Heroes: Jag, Atobe Keigo, Pacci, and Dust
Enemies: "Ian" and his Terrorists
Jag – Officer’s Dispatch 39
Recent Duties: Though the war of the Republic may at long last be over for some, for you, it's only beginning. Cleaning up the legal mess that the war left behind is a full-time job. And furthermore, even with the Republic's overt enemies defeated, there's still a need to protect the nation from threats of a more subtle nature...
Troop Status
-Supplies: Schmitzer SMGs, Armored Flak Vests, Deluxe Laywers’ suits, briefcases with a distubing lack of legal documents, and a fleet of jet-skis, much to Vidal Sassoon's disapproval.
-Morale: Though Law Division Head Counsel Phil Ken Sebben would claim to be a “benevolent-ish” dictator, as far as your men are concerned he's been anything but. Not only is he demanding incredible productivity, but he keeps upping the terrorist threat level to keep them in a state of panic.
-Health: Weather and rain can't stop the law, but the incredible workload is starting to take its toll on your lawyers. Shellback is developing quite the cough and is getting worried about the development of bronchitis or something ridiculous like that.
Military Communiques
-Although you've all but single-handedly solved the energy crisis, it is predicted that the Republic will soon have a shortage of food. Of course, since your lawyers don't have time to eat anyway, this is of minimal concern to you.
-Phil Ken Sebben remains concerned about the threat of terrorism, both from Al'Zura and other organizations. He believes that an attack from within is now the greatest threat to the nation, and is in the process of devising a color-coded warning scheme as a counter measure.
-In addition, Phil has been receiving incessant complaints from this Deksiilan Axen Dredd, complaining about the weapons of mass destruction used in the last battle. He's ordered you to get this Dredd off his case, no matter what it takes. Knowing the Deksiilan hippie's persistance, this could be a tough job.
Personal Notes
-You remain unconvinced of the effectiveness of Phil's warning scheme. You believe the only thing that can protect the Republic from the threat of terrorism is a secret society dedicated to its protection. Of course, you would have to have secret codes, secret handshakes, a secret HQ and the works. McMason has suggested the name of the Masons, and it seems to have stuck with your men. No matter the case, it's clear you need to spread your society's cause in the name of the Republic.
Mini-Objective
-Find a way to dispense with Axen Dredd's concerns.
-Convince as many people as possible to join the Masons, while maintaining their secrecy.
Atobe Keigo – Officer’s Report 39
Recent Duties: The war of the Republic is over, and it seems that at last the last of the infidels will be driven from your world. Back before this all began, your mother told you as you left home that this was your chance to show your family's spirit and regain their glory. The irony is not lost upon you that you have finally achieved the rank that your father held before you. You can only hope that now that you've done so, history will not continue to repeat itself.
Troop Status
-Supplies: FLAME-THROWERS, Steeltek Swords, crimson uniforms, kamikaze headbands, Crimson Armor of the Republic, and a delightful new pair of Charmanders. Char char!
-Morale: Morale remains a little dubious, which is no surprise, but for now your men are somewhat placated by their return to the city and the end of the war. Brock has promised a big victory dinner, which is sure to appeal to their teen-age appetites, but so far has yet to deliver.
-Health: Now that the war is over, your primary concern for your boys is naturally once again their tennis game. Unfortunately, they're not particularly keen to keep up any form of rigorous practice, other than eating junkfood and reading their comics.
Military Communiques
-You've been avoiding telling your boys, but you've heard that the Electran military mobilization is not over. Kilant is keeping several divisions on immediate stand-by, ready to move out at pretty much any moment. Exactly where they might go and who they might be fighting is anyone's guess.
Personal Notes
-Now that the war is over and you're back to some semblance of civilization, it's time to reap the rewards and celebrate your war trophies. The armor of Sylgris truly is fit for royalty, of the Tennis and not the Dragon variety. Unfortunately, given what can only be its space titanium construction, no ordinary metalsmith will be able to repair it and fit it for your size. But in a city as big as Electra, there must be someone with that kind of smithing skills.
-Brock has promised a victory dinner in celebration of the end of the war, but apparently his oven is on the fritz. He's got some electrician in there working on it right now, and hopes it will be operational before too long.
Mini-Objective
-Refit the armor of Sylgris the Dragonlady for your own use.
Pacci – supreme Commander’s Report 31
Recent Duties: Through your mighty leadership, you've finally brought an end to the war of the Republic. It's clear that once everyone finally acknowledged you as the true Supreme Commander, everything else just fell into place. However, you know all too well the threat to the Republic is far from over, and only you can protect it.
Troop Status
-Supplies: PK-33 Handguns, SIR Rifles, Bright Yellow Deluxe Uniforms, Combat Helmets, Steel Breastplates, a Verizon wireless cell-phone, an amazing vintage Pacman arcade machine, and Protoman’s whistle.
-Morale: Back in their quarters once again, the Pac has become oblivious to everything but their Pacman machine. Which is fine by you, those poor boys have served their due, the remainder of this battle is up to you.
-Health: The Pac is in good health for now, but no one eats as much as them, and if Kilant's concerns are true, they could shortly be in big trouble...
Military Communiques
-Warning! The Republic has a shortage of food! You certainly hope this concern of Kilant's and Ridley's was exaggerated. Without food, both you and the Electran army would be powerless!
-You have heard news through the Conventionals channels that Gol Draam is alive! He was found by a search party in a mountain ravine, and though suffering from serious battlewounds and frostbite, it is possible he may recover. You suppose that's a good thing, so long as he doesn't plan to usurp your authority.
-As Supreme Conventionals Commander, you've been warned of an increase in the terrorist threat level in the city of Electra. In particular, there is concern that insurgents may be planning to strike at the very core of Electran society.
Personal Notes
-What could the warnings mean, the 'core of Electran society?' After racking your brains, you believe there can only be one solution: someone is planning to steal the Electran Constitution! You sent Protoman to investigate the Senate building, and he claims to have seen a suspicious man with longish blond hair poking about. Unfortunately, security officials have refused to believe your claims. Hmph, how typical, they didn't believe you about Dr. Wily either. Well, it's obvious what this situation calls for...
-You have heard that in celebration of the end of the war, the city is opening a new commemorative National Museum to celebrate Electran history and the events of the war. You've been following this closely, as they had better be planning to have an exhibit on YOU and your key contributions to the war. Maybe they'll even ask you to donate some artefacts to their collection, pac pac pac!!
Mini-Objective
-Steal the Constitution of Electra to protect it from the terrorists.
Dust – Officer’s Report 33
Recent Duties: The Electrans' war is over, and more and more you've found yourself thinking about the green grass of Denchul. Maybe not for yourself, although you do miss it, but your boys have given so much, only to be consistently mistreated by the Electrans they've given their blood to protect. Not to mention you've got a feeling your relationship with certain high-ranking officers is not going to make your stay here get any more pleasant.
Troop Status
-Supplies: X-3 Phantom Rifles, Camouflage Scout Uniforms, Sniper Scopes, Rifle Tripods, Climbing Spikes. You're a little short on potatoes after supplying your KFP franchise, but hopefully that will be corrected shortly.
-Morale: At last your Boyos are getting to enjoy a little peace and quiet away from the frontlines. Still, knowing these Electrans, it won't be long until they find themselves someone else to fight.
-Health: At least Lady Feyne, of all people, was good to her word; you seem to have recovered from the effects of her poison. Your Boyos are also enjoying good health, though they are running a little short on food.
Military Communiques
-You have heard news through the Conventionals channels that Gol Draam is alive! He was found by a search party in a mountain ravine, and though suffering from serious battlewounds and frostbite, it is possible he may recover.
Personal Notes
-Although being a fair-minded Denchulli, you've tried to give them a chance, the Electrans have continually disapointed you. Either they're as overtly racist as Keigo or as delusional as Pacci. Even that Jag can be so condescending sometimes with his 'superior' education. Why, you bet that for all his training and proclaimed patriotism, you know more about Electran history than he does. Or at least, you could if you were so inclined. Denchulli aren't the country bumpkins they're thought to be, after all.
-There isn't normally much news from your homeworld, but you try to follow whatever you can. Unfortunately, when there is news it's usually bad. You've heard reports about a serious shoot-out between several farmsteads and the police. Some people have even been killed, which is especially unusual for Denchul. You really hope this situation doesn't get out of hand.
-Your Boyos have been out of potatoes, so you contacted an old friend to have some brought in. Boy, when it comes to trucking, that Slow Moe is really the best!
Mini-Objective
-Prove you know more about Electran national history than smug Jag.
The third and final season of the historical Res Publica campaign began in a traditional fashion: with a dramatic plot scene that in-character, our heroes had no way of knowing about. But it would surely fill their players with a sense of foreboding all the same.
Snow and freezing rain pelted a wind-swept ravine deep in the inhospitable Velguara mountain range. At the ravine's depths, a great beast lay motionless. It was the fallen form of a giant black Spheran drakkhaan. Just then, the creature's wing twitched - and bursting from beneath it was an angry, but still very much alive, Vygrymm, Dragon of Sphere. Tearing off his helmet, to reveal his sweat-and-blood crusted black hair, the Spheran leader looked about him with a grim expression. Then he heard a sound and jerked his head back to look. Silhouetted above him was a cloaked figure with two swords drawn in front of him and a set of feral, glowing golden eyes. It was Rodric Omega, who Vygrymm growled should have died with his house. Rodric, for his part, hoped the Dragon would follow his own advice. With a pair of primal screams, the two old enemies leapt at one another, blades flashing, and the dramatic view screen going to black.
When it cleared again, all that was visible was a pair of wolf-fur boots tromping through the snow, and the bloody head of Vygrymm gripped firmly by the hair bouncing along beside them.
The day of the Dragon was over. This night belonged to the wolf.
The scene now shifted a little closer to home, as the Electran army was returning in triumph to their capital. Although the victorious soldiers were being hailed as heroes, the welcome was not nearly so friendly for some. Grand-Marshall Vonderveck in particular was being pelted with rotten fish, and repeatedly informed that the ocean had called. The camera then swept from this scene into the top floor of the Special Forces Academy.
For their continued service to the Republic and bravery in the face of danger, Keigo, Pacci and Dust were being promoted to the rank of Captain by Kilant and Xelme, while Senator Ridley and Admiral Tubby watched on. Jag too was due for a promotion, but to award this, a special man had been called in. Puzzled by who could have this kind of authority, Jag could only watch as the doors swooshed open to admit the Law Division Head Legal Counsel: Phil Ken Sebben. With a smug laugh, Phil Ken instantly identified himself as Jag's boss. Apparently, he had been at a legal conference on Arsa, and unable to return due to the Spheran blockade. But now that he was back, he expected there to be some changes in Law Division. Naturally, such comments could only fill Jag with great trepidation as he received his promotion.
After receiving backpay for their military service and supplies for their units, our heroes found themselves sitting in on a staff meeting where the de facto leaders of the Republic discussed their current situation. Although the people were happy for now with the end of the war, Ridley grimly concluded it would not last once reality set in. The Republic was bankrupt, and unable to pay the sizeable army they had mustered for the Dragon's defeat. Furthemore, Gol Draam's earlier stripping of the country side to raise an army first to defeat Kilant and then Vygrymm had meant most of the planet had missed the planting season, and many fields lay fallow. Kilant pointed out the situation was further agravated by the grass fires laid earlier by Genghis Khan's mongol riders, burning a good portion of the Shining Plains. Admiral Tubby didn't want to committ his report too soon, but did mention that the Spheran blockade has seriously disrupted interplanetary trade, and though the blockade was now gone, bringing in food supplies would take time, and that was even if the Republic had the money to buy them. Shaking his head, Ridley asked what did they actually have when it came right down to it. Kilant's answer was grim and simple: the most veteran army in the galaxy, and not much else.
The meeting adjourned on this dark note. Heading outside, Kilant and our heroes found the Spheran warrior Rodric waiting for them. Apparently, he was here to make arrangements with Admiral Tubby to obtain passage off the planet for his forces. Not able to pay their men as it was, the Republic was only too happy to let him take the rowdy mercenaries of the Auxiliaries off their hands. As he walked away, it didn't take the PCs' metagaming to predict they hadn't seen the last of him - even Kilant said as much.
Our heroes retired to receive their officers' reports and re-convened for lunch in the OC. As usual, Pacci had "important" business on his mind. He warned the others that he had special information that terrorists were preparing to strike at the very core of Electran society. Jag confirmed that he'd heard rumors of recent terrorist activity. Pacci believed the terrorists could only have one goal: to steal the Electran Constitution!! This theory was met with general scorn and ridicule, especially from Keigo and Dust.
Jag, on the other hand, took such matters quite seriously. He pulled Pacci aside and explained to him that he was part of a secret ancient group, called the Masons, dedicated to the protection of Electran society. He would help Pacci protect the Constitution so long as Pacci joined the organization. Pacci was happy to do so, though he insisted that 'protecting' the Constitution really meant stealing it, something Jag wasn't overly happy with.
To further investigate the terrorist threat, Pacci decided to check out the new National Museum, which was opening up downtown near the Senate building. Jag thought that if the authorities wouldn't believe their claims, perhaps someone with a passion for patriotic antiquities would. After subtly recruiting the museum receptionist into the Masons, the two took a tour of the new museum. Much of it was dedicated to the founding fathers of Electra, such as James Watt and Georg Ohm, and many of their inventions were on display, such as a pair of bifocals, a proto-type thunderblade and daylight saving time. They also examined the new War exhibit, which had such artefacts as a box of sugar-crisp cereal, the white feathered cloak of Tallyn, the Black Spear of Draven, Genghis Khan's phurbah dagger, and the recently restored armor of Tanzer and Lohengris, bodyguards to the Dragon.
They then met with the museum's curator, an inappropriately young woman named Dr. Abigail Chase who had clearly just been selected for her photogenic good looks. Although she did seem to appreciate Electran history, she had nothing but contempt for Pacci's story of the terrorists and the swarthy blond 'foreigner' (who Pacci and Jag had immediately dubbed "Ian"), asking whether Bigfoot was involved in any way. The two did learn, however, that the Museum was holding its opening gala that evening, which meant the Senate building would be mostly deserted since all the important dignitaries would be in attendance.
During this time, Keigo had since headed to Brock's quarters. She wanted to know what was taking so long with the victory banquet for her boys, and to find out if the ex-gym trainer knew anything about metal-working. Brock didn't know anything about the latter topic, but he did explain that his oven was broken, and had a repairman working on it right now. He was interrupted by a shout from his room, asking where "the holes" were. Apparently this term was meant to refer to an electrical socket. Keigo immediately recognized the electrician Slippery Pete, who had once worked with Pacci's delicate operation to retrieve the Pacman machine from Big P Pizza. Keigo was about to go about her business when she received a phone-call from Pacci. He wanted her to use her substantial science skill to concoct a chemical substance that could be used to make fake fingerprints. She agreed to do this, for the steep price of 600 marks, which Pacci agreed to pay immediately, obviously feeling the need to lighten his recently filled wallet as quickly as possible. He also arranged for a meeting with Slippery Pete when he heard that the latter was present.
Dust had been spending his time mostly raging about the lack of decent news coverage from Denchul. A conversation with one of his privates, a friendly fellow named Malarky, yielded only that the latter's brother, Hoobler, was interested in obtaining a "Luger," and might be heading up to the site of the shoot-out to look for one. The Electran news networks were all about the end of the war and the opening of the new National Museum to commemorate the recent events. Frustrated, Dust settled down to work on his own shortwave radio to pick up news transmissions.
Jag was still trying to expand the ranks of the Masons, though of course he couldn't let on to the fact he was doing so. Major Lanver proved an easy convert, especially when told that girls would flock to a man with the mystique of a 'secret society' behind him. Suki and Anton also joined up, as did Mahmood, though only under the stipulation he would be a 'partial' member.
Once Jag was finished with his recruiting, Pacci wanted to get the operation to steal the Constitution underway. The first step was to send in McMason, who would use the bright flash of his cameras to set off the heat-sensors which would prompt the document to be taken to the restoration facilities below the Senate Building. Meanwhile, Protoman was tapping his laptop into the building's computer grid with the help of Slippery Pete to shut off the security cameras. Slow Moe and his truck, having been contacted via Dust, were across the street with Jag, Pacci, and Bumblebee inside. Once McMason's mission was done, Pacci made his approach, having earlier made himself a Security badge from Jag's laptop. However, obtaining entry to the building's basement, he found a guard lying in the hallway, apparently unconscious. This only confirmed his suspicions and he rushed ahead. A hole had been blown in one of the basement walls, with a trio of goons standing guard. The three tried to take Pacci out of commission, but with his armor and shield, the yellow hero just barrelled by to the room where the Constitution was stored, while at the same time calling Jag for back-up. Jag, Bumblebee and McMason came rushing in, swiftly defeating the guards. However, they saw a door slam further down the hall, and suspecting it to be "Ian," the terrorist leader, they gave chase.
The room they entered turned out to be none other than Senator Ridley's office. The Senator was there, but he was not alone. Standing with his sword pointed across at Ridley's chest was "Ian," otherwise known as renegade Captain Raphael. Bumblebee and McMason fell quickly, and despite Pacci's arrival, patriotically wielding the Constitution in its bullet-proof case was a weapon, Raphael's 'cheap' moves quickly dealt with Jag. Even Protoman's arrival couldn't turn the battle in Pacci's favor. Sneering in triumph, Raphael thanked the Senator for his cooperation in giving him what he'd come for, and then promptly ran him through, before escaping from the room, just in the nick of time before security arrived.
In some regards it was a dark day for our heroes - Senator Ridley was dead, and the villainous Raphael still at large. But they had succeeded at one thing, and that was protecting Electra's most important National Treasure.
Phil Ken Sebben
Race: Electran
Rank: Head Legal Counsel
Affiliation: Republic of Electra, Law Division
Hah-HAH - boss! This smug and repetitive phrase would usually be the initial greeting given by Phil Ken Sebben. A blond man immaculately dressed in a tuxedo, he had a small well-kept mustache and a complete lack of depth-perception due to having an eyepatch over one eye. Phil was the head of the Republic Military Law Division, though some have expressed surprise that despite this important station, he made no appearance for the vast majority of the campaign. Phil would describe himself as a "benevolent-ish dictator," although his subordinates might not quite be so complimentary. His major characteristics were his smug laugh at pretty much any situation and his predisposition for implementing oppressive, color-coded security measures.