THE MAPPER


MISSION BRIEF


The Planet

	Pollux 3 (third planet orbiting the Pollux star in the constellation
of Gemini) has been classed as potentially habitable. Before settlers arrive
there the scientists must know everything possible about the planet. Its
atmosphere, climate, fertility and other factors which will determine the
ease with which human life can survive. Other factors must also be known,
such as predators and other life forms - that's where you come in.


The Mappers

	Mappers are technically illegal under one 2582 Planetary Exploration
Act which states "... and no person shall cause disturbance directly or
indirectly to the planet or its inhabitants and shall not enter the planet's
atmosphere without said planet being passed as habitable by law."
	A Mapper is an explorer paid by institutions and large companies
to obtain the more dangerous or difficult facts about a planet. Although
illegal the government often turns a blind eye to such illegitimate explorations
due to the population pressure for new habitation.


Your Mission

	As a Mapper you are to explore the planet of Pollux 3, or at least
your assigned sector, and bring back certain samples given in the specimen
guide. You will be dropped down in the area to be explored and given map
coordinates of all your outdoor locations, beamed down to you from the
orbiting ship.
	Be warned, no previous expedition has survived without casualties
and little information has so far been gathered. Good luck.


Your Equipment

	You start you mission with a backpack, a small knife, and a self-
recharging laser - a deadly weapon. You may use anything you find on your
way.


SPECIMEN GUIDE

Manra

	Nothing is known about this plant but from its appearance
it has initially been classed as hazardous.

Known as Tree of Spikes.


Marius
	This vegetarian mammal is only a few feet high but has powerful
hind legs that allow it to defy all attempts at capture.


Combratadon

	This predatory reptile is known to nest high in the trees
at the edges of plains on which it hunts. It has strong claws
with which it grabs its prey and often carries it back to
its nest.

Known as Darter.


SPECIMEN GUIDE

Cornicus (small leaved)

	This plant is, as far as known, completely non-hostile and in
fact edible. Previous explorers have claimed it seems to give
strength but these claims have not been scientifically proven
due to lack of samples.


Faimner (medium leaved)

Little is known of this plant except that the outspread
roots appear to grab hold of any nearby moving objects. Further
examination so far impossible.

Known as Tangle Plant.


Ferrious

	This small fungus is moss-like in appearance and is assumed
to be harmless. It is known to grow in very dark, moist places.


SPECIMEN GUIDE

Parisias

These small beetle-like creatures appear to be social creatures
that fly around in large swarms. No close examination of them has
been possible yet but there is some suspicion they are carnivorous.

Known as the Nomadic Beetle.


Forus Arachnus

	This spider is approximately three feet across and lives in
small burrows with a trapdoor above it, out of which the spider
rushes when prey approaches. No further information available.

Known as Giant Trapdoor Spider.
