Discussion: The Likelyhood of Dirty Bombs

[helbent4]

Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b

0.055 Kt. Isn't there a problem with the triggers on devices that small due to the radioactivity? Or was the actual device much larger than the yield would indicate?

Paul,

Apparently, "Pascal-A" was actually a test of a fail-safe design and was intended to ignite a "1-point detonation", where (I guess) the plutonium only made contact at a single point and not at several points (like normal). The yield was only expected to be 1-2 lbs (as a "fizzle") but it fizzled a lot more than they expected! In theory, 55 tons is approaching the lower limit.

http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Tests/Plumbob.html

(Scroll down to "Pascal-A".)

"It is not known how small the smallest theoretically possible nuclear explosion would be, but 55 tons is the smallest of which there is a record, and may approach the lower boundary."

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-...explosions.htm

Tony

[oldschoolgm]

From the sounds of it there are three good approaches here.

1. A radiation dispersal weapon.
2. A low yeild fizzle weapon.
3. Bio/Chem weapons.

I got to thinking and chemical weapons probably be even easier to use. Think about Mustard Gas and Chlorine Gas. While not entirely lethal, they are very potent and really easy to make and if a person knew what materials were needed they could probably scrounge up the materials if they were in a large enough urban area. There are a number of other chemical possibilities as well that could be used. Another thing to consider with chemical weapons is that there are numerous ways they could be used with less danger to the people making them than Biological weapons.

Finding a reason for a NPC to be using such weapons is easy, but for the standpoint of playability, to what degree would you want to entertain them in a game, and how prevalent would they be?

One idea I've been bouncing around which is why I opened this thread is an adventure I have been outlining.

Basically the head KGB officer in Iran wants a way to tip the balance back in their favor so he sends out agents looking for radiological materials, preferably weapons grade. Then he would get the materials and build his bomb and wait till he's got a major engagement with the Americans and use the bomb.

As a twist to this though I was going to have the KGB decide against this as information about Bremerhaven began to come in, so the KGB decided to move the materials to Germany to hit the boats or harbor during the evacuation.

Either way, I feel it would be a long and potentially good adventure for a group of players to have to play around, and one that would challenge them to think and investigate as much as be in combat. What other ideas do you all have regarding adventure hooks for such weapons?

[rcaf_777]

Hello to our friends from FBI and RCMP, MI5 ect who find this thread on their official duties, just a few role playing nuts

[dragoon500ly]

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

Hello to our friends from FBI and RCMP, MI5 ect who find this thread on their official duties, just a few role playing nuts

Maybe its just me, but has anyone on this thread noticed a black van following them around town?

[oldschoolgm]

I haven't seen that yet, but I'm sure they've already hacked my computer.

[helbent4]

Originally Posted by oldschoolgm

One idea I've been bouncing around which is why I opened this thread is an adventure I have been outlining.

Basically the head KGB officer in Iran wants a way to tip the balance back in their favor so he sends out agents looking for radiological materials, preferably weapons grade. Then he would get the materials and build his bomb and wait till he's got a major engagement with the Americans and use the bomb.

As a twist to this though I was going to have the KGB decide against this as information about Bremerhaven began to come in, so the KGB decided to move the materials to Germany to hit the boats or harbor during the evacuation.

OldschoolGM,

This seems like a serious plan all right! So, would this be a dirty bomb (RDD), small (tactical) nuke, chemical or biological weapon, etc. Forgive me for asking, what would the point be?

I know it's a tasty target of opportunity, but wouldn't the Soviets want the Americans/Canadians to leave as soon as possible? I guess if it's a radiological-dispersion device then they might still leave anyways, just become really sick mid-Atlantic. Smuggling a bomb from Iran across Europe (or by water around the Horn of Africa) seems like a lot of effort. I'm trying to imagine what the KGB or the Soviets get out of it if these troops are going to be out of their hair anyways. It's not like there's going to be a general offensive planned to take advantage of the absence of these troops (who are already leaving).

My apologies, I don't mean to be a killjoy or anything. At least this has given me ideas for my own campaign.

Tony