Core Book

Created By Josh “Mac” McClellan
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COPYRIGHTS & CREDITS
Original Setting Concept By	Josh McClellan 	Game Designers 	
Josh McClellan
- 	- 	- 	John Reed
Editors 	Josh McClellan 	Managing Editor 	Josh McClellan
- 	Cory Crooks 	- 	-
Hammer System Created By 	Josh McClellan 	Design Assistance 	Justin Adkins
 	Clayton Campo 	 	Jake Schwarzfigure
 	Derrick Perry 	 	Clayton Campo
 	 	 	Derrick Perry
 	 	 	Cory Crooks
Proof Readers 	Jake Schwarzfigure	Graphic Design & Layout	Josh McClellan
 	Justin Adkins 	 	
Interior Artists 	Jeff Cordova 	Play Testers 	Josh McClellan
 	Jerry Collins 	Robert Davidson 	Ernest McClellan
 	Houkakyou 	Mike Hofer 	Clayton Campo
 	 	Dennis Northover 	Derrick Perry
 	 	Cory Crooks 	Cliff Reinbolt
 	 	John Bard 	Justin Adkins
 	 	Val Schwarzfigure 	John Reed
 	 	 	Jake Schwarzfigure
Cover Artist 	- 	Special Thanks To 	Alot Of People
The Merc.NET game uses mechanics developed by the Hammer System Game System created by Josh McClellan, Clayton Campos, and Derrick Perry.
Hammer System, Merc.NET, Merc.NET Logo, and Bag of Hammers Logo, are registered trademarks of Bag of Hammers Game Co. LLC. Distributed to the Hobby, Toy, Book, and Comic trade in the United States and Canada by regional distributors. This Material is protected under the copyright law of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Bag of Hammers Game Co. LLC. This product is a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, places, or events is purely coincidental. Made in the U.S.A. ©2011-2013 Bag of Hammers Game Co. LLC.
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Ownership/Splash Page 	
Ownership/Splash Page 	
1 	
1
Copyright 	
Copyright 	
2 	
2
Table Of Contents 	
Table Of Contents 	
3 	
3
Chapter 1 - Introduction 	
Chapter 1 - Introduction 	 	
Disclaimer 	Disclaimer 	5 	5
The Future 	
The Future 	
5 	
5
Rules For The Future Of Game Play	
Rules For The Future Of Game Play	
5 	
5
What To Expect In The Future	
What To Expect In The Future	
5 	
5
A View Of The Future 	
A View Of The Future 	
5 	
5
Futuristic Shenanigans 	
Futuristic Shenanigans 	
6 	
6
Make Sure To Seal Your Hardsuit	
Make Sure To Seal Your Hardsuit	
6 	
6
Campaign Setting 	
Campaign Setting 	
7 	
7
Using This Book 	
Using This Book 	
7 	
7
Basics Of The Game 	
Basics Of The Game 	
7 	
7
Game Masters, Dungeon Master, And Blood Thirsty Space Emperors	
Game Masters, Dungeon Master, And Blood Thirsty Space Emperors	
7 	
7
Galactic Levels of Epicness Of Heroeness	
Galactic Levels of Epicness Of Heroeness	
7 	
7
The First Session 	
The First Session 	
7 	
7
Chapter 2 - Character Creation	
Chapter 2 - Character Creation	 	
Steps To Survival 	Steps To Survival 	9 	9
Choosing Your Race 	
Choosing Your Race 	
9 	
9
Hit Points Per Rank 	
Hit Points Per Rank 	
9 	
9
Advantages & Disadvantages	
Advantages & Disadvantages	
9 	
9
Determining A Character’s Life Path	
Determining A Character’s Life Path	
10	
10
Boost Points Per Rank 	
Boost Points Per Rank 	
10	
10
Exertions 	
Exertions 	
10	
10
Physical & Mental Defense	
Physical & Mental Defense	
10	
10
Damage Deflection 	
Damage Deflection 	
10	
10
Initiative Bonus 	
Initiative Bonus 	
10	
10
Surge Points Per Rank 	
Surge Points Per Rank 	
10	
10
Mana & Esper Pools 	
Mana & Esper Pools 	
10	
10
Movement Rates 	
Movement Rates 	
10	
10
Encumbrance 	
Encumbrance 	
11	
11
Fleshing Out Your Character	
Fleshing Out Your Character	
11	
11
Chapter 3 - Races 	
Chapter 3 - Races 	 	
Humans 	Humans 	12 	12
Dwuervan 	
Dwuervan 	
13	
13
Elharnian 	
Elharnian 	
14	
14
Halfarn 	
Halfarn 	
15	
15
Ngorm 	
Ngorm 	
16	
16
Orlanc 	
Orlanc 	
17	
17
Yetin 	
Yetin 	
18	
18
Tantalan 	
Tantalan 	
19	
19
Chapter 4 - Advantages & Disadvantages	
Chapter 4 - Advantages & Disadvantages	 	
Advantages 	
Advantages 	
20	
20
Advantage Descriptions 	
Advantage Descriptions 	
20	
20
Disadvantages 	
Disadvantages 	
24	
24
Disadvantage Descriptions	
Disadvantage Descriptions	
24	
24
Chapter 5 - Boosts 	
Chapter 5 - Boosts 	 	
Esper Boosts 	
Esper Boosts 	
29	
29
Esper Power Boosts 	
Esper Power Boosts 	
29	
29
Esper Discipline Boosts 	
Esper Discipline Boosts 	
30	
30
Knowledge/Craft Boots 	
Knowledge/Craft Boots 	
30	
30
Magus Boosts 	
Magus Boosts 	
30	
30
Magnus School Boosts 	
Magnus School Boosts 	
30	
30
Magus Spell Boosts 	
Magus Spell Boosts 	
30	
30
Mental Boosts 	
Mental Boosts 	
31	
31
Physical Boosts 	
Physical Boosts 	
31	
31
Weapon Boosts 	
Weapon Boosts 	
31	
31
Boost Descriptions 	
Boost Descriptions 	
37	
37
Chapter 6 - Game Mechanics	
Chapter 6 - Game Mechanics	 	
Advantages & Disadvantages	Advantages & Disadvantages	79 	79
Akimbo, Ambidexterity, Two Gun Mojo, & Fighting With Two Weapons	
Akimbo, Ambidexterity, Two Gun Mojo, & Fighting With Two Weapons	
79	
79
Animals, Riding Them, & Attacking From Them	
Animals, Riding Them, & Attacking From Them	
79	
79
Artificial Intelligence 	
Artificial Intelligence 	
79	
79
Attacking 	
Attacking 	
79	
79
Attacking & Breaking Stationary Objects	
Attacking & Breaking Stationary Objects	
80	
80
Attacking From Vehicles 	
Attacking From Vehicles 	
80	
80
Automatic & Burst Fire 	
Automatic & Burst Fire 	
80	
80
Bioware 	
Bioware 	
80	
80
Blinded, Deafened, Dazed & Stunned	
Blinded, Deafened, Dazed & Stunned	
81	
81
Boosts 	
Boosts 	
81	
81
Called Shots & Attacking Multiple Targets	
Called Shots & Attacking Multiple Targets	
81	
81
Climbing, Falling, Jumping, Running, Sprinting, & Walking	
Climbing, Falling, Jumping, Running, Sprinting, & Walking	
81	
81
Cover - Shooting Through & Defense Bonuses	
Cover - Shooting Through & Defense Bonuses	
81	
81
Critical Hits, Critical Misses, & Charts	
Critical Hits, Critical Misses, & Charts	
82	
82
Cyberware 	
Cyberware 	
86	
86
Damage Deflection 	
Damage Deflection 	
86	
86
Defense 	
Defense 	
86	
86
Delayed Actions & Helping Others	
Delayed Actions & Helping Others	
86	
86
Driving & Vehicle Operation	
Driving & Vehicle Operation	
86	
86
Drug Abuse & Being Drunk 	
Drug Abuse & Being Drunk 	
86	
86
Earning & Awarding Experience Points Per Rank	
Earning & Awarding Experience Points Per Rank	
87	
87
Eating, Drinking, Dehydration, & Starvation	
Eating, Drinking, Dehydration, & Starvation	
87	
87
Encounters & Encounter Checks	
Encounters & Encounter Checks	
88	
88
Encounters - An Idiot’s Guide To Encounter Checks	
Encounters - An Idiot’s Guide To Encounter Checks	
88	
88
Encumbrance & Moving In The Dark	
Encumbrance & Moving In The Dark	
90	
90
Espers & Esper Powers 	
Espers & Esper Powers 	
91	
91
Exertions 	
Exertions 	
91	
91
Family & Friends, Allies & Enemies	
Family & Friends, Allies & Enemies	
91	
91
Fear 	
Fear 	
92	
92
Fighting Defensively 	
Fighting Defensively 	
92	
92
GalactaNET & Hacking 	
GalactaNET & Hacking 	
92	
92
Genetic Slavery 	
Genetic Slavery 	
93	
93
Hand To Hand Combat & Grappling	
Hand To Hand Combat & Grappling	
93	
93
Hit Points Per Rank, Dying, Death, Healing, & Crippling Effects	
Hit Points Per Rank, Dying, Death, Healing, & Crippling Effects	
94	
94
Honor, Loyalty, Notoriety, & Reputation	
Honor, Loyalty, Notoriety, & Reputation	
95	
95
Immobilization, Paralysis, & Unconsciousness	
Immobilization, Paralysis, & Unconsciousness	
95	
95
Initiative 	
Initiative 	
96	
96
Insanity 	
Insanity 	
96	
96
Knowledge & Craft Checks 	
Knowledge & Craft Checks 	
96	
96
Lethal & Non-Lethal Damage	
Lethal & Non-Lethal Damage	
96	
96
Lying, Obfuscation, Misdirection, Gossip, Rumor Mongering, & Subterfuge	
Lying, Obfuscation, Misdirection, Gossip, Rumor Mongering, & Subterfuge	
96	
96
Magic, Magus, Magi, & Sorcery	
Magic, Magus, Magi, & Sorcery	
96	
96
Mechanics Of A Round & Types Of Actions	
Mechanics Of A Round & Types Of Actions	
96	
96
Money 	
Money 	
97	
97
Morale 	
Morale 	
97	
97
Movement Rates & Terrain 	
Movement Rates & Terrain 	
97	
97
Multiple Attackers 	
Multiple Attackers 	
98	
98
Nanno-Technology, Nanno-Virii, & Nanno-Rejection Syndrome	
Nanno-Technology, Nanno-Virii, & Nanno-Rejection Syndrome	
99	
99
Parrying, Blocking, & Disarming	
Parrying, Blocking, & Disarming	
99	
99
Performing 	
Performing 	
99	
99
Races 	
Races 	
99	
99
Radius Weapons & Area Effects	
Radius Weapons & Area Effects	
99	
99
Range Increments & Penalties	
Range Increments & Penalties	
99	
99
Reading, Writing, & Languages	
Reading, Writing, & Languages	
99	
99
Running Away & Attacks Of Opportunity	
Running Away & Attacks Of Opportunity	
100	
100
Sex & STD’s 	
Sex & STD’s 	
100	
100
Shooting From Animals & Vehicles	
Shooting From Animals & Vehicles	
100	
100
Size Modifiers To Attack & Defense & Creature Sizes	
Size Modifiers To Attack & Defense & Creature Sizes	
100	
100
Sleeping Characters 	
Sleeping Characters 	
100	
100
Social Interactions 	
Social Interactions 	
100	
100
Standard & Metric Conversions	
Standard & Metric Conversions	
101	
101
Surge Points Per Rank 	
Surge Points Per Rank 	
101	
101
Surprises & Ambushes 	
Surprises & Ambushes 	
101	
101
Survival Skills - Camouflage, Escape & Evade, Track, Survival	
Survival Skills - Camouflage, Escape & Evade, Track, Survival	
101	
101
Swimming & Drowning 	
Swimming & Drowning 	
101	
101
Throwing Items 	
Throwing Items 	
101	
101
Using Weapons In Melee 	
Using Weapons In Melee 	
101	
101
Vehicles & Driving 	
Vehicles & Driving 	
102	
102
Vision 	
Vision 	
102	
102
Weapons & Weapon Sizes 	
Weapons & Weapon Sizes 	
102	
102
Chapter 7 - Future History	
Chapter 7 - Future History	 	
The Emperor Is Dead, Long Live The Emperor	
The Emperor Is Dead, Long Live The Emperor	
103	
103
Timeline - 20 Billion B.C.E. To Present	
Timeline - 20 Billion B.C.E. To Present	
103	
103
Chapter 8 - Factions 	
Chapter 8 - Factions 	 	
List Of Factions 	
List Of Factions 	
115	
115
Faction Overviews - Star Nations	
Faction Overviews - Star Nations	
115	
115
Faction Overviews - Private Organizations & Businesses	
Faction Overviews - Private Organizations & Businesses	
118	
118
Faction Overviews - Cults & Religions	
Faction Overviews - Cults & Religions	
118	
118
Faction Overviews - Secret Societies	
Faction Overviews - Secret Societies	
119	
119
Chapter 9 – Armor 	
Chapter 9 – Armor 	 	
Areas Protected By Armor 	
Areas Protected By Armor 	120	120
Armor Types 	
Armor Types 	
120	
120
Armor Materials 	
Armor Materials 	
120	
120
Figuring Out The Cost Of Armor	
Figuring Out The Cost Of Armor	
121	
121
Donning Armor 	
Donning Armor 	
121	
121
Armor Descriptions 	
Armor Descriptions 	
121	
121
Chapter 10 – Weapons 	
Chapter 10 – Weapons 	 	
Weapon Equipment 	
Weapon Equipment 	135	135
Weapon Rules 	
Weapon Rules 	
135	
135
Various Terms 	
Various Terms 	
136	
136
Understanding Melee & Archaic Ranged Weapons	
Understanding Melee & Archaic Ranged Weapons	
136	
136
Archaic Ranged Weapons 	
Archaic Ranged Weapons 	
137	
137
Melee Weapons 	
Melee Weapons 	
138	
138
Impromptu Weapons 	
Impromptu Weapons 	
140	
140
Weapon Types 	
Weapon Types 	
143	
143
Firearms 	
Firearms 	
143	
143
Explosives 	
Explosives 	
144	
144
Munitions 	
Munitions 	
144	
144
Chapter 11 – Equipment 	
Chapter 11 – Equipment 	 	
Equipment 	
Equipment 	
148	
148
Equipment Descriptions 	
Equipment Descriptions 	
150	
150
Chapter 12 - Upgrades 	
Chapter 12 - Upgrades 	 	
Bioware 	
Bioware 	
166	
166
Bioware Descriptions 	
Bioware Descriptions 	
166	
166
Cyberware 	
Cyberware 	
171	
171
Cyberware Descriptions 	
Cyberware Descriptions 	
175	
175
Nanno-Ware 	
Nanno-Ware 	
186	
186
Nanno-Ware Descriptions 	
Nanno-Ware Descriptions 	
188	
188
Chapter 13 - An Artificial Heart	
Chapter 13 - An Artificial Heart	 	
AI’s, Androids, & Robots 	
AI’s, Androids, & Robots 	
192	
192
AI’s, Androids, & Robots Descriptions	
AI’s, Androids, & Robots Descriptions	
192	
192
Chapter 14 - Hardsuits & Mecha	
Chapter 14 - Hardsuits & Mecha	 	
Hardsuits 	
Hardsuits 	
196	
196
HSS-7 Hoplite Variable Hardsuit System	
HSS-7 Hoplite Variable Hardsuit System	
196	
196
Mecha 	
Mecha 	
199	
199
Mecha Munitions 	
Mecha Munitions 	
199	
199
EOD-MP-01 Ballistae 	
EOD-MP-01 Ballistae 	
199	
199
EOD-HA-04 Basilisk 	
EOD-HA-04 Basilisk 	
201	
201
Chapter 15 – Spacecraft 	
Chapter 15 – Spacecraft 	 	
Spaceships 	
Spaceships 	
202	
202
Ship Sizes & Classes 	
Ship Sizes & Classes 	
202	
202
Ship Classifications & Nomenclature	
Ship Classifications & Nomenclature	
202	
202
Ship Defense Ratings 	
Ship Defense Ratings 	
203	
203
Ship Maneuverability Ratings	
Ship Maneuverability Ratings	
203	
203
Build Time 	
Build Time 	
203	
203
Shipyards & Designers 	
Shipyards & Designers 	
204	
204
Atmospheric & Space Speeds & Traveling Through Space	
Atmospheric & Space Speeds & Traveling Through Space	
204	
204
Endurance & Mobility Limits	
Endurance & Mobility Limits	
204	
204
Power & Motive Systems 	
Power & Motive Systems 	
204	
204
Shields 	
Shields 	
205	
205
Sensor & Communication Systems	
Sensor & Communication Systems	
205	
205
Probes & Decoys 	
Probes & Decoys 	
206	
206
Ship Armor 	
Ship Armor 	
207	
207
Ship Point Defense Systems	
Ship Point Defense Systems	
207	
207
Ship Weapon Systems 	
Ship Weapon Systems 	
207	
207
Shipboard Facilities 	
Shipboard Facilities 	
208	
208
Other Technology Information	
Other Technology Information	
209	
209
Theban Cluster Ships 	
Theban Cluster Ships 	
209	
209
Chapter 16 – Auxiliaries 	
Chapter 16 – Auxiliaries 	 	
Shuttles 	
Shuttles 	
220	
220
Drop Pods 	
Drop Pods 	
226	
226
Escape Pods 	
Escape Pods 	
226	
226
Probes/Mines/Decoys 	
Probes/Mines/Decoys 	
226	
226
Chapter 17 - GalactaNET & Hacking	
Chapter 17 - GalactaNET & Hacking	 	
Physical Interfaces 	
Physical Interfaces 	
229	
229
GalactaNET Software 	
GalactaNET Software 	
229	
229
How the GalactaNET Works 	
How the GalactaNET Works 	
230	
230
Software Types 	
Software Types 	
230	
230
Software Descriptions 	
Software Descriptions 	
231	
231
Chapter 18 – Vehicles 	
Chapter 18 – Vehicles 	 	
Vehicle Types 	
Vehicle Types 	
237	
237
Vehicle Reliability 	
Vehicle Reliability 	
237	
237
Vehicle Maneuvers & Encounter Charts	
Vehicle Maneuvers & Encounter Charts	
238	
238
Difficulty Checks 	
Difficulty Checks 	
238	
238
Amount Of Traffic Encountered During Different Times Of The Day	
Amount Of Traffic Encountered During Different Times Of The Day	
238	
238
Types Of Vehicles Encountered On The Road	
Types Of Vehicles Encountered On The Road	
238	
238
Speeding Encounter Checks	
Speeding Encounter Checks	
238	
238
Side-Street/Off-Ramp Encounter Percentages	
Side-Street/Off-Ramp Encounter Percentages	
239	
239
Car Chases 	
Car Chases 	
239	
239
Turning And Speeds They Can Be Done At	
Turning And Speeds They Can Be Done At	
239	
239
Other Driver’s Reactions During Chases	
Other Driver’s Reactions During Chases	
239	
239
Stops Signs & Lights 	
Stops Signs & Lights 	
239	
239
Random Occurrences On The Road	
Random Occurrences On The Road	
240	
240
Chapter 19 - Creatures Of The Merc.NET Universe	
Chapter 19 - Creatures Of The Merc.NET Universe	 	
Creatures Of The Merc.NET Universe	
Creatures Of The Merc.NET Universe	
241	
241
Humans 	
Humans 	
241	
241
Dwuervan 	
Dwuervan 	
242	
242
Elharnian 	
Elharnian 	
242	
242
Halfarn 	
Halfarn 	
243	
243
Ngorm 	
Ngorm 	
243	
243
Orlanc 	
Orlanc 	
244	
244
Yetin 	
Yetin 	
244	
244
Appendix I – Treasure 	
Appendix I – Treasure 	 	
Equipment Treasure Charts	
Equipment Treasure Charts	
246	
246
Armor Treasure Charts 	
Armor Treasure Charts 	
247	
247
Ammunition Treasure Charts	
Ammunition Treasure Charts	
247	
247
Appendix II - Table Index	
Appendix II - Table Index	 	
Table Index 	
Table Index 	
248	
248
Appendix III - Character Sheet	
Appendix III - Character Sheet	 	
Character Sheet 	Character Sheet 	
250	
250
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