves penetrate the buildings; it'd be like
> > looking into an extraordinary bright light all the time. Oh, except the
> > radar.
>
> Ooops. I just remembered that radar is sound too. So no radar either.
>

No, you were right. Radar is light.

> --
> Damion Milliken University of Wollongong e-mail: u9467882@***.edu.au

Mike TGC
Message no. 13
From: Jason Mulligan Jason Mulligan <manwe@*******.HNA.COM.AU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 1994 08:48:40 EST
> The question was raised as to armour rating, pointing out that it took
> some 12-gauge slugs and walked away. But, if you notice, it bled. Armour
> is there, but his high body allowed him to take the punishment.

Yeah. The only armour I could see in my recent watching of Pred2
was on the arms and shoulders. He seemed unarmored in the main
chest/stomach regions.

>
> I won't get into the toys item by item, except to say that you can
> approximate it by taking all of the standard SR items and dikoting it to
> get the damage ratings, and reduce the weight to 1/4. The only specific
> questions are on the shoulder-gun and the "smart disc".
>

Yes, those 2, PLUS those mini-rockets that he fires in Pred2.
Although the rockets arent THAT tough, as Danny Glovers character puts a
small sheet of steel down his shirt and a rocket his him in the chest, and
all that happens is that the plate get REAl hot and he romves the plate.

As for the Shoulder-Blaster, that is a bit tricky. Is it more
powerful than an MP-Laser? So, what do we have? 15M? In Predator a hit rips
through a mans chest cavity, as well as taking a mans arm off.

The 'smart-disk' is another matter. It seems to be able to cut
through ANYTHING (sounds like a lightsaber :-)). I really dont know about
that one.

The mono-net could be quite lethal. Cant wait to see some runners
looking like cartoon characters as they try to struggle free from the net.
It slices, It dices :-)



-
Jason Mulligan
E-Mail to: manwe@*******.hna.com.au

"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe.
You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion."
- Grand Moff Tarkin
Message no. 14
From: Erik S Jameson <esj@***.UUG.ARIZONA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 1994 11:41:53 -0700
I think I have to agree with our Fearless Leader on this isssue. A
high-powered samurai would likely trash a Predator in an open fight.
Hell, the street sam archetype in the books would likely be able to trash
a Predator in an open fight. So what advantage does the Predator have?

Stealth.

You can't kill what you can't see. And this is the primary advantage
that the Predator has. It isn't his prodigious strength, or way cool
toys. It is the fact that he's more elusive than an oiled politician.
Play him that way, and he can be a major threat, without having seriously
mondo stats. NO ONE should be as elusive as a Predator.

As an aside, our group (including the GREAT Cornholio) fought a similar
creature once, a couple of years ago. It wasn't an alien, but a
biological creation, made by a copr searching for the ultimate
super-soldier. We managed to take it down (but not kill it). The way we
were able to see it to shoot it was for me (my mage, the Whistler) to
astrally follow it, and manifest practically on top of it, so my friends
(and I use that term loosely) aimed at me so they could shoot the
Beastie. Of course, the corp showed up in Banshees, carted it away, and
we later found out it escaped (shredding the Banshee) and made it's way
down to the Tir (it had a strange hatred of elves). Not that my story
really matters, but I thought someone might be interested...

Erik, a.k.a. the Whistler
Message no. 15
From: The GREAT Cornholio <mruane@***.UUG.ARIZONA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 1994 13:23:33 -0700
Erik S. Jameson wrote:

[Stuff about us takin on the predator]

Sorry, dude. I wasn't in on that run. That was the run Einstein charged
the Pred and got his ass whoooped.

Mike, TGC
Message no. 16
From: Jason Mulligan Jason Mulligan <manwe@*******.HNA.COM.AU>
Subject: Re: Predators
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 1994 11:22:05 EST
> Their invisbility power sounds like adaptive coloration from the
> Bandersnatch in the Paranormal Guide to NA. Target #10 if they stand
> still, 8 I think if they are moving. Something like that. And there is

Well, the invisibilty power isnt going to matter that much, as most
shadowrun groups have at least some PC's with Thermal vision.

> the +2 modifier to do anything to them, because of the distortion. If you
> want to rip off a good story to run in the campaign, try getting the
> first Batman vs. Predator series. Good art and good storyline. Seemed
> very true to Movie. And of course the original series from Dark Horse.
> Arnie's big, meaner brother.
>

Dont suppose you could send me a brief synopsis of that story, as I
would guess it would be hard to get these days...


-
Jason Mulligan
E-Mail to: manwe@*******.hna.com.au

"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe.
You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion."
- Grand Moff Tarkin
Message no. 17
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@***.NEU.EDU>
Subject: Predators
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 1994 10:02:17 -0500
>>>>> "Jason" == Jason Mulligan Jason Mulligan
<manwe@*******.hna.com.au>
>>>>> writes:

>> Their invisbility power sounds like adaptive coloration from the
>> Bandersnatch in the Paranormal Guide to NA. Target #10 if they stand
>> still, 8 I think if they are moving. Something like that. And there is

Jason> Well, the invisibilty power isnt going to matter that much, as most
Jason> shadowrun groups have at least some PC's with Thermal vision.

Unless I'm mistaken, the cloak covers from the low-end IR up to the high
end of UV. So your thermal or nigh-vision isn't going to work. It won't
stop motion detectors or sonar, though.

>> the +2 modifier to do anything to them, because of the distortion. If
>> you want to rip off a good story to run in the campaign, try getting the
>> first Batman vs. Predator series. Good art and good storyline. Seemed
>> very true to Movie. And of course the original series from Dark Horse.
>> Arnie's big, meaner brother.

Jason> Dont suppose you could send me a brief synopsis of that story, as I
Jason> would guess it would be hard to get these days...

Batman vs. Predator in one paragraph:

Predator comes to Earth to hunt "champions" (ie, big-name boxers), Batman
tries to find out what's going in, gets trashed, digs out light-weight
power armor to even the odds, Batman and Predator beat the shit out of each
other, armor gets toasted, Batman eventually beats the Predator into
submission with a basebal bat (and the Predator gets the joke!). Other
Predators arrive, first one kills himself (ritual suicide), others give
Batman the blade used (a trophy), Predators won't return while Batman is
around (Earth's protector or something like that).

It's a 3-issue miniseries that you might be able to find if you look around.

--
Rat <ratinox@***.neu.edu> |Ingredients of Happy Fun Ball include an
http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/ratinox|unknown glowing substance which fell to
PGP Public Key: Ask for one today! |Earth, presumably from outer space.
Message no. 18
From: "J.W.Thomas" <cm5323@***.AC.UK>
Subject: Re: Predators!
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 18:07:14 +0100
<Samuel Jones>
> >I was just watching Predator on TV for the umpteenth time when it hit me
> >that here was the perfect Shadowrun NPC! Has anybody thought about making
> >or converting a Predator character over into Shadowrun?
<Gurth>
> If I remember correctly, a little over a year ago people were making stats
> for the Predator here on this list. I don't know if the logs still exist,
> but you could check those if they do (no, I don't have them, and I also
> haven't got the stats saved anywhere).
<CHOP>
Yes, I'm back.
thank you, thank you, <bows to the audience>

Predators are FUN aliens to throw at players.
Step one
State its a HOT summer. Really hot. impose heat exhaustion mods
on heavy equipment and exhertion. Watch the players invest in
cooling suits FAST.

STEP TWO.
the predator arrives. It picks on 'worthy' opponents.
Start gang wars as someone picks off the gangs soldiers.
Put media teams on the 'murder and mutilation of famous WWF
wrestlers' (yes, predators can watch TV)
Them let the Pred pick up on the PC's.

STEP Three
The HUNT
The predator will follow the players, choosing the Best fighter
as its prize. It stalks the victim, learns its strengths and
weaKnesses, its home, safe houses, friends and contacts...

STEP Four
It starts killing to spook the victim. to get them running.
Kill a contact/friend. have the body Horribly mutilated. The
head may be missing, or the skin. small personal items may have
gone.
from now on, never let them rest. if they have a safe bolt hole,
let them hide in it only to find a 'missing' friends skinned
body hanging from the ceiling.
When they stop and dig in to a defendable position, have it go
and terrorise a close friend/lover, who calls the PC's in a
panic as they've just been burgled/ terrorised/ found someone
dead in their bathtub.

STEP Five
close in for the kill.
Fight Fairly and with honour.
If they have heavy weapons/ explosives, pick them off from a
distance
if they have guns, close and shoot them.
if they have close combat/ cyber weapons, use blades
if they are unarmed, fight hand to hand.


PREDATOR stats
Bod 12-14 Armed 10 Alien science 6
str 11-14 Unarmed 8 Biotech-
Quick 9-12 Firearms 6 first aid 6
Int 5-7 athletics 8 Tracking 6
Cha NA Stealth 8 computer 4
Will 5-7

Reaction average 8+3D6
combat pool 12

This is for a normal adult Predator.
Older predators will have higher skills and a +4d6 initaitive
Younger Predators will have lower skills and more technology
Juveniles will only have a +2d6 initiative and lower skills
No Female predators have been observed (unless you freeze frame
the family in the ship in pred II very carefullly)

Little can be said for sure about predators. NEVER let your
players find much out.
The idea has been put forward that the predator in PREDATOR was
an older pred than in PRED II. this may explain their different
styles of hunting and the second preds armoury of High tech
weapons.
All predators come from a high gravity world, of approx 2G
(this bit is guesswork from the physical stuff they do)
halve all falling damage and double jump distances.
This allows them to climb shear surfaces like building walls by
digging their fingernails into the brickwork, and leap into
jungle treetops.
They weigh a LOT (dent car roofs)
This also gives them great tissue density, giving their basic
flesh an armour rating of 5/3 (in pred 2 the pred takes scratches
from a 12guage shotgun to the exposed chest at point blank range!)
Predators can breathe earths air, but it slows them down and
weakens them (str-1, all TN's +1) they usually wear facemasks or
carry respirators full of their own air. (this may be due to
atmosperic pressure. Anyone got any ideas?)
Predators have Reach +1 due to their build


HIGH TECH STUFF
Predators are WAY ahead of anything we're got.
The normal predator on holiday is wearing a light ballistic
sneaksuit, consisting ofFaceplate, shoulder/backpack, mesh vest,
forearm braders and loincloth.
The backpack holds a High power phased step plasma weapon
complete with low yeild fusion reactor, medical kit and life support
/air supply. The onboard computer is in the backpack, operated
by the keyboard on the left arm.
The bracers hold
LEFT ARM a console to contro the suits functions, the self
destruct initiator device and a one shot smart micro-rocket.
RIGHT ARM holds a pair of BIG blades.
The Faceplate holds the targeting system for the shoulder
mounted plasma weapon and a multi spectrum sensor system.
(detects IR/uv/Soft X-ray/neurtino/ radio/ microwave/visable light
millimeter wave radar/ ultrasound imaging/ thermographic/ god
knows what. As predators see in Thermographic naturally, the
visor is usually set on thermal)
It also protects from all blinding/flash attacks
The Mesh vest acts as a carrier for the LIGHT BENDER defences,
which distort light around the wearer. they render the user
invisable (GM call or rating 8 or something-basically you can't
see them until you get close and they move)

Weapons
shoulder mounted Plasma Gun range 'sniper' 16 S
Some say its a laser, but as its slower than light and
fires small pulses, I say its a plasma weapon.
ignores light armour and halves hardened/vehicle armour
target numbers -2 with the faceplate targeter
(in both movies, but different styles)

One shot smart Micromissile range heavy pistol 10M
A small missile that homes in on its target
Target numbers -2 to hit
(predator II, used in the cold store. It curved in
flight and hit right over the heart, but was stopped by
a 6mm steel trauma plate)

Forearm blades STR +3 M reach +1
BIG blades
Powered Kill disc aerodynamic 12S
onboard guidance adds +3 to users skill, and returns it
to the throwers hand.
Telescopic spear polearm stats+1 power reach +3
lightweight, very strong. folds down to 1/4 of its
lenght for easy carrying
Self destruct
Blowing itself up is something Predators will only do if they
have LOST. either fatally injured or about to be caught.
blast is equivalent to a low yeild tac-nuke(approx 1/2 Kilotonne)
No radiation, as fusion is clean.
Predator and approx 2 block radius is vapourised

DOES this help?

I like predators. The only trouble is if they go after player
characters, only one PC usually survives.(if that)


HAVE FUN
Wishing you many hours of happy maiming
__________________________________________________________________
CHOPPER I'm back, cm5323@***.ac.uk
ChOpPeR I'm Bad. FLIPPER
cHoPpEr I'm Slack, IS
chopper & I'm Mad. DEAD!
------------------------------------------------------------------
{about to repeat his third year due to F*cking up the first try.
Just been diagnosed as clinically depressive and loving every
minute of it}
Message no. 19
From: "Robert A. Hayden" <hayden@*******.MANKATO.MSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators!
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 13:54:59 -0500
On Tue, 11 Jul 1995, J.W.Thomas wrote:

> PREDATOR stats
> Bod 12-14 Armed 10 Alien science 6
> str 11-14 Unarmed 8 Biotech-
> Quick 9-12 Firearms 6 first aid 6
> Int 5-7 athletics 8 Tracking 6
> Cha NA Stealth 8 computer 4
> Will 5-7

WRONG

Take a look at the Shadowrun books again. A stat of 3 is considered
Human average. 6 is human Maximum. No predator exceedes human maximums
by 120%+ in the areas of body and strength and quickness. Hell, both
arnie and danny glover and Batman were able to at least wrestle hand to
hand and survive. Yes, predators are stonger, but more like around 8 or
so. Quickness isn't so much a factor as is balance (leaping from tree to
tree and rooftop to rooftop). I'd make it more around the area of 6
(neither arnie nor danny are quick, Batman is a little different).

Your skills are awfully high as well.

> Reaction average 8+3D6
> combat pool 12

Oh come now. A reaction of 8+3d6? There's no indications that Predators
are wires or have bio-enhancements. They have toys, but nothing that
seems to wire them up.

Face it, the preadors of the movies are really not much of a match for a
full cyber-grunt. Yea, they are scarey, but that doesn't matter with
Tommy Gunn was fighting Toxics last week.

Predators would face a significant challenge in the Shadowrun world.
They could still win, but it would be by skill, not by the virture of
their biology necessarily.

____ Robert A. Hayden <=> Cthulhu Matata
\ /__ -=-=-=-=- <=> -=-=-=-=-
\/ / Finger for Geek Code Info <=> hayden@*******.mankato.msus.edu
\/ Finger for PGP Public Key <=> http://att2.cs.mankato.msus.edu/~hayden
Message no. 20
From: Ian Smith <KildTheCat@***.COM>
Subject: Re: predators
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 16:30:13 -0400
Here is the file I picked up:

" This was made with the inspiration of Mike Best's translation of the
Predators into Rifts. Credit is given where credit is due. I tried to make
this a balanced character race but as you'll see I whiffed. If you can make
this race playable without being too strong, send me a copy. These abilities
are all in Shadowrun 1st Edition because I'm a dinosuar and can't seem to
remember to go pick up a 2nd Edition book. Make the changes as necessary.
Thanks for checking this out and E-mail is always welcomed.

Predators:


Maximum Attributes:

Body: 8
Quickness: 7
Strength:10
Charisma: 2 (among humans)
Intelligence: 6
Willpower: 6
Essence: 6
Magic: none, ever
Reaction: 6



Average Life Span: 250 (Earth) years
Maximum Lifespan: 500 (Earth) years
Weight: between 250 to 400 lbs.
Height: 7-9 ft.



Other special notes:
-Can NEVER have cyber or bioware (see below)

-Body is very adaptable; able to withstand extreme temperatures with little
or no discomfort.

-Oxygen is semi-toxic to the Predators. If without his mask for prolonged
periods of time (about a 3 weeks), the predator loses his Body attribute at 1
point per week until he dies, or some helpful human makes another one for
him........

-Can't see in the human spectrum of light; this could make life for the
Predator VERY hard on a human world. They can't see with detail the small
parts of machinery except certain hi-tech instruments. NO vehicle operation.

-ALL Predators found on Earth (or anywhere else) are male. Females are left
on their home world (female shortage maybe?).

-A Predator's blood is very resistant to the effects of acid (your's would be
too if your race has been hunting acid-blood Aliens for thousnads of years!);
1/2 damage taken by acid

-Predators have very big appetites, they are also carnivorous. Because of
this a Predator has to eat 1/4 it's body weight a day of red meat.

-Can go without breathing for 10-20 minutes.



Skills- Certain skills a Predator would have:
-Stealth
-Survival
-Athletics with a concentration in Climbing
-Unarmed Combat specializing in his retractable claws
-Biotech (medical) Predator only
-Armed Combat; Predator weapons only (at first...)
-Firearms & Gunnery; limited to Predator weapons
-Etiquette- tribal
-Electronics- Predator only



Natural Abilities: (without mask)
-Magnified Vision: about equal to an owls (at best)

-Thermo Vision tinted red

-Good sense of smell (no bonuses though)

-Very powerful leg muscles; can jump up to 10 feet horizontally or 20 feet
vertically standing still, add 10 feet if running.

-Regeneration: remove 1 slot of damage every 2 hours. CANNOT reattach limbs,
a new one will grow back in a few months. Cannot regenerate damage done by
Predator weapons (see below). Because of this regeneration, a Predator's body
would reject the cyber implants. Humans don't know anything about the
Predators'
genetic or DNA system, so it would be impossible to implant Bioware.



Weapon Systems: All Predator weapons are acid-proof and can be seen easily by
them (even in thermo).

-Spear: An 8 ft. long spear that can be retracted to 2 ft. for easy storage.
The tip of the spear is made of an alloy that slows regenerative abilities by
50% for 1-3 days.
Damage: Strength+1S2

-Retractable Forearm Claws: These babies are made with the same alloy as the
spear's tip. 3 razor sharp blades.
Damage: Strength+1m3

-Shuriken(?) Launcher: This launcher is located in the same place where the
claws are stored. The shurikens are extremely high velocity. The launcher can
store up to three shurikens. A careful Predator would take note of where the
shurikens landed to it pick up later.
Damage: 5L3

-Throwing Disk: This is a powerful weapon. GM's should decide whether or not
they want their players to have one of these beasties. This disk when thrown
travels farely slow, but cuts into just about EVERYTHING, kind of like a mono
whip. Also, the metal is made of a super-alloy that negates regeneration
abilities. Any damage done by this weapon is healed at a normal rate divided
by 2. The disk travels at the same speed and velocity no matter the strength
of the person throwing it. Can be stopped by 3 or more inches of cement or
equal.
Damage: 6S4

-Tri-Focus Laser: A shoulder mounted laser system. The cannon can be set to
follow the victim no matter what the Predator is doing (looking the other way
perhaps). The aiming beam is mounted on the mask (see below). The laser has
10
shots before it needs charging. The laser charges by a sensitive method of
gathering solar energy. The shots must be all gone before recharge can occur.
Recharge takes about a day.
Damage: 7S3

-Detonation: A small nuke is implanted into the forearm weapon system. This
nuke will incinerate everything within 1 mile of the Predator. The timer can
be set to a minimum of 10 seconds to an absolute maximum of 2 days. Once set,
it can't be stopped unless the system is destroyed by gunfire or melee
attacks.
NOTE: this is a last resort used by the Predator if he knows he's about to
die. It's also a failsafe to make sure the Predators' technology isn't
pirated.
Damage: If you've seen the movies, then you know what it can do.



Gear: Acid-proof

-Predator Mask: This mask truly is a wonderous thing. The Predator can switch
between most known spectrums of light including thermo, low-light, UV and
several others I'm not familiar with. The Predator cannot see inanimate
objects very well at all though. The mask also has a sophisticated targeting
system which acts as a smartlink for the various ranged weapon systems. It is
also used as an air filter (can't filter water). The laser "dots" are
projected from a port on the side of the mask.

-Cloaking Device: The ever popular trademark of a Predator. This distorts
light making the Predator virtually invisible in multi-colored backrounds. It
reduces the ability to use radr on the Predator by 1/2. Doesn't work well
with water.

-Healing Kit: A short set up time. This doubles regenerative abilities for
the Predator for 6 hours. Can be used twice.





If you have any questions or comments, E-mail me. Thanx."
Message no. 21
From: "S.F. Eley" <gt6877c@*****.GATECH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Predators!
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 16:41:31 -0400
> PREDATOR stats
> Bod 12-14 Armed 10 Alien science 6
> str 11-14 Unarmed 8 Biotech-
> Quick 9-12 Firearms 6 first aid 6
> Int 5-7 athletics 8 Tracking 6
> Cha NA Stealth 8 computer 4
> Will 5-7
>
> Reaction average 8+3D6
> combat pool 12

*cough, cough*

Erm... Wow.

I like the "Charisma NA," by the way. Nice touch. >8->

BTW, what source did you get most of this from? Obviously not the movies
alone, as there's some nifty new stuff..



> DOES this help?
>
> I like predators. The only trouble is if they go after player
> characters, only one PC usually survives.(if that)

_Usually_? Just how many times have you run this thing, anyway?


Blessings,

_TNX._

--
Stephen F. Eley (-) gt6877c@*****.gatech.edu )-( Student Pagan Community
http://wc62.residence.gatech.edu|
My opinions are my opinions. | "Lord, what fools these mortals be..."
Please don't blame anyone else. | - Puck, _A Midsummer Night's Dream_
Message no. 22
From: Sebastian Wiers <seb@***.RIPCO.COM>
Subject: Re: Predators!
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 16:36:18 -0500
>
> On Tue, 11 Jul 1995, J.W.Thomas wrote:
>
> > PREDATOR stats
> > Bod 12-14 Armed 10 Alien science 6
> > str 11-14 Unarmed 8 Biotech-
> > Quick 9-12 Firearms 6 first aid 6
> > Int 5-7 athletics 8 Tracking 6
> > Cha NA Stealth 8 computer 4
> > Will 5-7
>
> WRONG
>
> Take a look at the Shadowrun books again. A stat of 3 is considered
> Human average. 6 is human Maximum. No predator exceedes human maximums
> by 120%+ in the areas of body and strength and quickness. Hell, both
> arnie and danny glover and Batman were able to at least wrestle hand to
> hand and survive.
If you are using Movie caracters as refrences for RP caracters, remeber that
they are genereraly equivalant to exeptional caracters gettin really good
rolls. I'd say all the caracters mentioned aabove were pushing past
maximums, to 8 or so themselves. And Batman would easily count as a physical
addept.
Yes, predators are stonger, but more like around 8 or
> so. Quickness isn't so much a factor as is balance (leaping from tree to
> tree and rooftop to rooftop). I'd make it more around the area of 6
> (neither arnie nor danny are quick, Batman is a little different).
>
Actually, I thought STR and bod were a bit high, but a 9 quickness I could see
> Your skills are awfully high as well.
Damn right- no way to beat them but as a team (say friends in melee or ambush)
>
> > Reaction average 8+3D6
> > combat pool 12
>
> Oh come now. A reaction of 8+3d6? There's no indications that Predators
> are wires or have bio-enhancements. They have toys, but nothing that
> seems to wire them up.
>
This is about the same as your typical tiger. what is so unreasonable about
that? Besides, what makes you think they don't use combat drugs and the like?
> Face it, the preadors of the movies are really not much of a match for a
> full cyber-grunt. Yea, they are scarey, but that doesn't matter with
> Tommy Gunn was fighting Toxics last week.
>
The predator above is about 20% tougher than a wildly enhanced troll caracter
I had. And that seems within reason to me.
> Predators would face a significant challenge in the Shadowrun world.
> They could still win, but it would be by skill, not by the virture of
> their biology necessarily.
>
Yes, obviously, any threat should be tailored to your campaign. But,
looking at, say, the football player in Prime runners, I'd say this one is
powerful, but not outrageous. Just very, very tough. I've only read
Predators VS aliens, but that gave the impresion that they were quite fast and
a good bit beyond human, although probably not as much as the example above.
Message no. 23
From: "James M. Nichols" <JMNICH00@****.UKY.EDU>
Subject: Predators
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 1995 20:23:58 EDT
I'm noit sure if this has been addressed already, but as far as Predators go
(or females at least) I was reading one of the Aliens Vs. Predators books
and while not necessarily official, All of the hunting Predators were male
in order to prove themselves worthy of mating with (I'm not sure if I'm
remembering this correctly) the larger females. (I just seem to remember
the hunt leader thinking how one of the cocky young hunters would get his ass
beaten by the chicks back home).

James Nichols
Message no. 24
From: Gurth <gurth@******.NL>
Subject: Re: Predators!
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 1995 12:28:26 +0200
>HIGH TECH STUFF

And next I suppose you want to introduce Boba Fett outfits for your players
to combat this arsenal? :)


Gurth@******.nl - Gurth@***.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
WANNEER HOUDT DIE KLOTE HITTE NOU EENS OP?!?!
Geek Code v2.1: GS/AT/! -d+ H s:- !g p?(3) !au a>? w+(+++) v*(---) C+(++) U
P? !L !3 E? N++ K- W+ -po+(po) Y+ t(+) 5 !j R+(++)>+++$ tv+(++) b+@ D+(++)
B? e+ u+@ h! f--(?) !r(--)(*) n---->!n y? Unofficial Shadowrun Guru :)
Message no. 25
From: "J.W.Thomas" <cm5323@***.AC.UK>
Subject: Re: Predators!
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 1995 16:10:52 +0100
stuff about preds chopped

only one PC usually survives.(if that)
>
> _Usually_? Just how many times have you run this thing, anyway?
<chopper>
Used this once in SR, chased the players all over Setac with it.
Killed off 3 contacts, almost killed one players girlfriend to
get the Merc out of his bolthole, and ended up with the players
being lured into the new shopping complex by the pred, followed
by pursuing cops.
After two player Deadly wounds the party troll threw the wounded
predator off a 3rd storey balcony onto the ornamental
fountain/sculpture in the courtyard below and impaled it.
Them it blew up. the players had been Med-evaced by the rigger
FAST to hospital, and it got the Men in Black who had followed
them.

Used it once in Nightlife.
scared the SHIT out of the vampires. they thought it was a
werebear.
Killed a martial art expert, a WWf wrestler, three marines on
leave and a Pro-Boxer before it found the players.
They ended up having to fight a young predator they'd injured
with a rocket laucher, otherwise a full family group wound have
skinned them.
Luckily, pc vampires can be smashed into tiny peices and
comeback. they needed it.
> > > PREDATOR stats
<STATS SNIPPED>
> > WRONG
> >
> > Take a look at the Shadowrun books again. A stat of 3 is considered
> > Human average. 6 is human Maximum. No predator exceedes human maximums
> > by 120%+ in the areas of body and strength and quickness. Hell, both
> > arnie and danny glover and Batman were able to at least wrestle hand to
> > hand and survive.
> If you are using Movie caracters as refrences for RP caracters, remeber that
> they are genereraly equivalant to exeptional caracters gettin really good
> rolls. I'd say all the caracters mentioned aabove were pushing past
> maximums, to 8 or so themselves. And Batman would easily count as a physical
> addept.
<CHOPPER>
As these things are able to take on ALIENS hand to hand, they
have to be hard.
Arnie and the others who have taken Predators on hand to hand DO
NOT win. The (OLDER?) pred in The first film was taking on an
elite special forces chunk of walking muscle with max str and
bod (6) and unarmed 6 at least, and it wasn't ever scared. It
was playing with him for crisakes!
In the second film, the (younger?) pred was running home and
didn't stop to fight till the end, and was killed by a psycho
cop with predator weapons after 10-15 minutes of breathing toxic
earth air.
If you don't like it, tune it down. ideally it should be able to
kill the single hardest party member in close combat without
breaking a sweat. only by stealth/ co operation will they stand
a chance.

> Yes, predators are stonger, but more like around 8 or
> > so. Quickness isn't so much a factor as is balance (leaping from tree to
> > tree and rooftop to rooftop). I'd make it more around the area of 6
> > (neither arnie nor danny are quick, Batman is a little different).
> >
> Actually, I thought STR and bod were a bit high, but a 9 quickness I could see
<CHOPPER>
as i run Predator home gravity at about 2G (twice earth) they
are FAST and very strong.
> > Your skills are awfully high as well.
> Damn right- no way to beat them but as a team (say friends in melee or ambush)
<CHOPPER>
For younger preds, drop a few skill levels.
for older ones, drop physical stats a few points.
Tailor it to your party
> >

> > > Reaction average 8+3D6
> > > combat pool 12
> >
> > Oh come now. A reaction of 8+3d6? There's no indications that Predators
> > are wires or have bio-enhancements. They have toys, but nothing that
> > seems to wire them up.
> >
> This is about the same as your typical tiger. what is so unreasonable about
> that? Besides, what makes you think they don't use combat drugs and the like?
<CHOPPER>
as the preds are warriors by birth, i don't see whats wrong with
giving them extra dice based on experience, and the fact that
earths gravity is 50% of their normal. They would be very fast.
The human race are not naturally predatory.
Predators are by name and nature. they hunt big game (like
Tigers, aliens, etc.) with close combat weapons and win.
> > Face it, the preadors of the movies are really not much of a match for a
> > full cyber-grunt. Yea, they are scarey, but that doesn't matter with
> > Tommy Gunn was fighting Toxics last week.
> >
> The predator above is about 20% tougher than a wildly enhanced troll caracter
> I had. And that seems within reason to me.
<CHOPPER>
The idea was to make a real Enemy for the players to be afraid
of.
If it was weaker than them, they'd kill it on the first encounter
As it is, it can soak up a few lucky shots, chase them round,
get them REALLY scared then build up to a BIG finale
(probably in somewhere that looks good. somewhere dramatic.
Rooftop worlds of an arcology. The chrome and glass centrepeice
of an about to be opened shopping metroplex. A predator
spaceship)
> > Predators would face a significant challenge in the Shadowrun world.
But they'd still be a REAL DANGER to pc's.

and immagine a PREDATOR who picked up WyrmTalk on satalite and
wanted to hunt a dragon.....
Imagine the toys that one would be equipt with!!!

CHOPPER
ChOpPeR
cHoPpEr
chopper
Message no. 26
From: Samuel Jones <sjones1@***.UNICOMP.NET>
Subject: Re: Predators!
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 01:32:59 CDT
>>HIGH TECH STUFF
>
>And next I suppose you want to introduce Boba Fett outfits for your players
>to combat this arsenal? :)

Nah, I've already got what all the stuff does! It wouldn't be too hard to
make the outfit really(if you had a kick-a** B/R) If Boba Fett outfits are
given(or bought) by anybody it'll be NPCs(In the Matrix I think Boba Fett
would be a great persona for the decker with more active memory than he
knows what to do with. Think about how easy programs would be to describe.
Hardening=armor, Attack=blaster,
Whatever-that-program-that-lowers-Evasion=the cable he wrapped around
Luke.....hmm, this guy could really change the Matrix...)


>Gurth@******.nl - Gurth@***.nl - http://www.xs4all.nl/~gurth/index.html
> WANNEER HOUDT DIE KLOTE HITTE NOU EENS OP?!?!
>Geek Code v2.1: GS/AT/! -d+ H s:- !g p?(3) !au a>? w+(+++) v*(---) C+(++) U
>P? !L !3 E? N++ K- W+ -po+(po) Y+ t(+) 5 !j R+(++)>+++$ tv+(++) b+@ D+(++)
>B? e+ u+@ h! f--(?) !r(--)(*) n---->!n y? Unofficial Shadowrun Guru :)
>
>
Message no. 27
From: Samuel Jones <sjones1@***.UNICOMP.NET>
Subject: Re: Predators!
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 01:46:57 CDT
>and immagine a PREDATOR who picked up WyrmTalk on satalite and
>wanted to hunt a dragon.....
>Imagine the toys that one would be equipt with!!!

I'm not much good with words, but I would LOVE to have someone out there
right the book on this one and post it on the 'Net.. Any takers? This
would be one fight I wouldn't want to miss!

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading about Predators, you may also be interested in:

Disclaimer

These messages were posted a long time ago on a mailing list far, far away. The copyright to their contents probably lies with the original authors of the individual messages, but since they were published in an electronic forum that anyone could subscribe to, and the logs were available to subscribers and most likely non-subscribers as well, it's felt that re-publishing them here is a kind of public service.

Thwap!