Muslim extremists and guerilla fighters on many worlds refer to themselves as fedayeen (Arabic fida'iyin, "adventurers" or "those willing to risk their lives"). Some of these are experienced fighters, some merely undisciplined gangs of armed teenagers. The Fedayeen described here, however, are the elite commando raiders of the Islamic Federation.
The Fedayeen specialize in close assaults, night fighting and sabotage. They have a well-deserved reputation for ferocity and take prisoners only for interrogation. Experienced troops facing them get a bonus to 'Last Stand' rolls; militia and civilians should suffer from terror effects. Fedayeen themselves never surrender, prefering to make a suicidal charge or to blow themselves (and, ideally, nearby enemies) up with demo charges or grenades.
Fedayeen quality is Veteran or Elite for infantry, Regular or Veteran for other units. They subtract 1 from the normal threat level when making a reaction test to enter close combat.
The field uniform is pale grey with mottled brown and black. Typical equipment includes assault rifle (FP3/D10), smoke grenades, enhanced sensors, and the traditional Arabic jambiya dagger. Every commando will carry one or two IAVR, either the standard version or the heavy IAVR (Impact 2d12*, close range only). Depending on circumstances--such as mission requirements and the availability of a place to cache equipment--they may wear armor rated at d4, d6 or d8; if lightly armored, movement will be d8, otherwise d6.
Fedayeen Commando BattalionFedayeen usually operate beyond support range of other units, but if artillery or aerospace assets are available, the fedayeen usually get first priority.
Sometimes a single death commando decides to (or is assigned to) assassinate or destroy a specific target. Through meditation (and sometimes drugs), the warrior enters a trance in which he ignores fear, pain and fatigue while in pursuit of his enemy. It is suggested that such a warrior be treated as a special character who has succeeded in a Last Stand roll and who autoresolves wounds as PA do (1=dead, 2=reduce movement 1/2D6", 3-4=reduce quality by 1, 5-6=no effect). He will always move towards his assigned target and will bypass other enemies without engaging them if possible.
The death commando invariably carries his jambiya. He often carries a rifle, submachine gun or shotgun, but sometimes foregoes a weapon in order to carry a heavier load of explosives. Once within range of his target, he will detonate his explosives. Treat this attack as a small antipersonnel artillery round (2" radius, d12 impact against soft targets); if he carries a double load of explosives, carry out two separate attacks.
Movement 8"; armor d4 or d6; basic sensors; does not communicate or receive command reactivations.