2 - Two Hour Wargames

CEPHALODS
Cephalods are highly intelligent but fragile of frame.
CURRENT HISTORY
“We take you now to Grover’s Mill, New
Jersey.” Such were the words of an ancient
broadcast. Although dismissed as a hoax at the time,
some members of the ALIEN STUDIES INSTITUTE
(ASI) have put forward the theory that this was
actually the first recorded appearance of the
CEPHALODS, and the “hoax” nothing more than an
elaborate cover-up. In any case, the Cephalods are
real.
These XENOFORMS are a highly intelligent
race noted for their large heads and fragile bodies. To
compensate for this they have developed mechanical
walking machines known as Tripods to speed them
around the battlefield. Basic Cephalod tactics revolve
around the Tripods in attack and the weaker infantry
used to mop up whatever resistance may remain.
Although plentiful, these machines are usually found
in Cephalod armies of invasion. Because the Tripods
are susceptible to long ranged fire, the infantry are
used in defense, a role they neither relish, nor do
well.
Cephalods are Tech Level 6, and have a
Major Morale of 3 in the 5150 universe.
Cephalods make amazing pilots combining
advanced intelligence with additional limbs, allowing
them to operate their craft at unheard of speeds.
© 2007 Ed Teixeira – Two Hour Wargames
5150: Illegal Aliens
6
Cephalods abhor any physical contact with
those not of their race. Consequently they are terrible
in melee. Cephalods will never initiate melee and
have no “Wanting to Charge” test. However, they do
have weapons that utilize their dreaded Heat Ray
technology. Rarely does anyone hit by a heat beam
survive.
In addition, the Cephalods use a poisonous
smoke that swiftly incapacitates, and eventually kills,
those that are exposed to it. Cephalods are immune
to the toxic effects of the gas.
Cephalod society, as well as military, is
based on the family, or POD. As the pod serves as
the smallest Cephalod tactical unit, its organization is
haphazard.
In conclusion, little is known of the Cephalod
race except for their military aspect.
TYPES OF ENCOUNTERS
Cephalods use the MILITARY Encounter
Table. Cephalods are NEVER found in the company
or employ of non-Cephalods. In fact, when separated
from its race, the Cephalod will usually die in a very
short time.
PRIMARY MOTIVATOR
Cephalods are motivated by CONQUEST
and are thought to be constantly at war.
CEPHALOD ORGANIZATION
Following is the organization and stats (O&S)
for the Cephalods.
Cephalod infantry units consist of Pods of
related families. Each Pod consists of 12-18 soldiers.
It is the birth right of the eldest Cephalod of the Pod
to command. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always
equate to the most competent Cephalod being in
command. Consequently, Many Elders have been
known to perish from friendly fire.
Three to five Pods can combine to form a
higher formation but these are extremely rare, with
Cephalod armies relying more on their Tripods and
artillery. When combined into higher formations the
eldest first born has overall command.