Patterned like the old motorcycles known as "Chopper" from the Twentieth and Twenty-First Century, the "Hellbike" is one of the most unique of techno-wizard designs. The hover cycle has three flight thrusters, one in front on a set of extended front forks and two to either side of the rear. The bike has powerful rear thrusters which propel the bike. The bike is black with a huge amount of "chrome" on the design although the "chrome" is the same material as what a Glitter Boy is armored with. The "chrome" forks and handle bars is in the form of bones as well as the rear supports for the thrusters. In the front of the forks of the bike is the chrome symbol of a skull with each of the lights lit in red and small amounts of smoke rise from the eyes. These eyes act as headlights although most riders prefer night vision optics. There is a long padded seat, stories tell is padded in demon leather, which can seat both a driver and a single passenger comfortably.
There is a huge number of stories about these bikes. Some attribute these bikes as having malevolent spirits in them. Their appearance is such that it is easy for someone to assume that. Stories tell of the bikes scream although most likely that is simply the "horn" of the hover cycle. Further adding to the terror and mystique of these bikes is the fact that they burst into flames. This flame appears to protect the bike and the rider and the rider appears to be protected from the flames as well. The ability to burst into flame appears to be limited to three times per day. These bikes have the ability to strafe with guns that release streams of fire. As well, these bikes have the ability of fire missiles. These bikes have a formidable reputation in battle and as well as being well armed are extremely maneuverable Maximum speed is less than most of the faster hover cycle designs with a top speed of around two hundred and twenty miles per hour. Another persistent rumor is that the bikes must use as a part of them a part of an ancient pre-Rifts bike.
No one seems to know who actually makes these bikes. There are many rumors including that the devil himself makes these hover cycles. Most techno-wizards dismiss this notion and consider it most likely that a small band of techno-wizard make these bikes in secret. In many ways, the mystery simply increases the value and mystique of these hover bikes. Other stories tell that a demon is in the heart of each of the bikes although the true power plant of the bike is a fusion reactor. A fusion reactor might be considered a "Demon" but not in the way most consider. The bikes are extremely advanced designs with electronic targeting systems and an advanced thruster control systems. These vehicle have a number of other techno-wizard enchantments including the ability to become impervious to all energy weapons and become invisible. Of course when flames surround the bike, it is impossible to hide.
These bikes are extremely rare and prized by many including other techno-wizards, juicers, adventurers in the New West, and there is even stories that a couple of knights have chosen these bikes as their chosen steeds. Some owners of these bikes have formed gangs similar to the motorcycle gangs of old. Familiar names like "Hells Angels." Some companies have begun manufacturing specialty gear such as leather jackets for these new gangs. While some of these gangs are mostly benevolent, others are very evil. They are bandits who rob, murder, and even torture those they deal with. Tales of the unspeakable horrors which they have been known to inflict on those who they attack are told around the hearth.
Model Type: Enchanted Hovercycle
Vehicle Type: Techno-Wizard Combat Hovercycle
Crew: One rider; space for one passenger
Horror Factor: 12 (16 if on fire)
M.D.C. by Location:
| [1] Flame Cannons (2 - Sides): | 20 each | |
| [2] Mini-Missile Launchers (2): | 40 each | |
| [2] Skull Headlights (1 - Front): | 40 | |
| [3] Front Hover Jet (1): | 60 | |
| [3] Rear Hover Jets (2): | 60 each | |
| [3] Main Thrusters (2): | 40 each | |
| Windshield (1) | 30 | |
| [4] Main Body: | 150 | |
| Fire Aura (3 times per day): | 70 |
Notes:
[1] These are small and difficult targets to strike, requiring the
attacker to make a "called shot" but even then the attacker is -4 to strike.
[2] These hit locations are laser resistant, taking half damage from
most laser weaponry.
[3] Loss of the front hover jet or one of the rear hover jets will
cause the bike to crash if in flight. Loss of one of the thrusters will
reduce top speed of bike by half. These hit locations are laser resistant,
taking half damage from most laser weaponry.
[4] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will shut the unit down completely,
making it useless. Note: The rider (although not the passenger),
hunched down, low to the body of the hover cycle, is equally difficult
to hit. Both are protected by the fire aura if activated.
Speed:
Maximum Speed: 220 mph (354 kph)
Maximum Altitude: 300 feet (91.4 meters) and handle drops of
up to 500 feet (152.4 meters).
Maximum Range: Effectively Unlimited, does not overheat.
Statistical Data:
Height: 4 feet, 2 inches (1.27 meters)
Width: 3 feet, 4 inches (1.01 meters)
Length: 9 feet, 6 inches (2.9 meters) including outstretched
nose
Weight: 800 lbs (362.0 kg)
Power System: Nuclear with a five year life-span
Cargo: Minimal (Storage for small equipment), can carry a pair
of saddle bags with a capacity for 100 lbs (45.4 kg) each.
Cost: 4.5 million credits
Weapon Systems:
Special Bonuses:
The "Hellbike" handles so well that it gives the pilot a +10% bonus
to his piloting skill, +1 on initiative (to take evasive action) and +1
to dodge.
[Coalition TM, Phase World TM, and Triax TM are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and
Palladium Books Inc.]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and
Palladium Books Inc.]
By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).
Copyright © 2007, Kitsune. All rights reserved.