I’m very pleased to present an interview with a fascinating man today on The Gamer Dome. I was introduced to Mr. Traffler’s work while perusing the website of the New World Science & Engineering Commission. I wasn’t quite sure what Traffler did, so I decided to contact the Commission and see if I could schedule a meeting. I was in luck, as Mr. Traffler was about to embark on a research mission that would have him likely out for several weeks, if not months. I was fascinated to find out about his current research as well as what he was planning to do next.

I’d like to thank the NWSEC and Mindstorm Labs for this great opportunity.

Thanks for doing this interview Mr. Traffler. Would you explain to my readers what you do for the NWSEC?

Thanks for having me. I fill a number of roles at the NWSEC, but I’m most active as a field reporter. I specialize in creature discovery and documentation. Basically I operate a small team of scientists and explorers who roam the Wilds in search of new plants and animals. On a day to day basis we plan exploration expeditions which often last upwards of a month. We try to venture out into unexplored regions or areas from which the NWSEC has received reports of unusual animals and do our best to locate and learn what we can about the new plants and animals we share the world with. I’ve also assumed a communications role for the NWSEC and spend a fair amount of time with our numerous field offices and take part in PR activities.

You are about to go out on an expedition. Where will you be going?

This is going to be a big trip. We’ve pulled together a team of select specialists from around the world, people I’ve worked with many times in the past. We’re headed in the American Rocky Mountains. We’re starting off in the former American State of Montana and moving north west before crossing over to the Pacific side as we venture up into what was British Columbia. Along the way we’re going to visit at least one Field Office, but we’re keeping this expedition’s plan and route flexible since research suggests our targets are extremely mobile and move throughout the Rockies.

And what do you hope to find?

As crazy as it sounds, we’re after sasquatch. We know they’re out there. There have authenticated reports and at least 3 deceased specimens recovered in the last 40 years. I doubt these are the sasquatch of old, if you will, but a new species which has emerged since since the years of Mother Nature’s Revenge, which isn’t a term I’m comfortable with, but it gives us a frame of reference. We’re also hoping the expedition will hold a few surprises as well. The range we’re exploring is rarely traveled and hasn’t been surveyed by the NWSEC so chances are good we’ll stumble upon at least one exciting distraction.

Do you believe they are hostile?

Only a few Freezone communities have reported more than one encounter with what we’re calling sasquatch and the only reports of attack came from a group we know aggressively pursues animals for capture and sale. The assumption we’re working with, but by no means depending on, is that these animals, in spite of their size and strength, are timid and rarely come down from the rugged terrain we suspect they call home. If they turn out to be hostile or we run into trouble, we’ll be prepared.

Seems a dangerous job for scientists. What precautions do you take against threats, both known and unknown?

Creature discovery is indeed a dangerous job, but it is incredibly rewarding and exciting. We devote a significant amount of our planning and lead time to mitigating dangers and we do our best to ensure we are well-equipped and prepared for any danger. We also take great care to maintain frequent communication with NWSEC HQ where a mission coordinator is always on watch and able to deploy aid should it be needed. Everyone on the entire team is a veteran field worker and has dozens, if not hundreds, of Wilds expeditions under their belt, so we’re an experienced and skilled crew. Of course, you can’t plan for everything and we often run into danger, whether it be Freezone pirates, Remnants or the very animals we’re studying. That’s part of the job and we accept it.

Do you have military support?

The NWSEC has good relations with most city states and hundreds of Freezone communities so we’re able to request military support should it be needed, but my team tries to travel quick and light, drawing as little attention to ourselves as possible while we work. A large military accompaniment would damage our chances of getting close to the creatures we study.

Let’s take a look back into history for a moment…do you consider yourself more a descendant of Charles Darwin or Ethan Haas? In other words, are you a cataloger or a visionary?

I’ve been accused of being more P.T. Barnum than legitimate scientist, but part of what we do is marketing. It takes someone with an adventurous spirit to head out into the Wilds in search of never before seen creatures. It takes a little vision to see it is worthwhile as a scientific pursuit given the world we live in. Most importantly, I think people have to remember that we do what we do because we have endless curiosity and need to know what’s out there waiting for us.

Some people believe the Wilds aren’t worth exploring, that we should just defend our cities from mutants and monsters until such time as we can reclaim the Earth entirely. What do you say to them?

They’re fools. Plan and simple. The greatest threat to our cities could be out there right now, watching us, waiting and learning, preparing to attack and the only way we’ll ever know is if we get out there and explore for ourselves. Look at the Evolutionaries. They’ve been here for thousands of years. If we had listened to Ethan Haas and others like him in the past we’d be in a very different situation. Same goes for a group like the Scag. We can’t afford to be caught off guard by an organized and advanced species that views us as competition.

Well, we’re all looking forward to the results of your expedition, Mr. Traffler. We will follow your online updates with interest. Thank you. Any last thoughts?

Thank you very much for the opportunity to chat. I’d like to invite your readers to follow our expedition on Twitter and to check out the NWSEC online. I’ll be posting news on our progress as frequently as possible and responding to questions from readers. You’ll soon be able to hold the NWSEC’s first large scale publication The Encountered Volume One, so keep your eyes peeled. There is an amazing, terrifying and fantastic world out there waiting to be discovered. Join us out there and help build the NWSEC. Thanks very much.

* * * * * * *

Want to learn more about Alpha Omega? Read on…

• Atomic Array: Episode 012: Alpha Omega
• Gamer Dome: Interview with Roger Traffler of the NWSEC
• Mad Brew Labs: AO: The Evolution of Sci-Fi Roleplaying
• Gnome Stew: Alpha Omega: How to GM this New RPG
• RPGAggression: Rudis Review: Alpha Omega
• Mind Storm Labs: Previews of AO Products

Special Offer from Atomic Array: $15 off Alpha Omega when you enter the coupon code “Atomic” during purchase. Drop by Mind Storm Labs to pick up your copy today!