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 Earth Alliance Special Forces
Part 1: The People
Overview
As of 2262, Earth Alliance special operations are
undergoing a much-needed period of recuperation from
the terrible losses of the past two years. Earth Alliance
special operations forces served in all theatres, from
supporting the regular forces at the battle of Proxima III
to hundreds of small, sharp, and bloody actions all over
the known galaxy. Operators fought on seceding colony
worlds, bled and died on alien soils, and grappled hand
to hand in the cold of space. While the Fleet Marines’
assault on the Babylon 5 station is perhaps the best known
of these operations, tens of thousands of operators died
during the two wars, too often in combat with those who
had been their brothers and sisters just months before.
The Earth Civil War in particular was a bloody and
wretched affair, as special operations personnel loyal to
the President Clark’s faction of EarthForce battled those
who broke off to follow General Hague and Captain
Sheridan. Some special operations personnel defected as
entire units, others in small groups and some as single
individuals. When the Special Operations Command’s
(SOC) commander, General Natalia Murnikova, cast
her lot with Captain Sheridan in 2260 this pace picked
up dramatically and by the final battles of the Civil War
over 60% of SOC’s personnel had joined her to help
liberate Earth.
When Clark’s forces were defeated President Luchenko
offered General Murnikova the position of Chief of Staff,
Earth Ground Forces. She declined; preferring to stay
with SOC and tend to her battered troops as they rebuilt
their units and digested the lessons of the war. SOC
and Earth Alliance special operations forces in general
have come through some extremely difficult times but
it would be a mistake to dismiss them as depleted forces
in 2262. While Earth Alliance special operations units
have lost almost 20% of their operators to death, injury,
or retirement in the past five years those who remain
are battle-hardened beyond any previous achieved level,
more so than even during the desperate battles of the
Earth-Minbari war. Before 2262, EarthForce special
operations forces were recognized as being among the
best in the galaxy. In 2262 it can be argued that they
are the best.
Organization
The majority of the Earth Alliance special forces
personnel operate under an umbrella command, the
Special Operations Command (SOC), which reports
directly to the Chief of Staff Earth Ground Forces,
placing most of EarthForce’s special operations units
into the Ground Forces Command structure. EarthForce
special operations units outside of SOC include the Fleet
Marines, who report to the Chief of Fleet Operations,
and the Special Activities Task Force, reporting to the
Director of Military Intelligence. Outside of EarthForce,
the various Intelligence Directorate and Psi-Corps units
report through their appropriate command structures.
By M Flegal
However, all of these units are classified top secret and
a few are almost unknown outside of their respective
organizations. It is not unusual for the majority of an
organization’s members to not know if one of their
special operations units truly exists, much less whom
it reports to.
Military Units
Special Action
Service Regiments
Special Action Service (SAS) regiments are the best
known and second largest group of special operators
in EarthForce, second only to the Assault Rangers in
size. Their post-Minbari War expansion and reputation
is a direct result of their successes during that conflict,
where the SAS provided some of the few bright spots
for Earth during the disastrous conflict. While the Earth
Alliance fleet was being slaughtered in space, ground-
based operations were the only area where the Minbari
were successfully resisted, even if only long enough to
evacuate civilians and essential personnel. Yet while
GROPOS troops and Fleet Marine forces fought several
successful, albeit costly, delaying actions SAS personnel
were amongst the few who often defeated the Minbari
outright. SAS personnel struck blow after blow against
the Minbari juggernaut; ambushing relief columns,
sniping high-ranking Minbari officers, destroying
ammunition dumps, and coordinating resistance
operations on fallen colony worlds.
39
When the war ended, only the valiant Starfury pilots ranked higher in the public’s
esteem. More importantly, EarthForce realized that for the foreseeable future Earth’s
potential enemies included those who could sweep their tanks from the ground and
their warships from space. Special operations had more than proven their worth in the
face of those types of threats. The special operations budget in general and the SAS
budget in particular were greatly increased after the war and SAS units were expanded
as rapidly as possible, a process that was accelerated when a celebrated SAS officer was
promoted to the commanding general of SOC. General Murnikova’s influence has
been great, not the least because she proved an extremely skilled in-fighter amongst
the hierarchy in EarthDome as well as being a personal friend of the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs, General Jennifer Romano.

Telepaths in Special Operations

Telepaths do not serve outside of Psi-Corps control except in the Blue Berets.
Experiences in the Earth-Minbari war showed that telepaths attached to regular
special operations units under EarthForce command for long periods often became
accepted as team members and began to lose their distrust of mundanes. Since this
camaraderie ran counter to the desires of Psi-Corps these long-term postings ended
shortly after the war. By 2258, members of Psi-Corps, usually from the Department
of Military Affairs, were assigned on a mission-by-mission basis to existing special
operations teams. Care is taken to frequently rotate telepaths through these units
to minimize the development of personal bonds, although this is not completely
effective. Typically, the telepath is assigned a specific mission such as scanning or
subverting enemy personnel while a team of mundane operators provides protection
during the operation. It is commonly understood that telepaths above P7 are
rarely used for these duties, although P10’s and even P12’s are occasionally sent
on missions of the highest priority. At least that is what Psi-Corps high command
tells EarthForce. In reality, many covert telepaths have served in special operations
units over the years without any but their Psi-Corps handlers knowing that they
were telepaths and many more have been represented as having a low P-ranking
when their actual level was far higher. While this is generally done to keep tabs
on the special operations community, darker missions have taken place as well. In
recent years several telepaths of P10 or higher have served secretly as mundanes or
masqueraded as P3-P5’s in various special operations units to surreptitiously install
‘Asimov’ blocks in special operations personnel as well as conduct loyalty scans and
build a database of weaknesses in high ranking operators. When Psi-Corps makes
its move to take control of the Earth Alliance, it intends to keep the various special
operations forces from being an obstacle.

40
In many ways the SAS are the closest to the public
stereotype of special operators, engaging in ambushes,
sabotage, sniping, capture of enemy personnel,
reconnaissance, and the training of other resistance
forces. The typical squad consists of one officer, a warrant
officer, and 11 enlisted operators. This warrant officer is
generally a former NCO with several years of experience
in a SAS squad who often mentors new officers assigned
from selection. The enlisted operators are typically of
higher rank than in an equivalent GROPOS squad, due
both to the requirement that applicants for selection
have a minimum of 2 years in line units before applying
as well as the high retention rates in special operations.
These 11 enlisted operators usually consist of at least
one medic, one or two heavy weapons specialists, one
sniper, one communications specialist, and the rest a mix
of assault, demolition, and reconnaissance specialists.
The primary exception to this structure are SAS sniper
squads, which consist of 2-3 snipers, generally with one
experienced primary sniper and 1-2 less experienced
snipers who assist with observation and provide extra
firepower during contact and extraction.
Combat Swimmer Flotillas
The ‘Killer Whales’ are the maritime version of the SAS,
commandos tasked with operating from water. While
there are many similarities between the two units,
there are also some significant differences that should
be recognized. While the SAS specializes in missions
lasting from weeks to months, the combat swimmers
generally plan missions lasting a few days at most.
While this is partly due to a desire to prevent mission
overlap it is also due to the fact that, as difficult as it is
for SAS personnel to carry 50-80 kilos of equipment on
their back for dozens of miles, it is even more difficult
for a combat swimmer to drag that equipment behind
him while fighting a 5 knot current. These difficulties
are magnified by present sensor technologies that make
even Minnow dive vehicles prone to detection and
small surface craft almost suicidal to use. Thus, the
vast majority of combat swimmer infiltrations involve
swimming long distances underwater. Because of this,
most missions involve quick and aggressive direct action
such as destroying a high value target, ambushing
an enemy unit, or capturing enemy personnel. The
primary exceptions are sniper teams and small six-person
reconnaissance teams who operate much like their SAS
counterparts in missions that can last from 1 to 2 weeks.
The most common team organization involves 12 men
with one officer and 11 enlisted operators organized into
swim-teams of 2 operators tasked with watching out for
each other during long swims or ruck-marches. This
buddy system is almost holy writ to combat swimmers,
beaten into them from the first day of training due to
the serious dangers of swimming in the murky depths.
It is incredibly rare for an odd number of operators to
go out on a mission, in the event that specialists such
as telepaths are assigned to the team, one member is
either left behind or added to provide standard swim
teams (and baby-sit the specialist). Players wishing to
play a combat swimmer must maximize their Swim
skill ranks for each level before allocating skill points
to other skills. In addition, a player choosing a combat
swimmer character automatically gains the Swim skill as
an extra class skill so long as they are serving in a combat
swimmer unit.
There are a few reasons why, in spite of the added
difficulties of operating from water, combat swimmers
exist. The most obvious is that most populated worlds
have surface water, often in the form of rivers or
coastlines that provide ideal routes for small teams to
41
 SAS Selection and Training
All of the Special Forces units have their own challenging training processes and the more elite the unit, the more difficult the process. SAS training, for example, has an
82% failure rate with many of these candidates being Assault Rangers who have already survived that fierce unit’s own selection and training process. However, while each
unit has different selection processes, SAS training is a useful standard for comparison.

Once accepted for SAS Selection, the applicant will undergo three weeks of physical training to build them up for what’s to come. During this period, applicants spend
over 14 hours a day, six days a week, running obstacle courses, tabbing long distances cross-country, weapons training, and suffering intensive calisthenics. At the end of
this period, Selection truly begins. This weeklong ordeal consists of non-stop solo cross-country marches against a timer, with the distances getting longer and the times
shorter each day. Once back to camp the applicants spend quality time performing more physical training such as calisthenics, swimming, weapons’ drills, and generally
avoiding sleep. The week culminates in a 35 mile march across mountains, rivers, and thick brush to be done in under 20 hours. Those few who exceed the secret time
cut-off move onto the next phase.

The week after Selection is spent primarily in the classroom, studying small unit tactics and guerilla warfare. The primary purpose is to provide a week’s worth of rest for
sprains, abrasions, and wrenched muscles and tendons to heal. For the next 18 weeks, the trainees learn and practice small unit tactics in various terrains. One week might
be in the blistering desert, the next on a polar ice cap. The final 5 days consists of the students planning and executing a typical SAS mission against their instructors. While
Selection itself accounts for over half the washouts, it must be remembered that fierce testing continues for the rest of training and many students are drummed out all of
the way to the end of the process.

Following a week of space training in zero-G and a week studying water assault tactics trainees are assigned a terrain specialty. While the student’s own choice is given some
weight, their training scores in the various terrains and where the SAS needs warm bodies takes precedence. Trainees are assigned to desert, jungle, arctic, high-gravity,
mountainous, or zero-G/space specialties and spend a further 5 weeks perfecting their skills in their new specialty. After 30 weeks of intensive training, trainees graduate in
a tradition rich ceremony and are given 1-2 weeks of leave to visit their families. Finally, these men are assigned to a SAS unit where they move to the bottom of the team’s
roster. Generally, each unit has its own culture and methodologies and so the new members spends a further 6-8 weeks of training in the unit’s own practices before they
are finally assigned to a squad and truly begin their SAS career.
infiltrate into enemy territory. Waterways are also more While every special operations unit conducts away. Radvedchik teams must infiltrate unnoticed
difficult to monitor, especially beneath the surface. reconnaissance missions, the Radvedchik are the masters before conducting observations or, in some cases,
Many races also place sensitive installations underwater of them. Shunning direct action, these brave men and sneaking into the enemy’s facilities to physically gather
for reduced detection or increased protection and SOC women sneak into extremely hostile territory unnoticed, intelligence. It was a Radvedchik team that spent eleven
is not about to leave them alone. Finally, there is a gather their intelligence, and then leave as quietly as days sheltered in a 3 by 4 meter stand of trees and brush
prime psychological reason as well. Aside from the few they came. Generally, any Radvedchik mission that within a Minbari headquarters camp during the Earth-
truly aquatic races such as the Abbai who are at home ends in a firefight is a failure on some level because the Minbari war. One can only try to imagine the stress on
in the water, most races are quite uncomfortable off of enemy was alerted to their presence. They are the eyes these operators as the Minbari walked about and even
dry land. For most troops, having a large body of water and ears of Earth Alliance forces and typically operate occasionally trod upon the team members hiding in the
at their back means no line of retreat. To the combat under EarthForce Military Intelligence control, though foliage.
swimmers, that same body of water is sanctuary. they report through SOC. While the uninformed may
look at these ‘typical’ missions as uneventful, they are In the event of detection, the Radvedchik are more than
fraught with tension and danger as these teams are often capable of exfiltrating under fire and breaking contact.
The Radvedchik Regiment surrounded by vastly larger enemy forces only meters Even more so than other units, the last is the most

42
important. They have to carry everything that they need
for a multi-week patrol, so ammunition tends to run
out fairly quickly in a firefight. They can ill afford to try
to slug it out toe to toe, they need to break contact and
escape before they are overrun. As it is, the normal load
for an individual Radvedchik is 60-80 kilograms, heavy
enough that when they collapse on their side for a break
during a ruck-march they need assistance to stand back
up. Needless to say, these packs are dropped in the first
moments of a firefight.
The typical team structure is 6-9 operators, one officer
and the rest enlisted. Usually one member is a qualified
medic and a heavy-weapons specialist is often included
to assist in breaking contact. The rest of the team are
predominantly reconnaissance specialists with a mix of
communications, demolitions, and assault specialists
making up the rest of the team. Because of their skill
in remaining undetected, telepaths that go into the
field to surreptitiously scan enemy personnel are often
supported by a Radvedchik platoon.
Assault Ranger Regiments
The hammer of EarthForce special operations, these
are the largest group of special operators in the Earth
Alliance, usually operating in full company strength of
152 operators. These men and women are the premiere
assault force in the Earth Alliance, tasked with seizing
spaceports, command structures, and supply dumps.
They hit fast and hard, seizing airheads and holding
them for hours until relieved by regular troops or Fleet
Marine assault companies. Optimized for rapid response,
they can be expected to deplete their ammunition and
supplies in several hours, leading to serious problems
if left unsupported long enough for the enemy to
regroup and counter-attack. Usually, regular troops
begin landing and expanding the held areas within 2-4
hours. In addition, Thunderbolt, Wraith, and Heimdall
fighter-bombers typically provide close air support
during the assault.
Unlike other special operations units, their equipment
tends to be heavier than a Sigurd AFV or two. Several
Nomad AFV’s are typically deployed to provide mobile
response and evacuate casualties. Turret-mounted EF-
449’s are also common and Rangers carry a significant
number of Hammer and Yellowjacket missiles as well.
They also tend to have a fairly high number of heavy
weapon operators to lay down a thick wall of firepower.
As befits their mission profile, Rangers have Condor
transports and Magni VTOL transport aircraft
integrated into their organization. Presently, several
Okinawa class space transports are also assigned to the
Rangers with the idea to provide them a self-contained
assault transport elements.
A typical Ranger company consists of a three 36 operator
assault platoons, a 30 person heavy weapons platoon,
and a headquarters platoon of 14 officers and high-
ranking enlisted troops. It is also worth mentioning that
the Rangers are a recognized ‘breeding ground’ for other
special operations units and a disproportionate number
of operators in other special operations units proudly
wear their Ranger flash along with their unit insignia.
The Combat Search and Rescue the Earth-Minbari war. Prior to this, they were often
Regiment derided as ‘air-traffic controllers’ who practically needed
Fighter pilots are an expensive resource, with a great
deal of time and millions of credits expended in their
training. The CSR regiment was initially formed with
one mission, to find those pilots stranded behind enemy
lines and bring them home. In the Earth Minbari war,
with the Minbari overrunning positions and extraction
and support difficult, CSR teams became tasked with
aiding special operations and guerilla teams far behind
enemy lines. In many ways, CSR operators are the elite
of the elite, second only to the hostage rescue teams in
performance and capabilities. It takes a special person
to parasail into freezing water, swim 7 kilometers, hike
for another 50, patch up a wounded pilot, and carry
him back to safety. CSR operators are highly trained
for land, water, and even space rescues. All are trained
combat medics and all are highly trained in stealth and
small unit combat with their mandate being to get the
injured to safety at all costs.
The typical six-person CSR team is made up of a varying
number of officers and enlisted personnel. While all are
medics, many teams have at least one qualified combat
physician as well. CSR teams shun direct action but
will fight ferociously to get to an injured person and
get him back out to safety. There is a legend that the
Earth Alliance will fall if a CSR operator ever has to buy
her own drink in a special-ops watering hole. This is
open to debate, as it’s never been tried; the ‘Mothers’, as
they are affectionately known, always have their drinks
bought for them. After all, when highly trained SAS or
Radvedchik operators are fighting to get away from an
enemy, CSR operators are fighting to get in to patch
them up!
The Forward Air and
Space Control Regiment
FSAC personnel truly came into their own during
to be carried into battle. After all, while they carried a
rifle for self-defense, their primary weapon was a radio
transmitter. During that war, this all changed.
When superior Minbari forces threatened to overrun
Ranger companies or SAS teams, the sight of a badly
wounded FSAC controller calmly directing airstrikes
and even orbital bombardments onto enemy positions
only tens of meters away changed a lot of minds in a
hurry. The Rangers had always seen their worth, as they
43
depended on these controllers to establish an airhead able to get more range and power out of a unit than even amplification. These same pilots will fly into a swarm of
at their positions to bring in reinforcements. However, the designers intended. In the absence of good comms missiles and ground fire to retrieve a team pinned down
for the rest of the special operations community it was gear it often seems that with a pocket calculator, helmet by enemy fire.
a revelation. Within months of the start of the war, comms, and 10 meters of wire they can get a signal to a
FSAC went from being mild jokes to having demand Nova Dreadnought in near orbit for a fire-suppression While the pilots get the public recognition, everyone
far outstrip their small force. Today, most any unit that mission. As should be obvious, FSAC members must in the special air wings are exceptional. The mechanics,
expects a warm reception requests a FSAC be attached have at least one rank as a communications specialist. the loadmasters, the gunners; all have had to fight hard
to their unit. Not that every team doesn’t have operators Special Air Wings to become a part of SAW and all must fight hard to
highly trained in calling stay there. Excellence has to
in support, it’s simply that be the norm, for anything less
FSAC are the experts. leads to a smoking hole in the
ground where several million
This illustrates one of the credits worth of men and
unique features of FSAC machine have been wasted.
personnel; they deploy as
attached individuals and not Counter-Terrorism/
as teams. In larger Ranger Hostage Rescue
assaults several FSAC
operators may be assigned Regiments
to the company but this is The CT/HRT (commonly
the exception to the rule. shortened to HRT) are the
Realizing that camaraderie cream of the crop, the best
is the life-blood of special of the best. Only the elite
ops, FSAC operators are of EarthForce make it into
typically assigned to a SOC and only 2% of those
team for several months fearsome soldiers make it
or even longer, becoming through the training to
a true member of the join these regiments. The
team. Capable of handling reason is simple; while most
themselves in a fight, they special-ops units choose
are not quite up to the when and where they strike,
combat standards of the SAS or combat swimmers. Several cuts above the average Frigga or Valkyrie HR teams typically have to
While those groups spend extra time practicing small pilot, the men and women of the special air wings are assault a group of trained terrorists who are expecting
unit actions, FSAC operators spend time practicing an integral part of SOC, charged with transporting and prepared for them. Beyond that, it takes a special
orchestrating fire support mission and the difficult operators to their destinations and providing immediate person with extensive training to swarm into a room
task of bringing 30 Magni VTOL transports into a 2 fire support when needed. It takes a special type of and immediately identify and kill the terrorists within
acre field in two hours. As experienced a loadmaster as person to maneuver a Frigga at 100 mph between the without harming hostages. The minimum rank to apply
any transport crew chief, they are also communication trees 2 meters off the ground to prevent detection, in to this group is sergeant, 5 years of military experience
experts. A FSAC operator is a maestro with comms gear, pitch black with all sensors turned off save passive light is barely adequate.

44
These teams are also unique in that they have Psi-Corps
personnel assigned to them for 2-year tours. Despite
much early resistance, even Psi-Corps had to admit that
these teams needed time to bond and gain familiarity
with each other. The fact that several hostages died in
botched actions to demonstrate this is generally not
talked about. Once the decision was made, Psi-Corps
embraced it for PR purposes. Telepath operators are
held up to the public as examples of the good works of
Psi-Corps; the photo of Lucas Josephs staggering badly
wounded out of a Martian dome clutching a crying 4-
year old girl to his chest may have done more to better
the Psi-Corps in the public eye than any other single
event in their recent history. The fact that he put his
own body between the PPG blasts and the hostages has
been carefully publicized by Psi-Corps in articles and
movies. However, it is almost unknown for any telepath
higher than P7 to be assigned to the teams, as Psi-Corps
is unwilling to let its most capable be contaminated by
that much exposure to mundanes. In addition, on paper
the telepaths report to Psi-Corps controllers and not
their team leaders.
The average team consists of 30 operators, subdivided
into an A-team and B-team of 15 operators each.
Typically, hostage situations are long, drawn out affairs
with hours, days, or even weeks of negotiation taking
place before an assault occurs. While one team rests, the
other is ready to go within mere minutes if terrorists
start killing hostages. While each sub-team has it’s
own commander, each operator is expected to think
for himself or herself and not hesitate to deviate from
orders if the situation unfolds differently from what was
expected. In order, their decision tree is simple; save the
hostages, kill the terrorists, protect your teammates,
and finally protect yourself. A character must possess
the marksman feat to serve in the CT/HRT and assault
specialists make up the bulk of these units, although
each team has a few reconnaissance specialists and 3-
4 snipers. The snipers are critical to the unit’s success
as they provide surveillance during the operation and
at least one sniper is always positioned to watch the
hostages and their captors.
Psychological
Operations Regiment
This unit is an interesting fit into SOC. For the most
part, these people aren’t operators. Rather, they are
intelligence specialists who sift through mounds of
data, from classified enemy documents to public
entertainment to prisoner interrogations to get a feel for
what the enemy and potential allies think so that they
can lead them in directions favorable to EarthForce.
However, there are several missions that require this
expertise in the field, from planting false and implicating
information to negotiating with potential allies in the
midst of hostile territory. While the SAS and combat
swimmers are well trained in working with indigenous
forces PsychOps operators are the experts and frequently
go in with a SAS team to swing groups to their cause or
convince enemy personnel to defect or surrender. These
operators are assigned individually to existing teams for
important missions.
Fleet Marine Companies
One of two units in EarthForce outside of Ground
command, the Fleet Marines are the only special-ops unit
serving directly in the fleet. These men and women act
as shipboard security onboard warships, crew breaching
pods, and act as fleet-borne assault forces for limited
surface actions. Frequently dismissed by the public as
mere security personnel, they are actually an elite unit
that often operates in the most dangerous environment
of all, the depths of space. When breaching pods are
deployed, the few dozen Marines aboard are expected to
hold their own on a station or ship crewed by hundreds
or thousands. Relief is rare, they must fight their way
aboard to destroy critical systems or seize the command
center and casualties are often high. The opposite is also
true, even an Omega destroyer carries a scant three-
dozen Marines, yet those few men are expected to defend
the ship against alien breaching pods. Marines are also
the most highly trained special operations personnel in
space borne operations, often slipping onto installations
or warships undetected in their armored spacesuits
after deploying from Zeebrugge assault shuttles. While
most ground assaults by Fleet Marines are conducted
by the on-board complement of a single vessel, Fleet
Operations Command was uncomfortable having all
planetary assault operations being conducted under
GROPOS command, so the Tantalus and Okinawa-
class assault ships dedicated to the Fleet Marines serve
as mobile fire-centers for the fleet. One unique facet of
the Fleet Marines is that they field armor such as the
Thor, Loki, Odin, and Frey MLRS systems on their
assault ships, giving them heavier punch than the
Assault Rangers and allowing longer term missions and
garrisoning abilities.
On-board ship, Marines are generally assigned in 6
member teams consisting of one officer or senior non-
commissioned officer and 5 enlisted operators. It is very
rare for smaller teams to be deployed; larger teams are
generally made up of multiple 6-person teams. Each
assault company consists of 134 Marines made up of
20 6-person assault teams and a 14-member command
group. It is worth noting that, while Marine personnel
are equivalent in skill to other special operations
units, their gear is not. Fleet Command has forced the
Marines to operate somewhat on the cheap, with their
gear typically the same as that carried by the GROPOS.
As an example, the DRC-34A-6 integrated helmet
and communications system didn’t start showing up
in Marine footlockers as general issue until 2262, long
after it was the standard in SOC. Marine armorers have
worked miracles getting the most out of the gear that
45

they do have and the Marines take a perverse pride in
being less well-equipped then the rest of their special-
ops brothers and sisters.
Special Activities Task Force
The EarthForce Intelligence Corps operates a small
clandestine force known as the Special Activities Task
Force, also known as 13. Acting as a sort of ‘dirty
tricks’ squad, the 39 operators serve as reconnaissance
commandoes, assassins, saboteurs, and whatever else 13
needs them to do. 13 has acted as a shadow organization
in EarthForce, actively supporting President Clark and
even coordinating with some Psi-Corps programs,
primarily under Department Sigma. Psi-Corps probably
would have been most interested to find out that the head
of 13 was a Psi-Cop that they thought dead. Instead, she
had been recruited by Vice Admiral Singh and given
a small group of people and almost unlimited budget
to police EarthForce for disloyal elements and conduct
research into mechanical and biological augmentation
of operatives. Less than a dozen people in EarthForce
Intelligence are even sure of their existence.
Structure is rather free and operators are unranked.
Operational assignment is based on which operator(s)
are best suited to the task and how many need to go.
While the research arm of 13 is generally kept separate
from the operations group, operators often act as control
personnel when the latest biomechanical monster from
Research gets deployed.
Civilian Intelligence Units
Special Action Teams
Special Action Teams serve under the auspices of the
External Security Branch’s Department of Operations
in the Civilian Intelligence Directorate. Colloquially
referred to as Earth Alliance Intelligence the CID acts
primarily to gather intelligence both inside and outside
the Earth Alliance. However, there are times when
something a little more overt is needed than the standard
intelligence officer. This is where the Special Action
Teams come in. When the CID needs a traditional
special operations mission conducted, it usually transfers
over personnel from SOC. However, when the risk of
disclosure is too great, SAT are used. SAT are organized
similarly to the SAS teams and in fact many of them
are former SAS. Typically, they will use indigenous
weapons, equipment, and uniforms to provide some
degree of anonymity. In these situations, SAT’s often rely
on physical disguise kits or even reconstructive surgery
to assist in the subterfuge. One anomaly that has been
of great value is that with prosthetics or surgery humans
can easily be made to look like most other humanoid
races, at least to the casual inspection.
Psychological Operations
On the CID organizational chart they are listed as
Psychological Operations, known around the directorate
as Psy-Ops. The pun is amusing and probably somewhat
risky, as Psychological Operations is an operations
unit made up entirely of unregistered telepaths. Most
are former blips whose P rating attracted CID early
enough to slip them out of the telepath registration
system, a very few are turned Psi-Corps personnel. Few
are higher than a P5 and only two members are of P10
level. Nicknamed the Blue Berets, their missions run
the gamut of special-ops and they are trained to the
standard of the SAS. They also uniformly despise the
Psi-Corps and are considered an ace in the hole when
46
the inevitable war with Psi-Corps erupts. Personnel scan
each other continually to discover any Psi-Corps agents
in their midst. The few that have been discovered met
rather unpleasant ends.
The average team consists of 4 operators; one
commander and 3 lower ranking agents. Equipment
is lavish, training is extensive, and the pay is excellent.
Some of the telepaths are rather unsavory, enjoying
psychic assault and even murder in their off hours. So
long as they don’t draw attention to Psy-Ops or foul
their own nest, CID covers up for them when needed.
Often, they hide within the cover of other groups, several
SAT missions have actually been made up of Blue Beret
teams; news reporters who investigate the operation
deeply enough attribute it to the shadowy SAT group.
Those who delve deeper generally stop soon after, for a
variety of reasons.
Special Tactics Squads
The Federal Investigative Service (FIS) acts as the Earth
Alliance wide law enforcement body. As such, they are
often the first responders to terrorist actions. While
SOC HR teams are theoretically allowed to operate
on Earth, they are usually stretched thin just covering
Earth Alliance colonies, space stations, and EA hostages
on alien ruled worlds. Thus, on Earth it is the FIS’s
Special Tactics Squads in the Counter-Terrorism Group
that rescues hostages and assaults possible terrorist safe-
houses. For the most part, these 12 member squads are
quite capable, if not up to SOC levels. Since the average
terrorist has spent only a few weeks at a training camp
this isn’t much of a problem.
However, the mission parameters for FIS are quite
different than those in SOC. At least until the worst
abuses of the Clark administration all suspects were
considered innocent until proven guilty. So, while a
SOC team will storm the house and kill all suspected
terrorists, the ST squads are expected to apprehend
them while ensuring the safety of the hostages. As can
be expected, this not only creates a different mindset,
it makes things significantly more difficult. Fortunately,
outside of the various separatist groups, most Earth-
bound terrorists are simply criminals who have taken
hostages and are in way over their heads. They don’t want
to die, which gives the STS some leverage. Regardless,
it often makes operations more stressful and requires
instantaneous decision making from STS operators.
Psi-Corps Units
Alpha Unit
The Psi-Cops are the elite of Psi-Corps. The Alpha unit is
their elite. Quite possibly the most fearsome force in the
Earth Alliance, it is perhaps fortunate that their numbers
are so few, numbering less than 30 operators with every
member a P12 level telepath. At that level, Alpha group
can simply walk into an enemy encampment, deep scan
their commanders, plant Asimovs in all enemy personnel
that they encounter, and just walk back out without
anyone noticing. The best surveillance gear in the world
is useless when the operator isn’t reading it correctly, or
has been placed in a fugue state. From a strictly combat
skill standpoint, these operators don’t measure up to the
skills of the SAS or even Psi-Corp’s Direct Action Teams.
However, their telepathic skills more than make up for
any deficiencies in small arms tactics. Because of their
low numbers and high P rating, Alpha Unit primarily
focuses on assassination and information gathering
where their high telepathy levels allow them to get close
to heavily protected people and either kill or scan them.
Because of this, the reconnaissance specialist prestige
class is generally chosen for these operators. In general,
members of Alpha Unit have served time commanding
one of the Psi-Corp hostage rescue teams before moving
into the unit.
During the Shadow and Civil Wars, Alfred Bester’s
Psi-Corp faction deployed Alpha Unit in support of
Captain Sheridan’s forces on several occasions. Needless
to say, this partnership abruptly ended when Clark
was removed from power and even Sheridan was kept
unaware of exactly what form Bester’s help took. The
few rumors of Alpha Unit outside of the Psi-Cops
typically refer to them a special operations force made
up of P5’s and such. The truth is far worse for those who
would oppose Psi-Corps.
Direct Action Teams
The Psi-Corps Department of Military Affairs fields
their own special operations unit, the direct action
teams. Regarded as secret to the public, these teams often
work in conjunction with EarthForce. This makes them
a bit of an open secret amongst EarthForce personnel.
This is desired, since rumors of the Direct Action Teams
provide cover for Alpha Unit when needed.
Made up of telepaths P5 and higher, each team consists
of 6 platoons of 7 operators. Generally each team
commander is the one with the highest P-number,
at least on paper. However, in the absence of a true
command system, each member is expected to make
his voice heard in the team, especially during mission
planning. On an actual mission, everyone on the team
knows who the team looks toward for leadership and
that member becomes the defacto commander of the
team. If Psi-Corps doesn’t like a P8 taking orders from
a lowly P5, that is just too bad. Typically, these teams
fulfill the more traditional special operations operations
for Psi-Corp than the Alpha unit. As an example, the
constant Psi-Corps incursions onto Deneth are often
run by small DAT units. To date, none have returned.
Hostage Rescue Teams
When it comes to mundane hostages, telepath support
of hostage rescue can be limited. No telepaths serve with
47
the FIS’s STS squads and SOC’s HR teams are lucky to Skills: Balance 6 ranks, Gather Information 8 ranks, automatically gains the Alertness feat.
have a single telepath assigned to each squad. It’s a very Move Silently 8 ranks.
different story when it comes to telepath hostages. The Undetected: The Reconnaisance Specialist gains a
department of Psi-Security operates teams specifically Feats: Alertness, Endurance, Improved Initiative +2 competence bonus on all Hide and Move Silently
oriented to rescuing telepath hostages and disrupting checks.
those terror groups who wish to do telepaths harm.
Class Skills Disappear: At this level, the character is a master of
Operating in 12 person teams of P5’s to P10’s, these The Reconnaissance Specialist’s skills (and the key concealment and camouflage. Besides gaining a further
teams are extremely well trained and equipped. Although ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), +2 competence bonus (on top of his Undetected ability)
technically under the same legal constraints as the FIS, Concentration (Con), Gather Information (Cha), Hide on all Hide checks, once per day the player can create
terrorists have a surprisingly high rate of suicide by cop (Dex), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), a successful diversion as if a successful Bluff check was
when it comes to taking telepath hostages. A P12 Psi- Search (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), and Swim conducted, allowing an immediate Hide check for
Cop commands each team and teams tend to remain (Str). himself. At 9th Level up to 3 other characters can also
together for years, leading to an extremely high level of benefit from this diversion and make Hide checks, and
institutional experience. While the existence of telepath Skill Points Per Level: 2 + Int modifier at 10th Level this limit increases to 8 other characters.
HR teams are well known, few outside of the Psi-
Corps know that they are more than standard P2-P4’s Class Features Assault Specialist
with special tactics training. Were the full details to be All of the following are class features of the The Assault Specialist is generally what the lay-being
known, people might wonder why the benevolent Psi- Reconnaissance Specialist prestige class. has in mind when thinking of special operations.
Corps doesn’t provide more powerful telepaths to the While stealthiness is important in getting to the site
other hostage rescue groups. A character must possess Hit Points Per Level: 2 of action, assault characters live for breaking things, be
the Marksman feat to serve in the HRT.
The Reconnaisance Specialist
Classes Hidden: At first
level, Reconnaissance Base
Reconnaissance Specialist
S p e c i a l i s t s Attack Fort Ref Will Defence Class
The Reconnaissance Specialist excels at undetected
automatically receive Level Bonus Save Save Save Bonus Features
movement and observation. Data gathering is their 1 +0 +1 +2 +1 +0 Hidden
primary purpose and a mission that ends in combat is two free ranks in the
Hide skill, (to the 2 +1 +2 +3 +2 +1 Aware
usually a failure. Almost always greatly outnumbered
and outgunned, these operators thrive in environments normal maximum 3 +2 +2 +3 +2 +1
where the slightest misstep can lead to a quick and ranks by level). With 4 +3 +2 +4 +2 +2 Bonus Feat
painful death. each successive level 5 +3 +3 +4 +3 +2
reached, one extra skill
6 +4 +3 +5 +3 +3 Undetected
To qualify to become a Reconnaissance Specialist, a rank is allocated to
Hide before any other 7 +5 +4 +5 +4 +3
character must fulfill all the following criteria:
skill points are spent. 8 +6 +4 +6 +4 +4 Disappear
Abilities: Dexterity 12+, Wisdom 12+, Will save +6 9 +6 +4 +6 +4 +4
Aware: At second 10 +7 +5 +7 +5 +5
level, the character

48
they inanimate objects or enemy personnel. In many Skill Points Per Level: 2 + Int modifier grenade, either thrown or fired.
ways, they are the opposite of reconnaissance personnel
since their missions revolve around engaging the enemy
instead of avoiding them. Class Features Rapid-Fire Mastery: At 8th Level, the Assault Specialist
is so skilled with automatic weapons that he receives
All of the following are class features of the Assault a +2 competence bonus to attack rolls when firing a
To qualify to become an Assault Specialist, a character Specialist prestige class. weapon in rapid-fire mode.
must fulfill the following criteria:
Hit Points Per Level: 3
Abilities: Dexterity 12+, Strength 13+ Heavy Weapons Specialist
st
Gun Readiness: At 1 Level, an Assault Specialist who The Heavy Weapons Specialist is the linchpin of any
Skills: Balance 6 ranks, Climb 6 ranks, Tumble 6 has a rifle readied when combat breaks out receives a special operations squad. When contact is initiated,
ranks. +4 competence bonus to his initiative check in combat. a special operation team is almost always outgunned
This bonus is increased to +6 at 4th level, +8 at 7th level, and out-numbered. Skilled use of heavy weapons such
Feats: Endurance, Improved Initiative, Point Blank Shot. as the EF-492 Light Machine Gun, EF-749/AC-SO1
and +10 at 10th level.
‘Harbinger’ Automatic PPG, and EF-449 Heavy PPG
Class Skills Rapid-Fire: At 3rd Level, an Assault Specialist has allow a small team to send out a massive amount of
weapons-fire at the enemy, highly useful both in slicing
The Assault Specialist’s skills (and the key ability for each mastered automatic weapons and no longer takes
skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration penalties for firing in rapid-fire mode. down large numbers of enemy troops as well as making
(Con), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Move Silently them keep their heads down when the team is breaking
(Dex), Spot (Wis), and Tumble (Dex). Weapon Mastery: At 4th Level, the Assault Specialist is contact. What sets these men apart is that they can take
so skilled with standard firearms that he can hit almost a generally inaccurate weapon and turn it into an almost
anything that he aims surgical tool of destruction.
The Assault Specialist at. He receives a +2 To qualify to become a Heavy Weapons Specialist, a
Base competence bonus to character must fulfill all the following criteria:
Attack Fort Ref Will Defence Class his attack with any rifle
Level Bonus Save Save Save Bonus Features or sidearm weapon, so Abilities: Dexterity 13+, Strength 14+, base attack
1 +1 +2 +1 +0 +0 Gun Readiness long as it is not rapid- bonus +5 or higher
fired. This bonus does
2 +2 +3 +2 +0 +1
not apply to grenades. Skills: Balance 6 ranks, Concentration 4 ranks,
3 +3 +3 +2 +1 +1 Rapid-Fire
Technical 5 ranks.
4 +4 +4 +2 +1 +2 Weapon Mastery Grenade Mastery: At
5 +5 +4 +3 +1 +2 6th Level, the Assault Feats: Endurance, Point Blank Shot
6 +6 +5 +3 +2 +3 Grenade Mastery Specialist is so skilled

Class Skills
7 +7 +5 +4 +2 +3 with grenades that
he can hit almost
Rapid-Fire The Heavy Weapons Specialist’s skills (and the key
anything that he aims
8 +8 +6 +4 +2 +4 Mastery ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str),
at. He receives a +2
9 +9 +6 +4 +3 +4 competence bonus to Concentration (Con), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str),
10 +10 +7 +5 +3 +5 his attack with any Move Silently (Dex), Spot (Wis), Technical (Int), and
Tumble (Dex).

49
 Light as a Feather: At To qualify to become a Communications Specialist, a
The Heavy Weapons Specialist 4th Level the character character must fulfill all the following criteria:
Base can select one heavy
Attack Fort Ref Will Defence Class weapon and designate Abilities: Intelligence 12+, Wisdom 13+, Dexterity
Level Bonus Save Save Save Bonus Features it as his ‘favourite’. 11+
1 +1 +2 +0 +0 +0 Quick Fire For encumbrance
2 +2 +3 +0 +0 +1 Rapid-Fire purposes, the weight Skills: Computer Use 6 ranks, Technical 8 ranks
3 +3 +3 +1 +1 +1 of the weapon and
its ammunition is Feats: Alertness, Data Access
Light as a
reduced by ½, with
4 +4 +4 +1 +1 +2 Feather
5 +5 +4 +1 +1 +2
fractions rounded
up. At 6th Level, the Class Skills
6 +6 +5 +2 +2 +3 Undetected effective weight is The Communications Specialist’s skills (and the key
ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Computer Use
7 +7 +5 +2 +2 +3 reduced to ¾ of the
(Int), Concentration (Con), Drive (Dex), Knowledge
8 +8 +6 +2 +2 +4 Accurate Fire original weight.
(Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Search (Int),
9 +9 +6 +3 +3 +4 Spot (Wis), and Technical (Int)
Accurate Fire: At 8th
10 +10 +7 +3 +3 +5
Level the character
may use the standard Skill Points Per Level: 3 + Int modifier
Skill Points Per Level: 2 + Int modifier
aimed fire rules with the rapid fire weapon designated as
his ‘favourite’. At 10th Level, the character may use the Class Features
Class Features standard aimed fire rules with any rapid-fire weapon. All of the following are class features of the
All of the following are class features of the Heavy Communications Specialist prestige class.
Weapons Specialist prestige class. Communications Specialist
As a general rule, Special Operations units are always Hit Points Per Level: 2
Hit Points Per Level: 3 outmanned, outgunned, and one mistake away from
destruction. Because of this Special Operations teams Covert Communications: At 2nd Level, the character
Quick Fire: At 1st Level the character automatically are firm believers in both maximizing firepower as will be able to maintain contact with friendly forces at
receives the Rapid Shot feat. At 4th Level the two attacks well as getting rapid extraction when compromised. all times so long as there is not active enemy jamming
no longer suffer the –2 penalty. These depend on dependable communications to call going on. In game terms, this means that a character
in air strikes, reinforcements, and extraction. It is the will always be able to make a call for fire support and
Rapid Fire: At 2nd Level the character has gained Communications (Comm) Specialists who perform extraction, although the GM can decide whether their
proficiency in firing his weapons on full automatic fire. these duties. In addition, their skills with electronics request is granted or not.
The rapid-fire penalty is reduced to –2 instead of –3. make them invaluable when accessing communications
Further, at 4th Level this is reduced to –1 and at 6th Level and data systems. However, it must be remembered that Intercept: At 4th Level, the character has the skills to
the Rapid Fire penalty is eliminated. These reductions these operators are special operations personnel first and tap enemy communications with a fair degree of skill,
apply to ‘spraying’ his target as described in the Babylon foremost and are expected to hold their own with the allowing them to better pinpoint enemy movements. In
5 rulebook. rest of the unit. game terms, this means that once per day the character’s
knowledge of enemy positioning allows them to reverse

50
a successful enemy Spot check or a failed Spot check on add to the experience.
his team’s side. Intelligence can be The Communications Specialist
incomplete or non- Base
Language Fluency: At the 5th and 7th Levels, the existent, prompting Attack Fort Ref Will Defence Class
character may select one foreign language and master the players to start Level Bonus Save Save Save Bonus Features
it. This allows him to talk with other races in their own a separate mission 1 +0 +1 +1 +1 +0
language as well as make sense of enemy transmissions to gather the Covert
that are intercepted. In combination with the Intercept intelligence needed 2 +1 +2 +2 +2 +1 Communications
skill, the player may be assumed to be ‘reading the to adequately prepare 3 +2 +2 +2 +2 +1
enemy’s mail’ and once per day may reverse a failed for a raid. Intelligence
4 +3 +2 +2 +2 +2 Intercept
Hide or Spot check for his team. can be wrong or
contradictory, forcing Language
players to improvise 5 +3 +3 +3 +3 +2 Fluency
Running Special 6 +4 +3 +3 +3 +3
and think on the run.
Forces Games Obviously, there are Language
Special operations characters can be played fairly simply a host of other things 7 +5 +4 +4 +4 +3 Fluency
as an exciting PC variation, possessing interesting skills players might wish to 8 +6 +4 +4 +4 +4
and exotic equipment. In addition, a squad of special think about: did they
operations NPC’s to back up a group of PC’s can allow 9 +6 +4 +4 +4 +4
plan for air support,
more difficult missions to be performed. However, 10 +7 +5 +5 +5 +5
what happens if the
for those interested , a special operations mission can extraction transport
provide an interesting and unique experience. challenging, although a well-planned one might involve
gets shot down, and so on.
no combat at all. The danger is that it is far too easy
First of all, real special operations missions are quite to get so wrapped up in the intricate and impossible
A good gamemaster can also load on the tension in a
intricately planned before execution, something that mission requirements that the players stop having fun.
special operations campaign. Remember that special
allows the gamemaster to both inject an air of realism Since fun has to the primary objective one needs to
operations units are small and usually surrounded by
into play but also provide players with the opportunity gauge the players’ involvement and react accordingly. If
vastly larger enemy forces. Shooting everything that
to bolster their chances of success. While it is unlikely players get frustrated or trapped, offer them a way out.
moves often leads to a rather abbreviated evening as all the
that players will have any interest in a real-world 48 Remember, the bad guys make mistakes too! Also, don’t
PC’s are slaughtered. Players should be sweating during
hours of planning before they finally play their mission get too enthused with realism. Real units operate by
the mission as enemy patrols wander by, surveillance
each plan should include the method of infiltration, a the KISS principle, for ‘Keep it Simple, Stupid’. A real
craft fly overhead, or bursts of startled animals give away
rough idea of how they will execute the mission and operator wouldn’t paraglide down 10 miles to land on
their position. A really good gamemaster can have the
deal with resistance, and methods and alternate plans the back of a moving vehicle. However, players usually
players agonize over every movement as they try not give
for extraction. This in itself leads to possibilities. For want to do impossible things for the sheer fun of it.
themselves away. Throw in mines and booby traps and
example, it is quite unwise to simply leap into a mission Why not give them the leeway to do it?
just getting to the mission objective can be a challenging
without knowing the situation that one is dropping into. and involving experience.
Hence, intelligence is needed to give an idea of the size Next month: the toys. Game statistics for
and capabilities of the enemy, the terrain to go through In addition, never forget that special operations gets more guns, grenades, vehicles and spaceships
to get there, the layout of the base/buildings/warship, this name because its members do things that most than your special forces team is ever likely
etc. This provides several avenues for the gamemaster to soldiers can’t. These missions should be difficult and to need.

51
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 Earth Alliance Special Forces
Part 2: The Toys
Handguns
EF-21 Ballistic Assault Handgun: Old but reliable,
the 9.2 mm EF-21 is the standard ballistic sidearm of
EarthForce. A replacement for the Coleman’s classic
EF-SA-4 series, the EF-21 was the first new military
ballistic sidearm in almost 80 years. To be sure, PPG
weapons are excellent and reliable weapons, but the
fighting during the Narn incursions at Epsilon and
Erandi demonstrated that PPGs suffered in ground
warfare due to poor penetrative properties. The EF-
SA-4 pistols were quickly brought into wider use for
planetside actions against the Narn. Unfortunately,
these pistols demonstrated an unfortunate tendency to
jam in lower gravity situations and also were too weak
to cause acceptable damage to the thick-skinned Narn.
After a protracted development process the first EF-21
pistols were fielded in 2237. These sidearms have proven
to be excellent weapons with great reliability and high
accuracy. A refined recoil suppressor allows adequate
accuracy even during full auto fire. The SOC model has
a standard 13 round magazine but can be fitted with a
larger 32 round snail-drum magazine, useful during full
automatic fire. A silencer and subsonic ammunition are
available for covert work.
EF-334 Heavy PPG Handgun: While the ubiquitous
EF-7 is more common in general Earth Alliance usage,
this PPG pistol is the most common energy sidearm
for SOC. A fairly powerful PPG, it will punch through
brush, light armor, and interior walls and is thus far
more useful planetside than the more standard EF-7.
EF-328 Assault PPG Handgun: A cousin to the EF-
749/AC ‘Harbinger’ Automatic PPG this PPG was the
first PPG pistol in EF service to offer greater penetration
and damage than the EF-7. Although somewhat
outdated, it is still a very capable sidearm and is fairly
prevalent in many units’ armouries. This pistol was
briefly used for station and warship security personnel
from 2253 to 2257 but its high degree of penetrative
power caused it to be phased out in favor of the EF-7.
EF-X PPG Handgun: This sidearm has just begun to
enter the Earth Alliance inventories. While this sidearm
doesn’t offer greater power than the EF-7, it does have
the advantages of rapid fire and more efficient power
usage. Furthermore, its small size in relation to other
sidearms makes it a favorite for intelligence missions
and the like where firearms can’t be openly carried.
Concealed operatives also like its smooth shape as the
EF-7 demonstrated an annoying and occasionally fatal
tendency to get caught in clothing when drawn.
Submachine Guns
EF-76 Mark 2 ‘Rattler’ 6.5 mm Ballistic SMG: The
6.5 mm Rattler has a reputation as being a highly
inaccurate weapon. While it is true that these weapons,
when issued to standard GROPOS units, tend to be
By M Flegal
inaccurate this is due to a cheap design in the closed
bolt mechanism. For elite units, EarthForce procures
the Mk.2 version which utilizes a more robust firing
mechanism. Prized by planetside counter-terrorism
forces it fires standard ballistic ammo, frangible
rounds to minimize over-penetration, and even highly
experimental (and dangerous) tranquilizer rounds
from its 32 round magazine. While the latter have
proven disappointing due to variable effects, there are
promising developments in drug-administering darts
that will prove lethal only to specific species. As with
the EF-21, silenced versions of the Rattler are available
which, while significantly lowering the range due to
the use of subsonic ammunition, allow fairly quiet fire.
When using the Mk.2 Rattler, remove the –1 penalty to
attack rolls of the standard rattler.
Automatic and
Semiautomatic Rifles
EF-40A Ballistic Rifle: This bullpup-style assault rifle is
the standard ballistic rifle in EarthForce. While causing
slightly less damage than a PPG blast, this is compensated
for by the system having a heavier punch when a target
is hit. Being a modular weapons system, the receiver,
barrel and magazine attachments can be swapped out
for replacements that allow the basic weapon to fire
any standard EF ammunition, from 6.5 to 8.1 mm.
However, swapping the parts out takes approximately
5-10 minutes and is not especially useful in the heat of a
35
firefight, although it can be quite useful on long patrols
where only one ammunition type is readily available.
The default 7.8 mm configuration is equipped with
an 18 round magazine. For greater firepower, the fore-
stock can be replaced with an integrated EF-G42 30
mm grenade launcher under the barrel.
EF-749A3 PPG Carbine Rifle: While the standard
EF-PR PPG rifle is a relatively effective (and cheap)
rifle for the EF rank and file its range and damage have
long been deemed lacking by SOC. The standard EF-
PR was modified with integrated optics, a folding stock,
and an enhanced power charge to make the standard
PPG rifle for special operations. While slightly longer
than the EF-749, especially with the folding stock, it
provides better performance at longer range. While
capable of mounting the EF-G42 single-shot, muzzle-
loading 30 mm grenade launcher, it also possesses a
barrel attachment that allows individual grenades to be
mounted on the barrel, greatly expanding the destructive
power of a SOF team.
EF-43 7.84 mm Ballistic Sniper Rifle: The standard
ballistic sniper rifle of SOC fires the tried and true 7.84
mm round from an 8 round magazine. Capable of
accurate long-range fire due to its integrated ballistics
computer, this weapon provides the ability to target
the enemy at long range quite effectively. With its flash
suppressor, enemy further than 20 metres away will
have no visual cue where the shot came from, allowing
the sniper to remain undetected.
EF-17G Laser Rifle: A fairly rare part of the EarthForce
inventory, this rifle has a deserved reputation as being
delicate and unwieldy. While true, this rifle also allows
highly accurate long-range fire and has impressive
penetrative characteristics upon impact. However, there
is no denying that the rifle is heavy and the technology
is deficient compared to similar weapons fielded by
races such as the Centauri and Minbari. To reflect this,
characters must spend 10 minutes each day maintaining
and caring for the weapon. If this routine maintenance
is not performed, each time that the weapon is fired
on the following day there is a 10% chance that the
power coils will fuse, ruining the shot and the rifle.
Every successive day without maintenance increases the
chance of failure by 10%.
EF 7 Mk.9 Grenade Launcher/Shotgun: Often
overlooked by the public, this weapon is prized in SOC,
where it is a standby for counter-terrorism teams. Along
with standard grenade rounds, this weapon can also fire
a very potent canister round which is essentially a large
shotgun round. There is also a sabot round, in essence a
large metal arrow encased in propellant, which provides
more range and also packs quite a wallop. These two
rounds allow a grenadier to also function as a member
of the fire team while on patrol.
EF-G42 Grenade/Canister Launcher: This weapon is
a favorite for shipboard operations and urban combat.
Firing a 30 mm projectile, this versatile weapon can fire
any of the standard inventory of launched EF grenades,
as well as canister (shotgun) and sabot rounds. A variety
of non-lethal rounds can also be fired, including glue
and rubber shot.
EF-996 Laser Sniper Rifle: Although more delicate
than the EF-40A, there are certain operations where
the line-of-sight path of a laser is useful, as well as
the near-instantaneous impact on target. The only
commonly fielded laser in the EarthForce inventory, it
is typically used for sniping at ranges over 1000 metres.
Due to inefficiencies in EA laser technology, it requires
a much larger power-source than comparable Centauri
or Minbari weapons, the power cell being worn on the
back.
EF-801 12.3 mm Anti-Materiel Rail Gun: A rather
large and heavy rifle, this has the power to destroy light
armored vehicles at ranges up to 1600 metres. What it
does to enemy troops is better left to the imagination.
However, its usual use is in disabling civilian vehicles,
light AFV’s, and atmospheric shuttles and fighters on the
ground. Being quite heavy and unwieldy, it is typically
broken down and carried by two operators in the field,
although one person can carry it for short distances.
Automatic Weapons
EF-492 8.1 mm Light Machine Gun: An essential part
of any patrol, this ballistic light machine gun is capable
of being fired by one man from the shoulder or waist
from its 48 round box-type magazine. This weapon is
extraordinarily useful in maximizing the firepower of
a small unit of operators. Rifles and sidearms simply
cannot produce enough fire to deter a large group of
energy forces but this relatively light machine gun
allows a special operations team to force the enemy to
keep their heads down while the team breaks contact
and escapes.
EF-749/AC-SO1 ‘Harbinger’ Automatic PPG: This
is the PPG counterpart to the Browning EF-492.
The most powerful one-man PPG in the EarthForce
inventory is carried to provide suppressing fire for a
fire team. Its main deficiencies lie in its reduced range
and firing rate compared to the EF-492 but it’s lighter
energy cells compared to the EF-492’s heavy magazines
make it an attractive choice for longer missions. The
weapon in use with SOC has been modified to provide
a stronger barrel, integrated optics, and a more robust
power cell over the older version in use on space stations
such as Babylon 5.
EF-449 Heavy PPG: Normally mounted on a remote
turret, this heavy PPG can be disassembled and carried
by two men and used on a tripod. It also has a sling
36

Grenades, Mines,
and Explosives
Grenades designed to be thrown are constructed
quite differently than those designed to be fired
from a launcher and this provides an opportunity
for gamemasters to inject a note of realism into
play. When specifying their pre-mission equipment,
players should determine whether a chosen grenade
is for throwing or use in a launcher and keep track
of them during play. Grenades constructed for
throwing will not fit into a launcher and can only
be thrown. Grenades designed for launchers can be
thrown, but due to the general poor design for this
purpose range increments should be halved.
Mines and explosives provide another opportunity
for a gamemaster to provide interesting challenges
for the players. Directional mines allow a small group
of players to maximize their firepower in an ambush
or defensive position. Conversely, poorly planned
mine positioning can put the player characters in
serious and unnecessary danger. Beyond this, the
enemy has mines roughly comparable to what
EarthForce characters will have and players might
have to contend with various traps laid out against
them. As an example, players moving at more than
¼ to 1/3 of their maximum movement speed can
be judged as moving too rapidly to spot mines,
tripwires, and the like. ‘The easy approach is always
mined’ is a special operations axiom for a reason.
attachment for use by a single (and typically rather strong)
team-member although the excessive weight prevents its
carry for any useful distances by one operator. However,
it is ideal for ambushes where medium armored vehicles
might be expected.
Explosive Ordnance
Mk.3A Fragmentation Grenade: The standard anti-
personnel grenade in the Earth Alliance, this small egg-
shaped grenade has a 5 metre blast radius and can be set
for either standard detonation after a 5 second interval
or can be set to airburst 3 metres above the ground.
Either way, a lethal cloud of shrapnel fills the 10 metre
circle, killing or wounding all within the blast radius
Mk8 Disorientation Grenade: More commonly called
a flash-bang, this cylindrical grenade creates an extremely
loud noise and bright flash of light upon detonation,
causing pain and disorientation. Anyone within the
5 metre blast radius must make a Fortitude save (DC
20) or be Dazzled and Deafened for 3d6 rounds. A
successful save means the character is only Dazzled and
Deafened for 1 round.
Mk12B1 Smoke Grenade: These cylindrical grenades
create a dense screen of smoke and radar-reflective metal
fragments that covers an area 20 metres in diameter and
3 metres high. The cloud lasts for 5 minutes in still air,
but high wind speeds or efficient air purifiers can disperse
it more quickly. All lines of sight drawn through the
cloud are blocked, unless the character is using advanced
sensors and makes a DC 20 check with the appropriate
skill (Operations (Sensors), for example). Anyone using
Minbari technology (or something similarly advanced)
gains a +4 bonus to this check.
Mk14 Incendiary Grenade: These nasty spherical
grenades explode into a cloud of burning chemicals in
a 5 metre radius, creating massive damage from burns.
These grenades are designed to be sueful both planetside
and in space, and will detonate normally even in the
absence of oxygen.
Mk16 Teargas Grenade: These cylindrical grenades
create a cloud of noxious gas ten metres in diameter.
In still air the gas disperses in a minute or so. The gas
is treated as a contact poison (rather than an inhaled
one) with a save DC of 18 and a primary and secondary
damage of 1d4 Strength and 1d4 Dexterity. Every round
of exposure forces a new set of saving throws.
EFGr4 Minigrenade: These small, 2 cm diameter high-
explosive grenades create a blast radius of 2 metres.
EF-ED-17 Antipersonnel Mine: These large, disc-
shaped mines have fairly sophisticated on-board AI
and passive sensors, allowing fairly complex detonation
parametres to be set, allowing detonation for certain
sized groups, specific races, and specific weights (so
vehicles won’t cause a detonations while a foot patrol
will). When using this function, players should specify
the types of targets the mine is programmed to recognize.
Of course, this 15 metre blast radius mine can also be
set to simply explode whenever anything disturbs it.
EF-ED-22 Anti-vehicle Mine: This large, hemispherical
mine has similar AI to the EF-ED-17, allowing it to
be set to detonate for specific types of vehicles or even
specific vehicles based on typical noise-profiles. It can
also be set to detonate after a certain number of targets
have been counted, allowing it to explode only when
the fifth Shriek tank passes, for example.
EF-ED-25 Directed Antipersonnel Mine: Cheap and
simple, this directed weapon discharges its pellets in a
120 degree arc when triggered. This makes this mine well
suited for covering a retreat or instigating an ambush,
37
since personnel outside the arc will not be harmed. It
triggers when its passive sensor detects movement within
10 feet of its ‘trigger face’. When placed, characters must
determine which direction its active face is oriented in.
It takes 1 round to place the weapon.
EF-ED-S7 Satchel Charge: Special forces personnel by
and large like to blow things up. The ‘S-Seven’ has been
the standard demolition pack for 10 years and shows no
signs of being replaced. Taking three rounds to set up,
it is simple, foolproof, and reliable. Until the detonator
is inserted, PPG blasts, bullets, explosions, and being
dropped ‘accidentally’ from 20,000 feet won’t set it off.
EF-ED-L2 Limpet Mine: The underwater counterpart
to the S7, this explosive allows combat swimmers to
attack ships, docks, and underwater structures. All other
characteristics are the same as the S7.
EF-ED-N17A Nuclear Satchel Charge: By far the
most powerful man-portable explosive in the EarthForce
inventory, this is also a fairly delicate device. Due to this
fragility and high-yield it is generally reserved used for
warship sabotage and other high-priority targets. When
used in the field, there is a 20% chance that the device
will simply fail because the delicate electronics have
been jostled the wrong way.
Equipment
EN-BNC5 Infrared Binoculars: Similar in function to
the EN-PNV4 infrared goggles, these binoculars have
better thermal resolution and can provide magnification
up to 40X. They can also provide real-time sharing of
video imagery to teammates and back to headquarters
via encoded signal transmission. These binoculars follow
the same rules as the EN-PNV4 infrared goggles in the
Earth Alliance Fact Book with the exception that a +3 is
added to Spot and Search checks.
MA-8 Load-Bearing Body Armor: This lighter
version of the standard MA-6 is equipped to act as a
load-bearing vest, enabling the various pouches and
equipment draped over the typical SOF member to be
clipped directly to the armor.
KR-4/BX Hostile Environment Armor: While not
a full-fledged spacesuit, this armored suit is extremely
useful in hazardous planetary environments where
the air and liquid itself can be lethal. It also allows
submerged breathing for up to 6 hours.
FBL-54/CBT Combat Spacesuit: This armored
spacesuit is the gear of choice for ship and station assault
teams. This suit contains extensive integrated stealth
capabilities (+1 to Stealth checks) and allows for up to
72 hours of independent operation before the oxygen
runs out.
DRC-34A-6 Helmet/Communications Headset:
While most EF personnel are equipped with the DRS-
28B headset, the integrated helmet communications
system is the standard communications gear of SOC.
The system’s chin-piece is actually a complicated receiver
that can detect sub-vocal dialog from the wearer with
whispered or muttered dialog picked up and transmitted
to team members as if it were spoken in a normal tone of
voice. The helmet also has a miniaturized holo-emitter
that can project information to the eye of the wearer
(terrain, text, mission instructions) and is controlled
by a system of eye motions and blinks. The system has
mild anti-jamming abilities. It has the capability for 20
Gigabytes of stored information; typically each member
will have specific info downloaded at base (medics will
have walk-throughs of common emergency procedures,
snipers will have windage tables, and so forth).
FL-COM-42 Communications Set: This is the
standard long-range communication gear for SOC.
Worn as a backpack it weighs 17 kg
and can transmit to a ship in near-
orbit. It also has extensive anti-
jamming capabilities and can
broadcast a disruptive carrier
signal that will blanket the EM
spectrum with noise, cutting off
all communication within a
10 km radius. While
this will kill the team’s
communications as
well the enemy’s it
is effective even on
Minbari portable
communication gear.
A Communications
Specialist character
requires one of these
to use his Intercept and Fire
Support class abilities.
Mark 7 Combat Scuba Suit: This is the
standard wetsuit in EF service. This suit has an integral
full-face mask and oxygen cracking unit, allowing
continuous submerged operations for up to 2 weeks.
Although the suit is flexible, its on-board computer can
inflate tiny honeycomb bladders in the fabric to make
it rigid enough to enable dives up to 400 metres. The
suit is also highly resistant to chemicals and toxins; one
can swim through raw sewage seeded with plutonium
and survive for short periods of time. On land, this suit
offers no advantages over typical combat gear. However,
in the water it is relatively invisible to all sensors and
enemy Notice checks suffer a –2 penalty.
CJF-A1 Body Suit: Almost as ubiquitous in SOC as a
good pair of boots, this thermal spandex style suit with
balaclava-style hood is worn under the fatigues and
serves two purposes. The first is to minimize the wearer’s
38
thermal emissions as well as breaking up Vehicles
the EM outline, limiting detection during EF-TAC17 Ablative
operations. It also serves to help regulate
temperature, being effective from –20 to 50
Drop Pod
These pods are the vehicle of choice for
C while also providing water reclamation
clandestine orbital insertions. Dropped
for the wearer. While capable of processing
by converted freighters or attached to
liquid waste it is ineffective with solids.
third-party freighters and warships these
pods can sustain a single operative for
MMF-B1 Camouflage Suit: This very rare
up to 4 days, although at the expense
suit is effectively a changeling net, although
of 200 lb. of cargo carrying ability.
never termed that due to the illegality of
However, 2-4 hours is a more common
the technologies under Earth Alliance
mission timeframe. The pod enters
jurisdiction. Tremendously expensive,
the atmosphere, registering a minimal
usually only the most elite SOF units even
radar-signature that is generally filtered
have them in inventory, much less are able to
out as micrometeorite ‘noise’. Once
draw them for a mission. They allow the user
in the atmosphere, the operator can
to mimic most other humanoid species well
disengage the pod, which breaks up into
enough to fool even standard military-grade
72 fragments, 10 of which are powered
security systems, although state of the art
and will generate a thermal and radar
human and Centauri systems will penetrate
signature equivalent to the operator’s
the illusion and only civilian-grade Minbari
EFPG-4 parafoil and act as decoys. For
sensors will be fooled. Use for more than
general game purposes, only Minbari
12 hours is strongly discouraged due to the
and Centauri level sensors will pick up
effects of its EM field on the wearer.
the drop pod even 50% of the time
and then only after it separates into
C7-3 Target Designation System: The
the fragments. Even then, they will be
standard unit for target designation, this
unable to distinguish which of the 11
system utilizes a pulsed-frequency, low-
powered signals is the actual parafoil.
powered laser to illuminate targets for
missile fire, indirect AFV fire, fighters, and Large Spacecraft; hp 12; DV 10 (-1 size,
orbital bombardment. When aimed at a +4 agility); DR 4; SPD 45; Acc 10; Dec
target using standard weapon aiming rules 4; Han +6; Sensor +4; Stealth 28; Cargo
it imparts these same bonuses to the aircraft, 500 lb.; 1 Pilot
AFV, or spacecraft firing at the target.
Weapons:
None

Transport Capability:
None

39
EFPG-4 Parafoil
The standard airborne insertion equipment for Earth
Alliance forces, this stealthed parafoil includes a radar-
absorbing wrap for the operator, giving a minimal
radar cross section for the entire unit. Although several
prototype powered units have been developed by
EarthForce, a desire for simplicity as well as technical
difficulties with stealthing the power units have led
to the general use of this unpowered parafoil. By
triggering three quick release clamps the unit can be
converted to a parachute configuration, allowing a safe
and vertical final decent. While the tubular structure
must be concealed, the foil itself is impregnated with
chemicals so that the operator can quickly dissolve the
vast majority of the unit to prevent detection. Capable
of carrying a significant amount of cargo and heavily
stealthed, this versatile craft allows groups of special
operations personnel to land en masse in a coordinated
attack.
Large Aircraft; hp 4; DV 4 (+6 agility); DR 2; SPD 25;
Acc 4; Dec 2; Han +8; Sensor +0; Stealth 24; Cargo 250
lb.; 1 Pilot
Weapons:
None
Transport Capability:
None
M107A2 Sigurd Light Special
Operations Vehicle Mark II
For the most part, once dropped in place from their
Frigga assault ships special operations forces walk
wherever they need to go. However, in some instances
ground transportation is advantageous and for this role
the Sigurd is ideal. Heavily stealthed and quieted, it
provides reliable transportation for its four-man crew.
Initial versions were unarmed but, as is somewhat
standard in special operations, the troops quickly
modified the vehicle to better suit their needs. The most
standard configuration includes an open swivel mount
with an EF-749/AC or EF-492 side by side with an
EF-667 automatic grenade launcher. Experiments have
been made with mounting a 45mm BilPro cannon but
the combination of the increased weight and negligible
armor of the vehicle have made this variant quite
unpopular.
Large Surface Vehicle; hp 18; DV 13 (-1 size, +4 agility);
DR 3; SPD 26; Acc 4; Dec 6; Han +3; Sensor +0; Stealth
13 (16 if immobile); Cargo 100 lb.; 1 Driver, 3 Special
Ops infantry
Weapons:
Turret EF-667 automatic grenade launcher (magazine
of 24 grenades, fires once per round) and either a EF-
749/AC or EF-492
Transport Capability:
None
M645 Nomad Light ATV
Based on a strengthened Sliepner chassis, this is the
workhorse of SOC, serving the role of small armored
battlefield taxi. Most commonly used by Rangers and
Fleet Marines, it is capable of mounting the same types
of weaponry as the Sigurd. The Nomad carries an
adequate amount of armor for its size and is surprisingly
nimble, allowing troops to cross obstacles to strike where
least expected.
Large Surface Vehicle; hp 25; DV 16 (-1 size, +4
agility); DR 6; SPD 20; Acc 5; Dec 6; Han +4; Sensor
+2; Stealth 12; Cargo 1000 lb. if no troops carried; 1
Driver, 6 Passengers
Weapons:
None
Transport Capability:
None
Minnow Swimmer
Delivery Vehicle
Simple and dependable are the two words commonly
used to describe the Minnow SDV. Capable of carrying
4 combat swimmers inside its tubular hull the craft, by
heating the water around the divers, allows significantly
longer submerged times. Its hold also carries 900 lb. of
cargo, allowing extended operating times. During the
Earth-Minbari war it was not unknown for teams to
operate from submerged Minnows grounded on the
riverbed for a week or two at a time, returning to sleep
within the heated water in its hull.
Large Watercraft; hp 18; DV 8 (-2 Size, +6 Agility); DR
4; SPD 22; Acc 3; Dec 2; Han +6; Sensor +6; Stealth
24; Cargo 900 lb.; 1 Pilot, 3 Passengers
Weapons:
None
SVA-4A3 Piranha
Assault Submarine
A mini-submarine in use by the combat swimmer
flotillas, this craft allows several months of continuous
operation for its crew of 12. The A3 variant dispenses
with many of the weapons systems to provide greater
stealth capabilities for these prolonged covert operations.
The reactor allows the cracking of fresh water even
from highly contaminated seawater, although on-board
provisions are generally limited to 4 weeks of supplies.
Beyond their use by the combat swimmer flotillas,
these dependable little craft are often used to support
40
dive-qualified members of other Special
Operations teams such as the SAS and
Radvezchiks in a similar manner.
Gargantuan Watercraft; hp 85; DV 6 (-4
size); DR 9; SPD 30; Acc 4; Dec 4; Han
+2; Sensor +4; Stealth 21; Cargo 4,000 lb.;
6 crewmen, 12 Combat Swimmers
Weapons:
Two CPPG Antipersonnel/Antiaircraft
Guns; 1 Front, 1 Rear, (surface use only);
Attack +2; Damage 1d10+6; Critical 19-
20; Range 3
Four Torpedo Launchers; 2 Front; 2 Rear;
Attack +2; Guidance 2; Damage 3d10;
Critical 19-20; Speed 6; Fuel 6; Reloads 24;
Water Targets Only
Transport Capacity:
200 lbs. of cargo space can be replaced with
a passenger for up to 1,200 lbs. However,
each 200 lbs. of space sacrificed takes 2
days of endurance away from the mission
capabilities
Zeebrugge
Assault Shuttle
A variant on the standard Earth Alliance
light shuttle this craft features an extreme
amount of stealthing technology as well as
the facilities for locking in and out space-
suited personnel. While Minbari sensors
can generally discover these craft even their
range is severely degraded, allowing assault
teams to get fairly close to Minbari warships
and bases before discovery, if carefully
flown. The shuttle also carries a respectable
armament of twin-linked uni-pulse cannon,
giving the craft some teeth. The Fleet
Marine Corps make the most use of
these craft by far for shipborne covert
surveillance and assault. However, it is
rumored that both the Blue Berets and
the Psi-Corps Alpha Team have access to
these craft, which in combination with
their telepathic interference makes them
a serious threat even to the Minbari.
Statistics:
Gargantuan Spacecraft; hp 50; DV 9 (-4
size, +4 agility); DR 7; SPD 25; Acc 6;
Dec 4; Han +4; Sensor +4; Stealth 30;
SQ Atmospheric Capable; Cargo 2,500
lb.; 1 Pilot, 5 Passengers
Weapons:
Twin-linked Uni-Pulse Cannon;
Boresight; Attack +4 (targeting
computer); Damage 4d8; Critical 19-20;
Range 1
Cargo:
2,500 lbs.
Hades
Assault Shuttle
Larger than even the Magni heavy lifter
the Hades is the most capable assault
shuttle that EarthForce has, allowing the
rapid drop of an entire company of Fleet
Marines or Assault Rangers. While the
Condor is even larger, that wallowing
transport is unsuited for landing in the
face of opposition. The Hades can also
41
carry a platoon of 4 vehicles in place of the company of
troops. In addition, the Hades is the only Earth Alliance
shuttle that can deploy troops via parafoil while in flight,
allowing massed airborne attacks. The Hades carries a
respectable armament but it should be used sparingly as
the shuttle is a fairly easy target to enemy fire.
Gargantuan Spacecraft; hp 80; DV 9 (-4 size); DR 10;
SPD 25/14 in VTOL mode; Acc 4/3 in VTOL mode;
Dec 3/2 in VTOL mode; Han +1/+2 in VTOL mode;
Sensor +2; Stealth 5; SQ Atmospheric Capable; Cargo
16,000 lbs. (if not carrying troops or vehicles); 3 Pilots,
1 Navigator, 1 Flight Engineer
Weapons:
Two Twin-linked Uni-Pulse Cannon; Boresight; Attack
+4 (targeting computer); Damage 4d8; Critical 19-20;
Range 1
Two Yellow Jacket Missile Racks; Boresight; Guidance 2;
Damage 4d10; Critical 19-20; Speed 6; Fuel 3; Reloads
8; Cannot engage targets within 2
Eight Mjolnir Cruise Missiles per the Earth Alliance
Fact Book
Transport Capability:
A Hades can carry any one of the following:
-4 tanks or AFV’s of any type, ready for combat
-1 company of infantry and all of their equipment (one
turret per platoon, ready for combat)
-2 Idun truck cabs with 8 pallets, four cabs with three
pallets, or 20 pallets
-14 Skirnir recon bikes; along with appropriate drivers,
turrets, and sidecars
-2 Valkyrie or Frigga VTOLs, 2 Heimdall or Wraith
fighter bombers, or 1 Banshee bombers in disassembled
state.
-1 Valkyrie, Frigga, Heimdall, or Wraith aircraft, ready
for combat.
Wraith Fighter Bomber
While the Heimdall fighter bomber is better known, the
older Wraith is still a viable aircraft and is extensively
used by the Fleet Marines. It requires an 80 metre
runway to take off and land but it need not be paved.
While the aircraft is quite capable of strafing runs with
its light particle guns, it more commonly uses missiles
fired from a distance. One missile can be fired per round
and the Wraith cannot strafe and use a missile during
the same round.
Huge Aircraft; hp 30; DV 16 (-2 size, +4 agility); DR
10; Spd 32; Acc 5; Dec 5; Han +3; Sensor +2; Stealth 5;
SQ Afterburners, Ejection Seat; cargo 50 lbs.; 1 Pilot, 1
Weapons officer
Weapons:
Two Twin-linked Light Particle Guns; Boresight; Attack
+0; Damage 2d8; Critical 20; Range 1
Four Fighter Missile Racks; Boresight; Guidance 2;
Damage 15+1d10; Critical 20; Speed 5; Fuel 3; Reloads
4 (each, for a total of 16 missiles)
Alternate Missile Types:
Per the Earth Alliance Fact Book Heimdall Fighter
Bomber entry
Banshee Bomber
The Banshee is a large craft designed from the outset
as a missile carrier. Loitering over the battlefield, the
Banshee is invaluable in providing prolonged support
for Assault Ranger and Fleet Marine companies on the
ground. While the Wraith, Thunderbolt, and Heimdall
fighter-bombers can provide missile support, their
capacity is relatively small. The Banshee can saturate a
target with missiles and provide the close air support
that allows assaults to succeed. Four missiles can be fired
per round.
Gargantuan Aircraft; hp 50; DV 20 (-3 size, +2 agility);
DR 14; Spd 25; Acc 4; Dec 3; Han +1; Sensor +4;
Stealth 8; Ejection Seat; cargo 250 lbs. lbs.; 2 Pilots, 1
Navigator, 1 Weapons officer
Weapons:
Eight Fighter Missile Racks; Boresight; Guidance 2;
Damage 15+1d10; Critical 20; Speed 5; Fuel 3; Reloads
8 (each)
Alternate Missile Types:
Per the Earth Alliance Fact Book Heimdall Fighter
Bomber entry
Okinawa Assault Ship
While the Hyperion-Gamma is the most common
Hyperion variant used as an assault ship, there exists
an extensive Hyperion conversion in use with the Fleet
Marines; the Okinawa class assault ship. During the
Earth-Minbari War, many Hyperions were damaged
severely enough that they were going to be written off
and sold for scrap following the war. Not having the
funds to commission a dedicated assault ship the Fleet
Marines cooperated with the Assault Rangers on Project
Anvil whereby they appropriated these hulls and had
them extensively modified. The refurbished warships
42
are capable of carrying an entire Fleet Marine or Assault Tantalus Assault Ship 1 Front and 1 Rear; Attack +2 (targeting computer);
Ranger company along with two Magni VTOLs, one This is the standard assault transport for EarthForce. Damage 10+2d10; Critical 19-20; Range 4; Rapid Fire
Hades assault shuttle, and 3 Zeebruge assault shuttles. It While fairly lightly armed, it carries a staggering 16 Five Mk 1 Interceptors; 3 Front/Left/Right, 2 Rear/
also carries 2 Thunderbolts to provide close air support. Hades assault shuttles which allows four battalions of Left/Right; Attack +3 (targeting computer); Damage
Up to four Frigga assault transports can also be carried troops to be delivered to a planetary surface in a single 10+2d10; Critical 20; Range 1; Rapid Fire
in stored condition and transported to the planetary trip. In addition, 12 Thunderbolts are carried for close
surface. air support (CAS) Generally, this warship is used by Craft:
regular GROPOS units for massed planetary assault. 2 Magni Heavy Lifters, 2 Zeebruge Assault Shuttles,
Colossal II Spacecraft; hp 500; DV 6 (-10 size, +6 However, both the Assault Rangers and Fleet Marines 16 Hades Assault Shuttles, 2 Light Shuttles, 12
agility); DR 18; SPD -; Acc 2; Dec 1; Han +1; Sensor have used them on occasion. Thunderbolts
+3; Stealth 14; SQ Jump Point, Long-Ranged; Cargo
225,000 lb.; 14 Officers, 14 Pilots, 10 Sensor Operators, Colossal II Spacecraft; hp 500; DV 6 (-8 size, +4 agility);
48 Crewmen DR 20; SPD -; Acc 1; Dec 1; Han +1; Sensor +3; Stealth
16; SQ Jump Point, Long-Ranged; Cargo 500,000 lb.;
Weapons: 22 Officers, 54 Pilots, 14 Sensor Operators, 75
Two Twin-linked Heavy Laser Cannon; Boresight; Crewmen
Attack +2 (targeting computer); Damage 80+8d10;
Critical 19-20;Range6 Weapons:
Two Medium Pulse Cannon; 1 Left and 1 Right; Attack Two Medium Pulse
+2 (targeting computer); Damage 10+2d10; Critical Cannon;
19-20; Range 4; Rapid Fire
Twin-linked Medium Plasma Cannon; Boresight; Attack
+2 (targeting computer); Damage 30+6d10;
Critical 19-20; Range 2
Tri-Linked Particle Beams; Boresight;
Attack +2 (targeting computer)
Damage 10+3d10; Critical 20, Range
3
3 Mk 1 Interceptors; 2 Front/Left/
Right, 1 Rear/Left/Right; Attack +3
(targeting computer); Damage 10+2d10;
Critical 20; Range 1; Rapid Fire

Craft:
2 Magni Heavy Lifters, 3 Zeebruge Assault Tantalus Assault Ship
Shuttles, 1 Hades Assault Shuttle, 2 Light Shuttles,
2 Thunderbolts

43
 Range
Weapon Cost Damage Critical Ammo Increment Size Weight Type
Handguns
Auricon EF-7 600 cr 2D8 19-20/x2 12 60 ft Small 1 lb Energy
EF-21 Ballistic Pistol 600 cr 2D8 19-20/x2 13/32 40 ft Small 1 lb Projectile, Rapid Fire
EF-X PPG pistol 1200 2D8 19-20/x2 18 40 ft small 1 lb Energy, Rapid Fire
EF-334 Heavy PPG pistol 725 cr 2D10 19-20/x2 8 60 ft small 1 lb Energy
EF-328 Assault PPG pistol 950 cr 2D8+2 20/x3 10 80ft small 1 lb Energy
Submachine Guns
EF-76 ÔRattlerÕ 6.5 mm Ballistic SMG 1000 cr 2D6 20/x3 30 50 ft Medium 6 lb Projectile, Rapid Fire
EF-76 ÔRattlerÕ 6.5 mm Ballistic 1200 cr 2D6 19-20/x3 30 50 ft Medium 6 lb Projectile, Rapid Fire
SMG-Improved
Rifles and Shotguns
EF-40A Ballistic Rifle 1,200 cr 2D6+1 20/x3 18 150 ft Large 4 lb Projectile
EF-PR PPG Rifle 800 cr 2D8 19-20/x2 24 150 ft Large 4 lb Energy, Rapid Fire
EF-749A3/AC PPG Carbine Rifle 1,300 cr 2D8 +2 19-20/x2 24 200 ft Large 5 lb Energy
EF-17G Laser Rifle 2,000 cr 2D6 17-20/x2 6 500 ft Large 8 lb Piercing
EF-7 Mk IX Grenade Laucher-Shotgun 750 cr n/a n/a 10 50ft Large 6 Lb Projectile
EF-G42 Underslung 500 cg n/a n/a 1 40 ft Small 1 lb Projectile
Grenade Launcher/Shotgun
Cannister Shotgun Round 8 cr 2D10 18-20/x2 n/a 20 ft Tiny Negligible Projectile
Sabot Shotgun Round 10 cr 2D8 18-20/x3 n/a 50 ft Tiny Negligible Projectile
Westlake EF-36V BillPro Chemical 800 cr 2D4 20 4 20 ft Medium 3 lb Energy (sprays a target with
Shotgun explosive chemicals)
EF-43 7.84 mm Sniper Rifle 1100 cr 2D10 18-20/x2 8 500 ft Large 5 lb Projectile
EF-996 Laser Sniper Rifle 1250 cr 2D8 20/x2 6 750 ft Large 12 lb Energy
EF-801 12.3 mm Anti-Material Rail Gun 1300 cr 2D12 17-20/x2 5 400 ft Large 9 lb Projectile
EF-G42 Underslung 500 cg n/a n/a 1 40 ft Small 1 lb Projectile
Grenade Launcher/Shotgun
Heavy Weapons
EF-492 8.1 mm Light Machine Gun 1600 cr 2D10 18-20/x2 48 150 ft Large 9 lb Projectile, Rapid Fire
EF-749/AC-SO1 ÔHarbingerÕ 2200 cr 2D10 19-20/x2 60 100 ft Large 8 lb Energy, Rapid Fire, Burst Fire
Automatic PPG
EF-449 Heavy PPG 5000 cr 2D10+3 17-20/x2 50 150 ft Large 20 lb Energy, Rapid Fire, Burst Fire

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 Area of Range
Weapon Cost Damage Effect Critical Ammo Increment Size Weight Type
Explosive Ordnance
Mk.3A Fragmentation Grenade 95 cr 1D10 20 ft n/a n/a 20 ft Tiny 1 lb Projectile
Mk8 Flashbang Grenade 60 cr Special 30 ft n/a n/a 20 ft Tiny 1 lb Projectile
Mk12B1 Smoke Grenade 25 cr n/a 30 ft n/a n/a 20 ft Tiny 1 lb Projectile
Mk14 Incendiary Grenade 80 cr 2D6 20 ft n/a n/a 20 ft Tiny 1 lb Projectile
Mk16 Teargas Grenade 75 cr n/a 20 ft n/a n/a 20 ft Tiny 1 lb Projectile
EFGr4 Minigren/ade 25 cr 1D4 10 ft n/a n/a 20 ft Tiny 1/4 lb Projectile
EF-ED-17 Antipersonnel Mine 175 cr 3D10 30 ft n/a n/a n/a Small 3 lb Projectile
EF-ED-22 Antivehicle Mine 250 cr 4D10 30 ft n/a n/a n/a Large 4 lb Projectile
EF-ED-25 Directed Antipersonnel Mine 175 cr 2D10 30 ft cone n/a n/a n/a Small 3 lb Projectile
EF-ED-S7 Satchel Charge 250 cr 5D10 20 ft n/a n/a n/a Large 4 lb Projectile
EF-ED-L2 Limpet Mine 250 cr 5D10 20 ft n/a n/a n/a Large 4 lb Projectile
EF-ED-N17A Nuclear Mine n/a 6D20 + 100 2500 ft n/a n/a n/a Large 4 lb Projectile
Ammunition
EF-40A rounds (18) 75 cr. Negligible
EF-36V Rounds (4) 50 cr 1 lb
EF-17G/EF-996 Power Pack (6 shots) 100 cr Negligible
EF-749A3/AC PPG Cap (24 shots) 90 cr Negligible
EF-7/EF-G42 Shotgun Round 10 cr Negligible
EF-21 Ballistic Pistol rounds (13) 50 cr
EF-76 rounds (30) 75 cr Negligible
EF-334 PPG Cap (20 shots) 125 cr Negligible
EF-328 PPG Cap (16 shots) 100 cr Negligible
PPG Cap (18 shots with EF-X, 8 shots 60 cr Negligible
with EF-334, 10 shots with EF-328)
EF-43 Rounds (8) 120 cr Negligible
EF-801 Rounds (5) 125 cr 1 lb
EF-492 Rounds (48) 200 cr 3 lb
EF-749/AS-SO1 PPG Cap (60) 250 cr 1 lb
EF-449 PPG Cap (50 shots) 250 cr 2 lb

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