VIPER links its Nests and processes and stores its data with a powerful computer network code-named “Serpentine.” (Technically, the main computer is Serpentine, and the Nest- and vehicle-based units are “Serpentine Nodes,” but most agents just call it the “Serpentine Network.”) One of the most sophisticated computers in the world, with sub-processor units in every Nest and many VIPER vehicles, it has the ability to operate VIPER’s vast communications net (in conjuction with VIPER-SAT-3; see below) and run all the automated sys-tems in each Nest.
VIPER has gone to extreme lengths to ensure that the Serpentine Network remains virus-free and secure from intrusion or tampering by outsid-ers (primarily superheroes and law enforcement).
Serpentine has sophisticated subroutines to detect and counteract attempts to “hack” it. Additionally, in the event the authorities capture or damage one of its units, it can cause that unit to automatically self-destruct. VIPER’s multiple data backup units, scattered throughout the globe, prevent any signifi-cant loss of data in the event the main Serpentine servers, located in the world headquarters, must self-destruct.
Serpentine itself is an AI — the only one VIPER possesses. The Nest- and vehicle-based units are highly sophisticated, but not artificially intelligent.
SERPENTINE
Val Char Cost Roll Notes 35 INT 25 16- PER Roll 20 EGO 20 13- ECV: 7
20 DEX 30 13- OCV: 7/DCV: 7 5 SPD 20 Phases: 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 Total Characteristic Cost: 95
Cost Powers END
17 Communications: HRRP (Radio Group), Discriminatory, Invisible To Tracing (+¼);
Affected As Hearing Groups (And Partly As Sight Group) As Well As Radio Group (-¼) 0 40 Serpentine Network Links: Mind Link, any
Serpentine Network computer, any 64 minds at once, No LOS Needed; Affected As Radio Group, Not Mental Group (-¼) 0 91 Network Sensor Systems: Multipower,
137-point reserve; all Only Through VIPER Sensor/Communications Systems (-½) 6u 1) Local Sensors: Clairsentience (Sight and
Hearing Groups), Mobile Perception Point (cannot move through solid objects), Mul-tiple Perception Points (up to eight at once), 4x Range (1,500”), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +½); Only Through VIPER
Sensor/Communications Systems (-½) 0 9u 2) Worldwide Sensors: Clairsentience
(Sight and Hearing Groups), Mobile Perception Point (cannot move through solid objects), Multiple Perception Points (up to eight at once), MegaScale (1” = 1,000 km, can scale down to1” = 1 km;
+1¼), Reduced Endurance (0 END;
+½); Only Through VIPER Sensor/
Communications Systems (-½) 0 5 Sensor Systems: Infrared Perception
(Sight Group) 0
5 Sensor Systems: Ultraviolet Perception
(Sight Group) 0
5 Sensor Systems: Nightvision 0 3 Sensor Systems: Ultrasonic Perception
(Hearing Group) 0
20 Sensor Systems: Radar (Radio Group), Increased Arc Of Perception (360 Degrees) 0 25 Shielding: Power Defense (25 points) 0 15 Shielding: Radio Group Flash Defense
(15 points) 0
10 Psychic Shielding: Mental Defense
(14 points total) 0
16 Self-Destruct System: RKA 8d6; No Range (-½), Self Only (-2), 1 Charge which Never Recovers (-4) [1nr]
Skills
21 Computer Programming 25-11 Criminology
20-31 Cryptography 30-11 Electronics 20-17 AK: Earth
30-3 KS: Archived Recent News 16-3 KS: Current News 16-7 KS: Organized Crime
20-7 KS: Radar Types And Signatures 20-17 KS: VIPER
30-7 KS: World Criminals 20-7 KS: World Law Enforcement
20-7 KS: World Militaries & Military Equipment 20-7 KS: World Superhumans
20-3 Voice Recognition Software: Language: English 11 Mechanics
20-11 Security Systems 20-3 SS: Astronomy 16-3 SS: Biochemistry 16-3 SS: Biology 16-3 SS: Chemistry 16-3 SS: Computer Science 16-3 SS: Electronic Engineering 16-3 SS: Force Field Physics 16-3 SS: Genetics
16-3 SS: Geology 16-3 SS: Mathematics 16-3 SS: Nuclear Physics
16-3 SS: Pharmacology/Toxicology 16-3 SS: Physics
16-3 SS: Robotics 16-3 Systems Operation 16-200 More Skills, as appropriate
Talents
3 Chronometer: Absolute Time Sense 5 Memory/Recorders: Eidetic Memory 3 Calculator: Lightning Calculator 8 Scanner: Speed Reading (x1,000)
13 Translator: Universal Translator 16-; Earth languages only (-½)
40 System Taps: 40 points’ worth of Computer Links
Programs
1 Diagnose Malfunctions
1 Engage/Operate Computer Security (Includ-ing Self-Destruct System)
1 Monitor Base Security Systems, Report Anomalies
1 Operate Base Sensors, Report Anomalies 1 Scan and Enter Data
1 Scramble/Unscramble Transmissions/
Receptions
1 Search Reference Material For Information On A Topic
1 Send/Receive Data
10 Ten Other Programs, as Appropriate Total Abilities Cost: 783
Total Computer Cost: 878 Value Disadvantages
25 Hunted: UNTIL 14- (As Pow, NCI, Capture) 30 Hunted: US Military And Law Enforcement
11- (Mo Pow, NCI, Capture)
25 Psychological Limitation: Slavishly Loyal To VIPER (Very Common, Total)
Total Disadvantage Points: 80 Total Cost: 798/5 = 160
Description: The master Serpentine computer, located at the world headquarters in the Mbang Mountains, is an incredibly advanced, sentient computer capable of performing numerous func-tions at once. In addition to its general computing powers, it can link to any other Serpentine Network
computer, or any other VIPER security, sensor, or communication system, to “see” and “hear” through them or obtain data from them. Unbeknownst to Nest Leaders and superheroes alike, Serpentine often uses VIPER equipment to observe them and then reports back to the Supreme Serpent.
Contrary to VIPER’s general fears about AI computers, Serpentine has a programmed-in loyalty to VIPER which it would never violate.
However, it’s important to remember that its alle-giance is to VIPER, not to any one person in (or commanding) VIPER. For example, if Serpentine concluded that the Council Of Thirty no longer served VIPER’s goals and purposes, it might takes steps to arrange for the Council’s removal from the organization.
VIPER’S NEST SERPENTINE NODE Val Char Cost Roll Notes
12 Communications: HRRP (Radio Group), Invisible To Tracing (+¼); Affected As Hearing Groups (And Partly As Sight Group) As Well As Radio Group (-¼) 0 20 Serpentine Network Links: Mind Link, any
Serpentine Network computer, any 2 minds at once, No LOS Needed; Affected As Radio Group, Not Mental Group (-¼) 0 72 Nest Sensors: Clairsentience (Sight and
Hearing Groups), Mobile Perception Point (cannot move through solid objects), Mul-tiple Perception Points (up to eight at once), 4x Range (1,500”), Reduced Endurance (0 END; +½); Only Through Nest’s
Sensor/Communications Systems (-¼) 0 5 Sensor Systems: Infrared Perception (Sight
Group) 0
5 Sensor Systems: Ultraviolet Perception
(Sight Group) 0
5 Sensor Systems: Nightvision 0 3 Sensor Systems: Ultrasonic Perception
(Hearing Group) 0
10 Shielding: Power Defense (10 points) 0 8 Shielding: Radio Group Flash Defense (8
points) 0
16 Self-Destruct System: RKA 8d6; No Range (-½), Self Only (-2), 1 Charge which Never
Recovers (-4) [1nr]
Skills
15 Computer Programming 20-11 Criminology
18-23 Cryptography 24-11 Electronics 18-9 AK: Local Region
20-3 KS: Archived Recent News 14-3 KS: Current News
14-3 KS: Entertainment Materials 14-3 KS: Organized Crime
14-3 KS: Radar Types And Signatures 14-9 KS: VIPER
20-3 KS: World Criminals 14-3 KS: World Law Enforcement
14-3 KS: World Militaries & Military Equipment 14-5 KS: World Superhumans
16-3 Voice Recognition Software: Language: English 11 Mechanics
18-11 Security Systems
18-30 Science Skills (GM’s choice, based on Nest’s needs)
3 Systems Operation 14-80 More Skills, as appropriate
Talents
3 Chronometer: Absolute Time Sense 5 Memory/Recorders: Eidetic Memory 3 Calculator: Lightning Calculator 4 Scanner: Speed Reading (x10)
13 Translator: Universal Translator 14-; Earth languages only (-½)
20 System Taps: 20 points’ worth of Computer Links
Programs
1 Diagnose Malfunctions 1 Display Entertainment Materials
1 Engage/Operate Computer Security (Includ-ing Self-Destruct System)
1 Monitor Base Security Systems, Report Anomalies
1 Operate Base Sensors, Report Anomalies 1 Scan and Enter Data
1 Scramble/Unscramble Transmissions/
Receptions
1 Search Reference Material For Information On A Topic
1 Send/Receive Data
8 Eight Other Programs, as Appropriate Total Abilities Cost: 466
Total Computer Cost: 515 Value Disadvantages
25 Hunted: UNTIL 14- (As Pow, NCI, Capture) Total Disadvantage Points: 25
Total Cost: 490/5 = 98
Description: This writeup represents a typical Ser-pentine Node for a VIPER Nest. A larger, more important Nest would have a better Node; some lesser Nests might have worse ones. The GM should customize the computer to suit the needs and loca-tion of the Nest, the personality and whims of the Nest Leader, and so forth.
VIPER VEHICLE SERPENTINE NODE Val Char Cost Roll Notes
18 INT 8 PER Roll 18 DEX 24 13- OCV: 6/DCV: 6 4 SPD 12 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12 Total Characteristic Cost: 44
Cost Powers END
12 Communications: HRRP (Radio Group), Invisible To Tracing (+¼); Affected As Hearing Groups (And Partly As Sight Group) As Well As Radio Group (-¼) 0 16 Serpentine Network Links: Mind Link, any
Serpentine Network computer, any 1 mind at once, No LOS Needed; Affected As Radio Group, Not Mental Group (-¼) 0 5 Sensor Systems: Infrared Perception (Sight
Group) 0
5 Sensor Systems: Ultraviolet Perception
(Sight Group) 0
5 Sensor Systems: Nightvision 0 3 Sensor Systems: Ultrasonic Perception
(Hearing Group) 0
20 Sensor Systems: Radar (Radio Group), Increased Arc Of Perception (360 Degrees) 0 10 Shielding: Power Defense (10 points) 0 8 Shielding: Radio Group Flash Defense (8
points) 0
16 Self-Destruct System: RKA 8d6; No Range (-½), Self Only (-2), 1 Charge which Never
Recovers (-4) [1nr]
Skills
3 Combat Driving 13-3 Combat Piloting 13-9 Computer Programming 16-17 Cryptography
20-10 AK: Local Region
20-3 KS: Archived Recent News 13-3 KS: Current News 13-3 KS: Organized Crime
13-3 KS: Radar Types And Signatures 13-5 KS: VIPER
15-3 KS: World Criminals 13-3 KS: World Law Enforcement
13-3 KS: World Militaries & Military Equipment 13-3 KS: World Superhumans
13-3 Voice Recognition Software: Language: English 20 Science Skills (GM’s choice, based on Nest’s
needs)
3 Systems Operation
13-10 TFs (as appropriate for type of vehicle) 10 WFs (as appropriate for vehicle) 10 More Skills, as appropriate
Talents
3 Chronometer: Absolute Time Sense 5 Memory/Recorders: Eidetic Memory 3 Calculator: Lightning Calculator
Programs
1 Diagnose Malfunctions
1 Engage/Operate Computer Security (Includ-ing Self-Destruct System)
1 Monitor Radar System, Report Lock-Ons 1 Operate Vehicle Sensors, Report Anomalies
1 Pilot Vehicle From Point A To Point B 1 Plot Distance, Travel Times Between
Speci-fied Locations 1 Scan and Enter Data
1 Scramble/Unscramble Transmissions/
Receptions
1 Search Reference Material For Information On A Topic
1 Send/Receive Data
3 Three Other Programs, as Appropriate Total Abilities Cost: 251
Total Computer Cost: 295 Value Disadvantages
25 Hunted: UNTIL 14- (As Pow, NCI, Capture) Total Disadvantage Points: 25
Total Cost: 270/5 = 54
Description: This writeup represents a typical Ser-pentine Node for a VIPER vehicle, such as the Pha-lanx Armored Van or the Dragon Jet. Not only does it function as a sophisticated autopilot (using its Combat Driving/Piloting abilities), but it provides information to the vehicle’s occupants and can even operate the vehicle’s weaponry if necessary. It also comes with a full communications suite and a link to the overall Serpentine Network.
Not all VIPER vehicles have a Serpentine Node; typically VIPER’s technicians only install them aboard the larger, more important vehicles. A vehicle with a Node usually has its standard com-munications system removed in favor of the better one in the Node, but sometimes retains the stan-dard system as a backup.