Savage Odyssey Prime Factions: False Gods, or Lords of the Iron Ring...

Good Afternoon, All:

The fourth group I'd like to develop for my Savage Odyssey Prime campaign are the False Gods. These are dictators who obtain and then maintain their position of power using cached technology left behind by the Builders. As a back-story, so that they provide a common front for my players to explore over the course of several adventures, I've made the assumption that these men were originally mercenaries who discovered the tech cache on a mission. Now, bound together by the commander's control of the cache as well as belonging to his mercenary company, these technologically elevated dictators have gone forth and conquered regions in other dimensions in the name of the Iron Ring.

Lords of the Iron Ring

Brief Description: The Lords of the Iron Ring are a disparate band of mercenaries who are using a cache of Builder technology to control worlds. Presenting themselves as False Gods to more primitive tribes, the Lords of the Iron Ring are ultimately little more than glorified charlatans and bullies. However, the weapons they bear are extremely powerful, and are particularly intimidating to less advanced cultures.

Encounter Groups: These are common encounter groups for this type of encounter.

• Novice: 5 Local Tribesmen, 1 Sergeant.
• Seasoned: 10 Local Tribesmen, 2 Sergeants, 1 Lieutenant.
• Veteran: 20 Local Tribesmen, 5 Sergeants, 2 Lieutenants.

Stat Blocks: The following stats are provided as examples for inspiration. Please adjust as needed to fit your preferred gaming system and style.

Local Tribesman
Abilities: Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Fighting d6, Notice d6, Stealth d4, Survival d6, Throwing d6, Tracking d6
Pace: 6; Parry: 7(2); Toughness: 6(1) [8(3) vs Ranged]
Gear: Spear (Str+d6), Leather or hide armor (+1 Toughness), Large shield (+2 Parry, +2 Toughness vs ranged, Shield bash Str+d6), Javelin (x2, Str+d6, Rng 3/6/12, RoF 1)

Sergeant (WC)
Abilities: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d8
Skills: Fighting d8, Intimidation d6, Notice d8, Stealth d6, Shooting d6, Throwing d6
Pace: 6; Parry: 6; Toughness: 8(2) [10(4) vs Bullets]
Edges: Command (allies gain +1 to recover from Shaken), Marksman (+2 Shooting if not moving)
Gear: Laser Pistol (2d6, Rng 15/30/60, RoF 1, Shots 12, Semi-Auto), Dagger (Str+d4), Kevlar (+2 Toughness, +4 vs Bullets), Pulse Grenade (x2, Dmg 3d6 MBT, Rng 5/10/20, ROF 1, Shots 1), Smoke Grenade (x1, Dmg obscurement, MBT; Rng 5/10/20; ROF 1; Shots --; -4 Notice and attacks)

Lieutenant (WC)
Abilities: Agility d10, Smarts d8, Spirit d8, Strength d8, Vigor d10
Skills: Fighting d10, Intimidation d8, Knowledge (Battle) d8, Notice d8, Stealth d8, Shooting d10, Throwing d8
Pace: 6; Parry: 7; Toughness: 9(2) [11(4) vs Bullets]
Edges: Command (allies gain +1 to recover from Shaken), Command Presence (command radius is 10 squares), First Strike (see Improved First Strike), Marksman (+2 Shooting if not moving), Quick (redraw Initiative on 5 or less), Tactician (make a Knowledge (Battle) roll at the beginning of a fight to get an Action Card per success and raise; these may be given to any allies throughout the course of the battle)
Gear: Laser Rifle (3d6 AP 4, Rng 24/48/96, RoF 1, Shots 100, Auto), Dagger (Str+d4), Kevlar (+2 Toughness, +4 vs Bullets), Pulse Grenade (x2, Dmg 3d6 MBT, Rng 5/10/20, ROF 1, Shots 1), Smoke Grenade (x1, Dmg obscurement, MBT; Rng 5/10/20; ROF 1; Shots --; -4 Notice and attacks)

Encounter Ideas: Here are six different scenarios related to this encounter type.

1. The Iron Ring patrol is harassing some local citizens when the party comes upon the scene.
2. The Iron Ring patrol is directing natives in the construction of a temple or shrine to this world's highest ranking Iron Ring officer, portraying the Lord of the Iron Ring as a god to be worshiped.
3. The Iron Ring patrol has recovered broken Builder technology, and are returning to their portal site, when the party encounters them.
4. The Iron Ring patrol is escorting a pilgrimage bearing tribute to the local Lord of the Iron Ring, including precious metals and "sacrificial virgins".
5. The Iron Ring patrol is performing a demonstration of their "divine power", seeking to convert the local population, when the party comes upon the scene.
6. The Iron Ring patrol challenges the party, demanding their worship and obedience in the name of the Lord of the Iron Ring.

Enjoy,
Flynn