S.D.C. Weapons for an M.D.C. Setting
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:54 am
Here are some more old notes I discovered that might be of some interest to others. Its a line of S.D.C. weapons manufactured by Northern Gun that I introduced in my games more than a decade ago (man I'm old). Manufactured from M.D.C. materials they were known for their high reliablility and extreme durability.
I've also include a list of common calibers along with the damage they inflicted in my games, including damage for explosive and ramjet rounds. I think I created this list right after Rifts: Mercenaries first came out. Between that book and the first Triax book it had always bothered me that the people of Rifts Earth could create an explosive round a little larger than a marble that did impressive damage (Triax pump weapons), but could not figure out how to put the same amound of explosive inside of a .50 caliber or even 20mm round to develop a proven reliable and inexpensive (at least when compared to M.D. weapons) weapon system.
Any reference to images should be ignored, since I'm not including those. Also, please forgive any formatting issues as I am just copying and pasting from MS Word.
NG-124 Sniper System The NG-124 is a precision crafted firearm manufactured from M.D.C. materials, giving it exceptional reliability and durability. Machined by the most advanced robotic systems available to the Northern Gun machine smiths, the NG-124 has some of the tightest variances ever seen in a firearm. Something that is only made possible due to its M.D.C. construction.
Using the NG-124 a skilled marksman is capable of hitting a target at impressive ranges, giving a squad a distinct advantage. In the hands of a true sniper the NG-124 is something to be feared, and is capable of hitting a nearly a mile (or more if .338 Lupau Magnum is used) away. Even though the NG-124 is limited to conventional ammunition (though it can uses Explosive and Ramjet ammo) its range and precision have still made it popular on the modern battle fields of North America.
Weight: 11.31 lbs empty and without scope (7.62mm & .308), and 15.93 lbs loaded and with scope. 12.43 lbs empty and without scope (.338), 17.18 lbs loaded and with scope.
Cartridge: 7.62mm NATO, .308 Winchester, & .338 Lupau Magnum.
Damage: See list below
Range: 2800 feet (7.62mm & .308) and 4800 feet (.338)
Rate of Fire: Single shot only; bolt action.
Payload: 5-round internal magazine (7.62mm & .308) or a 5-round detachable box magazine (.338).
Bonuses: +1 strike due to superior balance and craftsmanship.
Black Market Cost: 7800 credits (7.62mm & .308) and 12600 credits (.338).
Notes: Comes standard with a variable 3x-9x magnification daylight sniper scope. Remember that mortals cannot remain inside of M.D.C. armor 24-7, making an S.D.C. sniper rifle an effective weapon even in a Mega-Damage setting.
NG- 111 Semi-Automatic Shotgun This short-barrel semi-automatic shotgun (based on the Pre-Rifts Siaga) was developed as a close-quarter weapon, and has proven popular with among mercenaries and Headhunter thanks to ammo versatility (may be loaded with a variety of conventional S.D.C. rounds and M.D. rounds). It has gained a following among vampire hunters and Mamo Headhunters for that same reason, and it is becoming a common sight in the Southwest. Like most Northern Gun S.D.C. firearms it is manufactured from M.D.C. materials, has a transferable lifetime warranty, and comes standard with a red-dot sight (+1 strike on NON-aimed shots).
Weight: 7.3 lbs.
Cartridge: .410 gauge or 12 gauge
Damage: See list below
Range: 500 feet
Rate of Fire: Single shot or a double-tap short burst (uses 2-rounds) only.
Payload: Varies with caliber;
• .410 gauge: 12-round box magazine (pictured) standard, with 16-round and 20-round extended magazines also available.
• 12 gauge: 8-round box magazine standard, with 12-round and 16-round magazines available.
Black Market Cost: 2400-3600 credits.
Notes: Dozens of aftermarket attachments have been developed for it, pictured with a red dot sight (standard) and a single shot carbine/sub-machinegun grenade launcher (not standard; uses standard NG rifle launched grenades, but range is only 600 feet due to the short length of the barrel; cost 11,000 credits).
NG-109 Special Ops Pistol Developed for use by special operation-style soldiers and other covert operative, the NG-109 is manufactured from durable M.D.C. materials (making it highly reliable) and comes standard with a detachable laser sight and suppressor. Thanks to its quality manufacture and transferable lifetime warranty, it has become popular with those who find themselves operating in corrosive environments (such as salt water and sand). It has also become a popular choice for modification by Techno-Wizards who appreciate its high-quality manufacturing and durability. It comes in multiple calibers.
Weight: 1.94 lbs (9mm) or 2.11 lbs. (.40 & .45 caliber).
Cartridge: 9mm, .40 caliber, or .45 caliber
Damage: See list below.
Range: 210 feet (9mm & .40 caliber) or 220 feet (.45 caliber).
Rate of Fire: Single shot or short burst (double-tap; uses two shots) only.
Payload: 15-rounds (9mm) or 12-rounds (.40 & .45 caliber). Extended magazines that add 3-rounds to each caliber are also available (pictured above).
Black Market Cost: 1200 credits.
Notes: Comes standard with a silencer and a laser sight (+1 strike), both pictured.
Conventional Firearm Rounds:
• 9mm & .38 Caliber: 3d6 S.D.C. Before the coming of the Rifts this was a very common self-defense round, and millions of weapon chambered for this caliber could be found in the United States alone. It is not as common in the modern age, though it is still occasionally carried by law enforcement (especially in the CS Mega-Cities where M.D.C. armor is highly restricted) and poorer militias and mercenaries.
o Light Explosive: 5d6 S.D.C.; cannot inflict Mega-Damage.
o Medium Explosive: 1d4x10 S.D.C.; 2d4x10 S.D.C. short burst; 1 M.D. long burst; 1d4 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• .40 & .45 Caliber: 4d6 S.D.C. In Pre-Rifts times the .40 caliber was the most common law enforcement rounds in the United States, and was also highly used for self-defense. Today such caliber weapons are cheap and plentiful in places such as the Burbs.
o Light Explosive: 6d6 S.D.C.; cannot inflict Mega-Damage.
o Medium Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d4x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d6 M.D. long burst; 3d4 M.D. full melee burst.
• .223 & 5.56mm: 4d6 S.D.C. Used by the United States and its NATO allies for decades, the rounds short comings would become evident during the wars of the late 20th century. Despite this it proved to be a adequate round, and was extremely popular among civilian sportsmen and for home defense.
o Light Explosive: 6d6 S.D.C.; cannot inflict Mega-Damage.
o Medium Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d4x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d6 M.D. long burst; 3d4 M.D. full melee burst.
• 7.62mm & .308 Caliber: 5d6 S.D.C. Two of the most popular rounds in the history of firearms, with the 7.62mm being used by the veritable AK-47, and the .308 the most common hunting and sniper round in North America (not to mention Europe), and was used in many assault rifles before the coming of the Rifts. Today several types of medium machineguns are chamber are chambered for 7.62mm, and the .308 is still a popular hunting (and sniper) round.
o Light Explosive: 1d4x10 S.D.C.; 2d4x10 S.D.C. short burst; 1 M.D. long burst; 1d4 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d4x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d6 M.D. long burst; 3d4 M.D. full melee burst.
• .410 Gauge: 3d6 S.D.C. (buckshot) or 4d6 S.D.C. (slug). Due to the nature of their design shotgun shells have proven to be some of the most versatile and easiest to upgrade into a Mega-Damage round. Such upgrades basically turn a shotgun into a micro-grenade launcher.
o Light Explosive: 1d4x10 S.D.C.; 2d4x10 S.D.C. short burst; 1 M.D. long burst; 1d4 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 1d4 M.D.; 2d4 M.D. short burst; 2d6 M.D. long burst; and 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• 12 Gauge: 4d6 S.D.C. (buckshot) or 5d6 S.D.C. (slug). Due to the nature of their design shotgun shells have proven to be some of the most versatile and easiest to upgrade into a Mega-Damage round. Such upgrades basically turn a shotgun into a micro-grenade launcher.
o Light Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive: 1d4 M.D.; 1d6 M.D. short burst; 2d6 M.D. long burst; and 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 1d6 M.D.; 2d6 M.D. short burst; 3d6 M.D. long burst; 4d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• .338 Caliber: 6d6 S.D.C. The .338 is a rare caliber that is usually only used in sniper or hunting rifles, and finding a fully automatic weapon chambered to take it is extremely rare.
o Light Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d4 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive/Light Ramjet: 1 M.D.; 1d4 M.D. short burst; 2d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive/Heavy Ramjet: 1d4 M.D.; 2d4 M.D. short burst; 2d6 M.D. long burst; and 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• .50 Caliber: 1d4x10 S.D.C. A common round that is popular in vehicle mounted weapons, sniper rifles, and even Cyborg firearms. Northern Gun, Wellington, and the Black Market all make a variety of weapons that are chambered for this caliber.
o Light Explosive/Light Ramjet: 1 M.D.; 1d4 M.D. short burst; 3d4 M.D. long burst; 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive/Heavy Ramjet: 1d4 M.D.; 2d4 M.D. short burst; 2d6 M.D. long burst; and 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d4 M.D.; 3d4 M.D. short burst; 3d6 M.D. long burst; 4d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• 20mm: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst. The 20mm can sometimes be found mounted on vehicles of town militia, or rarely on robots. It has also found use in sniper rifles, and even a line of Cyborg rifles from Wellington Industries.
o Light Explosive/Light Ramjet: 1d6 M.D.; 2d4 M.D. short burst; 4d4 M.D. short burst; 4d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive/Heavy Ramjet: 2d4 M.D.; 3d4 M.D. short burst; 3d6 M.D. long burst; 5d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d6 M.D.; 4d6 M.D. short burst; 5d6 M.D. long burst; 1d4x10 M.D. full melee burst.
• 30mm: 2d4x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d6 M.D. long burst; 3d4 M.D. full melee burst. Like the 20mm the 30mm can sometimes be encountered mounted on the heavy vehicles of militia and mercenary forces. Its large size and extensive kick make it impractical for use by mortal and even Cyborg, thus limiting its use to vehicles and stationary emplacements.
o Light Explosive/Light Ramjet: 2d4 M.D.; 3d4 M.D. short burst; 3d6 M.D. long burst; 4d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive/Heavy Ramjet: 2d6 M.D.; 4d6 M.D. short burst; 5d6 M.D. long burst; 1d4x10 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 4d4 M.D.; 5d6 M.D. short burst; 1d4x10 M.D. long burst; 1d6x10 M.D. full melee burst.
I've also include a list of common calibers along with the damage they inflicted in my games, including damage for explosive and ramjet rounds. I think I created this list right after Rifts: Mercenaries first came out. Between that book and the first Triax book it had always bothered me that the people of Rifts Earth could create an explosive round a little larger than a marble that did impressive damage (Triax pump weapons), but could not figure out how to put the same amound of explosive inside of a .50 caliber or even 20mm round to develop a proven reliable and inexpensive (at least when compared to M.D. weapons) weapon system.
Any reference to images should be ignored, since I'm not including those. Also, please forgive any formatting issues as I am just copying and pasting from MS Word.
NG-124 Sniper System The NG-124 is a precision crafted firearm manufactured from M.D.C. materials, giving it exceptional reliability and durability. Machined by the most advanced robotic systems available to the Northern Gun machine smiths, the NG-124 has some of the tightest variances ever seen in a firearm. Something that is only made possible due to its M.D.C. construction.
Using the NG-124 a skilled marksman is capable of hitting a target at impressive ranges, giving a squad a distinct advantage. In the hands of a true sniper the NG-124 is something to be feared, and is capable of hitting a nearly a mile (or more if .338 Lupau Magnum is used) away. Even though the NG-124 is limited to conventional ammunition (though it can uses Explosive and Ramjet ammo) its range and precision have still made it popular on the modern battle fields of North America.
Weight: 11.31 lbs empty and without scope (7.62mm & .308), and 15.93 lbs loaded and with scope. 12.43 lbs empty and without scope (.338), 17.18 lbs loaded and with scope.
Cartridge: 7.62mm NATO, .308 Winchester, & .338 Lupau Magnum.
Damage: See list below
Range: 2800 feet (7.62mm & .308) and 4800 feet (.338)
Rate of Fire: Single shot only; bolt action.
Payload: 5-round internal magazine (7.62mm & .308) or a 5-round detachable box magazine (.338).
Bonuses: +1 strike due to superior balance and craftsmanship.
Black Market Cost: 7800 credits (7.62mm & .308) and 12600 credits (.338).
Notes: Comes standard with a variable 3x-9x magnification daylight sniper scope. Remember that mortals cannot remain inside of M.D.C. armor 24-7, making an S.D.C. sniper rifle an effective weapon even in a Mega-Damage setting.
NG- 111 Semi-Automatic Shotgun This short-barrel semi-automatic shotgun (based on the Pre-Rifts Siaga) was developed as a close-quarter weapon, and has proven popular with among mercenaries and Headhunter thanks to ammo versatility (may be loaded with a variety of conventional S.D.C. rounds and M.D. rounds). It has gained a following among vampire hunters and Mamo Headhunters for that same reason, and it is becoming a common sight in the Southwest. Like most Northern Gun S.D.C. firearms it is manufactured from M.D.C. materials, has a transferable lifetime warranty, and comes standard with a red-dot sight (+1 strike on NON-aimed shots).
Weight: 7.3 lbs.
Cartridge: .410 gauge or 12 gauge
Damage: See list below
Range: 500 feet
Rate of Fire: Single shot or a double-tap short burst (uses 2-rounds) only.
Payload: Varies with caliber;
• .410 gauge: 12-round box magazine (pictured) standard, with 16-round and 20-round extended magazines also available.
• 12 gauge: 8-round box magazine standard, with 12-round and 16-round magazines available.
Black Market Cost: 2400-3600 credits.
Notes: Dozens of aftermarket attachments have been developed for it, pictured with a red dot sight (standard) and a single shot carbine/sub-machinegun grenade launcher (not standard; uses standard NG rifle launched grenades, but range is only 600 feet due to the short length of the barrel; cost 11,000 credits).
NG-109 Special Ops Pistol Developed for use by special operation-style soldiers and other covert operative, the NG-109 is manufactured from durable M.D.C. materials (making it highly reliable) and comes standard with a detachable laser sight and suppressor. Thanks to its quality manufacture and transferable lifetime warranty, it has become popular with those who find themselves operating in corrosive environments (such as salt water and sand). It has also become a popular choice for modification by Techno-Wizards who appreciate its high-quality manufacturing and durability. It comes in multiple calibers.
Weight: 1.94 lbs (9mm) or 2.11 lbs. (.40 & .45 caliber).
Cartridge: 9mm, .40 caliber, or .45 caliber
Damage: See list below.
Range: 210 feet (9mm & .40 caliber) or 220 feet (.45 caliber).
Rate of Fire: Single shot or short burst (double-tap; uses two shots) only.
Payload: 15-rounds (9mm) or 12-rounds (.40 & .45 caliber). Extended magazines that add 3-rounds to each caliber are also available (pictured above).
Black Market Cost: 1200 credits.
Notes: Comes standard with a silencer and a laser sight (+1 strike), both pictured.
Conventional Firearm Rounds:
• 9mm & .38 Caliber: 3d6 S.D.C. Before the coming of the Rifts this was a very common self-defense round, and millions of weapon chambered for this caliber could be found in the United States alone. It is not as common in the modern age, though it is still occasionally carried by law enforcement (especially in the CS Mega-Cities where M.D.C. armor is highly restricted) and poorer militias and mercenaries.
o Light Explosive: 5d6 S.D.C.; cannot inflict Mega-Damage.
o Medium Explosive: 1d4x10 S.D.C.; 2d4x10 S.D.C. short burst; 1 M.D. long burst; 1d4 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• .40 & .45 Caliber: 4d6 S.D.C. In Pre-Rifts times the .40 caliber was the most common law enforcement rounds in the United States, and was also highly used for self-defense. Today such caliber weapons are cheap and plentiful in places such as the Burbs.
o Light Explosive: 6d6 S.D.C.; cannot inflict Mega-Damage.
o Medium Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d4x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d6 M.D. long burst; 3d4 M.D. full melee burst.
• .223 & 5.56mm: 4d6 S.D.C. Used by the United States and its NATO allies for decades, the rounds short comings would become evident during the wars of the late 20th century. Despite this it proved to be a adequate round, and was extremely popular among civilian sportsmen and for home defense.
o Light Explosive: 6d6 S.D.C.; cannot inflict Mega-Damage.
o Medium Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d4x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d6 M.D. long burst; 3d4 M.D. full melee burst.
• 7.62mm & .308 Caliber: 5d6 S.D.C. Two of the most popular rounds in the history of firearms, with the 7.62mm being used by the veritable AK-47, and the .308 the most common hunting and sniper round in North America (not to mention Europe), and was used in many assault rifles before the coming of the Rifts. Today several types of medium machineguns are chamber are chambered for 7.62mm, and the .308 is still a popular hunting (and sniper) round.
o Light Explosive: 1d4x10 S.D.C.; 2d4x10 S.D.C. short burst; 1 M.D. long burst; 1d4 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d4x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d6 M.D. long burst; 3d4 M.D. full melee burst.
• .410 Gauge: 3d6 S.D.C. (buckshot) or 4d6 S.D.C. (slug). Due to the nature of their design shotgun shells have proven to be some of the most versatile and easiest to upgrade into a Mega-Damage round. Such upgrades basically turn a shotgun into a micro-grenade launcher.
o Light Explosive: 1d4x10 S.D.C.; 2d4x10 S.D.C. short burst; 1 M.D. long burst; 1d4 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 1d4 M.D.; 2d4 M.D. short burst; 2d6 M.D. long burst; and 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• 12 Gauge: 4d6 S.D.C. (buckshot) or 5d6 S.D.C. (slug). Due to the nature of their design shotgun shells have proven to be some of the most versatile and easiest to upgrade into a Mega-Damage round. Such upgrades basically turn a shotgun into a micro-grenade launcher.
o Light Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive: 1d4 M.D.; 1d6 M.D. short burst; 2d6 M.D. long burst; and 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 1d6 M.D.; 2d6 M.D. short burst; 3d6 M.D. long burst; 4d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• .338 Caliber: 6d6 S.D.C. The .338 is a rare caliber that is usually only used in sniper or hunting rifles, and finding a fully automatic weapon chambered to take it is extremely rare.
o Light Explosive: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d4 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive/Light Ramjet: 1 M.D.; 1d4 M.D. short burst; 2d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive/Heavy Ramjet: 1d4 M.D.; 2d4 M.D. short burst; 2d6 M.D. long burst; and 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• .50 Caliber: 1d4x10 S.D.C. A common round that is popular in vehicle mounted weapons, sniper rifles, and even Cyborg firearms. Northern Gun, Wellington, and the Black Market all make a variety of weapons that are chambered for this caliber.
o Light Explosive/Light Ramjet: 1 M.D.; 1d4 M.D. short burst; 3d4 M.D. long burst; 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive/Heavy Ramjet: 1d4 M.D.; 2d4 M.D. short burst; 2d6 M.D. long burst; and 3d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d4 M.D.; 3d4 M.D. short burst; 3d6 M.D. long burst; 4d6 M.D. full melee burst.
• 20mm: 1d6x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d4 M.D. long burst; 2d6 M.D. full melee burst. The 20mm can sometimes be found mounted on vehicles of town militia, or rarely on robots. It has also found use in sniper rifles, and even a line of Cyborg rifles from Wellington Industries.
o Light Explosive/Light Ramjet: 1d6 M.D.; 2d4 M.D. short burst; 4d4 M.D. short burst; 4d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive/Heavy Ramjet: 2d4 M.D.; 3d4 M.D. short burst; 3d6 M.D. long burst; 5d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 2d6 M.D.; 4d6 M.D. short burst; 5d6 M.D. long burst; 1d4x10 M.D. full melee burst.
• 30mm: 2d4x10 S.D.C.; 1 M.D. short burst; 1d6 M.D. long burst; 3d4 M.D. full melee burst. Like the 20mm the 30mm can sometimes be encountered mounted on the heavy vehicles of militia and mercenary forces. Its large size and extensive kick make it impractical for use by mortal and even Cyborg, thus limiting its use to vehicles and stationary emplacements.
o Light Explosive/Light Ramjet: 2d4 M.D.; 3d4 M.D. short burst; 3d6 M.D. long burst; 4d6 M.D. full melee burst.
o Medium Explosive/Heavy Ramjet: 2d6 M.D.; 4d6 M.D. short burst; 5d6 M.D. long burst; 1d4x10 M.D. full melee burst.
o Heavy Explosive: 4d4 M.D.; 5d6 M.D. short burst; 1d4x10 M.D. long burst; 1d6x10 M.D. full melee burst.