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Copy of my Old starting post:
[have Editing and adding some to this pile]
[It's more my 'To Do and start of Idea' List]
A while back, I posted this in the Rifter forum. Have thought about it off and on, most of it needs to be expended on to something useful.
Has anyone come up anything like it or better?
Start Ad. The storefront is out of "Rifter #47", but RPGNow has .pdf for sale at $5.99. Ad over with.
Rifter 47 has 'Cargo Cult Magic' in it.
Hopeful someone can use any of this for personal or other use.
Add or rewrite anything that you want.
Glossary:
CCM = Cargo Cult Magic
Cargo Cults - Just to Pacific
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Some Questions and Thoughts:
Would or does having the right gear or weapons on hand before you 'Crew Call' so you get better troops or workers? Weapons for soldiers or tools and dozers or like for construction workers?
Would more 'construction time' spend building an item reduce it's PPE cost or increase it's Duration?
Quote:
Camo Netting (Camouflage)
Construction Time (Built): 1 man-hour per square yard/meter;
minimum time 4 hours per 10 square yards/meters.
Duration: 5 days per level of the Cargo Priest
Here’s where fact met legend for the first time: Some cultures held legends that foresaw great godly figures coming from the sea bearing gifts from the Ancestors,
How far back does the Ancestors' Cargo knowledge go. Are there other "cities" located that are available to provide Cargo?
Goods from the Lemuria, Nazca and Atlantean Trade Fleets, I can not believe that stellar traders would not do business with the local folk. Getting around in wooden or like ships would be the way to go. Can Nazca Line Magic producing ships or Cargo?
"1421" [book by Gavin Menzies] -- Chinese's World traveling Fleets (and later by known traders) following the routes once used Magic using merchants.
Yankee Clipper ships and Whalers. Post war banana boat merchants.
"The airplanes, ships, and boats carried their confused Melanesian (and many non-Melanesian) passengers “beyond” the dying world"
What else journeyed into the Realm? Were Real world ships, planes and subs also guided or just followed the above there as well?
There were random Rifts opening during that time. What may have also traveled into the Rear Area and returned with tribes. Are later with a 'Called' crew or 'Summoned' vehicle?
Cruise ships, Merchant transports [see Cargo Containers below], people rescued from Tourist resorts [on shore or floating platforms, like Tritonia], Airliners and air transports. Tourists have real jobs and knowledge. If the WW2 City's True Ghosts worked with the tourists, would a type of Dieselpunk become available? Provided by "..American WWII “rear area” headquarters camp.." that supply the Cargo (or those who supplied them?)
What other Cargo might they have to trade for PPE and real world goods? Things that they need to produce the Cargo or is there another source or three to provide their needs? Meaning how many other links to the Real world are there. Maybe not just Earth.
The first proto-Cargo Tribes appeared in the 1800s, attempting to find the right balance between the white man’s ways and the traditional “Kastom” (Customs) of the Melanesian tribes.
Could the tribes be on Lemuria and Atlantean Islands or around city compounds build by those who did not escape to the Lord of Deep pocket dimension? Would their attempts (releasing PPE) to 'Call' for their Goods or Cargos awaken sleeping Symbiotic or chimeras? (page 9, Rifts Lemuria) That they used to build and maintain their Floating Cities and Craft, and now their Hidden locations. Hidden by time, tides and they own work. Would the Chimeras aid the the tribes scenting their Masters of the past?
Have been wondering about Cargo Cult tribes that might be living on 'old' Lemurian Garden or research islands. Do not even think about the mix of magic between the two cultures. Stuffed Bio-Construct Symbiotes anyone? Add a few low level Biomancy spells and the knowledge of collecting PPE from plants, would enable larger village bases to come into being.
Some were peaceful and content fishermen and gardeners; others were violent and expansionist warrior cultures. Some practiced headhunting or even cannibalism! Some practiced bizarre tattooing and/or body piercing rituals. Others did not.
Some of the Tribes sound like the could be children of the two people. The first and last sound like Lemuria and Atlantis. With tattoo and piercing (things coming from the tattoos). Peaceful fishing and gardening.
If this version had worked it might be based around the Master's plantations (mass food or trade produce), Big Sailing Ships [well bigger than what the local can build], Trading Posts, Fresh water canals, Horse carts and wagons, better tools, Gun Powder firearms and such.
Would the above earlier CCM that worked would it be a form of Steampunk? Then the Melanesian tribes would have the world beating a path to their Islands.
Was there an earlier form(s) of CCM based off of or around Nazca Line Magic? [Major side step]
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One thing CCM is good for is Recycling. Get an old container
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taalismn did a chart for Haunted vehicles, it might work nicely with CCM to make Happy Haunted vehicles, ships and aircraft - Real Ghosts, not just 'Called Crew', using their PPE and abilities to Refuel, repair and maybe Call Crew.
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Japanese Holdouts, soldiers, sailors, and other personnel, using a form of CCM to survival in hiding on islands for years. Under Camo-nets, behind false Rock walls, in hidden Bunker Complexes, in Sea cave harbors they wait for orders to attack. PPE provided by post war Temples, as well as Shrines in their camps and on-board ships and aided by Military drills designed to mock the Cargo Tribe's ceremonies to Built or summon their needed Cargo/Supplies through the will of Japan's Gods and Spirit Realm. They to lived simple lives farming and fishing like the natives. In the post-war years they received aid from ex-Japan Military leaders who dreamed of a true Japan Military again, not just a Defense Force. [Remember this is not the Earth or reality that we know about, but a different one. The one of the American Empire.] The Dreamers built Temples, once priests help them understand the need for spiritual energy to power the CCM rituals and their hopes.
In their Sea Cave Harbors [Ports, Dry Docks and Hangers] are planes and Ships docked and are maintained by the living and the Called Crew, .
Could the bases have been re-opened by people rescued and returned with War time spirits or their knowledge to their secret locations and the ability to awaken the "Sleepers"?
Can CCM spells be used to preserve and repair Real objects and constructions? Sunken ships, crashed planes, cargo salvaged from wrecked transports and cargo ships. Or expend on real projects?
If abandoned who would use the sites between the post-War and the Chaos Earth/Rifts period. Cold War forces - Chinese, Russians, British, Pirates, etc. What would be waiting to be discovered?
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Other Places stuff to use:
-) Native Kastom revival society groups
--) touring the world at Cultural shows. Where were they at the time of Rescue? American troops were just about everywhere in WWII. In a Convention Center with some of the main events being a Comic book meet, Gun and Military Reenactment show, and the Cultural show all going on at once.
--) If native items are used to build Cargo, what could the right a sick mind do with a junkyard, hardware store and the right spells? Backwoods folk maybe. How many native spouses of WWII were the GreatGrannies and Dads of the locals? Now their Grand kids have the knowledge of CCM twisted with Shade Tree Mechanics and some different parts to work with.
-) Kids wanting Ice Cream, Candy and Toys in a Chaos Earth setting. Calling, Building or Repairing broken ones. "Call Ice Cream Truck." spell, anyone. Then finding out that the toys based off cartoons and movies are now real working Armor, Vehicles, Weapons and Heroes. But where is the PPE needed coming from?
-) Non Believers becoming Believers using CCM and trying to Call or Building their version of Cargo.
-) Is there a Department/Chain store Spiritual Realm?
--) If so. Then MegaShopping Malls, Shopping Malls, Strip Malls, Trading Posts could be places that use CCM and force customers to return for new Goods [ie. Cargo after duration, "You did buy Produce (x) to clean with or take to the Cleaner's so it would last longer, fuel for it, extra batteries to make it later longer right?"]. Cleaning [recharging], Batteries and Fuel [refueling] or Repairs. Have you even wondered why you feel so tired or drained of energy waiting for something to be repaired? Lost of PPE maybe? But they never seem to run out of 'On Sale Items' just have tired real workers and Very Happy called ones.
--) Island Hopping Trading Company or Cargo delivery shipping. Trading posts, smaller cargo carriers, Tramp Steamers [between Boats and Liberty Ship], and such. Might use Cargo Containers see below.
-) "...if there is a power to make them real."
--) Drunk Cargo Priest, reading a horror novel or watching a movie, and that off shore wreckage that just looks like a sea monster equals ....? That is no tailing what Bad Dreams might causes...
--) WWII was the time of the first 'Super Heroes'. So he wears Blue Long underwear, a Red sheet with an 'S' on it and hits like an Artillery shell. "I can live with calling him in times of great need." Or the many others after the war in comic books....
--) Haunted Houses - not sure about this but it might be fun place to use fear generated PPE to power 'Called Crew' or charge objects. Or if the right person lived there once, Call something they were famous for weapons, tools, computer files, etc. Have a party once in a while. Call up the 'Crew' and supplies for the repairs. Order some New things. 'Call' a Maid and Cook, Lawn crew as needed. Now you have a reason for the next party to keep it looking like new, that is too keep the old House recharged.
.. "Great party last night!! The Old place much looks better now!"
.. "Mom, can we 'Call' your old teacher? I need help with my home work. Please!!"
-) Cargo Containers
--) Repairing or Fixing stuff from washed a shore Cargo Containers. Maybe put the Built stuff into a Cargo Container [or use a sealed, unopened one], full out the paperwork, do the right stuff and open it to find what you want.
--) Are pirates doing some form of Cargo Container Magic?
--) Might also work for gift boxes, "I never know what they want!?!?" now they almost always get it.
-) 'Submarines' - War time to modern to New Navy/Triax ones; Mini to Full size to giant Target size ones. Warfare, salvage ops for real stuff, trade with underwater DBee races. Does CCM work underwater? You might need to have base of operations or explorations.
.. Build "New" ones or just salvage a Wreck and refit it.
.."Sir, we have been, HIT!!"
"Torpedo?"
"No! A palm tree craved to look like one?!?"
"Sonar, have you found the attacker?"
"Yes Sir, but don't want to know what it is. Believe me you really don't."
-) 'Frogmen' and mini subs to help salvage Heirlooms from sunken wrecks and the vessels as well. Be they, WW2, Golden Age or current Rift era ones.
-) Build an 'Underwater Trading Post'. If the locals don't want to trade with you, it just goes away with time. Could just build it or Docks for those "A few minor interactions and short-term partnerships with Whale Singers and Cetaceans have occurred." How much added PPE could Whale Singers add to 'Projects'?
-) Find mis-placed places and such, they are not lost, they have been here for years and beyond. But they may now have someone living there now. Where they from the time of Magic, Nazca and true Atlantis, Golden Age or somewhere between?
--) Shade tree Mechanics wit a Junkyard of parts and Mail Order ("Calling") for the rest.
.. You were driving an old wreck last month, but it looks like new now.
-)
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Other sources or locations for use of CCM:
-> Mall - from Strip Mall to Mega Mall complex
-> Truck Stop - Train Yard
-> Mailing/Shipping company (UPS, Postal Service)
-> Convention Center, Flea Market
-> Toy Store: Cartoons + Toys = Usable Tools, Armor, Weapons, Vehicles, Heroes
-> Haunted Houses
-> Vending Machines - have your PPE charged coin drop it in and the 'Right Stuff' comes out [Called Cargo]
-> Mail order catalogs, online shopping sites
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Other Cargo, SuperCargo and Projects
-) 'Sea-bee Engineers'
-) 'Library' -- Ancestors and others visiting to give talks and teaching their knowledge.
.. With the 'Officers' Club' below, might increase the choice of getting a True Ghost or Haunting Entities
from Rifter 47
"Crew Call" spell ... "Called ghost crew will be in the form of Haunting Entities assuming the roles of long-dead crewmen or even (rarely) the True Ghosts of fallen servicemen (the actual sentient spirits of departed people;
-) 'Big Screen' -- taking you to other places and realities. Just pictures or really traveling there? Maybe a new meaning to Drive-In theater.
-) 'Animals' -- Can they be form of 'Called' like Crew? Mules, K-9 units, dodos, dinos, etc.
.. Having a farm and 'Calling' the cows and chickens when you need them. "Fresh Milk and Eggs"
-) 'Bunker' - single shelter or Gun Battery to Complexes
-) 'PX' or 'Trading Post- [if you are using a Trade network]
-) Bar, Dance Halls, Mess Halls - to raise the spirit of long term Called Crew. Spells to help this happen.
.. [added taalismn's (from below), he must want his Haunted vehicles to be used] Officers' Club
-) "Stages" so "USO shows" with "Singers and their Bands". Boosting the Chants and Songs needed for the PPE for that 'Engineering Project' or Getting that Cargo delivered from the “Headquarters”
.. "Call Crew" -- so Pinups and USO girls will have a Place to show off their stuff
.. also to have a reason to use that "Stockings -- “Called” (Summoned) Item Only" spell [see below]
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Looted some stuff from 'Cargo Cults - Just to Pacific', 'Haunted Vehicles----The Necro' and 'Rifter 47 has shipped !'
abtex wrote:Cargo Cults nice and different. Waiting 150 years for the good times to come back?
Nothing on using their magic copying, their new best friends of Blue and Green the New Navy's equipment. Or the other missing years of military and other cargo.
Does summoning Pinups and USO girls fall under "Crew Call" spell?
Slag wrote:And abtex: part of the time-freeze is to illustrate the post-war isolation, and part was just for the fun of it. No reason they couldn't Call an Abrams MBT, for example. It would be no different than the Called Sherman, but it's possible. Certainly New Navy equip is also possible and probable at this stage, again not really any more powerful.
Slag wrote:abtex wrote:Slag wrote:Oh, and yes: Crew Call can call up Pin-ups and USO girls, you randy bastard!
I got 50 pair of stockings, so what should I use them for?
That's a good point. Also, silk stockings are a form of currency among the tribes, based on their WWII use as such in black market dealings throughout the US Military. In WWII they were a rare commodity since all silk production went to parachutes. Women actually used to paint on fake stockings! Talk about fetish fuel for someone!
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Slag wrote:abtex wrote:Slag wrote:abtex wrote:Cargo Cult - Maybe a dumb question but
What are heirlooms?
a) Real manufactured items from any time frame, not just WWII
b) Cargo from the Spirit Realm post rescue party; Page 19: "...given all the Cargo they ever wanted, and joined into the largest, flashiet, jazz-diven, Cargo-fueled party in the universe!"
c) a Built Item that has become a real thing through use
d) something else
On a side note "A Walk on the Wild Side" articles are in Rifters 38 and 40, not 31. But 30 have a couple of good articles in it. Found in my search.
Generally a (with WWII items particularly prized), though the idea of c is rather cool and I might have to consider that if I ever get to revisit the Cargo Cults.
Screw up on b above, missing text added in bold
Glad that you like c.
You will revisit Cargo Cults, that is so much more that can done with the concept and so many mis-uses for it.
As for b, since all that "given" cargo at the party was from the spirit realm, it'd be spirit by nature, aka equivalent to "called" cargo, back on the material world. So it'd need PPE to keep it around.
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taalismn wrote:Bar, Dancehall, and Mess---add Officers' Club. That's where you're most likely to find the higher-ranked 'Crew', not to mention the more prominent movers and shakers(like maybe a visiting demigod, godling, or minor god?). And better quality booze/spirits .
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The Death Ship thought
Hound wrote:Nightmask wrote:An interesting idea, and the one reminds me of the evil Nazi ship from one old horror movie that would travel around crashing into and sinking other ocean liners then letting some survivors on board in order to kill them in horrific ways (and from a Palladium perspective gain extra PPE from draining them in their death throws). Hmmmm, now I'm wondering what the name of the old movie is.
The Movie was Death Ship with George Kennedy and Richard Crenna- a great old Horror gem... the freighter rammed a cruise ship in the middle of the night. A few survivors in a raft find said freighter the next morning and board. As each of them are picked off.. the captain of the cruise ship (Kennedy) is possessed more and more by the evil of the ship- which is actually an old Nazi torture ship...
Might not need to be Nazi ship, could just be a Haunted 'Summoned' ship that does not want to go Back to the Realm. Feeding off Ley Lines or it crew if real, true living beings.
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Drakenred®™© wrote:Actually "cargo cults" have tended to spring up all over, (the were reported in Vietnam Cambodia, as well as parts of South America and Africa when missionaries and others started using aircraft to fly into and out of communities) but also tend to be short lived as the "cargo bringers" since WWII either tend to spend more time to explain whats really going on, or were such total dushbags that they were living examples of why "Cargo" is bad (that and most governments now days will also step in to make sure that missionaries and "Do Gooders" for example don't try to deliberately create or exploit or create a "cargo cult" mentality (Ie Convert to my religion and or ideology and you will be more likely to continue to get good things like this!)
Like this idea.