SIMULATOR INFORMATION
The feature article entitled "Phransigars, the Strangler Cult" (see page 16) describes the ancient cult which maybe encountered in Capellan Space, particularly on planets settled by those of Indian descent.
Those MechWarriors and trainees who use FASA's MechWarrior role-playing game rules to expand their BattleTech Campaigns or to flesh out individual BattleTech scenarios may find themselves up against this cult, or people trained within it. (Members are able to take "leaves of absence" to pursue further learning or their cover careers and remain members in good standing). The information given in this simulator piece may be used by MechWarrior referees either as an adventure in its own right, as part of a larger campaign, or as a source of ideas for other scenarios of the referee's own design.
Phransigar player-characters should be few and far between, both because of their unbalanced skills and abilities, and because the social background has been researched only from the outside; we do not know, for example, how a Phransigar initiation is conducted, or a funeral. A band of Phransigars may be encountered by the players as NPC characters as an unusual "random encounter" or as a major event in the player characters' lives, at referee's discretion. Phransigars will not attack if their numbers are not in a majority
Note: The material in this scenario is for the MechWarrior referee's use only! The referee should arrange the presentation of this scenario in such a way that the characters do not know in advance that they will meet the Phransigars, as their plausibility is a major part of the encounter. This may mean obtaining the players' promises that they will not read the following material until the adventure has been completed, or it may require that the referee change the names, etc, presented here in order to keep the vital element of surprise. Referee is urged to be completely familiar with the article on page 16 as well as this scenario.
The Scenario
As part of your last contract, you were to receive 10 % across the board of all battlefield salvage from battles your unit participated in. Your Techs put themselves at risk, watching the battles from closer than usual range and making careful listings of each 'Mech defeated, the shape it seemed to be in, etc. You have "shopping lists" from the Tech crew as to which parts are needed, and which are desirable in trade for your anticipated next assignment.
Now those crates of parts have been unloaded halfway across the planet, at a central warehouse facility belonging to the House you worked for. The contract is completed; you may or may not choose to hire on with them again. It is now your job to inspect the crates assigned to you; to bargain or barter or bluster until you have gotten the parts from the other crates assigned to other companies or the House Factor's storage facility.
Players have two vehicles, one of which is a heavy transport: neither is air or hover craft. Rate of movement is therefore 100-120 km per day, the rate of the slowest vehicle. If any of the player characters have 'Mechs needing special parts, use the following table to determine whether or not such a part was captured and is now available to you. The referee should as always modify these according to the game balance of existing campaigns. Whatever you decide, make it sound as if it would be harder than it is. Allow the players to get one part which is truly rare. The players should be lead to think that they have now accomplished most of the scenario.
The players have acquired their parts with relative ease. They must refuel before beginning the 1300 km journey back. The planet is arid and dry, like high desert country. At the refuelling station, they run across several transport vehicles, with their transies discussing the formation of a caravan to travel the road which the characters must take. There have been some hijackings, and a solitary vehicle has always a poorer chance in case of breakdowns, etc. Meer Ali will be complimentary to the PC's ability. Kirsten will cast them shy, interested glances. Noor Khan will be extremely persuasive. If all else fails, he will offer money. To have real soldiers along will increase survival chances so greatly, he says. He praises his sister Hollna's cooking and offers to share meals with the party. Whatever it takes; he really wants you.
In the Name of the Dark Mother A Scenario for MechWarrior
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