Ménage à trois

The party hears the high pitched squeal of Bullarum as a flash of pink zips by overhead, followed by the scream of jet engines. Moments later, they hear the echos of concussive blasts.
Knowledgeable characters will be able to identify the pink blur as flying power armor, surprisingly like a coalition SAMAS.

This is just a short encounter to set the stage for a three-way battle between the monsters, the hostile cannibal invaders and the defenders of a small settlement. It should introduce Brian's Kingdom and help set the stage for the world at large; possibly opening up new plot line and character arcs.

Structure

Exposition

This occurs as the characters approach Brian's Kingdom for the first time.

Conflict

A small group of three Rhino Buffalo is approaching Brian's Kingdom and is under attack by a Simvan hunting party of twelve, all riding ostrasours. The SAMAS is piloted by Destry one of the mercenaries employed by Brian of the Kingdom with the same name.

Rising Action

When the SAMAS sees the Simvan, it will attack them. The Simvan will then redirect their fire towards the SAMAS and the Rhino Buffalo will stampede through the Simvan and make a beeline for the town.
If the SAMAS tries to attack the Rhino Buffalo, it will run the risk of being vulnerable to Simvan Attack. If the SAMAS keeps after the Simvan, the Rhino Buffalo will make it to the town.
If the characters investigate the sounds of battle they will see this.

Climax

If the Rhino Buffalo or the Simvan get close to town, an alarm will sound from Brian's Tower and the population will start evacuating to it. Will they make it in time?
The SAMAS Pilot might ask the players to help stop the Rhino Buffalo from getting to the town if the players have taken no action yet. If the players continue to take no action, the SAMAS pilot will concentrate on the beasts and will likely get shot down by the Simvan.

Falling Action

Zan and Monkey will be guarding the settlers as they make their way to the tower. If the characters have taken any violent action towards Destry, the two will interpret that as an attack on the settlement and will retreat with the last of the villagers into Brian's Tower to prepare for an assault. At which time, if Destry is still mobile, she will return as well; through her sally-port. If the characters help Destry, the GM can have Zan and Monkey withdraw into the tower anyway if their presence would make the conflict too easy for the PC's. Otherwise, they will provide the last-ditch defense that keeps the battle from failing.

Resolution

The resolution is apocryphal, depending on the actions of the player characters.
Regardless of the outcome, if Destry lives, she will be sore that she is out of pink paint and will want to make a supply run up to Tolkeen for more. (or Barony of Hope if Tolkeen has been destroyed by the Coalition by this time)
Brian will want assistance from the PCs to eliminate or drive off the Simvan tribe that is too close for comfort.

Relations

Protagonists

The character party has the opportunity to choose sides or stay out of the combat entirely. The depiction of allies and adversaries below is based upon the most expected course of action.

Allies

The defenders of Brian's Kingdom:

• Destry - Female mercenary who pilots a "liberated" Coalition SAMAS which she keeps in meticulous repair and painted bubblegum pink.
• Zan - A female mercenary wilderness scout (ex-coalition) specializing in sniping with her Wilks 457 Laser Pulse Rifle. Wears CA-2 Coalition light EBA and rides a MI-3000 "Firefly" Hover Cycle armed with linked anti-personnel ion blasters
• Monkey - an overly affectionate male Dogboy (ex-coalition). Armed with Scarifiers, he relishes close combat. His original DPM 101 riot armor has long since been destroyed and he now wears NG RA15 "Cannonball"ride armor with the lower legs modified for his anatomy. Also rides a MI-3000 "Firefly" Hover Cycle with linked antipersonnel ion blasters.

Neutrals/Bystanders

Three Rhino Buffalo have been hard pressed by the simvan hunting party. One of the Rhino Buffalo is obviously smaller and younger than the other two and their behavior should make it obvious the two larger ones are trying to protect the smaller one. They are in a mindless fury and charging straight for Brian's Kingdom. They will kill any creatures in their path and destroy any buildings (other than MD structures). They will come upon the outermost settlements "soon." How soon should be up to the GM based upon intended drama, suspense, and player characters' action or lack of action.

Adversaries

A hunting party of 12 Simvan Monster riders (each rides an Ostrosaurus). Their objective is to kill a rhino buffalo. They lost track of the running battle and didn't realize they were getting so close to Brian's Kingdom. Once Destry makes her presence known, the Simvan will try to take her out of the sky so they can get back to the hunt. If the characters attack the Simvan while Destry is still also a threat, they will most likely turn tail after testing the party's strength:

• Hunt Heel (leader) - Armed with C-12 Heavy Laser Rifle and a frag grenade
• Hunt Left Hand - NG-57 Heavy Ion Blaster
• Hunt Right Hand - Spirit Fetish Spear and Coalition Riot Shield
• Hunt Member #4 - NG-L5 Laser Rifle
• Hunt Member #5 - C-10 Light Laser Rifle
• Hunt Member #6 - C-18 Laser Pistol
• Hunt Member #7 - C-18 Laser Pistol
• Hunt Member #8 - NG-33 Laser Pistol
• Hunt Member #9 - NG-33 Laser Pistol
• Hunt Member #10 - NG-33 Laser Pistol
• Hunt Member #11 - NG-33 Laser Pistol
• Hunt Member #12 - NG-33 Laser Pistol

Note none of these are considered Wild Cards; but if the fight is too easy, the GM may make the Hunt Heel a wild card. Also note that the Simvan will not fight to the death. If they feel they are in a no-win situation, they will retreat. There is a chance that if one of their enemies is close to defeat, they will stick it out just to ensure that end before retreating, even if it kills them. That's just the way they are.

The Simvan is more at home on his mount than on his own feet