Python Patrol Troopers

* Python Patrol Troopers will generally have either Boxing or Martial Arts as a skill, but not both unless they are exceptional fellows. If a Trooper goes with Boxing, he will have a d code for both Strength and Agility; this is the standard Trooper choice for the most part. On the other hand, if he goes with Martial Arts, he will have an x code for Strength and a c code for Agility.

Powers:

(none)

Equipment:

AK-47 Assault Rifle (a): this Russian-built, semi or fully automatic rifle is built to last, being readily adapted for almost any duty imaginable. The gun itself fires a small burst of shells, acting as a +5 weapon when doing so, or a full-auto spread, acting as a +6 weapon in such a mode. The latter tends to burn clips, but Python Patrol troopers carry several on hand...

Helmet (s): all Python Patrol Troopers wear a helmet, in order to increase relative safety on the field and to protect from the ever-deadly head shot. Made of material strength 10 metals, this helmet offers its wearer +2 protection from any non-frontal head attacks. This may not be enough to deflect all damage in a given instance, but it nonetheless helps to save lives...

Knife (s): though they'd rather not do so, all Python Patrol Troopers are equipped to fight hand to hand in the event that they completely run out of ammunition (and they usually carry several spare clips to prevent this). These blades are of material strength 12, and in a Python Patrol Trooper's hands, they can be used as +2 weapons with each deadly strike.

Pistol (a): in the event that one's AK-47 is disabled, a Python Patrol Trooper always has a spare handgun handy, stored in a convenient shoulder holster for quick access. These guns can be used to fire a single shot, acting as a +4 weapon, or a short burst which drains the entire clip, but increases their effectiveness to +5. The clip can presumably hold 8 rounds before it needs reloaded.

Wraith Suit (i): the prime benefit of being a member of the Python Patrol, other than the increase in pay, is that the Cobra troopers who accept this promotion receive the use of a handy wraith suit. This suit, which doubles as their uniform, makes the troopers invisible to infra-red scanners and all manner of radar technology. This stealth technology functions at intensity 15.

Hindrances:

(none)

Skills:

Boxing (s): all Python Patrol Troopers are trained in at least one form of unarmed combat once they hook up with the group, if they don't already have one under their belt. A majority learn the fine art of boxing, allowing them to divide their pre-cardplay action score between two unarmed melee attacks per exchange, the last of which will occur as a contingent action. *

Marksmanship (a): a given prerequisite, all Cobra operatives must have the ability to use a gun in combat; if they don't have it upon joining Cobra, they are trained - and quickly. Any Python Patrol Trooper can use a regular, semi-automatic, or fully automatic gun or rifle with proficiency, doing so at one difficulty level lower than is normally required.

Martial Arts (a): a rare few Python Patrol Troopers transform their unarmed fighting style into an art form. Those who have managed to do so will be able to resolve unarmed attacks with either their Strength or Agility score (whichever is most convenient), and may reduce the difficulty of actions intended to catch thrown objects or to lower falling damage. *

Military (w): a quasi-military organization, Python Patrol encourages an easily recognizable (to those within, at least) command structure. As such, those not bringing experience in such matters tend to pick it up quickly, in order to rise through the ranks; those who don't typically stay right here, near the bottom. This skill gives Python Patrol Troopers an edge concerning military protocols and regulations.

* Remember: Python Patrol Troopers will have either Boxing or Martial Arts, but not both. Were some to indeed have both they'd be quickly promoted out of this rank into something more flashy and/or better paying.

Calling:

Various Callings: the vast, vast majority of Cobra operatives have joined up for their own, evil purposes, so choose a villainous calling and go with it! Nominally, Cobra troopers are motivated by Greed or aspirations of World Domination, but anything else can really apply. For instance, Storm Shadow hooked up with Cobra to gain Vengeance, etc...

Costume:

Those Cobra Troopers who were admitted into the Python Patrol wore a uniform that, while recolored, strongly resembles that of a Cobra officer's. This snake-skin wraith suit consists of a red turtleneck sweater under a long-sleeved, green and yellow snake-skin shirt, black snake-skin trousers, gray boots, gloves, holsters, sheathes, and webbing, and a black helmet and face mask.

Personality:

The Python Patrol Troopers are the seasoned veterans of the Cobra organization, those who clung to their original uniforms and stations either out of a sense of pride or due to being a discipline problem. Either way, they all know what they're doing, and despite being the 'bottom level' of the Python Patrol, they help to make the group that much more dangerous overall.

Notes:

Python Patrol Troopers are created by promoting already existing Cobra Troopers into their ranks; leaning on the veterans of this group, the Python Patrol gains experienced subordinates who have, for some reason or another, not moved along in the Cobra promotional pathways. Of course, giving these guys a Wraith suit only adds to their effectiveness as killers and instigators of mayhem.

Extra Goodies:

Cobra directories featuring a version of the Python Patrol Trooper: