Another mini-issue for now. Next issue will be the forest destroying monstrosity you've all come to know and loathe.
    But what we lack in size, we make up in content. Last issue we dealt with the Useless Van; this issue we deal with Pickups -specifically with the Pickup Bed. So, without further blather ...

"The grenade in the pickup bed" -- a joke about as ancient as the coyote falling off the cliff. Sadly, whenever this question is asked, the person asked (i.e., the referee) is left fumbling for an answer.
    No more. What follows is the authoritative text on pickup beds, written by one who knows of such things (i.e., he owns a pickup).

-- THE BASIC PICKUP
This is the most common iteration of the non-combat pickup; for reasons which will become evident, it is less popular in combat situations.
    In this iteration, the pickup bed resembles a flatbed trailer with side-walls, or a semi-trailer sans top. Anything in the bed is exposed to attack from above; in combat terms, treat the pickup as having a Boat Half-Top (CWC2, p. 68), with the odds listed indicating the chance that items in the bed will be hit in a general attack (that is, an attack aimed at the pickup in general; if a specific target is indicated, use the proper attack mods and method). Note that items not in the cargo bed are still protected by Top armor.
    Example: An attack from above and to the side (no specific target mentioned) goes into the cargo bed on a roll of 7 or higher on 2D6; anything in the bed is unprotected by Top armor. On a 6 or less, the shot hits the pickup's Top armor as usual; note that any penetrating damage could still hit the cargo bed after hitting the Top armor!
    For attacks from L, R, or B, things in the cargo bed are protected by the relevant side armor. However, items in the bed may be targeted at -2 in addition to other relevant modifiers. Example: a ped in the bed of a sloped pickup may be targeted at -5 (-3 for pedestrian, plus -2; note that since the shooter is trying to bypass the armor of the pickup, the sloping is ignored). If the to-hit roll is missed due to the specific targeting mods, the shot hits the armor. Example: In the above example, if the roll was missed by 4, it would hit the pickup's armor. If the shot was missed by 1, it would still be a miss (don't forget that sloping). If the shot was missed by 6, it's a miss.
    For F and U attacks, follow standard CW rules.
    Peds in the bed have a 180-degree arc of fire out the rear (see Illus. 1).
    Cargo may be "stacked" like a flatbed, with the same effects (CWC2, p. 61).
 

-- THE TONNEAU-EQUIPPED PICKUP
This iteration is the standard for combat pickups. It follows standard CW rules. This item must be removed if Pickup Racks are mounted.
    The pickup bed is covered by a non-flexible tonneau, which can be removed by one man (Trivial Mechanic roll) in one minute (please keep in mind any security devices should someone attempt an unscheduled tonneauectomy). It is this tonneau that allows the pickup bed to be protected by vehicle armor.

--THE SHELLTOP-EQUIPPED PICKUP
Following the conversion of the "camper shell" (ADQ 2-3) into the "camper body" (VG2), pickups needed a way to cover oversized cargo without screwing up their armor cost/weight. Enter the "new" pickup shell (commonly called a "topper"; pickups so equipped are called "shelltops"). Pickup Racks may not be mounted with this.
    This shell varies in size; some cover the whole bed, while others could be mistaken for an extended-cab mod. If the shelltop covers only part of the bed, the bed is effectively divided; items may not be "half-in, half-out". A shelltop protects cargo located under it from L, R, B, and T attacks as defined in "The Basic Pickup"; if the shell only covers part of the bed, roll to determine which part of the bed (open or covered) is hit.
    For each cargo space covered by the shell, add 1 cargo space to the pickup's cargo bed (after sloping and/or streamlining); this space is the covered space over the bed (see Illus. 2).

Although the shell is made to match the pickup's body, it cannot be mistaken for an extended-cab or camper body.
    Obviously, the shell's size cannot exceed the pickup's "organic" cargo spaces (example: a sloped and streamlined pickup would have 9 "organic" cargo spaces).
    Shelltop (per space): $20; 10 lbs. Armor: $2/1 lb. x shell size (shell size: number of spaces covered); no upper limit to armor; need not match vehicle's armor type.
    Example: Shell size 5 covers 5 spaces, costs $100, weighs 50 lbs., armor costs $10 and weighs 5 lbs. per point.
 

Ramrod II: Compact; X-hvy. chassis; Hvy. susp.; 150 CID engine; 5-gallon Dueling Tank; 4 PR Radial tires; driver. Roll cage; safety seat; HD shocks; FPCA -- driver (10 pts.); FPCA -engine (10 pts.); FP insulator (gas tank). Sloped Armor: F 100 (ram plate); B 60; L 45; R 45; T 14; U 10. Accel. 5; TS 72.5; HC 4; MPG 45; 4,439 lbs.; $17,243.
    Driver's Equipment: Impact Armor, FP suit: $2,500 ($257 for hand weapons).

Ramrod III: Luxury; X-hvy. chassis; Hvy. susp.; 200 CID engine w/ BP, TH; 5-gallon Dueling Tank; 4 PR Radial tires; driver. Streamlining; 4-space dropped-weapons area; roll cage; safety seat; HD shocks; FPCA -- driver (10 pts.); FPCA -- engine (10 pts.); FPCA -- dropped-weapons area (10 pts.); FP insulator (gas tank). Sloped Armor: F 80 (ram plate); B 52; L 47; R 47; T 12; U 10. Accel. 5; TS 80; HC 4; MPG 35; 6,600 lbs.; $27,121.
    Dropped-weapons capacity: 4 spc.; 400 lbs.; $2,129
    Driver's Equipment: Body Armor; FP suit: $750.
 

More long-range specials from DKI <grin>

October 3, 2046: preliminary work on the new Golden Crescent Industries facility was finished today. GCI PR reports that the facility is "coming together quickly", and that GCI factory equipment should be arriving soon.

October 16, 2046: GCI factory equipment arrived today. Installation work began immediately.

October 25, 2046: Psycho has requested an investigation into the destruction of his Bungee-Tank and base. In his words, "I cannot imagine that this was a coincidence."

November 8, 2046: The preliminary hearing concerning the destruction of Psycho's Bungee-Tank and base began today. While no names have been mentioned specifically, it is suspected that Commissioner Smith is Psycho's prime suspect. Smith was unavailable for comment.

November 11, 2046: The pilot leading the squadron that destroyed Psycho's tank testified that he "followed the data he was given" on his way to the target; the data he displayed for the hearing indicated that Psycho's tank was right in the middle of the intended target area. Asked if this was the attack that had been planned, the pilot stated that he "was not told in advance what the target would be, or where it would be located."

November 15, 2046: The officers involved in the planning of the training mission testified that the target point was selected "with an eye towards not hitting anyplace inhabited." They also stated that the target site was empty when they selected it.

November 18, 2046: GCI workers have finished installation of the factory equipment. They have begun work on apartments within the complex area.

November 20, 2046: The hearing concluded today with the admission that the matter was an "unfortunate accident". No further action will be taken.

December 3, 2046: Psycho reported finding a card on his car today, reading, "Hope you can 'bounce back' from this setback -NOT! [signed] P.A.G.A.N."

December 15, 2046: GCI workers finished the apartments on their site today.

December 20, 2046: GCI executives arrived today, and announced the start-up date for the new facility: January 1, 2047.

December 25, 2046: Aircraft dropped several tons of reindeer manure on the Industrial Park this morning. Found amidst the effluvia were several cards reading, "Reindeer flying overhead = Bad idea. [signed] P.A.G.A.N." Happy Holidays, all.

December 31, 2046: Preparations began for the GCI Grand Opening. Happy New Year, all.

"Well, who woulda thought that two guys wearin' lacrosse pads comin' at each other with wooden poles sittin' on sawhorses bolted to the tops of K-cars would be dangerous?" -- Red Green, The New Red Green Show.

Well, that's it for this issue. Again, apologies for the of stuff; but some is better than none -- just ask a virgin. <grin>

(You can tell how bad off we are -- recycling "Closing Fire", for cryin' out loud! Happy Holidays, all.)
 

Drive Offensively!
 
 

Norman McMullen	Chris French
NOVA President	NOVA Vice-President

Opening Fire, Closing Fire, Nuts & 10 O'Clock News: Chris French

Showroom Vehicles: Michael Garrity

10 O'Clock News: Norman McMullen

Editor: Chris French
 

Nightmessenger is published quarterly by the New Omaha vehicular Association, 2524 Madison St., Bellevue, NE 68005.
    All material is copyright september 1996 by New Omaha vehicular Association. All rights reserved.
    Car Wars, Dueltrack, Boat Wars, Car Warriors, Crash City, Truck Stop, Convoy, Uncle Albert's Catalog From Hell, Autoduel, and AADA are registered trademarks of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, or are used under license. The above trademarks, and the characters and situations of the Car Wars background are the exclusive property Of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, and are used by Nightmessenger under permission.
    Reproduction of any material published in theNightmessenger without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.Any reproduction of Car Wars stories published in Nightmessenger, or any unauthorized publication of fiction using the Car Wars background, without the express written permission of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated is strictly prohibited. subscription rates (for 4 issues): Regularly attending club members -- $4; U.S. Subscribers -- $8; International Subscribers -- $12

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