City of Madness
Stadt des Wahnsinns
Plot Summary
David terGorden and his fellow Terranauts Rollo, Narda, Greeny, and Whity are attempting to escape the Holy Valley and the clutches of Max von Valdec and his Gray Guard. They flee in a magnetic glider from Merlin's Cave, guided by the telepathic powers of the Terranauts. Asen-Ger's Super-Lodge creates illusions to confuse the pursuing Gray Guard gliders. Fay Gray, aboard the combat ship FUGGER, detects David's escape and orders an attack, but David uses his Driver powers to escape into Space II.
In Space II, David experiences visions and is guided to Rorqual, a mysterious world. There, he meets a girl who instructs him to give her the medallion containing Yggdrasil's seed, promising to keep it safe until his return. Yggdrasil then returns David and his companions to Earth, specifically to northern Canada, where they crash in a storm. They encounter Nomans, including Delwin, who knew Shakram. Leroy 102, a spy sent by David's father, finds them and informs them that Valdec plans to conduct Kaiser Force experiments in New Berlin.
Leroy flies them to Old Berlin, but they are attacked by members of the Berlin Shooting Club, who hunt Nomans for sport. They escape, but are now wanted criminals. They reach New Berlin and rent rooms, learning that Valdec is about to begin his Kaiser Force experiments. David plans to sabotage the transmitter. Leroy departs, and David ventures into the city, where he is recognized by a Gray Guard and forced to flee, eventually being captured.
David and his companions are imprisoned, but he realizes the cells are bugged. Mandorla attempts to persuade David to join Valdec's side, but he refuses. Meanwhile, Valdec conducts transmitter experiments on Lithe, causing widespread mental distress and hallucinations in the population. David and his companions use their Driver powers to teleport Lithe from the transmitter to their prison cell. David demands a ship and freedom in exchange for Lithe's return. Valdec agrees, but plans to double-cross him. David and his companions are brought to the airfield, where they are betrayed. David is shot with a shocker, but his companions escape in the Ringo. David is captured, and the booklet ends with him smiling as he loses consciousness.
Key Events
- 01 David terGorden and his companions escape the Holy Valley in a magnetic glider.
- 02 Asen-Ger's Super-Lodge creates illusions to confuse the pursuing Gray Guard.
- 03 Fay Gray attacks David's glider, forcing him to escape into Space II.
- 04 David is guided to Rorqual and gives the medallion to a mysterious girl.
- 05 Yggdrasil returns David and his companions to northern Canada, where they crash.
- 06 They encounter Nomans led by Delwin, who knew Shakram.
- 07 Leroy 102 informs them of Valdec's plans in New Berlin.
- 08 They are attacked by members of the Berlin Shooting Club in Old Berlin.
- 09 David is captured by the Gray Guard in New Berlin.
- 10 David and his companions teleport Lithe from the transmitter to their prison cell.
- 11 David demands a ship and freedom in exchange for Lithe's return.
- 12 Valdec agrees, but plans to double-cross him.
- 13 David is shot with a shocker, but his companions escape in the Ringo.
- 14 David is captured.
Characters
David terGorden — The heir to the mistletoe consortium and a powerful Driver. He leads the escape from the Holy Valley, travels to Rorqual, and is eventually captured in New Berlin.
Rollo — A heavyset Driver and Terranaut who accompanies David on his escape. He is strong and loyal.
Narda — A twelve-year-old telepath and Terranaut. She helps guide the glider and is part of David's lodge.
Max von Valdec — The Lord Colonel and Council Chairman who seeks to replace Driver space travel with the Kaiser Force. He is the main antagonist, pursuing David and conducting experiments.
Fay Gray — A Queen in the Gray Guard who commands the FUGGER and seeks revenge on David.
Lithe — The daughter of the Guardian of the Holy Valley and the unwilling test subject for Valdec's Kaiser Force experiments.
Leroy 102 — A spy sent by David's father, Growan terGorden. He provides information about Valdec's plans and helps David reach New Berlin.
Tina Raven — Mater of the Gray Lodge aboard the FUGGER.
Queen Mandorla — A Queen in the Gray Guard who reports to Valdec and oversees operations.
Locations
Holy Valley — The home of Yggdrasil and a stronghold of the Drivers. It is under attack by the Gray Guard.
Merlin's Cave — A cave in the Holy Valley where the glider hangar is located.
Greenland — A location where Shakram and other Terranauts are hiding.
Moon Dungeons — A prison on the moon where Valdec conducts experiments.
New Berlin — A modern city and the location of Valdec's Kaiser Corporation headquarters.
Old Berlin — A ruined city near New Berlin inhabited by dangerous groups.
Northern Canada — A wilderness area where David and his companions crash.
Space II — An alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Ships & Vehicles
Magnetic Glider — An armored glider used for exploration and escape. David and his companions use it to flee the Holy Valley.
FUGGER — A Gray Guard combat ship commanded by Fay Gray.
FENRISWOLF — A ship used by Shakram and the Terranauts in Greenland.
Ringo — A type of spacecraft used by the Gray Guard and Valdec.
Technology & Concepts
Terranauts — A group of Drivers resisting the Council and Valdec's Kaiser Force.
Space II — An alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Kaiser Force — A technology developed by Valdec to replace Driver space travel. It involves using transmitter gates to transport matter across vast distances.
Triadic Monochord — A symbol and concept related to Space II and the Kaiser Force.
Yggdrasil — The primeval tree in the Holy Valley, considered sacred by the Drivers.
Gray Guard — The military force of the Council, used to enforce its will and suppress dissent.
Nomans — Outcasts from society who live outside the law.
Super-Lodge — A large gathering of Drivers who combine their PSI powers.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of resistance against oppression, the dangers of technological advancement without ethical considerations, and the importance of individual freedom. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with elements of science fiction and fantasy. The narrative style is action-oriented, with a focus on the characters' struggles and decisions.
Connections
Leads into: The story leaves several threads open, including the fate of David's companions, the search for Lithe, and the ongoing conflict with Valdec.
Related booklets: Other booklets likely feature the same characters, locations, and plot threads, particularly those involving the Kaiser Force, the Terranauts, and the Holy Valley.